Chapter five: Allies

Sachi bowed and walked into the room. She would not face her master's wrath. She saw too many incur it within the past seventy years she served him. Sachi entered the darkened room, her youkai eyes easily cutting through the darkness. She approached the bed cautiously. She made it to the bed only to be met with the most horrendous sight she'd ever seen.

"What has happened to you?" Sachi said silently, rubbing a hand over Kagura's swollen cheek. Sachi sighed to herself softly. What have you gotten yourself into Lord Sesshomaru? Sachi retreated to the washroom and returned with a small basin of warm water and a fluffy towel placing it on the night stand beside her. Sachi quickly undressed Kagura, mentally wincing at all of the cuts and bruises that adorned her body. She dipped the towel in the into the basin. She began to clean her, starting first at Kagura's face. She cleaned around her eyes first then proceeded to clean the dried blood from the rest of her body. After Sachi tended to her wounds she dressed her in a fresh kimono and changed the sheets on the bed. She wondered how she'd managed to stay asleep during all this, but quickly remembered that the girl was unconscious. Sachi lit a small candle in the corner of the room to provide lighting in case the girl awakened. Sachi took one more quick glance at the young woman before she exited the room

Sesshomaru sped through the forest, his silver hair, and glowing amber eyes the only evidence of his presence. Even at this speed the great youkai was a silent and graceful as ever. Sesshomaru arrived at Naraku's castle just as the sun began to take control of the sky. Sesshomaru barged into Naraku's castle, temporarily forgetting about honor, and respect. In fact, it was the farthest thing from his mind.

"L-lord Sesshomaru." A servant stammered, surprised by his sudden invasion.

Sesshomaru shot the girl a glare, his normally amber orbs momentarily flashing red. "Where is Naraku?" He growled, his voice echoing off the castle walls. The servant shook in fear but couldn't bring herself to answer.

"You are dismissed." Naraku said to the servant. She nodded quickly happy to be getting out of the great lord's presence. "Lord Sesshomaru." Naraku said, his tone slightly teasing. "Is there something wrong?"

"You sent a hanyou and a youkai after your daughter."

"That is correct. Is that a problem? If they invaded your lands you have my deepest apologies. " Naraku said, a sadistic grin on his face. Sesshomaru was no fool. He knew by now the petty games Naraku played. He smirked inwardly. That will be your downfall.

"Well Naraku I have come to inform you that Kagura is within the confines of my castle, where she is to remain. She will become my mate. If you allow this you may ally with the Western Lands." For now. Soon your death will come. And I shall see to it that it will be painful.

Naraku raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

"Yes."

"What is so special about her I will never know."

"Well I don't think that concerns you anymore. You are not to have any contact with her. We are simply allies and if you are to cross me at anytime I will not hesitate to destroy you."

"I wouldn't expect anything less from the great Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru decided to ignore him as he exited the castle. Never in his 500 years of living would he ever think to ally with the enemy for the sake of a woman. Let alone the enemies daughter. But he had to remind himself that it was only a matter of time before he would have Naraku's head.

Kagura struggled to open her eyes but immediately closed them. They stung like hell. Then that's when she remembered. It all came back to her and flooded her mind. She struggled to remember everything that had happened. All that would come to mind was the pain that had ran through her when Ecchi had invaded her body and caused her nerves to etch with pain. She tried to force the thoughts from her mind but they would not fade away. Then she remembered the only thing she saw before she passed out. The wisps of silver hair. Did that mean that Sesshomaru had come to save her? But why? Kagura tried to open her eyes again, this time it didn't sting as much. But she could only open one. She scanned the room. Indeed she was no longer within Ecchi's grasp, but where exactly was she? If Naraku had rescued her did that mean she was now in the confines of his castle? She tried to sit up, but it sent a spike of pain through her.

"Don't try to move."

Kagura turned in the direction of the voice. She knew who the voice belonged to. His amber eyes were the only thing in her sights. The rest of him remained hidden in the darkness.

"Sesshomaru. How long have I been here?"

"Three days now. " He replied flatly. "Finally you are awake. I will call servants so that you may eat."

Sorry, no preview this time. I hope that it didn't take too long but I had to battle myself on whether or not this was a direction I was willing to take for this story. Also, I am in need of a beta reader. That way I will have a second opinion. Because arguing with myself is beginning to scare those around me. If you're interested I ask that you email me. Thank you.