{Disclaimer: Duh. That's all you get. That's all I got.}

Niamha, DemonLady1, Spizzy, Strawberry Shortcake, Cryxxy-chan, Hinoke, Kat421, and Eddie4: Thanks and I'm coming with more soon!

Chapter Eight:

With Kikyou's Help, Anything's Possible

The cat youkai dragged Kagome back into hers and Rin's cell. Kagome was too tired and weak to try to stand, but that didn't stop her from struggling. She knew she couldn't really get away, but it helped her pride.

Naraku's dinner arrangements were the same tonight as they were a week and a half ago. Naraku would try to seduce her, knock her around a little when seduction didn't work, then get angry and toss her out of the room. The same cat youkai brought her back to her cell, reattached the chains to the wall and left without a word. Today was no different. Kagome struggled weakly as the youkai locked the anklets to the chains attached to the wall, the bracelets snapping in place as well. The youkai sighed.

"Why won't you give in?" she asked as she sat down in front of her. Kagome dropped to her knees, her head lowered, ignoring her. The cat sighed again.

"I don't understand. He beats you, degrades you, yet you still hold such strength. I admire you, human."

Kagome's head jerked to look at her, shock written plainly on her face. "You…admire me?"

The youkai nodded. "I do. Naraku is using every dirty trick in the book to break you, yet you still fight back. I only wish I were as strong as you." She reached in her pocket and fished out a small wooden container. She opened it, revealing a black ointment. Kagome started to gag as soon as the smell of it reached her nose.

The youkai looked at her, concerned. "What is it?"

"What's that made of?" Kagome gasped. The youkai shrugged. "Just some local herbs. Naraku made it himself to heal your wounds."

"Do you smell Naraku in it?" she asked. The youkai nodded.

"That's what I though. Don't put that crap on me."

The youkai blinked in astonishment. "You can smell Naraku in the ointment?"

"Uh-huh. It's the worst thing ever."

The youkai nodded in agreement. "I have to put this on you. Naraku won't be pleased if you're not healed by tomorrow night."

Kagome was confused. "Healed? What's wrong with me?"

The youkai held up a mirror. Kagome stared into it, and saw her bottom lip was split on both sides. The youkai pointed to her wrists. Blood trickled down her arm from beneath the bracelets. Kagome gasped.

"Naraku doesn't want you to loose too much blood," the youkai said as she dipped her fingers into the foul-smelling ointment.

Kagome grimaced. "Look, if you put that on me, it'll only make it worse. You haven't put that stuff on me before, right?"

"Yes."

"Yet when you come to get me, do I look injured to you?"

"No."

"Then I don't need it," Kagome said, backing against the wall.

The cat youkai shook her head. "Naraku won't like it if I disobey."

"I have an idea," Kagome said. She lowered her head again, exposing the wall behind her. "Put some on the wall. That way if he comes in, he'll think it's on me." She looked up at the cat imploringly.

"Please?"

The youkai sighed, then nodded her head. Holding her hair to the side, Kagome watched as the youkai wiped a little of the foul-smelling stuff on the stones behind her. It hissed on contact, smoking against the clay.

"See, I told you it would only make things worse," Kagome said to the shocked youkai.

The youkai nodded. "I'm sorry, miko. I didn't know."

"It's o.k., really," Kagome said, giving him a bright smile in spite of her hurting lip. "You only wanted to help."

"Not for just the ointment, but for your entire stay. I'm sorry for the way I've treated you."

Kagome's smile widened. "Don't worry about it. I totally understand. I forgave you long time ago."

"You did?"

"Yeah!"

The cat youkai smiled, showing long, sharp fangs. "You are purer than Naraku realizes. You have made a friend today." She stood up and reached into a nearby wall.

"That's why I'm not going to tell Naraku about this."

She yanked her hand out suddenly, holding a fistful of black hair. She tugged fist over fist until the owner of the hair was in the room. She released her and Kikyou stood up, glaring at her.

"Are you going to run to Naraku now?" Kikyou asked as she stood up and dusted herself off. The cat youkai shook her head, midnight strands of hair cascading over her muzzled face.

"No. I know what you're planning to do. I'll keep him away."

The youkai walked toward the door and opened it. Kagome recovered from the shock of seeing Kikyou come out of a wall to call to her.

