The True Holder of Shikon

Disclaimer - Don't own Inuyasha.

Chapter 7 - Shedding Tears of Blood

Kagome stared at them.

"But what do the shards"

"Sango is the person who we were lookin' for, Kagome. Don't you get it? Midoriko went to someone who could live and survive in an era like this one. She picked Sango to hide her soul in. Naraku found out somehow, I'm guessing. We're going to get her back." She nodded.

"Understandable." Her eyes strayed to the shards. "But that doesn't explain why they're black"

"I don't know, Kagome." The hanyou scowled. "This is all we need."

Sango ran as fast as she could for as long as she could before she fell to her knees, panting. Blood seeped slowly from her wounded arm down to her hands that were clenching the grass tightly. She could tell that she reopened the wound on her stomach. Her heart pounded and her mouth felt dry.

I have to make it...no matter what. I need to get out of here and find Inuyasha and the others.

She stood shakily on her feet and began walking as fast as her tired body would allow. Her breathing soon slowed and returned to normal and her body eased up on the shaking. But she was still physically tired. Her bright chocolate brown eyes focused intently in front of her. Her vision was getting blurry. She felt light-headed and her chest began to burn.

I can't stop... I can't battle anyone in this condition. My legs feel like they are about to give out on me.

She was too exhausted to stop and expand her senses. No one was behind her yet. At least not in the distance where she would be in peril. Suddenly, a small youkai leaped out of the brush and jumped at her, it's yellow fangs bared and it's claws extended. It darted past her, leaving a long, thin scratch across her cheek. She held her arm out when it came at her once more and the concealed blade sprung out, slicing it in half as it let out a wail and splattered her with blood. She pushed the blade back in place then began to continue on, now running because she felt compelled to get there faster.

Am I even going the right way?

Then she felt it. The pulsing of the jewel shards.

Kagome must be back...

She wasn't too far from there but she couldn't run any longer. She stumbled and slowed as she held her throbbing stomach. She tripped and fell to the ground, too tired to even catch her balance or twist to land on her side. She tried to get up but was unable to. Her legs hurt and the wound was causing her excruciating pain. All she could do was lay there and hope Inuyasha and the others found her before Naraku's minions did.

Sesshoumaru continued to lead them on until he stopped, catching something adrift in the air that he didn't like. Inuyasha froze.

"It is strong again." The youkai stated. "And mixed with that of a low-class vermin."

"Could she..." Inuyasha trailed off, watching as his brother took off without so much as a warning. He signalled to the others to stay put and followed at a slight distance. Sesshoumaru, of course, got there first. His frown deepened. She was alive and awake but badly injured.

"Taiji-ya." He kneeled down next to her and flipped her over onto her back. She stared up at him with half-lidded eyes.

"What's wrong" She questioned, her eyes searching his.

"This was from your brother, this was from that youkai, and..." He turned her arm and ripped off the bloody bandage.

"I did that." She whispered. He stared down at her. "Naraku made me cut myself to see if my blood could taint the jewel." His eyes narrowed.

"That miko asked why the shards were black." She blinked up at him.

"It even turned our shards black? Great." She muttered sarcastically. "Don't just sit there, help me up." He wordlessly gave her his hand, biting back a remark. She stood a moment before grabbing his arm and stumbling into him. She gripped his arm tightly. He stared down at her, feeling her body begin to tremble from the strain. Inuyasha came over to her and stared at her, his eyes steadily growing wide.

"What happened over there, Sango" She didn't wince when she turned to him but Sesshoumaru felt her stiffen.

"I... I'll tell you all later." The hanyou smelled something on her... It smelled like Naraku.

If that bastard did anything to her...

It was down near her belt. He spotted something tucked in the folds of her skirt where her belt was tied tightly. He reached down and pulled it out. Two halves of something broken.

"Oh, that. I nearly forgot I had it." She stated. "Those are all that is left of Kagura's fan. I...fought with her." He stared down at the fan, broken in two.

"You won" She didn't respond, her mind going through everything she had done. She rested her head on Sesshoumaru's shoulder, not even caring if he was her enemy or not. Then she took one hand and pulled something from the wrap on her wrist. Inuyasha saw the black gleam. "Sango...where did you... You didn't..."

"This was Kohaku's shard of the jewel. I will lead you there when you are ready. I will do my best, Inuyasha." Her voice was soft, pained. "Now, I cannot grieve for him. He is at peace and will be if ever I can help it."

"Sango" She cut him off with a shake of her head.

