That took me while, sorry about that. I was having a little bit of a writers block during this chapter.

By the way, just a question.. has anyone ever tried to speak English while in another country and say something outrageously stupid? I am learning German, and so I try to speak German as much as I can... but when I see other Exchange students, I tend to speak English. And this one time, me and this girl from Wisconsin were laughing about something and I said "Piss my ass off." Yeah, I said that. I tried to say "piss myself" and "laugh my ass off" at the same time... how humiliating.

Okay, here's chapter five!

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

--Chapter Five--

The night was unbelievably long, and Inuyasha found himself pacing back and forth. With his hands behind his back and his bangs covering his eyes, he took long and steady breaths. The fire began to go out, casting a dim light around the group and their surroundings. Kagome's sleeping form had kept catching his attention, and he would find himself doubting whether or not he should leave. Now, he just avoided her direction all together. The ground was all he saw for a couple of hours.

He didn't doubt that Kikyo would show; she would never lie to him. If there was a chance that they could be together, she would take it. It just confused him as to why she hadn't showed yet. It wasn't like Kikyo to be late.

He stopped in his tracks and raised alert eyes to the crescent moon. Kikyo, where are you? Did something happen? Were you held up? His mind was a bit frantic, trying to come up with a reasonable explanation as to why she hadn't showed. He replayed the conversation over and over, and then counted the number of days that had passed… three. If this is the night of the third day, then why isn't she here?!

He spent a couple more hours like that while waiting for the appearance of his dead priestess. The night dragged on, and it became even more torturous when Kagome began to mumble things in her sleep. Once she had even said his name, and then muttered something after. Inuyasha almost swore she had said 'don't leave me.' It pained his heart, and he wished that Kikyo would come already. Then he would be far away from confused feelings and broken hearts. But for some reason, he knew that no matter how far away he was from Kagome, he would always see her in his dreams and always miss her. She was special to him, he admitted.

When the sun appeared on the horizon, lighting the world in its golden rays, Inuyasha finally gave up hope. Kikyo didn't show, and so he would continue to wait for her. Stifling an irritated and pained cry, he sat down next to Kagome's form. Silently, as if not to wake her, he slowly erased the small message he had written on the dirt next to her. He took one long look at the ground before standing up and seating himself on the other side of the fire. Shutting his eyes, he calmly waited for the others to stir.

Sango was the first to wake. She yawned hugely as she sharply nudged a sleeping Miroku awake. He only opened one eye and looked at her. "Morning already?" He asked groggily.

Sango only nodded and then made her way over to Kagome. But she stopped when she noticed the hanyou sitting on the other side of the fire, his eyes closed, but ears perked. Surprise and happiness washed over her. Smiling, she asked softly, "You stayed?"

Inuyasha opened two eyes hesitantly before scowling. "She never came," He admitted.

Sango's eyes went wide. "She stood you up?"

Miroku hooted with laughter. "Kikyo never came for you? Does this mean-"

Inuyasha cut the monk off with a menacing growl. "Yeah, it means I will stay with the group a little while longer."

Sango sighed, thankful. Seeing the conversation come to a close, she gently nudged Kagome awake. Kagome stretched widely, her arms going out in all directions, awaking Shippo. Slowly opening her eyes, Kagome braced herself for the worst. You knew this was going to happen. That's why you took those sleeping pills last night. You wanted a dreamless sleep without Inuyasha in them. You knew it was the only way you'd ever get to sleep, a voice told her softly. But Kagome stopped and clamped her eyes shut. She was scared. She didn't want to see the empty spot where Inuyasha would always sleep and miss his voice during breakfast. She didn't want to be reminded that a couple of days ago Kikyo had come and Inuyasha had chosen Kikyo over her. The wounds were still fresh, and she didn't want another tear in her heart.

Shippo's voice came through her hazy mind. "Woah, look at the sun! Hey, Sango? What's for breakfast?

Kagome could hear the grin and shrug in Sango's tone. "Not sure yet."

"Why don't you go scamper off and find your own damn breakfast?" Kagome's breath caught in her throat at the voice. Her heart pounded harder in relief, and happiness washed over her like a giant wave. Inuyasha didn't go last night!

