“This is just what I needed,” moaned Kagome sinking into the pond of water.
Sango and Kagome were bathing the blood and sweat off their bodies.
“Kagome?”
“Yes, Sango?”
“You don’t think the men will come peeking around this time, do you?”
“I’m sure Raygan will keep Inuyasha and Miroku on a leash.”
Sango chuckled. She sighed and sat on the pond floor. Sango wore an expression of sorrow.
“What’s wrong, Sango?”
“I wonder what Raygan must be feeling right now.”
“I know what you mean,” Kagome looked down. “He’ll pull through.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” Sango closed her eyes in thought.
“I wonder who Raygan was referring to,” said Kagome.
“What do you mean, Kagome?”
“Kagura tried to hit on him.”
“‘Hit’ on him?”
“‘Hit’ means, someone flirting with you.”
“Oh. And?”
“Raygan told her that his heart belonged to someone else,” Kagome continued.
Sango’s heart skipped a beat. Is he talking about me?
“Sango, what do you think of Raygan?”
“He’s an honorable person. One of the few I trust being alone with.”
The girls continued bathing.
*******
Raygan placed his armor against a tree. Many thoughts ran through Raygan’s mind. He wanted vengeance. He wanted redemption for what he did.
I must put the past behind me. My friends are all right. My dragon is safe. I am alive. I must continue my quest. Naraku must not interfere. I must not interfere in Inuyasha’s affairs anymore. He looked at his arms. Sigh, the jewel shards are still in me. I must remove them. “Inuyasha, Miroku, may I borrow you both?” Raygan drew a dagger. “I need help removing the jewel shards Naraku gave me.”
“Are you sure, Raygan?” asked Miroku.
“Those shards make you stronger,” said Inuyasha.
“I do not want them. Now, I will remove the first one, but I will require assistance on the second one.”
“You won’t be able to use your arms much once they are removed,” said Miroku.
“I am aware of that, Miroku. I have no other choice. I must suspend my journey until I am well enough to travel once more.”
He removed his shirt. Raygan’s body had scars of previous battles fought long before. Around Raygan’s neck hung a jewel. The jewel was a light green color in the form of twisted leaves with a bud of a flower as the tip of the jewel. Miroku and Inuyasha both thought to ask Raygan about the necklace but did not. Raygan put the dagger near the location of the jewel shard on his left arm. He took a deep breath then pierced his left arm. He panted hard as the sharp tip parted his skin and muscle. Raygan withdrew his dagger and inserted a finger to pull out the shard. He yelled in pain as he pulled the shard out.
“Now . . . use my dagger and do the same for my right arm,” panted Raygan.
“You do it, Inuyasha,” insisted Miroku.
“Fine,” Inuyasha picked up the dagger.
“Place the dagger near my shoulder—a little higher. There.”
“Take a deep breath,” said Miroku grabbing Raygan’s shirt and putting it in his mouth.
Inuyasha pierced Raygan’s shoulder and pulled out the other shard.
“I will wash my wounds in the river,” he said weakly as Miroku and Inuyasha helped Raygan up.
“I will gladly guide you there,” said Miroku with other intentions.
Miroku walked ahead of Raygan to the riverbed.
“Are the girls near?” asked Raygan.
“They should be up the river by the pond.”
Shippo ran to the riverbed with the bandages.
“If you need my assistance, I will gladly be of service,” offered Miroku.
“I will be fine,” Raygan sat near the riverbed. He took a towel, soaked it in the river and rinsed it. He applied the damp towel to his wound with great difficultly. The touch of the towel stung his wound and absorbed his blood. Raygan cleansed the towel and repeated the procedure. After he finished cleaning his wound he went onto the other wound on the opposite arm.
