Chapter 6

She sat in the center of the room with Shippou and Kirara by her side. She turned to look at Inuyasha as he struggled to get up from the floor. 'At least the floor is still undamaged. The last thing we need is to pay the owner for damaging his floor. Where could they be? It can't take Sango this long to eat and put Miroku in his place. Can it? Could they have gone somewhere else? Maybe they decided to spent some time alone.' Suddenly her mind was flooded with all the romantic possibilities. She couldn't help but feel all giddy inside. Her two good friends could at this very moment be kissing. 'The second I get her alone she better tell me what they were doing. I deserve to know for putting up with a grouchy Inuyasha.' Her view of the wall was soon blocked off by the hanyou who was staring at her.

"Kagome are you alright?" Shippou jumped into her lap.

"Yes I'm ok. Why do you ask?" She looked down at the small fox demon.

"You had this weird smile just a moment ago. And you wouldn't answer Inuyasha. I thought that maybe you where getting sick." Shippou continued to look at her for an explanation.

"I'm sorry. I was just trying to figure out why Miroku-sama and Sango-chan were taking so long. Did you want something Inuyasha?" She looked at Inuyasha who had back off a bit.

"Feh. I don't know why you worry so much over those two. You already know what their doing. That monk is probably unconscious and Sango is waiting for him to come to. So why don't we go get that sword away from that child. Miroku is taking too long and she could hurt someone with that sword." Inuyasha sat down with his hands crossed across his chest.

"Inuyasha I already told you to drop the subject. We are not going to disturb that little girl until Miroku-sama gets back. Ok! Or do I need to use the S-word again?" She started to message her temples. She was starting to get a headache.

"I still can't believe you let that bouzo leave a sword with a small child. What were you thinking? Feh. Stupid humans." He stood up and started towards the door.

"I already told you that he wants the girl to trust us. And besides, its her sword maybe even her father's. And don't forget your half human. Baka. … Inuyasha get away from that door or I'll… SIT BOY!"

Inuyasha hit the floor face first as he opened the door. Miroku stood before the fallen hanyou. He was about to open the door when he heard Kagome yell the subduing spell. Sango didn't wait for Inuyasha to stand. She walked around him and sat next to Kagome.

"Stupid Wench. I was opening the door for them. I wasn't going to go anywhere near the girl." He slowly got up from the floor.

"Well I'm not sorry at all. You still deserved it for being so annoying and stubborn."

Kagome spoke to him but was looking at her friend. Sango seemed to be lost in thought. 'I wonder what happen.' She was about to ask when Miroku spoke up.

"I'm going to see the girl. Your all welcome to come."

Kagome noticed nothing wrong with Miroku as he walked way. Now she was real curious as to what was wrong with her friend. She was going to ask her when she got up and followed Miroku. Soon everyone had left to follow Miroku and only she was left. 'Ok something is definitely wrong. But what could it be? Miroku better of not said something to hurt her. I'll kill him if he did.' Making a mental note to speak to Sango very soon, she left to follow everyone. When they reached the room he stopped. He turned to face his friends. He waited for Kagome to catch up before he began to speak.

"Inuyasha, Shippou and Kirara please wait outside for now. Let me, Sango and Kagome-sama to go in first." Sango noticed how he avoided looking straight at her.

"What? Why do we have to wait out here like some kind of dogs?" Inuyasha crossed his arms and waited for an answer.

"First off Inuyasha, you are a dog demon. Second I don't know if the girl is afraid of demons. She already knows me, Sango and Kagome-sama. Please wait outside until I call you."

He opened the door and walked in. Kagome gave Inuyasha a warning before she closed the door behind her. Miroku smiled when the girl woke up and looked up at him. She never took her eyes of him as he made his way to her. 'Her eyes are a nice shade of blue. I haven't seen that color before. Her hair seems to be dark but I bet its because its dirty. After this I got to have Kagome and Sango to take her to a bathhouse.' He moved to sit in front of her. He made sure to notice where she had the tantō before sitting down. Kagome sat at his left and Sango to his right. There was a moment of silence as he tried to figure out what to say.

"I'm glad to see that you trusted us enough to eat." He gave the three empty bowls a quick glance. The girl only nodded but continued to stare at him. After a moment of silence he continued.

