Chapter Seven. The Void
After journey long spent,
And a long hard trail,
The two that apart were rent,
Ultimately prevail.
The long slope had not become steeper. Over a while it had gradually became more flat, and even had little ridges sticking out from it in places. The trees had thinned out about halfway up it. And that was how Hikaru came to be sitting down, after a five hour journey to the middle. Sweat drenched his body, making it glisten in the noon-time sun. He was breathing heavily, as if he had just run a marathon. But what he had done was harder than running a marathon. He had climbed up the side of a waterfall.
He watched as snails slid past him, oozing their slime onto small rocks and blades of grass. It was pretty disgusting, but Hikaru paid it little heed, for his attention turned to the sky, where a massive bird-like creature was flying. It looked pretty odd to Hikaru, but he soon dismissed it as a demon. You never know what demons could look like, they were so varied, and that was actually a bad thing. A really bad thing, rather, for you could never tell who was a demon, unless you could sense it, of course.
Hikaru sighed. He knew he was about to have to get up and start his onerous climb again. He didn't want to climb, it was such a hard task, but he had to, for Sango could need him. He would make it back to her. He had to. And even if she didn't need him, she was his only friend and he wanted her. He liked to have company. He had lived to much in lonliness. And since he had a friend now, he wouldn't lose her, atleast not that easily.
He stood up, brushing the dust off of his pants. He looked up the slope, such a long climb. And it looked as if the slope would become barron. No trees, no rocks, no grass. No animals. But he would still have to make that climb, and he dreaded it. But for love he would do it, and for love only, for indeed that was what this whole situation was about, love. His love for Sango, in a friendly way, and for her needs. Yes, he could and would do it for love.
He began to walk up the flattening slope, his feet sending up shoots of dust and small rocks. It made him cough but he kept on going, walking, walking. He could hear the crunch of his feet on the small rocks, and he kind of liked the sound. He usually liked the sound of crunching things. But when the rocks soon died away, he was left without a noise. He walked up in silence, except for the occasional hum of his voice and the constant sound of his breathing. And that would be pretty much how his whole journey would turn out. Silence, and while lasting, lonliness.
Sango had company though. Tweety. The small bird she had met at dawn. The bird was pretty fun-loving, cute, and eccentric. Sango thought that he would be a good pet, but she didn't want Kirara to feel replaced, or for her to eat the bird. So that meant that at one point or the other, she would have to give poor Tweety up. But she meant to make their time together good, and to have fun with him on the journey to find Hikaru. She was currently headed towards the waterfall.
Her arm did not hurt as bad, but that is not saying that it did not hurt at all. It pained her constantly, and often caused her to rest. She tried to avoid touching anything to it, or it to anything, for when she did it hurt really bad, and she did not want to suffer that pain unneccassarily. Often she tried singing or humming to get her mind off of the pain, but it never worked. Her arm always prevailed, making her often cry and whine aloud. One time she accidentally bumped it into a tree, and she didn't stop crying for around five minutes.
She found it odd that no villages had popped up around the path. It was just one straight flowing path from Kaede's hut, all the way to a huge waterfall and who knows what's beyond. But Sango had a feeling she was getting closer to Kikyou. And that made her sort of light-hearted, and when she thought about finding Kikyou her conversations were merry and her attitude good. For the thought of being with Inuyasha comforted her, and she wanted to be with him very badly. She hadn't seen him in over two weeks, and that was a long time.
She also missed the friendship of Kagome, one of her best friends. They had had some good times together, and Sango wished to spend more time with her. Kagome was funny, and Sango liked humour. She was creative, and Sango liked creative ideas. And she also missed Shippou, sometimes he could be funny and he was very much like a child in her eyes. She treated him as an adult though, because she knew that's how he wanted it to be. And she missed Kirara. Her pet from childhood she had always treated Sango with respect. Her and Sango had been the best friends, and Sango yearned deeply to see her again.
