A Reason to Live
Chapter Fourteen
Finding Common Ground
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha. Also, to all the Miroku fans, I am sorry, but Miroku is going to extremely out of character, and on the evil side. Please don't kill me!!!
Darkness was encompassing her being, and not just a normal darkness, this darkness seemed to drag all warmth from her body. She had experienced this feeling once before, and it was starting to become annoying to her. She was so sick of being injured like this, which meant she only had one concern at the moment, and that was to get stronger. Perhaps she would be well served to return to her village for a few weeks, and resume training in the arts of the demon slayers. While it was clear that she was strong enough to handle most demons, she would have to get even stronger if she wished to be any help against the likes of Naraku and his other incarnations.
Suddenly a warmth began to spread throughout her body. It felt as if she were being covered on one side by a warm blanket of fine silk. Forcing herself to open her eyes, Sango came face to face with Bankotsu, who was cradling her in his arms. "Well hello there," Bankotsu stated as he looked down into the shocked chocolate eyes of Sango. "So you are awake. That was surprisingly quick."
"What are you talking about," Sango chocked out. "How long have I been out this time?"
"Just a few hours," Bankotsu replied. "Kirara was beginning to become tired, so I offered to take over and carry you for a while."
A light blush crept up Sango's features, making her turn away from the smirking mercenary. "How long have you been carrying me?"
"Just a few moments," Bankotsu responded with a laugh. "Once you were in my arms, you woke up."
"Oh," was Sango's only response. Soon they both became silent, and Bankotsu continued to walk in a quick but deliberate pace. Sango found herself being lulled into a comfortable state by the consistent beating of Bankotsu's heart and his consistent breathing. It all seemed to mold into a magical melody, causing her fears and worries to melt away, leaving her with a feeling of pure peace.
"So how are you feeling," Bankotsu asked, mentally slapping himself after he asked the question. "Never mind. You just out of one hell of a fight, and you are expected to be doing just fine. Kami I'm an idiot at times."
"You can stop beating yourself up," Sango supplied in response to Bankotsu's antics. "Normally I would be fine."
"But you took on one of Naraku's strongest reincarnations," Bankotsu exclaimed. "And what's this bull shit of you not backing down when you know you are outmatched. Damn, Sango. Do you have a death wish, or did you truly believe you could beat her by yourself?"
"I figured if Inuyasha or you could do it, then I should be able to do it as well," Sango supplied in a sheepish voice.
"That is stupid logic," Bankotsu snapped, causing Sango to cringe in his arms. "You didn't even have your Hiriakotsu. If you had your Hiriakotsu, you might have been enough to defeat her, but you didn't even back down when all you had was that stupid katana."
"Well I figured I would be able to get the Hiriakotsu back during the battle," Sango replied in a meek voice again.
"Spoken like a true warrior," Bankotsu laughed, causing Sango to shake due to his loud laughter.
"I hate to be rude, but do you think you could quit shaking me," Sango asked.
"Oh sorry," Bankotsu exclaimed as he reached up to scratch his head, only to have Sango's legs to fall to the ground. Just as her legs were about to hit the ground, Bankotsu was able to catch hold of her legs. "Sorry about that as well. I just scratch my head when I get really really nervous."
"Oh my," Sango began in a taunting tone. "Are you saying that little old me, makes the great leader of the Band of Seven nervous."
"Um," Bankotsu mumbled before trying to scratch his head again, only to catch Sango's legs once more. "Sorry. Damn it, will you stop doing that to me!!!"
"It is just so funny though," Sango laughed lightly.
"Yeah but if you keep it up, I might end up dropping you," Bankotsu replied as he continued to trek behind Inuyasha and Kagome. The two were well ahead of them, leaving Bankotsu and Sango to their own thoughts, while they discussed the newest development.
"I am sure he is not going to start killing people again," Kagome stated in a confident voice. "I mean if he was planning on attacking us again, don't you think he would have done it right after he beat Princess. Why would he wait to attack us?"
"He wants to attack us when our guard is completely down," Inuyasha replied, keeping his voice down low.
