Grumpy old women scare and annoy me.... ¬¬
Hurtful Truths
He didn't know if this was worth it anymore. His eyes kept closing and his head was dropping without him even realizing. Still it felt like the right thing to do, so he would continue. Tired feet reached the inn as the first rays of sunlight shone over the hills of the valley. He smiled; at least he had made it in time. Entering the dining area he saw there was only one other traveler there having breakfast.
He didn't want to stay too long; thank goodness the service was quick. He ate quickly but as he was finishing his meal familiar voices were heard in the corridor. Inu-Yasha and Shinosuke stepped in still talking about who knew what.
"Miroku?" asked Inu-Yasha spotting the monk
"Ohayo gozaimasu Shinosuke-san. Inu-Yasha." Miroku greeted as they approached.
"Ohayo." answered Shinosuke uncertainly.
"What are you doing here?" asked Inu-Yasha sitting beside the houshi.
"Eating breakfast." He answered simply.
"I can see that baka."
Miroku raised an eyebrow "You certainly woke up in a bad mood." he noticed.
"You know what I mean Miroku. Wher---"
He didn't get to finish the sentence as the paper door slid open again revealing something no one was expecting to see. Kagome walked in laughing at something she had been talking about. But instead of her usual green skirt and white t-shirt, she had on a wonderful calm yellow kimono. It was decorated with pink flowers along the edges of her sleeves with a deep uneven amber lining at the bottom of it. Her obi was a mellow sky blue held by a shiny white string.
She looked very nice, but the person standing next to her had no comparison, at least in Miroku's opinion. Sango walked into the room smiling at her friend, and when she noticed the three pairs of eyes staring at them she looked down sheepishly at the floor, still with that adorable shy smile. She had on an alluring white kimono that seemed to darken into a deep tone of red at the sleeves and bottom; going from a gleaming white to a blood red. Sakura petals went from her elbow down the sleeves as well as from her knees down to her ankles. These were the opposite of the fabric under them starting with a strong crimson under white at the top then to a dazzling silver over red close to the cuffs. Held tightly at her waist by a forest green obi also with a white string.
His eyes glistened looking at her. She looked like the princess she was. Realizing he was close to drooling, Miroku quickly recovered from his momentary trance when Kagome greeted them.
"Ohayou gozaimasu minna!" she called out cheerfully
Miroku tried to calm down as the girls and Shippou came to sit across from them. It didn't help that she took the place directly in front of him. He took a peak beside him. Kami-sama was Inu- Yasha still gaping? Now, if he drooled at Kagome, that would be funny. Looking past him, Miroku noticed Shinosuke with the same lost eyes. But he wasn't looking at Kagome.
"Ohayo gozaimasu Houshi-sama" Hearing his name at the end of the sentence he looked up to find her smiling shyly at him.
They had both picked up their hair, Kagome in a subtle half tail and Sango in an untidy bun with a few short stray hairs curling up around her neck and shoulders. Gritting his teeth he resisted the urge to shiver "Ohayou gozaimasu Sango, Kagome-san." he smiled pleasantly
Miroku gulped. He had to get out of here. Looking down at his almost finished breakfast he decided it was good enough.
"Sumimasen minna." Getting up quickly he felt everyone's eyes turn to him and somehow made it to the door without running or tripping over his feet. Turning to slide it shut he gave everyone a pleasant smile before he was out of sight. After that he turned around dropping his little façade and let out a deep breath looking up at the wooden ceiling. That image of her would be burned into his mind till the day of his death.
His brows dropped, it was time to go back to work. He walked slowly through the empty corridors of the inn.
Sango looked sadly at the closed door long after Miroku had left. What was the matter with him?? She felt anger rise in her chest before it dawned on her that it was stupid to have such feelings. He had done nothing wrong. They had walked in, said good morning, he had answered politely and calmly excused himself. She had absolutely no reason whatsoever to be angry. Just because he hadn't mention how well she looked? Because his mouth wasn't gaping open like Inu-Yasha's? She smiled bitterly. She was being stupid. Kagome looked to her friend after having fun staring at Inu-Yasha. She should say something.
"How do we look Inu-Yasha?" she asked gleefully
The hanyou panicked. He looked Kagome over for the hundredth time then looked at Sango then back at Kagome, and analyzed the question meticulously.
"Fine?"
Sango's eyebrow twitched and a small vein popped out of Kagome's forehead. Inu-Yasha frowned. 'Damn.'
"Fine?" asked Kagome raising an eyebrow
"No?" asked Inu-Yasha
Shinosuke gave a nervous smile "Two lovely fabrics on two very lovely ladies." He interfered
Sango and Kagome stopped leaning towards Inu-Yasha and turned to Shinosuke. Analyzing his sentence they both smiled and turned pink in the cheeks.
