Solace

Chapter 2

I don't own Inuyasha or any characters from the series.

The air smelled of ash and carrion. Sango was half tempted to put on her mask, but she had to stay focused. With even the tiniet distraction, one of the youkai in Naraku's disgusting hord could get the better of her. Since Naraku was actually there in the flesh and not some golem, the Inu-gumi; Kouga; Ginta and Hakaku hoped this would be the end of the abomination. Everyone fought their hardest and Sango couldn't be prouder of her companions. Human and demon. Kagome hit every target with a precision that would put Kikiyo to shame. Miroku's spiritual energy was at an all time high, and every one felt it pouring off him in waves. His eyes were fierce and using ofudas along with his staff made him a force to be reckoned with. Since Naraku was there he couldn't use the kazaan, but he was still holding is own and then some. Inuyasha, who always Impressed Sango in battle slice the red tessiaga through countless demons, and tore the others that escaped in half with his claws. He had a gleam in his eye that could have only be described as battle lust, and wasn't showing any signs of fading. Kouga used his powerful legs and claws to destroy any and everything opposing him, Ginta and Hakaku, Sango didn't know what they were doing but it was working.

Hiraikotsu! Sango let out her battle cry while the giant boomerang cut through rows of demons. She unsheath her katana and cut down the rest while waiting for her favorite weapon to return. She never stopped attacking. Her movements were so gracful and swift that 'anyone' could have mistaken her for a demon. She had the same gleam in her eyes, but they were laced with anticipation also. The bastard Naraku was there, so was Kanna and Kagura. So where was Kohaku? Almost as if on cue Kohaku's sicle slice through the air. Sango turned around, just barely dodging it. Making quick work of the demons in front of her, Sango spun around to square off against her baby brother.

Everyone had already formulated a plan. Who ever came in contact with Kohaku first, would simply have to subdue him until the battle was over. Then the shard would be removed and Sesshoumaru would resurrect him. Sango prefferd handling her little brother to anyone else, so it all worked out. She steeled her spine and looked at the child that she cradled in her arms, right after their mother died giving birth to him. The one who she nurtured through illnesses and sorrows, for there was no one else to do it. Their father was grief striken and it became hard for him to interact with Kohaku. Sango cared for him as a mother, so it was only natural that the thought of harming him sickend her.

She looked at Kohaku with pleading eyes, begging him not to attack. Sango knew it was useless but she had to give it a shot. Suddenly her brother lunged at her and the battle began. He was stronger and faster due to the jewel shard, but he was still no match for Sango. She had always been an anomally. The best of her kind. While others trained until their muscles ached and their hands bleed from gripping there weapons, slaying came easily to Sango. It was second nature. She always trained harder than everyone else for different reasons. Sango trained only to perfect her skills so she would remain the best. It was a nice title to have. Especially for a young woman.

She dodged every attack with practiced ease and didn't bother to go on the offensive. She would let Kohaku tire himself out, that way he would be easier to take down. Her little brother had actually picked up some impressive moves and she would have been proud if the circumstances were different. Sango could already see that his breath was becoming labored and was starting to sweat profusely. Then she attacked. After Kohaku threw his scath she easily snatched it from him and was ready to deliver a blow with her fist.

Then suddenly it was night and her brother was no longer in front of her. Confusion took over and it needed moment to gather her bearings. She was at a castle now and instead of fighting demons, her opponents were humans. Humans with samauri battle armor and weapons of all sorts. She looked around for her friends. Maybe they could explain were she was, but they were no where in sight. She felt a light breeze on her arms and chest, and when she looked down she wasn't in her slayer suit anymore. She was in a long, sleevelss night gown with thick straps. Things were entirely to strange. But for some reason it felt... Familiar. She started darting through the battle looking for her comrades, 'Kagome and Inuyasha have to be somewhere around here' she thought. She searched frantically, the sight of the battle and blood shed only increased her panic.

