Love Me to the End?

Chapter 8! Here you go… I do hope that you are taking your time reading this and not staying up ‘til 3 am in the morning… I’m guilty of that myself, but just take a break and rest those sleepy, heavy eyes. Lol. Ok, anyway, this is another proofed chapter. Should be 99.9% mistake free…. *key word* should!

CHAPTER 8 :) Elements of the Earth

"What? Can’t a Demon wake up and come home after saving your hide?"
"S-s-sierra! How? When did yo-? Who fre-...You’re alive? Sierra’s alive!" Fell stuttered, the ground trembling from his excitement.
"Fell, pull your element together. You might be giving the humans a heart attack... They panic easily..." Sierra reminded her stunned friend. "Let me in brother, or must I tear this thing down myself? I could use the practice, it’s been a few years since I’ve had time to exercise my powers and the water is itching to bubble up at any minute!"

Fell shook her offer off. "N-no. Don’t break it down. The humans will groan and come back to the caverns to ‘pray to the almighty Valker for protection’ again. I put up the barrier and chased them away. It took a ton of energy, but I managed to shut up those annoying beggars. They still believe that the High Priestess will one day arise and join with the Valker to rid the world of that Jewel and end the Cycle. They don’t realize there is no Valker anymore. Maybe once there was, but that was the past and we have learned from those mistakes the hard way. It cost us everything we had, we lost Reyna and then we lost you… My eyes could be playing tricks with me."

Fell blinked as if it would change what was standing in front of him. But as he cracked his eyes open, Sierra was smiling there, waiting on the other side of the barrier. He sighed, still unable to grasp the fact that his Leader was free and had returned home. "Welcome home Sierra. The ‘Gate Keeper’ grants you entrance." He growled for the barrier to part in the middle, his eyes flashing a bright brown as he used the power of his element. The ground rumbled slightly and the barrier parted to allow Sierra to enter. "My thanks, Fell." Another tremble passed underfoot and the barrier was sealed again.
"So, lead the way. I want to see everything. The snobby humans, the Scared Forest, the caverns, all of it. Then I want reclaim my territory, the river." Fell growled agreement and lunged into a lazy jog heading to the Priestess Village. He remained silent as Sierra padded along beside him, both dodging trees and enjoying the soft breeze.

I never would have thought to see our Leader ever again. She gave up her freedom to save the rest of us when Reyna died. We were mourning her death and they surrounded us while we were off guard and all the elements in the world could not have saved a pack of babies like we had become then. It was Him that trapped us and He knew we were helpless without our Leader with Reyna out of the way. We lived to protect the girl and we failed. She died and we all feel responsible for the accident. It tore us apart and then we were punished by the Enemy. He convinced the humans to hunt us down and trap us and He succeeded. Sierra had to bargain her freedom, basically her life, to spare the rest of us from their painful hands. But that’s over now. We live in peace, sheltered by this pitiful village for the rest of our miserable lives!

"Fell?" Sierra growled when she turned to see him staring dead ahead. That meant he was thinking about something. I wonder what? "I smell the Village, we’re close. Time to get into a pissed mood. You have been keeping the traditions haven’t you? Good. This will be fun! I want to see them scatter in fear when we get there! It’s fun to watch them run into carts and doors as they try to hide from us. I think I may even play chase with a few fit humans." Fell nodded and changed speed, charging ahead with a vicious roar to alert the villagers that a Two-Tail was on the loose.

He stopped on his favorite hill and watched as people threw down what they were doing and dart for cover. One man ran to a bell and began pounding on it to alert those who had not heard Fell’s hunting cry. He smiled to himself with pleasure as the villagers panicked in fear. How he despised the humans in this pathetic village. They were afraid of everything; Demons, strangers, and most of all, change. They were strong believers in the Valker legend and for as long as he could remember, they had never once questioned the teaching passed on from one generation to the next.

The tradition was that one chosen Priestess, trained to pick out special possible candidates, was sent out into the ‘dangerous’ world to visit as many villages as she could in the course of six months. The woman was to bring the young boys and girls back to be cleansed and then began the hard task of teaching the youngsters about their destiny as a Priest or Priestess.

The Elders of the Village would cram tons of nonsense into their brains, using false tales of how vicious the Valker were to scare them into obedience. After another month, the new class of trainees would be lined up in a neat row and the chief Priestess would choose ten of the best in that group. Those poor souls were then dressed in white kimonos and sent to the Valker’s lair, the Caverns.

