A/N: First off, a bog thanks to all my reviewers in chapter 5! *huggles every single reviewer* MWAH! Thanks a bunch minna-san! Anyway, here's the Part 6 of Crucify My Love. A sincere request for reviews, it motivates me to write faster-- and I really mean it. ^_^
Anima-san, don't you just love "Out of My League"? I can't get it out of my mind either, writing this fic helped. Thanks for reviewing all my chapters.
Islyn/Cassie, thanks for reviewing my chapter 5 right after I uploaded. *million kisses*
To Shohoku no miko, Nuklear firefly, warrior GL, and shadow priestess-- ARIGATO! You guys rock!
This chapter is for women like Sango, whose skills were underestimated and whom some people tried to bring down because she's different. (At least in this chapter anyway) ^_^ Happy readings!
There is beauty in strength..
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*CRASH*
"Sukebe!" spat Sango angrily, catching her Hiraikotsu after throwing it at Miroku who was flirting so outrageously with the female palace staff. The thought of breaking off her engagement and Miroku's perverted stunts had kept her mood dark throughout their journey. And now-- inside Kyo's castle, she felt like shrinking. She self-consciously looked down at her plain yukata and then at elegantly dressed ladies present at court. She felt like some barbarian especially with her huge boomerang.
Unfeminine female...
She winced, hearing the sarcastic remark Miroku once called her in her mind. Kyo's castle was definitely more majestic than Kuranosuke's domain. Upon their arrival, the intricately carved doors and gates opened along with trumpet blasts and cheers of welcome. Kyo's castle resembled the Edo castle closely but was smaller in size and its walls were white-washed.
"Beautiful palace," commented Kagome as they were ushered to their rooms. They were welcomed with such ceremony and Kyo had all but dragged Sango to meet his father but the taijiya pleaded with Kyo to postpone the introduction. Thus, they were all led to a separate wing from the boys and the maidservant opened the shoji, revealing an opulent sleeping chamber filled with roses. There were two comfortable futons spread out with pillows and silk kimonos were displayed.
"Kyo-ojisama asked that flowers and silk be ready for your chamber," explained the servant. As Kagome and Sango stared at the luxury, male servants opened the shoji of the next room. "Sango-sama, your bath is ready," said one of the servants. "Your vestments are ready my lady. Should I help you disrobe and wash your back?" asked another servant. All their eyes were downcast, as if in the presence of royalty not a demon exterminator.
Sango sank to her futon numbly, wondering how in the hell she's going to refuse all this when the time came. "Sango-chan? Daijoubu?" asked Kagome softly, seeing the color drain from her friend's face. When Sango didn't answer, Kagome dragged her friend over to the bathing room and stripped down the stunned taijiya herself. She pushed Sango gently into the warm water and followed in after her. "Have you decided?' asked Kagome as she focused concerned eyes at Sango.
Sango nodded slightly and then looked up with tears in her eyes. "I'll be risking my honor... if I follow my heart...," whispered Sango.
Kagome sighed. She had prayed these last few days that Miroku finally put to use whatever sense Kami-sama gave him and fight for Sango. But Miroku remained so stubborn and behaved so abominably towards Sango that even Kagome saw how much better off Sango would be if she married Kyo. Kyo treated Sango as if the sun rose and set in her eyes. But Sango didn't love Kyo. She loved that darn monk.
"Whatever makes you happy, I'll support," murmured Kagome as she took Sango into her arms to comfort the taijiya. Sango went to Kagome's arms surprising Kagome but when Kagome felt the heat of Sango's tears burn against her shoulder, she felt her own eyes fill with tears.
"The crazy things we do," murmured Kagome as she patted Sango's back.
"I'm sorry... Chichiue...," Sango whispered, tears clogging her throat.
"Tell Miroku-sama how you feel. And then make your decision," advised Kagome. But deep down she knew, short of the kazaana disappearing, Miroku would never reveal his true emotions.
