Ok, i made another story. I worked pretty hard on this and I hope that you guys think its good. I'm trying to keep it both Inu/Kag and San/Mir, but im posting it san/mir cuz i have a feeling thats going to be the majority of fluff. Well, here it is!
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, or any of the characters 'cries'
A Moonlight Festival
"Are we there yet?" came a whiney kitsune voice from Kagome's bike basket. Kagome couldn't blame her "adopted son" for being tired. They had been travelling quite some time. Not to mention fought a vicious battle only the night before. Normally after such a tiresome day they would rest a while, but Kagome had sensed a jewel shard. No one had been very badly injured during the fight, so the group decided as a whole that the jewel shard was of more importance than resting, and risking the chance of Naraku getting a hold of the jewel shard.
"Yes Shippo, we're almost there. Just hold on a little bit longer. Then you can have a hot meal and a good sleep, there should be a village not far from here," Said the raven haired girl in her most motherly and soothing voice. "Inuyasha! How much farther is the next village from here?" Kagome shouted up ahead to the hanyou who was leading the group.
"Feh, It's not that much farther, so shut your yap Shippo. The less whining you do the less pounding you get from me!" growled Inuyasha
"INUYASHA! That was mean! SIT!" growled Kagome. Obviously, she was feeling just as tired as the rest of the group, and the lack of sleep was not improving her mood. Sango rolled her eyes as she heard a loud thump. Everyone stopped and waited for Inuyasha to get up out of the dirt.
"With all the dirt Inuyasha eats in a day its a wonder he still has an apetite for all the ramen he eats" whispered Miroku, leaning closer to Sango. Of course, Miroku being the lech he is, just had to take advantage of their proximity. And of course Sango wouldn't put up with his lechery. There was a loud thud as Miroku got hit in the head by Sango's hiraikotsu
"I am sorry my dearest Sango, it was just too good an oppertunity to miss," said Miroku smiling widely.
"Like I haven't heard THAT one before," replied Sango sarcastically.
"You really need some new lines, pickup lines and apology lines, or else you're going to get hit a hell of alot more," advised Inuyasha.
"Maybe you're right Inuyasha," said Miroku, then going quiet appearing deep in thought. There was another whack of the hiraikotsu from Sango.
"That was for actually listening to him. No girl wants to hear a pick up line, but I do agree with the apology part," Sango laughed, "That's why I only hit you with half my usual force. Well that and the fact that I'm not wasting my energy on you when we may have another battle comming up," she added.
"We're very close to town now, so Shippo, you don't have to ask again," stated Inuyasha guffly.
"Inuyasha can you smell any demons close by?" queried Sango, "Because, if there is one, and we slay it for the village, they might let us stay in a hotel for the night. Also, that may be where the jewel shard is," she finished.
"Sango, my dear, you are brilliant! And I could offer my services to keep any further dark spirits away!" Miroku began plotting deviously as to what sort of charms he could use.
"You would think that by now you would be world famous for your lechery and fake charms and spells," retorted Inuyasha.
"Your words wound me, Inuyasha, my charms are just as real and true as the beauty that is Sango" said Miroku, once again trying to feel up Sango. Sango, who was already tired at this point, snapped at Miroku.
"You stupid lech get your hands off my ass! Gods! I can't wait till we're in the next town so you can go bug some other girl for a change!" she yelled. "Inuyasha, you watch him, if he's not careful I will kill him! The playboy thing is getting old. Kagome, can I walk with you?" she continued, her voice getting softer, reliasing she had over-reacted. Miroku seemed genuinly hurt by Sango's sudden outburst.
"Lady Sango, I am truly sorry to have angered you so. Please accept my deepest apologies" he spoke in a low, soft voice. Bowing low he took her hand and kissed it. "And the will be the last of my lechery towards you tonight, that is a promise"
Sango felt a blush creep onto her cheeks, but remained composed. 'This is no time to go all mushy, Sango' she told herself, 'Stay calm, cool and collected. And for all you're worth don't look into his eyes. Those goregeous, wonderful eyes,' she kept composed, looking at the ground. Miroku went up to walk with Inuyasha, who starting going on about how he was going to end up with a concussion if he didn't quit his lechery. Sango went and walked with Kagome, and listened to some of her tales from the future. Her choice invention of the day was make-up, specifically cover-up.
"Hold up, I smell demon" whispered Inuyasha.
