I suppose I'm quite happy with this chapter. It's my first action scene so we'll see how well it does.

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Chapter 36

"This is for..."

It felt like she'd been running for days when she knew it was only about an hour or so. Kagome had no idea where she was except for the fact that she was held far away from Tokyo, somewhere surrounded by a large forest. To keep my mate from finding me, Kagome knew. After a while longer, she realized that she was much much farther from Tokyo than she thought in the first place. In fact, she was no longer in Japan. She was in the Barbaric Outlands – an island in another dimension filled with mountains, dangerous terrains, and mythical creatures - really, she thought only lived in the myths and legends that her grandfather had told her over the years. She had no idea that one could summon the place again, or could bring others to it.

Earlier she'd used the last of her energy, blasting the guards away with her miko powers, but now she was spent. And after the escape, she had been attacked by creatures she didn't even know existed; on a few occasions she had barely escaped with her life. Her body was getting weaker by the minute. If it wasn't for Mother's brew, I might have been dead by now, Kagome concluded.

Looking up at the dark surroundings, the branches and leaves on the trees hovered over her like a dark cape. She surveyed the area once again. That tree…I could have sworn I've passed that tree before! Once again, Kagome realized that she'd gotten turned around. This was taking too much of time – a luxury she couldn't afford. She had to get out fast, and find a way to escape the Barbaric lands.

Her break out and search to return to civilization was harder than trying to find a needle in a haystack. Kagome darted her head about frantically, trying to figure out what to do next. They could be anywhere! She thought of the demons pursuing her. She took one last glimpse of the trail behind her and tread on, breaking her way through the bushes this time. She missed her mate a great deal. She was tired, dirty, and hungry. Her eyes rolled around trying to find another path, but there was nothing to see other than trees and branches and then more of the same.

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"You fools!" Naraku roared. "There are three Yokais, yet, you can't contain one weak little miko?!! USELESS!" Naraku whipped them with one of his tentacles.

"But…Naraku..she was…." One of them protested.

"SILENCE!!" The demons cringed in fear. "Hoshiyomi!" he called.

"Yes sir." The demon ninja responded.

"Summon up a shadow spell and freeze her body! I want you two to go get her or don't bother coming back!" Naraku warned the two other demons.

The two Yokais, Ryura and Kyura scrambled out of the place in a frantic looking for the little miko. They were full Yokais yet were under control of a hanyou because they believed in his cause - to rid the world of humans so that only demons could roam the Earth. They bought into his proposition so much so that they've all dedicated their lives to it. So scrambling fast and furious out of the room, they went to sniff the little miko out.

..........

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Kagome broke through the bush that was clinging onto the skirt of her dress. She found a small clearing and thought perhaps a short rest was needed; suddenly, she found her body frozen and unable to move. Panic immediately set in as she realized she was caught. Her eyes flashed around trying to find the demon that caught her, but she couldn't see anyone. There was an invisible mold had been put around her little frame. Kagome struggled trying to move her body, trying to wrestle free from her trap. Nothing. Her mating senses kicked in and her keen ears picked up the sound of rustling feet. Her heart wanted to jump right out of her chest.

A cold hand rested around her neck and suddenly it went from ice cold to burning hot. She tried to move away from the burn but the hand rested on her neck prevented her of any movement. All she could do was howl in pain, but still, could not move. As she was blacking out, she saw a dark figure coming up her left flank. The figure bent low and she could feel herself being lifted under her back and behind her knees. Whoever it was, had to be incredibly strong because the way she was lifted made her feel like she was made of air. Her last conscious, frantic efforts to struggle was in vain, her body just wouldn't move a muscle.

She didn't know how long it was before she came to. Looking around she realized she was kept in a different 'jail' than before. It was more like a room, decorated with a futon bed, and a small table. She thought she had walked into Feudal Japan as she surveyed her surrounding. Kagome made a quick dash for the door but was blasted by a spell and thrown backwards onto the floor. No, I must get out. I can't be held captive! She willed and tried again. And again. And again….

Hours later Kagome collapsed on the ground in utter fatigue. For what seemed like days she had tried to break free from her tiny prison but each time, she was unsuccessful. Her body began to shake and she could only let her little frame rest on the cold wood floor. The physical efforts and summoning up her miko powers had left her drained and exhausted. And as if that wasn't enough, each time she used her powers, the anti-purity spell was beating up on her small frame. Truly, it was the worst predicament she'd ever been in. Naraku wasn't just a low down asshole, he was the Devil in the flash.

