Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha; this is only a fanfic.

Authors Notes: Finally! Another chapter up! I hope you like it; many changes made due to reading another excellent story that was similar to mine. Therefore, I had to make some adjustments. Enjoy!

Note: thoughts are in italics

SPOILER WARNING

Chapter 8: Reflections

Inuyasha stood in front of the Goshin Boku – the tree of time. Reaching up, his hands caressed the cool wood's surface. The hanyou bore no memories of his infinite sleep there. He only remembered awakening to a pair of familiar brown eyes and a woman dressed in strange attire.

She was not who he thought she was.

"My name is Kagome! Ka-go-me!"

Inuyasha inwardly smiled at that memory.

It took him days to call her by her given name. Usually preferring "Hey you", "Baka" or something equally obtuse. Mostly, he avoided calling her anything at all.

Kagome had been nothing but trouble since entering his era. With her presence came the return of the Shikon no Tama – the jewel of four souls. An object all demons, including him, desired to increase their powers.

The young miko did not understand the jewels significance at that time. As the proprietor, she should have been more careful of its possession. Just days after their acquaintance, Kagome broke the Shikon jewel, the impact from her arrow shattering it and scattering the fragments across the countryside. Each piece had to be retrieved and made whole again; thus, their journey began.

Months of traveling with Kagome and meeting the others had been a time of personal growth for Inuyasha. Coming upon Shippo, the hanyou was able to see through the young kitsune's impish pranks to the vulnerable child inside. Shippo was alone, having lost his father to the wrath of the Thunder Brothers. After Inuyasha defeated them, Shippo stayed with him and Kagome. It was the hanyou's first lesson in responsibility and sympathy.

Encountering Miroku was an ambiguity. It took Inuyasha a while to appreciate the monk's contribution, but eventually began to understand his easygoing manner. Once again, the hanyou had to look past the monk's pretense to see the man beneath. Miroku embraced life because his was limited. The monk obstinately pursued Naraku in hopes of preserving his existence, but with composure, the hanyou secretly revered. It was Inuyasha's first steps in learning patience.

Miroku was also the first male Inuyasha considered a rival for Kagome's affections. The monk's outrageous flirting left the hanyou feeling possessive and a little insecure. Kouga, however, was a different matter. More intense than the monk, the wolf youkai made his intentions clear regarding Kagome. Inuyasha experienced his first taste of jealousy.

Sango's dramatic arrival set the Inu-tachi on its ear. With her determined to destroy Inuyasha, they were first opponents before allies. The hanyou and the demon slayer shared an analogous warrior's spirit; he felt vitalized just from her battle aura. Sango taught Inuyasha the strategy of combat and he learned tolerance when dealing with the demon slayer's only weakness – her brother, Kohaku.

Then… there was Kagome. What he learned from her in a few short months, might have otherwise taken him a lifetime. The young woman from the future taught him to embrace his human emotions. Happiness, sadness, elation, grief and even fear; with the young miko's guidance, Inuyasha learned to accept and deal with them all.

Love held a new meaning for him with Kagome as hers was unconditional. She stood by his side through many battles, dangerous encounters, prejudices and while he struggled with his own uncertainties. Kagome would not have to wonder any longer, where his heart belonged. After ridding the world of Naraku, the hanyou planned to reveal his true feelings to her. For Inuyasha, home would be wherever Kagome was.

With his hands touching the bark of the Goshin Boku, Inuyasha displays one his rare smiles. Lifting his nose in the air, the hanyou inhales deeply. Any minute, Kagome will be with him. He can recognize her scent anywhere. Hearing her footsteps, Inuyasha does not turn around, but continues his appraisal of the tree.

"Hey… there you are; I've been looking all over for you!" Kagome announces, stepping into the clearing.

Inuyasha's brows knit together in a frown. Taking a deep breath, he prepares for the verbal sparring that always occurs between them.

"What are you doing here, Inuyasha?"

"Just thinkin'," he says absently.

"About?" Kagome persists.

