Repent

Chapter one

You're dead

Sango's POV

"Mama" Yuki, my little four year old girl tugged at the hem of my kimono, her twin…my sweet Yuka hid behind my legs. "What is that?" she asked pointing at shrivelled form before us. I held my one year old son, Mizu close to me. It can't be…those eyes…their staring right at me…it's like he can see into my soul! It was meant to be a pleasant walk in the forest, we were searching for birds…instead we found this!

He was like one of the living dead fresh from its grave, his skin grey and shrivelled…you're dead! This cannot be real! His eyes…they pleaded with me, they begged for me in a way that only one person had before, my brother. This was the man…who so fearless in the time we all knew him, so strong and steadfast that he seemed almost invincible. He never pleaded in his life…and yet here I stood…his twinkling blue eyes screaming for me. I would not have recognised him…if not for the mark on the centre of his forehead, a four pointed star. His grotesque lips began to move…like he was trying to speak but couldn't, it seemed to cause him too much pain. Why is my heart reacting like this? Why is it so full of pity? Why do I feel like I need to help him? Then I realised…I saw the same need in him as I did in Kohaku, well over four years ago.

There is darkness in all of us…that much I know, I have seen it…we humans are so easily manipulated, I was…once. I was so sure that it was Inuyasha who killed my people…so certain that I almost killed him. I was manipulated by evil….the same evil that controlled my brother, he was a child…whose was soul tarnished by sin. But he was not evil…he was always my good little brother deep down…he just needed someone to be patient…to believe that with all there soul. Still to this day…exactly four years after Naraku's death…he still needed me to assure him of his goodness.

As I looked into those eyes, I no longer saw the bloodlust desires of a psychopathic killer, I saw a weak, helpless being…so lost and afraid…the same way Kohaku was on the day we were shot down with arrows after he killed out father and comrades.

I was lost in memories and confusion when I was brought back to earth why the soft murmur of my Yuka "Mama" she uttered, "Mama…I'm scared…I want daddy".

I rested my hand on top of her head, I had to get them out of here….I couldn't let them see this…but I felt cruel leaving him there. Still the wellbeing of my children came first…it was wrong of me to stand there so long as it was. "Okay girls…we're going to see Kagome now" I told them, they nodded as we turned the other way they kept looking back "girls don't look" I instructed.

What am I to do? Should I help him? No….I shouldn't…but I will…but I will, Bankotsu, don't make me regret this.

We found my friend Kagome in the herb fields , she was now a priestess training under Kaede, along with young Rin. A year she had lived in the era with us…she truly did belong here, she settled in so nicely (well aside from occasionally whining about missing her hairdryer, whatever that is). She didn't notice us, so before we approached her I knelt down to my girls and set Mizu on his feet "listen, we won't tell anyone what we saw just now…okay? Let's keep this just between us…can you promise mama that?" I asked them. They smiled and nodded at me.

"Yes Mama" the twins said in unison, Mizu just seemed oblivious and was paying more attention to the butterfly that fluttered past. Feeling confident I let them race over to Kagome, who they absolutely adored. Kagome grinned and brought my three adorable children into her arms.

"So nice to see you all" she chuckled, then looked up at me "Sango, I wasn't expecting you till later, you'll still be eating with me tonight right? Just while Inuyasha and Miroku are away vanquishing another demon".

I nodded, this was the longest and furthest they've been away from us and we were missing them immensely. I always felt so vulnerable when Miroku was away, our home seemed almost empty without him…I missed his laughter filling every room, I missed him reading and singing to our children before they went to sleep…I even missed waking up in the morning to find his hand resting somewhere inappropriate. I know Kagome missed Inuyasha just as much, so every night they had been away, we took turns in cooking for each other…tonight was her turn. I nodded my head "yes…of course, sorry if we're too early, our walk ended a little early" I apologised.

My friend smiled "No need to apologise Sango, you're all welcome here at any time…come inside, I'll make some tea, I still have some of their toys from the last time they were here, that should keep'em entertained" she responded lifting Mizu into her arms, I smiled graciously and followed them all into the hut.

I looked over my shoulder towards the forest…Bankotsu…..

Kagome's POV

There was something wrong with Sango this evening, she seemed so distracted and she hardly sipped at her tea. I could only think of one reason why "you really miss Miroku, huh" I stated.

She peered up at me and nodded her head "Of course I do" she answered sincerely, "it's difficult to get the girls to sleep at night, it takes at least fifteen minutes longer than it should".

She did miss him…but there was something else, something she would not tell me, I didn't want to push…maybe if beat around the bush a little, "is that why you seem so distracted this evening? I told you I'll help out with the kids, after all…I'm here all alone when Inuyasha is away, it does get lonely. So is that it?"