"Arigatou Shinosuke-san, you know what a lady likes to hear." Said Kagome glaring at Inu-Yasha.
He however, was busy sighing in relief at the save Shinosuke had made. But then again, his eyes narrowed, he had made him look bad and implied.... well... stuff! The hanyou glared at him, Shinosuke smiled nervously and shrugged.
Breakfast was fast to come and while eating no matter how much her pride told her not to, Sango gave in to her worry.
"So did Houshi-sama say where he was going?" she asked no one in particular.
"No." said Inu-Yasha looking up from his food "He didn't seem to want to tell us where he had been in the first place either."
"Where he had been?" asked Kagome
"He didn't come back to the inn last night." Answered Shinosuke
"He didn't?" asked Kagome again
Inu-Yasha and Shinosuke shook their heads "He didn't even let me ask where he had gone off to or why he didn't come back. And he looked kind of in a hurry." Said Inu-Yasha finishing up his rice
Kagome looked worriedly from Inu-Yasha to Shinosuke then to Sango. All she saw though was a blur of red.
"I'm done." She said curtly and made her way to the door. Not looking back she unintentionally slammed the paper door against its frame. Sango leaned over the wooden wall of the corridor for support as she felt her heart beating in ears. Her stomach seemed to be jumping up and down as she felt her blood burn through her veins. Her breathing quickened and she felt small beads of sweat form on her palms.
"It can't be. How could you...?" She whispered through gritted teeth.
"Are we going to the village today too?" asked Shippou after the horribly long breakfast.
"I don't know Shippou. We'll have to ask Inu-Yasha." Kagome answered
After all their plates were taken away Inu-Yasha glanced at the paper door. "Ask Sango if she's gonna come. I'm sure if Shinosuke comes she will too."
Kagome glanced at Shinosuke then back at Inu-Yasha and nodded.
"Shippou wait here with Shinosuke-san and Inu-Yasha I won't be long." she said standing from the table.
She almost tripped on the many sheets of fabric of the kimono and with small sweat drop decided it would be the last time she wore one.
Kagome opened the shoji door of their room carefully, not sure of what she would find.
"Sango-chan?" she asked cautiously stepping in.
She had her back to the door and looked like she was doing something with her hands.
"Daijoubu?" Kagome asked as she shut the door behind her.
"Kagome." Said Sango turning to meet her friend, with a smile
Kagome hid the surprise that she felt seeing her friend looking back at her so cheerfully. Two seconds later it hit her that this was nothing but a mask.
"I'm fine. Why do you ask?" Said Sango lifting herself from the tatami with Kirara in her arms
Kagome couldn't have been more exasperated. This was ridiculous. First Miroku now her too? Where the hell would they get to like this?! Both seriously troubled with things to talk about, lying to each other and everyone else. But she wasn't about to explain to her friend that she was asking about this morning, or the fact that Sango had been quick to come up with a possible conclusion as to where he had been last night that was, in Kagome's opinion, somewhat possible but highly improbable.
"Nandemonai." was all she had to say "We're going into town again, Shinosuke is going with us, would you like to come?"
"Sure." She said heading to the door.
"Sango..." started Kagome again
"Nani?" she asked waiting for Kagome to speak as they both made their way out of the small room.
"He would never do that to you." she said shutting the door behind her.
Sango stiffened, gazing emotionlessly at her friend. Kagome met her gaze for a few seconds before deciding it was best to leave her alone for a while. She had only said this because she needed Sango to believe in him. If she didn't, bigger problems would start. Besides it would make anyone feel better to know the person you care for isn't cheating on you ne? She silently went down the hall to meet with the boys knowing Sango would only be a minute. Once Kagome had gone Sango was left alone to think, but did nothing but gaze at the wooden frame of the door.
"Wow look at that pretty fan! That wasn't here yesterday" squealed Kagome "Ohh look at the paintings! There so pretty! Wow! What a pretty colored fabric. Lookie! Amulets for good luck! Kawaii! Little glass figures!"
Shinosuke smiled nervously at the hyperactive teenager looming around every stand in the market admiring one thing or another. He was glad she was with the group or it would have been a very silent trip. He looked over his shoulder to see Sango interested in something at a near by stand and Inu-Yasha simply keeping an eye of for Kagome and the little fox.
He needed to talk to Sango very seriously. After what had happened in the morning he was hesitant on whether to go through with it or not. But as he was already hiding something from her, he would tell her as much as he could without upsetting her. Still it would be best if they were alone. Visiting the marketplace took up about half a day if you just browsed around, but with Kagome; they'd probably be here till dusk. Up until now he had enjoyed it, but he was getting that feeling again and started to regret having come with the group. He hoped nothing would happen though.
Miroku frowned.