"Geez, what's with the interrogation?" the hanyou turns to her, "Can't a guy have a thought?"

"I guess that depends on what you're thinking," she mumbles a tart reply.

"What's that supposed ta' mean?"

"Never mind, Inuyasha… just forget I said anything," the miko sounds weary.

Hearing the hurt in her voice, the hanyou extends the olive branch the only way he knows how.

"Actually," Inuyasha says with a smirk, "I was thinkin' of you."

Kagome brightens on hearing this; she links her arm with Inuyasha's as he turns to leave, falling in step with him.

"You were?" her eyes glisten and her voice pipes up. "You were thinking of me?"

"Yeah... thinking what a royal pain in the butt you've been since I woke from that tree."

With a smug expression, Inuyasha pats himself on the back for having the last word.

"Inuyasha…" Kagome says sweetly, letting go of his arm. "Osuwari!"

"Umph!" the hanyou eats dirt as the young miko continues her walk back to the village.

Struggling against the weight of the rosary's spell, Inuyasha can only utter…

"Ka-go-me!"

"He knows… he is aware of our betrayal. Keep running!"

Kanna's short legs carry her swiftly through the dense forest. Her lungs burn from the effort, but she keeps moving. The demon behind is so close, she can feel its putrid breath on her neck. The foliage, her small stature and her constant dodging movements prevents her capture.

"How did he know? How were we discovered? What did we miss?"

The voice in her head is dominating and confusing. The unfamiliar feeling of panic communicates itself into Kanna's consciousness. The demoness does not like this, she prefers the numbness… the nothingness; it is what she is used to.

Bursting through the brush, Kanna stops short of the cliffs edge. There is no place left to run. Looking over the side, there is a 200-foot drop into the rock-strewn waters below. Kanna turns in time to see her pursuer come through the opening.

Instead of attacking, the demon just stands there, waiting. Suddenly, the mirror Kanna holds starts to vibrate and shimmer. Holding the object out, she peers into the glass. Naraku's distorted face appears, wearing that diabolical smirk. His knowing eyes search her features.

"Who would have thought," his red eyes bore into Kanna's. "It's always the quiet ones."

The demoness is held immobile by Naraku's piercing gaze. In the back of her mind, she can hear that voice calling out to her, but she can no longer respond.

"Did you really think I wouldn't know?" Naraku's eyes harden. "You were by far my favorite, Kanna. Always so obedient… it is a shame I have to punish you."

Kanna's body starts to tremble; she knows first hand Naraku's ways of discarding the unwanted, the useless. The demoness is now in that category and is considered part of the opposition. Her fate will be similar to Kagura's; Naraku will be merciless.

"Don't worry, Kanna, I won't make you suffer. Up until now, your services have been impeccable. You deserve nothing less than a quick death." Naraku's maniacal laughter rings in her ears. Stopping abruptly, he gives the order, "Kill her!"

The demon moves forward, flexing its claws, preparing to rip through her delicate flesh. Kanna falls to her knees, closes her eyes and braces herself for the blow... but nothing happens.

Hearing the rattle of the chain scythe, Kanna opens her eyes. Kohaku has wrapped his weapon around the arm of the demon about to strike her. As the taijiya attempts to reel in the chain, the demon grabs on to it. Pulling against each other, Kohaku knows the demon is larger and stronger; he cannot physically restrain him long.

"Move!" Kohaku yells to Kanna; she scrambles away from the edge and the combating figures.

The taijiya rushes forward, throwing his body into the demons, pitching them both over the side of the cliff. Reflexively, the demon lets go of the chain as he falls. Kohaku, in mid-air, tosses the scythe at the cliffs edge, embedding it in the ground above. He then uses the chain to haul himself back to the top as the demon plunges to the rocks below.

Kohaku climbs over and sees Kanna still on her knees, her eyes focused on the ground. She appears in a daze. Moving over to her, he follows her blank stare to the mirror lying there. He bends to pick it up, intending to hand it to her.

