Authoress' Notes: Finally, the revamp of one of my favorite chapters!
Secrets of Sango — A Spiteful Plot
Tao Sango: that was the name she was given at birth.
No.
It was the name that her mother decided even before she was born.
Sango was born of Tao Hǎiyáng, the half-sister of Tao Ran, and Tao Haruki, the Japanese man who fell in love and married her. Just like the many others who married into the Tao family, Haruki's birth name was consumed in the raging maelstrom that was the Tao lineage.
Just as the countless souls that came before her, and the ones that would come afterward, Sango's destiny was decided for her before her birth. By Tao standards, Sango's pedigree was far removed from the main family. Thus, she was tossed into the branch family: a preordained life of servitude.
At age three, Sango learned through word of mouth that she would soon have a younger brother. Being that young, she only had a basic understanding of the Tao family structure. She knew that she had to work hard every day. And she knew that her parents were spared from that fate. But she couldn't quite connect what fate would befall her brother. And at that age, she prayed and prayed that she would, unlike with her parents, be able to see her brother every day. She wanted someone to love and relate to, someone to be by her side. At age fifteen, Sango regretted the silent wishes that she sent to the gods before bed. But she now knew that, regardless of her prayers, her younger brother would inevitably be cursed to the same misery as she.
Kohaku, naturally, was determined as servant material, just as she was. While Sango was too busy to greet and play with her infant brother because of work and lessons during the day, she was sure to visit the branch family nursery at night. The toddler enjoyed speaking to her brother and the other branch babies after work. They only gurgled and giggled at her, but that was more than enough encouragement for her to be happy. But naturally, Sango aged and began to take notice of her miserable life. The distinction between servant branch members and other Taos became more and more apparent as she matured.
Other branch family members, like her distant cousins, Yura and Hiten, relished in their lifestyles. Although they were not as esteemed as Jun and Ren, Yura and Hiten were amongst the many branch members who were destined to become parts of the Tao's underground army: their legion of assassins. And they excelled at their tasks: they seized power and influence for the Tao family through bloodshed and were rewarded with privilege, promotions, wealth, gifts, and powerful tools.
But Sango never envied them. Even when she scrubbed and scrubbed blood stains from their clothing until bleach rawed her fingers, she didn't feel the tiniest bit of jealousy. Sango could only remember feeling nothing but animosity for them. When they'd return to the main Tao estate, they'd parade around the area with their noses held high. They'd soil pristine floors with muddy shoes and they'd touch spotless surfaces with their grimy hands. They and the rest of their clique of young Tao assassins would leave blood, fluids, dirt, and other stains whenever and wherever they could.
They put in an excessive amount of effort to cause trouble and create more work because of satisfaction. Sango was sickened by their source of entertainment: they delighted in knowing that the subservient Tao's had no choice but to clean up after them, and that objections could mean punishment. There were many occasions when Yura would smile, so pretty and smug, at Sango and faux-politely request her to scrub the trail of mud that her shoes tracked in. There were even more occurrences when Hiten would return from a mission and toss his filthy battle gear at her with nothing but a smirk. How she loathed them all. And she despised the adults who doomed her to a life of inferiority and enslavement even more.
Like all of the Tao children, Sango grew up too fast. She began lessons in servitude the moment that she attained independent mobility. As a toddler, she retained the typical innocence that came with childhood. Scrubbing, shining, splashing, and bubbles used to be fun activities to share with her relatives. But her knowledge grew with her body, as did her humiliation and resentment. Once she was old enough to sufficiently respond to and obey verbal commands, her primary job became to protect and serve Jun.
But that job alone didn't absolve her from the abuse of her more esteemed relatives. Sango often found herself cornered, feeling like the walls were caving in. She'd be given her duties to Jun for the day and strict deadlines. But of course, she would still be left cleaning up the deliberate messes of the young Tao assassins. There were no breaks, no time to breathe, no freedom, no sympathy. She was the lowest of the low, unable to even socialize with her parents once she was sent off to be Jun's handmaid. There was no time for being a child or being reared by one's parents when you were the lowest of the low.
After age five, Sango only saw her parents at family gatherings, where her mother and her father were treated as guests. It was also at that age that she learned not to shirk her responsibilities for any reason, the hard way. During a celebration, the girl excitedly left Jun's side to hug her mother's legs. She was punished with lashes to her naked back after the party.
It was in that very same year that the family heads decided to test her capacity for shamanism. She was given lessons in using spirits as tools and furyoku for months. Once her mentor deemed her ready, Sango was gifted Kirara and the Hiraikotsu. It was one of the few positive highlights in her life. She could still remember the dark, challenging smirks that she didn't understand back then. Kirara was known to be a problematic, uncooperative spirit that the Tao's acquired centuries ago when demons still roamed the Earth in the flesh.
Very few Tao's were able to tame the beast. She was presented to Sango in her frightening, giant form. The demon squirmed, growled, and snarled against the spiritual binds that limited her will and power. With her power sealed by talisman, Kirara looked like nothing more than an angry, encaptured beast: akin to vexed circus lions. In hindsight, Sango recognized the dark smirks that the older Taos wore that day as signs of sadism. They had no confidence that she would able to tame Kirara. They suspected that she would be as overwhelmed as most people were.
When the seals on Kirara's tails were removed, the demon's enraged fit quieted as her sights honed in on the child standing across the room. Just as with any other violent spirit, Kirara's tentative introduction to Sango was held in the bowels of the Tao manor. It was a moist, subterranean level where the floor was aged stone and the ceilings were high. Burning wall sconces sat in each corner of the room, illuminating the space with their collective glows.
Kirara's head raised ever so slightly, her slitted eyes widened. The beast placed one paw forward, her red orbs never leaving Sango's face. Despite everything that she had experienced in her life thus far, the Tao still had a child-like wonder about her. She gaped up at the beast with a sparkle of awe and admiration. Even as the demon continued its stride towards her, Sango was enamored by the grace behind its movements. Finally, when Kirara was within arm's reach, Sango extended her hand to the spirit.
Kirara's response shocked the spectators. The demon's head dipped as she pressed the diamond marking on her forehead against Sango's palm. Sango's heart swelled with warmth. It was the first affection that she received in a long time. The child immediately responded with a greeting, "Hello there, Kirara. My name is Sango." The demon then transformed into its diminutive form and leaped onto the child's shoulder to nuzzle her cheek. "That tickles!" The child giggled.
The spectating Tao's were initially at a loss for words at the display of tenderness. But soon the shock wore off and the adults proceeded to berate Sango. Degrading insults to her intelligence and value as a human were shouted in her face because she ignored Tao teachings and treated her spirit as a friend. The child merely kept her head down and gripped the front of her dress. Kirara responded with prickly fur and warning hisses.
News that Sango tamed Kirara spread throughout the Tao family like wildfire. But her achievement did nothing to improve her living conditions, lifestyle, or daily treatment. Her day still began with picking out Jun's attire, cleaning her room, and preparing her bath and breakfast. She only received a fleeting reprieve from her daily labor when she was called to have an audience with Tao Yúan and Tao Ran. It was there that Sango was reminded her of responsibility as a Tao branch member.
Her entire life would revolve around servitude to the Tao main family, especially Jun.
But additionally, Sango was gifted the Hiraikotsu during that meeting with her aunt and uncle.
"This weapon is unique. It's truly one of kind," Yúan boasted while gesturing to the glass case that separated him and his wife from their niece. "Centuries ago, Tao representatives traveled to Japan to subdue powerful spirits and add them to our arsenal. During their search, they discovered Kirara, the two-tailed demon beast."
Sango's eyes glimmered with interest upon hearing the name of her guardian. The spirit rested calmly on her shoulder as they listened to the ancient tale.
"They fought a fierce battle, but alas, the demon was slain in the name of the Tao family," The head was brimming with pride. "It took years to completely subjugate Kirara, but no spirit is any match for our might!" His eyes fell from Kirara's somewhat exasperated eyes to the encased weapon. "In the meantime, the Tao's greatest blacksmith forged this boomerang out of Kirara's very bones."
The following year, Kohaku began receiving his lessons in servitude as it was decided that he would be Ren's hand butler. Sango finally had the opportunity to see and interact with her younger brother more often. When an older servant Tao held onto her brother's shoulders and informed her that she would assist in his servitude training, Sango was initially giddy. However, that innocent glee was befouled by the higher-ranked branch members. Even a toddler wasn't spared. Yura would giggle and feign sympathy when Hiten and Manten would "accidentally" trip Kohaku. Sango tolerated the treatment and merely helped her crying brother to his feet.
