Silver

Disclaimer: Don't own.

Chapter 12: Aftermath

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Sleeping. Everyone was sleeping. No one had slept well ever since Naraku had risen to challenge them. They had all been plagued by nightmares, insomnia, and exhaustion from traveling day and night. It had been so since they had gotten there, to Sango's home village, a day ago. Kagome had still to reunite the shards; she had to complete the jewel. She knew that was the last tie they really had. Kouga had given his shards freely to Kagome, knowing he didn't have the right to keep them. And he didn't want to. When Sango had given the jewel piece to Kagome, the miko immediately collapsed in relief. Everyone that Naraku had killed had been avenged. Ever dependent on power and the youkai inside of him, both helped to aid in Naraku's own demise.

The rain that Kouga had sensed and smelled had fell after they began their journey back. It was the rain of an end and of a new beginning. It washed away the black blood of death and restored the dampness of life to the earth and their souls.

In one bedroom, Sango slept soundly beside Sesshoumaru. His soft, even breathing signaled that even he was asleep. After a few moments, he shifted and awoke. In the miasma, he had fought a raging battle with the parts of Naraku. He had felt emotionally drained. He knew Sango was, as well. So much death swirled about her life. And all of it was Naraku's fault. Her hand unconsciously tightened its grip on his shirt. He yawned, blinking and staring at the ceiling. So much had changed. Very little had remained the same. But he knew, deep inside, that a battle was not over. It still had yet to be confronted. But in this battle, no ally could come to the rescue. Inuyasha had to face Kikyou, the reawakened priestess. He had encountered her a few times in his journey and had paid very little attention to her. But he had noticed that her scent had a clay smell to it. Of course, to look so young, she had to have been resurrected. Besides, would a live person try to drag the hanyou to hell with her? No, obviously not.

He could hear the rain on the roof; hear its soothing melody as it fell to the soft earth. He wondered, briefly, why all of this had happened. Naraku had tried to be his ally and, when he did not kill Inuyasha, the hanyou had nearly killed him when the human arm had burnt to where his flesh had begun. He had used Naraku and Naraku had used him. He had, for a brief moment, felt what it was like to hold the Tetsusaiga in his grasp. Soft footsteps reached his ears to alert him that someone had awoken. Inuyasha knocked and then slid the door open, not seeming surprised that his brother was awake. The hanyou gave him a lop-sided grin.

"Have a good rest" He asked, watching the Taiyoukai slowly smirk back at him.

"As well as any." He responded. "And yourself" Inuyasha shrugged.

"Same." His gaze went to his brother's arm. "I always meant to ask you... how come you have two arms" Sesshoumaru frowned at the memory. He had felt like a weak little fool. His little brother, a half-breed had defeated him. But, as time passed, he cared less about it.

"Are you dense or just playing games" The hanyou scratched his ear.

"Well, I always was told that I was dense. Did it... heal" Sesshoumaru shifted Sango and sat up fully before completely taking off the top of his yukata. Inuyasha could see the scar he left. "Will the scar disappear"

"It may and it may not." The answer was quick, evasive. The hanyou could never apologize for his actions. Sesshoumaru had meant to kill him and he had defended himself, along with Kagome.

"How is she" His eyes went to his friend, who he knew had suffered more than need be. Sango suddenly launched into a coughing fit. She shot up and put one hand to her throat, where she knew the bruises from Naraku's hand were. She started shaking and tried to calm the fit. "How long has this been happening"

"Every couple of hours, I think." Sesshoumaru answered, grasping her hand and taking it away from her throat. "Calm down." He whispered soothingly, his arm going around her so that he could pat her back. The coughs eventually died down and she looked at the scar on his arm then traced it with her finger, like she always did. "Were you listening"

"Off and on." She leaned her head on his bare shoulder and closed her eyes. "I want to take a walk by myself. I will see you later." He nodded solemnly. She got up and went to her wardrobe, getting out something similar to Kagome's uniform skirt, except it was longer and went to her knees. Then she got out a long-sleeved shirt and a new wrap and some other things and left the room. She got undressed and then placed on her new wrap, her underwear, and then put on the clothes Kagome had given her. They were a perfect fit, along with the 'socks' and 'boots.' She had also grabbed an umbrella. It would be quite the walk. She waited until she got outside, in the rain, to open the umbrella. Then she walked, as though in a trance, toward the huge, gaping hole in the ground where Miroku had been pulled in. She walked for some time before she approached it. It was filling with water already. It looked to become a pond. She felt tears sting her eyes but she held them back. Suddenly, she saw something glint before her where a dull, gray, slender beam of sun shown from the sky. She bent down and picked it up. A soft gasp escaped her lips. In her hands lay the muddy prayer beads that Miroku had used to disable the Wind Tunnel.

