I'm sort of surprised that there's any interest in this story. Oh well, whatever the peoples want.

Chapter 2: Prey

Kagome found herself trapped against the demon lord as he skimmed over the treetops, following the falling afternoon sun. The light warmed her back uncomfortably as they sped west. Sesshoumaru held her, still bound, leaning into him with his arm locked firmly around her waist. She shuddered against him, more angry than she could ever remember being before. She still couldn't move, couldn't speak, and every second it went on her rage grew. She was frightened of what was in store for her, but as long as she could stay angry she could avoid thinking about it.

He thought she would settle down after he removed her from the bloody scene, but an hour later he could sense her anger had only grown. The gag had been one of Jaken's rare good ideas. No doubt she would be yelling herself into exhaustion by now. She was trying to fight the binding spell-- and to his surprise was beginning to achieve some success. If he let her go on, she might be able to break it. That would be inconvenient.

"He's not dead," he said casually, "so you can stop this nonsense."

She stilled instantly, her breath and heartbeat slowing to a more normal rate. She remained tense, but the anger was beginning to ebb, making room for fear.

"The untransformed blade can hardly cut through his coat," he continued nonchalantly. "It was necessary to stall him, but he will likely be completely healed before the new moon."

At this the girl shook noticeably, a tremor of fear running through her. What about his words had frightened her? Surely she could not have any idea what was in store for her on the night of the new moon?

"He lives, my end of the bargain is fulfilled." She still wasn't calming down. "As for yourself... if you cooperate, you will live also."

She had so many questions, but had to settle for biting down on her gag. She was more than a little afraid now. Her head rested against his shoulder, she was helpless even to lift it. She had to content herself with gazing past his arm at the landscape as it passed. Night was fast approaching, and still they traveled. His claws were pressed against her stomach, not harming her, but a constant reminder that he could. She realized they must have been traveling for hours, the whites of Sesshoumaru's clothes began to absorb the orange taint of the setting sun, the breeze growing colder. She shivered as she became aware of how cold her bare skin actually was. Sesshoumaru glanced down at his captive, pulling her into him a little further. Kagome only stiffened in response, having little freedom to do anything else.

It was fully dark when Sesshoumaru finally descended. They had been traveling toward the mountains all day, and it was much colder here. Kagome was finding her short skirt more and more inappropriate. The night was dank and dark, the insects buzzing heavily in the trees.

From her position against Sesshoumaru's shoulder, she could see little until he stepped through a heavy, if nondescript, wooden door in the hill side. The slice of dark forest slimmed as the door closed quietly behind them, latching with an ominous click. She blinked to adjust to the darker space, the only light filtering in through a small barred window in the ceiling.

It came as a bit of a surprise when she felt her feet touch the ground, finally settling after their long flight. She felt Sesshoumaru's arm leave her and found she could not move from the position he had placed her in. She caught the faintest glimpse of his motions, silver flickers in the dim light.

It was impossible to see much. The thin splinter of moon was not enough to provide any illumination through the tiny window. She stood there, silent as the moment stretched. Sesshoumaru was just standing in front of her, unmoving. Her eyes hesitantly traveled upward, catching the glint of cold steel from the swords at his hip, up his armor to where his face should be.

His eyes stood out brightly, shining with the moon's white light. They reflected far more than a human's would, and were centered eerily on her. Her heart started pounding. Her body recognized the threat so many had fallen victim to since the dawning of her species. There is nothing more frightening than being lost and alone in the dark, only to look up and see the glint of a predator on the hunt. She froze a moment, waiting for claws and teeth to tear through her, anticipating in terror what it would feel like to be torn apart and consumed.

She cringed when she heard a hiss in the dark, squinting her eyes closed. When nothing happened, she opened her eyes hesitantly. She could see now, a small lamp having been lit in a recess in the wall. She glanced about the room nervously.

The walls were smooth stone, the floor bare dirt. From her vantage, she could see only two walls and the door. If the stone and bars weren't evidence enough of the place's purpose, the chains attached to the wall were a clear indication. Her eyes widened in fear.

