Silver

Disclaimer: Don't own.

Chapter 9: Truth Hurts

XxXxX

Sango lay in the grass, one slender hand placed on her stomach and the other behind her head. Her eyes were closed, allowing her to relive any memory she wished. But she was only thinking about the future.

What will it be like? Will it be like this until the end? Will we be able to defeat Naraku without anyone dying?

She hoped so. She also hoped that Kuranosukai would leave. He wasn't causing too much trouble but Sesshoumaru was irate lately. All because of the lord. Shippou approached her quietly.

"Sango?" He squeaked, his senses telling him that she was okay but a little annoyed. "Sango?" Her eyes snapped open and she turned on her side to look at him. She blinked.

"Shippou? What's wrong?" She sat up and he crawled into her lap. She smiled and wrapped her arms around him. "Why aren't you with Kagome?"

"She's spending time with Inuyasha, I think. I wanted to see you, Sango..." He looked up at her with a small pout and his emerald green eyes begging her to accept his company. She laughed.

"Well, you can see me any time you want to." She ran her fingers through his brown hair.

"Are you happy?" She blinked.

"What do you mean, Shippou?" She turned him around so that he was facing her.

"Are you happy being with Sesshoumaru?" He asked, a serious look on his face. She stared at him for a moment, not fully understanding why he would ask something like that. "I'm really worried about you." She smiled tenderly at him and brought him to her, hugging him and resting her chin on his head.

"Sesshoumaru makes me happy. He gives me something that I have not had since they left me." She felt the kitsune tremble against her.

"As long as you are never hurt." She bit her lip.

"I will never be hurt like that again unless someone I love is taken from me." She whispered. "If I lose you, Kirara, Houshi-sama, Kagome, Inuyasha, Rin, or... Sesshoumaru... If any of you ever left me..."

"I won't ever leave you, Sango. Never ever." She smiled and let her tears run down her face. "It will all be fine." He sniffled and began crying along with her.

"Thank you, Shippou."

XxXxX

Sango walked with Shippou sitting on her shoulders, grinning innocently. "Look, Sango-chan!" He cried, seeing a butterfly flutter past.

"We'll come out later and catch fireflies, all right?" She asked, grinning back at him. He nodded enthusiastically.

"Yeah!" Sesshoumaru caught the sight and watched, almost transfixed. "An' then we can sleep out in the field under the stars?" She laughed.

"Sounds wonderful." She looked up and noticed Sesshoumaru watching them. Shippou noticed, as well. He saw the tai-youkai looking at him. "Sesshoumaru." Sango smiled warmly at him.

"Sango." His amber eyes switched to her and he smirked. "Planning a night out, hm?"

"Yes, and you are not invited. Just me and Shippou." She stuck her tongue out at him childishly.

"That is fine by me." She knew, even though he wasn't invited, that he would watch over them.

"You know you're jealous."

"Not of a kitsune." Sango froze.

"There is no need for you to-"

"I trust you. Just do not throw it aside and forget about it like others." She shook her head. "Have a nice night, you two." With those words, he was gone. Shippou noticed how crestfallen and somber Sango had become.

"Sango-chan...?" He asked timidly, his mind curiously going through the conversation. He was furious at the inuyoukai for daring to make Sango upset.

"I'm all right." She said quietly. "I was just thinking."

"About what? He didn't hurt you... did he?" She shook her head.

"No, Shippou. He didn't hurt me. I think that something is upsetting him, though." She didn't want to bring up to the youngster that it was Kuranosukai that was causing the problem. The lord was bound to cause trouble now or in the near future.

"I think he'll be okay." The kitsune pup stated with a smile. "He is Sesshoumaru, after all. He-"

"That's enough for now. We need to think about things we're going to take to the field tonight." She just wanted to change the subject. In fact, all she wanted was to not think about her problems for once.

XxXxX

Sango smiled as Shippou ran around, chasing the glowing fireflies, wonder shining in his eyes. It was too hard to think that soon, the inevitable splitting of their group would come again.