I received these wounds for trusting in a demon sorceress. How could I have let myself be deceived so easily? I did not agree to go with her until after she mentioned she knew the location of the great dragon’s lair. I received these wounds because of my selfishness. My greed for capturing the dragon made me blind to danger. The demon sorceress has killed many innocent people and because of the favor she did for me I let her go. But does that deter her from her past crimes against the peasants? This quest is draining the life out of me. I have put everything I hold dear to myself at stake just so I can become a dragon lord. Raygan looked to the sky searching for a reason to approve his actions. He picked up an antiseptic ointment Shippo brought from Kagome’s First Aid Kit and applied it to his arm. This stings my skin. I can feel the fluids tingle my flesh. My blood rushes away from my wound. The disease that tried forming on my skin, I can feel it be consumed. This is a powerful ointment. Raygan moistened the towel again and placed it on the other wound. What great friends I have been fortunate to make. They confided in me even when I was sent to kill them. Naraku’s end should come soon. Perhaps I should abandon my quest for the dragon’s lair and assist my friends in destroying Naraku. If one good thing came out of all this is that my friends have one less enemy to worry about for the moment. Kagura no longer answers to Naraku and my friends now have two more jewel shards.
Raygan picked up two bandages. Shippo offered to help place them on him. Shippo tightened the bandage around his first wound. When Raygan reacted to the pain Shippo stopped tightening. Shippo could not do it. He called over Miroku and took his place. Miroku wrapped the first wound then the other. Raygan moved his arms around to get used to the pain. He thanked Miroku and Shippo for their assistance.
Sango viewed down the river. She watched Raygan the entire time. In her heart she was joyful.
Raygan, I’m so glad you didn’t end up like Kohaku. You truly are someone special. If only Miroku were like you. Miroku lacks the decency of treating a woman more than just an object for pleasure.
“Sango,” Kagome called out to her.
“Yes, Kagome?”
“As much as I would like to stay here, I believe we ought to get dressed.”
Kagome and Sango dried themselves off. They got dressed and went to join the rest of the group. Inuyasha sat on the ground alongside Kirara and Dragon holding his Tessaiga. He heard the footsteps of people approaching. Sango and Kagome came from the pond. Miroku, Shippo and Raygan came from the riverbed. Inuyasha had that “it’s about time” look on his face.
Sango and Kagome stared at the bloody rags Raygan brought back. He had lost a fair amount of blood.
He doesn’t look well. Sango noticed Raygan looked a bit pale, but she also noticed his muscular body.
Kagome stared at Raygan’s body too. His muscles were ripped but not exaggeratedly large. Raygan turned to the girls. They blushed feeling they got caught for looking at Raygan with desire. Raygan pulled his black shirt over him. Sango and Kagome noticed the jewel he wore around his neck as Raygan pulled his shirt on with difficulty.
“Are you girls just going to stand around doing nothing or can we finally eat something? I’m starved!” whined Inuyasha.
*******
Lady Kaede toured the water pools outside the village. The sun’s light reflected off the water onto her eye. She kept walking holding her hands behind her back. She was nearing the main road into the village when she caught a glimpse of a hooded traveler. Lady Kaede stopped her tour and kept her eye on the traveler. The traveler walked without hurry so as not to raise alarm. When the traveler came near Lady Kaede called out to the traveler.
“Can I help ye?” Lady Kaede asked kindly.
“Greetings,” said a soft, sweet voice. “I am passing through. Is this your village?”
“Aye it is.”
“If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to pass on through. I will be of no bother to no one.”
“What business brings you through mine village?”
“I am in the search of someone. I have reason to believe he passed through this village.”
Lady Kaede did not immediately respond. “This person ye seek, may I have his or her name? Perhaps I am familiar with this person,” said Lady Kaede.
“I seek a certain dragon master.”
“Dragon master, say ye? Turns out one stayed in this here village not too long ago.”
“Is the dragon master returning soon?”
“I don’t believe he’ll be returning.”
“Hmm, can you at least tell me in which direction he was headed?”
What does this stranger want with Raygan? I do not want any harm to come to Raygan as a result of my aid. Lady Kaede tried to pry information out of the stranger. “Can I interest ye in staying in the village for a bit? You must have had a long journey and need rest.”
