Red Roses

Chapter Two

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. Some of us know otherwise.

A New Hope

Strange feelings and thoughts whispered in his mind, he sat coldly and worried in the green grasses of his era. He had never really felt this way about anything else, other than the last time something like this happened. She had been hurt, but it wasn't as bad or as saddening to anyone. Paining thoughts trudged through his head; she won't wake up, not now, not ever. And he was so sorry, for all those days he was rude, telling her to shut up and not listening to anything her heart had to say. Leaving her hopeless, hurt, and left behind…He felt as if nothing could make his day any worse, nobody could care for his needs, and he wasn't the one who needed to be cared for. He missed her, his Kagome.

His heart ached and weakened as his deadly thoughts sped and it seemed like it was his fault that he didn't follow them outside. He should have been there to help her and to defend her, and not only that but to finally get Sesshomaru off his hands. Instead he stayed inside slowly eating his ramen noodles in an awkward silence, only to soon hear a loud scream…by Kagome. He remembered that moment as it burned into his memory, leaving him wondering if she was going to be okay or not. He had yet to realize that this wasn't his fault, that it was a natural part in life. But why didn't Sango take any action? It wasn't like her to do something like that. He blamed her. Sango. Kagome's best friend…He didn't want to be angry with her, he didn't want Kagome to be in this condition either. He blamed himself more than anyone else, but Sango came second. "I should have been there for her." He squeezed his hand in; making a fist and piercing his skin with his claws, letting little blood exit his body and roll down his hand. He closed his eyes, letting a long breath of air out; he was trying to calm down, for Kagome's own sake.

She sighed, "It isn't your fault, Inuyasha…" Kaede was standing behind him, arms crossed and her eyes looking tired. She put a hand on Inuyasha's shoulder, "Inuyasha…believe it or not…things were meant to be this way. We will find the right herb for her, my dear. Have faith for Kagome."

Silence fell through. Staring off into the distance, Inuyasha twitched as sweat rolled down his forehead into his eyes. "I just want her to be okay." He began whispering things Kaede could not understand, probably more of those irritable things running through his mind.

"Please do not get stressed over this, it is only for the best. She will recover and be on her feet in no time. Whenever Sango and Miroku turn up…" she then looked around pausing, hoping to see them, "I am going to send them off for some Herlon herbs." Kaede took her hand away from her shoulder and resumed her position of crossing her arms, "Where are those two anyway?"

Shrugging, he then realized what she was asking and came back to reality as he opened his mouth slowly to respond in quick words, "They said…they were going off to talk about…what happened." He then moved over and slumped down, resting his head on his hand. Kaede then nodded and headed towards the woods, closer to the river.

Watching every step she took, Sango stepped over all the holes in the ground that Inuyasha had made as traps to hurt Sesshomaru, he was determined. Her conversation with Miroku had begun to fade, yet it seemed to be the only conversation, as she could recall, that she had with Miroku that wasn't perverted or about groping, it was a nice subtle conversation about what had happened. And it was making Sango feel much better about herself and her surroundings, what had happened and just…life. She was extremely proud of Miroku's improvements, she was grateful. "Do you think…I should have done something?" Her questions were choked out; she was still uncomfortable asking that one question.

He grimaced; he didn't really know the answer to this one. What happened happened, right? "You didn't…but that's okay, you don't have to do everything that you should have done. Kagome will be fine; don't blame yourself for not taking any action. I might have done the same, dear Sango…you were in shock to see her in such dramatic pain. Please, think none of this." He smiled, pulling her closer to him to give her a friendly embrace; "You have us here to care for you and Kagome both."

She accepted the hug and smiled, "Thank you, Miroku. I really need your comfort…I would talk to Inuyasha about it…but…" she was finding the right words, this was something she didn't really want to say to anyone, it seemed kind of offensive, "he wouldn't really want to talk about it or take it the right way."

"I know how you feel, Sango. But it's best we leave him be…for now…" Coughing, he ended the conversation with that as they came up closer to the edge of the woods. Seeing Kaede, they nodded and Sango hugged Kaede.

"It will be okay, dear…" She squeezed a little tighter, knowing what she was thinking about just from her looks and how quickly Sango's arms met Kaede's. "And I need you and Miroku to do me a quick favor for Kagome."

