This is one LONG chapter. A bit of it, though, is just the same situation repeated, but in a different point of view. Its why i added the bit about Shippo in this chapter, to give you a bit more to go on.

I've called Sango's weapon both Boomerang Bone and Hiraikotsu. Just remember they are both the same thing. Same with Miroku's Staff, and Shakujou. Same thing.

Taken

Miroku flinched as the wasps started rushing for them. They came at a great speed, as if trying to make sure none of them move before attacking. Suddenly he was surrounded, many wasps on his left and a thick wall of wasps on his right. But.. None were attacking him. Wasn't that the signal to attack? He thought. Suddenly all the wasps disappeared from his left side. Using this chance, Miroku dashed away from the wall of wasps.

When he was a short distance away, he looked back. Miroku's jaw dropped as he saw the moving wall of wasps parting him from his friends. What on earth? He thought, staring wide-eyed at the moving wall. He could see the wasps circling them all, blocking his friends from escape. It would be suicide to try and escape that, if the wasps were as poisonous as the demon said.Miroku looked over at the Wasp Demon. He couldn't tell what it was thinking, what it was planning... " What is this? " Miroku demanded, scowling at the demon and holding his staff tightly. The demon's mouth widened, like it was smiling. Or was it smirking?

" Take the monk... " It said calmly. What? Miroku panicked. Take... me? Instantly, Miroku raised his staff horizontally, attempting to defend himself. What does it want with me? Miroku watched as a bunch of wasps buzzed forwards towards him. As they drew near, Miroku took a swipe at them, successfully destroying one as his staff struck it. Though there was still more. But most of the wasps were occupying the wall beside him, so there weren't many after him at all. He swiped again with his Shakujou, managing to destroy another two wasps.

Miroku could only wonder how his friends were faring in that wall of wasps. Were they all being stung to death? Where they all separated in there, just like how Miroku was? Or maybe they were just blocking them from him to allow the demon to 'take' him, as it had said moments before.

Miroku hadn't noticed the Boomerang bone that occasionally appeared from the wall of wasps, though quickly going back in. The demon had, but it could see it didn't create gaps long enough for any of them to get through, so it ignored it.

Miroku was interrupted from his worrying thoughts as a wasp demon buzzed past his ear. " Whoa! " He uttered as he dodged left, swinging his Shakujou at the wasp, but missing. He couldn't keep his attention on that one for long though as two more attempted to attack his face. Miroku raised his hand, curling all his fingers into a fist except for the index and middle finger. Gritting his teeth, he used his holy magic, creating sparks around his hand. Instantly the two wasps going for his face disintegrated, their ashes blowing away into the wind.

" Very good, monk... " The demon hissed. " But you missed one.. " Missed one? Miroku repeated in his mind. He couldn't see any more... OH! Miroku remembered the wasp that had flown behind him. Before he could turn around, he felt a sharp stinging pain in his back.

" Aarggh! " He yelled, surprised and pained. The wasp had stung him in the back, injecting a poison into him. He could feel it begin to spread in his body, first numbing his back and creeping towards his limbs. What..? He thought, his eyes wide as he barely felt the stinger leaving his back.

" Heheheh heh.. "The demon laughed gleefully. " The poison you feel coursing through your body will not kill you, but it will render you immobile.. " The demon explained, clearly enjoying this moment as Miroku grew weaker. Why was it explaining this..? Miroku wondered. It had no gain in letting Miroku know this, or in letting his friends know this.. It seems like the demon liked bragging. Telling everybody who'll listen what his planning.. He knewhis friendscould hear the demon. When Kagome had shot it, they had all clearly heard it's cry, even though they could barely hear themselves. It must be because he's a wasp like the insects, that allows his voice to travel clearly through them. Which means Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippo and Sango could all hear what he is saying.. Maybe i can use that to my advantage.. He thought. If they hear his plan.. Miroku felt the poison reach his legs, making them feel stiff. Desperately, he clutched his staff tightly, leaning on it to keep him standing.

" Wh-why..? " Miroku stammered. He could feel his head and neck weaken, making it difficult to speak, but he struggled against it. He wanted answers, for him, and for the others.