“I would like that very much,” replied the stranger.
“I am Lady Kaede and this is my village.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Lady Kaede. I am Akemi,” she introduced herself with a bow.
Lady Kaede guided Akemi to her home. Akemi pulled down her hood. Akemi was beautiful. Her dirty blond hair was styled upwards. Locks of her hair hung on the sides of her face. Her blue eyes were bright and light. Her lips were of a nice, rosy pink color. She had a celestial quality and grace to her.
Akemi seeks Raygan but for what purpose? Lady Kaede was trying not to be deceived by Akemi’s kindness and beauty. She appears to have been tracking him down for quite some time. I must try to familiarize myself with her. Is she hiding something underneath her cloak? She looks to be armed. I must be on my guard. I cannot face her outside of the village if I have to. I will be much safer inside the village.
The two women walked for some time to the village. Akemi took in the view as they neared the houses. It has been days since she last saw a civilized village. All the other villages she came across were either in ruins or deserted. Lady Kaede halted in front of her home and welcomed her in. Akemi tried not to trouble her for food, but Lady Kaede knew she was hungry and offered her a nice supper. Akemi smiled and walked in the house with Lady Kaede.
Lady Kaede remained suspicious of her motioning to nearby people to be at the ready.
*******
Inuyasha ate a bowl of noodles Kagome warmed up. Miroku and Shippo picked up their bowls and ate merrily. Dragon and Kirara watched them eat with eager eyes. Kagome turned to the little creatures, took a bag of treats out of her back pack, opened it and gave some to them. Sango poured the boiling water into a new bowl of noodles. She took it over to Raygan who was resting against the shade-providing tree.
“I brought this for you. You need to eat to regain your strength.”
Raygan reached out to grab the bowl. Sango handed it to him along with a pair of chopsticks. Raygan nodded in gratitude. Sango picked up her bowl and joined Raygan. They did not talk just ate.
Miroku eyed the two of them sitting under the tree. Am I feeling jealous of Sango? This might be Sango’s attempt of getting back at me. Why am I thinking about this? I should be happy with Sango’s decision if she chooses him over me. Raygan is a worthier man than I. I’m just . . . a flirty monk. What am I saying? I have to talk to Sango about how I feel about her but not now.
Kagome looked at Raygan’s weapons lying next to a boulder. The night before came into her mind. I wonder how exactly it was that Raygan was able to break free from Naraku’s spell. I remember the sword Flaron glowing blue before Raygan fell on the floor motionless. Is Raygan hiding his true identity about not being human? No, he is definitely human, but what is so special about that sword? “Raygan, are you feeling okay?” she asked at last.
“Just feeling weak.”
“Perhaps we ought to press on to the next village. There should be a proper place for you to rest,” suggested Miroku.
The others agreed and got up to gathered their things after finishing breakfast. Sango helped Raygan on his feet then gathered his things for him. Miroku offered to ride with Raygan. Kagome placed Shippo on her bike. Sango hopped on Kirara. Miroku mounted Dragon with Raygan. They all left for the nearby village.
The villagers were startled by the giant dragon flying towards them. Some villagers armed themselves expecting an attack. But Inuyasha arrived at the village first to inform them of their arrival. The villagers were even more alarmed at the sight of the demon. More villagers came out. Now there was no doubt they were under attack. Kagome arrived next and stood next to Inuyasha. They both explained to the villagers that they meant no harm and asked for aid to their wounded friend. The leader of the villager pondered on Kagome’s request and granted it. Dragon landed gently on the main road. After a few introductions, the leader allowed for Raygan to rest at his place. The group walked in single file to the home. The leader ordered his servants to fetch a mattress for which to lay Raygan. The servants returned and gently lowered Raygan onto the mattress.
“Your friend looks very tired,” noted the leader. “I am afraid he will not be able to journey for quite some time until he recovers.”
The leader offered the weary travelers a drink. They reluctantly accepted.
