Title: Blue Hair, Pointed Ears, And What You Most Wish For

Author: Queen Serenity

Fandom: Inuyasha

Chapter: Six – Poison

Ginuu was panting slightly and she drew back from the battle for a moment, letting herself take in what she saw.

Inuyasha was still attacking the snake demon, but, as had her katana, his claws and the Tetsusaiga were not even making scratches on its skin. Obviously, it was the power of the jewel shard, which was embedded in it somewhere, that was making the serpent's skin so armor-like.

Kagome spotted the tell-tale glow that only she could see. "Inuyasha! Ginuu! I can see the jewel shard… it's located just past its head!"

Unfortunately, though, it would be no easy task to get to it. The snake was even faster than Inuyasha, and it followed their movements so quickly that there would be no way that either of the two could reach the creature's head. Unless…

"Inuyasha! Distract the demon! I have a plan!" As Inuyasha did as she had asked, Ginuu ran for the demon, katana poised. Hopefully, it wouldn't turn its head to face her.

Unfortunately, at the last moment, its head did turn, but not enough to stop her… as it snapped at her, one of its fangs grazed her side, but she paid it no heed and leapt to the area where Kagome had pinpointed, her legs straddling the demon's back/neck. It was hard to keep hold with it thrashing, trying to remove her AND fight Inuyasha, but she kept hold. Whipping a dagger out from its sheath at her waist, she was able to sort of slide it under the armored scales to cut a gash into the snake's skin. Returning the blade to its sheath, she plunged her hand into the cut and felt around, her hand closing around the gem quickly.

Not letting go of the gem, she allowed herself to be thrown off of the snake demon's back, tucking and rolling so as not to be hurt. Within a few moments, the snake returned to its normal size and Inuyasha was able to dispose of it quickly.

Breathing heavily, she looked at the gem clutched in her hand, both bloody, and gave a look of distaste. She hurried to the nearby stream and crouched, letting the clear running water rinse her hand and the gem piece of the blood, then handed the gem to Kagome, breathing. "Here… I… cleaned… it… off… for… you…"

Kagome saw the gash on Ginuu's side where the snake's fang had grazed the Djiin halfbreed. "You're wounded…"

Ginuu smiled weakly, her vision blurred, sweat beading her brow. "Don't worry… it's… nothing… a… little… time… can't… cure… I think I'll just... rest a little… G'night…" She fell forward and was caught by Kagome.

"GINUU!"

Chapter: Seven – Last Goodbyes

It was obvious that Ginuu was dying, and there was not a thing that could be done. For the poison, there was no cure, and it was eating her from the inside out like an acid. She was on a cot in Kaede's hut, sweat beading her brow from the pain and fever.

And it was time for everyone to say goodbye to this new friend of theirs, whom they felt as though they had known forever…

When Miroku came in, he knelt by Ginuu's side, laying his staff by him. He looked mournful, for he had taken a liking to Ginuu, even if she would not bear his child.

Looking at him, Ginuu cracked a smile which changed quickly to a grimace of pain. "Hello, Miroku. Nice to see you one last time." At this, the monk nodded, his throat closed so that he was unable to speak. "Miroku, your…wish is to find someone to love, someone to bear your child… correct?" She coughed slightly.

Miroku looked confused, but he nodded. "Yes."

Ginuu's eyes seemed to smile. "Do not worry, Miroku… the ones watching over you have already made it so that wish is being granted even now. You'll see…"

Not questioning her, Miroku stayed with her a few more minutes before leaving.

Sango came in next and kneeled in the same spot Miroku had. "Ginuu…"

Ginuu reached out her hand, which Sango clasped. "We are as sisters, Sango. Both of our villages, destroyed… but you have someone left, and you do have someone who loves you…"

Sango's eyes widened. "But…"

Ginuu interrupted. "Sango, take the pouch hanging at my waist. In it is a powder which, when administered, can heal any mortal wound when administered. There is only enough there for one use… once you reclaim your brother, have Kagome remove the shard from him. Once she has done so, sprinkle the powder on the wound and it will heal him and allow him to live. As for his memories… his memories will awaken slowly. You will have your brother back, Sango. You will have a family again."

Sango nodded, crying. "Thank you, Ginuu."

Ginuu nodded slightly. "Now go and send Shippo in. Goodbye, my sister. Be happy… for my sake."

Sango did so and Shippo came in, looking a bit scared. The little kitsune had obviously been crying. He had lost his father, and now it seemed he was losing one of his friends as well.

Ginuu beckoned him closer, and wrapped her arm around him as he came to cuddle against her. "Everyone underestimates you, little fox. You will grow up to be very powerful, but for now I will give you help. When I am gone take my earrings. They will enhance your transforming power and enable you to have better control over it."

Shippo sniffled. "I don't want you to go, Ginuu. Please don't leave."

She squeezed him. "I'll always be with you, little fox. I promise."

Shippo left, still crying.

Inuyasha came in, and knelt by where Ginuu lay. Ginuu smiled weakly at him. "Come to say your last goodbye to me, Inu?"

Inuyasha's hands clutched at his clothing. "Maybe."

"What, are you gonna miss me?"

"…yeah…"

"Why?"

Inuyasha finally met her gaze. "Honestly? You're a good fighter, even better then Sango, and you were fun to practice with… ." This last part came out in a rush as he blushed. "I really am gonna miss you. Damn it, I should have looked harder for a cure!"

Kagome came in then and knelt beside Inuyasha just in time to hear Ginuu's reply. "Don't blame yourself… I have one last thing to do, though…"

Inuyasha and Kagome spoke at the same time. "What?"

"I don't want to die like this, in pain. I don't want to suffer… Goodbye, my friends…"

Before either could say anything, she went on. "Inuyasha? Open your eyes and see what is in front of you… and Kagome? Firstly, take my choker… and… secondly… my last gift to you. Wish granted."

As this last whisper finished, Ginuu's body started to glow and the blankets collapsed as her body dissolved into light and surrounded Kagome before fading.

Wish granted…

QS: The sequel, which this was mainly intended to set up for, is "Wish Granted"