Recall: Miroku smirked as he witnessed the fake jewel melt away in the acid. He'd have to worry about Koharu later. One thing was for sure. This was not the jewel and she was not the keeper. The main concern was to find out who was before something unfortunate happens.

.

"I'm sorry that it's come to this. But, I'm sure within a few years you'll forgive me."

"W-what are you doing?" She asked feeling his tongue on the side of her neck.

"Something I should have done a long fucking time ago." His eyes glowed red, his fangs growing longer.

"P-Please no."

"You can never leave me again." Her screams pierced through castle.

.

"Naraku, I…" She stopped, once seeing the changes he made to the painting. "I-I have everything together. I'm ready to start."

"The results better not disappoint me."

.

Chapter 21: The Truth

The air was a lot cooler than normal. It was quite usual, being that it felt like summer a few days ago. Of course, any normal place would have a gradual changing of seasons, but it felt a bit more complicated.

"Watch carefully." Inuyasha said, pointing out into the distance. Kagome looked where he was pointing to see the land start to be covered in white, the flowers wilting from the drastic change in temperature.

"Strange." She whispered, never experiencing anything like this in her life.

"Beautiful isn't it." Kagome nodded, watching as the morning dew slowly turned to frost. She shivered, wrapping her arms around herself as the cold air left bumps on her skin. Inuyasha smiled, rubbing her arms allowing the friction to warm her up a little.

"Don't you miss the autumn leaves?" She asked, causing him to huff.

"If I'm in that much of hurry to see them, I'll just come to your world."

"You never did explain where we are exactly." Kagome nodded.

"This is the realm of the demons."

"Really." Inuyasha nodded.

"But, hundreds of years ago, humans were killing off vampires at a rapid pace. So, as a result, vampires began to breed with demons. A lot harder to kill. And even though there are still a few regular vampires, they stand a better chance if they have demon blood."

"And that's why it's so hard to kill you." She placed her hand where his heart was. "Cause you're part demon, a stake won't do much damage."

"Exactly. A regular vampire wouldn't be able to live. Well, they'll have a better chance if bitten by a vampire with demon blood. " Taking her hand, he ushered her over to a bed of flowers; which were now falling over, dying from the cold. "A lot of benefits having demon blood in your veins." He suddenly gripped his hand, his claws piercing his flesh allowing blood to ooze.

"What are you…?"

"Watch." He said, carefully allowing the blood to drop on the shriveled flowers. As soon as the blood touched the petals, they instantly sprang back to life, as if not affected by the cold what so ever.

"That's amazing." She said, wondering of the limitations of a vampire's power.

"Not everything I do is monstrous." Slowly, his hand reverted back to normal.

"I'm sure everything has its benefits, some way or another." She sighed calmly once she felt his warm arms snake around her waist. Content, she leaned back against him, allowing his lips to softly brush against her neck. The sudden contact made her hiss, his soft kisses turning into hungry sucking.

"Kagome…" She heard him whisper, unable to concentrate while one of his hands slowly crept down to her neither regions.

"Do you still hate me as much as you did when I first brought you here?" She had to say, that was the last question she was expecting from him.

"W-what?"

"I feel as though we've been getting along fine, don't you? I try so hard not to hurt you. I don't want to hurt you. I enjoy making you feel good." He admitted, powerless from keeping his lips from hers. "You feel it too, don't you? Our connection, it's gotten stronger, hasn't it?" Slowly, he turned her around, permitting her to face him. His head on hers while his lips barely touching hers. It was if Kagome stopped breathing, his eyes staring into her soul; not being able to break away. "Tell me you don't hate me…please."

Complicated

That's how she felt. Kagome was at a loss for words. Of course, when she first arrived, it would have been oh so easy to exclaim how much she detested this heartless vampire. Taking her away to use her for his own sexual gratification. But, now with her trying to convince him that she was trustworthy, in a way changed her as well. She was way more accepting of his touches; expecting them in some cases. The warm sensation she gets when he holds her in the middle of the night was indescribable. Many nights that went on where she would totally open up her feelings to him, expressing what was bottling up inside her. Without complaint, he would listen; trying to keep her cope with the situation. And when he finally does decide to take her, it was no longer animalistic like it once was but a bit more sweet and…loving.

Kagome gasped. She couldn't tell him she hated him…

And it scared her

"Inuyasha…I…"

"Master Inuyasha!" They heard. It was one of the maids the resided at the castle. Inuyasha rolled his eyes, releasing his hold of Kagome, approaching the vampire.