"That doesn't seem like Bankotsu's style," Kagome retorted. "He normally just attacks head-on, and for the most part it is successful for him."
"Yes, but think about it Kagome," Inuyasha pleaded. "He tried that approach once against me, and he lost. I doubt he would try to fight me in a fair fight again."
"I think you are just being paranoid," Kagome supplied. "Besides, I think he has taken a strong liking to our little Sango."
"What are you talking about," Inuyasha exclaimed louder then he expected. Looking behind him, Inuyasha noticed that Bankotsu's gaze was now on them, as well as Sango's. "Yo, Sango is awake."
"Really," Kagome squealed as she turned to look back at the injured demon slayer. "Sango are you alright? Can I do anything to help you feel better? We are nearly at Kaede's village, so I can pick you some medicinal herbs."
"Calm down Kagome," Sango exclaimed. "I am as good as can be expected. I just need to rest, but thank you for your concern."
"You're welcome Sango," Kagome squealed again before wrapping her arms around Sango's frame; nearly causing Bankotsu to drop the demon slayer. "You are my best friend. I was so worried we would never get to hang out anymore."
"Relax Kagome," Sango whispered into the now sobbing girl's ear. "I am here still, and it will take a hell of a lot more then that to kill me. Now why don't you let me go so that Bankotsu can finish carrying me without dropping me."
"Oh sorry," Kagome exclaimed as she let go of Sango.
"When we get to Kaede's, you can take care of me if it is not a burden to you," Sango supplied, causing Kagome to smile happily.
"I would be glad to," Kagome replied, attempting to dry the tears in her eyes.
"Wow she is really emotional," Jakotsu's voice called in Bankotsu's head. "I really don't know what Inuyasha sees in a tramp like her."
'Knock it off Jakotsu,' Bankotsu mentally replied. 'She just cares greatly about Sango and the rest of her friends.'
"Are you included in that little group of friends," Jakotsu questioned.
'I don't know, nor do I care,' Bankotsu replied in a determined voice. 'Besides, I'm not traveling with this group for acceptance, I am only doing it to keep Sango safe.'
"Sounds like our older brother has found him a wife," Jakotsu laughed, causing Bankotsu to blush a deep crimson. The rest of the group noticed the blush, and wondered what would be making him blush.
"Bankotsu are you ok," Sango asked.
"Yeah it's nothing," Bankotsu supplied. "Just discussing something with Jakotsu."
"What are you talking about," Inuyasha snapped as he pulled out the Tetsusaiga. "Where is Jakotsu?"
"Oh don't worry," Bankotsu stated. "Jakotsu is still dead sort of. His soul makes up a part of the Naginata that Totosai gave me."
"Oh that makes sense," Kagome said as she looked up in thought. "So that means you can communicate with your mother as well? Right?"
"Yes I can talk with Banryuu," Bankotsu answered. "I just am not ready to call her my mother just yet. I still need to get to know her more."
'Wow,' Kagome exclaimed in her head. 'He is so distrusting of people, that he won't even acknowledge his own mother, until she can prove herself to him. I wonder what could have truly made him that way. Then again, seeing your master sentence his own daughter, who was your best friend, to death could be enough to do that.'
"Come on Kagome," Inuyasha stated as he lifted Kagome into his arms, before beginning to leap high into the trees. "Kaede's is close, and I can smell someone you are going to want to yell at."
"Put me down you idiot," Kagome yelled in Inuyasha's ear, causing the half-demon to cringe in pain. "RIGHT NOW!!!"
"I can't," Inuyasha stated. "We need to get to the village before Bankotsu and Sango."
"And why is that," Kagome snapped.
"You'll see."
It did not take long for Inuyasha and Kagome to clear the forest, and ended up in Kaede's village. Once the two made it to Kaede's hut, they could hear the voice of Miroku discussing something with the elderly priestess. "I am not fond of the relationship that Lady Sango is developing with that ruffian Bankotsu," Miroku stated.
