InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Demon Slayer Sango ❯ Chapter 27 ( Chapter 27 )

 

Fluff ahoy!

 

Chapter 27

 

"Miro you really have to take better care of yourself, you obviously haven't been getting enough sleep."

 

Sango and Miroku walked together near the exercise yard outside the palace. The taijiya felt much better and was almost herself again after having spent several days in the palace infirmary. She was eating more, and the color had returned to her cheeks. Her companion was pleased to find her so improved.

 

"Don't worry about me, Sango."

 

"Promise you'll eat something tonight...you've become nothing but skin and bone!"

 

Miroku laughed, touched by her concern for him. If he had not known she was in love with someone else he might have thought it meant something more. As it was he was happy she was safe again and almost recovered from her attack.

 

"Have you seen Sesshomaru yet? Kagome and Inuyasha told me he returned this morning."

 

"No I haven't."

 

She missed the youkai lord, but also wanted to have serious words with him. Kirou continued to treat her like a child, scarcely allowing her to leave the infirmary for any reason. Sango had argued with him constantly since her arrival. She felt bad for the meticulous youkai-- she understood he was simply carrying out his master's orders.

 

"Miroku, I wanted to thank you for coming to my aid when Jitsuo was about to strike me down. I had managed to wound him, but didn't have any weapons left and he was coming to kill me. If it weren't for you I don't know..." She grasped his hand and Miroku patted hers softly.

 

"Ah, Sango. I would do just about anything for you, don't you know that?" He gazed into her eyes. The taijiya could sense an intensity within him. "It was you who sent Inuyasha to find me, wasn't it?" he asked tenderly.

 

"Of course. I couldn't let you stay out there with all those youkai on your own...you don't have the wind tunnel anymore, and that staff of yours will only go so far. Someone has to look after you." She smiled at him, and he grinned in return.

 

"Sango." A long pause. He had not yet let go of her hand.

 

"Miroku, I--"

 

"Get away from her this instant monk," a chilly voice commanded.

 

Miroku jumped. "Sesshomaru."

 

The demon lord stood a few meters away knitting his eyebrows together in a distinct show of displeasure.

 

"Oh, you have returned my lord. Miroku and I were just getting some air," said Sango with a shy smile. Miroku knew her well enough to realize how overjoyed she was to see Sesshomaru again. An awkwardness hung in the air.

 

The monk did not know that in addition to experiencing joy Sango felt uneasy, as if she had been caught at something. 'But I didn't do anything...he's just a friend,' she thought. 'I hate it when Sesshomaru acts like he wants to kill him.' She was unaware of the fact that he had pulled the monk to safety at Mount Koragi.

 

"Leave now human," commanded the demon lord. He took a step forward.

 

The monk knew he needed to make a quick exit.

 

"Yes, I'm sure you two have much to discuss. I am just in the way." Miroku raised his hands in a blameless gesture and put on a cheerful face to hide his discomfort. 'He still thinks I'm trying to steal her from him! Insecure much, Sesshomaru?' Miroku stepped away and waved at Sango as he turned to head back indoors.

 

They stood staring at each other for a while. She took him in-- so elegant and familiar and proud he was, as if he had just stepped out of her dreams. Sango was confused at the swirl of emotions that suddenly came over her. On the one hand she wanted to throw herself into his arms and revel in the deep comfort and tenderness she was sure to find in his embrace. On the other hand logic and reason dictated that she hold back-- soon her youkai prince would officially wed another and become unavailable. No longer would she be able to indulge her feelings for him, at least not openly. Her realization of this caused her to hesitate.

 

Sesshomaru could sense unease in the lithe young woman before him. He stepped closer. She looked much improved but still seemed somewhat pale.

 

'How could I have let her come to this?' He vowed never to let it happen again. Her beauty captivated him even now in her slightly weakened state. As lovely and elegant as Kaiya was, in his eyes she was no match for Sango. He longed to feel her again and extended his hand.

 

"Why do you not come to me, Sango?"

 

She shrugged and walked forward. Slipping arms around his waist, she pressed her body close to him. Surprised at the breath she'd been holding, Sango let it out and allowed herself to relax in his embrace.

