*************
Royal Dangers
*************
Chapter Three
A Flower Among Men
After about an hour, Kagome began to struggle. One of the thieves, she could not be sure as to which one, snapped at her. "Stop squirming. We're almost there." Kagome sighed. Her legs hurt, but she refused to let them know. Holding her head high, she walked along with one of the men holding her arm tightly, making sure she did not escape. Not that she would try to run. Running blindfolded, with her wrists tied so tight she could barely feel her fingers, did not sound like the smartest idea to her.
Finally, the small group came to a halt. Kagome could hear many voices, all male. She wished she could see what was going on, but the cloth remained over her eyes. The voices grew silent for a moment, then a loud whistle split the air. "Who's the dame?" the voice asked. A hand snaked around her waist and pulled her close to the chest of the speaker. Kagome opened her mouth in surprise, then pushed herself away from her handler.
"Take your hands off of me!" she exclaimed, twisting away from the man's skin. He chuckled and pulled her even closer, crushing her to his chest. The cloth that blocked her vision was removed, and Kagome blinked in the sudden light. Her blue eyes flashed angrily as she saw her most recent captor. "I said, let me go!" She cried out, more frantic this time. He merely laughed. Hiro grabbed her arm and pulled her back to his side, glaring at the other man.
Kagome looked around fearfully, noticing now she was in a small village. The bandits had many piles of goods stacked near the houses, from chests (probably containing stolen gold, she thought) to bags of loot. A small carriage stood at one end, and the young princess proposed it was also stolen. A small fenced area, serving as a stable, stood on the other end, holding many horses. But right now the thing that grabbed Kagome's attention the most was the fact that there were no women, beside herself. Just men. And at that moment they were all staring at her.
"She's a pretty li'l thing, ain't she?"
"'Bout time we had a woman here, I say."
"A young little thing, she is, but she'll do."
The crowd of thieves laughed in agreement as Hiro pulled the maiden forward and began to speak. "I have a treat for ye all today. Everyone, this is Princess Kagome Higurashi. We found her," a few chuckled when he winked. "... In the woods, and decided she would feel more comfortable here. Now," he drawled, amusement spreading over his face, "Treat her nicely. After all, she is royalty." He tossed her cloak to the crowd of men, who fought over the garment violently. Kagome watched them nervously, struggling under Hiro's hold.
After the brawl died away, the leader cleared his throat loudly. "All right, we'll do this fairly. We'll give her to the first man who bids the highest. From there, you can fight for her among yourselves." Kagome gasped as the men cheered. Several of them dragged her to the center of the camp and one brought forth a chest, pulling the struggling girl to stand on top.
One by one, the men shouted out numbers, growing higher and higher. Finally, Hiro pointed to a tall brunette with green eyes, one he deemed Nakai. Kagome recognized him as the same man who had grabbed her at her arrival to the camp. "Get away from me!" She tried to stop him from taking her, twisting in his grip, but the man was strong. When the bandit saw the princess was not going to go willingly, he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder, her wrists still tied and her screaming all the while.
Kagome yelped at the rough way Nakai handled her. She kicked and screamed, struggling so much the man nearly dropped her. Finally, he took her off his shoulder and threw her down to the ground. He glared at his captive. "Why, you're a slippery one at that."
The young woman tried to loosen the ropes that chafed her wrists, and cried out in frustration. "Let me go or I'll..." She did not get to finish her sentence as Nakai pushed her down, straddled her waist, and kissed her passionately. Kagome quickly turned away, definitely not returning the feeling. "Get off of me!" She managed to say as he tried again to find her rosy lips. Her bound hands sought out his chest and she shoved him with as much force as she could muster. The surprised man nearly fell off her, much to the amusement of everyone around the two. Kagome looked disgusted as she managed to gasp out, "Let me go or else."
With a low growl Nakai seized her chin, making her look up at him. "'Else ye'll what? Scream us to death? Go ahead, no one can hear you here. But don't let that stop you. Go ahead. Scream." The dirty brunette said, climbing off the woman and waiting for her to comply. Kagome did not speak as she pushed herself up. "Well, ain't ye gonna scream? If ye do that, maybe your hero will come and rescue ye. Scream as loud as ye can, princess." The thief sneered.
