don't Inu Yasha

:Inu Yasha: Damn right this woman doesn't own me

:Echoe: frowns I think that I already said that please Read and Review

Echoe Shayne

2-23-07 edit complete don't worry no extensive changes have been made to the story just editing for readability, added a few things here in there that I thought would give more depth to the characters especially Kouga. You don't have to reread but there was enough stuff added to make it enjoyable. Aka a little bit of fluff ^.^ let me know what you think.

Running Away

Kagome sat in the parlor of her house looking out the window. The glass had just been cleaned, it was smooth and streak free. She could almost imagine it wasn't there, reaching out she rested her hand against the cool pane letting her fingers slide down it ruining the perfect finish.

Bowing her head she wished that she could be anywhere but here. For the moment the house was quite, that wouldn't last for long though. People had been coming and going all day. Frankly she was tired of it. It wasn't the people that bothered her so much. To tell the truth she liked to visit with people it was just the reason they were coming that had her all in a huff. She knew this had been coming; in fact she should have been more then prepared for it. Frowning as her eyes drifted shut she could hear the muffled sound of her mother voice in the next room. What was she supposed to do just sit here and take it? Go with what ever decision her mother came up with? Even though they where deciding the rest of her life. She was supposed to sit there and just accept whatever they decided?

There was a loud sound from the other room snapping to attention she turned to face the door her eyes widening as she could hear shouting.

"What does she think she's doing?" Kouga she knew that voice well and it appeared he was none to happy with the news her mother had just told him.

Cringing she looked down. Ok, so maybe she hadn't been all that silent with her opinion. The thought caused a small smile to play at the corners of her mouth. It was her life after all. She wasn't about to just sit back and play by someone else's rules. She may have been well behaved about most things but in this matter she was not about to let anyone push her into anything. If acting out came with consequences then she would be willing to pay them. The door to the room burst open revealing Kouga. From the set of his jaw and the glint in his bright blue eyes she could tell this conversation wasn't going to be pleasant.

"I come on behalf of the great emperor Naraku "

Of course looking at him she could tell that, everything about him screamed it right down to the green uniform marking him as a soldier to the great Naraku. Kouga had not come here as a friend to their family today but rather for business. Why did he have to remind her? People had been coming all day because today she was supposed to pick out a suitor to marry. Just like that, pick someone out like it was easiest thing in the world to do.

Suitor after suitor and been paraded before her. How was she supposed to chose? It wasn't just her mother's idea, it wasn't even Kouga's he had just been sent here to over see it. She knew that the entire marriage was the rules of the court and as upstanding members of the kingdom they were bound to uphold them.

"You can't be causing problems like this you have reached marriageable age. Your father is gone and you must be married as soon as possible to insure your loyalty." Narrowing his eyes he crossed the room taking in the raven haired woman that sat in front of the window. She was glaring at him, her brown eyes fixed upon him with a look of pure defiance, which he had to admit he admired though he would never say it out loud.

"I did not like any of the blundering idiots that were sent here. What do I care? What the emperor thinks is none of my concern." She stopped short, feeling a sting across her face. It was so sudden she had never really expected him to hit her. Her hand going to her throbbing cheek she couldn't help the tears that pooled into her eyes.

"Watch what you say little girl you are speaking treason and I don't want...' he paused almost as if he didn't know what he was going to say next. ' Marry me! Be my woman."

Kagome's eyes widened in shock her hand dropping from her cheek. Had he just asked what she thought he had? 'Marry me ! Be my Woman' the words ran through her head once again. Looking at him she half expected him to lapse into laughter , but no such thing happened. He was serious and he was waiting for an answer. She knew Kouga way better then she had known any of the other young men she had seen today. Maybe it would be for the best if she did marry him. Yet she still couldn't do it because she knew one very important thing. She did not love Kouga. She refused to settle for anything less than spending the rest of her life with the man that she loved.

Kouga looked at the tears as they poured down her cheeks, and the red tinge where his hand had left its mark. He could feel bad for what he had done but she was speaking treason, if anyone found out about it then she would receive far worse then what he had just done.

"Don't cry you know if you don't marry me you will just have to marry somebody else. So you might as well say yes. You have known me for a while and that's better than what you're going to get out of all the others."

"If I just keep saying no then they will give up." She bowed her head letting it rest against her chest. She wanted the words to be true, but they sounded naive and false even to her own ears.