...............

.......

"Sesshoumaru, this Mother assures you that Naraku would not harm your mate." Lady Kasumi said with confidence, but it did little to soothe Sesshoumaru's pain.

"Hn." Sesshoumaru clenched his first tightly. The turmoil in the pits of his stomach made him want to vomit. He should have known better, yet he'd failed time and time again to protect what mattered most to him – his mate.

"Now is not the time to berate yourself Sesshoumaru. We must gather information as to where he's kept her and for what purpose in order to save her." Lady Kasumi advised.

"The Shikon no Tama." A female's voice spoke.

Both Yokais turned to see a woman resembling Kagome standing at the foot of the doorway. Instantly, Sesshoumaru realized that it was Kagome's mother. Shame filled him on top of everything. He had yet to make an effort to take his mate to see her family. Everything had been thrown on them like a mad hailstorm, the thought hadn't even crossed his mind.

"Mrs. Higurashi." Sesshoumaru gave a slight bow, which he recognized as unfamiliar, his body ungainly against such move.

"Mother, would do." Mrs. Higurashi chuckled.

"Yes…" Sesshoumaru gave a quick glance at his own Mother. "Mother, this is Mrs. Higurashi, my mate's mother. Mrs. Higurashi this is my Mother, Lady Kasumi." Sesshoumaru introduced the ladies.

"Well shall get on with formalities later, now we must focus on the important matters at hand, saving your mate and the children. Everything else can wait." Lady Kasumi announced and they both nodded.

"What of the Shikon no Tama do you know?" Lady Kasumi inquired Mrs. Higurashi.

"I know much of this Jewel, for it was my family's duty to protect and keep it purify. Long ago, the Powerful Priestest Midoriko attempted to subdue the demons who seek to destroy her, she pulled the Jewel from her chest to purify the beast, however, both the demon and Midoriko's souls were sealed within the Shikon jewel. As direct descendants my great-great-great-grandmother had sealed the jewel away in a distant portal so that no one will be able to take possession of it. Soon, it was nothing more than a legend to most – except for the Higurashi family. My daughter, Kagome would be taught of this jewel once she turns 25 of age, when her miko powers mature. I don't know how this Naraku figure managed to get the jewel back and concealed its aura, but I have no doubt that he will use my daughter to purify the jewel so that he, may wish upon it. And from what he's done so far, we can only assume what death he'd wish upon the world." Mrs. Higurashi suffice.

"Is there any way that you can track down the jewel from its aura, now that it's within Kagome's possession?" Sesshoumaru asked.

"Unfortunately, this Naraku has conceal its aura too well and I'm afraid, I can not sense it's presence; which can only mean that it's no longer in Tokyo." Mrs. Higurashi replied.

"No, Sesshoumaru, you must call out to your mate. You must use your Mind Link to find her." Lady Kasumi ordered.

"This Sesshoumaru had tried Mother, and was unsuccessful." Sesshoumaru answered solemnly, his voiced lined with anger and disappointment.

"Then that means, they are held in another realm. If I can summon a spell to open a portal into another world, would you be able to Mind Link Kagome?" Mrs. Higurashi inquired.

"We can try…" Sesshoumaru answered.

"The Barbaric Outlands…" Kanna's weak voice called before she collapsed on the floor. Mrs. Higurashi rushed over to help her.

"Impossible! How would Naraku be able to take her there?" Lady Kasumi roared.

"Forgive me, but Naraku has been deceiving everyone for a long time, me included. He's found ways to summon beings and portals that no one thought was even possible." Kanna's soft voice answered.

"Very well, the Barbaric Outlands we shall go." Sesshoumaru determined.

"Wait!" Kana called out. "before you go, you must know of the details. Over in the Barbaric Realms, Naraku housed his castle of darkness. The forest is filled with traps and creatures he'd raised as pet and they are vicious. There are three levels to the castle. If he is keeping Kagome as prisoner to purify the jewel, she's probably on the third level, in a small room. There will be a barrier emanating a strong aura that keeps her locked in there. No doubt there will be a spell put on her to keep her weak and obedient."