"Well Miroku, don't you think that she deserves to be happy," Kaede replied. "If you wanted to be with her, then why couldn't you tell Inuyasha that you loved her?"
"I don't know," Miroku answered truthfully. "Hell, I don't think that I truly love her. I do care about her well being which is why I'm not fond of the mercenary."
"So you are so worried about her, that you don't want her to be happy as long as she is safe," Kaede asked. "That sounds like you are being selfish Miroku. You don't want to be tied down to her, but you don't want her to be with someone else, and of course you have a bit of a point when it comes to Bankotsu, but still, you would find a problem if anyone else showed interest in her."
"No I just don't trust the mercenary," Miroku argued. "If she were to show interest in someone else, I would not have a problem with it, but she is showing interest in a killer."
"That was his past," Kaede retorted. "People can change Miroku. Especially if they feel the threat of death, and since he has experienced death twice now, maybe he has completely changed."
"I don't buy that for a moment Lady Kaede," Miroku responded.
"Why is that," Kaede asked.
"Well he has killed over a thousand men," Miroku stated in a loud voice. "If I had done something so terrible, no one would ever forgive me. I still get yelled at for my lecherous ways, and that doesn't hurt anyone."
"It hurt Sango," Kaede added in a somber tone. "Each time you would look at another woman, or allow your hand to rover over another woman, Sango's heart was being shattered little by little, and they say it is worse to hurt your friends then a complete stranger."
"I never physically hurt Sango," Miroku sneered.
"Pain doesn't have to be physical," Kaede supplied. "In fact, one can be more damaged by mental abuse then physical."
"What is with everyone lately? Why does everyone suddenly hate me," Miroku asked in a dejected voice.
"Would you like to know why monk," Inuyasha spat as he stepped into the hut, setting Kagome on the ground. "You lead Sango on. All of those times that you told her she was the only woman that you were willing to settle down with, they ended up being just lies. Only a cold hearted bastard could do such a thing. You are no better then the enemies we have beaten, and perhaps you are worse. A wolf in sheep's clothing."
"How the hell do you know about what I said to Sango," Miroku hissed, his facing become red from anger.
"I am a fucking half-demon genius. How the hell do you think I heard," Inuyasha asked, wiggling his dog ears.
"Still," Miroku spat. "You should have kept your dog nose out of my personal business. We were supposed to be traveling mates."
"Kind of like you kept your nose out of my personal business. Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about monk, I could smell you and everyone else when I was talking to Kagome," Inuyasha fired back.
"You knew we were there," Miroku hissed. "How the hell is that fair. You eavesdrop on me, and I have no clue you are there, we try to eavesdrop on you, and you get to know we are there."
"Maybe if you weren't losing your spiritual powers due to your pervert ways, then you would have sensed me," Inuyasha spat back, causing Miroku to erupt in rage. Quickly Miroku tried to strike Inuyasha with his staff, but the half-demon was able to dodge the blow, and slipped behind Miroku. As Miroku was attempting to turn around, Inuyasha kicked him through the open doorway, and out into the sunlight area in front of Kaede's hut. "I'm going to teach you some manners monk."
"Come on mutt," Miroku snapped. "I have been wanting to get rid of you for a while, and now you have given me a reason."
"You don't honestly believe you can defeat me do you," Inuyasha asked as he cracked his knuckles. Crouching into a ready stance, Inuyasha prepared to dodge any attack Miroku might use, and respond in kind.
"Guys knock it off," Kagome shouted from inside Kaede's hut. "You must stop this right now. We can't be fighting amongst ourselves."
"Stay out of this Kagome," Inuyasha supplied in a calm voice. "Miroku has had this coming for a while now."
"Oh and why is that Inuyasha," Miroku asked as he spun his staff in his hands.
"Because I have been able to smell the scent of all those village maidens," Inuyasha sneered. "Each time we would go to a new village, you would wait until you thought we were all asleep, and then you would sneak off into the night. The next morning the scent of a female's love stink would be oozing from you. I could not tell Sango, because I knew it would break her heart, but now the cat's out of the bag."
