Yay, another chapter! This ones really long to, i was typing this for hours. We are nearing the end, but all who were disappointed there was no final showdown with Inuyasha and Ontai-Wasupu before, it is still to come. Heh, we are still talking about quite a few chapters here. (grins)

Sakura30: That's great. I mean, not great that you almost cried, but great that my writing could get that effect.

Personally, i think the first section is awsome. Heheh, enjoy!

Chapter 10: Nightmare

Sango stared into the darkness of the hut, unable to see anything but an outline of Miroku, silently sleeping near her feet. She knew it was the middle of the night, though how she did, Sango could not say. There was no noise. Not even the gentle breathing of Miroku caught her ears. Not even her own breathing caught her ears. This isn't right.. She thought.

Suddenly she heard a footstep. The only thing she could hear. Though it sounded like it was right next to her, she knew it was coming from outside the hut. She could not see the door or any of the walls in the darkness, pitch black surrounding her and Miroku from all sides.

Another footstep, coming closer. What is this? Sango thought furiously. What is going on? She looked behind her only to be greeted by more darkness.

She looked down. Darkness.

She looked up. Darkness.

She looked in the direction of a peaceful Miroku. He was no longer there.

Sango stood up frantically. What is happening?.! She demanded to herself. She could see her feet standing on nothing, no light anywhere, just darkness, above her, below her, around her, seeming to come closer.. Another footstep. Sango looked up, and suddenly she could see the outline of the door again. Had she missed it?

Another footstep. This one, as usual, sounded like it was right in her ear, yet some how she knew it was right outside the door. With a quick glance, she searched for her Hiraikotsu. But it was not there. Nothing was there, just her, and the shadowed door a few feet away. Slowly, the door started to slide open. Sango couldn't hear the noise she knew it should be making. Slowly, as the door opened, two bright yellow eyes appeared into view. One at first, then the other, as the door passed it. They looked like mere yellow specks, yet somehow she knew they were the eyes of a demon. She could feel it's evil, her entire mind focused on the two yellow specks which were the demons eyes.

She could smell... Blood. Somehow, she knew the smell was blood. Sango looked down, and Miroku was back at her feet, bleeding heavily. She could see, in the darkness, his chest was torn, tatters of his monk clothing sticking to him like paper to water. He seemed to have cuts everywhere, his entire monk outfit in tatters. His stomach, though Sango couldn't see it, she knew it was no longer there, like something had torn, eaten, through it. His face.. His face was gone, hidden by the darkness which pressed ever closer. Blood began pooling at her feet, an even thicker black than the nothing she was standing on. Another footstep.

Sango looked up in time to see the golden, glowing eyes leap towards her,suddenlyalmost in front of her. Talons, glistening in a light which was not there, were stretched out towards her, the smell of blood, the sight of blood, dripping off of the pointed nails. Miroku's blood... Her blood...

Her eyes snapped open, Sango sitting up with a panicked jolt. Furiously, she looked around the room. It was veiled in darkness, but this was a natural darkness, the one only night can bring to a lightless hut. She could see the outline of a hole in the wall, a window. She could see strewn hay around the beam of light on the floor cast by the moon. Miroku breathed peacefully near her, like nothing had happened. Nothing had happened. Sango realised she had been holding her breath, and slowly let it out. She could feel sweat on her face. A nightmare.. She thought. Just a nightmare... But it had felt so real!

Miroku stirred slightly in his sleep as Sango continued to get a grip on the situation. Just a dream.. She repeated. There is no demon, it was just a dream... But still.. Something just doesn't feel right... Paranoia. She decided firmly. I am just paranoid. Nothing is wrong. But still she sighed. With a quick glance, she checked for her Hiraikotsu. It was there by her side, where it was supposed to be. Kagome's torch was near it, where it was supposed to be. Miroku's Shakujou wasn't far either. To her right, Sango could hear the barely audible breathing of Kirara, where she had been when Sango fell asleep.

Nothing is wrong... She thought. Yet, everything is wrong... Sango got up and stepped lightly across the room. Opening the door slightly, she looked up through the gap at a lump resting in the nearest tree. Inuyasha was where he was supposed to be, peaceful, like everything else was. If anything was wrong, Inuyasha wouldn't be there, he wouldn't be peaceful. Nothing was wrong...