Miroku still thought about how it was that Raygan broke from Naraku’s spell. “Raygan, perhaps this isn’t the best time, but we were wondering how it was that you broke free from Naraku’s spell. We noticed your sword glowed in a blue aura.”
Raygan sat up to take a sip of water then lay back down. “If you recall, I summoned the dragons to my aid,” Raygan began.
“Yeah, you had us freaked!” said Inuyasha with some relief knowing that the dragons never arrived.
“The reason the dragons did not come to my aid is because I was not able to properly wield the Flaron. The Flaron responds to high emotional pulses during battle to be able to use the dragon strike. My body’s stress to fight you was enough for me to use the dragon strike. To summon the dragons requires a different mindset. The command comes from my heart and mind. The Flaron senses the condition of my heart. If unrighteous anger is sensed Flaron would not contact the dragons. Flaron attacked the dark stain in my heart and purified me.”
“How can that be?” wondered Kagome.
“Flaron was forged with purification potions. When Flaron is handed down to its next bearer, it is anointed with a drop of the bearer’s blood. In the anointing ceremony, the Flaron and its new master become one.”
Inuyasha was intrigued. His sword is like my Tessaiga!
“Only the sword’s master can use the power of the Flaron.”
“What if the sword were destroyed?” asked Shippo.
“Then generations of heirloom would be lost and the captured dragons would not respond to the dragon master’s commands without his presence. Flaron is like a beacon to signal the dragons of where I am.”
The others nodded with interest. Raygan closed his eyes. The leader interrupted the group suggesting Raygan needed rest.
Raygan called out to Inuyasha. “Inuyasha, I do not wish to be a hindrance. Continue on your way. I will manage.”
“Not a chance,” Inuyasha replied.
“But you must continue on your quest for more jewel shards.”
“You’ve given us two already. We can wait for you to get better.”
Inuyasha would not discuss the matter anymore and left Raygan to be.
Raygan was amused. Inuyasha is showing patience towards me. Why would he do that for me?
Kagome was equally surprised. Inuyasha and Kagome walked out of the mansion down to the courtyard side by side. They sat atop the stonewall forming a perimeter around the home. It was noon. The leader’s chefs were preparing a meal for their visitors. Kagome rested her head on Inuyasha’s shoulder as Inuyasha viewed the village. The villagers went about their business tending what needed to be done that day.
So many things are going on. Kagome was lost in her thoughts. “Inuyasha?”
“Yeah?”
“It’s becoming much harder to locate jewel shards. Do you think we should search for Naraku and finish this once and for all?”
“I wish it were that easy. Sure Raygan knows where to find castle, but we really don’t know how strong Naraku is.”
“Inuyasha, are you saying you don’t want to go after Naraku? This doesn’t sound like you. You’re starting to worry me.”
“What makes you think I’ve changed?”
“When you first met Raygan you were so . . . well, so you, you know, rude. Now you don’t want to go after jewel shards because he’s weak. You’ve changed, Inuyasha.”
“I owe him, Kagome.”
“What are you talking about?”
“He saved my life. The least I can do is wait.”
“Inuyasha, that’s very sweet of you,” Kagome smiled.
“Don’t get all mushy. After this is over with I’m not going to waste anymore time messing around!”
That’s the Inuyasha I know.
Sango sat on the side of a water pond outside the home. Kirara and Dragon played fetch with Shippo. Every few throws Shippo would transform a rubber ball into a large rubber ball with his fox magic to make it more difficult for the little creatures to chomp the ball.
Miroku stared at Sango sitting all alone on the fountain from the mansion porch. She laughs at the little critters playing, but she still looks sad. I broke her heart. This is my chance to talk to her. Sigh, why does my heart feel as if it’s going to burst out of my chest? My hand is shaking. I want to tell her how sorry I am, and how I feel about her. Ha, as if she’ll believe me the womanizer. Still, I must try. Okay, Sango it’s time we had a talk. Miroku went down one step from the porch and stopped. No, I can’t. But I must. I probably won’t get another opportunity to talk to her freely. Yes, I will talk to her.