He must have thrown it to the side... He must have known something would happen and he wanted to keep something solid here in his memory.

Not too far from her, leaning on a tree, was his staff. She gripped the umbrella in her hand and walked over to it. The tears she had been trying to keep at bay were released, flowing down her pale, damp cheeks as she reached out to grasp the beautiful object. She let out a startled cry as she felt his presence, his essence. But then she understood and felt foolish. His powers. The staff and his prayer beads... they held his essence because they were a part of him. She was filled with memories of when he used to grope her and she would slap him silly. Then how he was just only a few days ago. Was it possible that she felt guilty? Oh, hell yes. She felt guilty for not beating Naraku before he had died. But it was something she would have to live with.

But I promised him. Dammit, I promised him that I would never let his nightmares come true! He was so afraid... He was so scared... He admitted it to me when we traveled together.

That was before she ever met Sesshoumaru. Her thoughts traveled to the Taiyoukai. She felt so confused about him, uncertain about what would happen to them. Naraku was defeated and her family was avenged. But she felt every bit as empty as she had before. She lacked the feeling of completeness she had expected to feel when this was over. Perhaps something was left undone. Her fingers came up and she touched the mark on her neck. Naraku had pissed her off by putting his filthy hands on her most treasured possession. Though it was not really a possession, she felt like it was all she had left. It was something that she needed to keep going. Her lips formed a small smile. Kohaku had been returned to her. But she knew the reality would set in after a while. The joy everyone felt for the defeat and downfall of the devilish hanyou would fade to be replaced by the sadness of all they lost to him. Poor Shippou's parents were killed by the Thunder Brothers, leaving him an orphan. He had yet to find his happiness. She knew it was at Kagome's side. Speaking of Kagome, her thoughts treaded the path of her best friend. Of course, Inuyasha had something to settle with her.

Kagome, I hope everything works in your favor.

Which reminded her of Kikyou. The poor hanyou had her to deal with, too. That was a battle that would probably be as treacherous as the one with Naraku. She doubted it would get physical or violent but it would be hard on the hanyou. She gasped in surprise when two arms went around her waist.

"You have been gone for over an hour. What are you thinking of" Sesshoumaru's smooth, rich voice brought her back to reality and she noticed just how hard she was gripping the beads in her hand.

"I-I only came to pay my respects and then... I sort of started thinking." She turned around in his arms and gazed into his amber eyes. "The aftermath..."

"I see." His lips were graced with a frown. She didn't like that look on his face.

"What is it" He looked up to gaze at the staff, leaning against the tree. The bronze glinted in the dull light. She looked over at it. "Sesshoumaru, what will become of us? All of us" He was surprised very little about the inquiry. It was like he expected it.

"I cannot answer that." He paused. "I have no way of knowing which direction all of us will take." He then smiled slightly. "But I know which direction I am heading." He lifted his hand to rest on her head and brush back her hair.

"Will you be going to Rin? Now that the potential danger of Naraku is gone, don't you think that you should go to her" He drew her in closer, resting his pale cheek against her hair and allowing his hand to drop back to her waist. Sango blushed lightly at the intimacy of the embrace, even though she should have been used to it.

"I will go and get her. I wish to come back here with her, if you wish that also." She nodded against him and he almost chuckled. "Come; let us get out of the rain." He held her hand on the way back, making her feel very much loved. She tightened her grip on the staff and beads she carried in her other. She wished the houshi survived. She wished the curse had faded or at least that he could be resurrected. She looked down at their hands. The gesture alone made her feel connected to him. She smiled softly, lovingly. She knew she was infatuated with him. He was the youkai she loved; the one she hoped would be by her side forever. It was only natural that she wished to be by his side.

"Sesshoumaru" He looked over at her, the soft rain gracing his features and causing his skin to shimmer. "I..." She bit her lip. "Where will we go? I am certain that you wish to stay in your castle." He smiled slightly at her.

