All characters © Rumiko Takahashi.

Darkness all around. Nothing but an endless void surrounding the area. The dark haired warrior stood, panicked, seeking desperately for any escape from the emptiness. her eyes darted back and forth, her head shot around, body fallowing suit. until a glimmer, a faint light off in the distance. Hope swelled in the young maiden's heart. her feet seemed to move on their own even before her mind was made up. The words 'Home','safety', family' all ran in her mind.

with a brilliant flash of light, brighter than the sun on a winter day with fresh snow reflecting the light. as her eyes adjusted to the light, all hope, all happiness that she had just felt, drained her body, leaving her with numbness. before her stood a castle, 'His' castle. around her laid the bodies of her fellow warriors, though she had lived with, fought with. her family, her life, burning and bloody before her.

she tried to scream, tried to break the chain of fear that was so tightly wrapped around her throat. her body jerked forward as a sharp pain, nearly crippling, extended its infectious torment throughout her. She knew who was behind her, she knew what was causing her pain. the nightmare replied her families downfall, in such cruel clarity, she nearly had to stop herself from fully believing it were real.

slowly she turned, seeing not only her brother stand before her but also the bodies of her new family. Miroku laid just on the side, half his body lay limp on the once pristine porch, while the rest lay under the boards, pools of blood dripping off like waterfalls into the next. she nearly heaved at such carnage.

kagome stood leaning up against a wall further down. arrows dug deeply into her chest, deep gashes that looked close to claw marks covered her legs and left arm up to the shoulder. her face cloaked in the shadows of her hair. Sango could only imagine the torment that was forever stained on the beautiful miko's face. Kirara, a mangled mess of fur, muscle, and bone, nearly unrecognizable.

"You...did this..." a rough, harsh voice rasped from within the castle. Hidden from view, a thick matted curtain covered the entrance. an outline was all she could make out.

tears welled in her eyes, creating rivers down her pale cheeks. her arms gripped one another, hugging herself, forcing herself to not fall. so much was to be done, so many things were to be seen and said.

"you cause this..." it snarled. it was evident that whoever the speaker was, they were hurt badly. their voice quivered, with such rage and sorrow.

before she could react, four crimson blades shot out from the castle, shredding not only the door that hid the attacker, but also the young boy in front of it. The blades sliced cleanly through kohaku's body, the sound of bone snapping, organs bursting and kohaku's gargled yells for help nearly sent sango over the edge. throwing her arms over her ears, trying desperately to muffle out the screams, she crumpled to the floor, sobbing.

heartbeats turned into moments, the sound of someone approaching shook her out of her depression. the sound of something being dragged caused her to look up. before her, drenched in blood, deep wounds stood in front of her. His long ebony hair down to his lower back blew gracefully in the wind, despite being wetted down with blood. His eyes were nothing more than empty voids, his red outfit was so drenched in blood, it was almost black.

"inu...yasha?" sango's shaky voice asked up.

"YOU DID THIS" the being screamed, his voice booming like thunder just overhead.

The soft sound of rain hitting the roof outside was the first thing to greet the young slayer. her eyes flew open, but her body lay still, numb and currently broken, her heart pounded in her chest. The room she was in, was dark but lit by a single candle on an iron pole in the corner of the room. As she became more aware of her surroundings, the feeling was starting to return to her body, though pain surged through it. Her lungs felt heavy, her head felt as though it would split with just a small gust of wind. Her ears pounded with her own heartbeat. All limbs seemed stiff, nearly numb yet cold. As if she had spent all night out in the rain with barely anything to cover her.

She rolled onto her side, before pushing herself upward in a sitting position. Small creaks from the pressure she put on the floor mixed with the sounds of her joints popping echoed throughout the room. Gasping against the pain, she took a better look around her. She could see a small waterfall outside her room, against man-made rocks to create it and the stream that ran through the back of the building. She took a guess that they had made it to the castle, though, how was still something she hadn't figured out yet. She could see silhouettes of the flowers in the garden that ran along the stream. Looking around the room, she noticed an empty futon stained in blood.

Knitting her brows together in wonder , she closed her earthy brown eyes to try and remember what happened. Nothing full came to her. Mere flashes of scenes played out. Joking with her friends, taking a rest, the new moon...

her eyes shot wide open, "Inuyasha" she breathed. Panic seized her heart, tendrils of fear coiled around it and her lungs, making her breathing more labored. Images of blood, the barbs that had impeded in her shoulder, the warmth of her friend's body against her's. The feeling of his life energy draining out. She looked around the room, to see if there was any clue if he was well, anything to ensure his life was not taken.

Tears threaten to spill over, images of Kohaku assaulted her. Images of his death, images of how they use to be before Naraku. Then the sudden pain from the nightmare, once again her heart thundered, her body ached, forcing her to lay in a near fetal position. Slowly Kohaku, the screams, the blood, the voice all faded.