Miroku took another step down the stairs and stopped. He took a deep breath to gain the strength to approach Sango. He took another step when the leader’s servant came out and announced the food was served. Miroku felt stupid for wasting an opportunity. Kirara, Dragon and Shippo ran inside the house. Sango followed after them passing by Miroku without looking at him. Miroku cursed under his breath.
Miroku picked up his plate and followed a servant child to Raygan’s room. Raygan sat in the center of the room with a lap table prepared for him. The servant child excused himself. Raygan and Miroku ate silently. After a moment of silence, Raygan spoke first.
“Miroku, how are feeling now? You have not been your cheerful self since the festival at Lady Kaede’s village. Why is that?”
“Well, I’m not sad.”
“Something tells me you feel departed from someone.”
“How did you know that?” Miroku did not try to deny it.
“I have noticed the way you have been looking at Sango lately.”
Miroku’s face blushed in embarrassment. He let out a nervous laugh.
“I know you care about her, Miroku. You probably have a hard time trying to explain your feelings to her.”
“Sigh, I do.” Miroku told Raygan how he felt about Sango. She cared for him in ways no other woman he has come in contact has. “Sango keeps me in place. I have my impulse to satisfy, and I do at times try to get Sango to see my point of view. But I’m glad she is firm. I love strong women, Sango in particular.”
“You continue going the way you are and you will lose her.”
Miroku looked at Raygan dead in the eyes. “Raygan, I must ask you something: do you have feelings for Sango?”
*******
Lady Kaede finished guiding Akemi around the village. Lady Kaede warmed up to Akemi, but she was stalling Akemi’s search to buy Raygan some time to get farther away just in case Akemi was deceiving her. Akemi thanked Lady Kaede for her hospitality then continued on her way in search of the dragon master. Lady Kaede waved her goodbye.
She may have slowed me down, but I will find Raygan. Akemi knew of Lady Kaede’s intentions. I have too.
She pulled her hood over her head and continued down the road across the village.
*******
Raygan and Miroku laughed at an absurd comment Miroku made. Raygan’s wounds began to ache causing Raygan to go from laughing to moaning in pain. Miroku looked around the room. Raygan became aware of his discomfort.
“I sense a dark presence in this house,” said Miroku.
Miroku reached for his staff. He excused himself and left to speak with the leader. The leader sat with the rest of group enjoying the lunch. Miroku entered the dining room with a serious look on his face.
“Excuse, sir,” Miroku began. “Have you noticed any strange happenings or behavior around your household?”
“Uh, no,” replied the leader.
“I sense an evil presence in your house.” Miroku sensed he was lying.
“It must be one of your friends!” The leader was offended. “You brought a couple of demons with you!” he shouted pointing at Inuyasha.
“Hey!” snapped Inuyasha. Kagome calmed him down. “So much for hospitality,” murmured Inuyasha.
“Kind sir,” Miroku rephrased. “There is a troubled soul in this house. As payment for the kindness you have shown my friends and me, I offer my services in exorcising of the evil spirit.”
The leader looked at the serious faces of the group as if he had been exposed. There was an evil presence in his house. The leader’s eyes became watery. He swallowed hard. “There is an evil spirit here,” he said sorrowful. “It’s my daughter. She is possessed with some sort of demon.”
Sango rested her head on her hand upon hearing it was the leader’s daughter that needed help. And so goes Miroku to the rescue of this girl. She’s likely to be beautiful. Once she’s cleaned of the demon, she will be ever so grateful for Miroku’s help. Then Miroku will ask her if she’s willing to bear his child. Sigh, here we go again.
Miroku asked the leader to lead him to his daughter’s room. The leader got off his seat, called over two of his servants inviting one to accompany him while the other tended to the guests. The leader, Miroku and the servant left for the daughter’s room. Once they were out of sight, Inuyasha opened his mouth.
