Disclaimer; I do not claim any sort of rights over Inuyasha or the characters. Just a fanfiction writer over here.

A/N; Bleh, not many reviews for the last chapter. Oh well. To the two people who did, thank you. And sorry for making everyone wait to long for this chapter!

Rating; T for Teens.

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x; What Challenges Await us.

Frantically searching her surroundings, Sango continued to run. She wanted to stop, needed to stop, because her legs were getting weak and tired, but she couldn't find it in her to stop. She would not go back to her home at the moment. She could not. She won't be married to some arrogant fool who probably wants to use her as he does to his "mistresses." But this time, he's going all out and forcing her to be his wife. Forcing her to do something she has no interest in doing. After saving his worthless life, this is the thanks she gets in return?

How can this be ok! She screamed to herself mentally. There should not be laws such as this. Laws stating it is ok to buy off a woman, so long as the father or male guardian allows it. How could this happen to me! Sango was frantic; she didn't want to show it. She had a reputation of always keeping her emotions under control; never letting her fear or anger get the best of her. But not even five minutes after meeting this monk—this devious, devious monk—she's shown every emotion there possibly is.

Eventually Sango found it in herself to stop running. She slowed down and made it over to the closest tree, leaning her body weight on it, for support. Did I really sink so low as to run away? She questioned herself. Now, aside from fearing her horrid fate that her father bestowed upon her, she also feels weak and pathetic for running off. But it was what she had to do. She was getting so angry with him, so emotional, that she would have just exploded if she stayed and listened to his nonsense.

Her body slid down, having her sit against the large tree. She wanted to cry; she could feel the tears burning in her eyes, threatening to spill free. But she would not cry. She would not shed tears for such a man. A man like him should be locked away. Away from innocent women like her, who do not deserve to be treated as such.

Even in such a position, Sango will not die of no honor. She swears she will not let him break her down completely; she will not be crushed by Miroku's dangerous appeal. She will fight him if she must. He thinks he has won the battle, and that may be so; but he has not won the war. She will not give in so easily. He may have found a way to bind her to him, whether she wants it or not, but he will regret it. No doubt about it. Sango plans to give him one miserable life until he agrees to get rid of her; to free her. No way will she go through with this willing.

Heaving out a loud sigh, she stood back up. Sitting here and moping will not get her anywhere. If she wants to be free she has to think of logical ways to get that freedom she deserves. Completely bashing at Miroku won't do the job because it only amuses him; and while his amusement grows, Sango's anger grows along with it. Calmly talking with him may be something to try. But will he listen? Back at her home he seemed to have no interest in giving her back. Even if she was able to calmly talk to the man, he'd probably still deny her proposal.

"Ugh, what a jerk!" Sango picked up the nearest object, which happened to be a small rock, and threw it as hard as she could. She envisioned the rock to be Miroku's head and hoped that she threw it in water or something so it would drown.

"What the shit!" A loud voice came from the direction Sango threw that rock and instantly she whipped around, keeping her eyes open and cautious. Who knows if this stranger was an ally, or an enemy.

"Hey you! You think it's perfectly fine to just go and throw rocks at people!" A tall, brooding man power walked towards Sango, eyes narrowed, glaring angrily at her, and a lump on his forehead.

Sango stood her grounds, not in the least phased by this angry stranger walking towards her. He looked as if he was about to attack her by the way he was storming towards her like that of an angry swarm of bees. She knew how to defend herself so if he wants to waltz on over towards her and cause a scene, so be it. When the man stopped in front of her, he had his arms folded firmly across his chest, still glaring towards her. Sango knew she was wrong to have hit him, even if she had no idea he was there, and she should at least apologize. It was her fault to begin with.

" I'm terribly sorry," She took a step back, widening the gap in between the two. "I had no idea you were there. I would never have throw it if I saw someone was standing there."

Sango couldn't help but notice this man's odd appearance. His long hair was what really made her question him. It was not grey; it was more on the lines of silver. Silver hair? Was she seeing this right? It has to be grey, because silver is just out of the question for a hair color. Also, his hair is long, which is also quite odd. These days long hair is not as fitting for men and they should always have short, tamable hair. It would seem this man does not agree with the laws of her time; same as her.

"So, you're saying you just randomly throw rocks because you feel like it?" Sarcasm was noted in the man's tone as he rolled his eyes towards the young woman. He placed his palm on his temple where the large bump on his head was and rubbed it, easing the slight sore.

