Quick A/N Only 4 more chapters till we get into the actual series.

Chapter 14: Lord Kagewaki's Castle

Kagewaki holds Avalon's hand pulling her into the castle. She walks with her head held high. Kagewaki leads her to a large room. He slides the shoji door open. "This will be your room." Walking in, he continues to hold her hand. "My room is this one." Kagewaki points to a door to an adjoining room.

Avalon's eyes widened. "Lord Kagewaki..."

"Just Kagewaki, dear Ava."

"Kagewaki, I think that is highly inappropriate." Avalon's heart pounds, why would he place her next to his room.

"Nonsense, I only wish to keep you near and safe. The most secure room is my father's, however, we are very secure deep within the castle. Do not worry dear Ava. I will keep you safe." Kagewaki offers her a kind smile.

"Arigato, and where does Naraku reside?"

"He is in a guest chamber far down the hall. Would you feel safer near him?" Kagewaki sounds hurt.

"Ie, I was only curious."

"Good. Come sit with me and talk. It has been too long." Kagewaki moves to sit while pulling Avalon down with him. He brings them down onto two zabuton (cushion) around a chabudai (low round table) Avalon sits with her legs to the side. "You do not sit seiza style?"

"Ie." 'I have to be very careful not to call him Naraku.'

"Ava, you still seem reluctant to tell me of yourself."

"I am not very good with conversations, but if you ask a question, I will likely answer it." 'What can I do to get out of this?'

"Hmm, where are you from?"

"Not here." 'Stay calm Avalon.'

"Will you give me no more?"

Avalon answers in an even tone, "I don't see why where I come from matters."

"Do you not wish to return?"

"Ie."

"Naze?"

Avalon shrugs her shoulders. 'Be cool' "There is nothing there for me any more."

"Family, friends?"

"I have none."

"You are old enough to be married, but you have no husband. Did he pass?"

"I never had a husband."

'She never was married.' "Ava, you are a beauty beyond compare, why were you never married?"

"I never pursued any relationships."

"How have you survived on your own? You must have wealth. I notice your hands are not scarred as a normal farm girl would be."

Avalon nods. 'Fuck it. Why not let him think I come from wealth.' "Hai, I had wealth and never needed to perform physical labor."

"I see, but you left it behind to come here?"

"It would seem so. Kagewaki, I am quite tired. Would it be alright if I were to go to sleep and we talk more in the morning?"

"Oh, I am so sorry Ava. I completely forgot how late it is. Please rest. I will see you in the morning." Kagewaki stands up and bows his head to Avalon and walks to the adjoining door. "If you need to use the bathing area." He points to another door. "It is through there and if you move to the next door it leads to the outhouse. Good night Ava."

"Good night Kagewaki." Avalon bows her head as Kagewaki slides the shoji screen door open and steps into his room, closing it behind him. Avalon gets up and breathes a sigh of relief. 'I have to remain calm. I can't panic. Fuck! I have to figure out what he knows and what he wants with me. Until he makes a move I can't let him know I am against him.' Avalon plops down scrubbing at her face.

She collects herself again and gets up to look around and sees everything has been set up for her. Several lamps are lit. A large futon was laid out. Avalon's eyes harden. 'So he planned on me coming here. Does he really think I will be his pawn?' "Hmm." She sweeps her eyes about and they land on the tsukeshoin (desk). 'Perhaps I will ask for some writing utensils.'

Avalon glances down at the kodana (cabinet) opening the door. There are a bunch of beautiful kimonos and obis. 'Trying to buy me Naraku?' Avalon closes the door and walks over to the futon.

She moves to the door Kagewaki indicated was the bathing room. Sliding the door open, she sees a tub large enough for several people to bathe in and a small basin of water. Beyond that, there is another door but to the right she sees another shoji screen. Avalon walks over and slides it open out of curiosity. Gazing into the darkened room she sees a futon and quickly realizes it leads to Kagewaki's room. She sees a body laying under the covers breathing. 'Sick bastard, not only do we share adjoining rooms, we share a bathing area.'

Avalon quietly slides the door shut with a light click. Looking about the room, she sees several white kimonos. 'You think I will bathe with you around?'

She reaches into the basin, bringing some water to rinse her face and hands. Shaking her hands to dry them, she walks back to her sleeping area and lays on the futon. She summons Murasaki no Raikō to her side. She would take no chances sleeping in Naraku's home. She would prepare herself for battle the best she can. 'I have to get out of here some how.' And with that she falls into a fitful sleep.

