Saturday, September 10, 2005

I’m Goin Down: Respite
*Episode 3*

Well…Sango didn’t have to bite Kagome’s head off; but I’m glad she’s concerned for Kyoubou. I’m feeling much better, thank you for asking; and I should be back to normal in a few days. Kyoubou, on the other paw, he isn’t doing so well. Since he confirmed that he was alive and free; he hasn’t said anything. His injuries are healing poorly and I think part of it is that he doesn’t want them to heal. He won’t talk to me; so I can only imagine what he must be going through. Kohaku knows; since the others arrived, he’s been looking at Kyoubou with an expression only shared pain can invoke. I’ll go to him as soon as I can walk; maybe I can do something from up close which I can’t from over here.
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Friday, September 9, 2005

I’m Goin Down: Respite
*Episode 1*

“I know she wants to be alone; but we get inta too much trouble without’re.” Inuyasha’s words still ring in everyone’s ears as they walk into the ruins of the village Tattoimaru leveled. Also in their memories is Sango’s disturbing behavior from several days before. No one has even dared to hope that Kirara might have returned. In fact, everyone but Shippo has a sinking suspicion that the flame-cat is dead. It is with generally heavy hearts that the group approaches the place at which they left the slayer. Knowing what they do of her and her mood; they have every reason to assume she is still on the same spot. It is with surprise that they find the sight of their battle empty. Kagura rides a thermal aloft and looks from above. Landing, she starts walking and the others follow. The wind sorceress leads the way to a river which runs just outside of town. On its bank, beside a tree which miraculously survived the devastation, Sango sits beside an improvised shelter. Much to everyone’s disbelief, when she sees them she jumps to her feet and eagerly waves them on.
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I’m Goin Down: Respite
*Episode 2*

Everyone was surprised by Kirara’s presence, but more so by her companion. Inuyasha was naturally distrustful of one so recently under Naraku’s control; but after Kagome confirms that Kyoubou’s jewel shards are gone, he accepts the demon, if with misgivings. Sango immediately begins to make uses of Kagome’s medicines in the treatment of both cats. The others settle in to rest as Kagome fills Sango in on the details of their misadventure. As Kagome concludes her tail, she asks, “Well?” Sango says, “That sounds like Miroku; pass me another one of the balls of,” she pronounces the strange word, “cotton.” Handing over the cotton ball, Kagome asks, “That sounds like Miroku; that’s it?” “More water;” Sango says, “what else is there?” Kagome says, “You aren’t even a little upset?” The slayer asks, “What do you expect from him? This isn’t good.” Kagome looks up with hope. Sango says, “Kyoubou, the burns he received from that demonic weapon aren’t healing well.” Kagome is exasperated. She is trying to extract some hint of jealousy or any sign that Sango may have feelings for the monk. Between Sango’s recent encounter with the god Kiri and Miroku’s near inauguration as father of the ninja village; Kagome can see her dream of playing matchmaker for her friends going up in smoke. But the slayer seems entirely focused on the black flame-cat she is treating. Sango asks, “Kagome, might there be some other remedy in your time which would help? Kagura could take you to the well.” Kagome says, “Sure, maybe; but don’t you think it’s more important that…” In an uncommon fit of rudeness, Sango interrupts her friend, “Kagome; take a look.” She points to the other flame-cat, her partner and closest friend. While her injuries, unlike Kyoubou’s, are not life-threatening, she’s in bad shape. What ever did this to her, and it couldn’t have been just the male; it’s a miracle that she survived, let alone managed to travel back to safety. Sango says, “That is just how important his survival is. She went through that for him; and if there is anyway I can keep him alive I’ll do it. If you’re my friend, you’ll help.” Ashamed and at the same time disappointed, Kagome gets to her feet. “Kagura,” she says, “I need a favor.”
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Thursday, September 8, 2005