"No!" Kanna screams, snatching the mirror from his grasp. "He will see you! He will see straight into our mind… into your heart! Whatever plans you've made will be useless!"

Kohaku is shocked by this unusual display of emotion. Kanna has a wild frenzied look about her; he looks into her eyes and is surprised by the fear he reads. He can only watch as her body continues to tremble, the mirror clutched tightly to her chest. The taijiya tries to understand her words. Who will see; can she possibly mean…?

The mirror starts to shimmer and looks to disengage itself from Kanna's hold, but she tightens her grip. Suddenly, Kohaku hears Naraku's voice.

"You think you can escape?" he hisses. "You're dead; both of you!" His sinister laugh echoes through the forest. Straightening, Kohaku's keen eyes scan the surrounding area.

Kanna throws the mirror to the ground, face down. Before Kohaku can react, the demoness grabs the scythe from his waist and repeatedly strikes the back of the mirror. Glass shatters, light emits from it, but Naraku's laughter is still heard.

Grabbing her shoulders, Kohaku turns her to face him. "Enough, Kanna!" he says sharply. Softening his tone, the taijiya continues, "I can only help if you tell me where he is."

Kanna makes to speak, but finds she cannot. Her eyes widen in surprise as her mouth moves, but nothing comes forth. She looks to Kohaku as if to say, "I am sorry." The taijiya notices Kanna's body is slowly disintegrating along with the mirror and the pieces of broken glass. The demoness and the mirror are one.

Kohaku puts his arms around her, feeling deep sympathy and admiration for what she tried to do. Whatever her reasons, she has lost her life in the effort. He continues to sit there, embracing her, until nothing is left. Her entire being dissolves and blows away in the gentle wind. Kohaku looks down; only a single flower from her hair rests in his palm.

Looking at her now, I can see why she is sometimes called the huntress. Sango's gaze is firmly fixed on mine. Kami, a man can drown in the depths of her brown eyes.

She steps so lightly, I cannot hear a sound. Not even the grass beneath her feet, as we circle each other.

It takes the utmost discipline to keep my eyes locked with hers, instead of traveling the length of those long shapely limbs.

Moving her body with the grace of a feline, she advances, then retreats. She is attempting to draw me in; prompting me to make the first move. Sango is the huntress and I… I am her prey.

What sets the lovely demon slayer apart from every other woman I have known? Through my travels, I have encountered many beautiful faces and countless feminine forms. However, none has touched me quite like the wholesomeness and the essence that is Sango.

Since the day I set eyes on her, I am drawn like a moth to a flame. I flutter around her brilliance, only to have her singe my wings. Her beauty tempts me, her plight awakens a sleeping rage within me and she seduces me with her vacillating gestures. To have her love me is all I want… is all I need.

Now that I am aware of her feelings, I can no longer allow her to bury them or claim forgetfulness as she did on Mt. Hakurei. Therefore, I must be victorious.

I finally make my move, but it is not one Sango anticipates. Freeing my gaze from hers, my eyes languidly caress her face. I focus intently on her kissable mouth and lick my own lips in response.

Sango gasps and her step falters. As expected, the taijiya responds to my hentaish act. I do not have to wait long. I am, just barely, able to avoid the roundhouse kick aimed directly at my head.

His beguiling blue eyes never once leave mine; however, I can see his inner struggle to stay focused. Who knows what goes on in that intricate mind? I must stay alert, as Houshi-sama, on many occasions, has proven to be quite resourceful.

He maneuvers with me; mimicking my movements. I await an opening… or him to advance. I sense the monk has a plan, as he agreed too readily to my challenge. If this is to be a duel of patience, Houshi-sama has me at a disadvantage; his far outweighs mine.

I vaguely remembered having done this before, battling against my comrade, my friend… my love. Possessed by the women of the Oni village, I was unaware of what transpired until after. Houshi-sama could have been killed and it would have been by my hands.

So… here we are, in a similar position of my making. My temper, once again, got the better of me. I cannot back down, but have discarded my weapons. I will never hurt Houshi-sama that way again.