Kohaku was only five years old when he finally found his voice: something that Sango never did up until that point. After Hiten kicked over a bucket of dirty water, Kohaku's freckled cheeks were pink as he meekly requested his older cousin to leave them be. "H-Hiten-nii…" although the child's body boldly blocked Hiten's path, his violet eyes were fixed on his own feet. "M-my sister and I work hard every day. Can you stop bullying us?"
Kohaku's beseech was answered with an indignant glower accompanied by a backhand that knocked the child flat to the wet floor. Sango, who had obediently endured the humiliation and aggravation of being a servant for years, finally lost her cool. The swelling of her brother's cheek made her see red. Sango lunged for Hiten. Before he could react, he was flat on his back with the girl on top of him. Her raging fists bashed and bashed at his purpling face.
The encounter only lasted ten seconds, but it was enough to leave Hiten with a bloodied lip, black eye, and swollen cheeks. After tearing the fuming Sango off of Hiten, Yura and Manten collaborated on punishing Sango. But she didn't go down without a fight, the girl was able to strike Yura square in the face and jab Manten in the gut. Ultimately, she was quickly overpowered, thrown to the ground, and was on the receiving end of ruthless stomps from the pair. She refused to cry as she protected her head with her arms. All of the children left the scene with scrapes and bruises.
Still, Sango's back received lashes that night.
And she voluntarily bore the burden of Kohaku's lashes.
Another tortuous year elapsed. Sango and Kohaku still rarely saw their parents, and even when they did, the servant children were on duty. All they had was each other, and Kirara. That was until Kohaku passed his shamanism aptitude test and was gifted Kuroro. Kuroro was another nekomata slain and tamed by the Tao family centuries ago. Just as Kirara was with Sango, Kuroro was instantly taken by Kohaku.
That summer, the temperature reached record highs. The branch family quarters were not accommodated with luxuries like air conditioning or electric fans, so often, they would uncomfortably toss and turn for hours on end. The insufferable heat invigorated Kokaku, however. Restless and anxious, he'd often sneak out of his room and into his older sister's to coax her into playing with him while the rest of the Tao's slumbered. This night was no exception.
"Big sis," Kohaku's hushed voice stirred Sango from her dreamless sleep. "Big sis, big sis." The boy lightly shook her shoulder in a desperate attempt to rouse her to consciousness.
"Mm…" Sango moaned sleepily, her eyes remained closed as her brain became more aware of the situation. "Kohaku...what is it…?" She inquired with a slightly irate groan. Rain, sleet, snow, heat, cold, Sango knew nothing but long, laborious days. A good night's rest was her only treasure and past-time.
"I can't sleep," The younger sibling announced nonchalantly, just as he usually did. "I wanna play!" He declared with an antsy bounce. Servant or not, Kohaku was still but a small child. He still had spurts of energy that needed to be expended before he could unwind. He still desired to have fun and laugh with his sister: something he couldn't do when their family was awake.
"We have to be up for work soon…" the older sibling whined back as she turned so that her back faced her brother. "Go back to sleep. We'll play another day," she grumbled.
"B-But…" Kohaku's voice blubbered as his excitement instantly turned into disappointment.
The sound of her brother's sniffling made Sango sigh and instantly concede. "Fine…" She relented in her sleepy faze. "One game of hide-and-seek. Go hide and I'll come find you in five minutes…"
The boy sniffled and swiped at his moist eyes. He beamed, "R-right!" He eagerly got to his feet and raced out of her room.
'Five...minutes…' Sango reminded herself. '...five...'
Kirara's desperate yowling snapped her mistress awake sometime later. The girl shot up after her spirit warned her. "What did you say?!" Sango felt nothing short of disbelief and horror. "Kirara, let's go!" She leaped to her feet and headed for her door. Once in the hallway, the nekomata transformed into her beast form and allowed her mistress to mount her back. "Hurry, Kirara!" The Tao urged with no regard for being disruptive. They flew through the dark estate like a cheetah through grassland. "Why would he be out here…?!" Sango's heart sank when Kirara entered the Tao's hedge maze garden. Minutes later, the young Tao discovered a scene that changed her forever.
Sango's eyes silently burned like a wildfire at the thought of that fateful night. Even before then, she loathed the Tao family and cursed the fate that she had been dealt. But that night catalyzed everything that she was today. She was the subservient Tao who kept her head down, biding her time as she waited for the perfect opportunity. For years, a voice inside of Sango told her that the opportunity would never arise and to give up.
But alas, the Shaman Fights in Tokyo began.
And Tao Jun requested that Sango accompany her to Japan to support Ren.
Sango told Kagome that the reason that she was grateful to be in Japan was that she never felt so free. But that was not the only reason.
A familiar, light knock on Sango's bedroom door snapped her back to the present. "Sango-chan, are you awake?" Kagome called from the other side.
Sango, who had grown to enjoy Kagome's company, readily answered, "Yes, I am."
"May I come in~?" Was the priestess' polite, follow-up inquiry.
Kagome's warmth made Sango smile despite herself. "You may," Sango replied.
Kagome wasted no time in entering the room and closing the door behind her. Sango immediately noticed the tray of snacks that the girl carried with her. "What is it, Kagome-sa—chan?" Sango was sure to correct her mistake. It was difficult keeping up appearances. While Jun commanded her to treat Kagome with the utmost respect, Kagome demanded that she drop the formalities on numerous occasions. This week was week three of the priestess' stay at their complex and while the girl had certainly become acclimated to her life here, Sango still didn't know what to make of her.
Kagome was a mysterious creature. She was equally kind to everyone that she met, from the Chinese market vendors to the hostile Tao Ren to even a lowly servant girl like Sango. When she could, Sango observed the priestess and eavesdropped on her conversations with her spirit, Jun, Bailong, and Ren. She wanted to figure the girl out. After the weeks passed, all that Sango learned was that the priestess was as spicy as she was sweet. That, and that she was completely smitten with Ren's foe: Asakura Yoh. The girl herself didn't confess her infatuation but Sango easily connected the dots when Kagome brought up Yoh unprovoked five times in the span of thirty minutes one day.
"Oh!" Kagome's smile was wide as she placed the tray of goodies down in the center of the floor. She sat before them as she stated, "Well, I only have a few weeks left here so I wanted to spend as much time with you as I can." The flush to her cheeks was subtle, but not unnoticeable.
Sango followed Kagome's example, rising from her bed to take a seat on the floor. "I suppose time truly is flying by…" The Tao responded with a smile that the priestess couldn't read.
"Mmhm~" The priestess beamed as she added, "All of this training has been draining, but outside of that, being here has been pretty fun~."
"Fun?" Sango blinked, bewildered. She never thought that anyone would consider cohabiting with the Tao family to anything short of hell. But as usual, Kagome was full of surprises.
"Sango-chan…" Kagome's face scrunched with a dreadful incredulousness, "You do know what fun is, right?" She had yet to scratch the surface of the Tao's dark secrets that Sango warned her about weeks ago. But what she knew for sure was that all of them were starved of recreational activities and social interactions with people outside of their family. 'Wow, maybe everyone in the Tao family was raised to be super serious.'
Sango's response was unlike Ren's indignant one. The Tao merely shook her head negatively. "As a member of the branch family…" Sango explained. "I am not allowed such pleasures." Just as before, Kagome's face openly displayed her disgust for Sango's plight.
"What's up with that?! Ugh!" The priestess was as exasperated as she was outraged. "Main family, branch family—who cares about stuff like that these days?!"
Sango's eyes hardened as her hands curled tightly in her lap. "The Tao family does…" She whispered. "They've practiced the same traditions since ancient times...no matter how cruel."
Kagome's vexation turned into concern at the expression on Sango's face. The Tao didn't normally openly wear her heart on her sleeve. But at this moment, Sango's expression distorted as if she had a dreadfully bitter taste on her tongue. "Sango-chan…" the priestess's eyes softened. "...are you alright…?"
Sango had no clue why, but her walls were crumbling. Years ago, she constructed a stone wall in her mind. She didn't allow her true thoughts or feelings to show since then. It was the only way for her to survive. Every year around this, the wall itched but Sango didn't cave into the desire to alleviate it.
But Higurashi Kagome was truly a mystifying being. Ever since they met, the priestess raised a single finger. She used the tip of her fingernail and she scratched at Sango's wall. Each stroke was gentle and subtle. Each stroke came slowly, with no particular pattern. But Kagome scratched at the wall nonetheless.
And now, the wall was coming undone. "No…" Sango's head dipped. Her long bangs cast a shadow over her eyes. Her voice was saturated with acrimony, "And I'll never be alright so long as the Tao family exists."
A loose, worried fist rose to Kagome's chest, she was fearful, "What...do you mean by that…?"