She opened her eyes in a flash and they landed on the irritated hanyou facing her, his eyes on the small demon in her lap. A small smile crossed her lips as she heavily sighed, clearly happy. Oh, Inuyasha…

Inuyasha's eyes were drawn to the face of the girl that was cuddling Shippo when she let out a sigh. His gaze fell on her lips, where a small but deliriously happy smile showed through. He didn't even realize that it was directed towards him before he lifted his gaze to her soft chocolate brown eyes. It confused him as to why she would be happy to see him. She never smiled at him like this before. Maybe Miroku told her, he told himself. But after casting a look in the monk's direction, he remembered that Miroku wanted Inuyasha to tell Kagome himself. Then why is she acting like this? And then it hit him. She really does care…

Shippo's voice brought Kagome out of her delirious state. "Kagome, can we have apples for breakfast?" Shippo's emerald gaze fell on her face.

Kagome smiled. "Sure, Shippo. But where are we going to get apples?"

Shippo pointed to a nearby tree. "I do believe that is an apple tree right there."

Kagome turned to the tree and then grinned. "Sure thing. Why didn't you just go grab one yourself? You don't have to ask for my permission, Shippo."

Shippo sweat-dropped. "I can't reach them."

Kagome blushed a little. "Right. Well, let's go get some." She packed up her sleeping bag before joining Shippo underneath the apple tree.

"I want that one!" Shippo waved a little hand at a bright red apple right above his head. Kagome reached for it and cleanly broke it off from its branch.

Offering it to him, she said, "We should probably pick more for the others." Shippo greedily took the apple from Kagome's hand and bit into it, juices running down his jaw. Kagome laughed, and then began to grab a few more apples.

"Hey Miroku!" The monk only had a few seconds to prepare for the apple flying through the air towards him. As it neared his head, he calmly caught the apple in his open palm and then inspected it for worms. "Thanks, Kagome!' He called back to her.

"Sango!" The demon slayer caught the flying apple with ease. "Thanks!" Sango called back. Kagome only nodded as she threw another apple, yelling Inuyasha's name.

Inuyasha caught the apple, bouncing it between his hands. "So, do we know where Anaya's village is?"

Kagome stumbled over a small bush making her way back into the camp. Looking back, she realized it held small raspberries. Smiling and thinking that today was her lucky day, she skipped back and picked herself a few.

"No," Miroku said. "I guess we'll have to ask at the next village."

Kagome skipped back into camp, her hands filled with small raspberries. She popped another one into her mouth, thoughtfully chewing it.

Shippo jumped onto her shoulder and gazed with big green eyes at her full hand. "Hey Kagome, what are those?" Kagome brought her hand up higher so that the kitsune could take one.

As Shippo inspected the small berry Kagome said, "It's a raspberry."

Shippo looked at it for a second more before popping it into his mouth. He chewed it for a second and then swallowed it. His green eyes widened and brightened. "Woah! Those are so good! Can I have another?" He jumped up and down on her shoulder. Kagome only laughed and let him take three more.

Inuyasha snorted. "Get a life Shippo."

Shippo's eyes flashed with anger, but Kagome's soft hand on his head kept him from saying anything back to the older hanyou. The young kitsune only sighed and then glumly stared at the ground.

"We should come across a village today," Sango said, aware of Inuyasha's mood.

"Sometime or another," Miroku added, sighing. He understood the cause of the hanyou's behavior, but did he really have to take it out on everyone else?

"We should get going then." Inuyasha stood up. He looked over to Kagome and watched her place a few more apples in her yellow sack before she pulled the backpack over her shoulder. She smiled at him.

He looked away from the smile and instead cast his gaze on the land before him. The Eastern Lands. They were heading into dangerous territory. Naraku was most likely in there, always ready.

"Let's get going." Sango started ahead of the hanyou with Miroku walking beside her and Kirara trotting happily at her side. Kagome and Shippo ran to catch up.

Inuyasha watched his group as they walked ahead of them; Miroku leaned over and as soon as his hand got one inch from Sango's backside, he was savagely smacked across the face, the girl screaming pervert while doing it. Kagome and Shippo only laughed, shaking their heads at Miroku's stupidity. Kirara meowed at her master's unhappiness.

Inuyasha half snorted half chuckled. Stupid monk. He'll never learn, will he? Then Inuyasha was hit with a bit of unease. I guess I will never find out if he ever gets better. Actually, I'll never know if any of them will live through this without me… Not liking the idea his imagination was painting, he shook his head and looked heavenward. He didn't need doubts at a time like this.

