February 15th, 2006

Disclaimer (I always forget to put this in, although it's probably understood, right?) – Inu Yasha is property of Takahashi Rumiko-sama, Viz and their affiliates. I merely borrowed their wonderful characters for my own twisted amusement. And maybe for a little bit for you guys, too. P

Author's Notes - :gasps: Two updates in one day? Egads!

Wufei – Yeah… never say 'egads' again…

Party pooper… Ah yes, like I said, I'm essentially grounded without my beloved Shenlong-sama to transport me where I need to go. :Wufei cringes: So whilst I am waiting for my ride to work, I decided to update another chapter for you all!

Wufei – :deadpans: How gracious of you…

:ignores him: I really liked the idea behind this installment… although now that I think about it, I can't remember when it came to me… but it definitely isn't what you might expect right off the bat. I'm sure you'll see what I mean once you get to the end, but I digress, I enjoyed writing it and I hope you all enjoy reading it.

As always, comments are always welcome. –wink!–

Wufei - :shudders:

#14 – Two sides of the same soul

There was silence as the two figures stood facing each other, studying each others' movements and features, neither wanting to make a move against the other.

Finally, one dared to speak, "Do you know who I am?"

"Yes… You are the person whom I used to despise most."

"…Despise?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"You should not exist in this world."

A pause. "This is true. You wanted me gone."

"Yes."

"And now?"

Another pause. "I no longer hate you if that is what you're asking me."

Surprise. "You don't?"

"I suppose not. We are very much alike, you and I."

"That's true." A thoughtful pause, "Very true."

Suddenly, "I gave up so much for you."

"Yes, I know." Apologetic.

"I was willing to die for you."

A sad frown followed by, "Are you still?"

Silence.

"Would you continue to protect me… fight with me, for me… even if it meant dying?"

Quietly, resolutely, "Yes."

It was silent once again. "You would put me before everything else, before everyone else? Above the one that you—"

"Yes. You are the only thing that matters to me now."

The two regarded each other for a very long time, neither willing to speak their true thoughts.

"And that girl…"

"…Is no concern of mine."

Silence.

"Do you hate me?"

"No."

"So you will protect me?"

"Yes."

"You do know… that you do not belong in this world either?"

"Yes…" A thoughtful pause, "As I said before, you and I are very much alike."

"Do you have any regrets?"

"………No."

Silence.

"I am sorry…"

There was a long period of silence.

"I know you are… Midoriko."

End

Author's Notes – Yeah, I changed it up a whole lot… well, not a whole lot, but I changed the ending up a bit. Originally, I had intended the identities of both speakers to be revealed, but I decided to only disclose one – that being Midoriko, the creator of the ill-famed Shikon no Tama (but I'm sure you guys knew that, right?) But in any case, this way, I believe the second person could be a few people…. But I'll keep my thoughts to myself.

Lemme know what you guys think, though.

Remember the 3 R's!