"What's the meaning of this?" He asked.

"Master…" She spoke in their native tongue, unsure if he wanted his pet to know what was going on. "Important news from Miroku. Sesshomaru needs you at once." The maid leaned in closer to Inuyasha. "It's about the jewel." She whispered, causing Inuyasha's eyes to widen.

"Give me a moment. Tell him I'll be there." She nodded, rushing back inside. Inuyasha turned to Kagome, confused as to what was going on.

"Get back to the room, immediately. I'll be there momentarily."

"Is something wrong?"

"Nothing for you to worry about, my sweet." He said, pecking her on the lips before leaving her alone to her thoughts.

Unconsciously, Kagome started to scratch at her arm once again while making her way back to the castle. Hated him? Could she really say that now? He and his brother kidnap us, rape us, torture us…of course I hate him. That's why I want out of here. Then why couldn't she say it? She bit her lip, a tear slipping from her eye in frustration. Yes, I hate him. And next time I'll tell him so and push him away if he tries to touch me again. If he tries to hold me, I'll struggle… Her hand suddenly went to her lips, feeling the warmth of his kiss still lingering on her. If he tries to kiss me I'll…I'll…

"Melt…" She finished out loud, crashing to her knees. "I must be out of it. What's going on?" Maybe Sango was right. Maybe this whole thing was a big mistake. She should have listened when she was warned the first time, but she was so convinced about her decision that she wasn't concerning herself about her mental or physical state.

"There has to be a better way than this…" Kagome got up, walking once again when she saw movement on one of the balconies, smiling when she saw who it was. However, she sensed that something was wrong.

"Rin!" She shouted out, trying to get her attention. Rin lifted her head for a brief second before running back into the room. Kagome didn't know what to make of her action. "Rin?"

No answer

Kagome looked back at the castle entrance. He told me to go back to the room. She thought to herself, turning back to the balcony. She was doing so well with him, was she really going to ruin all this hard work now? … Agh… I'm gonna regret this. There were a few vines that grew along the castle. Taking one of them, she wrapped it a few times around her hand and began climbing up. Step by step, she slowly made her way up onto Rin's balcony. Sesshomaru will be with Inuyasha. A little time with Rin won't hurt, right? It wasn't long before she made it to the edge.

"Rin?" She called out, lifting herself over the rail. Cautiously, she opened the door into Rin's room. She could hear faint cries coming from the corner. Rin's back was turned, crouching down into a ball as if trying to escape into what little space was left. Walking up, she called out a few more times.

"Leave." She heard, causing Kagome to jump in shock. Her tone was so aggressive that it was as if she was talking to a stranger.

"Rin…" Turning her around, Kagome looked in horror once Rin was facing her. "Rin, what's wrong with your eye?" She asked. Rin's left eye was now gold, instead of regular tears, it was replaced with blood.

"I-it hurts." She said, covering the golden eye. Kagome ran up to her, grabbing her shoulders.

"What the hell happened to you?" She asked, so desperate for answers.

"What is she doing in there?" Rin gasped, turning her head away from Kagome.

"I didn't allow her in." She whispered, confusing her cousin. Not being able to hear the voices coming from Rin.

"Rin, who are you talking to?"

"I suggest you get rid of her before I do."

"You have to leave…" Rin said soft. Concerned, Kagome reached for her arm.

"What? Rin, what's going on?" Snatching away from her, Rin growled angrily. The action startling Kagome.

"Get out!" She snapped, pushing the confused girl out the door.

"Rin stop, what's wrong with you?" She asked while her cousin forced her out the door.

"He fucking knows!" She screamed, before slamming the door on Kagome. Once she was out, she slide down against the wood, crying. "He knows." Kagome's stomach dropped once she heard Rin say it for a second time. They've been found out. "S-Sango…she must have told Miroku."

"No…"

"It's over…"

"No!" Immediately, Kagome raced her way to Sango's room. I can't believe it, I just can't believe it. She thought to herself. We trust you enough to allow you in on our secret and now this! Once she made it to the room, she jiggled the knob only to find it locked. But, that wasn't stopping her. With a solid kick, she managed to pop the knob off the door, allowing her to go in.

"Kagome…" Sango whispered, a little relieved that she wasn't hurt. Despite her soft tone, Kagome was boiling with rage.

"You fucking told!" Kagome screamed out, punching her in the face. "We trusted you!" She shouted grabbing her hair and punching her a second time.

