Naraku pulled against his bindings. They wouldn't budge. His back still stung. Blood dripped down his skin. So make the situation worse he was thirsty and starving, pluse his spin was in pain from be bent over so long.

A snap of a twig got his attention. Infront of him was a hood figure. Must have been the same one that had rode with Sesshoumaru.

"What do you want."

"Shhhh you'll wake the others. I'm here to help you."

The deep vioce made it clear it was a man. He sounded familiar but Naraku couldn't place it.

The prince had no idea why one of the Inus would want to help him. He kept a flow eye on him till he disappeared behind him.

"This might hurt a bit."

A cool wet fabric was pressed against his open wounds. Naraku hissed as his cuts started to burn.

"Shhh don't make any noise." The stranger cleaned his back of blood. "This will make sure you don't get an infection."

"Who are you?" Naraku asked.

"Im not supprised you don't remember me. I was just your slave after all." Inuyasha pulled down his hoodie.

Naraku was speechless. He couldn't think of anything to say. He never expected Inuyasha to live this long. And why was he sharing a horse with Sesshoumaru? Actually the better question was why didn't he turn him in when Kuto lied and said he was the prince. He had the chance to turn him in. Why didn't he?

"How did you survive?"

"Seshoumaru took me in and freed me. I am not a slave anymore." Inuayha said that last part proudly.

Naraku looked over him. He had grown into a strong young man. He was taller and more muscular than before. He must have been eating well. He stood tall and his ears were pointed up instead if their usual folded position.

"Sesshoumaru, he's the one who whipped me?"

"Yes, he's the general. Were engaged." He showed him the golden ring. Sesshoumaru had asked him a few days ago to marry him and he excepted. They were planning on getting married in spring. He had no idea why he told Naraku.

"Congratulations." Naraku said sarcastically.

"I brought you some water." Inuyasha pulled the bottle from his bag.

"Why are you helping me?"

"I don't know."

Inuyasha put the tip to his lips. Slowly Naraku drank it.

"Thanks" he mummed.

"Can you get me out of here?"

Inuyasha shook his head.

"Cant you steel the keys from Sesshoumaru while he is sleeping? I imagine you share the same quarters."

"I will not sleet from My fiancé!" he said sternly.

"Than your useless to me." Naraku turned his head away.

"Listen, I have an idea on how you can live"

The Spytra looked back at him.

"Once we deliver the prince... who every that is to the capital me and Sesshoumaru are planning on moving to the country. He's going to retire."

"And how dose this help me?"

"Well I can say were going to need help caring for the house and we might need a servant."

"You want to make me a slave!" Naraku yelled.

"SHhhhhhh." Inuyasha covered his mouth. "Not servant, slave" he uncovered his mouth.

"Same thing" the sptrya growled.

"At least you'll live, all you would have to do is vow to be loyal to him and do some chores."

To say that Naraku was mad wouldn't come close to how he was feeling. How could it had come to this.

"I though Inus did believe in slavery."

"They give prisoners or criminals on death row the option of being slaves or being put to death. Please agree to this Naraku. Its the only way to save you." he pleaded with the other.

Naraku lowered his head. He couldn't believe it had come to this. He was a prince for fucking sakes.

"Alright, Ill do it but you have to help me escape the first chance we get."

"OK, Ill talk to Sesshoumaru tomorrow, try to behave till than." he put back his hoody on and disappeared back into the night.

...

Naraku wished he would go death. He couldn't stand the sounds of his people being nailed to the crosses by their hands and feet. Even the children where staked. Their screams were none stop. The heavy scent of blood filled the air.

"Stop, please leave them alone." he screamed.

The soldiers ignored him, no matter how much he yelled at them. Some even got pissed off but they didn't come close to him since Sesshouaru had ordered them to stay away.

As the day went on the screams started to fade as his people started to die out. He lowered his head in misery, Inus were barbaric beast. He swore if he got free he make them all pay.

The thing that really scared him was that he could have been one of the poor souls on those crosses. Though his current situation wasn't much better. The burning sun stung his fresh wounds. His skin blistered and redden from the rays. His pale complexion didn't fair well in this weather. He was so thirsty and hungry but he knew he wouldn't be fed.

He was hoping Inuyasha would come through. If not he would die slowly.

...

Inuyasha sat at the table watching Sesshoumaru enjoy his morning cup of tea.

"Sesshouamru" he said.

"Yes?"

"I was wondering, when you retire and we move to the country it will be difficult taking care of the house by ourself. Especially if we plan to adopt." Inuyasha poured himself a bowel of cereal.

"Do not worry, we can hire maids to help around the house." Sesshoumaru took another sip of tea.

"But they wont be around full time. Maybe we could get some one to stay full time." He tried to easy into bringing up Naraku.

"Some one like that Spytra noble in the stockaded?"

Inuyasha smiled nervously. The dog was justto smart.

"Please Sesshoumaru, so much blood has been spilled. Cant we just leave this one alive?" he begged.

"We had to kill the others, if we didn't they run to the Spytra army and tell them we were here." Sesshoumaru stood up and adjusted his sword. He looked out side.

"I know but you don't have to kill him." he gave Sesshoumaru his puppy dog eyes. They always soften him up.

"He's a Spytra noble. He would rather die than become a slave. And if he dose he'll try to escape the first opportunity he gets." Sesshoumaru rubbed his forehead. He felt like a parent telling his child they couldn't keep the dog or cat they found.

"Pleassseeee. Please give him a chance." Inuyasha pleaded.

"Alright fine, Ill give him the option."

Inuyasha kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you."