So I have started both jobs now, 70+ hours. I am sorry everyone but I am so tired these days. Being I am basically addicted to writing I won't stop entirely but I am making a lot more mistakes so it is taking a lot more time and re-reading to correct things. I wish you a MERRY HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON and hope you enjoy this small story I wrote… well maybe not that small but still, not nearly as long as others.
….either way I wrote that bit back in November. I became really busy and never posted the story. Warning this story does show Gaara's attraction to her somewhat early on, more like he just felt drawn to her. I do have another one that is a slow moving romance and trust me they do not just hop right into bed together, it mainly M rating for other things in the story and suggestive text. My computer keeps randomly turning off so I can't guarantee I will be on much.
Unwilling Prisoner
She had to run, to try and reach freedom. Feet splashing and sloshing in the water she could hear their yells but she didn't turn back, the terrain too merciless and unknown. Mud gripped her foot, hair flying out as she began to fall, her arms automatically coming out and catching herself on one of the many uplifted roots to the trees around her. Gasping with quick breaths she pulled on her foot trying to get it free, the force it took sent her stumbling forward but the root kept her from falling under the swampy water. Using the root she climbed over it and continued on trying to keep pushing her body forward, the varying levels of the mucky water kept her from being able to sprint, sometimes trudging waist deep or for short areas only up to her ankles.
The shinobi are still behind her she knows this; they have spread out looking for her. Breaths erratic her muscles worked hard with the extra pressure she has to fight against, tiring her out faster than if she was on dry, flat land. Hollers and shouts met her ears, their insane chatter and reminders that kept fueling her steps. She wasn't sure how much longer she could keep this up, they will be on her before she even sees dry land or definite freedom if she has any.
Footing still unsure, only quick movements could keep her feet from being sucked under. Sweat poured down her skin as her anxiety ran sky high, fear of being caught by them again. Continuing to push through the sludge as it grew deeper she could only focus on her goal and keeping aware of the possibility of running into carnivorous animals and reptiles that would prey upon the easy meal she would likely make. Another shout was closer; they were clearly up in the trees staying well above ground and dry, not having the difficulty she is experiencing. Water thigh deep she took another step wanting to hopefully hide from the nearby eyes but the hidden wire under the surface of the water sent her tumbling forward, feet getting caught on it as she grasped to get hold of the root in front of her but hit her head on it instead, knocking her right out.
The wire led to a secret camp, the vibrations showing someone is over there. With an eye closed another eye formed seeing the figure falling under the surface just as a shinobi with a beak like nose passed overhead through the trees, entirely missing their fleeing captive. A glass formed of a combination of sand and a heat user, used then to see what the eyeball sees. Quiet hand signals showed the plan, only two leaving to investigate the disturbance down the wire, creeping around with stealth as more calls were heard in the area.
A few bubbles rose to the surface before an auburn haired male and dark brunette hauled out the feminine figure, surprising them as her lungs coughed up the gross water that threatens to make her ill if not drown her first. Quickly they retreated to camp, a water user spraying the muddy figure down and waking them up further as their identity was beginning to be revealed when one recognized her. She continued to hack and spit to clear her lungs and clean out her mouth. Heavy breaths were left over as she started to look over the camp with her nerves starting catch, seeing the outfits and serious faces surrounding her, even recognizing them unfortunately.
"A model," one finally said surprised.
"Model," another asked as he looked at her suspiciously.
"Yeah Kagome, she is a model, was just at a show in a nearby village. She has been becoming quite famous," he remarked bringing out a magazine with her picture on it while she slowly got on to her knees and looked at all of them feeling uneasy at this sudden turn in events.
"What would a model have to do with those guys," the suspicious one questioned as he studied her closely. "I recognize you," he said slowly, his eyes hardening while hers opened in fear when he took a couple threatening steps.
"Please I didn't have a choice," she put her hands up a little hoping no one will strike her but he tensed further as it was from her hands that they were harmed.
"Oh really," he snorted at her, "so you had no choice but to use your powers against all of us," he didn't sound the least convinced of that.
"Honest," her eyes wide as she now knew her situation is possibly even worse, "they manipulate them to come out."
"Oh and how is that," he narrowed his eyes daring her to explain that one but she looked unwilling to answer that and for good reason. Why would she tell them how they could turn around and use her as well? "See no answer," he felt like that proved her guilty.