"Come, both of you. We are wasting time." Sesshoumaru stated, turning her around and scooping her into his arm. Then he turned and ran with her to where Kagome was. Inuyasha caught up to him and grabbed Kagome in his arms, leaving Miroku, Shippou, and Kirara. Shippou rode on Kirara while Miroku got the bike.

Kagome frowned as she looked over Sango's wounds. She was worried for the taiji-ya.

"Sango, let's get you to the hot springs. It will be easier to do it there. Not to mention that we have to clean you up." The girl packed a bag of supplies then settled it on her shoulders. Sango tried to stand but nearly fell over. She grabbed Hiraikotsu, which was leaning against the wall, to support her. "Do you need help" The huntress shook her head.

"No, Kagome, I am fine. I'm not weak." Sango stated, a frown on her face. "I cannot be weak." Kagome frowned then nodded. She knew Sango was stubborn, even more so than she was.

"Inuyasha told me that you defeated Kagura." The girl held up the broken fan.

"More or less."

"What wounds did you get"

"None from Kagura. This one on my stomach was made from Kohaku's sickle, this was done by me, and this was the one from the youkai." Kagome looked startled and grabbed Sango's arm, inspecting the slender cut that rested there.

"Why did you do that" Kagome eyes were large and shone with disbelief. "Would you even consider... I never thought..."

"Naraku made me do it." She whispered. The other girl stopped and looked up. "That is why the shards are black, Kagome. It is because he used my blood to taint it. I never imagined that the shards would get tainted, as well." Sango held up the black shard she had taken from Kohaku. "The power must really be inside of me." Kagome reached out and took the shard in her hand.

"The last time they were black, I almost died. Hard to believe that I can't purify it. I've been doing everything Kaede-sama told me to. My powers aren't going to fade away anymore." Sango took the shard back when Kagome handed it back. "So, you need to touch the complete Shikon no Tama in order to awaken your powers"

"Yes." The began walking slowly to the hot springs. "Until I've touched it, Midoriko's soul cannot combine with mine and I will not have her powers." The taiji-ya wasn't upset about that but she wanted to kill Naraku and finally put her pain to rest. In fact, they were so focused on their goal that they didn't even think about what will happen after the last battle.

"So, her soul is..."

"Merely using my body. Until we touch the jewel, she's just neutral inside of me. When we touch it, she will be me and I will be her."

"Oh." Kagome was still confused on some things but voiced none of them. They continued on in silence. Sango gazed over at her friend.

"Kagome, I thought you were staying in your time a little longer. What made you come back" Kagome took out her shards.

"Well, they were letting off this weird signal and were reacting to something. Not to mention that I had this feeling something bad was happening. I didn't notice they were black until I got here." Conversation filtered briefly through the things that had happened in the future and the things that happened with Naraku as they got to the hot springs.

Sango lay on her back in the field, the cool grasses brushing against her bare skin. She had but a simple tank top and shorts, as Kagome liked to call them. Her sandals rested beside her and she stretched out, wincing slightly at the jolt of pain from her unhealed wounds.

"It is unwise to be without weapons in plain view of youkai. I thought you would have known that by now." A cold, chilling voice stated behind her. She didn't flinch, start, or even move. All she did was smirk.

"How do you know that I am without weapons" She asked softly, her eyes still on the stars. "You youkai have one-track minds. Always on battle and never anything else... And, in case you were wondering, yes, that was an insult." She felt a slight breeze that had not been there before, though it was only from her unwanted companion's angry youki.

"Stubborn wench." He stated softly. She still had a lot of fire after what had happened. And she acted like nothing had happened. She had leaned on him, used him as support, and leaned her head on his shoulder. These were no small actions in youkai body language. And yet, he was beginning to get used to her snide remarks. She was like his brother, though not quite as rude. Sango closed her eyes and took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet fragrance of the wildflowers that dotted the field further down. Sesshoumaru gave her an odd glance that she flat out ignored. The youkai noticed that she smelled sweeter than those flowers. In fact, her scent made them seem awfully dull and non-fragrant. She had a sweet scent. Her blood's scent nearly drove him insane.

That was what happened. That was why I lost control.

He preferred not to remember but it was no use.

"If you are going to continue being here, unwanted though you are, sit down." He let out a growl but sat, nonetheless.

"You are still rude, taiji-ya." She snorted.

"As if I care what you or others think of me." He looked down at her in indifference.

"Is it that way with the houshi" She stiffened.