***
"Feh! Fancy digs," commented Inuyasha as he surveyed the sleeping chamber given to them. There were clothes set on their unrolled futons and two tubs waited for them next room.
Miroku was too depressed to even make a wise-crack. The moment they were separated from the girls, the lecherous grin slipped off his face. He hardly noticed a young maidservant giving him suggestive looks. All he could think about is how much time he had left before losing Sango.
There were times he wanted so badly to take away the expression of anger and hurt from Sango's face whenever he'd grope her but he couldn't. He had to make sure she'd never turn back when she marries Kyo. It was not only her welfare and happiness on the line in this matrimony, it was also her honor. It was a match arranged by her deceased father. He couldn't-- wouldn't take that away from her. He gave a sigh of sadness, making Inuyasha's ears twitch.
"Kuso Bouzo!" exclaimed Inuyasha before tackling the monk and starting to shake the monk, banging Miroku's head a few times on the ground. "You're so pathetic! I'm so irritated by your loser attitude about Sango when it's all your fault in the first place!" growled Inuyasha.
Miroku's eyes were spiral before he got back to normal and pushed Inuyasha away. "Kisama! You don't understand! I'm just trying to make her happy!" burst out Miroku as he shoved at Inuyasha. For the first time in their week long journey to Kyo's castle, the tight control Miroku had on his emotions was breaking. His indigo eyes flashed angrily, with pain and confusion apparent in his stormy gaze.
Inuyasha huffed and crossed his arms over his chest. He watched Miroku's chest heaving with emotions and with sarcasm heavy on his voice, Inuyasha said, "Baka. Based on what Kagome's drumming into my skull, do you think Sango would be happy if you just let her go?"
He smirked at the startled look on Miroku's face. Looks like this houshi is as dense as I am. Only Kagome saw through Sango's facade and time and again, she told Inuyasha that Sango loved Miroku.
Hating to be mushy but knowing that it was necessary, Inuyasha said again, "Do you really think that Sango would be happier with Kyo or are you just afraid to fight for your future with her? Be a man Miroku, not some shitty paragon."
***
Inuyasha and Miroku were already sitting at the banquet with the king. Kyo was already there, dressed in his princely finery. Kyo introduced them to his father who welcomed Inuyasha and Miroku with wise and twinkling eyes.
"Ah yes, Inuyasha, the hanyou brother of Lord Sesshoumarou and the wielder of Tetsusaiga. And Miroku-sama, the monk cursed with the air void, with limitless power as well. A very nice combination, hopefully enough to defeat Naraku," the King said, with a twinkle in his dark eyes.
Miroku inclined his head slightly as he answered, "We try, your majesty." Inuyasha harrumphed and Shippou just sat on Inuyasha's shoulder looking around the palace. The ladies in court all tittered, some of the younger girls gawking at their handsome and rather dangerous looking guests. In the presence of court and nobility, their battle-worn, confident aura seemed imposing and fascinating.
But all eyes turned from the handsome monk and silver-haired hanyou when one of the courtiers announced, in a commandingly loud voice that captured everyone's attention.
"The Miko, Kagome-sama and honored Sango-sama," exclaimed the courtier as the door slowly opened.
Whispers spread like wildfire and gentlemen shoved at each other to get close to the center as two beautiful young women entered the throne room, dressed in ceremonial kimono. Kagome however, was dressed in a hakama, similar to Kikyo's and their resemblance made the breath catch in Inuyasha's throat. Kirara trotted after Sango, who walked with her chin up, dressed in a kimono only princesses wear. Her kimono was in a soft pink color, with embroidered sakura blossoms and she was wearing an over kimono colored green and her obi was bright pink. Her hair was loosely braided and then rolled in a bun, with pearls hanging from her ears and neck and she looked very much like a proud princess.
/ My beautiful Sango... / thought Miroku s he watched with a jaw dropped so far down Shippou started shooting peas in his open mouth. Miroku choked and when he looked up, he saw Kyo striding over to Sango to take the blushing taijiya's hands. As much as it killed Miroku to admit it, Kyo and Sango looked really good together.