About to say something further a hand went around her mouth, a sign to be quiet as they heard someone else approach. "PRIESTESS," a man called out for her, a picture was shown once again on the mirror of a male with orange hair and mauve eyes. "COME ON OUT PRIESTESS, I HEARD YOU ESCAPED BABY. YOU KNOW I AM THE BETTER CHOICE," he looked around, landing in a tree as he searched for a sign of her. "WITH ME YOU WON'T BE FORCED TO MODEL IN THOSE REVEALING OUTFITS," he supplied, still searching, "unless you want to model them for me in private," his voice grew husky.
Kagome remained quiet knowing this just might prove her innocence. Eyes searching the trees for a sign of him she would hear him in the area but only see him in the mirror. In her mind she really isn't sure if she should put up a fight with this group or not. Still looking for a sign of any other shinobi she carefully trained her ears to still hear anything further from the man with mauve eyes.
"Just come on out and I will keep you safe from them, all you have to do is be my woman," he bargained and waited for a response. "Come on baby I'm sure you are around here somewhere."
He carried on; leaving the area and her mouth was released after a couple minutes. Giving the one guy a look to communicate that was her proof. "I told you," she mumbled. "They kidnapped me after they realized I could be of use to them. If I'm not being forced to model and things to earn money so they can bribe others and buy weapons, then I am being used as a weapon. When I finally had a chance to run I took it but that other guy wants me too for some reason," she looked down at her knees not sure what will happen now.
"What are we going to do Lord Gaara," asked the first guy, the one who recognized her occupation.
Kankuro stepped forward from where he had been behind her after holding a hand to her mouth. "Well if we just let her go they will get her for sure," he looked at his little brother.
Studying her, his eyes found hers when she looked up at him with periwinkle eyes that awaited whatever judgement he decides to cast. "She will come with us," he had already decided.
Seemingly she just traded one pair of shackles for a new set. Shoulders slumping a little in defeat she spoke lowly, "So now I am your prisoner?"
They all focused back in on her, picking up on the depressed tone she used. "I don't have prisoners," Gaara quietly returned as she lifted her eyes to look back up at him confused. "Once we are done here you will join us as we return to the sand. Until you are safe from being hunted down by our enemies you will stay protected in my village. After that you are free to go," he elaborated for her sake when he didn't feel comfortable with the look she cast him, as if he is about to enslave her forever.
"Lucky," another said, "we should be charging her for our services."
"And how would she afford that Tazu," Kankuro interrupted that thought. "I doubt they let her have any of the money she earned," he pointed out. "Besides this is equally beneficial, with her now protected by us they can't use her against us to freeze our movements or shock us."
Kagome still wasn't sure if this not a prisoner thing would last. Looking down at the dirt by her knees she felt cold and worn out, head tender from where she hit it on the root earlier. Her body is littered with scrapes and bruises, not a single one did she care about at the time, the sting from them kept her aware as her cooled down muscles began to feel sluggish. Taking a look over them she could see they haven't had the easiest time, accumulating a few injuries minus this Lord Gaara that looked a little dirty but not injured. She feels guilty but she never wanted to put them in danger in the first place. What will she do if they want her to do the same for them, expect her to fight for their side?
They remained quiet, Gaara giving them silent commands as he searched the area with his sand and eyeball jutsu. With their enemy in the area looking for her they need to get out of plain sight and regroup, Gaara knows they are tired and hungry. Giving the signal to leave, although Kagome didn't know, he engulfed her in sand, carrying her behind him as they launched up into the trees as she struggled not liking the feeling of being so constricted.
Shouts came and the group looked behind them seeing her previous captors in pursuit. So far they didn't know that they have the Priestess, only her face is viewable from the sand which is exactly how Gaara wants it to remain for now. Right now they have the chance that they will give up pursuit to find her but if they see she is in their possession then… He looked behind them and watched as they gave up pursuit just like he hoped. Scouting the area around them as they went he had them keep up pace for a good long while before they came across an abandoned cottage built into a hill. Under his signal the place was scoured and traps were set to help keep them safe. He deposited Kagome inside while his eyes searched the area one more time then followed the rest in, the sand around her depositing back into the large gourd. "We will rest and eat here, a storm is moving in," he looked out the window seeing the clouds rolling in. "After we gather resources we will bunker down; I want no window left easily available to outside eyes. Take care of any injuries as well Shizu," he ordered out.
