A/N: Minor changes as of 6/17/07. Thank you to everyone who has put up with me and my indecisiveness over the last couple of days. I can promise you unless someone points out a major flaw or spelling mistake this story is not changing again.

Take it, leave it, love it, hate it. If you don't like this one hopefully the next story I have planned will be better.

Also again I am so sorry about loosing all your reviews and possibly making you reread this whole thing. Whether you told me you liked it or where disappointed in me I appreciated everyone.

We Keep Getting Stuck

Author: I'm A Bunny

Rating: T

Part 1-Lost in our Memories

7 months after the cave

Was it down two doors turn right? Or down two halls and on the left?

Did it matter? Kagome was lost.

She closed her eyes hoping the next turn would lead her somewhere useful as she continued to carelessly plow down the halls . For a moment Kagome wished she had listened to the others and stayed out side. Every hall, every door looked the same; no matter where she turned she was faced with a desolate image. -In the distance she could hear the fighting but never reach it-. Nothing distinguished one area of the building from another. The walls were a combination of flat slate stones piled against each other with slatted dividers separating rooms from the hall. Yellow grime clung to the paper shoji screens like cancer. Wood once pristine and polished had seen better days. Under the constant exposure of Naraku's miasma it had splintered and grayed. What had once been a remarkable palace was reduced to skeleton remains under his care. To bad the place was just to damn confusing, Kagome was really starting to hate Naraku's latest strong hold.

A tug at her senses told Kagome to double back. She crossed her fingers, just ahead around one of these thousands of corners she kept passing was a jewel shard. Every time she thought she was getting close though she'd run into another wall. Still Kagome kept going even if the voice in the back of her head told her she was hopelessly off course.

One more corner, she could feel it. Who knew, maybe what ever had the shard would tell her the way out. She laughed knowing what ever was around the corner would be more inclined to rip her head off. Yet she was so lost she was willing to chance it before she starved to death wandering strange corridors.

As she turned the corner Kagome slammed into something solid. Not another wall, as she fell she thought it had a suppleness to it; a give that indicated it was alive. Then her head hit what she assumed to be the wall behind her - because this object did not give- as she stumbled back from the initial collision.

"Why don't you watch it!" She said as she tried to shake the stars from her sight.

"You collided into this one." The voice was slow and measured.

He definitely won't tell me the way out Kagome cringed as she slowly raised her head to face Sesshoumaru.

It had been a while since their last encounter. Maybe the third or fourth time he had tried to kill them? For some reason Sesshoumaru remembered seeing her in a dream. Only that did not make sense to him…he didn't think he dreamed. So why was his mind showing him pictures of her in the mist and fields? Oh well, it must not be that important or else he would have remembered it.- His memory has been one of his greatest shortcomings since childhood. He had tried so hard to forget his family and the dishonor that came with it...the ability to forget followed him into adulthood. Although not always to his advantage- He was just to busy to be bothered with recalling petty events. Sesshoumaru stayed where he was while the girl…-Kagome, came a determined voice- brushed the dust off her legs. He was in a hurry and needed the miko to move out of his way.

Three months, it had been three month since the last time they had met. It was odd having him stand before her. Kagome wondered what Sesshoumaru would present himself today. Every time they met up it seemed she was meeting a new person. Would she get diplomatic Sesshoumaru? Kill you before you speak Sesshoumaru? Or the rare and elusive humane Sesshoumaru. With out budging Kagome looked him over half expecting to see something different, but of course he was impervious to change. Nothing about his presence told her how he'd react today. Sesshoumaru was as pristine and vacant as the day they first met, in the decay of the palace he only shown that much brighter. He was a walking bleach add Kagome imagined. So daunting even dirt was afraid to touch him. Unlike her who seemed to be attracting every dust bunny in the damn place. Embarrassed Kagome balled her fist at her sides trying to hide the filth stained hands.

Sesshoumaru wondered if the girl- Kagome the voice insisted- knew that good manners dictated she get out of his way since she was the lesser of the two. By the way she was fidgeting he was afraid she'd make him wait there all day.

A stale breeze caused a rustle at Sesshoumaru's left that broke Kagome's concentration. Something was queer about the way the sleeve had fluttered. She snapped her eyes to the source. Seeing where she was looking he turned slightly to obscure his left side.

Sesshoumaru stood as still as he could willing the air around to stay away. For some reason unknown to him he was embarrassed she should find out his secret.