A few hours later Avalon wakes up. She blinks her eyes processing what she sees, the fine wood and silky bedding."Mhhhhh." 'That's right, I'm Naraku's captive. Well at least he didn't do anything to me while I slept.' Avalon hears a knock.

A feminine voice speaks. "Lady Ava, may I come in?"

Avalon considers for a moment, then springs out of bed and goes to the door holding her sword. She sees the person bowing through the door. "Enter."

The lady stands and opens the door. As she walks in, Avalon presses the sword against the young ladies throat. She had brown hair and brown eyes. She is not remarkably beautiful but she isn't ugly either. The young woman is in a plain light green yukata. The woman freezes as she feels the blade against her neck and questions, "My Lady?"

Avalon keeps the sword at her throat as she pushes reiki into the blade. The skin stays in tact. 'Not a demon.' "Who are you?"

"Getsumei (月明) my Lady."

'Moonlight interesting.' "Naze are you here?"

"I am to be your servant my Lady."

"Where do you hale from?"

"A village not far from the castle."

"Hmmm…" Avalon slowly lowers her blade. Getsumei takes a deep breath. "So you will do as I say?"

"Hai, my Lady."

"I am hungry, can you fetch me something to eat?"

"Lord Kagewaki requested that you join him to eat after I help you dress."

"I see." 'Of course he did.' "Very well, help me dress."

"Do you not wish to bathe?"

"I suppose, however you will watch the door. I do not want the Lord to join me."

"My Lady, I wouldn't think he would. He is a kind and honorable Lord."

"I am just overly cautious I suppose."

"As a lady should be. Her virtue must stay intact till marriage."

Avalon hmms her agreement. "Please set up my bath then."

"Hai." Getsumei rushes out the door to gather hot water to fill the tub for Avalon.

Avalon walks over to her bed and sits down. She holds her sword, looking at the purple lightning etched into the blade and studies the way it reflects the light coming in through the windows. Her face contorts into a scowl. 'What are you planning Naraku? You must think I have something to offer you. Why else let me take hold of such a blade. I have to figure a way out of this. I can't count on anyone saving me but me.'

"Lady Ava?" Getsumei's voice brings Avalon out of her musings.

"Hmmm?"

"The bath is ready."

"Arigato."

"You need not thank me. I am a servant and it is unfitting."

"I suppose it is." Avalon rises off the bed and walks to the bathing area, stripping off her clothing and rinsing her body with the basin water, then stepping into the bath water.

"What oils would you like?"

"None, but I would like some sabonsō (さぼん草 soapwort)."

"I don't have any here."

"Then once I am done bathing and I am dressed, I would like as much fetched for me as possible. I need the leaves and stems."

"As you wish my Lady, but might I ask what for?"

"I will be using it to bathe with."

Getsumei looks at Avalon with skepticism but nods her head. "Very well, my Lady."

Avalon stands from the tub as Getsumei wraps a yukata around her. She steps out and allows herself to dry. Getsumei leads her into the bedroom and moves to one of the kodana pulling several kimonos from it.

"I will only wear three."

"MY LADY!?"

"You are lucky I am even considering wearing three and one will be a juban."

Getsumei bows her head and grabs a juban and two other kimonos. One is a deep red with white chrysanthemums and the other, a light blue with purple butterflies.

"The red one will be the outer kimono."

"Hai."

Getsumei moves quickly to dress Avalon and uses a deep purple obi to tie it all together, creating an elaborate bow in the back for her. Getsumi opens the shoji door to the hall and walks behind Avalon directing her where to go. Avalon walks through an open door and sees Kagewaki sitting by himself at a low table fit to seat many people. Avalon pauses at the door unsure where to sit.

Kagewaki looks up giving Avalon a charming smile. He stands and walks over to her.

"Lady Ava, you look splendid. Please, join me?" Kagewaki grasps Avalon's elbow and seats her next to him at the head of the table. "I told you, you will be treated as a queen. I would not lie."

"You are too kind Kagewaki." 'How deceptive of you.'

"Nonsense, I am only too happy to have you by my side Ava. Speaking of which, I have summoned a Miko to come train you."

"You did?" Avalon questions incredulously.

"Why of course. The sword is wielded by none other than a Miko and I know you are not well trained."

