Chapter 25 – Awakening

Kagura smirked, knowing Naraku would love this piece of information. The hanyou probably already knew, and was furious, but it would be fun to tease him with the fact that Katana was chosen. No, she was not mated, but she was being courted, which meant only when another youkai bit into the marking would it disappear, even after Sesshoumaru died.

Kagura knew not of Naraku's plans, but she did know the hanyou had gotten smarter over the years. He no longer merely sent out incarnations, but looked at all the aspects of a plan, before actually going through with it. However, his plan was dark… and not seen, but Kagura had a strong feeling that it had something to do with Inuyasha, his little group, and Katana's. He was up to something, and whatever it was it wasn't going to be good in the end.

There was also a strange feeling inside her, like she knew of something that she wasn't aware of. True, she'd known long ago that Naraku was fucking Kikyo's corpse secretly, and she'd taunted Inuyasha with the information, though she was always too brash to understand what she was saying. However, something turned in the air, and Kikyo suddenly wanted Inuyasha, because her reincarnation was looking at him with devotion in her eyes. Then Kikyo got this strange potion, which she shouldn't have been able to make herself. Perhaps… perhaps this was Naraku's plan. Separate Inuyasha from Kagome, since she was the strength he fed off of to use Tetsusigia.

However, Kagome came back. Now, she was a powerful demoness, who had caught the eye of the most dangerous youkai in Japan. Naraku might have been pleased that Katana wanted to kill Inuyasha, but he wasn't going to be pleased about this. Kagura was pretty sure that Sesshoumaru was never supposed to come into the picture; Katana was never supposed to obtain the Tetsusigia; and they were never supposed to even be bound together in some way.

If this was Naraku's plan, merely get Katana and Inuyasha to kill each other, then it was being thrown in the wind. Fate just wasn't on his side anymore. Destiny had turned, and now the pieces were being set into place. Naraku's down fall would soon be played out on the giant game that was destiny.

A smirk pulled on her lips, as she watched Sesshoumaru walk his courting marked female back toward their small camp. Maybe she should pay them a visit…? No, that would not be possible, with Naraku watching Katana like a hawk through Kanna's mirror. However, she might get some good points with her master if she attacked the two before they returned.

Though it should not harm a youkai, after the first encounter with the miko Kagome, she could not seem to kill a child. A youkai should not feel this way, yet it pained her every time Naraku sent her out to do the job. It was like he was trying to kill her from the inside out. Damn, she shouldn't feel these things for the simple fact: she had no heart! Naraku held it within his disgusting hand, and there was nothing she could do about it, no matter how hard she tried. She should not feel anything, except for pain, yet she could still feel the slight pain inside her chest when she killed a small child. Maybe it was the miko herself, or perhaps it was the way she protected the small kit she always held within her grasp? Either way, she could not stop her feelings, and because of that, she felt a great amount of guilt. Not just guilt, but something new, and undiscovered, though she had not felt it in all the years since she'd been pulled from Naraku's body. The mere thought of killing the toad, dragon, and children who traveled with Sesshoumaru and Katana hurt her somehow, though. The hallowed out piece in her chest seemed to throb, and she grasped it within her hand. Perhaps… she was regaining pieces of her heart by feeling this… or perhaps Naraku was holding it, squeezing it lightly to cause her pain. She did not like it, either way…

Sighing, Kagura pushed her feature forward, shifting the wind lightly. A breeze rushed by her, lifting her earrings and a couple strands of hair that had fallen from her bun. However it did not bother her, because it made her feel more freedom then she actually had.

Her life was nothing…

The wind seemed to sing its haunting song toward her, lightly brushing her ears. It sounded like someone humming a deadly song that issued slavery in the end. Tears filled her eyes, as the song seemed to pick up, singing: 'Hmmmhmm… hmmhmm… hmmmhmmmmmm… hmhmmmmm… hmmhmm…'

A soft whimper pulled itself from her lips, and as the tears began to swarm down her face, she coughed. A light, yet menacing thing, as she held her hand to the place where her heart was supposed to be. The calling… that's what she called it. The wind called to her, speaking of freedom, and death if she should follow its call. However, she feared…

She feared death…

She wished to be free before she died…

In the hands of Naraku, however, that might not happen…

His face remained stoic, though his insides were burning with glee. He'd done it… though in a way he'd wished his beast hadn't, he was now bound with the female within his arms. Katana… she was not completely his, but he'd pleased her, giving him a sense that he was apart of her in some way. From touching her body in a sexual way, his scent was imprinted in hers, while her blood was rushing through his insides, making him smell of her as well. Plus, the mark on her neck made her smell of him more then merely her skin, which would probably make other males, run for the hills.