Impossible. There couldn't be was nothing whatsoever! He had been here since last night but to no avail. It wasn't where he thought it would be or even in the places he didn't think possible. He had searched everywhere and hadn't found what he wanted. He did however find what he needed. What he 'wanted' wasn't completely necessary he knew, but it would be better if he found it. For now and with what he had he would have to make a very hard decision, which revolved around her.
Deciding it would be best to leave; he made his way to the door and tripped on a loose board on the floor.
"Chikuso." Miroku whispered. He had cut his toe. They should keep this place in a better state.
Shinosuke staggered setting his hand over the nearest thing at hand. A house wall. He tried to get himself under control and slow down his breathing. Today of all days. Inu-Yasha turned his ears then his head back to Shinosuke. Waiting for the girls to get out of hearing range he stepped back to where Shinosuke had stopped suddenly.
"What is it?" Inu-Yasha asked urgently looking him over "You look like hell."
Shinosuke tried for a smile "Can't say I feel any better." He panted
"Are you ok? What is it?" asked Inu-Yasha getting a bit edgy, he eyed the girls, they were still busy with fabrics.
"I'll be fine. I think I better... head back to the inn though." his hand came involuntarily over his stomach as he winced.
"Hai, but what will I tell them?" asked Inu-Yasha still unsure of what to do.
"Just.... tell them I forgot something or ahh!"
Inu-Yasha's brow furrowed, Shinosuke was getting paler by the second, his face was clammy and he really did look like crap. The way his face grimaced it looked like something was eating him from the inside. It freaked him out what if he was...?
"I'll be fine, you better go now or--"
"Houshi-sama."
Inu-Yasha and Shinosuke looked up to find both girls a few feet away looking past them, following Sango's line of sight behind them they spotted Miroku. The monk looked worriedly from Shinosuke to Sango to Inu-Yasha. It was a very awkward moment for a while with all three boys looking nervous. Kagome watched all this from the side. Shinosuke didn't look to good.
Sango looked hard at the monk not knowing what to do or feel at this moment, yet he seemed a bit distracted, his eyes had locked with hers for a moment before he looked worriedly to Inu-Yasha then to Shinosuke. Sensing something she finally broke her gaze looking down at Inu-Yasha who was eyeing Shinosuke with worry in his eyes. Her eyes moved over to him and for the first time she noticed how awful he looked.
"Shinosuke." Her voice broke the relative silence of the busy street.
He had to get up. Shinosuke tried with every fiber in his body to stand upright. He wasn't awake long enough to find out if he had made it.
"Shino!"
Everyone rushed up to the fallen taiji-ya. Sango being the quickest to his side.
"Shino! Shinosuke!" she called out shaking his shoulder lightly
"Oh my gosh is he ok?" asked Kagome with fear in her voice
"What's wrong? What's the matter? Shinosuke!" Sango was getting frightened
"Here! Move!" Inu-Yasha somewhat pushed Sango out of the way lifting the unconscious Shinosuke over his back "I'm taking him back to the inn. Miroku get your ass over there quick."
With that Inu-Yasha leapt off towards the northern part of the city.
"Kirara!"
Miroku turned just in time to see the familiar orange flames erupt around the feline youkai, once transformed, Sango hastily lifted herself on her back and soon they were both rushing after Inu-Yasha. He looked at their fading figure worry clenching his stomach. He knew why Shinosuke had passed out, and now whether he wanted or not Sango would find out. She would be mad at him of course but that wasn't Miroku's business. He broke into a run behind them
"Oi! Matte Miroku-sama!"
Sango sat by his futon looking down at the sleeping face she had forgotten but had always known so well. Because of the urgency to get him someplace safe, nothing had been explained as to what had happened. Her fists clenched. She should have known this was too good to be true.
The rice paper door slid open but she didn't bother to look up. Who ever it was, she didn't care. The familiar cling of rings made her stiffen. Except him.
Miroku looked down cautiously at her serious face. Then stepped in the room and left the bowl of water in the counter corner of the door. He glanced down again; her eyes were glued to Shinosuke. He gave a silent sigh and walked back to the door.
"You knew didn't you?"
Her voice stopped him a step from the door. She didn't make another move nor give a sign that she had even spoken. She simply waited for an answer. Miroku looked at the paper door inches from his face then down at his hand over the frame.
"Why didn't you tell me...?" she spoke again.
Miroku's brows furrowed as he finally decided to turn and face her. She was looking up to him with much more than anger in her eyes. Simply the aura she gave off was disturbing.
"Sango." He tried
"Why?" she interrupted "Didn't think I could take it? Wanted to protect my feelings? Didn't want me to suffer anymore? That's nothing but crap. If one of those was your excuse don't even mention it... I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself and living my life as it is. I've done pretty well on my own so far. And if you can't understand that then you'd have to be pretty damn dense." She took a gulp of air before continuing.
"When will you quit treating me like I'm this fragile creature made of glass that has to be protected and taken care of always? I'm not helpless!"
