InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Prisoner, My Prisoner ❯ Six Cell Prison ( Chapter 6 )

Prisoner, My Prisoner

Part 6

Author: profiler120

Email: profiler120@hotmail.com

Rating: PG/PG-13

Genre: Romance/General [AU]

Author's Notes: Kagemaru should have been Kageroumaru, but I'm not changing it now. I like Kagemaru better anyway, easier to spell. ^_^

Questions:

1. Sarah Brianna - Aren't you going to have her learn to fend for herself? - Kagome is technically capable of using her miko powers to protect herself but she promised Kaede she wouldn't. I wanted the focus to be more on Sesshoumaru's protecting Kagome than Kagome protecting herself. Although I must thank you, the idea was able to help me round off chapter 7 and give the fic some new life after my inspiration waned a bit.

2. Massao-na-Mizu -Why are all the fathers in this fic being such asses? - ^_^ I just kind of figured they might behave like that.

3. If Naraku had killed Kagura's family, then why did he have to make Kagura his wife? What would he merit or benefit from it? - He didn't have to, he wanted to. He was smitten with the pretty young girl and I think Naraku enjoys making people miserable. What better way to make a person hate every day of their life than to kill off her family and force her to marry you?

4. Does Inu Yasha have a crush on Kagome? Or will be he paired off to Kikyo? - He might have a crush on Kagome, nothing much will come of it. Then again, I'm not sure; I don't have much planned right now. As for Kikyo, I doubt it. It would just take so much work to pair them up, although I won't say no either.

5. Inutaisho has a brother? If he has, who is he? - Yeah, some minor character working for him. He kept the outpost where Kagome was being sent; I think I mentioned his name once. He's not important, just for that little part of the story, you won't see him.

6. The comrades of Naraku became his comrades because of the fact they wanted Kagome? - Not entirely. He was using her to make things more appealing to potential allies (people that wouldn't necessarily get involved with him) and when they discovered she was missing some quickly dropped out of any agreements. Marrying his daughter would make their sons heirs to Naraku's properties. That's how I looked at it.

7. Will the real family of Kagome be put in your fic? - Not as her family, but as other people. Except Souta, I was thinking about adding him the other day. As for Kagome's real mother, I don't think so, but now that you mentioned her, maybe.

8. Will Kagome and Kouga ever meet again? Will they be friends, or will Kagome or Kikyo avenge Kagome? - I'm not sure if Kagome and Kouga will meet again. I won't say no, I might use it later, but there are no plans for it as of now. Will they be friends? Kagome and Kouga? No, and even if it turns out that way it won't be for a while.

The room was suddenly too small for them both leaving her wanting for air. When had his being so close disturbed her? When had he ever been this close at all? She had never thought the man before her to be unattractive, but it was easily kept under wraps given her despairing condition. Was she only feeling this way because of Kikyo's off handed suggestion that maybe there was more to it than there was?

Yet even as she thought, there was the matter of her bracelet. Her bracelet around his wrist as though she had given it to him instead of Rin. His hand still rested against her latest mark of captivity, the scabbed over gash on her cheek. She'd been told it would heal well, but that it would likely scar. From this point forward she'd have a stripe scarred across her cheek marring what little beauty she considered herself to have. Things just weren't going her way these days.

"Who did this?"

It was such a quietly spoken comment. So unlike something to pass between captor and captive.

"Onigumo, I bit him and he cut me."

She could see the tension build in his frame.

"How did you get away from there?"

"My father found me."

He nodded, slowly, almost imperceptibly seeming to be deep in thought.

"Do you know where Kagemaru is?" she paused. The silence between them was making her squirm. "I... he was supposed to meet us, but never showed up."

"We're waiting for him, he has yet to arrive."

She didn't know what to say and he seemed just as speechless, if not thought bound. After an extended silence, he stood and she followed the motion, rising to her feet. He turned back to her, motioning toward the left side of the room. "Wait here, sit over there. If anyone comes before I return... hide."

With that he swept out, leaving her alone, confused, and wondering if she was in danger. She scrambled to follow the orders that had sounded so serious. Time wore on, and no one came, not even Sesshoumaru. She began to wonder, as the room seemed to darken, if he was coming back at all.

It must have been more than an hour because her anxiousness had eased and her exhaustion of the day's travel finally caught up with her. She was almost sleeping, head drooping to one side supported by the wall, eyes closed, mouth slightly open when the door was pulled open. She snapped back to alertness, trying to slough off her drowsiness, half frightful until she saw him.