"I will not take orders from anyone, especially a brute like you." Kagome shot back, keeping her pride though she was quaking inside. Yasei stepped forward then, looking at Nakai, who nodded and allowed him to step closer to his prize. His moves were quicker than before, as the alcohol was slowly burning out of his system with time.
"If that's the case, I'll have to teach ye to obey yer elders," he commented, crouching near the maiden. Kagome tried to scoot back but the dirty thief grabbed her arm. He pulled his knife from his belt and sawed through the ropes on her wrists. Then, he yanked her hands behind her back, cursing as she fought against him. "Be still!" he cursed louder, finally shoving the maiden facedown into the dirt, pinning her arms behind her. Another of the men tossed a new length of rope to Yasei, who then fixed her wrists together even tighter than before.
Kagome clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms as she forced herself not to cry. When the bandit had finished, he lifted her to her feet and shoved her into the arms of a strong redheaded brute. With so many men around, she knew escape would be impossible. Yasei stood closest, a look of displeasure clouding his features. All of a sudden, he raised his open hand and backhanded the girl. Tears welled up in her sapphire eyes but she refused to cry out. The man raised his fist again. Kagome closed her eyes and turned her head to her shoulder fearfully. She waited for his fist to come in contact with her skin once more. But it did not happen.
Opening her eyes, the princess watched Yasei unsheathe his dagger. He held it to her face. "I'm going to give you one more chance. Go ahead. Scream. I'll make you scream." He pressed the knife against the princess's cheek. She cried out in pain as the sharp blade cut her soft skin, drawing blood. The bandit laughed. "That's it. Like that. Now again, your highness, only louder this time." The blade danced lower, coming dangerously close to her throat.
Though she felt more terrified than ever, Kagome held her defiance. "I will not give you the satisfaction," She bit out, clamping her lips shut once more.
Yasei growled in frustration, seeing the princess was not about to cooperate. He marveled at the beautiful maiden in front of him, and a grin spread on his stubbled face. "I think you'll satisfy enough." Suddenly, the man grabbed Kagome's chin and pressed his lips against hers. Startled, she tried to turn away like before, but he held her still. The thief pressed harder with a bruising force, causing the young woman to whimper. Taking advantage of this, Yasei forced his tongue between her parted lips, deepening the disgusting kiss. Unable to pull away, Kagome clamped her teeth down on the intruding member.
The man yelped and drew back, tasting the blood that filled his mouth. He quickly spit out the red liquid and glared at the other men, who were hooting with laughter. Yasei turned back to his hostage and slapped her again, relishing her loud cry. "You just made a big mistake, Princess. Shut 'er up!" He commanded, narrowing his eyes.
Kagome could feel panic rising in her chest, but she kept a cool façade. "You'll never get away with this. My brothers will send search parties, and you will all be executed once they find me." The bandits roared even louder, and Nakai stepped forward, twisting a dirty length of cloth between his fingers. The young maiden faltered slightly, watching the man apprehensively.
He paused before her, his eyes never leaving her face as he played with the cloth. "Any last words, m'lady?" He taunted. Kagome glared at him.
"I will not waste my breath on a vile man like you."
The brunette seemed taken aback, but he recovered, chuckling loudly. "Defiant as ever, I see. A little vixen like you will be fun to tame, don't you think?" Then, as an afterthought, he leaned close and whispered in her ear. "You should've listened to us earlier and just let us do what we wanted. Now, it's going to be ten times worse. Before long you'll be begging for us, but I get the first round. After all, it's a maiden's first time that is the sweetest."
Kagome's eyes widened at his suggestion, and she struggled violently in the redhead's arms, screaming loudly. A wide grin was plastered on Nakai's face, and, seizing the maiden's bound arms, he dragged the terrified girl down to the ground. The other bandits crowded around the two as the brunette straddled the frantic princess, holding her down. Tears slid down her cheeks as she screamed for help, fighting his advances. Finally the man tied the cloth over Kagome's mouth, cutting off her cries as he pushed her skirts up.
He paused, leaning close to the terrified maiden. "I can't let this end too soon. Let's start you off slow-like." Grabbing his knife, Nakai called to the crowd of men, "Who wants her to lose the dress?" The young princess squeezed her bright orbs shut as a cheer went up among the men. A convulsive sob was subdued by the cloth as her attacker's hand changed its course, ready to cut the bodice ties of her dress. Oh Kami, I need your help....
