DISCLAIMER: Don’t own ‘em. Sure wish I did though…

In the Blood

By: Lara Winner

Chapter 2: Everything Comes With a Price

Good things rarely happened to Kagome. She wasn’t sure if she was cursed but then she wouldn’t be surprised if she were. Bad karma seemed to follow her everywhere she went.

So when a handsome stranger bearing a solution to her most significant problem just materialized out of nowhere, quite literally in this case, Kagome was more than a little apprehensive about it. Not that she was foolish enough to look a gift horse in the mouth but she didn’t want to end up regretting it either.

It was simple. Mr. Modegi was heading to his estate in Cathice. Since the house and grounds were fairly big, there was certain to be something she could do to help the housekeeping staff. He was willing to pay her five hundred dollars to become a temporary employee. For one month of service she could have a place to stay, decent meals and five hundred dollars in her pocket.

It was too good to be true.

Kagome had listened to the guy’s idea only because of the promise of food. She hadn’t intended to take his offer seriously. If she were to be completely honest, she almost taken the five hundred dollars he offered and walked away. But the more he prattled on with that cute smile of his, Kagome found her defenses melting.

After all, what did she have to loose?

Kagome was at rock bottom. She couldn’t fall any lower and it was nearly impossible to imagine her predicament becoming worse. There was no help for it. She couldn’t make it to the Northern Border alone and if she accepted this offer it would make the journey that much easier. Ultimately the choice was made for her.

Now relaxing in a limousine with a full stomach, Kagome was teetering in between the land sleep and consciousness. The steady lull of the vehicle was making her mind turn to mush as the exhaustion she’d endured finally caught up with her. Yet she struggled determinedly to hold on to wakefulness finding the conversation Naraku was having on his cell phone to be very interesting.

"I am well aware the election is in two months. Backers from both the Southern and Northern Provinces have gone public with their support for my campaign… Yes…I know… No, backing from the north does not have influence among the middle class youkai but it is imperative to stress to the public that we are abiding the terms of the Exthena Treaty… Well it is, but again, timing is essential…"

Kagome froze, an automatic reaction when she heard the word "treaty". Like a domino effect, one by one teachings of her childhood filtered through her mind jerking her from the edge of slumber.

It all started with the Border Wars, a series of military sieges that finally set a dividing line between the North and South. After five years of war the Exthena Treaty was signed and put into effect bringing peace to feuding lands. Yet no one realized the treaty had would cause more harm than good. Because of the agreed upon changes to the government structure, the Southern Province was thrown in a state of turmoil and upheaval that remained unresolved after nearly fifty years. The economy was failing, living conditions were poverty level, and tribes were going to war amongst themselves in a bid for power over the fragile government. It was a catastrophic mess that she had once been caught in the middle of…

But that was water under a bridge because the past could not be undone.

It was a bitter lesson that Kagome was forced to live with. Little good came from holding onto things better off forgotten. The only problem was that no matter how hard she tried she could never completely forget. The memories were always there, in the back of her mind haunting her.

When she couldn’t forget Kagome did the next best thing. She sought a distraction… like the rest of Mr. Modegi’s conversation.

"I understand perfectly Bankotsu and I have every intention of dealing with this problem once I am in office. As leader if the Unified Tribe Council I will have the means to make the necessary changes. Until then I am unable to do more than I already have…. Not confidence, absolute certainty. I will make it happen… Yes, you do that…."

Okay, so listening to a conversation that went completely over her head was really boring. But what else was there to keep her occupied? She’d already fiddled with all the buttons and knobs in her reach. The chauffeur didn’t find it funny when she amused herself by raising and lowering the privacy partition over and over. The only thing left to do was look out the window.

It wasn’t like there was much to see. They had long since turned off the main highway and were now following a road that winded along the coast. To the left there was lush forest and to the right was Migihara Ocean in all its glory. The view of the ocean would have been lovely if it were morning, prime if it were mid day, and even dusk would have been pretty. But right now it was near midnight. All Kagome could see was black upon darker black.

