I'm starting to think I should try to upload more than one chapter at a
time sine I'm taking longer than I hoped in getting internet access. Hmmmm
what do you think?
Carry On Dancing
The morning went by relatively silent; it was somewhat of an awkward situation. Sango too busy thinking, Shinosuke with that guilty look on his face and Miroku; Kagome's eyes had slipped over to him when Sango and Shinosuke had mentioned him in their conversation. Kagome had actually been shocked by her friend's response to such a question 'What about him?'! Sango was acting weird. And everybody noticed. Shippou, Inu-Yasha and herself had looked over cautiously at Miroku when she said this. To someone who didn't know him well, he had no apparent reaction, but Kagome had seen right through him. He was quick to hide it of course, but for that one second where the minimal movement of his brows gave away the surprise, she knew she had hurt him. Sango may as well just run up and stabbed him with his own Shakujo. Kagome knew all too well what that felt like to be left aside, pushed out of the way for someone else. She wasn't sure what her friend was doing, and didn't even know if Sango herself knew.
Miroku had not shown a single sign of how deeply he had been hurt in the morning and it amazed Kagome how well he could pull in his feelings. He hadn't said a single thing all morning but wasn't being closed or acting depressed. He simply didn't need to talk. It bothered him the way Kagome kept staring at him with those eyes. The whole point of this ridiculous act was because he didn't want anybody's sympathy. Much like Inu-Yasha, there was nothing that angered him more than pity. Still it seemed Kagome could cut open his skin and see into his soul.
Shinosuke for one kept looking at Sango from time to time with a worried expression. Shippou from Kagome's shoulder kept staring at everyone in the group well aware that something important was happening, but he was a prudent child and said nothing. He was simply analyzing the situation like Kagome. Inu-Yasha on the other hand did not know the meaning of prudence.
"Ya know this is even more awkward because everyone is so damn quiet." Pointed out Inu-Yasha quite suddenly.
Sango, Shinosuke and Miroku turned to look at him as if something were seriously wrong with him, Kagome couldn't agree more.
"Inu-Yasha... Osuwari!" she looked down angrily at the human shaped crater "Would you really prefer it if I talked?" she asked sweetly
"I-ya..." he groaned with dirt in his mouth
Miroku glared at the knocked out hanyou. How could one be so immature? Of course there was a bit of truth in what he said.
Inu-Yasha's ears twitched as three members of the group looked west. Kagome and Shippou looked around at the serious faces of their comrades and followed their line of sight. Inu-Yasha pulled himself out of the road and took his hand to the hilt of his sword.
"Kagome. Do you sense shards?" he asked her
Kagome looked at the Hanyou then back west "Iie..."
"They're probably after the ones we have. But it's not just one Inu- Yasha, there are about a dozen." Warned Miroku seeing him pull out Tetsusaiga
"I can smell them. Rodents."
"Rodents?" squeaked Kagome "like... mice things?"
"Ready" "Ready" said Shinosuke and Sango in unison.
"Shinosuke-san has an exterminator outfit too." Noticed Shippou.
Kagome turned to look at the couple. It was true; Shinosuke's outfit like Kohaku's only differed in the color deep blue. They actually looked very cute together. Shinosuke held his Niken expertly in one hand and Sango's Hiraikotsu was already poised and ready.
Miroku didn't have time to admire them much as suddenly from out of the forest bushes came the pack. There were a bit more than twelve. Something like overgrown shrews jumped out rapidly heading towards the group. Inu-Yasha took a protective stand in front of Kagome and Shippou. The first youkai that reached the group encountered Shinosuke's Niken. With a strong uppercut nothing pleasant was left of the beast.
"Hiraikotsu!"
The giant boomerang made an amazing maneuver about six inches away from the floor taking out the beasts that didn't have enough time to react. The ones that did manage to jump out of the way were quickly met by one of the two giant blades of the Niken. Miroku ripped whatever animal came near him with his Shakujo watching the couple battle out of the corner of his eye. The rodents weren't any trouble for Inu-Yasha either.
The number of monsters had gone down drastically and the few that were left were focused their attention on 'the strongest element'; Sango and Shinosuke. They met back to back.
"You still remember Jou-chan?" he smiled
"Do you think I could forget?" she answered unsheathing her katana.
