InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Long Way Home ❯ Chapter 2

A/N: Thanks to Moonhanyou for my first review ever! I'll try to update once a week, but don't hold me to it!

Oh, and I don't own Inuyasha.

The sun sank to the horizon as Miroku ambled back to the village where Sango sat on Kaede's porch, sharpening her sword. She looked up as he approached, offering a nod of greeting.

"So what did Inuyasha say?"

As he settled next to her, Miroku mentally noted she didn't even twitch at his proximity. Maybe he'd finally worn down her resistance to his caresses enough that she no longer objected…

Sango's eyes met his and he knew Kagome's well-being was the only thing on her mind. He sighed. As long as she wasn't reminded what a lecher he could be, she trusted him. His hands stayed in his lap.

"Houshi-sama?"

Snapping his mind back to her question, he replied, "He commented on my inattention to Kagome-sama's behavior." Something Inuyasha might not be too far off on, he thought wryly.

"Inuyasha is concerned also then."

"So it would seem. He said she's been crying a lot. I don't blame her-she's under so much pressure and the constant strain of uncertainty would send anyone into melancholy."

"That's not what's wrong." Sango surprised Miroku with her quick and confident defense. "Kagome isn't the type to worry about the what ifs. If she's been crying, it's because something is upsetting her now. Besides, those who fall into constant sadness usually withdraw from their friends. Kagome has been more attentive than ever to us."

"Inuyasha mentioned she'd stopped arguing with him."

Sango fell silent, struck with a sudden memory of her father. He'd been readying for an assignment and she, still a child, had been angry at being left behind. His words came back to her, "Come Sango, let go of your anger. Send your father off with a peaceful memory--no one knows their fate."

The mere suggestion that he may not return had her dropping her head in shame. Being overeager for an assignment had blinded her to the very real risk her father faced every day. So she had swallowed her protests, her anger and her pride to bid her father a smiling farewell.

Was that what Kagome was doing? Trying to make happy memories of her last days with them?

Kaede's sudden approach distracted them from their discussion. Or rather, the bloody, exhausted youth at her side did. He drew in great gusts of air, as if he'd run all the way here. He probably had. His eyes touched on Miroku first, then Sango. "Please! I heard there was a demon slayer here! My village, everyone will be killed if you don't come quickly!"

Miroku stood, acknowledging Sango's indication that she needed to change her clothing to the more appropriate armor. He turned to the boy, "What's your name?"

"Akiro."

"Good. Now Akiro, tell me everything from the beginning."