Disclaimer: Alas, such sweet misery to say I do not own. (cries)

Black Blood

Dizziness…utter pitch black. These were the things that clouded Kagome's mind right now. The priestess groaned feeling a throb of pain run through her body. Her eyelids opened and her chocolate brown hues glanced around her surrounding dazedly. She then remembered what had happened, and she quickly sat up gasping at the light headedness that filled her at that moment. Her head throbbed badly as if someone was beating drums insider her very mind.

"My head," Kagome moaned in pain holding a hand to her head shutting her eyes. She tried to take a few calm breaths in an attempt to alleviate the pain. For the most part it helped somewhat.

Kagome looked up recognizing her surroundings now fully. She was still in the same place of the underground cave that she had stumbled across that…man. She stood to her feet wobbling slightly still from the dizziness. Whoever knocked her out from behind did it with as much force as they could muster it seemed.

"Ah you're awake." A deep voice mused from behind.

She quickly spun around biting sharply on her tongue when the pain in her head deepened from the action. She took a few steps back cautiously trying to keep a distance between her and the man in front of her. His crimson eyes seemed to flash with amusement and something about his expression reminded her of a lion—and she was the defenseless sheep. Her hand immediately reached up to her shoulders in vain to find that her bow and arrows were gone. An evil chuckle was heard and Kagome looked up back to Naraku to see his evil grin as he held her bow in his hands. The sweating feeling of horror sunk in her body when she saw him bend the bow and it snapped under his strength as if it was as weak as a tree limb in his grasp. She watched him drop the bow and suddenly it sunk in. Her only means of defense was gone. Utterly gone.

Naraku began to approach her slowly then. His walk was almost lethal in its gracefulness. Kagome continued to step back feeling her legs tremble in fear. She felt her back bump into the wall and her eyes widened in alarm. He smirked and continued his walk as if he was stalking his prey.

Miroku knelt down near the barrier and placed his hand above the barrier. It recoiled under his palm and shocked him in return. The raven haired vampire frowned and withdrew his hand looking at the damage. It had burned his skin leaving the skin peeling but in a few seconds it had healed from his vampire abilities.

"A barrier to keep us out." He mused.

Sango looked down at the barrier. Kagome could be in trouble now and here they were stuck outside unable to aid her. She took a few steps back then and pulled down her Hiraikotsu. She wasn't going to sit around helplessly as her friend was in danger. Friend. Sango mused on the word. She had never before used the word before. Her travels before all this were that of a loner but now she had people she wanted to protect. She needed to protect. Miroku glanced up noticing Sango's movements.

"Sango…"

His words stopped when Sango suddenly drew back her boomerang bone and spun it around with as force as she could muster. In a swift movement, she released it and it spun quickly and smacked against the barrier. The barrier made a loud electrical sound as her weapon made contact with it. It was getting through. Inuyasha catching on quickly drew his Tetsusaiga and stabbed it quickly in the barrier. There was a loud exploding sound and a fury of dust came in. The four cried out ducking down as the dust blew in covering the area as if a blurry of a twister. Finally, when it had cleared Sango sat up with Shippo tucked in her arms. Miroku and Inuyasha sat up as well and their gaze was on the now broken down barrier. They had managed to break it. Sango placed Shippo down on the ground and walking over picking up her Hiraikotsu.

"I'm going…" Sango said determinedly. There was no fear in her voice or eyes; just determination.

"Me too." Miroku remarked standing up and taking his place besides her. Their eyes meet for a fraction of a second and it was as if they were connected. No words were spoken between them but there was a silent promise of protecting each other in their gazes.

"I'm going too!" Shippo squeaked in although his fear was evidently showed.

Sango and Miroku exchanged another look before shaking their heads. The little fox would end up hurting himself amidst it all. It was far too dangerous.

"Stay here Shippo. We'll bring Kagome back. You can count on that." Sango commented and her voice never did waiver on the promise. She was going to bring back Kagome one way or another even if it killed her.

Tears fell down Shippo's cheeks and he sniffed bowing his head but nodded. He knew Kagome wouldn't have wanted him down there. So, he wouldn't worry the priestess that he grew to see as a mother anymore.

