With the help of Hiei and Kurama, Sango was able to stand up. She was weak at her legs for a moment, but she became steady very soon. It wasn't long before she could again stand on her own. Kurama's herbs seemed to have a quick effect on the victim.

" So…where are we going?" Sango asked, " I mean, where's he taking Kagome?"

" To our ancestral palace in the Makai," Kurama answered quietly.

" And you're gonna leave without us?"

The three turned around. Behind them, grinning broadly, were Yusuke and Kuwabara, standing back to back.

" We didn't think you two would show up," Hiei said coldly.

" Well Koenma sent us," Yusuke grumbled. " We couldn't really refuse."

" Too bad he felt the strong aura," Hiei muttered to himself, " If he hadn't, Koenma wouldn't have sent these two. They'll just slow us down."

Kurama did not hear him. He was looking extremely relieved that there was more help coming along. He couldn't infiltrate the castle on his own. He knew that Kanzuka would be expecting him to come and save Kagome. He would surely double the security. He wanted to get rid of Kurama. He would stop at nothing. Kanzuka was ruthless, but Kurama would never give in. He'd save Kagome, even if he had to die to do it.

" Fox!"

Kurama snapped back to reality. Hiei glared at him.

" Are you coming?" Hiei snapped, " We don't know where that stupid castle is."

" Oh…yes, come along."

Kagome had cried and cried. Kanzuka had no right to kidnap her! But then…evil youkai did this all the time to her. Naraku often did. But…this was far worse then when Naraku had kidnapped her. She felt worse. She hoped someone would come and save her. Surely someone would. Kurama had been racing to her house after all. Maybe…he would come after her.

But she didn't deserve to be saved by him. Not after how she had avoided him for so long. Not after how she had denied to herself that she loved him. He didn't deserve her and she certainly didn't deserve to be saved by him.

" I don't think I deserve love at all," she whispered to herself, " Certainly not his, not after how I avoided him."

She felt the carriage land roughly and her door was swung open. Kanzuka had to almost pull her out and half dragged her to the castle. He took her down numerous corridors and up a spiral staircase to a tower.

" This will be your room," Kanzuka told her, shoving her gently inside.

Kagome looked around and let more silent tears fall.

" You have one hour to make yourself look presentable. You will find dresses in the closest there-" he pointed to a closet to the right, " And jewellery in the box on your dresser. I will send for you in one hour. Make sure you look presentable."

Smirking, he locked her into the tower.

' I'm caught,' she thought sadly, ' I'm caught in the Makai palace where a psychotic kitsune youkai wants to marry me! I'm locked in a Tower Prison with so many regrets…If only I had told him before I was kidnapped.'

She fell to her knees on the hard, cold, stone floor. Tears streamed down her face. Kagome felt terrible. She had found her friend again after four long years only to lose him because of her own stupidity. Now she was a prisoner in the Makai with no hope of escape. The Tower was too high for her to jump out of and survive.

' It'd be better if I died,' she thought, ' But…HE wouldn't want me to kill myself would he? Maybe he wouldn't care…after how I ignored him and avoided him, I wouldn't blame him…'

Dark thoughts crept into Kagome's mind. It was her first time in the Makai, and being a holy priestess, it affected her greatly. The evil floating around could not be averted. It made her feel like she was chained prisoner and that death would be better. There was little she could do to stop these thoughts.

In the end, she slowly stood up from the floor. She dragged herself over to the closet and forced herself to open it. Inside were many gowns. All were fancy and royal looking. There were no miko clothes. There were very fancy kimono's and beautiful ball gowns from the Middle Ages. The kimono's were in beautiful colours, but they were all too small for Kagome. The gowns were her size, but they were wedding dresses.

" I will not marry him!" she hissed to herself, " I will never do such a thing! I would rather die!"

Nevertheless, she took a gown from the rack. It was the simplest she could find. It was all white silk. Its hem was embroidered in gold thread. Flawless pearls lined her neckline and her wrists. The sleeves had wide cut wrists and they swept the floor when she walked.

It also had a small train. The other's had more of one, but this one was small, but elegant. It was spattered with diamonds and ruby's red as blood. She cared for none of it though. She wore matching white shoes of silk. On her wrist she only wore her bracelet. The red rose reminded her of Kurama, and she would never take it off as long as she lived. On her neck, she wore a simple silver chain with a diamond orchid. Her earrings were also diamond. She brushed her hair gently. She looked beautiful.

There was a knock at her door. Inside stepped a rough looking guard. He beckoned her and told her that Master Kanzuka was awaiting her in the throne room.

" This is the castle?" Sango asked, wide eyed. " It could fit three of my demon slayer villages in it!"

Hiei made no comment.

" Wow Kurama…to think, you once lived here," Yusuke grinned.

" I ran away," Kurama said coolly, " And I never had a wish ton return. I am only here now to kill my brother and save Kagome."