 

'Who am I fooling? I am in love with this youkai. Thank the gods he has returned safely.' She sighed as he caressed her back and laid a light kiss on top of her head.

 

"I have missed you, exterminator. How are you feeling-- are you being well cared for?" he asked softly.

 

"Yes. I have missed you as well." She felt so safe in his arms, so protected. Sango closed her eyes to let the feelings of warmth and tenderness wash over her as he pulled her even closer.

 

After a while Sesshomaru picked up on her unease, and looked down to notice a look of seriousness on her face, her eyes shut tight. He stroked her hair.

 

"You are troubled. What is it?"

 

She shrugged. "I am a pregnant woman."

 

He found a place for them to sit just inside the gate and pulled her into his lap. She sat crosswise and laid her head on his shoulder, next to the luxurious softness of his fur pelt. Sango smiled when she felt him cover her abdomen with his hand to gently caress the spot where their child grew.

 

"I'm getting a little bigger," she said softly. Her waist had become somewhat thicker and a small bulge was just beginning to form. She followed his movements by covering his hand with her own.

 

"You will be an exquisite mother." He tasted her lips then, and to Sango it felt like coming home. Light and tender and sensual, his attentions sent her into a trance.

 

'Oh how I have missed this,' she thought to herself. The kiss deepened somewhat and he held the back of her head. Their tongues met, and Sango experienced the familiar tingle of excitement begin to flow through her body.

 

Sesshomaru appreciated the soft sighs and urgency he always seemed able to draw from her and deepened the kiss.

 

After some time it ended and they sat together, content in their close proximity. Anyone looking on would take them for any young amorous couple were it not for the fact that one of them was Demon Lord of the West. Sango studied his face lovingly, lightly tracing his markings with the tips of her fingers.

 

"Tell me what is on your mind," he asked. He took her hand in his and gently kissed each finger. "Something is bothering you."

 

"I met her. Kaiya."

 

He sighed. Tamaku had informed him earlier that the pair had been seen together near the infirmary. "Yes, I understand you had a brief conversation. I trust she was correct with you?"

 

"Yes. She was very gracious, very kind. And so lovely. I can see why you've chosen her..." He paused his attentions. Silence reigned.

 

After a while Sango finally spoke to break the tension. "Sesshomaru, you know I cannot stay here, don't you?" She pulled away from him gently.

 

He frowned and pulled her back possessively. "But you must. I nearly lost you. I cannot allow that to happen again. You belong to me." His youki demanded that he protect what was his. Sango could see that it would be difficult to make him see her point of view.

 

"I understand. But my lord, please consider my position. I am an outsider here, a demonslayer among demons. I have no official status, and you will be married--"

 

"Sango do you want to be with me?" he asked curtly, cutting her off.

 

"Of course I do, but--"

 

"Then stop putting up barriers to prevent it. If you are pleased to be with me, then why continue to put yourself in situations that separate us?"

 

A slow frown crossed her face. "I don't mean to do that. But I have said before that I will not be your mistress and I meant it. I cannot. I believe now that you would not necessarily discard me in some offhand way, or treat me badly, but Sesshomaru..." She looked up at him, woeful. "I cannot continue our relationship on the same terms after your mating. It would be wrong."

 

A pause and then, "Is it that you prefer him?"

 

"What? Who?"

 

"The monk. You continue to harbor some sort of affection for him. Are you planning to go to him?" Sesshomaru spat out the words as if they tasted bad in his mouth.

 

'Oh no not this again,' she thought.

 

"Sesshomaru!" Sango was frustrated with his jealousy. "I care about Miroku, yes. He is a dear friend and we went through some intense times together. But I don't want to marry him. Even if you and I were nothing to each other, I would not be with Miroku. My darling it is you I love. So, so much."

 

She was hurt that he would doubt her affection for him. Could he not see there was a difference between her feelings and and the way she chose to act on them? By leaving the palace she only meant to do the right thing, that which would give the best result in the long run for everyone concerned. It did not mean she loved him any less. Nor did her associating with Miroku mean that.

 

"I find it unsatisfactory when he fawns over you. It is...unpleasant for me."

 

Sango could swear she detected pouting. "I know that my lord."