*************
The lone demon began walking slowly, making the inspection of his borders. The task needed concentration, and it helped keep his mind clear. As well as his temper in check, which had been stressed to its limit by his younger brother. The Western Prince sighed. He was nearly half way done, now being at the very corner of his borders. The demon noticed the dark forest, separating his father's lands from the humans.
Sesshoumaru was about to go finish his inspection when his sensitive ears twitched. He turned his head slightly, listening. In the distance he heard a woman's scream, followed by another. Demons or robbers most likely, he thought, sniffing the air. His nose revealed the answer to be a group of human men, nothing more. Armed with this knowledge, he started to turn away. He had no desire to deal with foolish bandits at the present, nor interfere with their dishonest business, even at the aid of a woman. Aside from his lands, mercy was a gift he seldom offered.
Then, Sesshoumaru paused. Amidst the stink of men was a sweet aroma, the scent of a young maiden. While this did not surprise the daiyoukai, remembering the screams, he was startled, however, by the familiarity of this new scent. Curious, he thought, closing his eyes. He relied on his senses to locate the humans, trying to find the source of the sweet fragrance.
Locking onto the scent, the demon sped through the forest, wasting no time as the scent grew stronger. Raucous laughter caught his attention, and with little effort Sesshoumaru leaped to a high tree branch, observing the scene below. His eyes narrowed upon seeing the large number of men in the poor excuse for a camp. How so many could slip from his senses, he did not know. However, the demon did know they were on his land. And he did not like it.
Once more, the sweet scent caught his attention. Glancing among the men, his gaze latched onto a young woman in a blue dress, who was held firmly in the arms of a human with reddish hair. As she spoke heatedly with her captors, recognition hit Sesshoumaru. The maiden from the clearing, he remembered, leaning against the tree trunk indifferently. Has she not learned from her last visit in the Forbidden Forest?
Admittedly, he was impressed with the maiden's boldness, as well as with her relatively calm demeanor in the face of trouble. Her fear was evident to his nose, yet the human did not falter from her adversaries. Holding her head high, the young woman did not cry out as a bandit struck her, nor did she let tears fall, though Sesshoumaru sensed the salty liquid was on the verge of being released. His respect for these human creatures rose slightly, especially this one.
As he continued to watch, the daiyoukai thought back to his confrontation with the maiden just a few short days prior. She had fought then, and had shown a strong level of defiance that had impressed the lord. Now, a mere fifteen or so feet below his perch, Sesshoumaru saw she had not changed. If anything, the woman's defiant air had become stronger as she faced thirty bandits.
A string of curses reached the Western Lord's ears, and he watched with narrowed eyes as one of the men delivered a harsh slap to the maiden's face. The bandit murmured in his captive's ear, and Sesshoumaru saw her brave mask dissolving into sincere terror. Screams erupted as she was pulled to the ground, causing the demon to wince. When a cheer went up from the by-standing men, he knew it was time to step in. With one graceful leap, he jumped away from the branch and landed right behind the crowd of bandits.
*************
"I would not do that if I were you."
The princess's eyes shot open, thankful that the thief's blade was no longer heading for the ties on her dress. Quickly, her attacker scrambled to his feet, leaving the trembling maiden on the ground. The bandits backed away to face the owner of the new voice, and Kagome forced herself to look up. Her eyes widened as a new wave of fear consumed her. It was...
"A demon!" Nakai shouted, clearly unnerved. He backed up next to Kagome's fallen form. "The princess is protected by demons!" Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow at this, then glanced at the young woman. Princess? Recalling her name, he realized who the woman truly was. Princess Higurashi, of the Eastern Kingdom. Now that he thought about it, she did have a regal air about her. And she was much braver than most maidens, a trait she would have acquired from her father and brothers, no doubt.
"Who cares?" Yasei muttered, still spitting blood out of his mouth.
"I don't wanna be messin' with demons!" The man said, looking around worriedly. The bandits looked at each other, the same thought running through each of their minds. Some of the men slipped away in the confusion, much to Sesshoumaru's disappointment. I will get to them later, he thought to himself. A good twenty-five or so remained, plenty to satisfy. Hiro took charge and stepped forward, yanking Kagome to her feet and shoving her into Nakai's arms as he barked for his remaining men to stand ready. Sesshoumaru watched, his amber eyes focusing on each man in turn. He fought the urge to smirk at the uneasy band.