"You know they won't." Kouga said his voice softening just a little as he looked at the woman's obvious despair.

"Yes, I know." Of course she knew they wouldn't give up. That was why she felt so alone, so defeated right now. She had been pushed into a corner and she hated it.

"I will return in the morning and when I do you will have an answer for me." With that he turned to leave the room. Kagome watched as he left the room. He wasn't going to take no for an answer she knew that for certain. Unlike her Kouga had already made up his mind.

Burring her face in her hands she let the tears come. It was the sound of the door clicking closed that pulled her back to reality wiping at her face she looked up to see her mother walking across the room. Her expression was serious. Her face calm and cool despite her daughters obvious distress.

Sitting down next to Kagome she took in her sorry condition quietly before she spoke. "You must be reasonable Kagome." Reaching her hand up, she covered her daughters cheek with her tender touch.

"Mom…' the word escaped her throat in almost a choked cry 'I can't, I can't do this… please. I don't want to get married just because someone says that I have to. You must understand. I want something more than just to pick someone out. I want someone I care for someone I love. Like you and my father."

The older woman frowned as she pulled her daughter into a hug.

"You don't want a marriage like the one that I had it would break your heart. You must choose. You are seventeen now. Without a man of loyalty in the house we could be thrown out."

"You're just going to sit there and tell me what mom? To give up my life so we can continue to live in this house. If that is all that you want then why don't you." she had been about to say then why don't you get married again but she knew that was something that her mother would never do. "Did you ever think that it was because Dad was in that army was the reason he died? If he hadn't been then everything would be fine right now. What about Sota are you going to let them control his life too, Mom?"

"Kagome I'm only trying to do what's right for you and for our family. I don't want to see anyone I love hurt anymore."

"But what about me, Mom? Is it selfish that I want more? Please don't make me do this. You can talk to them right?" there was a desperation in her voice that she didn't like the sound of. Kagome frowned all of her life she had done what she was told. She had learned countless of pointless things she had done everything her mother asked.

"It wont be that bad lots people have this kind of marriage in time you will grow to care for the man you marry and he will take care of you. I heard what Kouga offered and I think you should take him up on his offer." Even as she said the words she could see the color drain from her daughters face. Biting her lip she faltered. Kagome wasn't the one being selfish this time, no this was all her this time. In the end though this situation might save Kagome from some of the hurt and pain a person felt when someone that they really loved died

For once, Kagome saw her mother usually calm face falter and behind the mask was the saddest person in the world.

"Oh, Mom. I know that's what you're doing. I will think about it I will think about his offer Mom if only for you, I will."

"That is all that I can ask. Now why don't you try and get some rest."

She hated what they where doing to her daughter. She knew that this would be the last time she saw her smile if she married a man that she didn't love. She could picture her now with those lifeless eyes looking up at her because she had lost all of her dreams. How could she do this to her own daughter? But the alternative. She had loved her husband very much and when he had died part of her had died with him. That was something that she didn't want for her daughter, either.

__________-

As darkness fell Kagome sat on her bed looking down at her hands. She had been over and over the situation in her head. The only way she could avoid it was to leave. Reaching for the small bag she had packed she stood up walking to the window and opening it feeling the cool night air on her face before turning back to look at her room one last time. "I'm sorry Mom. You may think that it's the right thing to give up my life, but I can't do that. I know that everything will turn out fine for you when I'm gone. After all you are the great Captain Hirugashi's wife and that still means something." With that she slipped out the window pulling her dark cloak tighter around herself.

~*~*~* else where in the city

Yasha took in a deep breath taking in the various smells of the city. He had some looking around to do. Naraku was moving troops to this village for a reason over the past couple days. They had been gathering, what he couldn't understand was the way they were coming in, very small groups sometime two or three, sometimes even one. What was even more unusual was they never met together. He was determined to know what was going on here. The city tonight was dead as it was most nights because of the heavily enforced curfew. The only people that were allowed out after dark were those wearing the seal of the emperor and those on imperil business. Naraku's army the thought brought a frown to his face, the army rewarded for only two things loyalty and cruelty. Crouched in the shadows, he tried to make a plan of action which, was kind of hard considering he didn't even know what exactly it was that he was looking for.