Sango quietly shut the door and stepped back over to her position on the floor. She laid down again, and with a sigh, she closed her eyes.

The glowing, yellow eyes were back, along with the razor sharp talons, glistening in a light that wasn't there, dripping of blood. Miroku's blood, her own blood..

Sango's eyes snapped open again. She knew the image would keep returning every time she tried to sleep. She sat up again. Sango picked up the torch Kagome had given her and twirled it gently in her hands. It was comforting to feel something solid in her hands, as it was to still hear the breathing ofMiroku near her, to have the knowledge that Inuyasha was still in the tree. Still peaceful. Sango sighed a final time. This will be a long night.. She thought with despair.

He opened his eyes. Soft light greeted him through the window of the hut. Miroku stifled a yawn. It was too painful to yawn. Every movement hurt him, though, as the days went by, he felt better. Definitely better. He remembered, a few days ago, the second time he had woken up, Sango and Kagome had tried to feed him. Kagome's soup was always good, but he couldn't eat it. That's what he told them, anyway. Though, of course, neither listened, and Miroku ended up having to prove it to them later when he unwillingly regurgitated it.

" At least you tried to eat something.. " Kagome had said softly to him later.

" Could have gone without it though. " He replied rudely. Sango had shot a glare at him, but Kagome merely sighed. He regretted being rude shortly after though. Lady Kagome had only been trying to help.. The illness must be shortening my temper.. Miroku had decided.

I must remember to apologize to Lady Kagome when i see her again. He reminded himself. Kagome hadn't been back to see him yet. They hadn't even tried to feed him again, Sango leaving once a day to fetch water. That didn't make him fell any better.. Did i hurt her feelings? He questioned himself for the fourth time. One sentence couldn't have done it.. Inuyasha yells at her all the time.. But maybe.. because it came from me...

Forcing back a sigh, Miroku turned his head over to look at Sango. But Sango wasn't there. Instead, Kagome filled his place, just turning her head then to look at him.

" Your awake. " She smiled. As usual, Kagome wore a kind expression in her eyes. Even after he had snapped at her.

" Mmm... " He replied, a surprised look on his face. " Where is Lady Sango? "

" Oh, she didn't get much sleep last night, so I'm taking over while she gets some rest. " Kagome replied.

" Oh. " Miroku muttered. " Why couldn't she sleep? "

" She just said it was an uncomfortable night. " Kagome tilted her head slightly, as if questioning the answer. " Though it seemed like she was holding back... You didn't do anything, did you? " She added, eyeing him suspiciously.

" I slept through the night. " Miroku couldn't help but smile. It was unusual to hear such a question from Lady Kagome, though he was sure Inuyasha would put two and two together, with him and Sango alone at night.. Maybe it was him that spouted the idea..

" Mmm... " Was the maidens reply. Miroku decided now was the time.

" Lady Kagome, " He began, " I must apologize forbeing so rudeto you the other day.. I can only hope i didn't hurt you in any way by my words. "

" Oh. " Kagome smiled. " That doesn't matter. Your sick, everyone gets cranky when their sick. Its hard to keep a cool temper when you feel so bad.. "

" Of course.. " Miroku mumbled. He should have expected Kagome to blow off such a thing. Still, he couldn't, and the thought of his words hurting her ate him up. At least he knows now.

" So, are you feeling better? " Kagome asked. " Think you can keep down any food, by any chance? "

" Heh.. " Miroku smiled. She took everything so well. " Maybe, later. " He replied.

" Great. " Kagome smiled again. " Well now i know your all right, I'm going to go fetch some more clean water. " She stood up and picked up the bamboo water container. " I'll be right back! " She called as she headed for the door. " Shippo's here if you need anything. "

" Yup. " A child's voice answered as Kagome stepped out of the hut and closed the door. Shippo must be above me. Miroku thought. Or near my head, to be more exact..

" Good thing Kagome forgave you for vomiting on her skirt. " Shippo pointed out suddenly.

" Don't remind me.. " Miroku sighed.