"Hey!"

The youkai turned around. "Yes, miko?"

"What's your name?"

She smiled. "Katsumi."

Kagome smiled back. "I'm Kagome."

"Then I hope you will do as your name means." She closed the door behind her, leaving Kagome and Kikyou alone. Kagome glared at Kikyou, waiting as she reached back in the wall. She pulled out a black canvas sack.

"What are you doing here?" Kagome asked sardonically. "To tell me how weak I am?"

"You're not weak," Kikyou said simply.

Kagome blinked. "I thought you said-"

"If you were weak, your wounds wouldn't be healed so easily."

Kagome glanced up at her wrists. As Kikyou said, they were no longer bleeding and she couldn't feel the slight ping of pain from her split lip.

"Woah."

Kikyou shook her head in disgust. "Hurry up and get out of those chains."

Kagome glared at her. "Are you serious? I can't break solid metal!"

"You don't have to break them. Just imagine yourself out of them. You really didn't have any training, did you?"

Kagome scowled, but did as she was told, imagining that her right arm was free. Suddenly her hand disappeared, then became transparent in the bonds. She moved her arm and her transparent appendage came free. Kagome did this with her other arm and legs until she could stand free of the chains. Kikyou pulled a flask of water and a scrap of cloth out of the sack and, wetting the cloth with the water, began to clean the dried blood off Kagome's arms.

"Can you travel in what you have on?"

Kagome looked at herself. Today she was in a rose petal pink kimono with white folds, a bottle green obi around her waist. Kagome shook her head.

"Then we need to take this off."

Kikyou helped Kagome out of the many parts of the kimono until she was standing in her bra and panties. Kagome blushed as Kikyou tossed the clothes out the window. "I can't go out like this."

"I know that!" Kikyou hissed. She opened the sack again and fished out a black pair of hakamas and a black inner haori. Kagome put them on, grimacing. She had become used to the gentle silks of Naraku's kimonos, so the rough sackcloth the hakamas and haori were made of scratched her skin. Kagome grimaced again, but didn't complain. She moved to take the green slippers off.

"Keep them on."

Kagome did so as Kikyou motioned her to kneel. "We'll strap the little one to your back."

They ripped the sack into strips, and used the strips to tie Rin securely to Kagome's chest. Kikyou handed Kagome the flask of water and moved to the left wall.

"When you go through this wall, go straight for two days. At the beginning of the third day, you will find a black volcano. Keep going straight, then climb straight up the volcano until you come to a cave. Stay in that cave until the next day. The next day, leave the cave and move around the volcano until you see a field of lilies below you. Climb down, then cross the field of lilies to the forest. Keep going straight until you come to a village. Tell them you're a miko from Kaede and they will take you back to her. Hurry." Kikyou touched the wall, creating a glowing pink hole. Kagome stuck one leg through, then looked back at Kikyou.

"Why are you helping me?" she asked.

"Because you don't deserve the fate Naraku has for you."

"But won't Naraku hurt you Kikyou?" Kagome asked. Kikyou smiled. "Are you worried about me, even though I've tried to kill you so many times?"

Kagome nodded. Kikyou shook her head. "You really are purer than me. I'm jealous." She smiled again, her brown eyes shining. "You'd better get out of here before Naraku comes looking for you."

Kagome smiled and stepped through the hole. Just as Kikyou was sealing it, Kagome's head popped back in.

"I won't forget this, Kikyou," Kagome said.

"You should, because as soon as you get back to your taiyoukai we will be enemies again."

Kagome nodded and disappeared through the hole. Kikyou sighed as she mended the wall. Walking through the left wall and picking up Kagome's clothes, she walked down the hill with a smile on her face. 'That girl,' she mused, humming. 'Who better to protect the Shikon no Tama.'

++++++

Kagome stood still, watching the hole in the wall disappear. When it was completely gone, she masked hers and Rin's scents and ran into the dark forest. She kept Rin asleep as she ran, weaving past trees and jumping over logs and bushes. Kagome stopped at a berry bush at daybreak.

"Rin," she whispered. Rin opened her eyes, smiling.

"Where are we oneechan?"

"We're going to see Sesshoumaru-sama," she told her, returning the smile.

"REALLY?!"

"Shhh," she whispered. "You have to be quiet until we leave the forest, ok?"

