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Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha; this is only a fanfic.
Authors Notes: Finally, an update! This posting shows a serious Miroku and is my rendition of anime episode #78 - 'Only you, Sango.'
I'd like to thank the readers who are currently still following this story. It's been almost a year and I do so apologize. A special thanks to: Iggy –Essence of Angst, mylovemiroku, Otaku-SIG, MormonMaiden, SangolovesLance, Lady of the West and Anaharath for the last reviews.
Please read, enjoy and leave a review!
"I knew from the very moment I saw you, only you could become my wife."
Sometime later, I would wonder how we came to be here. Sheltered from the rain, Inuyasha, Kagome, Sango, Shippo, Kirara and I sat and listened to a proposition from the vassal of the Takeda clan.
While traveling and in pursuit of Naraku, we were accosted by a group of foot soldiers on the road. The vassal had requested an audience with us and we sought a place from the inclement weather to hear their request.
A humongous sum had been offered to exterminate a demon plaguing the Takeda compound. The fee was ten times what was normally paid for such services and I became wary.
The fact that our party was exclusively sought out, specifically requesting Sango with an extravagant fee seemed far too convenient. Although the amount could house and feed us for a time, I had subtlety encouraged the taijiya to decline the offer.
"You cannot refuse!" a voice boomed and I turned as man about my age entered the shelter.
A nobleman, I surmised; his clothes, bearing and mannerism indicated such. I watched as he pushed the gasa back from his head and flashed a bright smile in our direction. Immediately, I noticed his eyes were focused intently on Sango and my uneasiness grew.
"It's been far too long, Sango." The nobleman spoke with a suggestive quality and I frowned at what it could mean. Had he requested the taijiya, and if so, why?
"Do… ah… do I know you?" the taijiya asked.
It seemed Sango did not know this person or, rather, she did not remember him. I relaxed unaware that, until that moment, I had tensed. It was unused to hearing Sango addressed in tones of masculine interest.
"Look closer, Sango-chan," I heard Kagome whisper. "Doesn't he seem familiar?"
The taijiya still looked puzzled and I relaxed even more. If Sango could not remember this man, then he was insignificant.
"Well, I cannot blame her for not remembering; it was a long time ago," the nobleman said pleasantly enough, but I sensed his disappointment. Approaching her, he kneeled in front of the taijiya and clasped her hands.
"Come…" he entreated and I frowned again, "… let us retire to the castle where we can talk in leisure and get reacquainted with one another."
I first looked to Sango; her eyes were wide with surprise and she was actually blushing. As I looked towards the nobleman, there was a gleam in his eyes; one that I was quite familiar with. I then looked down to their clasped hands and watched the man's thumb brush enticingly over the back of her hand. That was also a gesture of which I was familiar. I had used it on plenty of occasions, but never with Sango.
Heading out of the shelter, the nobleman beseeched Sango to ride in the carriage he had provided, but she refused and continued with us on foot. Periodically, the nobleman would turn in the saddle of his mount and look her way.
As we walked, every now and then, I felt Sango's gaze, but I could not acknowledge it. I was trying to suppress the feelings, which had suddenly come to surface.
The feelings themselves were not sudden, just that I actually took the time to analyze them. From the first moment I laid eyes on Sango, I had felt a certain something between us. The more time we spent together, the more prominent these feelings and the more I fought them.
Sango was already suffering. The loss of her family, her home and discovering that her little brother was the revived dead; not to mention being used as tool for evil by the very one responsible for his death. That knowledge alone had almost broken her spirit.
Unconsciously, I had appointed myself her protector. There was something about this normally strong woman that I hated seeing her reduced to sorrowful tears, surges of anger and fear so overwhelming it threatened to consume her. However, I was being protective again… maybe, overly so.
With a sigh, I looked up as we passed through the castle gates. A few buildings were partially destroyed by the demon's attack and that put my mind at ease. There was actually a youkai present; we only needed to exterminate it and then continue on our way. Somehow, I knew that I would feel much better once that was done.
"Please allow me to introduce myself," he began, as he took a seat. "I am Kuronosuke Takeda, lord of this castle."
I remained quiet as I listened to Kagome, Shippo and Sango. It seemed that the taijiya had suddenly remembered her acquaintance with Takeda-san.
"It has been six long years already…" Kuronosuke began his tale of his meeting with Sango. The two had met during an extermination here at the castle. He spoke of the demon terrorizing their compound those years ago, of his father hiring the Demon Slayers and, to his surprise, finding a skilled and competent young girl among the group.
