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They were so close, so heartrendingly close to basking in the peace that would come with the death of the vile Naraku. The group arrived at their makeshift campsite days after tailing Kagura.Miroku watched in silence, alongside his companions and Sesshōmaru, of the demise of the wind sorceress; a demise no sooner after the child, the mirror demon Kanna. And despite the solemn gazes of his companions, he remained entranced in deep prayer at the area where her ashes fell. As had befallen all the demons before them, scattered and lost. Somehow Miroku had sensed a change in the wind demon, and as did occur with the child incarnation: of fear, desperation. The price of a budding awareness of self. As with Kanna, the former allies of Naraku would reawaken some sense of self-preservation and turn against the demon.The few conspirators who could speak, those that outlived the rest, perilously entrusted to Inuyasha crucial parts of Naraku’s deepest secrets; one could only imagine the driving factor, the cause of these blatant betrayals. A damming betrayal which somehow held more leverage, more morality, than the conscience of these creatures who dictated their entire lives to destruction. After all, if not for the most basic nature of survival, 'fittest of the fit', strength superseding weakness; why would they attempt to benefit from the outcome of treason?Indeed, treason only befitted the winning side. They served a demon that easily overpowered them. Always holding a tight, cleverly hidden leash, above them.The only other outcome is Death.During these fleeting moments where one recalled memories, and the lives they lived, one could only feel pity.It was not hard to admire the resilience of these demons.These were the sacrifices—far too many—that would determine if their lives were worth it. And, yet karma, whose winds spread to both sides, caught up with many deeds in their favor. The worse could always befall any act of good, as is the way with life—mere compilations, the repercussions of one's actions; actions which collected and tipped the balance of karma's scales.He is a living embodiment of the very notion. From his ancestors, to his great-great grandfather, and his father. Karma benefits no one.Equivocally, on these short, and sullen days, he wonders when karma will be appeased. Calmly, and solemnly pondering if the end was in sight. The burden of overseeing this journey, of carrying the will of all these afflicted, their loss, their wishes, grew more consuming than the simplicity of life and death in the battlefield.He reminds himself that there is meaning to the end. Meaning to all these pitiful encounters. There is meaning in simply living.There is no selfishness in wanting to live, so long as they lived in the remembrance of all the others—the fallen. Those that no longer stand here and exist. Erased presences and their marks.If he could not live not for himself, the he shall live for those inflicted by Naraku’s rampant poison; to live for those not yet impacted by such sinister forces. Those who could still be spared such despair.Miroku swears by these lost souls to walk a straight path, and to strive further to finish the demon off.Then, just as suddenly the memorialization and prayer is done. His mind rejuvenated, encompassed with acceptance. There is strength in this silence, and a confidence to no longer worry about such a burden alone.——————Dutifully, Miroku would rise each day, before sun up, to prepare for several days of extensive travels ahead of them.Menial tasks he insisted on doing due to habits from priesthood. Of gathering fallen branches for Kagome’s morning meal—or as she put it, breakfast. Ensuring the evening's embers had safely died out of the field. Collecting any drying linens from the night before. Even assuring that his barriers and traps had been cleared and active.Miroku enjoyed these quiet moments where he could contribute his aid to his companions; whereas Kagome and Sango usually handled the preparation. Simple moments of life. Where he could sit, unguarded, still, and at ease—and feel. He remembers his youth at the temple, naively, and determined to feel the cool river stream in every sense. The jerk and pull of strong gusts from the hilltops, and the pinpricks of cold bumps bursting from his arms. All from the innocent flick of the two existing together: water and air. Air currents riding upon each other's forces to guide and shape the river’s essence at the intrusion of his feet. Almost romantically he dreamt that this is what enlightenment meant. The commingling of nature and reality.Although he could hardly afford to dedicate any valuable time for such things, he longed for the opportunity for its brevity. Moments such as when he pulls apart a portion of the river, coolness to the touch, and welcoming its embrace around his hands; to wash-up or portion it into the darkness of a clay jug. Yes, part of this cloying river that will be absorbed onto their bodies in routine wash, and the other pouring life into their bellies.When these traditions, practices, are accomplished, their group has packed and begins their trek to the nearest village.The morning's anticipation and joviality ripped away, as predicted, when an ill wind spread from the North. Nary a moment to mourn for his simple pleasure.It began when Inuyasha leads them into a small farming village harassed by giant serpent demons.The villagers had numerous reports of venomous snakes entering homes, and burrowing between rice fields. Leaving venomous bites on the village women and children. Initial accounts wove of the tale that these were harmless snakes, some used for medicine, others kept for luck. Then one day the snakes multiplied in size and numbers. Who could have predicted such an outcome? Not a telltale sign of Naraku, and yet unavoidable. Especially if they wanted to cross the mountain pass before sunset.“Sango, on your right!”Kagome struck an arrow at a serpent henchmen, as Inuyasha leapt above them.“Hiraikotsu!”Promptly Sango surges forward. Strengthened arms violently heaving her massive chimera weaponry. Swiftly cleaving the snake in two, almost within Inuyasha’s range of speed.Both girls leant on one another, back to back, once again in disbelief at the nimble Inu.“And where does he think he's going?"Sango groans, she detested snakes.“Something about: 'lousy prey'; you know how he gets.”Kagome sighs acceptingly, immune to the inuyokai's behavior. While she launches two more sacred arrows in the distance.“While we get stuck with nothing but work, and what of Miroku?”Sango asks, hurling the weapon clockwise.“He's protecting the villagers with Shippo.”Kagome finishes, suddenly winded from the sudden combat.When, without any signal, the two girls separate dramatically.The duo dashing in opposite directions. Behind them blazes the heavy odor of hot smoking ash. Bodies instinctively avoiding a massive fireball shooting through the air to swallow the remaining demon. Though, one could say that the trust they have for each other is what assured them that none of their teammates would harm each other.Though with all of the combat they had overcome, it is no wonder they had grown almost fondly for it. The thrill of favorable battle.“Good girl, Kirara!”——————Meanwhile, from a short walking distance from the village, Miroku is cursing his luck.The villagers are too close to summon his wind tunnel, and Shippo’s just about had all the fox-fires and illusions he can take.Cloaked hands clutch frustratingly at his staff.“Shippo!”The fox demon was lying unconscious in a sunken quarry surrounded by the serpents. He glances back at the remaining villagers huddled together behind the village elder. The poor and feeble man who clearly appears to be wavering in disbelief at the slightest chance of survival.“Sir I must go to my friend, please take these,” he pulls out several talismans, “they will create a barrier to prevent them from getting any closer.”The elder placed an urgent and pleading hand on his robes.“No, monk! It's much too dangerous, might you reconsider!”Miroku grinned wryly, this much is hardly anything for the girls. Why should he be concerned?He moves back from the elders reach, and sprints, breaking into a diagonal formation.He tosses movement binding talismans –they don't last long but they don't need to. He argues.All he needs to accomplish is getting close enough to pierce their skulls with his staff.Just as he's facing a Serpent a sharp pain erupts from his below his brow.He takes a step forward only to lose his footing. Positive that there was no such dangers in his direction that could cause him to lose his concentration. A concentration that determined life or death when in battle. Just what had broken past his guard? The soft and vegetated ground cushioned his immediate fall. At least the moment allows for him check his feet. Yet, perplexingly, his sandal straps stood strung strong.“You're mine human!!!” Miroku barely dodging its fangs, and jumping back on his heels.He rubs furiously at a sudden blurring and focus from his eyes. The other serpents easily rip free from their bonds and proceeded to encircle him.His staff had somehow wound up on the far side of the field, and away from his reach. His body sways, as a sudden heaviness and dizziness possesses him. Robed arms pushing outward, blindly, for friction or stability. Downwards, haphazardly grasping at the air for any bearing. When, in an instant, the eight serpents, merge and blend within the surrounding fields. Several muted and vibrant green figures flickering with the flecks of light around him.
Where had they gone!?