Inu-Yasha looked at the couple curiously, sheathing Tetsusaiga. "They won't be needing help." He said to Miroku and turned back to watch intently.
Miroku looked two seconds at the hanyou before returning his gaze to the couple, just before it started.
Kagome gave a yelp of admiration when she saw it. Both took a step forward when the youkai's charged simultaneously. They proceeded with a horizontal slash at the beasts taking out four, followed by a sharp uppercut destroying two and a vertical slash turning ninety degrees to another opponent giving a hard diagonal slash downwards. Only one youkai left, but ready to escape a hard air kick and one pierce by both their weapons stopped every sound and movement.
Kagome and Shippou stood open mouthed staring at the couple. Much like Miroku only without the intense feeling of jealousy and abandonment. Inu-Yasha looked at them with a certain admiration and simply smiled as both pulled out their weapons from the beast and shook the blood off, still synchronized.
"Sugoi!!" called Kagome clapping enthusiastically from behind the smiling Inu-Yasha. She was fascinated by her friend's amazing movements, or maybe it was just the fact that Shinosuke followed her every move with a rhythm so keen it was... fascinating.
Shinosuke and Sango looked to each other and couldn't help but chuckle at their achieved dance. It had been a while after all since they had done this. But it was obviously things like this could never be forgotten.
"So it doesn't end with the double stab?" asked Inu-Yasha eagerly
"Oh yes, that's supposed to be the final move always." Explained Shinosuke "See this dance was created for numerous enemies, it has more than ten different attacks all in one. With the right combination you can go from three two almost fifty enemies."
The mood as far as Kagome was concerned had defiantly lightened up since the rodent attack. It was after all a spectacular display of technique by her friend, and of course Inu-Yasha was interested. He was listening intently to every word Shinosuke was saying.
"See it's all about measuring the enemies size in our case there were only 9 youkai's left, five to each of us, if there had been more the routine would have followed along ending with the same double stab. The idea is never to hesitate synchronizing with the partner in a flow of movements, this confuses the enemy. Actually you can also do this attack with more than another member, your parties can be of 2, 3, 6, but after 8 it gets harder because whoever is with you, you have to trust enough to pull it off. Plus keeping 2 people synchronized is a lot easier than keeping 8 or 10 in sync. " Continued Shinosuke
Kagome and Sango smiled at the fascinated look on Inu-Yasha's face. He looked like a six year old listening to his teacher talk about the solar system.
"So you always follow the same routine?" asked Inu-Yasha again
"Basically yes, the normal thing would be, horizontal, uppercut, vertical down, turn x strike down, x strike up, fist pierce, turn elbow horizontal, air kick double, that's the one where you do it on your own with both your legs, the circle and finally the double stab. From then on you can either repeat this pattern or make up your own, actually you can incorporate other moves if you and your partner know them and if you read each other well enough for you both to pull it off at the same time. For as long as I can remember though Jou-chan always does the air kick before the final double stab. Only hers isn't a double kick considering we both do it and there's no need to use both legs, the opponent gets two blows either way."
Inu-Yasha nodded his mouth gaping open a bit. "What are a circle and an x strike? Oh and the elbow horizontal?"
Shinosuke continued to explain to the hanyou every new question he came up with, apparently both of them having a good time. Sango and Kagome turned to look at each other from time to time smiling at how simple men could be.
Miroku, the forgotten one, had simply given Sango and Shinosuke a pleasant smile before Inu-Yasha, Shippou and Kagome started gushing out admiration after they had finished. He had always thought he and Sango made an excellent fighting duo, but after seeing this he couldn't help but feel useless by her side. The void in his stomach got bigger with each passing moment and it was getting harder and harder to keep that stupid smile on his face.
"Houshi-sama?"
He would recognize that voice in any circumstances. He looked up just in time to see Kirara jump at his chest. He caught the small youkai as it proceeded to take a comfortable place on his shoulder then looked up at Sango.
"Nani?"
"You've been awfully quiet all morning. Is something wrong?" she asked curiously.
That face of hers wasn't helping his little façade the least bit.
"Nothing is wrong; I'm listening to Inu-Yasha and Shinosuke-san's conversation."
Well it was half true; they were being kind of loud. Sango however was far from convinced. He decided to go for the secure thing.