Finally, he spoke of Sango. He described the taijiya as I saw her; in his words I sensed tenderness and affection, which caused an unfamiliar sensation in my chest.
Was I really foolish to believe that no other would notice Sango's beauty and feminine attributes? The taijiya was unaware that her commanding presence kept men at bay. She was not the socialite that Kagome was. Her interaction with others was minimal and she avoided calling attention to herself.
Not many knew that her heart was as big as the miko's although she did not wear it on her sleeve. I had observed her tears, her pain and, to me, she seemed the stronger for it.
In battle, she was as tenacious as Inuyasha and just as fierce. Sango was a magnificent fighter and I found her fascinating to watch. With her graceful moves, glittering brown eyes and, of course, with that form fitting uniform, the woman was a vision to behold. Having fought at her side on numerous occasions, I understood perfectly how Kuronosuke could compare her to a 'single white lily on the battlefield'.
Lost in the nobleman's tale, I sensed what was coming. His desire for the taijiya was evident in his voice, but I knew Sango. Things did not bode well for the young lord if he planned to make advances, he had no idea of what she was cable.
"Enough of the past!" Kuronosuke's imperious tone roused me from my musings. "I will get to the point." Rapidly approaching Sango, the young lord kneeled in front of her and I almost felt sorry for the guy. Surely he did not plan to make a public declaration, I thought with a smirk; Sango would surely put him flat on his back.
"Sango…" Kuronosuke's voice was thick with masculine promise. "Slay the demon for us, and then… become my wife."
The proposal shocked me. Not that I felt Sango was unworthy of the young lord's offer, but it brought to surface feelings I thought I had successfully suppressed.
Indignation followed my shock, but it was quickly dismissed, as I had no right to feel that way. Sango was not my woman; I had made no claim to her, she was only my comrade and traveling companion.
Closing my eyes, I shut out Kagome's voice as she gushed over Kuronosuke's offer. I forced my body to relax as I sought solace through meditation. Sensing the taijiya eyes upon me, I delved deeper into my ruminations ignoring her questioning gaze and to compose my psyche.
"How come she gets the royal treatment?" I heard Inuyasha mutter and nod in Sango's direction.
"So, she got more food than us," Kagome stated and then reasoned. "What would you expect when the lord is trying to woo her?"
The miko was right. Kuronoske had definitely seen to it that Sango was treated like royalty. While we sat on simple mats, several fluffy pillows cushioned the taijiya's luscious bottom. Three serving tables were set before her and she had her choice of cuisine.
Prior to dinner, a servant had come by and had inquired about Sango's favorite dishes. As the taijiya blushed profusely, Kagome had readily provided the information they sought. All the while the miko watched me with a certain gleam in her eye; however, I failed to give her the reaction she wanted.
Sango and I were both silent throughout the meal. I sensed she was uncomfortable by Kuronosuke's attentions, but she deserved this and… so much more.
As my habit, flirting with the ladies always made me feel better and it put things into perspective. Rising from my seat, I approached the young serving girl, as she was about to leave the room.
"Wait… where are you going, Houshi-sama?"
I heard Sango's query, but ignored it. After introducing myself, I began chatting up the servant girl with my infamous line to follow.
"Would you consider bearing my children?"
From where I stood, I heard Sango fall from her tower of pillows.
"Surely you jest with me, itinerate monk," the servant girl tittered as she moved towards the shoji.
"No… no, not at all," I said and pursued her. The girl blushed prettily, but stepped over the threshold and closed the shoji separating us.
I must admit I felt a little better. That is… until I sensed a familiar battle aura at my back and instead of moving away from Sango, I made the mistake of turning to face her.
I cried out in pain even before her palm connected with my unguarded cheek. The impact knocked me back and sent me sprawling to the tatami mat. Thoroughly in pain, I was unable to enjoy a peek as Sango stepped over me, opened the shoji and stormed out of the room.
"What an idiot!" I heard Shippo say as I struggled to sit up and I realized that I was. While trying to assuage my own insecurities, I had neglected Sango's.
Kagome helped me to my feet, sat me back down and pressed a cup of tea into my hands. After a few sips and to save face I finally spoke.
"Good grief!" I mumbled with my face throbbing. "That hardly called for such brutality."
"Miroku," Kagome sighed. "You can't blame her for being jealous after you came onto that other woman," the miko said, meaning Sango.
