Journey's End

a/n: I do not own Inuyasha.

Monologue Three – Sango

It seems like forever, yet it could have been just yesterday. Kohaku and I could have been practicing just yesterday in our village, yet my heart knows that was so long ago now, and so very far away. It seems so very far. I guess, when you are not looking too closely, the past can catch up with you easily.

When I collapsed that night in front of Naraku's old castle, I was sure I had fought my last battle. Still a maiden, too young to have experienced most of what life had to offer me, but I was still dying as a warrior. Fate seems to have had other ideas though, and I awoke with a new purpose. I needed to kill the half-demon Inuyasha before I could finally pass from this world. My revenge would be sweet I was sure.

Ha! Fate used me well, I think.

The purpose was evil and unjust, the methods uncouth. Fate moved me painfully, like an unwilling piece in some game. I was maneuvered until I stood at the side of Kagome, Inuyasha, and Miroku. I swore to not only kill Naraku, but also to help complete the jewel that had found life near my home village. I had no idea how far this journey would take me, or just how much I would gain from it. I especially had no idea who I would gain.

I have noticed lately that I smile this lazy smile when I am alone and thinking of Miroku. That perverted monk. He gets to me more than you know; more than anyone knows actually. Miroku grew on me, but in a different way than impulsive Inuyasha or instantly loveable Kagome. The feeling was totally different; it was warmer, deeper. It was more precious than gold to me, and more rare than diamonds. Is this what love feels like? This feeling, this … knowing?

What purpose is there now for me? The jewel is complete, and Naraku is dead. When he died, Kohaku died too. We never did figure out why. We could only figure that the shock of the bond being broken just took everything out of him. It is for the best I think. He would have lived a miserable and unhappy life had he survived. Am I sad? Absolutely. I am grieving in my own way. I had always hoped that he would be with me, at the end. We settled for burying him in the village where he was born.

What purpose is there for me now? Where do I fit in? What do I do?

Some thoughts I have are of repairing and rebuilding my home village. That way I could train new demon slayers, a whole new generation. My first love and my chosen profession. I had been born into it, and I was the best there was.

What of family? What about love? Would I ever have time for any of that? When would I be allowed to rest if I devoted my life to demon slaying? Would I ever bear my own children? Would they have blue eyes and black hair?

Miroku spends a lot of time staring at his cursed hand. The wind tunnel is now gone, and he is transfixed by the smooth surface. It is a wonder, to him.

There is Inuyasha and Kagome, with the worlds fate on their shoulders. What will they wish for? Will the well truly seal itself once the wish is made? Poor Kagome. One misstep and her whole life was detoured, or was it? Was it Kagome's fate to come here? To set right what Naraku knocked off course? To give Inuyasha the chance to love?

I have often looked within myself and came to the conclusion that really, this whole journey has been about Inuyasha. This whole thing may have happened specifically to show him that he was wanted, he was loved, and that he did have a family. He is not alone, and we helped him realize it.

Did this journey teach me a lesson also? I did learn that revenge is not the way, and that sometimes you need to let things go. I learned to love someone even if they did not who I am; I learned unconditional love. I learned to love as a whole.

Only Kagome and Inuyasha can really decide what to wish for. As for me, I have my own decisions to make.

Miroku may be lecherous and he may not always be straightforward with me, but I think he loves me; loves me as a whole. When he looks into my eyes I can see it all: lust, desire, compassion, and love. I know it must be love.

Whatever Kagome and Inuyasha wish I know one thing: I will be wishing our children have those kind, blue eyes. I wouldn't have it any other way.