Shouting was what drew his attention. Where most people in this situation may try to skirt around or avoid the conflict Yasha invited it. Moving in the direction of the noise he decided that this might be just what he looking for. As he drew closer he took up position to watch the soldiers. There were four of them, 'they probably travel that way so it's easier to gang up on people' he thought briefly, keeping his eyes fixed on their movements.

"You come back here." One of soldier shouted. Following the direction the soldier was looking Yasha turned his head. Who were they trying the catch? Out of the corner of his eye he saw movement as someone dashed through the shadows. Whoever it was they were doing a poor job if their objective was to not get caught. Then again if their job was to draw as much attention to themselves by acting suspicious after curfew then they were doing an excellent job. He highly doubt the later was the case which meant it was probably just some poor fool who had been caught out after curfew, or foolish enough to travel about after dark without getting caught. The people in the army may be idiots, but they certainly knew enough to catch someone that was being careless. He wondered what someone was doing out now when they knew what would happen to if they where caught out after curfew. From his position on the roof he could see that the person was about to make the wrong decision, if they turned to their right they would be heading into a dead end. The person obviously didn't know the city well. The soldiers appeared to know the city well enough though as they would have already over taken the person, instead they were subtly herding them into a dead end. Moving quickly he ran across the roof tops that were close together in this part of the city.

Jumping down he landed deftly on the balls of his feet in front of the cloaked figure. They had poor control of their reactions as they smashed into him before falling to a heap on the ground. Their light warm floral scent lingered in the air catching him by surprise. 'A woman' the body that had crashed into his had been slight it stature which he had already known from watching but he had expected a young inexperienced youth. They were afraid of him, afraid of the situation, the smell of fear was wrapped around her in a thick cloud almost choking out her natural scent.

Kagome reeled back as someone landed in front of her. Trying to stop she found she had no control of her body as she smacked into them. Falling down she scrambled back some her eyes instantly going to the figure before her. A scream caught in her throat. It would be unwise to scream, as she was already drawing too much attention to herself. Though in her quick assessment of the person she was somewhat relieved as he was not wearing the color of the emperor nor did he have the crest of the spider displayed. Instead they were wearing a dark cloak their face obscured in the shadows of their hood.

"What do you think you're doing running around like an idiot, girl?" A harsh voice barked at her.

"There they are. There's two of them yelled a voice behind her."

Cursing under his breath Yasha reached out taking the girls hand and pulling her quickly to her feet he would finish this conversation but right now was not the time. As he pulled her behind him it became painfully obvious that she would never be able to keep up with him. Tugging on her arms he pulled her in front of him as he scooped her into his arms not missing a beat, he ran for all he was worth.

Kagome had been surprised by his quick movements. He had hoisted her into his arms and was carried her like she weighed nothing. They were also moving faster then she would have thought possible for someone who was carrying the weight of two people. To do this he had to be incredibly strong and there was only one way she could think that he would have the strength he needed to do this. 'youkai' panic flooded though her body as it suddenly occurred to her she knew nothing of the man carrying her. What if he was more dangerous than the soldiers back there on the street? What if he had only saved her so that he could hurt her himself?

Amused Yasha felt the woman in his arms stiffen no doubt she had just realized what kind of situation she was in. "Calm down I wouldn't go through all the trouble if I was going to hurt you any way." Those simple words seemed to be enough for who ever it was that he was carrying as she relaxed in his grip.

Kagome's brief panic was held in check by the mans words, it wasn't so much the words themselves but rather the feeling of sincerity that was behind them.

"I'll keep you safe." His voice was calm. They were fleeing for their lives yet he gave off the air of being in complete control. This she decided was soothing, her body sensing that she was no longer in danger let go of the adrenaline that had been propelling her forward. With the adrenaline gone her body felt loose and oddly enough comfortable. Whether she had fainted or fallen to sleep she never knew as her body took a break from reality and she slipped into unconsciousness her head lulling against the mans shoulder.

________-

After glancing around one more time to make sure that he had lost his pursuers he opened the door to Sango's hut. Entering he shut the door behind him shifting the weight of the limp girl in his arms. From the sound of her breathing she was in a deep sleep. How she could have fallen asleep during that he had no clue. Yet she had it had been soon after he had reassured her that he wouldn't hurt her that he would keep her face. Looking down he was briefly awed by her innocence, the awe gave way to annoyance. Frowning he marveled at how similar innocence and stupidity were. She had taken a complete stranger at their word. What if he had lied? It was the sound of someone entering the room that drew attention away from the woman in his arms. Sango stood there an inquisitive expression on her face.