"Yeah," Shippo piped in. "It's no wonder she was so angry."
"What's the big deal?" Inuyasha spat. "It's not like she's never seen him at before. He practically flirts with anything that moves," he stated, meaning me.
"Well that's typical," Kagome shouted at the hanyou. "You just don't understand."
"Understand what, for instance!"
"Sango wants Miroku to stop her from accepting," the miko wailed.
"Accepting what?" Inuyasha looked confused.
At that moment, Kagome and I probably had the same thought. As I continued to sip my tea, I wondered if Inuyasha was really that dense. Was he ever mentally present during non-battle related topics?
Inuyasha was right about my flirting habits; however, he did not know why I chose that exact moment to do so. The last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt Sango, but I was hurting too… deep inside. I was torn between my own selfish desires and what was best for Sango.
Unlike Kagome, I did not think that Sango wanted me to stop her from accepting Kuronosuke's proposal, but I knew she was expecting something from me. Even if I were to interfere, what could I possibly offer in return?
As I sat drowning my sorrows in a cup of tea, I wished for something stronger; some plum wine or a flask of sake, maybe. So deep in despair, Kagome's high-pitched squeals startled me. Looking up, I found the miko twitching with delight and mumbling excitedly to herself. I almost spilt my tea as she jumped up suddenly.
"This plan is fail proof… now let's put it into action," she announced with a determined gleam in her eye.
I had no idea what was going on in Kagome's head, but I was sure I was not going to like the outcome. As she turned her gaze on me, I drew back in fright.
"Come on, Miroku!" she cried, reached down, grabbed my hand and hauled me to my feet. "We've got work to do!"
"Ah… Kagome!" I tried to wrestle out of her iron grip. For a little thing, she was amazingly strong. "Wha… what's going on?" I stammered, baffled by her behavior.
"Just hurry!" she laughed and literally dragged me from the room.
Finally, we stopped in the center courtyard and I noticed we were out of range of the hanyou's keen ears.
"Now…" I began testily, "… what's all the panic about, Kagome?"
"Isn't it obvious," she responded with a big smile on her face. "We've got to do something or Sango might accept Lord Takeda's proposal and wind up married."
Putting on my best stoic guise, I looked her straight in the eye and inquired, "Is that a problem?"
"Of course it's a problem!" Kagome glared at me. "You're not going to let it happen are you?"
"It's a decision that Sango has to make for herself and as far as I can tell, it's none of our business."
The miko's scowl deepened and then her brow cleared. "Hmmm." She considered me before continuing. "I guess you're right," she conceded. "After all, any woman is good enough for you. You have no fortune…"
I felt as if a blade had been plunged into my stomach.
"… no home…" she continued.
The blade plunged deeper.
"… and no status. You're just a flirtatious, itinerant monk."
The blade twisted inside my gut.
"Now… Lord Takeda, on the other hand, is young, handsome and rich," Kagome, continued. "He's hardworking, dedicated and with that kind of devotion, he's unlikely to stray to other women. A great catch that no girl would pass up; there's no question who's the most eligible bachelor."
Her tirade was met with silence; so tied up in knots, I felt as if I had committed the act of seppuku. My eyes were colder than Sesshomaru's as I stared down on her.
"Well… why so quiet?" Kagome asked smugly, unperturbed by my glare. "Oh, I'll bet you're nervous now."
Resorting to my mantra, I calmed myself. "Is that about all you wanted to say to me?" I inquired.
"Huh?"
"If so, then I will be on my way," I turned away from her. "I have something I would like to check on."
"Huh?" Kagome repeated stupidly, in Inuyasha like fashion. "Hey! Wait… Miroku!" she yelled out as I continued walking.
As my life had been shortened by Naraku's curse, I had been raised to live each day as if it were my last because it could very well be just that. A life like that did not include love or intimacy beyond the moment.
If I were to leave a legacy behind, it would be a woman (any woman) to bear my child and, hopefully, a son to continue his pursuit of the one who placed a curse upon his ancestors and I was content with that… until I met Sango.
The feelings that lay dormant inside of me were the reason I kept Sango at arms length. My constant flirting and roving hand kept a barrier between us. That was my intention, as I would never consider treating the taijiya with such callousness.
Strolling through the Takeda compound, I sought the area where the demon had last attacked. The damage was minimal and, again, I wondered about the youkai that had caused this.