An elegant sweep of white, white hair, white clothes, and those sparkling gold eyes. She might have been an admirer if he was truly her rescuer, instead he was her captor, and that twisted everything a little bit.

"Come, we're leaving."

She pulled herself up. "Already?"

"It is not safe for you here."

She didn't question his concern for her safety as she moved to him. It was nice, someone worrying for her and if he wasn't worrying for her, but something else well... She didn't want to know. She liked her little fantasy, she wasn't about to say anything that would cause him to shatter it. She followed him silently, keeping her head straight trying not to see some of the leering glances being tossed at her, and ignoring some of the more salacious comments. Sesshoumaru ignored everyone but his demeanor was enough of a warning, 'look, talk, but never touch'. Even she got that message, and it wasn't directed at her.

She wondered where they were going, but couldn't bring herself to speak to him or at all until they were well out of sight of this place. At least, she hadn't until she saw the mode of transportation. She groaned at the sight of the horse.

"Not horses again!" She exclaimed.

He shot her a look, although she wasn't sure what he meant by it and she came forward the last few feet and suffered herself to be hauled up upon it. This was going to be unpleasant, she thought, crossing her arms and conjuring up her best glare. The journey to their unknown destination started off.

. . .

His mind had never traveled far from the woman in his arms, but it narrowed to focus considerably when he began to notice she was leaning. Slowly edging backwards and probably hardly aware of it. Riding horseback on long journeys was no easy task, especially for a woman who had never had to travel in her life. It was considerably reasonable then she might be exhausted and exhausted it seemed she was. With a gentle nudge, she fell back completely against him, eyes closed, breaths deep and even as she slept.

They traveled onward through the darkness, only a few soldiers accompanying him. He was reluctant to return her to the Citadel where his father would ultimately be. Since he had been placed in command of the operation to overtake Kagemaru, he decided that instead of returning, as he'd originally planned, he would now stay close. There was a Masaharu Keep nearby where Kagome could be safely held, where he could keep an eye on her, and where he might be able to keep his troublesome father from discovering her. The last thing he needed was more intervention by his father. It was because of him all this had happened in the first place.

He found himself touching her again, laying his fingers lightly against the mar on her cheek. Bastard. That would not be forgiven. She had said she had been cut when she bit him, the circumstances of which were obviously grim. He had to face the very real possibility Onigumo raped her. He hadn't however been able to ask. There was simply too much on his mind at the time, although it had occurred to him. He determined to find out later. If that were indeed the case, then... Then he would release her, and allow her to return to her father.

For now it was enough she was safely within his territory again. The night air had a slight chill to it, and he felt her tremble and awaken. She did not, as he anticipated, move away from where she leaned back against him. She looked almost as though she'd like to snuggle closer. He reached back behind him, tugging at the cloth he'd thrown over the horse. Pressing her gently forward, she sat up stiffly as though worried suddenly he didn't want her leaning against him. He draped the thin blanket around her shoulders and pulled her back against him.

"What happened? When you left the Citadel?"

She sighed heavily. "Everything was fine until nightfall..." she started.

He answered her with silence.

"Where are we going?" She asked.

"The West Keep."

"'The West Keep'? What about the Citadel?"

"Do you want to spend more time with my father?"

"No..." she mumbled.

A building came into sight in the distance courtesy of the moon. They trotted past the guards without incident and into the courtyard. Now that they had arrived everyone could bed down safely. He expected a report by morning on Kagemaru. The aim was to kill him; he'd sent Kaijinbou into battle with him several times and had amazingly been defeated. Although he had his doubts about Kaijinbou's battleground valor, he didn't question the servant's loyalty.

He slid off his horse, and was surprised when she got down on her own without assistance from him.

She stared out into the darkness of the night from the upstairs window of the Keep. She'd wandered away from her room, unable to sleep. Dawn was only off by an hour, maybe two now. The rain was pattering down, creating that uniquely melodic sound. It was slightly chilly. She was alone again, a captive. Somehow it wasn't so bad though.

She was 'his' captive and he didn't seem all that bad. He hadn't physically hurt her, provided you didn't count that first incident when she'd refused to eat. He hadn't tried to take advantage of her and he had protected her. She sighed despairingly.

