A/N: Thanks again for all of the great reviews! I love hearing what you all have to say about my fic. This chapter was fun to write, so I hope it is just as fun to read! Let me know what you think!

Some questions answered:

What does Arago want with Kagome? You find out more of his plans in this chapter, so read and find out! )

How did Sesshoumaru get his arm back? That's part of the story, so you'll all just have to wait and see. Here's a hint though: It has something to do with Sesshoumaru's desire to get the Tetsaiga.

How did Sesshoumaru get captured? Also part of the story and I don't want to ruin it for you. But, since I'm in such a good mood today I'll give you another hint: It involves Rin.

To all of the reviewers for this fic: Thanks for all of your support. Comments and criticism are welcome and I love hearing what you all think of my fic. Keep reviewing, and I'll keep writing:)

Last Time: Kagome and Sesshoumaru are brought to Arago himself. Kagome gets to see Sesshoumaru in action as he takes down some guards. After regaining his sight for a short time, he is again blinded and weakened by the powerful youkai in charge. Kagome discovers that Arago wants Sesshoumaru's poison, but won't tell her why she is here just yet. Now it's up to Kagome to take care of a wounded Sesshoumaru…

Prisoners

By: WildcatYST

Chapter 4 - An Exchange of Words

Inuyasha sniffed at the wind. He had caught the familiar scent of his undead love and wondered why she was here. Miroku and Sango knew she was around and were on edge. They never did like the strange priestess that always tried to take Kagome's life. Shippo clung to Sango's shoulders as Kikyou's form came into view.

"Inuyasha." The sultry voice floated to his ears. Inuyasha stopped where he was and watched as her pale figure turned to face him. The sight of her still took his breath away. The same feelings stirred within him whenever he saw her in those miko robes and when he looked into the softness of her chocolate eyes. Kikyou was different from Kagome. Inuyasha loved Kikyou, but he loved Kagome too. He loved each for a different reason. Kikyou, for her grace, level headedness, and advanced skills. Kagome on the other hand was always cheerful and willing to help others, even when it meant putting himself in danger.

"Kikyou." Inuyasha responded, not quite trusting his voice to say much more. Kikyou stood before the group as cold as ever, but that would not deter him. Somewhere beneath that cool exterior was the woman he loved. He knew that he would have to make a choice between Kikyou and Kagome one day, but that could wait. Right now, he was content to balance between the two.

"You have lost my reincarnation." Kikyou stated, not seemingly asking a question.

"Something isn't right." Miroku gripped his tightly as chills ran up his spine. It was too much of a coincidence that Kikyou would appear as they were searching for their friend and mention that she was gone. Something just didn't feel right about this situation. Kikyou turned her cold eyes on the monk, causing Sango to raise her own weapon.

"What do you want?" She asked through gritted teeth. Miroku grinned, glad the demon slayer was sticking up for him instead of beating up on him.

"I am merely concerned for the well being of my soul." The dead miko said without a hint of emotion. This caused Sango to seethe with anger. How dare that clay pot be concerned for her soul and not Kagome's life!

"Kikyou, why are you here?" This time, Inuyasha spoke with a softness he did not use often. Kikyou turned all of her attention on him, ignoring the group behind him.

"I want to help you look for her." She smiled sweetly. Inuyasha was lost in her smile as Miroku and Sango rolled their eyes. Even Shippo could see through that fake smile.

"We could use your help." Inuyasha stated.

"What!" Sango shouted. "She is not coming with us!" The demon slayer insisted. Even being around the dead miko made her feel like she was betraying Kagome. The girl from the future was like a sister to her, and Sango did not want to see her hurt. There was no doubt that the undead miko had some underlying motives to her visit.

"Sango." Miroku placed his curse free hand on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "Perhaps she could help us." He looked into Sango's eyes. Sango sighed. He was right. Kikyou could sense the jewel shards, and without Kagome, their luck had been down. She knew that Kagome could sense when Kikyou was around, so maybe Kikyou could sense Kagome. Maybe they could use her help.

With an indignant huff, Sango shrugged her shoulders to show she didn't care what Inuyasha decided. After more protests and wailing from the little fox kitsune, it was decided that Kikyou would temporarily join the group in order to find Kagome. Inuyasha smiled at the group. Kikyou had promised to help find Kagome, and he felt that she would really help them.