She was running when something warm and wet wrapped around her leg, causing her to dive face first into the grass. When Sango slid to a stop,she was even more disorientated than before. And now had a pounding headach as well. She turned on her back, trying to put an end to the intense vertigo she was feeling. Before Sango could stand, the wind was knocked out of her lungs by something heavy and metal. The offending object moved over her and she saw that it was a man. Blood poured freely from under his armor staining her white night dress. He straddle her hips to pin her body beneath his. His eyes were filled with pure hatred, and Sango wonderd what she could have possibly done to be on the receiving end of such a stare. Sure youkai hated her. But humans? He smirked as he raised his katana above his head. "You die today bitch" he spat as she closed her eyes and readied herself for the blow. When it never came Sango ventured a look and saw very familiar pair of hazel eyes.

"General! Are you hurt? " A very handsom young man yelled then he kicked the decapitated corpse off of her. "Where is Kanashi? Then it hit her. This castle was her home and the nobleman was her husband. Sango suddenly remembered where she was and what was going on. She and Kanashi where in bed sleeping when the alarm sounded. Her eyes snapped opened. Sango put Kanashi in a hidden compartment in the wall, then asked a personal servant to watch over her. Sango was yanked out of her thoughts when strong arms wrapped around her and she was settled on her feet. It was Nitsuyei. Her personal bodyguard.

"She's safe inside with Tarnoskay. Where is Takeda-sama?" She yelled suddenly feeling very worried for her husband.

"My lord is near the south wing fending them off. He's with Captain Juro and Captain Orbozuki." He said in a loud voice so she could he him over the noise. There were sounds of men screaming out, clashing metal, horses and battle cries. It was nightmarish. Sango quickly collected herself and grabbed their fallen enemy's weapon. Then she set off to defend her home, Nitsuyei following closely behind. She ran swiftly into battle delivering death to whom ever dared to oppose her. At some point, her and Nitsuyei got separated and when she looked around her was on the opposite side of the courtyard. It didn't worry Sango though, she was doing just fine without him. After she liced through the soldier in her path she heard a very familiar chuckle.

It was Naraku. Sango saw his smirk from under the baboon pelt and her insides froze. She tightend the gripped on the katana when he cocked a arrow in his bow. She wanted him to attack. She swore that when he released that arrow, Kami himself couldn't stop her from ripping him apart. They were locked in fighting stances, each one waiting for the other to attack until Sango heard 'her' crying and whimpering from behind. She turned around instanstly forgetting Naraku, to see Kanashi. Her bright red hair was wild and tears poured out of her adorable orange eyes as they searched for Sango. Her hands coverd her cute little hanyou ears trying to block out the loud noises, then she smiled the sweetest smile when she finally spotted what she was looking for. 'What the hell is she doing out in the open' Sango thought. Fear and worry causing her to tremble. What she heard next sent trills of terror down her spine.

"You really do make things to easy for me taijiya" Naraku said as he turned the arrow to Kanashi.

"Please. Please don't. I'll do anything you want." Sango whispered as the tears striked down her face. Sango would gladly take the arrow for her. She would die for Kanashi. There was a thoughtful look on his face and Sango thought that she might have actually reached him. He loved seeing the hope in her eyes and watched it fade as a full grin stretch across his face. Then... Naraku released the arrow. Sango screamed in terror and ran towards the child. Her legs felt as if they weighed a ton and her body was dragging. Even when Sango was injured, she still ran faster than this. She pleaded her body to go faster but it felt like she was running under water. She was almost within reaching distance now and she cried for Nitsuyei. Even if she took the arrow, Sango needed Nitsuyei to protect Kanashi.

Just as Sango reached her, Kanashi's small body was repelled back from the force of the arrow.

Sango stopped dead in her tracks and sank to her knees. The war fell on deaf ears and the only thing she heard was Kanashi's shallow breathing. She crawled to the body of the little girl she loved more than life itself. She failed her, just as she failed Kohaku. Sango lifted her tiny form from the cold courtyard stone and cradled it against her chest. Looking down, she was surprised to see dark brown hair. Then she looked at the childs face. Instead of bright orange, the childs eyes were a deep chocolate. And instead of a little hanyou girl, there was a human boy.

