The Haunting: Immortality
By Seabreeze
A/N: Now things get interesting. This was supposed to be one of the shorter chapters, but it's fairly long compared to what I expected. Once again, I love my reviewers. I heart y'all!
Disclaimer: You know. . . I don't think we * actually * have to put these things in. . . I mean, duh. I don't own Inuyasha. If you by any off chance think I do, I am also a prophet. * nods * Bow down to your prophet, and while you're at it can I have some soda?
*~*~*
A few nights later, a feast was thrown in celebration of the almost- completed village. Of course, Sango, Miroku, Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippo, and Kirara were invited, as was the whole village. It was a wonderful night for a party, with a clear sky and crescent moon. There was a soft breeze that ran through the muggy air, and everyone was cheerful. The food was delicious looking and there was plenty of it.
Sango was seated between Kagome and Kenji, with Kirara between her and Kenji and Miroku directly across from her. The building chosen for the feast was perfect for such a night- it was open with large windows every other wall paneling. The cool night breeze entered it and swept through, invigorating the celebrators. Sango relished in it for a moment, closing her eyes and breathing it in. Things were so wonderful. When she opened her eyes, she saw immediately that the corners of Miroku's mouth were threatening to turn up into the first smile she'd seen from him in awhile. She smiled at him, encouraging it further.
Miroku picked up his glass and sipped nonchalantly, though, as if he hadn't seen her. She rolled her eyes, and saw that Kagome had been watching the two of them and was giggling. She joined in and thought once more that things could not be more wonderful.
As the meal went on, they were fed more and more wonderful food and everyone got fuller and fuller, but miraculously continued eating. Unfortunately for Sango, Inuyasha was about to ruin everything. He approached her as the first round of desserts came by.
"Sango," he said. She looked at him questioningly. "I need to talk to you alone." Kenji looked at him, confused and protective, but Inuyasha grabbed Sango's arm and pulled her outside before either Kenji or Sango could say anything.
"What is it, Inuyasha?" she said, yanking her arm away from his grip. He turned to her seriously.
"Sango, we have been here long enough. We have no reason to remain here any longer, and so we've decided that we're leaving tomorrow." He said, staring her straight in the eye and not buffering it for her at all. She was taken aback.
"Oh. . ." she said. Inuyasha crossed his arms.
"I know you are thinking of staying here, Sango. That's fine, but we're leaving, and we're going after Naraku. What you do is up to you." He turned and headed back into the celebration, and after a minute Sango followed. When she sat down, Miroku was staring at her. His eyes confirmed that he knew what Inuyasha had told her, and he knew that she had a big decision to make. His eyes showed no pity or regret, just. . . darkness. She looked away, only to find Kagome's huge brown eyes searching hers. Unlike Miroku's, Kagome's eyes held pity and understanding.
"Sango-chan. . . are you alright?" she asked, taking her friend's hand gently. Sango smiled weakly.
"Hai, Kagome-chan. I'm fine."
At that moment, Kenji stood up and silently commanded everyone's attention. The hall immediately quieted down, and everyone's focus was on the young lead demon exterminator. He cleared his throat, and any that weren't silent by now shut up.
We have nearly re-built our village after the attack of the demon," Kenji said, accompanied by cheers all around. He smiled and went on. "It was difficult, but together, and with the help of our visitors," he smiled warmly at Sango. "we did it. I would like for our visitors, who helped defeat the demon and re-build the village, to please stand and be acknowledged." The cheers became louder, and grudgingly the five of them stood up. Kagome, Sango, Shippo, and even Inuyasha blushed (though gruffly), but Miroku took it all in stride. As usual.
The noise began to get louder again, but Kenji held up a hand and the people silenced again. He turned to Sango and smiled at her. She felt Kagome squeeze her hand, but soon it was replaced with Kenji's.
'Oh. . . please, not this. . . not now, not this. . .' Sango pleaded dreadfully inside her mind. He took both her hands in his and gently tugged her, and very, very, reluctantly, she stood. Her face burned as the entire village and her friends watched her.
"Sango." Kenji said, bringing up her hands so he held them between them. Whispers feverishly circulated the hall and Sango felt her dread deepen. "If you will have me, I would like to have your hand in marriage."
