Disclaimer; (sigh) Here we go again. I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters. Blah Blah, so on and so forth. I disclaim anything about them. This is just a fan fiction.
A/N; Thanks to everyone who is supporting this story! I didn't think I'd get any reviews when I first started. But also, when I first started this was intended to be a oneshot… So, what do I know?
Note about why it said it was updated when it wasn't; So, I know some of you were wondering what the deal was when you saw it was updated on November 2nd, but there wasn't another chapter. I got some PMs about it and reviews, so I will answer that now, since some of you are curious. I posted chapter 5 on November 2nd, but it was very short. Like, I only typed about 4 pages. Or more like 3 and a half. Usually I try and do 5 or more. But I was also going through writers block and couldn't think of any more to add to the story. When I posted it, it came out looking really short and it started bothering me because I don't like posting really short stories. So, I deleted it and decided when my writers block goes away, I'll add more to it. I always get writers block, so it took a while to go away. I don't have it anymore! But it will return soon, it always does. But that's why it says it was updated. I did update, but deleted it like 5 minutes later. So, basically I just wanted a longer chapter. Maybe more suspenseful, too? Because where I originally left off, it was no where exciting. Hopefully this posting is better. Sorry for the inconvenience!
Rating; T for Teens.
Pairings; Sango x Miroku
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x; What Challenges Await Us.
This was so unexpected; so unpredictable. Of all things to happen, who would have thought that Inuyasha—the man she was depending on—and Miroku knew each other? It was the last thought that would have crossed Sango's mind. She can see how they could be friend's though. They both were brooding, powerful, and also annoying. Men like them were hard to come across. Miroku's scheme to try and force Sango's compliance just so he could take her to bed was common, but the powerful energy he possessed, that he gave off, and those eyes—those significant, hypnotic eyes—it was uncommon. There should be no such thing as men such as them.
Sango stood her ground, trying not to let his intimidating look get to her; to send her falling to the ground begging for forgiveness. Like that would ever happen. His look was serious, stern, dark and enraged. He's put up with her rebellious streak for a short time now, but Sango can read him and tell that using another man to escape was going far beyond his limits. It was something he's never had to deal with before and something it seemed like he didn't ever want to deal with.
"Sango," Miroku said her name cooly, keeping the same stoic stare that he always manages to have. "You thought to use a man to keep us apart, is that so?"
Sango let out a low growl of annoyance. She was so certain this would work; that this would be her key to her normal life again without him attempting to take over. And it completely backfired. "That is what it appears to be." She wasn't afraid of him, and she wouldn't sink to such a level of acting afraid of him. Deep inside her butterflies were fluttering in the pits of her stomach, but even so, she could not let out fear. It would only bring satisfaction to him for winning; and that could not happen.
Inuyasha blinked. Everything felt awkward for him. This female was relying on him to help her, and he blew it because he had no idea it was one of his old friends from a while back. He can see her depression, but he can also see that she is forcing it back, hiding it from being visibly seen. Even with her holding back, it is still obvious that she is hurting inside; emotional pain that won't go away unless Miroku really sets her free. Or…if she somehow falls for him and accepts what he is offering her.
"Hmph," Inuyasha folded his arms. "No point in pretending you're unavailable anymore, thank God." It felt good finally not to have to put up with her bull crap anymore. "You know, next time you damn well better make sure someone doesn't know the man you're trying to escape from, or it'll turn out like this again. I stand by what I said earlier. People are getting stupider each passing day."
For once Sango said nothing. She kept her mouth shut, ignoring his insulting comment. She felt out of place to say some snippy remark back towards him. Felt that it was useless. Men like these two wouldn't change, so what's the point of fighting back? She's always been taught to fight for what she believes in, and to never give in. Well, at the moment she is fighting for her freedom, and losing the battle. Her constant fighting seems like it's all futile. He won't give her up. Nothing will change his mind. For once in her life, she had the greatest urge to just…give up.
"Hm?" Inuyasha noted her silence. Miroku, too, was slightly taken back by that. She always had something to say. From the moment he met her there was never a time where she would not fight back and argue with him. Is it that she has finally been broken? "Nothing to say back?" It was as if Inuyasha wanted her to say something. In a way he enjoyed their constant bickering towards each other. But now with her not saying anything it was not as enjoyable.
