InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fallen Samurai ❯ Chapter 25 ( Chapter 26 )

The last chapter was pretty intense. All the raging conflicts within a tourtured soul was finally released, certainly with the most devastating consequences. But as mentioned, this tale is not yet finished.

"How Could I" song by Marc Anthony.

Once again I make the suggestion that you listen to the song while reading. It gives a certain malancholy atmosphere.

**********

It was the coldest day in December

It was over. Finally the monster who had caused so many people pain was finally dead. However, his death did not leave the marks of happy faces upon certain ones that night. It was most definately the opposite. For anger was raging rampant throughout this night, blazing like the ethereal flames of hell that had consumed Naraku not too long before. And all that anger, all the hatred and helplessness was consuming one specific person. Sango...

Miroku managed to keep concious, despite the lure of the poison to ease him to an endless sleep, and he witnessed the climatic end of his enemy. He starred at his beloved, completely ignoring the pain that coursed through his veins, watching her fight within herself. Naraku was gone, but she was still battling him in her subconcious. The negative aura that surrounded her had not subsided in its strength, but mearly hovered over her like a veil.

A day I always will remember

"S-Sango. . ." he called desperately to her. "P-Please. . ."

Sango turned upon hearing her name, and he came to her glaring face. Her fangs were still bared in pure rage, her eyes still black and red, and looked like she would strike him. Miroku's gaze was loving, caring, desperate. He just had to get her back.

"M-My . . .my Sango. ."

Sango cried out in frustration, her demon blood pulsating in her head, filling it with thoughts. It tried to tell her to kill him too, to take charge of her destiny and take the world under her rule. To lead the demons of darkness and hell to the surface and roam the lands freely. She struggled with herself. No, no, her revenge had finally been carried out, there was no need for this power.

"Please, my lady," Miroku begged. "Come back to me."

Sango stopped her struggles and turned to face him once more. A smile had come to form on his lips as he saw that her eyes were once again the lovely brown that shown in his dreams. She had one the battle within herself and was once again the Sango that he had always loved.

"Miroku?" she asked. Once she saw his condition, lying on the ground, looking incredibly pale, she rushed to his side. "Miroku!!!"

I looked into your eyes and faced my deepest fear

She ran to him, crashing in the snow beside him, and instantly took him in her arms, rocking him back and forth. The tears fell from her eyes like rivers, as the memories came flooding back to her of what she had just done.

"Oh god, I'm so sorry, Miroku, I'm so sorry!" she cried.

"Don't be, my love," he comforted. "It's not your fault."

"Of course it's my fault! I'm a demon slayer, I've been trained to detect demons and their deceit! I should've known that I was being manipulated!"

"One does not judge, my love. I knew from the start that you truly loved me as much as I you. I never doubted your loyalty, but naturally concluded that you were deceived."

"How can you say that?" she asked, clinging to him. "How can you say that after all that I've done?"

"True love is able to sift through the dust and find the flecks of gold that is hidden."

I had drifted too far, far from you my dear

Sango cursed herself over and over again. How could she have let this happen? Was she that weak and gullable that she was reduced to believing everything that was told to her? Even the words of a demon? She couldn't believe that she had been subjected to such! Her father would outright beat her for her foolishness. She not only failed in sucessfuly slaying her enemy, but actually sided with them, spreading her legs for a demon, and then willingly become one! The shame that she brought upon her family was so great, and it weighed down her heart severely.

She looked at the remains of her friends, Inuyasha and Kagome. She acted so ruthless and cynical towards them, torturing them before they died. And they never deserved to die. They were truly her friends. And even though she was clearly the enemy, Kagome still fought to keep her on their side. Kagome really believed in her and their bond of friendship. And what did she do to return the courtasy she showed? Rip her body to pieces of broken bone and mutilated flesh. Even Inuyasha tried to reason to her, that the battle she fought truly was meaningless, but that just got her angrier.

That was the exact same thing that Naraku had said to her. That she was nothing but a pawn in this life and all that she did was meaningless. It was all for naught, and she felt just as meaningless and pathetic as her life was wretched. It was all slipping through her fingers, as was the life of her dearest and truest love whom she held in her trembling arms.

So how could I turn away from the one I love?