Kagome gazed at the towering demon distractedly. Everything was spinning again, and she could not think straight as a result. Who was this guy? He looked somewhat familiar, but she could not remember... Her eyes went wider as her memory cleared. It was the demon who she met before, and the reason she got lost in the Forbidden Forest in the first place, a decision she now sorely regretted.
Lord Sesshoumaru.
The young princess was not sure yet if she could trust him, but in her current state, she had no choice. She tried to pull away from the men but they held on, as if she were a shield. Kagome stopped all fighting when a strong, silky voice carried over the silence, and she gazed back at Sesshoumaru as if entranced.
"You are trespassing on demon grounds. This forest is part of my lands." The demon's soft baritone reverberated as he stepped closer to the remaining group of men. In the back of her mind, Kagome recognized the cool greeting, and had the situation been any different she would have commented on his repetition.
"Who are you?" Hiro asked, jeering.
The Western Prince calmly stepped forward, masking his amusement as the men stumbled back with matching strides. The man holding Kagome to his chest trembled slightly, his knife against her skin.
"My identity is none of your concern. Release the maiden and leave now."
Hiro shook his head violently, not willing to give up his prize that easily. "I'll ask again, who are you? What does it matter what we do to this girl? She is human, while you are a demon."
The demon stepped even closer. "I am Lord Sesshoumaru, ruler of these lands. The reasons for her release are mine to know. Now, I will tell you once more," Sesshoumaru said, raising his clawed hand. "Release her or die."
One man shifted nervously and turned toward his leader. He gulped. "Uh... sir, I dun think he's lyin'. Shouldn't we just leave the girl and move on?" Some of the others nodded in agreement, watching Sesshoumaru step closer.
"Hah! Don't tell me yer 'fraid of that... that thing too!" Hiro said disdainfully. "Heh, some group o' men I got. Half of you ran off, and the rest of you are chickening out on me. You are all cowards!"
"They were the wise ones." The Western Prince commented icily. "Release the woman or die." Two of the bandits looked at each other nervously, but Hiro yelled at them to get back to place. Following his orders, no one moved. "Suit yourself. Die." Sesshoumaru said, voice rising. He lunged forward, his hand drawn back to strike.
Sesshoumaru swiped at Hiro's shoulder, making contact, but the man ducked at the last minute so the wound was not fatal. Several other men started to run over to their fallen leader. The demon prince saw this and growled, causing the bandits to stop in their tracks. One still moved, but much slower. "Move and it will be your last." Sesshoumaru roared. The man froze, watching the battle taking place in front of him.
This was Kagome's chance. She kicked the man who held her and he dropped her, holding his knee and cursing. Kagome rolled on the ground out of his way. Tenji ran over, trying to recapture the fallen girl, but she kicked out, knocking him off his feet onto the other man. Angrily, Nakai pushed Tenji off him and stood up. Once recovered, the men together tackled Kagome, and the three tumbled around, each trying to get on top.
Sesshoumaru finished off the leader with his deadly claws, and then headed over to the other bandits. "I will give you one more chance. Leave now with your life or stay and die with your friends." The men took the first choice, running through the trees as fast as they could, each trying to run faster than the other until none of them were still in sight.
With a satisfied nod, the demon looked over at Nakai, who practically had the princess sitting in his lap, arm around her waist, still holding a knife to her throat. The man cringed as Sesshoumaru headed over in his direction, but he held his ground. "Stop or I'll kill her!" He cried, his dagger trembling slightly. The Western Prince did not slow.
"Is that really your final decision?" He came closer, and the bandit shifted his weight around, tightening his grip on Kagome's waist. The princess's original captors jumped in front of Sesshoumaru, and he killed Yasei without any effort at all, merely wounding Tenji. The brunette's eyes widened, but he still held onto his captive.
Sesshoumaru sighed. He could tell this man was going to be difficult. With a bored look on his face, the demon lord held his arm straight out. To the bandit's amazement, a green energy whip flew from his fingertips. He cracked his energy whip in the air, and then with great aim lashed out on the young woman's captor. The whip hit its mark, cutting the man's hand. The thief dropped his knife and pushed Kagome aside, holding his hand in agony. Sesshoumaru kept his stoical mask on as he watched the bandit tried to run. The demon did not let him. With one flick of his wrist, the man fell to the ground dead.
