Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.

Genre

: Romance/Angst/Hurt

Pairing

: Sesshoumaru/Kagome

Summary

: Little Rin has died and Sesshoumaru doesn't know what to do. He looses himself to his beast, lost in emotions he hasn't felt in hundreds of years. Kagome is called to subdue the raging beast and in the process binds herself to the taiyoukai stronger then her bond with Inuyasha. With Sesshoumaru's subduing comes the price of being Lady of the West and with the title comes all the downsides and perks of being ningen royalty among a youkai court.

A Demon Lord's Cry
Chapter Eleven: Slow Demise

x . . . . x

With that the nymph leaped, her eyes swallowed by a green light, a dark laugh filling the air.

.

The maid scurried off, Reika's laughter filing her ears, and leaving her weak in the knees with fear.

There are moments in life where the brain shuts down and leaves a person with only instinct, adrenaline, and knowledge to rely on rather then battle tactics. Kagome was currently having one of those moments as the woman's youki fully crashed upon her and she realized the woman had been hiding her true power. Adrenaline coursed through her veins, prompting her to move faster and process things much quicker then she had ever been able to before. Cerulean eyes were able to note the menace in the cruel green eyes so similar to that of her guards and she had a moment to fear it before the fear was pushed away with an even larger shot of adrenaline through her system.

The nymphs hands were extended toward her, her claws blacker then night, and razor sharp, reaching for the miko's pale throat.

Instinct spurred her to duck and she felt the rush of claws above her head.

Knowledge spurred her to run and she bolted like a startled fawn, the nymph hot on her heals.

Adrenaline pushed her faster then she had ever moved in her short life.

Takeshi felt his insides turn and burn as Ástridr cackled madly and chased the young woman who dashed by him and out into the hall, out of his sight. His fingers twitched with need to reach out and grasp the nymphs throat and tear her away from her chase. It was an odd feeling this insatiable burn to hurt the woodland creature but he chalked it up services and duties and knowing he took his job seriously. There was no anxiety on his perfectly still, perfectly lovely face but it was there in his tense form and coiled build, ready to spring.

For a few moments, scuffling was heard, laughter soon followed, purity and youki rose and clashed in the air and then everything was still.

The women made a mad dash as a group into the hall as a yelp sounded followed by a small body hitting one of the walls.

The scent of blood filled the air.

Takeshi's stomach turned into a knot of steal and he pushed passed the tittering females that giggled and laughed to themselves. A deafening growl slipped passed his throat and several heads turned but quickly moved out of the way as large hands began yanking women from the doorway, sharp claws reaching into their flesh, spilling life fluids that resembled colors of the rainbow.

He had to see which woman had been hurt.

He had to know.

.

Her feet pushed her forward but a hand caught her shoulder and pulled her back. Kagome fell with an 'oomph' on her back as the air rushed from her body. With that the nymph was on her, straddling her, choking the life from her and Kagome was dying in just a few moments. Talons pricked her elegant neck, bruising, crushing, and Kagome gagged, her own blunt and ningen nails clawing. The miko had never really thought that death came so quickly. It was absolutely horrifying when she thought about it.

And she really didn't have much time to think.

Yet, not moments before she had been sitting with her son and reading a book to him and yet this damnable woman wanted to take her life. Spots of darkness rose in her vision as she attempted to breathe and her clawing became weak as the nymph laughed darkly.

Ástridr's aura suffocated her for just a moment before power sparked beneath Kagome's skin. Her veins glowed inhumanly beneath her pale flesh, bright and silver. Eyes partly closed as she neared death were enveloped in a sheen of inhuman silver. Ástridr's eyes widened and for a just a moment as fear breathed through her senses, miko energy swirling around her form. Her fingers had not slackened their hold so when a bright light blast Ástridr from Kagome's slight frame, she nearly tore the miko's throat to shreds.