They would not touch her…

She was his to mate!

His to pup!

His to fuck until the end of their days!

She was, and would soon realize that she was his mate. True, they were not completely bound together, which could only happen when a male spilled their seed inside a female, before plunging their fangs into the female's neck. He had made her climax, true, but he had not, thus they were not linked together. Not only by their small attraction, but also with their minds, bodies, and souls; then they would be together, truly. Once mated, they would be one.

However, the mere thought of another male touching her perfect body made his body swarm with possessiveness. He somehow pulled her into his body more then he had before. He still wasn't sure how he'd gotten her into his one arm, since she was so tall, but he had, by placing it underneath her legs, and leaning her upper body against his armored chest. Her body was bobbing with his pace, hitting his own every so often.

His instincts kicked in, finally noticing all the other youkais' eyes gleaming at him through the forest. Katana's heated scent still lingered on him, but was completely gone from her. That seemed to be attracting other males, but luckily – or unluckily – they were being attracted to the lingering scent on him, not her. However, those stupid males weren't going to mate with him… he'd rather mate… Jaken. Well, maybe not Jaken, but with the ugliest bitch he could ever find.

Anything except a male…

He had bad memories of when his father used to tease him about such things. Since he hadn't actually fucked a woman for years after what his father thought he would, he was always teased about it. For some reason his father seemed to think that he wanted males and not females. That was just… just strange… and you would never find him in bed with a male. His body shivered at the thought of ever being touched by a male.

Besides he'd miss the warmth of a woman's flesh. Especially now, if he ever did decide a male was more his 'style', which he doubted he ever would. He would mate his female, and once he did his castle would finally be rid of all those stupid concubines. He had at least twelve that were given to him as gifts by the other lords and ladies. However, he'd only bedded one, which was an artic ookami, since his father had given her to him long ago.

A smirk formed on his lips. Even his best concubine would be given up, just so he could have this female. Katana would more in likely kill them all if they ever tried to touch him. It was common for females to become jealous, and kill off the competition that threatened her way. Plus, he was sure that Yukena – the artic ookami – would try and win his favor, even after he'd told her many times that she was not mate material, and would never bare his marking.

Maybe I should take her back to the castle, ran through his mind. She'd get rid of all his concubines with a simple swing of her hand, and solve his problem. Perhaps then the other lords would stop trying to give him women. Well, they would once they knew he had a chosen, since youkai mate with one person for life. They could fuck all they wanted, but only the one that bared their mark in the end would be worshiped. Once mated the youkai never touched another.

No… he'd rather not be known as the youkai who let their mate go wild. True, many did, but he should be able to control his mates or intendeds jealously. If he couldn't, then others would think ill of him. He'd still be the most powerful, and the most dangerous, but they would talk behind his back. All of them, not just the females would suddenly became aroused when he walked into the room.

He'd walked for the longest time, though he really hadn't noticed. His thoughts were reeling, thus he barely noticed anything at all. However, soon he saw the fire before him, as his nose was filled with the scent of his pack. Walking quicker, he called out, "AhUn, come."

The dragon came trotting toward them, as if it knew that he'd called for the twin dragon. Within moments, he'd set Katana down beside a tree, her breath coming out slowly, yet as if she were having the greatest dream in her life. She turned a bit, as he began roaming through AhUn's bags trying to find which one he'd placed her kimono within.

Once found, he returned to his female, and dressed her quickly…

Naraku hissed with rage. How dare that mutt take her as his intended! He does not deserve her! Who does that mongrel think he is? KING OF THE FUCKING UNIVERSE!

