Chapter Twenty-Five: Truth Exposed Part II
Written/Finished: February 9, 2013
Sango stared up towards Kohaku's figure in astonishment. Kohaku, why are you up there fighting Kanda? Are you really the figure we had been chasing for all this time before? She bit her lower lip, sucking on it intently.
Miroku watched Sango out of the corner of his eye, noting her change in stance and emotions. The feelings of fear, dread and most all surprise emanating off her body was enough disclosure in his eyes. "Sango, tell me, do you know that boy up there?"
"Huh?" Kagome stared towards Miroku in shock. "Miroku, what are you getting at?"
Miroku's face remained in a calm and serious disposition. "Lady Kagome, I am merely asking a question to Lady Sango based on the facts that I have observed thus far."
"Facts?" she exclaimed, eyeing him intently.
He groaned, looking away. "Lady Kagome, tell me, does that figure up there not look familiar to you? He is small enough and moves with quite a bit of agility. He reminds me of someone who is quite close to Lady Sango." He raised his eyebrows hoping she would catch on.
Kagome narrowed her eyes and looked back towards the fight. She watched Kanda dodge the chain-sickle with immaculate precision and the small figure withdrawing the weapon mere milliseconds after. Her brows furrowed together. "The boy does look familiar." From this angle, she could make out a small body and that the body looked to have short hair tied back into a ponytail or braid.
He does look familiar, that's for sure… but what did Miroku mean by the figure being close to Sango.
Then, it hit her. "Kohaku," she whispered, staring up in disbelief
"Exactly," Miroku clicked his tongue.
Kagome's jaw dropped somewhat. "But if that is Kohaku up there… then that means—"
"That the culprit being controlled is him." Miroku finished for her. Kagome's eyes widened twice their usual size. She was unable to formulate a response to Miroku's finished answer. All she could do was stare at Kohaku and Kanda's moving forms.
Meanwhile, just across from them, Sango was slowly beginning to inch away from the duo. I can't handle this, she thought, her form beginning to tremble, just knowing that Kohaku is up there being controlled… No! It can't be him; it can't be him! She refused to acknowledge the fact that the person up there could be her brother. It's just not possible. She began to move further back, quickly breaking out into a run.
"Kohaku, that's not you up there. It is not you up there." She kept trying to convince herself that this was not real. That it was all just a dream, a figment of her imagination. "When I wake up, all this will be over. None of it will have been more than—"
"Sango, is that you?" Sango stopped, immediately recognizing her father's voice. She turned to the side and saw him, along with other officers, sporting their uniforms with guns loaded and ready in their arms. Her father, who stood proudly in the centre, carried his preferred weapon: a dual sided steel spear. And strapped to his back was Hiraikotsu.
"Father," she stuttered, moving forward, "what are you all doing here?" She surveyed all the men before her, taking note that all of them were from the main combat unit. They were the strongest and most fierce members of the entire police force.
"We came to help." Her father answered, enclosing the gap between them. "Hiro, the elderly man who allowed you into his home just an hour ago, informed us of what happened after you never returned from the guest room. He was worried about you, Sango, and so were we."
"Father," her eyes softened, a light smile lighting her face. "Thank you for coming. However, it is far too dangerous for you to be here." She took a step forward and raised a fist in the air. "The two exorcists predict that a powerful akuma is not far from here. Father, you of all people are aware of what happens if a person is shot by an akuma bullet." She was exaggerating the truth a little bit, extending the tale of the story to ensure that her family would retreat.
I don't want them to be killed; she bit her bottom lip again. If that akuma is controlling that person who is fighting against Kanda, I don't want him to come after father and the others.
Yoshiro Taijiya laughed at his daughter's antics. "Sango, my child, you have nothing to fear. All of us will be fine. We are officers of the law willing and able to lay down our lives whenever necessary for the good of the citizens. Now," he slid of Hiraikotsu off his back, "Sango take this. It is yours, after all."