Yusuke and Kuwabara sniggered. Sango smiled knowingly. Hiei frowned.

" Come…" Kurama led them to the side of the castle. There was a door there with one guard by it. There were three bowman above him on the walls and then two sentries.

" I'll take out the guard," Hiei said, " No one can compare with my speed."

" Wait!" Yusuke frowned. " With those bowmen and sentries up there, they'll see you after you attack and sound the alarm. We don't want that yet. We should take them out first."

Hiei snorted. " And who'll do that? Your spirit gun won't work quick enough. The alarm would still go off."

" I'll do it."

The two turned to Sango.

" You?" Hiei raised an eyebrow.

" My boomerang can take out all five of them with one hit," she said, " It flies with great speed. They won't know what hit them. So then you can go in and kill the guard by the door. That way, no alarm will be sent out yet and we can sneak in undetected."

" That sounds like a good plan," Kurama agreed. " Don't you agree Hiei?"

Hiei mumbled something, but nodded.

Sango got ready. She made the other's all stand back a bit so they wouldn't be hit by her weapon. She aimed so that it would hit the nearest sentry and then hit the archers and then the last sentry and double back to herself. It would work perfectly. She took a deep breath and threw it.

Just as she had been hoping it hit the first sentry, the first archer, the second archer, the third archer and then the last sentry's horn sounded just as it hit him! They were known. Hiei cursed and ran out to kill the guard. He did that so quickly that he was blur to them all. He knocked down the door and waved the others over impatiently. Many horns were now sounding. A clash came from beyond the door. Hiei must be fighting.

Sango followed Yusuke and Kurama into the castle with Kuwabara at her heels. Hiei stood there surrounded by five enemies. However, he was so fast that they each fell like flies. Once he finished, Kurama quickly led them into the stable area.

" So much for a sneak attack," Hiei muttered.

Sango pretended not to hear. She felt that it was all her fault.

Kurama ignored them but kept a fast pace. There were a thousand places in the palace that Kagome could be. Yet, he had a very good idea at where she was. Kanzuka would not be far from her. Wherever he was, she would be there too. Surely that was either the Great Hall or the Throne Room just beyond.

They came to a wide room beyond the stables. Kurama said it was an unused store room. It wasn't used for anything other than a sleeping area for slaves and other servants. Sango didn't think it was right that there was no one here to greet them.

And she was right. As soon as they entered and shut the door, there was an ominous laugh.

" What the hell?" Yusuke cursed. " Where'd that come from?"

He got his answer rather quickly. From out of thin air came a shape. It formed into a rather overgrown centipede with a woman's torso. It had long black, unkempt hair. She wore no clothing on her torso. She laughed again.

" Welcome!" she cried, " Master Kanzuka welcomes you as my dinner!"

Sango knew something about this. It was something that Kagome had seen on her first trip to the Sengoku. Kagome had often told Shippo and her this story. How Mistress Centipede had dragged her into the well and into the Sengoku Jidai. If it hadn't been for Inuyasha, Kagome would have died. Somehow though, she seemed stronger than usual for a lesser youkai such as herself. Sango frowned at this as she three her boomerang again. Something was not right about this youkai. No lesser youkai had such a strong aura.

Hiei seemed to be thinking along the same lines because his attacks were much stronger than what his comrades were using. Kurama didn't seem to notice. Yusuke and Kuwabara were just reckless, enjoying seeing the youkai in pain.

However, it soon became apparent that the youkai was not taking much damage. Its outer shell gleamed almost completely unscratched. She laughed evilly and lunged at Kuwabara, who barely dodged her. Kurama noticed all this first. He signalled for the attack to stop.

" She's not taking any damage!" he cried.

" Her outer shell is protecting her you fools!" Hiei shouted angrily, " Hitting it is wasting our time and energy! She's trying to wear us down and then do away with us!"

They dodged another blow from her tail.

" Then what are we supposed to do?" Yusuke shouted back.

" All youkai have a weak point," came Sango's voice over the din. " Hers is likely her upper torso where she is not protected by the outer shell!"

It made perfect sense once Sango had suggested it. She threw her boomerang and there was a rather loud crack. They presumed she had hit a rib. But they could not afford to waste any more time. Sooner or later guards and other soldiers would find them. The five of them alone could never hold off an entire army in such a small space. They would be cornered.

Hiei jumped and stabbed the beast in its heart. Blood poured forth with an almost deafening screech from the youkai. Surely now the enemy would know of their whereabouts. Hiei stabbed her twice more, and then followed his friends who escaped through the opposite door.

They were now covered in blood and would leave a significant trail. There was no way to hide themselves now. They needed to rely on their strength and their stealth. They continued down the corridor. Soon enough, however, they came to a fork in the path. One way surely led to the dungeons, though Kurama highly doubted that Kanzuka would have his 'would be bride' in the dungeons. The path to the right led to the counselling offices. That would eventually lead them to the Great Hall and the Throne Room.

