The guards at the Higurashi compound were all human. Very rarely did any of the human lords trust demons to defend them unless it was sending them in the front lines.

Sesshomaru was not the least bit surprised when the guards began entering the area for the demons throwing the inhabitants out to search for something.

Gathering Rin to him he went out on his own alongside Jaken stepping aside as their hut was raided. Holding tightly onto the dragons Jaken caught Sesshomarus glance.

Close by they saw a small fox kit hiding and trembling. Searching quickly to see no other eyes were on them Sesshomaru motioned with one finger for Shippo to approach them.

Jaken opened the blanket the dragons were wrapped in allowing Shippo to jump in. Hiding within it Jaken wrapped the blanket and adjusted the extra weight the fox had added to his already strained arms.

"Keep searching." A guard ordered exiting their hut. "When we find the fox make sure to bring him back alive to Lord Higurashi. He wants to skin him personally."

Going back inside quickly Sesshomaru laid Rin back down and fastened their door shut. Taking the bundle from Jaken he laid it next to Rin.

"Stay there. Do not stir." He said softly to Shippo. Receiving silence he knew he had been heard.

"I do not understand what the lord would want with a small fox kit." Jaken said quietly.

"He was in Kagomes care." Worry took him over suddenly. If they had taken Shippo from her as punishment what else had they done to her?

Sitting in the chair he slammed his fist on the table. "If I had access to my demon energy then none of this would be happening."

"Psst…Sesshomaru." He heard from beside Rin. Seeing two small soft eyes staring at him from the confines of the blanket Shippo trembled. "I got away by using my fox magic, my fox fire."

"How?" Sesshomarus eyes went wide as his throat seemed to dry.

"I don't know. I was in trouble and I felt it come out. It was my demon energy. I had forgotten what it felt like but it's gone now." Shippo explained.

"Maybe it has something to do with Kagome." He thought out. "She has spiritual awareness, I've felt it." Opening his hand he clenched his palm tightly willing his poison claws to manifest only to feel nothing. "Damn."

He wanted to go to her, run to her and protect her, but knew it would do no good. Even if by some miracle he was able to gain access to her that would leave the little ones and Jaken unprotected.

Steadying his breath he would figure out a way to make certain she was safe once the coast was clear.

Kagome had been beside herself all night. She had stayed up late sobbing into her pillow, the one Shippo used, crying. His toys were still in the room and she gripped his top to her tightly.

How could she let them hurt him? All she could do was hope he had escaped but even still, where would he go? Maybe Sesshomaru could protect him but then what would happen if they were all caught.

Her stomach heaved with worry as she wailed for her friends.

"Honestly Kagome. There is no need for any of this." Her mother said for the hundredth time it felt. "Once this passes I am sure your father will get you a more conventional pet."

"Shippo is not my pet! He is my friend!" Kagome screamed hoarsely.

"Kagome demons do not feel emotions. They are cold and don't have the capacity to feel such things." Her mother stated. Kagome shook her head seeing Sesshomarus gaze and hearing Rins sweet laugh.

"You're wrong, you are all just wrong." She whispered.

"Getting yourself worked up over nothing will do you no good." Standing she went to the door. "I am fetching Miroku to pray over you. I fear that demon may have done something to your mind."

Miroku. Her breath hitched. He was reasonable, maybe he could help her.

"Yes please. I think, I think I need that…he can, help me." Kagome managed out sitting up. Her mother exited and she stood up looking at the top in her hand. "Please, please help me."