Kikyou watched as the group set camp. She could feel the tension in the air and enjoyed it. The demon slayer obviously hated her. The monk was very suspicious, and he had every reason to be. She was working for the enemy and embedding herself in the group to make sure they did not find her reincarnation. The kitsune was frustrated and crying. It seemed he looked to Kagome as a mother figure.

How touching. Kikyou thought with disgust. Soon, Arago will be finished with her and I can take my soul. Kikyou smiled cruelly in the darkness. Inuyasha was far too trusting. He put himself and his comrades in danger because of one sappy smile from her. They were playing right into her hands.

Arago sat before a desk in a room filled with books. A rather old book was open on the desk, tattered and worn with age. Dust flew from the pages as he delicately turned them, searching for what he needed. He was searching through an ancient text that was thought to have been lost many years ago. It was a collection of very powerful spells and incantations from Ashi, the cruelest and most vile of demons. His powers were renowned and feared among the youkai world. However, his unfortunate demise left many followers craving to know the secrets of his powers. Arago was one of them.

His pale blue eyes scanned each page until he found the one he was looking for. The book had fallen into his hands after generations of research conducted by his family. A cold smile graced his lips as he could almost taste his victory. With all of the ingredients at his disposal, he could finally obtain the power he craved.

"I will be more powerful than any demon on this earth. Not even the Shikon jewel can give me the power that I will wield." His eyes sparkled with anticipation as he looked at the page holding the key to his success.

When the venom of the Inu clan

Is mixed with that of the miko yet born

The life force of the protector of the Shikon

Will bestow the ultimate power

Arago traced the words with one claw. Several notes were written on the page, and he knew they belonged to Ashi. The old demon had tried for centuries to uncover the secret of the legends, and it was not until after his death that the meaning of them was known. Other lines of text revealed the exact procedures for the obtainment of the prize the demon craved. Poison extraction and the melding of it with the miko was outlined in detail.

"These notes are useful." Arago spoke aloud to himself. "Soon, I will have enough to begin the second phase."

A laugh echoed off the walls of the library. Arago knew he was getting close to something that had been chased for centuries. Finally, the pieces were in place. Once he had the legendary powers outlined in the lost book, he would be unstoppable. All of the lands would be his and all the creatures of the world would gravel at his feet. It was only a matter of time before he completed the preparations.

He was in pain. His entire body wasafire with agony and he wanted to cry out. Where was his mother? What happened? He remembered walking through the forests of his lands with his mother when a powerful blast of energy exploded around them. Then there was only pain. Sesshoumaru clutched his side to prevent more blood from spilling from his wound. He sniffed the air and scanned his surroundings with narrowed eyes. That's when he saw her.

His beautiful mother was lying on her stomach in a patch of red grass. Sesshoumaru ran as fast as he could to her and knelt beside her body. He saw the rise and fall of her frame as she took shallow breaths into her lungs. He gently turned her over with what little strength he had left.

"Mother?" He asked, frightened that she could not hear him. His mother's beautiful blue eyes opened slowly at her son's calling.

"Sesshoumaru?" Her weak voice made her young son's heart fall. She was fading from him fast. His hand sought hers as she shuddered from the pain of her wounds. Her blood covered the ground and Sesshoumaru knew that she was dying.

"Mother, don't speak. Healers will come. You'll be fine." Sesshoumaru was not sure if he was trying to convince her or himself. A soft smile spread across his mothers beautiful features.

"I am sorry, my child." She spoke as tears welled up in her eyes. Sesshoumaru shook his head.

"Don't talk like that." He ordered, feeling the fear rise as her death grew closer.

"Promise me something." The Lady of the West looked up into the face of her child, the one who would one day rule the Western Lands.

"Anything." Was his quiet reply.

"Take care of your father." She spoke as the tears spilled over her eyes and down her cheeks. "And yourself. I want you to be happy." She reached her delicate hand up to his face and stroked it gently. She often did so when her son was frightened or hurt. It was comforting, and Sesshoumaru leaned his cheek into her soft palms. "And do not blame him." She whispered softly.

"I promise." Sesshoumaru nodded solemnly.

"That's good." His mother sighed softly. "You will grow into a strong leader, Sesshoumaru. You are such a fine son." She smiled again and brushed the hair from his face. "You look so much like your father."

"He is coming. I feel him, mother. He will come and make things better." Sesshoumaru replied desperately. His mother shook her head.