Sesshoumaru's growl of anger resonated through their bodies. "Sesshoumaru, the best way is through the water. There is a large beach, it is far from the castle, but safest. Once you reach the beach, follow the scent of rotting demon corpses to the castle. Please be warned that the place is swarmed with demons who have no human attributes. They are strictly that, demons, and they kill, eat anything that moves or is alive."

"Thank you young lady." Mrs. Higurashi acknowledged. Kanna nodded.

Getting their things together, they decided to go on ahead, while Mrs. Higurashi would stay behind to keep the portal open so they could return at any given time. Lady Kasumi began to chant in ancient tongue. Soon the pathway to the other Realms was summoned and a portal opened. Sesshoumaru and Lady Katsumi nodded in sync right before they jumped through the swirling circle.

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"You're only making it worst for yourself, little minx." Naraku's voice cascade over her like chills on a cold Winter morning.

"Let me go Naraku!" Kagome ordered.

His amused laugh fired her anger to an unbearable level. "Come, Kagome, you will help me achieve my goals. You may stop fighting now...." The snapping of his finger, put her in a trance. "Now, I want you to sit here and do what you were bred to do - purify this jewel for me."

Kagome wanted to smack him, spat in his face, curse him out. But she found her monotonous voice replying, "Yes, sir."

"Very good." Naraku smirked watching the miko fight against his mind control over her. She began to sit in a meditation position and with both palms she raised the jewel, making it balance between her palms. The Shikon Jewel began to spin in the air as Kagome's natural miko powers glow a bright pink, making the Jewel throb to life, like a heart beat. Though her mind was screaming for her body to stop, it was futile. His control over her was too strong, and eyes glazed over under a spell, Kagome's body could only continue to do what was told.

Moments passed and the glow began to fade in and out. Naraku growled in irritation. She's too fucking weak right now to finish it! Dammit! Calling the Jewel back into his hand, Naraku watched as the miko fell over and lost consciousness. "We shall resume once your body heals itself." Naraku said as he turned his heels to leave, ignoring the miko's red glow as she began to heal herself in her subconsciousness.

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Landing on a large strip of ocean Sesshoumaru and Lady Kasumi made their way toward the rotting scent to find Naraku's castle. The place was dark and gloomy. Dark clouds loomed over the sky and the sounds of Vulture demons squawking waiting for their next meal was most irksome. Sesshoumaru growled before whipping his poison whip splitting each of the flying vermin in two. Their bodies landed, as a horrible stench began to stream out of their dead corpses.

Without waiting, both Sesshoumaru and Lady Kasumi transformed to head toward Naraku's castle.

The loud crashing of both DaiYokais startled Naraku from his trained thoughts of examining the jewel.

With a quick dash, Naraku was in front of them growling angrily. "Sesshoumaru, go get your mate, this Mother will deal with the vermin!" Lady Kasumi ordered. For the first time in a long time, Sesshoumaru nodded and followed his mother's order, sniffing out his mate's scent.

Mate, tell me where you are…He called with his Mind Link to her.

-Sesshoumaru? Am I dead?

No, you are not dead, you must fight Kagome....

-Are you really here?

Yes, mate, I'm here to take you home. Tell me where you are? Help me find you.

-I'm….I'm….in a small room. It's very dark. I can't see much.

Your scent, I cannot smell you…

-I don't know. Wait, let me try….

No! Don't exert your strength mate! You've just healed!

-It's the only way my love…

A bright pink glow flared in the distance and Sesshoumaru was in front of the room in a flash. The Yokai guarding her room prepped himself for the battle to come.

From inside the room, Kagome heard angry male voices and soon loud rattling outside her door. A loud thump made her jump, then she heard ceramics breaking, clashing of swords and the scent of energy balls filled the air. Worried about her mate, Kagome rushed to her door trying to push it open. No use. The door was ominously locked. Kagome banged her fist against the frame furiously and cried, worried for her mate's health.

Kagome, protect yourself! Don't worry about me! Barrier up, NOW!

Scurrying back Kagome kneeled and raising her hands over her head to shield herself, she summoned a barrier. Just in time because the next thing she knew, the door was blasted into smithereens and the body of the Yokai flew past. She watched from inside of her safety nest as her mate rushed past her and followed his punishing attack with his claws digging into the Yokai's chest ripping out his heart. The Yokai hacked up blood before his body dissipated, when Sesshoumaru squeezed the heart like a little grape.