Miroku nodded and stepped forward, "We'll do whatever it is. Kagome means a lot to us, and I'm sure her parents wouldn't like finding out about what happened while she's in such poor condition."

"Yes, Miroku…that is true, but she's in worse condition and we must do something other than keep her cool and well rested." She nodded, knowing what was coming next, the whole speech about how Inuyasha wasn't in the best mood today. "What I need you to do is get some herbs for Kagome. Can you do this for me?"

The two looked at each other quickly, and then back to Kaede. "Mhm." Sango gestured toward Inuyasha, "And of him?" She turned around to face him. "Do you think he should do something to…distract himself?"

"He'll be fine on his own, asking him to do something will let him know what we think. For all we know, he could be thinking about other things now, anyway." Kaede didn't want to confront the poor Hanyou. It was her theory, after all, that if someone is feeling such a way, they should be left alone or not spoken to about the subject much. But if the pain is too great, they should talk about it and know that every thing is okay. Would this work?

Sango looked down at her feet, kicking the dirt and the rocks out from under her, "What herbs do you need?"

"Some Herlon herbs. They look like blue flowers and can be picked around a mountain, not too high up, I don't want you two in too much danger. You should be off now, before it gets too late and you'll be back after dark. It's hard to find your way back."

They nodded and began walking off, nodding to Inuyasha as they walked past him. His eyes looked hurt and filled with sorrow, he eyed them as they neared him. And then he stood up, to hide his pain in some other place.

Inuyasha's PoV

Feh, they were going to go get herbs for Kagome. Why wouldn't Kaede let me go with them? I'm the one that cares the most about her, anyway…since they were gone I decided to stick around the hut for a while and make sure Kagome was ok. So I walked in the hut and into her room, the window was open allowing a cool breeze to enter the room. I didn't know if that was good or not for her, so I didn't mess with it. Instead I pulled the tiny wooden chair closer to the bed and sat there watching her, I didn't want to disturb her, proving myself wrong to Kaede. She said I shouldn't be around her, that I would cause a disturbance or get too loud…that wench is wrong I can sit here fine.

I don't need any one to tell me what to do, I'm no child…

Anyway, I sat watching her rest, I wish I could see her eyes…those beautiful chocolate brown eyes, they could stop anyone from crying…dying…I shook my head, ridding the thoughts. I really should have been there for her. That damn half brother of mine.

She was always so nice to me, whenever I called her names…bossed her around…she just always listened, and never pulled a fit. I shouldn't be like that, I want to change. I want to be there for her, always. So, I'll change for her. I'll stop calling her wench, stop yelling at her, always carry her on my back, and never argue I'll change for her. Just for Kagome. I should have been there…its all my fault she's like this. So this I'll do for Kagome.

I'll change.

Small snowflakes fell to Miroku and Sango's feet as they walked further up the steep hills of the mountain, Sango looked extra well for the herb; she was unfamiliar to its looks. "What does this herb look like, again?"

"Well…" Miroku started himself, "It's blue and round, with a small point at the bottom that may hurt you, be careful when you pick them up…and they smell of a sweet cinnamon."

Sango sniffed the air, numerous times, "I don't smell anything but…cold air." She looked confused, "I know that doesn't sound very logical, but cold air does have a smell."

"Do you think…these herbs will help her enough?" Miroku was curious, he wasn't sure such a simple herb could help such injuries as Kagome's.

Her response sounded unsure of herself, "If Kaede wants them, then they should be fine. They might have a special touch to them or something."

"But there was something Kaede didn't tell me about them. She said I would learn soon enough, when she first told me about the herb. I was quite curious, to tell you the truth. And that was before the…attack." His words were simple, and understandable.

Sango sighed thinking about it, "I don't know why I did what I did." She walked at a higher pace, blocking out the images of Kagome laying there, Sango wasn't like that.

She would usually protect her friends, family, and herself. Sango was the good protector, and that day when Sesshomaru came, she didn't know what to do. Her battle gear was all inside, she wasn't in any fighting position and she would admit it herself, she was in shock. But why? Yes, she knew that Kagome was a very close friend of hers. But seeing her in the face of death- was something she was not used to. Kagome probably would have saved Sango, and helped her heal. Or, as Sango thought.