"We will remain at your village. I have no need to live in the castle when my mate wishes to remain in her village." She smiled and stopped, throwing her arms around him.

"Thank you so much." She closed her eyes. "Sesshoumaru, I... I love you." He tightened his grip on her and rested his chin in her hair.

"I love you as well, Sango." He said in a soft tone. They stood there for a while in the rain, getting wet. But neither cared nor noticed.

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It was late when Sesshoumaru returned with Rin and her things. Kohaku watched Sesshoumaru and Sango closely but they did nothing out of the ordinary that even hinted they were together, as he had believed. Rin spent most of her time with Sango and Shippou and Kirara. Sesshoumaru was just observing.

His eyes snapped open and he was breathing heavily. He got up and went to Sango's room, opening the door quietly. His sister was facing him, her breathing light and even. Kohaku could swear he saw someone next to her but it was too dark. He went inside, sliding the door closed behind him. He went over and climbed up next to her, smiling when her arms went around him and she pulled him back against her. The soft, warm fabric of her yukata brushed against him as he turned around and buried his face in the crook of her neck. He always did this when he was younger. She never minded and told him that he could, whenever he wanted.

XxXxX

Morning dawned before they wanted to wake up. Sunlight streamed through the window and the light hit Sesshoumaru in the face. He clutched his mate in his arms and buried his face in her hair. Sango opened her eyes and looked down at her brother's peaceful, freckled face.

"Good morning, my love." She said, turning her gaze to her lover and smiled at him. He smiled back and kissed her soft lips.

"Good morning." He paused. "I suppose..." She laughed lightly and leaned up, kissing his cheek.

"Sango" She turned and looked at Kohaku, who had just woken up. He blinked at them. She smiled and pulled him against her in a tight embrace.

"What do you think, Kohaku? You have an older brother now." He looked at Sesshoumaru. He had been awake for a few moments. He knew the youkai loved her. He could tell. Sango loved him, as well. He smiled at the Taiyoukai. Sesshoumaru looked at Sango for a brief moment before reaching out and ruffling the boy's hair. The taiji-ya siblings laughed at the awkward look on his face.

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Sango found herself staring into space for the fifth time since she woke up. She still could not believe it was over. She could not cry anymore. She felt so weak already from crying so much. Her mind flashed briefly to what seemed like ages ago, when she had been killed by the very youkai that held her affections. But, to be very honest, she was glad that she could live and die by his side. She felt so thankful to the fact that he would remain with her. However, their conversation had alarmed her briefly. Did he really wish to stay or did he want to go back to his territory? She felt so insecure after the incident with Kuranosukai. Not about her feelings but his. He seemed a little distant.

I am being inept. I just feel so insecure. He does not seem like he wants to be around me. I know it is foolish and stupid but... I cannot help it.

She felt a familiar presence and her heart leaped with joy. She turned around to see nothing. The presence eased her warring emotions and she closed her eyes, falling back into the cool grass. She could feel him next to her; if for only a moment. She basked in the feeling and an overwhelming smell, which she recognized as the houshi's scent, surrounded her. It made her feel like weeping all over again. Then she found herself sobbing softly, her face pressed into her arms and her tears falling rapidly.

Miroku... I am so sorry.

She had been happy with him around... They had an odd relationship, even she had to admit it. But he was her friend and she loved him dearly for staying with her. She suddenly felt someone pick her up and hold her tenderly. She calmed almost instantly.

"I never want to see you like this again." His voice was soft with concern. His arms held her to him tightly. Then he lifted her face and kissed her tears from her face. "I hate to see you in pain. It torments me." She stared at him, the pain still in her eyes.

"I am insecure." She whispered. "I know it is foolish of me... but ever since Taketa-sama came and gone, you seemed to not want to spend as much time with me..." He saw the fear in her eyes. He knew that fear was of losing him, as she had almost everyone else. He smiled and before she knew it, he was sitting on top of her, kissing her senseless. His claws ran tauntingly down her sides, gliding over her stomach. She could hardly supress a moan when he pinned her wrists down and bit her lip lightly. He pulled away from her lips and teasingly licked her damp cheeks clean of the salty tear trails. She gasped softly. His touches were so sensual. She felt like she was on fire. He suddenly swept her into his arms and bolted.