Sango's breath stopped completely and her face caught on fire. The only thing she could hear was her heart beating faster and faster inside her chest, and she screamed inside.
'No! No! I can't marry you! I. . .' She thought frantically, not looking at Kenji or anyone in particular and said nothing. 'Oh, kami-sama, what have I gotten myself into. . .' she wondered.
She heard something distant crash, and looked fuzzily in that general direction. Miroku had slammed down his glass and stood up abruptly.
"You can't do that!" he yelled angrily. The hall was dead silent, and everyone stared at him in utter shock. Kagome, Inuyasha, Shippo, and even Kirara stared at him. They never heard the monk yell, with the exception of during battle. But Sango silently thanked him. Kenji had tensed and was not looking at Miroku, but his face was rigid and angry.
"I am sorry," Sango said hurriedly. "I must go think." She quickly pulled her hands from his and turned awkwardly, stumbling towards the door and momentarily steadying herself on Kagome's seated shoulder. Kirara quickly followed.
Kenji watched her go, and then turned to glare at Miroku. The people seated around them cringed; they could almost literally feel the tension. Miroku spoke, but his voice was quieter. Quieter, but no less angry.
"You KNOW that Inuyasha has just told her we will be leaving tomorrow. You cannot propose to Sango the night she finds out her friends are leaving. It is too much pressure on her!" he slammed his staff to the ground for emphasis. Kenji nearly flamed with anger.
"I can, and I did propose. It is not my fault that you were too much of an idiot to realize you loved her. You were too late, monk." Kenji's eyes gleamed. Miroku watched his opponent for a minute, and then, to everyone's surprise, sat down. He sipped his sake and glanced calmly up at Kenji.
"We will continue this later." He said. Kagome and Inuyasha exchanged shocked and worried looks, and everyone went back to eating. It took a good ten minutes for the noise to build up again, as everyone still felt the tension Miroku and Kenji had created. When Kenji was engaged in a conversation with his neighbor, Miroku stood and began to slip towards the door.
"Miroku, you baka. . . it is not the best idea to go be with Sango right now." Inuyasha said, hushed yet for once making more sense than the monk. Miroku watched his friend for a moment, then spoke.
"I will not speak to her. I just have to make sure she is alright, and then I will go." With that, he left.
"Oi," Inuyasha said quietly to Kagome. "They've created a nice problem between the three of them." For once, Kagome whole-heartedly agreed with the hanyou.
*~*~*
Sango ran for the first ten minutes until she figured she was far enough away from it all. She slowed and caught her breath, thankful for the lack of thought running gave her. Usually, she hated running, but tonight was different. The only thoughts in her brain when she ran tonight were 'Breathe. . . breathe. . . breathe. . .'
She walked for another 10 minutes, and Kirara, tiny, trotted by her ankles. She had to smile. Having a constant companion who loved you with every fiber of their being no matter what had it's plusses. She picked the little cat demon up and held her tightly, walking until she reached a quiet clearing. It was small and the trees surrounding were thick, creating a sort of haven. She almost felt like she was in a fireplace.
Sango clutched Kirara to her chest with one hand and pressed the other over her eyes. She knelt slowly and for moments said nothing. Eventually she began to cry, though silently. She didn't think of what she would do or the choice she inevitably had to make within the next few hours, but instead thought of what she would be losing. What she would be losing if she left with Miroku and the others, what she would be losing if she stayed with Kenji.
*~*~*
Miroku left the building and jogged after Sango and Kirara. He held onto the rings of his staff so they wouldn't jingle and followed diligently. She was fast, and he couldn't have caught up with her if he wanted to. But he didn't, he wanted to stay discretely behind her. She slowed after awhile, and he did too. After a little bit of walking, she reached a clearing and bent down. It didn't take Miroku long to figure out that she was crying.
'Over what, exactly?' he wondered. He watched her for a few more minutes, why he couldn't say. Then he turned and headed back to Kenji's. He had to be there when both Sango and Kenji returned so neither of them would suspect anything.
*~*~*
When Sango got to their room in Kenji's, she found Miroku asleep against a wall. She watched him for a moment, wondering if he was actually asleep. She seemed to have decided he was, because she changed and without a word, went to sleep. Shippo never came, and Miroku guessed Inuyasha and Kagome had decided it would be best if he went with them. Miroku could see why. After an hour, Kenji arrived. He quietly slid the door open, and Miroku lifted his gaze to the man.