Running To Stand Still: The hidden ones
*episode 15*

Standing alone with Yamaneko behind the hut, Miroku says, “A number of things confuse me, not the least of which is why you would reject my suit and yet allow us to live.” Yamaneko says, “Your suit is not being rejected; not entirely.” Miroku says, “I’m still not sure where the problem, lies.” She says, “This curse of which you speak, is proof in your very flesh that three generations of your family have lost to this demon. The father cannot come from a line of losers.” “But I have not lost.” Miroku says. Yamaneko replies, “You have yet to defeat him and that is defeat enough. However; we have been 8 years without a father.” He says, “I can see how that would concern you.” The ninja nods, “In that time, you are the closest we have come to an acceptable candidate. It has been decided that you shall be given one year. Slay this demon and rid yourself of his curse by then; and we shall accept you as father. Fail, and we shall resume our search. A word of caution, if you return after the given year; victorious or not, you will be killed.” The monk nods his acceptance. No longer speaking as the voice of the village, Yamaneko’s face softens and she says, “Good luck.” She leads him back around the hut and guides the group to a path leading through the forest.
*The End*
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Wednesday, September 7, 2005

Running To Stand Still: The hidden ones
*episode 14*

Kagura and Kohaku are shoved into the cage. Already there are Miroku, Kagome, Shippo, and Inuyasha who has clearly been the victim of another gas bomb. Kagome asks, “Are you two alright?” Kohaku nods and Kagura says, “We’re fine. But what happened; Miroku?” The monk says, “What? I didn’t do anything! Other than what they wanted me to and I didn’t even get to do that.” Kagura says, “It figures that if someone could screw up a situation like this; it’d be you.” Inuyasha struggles to sit up. Shaking his head he asks, “What the…?” Kagome reaches to him and for several seconds seeing that she’s safe is enough knowledge of his surroundings…then he looks and sees that they’re back in the cage, again, the Tetsusaiga’s been taken, again, and that they’re basically back where they started. “MIROKU!!!” Inuyasha shouts. “What the hell did ya do?!? They wanted you be a lecher; how did ya manage to screw it up!?!” Miroku says, “Inuyasha, I am insulted that you would automatically assume that I was responsible. I…” Inuyasha flexes his claws. Kagome puts a hand on his chest. Kagura says, “Easy, I think they might be offended if we killed him before they do.” Inuyasha says, “Oh ya?!? What’re they gonna do; kill us? They’re gonna do that anyway; less we get out’a here. Ok, I’m gonna rip this cage to shreds, then I want Kagura to take Kagome, Kohaku and Shippo and fly out’a here. My claws and the monk’s windtunnel will make enough of a distraction to cover your escape; then we…” Miroku interjects, “I refuse to use my windtunnel on humans; no matter how rudely they behave.” Inuyasha says, “Great! A bleedin hearted lecher. Fine, take him too and I’ll make enough distraction for the both of us. Head back to Sango; I’m gonna find the Tetsusaiga and join you. Unless anybody else has a better idea…fine then…” “What ever you’re planning won’t work and is unnecessary.” Yamaneko says. She is standing in the door of the hut holding their weapons. “You’re free to go.” she says. “Actually, you have no choice. Either you leave the village now voluntarily; or you’ll be killed.” Standing, Inuyasha asks, “It’s as simple as that?” She says, “It’s as simple as that. Your things are here, and I’ll point the way.” Inuyasha says, “Good enough for me.” After a short command from Yamaneko, the cage is opened and the group is led to their belongings. The ninja says, “There is one matter I must discuss with the monk; in private.” Inuyasha asks, “What happened to, as simple as that?” Yamaneko says, “This is conditional of your release. Either accept it, or be prepared to attempt to escape past every warrior in this village. You may not see them; but I’m sure you can smell them. They’re out there waiting for you to make one false move.” Miroku says, “Inuyasha, I’ll be fine…” “Like I care!” Inuyasha snaps. “Fine, take’im, and you’ll be doin us a favor if ya don’t give’im back.” Yamaneko steps around the corner of the hut and Miroku follows.
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Tuesday, September 6, 2005