“Master Miroku!”A round brown shadow darted to his side, and with it, summoning fierce winds.He recognizes the obnoxious voice, and for once, longed to see his friend. If only he could pinpoint where the raccoon demon was.“Hachi!”The tanuki swung his round tail in a fury, quickly flattening the lesser demons. Surely happy to be the more powerful aggressor of a battle in some time.Hachiemon collpases onto his knees croaking some nonsense about forgiveness for stealing Miroku’s glory. Only, after several minutes of waiting for some response, he noted that his master had not moved an inch from his current spot. Was he rejecting his most loyal follower? Even Miroku had his limits and would never just ignore him without good reason.Hachi rose from his position on the grass, fat neck craning slightly to examine the monk.The same monk, whose back is turned opposite of the direction where he had valiantly appeared. Based on where his master is facing, Miroku looks to be more focused on the joyous sobbing and consoling of each of the surviving villagers.Hachi scratched at the back of his ear, patiently awaiting some answer.“Uh..Master Miroku?”Miroku shakes his head, and sighs amusedly, “Alright you've had your fun Hachi,” he giggled.His callused, apricot toned fingers pressing around the ridges of his face, searching for something.Hachi moved to Miroku’s front, a curious expression on him.“Master? What do you mean?”The servant states, likewise searching for something in the small distance between them.“Those pesky demons put something on me, you know—”, his hand gestures over his eyes, “to prevent me from catching sight of them? Come now, enough of these games. Go ahead and remove it—"Hachi’s round body trembles; normally flat fur standing up high, as the fire in his belly died down. “M-M-Master..?”“Ah! Right, I am taller than you, should I crouch down? Or is it a spell?”He cups his chin in thought, “Hmm, if it's a spell it should have already been broken. Then again, perhaps Inuyasha has yet to defeat their lord?”“—Miroku!” Hachi cries, breath broken with raggedness.Only then does Miroku still.“Hachi…? What is it?”His voice is firm.Hachi never dared to raise his voice at him, unless...there was something more.Miroku bit his lip.“D-Did something happen to the others?”Silence.He presses again, voice urgent.”Did something happen to Sango!”He could hear Hachi’s whimpering beside him.The tanuki whispers breathlessly, “N-No. No, not at all.”Miroku allowed a stifling breath to release."Was it...Kagome? No? It's Shippo, then. Is he alright?”Hachi cautiously leans closer to the monk taking a deep whiff of the air. Quickly jumping back as though burned.His master had the smell of change; of sickness around him.Hesitant, he walks forward again, slowly, attempting to ascertain where the sickness originated. The monk spoke of his eyes. He observes carefully, and deliberately. Trying to acquire the other's much sought after gaze and input from connecting. To show any sign of support in his efforts by being affirmed with his master’s eyes following his movements. Proof that he is doing more than rambling and has some sense in this predicament.When no such awareness rewards him…his mind must only assume the worse.Hachi swallows back his tears; how could he bear to tell him? What does he tell him? Oh his poor, precious master!“BOTH...both are okay. I tended to Shippo’s wounds before I came to your side. He just needs to rest and—”“Was it Inuyasha!? Poor Kagome must be suffer—”“—NO! NO, Master! Please forgive me!!!”Hachi's mild and enduring expression has broken down into furious sobbing and giant tears. Fur now slick and shining in the midday sunlight.The villagers had decided to give the two men the moment to themselves, eager to celebrate their survival in their unharmed homes.In front of Hachi, two dark, and unfocused indigo irises stare aimlessly at the distance; no true place of interest brought to attention.Hachi gathers all the willpower in his voice to finally speak,“Miroku, how long have you been experiencing problems with...your sight?”What was this foolish tanuki speaking of? Hachi, always the jokester, would often jab him for fun. But, strangely he couldn't sense any mischief from him.Now Miroku had to think.“A little while near Naraku's escape."The words took a life of their own, speaking without any thought.“My eyes would take much longer to focus after simple things. It began with blurring, or being unable to see objects regardless of my proximity to it. Waking up, bathing, strolls even…I could still see properly. As long as I had enough time to–”A lump had formed in his throat by then. When had his voice gotten so shallow?The tanuki lowers his head sympathetically.Miroku struggles to get his voice out.“What are you suggesting Hachi…? I'm not—”Hachi held his hand, “Master, I would never—”“I am not blind! I am not a cripple Hachi!!”Sharply yanking his hand away, only for the tanuki to urgently pull it back into his own.Miroku crumpled to the thinning patch of grass between them. Knees pressed roughly against the ground, and head slumped over.“I'm not…I can't be…”Hachi pulled the man into his shoulder.God, Buddha, whoever it was; no one had the right to do this to his master. Not after losing so much, when did tragedy ever stop for this human in his arms.With a heavy tension around them, Miroku picks himself up. Dusting off pieces of grass on his dark robes and offering a hand to the crestfallen tanuki.“Master?”Miroku releases a tight and laborious breath. Right palm and cursed hand clutching at his long dark tresses in frustration.“Hachiemon we speak of this to no one.”“I-If that is what you wish, Master.”“We shall leave tonight, I shall not burden them any longer. Not in this state. Please,"His covered arm reaching out for the willing tanuki, “fetch my staff and walk with me. We will eat amongst ourselves this evening. Understood?”Hachi bows obediently. No question at all.“Understood Master.”The tanuki leads the monk away, back to the enlivened and jubilant cries of the villagers. A silent staff and unconscious fox child pulled in tow.——————Everyone was feeling good having taken care of the demon infestation.Of which apparently changed the villagers view of even that of Inuyasha. The elder prepared a humble banquet in their honor. Shamefully, too promising to let slide according to their demon companions insisting.However, to an exhausted Kagome, the news is a resounding gratefulness. Gratifying to not have to prepare food for their large party after a battle.It is the same insightful Miko who noticed Shippo was feeling glum, after having to have Miroku rescue him. At one point she worried the child yokai would remain upset the entire afternoon.“Come on Shippo, show us your trick!” Several village children shouted over the heavy slurs of their adult counterparts.“Oh, of course! Fox-fire!”The fox demon glows in his superior presence with the other children.Then again, Shippo looked like he thoroughly enjoyed playing with human children of all ages. Especially when these children had no immediate hatred for demon children. Or that matter, a demon that looked as cute and harmless as a small animal.“Hard to believe he was unconscious most of the day; aye’ Kagome?”Sango laughs, reminded of her own village.Kagome smiles mutually. “Ain't that the truth! Although…?”Sango stopped in her eating to meet the miko’s worried gaze, toward the far left edge of the bonfire where Miroku sat and conversed amongst himself and Hachiemon.“Ever since Hachi got back, Miroku's been stuck with him twenty-four/seven.”Sango sipped her tea, still unaccustomed of the miko's expressions of her era.“What do you mean?”“Well is it just me, or has Hachi never left Miroku's side today?”Sango stills, recognition apparent, and nods. “I suppose that IS a bit strange.”Inuyasha scoffed, a clawed hand patting at his belly in satisfaction at being filled with the food.“That's not strange. Miroku's always weird. Honestly, I don't know why you bother worrying over him Kagome. So he's spending time with Hachi, he's been gone for over a month now. Just leave em’. It's that or the village women. The way I see it, this is better.”Kagome gasped, a frown forming on her lips. Despite some truth in his words, they ignored an underlying fact: Miroku's nature to mask his emotions.“Inuyasha! How could you say something like that? Don't tell me you forgot the last time Miroku had a problem.”“So? This is Miroku we're talkin’ about here. And you have no proof that there is a problem. There you go overreacting again."Sango sighed, mind now brooding at the inclination of concern; as if Kohaku's disappearance was the least of her turmoils, now is Miroku.Inuyasha might be oblivious, but Kagome clearly saw Sango’s affection for Miroku. How the other girl could not hide her deep-seeded fears of abandonment and mistrust. The massacre of her village, family, and loss of her younger brother kept a ruinous and cruel rope on her mind. Miroku's interest in Sango was the only hope in her struggle.Similarly, to Kagome, Inuyasha became that symbol: a hope, and security. From the moment she arrived in their era, to their journey, they were always together. Her love, like Sango's, blossomed in this dark turbulence. Inuyasha's renewed interest in her, and the increasing distance from Kikyo must mean something to the time shared with the Hanyou. Perhaps, Inuyasha could come to find her life as something special. The way she did his..."Women." The inuyokai mumbles.Which Kagome overhears anyway. Why did she bother trying to make sense of her emotions, when Inuyasha lacked the mindset to value them?“SIT BOY!”“AUUGHHH!!! Why you stupid—!”Miroku has a tendency of acting impulsively when he was upset. She watched the duo converse animatedly. Hachi and Miroku casually laughing at one another's stories.Maybe Inuyasha was right, maybe she was overreacting.——————Hachi followed Miroku's directions carefully.Stay at his side and guide him.Act naturally.To laugh...at nothing, when they were both pained; menial actions necessary to relieve any suspicions of them.Miroku insisted; finally in acceptance with coming to terms that this change is no spell and is another, sinister and permanent reality.Hachi offered the monk some of his own sake, a rarity, but for the avid drinker, Hachi is unable to find any pleasure in drinking this night. Not when his master was not completely there.“Master Miroku? What do you wanna do?”Miroku held his gaze at the shining blur behind Hachi. The bonfires amber embers replacing even the clustering lights from the stars in the night sky.“I want to go…I don't know where, Hachi.” His eyes flutter shut,“Anywhere. Someplace far from here. From them. Let's move West.”Hachi who had attempted to drink some of his sake found its wet content splashed thoroughly over his hakama.“Geez!” He gave a great shake of his fur to Miroku's displeasure. “W-West!!!?”This earned the curious stares of their friends. Miroku shushed the tanuki briskly.“West? But, isn't that Inuyasha’s brother...er...Sesshōmaru’s domain? It's too risky!”Miroku nods, head soothingly cradled in his left palm.“Yes, but from what Inuyasha tells us Sesshōmaru is more inclined to wander than to immediately claim his father's land. He seeks a rematch with Inuyasha one day. Naraku is also of some interest to him. The land is a rogue territory filled with hundreds of demons.”Hachi shivered, “Y-You sure about this Master? In your condition...and so many demons-”Miroku smiled gently, waving his right hand passively.“I'm...really scared Hachi, but just sitting here and letting Inuyasha and the girls fight for me…I've already taken so much from them. I have to get stronger. I will overcome this.”Hachi wipes a single tear from his big eyes, confidently reiterating,“And you're not alone Miroku. I'm with you the whole step of the way!”Miroku exhales with ease, heart content.“Thank you, Hachi.”----It took less time than either men had predicted for the entire village, and their party, to be in a deep state of sleep.Aside from Inuyasha and Kirara, Miroku and Hachi meticulously shuffled out of the inn. Careful as to not rouse the attention of the other demons’ heightened vigilance. Hachi and Miroku had claimed a separate side hut apart from their group. Despite their lodgings being placed closely. Tasked with leaving the area undisturbed took their utmost priority. But once in the forest, the silence, the grief, and loneliness respawned in Miroku's heart. Of having to part from his closest allies, dear friends, like a thief in the night. Miroku had always been alone, and traveled alone. Yet, in his choice to follow the trail of jewel shards, he created a disconnection from people. A peace from the worldly dissonance. When, one day he acquired another shard. This shard, instead of infecting him with a lonesome and false peace, it tied him to a vibrant discord. Through a Miko anything but elegant and courtly, and a halfling Yokai, most humorously.To now attempt to separate himself from it...from the enrichment it fed to his soul...it is almost unbearable.No, the time is right.As he did before, so would he again.To cut his ties and start anew.Hachi smiles at him, trying to lessen this cruel measure, and kneeled before him.Removing the transformation leaf unique to his species, and placing it onto himself. Demonic yoki and earth energy surrounding them.A puff of smoke signals his physical change, and when the smoke lifts, Hachi has transformed into his synonymous giant gourd. With caution, Miroku leaps onto the others back before taking a final glance at the shadows behind him. A burdened mind envisioning and fondly reminiscing on the contentment and rested faces of his companions. And...they were gone.Chapter 1: Spell of Emptiness: END.Endnote: Here's a quick note to keep in mind when reading this story!This Boundary/Divider means that these events are occurring at the same time = ——————While this Divider means that the events are either happening in different locations, or a different time. There may be exceptions to this Divider, but there should always be a written reference to show time leaps.= (The Line Below!)