"You are correct. I am not well trained." Avalon admits, there's no point in denying it. 'If I can train and get good enough, I might be able to escape you, Naraku.'

"I notice you also carried a katana before. Did you know how to use it?"

"I've had training but not much practical experience."

"I see...would you like my advisor Naraku to aid you in training?"

"I would not object."

"Very well then, he will." He lifts his tea up to his mouth, drinking slowly. He caresses Avalon's cheek with his knuckles, then traces the bones just under her eyes. "Your eyes are unlike any I have ever seen. Where did you say you were from?"

Avalon stills herself from pulling away, even as her skin crawls at his touch. "I didn't."

"Do they all look like you?" His eyebrow raises as the fingers trail from her eyes, down her cheek, behind the lobe of her ear, and across the sensitive skin of her neck.

Avalon slightly bends her head as if the area was ticklish. "That tickles Kagewaki. But no, where I come from everyone has unique features."

"I have heard of foreigners coming to our lands before. Do you speak a different tongue where you are from?" His hand remains on her neck as he leans closer, massaging the area with his thumb.

"I do." Avalon stiffens as his thumb presses into her neck. She smiles to keep from sneering at his touch.

"Speak for me Ava," he mutters affectionately in her ear, his breath beating at her skin.

Avalon turns her head to look at his face and gives him an adoring eye. She takes on an affectionate tone dropping an octave to sound more sensual speaking in English and says, "Kagewaki , I would be a fool to fall for you." She gives him an award winning smile. 'I just have to act like his charms are working.'

His belly boils at the sound of her voice. His finger slides over her shoulder, dipping into the back of her kimono. "Beautiful." He scoots closer to her until their sides are touching. "Are you not hungry? You haven't touched your food."

"Oh my, our conversation was so riveting I nearly forgot." Scooting herself away, she reaches for her chopsticks and the dish of rice in front of her. 'Give me an excuse, any excuse to get away from you please.' "When do you think the Miko will arrive to train me?"

Keeping his hand on her back he says, "She should be arriving tomorrow. So we have all of today together."

Avalon gives a tight smile. "Lovely." She picks up the dish of rice and starts eating, taking small bits

"They don't have Miko's where you come from?"

"None that I know of. Why?"

"No reason," he considers what she has said, then continues, "tell me Ava," his arm slithers around her waist, up the side of her stomach, "if you are unattached, have you known the pleasure of a man."

Avalon's eyes widen at the insinuation and her hand slides down to her stomach taking his hand off. "I have never known the pleasure of a man."

"Then why have you chosen to remain single? Certainly you know how dangerous that is." His hand came around her waist again, his mouth near her neck. "Some derelict male, might have his way with you. A married woman...at least she would be protected."

Avalon counters, "Marriage protects nothing. If I were to be taken by another male, my supposed husband would have every right to abandon me. Are you a derelict male Kagewaki?"

"You tell me, sweet Ava," his lips come down on her shoulder. "Are you so above other women you would deny a Lord?"

"Would you punish me for denying you?" She tilts her head away from his face

"Perhaps another night," he slides his fingers down her sides, running them along her hip. "Tell me more about yourself. What was your home like? Your parents?"

"Very different from here, my parents are dead." Avalon rolls her shoulders. "They died a long time ago. What else do you wish to know dear Kagewaki?" 'God I hate myself right now,' Avalon scolds herself

"Everything of course," his mind races with the information she has given him. She has more to tell him and he knows it. "Have you heard of the Shikon no Tama?"

"What an odd name?"

"So you don't know of it?"

"I've heard rumors of it being in this land. Can you tell me more about it?"

A steady smirk crosses his face. "What rumors have you heard?"

"Only that it was destroyed when a Miko took it to her burning pire." Avalon smiles charmingly at Kagewaki.

He decides to press his luck, bringing a ball of rice up to her lips. "I have heard rumors too, about you." He waits for her to open her mouth. As she does, biting down on the rice, he whispers in her ear, "that you know more about what I am looking for."

Quickly chewing and swallowing her bite, she speaks, "Rumors are just that Kagewaki rumors. Some are true, some are false, and others are exaggerations." Avalon turns her head letting her breath ghost over his lips dropping her voice, "Do tell dear Kagewaki, what are you looking for?"

"A partner," he presses his lips into hers, parting them with his tongue. "An ally." He cups her chin, opening her mouth wider with his thumb and attempting to press her shoulders back.

