Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of it's characters.

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Chapter 13: Liana

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Warm: that is how she felt. Her vision blinked open to the very early morning light.

Looking up to the window next to the bed, she realized that the sun had not come up yet. Sunrise was an hour or two away.

Very strong arms held her close. Sesshomaru's warm, bare chest was pressed against her naked back.

She smiled to herself. He had been so gentle with her. It had been her first time with a male; and with a youkai no less. If her parents were alive they would not have approved. But it did not matter. She had no plans on ever marrying.

Liana did not know why she mated with him, comforted him, but he had been so....desperate.

A part of her had been afraid he would go........away from this place; afraid his mind would break completely.

He had not been the first. Her lady liked pets, had broken many in the six years she had been a servant here. Some had been powerful youkai. Some had been hanyou's. Her Lady had broken all of them, leaving them nothing but mindless husks for her bidding. Sometimes at night, Lianna could hear their screams. What Her Lady did with them she did not know. But from the look of most of their wounds and Sesshomaru's too, the woman liked to punish her pets before, after and during mating with them.

But as soon as Her Lady tired of her pet, she would take him out one day and just......not come back with him.

It was that simple.

Liana knew Sesshomaru was special. All of her pets had been handsome but Sesshomaru bordered on beautiful. She wondered if that was the reason Her Lady punished him so much; hurt him more....than she had the others.

It made her heart ache to see the pain and torture, the way she had hurt Sesshomaru this time left her in tears. But there was nothing she could really do about it. Most humans would consider what Her Lady was doing a good thing; ridding the world of demons and punishing them as well.

Most demons were dangerous and evil. But some were not. In her heart, she did not believe that Sesshomaru was inherently evil. The way he touched her last night proved it.

A saddness welled up inside. She cared about the youkai too much. If Her Lady ever found out about their coupling, she would hurt Sesshomaru. Without a doubt, Her Lady would blame and punish him for it. Pandora would punish him even if she admitted mating with him willingly.

Suddenly, a small fear sparked below the saddness. She needed to get out of here. Sometimes Her Lady came back sooner than expected.

Glancing over her left shoulder, Liana startled at dark amber reflecting the dim light of the dying fire.

He closed his eyes and held her closer. "Good morning."

Liana turned in his arms and looked into his beautiful features. "Sesshomaru."

The youkai opened his eyes, a hint of emotion flickering in them. "Yes?"

She breathed a deep breath. "I have to go now and get cleaned up."

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow. "Now?"

Liana nodded. "Yes."

His warm arms left her, allowing her to sit up.

As she placed both of her bare feet on the cold stone floor, she stood up only to fall back down with a moan. It hurt. She hurt....down there.

The strong arms grasped her lighty. "Liana, are you well?"

Nodding her head, Liana replied. "I am a little sore is all."

Sesshomaru moved her hair to the side and his lips pressed against the skin of her neck and shoulder. "Do you need help getting up?"

Liana shook her head. "I think I can make it."

She bent down and picked up her robe before raising up off the bed on shaky legs.

As she dressed and tied the belt, Liana turned to Sesshomaru.

For a long moment, she did not speak, only gazed down at the beautiful bare male looking up at her like a lost child. Bending down, she kissed him once on the lips and smiled. "I will be back later with food."

He nodded once in understanding.

Liana turned and left his chambers.

The stone floor felt cold against her feet as she slowly made her way to the kitchen.

After opening the wooden door leading to the kitchen, she eased into a small side room. Sitting down on her bed of straw and blankets, she rumaged around in a wooden trunk at the foot of her bed. In it she found a change of servants garments. Taking the clothes and a drying cloth, Liana walked slowly back into the kitchen and through a door which led outside to the back.

Looking up to the partly cloudy sky, she realized the sunrise would not come for at least an hour. She had time to get to the pool and bathe.

As she moved between the trees and through the underbrush, Liana stepped on quiet, cool moss and listened carefully for sounds she should be aware of.

The pool came into sight.

Liana laid her garments on a rock nearby and untied her robe, letting it fall to the ground.