It was just Kagome’s luck that the first time she was close enough to see the ocean she couldn’t actually "see" it.

Having grown up in Laundith, the Capitol City in the heart of the southern province, Kagome hadn’t had access to a pool as a child much less the means to enjoy the ocean. Living the poorest district of the city meant you were happy to have running water. Still, she had always dreamed of visiting the beach one-day and laying on the sand to soak up the sun while gazing out on the crystal blue water.

Well she had found the ocean so where the hell was her blue water and yellow sand?

Kagome squinted her eyes nearly pressing her nose into the window. The inky black at the top was the sky and the light gray at bottom was the sand so that meant the water was somewhere in the middle but it was too dark to make the distinction.

Kagome fought the urge to pout like a petulant child.

It didn’t last long however. The injustice of Kagome’s nighttime waters was replaced by momentary surprise as an enormous castle-like structure came into view, breaking through the tree line a good few miles up the road.

"Good Gods…" She breathed, as she absently pressed her fingertips against the cool glass and watched the estate grow closer with wide, startled eyes that took up most of her face.

I probably should be excited about this, Kagome thought, but instead an eerie chill traveled down her spine. There was something about the large ocean-side manor that felt foreboding, even from over a mile away. If she listened closely she could almost hear the whisper of a warning floating across her brain telling her not to come any closer… She pushed the unease away with a nervous giggle and told herself there was nothing to fear.

Yet deep down Kagome had to wonder… Was she jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire?

~ ~ ~ ~

With a frustrated sigh Naraku snapped the cell phone shut and slipped it back into his jacket pocket just as the limousine slowed to a stop before the terrace-length, stone steps that led up the entrance of his estate. Out of the corner of his eye he caught the mesmerized expression etched upon the young miko’s face and he smiled to himself at her naive.

"It’s quite impressive, is it not?" He was hard pressed not to laugh as the footman opened the limousine’s door and awaited their exit. She was such an uncultured whelp, truly, no manners at all. He sneered to himself in contempt as he gracefully climbed out of automobile issuing over her shoulder, "Come along now."

Kagome obeyed but her inability to tear her eyes away from the looming building caused her to remain oblivious to the pained grimace he wore. She was already trying is patience with her lack of refinement. Hadn’t anyone taught the brat that it was immensely ill mannered to gape in such a dumbfounded way? If it were not for the power in her blood he would be greatly tempted to give into the impulse of disposing of her. It was upsetting enough that the filthy half-breed was not human or demon but when also ignorant of proper etiquette…. It was utterly deplorable.

It was fair to say Naraku had stomached her presence long enough. It was not his style to associate with beings of lesser status. It offended his delicate sense of propriety and in this instance the young miko seemed as crass as the foul tempered raccoon demon he had the misfortune to encounter earlier. He found it quite revolting when having to engage these cretin’s on their own level.

In order to keep the tight reign he held on his true feelings, Naraku entered the estate issuing curt commands to the butler concerning the young girl’s lodging. Giving her a reassuring smile he politely excused himself leaving her in the hands of the staff. Granted for now he was treating the young miko like a guest, but soon her position would be established. Until then, so long as she remained close at hand she could sleep on the roof or in the parlor for all he cared.

And if little Kagome proved to be useless, then no one need ever find her body.

With those plans set comfortably in the back of his mind Naraku had every intention of settling down in his study and resuming his business calls in privacy. However, upon entering the lavishly decorated study he realized that the livid wind youkai propped on the edge of his desk and tapping an ornate fan against her thigh was going to postpone his agenda. His handsome face contorted into an annoyed scowl.

"What is it now Kagura?"

Scarlet eyes flashed with anger as the attractive young woman rose elegantly to her feet. In agitation she flicked her fan open then snapped it closed as she took a menacing step forward. The seductive, cool edge of her voice was like caress of a knife’s blade as she greeted, "We need to talk."

