Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this journey... especially for the one who harbors fears. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess.
Chapter 10: In the Dark
Sesshoumaru walked slowly, which was a mercy given the deep darkness that preceded moonrise. At first, Miroku feared that the taiyoukai intended to leave the group permanently, but then he stopped and commanded, "Ask."
The monk slowly shook his head, at a loss.
"Inuyasha will not relent until you are rid of your fears. Confront them." Tilting he head thoughtfully, Sesshoumaru revised his statement. "Confront me."
"Why are you doing this?"
"That does not concern you."
Miroku gaped in utter disbelief. "You tell me to ask, but you refuse to answer?"
"My reasons are my own," Sesshoumaru calmly repeated. "Your fears are our topic. Ask accordingly."
"Am I your slave?" the monk blurted.
"Is that what you wish?"
"No!"
The taiyoukai's brow arched. "Then do not suggest it."
"Then what am I?"
"A human," Sesshoumaru replied in a bored tone.
"Can you be more specific?"
"A human male."
Gripping his shakujou as he strove for patience, Miroku tried again. "What am I to you?"
"Not much."
"But I was worth saving," he pressed.
"Saving?" Sesshoumaru softly echoed. "I acquired you."
"Why?" Miroku asked, a desperate edge to his tone. The taiyoukai's brow arched at the repetition of a question he'd already declared unacceptable. Shaking his head, the monk rephrased. "I want a reason for being here. Surely you have some purpose for me?"
"Why?" he challenged, his face unreadable.
"If your reasons are your own, then you must have them," Miroku replied with as much respect as he could muster.
Sesshoumaru inclined his head. "Will a title do?"
"It would be a place to start," the monk admitted.
The taiyoukai gazed off towards the stars, apparently deep in thought. Finally, Miroku's patience was rewarded. "A vassal." Sesshoumaru pursed his lips, then met the man's wary gaze. "You are my vassal."
End Note: This installment was written for the Live Journal community iy no kakera, where I hold a claim on Sesshoumaru & Miroku. I'm slowly working my way through two different prompt tables. This particular chapter owes some of its inspiration to Set #1, Theme #35, Something Desired. 300 words. Posted on July 12, 2010.