 

"Then why do you let him?"

 

"I don't 'let' him do anything! Sesshomaru..." She grasped his hand and brought it to her chest. "Honestly, do you think I would run off with him when I feel the way I do about you? There is a reason why it is your child I am having. I am deeply, terribly in love with you. Have a little bit of faith in me."

 

"Hmmmm." He gave her a soft squeeze and shifted his weight. "You will be moved from the infirmary," Sango sighed in relief. She was coming to hate the place. "You will be brought to reside in my chambers."

 

"What?!" She pulled back again. "Sessh, have you listened to nothing I have said? Did I not just tell you that things cannot continue as they have been?" Her voice began to break and she felt an incredible sadness begin to rise within. "Y-you will be...married. There will be no place for me. You will go to her."

 

He answered immediately. "You still belong to me and with me. And so you will remain, Sango." He spoke in a clipped, firm tone and his grasp on her tightened. She could see hardness come into his eyes telling her he did not want to be contradicted.

 

'Too bad' she thought, frustrated with his intransigence.

 

Pulling away firmly, she stood up. "I will not! I know you have this massive youki business going on and that is why you are so stubborn about this. But you do not own my conscience, Sesshomaru. I never agreed to be your mistress after your marriage and you know that." She paced in front of the placid-looking demon lord. She knew otherwise, but he continued to look on as if indifferent and said nothing.

 

"To tell the truth I don't want to be at the palace at all anymore, but I am willing to stay until Inuyasha and Kagome and the baby return to their village." She set her jaw and crossed her arms. "And I absolutely will not sleep in your room!"

 

He wanted sex. Truth be told she wanted it too but there were things more important right now than fulfilling their appetites, like her sense of self-worth.

 

Sesshomaru stood to face her. He simply stared, not speaking. This made her uncomfortable-- she expected him to at least express disagreement, but he remained still, calm and resigned. Sango knew it was a risk to resist him this way, but her mind was made up.

 

'Why doesn't he say anything?'

 

Finally after what seemed like several minutes, she again heard the familiar low melodious rhythm of his voice. "Very soon there will be a ceremony," he said. "The entire court will attend. I cannot force you as you say, to come but I believe you will find it of some interest."

 

With that the youkai lord walked away without another word. Something was about to happen, something Sango might hate. 'Is he planning to do it soon? Marry Kaiya?'

 

 

 

'No other creature in the territory gets away with what that one does,' concluded Sesshomaru while returning to the main building. 'Anyone else would have been punished for such insolence...I must truly be smitten with that female.'

 

Maybe she was right. Maybe he did not really own her at all. She certainly addressed him as if he didn't. 'Nonsense. Sango is mine regardless of what she says. Obstinate woman, when will she realize?' Sesshomaru had not noticed that he no longer thought of her in terms of human or youkai but only as the woman of his heart.

 

He felt a headache coming on. Heading for his library, he planned to call for Tamaku and Hisako to give instructions for the claiming ceremony involving himself and Kaiya.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

"What can he mean? Lord Sesshomaru wants the claiming ceremony tomorrow? Has he no idea these things take time to arrange?"

 

"Perhaps he is anxious to mate the lady," answered Tamaku with a grin.

 

"That I cannot believe. He has not spoken to the girl in weeks..."

 

Hisako conversed with her husband in the sitting room of their private apartments some hours after meeting with Sesshomaru. The couple had been surprised first at the sudden summons in the midst of their evening meal to attend him, and then again at the curt instruction that they gather the court together the next evening to witness his ceremony of claiming.

 

The ritual would serve to bind their master and the lady Kaiya closer together as the last step before mating. Essentially a public demonstration before the community, it was a place where intentions to join were made in the open. In contrast to the ceremony, the mating itself was carried out entirely in private (usually soon after the claiming), a process that involved only the pair being joined. After mating the only outward evidence that the couple had taken the final step was a mark worn by the female.

 

"How is the girl taking it?" asked Tamaku.

 

Hisako had visited Kaiya earlier to inform her of Sesshomaru's decision and then went off to set things in motion for the event. Given her responsibilities she had been unable to spend much time consoling the demoness, however. The claiming ceremony for the Demon Lord of the West was nothing to take lightly, even if it had to take place on a single day's notice. Hisako had much to accomplish in a very short time.