"But it's nice to know someone worries for this humble monk." He smiled getting a blush out of her. "What may I do to get you to believe me?"
His smile turned small and innocent along with Sango's widening eyes.
Inu-Yasha and Shinosuke stopped their conversation and the loud crack of skin behind them and turned to see Sango, fuming; Kagome, somewhat exasperated; and Miroku with his cheek glowing pink. Inu-Yasha gave a bored sigh while Shinosuke stared in curiosity.
"I believe you Houshi-sama..." said an angered Sango moving ahead.
Miroku gave a weak smile rubbing his cheek. "I'm glad at least one of us does..." he whispered not noticing the sad look on Kagome's eyes as she looked back at him.
Everyone was delighted to see the small lines of smoke against the red sky when they arrived at the village. The sun was already setting and after an exiting journey they deserved a nice rest. It had been a pleasant day for mostly everyone. Shinosuke and Inu-Yasha had really hit it off. Honestly Kagome had never seen men talk so much, especially Inu-Yasha... they were acting like school girls. All through lunch and the rest of the afternoon there had been friendly small talk. Even Miroku joined in once in a while but every time he did Kagome only gave him this long glance of uncertainty.
But now close to the village everyone was seemingly relived to have arrived. Walking along the worn path Sango noticed a large shrine to her left, almost hidden by the tall trees surrounding it. It looked really old.
"It's probably used to lock away unwanted spirits."
Ah, he had spoken. Sango turned to her right where Miroku was also looking at the shrine.
"It's a bit bigger than I'm used to seeing though." He finished
"Maybe the town had many bad spirits." Suggested Shippou
"It's probable, the town is a bit larger than most villages I've seen, and it has many things to see." Spoke Shinosuke.
"Really? Like what?" asked Kagome
"The silk that is made here is very famous, you can find almost anything in the market place in the centre of the village, there are also lots of stores where you can find charms and amulets, and repellents for youkai, and they have a spectacular temple here, a little further into the woods from this shrine and a wonderful collection of books and documents. They also say the exorcists here are some of the best there are, that's one of the reasons I came here a few days back."
Shinosuke caught himself too late and looked worriedly at Sango who was indeed looking up at him curiously. Miroku and Inu-Yasha eyed him as well, Kagome looked from one face to another, something was definitely up...
"Exorcist? We do you need an exorcist?" asked Sango
Shinosuke fumbled around for words, Miroku decided it was for the best if he interfered.
"I told you I would get rid of the demon Shinosuke... remember, you mentioned yesterday that one had taken over your Niken. It's a bit dangerous getting rid of it what with the double blades and all ne?"
"A-no... hai, I must have forgotten to mention it to Sango... that's, why I had trouble getting rid of the other youkai yesterday..."
Inu-Yasha lifted an eye brow at the improvised lie.
"Oh," said Sango "I didn't notice. You fought fine this afternoon."
Shinosuke tensed "It hasn't got total control yet... I just have to concentrate when I fight that's all, and today I had you beside me."
Inu-Yasha and Miroku waited expectantly to see if Sango bought it, Shinosuke wasn't that bad at lying.
"Oh." Smiled Sango "Well don't worry about it... Houshi-sama is very good at exorcisms; almost as good as he is at making up demons and spirits to 'exorcise'." Sango lifted an eyebrow at the monk
"I second that..." said Inu-Yasha
"Oi, I don't hear anyone complaining when they're sleeping over comfortable futons at night." Miroku defended
Shinosuke had lost track of the conversation, but was very much relieved that nothing had been discovered. Kagome hadn't participated in the small conversation. She was still eyeing Shinosuke carefully. Actually since they left in the morning she had thought she felt a youkai presence, but since Inu-Yasha who was the expert hadn't said anything, she thought she had just imagined it. Still she would have known if his Niken were infested, she did after all cut her finger on it. And when he mentioned he wanted an exorcism both Miroku and Inu- Yasha had given him a funny glare... she didn't buy Shinosuke's made up lie or Miroku's, Lord knew he was excellent at it... but she knew a lie when she saw one.
"Kagome..."
She looked up at the sound of her name. Inu-Yasha stood waiting for her while Sango and Shinosuke walked into the town. Miroku dropped behind as well. Kagome stared long and hard at Inu-Yasha, then at Miroku.