'And then they are forced into our lair for us to either kill and eat or to be chosen as the next High Priest or Priestess. But there can never be another like Reyna. She had to go through the same tradition until we took her into our home. She was a powerful Priestess indeed and we thought she was the one, but in the end, her powers became too much for her spirit to handle and it backfired, she lost control and lost her life. Sierra tried to prepare her for that battle, but it wasn’t enough! It will never be enough because there is no such thing as the High Priestess!

'These human believe that we are dangerous Demons and so we feed their fears by doing just that; chasing them and hunting their herds of horses and cattle and destroying property from time to time. It gets the anger out sometimes...plus it’s fun and it keeps those blubbering fools in line. But when the ‘Chosen’ come filing into the Cavern... I hate to scare them, we all do...but it’s either chase them out and pretend that we tried to kill them but they got lucky or actually kill them. I don’t believe in killing for pleasure... So we have to become monsters and make a mess of things. I hate this life...but there’s no choice now. This is how things are. I think I’m in for a game of tag with that fool of a man ringing the bell. That sounds annoying.'

Fell leapt from the high hill and galloped with mischief in his gleaming eyes. He sped towards the man who screamed and dropped the large stick that he was using to alert the other villagers with. Fell slowed his pace and pretended to let the man win his life as he ducked behind a bunch of barrels filled with freshly picked vegetables. The Two-Tail stopped at the barrels and sniffed the air as if he had lost his prey. He growled annoyance and snooped around in that area until he was satisfied with his work of terror. Fell trotted off laughing as he heard the man praying to the Valker for forgiveness of his sins. 'Pray as you might, we will come back and haunt you to the end... There’s nothing better to do anyway.'

Sierra was busy making a stampede with the small herd of fattened cattle that grazed in the green valley by the village farm house. She singled out the fattest and gave it a run for its money, dodging its hooves and striking out with her own set of claws. She suddenly realized how hungry she was as the bull fled from her and she was forced to give up the chase in fear that she would kill the animal in a blood lust that controlled most carnivores at feeding time. She sat panting on the grass and spotted Fell at play chasing down another human. This one was a clumsy runner and the poor man tripped and fell into a muddy hole. Fell ignored the cowering human and joined up with Sierra who called to him with a deafening roar for everyone to hear.

"I’m hungry. We can continue this later." She jumped up and headed south, where her home waited for her arrival. The Two-Tails padded through the Village, feeling terrified eyes poking from around corners and from under blankets and carts and from cracked doors. They stopped at one particular house when someone cracked the door and peeked out at them. The pair of eyes were old and rough, full of fear and coldness. Sierra’s mane rose as she bristled and hissed at the old Priestess who would dare to show herself in front of the Valker Leader. It was enough to scare the woman into slamming her door and locking it. "Pathetic wench! I’ll be sure to visit her house on a special call next time."

Sierra growled as she walked alongside Fell and soon the village was behind them. They traveled a mile into a thin forest and were met by a small water fall with clear, sparkling water flowing down stream. They stopped and gazed at the beauty of it and then Fell gave an odd look at Sierra. "Are you going to open up the door like before? I’m rather sick of coming in and out of the cave soaking wet from that waterfall." Sierra smiled and sighed as she focused on the tumbling water. Her eyes flashed a bright blue and glowed as she took control of her element and asked the water to part on the right side. The waters obeyed and receded about a yard to reveal a hidden entrance to a hollow cave. The Caverns. Home.

Fell nodded his thanks and went inside, Sierra following and allowing the water to flow normally off the cliff again. Her eyes dimmed back to their natural deep sea-blue color as they adjusted to the darkness inside the cave. The short tunnel opened up into a large crater-like pit that had no ceiling to shelter anyone from the rain. The sun warmed the large pit and strong breezes passed through all the time. Hmm. To think we had come across this by chance. This place turned out to be perfect for us.

"Fell? Is that you? Did you find out who set that alarm off where the barrier is? Let me take a guess at wha-" A smaller sized Two-Tail came prancing into the pit from another tunnel leading deeper into the closed chambers of the Caverns. She froze at the sight of Sierra. "Nice to see you too Sita." "Sierra? Sierra! It’s you! Sierra, Sierra! You’re home! I can’t believe it! How did you get free? Did He finally let you go? Welcome home! Hey guys! Sierra’s home! She’s free! She’s free!" Sita cried at the top of her lungs.

The sound of claws scuffling the stone floor as several paws scrambled to see what the fuss was about echoed through the pit. "Sita what are you yelling about know? Don’t tell me you brought home another damn squirrel again...They’re not pets! It took forever to get rid of the last two! I...I...?" Sierra gazed at the complaining Two-Tail that had just sauntered in to join an excited Sita.