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Miroku stirs as the last of the Northern fuchsia hue dimmed significantly from the Western sky. This foreign western horizon dragging frigid blasts of air that bristled under his thin robes.His demon companion resolutely maintained an alternate and sustainable altitude to avoid demons capable of flight. Even ambitiously diverting the grueling air currents onto himself, preventing any more tension from their extended hours of flight on his very human body.Though valiant, Hachi's efforts could only go so far. Miroku lacked the proper outerwear, and struggled in the night to reserve any body heat with his thin robes. Thoroughly exhausted from holding himself to conserve warmth. While attempting to decipher the whistling humming of the winds, yearning to hear their secrets. Perhaps they would accept his request and aid him in mapping their location.To tell him, where his clumsy and loyal companion intended to take him. Miroku's hands numb from acute frostbite losing their bearings. But, after several attempts from rigid fingers, he can faintly grapple Hachi’s smoothed yellow form. Nothing kept Miroku from being launched from off his hovering form, but at least the wind couldn't him blow him away. That is the only thing that took precedence in his weary mind. A near-perfect focus almost entirely dedicated on remaining seated on one area of Hachi's back. Occasionally, his mind pondered how much longer he would have to stay in the air before succumbing to a violent descent.He jumps, startled when below him, Hachi's thunderous voice rumbled.“Master Miroku, please stay still, we've entered the region. I'll set us down in a clearing.”Hachi lowered them down without so much as the slightest turbulence, and transforms back into a tanuki, with a poof of smoke, to urgently catch the falling monk. And releases a heavy breath in relief.“Where are we..?”The urge to look around came so swiftly and brought a lump to Miroku's throat. Aware that he would have to put an end to this foolish, but natural action.If not for himself, what was the point of remaining hard headed? For a glimmer of hope? That fate would play it's fortune on his unremarkable life and grant him a second chance? The world was a cruel and strange thing, where miracles existed only for the fair-hearted. He is only grateful for reaching the peak of his life and meeting such irreplaceable friends. To have had an end without self-pitying his life, away from reckless desperation, and the hopelessness in hunting Naraku alone. That is why he left. This is why he could never use his ailment as a means to co-depend on others. To take up their lives, when, under the basic principals of survival, this weakened him. If not for himself, then for Hachi, for the very first companion who he could entrust his burdens to. Miroku no longer had the simple leisure to do as he wished. And he refuses to mourn for what is lost forever; just as his father had succumbed to this darkness, head held high, so too would all life nearing the end. A goodbye is pointless in the first place, he told himself. He was still alive after all, and turned to the tanuki.Hachi crossed his arms, pacing in place as a means to stretch his over worn body.“Good question! Ah! I mean, well, a bunch of demons were running all over the border. So before I knew, we passed several villages! I found this mountain behind a fortress, I think?”Hachi said, and threw his head back and laughed until Miroku joined him.Hachi failed to notice how Miroku rolled up his sleeves—a master is never too far from their pupil after all—or, how Miroku reached forward, standing right above the tanuki.And, somehow, Miroku's fist always found its target right above his head.“YEOUCH!!”Leaving a big red mark very likely to bruise. The follower pitifully rubbed at the sore site.“What do you mean by fortress? Is there a chance that…”Miroku questioned, as his smooth features suddenly became serious. Hachi could feel the sweat rolling of his heavy frame, in part from all the flying, and the rest in growing anxiety.“Do you think that it's filled with beautiful women?”Hachi groaned, collapsing onto the ground, and trying to remain on his important task; mind caught between the image painted by Miroku, and controlling the drool caught beneath his snout in a lewd daydream.That was his master all right.“Or perhaps a princess?”Hachi wearily eyed the thick clouds forming in the sky overhead.“Master this area is safe, I flew over it once, just to be sure before landing. But I'm not sure if the weather will remain clear. This region is strange.”Miroku could hear the fatigue lacing the demon's words. He waved his hand, a grin forming over his lips mischievously. Perhaps Hachi's demeanor would lighten up with his teasing. In the meantime, the least he could do is set up a barrier while they rested. Though, in order to do that he would need to find the nearest corners of their campgrounds within the dense forest.He begins walking forward cautiously.“Go rest, and...thank you Hachi.”Needless to say, the tanuki once more collapsed onto a particular patch of soft grass. His round back pressed underneath the cooling shade of a large old tree that shielded their presence atop the mountain.“Don't go too far...Master…”Hachi mumbled. Fat tongue dropped out comfortably from his jaw, and lolled to the side. As he carelessly snored loud, and obnoxious nasal snorts. Dark paws kicking with the short irregular twitches of a sleeping child.
Ah, the grace of a tanuki. More and more hound-like.
