…I Give You Hell
Joey Sharkbait
2020
[Soundtrack: "Ladies and Gentlemen... I Give You Hell" by Capture the Crown]
It was almost time.
I have been watching the sun slowly begin to set outside my bedroom window; the light blue skies and white clouds gave way to a remarkable transformation into orange and purple. There had been no sign of Naraku yet today. I went about my daily chores and waited patiently to be summoned forth for some errand or related menial task. It never happened. The anticipation was starting to drive me mad.
Was it all a dream? What if they didn't come? What if Naraku knew somehow?
Rouge's armor and sword sat in the corner of my room, ready and waiting to be returned to their owner. I found them while cleaning in the old armory earlier, along with Sango's slayer armor. I was able to bring both back to my quarters and begin small repairs. Soon it would be time to relieve Kohaku of his shift guarding the fire demon.
The vague plan was for Sango or myself to go set Rouge free, depending on who all was sent to defend the castle when Inuyasha's pack attacked. Sango had spent the morning and early afternoon resting in my room at my request. She understandably hated her room; I wanted her to be rested for the impending battle. Sango reluctantly went back to her room about an hour ago, however, in case Naraku happened by. As much as I did not want to leave her side and leave her vulnerable to his cruelty, we had both decided it best to be apart at the beginning of the siege, so as to lower any possible suspicion.
My eyes widened as I saw the serene orange hue of the sunset turn a glowing violent red, sparks in the sky. An explosion soon followed.
They're here…
I rushed to my window and looked down into the courtyard. Inuyasha stood in the middle of the scene, red tetsusaiga on point, Miroku and Kagome behind him. Shippo and Kirara soon landed nearby; the kitsune riding atop the demon cat like a tiny horseman of the apocalypse.
"Naraku! IT'S OVER!" screamed Inuyasha. Kagome raised her bow and arrow, ready to aim. Miroku assumed a defensive stance on his other side.
I felt the familiar summoning pulse from within my very core. I was the chosen one, apparently.
There was a knock at my bedroom door. It slid open, revealing Kohaku.
"Kagura," he said, voice low and monotonous, "we have guests. Naraku needs us to go deal with them."
I frowned. I was hoping only one of us would be sent. "What about Rouge?" I asked.
"She is of no threat currently. We have bigger problems," said Kohaku. He promptly turned and began a sprint down the hall. I listened closely until I could no longer hear his footsteps before venturing out of my room. I cautiously glanced down both directions of the hall before sliding open the door to Sango's room, directly across from mine.
"Sango!" The slayer quickly approached me. "It's time!"
"They're here?" she asked, excitement in her voice.
I nodded. "Yes." I looked around again. "Unfortunately, I am being summoned to fight…" I reached into my robes for the key to Rouge's cell. I gave it to Sango, my hands lingering on hers. "Go release Rouge. Her armor is in my room, along with yours. Kohaku is already joining the fight."
"Kohaku?"
"Yes…" I looked away from her. "I think he is under Naraku's spell for the time being."
Sango hung her head. "Please don't let any harm come to him. What are we going to do? I'm not leaving here without him, Kagura!"
On the inside, I was beginning to panic a little. We could always just take him with us, but there was no guarantee he would not become possessed by Naraku again in the future. I had no idea how he controlled the boy.
"We'll figure it out," I said. Pulse… My ruby eyes met her beautiful topaz gaze. We have to save the boy, too… I can't let her down. I refuse… I put one hand to Sango's cheek, gently resting the other on her hip. I pulled her close and left a brief kiss on her lips. Pulse… "Sango, I have to go!" This may be the last time I get to kiss her so freely…
I left Sango standing in the doorway, confused and a little flustered, if my eyes did not deceive me. I sprinted across the hall back into my room, opting for a dramatic exit through my bedroom window to enter the battle outside. Before I jumped, I looked over my shoulder one last time at Sango. "Sango! Move! Now!" She straightened her posture at the urgency in my voice and made a motion to collect the armor and sword from the corner, a determined look returning to her eyes. I liked to see that.
I leaped out the window, doing a somersault in the process and landing with great poise in the courtyard below.
"Kagura, how nice of you to join!" yelled Miroku as he dodged Kohaku's kusarigama. The boy sure is quick to act.
"I wouldn't have it any other way, monk!" I yelled. I could hear buzzing overhead. I looked up to see a swarm of saimyosho hovering above us, watching. I hesitantly pulled out my fan. I had to make some kind of believable scene for the time being. Out of my peripheral vision, I could see Inuyasha charging at Kohaku and swinging his sword to exterminate a few nearby saimyosho.
Miroku approached me. I looked to the insects above me. "Miroku…" I held up my fan. "I'm sorry, monk. Just go with it. I promise…" I waved my fan in his direction, putting absolutely no effort into the motion.
Miroku looked startled for a moment. "Kagura! What-?" He soon realized my winds were nowhere near lethal; the poorest act I could put on.
The monk and I would continue our false spar for as long as we could, while Inuyasha and Kagome chased Kohaku and destroyed the place in the process. Kirara and Shippo soon began dispatching the saimyosho.
After about fifteen minutes of useless chaos, Kanna nonchalantly strolled into the middle of the small battlefield.
Sango, please hurry. I don't know how much longer I can keep up the act for…
[Sango's point of view.]
I ran.
I ran as fast as I could down the halls, trying desperately to remember the exact directions to the dungeon where Rouge was being kept. I could hear the explosions and battle cries outside, signifying the fight had begun. It scared me to no end knowing that Kohaku was battling against them, possibly with Naraku at his side. But I did not know for sure…
Equally terrifying to me was acknowledging the possibility that I may get caught myself. I did not know exactly who all was out there right now. Neither Kagura or myself had even seen Naraku all day…
I paused at the bottom of a stairwell. I had two options, down or forward. I could not remember where to go. Panic began to well inside me as I felt the floor shake beneath my feet. Heart racing, I went with my instincts and ran down the stairs. At the very bottom, I tripped, dropping the armor and weapon from my hand with a loud clatter.