"It's too late. Tell him I love him. I have always loved him." The light in her eyes began to dim. The beautiful liveliness that was the Lady of the West was slowing draining away onto the forest floor. "I love you, my son." Her fingers stroked his cheek in a comforting way. Sesshoumaru clutched her hands as it began to fall and pressed it against his cheek.

"I love you, mother." He spoke, his voice wavering in his sorrow.

And then she was gone. Her life taken from him by a cowardly trap. He shook his head unbelievingly, rubbing her fingers as if she would magically come to life at his touch.

"No." His voice was a whisper. "No. Please mother." No response came from the dead youkai before him. He let the tears fall freely from his face. The physical pain he was in was lost as his entire world shattered. His mother was dead.

"Mother!" He screamed, letting the pain he felt drive the call from his chest and into the forest. His fingers clutched desperately at her hand, wanting to hold onto that feeling. He clenched his teeth together and threw his head back to let out a long, agonizing cry. His pain echoed through the forests and to the ears of his approaching father. The entire forest seemed to shudder at the pain filling his scream.

That day, he made a promise. He would seek revenge on whoever did this. They would pay for taking his mother from him. Sesshoumaru would do whatever it took to see that they died a horrible and terrible death. He shut his eyes and bowed his head in respect to his mother. He would avenge her if it killed him. This, he promised himself.

Kagome ran her fingers through the silver stands of Sesshoumaru's hair. He had slept through the night after she tended his wounds and had shown no signs of waking as she treated them again this morning. They were already healing, which was a good sign that he would be just fine. She watched as he tossed his head in his sleep. Kagome made a soothing noise and moved her hand from his hair to his cheek. She gently stroked it to calm his dreams. It seemed that the Lord of the Western Lands was having a nightmare.

Kagome gasped when she felt a hand grasp hers. His grip was tight on her, as if he was afraid she would slip away from him. Though his strength was drained, Kagome still felt the power of his grasp.

"I promise." Sesshoumaru whispered, in a voice full of tenderness and love that Kagome had never imagined he possessed.

He tossed his head again and Kagome felt his muscles tense. His breathing became labored, as if he were in pain. Kagome stroked his cheek and tried to comfort the demon as best as she could.

"No." Sesshoumaru's voice echoed off the walls of the cell. Kagome felt the hand holding hers squeeze and his claws pinch her skin. He was not holding it tight enough to draw blood and Kagome winced at the pain.

"Mother!" Sesshoumaru screamed. Kagome gasped in surprise at the power held in his voice. She began shaking his shoulder, wanting to wake him from whatever dream he was having. Seeing the youkai like this was too much for her. He was supposed to be strong and noble, not screaming in her lap like a child.

She felt him swiftly let go of her hand and sit up quickly. His head barely missed knocking straight into hers as he raised to a sitting position. Sesshoumaru's breath was ragged and his shoulders sagged slightly forward. When his breathing calmed, he laid backwards onto the soft surface he had been cradled on. A few moments passed and Kagome remained stark still as it seemed that he did not realize where he was. Golden orbs suddenly flew open as the realization hit him.

I am in the prison. Sesshoumaru thought as he sat up once again and turned a death glare onto the girl behind him, turning his head at an inhuman angle. And that woman is here. His nostrils flared as his vision cleared and he focused his now seeing eyes on the woman-child before him.

"Eh…Sesshoumaru-sama." Kagome placed her hands up in front of her in a defensive manner. "I'm sorry, I was just treating your wounds and you starting yelling…" Her sentence was cut short by a sharp, clawed hand to her throat.

"You have five seconds to tell me why I shouldn't kill you." He saw the panic reach her eyes and felt her nails dig into his wrists.

"Please, Sesshoumaru." Her voice squeaked desperately at him. "I was just trying to help." Sesshoumaru glared at her, showing a flash of his white fangs.

Why does her pathetic scratching cause me to bleed. He looked at his wrist and noticed the tiny pink scratches appearing on her skin as she fought for her life. Tiny droplets of blood came from the insignificant wounds, but they did not heal. Dropping the woman rather suddenly, the taiyoukai brought his hands up to his face. He felt weak. The girl was able to scratch him and his youkai blood was not healing the scratches on his flesh.

"Explain." He thrust his wrists at the gasping miko and growled lowly in warning.

