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Chapter Ten
Captured Lover...
At first, she thought Inuyasha was carrying her, returning her to her room for some strange reason. But they didn't feel right; they didn't feel like Inuyasha in her heart somehow. And they were rougher than Inuyasha ever was with her. Even when he carried her similarly back from town, agitated and angry with her, he handled Kagome like a piece of glass.
It was these thoughts that had her pulling back the shades of her unconsciousness far sooner than her body was ready for. She needed more rest than this, feeling sore from her exhaustion. The ground and the back of someone's shoes were what she saw first. Twisting her head to the side, she saw Sango next, blood pouring from her scalp as she laid limp across the body of someone unknown to her. She was being carried in the same manner, both of them tossed over a shoulder and carried away. They weren't even in the villa anymore.
The woods just outside her home were what surrounded her, pulling only to find her hands bound.
"Oye, this one's awake."
"Get the Master. He will handle her."
The men above her jabbered to one another, deciding her fate quickly and efficiently. This was no random robbery or kidnapping. This was planned.
Where was her husband? No way Inuyasha would allow both her and Sango to be taken like this? Was he not sleeping next to her moments ago? Was he...dead?
It was strange, the care her captures had with her. They gently set her down, forcing her to sit on the damp grass. Hooves thundered, and she had to imagine it was their Master coming.
Her fear was palpable, but Kagome did all she could to contain it, keep them from seeing it. It was hers; she wouldn't share it with another. Even as a horse raced towards them, struggling to stop with its speed before them. As the man dismounted, he looked at Kagome with a wicked sneer she had seen before. He knelt before her, running a finger down her unprotected cheek.
"Hello, Kagome. Good to see you again."
It was the man from the mountain pass. The one that had tried to kill Inuyasha but Kagome stopped him. "What have you done to my husband?"
His brow twerked in confusion but he still grinned with his enjoyment. "Why, nothing. Should I have done something to him?"
"He would never allow this. Allow you into his home and…."
"And take you? No, of course not. You are his most precious item. I had to get rid of him first." Her fear must have leaked through at his words because he huffed at her. "Fear not, I didn't kill him. Just sent him on a little mission."
"Sent him on a…." It hit her hard, the attacks and Inuyasha's words. He had said they would attack close to home soon, but this was sooner than Inuyasha had imagined. "You attacked the town? What did you do?"
"Quick as a whip, this one!" His men chuckled around him, enjoying her continued frustrations. "Yes, we attacked, and your husband was ever too eager to leave you all alone for me to pluck from his bed. It seems you are far more clever than he is because he never saw this coming. The fool."
"So, you'll kill me now?"
His face went blank, maybe at her resolve. "No. You are too valuable alive to me. Tashio is going to give me everything I ask for because of you."
"What?"
He laughed, and the others stilled as if afraid. "You are his precious one. Weren't you listening? And I thought you were clever. He will do anything to get you back from me."
Kagome swallowed the sob that threatened. But soon found peace within her thoughts. Because this man was wrong, Kagome wasn't Inuyasha's precious one. That was Kikyo. For once, that brought her comfort, knowing that she would not be her husband's downfall.
They had the wrong woman.
oOo
He was raging, pacing the yard. Even though it was open, he still felt caged. His only thought was to go after the son of a bitch that attacked his people and stole his wife. But there were no clues as to where he went. He was stuck.
Every second that passed was another second that Kagome was in that bastard's hold. What would he do to her? He couldn't even imagine his sweet and gentle Kagome getting touched or hurt by someone? It would drive him mad.
Miroku stood nearby, not looking much better than him. He understood that Kagome was well-loved, but he did not know how attached people like Miroku had become. It caused mixed feelings inside him, understanding the draw and power Kagome had over people but not liking that his advisor was drawn in as well. When Miroku took up pacing with him, Inuyasha had enough and couldn't contain his anger any longer.
"What's your problem? She ain't your wife!"
Miroku shuttered, and Inuyasha was close to striking him. "I know. But...I love her."
"Excuse me?!"
Miroku cowered away from him, the heat of Inuyasha's unchecked rage nearly burning the man alive. "Sango! I love Sango!"
That cooled him down, but only in his anger towards his friend. "You…you do?"