"What do you have here Yasha?" Sango asked her eyes fixed on the hooded figure that Yasha had cradled in his arms.

He didn't quite know what he had here? There hadn't been time to ask, trouble as far as her was concerned not able to think of words to describe is baggage he used the obvious "A woman," he grunted as he continued to stand there wondering if maybe he should drop her just to wake her up.

"A woman?" Sango asked in confusion

Yasha could have almost growled at her response. "That's what I said isn't it. Do you have somewhere for me to put her or should I just drop her here?"

"The bedroom in the back would be fine." Taking a deep breath she followed him back there where he practically threw the body on the bed.

Both of them watched expecting the woman to wake up but instead she turned over burring her face deeper into the hood of her dark cloak.

"Typical woman. Never does what you want her to when you want her to do it."

"Don't acts as if you know so much about women. Who is she?"

"How am I supposed to know. Just some stupid woman if you ask me. Wondering around like a fool after curfew. If you ask me she has a death wish."

"That maybe true." Sango reached forward to grab the girl's hood but felt Yasha's hand on her wrist.

"A person always has a reason for hiding their face. I don't think that she would appreciate it."

Turning to look at Yasha she was not surprised that his own hood was still pulled up. She would have thought that like her, his curiosity would have been reeking havoc. "Sometimes you surprise me. You're right though if that were me I sure wouldn't want two people I didn't know ogling me in my sleep."

Clenching her eyes shut tighter Kagome tried to drive away the voices that were threatening to pull her away from her wonderful dream. She was flying. Flying away from all the responsibilities she had. Away from everything that had been bothering her and she felt safe. Everything was going to turn out fine. It was one of those dreams where you know you were dreaming. This knowledge only made her savor the dream more. When she woke up she would only have to face reality again. Maybe that's why she was determined not to wake up.

"Well for the night she's fine. In the morning I'm going to get answers from that woman whether or not she wants to give them."

"And in the meantime?" Sango asked looking at him. She was not entirely sure that it was a good idea to have a stranger in the house. It could be dangerous even if she did seem harmless.

"I brought her here, so I'll go ahead and watch her so you can get some sleep' taking in her slight form on the bed he knew that appearances could be deceiving. 'Just because I brought her here doesn't mean that I trust her. We take no chances till we know more about her." Though he said that he already knew he had taken a big chance in bringing her here. Still he hadn't wanted the soldiers to get a hold of her. He would defy Naraku in any way that he could even if it was small.

"No. Heaven forbid that you trust anyone." Though she said the words she had to admit that she wasn't ready to put her trust in a complete stranger. These were dangerous times, if you put your trust in the wrong place then it could cost you your life.

"You have to do what you have to, to stay alive." Pulling up a chair he sat by the bed bowing his head.

_________-

"What do you mean that she's gone?" his voice was cold and calculating as he paced the room his anger and frustration grew. Mrs Higurashi provided him with no answers just stood there calmly.

"Its just as I said. When I went to wake her this morning she was gone. If I had anymore information the that I would give it you" Lady Higurashi stared at the young man that was pacing her living room 'young' the word struck her as funny as he was a youkai and hadn't changed at all in the last ten years she had known him. Captain Kouga. In all the time that she had known him she had never known him to lose his temper like this at least not in front of her. She had been the one who had forced Kagome to make this rash decision. She knew how adverse Kagome had been to the idea of marrying yet she was still there pushing her into it. Though Lady Higurashi had to admit, if her daughter was forced into a marriage Kouga wouldn't have been that bad of choice.

Kouga could barely control his anger. The entire situation had irked him Kagome pulling this disappearing act had just pushed him over the edge. He hated the assignment he had been given this time. It was simple and clear. Make sure that the eldest daughter of the Higurashi family was given in marriage as a pledge of loyalty and present them to the great court. It only made sense that he would be given the task of carrying this out as he had been assigned to watch over the family since the death of Captain Higurashi.

He hadn't counted on how attached he would become to them. Especially their daughter. When he had been given his most recent task he hadn't taken into consideration what it would be like to have countless suitors paraded in front of her. Though he had been angry with her for the trouble she was causing he had been secretly pleased that she had turned them all down. He had been so close "Can I trust people to do anything? You can't even take care of my soon to be woman."