“There he goes again. The guy can’t control himself for five minutes!”
Kagome sank into her cushion trying not to look at Sango’s expression. Shippo followed after Miroku. Sango kept her eyes on the table. Inuyasha felt awkward. He tried to say something else but there was nothing else to say.
The leader led Miroku to a door on the top floor at the far end of the house. The leader explained to Miroku that they moved his daughter to this room because she made loud shrills and screamed out names of demons. Miroku suggested he go in the room alone. The leader acknowledged. The servant opened the door and let Miroku pass. Miroku entered the room as door slid shut behind him. At the end of the room lay a beautiful, young woman. Miroku took a deep breath and approached her with caution. The damsel sat up startling Miroku. The damsel showed no signs of weariness. She seemed to be completely at peace. She looked at Miroku.
“Hello, Monk,” she said provocatively. “Don’t be afraid of me. Come closer so I may see you better.”
Miroku took two steps forward. “Milady, you are possessed by a demon. Let me extract it from you.”
“So, you’ve come to rescue me, is that it?”
Miroku took two seals out of his robe and placed them at two ends of her bed. Miroku made a small prayer to banish the demon. The damsel started laughing. The laughing turned dark and deep. Miroku stood firm and continued his exorcism.
Outside of the room the leader and servant waited nervously. Shippo stood behind them and asked where Miroku was.
“Ah! It’s that little demon kid!” said the startled leader.
“Yeah, where’s Miroku?”
The leader tried to calm down and told Shippo Miroku was inside the room with his daughter. Shippo frowned thinking about what Miroku might be doing. A loud scream came out of the room. The three bystanders jumped. The leader opened the door. The damsel cried on Miroku’s shoulder. The leader called out his daughter’s name and ran inside followed by Shippo and the servant. The daughter called out to her father. Miroku rose and assured the leader that his daughter was now free from the demon’s grasp. The leader shed tears of joy with his daughter. Miroku bowed and made way to the hall along with Shippo. The daughter got off the bed and ran to Miroku hugging him thanking for his service.
“It was the least I can do in return for your father’s hospitality,” Miroku smiled.
The daughter looked into Miroku’s eyes. She asked her father if she could have a moment alone with Miroku. The leader bowed and walked out of his room pushing Shippo and the servant out. Shippo resisted but it was no use, he was kicked out of the room. Miroku felt the room getting warmer, but it was just him. The daughter guided Miroku to the bed.
“My dear Monk, in appreciation for what you’ve done for me and my father, I offer you my body.”
“Hold on! Hold on!” Miroku gulped as daughter began to disrobe. “I don’t want to do this!”
“Are you turning me down, Monk? I’m not beautiful enough for you?”
“Don’t get me wrong,” said Miroku nervously. “I think you’re very beautiful, but please understand that I have my heart set on someone. I don’t want to displease her anymore than I have already.”
The daughter was saddened. Miroku and the daughter walked out together.
Shippo frowned at Miroku. Idiot. You never change.
Inuyasha, Sango and Kagome got on their feet as the leader entered the room cheering and thanking Miroku for freeing his daughter. Inuyasha shook his head thinking it was all a hoax. When the daughter entered the room, Sango’s heart leaped.
She’s beautiful. Stupid Miroku!
Miroku met Sango’s eyes when he entered the room. Sango turned away and walked out of the room.
“Why do you look at me like that?” Miroku asked Inuyasha.
Shippo crossed his arms and stood next to Inuyasha.
“You know why we’re looking at you like this, Miroku,” said Inuyasha. “You went in there to take care of ‘business.’”
“It’s not what you think!”
“I saw the whole thing, Miroku,” said Shippo.
Miroku hung his head. There was no way to convince them that they were wrong.
The daughter walked outside to meet Sango finding her sitting by the fountain. The daughter sat next to her.
“Your friend is very talented,” she said to Sango.
Sango grinded her teeth misunderstanding what she referred to. “That sick pervert!” said Sango.