Kagome swallowed, a little shocked and nervous seeing her mate's eyes completely red, magenta stripes lined his face. Her thoughts distracted as he strode over to her wearing his traditional kimono. Kami all, he looks gorgeous!! Hubba hubba hubba....She shook her head, clearing her thoughts as her mate peered down on her, his face full of worries and concern. The face of the man she loved. She was appalled though as her eyes inspected him; the cut above his eyes had already stopped bleeding, but it had left a streaky scarlet bath down his face, crossing his magenta stripes.

"I'm fine." Sesshoumaru said, noticing her concerned looks "But you…mate, are you alright?" He asked reaching down to help her up as she dropped her barrier.

"Mmm…" she replied. Her strength weakened but seeing her mate lifted her spirits.

"Come, let's get you home." He cooed softly.

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And while his Mother waged the war against Naraku; Sesshoumaru carried his mate swiftly, transformed and reached the beach. As he walked his mate along the beach heading toward the portal they stopped short staring into a red-eyed hanyou.

"Kagura…" Sesshoumaru gritted, noticing she was back to normal, no longer was there a bump around her stomach.

"Ahhh…Sesshoumaru and his little bitch." Venom dripped from her lips as she spoke. "I still can't believe you choose a mere mortal over me Sesshoumaru."

"You. Are. In. My. Way!" Sesshoumaru roared.

"Hah! The only way you two are getting past me is if that little bitch can defeat me in a match!" Kagura hissed.

"Ridiculous!" Sesshoumaru howled.

"Oh? Doesn't seem like you have a choice Sesshoumaru…" With her last words she tossed Rin and Sota's jackets in front of them. "If she wins, you all may proceed toward the portal, seeing that Father is quite occupied at the moment." Kagura glanced up toward the castle.

"Sesshoumaru, we can't leave without the children!" Kagome protested.

"Don't worry, I'll get them soon enough." Sesshoumaru placed a hand on top of his mate.

Kagura's evil laughter filled the air like a toxic cloud. "It's now or never. Let me at your little bitch or the two little brats die!"

"Sesshoumaru, let me..." Kagome assured.

"No, you've exerted much of your strength! I won't let you continue to weaken yourself."

"Don't worry Sesshoumaru. I'll go easy on your little bitch. It'll only be a hand to hand combat." Kagura toyed, tossing her fan aside.

"Sesshoumaru," Kagome called, placing a hand on his arm. "Don't worry about me, I've been wanting to get my hands on her for a while now." A flicker of determination in her eyes made him back off.

And then they felt the first drip of water from the clouds.

Are you sure mate?

Ohhhh yessss….She answered him gleefully.

Suddenly the rain began to pour on them. Kagome loosen her mate's grip on her and stepped forward. The two females stared at each other, hatred burning through their eyes.

With a flick of her hand, Kagura tore off the kimono she was wearing to reveal a short chung-xiam style with two high slits on the side.

Kagome followed suit, needing to be free for her fight, she ripped the sleeves of her tattered dress off and wrapped them slowly around one hand, and then the other – like a boxer before putting on his glove. The rain splattered harder onto the sand, making small chiming sounds as they land on both sand and water. Kagome ripped the skirt of her dress off next, leaving her standing with half a dress, boy shorts underwear, making her ass perk out.

Sessshoumaru cursed the timing of everything as he stared at his mate's luscious body. His mind shifted back to matters at hand when he noticed movements from both women. He watched as Kagura charged toward his mate, Kagome running forward, only to meet with Kagura's leg to her stomach then torso. As she was still recomposing herself, Kagura pulled Kagome in by the right arm and bended her knees to do a backward kick to Kagome's head. She hit Kagome dead on the forehead. Kagome's head flew backwards her black tress now damp with rain flicking after.

Sesshoumaru wanted to rush in to help his mate, only to stop when Kagome's quick reaction was to do a high turn kick, directly on Kagura's face sending her spinning deliriously before landing onto the wet soaking sand.

The rain came down harder on them and the splattering of the raindrops created a soundtrack for their fight while Kagome stood and watched Kagura raised herself to her feet again. Once more, Kagura charged at Kagome who spun with a posed right hand extended and the left flapped across her face gracefully, and then pushing through - landing a right hand punch to Kagura's stomach. She threw her left hand punch but was blocked by Kagura and got hit with a high kick from the hanyou, sending Kagome flying backwards.