Yet despite all of those earnings there was still a quest to complete, and she was the one to complete it. She would have to sacrifice time with her friends so she could make better time with Inuyasha later on. She thought it was a worthy and just cause, to find better love with a lover. Her friends, and sadly Inuyasha, would all have to wait for her. But it would come out better in the end.
Inuyasha sat alone by the river. His thoughts swivelled. All of them were about Sango. What if she were dead? What if she were hurt? He didn't like to think about stuff like that, but that was all that kept entering his head. He was so worried for her. He cared for her greatly. It was almost pathetic, actually, that someone like him would let love overwhelm him so much. But he did, and it was irrerversable. Sango was his and she would remain his, forever and always, to the end of their days. And hopefully the end of their days would be a long time from now.
He watched the river come flowing past at a rapid speed. The water glistened in the moonlight. It appealed to Inuyasha. He smelled his armpits, it was time for a wash. He walked over to the riverbank, where he proceeded to undress and get in the water. Maybe the water would soothe him and ease his thoughts. Nice cold water. Yes, that would do the trick. Hopefully it would wash away the fog that made his mind so hazy. He had such a terrible headache. He felt so tired. He sat down in the water, feeling the current massage him. It felt so good. He could just go to sleep.
"Inuyasha!" A voice startled him into wakefulness. It was Miroku. He watched the monk walk towards him.
"Oh, it's you," said Inuyasha.
"And by that you mean?"
"No, nothing. I'm just tired that's all."
"You doin' alright?"
"Huh?"
"I mean about Sango."
"No. No, not really. I have a nagging feeling she's hurt."
"What do you mean?"
"I don't know, but something is telling me she is not all right. I would wish to see her." Miroku joined him in the river.
"We all do, Inuyasha. If only there were some way to contact her."
"Yea, if only. But there isn't." Miroku frowned.
"I think there is a way. But it may not work." Inuyasha perked up.
"Yea, I'm listening."
"Take Kirara. Fly around until you find her. But it could be dangerous, Lady Kaede says there has been an increase in demons as of late."
"I'll do it."
"You sure, you could get hurt."
"You can't just walk away from love." After the statement the two fell silent. Inuyasha finished his bath. He stood up and walked over to the bank to dry off.
To Inuyasha's dismay, Kagome walked up as soon as he was getting out. She seen him and gasped, and she seen the deep red colour on Inuyasha's face.
"Oh, Inuyasha. Sorry." But he only smiled meekly.
"It's alright. You've seen me before."
"Oh, you knew?"
"Yea, I knew."
"And you didn't stop me?"
"No. I didn't think I needed to."
"Oh."
"So what are you doing over here Kagome?"
"Came for a bath." Miroku smiled.
"Well, come on and join me." Kagome didn't return the favour.
"Pervert monk!" She looked over at Inuyasha, who now was slumbering against the tree. He must have fallen asleep. She would need to get a cover for him, and she would need to bring him back to Kaede's hut.
Luckily she had brought a towel for herself. She covered him up with it, not daring to dry him off or dress him, for she did not wish to violate his privacy. Carrying him back she laid him in the hut, telling everyone to back away from him. He slumbered on until morning.
Inuyasha awoke in the morning, refreshed, but still with a foggy head. He noticed that he was in Kaede's hut. Someone must have moved him. He looked around to find that no one else was in there. They must be outside. He quickly put on his clothes, which Miroku had brought along. He walked outside into the crisp morning air.
Kaede was sitting at a fire, making a breakfast of stew. She looked up when Inuyasha walked out.
"Hello, Inuyasha."
"Yo. Have you seen Kagome and Miroku? I want to speak to them."
"Yea, they left a while back."
"Where'd they go?"
"They said they were going to forage for food."
"Oh. When'd they leave?"
"About half and hour ago." Inuyasha sat beside her.
"Kaede?"
"Yes."
"Can I speak with you?"
"Sure, Inuyasha." He hesitated.
