Disclaimer: I don't own InuYasha or any of its characters. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi. However, this story and created characters are mine.

Chapter 19: The Truth Hurts

Midori flew in the sky, traveling farther and farther from the group. The image of her brother's sadden face entered her mind. There was nothing he could do for her; there was nothing she could do for him. The winds of fate, the ones which now carried her, had separated their destiny.

Miroku pondered inside himself. Midori left without telling where she was going. The internal pain killed him. His sister was missing and chained to their lifelong enemy, a chain he must break.

"But why did she leave? I could have helped her." Miroku spoke aloud, not expecting a respond.

Silence. Miroku grew with frustration. He wanted his friends to support him, to support Midori. He knew she was good, that she was worth saving. Yet no one was willing to help.

"Just give it up. Midori is no longer your sister." InuYasha told the sulking monk, "You just have to accept it."

"InuYasha," Kagome soothed, hoping to avoid an argument.

"How can I? She is my sister, my family. How can I give up on her?" His deep blue eyes almost blurred from his tears. He feared of losing his sister again. His cause began to seem more futile as he continued to argue with InuYasha.

"She is with Naraku. She is a lost cause."

"Then what about Kohaku!" Miroku's voice dominated the room. "Kohaku is no different from Midori yet you try to save him. Why won't you help me save Midori?"

"Midori attacked Kohaku for no reason. She was not being controlled by Naraku at the time, unlike Kohaku." Sango said calmly. She left her brother side and entered into a secluded area, closing a curtain behind her. The sound of metal clashing on the floor could be heard beyond the curtain.

He stormed out of the hut, not wanting to think about what Sango was planning. He knew he had to save Midori. But how? Worry covered the determination which had reflected from his eyes. How can I protect her if her enemy is Kohaku? Coming to the river he stopped, allowing him to contemplate more on his thoughts. Midori is his only relative, yet Sango is going to be his wife. He abandoned his dilemma to the sounds of the rushing water. The bubbling mess reminded him of the waterfall which ran near Mushin's shrine. Midori was always there. She looked to the stars almost every night. He tilted his head back, hoping to see what Midori would see in the stars. Finding nothing, he closed his eyes, allowing his mind to find a memory never forgotten.

"Miroku."

The sound of his sister's sobbing voice still played in his head. The sadness, the fear it emanated caused him to tremble. He sat up from his bed mat and looked over to his sister. Her face still carried the pain of their parents' death even in slumber.

How can she sleep?

He was jealous of her. She could stay a child. Now he was the man of the family. Sure, Mushin was around; he would be their caregiver. Yet he felt responsible for her care. Being only two, she would need the protection. He watched her turn over, hiding her face away from his gaze. Feeling rejected, his eyes turned to his own body. He touched his shirt with his right palm. The cloth was still damp from her tears. Lifting his palm, felt the rosary slip slightly, frightening him. He stared at his cursed palm, recalling the words Mushin had spoke, "Don't worry about it. Just live life to the fullest." They gave no comfort. He had witness what is to become of him if Naraku was not stopped. Through his father, he saw his fate. Tears began to stream down his cheeks, tears that had not escaped before. He buried his face into his pillow, muffling his sobbing.

Pressure was placed on his back, causing him to gasp. Wiping his eyes, he twisted his neck. Midori sat with crossed legs, gripping her blanket in her hands.

"Can I sleep with you?" Midori's squeaky voice cracked. In the dim light, he could see her cheeks were moist from salty tears. I have to be brave, for Midori. Giving her a smile, he lifted his blanket, inviting her. She crawled inside, scooting closer to him. Her skin rubbed against his, carrying her shiver to him. I have to get strong. I don't want anything to happen to Midori. He wrapped his bare arms around his little sister, wishing to protect her. The two slept in peace only within each others' arms.

Miroku opened his eyes, in order to stare at the sky. His search was futile from the start. The sun had already appeared above the horizon, shielding all the stars of the world. His memory stayed vivid in his mind, tearing him apart.

"Miroku."

The monk continued looking towards the sky, ignoring the girl coming from behind. He was in no mood to talk. He believed that no one was on his side anymore.

"Miroku," the girl said again. She stood behind him now, waiting for a response. He lowered his head but said nothing. His silence aggravated and saddened her.

"Please say something. I want to help."

"What did you keep secret from me?"

"What do you mean?" She replied innocently.

"Your little secret with Midori."

Kagome became speechless from his words. He kept staring out to the river, avoiding her gaze. She clenched her pitcher, afraid to say anything. Her eyes shifted to the ground. Now she stood silent.

Miroku turned to the quiet girl, hoping a face-off confrontation would make her answer. He heard her sigh, knowing he had won.

"Midori was doomed from the start," Kagome said in sorrow. Her heart hurt from her betrayal. This confession was a direct violation of the promise she made with Midori. She only hoped it was the right thing.

"What do you mean Kagome?" Miroku cocked an eyebrow, hoping he would get the whole explanation. Yet he had a feeling that the explanation would only break his heart. He watched tears form in her eyes as she recalled Midori's story.

"Naraku has known about Midori since your parents' death," She almost shouted with pain in her voice, "He had placed a curse of her. Slowly her flesh was eaten by his implanted flesh, until he took her entire body." Miroku stumbled backwards, remembering the day Naraku absorbed Midori into his body. That was meant to happen! Naraku planned it! Rage replaced the shock within the monk.

"Bastard!!" The outburst startled Kagome. Never had Miroku become so angry. His eyes now were filled with hot salty tears. Now he knew, there was nothing he could have done to save his sister. He stomped away from Kagome, leaving her standing by the bank. As she cried she dipped the pitcher into the river.

A/N: This is not my favorite chapter, but I felt like it was needed. I wrote it within the week, while much of my story has been wirten for over a year now. (Yes my chapters are complete, I just reveal them slowly hehe) I can understand if others feel the same.