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Tales of Sora part 35
The struggles of Mt. Hakurei

Inuyasha got up from behind you. "He's gone" you whispered. And just when he was coming to his senses too. Miroku walked up to you, "That item was a sacred item. It helped Bankotsu escape. That must mean Saint Hakushin is somehow helping Naraku" he said.

*meanwhile with Bankotsu*
Bankotsu coughed a lot. He was in a thick mist. He shivered, "Damn it, I feel terrible. What the hell happened to me anyway? Where am I?" he mumbled. Kohaku and Kanna came out of the mist, "Bankotsu sir" Kohaku greeted. "Hey Kohaku, where are we? Why does this place feel so awful?" Bankotsu asked. "That would make sense sir. This isn't the place for people of evil thoughts" Kohaku said. "Why was I called here?" Bankotsu asked. "If you stayed longer, you would have not completed your task. Sora would have stopped you" Kanna said calmly. That's right, Sora...I hurt her. Bankotsu thought to himself. Kanna picked up the strange sacred item next to Bankotsu, she handed it to him. "Use this if she gets in the way again" Kanna said. Bankotsu blinked, that was the strange thing that created the barrier that drained Sora's powers. He nodded and put it in his pocket.

*back to you*
All of you left the village and went to Mt. Hakurei. You collapsed onto the ground. "The barrier here is much stronger than the last" you growled. Shippo looked dizzy. Kirara didn't look so good ethier. Sango handed Kirara to Kagome. "Me and Miroku should go on and look around. Wait for us. I can't bring poor Kirara into the barrier" she said. "I am positive that it is Saint Hakushin that is creating this barrier" Miroku said. "Yes but how can Naraku hide here? He is so evil, he can't possibly hide here" Inuyasha said. "Yes but once inside, it is the perfect hiding place. Think of all of Naraku's enemies, Kouga, Sesshomaru, Kikyo, Sora, and you Inuyasha. Can't go in there" Miroku said. "Kikyo can't go through?" You said surprised. "Yes, her soul collecters can not go through the barrier. And her soul collectors are what gives her life" Miroku said. "Are you sure you can go on your own?" Kagome asked. "We'll be just fine" Miroku said. "Don't take any unnecessary risks" Inuyasha warned. Miroku and Sango nodded and walked into the depths of Mt. Hakurei and disappeared into the mist. You struggled to get up. You knew Bankotsu was in there. You walked closer to the mountain. Inuyasha grabbed you and pulled you away from the mountain. "Don't be stupid Sora. You'll be purified if you go into the mountain. Being a full demon, I am surprised you are even conscious right now" Inuyasha said. "I need to get to Bankotsu." You whispered. "He is fine. I know that we will see him again." Inuyasha said. You listened to Inuyasha. You turned around and sat down. Kagome sat next to you with Shippo and Kirara in her arms. Inuyasha sat next to Kagome. All of you waited for a long time. You were bored out of your mind. A freaking hour past until you heard something. It sounded kind of like Ginkotsu's bombs. But this explosion was huge. Inuyasha stood up, "Sora, do you hear that too?" He asked. You nodded. "Hear what?" Kagome asked. "Never mind, lets go." Inuyasha said. Inuyasha got you and Kagome and Shippo and Kirara on his back and he began to run. "Inuyasha, we got to wait for Miroku and Sango." Kagome said. "We won't get anything done that way." Inuyasha growled. You knew that he was heading towards the scent of Ginkotsu's gunpowder. Inuyasha stopped, in front of you was the two wolf men who follow Kouga. They were crying over something. You noticed Ginkotsu's bones in the corner of your eyes. So they killed Ginkotsu. They both turned around and looked at you and Inuyasha and Kagome. "Inuyasha, Kagome, Sora, thank goodness you are here." One said. You got off Inuyasha's back. "What happened?" You asked. "K-kouga got caught in the blast. He couldn't escape. His legs are badly injured." One whimpered. You looked over their shoulder. Kouga was laying, unconscious, his legs were under some large rocks. It looks like he took a large beating. Kagome got off Kouga's back. Inuyasha pushed the large rocks off Kouga. "Com'on Kouga you wimp! Get up!" Inuyasha said. Kagome kneeled down next to him. "Please, wake up Kouga." Kagome whispered. Kouga twitched, "K-kagome. Damn it, Renkotsu got away." He mumbled. Your hatred for Renkotsu