Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or characters. I do own the prophecy mentioned throughout the chapters. Inuyasha's demon name Nozomu: Desire.

Chapter 10: Scheming plots

Kagome woke with a start, sweat trickling down her brow. Closing her eyes, she took slow deep breaths to calm her racing heart. In and out Kagome. She opened her eyes, climbed out of bed, and got ready for the day.

It had been awhile since she had that dream about him.

Kagome could never remember the details of the dream except she knew she was always surrounded by darkness. In the center of that darkness was a man. A sharp pain invaded her skull. Squeezing her eyes shut, she waited until the pain subsided before moving again. He was so familiar to her, but she didn't know why. Kagome just knew that every time she awoke she felt the need to set him free. It was too confusing to sit and ponder about it. Another headache was something she wanted to avoid. She thought about Midoriko and decided to go visit her in the dungeon. Maybe she can help me understand the meaning of these dreams.

Kagome left her room and started on her chores, wondering if she would run into her friends on the way. Today, she planned to avoid meeting Nozomu at all costs. He was being more forceful with each encounter and she wasn't too confident in herself not to fall prey to his advances. He could have her anytime he wanted and there was nothing she could do to stop him. A human going against a full demon was suicidal.

Kagome remember the flash of gold in Nozomu's eyes. Every time he had wanted to have his way with her, she would see it, almost as if something were holding him back. It could be his weakness, but she wasn't sure. If it was, then how could she use it against him? So many questions were running through her head. Going to see Midoriko was urgent and necessary if she wanted to sleep peacefully at night. Kagome made her way down the hall towards the kitchen. Totosai might need help again and it was the perfect opportunity for Kagome to see her.

XXX

Naraku watched Kagome in the shadows. Something about the girl set him on edge. Could it be because she was now Nozomu's personal slave? No, he had been with many women before her and would be with many after he had his fill of her. What was it that had him following her even now? Though he was sure she was just a trifle human girl, he somehow felt threatened by her. She would have to be rid of as well as Nozomu.

Nozomu. Only he knew the true nature of Nozomu's soul, the half-demon he had locked within him all those years ago. Nozomu was just a pawn in his conquest. Playing the part of an obedient servant was just temporary and as they conquered more land, Naraku knew his time would come quick.

His plan was simple. If Midoriko finally confessed where the jewel lay, the plan would go very smoothly at his will. He would wish himself to be full demon, and since the jewel would grant his wish, he would be able to taint it. Then, he would play the part of a revolutionary hero, masking his scheme with the illusion of freedom. The people would be in the palm of his hands and his actions would be taken accordingly. Naraku smiled. He would have what he had always wanted.

Power.

Naraku inwardly cursed the part of him that held him back from his goal. He was as obsessed with it as Nozomu was with his half-demon. He hated his human side, wished that he could rip it out of himself with his bare hands. He didn't care the price to get rid of it.

Deciding that he needed to continue with his plan, he left his hiding spot in favor for the halls that led to the dungeons. If he wanted his plan to come to fruition, he needed the jewel, and the only one who knew the location was that bloody frustrated woman down in the dungeon.

He reached her cell in no time at all. She lay on the floor, her hands still tied behind her back, her head resting on the grimy ground below her. He could not see her face for her hair covered it like ink as it spilled onto the floor.

He kicked her once. "Are you ready to tell me where the jewel lies yet?"

Midoriko held up her battered body as much as she could. "I told you that I didn't know where it was." She grounded out.

Naraku tsked and shook his head. "Now, if you want to live, it would be better to tell me. Don't lie to me because I know you know its location."

Midoriko glared at the man. "I would rather die than tell you or Nozomu. You will never break me."

Naraku was losing his patience with the woman. He picked her up roughly, sending her flying to the wall next to him. He heard a deafening thud as the woman fell onto the floor. He could see the blood flowing from her head wound to the ground. He bent down near her, grabbed her by the hair and flashed a blade near her neck.

