Disclaimers: I do not own Inuyasha, Rumiko Takahashi is the genius behind this wonderful anime. Please don't sue me, I am a penniless college student. I don't own the song I'll be featuring in this chapter either but it's the song titled "Through the Fire" by Chaka Chan.
A/N: Whew, as promised, a fast update! Please, please please review my story! It frankly makes me insecure and wonder if there are only a few reviews whenever I log on. To my little nagger, I hope you enjoy this chapter, this is pure mush and MS goodness for my faithful readers. *hugs everyone* Thank you so much! Please keep reviewing and sending me your opinions. For readers who have only recently discovered this fic, if you're wondering if Sango and Miroku are on—intimate terms in this fic, the answer is a resounding yes! Please read "Crucify My Love" and "Damaged" to further drive the point. This fic "Night Storm" is a sequel. Review, review, review! Jo-chan would be ecstatic if reviews reach 55 and up! ^_^ God bless and happy readings!
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I look in your eyes and I can see
You've loved so dangerously
And you're not trusting your heart to anyone
"Poor Sango," said Kagome softly as she softly closed the door of the hut. Her soft brown eyes were filled with tears and she blinked them away as she faced a grim-faced Miroku. Sango refused anyone's touch even for the sake of medical attention and it was only Kagome's persistent and gentle efforts that managed to break through Sango's defenses.
Kagome thought back to Sango who was now deeply asleep. She gave whatever was left of her painkillers to the taijiya and Sango promptly fell into a drug-induced sleep. With her friend less tense and wary, Kagome disrobed Sango and began to patch up the wounds hidden under Sango's kimono. Her resilient skin was literally covered with lacerations and it nearly made Kagome sick as she imagined what torture had been inflicted to produce such painful results. But the pain and darkness in Sango's eyes were perhaps more painful and harder to heal than her physical injuries. Kagome wanted to weep, she knew how devastated Miroku was when he realized that Sango was tortured and torn when Sango refused the comfort of his touch.
"Kagome-sama? What's wrong? Is Sango all right?" frantically asked Miroku when Kagome stared off into space, her gentle eyes full of tears. Miroku gripped his shakujo tighter, his knuckles showing white.
According to Kohaku's narration, the siblings were only able to escape because of Naraku's intense fascination with his new creation. An evil, terrifying creature that feasts on human blood, Kohaku had recounted with visible fear and terror. They had managed to escape and were undetected for a day until Naraku had sent his minions after them. The creature Naraku created was the one who massacred the whole village. By cleverly hiding underneath dead bodies, they were able to escape from the genocide.
I can't stand to add more to Sango's pain! But how can I help her through this tragedy when she pushes me away? agonized Miroku.
Kagome tried to smile but failed miserably. "Sango-chan is doing better Miroku-sama. I was able to treat her wounds more thoroughly when she fell asleep because of the medicine I gave her," she took a deep breath, "But I fear I cannot even begin to mend the darkness in her eyes."
Miroku stood quietly, his face growing paler as Kagome talked.
"She is suffering Miroku-sama, physically, emotionally and mentally. The physical injuries are minimal compared to the agony in her mind. Her heart is shrouded by darkness," concluded Kagome softly, her eyes full of sadness.
"Feh! Sango's strong!" interrupted Inuyasha angrily. "She'll be okay in a day or two! Then we can go back to hunting that bastard Naraku and make that moron pay!"
An anger spark twitched in Kagome's head. Shippou sighed and said "Baka!" Whirling to face the hanyou, Kagome said almost calmly, "Inuyasha, you are such an insensitive jerk. Not everyone has a tough hide like you do and for another thing, I don't think you'll be quite as tough if you went through what Sango-chan has suffered." At his snort, Kagome snapped, "Osuwari!" Kagome stalked off, fuming and after awhile, Inuyasha got up and began arguing with her.
Miroku didn't move and looked down when Shippou tugged at the hem of his robe. The kitusne cub looked up at the monk, innocence and faith making his eyes shine with conviction. "Don't worry Miroku. Sango will be okay. She just needs time." Shippou wrinkled his nose and added, "I guess she needs you too so don't fall apart okay?" With that said, Shippou hopped off, wanting to watch Kagome and Inuyasha argue.
"The physical injuries are minimal compared to the agony in her mind."
"Her heart is shrouded by darkness."
"But I fear I cannot even begin to mend the darkness in her eyes."
Miroku clenched his fists. Even now, he can recall the depths of pain that shone so vividly in Sango's eyes after the rescue. There was such darkness and emptiness in her eyes, it was a void almost too impossible to fill up. How can he, a man who is also cursed, find the strength to heal the one person he loves most?
And she has refused his touch, his very presence. She kept her distance from him, erecting barriers and defenses against him when all he wanted to do was protect her from whatever pain that may come her way.