"I…I didn't." Sango said, the punches barely fazing her. She was getting ready to punch her a third time, but Sango ducked out of the way, this time holding her hands up defensively.

"He found out. I didn't tell him."

"Bullshit!"

"I'm telling the truth, human!" She screamed, now fed up with Kagome's irrational behavior.

"Sesshomaru fucking knows the whole situation. Now there's something going on with Rin's eyes."

"What's wrong with her eyes?"

"One of them is gold and her tears are blood."

"He must have made the connection while she's still human." Sango's hands came to her mouth, gasping from her shock. "She must be in so much pain right now. I can't believe he'd…" She looked away, shaking her head, running a hand through her bangs. "Without turning her. That's low, even for him."

"How did Miroku find out?" Kagome asked abruptly, finally taking in the state of the room. It was in shambles. Tables broken, the bed on the other side of the room snapped in half; an absolute war zone. Sango bit her lip, getting a little bit emotional herself as to what happened to her a few nights ago.

"I tried. I really did try."

"You better fucking explain yourself." Sango scoffed.

"What are you going to do? You think anything you do to me right now, it won't be tenfold once I'm back into that assholes house?!"

"Tell me!" She screamed, her voice cracking in the process. Sango's lip started to quiver as she recollected what happened the previous night…

.

"Come along, my love. I must go back soon, so I have to mark you at once." Miroku explained, getting closer to the crook of her neck. He was blocked when Sango put her hands up.

"No…" She whispered. Miroku sat silent for a second before letting out a halfhearted laugh.

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. It sounded as if you said…"

"I said no." She interrupted, louder.

"And what may be your reason for declining?" He was trying so hard to keep calm, but he could feel his temper rising. Unfortunately, Sango didn't notice, otherwise maybe she would have been a bit softer with her speech.

"It's bad enough you keep me at your mercy, and you've taken my brother's memory. But you think that you can win me over with this nonsense of restoring him back to the way he was. You're sadly mistaken Miroku." She stood up, glaring into his eyes. It was if this was a good excuse to by her some time. There was no way she was going to let up now. "Now that I know you were the monster, I can't look you in the face the way I use to ever again. Even worse now that you've confessed that I'm erased from Kohaku's mind. I don't understand how you'd think I'd want you anywhere near me."

"Sango…darling…" He said, reaching for her. However, his attempt was caught short when she pulled from him.

"Get away from me!" She shouted. His eyes flashed red for a split second. He grabbed her upper arm, forcefully shaking her a bit.

"Who do you think you're talking to, little one?" He asked lowly. Sango's breathing was heavy, but it slowly became steady. She got a little beyond herself and forgot who in fact she was talking to.

"Forgive me…" She apologized. "Well I've given you my answer." She started to think her option wasn't the best one, for Miroku's grip tightened on her arm, his fangs growing longer.

"This is unacceptable." He growled. This time, Sango managed to pull from him. Backing up, fearing what he might do to her.

"Calm down, you asked for an answer. I gave it." Miroku was so angry, he started to knock over some of the furniture in the room. Sango's fear increased. She had never seen him react this way. It was almost like all that anger he wanted to inflict on her, but was taking it out on the room. "Please calm down!" She shouted.

"How do you expect me to keep calm?!" He hissed, this time flipping the bed, tossing it across the room which took Sango by surprise. Even more so since the secrets were now at his feet.

"Miroku…"

Suddenly it all made sense. There, scattered on the floor, several books about portholes and wormholes. Sango felt as if she could dropped dead at the instant. The aura around him was darkening.

He was furious

"You better have a good explanation for this." He whispered, the octave in his voice changing. She remained silent.

"I didn't…"

"LIES!" He grabbed her by the neck, flinging her up to the ceiling. She gasped in shock, her body leaving an impression. "Those two are in on it as well." Her widened as he started to walk along the wall.

"N-no. They had nothing to do with it."

"You're a fucking liar." He said, finally making it up to the ceiling. "I was the one that talked the other two into this." She tried moving away as he approached her. "I convinced them that there wasn't any harm into a little, 'girl time.' " He kicked the chandelier, causing it to fall to the floor. "But, it was all a hoax to escape? My dear, I'm gravely disappointed."

"P-please…"

"Such humiliation. I'm to endure." He grabbed her by the hair, floating back down to the ground. "No matter. All will be as it was."

"What do you mean?" She asked, much confusion in her eyes.

