Chapter 4: Broken

The rest of the days march hard been fairly uneventful for Inuyasha and company, save for a hearty smack. Nothing out of the ordinary. After a few hours, Miroku had made an attempt to get Sango to speak to him. A reminder of his punishment was now displayed on his cheek for all to see.

"Miroku, why don't you and Inuyasha go get some wood?" Sango suggested. Boy was Kagome going to get an earful from her.

"Your wish is my command, my love." Miroku said, bowing. He was still attempting to get on Sango's good side. She dismissed him with a wave.

"Why do I have to go? Miroku can handle it by himself." Inuyasha complained.

"Need some convincing Inuyasha?" Kagome asked in a sickly sweet voice. Inuyasha needed no second bidding. He dashed to the forest; his face a mask of pure terror, knowing what penalty awaited him should he refuse.

"You got some nerve." Sango didn't wait to begin chastising her friend.

"Who, me?" Kagome asked her voice still in an innocent, sweet tone.

"Who else would I be talking to? Anyone else around?" Sango snapped. "By the way, what did Miroku say to your request?" Sango added with an arrogant smirk.

"He didn't really give me a straight answer." Kagome admitted. "I guess he wants to give it some thought."

"Or maybe he doesn't want the mother if his child to be a skank." Sango said sharply. Normally Kagome would be insulted, but she knew this was just a fit of jealous rage, so she didn't mind. However, that didn't stop Kagome from making a snappy comeback.

"He's a good kisser, isn't he? Oh, that's right, you wouldn't know would you?" Kagome replied.

"Don't be so sure. Hell, why stop there? There's a lot more we could do, I'm sure." Sango countered. "I know something you don't." Sango and Kagome both knew this was a horrible lie, but neither cared. Sango was just trying to win a verbal fight, and Kagome just wanted to goad Sango into admitting she loved the monk.

"Perhaps not, but I will soon enough. He wants to I can tell." Kagome ventured.

"In your dreams you little whore!" Sango yelled.

"You're one to talk! You screwed the same man you claimed to hate not twenty four hours ago!" Kagome shouted back at her.

"Shut it, bitch!"

"Uh, girls?" Inuyasha interrupted. Both females turned to notice Inuyasha and Miroku had returned with several logs. "Is there a problem?"

"No, no problem." they both responded in unison.

"You sure?" Miroku asked, giving them a funny look.

"Yes." Kagome and Sango confirmed, again, in unison.

"If you say so." Miroku sat back down between the two girls. Kagome who had gotten a little to into their fight over Miroku scooted closer to him and leaned her head on his shoulder. This didn't escape the notice of anybody. Sango shot her a frosty glare, and Miroku gave her same funny look he had a few moments earlier. "Are you feeling alright Lady Kagome?" he asked warily. "You've been awfully err…kind today."

"Never been better. What's wrong with deciding to be a tad nicer than usual?" Kagome prodded.

"Nothing. In fact, keep it up." Miroku said with a grin.

"You got it." Kagome said, leaning up to kiss him. This time, Miroku didn't hesitate to return the favor. It took all of Inuyasha's self-control to not pounce upon Miroku a slash him to ribbons.

"Excuse me. I'll be right back." Inuyasha said through grit teeth. Inuyasha left the clearing, and moments later, several treetops toppled over in the distance. Sango however, couldn't be so easily rid of what she felt. She had no anger to vent. She felt as if a white-hot lance had peen plunged into her heart. She lost all hope of ever being with Miroku at that moment. Sango slowly stood up and turn away, vainly attempting to hide the tears. She walked away without comment, but sobs were clearly audible.

I think you ought to go after her." Kagome told him.

"Yes…yes of course." Miroku said following the distraught huntress, guilt heavy on his conscience.