 

"Not well. She is very sad I'm afraid. I know she was hoping it could be put it off for a while longer, but the war is on the verge of ending and there are no more barriers to the marriage. Poor girl. At least she wasn't in hysterics. I think she might finally be resigned to her fate."

 

"Ah well. He needs heirs, he says. I may be seeing things, but I think our young lord Shiro might be somewhat disappointed at this news as well. He seems to have developed a fondness for Kaiya-sama."

 

"Yes, I have noticed the same. What a shame. I sincerely believe the lady would be much happier as the wife of a minor territorial lord like Shiro-- she would have more access to the freedom she is always saying she wants. As it is her place will be as servant to Lord Sesshomaru from now on."

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

"Kagome, what can it mean?" asked Sango. She sat with the miko and her baby in front of their hearth at the fortress after consuming with them a supper of roast rabbit, potatoes and leafy greens. Inuyasha lay in the next room fast asleep; the women could hear the regular loud intervals of his snoring.

 

"Well, it sounds like he plans to take the next step with Kaiya. I'm sorry, Sango."

 

Kagome felt bad for her friend. She could only imagine the heartache it caused the taijiya when the messenger of the court had come to them after supper to announce they would be permitted at Sesshomaru and Kaiya's claiming ritual scheduled for the following evening.

 

"It just seems to be happening so suddenly." she drew her knees up to her chin. "I suppose I should have expected it to happen soon. He did warn me." Sango recalled his last words to her earlier that day, something about a ceremony. He must have indeed been trying to tell her he would soon mate.

 

"So do you think you really will break it off with him, Sango?" The taijiya nodded. "I mean, what about the baby?"

 

She shrugged. "We haven't really discussed what his role will be. I would hope that he wants to be part of the baby's life. But as for us, well it has to end I'm afraid."

 

Kagome could see the sadness in her friend's eyes. "Is that what he wants, Sango?"

 

She blushed and looked away. "No, apparently he doesn't. But Kagome, I can't sleep with him like that. It would just be wrong! I am no concubine."

 

Kagome smiled sympathetically and patted her hand. "I know. So will you go to the ceremony?"

 

She shrugged again. "I might as well. Maybe it will help me deal with things if I can see him actually taking this step." She touched her forehead to her knees and was silent for a long time. Eventually her shoulders began to shake, and Kagome could hear crying. "Oh Kagome! It just hurts so much..."

 

'She really is in love with him.'

 

Kagome got up to hug her shoulders. "Aww...I know, Sango-chan. It must be very hard for you. But we're here. Me and Inuyasha and Shippo and Kirara and Taki. Even Miroku. We will stay beside you. If you ever want to talk or cry or whatever, we're here. At least I am. You know Inuyasha-- he cares about you but he's not that great at this kind of stuff."

 

"I know. Thank you Kagome." She sniffed and wiped tears from her face and then gave her friend a deep hug of gratitude. "I just need some time to deal with it."

 

Getting up, she slipped on her sandals. "I'm not tired now. I think I'll go for a walk."

 

After declaring that she would not stay with Sesshomaru, Sango's things, what little she possessed had been moved to Inuyasha and Kagome's rooms. She slept on a mat in the large chamber where Shippo and the baby stayed.

 

"Do you want company? I can wake Inuyasha to watch Takeo," asked Kagome.

 

Sango looked over to see the baby laying wide awake in Kagome's arms, quietly taking in the cozy ambience of the night with sparkling dark eyes. She smiled warmly and shook her head.

 

"No. He looks so happy with his mama, and I don't want that hanyou growling at me for disturbing his sleep. I won't go far. There are inu guards everywhere-- I shouldn't get into any trouble."

 

With another smile Sango stepped out into the corridor and quietly shut the door.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

The night air was cool but not overly so. Instead of her usual yukata Sango wore a heavier weight silk robe in violet with a pretty rose colored obi. Her hair was held back with a violet silk ribbon and the beautiful polished wood sandals she had come to adore graced her feet. She had to confess that she was beginning to like the comforts of living in a youkai palace-- her wardrobe had improved considerably since returning, primarily at Hisako's intervention.