"I see you've found a replacement for your left arm." Hurt resonated in her words. Sesshoumaru almost considered she looked disappointed in him. He shifted under her disapproving air.

"Naraku gave it to you." It was not a question, she already knew the answer. Under the silk was a faint glow of a tainted shard. Kagome just wanted to hear him admit it. She didn't know why she felt so betrayed by his actions. She chastised herself for being silly, Sesshoumaru had never been a friend, she had even helped in taking his arm, still it hurt to know he had joined Naraku. He had been so nice, in his own way, that one night. Kind of like how things had been on the mountain… With no scrutinizing eye's following him, no pretenses to keep up, Sesshoumaru had almost appeared normal. Naraku was anything but nice, or normal; he did not play fair and had about as much honor as soap scum. Sesshoumaru was better than that, better than Naraku. However he had let him self be dragged down for an arm.

Part of her wanted to pity him… Kagome knew Sesshoumaru prided him self on his strength. After all out of all the people she had met he had been one of a handful who had not tried to take her jewel shards away; He had wanted to achieve his power on his own. That kind of conviction was something she could respect. If only he knew how weak he looked with an arm that was not his own and a shard shining wickedly black, given to him by a bastard like Naraku.

She sighed taking his silence to mean yes. "Be careful Sesshoumaru. He doesn't give freely." Stepping to the side Kagome began to make her way past him.

The measured words that reached her stopped her at his side. "You know if you wanted too, you could ask… even order me too help you."

"Why would I do that?" She asked never taking her eyes off the wall in front of her.

"It's a matter of honor. Since you helped me in the mountains I would feel obligated to assist you if asked."

She shook her head. He'd never understand, to many years of aristocracy had been breed into him. Nobles always thinking you can bully people to do what you want…"I would never do that. I didn't do any of those things expecting you to repay them."

"So you'd rather lose than ask for this ones help?"

"Who said anything about loosing? I expect to win." He heard the laughter in her voice as she walked away. The gi…Kagome really did think she had a chance and that amused him. Sesshoumaru let his sword slip back into its sheath then took his hand off the hilt.

Naraku had ordered him to kill her…she hadn't any weapons on her, she would have been so easy to over take. A simple task... But beneath him. Besides he tolerated her. For all her annoying charm and warmheartedness she had a way of amusing him and it was hard finding people you didn't want to kill.

XXX

That had been a turning point, Sesshoumaru thought. But not when everything had changed. He fell back into the motions of the brush and waited for the next memory to come to him.

XXX

8 months after the cave

Rolling clouds of poisonous gas overwhelm the latest battle field. Insects are swarming over head, people coughing, bleeding, disembodied shout's resonate in the fog. Metal on metal. Clang - crunch. Oops, that was one of Naraku's men. Oh well, he should not have been so close.

Surveying the area Sesshoumaru thought the image splayed before his feet resembled a play his father had once taken him to see. A retelling of the attempt to over throw the heavens. At least he assumed it would from the indications he had received.

. Unless blessed with excellent vision you can't see your hand in your face. Sesshoumaru who had excellent vision was having trouble seeing in the haze. The putrid smog stung and scratched his eyes. It was no use wasting his energy looking for someone to attack, he'd just wait for them to find him. Against the fog he saw glimpses of his enemy's. Some times the flash of white indicating the hanyou's hair, or the flames of the cat demon. These glimpses though were too brief and they disappeared faster than he could react. The only person he had no trouble spotting was Kagome. In the middle of the mayhem was her pink glow. Flickering like a candle to bring wayward travelers home.

Naraku had said if nothing else kill her…

Miasma thickened then receded; parting before him resembling the curtains of a play. The scene commenced as smoke cleared revealing the leading character. Center stage Kagome stood her arrow fixed on him. When she saw him though she choked, forgetting her lines in the bright spot lights that where his eyes. Still drawn Kagome lowered her bow, lips moving in a silent soliloquy. The discourse in the field drowning out the sound of her speech. Another wave and the curtain closed. Act one scene two the hunter and monk are seen down stage. Standing back to back they counter attacks directed at all sides. Their movements in tune as they play off one another never having to be face to face. It seems the monk is the cause for the receding fog. A wind tunnel on his hand is gathering debris in short bouts before he closes his hand. As quickly as they came their part is done. Once again the miasma has thickened to a black shroud. Above his head Sesshoumaru hears the cat and kitsune clearing away the air born obstacles. It's hard for him to tell just how high up they are, the noise and stench are offending his senses blocking their smell.