" Why..? " The demon repeated. It was loving this. Bragging to a weakened monk that could do nothing but listen. " Heheh, I'm afraid I'll have to leave it to the boss to tell you why... I wouldn't want to strip him of that pleasure.. To torment his victims before they die.. " Boss? Miroku thought. So this demon was acting on behalf of another? There must be some gain by doing so.. Perhaps protection, as this one is clearly a weak demon.. Maybe even for the control of so many wasp demons.. It seems unnatural for one demon to control so many.. He could only get so many by killing the masters of the wasps.. But this demon is weak, it couldn't follow such a task.. Suddenly Miroku's legs gave way, and he fell to his knees. He now gripped his Shakujou with both hands tightly. But he could feel the poison reaching his arms.. He wouldn't be able to hold on much longer..

" Who.. is your master..? " Miroku asked, his speech now slow.

" He is the most powerful wasp demon, Ontai-Wasupu, master of the largest colony of wasps in Japan... " The demon answered, faking respect. Sure, the demon was great. He only followed it though because he would die if he didn't. Ontai-Wasupu would kill him and take his colony.

Not Miroku, nor the demon noticed a small orange shape appear from the wall of wasps.

Miroku could feel his mind fading now. His thought had already slowed down, but now he was finding it difficult to hold on to consciousness. " Uggh... " He murmured as his hands slid down the Shakujou's pole, causing him to slouch and fall sideways slightly. He could only manage one more question.. Then he would be out cold... " Wh.. why.. m-me..? " Miroku asked.

" Because you have great spiritual power, Monk.. " The demon answered, forgetting that his master had wanted to tell the monk why. " Your power will still remain long after you die... It, and your body, will serve well for Ontai-Wasupu.. " My... Power... Miroku barely managed to think. He felt his mind fade away as he drifted out of consciousness. My... body...? That was the last thing Miroku thought before he passed out. His limp body fell to the ground, his hands letting go of his staff. The Shakujou clattered onto the dirt next to Miroku.

" Heh heh heh... " The demon cackled, watching the monk's unconscious body on the ground. " Grab him, and lets go. " He ordered to the wasps. The wasp wall began to break up as they all rushed to obey their temporary masters orders.

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" Take the monk.. "

It was what the demon had said. Sango could feel her chest tighten as she heard this. The demon was going after Miroku! Sango shouted his name, worried for the monk. What did it want with him? What was it planning? Was it hurting him right now? All these thoughts crossed Sango's mind in a second, and more came after that. She was fearing for Miroku. Anything could be happening on the other side of the wall, and none of them could get across to help! Not even Inuyasha, who, being half demon, had a better resistance against the insects.

" Aagh! " Shippo yelled from atop of Kirara. " We need to help him! " The young Kitsune's frightened voice didn't help the situation.

" Don't you think i know that!.? " Inuyasha yelled at the top of his voice. Everyone was worried, everyone was frightened, and everyone was concerned for their friend-in-danger on the other side of the wall. Desperately, Sango threw her Hiraikotsu at the wall of wasps. It easily tore through, going right through the wall and to the other side. For a short second, Sango could see Miroku on the other side of the wall. He was swinging his staff at two wasps, a look of determination and nerves on his face. The picture came and disappeared so quickly, it looked as if he was standing still. The wasps covered up the hole, causing Sango to lose sight of Miroku. Though her Boomerang Bone returned quickly, giving Sango another quick glimpse. Now Miroku seemed to have paused, his staff held at the ready, like he was thinking. Again the picture disappeared as the wasps covered it. Expertly, Sango caught her Hiraikotsu, preparing to throw it again. She wanted to see what was going on, she wanted to see Miroku moving, breathing.. alive..