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Kagome sat behind Sango, braiding the girl's hair, a secretive smile on her face. She was glad that the taiji-ya had put all of her suspicions to rest with Sesshoumaru's feelings for her. Kagome couldn't wait until she saw cute little 'pups,' as Inuyasha often referred to them as. She suddenly burst out laughing, letting her head fall forward onto her best friend's shoulder. Her shoulders shaking, she fought off the giggles as best as she could.

"Kagome? What has gotten into you" Sango turned around and gazed at her in concern. "What is so funny"

"I was just thinking about... puppies"

"Puppies" The taiji-ya's expression was priceless. She was confused, dumbfounded, and just plain worried about Kagome's current mental health.

"Your puppies, Sango! Inuyasha told me that they call inu youkai children 'pups' and I was just..." The girl burst out laughing again.

"Kagome, you are starting to scare me. Calm down." Sango was really beginning to doubt her friend's sanity. Then, her right eye twitched and she pictured what Kagome had. Puppies. Her puppies. The puppies that most likely would belong to her and Sesshoumaru. And suddenly, she joined her friend in her laughter. "Imagine that... Puppies" Tears ran down their faces from laughing so hard and they were bent over, holding their sides. It just so happened that Inuyasha and his brother burst in to see them in hysterics.

"What the hell is going on" They both cried in confusion. The laughter only seemed to increase and they began coughing and choking.

"I-Inu..." Kagome wiped her face and looked up at him. Then she began another round of hysterical laughter. Sango was too busy trying not to pass out from lack of oxygen. Kouga and Kohaku peered through the doorway.

"Do you think they lost it" The wolf youkai asked, looking at the boy.

"I don't know what to think anymore." Shippou sighed from Kohaku's shoulder and Kirara mewed from her spot in between the two.

"Neither do any of us."

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Sango was going through the clothes in her wardrobe. She liked them. Kagome had done a fine job. Her friend seemed to know not to pick out anything too short with one exception. A light blue skirt that was like her school uniform one. She saw bigger t-shirts and something the girl called sweat pants.

There are also some beautiful kimonos in here. I wonder...

"Do you like those" She turned and noticed the girl standing in the doorway. "I knew that you would get strange looks from most of the futuristic clothes so I tried to put in some of the things that are more common here. There are also some outfits that Kaede-sama gave to me. They are seriously a little big for me so I slipped them in there. They may be the priestess look but they'll be good for here." Sango smiled and stood up.

"I don't know how to thank you." Kagome walked in and closed the door with a soft smile.

"You don't have to." She sat down on the bed. The taiji-ya sat down next to her.

"You have not put the jewel back together, Kagome-chan. Why not" The young miko flinched at the question. It took her a while to answer.

"Well, I... I'm just not ready to let go. The broken jewel is how we met." She took out the shard that Sango had taken from Naraku.

"And you are afraid that the complete jewel will make everything the way it is supposed to be." Kagome nodded in surprise. "I do not think you have anything to fear. I believe this is exactly how things should be." Sango reached out and took the shard; pulled it into her hands. "If anything, with it complete, we will only grow closer. We suffered through losses both great and small. We battled our way to the top. We defeated the worst of our enemies. And we found love and friendship on the way." The jewel glowed slightly. "I could thank Naraku for one thing." The young miko blinked.

"What would that be" The taiji-ya smiled bitterly.

"His selfishness made me suffer but it also made me meet you. Kagome, these shards are not only the cause of great pain but also of great love and friendship. They brought us together. Sure, we looked like a rag-tag group with problems in need of serious counselling but look at what we have become. We were shoved together because of this. We became a team because of our hatred for Naraku." Kagome looked down at the shard in her friend's hand, realizing that she was right. "We started out in mistrust of each other but ended up becoming each others' solace. In a way, your accidental mistake caused all of this in a mind-numbing timeline of events."

"Sango..." The girl knew that Sango made sense. She knew that the taiji-ya was right. Her fears were foolish. They would never be completely separated.

"Now, tomorrow is the day it should be done, don't you think? We have all had our rest and time to cope with our losses." Sango put the shard back in Kagome's hand and closed the girl's fingers over it. "You make that wish that you want tomorrow." The miko nodded and smiled in determination.

"I will, Sango-chan. I will."

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That's all for 12! But, it isn't over yet! We still have some more to go! Anyway, please review and tell me how I did!