sizzled. So he did this to poor Kouga. Kouga held Kagome's hand, "I'm sorry Kagome, you must have been worried about me." He said. You could feel Inuyasha's anger towards how Kouga was treating Kagome. "Hands off!" He spat. "Shh, Inuyasha." Kagome whispered. Kouga fell asleep, his men fell asleep behind you. The Band of Seven did this to poor Kouga. You stood up, "I'm going to look around the mountain for Bankotsu." You said. "What? By yourself?" Kagome said. You nodded, "I don't know where he is, but I think I can stop him." You said. "Leave her Kagome. If she wants to go look for Bankotsu, then she can." Inuyasha said. "Thank you." You said. You got up, you had a plan. Sesshomaru and Kikyo must be around. You'll ask them where Bankotsu must be. Kikyo will be the easiest to find. "Inuyasha, where did you last see Kikyo?" You asked. "Last I saw her she told me that she couldn't possibly go through the barrier. She is probably near doctor Suikotsu's village." Inuyasha said. "And..where is that?" You asked. "Its a small village at the base of the mountain east of here." Inuyasha said. You nodded, "Thank you." You turned and ran off. You ran and ran east then south of the mountain. You didn't grow tired, you needed a run around anyway. Then you came to a calm field. The grass was calmly flowing like water as a breezed past by. Beyond the field was the small village Inuyasha was talking about. You walked up to the village. You went up the first house and knocked on the door. A cute little girl opened the door then quickly shut it when see saw you. "Wait! I'm looking for Kikyo!" You said. The little girl opened the door a little, "Are you friends with Kikyo?" She asked. You smiled, "Yes, is she here?" You asked. The girl opened the door, inviting you in. You sat in a room with many beds. Looked like an orphanage. All these cute little kids were sitting around playing. Well, they were until you came in. They all screamed, "DEMON!" And hid in the closet. "Wait! She is friends with Kikyo!" The little girl said. All the little kids then came out of hiding. You and the kids sat in a circle. "How do you know Kikyo?" Asked one little boy. "Me and her are old friends." You said. "How did you meet?" Another boy asked. "Hey! I'm came to ask YOU the questions!!" You spat. The kids screamed and hid again, you scared them. You sighed, "Please don't be afraid. I wouldn't EVER hurt you." You said. The kids came out again, "We weren't raised to trust fox demons." A brave boy said. You sighed, you didn't have time for this. "Fine, I'll be going now." You got up and walked out. It was dark out. Must be night time. You were tired. No, you had to find Bankotsu and if not him, at least Jakotsu or Suikotsu, not Renkotsu. You looked at the beautiful field. It looked softer than a bed. You wanted to roll in it and lay in it and watch the sky like you did with Toru when you were very small. Those innocent times were gone though. Then you heard something, you looked behind you, the same girl behind you. You turned and looked at her. "Are you hungry? We decided you can stay." The girl said. You smiled at such kindness. "Thank you." You and all the cute little kids sat outside around a fire while eating some really bad tasting soup. "So who takes care of you?" You asked. All the kids went silent. "Fine, don't tell me." You said. "Inpure has now become pure. Pure has now become inpure. Good has now become bad. Bad has now become good." A little girl started to sing. The song sounded familiar. You wished the song was true, to change a really bad person into a good person. Bankotsu will never stop killing people will he? You then heard someone walk up from behind you. You and the children looked behind. "Rin!?" You blinked. Rin was standing next to a guy. You looked up at the guy. He had a kind face. But he smelled like Suikotsu! "I have returned." He said. "Sora?!" Rin said surprised. What was Rin doing here? Where is Sesshomaru and Jaken?! You got up, so freaking confused. "Doctor Suikotsu!" The little girl was excited. "I hope you all can forgive me. I've been gone a long time." Suikotsu said. The little boy got up, "Doctor Suikotsu, is that really you?" He asked. "Oh, how rude of me. This girl here is named Rin. Be nice to her and show her around. She is our special guest." Suikotsu said. Suikotsu looked at you, "And who is this?" He asked kindly. "Her name is Sora." Rin answered for