Illumination: Chapter Four

Kagome's options were limited, this creature was clearly faster and stronger than she was but she didn't have a choice, she didn't know what he might have done to her mother. She knew her mother wouldn't sell her, so she feared the worst after all Inuyasha had been threatening the night before. Inuyasha wasn't nearly as strong as this demon, so certainly she had more than a little reason to be worried. She was near a window however…it was open and while it was a bit of a drop to the ground she wasn't going to come out any better trying to get through this kidnapper.

Kagome turned to jump and bounced off his chest, floundering in the air like a bird flapping to regain position before she felt gravity shift, and she was in the chair she'd started breakfast in only a few seconds prior…he'd picked her up and moved her the way a marathon runner would carry a baton. It was a clear indication of how little what she wanted meant to the demon. She opened her mouth to rant but he shoved a bagel into it so far she was forced to take a bite or choke. He was taking off his jacket.

"Eat something, as you appear to insist on seeing your mother I will have her brought here." He motioned to one of the helpers peeking in from the hall where the disturbance had not gone unnoticed and they jumped away – apparently to retrieve Kagome's mother. Kagome meanwhile continued to glare as she chewed at the bagel he'd shoved into her mouth – angry but slightly glad that he'd saved her from her own habit of saying things she regretted a moment later. Sesshomaru closed the door again and took off his suit jacket, dropping it near the door and starting to unbutton the wrists of his dress shirt.

Kagome swallowed finally and reached out to get a drink of water to help her with the dough like bagel. The pain of her wounds was starting to sink in now that the moment of adrenaline had passed and she was worried he was going to hurt her. When he started to take off his shirt she half-choked on her water and set it down harder than she meant to – coughing and looking away from him. Did he plan to abuse her the same way Inuyasha had? He was getting undressed…and he'd already said to her that he punished those that didn't listen to him…

Had he rescued her only to make her his victim instead of Inuyasha's? If she fought back would he hurt her mother too? Was that why he'd called her? Her thoughts were less than positive as she coughed and tried to catch her breath. Remembering the night before all too clearly, the smell of alcohol and blood, the ripping sounds as her clothing was shredded. Was her survival of rape only to last one day?

"If you are concerned, I believe you've been through enough for the time being. With all that has happened I will let your actions thus far pass; you will repay me for the suit you ruined later. Do not mistake this temporary mercy for reason to continue your poor behavior else you will find the well of my patience does run dry." Sesshomaru stated in a cool manner which hinted his overall displeasure with her attitude, he'd seated himself again and he had a different shirt and jacket on – which made Kagome relax slightly – her fears had been just that. "I presume once you learn that you now belong to me your attitude will become more agreeable."

"Not bloody likely…" Kagome thought at him in irritation, no wonder people hated demons even if they feared them. What an intolerable narcissist. "I don't belong to anyone – and once you figure out it wasn't my mother and you must have paid money to some other person by mistake I hope you won't hold it against me and let me go home."

Sesshomaru watched her and his impossible to read expression made her nervous, he could be considering killing her for her impetuousness but she just kept letting her mouth run away with her. "And, for the sake of argument, you are the one hypothetically wrong?"

His voice was so collected that she should have realized she was being baited but her temper and shock at this entire absurd situation had definitely gotten to her. "Yeah right, if my mom sold me to you I'll do anything you want for the next decade down to wearing only a collar if you prefer – but as that didn't happen it doesn't matter."

The vague smile he offered possessed an 'I win' sort of aspect that made her second guess her remark. For the first time she felt uncertain – had he offered her mother so much money that her mother had given Kagome away? When there was a knock on the door she felt suddenly anxious and when her mother's smiling face came inside her heart sank.

The woman was dressed up in her finest clothes, the ones she reserved for special occasions – and her best winter coat. It meant she was preparing to travel for a while. Kagome wasn't sure what to do or say, her mother had sold her to a demon for money?

"Hello dear, Lord Sesshomaru, thank you for letting me speak with her." Her mother's voice was the same gentle understanding tone Kagome had grown up with. She wanted to cry but she was so shocked she couldn't even do that. Only watch as the demon nodded politely to her mother and her mom pulled out a chair to sit near her.

"Kagome…I know you'll have a hard time understanding but I did this for you. You were going to just work forever with me at the shop and I know you never wanted that, you always had your head in your books, in the clouds, you wanted something more." Kagome's mother was explaining but all Kagome heard was excuses. Suddenly she pulled her hands away, this old woman couldn't possibly be the woman that raised her…had greed shown true colors Kagome had never witnessed before.

"You sold me! You made me a slave!" It was as much an accusation as a statement and Kagome heard her own voice break as she said it aloud.