Rin nodded.

"Good. Here, eat these." She handed Rin the berries and ate a few herself. Kagome passed Rin the flask, waiting patiently for her to drink her fill, then put her to sleep and set out again.

++++++

"What the hell?" Inuyasha stammered. He, along with Sesshoumaru and the others, were looking at what could only be Naraku's castle. They stumbled upon it in the early morning sunlight in the middle of the forest, and not a single youkai in sight. Inuyasha opened a door.

"Hello?"

Nothing but his voice echoed through the halls. He scowled. "The kitty lied, Fluffy."

Sesshoumaru growled, but turned to Keni'Chi. "Explain."

Keni'Chi moved closer to the castle, sniffing. "They were here, but now they're not."

"We can see that," Shippou said from his usual perch. Sesshoumaru nodded, turning to Keni'Chi again. "Where is everyone?"

"I honestly don't know."

Sango stepped closer to the door, glancing inside. "The torches are still lit. Someone was here recently, but why would they just leave like this?"

Sesshoumaru motioned for Sango to move aside as he crossed the castle threshold. He sniffed, following various youkai trails with the others behind him. He moved through the halls swiftly but quietly, his white robes flapping silently with every footstep. Shippou twitched on his shoulder, the many scents making him nervous. Sesshoumaru stopped at what looked like a dining room. The table was set with food, but no one was there. Sesshoumaru sniffed again, growling. Sango and Miroku stood on either side of him, glancing at the room before them.

"What is it, Sesshoumaru-sama?" Miroku asked. Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed as Shippou's widened.

"It's Kagome's blood," Shippou told them as Sesshoumaru moved them forward. Sesshoumaru sniffed around the table, stopping at two chairs. One was at the head of the table, the other on the right of the first one. Sango and Miroku watched in amazement as Sesshoumaru walked past them and down the hallway they were just standing in.

"What's he doing?" Miroku asked.

"He's tracking," Sango replied. Miroku and Sango lagged behind the others as Sango explained.

"Inu youkai have excellent senses. They're sight, hearing and sense of smell is eight times that of mortal dogs and twenty times that of humans. Inuyasha's is only ten times stronger, since he's half human."

"Hey, I'm standing right here!" Inuyasha yelled from somewhere further down the hall. "Man, I wonder what you say about me behind my back!"

"Quiet!" Sesshoumaru commanded. His hand jerked up suddenly, and everyone behind him stopped.

"What is it, my lord?" Shorin asked. Sesshoumaru paused in front of a door, then said

"We are not alone."

------

SF: Well there you go people. Kagome is free. I told you Inu-chan and Sesshou wouldn't save Kagome.

Sango: Yeah, but Kikyou? Kikyou hates Kagome.

{Inu cast looks back at Kikyou, who shrugs and starts talking to Naraku,}

SF: Yeah, I know but she could at least foil Naraku's plan. After all, who said she was entirely evil.

Reviewers: WE DID!!!!!

SF: Oh yeah. Heh heh.

Sesshou: I don't care who set her free as long as Kagome gets back to me as soon as possible.

SF: Be patient Sesshou. You'll see her soon. Oh yeah, the previews, responses and recommendations are below.

Chapter Nine: Oh Where, Oh Where Has Kagome Gone?

'Go straight for two days, then climb straight up a volcano to a cave,' Kagome chanted to herself. That one thought was the only thing keeping her going, though she could feel herself tiring with each footstep. She pushed on into the night, long after Rin was asleep, knowing that if she stopped she wouldn't get up until Naraku found them.

Then he'd kill them.

RECOMMENDATION: The Exchange Student by Sesshyangel

Yeah, you guys recognize the name. It's one of my girls, and her fic is totally a must read. {::glances behind her and finds muse asleep::} Thank God! Maybe I can get some work done around here! Any-when, in this fic, Kagome's an exchange student from America who gets the chance to spend a year in Japan. During her studies, she gets to stay with the most influential family in Japan. Just guess who's in the family? Yeah, you've guessed it, our favorite Dog Toy, Sesshou. Anyway, I'm not giving away half the fic, so go read and review! Hurry, so she can update!

