Dreams and Deceit

Chapter 8

Kagome awoke in a bed. Looking around she was in a house. Probably of a noble as the decor and furnishings were of high quality. Looking over to her left, she saw Sango and Miroku asleep by the fireplace with Shippo and Kirara snuggled in between. Inuyasha was asleep in the oversized chair close to her. Sesshomaru was nowhere to be seen. It was already night time, when she slid out of bed and walked towards the door.

Closing the door silently, she walked down the hall to a sitting area. Sesshomaru sat facing the fireplace with a wine goblet in his hand and in deep thought. "You're awake. How do you feel?"

"I still hurt but I guess I'm ok...why did you kill me and bring me back to life?"

"Come sit." As he motioned to the other chair. "The pack devised a plan to kill you and return you to life as it was the only way to break the mating. No one had the heart to "kill you" except for this one."

Feeling her neck, she noticed she didn't feel the mark anymore "is it really gone?"

Nodding to her response "yes...know that if you die again, this one cannot revive you."

"What will happen now?"

"Fulfill your duty and do not stray from my little brother's side ever again. He will protect you since he has love for you."

"I can't be by his side anymore as I am no longer pure."

"Do not blame yourself, miko. Naraku kidnapped you and deceived you with illusions and spells. Inuyasha has looked beyond that." Looking over at her with a tear running from her eye "you need rest. Go back to bed."

"Thank you Sesshomaru." as she got up.

"Consider it payment for your care towards my ward."

Naraku sat in the darkness of his mansion in the cold northern mountain. He needs his body to regenerate from the loss and pain. His chest and neck burned. He was mourning the loss of the mate that was never truly his. All he wanted was to kill them all but then again all he wanted at that moment was to bring her back to his side.

His mind spoke 'Our mate has broken our bond. My heart hurts for her. Bring her back, for she is the only one who could ever love you as you are.'

Drinking straight from the sake bottle, he tried drowning out the voice and sorrow.

"I'm sorry my wife. I should have shown you how I really feel for you. Maybe then you would have really stayed with me." as a tear slipped from his eye.

He looked out the window and saw a rose bush in full blooms. He saw only her…look, scent and touch.

The next morning Kagome awoke by herself in the bedroom. She felt a little better and started to get up when she noticed a single pink rose was on her pillow.

Being surprised, her mind went to Naraku and how he brought her flowers every day. Was it planned or was it real. Smelling the rose, she did think of the amazing time she shared but it brought her disgust once she knew it was all an illusion and it was forced.

Inuyasha opened the door and looked over at Kagome. He smiled seeing her awake. Closing the door gently, he brought her a tray of food and tea.

"I'm glad you're awake, Kagome. How did you feel? oh kami... you're sapphire eyes are beautiful as ever." as he smiled at her.

Kagome felt deja vu followed by a sudden pain. She cried out and Inuyasha was immediately by her side.

"What happened?" as he stood frozen.

"Leave!" She yelled, still clutching her head. "You're deceiving me! Get out!"

"No I'm not deceiving you Kagome!" as he tried to get close but she started throwing things including the tray after him. Seeing her scared and crying, he left not knowing what happened.

Kagome cried. 'Why is he still in my head! I don't know what lies and truth are anymore!'

Hearing the commotion, Sango and Miroku met Inuyasha standing outside the door.

"What happened Inuyasha?" Sango asked.

Not looking at them "Naraku has broken her and her mind is confused. She can't decipher what is real. He needs to die for hurting her!" walking away. "Stay close to her."

Sango and Miroku looked at each helpless, not knowing how to help their friends.