Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this journey... especially for the one who asserts himself... for all the good it does. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess.
Chapter 21: Dignity
"Why did you leave Rin-chan and Jaken-sama behind?"
"It suited my purposes."
Choosing to pretend Sesshoumaru's reply actually answered his query, Miroku pressed on. "Will you return for them?"
"Yes."
"When?"
"When you are ready."
That gave the monk pause. "In what sense am I unready?"
Tipping his head to one side, Sesshoumaru calmly inquired, "Why are you angry?"
It was an unbelievably stupid thing to ask, and Miroku's tone dipped dangerously close to sarcasm. "You have to ask?"
"I choose to ask," Sesshoumaru replied solemnly. "You will answer."
With his fatal mistake fresh in his mind, Miroku smiled bitterly and said, "I am angry because I am alive."
"Explain."
"Thanks to your intervention, I am a living being," he replied coolly. "I acknowledge your right to my allegiance, but I am unwilling to place your dignity above my own." A brow quirked at this declaration, but Miroku forged ahead. "I am not a thing to be picked up or cast aside at the whim of another."
Sesshoumaru's expression grew thoughtful, and he absently remarked, "Rin was never angry."
Miroku's jaw clenched in silent fury over the mounting indignities. You expect me to be like her? That can be arranged.
End Note: This oneshot was entered at the Live Journal community iyfic contest, Week 233, Fatal. I'm also adding it to my docket at 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 #41, Confrontation. 200 words. Originally posted on November 30, 2010.