Chapter 21: Ransom

When Kagome opened her eyes, feelings filtered into her like dappled light into a dusty window.

First she felt the air. It was hot and damp; sticking to her throat like cobwebs. Kagome coughed and then became aware of the coarse rope binding her wrists together.

My wrists- are tied?..

She didn't feel panic. Not yet. She was still dazed and breathing was still too hard. Then she noticed the reed brown color that surrounded her and pressed upon her eyes almost painfully. Everything was brown and dark. Kagome blinked and felt something rough stretched around her neck. Itchy and tough like dead grass. A bag. There was a woven back wrapped around her head.

Then things began to click. Something was wrong.

Kagome felt her heart rate pick up and muggy air began to ooze more quickly in and out of her lungs. She began to struggle. Instantly hard, strong arms made their presence felt. One lay beneath her bent legs and the other clamped around her back and right shoulder. She was being carried. They began to squeeze; tighter and tighter until she felt as if her spine might crack in half. "Stop!" she wheezed and then broke into a fit of coughing. A voice muffled by the bag laughed above her. It was dark and raspy; and triggered that fear that had been lying dormant in her belly.

I know that voice.. Kagome's heartbeat sounded like a drum in her ears. She knew that voice. Knew the burnt face and yellow teeth that accompanied it. Sleep vanished instantly from her thoughts and her skin prickled in a cold fear. "Who are you?!" she cried at the man carrying her. The demon. "Why are you doing this to me?!" Memories of the not so distant past trickled into Kagome's mind.

Memories of a girl lying still in the snow. Her blood spread across her pale lips and cheeks like poppy petals. Eyes glazed and sightless. A rancid breath filling her lungs. A voice that still made her want to scream..

It all pieced together. She had been abducted. By who and why she had no idea. She didn't know how long she had been knocked out- but she knew that she was wanted alive. Kagome took in a sticky breath; the cold air on her exposed hands and feet not matching up at all with the heat that surrounded her cheeks and neck. She steadied herself and pictured Sesshoumaru.

Yes- think of Sesshoumaru. He was coming for her. She knew that much. Surely he could smell her fear; feel her pain.. She also knew that her captor was demon. Is he doing this to hurt Sesshoumaru? No! I can't let that happen! I won't be a liability. Not to him…

The demon holding her laughed again, and he readjusted her position with a quick jolt of his arms. Kagome bit her lip to keep from crying out. She was sore all over. Every part of her body ached. Especially her bloated stomach. The baby. Kagome jerked her hands frantically in their binding and managed to turn her fingertips towards her belly. It was still plump. Oh please gods, let him be safe. If he is hurt I- Kagome tossed the thought from her mind; knowing too well she would go mad if her son was dead within her.

He is strong. He is part demon. If anything, he is holding up better than I. Through the din of her mind Kagome heard the demon speak. "Oh you'll find out soon enough, Princess," he said darkly, spitting out her title like a curse. Kagome tried to understand. But the bolt of pain that coursed through her with every one of the demon's steps made thinking almost impossible. I can't take much more of this. Her blindness and sheer helplessness made something cry out inside her.

A noise that sounded much like Sayuri's scream before she hit the ground.

'You're going to die.' It whispered. 'Sesshoumaru is still probably fighting... You will a stinking corpse long before he notices something is wrong. You and your son.'

Kagome silenced it. Be strong Kagome. For Sesshoumaru. For your child.

Time wrinkled by in distorted fragments. Minutes felt like hours. Seconds were measured in footsteps and pain. After an eternity of waiting, Kagome's body drenched in sweat and still freezing- the demon finally came to a stop. Kagome was overcome by vertigo, and suddenly solid ground was beneath her feet. Bile threatened to fill her mouth and Kagome clenched her hands to stop it. The demon's hand grabbed her neck and pushed her forwards. "Inside wench," he muttered; the pressure of his claws a silent threat. Kagome focused on putting one foot in front of the other. But relying on the demon to guide her was not an easy task.

In no time the demon sighed impatiently and forced her to her knees. She felt fabric beneath her. The air was warmer and she could feel a pillow brushing up against her feet. Where-?

The bag was ripped from her head and Kagome clenched her eyes shut. Her skin burned from where the course fabric had been pressed against her neck. After a couple deep breaths, Kagome opened her eyes and took in her surroundings.

Instead of sky she saw a red fabric. It took a couple moments to realize she was in a tent; a big one. It was larger than her room. Braziers steamed in each of its four corners and assorted pillows lined the walls. Her eyes eventually met the center. There she saw a small mahogany desk; scrolls rolled across it like a thick blanket. Behind the desk- was another demon. It was only him and her. The demon who had carried her had vanished.