How could I when I know what my heart's made of?

"Thank you, my dearest Miroku," she whispered to him. "Thank you for your belief in me. I can only ask for you to forgive me for what I've done, but I know I'm not worthy of it, nor your love."

"Part of love is being able to forgive. And since I am desperately in love with you, I am willing to do so."

"I know you are," she said to him, stroking his hair. "I know."

She held him to her breast, enjoying the warmth that they shared together within the freezing snow. She could feel all the emotions that were running within him; fear, love, relief, sorrow. She knew it was there for she was feeling the exact same. Their souls were now and forever linked together in a bond of which she only wished she could have felt much sooner.

Could it be that your soul lives inside of me?

How could I ever say goodbye?

**********

It had all went wrong. He couldn't believe how things have changed on a whim, and all because that filthy bastard had to go on and tell Sango the truth. What did the demon have to gain by telling her that? Was he hoping to weaken her state of mind so that he could kill her easier? Of course, that would leave himself in a frenzy which would lead to his demise as well. Then Naraku would be able to freely take hold of the Shikon No Tama, which was now tainted with the evil when Sango touched the gem.

Sesshoumaru dragged himself on the forest floor back to the clearing. He had to get back to Sango and comfort her, reassure her that it would all be fine. That he was there for her and to cry on his shoulder if need may be.

Why was I so afraid to tell her?

For her I would fight a thousand soldiers

Sesshoumaru had thought long and hard about what that priest had made comment. He proclaimed that he had always let her know of his love and commitment towards Sango, and had outright dared to question whether or not he himself had done the same thing! Sesshoumaru clenched a handful of snow in his fist. The nerve of that human! How dare he make such a bold comment right in front of him! How dare he question the bond that he shared with Sango, doubted, and degraded it! Sesshoumaru swore under his breath that if he wasn't already dying, or more importantly that it was Sango's duty to kill him, he would drag him back to his fortress and throw him in the dungeons. There he would use every tactic to his knowledge of torturing him as long as possible before he died. Hell, he would even use Tensuiga to ressurect him just to kill him again.

He spit out a mouthful of blood onto the snow as he continued to drag himself to the clearing. His healing was starting to take effect, but that mighty blow that he was dealt would imobilize him for quite a while. His limbs ached, the large gaping hole in his torso wouldn't stop bleeding, tho his regeneration was a work in process. His silver mane was touseled about him, matted and contained within its locks snow and blood. He bit back his moans of discomfort by gritting his teeth, fangs bared. But none of this pain could be compared with the hollow, tearing feeling at his chest.

The priest was right. The damn priest was right. Sesshoumaru had never outright confessed to Sango that he was in love with her. But he didn't think it was necessary when his countanence, attitude, and marking her as his mate clearly stated such. He remembered the morning after they had claimed eachother.

--FLASH--

Sango smiled. "You've given me so much. You've given me a second chance to do what's right. You've given me what I thought I'd never have...." she turned and brought him down to her in a tight embrace. She then whispered softly in his ear, "...love..Thank you.."

--FLASH--

Of course, he realized, she was not used to thinking in the like-manner of other youkai. She still had the feelings of being human and what humane thoughts still embedded into her heart and mind. Why wouldn't she, when she sought revenge for her human kin? He never realized that she had desired it to be said through his lips. She knew it already. . .but part of her still needed to hear it, to reassure her.

But just like an angry child I kept my feelings locked inside

He finally reached the clearing, but once he saw what was happening, decided against emerging from the brush. Sango, his beloved mate, sat cradling the monk in her arms, crying, sobbing over him. She was herself again, her eyes shining chestnut brown, but tears were brimming within them, overflowing like rivers of pearls in the moonshine.

His heart clenched in sorrow. He could feel it. . .he could feel every bit of agony coursing through her. The shame, the confusion, the betrayal. He cursed himself, knowing that he was the very source of those feelings raging within her already battered soul. He had pushed way too far, and that caused an inexplicable chaos to errupt.