Avalon's eyes widen. She keeps her back up right with her left hand going behind to support her as he presses her backwards. Her right hand reaches into his hair threading her fingers along his scalp. She grasps at the hair, pulling his head back. "And you think to find that in me?" Avalon wants to vomit from the invasion on her person, but keeps an inquisitive look on her face. She had not expected him to take such liberties with her, but she knew she was playing a dangerous game.

"Are you shy Ava?" His fingers creep down her shoulders, going for her chest as his lips press into hers again. "What do you want?"

Avalon grips his hair harder, her gaze hardening. "Shy isn't the word I would use, I am not a toy Kagewaki. Tell me what you are after."

Before she can react, he raises a knife to her neck and hisses in her ear, "would you resist me?" The blade slithers playfully along her throat, digging in enough to sting. "I am after the truth, a truth you have held back."

"What truth do you seek?"

"What do you know about the Shikon no Tama. I have ears everywhere, Ava...there is a reason I came for you. You know it will return soon. I want to know how."

"The Shikon no Tama? Is that what you are after? Why would a Lord want a wretched thing like that?"

"Why would you protest telling me? Let me tell you a secret Ava, you give me more with what you refuse to say than what you do."

"Do I Onigumo?"

"So you know me?" He smiles devilishly.

Avalon smirks. "I know many things. What would you give me if I let you in? Gave you what I know?"

"You aren't in the position to ask, yet, Ava," he slides the knife between her breasts, flirtatiously. "What are you willing to offer?"

"I have the upper hand actually." Avalon runs her hand down his face along his arm holding the blade, "You don't know what I know and what I don't know. But if I'm dead," she shrugs, "you will never know what I could offer."

"Who's fault will that be if you deny me?"

"Mine I suppose but if I tell you what I know, how can I be sure I'll live?"

"If you know me, you know you can trust me," he removes the knife, caressing her neck.

'I trust a snake more.' "Well, what have you heard so far and I will fill in the blanks."

"I have heard that the jewel will return. How and when?"

"How, a reincarnation of the late Miko, when is a little more ambiguous I am not at all certain of the time but within the next year I assume."

"Hmmm and you can give me no more on that?"

"No."

"How do you know me?" Naraku grins at Avalon

"I recognize your guise. I know the history of Onigumo, Naraku, Kikyo, and Inuyasha. Not all of it, but enough."

"History that was some 50 years again and I did not leave witnesses. Who told you these tales?" He presses himself against Avalon brushing his hand along her breast.

"There was a prophet, I guess you could say that told your tale and I read their work."

"Hmmmm and you know this person?" he purrs into her ear.

"No. I do not."

"Does this person's work extend into the future?"

"I don't know, I guess I will find out if the jewel returns as I believe it will."

Naraku nods his head getting off of Avalon allowing her to get up. Avalon brushes herself off.

"If the shikon no tama returns, I will have you at my side Ava. Until then, enjoy the pleasures of the castle and Naraku will help train you with your sword."

"You mean your puppet will train me. Do not think me as such a fool Naraku."

Kagewaki nods his head. "Quite right but if the jewel does not return Ava…" he left the threat hanging in the air.

Avalon gives him a tight nod and rushes back to her room. She pushes the shoji screen open and walks in closing it behind her. Taking a deep breath she sits on the floor. 'So I will still be trained that will be a mistake you will live to regret Naraku.'

After a few hours of pacing her room, she hears light footsteps. Avalon summons her sword and holds it close.

"Lady Ava would you like some tea?" calls Getsumei's voice

Avalon sighs, a drink of tea. She could use that. "Sure bring it in."

Avalon's door slides open and Getsumei rises with the tray of tea and presents it to Avalon. "Is there anything else I can get you? Lord Kagewaki insisted you are to be given anything you desire."

Avalon's eyebrow raises. "Oh? I would like scrolls, ink and a few quills."

"You are educated?"

"Do you question your Lady?"

"No I am sorry, I will have those fetched for you. I have already dispatched servants to gather sabonsō."

"Very well leave me." 'I do not trust this Getsumei. I can not afford to trust or become attached to anyone here.'

Getsumei exits the room with haste. Getsumei walks down the hall where Kagewaki steps out in front of her.

"Has she given anything away?"

"My Lord I believe she is educated, she asked for writing utensils."

"Anything else?"