Miroku chuckled under his breath. Not like he could go far even if he wanted to. For now, he would resort to using his staff as a walking stick while he balanced his weight, and attempted to relieve his boredom, and secure their camp.——————What felt like hours pass, he is sure of that much.The pleasant lull of their camp lost, the moment he moved downland. As the elevation of the land decreases with the curve of the slope shaping into a steep incline. He kept moving straight as a means to turn back if anything occurred and easily return to Hachi; all while trying to keep his footing on the soft terrain and prevent himself another grim visualization of another painful plummet down the unknown.Instead, Miroku resorts to groping the trees themselves and using a firm vine to lower himself back, slowly down. He tries to put an end to the nerves in his mind. Of his gradual loss of eyesight and the darkness the consumed any clarity that remained. Shining blurs becoming indescribable blobs while he combed further underneath the trees branches; its light flitting shadows and falsehood beneath the leaves, imprinting shapes of every size, and disorienting what remains of his perception. His minuscule fears now daunting, and more real than before.Dark tresses would twist at every hiss, whistle, and dip below, at the crackle of his own footsteps. If he did not clutch at his protective sutras, nor prod the air with the bunt of his staff, surely his concentration would waiver. He kept on though, while attempting to ignore the added discomfort of twigs and pebbles that clung to the bottom of his sensitive feet. Occasionally kicking them away for good measure. He is at a loss for how far he had gotten. The chirping of the insects faded with each trek deeper into the mountain. Even the wind is particularly merciless to his face.“Do you have a death wish, monk?” A voice called from behind.Low, but tone fine. A man.Miroku immediately shifted uncomfortably. Frozen dead in his tracks. He had not detected anyone, or rather anything on his heels.He raises his staff, ears null to any noise, thus, it's rings are silent, but, based on the vibration in his palm, shaking against each other ever so slightly, somewhere in the vicinity. Worse, impossible to discern the being's specific position. This would be much faster with my eyes! If only—! In his thoughts, Miroku drags his feet on tender soil, and immediately loses balance. Arms flailing as he dug his toes searching for any friction to stabilize, but began to slide downward. Breathlessly, his chest tightens at the sudden weightlessness of his body falling back.If the presence had always been there, he did not know, but the relief he felt when a dominant hand reached out and pulled him up from behind did; this simple kind act removed any doubt that there was an evil intent from them.Heart still racing, Miroku gripped onto the arm that seconds ago saved his life, winded, but rose his head in gratitude.Met by a warm breath above him, he gulped, a lump suddenly in his throat.Then the realization dawned on him, that, perhaps he had strayed far away from Hachi.Eventually, he is guided carefully to stand with the support from gentle clawed hands, and once more, reaffirmed that there was no ill will from the presence. For that matter, no feeling of uncertainty that he typically associated with demons. The stranger placed into his hands the discarded staff which had fallen in his distress—gratefully not down the hill.“Thank you.”“Not at all, it's quite easy to become distracted in these parts. This forest is alive and tends to trick those who dare enter it.”The man said indifferently, but began again.Miroku is still, as one of the clawed hands caress his cheek ever so softly, and senses eyes probing curiously at him, and...Miroku allowed it. These calloused hands clearly belonged to a man, but he did not find his touch intrusive, and allowed him to continue his prodding. There was something about the touch that felt tender, and familiar. How odd…Then they pull away.“Though, I suspect monk, that in your case, it is much more unfavorable than that.”That's an understatement, Miroku gruffed, but spoke.“I guess you could say that. And of you, kind sir, to what do you owe a visit, so remotely within these mountains?”This was as good as any time to ask how the man had come found him.“Quite true. There's hardly anything interesting in these parts. Fortunately, you happened upon my favorite sitting spot. I favor the horizon you see, and this area offers a grand sight of the all of the West. Had I not seen you from above the treeline, a moment to spare and you would have been dead.”Miroku sighed, feeling overwhelmed. Then he is in fact near a cliff of all things.He walked backwards, retracing his steps and returned to seat himself beside a wide and sturdy tree. Far away from the slope, and once he is sure of the distance between the edge, he lowered his staff.“My friend is resting, you see. We've journeyed from afar. This land is new to us. I am Miroku.”The man grinned. “You may address me as Tōga.”He sat himself across the monk, back dangerously close to the cliff ledge without any concern for his well being. This Tōga was indeed a man of extremes, he makes a habit to remember. “Miroku, is it? May I request something of you?”Miroku nods, as long as it's within his limits there should be no problem accepting a job.“Would you be willing to accompany me? You see, I am nothing but a mere spirit in this state.”Miroku hummed curiously. That would explain why he couldn't detect his presence, but to be powerful enough to touch him...was he similar to Kikyo-sama? No, even Lady Kikyo could be detected because of the energies she amassed.“Should I return to my grave, perhaps I may finally be able to move on from this world.”That's hardly any sufficient reason for Miroku to go with the strange being, considerably so, since Miroku had only know Tōga for a few short moments. If this was a trap, or rather a diversion, then, Hachi could be put at risk. But how? They couldn't possibly have been followed.Tōga sensed his apprehension and exhaled, “I wouldn't ask this of you if I had not known of your occupation.”What? Ah! Right. In his daze he had forgotten he was indeed a monk, if such an occupation still applied to him. Who was Miroku to deny a spirit, no less, the person who had saved his life, a final request? One good deed begets another, he chided. Surely such a powerful spirit had a treasure trove, or wealthy relatives to repay him.“Forgive me Tōga, that was inconsiderate of me. I would be honored to help you in your journey. Just as long as it's not too far. I cannot leave my companion for too long.”He is completely capable of taking on any threat that made his way—within reason.Tōga stood and carefully yanked the monk up. He gave a resolute nod, “I understand, I thank thee, monk Miroku.”He then raised his clawed hand high, and muttering strange words causes a strong wind current to flow between them. He took Miroku's hand in his own and placed it over his arm.“This way.”“MIROKUU! Monk, answer me!”Sango shouted from the top of her lungs as she continued encircling the sky with Kirara.On the ground, Kagome tried to make sense of the monk's actions throughout the week. Anything noticeable that could give them some sort of clue as to why, or possibly where their friend had gone.“Did you find him, Inuyasha!?”“No,” the half breed grumbled, claws fumbling in his tangled ivory locks. “I can't smell em’...”Kagome looked puzzled. “Wait...You’re okay smelling other people?”Inuyasha choked, his face reddened—damn her and her tricks. He practically fell into that one.Kagome giggled, brushing back a lock of her dark hair."I mean the only time you do that is when you search for me, I thought you hated it.”She had discovered that the Inu memorized her scent and considered his actions a special link for both of them. She shook away the vexation that built up inside her. A dark feeling coiling in her heart, of envy and disappointment. Inuyasha relies on his sense of smell as did any demon. And, it's not like Miroku ruined what was perfectly normal for the inu-yokai.Kirara descended onto the village outskirts where the duo waited.“Have you found him!” She hopped off of the fire cat.Kagome shook her head, “No, I guess you haven't either.”Sango had all but lost her energy then, had the monk fetched a wife? Her heart ached. She was waiting for the proper moment in which to confess her sentiments—only to be too late. While she did once accept his fleeting proposal, Sango had yet to confess her emotions. After Naraku's demise she promised herself. This stubbornness has once again taken from her the happiness she wished for.Kagome squeezed Sango’s shoulder reassuringly.“We'll find him. He was acting strange after we defeated those demons. Maybe something happened to the wind tunnel.”Sango’s face lit up, there was a chance.“Then he's with Mushin...let's go!”Kagome was all for it, that left only Inuyasha to decide.The demon cocked his head to the side in avoidance of their present concern, or rather, unable to face Sango's resolve.“Look Sango, I know you're upset and all but we have to focus on getting the rest of the jewel shards before Naraku. I say we keep going.”Sango's eyes filled with tears as her rage grew, mind clouded by the monk's wellbeing. Miroku could be in danger for all they knew.“How could you..! When Miroku's risked his life to help you, how could you turn your back on him now! I don’t remember asking you for help, and refuse to do so now!” She yelled and ran back into the village.“Sango, wait!”Kagome's hands fisted at her sides, as she walked up to the half-demon. Her right hand reverberating the smack against his cheek.“Really!? Can't you stop acting selfish for a minute to think about something other than the jewel. Miroku could be in real trouble for all we know. Can't you see that Sango's hurt? How could you be thinking of the jewel shards right now! And you telling her that isn't helping anyone!”Her hit did little to him physically but caused an ache in him, he growled.“You girls are all the same! If Miroku is with Mushin he'll catch up on his own just fine! He wouldn't want to waste time, heck—! He'd be better off the sooner we get rid of Naraku!”“She loves him, Inuyasha! Have some compassion!”“Love isn't going to save anyone, especially not Miroku. His curse will just pass on unless we get to Naraku, he'll live. Hell, we’ll live.”Kagome trembled in her disbelief, her voice laced in regret.“...Fine Inuyasha. Go ahead and stay. I won't tag along with you. Sango and I will go to Mushin.”And she ran into the village along Kirara.Inuyasha pummeled his fists back and forth into the dirt road. Only stopping when tears cascaded down his face.“Of course I want to go find him. I love him more than any of you.”A parasite hidden in the shadow of the village huts watched the event unfold and flew back to its lord. The events unfolded in a relay of memory in the demons mind, the bug crushed in its lords palm.Naraku frowned, “Where is the monk?”He summoned forth a convoy of demons and sends them outward, to every village and town.
Report of any monk mixed in with its inhabitants.
Outside the ominous bamboo screen a retainer crouches down inches away from the noble.“Summon Hakudoshi.”Chapter 2: What Was Not Said: END.