He couldn't protect her forever though. Her father would inevitably discover it was she who had killed Urusae, but knowing him he would probably beam with pride over her first killing rather than be upset. However Goshinki and Kanna were another matter, she was not sure how well she could fare against her seemingly super-powered half siblings.

Not to mention she would eventually be returned to the Citadel. Sesshoumaru couldn't hide her from his father indefinitely.

She heard the rustle of movement and turned to see who was disturbing her solitude. Surely no one thought she would try to escape this place. It was probably impossible to get out of here alive.

Behind her, someone stepped forward, past an open window and into the light. There, bathed in moonlight, stood her captor. A waterfall of silver white hair seemed to glow in the gentle light cast by the moon. Bright, sleepless gold eyes peered back at her from a perfect porcelain shade face, expressionless, but serene.

She stared, shamelessly at the young lord's son. He was leisurely half dressed, his typically armor clad chest was bare to the night air. Not even a sword was at his waist. She turned away.

"Why are you out of your room?"

His voice was even low and silky, as though he were purring at her. "I couldn't sleep," she replied, suddenly very nervous.

He didn't reply immediately, and didn't at all. Rather he came forward, and she felt him press against her, leaning forward to rest his hands against the frame of the window, his head tilted down toward her hair. She could feel the warmth of his body as he pressed very gently against her, trapping her weakly against the window.

Her heart began to pound wildly in her chest.

"Tomorrow will be a long day, you should rest." He quietly urged, not moving.

"Am I leaving here tomorrow?"

"I am returning to battle tomorrow, you will remain here."

"More fighting?"

"Kagemaru must be captured."

His lips were dangerously close to her ear; she could feel the breath from his mouth against her skin.

"Kagemaru... I don't know him." She murmured feeling forced to say something because the silence felt constricting.

"He works for your father."

Now she could feel his lips against her ear. He pressed a gentle kiss at the top of her ear, and then she felt his tongue slide down the curve, his lips then kissing the bottom lobe. She shivered, but couldn't move away, trapped between him and the window. She turned slightly in an attempt to see him, to see his expression and hope she saw something there.

She turned, her breath mingling with his and she abruptly turned away.

"I-I should be going back to bed."

For a moment, nothing happened and then he stepped away and she quickly stepped past him. She swept by and managed somehow to stumble back to her room.

She crawled into her futon and tried to calm her racing heart. Eventually sleep found and claimed her.

Sesshoumaru stepped from his room, readjusting his armor for the final time before he rode out. He slowed to a stop outside her door; the sun was just rising, casting its first rays over the horizon. He listened, silently, but there was no sound from within. He slid the door open slightly, peering within. His young captive had fallen asleep he guessed she would not wake before noon. Sliding the door closed, he motioned for the guard to come forward and watch over her.

He moved onward, to the steps and moved down them. His men were waiting for him outside. Jaken was there by his horse, loyally awaiting him.

"Let's head out." He ordered; hauling himself up and the procession back to the Kagemaru command post began.

The trip was remarkably shorter than the one he'd taken last night with her. Her, the young woman now finally sleeping back at his protective compound. As they approached, they caught sight of smoke trails rising high into the sky.

They rose up over the hilly terrain and peered down over the landscape. The stone gated compound had been flattened during the night. Bodies of his own men and those of Higurashi littered the ground. The air was tainted and heavy with the scent of blood and death. Buildings were crumbling, and breaking down from being set a flame, nothing, it seemed had survived the battle. Those who may have lived had since fled or retreated to safer grounds, perhaps fearing reinforcements.

He motioned them forward and they headed down to the burning outpost, his men sliding down from their horses and drawing their blades to inspect the grounds. Sesshoumaru remained just inside the gate, staring down over the littered courtyard of the outpost.

Many good men had fallen here, many loyal men. Among the dead he did not spot Kaijinbou, the man he'd left in charge of Kagemaru's capture.

"Sesshoumaru-sama! Kagemaru's here! We found him!"

He turned, sliding down from his stallion and followed the young soldier. Minutes later they dragged a half dead, bleeding man from the wreckage of the broken, burning building.

"This is Kagemaru?" He asked.

The light haired male looked up, eyes cold and dead. "Fool... this battle means nothing. Naraku-sama shall rule all."

"Where is Kaijinbou?"

The soldiers exchanged glances. "He doesn't appear to be here, Sesshoumaru-sama."

He peered back down at the man hanging in their arms; head and body slumped over as they held tightly onto his arms.

