"Miroku, Inuyasha you have to hurry." Shippo screamed rushing through the clearing.

"Why? What is it?"

"Kagome's been kidnapped." They moved instantly, racing to find her, following Shippo's screamed instructions, and straining to hear Kagome's screams, but unable to hear her. "I swear she was here." Shippo dropped to the ground, pointing at several pieces of scattered firewood. A soft moan drew their attention.

"Sango!" Miroku ran to her, fell to his knees at her side, "Are you okay?"

"I…I think so. Is Kagome okay?"

"She's gone." Inuyasha growled, sniffing at the air, trying to find a trace of her.

"Hello." The voice came from what was obviously a young girl, with a very girlish voice. Her face was innocently sweet, but oddly without emotion.

"Who the hell are you?" Inuyasha demanded staring at her.

"My name is Lillya. I wanted to see who my men would be killing."

"What are you talking about?"

The girl gave them a cold smile and snapped her fingers. Men in uniforms matching hers appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

"I'll leave you to deal with them. Our lord will be very pleased when you return," Lillya turned, "I must return with his bride." She looked away from them all and walked calmly into the distance.

"Return with his bride? You don't think she means Kagome?" Sango climbed to her feet with Miroku's help.

"I think that's exactly who she means, but we'll stop them before it gets that far." Inuyasha drew his sword.

*

"I told you not to come near me again Jaken. Are you so desperate for death?" Sesshomaru did not look at the imp to know he was there.

"I kn…know…m…my lord, but… I I have a reason." Jaken felt the familiar weight of his lord's foot as he was crushed to the ground, "Pleas my lord…"

"You were warned Jaken."

"Please my lord! I saw the girl…that human girl…Kagome has been kidnapped."

"You are sure of this?" Sesshomaru stepped away from the pathetic figure as it nodded. "You will tell me everything."

"I went to beg the girl's forgiveness my lord, and before I left another girl appeared. Then she called several men who drug the girl away." Jaken cowered a little at Sesshomaru's gaze, something he had always been glad for the chance to do, "There was nothing I could do my lord."

"The names Jaken. Who is responsible for this?"

"The girl was named Lillya, I believe my lord, her master was called Gorenchi she said."

"Gorenchi. This name means nothing to me. In which direction Jaken?" He saw the imp point, and wished he hadn't asked, but his decision had already been made. Sesshomaru had accepted on some level that the girl was his, and no one else would claim his human, even if he could not have her himself. "This time I will spare you Jaken. The next time you will not be so fortunate."

*

"I expected that to be harder. Why do you think they ran away?" Sango asked looking around.

"I think these men were merely a distraction so they could get away with Kagome." Miroku looked around for Inuyasha, jumping a little when he found the half demon on his hands and knees, nose to the ground. "Can you follow her Inuyasha."

"No, I can't pick up her scent. It's like she just disappeared."

"Well we have to find a way to get Kagome back before this guy makes her marry him."

"We don't even know who has her." Sango murmured, looking around helplessly.

"Then we'll just look everywhere until we find out." Inuyasha snapped, jumping to his feet, "We can't just leave Kagome."

"Yeah, until Kikyo comes along again." Sango mumbled under her breath, hoping neither of them had heard her.

*

"How many times do I have to tell you to let go of me!" Kagome screamed, finally managing to rip herself away from the two men who had captured her.

"I told you to be careful." Lillya snapped, appearing next to them. She pulled Kagome to her feet, leading her into the enormous castle they had suddenly found in front of them. "Our lord's bride must not be harmed."

"Bride! What are you talking about?"

"It will all be explained when you meet my lord Gorenchi." Lillya announced, leading her toward a set of double doors that opened magically for them.

"But I don't want to meet this Gorenchi. I want to go back to my friends."

"I'm afraid that is quite out of the question. You are going to remain here and be my queen." The low voice came from a man in his mid to late twenties with long dark hair. He was seated in a large ornate thrown.