Deep gouges were embedded into Kagome's throat, the skin torn but not the muscle and her silver eyes turned to the nymph whom had hit the wall so suddenly and then to the baritone growl that sounded from the dining area where Takeshi was moving away women with blatant force. Her eyes flickered back to the nymph as she stood, bright green swallowed by a black light that rivaled the miko's silver ones. A snarl pulled perfectly pale lips over large fangs and youki engulfed the small hall.

Her throat felt sticky and it burned with pain. Her breathing was shallow and she barely had enough time to dodge the roots that burst from the floor boards sending splintered wood everywhere. The roots moved for Kagome, resembling Naraku's tentacles in such a way that it almost frightened her. She stood abruptly and ran down the hall, avoiding the heavy, thrashing roots as much as she could. The nymph followed as the plant life Kagome had admired before grew mouths and dripped acidic saliva along the floor.

"Run, run little miko but this game of cat and mouse will not be yours to win." Ástridr laughed softly as vines burst forth from the ground and attached themselves to the wall. Kagome's heart hammered in her chest, her pulse racing erratically, which pumped blood from her neck in a slow and steady pace. It wasn't long before the home was crawling with deadly plants and it resembled more of a jungle rather then the harem house. Kagome ducked under another root that intended to behead her and she grit her teeth.

A door was at her right and she quickly threw it open before closing it behind her. She panted for breath as she stumbled toward the wall, sweat coating her skin and stinging her wounds. She braced herself against the furthest wall and slid to the floor.

"What I was I thinking?" she murmured. She had been confident that she could do something but the moment that youki fell upon her she had felt fear like no other and it filled her very being. Where had all her confidence gone? She buried her head in her hands as she quickly whispered, "I'm going to die." It was a statement, a sure one, and somewhere inside her she wondered when she had given up. The battle had only begun and yet she had run like a coward.

She had always run in the past, never really having to stand up for herself. Inuyasha had always been there, after all but there was no Inuyasha this time.

It was just her and Takeshi could not help her.

This was her challenge and Inuyasha had never run from his so she would not run from hers.

Her lips thinned into a line as the door was ripped from the wall by several thin roots and vines equipped with bright red flowers that had rows of sharp teeth along their centers. Kagome stood but once again, fear filled her and her knees wobbled together. Her miko powers pushed to the front but her fear seemed to be blocking them. Two mint green feet appeared in her vision and she followed them up to the face they belonged to. The beautiful face was contorted into an even lovelier picture of perfect menace and then she leaned over, her hand grasping Kagome's chin as she was jerked upward to face her. The action caused her wounds to stretch and a cry slipped past her lips. The nymph chuckled, her lips brushing Kagome's cheek as she leaned forward.

"Your fear is delicious." she said gently much like a lovers caress. "It entices me so." Ástridr hissed, her grip bruising Kagome's chin. "Do you like the fear you feel? It is a lovely power, no? To be able to cause such blinding fear in others is a gift from my clan and it has been passed down the generations. It was something to only be used upon enemies but I used it everywhere I went among my people and my allies. I ruled through fear." Her lips moved lower, nearing Kagome's wounds. "I was cast from my clan and found at the gates of the Western town. Sesshoumaru-sama just happened to be returning from a trip, you see, and he brought me home. I was the second Lady of the Harem brought nearly a century ago and I will not let ningen take what should be rightfully mine." Her tongue brushed the tip of Kagome's wounds, pulling the loose flesh with her teeth causing Kagome to whimper in pain.

The moment Kagome registered that the blinding fear was somnething that she wasn't feeling naturally and was something that was being caused within her she was able to breathe semi-easier.

After all, the demons within weren't as scary when they weren't real.

Power continued to thrum through her and Kagome attempted to command it to release and manifest it but she was unable to and it was frustrating because now she was in a life or death situation and it just wasn't listening to her.

It was hers! It should obey.

"Yes, it is yours too, but it will lash out to protect you, it will hide away if it believes you are doing wrong, it must be treated like a familiar. Like Sango-chan treated Kirara!"

In that moment it all made sense. Everything Rin had said that day made sense and Kagome smirked, a small laugh falling forward from her lips.