At his words Lady Higurashi had to do her best to stifle a smile. Yes if her daughter had to be married Kouga was not a bad choice at all. She had seen it over the years. When he had first arrived here Kagome had been so young and he had treated her with the care of an older brother but as the years waxed on and Kagome grew into a young woman the relationship changed at least on Kougas part. Her daughter may have been too blind to see, but she knew perfectly well the Captain was in love with her daughter.

"She can't have gone very far." Her mother said trying to sooth the angry man. 'if only he would have just told her. Maybe some of this mess could have been avoided'

"I want her found and I want her found now!" he yelled to the soldiers that were standing behind him. 'Where have you gotten away to you little fool' He should have known better. He knew what Kagome was like. She was opposed to this marriage and nothing neither her nor anyone could say would change her mind. So she had taken matters into her own hands and just made the situation a hundred times worse. He should have taken her with him last night.

"Yes, sir." The small group of men scrambled to the door. The last thing that they wanted was to make the Captain angry. They would rather poke a sleeping bear then anger their Captain, at least with the bear there would be a chance of getting away. Rushing out the door they couldn't help but feel sorry for the girl when she was found. It was never a wise idea to anger their Captain. Still they couldn't help but wonder one thing. What did this Kagome Higurashi look like? If they knew that, it would make finding the nuisance of a girl much easier.

________-

Kagome yawned rolling over in the bed, laying there blissfully in the state between dreaming and waking. It didn't last long before reality came crashing down around her. Kouga was coming for her today, what was she still doing in bed? Last nights events ran through her mind. She remember leaving her house and trying to get away from the soldiers that had been out on the streets. Someone had saved her, bolting to a sitting position she franticly tried to untangle her legs from the sheets as they had become tangled. What if she needed to make a quick getaway.

Seeing her panicked movements Yasha subconsciously pulled at the hood of his cloak making sure it was in place. The last thing that he needed this morning was a screaming woman. Clearing his throat her attention swung in his direction.

Hearing the sound of someone clearing their throat , she turned to look at the man who the sound had come from. It was the man that had saved her last night. Of that she was sure, well as sure as she could be. His face was still hidden in the folds of his hood as he kept his head positioned in such a way to not allow her to see anything but the outline of his features. She had the urge to reach up and pull the hood back but instead clenched the sheets she had been messing with earlier in her hands.

Taking a deep breath to gain a little courage she spoke "What am I doing here? and Who are you?"

Her voice sounded snobbish to him. 'she must be a spoiled brat' While she had been sleeping he had taken in the fine cut of her cloak, as well as what he could see of the dress underneath it. To his chagrin, her hood had stayed in place throughout the night. Why was she outside at night? Didn't she know how dangerous that was? If he hadn't been there, she would have been dead by now.

"Quiet, woman. Didn't you know princess, the first thing you should be saying to me is thank you? And as far as your concerned I'll be the one asking the questions. Who are you? What were you doing out on the streets last night after curfew?"

"Curfew?" did he mean after dark? Instantly she was on alert how did he knew that she was forbidden from being out after dark?

The change in her voice as she said the word started him. She sounded confused about the idea of curfew. Surely she had heard of it before hadn't she, yet she had said it like it was a new thing to her. That was impossible though wasn't it? Everyone knew what curfew was. She had to be lying frowning he wasn't about to let her play him for the fool. What didn't set well with him though was the genuineness that he heard in that simple word.

"Yes. That's what I said, wench. Don't pretend that you don't know what it is? Now tell me who you are and what you where doing. If I find out it was something bad, then you're going to be sorry."

"I don't tell strangers anything. I haven't even seen your face. How do I know that I can trust you?"

"I can say the same for you." Where did this cheeky chic get off thinking that she could openly argue with him?

`It was true her hood had stayed in place while she slept but who was to say that he hadn't looked at her then pulled it back up. Kagome knew she was being difficult, but the man had hit a nerve she didn't want anyone to see her face. It was unlikely that he knew who she was but she couldn't be too careful

"I wish to keep my secret till I am out of this place." She said looking down at her hands.

