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Royal Dangers

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Chapter Ten

Revenge Like Rain

Pain shot through her body, and it was all she could do not to scream. When the hurt subsided, her head fell forward, breathing heavily as she hung from the black chains. Naraku watched with a sour frown. Grabbing a fistful of her dark locks, he looked into her eyes. "I am growing tired of your delays, Princess. I am sure you are growing weary yourself." Kagome did not fight him, but her brilliant blue orbs shone defiantly all the same. The hanyou saw this as well, and he shoved her away with a snarl, her body swinging. "You will submit to me, and it will be now."

The young maiden glanced up wearily. "I won't." She stated bitterly with much reservation. Beads of sweat had gathered on her forehead from his use of black magic, but she refused to yield. Naraku growled angrily. Then he composed himself once more, his smirk unsettling to Kagome.

"Oh, you will, my little Kagome. Sooner than you think." Before he would explain the lord snapped his fingers, allowing the chains slacken just enough for the young woman to fall to her knees. He turned and strode out without another word, slamming the door behind his retreating form, nearly blowing out the lantern. Kagome forced herself to relax, allowing her outstretched arms rest limply in the shackles. While he may be many things, Naraku was no amateur when pain was in question. His slow technique was taking its toll on her body; her wrists were rubbed raw by hours of fighting the restrictive chains, and her shoulders ached as she was forced to hang from the ceiling. She relished the precious minutes the chains were slackened, even slightly like now.

As she rested, Kagome fought the urge to sob. She had resolved to not let another tear fall while she remained at Naraku's mercy. I won't give him the satisfaction, she vowed, clenching her fingers tiredly.

In truth, she was fading fast. While the princess had resisted valiantly, she knew her own strength, and it would not hold out much longer. Kagome licked her lips, concentrating on adjusting her arms enough to lessen the stress on her shoulders. Now she regretted refusing food, for its sustenance would surely renew her strength, even if only a small bit.

Her eyes snapped open to the sound of a key turning in the lock. The maiden raised her defiant sapphire orbs as the door creaked open, preparing herself for the inevitable fight she knew Naraku would cause. Much to her surprise, the intruder was a young woman, the one her captor had given the locket. She stood in the doorway, a slim hand resting on magenta silk as she focused her attention on the Eastern Princess.

"What do you want?" Kagome asked, her defiance failing as tiredness claimed her. She remained on her guard; anyone aiding her kidnapper was surely no friend of hers. The woman turned her red-hazel eyes on her, as if examining her very soul.

Finally, the woman pursed her lips together and entered, silently shutting the heavy door behind her with a mere wave. As she moved closer, the princess tensed. "What do you want?" She repeated, voicing the question louder.

Kagura quickly brought a manicured finger to her lips. "Unless you wish to summon Naraku, I would be quiet," she warned. Seeing the confusion on the young woman's face, she sighed impatiently. "I have come to help."

Kagome could not hide her surprise. Taking her silence as affirmation, the wind sorceress crouched beside the chained prisoner, examining her metallic bonds. She pulled a pin from her hair and began to pick at the lock, narrowing her eyes in concentration. The princess watched the demoness work, questions filling her mind.

"Why are you helping me?" She finally voiced.

Red eyes flickered to her, then back to the task at hand. "Would you rather I leave you be?"

The maiden shook her head quickly. "I thought you were helping that false lord." A wry chuckle escaped Kagura's thin pressed lips.

"Yes, I am," she muttered bitterly, twisting the pin until a soft click was heard. "But I don't have to make his work easy." Kagura rose and smoothed her form-fitting gown as the young woman slid out of the shackles, catching one hand on the stone ground to keep her balance. "The Prince of the West is on his way. Get as far from here as you can, he will find you."

Kagome winced, rubbing her sore wrists carefully. Hearing this, her eyes brightened. "Lord Sesshoumaru!" I knew he would come. Gratitude overcame her, and she bowed slightly. "Thank you," came her soft reply, her words sincere. The older woman nodded, replacing the pin in her ornate hairstyle. As she turned to leave, a thought crossed the princess's mind. "What will happen to you when he finds out?"