Startled, she realized Sesshoumaru was slowly circling her, as if appraising her. She felt an unwitting tear fall from the corner of her eye as he walked behind her line of sight, the slightest rustle of silk the only indication of his prowl.

"I forgot humans cannot see well in the dark." She was startled when she heard him speak from behind her. "Is this better?"

She couldn't answer him, and he knew that well enough. She would have thought he was taunting her, but his voice was so even she couldn't tell.

Soon he was in front of her again, standing much closer than she liked. He looked her in the eyes, and she did everything she could to muster a glare in return. Her brown eyes shone molten in the dim lamplight. His eyes narrowed as he continued his examination as Kagome simultaneously seethed at the indignity and shuddered with fear. The scent of it filled the room heavily.

"Do you see the chains on the wall?" he asked softly.

Her eyes flickered in affirmation.

"They were meant to hold much stronger beings. I will not use them on you unless you are unmanageable. Understood?"

She wished she'd stop asking her questions since they both knew she couldn't speak. He didn't seem to care.

"While in my custody, you will do as I tell you. There are ways to punish you without damaging your usefulness to me."

He stepped closer to her, leaning forward as his arm snaked around her. Her breath quickened in alarm. She felt his claws brush down her arm. With a quick flick of his wrist, Kagome's binds untwined and slithered to the ground.

Kagome stumbled as she regained control of her body, barely managing to keep her feet. She brought her arms defensively in front of her chest, massaging her wrists. Angry welts had formed and her fingers tingled as proper circulation returned. She reached up to remove the gag, but her hands were pushed down by Sesshoumaru.

"I would like for you to only listen for now. First, do not entertain any notion of an expedient rescue by your friends. Not even Inuyasha will be able to find you here unless I wish him to."

Kagome looked dejectedly at the floor.

"Second, I will not tolerate any insubordination or petty rebellion. If you attempt to harm yourself in any way, you will regret it. That means no starving yourself or any other such stupid idea. Nod if you understand."

Kagome nodded slowly.

"If you can control your tongue, I will allow you to speak."

Kagome paused, then nodded slowly again.

Sesshoumaru's claw slid along her face catching the piece of cloth and ripping it cleanly away.

Kagome timidly swallowed a few times, re-moistening her mouth. "Why did you bring me here?"

Sesshoumaru regarded her silently for a moment. "You will find out soon."

She fought the urge to growl in frustration. "Then why did you have to do that to Inuyasha after I already agreed?"

"My stupid half brother is over-zealous. If I had not pinned him down, he would no doubt have insisted on following, fighting even to his death. He seems to love you."

He said it so casually, as if it were as obvious as the sky. Maybe if Sesshoumaru said it, it was really true. Or perhaps even he saw things that weren't there. If Sesshoumaru believed that, then had he kidnaped her to get to him? No-- he said Inuyasha would not be able to follow. If he wanted her as leverage against Inuyasha, he would not go to such great care to make sure Inuyasha would not be able to find her.

"How long will you keep me here?" she asked timidly.

"As long as is required."

"Required for what?"

He glared at her silently.

His silence fell heavily on her. "Will you hurt me?"

His golden eyes bore into hers. "Yes."

Kagome paled, her eyes widening in fear. She took a step backwards, her feet unsteady on the uneven floor.

Sesshoumaru watched her frightened retreat with cold stoicism. "You have nowhere to run, Miko. It will be less painful if you cooperate."

Kagome shook, trying to tell herself not to be frightened. It was harder when Sesshoumaru advanced towards her, hard eyes boring into her intently.

"I wonder," he said, to himself more than her, "if you have the strength for this."

Kagome's heals hit the back wall. She stumbled, never taking her frightened eyes away from his. She was trapped between the hard stone wall and him. He was quite right: she had nowhere to run.

She flinched as his clawed hand slowly reached toward her neck. He could feel her pulse quicken, her dark eyes swimming in fear of what he might do to her. The scent of her alarm was undeniably alluring. Why not enjoy it?

