A Sister's Gift

Chapter 2 – Sister Kagome

Sango felt refreshed after her bath. She also felt a little strange wearing a kimono instead of her warrior garb, but it did her good to occasionally remind herself that she was still a woman. She smiled down at her brother, “You look handsome today Kohaku. Is there a girl waiting to see you today?”

“Sis! Quit teasing me!” Kohaku replied with a look of mock horror.

The two strolled happily to the village square. Sango stopped to look at some new fabrics and Kohaku asked if he could catch up with her later. She waved him on and plundered through the stacks of cloth.

“Sango! You’re back!” Came a cheerful female voice from behind her. Sango immediately turned to catch the body that she knew was about to crash into her. She hugged her tightly. “Kagome-chan! It is good to see you this fine day!”

Sango stepped back to take a look at her best friend. The pretty little woman-child was looking much better. She recently fell sick with a fever and had been unable to eat, causing her to lose pounds that she couldn’t afford to lose. Today, however, she looked very nice. Her long raven tresses hung loosley down her back and she wore a pretty red and white kimono, indicative of her position as a miko. The red looked lovely against her hair and gave her cheeks a rosy glow.

“Well, I see you have recovered from your illness. You look lovely, as always.” Sango said warmly.

“Arigato sister. I feel much better now that I can get out into the fresh air.” Kagome replied with equal warmth.

The two young women walked side by side enjoying their shopping time together. They were completely at ease with one another. The only way that one should feel with their best friend. They had grown so close in the past three years since Kagome came to the village at the tender age of fifteen. She had lost her family to war, and was broken with sorrow, when the exterminator found her, half starved and traveling the road alone. With her dying breath, Kagome’s mother had sent her to this village to seek out an old miko friend, Kaede. The poor child was wearing torn and filthy miko garments, which hung from her emaciated frame. Sango was amazed that the girl had survived the trip, and quickly took her under her wing, delivering her safely to the old miko. Kaede was devastated at the news of her friends death, and welcomed Kagome with open arms. The old woman’s kindness and love helped Kagome heal. Since that day Sango and Kagome had become ‘sisters’ in every way except blood.

“Oh Sango, look at this.” Kagome sighed as she held out a delicate tapestry woven and decorated with finely stitched white doves.

“That is beautiful Kagome!” Sango rubbed her fingers lightly across the delicate weave. She looked up to the vendor, “I’ll take this please.” She waited briefly for the old woman to wrap the artwork in the paper. She held out her hands, took it, and turned to Kagome. “It’s yours.”

Kagome gasped in shock. “No Sango, I couldn’t”

“You always say that, and I always force you anyway. Please, I want you to have it.” Sango said with a smile.

Kagome hugged her and accepted the gift. “Arigato, but you really didn’t ha....” Kagome was cut off mid- sentence when a young monk stepped up beside them smiling from ear to ear.

Miroku bowed to the lovely ladies and said, “Greetings ladies.” He then took Sango’s hand in his, kissing the top lightly as he stared deeply into her big brown eyes. He could simply dissolve in those dreamy round orbs. ‘Speaking of round...’Miroku held her hand up high above her head and playfully spun the girl around, quickly taking the opportunity to glance at her most endearing feature. ‘Mmmm’. Resisting the temptation to spin her gorgeous giggling body around for a second peek, the monk stopped Sango to once again face him. He pulled her hand a little closer to his chest and threw out his best line, “Lovely Sango... would you do me the honor of bearing my children?”

Sango and Kagome walked on to the shrine. Kagome glanced back to see if the hentai houshi had moved yet. Sango had him so hard, that she was afraid he may be dead. Seeing the bundle of blue and purple robes beginning to stir, she sighed happily and turned her full attention back to her friend.

“Come Kagome, sit. I have a surprise for you,” Sango said excitedly.

“A surprise? Well tell me! You know I hate surprises!” Kagome urged.

Sango patted her back, smiling, and began, “When you told me last month of your upcoming journey to visit the emperor’s priestess, I became very worried.” Sango stopped briefly to hush her sister’s protests. “Let me finish. I just can’t allow you to go all that way alone, and I don’t trust anyone but Kaede, and myself with your safety. Kaede is far to old to make your honored journey, and you see, I can not leave my duties unattended for long. Since your trip will last nigh two months there are few who could offer you protection. Therefore, I have decided to present you with a gift.” Sango smiled broadly at Kagome, “I have found you a Protection Youkai, and I mean to have him trained well before you are to take your leave.”

Kagome sat in wide-eyed wonder. Could she be serious? Her? The owner of a powerful youkai bodyguard? The thought of it made her giggle. Then she understood that Sango was dead serious. “Sango, you have lost your wits!” She watched as Sango shook her head to deny the friendly accusation. “Sango, I just can’t accept a gift of that magnitude! Protection Youkai bring top dollar, and you would be better to sale it than give it away.”

Sango took a deep breath, shaking her head. Kagome always had to be difficult. She never just said a nice ‘thank-you’. No. Kagome always had to argue about her generosity. Sometimes she wanted to bop her on her thick head. Sango calmed down, and smiled. “Kagome. You simply have no choice in the matter. I am giving you this gift, and you will accept it. I will not have my sister traveling over this dangerous countryside without protection. Now, just say ‘Arigato’, and let’s be on our way.”

Kagome sighed, and accepted her defeat. It was useless to argue with Sango when she was this convicted about something. Kagome beamed her the most affectionate smile she could possibly produce, and grabbed her for a huge squeeze. “Arigato, Sango. I love you.”

“I love you as well, Kagome,” Sango replied as she stood up from the bench. The women turned and disappeared into the shrine, to offer prayer.