"I can kick you out right now and remedy that. Then you won't have to worry about any secret. You sure are nice to someone you owe your life to, aren't you?" he threw the last words at her out of frustration. His first evaluation of her had been correct 'trouble'

As his last words sunk in she couldn't help but feel ashamed of her behavior. She did owe this man at least a thank you. Briefly she thought of how safe she had felt last night after he had rescued her. What would have happened to her if he hadn't come along when he did? Would the guards have even believed her if she told them who she was? After all last night it had not been common knowledge that the Higurashis daughter had gone missing. Even if they had known, would they have believed her? She didn't even want to think of some of the things that they could have done to her. Members of the imperial army were cruel. Which brought her back to her currant situation, Kouga no doubt probably had people already scouring the city for her. She had to leave now she was putting this man in danger and he had already risked himself for her.

He could sense her discomfort and for the first time wondered if she had another reason to be running from the soldiers other then the fact that she had broke curfew.

This time when she spoke her voice was gentle and clear none of the panic or snobbery that he had heard earlier was there "You're right. I am sorry for being so rude. I am truly grateful to you but I must be going now."

"And where would you be going? To tell people what you saw here?" It was her sudden hurry to leave that set him on edge, making him act out of defense.

His gruff words caught her off guard. What did he mean what she saw here. Looking around the room she tried to find anything she might find significant. Nothing just four nondescript blank walls. "What I saw here? I'm sorry but I don't even know where I am. Besides I don't even know what I could possibly tell someone. That a strange guy saved me and now he won't even tell me his name much less show me his face."

"You can call me Yasha if you wish."

"Yasha." she let the name rolled off her tongue as she looked at the cloaked man.

"Yes, that would be my name." Turning his head to the door he could hear the heavy clanking sound of a group of fully armored soldiers. Raising from his seat he moved closer to the door.

Seeing him stand and turn his attention away from her she was confused just seconds ago he had been content to argue with her. "where are you going?" but instead of answering or even turning back to face her he held out his hand with his index finger pointed in the air a signal for her to be quite. As if to make sure that she got it the gesture was followed by a low sushing sound.

'Claws' He's got claws. She thought as she stared at the hand meant to silence her. Tipping his fingers she could see the sharp yet delicate looking claws. What was going on? Opening her mouth to ask just that she didn't get the chance as a loud pounding came from the other room she was interrupted by a loud pounding.

"Imperial soldiers open the door right now."

She had been right. Kouga already has them out looking for her. If they found here now then this man would be in trouble. Fear was overcoming her better judgment. She had to leave and she had to leave now. Aside from the fact that she could be caught here her very presence was placing people in danger.

She heard the door open and someone else speaking. They hadn't been alone in the house after all she thought as she listened to the woman who was now talking to soldiers.

_________-

Sango stared at the soldiers doing her best to stay calm, and appear afraid as she knew this was how a normal person would act if they were to be confronted by members of the royal army. The truth was she had to restrain herself from dragging them in and kicking the crap out of them. It was an impulse that she could not act upon though. To do so would attach to much attention and they had already had to good of a look at her face.

"Hello. How may I help you this morning?" she said keeping her head down to avoid eye contact.

"We are looking for a woman that disappeared last night. Have you seen anyone strange in the area?" The soldiers looked at the pretty woman wishing that they had time to go in. If they faltered from their mission they would have to face Kouga's raff."

"No, I haven't"

"Can we come in?"

"Why yes. How rude of me not to offer." Stepping aside she allowed them to walk into her house.

"Are you alone?" One of the soldiers asked eyeing her a little too close for comfort. What could she say? If she said she was alone it would surely lead to trouble but then she couldn't risk telling them about the other occupants in the room down the hall.

Kagome slipped off the bed. She didn't like the sound of the soldiers' voices. They could hurt the woman in the house. Would she be willing to give up her freedom for the sake of the woman in the living room? Her freedom for a woman that she had never even met before. 'She's in there talking to them to save you" a voice said in the back of her mind. Making up her mind she took a step in the direction of the door.

Seeing movement out of the corner of his eye Yasha saw that the stupid girl was about to walk into the next room. Reaching out he wrapped his hand around waist pulling her back against him. He was thankful that she had enough brains not to scream.

"What do you think that your doing." He hissed close to her ear.

"I can't leave her alone in there with them. What are they going to do to her?"

Hearing her reply he loosened his grip a little bit. She couldn't be all that bad, if not a little stupid.

"Sango Knows how to take care of herself. She'll be ok."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

With his reassurance she relaxed her eyes focused on the rough wooden door in front of her. Holding her breath she tried to take in the conversation from the other room. She would just have trust in the man standing behind her with that thought she took light comfort in warmth his body offered before training her full attention back on the situation at hand.

