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

Authors Notes: I'm back! Sorry for the sudden time shift in the story. I will probably take the advice of Iggy – Essence of Angst and break this down to post as a sequel. However, I won't make you wait while I rack my brain for a title. So… here goes! Chapter 16 – read, enjoy and review.

Volume II

Sugitaru wa nao oyobazaru ga gotoshi

(Let what is past float away downstream)

Chapter 16: Double Trouble

An open hand reared back and flew without hesitation. Two of the three young faces lined up were slapped soundly. The third, and the one on the end, was smart enough to move out of the way before the hand connected.

Looking over at his friends, Shun'ei felt sorry for them. Both Ichiro and Yamoto were sporting red marks on their cheeks and bowing incessantly to Suiren – his twin sister.

"Come on… I know one of you told on me?" the little girl stood menacingly over the three boys.

Suiren's slaps were infamous amongst the boys in the village. Shun'ei used to wonder from where it had originated. It was not until an incident during an outing, that he discovered his sister had inherited it from their mother.

Some months ago, the twins accompanied their mother and Rie shopping at the wharf near the river. Suddenly, a fish vendor found himself sprawled across his wares with Sango's resounding slap echoing in the air. Shun'ei did not know what had occurred that made his mother strike him, the man simply stated 'the fruit was ripe, yet firm'. The children had not seen the vendors hand skim across their mother's backside; they only knew not to argue with her when it came to the freshness of her produce.

When Suiren inquired what had happened, their mother grabbed her hand, pulling her away and simply stated. "What does a fish vendor know about fruit?" She was right; that stand was on the other side of the road.

Poor Ichiro was trembling, not to mention his runny nose, but unlike Yamoto, he had enough courage to answer. "It wasn't us, Suire-chan; I swear!"

However, the little girl was not listening. Instead, she paced back and forth crying her woes. "Haha-ue and Oba-sama were so mad and I have to carry water from the stream for three… three whole days!" she ended in a wail.

Shun'ei sat quietly through his sister's tirade and discreetly looked again at his frightened friends. Suiren was the sweetest person until she got riled. Usually, he would let her spout until she calmed down, but he could tell that was not about to happen. His sister was upset because she felt their punishment was unjust, after all, they were only trying to help little Chisato find her pet rabbit.

Yesterday their friend's rabbit had gone missing. Chisato was beside herself with worry, therefore, the twins, Yamoto and Ichiro banded together to help her search. As evening approached, there was still no sign of her pet rabbit; they promised to look again the next day.

The children, except Shun'ei, met early the next morning. Suiren's brother had promised Akio to help move tables at the teahouse and would join them later. Since it was daytime, they were able to go further into the forest. In a clearing a distance from the village, they came upon a cage with several rabbits trapped. With a squeal, Chisato exclaimed. "That's him… that's MoMo," she said, pointing to one of the rabbits in the trap.

They tried sticking their small hands through the bars, but once they grabbed onto the rabbit, they were unable to withdraw. In addition, the other rabbits were wild and Yamoto was bitten twice while trying to grab the more domesticated hare. They tried untying the ropes that bound the cage together, but the knots held fast.

"I wish Shun'ei-kun was here," Suiren said in exasperation, "he could open this; he's good with that kinda stuff. Well… there's only one thing to do." She stood up, closed her eyes and took a cleansing breath. Yamoto and Ichiro knew what that meant and they started to protest.

"Wait, Suire-chan," Ichiro whispered, looking around, "let's wait for Shun'ei to come help."

"No time," she said with eyes closed, still focusing. "Someone's coming."

Chisato, Ichiro and Yamoto all listened, but could not hear a thing. Suddenly, Suiren gave a loud yell that startled Chisato, but not the other two; they were used to the sound their friend made when releasing her Ki.

Her hands made a series of fluid motions; one hand flowed up, soft as water, and then sliced downward. "Eee-ya!" She struck with precision and the impact shattered the wooden cage. MoMo was suddenly freed and so were all the other rabbits.