"AND IT HAS THE SHARD I DETECTED!" screeched Kagome happily.
"Damnit woman, SHUT UP, the idea is to be stealthy, not make me deaf!" yelled Inuyasha irratably. Kagome growled, which took Sango by surprise.
"I think you have spent too much time with Inuyasha, Kagome, you're starting to growl and everything." she whispered.
Just then a large spider demon charged the group, causing Kagome to scream loudly.
"Damnit woman, what did I JUST say about making me deaf!" snapped Inuyasha.
"Sorry," she replied meekly, pouting slightly.
No one had noticed Sango's obvious distress. 'Ever since I went to the castle to slay that spider demon, when my village was slain, I have been afriad of spiders' she shuddered inwardly, 'I'm ok, I can do this, It's only a stupid spider. Weak, creepy, crawly, ugly, freaky, spider' Now that she had freaked herself out more she was having a hard time moving from the spot she stood in. She felt cemented in place. 'OK Sango, you're fine, plus, the spider can't hurt you. Houshi-sama and Inuyasha wouldn't let that happen!' she thought reassuring herself.
"Oi! Sango! I could use a little help over here. This things bloody fast!" called Inuyasha. Sango had been snapped out of her reverie and went into action. With the help of Inuyasha, she had quickly slain the demon. Miroku covered the clean-up. Kagome had sat this battle out because she was terrified of spiders, and had a limited supply of bows, that could have been put to better use. Shippo had hidden in the bike basket, covering his eyes, as he felt he was 'too young' to see such violence. Kirara had sat on the sidelines, ready to jump into action if her mistress had needed help.
After the spider was slain, and the jewel shard it had was recovered and purified, the group headed at a quicker pace to the village. Ready for some well deserved rest.
Upon reaching the town, they reliased something was happening. The town was buzzed with people shuffling from place to place. A big clearing had been made in the centre of town, and in the clearing, people were building small booths. Delightful aromas were slowly wafting through the cool evening air.
"Wow! I wonder what's going on here!" said a delighted Shippo in awe.
"I think they're having some sort of festival or something. From the looks of it, it will start tomorrow night, seeing as they are still setting up." Sango pointed out.
"Well I think we should stay in the town for the festival then! Which means we'll need to find a place to stay for the night," said Kagome, laughing at the delighted squeels from Shippo.
"I will secure a place for us to stay tonight. I couldn't expect my dearest Sango to have to sleep on the ground when she has been working so hard lately. Not that she couldn't handle it, tough as nails you are my beauty," said Miroku in his usual light hearted manner. Sango of course rolled her eyes at the compliment. Sometimes Miroku wondered if that was the only way she responded to compliments.
When Miroku came back about half an hour later, he had good news.
"When I told the Inn keeper that we had slain the spider demon, he offered us his best two rooms, and a free buffet made by his cooks. Apparently that demon had been troublesome to the town, and they are more than happy that it is gone. So come, my lovely ladies," he said motioning to Sango, Kagome, and of course, Kirara, "And my dear friends," he motioned to Inuyasha and Shippo, ignoring the glare he was receiving from Inuyasha, for calling Kagome lovely, "Let us go eat! We can have a good rest for tomorrows festivities! Did I mention, we are the guests of honor at the festival?" finished Miroku, smiling happily. For once in his life, not because he just groped Sango, but for the fact he had done very well to help his friends. He was proud of himself and that took alot.
{Later that night}
Sango, although exhausted, still couldn't sleep. She took a walk in the woods, taking in the beautiful scenery around her. Looking up she saw a full moon and brightly glimmering stars. As hard as she tried she just couldn't get Miroku off her mind. Was he just a friend to her? She wanted to be more than that, but Miroku just didn't seem to want to stop chasing other girls. She thought he didn't return her feelings, so she had always kept them a secret.
Finally she returned to the Inn to sleep. She was sore and needed it. Before falling asleep she reminded herself to thank Houshi for the lovely room.... Speaking of Houshi.. WHAT WAS HE DOING IN HER ROOM! Just before she knocked him senseless for comming in her room, she remembered that Inuyasha had thought it would be best if Kagome slept in his room. His reasoning was that she had the jewel shards, and they needed to be protected. Sango did detect a slight blush when he shared his idea with the group. Shippo had also slept with them, so they didn't get themselves in any 'trouble'. Miroku had slept in her room, but had to promise to keep his wandering hands to himself. Everyone knew that Sango was capable of handling Miroku, so this didn't put a dent in their plans. Sango, now drifted off into a deep sleep...