"Would Kagome of done the same? Referring to…not doing anything." Sango brushed the hair out of her face, still walking faster than Miroku as he stopped walking, finding the herbs.

He hesitated with his answer, not quite sure what to say. "Well…Sango, you do know that she is the only one that can answer with that, but she is a lot like you so I would think she wouldn't." That sounded too harsh for Miroku, "No offense to either of you." He teased and forced a smile.

"I agree somewhat, Miroku. I have another question." She then stopped walking and turned around to him, helping him pick some of the herbs. She saw him standing there, eyes widened. "What is it?"

She turned around, and there was Sesshomaru. "How…did he know?" He began rushing along gathering more and more or the herbs. Sango was ready to fight this time, and Miroku was behind her.

"I followed you, fools." He then brought his claws forth, asking for a duel.

"Now, now, Sesshomaru…we're still trying to recover from you're last encounter. Why do you wish to fight us so much?" Miroku asked standing up, with the bag of herbs taunting Sesshomaru.

And Sesshomaru noticed this, the herbs, and immediately he knew what they were for, Kagome. He didn't want her to survive, this "foolish human". So he did as he wished to do, and he jumped forward pushing Sango aside and ripping the bag out of Miroku's hands.

"Sesshomaru, you don't have to be so violent about things!" Sango said, running after him with her over-sized boomerang.

"Well…I'll make a deal with you…" He smirked to a side of his face, thinking of what to say. Then he eyed Sango's neck, an astonishing necklace was sitting in place around her. It had circles of blue and purple, with a bit of white, and some silver, shining and with a gold rim. "I'll take that necklace, Sango…for half of these herbs."

Sango immediately ran her hand to her neck, tracing her fingers over the piece of jewelry. Sweat then started to roll down her cheek, and she breathed heavily. It was half of the herbs they had collected; she turned around, facing Miroku as he stepped aside. There were no more herbs left. Then she turned back to Sesshomaru. "It's for Kagome. I'll do it." She sighed, and Miroku began walking up towards Sango, and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Very well then." He tore the necklace off of Sango's neck, making her jump back in fear. She then placed her hand over her neck again, feeling naked without the necklace, and robbed. Sesshomaru then dug out of the bag, half of the herbs and stuffed them away. After this, he threw the bag with the rest of the herbs at Miroku, he caught them and Sesshomaru was off.

"Where did you get that necklace from?" His hand was trembling in fear that it was from a dead relative or close friend.

"Kagome…"

Inuyasha's PoV

I can't stop watching her just because Kaede comes…so I'll stay here with her. I wonder what's taking them so long. It shouldn't take too long to go to the mountain and back; it's not that far. But what if they don't come back in time? Kagome might not be saved. I'll keep her alive. What's the use in herbs, anyway? They aren't that great. Heh. I laughed and stood up, pacing the room and glancing toward Kagome every few steps. And then I noticed a small cabinet in the corner, by another window. It would be obvious to any random person coming in, but in this situation it you had to of been looking for it, Kagome's injured so I wouldn't be looking.

I went to the cabinet and opened the doors, dust came out at me and I blew it off. I saw a couple boxes and some pictures, and then a smaller box behind some of the old pictures. I figured none of it was special so I stood up and began closing the cabinet doors, but then something was shining even farther back in the cabinet. Something that did look interesting. I wanted to look at it, and hold it…it was attracting me like a magnet. And it made me feel like everything was going to be okay. I reached back into the wooden shelving and picked it up and brought it closer to me, blowing off the dust. I twirled the thing around in my fingers, and then examined it closer. It was a ring. A diamond ring, it looked old and worn, but like if it was just cleaned a little it could be mistaken for brand new. I took the ring and I tried fitting it on all of my fingers, starting with my pinky since it was the smallest. It didn't fit, being way too small, but it seemed like it would fit Kagome well. I pulled at the stupid ring, it wouldn't come off. So I kept tugging at it, and nothing happened until a last tug made it fly off, and my elbow hitting the cabinet. I got up and searched for the thing, hoping I could save it for her and give it to her when she woke up as a present, but I couldn't find it. "Better luck next time, chump." I said quietly to myself and glanced up at Kagome. At least I could tell she was still alive, her arm had moved. But the sad thing…she looked worse. That damn half brother of mine.