I hastily pushed myself up on my hands and knees and looked around, listening closely. I could hear nothing in my immediate vicinity and slowly collected the dropped items. Once back on track, I began a silent sprint down the hall, a greater caution guiding my actions and keeping my haste in check. I had to be careful, still.
Once again, I passed the small set of stairs leading down to the foreboding room concealed by a set of blood red doors. I paused and stared for a while, in an unplanned, sickening trance. I had been drawn to this location before. Whenever I happened across it, I always felt the most unpleasant curiosity.
An explosion outside and another shake to the architecture snapped me back to the present. I had a mission to attend to! I shook my head and took off past the alluring area and soon recognized my surroundings as the entrance to the dungeon. I sprinted down the steps two at a time and ran down the hall until I was at the last cell, Rouge's.
"Took you long enough, slayer!" called Rouge, still suspended from the ceiling by her wrists.
I dropped her belongings, ignoring her remark. I quickly produced the key to Rouge's cell and began fumbling with the lock. It clicked open with ease and I pulled the door open by the bars. I rushed over to Rouge and examined the shackles on her wrists, hoping the key fit those as well. It would appear so.
It did not take long to free the fire demon. She fell ungracefully to the floor with a low "ow". I stood before her and held out my hand to assist. Rouge got up on her own accord and uselessly brushed the dirt from her body. She stood mere centimeters away, never averting her amethyst gaze from me. I felt a little threatened by her presence currently. I could feel her anger and see the thirst for revenge in her eyes.
"Thank you, slayer," said Rouge. She walked past me and began equipping her ancestral kimono and armor. I watched her pick up her sword last, smiling wickedly as she wiped the blade with her sleeve and stared at her reflection.
"You and the wind witch have made a wise decision," said the fire demon. "I will not let either of you down; Naraku will surely pay with the appropriate amount of blood loss." She eyed me curiously, looking me up and down. Rouge bit her lip and frowned. "Something is missing from you, mortal…" She looked past me, back into her cell and soon walked that way.
Rouge walked to the back wall and bent over to collect something. I heard the small sound of blade against stone and Rouge soon approached me. "It's dangerous to go alone; here, take this!" The fire demon handed me her silver dagger that I had managed to lodge in the wall the previous night.
"Thank you, Rouge," I said, turning the small blade in my hands.
"Think nothing of it!" proclaimed Rouge. She unsheathed her sword. "Now, let's go squash this spider!" She took off down the hall and up the stairs, motioning for me to follow.
I chased after her, slightly entertained. As we ran, Rouge would often wave her sword at objects as we passed, carelessly knocking them over, shouting, and carrying on like a lunatic.
I slowed my pace for a reason I could not even comprehend until I was at a complete pause. At the top of the set of stairs leading the crimson doors.
"Hey, Rouge, wait!" I called out. I looked around; Rouge was nowhere in sight. I turned back to the doors and then looked at the dagger in my hands.
[Kagura's point of view.]
Sango, where are you?
I couldn't keep up the farce much longer.
"FIRESTARTER!"
I was never happier to see purple flames erupt from the ground as a wall crumbled about twenty paces to my right.
"Did ya miss me?" asked Rouge.
"Rouge!" One of Kagome's arrows flew past me on purpose.
"What the hell?" asked Rouge. "I thought they were on our side!"
"They are," I answered. Perfect timing.
"Naraku! Come out and fight us, you son of a bitch!" screamed Rouge as she walked angrily onto the battle scene. She knocked over a pillar, toppling a balcony as she passed.
Low, evil laughter echoed around the courtyard. Everyone froze and surveyed the area, even Kohaku.
"Where are you?" yelled Inuyasha. "Show yourself!"
In a whirlwind of miasma, Naraku materialized in front of us, saimyosho hovering obediently around him, Kanna at his side. Kohaku took point in front of them all. His chocolate brown eyes were still empty as Kanna's soul. He raised his weapon.
"Kohaku! What gives?" yelled Rouge. She approached the boy in a confident stride. "Are you happy being a puppet or what? Why protect this monstrosity?"
Kohaku watched her, ready to strike. I really did not want them to fight; I could not be so certain that Rouge would not kill him if he got in the way.
Kohaku threw his blade. Rouge dodged it and lunged at him. She was fast enough to catch him by the wrists. "Snap out of it!" He struggled against her and she threw him to the ground.
"Rouge! Don't hurt him!" I yelled, approaching them both. Rouge stood over him, sword raised.
"Well, if she's got him covered, I guess I'll just have to focus on you, Naraku!" Inuyasha charged toward us, leaping into the air at the last moment. "WIND SCAR!" He sliced the air with the tetsusaiga, sending a golden yellow energy blast at Naraku.
"Kagura! Rouge! Duck!" I felt the wind being knocked out of me as the fire demon and I were both tackled to the ground by Miroku. An enchanted arrow from Kagome soared overhead shortly after our fall.
Naraku's eyes widened as the arrow struck his shoulder. It tore through his kimono and barely grazed his skin.
"Got him!" I heard Kagome cry from behind us somewhere.
I stood up, followed in suit by the monk and fire demon. "Are you two ok?" asked Miroku. I nodded. Kohaku made it to his feet as well, flinging the kusarigama at us. We dispersed and Rouge soon gave chase to the boy.
A blast of dark energy barely missed Miroku and I as we ran. I threw my feather up and mounted it, bringing the monk with me. I peered over the edge as we flew up, watching Inuyasha dodge Naraku's energy blasts. Kirara and Shippo were back at it flying around and burning through the saimyosho with foxfire.