"What is so funny?" Ástridr snarled but Kagome continued laughing. Silver covered eyes blinked slowly before Kagome smiled knowingly.

"I have this in the bag." she murmured in response and Ástridr's brows furrowed in confusion at the terminology. "It's over." Kagome said slowly. Kirara was a companion and had never been treated like a slave and that was why Kirara responded to Sango so well because she had never been told to do something, she had been asked. She had been able to leave at any point and time and came and went as she pleased. She was a friend not only a tool and Kagome had treated her power, whom had protected her before and enfolded her in a comforting, maternal embrace during the initial burial of Rin, like a tool.

Knowing what she had to do, she delved within herself, found that power, and whispered, "Please."

The blockage over her power fell away and it was released in a wave, filling her body like a cup of water and when her body could hold no more it spilled over the brim and lashed.

Power was a seductive thing and it whispered what needed to be done and Kagome did it.

Lips pulled back into a sneer, Kagome brought the heel of her right hand up and hit the woman in the chin, knocking her back with a blast of miko energy. The nymph was once again blast away and she skidded along the ground. Kagome stood straight, staring down at the lump on the floor that groaned pathetically. The crimson flowers along the vines lunged toward her, teeth barred and Kagome made no move to the stop them. A moment later they collided with an iridescent barrier and went up in ashes on contact, inhuman screeches of pain filling the air. One by one the plants were purified from the room and the purity danced out into the hall where any writhing plants erupted in ash.

Purity flowed off Kagome in heavy waves, crashing down upon Ástridr and swallowing her whole.

The nymph was screaming as purity singed her skin slowly enough to be called torturous and Kagome - she just stopped.

Ástridr lay on the ground panting, her skin smoking, blackened and burnt in some places. Her eyes were wide as though she were in shock and Kagome tilted her head to the say. Her power had ruled for just a moment but inside, she was still Kagome and killing had never really been her thing. Power fell away and her eyes returned to cerulean and her veins had stopped glowing under her skin. She instantly felt terrible for the woman. She had obviously loved Sesshoumaru a great deal and had plans regarding the two and her position and yet... Kagome had taken all the prestige and rights away from whomever would mate Sesshoumaru.

"Challenge over." Kagome murmured and then walked around the nymph and exited the room. The moment her foot touched outside into the now quiet hall, Ástridr had stood in a motion too fast for Kagome to register and once more lunged at the woman, crystalline tears falling from her once more bright green eyes. Takeshi was suddenly there, his hands grasping hers and snarling in her face, anger seeping off his skin.

"She said 'challenge over'." his hissed softly and then one hand gripped her neck and then he twisted.

Kagome's eyes were wide as she stared at Takeshi as though she had never seen him before, "You killed her." she murmured and then tears slipped down her cheeks and onto the floor boards. Takeshi gave her emotionless eyes as he turned to the young miko. "I spared her and you killed her." He took several steps and gripped her arm as she nearly collapsed, her body trembling with lack of energy and attempting to hold back her sobs.

"Yes, Kagome-sama, I did." Takeshi stated softly as he pulled her into his arms and lifted her bridal style. "She attacked you after you had done what no other would have ever done and sparred her. She repaid your kindness by attacking your turned back." he began walking, dodging debris and splintered boards. "They will not be kind to you so you should not be kind to them, remember? If they give you cruelty you be cruel right back." Adrenaline faded and feeling returning, she hurt all over.

They made their way to the front and the harem women looked at the victor, eyes wide. As they passed, all heads were bowed except for one. The white-less eyes stared at Kagome and the pointed teeth made a heartless smile. She gave a mocking tilt of her head and then turned from the others, walking away with a sassy flick of her hair.

As they walked outside, the cold hit her full force and she shivered at the lack of warmth.

Burying her head in the haori of her guard, knowing she was safe for now and she had won, Kagome sobbed.

She sobbed for the life she had almost lost.

She sobbed for the love that would never come to Ástridr.