He had to admit, that in the very beginning, he sought nothing more than to torture her before he killed her. However as time went on, he found himself becoming more and more intrigued by the girl. He knew, however, that this was dangerous. The duty still remained that he had to reach the Shikon No Tama to fulfill his wish. However, once he discovered that the jewel could reach unbeleavable power when it was held in Sango's hands, he realized that his plans could indeed include her. He knew that he would change her into a demoness, knew that she would become his mate, and once that the jewel was recovered, turn Rin also into a demoness, and wish the destruction of all humans. That way, he and his loved ones would remain by his side and the lands will return to its true nature, the way the Gods had intentioned. And though it all sounded rediculously selfish, his intentions to safeguard Sango and Rin were indeed pure. He wanted them to remain by his side for all eternity.

There were rivers of tears flowing from her eyes

So how could I-?

But that's not what happened. He ended up doing exactly what he first intentioned. He tortured her mind, outright deceived her, let her destroy those whom she held dear, and caused her love for him to vanish. That was more than what he ever had intentioned, but he couldn't take it back now. He no longer held her heart within his hands, nor her beautiful eyes within his own. He had promised her that he would never leave her, that she could put her entire trust with him, but he failed to do so.

-turn away from the one I love?

How could I when I know what my heart's made of?

What would happen now? What would he do without her? What would he say to Rin if he should make it back to his castle? What explanation could possibly quench the little girl's thirst for the answers to her endless questions? He hung his head low, growling at himself for his outright stupidity. He, the Great Tai Youkai of the Western Lands, Lord Sesshoumaru, was groveling to the ground in sorrow and anguish. Never did he realize that this could hurt so much. Nothing was ever this painful.

Yet he looked up and saw Sango, caressing the pale face of the priest, comforting him, begging for forgiveness for her treason. Why would she beg for forgiveness from him? It was he, himself, who should be repenting for his sins. He desperately wanted to hold her in his arms, explain everything. It wasn't his fault. However it could be plainly seen that she was still in love with that priest. He'd never forgive himself for doing this to her. And so he kept silent, hidden in the brush and out of the moonlight, waiting. Waiting to live, waiting to die, waiting to be rescued from the endless anguish that tortured his being. He knew not the reason, but still. . .he waited.

Could it be that your soul lives inside of me?

How could I ever say goodbye?

**********

Sango knew of the upcoming dread she most feared would happen to Miroku. It was the very same fear that she held from the moment she began to fall in love with him. She was so terribly afraid that they would never find Naraku and defeat him, and then Miroku would eventually die and it would be too late for them to spend the rest of their lives together. She didn't want to feel the heartbreak of losing a dear loved one to death. Sango already knew the pain, sorrow, and agony that she felt at the death of her father and brother. She first began to comprehend it when her mother died when she gave birth to Kohaku. All she knew is that she would never come back from her dreamless sleep. She never, ever wanted to feel those emotions again. But it was too late for that. Miroku would now follow suit.

She recalled it was the exact same way that it was revealed to her in that vision when the Dream Weaver Demon put her under a spell. Her worst fear was that Miroku would die and leave her, and now it was actually happening! Why!?! Why did she have to carry this curse on her shoulders!?!

--FLASH--

"Why do you fight?" Miroku had asked.

Sango shuddered a bit from his sudden change of voice, but collected herself to answer. "I told you...I...fight for myself."

"You mean you fight by yourself."

"'A single grain of rice can tip the scale'"

"How much more so will a handful of rice accomplish? Hostilty won't help you win, driving away those who want to help, does nothing.

Sango lowered her head. "Those who help...end up dead. This is my curse."

--FLASH--

Oh when you fall in love you never know how long it lasts

But the one thing I knew in my heart, was that I was fading much too fast

Miroku's eyes suddenly widened, and Sango's intake of breath was sudden. "What is it?! What's wrong?!"

"My. . .my hand.."

Sango looked confusedly at him and then here eyes widened in sudden realization. Of course! Naraku is dead and the curse of his Wind Tunnel was finally lifted! Sango grabbed hold of his hand, quickly removing the prayer beads and seal with fumbling fingers. She tore away the cloth that covered it and gently touched the palm of his hand with her fingers.

Miroku's smile broadened. "I can. . .feel. At last I can feel you, my Sango."

"Oh Miroku!"