_________-

Sango looked at the two men standing in front of her they need an answer as she knew their patience with this conversation would soon begin to wane. As if on que the stockier of the two stepped forward as if his presence was supposed to scare her. Playing her part she took a timid step back.

"Why do you hesitate to answer?" the stocky on barked in a gruff voice.

Pausing she counted to five before answering even though she already knew the answer she was going to give them"I am alone, sir."

"What are you afraid little girl? That we're going to hurt you? Maybe you should be afraid." The stocky one spoke up again, as the other one stood there watching her answer delighting in her false fear. Sango instantly knew if it came to blows the quieter of the two would be the more dangerous of the two.

_________-

Yashas muscles tightened as heard how the soldier was talking to Sango. Unfortunately one of his arms, was still wrapped around the girls midsection. Maybe she had been right. Yasha had to fight the urge to run in the other room himself. Which, was silly he had just reprimanded the girl from trying to do the exact same thing. Even so he was thankful the girl was between him and the door. He had to have faith that Sango knew how to take care of herself. So he would wait and see how she handled this. 'Don't disappoint me Sango.'

Kagome drew in a breath as Yasha's arm tightened around her waist pulling her closer to him. She knew the reaction was due how the conversation was progressing in the other room. Despite the seriousness of the situation she lost her ability to focus. No male had ever been allowed to be this close to her. Over the last couple years Kouga had grown bold in attempts to tease her but not even he would have dared to hold her like this. A blush raising to her cheeks she looked down forcing the thought away she brought her attention back to the other room. She was still all together too aware of his arm at her waist.

________-

It the quite one that ended up being her reprieve. "We don't have time for this. What would happen if the Captain found out that we were entraining ourselves instead of doing our job?"

"Then we'll just have to make sure that he doesn't find out," said the soldier as he took a step toward Sango.

"He knows everything," the other one said. Her eyes going to him she did her best to look startled. It appeared that he was the one in control here. The man was manipulative as she could tell from the he used their captain as leverage. No doubt their Captain would be upset, but she suspected that it was him who was tired of their situation and wanted to get on with their job.

This made the stocky man laugh "Who are you kidding? He doesn't even know where to find a little girl."

"You do what you want, but I'm leaving and if he finds out you'll be the only one that has to answer to him. Consider what he did to the last person that disobeyed him."

"You know you're right," the man said shuttering at the memory "You know I can almost feel sorry for this wench he's looking for. What is he going to do to her when she's found?"

Sango watched as the men backed out of the room as if they had forgotten that she was there. It was strange. They had been focused on her and just like that, they were rushing out the door. She knew that the quite one had used the captain as a bargaining chip but one thing was apparent. They where frightened. They were both frightened of their Captain.

_________-

Yasha looked down at the hood that was still covering the woman's face. Who was this woman? And why were the soldiers looking for her in such widespread force. Turning her around he stared at her a second. Her head was still bent down so even this close all he had a view of was the top of her hood. They had just risked a lot for her and he was going to see her face. Before he could, the door flew open and Sango was standing there watching them.

The sight of Sango standing there brought back all his frustration "Ok, you're going to give me answers today. I'm not going to take some crap about how you're keeping your little secret. My friend put her life in danger for you. You're going to tell me everything that I want to know."

"You are right. I do owe you as explanation." She turned to the woman standing in the door. Moving to take a step she found that she was still being restrained by the mans hand. Placing her hand on his she gently pushed it away.

Yasha was started to feel her soft hand as it brushed his. It was only then, he realized one of his arms was still about her waist restraining her. Pulling back quickly shock from her touch he watched as she took a step toward Sango. Reaching out she took both of Sangos hands in hers. "I truly am sorry that I put you in danger Sango san."

"The little fool almost gave us all the death sentence by rushing out there."

Sango realized that this girl must have thought she would somehow help if she had went out there. For that, she suddenly felt a swell of pride for this woman that she had never met.

"I thank you with all my heart." Sango said squeezing her hands a little before releasing them.

Kagome smiled in response though she knew that her face was still hidden. She owed these people more then she could ever repay. Yasha has asked what her name was and she would give them that, as well as anything else that they may ask.

"My name is Higurashi Kagome."

'Higurashi' the name spread through him stirring up anger that he had thought long forgotten.

Well that's it for now heheh