' Hang on Kagome,' Kurama thought, ' I'm coming for you!'

Kagome, feeling slightly calmer now, took more of a look at her surroundings. The castle seemed to be extremely old, but in perfect condition. Ancient tapestries depicting various scenes of the family history hung on the walls. Torches lit the passages ways, but everything seemed rather dusty. It made Kagome sneeze quite a bit.

All down the corridor she felt a strange sense of foreboding. She was scared, as anyone would be. She felt quite alone here, not knowing that there was a search and rescue mission going on at that very moment for her. She felt fearful, yet a small part of her felt courage too. She felt her bracelet for extra support. Even if he wasn't right there with her, and likely never would be again, then she at least could remember him and his strength with that bracelet as a memento.

' I'll never forget him,' She thought, ' Even if he forgets me, I'll never forget him.'

So minna-san, who was that? More depressing wasn't it? I sorta thought it would be since Kagome would feel all depressed about everything she didn't get to say to Kurama and her kidnapping. Tell me what you thought about it. And yes, in case anyone has forgotten, Kanzuka does have a thing for Kagome, and Kurama is a prince. And yes, I have thought of how Kagome will be able to live with Kurama and all that since he's a demon on would live longer. I have it all figured out. I doubt the story will be more than forty chapters, but who knows? We'll just have to wait and see. So r&r!

Disclaimer: I own nothing. If I did, I would be making this into anime episodes right now instead of making this for your enjoyment.

Reviewer Responses

Kitsune-Miko-Tenshi: That's good. I will don't worry.

kawaii-anime-girl:You didn't? That's good…I thought it would be expected. They will…but there will be many battles beforehand.

WhiteRose-Kurama: Probably. I have an idea for that scene too actually. They will hook up soon, I think sometime during the infiltration of the castle and then announce it to everyone when Kanzuka's defeated. Thanks!

inuyuyu-16:Yep. Yeah, suspense huh? And a cliffhanger. I'm bad for making so many of them :) Yep, I'm so evil for doing that, but I thought it'd be good to have that happen. Yep, they'll admit too. I do have an idea for that scene as well. I can't wait to write it! Okay, I'll update as often as I can.

SilverShadow Kitsune: Soon, soon. I promise. I have an idea for that scene as well, so it'll get there. She won't exactly turn hanyou/youkai just to be with Kurama. I have a different idea in mind for that. Sango and Hiei will also admit soon, and I also have an idea for that part. I just don't want to rush things. As for Yukina/Inuyasha and Miroku/Botan, all that will happen after the final battle. LoL okay.

nunofyorbiz:I won't. I was gonna keep her human. Don't worry about that. I don't really like it when she turns youkai/hanyou just to be with Kurama. So I know what I'm gonna do instead of that.

tbiris:Yep, I'm officially evil. I just couldn't resist doing that. I thought it would be pretty good.

AnimeMoonlightGoddess:I will. Thanks for reading.

Jinenji: Really? That's awesome! Happy birthday to both of you! Mine is this upcoming Sunday (the 27th). I can't wait! Yep, all the action is coming again. Yeah, I love writing this. Its so much fun. Don't you hate writer's blocks? I hate them a lot since they delay my updates. Oh lovely. I have a French project due on the 31st, a unit test on April 5th, and an oral presentation 7th. All for French class. I'm not going into math or anything. I've got so much to do. Lucky. I wish ours did. I swear 80 of my school has third lunch. Aww get well soon. I hate being sick too. I'm always stuck in bed then. Yeah, I love talking too. I'm sorry it takes me so long to get back to you though. I'm swamped with homework lately, and every time I try to write, I get interrupted by one friend to play Runescape with him and another two to chat with. No problem, and I'll update as much as I can.

Inu-babe666: I know, poor Kagome. I will, don't worry.

Kagome-reincarnation:I'm working on it. I'm swamped with homework and stuff, so it takes me a little while.

SunStar Kitsune:I know, I'm so evil for writing so many cliffhangers. Thanks.

Red Skyies I'm glad it did. I hope you're feeling better now.

Kodachi Claws:Yes, everyone is looking forward to it since there was so much fluff. Yeah, I was going to, but in a different way. Then I changed my mind and here you have it. Yeah, I don't care for Kuwabara much, but I was gonna include those two. Thanks for the reminder though.

Black Spell: Thank you, and if I find some time, I'll check yours out too.

Sora the Taske:Thanks.

Baka KitsuneBri:I know, but I wanted it that way. Usually, your right, that wouldn't happen.

purp1ebabe:Thank you and I will.

kagome of the western lands:Thank you very much.

KitsuneNiBakaSareru: Thanks, and I will

kitsune'sangeofflames: I will. Thank you for reading it

atth99: Yep, nothing much. Oh, yes I remember you. Yeah, its pretty long huh? I'll try. Okay, thanks and I will.