" Sango, throw it again! " Kagome's voice jolted her from her thoughts. Inuyasha and Kagome were now standing next to her, looking over her shoulder, while Shippo remained on top of Kirara who had moved in between her and Inuyasha. They had all noticed her weapon go through the wall. Surely enough though, all also knew there was still no chance of getting out, but at least now whey could see what was happening. Sango didn't need to be told twice as she hurled the Hiraikotsu again, the bone successfully tearing through the wall of wasps. Again they saw Miroku, this time he was Disintegrating two more wasps, the demons just starting to fall apart as the picture disappeared again. Though not too long later the Boomerang Bone appeared again, and they could again, for a moment, see Miroku. The dust of the wasps was blowing away. But another could be seen by the group, hovering behind Miroku, it's stinger poking forward, ready to strike him. But before they could react, the image was gone.

" Argh! " Sango growled angrily. If Miroku didn't spot it...

" Very good, monk... " They all heard the demon speak. " But you missed one.. " They knew that now was the time the wasp was going to strike.

" Throw it! " Kagome yelled. Sango was already on her way to hurling the Hiraikotsu, her gut and brain screaming the very same thing. The Boomerang Bone hurled through the air and again tore through the wall of wasps. The site of Miroku sent a chill through their spines. He was leaning forward slightly, his eyes wide in pain and his mouth open in a silent scream. Or maybe it wasn't silent, they probably just couldn't hear it. The wasp that was behind him had it's stinger in his back, hidden by the folds of cloth from his monk outfit. Then the site was gone, taken again by the wasps that formed the wall.

" Miroku! " Shippo shouted, calling for his friend, who will never hear his call. Sango could hear Kagome gasp behind her, and Inuyasha's growl. But Sango's mind was blank. No... She thought, not being able to shake the image from her head. No... Nononononono no! The Hiraikotsu reappeared again, creating another gap. Now they could see Miroku clutching his staff tightly, his head bowed slightly and his body slouched, glaring at the demon as the wasp removed it's stinger. Then he was gone again. " N..no... " Sango's voice was barely audible. She knew neither would be able to hear it. Kagome, naturally wouldn't have heard her, she was too quiet. Inuyasha would have, though, if the buzzing wasn't so loud.

" Sango! " Kagome yelled. He voice brought Sango back to her senses. She was about to turn to see what Kagome wanted when she noticed her Hiraikotsu flying towards her. Surprised, Sango automatically raised her hand and caught it. Good thing Kagome had warned her.. Sango managed to think.

" Pay attention next time! " Inuyasha shouted at her, though not as harshly as he would usually havesaid it. They were all shocked by what they saw. Miroku was hurt, and none of them could help him..

" Heheheh heh.. " They all heard the demon cackle. " The poison you feel coursing through your body will not kill you, but it will render you immobile.. " The demon explained. That allowed some relief to overcome Sango's worry, but just because he wasn't going to die now, doesn't mean he won't later.. Especially if they can't help him.. " Why..? " They heard the demon utter. Miroku must have asked a question. Instantly, Sango threw the Hiraikotsu at the wall of wasps again. They could see Miroku now. He was holding his staff tightly, as if needing it's support to stand. His face held the expression of weakness, yet determination. Determination to get answers.. Perhaps he thinks the demon brags.. Sango thought. The image was gone when the demon continued talking. " Heheh, I'm afraid I'll have to leave it to the boss to tell you why... I wouldn't want to strip him of that pleasure.. To torment his victims before they die.. "

" So he was sent here! " Inuyasha yelled. All their thoughts went to this boss that the demon spoke about. What did he want with Miroku? Why was he doing this? Again the Hiraikotsu appeared, tearing a hole through the wall of wasps. It had taken longer to come back that time. Perhaps Sango had thrown it harder in her urgency to see the monk. They could see him again, and could tell now that the poison worked quickly. Miroku was kneeling on the ground, clutching his staff with both hands. He looks so weak... Sango thought as the image disappeared. She absentmindedly raised her hand and caught the Hiraikotsu.

" He is the most powerful wasp demon, Ontai-Wasupu, master of the largest colony of wasps in Japan... " They heard the demon say. Miroku must have asked another question. She thought. One about this boss. One Sango had heard of before...

" Ontai-Wasupu? " She murmured. She knew of that demon.. It had caused her kin so much trouble over the years, yet none managed to kill it. One was even taken by that demon, never to be seen again. Desperate to see the monks condition now, Sango threw the Boomerang Bone, creating a momentary hole in the wall again. None of them noticed Shippo dash through the hole to Miroku's side, all too busy watching the monk. They watched him slouch further, his hands lower on the staff than where they had been the last time they had glimpsed at him. The image disappeared again.