Kagome felt new fear rise in her chest. She swallowed thickly and took him in. The demon of course was a handsome one. His skin was alabaster pale and his dark hair had a faint green tint to it. It rolled down his back and even pooled on the floor. On his body, he wore bronzed armor- not terribly elaborate. It was simply well polished. Beneath it was a crimson brocade kimono with sleeves that ended in black wrist guards. He must be the leader. Kagome clenched her hands and met his face.

Again, blood red eyes peered out at her. His face was terrifying in its beauty. His mouth grinned at her making her heart beat faster still. He looked like the perfect predator. He the tiger- and she the cornered little mouse.

"Ah- Matsumoto Kagome," the demon's voice was rich and sultry. It made Kagome want to crawl into her skin and never come out. ",-so good to finally meet you." He mock bowed over his miniature desk and rose. Red eyes crinkled in laughter. "I am Naraku, your new Lord."

The following silence was stifling. Kagome frowned and picked her mind as fast as she could. In vain. The name meant nothing to her. Kagome took in a breath and made her face, however weak it might look, into a mask of calm. Barren of emotion and fear. That's it. Think of how he would handle this. You are a Princess. Make him believe it. "Why have you done this to me?.." Kagome demanded. The demon blinked and smiled. He leaned back and crossed his arms over his steely chest. "You tell me Princess. Any ideas?" he said silkily, still smiling. Kagome wanted to claw it off his face. Fear slowly turned into anger. "You are going to use me to hurt Lord Sesshoumaru." The demon's red eyes widened and he threw back his head and laughed. Deep laughter that had her itching to cover her ears.

Kagome felt her nails bite into her palms and she struggled to keep her face black. Bastard. I hope Sesshoumaru kills you slowly. When he finished, the demon sat straight and still smiled. "My, you aren't as dim as I thought! Yes, I will use you to hurt that arrogant pup. But that is not the main reason for your capture dear Princess. Got another one?" he grinned and Kagome remained silent that time. He's toying with me. Minutes passed and the demon's amusement faded from his red eyes. The smile remained.

"Fine. You're here Kagome, because I need a bargaining chip to use on your father," he said and leaned back again almost bored.

Kagome blinked and felt her body sag. Of course. The thought hadn't occurred to her but it made sense. The demon was going to use her to take over the Land of Flowers. Well he's going to try.. If father doesn't give him what he wants, then the demon will have me killed. Kagome almost smiled and met Naraku's arrogant gaze. Good thing father cares as much for me as he does a lame goat. I'm sure he will be more than happy once I'm gone.. But Sesshoumaru would come in time before she was killed. She trusted him absolutely.

"If my father doesn't comply? I doubt your army can overtake our entire country," Kagome replied coldly and the demon's smile grew. "Actually I think it can." His eyes left hers momentarily to scan on the scrolls unrolled before him. Battle plans. Then they flicked back up to her. "I have a little spy in your Land that has told me- your military isn't what it once was. You have grown weak. Even for humans." Kagome felt her face pale. A spy?Who?! Naraku looked at his black nails that oddly didn't have points. "So, invading and capturing it won't be a problem. Still, it would be nice to have human slaves. I don't really want to kill you all." The demon's red eyes darkened and looked like dried blots of blood. "That's why I want you all willing. Your father can do that for me. He'll surrender if it means saving his precious little daughter. The daughter, that his true love gave her life for."

Kagome snapped. No one talked about her mother. Especially not a demon like him. All the fear, confusion and pain burst inside her like a firework. She was on her feet before she realized it and lunged at him.

He stopped her easily. What did she expect.. He grabbed her bound wrists and held her like a rag doll. His face moved to hers and he inhaled deeply. "Mm. I smell that disgusting little pup of yours. How long has Sesshoumaru waited for one? Two, three centuries?" he smiled and his free hand ran over her belly. Kagome shrieked in rage and tried to brake free. His hand tightened around her hands. Bone cracked. Kagome let out a cry and went still. "I can't wait to see his face when he knows I have it. Knows I have everything he has ever cared about. Oh you're such a prize Princess! I can take over a country and crush my greatest foe- all with you." Kagome stared at the demon's face through the pain and could still make out his wretched smile.