"Tell me or you die." He whispered harshly into her ear.

Midoriko closed her eyes, her resolve unmovable. "Never! You will never find the jewel!" She screamed.

Naraku, tired of the time he was wasting, slit her throat in a matter of seconds. The stupid woman had thrown away her life just so that he couldn't have what he wanted. He cursed her dead body and hoped she would be meeting hell soon. He threw the dagger near her body. Knowing that if he didn't disappear now, Nozomu would find him here and that would certainly complicate his plans.

A thought came to mind. He smiled wickedly at his genius. If the slave girl found Midoriko dead, the scent would be all over her. He would send her here on a pretense of bringing her food. Then, he would send Nozomu on his way here and when he would collide with her, chaos would surely ensue and the blame would be put on her. The plan was perfect.

It was like killing two birds with one stone.

XXX

"Kagome! Kagome, are you here?" Old man Totosai called out.

The girl in question emerged with a towel slung over her shoulder. "Need anything, Totosai?"

The old man nodded, pulling out a piece of paper from one of his many pockets. "Well, it says here that there's food to be sent to the prisoner you gave food to last time. Seems out of place thought," he mused. "I could've sworn we sent food this morning."

Kagome jumped at the opportunity to visit Midoriko. Maybe now her dreams could be explained! "I'll go do it, Totosai! I'm sure there was just a mistake this morning, so I'll happily take the tray."

Totosai scratched his head. "You will?"

She nodded. "Of course."

He then rubbed his chin. "I don't know …it might be bad for you to go alone— ah, wait." He scrunched his eyes to see better. "It says here you're to take the tray." He shrugged, getting the tray and handing it to Kagome. "Guess I have no choice, do I?"

"I'll be fine, Totosai." Kagome smiled warmly at the old man. "I'll be back in no time."

Totosai watched as the young girl practically ran out the kitchen. He found it odd that she wanted to go to the dungeons so badly. Was it that she had a sweetheart all locked up down there? He shook his head. The enthusiasm in her eyes wasn't love, more like she was going to see someone very important. But who was important that lived in the dungeons?

He didn't know why, but he suddenly had a very bad feeling that Kagome was headed into deep trouble.

XXX

Naraku watched as the slave girl left the kitchen. He promptly walked to Nozomu's office, prepared to give him the false news that Midoriko was finally ready to spill. Flattening his shirt a little, he knocked on the door.

"Come in," called the gruff voice from inside.

Naraku put on the fake smile he always used around his "master". "Nozomu, I bring you good news. Lady Midoriko has finally succumbed to our treatment."

Nozomu was out of his chair in a minute. "Has she told you yet? Where is it?" The eagerness that flooded his voice and face almost made Naraku want to smirk. Instead, he kept his facade up.

"She has refused to tell anyone but you." He bowed.

"I must go then." Nozomu waked briskly passed Naraku. "I trust you can run the affairs for the time I am gone?"

"Of course, sire." Naraku bowed deeply.

"Good."

Nozomu shut the door and was gone. Naraku smiled as he sank into the chair that would soon be his as he took over the lands. His quest for the jewel might have been hindered, but he would surely find someone else who knew where it was. He knew for a fact that the line of priestesses Midoriko was from did not allow the successor to die without telling their heir, or another person charged with the keeping of the secret.

Someone had to know where the Shikon jewel lie.

XXX

Kagome flew down the halls that would carry her to the dungeons as quickly as she could. She needed to talk to Midoriko, or else her dreams were going to drive her completely insane. Somehow, the need to help the man burned in her chest and she wanted to know why. Who was he? What was the purpose of the dream? How was she even supposed to help the man?

Kagome sighed as she made it to the last stretch of hall before Midoriko's cell. Hopefully she would be able to answer the questions so that she could be in peace. As she slowed down her pace, Kagome noticed something odd. There was no sound from Midoriko's cell and she could smell something off, something that sent chills up her spine. She shook her head and kept on walking until she opened the door of Midoriko's cell.