"It is the chain around your neck. Arago had it put on you so that your powers are weakened. Your strength is that of a human." Kagome answered while gasping for breath.

"Remove it." The sentence was a demand, not a request. Kagome blinked at him, wanting to pound his head into the wall. She had tried that before and it had not worked. Some sort of magic was afoot, and Kagome knew she could not remove the trinket.

"It isn't that easy." Kagome answered.

"Wench, I said remove it. You are a miko, ne? Use your powers and break this spell." The dog demon growled out fiercely. Kagome rolled her eyes. He was as stubborn as his half brother.

"Have it your way." She pouted almost pathetically and reached towards the golden chain around his neck. Placing her hands around the chain, Kagome pulled it up towards his head and immediately felt the searing pain of the spell rebelling. In the end, Sesshoumaru slapped her hands away violently. "I can't take it off." Kagome crossed her arms in front of her.

"Weak woman." He ground out between his teeth. "You mean to tell me that you, a miko, cannot break this common spell?" Sesshoumaru stared at her with his golden eyes and scrutinized her closely.

Kagome felt uncomfortable under his gaze and wondered if she preferred that he was blind as to starring at her with his relentless eyes. Kagome shifted and pulled unconsciously at her short skirt. It had become a habit that when the village people starred at her strange clothing that she tugged at the green fabric in an attempt to make it cover more of her legs. But this look was different. This look could kill her if it wanted to.

"I am not weak." She huffed suddenly, her blood boiling at the accusation. A snort came from the lord as he shifted his position to lean against the wall. He hissed in pain as the movement caused one of his wounds to tear open and blood to ooze from it. "Don't move." Kagome rushed quickly to his side to tend to his wound. A hand slapped at her.

"I do not need the help of a useless wench." Sesshoumaru growled out, covering the now open wound with his hand.

"Have it your way you arrogant little…" Kagome mumbled under her breath. Sesshoumaru gritted his teeth as he waited for his healing powers to take over. He waited a few more moments before realizing that they were still impaired. With a frustrated growl, he leaned his head back against the wall and closed his eyes to think.

This woman annoyed him, but she could prove useful even though she seemed to have no control over her own powers. With her help, it may be possible to escape this place. The miko traveled with his brother and could sense the jewel shards. Perhaps he would use her to get Tetsaiga when this was all over. Or maybe he would use her to collect the jewel shards himself. She could prove useful in the future is she were left alive, and it appeared that she had tended his wounds while he was unconscious. His train of thought was interrupted when he felt a warm hand press against his wound.

"You are hurt." Kagome's soft brown eyes looked up at him and Sesshoumaru stared down at her in confusion, though it did not show on his face. She was concerned for him. "Let me help you." Her voice was soft, yet demanding. She would not allow any creature to suffer, even one who had tried to kill her.

A soft grunt was her reply, and she took that as consent to tend to him. She retrieved her healing supplies from the other side of the cell and brought them over to him. Kagome cleaned his wound and put the appropriate ointments on the rest of his cuts and bruises.

"You have regained your sight." Kagome desperately tried to make conversation with the deadly taiyoukai. She was becoming very uncomfortable with his silent scrutiny of her.

"It would seem so." He replied stoically. Kagome sighed softly at his lack of response.

"There. All finished." She smiled up at him once she finished bandaging his wounds and he gave her a bored look in response. Well, some response was better than no response. Kagome folded her supplies back into the bag and sat against the opposite wall Sesshoumaru had settled on.

Silence reigned between them. Kagome could not think of anything to say, and Sesshoumaru just plain refused to speak. She stared at him quietly, wondering how the proud dog demon had managed to get himself trapped in here. She wanted to ask him, but knew better than to incur his wrath. Even when extremely weakened, Sesshoumaru was dangerous and had proved that when he nearly choked her.

"Miko." Sesshoumaru demanded her attention. Sighing at the lack of her name, Kagome turned her eyes to him.

"Yes?" She asked hotly, angry that he would refuse to speak her name.

"How extensively have you trained with your powers?" His eyes surveyed her surprised reaction. Her chocolate orbs were wide and her cheeks held the trace of a blush.

"I have not had much experience." Her embarrassed reply came. She was caught off guard by his question and wondered why he wanted to know such a thing about her.

"Obviously." Sesshoumaru scoffed. Kagome thought he was starting to sound like an arrogant prince. Then again, he was one.