A flash of white. Clang - clang Inuyasha attacked but not fast enough. Sesshoumaru had his sword drawn before the first downward motion. Now he and the mutt are locked in a struggle to see who will fall back first. Inuyasha is strong, but Sesshoumaru knows he's stronger. A wispy smirk tugs at the corner of his lips. He has this in the bag. Then a sudden scream, shrill and alarming can be heard above the noise. It's a woman's scream. Inuyasha's ears shoot up while his mouth drops. Another blur of white and he's gone, lost in the confusion. Where did he go?

Intermission done the drama resumes, fog parting to reveal someone hurt. Glossy black hair pooled across the ground spattered with flecks of red. Flesh and cloth singed at the arms and neck. Kagome lay unconscious on the ground, Inuyasha at her side attentively holding her hand.

No, not her, the light of her arrow could still be seen. Inuyasha had saved Kikyo.

Roars from the battle field crescendo heralding the final scene. Kagome came into view, our play about to reach its climax. Around her neck one strong arm held her firmly to Naraku's chest. She screamed, probably for Inuyasha to help, but an explosion overwhelmed the cry. Kagome struggled and lashed out. She grabbed the offending arm and tried to burn Naraku with her power. He just laughed against her ear, scarlet eyes dancing at her side. What had once been a solo performance for Kagome had turned into a duet. Only her fellow performer did not seem the type to share the spot light. Naraku planned to steal her show. Sesshoumaru looked around the fog to the spots her companions had been. Every one else in the ensemble had a partner they could count on but her.

A scream split through the dissonant air. This time someone would have to hear and rescue her. Sesshoumaru watched as Naraku slid his other arm across her stomach. One deadly nail playing with a button. He snaked his hand under her blouse and rested it on her bare abdomen. Kagome's eyes where shut tight as she clawed at his arms, neck and face; anything she could reach. Naraku's hand seemed to be stroking her stomach... toying with her until he decided it was time to end her life. Sesshoumaru waited for the hero to come in… this play was many things but not a tragedy. Then a tear blemished her cheek. Reality sunk in, she was alone, no one had chosen to save her.

Faster than angels fly he ran to her.

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"Sit." The word was quiet but sharp. It sent Inuyasha crashing to the ground with a force not even her strongest yell had produced. Kagome took a few steps forward distancing her self from her friends. Part of her was still upset she had been left to the mercy of her enemies. Deep down she knew it wasn't their fault but she just needed a moment to her self to clam down. She watched the horizon where Sesshoumaru had disappeared too.

"Why the hell did you do that?" Inuyasha slowly stood up still sore from the initial blow. He rubbed the back of his neck seething in contempt. When Naraku made a sudden retreat the miasma had cleared revealing Sesshoumaru with an arm around Kagome. That alone was enough cause to kill him. Sesshoumaru had no right touching what was not his. Crazy girl should be thanking him not trying to knock him out. Kagome did not see things that way however. Whose side was she supposed to be on anyway?

"He saved us." At least she was almost sure he had. The last thing she remembered before the world closed in on her from lack of oxygen was the gruff voice of Sesshoumaru stating 'This will never happen again.'

"Are you sure Kagome?" Miroku concerned by her behavior had come up behind. It's not that he thought she was lying but he could not believe Sesshoumaru to be capable of something that benevolent. Maybe she was confused…Inuyasha had been watching out for her. It stood to reason she was more likely to mistake Inuyasha for Sesshoumaru rather than him saving anyone in their small group.

Everyone's trepidations where soon discarded however by the worried cry's of Sango. "Oh Kagome you're bleeding!" All had been so preoccupied with them self's or someone else no one had thought to check on Kagome.

Sure enough Sango was right. Kagome traced two fingers against the cut Naraku had placed on her stomach. One more second and…well she didn't want to think about that second. A warm sticky feeling brought her hand up where neck met shoulder, the place Sesshoumaru had barely missed slicing her throat along with Naraku's arm. She had felt no pain but blood was seeping into her shirt.

He had tried to save me right?

"Kagome!" Shippo wailed from his spot on Kirara. " You need immediate medical attention." Little pearl sized tears started pouring out. "I should have protected you."