She struggled to get up, struggled even harder to speak. Twin streams ran down her face as she fought against the panic and pain to get up. To look for him. She swore at herself, swore at Miroku for forcing him out on the night of the new moon, swore at Kagome for not stopping it, for not being on her side. If he passed, if he no longer walked the living. She swore she would never forgive herself.

As she limped out of the room, holding the sturdy rails that ran along the edge of the wooden walkway around the castle. She tried to calm herself, tried to stop the tears from falling. Tried desperately to push away any thoughts of his death. She begged to any deity that would listen, pleaded that he was still alive.

She strained to hear voices, anything to show where her friends were. Finally, after what seemed like ages, she heard the voice of her monk. Oh, she was ready to give him a piece of her mind. He would be lucky to be standing when she was finished with him. And Kagome, she had some explaining to do as well. Bitterness coated her mind as venomous thoughts flooded her curses under her breath.

As she made it to the room, she slid the door open with such force it shook the entire room. Four faces looked up in shock at the Taijiya. She counted and recounted the faces. She zeroed in on her beloved, anger rallied up inside, ready to flare out.

"WHERE. IS. HE!" she snarled. Miroku visibly shaking took a deep breath and swallowed it hard. He shot Kagome a glance to which she looked back at Sango. She noticed for the first time that Kagome had changed into her miko garb, her hair was put back into a high pony tail. Which was very uncommon of her friend to do with her hair? Once more the fear started to take hold as she looked past the miko to the normal outfit she wore. Blood stained the sleeves and most of the mid section of the shirt. She shut her eyes, steady her breath then brought her attention back to Miroku,

"I asked you a question." nothing hid the venom in her statement. Nothing hid her anger in her eyes. She hadn't realized till Kagome got up and walked towards her, that she had been shaking. "Sango, it's alright. Your still hurt and bleeding. Come, I will mend your wounds again and change the bandages." Kagome smiled softly at her. Sango brushed off her hand and looked at her dead in the eyes. "where is he?" she could feel herself getting weaker. The trembling got worse as did her breathing. Her question seemed more like a plea than anything else. Kagome once more put a supportive arm around Sango and helped her steady herself.

"its alright Sango, come on. Let's get you back to bed. We will talk while I mend you." she could see Kagome had been crying recently. Her eyes were red, the skin around them was puffy. She hadn't even noticed the blood trail she created on her way to find her friends till she and Kagome walked back. The rain steadily got harder and even some rumbles of thunder broke the awkward silence between the two girls. Nothing was said between them, the tension was noticeable and Sango did not like it. Kagome was normally open to talking, she would even talk just to avoid this type of silence.

When they finally made it back to the room, Kagome help Sango sit down while she fixed the futon and got clean bedding for her. Throwing not only the bedding she used but the ones Inuyasha had used as well. Still, nothing was said as Kagome worked. Sango feared the worse, in a feeble attempt to try and stop the silence from consuming her sanity she decided to try and start a conversation. Knowing that bringing Inuyasha up was not going to do that, she swallowed her fears and panic and tried a different route.

"H- how long was I out for?" her voice was soft but still a bit of annoyance laced it. For a few moments, Sango believed that it didn't work. But jumped when Kagome finally spoke. Her voice was shaky and rough. "almost a full day. We feared you wouldn't come through, to be honest." she opened her mouth as if she wanted to continue but then turned away and closed it.

Sango swallowed hard. "how is Miroku's hand?" she spoke softly again. Kagome shrugged. "it's alright, just a small nick. Nothing compared to your shoulder." Sango absentmindedly placed her hand over her wounded shoulder remember the sound the barbs made as it tore through her flesh. A shiver ran down her spine at the memory. The sound was forever stuck in her mind.

"Kagome-chan" she started to speak, but as soon as Kagome looked up at her. Sango lost all will to continue the conversation. Something in the young miko's eyes told her not to bother asking. Instead, she sighed deeply and obeyed as Kagome started to work on her wound and give her some more of her time's medicinal capsule. Nothing more was said, and within two hours, Kagome finished her work on Sango and left the Taijiya to sleep.

She felt her stomach flip, the odd silence of her friend was unsettling. Kagome didn't even bother getting another futon for Inuyasha, which alone spoke volumes. More of what happened just before dawn broke attacked her mind, the sound of the barbs, the yelp of her male companion behind her, seeing the blood flow from them both mixing into a pond. All of it made her want to vomit.