"Sango, can we catch them?" She nodded and went to the spot where her blankets were and lifted two glass jars with tops with holes poked in them.

"Here you go. Did Kagome teach you how to use these?" He nodded and took one from her. "Ready? Go!" They set off running, jars in their hands, going towards the group of fireflies. The glowing balls scattered, causing the two to go in different directions.

About a half-hour later, the two were holding glowing jars with huge grins on their faces.

"Ready?" Shippou nodded and on three, they both opened their jars. The fireflies flew out and grouped together. Sango sat down and pulled the kitsune into her arms.

"Sango, this was so fun." He smiled. His tiny hands clutched at her shirt and he longed to stay like this. Not that Kagome wasn't great... but Sango was so serene, so calm, and it made him feel secure. He yawned and and she lay down turning on her side and pulling the blanket up over them. "Good night..." He yawned again and she laughed.

"Good night, Shippou." For a moment, he was overcome with happiness. Sango was so much like his mother. She wasn't an excited girl that got scared a lot. She was calm and in control and just over-flowing with motherly care. He let out a small sigh and curled up in her arms, feeling her kiss his head.

XxXxX

Sango and Shippou returned to the village some time around noon after going for a walk and then collecting leaves. Sango carried the bundle of blankets with Shippou on top, being her guide. Kirara lifted her head from her paws, seeing them from her position next to the inn and let out a mew.

"Kirara!" The kitsune jumped off the blankets and ran to go play with her. Sango took the blankets to her room and was getting changed when someone entered.

"He is happy." She turned and gave him a grin. "And you are radiant and happy, as well."

"I know. It was so much fun and he reminded me of Kohaku for a moment. So young and innocent... carefree..." He ran his fingers down the scar on her back.

"You did all you could." He leaned down and kissed her neck, right where his mark was. She laughed as she felt his breath tickle her skin.

"Stop that! I have to-" He cut her off by blowing in her ear. She laughed harder and doubled over. "S-Stop it..." She pulled away from him and fell on her rear. He chuckled and she glared at him. "That's it, laugh it up."

"I will." She growled. He then walked over and sat down on the bed.

"I have a question." He frowned and tilted his head curiously. "Where did they get these beds? Do you know?" He shrugged.

"Many of the rooms, I believe have futons which came from the village over. However, this is my bed that was taken from my stronghold."

"Really? How did they..."

"The wolf did it, I believe. Inuyasha knew that I would most likely be here frequently." She nodded.

"Makes sense." She pulled the sleeves of her green kimono on and then tied a sash before putting on the green skirt.

"Actually, once when you were asleep, the hanyou asked. It was just after they began." He stated, watching her movements. She brushed her hair and pulled it into a ponytail. She just looked at him and raised a brow before continuing on with what she was doing. When she was finished, she turned around and smiled at him.

"Shall we? I need to go hunting for tonight."

"No need."

"What?"

"The wolf hunted for us, though I will not eat anything anyway." She narrowed her eyes at him and put her hands on her hips.

"You mean to say that you will be absent during dinner."

"I do not eat human food."

"Hmph." She walked out the door and basically felt her heart fall to her stomach.

I'll have to keep Kuranosukai away from me tonight, then. I don't feel like talking to him. Not tonight.

She wanted to relax in the hot springs.

Perhaps I'll run away and not show up... but I wouldn't be a good hostess if I did that. Damn my luck to hell.

She bumped into someone and almost fell back but he caught her shoulders and pulled her upright.

"Lost in your thoughts?" She breathed a sigh of relief.

"Houshi-sama." He smiled. "I-I was thinking about... later..."

"Oh, dinner, hmm? Does that have anything to do with the fact that the lord will be there?"

"Everything." She muttered, a frown on her face. "I don't feel like talking to him tonight." He nodded. "And Sesshoumaru is bailing on me. He will not be there because he refuses to eat human food."