"I should have disclosed our relationship long ago. But Sango and I have been...keeping one another company for a couple of months now. Ever since you and Kagome regularly...visited one another."
"You...and Sango?"
"Is it so hard to believe?"
"But you're a Monk!"
He pulled on his robes, straightening what wasn't out of line. "Yes, well, even I am allowed to love."
Inuyasha didn't get it, but he did. How could he judge? Inuyasha had fallen so hard and fast for Kagome that no one could understand. Except for Miroku. "We will get them back. Miroku, we will get them back no matter the cost."
"Even if the cost is your Lordship?" Myouga asked from behind him.
Turning, he found the elder looking perturbed, to say the least. "She is my wife, dammit. I will get her back regardless."
"I warned you of this…."
"Myouga…" He growled.
Heeding his warning, Myouga held out a crispy piece of paper. "This was found at one of the homes burnt to the ground. At the time, it didn't make sense. But now, I'm afraid it does."
Careful not to crush it, he took the page from the man before him. Sloppily scrawled words were written on it, and he read them aloud. "Two days give all."
At the bottom was a crudely drawn map but Inuyasha recognized the spot marked on it—a thick forest half a day by horse from here. There was nothing else on the note as no more was needed. It was as Inuyasha suspected and feared, as Myouga feared as well. His attachment to Kagome had been discovered and now exploited.
"We have two days to find them or meet them, and I plan on spending every second not giving up."
Inuyasha was already walking away, finding new purpose and placement for his energy.
"What if you cannot find them before time?" Myouga called after him.
Glancing over his shoulder, Inuyasha glared at the man as his answer, watching as he hurried away to help him search. Miroku was rushing behind Myoga to lend his assistance because they all knew that they needed to find the man from the mountains and stop him for good. Inuyasha's task was more personal, just wanting to get Kagome back before removing the man's head from his shoulders, especially if Kagome is harmed in any way.
If they didn't find them, he was going to give everything he had to the asshole in two days. Because in the end, none of it compared to Kagome.
oOo
The place was dark, partly because Kagome was sure night had fallen but also because they were in a root cellar. Sango had yet to move beside her, but she was breathing. Even underground and her hands and feet bound, a man was at the arched opening for a door.
"Please untie me. I have nowhere to go, and I need to check on my friend." He glanced back but didn't honestly look, his eyes flashing to Sango's still form for less than a heartbeat. "She is important. To Lord Tashio, just like I am."
It was a lie, but they all believed she was his 'precious item'. So she would use it against them to help Sango. Oddly, it worked, the man eerily grinning as he undid her bindings. "She is just as important to Tashio as you? Then you have that kind of marriage, huh?"
Kagome pulled away roughly and resisted the urge to hit or kick the man as he leered over her. Just what did they plan to do to her and Sango? If she based it on Sango's treatment, things didn't look good.
Her bleeding had stopped, a cut on the top of her head as if struck from above. They must have snuck up behind her and hit her with the hilt of a sword. What of the rest of the villa? What kind of treatment did they receive? This rabble was not afraid of violence or murder. Her stomach turned at the thought because everyone Kagome knew inside her home was now indeed dead.
Sango, Kagome had to focus on Sango. Once they were out of all this, she could think about other things. At least she didn't have to worry about Inuyasha doing anything rash, as much as the thought broke Kagome's heart. It was a good thing she wasn't in love with him or the idea of never seeing him again might hurt her, which was why she was able to push the thoughts from her mind and wipe the tears off her face before anyone else noticed. She couldn't let them know that they had the wrong woman. Not only would they kill her and Sango but they would find another way to get Inuyasha to fold.
Kagome would have to keep pretending to be the woman they thought she was. The woman that Inuyasha loved.
oOo
"There is no trail, My Lord."
Inuyasha grimaced at the man and a few of his subordinates behind him. "You're sure?"
The two behind their superior blanched at his tone, but they only had a few hours left until the 'meeting'. "I'm sorry, My Lord, we searched thoroughly."
As much as Inuyasha wanted to call them on it, he knew they were telling the truth. They looked as if they hadn't slept, just like him. "You're dismissed."
Myouga was leering nearby; he could feel it. Would he be brave and say the words Inuyasha knew he was hurting to say? Or continue to swallow them?