Responses:

Fanfiction:

Bikutoria: Um, let's pretend like Sesshou will listen to himself. The Dog Toy is stubborn. Thanks for the encouragement on the reviews. I just don't want to piss anyone off. Naraku's wooing sucks, I swear, but that's the way he is. Pervert. Yeah, I got robbed, but the robber is worse off than I am. Jackass! That'll teach him to leave other folks stuff alone!

Terra Tsuki: Now you know that nothing will happen to Rin and Kagome as long as I hold the keyboard. Naraku: {::scheming in the background::} We'll see about that! Kukukuku- Clunk! SF: {::holding mallet::} Jerk! Ignore him, the multiple lumps to his head are fogging his brain!

Steff: Now now, be a little nice to Keni'Chi. He had his reasons for doing what he did. Not very good reasons mind you, but reasons all the same. Naraku's going to get his soon, trust me.

Kinky Usagi: Thanks a lot! I worry about what people think about the reviews, but I don't want anyone to think that I don't appreciate them. I don't like Kikyou myself, but for some reason I just can't make her evil. I mean, she was a miko for heaven's sake. Doesn't that count for something?

UniquePunk (or the artist formerly known as An-G Ehm): I had to do that, forgive me. Um, I really can't say when UA is going to be finished now that school is starting. Nah, I can't blame you for wanting to know the ending. When we get that far, though, you're going to want to choke me. I said the same thing about Kikyou when my muse suggested it. I was like 'Dude!' and she was like 'What?' and I was all 'No way!' and she was like 'Way girl, way!' Oh God, I sound like a prep. Maybe I should stop right here. And I've converted another one. Muhahahahaha! I'm such a menace! ^.^

Aphiopsyduck: I've already sent him to do just that. Now if I can only keep my keyboard from him until the end of the fic. Naraku: I will type again! Kukukuku- Whap! SF: {::holding mallet over Naraku's sprawled form::} Shut up! Jeez, what a rude jerk! Anyway, we can only hope for such a thing as that.

Nymph Demon: I really don't have a problem with the girls, but the guys are hard to keep up with. Thank goodness for whoever gave me this mallet. {::holds up 'Looney Tunes' sized mallet with 'Acme' stamped on the side::} This baby comes in handy, especially when Naraku tries to take my keyboard. {::Naraku sneaks up behind SF and takes keyboard. SF turns around and-::} Whap! SF: See what I mean? Naraku: {::laying on floor::} Ugh.

INUGIRL: Not a prob. I hope I can keep it up now that school's started. I start this Monday.

Yuko: If it helps any, just think of them as one big story. That's how I think of them anyway.

Rurouni Angel: I plan to write them, but they won't be on ff. FF likes to trip out on people about that kind of thing. When I do write them, look for them on mm. They'll be the same stories that are on ff, but rated differently. For ex., 'To Bear Witness' is rated R on ff, but its an NC-17 on mm. Don't worry, I'll let you know when the differences are.

CleoClaudia: Naraku will die a horrid death, but he won't get it until 'Trial of the Century'. Yeah, that's a long way away, but you'll love how I do it. Kagome won't throw another tantrum, but she will get 'buck wild' (my brother's way of saying opening a can of whoop ass) really soon.

Rain of Stars: Yup, this trilogy is long....I think 'Trial of the Century', the last part of 'UA', is twenty fat chapters long. I'll finish, but I can't if you poison me. And I'll try really hard to keep Naraku's sick butt away from the keyboard too!

Chibi-Fluffygirl: I don't know if you read this fic, but thanks for the love for 'What to Do...'

Flambeau-Willow: A clang...hmmm...I never really thought about that. I don't know about it though. Maybe when Sesshou, Inu-chan and Naraku are misbehaving. I don't want to accidentally hurt Sesshou, or Inu-chan for that matter. Got anything else?

Sukera: I worry about how I portray Kagome, you know, if she's too strong or not. It's great to hear that she's just right!

Say-Chan the Pyro: A tuba...that's not a bad idea. I think I'll reserve that for when he really screws up!