"Our talk will resume," he said darkly. Kenji stepped back and Miroku stood, moving as silently as he could to leave. He closed the door with finality and the two men continued to the porch.
"Why do you not want Sango to marry me, monk? Other than the fact that you obviously love her." Kenji's eyes flashed maliciously.
"Sango has a terrible past, as you know. What I don't think you understand is that in being here, she has found a way to. . . bring back her family without actually getting over them." Miroku said, choosing to ignore Kenji's last comment. The demon exterminator glared at him.
"Maybe she has already gotten over them. You know she wants to be here, monk, that is why you are so threatened."
"I am only threatened because I care about Sango. She is my friend and companion. And I know that if she stays here, she will avoid the major pain, yes, but she will never be able to feel any real happiness. That is why she must leave with us- because with us is the chance to avenge her people." Miroku said seriously.
"Admit it to yourself, man! You've lusted after Sango far longer than I have. Don't try to convince yourself that by staying with you she will get better. She is not dumb, Miroku. She will make the right choice." Kenji burst out jealously.
"If you truly care about Sango, Kenji, you will not let your affection for her blind your common sense!" Miroku snapped. He turned to walk away.
"Wait. . . Miroku." Kenji's voice was softer. Miroku turned to face the demon exterminator. "I can see that you are right. I am sorry. It is just that I have never. . . no one has ever. . ." he stopped and seemed to collect himself. "No one but Sango has made me feel so strongly. I would be devastated if I lost her. At the same time, I must do what is best for her." He said. Miroku's eyes shined for a split second in hope.
". . .?"
"I will not retract my proposal. But I will swear to hunt forever that that killed her family." He smiled bitterly at Miroku. "I think we have found common ground in Sango's well-being." He said. Miroku tried to smile but failed.
". . .yes." he murmured, but he didn't wholly believe it. Kenji approached him and set his hands on his shoulders.
"I meant what I said before- I'm sorry that you didn't realize you loved her before I did." He patted Miroku's shoulder and walked away. Miroku said nothing and didn't move for quite a while. His face had the stony seriousness it often held, but his resolution at the moment was not that of stone.
*~*~*
A/N: Oi vey. That was certainly fun to write. Tension is building to more than you expect. * evil laughter *
Youkai of the flame Hishu - I'm glad you like this story, even if it is Miroku/Sango. LOL, I was thinking that maybe you enjoyed it so far because not much happens (literally, at least) between them. * shrug * oh well, still glad you like ;) keep readin'!
depressed-girl001 - Excuse me, I am the one with minions. Just kidding, we can share the minions! Hand them out like cookies! I should be updating soon, if only because I got so many reviews for this chapter ;)
ShimmerNymph - Well, I can't say much in response, other than I agree with you on a lot or all of it. Thanks for reading, please stay with ;)
animekittie - LOL, I quite enjoy the whole "2 guys, 1 girl" scenario too, at least every once in awhile ;)
Kaylana - Apparently, I have some sort of unfathomable addiction to angst. This fic wasn't supposed to be all that angsty. . . * shrugs again * Eh, I like stressing people out.
RK-128 - bouncerbuddie! Hola! I can't wait to be bounced off of. . . and I've got about 4 I want to bounce of you as well. As for the fist fight. . . I had to write one, just to get it out of my system. Unfortunately, it's not included in the story, but it was fun to right none the less. LOL. Excerpt: Shippo: "Right hook! Right hook, Miroku!" heh heh heh. . . 'women, miroku, women. . .' * nods * good fic quotes are hard to come by.
Echelon - I knew the MirokuSango ML sounded familiar. . . I've probably been there, knowing my extensive Inuyasha obsession. Yeah, I really didn't enjoy the 6th chapter. I really considered just chucking it out, but didn't because I like having a nice, neat 10 chapters. This one made up for it, hopefully. LOL, it was damn fun to write, at least.
islandchick48 - I can't do that, mainly because it's your idea and I've basically already finished writing the story, but it would've been interesting. . . Holy crap, you just gave me a genius idea. Arigato.