"S-s-sie-rra?" He blinked and shook his head to be sure he wasn’t seeing things. "In the flesh and bone! So...something tells me you took my place after I was banished...Is that true, Ravenn? Oh stop standing there like a dumb half-wit! So what, I’m free and I came home. Is there a problem with that or must I wipe the blank look off your face?" Ravenn swallowed and sat down. "If this is a dream...bite me so I can wake up. Ouch! Hey! Sita! I’ll claw you for that one!"
"This is no dream Ravenn. A Priestess freed me. You won’t believe what I am about to say...but she was...more powerful than even Reyna... That girl heard my calls and found me. She was scared but freed me anyways. There was something sad about her...She looked like she was in a lot of pain...not physically but emotionally. Her cries of anguish woke me some how and here I am."

Sita cocked her head to one side and sighed sadly. "There can’t be another High Priestess Sierra. There could only be one and she died. That Priestess that freed you couldn’t have been more powerful...it’s impossible." Ravenn growled at the reminder of their mistake. Reyna had died because of their stupidity. "If you are suggesting we hunt this girl down...count me out. I will not watch another Priestess suffer a death as Reyna had. You were there, you saw what happened! She trapped Him and was going to win the struggle but she lost control, unable to handle the amount of power we had passed on to her at that one moment. She was...she burned and I heard her screams and the terror in her voice. She thought we would save her but there was no hope, nothing we could do! I had to watch her die like the rest of you...and I won’t risk it again! That nightmare will never leave me alone. I’d rather die than live another one. Listen to me Sierra. Let that girl live her life in piece without our interference."

Sierra hissed at Ravenn and returned a threatening growl. There was fire burning in her eyes and she was burning holes through him. "How dare you!" She spat. "Who was at her side when she lay there dieing? Who felt her pain and fear! I did! Let me remind you that Kechara and I were the only ones who did not pass on our powers to her! The rest of you did! I was fighting off the Demons with Kechara to give the rest of you a clear run at Naraku! I arrived in time to see her fall and cry! There was nothing I could do but share her pain! Don’t you dare tell me to listen!" She roared and gave Ravenn a hard swat with her razor sharp claws, hitting him on the muzzle. Ravenn hissed and backed away wishing he had kept his mouth shut.

He had taken over as Leader when Sierra had been banished and the years had loosened his tongue. He knew better than to insult Sierra and he didn’t blame her for her rage. Sierra had been the closest to Reyna and she had mourned the loss of her friend as the rest of them. He silently thought that the real reason for bargaining with Naraku to banish her and leave the rest of the Valker alone was the fact that she would not be awake, more likely dead. The memory wouldn’t be able to haunt her. What better way to end the suffering? But she didn’t die… She was freed and was going to have to face reality.
"I am the Valker Leader! I don’t give a damn if you took my place during my absence, but I have returned and I will reclaim my position! If you dare to challenge me then say so! I’ll blast through that thin layer of ice you control and shatter you into tiny pieces as if you were glass. Don’t forget that Water can swallow Ice and extinguish Fire! I lead because my element is strongest! Wind can be cut down and plants die without it. Earth and Stone sink into the depths and erode into harmless pebbles. But please, entertain me! Challenge me!" No one answered Sierra’s ranting challenge.

She spied three other Two-Tail who had heard the commotion and had come to investigate. They were all stunned and confused. They knew that who they saw was none other than Sierra who was known for her strength and ability in handling bad situations. When she had to be calm and sweet to help matters flow in the right direction, she used a rare gentleness that charmed anyone. But when she had reason to, she could be as fiery and scary as anyone’s worst nightmare. This was only a taste of it.

Kechara cleared her throat when everyone else refused to speak up. "Why would we challenge our Leader? You are home, Sierra...please, let us not fight like petty humans. We are the Valker and should behave ourselves. The humans see us as monsters...let us not become what they imagine us to be." Sierra’s mane lowered from a threatening posture to an annoyed one. Her tails twitched and she forced herself to calm down. "As always...you’re right Kechara. Let’s talk and catch up on missed years. I would rather hear about the village and anything that’s interesting right now. I’ll tear up a tree later to get my nerves pulled back together. I also have something to tell you all...and you will be the ones listening. I will not force you to follow...but that will be your own folly." She spoke to all who had gathered around to form a loose circle in the sunlit pit.