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Miroku could feel himself be led into something, a dark presence surrounded him the instant he took the beings arm. Not foreboding but a massive amount of spiritual energy.Tōga held onto the monk as they slowly descended from the air through a colossal skeletal gateway, and hover down a rocky slope. “Forgive me, Miroku but this way we can reach our destination quickly.”Miroku had no time to answer when strong arms heave him by the bend of his legs, up, and against the shoulder of the other's chest.Miroku yelled at the loss of balance, and moved to pitifully hang onto the being's head.Tōga chuckled, cleary enjoying catching the monk off guard. He leapt from rock peak to rock peak at an intensifying rate. Maneuvering with weightless ease, as if the monk did not hinder his gaze. Eventually delivering them to their location, at great skeletal remains. Mountainous bones lush with green blooms and nature which coated the inside of the bones and enormous ancient armor.He lowered Miroku back to the ground.Golden orbs admire the torso nostalgically."Please begin, Miroku.”Miroku struck his staff into the ground. Hands pressed together as he began his prayers.Tōga floated up above to where should have been the demon's heart. He moved closer, placing his diminutively small hand above its colossal chest plate. The being groaned, transparent body growing hotter, and brighter, encompassed in blinging white light and bursts. The light fades into the sudden darkening of the morning horizon, and the man disappears. Along with him were the mountain-sized remains, which in its absence, left the wide open range unoccupied.The strange grounds distorted around the monk, terrain and sky collapsing from within. Before Miroku could flee, a golden orb, a powerful barrier arrived in time to collect him. No words needed to be spoken to understand that this is Tōga's doing, or that he would be unharmed.The orb traversed the debris and dimensional constraints to safely send Miroku back into the forest, and by the time he arrives at their camp Hachi is waiting for him.“There, Kirara!”Sango points to the sight of a flatland and crater. Later learned to be Miroku's father's grave.They were silent most of the trip, Inuyasha had after all chosen to follow them. Sango and Kagome are the first to arrive at the shrine. Without warning opening it's aged doors to find the old man sleeping away his drunkenness. Old habits do not change, even after five months of isolation for this elder monk.Sango yanked the man up by his robes and slammed him hard against the wood floors. At the second thud the monk had tore her hand away grumbling on about women and demons.“Master Mushin, where is Miroku?”Mushin tipped his head back in thought and knit his brows in confusion, pain growing from all his drinking.“Miroku..? What are you talking about? He's with you all.”His unsteady, but precise gaze roams from the women to Inuyasha.Kagome began, “I'm afraid not. Miroku disappeared on us again. We were expecting to find him here with you.”“Hmm, he hasn't come by. If it was the wind tunnel he'd have come by now.”Sango hid behind her brunette locks and shook her head. “You're lying…Why do you lie!”Kagome moved to her side patiently, she gestured for Mushin to continue.“Nay, child. I do not lie. Miroku has not paid me any visit since he came by last. Knowing him he'll return to your group once he's finished resolving his own conflict.”“Hah! That monk is just too lecherous, he's probably enjoying himself out there with another woman.” Sango bit out.Mushin rubbed at his head soothingly, “Well child, it is not my place to say…” Sango raised her head, go on, she said.“It is true that I taught Miroku everything he knows. However, he is not as lecherous as you perceive him to be.”He scratched his chin, “That boy has always been weak when it came to affection. So much that he becomes helpless in such situations—what does he do? It is Hachiemon who transforms into Miroku and commits his deeds. I am no innocent either, I taught that boy what he knows after all. Though Miroku may charm someone that is not enough to condemn him. He just gets pulled along.”Inuyasha nodded matching Mushin’s determined stance.“Miroku knows that as a young man and sole heir to his family that he must continue his bloodline. As such he often consults Hachiemon for suggestions. Against my better judgment mind you.”His lips curl upward in near grimace, “If he doesn't return, I'm sure he would have wanted for you all to live long happy lives.”Sango collapsed onto the floor and wept all the sorrow within her that she had willed inside—out—for the world to feel.Any hope that she may see her potential lover vanished.Inuyasha dashed outside, nose high in the air and seeking. He would find Miroku no matter how long it takes.Chapter 3: On Self, No Self, and Not-self: END.
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Over the last few years Miroku had picked up on a couple of tricks. Ways to tell if fallen fruit were fresh, how to avoid roads demon took to trap the unsuspecting human, and how to blend in with the masses. The world became paralyzed and different from his existence without both eyes. He encountered various demons, each with characteristics that weighed the odds over him. Gradually he learned that no matter the number of strategies he could use, that demons and people alike could unceasingly break his defenses.One such day the world turned black.Miroku had lost the remaining light stored in his eyes over the course of months. Despite changes to his diet from Hachiemon's insistence, they were only prolonging the declining blurring and loss of visible light.The day he lost the last bit of light his eyes could feebly sense, Miroku was still traveling with Hachi.They had worked their way into a prominent village that was controlled by demons. The demon traveled in a band of twelve. They amassed their luxury with the torture of whatever being that naturally strove for their livelihood, be it trade or business, so long as it lived.Miroku and Hachi stumbled upon this afflicted village just perpendicular of a poorly dug rustic road. Immediately, sought by a farmer to search for his daughter who went missing before their meeting date. On the very same road, no less. She journeyed from the far East in order to find refuge with her family. Husband dying in battle and leaving her with their only child. As is the story of many women, and family's ripped apart by war.“Master, are you sure this is a good idea?”Hachi bemoaned, nothing good ever came when Miroku took miscellaneous work.Miroku rolled his eyes.“Of course it is, we have much to gain if we succeed!”That is of course an error in his part, accepting the task without launching proper stake of what reward they would claim.“But, I'm not good in combat! And if they expect us and use the villagers as hostages!?”Miroku briefly wonders if this task was too much labor for them. What with Hachiemon’s constant fret of his well being, and past disobedience to any consistent training, he frowns.“That's enough Hachi. We need to feed ourselves, remember?”Just last night the duo consumed the last of their rations.He offers a pristine smile that only Hachi, with knowledge of his masters habits, could interpret as concern.As though nothing had changed between them and Miroku could still see.“I can manage for both us, just...give me a sign where to open the wind tunnel. If you can keep the villagers from harm, and observe the enemy's movement I'm sure we will triumph.”Miroku the ever optimistic convinced Hachi to follow his lead into the village.And truth be told their presence unwanted.The demon leader greeted them himself,“A monk in dark robes and a youthful facade. Well mortal, be grateful you're a wanted man!”“And for quite the price too boss!”An underling snorted.Just as Hachi had predicted several women and children were brought out and dumped to the ground.The village spread far down into a hill, and from Hachi's reports torn to shreds. Burned from the inside out with human remains tossed about. Only a wealthy lord's home still laid in the open, to which the demons leader utilized as a base.Miroku doubted the villagers would be capable of scraping anything of value as thanks for saving their lives. Or, how useless he felt for being unable to support himself now that his usual clientele had diminished. He couldn't tell Hachi how much he wanted to leave the cruel West and return to his companions. His karmic energy in particular became active in these parts. Bringing to him all types of undesirable mishaps.Still, the idea that Hachi would get to free his troubled thoughts, and that they would take full leisure of the fruits of their conquest...well that sounded wonderful.“Let all the hostages go and I'll surrender without any trouble.”“Hah! You do not get to decide monk. We have you surrounded!”Miroku turned to the top of an outpost giving a small nod to Hachi.The tanuki transformed into his giant gourd form and in a swift swipe opened his mouth. With a gulp he swallowed the villagers, flying away quickly at the feeling of his form dissolving. The villagers adding extra weight to his delicate illusion. Almost causing the yoki energy to break.“Wind tunnel!”No matter, it is all the timing Miroku needed.The strong gust of wind in the vicinity key.The beads came off exposing the widened hole that now stretched to the ends of his palm. Hachi often remarked that, in far range, it took the appearance of a star.He sucked in the leader first, and watched as the followers hung onto each other only to be sucked in too. Strong gales of wind pulling trees from their roots and the lowliest of humble huts.After the climax of the battle, he and Hachi are bombarded with the many weeping thanks of haggard elderly men and flock of women.And, as expected the villagers were unable to offer much reward, but did give them a room to stay in.Hachi eagerly makes observation of all the beautiful women that came to their room that evening.This one moment is enough to erase the emptiness inside of Miroku. To him, it was no more than a bad dream.True to their words, they returned the lost daughter safely from harm's way to her only living family. There is no way to repay the risks that they took, much less the work of traveling monks. Yet, the farmer gave them several crops, months of work and food for a the poor elder. Even some money is snuck into the supply, which after a jug of sake didn't sound too bad.Then as they made way on the road, three steps out he stumbles, and falls face down on the ground.“Miroku!”Hachi moved to raise him up, but Miroku flailed his arms and with a great shove pushed away from the tanuki.“Master…?“Hachi...that is you, right?”Hachi once more approached to slowly pull the man up.“Yes, Master Miroku is something wrong?”Warm tears escaped his sleepless, fearful eyes.“Everything is dark, Hachi. Very dark.”Hachi retracts his offered pawed hand as if scalded by fire. He tore apart from his gaze to face the ground instead. Too ashamed in himself for being unable to provide comfort to his dear friend.“Oh Master…”One day Miroku mustered all of his confidence and told the tanuki off.
“Your services are no longer needed. I free you of your duty, begone.”
And mind you, Hachiemon was not an easy servant to shake from.For several weeks Hachi insisted on tailing his journey and coming to his aid when demons came. Until finally he lost his reason. Why would the tanuki continue chasing after him when he was clearly unwanted. Miroku is human and without his eyes...a responsibility to keep alive. Hachi wasn't strong enough, and would be unable to keep his master safe anymore. With a heavy grievance Hachi left. Miroku thought he might return back North, perhaps back to his own village and was happy for him.That was five years ago.Then came the hard part.There came a day where Miroku was on the last of his supplies, without any substantial valuables to barter, or exchange for food. He desperately needed to find employment. To his fortune, he encounters a group of soldiers on their way to the capital by order of their lord in the South. Perhaps a rich daimyō, or territorial shōgun. All far too important to care about a single wandering monk.He gains their approval to join them as they claim a castle of demons for themselves. Now the way they smelled and manner in which they spoke were all too revealing—soldiers in name only. In other words, they are clearly bandits. Still it wouldn't be the first time he's had to be accompanying people so insufferable. He barely had much on him, just a purse worth of money for the day and an uneaten loaf. The men grumbled on their own food shortage, but still generously shared their meals with him.Then came the day they ripped him off.He did not expect them to slip something into his food, but the next morning he couldn't get up. The man who had shared his food yanked him up by his hair.While another man forcefully peeled back his eyelids.“I told ye', he's a cripple!”Two men came up close to examine him, their drunken breaths collecting about his face.The rancid and drunken smell causing him gag. One man who hears this appears to be offended and backhanded him. The amount of force twisting his neck.Another man rubbed a grimy hand down his robes."He's not bad. Can I have a take at em’?”The leader of the group cackles, violently shoving him forward. "Go ahead!”He tossed him, “Just leave some of him for the rest of us.”The man straddled him as Miroku feebly pushed against him. The man makes quick work of him with an impact to his nose, leaving him numb and trembling.Miroku could taste the copper fluid reaching his mouth.Truthfully, he didn't want to put a fight anymore. Perhaps from the pain, or from the repulsion of the food in his stomach. But he would die on his terms and not such awful travel companions. He is adamant about using the wind tunnel on other humans, and then the hand came close to his groin.Enough was enough.Miroku mustered the most lewd noise he could, causing the man to loosen his hold just slightly, and gave the monk the opportunity he needed to open the curse.“Wind Tunnel!”The men's screaming voices faded around him instantly.Camp silent, he had searched the ground for his staff then using it as leverage to walk then proceeding to rummage around their belongings. Best put the ordeal behind him, pray for them in their final resting place. There was no use feeling sorry for himself when his travel companions were dead. And, not very good companions either. “What liars they are! Having so much money. Clearly pilferage.”He cupped his nose, not broken at least but likely to bruise.