By Seabreeze
A/N: Now things get interesting. This was supposed to be one of the shorter chapters, but it's fairly long compared to what I expected. Once again, I love my reviewers. I heart y'all!
Disclaimer: You know. . . I don't think we * actually * have to put these things in. . . I mean, duh. I don't own Inuyasha. If you by any off chance think I do, I am also a prophet. * nods * Bow down to your prophet, and while you're at it can I have some soda?
*~*~*
A few nights later, a feast was thrown in celebration of the almost- completed village. Of course, Sango, Miroku, Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippo, and Kirara were invited, as was the whole village. It was a wonderful night for a party, with a clear sky and crescent moon. There was a soft breeze that ran through the muggy air, and everyone was cheerful. The food was delicious looking and there was plenty of it.
Sango was seated between Kagome and Kenji, with Kirara between her and Kenji and Miroku directly across from her. The building chosen for the feast was perfect for such a night- it was open with large windows every other wall paneling. The cool night breeze entered it and swept through, invigorating the celebrators. Sango relished in it for a moment, closing her eyes and breathing it in. Things were so wonderful. When she opened her eyes, she saw immediately that the corners of Miroku's mouth were threatening to turn up into the first smile she'd seen from him in awhile. She smiled at him, encouraging it further.
Miroku picked up his glass and sipped nonchalantly, though, as if he hadn't seen her. She rolled her eyes, and saw that Kagome had been watching the two of them and was giggling. She joined in and thought once more that things could not be more wonderful.
As the meal went on, they were fed more and more wonderful food and everyone got fuller and fuller, but miraculously continued eating. Unfortunately for Sango, Inuyasha was about to ruin everything. He approached her as the first round of desserts came by.
"Sango," he said. She looked at him questioningly. "I need to talk to you alone." Kenji looked at him, confused and protective, but Inuyasha grabbed Sango's arm and pulled her outside before either Kenji or Sango could say anything.
"What is it, Inuyasha?" she said, yanking her arm away from his grip. He turned to her seriously.
"Sango, we have been here long enough. We have no reason to remain here any longer, and so we've decided that we're leaving tomorrow." He said, staring her straight in the eye and not buffering it for her at all. She was taken aback.
"Oh. . ." she said. Inuyasha crossed his arms.
"I know you are thinking of staying here, Sango. That's fine, but we're leaving, and we're going after Naraku. What you do is up to you." He turned and headed back into the celebration, and after a minute Sango followed. When she sat down, Miroku was staring at her. His eyes confirmed that he knew what Inuyasha had told her, and he knew that she had a big decision to make. His eyes showed no pity or regret, just. . . darkness. She looked away, only to find Kagome's huge brown eyes searching hers. Unlike Miroku's, Kagome's eyes held pity and understanding.
"Sango-chan. . . are you alright?" she asked, taking her friend's hand gently. Sango smiled weakly.
"Hai, Kagome-chan. I'm fine."
At that moment, Kenji stood up and silently commanded everyone's attention. The hall immediately quieted down, and everyone's focus was on the young lead demon exterminator. He cleared his throat, and any that weren't silent by now shut up.
We have nearly re-built our village after the attack of the demon," Kenji said, accompanied by cheers all around. He smiled and went on. "It was difficult, but together, and with the help of our visitors," he smiled warmly at Sango. "we did it. I would like for our visitors, who helped defeat the demon and re-build the village, to please stand and be acknowledged." The cheers became louder, and grudgingly the five of them stood up. Kagome, Sango, Shippo, and even Inuyasha blushed (though gruffly), but Miroku took it all in stride. As usual.
The noise began to get louder again, but Kenji held up a hand and the people silenced again. He turned to Sango and smiled at her. She felt Kagome squeeze her hand, but soon it was replaced with Kenji's.
'Oh. . . please, not this. . . not now, not this. . .' Sango pleaded dreadfully inside her mind. He took both her hands in his and gently tugged her, and very, very, reluctantly, she stood. Her face burned as the entire village and her friends watched her.
"Sango." Kenji said, bringing up her hands so he held them between them. Whispers feverishly circulated the hall and Sango felt her dread deepen. "If you will have me, I would like to have your hand in marriage."
