Deciding My Fate

Chapter 40: The Cursed Ink of the Hell Painter (2)

Emi's pov

Inuyasha was not too happy about the fact the painter got away, but the bright side was the fact that we figured out who it was causing problems. I wasn't surprised when I figured out that Miroku had a jewel shard or maybe a few with him. It would only be feasible seeing as the Shikon Jewel shattered and the pieces were scattered across the world. We decided to go look for townspeople and possibly Miroku, I had a feeling he probably was a step ahead of us. When we found where we were going, we went looking for Miroku in the large castle. "Miroku's definitely here, I can smell his scent." I stated, "Heh, he probably managed to swindle them into believing he can stop the painter." Inuyasha said, looking around as we walked past rooms. My ears twitched and so did Inuyasha's when I heard a lot singing, music and laughter. I also heard someone talking about a priest and I figured it had to be Miroku. "No need to thank me. However, you must not let down your guard yet. I doubt if the attack by the demons is over. Now, let's see... I think it's best if the princess stays with me tonight. Same bedroom...one bedding." I was stunned by his bold choice of words, which seemed to get under Inuyasha's skin. "Hey! Whaddya intend to do when you have her alone?! You lecher!" Inuyasha snapped, turning all attention onto us as we stood in the backyard.

"Oh! Kagome, Emi and Inuyasha!" Miroku greeted us, he looked happy. No doubt it was because he was sitting with a beautiful woman, the audacity this monk has is absolutely insane. Had he tried any of that sweet talking and touchiness with the women of our time, he would have been reported and immediately locked up. I'm not sure why he's able to get away with this kind of behavior here but it seems like the Feudal Era really was different. "Damn..." Inuyasha looked around, "We're late!" He snapped, looking irritated. I didn't think too much of it because I already figured Miroku had found his way into saving other people. After all, he is a priest.

"Miroku, did the ink demons appear here, too?" Kagome asked, "Ink demons? Were those demons made of ink?" Miroku asked, "Yeah, we'll explain." I said, hopping out of the basket with Shippo in my arms. Miroku, Kagome and I sat in the mansion, while Inuyasha sits outside in the backyard with Shippo.

"An artist who manipulates the demons?" Miroku quipped, "But he wasn't a demon." Kagome stated, "He was human which is straight up odd. He controlled those demons like he was one." I chimed in, "I see... It could be that this artist is using the power of a Sacred Jewel fragment." Miroku stated, making me think back to our encounter with the painter. "Then the one who attacked this mansion just now..." Kagome trailed off, referring to the painter we saw. "Yes... I'm sure that they are demons controlled by the artist." Miroku agreed, making me sigh. This is a completely mess. "Demon drawings by the artist come alive...?! The power of the Jewel fragment is amazing! Huh? Inuyasha? Are you part of this conversation?" Shippo looked up at him, "Keh!" Inuyasha huffed, looking away.

"How long are you going to sulk?" Kagome asked.

"Yeah, it's starting to get annoying. Get over it, Inuyasha. Stop being an idiot and come over here."

"I'm not an idiot." Inuyasha snapped.

"What's the matter, Inuyasha?" Miroku quipped.

"Shut up!" Inuyasha snapped, "Why can't you depend on Miroku just a bit? He's so jealous!" Kagome stated, she looked highly irritated with Inuyasha as per usual. This honestly was nothing new, "Wh-what?! Who's jealous!?" Inuyasha gasped, "I see... Kagome, you do accept me then?" Miroku took Kagome's hands into his and I immediately growled at him, he gave me a nervous look as I growled louder at him.

"Don't worry, I won't do anything." He laughed nervously.

"You damn right, you won't." I glared at him.

Kagome pushed his hand away, "Yes. After all, you have a Sacred Jewel fragment." Kagome answered, this didn't come as a surprise. I knew he had some because I sensed it when we finally caught him.

"Huh?" A pink glow appeared on Miroku's chest, "Two... No.." Kagome shook her head, "you have three." I spoke up, causing Miroku to look at me and then back at Kagome for confirmation. "You both have sharp eyes..." Miroku stated, "Yeah, I guess so. Kagome and I have always been able to sense the Shikon Jewel since we got here." I stated, crossing my arms. Inuyasha trudged towards Miroku immediately, he looked furious and I was pretty sure he was going to hit him. "Sit!" Kagome shouted, causing Inuyasha to crash onto the floor near Miroku, "Kagome!" He snapped, I knew he was angry but he had no right to harm Miroku. "These are fragments that I accumulated. Taking them will make you a robber." Miroku looked at Inuyasha with a smug face, "You should talk! Who was that who used that tanuki to try to steal Kagome's fragment?!" Inuyasha questioned, "Right... He did do that." I chimed in, looking between Miroku and Inuyasha. "Oh... You have such a sharp memory..." I shook my head at Miroku and Inuyasha, he was so petty. My ears perked up as I heard a small noise come from outside the room we were currently in, catching Kagome's attention. "What's the matter, Emi?" I looked away from the door, my eyes landing on Inuyasha and Miroku who were still arguing back and forth. "I thought I heard something.. It's nothing." I shook my head, "Alright," Kagome said before turning her attention back onto Miroku and Inuyasha.

A little while later, we had settled in to sleep. Miroku was sleeping in another room, not too far from us. Kagome had fallen asleep but there was something nagging at me, it was like I could tell that something was going to happen to Miroku. I sat up quietly, making sure that I was not going to wake up Kagome or any of the others. I slipped out of my sleeping bag, putting my shoes on quietly and headed towards the door. "Can't sleep?" I nearly jumped out of my skin, turning back to see Inuyasha who was sitting nearby. "Jesus, Inuyasha! Don't scare people like that!" I whisper shouted at him, "Oh, it's not a big deal. Where are you sneaking off to?" He asked, he didn't even bother opening his eyes. "I'm not sneaking off." I crossed my arms, this got him to open his eyes and look at me. "Okay, I was going to check on Miroku." I sighed, "Check on the lecher? Why?" He asked, "Oh... I see.. You secretly like him, don't you?" He smirked, making me gape at him like he was crazy.

"I do not have a crush on that lecherous monk!"

"Then why are you going to check on him?"

"Because.. I had a strange feeling earlier when we were talking about that painter. I think someone was listening in on our conversation and they might try to harm Miroku. That's why I wanted to go check on him." I explained, "I didn't hear anything, are you sure about what you heard?" Inuyasha quipped, "Yes, I'm sure. You were too busy arguing with Miroku to notice anything. Someone was definitely listening in on our conversation. We need to check on him." I gave him a 'Please, come with me' look and Inuyasha sighed heavily, "Look, I'm sure Miroku will be fine. He seems like he's capable of handling himself well." Inuyasha stated, "That may be so but I still think we should check on him." Inuyasha sighed when he realized that I was not going to give up on this.

"Alright." He stood to his feet, grabbing Tetsuiga. "Let's go check on the lecher."