Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or any of the characters. This is only for enjoyment.
A/N's: This is my version of episode 26, "Secret of the Jewel of the Four souls Revealed". We always try to imagine what happens between point A and point B of what the anime doesn't show. This is my theory on this segment.
Chapter one: Alliance
"It's all right; I'll take care of you."
The pain was unbearable, so intense at times I felt the need to end things right here…right now. But somehow hearing those softly whispered words prevented me from doing so. No matter how much physical pain I was in, it was nothing compared to what was embedded in my heart.
For days I slipped in and out of consciousness and in my somewhat delusive state, I often wondered if those words were real or imagined, but they kept me going. Could it be the ghost of my father? Or maybe Kohaku offering comfort from the grave. Whatever the case, I must hold on to avenge their deaths. I swear, Naraku-will-pay! His schemes lured us to that castle; he took away my family and destroyed my home and comrades. Yet that wasn't enough – he left me with no place to return to, wiped out my entire existence; he left me all alone.
This group of strangers brought me back to my demolished village; they treated my injuries, nursed me back to health and stayed with me while I recovered.
The girl, Kagome, her manner of dress is very unusual. Maybe a year or two younger than me, she seems to be really nice. It was after talking with her I decided to give them information about the Shikon Jewel.
Then there's Inuyasha…the one I had wrongly accused of destroying my village. An unsympathetic, arrogant, noisy, potty-mouthed hanyou and yet I sense he's not half as bad as he portrays.
And the demon fox child, Shippo. He seems to have formed an attachment to my youkai companion, Kilala.
Then…there's the monk. I vaguely remember him during my battle with Inuyasha as I was solely focused on my opponent. I only recall him using some sort of force from his hand to veer my Hiraikotsu off course. After that he was gone; in pursuit of Naraku.
When I awakened from my pain filled slumber, I was lying on my side; the injury to my back prevented otherwise. I lifted myself, supporting my weight on one elbow. I attempted to get into a sitting position but due to my weakness, I was exhausted just from the effort. I heard movement behind me and before I could react, I felt arms lift and arrange me to sit up. I was still on my side but now with my shoulder propped against the wall.
"Would you care for some water, Sango?"
My head turned in the direction of the voice and I found myself staring into the most intense, violet-blue eyes I had ever seen. They reflected such warmth and concern just like the timbre of his voice.
"I…well…yes, please." I stammered.
His mouth slightly curved upwards at my response and I answered with an attempt of my own. My eyes followed him as he left to bring the water. I've spent the majority of my life surrounded by men, the Taijiya fighters; training with them, hunting with them, fighting beside them and not once have I ever felt uncomfortable. But, just now, what happened with the monk was…strange.
Kagome was the one who returned with the water followed closely by the monk and Inuyasha.
"We're glad you're awake; you must be hungry?" said Kagome.
"Well, you can eat after you tell us what we wanna know!" was Inuyasha's unabashed request.
The look on Kagome's face was perfectly serene as she said, "Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha's eyes grew wide and he looked almost afraid.
"Sit Boy!"
Inuyasha landed face first in the dirt. After a moment of struggling, he was able to pick himself up and left issuing all sorts of obscenities. Kagome giggled and the monk only lowered his head, but I could tell he was smiling. Our conversation turned to my health, the cave and the Shikon no Tama. It was decided I could best aid them by taking them to the cave and explaining once there.
With Inuyasha's assistance, I accompanied them to the limestone cave, as I was still weak and unable to manage on my own. We stopped at the mouth of the cave; the others unsure of how to proceed, they had been there earlier and been denied entry. I assured them that "she" would show them favor because of the sympathy shown to my desecrated village. I was right…we passed through without difficulty.
Once inside, we came upon a stalagmite which enclosed a mass of demons and "she"…the priestess, Midoriko. Kagome helped me to a nearby boulder. I sat and began my tale of Midoriko and her final battle with the demons that ended her life and produced the Shikon Jewel. As I began telling the origins of the Jewel of the Four Souls, Miroku smoothly intervened. He picked up where I had left off, collaborating his knowledge with mine. He and I alternately revealed to Kagome, Inuyasha and the others what Miroku had learned from his readings and I from my father. Poor Shippo looked so confused, not to mention Inuyasha.
It was later that night, sitting on my futon that I learned of Kikyou; her guardianship of the jewel and her death. Miroku enlightened me in that soothing voice of his, each word spoken caused me to relax. I felt somewhat strange (as I said before) but not in a bad way, just…different. I experienced this sensation earlier in the cave when we spoke of the Four Souls. It's as if we were connected; as if we were one voice. As I closed my eyes, my last thought…"he's caring, attentive, scholarly and handsome with a voice that can make you forget your problems, if only for a little while.
(Sigh)…such an odd monk.
AN's: Read, enjoy and don't forget to use that little bottom below.