Sango gracefully accepted the large boomerang, keeping it within her grasp. "Thank you, father, but isn't this yours?" Although her father had successfully trained her to use the large, ample weapon, it wasn't hers. It belonged to her father.
Yoshiro shook his head. "No, it is no longer mine. From this day forth, Sango, I am entrusting you with Hiraikotsu. It is your proper weapon now." He placed a hand onto her shoulder. "You are a strong and capable woman. I know that you can handle using Hiraikotsu. And besides, your mother would have wanted this." He lowered his face, his eyes downcast. Sango heaved in a heavy sigh and strapped the weapon to her side. She nodded again, mumbling a soft thanks.
Kagome scoured the area, searching for signs of the Akuma. With Kanda busy holding off Kohaku and Sango nowhere to be found, it was up to her and Miroku to locate and kill the demon.
"Lady Kagome, there is only one option." Miroku stopped before her, panting for a moment. "We must get to where Kanda and Kohaku are."
"What!" she screamed. "We'll be killed by either of them if we interfere with their fight!" Kagome knew better than to bother Kanda when he was in battle. Unless you had a death wish or secretly wished to suffer a bad injury, there was no way someone would interrupt Kanda while he was fighting against the enemy – or in some cases, Lavi.
Miroku sighed heavily. "Lady Kagome, I know it's scary, but it's something we must do. The webbing is connected to Kohaku's back, after all. Thus, the only way to locate the akuma is through him."
Kagome visibly shivered but agreed. "You're right."
Miroku pointed towards the nearest structure. "The building that they're fighting on is the main section of the town hall building. If we're able to get inside the building and head up onto the roof, we'll stand a good chance of ending the fight."
Kagome grimaced. "I hope you're right." The two ran towards the building and up the flight of small stairs. Miroku reached for the handles and tried to pull on them. It was of no use, the doors were locked. He cursed his luck and looked towards Kagome.
"Now how are we supposed to enter?"
Kagome grinned smugly. "Stand back, Miroku. I can get us in there." Summoning a fair amount of power, she raised her hands up and fired a powerful green blast towards the doors. The doors exploded and wood chips went flying in all directions. Miroku used the sleeves of his jacket to conceal his face and Kagome merely kept her eyes closed, grinning the entire time. When both looked forward, they saw that all the doors had been destroyed, and bits burnt wood were still smouldering by their feet. Miroku sweat dropped and tugged at his shirt collar.
"Well, that is certainly one way of entering the building." This time, it was his turn to flinch.
Kagome rolled her eyes and reached for his hands. "It was your idea to enter the building. Now let's get going." Not bothering to wait for a response, she led him inside by violently tugging on his hand.
Minutes passed as the two raced through the building, managing to locate the stairwell. Kicking the door down, they rushed up the stairs, flying all the way, until they reached the top. Kagome panted a little bit, her face slightly red. "Here we go." Allowing Miroku the honour of opening the door, the two hesitantly moved outside and onto the rooftop.
"Where are Kanda and Kohaku?" Miroku surveyed the area, not seeing any signs of them.
Kagome shrugged her shoulders. "I'm not sure—wait! I see them!" She pointed off the side where Kanda stood, dodging the chain-sickle with Mugen. Kagome rushed forward. "Miroku, come on." He nodded, following behind.
Pushing her legs to their fullest, Kagome focused her attention specifically on Kohaku. I need to take him out, she decided, raising her hands forward. If he's knocked unconscious, it'll be easier to finish this and locate the Akuma. Once more, she summoned a fair amount of power to her hands, determined to end this quickly.
"Kanda, watch out!" She screamed before firing a blast in their direction.
"!" Kanda looked up, noticing the two figures and the powerful blast of green energy heading their way. "Wench!" he hollered and moved out of the way just in time. "Why are you two here?!" The remnants of the roof went flying in all directions, temporarily blinding them.
