"Just hold still Kirara, I've almost got it," said Sango as she carefully dug into Kirara's gunshot wound with a set of tweezers from Kagome's first-aid box. Fortunately the musket ball had struck a bone and lodged there, preventing it from going deep into her body, but Sango knew she had to be careful to avoid pushing it in any further.

Captain Diachi had been polite enough not to lock them in a cell while he and his men conducted his investigation at Natsumi's Inn, but he had confined them to a room in his guard station, locking the door and posting guards outside. Now all they could do was lick their wounds and wait for the results. While Sango tended to Kirara, Miroku sat quietly in the room drinking from a canteen. The worst effects of the poison had worn off by now, but pain still lingered in his throat and he was doing all he could to wash it out.

However, Miroku considered the pain to be the least of his concerns. "It's all my fault," he thought to himself as he nervously watched Sango at work. "I came along to protect her, but I nearly ruined everything. Kirara's injury, our current situation, it's all because I fell for such a simple trap! She even had to kill because of me. And after everything Sango did to get us out, it still might be for nothing. Natsumi could have been lying when she told me about the stolen merchandise in her basement. There's no way to know." Even they were able to get out of their current predicament, Miroku still wasn't sure if Sango would be willing to forgive him. Though Sango had shown great capacity for forgiveness of Miroku's many past (and virtually ensured future) indiscretions, receiving it for this one might not be so simple. Miroku himself felt he hardly deserved it.

"Alright that's it, hold on for a bit longer," Sango told the demon cat as she managed to get a firm hold on the metal ball with her tweezers. This whole time Kirara had done a remarkably good job of keeping still and not making a sound as she endured the severe pain. "Almost...there! Done!" Finally, Sango finished extracting the musket ball from Kirara and paused to wipe the sweat from her brow. "Let's hope we don't have to go through that again."

Miroku decided now would be as good a time as any to speak up. "Is she going to be alright?"

"Don't worry Miroku, Kirara's as tough as they come," Sango responded with pride in her voice while patting Kirara on the head. "She'll be able to return to normal size soon, and she should be back at full strength within a few days." Kirara also did her part to let Miroku know she would be fine, letting out a soft, but proud roar. "How about you?"

"Well at least she's still showing concern for me," Miroku thought before answering. "Well I've seen better days, but I'll manage. What was that stuff anyway? I've never felt anything like it."

"Every once in a while, we'd come across demons who had captured humans alive," Sango explained. "So my people devised a special type of poison to disorient and disable everyone in a specific area without killing them. Unfortunately it's lack of lethality doesn't make it any less painful. Miroku, I really wish I could have avoided using it, but under the circumstances there was no other way. I hope you understand."

Miroku laughed in response. "Sango, after all you did for me, do you really think I'd blame you? Of course I understand, and I'm forever in your debt. Not only that, but I can even appreciate the irony. Use of that poison was the most painful thing you ever did to me, yet it probably saved my life."

Sango laughed as well as the point sank in. Then she walked over and sat down next to him. "I suppose that's true. Miroku, listen there's something I have to tell you."

"So Sango is going to start this off. Guess I'm in for one heck of a tongue lashing. It's not like I don't deserve it"

"I...I'm sorry."

Miroku almost did a double take when he heard this. "What? Why would you say such a thing?"

"Our journey has barely started and the first thing I did was lead us right into a trap. I shouldn't have been so trusting of Natsumi, and I shouldn't have insisted on us having seperate rooms. You were acting innapropriately before, but it was still bad tactics on my part. Splitting up is what enabled those mercenaries to get you, though I'm sure it must have taken a large group of them."

"Er..right..a..v-very large group. Naturally I did my best to fight them off, but there were simply too many," Miroku stammered, doing his best to play along. He felt of twinge of guilt for being dishonest with Sango, but she was the one who had provided him with an escape route and it would be foolish not to take advantage of it.