"Kouga is having a fit about Kagome cooking it. She told him that she would leave a portion raw for him." He grinned. That faded when he saw the grim look on her face. "You do not need to put so much pressure on yourself about it. Just tell him that it can no longer be possible, since you are-"

"But..." She bit her lip and wrapped her arms around herself. "I-I can't do... that to him. I don't want to hurt him."

"Sometimes that is the only way. He will get over it."

"You didn't hear what he said to me, Miroku! I-I can't do it!" She cried as she put her face in her hands. He sighed and wrapped his arms around her.

"My wounds are still healing but I will be fine. I am certain he will find his bride someday and be fine, as well." He felt her arms wrap around him and take some of the robe in her fists. She trembled slightly. She wasn't crying. No tears were coming from her but she was upset and stressed out. "Sango, I can see why he fell in love with you. But, please, for both of your sakes, tell him before he does something stupid."

"Like what, Houshi-sama?"

"Well, say that he kisses you and Sesshoumaru finds out. That will cause too many problems and a mess that could have been avoided. You are brilliant, you can figure out a way to do it that will not hurt him too much." She closed her eyes and let herself relax in his arms. It was so nice to be held. Not in an intimate embrace but a clearly platonic friendship one. He wasn't going to try anything. He knew Sesshoumaru was lurking in the shadows. He knew he was there. And Sango would not approve of it. He wanted to stand there forever with her in his arms but he knew it had to end. Unfortunately, something bad happened, as usual. Kuranosukai walked around the corner and saw them. He blinked and Sango felt Miroku stiffen. She looked over and paled.

"Kuranosukai..." She slowly pulled away from Miroku and stepped gingerly closer. "I-I need to talk to you." He nodded and she walked in front of him. The lord looked back and saw Miroku along with a shadowed figure. The houshi had an expressionless look on his face that gave nothing away. Sango turned back, sensing that he wasn't following. "Are you coming?"

"Y-Yes." He jogged to keep up with her. She led him out to the hill she was on earlier. She was silent for a good long moment.

"Kuranosukai, you and I can never be together." He looked at her in surprise to see her looking ahead, a faraway look in her eyes.

"It's that houshi-"

"No, it is not him." She turned to face him. "There was no easy way to say this. I cannot accept your proposal."

"I told you that I would wait forever for-" He had a hopeful smile on his face that faded when she shook her head.

"Listen to me, Taketa-sama." Her voice was cold albeit shaky. "This is hard for me, too. But you have to understand." She pointed to her neck and he saw the bite mark there. It was only a small scar made from fangs. He didn't understand. "This mark means that I am no longer... I-I am..." She stared at him with wide eyes. She had to force it out. Her mouth went dry. "I love... Sesshoumaru." She whispered. "He made me his mate, Taketa-sama. Before you got here... before I was sick..." He frowned deeply.

"I do not understand. How could such a cold and heartless-" She hauled off and slapped him across the face, a shocked look on her face as well as his. She was surprised that she did it and so was he.

"He is not heartless. He may be cold and somewhat self-centered but I love him! That is why it could never work between us." Her voice grew softer. "He was there for me when I was sick and I needed him. He saved my life. I will not beg you to understand." She closed her eyes and drew in a breath. "If you cannot accept that, then I have nothing more to say to you. If you do, then just find another. I only hope that you can find it in your heart to accept this and stay friends with me." He knew what she was saying was true, though he wanted to believe that he was hearing things. He had loved her for so long. He felt numb. He did not feel upset, sad, angry, or anything. Just numb.

"I need to be alone for a while." She did not smile but nodded and turned around, beginning to walk away. "Sango, I... I loved you truly. I would have given you everything you could ever want." She paused then stopped completely.

"I know." She stated without turning around.

"A family, a home, anything."

"This is not a matter of competition with material items. As for a home, mine is here, where I belong. And as for a family..." She smiled bitterly. "Sesshoumaru can give me one, as well."