Staggering a few steps back, Kagome dug her foot into the sand to regain her balance. Sesshoumaru watched with utter fascination and slight arousal as the rain matted down both women's clothes, clinging on to their skin like sheer fabrics. His mate's nipples perked and taut as her breast flounder and bounced with her movements. It wasn't the time to think of such matters, but he couldn't help himself. Watching his mate being strong, defiant and powerful made his blood rush and his groin twitched. Not to mention the two female fighting over him were hot as hell. Especially his mate, with the rain cascading down her perfect body, her muscles lean and toned, her ass spilling out of her little underwear while she kicked, punch and taught the hanyou a lesson or two of who she really was. Really, it ought to be illegal what she was doing, arousing him in the mist of a crisis. A loud grunt drew his attention back to the fight going on.

This time, Kagome charged at Kagura throwing punches left and right but, she was a little tired and therefore slow. Kagura caught her by her right hand, spun around and twisted it behind Kagome's back. Her other hand reached forward to choke Kagome who was trying furiously to hold the hand off her neck. Kagura was dragging Kagome through the sand, trying her best to choke the little miko, twisting the arm behind her back hard; dishing out as much pain on the miko as she could.

"You're a weak excuse for a life. When I'm done with you, Sesshoumaru will realized how pathetic you are and we will bear a litter of pups together – in memory of you....ningen." Kagura hissed in Kagome's ear.
Anger boiled inside the miko and Kagome head butted the hanyou hard in the face then grabbing the left hand that was choking her, Kagome reached behind Kagura's head, fisted a handful of hair and flung the bitch over her body and onto the tip of the ocean where the tides flowed in and out with force.

Kagura was quick and on her feet in no time. Angry from the sudden toss, she began to attack Kagome, with jabs, punches and a few kick as well. Each of her punches and jabs were blocked, or ducked by Kagome and when her foot moved to kick Kagome in the abdomen, the miko braced her hands to an 'X' blocking the attack then grabbing the foot, she twisted it, sending Kagura spinning about in the air before landing face first to the ground once again. Dragging the hanyou by the hair, Kagome pulled her from the water into more solid ground. With unbelievable strength Kagome tossed her hard against a rock. As Kagura regained her balance and staggered about, the miko didn't hesitate to attack.

"This is for lying about the pregnancy!" Kagome knocked Kagura in the face with her elbow. As soon as the hanyou turned around; "This is for calling me a ningen!" Kagome's fist met the hanyou's face, hard enough to break a bone. "This is for underestimating me!" Kagome's other fist broke Kagura's other cheek bone. "And this, this is for the kids!" Kagome grabbed the hanyou by her right hand, pulled her forward and elbowed Kagura right in the jugular, kicked her shin, causing the hanyou to loose her balance and was falling over. Kagome used the opportunity and pulled the hanyou's body forward; and as soon as the hanyou landed on the wet sand, Kagome finished her attack with a WWF elbow to the spine move.

Kagura couldn't move a muscle. Kagome finally rose on her feet, her chest heaving heavily from all the excitement and physical confrontation. "You were wrong to underestimate me Kagura, I have Dai blood coursing through me!" Kagome said. Then kneeling in front of the groaning hanyou, she pulled her up by the hair. "Now tell me where the children are or help me Kami, you are going to die and long, torturous, painful death!" Kagome commanded, eyes flaring crimson red. Kagura could have sworn she saw fangs from the miko just now. (Sesshoumaru thought to have creamed himself)

"They…." Kagura, coughed up blood, which was quickly dissolved by the rain and tide. "They are in the castle on the subterranean level." She answered. Without warning Kagome dropped the hanyou's head roughly back into the sand. "I don't ever want to see you again Kagura." Kagome warned over her shoulder as she hurried over to her waiting mate to rescue the children.

"I am speechless…." Sesshoumaru greeted.

"We must hurry back to the castle to save the children!" Kagome said with angst.

"No. I will go, you will go back home, where it is safe." Sesshoumaru bickered.

"Sesshoumaru! Stop treating me like a fragile egg! I am not! And it belittles me that you think I can sit at home while our daughter and my brother are trapped in some horrid place!" Kagome pointed out.

Sighing, he knew there was no winning with his mate, "Our brother." Sesshoumaru corrected, before slipping his haori over her and they made their way in the direction of the castle.

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~Ts