"I can't have a disloyal wench as my wife. Perhaps a few years of teaching you you're proper place…Then, we shall resume…In the meantime…" Before she could react, Miroku's teeth sunk into Sango's neck, causing her to scream in agony. Desperately, she tried removing herself away from his hold, however she gradually felt herself becoming helpless to his dominance. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head as he took control of her soul.

The connection was made.

Once he was finish, Miroku threw the poor vampire down to the floor. Panting frantically, she looked at her lord with much disbelief; incapable of comprehending what just happened.

"What the hell did you do?" She asked, her hand coming down to her neck which was bleeding profusely. Miroku smirked, licking his fingers, getting another taste of her sweet blood.

"Just a little something to make sure you don't get away from me." Her jaw dropped, realizing what he just did.

"N-no…you…you said you wouldn't force me…"

"I said I want your permission when you become my wife. Didn't say anything about keeping a hold on my untrustworthy pet." He shouted, making his way out the room. "Oh…" He stopped, going back to gather a few of the books on the floor. "I better make sure the other two know of this inconvenience. Can't have their pets trying to leave as well. Good night then." Slamming the door, Miroku left Sango alone. She got up in a daze, a little confused; soon she came to a sudden understanding of what he just said.

"The girls!" She immediately ran to the door. As soon as she touched the knob, she heard it lock. The shutting of the windows also grabbed her attention.

"Don't even think about it." She heard, footsteps walking away from the door. Hysterically, Sango banged on the door. Normally, she could have easily over powered it, but with her injuries and the wind knocked out of her, there was no way.

"Miroku, come back!" She begged, but to no avail. "Miroku!" She kept calling out to him, but he never returned.

.

"I…I knew he'd find out if I accepted. But, I never thought of how angry he'd be if I denied him." She looked up at Kagome, who was pounding her head with her hands. "I thought we would have more time if I refused…" Cautiously, Sango began to approach Kagome. "I…I didn't think this would happen. Please…" Kagome shook her head in disbelief. She knew it wasn't Sango's fault. This was just an unfortunate misunderstanding. But even still…

"It means nothing now. Do you know what's going to happen once Inuyasha gets his hands on me?" Her eyes widened, remembering that he was at a conference with his brother and Miroku. She was as good as dead at this point. All that planning and hard work and for what? It was all in the dust at this point. Unable to control herself, tears swelled in her eyes. She was dreading to go back in her room. Sango the gasped, fortunately hearing what Kagome said.

"Wait…" She grabbed Kagome, lifting up her neck.

"What are you doing?" She shouted, pushing away.

"Inuyasha doesn't know yet? He didn't mark you." Kagome scoffed, more tears streaming down her face.

"But, it's only a matter of time before he finds out."

"You won't be here when he finds out." She rolled her eyes.

"What are you…?" She began, then silently watched Sango. She walked over to the emptiest space in the room. Breathing deeply, Sango pushed all of her energy out and emerged to the corner. Just like that, there was the black porthole that would lead out. Kagome gawked at how easily Sango managed to get it up.

"How did you…"

"Miroku's bite came with some benefits." She said, some of her bruises slowly disappearing while deeper ones remained. Lucky for her, Miroku wasn't checking in on her telepathically, otherwise they'd both be good as dead.

"Then why would he even bite you?"

"What good is me knowing this, if I can't escape him? Now, get in." Kagome shook her head, backing up.

"But, what about Rin?" She asked, not wanting to leave her behind. Sango shook her head.

"It's too late for her."

"What are you saying? I can't just leave her."

"There's nothing you can do. He'll find her. And if you stay longer, Inuyasha will mark you and you won't be able to leave either." Kagome looked at the porthole, the darkness overwhelming. She didn't want to leave her cousin, but she knew Rin wouldn't want her to miss this opportunity. She'd want her to be safe and away from here. Still, it did feel odd.

"But, where will it…"

"There's no time!" She shouted. "Will you stop asking questions?! I can't hold it for very long. You have to go." She nodded, stepping forward before look back at the vampire.

"Will you be okay?" Sango chuckled.

"I'm a vampire, I'll manage. Just close your eyes and you'll be home. Now hurry before it closes…"

"I don't think so…" A voice suddenly spoke up. Sango turned from the porthole, only to be met with demonic red eyes. "That's my property." Before she could react, Sango was struck in the face; sending her flying across the room, her immediately causing the black orb to disappear.

"Sango!" Kagome screamed, running towards the unresponsive vampire. Her movements were interrupted when something attached to her leg, making her fall. Shaken, she looked down to see a tentacle on her ankle, slowly dragging her back to the figure. Desperately, she scrambled to get away from it; kicking the tentacle while trying to claw away.