There were a total of seven Two-Tails, each different than the other in size, shape and personality. Four of them were female; Sierra as the Leading Valker who controlled the element of Water; Sita who was the youngest and controlled the element of Fire; Kechara was the Valker’s calmest member who controlled the element of Growth in all vegetation, her specialty being vine snare traps used for hunting when everyone was lazy. The last female was Sono who controlled Lightning. She was the quietest of the group. The other three were the males; Ravenn, a normally good tempered Demon who controlled the element of Ice; Valfore who controlled the element of Wind; And Fell who was the most temperamental of them all, he controlled the element Earth, causing earthquakes and tremors and stirring up dust storms with the aid of Valfore. He was behaving for the moment...enjoying the beating that Ravenn was getting. Normally Sierra had to chew Fell out for his bad attitude.

Sierra nodded to the new arrivals and took a breath before speaking. "As you all see and most of know, I am indeed free. I was released by a young girl and..."

Shift...

Sango glanced back behind her as she walked ahead with Miroku and Shippo. She was puzzled at InuYasha and Kagome’s odd behavior and she was itching to find out what was going on between them. That morning she had found both of them snuggled close up in a tree. They weren’t sleeping but talking in low voices so nobody could hear them. When the party had set off on their travels, Kagome had complained about her legs hurting so InuYasha wound up carrying her...and he didn’t seem the least bit agitated like she had expected him to be. There wasn’t even a grumble. That’s not like InuYasha at all!

Every once in a while a stray giggle would reach her ear and she peered out of the corner of her eye to see the two looking as innocent as ever, InuYasha with a blank look on his face and Kagome hiding behind his neck pretending to sleep, though Sango knew better. She moved closer to Miroku to ask him about it. "Hey Miroku. Have you noticed the way InuYasha and Kagome have been acting lately? Last night they were trying to kill each other and now I don’t know what to think. I keep hearing someone giggle but every time I look, I see nothing to prove it. Am I hearing things?"
Miroku shook his head. "No, I hear them too. I think they made up and are friends again. Maybe even..." -Slap- "Never mind..." Sango jumped a good ten feet ahead of him after slapping his face. "You letch!"

InuYasha saw that Miroku was up to his tricks again. Kagome shook her head and rested it back against his shoulder, her warm breath tickling the skin on his neck. "I feel bad for Sango. Maybe I ought to give the Monk a speech." She said with a sigh. "It’d do you no good. The letch has an issue with his cursed hand...one that may never be cured." Kagome laughed and kissed his neck. She felt him twitch beneath her and it made her giggle some more. Her laughter made him feel warm inside.

Memories of that night flashed through his mind as he trailed behind the others. They had talked the night away after that glorious release and both had agreed to help the other. They talked about each other’s past and got all the problems out in the open, sharing stories, the good times and the bad. Most of InuYasha’s good stories came from when he had met Kagome...there was one story that he had not wanted to tell her as it pertained to Kikyo, but she had kissed it out of him...in fact she had kissed everything out of him from beginning to end.

She then freely told him about her past and even though she had shed a few tears, she didn’t hold back as she explained about the reason for her father’s absence. "He left us when I was eight years old. He has a new family now and I have nothing to do with it. Nor will I. That’s his life not mine and I don’t wish to be apart of it." InuYasha had hugged her and kissed away her silent tears and distracted her with another story of his past. He spoke of his mother and told her what he could remember from so long ago.

Then Kagome brought up the future. "I want to be with you...but I know how you feel about everyone knowing about it. I won’t say anything even though they’ll find out sooner or later. But you belong to me at night..." She had blushed at that comment, not meaning to blurt it out. InuYasha had been thrilled but he kept it locked in his throat.

"No. I think it’s the other way around. You belong to me every night." Kagome had laughed, still blushing and sealed his statement with a hundred more kisses. He had wanted to take her again at that moment but morning was creeping up and he couldn’t risk anyone finding out. InuYasha just held her in his arms, wishing that whatever lay ahead would not stand between them.

InuYasha gazed up into the sky, spying Kimi flying over head. The bird hadn’t talked to him ever since he had come back from Kagome’s world. He was beginning to wonder if he had imagined Kimi speaking to him when he had made the bow for Kagome. I don’t know. But that’s one thing that I really don’t care about. My only concerns are Kagome and the others. I’m feeling eyes at my back, they’re suspicious of something. Hey. What’s that?