Chisato was ecstatic; she scooped up her pet and hugged him tight. However, the rest of the rabbits scattered.

"Suiren!" Yamoto and Ichiro yelled in reprimand.

The little girl's eyes were wide, her mouthed formed an 'o' and she was still holding her stance as she watched the animals escape. "Ah… I guess I over did it," she blushed awkwardly.

"Hey…" a raised voice came from the outer perimeter of the clearing, "what are you children doing?" The hunter had appeared, the children noticed, looming over them. To say he was mad was putting it mildly. The children took one look at his menacing expression, not to mention the knife strapped to his hip, and panicked.

"R-u-n!" Yamoto yelled and took off in the direction of the village; Chisato, Ichiro and Suiren followed close behind. They became separated as they ran and it was obvious Suiren was singled out. After all, she was the one who broke the cage. Granted she was fast, but her legs were shorter than her pursuer's; the hunter was catching up to her.

"Houshitou!"

Suiren had never been happier to hear that sound. As she ran, two circular objects flew past her, heading in the hunter's direction. Looking over her shoulder, she heard the hunter's 'umph' and saw him fall as the flying rings knocked his feet from under him. Turning back, she saw her brother standing in the path ahead and she picked up the pace. The rings rebounded and, once again, flew past Suiren to return to their owner – Shun'ei.

The rings spiraled towards him with the same force in which he threw them. Shun'ei planted his feet apart and braced himself. Extending his arms out, the rings slid neatly over his forearms. He clamped his elbows down, trapping the rings to his side as the power pushed him back. Suiren had reached him by then; Shun'ei grabbed her hand and they both disappeared into the forest.

Somehow, Suiren was identified. Since their mother was away, the hunter showed up at the teahouse complaining of his lost catch of the day and demanding compensation. Rie reamed the man up one side and down the other for his atrocious manners. After hearing how he had chased the children, she also gave his ears a good boxing. However, that did not excuse the children's actions and they would have to be disciplined.

In her stubbornness, Suiren withheld the names of her friends and dared them to come forward. She took full responsibility for the situation that is… until Shun'ei. Her brother shouldered the blame with her. Inventing a story that included himself, he also informed them he was at fault for the hunter's bruised shins.

His sister was still spouting and Shun'ei decided it was time to put an end to it.

"That's enough, Suiren," he spoke calmly. "You know Ichiro-san and Yamoto-san wouldn't tell on you. Now… say you're sorry and let's get back to the teahouse before mother comes."

Blue eyes clashed with brown, as the twins faced off. Suiren was not finished venting and Shun'ei was tired of hearing it. Ichiro and Yamoto watched the siblings in their private battle and could not help comparing the two; Shun'ei and Suiren were like night and day.

Suiren was like a simmering volcano that could erupt at any moment. She was the aggressive of the two, had a quick wit and the smile of an angel. Being with Suiren was fun; she had a knack for making people laugh. However, if she was in a temper, it was best to stay clear.

Shun'ei was the quiet one; even when angered, he never raised his voice. He was exceptionally bright as well, but stayed mostly to himself. It was believed, if not for his sister's popularity, he would not concern himself to make friends.

Physically, both twins had dark hair, but the similarity ended there. Where Suiren's eyes were a dark blue, Shun'ei's were a rich brown, the same as their mother's eyes.

No one intervened when the twins fought. For one, they never came to blows, unless they were sparring. Second, they were students of the martial arts trained by their mother Sango-sensei. If she, for one moment, thought they were serious, there would definitely be hell to pay.

"Uh… Shu-san," Yamoto called, looking down the road. Although he addressed the brother, both siblings turned and answered together.

"What?"

"Um… your mother's coming!" he pointed in the direction of the main road.

