Sango's next day starts with Kuranosuke threatening her at breakfast. She nods and listens, while fuming under her cold demeanor. She isn't a weak woman, yet months of torture has her obediently agreeing to stay within the castle ground, assessing the complaints from tenants, and basically doing nothing at all. Like yesterday, Sango wanders to the gardens, examining gardeners with an obscure jealousy. Yes, they live in almost absolute poverty, and yet they have an occupation they enjoy and perform everyday. She used to have that. She yearns for her tight battle armor and Hiraikotsu; it pains her to know it is off collecting dust somewhere. Kuranosuke wouldn't even tell her where it is...
"Sango! Sango!" a female calls from the front gate of the castle. Sango shakes her head, fearing she is going insane, because that almost sounds like...
"Kagome!" Sango cries as the green and white clad schoolgirl runs full speed at her. Kagome catches her in a hug, and Sango forces herself not to wince in pain, "What are you doing here?!" she adds after Kagome releases her from her hug. She idly tugs on the collar of her kimono, knowing it is high enough to cover the bruises from last night, but her anxiety gets the better of her. Kagome cannot see her wounds... The young priestess smiles, taking Sango's hand and dragging her to the gate where Shippo, Inuyasha, and Miroku enter her prison. At the sight of Kilala in Mirokus' arms, Sango's eyes tear up and she sprints the rest of the way to the group. Kilala jumps down and meets her halfway, meowing and crying as Sango picks her up and squeezes her to her chest. Hot tears slip from her eyes as Kilala mews and headbutts her with excitement.
"He told me he killed you! Oh how I have missed you!" Sango cries as she rests her forehead to Kilala's own head. Her ears pin down against her head as those beautiful demon eyes bore into Sango. She can see her pain on her skin, and the misery in her eyes, "I'm okay," Sango whispers so only Kilala can hear her, "I promise,"
"We all missed you too! That's why we are here!" Shippo cries as he scurries over for a hug too. Inuyasha, Miroku, and Kagome all join them in the courtyard. Sango smiles brightly, her cold veneer crumbling at the sight of her friends.
"How sentimental of you, Inuyasha, to come along with them," Sango teases before the half demon scoffs.
"There's a demon with a jewel shard nearby. You aren't that special," he grumbles.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome snaps and Sango gently touches her shoulder.
"No, it's okay. I deserved that after deserting you guys. Please come inside though. I can get you something to eat, and we do have hot springs that are heavenly," Sango exclaims, hoping her friends will stay. Even if it is for one night. Her eyes flutter towards Miroku before quickly darting away from his expressionless, cold, stare and tight-lipped frown. She's never seen him so serious. Especially not when he is looking at her.
"I am okay with staying!" Kagome chimes. Inuyasha mumbles something about good food, Shippo cheers for fish, yet Miroku says nothing. Even the dense Inuyasha notices his tense silence.
"Miroku...?" Sango quietly asks. Finally, his face breaks into a charming grin and he nods.
"I will never argue against sleeping inside for one night," he says, his deep voice shattering her cold facade she developed over the past year. She missed all of them, but she missed Miroku's company the most. Even if he was a bit handsy...
"I'm so glad you guys are here," Sango mumbles as she leads the group into the castle. At the grand entrance, a servant scurries to Sango's side, waiting silently for an order. She hates having servants waiting on her like this...but it is convenient.
"Can you please bring some food out for my guests?" Sango asks before the servant bows and runs off, "Follow me," she leads the group to her private parlor, a room filled with cushions, scrolls, and other baubles for her entertainment. She likes it because it is private.
"Wow, this is a nice place, Sango!" Kagome chimes and Sango smiles lightly.
"Yes, it is…so what demon are you hunting? Is it an ally with Naraku?" she asks, changing the subject so they won't notice her pain.
"You didn't hear?" Inuyasha retorts, "Naraku's dead. It's all over," he says with a cocky smile. Killing Naraku must have been the best day of his life.
"I can't believe you did it…it's over," she mumbles, her mind whirling with the news, "And Kohaku? What happened to him? Naraku didn't kill him, did he?" she asks with dread forming a lump in her throat. Kagome's smile slowly falls.
"He disappeared during the battle. We have tried finding him, but with no luck," she says.
"So you guys are still hunting shards?" Sango questions and Inuyasha sheepishly runs his hand over the back of his neck.
"Yeaaahhh—"
"This bozo hit Naraku so hard, he shattered the jewel again and now we have to find the pieces," Shippo grumbles before Inuyasha swats him on the back of the head.
"It's been a pain in my ass, that's what it is," Inuyasha snarls.
