35.

The man named Naraku was different than anything Kagome pictured. Instead of the cruel, conniving villain everybody made him out to be, she was met with the epitome of a perfect gentlemen – handsome, well-mannered and charming.

She had underestimated him.

"Hello, my dear." The dark-haired male smiled, long fingers gracefully laced together. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

His tone was warm, yet a shiver ran through Kagome's spine.

"Likewise." She responded after a moment's hesitation.

Naraku regarded her with an evaluating gaze before motioning her towards an empty seat across from him. Kagome accepted the gesture immediately, brilliant sapphire never straying from depthless onyx orbs.

"I'm sure you must be curious about my decision." He commented graciously.

Kagome crossed her legs. "Your decision is not the only thing I'm interested in." she informed him, tone matching his in pleasantry. "I've heard a lot about you."

"Oh?" the corners of Naraku's eyes creased. "All good things, I hope?"

"Sure. Just change good to 'shady devil-incarnate' and you've pretty much hit the mark."

The male's expression reflected his surprise and then delight. "You are quite an outspoken young woman."

"What I lack in tact, I make up for with honesty." She replied. "From what I hear, it's my most redeeming quality."

Naraku leaned back. "Excellent, excellent…" he murmured. "Well, Miss Higurashi-"

"Kagome, please."

Even from the lips of a probable sociopath the word 'miss' made her feel old.

"Kagome." The dark-haired male corrected, the name rolling off his lips sweetly. "I, for one, am rather pleased by your candor. I wondered what kind of person could so easily manipulate my dear Kagura to turn against another one of my cute followers, and I am content not to have been disappointed."

Kagome's heart skipped a beat at his words.

He knew.

Her eyes immediately flickered to the exit.

Naraku chuckled with amusement. "Don't be so alarmed." He soothed. "I am a reasonable man and am able to see opportunity once presented. Losing Abi is a pity, but it is one that can be easily remedied."

Kagome didn't like the twinkle in his gaze. "How so?"

"Equivalent exchange. The position she once held is now vacant and in need of somebody to fill it."

His words were syrupy like honey, masking the sinister implications that swam underneath. "And if I refuse?"

"I will have no choice but to take disciplinary action for the damages committed against me. Everybody involved will be dealt with accordingly – and that includes your charming pony-tailed friend."

Sapphire eyes narrowed into a glare.

"You really are a bastard." She spat out.

Naraku dipped his head in a shallow bow. "At your service."

Kagome sneered. She had planned to align with him from the very beginning, but now she did so with a bitter taste in her mouth. "Fine." She ground out. "Not like I have a choice."

"Wonderful. You are a woman of intelligence. I like that." Naraku smiled.

"I really don't give a rat's ass what you like." The raven-haired girl retorted. "All I want to hear is what you want me to do so I can remove myself from your presence."

"Oh my. It seems as though I have somehow managed to incur much hostility in a very short time." The male feigned distress.

Kagome's glare darkened.

"Very well." He sighed. "Although Abi was a rather high ranking member, you will have to start from the bottom. I'm afraid even I can't make such a drastic change without proper explanation to the rest of our peers. For now you will spend your time learning exactly what it means to be…in my debt."

The raven-haired girl stood. "Is that all, then?" she asked coldly.

"Yes." Naraku rested one cheek against his hand with a satisfied look. "I'll be seeing you again soon, darling."

Kagome left with her heart beating furiously in her chest, Naraku's words echoing in the back of her mind.

She was going to rip that conceited smirk off his face no matter what it took, and then she was going to smash it into the dirt until it disintegrated underneath the heel of her foot.

Pawn to E-4.

At last, the game had begun.

A/N: A big thanks to all readers, and as always feedback is much appreciated! I promise to have more Sesshy in the following chapters. Cheers!