"You heard him, Tazu and Ken I want you getting the wood, Shizu board this place up," Kankuro ordered out. A couple of them quickly left to scout the area and gather the resources while Kankuro pulled out a scroll and brought out fresh water and pots along with several packets. They need only wait for the wood and they can soon be eating their fill. Kagome sat quietly watching them all go to different tasks as their Lord remained keeping watch from the remaining window that has yet to be fully boarded. Not willing to draw any attention her way she remained silent, feeling a little thankful that the sand had soaked up a lot of the water in her clothes so she isn't quite as cold as before. Unknowingly she now also has a lot of sand circulating through her bloodstream making it so he knows where she is at all times and giving him the ability to manipulate her when needed.
Even with his back turned to her, seemingly only focused on other things he is still studying her not quite convinced that she won't make a run for it later. After everything was set and done with the wind howling outside making the wooden portion of the structure creak, drafts coming in through areas not fully insulated, they were able to relax. A fire was going in the fireplace, food set out to cook as curious periwinkle eyes watched how easily they got it all around feeling a little envious that she doesn't have the ability to do the same. Being placed in the back corner it took longer to feel the heat so she huddled up remaining quiet and rested her head on her knees knowing escape will not be possible at this time. For the most part she was ignored as they chatted amongst themselves still keeping their voices down less they bring attention to the area. Gaara patiently stood occasionally studying this model noticing she is in a similar outfit to what was on the cover of that magazine if you compare how skimpy they both are. The top and bottoms resembling armor but being nowhere near as durable, he isn't sure to what purpose anyone would care for such a thing.
Kankuro stood after dishing out the food, handing a bowl to his brother and then making his way over to the runaway. "Hey you up," he crouched down in front of her having a hard time getting a reading on her with the thick black locks acting as a curtain. "Food is ready," he set it down and decided to leave her be not sure if she might shock him or something.
It became apparent that she had drifted asleep, Shizu bringing out the magazine of the latest fashion show she was in. "I bet she found an opening while dressing for the next show," he gave his best guess and opened the paper to an article about her but had so little to offer so instead focused on the shows she has been in with pictures the editor must have favored the most. Though mostly being in fancy and costume looking lingerie she had done other shoots in gowns and advertising new looks for kunoichi. They could see she has the body and looks for it. "Never would have guessed she'd be the weapon of an enemy. Most are seen living luxuriously and decorating the arm of some rich guy."
"Yeah it is surprising but what do we do with her," Kankuro studied her and tried to not let his eyes linger anywhere too long but with that much skin on display it was hard not to.
"I will take primary responsibility of her," Gaara announced as he ate his food and took notice to the chill still clinging to her. Once done eating the blankets were distributed along with the futons. He draped one around her and set the food aside for later in case she wakes. "Her wounds were not treated," he was unsure about leaving her alone but the wounds are just minor scrapes and cuts.
"I will be sure to check on them when she wakes," he heard one of them say.
"Thank you Shizu," he settled for that and sat down with them a while before they all turned in to rest with the place secured outside.
The fire was fed several logs to keep going through the night, Kagome eventually woke again a couple hours after the rest of them fell asleep, her eyes catching on the food just when her stomach protested shooting hunger pangs through her. Taking a look around seeing them all resting on futons while the fire continued to heat up the place she thought about trying to make her escape but the crack of thunder and pounding rain had her rethinking that thought. Quietly she leaned forward grabbing the dish and began eating. Her stomach finally settled now that she is getting something in it, setting the dish aside when finished she leaned against the corner listening to the storm, her legs stinging in reminder of her reckless escape plan. Purple glowed on her one hand, the other parting the blanket as she slowly healed her wounds. Two pairs of eyes studied her and were ready to spring into action should she try anything but after it was done she relaxed back, closing her eyes only occasionally jumping a little due to the sharp cracks of thunder outside until she fell back to sleep.
It was a stormy morning when the others woke up and began getting around. A box of instant cereal was brought out and whipped into a warm meal. Kankuro once again approached Kagome and nudged her a couple times, stirring her from slumber. "Breakfast is ready, figured you would like something warm in your stomach," he offered her the food as she looked up at him still sleepy.
"Thank you," she said quietly, taking it from him but remaining in the corner. Regardless of what this Lord Gaara had said she still is being held against her will by them now. That essentially makes her their prisoner.