"Sango, it wasn't--." tried Miroku again
"There's no excuse for what you did Houshi-sama." She interrupted again, realizing she didn't want to hear anything he would say to her. "How... could you?"
"Sango." Interrupted a third voice
Miroku and Sango looked down at the person laying on the futon. He was still pale but apparently better and fully awake.
"Shinosuke are you ok?" asked Sango worriedly taking a hand to his forehead
"I'm fine," he said dismissingly taking her had away "Listen Jou- chan... Miroku-sama didn't ---"
"I didn't mean to hurt you Sango." Miroku quickly interrupted "For that I'm sorry. I honestly had no ill intention to you. And I told Shino it would be best if you didn't know for it could upset you."
"I expect no less from you." She answered coldly
He gave a hurt smile "I can be no one else."
Miroku looked down sadly at Sango then quickly gave Shinosuke a warning look. He looked up uncertainly at the monk and simply gave a sigh. Miroku offered Sango a meek smile.
"Gomen nasai... I suppose I'll simply have to wait for the day when you are ready to forgive me."
Shinosuke frowned.
"What's going on?" she said desperately. "What is all this about? Shino?"
Miroku stood through the awkward silence wondering if he should leave or stay. He found he couldn't move his legs when Shinosuke began to speak of the youkai inside his body. He tried hard to just turn and leave when Sango's face twisted with horror and sadness after Shinosuke had told her. Finally after minutes of eternal silence Miroku slowly slid open the shoji door and left, leaving Shinosuke with a saddened face and Sango with that utter look of horror and sorrow in her features.
He gave a sigh once in the hall. How could the situation be any worse?
She made no sound on the wooden floor as she walked gloomily down the halls of the inn. After Miroku had left she had turned to her friend pleading him to tell her it wasn't true. That it had to be a mistake, that there had to be some way to save him. When he looked up at her with somber eyes and set a warm hand over hers she panicked. It was true. This was really happening. She pulled her hand back and hastily excused herself from his room.
Sliding the door shut she rubbed the sleeve of her kimono frantically against her eyes to hold in the tears. This was so wrong. She needed someone to talk to. She had to find Kagome. Trying hard to push a whirl of thoughts out of her head she stopped at the sound of Inu-Yasha's voice. He was taking to someone; she only hoped it wasn't Kagome. A male's voice answered him though. She sighed with relief.
"The Shrine?" asked Inu-Yasha again
"Hai."
Sango backed up to the wall leaning close to the rice paper door. It was Miroku he was talking to.
"Where did you sleep then?" asked Inu-Yasha
Sango waited for his answer, nothing came for a while, before Inu-Yasha spoke again.
"Baka."
She gave a sigh. That idiot had been awake all night?
"What were you doing that was so important you couldn't even sleep?" Came Inu-Yasha's voice again
"I was trying to find a way to save him."
Her brows dropped, was he talking about Shino? She raised a clenched fist to her lips. Kagome's small morning comment came to her mind and she suddenly felt very guilty for having come up with rushed conclusions on where he had been last night. He hadn't even slept.
"Did you?" asked Inu-Yasha
Sango shook off her troubled emotions, waiting for an answer. There was an uneasy pause before Miroku spoke again.
"I can save him."
She took in a sharp breath. All new thoughts and emotions running through her mind again. Relief washed over her so deeply it seemed nullifying. She almost didn't catch the last part of the conversation.
"But...?" asked Inu-Yasha
Biting back a smile Sango strived to hear the next comment. It began to make her feel uneasy when nobody spoke for a while.
"I'd be an exchange." Miroku answered finally
"What... does that mean? What kind of an exchange?"
Brows furrowed, Sango shared Inu-Yasha's doubt.
"A life for a life."
A cold hand grasped at her heart.
"Who's?" asked Inu-Yasha slowly
"whose life do you think I'd be willing to sacrifice if not my own?"
Sango's world went black for a second and she didn't even feel herself slide down the wall. When everything stopped spinning she only felt she was sitting over her legs, her head still glued to the wall. Things could not have been worse. Trying to stop panting she listened still. Nothing was said for a while until Miroku spoke again.
"The night he told us about the youkai, he mentioned something about an exorcism in which the parasite is simply moved from one body to another. That's the technique I found. But as much as I searched I couldn't find the exorcism to eliminate it, without the sacrifice of the other host."
No, no no no, it was just too much death. Tears gathered in the corner of her eyes. There was another troubled pause in the conversation before Inu- Yasha asked the question she was dreading to hear
"What are you going to do then?"
She held her breath for his answer fearing that he would say yes and fearing he would say no. No sound came and she felt as if her heart were about to burst. She needed to know! The only thing she heard was Inu-Yasha give a long sigh and a sad:
"I see."
