A/N: Hello everyone, it's been a while, hasn't it. I don't know how many of the old readers are still going to be interested in this story, but for those of you who are, thank you for your patience. I realize it's been six months (not nearly a year as someone so kindly pointed out) since I've updated. I completely lost any inspiration for this story and I've been working on a few others. I want to finish this one though, so here is another chapter. Hopefully you enjoy it, and soon I'll have another one up, since it seems my spark is back. Anja.

Chapter 23

The pink stone gleamed in her hand, taunting all who wished to posses it. It seemed to glow in the palm of Kagome's hand, beckoning her to use its power. Of course, Kagome had no clue that she could use the gem.

"You little minx," Naraku hissed as he took a step toward Kagome.

"Don't move," the young woman commanded, "otherwise I will smash it."

The threat got his attention, although he didn't know if she was bluffing or not. He wasn't about to take his chances though. "If you smash it I would kill you anyways," he said, hoping to catch her bluff. She didn't even waver.

"It would be smashed though. Is it worth it to you?" she asked calmly. He felt himself twitch, and knew he was losing control of the situation. The girl spoke before he could though. "You will let us go now," she said slowly, "and to show that I don't back out of a bargain, I will send my cousin with the jewel to you once I am home. You will still get the jewel, and we will have our lives."

He stared at the wench and her companions. He wanted more than anything to make her bleed right then and there, to make her suffer for finding a loophole and a means of escape. He gritted his teeth and tired to think of something desperately, but the jewel was in her hands, and that made him powerless against her.

"Hey asshole, cat caught your tongue?" InuYasha asked, a dirty grin on his face.

Kagome could see Naraku trying to think of what to do. His face gave no hint to the emotions he was feeling, but Kagome could see the turmoil in his eyes.

"Go then," he finally said slowly. He had no other choice. She had said she would send the jewel to him, and he had to trust she would. If she didn't, he would hire every mercenary he could find and hunt down the wench and make her pay dearly for the injury she gave him. Oh, she would pay dearly….."You may leave. I expect you to keep your word and send your cousin with the jewel to me." His innards twisted with pain, pain of knowing that she had actually outsmarted him.

No matter. As soon as the jewel was in his hands, he would kill her anyways, somehow.

The small group looked relieved as he snapped his fingers and all the youkai warriors stepped to the walls, allowing them a clear exit. InuYasha looked almost hesitant to leave, wanting to kill the man who had dared try to hurt his Kagome, but he knew that he would be putting her in danger if he attacked now. He would wait for another opportunity.

The small group made their way through the hole in the wall, InuYasha smirking a little to himself that at least he had caused some damage to the place. If it were up to him, the entire fortress would fall before they left. As they walked, InuYasha found himself carrying the man who he only assumed was Miroku, since no one else had come with Kagome. The prince had protested when InuYasha had flung him over his shoulder, and winced in pain as they started walking.

When they finally emerged out into the courtyard, Kagome stopped. "We need to get the horses," she said, glancing around to find the stables.

InuYasha grunted. "No way in hell that's happening. They're all dead."

"What!" Kagome cried, snapping her head in InuYasha's direction.

"The bastard had them killed when you came. Apparently he didn't plan on you leavin' anytime soon," the hanyou replied calmly. They walked until they emerged from the walls out into the forest. Kilala was waiting for them not too patiently, and leapt into Sango's arms as soon as she saw her. InuYasha dropped Miroku from his shoulders, the young man landing on the ground with a grunt. "You," InuYasha said as he pointed at Miroku, "will ride with Sango on Kilala. I'll carry Kagome. With any luck we should reach your palace without any problems."

No one appeared ready to argue with InuYasha, so Kilala transformed so she could carry both Sango and Miroku, while InuYasha scooped Kagome into his arms. He feared that if she was on his back she may fall asleep from exhaustion from the battle she and Miroku had been through, so this way he would be holding her safely the whole time.

None of them wished to remain around the fortress any longer then they had to. Sango helped Miroku up onto Kilala, and she sat behind him. His arm was still clutched to his chest, a red stain forming on the material around the arm. "Are you going to be ok until we reach the palace?" Sango asked as she mounted Kilala behind the hurt prince.

"I think I'll be fine, Lady Sango," he answered through gritted teeth. Sango gently patted Kilala, and they took off after InuYasha and Kagome.