"Right." Inuyasha grumbled withdrawing his sword and gazing down at the barrier.

There was no way he was staying behind. Not when Kagome was down there. He didn't know why he cared so much about her. Sure, she accepted him but it was clear that her feelings for him weren't mutual. She cared about him yes; worried about him even but it ended at that. And he knew it. He could easily remember the taste of her lips that one night she had followed him when he was dangerous. The fear and recognition in his eyes killed him. It was the almost same look Kikyo had given him the night he lost control and killed her. The memory brought back strong feelings of pain and Inuyasha could feel the stabbing pain in his heart albeit his heart stopped beating years ago. He almost smiled bitterly to himself at that thought. Not one of them asked to be a vampire. He would have been happier if he wasn't and then maybe what happened between him and Kikyo wouldn't have occurred.

"Inuyasha." Kikyo's quiet and soft musical like voice called his name.

Inuyasha clenched his fists and then allowed himself to fall through the barrier. He could die tonight with this battle. That was a flickering thought in his mind and yet it didn't scare him. Death wasn't something he was afraid of. Instead, he welcomed it and would open his arms to it. The feelings of weightlessness filled his senses as he continued to fall down. He could practically taste the dark presence now on the tip of his tongue. It felt so strongly now.

Sango and Miroku floated near Inuyasha having fallen through the barrier themselves. Suddenly, they felt a crack in their connection. The barrier around them glowed and they felt something run through their veins.

It was transporting them to alter places.

"Sango!" Miroku exclaimed trying to reach his hand towards her.

The vampire slayer cried out and suddenly she felt her body fall faster and quicker. She shut her eyes awaiting the fall and she felt her feet touch the ground. Her head spun from the portal. She opened her eyes then and glanced around. There was no sign of Miroku or Inuyasha anywhere just as she suspected. They were separated.

Sango looked up ahead and noticed the lit pathway. It was probably a trap she knew but she didn't have any other options. She walked down the pathway keeping her hand clutched up on the strap that tied her boomerang bone to her back. Her head still felt like it was spinning from the fall but she tried to clear her thoughts. The ringing voice of Miroku calling her name was in her head then. The way he had called her name… It was full of worry and almost a quiet desperation. She felt almost light headed at the thought of him feeling desperate just at the thought of being away from her. Sango shook those thoughts away almost grimacing at how she was trailing off. She couldn't think of things like that right now. Her face changed to expression her determination as she continued walking through the lit cave pathway. This was all going to end tonight.

Miroku winced and held a hand to his head as he sat up slowly. The fall was a painful one for him seeing as he landed on a huge boulder. He felt his back burn in aching pain but he ignored it. He stood up then dusting himself off and darting his dark blue hues around noticing his surroundings. It was quiet except for the soft cracking sounds of the torches lighting the way of the underground pathway. The raven haired vampire cursed under his breath. He knew the barrier was going to separate them. The flickers of Sango's understanding gaze came to his mind. It was as if his body had moved and spoken of its own will when he had called her name out trying to reach her. Her gaze seemed as if she knew what was going to happen and accepted it. He noticed it before too when she tried to break through the barrier. The vampire slayer knew the dangers and wasn't afraid of them at all. He wondered briefly if maybe she was foreseeing her own death. The thought made him feel uneasy.

He didn't want her to die. Something in him protested greatly at the thought of her easily giving up her life. It wouldn't be fair at all. It wouldn't be fair for her to die and leave him alone.

Miroku sighed and rubbed a few fingers to his temples. Leave it to him to realize now out of all times his true feelings. It was a little too late now. He pressed his lips in a firm line before walking through the lit pathway then. If they got through this then he would tell her.

He hoped to God that they did.