"I understand that. But can he really love you like I could?" She turned her head slightly and he could see her bitter smile.

"I honestly do not know. I do not know how much you love me or if he loves me more." She then looked fully ahead and was about to take a step. "You will make another woman very happy one day. I hope to see you at dinner." He did not reply but just watched as she walked away. Then he turned away and began to walk in the woods. He felt nothing at first but then he began to feel the pain ease into his mind and heart. His vision grew blurry and he tripped, falling to the ground. He just lay there, his face buried in his arms. He cried pitifully for how long, he could not tell. He felt the hot tears cascading down his face. His body trembled and shivered and his nose started running. Her image, her face, pained yet beautiful.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk." A cold voice said in his mind and he jumped, sitting up and looking around wildly. "You deserve better than her. She broke your heart for a cold, selfish youkai."

"W-Who are you?" The deep voice laughed cruelly.

"Do you even believe that she cares for you a little? You are irritating to her. Friendship. Hah!"

"T-That's a lie!" Kuranosukai found himself faltering in his belief in Sango's words.

No. I cannot doubt her. S-She does not...

"Believe what you like but I know the truth." The dark voice pierced him and he felt his stomach twist. "She is a deceiving wench."

"Sango..." He felt depression working its way into his mind. Darkness spread through him from the powerfully dark voice.

"She is a waste of your affections. She never cared for you." The voice said with glee. "You will never find another with her holding your heart. But, alas, even when she let it go and gave it back to you, you were fated to be alone. To never be loved."

"S-She never...?"

"Never." He put his head down again and sobbed harder than last time. The voice did not come again until later, whispering poisonous words in his mind, laughing at his weakness.

She never cared for me. Not ever. I am destined to be alone... even after moving on.

XxXxX

Sango trembled in his arms, her tears slowing down some. He knew it must have been hard on her. Humans were too emotional. But he knew that she cared for anyone who cared for her. She liked a lot of people and now most of them were gone. He would never leave her and he had promised her that once.

"Little one, you have shed enough tears." He was tense and uptight. He hated it when she was upset. He loathed it when she cried, when she was in pain. But this was something that had to take time. There was no medicinal herb or potion or ointment for this, therefore he hated it even more than physical pain.

"I..." She started but trailed off as she looked up into his amber eyes. She had told him everything in shocking detail before finally letting her tears fall.

"You did what you had to. That is all." He soothed her raven locks of hair back and ran his fingers through them. He found that having her close eased him. "It was not easy and I can see that clearly enough. But enough is enough."

"Are you calling me weak?" She asked quietly, a sour tone coming to her voice.

"No, I am not." He frowned deeper at her. "You are putting words in my mouth."

"Sorry." She whispered with a small smile. He sighed.

"I need to go, all right? If you need me, I will come." He grabbed her hands and guided her to her feet as he stood. Then he lifted a clawed hand and brushed away her tears. "No more crying, understand?" She nodded and he left quickly. She walked out of her room and dragged her feet along the hallway. Her eyes were red and her nose was runny, she could guarantee it.

"Sango, are you okay?" Miroku asked, seeing her painful expression. She nodded.

"I will be fine." She gave him a quick hug. "I would say that he got the picture." Her voice was soft. Then she parted from him and smiled wearily before walking around him. "How soon is dinner?"

"I was coming to fetch you, actually."

"Great. Let's go." They arrived and Sango caught a glimpse of Kuranosukai walking through the hall to his room. She saw that he looked pale and expressionless, like an empty shell. Her eyes went wide in horror. His eyes were red and she could see the trails of sparkling tears running down his face. Miroku put a hand on her shoulder.

"There is nothing you can do but let him have some time alone." She nodded, suddenly feeling very sick to her stomach.

XxXxX

Hello, minna. I know this chappy was a little... well... ::cough::

Anyway, if you would be so kind to review and let me know how it was... I would really appreciate it! Thanks!