"No, my Lord."

"Very well, keep me apprised of her requests and anything you learn."

"Hai." Getsumei bows as Kagewaki walks by leaving her behind.

Avalon sips at her tea wondering what she can do in the meantime. Setting the tea down, she starts pulling all the clothing out of the kodana searching for hakama. She finds a few and changes out of the over burdensome kimonos and uses the Hakama and a yukata and obi to secure her clothing. She straps her regular katana to her side. She secures her hair in a tight bun.

Sliding the adjoining door to Kagewaki's room open, she looks inside to see him seated over some scrolls. He looks up surprised to see her change of clothing and the change in her demeanor.

Avalon walks straight in disregarding all formalities. She stands over him as he looks up at her. "It's time to train. You will train me and I will wield this sword." She points to her hip. "It is a mortal weapon. It cannot hurt you...much." She winks at him. "I promise not to draw Murasaki no Raikō against you while we train as long as you promise to treat it as training and use no demonic abilities against me." She smiles down at the stund Lord. 'Good going Avalon, keep him on his toes.'

Kagewaki recomposes his face and smirks at the cocky woman before him. "You are a breath of fresh air Ava."

"I assume you wish for me to call you Kagewaki?"

"That would be helpful."

"I have no reason to out you to the castle. They would only perish in your miasma, if they tried to rise up against you. The dead stink and can't keep house." Avalon brushes off coolly. She would have to harden her heart. Not only did she not want people to die, she did not want Naraku to know she would care if he tried to use them against her.

Avalon closes the shoji screen to her room and steps out his door. She calls over her shoulder, "You coming." Avalon walks with confidence in her step as she traverses the hall she walked before. Stepping into the outer courtyard, she waits for Kagewaki to come out. Moments later Kagewaki steps out, his hair in a high topknot, in hakama, bare chested and a sword over his shoulder.

"Are you sure you wish to do this Ava?"

Avalon pops her neck. "Most definitely." 'This is going to fucking hurt but what better way to get to know the enemy?'

Kagewaki steps at a leisurely pace to be in front of Avalon.

Avalon pulls her sword from her obi, readying her stance and gripping the handle with both hands. Kagewaki keeps the katana laying on his shoulder waiting for Avalon to charge.

Avalon purses her lips waiting for Kagewaki to move to strike. The two circle each other.

"Are you afraid to strike a woman?"

Kagewaki raises his brow keeping his cool. "Do you fear me Ava?"

"Not at this moment Kagewaki." Avalon smiles, he can try to get her to strike first but it will be fruitless. "But I am growing bored. I didn't know we would be dancing."

"Dancing you say?" Kagewaki loses his patience and brings his sword down on Avalon's left shoulder. Avalon turns her blade to the side allowing the side of the blade to take the blow while rolling the right side of her body towards him. She uses her right elbow to hit him just below the sternum. She twists left with her whole body and sword striking at his abdomen while stepping back to get a little distance between her and Kagewaki. She brings the sword around again to create even more distance. She observes him keenly. She would need to learn everything she can.

Kagewaki moves in to strike at her again swinging down and from the right to left while she stops the blade with her sword. Kagewaki lashes out with his leg to trip Avalon, causing her to fall to the ground on her back. Avalon swings her blade in a large arc around her body keeping him at bay, while she springs up using her back and powerful legs to right herself.

'Damn that hurt.' Avalon repositions herself. She would allow him to strike at her. She didn't need him learning her moves. Kagewaki brought his sword down on Avalon multiple times and Avalon ended up bruised and bloody from the punches and kicks she received as her blade was occupied.

Her shoulder was torn from a slash he had landed before she could respond. Then with the 15th blow her body received, she stayed down. "I give Kagewaki. I am done for the day."

Kagewaki steps over Avalon with feet on either side and kneels over her hips. He brings his hand to touch her temple glide his fingers along her cheek bringing his thumb to brush over her busted lip. 'She did well in protecting her face.' Kagewaki leans down and licks her busted lip.

Avalon wants to gag. She can feel the familiar sting of yoki, it is clear Naraku was healing her lip. He then presses his lips to hers forcing them to part for his demanding tongue. He pulls back to look at her stunned blue green eyes. "I don't want such beauty marred." With that, he gets up and holds his hand out to Avalon.

Avalon hesitantly takes his hand, Kagewaki lifts her off the ground. "Come it will be time to eat soon and you should be tended to."