Kagura paused, her eyes closed. Finally, she murmured, "It is not worth thinking about," and disappeared through the door. Rising the best she could, Kagome ran after her, but when she stepped into the corridor, she saw the woman had vanished.

Shaking her head, the young maiden brushed her dark locks aside impatiently. Which way? She glanced down both dark ends, biting her lip as she debated. Gathering her white skirts in her hands, Kagome hurried down the left hall. "Just don't let Naraku be this way," she prayed under her breath as she ran as silently as possible.

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The demon ran, his incredible speed making the trees around him a mere blur of brown bark and moss green foliage. The woman's scent was weakening, becoming lost as the threat of rain impended. Her trace still lingered in the air, and that was enough for an experienced hunter like himself. Suddenly he stopped, his black boots planted firmly at the edge of the cliff. His golden gaze narrowed as he observed the dark castle before him.

A hundred yards away, tall iron gates were erected, the blackened metal seemingly endless as the top blended into the night sky. The castle itself towered ominously, dark mist swirling at the building's base.

Sesshoumaru shifted his gaze over the structure, examining every inch carefully. Two towers stood, one on either end of the castle; a wooden bridge led to the front doors, though no water flowed under it. Several lamps were lined at the entrance, though the lights within them had been extinguished. This did not bother the Western Prince, as he could see regardless. As well, night was drawing to a close, and the first hints of dawn were appearing. So soon... his hideout is much further than I expected.

The lord finished his observations, and after a moment's pause jumped off the cliff, landing easily at the foot of the bridge. It would take but little time now, until he had her safe. Just a few minutes more...

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Kagome ran through the hallway, her skirts clenched tightly in her hands as she hurried down the long flights of stairs. The notion that her freedom was in her reach empowered the young woman, giving her strength enough to continue moving.

She stepped off the last of the stairs, slowing. A large, spacious hall stood before her, doors at every wall. The lantern lights glimmered eerily, the flame reflecting on the polished floor as clearly as a mirror. As the princess stepped into the open space, her eyes traced the ornate decorations that graced the walls, and the grotesque statues lining each door. She stared at the marble creations, unable to suppress a small shiver that ran up her spine at the sight of them.

Her footsteps made soft clicks as she walked, the repetitive sound quickening as she hurried to leave the corridor. Reaching the end, she gingerly rested her fingers on the door handle. The maiden almost drew back, unsure if she dared reveal what was on the other side. Then courage came back to her, and Kagome drew a deep breath. Nothing could be worse than what I've been through so far. With that, she grasped the handle and pulled.

The initial fear and unease gave way as a relieved smile graced her lips. Kagome stepped outside, fresh air smelling better than ever. It was still quite dark, though the sky had lightened considerably since she last had seen outside her cell window. A strange mist lay ahead, making it hard to see the landscape. Even so, her sapphire eyes sparkled as she took a small step, then another. "I'm free."

A drop hit her pale cheek, and she brushed her fingers against the wetness. Another fell, this time hitting her bare shoulder. Kagome lifted her palm, laughing as several droplets pooled in it. They descended faster now, appearing from the graying sky in stronger numbers.

"Again, I underestimated you, Princess."

The laughter evaporated as Kagome whirled around, her eyes growing wide. Naraku's dark form stood in the doorway, his red eyes shining. Anger crossed his face briefly, followed by dark amusement. "Somehow you slipped from your room during my short departure. I suppose I have Kagura to thank for that, am I correct?" He did not wait for her to answer, but stepped out into the rain as well.

"You are clever, I will give you that. Yet you remain a fool, defying me and attempting such escapades. What notion have you conceived, to think I would allow such behavior?" Kagome stumbled back as he came closer, causing a frown to replace his smirk. Naraku paused, swooping his arm slowly, indicating the area. "However, you have failed to escape me just yet. You still remain in my castle, left in my courtyard."