She sobbed for the life that had to be taken.

.

The first thing Sesshoumaru noticed was the woman sitting upon his bedding, supple lips turned into a frown. Surprisingly, the second thing he noticed was that she was bare of any clothing. He said nothing as he walked toward the overly spacious wardrobe, intent on taking off the clothing that reeked of the prison. The mermaid, once revered as a goddess, stood. Obviously she was unhappy at being ignored and made her way toward the inu-youkai. Cerdwin placed a hand on his looked up at him, her black eyes almost searching, seeking.

"Allow me to help." she murmured gently and he nodded his head, her lilting voice soothing to his ears. She hummed softly, the sound filling the silence and calmed him almost immediately. Her hands, bare of callouses, moved over his sash, tugging slowly. Her fingers worked at his haori as she began to strip him bare and he was vaguely curious as to why she was there. She rarely visited him and when she did she had always wanted something wanted something. Her fingers touched skin and her lips descended upon the pale chest, licking and tasting.

Her fingers brushed the waist of the hakamas, her fingers steadily going lower, trying to entice him for whatever reason it was this time. Yet, this was Sesshoumaru and he was no one's play thing or fuck boy whenever they wanted. His hand grabbed hers from going lower and she paused in her attention. Her lips curled into a sneer and hew arched a perfectly shaped brow at the woman.

"What is it you want this time, Cerdwin?" he inquired as he pulled away from her voluptuous nude form.

"Ástridr is now dead." the mermaid commented, her arms crossed under her breasts as a yawn spilled from her lips. Golden eyes narrowed and Sesshoumaru took a step forward. Though he bore no love for the harem whores, they were undoubtedly his and no one took away what his.

"The miko." Cerdwin shrugged, making her way to his bed and curling under the covers. He growled lowly and yanked the blanket from her form though she screeched in indignation. She glared but but did not elaborate. Though she knew not to push the inu-youkai, she didn't want to spoil the fun. "Go see for yourself, the harem is in uproar and guards are working to fix the house."

He snarled but grabbed his haori and haphazardly closed it, making his way toward the mikos room. Blood assaulted his senses along with the fresh scent of tears. Sesshoumaru slid open the door slowly and observed the miko sit up from her laying down position and wipe her eyes on her sleeves. She turned to him, flinching, as the action strained the white bandages around her neck. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying and she sniffled here and there. Takeshi was no where to be found and Sesshoumaru stepped foot into the room.

"Sesshoumaru-sama." she murmured, her red lips holding a small bruise. His eyes narrowed and he stepped forward until he was at the foot of her bedding. Kneeling he stared down at her battered form, the scent of her sadness overwheliming him. For a moment he though the kit had become sick again but he noticed the small bundle of fur beside her and relaxed his tense form. He hadn't even realized he tensed at all.

"What happened?" he inquired lowly. He had come with the intention of putting her in her place but she had looked broken, so very broken and she had been wounded.

"We fought, Ástridr and I." she said gently. "Takeshi and I heard that they were going to challenge me this evening and we decided to go to them before they came to me. He explained the rules of challenge before we left and when we got there, Ástridr challenged me." Kagome wiped her eyes again and took a deep breath. We fought and she nearly tore open my throat. I sort of realized how to control my powers and decided to spare her. She attacked my back and Takeshi was there and he initiated the killing the blow."

Sesshoumaru's eyes hardened as he glared down at her, "You fought?" he growled.

"I had to and you were no where to be found!" Kagome responded.

"You fool." he spat, gripping her arm and dragging her into the hallway. She was unable to stand at the force he was pulling but rather stumbleed after him instead. When they reached the hall, he yanked her toward his study. Maids and the like whispered as they passed and Kagome fought fruitlessly agianst his bruising grip.

"Let me go!" she growled but he paid her no head and when they reached the study, he tossed her in, and slammed the door shut behind him. "You jerk!" she hissed as she stood and brushed herself off.

