Sunday, August 14, 2005

Lazarus Heart: Found in the mist
*episode 12*

Sango runs, filled with grief and anger and disbelieve. The mist surrounds her, and she tries to break lose. Suddenly, the mist before her parts and she brings herself to a halt. Ten steps ahead of her is a cliff; if the mist had not shifted, she would never have seen it and she would have flung herself off. Looking at the grey wall beside her, Sango hesitantly raises a hand. When she touches the mist, the feeling is nearly electric. It feels warm and a gentle tingling travels up her arm. “Take me to him.” she says. A passage opens in the mist. With few choices, she follows it. After a short journey downhill, the tunnel opens into a huge clearing in the mist. As Sango steps into this clearing, she immediately feels the intrusion of a familiar demonic aura. Standing on one side of the clearing is Kiri; opposite him is Sesshomaru and his entourage. Kiri is saying, “…human may pass, but the rest of you may not. Speaking of which, child, are you with these others by choice? If you are a prisoner, I can protect you.” Rin says, “Who, me? Lord Sesshomaru is my master. Of course I choose to be with him.” Kiri says, “In that case I advise you all to turn back; now.” Sesshomaru says, “I am not in the habit of taking orders from humans. The scent I track is here; that mortal,” he indicates Sango, “Only confirms my sense of smell. As for your interference; such impudence, I punish with death.” As Sesshomaru draws the Tokigin, Kiri says, “Your swords will not work here, demon.” Returning it to his belt, Sesshomaru says, “Then you will die beneath my claws.” Moving faster than Sango can follow, Sesshomaru pounces on Kiri, his poison claws extended in a greeting of death. Kiri, moving faster still, grabs the demon’s wrist, bending his arm back; and delivers a swift hard upward thrust to his solarplex. Sesshomaru goes flying. Regaining his composure in mid-air, he lands on his feet. Turning to his opponent, he says, “What are you? I am Sesshomaru; a dog demon of noble linage. Name yourself and your clan.” Kiri says, “I am the guardian of this place; all you need know is that I guard it now,” he looks to Sango, “and always.” Feeling insulted that his challenge was not met; Sesshomaru’s demon blood boils over, turning his eyes red. Suddenly, his second sword pulses. Pausing, Sesshomaru regains his composure. He says, “It seems that my heirloom believes that it can serve me.” Kiri says, “That sword will not function either; not that it would help you if it did.” Sesshomaru says, “Let us see.” He pulls the Tenseiga from its sheath. Jaken says, “Look here! The sword glows. M’lord, have you seen this before?” Sesshomaru says, “Once. I was lucky to escape that encounter with my life.” He turns to Kiri, “My apologies; my business can be concluded with a few words with that mortal; I will not harm her.” Kiri nods and Sesshomaru turns to Sango, “Does my brother still live?” Sango says, “Inuyasha? Yes, he’s alive. What made you think he was dead?” The demon says, “The words of one of Naraku’s incarnations.” As he turns to leave, Sango calls, “Wait, Sesshomaru; were you actually worried about Inuyasha?” Sesshomaru says, “Don’t be absurd, if he were dead than the Tetsusaiga would be undisputedly mine. Jaken, Rin, we’re leaving.” With that, he turns and heads back the way he came.
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