Ah the uncharted territory! Be prepared. Hehe, I didn't have a name for
this one, sorry if it's lame, it was kinda last minute...
Honorable
Pain was the first thing her mind shouted when she woke up. She was barely aware that there was now sufficient light in the room for it to be noon. Blinking away the grogginess she turned left and right trying to get a better glimpse at where she was in order to understand why her neck felt like someone had stuck a knife through it.
It was when she noticed someone was breathing under her that everything came back.
She had finished the last stitch with burning fingers that told her to stop long ago, but enough will power to continue all night. The sun was slowly beginning to illuminate the room, though she still needed the light of the candle to tie the knot. She gave a light sigh once it was finished but knew she wasn't quite done with him yet. Shinosuke had been watching her, but had fallen asleep a while back.
Taking a soft gauze she placed it over the lightly crumpled skin of Miroku's back. Then finally took the last piece of healing equipment she had brought with her. With a bit of trouble because of the injury on her chest, she managed to place the bandages around his back and middle. Tying the last knot between the two pieces of fabric she finally looked up.
Shinosuke had fallen, and Kirara had cuddled along Miroku's futon close to his shoulder. With trembling hands she took what was left of the candle and blew out the steady flame. She felt as if someone had just done the same with her. The pain, stress and the overwhelming fatigue that had been pushed back in order to finish her work were now set loose in her body that didn't stand a chance.
That had been... she didn't know how long ago. Careful as to where she put her arm, she tried her best to lift herself without brining any more pain to her already aching body. It didn't work. Her head was throbbing and she couldn't turn her neck before massaging it a bit. Looking to her lap she found a blanket that had slipped off when she had gotten up.
Shinosuke. She thought turning to the empty futon. Giving a tired sigh she turned back to the futon to her left. The worry lingering over her lightened a bit when she saw him. At least his expression was calmer. He had a bit more color in his cheeks too. But until he was awake and she could slap him silly for pulling of such a stunt, she wouldn't be at peace.
Thinking it was probably better to let everyone know that for now everything was all right, she pushed away the blanket and stood up, hearing about three of her articulations snap not being able to recognize them all.
She blinked once she was fully upright. And not knowing if it had been a rush of blood to her head, or her lingering fatigue, she sunk down to her knees again with green dots flashing around her eyes. Steadying herself with her arms she heard Kirara give a soft mew. She hadn't even noticed she was still here.
The nekko obviously worried jumped over to her master. Sango gave her a small smile.
"Daijoubu... I just got dizzy that's all..."
A light groan to her left caught her full attention as she turned to see an odd expression on Miroku's face. For a moment she thought something had happened to him, then she thought maybe he was finally going to wake up. When his eyes didn't open for a while, she was stuck with the idea that, either he was in pain... or dreaming.
"It's only happened to you once... you hated it. Why do you do it to me?"
Miroku looked down at soft brown eyes.
"Sango...."
"You hated it." she continued
Before he could ask what she was talking about the white scenery they had been in began to sprout grass and trees filling up an orange sky above him, when he turned around to Sango again nothing but bushes where in her place... very large bushes.
Actually everything in this familiar forest seemed to be bigger. Looking down at himself he recognized the yellow and brown clothes he was wearing. Impossible. Extending his hands he saw the shortened armguard around his right hand with no rosary of any kind.
'I don't want you going past the line of trees Miroku....'
With wide eyes he turned to the sound of that all too familiar voice. Where did it come from? It was like an echo inside his head. Searching for the bearer he noticed extremely tall trees all around him. The forest.
A faint feeling of dread and melancholy began to bubble inside of him. The bushes a few feet away began to rustle. Giving a small gasp he turned to face the noise, regretting not having done as he had been told.
He looked to the greenery long after it had stopped moving; sure that something else was going to happen.
His breath got caught in his throat when suddenly the shrubs he was using as a hideout reveled something that looked like a lizard with much more teeth and claws than it was supposed to have.
