To Love an Enemy

Chapter 8

I don't own Inuyasha. But this is the chapter where the hurrocks will appear. If you did not read my previous disclaimer these flying horses belong to TAMORA PIERCE not me!

Once both Sango and Miroku had finished eating their meal, Sango decided it was time for some answers. "So," she said sitting back in her chair. "Why didn't you kill me? I don't think you needed me for company or you needed someone to throw apple pieces at you."

Miroku grinned and he too sat back with a grin. "I'll make you a deal, a question for a question. Deal? If you choose not to answer a question I have the right to refuse one of yours."

Sango nodded her head showing she agreed to the deal. "So answer my question, why didn't you kill me. I'm the enemy, and I think you know that I wouldn't have hesitated in killing you."

Miroku paused a moment before he answered. "I think it's because I don't like seeing maidens in distress, or pain. Also I must admit I was curious I've never met a woman who could fight as well as you. Does my reply satisfy your question?" Seeing Sango nod he continued. "Okay my turn then, where did you learn to fight?"

"I taught myself."

Miroku laughed, "You are asking me believe Sango that you somehow just knew how to use a sword with no training. How did you know to block, to counter, to attack."

"I watched the...........people around me train. And then I trained myself. No one taught me," Sango replied.

"Well then I must compliment you, because you are very skilled. Your turn to ask a question."

"What's to become of me, I don't expect you to let me go. So what will I do until I die, be your slave?" Sango asked trying to keep the note of worry out of her voice.

"No, of coarse not. You will help Kagome with the cooking and will be granted the same rights as her. You may refuse any of my men their requests such as cleaning or mending of clothing. You must always be in the company of an Etonet, I think I will leave that up to Inuyasha as well, he already accompanies Kagome, so that should be no problem. You are not allowed to own or handle any weapon, I would be unable to prevent the consequences if you did, no matter how much I would wish for that not to happen. The consequence of being in possession of any weapon is death. The same goes for injuring any of my men. Do you understand, if you have any further questions ask Kagome she will know. My turn, who and what are you Sango?" Sango was startled, she knew he was going to ask this but she wasn't prepared. She couldn't possibly tell him that she was the princess. But before Sango could say anything Miroku continued on. "At first I thought you were a peasant but then you could fight and then I wasn't sure. Last night I carefully observed you and decided that you could not be a peasant your skin was too pale for that of someone who would have toiled in the sun. Also this morning you knew exactly which fork to use when eating your apple showing that you have been schooled in etiquette at one point in your life. I also considered the thought that you might have been a maid but then you claimed that you had never been kissed before I kissed you – for which I apologize from the depths of my soul for, had I known I would NEVER have done that – so that ruled out you being a maid. So what exactly are you Sango are you a nobleman's daughter? And please don't lie, I would rather you not answer at all"

Relieved for the loop hole Sango sighed and then smiled at Miroku. "No, my lord I am not a nobleman's daughter. And what makes you think I am not a maid, not all maids will sleep with any man who asks them. What also makes you think I m not a peasant, maybe my father was in the army and met my mother who was a maid at the castle who did know etiquette and then they got married and had me. My father could have taught my brothers while I watched and my mother might have taught me etiquette in hopes of securing a higher marriages than normal. What do you say to that?"

Miroku was taken back he had never though of either of those possibilities. "So you won't tell me outright I guess what your station is, so must I keep guessing?"

Sango smiled, "if it means that much to you yes? My turn now to ask a question. Where will I reside? Am I correct in assuming I will be staying with Kagome in her tent?"

"Yes you may choose that, or you could have your own tent. It is not a problem. My turn I will not waste questions by asking more about who you are I think I will figure in out with time. My question is, where did you get the scars on your back?" Miroku asked.

Sango gasped and then turned her head away from him. "How did you know about that?" she asked her voice barely a whisper.

"For this one question I will ignore our agreement and answer without your answer. Kagome told me."

Sango winced in shame as she remember Kagome's reaction to the three long horrible scars that started at the top of her right shoulder blade and ran diagonally across her back to about two inches past her left ribs. "I- I-" Sango tried to say but found her throat choked up.

"You don't have to tell me," Miroku said kindly. "You can pass."

"No really, it just that I've never told anyone but my family before," Sango said breathing heavily.

"Was it-," Miroku began softly. "Was it your father? Did he beat you?"

"No!" Sango exclaimed shocked snapping her head up. "My father would never do something like that, he may not love me but- I mean no he didn't." she paused to regain her composure. After several deep breaths she finally managed to continue. "It happened one day when I snuck out to the field to train. I came upon a hurrok and a wounded Etonet rider. The rider was half dead but still had the strength to realize that I was an enemy. With the last of his strength he turned the hurrok on me. I turned around to run but after only a few steps I tripped. I was lucky for if I hadn't I would have been dead because at that moment the hurrok had attacked but because I fell its claws only got me back. That was seven years ago, they never healed properly. I'm scared for life; no healer will ever be able to fix them." Sango said telling him softly. "It's been the root of all my problems, that's why it's so hard to talk about."

"Is that connected to what you said about your father not loving you?" Miroku asked.

Instantly Miroku knew he had said the wrong thing, because Sango stood up glaring at him and said, "that is all the questions I am prepare to answer at this moment your highness, so if I may be excused I wish to go lie down. Thank you for breakfast and I wish you a pleasant day. Goodbye." And with that Sango walked out of the tent, it took all her strength and control to walk at a normal pace instead of dashing away in shame. Prince Miroku spent a few moments staring at where Sango had just departed.

"Ah," he thought to himself. "So that explains why she hates us so much." As Sango disappeared from sight her couldn't help sighing. "And I still don't know what she is! I think she's going to drive me insane with curiosity." After a moment of slow breaths he managed a smile and thought, "oh well, I have plenty of time to guess."

&&&&&& hurrok: a winged horse with clawed hooves

Bit of a long chapter ne? Well I hope you liked it. Please review. Thanx