"I'm your partner, aren't I?" She hollered, her hair standing up. "And partners are supposed to help each other. That's why I'm here, you dope! Hmm!" she held her head high and looked away, frustrated.
Miroku sighed, beads of sweat rolling down the back of his head. This was getting them nowhere. "What about Kohaku?" He suddenly voiced aloud.
Kagome blinked, "Oh, yeah." She laughed nervously.
Kanda rolled his eyes, "Idiot."
"I'm not the idiot, you are!" Kagome pointed a finger in his direction venomously.
Miroku, who decided to not interfere with the argument, slid past Kagome and made his way towards the spot where Kagome had intended to fire. Noticing a limb form lying on the ground, he knew it had to be Kohaku. Miroku kept up closer and saw that the boy's weapon was not within arms reach. He exhaled in relief and slowly moved in closer. Surveying Kohaku from head to toe, he briefly noticed a thin piece of webbing attached to his neck.
"Found you." Miroku squatted down and reached for it. Yet, just as it was within hand's reach, thunder erupted from the sky and a bolt of lighting headed straight for him. Startled, Miroku managed to roll away just before the lighting hit him.
He sighed in relief. "That was close."
"Miroku!" exclaimed Kagome. She and Kanda ran towards him. "Are you okay?"
He stood up and wiped the dust off his clothes. "I'm fine, Lady Kagome, thank you for the concern. However," he looked up to the darkened sky, "it would appear as though our foe does not want us to get near Kohaku."
Kagome's eyes darkened immensely. Kanda scoffed and gripped Mugen's hilt tighter. "The brat is good." He said, catching their attention. "He's managed to avoid most of my attacks."
"Could that be because the Akuma is controlling him, though?" Miroku voiced.
"How should I know?" Kanda scoffed rudely.
Kagome rolled her eyes, paying them no heed. She was far too concerned with locating the Akuma. Looking high into the sky, she searched the darkened clouds, hoping to find any traces of the being. Akuma, you had better answer me! She shrieked in her mind, knowing that any Akuma within the vicinity should be able to answer her calls. Reveal yourself to us immediately!
Heh! Laughter was heard within her head. Noah-sama, I was waiting to hear from you. Kagome briefly noticed that a section of the sky was visibly darker than the rest. I had been watching you for quite some time, waiting until you would be smart enough to call for me.
Kagome grit her teeth. Wretched piece of metal, I am at my wits end. Your antics are far from amusing! The akuma laughed again much to her displeasure. She resisted the urge to scream aloud. I will say this to you only once, Akuma… Come. Out. Now.
And why should I? It taunted. This game is far more amusing when we're playing it like this.
Kagome's jaw dropped. You foolish piece of scrap metal; if this game continues like this, I'll be forced to deal out the most fierce form of punishment I know.
Oh, and what would that be, Noah-sama? The voice—no, the akuma, it was attempting to mock her. It found her antics childish and unrightfully none demeaning. She clicked her tongue, growing a bit amused.
If you continue to resist my commands, Akuma, she started to inwardly chuckle, I'll get Road-chan to come and play with you. She heard the way the Akuma tensed, and she loved every moment of it. Now, reveal yourself to us!
Boom! All three suddenly looked up in the sky, watching as a gaudy array of dim colours illuminated the sky. Miroku grunted, covering his eyes with his hand and Kanda glowered, growing even more agitated. On the other hand, Kagome stood still and proudly, feeling highly pleased.
"Exorcists," a metallic voice cackled, "I cannot wait to kill you."
"Akuma!" chorused Kanda and Miroku. The akuma laughed, slowly revealing itself from the shadows. All three watched as a large figure sporting… a baboon pelt, came out from the clouds. The baboon pelt successfully concealed its figure, but not its size.
Miroku swore. "He's much larger than I anticipated."
Kanda scoffed. "Since he's shown his true form, this makes the fight easier."