Avalon nods her heads and moves to brush past him to the castle but he keeps her at his side. "Kagewaki?"

"I said you need to be tended to I will tend to you."

Avalon's eyebrow rose. "Ahh." She forces a smile as Kagewaki leads her to his room. "Shouldn't I be in my own room?"

"Oh Ava you seem to own this room as well, the way you walk in so proudly," he purrs as he makes her sit with him. Kagewaki pulls at her yukata to expose her slashed left shoulder.

"Let me." Avalon pulls her shoulder out of the yukata so he could see the cut.

Kagewaki stares at the shoulder, admiring the soft pale skin. "Such flawless skin, you did come from wealth."

Avalon nods

"Allow me to keep it that way." Without waiting for a reply he bends his head down as his tongue slithers out to lick alone the red gash. He brings his mouth down on her wound, licking and kissing to heal the wound. "You taste devine Ava. I would love to sample more of you."

Avalon tries to not shudder with disgust but fails. Kagewaki thinks his charms are working. He moves to push the yukata further down.

Avalon catches his hand. "Don't," she whispers. "You want me to trust you, don't try to force yourself on me."

Kagewaki looks up with heavy lids and nods his head. Avalon can't believe she is about to do what she is about to do, but she has to give him hope there is something if he doesn't try to force her. She leans down, closing her eyes. She imagines kissing Adrian Paul as she kisses Kagewaki. Allowing him to slide his tongue into her mouth, she greets him with a dance. She slowly pulls away to smile at him. "Time. It is what I need okay?"

Kagewaki nods with half lidded eyes.

Avalon gets up without Kagewaki stopping her. She walks to the shoji screen connecting their rooms sliding it open and closing it as she steps into her room. Walking to the bathing area she pulls the yukata off to rinse her arms and face. She accidentally lets tears slip before she quickly wipes them away. She grabs a new yukata and steps back into her room. She then notices that the clothing had been put away and there was writing material on the tsukeshoin.

'So my room is not left alone while I am away?' Avalon sits at the tsukeshoin and pulls one of the empty scrolls open. She dips a quill in the ink pot and begins to draw an intricate flower. It would serve as an outlet. She knows everything she does will be monitored or she would have written but Naraku has learned enough about her. He didn't need to know she could read and write too.

A soft knock came from her door. "My Lady."

Avalon speaks without emotion, "Enter Getsumei."

"You're not dressed for dinner."

"Observant aren't you." Avalon stands to face her. "Dress me again with only 2 kimonos and a juban. I will keep my hakama on."

"Hai." Getsumei grabs two kimonos and a juban. The first one was purple with pink cherry blossoms and the other was light green with white flowers. Getsumei presents the two kimonos to Avalon, knowing she will insist on choosing which is worn on the outside.

"I don't care whichever," Avalon dismisses

Getsumei decides on putting the purple one on the outside.

"Where is the pack that was on my horse?"

"It must still be in the stable my Lady."

"You will take me to retrieve it."

"Hai."

Getsumei finishes dressing Avalon and goes to leave.

"Where are you going? WE are going to the stables now."

"Oh my apologies, it slipped my mind."

Avalon presses her lips together, 'liar.' "Let's go."

Avalon opens the shoji screen to the hall and steps through the door waiting for Getsumei to follow. Avalon closes the door. "After you."

Getsumei leads them through the hall and out the back to the stables. Avalon quickens her pace to find Ten'un. The stable boy is tending the horses. "Boy," Avalon's clear voice rings out, grabbing the young man's attention. "The horse I came on had a pack, I require it." The young man rushes into the equipment area and brings a very familiar pack out to Avalon bowing while he presents it to her. Avalon snatches the pack and turns her back not gracing him with any further interaction.

Avalon walks back to the castle at a brisk pace leaving Getsumei behind "My Lady, please wait."

"I haven't the time." Avalon calls over her shoulder. She moves quickly down the hall to her room and opens the door to slam it closed behind her on Getsumei's face "Leave me. I will join the Lord in a moment." Avalon opens the pack pulling out the comb and kimono Sesshomaru gave her. 'Why did I feel the need to protect these?'