"Kaijinbou," Kagemaru scoffed. "That little coward? He ran off hours ago."

"Should we take him back to the Keep, Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"No, I don't want him there."

Kagemaru lifted his head once more, cold eyes sparkling with maliciousness. "Eh? You take her? Naraku's other bitchy little daughter? That little pet of his? What was her name..? Kagome, I believe."

They merely stared at one another.

"Better look out for that one. She's Naraku's most precious little toy. He's promised her in marriage to many lords and ally's of his, including the Prince of Thieves, Kouga. I heard just yesterday Onigumo was infuriated after Naraku showed up ruining his fun. He so loves virgins..."

"Take him to the Keep. If he is troublesome, punish him." Sesshoumaru ordered, fearing for his temper if he allowed the man to continue.

Something had happened then with Onigumo, an attempted rape at least. If Naraku had 'showed up' and 'ruined' Onigumo's fun then the girl was likely still untouched. He could tell nothing from his encounter with the girl in the hall this morning. She had been flustered and embarrassed but if she had been raped it would not necessarily keep her from reacting the way she had.

He put thoughts of her aside and stood taller. "Search the grounds and report back to the Keep. I'll be sending back a scouting group to monitor the area and see who shows up."

"Yes Sesshoumaru-sama."

Kagome sat up, brushing through her hair with her fingers. She'd been sitting around this place all day and was not enjoying the experience. It was drafty and cold, and she couldn't bathe. There was no one around except soldiers, causing her to stay in her room in fright of them.

Perhaps going back to the Citadel wasn't such a bad idea, but then she thought back to her meeting with Inutaisho that evening.

Kagome looked up at her host uneasily. The room was empty save for him and her.

"Your presence here is troubling. The servants fear for their safety even within these walls."

She dropped her head. Her nervousness hiked mixing with her anxiety.

"Your miko skills are impressive and your help with Inuyasha is appreciated. However, you can no longer remain within my halls. First thing tomorrow morning you are being transferred to another of my holdings."

He was silent and she guessed this was a dismissal but feared leaving without permission.

"Is that all then?"

He curtly nodded, his eyes following her. If he was expecting her to be upset by this decision he would be disappointed. She was a girl, she wasn't stupid. The Western Citadel was the largest of the Masaharu's properties. No matter where they sent her everything else would be on a smaller scale, and therefore potentially escapable.

She sighed heavily, lowering her head. The day was drawing to a close, and Sesshoumaru had yet to return. Or, at least she thought he hadn't returned, she hadn't seen him yet. He was really the only person around here *to* see. Everyone else seemed frightening.

Just as she was thinking she was hungry, the door behind her slid open unannounced and then slid closed just as quickly. She guessed it was her captor, she really couldn't see anyone besides him barging in so rudely.

Sure enough he walked to her, and sat down beside her at the window. There was an odd expression on his face. He was staring directly at her, apparently thinking something over.

"Kagemaru is downstairs."

"Oh, he's alive?"

The comment seemed to jar him in some way. Maybe he was offended because his reply somewhat surprised her. "I don't kill everyone."

She shrugged. "I'm still alive."

She wondered what he wanted, staring at her that way, but he didn't say anything. Maybe he just wanted some company? Perhaps she should say something? After all she was surely more refined company than his soldiers.

"Um... did... you want something from me?"

"Do you enjoy sitting alone?" His tone was almost snappish.

"I don't enjoy being here at all, but I make do."

"Your father took you from Onigumo's?"

"Yes, but I explained this already."

"You were vague, I want details."

That was a straightforward demand, she thought sourly. This man could simply not hold polite conversation.

"What kind of details?"

"Where were you when he showed up?"

"I don't know... a side room, a dungeon, some torture room I guess. The walls were... spotted with things I didn't want to know about and there were manacles attached to the walls."

"Were you chained?"

"Yes, hands over my head, and on my knees. Enough details for you or maybe I should describe what I was wearing too." She snapped, glaring.

"Only if I ask," he shot back.

She turned away, still half glaring but looking decidedly angry.

"What happened before he arrived?"

"Usual captive stuff."

He growled and she obstinately remained silent, but finally replied. "None of your business."

"Do not make me repeat myself, woman."

"Repeat it all you want to. What happened there doesn't have anything to do with you."