"I wouldn't count on that." Kagome rebutted, watching a bloody Kohaku get up from the ground and move to grab his chain-sickle. "With Kohaku still being controlled by him, I'd say the Akuma has the upper hand in this fight."
The Akuma cackled. "That is correct, Exorcist. Because Kohaku is under my control, he is my puppet. If you wish to get to me, you must kill him."
Kanda rolled his eyes. "This Akuma is nothing more than a coward." He glanced towards Kohaku, noticing that he was preparing to charge. "Che, what a cowardly Akuma using human puppets as a mean to do his duty work," he said to himself.
"I couldn't agree more, Kanda." She nodded. "This Akuma is probably using the people Kohaku has killed as a way to level up."
"Wench, you just realized that now!" Kanda shouted and dashed forward, his blade clashing against the chain-sickle. Kagome's face turned a bright shade of red, steam accompanying the picture by escaping from her ears.
"Kanda, you jerk! You don't need to be so rude about these things!" Above her, the Akuma cackled, finding the scene amusing. Kagome, who was seething with anger, glowered and turned herself around, focusing on the Akuma. "Miroku," she hissed, "where is the webbing?"
Miroku moved closer towards her. "It's attached to his right hand; in between his index and middle finger."
"Thanks!" She thanked him. "That'll definitely help." She noticed the way the Akuma was focused more on Kohaku and Kanda's fight than the fight she was about to engage with him. She studied the monster intently, faintly noticing the way his two fingers on his right hand were moving. They were moving as though he were directing a puppet. She ground her teeth. If I attack him there, it should all be over. A large part of her longed to set the Akuma to self-destruct; that way the mission would be over much sooner. But, if the Akuma suddenly erupted within a burst of flames for no apparent reason, she would have both Kanda and Miroku breathing down her neck demanding answers. Neither man would give up the questioning until they had received answers. She gulped, tugging at her uniform collar. As well, if she were to set the Akuma to self-destruct there wouldn't be any chance of knowing what would happen to Kohaku.
If Kohaku dies, Sango will be devastated.
That meant she had to kill the Akuma the only fashioned way. "Damn it," she balled a hand into a fist.
"Lady Kagome, watch out!" Miroku's sudden cry snapped her out of her thoughts. Looking up, she saw a tentacle escape from the Akuma's body, and it was heading straight for her!
"Hiraikotsu!"
Like magic, a large strapping boomerang came flying from seemingly thin air, and cut straight through the tentacle and protecting Kagome in the process. Kagome watched, amazed, as the boomerang returned and headed straight for its owner: Sango.
Sango rushed over towards her. "Kagome, are you okay?" She kept the boomerang strapped to one shoulder and watched Kagome, searching for any signs of injuries.
Kagome shook her head. "I'm fine, thanks to you."
Sango smiled. "I'm glad to hear that." Her voice then turned serious. "Tell me, that's the Akuma you are after, is it not?"
"That's right." Subconsciously, Kagome dusted herself off. "Miroku said that the webbing attached to the puppet—who Kanda is currently fighting—comes from that Akuma."
"The Akuma is controlling the person," Miroku clarified, joining the conversation.
"I see." Sango shifted Hiraikotsu onto another part of her shoulder. She wasn't used to carrying the weapon around for such long periods. "Then that means to save the person who the Akuma is controlling, we must kill it."
"That's right." Kagome's eyes darkened. "I was preparing to hit the Akuma, but it sent that tentacle at me before I could do anything."
"Those tentacles must be its form of defence." Sango concluded, her bangs covering part of her eye. She blew them away and focused her attention to Miroku. "Miroku, tell me, do you have any plans about how we can attack the Akuma?"
Miroku sweat dropped. "Why are you asking me?"
Sango's eyes narrowed. "You are able to see the webbing that the Akuma uses to control people. That means that you must have some sort of magical capabilities, no?"