It took all of Sango's will power to keep from screaming at the top of her lungs when she awoke. She had had a dream. No, not a dream, a terrible nightmare. Her shoulders shook with sobs she refused to let out.
{Sango's dream}
Sango had gone to the castle with her father, brother and fellow exterminators. Everything happened just like the day Kohaku murdered them all, then was killed himself. The same spider demon, the same creepy Lord, ruling the demon. After pulling herself out of her shallow grave again, she was suddenly with her friends. They we in a bright feild, surrounded by wildflowers. Even Inuyasha seemed to be in a good mood. Kagome smiled back to her and called her to come pick flowers with her. It was so real, she could almost feel the sun on her face. Then suddenly, rain clouds appeared over head. Everything darkened. A large spider demon came charging at them. Sango was frozen in place by terror. It looked just like the demon from the castle. Sango tried her hardest to gather up courage and help everyone battle the demon, but there was nothing she could do. 'Noo!!! she screamed inside, 'Please save them, I can't have the people who I've come to care for so much die. Not like this.' Sango charged at the demon, full strength. She threw her Hirakotsu straight at its abdomen. The spider was much quicker than she first thought. The spider shot a web at her. Constricting not only her movement, but her breathing as well. 'No, I can't give up now. My friends, they need my help.' Barely able to breathe, Sango was fighting unconciousness. She watched as Inuyasha went up against the demon, using all his strength. The demon simply doged attacks. 'It's so fast!' she thought, fighting to stay awake. Slowly, she watched as her friends strength dimished, and they were killed one by one. Miroku was the last to die. He put up a valliant fight, but couldnt suck the demon in his Kazaana. When he tried, it jumped behind him. Before he had the chance to react, the demon killed him. 'No!' Sango screamed, 'Houshi-sama! No please, dont die Miroku, please don't die!'
{End Sango's dream}
Sango coudln't stop from crying now. 'Why? Why am I so afraid of these wretched spiders? That dream, It.. It seemed so real, too real. I don't know what I would do if Kagome, Inuyasha or Houshi-sama died. I wouldn't be able to go on. Then I don't know what I would do..' Sango's mind filled with 'what-if's?' and unanswered questions. She tried hard not to wake Miroku up with her sobs, which had now quieted down, to some degree. She was still thinking about her dream, when she felt someone drape a blanket over her shoulders. She lowered her gaze to the floor in an unsuccessful attempt to stop him from seeing her tear-stained cheeks, and red puffy eyes.
"Sango, what's wrong?" Asked Miroku in a quiet voice, tainted with worry.
"I- It's nothing. I'm fine, go back to sleep," she replied, trying to keep her voice from shaking.
"Sango, you can't lie to me. I know something is very wrong. You're crying, and that takes a lot I know. What is bothering you so much?" he questioned, not bothering to try to hide the worry he was feeling. Gently, he put a hand on her shoulder, and sat down beside her. Automatically, she stiffened at his touch, but then relaxed when she reliased he wasn't up to any lechery.
"I said it's nothing. You don't need to worry. I just.. I had a bad dream that's all," she said, brushing him away. Miroku looked hurt. He tilted her chin so he could gaze directly into her eyes.
"Sango, I just want to help. For you to be upset this badly over a dream is unusual. Please tell me what happened. It might help to talk about it," Miroku said, determination to know filling his voice. She sighed, 'He isn't going to leave me alone untill he knows exactly what happened. I might as well tell him.." she thought to herself.
"It goes like this," she started. For the next fifteen minutes she explained her nightmare to Miroku. She was suprised at how attentively he listened, and how he winced at all the terror should would have felt, being through all that death. "It was just so real!" She exclaimed, "I know it's silly to be afriad of something so insignificant, but I can't help it. Even the smallest spider demon makes my blood run cold." She finished finally. Miroku paused, studying her features, looking at her closely. Sango felt his gaze, and the blush that crept up her cheeks from it.
"I think that you are a remarkable woman, Sango. And I can hardly blame you for being so phobic of spider demons. After all you've been through with them, I think I would have broke down in tears everytime I saw one," He said, laughing slightly, "I couldn't see the slightest fear in your eyes, yesterday when we were fighting the spider. Although I do remember you hesitation, but I though nothing of it. Don't put yourself down over one little fear." this time it was Sango who laughed, but her laugh was more bitter.