One year later
“Miroku will you be staying long?”“Not at all my lady, I just needed a shelter for the night. A storm is brewing outside.”“You are most welcome here my boy, just don't stay up for long.”An old woman had found him in her gardens unconscious. The day he took those men out he managed to travel a short distance to a hut in the middle of the forest. The medicine the men had gotten into him lingered, and his body's mobility slacked leaving him open for nature to do what it wished. So he laid back and waited for his death to come.According to the owner of this hut, he had just fallen asleep. Another cruel trick to make him think that if he awakened that his eyes would see light, color, beauty again.Perhaps in another life.But, instead, fate had led him to lady Himeko. And, she gave him more than refuge.
“This could be your home, if you'd like.”
He learned that she had a family once.Her daughter ran off to elope and never came back. Her son lost his life to gambling with demons. Her husband, well as she put it, 'that deadbeat wouldn’t dare show his face to in these parts again.’Eventually, Himeko-sama reveals to him that she too is blind. He couldn't believe it at first. How was she able to function a near lifetime, born with sight, and then survive with the drastic change. Without the necessity of one's eyes?She would often laugh at his inexperience.“How did a monk not have knowledge of this technique?”Himeko demanded to personally teach him of her ways, and in return, bring her to see his father figure.He agreed, initially, despite knowing that in all likelihood he would one day have to risk reuniting with Kagome, Shippo, Inuyasha, Kirara...and Sango.Uncertainty settled in his mind. He was a coward. He could never risk it, to encounter his old friends.Instead, Miroku managed to barter with her, exchanging the location of Mushin’s temple as he did not wish to return just yet. Hoping for more transparency between them, he explained the implications of the curse on his hand, and even of the threat known as Naraku; he is dreadfully careful of mentioning any of his companions. Likewise, she had unwoven her tale of the humble, but godly influence of the Inu-Daiyokai of the Western Lands and his castle. Which, he believed sounded eerily familiar to something Myoga had once mentioned. Uncannily similar to the role inherited by Sesshōmaru.For better or for worse, he prayed to never come across the dog demon's path.The following day she described a technique normally practiced by orthodox monks across the sea—chakra.If he learned to harness the spiritual energy of his body and establish a connection into his eyes he would be able to see the energy signatures of other creatures. He would be able to see, although not completely, but it was certainly better than moping around aimlessly; then trying to live with two curses.It wasn't easy.For any other person mastering chakra patterns would have taken five years at best.He accomplished the feat in two.Along the way, Miroku developed a channel of communication between the lower demons he had befriended. Actually by sparing their lives and having them swear to servitude they have become his ears. A way to securely acquire information without having to go to any the places himself. Lady Himeko traveled with him when she could, but after tiring of the corrupt musk centered at the heart of the West she returned to the sanctity of her hut on the edge of the Southern borders.The next morning, Miroku is up and about ready to leave, promptly before dawn. At the edge of the doorway he finds a sack filled with an assortment of foods and a sleeping kimono. Each packed with a homely care.He held it close to him as though it were a lifeline.
Lady Himeko knows me well.
“Ah, Sesshōmaru-dono what brings ye ere’?”Kaede had just finished eating with the village children, and sat on the edge of a small vegetable garden.The demon faced the priestess with curious eyes as the children continued to frolick with no regards to his presence.One small head peered out from behind his leg. Jaken pushed her out with his staff.“Ow! Jaken is being a meanie! Lord Sesshōmaru can we please leave!”Rin mustered the sweetest smile she could. She did not understand why her lord would go to the effort of coming all the way to a human village. Jaken refused to say anything about it in their conversations.Sesshōmaru acknowledged Rin briefly before focusing on the older priestess.“I wish for Rin to stay in your village.”Rin wanted to hide behind Ah-Un, but found him nowhere, in view of the village outskirts.Was she being abandoned, was she a bad girl?As much as she waited for the demon’s orders, anything of his silent prompting that signalled for Jaken, none came. No call for Jaken to bring her to their Ah-Un, or to his usual commands directed at her. No such orders were spoken. Unless demons could communicate with to each other without speaking.Still, she clings to that hope. Of Sesshōmaru-sama, ever cruel in testing her patience, calling for her, granting his permission so as to leave together.Kaede nodded the two elders oblivious to her inner turbulence.“Not a problem at all, the child is welcome here. Rin was it? Come here, child.”The other children eagerly chattered about the mysterious girl accompanied by a demon.Rin humphed, and crossed her arms. This old woman could not stop her.Sesshomaru had already made his way back to Ah-Un.She ran to him, breaking away from the village head's feeble grip. Stopping in her tracks, only when the duo hovered off the ground. Completely out of her reach.“Rin, stay. I won't be long.”She froze, in response to the soft spoken words. Unsure how long she would have to wait again. Her lord tended to speak this way when he went on long and mysterious hunts.Sesshōmaru-sama typically left her alone with Jaken when the demon had reason to disappear from their group.The last time Sesshōmaru had taken Jaken away, alone with him for days was...before.Before she met Sesshōmaru-sama. Then later, when she was with Kohaku. Did she...did she perhaps make a mistake again? Or were they going to do something in secret..? When would Sesshōmaru-sama let her join him, on these outings and secret travels?If she behaved as a good girl, would Sesshōmaru-sama fully accept her..?Rin watched as Jaken and Sesshōmaru flew into the air with sadness in her eyes.She didn't like it when Sesshomaru was mean, her eyes hardened, but she just knew he wouldn't leave her.He never broke a promise.“I'll be waiting.”She whispered, allowing Kaede to pull her back.In the air, Jaken rejoiced at the sight of his master finally abandoning that pathetic human girl.Just maybe...His hopes had been heard!Lord Sesshōmaru had finally recognized his worth!“Remove that foolish grin from your face, Jaken.”“Ah? Yes my Lord! My Lord Sesshōmaru where are we going..?”“I will return to the Western Lands in search of a worthy opponent.”Ah, his master was so regal.He was sure to conquer anything that came his way.Still, it had been years since they had returned. Surely those common demon wouldn't have forgotten their place in his absence.For their sake they better hope not.Elsewhere, one human landed perfectly onto the parallel surface of the Bone Eater’s Well. A large yellow sack questionably filled to the top with all sorts of necessities of a life outdoors. Dressed in a casual hooded plaid blue summer dress, though somehow holding aptly onto the oversized bag.Astonishingly, the bag held on, despite being childishly overfilled.“Waaah!!!!!!”Another slightly smaller figure dramatically flap their arms out because everyone knows that more wind friction could narrowingly save your life. Their arms scraping against these rocky walls. Body collapsing, being crushed from the weight above them, beneath the grit of dampened soil. While a resounding thump shook the well exterior.“Get off Souta!”“It’s not my fault I landed on you! I told you to let me go first!“In the first place, if you knew how to jump, like everyone else, I wouldn’t be on the floor!”The two's voices echoed within the well.“Kagome is that you!”“Yes, Sango we're coming up! Could you give me a hand?”She was raised up first then extending her hand to her brother.Sango eyed the boy curiously, “And who is this?”Souta blushed at the women dressed in dark constricting suit encompassed by pink shoulder guards. Her usual hunting attire, fascinatingly resembled one of those kunoichi he had seen on television with grandpa, or from anime. And, woah she was pretty.“Thank you.”Sango laughed forcing him to seek comfort underneath his brunette fringe while Kagome teased him.“Real smooth. You said that out loud.”“This is my younger brother Souta, I told you about him remember?”It all began one day when she had forgotten the jewel shards on her kitchen counter. Buyo searching for amusement on such a dull day finds the small jar of shards and somehow winds up stuck beneath the well. The younger Higurashi fishes the cat out but in his mission to retrieve the jewels climbs out in a different era. Now Kagome would never admit to wishing for someone to bring the shards back, what with Inuyasha gone, and her journey extending longer than half a days worth. As long as she wishes strongly for traversing, anyone could pass through time, with the condition that they held the jewel.“Ah, yes! It's very nice to meet you Souta. This is my friend and partner, Kirara. My name is Sango. I also have a brother but he's…he's on a journey.”She looked at Kirara dejectedly. One day she would bring him to her side.Kagome sighed, suddenly feeling guilty for bringing Souta. Especially when Sango is restlessly pursuing after Kohaku. She might as well rub it in her face.Trying to mend the tension, she smiled and said,"Anyway he just became of age, and I got permission to bring him since it's Summer break.”Souta looked around the area feeling something tugging at his leg.“I'm Shippo, hey there!”Poor little guy, even toddlers were taller than him, but this time he made sure not to say that one. He’s just too cute to even bother.He crouched down to shake the fox demon's hand, “Hi I'm Souta.”He turned to Kagome.“Hey sis’ where's Inuyasha?”The trio grew quiet, their expressions grim, Kagome appeared the most affected with her fidgeting.Shippo spoke up first shaking his head.“He's...out? Been a while now. He's trying to find one of our friends.”Souta knew well enough by the unrest between them to not question anymore.He thought it was strange how his sister stopped talking about the demon. He was practically her boyfriend! Now he just...left her?It doesn't make sense.Chapter 4: On Mindfulness of Breathing: END.