"His Niken isn't possessed." She said simply
There was an odd silence between the three of them for a while before Inu-Yasha spoke "Kagome, He doesn't want Sango to know... understood?"
Kagome looked at Inu-Yasha with concern before giving a deep sigh "What's going on Inu-Yasha?"
"I'll have time later on to explain." He said noticing Shinosuke and Sango had noticed the group's fall back
"Fine." She said coldly continuing along the path behind Sango and Shinosuke.
Miroku found them the best inn in the village and Shinosuke finally understood the earlier conversation asking naively if there really was such a spirit over the house. Dinner was pleasant; so much that Kagome had asked for permission to stay in town a few more days. Inu- Yasha was not happy, starting with his usual we-have-more-important-things-to-do argument, but in the end everybody knew the Hanyou had no way of winning the discussion.
"Dinner was delightful." Commented Shinosuke
Sango and Kagome nodded enthusiastically as their plates were being taken away. Miroku stood as soon as the maids left the room and briefly excused himself.
"Where are you going Miroku-sama?" asked Kagome
"I'll be back in a few hours." He said shutting the paper door behind him.
Sango lifted an eye brow "Probably went off to find someone to bear his child..." she said coldly
"Nani?" asked Shinosuke "Find some one to bear his child?"
"Anything with a bosom will do for a mother for that man." She explained curtly
Shinosuke was very much interested in this topic "But..." he took one look around the room and shut up. Sango's face said it all. So he simply responded a small "Oh."
The sky turned velvet blue after dinner and Kagome had managed to drag Inu- Yasha to see the village after Shino had explained this odd village had nightlife almost everyday. Shippou had tagged along as well. Actually Kagome wanted to know exactly what was wrong with Shinosuke. She would get Inu-Yasha to talk even if she had to sit him a hundred times. Mean while Sango and Shinosuke didn't mind the time alone. They never seemed to run out of things to talk about, there was so much to remember. So much to relive.
"Will you stay with us in the village tomorrow?" asked Sango changing the subject abruptly.
He looked down into her pleading brown eyes. His brows dropped "Jou-chan."
"Knowing Inu-Yasha, we'll just be spending one day here. And I... kind of get the idea that you don't want to travel with us to find Naraku, so can't we at least be together one more day?" she pleaded
He almost gave a sigh of relief. So she had dropped the group thing, which was definitely good. And he could hold out for one more day.
"Very well. One more day and I'll leave you to your mission." He agreed.
Sango smiled up at him before another familiar voice called out to her.
"Sango-chan!"
"Kagome-san and Inu-Yasha are back." Turned Shinosuke
Sango smiled at her friend carrying a small finely decorated fan, Shippou on her shoulder was entertained with a paper ball and Inu-Yasha was under a stack of fine fabrics.
"Kagome-chan how did you buy all this?" asked Sango looking at what her friend had returned with.
"You know we always have extra money what with Miroku's little 'rewards' and all." She smiled
Sango's smile died down. Speaking of which, where was the Houshi? It was late already and he said he'd be back in a few hours.
"Well we've had a nice day but it's late." Kagome spoke Sango's mind. "So I'll be off, Oyasumi nasai minna. Come on Inu-Yasha."
The mentioned wobbled to the hall trying not to trip on the fabrics. Shino also stood up helping Sango to her feet.
"She's right, I'm tired as well. We had better call it a day."
Sango nodded.
"See you in the morning Jou-chan." He said turning opposite to where Kagome and Inu-Yasha had gone.
"Oyasumi nasai Shino."
Sango fell behind looking out to the moonlit village giving a small sigh. From the inn on top of a hill you could see part of town and further out, the tip of the large Temple Shino had mentioned.
"He's fine. We saw him wandering around town. He'll probably be back in a while." Said Inu-Yasha heading back to the men's room after having discharged the heap of Fabrics with Kagome.
Sango looked to Inu-Yasha's back as he made his way to where Shino had disappeared. After a moment of silence by herself she gave a nod and made her way towards her room.