A loud crack split through the quiet night. Startling Sango from her sleep. She groaned out loud and sat up, the electrical charge from the lightning was still felt in the air. All the hair on her arms stood on end. Rain poured heavy on the roof. The storm was something that she knew was going to be bad but not sure how bad. She watched out the small crack of the doorway at the light show in the sky. Something about lighting always dazzled her. Something about the power it held and the mystery about it always entranced her.

It was a nice distraction to where waking thoughts of her companion who was missing. She had barely noticed in her dazed trance her little feline companion had entered and curled up on her lap. "hey, you" she smiled mostly to herself. It was nice having someone to talk to, even if that someone couldn't speak back in a language that was understandable to her. Kirara mewed in response to Sango's voice and purred at her touch. Sango was grateful the blood didn't set in kirara's fur. Past battles had told her how hard it truly was getting blood stains off a feline, especially when water was involved which it mostly was.

Another bright streak darted through the night sky, followed by the crackle of thunder. Her mind wandered to the night she had been feeling off and was sent to find Inuyasha. How he had kept her warm during a storm like this one. She had found it weird. Many times, that she could show him such compassion, loyalty and in some cases love. She had always been taught not to give demons the time of day for such emotions. She wondered what her father would be saying now, if he saw his daughter not only fighting side by side demons, but also share a living space at times, and even being friendly towards one. Let alone the fact that Inuyasha was a hanyou. That was one type of species her father loathed.

She thought back on her past lessons with her father, she imagined those warm days training with Kohaku. She could still feel the heat from the sun against her back, her father's gruff voice trying to get Kohaku to listen. It all seemed like years ago. She would give anything to be a part of that world again. Tears started to stream down her face once more. Breaking her out of her memories for the time being. As she absently brushed away the tears, she noticed a shadow move past the doors.

She glanced down at Kirara who was happily asleep on her lap. "Miroku?"she called out to the shadow, with the no response back. She looked back down at Kirara who seemed either not to notice the shadow that walked by, or she didn't care. Giving Sango the feeling that whoever it maybe, was no threat. She gently slid Kirara off of her whisper apologies as she did it. Then fighting against her screaming joints to stand again.

She grabbed Hiraikotsu to help her stay sturdy as she walked. Sliding the doors open wider so she could pass through, she glanced outside to see if she could find out who was there. Looking down, she noticed watery footprints. Her heart nearly skipped a beat when she saw they were those of someone who walked around barefooted. As she followed the steps, she turned the corner to see kagome who was coming out of a room. She appeared to be talking to someone and was not too pleased with whoever it was.

"Sango!" kagome looked up startled by the sudden appearance of her friend. "I was just about to come in and change your bandages." she smiled. Sango merely nodded in response. But when Kagome tried to turn her away and lead her back to her room. She seemed to snap out of her stupor.

"Kagome-chan, who were you talking to?" she eyed the miko who's demeanor seemed to shift to a more annoyed impression. Kagome waved a hand to dismiss the question entirely. However, sango was tired of all the secrets that she was keeping and instead. Put all her weight on her heels to hold her in one place. "I'm serious kagome-chan, what is going on!" she nearly yelled. Kagome looked at her wide-eyed, then dropped her hand from Sango's shoulder. "sango-chan, there's no secrets." kagome awkwardly laughed it off. The act made Sango's blood boil more.

Pushing the miko away, Sango willed her body to move with as little pain as possible. As she walked towards the door, Kagome was right on her heels sighing and groaning as mumbling something under her breath. Finally, Sango reached the door, though her body was none too pleased with all the movement that she had been doing. Sliding it open, the first thing she noticed was the large barb laying against the west wall away from the door. It was the same barb as the one that had impaled her and Inuyasha nearly a day ago.

As her eyes scanned the room, she noticed a white futon with a figure sitting on it. She rushed over to him and knelt down beside him. "Inuyasha?" she breathed. Kagome stayed by the door, leaning up against the frame with her arms crossed over her chest. She had a bit of a smile on her face. Like a mother watching her children play happily.

"Sango?" she heard him yawn, the sound of his voice was rough, almost as if he had been yelling all day, which knowing him, was not a far stretch. she hugged him tightly, feeling him stiffen from the sudden contact. she looked up at him, her heart swelled with such emotions she could barely contain it. He let out another tongue curling yawn, showing off all his pointed teeth. The thought had crossed her mind, about him being able to snap bone with bite. she had heard stories about dog demons having that strength But always dismissed it so she wouldn't accidentally ask him and make him mad. "you look tired kid." he teased, looking over at Kagome, who merely shook her head at him.

"ya'know, you shouldn't be in here sango-chan" Kagome finally commented. "he's sick and I don't want you to catch whatever he has. It could hinder the healing process of your wounds." Inuyasha snorted at her words but agreed. Sango wondered if this was the big reason why no one would tell her he was alright, or even to let her see him.

