Title: Savior

I gave my word that I would free Kohaku from his enslavement.

I made an oath to slay Naraku.

I said I would never leave Kirara.

I assured Kagome I would survive.

I promised Shippou that everything would be alright.

I swore to Inuyasha I would never desert him.

I declared the remainder of my life to Miroku.

The wind whips the open cuts and slashes more into any exposed skin. It should hurt and it does, so I am still alive. My mind isn't on the pain. It's preoccupied with the vows I have yet to fulfill. The images flash through my mind like dying visions.

I'm falling.

This sub realm is crushing. My numb limbs won't respond to my whims any longer. The cold stabs like a sharpened sword blades. I feel my lungs collapse. And the world is slowly slipping into shadow.

I'm sinking.

Deceitfully, it would seem that I'm moving slowly. I'm being swallowed by an atmosphere of celestial blue. Such a calming place is unfeeling and lulling. Despite all this, my mind is still alert. It's keen to every missing sensation and bruises itself in memorizing the last image before the darkness sets in.

I'm dying.

A blast of black hair frees itself from the band and swarms about me. Through the dark strands a murky blue reality is animated in shadowy black and purple figures. Though I can't feel it, I see one hand out stretched toward the land of the living but there is no one there to reach out to. Life continues without me.

I'm alone.

My useless lungs are burning in my chest but their cry is nothing compared to the tormented caused by the shattering in my left breast. My eyes are getting so very heavy and sleep seems welcoming even though I am aware of slumber's trap. But the will to survive, or perhaps something equally as important, had been smothered by the icy water. Drowsily, I realize that my extended arm was retracting.

I'm defeated.

The world is so dark there's isn't hope for light. I hadn't spilled fully into the underworld. Something had pulled me back, something strong and warm. It has enveloped the once reaching hand and pulls it forward again toward the barrier of the living.

I'm being saved.

Breaking the water is like being born again. It's intensely painful because the air inflames my deprived lungs more then when they were lacking oxygen. It's terrifying because the active world blares and blinds you with its ferocity. It's cleansing green and white because of the fresh start you are granted.

I'm awakening.

My eyes snap open and I can hear my rapid breathing as my pulse pounds against my temple in hot red and silver streaks. My sight finally comes into focus and a quiet, throaty chuckle vibrates under my water logged ear braced against a sturdy chest. My unfeeling lips quiver with cold.

I'm safe.

"It's ok, slayer," Inuyasha says in his trade mark smug tone before pulling the thick red haori tighter around my drenched kimono and soaked hair. Kirara lands sharply on the shore. He hops off the fire cat and begins to walk away. After a few steps he turned back to see why I haven't dismounted yet. I'm very sure he can see the heartbreak reflected the depths of my eyes. Weather or not it is beneath the impassive mask I've managed to erect he can see it. His eyes are reluctant but he turns away as the others run toward us. I look away before burrowing deeper into the warmth of his coat.

I'm abandoned.

Disclaimer: Not mine. No money. No lawsuit.

Just a one shot inspired by the moment Sango falls into the water and is saved by Inuyasha in the episode where Miroku returns to a village where a girl claims he proposed marriage to her to avoid a union with a water youkai.

All reviews will be read and might be appreciated if the content is constructive. I would like to know what you think.

The Vixen 949