He'd have to wait and see Miroku rushing in with little breath in his lungs. "Anything?"
"No. There's no trail."
Turning, Miroku tried to break his hand on the wall. "Of course, they would leave nothing behind for us to follow." His attention returned to Inuyasha, gently gaging his mood. "The time is almost up...what will you do, My Lord?"
"What choice do I have?"
That was as much as Myouga could stand; slapping his hand to the desk Inuyasha leaned heavily on. "You have the choice of your people!"
Inuyasha flicked his gaze between the two men in the room, and both of them wanted a different answer. Myouga wanted him to leave Kagome to her fate and keep his title. Miroku wanted Sango back by any means.
"I'm sorry, for I'm a terrible leader. I always have been. As much as I care for our people...I care for Kagome more."
"Your brother will not stand for this…."
"As he shouldn't. But that is for me to worry about later. For now, all I want is my wife back. You were right, Myouga. I love my wife so much; I'll give up everything for her."
Myouga hung his head. "And I'm afraid I cannot let you."
oOo
Being in a dungeon-like setting made it impossible to know how much time had passed. But the guard had changed a handful of times now, and Sango was awake. Taking in her surroundings, Sango looked more morose than Kagome had expected.
"My Lady...I have failed you…."
"You cannot expect yourself to stand against so many alone. Not even a man could do that. And they attacked you from behind like cowards."
Sango shook her head, tears at the edge of her eyes. "One minute, I was peeking in to check on you and the next I woke up here. What has happened, Kagome?"
"The man...from the mountain pass? All I know is that he somehow got us out of our home and now he expects Lord Tashio to come for us."
"Which he will," Sango said with a nod and confidence.
Now Kagome was the one to look morose, and it confused Sango for some reason. "Even if Inuyasha does come, what price will he pay? I'm sure the Lord knows whatever it is, we are not worth it; we must escape on our own."
"You think so little of your husband?!"
"NO!" Kagome growled, her anger stemming more from her hurt at being left to her fate than at Sango's insinuation. "I think very highly of him. Which is why I doubt he will come. His country matters more."
"Kagome…"
Kagome was sure there wasn't more for Sango to say, but even if there was, it was interrupted. A new man Kagome had not seen before stood at the entrance of their cave. "It's time."
Kagome's bounds had been removed but not Sango's, helping her to her feet thanks to the warrior's injuries. A long dark corridor and they were finally above ground again. The place was prominent, or at least it seemed that way, getting led down endless halls and dark passageways. Even though it was grand in size, it was not elegant in appearance as it appeared to be abandoned.
There was a man in front to guide and another behind to watch; no one helped Sango as she struggled, leaving it to Kagome. It only made any kind of escape more difficult. This was probably the plan.
Not knowing what to expect, she was still confused when they were led to one of the large and empty rooms. Once a grand hall, only the man from the mountain pass stood inside, the two men standing at the door as they shuffled inside. His dark hair and eyes made his pale skin glow in the lightless room.
"I had only intended to take Lady Tashio. Forgive my men for being so rough with such a woman." Sango's response was to growl, low and menacing as she pulled Kagome closer to her side. "No harm is to come to either of you. I just want to get what I deserve."
"What you deserve?"
He grinned back at Kagome. "Yes. It is I that should be the ruler of this kingdom. The Tashio brothers' reign is at an end."
"Who are you? Who are you to make such claims!" Sango shouted.
The man sneered. "My family name is Naraku. And I'm sure it is familiar to you."
Kagome had never heard of it, but she grew up on the edge of the province in a small, poor village. Sango had always lived near Lord Tashio's manner. "No. That's not possible. Your family is all dead."
"All but one. The bastard son of a poor seamstress who came clean about my parentage on her death bed three years ago."
Sango shook with rage, "So now you think you have some claim to the land? To us? Your family was nothing more than a bunch of tyrants."
"And Tashio isn't?"
Now Sango was sneering, glancing at her for a second at a time. "If he were, then you wouldn't need Lady Tashio to bring him down now would you?" Naraku glowered back at Sango and Kagome began to worry for her dear friend's safety. "Your acts of violence against him and his people have been unsuccessful because he is not a violent man. So you had to attack his heart instead."