Sango's smile was authentic as plastic. Her brows remained furrowed as she answered cryptically, "Nothing that you need to worry about. Just don't become any more involved with the Tao's than you are now."
Kagome's lips pursed, her tongue temporarily paralyzed with trepidation. Ever since she met Sango, Kagome wanted nothing more than to get to know her. Even when she smiled and treated everyone with professional courtesy, the priestess saw how that warmth never reached her eyes. Kagome attributed how drawn she was to Sango to her eyes alone. She truly wanted to make a difference in Sango's life before they parted.
But every time that Kagome took a step closer, Sango would allow it for a fleeting moment. Then the Tao would shy away, taking five steps back. It was as if Sango wanted her voice heard, but had reservations about using it.
The priestess took a small breath. 'No more being half-hearted. I have to push this.' "Sango-chan, tomorrow—."
"—is the fifth anniversary of my little brother's death," Sango filled in. She knew that Kagome noticed that she was crumbling, caving in. So instead of dancing around the topic, the Tao opted to tell her of the source of her misery.
Kagome's breath was curt and sharp, "I'm so sorry…"
"There's no need for you to apologize, Kagome-chan," Sango assured calmly. She then picked up one of two golden-brown, fish-shaped pastries from the tray. "What is this by the way?" She queried.
"Oh!" Kagome beamed, allowing the older girl to escape from the uncomfortable topic. "That's taiyaki filled with custard!" She chirped. Her cheeks became rosy as she scratched her cheek and looked at her lap. "It's actually a leftover from my date with Tao-kun."
Sango's eyes doubled in size as she leaned towards the younger girl with interest. "You and Ren-sama went out…?!"
Kagome nodded, her smile somewhat bashful as she explained, "Yeah, I guess you can call it a tradition by now. These past three Fridays, we've gone out for taiyaki after training~" Her expression then dissolved into a pout, "But today, he was especially grumpy. He spaced out half the time and didn't even eat his." The priestess didn't verbalize it, but she noticed a thick aura looming over the Tao's all day. Not only was it frustrating to be the odd one out, but Kagome considered all of them as her friends so she wanted to be able to help them.
"You...voluntarily spend time with Ren-sama…?" Sango repeated, beseeching for clarification.
Kagome stifled a chuckle, "Yeah, I do. He's a little rough around the edges but he's not a bad guy."
This was Sango's turn to laugh lightly. "Tao Ren...not a bad guy…?" Sango echoed between giggles. "That's rich. I'd never thought I'd meet someone like you, Kagome-chan."
Kagome sweatdropped as she briefly wondered if the declaration was a compliment. She then smiled and pointed out, "You know, Sango-chan. Your laugh is really pretty."
Sango looked surprised as blood rushed to her cheeks. She squirmed a bit and she muttered, "N-Not at all. You don't need to flatter me like that."
"I'm not flattering you, it's the truth~" Kagome insisted with a closed-eye smile. "So," her eyes opened and settled on Sango's pink face. "What else makes you laugh~?"
Sango stood up and slowly walked towards her closet. "Well, I don't know about laugh, but…" Kagome watched as Sango parted the doors and stepped inside. The Tao stooped over and picked up a cardboard box full of towels. The older girl gently placed the box down on the floor in front of the priestess. "She makes me smile."
Upon peering into the box, Kagome's face lit up. Inside and nestled between a pile of towels was a tiny nekomata laid sleeping on her side. The kitten had cream-colored fur and a small mane, her twin tails were adorned by black markings that matched the black diamond on her forehead. "She's so cute, Sango-chan!" Kagome cooed, causing the cat's red eyes to flutter open. "She's a nekomata, right? I've only seen in her kind in old scrolls at my family's shrine," the girl's voice was lifted with awe.
"Yes, her name is Kirara," Sango replied. "She's my primary spirit." Upon hearing the sound of her name, the nekomata sat up. She observed how freely her mistress spoke to the priestess and proceeded to bunt Kagome's knees.
"Oh, wow~!" The priestess squealed as she stroked beneath Kirara's chin. "That's so awesome! I wish my demon partner was half as cute as she is~!" She exclaimed, delighting in how the demon cat melted into her touch. "Kirara, you're so sweet~ It's nice to meet you~"
"Pardon my intrusion, Kagome-chan," Sango interjected. "But you're training to participate in the Shaman Tournament, correct…?"
Kagome nodded and responded as her eyes never left Kirara, "Yup~ I'm still a beginner but I'm confident that I can hold my own already~" The priestess almost melted at how Kirara purred like a motorboat.
"I see… But you should know," Sango's apprehension turned into a grave tone. "The Shaman Tournament is not to be taken likely. Every shaman who enters is prepared to kill to meet their ends." She informed the younger girl. "And there's only one savior, one Shaman King, so that means you might end up fighting your friends down the road." Sango normally wasn't one to pry into others' affairs due to her upbringing. But Kagome was an exception, the Tao genuinely didn't want the sweet girl to lose her life. Additionally, she believed that someone as soft-hearted as Kagome didn't have what it took to make it far into the competition. But she wasn't going to voice those beliefs.
Kagome sighed as she slightly leaned back, supporting her weight with bent arms. "I know. I've been thinking about it a lot actually…" She admitted. Her eyes stared at the ceiling as she admitted, "I wondered if I'd be able to fight my friends. And I questioned if my wish is strong enough to carry me through the times ahead.
"May I ask…" Sango finally picked up the taiyaki. "Why do you want to be Shaman King…?"
"Heh, well, I didn't want to be Shaman King in the beginning," Kagome's smile became embarrassed, "Actually, for a long time, I didn't really want to be a shaman at all. Ever since I was small, I felt like trying was useless…" A rare wave of ruminative introspection washed through the girl's eye. "I tried hard to be a priestess, but I was lost in my older sister's shadow. And then...eventually, I stop trying so hard. And later, I stopped training altogether. I didn't want to be a priestess or anything."
"And yet, here you are," Sango filled after swallowing the taiyaki.
Kagome nodded, "I am. I met Yoh, and…" Her cheeks flushed and her eyes became tender, raw. "He's a guy who takes life at his own pace, but he still accomplishes so much. He inspired me to pick myself up and try again." Her hands rested over her heart, "I think about him a lot, actually. When I'm training, just the thought of him trying just as hard keeps me going. And also…"
"...also…?" Sango took another nip and leaned forward. She was more captivated by Kagome's tale than expected. The Tao unknowingly was listening with curiosity, not her usual analytical mindset.
"...also…" Kagome repeated. "Lately, when I think about him, I feel so warm. And oddly, I feel like there's something important that I've wanted to tell him for a long time."
"Mm," Sango hummed while clapping pastry residue from her hands. "I see. So, when you are going to confess that you're in love with him?"
Kagome flinched, instantly snapped from her dreamy daze as her entire face was set aflame. Her arms rose and flailed in front of her, "Woah! Woah! Time out! I'm not in love with Yoh! He's my best friend!"
Sango looked skeptical, but Kagome's frantic, flustered face made her concede, but not without an obvious tease. "If you say sooo~"
"W-What about you, Sango-chan?!" Kagome diverted. "Have you ever been in love?"
Sango scoffed at the notion, "Of course not. There's no time for romance or anything like that." She then breathed a heavy sigh, her shoulders slouching, "But I do have a fiance."
Kagome almost fell over at the news. The girl righted herself and as she exclaimed, "What?! You're in a loveless engagement?!" Her shocked expression became a miserable, incredulous one, "Don't tell me…"
"Yup, it was arranged without my consent, and to the most obnoxious man who ever lived," Sango deadpanned for a moment. She then shook her head and returned to their previous topic, "More importantly, Kagome-chan...about your wish…?"
"Oh, right," Kagome blinked at the topic change. "Well," she scratched her cheek. "My friends—they all have dreams and ambitions that can only be achieved if they become Shaman King. And I realized that I want all of my friends to be happy in the end, so…" She confessed, "I want to become Shaman King to make sure everyone's wish is granted." The priestess was flustered by the way her friend deflated after hearing her statement. "What's that look for?!"
Sango's absorbed expression became one that read "I knew it". But quickly, she sighed and smiled. The Tao explained, "Nothing to worry about. For a moment, I was hoping that you'd surprise me with a great ambition of your own. But, of course, you're putting your life on the line for the ones you love."
Kagome returned Sango's smile, "Mmhm. My ambition is nothing grandiose, but I don't need anything like that. I'm happiest when the ones I love are happy." A light bulb lit up in the priestess's head. "By the way, Sango-chan, is there something that you want to do if you become Shaman King?"
