Chapter 2: Nighttime Visitation
Sango had been traveling for several days, without luck. There was no sign of InuYasha anywhere. She sighed as she saw that it was getting dark. "Alright, Kirara, we'll stop here," she relented when the firecat's persistent meows finally got to her. Kirara transformed into her kitten form as soon as Sango was off her back. She promptly curled up into a little ball and fell asleep. Sango set about making herself some dinner.
Just then, she heard a rustling sound nearby. Reaching reflexively for Hiraikotsu, Sango called out. "Who's there?!" When she received no answer, she crept forward. Soon, she was directly in front of the bush where the rustling originated. Taking a deep breath, she moved her hand to move the bush. But before she could reach it, the leaves spread on their own. Sango screamed and jumped back as something hurtled out of the bush. She laughed when she saw that it was just a harmless squirrell. "I'm getting paranoid..." She turned her attention back to making dinner, unaware of the eyes that continued to watch her from the cover of the forest.
Miroku looked worriedly at Kaede. "She's been gone quite a while, don't you think, Lady Kaede?"
"She most certainly has. I am starting to worry..." The old woman trailed off. "Maybe you should go look for her?" Miroku looked startled at first, then smiled.
"Yes, yes I should." After he had left the hut, Kaede said quietly to herself, "I just hope you find her alive and well..."
InuYasha smirked as Sango reached for the Hiraikotsu. It was just like her to be so paranoid... But at least she was doing well. He hoped the others were, as well. He was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard Sango muttering to herself. "Where are you, InuYasha? Kagome needs you, dammit!" InuYasha very nearly fell out of the tree he was perched in. Rarely did Sango curse, and only when the situation was serious. He sniffed the air and caught a whiff of the salty scent of tears. He glanced down and saw Sango crying softly to herself. Wait, Sango... crying?! She never cried... Something must be very wrong...