Moving on, I encountered a room where scrolls were stored. Reading through the documents, I collected data on the dates and times the beast had attacked, trying to decipher a pattern.
Coming upon deep gorges in the ground left from the last incident, I kneeled to examine the markings. After the assessment, I deduced that the beast was huge with great strength. It took a lot of power to cause such damage done to the surrounding area; however, there was something strange… something I had yet to figure out.
Hearing footsteps, I looked up to find Sango and Lord Takeda taking a stroll. The taijiya walked a few paces behind the young lord; his head was held high and hers bowed acquiescently. They looked good together, I admitted reluctantly, but then Sango's radiance could compliment the dullest of men.
I rose as they passed by, but neither noticed me. As I watched them proceed, I sighed at the unfamiliar sensation of jealousy stirring from within. With a frown, I stood staring after them while trying to squelch my resentment for Kuronosuke when…
"Busted!" Avoice rang out.
Kagome erupted from the bushes behind me like a rabbit chased by a fox.
"I knew it! You are jealous!" she tittered and slapped me soundly on the back. "Quit hiding your feelings and admit that you're in love with her!"
I almost experienced heart failure; the woman had scared me half to death by her outburst and the accuracy of her of announcement.
Kagome stood giggling, obviously pleased with her success while I stood wide-eyed at the revelation.
It was clear to me now; I was in love with Sango and had been almost since the beginning. The taijiya had gradually worked her way into my heart. She had penetrated the barrier I had erected around myself and shattered my defenses, but even so… with Naraku's threat looming over me, I could never make her mine.
Kagome and I now discreetly followed Sango and Lord Takeda. The two walked to a small bridge on the compound and began talking. The miko and I also stopped and crouched behind the bushes to hear their conversation. I convinced myself that I was only there to indulge Kagome's whims; however, I found myself listening as intensely as she was.
"… I swore that the woman I chose to spend my life with would be someone I could love with all my heart and soul." Lord Takeda was saying to Sango and from where I kneeled, I could hear the sincerity in his voice.
"But… why did you choose me?" the taijiya responded, truly baffled by his attentions and I smiled inwardly at her reticence.
"I may be the lord of the clan, but I am also an excellent judge of character." Takeda turned to Sango and took hold of her hands. I turned my head away from that particular scene, as I knew what was next.
"Sango… I love you." Kuronosuke's voice expressed his feelings. "I truly love you."
Another man had said the words that I could never say to Sango; words that would forever be locked away in my heart.
"I… am flattered…" Sango began and I felt the blade twisting in my gut again.
"… I am happy to hear how you feel…" the taijiya continued and my body, my emotions… everything inside of me went numb.
I had heard enough. The saying that 'eavesdroppers never hear anything good' must be true. Rising silently, I turned and solemnly walked away. Sango had decided to accept Kuronosuke's proposal. She would have a fine home and a faithful husband and I was happy for her. I was… I truly was; wasn't I?
Hearing Kagome's footsteps behind me, I schooled my face from melancholy into its usual jovial expression. "Wait… Miroku!" I heard her call out. By the time she reached me, I had regained my equilibrium.
"Why, Miroku… why are you going to let her go?" Kagome cried and stepped in front of me, blocking my path. "Aren't you going to stop her?"
My eyes were kind as I looked down on her distressed face. No matter what she had said earlier, this young woman was just as concerned for me as she was Sango.
"If Sango's happiness is our primary concern," I began reasonably, "… shouldn't we allow her to make her own decisions."
"Huh?" Kagome produced another Inuyasha look.
"Sango's destiny was shattered by Naraku and now she must fight each day to survive. Suddenly, she has the chance to marry and settle down," I explained. "Which lifestyle do you think would bring her more happiness?" I asked pointedly and continued. "The answer is obvious."
Looking into her dark orbs, I understood what she was feeling. Although the answer was obvious, it did not erase the emptiness I felt. Defeat registered in Kagome's eyes, but only for a second.
"No!" She shook her head in denial. "No… wait!" she wailed in anguish.
"It might not be clear to you now, but maybe one day you will understand, Kagome-chan." With a sympathetic smile, I stepped around her and continued down the courtyard. I had almost made it to the end of the path, when the miko cried out again.
"But… what about Sango's feelings, Miroku? What about what Sango wants?"
As I sat on engawa facing the main courtyard, I looked up at the moon overhead with the taijiya dominating my thoughts. I recalled every expression on her lovely face, reflections in her beautiful brown eyes and recorded them to memory. Sometime soon, I would lose her; I would lose Sango forever.