°
BTW I got the title of the chap from my favorite song by Savage Garden, I don't own it, I just thought it made a nice accurate name. So don't go and sue me... it went well with the plot though ne? Listen to it if ya haven't. It has the record of being my fav
Carry On Dancing
The morning went by relatively silent; it was somewhat of an awkward situation. Sango too busy thinking, Shinosuke with that guilty look on his face and Miroku; Kagome's eyes had slipped over to him when Sango and Shinosuke had mentioned him in their conversation. Kagome had actually been shocked by her friend's response to such a question 'What about him?'! Sango was acting weird. And everybody noticed. Shippou, Inu-Yasha and herself had looked over cautiously at Miroku when she said this. To someone who didn't know him well, he had no apparent reaction, but Kagome had seen right through him. He was quick to hide it of course, but for that one second where the minimal movement of his brows gave away the surprise, she knew she had hurt him. Sango may as well just run up and stabbed him with his own Shakujo. Kagome knew all too well what that felt like to be left aside, pushed out of the way for someone else. She wasn't sure what her friend was doing, and didn't even know if Sango herself knew.
Miroku had not shown a single sign of how deeply he had been hurt in the morning and it amazed Kagome how well he could pull in his feelings. He hadn't said a single thing all morning but wasn't being closed or acting depressed. He simply didn't need to talk. It bothered him the way Kagome kept staring at him with those eyes. The whole point of this ridiculous act was because he didn't want anybody's sympathy. Much like Inu-Yasha, there was nothing that angered him more than pity. Still it seemed Kagome could cut open his skin and see into his soul.
Shinosuke for one kept looking at Sango from time to time with a worried expression. Shippou from Kagome's shoulder kept staring at everyone in the group well aware that something important was happening, but he was a prudent child and said nothing. He was simply analyzing the situation like Kagome. Inu-Yasha on the other hand did not know the meaning of prudence.
"Ya know this is even more awkward because everyone is so damn quiet." Pointed out Inu-Yasha quite suddenly.
Sango, Shinosuke and Miroku turned to look at him as if something were seriously wrong with him, Kagome couldn't agree more.
"Inu-Yasha... Osuwari!" she looked down angrily at the human shaped crater "Would you really prefer it if I talked?" she asked sweetly
"I-ya..." he groaned with dirt in his mouth
Miroku glared at the knocked out hanyou. How could one be so immature? Of course there was a bit of truth in what he said.
Inu-Yasha's ears twitched as three members of the group looked west. Kagome and Shippou looked around at the serious faces of their comrades and followed their line of sight. Inu-Yasha pulled himself out of the road and took his hand to the hilt of his sword.
"Kagome. Do you sense shards?" he asked her
Kagome looked at the Hanyou then back west "Iie..."
"They're probably after the ones we have. But it's not just one Inu- Yasha, there are about a dozen." Warned Miroku seeing him pull out Tetsusaiga
"I can smell them. Rodents."
"Rodents?" squeaked Kagome "like... mice things?"
"Ready" "Ready" said Shinosuke and Sango in unison.
"Shinosuke-san has an exterminator outfit too." Noticed Shippou.
Kagome turned to look at the couple. It was true; Shinosuke's outfit like Kohaku's only differed in the color deep blue. They actually looked very cute together. Shinosuke held his Niken expertly in one hand and Sango's Hiraikotsu was already poised and ready.
Miroku didn't have time to admire them much as suddenly from out of the forest bushes came the pack. There were a bit more than twelve. Something like overgrown shrews jumped out rapidly heading towards the group. Inu-Yasha took a protective stand in front of Kagome and Shippou. The first youkai that reached the group encountered Shinosuke's Niken. With a strong uppercut nothing pleasant was left of the beast.
"Hiraikotsu!"
The giant boomerang made an amazing maneuver about six inches away from the floor taking out the beasts that didn't have enough time to react. The ones that did manage to jump out of the way were quickly met by one of the two giant blades of the Niken. Miroku ripped whatever animal came near him with his Shakujo watching the couple battle out of the corner of his eye. The rodents weren't any trouble for Inu-Yasha either.
The number of monsters had gone down drastically and the few that were left were focused their attention on 'the strongest element'; Sango and Shinosuke. They met back to back.
"You still remember Jou-chan?" he smiled
"Do you think I could forget?" she answered unsheathing her katana.