The icy water made her shiver as little bumps raised up on her skin.

But it felt good on her sore areas.

Reaching over, she grabbed her little clay pot of soap from behind a small rock.

She scooped out some of the balm then waded deeper until her breasts touched the water. As she leaned backwards, the cold water wet her hair.

Standing back up straight, she lathered her hair with the soap and began to wash all over.

"My my, what have we here?"

Liana covered her breasts and spun around in the direction of the deep, smooth, purring voice.

Shi'an.

In the growing light, she saw him walk up and lean against a large boulder.

Swallowing, Liana backed up some in the cold water, creating ripples on the surface. "Good morning, Shi'an."

He smiled devilishly at her, his long black tail swishing back and forth behind him. "Good morning to you sunshine."

She could always tell his mood by the swish of his tail. He was going prowling, to rut.

Liana froze. This was the first time he had seen her unclothed. She didn't trust him.

He cocked his head to the side, letting his long, black hair brush against his handsome features. "I see you have chosen to bathe in the morning this time."

The tall male studied his fingernails. "Any particular reason?"

Her mind raced, trying to create an excuse. If he found out, Sesshomaru would be punished. "I....just needed to bathe. I wanted to feel clean this morning."

Yellow, cat like eyes caught her in their sights. "Is that so?"

But then he straightened up and crossed his arms, a lusty smile playing on his rugged face. "Would you like some company?" He then lifted his arms in the air and stretched, his tail jerking in anticipation. "I could use a little....relaxation."

Lianna swallowed again, hoping that she had washed all of Sesshomaru's scent off of her. If he took her now, he may smell the youkai on her skin. "No. I want to bathe alone, thank you."

He dropped his arms out of the stretch and frowned.

But then he shrugged his shoulders and grinned. "Maybe....some other time then."

Liana halfheartedly smiled in her nervousness. "Maybe."

With his chin, he gestured toward Her Lady's dwelling. "I have hung up last nights kill by the kitchen door."

She nodded once in reply.

With a whip of his tail, he turned, disappearing soundlessly into the morning shadows.

Letting out the breath she had been holding, Liana sunk into the water.

That had been a close one.

After scubbing thoroughly all over, then rinsing all of the soap off of her body, Liana became confident that Sesshomaru's mating scent had been washed away.

To be sure, she would come back tonight, roll in the pine needles and mud before washing again. That would take care of it.

Liana climbed out of the water, dried off, then dressed.

Unknown to her, yellow feline eyes watched close by; a feral, hungry tint lustered in their black and saffron depths.

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He hadn't wanted her to leave, but he knew she had to.

Laying down on his back, Sesshomaru stared up at the wooden rafters.

Being with Liana had helped him; helped his mind, healed the last vestiges of his spirit before it plunged into an eternal darkness.

He had needed it so badly: the feel of a comforting, caring touch.

For the rest of his servitude he would hang on to the memory of that touch.

Everytime his Mistress decided to....hurt him, or make him........obey her sick commands....he would take that memory and hold it close. Nothing could take it away from him.

Burying his nose in his pillow, he inhaled their mixed scents coupled with the smell of their mating. He would remember that too.

After getting out of bed and dressing, he sat in the chair and gazed at the last of the glowing embers. He silently hoped Liana would return soon.

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The sunlight grew brighter in the room. Sesshomaru opened his eyes. He had fallen asleep in the chair.

Light footfalls echoed down the hallway.

Liana's faint knocking made his spirit rise a little. "Yes?"

Liana entered the room with a smile and a covered tray.

The aroma of roasted pork flooded the room.

He rose from the chair, following closely behind the young woman.

After setting down the tray, she turned around with an eep. Somewhat startled, she smiled up at him. "I didn't know you were right behind me."

Sesshomaru blinked down at the small female. "Did I startle you?"

With a nod, she replied. "Yes."

Everything became quiet as they stared at each other.

Moments passed.

Finally, Liana blinked out of her daze and gestured to the tray. "I have brought you something to eat."

He nodded once then raised a clawed finger to her cheek.

This time she did not flinch away.