"Yes, it is." She answered, her voice cold. "And it is none of your business whether I feel anything for anyone." He didn't respond. He didn't have a response for her statement. He didn't understand their hostility toward each other. Well, his was completely...he didn't know. He was perplexed, astonished that they could hold such a grudge when nothing had ever happened except the argument that started it all. The silence grew unbearable because both wanted to rip the other apart. Such animosity was never before inside of him and this gave him good reason to growl at her. Not even did he feel this hatred toward his half-breed brother.

Perhaps it is because she knows every little weakness of mine and I know only one or possibly two of hers.

He wasn't certain of her fear to live but it was a possible option. Bringing it up in his mind more and more made it less clear each time. She did not fear him. Instead, she loathed him with such passion as to which he did not know the extent. The only reason she did not fear him was because she did not fear death, right? He had to admit, the loathing he felt toward Naraku for taking her was different and something that required pondering and thought.

Inuyasha seemed angry at me because I had choked her. Was I truly the cause of all of this?

It wasn't like he cared much. He was indifferent to everything about their little group. They normally did not take up a lot of his thought. But now it was like they, or to be more specific, she was in his every thought.

A youkai cannot ponder in peace.

The most intriguing thing he found about her was her fire. She had a strong will and a very strong ability to beat the shit out of anyone that crossed her. Just defeating Kagura, Naraku's incarnation, proved that much. And while she was wounded, no less! It attracted his attention. She had given him some pretty hard hits but he was youkai so he could handle it. But he would have been face-first in the ground, had he been human. She packed a whallop for a tiny, delicate female.

"Do you have a staring problem or something" Sango didn't want to admit that his intense gaze was unnerving her. How long had he been staring at her? She had felt his gaze for more than five minutes and she was certain of this.

"Hm" He blinked and the intense look vanished. It was like he didn't know he was staring. She just shook her head at him.

"It is midnight, you know. You should get some sleep. And do not feed me the line that youkai don't need sleep. Don't bother. You would have wasted your breath and further annoyed me." He scowled at her, a welcome sight compared to that look he had given her.

"Infernal wench." He stated sourly. She knew this was a sign that he wasn't leaving. She had her fair share of his company and wanted nothing more than to get away from him.

"Good night, bastard." She gave him a bitter smile and stood up, slipping her feet into her sandals. "May you have nightmares tonight." With that, she was off, walking so silently, he had to strain to hear her footsteps.

Sango stood before the field once more, her eyes dark and clouded.

Kohaku... I cannot forgive Naraku for what he has done. But the Shikon must be completed so that I can finally finish this.

She left one important part out when explaining it to Inuyasha and Kagome and the others. Bitter, stinging tears ran down her face.

Once I touch the Shikon no Tama, it is my responsibility. No one may wish upon it after it gets tainted. They may use it for power but not for wishing. But, if I do touch it and call upon its great powers, it will not resort to a dormant marble. It will still hold a lot of power. Even though...if I do purify it and get rid of every little shred of darkness, it can be wished upon. But it will still have power. One thing none of the others have ever understood...is that even when used for a wish, it will not be dormant.

Meaning, of course, that many youkai and human alike will seek it.

"Sango" She was startled when she heard his voice behind her.

"Houshi-sama? What are you doing out here" She lifted her hand and wiped her tears away, refusing to let him see her cry. It would destroy whatever pride and dignity she had. She hated being weak in front of others. It was something she didn't understand.

"I was searching for you." He stated softly. "I am worried."

"About what" She asked, turning around.

"You." He answered. "You have not been yourself ever since you and Sesshoumaru have been fighting each other. Are you okay" She was a little startled at his bluntness but shrugged it off, knowing she should have expected it.

"Everything is fine, Houshi-sama." She stated dryly. "When would I let him get to me"

"Sango..."

"I assure you that all is well. And, once we've beaten Naraku, we can return to things being normal." Her thoughts turned to when Kohaku had taken her.

I can't believe I forgot about these blades! How foolish of me! I am never to be without weapons.

"What will you do? After Naraku"

"I will lay everything to rest. I will return to my home and try to rebuild what was lost. I will train others to be taiji-ya." No matter what, she could not abandon that.

Sango, what about the powers you will inherit? What will you do about my powers?

No offense, Midoriko, but I am no priestess.

"Do you think that...maybe I could join you here for a while? I could help you." He offered. She sighed.

"It all depends, Houshi-sama. I may not live to see tomorrow. There is always a possibility that any of us could get killed. Right now, the future is out of the question." He nodded. His violet eyes shimmered with sadness at her loss. "But, no matter what, I will live for as long as possible to avenge my family and my people. I will never give up willingly. Never."

