Disillusion: Pure Illusion Series of Shorts

Sango

A/N: This story takes place before Disfigured Beauty as well as during parts of our other stories. It's how Sango became an ally (or perhaps victim) of Thanos. 

Song inspiring this story:

" I've got no strings
So I have fun
I'm not tied up to anyone
They've got strings
But you can see

There are no strings on me"

- I've Got No Strings from "Pinocchio"

❦

Trust. 

Such a hard thing to earn, but easy to lose. 

"Tell me boy, do you have what I need?" 

Sango's eyes flickered to the Titan, reflecting on how he had ended up here, on the Sanctuary.

When he had first heard the story of the Aether - one of the six singularities that made up the Infinity Stones, he had thought it all to be a lie. As he grew older, the story of the Aether and it's siblings faded in his mind. That was until he had stumbled upon a Dark Elven camp deep within the Vanaheim woods. 

It had been said that after the defeat at the hand of the All-Father prior to Odin, Bor, the stone had been lost forever and the Dark Elves had been decimated. That had been far from the truth. In reality, they had been hiding out across the Nine Realms, scattered to allow them to blend in to each of the worlds easily. How simple things seemed then as he was now standing on the Sanctuary, pleading for his life in front of the one being that would surely rule them all. 

~

"You seem lost child." 

He had stumbled upon a camp that was thought to be that of a legend - the Dark Elves. Ever since he had been a child, he had been told that King Bor had destroyed them all. Rumors spiraled as to why the King would commit genocide but no one wished to argue this and instead, let history die with time. It was now that he realized perhaps history required another look. 

"No, it seems as if you are lost. You are one of the most wanted criminals in all the Nine Realms." The blonde Vanahiem boy shook his head slightly, having realized the creatures he had stumbled upon in the nearby woods.

Malekith, who had existed this long in secrecy because he had relied on not being recognized, scowled at the blonde. 

"What's your name boy?" 

"Sango. I would assume you are one of the Dark Elf Warriors of old? The ones King Bor all but destroyed so many years ago..." 

"I would stop now unless you wish to have your tongue removed from your mouth child." 

Sango watched as the Dark Elves began to form a circle around him, they're eyes all studying his small, meager, Vanaheim frame. His mind began to spin, trying to decide his next course of action. Unlike his sister, he was calculated every reaction, word and movement that he made. Sigyn, his sister, was foolish - living out her fantasies that one day, she would find a husband and raise her family without troubles. However, war was on the horizon for the Nine Realms, and Sango could feel it. 

"Perhaps I could be of assistance to you? I am from this world and I do go undetected by the people of the Vanaheim and Asgard... unlike you." 

Malekith paused, studying the boy who in no doubt was attempting to save his skin. Even so, he admired him for trying. He cared not why the boy offered this thought up, but knew he would be useful. "Perhaps If you were to notify me of the whereabouts of the Aether..."

"That has been lost for almost five millennias - what makes you think it exists?" Sango interrupted. 

"Because you fool, I was there. Did you think King Bor sought my people and I out for no reason? It was for the Aether alone he searched for us. No, you will listen out for the whereabouts of the Aether as well as feeding me information on the Asgardian's palace. Inform me of it's weaknesses, the locations of the Royal family on a daily basis and how I might snuff out the All-Father's iron grip. In return, I will bestow to you unimaginable power and knowledge beyond many in the Nine Realms." 

The blonde boy remained silent for some time and then nodded. Betraying his people, his family, and the entire Nine Realms seemed quite foolish... but the promise of power, true power. It was too enticing for him to not toy with the thought of it. "Fine. And how do you suppose I am to get into Asgard's prisons?" 

"With this." One of Malekith's men produced a uniform of an Asgardian warrior with the simple wave of their leader. There were minor blood stains on it, but it was still in good shape. Sango nodded, and slipped into the uniform. Much to both of their surprises, it fit as if it were made for him. 

"Go to Asgard through one of the many passage ways that connect the Nine Realms. There is one through this grove of trees near the base of the mountain. There, you will find your way into Asgard and slip in undetected. Do not raise suspicion boy, lest the All-Father shall destroy all that you hold dear." 

~

Months passed and at first there had been nothing on the Aether. Still, he informed Malekith of the King and Queen's chambers as well as the Princes'. Weekly, he would tell the Dark Elf leader of their routines as well as any secret ways in and out of the palace. Nevertheless, Sango could tell Malekith grew impatient with information, becoming more hostile with each passing day.

 It wasn't until Thor left Asgard in pursuit of a Midgardian that Sango realized that she held the Aether. At last, he had the information his master had been foaming at the mouth for. He informed Malekith the moment he had uncovered this news and the Dark Elf had begun to ready his forces. 

Despite that, Sango had been followed by another guard who had become wary of him, and was exposed as a traitor. Before he could inform the All-Father, he was killed on the spot by Sango at the direction of Malekith. The warrior had informed the All-Father of the traitor being among the people of Vanaheim, but not the name of the traitor. Odin had dispatched the warrior to follow the one he believed the traitor, and to report back. However, the All-Father knew if in a days time that the warrior had not returned, he would have to march in to Vanaheim himself and destroy all that stood on the Realm. It was this that led to Sango's village being burned to the ground, his mother and father perishing before his eyes and his sister being led off to Asgard for his crimes. 

It should have bothered him, but it didn't. It didn't bother him that he had lost his family - truth be told he had begun to learn so much from Malekith and the power and knowledge - it was addicting.  

It was that addiction that had brought him here, in front of the Titan, Thanos. 

"I do." Replied Sango after some time. "I know the location of the stones that you seek - including the Soul Stone." 

The Titan's eyes glimmered at the thought of possessing all six stones. Smiling and his deep voice booming across the empty air between them he gazed upon his newest "child". 

"Well I guess that's worth a look."