Kagome, noticing the boy walking alone, slowed down and waited for him. "Hey." She greeted him with a small smile.

"Hm?" Inuyasha's head snapped down and his eyes focused on the girl in front of her. "What are you doing, Kagome?"

"I wanted to walk with you. You looked lonely so I decided I wanted to join you." She shrugged, laughter in her brown eyes.

"Oh." The hanyou didn't know what to answer to that. That's what he was really going to miss the most; the fact that Kagome accepted anyone, no matter who or what they were. She was so kind and understanding… No, no, don't think that way! It's only going to be harder on you when Kikyo comes!

Kagome's laugh tugged Inuyasha from his thoughts. He followed her gaze and his eyes fell on Miroku and Sango. Miroku was whispering something in her ear and Sango was blushing furiously. Her mouth fell open in shock when the monk leaned back to see her expression. She started stuttering something, her face turning redder. Miroku only laughed in triumph.

"They are so cute together, don't you think?" Kagome muttered, grinning.

"Hm." How else was he supposed to answer that? He didn't really know anything about relationships. Heck, he kept messing up his and Kagome's with his relationship with Kikyo. Too many women wanted something from him; he couldn't make everyone happy.

"I hope that we can get this problem with Naraku over with soon. I want to see Sango and Miroku get married and have kids." Kagome sighed.

When Inuyasha only looked at his feet, Kagome went on. "I know what will happen with them after the Sacred Jewel is complete and Naraku is gone. I would suspect Shippo would grow up to be a great warrior, and Kirara would always be by Sango's side. Hopefully then Sango would also have Kohaku by her side too. But you and me… I think I would go back to the present. Without the jewel shards, I wouldn't be able to visit anymore." Her voice lowered at the end.

Inuyasha snuck a glance at the small girl beside him. Her eyes were on the ground too, her thoughts on the future. I guess that's what's supposed to happen, it was inevitable since the beginning. But anyone can see that it just hurts her to even think about leaving… forever.

The rest of the way to the nearest village was spent in silence. Kagome's thoughts were occupied with her plans for the future, and Inuyasha was trying not to think at all. The rest of the group ignored them, walking ahead, laughing and joking. It wasn't until Shippo jumped onto her shoulder that Kagome realized that it was past noon. Her stomach growled, and her body's demand for food became more obvious.

"There's a village about a mile up ahead. Just hold on for a couple more minutes, Kagome." Inuyasha's voice made the girl blush. Of course he can hear your stomach growl! He's a dog demon, after all!

"You can hear the village from that far away?" Kagome inquired, her head cocked to one side.

"Yeah, and plus I smell the stench of a fresh kill." Inuyasha's eyes flew to the side of the road, into the darkness of the trees that crowded each side.

"Kago-" Inuyasha started to say, but he didn't have a chance to. He quickly shoved her behind him as a caterpillar-like demon came tumbling out of the darkness, a horse clenched in its powerful jaws. Bright red blood ran down either side of the demon's chin, staining the blue skin.

"Great, a bug," Inuyasha confidently snorted, drawing out his Tetsusagia.

The huge demon let out a high-pitched noise at the sight of Inuyasha's fang. It whirled the rest of its body behind its massive head, facing its opponent. The horse dropped from its jaws and landed with a thick thunk on the ground next to the demon, making Kagome's stomach churn.

Inuyasha's smirk got wider, seeing the demon get ready. He slightly bent his knees in anticipation, waiting for the right moment. And it came when the demon opened its mouth, striking towards Inuyasha. As the deadly yellow acid escaped from its teeth, Inuyasha easily jumped, avoiding the attack. The air whipped around his hair as he tried to focus on the huge pest beneath him. The demon caterpillar looked around uneasily, not seeing its opponent, and its eyes caught the figure of Kagome. She was lying on the ground, not too far from the puddle of putrid acid that had been shot at Inuyasha; she had obviously tried to run from the attack. Inuyasha inwardly cursed himself for leaving Kagome vulnerable like that.