He fell back against his hands watching slowly as the reptile that seemed to be covered in thorns, outstretched its claws ready for the kill.
"Miroku!"
Hearing faintly the sound of his name and the rustle of the forest shrubs he felt something like a huge gust of wind pull him left, and knock him on the floor.
By the time he recovered he heard footsteps rush over to him sliding to a stop taking a protective stand over his small body.
"Chichi-ue..."
"Kazaana!"
The reptile, which had also been pulled to the floor, dug its claws into ground as a horribly strong and loud vacuum of air was aimed its way. Feeling scared Miroku hung tight to the leg of his father not knowing what was going on. It was until the forest floor finally gave way to the black hole that the lizard was sucked into his father's hand and his fist closed around the void stopping the strong current quite abruptly.
Daring to open his eyes Miroku looked up to the figure looming over him panting as if he had just run a long distance. Then before anything could be asked his father dropped to his knees clutching his right hand tightly.
"Chichi-ue!!"
Smiling through the pain the young man looked up at his preoccupied son. "Daijoubu?" he asked.
Miroku looked from his father, to the missing piece of earth, to his right hand. The bandages he normally used to hide the void where spread loosely over his arm being covered slowly by the small amount of blood in his fathers closed fist.
"What happened to your hand?" asked Miroku, absolutely panicked.
"I'm fine.... did it do anything to you? Are you hurt?"
Miroku shook his head frustrated. He was fine, but his father was bleeding and in pain, to top it of because of something he had done, why couldn't he see that? Hadn't his father already told him that if he used the hole in his hand he would have to go sooner? He never used it.... why couldn't he see that?
"Why can't you see that...?"
Looking up he was back in the blank scenery, back to his normal height and age, and hearing her voice again.
"You hated it... as do I."
Looking at her figure he saw her in the red and white kimono she had showed up in the morning with. Her hair down, plastered against her face, drenched to the core panting silently. Looking just like she did the moment she had entered the cabin. With a sad face she took a hand to her chest in what seemed like a very painful movement.
"Why can't you see...?"
Her soft voice seemed to echo in his head for an eternity, yet he couldn't see her anymore. He couldn't open his eyes; they seemed to be glued together. He wanted to see, to see her...
"Sango..."
Finally he was able to unglue his eyelids to be received by temporary darkness clearing into a blur of brown and blue. It took him a few seconds to make out the shape beside him was human, and a few more to know who it was.
"She went to eat something and clean herself up. I don't think she'll be long." He said
While everything started coming back the man beside him smiled and began to rummage through some things.
"Shinosuke?" asked Miroku finally.
"Nani?"
"How long has it been since....?"
"Just yesterday... I'm surprised at how fast you recover."
"What are you doing?" he asked noticing he wasn't just cleaning up the room but gathering his supplies.
"I was staying only until I could thank you for everything you've done for me. Although I would have objected if I knew just what you were doing, but none the less you've saved my life. Arigatou gozaimasu, Miroku-sama." He bowed humbly
"Ah... nandemonai. I'm just glad I could help. But have you told Sango that you plan to leave?"
"I will when she comes back. No more secrets ne?" he smiled
"Aa." He answered "Ano... could you help me stand up please? I can't seem to move anything below my neck more than 2 inches."
"Of course."
Wincing and cursing one or two times he thanked Shinosuke once he was sitting over his futon.
"I think you should leave it there. Sango will have my head if she knows I did anything to move you."
"Daijoubu, I'll handle her. She's gonna be fuming at me anyway, what's one more reprimand? Anyway all it takes is a gentle touch of her hand to calm her down."
Shino chuckled "Hugs work wonders as well."
"I'll remember that." Smiled Miroku
A melancholic expression came to Shino's face looking back up at the monk. "I'm very happy with the decision Sango has made. She chose a very honorable man to fall in love with."
Miroku smiled nervously. Any adjective but honorable would have been better.