You tell me you're gonna play it smart
But we're through before we start
I believe that we've only just begun
"How can I reach her?" whispered Miroku as he looked heavenward. "I can't just walk away and leave what we have hanging. I love her too much…"
When its good there's no telling no
I want you so
I'm ready to go
Miroku stared off in space, sorting through ideas. Out of nowhere, the mental image of a phoenix rising from the depths of ashes rose in his mind. Rebirth by fire. And then an image of a majestic sword being forged and strengthened in fire appeared. A slow smile stretched across his lips and for the first time in days, his blue-violet eyes lightened.
"I'm not giving up on you Sango. I intend to purge your bad memories and walk with you through the fire," vowed Miroku. He walked off from the hut, his step exuberant. Time to get started.
Through the fire, to the limit, to the wall
For the chance to be with you
I'd gladly risk it all
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Through the fire, to whatever come what may
For the chance of loving you
I'd take it all the way
Right down to the wire even through the fire
The first thing Sango noticed when she opened her eyes were the bright colors. She blinked her eyes, clearing her vision. She barely restrained a gasp when she saw acres and acres of flowers lying everywhere and anywhere in the hut. It hung in the roof slats, hole corners, it carpeted the earthen floor, it scented the air with its delicate perfume. It was like having a rainbow inside a room.
Tears dashed down her cheeks as she gingerly sat up, wincing at the sore wounds but feeling better than yesterday. She gasped loudly when she realized she was wearing a bright-colored robe made out of a weird material, it was probably Kagome's but the feeling of it brought her a sense of comfort. She looked up when Kohaku opened the door and strode inside, balancing a steaming bowl. His brown eyes were light and shy as they met his sister's gaze.
"Aneue… I'm glad you're awake. I brought you some food."
Unable to think of what to say or feel, Sango only nodded and accepted the bowl of soap. It was like a wonderful dream. She has taken several bites already when reality crashed in on her and reawakened her memories. She could scarcely meet Kohaku's happy and expectant gaze.
"Houshi-sama gathered all these flowers for you Aneue! He also made the soup, he told me how much you liked the taste of garlic in—"
The bowl crashed down and alarmed Kohaku. Tears were falling down Sango's face. She looked away and said in a muffled voice, "Miroku didn't have to do that. Its completely unnecessary…"
I know you're afraid of what you feel
You still need time to heal
And I can help if you only let me try
"I don't mind doing it for you Sango," said Miroku from the doorway, his eyes gentle and loving as he gazed at the girl sitting in bed. They hardly noticed Kohaku leave the room, so aware were they only of each other.
Sango flushed and her eyes dropped. Her gaze fell on bruised hands and raw wrists from the chains and manacles. She felt tears rising again and that ever present pain in her heart. It constricted her chest, making it hard for her to breathe. Again, the feelings of shame, guilt and hatred threatened to overwhelm her.
She was so unworthy of him. He was so pure and untouched compared to the horrors she has surprisingly lived through. She touched her stomach, wanting to throw up in sheer revulsion over some of what Naraku had done to her. He has touched her, deep inside her, reaching her heart, turning it into a barren and broken wasteland.
"Are you sick Sango?" asked Miroku in concern coming closer to where Sango was sitting up, her face pale as she touched her stomach, her body seeming to withdraw into herself. She looked so much like his Sango when she first opened her eyes but now as her pain-glazed eyes met his, he knew the past has reclaimed her. He tried to soothe her.
"Sango, its okay. I'm with you now, that's all that's important. I love you, you're all right and that's all that matters," said Miroku, his eyes glittering with emotion as he moved to embrace her.
With her remaining strength, Sango pushed away from his arms. She began to cry, wracking sobs that made her body tremble as Miroku looked on helplessly. "You don't understand!" cried Sango. "It's not the same anymore! He touched me!" Sango pressed both fists against her stomach. "I feel so dirty, so defiled! It's not the same!"
With aching tenderness, Miroku moved to kneel in front of Sango. He waited until she quieted and turn to meet his eyes. With a trembling hand, he reached out ever so slowly, trying not to alarm the girl. Finally, his hand reached his destination and with excruciating gentleness wiped away a tear on her cheek.
"I've always thought that I am unworthy, that I could not even be allowed to dry your tears. But your love gave me the courage to look beyond my fears and whatever happened to you in Naraku's hands doesn't matter to me. So don't you ever think that you're unworthy because if that's the case then I have no right to draw another breath on this Earth," said Miroku raggedly, humbly.
You touch me and something in me knew
What I could have with you
And I'm not ready to kiss that dream goodbye
Sango said nothing but she can feel her heartbeat, going faster with each breath, each measured glance. Slowly, she reached out and touched Miroku's hair. It was a touch that said more than words can ever say. I love you… but I'm not ready yet…
Miroku smiled through his turbulent emotions. As if understanding what her slight caress evoked, he said to Sango, "I can wait." Not wanting to push her further than what she can go, he bowed at her, blew a kiss and then before leaving, dropped a white rose on Sango's lap.