"No, I was angry at someone and I…" She trailed off. She didn't want to say she was envisioning the rock as Miroku's head and hoping it exploded or something. Aside from being extremely angry with her, he'd also think she's a total nutcase.

"Was taking out your anger by throwing rocks." The man finished her sentence, mocking her. Even though it was not fully true, Sango nodded anyways. He didn't need to know the whole story. Why should he? She doesn't even know him. There would be no point in telling a total stranger her personal problems, especially since he probably wouldn't even give two shits.

"You know what you're problem is? You people never stand up and take some action, that's what!" He snapped towards Sango, who was looking bluntly confused.

"Excuse me?" She questioned him, arching a brow. "Who in the world are you?"

"Hm," He rolled his eyes. "Inuyasha."

"Well, Inuyasha, explain to me what you are talking about, then." Sango leaned back against the tree again. She figured she might as well waste some time before knowing she has to return home; which she does, eventually. She cannot just think to run away forever.

"Well, instead of wasting your damn time getting angry at someone and then pretending their head is a rock, you should take some action and throw their actual head instead! You people always complain about how things are so unfair because someone did something to you. Well do something about it instead of complaining!"

"Hm," Sango began to think. Maybe this Inuyasha had a point. Calmly talking to Miroku won't do. He's just not one to reason with. She has to do something bigger, something better. Something to show that she cannot be his. Besides constantly fighting him, there has to be something else that would just seem…unappealing to him. "Oh? And what do you suggest I do then?"

Inuyasha shrugged lazily. "Beat the shit out of him." He stated simply.

"Oh yeah, great plan..." Sango mumbled, with sarcasm. She already tried to smack him. The first time was a success. The second she remembered clearly being unsuccessful.

"Oh, ok. Let's stick to your plan and pretend he's a rock." Inuyasha retorted.

"Oh be quiet!" Sango was growing angrier by the second. This guy seems to make her mad just as much as Miroku does. But, it would also seem that he gets mad just as easily. It seems as though this guy is annoyed with every little thing I say. "If you knew this guy, you'd know he was harder to deal with than you think. I never tried to beat him up but I did try to hit him. It didn't work out so well."

"Well of course not. You're a woman. Women can't hit worth shit."

"Excuse me! Want to try saying that again?" Sango stood up straight, off the tree. One thing she absolutely hated was when people discriminated her for being a woman. Because women have that reputation that says they're the secondary sex; the lower gender and they were not meant to do the things a man can do. She will not have anyone telling her that she is weaker than them because of her sex.

"Heh, fine." Inuyasha agrees, taking on her challenge. "Women. Can't. Hit. Worth. Shiiiiit."

That was the final straw. Before Inuyasha could even figure out what was going on, Sango grabbed one of his hands, and with this massive strength that she worked hard to get, she flung his hand over her head, having him fly a few feet in front of her. His landing was hard and he somersaulted a few times before finally halting to a stop. He laid there in complete shock. This woman…she basically threw him! She's a woman! Where the bloody hell did she get such strength?

"You're wrong," Sango stated matter-of-factly. "There are some women who can hit, and who can also throw. Remember that."

Inuyasha stood up, dusting himself off, while narrowing his eyes towards her. Because she is a woman he can't hit her back. He's allowed to. But, he never agreed with the 'punishment' on a woman. "I don't think there is a man on this planet who will ever be able to punish you properly." Inuyasha mumbled, still in disbelief.

"That is how it's meant to be, too." Sango agreed, smirking a little. She worked so hard, even when she was so young, to become strong; not to be outranked by men. Her training did pay off; well, except for on one person…

Sango gazed up towards the sky, noticing it was becoming dark. As much as she didn't want to, she had to go back. It was time. But she just…couldn't! She can't go back to a man who will claim her as his, when she clearly is not. She can't go back to a father who had the nerve to actually sell her! How can she go back to men like that? How can she even have men like that in her life?

Why me, Lord? Why..? Sango prayed to the heavens; called out to God. She questioned why something like this happened to her. She was confused and her answers were unclear. She did not want to be bound to such a man! She wanted someone to love, to cherish. Someone who actually loves her and wants to raise a family with her. Not some sex-addicted, seducing, man who didn't know the meaning of love.

"Geez," Inuyasha groaned, rubbing his head again. "How are you having problems with someone when you just threw me? You'd think you'd be able to scare the poor guy away! I mean who in their right mind would want to bother some damn shark like you?"

