Author's Note: it has been a rather long time. Sorry! We left off with Sara in the clutches of Naraku; let's see what's going to happen now. Day four of the week's count down for Sara to complete the Hōgyoku.
I DO NOT OWN BLEACH OR INUYASHA
Chapter Eleven
Tanya's P.O.V
I couldn't sleep; there was no way that I was going to sleep surrounded by Shinigami. It made things seem like they had been a long time ago, shaking off the memory I got up and walked outside. The moon wasn't in the sky making the night seem colder, harsher then it really was. I sighed there was no getting around it. I turned around just as the person I was looking for came out, Ichigo.
"You shouldn't be outside alone," he said, I shrugged my shoulders.
"I can take care of myself," I told him.
"I've heard that before,"
"Oh really?" I asked, turning to look at him.
"Yeah, I used to say it a lot myself," he said.
"And how did that work out?" I asked I didn't know where the sudden curiosity had come from.
"Not well, it turned out that I really couldn't take care of myself, I was the one who needed the protection," I looked away.
"I can take care of myself," I repeated.
"Tanya would you tell me what happened to you if I tell you what happened to me?" he asked, I froze this isn't exactly what I had in mind.
"That depends on what you want to know," I answered carefully choosing my words.
"Should I demonstrate with my story?" he asked.
"I see, why the sudden curiosity?" I asked.
"Honestly, I figured that since we are going to be spending some time together, I thought we could get to know each other, and well," his voice dropped and I turned to look at him. "I haven't seen someone look at Shinigami with so much hate since Ishida," his expression was pained but fighting to stay in control. I looked away, he wasn't a Shinigami, and he was the only one in this place that I could turn to now that she was gone.
"You should sit or would you rather stand?" I asked him.
"I'll sit," he took a seat next to me.
"You know I haven't told anyone this except Rukia, some of my friends know but they found out," he started. "Since I was a kid I could see spirits, but back then I couldn't tell them apart from humans," that would have been a problem for anyone.
"It was raining that day, I was walking home with my mother, and a girl was standing at the edge of the river, I ran to stop her from jumping and my mom followed me, I don't remember anything after that, but when I woke up my mom was dead and the girl had disappeared," he said, then his voice became filled with rage, "Recently I found out that my mother had been killed by a Hollow who had been after me,"
"The girl, she was part of the Hollow wasn't she?" I asked, he was looking up but he looked down.
"Yeah, she was," he said.
"I'm sorry," I said he half smiled.
"Thanks, but I learned recently to not blame myself, I couldn't have done anything to stop it, but I know that I can stop it from happening to anyone else, that's why I became a Shinigami in the first place, to protect the ones I love," he told me. "Now, shall you go?" I looked down.
"Coin for coin?" I asked.
"Pretty much,"
"Very well then," I said. "You know I never thought that there was anything wrong with my parents, they were happy, we were happy, but, my father was a Shinigami," I took a deep breath.
"However Soul Society did not believe that happiness was a legitimate reason for breaking their precious laws," I didn't have to be told that my voice sounded cold, I knew it did, I knew it sounded like hate. "They came when I was six, father told mother to hide, but when they killed him she ran out. I didn't see him get killed, I felt it though, I felt his life being cut off, they were in the living room, my mother was holding my father when they killed her, and I was behind the sofa. They killed my parents in front of me, I was six, what right did they have to destroy my life? To take away from me the people that had been with me since I could breathe? The only reason that they let me live was because my mother begged for my life, she clutched to their feet begging for me. In the end the deal was simple she died I lived. I ran away, I ran as far as I could, and they didn't follow." I stopped.
"If that Ichigo, isn't reason enough to hate Shinigami, then I don't know what is," I told him, he didn't say anything.
"I never agreed with what Soul Society used to justify their actions, I never did and I still don't," Ichigo said.
"Do you know what justification they used for the death of my family?" I asked.