The tray clattered to the floor as Kagome took in the horrifying scene.

Blood was nearly everywhere. On the floor, on the wall….Kagome couldn't close her eyes no matter how much she wanted to. She then spotted Midoriko figure, face down in a pool of her own blood. Desperately, Kagome ran to her only lift her up and find that her throat had been slit.

Kagome almost let the body go from her disgust, but she was careful. Blood covered her hands now and she could feel the bile coming up her throat and she felt the need to vomit. She tried to wipe off her hands with the towel, but it didn't work as she only smudged her uniform. She saw the knife that had been used and grabbed it, hoping it would provide answers to the murder.

Knowing she needed to go out quickly and find some help, she practically ran out the door, almost tripping a few times because of how badly her legs were shaking. She had never wanted to see this. She had never seen a person dead, let alone murdered, and the effect was taking its toll on her body.

Just as she was about to exit the hallway, she bumped into someone. Hands held out to steady her, but when she looked at the person who had helped her, she was ready to go back and stay with the dead corpse than have to have seen this man.

Nozomu steadied the girl he had been chasing after in seconds. He had no time for her at the moment, but something stopped him. He took a whiff off her and suddenly looked at her clothes.

Blood.

Midoriko's blood.

There was no mistaking it.

Nozomu shook her. "Where the hell is Midoriko?"

Kagome stuttered, "She— blood everywhere—"

He roughly pushed past her, running to the cell he had put Midoriko in. The scent of blood assaulted his nose, and he quickly covered it. The body was in the middle of the room, lying in a small heap face up. He glanced at Kagome, who had followed him, a dagger in her hand.

His eyes burned with rage. "It was you, wasn't it? She was ready to tell me the secret of the location of the jewel and you killed her!"

The girl shook her head. "N-no, I would n-never do such h-horrid t-thing!" She stuttered out of shock and fear as the formidable man came onto her. He grabbed her roughly and shook her.

"Lies!" he shouted into her face. He ripped the dagger out of her hands. "This is the proof!You will pay for you crime!"

Kagome burst out in fresh tears, overwhelmed of the scene occurring in front of her. How could Nozomu think she had killed the woman who had taken her in? Did he not understand that she could never do that?

"I didn't kill her!" She shouted, closing her eyes and shaking her head. "She was like that when I got here-"

"Stop lying you little bitch!" He grabbed her from her arm and pushed her, making her hit the wall. Kagome screamed out in pain as the cold stone hit her shoulder blade. Though she was sure it wasn't cracked, there was going to be a big bruise there tomorrow. That is, if she lived to see tomorrow. She knew that Nozomu was too angry for anything to stop him. Not even that stupid prophecy legend could save her now.

Nozomu grabbed her by the throat, overwhelmed by anger. He finally had a chance to get rid of his human half, but everything was ruined. He watched Kagome squirm and gasp for breath. Yes killing her wounded bring back Midoriko, but it would make him a lot better. He was hit with overwhelming pain in his head, causing him to release her. Nozomu doubled over, the pain was excruciating.

Damn it!, He thought. It's because of her!

Grabbing her once more, he was going to shake the truth out of her and then have her killed, until she struck him.

Kagome slapped the demon grabbing her hard, her only means of escape. She had seen the pain he was put through when he hurt her and she deeply hoped that he wouldn't attempt to strike her back. She stood there, somewhat stunned as Nozomu realized he had been hit by his slave girl.

"Damn it," he growled. He tried lifting his hand to strike her, but again, pain thudded through his skull. Letting Kagome go and falling to the ground, she took this moment to escape. Since she had nowhere to go, she would have to go back to her room and lock the doors, prop things against it, anything to keep this raging beast from hurting her even though she knew it would not keep in out.

