bloodsong1 | Still chipping away... (Reply)

Sango rode slowly through the parking garage, casually ignoring the various civilians out and about. It was still a bit of a shock coming up from the cell and into the city. Most of the people laughing and chatting and coming back from the shops only wanted to live their lives in peace, even if that peace came at the price of youkai armies and totalitarian governments. Naraku had found the human race ridiculously easy to subvert to his will. It was the rogue youkai, the hanyous and the humans who saw through his pretty face and jingoistic speeches who worried him.

We must be having an effect, Sango mused as she pulled into a motorcycle only parking space on the third level. Faint blue light flashed through the paint stripes and disappeared, reacting to the recognition sutras in her vest and bike. Sutras were the safest means of communication, as the spiritual energy they carried was low enough to be hidden in public places from youkai senses. Humans born with the Gift, like Kagome and Kikyo, or who had a trace of Gift that could be trained, like herself, were the only ones who could see and feel such talismans. Sango killed the engine and dismounted. She stretched, took off her helmet and tucked it under her arm as she headed for a nearby staircase. Another sutra flashed as she entered the stairwell and she trotted down to the basement level. A portly janitor pushing a cart of tools stopped and nodded.

"What's the story?" He asked cheerfully. Sango frowned.

"Eleven hours, morning glory," She replied. The janitor sighed and shook his head.

"So much for my floors. They'll be such a mess. Well, we will do what we can. My best to your sisters."

"And to your brothers, Hachiemon," Sango reached out, squeezed the disguised tanuki-youkai's shoulder and hurried back up the stairs. Hachiemon watched her disappear around the corner, then glared at the shadows under the stairwell.

"When ARE you going to stop dancing around, Houshi?" He asked. Miroku smiled as he came out of hiding and handed Hachiemon a leather wallet.

"There should be enough for everyone. See you soon, hopefully!" Miroku used the rails to free climb his way back up and in pursuit of Sango.

"Lovesick fool. Why doesn't he just ask her for a child like he used to?" Hachiemon grumbled and shoved his cart into a door marked "Maintenance". Once inside, he dropped his illusion and handed the wallet to Jinenji.

"The Band's on its way."