Naraku stood and deposited her back in the pillows. Kagome clenched her eyes as she hit the ground tried to stem the tears. "I never wanted the Lands of the West, Princess. Yours is so much more fertile. And run by humans! Such weak creatures... But that treaty you formed with the Dog. I couldn't just barge in. Then you captured Sesshoumaru's heart." He laughed heartily and ran his fingers down her cheek. "You! A human! You gave me just opportunity I needed. My golden goose," the demon continued. With every word Kagome felt her heart sink, until she feared it would drown in a pool of sorrow and shame. What have I done?.. The demon straightened and called a name. In seconds the red one stepped back through the flaps. He grinned down at her and Kagome looked away. Damn you. Damn you all! Kagome wouldn't let that bastard use her like that. To make her hurt everything she ever loved. No. I would rather die. "Take her to her tent," she heard Naraku say distantly.

Kagome touched her belly. If it were not for you my son, I would take my life here and now.. Once again she was grabbed and heaved into rock hard arms. She gritted her teeth and knew not to struggle. The bag was forced back over her head and she heard the tent flaps part. "Sleep well Princess," she heard Naraku call. "You have a very big day ahead of you..."

His following laughter haunted her dreams the rest of that night.

Days later, Kagome found herself tied to some sort of beast. A demon mount, she remembered Sesshoumaru calling it. Its eyes were yellow like a cat's, and seemed much too intelligent. Green scales replaced fur. Its mane was red and soft like grass. It was much taller than any horse and looking down made Kagome ill.

She looked up at the sky. It was gray and bleak, just like her spirit. The cold air bit at her cheeks, cracking the layer of dried tears that was caked on her face. Ropes bound her to her saddle, feet to stirrups and wrists to the saddle horn. Moving to gain warmth was not an option. She only had on a couple layers of kimono, her blankets having been lost somewhere in translation. The demons would not spare her any of theirs. They treated her little better than an animal, giving her scalding glances and insulting her in a foreign tongue whenever they could. She was fed moldy food and her mouth was almost always dry do to lack of water. They only tolerated her because of Naraku; who Kagome had come to believe to be the Lord of the East. He was the only one who looked at her with feelings other than hatred and disgust. Kagome repressed a shiver and rubbed her palms together. The cold was everywhere and she could not hide from it. Even the beast below her would not lend her any of its warmth.

Idiots. If they keep this up I'll be dead before we even reach the palace. Kagome had to fight hard to remain calm; the knowledge of coming death and destruction lurking darkly on the fringes of her mind. The thought of Sesshoumaru was a small light in her chest. A flame of hope. She clung to it as if it were her only breath of life.

But, its light was fading.

Two days. It had already been two days since she had been stolen. And still no sign of him. But she would not give up. The moment she gave up on Sesshoumaru, her only chance of salvation, was the moment her heart stopped beating..

"Hey, you up there." Kagome blinked. Had someone spoken to her? She looked around to find a friendly face. She rode at the head of the army. Behind her rode thousands of demons; a gleaming ocean of armor and metal. The Eastern Army. Those who walked on foot were hulking monsters that towered over any man. Those who rode on beasts were lithe and agile killing machines; decked with spears, arrows and other weapons that would easily pierce human flesh.

Her land didn't stand a chance. Kagome had cried all night for it. For her people, for her father. They had been so scared of a threat, and all the while their biggest enemy was camping out just along their borders. How did they keep themselves hidden for so long? Kagome had wondered. She had realized that Naraku had many spies in their lands. He had been watching them- for years. Learning their ways of life, their weaknesses. The Eastern attack on the Lands of the West? Nothing more than a distraction to lead Sesshoumaru away; the only person who had stood in Naraku's way.

Now, the Lands of the East were striking- and the Land of Flowers was at their mercy. Oh gods, please. Do not let my father surrender. Kagome knew he wouldn't. He was the hardest man she knew. Besides, he cares nothing for me..

"Jeez are you deaf Princess? Down here!" Kagome blinked and looked down. Next to her mount walked a tall youth with a mane as white as the snow around them. He was tall, and dressed as an infantry soldier. His pale hair made her heart clench in longing. When he looked up at her, his eyes were a warm yellow. Like drops of golden honey. Kagome flinched and saw something on his head twitch. She looked closer and saw they were ears. Dog ears.

He is a hanyou.

"Don't look so damn depressed Princess," he muttered and stretched lazily. Then his hands returned to his weapons. "It's not like it's the end of the world." Kagome stared at him mutely for a couple moments before looking ahead of her. Behind her was too dismal a sight. The vast armies of demons… It only made the guilt worse. "It is for me," Kagome murmured and focused upon feeling empty and hollow. If she felt anything, the sorrow would consume her.

The hanyou snorted. "Watever wench. They're not gonna' kill ya you know. You're too valuable..." Kagome frowned and looked wrathfully down at him. "Why are you even speaking to me demon?! Don't you hate me?" she asked scornfully. He blinked and his dog ears twitched again. He grew strangely still. "Don't you ever call me demon," he said softly, amber eyes blazing up at her. Kagome clenched her jaw and leaned away from him. "I'm a half demon got it? There's a difference."