On meeting the monk, I feel myself drawn to the rich timbre of his voice. Whenever he is speaking, I become so immersed in the sound. The times I feel stressed or anxious; just a few soothing words from him and my world is right again and I can cope.

How I love to hear him say my name. The monk influxes the most sensuous intonations each time he says… "Sango." I feel the flood of emotion within me and my knees weaken. Houshi-sama will always be a part of me… always.

Immediately, I sense a change in him. I probe deeper, staring directly into his eyes trying to gauge his intentions. That is when I see it… a mischievous glint enters his blue orbs.

Lowering his gaze, Houshi-sama's eyes move hungrily over my face. It feels like a caress across my eyelids, my cheeks, my lips. Unwittingly, my gaze drops to his sensual mouth, remembering his kisses from before. I watch as his tongue peeks out and glides enticingly across his lips. Jerking my eyes back to his and I can clearly see his strategy, however, it does nothing to halt my reaction.

"Pervert!"

I spin, pivoting on my heel, my leg aiming for the Hiraikotsu's favorite spot. The monk moves gracefully, managing to dodge my attack. I fall back into my stance and reposition myself. Looking across at Houshi-sama only infuriates me more; the hentai is smiling.

"Kikyou-sama! Kikyou-sama!"

The voice lures the priestess from the darkness.

Slowly opening her eyes, the blurred sky and the trees overhead come into focus. Turning her head to the side, the priestess meets the concerned gaze of Rin.

Kneeling beside Kikyou, the little girl's hands are folded primly in her lap; her young face etched with worry.

Kikyou gives a slight smile and reaches for Rin's hands clasps tightly together. This immediately spurs the child into action. Leaning over the priestess, Rin starts speaking rapidly.

"Are you alright? I was so worried! I didn't know what happened to you. What was that blue light? Did Sesshomaru save you? How are…"

The priestess eyes widen as Rin's chatter goes on; the child barely stops to take a breath.

Kikyou's husky laugh interrupts the child's prattling. Giving Rin's hand a squeeze, the priestess covers her mouth; trying to stifle her merriment.

"I'm… I'm fine, Rin," Kikyou states between laughter. "Truly," she adds, as the child appears unconvinced.

"Really!" Rin finally seems satisfied, but the monologue begins again.

"I didn't know what to think when I saw Sesshomaru carry you out. I heard the demons screaming, Jaken was afraid and I thought you were… I thought you were…"

"I am dead."

With that thought, the priestess sits up and turns away from Rin. The vertiginous sensation returns and Kikyou closes her eyes, willing it away. Drawing her legs up, she rests her forehead on her knees, waiting for the feeling to subside. Lifting her head, she opens her eyes and meets Sesshomaru's emotionless gaze. He sits directly across from her and Rin.

He knows what she is. Will he reveal it to the child? Staring at the taiyoukai, Kikyou can only think of Sayo.

Recalling the happier times spent with the little girl, Sayo had looked at her with loving adoration and had asked her to remain at their village. Then… she remembered the child's fear on discovering the truth. One word from Sesshomaru and that event could reoccur, this time with Rin.

Yet… the taiyoukai does nothing. Kikyou is sick of trying to read his impassive eyes, sick of him deliberately prolonging the inevitable. Damn him… he knows the effect this will have on both her and Rin. Imitating his haughty glare, the priestess sends a look to the taiyoukai that dares him to reveal all.

Noting her look, Sesshomaru's eyes narrow at Kikyou's insolence. He finds this human to be both irritating and annoying.

Rising, the taiyoukai walks steadily towards Kikyou. The priestess maintains eye contact, not giving an inch; not allowing him to intimidate her. Standing over her, Sesshomaru raises his arm and brandishes Midoriko's sword. Holding the hilt, he rams the blade into the earth beside Kikyou. Leaving the sword implanted there; he turns abruptly and walks away without a backwards glance.