Sango's smile was beautifully secretive as she answered, "I just want the power to change the Tao family." This conversation with Kagome only further cemented the Tao's decision. No matter what Tao Jun was scheming, no matter how much her cousin wanted the girl to become Ren's future bride… Sango would not see it through. She wouldn't allow this sweet creature to become tainted by the Tao family. She wouldn't allow another lamb to be thrown to the wolves.
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
Sleep was not a luxury that came to Sango that night. Her mind wouldn't stop racing with thoughts of her plans, her brother, and her new friend. Today was officially the anniversary of Kohaku's death. And it didn't become any easier. Every year, Sango rose to the occasion and greeted the day with more vigor. She channeled her rage and despair into fuel for her body.
Sango rose with the early birds. Her day began with cleansing herself of yesterday's grime. Even as she was pelted by steaming water, her body didn't relax. There was only one way to relieve the tension building in her center. She just had to be patient and go through the motions of the day as usual. After today, her life would surely change.
'I'll only have to endure this for a bit longer…' Sango told herself as stared at her reflection. Like the other rooms, hers had a body-sized mirror. After arriving in Tokyo with Jun, Sango could see herself in her entirety for the first time in her life. She placed her hand on the mirror and took in all that she was. When Sango stared at her nude body, all that she saw was a damaged vessel. Tao Sango was nothing but another pair of hands to work and another body to be used by the Tao family. 'There's nothing inside of me…' She noted her own empty expression.
'I may be a waste of a life, but…' Sango looked at Kagome, who was curled into a ball on her bed. 'I can at least save one person.' With those thoughts, the Tao began to dress for the day. It was the anniversary of Kohaku's death, and Sango dressed to reflect her heart. Today's cheongsam flowed to her ankles and was the purest shade of white. Large, yellow chrysanthemums were embroidered along the fabric from her shins to her bust. She finished the outfit with simple, black slippers.
As Sango prepped the kitchen for breakfast, memories of Kohaku came rushing back to her. She remembered when Kohaku burst into her room in the middle of the night. His chest was heaving and eyes glowing as he clutched a textbook that he snatched from Hiten's room to his chest. Beneath the candlelight, the siblings flipped through the pages. Sango was only eight years old so she couldn't confidently read all of the text, but she hid that from Kohaku as he pointed to words and asked what they said. The boy pointed at the text below a vibrant, printed image. "What does that say, Big Sis?"
"It says Huangguoshu Waterfall," Sango answered with a small smile. "It says here that it's one of the largest waterfalls in China~" She explained.
"Woooaaaah!" Kohaku's glimmered and reflected the tiny flame. "Let's go there someday, Big Sis! You, me—and Mom and Dad!" He proposed with a sweet smile that brought tears to Sango's eyes. The chopping board in front of her darkened with moist spots.
'Kohaku…' Sango's heart called out for him as she aligned the dining room table with dishes. '...Kohaku…' Her heart reached for him as she knocked on Ren's door. '...Kohaku…' Her heart longed for him as she guided a sleepy-eyed Kagome back to the dining room. Sango's mouth struggled from uttering his name as she listed the dishes that she prepared for breakfast.
"Thank you, Sango," Jun replied with a small smile. "You're dismissed."
"Of course, Jun-sama," Sango responded customarily. "Please enjoy your meal." With that said, the Tao bowed deeply before exiting the scene. She was unaware of the conflicted look on Kagome's face.
"Sango-chan...has gone through a lot…" Kagome pointed out, her voice soft and low.
"Yes…" Jun's voice was hushed as she agreed. "I imagine that…today must be so hard for her."
"Tch," Ren scoffed dismissively. "It's been years. She ought to move on."
"Tao-kun, you're impossible!" Kagome was quick to jump to her feet and glare at Ren. Her blood burned hotter when the Tao scion merely picked up his chopsticks and began plucking food for himself. "How can you act so cold towards your own family?! I don't care that she's not part of the main family, Sango-chan is still your family! There's no way that you feel nothing for her!"
"What I feel is irrelevant," Ren answered coolly. "The fact is that she's only hurting herself by acting like this."
Jun looked between Kagome and Ren, concerned that they would get into another spat. But considering the topic, she dreaded that it would be a fight that they couldn't bounce back from. Both teens had a formidable obstinance and held fast to their ideals.
"It's only natural for her to be in a lot of pain right now!" Kagome countered. "Today is the anniversary of her brother's death!" The priestess then looked to Jun, "Wouldn't you be devastated if—?"
That was where Ren drew the line. "Shut up," He hissed. His chopsticks were placed down as his eyes rose to Kagome's. He was seething beneath his breath. "You. stupid. little. girl."
"Why should I?!" Kagome challenged. "You do nothing but demean Sango-chan, when—!" Her eyes widened as Ren was upon her quicker than her brain could register.
In the heated moment, Jun felt helpless. Their chairs were haphazardly abandoned away from the table after Ren flew from his and pushed Kagome's out of his path. Ren and Kagome were but millimeters apart. Their eyes challenged and dared the other to make a move. But neither budged, they stood in a deadlock.
Even through her anger, Kagome could see the conflict flickering like burning turmoil in Ren's eyes. Neither raised a finger to the other, but never refused to back down. The pressure of the silence was mounting and mounting. The tension was like a shake can of soda. Jun watched with bated breath, ready for the moment to pass.
When Kagome's brows furrowed further, Ren huffed. He was fed up with the encounter. "It's useless," His voice, low but sharp, sliced through the air. "Don't assume that you have me and my family figured out when you know nothing." He clicked his teeth and added, "Your impertinence is vexing." The Tao then turned away from the priestess to look at his sister, "Nee-san, I'm going ahead. I've lost my appetite."
Ren intended to end it there. As much as he wanted to put the girl behind him in her place, he would refrain as long as she was their guest—for Jun's sake. He made a move to head towards the training room. But Ren was thwarted by the electricity that shot through his body when Kagome's hands gently clasped around his. "Wait!" She pleaded.
Ren was, once again, aggravated. He was overstimulated, almost overwhelmed by the new source of heat rushing through his blood. He already let the previous moment go, so it wasn't anger. It was unnerving to not understand himself. "...what now?" He questioned, heavy and impatient.
"Tao Ren, Future Head of the Family," even Kagome's voice was reduced to something softer. Ren's mind blanked at her following words. "...the love that you give is what's returned to you." She released his hand and settled for talking to the back of his head. "...that's what...I've always believed. That's why, I worry about you, all of you."
The priestess's eyes went to Jun, who was just as speechless as Ren, "You're right. I don't know anything about your family. But still...my heart goes out to you, because when I see you, I can't imagine the type of love that you were given."
Ren's jaw tightened and lips pursed. Kagome's words forced him to remember his childhood. The innocence and simplicity of youth were stolen from him early. His shoulders were burdened with his inheritance. His hands were calloused with tools of death. His skin was forever stained with blood. He was the future head of the Tao clan. And yet, he was still forced into a role that he never asked for. His body was optimized for cutting down opposers and his mind was molded into bloodlust.
That was the duty that he was given.
But the girl behind him was talking about love.
No doubt, it was because she was born from a place of love.
Which meant, there was no talking her out of those notions. Ren could only mumble, "Unlike you, we Tao's don't have such a luxury." With those words, the scion swiped a bread roll from the table as he headed to blow off some steam.
Once Ren's back disappeared behind the door, Kagome suddenly felt drained. She allowed herself to sink to her knees. She sighed as Jun sprinted around the table with a worried expression. "Jun-neesan…" Kagome frowned, ashamed of how she allowed herself to lose her composure again. "I'm sorry…"
"You don't need to apologize, Kagome-chan," Jun replied warmly as she lent a hand to the girl. The dàoshì pulled the priestess to her feet. Jun was visibly troubled, and Kagome immediately felt guilt. "It's just that… I want you to understand that Sango isn't the only one having a hard time right now." The Tao readjusted Kagome's chair and gestured to the girl to sit, which she did compliantly. Jun then fixed Ren's seat before retaking her own.
Kagome, like Ren, lost her appetite after the ordeal. She could barely look Jun in the eye as she spoke, "I can see that now… I feel really bad about making Tao-kun so upset."
Jun shook her head and smiled reassuringly, "Don't worry about him. Ren is a strong boy. He's just going through a lot of changes right now and he doesn't know how to deal with them yet."
Kagome blinked and questioned, "Puberty…?"
Jun's head banged against the table surface. Her forehead was red when she raised her head. "Mental puberty," Jun clarified. "Puberty of the heart."
"I see…" Kagome whispered as she shifted in her seat. "Hey, Jun-neesan… May I ask you something...about your family…?"
Jun's eyes closed, as if she was meditating on her answer. She was unresponsive for a few brief moments. But the Tao ended up heaving a sigh. Her eyes reopened and met Kagome's with apprehension. "Of course, you can. What do you want to know, Kagome-chan?"