"You'll be able to get an education this way and it's temporary. You'll help the Lord for seven years and you'll be paid, it's not being a slave. I was afraid for you if I didn't listen t him." Her mother replied, eyes moist with sadness of her own. "He'll keep you safe, away from Inuyasha."

That was it…mother thought she was helping Kagome flee from Inuyasha – Kagome swallowed and bit back other protests. How could she blame her mother for trying to help her? For all Kagome knew her mother was right – without Sesshomaru's intervention Kagome might already be dead. She only nodded, a little numb at the fact her mother had sold her – even if it had been in her best interest.

"I believe you have a train to catch." Sesshomaru's deep voice cut through the tense moment and Kagome found herself resenting the demon almost immediately. She had no idea when she'd see her mother again and he was moving her along. "Thank you for your intervention Miss Higurashi, you have been provided the addresses where your daughter will be residing?"

Her mother nodded; apparently she knew much more of Kagome's fate than Kagome did herself. "Your assistant was very helpful thank you. Stay well Kagome, I'll write you as soon as I'm settled. Thank you again Lord Sesshomaru."

Mom gave an awkward curtsey and was out of the room a short moment later. Kagome was still uncertain what to do or say – her shoulder still ached but at least it had stopped bleeding. Her whole world had been turned around in the matter of a day – how was she supposed to just deal with that?

"Finish eating, the doctor should be up shortly to look back over your wound and close it up again as will be needed. This afternoon your lessons will begin. They will be only simple things for now as you still require time to recover but I expect you to learn quickly." Sesshomaru was right back to topic but Kagome didn't particularly care. He might as well been talking to the wall for as much as she took in. She was remembering the past night and day and suddenly realized something. Focusing on it as it was still so difficult to take in where she was now.

"Inuyasha is your brother." She stared at Sesshomaru as she reached the conclusion she was too fearful to jump to the night before. The same color hair, similar eyes, his features were more regal but now that she knew what she was looking for she was shocked she didn't notice it before. Not all demons had such features after all…

"Unfortunately yes, though he is only my half brother. Human blood runs through his veins." Sesshomaru replied, again Kagome sensed an edge that showed a much deeper hatred than before. It reflected the way he'd treated the half-demon the night before.

"You want me to flaunt at him…" Kagome frowned more as she came to conclusions based on what she'd heard from the two of them when they argued. "You said you wanted to destroy him."

Sesshomaru didn't reply immediately and sadly she got nothing from his marble expression, he eventually nodded. "I will destroy him, and you do not have your purpose in this completely wrong. He would have done no more to you; I've taken care of your family where he likely would have targeted your mother. I saved you yesterday and am making quite an investment, preferably not as a mistake. Once Inuyasha is brought down I'll have no further use of you and you are welcome to take your training and do what you will. If you do well in helping to dismantle my unworthy half-brother I'll even make certain you are handsomely rewarded – assuming you begin to behave yourself. Would you tell me that you want no vengeance on the half-breed?"

"That…" Kagome sighed, she didn't know what to say, this approach wasn't what she was expecting. She wanted to be sad or angry but logic was making that difficult. As much as she hated to admit it Sesshomaru was right – now that she'd been told the entire story she couldn't really resent him for his aid even if it wasn't quite what she wanted… "I guess you're right…"

"I usually am." Sesshomaru replied smugly, not making Kagome like him any more but she managed not to smart off. The demon got up and picked up the extra suit jacket – she still wasn't sure where he'd gotten it unless he kept clothes here at the hotel. "I have business but I will check on you this evening, you will need to begin to practice immediately if you are to be ready for the autumn ball in two months."

"Autumn ball?" Kagome mirrored in shock, blinking at him several times. That was a noble only event, she certainly couldn't be expected to go to such an event and survive. With only two months to try to learn what some people started when they were children? Escorting nobles as a lowborn was an art, a specialized skill that took incredible memory and social ability. How was she supposed to keep up when she could barely control her temper most of the time?

"Yes, it's the next large event and without a doubt Inuyasha will be in attendance. I expect you will rise to all your mother's compliments and escort me flawlessly." Sesshomaru explained and then turned to leave, pausing at the door to glance over a shoulder. For a short moment Kagome could have sworn he was about to smile but what he said made her jaw drop. "I'll make certain to pick you a suitable collar."

End Chapter

Heh, Kagome collar – it's almost like the situation is reversed. 'sit girl!' I really like this fiction – so funny that it only started as a solo chapter for a gift! Fiction works out interestingly sometimes doesn't it? Sesshomaru is so manipulative in this! He is a politician though…so I guess it works.

-Aura

To my reviewers:

Thanks to all, I only leave comments to questions or remarks I think need a reply but I love all feedback I receive!

Sugar0o – LOL yeah a little bit, now Sesshy even wants to get her a collar – but that's her fault for making the remark.