The Captive

Same disclaimer
Pairing: Sango/Kouga
”inner musings”


Chapter 6: Second thoughts


When Sango woke the next morning, she was alone. Stretching out her arm, she felt the spot were Kouga had spent the night beside her. It was still warm. “He must have stepped out just a while ago.” Sango reflected, considering she could find no sign of him or his clothing. She was relieved that he had left without waking her; she didn’t think she was ready to face him yet.

Enveloped in Kouga’s warm embrace it had been easy to be patient; but in the harsh light of day her decision struck her as foolhardy. She had glimpsed something behind Kouga’s wild façade that she felt compelled to dver;ver; but the price of her curiosity was high. Sango knew that she was gambling more than her reputation by staying with the clan. She was putting her heart and her future on the line for the slim chance of finding happiness with the wolf prince.

As the last of the demon slayers, Sango understood that it was her duty to marry and to produce children. It was imperative that the proud tradition of her people be carried on in future generations. As such, she had intended to marry a strong and courageous man; a human man; a well-behaved version of Miroku. But the events of the previous afternoon made her doubt the nobility of those aspirations.

Sango had long ago accepted the fact that she was attracted to Kouga, but had never contemplated that notion that she would one day have the opportunity to indulge that attraction. She could not have foreseen the devastating effects it could have on her plans. He had given her pleasure, he had made her blood boil; he had introduced her to the joys of passion. How could she resign herself to a loveless marriage when she had tasted the forbidden fruit? How could she wed another man now that she had begun to understand that her feelings for Kouga ran deeper then simple lust?

“If only I had some assurance. If only I knew that he would give me…give us…a fair chance.” And it was that which truly frightened her, that she was risking everything for nothing. Sango feared that despite her best efforts she could never be enough for him; she could never compare with Kagome.

Despite her better judgment, Sango was envious of Kagome. The young miko had never shown any interest in Kouga but she had his heart. Yet Sango was expected to be patient, to bide her time while he reflected on his feelings. ” I never should’ve accepted. I should’ve told him to go to hell, told him I was no consolation prize! Time could have healed a bruised heart, but it can’t repair a broken one.” Sango wanted to cry and rage at her own stupidity, but there was nothing she could do now. She had given her word and she could only wait until events played themselves out to their inevitable conclusion. She would deal with the consequences once she was forced too.

Resolved to wait, Sango rose from the bed. She went to retrieve her soiled kimono but discovered it was missing. Instead, she found the new robes Kouga had left for her. She was touched by the gesture, it rekindled her hope that maybe, just maybe…Snatching up the new kimono, she made her way into the adjacent grotto and took a short bath. The warm water served to sooth her sore body and to relax her frayed nerves.

Kouga was waiting for her when she returned to the main cavern, along with Ookamiichiro and Ookamijiro. When he saw her, he walked towards her and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips.

- “Good morning.” He said. “I trust you slept well?”

- “Yes, thank you.” She responded shyly, still unsure what was expected of her now that she had placed her trust and her heart in his hands. It felt uncomfortable giving up control.

- “Good!” He returned energetically. “Now, I would like to introduce you to Ookamiichiro and Ookamijiro. They will accompany you when I am unavailable.”

The brothers bowed when they we’re introduced. This assignment was a great honor; Kouga was giving them a second chance to prove their worth. They would be responsible for the demon slayer’s safety for the duration of her stay with the tribe. Though they didn’t fully comprehend the reasons behind the order, they would extend to her every dignity.

- “I don’t need an escort!” Sango whispered harshly; angered that he didn’t appear to trust her. “I said I would be patient…meaning I won’t run away.”

- “I know that!” He whispered back, pulling her aside. “I know you won’t run, but I would prefer if you didn’t wander around alone.”

- “Why? Don’t you trust me?”

- “Of course…” Casting a glance at his men, he lowered his voice so they wouldn’t overhear. “Of course I trust you. But this is for your own safety!”

- “What do you mean my own safety?”

Kouga signed. He was surprise that Sango appeared oblus tus to the dangerous position she was in. He had always thought her to be very perceptive but it seemed he had overestimated her.

- “Well, in case you have forgotten, you are a demon slayer.” He explained.

- “How observant of you!” She returned smartly.

- “A demon slayer who is technically my prisoner.” He continued as though she had never spoken.

- “So?”

- “So… eno enough, others will begin to wonder why you haven’t been put to death.”

Sango’s eyes widened in realization. What Kouga said was true. She’d spent her life fighting and exterminating demons, it was inevitable that she would one day have to pay the price for it. ” Why didn’t I realize this sooner. They want an execution!