He looked away from her obviously offended. Kagome stared at her bound hands and used the silence as a shield. The wind sighed. Its cool breath melancholy and lonely. After a couple moments, Kagome suddenly felt like smiling. The hanyou. He reminded her so much of a stubborn child. How old was he? He looked young, perhaps only a couple years older than herself..

The silence continued. Bits of snow like dandelion clumps floated through the cold air. Then, Kagome decided to take a chance on feeling something other than misery. "Forgive me," Kagome whispered down at the hanyou. He blinked and looked at her. "I did not mean to offend," Kagome continued. She looked down at her stomach, its gentle roundness having plenty of room in the saddle. Thankfully the mount's gait was smooth and even. She ran fingertips over the kimonos. My son. Can you believe I have met someone else like you? In this horrible place? "You see, I carry a half demon.." The soldier blinked and then grinned; displaying pearly fangs. "Ha! I knew you weren't as bad as they said," he said and winked. "My name's Inuyasha." Kagome wanted to smile, but her face seemed to have forgotten how to do so. She nodded and hoped Inuyasha could see how thankful she was in her eyes. "Hello Inuyahsa. My name is Kagome." She felt her first bit of warmth that day by looking in his eyes. Eyes so like those that held her heart..

So it was thus Kagome came to know a little about Inuyasha. A pleasant distraction from the pain and cold. He was a half demon, and an outcast. But he was proud of his heritage. His father had been a humble inuyoukai and his mother had been a rice farmer. They had met in his mother's rice paddies, Inuyahsa had said. It had been love at first sight, which was uncommon. Usually the birth of half demons was a result of rape or worse. Inuyasha said he joined the armies of his homeland in hopes of gaining the respect he knew he deserved. At first they would not accept him. But when he showed them his skill with a blade- Naraku knew it would be wasteful not to use him. Guarding Kagome he said, was his first real duty.

Kagome had been overjoyed (though she did not show it) to learn that she was rid of the red skinned demon. She was also sad, that her only chance of a friend among her present hell, was also the person charged with keeping her there.

When night had fallen, and an almost full moon had risen luminously in the sky, the army stopped. It retreated into the forest and was hidden like shadows in the darkness. Kagome understood now why they had gone undiscovered on their borders for so long.

She glanced down as she felt the ropes that bound her being untied. Inuyasha left the ones on her wrists. Kagome hated him secretly for that. They had chafed away almost all the skin beneath them, leaving her flesh raw and scarlet. "Okay Ka- I mean Princess. Let me help you off," he said softly and held his arms up. Kagome looked at him cautiously. He sighed and rolled his eyes. "I don't bite Kagome. All right? You can trust me.."

She blinked. Oh Inuyasha. But I can't. You are the enemy...

Kagome slipped her hands into his. He grinned then carefully grabbed her sides. Before she knew it she was in his arms. He was very gentle, much more so than the red skinned demon. She went limp in grasp, her remaining energy draining away instantly. The day had been so long; old aches becoming stronger from sitting in a saddle almost from sun up till sun set. Her back was on fire and her wrists were almost numb. The only times Kagome had been allowed off was to relieve herself.

Kagome looked up at the sky and saw the moon. It was so beautiful, like a giant pearl in a pool of ink. She was reminded of a blue crescent and she closed her eyes to stop the familiar sadness that came with it. "Inuyasha, I don't have to wear the bag anymore correct?" she whispered up at him. He wrinkled his nose and his hold on her tightened. "Keh. That was so stupid. Putting that bag on you like you were some….-criminal! Idiots. But no, now that I'm here you won't have to wear that shit ever again.." Kagome smiled and let herself relax. His chest was warm, even with the armor. Kagome pressed herself closer to him until she could feel it begin to seep into her. He is such a strange hanyou.. He hardly knows me, yet treats me like a sister.. Perhaps the gods are not ignoring me after all..

Kagome lay in her futon that night, pitch darkness all around her and felt fear. A fear so intense it made her hands shake and her heart tremble like a leaf in the wind. My Land will fall. Soon. Either they go willingly or they will be slaughtered. Kagome thought she had already shed all her tears- but it was no so. They poured down her cheeks hot and faster than ever. What can I do? What can I possibly do?!

I must do something… I will save them.

And Inuyasha is going to help me.

Man, that took me a while didn't it? Lol I'm sorry guys. Now that school has started again I have little to no time to write this story.. =( But I won't give up on it. I promise. Updates will just be far and inbetween. But- luckily it is almost done. Plz reveiw guyz!! If anyone is still reading..

-Kirin