Disclaimer: I don't own InuYasha or any of its characters. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi. However, this story and created characters are mine.

Chapter 23: Inner Feelings

The village was deserted. Buildings had been destroyed by man and by nature. The sad state of this once proud village made Midori frown. She walked through the lines of mounds, which she inferred as graves. Tears formed but did not fall from her jade eyes. Reaching the end of the row, she began the preparation.

Taking a nearby broken shovel, she dug into the mud and clay that covered the ground. The lack of rain made the clay thick. She pierced the clay over and over, just to make a decent hole. Sweat dripped from her forehead, landing in the shallow pit. After what seemed like hours, Midori ended her work, satisfied with the size.

She gracefully knelt in front of the oblong hole. Digging into her obi, she retrieved the remains of Kohaku, a boy who long needed rest. Closing her hands she placed them near her heart. A silence prayer was recited before she placed the bones gently into the pit. With her hands, Midori covered the bones with the loose clay, creating a structure like the other graves. Before rising, she bowed her head in respect, hoping to be forgiving in the next life.

She turned, sensing people behind her. No doubt that it was InuYasha and his friends. Her sullen eyes gazed at the group. Seeing Sango fully clothed in armor she feared that somehow, she already knew. Her concern fell on the last demon slayer, not knowing what to say, that she was sorry, that she needed to do what she had to for the good of the Earth. The real reason, she feared, is something Sango would never understand. Her thoughts occupied her attention that she failed to notice the eyes of her brother. The expression on her face, though, forced him to speak.

"Midori," Miroku began, "What is it?" Even if his sister was under the influence of Naraku, he could still tell when something was wrong.

Midori looked at her brother, not knowing what to say. She thought about Kohaku, about what he had said, about what was right. Her heart felt lifted as she recalled the teaching of Mushin, and of Kohaku.

"Miroku, what will you do after you kill Naraku?" She asked innocently. She wanted to be sure that no matter what happened that Miroku would do the right thing.

Her question came as a surprise. Although it had always been in the back of his mind, he never spoke of it aloud.

"I will settle down with Sango and have a few children," he replied with a smile towards Sango.

"Will you bury him?"

"What?" the monk stood aback by the statement.

"Will you bury him after he is dead?"

Miroku was slightly appalled that his only sister, one who was plagued by Naraku, would even think about burying their mortal enemy.

"Why would I do that? He doesn't deserve such a respected gesture."

Midori sighed at her brother's response. His revenge blinded his duties, his values which he represented.

"Miroku," Midori started as courage gathered within her, "I hope that you pray for Naraku after you kill him."

"What?" Her words puzzled him.

"Even your enemies deserve forgiveness."

"He is my…our enemy. How can you say he deserves forgiveness?"

"Even so, all creatures deserve salvation. Maybe he will repent his sins in his death. Don't you think?"

Silence. The monk refused to listen to the words of his sister. This was his mortal enemy, the one who scarred him for life. The wind tunnel that occupied his right palm was a constant reminder of his enemy.

"As a monk you should know that God's mercy knows no limit or exception."

"He killed our parents! He destroyed many lives," Miroku commented with aggression in his voice. Eyes burned with passion, hoping to make his sister understand.

"So did I! Does that mean that I don't deserve forgiveness?" She walked towards him, stopping after a few feet. Her eyes had the same passion, the same determination as her brother, trying to make him understand her situation. She watched as he drew back from his forward position. Midori knew he was ready to listen.

"Just because a person did bad things doesn't mean they do not deserve forgiveness." She spoke calmly, not forcing her beliefs on him, "It means that you have to be a bigger person to give," she said, bowing her head as she recalled her final encounter with Kohaku.

"I'm sorry."

"I understand. I no longer want to hurt my sister."

She raised her head as she spoke.

"Kohaku even forgave me as he met his demise."

Sango froze as she heard those words. Kohaku, dead!? She knew that Kohaku was dead, but his soul still wandered the earth; she could still touch him and feel him. Now, this young girl admitted his final death. No, He is still alive! He has to be. Her thoughts changed as she witnessed the murderer give the lifeline of her brother to Kagome. She felt the hot water which began to form behind her eyes. Just as she feared, Midori had committed to her words.

"You!" Sango, tears dripping from her eyes, lunged at the girl. Midori jumped out of the way. Crashing to the ground, Sango lost her composure as she sobbed in her hands. Never did she think it would hurt so badly. Midori watched the demon slayer sob in sorrow. She bent low near Sango as she gave words of apology.

"I am sorry for your loss," Midori stated sympathetically to the weeping girl. "I did bury him, though, right here. His memories of this place were so vivid. He always wanted to be a great demon slayer, just like his sister. I know that if Naraku never got hold of him he would have been great."

"Enough," InuYasha interrupted, "I can't believe your remorse."

"InuYasha," Kagome began softly in hopes of calming him down.

"She killed Kohaku! She attacked us, almost killing Shippo, Sango, Miroku, and Kirara. She almost killed you."

Kagome remembered being pinned by the demon claws near her neck. She placed her hand over her the area, feeling the small scabs where blood once trickled. Reviewing the memory again, she thought about the events leading to the standoff. Tripping into the shape shifters arms, discovering his bare chest, the lack of beads around the feign InuYasha's neck, and the… Widening her eyes she ran to the bushes.

"Kagome!" InuYasha watched her disappear behind the bushes. Gagging noises were heard from the girl's position. He began to follow her, but halted by Midori's words.

"She must be remembering the kiss we had." Everyone became disgusted as they looked at her. "At the time I was following Naraku's plan to get Kagome. I knew she would go with me if I convince her that I was InuYasha, who loved her. I didn't enjoy it," Midori stuck out her tongue, showing her disgust.

"How dare you!" InuYasha showed his claws. He was disgusted by Midori's actions, but was more upset that another kissed his girl. Midori, noticing the claws, returned to her determined stature.

"I am going after Kanna and the infant. They are the last of Naraku's minions," Midori said as she turned away from the group, no longer wishing to look at their faces, "With them gone, my mission will be complete." Walking away, she felt the wind flow pass her, like the passing winds of fate. She knew that if Naraku found out about her scheme, she would realize her worst fear, becoming one with him again. Midori headed for the front gate of the village, only to be halted by a dirty yet smirking wind witch.

What? But how? I thought she was dead. Those words are probably going through your head, just like Midori. It will be explained in the next chapter. Sorry to make you wait.

Kiyusa