"What's the point?" She shrugged, letting out a sigh. "Will it change anything? If I said something, would you think about what I said, or would you get angry and fight back? You would fight back. If I begged not to be wed off, would the proposal be canceled? No. Nothing would change no matter how much I fight back. There is no point in even wasting my breath."
"Then shall we go back?" Miroku held out his hand, curious to see if she would take it. If she was not going to fight back anymore, did he win? Will she just fully surrender herself to the things he was offering to her? Or would she continue to mope around in an act of depression?
"Fine." She replied simply, ignoring his hand, turning around and heading towards the direction of her home. Even in her instant change of mood, Miroku noted the graceful sway of her delicate hips, her simple gesture with her arms swinging back and forth. There was this powerful urge tearing at him, urging him to grab her and just embrace her with his strong arms. But he had to swallow down that urge. The time is not now. She would not go along with that. Absolutely would not. "I suggest you follow if you wish to go back." Sango's voice cut him out of his fantasy.
Inuyasha shrugged lazily, heaving out a sigh. "Might as well." Since Miroku was here, Inuyasha figured he should stick around and get reacquainted with his old friend. But, since he was a little preoccupied with this stubborn female, they wouldn't catch up that much. Sango may have given up, so they think, but Inuyasha knows better. A future with her will be interesting that is for sure.
Miroku started walking, his larger steps easily catching up with her small, gentle steps. His arm went around her waist, wanting the knowledge that he can hold her like this and for once she won't fight back. And to his shocking surprise, she didn't. She made no move what-so-ever to push him aside, but she also made no move as to put her arm around him, or scoot in closer. He had to physically pull her to him a little more just so he could fit his arm around her. And she complied. Willing and unphased.
Not to long later they returned to her home. Sango's father was outside, as if he was waiting for them. Sadness filled his bleak eyes as he saw Miroku's arm around his defiant daughter. He felt so horrible for what he had done to her. She looked far from happy. Her eyes were filled with sorrow and she made no move as to touch Miroku as he was touching her. She was obviously upset. And it seemed as though she just caved in to his demands.
"Sango, honey, where have you been?" Her father looked to her with compassion. He wanted to know she was ok and he wanted to see her smile; because she had the smile that could light up a bleak world.
"Father, I am an engaged woman. I am not a little girl anymore. Where I go is not to be concerned by anyone because I am not the little girl in constant need of being watched over. Please treat me as the adult that you had no problem of treating me as earlier."
Her words stung him; real deep. His heart ached for her. It was bluntly obvious that she had just given up with everything she was fighting for and gave into the demands her father set her up for and what Miroku was forcing on her. When she spoke those words to him, her expression did not change. She looked apathetic; stoic. Her sadness was purely obvious. He had hurt his own daughter for the loads of money he was going to receive from Miroku. Was it worth it? He figured Miroku could somehow make his daughter happy. But, at this very moment, that is not the case.
"I want to know where you go if you ever decide to wonder off." Miroku informed her, gazing down at her. With Sango soon to be his wife, he cannot have her wondering around places and not know where she is. It was unheard of and it will stay unheard of with him around. She will be his wife and it will be his duty to protect her from any threat that comes their way.
"You mean to say you would actually give me that freedom to walk somewhere other than by your side?"
"At the moment, no." Miroku noted her sarcasm right away. She was deliberately toying with him and mocking him at the same time. He never figured she would act depressed the whole entire time they were married. But, he did figure that she would light up his home, make things interesting for him. This new personality she has developed is already irritating Miroku and he doesn't know how long he can handle this constant sarcasm or stoic attitude before he has to teach her how to be an obedient wife, forcing it upon her or not.
"Of course not. Silly question." She felt his arm around her clench, tighten. Deep inside her there was a burst of satisfaction that spread through her. But also, there was something inside her that didn't care. No longer would she be happy. No longer would she be the woman everyone knew she was. She would be a mistress, a played wife. The person in the background. She cannot live a life such as that. But she has to. And there is nothing civilized that she can do about it.
"You should just stop." In the background, Inuyasha spoke. His comment was directed towards Sango.