" K..K..Ko..ha..ku?" Her brothers name spilled from her trembling lips. It wasn't possible. Her brother had been for over a year now, so how was it possible that she held 'him' in her arms. She closed her eyes not trusting her vision. When she opened her eyes again, she saw Kanashi's lifeless ones. Painful sobs racked her body, as the grief became unbearable and she repeated the word no over and over, like a mantra.

Someone came behind her and placed a comforting hand on Sango's shoulder. She assumed that it was Nitsuyei so she allowed it. Then she heard a chuckle that soon turned into roaring laughter. She turned to see Naraku standing over laughing menically with mirth in his eyes. Sango took all the pain from Kohaku; Kanashi; her family, and everyone else she'd ever lost into one long soul searing cry.

"KOHAKU! KANASHI! NOOOO!"

Sango woke up screaming. Her whole body was dripping sweat and her untamed mane stuck to her chest; back; and face. It felt disgusting to say the least. Heart beating frantically and panting heavily, she did her best to calm her body. Her blood felt like molten lava in her viens and she had to push aside her distress for the safety of the child. Usually, when alone, she would let the fire take over. The beast within would be allowed to roam free for a short while, reaking havoc thoughout disolated forests until its lust was mildly sated. Then Sango would tighten the leash and take control before things got to out of hand.

Sango started to shiver a bit, the cave she inhabited was dank and cold considering it was mid summer. Looking over to the small stack of fire wood she collected, Sango raised her hand in its direction. With the slightest bit of concentration flames egnighted and the wood began to burn. The tiny release of power proved enough to calm her. Laying down on the pile of leaves and his haori again, she stared intently into the fire she created a moment ago. The memories of her brother and Kanashi always proved to be more than she could bare. Even after his drastic transformation, Kuranosuke would hold and comfort her. Gently rubbing the scared flesh on her back while whispering words of love and assurance. Tears leaked from her eyes has she clung to him for like a scared child to its mother. Eventually sleep would claim her while wrapped in his tigt embrace. But he was not with her now, and Sango found herself longing for him. Hell, she would take anybody right now. Even Miroku would do. Deeply repulsed by that last thought, Sango closed her eyes as the last of her tears drain away and sleep welcomed her again. For she had to depend on herself from now on.

(Two years eariler)

"Don't tell me how to kill demons Inuyasha!" Sango fumed. They were fighting a rather large pack of bear youkai of which several had Shikon no Kara. "I've been a slayer since I was a child." Her giant boomerang slashed through a demon cutting its arm off.
"Put that useless bone away, take out ya sword, and start fucking slashin Sango!" He retorted.

Sango usually ignored Inuyasha's taunts about her being human and a woman, but NOBODY and she meant NOBODY insulted Hiraikotsu without suffering its wrath. And Inuyasha knew that.She made a mental note to give him a good hearty serving of the blunt side of her favorite weapon when they were finished. But now she had just the statement that would send him over the edge.

"At least I can properly use my weapon! Inuyasha! Are you Tessaiga's master, or is it the other way around?" Sango taunted. "Your own damed sword is a mystery to you!" Sango had placed the nail in the coffin and now it was time to drive it in. "Hell, if Shippo could hold it, he'd do a better job at weilding it!"

After Inuyasha ripped through the bear in front of him, and stared at her. Shocked by Sango's statement. A deep chuckle startled him from of his thoughts and he turned to see Sesshoumaru's fanged grin as he cut one of the demons in half with his poisonous whip. Inuyasha couldn't believe Sango would say something so harsh. In front of his bastard half brother no less. Sesshoumaru seemed to come out of no where looking for Naraku and to put an end to Inuyasha's life. The Inu-gumi took their stances and prepared for an attack from their dangerous foe. Then they were attacked by the pack. For the moment, Sesshoumaru had to put his plans on hold and deal with the situation at hand.