"Be your queen? I don't even know you." Kagome stared at the man climbing to his feet. He wasn't ugly, but wasn't really good looking either, just average, but she had never heard a more terrifying option than being his wife.

"That will change of course. You will learn exactly what pleases and displeases me."

"You can't make me stay here."

"Yes I can. I have made my decision, you will be my queen."

"No, I won't."

"You will agree, eventually. Lillya, take her to her room."

"Yes my lord. This way." The girl's hand was much smaller than the men's had been, but her grip seemed stronger.

"I won't do this." Kagome yelled back, but was only greeted by laughter. She let Lillya lead her into the castle, aware that she could not escape the girl.

"You should be flattered really, that Lord Gorenchi has chosen you. He could have any woman he pleased to be his queen."

"Then he can pick another woman. I will not marry him."

"Really Lady Kagome, you must stop talking like that." Lillya shoved open a door and carefully shoved Kagome into the room beyond. "Your door will be locked. If you require anything simply ask your guard and it will be brought to you."

"I want to leave."

"I'm afraid that is out of the question." Lillya's smile was plastic, fake. It was the last thing Kagome saw before the door closed again.

Kagome turned into the room, trying not to be afraid of concerned. Someone would come for her. Inuyasha would come to save her, with Miroku and Sango. She wanted to pray for Sesshomaru to be with her, but didn't dare torture herself with the image of the man she loved more than anyone else. If they come too late she would never see him again. How could she marry this stranger.

*

"Lillya, I have a new task for you."

"What do you wish my lord?"

"My enemies linger beyond my walls, beyond my land. They must not be allowed to ruin my upcoming wedding."

"No they mustn't my lord." Lillya dared to move toward him, kneel beside his thrown, "What shall I do?"

"You will hunt my enemies and dispose of them. Begin with the lesser forces, they could combine against me, those who have already claimed their territory are less likely to come, but must be killed as well."

"If this is your wish, it shall be done." Lillya paused, "What shall I do with your soon to be queen's friends my lord?"

"Capture them and bring them to me. I shall give them to her as a wedding gift."

"As you wish my lord."

"A fine present don't you think Berena?"

"The idea is unsettling to me my lord. Her friends are warriors of great distinction. They will turn upon you like caged beasts, already they hunger for your blood to be spilled." Berena's hair, a dull coppery orange, spilled in waves around her shoulders, the ends mismatched from pieces used in her craft.

"I will hand them easily."

"Perhaps my lord," She continued to spare herself from his anger, "you must remove the half demon's sword, he will be far easier to control without it."

"You are useful Berena. To think I had planned to kill you."

The witch did not respond as she looked away from the man on his thrown. A deep hatred burned in her eyes. Someday, Berena promised herself, she would be free of the fool.

*

It was as if she had simply vanished into nothing. This was where they had taken her from, but even he could find no way to follow where she had been taken. These kidnappers were not armatures. He bit back his anger, holding it. He could use that anger when he found the thief, until then it was wise to keep his composure. Finding her would not be easy, but it also would not be impossible.

*

Kagome jumped a little as the door opened and turned almost hopefully to the person coming in. The hope that she was about to be rescued vanished the second she recognized Gorenchi standing in the doorway.

"You seem to have calmed down enough to be spoken to."

"I have nothing to say to you." She snapped, looking dismissively away.

"I said spoken to, not with. You are simply to listen to me." He closed the door behind him, leaning against it with his arms crossed. Kagome glanced at him, then away, deciding not to acknowledge that he was speaking or even in the room. "As I told you at our last meeting I have chosen you to be my queen. As you have proven to be less than cooperative and grateful in anyway I have been forced to do something to convince you."

She tried not to look at him, but couldn't help it. The threat implied in his words had the desired effect and forced her to turn toward him.

"You wanted to be with your friends. They will be brought to you, but the moment you displease me one of them will be killed in front of you. And if you continue refusing me I will ensure each death is long and painful, yours the worst of all."

"They won't let you catch them."

"They won't have a choice in the matter. Lillya never fails to obey her orders."