"That's what I thought," continued Sango. "See this is why I didn't want anyone else coming along. Tracking down Zanshin is something that requires total commitment and some very risky decisions. I'm okay with taking those risks myself, but the thought of making decisions that put you or Kirara in harms way is what disturbs me. Now look at what's happened. Kirara got injured, I had to poison you, and we still find ourselves facing an unknown fate."

"So she really doesn't blame me for what happened? Oh this is just too good to be true," Miroku thought to himself. "Now all I have to do is comfort her properly and I should get through this with our relationship unscathed."

Taking her hand in his, Miroku did his best to be supportive. "Sango, it's alright. We both came along with you knowing the dangers we would be facing, and we're prepared to face whatever is in our path. Like you I'm willing to do whatever is needed to get this quest completed. Whatever risks you feel are necessary, I'll take them without hesitation."

Sango smiled in response. "Thanks Miroku, that means a lot to me." Then she turned away and stared down at the floor. "But the worst thing is, everything we went through was for nothing! Even if Diachi lets us go, we still aren't any closer to finding Zanshin then we were before we came here. We've got no leads, no evidence of his whereabouts, and no clue where to start looking. I just don't know what to do next."

Suddenly Miroku thought of something, causing him to rise from his seat. "Actually Sango, I think I may be able to help with that."

This caught Sango's interest. "What do you mean?"

"Well it just so happens I discovered Natsumi was planning to meet with Zanshin in an abandoned village in the wilderness tomorrow afternoon. Assuming Zanshin doesn't know what happened tonight, he should still be expecting this meeting to take place-"

Before he could finish, Sango practically jumped out of her chair in excitement. "What? You mean while you were in captivity you actually got her to tell you where Zanshin is?"

This time Miroku felt too guilty to be dishonest. "Well sort of. You see the thing is she really just blurted it out..."

Sango seemed far too thrilled to notice his statement. "Miroku! You're a genius!" Sango shouted as she lunged forward and threw her arms around him.

"Uh Sango, you don't seem to understand. She just told me, it didn't really take any effort."

But it was no use. Sango seemed so excited to hear the news that she was totally oblivious to his every word. "I can't believed you pulled it off! She was holding you at gunpoint and you managed to get information that I probably wouldn't have been able to beat out of her! Incredible! That's my Miroku!"

Miroku gave in and returned her embrace. He had made his best effort to be upfront about what occurred, but if she wasn't going to listen, he might as well use opportunity she was providing. The only question was how far should attempt to go with it; a question that practically answered itself. Almost without thinking, he had already begun sliding hands down her back to their target. "This is it!" He thought. "There is no way she's going to hit me this time."

But it was not meant to be. Before his hands reached their destination, they were halted by Diachi, who had entered the room unnoticed. "Um, excuse me. Am I interrupting something?"

Both Miroku and Sango stared blankly at him for a bit before realizing they still had their arms around each other. Turning red with embarrassment, they quickly separated and turned to address him.

"Ah well I see you all appear to be fully recovered from your ordeal," Diachi continued. "Which is most fortunate. I'd hate to see any of you permanently injured after providing this town with such a valuable service."

"What are saying?" Asked Sango.

"It's over, Sango. The basement of Natsumi's Inn was filled with stolen property from the caravan attacks, just like the monk said. When confronted with such overwhelming evidence, Natsumi made a full confession of her crimes. Her and all the surviving mercenaries have been placed under arrest. You have my deepest gratitude for exposing her involvement in the demon attacks and putting an end to them for good, as I have no doubt you were telling the truth about killing the plant youkai as well."

Sango breathed a sigh of relief, elated that she and Miroku and managed to get through the whole experience with their lives and freedom intact, at least for now. Miroku was also glad, not just that his story had been confirmed, but also that Natsumi had survived his blow from the chair. He had hated the thought of possibly killing a woman, no matter how justified it would have been.

"So what now?" Sango asked.

"Now you are free to go, but I would appreciate it if you would accompany me to my office. I believe we have much to discuss."