Miroku lay torn and bloody at Sango's feet. She could see the two yellow pinpricks that were the demons eyes watching her through the doorway. Suddenly there was a footstep and the eyes rushed at her, talons glistening in a light outstretched towards her, dripping in Miroku's, and her own, blood. Why are the talons reflecting light..? Sango thought suddenly, not flinching at all as the razor sharp nails rushed towards her, now in slow motion. There is no light anywhere else but on those talons... Sango turned her head away from the nails, towards where the light should be. There, surrounded by darkness, was the torch Kagome had given her. It was on and shining at the demon. Sango looked back at it. The talons still gleamed, yet now that the demon was further towards her it's arm also shined in the light. It's arm was just black, no lines of skin, no hair, just smooth, pitch black. Light reflected off it, though light doesn't reflect off skin. Suddenly there was a horrible noise, like the demon was screeching in pain. There was also a hissing noise. Sango could see pain in the golden specks that were eyes, though they looked normal, just like before. The talons began to retreat, being pulled away from Sango's face as the demon turned to run, it's 'skin' seemingly sizzling. The demon disappeared into the darkness, and the light was gone. Sango looked down, back at Miroku. Miroku was laying peacefully on the ground, his monk clothes unscathed, whole, undamaged. There was no blood, no wounds. His face.. His face was back, the monks eyes closed and his expression peaceful... So peaceful... Except for a cut on his cheek. A small cut, not even very deep. And his face was so peaceful... And still there was no sound. No breathing..

Nothing.

Sango's eyes snapped open and she sat up suddenly, a startled look on her face and sweat dripping off her. She was breathing heavily, her eyes wide and staring down at the weed mat she was laying on.

" Oh, did i wake ye, Sango? " A familiar voice spoke. Sango looked up at the withered old face of Kaede, kneeling near a wooden shelf and looking at her with surprised concern.

" Oh.. " Sango uttered, only now remembering where she was. She had gone to Kaede's hut for rest after staying awake all night from the nightmare. The nightmare she just had... Was that the last part of it? The part she didn't see, having been woken after the demon's sudden attack? Then she realised she had been staring at Kaede without saying anything for a minute now.

" Uhh.. " She mumbled, looking away and shaking her head. " No, no, it was a nightmare, is all. " Sango answered, looking back at Kaede, who now wore a more concerned look. " I'm fine. " She added, seeing the look.

" Are ye sure? " Kaede answered, putting down the bamboo bowl she had been holding. " Ye woke up with such a start, ye even looked frightened.. "

" I'm fine, really. " Sango smiled reassuringly to the old woman. " It was just a nightmare, and nothing more. "

" If ye say so. " Kaede replied. She picked the bowl back up and walked over to the stew she had been cooking. " Lunch will be ready soon, Sango. If ye would be so kind as to tell Inuyasha, Shippo and Kagome that it is ready. "

" Of course. " Sango stood up. She couldn't get her mind off the dream, but if she wanted to prove to Kaede that she was fine, she'll have to put off thinking about it for the moment. At least until she had time for herself. Or maybe even when she's back caring for Miroku. He slept most of the day anyway.

Sango headed to the door and stepped through it into the afternoon light. Squinting slightly, she began her way down the path towards the hut where Miroku rested. She had left Kirara with Inuyasha. Sango recalled. She began to walk uphill, signaling the start of the hill. She soon reached the tree where Inuyasha sat, looking down and watching her curiously.

" Inuyasha! " Sango called to him. " Kaede said- "

" Lunch is ready? " Inuyasha interrupted her, his eyed wide and his expression that of a starving puppy.

" Almost. " Sango shrugged. I guess he can smell it.. She decided.

" Yes! " Inuyasha cheered. For a second Sango could swear there was no such thing as a bad temper in Inuyasha. " Kirara, stay here! " He ordered before jumping out of the tree and practically dancing his way to Kaede's hut. Sango couldn't help but laugh. She heard Kirara mew mourningly after him.

" Don't worry, Kirara. " Sango reassured her pet, looking up at the small cat demon. " I'll bring you some food when it is handed out. " Leaving Kirara with a pleased expression, Sango made her way up to the hut to tell Kagome. She reached the hut and opened the sliding door to be greeted by only Miroku and Shippo.

" Where's Kagome? " She blurted questioningly.

" She went to get water. " Shippo answered, looking up at her with his large eyes. " She should be back any second. "

" Ok. " Sango replied. She stepped further into the room. " I'll wait here until she returns then. " Sitting down in the usual spot, she looked down at Miroku. His eyes were closed. He must be sleeping again.. Sango figured.