"I guess you could say I'm the closest thing Sango has got to a family. So I think it's proper that I say congratulations to you both and," he took an embarrassed pause "Also remember I care for her as well and want nothing but her happiness. I trust you Miroku. I believe you will also do anything and everything to keep her smiling. This is all I ask of you." He finished bowing.
Miroku looked to the man before him with new eyes. He knew why Sango had chosen him in the past. It was very hard in these times to find such an honorable man. He should be proud; few men in this country had Miroku's admiration. He took a bow as well, as much as his back would let him.
"Arigatou gozaimasu. A promise is a strong thing. I have made one to Sango, to you, and most importantly to myself. The day I break one willingly will be a day after eternity."
Both pulled up with smiles. "I guess she's all yours now. Heavy hands and all." chuckled Shino
"They complement the dagger glaring eyes." He smirked
"Sou ka...?" interrupted a third voice from the door.
Both twitched at the sound of her voice.
"Lovely Sango! How are you this morning?" asked Miroku nervously.
"Jumping for joy Houshi-sama." Sango raised an eye brow holding a tray with both tea and water in her hands
The men chuckled nervously.
"Shino... out."
"Yes ma'am."
Before Miroku could complain about how he was a coward, the mentioned was already running down the hall.
"Mou..." he pouted
"Ohayo gozaimasu Houshi-sama." Said Sango warningly approaching his futon.
"Ohayo gozaimasu sweet Sango. You look lovely this morning."
She said nothing. All she did was calmly begin to serve the tea. He decided not to say anything thinking it would be best to know how she was feeling this morning, or afternoon, or what ever time of the day it was...
"You shouldn't be up. Have you eaten?" she asked
"Iie. Not since.... breakfast... ano, yesterday." He shrugged
She looked up with angry eyes but proceeded making the tea again. Some herbs he had seen and others that were new to him where being put into it. When she offered it to him he didn't hesitate or complain.
Taking a small sip he tested the temperature. "Your tea is exquisite. It feels nice." He smiled letting the smell relax his sore throat.
He was about to take another sip when something dropped gently over his lap.
"Sango..."
"Don't speak." She requested quietly from over his lap, "Just for a moment."
He looked down at the chocolate blanket of her locks over his legs wondering if he should do or say something. Finally obeying her request, he set down the cup of tea next to the futon and set a gentle hand over her hair toying it smoothly.
Making sure he had everything he took one last glance at his temporary room. Everything seemed to have happened a little fast now that it was time to go. Two days was nothing more that the blink of an eye, but this was the way it was meant to be.
He would wait for her, just to say good bye, but it was best that he start now. He felt calmer now that he had spoken with the monk. Now he had to find the Hanyou, the girl and the little fox. Everyone had been kind and supporting with him. She had gotten lucky in finding such good friends. It was only fair considering everything she had already lost. Shaking off his melancholic mood he strapped his pouch on and reached for his Niken.
Nothing was there.
"Hello Shinosuke-sama."
The voice chilled his blood. He had only heard it once before but would never forget it.
"You failed me." It whispered.
"It serves you right you know..." scolded Sango watching the monk with certain amusement.
He would have answered had his mouth not been stuffed with food. Besides, she was right. He hadn't eaten in a day and was literally starving.
"Only men can be this irrational. Or so Kagome-san says." Sango continued taking a sip of tea every once in a while.
"I'm just glad this is over." She looked down at her cup.
Finally swallowing a large amount of food he looked up at her serious face.
A loud crash and a light shake of the earth interrupted their moment. Both turned worried to the origin as Sango rushed to the door. She opened it in time to see a flash of red and white shoot by. Inu-Yasha. Kagome ran just behind him.
"Kagome!" shouted Sango as she passed "What's going on?"
She stopped only a moment and faced Sango while she took an arrow from her back pouch.
"It's him."
°
Him.... I couldn't decide if I should just leave it there or put what I had in mind from the beginning, but then I thought of the prologue, and had to put it in, either way it turned out all right. Um that thingy with Miroku was a dream-slash-memory in case you were wondering...
review please!!!