"You complete and utter moron!" he snapped, pacing as he began to growl. "I clearly stated you were not to accept challenges until you settled into your role as the Western Lady. I said that for a reason!"

"And what's the reason, Sesshoumaru?" Kagome snapped back, dropping the honorific. She had never really seen him yell and he was obviously more then pissed at her. It was actually rather frightening.

"We are bound. If you are killed then I am as good as dead as well, remember? Or can your ningen mind not comprehend that?" he snarled as he stopped pacing and stood right in front of her. She stood there, gaping for several moments because she had forgotten. She had completely and utterly forgotten that her death would bring about Sesshoumaru's. She went cold at the thought and she turned her cerulean gaze to his.

"I'm sorry, I didn't remember." she responded gently.

"You need to remember. That is not something that should be forgotten lightly." His lips curled into a frown and she nodded her head despondently. He would have sighed if he were the type but instead replayed the conversation they had in her rooms. He was never one to hold onto his anger seeing as it was useless energy spent. "You can control your powers?"

"To an extent. Before they just refused to respond and it was because I was treating them like a weapon. I'm a miko and so it's only natural my powers respond to good and positive feelings. No one likes being treated like a weapon and when I treated them like a friend they listened." she shrugged.

"You speak as though they are alive." he intoned solemnly.

Kagome's brows furrowed, "Sesshoumaru-sama... " she began slowly. "Where do you think miko powers come from?"

"Your bodies much like youkai powers."

"No. Miko energy comes from a mix of the soul and the earth. Miko powers are alive." Sesshoumaru took this all in with a straight face. "Hence the reason they react more when stronger emotions rule."

"Can you used them long?" he inquired and Kagome shook her head warily.

"Unfortunately, no. My soul is incomplete. The other miko you once spoke, the one that can shee the shards, her name is Kikyo and she has a large piece of my soul." Golden eyes narrowed once again.

"The miko lives off dead souls." he stated and the miko nodded her head.

"Yes, she does but my soul stabilizes them all." Kagome shrugged her arms and the action scrunched her neck and she flinched.

"You are weaker then you should be." Kagome nodded her head and looked away. "The Western Lady cannot be weak."

"I know." She turned cerulean eyes upward and they were filled with a deep age-old pain. "Inuyasha loves her and I could never take her life for power."

Sesshoumaru nodded though he did not understand it. Others to one another's life for power all the time, regardless of who was hurt in the process. "You begin lessons tomorrow and you will now be learning to defend yourself with me after you do meditation with your guard. Your powers are useless to you if you do not know how to fight." Kagome nodded her head and he dismissed her. "Go to sleep, miko, you have a long day."

Kagome nodded, bowed her head, and began to retreat. She stopped at the door and turned slightly, speaking softly, "Sesshoumaru... I am sorry for Ástridr. I would have sparred her regardless of her attack." Sesshoumaru said nothing and Kagome continued. "She loved you, did you know?"

"Love put her no where but in the grave." he responded. "Go to sleep and no more challenges."

Kagome shook her head and left.

Though he would not admit it, he was faintly proud of the young woman. Ástridr was no doubt the second strongest in the harem, right after Cerdwin. Fighting her and winning were no easy feats in the slightest. All things considered she had done far better then he would have guessed and had acted like the Lady of his Lands. It was a role he had thought she would continue fight but she had reacted accordingly and followed through with her actions until the end. She was still just a child though and her heart was soft.

She was ningen in a youkai court and though she tried to understand she allowed her emotions to get in the way of her judgement and though it was a terrible quality... it was a quality she shared with Rin and though he wanted to harden her to the world it was something he couldn't bare to change because it was a light in the world of darkness that were the courts.

And though she could not take a life for power, he could.

.

Kagome entered her rooms slowly and Takeshi was sitting in one of the corners, darkness shrouding him. Kagome gave him a soft smile as she went to curl under her blankets beside Shippo. "Where were you earlier?" Kagome asked softly as to not wake Shippo.