Warning
This scene contains monk nudity, ladies…please try to control yourselves.
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Running To Stand Still: The hidden ones
*episode 13*

No more than four minutes after excusing himself, Miroku rejoins the others at dinner. It does not escape the monk’s notice that the headwoman receives a hand-signal from a woman near the door as he sits down. Judging by the fact that weapons are not drawn, the monk accepts that his actions were witnessed and excused. Several swallows of sake later, Miroku looks to his three buxom brides of the evening and asks if anyone is in the mood for desert. Rolling her eyes, Kousetsu stands up, walks to behind the monk, hoists him to his feet, and begins ho shove him out of the room. The other two women follow. Miroku is led down a hall way to what must be the most luxurious room in the village. Thick mattresses and silk sheets await the foursome as gentle lamplight floods the room. Leaving Miroku standing in the doorway, the three Kunoichi kneel on the bed and look to him expectantly. Offering a silent prayer to any deity who had anything whatsoever to do with this, Miroku closes the curtain. Addressing no one of them in particular, he asks, “So, how shall we begin?” Kousetsu says who, being the most forward, has become default spokesmen for the three says, “We start by seeing you naked.” Miroku asks, “Why don’t you go first?” Kaze says, “Yamaneko and the hags already got to see you like that; now it’s our turn. Don’t worry, you’ll see all you want before too long.” Accepting the promise, Miroku unties his robe and lets it fall to the floor. Allowing himself to be viewed, Miroku stands for a long moment watching the girls’ reactions. Kousetsu is literally drooling, Kouu is blushing but can’t seem to look away, and even Kaze the strict disciplinarian seems excited. Done looking, Kousetsu begins to fumble with the ties for her Kimono. Just as she gets them loose, but before she parts her robes, Kouu asks, “What about that?” Kousetsu stops and looks at what her sister is pointing. All eyes are drawn to Miroku’s right hand which is still wrapped in blue cloth and surrounded by the sutra beads. The monk says, “That won’t be coming off; and a good thing too.” He kneels and reaches for Kousetsu, figuring that if she won’t finish undressing herself, he’ll help. Kaze snaps, “Explain.” Sitting back, having accepted that he will have to tell his tale before they proceed, Miroku says, “That is the place where my grandfather was cursed by a demon. The sutra beads contain a demonic hellhole called the windtunnel. It was passed from my grandfather to my father; and from him to me. As long as the demon who placed the curse still lives, the hole with continue to grow until it consumes me as it did my forbearers. At that time, should it come, the curse would pass to my male heir. Since you’re village would only keep my female offspring, it is no cause for concern. Now, if I may…” Miroku reaches out for Kousetsu’s garment, but she and the others draw away from his approach. Leaving Miroku kneeling naked on the bed, the three get to their feet and hurry out of the room with Kousetsu clasping her partially opened kimono to her. Miroku calls, “Ladies? What is this?!? What?!?” Confused, upset, and supremely letdown; Miroku begins to redress. As he finishes, two black forms wielding swords burst into the room. “Ladies?” Miroku asks.
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Monday, September 5, 2005

Author’s note,
It seems there’s some confusion. Yamaneko was the oldest girl in that dojo, but she isn’t old. She may be 20, probably younger. She is defiantly one of the ninja babes.

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Running To Stand Still: The hidden ones
*episode 11*