"Another complaint." he commented dryly, stepping around the young woman slighting her with more than just his disregard. "I suppose it would be pointless to remind you that I do not have time for these tantrums. Go buy something. That always makes you feel better."

"Business before pleasure, love." the young woman snapped, "Ryuukotsusei has made a decision. He’s withdrawing his support for your campaign and will release a formal statement on the matter tomorrow afternoon. Though he says he’s willing to negotiate if you will reconsider his proposition."

A rush of anger swept through Naraku. "How dare he!"

"He dares because you’ve allowed him to gain leverage over you."

The impromptu urge to slap the condescending smile right off the young woman’s face was barely restrained as Naraku settled for slamming his fist down on his desk in a rare show of temper. If there was one thing he could not tolerate it was being out of control when a situation arose. Ryuukotsusei Eto, leader and representative of the Tadema Tribe, had just pulled the proverbial rug from under his feet.

Naraku knew he was in a pickle. Of the four tribes that held sway over the Southern province, the Tadema tribe held a great portion of lands and was nearly unmatched in the influential houses that made up it’s alliance. The Tadema were second only to the Inutaki Tribe of the Western lands. The two tribes were corner stones in the Unified Tribe Council and held immeasurable authority over the civilian population of the Southern Province.

Loosing Ryuukotsusei’s seal of approval would be political suicide for Naraku and the hanyou was well aware of that. His own tribe, the Onigu, was infantile when compared to the long history held by these ancient bloodlines. It was the birth of change and the need for a revolution that allowed Naraku and his allies the chance to break free from the monopoly and begin their own house, one to rival and defeat all others.

But like any newborn babe, one must crawl before they can walk and so it was the same for his future plans. Until his control reached the hand of the Unified Tribe Council itself, Naraku needed the support of Ryuukotsusei, if only to counter the disfavor he’d unwittingly attained from Sesshomaru Hamada, leader of the Inutaki.

The mutt had never approved of him. An explanation was never given, nor was it needed. It had been apparent from the day he had met the powerful Inu-youkai that the fleabag despised him. At first his only consolation was that the feelings were mutual. But after time retaliation had to be taken for the grave insults leveled his way by the overbearing mongrel. Since Sesshomaru was slowly damaging his reputation Naraku had answered the challenge in kind. It was only fair to take something equally as precious away from the dog demon.

The score was settled and that secret victory was not only a moral booster but also a rather profitable endeavor. Who would have ever thought that the worthless hanyou brother of Sesshomaru Hamada could be broken and molded into a ruthless killing machine?

After fifteen years the mysterious disappearance of the hanyou child was still a subject of great debate. Rumors unfolded that Sesshomaru himself had done the child in and such a scandal left the Inutaki tribe in upheaval. But only one creature knew the true fate of the child, and that was Ryuukotsusei.

It was completely by chance that the unscrupulous bastard had stumbled upon Naraku’s involvement with the underground inu-youkai fighting circles. The events were highly profitable and also illegal. However the situation had quickly grown beyond his control when Ryuukotsusei pieced together that his prime fighter Inuyasha was in fact Arashi Hamada, the missing hanyou child. Now in exchange for silence and public alliance Ryuukotsusei wanted part ownership of the whelp and absolute submission of the Onigu to the Tadema. It was a brilliant, strategic move that would leave Naraku vulnerable.

Naraku smiled.

"I wish to meet Ryuukotsusei first thing in the morning. Inform him that I will accept his offer and submit to his ultimatum. Now be a doll and make the arrangements for me Kagura."

The wind youkai blinked. "Are you crazy?"

"No. I have a plan."

"And that is…?"

A ruby light flickered in the dark obsidian of his eyes as he slowly slid into his chair with a smug smile. "I can not have my name linked with illegal dog fights. As if that is not enough to destroy my credibility, to have it brought to light that I am responsible for the abduction of a child would certainly finish me off. I am not a fool. Temporary compliance is necessary. It will give me time to make use of the brand new ace I’ve got up my sleeve."