"Apparently him." Sango sulked. She knew she could probably do the exact same to Miroku as she did to Inuyasha. But, Inuyasha wasn't expecting it. Inuyasha had that same menacing, powerful look to him as Miroku did. If Inuyasha was expecting it, she would not have been able to have thrown him. She could just tell from looking at him. When she compares the two together, they are basically the same person; but Inuyasha is not counting on some title to become dangerous. He just expresses things bluntly, as to Miroku, he uses his title and says exactly how things are. But both men are brooding, strong, and just have some sort of look that screams: Power.

"You know," Sango narrows her eyes. "There has to be something I can do to make him not want me! Something that just turns the charm off..."

Inuyasha cocked a brow. Why on earth was she even saying this to him in the first place? He noticed her determination and the way she was so sure of herself. It was obvious she was bought over by some man who she wants nothing to do with. That happens a lot during these days. "Get together with someone. It makes you unavailable." Inuyasha bluntly stated. "Geez, you people are stupid—and why the hell am I still talking to you!"

"Get together with someone…" Sango froze. That's it! If she was taken, why would Miroku want her? She'd be unavailable. He couldn't claim her as his because she would be taken by another man; taken and under his care. Not Miroku's. "Inuyasha, you're genious! He won't want me if I've already freely given myself to someone."

"Mhmm, yeah, fascinating. Now go home! Leave me alone." Inuyasha shouted towards her. It aggravated him when it seems as though Sango paid no mind of attention to him.

"But, if I am going to get someone to pretend claim me, it would have to be someone who I know could pull it off. Someone who wouldn't fear this man and would be equally as strong."

Inuyasha glared, getting more annoyed. "Good luck with that. Now go."

Sango continued. "Someone with the same ruthlessness. Looks that can just give the message he is dangerous."

"You are just so incredibly smart." Inuyasha lied. "Now, get the hell out of here!"

"Someone like you." Sango pointed out, looking towards him. He was perfect! He had the same sense of danger just as Miroku did. He'd be the perfect one to use. Sango may not know the man at all, like not even in the least bit, but she could just see it in him that he would be the one. He was the only one who could stand next to Miroku and have the equal, brooding power. If she chose anyone smaller or not as dominant as Miroku, she would not be successful in declaring her independence. So, she had to choose wise. And she did. But, how would she get him to agree?

"I don't think so." Inuyasha said, shaking his head.

"Please! You're the only one who can help me!" Sango cried out to him. And even with her begs, it still did not work.

"Tough! Fight your own battles. Or, you can just keep pretending he's a rock. Maybe that'll make things easier."

Sango's fist balled up, tight. "Will you be quiet about that! Ok, I was mad. But now you're the only one who can help me with this and I need you. I'll do anything for you. Anything. I don't have money, but I can work for you, I can do a lot of things. Name your price. I am desperate."

Inuyasha let out an annoyed growl. He saw the desperation in her eyes, the sheer determination she was letting out. And it annoyed him even more. Everytime he meets someone, they always let him in with their personal problems and it bothers him to no end. "You have got to be kidding me."

"No, you're the only one who can."

"What the hell are you talking about! Find someone else. There are more people on this damn planet than just me."

"They aren't suitable enough though. You're the only one I know who can do it."

Sango stopped in front of him, so he couldn't brush past her and go away. She would not take no for an answer; she could not. This was a fight for her freedom; a fight she would do anything to win. No way is she letting her one chance walk away from her.

"You don't even know me, so that excludes me." Inuyasha pointed out, before shoving her aside. But Sango grabbed his wrist and glared up towards him. Inuyasha looked down at her annoyed expression and let out an amused smirk. "You threw me once. Like hell I'm going to let you do it again."

"I won't ask anything of you ever again. After this you can leave and we will never see each other again. And after it is successful I will never talk to you ever again. Please please please!"

Inuyasha heaved a heavy sigh out. He pulled his wrist out of her fragile hands and rolled his eyes. "I can't believe I am saying this…" He envisioned in his mind a picture of him beating himself up. I can't believe I gave into her… "Only on one condition!"

"Name your price." Sango nodded, instantly agreeing.

"Promise never to talk to me after this man leaves. EVER. I don't care if I am still staying at this village of yours. Don't talk to me! I don't want to see you again. This is what happens when people like you are around! I get stuck doing all the damn dirty work."

"Agreed!"