"Why are you doing this?"

"My decision is made, and my mind will not be changed."

"I won't let you hurt them."

"Then don't make me." He turned away.

"What kind of monster are you?" She demanded trying not to cry or scream.

"Do not speak to me in such a manner. I will not allow it."

"Oh and what are you going to do? Kill me?"

Gorenchi moved into the room, ominously marching directly to her. She tried to stand perfectly still as he neared, his face twitching with barely controlled anger. Kagome stared up at him, doing everything she could to hide her fear and keep the defiant look on her face. He was as tall as Sesshomaru, with the same kind of intimidating dangerous aura, but instead of controlling the current Gorenchi let it flow out of him in waves. Kagome swallowed silently. She realized too late what he was going to do.

She had barely started to doge him when his hand collided with her cheek, sending Kagome to the floor. She curled into a ball on her side for a second, then started to sit up.

"You will learn to obey me, my queen." He turned on his heel, and marched out of the room.

Kagome curled into a boy as her fear finally broke the barriers she'd put around it. The hot tears burned her frozen cheeks and she shook with sobs. Where were they? Why had no one come for her? She'd been here for days already, and there was no way she could escape him on her own.

*

"Sesshomaru, this is quite a surprise."

"I have come for a purpose Holken." It was best to be forward in this, well as forward as he was able to be. He had a reason for being here, and likely little time.

"By all means come in. This must be a matter of great importance to bring you so far personally." Holken closed the door to the room, following Sesshomaru into the empty space. "What can I do for you?"

"There is a man named Gorenchi, he has a servant name Lillya. Do these names mean anything to you?"

"I should have suspected as much. What has Gorenchi attempted against you?"

"Nothing that bears mention. I am curious, what do you know of him?"

"He's a demon of course, mix of many types, I'm not sure which. He's been building up power and grabbing at land for some time. I was under the impression that he knew better than to cross you, he's been careful to remain out of your way."

"So it would seem. Until recently I had not even heard the name."

"I've never seen him personally, but those who have tell me he's a bit like you. No one knows what to expect of him."

"Such disrespect. How do I find him?"

"Well, no one knows for sure. He's got some monstrosity of a castle that he keeps hidden. Doesn't like visitors that one, unlike myself."

"So it would seem. You've been rather helpful." It was all the thanks the demon would receive from him. He should know better that to ask for anything more. Sesshomaru approached the door, preparing to leave.

"There is a new rumor floating around," Holken watched the young demon pause before continuing, " They say that Gorenchi has a human girl that he plans to marry. They also say that your…younger brother is attempting to rescue that girl. Now why would you come asking about this demon now?"

"It is purely coincidental I assure you."

Sesshomaru was an accomplished liar, very well versed in hiding the truth, but Holken could hear the lie he was telling now. "I was told some time ago that you had taken a human girl to your home with you, and kept her there for some time before her rather sudden departure. Is this the same girl? Where you watching her for your brother? Or has he been watching her for you?"

"It rather offends me to learn you have been spying on me Holken, and that you think so lowly of me that you would have me in league with humans and an idiot half demon."

"I meant nothing against your character I assure you. I know your father would have been glad for you and your brother to work together. Forgive me for being overly sentimental."

"Sentimentality is for fools. I was under the impression you knew that." Sesshomaru pushed the door open. Holken was coming too close to the truth. No one could know he was really searching for the girl. His human would be safest as a secret.

*

"We're never going to find Kagome are we?" Shippo whined and was knocked from Miroku's shoulder by Inuyasha's fist.

"Shippo you shouldn't talk like that." Miroku chided, looking at the little fox sprawled at his feet, then Inuyasha

"Shippo you shouldn't talk like that." Miroku chided, looking at the little fox sprawled at his feet, then Inuyasha. The half demon glared at the fox for a moment before stepping over him, "I'm sure we'll find her eventually."

"I hope we aren't too late" Sango murmured.

"It won't matter, when I find whoever's responsible for this I'll…"

"Hello." The girl stood looking at them all, as before she wasn't smiling, "Lady Kagome has been very concerned over all of you."

