A/N: Ah, another lovely piece of my almost mary-sue's life. I don't own IY or any of the characters from the marvelous mind of Rumiko Takahashi
Chapter Thirteen
Finally, I felt the tension fall away, and I brought my hands together in front of my face. I rubbed each wrist to rid the lingering sensation of rope. I had worked for several hours after Naraku's departure at weakening the rope with a jagged rock I found in the corner of the room. I had thought it odd that it would be there, almost like an invitation to set myself free. I had been so eager to regain use of my two favorite appendages that I didn't give a thought to the possibility I was supposed to let myself out.
I then untied my ankles and stood slowly as vertigo set in momentarily. I steadied myself with the wall as I made my way towards the screen. My foot was aching; I hadn't gotten any treatment for at least a day. And yet, it wasn't as bad as it could have been. At least I could walk. At least I wasn't bleeding to death. At least I was alive.
I pushed gently on the screen, opening it just enough so I could stare out into... complete and utter blackness. It must be night, I thought as I stepped silently from the candle-lit room. I closed the screen and remained still, listening. I heard the gentle bubbling of a fountain just in front of me, and a cool breeze toyed with the leaves on the surrounding trees. It was a few more moments before I was able to see the trees, and said fountain, and when I did, my heart sped up. Thousands of glowing red eyes watched me, waiting for me to make a move, any move, so they could reveal their demon bodies and put an end to my travels for good. I felt behind me for the door, but my hand instead made contact with a warm body. I squealed, jumping.
Kagura laughed, her heart-shaped face half covered by her white fan. Her eyes, the same color as Naraku's, laughed at me with a much more sinister motive. I sighed with what little relief I could allow myself. "You shouldn't leave if you aren't prepared to go anywhere," she commented, and the screen slid open of its own accord. She inclined her head in its direction, and I re-entered my bright prison.
"Naraku was right about you," she said as the screen closed us in. "You are too timid to try anything. What on earth does that dog see in you?"
"I told you, we aren't-"
"But it is irrelevant, so long as he comes for you... isn't that right?" She asked, glaring. She seemed to be trying to stop me from telling her I wasn't mated to Sesshoumaru. "You might live longer if he cares for his one beloved." Revelation occurred, and I nodded slightly.
"I can only hope he comes with godspeed," I said, placing a hand over my heart. I continued to watch Kagura as she lowered her fan and approached me. She wrapped her small hand around my wrist and lowered my hand.
"Naraku believes you are Sesshoumaru's mate, and it is the only thing keeping you alive. Slip, girl, and your life is forfeit," she warned quietly, releasing my wrist. I rubbed where her tight grip left marks.
"Why are you trying to help me?" I asked in the same whispering tone. She met my eyes, glaring with a passion directed towards another.
"Lord Sesshoumaru is my only hope of escape," she said. I frowned. It would seem we shared that in common.