Inu-Yasha looked at the couple curiously, sheathing Tetsusaiga. "They won't be needing help." He said to Miroku and turned back to watch intently.
Miroku looked two seconds at the hanyou before returning his gaze to the couple, just before it started.
Kagome gave a yelp of admiration when she saw it. Both took a step forward when the youkai's charged simultaneously. They proceeded with a horizontal slash at the beasts taking out four, followed by a sharp uppercut destroying two and a vertical slash turning ninety degrees to another opponent giving a hard diagonal slash downwards. Only one youkai left, but ready to escape a hard air kick and one pierce by both their weapons stopped every sound and movement.
Kagome and Shippou stood open mouthed staring at the couple. Much like Miroku only without the intense feeling of jealousy and abandonment. Inu-Yasha looked at them with a certain admiration and simply smiled as both pulled out their weapons from the beast and shook the blood off, still synchronized.
"Sugoi!!" called Kagome clapping enthusiastically from behind the smiling Inu-Yasha. She was fascinated by her friend's amazing movements, or maybe it was just the fact that Shinosuke followed her every move with a rhythm so keen it was... fascinating.
Shinosuke and Sango looked to each other and couldn't help but chuckle at their achieved dance. It had been a while after all since they had done this. But it was obviously things like this could never be forgotten.
"So it doesn't end with the double stab?" asked Inu-Yasha eagerly
"Oh yes, that's supposed to be the final move always." Explained Shinosuke "See this dance was created for numerous enemies, it has more than ten different attacks all in one. With the right combination you can go from three two almost fifty enemies."
The mood as far as Kagome was concerned had defiantly lightened up since the rodent attack. It was after all a spectacular display of technique by her friend, and of course Inu-Yasha was interested. He was listening intently to every word Shinosuke was saying.
"See it's all about measuring the enemies size in our case there were only 9 youkai's left, five to each of us, if there had been more the routine would have followed along ending with the same double stab. The idea is never to hesitate synchronizing with the partner in a flow of movements, this confuses the enemy. Actually you can also do this attack with more than another member, your parties can be of 2, 3, 6, but after 8 it gets harder because whoever is with you, you have to trust enough to pull it off. Plus keeping 2 people synchronized is a lot easier than keeping 8 or 10 in sync. " Continued Shinosuke
Kagome and Sango smiled at the fascinated look on Inu-Yasha's face. He looked like a six year old listening to his teacher talk about the solar system.
"So you always follow the same routine?" asked Inu-Yasha again
"Basically yes, the normal thing would be, horizontal, uppercut, vertical down, turn x strike down, x strike up, fist pierce, turn elbow horizontal, air kick double, that's the one where you do it on your own with both your legs, the circle and finally the double stab. From then on you can either repeat this pattern or make up your own, actually you can incorporate other moves if you and your partner know them and if you read each other well enough for you both to pull it off at the same time. For as long as I can remember though Jou-chan always does the air kick before the final double stab. Only hers isn't a double kick considering we both do it and there's no need to use both legs, the opponent gets two blows either way."
Inu-Yasha nodded his mouth gaping open a bit. "What are a circle and an x strike? Oh and the elbow horizontal?"
Shinosuke continued to explain to the hanyou every new question he came up with, apparently both of them having a good time. Sango and Kagome turned to look at each other from time to time smiling at how simple men could be.
Miroku, the forgotten one, had simply given Sango and Shinosuke a pleasant smile before Inu-Yasha, Shippou and Kagome started gushing out admiration after they had finished. He had always thought he and Sango made an excellent fighting duo, but after seeing this he couldn't help but feel useless by her side. The void in his stomach got bigger with each passing moment and it was getting harder and harder to keep that stupid smile on his face.
"Houshi-sama?"
He would recognize that voice in any circumstances. He looked up just in time to see Kirara jump at his chest. He caught the small youkai as it proceeded to take a comfortable place on his shoulder then looked up at Sango.
"Nani?"
"You've been awfully quiet all morning. Is something wrong?" she asked curiously.
That face of hers wasn't helping his little façade the least bit.
"Nothing is wrong; I'm listening to Inu-Yasha and Shinosuke-san's conversation."
Well it was half true; they were being kind of loud. Sango however was far from convinced. He decided to go for the secure thing.