I am still, SO very evil... :) smiles sweetly of course most of you already know what happens so it kinda takes the drama away, but I don't give a hey! Hahaha!
coughs
Hurtful Truths
He didn't know if this was worth it anymore. His eyes kept closing and his head was dropping without him even realizing. Still it felt like the right thing to do, so he would continue. Tired feet reached the inn as the first rays of sunlight shone over the hills of the valley. He smiled; at least he had made it in time. Entering the dining area he saw there was only one other traveler there having breakfast.
He didn't want to stay too long; thank goodness the service was quick. He ate quickly but as he was finishing his meal familiar voices were heard in the corridor. Inu-Yasha and Shinosuke stepped in still talking about who knew what.
"Miroku?" asked Inu-Yasha spotting the monk
"Ohayo gozaimasu Shinosuke-san. Inu-Yasha." Miroku greeted as they approached.
"Ohayo." answered Shinosuke uncertainly.
"What are you doing here?" asked Inu-Yasha sitting beside the houshi.
"Eating breakfast." He answered simply.
"I can see that baka."
Miroku raised an eyebrow "You certainly woke up in a bad mood." he noticed.
"You know what I mean Miroku. Wher---"
He didn't get to finish the sentence as the paper door slid open again revealing something no one was expecting to see. Kagome walked in laughing at something she had been talking about. But instead of her usual green skirt and white t-shirt, she had on a wonderful calm yellow kimono. It was decorated with pink flowers along the edges of her sleeves with a deep uneven amber lining at the bottom of it. Her obi was a mellow sky blue held by a shiny white string.
She looked very nice, but the person standing next to her had no comparison, at least in Miroku's opinion. Sango walked into the room smiling at her friend, and when she noticed the three pairs of eyes staring at them she looked down sheepishly at the floor, still with that adorable shy smile. She had on an alluring white kimono that seemed to darken into a deep tone of red at the sleeves and bottom; going from a gleaming white to a blood red. Sakura petals went from her elbow down the sleeves as well as from her knees down to her ankles. These were the opposite of the fabric under them starting with a strong crimson under white at the top then to a dazzling silver over red close to the cuffs. Held tightly at her waist by a forest green obi also with a white string.
His eyes glistened looking at her. She looked like the princess she was. Realizing he was close to drooling, Miroku quickly recovered from his momentary trance when Kagome greeted them.
"Ohayou gozaimasu minna!" she called out cheerfully
Miroku tried to calm down as the girls and Shippou came to sit across from them. It didn't help that she took the place directly in front of him. He took a peak beside him. Kami-sama was Inu- Yasha still gaping? Now, if he drooled at Kagome, that would be funny. Looking past him, Miroku noticed Shinosuke with the same lost eyes. But he wasn't looking at Kagome.
"Ohayo gozaimasu Houshi-sama" Hearing his name at the end of the sentence he looked up to find her smiling shyly at him.
They had both picked up their hair, Kagome in a subtle half tail and Sango in an untidy bun with a few short stray hairs curling up around her neck and shoulders. Gritting his teeth he resisted the urge to shiver "Ohayou gozaimasu Sango, Kagome-san." he smiled pleasantly
Miroku gulped. He had to get out of here. Looking down at his almost finished breakfast he decided it was good enough.
"Sumimasen minna." Getting up quickly he felt everyone's eyes turn to him and somehow made it to the door without running or tripping over his feet. Turning to slide it shut he gave everyone a pleasant smile before he was out of sight. After that he turned around dropping his little façade and let out a deep breath looking up at the wooden ceiling. That image of her would be burned into his mind till the day of his death.
His brows dropped, it was time to go back to work. He walked slowly through the empty corridors of the inn.
Sango looked sadly at the closed door long after Miroku had left. What was the matter with him?? She felt anger rise in her chest before it dawned on her that it was stupid to have such feelings. He had done nothing wrong. They had walked in, said good morning, he had answered politely and calmly excused himself. She had absolutely no reason whatsoever to be angry. Just because he hadn't mention how well she looked? Because his mouth wasn't gaping open like Inu-Yasha's? She smiled bitterly. She was being stupid. Kagome looked to her friend after having fun staring at Inu-Yasha. She should say something.
"How do we look Inu-Yasha?" she asked gleefully
The hanyou panicked. He looked Kagome over for the hundredth time then looked at Sango then back at Kagome, and analyzed the question meticulously.
"Fine?"
Sango's eyebrow twitched and a small vein popped out of Kagome's forehead. Inu-Yasha frowned. 'Damn.'
"Fine?" asked Kagome raising an eyebrow
"No?" asked Inu-Yasha
Shinosuke gave a nervous smile "Two lovely fabrics on two very lovely ladies." He interfered
Sango and Kagome stopped leaning towards Inu-Yasha and turned to Shinosuke. Analyzing his sentence they both smiled and turned pink in the cheeks.
"Arigatou Shinosuke-san, you know what a lady likes to hear." Said Kagome glaring at Inu-Yasha.