Sesshoumaru stepped toward the wounded Tenji, ready to finish the job. "Don't!" Kagome cried as loudly as she could, but the cloth swallowed her shouts. She managed to push herself up, ignoring the ropes that cut into her skin, gazing wide-eyed at the demon. Her muffled cry reached his ears and the lord paused, switching his gaze over to the princess, his eyebrow arched questionably.
Shaking her head furiously, Kagome's eyes pleaded for mercy when the demon stared at her. Her deep blue eyes met his golden orbs, and he read the pity and horror that lay within them. Kagome did not falter as his emotionless eyes questioned her silently, although she felt her heart would freeze at the cold gaze that lingered on her face.
After a long moment, Sesshoumaru nodded slightly and pulled Tenji up, holding him so high his feet dangled off the ground. "Consider this a warning. I will not hold back the next time you and your 'friends' trespass on my lands. Now go before I change my mind," he said, shoving him in the direction his companions had run.
After making sure the man ran away and would not return, the demon prince turned his attention toward Kagome. She had succeeded in sitting up, and was currently working on loosening the bonds on her wrists. The beautiful princess saw him coming and whimpered, trying to scoot away, nearly falling backwards. Undaunted, Sesshoumaru slowly walked toward the young woman.
Seeing escape was impossible, Kagome stopped her efforts to escape, knowing it was a futile effort on her part as Sesshoumaru stepped closer. She drew her knees up the best she could, as if such efforts would keep him away. The lord paused, standing before the maiden as she stared back at him with fearful eyes. Tears slowly fell down both her cheeks where they melted into the cloth. Is she really terrified of demons this much? He crouched before the maiden and placed his hand to her face, gently wiping her tears away with one clawed finger. His eyes did a quick search for possible injuries. Aside from the cut on her cheek and slight bruising on her arms, she seemed to be fine. Satisfied, the demon carefully touched her chin, turning her to look at him. "What should I do with you?" He murmured softly.
Kagome trembled as he touched her. His golden eyes examined her face, settling on the cut. Then the demon did something that was totally unexpected to the young princess. He leaned close and licked her cheek. Kagome cringed when his tongue touched her smooth skin. What is he doing? Why can't he just leave me alone? The bandits were bad enough... She closed her eyes, attempting to stop her tears and trying to release her face from his grasp. Kagome could hear the demon lord sigh.
Sesshoumaru waited patiently for her to stop moving, focusing for a moment on her emotions. Her fear was well defined, as well as her confusion. He was just as surprised at himself. Why did I just do that? Lick a human girl. He admitted to himself, her blood tasted nice. Sweet, even. The demon watched as his saliva healed the princess's wound, as if it were never there. Pleased with his work, Sesshoumaru slowly untied the cloth from around her mouth, taking his time to loosen the knot. Kagome kept her eyes closed tight, trying not to shiver each time he brushed against her skin. Finally, Sesshoumaru pulled the handkerchief away from the maiden's face, looking at her carefully. Her full lips parted slightly with surprise as her eyes opened, displaying her confusion even more.
The demon silently turned his attentions to her arms. He noticed the burn marks the rope was giving her wrists, due to her moving around so much. Moving away from me, he reminded himself. Sesshoumaru raised his claws and cut through the thick ropes in one swipe.
Once freed, the princess held her sore wrists in front of her, massaging them to get the blood flowing again. She touched her cheek where the demon had... licked her? Her fingers ran over her smooth skin, and she gasped. The knife cut was gone. Not even any indication it had even been made.
Kagome looked up at the demon lord, who stood suddenly, regaining his usual regal composure. She was sure he somehow had enchanted her, for she could not take her eyes off him. Yet, she did not know why. She was frightened by this... Sesshoumaru. This was the second time she had met him in this forest. He was a demon... A demon lord. She was a human princess. It would be terrible if he knew who she was. He could kidnap her and war would break out between the two kingdoms, which was exactly what her brothers were in the process of trying to prevent. It was a terrible thought, she knew. Terrified by this, Kagome gazed fearfully at Sesshoumaru.
