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 tale, 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.”