Disclaimer: The characters of InuYasha are not mine; they are property of Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV, Sunrise, and Viz. The following story is for entertainment and not profit.

Chapter 25: Bait

'At last I shall have the means to assure my victory,' he thought as he stood at the opening of the small hut that served as his hidden sanctuary. He had witnessed the reclaiming of the girl through Kanna's mirror and now knew he had only to wait for her to be delivered. Naraku grinned evilly at the thought of once again getting his hands on the spirited woman.

When he had followed the young miko through the old well he had become disoriented by the sounds and smells that had assaulted him. He had hid in a shadowy corner of the Well House waiting, though not sure for what. The old monk had said that the maiden would lead him to the shard and power he sought. It hadn't taken long for his senses to adjust to the new surroundings, and then he felt it; the faint presence of a jewel shard. Making use of the great speed he had acquired, Naraku had burst out of the wooden hut and made for the pulsing power that called to him. He had raced over the strange terrain, giving little thought to the metal and stone towers that dominated it, focusing only on finding the shortest path between him and the jewel shard.

He remembered the frightened scream that pierced the air as he landed in the sweet smelling apartment amidst a shower of falling glass. As his eyes had locked with those of the startled woman before him, it had been surprise and recognition that he had seen and not fear. It had impressed him, and now he was going to have another chance to gaze into those strongly defiant eyes.

Inu Yasha hit the head of the small youkia in front of him with a clenched fist. "You're leading us in circles, you stupid toad."

Jakken spun around with the intent of returning the hanyou's blow, but found his staff stopped by his master's hand.

"Must I remind you not to insult those in my service?"

Inu Yasha took a step back from the imposing figure of his half-brother and shook his head. He could still feel the crushing grasp of the full demon's hand around his neck from the last time they had 'talked.'

"Good." The single word sounded more like a warning than a comment, the effect of which was not lost on Inu Yasha. "Now, Jakken…"

"Yes, M'Lord?"

"I shall not tolerate you wasting my time if you have forgotten the way—"

"I have not forgotten the way, My Lord." The nervous toad broke in, "The humans were looking tired, so I lead us back here to camp. But if here is not acceptable, M'Lord, I can take Ah-Un and find a better place." The small youkia felt about ready to break out in a cold sweat hoping his explanation would be accepted, giving him a chance to surrey the land and locate the path he could not admit to losing.

"I am pretty hungry. Can we stop, even if it is just long enough to eat?" Kagome chimed in, hating to see the poor creature in so much distress.

"We shall stay." Had it not been for the miko, Sesshomaru would not have accepted such a pathetic excuse from him loyal follower. "Now, go!"

Jakken bowed hurriedly in thanks to his lord before grabbing the reins of the twin headed stead and departing.

"Do you enjoy wasting my time with your little games, child?"

"Why, whatever could you mean?" Her tone was taunting as Naosu felt the corners of her mouth turn up in a subtle smile. "Have you lost interest in torturing me so quickly?" Without raising her head from where it hung, she looked up at the stately progenitor of her line and gave a playful pout.

He admired her continuing defiance. Even after being forced to her keens, she had continued to goad him on, daring him to break her. Naosu had awoke to find her wrists bound together by a length of metal chain and a set of cold shackles that dug painfully into her flesh. The chain was strung through a ring mounted high on the stone wall behind her. She had smiled openly when she had seen her bonds, pleased at the thought of the games that would ensue.

Shifting her weight back over her heels, Naosu used the resistance of the chain to lift her body back into a standing position. Holding her fettered wrists before her, she once again broke into a full smile, "I could do with something to eat, anyway."

"Then we shall eat." Unlocking the metal shackles Naraku lead the way back to the main room and their waiting dinner.