Diachi sat quietly behind the desk in his office while Sango and Miroku explained everything; the fight with the plant youkai, the hunt for Zanshin, and finally, their desperate escape from Natsumi's Inn. "Sounds like you've been through quite a lot," said Diachi as soon as they were finished. "But despite everything, you still want to keep going after Zanshin? You haven't even met him yet and you've already had your share of near-death encounters."

"That's actually pretty common in our line of work," Sango stated bluntly. "I assure you, Mr. Diachi, we are fully prepared to see this through to the end."

"Well if that's the case, it looks like you'll be performing another valuable service for Tazumi, as this Zanshin is clearly a serious threat. Allow me to offer my assistance. I will do everything I can do aid you in this endeavor."

"You can start by giving us some directions," said Miroku. "Natsumi said she was planning to meet with Zanshin tomorrow afternoon. in an abandoned village on the west side of the forest. Do you know what she was referring to?"

Diachi cupped his hands together on top of the desk. "Indeed I do. I grew up in this area and know the forest as well as anyone. I can give you a map with the location, but there is still a serious problem. That village is very deep in the woodlands. The only way you could make it to the meeting place in time is if you left within the next hour. No offense, but I don't think you two are in any condition to be traveling without a good deal of rest, especially with such a good chance of a major battle waiting for you at your destination. You'll be too fatigued to put up much of a fight."

Sango smiled. "Under normal conditions, perhaps not. But we won't be going there on foot. Isn't that right Kirara?"

All this time, Kirara had been on the ground in normal size, nestled against Sango's leg. Upon hearing her name, she jumped onto Sango's lap and gave an acknowledging meow, proudly announcing she was feeling fit to return to duty.

"Oh that's right. I forgot your demon cat has the ability to grow larger and fly. She really is one remarkable specimen. I've been a guardsman a long time and I've never seen anything like her."

"Nor have I," agreed Sango. "Don't worry captain, we'll be able to get a good night's sleep and still arrive at the village in time to pay Zanshin a proper visit."

Suddnely Diachi's voice grew more serious. "I suppose I should be glad to hear that, but you need to understand what you're getting into. That abandoned village is completely isolated. As far as I know, there is nothing but woodlands all around it for miles in every direction."

"In other words, it's the perfect spot for a surprise attack," Miroku realized.

"Exactly. You'll be cut off from any means of support, and if something were to happen to Kirara, it's going to be one hell of a miserable trip back."

"Well it wouldn't be the first time," Sango muttered bitterly, recalled he horrible journey back after fighting the plant youkai. "I appreciate your concern Captain, but this is the only lead we have to find Zanshin, and we might not get another chance. It's an opportunity we simply cannot afford to pass up."

"Very well. If you insist on moving forward, then you will go with the hopes and prayers of everyone in this town. I wish I could send some of my men with you, but I don't have many to spare, and without flying ability, there would be no way for them to keep up. However, I will return all your weapons, and supply you with any provisions you'll need. Is there anything else I can provide?"

"How about a room in your guard station for the rest of the night?" Asked Sango. "As you said, we'll need a good night's sleep before facing the trials of tomorrow."

"Indebted to you. I've got an empty barracks room I can spare."

"Excellent!" said Miroku as they got up to leave. "Come Sango, since tonight may be our last, let's make it a memorable one-ow!"

Miroku was cut off as he once again felt the stinging pain of Sango's open hand. "Sango! What was that for?"

"Dammit Miroku, have you no shame? Diachi is right here in front of us!" Sango angrily chided him. "Besides, we'll be spending the night in a guard station. There's over a dozen other people around here!"

"Well I was planning on being discreet," said Miroku, desperately trying to mitigate the damage of his prior statement. "I can keep it down when necessary..."

But it was no use. His words were lost on Sango as she nervously turned back to Diachi. "Uh Captain, this room had better have multiple beds, or we'll have to pass."

"It does." Diachi replied while trying not to laugh.

Miroku looked hurt at this remark, but decided it was best to keep silent. He already considered himself extremely fortunant the he was in position to finish the night on Sango's good side and doing anything that could jeopordize that status probably wasn't worth the risk.