Kagura eyed him carefully, the wheels in her head working to fit together the missing pieces of the puzzle. "Once you agree to this you’ve as good as signed your life over to the Tadema. Ryuukotsusei will never release you from this pact. It would take war to sake off their hold."

"No not war." He admonished. "There is no need to waste a vast fortune on warfare when the ultimate weapon has willingly come to us."

"Weapon?"

"A miko." He said slowly, savoring the word rolling off his tongue.

Kagura paled, her crimson eyes going wide in shock. "I thought there were no more left. I thought their race had died off."

"This child may be the last of her kind. I’ve never seen another but with the power contained in her blood, one little miko is all I need." Naraku laughed.

"Are so sure you can control it? That freak could destroy us all."

"There are ways to restrain her."

Yes, there were ways to contain the child. After all, youkai had been doing it for centuries. With the proper tools and preparations he could subdue her completely. It was only a matter of time. The stage was being set and the final act would take place all too soon. And then…

"All the power she possesses will be in my grasp."

~ ~ ~ ~

The floor was real marble.

Kagome watched the polished surface below her feet with a sense of awe. No body she knew had marble floors so she walked tentatively, afraid her dirty sneakers would scuff the smooth stone.

This was too awkward. She was quickly becoming overwhelmed by her surroundings. It wasn’t as if she’d ever set foot in a mansion before. She certainly stuck out like a sore thumb. Casting a quick glance at her clothes, she winced. A grubby, street smart kid didn’t belong in a place like this.

Now the butler on the other hand… He belonged here.

His black suit was crease free and pristine. The guy probably ironed the thing three times a day. His posture was erect and stern. It was obvious he had no idea what a smile was. She doubted he ever laughed a day in his life.

Upon closer scrutiny Kagome began to wonder. He was an old youkai, that much was obvious by his aura. In his human form his age was showing though in the gray that streaked his dark hair and wrinkles in his expressionless face. As a general rule youkai nearing the end of their life usually hid themselves and tended to live out their remaining years alone. So what was this guy’s story? Why was he being different?

She had half a mind to ask and satisfy her curiosity but before she could properly phrase the question she nearly ran into his back as he abruptly stopped before a set of doors.

"And this is where you will stay." He said stiffly.

The butler pushed open the heavy oak doors motioning for Kagome to step inside. Swallowing hard, she followed his bidding and looked about with a growing sense of discomfort. There was no way they could expect her to stay here. This was too much. Standing in the middle of the ornate room she could do nothing but wallow in her own uncertainly.

Noting her reaction the butler asked, "Do you not find the accommodations suitable?"

Yup. There was that ‘you’re dirt beneath my feet’ tone again.

"Its fine." She stammered, fiddling with the hem of her shirt nervously. Why couldn’t the floor open up and swallow her when she needed it too?

Get a grip and enjoy it while its lasts. Pretty soon you’ll be on the road again and then you’ll wish you had a room like this to sleep in.

But could she really enjoy it? Something wasn’t right about this. Rich men like Naraku don’t just take in young women off the street and not expect anything in return. He had said she could reply him by working as a member of the staff, but if that was the case then why was he allowing her to stay in a guestroom. It would be more fitting if she were put up in the servants quarters. She’d feel more comfortable about it too.

Was there a way she could say something without sounding like an ungrateful wretch? As if the stuffy butler could read her mind, he turned and pinned her with a disproving frown.

"My lord wishes for you to make yourself comfortable. If you have need of anything get it yourself. There is much to be done so don’t expect he staff to wait on you hand and foot." As he spoke he moved to the first door along the far wall, "This is the closet. Clothing will be provided for you so dress accordingly." He motioned to the second door, "That is the bathroom. It is quipped with toiletries so help yourself. I’m sure you will want to have a bath."