“Why did you call Miroku a sick pervert?” The daughter was confused.
“Didn’t he ask you to bear his children?”
“No.”
“He didn’t?” Sango asked surprised.
“No, as matter of fact, I tried to force myself on him, but he said had heart set on someone else. He said he didn’t want to disappoint her anymore than he already had.”
“He said that?” Sango’s eyes became watery.
“Yes,” the daughter noticed Sango becoming emotional. “I think that he was referring to you. You are a very lucky woman.”
Sango’s eyes were filling to capacity. Soon tears would streak down her face. Now she was conflicted. Miroku cares about her, but now she’s been confused about her feelings for Raygan. Does Miroku truly care for me? What about me? What am I to do? I want Miroku to change and become someone like Raygan. Or do I just want Miroku to change because I don’t want to love Raygan? My heart is confused! What am I to do? I’ve known Miroku for so long. How can I trust him to be faithful? So what if he resisted this beautiful girl. Has he really changed? No, maybe they planned this out to fool me. Who am I kidding? I’m in love with Miroku! Why do I continue lying to myself?
The daughter left Sango to be. Sango cried. She recalled the memories at Lady Kaede’s village of all the women circling Miroku. Miroku enjoying the company of each and every one of the women. She tried to clear her mind. Ever since she’s known Miroku everything’s been the same: women around Miroku or Miroku around women. Sango peered at the water fountain. Her eyes were red. Her face expressed suffering; suffering from Kohaku’s betrayal; suffering from Miroku’s selfishness. A shadow cast over Sango. Sango turned around to find Miroku standing over her. Sango tried to hide her face. Miroku extended his hand holding a handkerchief. She accepted. Sango wiped away her tears and blew her nose.
“Sango, I’ve wanted to have a word with you for quite some time,” Miroku sat next to Sango. Sango listened to Miroku explain how horrible he has felt the past few days since the festival. He told her how he was blind in realizing that he was hurting her by trying to be around other women. “If there’s something I learned these past days it is how I feel about you, Sango. I’ve senselessly been trying to seek happiness elsewhere when the person I truly care about has been with me all this time. You’ve always looked out for me when I’ve gone to do foolish things.” Sango and Miroku stared into each other’s eyes. He’s never seen Sango cry like this. He’s never seen her heartbroken. She looks so fragile even though she’s a tough fighter. Sango threw herself into Miroku’s arms. He held her tight. “I’m so sorry, Sango. I promise I’ll do my best to change for you.”
She laid her head on his shoulder. She whispered into his ear. “I don’t want you to change who you are for me. All I ask is that you remain faithful to one woman the rest of your life.”
Sango did not want to let Miroku go. She wanted to stay in his arms. When Miroku opened his eyes he froze staring at Sango’s butt. A drop of sweat came down his forehead.
I’m trying to resist. Oh, no! My hand is moving down her back! Stop, hand! But didn’t she say I shouldn’t change? Does this mean I can still rub her? Well, there’s only one way to find out…
Sango rested on Miroku’s shoulder then her eyes suddenly opened wide. His hand was touching her bottom. Her face turned red. Her blood boiled. She pushed herself away from Miroku. Miroku looked into Sango’s angry face. He smiled at her nervously. Sango’s slap knocked the feeling out of his mouth. Her hand printed the side of his face. Sango sat with her arms crossed.
“Idiot,” Shippo sighed after hearing the slap.
“Nice to know things are back to normal,” commented Inuyasha.
*******
The day was still young. The group gathered outside of the house.
The leader thanked them for their visit. “I strongly suggest your friend continue resting. His wounds are healing remarkably fast for a human. I will watch over him.”
The group had talked to Raygan about them all staying with him, but Raygan encouraged them to move on. Inuyasha gave in. The group decided to move on. Raygan and Dragon would stay behind. The group departed from the leader’s presence and bid Dragon farewell.
“We’ll see you soon, Dragon.” Shippo gave Dragon a big hug. “Take good care of your master.”