you. "Ah, a friend of yours." Suikotsu said. You blinked, this is Suikotsu's other self. The good doctor side of him. Its good but its bad. He won't be able to tell you where Bankotsu is. Some villagers then came. "Suikotsu, so it is you. You need to get out of the village. It is you who is responsible for the Band of Seven coming into the village." One said. An old man got off his horse, "I'll never forget your face. You looked just like a demon." The old man said. Suikotsu smirked and reached into his pocket. He slashed the old man with claws that he got out of his pocket. You gasped and Rin hid behind you. The villagers panicked and ran. Suikotsu ran after them and began to slash them to death. "Sora, we got to run!" Rin said. She pulled you and you followed her. Suddenly, a sword flew out of the bushes and hit directly though your stomach. You coughed and collapsed. Rin stopped, "Sora!" She ran to you and hugged you. You enjoyed the hug, but this wasn't the time for it. "Sora! Please don't die!!" Rin cried. "Idiot! I'm not going to die! Run!" You said. But Rin was picked up off the ground by Jakotsu. "Hello." He greeted. "Jakotsu, put her down!" You growled. "Sorry Sora, I didn't mean to hurt you that much. I meant to get your legs so you couldn't walk. I guess I missed." Jakotsu said. Jakotsu pulled his sword out of your stomach. You screamed in agony. Jakotsu licked your blood off his sword then spat it out. "Blech!!! Your blood tastes icky!" You forced yourself to get up. Jakotsu put his sword to your neck, "Hmm, I wonder if you are of importance to Sesshomaru." Jakotsu said. "Sorry Jakotsu but Sesshomaru rather save a already dead mouse than me." You said. "I'll find something to do with you!" Jakotsu spat. "But...but...I took freakin care of you when you were sick 15 years ago!!! Don't you owe me for that!?!?" You spat. Jakotsu looked deep in thought, "Well, I can't kill you. But I won't let you get in the way!" Jakotsu slashed your legs and you fell to the ground in pain. Jakotsu then walked up to Suikotsu. You couldn't freaking believe what Jakotsu just did to you. "Suikotsu, you have that doctors face but you killed the villagers. So what Suikotsu are you?" Jakotsu asked. "I'm not sure. All I know is that I feel better than ever. I now am myself." He said. "I don't follow but does it mean that doctor won't get in the way anymore?" Jakotsu asked. Suikotsu smiled and nodded, "Yes, thats why I came here at the base of Mt. Hakurei just to make sure. That fool of a doctor isn't coming out. I am all right now." Suikotsu said. "J-Jakotsu." You said. Jakotsu turned to you. "W-Where is Bankotsu?" You asked. Jakotsu laughed, "Ah Sora, I wouldn't chase after him if I were you. He really wants to kill Inuyasha." Jakotsu said. "Where is he?!" You spat. Jakotsu ignored you. Suikotsu turned and looked at the orphans. "Heh, pathetic looking orphans, I'll put you out of your misery!" Suikotsu said as he prepared to slice them up with his claws. The kids all huddled together in fear. "No.." You whispered. You couldn't bare to see such innocent children die such a gruesome death. Suikotsu then suddenly stopped. It was as if his body just froze. His hand holding the claws was shaking. "Hey Suikotsu, having trouble?" Jakotsu asked. "Save it!" He spat. Then one of Naraku's insects flew over to Jakotsu and whispered something into Jakotsu's ear. "Suikotsu! We got to go! Sesshomaru's coming!" Jakotsu said. "Really!?" Rin had hope in her eyes. "Kill the kids later. We need to led Sesshomaru into the barrier." Jakotsu said. Suikotsu relaxed, "Yes, I know." He said. Jakotsu and Suikotsu walked off with Rin. "Wait!!" You yelled after them. You tried to move but your legs and stomach were bleeding a lot. Jakotsu stopped and turned to you, "Bye Sora! Enjoy the rest of your life!" Jakotsu said. "If you kill Rin, I'll hunt you down!" You spat. But Jakotsu and Suikotsu and Rin disappeared into the fog of the mountian. "Damn it." You whispered. You forced yourself to get up. You limped a few feet and collasped. All the little children gathered around you. "Sora! Are you ok?" The boy asked. You smiled, now they trust you fully. "It hurts, but I'm not going to die." You said. You looked at the stars above in the night sky. The soft grass under you felt like a blanket. You wished Bankotsu was laying here with you, staring at the stars. You closed your eyes and fell asleep.