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“Thank you again monk! May the Gods aid you on your sacred mission!”Miroku waved back to the innkeeper he stumbled upon the night before.In exchange for removing the demonic possessions of several of its workers, Miroku was offered room and board.Alas, as much as he wanted to stay, the popular destination could bring him trouble—lest he tread wrong. He avoided the main roads where many people commuted to shorten their distance and possibly recognize him from his monkhood and diminishing his chances of running into demons.The slightest suspicion drawn to him from life's simple pleasantries were tempting, but he knew better than to repeat his past mistakes.Miroku couldn't stay even if he wanted too; he understood it was only a matter of time until he couldn’t keep running, and hardly imagine explaining his actions should any of his companions found him.A hard life for a monk, that is his destined path.As he made way to the last of the village huts and edge of the entrance a group of men lined the road—if only he didn't know of their cunning wit.The common peasant resorted to calling themselves mercenaries that would protect traders for the right price. While arguably his skill is far more polished, he refused to fall for a poorly disguised second hand trick, if you're going to scam someone do it right. Honestly, couldn't these people see that those courageous mercenaries of theirs were split into the worst kind. Many of which are hired by demons to lure humans away, and some to steal them of what little they have.He stopped to observe a trader and his wife go with one such man.“Blessed monk, we would be honored to accompany you safely to the next village!”A band of gruff men in short scraps of samurai armor ran to him.Oh brother, why didn't he keep moving. Miroku conjures his prized smile,“I thank you kind sir, but I plan to take the longer road. No need to-”“That's no problem at all; the Kotaro Guards will get you there without delay!”Miroku sighed, a crowd was gathering. Maybe he could just go.“Now master monk, where are you going? We said we would take you.”The man grabbed his arm with the wind tunnel as he turned to leave.“My men are ready to go, surely you wouldn't leave after all the trouble it took to get them prepared!”Miroku felt a powerful energy emanate from him.This man was being controlled, and the longer he stayed in this place the faster 'he' would find him."Please let go. I am not in need of your petty services.”“Aye, master monk. That may be true, but our lord wishes for us to retrieve you.”Miroku's staff jingles in his struggle, proof of the demonic energy. Eyes flitting in any direction of sound. Some of the men had began to approach them from all sides.“Run for your lives...DEMON!”Miroku watched as the masses scrambled in every other direction avoiding him entirely.Most unfortunate however for the unlucky children and elderly trampled by the stampede of their own people all hoping to flee, and clearly doomed by something.He slammed his staff over the man's facade.“Be gone from him!”Releasing a thick smoke that fizzed from the man, leaving behind its rotting corpse.Without so much as a glance Miroku sprinted into the recesses of the forest. If he ever found his distractor again he would thank it.The few masses that stayed behind, unwilling to part with their valuables and businesses, hid in their homes as an elegant white haired demon trekked through their hollowed village.The very demon followed the monk's lithe form into the forest at ease as though the humans trepidation and hostility mattered nothing.——————“My Lord are you positively positive that the puny human...ah! Is in fact Inuyasha’s companion!?”Jaken struggled to keep up with the demon just at the easternmost sector of village outskirts.Sesshōmaru continued forward wordlessly, at most hearing part of his servants excuse for a conversation, and made sure to walk over the tiny green figure.“O-Oof! Milord wait for me..!”“Stay with Ah-Un, Jaken.”Until he disappeared completely from his sight.Suddenly, reminiscent of Rin's figure, left behind by them.“He wouldn't leave me behind would he!?”——————Nightfall struck, instantaneously gilded by millions of stars compacted together like pieces of luminous sand. They provided enough light as is away from the torches and signs of man, but what did that matter to Miroku? The night was growing colder by the second and he desperately wanted to bathe. The pond behind those boulders called to him in their natural splendor.He lit a fire and set down his staff and began untucking his purple cloak. From there removing his sandals and walking to the pond.The moon captured several creatures onto the waters essence, and none were reflected as regal as the portrait of an Inu-daiyokai, waiting and quelled under the moonlight. Miroku removed the band holding his dark locks, but as he stripped away his black kimono he couldn't help but think of Inuyasha. Only, at that time, Miroku's skin was in better condition compared to that of the half breeds. He would often encourage the half demon to share his battles, one for each scar that refused to heal. One significant change (although, he reasons, his attachments are what now prevent his peace from before his travels) is that Miroku bathes alone, with only the water as witness to his growth. His once shoulder length ebony hair lengthened down to his collar, and his body is littered with unknown scars.On a lonesome and serene night such as this, what would Inuyasha say?Too wrapped up in the cool effects of the night, Miroku had failed to notice another figure sharing the ponds disciplining cool waters. Miroku's head tilts sideways following the familiar chakra almost nostalgically. As it passively flowed directly across from him, but he couldn't put his finger on who it belonged to.“Who goes there.”Silence. Then the gentle sploshing of water.“So it is you monk.”Miroku abruptly got out, aware of his seconds of vulnerable nakedness, and tied his kimono back on. Body, and clothing both uncomfortably sticking to his skin, and drenched almost entirely.“Sesshōmaru…?”The demon ended his bath without so much as stirring up a sound.Calmly proceeding to reset his own clothing and armor. Only, without the insecurity or water dripping off him.Miroku stepped back anxiously as the demon neared his proximity.Sesshōmaru's golden orbs met the human's, expecting the same courtesy. When none came, he lowered the fluff around him to sit around the flame; humans were, after all, primitive, selfish creatures.Miroku took the hint using his own thin (and still dry) purple cloak to cover himself. Dark hair hanging freely as did the demons. Quickly squeezing the submerged water in his hair, and to his relief, drying his face and eyes.During the silence Sesshōmaru saw the dullness in the monk's eyes, the way his eyes darted at the slightest rustle and croak of the forest dwellers. The way, when finally taking heed of his presence, the monk looked at the waters and never directly himself. Such actions told him of his condition. It appears the monk had lost his sight; to what extremes he did not care to no. His golden gaze narrowed, was this perhaps the reason for his brother’s recent conduct?“You've gone blind.”He observes as the monk flinches, unsure if the nightly winds impacting his slickened body, or fear were the cause.“Did your companions know?”Sesshōmaru asked calmly. Words soft spoken. Learnt to feign as such from Rin’s compliance; humans took to this treatment. It will give him the response he requires.The monk has changed since he last saw him. Sparsely did his curiosity ever manage to alter his notion of the fragile and uselessness in the affairs of a human's body. Yet, as the circumstances stand, this peculiar encounter raises a unusual and rather paltry question. How could one human acquire a substantial array of damage, much as a demon inherently does, to such a frail body, and ultimately survive? As the monk slipped apart from the waters edge he revealed to the open display of the forest several markings engraved on his back.The human still insisted on avoiding any eye contact. Unaware that despite his futile protest, Sesshōmaru remained attentive, even as the monk shut his eyes.Almost wistfully, Miroku to his own chagrin answers. “...No. No they don't.”Indeed, it would appear that his little brother had detached himself from the female human beforehand to go search for this human. Based upon the monks sullen demeanor the reality was not apparent, nor is it his obligation to tell. Especially in the state that this mortal was in. The monk's core shook without notice, and frankly, dwindled the miniscule instance of patience he had to tolerate such cheap company. Nonetheless Sesshōmaru stood from his spot and sat closer to the unpalatable monk.Miroku attempted to withdraw from his incoming action, pulling his long legs together as if he would suddenly vanish and be rid of him; a sign of nervousness or foolishness. The mortal must think highly of himself, Sesshōmaru growled, the mere nerve of this...this...human! Did he think this Sesshōmaru held any regard for his well being was insulting, did he expect sympathy? Insulting.He refused to take anymore of his halfling brother wasting time searching for this creature. Yet, if he let the human die, there would be no end to Inuyasha's revolting behavior. Inuyasha's usual demeanor is passable, easy to control at will, but should the halfling be allowed his self-undoing, Inuyasha will grow weaker and Sesshomaru will lose an opponent.“Come here human.”He added ignoring the gnawing sensation in his chest, what nonsense. He presumed nothing, and cared not for this monk. Even if perhaps his passive voice came out more harshly than intended.Moments pass and Miroku has chosen not to move.Sesshōmaru can feel his demonic energy surging, how dare the human ignore him. Only then did he realized the monk was crying.What was it that Inuyasha called him? And it came to him, “Miroku, come here.”Less insistent and more patient. That gave him a reasonable response.The monk shuffled closer, now at hands reach, and quite compliant. That he did at least, Miroku lowering his guard just for an instant, and allowing Sesshōmaru to reach for his hip and dip the two back onto the grass. With Miroku pressed neatly at his side he shared the monks sensitivity, in particular a cold impression stuck to his side. The man was freezing, just what did he hope to accomplish by killing himself? Simply another insignificant life gone while the world revolves—he had no dignity.Miroku is stiff at first keeping his weight on his neck and off the demon. Until Sesshōmaru's other hand grabs at his neck forcing him to lay atop his chest, the demon's sharp armor molding outwards to accommodate him.