Every muscle in her tensed when Sesshoumaru's claws touched her neck. It felt as if something exploded inside of her, pouring through her as her body cried out for her to protect herself. She screamed, her hands coming up reflexively to resist, to fight, to try and guard herself. Hot white light tore out of her, lacing down her finger tips and seeking the cause of its master's distress.

Her eyes snapped open at the sound of a solid impact, finding Sesshoumaru now across the room from her, shaking off her attack. He did not look happy.

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean for that... I didn't even know I could... Please don't!" She shrank back. She hadn't meant for that to happen, it had been instinctual. She was aware, even as panicked as she was, that angering Sesshoumaru was a very bad idea.

He walked slowly, half because he wanted her to get herself under control, half because the blow had hurt him more than he let on. He stood before her again, glaring as she cowered. "What did I say about fighting me?"

"I didn't mean to," she said defensively.

"Then you should learn to control yourself if you want me to let you live," he answered rationally. "Can you do that?" His voice was lofty, patronizing.

"Stop playing with me, you jerk," Kagome hissed. Part of her wished he'd just get the punishment over with, the fear of it was driving her mad.

Sesshoumaru raised his eyebrow. "So you do have some spine. Shall we try again?" He lifted his hand, resting it slowly on Kagome's shoulder. Teasingly, his claws skimmed over the surface of her skin until they rested on her throat. Kagome bit her lip, trying not to feel his touch. She poured all of her strength in locking away her power as it struggled like a wild animal for release.

Sesshoumaru let his hand linger for a few agonizing moments, watching her closely. Finally, he drew his hand away. Kagome released a deep breath, trying to gather her scattered wits.

"Better," Sesshoumaru murmured. He almost smiled at her look of confusion. "You're tired. You will sleep now."

Kagome followed his eyes, turning slightly to see a bed made behind her. It was out of place in the room, as if it had been tossed in as an afterthought. Oddly, was raised from the ground like a Western bed. She hadn't seen anything like that in this time period. Why would Sesshoumaru have such a thing?

"I will see you again soon, Miko," Sesshoumaru said, his back already turned to her as he walked for the door.

"Wait!" She called beseechingly after him. "Please, why am I here?"

Sesshoumaru paused for a moment, his hand on the door. "I want a healer."

Kagome blinked. "Sesshoumaru!" she called as the door began to close behind him, "I'm not a healer!"

The door locked ominously behind him.

Outside again, Sesshoumaru considered the girl locked in the room behind him. It had been a long time since he had used this place. He did not usually take prisoners, and if he did, they rarely lived long. This time, he had needed a place out of the way, someplace where the girl was not likely to be found by anyone. He was uncertain about the chances of success for this experiment, and he did not wish for others to discover his intentions. He would keep her here, away from prying eyes.

He allowed his body to sag in rest for a moment. His chest stung, and it was difficult to breath. The places her fingers had touched him still burned. He was surprised when she used her power against him. He didn't realize she had so little control. What could she accomplish if she actually tried to harm him?

He had made a mistake too: no matter the skill of the hunter, it is dangerous to underestimate a trapped animal.

He smelled her blood and looked down to find a few tiny drops clinging to his claws. He curiously tasted it, feeling it sizzle warmly on his tongue. It was a strange sensation, though not entirely unsavory. She said she was not a healer, and he was certain that she believed that. She was untrained, he realized. She was completely oblivious to her own potential, as obvious as it was. Her previous incarnation had the same talent, the purity of heart that could heal the infirm of both heart and mind. No other soul he had encountered had the magnitude of power as the one which currently animated the girl. He could have used another; there were many healers, but none who possessed anywhere near her level of strength. She was his best chance for success.



Well, the first two chapters were kind of shaky, but I'm starting to get into this story a little more. The third chapter, I think, is much better.

I was going to wait till Thursday, but you guys nagged me into posting. Good for you. Keep it coming. Your reviews are really encouraging, they always help me get through the tough spots in these stories.

Here's the update mailing list situation. If you didn't get an email for this chapter, you're not on the list. I'm not using the same list as MtaE because these are very different stories and not everyone would be interested, I think. So, if you want to be on this list, you'll have to leave your email.

Please review!

-Aiwendil


This chapter last updated: Sunday, August 31, 2003