"For balance," he answered I looked up at him and nodded. He put an arm around my shaking shoulder I wasn't going to cry, but I felt like my whole self had been ripped out again. "Sometimes it's better to let it out then it keep it in, besides I'm not going any where," slowly I felt the tears roll down my cheeks, then a small sob broke from me and the tears that I had held back since that day came flooding out. And I was grateful, grateful that Ichigo understood.
Ichigo's P.O.V
It wasn't long till morning came, I got up. It had been a long night I hadn't been able to sleep, I looked over at the sleeping Shinigami, it hadn't bee them but would I have done if it had been them? I didn't even know whose side I was on. And since when had there been sides?
Sara's P.O.V
I looked around, it was a small room a table in the corner and that was just about it, no windows, smart man.
"So you're awake," I didn't flinch I refused to show any fear.
"Yeah," I answered turning around to find him standing in the corner. He advanced forward until he was about one foot away. I refused to back away from him, to show fear.
"Can you tell me why?" he asked.
"Why what?" I demanded.
"Why you remind me of her, that look in your eyes, the way you hold yourself, the very way you speak makes my mind remember her," he spat.
"I don't know," I said he smirked and pulled away.
"The people that you where with, what are they to you?" he asked I watched his calculating expression.
"My friends," I answered.
"What a foolish thing to have, you're here my prisoner defenseless because of one of your friends, maybe you should reconsider what you call them," he told me.
"I don't think so," I said.
"Would you like me to show you how useless those friends of yours are?" he asked, I stiffened.
"What does that have anything to do with it?" I asked.
"Nothing," and with that he was gone, my face found the ground and I slowly lay against it. What was I going to do?
"Toshiro," I mumbled into the ground, I didn't want my dreams to be real, but I had no choice. I curled my hand around the comb the only connection I had to him.
Toshiro's P.O.V
I shot up braking out in a cold sweat; I had been looking at her. The way her eyes twinkled with desperation, I could still hear the ring of her voice, but that wasn't what had woken me up. No I felt her, I felt everything she was feeling, and I knew that it really was her; some way some how I had been able to find her. I got up and went outside I needed the air; I needed to feel the wind. I stood against the side of the house, it wasn't even morning yet. It was that time of the day when the sun begins to rise but it's not up enough to destroy the night sky and the stars they brought.
"Boy!" I turned around and saw an old lady she was small.
"Did you just call me a boy?" I asked.
"Now listen here, the girl, the one named Sara, I heard that she was taken by the demon, you must hurry and find her," she said.
"I know that, wait how do you know Sara?" I demanded.
"I'm the one who fixed her injuries, that's why you have to find her, she has broken ribs, there is no way that she can stand up to that demon," the moment the words left her mouth I felt my world freeze.
"That's impossible," I muttered.
"Well you better believe it," she said.
"Thank you," I said.
"You better find her, I have to go now," she said walking away, I shook my head Sara sure had a way of making friends.
"Captain why are you up so early?" Rangiku asked as she walked up to me.
"Nothing," I answered.
"Don't worry, Captain, Sara will be fine," she said.
"Rangiku did she tell how hurt she was?" I asked.
"What are you talking about?" Rangiku demanded.
"So you don't know," I said.
"Captain, you're scaring me a little," she confessed.
"She has broken bones," I said I felt two hands on my shoulder.
"What!" she shouted.
"Shhh!" I pushed her away.
"I am not going to be quite do you know how bad this is!" she screeched.
"Again why do you always seem to wake us up with your mouth?" Renji asked walking out with everyone behind him.
"Shut up!" Rangiku snarled.
"Don't say a word," I mumbled to her.
"Okay, then, so what are we going to do?" Tanya asked, she didn't look comfortable among all of us.
"We're going to look for Sara," Rangiku said.
"And how about you?" Ichigo asked the others.
"We'll also go, we've been searching for Naraku longer, our knowledge could help you," Miroku said.
"I guess that decides it we'll all go," Rukia said.
"For the record this it may be a long time before we find her," Kagome said. "God knows we've had a hard time finding Naraku, he always finds us,"
"That is because you can't find Spiritual Pressure," Rurichiyo said.