The priestess eyes follow him until he is out of sight and then hesitantly turns to Rin. The child is sitting in the same position, nervously wringing her hands. Thinking Sesshomaru is the cause of Rin's discomfort, Kikyou attempts to put her at ease.

"He does not talk much; does he?" the priestess gives a semblance of a smile.

Rin launches herself at Kikyou, wrapping her small arms around the priestess neck.

"If I said anything to hurt you, Kikyou-sama, I am sorry!" Rin sounds close to tears. Kikyou is pleasantly surprised; the child's concern is for her. It appears this little girl does not intimidate easily either.

Returning the child's hug, Kikyou answers, "No, little one, you have said nothing to offend me." She pulls Rin onto her lap and rocks her gently.

"Curse you Urasue for this half existence… curse you to hell!"

Kouga looks into the bowl containing the herbal concoction, and his stomach revolts. Ginta and Hakkaku have brought him the mixture by order of the she-wolf. The wolf youkai questions the contents for safety of consumption, but reluctantly takes the bowl. Ayame has certainly extracted her revenge by shoving this guck down his throat the past few days.

Speaking of… he has not seen the she-wolf, nor gotten a whiff of her scent since her departure earlier.

"Drink up, Kouga," says Ginta. "Ayame left us in charge. She says to get you well so you can be on your way."

He has no idea why, but that comment seems to ruffle Kouga's fur.

"What the hell does she mean by that?" the wolf youkai demands, baring his teeth.

"Aw… come one, Kouga," Hakkaku says, trying to calm him down, "Ayame's busy with the tribe and all. We just thought to help her out; no big deal." Hakkaku nudges Ginta, getting him to play along.

"Oh... that's right! She's really busy," Ginta finishes stupidly.

Neither wants to mention to Kouga, the true reason Ayame is avoiding him. The she-wolf is adamant about keeping her distance until Kouga leaves the encampment. Both Ginta and Hakkaku recall Ayame's words…

"I am not his caretaker!" the she-wolf spat. "I've neglected my duties enough dealing with Kouga. He's your friend and leader, so it's your turn to take care of him."

"But… but, we don't know how, Ayame," Ginta pleaded.

The glare from her emerald eyes had Ginta taking cover behind Hakkaku, who also took a step back from her ferocious look.

With a toss of her head, the she-wolf declared, "I-don't-care!"

"You know that's not true, Ayame," Hakkaku stepped forward. "If you truly felt that way, you wouldn't have bothered in the first place."

"That's right," Ginta joined in, "You should have seen your face when you found out he was hurt; you couldn't wait… umph!"

That earned him an elbow from Hakkaku, who continued to appeal to the she-wolf.

"He wouldn't have made it this far without your help and we are grateful, Ayame. Please… at least tell us how to take care of him," Hakkaku reasoned.

"Well… I guess I could continue to prepare the medicine for him," the she-wolf considered. "But… I will not give it to him; one of you will do it, not me!"

To Ginta and Hakkaku, it does not matter what these two stubborn wolves feel about each other, they must maintain good relations with Ayame's tribe. As the last of the wolf demon clan, once this issue with Naraku is resolved, this may be the only home to which they can return.

They watch as Kouga empties the bowl, wipes his mouth with the back of his hand and gives a shudder.

"Are you sure this stuff is medicine?" Kouga tosses the bowl to Hakkaku, "It taste like it'll kill ya."

Lying back, the wolf youkai stretches his body. He flexes both feet, testing the shin muscles of each leg. Feeling much better than a few days ago, Kouga knows the medicine is working; it is just his temperament to gripe about things.

Folding his hands behind his head, the wolf youkai stares at the caves ceiling. Naraku thinks he is out of the way, but Kouga plans to make a grand entrance.

"You can't get rid of me that easily."

Kouga gets a gleam in his eye and his lips curl in a satisfied smirk, he suddenly feels rejuvenated. Just the thought of confronting Naraku makes him… hungry.

"Ah!" the wolf demon sits up, stretching his arms overhead. "How about some food, guys? I don't know about you, but I'm famished," Kouga stands up. "Let's go find Ayame, she'll get us some grub."