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Inuyasha and Sango walked out of the forest, along the outskirts of her village. Sango with a victorious smile plastered among her soft features and Inuyasha still looking angry as ever. He was not happy with this one bit. But, if he didn't agree, the damn wench wouldn't have shut up at all and he wouldn't have gotten anywhere with her next to him complaining the whole time. He should never have confronted her over the damn rock…

Sango looped her arm through his and glided her eyes over him, tensing up. "At least look like you like me! It won't work if you look like you have no interest in me at all."

"Shut up! Be lucky I am doing this at all!"

"It's just the same as you not doing it!" She elbowed him in his ribcage and he scowled at her, saying: "Fine! But don't expect a big smile. You owe me after this."

Villagers who were done working for the day, because night was coming, looked up and gazed shockingly at what they saw. Young Sango…with…a man? How can this be so? Sango would never sink to the level as to getting together with anyone. Everyone in the village knew this, and yet here she was, arms looped with a man; a dangerously powerful looking man at that.

Her eyes were wide open, keeping a cautious look-out. Who knows where Miroku might be. Maybe he was still at her home, or maybe he's out around the village somewhere, or maybe if she's lucky, he left. But, that is most likely not the case. Sango didn't feel as if she was ready for this encounter. But, she also knew that this is the most ready she would ever feel. Might as well do it now and get it over with. And pray to God it is a success.

Whispers went around the village; causing rumors and stories. They were moving so fast, it was unreal. Who knew rumors could travel so fast in such a place. People were amazed at what they were hearing. Sango was very well known in her home. Everyone knew her. And there were few people who were actually believing what they heard. "No, we know Sango. She would never do something like that." Was the usual remark that was heard from the normal villager.

Inuyasha kept his stoic stare on his face; no one could tell what he was thinking. He was tall, well-built, brooding; possibly even deadly. People wondered how Sango came to be with such a man.

"Ok, where is the guy? I'm tired of everyone staring. Let's hurry and get this over with."

Sango flinched. She wasn't sure if he realized it at all that he was talking far too loud to be saying something far too secretive. She nudged him a bit giving him 'the look' that warned him mentally to keep it down. Inuyasha grumbled again.

Sango noted to herself this may not be as easy as she thought. If Inuyasha keeps acting the way he is, she will never be freed from Miroku's unbreakable grasp. But she has to be. Inuyasha better do this right or there will be hell to pay.

"Sango." A voice was heard behind the two. Sango whirled around, mentally cursing to herself. Speak of the devil.

"Miroku." She gave the same simple reply back towards him, with a tall, proud stance. She already let him see her break down once; never again will that happen.

Inuyasha turned around as well to see who she was talking too and his face gave a small shocked look. It was a reaction Sango didn't expect him to do…

"Heh, Miroku. What are you doing here?" Inuyasha let go of Sango's hand and walked towards Miroku. The way he spoke, the way his whole attitude changed, it sounded as if they knew each other, as if…they were acquaintances!

"Inuyasha." Miroku let out a smirk, amused. He didn't think he'd see Inuyasha for a while. They go back a bit. Inuyasha is one of the people Miroku actually cares to talk to, and befriend. He didn't expect to see him here…with Sango around his arm. "I am here for my woman."

"You always have a woman." Inuyasha replies in a low voice, giving off that lazy shrug. "Eh, I got stuck helping this woman right here out. She's making me pretend to be some fake lover so she can get rid of some other guy. It's pretty annoying." Inuyasha turned his head slightly, glaring at Sango once again.

But his glare left him when he saw her shocked, frozen face. Her soft, pale features became paler from before. She looked as if she saw something that made her afraid, as if she saw some sort of ghost or something. "The hell is wrong with you?"

Miroku's jaw tightened. So that was her game. That is why Inuyasha just happened to be here. She was using him to get rid of Miroku. Miroku found this anger boiling inside of him. He's put up with her defiance long enough. There was no amusement in his stern expression now. He was all serious, all business. And that was even more terrifying. her rebelliousness, and defiance had to end right now. It would no longer be acceptable. Especially since she sunk to this level to get rid of him. And that made him all the angrier.

"Y–you two know each other!" She managed to spit out. This was not part of the plan. Curse her for not telling Inuyasha who Miroku was. That was a mistake; a huge fatal mistake. It costed her the plan and her freedom. Her plan was a failure.

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A/N; Hmm…nothing to say here. But, I hope you enjoyed it. PM or Review please.

Note to Sango; Sorry I ruined like the whole thing while we were talking on msn. I won't ruin the following chapters! Hopefully. Well at least I won't tell you the big scenes. Haha. xD