/ But their union would be too perfect for the rest of civilization and thus be the end of their line / mused Miroku spitefully. His face darkened further when Kyo spoke.
"My beautiful Sango!" exclaimed Kyo as he took both of Sango's hands in his and looked like the man who discovered chocolate. He turned to his father and opened his mouth to introduce Sango as his chosen bride when Sango, very casually, slammed a hand over Kyo's mouth, stopping his words.
"Your Highness, Uncle Reisui, I've returned, " said Sango as she inclined her head slightly. She couldn't bow or move that much at all-- this heavy, constricting fabric was killing her! It was awfully heavy and uncomfortable and she gazed longingly at Kagome's hakama. Why couldn't have she been a miko? Oh, that's right, as Miroku pointed out so many times, she was an unfeminine taijiya. Well, guess who's unfeminine now!
King Reisui smiled as he said, "Ah yes I see that my dear. Why don't you take a seat with your comrades and relax with a feast? I'm so glad you've survived," added the King, his wise eyes missing nothing, from Sango's interruption of Kyo's announcement to the way Sango's eyes lit up when she sat next to Miroku.
Servants had to smooth the skirts of Sango's kimono before she can kneel down at the table close enough for her to eat. She faced Miroku's derisive expression and calmly poured some sake for him, startling the monk but Miroku drank it immediately nonetheless. / I bet he wouldn't drink the sake I poured out for him if I wasn't all dressed up like this. / sourly thought Sango.
"Arigato," said Miroku automatically. He literally couldn't keep his eyes off Sango but as far as expressions go, he hoped that the one of his face wasn't similar to that besotted idiot, Kyo.
Think unfeminine taijiya.
Think woman who can kick your butt in a minute.
Think genderless exterminator with an oversized boomerang.
But the sake hit him too fast and he realized it was his third cup. "You look lovely," he heard himself say aloud and wished he could suck himself inside his kazaana. Don't ruin all the effort now Miroku.
Think ice.
Think safety.
Think like a pervert.
Think about-- Sango.
Sango blushed and had to set down the jug of sake because she felt so self-conscious. There was a glazed expression in Miroku's eyes and his cheeks were a little flushed. Imagine a light-fingered, woman-chasing houshi who couldn't keep his drink down! But he looked decidedly cuter this way-- and Sango can almost imagine doing stuff to the monk who looked helplessly befuddled.
"Sango-chan, how have you fared in your quest?" asked the King, drawing everyone's attention to the female taijiya. Sango looked up from her bowl and tried to answer her Uncle's query lightly.
"As one would expect on a mission, Your Majesty. It was perilous yes but in the light of my profession, it is something that I am already used to," answered Sango, her eyes clear and unflinching.
One of the court ladies, a woman with jet-black hair and envious amber eyes interrupted, "So what is your profession? It is rather sudden to see you here at court and with you carrying that hideous weapon..." the lady shuddered as her voice trailed off.
Kyo opened his mouth to answer the question but Sango calmly took the questions in stride. "I am a youkai taijiya. And the huge boomerang you all saw is called a Hiraikotsu."
"A demon hunter?! How dreadful!" exclaimed the same lady, fanning herself vigorously, obviously scandalized. A few of the ladies present evidently mirrored her sentiments and whispered remarks began to circulate. The men were all taken aback as well as they tried to connect this creature of exquisite looks to a female hunter. "But you're a girl!" one of the elderly gentlemen burst out.
A surprisingly blank expression veiled Sango's eyes, similar to Miroku's more often than not, Zen-like appearance. Sango gave a little laugh. "And what's wrong with that?" she asked as she took a careful sip of the sake. But one sip went directly to her system and emboldened, she remarked, "Being the best taijiya even though I'm female is not half as dreadful as being a female baggage whose capacity is to only smile, simper and submit to men!"