"I feel fine, wench." he snapped back with a mocking threat. Kagome glared at him with a scolding look. Sango turned to Kagome, still wiping tears away from her eyes. "w-why didn't you just tell me he was alright?" she spoke softly, fearing her voice would crack if she spoke any louder.

It was Inuyasha who spoke "they were scared I wasn't gonna make it. But as you can plainly see, I did. Sorry to not die for you guys" she couldn't help but laugh at that, she was so happy he was well, for the most part. kagome's mocking glare turned more hostile as he spoke. Finally shutting him up from saying anything else.

"Probably wouldn't have gotten sick if you would stop wondering around in the middle of a storm." kagome sighed.

Sango sat there and realized that this was her family. These two, Miroku, the village they all lived in, even shippo. This was her family. She truly would not trade this for the world.

After a moment of an argument between the two. Kagome finally sighed, straighten herself. " I will be right back, I need to get some band aids and some peroxide for Sango's wounds. You better not make her ill, Inuyasha" Kagome threaten, Inuyasha replied by sticking a tongue out to which Kagome mimicked then left. He then turned his attention to the Taijiya that sat next to him. A wicked mocking grin ran across his face. She hated that look, it always meant he was up to something. Though the look itself was one that fit him most compared to the rest of his expression, but one that was feared none the less. Sometimes she wondered if this is where shippo had gotten the look from when he was about to play a prank on someone.

"The runt told me you were worried about me, never thought a demon slayer would ever worry over hanyou...well maybe to worry if I was actually dead but ya'know." Sango sighed, she wanted so badly to hit him over the head with Hiraikotsu, but knew her body wouldn't be able to lift it above her head. "i would hate to see kagome-chan sad because her dog demon doesn't know how to survive." she shot back with a smirk of her own. This only brought a ruff laugh out of the hanyou. "i..am glad you are alive." he finally said in such a soft unnatural voice for him. Sango had to make sure she heard that right. "takes a lot more then a barb to shut me up" she spoke in mocking pride, her hands on her hips to imitate Inuyasha. She couldn't keep herself from laughing very long though she wasn't alone, he had started laughing too. It was times like this that she could see why Kagome loved him they way she did.

The silence crept in as the laughter died down, the room was warm despite the cold that wanted to enter outside. both sat, side by side, leaning up against the wall that faced the door way. watching the storm pass through and the rain soften.

"i was worried" Sango finally spoke " I was so worried i-we were going to lose you" she couldn't stop the tears from falling, she hated herself but she couldn't stop them. "i- I didn't know if I could handle losing another family member" she started to sob, she hadn't noticed that he had looped an arm around her until she was against his chest. "i can't lose another one. i-" she broke off into sobs and memories flooded her mind.

Inuyasha spoke nothing more than small "hush" and "it will be alright". They both knew he was not well equipped to deal with this sort of emotional ordeal. But was thankful none the less. He knew she needed to cry, he knew she had been holding a lot back since the last battle. Resting his check on her head he gently rubbed her back soothingly.

Kagome stood outside the door way, tears flowing down her cheeks. She knew how Sango felt, she was just as scared of losing him. It was a while before Kagome could gather herself back up, and enter the room. Inuyasha knew right away that she had been crying again. But chose not to press her about it. Sango had fallen asleep on his lap, to which Kagome merely chuckled. "I will get Miroku to gather her. But first, could you hold her up a bit so I can get this around her to hold the bandage in place?" mock-groaning, he nodded at her without saying a word.

The light of the day greeted Sango, her body didn't ache as much, but the pain was still there. She looked around her to find Inuyasha's haori was placed over her like a blanket. Smiling to herself, she thanked him mentally. She had felt so much better since last night. As though everything she had been trying to hold back, to bottle up, was now free and the weight had been taken off of her.

As she got herself together, she started to walk towards the room where she first saw her friends. She could hear distance chattering and could easily pick out who's voices were talking. As she entered the room, Miroku was the first to greet her, moving towards to her help her with walking and sitting down.

Matsudaira yelled at one of the servants to get more food and tea for the young women. The servant was quick to work on the task given and before long, a hot bowl of rice with some pickles and fish lay in front of Sango as well as some tea with a sweet smell.

"aye, now that we are all rested up, m'lord wishes to know if we are able to kill that demon giving us such a rough time" the burly samurai snorted.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Author notes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To clarift a few things; The reason why they didn't want to tell sango earlier about inuyasha's condition, was because he was still battling for his life. They didn't know if he would make it through and feared that it would cause stress on sango, which in turn would make it hard for her to recover.

Also, while I originally wanted this to be a hardcore INUxSAN fic. I have decided to change a bit, and make it focus more on them being siblings, maybe have a crush, but mostly sibling.

Yes, sango is very well hydrated, and is able to cry a freaking ocean. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