Author's Note: Yay! I'm back from the land of the dead! Oh my wowsers it's already chapter 19 and I have 91 reviews! Thanks all yalls for reviewing! It makes MB happy! *v* If you're wondering why something looks different, it's because I changed cover art! Yet again, it belongs to me, myself, and I, so it's kinda like a special treat for failing to update in two weeks. Enjoy ch. 19 and please review!

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to or affiliated with Inuyasha, however this particular story is M-I-N-E! :)

Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child

"What the hell! They bring us here, tie us up, then dump us in this cave without any explanation?! Where did that stupid fox go?!" Kikyou grumbled furiously, while Kagome stayed silent and pondered their situation.

Has Shippo changed? That cute little fox pup that I practically raised turned into this?! Oh where did I go wrong?! Then again, he's not my Shippo.

"Hey, Kagome are you listening? One of us needs to escape and get the others. They only need one of us right?"

"Well, Shippo did say something about one of us being able to sense the sacred jewel, so he's probably after only one of us."

"Exactly. They don't know which of us has it, and chances are they'll kill whichever the one that isn't useful." Kikyou shifted toward me a bit while keeping an eye on the entrance to the cave. "I have a pocketknife in my skirt. If you can get it, cut your bonds and make a break for it."

"But what about you?"

"As long as I'm useful I'm safe."

"Well, I can't just leave you!"

"Don't think of it like that. One of us might die if we both stay here."

"…Alright, but please be careful."

"Heh, I should be the one telling you that."

Kagome reached for the knife and furiously worked at the ropes on her hands and ankles. She shot one last worried glance at Kikyou before cautiously peering out the entrance to the cave and making a dash for it.

She nearly reached the slope of the mountain path, but a clawed hand grabbed her arm and whirled her around until she was face to face with the prince of the kitsune.

"Going somewhere little girl?" Shippo grinned mischievously, bringing his face closer to hers.

"Let me go Shippo," Kagome said icily.

"Hmm? What's this? You're telling me to do something? I don't think you're in any position to be giving orders, sweetheart." He brought his hand up to cup her chin before whispering, "Well, you're not all that bad to look at. If you act nice, I might let you be the first woman in my harem." His face inched even closer, but Kagome's patience had snapped with that comment.

SLAP! The sound echoed throughout the clearing. Kagome glared down at the fallen Kitsune, who was starring at her with a shocked expression and a bright red cheek.

"Shippo, you idiot, I thought I taught you better than this?! How could you treat a woman this way! Why I have half a mind to never let you ride on my shoulder again! And you can forget about getting any candy for the rest of your life! Ugh, you've made me furious!"

Kagome continued to lecture loudly at the shaking Shippo, who had the appearance of a scolded puppy, complete with drooping ears and his tails tucked between his legs.

"My, my, it seems my grandson has finally been conquered by a woman. I must commend you my dear." A rich eloquent voice spoke behind her and Kagome whirled around to find a beautiful Kitsune wearing white silken robes with a pattern of fall leaves and a matching fan held in front of her face. She had dark red hair tied loosely in a bun cascading down her back, and dark green eyes that held the wisdom of age. Long lashes fluttered over high cheek bones, and painted lips puckered at the awe-struck Kagome.

"Damn hag just had to show up now!" Shippo muttered under his breathe, and the woman's eyes immediately shot daggers at the poor fox.

"Hmph! It has come to my attention that you disobeyed my orders, pup! I told you to invite the priestess here, not tie her up and kidnap her! And why the hell did you bring two girls?! Honestly, you can't do anything right, Shippo!"

"Well the important thing is I brought her here, grandmother! What does it matter how I got the job done?!"

"Hohoho, what insolence is this?! You dare speak to this Ukitake in such a manner! I am your leader and your elder! You will hold your tongue, pup! Or perhaps you need a reminder of your place?" She gave him a dangerous smile that held only retribution.

Shippo flinched, but bowed his head in acknowledgement and muttered a begrudged, "My apologies, Ukitake-sama."

"That's better." She gave Shippo a cursory glance before strolling towards Kagome and scrutinizing. Something flickered in the woman's eyes, but all she asked was, "You are a priestess, are you not?"

"…Yes mam."

The lady nodded and gave her a sweet smile. "You were brought here with a companion, if I am not mistaken. I promise that no harm will come to the girl and if you do as we ask, you will have your freedom. I am aware that you can sense sacred jewel shards, and I'm afraid we are in desperate need of that power."

Kagome pondered the Kitsune's offer before asking, "Why do you want to find the jewel shards?"

"The shards themselves hold no appeal to me, though my grandson uses two for his own benefits. I am only after certain shards."

"And that would be?"

"They are shards carried by the sons of the Thunder tribe. Their leader has declared war on our clan, and the shards enhance their power of thunder. I'm afraid they have acquired more since the last time we faced them in battle." She bowed her head and slowly closed her eyes. "My son, Shippo's father, was killed by the brother's who hold those shards. I need you to find where the brother's hide them shards, so that we may have vengeance and protect the land of the Kitsune!"

Without waiting for an answer, the lady named Ukitake turned back towards the caves. "I will fetch your companion myself. While I am doing so, think over my proposal, then we will talk privately in my chambers."

Kagome watched her leave and thought about the woman's words. It was obvious she would accept, given the circumstances, but at the same time, she couldn't help but feel that same pity she felt the first time she met Shippo. Yet again, his father was taken away from him. She turned to the fox, who was starring at the ground with a solemn expression.

"I'm sorry Shippo. I said some things I didn't mean."

He gave her a cursory glance but continued to focus on the ground.

"It's just that you remind me of someone who's very dear to me… Someone I really miss right now."

Shippo brought his eyes to hers and a bright blush slowly crept into his cheeks. "No, I was at fault for treating you like that. You have my apologies…umm…what's your name?"

Kagome blinked at the still blushing Kitsune before a big smile lit her face, and she replied, "I'm Kagome Higurashi!"

Other Author's Note: Here's a fun fact, Ukitake is not a real name! I totally made it up, so if you try searching for it on Google you won't find it! I originally was going to name her Untake (pronounced eu-n-t-ah-k-ei) but I was afraid everyone would pronounce it as untake, and then there would be a lot of confusion. -_-