"Kagura, where's Sango?" asked Miroku.
"She should be joining us soon," I stated. I was a little worried myself. I thought surely she would have entered the scene with Rouge. I changed the subject, partially due to my own anxiety on the matter and partially due to the battle at hand. "Miroku, can you use your wind tunnel?" I directed us down to land.
"I don't think it would be wise; there are still just enough saimyosho around…" Miroku left the feather.
I also stood on the ground. "Damn…"
An explosion of light and miasma yielded Inuyasha soaring toward us. The hanyou landed on his back and slid across the ground, hands still clasped tightly around tetsusaiga's hilt.
"Inuyasha!" we both cried simultaneously.
Inuyasha growled and slowly stood up. "That motherfucker… don't worry, I'll get him!" I could see the soft glow of Kagome's arrows ahead through the dissipating miasma. The rough outline of Kirara could be seen charging at the mass I presumed to be Naraku. A small burst of foxfire soon followed, with a faint battle cry and purple flames in tow.
"We've gotta get back out there!" Inuyasha turned to us. "He's certainly weakened, Kagura. I'm shocked. I think we can get him. If we all attack at once…" Another yet smaller explosion appeared, followed by a cry of pain.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha yelled and ran back to the battlefield. Miroku and I followed.
Kohaku came running at us from the chaos, Kirara and Shippo in hot pursuit. The boy flung his blade at me. I dodged just in time and darted away.
"Kagura, are you really betraying us?" asked Kohaku, his voice as empty as his eyes. I ignored his comment and ran, leading him back into the main battle.
Upon my return to the courtyard, I saw Inuyasha and Miroku both crouched beside Kagome; her shoulder was bleeding. A wound about the right size and shape to be caused by a blade such as the kusarigama. Kirara and Shippo hovered in the air; only a handful of saimyosho remained. Naraku stood at the castle entrance, a cruel smile on his face. The demon still did not look his usual self.
"Well done, Kohaku," said Naraku.
Kohaku sped past me and stood at Naraku's side, weapon raised.
"Stand down," commanded Naraku. Kohaku lowered his weapon. "Kagura…" The evil demon began a slow stride toward me.
I looked around for any sign of Rouge. A steaming pile of rubble was nearby and I could faintly pick up the fire demon's scent wafting from that direction. No…
"Kagura, do you really dare to defy me?" I did not like the look in Naraku's crimson eyes as he neared me. He still had my heart…
Naraku smirked and held out his hand. A small red orb appeared in his palm, gently pulsing in a rhythm. I felt my stomach drop. He gave the small orb a squeeze. A terrible pain ripped through me and I held my hands to my chest.
"You forget, I still have power over you," continued Naraku. "Remember I am the one to give you life… I will also be the one to bring you death." He laughed cruelly and gave my heart another squeeze. I cried out and fell to the ground.
"Oh my god!" I heard Kagome gasp. "She's dying…" They sounded closer. Thankfully, it sounded as if the miko was ok for the time being. "Inuyasha!" she cried. "Get him with the wind scar!"
My vision was blurring in and out. Another sharp pain seized my chest and I closed my eyes, curling on the ground in a fetal position.
Sango… please hurry…
[Sango's point of view.]
Lockpicking was never my strong point. It was a skill that came in handy very rarely. My skill level with it was novice, at best. I stuck the dagger into the keyhole once more and twisted the tip around at an angle. Something clicked. I tugged at the mechanism to no avail. Almost…
I pocketed the dagger and took a step back. Brute force may be my best bet here. I summoned my strength and kicked the lock as hard as I could with my heel. The lock broke and fell to ground. I cautiously pulled the doors open and peered inside the room.
It was almost pitch-black inside, with the exception of a blue light emanating from one of the back corners. Carefully and quietly, I stepped inside. I swear the light appeared to grow as I made my entrance. With the recent adjustment, I noticed a lonely shelf at the end of the room, sitting low on the back wall. Two small jars sat atop it with a small chest in the middle. The doors slid shut behind me, all on their own, and I could not stifle my small gasp.
I found solace in the fact that I was alone. But what if I can't get out?
Something rustled from somewhere within the room. I pulled out my dagger and held it in front of me, my guard fully raised. I examined my surroundings. The light fluctuated a little. I slowly began approach to the end of the room, where the jars were. I could hear the smallest, strangest sound, pulsing in a rhythm. The sound grew louder as I drew closer to the jars.
One of the jars had a striped pattern of maroon and white, with a blue feather-like design on the lid. The other was all white, with the exception of a pattern of black flowers going all the way around the middle. I crouched down and examined the details up close. Carefully, I put my hand on the lid of the jar with the feather-like design on it. I opened the jar with care, about dropping the lid as soon as I glimpsed the contents.
It was a heart.
I didn't know whether to be terrified or sick… This must be Kagura's heart… The image of Kagura's beautiful face infiltrated my psyche. Memories of her kindness and comfort replayed in my mind. Every time she healed my injuries and took care of me, every time she held me and offered comfort when the nightmares got the best of me… I couldn't leave this place without her heart.
The ceiling above me shook and a few pebbles fell to the ground. I didn't have much time.
The light dimmed for a moment and out of the corner of my eye, I could have sworn I saw a shadow. I spun around, holding out the dagger.
"Who's there?"
Silence.
The mirror in the corner began glowing an even brighter blue, so bright, I momentarily shielded my eyes with my hands. The intensity died down and the color changed slowly from blue to a cool violet. I walked over to it, stopping about five paces away.
A shadow appeared within the mirror. I raised my weapon.
"Who are you?!"
The shadow figure came closer to the glass, until I could clearly make out a face.