A sound of a male's loud cursing was heard. The sound ringed through the hollow cave wall's and carried through them echoing. Inuyasha stood up and his body cracked slightly. The fall wasn't the greatest for him either. He could feel the throbbing pain flow throughout his body. He gritted his teeth ignoring the pain and forced his body to walk forwards. He couldn't let something as stupid as a painful fall stop him. Kagome needed him. He continued to walk down the pathway until something up ahead caught his eyes. The flicker of silver. Inuyasha's amber eyes widened and he picked up his pace. When he was close enough he drew his sword and drew it downwards to the figure. The figure quickly acted and withdrew his own sword blocking the attack easily. Both of their amber eyes glared at each other.

"Sesshomaru…"

"Inuyasha."

Inuyasha drew down his sword knowing it was Sesshomaru now. Sesshomaru withdrew his sword but irritation flashed across his handsome features. He wasn't in the mood to play games. He had told Inuyasha and the others not to follow as well but it appeared they did.

"Why are you here?" Sesshomaru asked coolly.

Inuyasha snorted, "Why else? To get rid of that dark presence. Don't think you're the only one that wants to defeat it."

He noticed then that Kagome was not with him. This irked him even more. "Where's Kagome?" Inuyasha asked quickly.

"I don't know."

Inuyasha growled at the uncaring tone in Sesshomaru's voice. Did he not care at all that Kagome could be in danger? Inuyasha didn't know why Kagome cared for Sesshomaru seeing as the vampire lord didn't express concern for her. She deserved better than that. She loved him whole-heartedly and yet Sesshomaru took her for grated. Inuyasha narrowed his eyes then as he walked past his older brother. Bitterness was evident in his facial features.

"If you continue to be like this…Kagome just might give up on you and fall for me instead." Inuyasha commented bitterly walking down the lit pathway.

Sesshomaru didn't say anything in reply. He merely walked after Inuyasha. If Kagome so desired to be with Inuyasha then so be it. The thought made him feel a sickening feeling, however.

"Asurai!" Kagome exclaimed swinging her fingers out. The chant drew binds around Naraku in an attempt to tie him down but he easily broke through them. Her eyes widened in horror upon noticing her failed attempt. She thought she was stronger now but her attack did nothing to him.

Naraku grinned evilly as he licked his lips. She looked much more appetizing in person especially with fear glazed over her beautiful facial features. There was nothing more attractive to him than a girl in utter fear. He absolutely thrived on fear. He continued his slow stalking approach on her as Kagome shrunk as near the wall she could.

"Stay back." She grounded out glaring at intimidating as she could. Of course, it didn't do much seeing as her figure was considerably small compared to his much larger and towering one.

He stalked her closer until she could almost feel the warmth radiating off her body. She could feel her lower lip tremble and her chocolate brown eyes widen almost in childlike fear. She couldn't control her powers. She was far too frightened to summon the strength and concentration to do so. She cried out when she felt Naraku grab her wrist in his tight grasp and spinning her around so that her body slammed front side first against the wall. His weight was against her back and Kagome struggled in vein trying to get loose. His breath was against her ear and she involuntarily shuddered.

"I've been watching you for quite awhile priestess and I must say…nothing would delight me more than enveloping myself in your warmth." Naraku purred.

Kagome's eyes widened in horror at the meaning of his words. "Sesshomaru would kill you." She hissed out.

He grinned evilly, "On contrary, he would abandon you. Why would he want someone who has already been tainted?"

Kagome felt her breathing hitch and began to feel herself almost start hyperventilating. Sesshomaru wouldn't do that would he? No, she knew he wouldn't and yet deep down a part of her feared; feared that he wouldn't be able to stand the appearance of her if Naraku assaulted her.

"No!" She screamed out struggling with as much force as she could muster. She could feel a spark of her abilities before they died down again.

Naraku's grip on her wrists never waivered in strength and she felt his other hand rake up her body towards the front near her hakama ties. She gasped when she felt his fingers untie the ties and the pants slipped down with a whoosh on the ground. She was wearing a light white slip robe underneath her kimono which served to now hide her bare body from his grasp. She struggled again biting her lower lip while feeling his grip tightening. His grasp was bound to leave red marks she was sure.

Kagome stiffened when she felt his hand run up her thigh caressing softly. His touch was so cold to her and instantly she felt disgusted. When he pulled his hand away, she felt herself come to recognition at the shuffling sounds behind her. He was beginning to undress himself. She shut her eyes tight praying for this not to happen.