"But it's nice to know someone worries for this humble monk." He smiled getting a blush out of her. "What may I do to get you to believe me?"
His smile turned small and innocent along with Sango's widening eyes.
Inu-Yasha and Shinosuke stopped their conversation and the loud crack of skin behind them and turned to see Sango, fuming; Kagome, somewhat exasperated; and Miroku with his cheek glowing pink. Inu-Yasha gave a bored sigh while Shinosuke stared in curiosity.
"I believe you Houshi-sama..." said an angered Sango moving ahead.
Miroku gave a weak smile rubbing his cheek. "I'm glad at least one of us does..." he whispered not noticing the sad look on Kagome's eyes as she looked back at him.
Everyone was delighted to see the small lines of smoke against the red sky when they arrived at the village. The sun was already setting and after an exiting journey they deserved a nice rest. It had been a pleasant day for mostly everyone. Shinosuke and Inu-Yasha had really hit it off. Honestly Kagome had never seen men talk so much, especially Inu-Yasha... they were acting like school girls. All through lunch and the rest of the afternoon there had been friendly small talk. Even Miroku joined in once in a while but every time he did Kagome only gave him this long glance of uncertainty.
But now close to the village everyone was seemingly relived to have arrived. Walking along the worn path Sango noticed a large shrine to her left, almost hidden by the tall trees surrounding it. It looked really old.
"It's probably used to lock away unwanted spirits."
Ah, he had spoken. Sango turned to her right where Miroku was also looking at the shrine.
"It's a bit bigger than I'm used to seeing though." He finished
"Maybe the town had many bad spirits." Suggested Shippou
"It's probable, the town is a bit larger than most villages I've seen, and it has many things to see." Spoke Shinosuke.
"Really? Like what?" asked Kagome
"The silk that is made here is very famous, you can find almost anything in the market place in the centre of the village, there are also lots of stores where you can find charms and amulets, and repellents for youkai, and they have a spectacular temple here, a little further into the woods from this shrine and a wonderful collection of books and documents. They also say the exorcists here are some of the best there are, that's one of the reasons I came here a few days back."
Shinosuke caught himself too late and looked worriedly at Sango who was indeed looking up at him curiously. Miroku and Inu-Yasha eyed him as well, Kagome looked from one face to another, something was definitely up...
"Exorcist? We do you need an exorcist?" asked Sango
Shinosuke fumbled around for words, Miroku decided it was for the best if he interfered.
"I told you I would get rid of the demon Shinosuke... remember, you mentioned yesterday that one had taken over your Niken. It's a bit dangerous getting rid of it what with the double blades and all ne?"
"A-no... hai, I must have forgotten to mention it to Sango... that's, why I had trouble getting rid of the other youkai yesterday..."
Inu-Yasha lifted an eye brow at the improvised lie.
"Oh," said Sango "I didn't notice. You fought fine this afternoon."
Shinosuke tensed "It hasn't got total control yet... I just have to concentrate when I fight that's all, and today I had you beside me."
Inu-Yasha and Miroku waited expectantly to see if Sango bought it, Shinosuke wasn't that bad at lying.
"Oh." Smiled Sango "Well don't worry about it... Houshi-sama is very good at exorcisms; almost as good as he is at making up demons and spirits to 'exorcise'." Sango lifted an eyebrow at the monk
"I second that..." said Inu-Yasha
"Oi, I don't hear anyone complaining when they're sleeping over comfortable futons at night." Miroku defended
Shinosuke had lost track of the conversation, but was very much relieved that nothing had been discovered. Kagome hadn't participated in the small conversation. She was still eyeing Shinosuke carefully. Actually since they left in the morning she had thought she felt a youkai presence, but since Inu-Yasha who was the expert hadn't said anything, she thought she had just imagined it. Still she would have known if his Niken were infested, she did after all cut her finger on it. And when he mentioned he wanted an exorcism both Miroku and Inu- Yasha had given him a funny glare... she didn't buy Shinosuke's made up lie or Miroku's, Lord knew he was excellent at it... but she knew a lie when she saw one.
"Kagome..."
She looked up at the sound of her name. Inu-Yasha stood waiting for her while Sango and Shinosuke walked into the town. Miroku dropped behind as well. Kagome stared long and hard at Inu-Yasha, then at Miroku.