Hearing someone approach, I turned to see the object of my preoccupations coming my way. Noticing me, Sango stopped. Our eyes met briefly and I flashed her my brightest smile; one, I noticed, she did not return. I saw her sigh and with her gaze avoiding mine, she continued down the engawa. I stood to face her and we moved towards each other.
As a future bride, Sango appeared extremely despondent. However, she had accepted Kuronosuke's proposal and I could only give her my blessing. As we passed each other, I whispered…
"I wish you happiness!"
I heard her gasp softly and sensed that she had turned to me; however, I continued down the engawa without looking back. There was nothing else I could say… nothing else I dared say.
"The demon has come!"
One of Takeda's foot soldiers called out and the timing could not have been better. To see the taijiya looking so unhappy tugged at my heart. As I was no stranger to women, I knew how Sango felt about me. If there was no Naraku, no curse and no revenge to be had, there was no doubt this woman could make me forget all others. But… that was not the case and I only desired Sango's happiness.
The taijiya entered her rooms to change into battle gear, as I turned and headed in the direction the foot soldier indicated. I arrived to see Inuyasha brandishing the Tessaiga, Kagome equipped with her yumi and a humongous bear youkai towering over the courtyard.
"Inuyasha!" I called out.
"It's about time," Inuyasha spat on my arrival. "Don't matter," the hanyou boasted. "I'll take care of that demon with one swipe of my sword."
"Stay out of this, Inuyasha, and let me handle this," Sango stated as she joined us.
"What's the problem?" he barked. "I can handle that little demon on my own."
"Slaying that thing is my job," the taijiya stated forcefully. "Besides… I wouldn't mind blowing off a little steam right now."
I sensed Sango's anger and it was confirmed as I felt the heat from her battle aura. I heard Inuyasha's meek, "Uh… okay," and saw him take a step back as he too noticed her fury.
"What happened?" Kagome snapped at me, also keying into her friend's anger. "Did you say something to her?"
"Ah… no, nothing in particular," I managed to get out before Sango, with a war cry, charged into battle.
I held my breath as the youkai beast's powerful paws bore down on the taijiya. She crouched low and its blow flew over her head. I continued to watch in awe as Sango solitary took on the bear youkai. If I thought I had seen her look passionate in battle in the past, it was nothing compared to now.
"Boy!" Shippo gasped. "I've never seen Sango so fierce."
"Yeah," Inuyasha agreed; amazed, as was I, at the taijiya's performance. "I don't think it's a person in this whole wide world that could defeat Sango right now," the hanyou added.
He was right. Our comrade was definitely in her element and she was nothing short of spectacular. Like Inuyasha, I could only stand on the sidelines and watch. Suddenly, I wondered if Sango was upset with me. If she was, I was glad it was the demon subject to those flurries of kicks and punches, instead of me.
"Don't come crying to me," Kagome said at my side, as if reading my thoughts. This only produced a gulp and a sweat drop.
"This will finish you off!" I heard Sango shout and it broke through my musings. The Hiraikotsu barreled into the demon knocking it to the ground and the beast lay unmoving as the taijiya lifted her arm. Obedient as Kirara, the weapon spiraled through the air and returned to its mistress.
"She did it!" Kagome cried. "Way to go!"
As Sango turned to us, she gave an exhausted, but satisfied smile and I sensed her resolve as she stepped forward. Before I could wonder at what that smile meant, I noticed the demon's paw twitch and realized he was not dead yet. So engrossed with Sango's battle, I failed to comprehend the beast had not disintegrated as usual.
With a low growl, the bear youkai rose and raised its massive paw aiming straight for Sango. Without hesitation, I raced to protect the woman I loved.
Using my body as a shield, I came between my love and the youkai's intended blow. As I grabbed onto Sango, I felt its claws sink into the flesh of my arm before I jumped clear. Airborne, I held my precious cargo close to chest, feeling her heartbeat mingle with mine. We landed and, reluctantly, I set her on her feet.
"Houshi-sama?" She touched my arm. Feeling me flinch, she pulled her hand away and noticed the blood on her fingers. She gasped as she turned to me.
"You miscalculated, Sango," I said breathing heavily and tried to produce a smile as I clutched my injured arm.
"While watching you fight," I informed her, "I realized this demon is actually a ghostly spirit seeking vengeance. It cannot be destroyed in the usual way."
