The winged creatures disappeared into the infinite nothiness of my air rip contained in my palm.

Then excruciating pain crawled to every vein of my body. The pain was greater than anything I have ever felt before.

I heard my friends cry out my name as I sank to the ground, trembling violently.

But one cry rang out clearly and echoed through my mind.

"Houshi-sama!!"

Sango.

My beautiful youkai huntress.

I opened my eyes weakly and saw her worried brown eyes gazing at me. I smiled feebly. "I saved you didn't I?"

She tearfully nodded.

"I-I'm glad." I shut my eyes again to try to ignore the pain tearing every cell of my body.

She sniffled. "I should have been more alert..I should have sensed the presence of those poisonous bees-" A sob escaped her throat.

"Hush, Sango. Your tears hurt me more than this cursed hand." I forced myself to open my eyes again. Through my blurred vision, I saw her tears cascade down her cheeks quietly.

My god. Sango was so strong..she's the strongest woman that I know. And yet..she's crying..for me.

I lifted me hand wearily to touch her. "Sango.."

But I didn't reach for any part of her body. I wanted to touch her face, dry her tears and feel her skin under my calloused palm, but she was too far away. I wanted to cry out myself.

And then I noticed the hole in my palm getting bigger.

I'm going to die.

"Get out of here, Sango. I cannot control this kazaana anymore," I ordered shakily.

"Miroku-sama!" Kagome exclaimed. "We can't!" Behind her, Inu Yasa's frown deepened. He understood my plea.

"Please!" I begged. "You are all in danger-"

I stopped when Sango clasped my hand and smoothed it against her cheek. She smiled at me through her tears. "Houshi-sama, you're the only one that I have. If you leave me now, I don't know if I will still have the desire to live."

"Sango.." My failing heartbeat leaped.

"I-I..will still bear you a child," she whispered softly.

"Kami-sama.."

"Live, Houshi-sama," she impored quietly. "For me."

My heart beated stronger. The pain vanished like magic. I found myself slowly regaining my strength.

I shall live.

That was all in my mind.

I shall live for her.