Chapter 3

Mortal Enemy

Sango flinched at the loud noise, echoing through the halls and almost the whole building.

"B-Bankotsu…what was that?" She stuttered, when he didn't give an answer, Sango glanced over at him. Bankotsu's face had gone blank, but terror struck every inch of it, bringing almost sadness to it.

"Its…the same…sound…I last heard…" He choked, trying to spit out his words. Sango's eyes widened and she bolted down the hall, Bankotsu quickly following behind her.

Please! Please! Oh God! Please! No!!

Tears sprung from Sango's eyes, but were wisped away by the air rushing past her face as she ran.

463.

The door was in view, Sango gained speed, bringing her closer and closer to the door. Once there, Sango had to slow down without crashing into the door. She jiggled the door knob and it came loose easily, with hope this would be a good sign.

The wooden door swung open and showed Sango the red paintings across the faded white walls. More liquid flooded from her eyes and Sango collapsed to her knees.

"No! No! No! Why is this happening!!??" Sango shouted out, cries between her words.

"S-Sango…" A small whimper whispered, coming from Jakotsu, who was slumped on the ground, lying there on his stomach and gripping his shoulder where the blood poured from. Sango opened her eyes and crawled beside him.

Carefully, Sango flipped Jakotsu onto his back and he grunted with pain. Sango then practically fell on him, avoiding the wound, with an embrace.

"Jakotsu! Why? What do you do this for?" She cried, tears dripping onto Jakotsu's clothing.

"I wanted to be with Oo-aniki. But-but I lost confidence and shot my arm instead…" His voice grew shaky and Sango noticed a thin line of blood pouring from his mouth. "I-I just thought…it was the right…thing to do…"

Sango choked back more tears that formed in her eyes. "Jakotsu, your brother…well, he's with us right now…" Jakotsu nodded, agreeing with her, after all he had felt the presence of his brother every since that dreadful day.

Jakotsu winced as he sat up, but his strength failed him and he collapsed into Sango's arms. Sango shifted his body closer to hers and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.

Jakotsu's lip quivered and soon tears burst form his eyes. He let it all out, all the tears he had been holding in, for this whole year. These tears, waiting to be free and now…they were. Sango stroked his head gently and felt her own tears escape her eyes.

A quiet click interrupted the moment and Sango glanced back to see the phone floating in mid air, but soon Bankotsu appeared holding it in his hand, depressed and guilt outlined his features.

Sango nodded and took phone from his hand. Quickly, she dialed 911.

After leaving the hospital room, Sango sat down in the lobby and ran her fingers through her hair.

"How's he doing?" Bankotsu asked, anxiously, peering down at Sango.

"The doctors said he'll be fine, but he has to stay in the hospital for a week or so." Sango answered quietly.

Bankotsu nodded and glanced back Sango.

"Do you want to go home?"

"No, I think I'll stay at Miroku's tonight."

"…"

"Oh, sorry. I guess it's going to be kinda weird now with you back and I'm dating Miroku and-" Sango began, ashamed, but Bankotsu cut her off.

"Hold it! You're dating Miroku! I can't believe you went back to him!"

"No, Bankotsu it's not like that! I needed someone there for me and-"

"So how long did you wait after my death to hook up with him again? A week?"

Sango clenched her fists and fumed with anger.

"OK, I was desperate, Bankotsu! I needed someone there for me! I had no one! And Miroku came along so I took my only choice! I'm sure, if you were in my position, you'd do the same thing!"

Bankotsu was silent for a moment until her spoke again.

"Yeah, but I wouldn't date Miroku…I'm not gay…"

Sango slapped herself in the forehead.

She jammed the key into the lock and carefully peeked through the door.

"Hello? Is anyone home?!" Sango shouted, her voice echoing throughout the elegant entrance.

"Fuckin' richy." Bankotsu muttered at her back. Sango ignored the rude remark and stepped into the wealthy home.

Her shoes clicked across the marble floors as Sango hung her coat on the golden hook by the front entrance. She called out again and heard violent footsteps pounding across the upstairs floor. Sango sighed when Miroku skidded to the top of the stairs with two glasses of wine clenched in his hand.

Sango caught Bankotsu mumble something else, but ignored it once again.

"Hey, baby." Miroku greeted as he met at the bottom of the staircase and handed her one of the glasses.

Sango smiled uncomfortably and took the glass, but hesitated to drink it. Miroku rolled his eyes and planted a kiss on her lips, not just a simple one either, but full make out kiss.

Bankotsu bit his lip so he wouldn't shout out something or do anything. But he caught Miroku's eye when he glanced up. Bankotsu froze. Either he was seeing things or did Miroku just smirk, smirk with victory?

"C'mon Sango, let's go upstairs." Miroku suggested and his arm slithered around her waist. Sango tensed up as he led her upstairs.

Sango splashed water onto her face and watched, in the mirror, as it dripped down her face. She sighed and dabbed her cheeks and forehead with a towel. A mist appeared in the mirror and Bankotsu stood there, with his arms crossed.

"Bankotsu, I'm sorry. I don't know what's wrong with him." Sango explained as she turned to face him.

"Oh, sorry did you say something?" He sounded like he had just snapped out of a daze. Bankotsu rubbed his forehead and sighed.

"I was just thinking."

Sango sighed and grabbed his hand.

"Bankotsu, I promised you this once and I'll promise again. I will never give myself to Miroku." Her voice was soft, but stern. Bankotsu frowned.

"You can't be with a dead person, Sango. I'm never coming back. You and I know that." His words were hard. Sango nodded and wrapped her arms around him.

Their silence was broken by harsh pounding on the bathroom door.

"What the f-?!" Bankotsu began to shout, but Sango placed her hand over his mouth when Miroku spoke.

"Sango? You OK in there?"

"Yeah. I'm fine. Just getting into the bath and I'll be out in a bit."

"Who's in there with you? I heard voices." Miroku asked.

Sango's eyes widened and she was at a loss of words.

"Uhh…I- I'm just t-talking to myself."

Miroku chuckled. "OK Sango, I'll leave you to that."

Sango took her hand back, her body shaking with nervousness.

"H-How can he hear you?" Bankotsu looked just as pale as she did.

"I'll be right back, Sango. I need to check something out."

The dark hall shortened as Bankotsu cautiously walked through it. He needed to see if he was right. A small light was brought to his attention and he followed to where it was placed.

A small room, completely enveloped in darkness except for the small light, hidden in the corner. The door was slammed behind him and Bankotsu ran to go through it, but he was thrown back.

What the hell is going on?

After trying to get out the door and was unsuccessful, Bankotsu gave up and turned back to the eerie room. Swift movements were heard and he tensed, ready for whatever lied ahead. The light flickered slightly and Bankotsu realized it was candle.

The flame was snuffed out and the whole room was swallowed with black. Then another, brighter, light formed and Bankotsu saw the face behind it.

"Back so soon, Bankotsu…"

duh duh duhhhh he he :P another cliffie hmm i wonder who it is...not hard to figure out but yes PLEASE R&R!!! (btw this is the 2nd last chapter i was going to put up both but i thought id leave people on the edge :P)