The sun is setting and the party should begin shortly. Kagome is alone, preparing herself when Miroku approaches her. He says, “It will begin soon; it looks to be quite the gathering.” Kagome retorts, “I’m sure you’ll enjoy yourself.” The monk says, “I’m always up for a feast.” Kagome says coldly, “I wasn’t talking about the food.” Kagome is indignant and upset with the monk; she being the only one to ever believe that there might be something between him and Sango. Miroku nods, “Yes, I suppose I will enjoy that too. Kagome…I had been meaning to talk to you on this subject for sometime now.” Allowing her curiosity to over come her sulk, she asks, “What’d you mean?” Miroku says, “About the pursuits of the flesh. I’ll admit, at times I may over indulge in such pleasures; but…” Kagome says, “But…” He continues, “But for a man, a certain amount of such activities are, not only normal, but healthy. Recently it has come to my attention that you and Inuyasha are not as intimate as I had believed.” Kagome is turning bright red, he say, “I know that he does not seek after random women as I do; and I know that he has not taken such action with Kikyo. Certainly for as long as I have known him and probably since well before he was sealed to the tree by Kikyo, he has not known a woman’s touch. I have come to think of Inuyasha as a friend; something neither of us have too many of. I wish for him to have what he needs to be well. As another of his friends, I’m sure you wish the same. Because of who he is, he is unable to meet these needs with anyone but you; if you follow my logic, there can be but one conclusion.” Kagome is flooded with rage and embarrassment. The only thing keeping her from hurting Miroku is that he keeps phrasing everything as concern for a friend. Miroku, who may or may not be conscious of her feelings, says, “I am not suggesting that you bear his children; at the moment. Doing so would complicate our quest to no end. However, there are ways of meeting his needs which would not risk your becoming pregnant. If you wish, I can describe these meth…” *SMACK* The noise resounds across the village. Coming to see what’s wrong, Inuyasha encounters an enraged Kagome stomping away from the slapped monk. Before he has a chance to speak, Kagome shouts, “INUYASHA, SIT BOY!!!” *crash*
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Running To Stand Still: The hidden ones
*episode 12*

The party is underway and Miroku and his friends are seated with honor at the headwoman’s table. Also with them are several of the village elders, Yamaneko, and Kouu, Kaze, and Kousetsu. When ask if they are still under guard, the headwoman responds, “Nay, Yamaneko is foremost among our warriors, thus she is honored. As for yon three, they sit with the father for they bear the right of the first night. T’was they, after all, who brought ye to us.” Miroku says, “First let me say that I am flattered by your faith in my virility; second, should Yamaneko herself not be first, she having led them.” The head woman says, “Aye, but Yamaneko is not of our flesh. True she shall be allowed to bear thy children that they may be of the flesh; but she may not do so until all those of the flesh have had a chance to attempt it.” Yamaneko stands and bows, “Excuse me,” she says with no trace of emotion, “I have patrol in the morning. I wish to sleep.” As she walks away, the head woman calls, “Child, ye have always known it to be thus.” Yamaneko does not acknowledge her. Several minutes later, Miroku steps outside on the pretext of needing to relive himself. However, he heads directly to the training dojo. Inside, he sees Yamaneko unleashing the furry of hell on a training dummy with a spear. Breaking her silent rage, Miroku says, “I figured I’d find you here. I knew when I saw you watching Ko. You were watching as she learned, just as you did, to fight instead of crying.” “Go away.” Yamaneko says with calmness she cannot feel. Miroku says, “I do not wish to leave, here is wear I choose to be.” Allowing rage to crack her stone face, she strikes out at him. Finding her to be a much easier opponent when pain has dulled her senses, Miroku grabs the weapon, yanks it from her hands, and tosses it aside. In the same motion, he grabs her and pulls her to him. She is so overwhelmed by shock, that she can do nothing as the monk forcefully pulls her faces to his and gently presses his lips to hers. As he begins to draw her to the ground, she regains her composer and says, “Stop! You don’t know what will happen.” Settling for kneeling in front of one another, Miroku says, “If I do this, and we’re caught, my friends and I, and you for that matter, would have to make a speedy get away and never return. I know this and I don’t care.” Puzzled, she asks, “But why?” He says, “Because you, like the child Ko, deserve to be first; for once in your life.” He once again draws her face to his and this time she returns the kiss in full. Miroku puts his hands on her shoulders to lower her gently to her back, but she raises her palm to his chest. She pushes him back, gently, but with enough force to tell him that the answer is no. Sitting back, she says, “Thank you, truly, but I am of this village. If I did this I could no longer be of the village; and I am not ready for that. But know, that I was first, and will cherish that always. And know that I will await my turn, now with anticipation.”
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