Horrified, the maiden glanced around, her heart sinking as she saw his words were true. The mist had lifted slightly, revealing surrounding stone walls and iron gates. Returning her gaze, Kagome lifted her head bravely. "And what do you plan on doing with me now? You have done your worst; I do not fear you, nor your tactics."

The hanyou narrowed his eyes. His midnight locks became slick as the rain poured around them, matching her own ebony strands as they lay plastered to her head. The man moved closer, his boots becoming mud-splattered as he strode across the yard. "There are many things I know that would make even your pretty brow sweat with fear, my love. What you have experienced so far is nothing compared to what I can do."

He lunged at the princess, who screamed in terror and turned on her heel, slipping in the muddy battlefield that the rain had changed the courtyard into. Fingers grasped at her arm, attempting to pull her back, but they only succeeded in grabbing her sleeve. The white silk ripped, and as Kagome pulled away the sleeve tore apart from the rest of the material, leaving her right arm almost bare. She continued to run as Naraku threw the scrap of cloth down in amusement. "Why run, my pet, when you know it is futile?"

Kagome paused behind a tree, gasping for breath. She could hear the man near by, but she was not going to give in without a fight. Biting her lip, she glanced around, trying to decide the best place to run to. The false lord was between her and the castle door, but perhaps if she reached the gate, she would have enough time to lift the latch and escape...

A hand landed on her shoulder, sending another scream into the air. She slapped the broad fingers away, but his arm had woven its way around her waist, pulling her back. Kagome fought desperately, crying out and squirming as he pulled her to his chest. Naraku's hot breath tickled her ear as he leaned forward. "Now you shall see my worst, just as you wanted." He eyed her with a smirk, seeing how her gown stuck to her curves like a second skin.

Struggling, Kagome glared. "You bastard!" She shouted, trying to shove him away. He retaliated by slamming her against the tree, ignoring her gasp as the breath was knocked from her.

"I have had enough of your defiance, Princess. You will submit to me!" Naraku growled. When the maiden opened her mouth again, he clamped his fingers over her lips, silencing her cry. The taste of mud and sweat reached her senses, and Kagome tried her best not to retch.

The hanyou's fingers dove into his pocket, retrieving the blue sash. "Let's put this to good use," he murmured, deftly tying the fabric around the maiden's wrists. Kagome whimpered under his hand, frantically trying to push him away to no avail. This only caused the man to chuckle as he tied the ends of the sash to the branch above her head, leaving her stuck. "Much better."

Kagome jerked her face out of his hand. "Only cowards resort to chains and bonds to restrain a woman," she spat, staring at the man with intense hatred. She twisted her arms, trying to loosen the sash's knots. The rain was against her, however, as the water only served to tighten the makeshift rope.

Naraku smiled. "Ah, but chains and bonds work so beautifully. Now your hands cannot interfere while I explore." As he said this he ran his fingers along her collarbone, enjoying her shudder as he delved deeper. His digits touched the rise of her breasts, resting on the wet skin as water droplets ran down between them. Kagome clenched her hands and jaw, trying her best to control her trembles.

"Don't touch me!" she ordered, kicking his shin with all the force she could muster. The false lord winced, then returned the favor with a slap across the cheek.

"Not wise, Princess."

Kagome felt tears join the raindrops that graced her face, mingling the salty and sweet liquid. The tree bark against her back felt rougher now that the rain had soaked through her dress. The material of her gown clung to her skin, and as it got wetter the princess thanked Kami for the many layers, keeping the white fabric somewhat opaque. Naraku kept trailing her flesh, cupping one breast as his other hand continued, moving upward between her thighs.

The maiden turned her head to the side, clamping her eyes shut as a blush graced her face. She kicked again, succeeding in hitting the juncture between his legs. Naraku stumbled back, pain flashing across his face. "I told you, do not touch me!"