InuYasha spotted a tornado in the distance. Kagome saw it too and recognized it immediately. It took a minute for the Half-Demon to realize what the swirling torrent of wind was. "Koga!" He growled under his breath. Kagome slid from his back as Koga sped in their direction. Not him again. Just what I need. I don’t want to hurt the Wolf but he doesn’t understand what the word ‘no’ means. She glanced at InuYasha beside her and noticed how tense he was. His hands were fisted and his face was anything but pleasant.

Sango and Miroku stopped and waited for them to catch up. "It looks like the Wolf Demon tribe is roaming about this area too. I think Koga’s here to greet Kagome." Miroku said as InuYasha stopped at his side, growling and cursing his luck. "That bastard is only here to flirt with Kagome! I’ll kill him this time." He mumbled to himself. The tornado closed the distance between it and the traveling companions in a matter of minutes. Sure enough, a blinding wind smacked everyone in the face and when the dust cleared, a Wolf Demon was found standing in front of Kagome. He had some flowers in his hands and ignored the growling InuYasha who stood behind her.

"Hello Kagome. Long time no see. These are for you." He thrust the flowers to Kagome who blushed at his thoughtfulness. Oh no! Not flowers again. How do I tell him to back off without hurting his feelings? I don’t want to turn a good heart into a sour one...but he won’t stop trying to win me over. I could never love him! Koga don’t you see that my heart is connected to InuYasha? Koga smiled down at her and asked the usual question. "So how’s the mutt been treating you? You’d better be taking care of my Kagome, InuYasha. Once I’ve killed Naraku, I’ll be back for her. She’s mine, I’m in love with her." Kagome stepped back, her face flushing and then paling. I hate it when he calls him a mutt. I have to stop this before it gets out of hand again. I don’t want to Sit InuYasha...but I will if I have to. It’s time to put my foot down...

"Don’t call him a Mutt. It’s InuYasha!" She dropped the flowers and turned to hide behind InuYasha who was red with anger. His hand was at his sword, itching to draw the blade and run it through the Wolf’s heart. When Kagome hid behind him, another strong feeling gripped his instincts. The need to protect. Kagome’s hiding behind me. It’s about time she stopped leading that Wolf around! Now I’ll kill him and get him out of my hair! Koga looked confused when Kagome drew back behind InuYasha. "Kagome? What’s wrong?" InuYasha opened his mouth to answer but Kagome beat him to it.

"I’ve told you many times that I don’t belong to you, I’m not your property. I don’t love you, I could never love you no matter what you do for me. You may say that you’re in love with me, but the fact is, you only want me because I’m a Priestess with the ability to sense Jewel Shards. I wish you’d stop bothering me. I’ve been traveling with InuYasha from day one long before you came into the picture. He protects me and...I trust him...I won’t leave his side. Not even for you. I don’t want to hurt anyone but enough is enough. One day we’ll have to take your Jewel Shards...My job is to collect them and make the Jewel whole again. I could never be with you. Ever." She let the words flow and was surprised at how easily they came. But inside she was beating herself up for saying such hurtful things to Koga.

The Wolf looked stunned and was speechless. He quickly jumped to the conclusion that InuYasha was forcing Kagome to say what she had just said and he glared at his rival. "You Mutt! What did you do to my Kagome?" Kagome gasped. Did he not hear me? I just told him to get off my back and he’s still denying it! He’s blaming InuYasha. This is turning into a fight. InuYasha’s going to strike any second. "No Koga! He has nothing to do with my decision. I meant what I said." She stepped out from behind InuYasha and tried to act angry, even though she felt sick at having to hurt the Wolf’s pride. I’m sorry Koga, but this has got to stop if I’m to get any farther with InuYasha. He’s very sensitive and you’re going to complicate things.

Koga looked blankly at Kagome for a minute. She...she doesn’t love me? This isn’t a trick... Look at her expression. She means it. She’s fallen for that damn Mutt! I’m a hell of a lot stronger than he is and I’m the leader of the best tribe around here! What’s she see in that Half-Breed? Kagome crossed her arms and held her ground. Koga shook his head and glared at InuYasha. "If anything happens to her...I’ll take your head off! Damn mutt!" InuYasha growled and took a breath to pass on his own threat, but Kagome interrupted him. "Sit!" He slammed into the ground and cursed her. Koga looked a little satisfied and he turned to run off. "I don’t see what’s so good about him, but as long as you’re safe and-" Kagome waved off his sentence. "Go. I can’t hold him off forever. And I can’t stop his sword either, no matter how many ‘Sits’ I give him...Oh god! InuYasha I’m so sorry!" She spun around as the word slipped and the spell crushed InuYasha deeper into his hole.