 

'Why do I still feel so underdressed?... Hiraikotsu. I don't have it anymore.'

 

In the fight with Jitsuo's youkai at the village near the mountain her favorite weapon and signature had gone missing after she was taken against her will into the cave. "I guess I can make another one...damn, why did I have to leave it there?"

 

She spied the gardens and remembered a lovely little bridge that spanned a meandering stream. Making her way there slowly she looked up into the sky to see countless twinkling stars shining brightly like crystals. The moon was out as well but she still had to mind her step to avoid stumbling through the thickly foliaged walkway.

 

After reaching the bridge she went to its center to stand against a solid wooden railing and looked about. 'It is so pleasant and calm here, so peaceful.'

 

All around her crickets chirped. Evening birds sang and fireflies flickered, their combined dance lending a magical ambience to the night. She rested her hands on the rail and sighed. It felt good to relax after the stressful news she'd received earlier.

 

"How are you down there," she asked while laying a hand over her stomach.

 

Increasingly Sango felt a bond growing between herself and the child developing in her womb. "I will always protect you, little one." Her senses were sharper now, suggesting the baby's youki was having an effect on her perceptions. She was able to detect things she couldn't before such as the smell of food cooking several hundred meters away in the palace kitchens, and the separate scent of each flower in the garden from the infirmary.

 

Sango let her mind wander again and gazed up at the stars. She thought about the past, about her lost family and her brother Kohaku. 'I miss him so.' She thought about the future, how it would change with the addition of a child to her life.

 

Lost in her memories and hopes, the low and resonant voice took her by surprise.

 

"It is a fair night, is it not huntress?"

 

Her trance broken, she looked up to see a figure appear from the shadows-- Sesshomaru, but he looked different. Gone were the familiar furry pelt, the metal armor and white silk clothing he normally wore. They had been replaced by a simple dark haori and hakama that hung modestly yet regally on his slender form. His majestic mane of hair, glinting metallic silver-white in the moonlight flowed freely over his robes. Unadorned and natural, the demon lord looked more beautiful to Sango now than he ever had before.

 

Her heart beat hard in her chest and she felt her face flush.

 

"Y-yes. It is very pleasant here." She had not heard him approach, but that was nothing new. "You have a beautiful home, Sesshomaru. Your gardens are magical and so peaceful."

 

He came to stand beside her. The power of his aura never failed to affect her, and she grasped the railing in front of her to steady herself. 'How can he affect me so? I feel as if my heart will leap from my chest!'

 

Finally he spoke quietly, apparently unaware of her excited state. "All that I have, all of this is modest compared to your beauty and your magic. In my eyes you are the personification of those qualities, Sango. I must reserve judgment on the peaceful part, however."

 

She smiled in the dark at his gentle teasing. 'Trying to seduce me, is he?'

 

"Romantic phrases, my lord? That is unlike you. What brings this on?"

 

"You inspire me to say such things huntress," he whispered.

 

Soon she felt his strong chest at her back and trembled as elegant hands trailed lightly up her front, coming to rest just below her breasts. She felt his warm breath at her neck, and shivered and moaned lightly he set the lightest of kisses at her nape.

 

"Hmmm." She turned in his arms to face him. Even in the darkness she could tell his gaze was gentle and tender.

 

'How can he be this way knowing he will marry someone else so soon?' Sango decided not to fight her desires despite her earlier pledge not to go to his rooms. This was likely to be the last time she would ever be with him this way, after all.

 

Sesshomaru was surprised when suddenly she engulfed him in her arms and claimed his lips with a demanding kiss. She spoke forcefully.

 

"I want you, my alluring youkai lord. Tonight."

 

A slight smirk crossed his lips. He squeezed her. "And so you will have me, huntress."

 

In an instant he transported them to the upper floors of the palace where his private sleeping room could be found in the most secure area of the building.