Miroku looked away, beads of sweat forming behind the base of his neck. "Let me see your boomerang." He spoke, reaching into his pocket. Sango eyed him wearily, unsure about his recent statement. Miroku withdrew what looked to be sutras from his deep pocket. "Sango, I know you don't trust me very well, that point has been established long ago. However, I need you to trust me here. It's the only way we'll be able to help Lady Kagome defeat the Akuma."
Sango silently placed Hiraikotsu on the ground. "Do what you wish."
Miroku grinned and kneeled over, slapping sutras onto the front and back of the weapon. Kagome watched and leaned in closer, wanting to hear Miroku's plan. "Sango, I want you to throw your weapon at the Akuma again."
"But what if the Akuma deflects it?" She rebutted.
Miroku's eyes glistened. "Have no fear, this will work." Sango and Kagome exchanged glances. Both women then looked away as Sango picked up Hiraikotsu.
"If this doesn't work, Miroku, you're screwed!" She shouted and unleashed her weapon at the Akuma. All three watched, silently hoping that the boomerang would hit its mark.
"Lady Kagome, prepare to fire a blast of energy!" Miroku ordered, watching the weapon draw closer to the Akuma. "We only have a few seconds to deliver a fatal blow to him!"
Though confused, Kagome swallowed the urge to question the man and simply followed his orders – for once. "Alright!" she clasped both hands together and then stretched out her palms. Waiting for the second that Hiraikotsu drew closer to the pathetic excuse for an Akuma, she, along with Sango, watched in awe as the boomerang suddenly turned a fluorescent blue.
The Akuma cackled and extended various tentacles its way, expecting to be able to easily deflect the incoming attack. Miroku chuckled under his breath, "Just as I had anticipated." However, what surprised the Akuma was how the boomerang merely went through its tentacles and continued to head towards it.
"What!" It screamed as the weapon that was now tinted a royal dark blue struck it straight through its lower abdomen before continuing to soar through the air.
"Lady Kagome, now!" shouted Miroku.
"Roger!" She screamed and blasted a large amount of green energy towards the Akuma. With the amount that she was firing, it took all her concentration to be able to properly stand. Sango, who noticed her swaying, rushed over to help support her.
"Careful Kagome!" she stated, worried.
Sweat dripped down from Kagome's forehead but she managed a smile. "Thanks, Sango."
Sango grunted. "Keep concentrating. We can talk later." Agreeing with the older woman, Kagome ground her teeth and forced out another long duration of energy. She watched, content, as her power hit the Akuma causing it to scream and shout in pain. It tried to move away, though it could not.
"Resistance is futile." Miroku shouted his way, "Especially when you remember the obvious."
The Akuma painfully looked its way. "And what's that?" It hissed its body in the process of being torn apart.
Miroku's grin widened. "That a boomerang always returns to its rightful owner."
"!" By that second, it was too late for the Akuma for Hiraikotsu had gone as high as it could and was returning to the ground. Yet, for it to return, it had to go straight through the Akuma again. As it powerfully met the remains of its body, it caused the Akuma to unleash a powerful scream of pain before bursting into a large set of flames.
Kagome halted her powers and slipped from Sango's arms, collapsing onto the ground. Sango, worried for Kagome, held her hand high in the air and caught Hiraikotsu with ease before casting it aside. All thoughts of the vanquished demon were eradicated from her mind as she tried her best to wake up her fallen friend.
"KAGOME!"
Three Days Later
Kagome fluttered open. Her vision somewhat blurry, she noted that she appeared to be in some white medical room.
"Ah, so you're finally awake."
She looked to the right and saw a figure emerge from the doorway. It looked to be a doctor. "You were out for quite a while." He walked towards her, carrying a clipboard. "I suppose that can't be helped though, you were pushing yourself far more than usual."
"W-who are you?" She struggled to sit up.
"I would advise against moving so suddenly." He warned her. "You just woke up from being unconscious for three days, after all."