InuYasha began running as soon as Kagome was in his arms and he saw that Miroku was up on Kilala. It wasn't until they were well out of sight of the fortress did InuYasha finally take the time to glance down at the girl in his arms. She had her eyes closed, head pressed up against his shoulder, although she wasn't asleep. He didn't mind. He was just happy to see her safe…for the sake of their pouch of course.

And because you were afraid you might lose her, a little voice in his mind prodded. He shoved the thought aside as he focused on the trees ahead of him. He slowed his pace slightly so that Kilala could keep up, since she had two passengers while he had only one. He hoped that they would not have to stop along the way, but after an hour or so of travelling he was starting to grow a little weary, and he could see that Kilala was slowing her pace as well.

After another hour they stopped. He needed rest, as did the fire cat. It had simply been too much, travelling at such a pace earlier in the day, fighting a battle, then running again. InuYasha found a clearing next to a small river for them to stop at.

"Why are we stopping?" Kagome asked, opening her eyes for the first time since they had left the castle.

"'Cause Kilala needs a rest," he huffed, not willing to admit he wanted one too. Sure he was a hanyou, but after travelling with Sango to catch up with Kagome and Miroku, as well as the battle at Naraku's fortress, he was tired. He knew he had a few bruised ribs, and, even though he was healing, it was still taking energy.

InuYasha let Kagome's feet touch the ground before finally releasing her from his grip. He then glanced over to Sango and Kilala. Noticing that Sango was having a hard time getting the wounded prince to the ground, he strode over and helped him get off of Kilala. Sango shot him an appreciative glance before dismounting herself. Kagome had already gone to fill some of their water skins with water from the nearby stream.

They all settled down by a small grove of trees, with Miroku leaning against Kilala, eyes closed, breathing deeply. Sango sat next to him, almost gluing her body to his. Kagome sighed, and suddenly felt a yank on her sleeve. She nearly fell over as InuYasha began to drag her towards the stream.

"What are you doing?" she yelped out.

InuYasha didn't even glance back. "I'm taking you to water, what do y'think." Kagome let him drag her to the edge of the stream where he crouched down and pulled her down as well so she was kneeling on the mossy bank. Kagome watched as he dipped his sleeve into the clear water and then brought it up to her face. The cool water felt nice against her skin and she crouched there patiently as Inuyasha wiped her face, gazing intently at his task.

"What the hell were you thinking, getting yourself in trouble?" Inuyasha asked all of a sudden.

Kagome blinked a few times in surprise. "You think I planned that?" she asked, glancing down at this fingers that were holding her chin in place.

Inuyasha scowled. "What did you think would happen if you came to him late? That he'd welcome you with roses and banquets?"

"No," she retorted, feeling rather annoyed by his accusation, "but I didn't expect him to want to kill me." Kagome paused, remembering what the Merchant had told her. "He would have tried to kill me whether I came on time or not."

Inuyasha brought his gaze up from her chin to stare her right in the eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?" His grip on her chin tightened every so slightly and Kagome winced.

"He said he had some sort of deal with Hiroshi. Hiroshi knew that I would find the location of the ring and bring it to the Merchant safely. He must have been the one to recommend me to Naraku for the job. Naraku would get the ring, kill me, and Hiroshi would get 'his' throne." Kagome sighed and closed her eyes. "I should have known something was going on when Hiroshi didn't grumble very much about me going on this trip."

"Well that sure explains a lot," Inuyasha muttered under his breath as he continued scrubbing Kagome's face.

"What does it explain?" Kagome asked, her eyes snapping open.

Inuyasha glanced up at her eyes again. "I'll explain later, when we reach the city," was the only answer he gave her. He placed his hands on her arms and stood up, lifting her with him. "C'mon, we better get going."

Kagome nodded and followed her silver haired saviour back to where they had left Sango, Miroku, and Kilala. Sango looked up at them as soon as she heard them approaching, worry written all over her face. "Let's go," Inuyasha ordered and went to help Sango heave the wounded Miroku back up onto Kilala. Miroku leaned his back against Sango's chest as Kilala prepared to follow Inuyasha, who once again had Kagome in his arms. He started out at a good pace, but not as fast as when they had left the fortress.