Kagome wasn’t sure is she was imagining it or not but she could have sworn when the butler said the word "bath" his nose turned up as if to say she needed one. The again he was a youkai and could probably smell her. She blushed and nodded, utterly mortified.

"Thank you." She offered, hoping he would go away.

"The pleasure is mine Miss." He replied, giving her a curt nod as he turned to leave. The rehearsed lines were cold and empty and she breathed a silent sigh of relief as the door gave a soft click, closing behind him.

Once alone the tension drained from Kagome shoulders and she allowed herself to take a good look at her surroundings. The room itself was enormous, and for a moment she almost felt swallowed up in the excess space. But it was another luxury she could get used to.

In fact everything about this room was designed for luxury.

First there was the bed. It was a four poster canopy with a mattress so thick and plush that it required the use of a step stool to climb into it. The coverlet was a design of blue and silver flowers and the material was the finest silk, she could tell as she ran her fingertips over the embroidery. The pillows were filled with down, soft and heavenly.

And from there the room continued in the same fashion. There was a vanity, complete with cushioned seat, double mirrors etched with beautifully carved detail, crystal perfume bottles and an ivory powder box that had a matching brush and comb. On the far side of the room stood a desk, the roll top was down so Kagome made a mental note to investigate it’s compartments later. To the right of the desk was another set of doors, only these were glass paneled and led out to a balcony that over looked the ocean.

Such splendor was almost too grand for Kagome taste. It only served to make her feel less like a lady and more like the unwanted nobody that she truly was. Suddenly she felt more insecure than she ever had in her entire life.

It was time for a bath.

She needed a good soak in warm soothing water to help her lift her mood. It was always something that could make her smile. Since she’d been forced to flee Laundith, bathing had become wishful thinking. After settling for hasty cleanings in restrooms along the way, finally being able to take a real bath was the closest to heaven she could get. The thought was already putting a smile on her face as she headed for the door the butler had indicated was the bathroom.

Once again Kagome’s jaw nearly dropped as she realized that what these people considered a bathroom was something out of her wildest dreams.

The "bathroom" was nearly as large as the bedroom. There was a shower made for two, with glass sliding doors and a showerhead spouting form each side of the tiled wall. Next to the shower was the largest tub she had ever seen. Letting out a delighted squeal, she hastily striped of her clothes and began running water to fill the gigantic tub.

On a silver try, resting beside the tub on the marble ledge, was an array of scented soaps, oils, and lotions. Momentarily forgetting about her problems, Kagome allowed herself the small pleasure of feeling like an eager child in a candy store as she sampled the various soaps. Then she investigated the wall cabinet and found fluffy towels, a scrub brush and other bath supplies.

Kagome lost herself in her own little world when she finally sank into the warm water and the sigh that escaped her was a sound of pure bliss. Nothing else could feel this good, she thought and smiled happily as she leaned back and closed her eyes.

The minutes ticked away and all too soon the water took a decided chill as it cooled and lifting her hands for inspection she realized that her fingers were pruney. Reluctantly to leave her comfortable haven, she rose and began to dry herself. Draining the water in the tub and wrapping herself in the fluffy towel, she returned to the bedroom wondering what to do about clothing.

Taking a chance she opened the closet and was surprised to see a complete selection of clothing. How in the world did they manage that? Did the staff always keep the closet filled or had Mr. Modegi made the arrangements before they arrived at the manor? It was a good question and one she planned on asking her benefactor once the opportunity presented itself.

But for now that could wait.

Out of habit, Kagome dressed in regular clothing even though her goal was the big bed ten feet away. Choosing a skirt and top, probably a bad idea for the skirt, she then made her way to her destination not bothering to turn out the lights or pull back the sheets as she flopped down on the cushy mattress. It was something she learned as a child, only sleep when you are able to wake and run if the need should arise. It was probably a neurotic habit that normal teenagers her age would laugh at. Then again, she wasn’t normal and had always been painfully aware of that fact.