In a moment, the man shot his hand out, seizing her throat. "You have no say here. I will do what I wish, touch you when I wish. Is that clear?" He growled, squeezing her neck in emphasis. Kagome gasped, his fingers crushing her delicate windpipe. She wanted to scream, but his fingers tightened, as if he read her thoughts.

"Naraku."

A deep baritone reached their ears, and the hanyou twisted to see who dared interrupt. His eyes narrowed upon the motionless intruder. Sesshoumaru stood not fifty feet away, his golden eyes fixed unwavering on them both.

Matching his gaze, Naraku loosened his hold on the princess's neck. The wind howled as the storm grew stronger, the rain now pelting the three figures. "So, you found me, pup. Much sooner than I expected." Naraku sneered, his red eyes flashing. The Western heir glared.

"You do not merit my concern, half-breed. I come to retrieve what you stole." Sesshoumaru stated, resting his hand on Toukijin. "And I have come to exterminate you."

With a snarl, Naraku clenched his fists. "Try as you like. The princess is mine!" As he spoke, his body began to change, elongating itself. Kagome watched, terrified, as bulbous tentacles ripped through his shirt, slithering menacingly around him. Long, sharp legs, like those of a spider, added to the mess of tentacles, giving Sesshoumaru the impression of a large arachnid. And such creatures are bugs, meant to be crushed.

The transformed hanyou smirked, his upper body still human. "Why do you hesitate, dog? Attack me, and I'll absorb your power into my body." A slimy tentacle climbed up Kagome's form, causing a panicked cry to escape her lips. The black appendage slid along her jaw, then adjusted itself over her mouth, silencing her. "And with you out of the way, her body shall be mine to do with as I please." Sesshoumaru read the maiden's terrified sapphire eyes, then unsheathed his sword.

"Your battle is with me, not her. Now fight!" He rushed at the hanyou, who issued a wicked chuckle. Spiked tentacles shot in his direction, slowing the demon lord. With an arc of his sword, he sliced right through the appendages, leaving the bulbous flesh to writhe on the muddy battlefield. Before he could attack, the pieces multiplied, attaching themselves to his booted foot. Sesshoumaru kicked away the flesh, narrowing his eyes at the amused man. "You waste my time, Naraku."

Obliging his wish, the spider form swung a sharp pincer at his opponent, slamming into the ground as the daiyoukai jumped into the air. He barely had time to touch the ground when he was forced to leap again as a second razor-sharp leg followed his movements.

Kagome winced in pain as the pulsing flesh over her mouth began to burn. She wished she could scream, to warn Sesshoumaru or distract her captor somehow so her nightmare could end. Her blue orbs watched in terror as the Western prince continually attacked and evaded everything Naraku threw at him. Whenever he slashed through a piece of tentacle, the pieces doubled, inching their way toward him in hopes of latching onto his skin. Fresh pincers re-grew along the hanyou's bare back, clicking together angrily as they moved to stab or slice the evasive Sesshoumaru. Naraku threw insults and jeers at the experienced fighter, then roared when yet another appendage was torn away.

The encroaching tentacles shot around Sesshoumaru, barely missing his right shoulder as he leaped and slashed. His golden eyes tinged with red as his anger rose. He did not know how the hanyou could regain his limbs so easily, nor how to defend himself from the sticky flesh of tentacles that multiplied with every slice of his sword. The daiyoukai growled. More than anything he wanted the battle to end, wishing he could do so quickly with one of Toukijin's demonic attacks. However, with the despicable hanyou placing himself so close to the princess, he knew he could not do so without risking her life along with the monster.

Ducking a long, slashing tentacle, the demon ran right up the creature. Swinging his sword, he cut through the black flesh that held silent the young maiden. The pieces fell to the ground, sliding toward Kagome's feet. With a shriek she kicked the slimy flesh, her foot slipping lightly in the muddy grass.