"Bitch! You'll pay for that!" Inyasha yelled and went on to the next demon. Inyasha would never actually harm Sango, but he was definately gonna ruff her up the next time they sparred. "Kagome! How many of these fucks have shards!"

Kagome looked around and saw that eight out of fourteen of them had sacred jewel shards. And that was not a good thing at all. They were to close, so she wasn't able to use her sacred arrows. Sango spent months patiently training her to properly use a sword, but remembering her words stopped Kagome from drawing the blade gifted to her. "Blades are used when in close contact. NEVER draw this katana unless your confident in your skills. It could only get you and others killed, if you foolishly draw a weapon that you haven't mastered. The only time you'd be excused, is if your cornered and have no choice." Kagome didn't know how to use a bow and arrows when she first shot one, but it left plenty of room for error, when a sword did not.

Sango sensed her hesitation and was glad that Kagome had remembered her teachings. "Kirara take Kagome to a tree, then to protect her and Shippo! Kagome you should be able to use your arrows from there!" Sango shouted.

"Gotcha!" Was Kagome's reply. She straddled Kirara and secured shippo in her arms. Then the fire neko took off to find a tree in a safe yet close distance. Kagome then found a high branch that felt sturdy enough for her and Shippo. Once settled, she let her arrows fly. Her aim was much better due to the steadiness of the tree and the fact that Kirara protected her and Shippo from immediate danger.

Miroku threw his sacred ofudas at the demons effectivly purrifing them. The monk's spiritual powers seemed to be strengthening with each passing day. So that left Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru, and Sango to take care of the rest. After fighting for what seemed like hours they finally managed to kill all but three. Sango let Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru have the two with shards while she took the other. Thank to the Shikon no kara, the damed beast that had them were ten times harder to kill. Inuyasha couldn't use his wind scar due to their close proximity to the edge of a cannon. The wind scar was a powerful attack, it could have easily brought the ground down from under them.

Miroku stood on the side lines catching his breath while waiting for Sango to signal him for assistance. As predicted the signal never came. Sango stab the creature through the heart and let out a sigh of relief as its limp body fell to the stony floor. Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru were almost done, and she wanted to take a short break before for dealing with the lord of the west. Suddenly she heard tiny screams of terror. Then a little figure broke into the clearing, running as tears streamed down her face with a stray demon on her heals. Sango didn't even think before springing into action.

At hearing his young wards cries Sesshoumaru spun around and his fears were confirmed. The young child he began to see as his own, was barely out running a demon from who's pack was being slaughtered. Without a second thought, he turned his back to the enemy to go after his child. That was a big mistake. The bear demon used the distraction and gashed Sesshoumaru across his back with its massive claws. The last thing Sesshoumaru saw before turning back to his opponent, was the decapitated corpse of the bear demon knocking Rin off the edge of the cannon into the rushing river below. And the exterminator selflessly diving after her.

The thought of Rin being killed, made Sango's blood run cold. Even if she did belong to Sesshoumaru. Lunging Hiraikotsu, she effectively took the beast head off. But there was a problem, when the creature fell it knocked Rin's tiny body of the cliff. Had she been thinking she would have called for Kirara first, but she foolishly jumped after her. Now Sango had to concentrate in order to time the catch. She made her body has straight as possible so that she could slice through the air at a greater speed. Sango had to catch up with Rin. Once she was close enough she grabbed Rin by her Kimono and clutch the girl to her chest. They frantically tumbled through the air. Sango took control and position herself so she would hit the water feet first.

And this presented another problem she hadn't thought of. She didn't know how deep the water was. It no longer mattered how they hit the water, cause falling from a hundred feet or so, into shallow water would certainly killed them. She tilted her head up and saw Kirara and Sesshoumaru coming after them. 'To bad they won't make it in time.' She thought. 'At least it will be quick and Rin won't die alone.' But she a least had to try something.

"Rin! Hold on tight! And when I tell you too, hold your breath!" Sango yelled. She could hear the loud rushing waters beneath her. Rin didn't answer, she just did what she was told and wrapped her arms around Sango's neck. It would only be a matter of seconds now and Sango prayed to Kami; her ancestors; and what ever enitity listening to let them come out of this in one piece.