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When it's this sweet there's no saying no
I want you so
I'm ready to go
Two more days had passed and it was nighttime once again. Miroku treated Sango carefully, building her trust in him and in herself with small gestures of love like simple flowers, gifts of her favorite meals, keeping her company even from a distance. He was never very far away and he was always there to wake her up from any nightmare.
His gestures and unwavering belief in her made Sango want to become better. Better to be what? A fallen woman? A woman who is no longer whole? Sango sometimes asked herself. Seeing Miroku so earnest and hopeful, so ready to share whatever burden she carried always brought a pang in her heart. She knew he loved her. But the question is, could she still love him? Her heart felt too heavy, burdened by pain and dark memories.
I want to be better and Sango suddenly realized why. She wanted to take away the same darkness in Miroku's eyes. She knew with sudden clarity that being hurt herself has hurt Miroku more than he ever cared to show. I want to be with him again.
She pushed aside her fears, taking Miroku's love as her source of courage. She can do this. And she knew exactly how to get over her fears and show Miroku how much she loves him and how much she appreciated his presence and support.
She drew a deep breath and called Miroku's attention. "Miroku… I feel too warm… I think I want a bath…" She smiled inside at the look of joy and relief on Miroku's face.
Through the fire, to the limit, to the wall
For the chance to be with you
I'd gladly risk it all
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"The water is a little too cool Sango," said Miroku as he straightened up when he bent down to test the water's temperature. The place was pleasantly secluded and Sango had given him the directions, saying once that it was her favorite place when she was growing up in the exterminator's village.
He could tell that Sango was almost back to her former self. He barely prevented himself from shouting allelujah when Sango asked for a bath earlier. It meant that she was interested in going on living and that maybe, this would provide more opportunities to for him to bridge the distance between them, in more ways than one.
Through the fire, to whatever come what may
For the chance of loving you
I'd take it all the way
Right down to the wire even through the fire
He looked back and his jaw dropped when Sango nonchalantly shrugged off her robe. Her eyes met his, almost daring him to comment on the various marks all over her body, healed and half-healed. She stood proudly in front of him, almost defiantly and yet he could see that she was terrified, of his touch and of her physical appearance. In that moment, Miroku never loved Sango more. Her courage moved him and humbled him and he knew that starting today and even until life itself is through, the only woman for him would be Sango.
She stood still, naked before his violet gaze. Unable to stand the silence, Sango opened her eyes and found Miroku gazing at her in open admiration, desire and a strange light in his eyes she's never seen before.
Miroku lifted a hand that trembled and laid it reverently against her cheek. The simple touch was almost more than Sango can bear. "What do you see when you look at me Miroku? A body violated? Ugly cuts and bruises?" asked Sango in a whisper.
"I see only you," replied Miroku as he drew closer to Sango. His hands shifted, drifted across her delicate features and then traveled lightly down her neck, shoulders and breasts. "I see only you and you're beautiful, both inside and out," continued Miroku as his hand stole away her tears before they began to fall.
Very gently, with utmost care, he embraced her. He dipped his head down and began to breathe kisses over her damp face. "No matter what happens, I'll always be here for you," Miroku said huskily.
The trembling in Sango increased.
"It's all right…you're safe. I'll let you go as soon as you stop trembling. If that's what you want..." Miroku whispered against her hair. Though he didn't mean to, the tip of his tongue traced the outline of Sango's mouth in a silence that trembled with possibilities.
His breath was warm and sweet against her skin. Sango made a small sound. The smooth heat of his lips against her eyelids both reassured and increased the trembling of her body.
"Let me-- let me touch you, let me erase the memories that have hurt you badly... I want to-- I want to heal you. May I-- kiss you?" whispered Miroku helplessly.
Sango lifted her face lifted up in acceptance of his kiss. The tautness of his shoulders at her assent brought more tears to her eyes. She whispered his name as his lips moved tenderly over hers. He kissed the edges of her mouth so softly until she shivered and opened her lips for him.
Holding her carefully, he kissed her again and again, immersing himself in the dark, heated wine of her kiss.
Slowly, they parted. Sango's lips were glistening and a drowsy look replaced the blank pain in her eyes. Miroku bent his head, brushing his lips against hers. "I love you so much Sango," he whispered.
Slowly, a luminous smile dawned on Sango's face. It was tremulous but the light was slowly returning in her eyes. She released a sigh, her warm breath teasing his lips. "Show me..." murmured Sango as the moon overhead shone with renewed radiance.
Even through the fire
Even through the fire
And they both burned in love's sweetest fire, renewing them, healing and forging a bond no ordinary fire can ever destroy.
Tsuzuku
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Night Storm
An Inuyasha Fanfiction by Jo-chan
Part 4- Through the Fire
Extra A/N: Part 5 is tentatively titled "Daughter of Darkness" and please have patience in the next part, it has several battle scenes and I'm in the middle of midterms so it might take some time to upload. This is my special MS chapter that hopes to appease my audience, so REVIEW everyone!