They traveled in silence until they reached Aqui'Linia. Relief emanated from the group as they stopped in front of the palace. Inuyasha placed Kagome on her feet before going and taking Miroku off of Kilala. There was already a flurry of activity in the courtyard as everyone tried to find out what had happened all at once. Inuyasha ignored everyone and merely looked at Kagome and nodded toward the palace. Kilala transformed and leapt into Sango's arms, who prepared herself to follow Kagome and Inuyasha.

Kagome noticed a man whom she recognized and quickly walked up to him. "We need a doctor for Miroku. Please send one to his room."

The man nodded and left the crowd in search of the doctor. Kagome motioned for Inuyasha to follow her and led the way into the palace, followed by a flock of guards and servants. Kagome was glad she still remembered the way to Miroku's room and once they had reached it, she held the door open for Inuyasha and motioned for him to enter. Sango followed as well before Kagome closed the door and faced everyone who had followed them.

"Your Prince is going to need some food and wine," she pointed out, giving a few of the servants a hard stare. Three of them scurried off quickly, not wanting to question Lady Kagome. Two guards and two servants stayed behind. "I need their majesties the King and Queen informed that we have returned and that we have only minor injuries. We are all safe."

The two guards bowed and walked away from the group. "Is there anything that needs to be done my Lady?" one of the remaining servants asked.

Kagome sighed and looked to the door. "Miroku needs to be kept warm and comfortable, and he needs to be cleaned up. The doctor will need water to wash out his wounds too. Come," and with that she opened the door again and allowed the two women into the room. The set about working right away. One of them went over to the hearth and started to build up a fire while the other went to fetch a basin to get water in.

Kagome walked over to the bed where Inuyasha had placed Miroku. Sango was sitting on the edge of the bed holding the prince's hand while InuYasha leaned against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest. Kagome came to stand next to Sango.

Miroku opened his eyes. "Don't worry about me, Lady Kagome, I'll be fine," he said with a smile. His arm was still clutched to his ribs and he looked a little pale, but his voice was strong and it looked like the wound had stopped bleeding.

"The doctor should be here soon," Kagome replied.

"You should go see your brother, he was worried about you," Sango stated, not once taking her eyes off Miroku.

"My brother?" Kagome asked. "He's here?" She turned to stare at Inuyasha who was watching her. He shrugged his shoulders.

"Yeah, he's in the room you were apparently sleeping in. I had to bring him along, I'll explain why later."

Kagome glanced down at Miroku once more, who nodded towards the door. "Go, I'll be fine."

Kagome gave him an appreciative smile and walked to the door, aware of the fact that Inuyasha was following her. She quickly made her way to 'her' room and gently knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" came a voice from within, a voice Kagome immediately recognized as Souta's.

"Souta, it's me, Kagome," she called, already reaching for the door handle.

"Kagome!" came an excited yell from within. Kagome Opened the door just in time to catch her brother, who was hurtling toward the door. He wrapped his arms around her in a tight squeeze and the impact of him running into her nearly made Kagome fall over.

"Hey, how are you?" the young woman asked, hugging her brother tightly to her.

"I missed you," the little boy replied as he pulled his face away from her. His eyes shone with excitement as he gazed up at his sister. Kagome was suddenly very grateful that Inuyasha had brought him along. She had missed him too, and his face made her worries melt away, even if just for a few moments. "Inuyasha said he'd bring you back safely!" Souta exclaimed, beaming at his new found golden eyed idol.

Inuyasha snorted, "Keh."

"What have you been up to?" Kagome asked, refusing to let go of the little boy clinging to her.

"A lot! Kohaku's been teaching me to use the sword. I've had a lot of people playing with me too. Even Hitomi, she's fun to play with."

"Hitomi?" Kagome asked, casting a quick glance up at Inuyasha.

"Yes. Inuyasha took me to Hitomi's pouch where I stayed with Kohaku. Hitomi is really nice, and so is her dad. He showed me a whole lot of things and….." Kagome frowned slightly as her brother babbled on. Hitomi…that meant that Souta had been in San' Horen, and that meant there was trouble back at home. "…and then Kouga helped me snag a purse and then…" Kagome brought her attention back to Souta, smiling at him as he talked. She would have to interrogate Inuyasha later. --