The twins froze, and then slowly turned to face the fiercest death glare known to man. Hands on hips, Sango did not say a word as the twins shoulders slumped in defeat. Suiren's eyes widened in alarm, but Shun'ei only hung his head. Sango abruptly turned on her heel and walked back in the direction she came without looking back. The twins had no choice but to follow and they knew she expected it; they were downcast as they fell in step behind her. Only Suiren looked back and stuck her tongue out at Yamoto and Ichiro.

Miroku and Kirara had been on the road for two days. With the youkai cat perched on his shoulder and loosely holding his shakujou, the monk's casual stride was deceiving. He and Kirara remained on alert. With the Ashigaru troops and spies in the area, it was not always clear what one's orders were nor the intentions of the other. There were also the thieves and bandits to worry about; even monks were not excluded from theft and murder.

After a few hours of travel, Miroku was grateful that Kohaku convinced him to bring along their youkai companion. It had not occurred to him at the time, but it soon became clear why Kohaku had insisted. The young man was not only protecting him, but guiding him back home as well. Miroku thought fondly of the young man he left behind, but he knew Kohaku would be fine.

The monk felt pleased with his efforts in guiding the boy into manhood. Kohaku was less reserved, highly intelligent, a fair and just individual. The young man was unaware, but a few of the young girls in the village were striving for his attention. Smiling to himself, the monk decided to let the taijiya handle his own in that area. Sango would beat him soundly when they met in the afterlife, for instructing her little brother in the ways of women.

"Sango…"

Over the years, his love for her had only grown stronger. The acute pain of losing her, had now softened to a dull ache, like an old injury that flared when exposed to the cold or damp air.

It was second nature for Miroku to appear jovial in his pain. Although he was still an outrageous flirt, he never again asked a woman to bear his child. The 'Kazaana' still existed, but according to Kikyou, it was no longer a threat to his life and would not be passed to his children. However, children were not in Miroku's plans. That was his choice and he accepted his fate. He monk's bloodline would end with him, but he was not alone. He had extended family and people who cared about him.

There had been women over the years, but only a few. Miroku was selective and very discreet in his choices. Any woman resembling Sango, he steered clear. He would not insult her memory but trying to substitute her, nor the woman because to him, his wife was irreplaceable. He only admired them from afar.

The monk stayed clear of the innocent and the pure; he had no wish to encourage unrequited feelings. As for the practiced courtesans, theirs was a job that required no feelings at all. Even that, was too harsh for his lonely soul. That left the occasional lonely widow; someone, like him, searching for nothing other than temporary comfort in the arms of another. Miroku had no plans to remarry… ever.

Kirara's growl shook the monk from his thoughts. His body stiffened in response, thinking the youkai cat was warning him of impending danger. Hearing it again, Miroku relaxed and smiled; it was only Kirara's stomach.

"Sorry, my friend," the monk said, while ruffling her fur, "I guess we should stop for food and rest."

Kirara meowed happily, as Miroku moved off the main road to look for a place to bed down for the night. He stopped, suddenly sensing the presence of another in the vicinity. The cat stilled also and focused on a heavily foliaged area in front of them.

Miroku and Kirara's senses were on high alert as they waited. Suddenly, there was movement; a figure detached itself from a tree and stepped out into the open. Hostile eyes glared at the monk and the youkai cat.

"Oh… it's only you, Inuyasha," Miroku released a breath.

"Damn right it's me!" the hanyou snapped. "Jus' where the hell do you think you're goin', monk?"

The house was quiet now, the remnants from dinner cleared and all chores were done. Sango sat across the hearth and confronted her children.

"All right," their mother began. "Who wants to tell me what 'really' happened today?"

Suiren, as always, was the first to defend their actions. She rose to speak, but an almost telepathic message from her brother had her settling back in her seat.

Sango sighed in frustration. The twins might disagree on many issues, but would protect each other no matter what. They hardly ever told on each other, which usually resulted in both being punished for one's actions.

"So…" Sango continued. "I guess this means you both plan to stick to your story as well as the punishment?"