"I'm sorry, Sango…if she asks, I'm sure she'll understand. And you were returning her a favor by giving it up." He tried to sound sympathetic, but really he was angry that Sesshomaru could have just taken it that easily. He realized that Sango really cared about Kagome, he just loved to see the two together happy and laughing. Walking along with Inuyasha and him behind watching them and keeping them safe. Hearing their laughs and soft gentle voices, and he was afraid…afraid that he would never be able to hear or see that again. Miroku twitched, "Sango…I'm sure things will be okay."

She sighed, "I know Miroku. I just don't think she's going to make it…" She started walking down the mountain; they weren't that far up now. "Her conditions…aren't well. I can tell, so don't give me that telling me that she's going to be fine until you know it for sure, okay?"

Miroku nodded, "I understand." He took Sango's hand in his, and they began down the hill at a faster pace, "We need to hurry, the sun will be going down soon and Inuyasha is probably already upset with us."

Glancing up at the sky, Sango noticed this was true and she too began walking faster and then she looked back at Miroku, "Look at it, Hoshi-Sama…it's beautiful."

He too, looked up at the sky, "We'll have a good view from here…"

"Can we stay here tonight?" Sango sighed, "I know we won't be able to get there before dark hits." She began looking for a spot near, hoping he'd say yes. Her feet were aching, and her head was spinning. There was too much going on around her, and she didn't want to have to think of anything that had happened in the past two days, she needed away from it all, away from the hut, Inuyasha…

"But what about Kagome? Shouldn't she get the herbs now?" Miroku was being the adult authority at the moment, even though he knew he was aching to be able to spend a night with Sango in the woods- nothing dirty. He had changed, a lot, he was still the normal pervert Sango knew, but he was lightening up.

She murmured a few words, and then spoke silently, "Kagome…will be fine tonight…come on, let's find some where to sleep." She changed her path toward the tall mountain trees, and Miroku followed her.

"Do you suppose we'll have to sleep under something? It's snowing, after all…" He began searching for maybe a small blanket somebody had left from before…and then Sango turned around looking at him oddly.

"I brought two blankets and some water. I always bring something when ever I know I might not be back in time." She rolled her eyes at the monk, he was unaware of what she did, but she did find it cute to his thinking there might be a blanket someone left.

He then smiled, "And I see a small cave…there's sure to be nothing in there, we're in a part of the mountain where no animal is sure to be, except for birds and deer, is all." He pointed toward a path between the trees, Sango followed the direction and saw the cave, too.

"I don't want to take any chances…" She said quietly, "Can we just sleep out here? There isn't snow this far down the mountain, and it isn't that cold, either."

She really does come prepared…weather and everything. He smirked to his thoughts, "What ever you wish, my dear Sango."

She brushed a spot clear from leaves and sat down, throwing the other blanket to Miroku, "Good night, Hoshi-Sama." She laid down after he nodded and replied with a return of good night, and covered herself up. Sighing, she drifted off to a deep sleep.

Sango's Dream

"Welcome Sango. What have you here?" This was an unfamiliar voice to me, but it sounded so…kind…I glanced down over what I was holding, a dozen red roses…

"Uh, some red roses." I looked around, there was music coming from another room…and I was in a black dress. The woman who I was talking to then put an arm around me, I looked into her eyes as they looked sympathetic and warm.

"What is wrong, dear?" She shook me lightly, "Her death was meant to be, you have nothing to do with it." I think she was referring to Kagome; she was the only one I know capable of dying.

I didn't respond, and then I looked around me more. I seemed to be in a cabin. There were lots of candles, all lit, and the floor was scattered with petals from a white rose. There sat in a corner, a table with a black leather book sitting open, and people went over to sign it with a feather pen. I walked to the book and someone nudged me after a moment, "Are you going to sign, mam?" I looked up at the man; he was looking at me oddly, but so friendly… I nodded, and wrote my full name across what ever it was, and began my path down the hall.