He reached very calmly toward his waist, too calmly as far as she was concerned. Her heart began to race again, the second time in fright while he was near as she watched him draw his blade from the sheath at his side. It was a wider tipped blade than the blades she'd seen used by others. He flipped it in his grip, staring at it silently before turning it in her direction.

She swallowed hard as he pressed the point of the sword at the hollow of her throat, lowering it softly down scraping it against her skin but amazingly not cutting through. She could hardly breathe, let alone think about his amazing precision with a blade as he pressed it a bit more firmly against the cloth of her kimono.

Still, he said nothing; just staring at the place on her kimono were the edge of the sword was so dangerously sitting. Okay, maybe not answering his questions was a bad idea, she thought.

"He...cut my clothes...and... touched me. Then my father arrived." She said, and sounding surprisingly firm.

"And what happened when he arrived?"

His voice had dropped to a lower octave, one that sounded even more dangerous than his usual voice.

"He... knocked him over and stabbed him. He questioned him on why he was not informed I was there. Onigumo lied; he said he was going to tell my father that I was not there when his men had arrived at the sight so he could keep me. I told him what he'd told me and ... he... twisted the sword in his shoulder and... He made him release me and we left."

Sesshoumaru withdrew the blade and replaced it back at his side silently, turning his gaze toward the windows.

He ...!

That ... !

How dare he threaten her that way and then pretend nothing happened!

She was about to tell him just what she thought of his 'persuasion' methods when he stood and left her alone. What kind of nut case was this guy? The night before he'd been all but trying to seduce her and now he was back to threatening her bodily harm again!

She sighed heavily. Now she was alone again and still hungry.

Kagome closed her eyes staring up at the ceiling. It was long past dark now, maybe three or four hours. She had still not eaten and could only wonder at the apparent change in behavior of her host. Unwilling host, maybe she should just think of him as her jailer from this point forward.

She sighed. The things she did for her sister. Naturally she had to open her dumb mouth, maybe Kikyo could have...

No, it was useless. Kikyo couldn't beat Sesshoumaru. She'd done what she thought best at the time. Even after every rotten thing that had happened she knew she'd do it again to save Kikyo. She'd do it again to release her sister who was going to go out and kill more people. She dropped her head. What was she thinking?

What was she thinking allowing her sister to be released? Her sister, a killer? Logically Kikyo should be the one that was bound, not her. She had never killed anyone, save Urusae and that had been a matter of life or death. She'd had to do it.

What was the world coming to? What was her world coming to? Why were they even doing all this fighting? She raised her head toward the windows. She really didn't know. She'd heard, different accounts from different people. She couldn't be certain about the original cause.

Behind her she heard the door open again. It must be around midnight, who was sneaking into her room? Or, maybe not sneaking as she heard footsteps. Whoever it was didn't care if she knew they were there.

"Why aren't you sleeping?"

She remained silent. She was still miffed about earlier, if he expected polite conversation now well... He could forget it!

"Get up. It's time to go."

She was tempted to remain where she sat and make him drag her out there but she didn't want to be handled anymore than necessary. Especially since her escorts were usually rough enough without her attitude.

Although she burned with curiosity, she didn't ask where they were going. She didn't ask why they were traveling so late, she didn't ask anything. She simply followed. He led her down the stairs to the front door where a troop of soldiers was gathered around.

At Sesshoumaru's appearance they all straightened up, forming two straight lines that led out to a carriage. Where ever they were going it was apparently a long trip.

He handed her up into the carriage, and without a word walked away. The horses jolted forward, and they were off to destinations unknown. Yet the entire way 'there' she couldn't help but wonder if he was angry with her. Or perhaps something she'd said had upset him more than she'd anticipated. Maybe... maybe... because of what she said happened with Onigumo.

She had shame enough over it without him throwing it back in her face like this. She dropped her head a notch. She hadn't thought of it before now. Only that she hadn't wanted to talk about it. Not with him, not with anyone. She absently brought a hand up to her face, tracing the scabbed over tear in her flesh. It would be a permanent reminder of him. She hadn't even thought about it. And now... now she wasn't sure she could ever escape it.

She hadn't meant to fall asleep. She certainly hadn't wanted to. She had been entertaining thoughts of hopping off this little carriage and making a break for it. She might have had a chance too, but cowardice had worked its claws into her belly and wouldn't let go. It was too late now, morning had already come, and she was now even hungrier than before. Worse yet she recognized the building they were approaching and she suddenly regretted not jumping more than anything in the world.