"I've waited too long for this moment for it to be lost by a little wench like you." Continuously, Kagome struggled, calling out for Sango, who was now beginning to stir.

"Kagome?" She whispered, looking around her room. She was a bit disoriented, but she managed to make out Kagome, being sucked into a void. "Kagome!" She screamed, racing to her aid.

"What the hell is this?!" She asked as Sango grabbed her by the arms, slowly beginning to pull her away from the tentacles.

"Don't worry, I've got you."

"There'll be none of that." The voice said as one to the tentacles pierced Sango in the stomach. She looked up at Kagome with much sorrow, blood being spilled from her mouth before being flung across the room once again like a rag doll.

"Sango!" Kagome called out one last time before she was engulfed by the tentacles, soon after vanishing from existence.

~.*.~

"What?!" Inuyasha screamed in anger, kicking a table and breaking it into many pieces. After the discussion they had of the jewel, Miroku went straight onto business, informing Inuyasha just what their pets were up to. Understandably, Inuyasha was pissed off. That fucking lying wench. He thought, his anger crashing down to a nearby lamp. This was why her behavior was so different. Nothing about me and making this work, but everything to fucking leave. He was truly hurt. He felt as if he was taken for a fool. True he wasn't a saint or anything, but he felt as if they were getting somewhere with this. But, it was all a lie! He gritted his teeth, this time punching the wall.

"I'd appreciate if you didn't destroy the house." Sesshomaru said calmly, brushing debris from his shoulder.

"So they were just playing us the entire time?" Inuyasha asked, wanting to get every little detail of their little scheme. Miroku tossed one of the books his way, verifying what he saw. Not that he needed to prove himself, but just for clarification.

"And this would explain why the humans got so close to Sango. They'd use her to return to the human world." Sesshomaru clutched his fist, still not forgiven Rin even with them now connected.

"Why didn't you assholes tell me sooner?!"

"I was attending pet, while Miroku had his duties with Lady Koharu." Miroku growled. Thankfully that wench high tailed it out of his establishment once she was revealed to be a sham. No doubt hiding at the family house, didn't surprise them if all were in on it. But, they were to be dealt with soon.

"Just wait until I get my hands on that lying wench. Oh…she's gonna regret…" Inuyasha suddenly stopped talking. He could sense that something was going on in the castle. The others heard it too. A lot of yelling and screaming coming from one of the rooms. It wasn't until the scent of blood hit his nose when he became worried.

"Agh…" Miroku clutched his stomach before looking around bewildered.

"Miroku?" Sesshomaru called out, confused as to what was going on.

"Sango's hurt."

"Kagome…" Inuyasha whispered, rushing out of the room, following her scent. "She better be in the room." However the scent wasn't leading him in the right direction, which made him angrier. But, anger turned to fear when her scent vanished unexpectedly. Smashing his way into Sango's room, the inside was splattered with blood, meanwhile Kagome was not in sight.

She was gone.

"What on Earth…?" Miroku said, also walking into the room. He looked around the mess, only to find his pet bloody. "Sango!" He screamed, hurrying to her side. Everything that took place in the last couple of days seemed to no longer matter once he saw the state of his pet. If anything, he regret every amount of pain he caused her. Thankfully, she was still alive. The beast was so concerned about taking Kagome, he didn't even think to aim for Sango's heart. Either way she was still hurt.

"M-Miroku…" She squeezed out, her gaping hole heavily bleeding out, but slowly healing. She was gasping heavily, crying madly after what just happened. Miroku shushed her, kissing her trying to make her forget about the pain. Slowly, Sango's pants began to cease. The hole closing but still not healed.

"What happened?" Miroku asked, wiping the tears from her eyes with his thumbs.

"He's got her. He's got Kagome. You have to do something. He's gonna kill her!"

"Who?" The assailant knew what he was doing. He left no scent and even though he stabbed Sango, none of his flesh was left behind. But, with his dog demon blood, nothing was getting past Inuyasha's nose.

"Naraku…" Inuyasha said lowly.

.

.

~~~~~My CoMmEnTs~~~~~

1-13-17

*What do you think? Exciting enough for you guys? Things are getting serious.

But honestly, like you didn't know it was Naraku. Lol We all knew it was Naraku

Anyways, what do you expect to happen next?

Let me know in the lovely little reviews

You know if you feel like it :/

lol