Running as fast as her wobbly legs could take her, she made it back to her room, glad that no one had seen her clumsy trek there. Quickly getting in, she tried to bolt the lock, but her hands were shaking too hard. Finally, though, the lock clasped.

Running around and putting the furniture in front of the door, she also covered the glass windows, latching them as well to assure her protection. Though she was sure Nozomu could break through her defenses easily, she hoped fervently that he would leave her alone. She didn't need his stupid accusations to make her feel worse. Seeing someone dead, someone you cared about, was enough. She thought inexplicably about her family and burst into fresh tears.

XXX

Nozomu raised himself slowly off the floor, cursing his body. He couldn't do anything to that girl, even if he wanted to. She made him feel… off, like there was something about her that he couldn't resist. It was why she had kept him so interested, apart from defying him the way she did, like what had just happened. Keeping her around was a hindrance as well. No matter the way it was looked at, she was a liability to him, a distraction he could not afford.

He glanced at the dagger at his hand and sniffed it. Kagome's scent was over it, but there was something else there. Kagome did have the blade in her hand when he saw her, but there was a scent underlying hers that wasn't as fresh, a scent he could not place. Could it be that she hadn't killed the dead woman? And if she had, how could she have known anything about the fact that he wanted the jewel's secret location.

He cursed himself again. He had just revealed the most important kind of information to her that she probably didn't even know about. Now it was more pressing to find a way to keep her mouth shut, something that wouldn't give him a splitting headache.

Nozomu was about to leave when he heard footsteps coming from the hall leading out to the main hall.

"Sango, stop!" called a man that sounded vaguely familiar.

The girl named Sango, who Nozomu recognized as one of Kagome's friends, came rushing in, coming upon the scene before him.

"What . . .?" She stopped as she took in the blood, the dead woman, and the blade in Nozomu's hands, she grew visibly angry.

"What did you do to Kagome?" She shouted. "She was sent here ages ago and no one's seen her!" She tried to lunge at him, but the man that had been calling her finally rounded the corner and grabbed the girl by her waist to restrain her.

"Let me go, let me go!" She yelled, hitting the man with her fists and trying to get him to release her. Nozomu had to give props to the young man restraining her. "Miroku, stop! He must've done something to Kagome if he killed Lady Midoriko!"

"Shut up." Nozomu glared at the young girl. "I owe you no explanation."

"Where is Kagome?"

Nozomu raised his hand, but Miroku pushed Sango behind him and bowed continuously. "Forgive us, your majesty. We will be leaving."

"Midoriko was everything to Kagome and you killed her!"

Furious, he was about to send him away, but instead he directed a question at Sango. "You knew Midoriko?" Sango kept quiet. "Speak when spoken to girl."

"Yes, Kagome, Ayame and I were working in her land when you came." She hissed that last part with disgust.

Nozomu nodded to himself. That was why she was so upset and why she had hit him. This woman had been important to her, maybe even a mother-figure as well, since it seemed like Kagome had no family.

But Sango wasn't finished talking. "You ruined everything, everything! Kagome gave up her freedom for me and my friends because you made her!"

"Enough," Nozomu growled, but Sango didn't step down. "I suggest you leave my sight now before I strike you where you stand."

Miroku turned to Nozomu. "This will never happen again, your majesty. Please forgive us." He bowed deeply.

Nozomu shrugged and waved Miroku away with his hand. "Go."

Miroku nodded and grabbed Sango's hand and dragged her out; Nozomu watched them until they were out of site.

He turned back to the dead body and frowned. Someone had killed Midoriko because he or she didn't want Inuyasha to have the Jewel. Who could it be? Turning, he left the cell and went to his office. Spotting a couple of guards, he sent them to bury the body and clean up. He needed time to think, to sort the lies from the truth.

What was going on?

SOOOOOOOO TBC. Daichilover wrote most of this chapter….damn I'm slacking. But don't worry! Review! Review! Review! Tell us what you think and what you think might happen. We love reading from our viewers! Until next time.