"Rouge?!"
I stepped over to the mirror, lowering the dagger, curiosity piqued.
"Yes?" asked the girl in the mirror.
"What's going on?" If Rouge is out there, then who is this…? I had a bad feeling…
"I don't know who you are or what you are doing here," said the Rouge-like person. "I just know I have been separated from my body and the rest of my spirit…"
"Rest of…?" I asked. My heart began to race. This was certainly an unexpected variable…
"I was brought back by dark magic to fulfill an evil promise. Cursed to exact misplaced revenge. I'm only a catalyst to further corrupt the sacred Shikon Jewel… Part of my soul was taken just before my resurrection. I felt it leave my body as I was wrongfully reanimated."
"Are you Rouge? Or is she out there? I am not sure I follow…" I was becoming very worried for both myself in here, and my friends, out there fighting alongside the fire demon I was currently speaking to in a mirror.
"My body is out there, fighting with reckless intentions and fueled by the rightful desire of revenge. That's not my entire soul up there." The spirit looked up, a sad and wonder-filled expression on her face. She looked back to me, a somber calmness in her violet eyes. "I am empathy and understanding. I am love and righteousness. Hatred and cynicism have walked the earth in my name. Brutality and greed. Violence and revenge."
"I see…" Naraku couldn't contain the entire warrior's spirit…
"What is your name, human woman?"
"Sango."
"And what are your intentions, Sango?"
"I… don't know…" I was here talking to a spirit that should not logically exist—a spirit trapped in a mirror. "I felt drawn to this room…" I looked to the jar containing Kagura's heart.
"You want to free the wind demon," noted the spirit.
I nodded, feeling a heat on my cheeks and the threatening sting of tears in my eyes. "I need to free my brother as well."
"The young taijiya boy?" I nodded once more.
"Naraku's tools and tricks are not as grandiose as he may want the world to believe," said Rouge through the mirror. "You might want to check that box on the shelf, between the two jars."
I was unsure if I should trust this being entirely. She could be another trick of Naraku's or a malicious entity trying to convince me to let her loose into the world to cause even more mayhem. I walked over to the shelf, slow to take my eyes off the spectre in the looking glass. I crouched down and opened the chest, half expecting something to jump out and attack. A crudely carved doll was within, similar to Naraku's many golems.
The doll appeared to be wearing a piece of light blue cloth and had a few strands of dark hair tied around it. I reached into the box and picked up the small figure. It was heavier than I expected. I examined the details up close. The cloth was similar to that of Kohaku's kimono and the hairs were dark brown like his as well. My heart raced. I turned to look to the girl in the mirror. Maybe she knew something more?
"You want to break the spell, do you not?" I nodded slowly and then looked back to the figure in my hand.
"You must destroy the golem…"
I eyed her suspiciously. We were still in Naraku's territory. It shouldn't be that easy.
"You do not trust me fully…" The spirit sighed. "I understand… However, you are running out of time. I can see the battle above ground. Your brother and the wind sorceress may not have long."
I swallowed hard and held the dagger tightly. I set the golem doll on the ground and raised my weapon with both hands. I looked to the spirit girl once more.
"If anything terrible happens to him as a result of this, just know that I will kill you." My words were much colder than I imagined.
"Fair enough."
I brought the blade down on the doll. It cracked but did not break. I cried out and hit it a few more times, shattering it on the fourth or fifth strike. A purple shine caught my attention. I brushed the ruined wood and damage aside, revealing a jewel shard. I grabbed it and held it up. It looked as if it had been broken in two pieces. I wonder if Kohaku has the other half… I quickly pocketed the shard and rose to my feet.
"I have assisted you, Sango," came the voice from the mirror. We made eye contact. "Will you help me as well? Free me so I may become one with my body once more. I cannot properly carry out my vengeance from in here." I was still hesitant…
"Ami, Yokama, and Damien deserve to be avenged by someone who truly loves them, not some wrath-born creature who is fueled by violence and bloodlust."
I nodded. I could respect that. "How do I…?"
"Just break the mirror."
"That's it?" Too simple. The spectre nodded. "Ok…" I glanced around the room, unsure what I was expecting. I pulled back my fist and swung hard at the mirror, shattering it. A high-pitched scream was heard and a blinding purple light blasted me backward.
[Kagura's point of view.]
"WIND SCAR!"
The ground cracked open and a yellow wave of light was heading in my direction. My chest still hurt immensely and my limbs were weak.
"Kagura!" I was suddenly snatched up by Kagome, soon riding atop Kirara alongside her. "Are you ok?"
I rubbed my aching chest. "I'll be fine… for how much longer, I am unsure; Naraku holds my heart in his hands…"
"I'm sorry." I looked down to see Inuyasha charging at Naraku, who was apparently missed by the wind scar. Miroku was also running toward them, armed with holy sutras and his staff.
We landed next to a pile of rubble, where Shippo was aimlessly pulling rocks and debris out of the way. Astonishingly, the little fox had removed enough to reveal Rouge's hand.
"Oh no…" gasped Kagome.
"I'm trying! We have to uncover her!" cried Shippo, as he moved another rock out of the way.
"Move, kid, let us get it—" I reached down to assist.
"Kagura, look out!"
"Huh?" I cried out in pain as I felt something sharp pierce the back of my shoulder blade. I was able to turn my head just enough to see Kohaku. He pulled on the chain and yanked the blade out of my flesh. He caught it with ease, keeping his battle stance and watching us menacingly.
"Kohaku! Snap out of it! We're not the enemy!" cried Kagome.
Kohaku raised his weapon and scowled at us, teeth bared like an animal. Kagome raised her arrow next to me.
"Kagome…" I cautioned. Shippo assumed a fighting stance in front of me.