"Where is she?" Inuyasha snapped, ready to rip her apart with his bare hands.

"She is well. I have been sent to bring you to my lord's castle. Lady Kagome is there already."

"You tell me where to find Kagome right now, or I'll cut you to pieces.

"Inuyasha, if you kill her we'll never get to Kagome." Miroku's hand closed on a red clad shoulder, pulling the nearly irrational Inuyasha back a step.

"What?"

"This girl has come to take us to Kagome. We should go with her."

"What if it's a trap?" Sango asked quietly.

"Then we'll deal with it when we get there. This is the best option we have for now." Miroku said softly.

"I don't like this." Inuyasha's eyes were darting around them, like he sensed something there but couldn't see it.

"If you refuse to come we will be forced to bring you by force." There were now several men standing next to Lillya.

"We'll come." Miroku announced. Instantly several men grabbed his arms, then Inuyasha and Sango's.

"You will give up your weapons." Lillya ordered.

"Not a chance." Inuyasha snapped and was quickly hit over the head.

"Inuyasha!" Sango watched the half demon slump over unconscious.

"I'm afraid you haven't got a choice." Lillya turned away from them and marched forward. She held up her hand, her long pointer finger covered with some kind of glowing metallic tip. She stuck her finger out as if stabbing into something and drew it downward, the air tearing in front of her. It widened, revealing a sliver of a castle and brownish grass. "Take them to Lord Gorenchi, then join me. We have much work to do."

Kagome walked carefully down the stairs, keeping as much distance as she could between herself and the guards who had taken her from her room. One walked in front and the other beside her. She jerked away whenever he attempted to grasp her arm.

The doors to Gorenchi's thrown room opened and Kagome found herself entering first, both guards dropping back to follow her in. She squared her shoulders, lifted her chin slightly before walking into the room. She froze the second she saw them. Miroku and Sango were chained and gagged. Inuyasha, also in chains was laying motionless at their feet.

"What have you done?" She rushed toward them, worried that maybe he had already killed one of them.

"Stop her." Gorenchi saw their hands grab the girl, drag her back. "I did not cause this, the half demon resisted and is as responsible for his injury as you are."

"You didn't have to hurt him! You could have just left them alone." Kagome struggled against the hands holding her back.

"They are my gift to you, but I can take them away from you if you continue behaving in this manner." Gorenchi stepped down from his thrown, crossed to stand in front of her, "Have you chosen to be cooperative?"

"Let them go."

His hand swung for her face and Kagome only remained upright because of the guards holding her. "Take them to the dungeons." He ordered gesturing to Miroku and Sango who were fighting against their chains. "Return my queen to her room." He caught Kagome's chin with his hand, his grip painful, "The next time you refuse me one of thme will die." He murmered, turning away to return to his thrown.

"Sango, Miroku…I'm sorry." Kagome cried as she was drug from the room. She only managed to control her tears until the door had closed behind her. She would have to give in to Gorenchi's wishes or he would kill them. She couldn't let that happen, but the realization of what giving in meant hurt her, crushed her fragile hope of someday being with Sesshomaru again, of him loving her too. Tears kept falling, only faster now. She was lost. Forever.

*

"Sesshomaru, one more thing before you go." Holken called watching the lord of the western lands stop only two steps from the gate, "It would be best if you stay away from Gorenchi. I know you posses great power, but he does as well. Both of you have unknown limits, do not test them on eachother."

"I do not fear this demon, I doubt it will even begin to test my limits."

"If you are determined I cannot stop you. His servant, Lillya, has been attacking demons who are not aligned with him. She has killed many. I am expecting her any time."

"You are suggesting a trap." Sesshomaru glanced back over his shoulder.

"It is the only way you will reach Gorenchi's castle. Lillya and her men alone know how to reach the place. You are welcome to remain here to face her, I doubt she will attack you."

"You are attempting to use me to protect yourself."

"Would you believe me if I said no?"