His blade came down fast as he neared the demon's back. "Tetsusagia!" He yelled, driving the giant fang into the body of the demon caterpillar. The demon had no chance, but it still thrashed and squirmed under the blunt of the blade. Inuyasha mumbled something about bugs before tugging out his fang and driving it down into the middle of the caterpillar's massive head. The demon lay still and Inuyasha knew it was really dead when it dissipated, leaving only the giant bones.

Kagome sat up, coughing. Good thing I jumped. If I hadn't of… Her eyes landed on the pile of putrid yellow acid. The ground under it was completely dissolved, leaving a hole of about one or two feet deep, and the grass that was near the puddle had gone black. Kagome shook her head, trying to get rid of the horrible feeling of almost dying. I wonder why Inuyasha just avoided the attack and left me open to the demon's attack? He's never done that before.

"Kagome, are you okay?" Miroku shouted. Sango rushed over to her as soon as the words had left Miroku's mouth, Shippo in her path. Sango's eyes were alight with anger and slightly wide. Inuyasha you moron!!

Kagome couldn't get rid of the lump that had formed in her throat, so she only nodded. At her confirmation, the monk proceeded to inspect the monster's bones. He mumbled a spell to put the demon to rest as he did so.

"That idiot! Was he trying to get you killed?!" Sango hissed in frustration, helping the girl up.

"I'm really o-" Kagome started.

"Kagome!" Inuyasha yelled, jumping off the demon's remains. As he neared her, his voice softened. "I'm sorry, I forgot all about you behind my back…"

Sango didn't say anything. She was already fuming enough inside and thinking it wouldn't help the situation any, she kept her comments to herself. How do you forget about someone who has been with you since the beginning of this whole entire mission?! Or even better yet, the one you give pain time and time again over your stupid relationship with a dead priestess!!

"It's… okay." Kagome attempted a smile. Inuyasha seemed persuaded, but at Sango's narrowed eyes, Kagome guessed her act hadn't worked on the demon slayer.

"We better get to that village before the day is up. I don't know about any of you, but I'm starving. And a soft bed sounds good too," Sango stated.

Inuyasha dragged a thumb in the direction of the dead horse, which was lying where the demon had dropped it. The poor creature was mangled beyond recognition; one could hardly tell it was a horse. Blood and acid soaked the ground underneath, and a strong stench worked its way over to the group. "I don't know about you, Sango, but if I were a human, I would've lost my appetite."

Kagome's stomach clenched into a tight ball. The sight and smell of the dead animal both saddened her and repulsed her at the same time. "Inuyasha, please, we need to get it off the road."

Inuyasha grunted, not liking the fact that he was the only one strong enough to pick up the horse, let alone drag it. He walked over to it, being careful to step around the blood and acid mix. Lifting the horse onto one shoulder, he carried it off into the woods, out of the other's sight. After a few yards, he stopped and dug a decent-sized grave for the horse. After roughly dropping the horse into the hole, he began to fill the space up with the dirt he had dug out of the ground.

"At least you'll be out of reach by other demons," Inuyasha commented, wiping his hands on a tree, trying to get rid of the dirt and blood that had caked on his skin. He ran back to catch up with the others.

"What shall it be this time? A wicked spirit wanting blood? Or a spider demon in the depths of their cellar? Or, even better yet-" Miroku racked his brain for possibilities to use on the richest house in the village.

Sango cut him off. "I don't think it matters. As long as you make it convincible, it should work." Shippo nodded in agreement along with Kirara's tiny meow.

Inuyasha walked up to Kagome. "The horse is buried six feet under."

Kagome nodded, grateful. "Thank you, Inuyasha."

The hanyou turned to the others. "We better get going. It should be dark in about two hours."

"And you said there was a village up ahead?" Miroku confirmed.

"Yeah, not that long of walk, either. We should get there before nightfall."

Miroku only nodded, his stomach growling in the process. Sango's stomach let out a loud snarl in response, and a second later, Shippo and Kagome's stomach growled in unison.

Inuyasha let out an irritated sigh. "Am I the only one who can control their hunger?"

"Apparently so," Miroku chuckled. Inuyasha didn't answer but began to walk ahead, his head shaking in impatience. The others joined him, laughing at some inside joke that the hanyou apparently didn't know.

/----------

"That should hold the demon back," Miroku stated, lightly touching the sutra he had placed on the one of the beams of the house.