She turned to him, saying nothing, but staring at him blankly. She had no idea what he was talking about, but in a sense she got the gist of it. Inuyasha, more than anyone, knows Miroku, knows who he is and all about him. She got that he was giving her a message to just accept what he was offering.
"First of all, I don't see what he sees in you. You're stubborn, you have a big mouth and he can do much better than some rebellious little chit like you! But, for some odd reason he chose you. Women would kill to be in your position! He is a wanted man by the female population. He is offering you his entire home. Just take it already, Goddamn."
"Inuyasha," Miroku turned to him, his voice as calm as it always is, "that is enough."
Rolling his eyes, Inuyasha sighed. He can't see why his friend has so much patience towards this woman. How much longer would he be able to last with her?
Miroku turned her around so that she could fully face him. "Go to bed, Sango. We are leaving in the morning."
"Going where?"
"Home."
"…" She said nothing. Not only was she forced to marry him, but she had to fully leave her normal life. Leave all the people she loves, her family, friend's, her real home. It was all going to be a memory to her. She truly was leaving everything behind. And for what? All for the sake of her father having money.
She turned from him and headed towards the hall, passing her father up. "Goodnight father. I must thank you for selling me off to a complete stranger. Did he offer a lot of money? Because, I at least hope one of us can be happy." She continued down the hall until all that was heard was the click from her shutting the door.
Her father turned towards Miroku, feeling so low, so hurt. He's never felt so bad in his entire life. His daughter was holding grudges against him; a grudge that she will not let go. He did what he had to do. Sango does so much for this family, and would do anything. But, did he go too far?
"Don't say it." Miroku ordered him. He saw it coming. He saw that her father was about to take away everything that he said. Take away the deal and try and bargain with him to get his daughter back home. But, nothing he could say will make that happen. Sango is now his property; something he owns, and if anyone tried and takes her away from him, so help them God.
"But, I was thinking—"
"I said don't say it!" Miroku snapped. "You're falling for her game. She wants you to pity her so you can take back everything you said and forget about this marriage."
"But she's right! I thought with you she could be happy. But she's more miserable than ever!"
Miroku sighed, shaking his head. "She will come around. What other choice does she have?"
"When you put it like that, it shows me you are not the man for my daughter."
Miroku's eyes trailed up to meet Sango's father, a genuine smirk forming on his face. His expression was simple, but it gave off the message he was wanting to give off. "I am the only man for your daughter. That is a fact."
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Deep in the forest of the outskirts of Sango's village, two bandits were pacing around in a frantic panic. Both unsure what to do, and to afraid to take the obvious answer and return home without their other two—now dead—companions. It's been hours; mostly all day and they have not left the same area it happened. They were too unsure; confused. They didn't know how to react to the situation. Because if they returned home, they may be punished and also killed.
One of the bandits—Haruo—has had enough. There was no time to continue standing around and moping. They had to go back, even if it did cost their life. They can't just continue to hide out here any longer. And that was a fact.
"Damnit, Katsu! We can't just not return. Do you think we can continue hiding any longer?" Haruo spoke to the other bandit, who finally took a seat against a large tree trunk, in a sulking manner.
Katsu looked up towards his companion, letting out a lazy sigh. "I know, Haruo. But think what will happen to us if we return. We'll be killed, shot, beheaded, something! Do you want to go back knowing that we may possibly die?"
"Possibly die! It's not a fact, it's a possibility. And don't be stupid. We've staked out here long enough. Think what will happen if we don't return and they find out our mission was a failure. He'll hunt us down I'll bet you. He'll hunt us down and have his men kill us! And that is a definite. So, we can either go back with the possibility of getting killed or run away with a definite of getting killed!"
"He may not even catch us!" Katsu argued back. He was not looking foreword to going back, just too possibly get cut out of the picture. He saw two of his companions die already. He did not want to join them in a place of torment. Dying was not number one priority on his list.
"You know he will. Lord Naraku has very well trained men. He can find us. He has people everywhere, just as Lord Miroku does. We wouldn't be able to hide for long."
