Chapter 5.

Kikyo and an Old Comfort

The gang was gathered around their fire for the night, Inuyasha keeping guard in a tree in a tree close-by. White snakes holding the blue glowing souls drifted by. Blinded by true love, he took off without a second thought. Kagome felt her old friend-tears- coming back to visit.

The priestess took off into the forest, eyes streaking down her face. She just wanted to get away. She couldn’t face any of them. She didn’t know how long she ran before her leg’s burned with the effort. She collapsed onto the grass and sobbed into her lap.

“Kagome!”

Kagome looked up and sniffled. Who is that?

“Kagome!” A jingle of a staff and the person came into view.

“Miro-ku…” she whispered, trying to curl into a ball.

“Kagome,” the monk said, letting out his breath and rushing up to her. “Kagome,” he said once more as he pulled the girl onto his lap.

“Miroku.”

He looked down at the girl in his lap. “Shh. Go to sleep, Kagome. I will take you back.”

Holding back new tears, she said, “No.”

“What?” he replied, a little taken back.

“I…I can’t go back. I need to go home. Can you go get my bag?” she asked, giving him puppy eyes.

Miroku chuckled and smiled. “Only if I can come with.”

A little taken back, Kagome had to think about it. “Oh, fine! Just go back to the hut and get my bag. I’ll meet you by the well.”

He smiled warmly, pressed his lips to her forehead and nodded. He set her down on the ground and started back to the hut.

Kagome in the meantime slowly and painfully walked to the Bone Eater’s Well. Each step hurt more then the last. She finally slumped against the well in defeat.

About a half an hour later, Miroku returned, carrying her worn, yellow bag. He looked down at her worried. “Are you alright?”

She looked up and shook her head. “My legs hurt and it hurts to walk.”

He knelt down next to her and placed her arm around his shoulders. Standing, he sat on the edge of the well and looked over. He put her legs over and she smirked. “Ready?” she said with evilness in her voice.

Miroku frowned. “I’m not too sur-“ But Kagome was already half way down. He followed and was soon engulfed by the dark blue and purple lights. After a few moments, he felt the ground beneath his feet once more and Kagome next to him.

Without a word, she started to climb up the tattered ladder up to the darkness. Miroku followed beneath her, which- in his opinion- had a great view. He did his best to recall the things she had told them a few days ago.

As Kagome came over the top of the well, she wondered how he would react to everything. She plopped over onto the ground on the other side. She looked over to see Miroku’s head popping up. He climbed over, still with Kagome’s bag.

Kagome smiled and reached out her hand. Miroku took it and let her lead him out into the dark night. She stopped and let him take it all in. He looked around curiously. When his eyes fell on her home a small gasp escaped his lips. “Kagome… is this were you live?”

She nodded, starting to pull him along again. “Yeah, but keep you voice down. Everyone is asleep.” He nodded his head.

Kagome creaked open the door and hurried upstairs, still holding Miroku’s hand. She led him into her room and, once the door was closed, turned on the light. “Put the bag down over there.” She slipped her shoes off and pulled out some pajamas. “I’m going to the bathroom to change and brush my teeth.” She smirked. “And for your information, you’re sleeping on the floor so go under my bed and get yourself some blankets and pillows.” She snuck out of the room.

Miroku let out a sigh and took off his outer-robes, revealing his white under clothes. He set up his small bed and relaxed on it. Soon Kagome came back in, wearing a tight tank top and pajama pants.

Miroku looked up and smiled warmly. “I like what you are wearing.”

With a small blush, Kagome plopped onto the bed, clicking off the lights. “Go to sleep,” she told him, almost an order.

Lying back down, he replied, “Yes Missy.” Knowing his limits, he went right to sleep.

Kagome did to, but her dreams were not so sweet. She grunted in her sleep and soon found herself sweating, screaming and awake. Miroku was by her side in an instant, but her family didn’t notice. “Kagome,” he said softly. “What happened?”

She looked around nervously. “Kagome?”

She turned her eyes back to him. “Miroku… bad dream.” She swallowed.

He sat up on the bed with her and hugged her gently. “Don’t worry. I’m here.”

She hugged him back. “I know, Miroku. I know.” She pulled away, looking into his eyes. “Can you, umm, sleep next to me?” she asked softly.

Holding back a smirk, he nodded. “Yes. Of course.”

The two climbed into the very girly bed and Miroku wrapped his arms around her small waist softly. “Don’t worry. I will protect you,” he whispered into her ear.

Kagome shivered slightly as the sensation she got from his hot breath on her ear. “I know, Miroku. I know.” She closed her eyes, finding his body heat strangely calming. Soon enough, the two were dead asleep.