"It's not my fault!" Kagome shouted at him and stood from her sitting position.

"Sit girl." Sesshoumaru smirked. He enjoyed getting a rile out of this girl. It was rare that any person would stand up to him enough to bring out his playful and feisty side, but he was rather drawn to banter with the human woman.

What did he just say? Kagome's mind screamed. He just mocked me. More than that, he just made a joke. For once in her life, Kagome was completely speechless. The cold, cruel Lord of the West had joked with her. Not to be outdone, Kagome's temper flared.

"At least I don't call out for my mommy in my sleep!" She shouted. Uh oh. The look on Sesshoumaru's face made Kagome's blood run cold. Perhaps she had gone a little too far with that one. Faster than Kagome could say sit, Sesshoumaru had lunged at her and knocked her back onto the ground.

Kagome desperately clawed out at him, pushing hard to get him off of her. The heavy youkai was rolled onto the ground off of the struggling woman, but he quickly grabbed her from behind. The two remained struggling and rolling across the dungeon floor until Sesshoumaru finally had her pinned. Kagome lay on her back with the Lord of the West on top of her and holding her hands above her head.

"I would watch your tongue, miko. You don't know of that which you speak. I might change my mind about allowing you to live." Sesshoumaru covered the anger on his face and regained his composure. "I merely wanted to offer my superior knowledge in showing you what I know about your powers. Right now, you will be no help in our escape attempt. With some training, your powers may be helpful." His statement again shocked Kagome. She stared up at him with wide eyes. Not only was the position she in really starting to give her some bad thoughts, but now he was just talking crazy.

"Escape attempt? What escape attempt? I didn't agree to any of this!" Kagome nearly growled out at him, kicking her feet like a spoiled child.

"If you would rather sit here and rot, be my guest." Sesshoumaru growled back, his nose inches from her own. "However, I suggest that you take my advice and strengthen your powers while you can." He looked down smugly at her.

Sesshoumaru had a point. She could hone her skills while in the cell and use them to escape. Perhaps joining forces would be the safest bet. She doubted that she could escape on her own. Sesshoumaru could be blinded and weakened easily. Alone, they didn't stand much of a chance. Together, they may really be able to get away.

"Alright, you win." Kagome sighed as Sesshoumaru smirked in victory.

"It is agreed. You will train and tend my wounds. I will allow you to live." Sesshoumaru removed himself from atop the miko. Her cheeks flushed at the awkwardness of the situation and Sesshoumaru could not help but feel a little satisfaction in knowing that he had embarrassed the modest girl.

Her mind raced along with her heart. Sure, the demon could slice her to pieces and kill her a thousand different ways. But he certainly would look sexy while doing it. While she tried to collect the dignity Sesshoumaru had scattered upon the floor, she couldn't help but steal a glance at him. Watching as the strange demon lord walked back across the cell and sat down, she couldn't help but be amazed. Wasn't this the demon who was supposed to be emotionless? Yet, he had shown a variety of emotions in the short time he had been imprisoned with her.

Maybe I never paid enough attention. Kagome brushed dirt from her school uniform and sat quietly against the wall. Maybe he's just misunderstood. Kagome believed that there was good in all people and Sesshoumaru was no different in her eyes. Sure, he liked to yell "die, Inuyasha" and constantly pick fights with his own brother. But he allowed a little human girl to follow him everywhere he went. She smiled slyly as she thought about what it would be like to be that little girl. Kagome wondered what happened when the two were alone.

I bet he reads her bedtime stories and braids her hair. She giggled on the inside at the thought of Sesshoumaru playing daddy. It was an interesting thing to think about what he was like behind closed doors.

"What are you smiling about?" Sesshoumaru's harsh voice broke her thoughts and caused her smile to widen.

"Nothing." Kagome brushed him off. Sesshoumaru turned a cold glare on her, then stared out the window. Kagome continued to smile joyfully.

This should be interesting. Kagome thought about the days ahead ofher. Training with Sesshoumaru? No one would believe it. Sesshoumaru showing emotion? Even more unbelievable. But things seemed to be changing around her. She could feel something big was about to happen to her. What it was, she didn't know. But she had the feeling that it somehow involved the mysterious demon sitting across from her. The scary thing was that Kagome didn't seem to mind at all.

End of chapter

Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think. I have lots more in store for these two so I'll go back to my little corner and continue writing.

WildcatYST