"We can," Rangiku said smiling, and she was right we could find her, we would find her.
Sara's P.O.V
I was writing down last nights dream when the door opened a woman was standing in the entrance. She had red eyes and a fan in one hand.
"So you're Naraku's new play toy?" she asked. I didn't answer I had no interest in starting a conversation with her. I felt a small gust of wind play at my hair. "Answer me when I ask you something!" I close the book that however catches her attention.
"What is that?" she asked I say nothing and put it in my bag.
"Look kid if you haven't realized I can easily—I was so close to losing it I hadn't even realized how close I was to the edge until she started with the stupid questions.
"You can do nothing to me, you have no idea how stupid you're being," I said, I had had enough I wanted nothing more then to leave in that moment.
"What!" she demanded, I ignored her and looked away, yes I was being childish but for the love of Christ! I had gotten kid napped! More wind began to ruffle my hair and I turned around crouched down my bow and arrow already draw.
"Don't even think about it," I warned she closed her fan with a clack.
"Don't think this is over," she said, I didn't relax my stance until the door closed and I heard footsteps walk away. I let the bow dissolve along with the arrow. My back hit the wall and I put my head between my knees. I was being stupid that was avoids, but it wasn't fair, I wanted to be home in my bed curled up with a book in my hand. I didn't want to be here in a room all by myself. I wanted him, I wanted him to hold me and promise that everything would be alright. I put my head up again and decided against breaking the door down it would be easy but I needed the last shard of the Hōgyoku that came first. I pondered my options I had no idea how I was going to get the demon to give it to me.
"Miko how are you doing?" I looked at the far off corner he was standing there his eyes amused.
"Miko?" I asked looking at him.
"You don't know what that means?" he asked clearly amused.
"I was just wondering why you called me that," I answered, he frowned.
"I don't really know," he said.
"Naraku, you know why I came with you, now where is it?" I asked, he didn't need to tell me that he had it, but I didn't want him to know that I could sense the Hōgyoku.
"And here I was thinking that you had forgotten,"
"I never forget," I told him.
"Really?" he asked I nodded. He walked over to where I was and on an impulse I stood up his hand pressed on either side of me trapping me there.
"What re you doing?" I demanded.
"You're the one who stood up," he reminded me.
"That means nothing," I hissed.
"Are you sure?" he asked then a thought accrued to me, if I could distract him enough maybe, just maybe I could get the Hōgyoku away from him. The question was if I was willing to do it.
Naraku's P.O.V
I advanced on her I expected her to lean back and cower in the corner but instead she stood up holding her ground. This could be interesting I placed y hand on either side of her trapping her.
"What are you doing?" even though she meant to be brave and calm her voice came out a little to high.
"You're the one who stood up," I reminded her, it was evident that she also didn't understand why she had when she began to look away.
"That means nothing," she snapped looking back up anger filling her eyes. Then something changed they became calculating and then something else happened her eyes became well. I wouldn't place the word with her, she just seemed so pure.
"Maybe, maybe you're right," she said her voice carrying out in a soft murmur. I grasped her elbows and pushed her against the wall pinning her arms in the process. The look in her eyes they were so familiar so much like that woman. Her hands suddenly where on my chest and she pushed me away. "Someone is coming," I stared at her as the door opened. I turned my head to find Kagura standing there her eyes wide.
"What are you doing here?" I demanded.
"Nothing," she said walking away.
"Kagura!" she didn't turn I heard her foot steps walk away.
"That wasn't the first time you saw her?" I asked she didn't answer. My hand made contact with her face and then she was on the ground. "I knew it, all human are the same." I turned to leave.
"You will die, I will kill you," I turned to look at her but she didn't appear to have said anything but her eyes blazed with hate as small drops of blood fell to the ground.
Kagome's P.O.V
We were sitting while the others were standing in a circle.
"Rurichiyo why aren't you helping?" I asked her.