Looking to my left, there were more people, and rows of chairs. I entered the room and saw some familiar faces, Miroku, Kaede, Shippo, Inuyasha…I walked toward Inuyasha and he moved to a side, where I couldn't see him behind the people. So instead of following him, I ventured over to Miroku, looking for one of his comforting hugs. He came to me and started talking, "What's wrong, Sango?" He began to hug me, but I couldn't feel it. He took my roses out of my hand and took my other hand, leading me past the other people as they looked at me and their looks seemed to taunt me. I looked ahead of Miroku, seeing what he was trying to show me. He then stopped at a casket, and there laid Kagome, my best friend. He laid the dozen roses over her body and turned to me, "She's in a better place." I turned to my right site, trying to see what all the fuss was about next to me. There stood a woman, appearing like Kagome only older age, this must have been her mother. "Mrs. Higurashi…" I said, walking to her and opening my arms. But her image began to glitch, and turn into something evil…that caused it all…her hair, turned long and silver, like Inuyasha's only longer…the face, changed in many ways and I shook with fear. I couldn't stop trying to hug the figure, and I wanted to. The image stopped changing, more and more I shook and shook, waiting for the nightmare to be over. "Stop! Stop it!" It was Sesshomaru. I screamed as I came closer to him…

She was being shook, and she drifted her eyes open. "Mmm…" she moaned, opening her eyes to the morning light.

"You were turning, and you kept grabbing the blanket. And it's time to go…are you okay, Sango?" His words were soft and subtle, she was happy to hear his voice again and not someone else's. She hugged him tightly.

"Thank you Miroku, thank you so much…" She gripped his robes and pulled him closer, "For always being there, pervert or not, please don't ever leave me…"

He smiled and took her hand, leading her up and he picked up the blankets, folding them and handing them to Sango as she put them away in her bag around her shoulder. They then began walking down the mountain, with no words said after a simple thank you.

And they finally reached the hut, where Inuyasha sat at the door, angry and fuming. "Where the hell were you two?" He growled and stood up, "And the herbs?" Then he looked confused, there seemed to be something different with Sango. He just couldn't get it straight as to what it was.

"They're here. And we couldn't make it back before dark so we camped in the woods under trees." Miroku lifted up the bag he was holding and gestured it toward Inuyasha, Inuyasha grunted and began walking inside. Sango and Miroku followed, they needed this herb to work for Kagome, for Inuyasha…for every one.

Same thing as before, sorry!

Review Replies

Mental Mess: Yes, Sesshy is a very bad Sesshomaru indeed. Maybe we should lock him up behind bars? Or perhaps, bars strong enough to hold him in. If we can make those, probably very hard to find- yet buy, no? Lol…well, here's your update. Hope I can make the next one sooner.

Aku doujou: Uh, thanks? Thanks for reviewing, even though you don't really like it that much…lol, I really do appreciate the review though, I wish every one that read this story would. Even if they aren't good reviews.

Inhyel/Hy: Aww, thank you Hy! I'll be sure to update way faster now, I'm spending most of my time craving to write something someone wanted to read…my sister writing her new Fanfic is making me want to write in mine. Hence the fact that she's a very good writer…

xWhit3StaRx/Diana: Yup. You are and always will be, until you leave me and I go hide in a box in a dark corner somewhere. With a hole. So I can see what every one is doing. (Runs off to go find a box with a hole for the future) I hope I won't have to use this…

DarkMale: Just sitting around being his normal self, but watching Kagome come in and yes, being his I-Have-No-Mushy-Feelings self. Of course, and as usual. I liked the way I did that, too, by the way. They're having a new beginning there, and a new beginning here! I couldn't think much of a title…so I just called it a New Hope. Hope the Star Wars fans don't mind. (Looks innocently around) You'll see, she might and she might not. Yet you probably already know. I'm not going to let any one find out until…Heh heh. Until they read, of course!

All reviews are highly appreciated- I have a question for you all: What do you think of it so far? What do you want to happen? How do you feel when you're reading this?

Next Update: Hmm…I'll surprise you, sometime very soon. I'm getting to love this story.

A kiss on her crimson lips
And she fights back the tears
With death just a moment away,
She preys to stay
I'll love you forever,
I promise

7.22.05