Sesshomaru caressed her face, studying every line, searing it into memory.

Her cool hand grasped his, with a motherly smile she chided. "You need to eat."

Lowering his hand, he backed away to let her pass. "Thank you."

He watched as the young woman left.

Sighing, he allowed himself a faint smile of his own before sitting down and eating.

The day rolled on into evening.

Expectantly, he watched the door, waiting for Liana to return; she usually did to bring the evening meal and make a fire.

Then, he heard it: liana's servant dress rustling and her hurried sandled footsteps.

Her knock was loud and short.

His heart began to beat hard. "Yes?"

Liana entered, almost running to the wardrobe.

Sesshomaru swallowed down the dryness in his throat. "Liana?"

She did not look at him. "You need to bathe right now. My Lady has returned and she has requested it.

He looked down at his hands, suddenly realizing they were shaking.

Clenching them into fists, he whispered to himself. "No."

Liana bathed him again, taking care to use the right scented soaps.

This time he allowed her to dry him off all over and brush his hair.

After finishing her task, she handed him the white, silk robe.

As he followed Liana to his Mistress's bed chambers, he felt himself go numb.

The young girl rapped lightly on the wooden door.

He nearly jumped out of his skin at his Mistress's sultry voice.

"Come."

Liana gave a short, worried glance back at him before opening the door.

As they entered, Liana bowed low. "My Lady."

Sesshomaru kept his eyes on the stone tiled floor.

"You may go, Liana."

After Liana had left the room, he went to his Mistress and kneeled before her on his hands and knees, keeping his line of sight on her bare feet. "Mistress, I am here to serve you. What do you wish of me?"

She chuckled: a low, sickenly sweet sound.

Her cold fingers caressed his hair and ear. "You are such a good boy.....I think you deserve a reward. Tonight, you will scream for me."

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Sesshomaru crawled towards his room. All he wished to do was lay down and sleep. He made it to his bed, collapsing on the covers. As he spiraled into oblivion, one image flashed across his mind: Liana's.

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His Mistress woke him out of his nightmares with one word. Sesshomaru believed being woke by that word was a terror in itself.

As soon as he was able to move, he crawled to her feet. "Forgive me, Mistress."

Her blank tone held no emotion. "Get dressed."

He dressed quickly then fell to her feet once more. "Mistress."

With an irritated sigh, his Mistress walked down the hallway. "Follow me."

Their journey began again. He traveled with her, finding youkai in her snares. Fortunately, he did not have to kill any this time.

For many days they trekked over sparse lands as well as dark, shaded forests.

Each day brought new tortures, sleep deprivation and starvation being the worst. She had not allowed him to hunt, therefore he had not eaten.

And every night, she had ordered him not to sleep.

He had never needed sleep so much before, but the more he was wounded, the more he needed it. And his Mistress knew it.

Finally, they began traveling back home.

Some days later, they moved into familiar territory and through the barrier.

Sesshomaru looked up to the sky to see the rising sun spill it's light into a sea of pink clouds. They had spent the entire night traveling.

As he walked along, he tripped once on a large root. He had not slept or eaten in many days. And his Mistress had made it a point of hurting him every night of their journey.

Blood was dripping from around his collar. She had said that word a least a dozen times in the last few days. He had noticed that the pain changed with her mood. The more angry she was when she said the word, the more it hurt him. The last time the word left her lips, the pain nearly crushed his sanity.

He had never been so relieved to see the old stone cottage as they walked across the bright green grass towards his Mistress's home.

Fear gripped him as he remembered the last time they had returned.

Silently he prayed that she did not walk along that dusty path leading to the back of the house.

To his utter relief, she opened the front door and walked in.

Liana came in and bowed on one knee at her feet.

His Mistress pushed back her hood. "Liana, get him cleaned up and fed. His stench is starting to annoy me."

With a wave of her hand, she gestured toward her servant. "Go with Liana, let her bathe you, eat what she brings you, rest.......Later tonight......come to my chambers."

The young servant woman raised up, her features betraying none of her emotions as she motioned for him to follow her.