The beast growled again and we, simultaneously, turned to face it. Sango withdrew her wakizashi; I removed ofudas from my robe and stepped forward.
"I will now exorcise this demon!" I proclaimed and tossed the spiritual notes.
With the ofudas plastered to its body, the beast let out a roar. Sango and I stood as the demonic aura was dispersed and the figure began to dissipate. The bear youkai was gone and this was finally over, or was it?
I dressed hurriedly and headed to the main hall. As I entered the room, I saw Kagome, Inuyasha and Shippo awaiting my arrival. There was no sign of Sango and Kirara and I had no doubt the neko youkai would remain here with her mistress.
"I would like to thank you all for your assistance," Kuronosuke began from his position at the head of the room. "I wish you well in your endeavors and…"
The young lord's speech was cut short as Sango, with Kirara perched on her shoulder, entered the room. Much to my surprise and Kuronosuke's, the taijiya was dressed for traveling with the Hiraikotsu strapped to her back.
"As I was saying…" The young lord turned back to us and continued past the lump in his throat. "I wish you well in your endeavors and much success." The young lord turned to the taijiya and we both saw her lift her chin determinedly. I, as well as Kuronosuke, knew what that meant and I heard him sigh. "I shall personally escort you to the castle gates," he said softly and for her benefit.
Did she think I would deny a lovesick man his last moments, did I have that right? No… I answered myself with a semblance of modesty; I did not. The two should be allowed their parting words without interruption; therefore, we stood and waited.
Finally, about a mile from the Takeda castle, Kagome finally spoke.
"Miroku-sama," the miko began. "What happened to your umbrella hat?"
"I've got it!" I smiled and held it up for her to see. "The strap is broken, I'm afraid," I informed her and continued my trek. I was finally at peace; the gut wrenching moments were behind me now.
Suddenly, the rain stopped. I looked up to find the umbrella shielding me. I turned and looked down into Sango's exotic brown eyes and blushing countenance.
"Thank you," I mumbled softly and then smiled at having her near.
Her eyes expressed so clearly the words that neither of us could say. Although I would have allowed her to marry Takeda-san, I had never once doubted her feelings for me. Grabbing hold to the umbrella, I allowed my hand to brush lightly against hers before resuming our stroll.
Walking at Sango's side, I realized how much I would have missed her. Our shoulders, arms and hips brushed against each other in a sensuous rhythm along with the familiar jangle from the rings of my shakujo. I was too content and, with each step, becoming more aroused by the sensations.
"How is your wound?" the taijiya asked tentatively.
"Fine," I responded, trying to reel in my emotions.
"Um… Houshi-sama…" she began.
"I'm glad," I interrupted her softly, but stared straight ahead. I had to give Sango something, after all, I owed it to her. "It turns out we will be able to continue our journey together."
She turned from me, but not before I saw that shy smile. Whatever her reason, Sango wanted to be with me and I… with her. It did not matter that I was a lecher, fabricator, a womanizer; the taijiya saw something in me that most overlooked and I felt worthy of her feelings.
We walked in a comfortable silence and I thought of Naraku. I was more determined now than ever to find the self-proclaimed hanyou. If I was to ever able to procure any normalcy in my own life, I must first defeat him.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the contentment on Sango's face as she walked at my side. Even though I enjoyed having her there, even though I felt she belonged, I was duty bound to put us back on an even keel.
My hand… that cursed hand skimmed across Sango's waist and continued down to cup that delectable bottom. I heard her gasp aloud before rounding and slapping me senseless.
I howled in pain, but I also welcomed it. To know that she was still here to deliver that infamous reprimand made my heart flutter. I hit the ground hard; my robes were now thoroughly soaked and muddy, but I could not have been happier.
With a toss of her head, Sango stormed off down the road. Inuyasha produced a grunt; Kagome moaned her disappointment and Shippo sniffed with disapproval.
As I sat nursing my sore cheek and chuckling to myself, the most amazing thing occurred. Sango erupted into a fit of giggles. The rare, tinkling sound radiated into the air and the sun broke through the clouds. I turned at that moment to witness the miracle and I took it as a sign of hope.
I did not know where our journey would lead us or what to expect after it was over. I did not know if we would defeat Naraku, save Kohaku or if I could rid myself of this cursed 'Kazaana'. I only knew that Sango was with me and, for now, that was enough.
To be continued…