Kohaku motioned to throw his weapon at us once more and stopped mid-action. The blade fell out of his outstretched hand and landed with a sharp noise in the dirt below. Kohaku then fell to his knees, catching himself on his hands.
"Kohaku?" I called to him. I made a step to approach the boy but was stopped by Kagome's hand on my shoulder.
"Kagura… be careful…"
On intuition, I shrugged her hand away and cautiously approached the younger demon slayer. As I drew closer, I could feel that something in his energy had changed.
"Kohaku?" I crouched down beside him. He was breathing heavily, eyes locked to the ground. He muttered something I couldn't quite understand. "Kohaku?"
He snapped his gaze forward and frantically began looking around the area. A panicked look appeared on his face, sweat forming on his brow. He grabbed his weapon and hastily rose to his feet. I stepped back, alarmed by his spastic actions.
"It was here…" I could barely make out his words. He looked at me, fear and… shame?... filling his young features. "It happened here, I'm sure of it…" His gaze briefly directed to Kagome, Shippo, then the battle behind us. "Oh god… It did happen here. It wasn't just a nightmare…"
Oh no… Is he remembering?
The boy looked in horror to the weapon in his hands and dropped it. "I killed them all… I killed my father… and my sister…" A tear fell trickled down his cheek. I rushed in front of him and put my hands on his shoulders.
"Kohaku," I said softly. I could hear an explosion in the background. "Kohaku, it was not a dream, but now is not the time… we are in the middle of a warzone—"
A blinding light came flying right at us from the castle entrance. I grabbed Kohaku and dived to the ground, pulling Kagome and Shippo down with us. The light flew right into the rubble, which then began to emanate a purple glow. Rouge's hand twitched. The pile of debris shook and Rouge rose from within it.
"Rouge!" I exclaimed.
She cracked her neck and looked to me. "Where is Naraku?" There was something different about her voice. And the look in her eyes… it was not as… empty… I could only point to the nearby destruction and chaos. Rouge nodded and bent over, digging through the rubble. She soon found her sword, picked it up and hopped out of the ruins. She looked over her shoulder at us. "Thank you, Kagura." With that said, she ran to the battle, sword raised, without another word or so much as a battle cry.
"Kagura, where's Sango? She's still not joined up with us!" said Kagome. She stood up. I followed, grabbing Kohaku on my way.
"Sango's alive?" asked Kohaku through tears.
"Yes," I answered. "Do you not remember? She's been here with us—with you—for nearly a month now!"
"It hurts to remember…" Kohaku drifted off. "Everything hurts…" He was swaying again. I caught him as he leaned toward me. Kagome grabbed his other arm.
"Kohaku, can you fight? At all?" asked Shippo.
We huddled together as a blast of wind erupted from the battle scene; the ground shook beneath us. I heard a few cries of "firestarter" and "wind scar" off in the distance.
"Kohaku, we are fighting Naraku. Do you remember Naraku? Do you remember anything about him?" I asked, desperate. It was only a matter of time before Naraku caught a break and remembered us, remembered me. I thanked my lucky stars that he hadn't killed me yet tonight.
We began a careful traverse back to the main battlefield. We would need as much firepower as possible. I knew what Kohaku was capable of, if he would be up for it.
"…Naraku… he's here?" asked Kohaku. It blew my mind how jumbled his brain was at the moment.
"Yes; I just said we are in the middle of fighting him! Now can you fight or not?" I was growing impatient.
Kohaku growled. "He made me do it… all of it…" He shrugged out of our hold. I grinned. Thatta boy, Kohaku…
"Kohaku…" Kagome reached after him.
"Naraku!" cried Kohaku as he ran off into the battle, kusarigama raised. The three of us took off after him.
When we reached the scuffle, Naraku and Inuyasha were in the middle of the courtyard, swords interlocked. Both were looking worse for wear. Kohaku, Miroku, Rouge, and Kirara were surrounding them. I pulled out my fan and held it up in defense. Kagome raised her bow and arrow beside me. Shippo bravely took point assuming his little battle stance.
"You're outnumbered, Naraku!" cried Miroku.
"Give up!" Inuyasha shoved into Naraku, knocking him back with his sword and shoulder. The evil demon stumbled and Inuyasha swung at him again, sending a wave of energy his way.
"My turn!" yelled Rouge. She ran at Naraku, her own blade raised. "Flames of Hades!" She jumped into the air and spun, elegantly swinging her sword mid-air. Her action created a reddish-purple tornado of flames.
I smirked as an idea formed in my head. "Dance of blades!" I waved my fan and sent my sharp winds at my former employer and evil sire.
We watched in anticipation as the two attacks combined and seemingly hit their target. When the flames and dust dissipated, only a black scorch mark was present on the ground.
"Did we get him?" asked Rouge.
I was the first to approach the scene. Before I could vocalize the terror I began to feel from within, Naraku had materialized behind me. I felt immense pain in my shoulder as one of his spikes pierced my flesh.
"Kagura, how dare you be so treacherous!" Naraku's foot collided with my back and I fell forward, feeling his spiked appendage slide out of my shoulder.
"Kagura!" cried Rouge. I rolled over and willed myself to enter a crouching stance. Kirara growled and lunged at Naraku, sinking her fangs into his shoulder. Miasma sprayed out of the wound, quickly deterring the demon cat. Kagome, Miroku, and Kohaku covered their mouths as the miasma grew.
"Leave her alone, Naraku!" yelled Kohaku. He charged at us, weapon raised. He jumped into the air about to strike. Naraku's arm transformed into a tentacle and quickly knocked the boy to the ground, the force rendering him unconscious.
"Kohaku!" I cried out. Naraku kicked me in the jaw and I fell backward, my vision darkening for a second.