"Oh, monk, thank you so much for your services!" The older woman gushed, quite taken back by the monk's appearance. Her husband obviously didn't notice the looks his wife had been giving the monk ever since he had showed up at their door and announced there was a Spiderhead stalking their house and chickens.

"For your sevices," The lord of the house continued, his voice deep and commanding. "You and your friends must stay the night and have something to eat."

"Oh, thank you, kind sir." Miroku bowed respectfully, a secret smile showing itself on his lips when his face was blocked from the lord's view.

The group was ushered into the warm house, where they joined Miroku in the dining room. They all respectfully bowed to the lord before taking their seats around the massive table. Kirara curled up beside Sango's hip.

"Please, eat as much as you like," The lord invited, his thick arms extending in the air in welcome.

And they sure did. When the meal was finally over, Inuyasha, Shippo and Miroku were all sitting back, groaning in discomfort. Sango and Kagome only smiled; pleased they had stopped eating when their stomachs had been full.

"Monk, let me get you a drink," The lord's wife purred. Her eyelashes fluttered in flirtatious desire.

"That would be very kind," He answered, smiling a little to the woman. Her eyes widened at his smile, filling with passion, and she rushed out of the room to fetch his drink.

Miroku shook his head lightly, eyes wide with confusion. Sango only laughed, not fearing competition from this older woman.

"Tell me, young travelers, what are you doing in the Eastern Lands?" The lord folded his hands, placing his massive elbows on the table.

Inuyasha opened his mouth to respond, but Miroku was quicker. "We're just passing through."

The lord relaxed a little, a sigh escaping from his giant slug-like lips. "That's very good news."

Miroku picked up on the man's relief. "Is there something wrong, Lord?"

The lord thought for a second, debating on whether or not to trust the group. "There's been some trouble… around here," He answered slowly, his voice low.

"What kind of trouble?" Inuyasha prodded, his full attention on the lord.

"Fifty years ago the Eastern Lands were torn apart, ravaged by war. During the midst of one battle, a young woman, who had chosen to protect her village, created a jewel. I don't think she meant to, but it happened. Her life was lost, but the jewel remains." The lord looked at his hairy hands, avoiding eye contact.

"The Jewel Of Crystallized Tears," Kagome breathed.

The lord looked up. "You know it?"

"We've only heard of it," Sango quickly answered.

"Please, go on." Miroku leaned forward.

The lord took a deep breath. "The jewel wasn't really one sought after, like the Shikon no tama. This jewel could only be used by one person, and that person would have to be of pure heart."

"Only one person?" Kagome asked, her brow furrowing.

The lord nodded. "Once the person it is destined to find gets a hold of it, the jewel is of no longer use to anyone else."

"Hmm." Miroku nodded, encouraging the lord to go on.

"The jewel has been hidden for over fifty years, being a burden to no one and no thing. It wasn't until a couple of months ago that demons and monsters began to appear in our peaceful villages that the jewel became noticed once again. I think someone is after it, and is using demons to keep someone away from it."

"Do you have idea wh-" Miroku was interrupted by the earsplitting sound of giggling as the lord's wife raced down the hallway. She fluttered into the room, a huge smile on her face.

She placed the cup in front of the monk, turning her body to face him. A strong new scent of water blossoms filled the air around Miroku's head, suffocating him.

"It' a secret recipe," The woman promised, taking her seat next to her husband. Her eyes never left the monk's face.

Miroku politely raised his glass before taking a tiny sip. Hey, this isn't so bad. He took another sip, his senses rejoicing. The hot liquid left good going down his throat, calming his stomach. He took another sip.

The woman's face seemed to radiate. Her triumphant expression didn't bother Sango in the least bit, though. Sango pushed it aside, thinking it was due to the fact that Miroku actually liked her 'special' hot drink for him.

The lord suddenly stood up, placing his hands on the table. "My wife will show you to your rooms; I have some work to do before retiring. Thank you once again for you services." The lord bowed to Miroku.

Miroku only nodded. He was too engrossed in his drink to notice the lord's departure.

"Is it good?" The lord's wife asked, a mischievous gleam in her eye.

Miroku tipped the glass back, trying to get the last drops. "Is there anymore?"

The old lady smiled wickedly. "I'm sorry, there isn't." She turned to the rest of them, her smile fading. "If you'll just follow me, I'll show you to your rooms."