Sesshoumaru grimly suppressed a smile, knowing it was neither the time nor the place. Instead, he focused his attentions on the towering mass that was Naraku, aiming his evil-looking sword at his chest.

Naraku frowned sourly as he was forced back, away from the tree and its captive. Things were not going according to plan. The princess, the treaty, the angry demon before him... thoughts of such swirled in his head, and he growled inwardly. I will have my way, and no pup will stop me! Lifting his head, he smirked at the posed warrior, ready to continue the battle. "Your reputation is lacking, Lord Sesshoumaru. Surely you can do better." A deep purple mist formed around him, strengthening as it filtered in the daiyoukai's direction. Kagome began to cough, inhaling the poisonous miasma. Sesshoumaru, however, seemed unaffected by the mist.

His sword took aim. "Enough tricks." Tilting the weapon ominously, he narrowed his eyes. "Die." The blade glowed as demonic energy swirled around it, and with the speed of a true warrior he sliced through Naraku's upper torso. Blood spurted from the hanyou's mouth as his eyes went wide, the tentacles and pincers evaporating into thin air.

Taking on a human form, Naraku fell to his knees, an arm spreading on his stomach as dark blood spilled freely from the deep wound. He looked up as Sesshoumaru stepped forward, the rain pouring on his astonished face. "How can... such power... defeat me?"

Raindrops slid down the stained blade in the Western heir's hand. "A half-breed can never measure to this Sesshoumaru," he spoke coldly, his words cutting the air. He raised the sword in both hands, and with a final thrust, the false lord was finished.

Satisfied, the Prince of the West returned the weapon to its sheath, glancing at the toppled body of Naraku in disgust. His sensitive ears picked up a soft cry amidst the steady pour of the rain, and his attention turned to Kagome.

She met his gaze, no longer fighting to free herself. As he moved closer, a tired smile graced her lips. "Sesshou-" she started softly, but she was cut off by the demon's lips as they pressed against hers. She was surprised at first, but she quickly melted into the kiss as his warm hand tilted her face closer. A few moments passed before they broke apart, the need for air burning in their lungs. Kagome gazed up into the Western Prince's golden orbs, mixed emotions threatening to overflow.

"I was afraid you had forgotten me."

Sesshoumaru shook his head, his nose tickling the maiden's forehead. "Never." As he spoke his clawed hands reached up to her outstretched wrists, slowly pulling at the sash's knot. Once succeeding, the demon caught the princess as she slipped.

Kagome wrapped her arms around Sesshoumaru's waist, ignoring her sore muscles as they groaned at the task. Burying her head into his chest, she held onto him tightly. "Don't let me go," she murmured almost inaudibly, her face snuggled in the softness of his ivory pelt. "Don't let me go." She felt the pressure of his lips against the top of her head.

"I couldn't if I tried."

They stayed together in silence for several long minutes, letting the rain pour over them. Finally, Kagome broke the quiet, tilting her head to gaze into the daiyoukai's eyes. "May we go home now? I am so tired..."

Without speaking, the demon lord gathered the soaking woman in his arms and headed toward the Eastern Kingdom where her family waited.

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Star: Aw, how sweet is that?

Sesshoumaru: Again, humans are so easily pleased.

Star: *rolls eyes* C'mon, you have to like this chapter. You slayed your nemesis, you get your princess, and you both share your first kiss!

Sesshoumaru: I suppose that makes it worth the torment of being part of this story?

Star: Wait till next chapter. *evil grin* I am sure you will enjoy it immensely.

Kagome: Enjoy what?

Sesshoumaru: It is not polite to tease, wench.

Star: Well, Romeo, you'll just have to wait. I hope all of you readers enjoyed this--I have a thing for having my characters in the rain. Please send your comments and reviews if you wish for more of this gooey sweetness. But remember, no flames-romance burns just as easily as paper or a marshmallow. And that would just be a perfectly good waste.

Kagome: Agreed.

Star: So, keep reading, I'll try to update again soon! It all depends on how my leads cooperate. Bye!