"Well, I have this feeling. Something tells me Sango is in deep trouble, or is headed for it. And I know this feeling is true, for I see visions of Naraku in my dreams."
"Naraku?"
"Yes. And a bottomless void."
"Hmmmmm. What do you wish to do?"
"I would wish to use Kirara to find Sango, and save her from any trouble that might befall her." Kaede sat, silent for awhile. She pointed at Kirara, who did not go with Kagome and Miroku.
"Go, Inuyasha. While there is still time go and save Sango." Her features were wrinkled and grim. She looked very worried, and her face had become extremely pale.
"Right." Inuyasha walked over to Kirara, who was listening intently. "Alright. I think you heard what needs to be done." Kirara meowed and changed into the demon form of her. Inuyasha got on her back, riding off into the daytime sky. He was finally going to get Sango, though it was in a dire emergency. He made Kirara go at all haste and pretty soon they were just a blur in the sky.
"Hnnfh," grunted Hikaru as he climbed upward. His legs burned, his chest and stomach hurt, and his arms were all scratched up. There were many holes where he was now and he kept tripping and scratching himself up. His face was brown with the dust, making him look very odd. His grey eyes surveyed his surroundings carefully.
Soon he would be up all the way. He would be back with Sango. He had missed her a lot. The thought of her pushed him onwards, and he soon was climbing rapidly. He was about three-fourths of the way up.
Another thought struck him, though. What if Sango thought he was dead and had carried on with her quest to find that miko? What if she were gone and he could never find her again. That was troubling to think of, and yet he still thought of it. He could not get it out of his head.
The sun was very bright and very hot. He was still very much drenched in sweat and had become used to the wetness on his body. He couldn't remember when he had ever done something this hard in all of his life. This task used up energy, time, and spirit. It was draining and it took it's toll on Hikaru.
He rarely slept while he was climbing up. He wanted to have as much time as possible to meet up with Sango and he did not plan to mess that up with rest. Though he was dreadfully sleepy he did not sleep. Though he was awfully hungry he did not eat. And though he was super thirsty he did not quench his thirst.
It was now once again nighttime. Hikaru had not planned to sleep but two days travell had taken it's toll on him. He had to realise that sleep was inevitable. He snoozed on a comfortable ledge.
The moon was bright and full overhead. The stars were even brighter and seemed to wink at the things below them. They twinkled endlessly, and if you looked at them long enough they blended together. It was so beautiful but Hikaru missed it all. His sleeping form lay huddled on the ledge, breathing softly and steadily.
The pounding of the waterfall did not wake him up, nor did the poisonous bees that flew past him. He slept very steadily, and was unnoticed by the Saimyosho that hummed past him.
They were going somewhere. To the massive purple barrier that had been set as a trap for two people that could be of use to Naraku. A demon slayer and a warrior. Yes, Naraku could make good use of them. And he planned to. He would use them to get Inuyasha there. And then the Tetsusaiga would be his.
"What a beautiful morning," Hikaru told himself after a long night's rest. He felt full of energy and confidence. He watched as a yellow bird flew to him. Strange. Why was this bird doing this?
"Hello, little birdie." Tweety, for that was the bird, chirped, pointing his beak upwards towards the top of the waterfall where he could see a hazy figure.
Sango!
Sango peered down the waterfall, looking to where Tweety was chirping crazily. She could see a figure of a man. That man had to be Hikaru! She smiled with delight. Her friend! Her friend was back! He had survived! She thanked God for answering her prayers.
She watched Hikaru climb slowly up. Tweety was flying right above him, guiding him to where she was at. How she loved that bird! He was so helpful! Just like Kirara.
Those thoughts made her think of her friends again and of Inuyasha. She momentarily forgot about Hikaru and thought about her mate.
Her mate.
Inuyasha popped into her head and she longed to see him more than ever. A sudden pang hit her and tears welled up in her eyes. She may be here with Hikaru, but she wasn't with Inuyasha.
Wasn't with Inuyasha.