Banana Flavored Eskimo: Thanks so much! {::Holds out CJS for Inu cast to see::} See what BFE gave me? Kagome: What is it? SF: You know, its a...um...what exactly is a CJS? I've never heard of it. I'll love it anyway! {::glomps CJS::}

AkxTp: I can't do that to my moms toaster! She'd flip a wig for sure...my wig! I need all my hair! I totally agree with you. I'd love it if Sesshou took over the show! {::Hides with AT from angry Inu lovers::} Yup, we're going to Narasa's Mountain for a reason, but I can't tell you! I know, I'm so bad! Aaaaaaa! You're so wonderful! {::glomps AT::} Now I can have a day of peace! I couldn't give a damn where you take her, just get her away from me! SF's mom: SF.... SF: Heh heh, just playing Moms. One extra hard hit for Naraku, coming up!

Disturbed-Demon-Gurl: Thanks guys! I needed to know that! I just didn't want to make anyone angry about that! Where'd you get that doll? I want one like that too!

Aira^o^: SF: Tosusaiga is the fourth sword. Aira^o^: What the...YOU DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT A FOURTH SWORD?!!! SF: Hold on, let me explain. The third sword won't be named until Sesshou's mate releases the power inside it. Ooo! {::holds violin::} Thanks! I think you're the second person to give me a violin! If you find him, I'll be glad to help you bash him! ^.^

Sugarhighs:P: Yeah, unfortunately. Moms is pissed at me b/c she said I could have gotten hurt. I don't agree with her, after all, I'm not in the hospital. Stupid jerk! I agree with you, it would make a good fic. I think I'd screw it up though, so maybe you could do it.

Cinderelly: Oh...you're talking about 'You Don't..' on mm. I thought you were talking about 'What to Do..'. Duh SF! {::smacks forehead::} I thought about pairing Inu-chan with Sango, but I'm not real sure as to how to do it.

Fire Phoenix: Yeah, I figured, or better yet, my muse figured 'what the hell? why not?' Thanks for the brownies, they help me fight crime! Don't I sound like Batman!

Em Starcatcher: Awww...give Keni'Chi a chance. You might change your mind about him after 'Trial of the Century'. I played the flute, tuba, saxophone, trombone, and trumpet in high school. I practically begged my band director to teach me those. It comes in handy when I'm bored.

SilverWaters: I'm glad you're looking forward to it, but we're not going to get there just yet. Fluffy has something he has to tell the group that they're not going to be entirely happy about. Poor Dog Toy! {::glomps Sesshou::} Sesshou: Can someone get this infuriating girl off me!

Inu Yokai: SF: Oooooo! Pocky! Gimme! Sesshou: 'Gimme' is not a word. SF: Jeez, you're worse than Moms. Fine. I'm coming with more soon. ^.^ Now can I have the pocky?

PasoLover: Yeah, I know. I like that too! I don't mind answering reviews b/c it makes me feel loved that you guys send them!

Del_Kaidin: It's a little bit of both. Now I have a slight problem: I lost your recommendation. I know, I'm an airhead. It runs in the family. Thanks for the review encouragement!

Lilfrozenfire: I told you they would. Besides, who'd want those two but you and I anyway? With the way Naraku's chapter turned out, I figured you guys deserved a little fluff and stuff for sticking around.

Clow Angel: Thanks! I'm working on longer chapters as we speak!

Artemis the Goddess: Yeah, Kikyou did that. I couldn't believe it either!

BeyondWords: I don't mind typing them b/c I'm rather thrilled to type them! I'm just shocked so many people like what I do, you know? I hope she does another one too!

Mistress Fluffy: I told Moms about what happened to you, and she totally agrees! I'm shocked, b/c we rarely agree! I think that's why we get along! I'll have to pick up that book. I can't wait for Sesshou to find Kagome either. I have a surprise waiting for him. Naraku: I have a surprise for him too! Kukukukuku!

Hoshi-chan1: It was great talking to you too! Holler back anytime! Me personally, I prefer the elegance. There's just something about a guy that can take control like that. Oooo! Its enough to send goose bumps up and down your spine! Sesshou: Really? {::reaches for SF::} SF: Keep your hands to yourself! That's the only thing I don't like: He's a closet perv.

Reality: No, she didn't do a 360. See, I figured that Kikyou's main problem is that she thinks that Kagome is trying to take her place since everyone thinks she's Kikyou's reincarnation. Kikyou realizes before the others that Kagome's not her incarnation, but someone else's. Now who's I can't tell you, but you'll find out sooner or later. Thanks for the review suggestion!