She was being sent back to the Citadel. Her heart plummeted. She couldn't go back there. No.

Clutching the edges of her courage, she stood uneasily and leapt. She predictably fell, banging painfully against the ground. She would never escape, her mind whispered at her. She would never make it. She was too close.

The carriage came to a halt and the man driving it stared at her helplessly. Caught between leaving the horses unguarded and coming after her. She rose up, her arm hurt. It might be broken, she realized, but better her arm than her leg or ankle. She could still run and that she did. She ran, hard and fast. Her bare feet nicked, wet, and impossibly cold. They were quickly going numb making it hard to continue on. She had just reached the tree line when she heard it, a horse's gallop. She wouldn't make it. Someone was after her. Someone was after her! Tears sprung to her eyes. Why? Why? Why did it hurt?

She heard the horses grunt as it was pulled to a stop and then footfalls. Heavy, loud footfalls. Her follower was probably some big, burly guard. He'd probably slap her for running away, or yank her injured arm painfully. She choked on a sob as she heard her follower move in. She wouldn't last. One or two more strides and she'd be overtaken. Then she felt it, arms enclosing around her and then uneven ground that sent her plummeting.

Her follower tripped over as well, sending them both painfully to the ground. His weight knocking the air from her lungs in a way that left her gasping desperately for air. The scenario was painfully familiar, ending almost exactly the same as her previous escape attempt. She panted, not bothering to move even though the chill of the damp grass was seeping through her kimono cooling her skin. It was just so much. Too much.

Her pain seemed to pour over and her tears were proof of it. She couldn't stop them, even if she'd vainly tried to prevent them from falling. She hadn't escaped. Even if she had, she had nowhere to go. Everywhere she was wanted by something, someone's pawn. No one wanted her for her. She wasn't 'Kagome' to anyone. She was Naraku's daughter, a brand that haunted her endlessly. A prisoner, a toy, a slave, a lover, what did it matter what she wanted? What did it matter to anyone?

She sobbed into the dirt, face down on the ground. She was vaguely aware she hadn't been touched yet. No one had pulled her up. Maybe shocked by her display.

"Idiot."

She barely heard the male voice scolding her. She didn't want to hear it. She didn't want anything. Depression set in, coiling around her like a snake as though trying to choke the life from her. Her heart wrenching sobs were no longer for the earth to collect as she was pulled from the ground and pressed against a warm body, enclosed in someone's embrace. She asked no questions, she didn't dare open her eyes.

But desperate cries only lasted so long and within minutes she naturally calmed. The warmth surrounding her helped considerably, but she was trying hard not to think of something that was threatening to consume her.

"Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

She paused in her sniffling. How did he manage it? How had he managed to be here when he'd sent her away, not so long ago? How had he caught up with them so quickly? She was forced to raise her head as his hand slipped under her chin tilting it up to him. Haunted gold eyes stared down at her. Eyes she'd expected to see clouded with anger were clear, but tainted with concern. Concern, it seemed for her.

He seemed to sigh and the concern seemed to fade but the gentleness of his hold remained. His eyes trailed over her frame briefly.

"You need to take better care of yourself." His voice lacked the coldness she'd heard in it on previous occasions. It seemed but a weak rebuke.

Without another word he scooped her up, draping her in his arms. He seemed to take note of her injured arm because he had been careful about touching it. To her surprise, he walked her the rest of the way. Up across the expanse of open yard, through the gates, past the on looking guards and finally in through the main doors of the Citadel. She was walked through a near silent building up two flights of stairs until she was lowered into a fluffy set of blankets.

There. Here. Or at least coming here from there. There was no way he could escape him. He settled back, resting more of his weight against the back wall standing by the fusuma doors. He wasn't about to leave her alone with him. What he feared however was that his father wasn't coming up here to see her but to see him. That was what he dreaded, but he steeled his resolve. He would have his way. If it meant taking on his father, so be it, but he did not look forward to the confrontation that was imminent.

Sure enough the door slid open and he saw his father step in. His unhappy gold gaze was directly toward the sleeping miko before they turned toward him as though he'd known he stood there the entire time and only now deigned him worthy of his stare.

He opened his mouth as though to say something but only ended up sighing and turning back to look at her.

"She means this much to you?" His tone was resigned. "She will be trouble for us."

"No more so than we are already embroiled in."