Naraku looked over his shoulder and sent a massive wave of dark energy in the direction of his gaze. I heard a scuffle and the sounds of metal hitting rock. I slowly rolled over onto my side. Naraku was standing right in front of me. Past his legs, I could see Inuyasha, Rouge, and Miroku in a pile. Inuyasha was struggling to get up, followed by Rouge. The monk did not move.
My attention was drawn from my allies to my own plight by Naraku's foot sorely nudging my ribcage. I forced myself up. I would not go down like this…
"Kagura, you will pay for your betrayal with that which is most precious to you… your wasted life. I'll crush your wicked heart right before your eyes." Naraku held out his palm and summoned forth the glowing red orb representing my heart. He gave it a rough squeeze.
I cried out, doubling over and holding my aching chest with both hands. Naraku laughed darkly and squeezed my disembodied heart once more. I coughed, sputtering out blood. My vision was blurring…
Is this it?
At least I will go out fighting...
[Sango's point of view.]
Heart racing, I ran as fast as I could through the labyrinth of a castle; all the while, I exhibited extreme caution to the precious item in my arms.
I needed to get Kagura's heart to her. I had already freed Rouge… hopefully… and Kohaku…
I made it to the courtyard entrance and burst through the doors. I was met with the sight of ruin and destruction; the smells of charred architecture and scorched earth filled my nostrils, hinted with the slightest remnants of blood and miasma.
The place was utterly destroyed. I scanned the area and quickly spotted Inuyasha carrying Miroku, Rouge protectively tailing behind him. Miroku! Please be safe… On the other side of the makeshift battlefield was Naraku, standing over someone; who it was, I could not currently tell. Kagome was merely paces away from them, too close for comfort. She was on the ground, peering down at someone, Shippo doing the same. I could not immediately see Kohaku or Kagura, leading me to believe that they may be the objects of Kagome, Shippo, or Naraku's current attentions.
I glanced to Inuyasha, Rouge, and Miroku. Inuyasha set Miroku down behind a fallen pillar. He must have seen me. "Sango!" called out the half-demon. I saw Miroku stir a little and smiled. A small weight left my heart.
Naraku turned around, his eyes quickly set on me. The expression on his face was of pure malice. I glimpsed Kagura on the ground, behind him; her face was pale and slightly bloodied. In Naraku's hand, I saw a small red glow. The jar in my arms shook violently.
He was killing her!
Instead of running right at them, I took off to the right, a hasty plan forming in my head. "Inuyasha! Rouge! Do something! I have to get over there!" I was nearly out of breath already.
"Already ahead of you!" Kagome prepared an arrow and pulled it back. She let it go and it shot Naraku in the shoulder, forming a hole and accompanying purifying light as it hit its mark.
As I ran past Kagome, I saw Kohaku slowly sit up with Shippo's aid. "Kohaku!"
"He's fine for now; go get Kagura!" yelled Shippo.
"FLAMES OF HADES!"
"BLADES OF BLOOD!"
Naraku was blasted away from Kagura. I rushed to her side. As I crouched down to her level and set down the jar, I heard an excited roar behind me and was soon knocked to the ground by Kirara. I rolled over on my back and held up my hands as my faithful demon cat lapped at my face and rubbed her snout against me.
"Kirara!" I couldn't help to laugh. "I've missed you, too! But now is not the time!" The neko calmed down at my command and sat patiently beside me. I turned to Kagura, who was slowly sitting up. She held her hand to her chest.
"Kagura…" I reached for the jar beside us and held it out to her. "I have something that belongs to you."
The injured wind demon said nothing but gently took the jar into her shaking hands. Kagura gasped upon realization of what it was. "Sango…" she looked to me, tears welling in her eyes. I smiled and put my hand on her shoulder. Kagura reached into the jar, and for a brief second, felt her own heart. Almost as soon as she touched it, a red light formed around it and it rose out of the jar, then forcibly entered her chest. Kagura fell back a little and I caught her.
We both rose to our feet; I was careful not to let Kagura fall. I stood with her in my arms for a moment, uncaring who would see. The wind sorceress opened her eyes and gasped, placing a hand on her chest. Her eyes widened as she felt her own heartbeat for the first time. "My heart…" She grabbed my hand and placed it over her chest. I felt her heartbeat and couldn't hide the smile forming on my face. I let go of her; she assumed a very confident battle stance, pulling her fan gracefully out of her kimono; her aura and determination strengthened tenfold.
"Where did he go?" I heard Inuyasha behind us. His unanswered question was followed shortly by reprimanding the monk. "Miroku! Are you alright? You should have stayed put!"
"I'm fine," replied the monk. "Sango!" I turned my head and saw Miroku and Inuyasha rushing over to me.
I soon felt Miroku's arms around me. He actually managed to lift me off the ground and spin me around. I held onto him, ignoring the involuntary tense of my muscles at his sudden embrace. I hoped he didn't notice, too. "Miroku…" He set me on the ground, still holding me.
"You're ok!"
I held onto him, never wanting to let go. "Yes…" The tension in my body eased a little. "Where is Naraku?" I did not trust our reunion to be so sweet and painless. I knew better.
I heard Rouge's voice from within an exposed hallway about a yard to our left. "Heheheh… I got him in here…" We all turned the source of the noise.
Inuyasha and Kagome were the first to approach the scene. Kagura, Miroku, and I followed.
"Sango!" I heard Kohaku's voice and soon felt him cling to my arm, reminding me fleetingly of how he would do that when we were younger.
"Kohaku…" I put my arm around him. I heard Kirara growling behind us. I looked over my shoulder to see Shippo riding atop her as they approached.
We collectively peered into the wreckage and the sight before us. Rouge had Naraku pinned under some rubble, standing atop the pile, her sword glowing amethyst and resting just under his chin. Was that a glimpse of fear in Naraku's eyes?