Avalon takes the comb and slides it into an outerwall's silk in the corner where it will be obscured. The kimono she looks over and wonders what to do to protect it. She pulls up her futon and then pulls up a tatami mat. Putting the kimono under the mat, then under the futon. Getsumei waits outside the door for Avalon. Avalon takes the rest of her pack and scatters the contents about her room in various places. She places all items in strategic locations to let her know if someone was snooping in her room. Avalon then slides the door open. "Getsumei, I do not want anyone in my room unless I am there, understand?"

Getsumei bows, "Hai."

"Good." Avalon walks to the dining area to see Kagewaki sitting, waiting for her. "Kagewaki." Avalon bows her head

"Ava." Kagewaki motions with his hand for her to sit next to him again.

Avalon sits where Kagewaki indicates. Servants rush out and place food before the Lord and guest.

Avalon grabs her chopsticks and starts eating without waiting for Kagewaki. She knows it's not acceptable and rude, but she wants to see what she can push, plus she is hungry.

Kagewaki grabs his food and starts eating as well. They chat here and there with Kagewaki making advances on Avalon throughout the meal. Avalon's fear rises each time his hand brushes against her flesh and she knows she has to escape that night. After they finish eating, Avalon bids Kagewaki good night.

Avalon heads back to her room. She pulls the futon up and the mat, grabbing the kimono and pulling the comb from the wall. She removes the extra kimonos and dresses in new clean hakama. She puts on the kimono and ties the obi around her, making for worthy travel. She puts her hair in a tight bun and uses the comb to secure the hair. She waits until she hears the staff is asleep and the household is silent. She slides open the shoji to the bathing area and opens the screen that leads outside. Silently she makes her way across the courtyard and slips into the trees. She doesn't know exactly where to go, she just knows she has to get away.

She travels quietly in the trees for a few hours and suddenly hears branches being snapped behind her. She spins around, instantly summoning Murasaki no Raikō into her hand, when she sees the familiar baboon pelt. She readies herself for the confrontation. She already could tell it was his puppet. She warns in a deadly tone, "Leave me be."

"I cannot comply." Tentacles shootout at her. She slashes at the tentacles with her sword. They fall to the ground as more replace the ones she sliced off. She suddenly feels vines constrict around her body. Looking down, she sees that the tentacles she had cut off have shot up to stop her movements. "Release me!"

"I cannot, I need to take you back."

Avalon struggles against her bonds as the puppet moves behind her. The puppet commands the tentacles to encircle her wrists, bringing them behind her back and binding her ankles, freeing the rest of her body. He lifts her up and slings her over his shoulder leaving Murasaki no Raikō laying on the ground. Avalon wiggles in his grasp but he holds firm to her and carries her back to the castle.

He walks down the hall with Avalon in his arms and she remains silent. Speaking won't do any good anyway. The puppet slides the shoji screen open to Kagewaki's room, walks in and deposits Avalon on Kagewaki's futon. Avalon rights herself the best she can, kneeling before Kagewaki and stares up at him with a defiant look. Kagewaki stands at the foot of the futon towering over her in a simple sleeping yukata. The puppet leaves closing the shoji screen behind him.

In a flat tone Avalon says, "Kagewaki."

"Going somewhere?" He leans over her menacingly.

A/N A huge thank you to my readers and a huge thank you to my co-author and beta Elohiniar. I am thrilled to present my idea to the public and I can not stress enough how much getting a review encourages me to continue writing. Please leave a review they make my day. Thank you all!

ASJS - I am so glad you are enjoying the story. I hope I did not disappoint with this chapter. Thank you for your kind review

Itzatakahashi- It thrills me to know new people are reading and enjoying my work. You are very right Naraku has his own plans for Avalon. But why go with him you ask, simple if you fight you show your hand and where you stand. Why let him know you're his enemy any sooner than you have to.

Lolitaloverlemon- I actually enjoy Jaken as a character and he does have his own brand of wisdom, it comes with age. Avalon tries to be respectful to those who respect her. 4 more chapters and we start seeing the series start playing out but don't be too surprised if there are a few monkey wrenches thrown in. Thank you for the review and if you ever want to ask me a question feel free to message me.

Smmahamazing- Thank you for your kind review. I hope I do not disappoint and having elohiniar's help makes this story that much more spectacular.

Lonewolf1836 Thank you for the kind review and I am glad you are enjoying the story. I truly hope you will continue to enjoy it. Things will be explained as things go by as to why Avalon's attraction was so immediate to Sesshomaru and his was never a romantic interest it was only a carnal desire for satisfaction.