Jun's uneasiness was palatable.
But Kagome pressed on, despite her mirrored jitters. "...What happened to Kohaku back then…?" She asked the question that Jun was expecting. "He died so young, so…" The priestess didn't have to verbalize her train of thought. She concluded what any rational person would in her shoes would.
"It was…" Jun sounded too ashamed and heartbroken to speak it. "...terrible, what they did to that boy." She wasn't an eye witness to the incident, but given her position in the family, word spread to her ears fast. "Kohaku was caught running around outside one night. And as a branch member, his access to the outdoors was heavily restricted. A few branch members have tried to defect from the Tao family in the past, so… Any branch member found outside without permission from the head would be treated as a runaway."
Kagome's hand rose to her mouth as she listened to Jun's recount.
"The ones who found him did what Tao's typically did to servants… they beat him. And it should have ended there, but, Kohaku fought back," The Tao couldn't look Kagome in the eye anymore. "And most Tao's don't take insubordination well… They...brutalized him."
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
11:50 P.M. was what Sango's clock read. It was almost time for her operation to commence. Sango had long prepared for this night. She changed out of her mourning dress and into her battle gear. Her ponytailed hair flowed down to her armor-covered posterior. Her body was suited in black leather armor covered with pink, protective plates. Her stash of poisons and finesse weapons were tucked within the sash around her waist. Her gas mask was secured around her neck. And finally, she strapped her Hiraikotsu to her back; she would need it in the near future.
"Are you ready, Kirara?" Sango asked of the nekomata sitting at her feet. Kirara mewed back affirmatively. The Tao couldn't help but smile warmly at the demon. She was her first friend, and the only one who truly understood her. She squatted down to Kirara's level, "From here on out, the remainder of our time together will be nothing but battle and bloodshed. You know that, right?"
"Mew!"
"You've served the Tao's for countless generations," Sango pointed out. "I'm sure they put you through hell, and if we fail, it'll become much worse for you… Are you still willing to commit high treason with me?"
"Mew!"
"Thank you, Kirara," Sango was touched that the demon's true loyalty lied with her.
"Mew!"
Sango smiled and gave Kirara's cheek a gentle stroke.
She looked at the clock again: 11:51 P.M.
"Kirara, it's time to go." With that said, Sango turned off her lamp light and headed for the door. The wind and darkness carried them through the halls. Her leaps were long but her landings were inaudible. Her ponytail flapped behind her as she sped through the night. She passed Kagome's room and Jun's room without a sound.
Sango wasted no time in quietly twisting the grand, golden handles, opening the doors, and slipping inside with Kirara behind her. Even the doors were muted when she closed them behind her. Every step she took, every move she made was calculated precisely to be as silent a grave. She stilled the sound of her breath and honed in on Ren's. 'He's sound asleep. Good.' She gingerly placed her boomerang in a nearby corner then made her way to Ren's bed. Her violet eyes were glowing with her contempt as she leered down at Ren's motionless body.
11:54 P.M: six minutes remaining.
In one smooth, precise motion, Sango pulled her dagger from its sheath. 'Tao Ren… Tao Jun… I curse you and the rest of the Tao family for what happened to Kohaku.' Sango double gripped the handle and raised the blade above her head. No matter how powerful or skilled he was, Tao Ren still bled like any other man. One stab in just the right spot would do him in, slowly and painfully: the way that all Tao's deserved.
'It's for the best,' Sango's inner voice iterated. 'It's not only for myself… but for Kohaku… and Kagome-chan too.'
11:55: five minutes remaining, sufficient time to bring Tao Ren to his end.
The image of Kohaku's sweet, smiling face flashed before her eyes. 'Because of them… Because of this damned family…' She thought bitterly as her heart clutched. It tried to reach for Kohaku, but there was nothing to touch.
Kohaku's violet eyes,
his cute freckles,
his preppy ponytail…
Everything about him had been so endearing and sweet and precious and…
He was the embodiment of a creature that should have been cherished and protected.
But the Tao's still took all of that sunshine away.
They desecrated the only figure of purity in the family.
'Kohaku… I'll make them pay for what they did to you…' Sango vowed. 'They'll all be punished.' She then lowered her dagger and returned to single-gripping the blade.
11:56 P.M: four minutes remaining.
Slowly, tenderly, as if it were her fingers caressing a lover, Sango's dragged her blade along the skin of Ren's neck. She traced his jugular as she contemplated, 'If I slit his throat, he'll die slow and alone, just like Kohaku did.' Her heart was at a standstill as she mulled over her options. 'And he'll struggle to scream for help and he'll struggle and suffer as he'll try to crawl away to safety…' A semblance of a smile spread across her face. 'Only Jun will mourn his death anyway.'
Sango's eyes widened when that thought was followed by doubt. 'Only Jun will care...right…? No one else will be hurt…' She wanted to believe that she wouldn't hurt anyone who didn't deserve pain. But the Tao was brought back to the conversation she had with Kagome just before the priestess retired for bed earlier.
Hours ago, the girl spent a considerable time recounting the amazing things that Asakura Yoh had done since they met. Sango chuckled from behind her hand, "It sounds like you're very fond of this Yoh person, huh?" Kagome flushed but nodded cheerily. "You say Yoh fought against Ren-sama. So how is it that you can stand being around him? Ren-sama, I mean."
Kagome tapped her chin and looked upward to think. "Well… I don't know really…" she admitted. "Our first meeting was definitely not on good terms because I ended up slapping him and he got me good with that weapon of his," Kagome chuckled when Sango's jaw fell open. "But… I don't know." She repeated. "I guess you could say that I've forgiven him."
"You forgave him after he almost mortally injured your dear friend and put you both in the hospital...?" Sango questioned, incredulous and bewildered. Kagome was beyond saintly in Sango's eyes. She wouldn't make a good Tao, this Sango was certain of.
Kagome nodded again before she smiled softly. "Honestly...when Jun-neesan first offered to let me stay here, Tao-kun was the main reason why I was hesitant. I was nervous to stay under the same roof as him. But now…"
"But now…?" Sango was again drawn into Kagome's words.
"But now, I know that there's something different about him. He's not the same person that he was when we first met." Sango couldn't believe her eyes. Kagome's smile was so gentle when she spoke about the Tao scion. It was as if she was talking about someone important, someone she liked, a friend. "Right now, Tao-kun is still a prickly caterpillar."
Sango deadpanned internally, 'Well, you've got the prickly part right.'
"It sounds strange, but… Someday, he'll undergo metamorphosis," Kagome told her. "And he'll emerge as something truly wonderful." The priestess sounded so hopeful but so sure of herself at the same time.
No.
She wasn't sure of herself, but sure of Tao Ren.
11:57 P.M: only three minutes till the day would end.
'Kagome-chan sees light where no one else can…' Sango thought absently. Her predatory gaze faltered. 'Could it be that… there's a light in Tao Ren that I don't see…?' The very thought horrified her.
But then, the memory of Kohaku's laughter resounded in her head.
'No, he's still a Tao!' Sango reminded herself. 'The only precious Tao died years ago! I have to get Kohaku's revenge before midnight…! It'll be too late by then…!' Despite her denial, her hand began to tremble.
11:58 P.M: so much time wasted.
'Besides… Kagome-chan sees the entire world through rosy lenses!' Sango rationalized. 'She thinks that I'm a good person! She thinks I'm worth fighting for! But she's wrong!' The assassin's eyes prickled with stinging moisture. 'I'm a Tao. I'm just as dirty…'
[ "I don't want our friendship to end, no matter what happens." ]
[ "M-my sister and I work hard every day. Can you stop bullying us?" ]
'Shut up! Leave me alone!' Sango commanded of Kagome's and Kohaku's voices. 'I can't focus!' Her free hand rose to touch her forehead. They were the only souls that were worth protecting. They were the only ones worth listening to. They both were such lovely creatures, but her memories tore Sango up inside. She was conflicted, confused, suddenly undecided. Sango's song of vengeance was being drowned out by a symphony of memories.
[ "I've forgiven him." ]
[ "Let's go there someday, Big Sis!" ]
[ "Someday, he'll undergo metamorphosis. And he'll emerge as something truly wonderful." ]
11:59 A.M: no more time to waste.
Sango's abandoned dagger hit the floor with a muffled thud. She dropped to her knees, defeated by herself. Breathing was just as painful as knowing her brother would never come back. "K-Ko...haku…" Her voice wavered and bubbled in her throat. That was it. That was her one opportunity to bring the Tao family to justice. And she let it slip away, just like she let Kohaku slip away into the night. And just like Kohaku, this chance would never return.