"I'm fine," She smiled, her moment to calm down gone, as she walking over to the fox. Mimicking her own mother Kagome wiped a tear away. "You had to protect Kirara. I had Inuyasha to look after me. And see only a scratch."

Hearing that Inuyasha felt ashamed. Until the smoke had cleared he had forgotten to look for her. He had been too preoccupied with Kikyo plus he had thought Sango or Miroku had been with her. If Kagome had died it would have been his fault.

"Let's help the others first." Once again in a cheerful mood Kagome began to take charge. It would do no good having everyone wallowing in self pity, it was written on all their faces, each was asking themselves who had been at Kagome's side? She had to be the one to set an example, show them that she was ok. They really where only scratches…thanks to him.

" Kirara and Shippo do a search and find anymore wounded. Miroku, Sango take my first aid kit and follow them. Inuyasha in the front pocket of my bag is some ointment for Kikyo's burns." He startled, still kicking himself over how he had handled the events. This was a catastrophe, he knew that she knew he had chosen Kikyo over her… that in doing so he had almost let Kagome die. How did you say sorry after doing something like that?

When Inuyasha looked at her his ears laid back knowing he had done something wrong. Kagome looked at the guilt ridden face of Inuyasha and silently forgave him. Outwardly she smiled to let him know she understood even if inside she was a mess of sorrow and agony.

Although it hurt to have been neglected, not just by one but all of them…it hurt more than all the gashes she had suffered that day.

But it's not there fault, she reminded herself. You can't help but protect the ones you love…and Inuyasha loves Kikyo, not me.

Everyone nodded and got to work undertaking her orders.

-------------------------------------------------------

Pressing the bridge of his nose Sesshoumaru tried to clear his head. So much was going on, people yelling, Naraku's stench burning his nostrils and the god damn arm was trying to swallow him.

This was all Inuyasha's fault. If he hadn't cut his arm off in the first place he'd not have had to find a replacement. Not to mention stupid girl had to be right...Somehow this was all her fault too. He mentally kicked himself for saving her. What the hell had he been thinking? Maybe she had bewitched him... That was the only suitable explanation on why he would save her sorry hide. -'No it's not' came the inner voice that never let him lie to himself.- Stupid voice...

"Lord Sesshoumaru!" Rin's tiny voice brought him back to the matter at hand.- Lost in his thoughts he had almost forgotten why he was there and in pain in the first place.-This was his punishment for abandoning and betraying Naraku on the battle field the other day. Thanks to his stupidity his little girl was trapped between two of Naraku's spindly legs.

In some ways Sesshoumaru deserved this. Not once had he ever reneged on a promise… Sure he might have found loop holes or worded things to suit his needs but never had he blatantly turned on a deal like that. And for what? A ningen he tolerated.

Still, even if he did go back on his word that was no need for Naraku to drag the little girl into this. The coward hanyou had fled and stolen Rin away from under Jakens nose.

To top it all off Naraku was trying to absorb him. Foolish though to think Sesshoumaru would just sit back and let him devour him, just because he had the girl. He'd kill himself and Rin before letting Naraku win…not that he planned to let it get to that, but he bet the other demon would never see that coming.

"I was hoping to use you a little longer but your display on the field has forced me to accelerate my plans." Naraku was displeased at the actions that had commenced on the field. Out of all the things you could have told him would happen Sesshoumaru saving the fake priestess would have never made the list. Now because of him Naraku's victory was lost. "You really disappoint me." To make his point he squeezed the little girl harder.

"You bore this Sesshoumaru." He just stood there the throbbing pain in his arm intensifying, letting an indifferent look wash across his face. The more pain he felt the more bored he tried to look, letting his thoughts wander so as to ignore the pain. A small amount of discomfort, he concluded, was acceptable to bare if it meant buying time before finding a way to get Rin back.

Naraku growled hating to be ignored. It was no fun torturing people if they did not respond. "Saving humans now?" Humans was spat out like the mere word salted his tongue.

What really angered Naraku the most was Sesshoumaru had been a demon he could look up too. Killing without compassion or prejudice. He had hated humanity with a passion eclipsing Naraku's own. What a wonderful addition he would have made to his ever growing body of demon parts. Now…he was a lap dog. Saving people left and right like their lives meant something to him. Parading his weakness around for everyone to see. It was almost enough to make Naraku reconsider adding him, afraid what ever soul Sesshoumaru seemed to have found might taint the rest of him.

