InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Filling the Void ❯ Problematic Prince ( Chapter 2 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. That is the property of Rumiko Takahashi and Viz Productions. I do not gain financially from this creation.

 

A/N: Yes, finals have descended on my soul and crushed it. November and the first half of December have and will be hell.

 

Alexa: Like around episode 77-78 (like I remember) the group stop at this palace and the prince there (Kuranosuke) had met Sango when she was like a pre-teen demon hunter. Now that she's grown up and hot, Kuranosuke totally puts the moves on her and Miroku is all bitter and brooding, but wants her to be happy anyway. I hope that answers your question. After re-reading this chapter, I feel like it's a re-hash of that episode.

 

Naroic: If you haven't read the fic that this is a sequel to (“Speechless or the Trouble of a Puppy Nose”) that might help. If you have read that and are still confused about the angst, I guess I'm trying to develop their relationship from that plot line. I'm coming from the point of view that though they love each other, Sango and Miroku are both to afraid/shy/relationship-passive to actually say the words to the other and they both are creating their own personal hells by just assuming the other doesn't feel the same about them. Sango thinks Miroku is coming with her because of the baby and doesn't really care about her, so she feels a little used. Miroku isn't really sure why Sango is letting him join her, but he's taking the opportunity to make things right. Because of all their emotional conflict, the baby right now is more a problem for both of them than a joy. I probably haven't been clear enough about this (a fault of my lack in storytelling skills) but I'll try to work on it. Tell me how I'm doing!

 

Chapter 2

 

Miroku sat alone in the dark, perched on the veranda so he could see the stars. He had been trying to meditate, but he found it useless to try to concentrate on anything.

 

Anything but the fact Sango was currently speaking with him. Kuranosuke

 

To have an audience with Sango had been his only request in exchange for lodging during the night, and it would have been rude to refuse. Kuranosuke was a lord after all, and could have had them executed if he so wished.

 

Yes, a powerful lord, a tiny voice whispered though his mind. Someone who could give Sango everything she'd ever want or need. He tried to push the thoughts away, but his eyes only landed on his hand, now sans air void. You may no longer have the Kazzanna but you still taint her life. Look how much damage you have done already in such precious little time…

 

Sucking in another rapid breath, Miroku attempted once more to focus his mind and energy, but it was of no use. He could not stop thinking about their arrival at the palace. Of all the places for me to have chosen!

 

Sango stood frozen looking more than a little surprised at the prince who was more than happy to see her. She had given Miroku one fleeting look over her shoulder, tohim,in a way he wanted to believe she was begging him to step in and say something, to speak up for her as he had done with the guards.

 

But he was frozen in his place.

 

It was at that moment the thought first hit him: what if Kuranosukewouldtake Sango in? It would mean he would have to give her up, let her go, but wouldn't that be better for her? He had been selfish, and this would be a way to atone for the wrongs he had done her. She would be provided for, Kuranosuke would probably give money to her village.

 

That was if he accepted the child.

 

Could he let his own child go to another man?

 

If it's the best for her and the baby, then it did not matter what I want. If it kills me, I would have to let them go.

 

He decided at last that it was futile to attempt to try and meditate at the time and stood. Perhaps a walk in the night air would do him some good.

 

XXXXXXXXXXXX

 

Sango shifted uncomfortably on the floor pillow. Her feet and back ached from walking all day, and the tiny bump that was beginning to show through her kimono was not making matters any easier.

 

Nor was the well-mannered man sitting across from her helping. He smiled at her knowingly, but dim-wittedly.

 

“My men told me they had let in a pregnant woman traveling with a monk,” Kuranosuke began with a smile still on his face. “Surely Miroku has not stooped so low as to question your honor for a night's bed?”

 

Sango felt her eyes harden, her lips tightening in a tight frown. “In what way is Miroku lying about my honor?”

 

Kunsuke was clearly taken a back. “So its true? You are his wife and you carry his child?”

 

Sango wished she had phrased her words more carefully, but it was too late now. “I carry his child, but we are not married as yet. I suppose he did lie about that,” she said quietly.

 

At first it appeared Kuranosuke was going to kick her and Miroku out into the night; he said nothing, an angry air covering his face. “So he uses you Sango?” Kuranosuke finally spoke. “What an irresponsible baka! To put you in such a state and then drag you all over the countryside—I am surprised he has not abandoned you yet Sango!” He exclaimed as a new thought flew into his mind. “Well, its only a matter time and he'll be gone Sango, just you watch.” The prince took and angry sip of his tea, glaring into the amber water when he was done.

 

Sango watched Kuranosuke, surprising herself when in her mind she began to disagree with his words. What right did this spoiled prince have to criticize her and Miroku? They had made a mistake, yes, but that didn't mean she allowed Miroku to use her—she was just as guilty. And though Miroku had left her, she had left him too.

 

Sango felt a realization coming on.