"Now Rin! NOW!" They hit the freezing waters and Sango let out a sigh of relief. Kami was merciful today. But the force of the strong current made her realize her new delima. She first had to get her and Rin to to the surface then swim to an edge and pull them out. She quickly brought them to the surface, while being washed away by the raging rapids. Things only got grimer when her left arm was uncermoniusly slammed into a hidden boulder, dislocating her shoulder in the process. Then she got an idea.

"Rin hold on tight! Im going to need you to kick as hard as you can!" Rin tightend her grip and complied. Their combined kicking and the use of Sango's good arm slowly brought them to the side. Once there she hefted Rin's light body out of the water, with no thought of dragging her own out. She was just to damned tired and injured to keep fighting. She felt tiny hands gripping her slayer suit. Rin was trying to pull her out of the water. That fortified Sango enough to finish the job. 'It would be a terrible thing for the little girl to know that I died saving her.' Sango thought.

Once safe, Sango let exhaustion claim her. She was blissfully unconcious until she was pulled up by her arm to met the stony eyes of the demon lord. Sango hung in the air like a dejected pup, as he stared at her intently for a moment. She knew without a doubt he was trying to find any alterior motives for saving Rin. Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha may have been half brothers, but given their similar behavior they might as well been twins. After spending years with Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru wasn't hard to read at all. He dangled her by her right arm without saying a word for what seemed like an eternity. Sango was getting more than annoyed and was about to give him a piece of her mind, until he finally broke the silence with his chilling voice.

"Name your price taijiya."

When Sesshoumaru landed he was immediately took Rin in his arms. He was so relieved that she was safe, that he briefly let his mask of indifference slip before quickly putting it back into place. Then Rin explained to him how she and Jaken were attacked. He got injured and told her to run, but the demon chaste after her instead of finishing him off. The rest, Sesshoumaru already knew. But why would the exterminator risk her life to save someone that wasn't friend or kin. Sesshoumaru knew the odds of their survival was slim to none. 'Could a human really possess such selfless courage and honor?' Sesshoumaru truly doubted it.

Sango pondered his question for a moment. She didn't want payment for saving the little girl. It was her duty. Then she had an idea that would benefit everyone including Sesshoumaru-sama himself.

"I don't want currency if thats what you mean. But I would like to present an offer that would be in everyones best interest. Your after Naraku and so are we. Join us." Sango was tired so her voice was barely above a whisper. She gave him a second to let her words register in his head. His icy indiffernce went from shock, to pure disgust.

"And why in the seven hells would this Sesshoumaru do something so foolish?" This human onna must have a very large set of testicles to make such a request. That meant he would have to suffer his half breed brother; and his pathetic pack until Naraku was defeated. Sesshoumaru didn't believe that he possesed such strength.

"You have a child that travels with you and we have a kit. My neko-mato can protect them, along with your two headed dragon. That way you'll know Rin will be safe; and Naraku and his incarnations won't stand a chance." Sango paused for a minute, she knew it was time to do some serious ego stroking. " Your stronger than all of us combined Sesshoumaru-sama, if my group had someone so powerful as a tempory ally, that abomination would easily be destroyed."

Sesshoumaru wasn't fooled in the least. He knew that wasn't the reason why she carelessly saved his young ward, but he played along with it anyways. Besides his joining would absolutely kill Inuyasha and that was reason enough. Rin needed all the protection she could get, so it was actually a very good idea. 'Perhaps this human isn't so pathetic after all.' Sesshoumaru settled Sango on her feet then took hold of her left arm. He gave it a quick jerk, popping into place. Sango fell to the ground, wincing from pain.

"I agree on one condition tajiya." He paused for dramatic affect. "I am to inform Inuyasha on this new development."

Sango couldn't help the weak smile she that curved her lips before giving into her body's need for rest. 'Ha! Inuyasha. Thats what you get for making fun of Hiraikotsu.'

Thank you for reading. If you want more, please review.