"I believe you already know our names. But let me introduce us once more. This is…" He stopped when he heard her mumble something.

"I'm sorry I didn't hear you. Could you repeat it? Please." He smiled at the girl trying to encourage her to speak.

"I already know the names of your wives. But you never told me your name."

A loud bang was heard from outside as Inuyasha fell down. Some cursing was soon heard. Kagome and Sango just stared at the small girl in disbelief. Sango couldn't believe what she had heard. 'Do we look like husband and wife?' Her face felt so hot that had there been a buck with water she would of dunk her face in. Kagome on the other hand was trying to figure out what had given the girl the impression that she was the wife of Miroku. Miroku laughed when he noticed that both girls were blushing. As the two girls calmed themselves, the ruckus outside the room got louder. Apparently Inuyasha was trying to get in and set the girl straight about Kagome. Shippou and Kirara for their parts where trying their best to hold back Inuyasha. Miroku got over his laughter when he saw the girl. She had a frighten look as she starred at the door that was being banged on. Putting a hand on Kagome's shoulder he whispered to her.

"Can you please subdue Inuyasha? He is scaring the girl." He smiled as he noticed that her cheeks where still pink. She nodded and turned to look at the door.

"Inuyasha calmed down or else."

She was about to subdue him when he stopped trying to break down the door. Something about stupid wenches and perverted monks was heard as Inuyasha quieted down. Miroku looked at the scared girl in front of him. He waited for everyone to settle down before speaking.

"I'm sorry if we scared you. The yelling you heard from outside is from one of our friends. There are three more of us that you haven't met yet. I'll introduce you to them in due time but for now lets clear some things up. First these beautiful young ladies are not my wives. They are good friends I travel with. But I must admit you do bring up an interesting point up. We do look good together don't we?" He let out a small cry as both girls elbowed him in the ribs. The small girl giggled when he winked at her playfully.

"Stop playing around Houshi-sama." Sango gave him a cold stare and motioned for him to continue.

"Well like I said before this here is the lovely Kagome. This is the equally lovely but stronger Sango. And I'm the humble monk Miroku at your service my young lady." He rubbed both of his aching sides. But gave more attention to the side Sango had hit.

The small girl looked at the three friends before her. She wasn't sure what to think about them except that they were no threat to her. 'Miroku. He has the same violet eyes as father but not the same name.' She looked down at thetantō as the memory of her father came to her. She clenched her father's tantō with both her small hands. It was only a year since she lost him. Every time she remembered him her heart felt heavy with sadness. She was about to cry when she felt a hand on her clenched hands. She looked up and gazed into his eyes. He wasn't her father and never would be but she couldn't help get lost in his eyes. 'They are so much like his'

"Now that you know our names will you tell us yours?" His voice had a soothing effect on her heart.

"Mayumi." She whispered still looking into his eyes. His cheerful smile returned in full force.

"Mayumi what a beautiful name. Isn't it Sango?"

Kagome turned to face her friend. Sango nodded in agreement. Mayumi smiled at them but returned her gaze to him.

"You know something, Mayumi?" He looked at her seriously causing her to worry.

"Yes. I know something's but not many." She turned to see his two friends who were looking at her weirdly. She returned her attention back to him when he began to laugh. 'Is he laughing at my name?'

"That is the first time I've ever had anyone answer that question in that manner. You're very smart. But what I wanted to say was that I must agree with my friends. Your name is truly beautiful." His kind words vanquished any mistrust she still held for them.

"Thank you. I like yours too." She lowered her head in embarrassment.

"You're the first to ever tell me that. Thank you." He ruffled her hair gently.

"How old are you? Where you staying in that cave by yourself?"

Kagome put a hand on her shoulder. Mayumi was about to answer when Miroku spoke.

"Wait, I would like to introduce you to the rest of our friends. Before I call them I need to know if you're afraid of demons. Two of our friends are full demons and one is a half demon."

While she had lived by herself she had seen several demons. Many of them would have eaten her if her father had not shown her how to hide from them. It was one of many lessons her father had taught her and all she held dear. 'He has demons as friends? They can't be the same type of demons as the ones I've seen. He wouldn't travel with man-eating demons. He is a monk after all.' She looked at him. Her discomfort was very evident to him. He was about to tell her that she didn't need to meet them when she nodded to insinuate that she was not afraid.