Sango's breath stopped completely and her face caught on fire. The only thing she could hear was her heart beating faster and faster inside her chest, and she screamed inside.
'No! No! I can't marry you! I. . .' She thought frantically, not looking at Kenji or anyone in particular and said nothing. 'Oh, kami-sama, what have I gotten myself into. . .' she wondered.
She heard something distant crash, and looked fuzzily in that general direction. Miroku had slammed down his glass and stood up abruptly.
"You can't do that!" he yelled angrily. The hall was dead silent, and everyone stared at him in utter shock. Kagome, Inuyasha, Shippo, and even Kirara stared at him. They never heard the monk yell, with the exception of during battle. But Sango silently thanked him. Kenji had tensed and was not looking at Miroku, but his face was rigid and angry.
"I am sorry," Sango said hurriedly. "I must go think." She quickly pulled her hands from his and turned awkwardly, stumbling towards the door and momentarily steadying herself on Kagome's seated shoulder. Kirara quickly followed.
Kenji watched her go, and then turned to glare at Miroku. The people seated around them cringed; they could almost literally feel the tension. Miroku spoke, but his voice was quieter. Quieter, but no less angry.
"You KNOW that Inuyasha has just told her we will be leaving tomorrow. You cannot propose to Sango the night she finds out her friends are leaving. It is too much pressure on her!" he slammed his staff to the ground for emphasis. Kenji nearly flamed with anger.
"I can, and I did propose. It is not my fault that you were too much of an idiot to realize you loved her. You were too late, monk." Kenji's eyes gleamed. Miroku watched his opponent for a minute, and then, to everyone's surprise, sat down. He sipped his sake and glanced calmly up at Kenji.
"We will continue this later." He said. Kagome and Inuyasha exchanged shocked and worried looks, and everyone went back to eating. It took a good ten minutes for the noise to build up again, as everyone still felt the tension Miroku and Kenji had created. When Kenji was engaged in a conversation with his neighbor, Miroku stood and began to slip towards the door.
"Miroku, you baka. . . it is not the best idea to go be with Sango right now." Inuyasha said, hushed yet for once making more sense than the monk. Miroku watched his friend for a moment, then spoke.
"I will not speak to her. I just have to make sure she is alright, and then I will go." With that, he left.
"Oi," Inuyasha said quietly to Kagome. "They've created a nice problem between the three of them." For once, Kagome whole-heartedly agreed with the hanyou.
*~*~*
Sango ran for the first ten minutes until she figured she was far enough away from it all. She slowed and caught her breath, thankful for the lack of thought running gave her. Usually, she hated running, but tonight was different. The only thoughts in her brain when she ran tonight were 'Breathe. . . breathe. . . breathe. . .'
She walked for another 10 minutes, and Kirara, tiny, trotted by her ankles. She had to smile. Having a constant companion who loved you with every fiber of their being no matter what had it's plusses. She picked the little cat demon up and held her tightly, walking until she reached a quiet clearing. It was small and the trees surrounding were thick, creating a sort of haven. She almost felt like she was in a fireplace.
Sango clutched Kirara to her chest with one hand and pressed the other over her eyes. She knelt slowly and for moments said nothing. Eventually she began to cry, though silently. She didn't think of what she would do or the choice she inevitably had to make within the next few hours, but instead thought of what she would be losing. What she would be losing if she left with Miroku and the others, what she would be losing if she stayed with Kenji.
*~*~*
Miroku left the building and jogged after Sango and Kirara. He held onto the rings of his staff so they wouldn't jingle and followed diligently. She was fast, and he couldn't have caught up with her if he wanted to. But he didn't, he wanted to stay discretely behind her. She slowed after awhile, and he did too. After a little bit of walking, she reached a clearing and bent down. It didn't take Miroku long to figure out that she was crying.
'Over what, exactly?' he wondered. He watched her for a few more minutes, why he couldn't say. Then he turned and headed back to Kenji's. He had to be there when both Sango and Kenji returned so neither of them would suspect anything.
*~*~*
When Sango got to their room in Kenji's, she found Miroku asleep against a wall. She watched him for a moment, wondering if he was actually asleep. She seemed to have decided he was, because she changed and without a word, went to sleep. Shippo never came, and Miroku guessed Inuyasha and Kagome had decided it would be best if he went with them. Miroku could see why. After an hour, Kenji arrived. He quietly slid the door open, and Miroku lifted his gaze to the man.