"We got him…" Rouge chuckled. A maniacal, triumphant smile appeared on her face. "Shall I do the honors?"
"No way, fire demon!" said Inuyasha. "His head is mine!" He stepped forward and pushed Rouge out of the way.
The ground below us began to shake. No… No, no! What's happening?!
A dark purple aura grew from Naraku to the rocks he was buried under.
"Retreat!" yelled Kagura. We all turned and ran.
A massive explosion of miasma erupted from the ruined building, sending Inuyasha, Rouge, and Kagome flying above us. Everyone else was knocked down from the blast. I was quick to get up, soon helping Kagura and Kohaku to their feet. Kirara, Shippo, and Miroku recovered quickly as well.
Naraku strode confidently toward us through the smoke, although there was a stagger to his gait. He paused and looked past us.
"Get him!" screamed Rouge, as she and Inuyasha charged at Naraku. Kagome was surprisingly right behind them, bow and arrow raised and ready, in spite of the wound on her shoulder. "Firestarter!" The fire yokai slashed at Naraku, a fault line forming that led from herself to the target. Purple flames shot up from the earth.
"IRON REAVER SOUL STEALER!" Inuyasha held tetsusaiga with one hand and slashed at Naraku with the other. Their attacks were joined by a purifying arrow. All three attacks hit Naraku at once.
"Dance of the dragon!" Kagura waved her fan in an elegant dance, creating the largest tornado I had seen her make yet. She sent the cyclone at Naraku, grinning madly at her own actions.
Miroku, Shippo, and Kirara added to the chaos by delivering Naraku a hail of sutras and fire.
I felt so useless, being armed with only my bare hands and a small dagger. This was a battle I longed to be a part of. My revenge was held in check, however, by my little brother clinging to my side. I held him close as we watched the madness unfold.
The combined attacks hit Naraku all at once, in what was arguably the most beautiful display of destruction I had ever witnessed in my life. Yellow, purple, red, and white lights surrounded the demon in a cyclone of devastation. I had to look away when the blinding mushroom cloud erupted from the target. I shielded Kohaku's eyes as well. I felt lightheaded, knowing full well that the exposure to the miasma was setting in. Inuyasha, Miroku, Rouge, and Kagura rushed passed us once the light died down.
There was a literal crater ahead of us, where Naraku once stood.
Kagome stopped beside me and Kohaku, Kirara and Shippo joining as well. "Are you two ok?" asked the priestess. I nodded. I could tell the miasma was finally affecting her, too. I looked to the others and saw Miroku fall forward.
"Miroku!" I broke Kohaku's hold and sprinted over to the monk. I kneeled beside him, putting my arm around his shoulders. "Are you alright? Are you injured?"
"Nothing too major," he said in a rough voice. "This miasma, though… it's lingering…"
"I know…"
Inuyasha, Rouge, and Kagura peered over the edge of the crater. I saw Rouge hop down into it.
"Hey, wait a minute!" Inuyasha yelled. Kagura pulled him back.
It was not too long before heard the undeniable sounds of swords clashing and bodies crashing together.
"How the hell?!" cried Inuyasha.
Rouge dashed madly out of the crater, sword drawn, Naraku in close pursuit. He was damaged, though. Yet fast. As he chased after her, it looked as if he was smoking. Maybe even melting…?
Naraku caught up to her and lunged at her with his sword. She spun around and blocked his attack with her own weapon. Their swords slid apart and she bolted once more, Naraku giving chase yet again. Rouge quickened her pace and Naraku's arm transformed into a tentacle, a sharp spike at its end. He attempted to pierce the fire demon and she seemingly dodged each attack.
Rouge was finally stopped by a trip over some rubble. Naraku towered over her, blade pointed dangerously at her neck. Rouge swung out her leg, kicking him in the shin and knocking him over. The fire demon got up once more and ran. Naraku cursed and sent a blast of dark energy in her direction. The blast hit its target and Rouge cried out as she was thrown forward.
"Rouge!" I cried and made a motion to go to her.
Kagome grabbed my shoulder. "Stay out of it!" She was right…
Rouge was able to get back up at the last second; she narrowly avoided Naraku's blade to her skull as she rolled out of the way and sprinted across the courtyard. She quickly scaled the castle wall and made it to the rooftop. Naraku joined her all too soon, swinging his sword and firing at her once more. The black blast of energy missed her by mere centimeters, blowing a hole in the roof instead.
The fire demon jumped out of harm's way in an eloquent evasive maneuver. She spun around as she landed and raised her weapon with perfect timing. "Had enough yet, Naraku? I'll fight you all night!" Naraku narrowed his eyes at her.
Naraku's sword was pushed down a little by Rouge's blade; she used this to her advantage. Rouge made a motion to stab Naraku. His eyes widened; he grabbed her sword, sending it flying out of her grip and off of the rooftop. I watched her sword fall to the ground below, landing with a sickening, distinct slice as it hit the dirt. Rouge was clearly startled by her disarmament, and nearly lost her footing. Naraku then kicked her in the shins, causing her to fall. The demoness slid towards the edge of the roof, hanging on with her claws, and getting back to her feet.
"Oh my," said Naraku, "No weapon. Whatever shall you do?"
We watched in awe from below as Rouge battled Naraku above. It began to rain, washing away the toxic remains of the miasma. Rouge was starting to falter as she sparred with Naraku. He had managed to stab her once in the side, but she kept on fighting.
Rouge slashed at Naraku with her claws, cutting his chest and shoulder. Naraku responded with a kick to the jaw, sending her flying backwards. "You fight just like that bat demon you called your sister," said Naraku, walking towards Rouge. He swung the sword at her, cutting her back. Rouge groaned in pain. "You'll go down again, just as easily as you did the first time. You and your damned companions." Naraku stomped on Rouge's outstretched hand, and a sickening crunch noise was heard as bones broke. The fire demon cursed in pain.