Naraku moved to strike so Kagome put herself in front of Sango, protecting her. Sango grabbed her hard to push her aside, but her injury weakened her, giving Kagome the advantage. The hand that Naraku held to strike slowly lowered at Kagome's continued protective stance. Taking a step back again, he dug into his pocket and pulled out a tattered piece of paper.
"It did seem as though all was lost. And then my men intercepted this letter." Naraku opened up the paper, holding it open like a speech. "Kagome, things are not as simple as I had hoped and the time away from you grows larger. I hope to quell your fear and worries with this letter; I am in good health. However, I also wanted to let you know how much I miss you. The longer I am away, the harder it becomes to keep you from my thoughts. Your Husband."
Putting back in his pocket like a keepsake, she thought intensely over the words that had been written for her. It had been written while he was away, not long after they married. It was before she visited him regularly, which she was thankful for. Because it would have been worse if he had included anything like what he said to her in bed, they were the words of a caring husband that she knew Inuyasha was. They were far from a cry of love or devotion, yet Naraku thought it made her his most prized possession? Naraku had never loved a soul.
"I nearly had him in the Devil's pass. But you stopped me, Kagome. After reading the letter and your actions in the pass, I was very curious about you. My men and I watched you and your husband. Every day you've been together and every night. You are truly a dutiful wife, aren't you, Kagome."
It felt as if Kagome's skin was crawling, it and the rest of her body wanting to get far away from the creature before her. He had her watched? Just how much did they see then?
Kagome was going to be sick if she continued to think about it, forcing herself to focus on her silence and blank stare. She would show Naraku nothing; he had already seen too much as it were and said too much, suddenly moving towards the door and gesturing for them to follow.
"We can get to know one another more later. Now it is time to go."
"Go?"
Suddenly, he grabbed her, his fingers tight around her wrist to the point of pain. Sango grabbed her back like some twisted tug of war. "Yes. You are going to bring Tashio to me so I can kill him. He will come for his wife only for him to look you in the eyes as he dies. Then you will become mine along with the lands."
She felt ill again, like she might spill the small contents inside her belly, which she forced down her throat at Sango's insistence. But then she quickly calmed herself because Inuyasha wasn't coming for her. There was nothing to fear; he would be safe. And she would escape with Sango. After that, she didn't know if she should return to him or not. A widower would have the right to be with whom he pleased, right? If she disappeared, then Inuyasha could finally be happy with Kikyo.
That would be something to figure out later. For now, Kagome needed to figure out how to get herself and Sango to safety.
oOo
"And just what do you plan to do? Fight me? Cage me?"
Myouga was standing between Inuyasha and the door. This was about to get very ugly.
"Myouga...I've always relied on you for military advice, but you know shit about what I'm going through now."
He shook his head at his Lord. "That may be true, but I do know what you're planning is wrong. You need to think of your people and your land first."
"I am thinking of them. They all love Kagome. More than they love me. And something needs to be done about this rabble. So meeting with them is our only choice since we cannot catch them otherwise."
The elder didn't move, but it looked like Inuyasha might win this fight. "You...don't intend to give up your Lordship?"
Miroku was shifting nervously behind him; both men were eager to get out the door and to the women. "I don't know what I will do to get her back, and that's the truth. But I do know that you are wasting our time. Precious time. If we miss the meeting…."
Myoga was yet to move an inch from their path, "If we miss it, then we hold all the power. They will schedule another at our leisure."
"And what do you think they will do to Kagome and Sango in the meantime? You're assuming they will agree to another meeting; they will kill Kagome, kill Sango, and then attack at will all of our people. Regardless of what you think, Myouga, meeting this rabble is for the best, for my people."
The room was silent, letting his words hang in the air along with his fury. Myouga still didn't move, and Inuyasha was ready to move Myouga himself.
"Get out of the way, Myouga," Miroku growled from behind him.
Lowering his head, the old man sighed and stepped out of the way. There would be more than enough blood shed tonight; Inuyasha didn't want it to include now between his men. He needed Myouga on their side, helping.
Finally, on the right track, he raced towards the stables. Inuyasha hadn't even checked to see if his horses remained or were taken in the raid. As luck would have it, the stable was primarily untouched. Grabbing his steed, Miroku and Myouga following behind, he was halfway out the door when they joined him.