You yawned, that was a very peaceful sleep. It was now probably the middle of the night. You opened your eyes. Kikyo was bandaging you. "K-kikyo!!" You said her name in amazment. Kikyo looked at you with her kind, tired eyes. "Sora, I was surprised to find you here alone." Kikyo said. You stood up and your wounds felt much better. Kikyo is the best healer ever! "I've actually been looking for you." You said. "I've been looking for Suikotsu." Kikyo said. Kikyo stood up and looked at Mt. Hakurei. "The barrier is getting stronger." She said. You did feel weaker than before. "Suikotsu went beyond the barrier with Jakotsu." You said. "Thank you. Thats all I wanted from you." Kikyo said as she got on a horse. "Wait Kikyo! What are you doing?" You asked. "I'm going to find Suikotsu." Kikyo said. "But the barrier-" Kikyo interrupted. "No barrier will stop me. Nor will it stop you." Kikyo said. "I'll go with you. If you got hurt, Inuyasha would be upset." You said. Kikyo made room for you on the horse. You stepped back, "I-I'm fine. I'll run." You were always scared of horses since you were small and got hurt by one. Kikyo looked at the small children, "It would be best if you left the village for now." Kikyo told the children. "But, lady Kikyo, we have nowhere to go." The girl said. "Leave or else misfortunes are sure to come." Kikyo warned. The horse began to gallop away with Kikyo. You ran equally beside it. "Hey Kikyo, do you know of the Band of Seven?" You asked. Kikyo nodded, "Yes, I met most. But I only know Suikotsu the best." Kikyo said. "Well, have you seen a young man with a HUGE sword and a purple mark on his forehead with dark blue eyes and long braided black hair?" You asked. Kikyo looked at you, her expression somewhat angry. "That man? Yes, I have met him." Kikyo said. "What happened? Did he hurt you? Where is he?" You asked. "What business does he have with you?" Kikyo asked. "I knew him when he was alive. We are...old friends." You said. "He was heading into the barrier. You shouldn't go after him." Kikyo said. "And why not?" You were interested. Kikyo was acting a bit touchy. "He is completely overtaken by the shards in his neck. He kills for enjoyment. Its pathetic." Kikyo said. "Well, isn't that the same deal with Suikotsu?" You said annoyed. "Suikotsu has another personality. One of a doctor the other of a killing cold blooded murderer. I am looking for the doctor." Kikyo said. "There is good in the worst of humans! Thats what I've learned! Kikyo, you should know that. Each human has a heart and feelings. No human can change that! Don't talk about Bankotsu like he is a demon!" You shouted. What she said really pissed you off. Kikyo looked into your eyes, "I wish you were right Sora. The world would be a better place if that was true." Kikyo said. "Bankotsu isn't what you think." You growled. "Yes, there is a good chance that I am wrong. Sora, humans do have feeling and a heart that is meant to love. But not all of them dare to show anyone. Or they ignore that feeling until they become cold as ice. There is evil in this world Sora, I agree that if someone tries hard. They could slowly change a persons heart. They just need, love for the right path." Kikyo said. You laughed, "Kikyo, you should stop being so serious." Kikyo smiled, when she was alive you always used to make her laugh. Blue shocks formed around you because of the barrier. "You alright Sora?" Kikyo asked. "I'll make it." You said. After some more running up the mountain, you heard Rin scream. "They are up ahead." You said. You and Kikyo picked up speed. You then saw them. Jakotsu had a bleeding hole in his chest, Sesshomaru was hurt too! His arm was bleeding. Suikotsu was holding Rin with his claws to her neck, "That's it! I'm killing this child!" He said. Kikyo quickly shot a sacred arrow at him. You closed your eyes, it was so bright. Then you opened them. The arrow was right in Suikotsu's neck. Right where is shard was. "Whoa! Your archery is as good as ever." You said. Suikotsu fell to the ground. "Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin quickly ran to Sesshomaru's side. Kikyo slowly got off the horse. She tripped and fell in your arms. "Need help walking? The barrier is hard to stand." You offered. Kikyo nodded, "Thank you." You put her arm around your shoulder and helped her walk to Suikotsu. "That priestess! She is the one that scares me the most!" Jakotsu ran away. You wanted to chase after him but you wanted to see what's going to happen to Suikotsu. "I'm fine now." Kikyo walked the rest of the way to Suikotsu. You stood next to Sesshomaru. Kikyo sat next to Suikotsu. Suikotsu opened his eyes, "Lady Kikyo, its you." He greeted. "Doctor Suikotsu." Kikyo greeted back. "At last, I am able to come out. The tainted black light blocked my way. I couldn't become myself. Lady Kikyo, please remove the sacred jewel