His hand was back on her leg then and she realized that some prayers couldn't come true. She felt his hand reach up in between her slip up to her inner thighs. Toying with her; teasing her.

She could only summon a scream.

Inuyasha's ears twitched when he heard a loud scream and instantly his eyes darted up in alarm. Sesshomaru was already steps ahead of him walking gracefully as usual. Inuyasha could sense the almost immediate eagerness radiating off of Sesshomaru though. His lips pressed together but he shrugged the thought away and dashed after him. Suddenly he felt a sudden dizziness settle upon them. The cave walls seemed to spin and Inuyasha stopped. He shook his head and looked up to see Sesshomaru in halt as well.

"An illusion," Sesshomaru mused in his cold, detached voice.

Inuyasha was about to comment when everything blackened for him. When he came to he was in a grassland setting. His amber eyes flashed in recognition when he saw a raven haired priestess in red priestess robes. His light brown eyes were distant.

"Kikyo…" Inuyasha murmured.

"It matters to me not if you're not human Inuyasha."

He felt himself freeze as he remembered the familiar words. His fists clenched as he tried to stop them from shaking as they were. The scenery changed and he saw himself, the monstrous part of himself. Kikyo's wailed as his red claws slashed her body and red splashed like red ribbons in the air. Inuyasha stumbled backwards in horror watching the memory of his full vampire side killing her. Kikyo's eyes glanced up at him and betrayal flashed in her eyes.

"No…no…no…!" Inuyasha screamed holding his hands to his head shaking his head. "Stop! Stop!"

Another change in scenery occurred. Inuyasha dropped his hands and looked up to see his past self running. He could feel the agony, and distress radiating from his body as his half vampire side had taken over now. The recognition of what he had just done overtook him. Suddenly an arrow came out and stabbed him right in the chest. He cried out in pain and fell to his knees as blood dripped down his body. His breathing became hard as amber eyes looked up in confusion. There up ahead was the priestess he loved and thought he had killed. Something was different about her thought. Kikyo's eyes were hard as blood was drenched on her clothes from his attack just a few minutes ago.

"K-Kikyo…I'm…sorry…" He murmured slumping over unconscious.

Kikyo's eyes softened as she walked over to him and gently brushed his silver bangs away from his face. She leaned down briefly pressing her lips to his.

"You are still needed. In death Inuyasha…we shall be together…but until then..."

With the last bit of her energy she sealed him.

Inuyasha staggered back as he realized what had truly happened. Midoriko hadn't sealed him. It was Kikyo. He had just placed all his hatred and blame on Midoriko because subconsciously he didn't want to believe that Kikyo would do that to him because that would mean she hated him. Her last words, however, proved that she sealed him not because she hated him. She still cared.

Another scream made his ears twitch. This one was very familiar.

Kagome!

Inuyasha gripped his sword and drew power in it. He swung it with such vigor and a powerful dark force erupted from it. A new power. The sound of a mirror breaking was heard. The illusion disappeared and Inuyasha saw what appeared a little girl dressed up all in white along with another woman with glowing red eyes. He growled and swung his sword as they dodged to the side and he dashed past them.

"I don't have time for this." He grounded out disappearing into the darkness of the cave. Sesshomaru was no where in sight. He figured his older brother had gotten a head start.

Behind him Kagura glanced down at Kanna who appeared expressionless despite losing her mirror which held all of her powers.

"He's ready." She commented snapping her fan open in a smooth motion.

"And the others?" Kanna questioned in a quiet, cold voice.

Kagura allowed her eyes to dart in her surroundings. The others were still separated.

"It matters not. The half vampire, vampire lord, and priestess are strong enough to defeat Naraku if they withdraw upon themselves the true potential of their abilities."

The setting for the final showdown was now in place.

Naraku smacked right against the wall as a barrier surrounded Kagome. She gasped out and slid against the wall near her discarded hakama pants. Her breathing was raspy and relief filled her. She had managed to save herself just in time. Kagome quickly slipped on her pants with shaking fingers and tied the ties. Naraku growled pushing himself up.