"I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…" She slapped her hands over her eyes and wept into her palm. "I just can't do it. I'm too weak… I can't—! I can't, even though I've wanted to for so long…" Her body trembled, her voice nothing more than pitchy whines, "I can't kill him. I can't kill Tao Ren."
[ Click ]
12:00 A.M.
Sango lowered her hands from her face and looked to the left. Sango and Kagome were by the nightstand, where the lamp was flipped on. "Y-You two…" She whispered shakily. "You were here all this time...?"
With troubled eyes, Jun nodded slowly as Kagome's eyes reflected a type of sorrow that Sango couldn't name. Pain? Disappointment? What is it? The Tao didn't have time to ponder it.
She turned her head back to the bed but was greeted by the gleaming tip of Ren's kwandao. Sango lifted her eyes to the scion, who was standing on top of his bed, displeased. "And you were awake this entire time." With a flicker of flames, Kirara transformed into her true form. Her coat bristled as she hissed and bared her teeth at Ren.
"Tch, of course, I was," was Ren's cool reply without paying the nekomata any mind. "As if you could get the drop on the Tao heir." He briefly glanced at Kagome and added, "Even that dumbass could tell something up." Just as quickly, his eyes returned to Sango as he ignored the priestess's cry of 'Hey, I resent that!'
Sango breathed a bitter sigh, her shoulders relaxing, "So I was doomed to fail from the start…" She placed a hand on Kirara's paw and shook her head, "It's okay, Kirara. It's over already." The nekomata looked down at her mistress and took in her defeated, pleading smile. A moment later, she returned to her smaller form, albeit hesitantly.
Still, those red, slitted eyes warily watched Ren as he hopped off his bed, kwandao still in hand. The heir stared Sango down with a glower, "Because you're a Tao, I wouldn't expect any less from you, Sango. I'm not the slightest bit surprised that you tried to kill me." His eyes narrowed even more as he proclaimed, "But what actually kills me is that you had the arrogance to think that you could fool me. Even more that you thought that I wouldn't detect you."
"I can see how that could be an insult to you, Ren…" Sango responded lowly.
Kagome took a step forward, "Sango-chan—"
"Save it!" Sango snapped bitterly. "How I envy you, Kagome-chan. I wish that I was born into a family like yours." She turned her head and gave the priestess a watery smile. "But now is the chance for you to open up your eyes to the real world: to the truth about us Tao's. We are not forgiving humans, we are not to be forgiven."
"But—" Kagome tried to step forward but was stopped by Jun's firm grasp. "Onee-san…" She whispered, but the dàoshì discouraged the girl with a shake of her head.
"Stay out of it, dumbass," Ren commanded, "This doesn't concern you." He then turned his attention back to Sango and inquired, "You're aware of the punishment for high treason, correct?"
Sango nodded slowly and answered, "For a main family member, sixty days in solitary confinement... For a branch family member, the punishment is…" Kagome paled. "...capital."
"Sango," Ren spat her name like it was venomous. "It's about time you learned the true meaning of being Tao nobility," he declared as he made of a show of spinning his weapon.
"Yes," Sango nodded before she closed her eyes. "I graciously accept my punishment." She tilted her neck and aimed her face for the sky beyond the ceiling. 'Kohaku, forgive me… But I surrender to this darkness.'
The darkness behind her eyelids was inviting, peaceful, so quiet.
This is what she imagined death to be like.
Relief.
Sango awaited that sweet release.
She could finally stop trying, stop suffering.
She waited.
And waited.
"Oi," Ren called through the void. "Open your eyes, dumbass." Sango obeyed, and was surprised to find her cousin's hand extended to her. "If you have any pride as a Tao left, stand up."
Sango felt her lower lip tremble. But she fought back. "What about my punishment?!" She glared up at Ren with teary eyes. "You're a Tao! You're supposed to kill me now!"
"I can do whatever I want," Ren told her huffily. "Now take my damn hand already. Don't make me tell you again," he warned.
"Sango-chan, what Ren is trying to say is that…" Kagome interjected. "He's forgiven you."
Sango gasped when she finally met Ren's eyes. All of these years, she kept her head down and worked her fingers to the bone. She avoided all Tao eyes because she was repulsed by what she imagined. But now... 'Impossible!' She saw it: the bud of something benign and gentle. 'Tao's are incapable of such emotions,' she denied internally. 'This isn't real!'
Finally, Jun spoke up as she smiled warmly, "Go on, Sango. Don't keep my dear little brother waiting."
Sango's eyes hardened. She slapped Ren's hand away. "No!" She scrambled to snatched the dagger beside her. "Everyone in the Tao family is a ruthless and heartless killer!" She protested as she stumbled to her feet. Sango was shaking violently. "That's why I have to end this family, one by one, until everyone, including myself, is DEAD!"
Sango lunged for Ren but was easily thwarted when he caught her armed wrist. His other hand open-palmed Sango's stomach. Her eyes widened as she was winded and crashed to the floor. She landed unceremoniously on her behind.
"Damn it, woman," Ren grumbled. "Stop being so difficult before I—!"
"What?! Kill me?!" Sango scoffed bitterly. "Like they killed Kohaku?" Through her fury, she didn't see how Ren almost flinched. "And then what?!" Her voice suddenly weakened and wavered, "Will the same fate befall me…?" Her jaw clenched before she questioned, "Will you turn me into a kyonshi as well?!"
Kagome's inhale was sharp. Her heart skipped a beat. 'They...turned their own family into…?' She looked up at Jun with horrified eyes, "Is that true…?"
Jun couldn't hold the priestess's gaze. She stared at the floor as she confirmed, "Yes. Unfortunately...it's true." The dàoshì looked at Sango and added, "But, Sango, you must know that Ren and I had nothing to do with what happened to Kohaku. We were only children back then. We only learned about the incident after it was too late."
Sango demanded through fiery tears, "Then tell me who ordered for Kohaku to be made into a kyonshi?! Who's the one to blame?!"
"The source of all of our hatred…" Ren cut in. "Our father, Tao Yúan."
"Tao Yúan, huh?" Sango echoed before chuckling bitterly. "Well, it's not like I wasn't going to kill him too…" She whispered. "But, it looks like that won't happen."
"Sango-chan…" Kagome finally went to her friend's side. She knelt beside her. Sango teen tensed when Kagome placed her hand on her shoulder. "It's all over now, Sango-chan," the priestess said soothingly. "So let's all go to bed now."
"How can you trust that I won't try anything when you're all asleep?" Sango questioned. "You know I'm nothing but a bloodthirsty traitor, so why...?"
Ren had to refrain from huffing or scoffing, "Are you dumb? She said that it's over and done."
Jun also made her way to Sango, wearing a proud smile, "And we all knew that you wouldn't be able to kill Ren… That's why no one took the steps to intervene or stop you when you first snuck in."
Sango's eyes flashed with raw emotion. "How could any of you know that for sure? None of you really know the true me. How can you trust and put faith in a stranger?"
Kagome gave Sango's shoulder a gentle squeeze and answered, "Sango-chan, it's because we know the true you that we trust you. And we were right, you see. Even though you think you're a bad person because you were born a Tao, I still see the good in you, Sango-chan."
Sango braced herself for what she knew coming: a flood.
Kagome was doing it again; she was scratching at the wall.
"Your goodness is easy to see, because of how much you doubt it. You feel like a monster. You feel guilt and hesitation because you're a good person," Sango's heart stuttered. "Sango-chan… You've given us all the proof we need to trust you."
This time, Kagome wasn't chipping away alone.
Ren and Jun were there too, chiseling at Sango's defenses.
It had been so long since someone moved Sango this way. For years, she had the mindset that all Tao's were foul, including herself. She hated them all, including herself. She wanted to destroy them all, including herself. But Kagome made her realize that there was more to her than her pain and her anger. Kagome looked below the surface, dove deeper. She swam towards the darkest depths of the sea to find Sango's true self. And Tao and Ren were there, right beside her.
"Y-you guys—!" Sango's words gurgled at the back of her mouth. "R-Ren, I'm so…!" Sango launched herself at him. He barely wept his footing as she wrapped her arms around his waist.
Ren instantly flushed from the proximity. "D-Dumbass!" Was all he could manage, unsure of what to say or do. Sango only tightened her grip around him and sobbed hard into his belly.
"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" Sango cried out. "You may forgive me but… I don't know if I can forgive myself! Or if Kohaku can…! B-But…!"
Ren squirmed, shifted, looking lost and uncomfortable. His cheeks were red as he raised a hesitant hand and placed it on top of Sango's head. He bristled and blushed harder from Kagome and Jun's shared amused smiles. "Hurry up and stop crying," the scion grumbled, unable to hide the edge in his voice.