The children nodded in accord and Sango decided to give them the speech. "Well…," she began. "I'm surprised that you, Shun'ei, were unable to untie the knots on the cage. You are, after all, very knowledgeable about those things. In addition, I cannot understand why you did not go to Chisato's parents to ask for help; they could have talked with the hunter to ask for Chisato's rabbit back. Maybe you should think about that next time and we can avoid this."

"Yes, Haha-ue," was the only response the twins made.

Sango sighed again and gave up. The twins were very stubborn, they were not about to give an inch. "Well… then off to bed. With your extra duties, it's best we start early tomorrow."

Watching them leave the room, their mother knew she had only to wait and the culprit would reveal himself or herself. They were not bad children, just very strong in their beliefs for ones so young.

Boith child's hair was dark as a raven's wing with subtle blue highlights when exposed to the sun. Suiren had two long ponytails on each side of her head, reaching just below her shoulders. Her daughter's eyes were an intense blue, the same color as a midnight sky. She had a vibrant personality and people responded to her readily. Although much loved amongst the villagers, it was known that if there was any ruckus, Sango's daughter was usually at the center.

Suiren was the humanitarian, the champion of the underdog. She became extremely aggressive when defending the rights of other's. However, she was gullible to any sad story and could be impulsive, but not foolhardy.

Shun'ei was the opposite of his sister, with his tousled mop of hair, he was a quiet studious boy. His intentions were no less benevolent than his twin's were, but he took the time to assess a situation before acting. He felt just as strong about injustice, but the impassive expression he wore belied that.

Sango's son shared her looks and reserved personality. Both were serious and smiled occasionally, Shun'ei even less than his mother. He was usually on his best behavior, unless persistently provoked and very protective of the women in his life.

At the age of six, both children displayed their mother's superb fighting skills. Sango was able to combine what she remembered of demon slaying with the skills required over the years. They excelled in hand to hand combat and certain weaponry. Sango drew the line at the use of metal weapons. She chose to maintain the ways of the Taijiya's and fashioned her weapons from the remains of exterminated youkai.

Since the demand was not great for exterminations in this area, Sango was employed as a Shinobi scout for the Ashigaru forces. Dressed as a man, she acted as a guide for the foot soldiers occupying the surrounding area. This was Sango's means of income. As a widowed mother, she had to take care of her children, put food on the table and they could afford their little house on the outskirts of the village.

Rie, her mentor and friend, had decided to remain in the village. The old woman ran a teahouse and her grandson Akio had recently joined the Ashigaru regime.

Akio convinced her, two years ago, to become a scout for the military. She did not agree with the daimyo's wanting to rule over the lands the villagers worked so hard to maintain, but nothing was permanent and the Gekokujo talks could go either way. No one in the village knew she acted as a scout. She recalled the conversation with Akio…

"Come on, Sango-chan," Akio pleaded. "It's good money and you know you hate waiting tables at the teahouse."

"That's true, Akio, but a woman out on the road with so many men. I don't know… it may not be a good idea."

"Don't worry," the young man continued. "We'll be together on a few assignments and I could recommend you for the smaller jobs; the ones not lasting more than a day or two. Besides… if you're worried about the men, then disguise yourself as one. Although…" Akio's eyes gleamed. "You couldn't fool me for one moment."

Sango blushed as Akio's appreciative gaze roamed over her. He was not a child anymore, she noticed, and he was still attracted to her. Both, she and Rie had hoped he would have grown out of it by now.

Over the years, the boy that is now a man became very attached to Sango, but she only saw him as a little brother. Akio was about two years older than Kohaku would have been, had he lived.

Rie's grandson had grown into a fine young man. He took good care of his grandmother and was fond of Suiren and Shun'ei. Akio had the patience of a saint when dealing with those two. It was interesting, as opposed as he was to the Ashigauru's presence; it had not stopped him from joining them.

"You're the best tracker I know and you're used to being on the road. Think about it, Sango-chan," Akio pressed again. "I'm only thinking of you and the children. I'll find the smallest gear and bring it over later… you can try it on."