 

~~~~~~~~~~

 

Their lovemaking began cautiously. "So beautiful, so magnificent," he breathed while undressing her. Gently attacking her neck, he sucked and licked the tender flesh, knowing she loved it when he did this.

 

"I want to undress you," she said after a while. Not knowing if she would ever have the opportunity to see his beautiful body again, Sango savored the sensation of running her hands over his bare skin while removing his haori. She enjoyed his well defined muscles and firm flesh, blowing lightly and nipping him in her favorite places.

 

She kissed him all over, from head to toe and then used her hands to rub his back with a gentle but firm pressure. "Do you like this, my lord?"

 

"Yes. It is quite pleasurable." Sango smiled. She loved the way he spoke. 'So formal and precise,' she thought. She finished massaging him and he turned over. Sango was shocked to see him smiling. It was a rare event, and it filled her with joy. He wrapped her in his arms.

 

"Ummm, did you want to do it on the bridge, my lord?" she asked tremulously.

 

"What?"

 

"Did you want to make love on the bridge?" she asked again.

 

He clicked his tongue. "There, here, everywhere. It matters not." He began to lazily caress her bare skin. Sango was already tingling and his touch stoked the fire within her to dazzling heights.

 

"I just want this time to be good for both of us," she whispered.

 

"What are you saying? It is always good." He kissed her shoulder, and she reached out to caress him. "Stop thinking, Sango. Let yourself relax." She nodded and promptly lost herself in the tender kiss he gave her.

 

After a while she broke their embrace and spoke earnestly. She had been fantasizing about something since their relationship began.

 

"I want you to take me as you would a demoness."

 

A pause. "You want what?"

 

"I want to know what it is like for...what it will be like for...her..." Sesshomaru paused again. He said nothing.

 

Finally he patted her shoulder indicating she should turn over.

 

"Like this?" she asked and got on her hands and knees. She lifted her rear and spread her legs.

 

"A bit lower," he said while getting behind her. Grasping her hips with both hands, he kissed her upper back and got into position to mount her.

 

"There is not much difference in this from what we have already been doing," he said. Moving his hands to her shoulders, he slid into her. Sango felt the deep pleasure she always experienced when he entered, and moaned as he began a gentle thrusting.

 

"I don't want to be as forceful with you as I would a demoness, not in your condition," he explained. Sango assumed he meant either her pregnancy or the fact that she was recovering from an attack.

 

They moved together for a long time, the intensity of his thrusts gradually picking up until the young woman began to wail with lust.

 

"Oh...more...deeper!" He turned her over so that they lay face to face. He attacked her with an open mouth kiss and she grasped him by the waist while driving herself against him.

 

"Yes. That's it," he hissed through his teeth.

 

Sango came screeching, her head rolling back and forth as he continued to search for his own orgasm. Finally he climaxed, and lay atop her panting in satisfaction.

 

When it was all over, they lay together in the quiet darkness.

 

"I love you." A few tears fell from her eyes that he could not see.

 

"I love you as well, Sango." He could smell the saltiness of her tears and reached out to wipe them away. A long silence.

 

"I want you to trust me. Can you promise me that you will?"

 

She nodded and cradled her head in his hand. "Why are you asking me that?"

 

"You will see eventually." He kissed her again, slowly and sweetly.

 

Sango shrugged. It wasn't the first time he had ever talked to her in cryptic words. She sat up and knit her fingers in with his.

 

"Tomorrow is a big day for you. Are you ready?"

 

"Yes," he replied simply. "Will you attend?"

 

She nodded sadly. In response to this he gathered her up in his arms and hugged her tightly to him. "Trust me dear one."

 

'But how can I? And what for?'

 

The next day Sesshomaru would be going to another woman and out of her reach forever. Sango's soul felt suddenly cold. She held onto him for all she was worth, squeezing as if he would suddenly disappear. For now, for just these few moments before dawn, he was hers utterly and completely. She did not want to let go. This youkai prince-- he was hers alone.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Author's Notes:

 

1. With this chapter 'Demon Slayer Sango' goes over 100,000 words! It feels like I just started writing it-- where did the time go? There is still a bit more story left so stay tuned. Thanks to everyone who has stayed with me on the journey so far!

 

2. The generous responses I've been getting recently for my fic are making me quite happy. They are incredibly encouraging. Thanks to all who take the time to share their thoughts. Continue to do so!