Inuyasha blinked against the light. He hadn't been out of the cell in a week, and the sudden onslaught of visual stimulation was overwhelming. At first it was only bleary shapes and brightness. Then his surroundings finally solidified into the dank and dreary warehouse he kept having to call home. But he'd have a new home now. At least for a while.

He looked to his rescuer and was surprised to find her younger than he had anticipated. She was pretty, too. Not that it particularly mattered. He was more focused on her expression. She was looking forward, tense and determined. He sniffed experimentally, then hissed and immediately lowered himself into a crouch. Naraku was coming.

"No, don't!" the girl whispered heatedly. "Stand straight. Follow my lead. And trust me."

Inuyasha regarded her coolly. He didn't know if he trusted her yet. But he stood, still tense and ready for attack, but at least more subtly so. Naraku came into view.

"My daughter..." he started. ...Daughter? Inuyasha's disgust was immediate and his sense of betrayal was sharp and deep. He only had a second to experience those feelings, however, because in the next second Naraku noticed him and immediately attacked with the electrically charged whip he kept on him at all times for subduing slaves. Inuyasha knew from experience that there was no avoiding it. It could be however long it needed to be, and it was attracted to the demon blood in his veins. He readied himself for the blow, but then the girl raised her arm and a pink shimmer flashed in front of him. When the whip hit it, it exploded into several strands and a barrage of sparks sprayed into every direction before fizzling out with a crackle. Inuyasha was unharmed.

"Kagome, get back from him; he's dangerous!" Naraku snarled. The works he spoke seemed protective, but his eyes held such unconcealed hatred in them that even Inuyasha shivered.

"No," Kagome answered. Just then, a small woman with wide eyes came around the corner and attached herself to Naraku's arm.

"What's going on?" she asked. "I heard a noise."

"Hello, my love," Naraku responded, kissing her forehead. Inuyasha noticed Kagome quickly looking to the side, her expression fierce and hurt. "I was just trying to protect our dear daughter from this very dangerous slave that has somehow escaped. But she's being stubborn again..."

"Kagome..." the woman chided, as if Kagome was a child who had spilled a cup of milk. "I thought we talked about you being a part of this family. Do what your father says."

"I am doing what he says," Kagome answered tersely. She gestured to Inuyasha tiredly. "I picked a slave. Just like you wanted."

"What!?" Naraku's shock and rage covered his face briefly, then faded before his wife could see. "Kagome, that slave is not available..."

"You're right. Because he's taken," she said, reaching up and fingering the beads around Inuyasha's neck. Her fingers were cold, and Inuyasha wondered if she was more scared than she was letting on.

Naraku gaped at the offending necklace, a snarl trying to curl its way into his lip. "You even bonded him?" he asked bitingly.

"That's wonderful!" the woman that Inuyasha assumed was Kagome's mother exclaimed. "Now he's a life slave!"

"No," Naraku said. "She can still undo it."

"But why would she?" the woman asked in shock, turning to look at her husband's face. "Sweetie... she's finally listening to us! She made an even bigger commitment than we asked her to! I'm going to make something special for dinner tonight to celebrate. Can we go now so that I can start preparing?"

"Yes," Naraku responded without looking at her. "You go wait by the door and I'll be right there."

The woman obediently scurried off, and Kagome raised her chin swiftly, looking defiant. Inuyasha wasn't sure why at first, since the battle seemed won, but then Naraku slammed her harshly against the door of his former cell.

"What the hell are you planning, bitch?" he snarled. Inuyasha growled and moved to help her, but she stopped him.

"It's fine," she said. "It's not even unusual."

"That's because you're so unusually difficult," Naraku sneered. "But don't worry. I will break you." He used the hand that was not holding her throat to slowly stroke her face. Inuyasha felt his stomach turn. Then, mercifully he released her.

"Come now," he said, leading the way to the door where Kagome's mother was waiting.

Kagome followed, so Inuyasha did, too. Suddenly, he smelled a spike of blood, and looked to Kagome hastily, confused and concerned. She was clenching her fists furiously. He put his hand on hers and she looked at him, then sighed and released her grip. The blood smell started to fade, and Inuyasha looked at her hand quickly enough to see the last of her skin thread itself together in a pink glow.

"Can you always do that?" he asked.

"I don't have a choice. My body heals automatically. Honestly, I wish it wouldn't."

"Why?"

"Because then my mother would see the bruises."

Inuyasha looked at her neck. It was true. Her skin was flawless, even though he knew that Naraku had been rough enough to seriously injure her. He winced. Any doubt he still had that she was aligned with Naraku evaporated. The pain in her voice was too real.

They left the warehouse together, hand in hand.

A/N: Interesting. Of the three stories I posted yesterday, this one was the clear favorite. I kinda figured it would be close, but it wasn't. Well, your wish is my command, friends. If you want more, review more, because I'm only judging on most recent chapter, so it's totally in your hands which story I continue. That said, thanks for all the support so far. It was really fun reading what you all had to say. Quick question, though. Would you rather this be set in feudal, modern, or futuristic times? I haven't really decided, and it could go any direction at this point. Preferences at all?