" Because you have great spiritual power, Monk.. " They heard the demon utter after a pause. " Your power will still remain long after you die... It, and your body, will serve well for Ontai-Wasupu.. " Pause. The Hiraikotsu came back, and they all saw Miroku laying on the ground, his staff still slightly mid air, still in the course of falling from the sky to the floor. Sango caught her weapon, but she would never be able to recall doing so. Her mind was stuck on that image, the image of Miroku on the ground, unconscious and no longer able to defend himself at all. " Heh heh heh... Grab him, and lets go. " Worry and fear gripping Sango's soul even tighter. No.. She thought. No...

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Shippo watched Miroku fall to the ground. Miroku! His mind screamed, but he was unable to voice it, shocked on what happened. He heard the wasp demon speak, ordering the wasps to take Miroku. He saw wasps starting to appear from above him. They were parting from the wasp wall, flying towards the unconscious monk.

" Waaa! " He yelled, frightened. The wasps began grabbing hold of his clothes. For the moment there was not enough to lift him, but more and more flew over to him, latching onto his clothes and trying to lift him. They flew over in their tens, and soon there were enough to lift his body, allowing them to get under him.

" H-hey! " Shippo yelled. " Leave him alone! " Before he could think, the little Kitsune was off, charging towards Miroku. Is first thought was to protect him, but as Shippo drew closer he knew he wouldn't be able to fight off what Inuyasha couldn't. He then decided to do the next sane thing. As Miroku was lifted higher, and as more and more wasps from the wall flew over to him, Shippo leaped, managing to grab hold of Miroku's arm.

Shippo hung on to the cloth around his friends arm, but as the wasps completely enveloped him, he felt his grip slipping. S-sorry, Miroku... he thought. At that moment, Shippo opened his mouth wide and sunk his developing demon teeth into his friends arm. With this new hold, Shippo could have one of his hands free. Quickly he fumbled around in his kimono, searching for something..

He could feel himself being lifted higher and higher. Glancing up, he could see Miroku completely covered in wasps, each one supporting his body. Why hadn't they covered the hand I'm clinging to? Shippo wondered. Is it because I'm here?

Glancing down, he could see Inuyasha and the others out of the corner of his eye. All the wasps were flying away now, most supporting Miroku's body while others flew freely. Shippo couldn't see the others expressions, but he knew his friends long enough to be able to guess. Inuyasha would be wearing a frustrated, angry expression. Kagome's eyes would be filled with worry. Sango would have a worried look, though with eyes filled with anger of what just happened. Though Shippo would be able to lead them all to Miroku, if he could just find the item he was after...

Ahah! Shippo thought gleefully. He pulled out of his Kimono a mushroom with a dotted, red and white head. Holding it down towards the ground, he started shaking the mushroom. Little spores flicked off the mushroom every second, falling straight down to the ground. Soon they would sprout, leading his friends to Miroku. Then he would be back with Kagome. She will be so proud of this, thought Shippo, managing a smile even though he had his teeth sunk into Miroku's arm.

He shook the mushroom until they reached the manor they seemed to have been heading to. Happy, Shippo pocketed the mushroom and pulled his teeth out of his friends arm. He had left small puncture wounds, though he was sure Miroku would forgive him. They were lowered to the ground, but the wasps didn't let go of Miroku. Instead, Shippo heard a thump from behind him, as if something big hit the ground. He then felt something grab his head.

" Well well.. " Gaidoku-maru grinned. " Looks like I've got a snack. " Shippo stared fearfully up at the wasp demon, doing the only thing he could do in this situation. Cry.

" Waaaaaa! " A yell left the little Kitsune's lips.

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Looks like Shippo is in trouble. Hopefully Inuyasha and the others will see the Weeping Mushrooms as they sprout so they can find Miroku.

The bold-italic writing i've used looks more evil in the program i'm writing this with. (sigh) I'll put up another chapter tomorrow. :D