Following Inuyasha's eyes, Miroku turned around to see a wounded and now angry Sango being cradled in Bankotsu's arms. "Is that all true Miroku," Sango asked as she glared at the now frozen Miroku. "Did you really cheat on me?"
"I...I....," Miroku began, but could not come up with the words.
"You know what," Sango snapped. "It doesn't matter to me anymore. I won't allow you or anyone else to hurt me anymore."
"Sango...I never meant to hurt you," Miroku said in a somber voice. "At first, I wanted to be with you, but you wouldn't let me in. Even after we agreed to get married, you would not let me in. That was when I realized I did not want to spend the rest of my life with someone who would never trust me, nor did I want to spend my life with someone who would never truly appreciate me."
"Miroku, you act as if it is easy to let someone into your heart. You knew that I witnessed my people slaughtered by one of their own, due to Naraku's manipulation," Sango yelled in anger. "You knew I had a hard time trusting people, and the fact that I even allowed you to see me when I was most vulnerable should have been enough to tell you that I did trust you. I trusted you more then I was ever willing to allow myself to trust anyone ever again. I knew I should have never opened heart to you, but something about your charming smile, and your smooth words lured me in, and through all of our trails and tribulations, you were always by my side, along with Inuyasha and Kagome."
"You are right," Miroku supplied. "I was always by your side, and yet you couldn't even trust me enough to let me into your heart. You shut me out. You forced me to seek other women. This is your fault as well as mine. If you had just let me in, none of this would have happened. If you would have allowed me to take care of you, and not acted as if you needed anyone's help, then we would not be having this conversation."
"Perhaps you are right, but the fact remains that you betrayed my trust, and you are the one who abandoned me in my time of greatest need," Sango snapped. "For that, I can never forgive you Miroku. I want nothing to do with you from this point on."
"As if I am supposed to care," Miroku hissed in anger. "I figured things would not work out with you. You are far to stubborn for your own damn good, and it will be the death of you."
"Maybe so, but at least I won't have to put up with your lecherous ways," Sango snapped back. "I hope you find happiness Miroku. I really do."
"Same to you, but I doubt you would know what true happiness was if it smacked you in the face," Miroku responded before turning to leave. "Also, mercenary, should we ever cross paths again, I shall end your existence on this Earth once and for all."
"Is that so," Bankotsu asked as he clutched Sango tighter to his chest. He was using her as an excuse to keep from bashing Miroku's face in, but sadly it was not working as well as he wanted it to. The urge to punch out the now smirking monk was beginning to become to much for his already low self-control. 'Damn it! If I just set her down gently, and punch him, I'm sure no one else will care.'
"Bankotsu," Sango said in a low voice so only the two of them and Inuyasha could hear them. "Please don't fight with Miroku right now. He is not worth it, and I don't feel like watching anymore bloodshed for a while."
"Fine," Bankotsu supplied in the same low voice. "I won't harm him, but remember, I am only doing it because you asked me."
"I know, and thank you," Sango replied as she tried to snuggle closer to Bankotsu well defined chest. 'Please just leave already Miroku.'
Taking the silence as his cue, Miroku turned and departed from the groups sight. 'I shall get my revenge on that damned mercenary if it is the last thing I do,' Miroku yelled to himself as he walked in the direction of his old temple.
'I guess Bankotsu is not all that bad after all,' Inuyasha exclaimed to himself as he watched Bankotsu carry Sango's form into Kaede's hut to receive treatment for her wounds. 'He truly must have changed.'
"What are you thinking about Inuyasha," Kagome asked as she looked into Inuyasha's thoughtful face.
"Nothing Kagome," Inuyasha stated. "Nothing at all."
A/N: Sorry for the long delay, but I have had this chapter done for about a week, but I have not had Internet for the past three weeks or so. That is the reason why this chapter has took so long to be posted, that and I have a dinosaur for a computer, and I don't have a USB Port, so I could not take my works to another computer and post them on that computer. Well I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and to my faithful reviewers, thank you all so much!!!