Aware that the maiden was staring at him, Sesshoumaru turned to face her. He offered his hand and waited as she hesitated. She seemed to be debating whether to trust him or not. Finally, the young woman nodded once and took his hand. The demon helped Kagome get to her feet and then, bowing his head slightly, he turned to leave.
"Wait!" Kagome shouted after the demon lord.
Sesshoumaru paused, then looked over his shoulder at her. "What is it?" He asked in a cool voice.
She looked down shyly, then pulled herself together and looked at his motionless form. "Thank you." Kagome said in a small voice, her soft blue eyes sincere. He turned back fully, meeting her gaze with a mask of indifference.
"What for?"
His golden gaze focused on her, which made it hard for Kagome to remember what she was trying to say. "For taking me to my village a few weeks ago. And saving me from those bandits today. Why did you do that?" Her sapphire eyes watched him carefully, waiting for his answer. She could not believe this demon had helped her, again. The same demon who seemed ready to kill her on her last visit to the woods. Her brother Sota always told her how dangerous and wicked demons were. When her father was killed, she believed him. Then why did he save me?
Sesshoumaru paused once more, then answered softly. "If I had not intervened, who would have come to your rescue, Princess?" Kagome gasped and stumbled back slightly. He knows. Now she was in graver danger than when she was prisoner of those horrible bandits.
Seeing the horror on the maiden's pretty features only confirmed what Sesshoumaru had overheard. Bowing his head ever slightly, he spoke. "Do not worry. Your secret is safe." The young woman looked relieved, and she bowed thankfully. The Western Prince merely watched her, and after a moment, the woman changed her gaze to the carnage around them. Her face paled slightly, and she moved toward Hiro's strewn body. Hesitantly, she crouched beside him, her fingers reaching for something in his pocket. As she straightened, the daiyoukai saw it was a silver locket, which she fastened around her neck.
Raising an eyebrow, Sesshoumaru was about to comment on this when he sensed another presence. He looked out the corner of his eye to be greeted by a lone horseman hurrying toward them. Slowing about twenty feet away, the rider came to a halt.
"I see the honor of rescuing the dear Princess was already taken." The newcomer tightened his grip on the reins, showing a smile that did not quite reach his cold eyes. "I must ask you, demon, to step away from the lady." The said demon narrowed his eyes, but remained motionless. The man's voice was low and intoxicating, and, to Sesshoumaru, very annoying.
The black stallion pawed the ground, and his rider paused. "I see I am mistaken. You are Prince Sesshoumaru, of the Western Lands." He let his dark eyes linger on the abandoned remains of the bandit camp. "The most powerful demon in the land," he drawled quietly. The man returned his attention to Sesshoumaru. The demon had not moved one inch, and the young princess stood at his side.
Sesshoumaru ignored the slighting words, focusing instead on the man himself. Something about him was amiss. He did not agree with his evil stare, nor his dark, cold appearance. Although he wore a similarly cold front himself, the demon sensed the malice from this person, stronger than any man should be possible of containing.
He heard a rustle behind him, and noticed out of the corner of his eye that the princess slipped behind him. So, she does not trust this man either. Sesshoumaru sensed the fear and doubt coming from the maiden. However, he also noticed she did a very good job at hiding her emotions, as her face remained somewhat calm and collected, now that her latest ordeal had ended. This reminded him of himself, and he could not help but smirk.
The young man looked around Sesshoumaru to the young lady. "Princess Kagome. I am Lord Naraku. You are to report to the palace with me. Your family will be relieved that you are safe." After a short pause, Kagome stepped away from Sesshoumaru, looking back at him as she hesitantly went forward. Lord Naraku smiled as she came closer, offering a gloved hand to help her mount. "That's it. Hurry along, Princess, your father is waiting for you."
The princess slowed to a stop, a frown on her face. "What did you say?" She asked, and Sesshoumaru noticed she was shaking slightly. Something was wrong, he knew. The young woman did not move, staring warily at the rider. Interesting, he thought as he kept his fixed gaze on the man.
Lord Naraku smoothly answered. "King Higurashi is waiting for you back at the palace."
Kagome shook her head, horror replacing the frown. "No... Father is gone... Months ago..." She began to step back.
