Authoress' Notes: This little drabble was inspired by a song of the same name. It's the first thing I've written about Nataku and I was really just trying my hand at his character, so let me know how I did. Constructive crit is more than welcome, but very much appreciated.

Disclaimer: I don't own Saiyuki...le sigh...

Thorn Within

I knew all along father. Your lust for power and your plan for me. Every mission that was thrust upon me, every demon that I was forced to kill. It was all a stepping stone to the throne for you. I knew you would be the death of me, that in the end I was nothing more that a means to an end for you. I was never really your son. Not in your eyes.

Knowing everything that I did, I still could never defy you. Could never give up on the hope that one day you would see me as your son. A child that needed nothing more that to be a child.

That is why I gravitated to him. In so many ways he reminded me of what I could never be. Carefree, naive, and innocent. That's why I couldn't kill him.

Please understand father I couldn't kill him and I couldn't defy you. I had no other choice. Please forgive me for doing what I have done.