Ginta and Hakkaku jump up and hurriedly block their leader's path.

"You just relax, Kouga… we'll find Ayame for you." Hakkaku attempts to steer him in the other direction while shooing Ginta outside.

"I think I saw her out in the field somewhere," Ginta announces. "I'll go get her."

The two comrades make eye contact before turning to their duties; one to baby sit Kouga while the other goes for food without bothering Ayame. It is best to keep these two apart; no need to start a war, before the battle has begun.

Sango attacks with a flurry of swift kicks and rapid punches, however, not once has she been able to connect. Miroku has yet to throw a punch of any kind.

The demon slayer is stupefied. Often sparring together, the monk cannot have improved to this degree.

She throws a straight-arm punch at the monk's chest. In a single fluid motion, Miroku shifts his body to the side and Sango's aim is redirected. Her fist sails past him, barely grazing his robes.

Having missed, the taijiya drops deftly to the ground, spinning on the ball of her foot. The other leg snakes out, attempting to sweep the monk off his feet. Miroku avoids that maneuver as well, hopping over it and falling back.

Exasperated, Sango stands and looks across at her opponent. She cannot help but be impressed with his prowess. When did he become this good, how? Sango replays each attack and counter, but cannot figure her miscalculations.

A bead of sweat rolls from under her bangs, but she refuses to wipe it away. She does not want to appear to be weakening.

The taijiya's eyes narrow as she continues to assess the monk. She notices he is sweating more profusely than she is; even his robes are slightly damp. Why is that? Sango looks baffled. Miroku's movements are minimal compared to hers. How is that possible?

Miroku looks across and sees Sango's puzzled expression. It will not take her long to figure out what he is doing. He has used a lot of spiritual energy; he cannot last much longer if Sango keeps up this pace.

The technique he is using on Sango is called, "Empty Hands" – the art of fighting without fighting. The monk is trained in this style, although he has never really used nor perfected it.

Strictly, an evasive maneuver, the "Empty Hands" is designed to use your opponent's strengths against them. In Sango's case, she is both faster and more agile than Miroku, therefore he uses this method to avoid her attacks. However, he combines it with his spiritual energy to telegraph her movements.

Without this, she can probably beat him senseless, and the fact that he annoyed her beforehand will definitely guarantee that.

In the meantime, Sango decides to try a different approach. Relaxing her fist, she pulls her fingers close together and flattens her palms. She plans to use her fingertips as one would a blade or similar weapon.

The demon slayer charges the monk. Preparing himself, Miroku reads her arm movements. He notices she is no longer using her fist as she thrust a punch forward. Neatly dodging it, he misses the sudden movement of her wrist, which curves inward her fingertips connecting acutely with his ribcage.

Miroku staggers back, his hand automatically going to his side. That hurt like hell and it will definitely leave a bruise, but the monk cannot hold back a smile.

"Crane?" he asks the demon slayer.

"Hai!" Sango answers with a grin.

"You're amazing," he breathes, impressed with her ability to regroup.

Sango blushes at his compliment. However, watching him hold his side she realizes she wants this to end, but it is her pride. The monk will have to stand down.

"It's more where that came from too!" she attempts a laugh. Turning somber she says, "Give up, Houshi-sama. All you have to do is let me go and we can stop this."

"I can't do that, Sango," he whispers, "too much is at stake."

Sango feels the anger rising to the surface. The only thing at stake is her heart. The monk did not love her; not the way she wanted. Why does he prolong her leaving?

"All right, Houshi-sama," she says with a sigh. The taijiya executes a perfect cat-stance and positions her hands in the crane form. "Let's finish this."

Miroku also moves back, his ribs are starting to ache. He is just as anxious to end this as she is, but he has to win. Whatever time he has left with her depends on it.

Matching the demon slayers determined glare with one of his own, the monk takes a deep cleansing breath before focusing on his opponent.