Kagome's face paled, "T-three days?"
"That's right." The doctor smiled. "Your friends have also been quite worried about you during your time of unconsciousness. Quite a few – particularly a young man and female officer – have remained in the room throughout the days hoping to see you wake up. They'll be happy to note that you're awake."
"I see." Kagome digested the news with a smile. "Tell me doctor, are they here now?"
"Kagome?"
"Lady Kagome?"
Kagome and the doctor directed their attention towards the front door where a gleeful Miroku and teary-eyed Sango stood. Upon seeing Kagome awake and well, both young adults rushed forward fleeing past the doctor. The doctor chuckled and decided it was time to excuse himself from the room.
"Kagome, thank the heavens that you're awake." Sango sniffled and sat down beside her in a vacant chair.
"Lady Kagome, how are you feeling?" Miroku inquired, standing beside Sango.
Kagome faintly chuckled. "A bit sleepy, but fine."
Sango smiled, heartfelt. "That's a wonderful sign of ease." As Miroku exhaled a sigh of relief, Sango bit her bottom lip, contemplating on how to state the newest piece of information to her newest friend.
Kagome watched her, perplexed. "Sango, is something wrong?"
"I just have some… interesting news." Sango struggled to reply.
Now Kagome looked curious. "And what's that?" She titled her head to the side.
Miroku and Sango exchanged knowing glances. "Lady Kagome, it would seem as though our adventures together are not over." Miroku leaned over and reached for her hands, holding them in his. Kagome looked severely uncomfortable and Sango glowered his way.
"Sango, what does he mean?" Kagome moaned, now feeling her head begin to ache.
Sango sighed dutifully. "Kagome, both Miroku and I will be joining you at the Black Order."
"What!"
"That's right, Lady Kagome, as of today we're both exorcists!" Miroku playfully winked.
Bang!
"Umm, Lady Kagome?" exclaimed Miroku. Somehow, without managing to pull him down with her, Kagome had fallen straight off the bed and landed right onto the floor.
"Kagome!" Sango shot up from her chair. "Are you okay? What happened?!" She rushed to Kagome's side and saw that the girl's eyes were swirling and she was groaning loudly. "Miroku go fetch the doctor!"
"Of course!" Miroku scrambled out of the room and down the hall. "Doctor! Where'd you go?" He shouted loudly, searching in all directions. Sango rolled her eyes upon hearing his voice echo down the hallway and successfully managed to lay Kagome back down onto the bed.
Author's Note – So the chapter took a little bit longer than expected. That's partially my fault, but at least I finally managed to finish the Sango/Miroku ark. Now, I'm sure you all still have some questions about this like, "What happened to Kohaku?" and "How exactly did Sango and Miroku decide to become exorcists?" Well don't worry, since all of your questions will be answered in the next chapter. I know where I'm heading with this story and I know what I'm doing, so don't think I'm skipping over the important details for any particular reason.
Now, on another note, I realized just a short while ago that this story has managed to receive over 200 reviews! That's freaking amazing! Thank you so much everyone for reviewing, putting this story on your favourites/alerts and just reading the story itself. Seriously, I cannot get over the fact that so many of you are enjoying this story. Two hundred reviews is like a dream for me. I cannot get over it every time I sit down to write this story. It's just so epic! Thank you so much everyone! Seriously. :D
You are all the best and I hope this somewhat longer chapter met your expectations. :3
Well, it's getting late and I'm getting sleepy,
Night, night everyone
~TFSA
P.S., If anyone is a fan of Fire Emblem (particularly someone who's played and enjoyed Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn), I wonder if you would be interested in maybe reading a new story I'm thinking of writing (InuYasha/Fire emblem, of course). The story is still in the process of being finished, but I'm liking how it's turning out so far. If any of you like the game series and would be interested in reading the fanfic (if I post it up) I would love to hear from you.