"Wretch." He hissed out in anger.

He drew a blade and tossed it with great force. Kagome shut her eyes awaiting the stabbing pain but it never came. Instead the sound of clattering metals was head and she opened her eyes.

And he was there.

Kagome felt her eyes get watery.

He was there. He hadn't forgotten about her.

Sesshomaru lowered his Tokijin and his cold glare was directed towards Naraku. Briefly, he had allowed his eyes to dart to Kagome noticing the scars and scratches on her body and Kagome swear she saw anger flash in his eyes when he directed his attention back to Naraku. Pure anger.

"Ah ha. You have come out at long last….although I wished you had waited awhile so I could get acquainted with your priestess more." Naraku commented licking his lips predatorily.

Kagome shuddered holding her arms around her body.

"Prepare to die." Sesshomaru remarked coldly charging in with sword.

Naraku drew a sword and blocked the attack. A clatter of metals meeting was heard and then another and another. Kagome watched almost in mixed awe. Sesshomaru was always so graceful in his battles. His movements were all calculated. She wondered if his muscles were flexed underneath his kimono. Instantly she blushed at the thoughts and shook them away standing to her feet. Not the moment to think of arousing thoughts.

Naraku changed his battle plan then and charged towards Kagome. She quickly dodged out of the way as his sword stabbed into the wall. Her eyes widened and she took a few steps back quickly defenseless. Another figure jumped in and the attack was blocked. Kagome saw the flicker of silver hair and Inuyasha's body in front of her with his Tetsuaiga drew. Sesshomaru was on the opposite with narrowed eyes at the appearance of his younger brother in his battle.

"Inuyasha." Sesshomaru warned.

Inuyasha smirked allowing his eyes to dart to Sesshomaru for a few seconds. "I've got a bone to pick with him just as much as you." And with that Inuyasha sent an array of flying swings at Naraku who blocked them repeatedly.

Kagome watched as Naraku stepped back and drew power. When his sword swung down Inuyasha staggered back from the strength of the impact.

"Frontal attacks won't work. He's too strong." Kagome muttered trying to think of a plan.

"Then what?" Inuyasha grumbled.

Sesshomaru didn't wait another second before charging in again. Kagome sighed and shook her head. He never did listen to reason.

"I don't know."

Inuyasha growled and clenched onto his sword.

"Then we just keep charging in for now."

And then Inuyasha went charging in as well. Kagome watched as Naraku chuckled dodging all of their attacks easily despite being double teamed. She could see the frustration develop across Sesshomaru and Inuyasha's faces. They weren't going to win this way. What could they do? She didn't have time to think anymore when she saw Inuyasha and Sesshomaru suddenly slamming against the cave walls hard. Naraku grinned evilly turning his attention to her. If he defeated them….she feared what would befall her. She suddenly found herself slammed against the wall with his hands clenched around her throat. She gasped out clutching on his hands trying to catch her breath. She could feel the pressure of her lungs squeezing as the air was being sucked out of her.

"Kagome!" Inuyasha called out her name.

He struggled in vain as his body was pinned against the wall by Naraku's powers along with Sesshomaru. It felt as if his body was being squeezed to death. He groaned and sweat trickled down the side of forehead as his breathing hitched. He could sense Sesshomaru struggling with all his might and in doing so he was just hurting himself more. He kept struggling though. At that moment Inuyasha realized that he was struggling to get to Kagome. He was struggling and hurting himself in fear of Naraku killing Kagome if he didn't get released.

Kagome shut her eyes and she felt the dizziness come and her head spinning. They lost. She called the one name that raced to her lips at the moment.

"K…Kikyo…"

And everything blackened then.

There was a murmur. It was light, and soft in tone. It couldn't be made out.

"Kagome…"

This time it was clear.

Kagome stirred and opened her eyes to see herself surrounded in darkness. She looked ahead and saw Kikyo standing there along with Midoriko. Her eyes widened and she placed her hands over her mouth daring not to speak. The two looked like beautiful angels standing there dressed in white silk robes.