"What the fuck was that for?! Kagome! ...Ouch..." InuYasha pulled his head out of the dirt and spat out the grains of sand in his mouth. "It was an accident! It slipped again... I’m sorry." She knelt at his head and brushed the dirt from his face. A gust of wind blasted them the next moment and she looked up to see that Koga had vanished. He finally got the message! I hope he’s not too hurt. Kagome sighed and sat back as InuYasha dragged himself from the new hole on the ground. He brushed off the dirt and glared at her. "Are you happy know? I didn’t do anything! Give me one good reason why I deserved a ‘Sit’!"

Kagome stared at the ground. "If you had opened your mouth and said whatever it was you were about to say, Koga wouldn’t have left and you would be fighting him right now. I won’t be healing any wounds from your stupid squabbles. He’s gone so just drop it. Let’s go. Kimi says there’s a village ahead. We’ll stop there for the night." And then he’ll plague me with questions when night falls.

Shift...

Kimi settled herself on the branch of a small tree. She was weary from a day’s flight and the fresh night air was a welcoming relief. Everyone had reached the village in one piece, no one fighting or arguing about the visit from Koga. InuYasha and Kagome hadn’t talked to each other since that encounter, but Kimi wasn’t feeling any anger from either of them. I feel a tiny bit of tension, but it’s not anger towards the other. Kagome’s a little ill from hurting Koga and InuYasha still has a jealousy streak in him...but they’re not mad at each other. Things are mellowing out. Finally. I can talk to Kagome again and now I know what had her so upset when she had come back from home. I also know about her relationship with InuYasha... What a surprise... I didn’t expect it to go that far... but that’s really none of my business.

Kimi sighed and gazed out from the leafy branch. She saw her friends being led to their rooms for the night. This village was a large one and everyone would be able to sleep in privacy for once. Miroku was offered the first room and he graciously accepted it. InuYasha got the next one and then Kagome was shown to third room. Sango received the last one and she disappeared into it. The attendant yawned and parted to his own room, nodding good night to other villagers who were walking about the inn.

‘See you in the morning Kagome’ Kimi passed on her message to Kagome’s mind and got the same reply back. The bird ruffled her feathers and tucked her head under a wing, falling into a light sleep.

Kagome rolled out her sleeping bag on the wood floor of her room. She gathered the many blankets that had been placed on a shelf for visitors and layered them to form a comfy mat to sleep on. Her back wasn’t up to sleeping on a hard floor. "Now...what am I forgetting? Oh, I know." She dug through her bag and found the forbidden paper sack crammed at the bottom of it. Kagome sheepishly reached for it and pulled out a packet of pills. I’d rather be safe than sorry... I got lucky the last few times. But I may not be so lucky in the future. Having a baby would be too much to handle. I don’t want to drag him down with a responsibility that he has no knowledge of. He couldn’t take care of an infant and that would leave only me... Plus mom would kill me and that alone is terrifying! So I’m stuck with these.

It took a second to take the pill and she shoved the paper sack back at the bottom of her bag. I still can’t believe that mom put these in my bag. Kagome grabbed her night clothes and slipped into them. She yawned and crawled under a light blanket, the mat much more comforting than she had thought. When the sound of a sliding door echoed through her ears, she realized that she had fallen asleep. She pulled her eyes open and saw the shadow of InuYasha slip in and close the door behind him. Kagome hid her smile and ducked her head under the blanket.

"It took you long enough." came her muffled voice from the blanket. "I was waiting for people to stop wandering around." He replied and sat down beside her, gazing down at her. The room was dark and he could barely make out her face, but he managed to spot a flicker of fire in her shadowed eyes. Kagome sat up and faced him. "You’ve been too quiet. I know you want to say something so I’m all ears. Speak up." She said in a low voice. InuYasha shook his head. "What compelled you to chase away Koga?" He blurted out. He was pleased that she had finally put the Wolf in his place but the reason puzzled him.

"I thought that’s what was on your mind. Well... I got fed up with his behavior. I hate what he calls you. I got sick of it. And... I didn’t feel right when he said that I belong to him... It’s never bugged me that much before but... It bothers me now and I had to stop him. Besides. It’s not fair to you. You’re my...my...lover." She blushed and looked away.

InuYasha reached out and cupped her chin, pulling her eyes back to him. His touch felt like fire on her skin. He leaned in and kissed her softly, feeling Kagome melt under his lips. Her face was flushed with the familiar shyness, but it ebbed away quickly. Kagome pulled away from his lips for a second, her body thrumming and her heart beginning to race. "Here? They might hear us. Maybe we should go to some place more private." She was silenced with another kiss and she found her hands hooking around InuYasha’s neck. "We’d never make it out the door..." came the reply in a whisper.