Honorable
Pain was the first thing her mind shouted when she woke up. She was barely aware that there was now sufficient light in the room for it to be noon. Blinking away the grogginess she turned left and right trying to get a better glimpse at where she was in order to understand why her neck felt like someone had stuck a knife through it.
It was when she noticed someone was breathing under her that everything came back.
She had finished the last stitch with burning fingers that told her to stop long ago, but enough will power to continue all night. The sun was slowly beginning to illuminate the room, though she still needed the light of the candle to tie the knot. She gave a light sigh once it was finished but knew she wasn't quite done with him yet. Shinosuke had been watching her, but had fallen asleep a while back.
Taking a soft gauze she placed it over the lightly crumpled skin of Miroku's back. Then finally took the last piece of healing equipment she had brought with her. With a bit of trouble because of the injury on her chest, she managed to place the bandages around his back and middle. Tying the last knot between the two pieces of fabric she finally looked up.
Shinosuke had fallen, and Kirara had cuddled along Miroku's futon close to his shoulder. With trembling hands she took what was left of the candle and blew out the steady flame. She felt as if someone had just done the same with her. The pain, stress and the overwhelming fatigue that had been pushed back in order to finish her work were now set loose in her body that didn't stand a chance.
That had been... she didn't know how long ago. Careful as to where she put her arm, she tried her best to lift herself without brining any more pain to her already aching body. It didn't work. Her head was throbbing and she couldn't turn her neck before massaging it a bit. Looking to her lap she found a blanket that had slipped off when she had gotten up.
Shinosuke. She thought turning to the empty futon. Giving a tired sigh she turned back to the futon to her left. The worry lingering over her lightened a bit when she saw him. At least his expression was calmer. He had a bit more color in his cheeks too. But until he was awake and she could slap him silly for pulling of such a stunt, she wouldn't be at peace.
Thinking it was probably better to let everyone know that for now everything was all right, she pushed away the blanket and stood up, hearing about three of her articulations snap not being able to recognize them all.
She blinked once she was fully upright. And not knowing if it had been a rush of blood to her head, or her lingering fatigue, she sunk down to her knees again with green dots flashing around her eyes. Steadying herself with her arms she heard Kirara give a soft mew. She hadn't even noticed she was still here.
The nekko obviously worried jumped over to her master. Sango gave her a small smile.
"Daijoubu... I just got dizzy that's all..."
A light groan to her left caught her full attention as she turned to see an odd expression on Miroku's face. For a moment she thought something had happened to him, then she thought maybe he was finally going to wake up. When his eyes didn't open for a while, she was stuck with the idea that, either he was in pain... or dreaming.
"It's only happened to you once... you hated it. Why do you do it to me?"
Miroku looked down at soft brown eyes.
"Sango...."
"You hated it." she continued
Before he could ask what she was talking about the white scenery they had been in began to sprout grass and trees filling up an orange sky above him, when he turned around to Sango again nothing but bushes where in her place... very large bushes.
Actually everything in this familiar forest seemed to be bigger. Looking down at himself he recognized the yellow and brown clothes he was wearing. Impossible. Extending his hands he saw the shortened armguard around his right hand with no rosary of any kind.
'I don't want you going past the line of trees Miroku....'
With wide eyes he turned to the sound of that all too familiar voice. Where did it come from? It was like an echo inside his head. Searching for the bearer he noticed extremely tall trees all around him. The forest.
A faint feeling of dread and melancholy began to bubble inside of him. The bushes a few feet away began to rustle. Giving a small gasp he turned to face the noise, regretting not having done as he had been told.
He looked to the greenery long after it had stopped moving; sure that something else was going to happen.
His breath got caught in his throat when suddenly the shrubs he was using as a hideout reveled something that looked like a lizard with much more teeth and claws than it was supposed to have.
He fell back against his hands watching slowly as the reptile that seemed to be covered in thorns, outstretched its claws ready for the kill.