"We don't know how to follow Spiritual Pressure, we would be a distraction if we tried to help," she said but her voice held none of the earlier joy. She seemed smaller and more exposed.
"They said they could follow her so don't worry about it," I said, she nodded but that didn't seem to lift her spirits. I looked at the Shinigami as they stood in a circle it began to glow blue and I saw strings begin to form. No they weren't strings they where ribbons. One stood out and some how without anyone telling me I knew that it was hers'. The ribbon was bright red that it seemed to shimmer Toshiro's hand sank out and he grasped it making the others disappeared along with her ribbon.
"Captain you found her?" Rangiku asked.
"Yeah, lets go," he said and they took off running following Toshiro.
"Come on," Inuyasha said as we followed them.
Kagura's P.O.V
I hadn't seen Naraku since the moment I walked in. she had seemed so ready to run when the door opened but she hadn't moved. I had no idea what to do I couldn't stay hidden forever. I sighed; there was something about that girl that made me find interest in her. She seemed so different, she was here held as a prisoner and yet she acted as if she could walk out any moment that she wanted.
"Stay away from my pet," I recognized the voice but I didn't see him any where, so I had been right she was his new toy. Only that she didn't seem like the rest. I didn't know what to do but I didn't matter she wasn't my problem.
Toshiro's P.O.V
Her ribbon was staring at me it was so beautiful and I saw something that made my heart beat unsteadily. Her ribbon was weaved together with mine as my hand grasped around it I felt her. I felt my Sara, and it was like a cry of pain that I received from her making my head throb.
"Captain you found her?" Rangiku asked.
"Yeah, let's go," I told her and we took off running it was easy now to follow her Spiritual Pressure now that her Spirit ribbon was secure in my hand. Just hold on a little longer Sara, just wait until I get there, I sent hoping that some where she got the message.
Sara's P.O.V
His hand made contact with my cheek sending pain pulsing throw my face, my shoulder hit the floor and I look up at him. "I knew it, all humans are the same," I felt blood begin to ooze through my fingers.
"You will die, I will kill you," I promised in a voice so low but loud enough for his ears to catch but he wouldn't be able to tell that I had spoken. He walked out and I nearly killed him then and there, but I smiled laughing harshly; my other hand curling along the shard that I had taken when I pushed him away. I pulled myself to my feet, my hand going to my waist, my ribs where throbbing, maybe I should have done the full healing. My hand was on the door knob and I walked out into the hall way, I looked around no one seemed to be around, so I followed my instincts, and began going up a flight of stairs. I turned and followed another hallway. I stopped walking a warning came to me about an intruder.
"Well, well what do we have here?" it was the cruel voice of a child I turned to look at a boy pale skin and pale hair, he hand a spear like weapon in his hand. I took a step back trying to think of something to use or a way to flee. "Don't go," he advanced and I moved out of the way as he trusted the spear, thinking quickly I grasped it and took it out of his grasp slamming the bottom part into the back of his head, he crumpled to the ground.
"Well done," I pointed the spear at the woman who had come to see me before. It could more easily use my Spiritual Pressure now that I had all the pieces of the Hōgyoku the wind I summoned slammed her into the wall. "Wait,"
"Why should I?" I asked her.
"Look I know that you can destroy Naraku, I'm more or less done for, but here take this," she said rising the fan she had as much as she could. "You can control the wind so I guess that you can use this," I moved forward and took it from her.
"Why are you giving me this?" I asked.
"Because I also want Naraku dead," she said I waked away but I turned to look at her.
"My name is Sara," and with that I walked away.
"Kagura," it was faint but I heard her answer.
I was soon outside and I breathed a sigh of relief, I took out the Hōgyoku and put the last piece into place. I laughed I had finished with time to spare.
"Where do you think you're going?" I sighed I turned around looking at Naraku his expression was furious.
"It's called escaping," I told him, there was no reason why to be careful I had what I wanted.
"How, forget about the Hōgyoku but you are not leaving," he hissed.