Foolish little thing.
Sesshōmaru had no immediate issue keeping this repulsive creature close to him, and no problem providing enough heat for the two of them. Demons tended to be warmer, as such the mans cool hair and body was a strange yet refreshing difference. Miroku, too tired to put up any conflict, slept by his the looming confusion and soothing heat. No matter, the monk will reveal all he has to hold soon enough, and Sesshōmaru followed in suit tucking the man under his chin and careful watch.That morning Miroku still awoke before dawn to collect herbs for his travels; a habit brought by years of training at the temple, and in part for safety in the roguelands. His body undeniably heavy with the overwhelming presence and probable sickness.He didn't sense the powerful demon behind him. “What are you doing?”When Sesshōmaru woke to find no human, a strange urge overtook him.Had he gone to take his life. Did another demon dare take the human into their clutches while in his grasp? Surely no such happened, but for all his knowledge of Inuyasha's unruly company, the humans were simply too reckless to roam as they pleased. He cared for no one and the monk needed no one to look after him, but he could not subdue the hesitance inside of him. A trepidation that urged him to locate the monk. However the monk's staff and cloak told another less gruesome story, and he began searching for his tracks on foot. To come to a rest by the steep incline of a hill. Miroku's black robes stuck out in the bright green as he picked at random herbs on his knees, a pale complexion adorning his usual features. Miroku continued to pluck the plants acknowledging him with a hum."I'm running short of this herb and need a few more to brew. I've collected enough to store for later, but need to—"Sesshōmaru crouched beside him. The human had visibly made progress but hardly anything significant, the sooner he handled this affair the faster he will return to his domain. He did not need an explanation for information worthless to his objective.Miroku, discreetly and very much aware of the possibility of a motive for the demons intent says with a pretense of obliviousness, “Be careful with its roots.”Sesshōmaru wordlessly finished the job with seconds to spare and a single claw, compared to his own dirt caked hands.Miroku flinched when the demon still offered him his hand, and surprising even the demon when Miroku took it. Back at the campsite Miroku gathered the herbs in water and a tiny bowl. He stokes a fire making the drink bubble and put out the flame.“Are you unwell?”Arms crossed Sesshōmaru leaned beneath the thick bark of a tree, the natural chirping of forest inhabitants gone. A wise decision for any creature to flee, for in their radius was a tempest of demonic energy that would spur at any moment. Frustration leaking from within its vessel.Miroku shook his head, “No—”The demon hissed, an elegant quick step and he stood beside him.“Do not lie, monk.”No good would come if his token could not serve its purpose.The monk groaned allowing his shoulders to fall, just how long would Sesshomaru insist on these games?He knew, just as well as the demon did, that, they loathed one anothers companionship. There could only be one possible reason for his sudden appearance and approach to him. If he wanted something he should have said it immediately and gone on his way.Now he knew why Inuyasha hated running into him.There was no remedy that could ever wish to change the pompousness of Sesshōmaru, but in order to keep their little appearance he replies,“Yes. My head hurts and my legs don't wish to move.”He wondered, would he carry me if I asked such? Or would he snap first? Sesshōmaru begrudgingly nodded. The Inu would get his answers no later, it was time to end this absurdity.“Tell me, what are you doing in these lands. Surely you are aware of the dangers.”Miroku took the chilled cup and sipped all of it. He got the feeling that he would need it.“I am a cripple now. I couldn't burden Inuyasha anymore, so I...left. As far as I could.”Sesshōmaru did not comprehend the man's actions. His brother never once complained of his companions, often going to their side despite the danger of their involvement. Inuyasha would never have turned the man away. Did Miroku know this, and still chosen to leave his side?“Why where those demon searching for you.”No response came.An internal conflict of interest for Miroku.Dammit he saw that! He bit his lips causing the demon to tug him closer so that their faces touched.Smooth white tresses overlapping the Inu-daiyokai's elegant features, until it veils Miroku's face and his lips. The spilt blood over Miroku's lips licked away.“Enough of that. Why?”Miroku's face painted red.He grumbled under his breath about how all demons were stupid and shameless. Fine, if he truly wanted to know he would tell him and move on, one less demon to care about.“Do you know the name of Hakuja no Myojin?”Golden orbs shifted briefly before resting on the human, “The White Serpent of the East.”“Two years ago I payed a visit to a village famous for having countermeasures against demons. I was welcomed in a brothel and offered food and entertainment, but in my drunkenness I met a beautiful lady, or...I thought I had?”The demon rolled his eyes, perhaps it was a good that this man left his brother's side.“I set camp outside the village and returned to give the owner my thanks. When I returned…” His brows furrowed down, “The village was nothing but a burned out husk.”Sesshōmaru began, “He did this?”“Yes, in the neighboring village rumors had spread amongst bandits that the great White Serpent was looking for me. To his beliefs I have bewitched him, and now he seeks me as his.”“Daiyokai, intriguing.”Should he continue with the monk he would be met with an even stronger foe than his substitute of Inuyasha. For the time being he could afford postponement to his lands.“I have decided monk, you will travel with me. This is not a request.”Miroku scoffed,“No offense Sesshomaru, but I don't think that's a good idea.”He played with the ends of his hair nonchalantly, did he forget that two were playing in these games.Sesshomaru frowned. “Explain.”Sharp eyes flashing red. One second.One second was all it took for his fangs to rush forward and sink them into the human snapping his neck and bone in all.He demanded a stronger opponent, after the death of one daiyokai, he would move on in search for the next until his thirst for blood and boredom resurfaced. This human could not refuse.“One such as yourself...hmm? How do I put this lightly. Lord Sesshōmaru your reputation is a double edged blade.”“Go on.”“I am running at the present. You will warrant that demon’s discovery of me.”Sesshōmaru's grip on his bakusaiga tightened. The insolence! With icy composure he spoke calmly.“Then using your perspective, a demon of my caliber is best suited to guard you. Should there be no encounter. Following your logic, it is in your interest to use me as an asset.”It took perfect control to keep his demonic energy from startling the human. When had it been where he had to speak with caution, and appeal to the desire of other's? Only the pits of hell could reveal the state of those individuals removed from this world.Miroku reached for his cloak standing up to clasp it over his kimono. The band back to hold up his long hair.“I thank you, Lord Sesshōmaru. However, it's irrational, it's irresponsible, and it's against my religion. I do not seek any future battles, thank you again.”The demon obviously wanted something eventful to come his way. The spoils of a good fight at his expense. He should have accepted the reality that the demons kindness was at best bestowed for ulterior purposes. Deep down though Miroku actually hoped to befriend the enigmatic brother of his former friend. He had lost the touch of how it felt to have one—a friend. How disappointing.“I will not waste my time here. You should also go your own way.”He took out several talismans and swung them over the demons frame. Sesshōmaru ripped at the paper that stung at his skin with his talons. They managed to deter him, that he would acknowledge. He looked up to find the monk gone.Sesshōmaru's neck craned to the sky. A massive shadow descending to the area, and the pesky green servant along with the domestic two-headed demons.“My Lord did you find him!?”Ah-Un waited to the side for the higher demon to board him.“Come, Jaken. We go to the next village.”The monks scent spreading further South of the plains.Miroku ran downward past the hill and hid carefully under the tall grass, knowing Sesshōmaru that little imp would be with him and so would that obnoxious staff of his.To his advantage, chakra could be used to distract by distributing his scent and energy. If not for Himeko-sama, he may have been unwillingly captured by Sesshōmaru. The differences in their powers, in their weaponry is easily apparent. Even if Miroku had accepted his proposal the demon would just get in his way. His time is running out, for the wind tunnel and his only guarantee at survival a sacred weapon.Hakuja was now using mortals and demons to do his bidding. Miroku would put an end to this, once and for all.Chapter 5: Noble Search: END.