"You must prevail." Kikyo muttered.

"You must defeat Naraku." Midoriko added.

"How? I can't…we can't…He's too strong." Kagome cried out shaking her head. "I'm not strong enough!"

"You were always the strongest."

Kagome's head whipped up at the voice of her older sister. She could feel the bridge between them like it was when she was still alive. Kikyo smiled softly and the distantness in her eyes seemed clear to Kagome now. She almost understood it now. The gap between them was because Kikyo knew that in the end it was Kagome was the strongest despite her being the youngest sister.

"How do I?" She questioned quietly.

"The power of light and dark are not strong alone but together they can prevail against the strongest of darkness." Midoriko answered.

Kagome looked at Midoriko awaiting for her to speak more. She wanted to know why all of this had happened. Everything.

"I sealed Sesshomaru first because I knew he would be needed years later for this battle. Kikyo withheld my abilities after my death and sealed the others before her death. We knew the burden would fall on you to unleash them and lead them to this grand battle of good versus evil."

"They all thought you sealed them." Kagome commented.

Midoriko's lips slightly twitched upwards at the corner. "My soul was in Kikyo when she sealed them so they probably felt that. Not to mention the fact that it was said only I could seal them; they must have assumed."

Kagome blinked taking in Midoriko's voice and expression. It was quiet and soft. This must have been the Midoriko that Sesshomaru fell for; the beautiful, solemn priestess that held an air about her that darkness couldn't help but be drawn towards. This was the shrouding mystery that was Midoriko.

"Good luck Kagome. You shall prevail." The two deceased priestess mumbled in union.

Kagome awoke and a strong force surrounded her body and Naraku found himself slammed against the opposite side of the wall chained by an invisible force. Kagome landed on her feet gracefully and her body glowed a heavenly glow. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha fell to the ground gasping for air. Inuyasha felt his eyes dart up to Kagome in bewilderment. She looked…well to say like an angel was an understatement. She summonded her bow and arrow aiming it with a look of concentration. The vampires felt the strong power residing in her at that moment.

"Sesshomaru, Inuyasha we attack together. Combine your forces with mine." Kagome ordered in a determined voice as she held the string holding back her arrow in place. The arrow seemed to shudder with the sudden great power force.

She suddenly released the arrow and it zoomed past the air in such velocity. Inuyasha slashed his sword down along with Sesshomaru and their attacks zoomed towards Naraku seeming to swirl around Kagome's arrow in a tornado. Naraku growled out and the attack hit him across his chest consuming him. He yelled out a disturbingly evil and eerie yell of pain before his remains dissipated into ashes on the ground. Kagome's chest heaved up and down before she walked over grabbing a nearby torch.

"Kagome, what are you—" Inuyasha stopped when he saw Kagome drop the torch on Naraku's ashes. The ashes burned up and the fire crackled and almost seemed to hiss in response. Kagome watched the flames dance and it almost reflected in her eyes. She could almost see the past events flash through the flames.

"Kagome!" Miroku and Sango exclaimed appearing. The two had finally met up after hours of wandering and both joined together in hopes of finding their other comrades. The surprise was evident on their features when they saw the quiet stillness in the room and all eyes on the burning flame. One thing came to their minds: Naraku was defeated.

Kagome felt a presence beside her and she allowed her eyes to dart up to meet Sesshomaru's amber eyes.

"Midoriko told you how to defeat him did she not?"

"Yes," She answered quietly.

She awaited his angry response or scoff. What she didn't expect was his weary sigh.

"Very well."

She watched him closely for any expression but he displayed none on his handsome and distinguished features. Not even anger from the mention of Midoriko like before. He truly had changed. She noticed then that the prayer beads around his neck were gone. The spell on him was broken at long last. He was free.

Kagome allowed her hand to reach up and grasp his hand in hers. She could feel the friction of the skin contact.

"I love you," She murmured.

Sesshomaru closed his eyes silently. "I know."

She thought he was going to add something but he merely grasped her hand back in response.

Super Special Blabber:

Just an epilogue left and Black Blood is over with. Reviews would be much appreciated. :)