Sango brought his hand to cup her face, and Miroku could finally feel warmth. He could feel the soft contours of her face, as well as the slippery tears that fell into his palm. It was the most beautiful thing that he had ever felt in his life. However, he would have enjoyed it much more if his dearest Sango wasn't crying.

Sango tried to smile, to ease the pressure. "How does it feel?"

"Warm," he breathed. "I always knew that when this curse was lifted, the first thing to touch would be your beautiful face."

Sango made a nervous laugh. "Are you sure my face and not my ass?"

Miroku couldn't help but laugh a bit too. "Perhaps after your face, my love. I wish to hold you always and forever, Sango. But. . .I fear . . ."

"Miroku?!" Sango asked desperately. "Miroku!"

"I fear that. . .I can't stay."

"N-no. ."

"I l-love you, L-Lady S-S-Sango," he studdered between short intakes of breath. "Know t-that I'll always. . .love you."

"I love you too," Sango said, her lips quivering as she kissed his palm. "My dearest and truest love, Miroku."

Miroku smiled and his violet eyes hazed. The light vanished from his eyes, and his lids slowly closed. Sango cried out in pain and sorrow as his body went limp in her arms. She held him close for a long time, sobbing an endless river upon the snow that surrounded them. The sky, too, sobbed; letting the snow drop delicately around them all, encasing them in a blanket of white.

So how could I turn away from the one I love?

How could I when I know what my heart's made of?

Could it be that your soul lives inside of me

How could I ever say goodbye?

Sango reluctantly layed Miroku in the snow beside her and raised her head to the skies, crying out in anguish. Her arms went limp at her sides, her brain completely disfunctional. All she knew was the voice in her throat that cried and hollared into the wind, and her tears that ran down her cheeks. Everything was once again lost, never to be returned to again. She begged and prayed for salvation. She prayed to be liberated from her sins and from her battered soul. She was tired on relying on people, tired on relying on herself. She left her fate completely to the Gods now, whatever they wished her to do, consider it done.

She then noticed the samurai's sword that lay in the snow. It began to glow and lift itself from the ground, and be taken hold of by the samurai's spirit. She looked to him hopefully, shamefully, now looking to him on what course of action she must take. The Gods have sent him to her, to guide her.

"What is it that you wish?" he asked of her.

"My wish? I was hoping you could tell me what I must do."

"The course of life that you have taken is beyond my authority. I have come to grant your secret wish. Once you realize what that is, I will grant it."

How could I say goodbye?

Sango sat in wonder. Her secret wish? What she wanted was for justice to be served, and though she had killed her enemy, it still seemed that something was left unfinished. She still had an enemy that needed to be defeated. She put her hand to her forehead in frustration, then gasped. The Shikon No Tama was still embeded into her forehead. Was it not that cursed jewel that had caused her so much grief? Though it had brought her and her friends together, it also led to their own demise. The jewel was a curse to everyone living, to everyone who touched it or sought it out. And now she had the jewel.

She raised her eyes to the glowing form before her and said, "Kill me."

She knew that the jewel had to go, and also that justice would be rightfully served if she and the jewel perished. After all, she had murdered her friends and betrayed her family. She was in constant battle with her own self and she had become her own worst enemy. The only way she would finally be at peace and rest was if she perished. And once the samurai spirit's eyes narrowed in confirmation, she knew that this was her ultimate sucess. Finally all would be taken care of, her revenge over, her own nightmares will vanish.

The samurai brought up the sword above her, the very same sword that slew many demons, and was to slay its last one. He plunged it deep in her heart, and Sango let out a cry; not of pain, but of bliss. The pain that was held within her deapths was beginning to cease at last. The spirit pulled out the sword and vanished.

How could I say . . .

Her only regret was that she would not be able to see little Rin again. The little girl was waiting for her, and she had promised to always be with her. She crawled next to Miroku's body, wrapping her arms around him and resting her head on his chest. She closed her eyes and let the easiness of a relaxing sleep overwhelm her. No more would the nightmares haunt her. Finally, she accomplished all she set out to do. However that would never erase the guilt she felt.

"For. . .Forgive me. . ."

. . .goodbye. . .

**********

The final battle is over. However, one chapter still remains to tell a tale. Watch for the conclusion.

~*~Lady Pheonix~*~