"His Niken isn't possessed." She said simply
There was an odd silence between the three of them for a while before Inu-Yasha spoke "Kagome, He doesn't want Sango to know... understood?"
Kagome looked at Inu-Yasha with concern before giving a deep sigh "What's going on Inu-Yasha?"
"I'll have time later on to explain." He said noticing Shinosuke and Sango had noticed the group's fall back
"Fine." She said coldly continuing along the path behind Sango and Shinosuke.
Miroku found them the best inn in the village and Shinosuke finally understood the earlier conversation asking naively if there really was such a spirit over the house. Dinner was pleasant; so much that Kagome had asked for permission to stay in town a few more days. Inu- Yasha was not happy, starting with his usual we-have-more-important-things-to-do argument, but in the end everybody knew the Hanyou had no way of winning the discussion.
"Dinner was delightful." Commented Shinosuke
Sango and Kagome nodded enthusiastically as their plates were being taken away. Miroku stood as soon as the maids left the room and briefly excused himself.
"Where are you going Miroku-sama?" asked Kagome
"I'll be back in a few hours." He said shutting the paper door behind him.
Sango lifted an eye brow "Probably went off to find someone to bear his child..." she said coldly
"Nani?" asked Shinosuke "Find some one to bear his child?"
"Anything with a bosom will do for a mother for that man." She explained curtly
Shinosuke was very much interested in this topic "But..." he took one look around the room and shut up. Sango's face said it all. So he simply responded a small "Oh."
The sky turned velvet blue after dinner and Kagome had managed to drag Inu- Yasha to see the village after Shino had explained this odd village had nightlife almost everyday. Shippou had tagged along as well. Actually Kagome wanted to know exactly what was wrong with Shinosuke. She would get Inu-Yasha to talk even if she had to sit him a hundred times. Mean while Sango and Shinosuke didn't mind the time alone. They never seemed to run out of things to talk about, there was so much to remember. So much to relive.
"Will you stay with us in the village tomorrow?" asked Sango changing the subject abruptly.
He looked down into her pleading brown eyes. His brows dropped "Jou-chan."
"Knowing Inu-Yasha, we'll just be spending one day here. And I... kind of get the idea that you don't want to travel with us to find Naraku, so can't we at least be together one more day?" she pleaded
He almost gave a sigh of relief. So she had dropped the group thing, which was definitely good. And he could hold out for one more day.
"Very well. One more day and I'll leave you to your mission." He agreed.
Sango smiled up at him before another familiar voice called out to her.
"Sango-chan!"
"Kagome-san and Inu-Yasha are back." Turned Shinosuke
Sango smiled at her friend carrying a small finely decorated fan, Shippou on her shoulder was entertained with a paper ball and Inu-Yasha was under a stack of fine fabrics.
"Kagome-chan how did you buy all this?" asked Sango looking at what her friend had returned with.
"You know we always have extra money what with Miroku's little 'rewards' and all." She smiled
Sango's smile died down. Speaking of which, where was the Houshi? It was late already and he said he'd be back in a few hours.
"Well we've had a nice day but it's late." Kagome spoke Sango's mind. "So I'll be off, Oyasumi nasai minna. Come on Inu-Yasha."
The mentioned wobbled to the hall trying not to trip on the fabrics. Shino also stood up helping Sango to her feet.
"She's right, I'm tired as well. We had better call it a day."
Sango nodded.
"See you in the morning Jou-chan." He said turning opposite to where Kagome and Inu-Yasha had gone.
"Oyasumi nasai Shino."
Sango fell behind looking out to the moonlit village giving a small sigh. From the inn on top of a hill you could see part of town and further out, the tip of the large Temple Shino had mentioned.
"He's fine. We saw him wandering around town. He'll probably be back in a while." Said Inu-Yasha heading back to the men's room after having discharged the heap of Fabrics with Kagome.
Sango looked to Inu-Yasha's back as he made his way to where Shino had disappeared. After a moment of silence by herself she gave a nod and made her way towards her room.
°
BTW I got the title of the chap from my favorite song by Savage Garden, I don't own it, I just thought it made a nice accurate name. So don't go and sue me... it went well with the plot though ne? Listen to it if ya haven't. It has the record of being my fav