He however, was busy sighing in relief at the save Shinosuke had made. But then again, his eyes narrowed, he had made him look bad and implied.... well... stuff! The hanyou glared at him, Shinosuke smiled nervously and shrugged.
Breakfast was fast to come and while eating no matter how much her pride told her not to, Sango gave in to her worry.
"So did Houshi-sama say where he was going?" she asked no one in particular.
"No." said Inu-Yasha looking up from his food "He didn't seem to want to tell us where he had been in the first place either."
"Where he had been?" asked Kagome
"He didn't come back to the inn last night." Answered Shinosuke
"He didn't?" asked Kagome again
Inu-Yasha and Shinosuke shook their heads "He didn't even let me ask where he had gone off to or why he didn't come back. And he looked kind of in a hurry." Said Inu-Yasha finishing up his rice
Kagome looked worriedly from Inu-Yasha to Shinosuke then to Sango. All she saw though was a blur of red.
"I'm done." She said curtly and made her way to the door. Not looking back she unintentionally slammed the paper door against its frame. Sango leaned over the wooden wall of the corridor for support as she felt her heart beating in ears. Her stomach seemed to be jumping up and down as she felt her blood burn through her veins. Her breathing quickened and she felt small beads of sweat form on her palms.
"It can't be. How could you...?" She whispered through gritted teeth.
"Are we going to the village today too?" asked Shippou after the horribly long breakfast.
"I don't know Shippou. We'll have to ask Inu-Yasha." Kagome answered
After all their plates were taken away Inu-Yasha glanced at the paper door. "Ask Sango if she's gonna come. I'm sure if Shinosuke comes she will too."
Kagome glanced at Shinosuke then back at Inu-Yasha and nodded.
"Shippou wait here with Shinosuke-san and Inu-Yasha I won't be long." she said standing from the table.
She almost tripped on the many sheets of fabric of the kimono and with small sweat drop decided it would be the last time she wore one.
Kagome opened the shoji door of their room carefully, not sure of what she would find.
"Sango-chan?" she asked cautiously stepping in.
She had her back to the door and looked like she was doing something with her hands.
"Daijoubu?" Kagome asked as she shut the door behind her.
"Kagome." Said Sango turning to meet her friend, with a smile
Kagome hid the surprise that she felt seeing her friend looking back at her so cheerfully. Two seconds later it hit her that this was nothing but a mask.
"I'm fine. Why do you ask?" Said Sango lifting herself from the tatami with Kirara in her arms
Kagome couldn't have been more exasperated. This was ridiculous. First Miroku now her too? Where the hell would they get to like this?! Both seriously troubled with things to talk about, lying to each other and everyone else. But she wasn't about to explain to her friend that she was asking about this morning, or the fact that Sango had been quick to come up with a possible conclusion as to where he had been last night that was, in Kagome's opinion, somewhat possible but highly improbable.
"Nandemonai." was all she had to say "We're going into town again, Shinosuke is going with us, would you like to come?"
"Sure." She said heading to the door.
"Sango..." started Kagome again
"Nani?" she asked waiting for Kagome to speak as they both made their way out of the small room.
"He would never do that to you." she said shutting the door behind her.
Sango stiffened, gazing emotionlessly at her friend. Kagome met her gaze for a few seconds before deciding it was best to leave her alone for a while. She had only said this because she needed Sango to believe in him. If she didn't, bigger problems would start. Besides it would make anyone feel better to know the person you care for isn't cheating on you ne? She silently went down the hall to meet with the boys knowing Sango would only be a minute. Once Kagome had gone Sango was left alone to think, but did nothing but gaze at the wooden frame of the door.
"Wow look at that pretty fan! That wasn't here yesterday" squealed Kagome "Ohh look at the paintings! There so pretty! Wow! What a pretty colored fabric. Lookie! Amulets for good luck! Kawaii! Little glass figures!"
Shinosuke smiled nervously at the hyperactive teenager looming around every stand in the market admiring one thing or another. He was glad she was with the group or it would have been a very silent trip. He looked over his shoulder to see Sango interested in something at a near by stand and Inu-Yasha simply keeping an eye of for Kagome and the little fox.
He needed to talk to Sango very seriously. After what had happened in the morning he was hesitant on whether to go through with it or not. But as he was already hiding something from her, he would tell her as much as he could without upsetting her. Still it would be best if they were alone. Visiting the marketplace took up about half a day if you just browsed around, but with Kagome; they'd probably be here till dusk. Up until now he had enjoyed it, but he was getting that feeling again and started to regret having come with the group. He hoped nothing would happen though.
Miroku frowned.
Impossible. There couldn't be was nothing whatsoever! He had been here since last night but to no avail. It wasn't where he thought it would be or even in the places he didn't think possible. He had searched everywhere and hadn't found what he wanted. He did however find what he needed. What he 'wanted' wasn't completely necessary he knew, but it would be better if he found it. For now and with what he had he would have to make a very hard decision, which revolved around her.