Sango seemed reluctant to release Ren but she slowly obliged and sat back onto her butt. Her sniffling didn't cease as she wiped tears away from her eyes. "…Thank you," she whispered.
"Whatever," Ren replied, crossing his arms while turning his face away to hide his embarrassment. "But just know that the next time you try to pull something like that with me, I'll—!"
Suddenly Kagome slapped a hand over the Tao's mouth and spoke over his muffled voice, "Hug you even more!" She ignored the obvious slant of Ren's eyebrows and the hushed obscenities that spewed against her palm. "Eh?" The priestess stiffened when Sango's eyes welled up again. "S-Sango-chan, what's wrong!?" the priestess flailed as Ren scoffed and Jun giggled.
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
Kagome was naturally unaware of what her friends at the Asakura residence were up at. Earlier that day, as the priestess consulted with Jun and Ren about how oddly Sango was behaving, Yoh had his own proposal.
After Anna left the house for an undisclosed errand, the boys departed to unwind at Jonathan's, an American-style diner. Yoh swallowed his last french-fry. He then smiled and announced, "Hey, guys. I have an idea."
"There's a first time for everything, I guess," HoroHoro replied nonchalantly before sipping his cola.
"Ehhhh?! Why does everyone take shots at me?!" The Asakura wondered while looking between the grinning faces of his friends. "And here I was going to let you talk to Kagome."
"Kagome-chan?" HoroHoro exclaimed as he jumped on top of his seat. "Really?!
Manta also looked up at Yoh curiously, "How will you do that, Yoh-kun?"
Yoh grinned proudly, "Hee hee." The brunette reached into his pants pocket and pulled out his cell phone. "Ta-dah! Remember this, Manta?!"
Ryu blinked as he looked at the device with interest, "Come to think of, Kagome-sama had one just like this one."
"Ahhhhh," Manta died a little on the inside as he grumbled, "Why didn't I think of that...?"
"Do you have yours, Manta?" Yoh inquired curiously.
The blond gave him a deadpanned look, "As if I'd ever carry that thing around with me."
"Anyway, more importantly, call Kagome-chan!" HoroHoro piped in.
Yoh smiled and nodded before pressing the speed dial he assigned to Kagome. He placed the phone in the center of the table and activated the speakerphone. They waited anxiously as it rang once, twice, thrice.
Then a familiar, chipper voice came from the other end.
"Hello?" Kagome asked.
"KAGOME/KAGOME-CHAN/KAGOME-SAMA!" The group chorused.
Manta blushed and scratched the back of his head embarrassedly when he realized that people were staring at them. "S-Sorry about that…"
"Oh, hi!" She stated in a cheerful, recognizing tone.
"Kagome, it was horrible!"/"Kagome-chan, it's so boring around here now!" "Kagome-sama, how are you doing?!" Yoh, HoroHoro, and Ryu replied respectively.
Manta twitched as he realized what would follow.
"Wait, wait, wait, wait," Kagome cut them off. "Before you say anything, I have to tell you: I have missed your call. Please leave a message and I'll get back to you~!" The answering machine then beeped to signify that they could begin their voice message.
"Kagome, listen, listen! Ever since you left, It's been so gloomy because there's no one else to share Anna's wrath with!"
"Kagome-chan~! You need to come back soon because aside from Anna, it's nothing but a sausage feast here!"
"Kagome-chan, the household is falling apart without you. Yoh-kun needs you more than anything right now."
"Kagome-sama, we're worried about you. Make sure to check with us soon!"
[ Beep, Beep, Beep ]
Yoh blinked at his phone and said, "I guess that was the end of the message."
Manta smiled awkwardly and pointed out, "No one even said to call back."
"She's a smart girl, she'll call back as soon as she gets our message," HoroHoro stated.
"I just hope my phone is still safe by then," Yoh sighed as he propped his head into his hand. "Since Anna disconnected the house phone, I can only talk with this…until she gets tired of it too."
"Why exactly did she disconnect the phone anyway?" Manta inquired.
"She says it might distract me from training," Yoh grumbled with a scowl.
HoroHoro took the largest remaining slice of pizza and remarked, "That's rough, buddy."
Elsewhere, a cloaked figure was perched atop of a tree branch. His eyes reflected the white light of Kagome's phone screen. He smirked at the voicemail notification.
"Sorry, boys. I can't have you distracting my little canary."
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
It was a waiting game.
And Ren was not the type for waiting.
In fact, the Tao heir's reservoir of patience was growing drier and drier by the second.
Nevertheless, the mental image of Kagome burning holes into his skull with a disapproving glare was sufficient in gluing his feet to the floor. His golden eyes glanced at his older sister, who was all but drifting off into sleep as she wobbily leaned into Bailong's muscular chest for support. Every few moments, her head dropped for a split second before she caught herself slipping.
His well-trained ears had been in tune with the sounds that pierced the darkness of Sango's bedroom. His cousin's sobs and Kagome's soothing whispers were the only signs that the two young women were still awake at this ungodly hour.
There was something about waiting that distorted one's sense of time. Ren was no exception to that cruel fate of humanity. He was unaware of how his slippered foot was lightly tapping the hall floor, betraying the calm expression on his face.
Finally, the heavy weeping began fading into whimpers and sniffles.
Likewise, Kagome's whispers dropped into a sound barely audible to any human ear.
A few minutes later, Ren heard Kagome's careful footfalls as she tip-toed away from Sango's bed and out of her room. The priestess looked genuinely surprised when she noticed Ren and Jun waiting outside. The surprise then became a proud smile. "Hey," She greeted them. Kagome's voice easily lifted the heavy weight on Jun's eyelids. The older teen stood up straight to properly engage the smiling girl. "She finally fell asleep," Kagome informed them, her voice was one of relief and contentment.
"Bout damn time," Ren muttered, unable to hide his exasperation. The arms that had been folded across his chest dropped as he ignored Kagome's glare. The shaman turned a tired glare at Kagome as he added, "We all need to get some sleep."
It was not that he didn't care about Sango's wellbeing.
Rather, it had been a long, stressful night for all of them.
Before Sango's unsuccessful assassination attempt, Ren had been spent hours mulling over what he would do when she tried to enact her spiteful plot. His mental simulations failed to prepare him for the true impact of the confrontation.
"Well, I think we should do something nice for Sango-chan," Kagome responded as her blue eyes looked up at the ceiling in a thoughtful manner. She delicately raised a hand to her mouth as she pointed out, "After all that's happened, she'll probably be too exhausted to do her chores."
Jun's eyes flashed with recognition. Her tired facial expression molded into a warm, grateful one. Kagome truly cared about Sango. She cared about Sango more than anyone had in a long time. This type of love and attention was something that a neglected child needed. The dàoshì placed a hand over her heart, earning an inquisitive look from Bailong. "Alright then, Kagome-chan," Jun replied, more than willing to follow her lead. "What do you suggest?"
Kagome's bright smile made Ren bristle and turn to protest to his sister, "Nee-san!"
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
"Alright!" Kagome smiled, a determined look on her face as she pumped both of her fists. "We have to do our best to make a delicious breakfast for Sango-chan!" She told the Tao siblings and the guardian spirits. She looked at the faces of her helpers: Ren was sulking with a scowl; Jun was smiling and looked prepared; Bailong also appeared willing to lend a hand. Sesshomaru merely observed from a corner of the kitchen. Kirara, naturally, remained by Sango's side as she slept.
Bason smiled while placing his hands on the glowering Ren's pajama-clad shoulders, "Do not fret, bocchama." The warrior spirit was not daunted by the glare that his partner gave him from over his shoulder, "This will be the perfect opportunity to show M'Lady that you're capable of learning and growing."
The scion raised a curious eyebrow at Bason, "Your Lady?"
Bason then looked over at Kagome and lowered his voice, "It's the proper title for the young lady that you seem so fond of."
Ren blushed and pulled away from Bason, spewing out in denial, "Me fond of her?" He tossed a quick look of disgust in Kagome's direction. "Can ghosts go soft in the head?"
The duo's private exchange was interrupted by Kagome placing a hand on her hip while pointing a chopping knife at them and shouting, "You two! Less talking, more listening!"
Bason gave the girl an apologetic smile and a small wave, "M-My apologies, M'Lady!"
"You think that I'm fond of a girl like her?" Ren scoffed at his partner before lazily shuffling over to Kagome's side to hear her demands. It did not mean that he was going to comply though.
"You two are probably complete novices in the kitchen," Kagome said straightforwardly as she began rummaging through the refrigerator for ingredients that would give her an idea of what to make. "We should make something simple and hearty this time around." Jun giggled when her younger brother twitched at the latter part of the priestess' sentence. "A breakfast casserole should be easy enough~!"