Exhaustion and lethargy pulled at him. He wanted nothing more than to lie down somewhere, lick his wounds and sleep. But he must do as his Mistress had ordered.

At least he would have a quiet moment with Liana while she bathed him.

As he followed the young woman, his sense of smell picked up something different in her scent.

Even through the strain of pain and fatigue, he had noticed it.

When Liana closed the door to the bathing room, He turned to her.

More roughly than he intended to, he grabbed Liana's upper arms. "Your scent is different."

The young woman blinked up at him, not a trace of fear in her expression. "How so?"

Leaning down, he inhaled deeply. "I am not sure."

A strange emotion, something akin to fear, began creeping up inside of him. He had an idea of what it was. But he needed to be sure. He kneeled before the small female, grasping the hem of her garment.

Pulling it up, he stuck his nose close to her warmth and sniffed several times.

Sesshomaru dropped the hem of her dress. He felt light headed as his mind raced to understand what his sense of smell was telling him.

Still on his knees, he leaned forward and put his arms around her waist.

Hugging the small female close, he placed his cheek against her stomach and closed his eyes. His words a notch above a whisper. "You are with child Liana. The pup is mine."

The young woman in his arms began to tremble; her shaking hands barely touching his shoulders, her voice a mere breath. "What?"

Sesshomaru stood up, his eyes met her green ones. "You need to leave this place. Is there a human village nearby?"

Wide eyed and mouth slighly agape, she nodded once. Her tone was whisper soft. "Yes, but not very close. There is human village about five days travel from here to the north."

He leaned down, putting his forehead against hers. "Listen to me Liana, you need to run from here. Go to the village. If they do not take you in, if you can find no one to help you, go to the Western Lands."

"The Western Lands?"

"Yes, My father is Lord there. Find his estate. He will know you carry my pup by your scent. He will take you in and help with the infant."

Taking deep breaths, Liana's trembling calmed a little. "What if the village allows me to stay?"

Sesshomaru leaned back some to look at her face. "Liana, if the village takes you in, stay there for only a short time. The child you carry will be a hanyou. Humans will not accept it. You must go to the Great Lord of the Western Lands, my father, he will accept you and the child as family. When you see my father, tell him....there is no hope for me. Tell him....I am dead."

Fear radiated off of her. "Dead?"

Lightly, he touched her chin. "There is no hope for me. But there is hope for our pup. You must find the courage to run."

She nodded her head slowly. "Courage."

He gave her a small nod in return then proceeded to remove his clothes for the bath.

When they had entered his room, Sesshomaru dressed. Determined, he looked through the wardrobe and found his old outfit along with his boa. Liana had been standing there watching him intently.

Sesshomaru pulled out the large fluffy scarf and laid it out on the bed.

With his claws, he cut a small piece off. He handed it to Liana. "Keep this close. It has my scent on it. Most lesser youkai will not bother you if you wear it."

Liana accepted the piece of cloth from his hands. She turned it over in her palm, studying it before looking up at him. "I do not want to leave you."

Grasping her hand, he pulled her close and embraced the small female. "You must.....She will kill our pup."

That fear scent grew stronger with his words.

He let go of her.

Liana took a deep breath while her eyes lifted to his. "I will leave tonight, after I bring you the evening meal."

The dog demon gave a slight nod then watched the young female leave the room.

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Liana hurried to the kitchen. She was scared, so very scared. The trip to the human village would be a five day journey through the mountains. She would have to travel light but with enough provisions to last.

She would think on what to do and what to pack while fixing the evening meal.

After hiding the small scrap of fluff under her bed covers, Liana went back into the kitchen.

Grabbing the bucket which had been set near the fireplace, she stepped through the door in the kitchen which led outside to the back of the dwelling.

Liana quickly walked to the tree line to the right which stood several paces away from the stable. She came to the thicket of trees that surrounded the water well.

Just as she stepped between two large oaks, a dark form eased in front of her, blocking the path. "In a hurry, are we?"

Liana recoiled. "Shi'an?"

The tall male leaned against a tree and crossed his arms, smiling wickedly at her.