" How is Lord Monk? " Sango directed her question to Shippo.

" I'm fine, Lady Sango. " Miroku replied. He opened his eyes and looked at her. Guess he isn't. She thought.

" Oh, i thought you were sleeping. " Sango said.

" I think I've had enough sleep already. " Miroku replied with a smile. Moving his arm, Miroku lifted himself up to a sitting position. It took a bit of a struggle, like his muscles weren't working, before he managed, though still he had to support himself with an arm. And his arm looked tired already. For a few seconds, he held his head in his hand, like his head pained.

" That's better.. " He mumbled after a moment.

" Are you sure you should be sitting up, Lord Monk? " Sango asked him, grabbing his shoulder to help support him.

" If i don't now, i never will. " He replied, looking over at her. " You saw how hard it was then. "

" Maybe you just need to eat something.. " Sango suggested. " Kaede has stew ready, do you think you can stomach a meal now? " Miroku seemed to think for a few seconds before answering.

" I can only guess. " He replied. " But for the first time in a while i am actually feeling hungry. " Sango smiled.

" Good. " She said. " I will tell Kaede then to prepare a bowl for you. " Suddenly the sliding door opened and Kagome stepped through, carrying a bamboo water container, one side of it darkened, like it had soaked up water while Kagome was refilling it.

" Oh, your up! " She said happily, pleased with Miroku's next step to full recovery.

" Miroku says he's hungry! " Shippo stated, running over to Kagome.

" Great! " She replied. Kagome walked over and placed the bamboo container near a small bowl half filled with water. Miroku had been using it to drink. " If you think you can walk then you can come down to Kaede's hut and eat with the rest of us. "

" I don't think i can muster the strength to do such a task as of yet. " Miroku replied with a sigh. " I will have to remain here for now. "

" Ok. " Kagome agreed. " You two can stay here and I'll get the food for you. "

" I promised Kirara I'd bring her some. " Sango chimed in. " You can't carry three bowls, so i will come too. " Sango stood up and began to follow Kagome out the door.

" Wait! " Shippo cried. " I'm hungry too! "

Kagome sighed. " Ok. " She looked over at Miroku, who was still sitting up, though now with slight difficulty. Sango could tell his arms were tiring quickly. " Miroku, Sango will be right back, ok? "

" Mmm.. " Miroku nodded. They all filed out of the room, and Miroku was left alone.

It was night now. Miroku slept, laying down once more. Sango sat near him in her usual position, staring at the wall absentmindedly. Miroku had managed to eat something without vomiting, though it hadn't been much. Still, he ate something, which was good. Now he was sleeping again. He had seemed better that afternoon than he had before. Must have been the food. Sango thought. The food must have given him some well needed energy.

Miroku had managed to sit up for quite a while after eating before he grew tired once more and had to lay down. Sango shifted her eyes from the wall to his sleeping figure. He had missed dinner. The afternoon had worn him out. It was to be expected. Sango thought. He had been poisoned badly, not to mention being incredibly weak when it happened. But now he was well into recovery. Though it will still be a while before Miroku can fight again. Sango could tell Inuyasha wasn't happy at not searching for Naraku all this time, though he said nothing. He had seen how badly Miroku was beat up, and must want his friend to recover more, or he would be more forceful.

Kirara was still with Inuyasha, in the tree. She had been happy when Kagome brought her some of Kaede' stew. Sango's hands had been full with her and Miroku's food, so Kagome brought the cat demon her lunch with Sango, parting only at the tree where Kagome turned to return to the hut for her own meal.

Though, now it was night time. About midnight, Sango guessed. The moon was high in the sky above the hut, it's rays weren't shining through the window completely, making the room seem darker than usual. Sango stretched her arms. Better get some sleep myself. She thought. But before Sango could lay back, she froze. Her blood ran cold.

Outside, she heard a footstep.

I'm evil, evil i tell you! Muahahahahaha, feel the evilness of this cliffe! Actually, i don't think it is as bad as the others i left you with, but you can only wonder if this is her dream played out in real life, or just someone walking towards the manor. Whichever's cooler, personally. Heheh, guess which one i picked!