"Miroku!"
Hearing faintly the sound of his name and the rustle of the forest shrubs he felt something like a huge gust of wind pull him left, and knock him on the floor.
By the time he recovered he heard footsteps rush over to him sliding to a stop taking a protective stand over his small body.
"Chichi-ue..."
"Kazaana!"
The reptile, which had also been pulled to the floor, dug its claws into ground as a horribly strong and loud vacuum of air was aimed its way. Feeling scared Miroku hung tight to the leg of his father not knowing what was going on. It was until the forest floor finally gave way to the black hole that the lizard was sucked into his father's hand and his fist closed around the void stopping the strong current quite abruptly.
Daring to open his eyes Miroku looked up to the figure looming over him panting as if he had just run a long distance. Then before anything could be asked his father dropped to his knees clutching his right hand tightly.
"Chichi-ue!!"
Smiling through the pain the young man looked up at his preoccupied son. "Daijoubu?" he asked.
Miroku looked from his father, to the missing piece of earth, to his right hand. The bandages he normally used to hide the void where spread loosely over his arm being covered slowly by the small amount of blood in his fathers closed fist.
"What happened to your hand?" asked Miroku, absolutely panicked.
"I'm fine.... did it do anything to you? Are you hurt?"
Miroku shook his head frustrated. He was fine, but his father was bleeding and in pain, to top it of because of something he had done, why couldn't he see that? Hadn't his father already told him that if he used the hole in his hand he would have to go sooner? He never used it.... why couldn't he see that?
"Why can't you see that...?"
Looking up he was back in the blank scenery, back to his normal height and age, and hearing her voice again.
"You hated it... as do I."
Looking at her figure he saw her in the red and white kimono she had showed up in the morning with. Her hair down, plastered against her face, drenched to the core panting silently. Looking just like she did the moment she had entered the cabin. With a sad face she took a hand to her chest in what seemed like a very painful movement.
"Why can't you see...?"
Her soft voice seemed to echo in his head for an eternity, yet he couldn't see her anymore. He couldn't open his eyes; they seemed to be glued together. He wanted to see, to see her...
"Sango..."
Finally he was able to unglue his eyelids to be received by temporary darkness clearing into a blur of brown and blue. It took him a few seconds to make out the shape beside him was human, and a few more to know who it was.
"She went to eat something and clean herself up. I don't think she'll be long." He said
While everything started coming back the man beside him smiled and began to rummage through some things.
"Shinosuke?" asked Miroku finally.
"Nani?"
"How long has it been since....?"
"Just yesterday... I'm surprised at how fast you recover."
"What are you doing?" he asked noticing he wasn't just cleaning up the room but gathering his supplies.
"I was staying only until I could thank you for everything you've done for me. Although I would have objected if I knew just what you were doing, but none the less you've saved my life. Arigatou gozaimasu, Miroku-sama." He bowed humbly
"Ah... nandemonai. I'm just glad I could help. But have you told Sango that you plan to leave?"
"I will when she comes back. No more secrets ne?" he smiled
"Aa." He answered "Ano... could you help me stand up please? I can't seem to move anything below my neck more than 2 inches."
"Of course."
Wincing and cursing one or two times he thanked Shinosuke once he was sitting over his futon.
"I think you should leave it there. Sango will have my head if she knows I did anything to move you."
"Daijoubu, I'll handle her. She's gonna be fuming at me anyway, what's one more reprimand? Anyway all it takes is a gentle touch of her hand to calm her down."
Shino chuckled "Hugs work wonders as well."
"I'll remember that." Smiled Miroku
A melancholic expression came to Shino's face looking back up at the monk. "I'm very happy with the decision Sango has made. She chose a very honorable man to fall in love with."
Miroku smiled nervously. Any adjective but honorable would have been better.