"Castle...role...?" Bailong repeated slowly while tilting his head slightly. "What's that?"
Kagome smiled, "It's Western but it's good, trust me~" Her blue eyes scanned the many edible contents of the refrigerator for ingredients that would go well in the dish. Spotting eggs, cheese, and milk lifted her already high spirits. The priestess looked over her shoulder and barked out in a tone that was far too authoritative for the Tao heir's liking, "Hey, Tao-kun! Stop being lazy and help me out here! Put the stuff that I grab on the counter! And be careful!"
Golden eyes narrowed at the command.
"You're not the boss of me," Ren huffed while crossing his arms defiantly. "Your arms aren't broken. Do it your damn self."
The angry vein that pulsed on Kagome's forehead gave her saccharine voice and sweet smile a darker intonation, "Tao-kun, my dear~ You don't want Jun-neesan to find out about your little secret, do you~?"
This question got Ren's attention. "Secret?" He questioned with a lifted brow. He watched as Kagome reached into the fridge and pulled out a carton of milk. He stiffened when she smiled impishly as she shook it delicately and sloshed around its liquid content. "Are you a priestess, or a demon?" He grumbled. Her smile only widened. "Demon confirmed."
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
The small crew finally got to work after a few more spats between Kagome and Ren had been settled. Kagome requested that Bailong chop up an assortment of fresh fruit. In Ren's eyes, she had batted her pretty eyelashes and suckered him into doing it. Not that Ren thought that her eyelashes were pretty; he definitely did not think that.
The priestess then explained to Jun how to make riceballs. Of course, from Ren's perspective, she actually took advantage of his older sister's naive kindness. It was that damn smile of hers.
"Tao-kun, you're going to help me with the main dish," Kagome stated as she pulled him to her side at the counter.
He didn't bother resisting the eye-roll that ensued as the girl continued her demands. "You realize that I call the shots around here, right?" He asked her in a deadpanned voice.
Ren expected Kagome to completely ignore him or give him a sassy retort. Instead, the girl beside him smiled rather cutely and replied in a playful voice, "Not while I'm around~" She then lightly tapped him on the nose. Jun smiled from her spot near the rice cooker when she saw her brother reeled back in surprise.
He was quick to recover, however. With a scoff, Ren scowled at Kagome, "We'll see about that," he half-heartedly rebutted before quipping impatiently, "Well, what do you want me to do?"
The priestess beamed as she slid the carton of eggs across the counter surface until it sat in front of Ren. "You can start by putting ten eggs into this big bowl," She told him while pointing at the large mixing bowl next to the carton. Kagome nodded approvingly at Ren's unimpressed shrug. She was glad that he was finally being agreeable.
The girl then turned to the large tube of pink, ground sausage in front of her. Kagome was no master chef but she was more than competent in the kitchen. She smiled at the thought of impressing Sango with her culinary skills. Ever since the start of her stay with the Tao's, she had been spoiled by Sango's amazing cooking or fine dining outings courtesy of Jun. 'Today is my chance to shine!' She nodded to herself as she began moving between the counter of ingredients and the stovetop. Her first task would be seasoning and browning the sausage for the casserole.
It only took a few dashes of rosemary, salt, and pepper, and light cooking for the kitchen to begin smelling heavenly. Ren groaned and blushed a bit when his stomach lightly growled in anticipation. He stole a glance at Kagome who was humming to herself and bouncing her head from side to side as she worked on her task. There was no way that something so simple could be considered cute, at least by Ren's standards. "Okay," She smiled as she turned away from her task for a moment to check on her helpers. "How are you guys doi—EH?!"
Kagome's blue eyes widened in horror and shock—at the display of sheer incompetence from the Tao's. Despite being a kung-fu master, Bailong managed to chop a few of his fingers into thick slices. It took Jun too much focus and concentration as she failed to open the plastic package of nori. Meanwhile, Ren was looking way too pleased with his work: he had literally placed the eggs from the carton into the mixing bowl...whole and uncracked. Kagome sweatdropped as her eye twitched. "You've...gotta be kidding me..." Her eye twitched.
S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.
Jun had resigned herself into becoming an observer after she successfully made an assortment of fancy riceballs. She surprised and impressed even herself after tasting one. Moreover, she would not admit to it anyone, but watching Kagome and Ren interact was priceless in her book! So the older teen left the rest up to them. In addition, she thoroughly enjoyed watching Bailong bumble and stumble around basic kitchen activities.
From the moment that Jun had laid eyes on Kagome, she knew that she wanted the girl as a younger sister. Despite the anger in her blue eyes from their hostile first encounter, the Tao appraised the girl as a possible bride for Ren. From her stormy pools for eyes that starkly contrasted her skin, to the fiery rise in the face of danger—Kagome immediately showed promise as a future Tao. And now, Jun was convinced that the way Kagome forced—sway, her younger brother to do her bidding was even more proof of that.
Ren glared at Kagome and asked gruffly, "What is it now?" Aggravation was clear in his voice after the girl beside him stifled a laugh behind her hand. Even though she didn't blatantly poke fun at his attempts at cooking this time, her eyes were clearly glowing with mirth.
"Your chopping skills are pretty much non-existent," Kagome told him as her lips twitched. She was obviously trying to fight the urge to burst into laughter. Ren didn't know if he was grateful for her restraint, or if it was more humiliating that she pitied him enough not to laugh. "Here, let me show you~" She offered as she positioned herself against Ren's back and reached around to place her hand on top of his. Ren stiffened from the sudden close contact. "Relax," she whispered. "I don't bite, I promise~"
That promise did nothing to quell the sudden acceleration of Ren's heart.
Hiding the effects of close proximity to the girl behind him was easy enough though. No one could see his face from where he was standing. "Tch." He allowed her small hands to guide him through the proper motions of chopping the bell peppers. "I'd just bite you back," he warned her. It was supposed to be a threat, but Kagome only found it amusing enough to chuckle about.
After a few moments of showing Ren the ropes, Kagome released his hand and left his personal space to observe if he had picked up on the technique. She beamed at him after watching his motions, "Oh wow! You're a pretty quick learner!" She marveled, "Good job~!" She gently patted him on the shoulder.
Kagome's compliment and smile earned her a confident smirk and an, "Of course. I'm the heir of the Tao family." Jun's expression became even dreamier as she watched them.
About an hour and a half later, the casserole was finally in the oven to bake all of the ingredients together. He would not admit it, but Ren was grateful that Kagome decided to take on the remainder of the cooking herself. He was beat, too tired to learn something as simple as miso soup. He had taken a seat next to his sister at the kitchen island to rest as Kagome merrily put her all into the final dish.
Both Tao's had discovered that cooking was a lot more laborious than they had originally thought. If there was anything that they would take away from this experience it was, "I'm grateful to Sango for preparing such wonderful food for us every day ~" Jun whispered to her younger brother.
While Ren's conclusion was simply, "I'm never doing this again."
Their brief conversation was interrupted by Kagome waving Ren over with a casual, "Tao-kun, I need you." Ren sighed deeply, shaking his head at the girl's neediness as he obediently got up from his seat and strolled over to Kagome at a deliberately leisurely pace.
"What is it this time, your Majesty?" His tone was all but thick with sarcasm.
Kagome was not bothered by the tone. She knew why he was so grumpy. Partly because he was exhausted and hungry, and mostly because he was Ren. She ladled a small portion of the soup into a tasting cup and blew it on before holding it up to his lips. "Tell me what you think."
It was a simple enough request.
Without complaints, Ren took a long sip of the broth.
He gave a curt nod and suggested, "A bit more salt."
Kagome smiled at the response and nodded back, "Thanks. I thought so, but I wanted your input first~" she admitted.
Jun almost melted at how Ren stiffened from those words. She knew this marked the beginning of something beautiful and new chapter in Tao history. But she winced at Ren's casual way of getting Kagome's attention, "Hey, dumbass."
But to Jun's surprise, Kagome half-turned away from her pot with a good-natured smile, "What's up~?"
Ren's ears and neck flushed, despite the sulking expression on his, "...give your e-mail." The priestess blinked, not expecting the request now of all times. "It's not that I want to talk to you or anything, but, you know—just in case."
His face further reddened when Kagome stifled a giggle, "You're such a tsundere~"
Authoress' Notes: Eh, I have no aptitude for naming OC's so Sango's mother Tao Hǎiyáng, her given name means "sea" or "ocean". It's simple but since Sango means "coral", why not? Additionally, I had Sango wear a white cheongsam with yellow chrysanthemums because white is often worn to Chinese funerals. Additionally, chrysanthemums in white or yellow are used in funerals so I thought it would be an appropriate pattern since Sango always mourns Kohaku, especially on his death day.