Liana tried to stay calm. "I need to get water from the well. May I pass?"

He seemed to ignore her question and made an obvious mock sniffing of the air while looking at her. He stopped, his wicked grin almost marring his handsome features. "You smell different, Liana."

She could feel the pounding in her chest and backed up a step.

Shi'an uncrossed his arms and shook his head at her. "Do not move."

Liana froze on the spot as the fear spread all the way to her toes.

He approached with feline stealth then circled around her, sniffing her hair and shoulders in the process. He growled low. "Your scent has changed."

Stopping in front of her, he reached a clawed finger to her cheek, his tone a little softer. "Of course, I noticed this days ago."

Liana wanted to bolt, to run, but she knew he would catch her before she made it very far.

Out of the corner of her eye, she watched his tail. It swished back and forth in agitation.

His features hardened as he glared into her eyes. "You rutted with that dog, didn't you?" He had spat the word dog out as if the very sound of it disgusted him.

Liana said nothing, too terrified to even move.

Strong clawed hands gripped her upper arms and shoulders, forcing her backwards. Stars flashed in her vision as the back of her head bashed against something hard. A sharp cry escaped from her throat. Jagged bark scraped her backside. Shi'an had thrown her against a tree.

As her vision cleared somewhat, hot words breathed next to her ear. "Did you enjoy it? Did you enjoy letting that filthy dog hump you? Did he take pleasure in humping a worthless bitch?"

Everything blurred as tears fell down her cheeks. She let out a quiet sob. "What....are you...going to do?"

His demeanor changed instantly. The fierce grip tearing into her skin lessened somewhat. The fire in his slanted eyes died to a smoldering ember. One clawed finger reached up and lightly touched her quivering lip. "Me? Well, that will depend solely on you. I have wanted a female of my own for a very long time. One that will not......run away when she feels like it.....One that I can.....keep.....to use whenever I want. If you...behave....I will spare that.....dog.......and not tell My Lady about your activities with him. And in return, you will be mine, whenever, wherever I choose."

He leaned close, his purring whisper in her ear. "You need not worry about the life you carry.......It will not survive our.....encounters."

He backed away from her. "I will expect you tonight by the pool. Be there when the moon rises above the trees."

With a quick flick of his tail, he turned, vanishing into the wood. His smooth words floating back to her. "And do not even think of running. I am watching you."

Liana slid to the cool ground, wet tears flowing freely down her heated skin which was slowly turning to ice. She shook uncontollably.

What was she going to do?

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HI all, Ras here, I know many of you all ready figured out about the little puppy. All who read must have realized what was going on with our youkai to make him cling to Liana. Our Sesshy is going mad folks. The slavery and torture is driving him insane. Only one thing could bring him back from the brink of maddness. A caring touch. I only have two more chapters left and they are written out just have to type them. Hope all who read were entertained. Please read and review. Ras.

Review responses:

Lil'Chi Chi: most of your questions were answered in this chappie. Ras.

mikomi: ^_^

animuffin: the plot bunny will consider. hmmmmm there was a well in this chapter. hmmmmm....

Henti Jane: Hey Laura! hows it going? I'm glad you got what I was trying to get across. I feel I may have botched that up some. the reason why sessy did it. but maybe I didn't botch it up too bad. till next time. Ras.

Erica: Aw come on girl don't laugh. lol. your review brought a smile to my face.

fan of story: well, I almost did make it a rape, considering Sesshomaru's state of mind. But I just couldn't do that to Liana. It had to happen so I made it consentual. Sessy is a little mixed up right now. I don't think he loves Liana but he has come to care for her.

Trio-Spade: ^_^

Tenshi no Yami: ^_^

Queen of Hyper Psychos: There will be no more really bad torture for Sessy by Pandora. I will give you a hint. Pandora does not kill Liana.

Yuki: Your review left me speechless. wordless. I make pictures? really? I have lost some reviews for this story. Is it too emotional? I am glad that my writing pulls a lot of emotion. ^_^ But didn't mean to make you cry though. Sorry bout that. Ras.