As much as Katsu hated to admit, Haruo was right. It would be better off to return and tell them their mission was a failure. Because they can always think of a solution to increase their chances for next time. If they ran off they would be killed off. With a sigh of defeat, Katsu nodded. "You're right. We should return."
"We wasted enough time as it is just sitting here. It's dark already. Lord Naraku probably figured we'd be close to home by now."
"Well it's not our fault that damn Miroku happened to be all the way out here. And we still didn't kill him!"
Both men started walking in the opposite direction as to where Lord Miroku and that woman walked too in the morning. They remember the events so easily, as if it was embedded on there minds like a scar embedded on the skin. They couldn't believe it. Their two companions had Miroku all but trapped. It was finally going to happen. They were going to kill Miroku.
Then BAM! Gunshot!
Their companion went down. Leaving one more left that was already in the open. The other two bandits stayed hidden. They were basically the lookouts, just in case someone happened to be strolling along. Their job was to watch and kill anyone who dared come by the area. But, they missed someone. Neither of them noticed the woman hiding in the shadows as they were. So, when the second gunshot was heard, leaving both the bandits trying to kill Miroku, dead, Katsu and Karuo were left sitting their in pure fright; shocked.
They were incredibly surprised when they saw that woman come out from hiding. A woman was the one who killed their companions. A mere woman! They sunk to the level of being taken out by the lowest of the low. A woman.
If only they could see how embarrassing that is to have a woman be the one to take them out. It was embarrassing and shocking.
"Well, what now?" Katsu spoke up. Their mission had been to kill Lord Miroku. It was direct orders sent by Lord Naraku. He wanted Miroku dead; needed him out of the picture.
"Well," Haruo spoke up. "We need to return and tell Lord Naraku of the…interference. And then try and explain to him what we plan to do about it."
"Oh? And what do we plan to do about it?"
Haruo turned to Katsu and shook his head. "Are you that blind? What else can we do about it? We have to kill him. He needs to be killed off. If he stays alive, he will get the title from his father as Duke. And you know how much Lord Naraku wants that title. Anyone with that title will be respected everywhere. As far as our land reaches. Right now, Lord Miroku is well known because of the title he has now, but if he gets the title from his father, everyone who is anyone shall know him. Why should someone like him have it? So, it is our duty to get rid of him. Dispose of him. So that the title will get passed down to the second best, Lord Naraku."
Katsu merely shrugged. He could careless about what Lord Naraku gets. Lord Naraku cares for wealth and power. That's all he cares for. And he will do anything to get it. Even kill off the son of the powerful Duke; the son who is soon to get that title. "And what of that woman?"
"We can't do anything about her unless she somehow comes home with Lord Miroku. But, when does he ever bring home a woman who he has a one night affair with?"
"…True. But, what if Lord Miroku gets the title before he is killed?"
Haruo stopped walking. It took Katsu a few moments to even realize it, but when he did notice, he too stopped as well. "Are you really this stupid? Who cares. If Lord Miroku gets the title we can still kill him off and the title of the Duke will go get passed down to Lord Naraku. But, with Lord Miroku as Duke, it will cause large chaos and it will be inspected more thoroughly. So, we would have to be careful. That is why it is safer to kill him before he gets the title. But, if he does get it, we have to be on our best lookout and make no mistakes. Got it!"
"Understood."
"Good," Haruo continued to walk again, having Katsu follow by his side. The two still had a long ways to go before they would reach home and Lord Naraku would have their heads for it. But, if they play their cards right, they can get out of their punishment and kill off Miroku. Just as planned. "Lord Naraku wants the title as Duke. We shall give it to him and then he will owe us."
"Oh, so you're in this for the reward!" Katsu noted.
"Think how good it will be. And all we have to do is one simple thing. The extermination of Lord Miroku. Next time, we won't fail, Katsu."
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A/N; Finally. I had this chapter written about five other times, but I was fighting writers block then. I think this chapter came out much better than the other ones. Good thing I deleted the one I posted because I like the added stuff better. Brings more suspense maybe? Or maybe that's just me. Anyways I hope you enjoyed!
Please review or PM. Thank you.
Note to Sango; Yes there will be more fluff. xD I can't just make it all fluffy and romantic with Sango completely hating him. D: Well I could...but the time is not now. In due time it will be! Haha.