She had left him all alone. Except for her friends of course, but the one he wanted to see most was gone. She was startled out of her trance by a voice.
"Hey, Sango! Down here!" She looked down to see Hikaru, who was in hearing range. She smiled at him.
"Hello, Hikaru! I thought you were dead for a while."
"What convinced you otherwise?"
"Love." Hikaru fell silent. "A friendship love." But suddenly Hikaru smiled.
"You said I would make it across the bridge easily. " She smiled back.
"I love a good trick." She watched as he pulled himself over the edge, standing up beside her. He wiped the dust off of his clothing. Dust went everywhere. Sango coughed.
"Please stop." Hikaru did, under a fit of coughing and hacking. He had bad asthma. Sango patted him on the back.
"Are you alright? Go take a sip of water." Hikaru ran over to the water, taking some in his hands, and sipping it. After a minute or two his breathing returned to normal.
"So, how's you're arm? It looks pretty bad," he said, standing up. He surveyed the skin around it, saying "You patched it up pretty nicely."
"Thanks. It hurts."
"I can imagine. How'd it happen?"
"I tripped. Thanks for asking." Then the conversation dulled down. Silence rained over the group. Even Tweety, who usually chirped a lot was relatively silent. The sounds of forest land were quiet.
The sun didn't shine as bright as before. It was encircled by thick puffy white clouds, with birds soaring through them. It looked as if some of the tips of the tall trees were stuck in the middle of them, they were so massive. It amazed both Hikaru and Sango. Truly there could be nothing bigger in the amazing world of nature. No animal could best these trees.
The path was still a muddy brown colour and still it lay beside the river. They resolved that they would use the path to travel away from the waterfall, taking a sharp left when the path veered in the distance. They planned to make good time, both were ready for the journey to be over. Tweety flew behind them, sometimes dissappearing in the underbrush, but somtimes reappearing beside them. Sango and Hikaru talked of all that had happened since they were parted by the angry river., glad that once again they were back with each other.
They walked down the path. Soon they would be where the path veered off to the left. They looked on ahead to see if there were anything worth noticing. There wasn't. They talked casually as they walked.
"Another day passed while I was in the demon's lair..." Hikaru said recalling the account of the Lover Demon. Sango blew a sigh.
"And you were free the next day, right?"
"Sorta, yea." Sango giggled.
"I got it right? I'm good." Hikaru laughed. They were good friends again.
They made it to the veer in the path, noting the bridge that Hikaru failed to cross in the distance. Sango laughed when she seen it, and Hikaru nudged her playfully. They both laughed after that, merrily and happily.
They turned on the veer and stopped dead. Way ahead there was a massive purple barrier. What it contained they did not know but they headed straight for it at a great speed. Sango had a feeling Naraku was involved...
Soon Sango began to sense a powerful prescence nearby that could only be explained as one thing, Naraku. He was very strong by the feel of it. He would be a hard demon to fight. Hikaru followed after her as she ran very fast.
Sango had a hurt arm but she intended to fight Naraku anyway. Why now? Why did he have to appear when Inuyasha wasn't with her. Her eyes turned down in anger. He was the reason that Kohaku had killed all of those people. He, too, was the reason for his death. She would get him. No one hurt her family and got away with it... no one. Her feet pounded the ground as she ran, dust flying in circles around Hikaru...
Inuyasha was on Kirara's back. So far he had seen no sign of Sango. And that was just his luck. Kirara wasn't tired at all though, even though she had been flying around for hours. She held her head high, for she was finding Sango. She wanted to see her very badly also so she would not stop. She wouldn't stop for anything.
Inuyasha had often gotten off of her back to search on the ground, but he never found anything. He found a glade where a river was at, and it seemed that some human had been there, but whether it was Sango, he did not know.
The clouds were beginning to thin out and become wispy, blowing away at the simplest touch of the wind. They left the sun a bigger place to beat it's heat down upon, and the sun did, scorching Inuyasha and Kirara as they looked for Sango. Sweat poured down Inuyasha's face, his features grim. He needed to find Sango fast. He didn't want her to get hurt.