shard from my neck. Do that for me, then it will all be over. I can rest in peace. My last wish is to be released." He said. "Is that what you really desire? Do you choose death?" Kikyo asked. "I'm certain. I remember that I died before, long ago in the past. I wasn't sure who I was. Soon I heard a voice saying that I was meant to kill. Then I noticed that was my own voice. A terrible evil lurked inside me. It made me kill over and over. Then I met Bankotsu and became one of the Band of Seven. I've done some horrible things, my dark side has killed so many. And during it all the doctor in me was too scared to stop the killing. I rather die than let it happen again." He said. Tears were in your eyes at the story. You walked up to him. "Suikotsu, you are too hard on yourself. There are men who love killing. But you didn't mean it really. You don't have to die. You should just fight away your dark side." You said. Suikotsu looked at you with his kind eyes, "Your wrong, my dark side would do it all again if he were able. I will be incapable of fighting him off. He would kill more. The mere thought of it is haunting. Please, I beg you lady Kikyo. Take the jewel shard out of my neck and let my tormented soul be free. Please do this for me. I beg of you." Suikotsu begged. Tears rolled down his cheeks. You tried to hold back your tears. Your barely knew him while with the Band of Seven. But know you felt so bad for him. Kikyo reached for the jewel shard but hesitated. Then a flash of Jakotsu's sword went over your shoulder and cut Suikotsu's neck! The jewel shard flew out and was caught by Jakotsu. "I'll take this as a momento." Jakotsu said. You turned to Suikotsu. "At last, it is over." He whispered. His skin melted away leaving his bones and armor. "Ha, farwell losers!" Jakotsu winked and ran off. With tears in your eyes you looked at Suikotsu's remains. Kikyo kept a calm look on her face. Sesshomaru kept a calm look on his face. Even Rin was calm!! Were you the only one crying!!! "Excuse me, priestess. But thank you for saving me." Rin said politely. "Your welcome, you must have been scared." Kikyo said. Rin nodded, Sesshomaru begun to leave. "Goodbye!" Rin said as she ran after Sesshomaru. Kikyo got up, "I must leave too Sora. Before the souls leave my body" she said. You nodded, trying to stop your tears. Kikyo noticed and smiled, "Sora, you've always fascinated me. You're a demon and you cry more than any human. Its not a bad thing...to cry." Kikyo said as she walked to the horse. You smiled and nodded, "Thank you Kikyo, I think I'm going to stay here and search for Bankotsu." You said. "Good luck with your search." Kikyo said. You both waved goodbye and Kikyo rode away on her horse. You turned around, you had to catch up to Sesshomaru. Maybe he fought Bankotsu. You ran slower than usual. The stupid barrier was getting stronger. You caught up to Sesshomaru. You stood in front of him. He stopped walking and stared at you. All the sudden you were nervous. You just didn't feel right around Sesshomaru. His cold eyes stared into yours, "If you have nothing to say. Get out of my way." Sesshomaru said. A shiver went down your spine. "U-Umm, have you seen a guy with the scent of graveyard soil that has a big sword and is very strong for a human." You asked. "A human, strong?" Sesshomaru said amused. "Well, have you?" You asked. "I have not ever met a strong human." Sesshomaru said. "Never mind..." You growled. You walked away. "You are way too full of yourself." You whispered so he couldn't hear you. You sat next to Suikotsu's bones. Neither Kikyo or Sesshomaru helped. Jakotsu...maybe if you fought him, he would tell you where Bankotsu is if you won. You got up and begun to follow Jakotsu's scent. Then you stopped and looked behind you. Suikotsu's bones were just lying there in the mist, all lonely. "Dammit." You growled. You couldn't just leave his bones there. You had to bury him. You quickly dug a hole with your bare hands. You gently put Suikotsu's bones in the badly dug grave. Then you quickly buried him. Then you quickly dug up a flower and planted it into his grave. You sighed, you really are too kind. You remembered what Bankotsu once told you. He said that you were too kind and that's what makes you weak. Could he be right? Just because you are kind you are weak? "I'll prove you wrong." You whispered. You looked forward at Mt. Hakurei. It seems all of Naraku's enemies are gathering here. Bankotsu is nothing but a tool to Naraku. Doesn't he know that? You looked to where Sesshomaru went. He headed deeper into the barrier. If he could face the barrier like that, maybe you could. No matter what it costs. Your not going to let any of your friends die. And that includes Bankotsu.

This quiz (C) August 20, 2007 4:53AM by the author, do not copy without permission

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