He looked at her a moment longer and found himself admiring her courage. 'She is clearly afraid and yet she is willing to met them.' He got up and opened the door to his friends. Shippou walked straight to Kagome. Inuyasha came in and stared at the girl that had confused Kagome for the wife of the monk. He was about to speak when Kagome gave him a say something stupid and you'll regret it look. Not wanting to experience more pain he sat close to Kagome. Kirara stood at the door and Miroku picked her up. He moved towards his friends, closing the door behind him. Kirara was purring contently in his arms. He sat down and handed the small cat demon to Sango. The fear he had seen in Mayumi's eyes was gone. She seemed intrigued by the small cat demon.

"Sango, would you?" He looked towards the small cat.

"Mayumi, I would like you to meet Kirara. She's been my companion since I was a child. She is harmless when she isn't helping us fight demons." Kirara looked at the girl from her master's lap.

"Hi I'm Shippou. I'm a fox demon and I'm also harmless." Shippou talked after Kagome had encouraged him to go next.

"Don't forget annoying." Inuyasha let out a small cry when Kagome pinched his leg.

"Leave Shippou alone. Just introduce yourself." Kagome warned him.

"I'm Inuyasha and next time you say Ka…." He stopped. Both of his female friends were giving him death glares. Deciding to stay quiet he turned to face in the other direction.

Mayumi gave Inuyasha a quick glance before returning her attention to Kirara. She had never seen such a cute cat in her life. 'Her fur is such a beautiful color. Even the two tails look so cute. I wonder if I can touch her.' Sango guessing at her thoughts sat Kirara right in front of her.

"You can pet her if you want. She won't bite."

Before Mayumi could react Kirara had already made her way into her lap. After a moment of hesitation she began to slowly pet the small cat. Kirara purred contently while trying to find the best way to lie down on the girl's lap.

"She seems to like you. She usually isn't this friendly with new people." Sango smiled at the happy expression on the girls face.

"She is so small. Does she really help you fight other demons?" Mayumi kept her eyes glued on the small cat in her lap.

"Don't let her small form fool you. She can transform to a larger form when fighting. She is quite strong. She can even fly and carry people in her back." Sango couldn't help but laugh softly at the girl's reaction.

"She can fly? Wow. Can I ride her?" Mayumi looked hopefully at Sango.

"Sure you can. Later when she wakes up I'll take you on a ride." Sango laughed once more when Mayumi realized that Kirara had fallen asleep in her lap. Mayumi had a clearly disappointed look on her but smiled anyways.

"While we wait for Kirara to wake up would you tell us about yourself."

At the sound of his voice both girls turned to face him. It was apparent that both had forgotten that they were not alone. For a split second their eyes meet before he looked away to look at Mayumi. After a moment of silence Mayumi began to speak.

"My mother died when I was two from sickness. After that my father came back from the war for me. I traveled with him as he tried to defend the lands of our lord. For three years we moved from one village to another until…"

Her vision became blurred with tears. She lowered her head as memories of that day came to her. 'Why daddy? Why did you leave me? You promised me that you would never leave me and you did.' She looked down at her father's tantō. Using all her inner strength she forced herself to continue. She looked up and was meet by his calming eyes. He had moved closer to her but refrained himself from comforting her. 'She needs to do this by herself.' He nodded to her to continue.

"My father died close to a year ago defending the last village before our lord's castle. Since then… I've been by myself. … This sword is all I have left… of my family."

She tried to hold back her tears but failed. The family she had lived with briefly had known her story thru her father's friend. But this was the first time she had told it herself and hearing it from her own mouth made her realize how alone she really was. 'Daddy, why? I need you so much, so why? Why didn't you return for me daddy?' Her heart felt like it was about to burst from the sheer pain. She wiped at the tears that threaten to drown her eyes and looked around. What she saw in their faces made her feel worse than before. 'They pity me.' She began to stand needing to leave them. But when she returned her attention to the man before her, her heart stopped. In those serene eyes she didn't see pity. She didn't know how she knew but he understood what she was going thru. He moved closer to her and in a voice just a bit louder than a whisper he spoke.