"Don't lie, you enjoy it," Kagome taunts. Inuyashas' ears twitch, and his cheeks flush. Sango smiles as their love shows stronger than ever. Good. They deserve happiness. A servant comes in with several trays of rice and fish, setting them down in front of the others. Sango notices that Miroku is back to silence. He hasn't changed much in the year that they've been apart. His black hair is still pulled back in a ponytail, his robes still hang loose over his muscular body, and his eyes still observe too much. She hopes he cannot see the trauma she has been through. She didn't change that much…did she?
"My lady. Lord Kuranosuke needs to see you. Now, he says," the servant whispers with a bow. Sango plasters a smile on her lips, though her blood runs cold and a tremor races down her spine.
"Of course…excuse me, everyone," Sango mumbles as she stands and hurries from the room. She walks quickly to Kuranosuke's conference room where she knows he will be. She knocks and he bids her entrance. Sango gathers her courage, and enters the room. Kuranosuke sits at the far end of the hall with his legs crossed and spine rigid. White knuckled fists…she is in for another fight.
"Yes, my lord?" Sango quietly murmurs as he stares at her in seething silence. Her words finally snap him into action.
"You have guests. Who are they?" he demands.
"Just old friends passing through, my lord," Sango replies, meekly dropping her gaze to the floor in front of her, "They needed a place to stay, and I offered two of ours. We have plenty of—" a slap to her cheek silences her, knocking her head to the side. Fury and pain swirl through her body, and she clenches her fists to keep from fighting back.
"You were supposed to ask me first. I AM THE LORD. Not you…that monk is with them. Isn't he? You know how I feel about that man, considering you used to have feelings for him," Kuranosuke spits, grabbing her hair and wrapping it around his fist, using it like a leash to pull her towards him.
"I chose you, my lord. I told you that so many times now! You are my husband, Kuranosuke,"
"Indeed, and you need to check in with me if you have guests. They may stay this time…" he slowly acquiesces.
"Thank you, my lord," Sango replies, relieved that he won't kick them out.
"On one condition: you will come to my chamber tonight. No matter what, you will be there, and you will do as I say. If you don't show up, one of your friends will die," he growls.
"I will be there," she quickly says, terrified for her friends. Albeit, they can take care of themselves but still…
"Good girl," he sneers, releasing his grasp on her, "Go for now, but do not forget about tonight," he says as he turns his back on her. She flees from the room and back to her parlor, controlling her emotions behind the cold façade she put around herself. When she enters, Kagome smiles up at her.
"What was that about?" Miroku questions, his tone mild compared to the pointed, searching, gaze in his violet eyes.
"He just wanted to know who was here. He says you are welcome in his home," she replies calmly as she turns away from his prying eyes, "Kagome, did you want to try out the hot springs?"
"Oh yes!" she cries, hopping to her feet and skipping out with Sango in tow. Her happiness is almost contagious enough to wiggle its way under Sango's cold shell.
"Thank you for not hating me, Kagome," Sango murmurs as she walks arm-in-arm with the priestess.
"I understand why you did it, Sango. We all do. The only one who is angry is Miroku, but that is more at himself than you,"
"No, I can tell he is mad at me too…did killing Naraku remove his Wind Tunnel?" she asks and Kagome smiles wider.
"Indeed it did! He's all cured," she chimes.
"I hope he finds his happiness now," Sango mumbles as they enter the hot spring house. Other women and children leave as Sango enters so she and Kagome are now alone.
"That was odd…"
"Kuranosuke requested I bathe alone, and the tenants always abide by his wishes," Sango replies, gently untying her confining silk kimono. There are more bruises and scars on her body, so she just undresses to her under shift before climbing into hot spring. Kagome looks at her curiously before undressing and following her into the spring, sighing happily as the hot water engulfs her.
"When did you start bathing while dressed?" Kagome asks after silence consumes the two of them.
"Oh, a while ago," Sango exclaims innocently. She doesn't want the questions, but she knows Kagome. She knows she will ask too many questions that she won't be able to answer.
"May I ask why?" Kagome mumbles.
"I didn't like the way the women stared at my scars," Sango half lied. The full truth being that Kuranosuke has left many more on her body.
"Haven't you been bathing alone, though?" Kagome counters.
"Please don't overthink this, Kagome," Sango mumbles, sliding deeper in the water to hide from the priestess' questions. She ducks under water, holding her breath until her lungs beg for air. She resurfaces only to see Kagome's curious eyes on her.
"So besides odd bathing habits, how's life? I mean you are married now. How's that?" Kagome casually asks, though her eyes are prodding. Sango sighs.