That is how it began.

Since then, she and Akio had been on many assignments together and separate. Rie hired a new server for the teahouse to replace Sango; the demon slayer would be missed, but Rie's pottery would be safe. The old woman could not understand how a woman as graceful as Sango, could have so many mishaps with serving a cup of tea.

The new girl, Nari, was perfect for the position. She was friendly and efficient and Rie was pleased with her, however, she was not the only one. Akio had taken a fancy to the new girl and it seemed his feelings were finally reciprocated. The two were to be married in a few months and everyone was happy for them.

Rie…

Sango owed this woman her life. Without her guidance over the years, she was not sure she would have coped. Although the young mother never complained, it was hard remembering only a part of your past.

Rie took her, a complete stranger, nursed her back to health and allowed her to accompany them when her memory failed to place her. They were together for over a month when Sango began showing signs of illness unrelated to her previous injuries.

"Your body will take a while to heal," Rie would say. However, the symptoms were persistent and were ones the older woman could no longer ignore. After watching Sango lose her morning meal for another week, Rie finally had to tell her. "Sango-san," Rie began tentatively. "I believe you are with child."

To say she was confused was an understatement. Sadly, Sango had to admit to having no memory of her child's father and even questioned its legitimacy. Again, Rie gave comfort in her usual brash manner.

"Nonsense, child," the old woman said. "Of course you were married. You're no the type to just let some man have his way and with your fighting skills…" she continued. "… I can't see someone forcing themselves on you. So… get that thought out of your head, missy! I'll bet everything I got that you had a loving husband who died protecting his wife and home."

It was a story repeated throughout her pregnancy when curious villagers inquired. Sango was always self-conscious about the tale Rie and Akio wove, but they insisted it was for the best. It was not until the birth of her children that Sango ceased to care what others thought.

The twins were a claim to her past… to her life before, the one she could longer remember. Looking into their cute, chubby little faces, her fears had somewhat been put to rest and she could now move forward.

After securing the house and closing the shutters, Sango headed to her children's room. With the stealth of her profession, she stood in the shadows and watched her daughter crawl to her brother's futon.

"Shun'ei-kun?" the little girl gently shook her brother, "Are you awake?"

"No… I'm asleep," was his muffled reply.

"You are not," she whispered.

After a moment, Shun'ei sighed heavily and sat up. It was not use trying to ignore her; Suiren's eyes seemed to bore at him through the covers. He knew she would sit there until he acknowledged her.

"I'm sorry, Shun'ei-kun," she appealed to him. "I should have listened to Ichiro and Yamoto, but I thought if we waited it might be too late. I'll tell mother it was all my fault, you shouldn't be punished too."

"No, we'll do this together," he whispered back. "You were only trying to help Chisato and you did, so now… I'll help you."

Thanks, nii-chan," Suiren said sincerely and hugged him.

"Don't worry," Shun'ei told her and held up his pinky finger. His sister's smile broke through as she did the same and they curled their fingers around each other's. "Now get some sleep, we're gonna need it."

Sango also smiled in the darkness as Suiren returned to her futon and Shun'ei, once again, settled. She waited a moment before slowly exiting the room. Entering her own, she thought about the twin's strange ritual. For as long as she could remember, even as infants, the act of linking their fingers together was their way of comforting each other.

"So… what made ya' wanna go and do somethin' this stupid?"

The two men sat in front of the campfire. Kirara was snuggled, warm and content in Miroku's lap after her meal. The youkai cat had spent the last few months with Kohaku and was therefore dominating the monk's attention.

"It's not stupid, Inuyasha," Mirokyu informed the hanyou. "The Gekokujo talks mean a lot to the villagers. I'm only acting as mediator between them and the nobles."

"According to Kaede, it's a position that could get ya' killed, bozou," Inuyasha said seriously. "Or… is that what you're tryin' to do?"

"Don't talk nonsense," the monk said, reclining back in the grass.