"Surprise, surprise I have what you just said I didn't have," I said his hand went to his chest and his expression was beyond furious.
"Good bye," and with that I used Shunpo and was gone.
Toshiro's P.O.V
I felt her Spiritual Pressure flare and something told me that I could use my powers. I used Shunpo and she was sitting in the clearing next to a little river her hand was playing with the water. She looked up.
"Toshiro," she mumbled and slowly I closed the distance between us. I wrapped my arms around her small form pulling her closer to me my head resting on hers. Slowly I moved my lips to her jaw and I kissed every part of her that I could reach, my hand caressing her cheek and she winched. My hand pulled back it had blood I pulled her back to take a look at her; she had a sleep expression on. My fingers traced the fine line of blood on her cheek causing her to winch again, I crushed her to me.
"I'm sorry I was so stupid," I whispered in her ear. "I'm ready now, I love you," her arms wrapped around me and she buried her face in my shoulder. Her lips pressed to my neck.
"Took you long enough," she mumbled. I sighed and just pulled her closer.
"I know,"
Sara's P.O.V
It was unbelievable good to feel him holding me, to hear him mumble his love to me. His lips found my jaw and they worked their way to my lips. They pressed gently to mine and then as my arms wrapped around his neck and his hand cupped my cheek and the other one twined in my hair. I allowed him to deepen the kiss out tongues moving together, the hand on my cheek moved to my waist and my back was against the ground. He was leaning on his elbow keeping himself away from me. We broke apart breathing for air, his lips moved to my neck and I tilted my head back giving him better access. His tongue swirling and he nipped me slightly sending a shiver down my spin.
"Toshiro," I gasped.
"What?" he asked against my neck.
I pulled his face up so he was looking me in the eye.
"We have to go back," I said, he sighed taking my hand and kissing it gently.
"If you want," he said.
"I don't but we have to," I said as I watched him trail small kisses along my hand and arm. He pulled me up and he pulled me close one last time.
"You do forgive me?" he asked.
"Yeah," I said he didn't let go of my hand and we began walking back.
"You do know where they are?" I asked he nodded.
"Come on," he told me pulling along, I followed more then willing.
Kohaku's P.O.V
I was sitting at the edge of the group that was having a heated argument.
"What do you mean you can't find them?" Inuyasha demanded.
"Look it's not easy to do this," Rangiku shot back.
"Besides they're probable fine," Rurichiyo said.
"But we won't know," Momo said.
"This is Sara and Toshiro we're talking about, nothing to worry about," Ichigo said.
"Are you talking about us?" I turned around stunned that Sara was advancing with Toshiro.
"Sara!" it was loud chores my own voice joining unintentionally. A stamped of people ran to meet her; it was funny to watch their disappointment as Toshiro pulled her behind him.
"Slow down people," he said.
"It's alright," Sara said she walked from behind him and Tanya hugged her.
"You're alright?" Tanya asked her.
"Pretty much," Sara answered. "And—she didn't get to finish.
"No way!" Kagome shouted getting to her feet. "You have the complete Shikon Jewel!"
"Yes, yes I do," Sara answered showing the perfectly round jewel, I looked up at her in awe, and she really was amazing.
Rangiku's P.O.V
I smiled all was right with the world, Sara had a glow in her eyes that told me that everything had worked out with the Captain, and that was just fine. As the day progressed we settled down for the sleep. I looked over at the Captain and Sara they where lying down to each other and slowly they rolled over in their sleep and they ended up in an embrace, I smiled again. All was right with the world.
Slowly I look up the last person in our circle enters her face is smooth her eyes are brown and I feel my expression widen I knew those eyes. I take almost fall as I realize who it is. She smiles.
"Ready sister?" and her words ring with truth.
Author's Note: well the moment I've been waiting for, next time the most important revelation to this story. Just as a note the 'I' in the vision is Sara everyone else is more or less a by stander. Thank you for the one review I got you know who you are, you rock! More reviews are most welcomed.