She wouldn't even look me in the eye now, "It's just….do you ever think about our old enemies…other than Naraku, how they were all really just pawns in his evil plan, he used them all…he destroyed then as well as us…like…the Band of Seven…for example" she spoke.

at first I was surprised, but then my expression became more thoughtful, I held my chin between thumb and index finger "Hmm…I guess you're right, he did…I never really thought of it that way…I guess they were his victims too" I responded, "however, most of them were already villains before us, the Band of Seven are another perfect example…they were already murderous and cruel…they loved killing…I'm sorry to say that, even though what you're saying is true…they still got no more than what they deserved. The thought of those crooks…I'm glad we'll never see them again! I'm glad we're free of them"

Sango stared at me for a while, I dare say she seemed nervous, "Sango, are you okay? Did I say something wrong?" I asked.

She shook her head, "no, no it's just I have something I need to do….would you mind watching the kids while I go see to it? I won't be long, an hour at the most" she inquired. What is it you have to do Sango? You've never kept secrets from me before. I did not voice these words aloud of course, I just nodded my head and she zipped out quickly, Sango…what's going on?

Sango's POV

How could I tell her? She was right…we were supposed to be free of them at last! I wish my heart and head would let me ignore him….forget that I ever saw him there, but I couldn't because I just kept seeing my brother's face in place of that shrivelled mess.

I found him in the place I left him, he seemed surprised that I had come back, hi pupils shrunk into nothing more than a tiny dot amongst their cobalt orbs. There was only one place I bring him, somewhere out of the way where no one could see him. By the lake, amongst the surrounding small cliffs their hid a cave, I only I knew of it. I discovered the place when Miroku and I took the children swimming there, but forgot to show it to them, I always meant to, now I'm glad I didn't. I had made the cave my own private place, if ever the children were becoming too much, or Miroku had done something to upset me, I'd come here for a while. I had already supplied blankets and food there, just in case I ever needed to spend the night. Bankotsu was so light and easy to carry, I made him a bed with the blankets and began making a stew for him…that's all I could do. When the broth was deep brown, I served it to him, offering him a spoonful, but he recoiled from it…not as though he didn't want my food, but as though he physically could not bear it.

"I-I….C-ant" he choked; my eyes went wide like a fish out of water, he spoke…there was still a little strength in him.

"What happened to you Bankotsu? How is it that you're still alive….well more or less so any way and what is you purpose here?" I demanded.

He shook all over, trying to speak…it was causing him too much pain, so much agony that it caused him to lose all consciousness, when his head fell to the left it clearly exposed a mark behind its ear, only noticeable to those who knew what it meant.

I gasped when I saw it…it was a word written in our Japanese font meaning "Shi" this translated to "death". My father had told me of this marking; it was the marking of Shinigami….the reaper. It is said that demons or warriors so fierce in life would be selected by Shinigami to serve him. He would grant them life, let them age as a normal human, however they would be stronger, faster and lot more resilient than the average human. As payment for all this…they would serve as his deadly assassins. Every now and then a name would appear on the palm of their hand, it was someone who'd escaped death, someone who was in his debt. My heart pulsed….was he here to collect? I grabbed his hands and checked each palm…to my relief they were both clear.

There was also another catch…in order to sustain this life…they could not consume anything…not food or water, nothing, nothing other than….blood.

If they did not do so, they become this…shrivelled beings, reeking of death. I could not believe my actions…it was like an outer body experience, it was like I was outside my body watching myself with pure shock. I took the knife I always kept with me….slashed the palm of my hand…scarlet liquid oozed from it. "Open your mouth" I ordered, he looked so shocked….he did not obey… "Listen to me Bankotsu" I began "I need you in better health so that I can get answers out of you! I want to know how Shinigami found you, why you accepted his answer and what it was that brought you to this village! So you drink from me and in return you answer every question I have".

I placed my palm over his mouth, as the dark fluid dropped into his mouth, he closed his eyes in ecstasy, his sallow skin began to colour and become fuller, life was pulsing into him through me. His hand laid upon mine, he was able to sit up as he suckled away at my hand….

Bankotsu's POV

Who was she? She seemed so familiar…had I seen her before? Why is she doing this for me? I took in her blood, I took in her essence. This woman…where had I seen her before? Her skin…so warm, its smell was tantalising! My tongue glided along the cut on her and as I finished up, I looked at her, her gaze was averted and her eyes covered by her hair.

There was a long and intense silence drifting between us, I was still holding her hand in mine….her blood had trickled from the corner of my mouth "are you done?" she asked quietly. I licked at the blood, she offered me a cloth "use this" she ordered icily, I took it and wiped the essence of her veins from the corner of my lips, I then took notice of her wounded hand and placed the cloth she gave me upon it and wrapped it about her hands.

She frowned at me suspiciously as I tenderly placed the cloth about her hand, "how do you know my name wench…have I met you before?" I asked brusquely, I roughly tugged at the cloth and made her flinch and wince at the twinge.

"Ow!" she hissed snatching her hand back "I'm asking the questions!" she bit back adjusting her cloth around the wound as I had pulled it too tight, "you really don't recognise me? You certainly knew my brother, Kohaku".