Soon Inuyasha came to river that turned into a waterfall, telling Kirara to fly on. There was a massive purple barrier ahead and he knew that was where the trouble was at.
Kagome and Miroku walked back out of the forest. They were carrying a huge bag of supplies. They looked at Kaede and then put the supplies in the hut. When they got out they talked to her.
"Where's Inuyasha?" Kagome asked her, watching as she turned the pot of stew. She looked up at Kagome before answering.
"He went away to find Sango. There's going to be deep trouble."
"What do you mean?" Miroku asked. He looked worried.
"Inuyasha is going to find Sango. She is in deep trouble. Naraku. That's all he would tell me."
"Wh-When did he leave?"
"About ten minutes ago."
"Why didn't he tell us?"
"There was no time, Sango could be killed any moment now."
"I wish I knew what you were talking about," Miroku said.
"As do I," Kaede replied. "Only Inuyasha knows what's going on."
"How does he know?" Kaede still looked grim.
"He seen it in a dream. He knows what's going on." She ladled out a portion of stew and gave it to Kagome, "Stew?" Kagome sat down and began eating, and soon Miroku joined her.
"This tastes good, Lady Kaede," he said, eating some after blowing on it. It was steaming hot for it had not had time to cool down.
"Thanks, Lord Monk," Kaede answered back. Her features were still grim and pale. She was obviously still thinking about Inuyasha and Sango, and for their well-being. But she was more worried about what Naraku was doing, for she knew he was involved. What was his plan this time? It couldn't be good.
Last time he had used Kohaku to get Sango to bring him the Tetsusaiga, but what would it be this time? Why was he so bent on messing with Sango? She hoped Sango would be alright...
They were there, at the barrier, but they were not alone. Naraku was there also. He stood in front of the barrier. He smirked when Sango and Hikaru walked up.
"Hello, Sango, Hikaru," he laughed evilly. "So you finally made it. I was wondering when you would get here." Hikaru jumped forward.
"How do you know my name? Who are you?" He made as if to hit Naraku but Sango stopped his hand.
"He's not the one you want to mess with, Hikaru." Naraku chuckled.
"I'm not, you're right Sango. Now, what I drew you here for." He looked at them evilly. With a clap of his hands Kagura appeared, holding an almost complete Shikon Shard. "You have the rest of them don't you?"
"No, no. Honestly," said Sango. She was lying, though, she did have a piece of the Shikon Shard. She had almost forgotten about it. The final piece.
"Don't lie to me, Sango." Naraku's voice dripped menace. With a movement of his hand he gestured to the barrier. "You don't want me to have to disperse this barrier."
"Why? What have you hidden in there?" Naraku laughed.
"You'll just have to wait and see. Unless of course you give me the shard. If you don't, the barrier will get you."
"What do you mean?" She looked at the barrier.
"I mean what's inside the barrier."
"I-don't-have-it," she lied through gritted teeth. Naraku's features hardened. He moved his hand towards the barrier, shattering it. Inside it was a void of blackness, caused by the destruction of something sacred.
"It's a void," Naraku said, "A place where one can spend eternity wandering in the blackness. Give me the shard or your friend goes in there." She watched as Kagura roughly grabbed Hikaru.
Sango didn't know what to do. If she gave him the shard many lives would be taken, and if she didn't Hikaru's would. Hikaru looked at her pleadingly. She stayed silent.
"Alright then, say goodbye!" Naraku threw Hikaru towards the void. Sango screamed and jumped in his way. The force knocked her backward, and the Shikon Shard that she was getting out of her pocket flew out of her hand. It landed at Naraku's feet.
"Heh. Thanks, Sango." He placed the piece in the Shikon Shard and grinned. Sango stood up, the wound in her arm re-opened by the force of the blow. In horror she watched as Hikaru knocked the jewel away from Naraku.