"I just have to hold on a little longer." He thought as Diachi lead them to their room. "Our confrontation with Zanshin is almost here, and once we've defeated him, then the time will be right!"

Thought she would never admit it, Sango herself actually found his persistence somewhat amusing. At the very least, it was nice to see all his attention and effort focused on her, save for one errant line made at Natsumi's Inn. "Miroku, you just never learn, do you? Oh well, he may be a lech, but at least on this journey he's been my lech."

The next morning, the group gathered their belongings and were quickly underway. Soon Miroku found himself in his favorite traveling position, behind Sango on the back of Kirara with his arms around her waist as they soared over the woodlands at top speed. "We should be coming up on the abandoned village soon. How are you feeling, Sango? Are you ready for this?"

Sango turned back and replied with an enthusiastic expression. "Absolutely! This is it, Miroku. After all we've been through, our confrontation with Zanshin is finally at hand, and quite frankly I can't wait to get this going! I feel like we can take on anything he'll throw at us."

"That's good to hear, but you might be a bit overly optimistic," Miroku pointed out. "Remember Natsumi didn't give any details about this supposed meeting, nor did she gave an exact time for when it was supposed to take place. We can't even be sure Zanshin is going to show up at all. Natsumi could have lied about the whole thing."

This didn't seem to disappoint Sango one bit. "I know, but I just have a good feeling. Zanshin will be there, I know he will."

"I suppose that's all we can go on right now. Listen Sango, there is something I forgot to tell you before. The reason Natsumi didn't kill me when she had the chance is because she said Zanshin had instructed her to turn me over to him so he could try to use the power of my Wind Tunnel in his creations."

"What? That doesn't make any sense. You've never met Zanshin. He shouldn't know anything about you or your Wind Tunnel," said Sango.

"Exactly. This isn't just about the two of you and your past conflict. There is some other connection between him and the rest of of us. Something we havn't discovered yet."

Sango remained adamant. "Maybe so, but it doesn't change anything. Our course of action and our ultimate goal remains the same either way."

"I suppose not." Miroku replied with a sigh. "Say, Diachi wasn't exagerating when he said the village was isolated. I havn't seen anything below us but trees and hills for the last several minutes."

Sango responded by grabbing Miroku's hand and holding it tightly. "I know. It's just us now, Miroku. The only way we'll get through this is if we can depend on each other, so I hope you're prepared to give this your all."

"Don't worry Sango, you know you can count on me-Hey Sango! Look up ahead. There it is!"

The conversation was interupted as the abandoned village came into visual range. "That's our target!" Sango confirmed, her pleasent demeanor quickly changing to one of intense focus on the mission. "Kirara, fly us overhead. Let's see if we can spot anything from up here."

Kirara made several passes over the village with her riders intently looking down for any sign of life, but it appeared to be a ghost town, with nothing but dilapidated structures and weed-filled untended stretches of ancient farmland.

"I can't see anything, nor do I detect any precense of demonic aura," remarked Miroku. "Either we're too early or Zanshin is running late."

"It's possible, but we can't be sure," Sango pointed out. "The lack of demonic aura doesn't prove anything. Remember he's been working with humans, and you never could detect his last creation. We'll need to head down there and search the whole village for clues."

"You think his laboratory could be down there?"

"It's not likely. None of the buildings in this village look big enough for it, and I doubt Zanshin would be dumb enough to give any human he was working with directions to it's location, no matter how much he trusts them. But there still may be some evidence of where he it is. Besides, if Zanshin is hiding down there, it won't matter. We can kill him and then track down his lab at our own leisure."

Miroku wasn't entirely satisfied with this reasoning. "Sango, I don't like this. That village practically has the word "ambush" written all over it. Surely you must be thinking the same thing."

Sango turned back to Miroku with a determined look. "Of course I am, but we can't turn back now. We'll just have to risk it and deal with whatever is waiting for us." Then she turned back to Kirara. "Alright Kirara, take us down."