MysticalAngel4: Have fun beating the tar out of Naraku! I had a blast! I think about drawing Sesshou too, but I don't think he'd appreciate how it would turn out! I can't draw to save my life. I wonder if Dark Neko-Chan would mind? I'll have to ask her!

Sesshyangel: Thanks! You know, I thought so too, but I figured I was either delusional or wrong. I love it when people respond to me, so I give the love back! And of course you're one of my girls! What would make you think otherwise! There'll be more of Shorin and Keni'Chi in 'Trial of the Century'. I don't know if you like Keni'Chi or not, but he does have an important role to play in this trilogy. Yup, Shorin's a girl. I thought a girl general would rock too! It's kinda predictable, but it was my first and you never forget your first. Um, I'm not exactly sure where I heard that, but I have a feeling it has nothing to do with fics. Oh well, check it out anyway! Oh yeah, before I forget, UPDATE 'THE EXCHANGE STUDENT' YOU EVIL GIRL!!!

Ruby27: Welcome to the archives! If you see Naraku run past you with a golden keyboard, whap him upside the head and return it to me.

Lilo: I can't tell you that right now b/c it would ruin the story. Don't worry though, you're questions will be answered in a few.

Kelli: {::returns hug::} Thanks so much! I don't want to piss anyone off review-wise, and that's why I asked.

Namesake: It is hard to type with nails. I'm just finding that out for myself. I stopped biting my nails about a month ago and they're past my fingertips. It sucks when I go to punch my brother and they press into my palm. I want a Sesshou doll, but for now I'll just have to dress up Sesshou. Sesshou: Oh no....

Jazzylady: Ooooo! {:twirls drumsticks::} Now this is something I've never played. I guess I'll have to practice. Where is Naraku's head? {::looks around and finds Naraku gone::} Oh well. I'm from NC

The Tosusaiga's True Master: I know, I know, but I didn't plan for that to happen. I'll try to make sure it won't happen again. Thanks for the love! By the way, are you the same person that signed on as 'HttaT'?

Kayrin: You do have a point about Keni'Chi. You see, they're more worried about Kagome than about what he's saying. They've only processed the 'I'll help you get to her,' than the 'I didn't know she was yours' part.

Dark Neko-Chan: Don't feel bad, he calls me dirty too. I don't know what his prob is. Of course I'm going to give you more Fluffy and Kagome fluff! It would make my day! As for Keni'Chi (whom I'm having to defend lately) don't be so sure it's a good idea to get rid of him just yet. He may be more useful than you think.

Gold Dragon 5: Oooo, a cymbal! Perfect! {::smashes Naraku upside the head. The clang hurts his, Sesshou's and Inu-chan's ears::} Oops! Sorry about that Sesshou and Inu-chan! Maybe this should be used for when they all misbehave. As for whether or not you solved the riddle, I can't tell you b/c it would ruin the story. Let's just say you have a better chance at being right than most.

Badgerwolf: I wish I could pick between all of my reviews and answer a lucky few but I love them all. I'm just as pleased as ever that people actually read my work, so it's impossible for me to choose just a few. It was a good idea though and thanks for trying to help.

Banana Flavored Eskimo: Thank you my dear. {::takes a cup and sips::} I just hope you're not upset with me about this chapter.

UniquePunk: Don't hurt me, even though I'm sure you want to after this chapter.

Animegirl11: Me either. He just, well, gets inspired sometimes and that's what happens. What can you do? Anywhen, forgive me for the censored chapter. I don't think its a big deal personally but I could be wrong.

Aki no Yume1: I can't tell you that. If I do, it would ruin the satisfaction of him getting it. Kikyou helped Kagome for her own reasons.

InuyashaGurl: Thanks so much and welcome back!

Mediaminer:

Pets are me: Thanks so much! Sorry for the screwy chapters! MM likes to do that to me. I'll get it fixed as soon as possible.

Anonymous: Well, Naraku deserved the beatdown for that! Sick freak!

Lady Sesshoumaru: Yeah, I caught that. Hopefully it's fixed by now. If not holler back and I'll try again. Keeping Keni'Chi alive was a smart move. After all, who'll look after Kagome when Sesshou's arres-...ahem. Sorry about that. I almost gave away the ending. I haven't read 'Leviathan' yet, but I'm coming as soon as my computer stops acting like a freak.