"What is the plan, my Lord?" Miroku asked, pushing his horse to ride next to his.
"We get there. That's the plan."
The sun was already starting to set, and even Inuyasha doubted that they would make it in time. They were going to lose this fight before it began.
oOo
Surrounded by woods, the sun set, and darkness fell. Naraku's men planted burning stakes into the ground around them, creating a halo of light that washed up the tall trees. The white bark of the Birch looked like tall ghosts in the night.
There was no moon, the fire the only light, and Naraku paced around before them.
Sango stood next to her, the two of them shuffling their feet more the longer they waited. Kagome already knew Inuyasha would not come, but Naraku seemed genuinely convinced he would. She had no clue when the meet time was, but she was sure it had passed, Naraku's irritation and frustration growing the longer they stood.
The crucial thing was that they were outside and it was dark. If Kagome could get Sango's bindings off, they could make a run for it after they took out a few men.
Naraku was distracted as were his men. They were all too busy watching the woods for a sign of Lord Tashio. So she twisted towards Sango slowly and then hastily dug at the ropes around her wrists. Sango winced but did not make a sound as Kagome worked the rope against both their skin. The pain was worth it, for she got it loose. It was still in place, but a firm tug and Sango would be free. Sango pulled away then, leaving the rope wrapped around her for appearances.
A flick of her head and Sango told her which way they would go. The least amount of men stood to their left, and they hoped to knock through them and into the dark forest to hide. Kagome would feel better if one of them were armed. One of the men had a crossbow and the other a sword. If they could also get their weapons….
"My Lord… it appears Lord Tashio is not coming."
One of Naraku's men informed the obvious and Naraku pushed him back hard for it. Then drew his sword to place at the man's neck. "If he doesn't show, then we will return the warrior to them in a bloodied bag."
They were going to kill Sango? Why not both of them?
Her eyes went wide as she looked at Sango. The warrior was unphased, even as one of the men came close with his weapon out. "What of Lady Tashio?"
"She will stay by my side. Forever my trophy to show off to Tashio as the first thing I took from him. I will keep him alive just long enough for him to see my child grow in her belly."
Kagome felt sick again, swallowing down her bile quickly. Her eyes flashed to Sango, who wore a smirk on her face. Her worries lessened slightly, for if Sango was not afraid, then neither would she be.
It was fast, Sango whipping her head back and into the man that stood before her's head. He crumbled, dropping his blade that had once touched Sango's pretty neck. Sango's bindings were now tossed into the face of another man, blinding him while she grabbed the sword from the ground. Now, she pressed behind Sango's back, the warrior stepping around the man on the earth towards a hole in their guard.
"I'll be taking the lady home now."
Naraku looked surprised, but it did not last, his head throwing back in a laugh. "I guess I was wrong. This one is worthy of being by my side as well."
The men slowly surrounded them, trying to steer them back into a corner. Sango refused, slicing at one of the men that got too close and hitting air. Another man took advantage of the distraction, grabbing Kagome hard by her arm and wrenching her towards him. For a few heartbeats, she was disoriented. But then she noted just who the man was that pulled on her. He was the one with the crossbow.
Using the momentum he provided her, she put up her palm and struck his nose upward just as Sango taught her. Not as hard, she didn't wish to kill. But enough to bloody and sting, allowing her to strip him of his bow.
"STOP THEM!"
Naraku's scream might as well have fallen on deaf ears. Try as they might, the women now were at an advantage.
Kagome's ammo was limited, reaching back to the man that whined on his knees and holding his nose for his arrows. Kagome wasn't sure she could load it again after using the already loaded one. Kagome had never used such a weapon before, and she had hoped it was similar to a bow.
Using two hands to aim, she held it at the heart of anyone that dared to move. Sango took a dagger from the man Kagome had incapacitated. At least the warrior was well equipped and had dealt with more men at once than this. Although, the element of surprise was on their side then.
"Kagome. Aim your arrow at Naraku."
She did not hesitate, following her guard's orders immediately, only to have the man grin wickedly back at her. "You didn't kill me in the mountain pass, so why should I believe you will now? I am not aiming for your husband's heart now, am I?"
"You said so yourself that you were." Sango cried out. "You threaten our lands and us. She has every reason to kill you and sleep well afterward."