"Yea one little thing. A demon exterminator afraid of a demon. Now that's stupid-"
"No it's not stupid Sango! Everyone is afriad of something. And I can say that I am afriad of many things, no matter what demon we fight, I always get scared. Especially when we run into Naraku. So don't you dare think you're stupid. I bet you even Inuyasha is afriad of something." Miroku's voice now had a slight edge in it.
"I think he is most afriad of something happening to Kagome," she thought out-loud, "I know one of my other big fears is something happening to any one of you guys. I just don't know what I would do. In fact I don't know what I will do, once we have all the shards. I really don't know. I almost don't want this adventure to end. I don't want Kag going home, and I don't want our group to go it's seperate ways." Sango said, feeling as thought she would cry again. Miroku, maybe seeing how upset she was becomming, rubbed his hand up and down her back- and suprisingly, only her back. Shooting Miroku a quizzical look she asked. "Houshi-sama, are you feeling ok? You haven't groped me all night."
"Lady Sango, I promised you I would not grope you for the rest of the day. Although I may not seem it at times, I am a man of my word. I mean what I say and I say what I mean. You can always, always trust me to keep my promises." he replied.
"I'll remember that," she said quietly.
"Do you think you're going to get back to sleep ok? Or would you like to stay up a while longer?" He asked, looking over at her. 'She is so beautiful. I am so lucky to have met her on this journey, and got to spend time with her like this. I wonder, if she could ever think of me as more than a lecherous Houshi' he smiled at her, "Well?" he asked
"If its ok with you, I'd like to sit here with you a while longer..." Sango said, smiling up at him.
"Sango, I want you to know something. I really care about you. I never want to hurt you, even unintentionally. You mean everything to me. And I want you to feel the same, but I just couldn't keep my feelings from you any longer. Even if you're mad at me for saying this. I want to be with you Sango," Miroku said everything in one breath, then waited for a reaction from Sango. She simply looked stunned. Sango tryed finding words to explain her feelings to him, but failed.
"Maybe I shouldn't have said anything..." said Miroku, now feeling stupid for his sudden outburst.
"No! I'm glad you said something. I just couldn't beleive you said that, it was totally unexpected. Miroku, I care about you too. I have for a long time. I want to be with you, too. I, I don't know what to say! I'm so happy!" said Sango, throwing her arms up around Miroku. 'This is the best moment of my life' thought Miroku, wrapping his arms around Sango, and pulling her onto his lap. Miroku and Sango stayed up talking for quite a while, until Sango fell asleep on his shoulder that is. Miroku carefully picked her up and placed her on her futon. Then he came and slept beside her, just in case she had another nightmare.
{Kagome and Inuyasha's room}
Shippo had fallen fast asleep, curled up in a little ball. Like Sango and Miroku, Kagome and Inuyasha had stayed up talking, but they talked about what was going to happen when they had the whole Shikon jewel. They talked about the fate of the group, and what would happen after they defeated Naraku.
"I don't want to leave you, Inuyasha. I don't want to leave you, or Sango, or Miroku, or Kirara, or Shippo. I want to stay right here," when Kagome had thought about going home, she got upset. She even seemed on the verge of tears. "Once you make your wish to become full demon, the Shikon jewel will be gone, and I can't go between times. I don't even want to think about never seeing you again. I don't want that to happen, ever,"
"Kagome, you don't have to leave. You can stay here with us. And we are far from completing the jewel. Please don't worry so much, at least not yet. We have a lot of time to spend together before anything happens. Come on, you should go to sleep," suggested Inuyasha. Kagome nodded, then snuggled against Inuyasha.
"Love you, Inuyasha, sweet dreams," mumbled Kagome sleepily, burrying her head into his haori to hide her blush.
"I love you to, Kagome, I love you too," he murmered, smoothing her hair, and finally, falling asleep too.
Well, I hope you liked it. Please review, if you have any comments, I'd like to hear them. It might take me a while to get the next chapter out because me and Princess1616 are going on a camping trip for a week {next week} Speaking of Princess1616, I'd like to suggest you read her story "The Challenge" It is very funny, and really cute too! Once again REVIEW PLEASE. This time I'll give you, cake, lol.