Shift...

Sango was stirred from a deep sleep. She groaned and pulled herself up from her sleeping bag, thinking that it was Kirara or Shippo fussing in a bad dream. Her eyes saw that they were sound asleep, both curled up on a small pile of blankets. She thought that maybe she had been hearing things and laid back down. But she heard a noise again and held her breath to listen. What she heard made her jump up and her face lit up in a bright red.

What the hell?! It’s in the middle of the night! Why of all times would someone be doing that now?! And right next to me too! I wonder if this is keeping Kagome awake too. Wait... Isn’t Kagome’s room on the right side of mine...? What the hell is going on! That racket is coming from...her room... Sango got to her feet and wrapped a blanket around her. She crept to the wall and listened closer, hoping that maybe what she was hearing was something other than sex. She clearly heard a name cried out and she gasped and stumbled away from the wall. Oh hell it is Kagome! And...InuYasha!

Sango was consumed with embarrassment and fled from her room. Shippo and Kirara were sleeping too deeply to wake from anything and she left them there. Great. I’ve been chased out of my bed by a couple of love birds. I didn’t think they were a couple... They never gave any signs of it. I wonder how long this has been going on. Now I won’t be able to sleep for a week! I have to watch that Monk. I don’t know if he knows but if he does, he’s bound to try something on me... He’s such a letch!

"Couldn’t sleep either?" Sango gasped in surprise as Miroku’s voice reached her ears. She stopped in her tracks and looked over to see the Monk sitting on the edge of the long hallway that wound its way around the inn. He was staring out in the distance. "N-no." Sango pulled her nerves together. What’s he doing out here? He should be sleeping. I should be sleeping! He knows about Kagome and InuYasha. Just my luck. Miroku smiled and turned to her. "They seem to be a close couple. Huh? Why do you look so flushed? Are you feeling alright?" Sango nodded, afraid that her voice would squeak if she said anything. It took her a minute to clear her throat.

"I’m just going for a mid-night walk, that’s all...I couldn’t sleep. What brings you out so late?" She blushed, already knowing the answer. "That’s obvious. Our friends woke me up. Sango. I’ve been thinking. About us." Miroku stood up and walked over to her, grasping her hands. Her face was the brightest red and she shook her head, pulling away from him. "No Miroku. I can’t think about...I...I... My bother...I have to save him before Naraku kills him! I can’t get distracted from my goal. He’s the only family I have left...I have t-"

Miroku cut off her babbling with his lips. He kissed her deeply and pulled her body close to him. Sango gasped and her mind went blank, unable to think or operate correctly. She couldn’t find the strength to pull herself from his possessive lips and she tried to deny the fact that she didn’t want to. When he let her breathe, she found herself wrapped in his arms and all she could do was look up at him, her blush never fading.

I can’t do this! No... My brother. I have to save him from Naraku’s grasp... I can’t think about my future until he’s safe. I can’t get involved with Miroku... Why do I feel so weak right now? Why can’t I slap him? No... I have to pull myself together, I have to pull away while I can...But I don’t want to! Sango managed to push away from Miroku. She stared at her feet and backed away slowly. "Miroku I can’t. Please try to understand..." She felt hot tears building up and she quickly turned and walked away. Her body was resistant, wanting comfort and throbbing in new ways that confused her. But her mind held stubbornly. I can’t relax and enjoy life while Kohaku suffers at Naraku’s hands... It’s up to me to save my little brother! Miroku...He’ll have to wait...my brother comes first!

Sango wiped the tears from her eyes and headed back to her room. She cautiously listened as she approached her room and found everything silent. Relieved, she crept back into her room and found Shippo and Kirara still sleeping on their pile of blankets. Sango breathed out and crawled back into her own sleeping bag. Sleep took its time to pass over her, but when it did, she had strange dreams of what could have been if she had succumbed to the Monk...The Monk that seemed to always consume her dreams.

Shift…

Miroku watch Sango flee from him. He sighed at his failure at winning Sango over. This is just not working. She’s not like other women. But I can’t blame her. Naraku has torn her life apart and she is trying to survive like the rest of us. Still. She shouldn’t deny herself the right to live. She deserves someone to comfort her and take care of her. I want to be that someone but I’m getting nowhere. InuYasha and Kagome crossed the lines and they seem happy enough…from the sound of things… So how can I get through to Sango? I know she has feelings for me. Is she afraid?
‘Maybe you should try changing your lecherous ways.’