Sango was right; even though no physical blade was pressed to Inuyasha's throat, this man threatened all he had by existing. If she did not kill him, he would take her now and ruin her. He had promised to do as much already. Being widowed was one thing but to watch as another took her? Inuyasha cared for Kagome as much as Kagome did him; it would not sit well with Inuyasha at all.
It would torture him.
"I will kill you or die trying. I will not be your whore."
Naraku laughed at her, and she glowered back at him. "My whore? No, you'll be my Queen. A woman as strong as you deserves such respect. Up on the pedestal you deserve."
"I do not want your pedestal, and I do not want you! You will never be my Lord. Only Lord Tashio is fit to be…."
"Shut your mouth, wench!" Naraku screamed.
Kagome had hit a sore spot; a weakness presented itself. And both she and Sango seized on it. "Lord Tashio is a hundred times the man you are!"
"Lord Tashio will only crush a weak man like you."
"You have to take women to get a one up on him? How pathetic!"
Naraku was purple when they finished, and his men shuffled nervously. The wind picked up around them out of nowhere, snuffing out the lights. Kagome moved to Sango's side, hitting her shoulder with hers in reassurance. There was only a soft sound, a grunt before a thud.
When a hand grabbed her shoulder, she screamed and turned, her crossbow in the face of her assailant. She relaxed into confusion when she made out the shape of Miroku's face in the dark. It was a while before her eyes adjusted enough to make out figures in the dark, watching as Miroku went to Sango next to get her to stand down as well. The two had a quick embrace while Miroku tried to lead them away. But she was stuck in her confusion; what was Miroku doing here?
Light flared and blinded, someone lighting a torch in the middle of the small opening. Now on his knees, Naraku spat blood from his mouth at the feet of Lord Inuyasha Tashio. In a small amount of darkness, the men that had Kagome and Sango surrounded were now either dead or soon would be, and their leader was not faring well either. Blood seeped through his shirt on his chest, stomach, and arms. He was wheezing too. All of which was topped by Lord Tashio's blade sitting at his neck.
Inuyasha had come for her.
"Inuyasha," Kagome cried without thought.
His back was to her, but she still saw how it tensed. It was the first time she had ever called to him so informally. "Sango, take the Lady and go home." Now she was gathered in Sango's arms to be led away, listening as long as she could as they passed. "Now, you will face the consequences of your actions. A trial will be held, where you will be found guilty and then hung in the square for all to see. Especially those you wronged."
Naraku huffed. "I'll just get free. And now I know how to hurt you the most. You showed your weakness, coming for her, Tashio."
"I came for you, not her." He spat.
Kagome's body seized involuntarily at his words; Sango had to push her to keep going. They were behind them now, barely in earshot and she did not dare turn around to see the seriousness on Inuyasha's face with his words. How foolish Kagome had been, getting caught up in the moment instead of seeing it for what it was in full. If Inuyasha had come for her, there would not have been a fight. Inuyasha would have simply given over his lands.
Kagome never wanted that, so it was difficult, wanting one thing and needing another. She suppressed her needs and focused on her freedom instead. Helped onto a horse, she and Sango rode away together for home.
oOo
They were late. So late, he feared the situation they were coming up upon.
The moonless night was ominous, making the worry grow in his belly. The most he could hope for was to use it to their advantage. The late hour and dark woods would hide them; they would never see Lord Tashio come for their heads.
The others dismounted in tandem with him as they slowed, creeping up silently to the meeting spot. It was a small clearing deep in the woods North of his town. They had torches in the ground around them, lighting up the area like an entrance to hell.
And Kagome was in the middle of it all.
Inuyasha's heart ached at the sight of her, a little blood on her clothes but it didn't appear to be hers. And a crossbow in her hands. His resourceful little wife was taking care of herself.
Sango held a blade, and it looked like they had not had them for long. Most of the men were still standing, and Sango assessed the situation, looking for an opening.
"Kagome. Aim your arrow at Naraku."
Sango had her plan and set it in motion. Kagome turned the arrow's tip right at the man in the middle. The man who tried and failed to kill him at Devil's Pass.