"Rouge," said Naraku, "You're going to die. You're dying right now. But don't worry," he kicked her in the head. "You'll soon be with your dear sister." Naraku then picked Rouge up by her neck. I swear I could see trace amounts of blood mixed in with the rain water that trickled around their bodies. Rouge struggled in Naraku's grasp, pointlessly digging her claws into his arms.
"Rouge! No!" I yelled. I could feel my anxiety heighten as my heart broke for the young fire demon. Naraku walked to the edge of the rooftop, dangling the struggling demon over the side.
The disgusting sound of pierced flesh and bone echoed throughout the castle grounds, accompanied by a scream of pain and agony. Naraku had driven his sword into Rouge's chest, right below her heart. The next thing that could be heard was Naraku's evil laughter and its horrendous echoing.
Rouge summoned up the very last ounce of her strength and threw her hand over her shoulder, appearing to feel around her back for something. She hacked away at her own skin with her claws and pulled out the jewel shard embedded in her back. Rouge held the shard tight in her fist, then turned her head to face Naraku.
"See you in hell:" Rouge's infamous last words. She glared at Naraku one final time, the light leaving her eyes. Naraku crushed her neck and held her still as he slowly withdrew the blade from her pierced corpse. Rouge's body plummeted to the ground, all of this appearing in slow motion to me.
"ROUGE!" I screamed the demon's name and ran to her lifeless form, tears stinging my eyes.
Rouge was never really an enemy. She was a prisoner of war, like me, in a different way. She did not deserve to die twice, and so young. I kneeled down next to the dead demon and rolled her over onto her back. I was soon joined by Kagura and Kohaku at each side. Slowly, Rouge's fist came unclenched, revealing the jewel shard. The jewel's glow gradually changed from that of a dark, corrupted purple to a light, pure, fuchsia.
Kagome kneeled down beside us and looked to me for silent permission before taking the jewel shard from the deceased fire demon. I took Rouge's hand in both of mine and looked up into the dark, cloudy night sky, letting my tears blend in with the raindrops cooling my face. Kagura and Kohaku both held onto me. I could tell Kohaku was crying, too.
It's ok, Rouge. You're with Ami, Yokama, and Damien now. You can breathe again.
"I know this is a rough moment," Miroku said softly from behind us, "but does anyone have eyes on Naraku? I did not happen to see where he went after..." He trailed off, unable to finish his sentence. He closed his eyes and held his hand to his face, in the motion of a blessing.
We all began to survey the area, looking for any signs of our nemesis. It would be so like him to slip away so cleanly and quietly after viciously snuffing the life out of someone. Kagura gently closed Rouge's eyes and stood up, holding her fan out defensively. Kagome joined, bow and arrow ready. Kohaku and I were the last to stand up. Our group slowly dispersed, not straying too far apart, for the sake of safety. Inuyasha walked into the middle of the courtyard
"WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU, YOU FUCKER?" screamed Inuyasha. An uneasy silence fell upon us; even the rain gradually stopped falling.
"Don't worry, Inuyasha," came Naraku's voice, seeming to come from everywhere and nowhere all the same time. "For one thing, you're not really here."
With that said, a huge cloud of miasma appeared out of nowhere, and several whirlwinds of the vapors swirled all over the place. The castle began to deteriorate.
"What's happening?" asked Kohaku, scared. He wrapped his arms around me and I held him closely.
"I don't know…" I answered, closing my eyes and shaking my head. Dirt or some other debris entered my left eye.
"Don't even tell me..." said Inuyasha. "Shit! It's another phantom castle!"
The miasma cloud grew thicker and more dangerous. I could feel the toxins entering my bloodstream; my lungs were finding it harder to breathe. I held onto Kohaku but my grip on him was slipping.
"SANGO! Where are you?" I heard Miroku's voice as my vision blackened and I hit the ground.
[Kohaku's point of view.]
I could literally feel her slipping out of my arms as the miasma thickened and the vapors swirled violently around us. I heard the monk cry out for my sister somewhere around me. I was all disoriented. I fell to the ground, coughing; my own lungs were straining to retain oxygen and put it to good use. I could hear nothing but howling, toxic winds in my ears. I covered my head with my hands and closed my eyes.
So much had happened. I had been rushed by memories all at once—good, bad, and worse. I did not have time to process any of it and still did not, even though that is all I wanted to do. My head throbbed with the worst migraine I ever had; my body ached all over and stung with a thousand cuts and bruises from a battle I did not even know I had been fighting all along.
The wind finally died down. I finally raised my head to examine the wreckage. There was no castle left; only holes in the ground and destroyed earth surrounded us.
"What happened?" I asked, my voice cracking a little. I slowly rose, only to fall unceremoniously to my knees, lightheaded.
The strangely-dressed priestess came to my side. "Kohaku..." She knew my name? That's right—she traveled with my sister!
My sister…
She was nowhere to be seen. Or Kagura. Or the dead fire demon, Rouge. Inuyasha stood in the middle of the false battlefield, sword raised. He cursed the skies, agony filling his voice. It echoed all around us.
The monk was standing a little farther from us than Inuyasha. He too cried out to the heavens, angrily throwing his staff to the ground.
I had no idea what just happened. I just know that I am me again and I am free. The vulture on my shoulder is gone, along with the biting voice at the back of my mind, telling me to do bad things.
Depression, however, is already sinking in.
Accompanied by guilt. My shameful actions and committed atrocities will probably haunt me forever.
And fear. Fear of the future, I guess.
I gazed at the sky, unable to look at my defeated new companions.
What happened to my sister?