Deciding it would be best to leave; he made his way to the door and tripped on a loose board on the floor.
"Chikuso." Miroku whispered. He had cut his toe. They should keep this place in a better state.
Shinosuke staggered setting his hand over the nearest thing at hand. A house wall. He tried to get himself under control and slow down his breathing. Today of all days. Inu-Yasha turned his ears then his head back to Shinosuke. Waiting for the girls to get out of hearing range he stepped back to where Shinosuke had stopped suddenly.
"What is it?" Inu-Yasha asked urgently looking him over "You look like hell."
Shinosuke tried for a smile "Can't say I feel any better." He panted
"Are you ok? What is it?" asked Inu-Yasha getting a bit edgy, he eyed the girls, they were still busy with fabrics.
"I'll be fine. I think I better... head back to the inn though." his hand came involuntarily over his stomach as he winced.
"Hai, but what will I tell them?" asked Inu-Yasha still unsure of what to do.
"Just.... tell them I forgot something or ahh!"
Inu-Yasha's brow furrowed, Shinosuke was getting paler by the second, his face was clammy and he really did look like crap. The way his face grimaced it looked like something was eating him from the inside. It freaked him out what if he was...?
"I'll be fine, you better go now or--"
"Houshi-sama."
Inu-Yasha and Shinosuke looked up to find both girls a few feet away looking past them, following Sango's line of sight behind them they spotted Miroku. The monk looked worriedly from Shinosuke to Sango to Inu-Yasha. It was a very awkward moment for a while with all three boys looking nervous. Kagome watched all this from the side. Shinosuke didn't look to good.
Sango looked hard at the monk not knowing what to do or feel at this moment, yet he seemed a bit distracted, his eyes had locked with hers for a moment before he looked worriedly to Inu-Yasha then to Shinosuke. Sensing something she finally broke her gaze looking down at Inu-Yasha who was eyeing Shinosuke with worry in his eyes. Her eyes moved over to him and for the first time she noticed how awful he looked.
"Shinosuke." Her voice broke the relative silence of the busy street.
He had to get up. Shinosuke tried with every fiber in his body to stand upright. He wasn't awake long enough to find out if he had made it.
"Shino!"
Everyone rushed up to the fallen taiji-ya. Sango being the quickest to his side.
"Shino! Shinosuke!" she called out shaking his shoulder lightly
"Oh my gosh is he ok?" asked Kagome with fear in her voice
"What's wrong? What's the matter? Shinosuke!" Sango was getting frightened
"Here! Move!" Inu-Yasha somewhat pushed Sango out of the way lifting the unconscious Shinosuke over his back "I'm taking him back to the inn. Miroku get your ass over there quick."
With that Inu-Yasha leapt off towards the northern part of the city.
"Kirara!"
Miroku turned just in time to see the familiar orange flames erupt around the feline youkai, once transformed, Sango hastily lifted herself on her back and soon they were both rushing after Inu-Yasha. He looked at their fading figure worry clenching his stomach. He knew why Shinosuke had passed out, and now whether he wanted or not Sango would find out. She would be mad at him of course but that wasn't Miroku's business. He broke into a run behind them
"Oi! Matte Miroku-sama!"
Sango sat by his futon looking down at the sleeping face she had forgotten but had always known so well. Because of the urgency to get him someplace safe, nothing had been explained as to what had happened. Her fists clenched. She should have known this was too good to be true.
The rice paper door slid open but she didn't bother to look up. Who ever it was, she didn't care. The familiar cling of rings made her stiffen. Except him.
Miroku looked down cautiously at her serious face. Then stepped in the room and left the bowl of water in the counter corner of the door. He glanced down again; her eyes were glued to Shinosuke. He gave a silent sigh and walked back to the door.
"You knew didn't you?"
Her voice stopped him a step from the door. She didn't make another move nor give a sign that she had even spoken. She simply waited for an answer. Miroku looked at the paper door inches from his face then down at his hand over the frame.
"Why didn't you tell me...?" she spoke again.
Miroku's brows furrowed as he finally decided to turn and face her. She was looking up to him with much more than anger in her eyes. Simply the aura she gave off was disturbing.
"Sango." He tried
"Why?" she interrupted "Didn't think I could take it? Wanted to protect my feelings? Didn't want me to suffer anymore? That's nothing but crap. If one of those was your excuse don't even mention it... I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself and living my life as it is. I've done pretty well on my own so far. And if you can't understand that then you'd have to be pretty damn dense." She took a gulp of air before continuing.
"When will you quit treating me like I'm this fragile creature made of glass that has to be protected and taken care of always? I'm not helpless!"