The dragon licked Shippo’s face. Kirara meowed sadly. The group continued on their journey to look for more jewel shards. Everyone except Inuyasha became a little sad as village shrunk in the distance.
“Would you guys relax? Raygan wanted us to go,” Inuyasha tried to cheer them up.
Shippo tried to distract himself by asking Kagome if she had anymore snacks left in her pack. Kagome opened it and pulled out a bag of chips. Kagome then stopped on her tracks.
“I forgot one of my books to study for my geometry exam! The exam is next week!”
“Great! Don’t tell me we have to go all the way back to Lady Kaede’s village!” snapped Inuyasha.
Kagome smiled nervously. The group turned around and headed down another road back to the village. Seeing as they were pressed for time, Inuyasha picked up Kagome and carried her on his back. Sango, Miroku and Shippo rode Kirara way back to Lady Kaede’s village.
*******
Kanna opened the door slightly to Naraku’s room. “Master?” she asked in her dead voice. “I have Kohaku with me.”
Naraku sat in the middle of the dark room. He signaled to her to let him in. Kohaku slowly walked into the room looking like a zombie; brainless and lifeless. Naraku touched Kohaku’s head gently. “Don’t try to betray me, Kohaku. I will need you soon.” Kohaku was startled of the memories Naraku brought back to him with the power of his touch.
Upon Naraku removing his hands he removed Kohaku’s memory of things past. The only thought that remained in Kohaku’s mind was that of the kind lady Sango. Why do I continue thinking about her? What was that kind lady’s name again?
Naraku eyed Kanna. “Kanna, I will need your assistance as well.”
“Yes, my Master.”
“I will be using all my strength to battle Inuyasha and Kikyo. Kagura has betrayed me. I must hunt her down and destroy her. I will return her to my body, but she’s probably seeking protection from the dragon master. We must be careful. He knows the location of my castle.”
Kanna asked him why he does not move the castle to another location as he has done before. Naraku remained silent. He broke into a small smile.
“I am tired of fleeing the likes of that half demon and the mortals.”
*******
Evening was upon them. Inuyasha and Kagome were walking at this point to the village. They were not far now. Kirara followed after the heels of Sango as she walked next to Miroku. Shippo crumpled the empty bag of chips and handed it to Kagome. Kagome placed the crumpled bag in her back pack.
“Why can’t you skip this next—whatever it is you’re studying for, Kagome?” complained Inuyasha.
“It’s called a test. I can’t skip it. I need to get a good grade on it to pass the class or else I’ll have to retake the course again.”
“That’s stupid.”
“I sense someone approaching this way?” Miroku noticed something looked up ahead.
“Hmm.” Inuyasha sniffed the air. “It smells like mountain springs; a fragrance of some sort. A woman approaches.”
Sango saw a hooded traveler up ahead. “Here she comes,” she warned gripping the handle of her sword.
Miroku walked to the front of the group. “I’ll find out who she is.”
Sango sighed. Kagome rolled her eyes. The hooded traveler stopped short of the crowd. Miroku called out to her.
“Are you Inuyasha?” The stranger spotted Inuyasha.
“Who wants to know?” barked Inuyasha.
“I seek the half demon Inuyasha. Someone I know accompanying him.”
The group looked at one another.
“Are you talking about Ray-ow!” said Shippo being hit on the head by Inuyasha to get him to shut up. Shippo rubbed his head.
“Were you going to say ‘Raygan’?” The stranger lifted her head. Her eyes twinkled at the mention of Raygan’s name.
“What do you want with him?” demanded Inuyasha.
“I long to see him again,” she said with watery eyes. “I am Akemi,” she introduced herself removing her hood.
Miroku’s, Inuyasha’s and Shippo’s eyes widened at her sight. She was beautiful. After finding out she is not a threat the group introduced themselves. Night was falling fast. It was too dangerous to risk traveling at night so they made camp. They then continued their conversion then to find out who Akemi really is and what she wants with Raygan.
