Two weeks had passed since Sango's fight with Naraku. Her injuries were steadily mending, but she showed no signs of waking. Miroku never left her side. He changed her bandages and gently mopped her fevered brow with a damp towel. He held a mutual understanding with Inuyasha, and the dog demon did his best to keep the curious Kagome from interfering. Another week came and went. The sun began to set on the last day of the third week. Miroku had finished changing Sango's bandages, and sat by her side, watching the dying sun throw gold and crimson light on the billowing clouds. He leaned down next to her ear and whispered, "I wish you could see this…..the sunset is so beautiful, Sango. Wake up soon…" his lips brushed lightly against her forehead.

"I'll wait as long as it takes."

He watched her pale face for a moment longer, then got up and settled himself in his accustomed place by the doorway of the hut. Fireflies danced in the darkened woods, their golden orbs shining in the grass. Miroku sighed and closed his tired eyes. Sango groaned softly. Words echoed throughout her shattered mind, trying to bring her up from the colorless world she was trapped in.

Miroku was awake two hours before the sun began to throw its warm rays on the earth. Color had returned to Sango's cheeks, and her breathing was stronger. He gently grasped her wrist to check her pulse. It was warm. Her heartbeat quickened. He glanced down at her face and froze. Her eyes had opened, and she stared up at the ceiling.

"Sango!!! You're awake!"

She didn't move. He watched her, trying to lock his gaze with hers.

" Sango….?"

Suddenly he gasped and dropped her arm. His heart fell as he stared into her lifeless eyes. He shook her gently.

"S…Sango.."

Miroku stood and strode quickly out of the hut, toward the forest.

Kagome had finally eluded Inuyasha. After leaving him plastered to the ground with a harsh volley of "sits", she stole as quietly as she could toward the hut.

"Inuyasha has no right to keep me away. Sango is my friend too!!"

She muttered as the hut came into view. Kagome peeked in.

"SANGO!!!!!"

Sango was sitting upright on her pallet, staring out of the doorway in the direction Miroku had gone. Kagome rushed in and hugged her fiercely.

"We were so worried about you! Miroku hasn't left your side for weeks! Not even to eat!!"

She grabbed her hand and rushed out of the hut, Sango in tow.

"So, how are you feeling?……Sango?"

Kagome stopped and turned around. Sango fixed her with the same dead look she had given Miroku, then quietly sat down on the ground. Kagome got on her knees and looked at her. Inuyasha appeared out of the bushes with his face red and bruised.

"Kagome you're gonna pay for this when I catch up to ya……"

He trailed off. Sango and Kagome were sitting in the dirt, and Miroku was nowhere to be seen. Inuyasha leaped over to the girls and peered over Kagome's shoulder.

"What are you two doin, having a staring contest??"

Kagome didn't turn around.. Inuyasha tried again.

"So Sango….I see you're finally awake. Guess you didn't have the courage to die after all."

Still no answer. Finally Kagome spoke.

"Something's not right….."

"Oh really, and how long did it take you to figure that one out, Kagome?"

Inuyasha replied sarcastically. Kagome ignored the remark and continued.

"She's awake, but then again she isn't…..she's alive, but she's dead…"

Inuyasha blinked.

"What?!! What's all that mumbo jumbo supposed to mean?!"

"Her body is alive, but her soul isn't. Naraku damaged her body, but he also broke her mind……No amount of healing can fix this…poor Miroku…"

Kagome looked up.

"He must have already seen her. I wonder where he is."

Inuyasha sniffed.

"Doesn't matter. Let's get Sango inside. The monk will come when he's ready…"