"Sango, it wasn't--." tried Miroku again
"There's no excuse for what you did Houshi-sama." She interrupted again, realizing she didn't want to hear anything he would say to her. "How... could you?"
"Sango." Interrupted a third voice
Miroku and Sango looked down at the person laying on the futon. He was still pale but apparently better and fully awake.
"Shinosuke are you ok?" asked Sango worriedly taking a hand to his forehead
"I'm fine," he said dismissingly taking her had away "Listen Jou- chan... Miroku-sama didn't ---"
"I didn't mean to hurt you Sango." Miroku quickly interrupted "For that I'm sorry. I honestly had no ill intention to you. And I told Shino it would be best if you didn't know for it could upset you."
"I expect no less from you." She answered coldly
He gave a hurt smile "I can be no one else."
Miroku looked down sadly at Sango then quickly gave Shinosuke a warning look. He looked up uncertainly at the monk and simply gave a sigh. Miroku offered Sango a meek smile.
"Gomen nasai... I suppose I'll simply have to wait for the day when you are ready to forgive me."
Shinosuke frowned.
"What's going on?" she said desperately. "What is all this about? Shino?"
Miroku stood through the awkward silence wondering if he should leave or stay. He found he couldn't move his legs when Shinosuke began to speak of the youkai inside his body. He tried hard to just turn and leave when Sango's face twisted with horror and sadness after Shinosuke had told her. Finally after minutes of eternal silence Miroku slowly slid open the shoji door and left, leaving Shinosuke with a saddened face and Sango with that utter look of horror and sorrow in her features.
He gave a sigh once in the hall. How could the situation be any worse?
She made no sound on the wooden floor as she walked gloomily down the halls of the inn. After Miroku had left she had turned to her friend pleading him to tell her it wasn't true. That it had to be a mistake, that there had to be some way to save him. When he looked up at her with somber eyes and set a warm hand over hers she panicked. It was true. This was really happening. She pulled her hand back and hastily excused herself from his room.
Sliding the door shut she rubbed the sleeve of her kimono frantically against her eyes to hold in the tears. This was so wrong. She needed someone to talk to. She had to find Kagome. Trying hard to push a whirl of thoughts out of her head she stopped at the sound of Inu-Yasha's voice. He was taking to someone; she only hoped it wasn't Kagome. A male's voice answered him though. She sighed with relief.
"The Shrine?" asked Inu-Yasha again
"Hai."
Sango backed up to the wall leaning close to the rice paper door. It was Miroku he was talking to.
"Where did you sleep then?" asked Inu-Yasha
Sango waited for his answer, nothing came for a while, before Inu-Yasha spoke again.
"Baka."
She gave a sigh. That idiot had been awake all night?
"What were you doing that was so important you couldn't even sleep?" Came Inu-Yasha's voice again
"I was trying to find a way to save him."
Her brows dropped, was he talking about Shino? She raised a clenched fist to her lips. Kagome's small morning comment came to her mind and she suddenly felt very guilty for having come up with rushed conclusions on where he had been last night. He hadn't even slept.
"Did you?" asked Inu-Yasha
Sango shook off her troubled emotions, waiting for an answer. There was an uneasy pause before Miroku spoke again.
"I can save him."
She took in a sharp breath. All new thoughts and emotions running through her mind again. Relief washed over her so deeply it seemed nullifying. She almost didn't catch the last part of the conversation.
"But...?" asked Inu-Yasha
Biting back a smile Sango strived to hear the next comment. It began to make her feel uneasy when nobody spoke for a while.
"I'd be an exchange." Miroku answered finally
"What... does that mean? What kind of an exchange?"
Brows furrowed, Sango shared Inu-Yasha's doubt.
"A life for a life."
A cold hand grasped at her heart.
"Who's?" asked Inu-Yasha slowly
"whose life do you think I'd be willing to sacrifice if not my own?"
Sango's world went black for a second and she didn't even feel herself slide down the wall. When everything stopped spinning she only felt she was sitting over her legs, her head still glued to the wall. Things could not have been worse. Trying to stop panting she listened still. Nothing was said for a while until Miroku spoke again.
"The night he told us about the youkai, he mentioned something about an exorcism in which the parasite is simply moved from one body to another. That's the technique I found. But as much as I searched I couldn't find the exorcism to eliminate it, without the sacrifice of the other host."
No, no no no, it was just too much death. Tears gathered in the corner of her eyes. There was another troubled pause in the conversation before Inu- Yasha asked the question she was dreading to hear
"What are you going to do then?"
She held her breath for his answer fearing that he would say yes and fearing he would say no. No sound came and she felt as if her heart were about to burst. She needed to know! The only thing she heard was Inu-Yasha give a long sigh and a sad:
"I see."
I am still, SO very evil... :) smiles sweetly of course most of you already know what happens so it kinda takes the drama away, but I don't give a hey! Hahaha!
coughs