"Losing one's parents at such a young age can be devastating. The only word that comes close to describing what one feels at such a time is… lost. You feel lost without the people that were meant to guide you in your young life. But even with such a great loss one must continue on. Not just for oneself but for their sake as well. Because I doubt that they would want their only gift to this world to die from the pain caused by their passing."

He felt his composure wane. He paused and lowered his head. After a moment he regained his composure and looked at her again. She had stopped crying and was wiping her teary eyes. The tears she had shed smeared her face. With his ungloved hand he caressed her cheek. She was about to pull away in her surprise but instead rested her head in his palm. Her pain and sorrow seemed to melt away with the warmth of his hand. Closing her eyes she relished his warmth. Realizing what she was doing she opened her eyes to look at him. He leaned forward so he was only inches away from her and whispered one word. He moved back and gently smiled at her. She starred at him confused. She looked around and realized that his friends were looking at them. When she looked at him again she quickly lowered her head. She began to smile and moved her hands to cover her face. 'Why I'm I smiling? I shouldn't be smiling. I should be sad and…' Inuyasha spoke.

"You made her cry you bouzo. What did you whisper to her anyways?"

Inuyasha was now looking angrily at him. He kept his gaze on Mayumi who still had her head down.

"To smile."

"Why would you say something like that? She lost her whole family why would she smile at that?"

The anger and disbelief were evident in Inuyasha's voice. Both Kagome and Sango stayed quiet since they didn't know whose side to take.

"You don't understand. "
"What is there to understand? You baka!"

"I told her what I would want my daughter to do if I where to…fail in my quest. If I had one I mean."

His voice trailed off after his small pause. The small smile he held up to now began to wane. He was about to give up when Mayumi looked up at him. What he saw was the most beautiful smile he had seen from her. Despite her unkempt look he could see how beautiful this small child was. Miroku's smile came back in full force. He stood up and removed Kirara from Mayumi's lap. Giving her his hand he helped her up. Turning to look at his stunned friends he spoke.

"Well now that we know each other better it would be best if we get you cleaned up a bit. Your quite beautiful and it would be a shame to hide it under all that dirt. Wouldn't it?"

She nodded her head but kept her face away from his view. She was trying to hide how much his compliment had meant to her. He smiled at the bashful girl.

"I'll take that as a yes then. Kagome, Sango would you two help her."

He turned to face his friends. Both girls were smiling at him with teary eyes. They both nodded and stood up. Kagome took the child's hand and started to lead her towards the bathhouse. She kept telling the small child how beautiful she was going to look after she was done with her. Sango soon fell into step on the child's left side. Inuyasha was still a bit surprised at how well it all had ended.

"I got to give you credit Miroku. You're a real smooth talker. But now that they are gone what are we going to do?"

"Let's go get the supplies we need and see if we can find Mayumi a new home."

"Shippou and me can handle the supplies. You find a new home for that child. I want to leave by noon."

"I'll try but noon isn't that far off. You know what, Shippou? Can you catch the girls and give them this?"

"Wow where did you get that it looks expensive."

"Don't worry about that just give it to them. Tell them to use it to buy new clothes for Mayumi. Ok?"

"I thought we didn't have enough for an inn and supplies."

"Inuyasha that is a family heirloom I wasn't going to sell it unless we desperately needed the money."

"Who's family did it belong to? I'm sure it isn't yours."

He didn't answer and only smiled sheepishly at them. He hurried the small fox demon on his way. When the young fox demon was out of sight he turned to Inuyasha. He pulled out the moneybag he kept in his kesa and gave it to him. Picking up his staff he left the room.

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Author's note: Around February I'll be releasing a new M&S AMV (animated music video). It'll be in honor of this story. The site I'll be posting it in is a popular AMV site that requires membership. The membership is free but there is a waiting peroid before new members can download anything. If you're interested in see it then check out my homepage (located in my profile). I have a link in my Favorite Links section to the site. Oh yeah almost forgot I changed the summary of the story but the old summary is still valid. And before I go I want to thank once more the people that have reviewed my story.