Disclaimer: The characters of Inuyasha are owned by Rumiko Takahashi, but this story belongs to me
Chapter Nineteen: Sango Says Goodbye
November 7th
"I will take you to the caves and give you the scrolls you seek." The group nods quietly. "And if you allow me, I would like to follow you on your journey."
These people have spent the last few days helping me bury the ones I have spent my life loving. My neighbors, my cousins, and my father. They spent hours digging in the cold packed dirt so that they could have proper burials. Even the young kit worked hard, bringing water and finding flowers when few flowers would still be in bloom.
I watch as the dog demon inspects the young girl's hands and scolds her for her blisters. He takes such care of her, even though he tries to sound harsh. He fights with the kit, but never does him any real harm, regardless of the threats.
It is confusing. I spent my life learning to destroy demons, and here are two who seem completely devoted to a human girl. I have decided to follow them if they will allow it, to see where their journey takes them. I find her story of coming from another world strange and unlikely, though I can tell that she does not lie. And I would like to protect her if I can, from the dangers in our world.
Last night, after the others went to sleep, I finally allowed myself to cry. I can never forgive myself for not being here to fight beside them. If only I had been here. Perhaps I could have helped turn the tide of battle. At the very least, I could have died fighting beside my loved ones. Instead I came home to see Naraku leaving, and to find my family dead and dying. I can not forget my fathers face as he tells me about the attack. I can't forget the sound of his last breath.
I could not stop the sobs. It felt as if my heart was being torn out of my chest. I cried until I was sick. I was ashamed of my weakness. Ashamed of the tears. Ashamed that I was not strong enough. And I was ashamed of the fear in my heart. I'm alone.
The girl, Kagome, held me as my mother once did, comforting me. She has a big heart. We wept together until sleep claimed us.
The others wait just ahead while I take one more look backwards towards my village. It is hard to say farewell to my home. I lived my whole life here, right here in this house. The room Kagome and I spent the night in was my room since I was born. I spent my childhood in this room, dreaming and practicing. It was home, and I was safe here. My family was here, and I was loved.
I will find the demon Naraku who brought the demons to my home, and I will kill him. I will avenge my family.
Then I will come home. And I will rebuild. Father would have wanted that. I can not allow his legacy die.
Good-bye. I will return soon. I promise.