With out thinking Sesshoumaru responded, "Only those under my care."

This caught Naraku's interest. "Since when is Kagome under your protection?"

To late Sesshoumaru caught his mistake. He had to act fast…In one stupid sentence he had revealed another weakness for his enemy to exploit.

Cause let's face it, protecting humans is weak. Two? Worse. Only honor meant everything to him and now he had forced himself to another human girl. - Deep down he heard the voice laughing in his head. 'Pretend all you want. You've had a soft spot for the girl for a while now.'- As much as he hated...loathed to admitt it, the voice had a point. If he had really wanted Kagome dead nothing would have stopped him. Hard as he had tried to deny it, ever since the night in the cave Sesshoumaru had wanted to protect Kagome the way she had him. If for no other reason to heal his wounded pride at having been saved by a mere girl. He had never had the chance though until that fight because Inuyasha had always been there. I'm becoming more of a disgrace to the family than Inuyasha and my father combined…Claiming protection rights over humans helter-skelter. He mentally slapped him self in the head.

It was a funny thing honor, Kagome had never been his to protect but by his own utterance he had bound her to him. Just another chain he'd have to drag behind him in shame. Now he would have to save her whether he liked it or not, even after he had vowed to never save her again -promise number two broken, he was on a roll-…Then a loop hole occurred to him…he had promised this would never happen again…and it wouldn't. Naraku would never torment her like he had or lay one filthy claw against her again as long as he was around.

Sesshoumaru started feeling a sense of pleasure working out these complications. With his cunning mind he had found a way to protect Kagome with little embarrassment to himself. Kagome was… dare he think it? An ally, so it was alright to save her. Saving ally's, unlike ningen, was respectable. Honor dictated he rescue an ally and who was he to go against what honor dictated? - He made sure he forgot the part where Naraku had been his ally too- Sure there was the issue of the mutt being honor bound to her also- rules stated she belonged to him-but…

Answering Naraku's earlier question, "When my half brother saved the dead one." Sesshoumaru had been allowed to take his place. Honor after all demanded it. He had found the loop hole and was now guilt free.

Naraku's lips thinned into a sordid smile as he watched the Western Lord mull over his question. Was the Great Lord of the West claiming the girl? If so that would make things far more interesting. Oh the fun he could have with this information…

Done with his conversation with Naraku Sesshoumaru turned his attention to Rin. He needed to focus on her now and protect her. His little girl was counting on him. Examining Rin he noted she seemed confused unable to follow the adults conversation but unscathed. "Rin, I need you to close your eye's." Little girls did not need to see what was going to happen next.

Smiling a toothless grin she nodded her understanding. Her face scrunched as she shut her eyes tight unafraid because she knew her Lord would save her.

Shooting pain ran up Sesshoumaru's left arm and he had to grab it to keep it from spreading. He'd never let it show but the process of devouring him was beginning to take its toll. After one step forward Sesshoumaru had to stop with his arm feeling like it was being shredded by piranhas. It was futile, he couldn't fight with Naraku controlling his arm. The throbbing and useless appendage would just get in the way. So he gathered his anger.

The fool thought he could trick me, use my servants against me, steal my little girl… Golden eyes bleed with red. He had known Kagome was right but had wanted to think he was cleverer than Naraku. That he would have stopped him before it had gone too far… But Naraku played dirty, asking far to much, something Sesshoumaru would never stoop too.

If this was the price, Naraku could have his damn arm back.

With that Sesshoumaru began to tug.

XXX

Sesshoumaru's phantom limb twitched remembering the feel of tearing flesh. That had not been a particularly pleasant sensation.

He mulled the events over. Although the relationship between them had changed that day, he was no longer the man with rights to her death but now with rights to her safety, that still wasn't how things had progressed so far that he'd let her brush his hair.

From the corner of his eye he watched Kagome. She had started to hum...what song he could not tell. Then a flickering of her eyes sent the memory rushing back.

XXX

A/N: I think Sesshoumaru has ADD...

Time line since their encounter in the cave.

Cave---Chapter 1 Kagome's Memory--- Chapter 2 Kagome's Memory--- Chapter 4 Sesshoumaru's memory--- Chapter 3 Kagome's memory---Chapter five Sesshoumaru's memory.