 

Yes, it was true Miroku had betrayed her at a time when she was her weakest, but he had come begging for her forgiveness. He had been the one to want to follow her when he could have just as easily gone his own way. Though he had never said the words, maybe he—

 

“You must stay here with me Sango,” Kuranosuke was saying.

 

“Wh—what?”

 

“I've offered you my hand in marriage before, and now I offer it again. If you marry me, I assure you I'll have his child cared for, and you'll never have to worry for another thing as long as you live.” His eyes slowly traveled to the bandage on her arm. “You will never be put in harm's way again either.”

 

Sango mulled the idea over in her mind, and for a half second thought it might not be such a bad idea. No, no. This won't work at all. I would be miserable without Miroku. I may be very wrong in this, but I can not forsake Miroku—if there is the slightest chance he cares for me the way I care for him, I—I will not leave him until I know.

 

“My Lord, you are very generous in your offer—”

 

“Then it is settled! We can be married immediately, there is no need to wait!” He had leaped to his feet, and somehow—Sango herself was surprised at his speed—gathered her in his arms. One hand pressed firmly on her back, the other pushed her head into his chest.

 

Sango was shocked, but quickly regained herself. Her hands twitched in irritation.

 

Kuranosuke, as always, remained oblivious.

 

“Once the child is born, we will send him away—I promise he will have the best care, but he cannot stay here—you understand. When we have children of our own and it is less suspicious, we can bring him back. Then when—”

 

Sango finally managed to get the hold she needed to shove the prince away.

 

“No, NO, NO!” She found herself yelling, covering her ears at the sound of her own hormone and stress produced screech. “No! I am with Miroku, and I don't care what you can offer us, but I have chosen to stay with him. You do not know or understand our situation, and you will not give me time to speak for myself so I can explain it to you.”

 

Kuranosuke was for once silent, looking at her as though she were a stranger who had forcefully entered his rooms. Horror and surprise were clearly written on his face. Sango sucked in a deep breath, trying to calm herself. It was clear she was treading a very fine line with the man who had given them shelter for the night.

 

“Kuranosuke, I am sorry,” she hung her head in a sign of humility, “But I cannot accept your offer. I understand I am risking a lot, but so is Miroku. Please understand I am happy with my decision.”

 

The prince only nodded.

 

“I thank you once more for your kindness, my lord. We will be leaving early in the morning.”

 

He shrugged his shoulders, and Sango moved toward the door, her head still down. Just as she was passing Kuranosuke however, his had shot out, halting her. Looking questioningly into his eyes, she saw the sadness there, but also the acceptance.

 

“You will always have a place here Sango. If—if he can't take care of you, you will always have a place with me.”

 

Sango nodded, “Thank you,” before she disappeared into the night.

 

XXXXXXXXXXX

 

He had not gone far when he heard voices. Not wanting to disturb anyone or make his presence known, Miroku quickly ducked into the shadows of the palaces veranda. There, close to the sliding doors covered only in rice paper, he could hear the voices more clearly. It had not been his intent—he had only been trying to avoid notice—but now he could make out the voices of Kuranosuke and Sango.

 

“So its true? You are his wife and you carry his child?”

 

There was a pause in which Miroku prayed Sango would affirm what he had said.

 

“I carry his child, but we are not married as yet. I suppose he did lie about that,” she spoke at last, her voice small and sad. Miroku grimaced. She would rather lose face before this prince than say she was his wife.

 

She might just want to be honest. A tiny voice in his head said.

 

But we both know it means it because she doesn't want you. Given the chance, she'll jump right in that prince's arms.

 

Miroku turned his attention back to the couple inside the palace just in time to here Kuranosuke propose a second time.

 

“I've offered you my hand in marriage before, and now I offer it again. If you marry me, I assure you I'll have his child cared for, and you'll never have to worry for another thing as long as you live.”

 

The world went black. Darkness so deep and smothering he could not feel the ground beneath his feet of the air he was dragging more and more rapidly into his lungs. His instincts told him to run to Sango and get her as far away from the prince as he could, but something stopped him.

 

He hadn't heard Sango's answer yet.

 

“My Lord, you are very generous in your offer—”

 

It was too much.

 

Gripping his staff as though it was his life line, he stood shakily, trying to move away if for no other reason than to escape the prince's cries of joy.

 

He had to get out of there; the thought of staying a moment longer sickened him. Yes, he was relieved that Sango had done the right thing and she and the child would be care for, but he did not want to be there when she came to tell him their happy news.

 

A/N: Oyo! Cliffhanger. Ok, I had more planned for this, but wanted to get something out there so you guys didn't think I'm dead. School has been HELL for the past month, so I haven't been doing much writing. Let me rephrase that. I haven't been doing fun writing, but I have been writing for class every-fucking-day.

 

I'll try to post the next update soon, but (and I hate to do this) its going to depend on the reviews I get. If you want to read my other fics (like “Better Things than You”) more, then don't review this. I'm at the point that I'll write on first what people are reading more. This fic only has about 100 hits so far, so its not a high priority at the moment, but that could change. Next chapter will be happier, though. Promise.