"Ah-hah!" the hanyou spat triumphantly. "I knew it… I told Kagome she was wrong!"

"About what?" Miroku pushed up on his elbows. "What did Kagome say?"

"She said in your 'subcontent' mind, you were tryin' to… to…" Inuyasha paused from his rehearsed speech. "Aw, hell, I can't remember all that crap. What Kagome was sayin' is… you took on this dangerous mission cause if ya' got killed or somethin' it wasn't like you committed shinjuu cause you'd die an honorable death and wouldn't have ta' check yourself out!" the hanyou said all this in a rush.

"I believe the word is 'subconscious', Inuyasha," Miroku said calmly.

"Whatever…" the hanyou sniffed.

"Does this 'check out' mean what I think it means?"

"Well… yeah, ya' know… kill yourself."

"Oh… I see. How could you guys think that?" Miroku was offended. "Why would I wait all these years?" With a frustrated sigh, he changed the subject. "Are such expressions as 'check out' of common use in Kagome's time?"

"Yeah," Inuyasha nodded with a smile, "I learned a lot new sayin's."

"Really," Miroku raised an eyebrow, "and you understand this type of speech?"

"Uh-huh!"

"Figures…" the monk said with a smirk.

The smile left Inuyasha's face and he turned a menacing look on the monk. "What the hell is that supposed ta' mean?"

"Nothing," Miroku appeared undaunted by Inuyasha's fierce look. "It simply means you have a knack for languages, is all."

"Oh… well, yeah! I do; don't I?" the hanyou's smile was back in place. However, as Inuyasha leaned back against the tree, he wondered why he felt he was missing something.

Both men were quiet for the moment, each lost in their own thoughts as they stared into the fire.

"I would never consider that," the monk began solemnly. "You know that; don't you, Inuyasha?"

"I know, Miroku," the hanyou said with his eyes closed. "That's not your way. Kagome knows it too; she's just worried about ya' and well… with her being pregnant and all, she's a bit more sensitive lately."

"Kagome's with child?" Miroku said excitedly and sat up. "Why didn't you say something earlier? Congratulations, Inuyasha, you're going to be a father; you lucky dog!"

Inuyasha was grinning with pride, as he looked up at the sky. Kagome had finally finished her studies and wanted to start a family right away. The prospect of them becoming parents was scary, but the hanyou wanted to a good father to his child. Suddenly, Inuyasha's smile faded as he remembered his own father.

"You'll be fine, Inuyasha," the monk said quietly, reading his friend's mind. "Don't worry yourself."

The hanyou gave a faint smile and closed his eyes ending the conversation.

Miroku lay back with his hands behind his head and stared up at the stars. Although happy for his friend, the monk was melancholy. He would never experience the joys and uncertainties of fatherhood. He had finished raising Kohaku, had aided Kaede with Shippo, but that would be the extent of his parental duties. Was there 'really' any difference in raising your own?

If he and Sango would have had children, would they have been… no, Miroku shook his head. It was best not to entertain those thoughts. He did not want give Kagome and Inuyasha a reason to worry.

As Miroku's eyes became heavy, an image of his lost love appeared in the sky above. In a drowsed state, the monk reached up and caressed the cheek of the apparition above him.

"Sango…"

With her smiling face in his mind, sleep finally claimed him.

Miles away from the campsite, inside the family home, sleep is elusive to a restless Sango. Flipping over on her back, she stared blankly at the beams overhead.

At that moment, she heard the chimes outside tinkle softly as a light breeze entered the stillness of the room. The air circulated around her as she laid on her futon. Suddenly… her body began to relax and her lids slowly closed. She heard her name whispered in masculine tones and an intimate stroke upon her cheek as she fell into a deep slumber.

To be continued…

haha-ue – one's own mother

nii-chan – an endearment form of older brother

houshitou – Shun'ei's shout when throwing his weapon, it's similar to his mother's 'Hiraikotsu'. It means flying rings - houshi is just coincidental.

shinjuu – a lover's suicide