"It is nice. I have a home, and stability, which is what I wanted…"
"But you aren't happy," Kagome interrupts and Sango stares at her in shock. Kagome just smiles, "Even though we didn't travel together long, I know how you look when you are happy or when you are upset. Today you're just…cold…"
"I…I can't explain that, Kagome. I want to, but I can't. He'll find out, and that's worse than being cold," Sango quickly murmurs, dropping her voice so the attendants outside cannot hear them. Kagome follows her lead, and leans towards her so they don't have to speak loudly.
"Who will find out? Kuranosuke? He seemed nice though, and definitely in love with you," Kagome softly replies.
"He was nice. At first, and he only loved the perception of me. Not the real me. Do you know I haven't seen Hiraikotsu in 13 months, 3 weeks, and 2 days? I haven't seen Kilala and you guys for even longer than that. I miss the freedom, but there is nothing I can say or do to change it…I chose this," Sango whispers. If the attendants hear her, they will tell Kuranosuke, but Sango can't help it. She has to say something or she might burst.
"Oh Sango…"
"I miss you guys. I am so sorry I left you all when I did. You could've needed me, and I still left you," she sighs before tears sting her eyes and she swiftly changes the subject, "So. You and Inuyasha seem to be doing well," Kagome blushes, nodding lightly as she twirls one of her wet locks in her finger.
"We are as happy as he'll let himself be…" she sighs, "He can be such a grump sometimes," Sango giggles at the sour face Kagome makes.
"Yeah I do remember that," Sango chimes. Kagome's mischievous grin appears again, and inwardly Sango groans.
"You know Miroku is still single, right?"
"Kagome…that shouldn't really matter to me. I mean he may be single, but I—"
"You are stuck in a hopeless relationship while there is a man out there who likes, maybe even loves, you," Kagome interrupts, and Sango's cheeks are aflame from Kagome's words. Miroku cannot like her. Not after she ran from them all.
"Kagome…you can't speak like that outside of here. Okay? It would be very bad if that were spread around the castle," Sango mumbles.
"Okay…you have my word," Kagome says, her eyes showing her confusion. Sango stands and hurriedly exits the hot spring.
"Don't look while I change, please," Sango mutters and Kagome agrees to look away. Sango quickly strips out of her damp shift, slips into a dry one, and wraps the silk exterior around her like a shell.
"What are you going to do about Miroku…?" Kagome softly asks as she gets out of the water and wraps a towel around her body.
"He deserves better than me," Sango whispers as Kagome dresses quickly.
"Are you going to be all right, though?" the priestess questions as the two walk back to the parlor.
"I was always a strong girl. That applies to my emotions. I will be fine," Sango replies, giving the girl a quick hug. They enter the parlor during another one of Inuyasha and Shippo's spats. Kagome tells the half demon to sit, which causes a whole new banter. Sango watches with a smile on her lips. She misses the lively conversations they all had together. Seeing them now only makes Sango regret her decision even more.
If only I could go back, she thinks, absentmindedly petting Kilala's sleeping form.
"Hey where is Miroku?" Kagome asks, though Sango already knew he wasn't there. His absence weighs heavy on her chest, and Kagome must have known that.
"He said he was going to wander the gardens," Shippo supplies, and quietly Sango leaves to find the monk that consumes her dreams and nightmares. She finds Miroku perched by a koi pond, staring into the water as if lost in his own thoughts. The sun hasn't begun to set yet, so she is still all right on time.
"Miroku…" Sango murmurs, and his back goes rigid. He stands and faces her with a fake smile plastered to his lips.
"Yes, Lady Sango?"
"Do not call me that," Sango viciously spits and his smile immediately melts as his eyes burn with determination and rage.
"What has he done to you?" he growls and Sango goes rigid.
"Noth—"
"Do not lie to me, Sango," Miroku snaps as he quickly crosses the gardens to her. She fights her instinct to run. It is Miroku…he isn't going to hurt her. He reaches up to stroke her cheek, and she flinches. Miroku's eyes narrow, "I know you better than you think. The moment I laid eyes on you, I could see your pain," he retorts before dropping his hand to the collar of her kimono where she knows her bruises begin, "I am going to ask you again. What has he done to you?" Sango steps away, shaking her head as Miroku breaks through her shell, leaving her vulnerable and alone. She should've known better than to come find him…
"I cannot talk about it. You all will be in danger if he finds out, so please just leave it be,"
"Sango, we can take care of ourselves,"
"I know, but if something happened because of me—"
"A lot already has happened!" Miroku snaps, losing his usual calm demeanor, "Our battle with Naraku ended with a shattered Shikon, and your brother missing. Inuyasha almost died, and Kilala was abandoned just so you could find comfort? Was it worth it, Sango? Just tell me that!"