"Sango..." He said in such a soft, loving voice as he walked to her and pulled her into his arms. She was still for a moment before she allowed herself to relax. "We will win this war." Then she pulled away and gazed at the ground.

"I have to do some thinking."

"I understand." He smiled and turned around, leaving her standing there. She watched his fading figure.

"So, you will help me"

"Aye, I would be happy to. Ye have come to the right person. I have something to show ye." Kaede smiled and stood with Sango's help. The taiji-ya followed her outside. Kirara walked beside her mistress's feet, wondering where they were going.

"Why are we here" Sango asked when they stopped before a temple. Kaede gestured and they walked inside. The door creaked and the floor groaned as they walked inside. The old priestess watched as the candles lit by themselves all around the room. A dark spot rested in the middle, where a rise was. Two stairs lay before it. "What is it"

"The place where my sister, Kikyou, be burned. She took the Shikon Jewel with her. Watch." Suddenly, the steps caught fire and it spread until the entire rise was burning. But the strange thing was, it went no further.

"Woah." Sango stepped forward.

"What happened when ye encountered Naraku"

"Well, after conversation flowed so nicely, Midoriko got a little pissed at him and took over. I could still hear and see everything. She tried to attack with her powers but it backfired."

"Backfired"

"It caused me to faint." The old woman thought for a moment.

"I see now. Ye need some power to manipulate ye own, to drag it out." Sango shook her head.

"I need to come into contact with the complete Shikon no Tama, Kaede-san." She frowned. The priestess froze.

"Then ye have..."

"Yes." Sango answered softly. "I can't believe I tainted the jewel." She pulled out a black shard, the one from Kohaku, and placed it in Kaede's hand.

"Ye did a number on them." She inspected it closely. "I don't know what to tell ye, child. I could help ye like I did with Kagome. We could manipulate this shard to give off the power we need. Come."

"But, Kaede-san..."

"We do not need ye full dormant powers. They can wait. We want only a little."

Sango bit her lip to keep from screaming in agony.

"I be almost done, child." Kaede sat with her hands in prayer position. The jewel shard lay in between Sango and herself. The taiji-ya was glowing white and blood ran from the cut on her arm from when she had tainted the jewel. It burned like hell. The jewel became soaked in the crimson liquid. Then it all faded and Kaede immediately worked on her wound. As she did so, they both noticed the jewel shard absorbing the blood. Then she instructed Sango to pick it up. She did as she was told and stared at it. Then it shattered into four equal-sized pieces, embedding themselves in her forehead, in the shape of the mark on Midoriko's forehead.

"K-Kaede-san..." It felt like her forehead was burning. It was glowing pure white.

"Perhaps ye may have gotten back more than just what I thought." The old priestess watched as Sango's eyes darkened just a little, becoming a richer brown color, like mahogany. "Come, I have something for ye." The taiji-ya stood and helped Kaede to her feet. They walked through the house to the back room where she handed Sango an outfit. "'Tis a priestess's garb. It will suit ye more, now, since ye be both."

"Both"

"Taiji-ya and priestess. Ye are a danger to Naraku now. He must have felt ye power surge." Sango took the clothes in her hands. "Sango, ye are lovelier than ever. The others will be surprised."

"Thank you, Kaede-san." Sango's voice became just a little softer. "Are we..."

"Ye be Midoriko now. Almost like Kagome and Kikyou."

"Oh..." Sango glanced up as Kaede left the room. She changed quickly and found that she liked the outfit. It was like Kaede's and Kikyou's but had a red lining on the white haori with the red pants. She walked out and held out the red ribbon to Kaede, who tied her hair back.

"Ye know how to use a bow, correct"

"Yes. It was part of my training. I can use any weapon."

"Ye are a dead-center shot, then"

"I mastered it." Sango smiled. "I have a nice bow that was my mother's."

"It would be nice to use that, would it not"

"It would honor her, I am certain."

"But it may get broken. Take this one. It was my sister's. It was the last she used and it would be well-used in your hands." The taiji-ya blinked. She had a couple very good questions waiting, that was for sure.

"Last one she used? But...would that not be the one she bound Inuyasha to the tree with"

"Aye, child. This be the very same bow."

"Would it not go to Kagome"

"Nay, child. She has my new one." Kaede smiled. "Go on, now. I have errands to tend to." Sango took the bow and a quiver of arrows, along with the outfit she had been wearing, and whistled to Kirara. The neko transformed and Sango got on her back.

"Thank you, Kaede-san."

"It was my pleasure, Sango-san."

Hey, all. How was that exciting chapter? Let me know!

'Till number 8!