- Your tribe…they want my death”

- “No! No. My people know who you are, they know we we’re allies against Naraku. And they would never dare to question my actions.”

- “They who?”

- “The other chieftains.” Taking hold of her shoulders, he locked ewithwith her. “It doesn’t matter that you have never hunted the Yourouzoku, they would kill you on principal. And they’ll expect me to do the same. If word gets out that I am keeping ylivelive, the other tribe leaders will take matters into their own hands.”

- “You mean, they would try to kill me themselves?”

- “They wouldn’t think twice!” He stated.

- “Let them come.” Sango stated calmly. “If, has you say, the other chieftains want me dead then they are welcomed to try. But I promise you, they will not succeed.”

- “Don’t be foolish!” Kouga returned impatiently. “Wolves hunt in packs, the other tribes won’t send one assassin, they’ll send an entire party after you.”

- “Like I said, let them come. I can hold my own in battle.”

Kouga’s patience was wearing thin. Sango was potentially the most stubborn woman he had ever come across.

- “Damn it! I know you can fight. But what kind of host…”

- “You mean jailer don’t you! “

- “I mean…” He continued between clenched teeth. “That has long as you remain here you are under my protection. And that’s why I insist that you be escorted at all times. I know you’re perfectly capable of defending yourself but I would feel better if I knew that you we’re guarded.”

- “Why?” She asked the question that had been eating at her since he first mentioned the idea of an armed guard. “Why are you so worried about my safety?”

Kouga didn’t answer immediately. “I should have seen that one coming?” He chastised himself. He should have known that Sango wouldn’t agree until he gave her all the facts.

- “I don’t know.” He tried to evade the question.

- “Then I don’t know if I want the escort.”

- “Fine!” He sighed. “Truth is I care. I don’t know why I care or how much I care. I just know that I care…about you. And I don’t like the idea of you being hurt.”

Sango bent her head to hide her face from him. He cared about her! She knew she shouldn’t read too much into it but she couldn’t stop her heart fluttering or her cheeks blushing. It was very likely that he only cared for her in terms of satisfying his lust, but at least he cared. “It’s a start.” She allowed for the possibility.

- “You believe me don’t you?” He asked, curious as to the reasons for her silence.

- “Yes I believe you.” She answered, never looking at him. “It’s just that…” Why was she always so tongue-tied around him? She never acted that way around other men. But Kouga made her insides burn; made her legs turn into jelly; he made her crave reassurance.

- “You think it’s unfair? Kouga finished for her. With a gentle hand he cupped he chin and forced her to look at him. “Listen Sango. I know what you’re thinking, but you’re wrong. This is as important to me as it is to you. This thing between us, I wan kno know where it will lead too; but I don’t want to rush it.”

Gently, he lowered his head and placed a feather soft kiss on her lips. There was nothing else he could do, nothing else he could say. Kouga was no fool; he knew Sango was taking an enormous gamble on him. He also knew that, despite her warrior spirit, she was as vulnerable as any other living creature. He could easily break her heart.

- “You’re taking a risk by giving me a second chance; and I promise that I’ll give you…give us…that same chance.” He said, his lips grazing her own as he spoke. “But for that, I need you to be safe. Okay?”

- “Alright. If it will make you happy” She agreed grudgingly. Though her heart swelled at the idea that he cared enough to worry, her honor as a slayer still rebelled against the very notion of an escort.

- “Good. Now come, I’ll give you the grand tour.”

Taking her by the hand, he pulled her out into the daylight. With a wit and humor she’d never imagined he possessed, he showed her around the settlement. Ookamiichiro and Ookamijiro followed behind them silently. Both brothers where dumbfounded by Kouga’s friendly, almost charming behavior with the demon slayer. Their prince was a great leader, a fierce warrior; he wasn’t supposed to make small talk. But then again, he wasn’t supposed to kiss prisoners either. One thing was for certain however, they knew they wouldn’t have to do much fighting. If another chieftain dared to attack the woman, they’d have to deal with one very enamored and protective Kouga.


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A/N: For those of you how think that Sango is too other of character I have just one thing to say: “Episode 56 – Temptress in the Mist.” Now if Sango can act like a blushing, girly, insecure ball of mush with Miroku; imagine how she would react faced with a considerably more virile and dominant man. However, I have to concede to Azure’s original review; Sango was acted like a wimp when it came to the other clans. But, as you can tell, I’ve reworked this particular scene to mesh more adequately with her personality in the series.