"I will not interfere anymore if you tell me what it is you want from her."

"You said you wouldn't interfere before," he replied curtly, not able to meet the gaze of his father.

"I give you my word, I will not interfere again provided you answer my question."

His eyes flickered to meet those of his father. What did he want her for? Better yet, why did he have to decide now? Memories from earlier boiled up within him, reminding him of his discovery. Telling him the answer he'd needed, the one he sought. The one his father was asking him for.

"I want to save her."

Silence stretched between them for several tense moments. "What do you wish to save her from?"

Their gazes met again. He didn't know what she needed to be saved from, only that she needed it and that he could provide it. How to answer such a question?

"Whatever it requires."

That was a clear enough, all-inclusive answer. Quick and concise.

Inutaisho nodded briefly. "Very well. I accept that she is yours to do as you wish, but be warned. Bad tidings are blowing in on the wind. Rumors reach me that Onigumo is searching for her despite Naraku's apparent warnings to stay away and I have heard suspicions that Kouga too may have developed a fascination for her. Not even to mention the many men Naraku has promised her to as part of an agreement. You are willing to fight for her then?"

"I fight now to defend the Western Lands, I can fight a little longer to protect her."

This caused a chuckle to be dragged forth from the older man. "All the same to you, eh? There are many deaths to be made up for, I will accept no less than blood from Higurashi Naraku. Again I warn you, her feelings about it will not be taken into account when I finally have my opportunity to kill him. Be prepared to rein her in if necessary."

Sesshoumaru nodded grimly. "I anticipate so."

Inutaisho moved to the doorway, about to pass out it when Sesshoumaru's voice caught him once more.

"You would like her."

He just caught the grin perking up his father's lips before the man stepped out of sight completely and the door closed. He didn't realize it until then but a great burden had been lifted off his shoulders. His father had freed him of his worry about her presence here again. All would be dealt with, and she would be protected. His father's acceptance of Kagome as 'his' ensured he would accept and tolerate her presence as well. Hopefully he would drop his icy demeanor around her just enough to allow Kagome to relax a bit more and not hate her life for having to be here.

Not force her to leap from a moving carriage. Mostly however never again to cause such a heart breaking display of tears. She was a strong person. She had a good solid core to her; she'd born everything that had fallen onto her well. She'd taken most of it in stride. Outside however she'd cracked, split wide open down the center and she'd fallen apart before him. He was not certain what to expect of her when she woke. If she would have pieced herself together again or if she was still fractured.

Even as he waited faithfully for her to wake he feared it would not be for several more hours and left her side in search of breakfast. He'd rode all last night and her sprint across the yard had near worn him out. He needed food or sleep and sleep was out of the question. Breakfast it was. He quietly abandoned the room, closing the door softly behind him.

. . .

Kagome's eyes snapped open as she heard the distinct sound of the door closing. She turned her gaze toward it as though expecting to see someone there, but there was no one. The conversation seemed to have brought to a close any tension between father and son, but it did nothing for her.

She was still adrift in a sea of anxiousness and fear. Never knowing where she was heading. It was only a matter of time before she was tracked down to this location.

How many enemies did she have now? Her half brother and sister, Goshinki and Kanna. Onigumo and Kouga, they too had to be considered enemies when their desires for her were salacious.

Even so, she could not be desperate. How could one feel so when their captor had just declared he wanted to 'save' her? She sighed heavily. She needed saving, she thought, she just didn't know from what. Better than that, she didn't know she wanted him to be the one to do it.

His father still wanted to kill her father and despite all…she loved him. Higurashi Naraku was a cold-hearted bastard of a man, but she loved him. He was her father. Despite everything he'd ever done to anyone else, he'd never hurt her. He'd protected her. He and Kikyo were the only two that had ever shown any sort of love for her save Kaede. Kaede had saved her from a life of coldness, a life led by her sister Kikyo. She owed everything to Kaede. What do to? What could she do, even if she wanted to?

Maybe... maybe she really was desperate after all.

[End chapter six.]

Author's Notes: Well, hey that's it! Quite a day for me, three different stories updated. (Not yet, but by the end of the day it will be. Blind Stitch...9 still needs edited. Will be posted before day is over, promise.) ^_^

To make life easier on everyone, I'll be updating on Monday's from this point forward.

A fusuma door is a like a shoji screen door. Shoji screen doors have thinner paper material, while fusuma doors have more opaque sheets.