Naraku was his name, and he laughed at Kagome, making Inuyasha's blood boil all the more. "You did not kill me in the mountain pass so why should I believe you will now? I am not aiming for your husband's heart now, am I?"
"You said so yourself that you were." Sango cried out. "You threaten our lands and us. She has every reason to kill you and sleep well afterward."
Kagome would not kill, not without just cause. She did not kill Naraku before due to caring more for his safety than any kind of revenge. She was a pure soul, a kind and caring person, and if she killed another, it would break her.
"I will kill you or die trying. I will not be your whore."
The laugh Naraku spat back told him he had missed some vital information. "My whore? No, you'll be my Queen. A woman as strong as you deserves such respect. Up on the pedestal you deserve."
He bristled, and Miroku had to hold him back. He was ready to tear Naraku into tiny little pieces and piss on his remains. "I do not want your pedestal, and I do not want you! You will never be my Lord. Only Lord Tashio is fit to be…."
"Shut your mouth, wench!" Naraku screamed.
He signaled Miroku and Myouga to move, now was their chance. It would be up to Miroku to put out the lights and he never really asked how the man did things like this. His response was always simple. 'Magic'. So Inuyasha stopped asking.
They each took a point; Miroku was closest to the women while he was closest to Naraku. Myouga was on the opposite side from him, waiting. The lights going out was their signal, and the winds picked up violently. His cue was the darkness covering them all, and he raced towards Naraku.
The man had a sixth sense or something, turning right towards Inuyasha. It mattered not, slicing as many times as he could without killing the man; he had Naraku on his knees in moments. A blade at his neck, the roles had been reversed since they last met on a battlefield. It gave Inuyasha a small ounce of satisfaction; only he could not kill the monster. Kagome's words were stuck in his brain. After putting her through this hell, he desperately wanted to appease her.
"Inuyasha."
It was a good thing he had his back to her, but now Naraku got to see his face as he heard Kagome say his name for the first time. If he wanted to instill doubt that she was his weakness, his chances were slim now. He needed to get her out of here.
"Sango, take the Lady and go home. Now you will face the consequences of your actions. A trial will be held, where you will be found guilty and then hung in the square for all to see. Especially those you wronged."
Naraku chuckles darkly. "I'll just get free. And now I know how to hurt you the most. You showed your weakness, coming for her, Tashio."
"I came for you, not her."
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Kagome freeze. Sango had to push her to keep her moving. Did she think his words were genuine? How could she? Kagome still didn't know how much he needed her? How much he wanted her? How much he loved her?
His focus was split between the man on his knees and the woman slowly distancing herself from him. Inuyasha wanted to be by Kagome's side, but that would only show Naraku more of his devotion. He needed to draw attention away from his love for his wife and fast.
"You failed."
"Did I?" Naraku answered, smirking.
"You're the one on the ground; your chance of taking me down is long gone. Although, you never had a chance in hell."
"Oh? So you don't care for your wife? What a shame."
"My people come first, and I would never give them over to a maniac like you!" He lied, forcing himself to believe it even though he had been ready to moments ago when Naraku had Kagome. "Taking my wife only weakened you, not me. Because it allowed me to find and catch you, you dumb prick."
Naraku paled at that and Inuyasha considered himself successful. Any thoughts that Kagome was his weak spot were washed away.
Naraku was led away by his men, showing up nearly an hour later to support them. But he was short-handed currently and couldn't fault them for taking so long. That didn't mean he didn't hurry the rest of the way home. With Naraku secured and locked away, waiting for his 'trial' before his public execution, there was only one thing left for Inuyasha to do.
Tell his wife he loved her.
oOo
Every face was new; Kagome knew no one that met her at the villa. And she knew right away it was because all the people she had gotten to know and care for were dead.
It made her rage, a sob bubbling up that was none of their faults. And yet, they seemed to understand, hanging their heads in shame. Kagome hung hers as well; being unable to protect her friends was heartbreaking.
She couldn't make herself look up, not wanting to see the damage done to her home either. A reminder until it was all fixed, which none of it was currently, Inuyasha was more concerned with other matters.
Sango, still at her side, yanked Kagome back quickly. But not due to danger; she kept Kagome from running into someone. "What is she doing here?"
There was a gasp, and Kagome looked up, face to face with none other than the lady Kikyo.