"Our talk will resume," he said darkly. Kenji stepped back and Miroku stood, moving as silently as he could to leave. He closed the door with finality and the two men continued to the porch.
"Why do you not want Sango to marry me, monk? Other than the fact that you obviously love her." Kenji's eyes flashed maliciously.
"Sango has a terrible past, as you know. What I don't think you understand is that in being here, she has found a way to. . . bring back her family without actually getting over them." Miroku said, choosing to ignore Kenji's last comment. The demon exterminator glared at him.
"Maybe she has already gotten over them. You know she wants to be here, monk, that is why you are so threatened."
"I am only threatened because I care about Sango. She is my friend and companion. And I know that if she stays here, she will avoid the major pain, yes, but she will never be able to feel any real happiness. That is why she must leave with us- because with us is the chance to avenge her people." Miroku said seriously.
"Admit it to yourself, man! You've lusted after Sango far longer than I have. Don't try to convince yourself that by staying with you she will get better. She is not dumb, Miroku. She will make the right choice." Kenji burst out jealously.
"If you truly care about Sango, Kenji, you will not let your affection for her blind your common sense!" Miroku snapped. He turned to walk away.
"Wait. . . Miroku." Kenji's voice was softer. Miroku turned to face the demon exterminator. "I can see that you are right. I am sorry. It is just that I have never. . . no one has ever. . ." he stopped and seemed to collect himself. "No one but Sango has made me feel so strongly. I would be devastated if I lost her. At the same time, I must do what is best for her." He said. Miroku's eyes shined for a split second in hope.
". . .?"
"I will not retract my proposal. But I will swear to hunt forever that that killed her family." He smiled bitterly at Miroku. "I think we have found common ground in Sango's well-being." He said. Miroku tried to smile but failed.
". . .yes." he murmured, but he didn't wholly believe it. Kenji approached him and set his hands on his shoulders.
"I meant what I said before- I'm sorry that you didn't realize you loved her before I did." He patted Miroku's shoulder and walked away. Miroku said nothing and didn't move for quite a while. His face had the stony seriousness it often held, but his resolution at the moment was not that of stone.
*~*~*
A/N: Oi vey. That was certainly fun to write. Tension is building to more than you expect. * evil laughter *
Youkai of the flame Hishu - I'm glad you like this story, even if it is Miroku/Sango. LOL, I was thinking that maybe you enjoyed it so far because not much happens (literally, at least) between them. * shrug * oh well, still glad you like ;) keep readin'!
depressed-girl001 - Excuse me, I am the one with minions. Just kidding, we can share the minions! Hand them out like cookies! I should be updating soon, if only because I got so many reviews for this chapter ;)
ShimmerNymph - Well, I can't say much in response, other than I agree with you on a lot or all of it. Thanks for reading, please stay with ;)
animekittie - LOL, I quite enjoy the whole "2 guys, 1 girl" scenario too, at least every once in awhile ;)
Kaylana - Apparently, I have some sort of unfathomable addiction to angst. This fic wasn't supposed to be all that angsty. . . * shrugs again * Eh, I like stressing people out.
RK-128 - bouncerbuddie! Hola! I can't wait to be bounced off of. . . and I've got about 4 I want to bounce of you as well. As for the fist fight. . . I had to write one, just to get it out of my system. Unfortunately, it's not included in the story, but it was fun to right none the less. LOL. Excerpt: Shippo: "Right hook! Right hook, Miroku!" heh heh heh. . . 'women, miroku, women. . .' * nods * good fic quotes are hard to come by.
Echelon - I knew the MirokuSango ML sounded familiar. . . I've probably been there, knowing my extensive Inuyasha obsession. Yeah, I really didn't enjoy the 6th chapter. I really considered just chucking it out, but didn't because I like having a nice, neat 10 chapters. This one made up for it, hopefully. LOL, it was damn fun to write, at least.
islandchick48 - I can't do that, mainly because it's your idea and I've basically already finished writing the story, but it would've been interesting. . . Holy crap, you just gave me a genius idea. Arigato.