I scrutinised her…Kohaku? Kohaku…it sounded so familiar….Kohaku…wait! The ninja kid! "You were his sister? You're a ninja too then huh? Explains why you're so clever, not many people know about Shinigami…its especially rare in a women…especially ones as beautiful as you" I spoke.

She glared at me angrily; yep…beautiful even when angry…it'll be fun annoying this one. "We're not ninjas! We're demon slayers! Well…I was…I retired four years ago to become a wife and mother" she responded.

I raised my eyebrow…so, married with kids huh? Supressed housewife maybe? Yes….this would be fun. "Really, a demon slayer? Never corrected me on it…wait…if I remember his sister travelled with that mutt Inuyasha!"

Her scowl deepened, "that's right…remember me now?" she growled.

I did….I saw her in battle once…I'll admit she was skilled, so she was an ally of the one who killed me! She hated me and the rest of the band of seven! Why did she do this? Why did she help me? "what's your game demon slayer?" I asked confrontationally, "why save me? You plan on handing me over to the mutt….you're one of the last people in the world I'd expect to give me help…so why? What made you do it?"

She seemed uneasy at this question "I-I told you…I needed answers" she stuttered, "As for handing you over to Inuyasha…I don't know…I didn't think this far ahead…I'll definitely have to tell my husband about it" she continued to babble.

I scoffed, "yeah…he'll love that" I said sarcastically, she frowned at me, "think about it!" I continued "you gave your blood to me…I was licking from the palm of your hand, tell him if you really want…but don't be shocked if he leaves you".

She tensed up and whimpered slightly "no!" she breathed "No you're wrong…Miroku wouldn't do that! He loves me…he loves our family!"

I rolled my eyes at her "Oh yeah! Tell him…I bet he does love his kids….but if you believe that he truly loves you…then do it! It's not like he's a lecher or anything who would jump at the chance to get another woman" If my memory served me right, from what Naruku's insects and spies had once told me Miroku was the monk…a lecher by nature. I watched the reaction on her face and was delighted…I was starting to get under her skin, "what's wrong demon slayer? Having doubts?" I mused.

She had stood up with her back to me "my name I Sango…Now answer my questions…how did the reaper…Shinigami find you and how long have you been in his service you've aged at least four years since I last saw you….how long were you dead before entering his services?" she demanded, her fists clenched. With incredible speed a zipped to her in a white blur and had her against the stone wall. My hands placed either side, my arms acting as barriers. She stared up at me with slight fear and a whole lot of anticipation, her breath hitched and I could hear her heart race and the blood soar through the veins. "I'll make you a deal" I started intentionally putting my face close to hers "You see I can't tell just anybody about my new master…Shinigami…I don't trust you well enough for that! I need a place to crash while I wait for my next assignment…this cave you got here should do nicely. Every day you must come here, You will let me drink from you and with every bite…I'll give you information….and you cannot tell anyone, you know if you do…I'll make you pay" I paused and leaned closer still "You've gotta a lot to lose my pretty Sango…so I'd think about this very clearly if I were you".

She glared up at me with familiar hate "I shouldn't have helped you" she whispered "you're still the same psycho who kills for pleasure".

I took her chin and made her face me "It was pleasurable to take a life…but it was mainly for the money…now it's my duty if I want to go on living".

She looked thoughtful "I see…so if you refuse to serve him anymore…he'll send you back to the underworld?"

I nodded my head "Yes….now that's the information you've earned today…come back tomorrow if you want more".

She stood and walked towards the exit, I called to her before she left "remember, you can tell no one I'm here…oh and do you think you can drink some Sake before I drink from you…it would give me pleasure to get drunk off your blood".

I saw her shiver with disgust before leaving….when she was gone I chuckled and laid back comfortably, this will be fun…a place to rest and a beautiful woman to drink from…

Sango's POV

I was running back to Kagome's home, I wanted my children! I wanted to hold them all close to me! I am the worst mother in the world…I've practically unleashed as monster! Miroku…come home soon, please! I reached outside breathlessly, she must have heard me approach because she came outside with my son sleeping in her arms. "Sango?" she alarmed "Sango what's happened?" she demanded.

I didn't answer, I just snatched my son back and held him close to me, almost instantly I was feeling better, I gave a sigh of relief as I stroked Mizu's head, he was a year old and still so tiny. "Where are my girls?" I asked quietly.

Kagome was speechless all she could do was point inside the house, it was there I found them sleeping, I knelt to them kissed their little heads. Mama won't let anything happen to you…I'm going to fix this mess I caused, I promise…I'll die before I let anything happen to any of you!

Kagome came from behind me and placed a hand on my shoulder "you seem shaken…why not stay here tonight? Sango? Sango how did you hurt your hand?"

Great how will I talk myself out of this one? How will I avoid mentioning the bloodsucking psycho I have living in my cave?

Heya! So chapter two will come soon, if that's what people want of course. Pleeeease tell me what you think and if you actually would like another chapter.