Lord Naraku frowned for a moment, then immediately regained his composure. "Yes, but we have news that he has returned earlier today from the Northern lands. So please hurry and come with me. You wouldn't want the King to wait, would you?"
The young woman shook her head furiously, the horrified look still on her face. "You-you are lying. My father is gone... He was killed by demons!" Kagome backed away from the man, accidentally walking into Sesshoumaru. She immediately turned around and faced him, fear and anguish etched in her features. The tall demon looked down at the maiden with no expression. So that is why she was so afraid. Her father was killed by demons. Makes sense, he thought calmly, returning his gaze to the rider.
Lord Naraku looked furious. He mentally kicked himself for making such a foolish mistake. No matter, he thought, tightening his grip on the reins. She is mine. "You will come with me. Now!" He kicked his horse, which charged right at the two. Kagome screamed and tried to move out of the way. Sesshoumaru interfered, grabbing the princess around the waist and pulling her out of harm's way. He placed the young woman behind him and turned back to face Naraku, who had dismounted.
Sesshoumaru stood protectively in front of Kagome, who stood with a dazed look on her face. "She said she did not wish to go with you. Now leave." Sesshoumaru growled in a low voice.
The lord turned to face the demon. "That girl will come with me, whether it's by force or not. You may not ruin my plans by interfering. Now stand aside, demon, or suffer." When Sesshoumaru made no such movement, Naraku grew angry. "I said, stand aside!" His face contorted in fury and he held out his hands. Dark energy started to gather in his upheld palms and Sesshoumaru realized what he was doing. The demon lord quickly grabbed the princess and shielded her from the energy blast that shot from Naraku's hands.
The blast knocked the two off their feet, and they landed a few feet away. Sesshoumaru got up with ease and looked at the young maiden underneath him, knocked unconscious. Wisps of hair covered her face, her eyes closed. He cursed and stared fiercely at the man who stood with a dark smirk on his face. The demon glared angrily.
"Fool. Now you have made this Sesshoumaru angry." He held out his arm straight. He looked at the unconscious girl from the corner of his eye and quietly spoke. "You are not to harm this maiden." Then, turning his full attention back to Naraku, Sesshoumaru flicked his wrist, and the familiar green energy whip flew out of his fingertips. The whip cut everything in his path, including Lord Naraku. Sliced up several times, Naraku exploded into thin air.
A small puppet fell to the ground, and Sesshoumaru went over to examine it. Picking it up, he saw it was made of wood and had a dark colored string of hair wrapped around it. A demon puppet. The Western Prince remained curious. The doll held a human scent, but that of a demon was sensed as well. It was a mixed scent, and Sesshoumaru concluded what he had suspected from the start: the man was a half-breed.
A voice filled the air, and Sesshoumaru recognized it as Naraku's. "You may have saved her this time, demon, but I will get her. Princess, I will find you, no matter how long it takes. You cannot run forever."
Something moved behind the demon lord, and he turned to see the princess turning her head slightly. She was still unconscious, he concluded. Sesshoumaru ignored her and shifted his gaze, staring in the direction where the man had come from. He wanted to know who that man truly was, and why he was after the princess. Speaking of the princess... He turned and gathered the young maiden up in his arms. Watching her breathe slowly, Sesshoumaru sighed softly and carried her away, this time heading West instead of East.
*************
"Damn him!" Naraku pounded the table angrily, his broken puppet falling to the ground. "She was within my reach, and then that abomination appeared!" He growled, remembering the Western Prince. He let out an angry sigh and closed his eyes.
Princess Kagome is mine. There must be another way to get her. Naraku opened his eyes. "That's it." A grin spread across his face. "This may turn out better than I thought."
*************
*************
Star: Thanks for reading another chapter of Royal Dangers. Now that the bandits have been, erm, disposed of *glances at Sesshoumaru* a new villain takes the stage.
Kagome: *shivers* What a creep.
Star: No argument there. What's your take on the strange rider, Sess?
Sesshoumaru: *examines claws with bored expression* He will be easy enough to be rid of.
Star: right. *rolls eyes* well, you'll just have to be patient, there are many chapters before... well, you'll see.
Sesshoumaru: *...*
Star: Okay, well thanks again for reading. Please leave a review, send me a note, whatever... anything but flames. They're just... not pleasant. ^.^