His claws racked through many of the items within his hidden castle, as Kanna merely sat before him. His eyes traveled over the white void child, and motioned for her to leave. His mind was screaming to kill the mongrel, yet he knew it wasn't time yet. The seer told him that it would not be wise to attack so soon, since his defenses were not ready. However, everything in his being was screaming with rage over this newest development.

Kanna silently walked from the room, her feet touching the floor lightly. She turned at the doorway, to see her master staring at something with pure black eyes. He was enraged, and she had a feeling that he would do something… stupid. His mind would be overpowered because he could not stop wanting Kikyo, or her reincarnation. Even if he cast Onigumo from his body, his mind would still want them both, no matter what form they were in.

Allowing a small, unnoticeable smile onto her lips, she began walking down the halls. She past many decaying bones, from the servants who'd served their former king. However, they were dead now, so she merely stepped over them, barely paying them with a second glance.

Her heart gleamed with darkness. Something that Naraku would never see, and never know of; though she was emotionless, she did feel some things. It was probably from Kagura that she'd learned them, since the wind demoness could be a great role model when she wanted to be. However, the darkness of her heart told her that once Naraku's days were coming to an end, she would steal her heart, and turn to the other side.

Naraku controlled her now, but he would not control her forever. She might not be able to save Kagura, since she needed to save herself, but she could easily side step Naraku's plans for herself. Once she held her heart, she could escape, and be free, like Kagura wished her to be. Plus, if Kagura wished it, she could pull her soul from her, and mix it with her own, allowing them both to live as one person. She doubted Kagura would though, since the demoness was stubborn and wished to free herself, not one else.

Her small pale feet led her to another room. Kohaku had been sacrificed for his jewel shard long ago, though no one but Naraku had ever really known about it. She stepped into the room that once held the only person who talked to her as an equal, and sat against the wall. True, she felt barely anything, but she could feel the emotion that came with loneliness.

Turning her mirror over in her hands, she brought up the image of Inuyasha. Her dull grey eyes merely gazed upon the jumping hanyou, as he sped through the forest. However, she turned the image, caring not for what the hanyou was doing, and brought up Kagura. The wind demoness was flying, seeming to be deciding on something that concerned only herself.

The sound of the wind filled her ears, and she could smell the faint scent of Kagura's tears. So… my sister does feel… something, she thought, gazing upon the female youkai. She seemed to be having a hard time, until she turned her feature, probably being called by Naraku so he could whip her or something. Either way, she was finally returning to the castle…

A day had passed, as he waited for Katana to finally open her deep blue eyes. She sat before him, leaning against AhUn's scaly hide, sleeping soundly. However, he wished for her to awaken, and hoped she would soon. Something inside of him wanted to hear her snap at him, or at least call him "taiyoukai" like she always was. He wished to hear her say, "'tis" instead of "it is", but could not, since she drifted in her sleep, fighting off the heat that had troubled her for the days she'd left him.

Rin and Bank sat against Niko, who'd usually been found sitting in one of their laps. Jaken, however, sat by himself off to the side, scowling. However, Shippo sat up in a tree, watching over the ningen children, since they couldn't protect themselves very well. Sesshoumaru's eyes and ears, however, noticed none of this, for he merely wished his female to awaken.

She was wearing the outfit designed for her, since he didn't have anything else for her to wear at the moment. Her other pieces of attire had been placed inside AhUn's saddle bags, and here still sitting there, waiting for their mistress to once more put them on. Her swords were at her side, though AhUn had knocked them over, trying to stop whatever Banruko was doing to him.

I will take her back to the castle…

For what, his beast asked?

Growling, Sesshoumaru replied, so I can put her into something that is like our clothing, but in dark colors.

Why?

I do not want that outfit ruined, and I do not want others to see it before the ball, he said.

His beast shook his head, before yawning. It seemed to understand, as it drowned itself in the darkness of his mind. However, Sesshoumaru could still hear it purring slightly at its accomplishment.

Shaking his head, he waited…

She sat, gazing upon the setting sun. Her legs were brought up to her chest, her arms wrapped around her knees. However, after a moment, she allowed them to sink, letting her hands rest upon the ground behind her. Her eyes closed, the warmth of the sun shining upon her.