As expected, Sango puts everything into her next attack. She charges, thrusting and slicing with her arms and hands. It seems her speed has increased as well.

The monk knows he is in trouble. With his ribs throbbing, he cannot fully concentrate on his spiritual energy and he cannot afford to take another hit. He is going to have to distract her.

As Sango makes another pass, Miroku grabs her wrist and yanks her towards him, kissing her full on the mouth. Sango gives a squeak before he pushes her away. She can only stare wide-eyed at the monk.

"What the hell are you doing?" she finally finds her voice. "This is a fight, damn it!"

"Such language… all's fare, Sango." Miroku smiles. "Besides, I wanted to try something different too."

"Why you…" the taijiya cannot find the words.

Instead, she comes at him again; even faster than before if that is possible. Nevertheless, her moves are not as fluent as before and her attacks are random.

Miroku moves just as a punch flies by, causing Sango to overextend and throwing her off balance. Falling forward, Sango puts her hand out to break her fall. Miroku grabs her waist from behind, pulling her back into his body. Holding fast, he pins her arms to her side. Sango looks over her shoulder and fixes him with a death glare. With her head at that angle, it allows Miroku the perfect opportunity to nibble on an earlobe. Sango inhales sharply and a moan escapes her lips before she can stop it.

"You're not playing fair, Houshi," she manages to say, unknowingly relaxing in his arms.

"It's not my fault you didn't stipulate what the rules are," he says nuzzling her hair.

"You're a cheat," Sango states, trying to get upset again. "In more ways than one," she mumbles petulantly under her breath.

"And, you're being childish!" Miroku snaps.

Sango's temper rises and she tries to wiggle away from him, Miroku only tightens his hold.

"Had you listened when I asked, maybe we could have avoided this!"

Agitated, Sango wiggles more. Miroku swears… her struggling only serves to increase the discomfort in his ribs and his ardor

"Sango…" he groans her name, "…please, stay still."

Something in his voice bids her to comply, but she remains tense in his arms. Miroku's head falls in the crook of her neck.

"What I have to say is important; won't you just listen?"

The demon slayer is silent. She stares blindly out and over the temple lawns; the monk behind her patiently awaits her answer. Although reluctant, Sango finally gives an acquiescent nod.

Miroku loosens his hold and his arms encircle her waist. Following Sango's gaze, he knows it is time to admit his feelings.

"I'm afraid I haven't been honest with you, Sango," he starts out tentatively, feeling her stiffen at his words. "I don't want to spend the next few days… the next few hours fighting with you."

Turning her gently to face him, Miroku observes her bent head, her bangs shielding her eyes. Absently stroking her hair, he begins to speak.

"My whole life I've wanted to connect with someone, but because of the 'Kazaana' I wouldn't allow myself. Having met you… I tried denying my feelings; I kept telling myself I had nothing to offer you, not even time. No matter how hard I tried to distance myself, I only felt that much closer to you."

"I deliberately misled you, Sango," he continues. "When I proposed, I wanted you to think it was based on our mutual respect and my attraction for you, but what I should have said…"

"No!" Sango shouts, trying to push away. "Don't… please, I don't want…"

"What I want to say is …" Miroku pulls her close, cupping her face, forcing her to look at him. "… I love you, Sango; you're the only woman for me."

The taijiya's eyes widen and her heart fills with the implication of his words. Unable to respond, she grabs the front of his robes and rests her head on his chest.

"Being with you makes me yearn for a future… our future. I want to wake up beside you each morning, grow old with you, so… I'll ask once more, dear Sango…"

Lifting her face, his eyes beckon hers. Staring up at him, she feels as if she is drowning in those shimmering pools of blue.

"…when this is over, will you live with me and bear my child?"

Looking at him, his eyes reflect his sincerity and mirror her longing. Moving away from him, Sango sighs deeply.

"I'm sorry… I can't!"

"Sango?" Miroku steps forward.

"I can't wait until this is over," she says breathlessly. "Marry me now, Houshi-sama; make me your wife!"

To be continued…