"I should ask you that." Takeshi snorted, successfully avoiding the question, and Kagome sighed.

"Sesshoumaru scolded me." she muttered in distaste. Takeshi chuckled and she continued. "I'll be learning how to train with weapons."

The chuckling stopped and Takeshi hummed softly. "I see." There was silence for a few moments.

"I have always been pretty useless." Kagome sighed softly. "I have never been able to get a grasp on my powers until now and - "

"Kagome-sama... go to sleep." Takeshi murmured and Kagome bit her lip and fell into the land of dreams, Shippo curled warmly beside her, and Takeshi watching over her.

He knew that speaking of the past awoke insecurities she definately did not need. She had been doing well so far and he was proud of what she had done and accomplished. She looked so peaceful, black hair spilled all along her white pillows and he felt almost terrible about what was going to happen and what he would have to subject her to soon.

Almost being the keyword.

.

"I hate mediating." Kagome murmured through her teeth as she forced a smile at her guard. He shook his head at her and smiled disarmingly at her. "Really, I do. I think it's stupid."

"Now, now Kagome-sama. Breathe..." he chuckled and Kagome silently did as she was told. "We're almost done, no more whining."

"Hmph!" Kagome hummed and continued her breathing exercises, cursing internally. She breathed and breathed until she wanted to breathe no more and so she childishly held her breath.

Eyes closed, Takeshi scoffed, "Kagome-sama, that is immature. Now you just look ridiculous and Sesshoumaru-sama will go harder on you if you refuse to do as you are told."

Kagome let out a puff of air and grumbled to herself. Slowly once again she began her breathing and not moments later, Sesshoumaru entered the dojo wearing plain training clothing. Kagome opened an eye and narrowed it at the Lord of the West. He arched a mocking brow and she snorted. He was much easier to deal with after what had previously taken place regarding the past few days. True, she still thought him arrogant, conceited, and down right cruel but in a way she was somewhat beginning to understand him.

They would never be close and she would never share her deepest fears with him but he was an ally.

In this place where violence ruled, he would protect her, if not for her life but for his and right now that was all that mattered.

"Quit glaring and stand." Kagome stood smoothly, lifting her hands above her head as she stretched. "You as well, Takeshi." Takeshi's eyes hardened minutely but did as he was told. "Miko, you will watch as Takeshi and I demonstrate what you will be learning to use today." Kagome nodded and pressed herself against one of the walls, giving the two youkai enough room to square off. Takeshi turned and stared at Sesshoumaru, glaring harshly at the other youkai, as they took to opposite ends of the room.

They stood staring at one another for several moments and then Takeshi struck. Sesshoumaru ducked to the side and Kagome watched as a small needle embed itself within the wall. It was pure black and glowed for just a moment before disappearing completely. Kagome's eyes widened as Takeshi began a relentless assault of needle like objects that appeared and disappeared suddenly. Sesshoumaru moved fluidly, ducking left and right, striking back occasionally with glowing green needles that shared the same qualities as Takeshi's.

Her guard moved with contained violence and Sesshoumaru moved like a dangerous dancer. It was hypnotic and Kagome couldn't find it in herself to even blink in case she missed some of the match. Long black hair, straight and narrow, and Sesshoumaru's silver locks moved around their bodies in swirls of dark and bright light. They danced around each other, occasionally striking out with a fist here and or a foot there and when they connected with their targets, the hard sound of muscle hitting muscle was heard in the semi-silence.

Soon movement became too fast for Kagome to follow fully and instead she was able to catch brief glances here and there. The ground had small splatterings of blood and then in a swift movement, Sesshoumaru had Takeshi on his knees, panting heavily, a green needle at his throat, while Sesshoumaru was crouched behind him. Sesshoumaru stood and Takeshi fell forward on his hands, shakily taking in as much air as he could. Sesshoumaru looked pristine and none the worse for wear. In fact, he didn't look anything but perfect.

It was un-nerving and she felt as though Sesshoumaru had been playing with the other inu.