"Leave her alone, Naraku!" Hikaru screamed. Naraku's eyes flashed red. He grabbed Hikaru, and with a powerful thrust, he was thrown into the void...
"NO! HOW COULD YOU!?" screamed Sango in agony. She ran forwards and hit Naraku with her right hand. But Naraku laughed.
"So you wish to join Hikaru? I can arrange that." With a grin he grabbed her, and sent her flying to the void with a blow of his hand.
The void shown black behind them, rippling like wind. It almost looked like a portal, but it was not. It was the space between life and death, sort of like Miroku's wind tunnel.
Sango stood at it's edge. Naraku was in front of her, grinning in her face. "Time to die!" he cried, and with a push, she was shoved backwards over the edge...
"EXORCISING CLAWS OF STEEL!" Inuyasha cried, coming up from behind Naraku. The attack landed in his back and sent him staggering.
"Inuyasha! Where did you come from?" Naraku looked surprised.
"I have my ways of getting around." And then Inuyasha seen something that made his blood run cold. Sango's footprints, leading into the void. Naraku had killed her. Sango was dead. Actually worse, she was trapped, and without the jewel could never return.
"Ha. Ha. So, you were in love with this human girl?" Naraku laughed. Inuyasha clenched his fists. Tears coursed down his face.
"I'll kill you Naraku!" He jumped forward, slashing out with his claws, but Naraku dodged and Inuyasha missed. He jumped forward to get him again, and Naraku dodged again.
Naraku hit out with his claws, which he had grown, and smacked Inuyasha in the face. Inuyasha grunted and fell down. Naraku laughed again.
"Ha! Ha! Inuyasha!" He stepped on the half-demon's face. Inuyasha spat out blood, knocking Naraku off of him.
"I'll kill you Naraku!" He pulled out Tetsusaiga. "WIND SCAR!" The blast hit Naraku and Kagura. The jewel flew out of her hands, and landed in the hands of... Kikyou?
"Inuyasha. What brings you here?" Kikyou asked seriously.
"Kikyou..."
"I came here because I sensed a void and the presence of Naraku." She smiled. "And now I've got the Shikon Jewel." Naraku scowled.
"Give it to me, Kikyou!" With no effort great spurs came out of his body, headed straight for Kikyou. Inuyasha jumped in the way and saved Kikyou, landing to the side of the fallen Kagura, who was unconscious. Kikyou aimed an arrow at Naraku, shooting it at his head. The arrow hit him in the head, but it did little damage to him. He laughed.
"Is that all you've got?" But then Naraku stopped laughing. His face started to crack. With a swirl he was gone, Kagura with him.
Inuyasha looked up at Kikyou. He asked a question that was on his mind.
"Can you get Sango out of there?" Kikyou shook her head.
"No. But there is a way. But it is near impossible."
"What?"
"You need to revive the Priestess Midoroku, my mentor."
"How?"
"I can do that part. But it will take awhile. You will need to get Miroku. He can put up a Spiritual Shield around the void, so no one can close it."
"Right." He wiped the tears away from his eyes. But they kept coming. What if he couldn't find Sango? What if she were going to be gone forever? Kikyou put a comforting arm around him.
"It will be okay Inuyasha. It will only take a week or so. Let's just hope that Sango doesn't go to far in the void, or it will overwhelm her, and she will die."
"INUYASHA!" Sango called in the blackness. She could not see a thing. Naraku had said the truth. She was in a blackness. She couldn't get out! She would be trapped in here for eternity! There was no way to escape!
She couldn't even find Hikaru, who should have been in here too. But he was gone too far. He would never come back out. She did not know that, but she still didn't look for him. She didn't want to stray to far way. She needed to be where she was at. Just in case...
Just in case...
A/N: This was my longest chapter yet. YAY! I hope you liked the cliffhanger. Thanks to all my reviewers! I really appreciate it. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Poor Sango TT. Please review!