“Huh? Who said that?” Miroku looked about to spy who had addressed him. He was puzzled as he found no one around him. I’m hearing things. It’s late, I should get some rest. Or at least try to.

‘Hey Monk. I’m still talking to you. Do you want some advice or not?’ Miroku stopped in his tracks. “May I ask who is speaking to me?” He called out cautiously. ‘Kimi, the bird glaring at you from this tree branch! You woke me up with that episode you just had with Sango. It seems you need some help with wooing her.’

Miroku blinked. Kimi? I didn’t know she could talk. She’s speaking through my mind…this is very strange indeed. Kagome said that she could hear the bird but I never really thought much about it. Interesting. “Nice of you to speak to me Kimi. Come out from your hiding place and join me. I’ve nothing better to do.” Kimi launched from her perch and winged over to Miroku who sat back down at the edge of the hallway, his feet hanging over. She landed on the railing and puffed up, ruffling her tail as a sign of contentment.

‘I want to help. I feel bad for Sango and I know you can help her. But you’re doing it all wrong. You need to learn to keep your hands to yourself at certain times. There are times to touch and times not to.’

Miroku sighed as he listened to Kimi’s speech. “I’m being lectured by a bird of prey. Never expected that one. I suppose you know everything about relationships?” Kimi hissed softly and bobbed her head. ‘I seem to know more that you. I had a mate once. Birds mate for life so I know enough to pinpoint your mistakes. If you want to win someone’s heart you have to do it properly. I accepted my mate only after he proved himself to me that he could be a kind and caring parent and partner. You on the other hand offer none of that to Sango when you go chasing after other women. You only show her how immature you are. You ask them to bare your child…How do you think Sango feels about that? I bet it hurts her. And she probably worries that if she lets you in, you’ll just chase after another woman when you get tired of her. Have you ever stopped to think about that? I bet that if you stop flirting with other women, she’ll start noticing and become more comfortable. Then you have a better chance of wooing her. She needs you even though she denies it.’

Kimi’s fluffed feathers smoothed down as she cocked her head to one side, staring at the Monk with large eyes. It gave her a cute expression and Miroku laughed and held out his hand to the bird. “You’ve had plenty of time to think about all this haven’t you?” Kimi hopped onto his offered arm. ‘I can feel what others are feeling. Sango still mourns the loss of her family and most of all her brother. Kagome is still wounded from the death of her close friend and InuYasha is hurt from his past and he also hurts when Kagome does. I pick up bits and pieces from everyone’s mind and it tells me a little about that person. There are some things that people keep locked up inside, keeping it secret from others. When I feel that someone needs help dealing with their feelings, I try to help. And Sango is one of them. She needs you.’

Miroku closed his eyes and listened closely. Sango needs me. I know that much but how do I tell her my feelings for her if she keeps running away from me? I guess only time will tell. I’ll try to stay away from other women and see how that affects her. Oh man this is going to kill me! The things I do for love. Kimi yawned and sighed. She had read his thoughts and smiled inside with satisfaction.

‘I hope my advice helps. Go get some rest and think it over before you do anything.’ The bird left his arm and found her tree she had been roosting in. As she settled on the branch she watched the Monk stand and head back to his room. He paused outside of Sango’s room and hesitated before cracking the door open.
Stupid Monk! Curiosity will kill the cat! Better hope she’s asleep! Miroku popped his head in and let his eyes adjust to the darkness of Sango’s room. He saw her sleeping, her head half covered under her sleeping bag. He smiled and closed the door, leaving her to rest. He made his way to the next set of doors that led to his own sleeping pallet. “What a night this has been. No, let me rephrase that. What a week this has been. I hope things get better. Something in my bones is telling me that there are bigger adventures ahead of us.”

End of chapter 8. This chapter was two pages shorter than normal. Please forgive me but I feel that this next part should be on a whole new chapter. Plus I ran out of side lines so I have no choice. So tell me, Does the story making sense to you? Let me know if you’re lost! Chapter 9 on the way. Dang. I can’t believe I’ve made it this far! Coming up in chapter nine: Kagome’s attacked by Naraku. What happens when her hidden powers begin erupting unconsciously? What happens when InuYasha is wounded badly and gives everyone a scare. And what’s up with Sango and Miroku? REVIEWS! MUST HAVE REVIEWS! PLEASE SEND THEM! THAT MEANS YOU JULIA! DAMN YOU VICKY! STOP SLEEPING AND READ MY FANFIC! Lol.