"Energy senbon are by far the easiest weapon to learn control of. You will not always have a weapon such as your miko arrows and there may not always be a weapon near by. You are efficient in putting your energy into arrows which is far more difficult then putting it into a sword or any other weapon of metal."

"How so?" Kagome inquired, eager to learn.

"If one puts too much energy into wood and does not control the flow of energy and keep it even then the wood explodes. Metal does no such thing. Metal will take much more energy and store it. If you can control a wooden arrow, metal weapons will be of no consequence. That being said, you will start with energy weapons. Needles take little energy and are not a close combat requirement though they can be used as such. I would prefer you not be in close combat any time soon." Kagome nodded her head and continued. "The half-breed sibling of mine uses an attack similar to this called 'Blades of Blood' except that he uses a base, his blood, in order to manifest the attack."

"I wasn't aware that you could even use an attack like this, Sesshoumaru-sama." Sesshoumaru grunted and continued but answered her statement nonetheless.

"It is a weak attack. Continuning on, you have used an attack similar to this as well. The day in the courtyard you manifested energy orbs. Do you remember how this came to be?" Kagome clucked her tongue a few times before nodding slowly. "Good. It is much the same process, just a different result now try."

"Alright." Kagome closed her eyes slowly, and felt her power thrum her. In her mind she pictured the small ball of energy and molded it to a smooth, sharp senbon. Unlike all the times she had tried before, this time her power responded and Kagome was able to breathe easier. When her eyes opened, a silver glowing needle [sloppily made and seemed to be somewhat bent in some areas] was in her hand. She smiled happily and squealed, "I did it." When she looked into Sesshoumaru's eyes her heart dropped in her chest.

"Pathetic, try again."

Fourty minutes later found Kagome breathing again except this time she was on her stomach, arm bent at an awkward angle, and Sesshoumaru's heel in the small of her back. Her fingers hummed with magic and she used her free hand in attempt to hit Sesshoumaru with the senbon. He ducked out of the way and released her sweat slicked form. She stood quickly and moved out of the way as several glowing needles attmepted to embed themselves in her arms. Screeching away, she tried to make another needle but her power sputtered to life before fading completely.

"Wait - ! Time out!" Kagome screamed as she once again jumped out of the way. Sesshoumaru nearly sighed as he stopped his assault.

"What is it, miko? You cannot call 'time out' in a fight." he scoffed.

"My power faded. I'm out of battery." Kagome intoned gently.

Though he had no clue what a battery was, he understood the rest. "Your power is great, you should be able to go longer."

Kagome shook her head, "I have an incomplete soul, remember? It tires quickly." The miko shrugged and Sesshoumaru's golden eyes moved over her slightly bruised form adn rested on her neck where the bandages had blood leeking from the bottom.

"Go get food, bathe, and meet in my study before bed. Takeshi, you come too." Kagome nodded her head and Takeshi pushed off the wall an the duo retreated.

Something had to be done about the dead woman and that was all that there was to it.

Her living affected the well being of the Lady of the West and that was unacceptable.

As Sesshoumaru left the dojo his thoughts were slowly plotting out the demise of the undead miko.

.

.

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'Gome Yuki:: Sorry about the wait! Work has been a pain. Kikyo enters the next chapter! Not everything is hunky-dory with Sesshoumaru and Kagome, she still thinks he's a douche bag BUT she is coming to understand him and he her now that Shippo's health no longer remains an issue. More trouble will arise with Cerdwin and Takeshi. Cerdwin is actually a Celtic name meaning 'the mother goddess'. Some of you thought shark but she's a mermaid, haha! And for those fo you that wanted Kaogme to kick ass, I hope you liked this chapter! That's all this time!

ACTUALLY, I might be looking for a Beta but they need to be able to beta for Inuyasha crossovers too! Lemme know if you're interested!

I'm a reviewwww whore 3 Leave me some and I'm updating 'Desolate Consummation' and 'Lion and Rabbit' tonight! I'd at least 30 - 40 reviews!