Miroku lazily placed the cup back on the table, standing up. The rest of the group followed suite, following the lady out of the dining room.

"The two girls in here and the little... demon in here," The woman gestured to the first room. Sango and Kagome disappeared inside with quiet 'goodnights." Shippo followed suite, yawning.

"And unfortunately, there are only two extra rooms. And so, you two will have to share." The old woman came to a stop at the room next to the girls'. She actually looks sad about that, Inuyasha noticed. He frowned, thinking there was no way that woman was getting into their room during the night.

Miroku swayed a little on his feet. "Thank you. I think… I'm really tired." He groggily made his way into the room, Inuyasha behind him. The hanyou closed the door behind him.

"Sweet dreams." The woman's crackly voice made its way through the door, making Miroku and Inuyasha jump.

"She really has taken a liking to you," Inuyasha innocently commented.

Miroku clumsly sat down on the edge of one of the beds, placing a hand on his face. "Don't even talk to me about it. I've got this killer headache. I almost feel drunk."

Inuyasha was about to answer when Miroku slipped off the edge of the bed, ending up on the floor. At the sight of the monk on the ground, a look of pure shocked on his face, Inuyasha couldn't stop himself. The hanyou's laughter bounced off the walls, making Miroku shudder.

"You are… so mean…" Miroku mumbled, slurring his words. He stumbled twice trying to get up. Inuyasha's laughter had died down by the time Miroku was actually on the bed, cradling his head.

"I'm going to go wash up," Inuyasha told the monk. He turned towards the door and was about to open it when Miroku spoke.

"You better… get back here… quickly…" He hissed. "I don't want… to be ambushed… while you're gone…"

"I'll try." Inuyasha grinned, stepping outside.

The moon was full in the sky, alighting his surroundings. The stars twinkled in the sky, almost winking at the hanyou so far away. Inuyasha was silent for a moment, his thoughts taking on a new turn.

Kikyo, where are you? The thoughts of washing up left his mind, and he made his way outside, his eyes turned to the heavens.

While the hanyou's figure disappeared outside, a dark shape moved its way down the corridor, stopping at the monk's room. A white hand reached out under the cloak and gently slid the door out of the way.

Miroku was sitting at the foot of his bed, his hands gently rubbing his throbbing head. Moments before he had slowly pealed off his robe, leaving him only in his short skirt that he wore underneath his robe. When the shape entered the room, he looked up, wincing.

"Look, Inu-" Miroku started, but he stopped when the door was shut behind the figure. Only a crack of light showed through from where the door hadn't completely closed.

The figure made its way towards Miroku, stopping in front of him. It was covered head to toe in a single black cloak, leaving the body and face underneath hidden.

"Who-" Miroku started, but he was cut off.

"How are you feeling, monk?" The figure lifted its hands to pull off the hood, revealing the lord's wife underneath it. Her eyes almost seemed black in the limited night, and her voice was thick and scratchy with desire.

"Madam-" Miroku leaned back, too shocked to say anything. I just knew this was going to happen! Inuyasha… get back here!!

She interrupted him, sliding the black cloak down her shoulders. Miroku could clearly see she wasn't wearing anything underneath. "You will not call me 'madam' tonight, monk. You shall call me Maititsu," She purred.

Oh my GOD. HELP ME, SOMEONE!! "Maititsu… please-"

"Please what? My dear sweet monk…" The cloak inched down farther.

"I… do not-" Miroku pleaded with her.

Her smile gleamed in the room. "Having problems, monk? Can't think straight? Feel a bit tipsy? Those are all the affect of my 'secret recipe'…" She leaned forward, sending a strong waft of lilies Miroku's way.

Miroku choked. Can't… breathe… "You… drugged me…" He accused her weakly.

She nodded, her smile widening. "You are so beautiful… and tonight, you shall be mine." With one swift moment, her cloak fell to floor, puddling at her feet. While Miroku's mind was trying to process what had just happened, she pounced on him, naked body and all.

HELP ME!! Oh god, have mercy on me!!

/----------

Inuyasha was still staring at the stars, his mind muddled. Have you abandoned me, Kikyo? Through the pain that this thought caused, he didn't hear the screams coming from his room...

Poor Miroku, but he really did have it coming.

Read and Review.. and maybe I will update faster next time.. wink wink.

xx. bumble.