"Why are you throwing this in my face NOW?!" Sango hisses, "You have no idea how many times I've kicked myself for abandoning the group; for not being there when you guys needed me the most. I grieved for Kilala because he told me she was drowned in the river like some stray. He…he has ripped out my soul, Miroku. That is what you see, and that was the cost of my supposed sanctuary," Miroku steps towards her again, grabbing her wrist before pulling up the long, bellowing, sleeves to expose old bruises and wounds from Kuranosuke. Tears blur her vision as he gently strokes her forearm, his touch unraveling her numb demeanor, and fanning a flame of desire low in her belly. God, it has been too long since he has touched her.
"He did this to you, didn't he?" Miroku whispers with a fire in his eyes. She bites her lip, hesitating on the truth.
"SANGO!" Kuranosuke shouts from across the gardens, and she instantly pulls away from Miroku as Kuranosuke's calm, deliberate, strides bring him closer to the two of them. She turns and bows, hiding her teary eyes and inner turmoil.
"My lord. To what do we owe this pleasure?" Miroku chimes with a mocking tone and a bow.
"I figured I ought to meet my wife's visitors. You used to travel together, did you not?" Kuranosuke says, yet Sango keeps her eyes on the ground even after she rises from her bow.
"That is correct. Is that an issue, my lord?" Miroku confronts him, causing Sango to go rigid with fear.
"Not at all. The past is the past after all. Besides," Kuranosuke walks closer to Miroku, a victorious smirk on his face, "She chose me,"
"My lord," Sango interrupts as Miroku's eyes spark with fury, "My lord, let us go—"
"Do not interrupt, woman, especially when men are discussing things," Kuranosuke snaps.
"Please, Kuranosuke, leave him alone," Sango pleads. In a split second, he slaps her, her cheek sting from his hand and embarrassment. He has never struck her in front of another!
"Sango, are you okay?" Miroku instantly asks, gently touching her shoulder.
"I am fine," she murmurs, staring coldly at her husband, "I am going to go inside like you told me to. If you want people to respect you, my lord, you will NEVER do that again," she hisses before glancing back at Miroku and storming off.
…
Miroku watches Sango storm off, his jaw clenched with fury as Kuranosuke grins cruelly.
"She is a good woman," he spits before turning to Miroku, "You stay away from my wife," he adds, his voice travelling on the wind and echoing around the gardens. Miroku straightens to his full height with a deceptively charming smile on his lips.
"Why? Are you afraid you are going to lose her?" he retorts and Kuranosuke's eyes narrow with rage.
"I have tamed a demon slayer; I will kill you if you touch her," Kuranosuke spits and Miroku's rage howls within him. Sango is not a creature to be tamed! She is one to be loved!
"I am not a small woman. Sango is strong, yes, but she would never hurt an innocent man. Somehow, you are still in that category," Miroku hisses. Kuranosuke lunges at him, yet he steps to the side, using his staff to swiftly trip him so the lord is sprawled out on his pompous ass.
"How dare you!" Kuranosuke hollers and Miroku sighs.
"I did nothing, my lord. You lunged at me and then lost your footing," Miroku calmly says as an attendant rushes to the lord's aid. Before Kuranosuke can storm off, Miroku grabs his arm, "This is a warning. We are not so easy to kill," Miroku quietly hisses, releasing the man and strolling back to the parlor where his friends were. Only they aren't there.
Inuyasha and Kagome were led to one room, and Shippo and Kilala to another. Since the former couple are probably very busy, Miroku follows a servant to the room with the smaller demons. He heavily sits on a futon, rubbing his eyes with the palm of his hand to get the image of Sango out of his mind. Only he can't… his thoughts keep replaying the moment Kuranosuke slapped her and how resigned she seemed to be to it. The Sango he knew would have fought him. She never would've succumbed to such cruelty…
"Miroku…?" Shippo hesitantly asks as he scoots closer to the seething monk, "Is Sango okay…?"
"No," Miroku replies through clenched teeth, "My nightmares were really premonitions…" Miroku adds as his fury morphs to exhaustion and he sinks down onto the futon.
"Can we help her…?" Shippo questions as Kilala quietly panics, nudging Miroku as if trying to force him to do something.
"I don't know how," he sighs before all of his thoughts are consumed by Kuranosuke's wicked glee and Sango's torture. Something must be done.
…