Being endowed with powers beyond her control was potentially life threatening. Sometimes running was the only way to survive.

I’ll be safe soon. Things will be different once I reach the Northern Border. They have to be.

It was those hopeful thoughts that kept her going in the darkest hours of her life and right now they allowed her to drift off to sleep with an impish smile on her face.

~ ~ ~ ~

Kagome woke with a start, unsure what had startled her so abruptly awake. Glancing at the glass doors to the balcony she could see that the sky was still dark. It was before dawn. Glancing around her room, she frowned thoughtfully. Nothing was out of place. There were no living auras near. She was alone as she should be.

Releasing the breath she’d been unconsciously holding, she sank back against the bed and raised her eyes to the canopy above her head. She willed her heart to calm it erratic beating telling herself that all was okay. After taking a few deep breaths she was able to close her eyes and try to relax. She knew she should sleep but when her body refused to obey her it was evident that she was once again wide awake.

All traces of sleep had fled instantly at the thought of being in danger. It seemed lately her body would only accept snatches of sleep here and there, and she would sleep so lightly the barest sound would wake her in a fright.

Rubbing her eyes and stifling a yawn behind her hand, Kagome pulled herself up from the bed. Silently she dropped to the floor relishing the Persian carpet beneath her toes. Once again she found her gaze drifting to the balcony. Slipping on the first pair of sandals she came across, Kagome made her way out to the balcony and breathed in the cool night air.

Salt and sea washed her senses and as she leaned against the railing and looked out into the vast darkness. The ocean was still invisible against the night sky but from her perch on the second floor she was able to sweep the manor grounds with her gaze. The few sporadic lights cast eerie shadows and as she expected all was hushed and quiet. She was sure some of the staff still fluttered about here and there but the real bustle of activity would start at daybreak. Judging from the inky darkness on the horizon it would be a while yet before the house came alive with activity.

Now was the time get a feel for the place, before everyone awakened. Once everyone was up and about she was going to be put to work. This was her chance to wander around and check things out undisturbed.

Curiosity sparked, she slipped back into her room and proceeded out into the hall. The lighting was dim but it was enough to see by so Kagome turned to the right and started walking. It didn’t take her long to realize that, while decorated beautifully, every corridor looked the same. At some point she made her way to the first floor but after a while it was nearly impossible to tell where she had come from, especially in partial darkness that cloaked the manor.

After passing the same pedestal and statue for the third time, Kagome was convinced she was turning around in circles. But how in the world did she keep missing the stairs? It was three lefts and a right back the way she had come…or was two lefts and a right… or maybe two rights and a left?

Ready to throw her hand up in frustration, Kagome was about to park her bottom in the nearest chair and wait for the staff to start moving about when the faint sound of an animal yelping caught her attention.

Frowning, she followed the sound further down the hall and rounded yet another corner only to come to a dead end. At the end of the hall was a partially open window that left the sheer curtains fluttering in the light breeze. As she walked closer the sounds became more distinct and she realized they were coming from outside.

Moving the curtain aside, she peered out into the night. Across the driveway, set back toward the tree line was another building. It wasn’t the stables, that she could tell at first glance. It was a rather small and only one story. She would have assumed it was a guesthouse but seeing two guards come walking out trailing a dog-like youkai behind them on a tether of chains, she blinked in surprise.

What the…?

A rush of excitement filled Kagome as the urge to investigate further took over. What was going on in there? Did Mr. Modegi breed inu-youkai? If so, wasn’t that illegal?

Kagome smiled to herself.

There was only one way to find out.

Tbc…

A.N. – This the second chapter so I hope you guys enjoyed. I tried to explain the political angle as well as I could, I hope it wasn’t too confusing. Thanks for the wonderful feed back I’ve gotten for this and rest assured I will be working on chapter three shortly. *Hugs*