The women gasped in indignation and a few men began to voice out their displeasure in having such an uncouth female present at the royal feast. "This is an outrage! Such a rude guest!" thundered one of the men.
"Urusai chichi," shot out Inuyasha in between the bites. The hanyou spoke, his mouth full of food and Kagome grimaced slightly at the sight. Irritated by the flagrant discrimination, Kagome jumped in, unable not to have her say. "Sango-chan is being honest. I can see nothing rude in speaking what can only be true."
"This is a disgrace!" exclaimed the same woman, her cheeks high with color. "The likes of her can never be considered fit for refined company like this!" the woman said, pointing a finger at Sango.
"Who would want to fit in with you? I certainly wouldn't. The size of a man or a woman's dignity is not measured by the company she keeps but by the deeds she has done," retorted Sango, starting to take offence. Although she knew she was an oddity for most women, she has always been proud of her skills. But these people were obviously trying to pull her down because she's different.
"Ah... well said Sango. But I myself, being a monk would like to point out that according to Buddha-- all men are equal," loftily informed Miroku, his superior sounding tone of voice upset by the use of wrong grammar and the drunken look in his eye. He hiccuped, totally debasing his image and followed it with a large burp.
Sango was amused and yet she was still feeling nervous. She scarcely minded the narrow-minded people intent on making her feel guilty for being herself-- she doesn't care about them so she doesn't give a damn! But Miroku-- it was time to tell him her true feelings but having Miroku wide-eyed and sober to listen to her confession (stupidity is more like it) made her feel like marrying Kyo instead! She turned back to the monk and with a little smile, poured more sake on his goblet.
It was so hard! If Miroku only had what few wits Kami-sama gave him, he should have guessed by now! She doesn't exactly go around french-kissing guys and saving their lives on a whim! But no-- he had to be SLOW! He had to be like Inuyasha so as Kagome said, it was time for the big H: honesty. But on the other hand, having Miroku drunk while she was being honest is an excellent idea. ^_^
When Kagome sat beside Inuyasha, the hanyou was practically sitting on the edge of his seat. "Doushita no Inuyasha?" asked Kagome, helping herself to one of the grapes.
"You lo-- look like--" stuttered Inuyasha, his tone half-angry, half-irritated. Shippou burrowed in Kagome's arms as Kagome glared at Inuyasha. "I'd thank you very much if you won't mention her name. I'll change after this. The servants insisted that I be dressed as thus and this is just one of the king's orders," explained Kagome. Kagome turned to look at Sango and found her friend pouring sake to what looks like a fast growing inebriated Miroku.
Miroku was also singing bawdy ditties that made Kagome itch to whack the monk's head. "Don't mind him, that guy needs all the liquor he can get," informed Inuyasha, following Kagome's gaze. When Kagome turned quizzical eyes on him, Inuyasha shrugged. "I just told him to stop being a sissy," added Inuyasha.
"Funny, that's what I also told Sango," said Kagome as she thought about the possibilities. Her eyes sparkled as she considered. A drunk and miserable Miroku and a very determined Sango. What delicious possibilities!
"Ohohohohohohoh," laughed Kagome as sweat-drops decorated Inuyasha and Shippou's heads.
Who knows what can happen?
TBC
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Final A/N: I hoped you enjoyed this chapter! All I ask is that you review-- if you let my reviews reach 90, I swear I'll release the special lemon chapter the moment the 90th review appears. Yes, the next chapter is a LEMON! I'll be editing it for ff.net (but not all) but the full version will be found at Nikkou-chan's MS website. Lemony goodness on next chapter, so until then, REVIEW! REVIEW! REVIEW!
Crucify My Love
Part 6- My Beautiful Sango
An Inuyasha Fan fiction by Jo-chan
Next on Part 7- This Is Just A Dream...
A special Miroku/Sango LEMON chapter.
PS. I am 19 years of age so I'm definitely legit when writing stuff like this. ^_^ Catch my fanfiction, Crucify My Love also at this link: http://www.anzwers.org/free/mirokusango.