A pair of arms wrapped around her neck. Hot breath caressed the back of her neck, before it began moving toward her face. She relaxed, as a soft, wet tongue moved over her cheek. She did not quite understand it, but she felt wanted, and leaned further into the body now wrapped around her.

Long legs settled next to hers, giving her a view of the good smelling males clothing. The white hakamas seemed familiar, as she reached out to touch the fabric. The warm breath once more began touching her ear. A pair of rough feeling lips pressed against her pointed ear, before whispering, "My sweet, sweet little Katana…"

Without really understanding, she turned her head. Her hair moved over her shoulder, as she moved to look upon the males face. The voice was something she'd heard before, but she never really took notice of how wonderful it sounded. Resting one hand on his right knee, she turned to the left, and looked into shining golden eyes.

Her image giggled, before placing a kiss on the male's lips. At first she could only make out his eyes, for she was staring into them with want, and love. He gazed back, the same feelings running through his own twin orbs. A smile pulled at her lips, when she finally took a good look at… Sesshoumaru…

"My mate," he said, leaning down and taking her lips once more. She opened her mouth on instinct, and purred with delight. His… arms wrapped around her, pulling her against his chest. Wait his arms…?

Pulling away, she gently moved her hand over his left arm, and frowned. Letting out a, "hmm?" she looked up into his eyes. She only found amusement, as a grin appeared on his lips. She gasped, before allowing her own to form, and bit onto her bottom lip, before asking, "How?"

"Don't you remember my little mate?" he asked.

Growling playfully, she replied, "'Tis a lot I don't remember, and don't know."

"Your mind is playing tricks on you again, my mate," he whispered. "You should remember, but then again, you fell unconscious afterward."

"After what?" she asked.

His smiled brightened, and he said, "After my beautiful black inuyoukai mate used her the miko abilities taught to her by a dark miko, and gave me my arm back."

"I did that?" she asked.

"Hai, my koi," he said.

Resting her hand against his chest, she turned her face back to the south. Her eyes watched as the sun began to set, when his lips once more touched her ear. She waited for him to say something, and smiled. Leaning further into him, and fell silent when he finally did say something.

"You must wake up now, my little one," he said.

Turning to him in confusion, she said, "Na… ni?"

He seemed to fade, but before everything turned bright, he touched her cheek with his claws, and said, "I will await for this day to come to pass, my love…"

"Sesshoumaru!" she gasped, sitting upright. She looked up at the taiyoukai before her, and panted. Her hand was over her heart, as he raised an eyebrow, probably wondering why she'd just said his name.

"Hai?" he replied.

Turning red for a moment, she said, "Nothing…"

"There must be something," he said.

Shaking her head, she looked down at her attire, and remembered what had happened. Her hand reached up to touch the courting mark, as she said, "'Tis nothing…"

He nodded, and let a small smile pass over his face when she touched his mark. Finally, she was awake, and he could hear her lovely voice once more. His smile disappeared, and he couldn't help but wonder what was going to happen after this. Would he always have this feeling of completion, or would it fade over time? He hoped not, for he was sure… he was starting to know what the word meant. The word: love.

oOo

KibaSin:

Another chapter done, another to begin. I really hope you enjoyed this chapter, I wanted to make it touching, since I've had so many fights throughout the story. However, in two chapters there will be another one, since I'm thinking about letting Inuyasha find the 'River of Fire', and having to defend himself, before he actually releases the power of Flamegora.

However, for the next chapter I will have a small battle for another shard. It won't be as big as the other ones, but it will happened. So, let me tell you about the next chapter.

Next Chapter:

Chapter 26 – An Enchanter

First Inuyasha comes across an enchanter, who tells him the path he must take. However, later in the day, Katana and Sesshoumaru too cross the path of this youkai. I will explain what an enchanter is in the next chapter, but not now. A battle breaks out, for the enchanter has something that will help Katana in the quest given to her long before she became what she is.

Well, I end this now, and hopefully have the next chapter on Tuesday, or Wednesday, since I'm really looking forward to typing it. O, and I'm sorry for the small mistakes through the story, its just my beta is on vacation, since I was putting her through her paces, and she's gone on strike… lets say. So, I'm trying, but its hard to actually find all the mistakes, though I know there isn't that many.

Kiba