"I guess you could say I'm the closest thing Sango has got to a family. So I think it's proper that I say congratulations to you both and," he took an embarrassed pause "Also remember I care for her as well and want nothing but her happiness. I trust you Miroku. I believe you will also do anything and everything to keep her smiling. This is all I ask of you." He finished bowing.
Miroku looked to the man before him with new eyes. He knew why Sango had chosen him in the past. It was very hard in these times to find such an honorable man. He should be proud; few men in this country had Miroku's admiration. He took a bow as well, as much as his back would let him.
"Arigatou gozaimasu. A promise is a strong thing. I have made one to Sango, to you, and most importantly to myself. The day I break one willingly will be a day after eternity."
Both pulled up with smiles. "I guess she's all yours now. Heavy hands and all." chuckled Shino
"They complement the dagger glaring eyes." He smirked
"Sou ka...?" interrupted a third voice from the door.
Both twitched at the sound of her voice.
"Lovely Sango! How are you this morning?" asked Miroku nervously.
"Jumping for joy Houshi-sama." Sango raised an eye brow holding a tray with both tea and water in her hands
The men chuckled nervously.
"Shino... out."
"Yes ma'am."
Before Miroku could complain about how he was a coward, the mentioned was already running down the hall.
"Mou..." he pouted
"Ohayo gozaimasu Houshi-sama." Said Sango warningly approaching his futon.
"Ohayo gozaimasu sweet Sango. You look lovely this morning."
She said nothing. All she did was calmly begin to serve the tea. He decided not to say anything thinking it would be best to know how she was feeling this morning, or afternoon, or what ever time of the day it was...
"You shouldn't be up. Have you eaten?" she asked
"Iie. Not since.... breakfast... ano, yesterday." He shrugged
She looked up with angry eyes but proceeded making the tea again. Some herbs he had seen and others that were new to him where being put into it. When she offered it to him he didn't hesitate or complain.
Taking a small sip he tested the temperature. "Your tea is exquisite. It feels nice." He smiled letting the smell relax his sore throat.
He was about to take another sip when something dropped gently over his lap.
"Sango..."
"Don't speak." She requested quietly from over his lap, "Just for a moment."
He looked down at the chocolate blanket of her locks over his legs wondering if he should do or say something. Finally obeying her request, he set down the cup of tea next to the futon and set a gentle hand over her hair toying it smoothly.
Making sure he had everything he took one last glance at his temporary room. Everything seemed to have happened a little fast now that it was time to go. Two days was nothing more that the blink of an eye, but this was the way it was meant to be.
He would wait for her, just to say good bye, but it was best that he start now. He felt calmer now that he had spoken with the monk. Now he had to find the Hanyou, the girl and the little fox. Everyone had been kind and supporting with him. She had gotten lucky in finding such good friends. It was only fair considering everything she had already lost. Shaking off his melancholic mood he strapped his pouch on and reached for his Niken.
Nothing was there.
"Hello Shinosuke-sama."
The voice chilled his blood. He had only heard it once before but would never forget it.
"You failed me." It whispered.
"It serves you right you know..." scolded Sango watching the monk with certain amusement.
He would have answered had his mouth not been stuffed with food. Besides, she was right. He hadn't eaten in a day and was literally starving.
"Only men can be this irrational. Or so Kagome-san says." Sango continued taking a sip of tea every once in a while.
"I'm just glad this is over." She looked down at her cup.
Finally swallowing a large amount of food he looked up at her serious face.
A loud crash and a light shake of the earth interrupted their moment. Both turned worried to the origin as Sango rushed to the door. She opened it in time to see a flash of red and white shoot by. Inu-Yasha. Kagome ran just behind him.
"Kagome!" shouted Sango as she passed "What's going on?"
She stopped only a moment and faced Sango while she took an arrow from her back pouch.
"It's him."
°
Him.... I couldn't decide if I should just leave it there or put what I had in mind from the beginning, but then I thought of the prologue, and had to put it in, either way it turned out all right. Um that thingy with Miroku was a dream-slash-memory in case you were wondering...
review please!!!