A/N: Hey everyone, sorry it's been so long I had to go home for a while and the rent's computer sucks. So here it is, you're eagerly awaited Chapter 5...Enjoy...

Chapter 5- The Highest Bidder- Revealed!

Inuyasha sat by Kagome all night as she and the other's slept. He didn't even pretend to be sleeping. He watched with pity and worries as her face scrunched in pain and sweat beaded over her forehead. Every so often he would rinse the rag that was placed on her forehead with cool water and replace it, trying to help her fight her fever. He also took time to remove her bandages and give her clean ones. Her wound was still bleeding, but not as it was badly as it was initially.

He was not the only one who was watching. Sesshoumaru was watching his brother with all his senses but his eyes. He listened to Inuyasha's breathing change as he watched and cared for Kagome. He heard the water ripple as the rag was rinsed again and rung out. He smelt the blood as his brother unwrapped her wounds, and listened to the rustle of bandages as he rewrapped them. Sesshoumaru noted the delicacy and gentleness his half- brother was using as he cared for the human girl, without even seeing it.

Unconsciously Sesshoumaru placed his arm around Rin, who had fallen asleep with her head on his lap, he sat up against a wall of the hut, and let her sleep on him. He thought about Rin, sweet, innocent, playful, lovely Rin. What would I do if anyone did this to her? He asked himself. He felt a flicker of rage but quickly controlled it. He knew exactly what he would do. He would tear them limb from limb until they offered him an antidote. He gently laid a hand on Rin's back, assuring himself that she was still safe. Inwardly he signed with relief.

Sesshoumaru was broken from his thoughts by the sounds of Inuyasha's voice. "I'm so sorry Kagome." His voice was raspy and broken whisper. "I'll find this assassin, I swear to you. And when you're better, I'll send you home. It's too dangerous for you here." Sesshoumarou heard his brother take the girl's hand in his own, the sound of flesh against flesh, smooth and calming.

"I know you won't want to go, you're too damned stubborn. I don't even want you to go, but it's for the best." Inuyasha sighed in frustration. "Just get better, we'll deal with the rest of this later."


She smiled knowing the deed was done. She could feel the demon coming. A low knocking made her smiled. "Come in." She said without turning from the balcony. The night was cool, and the moon still hung high and bright in the cloudless night. The door creaked open and closed again.

The low thunderous voice echoed in her bedroom in the castle. "I have the girl's blood for you."

The priestess smiled but still did not turn. "What more do you want from me, other than the price I have paid you?" She asked in a flat tone.

The demon smiled and stepped on to the balcony with her. Revealing his true form. He stood beside her with the head of a wolf, yet distinctly human biceps, pecks, arms, and legs under his thick dark fur. "The assassin who did the deed is interested by you. She wishes to become you apprentice."

The priestess did not even look at him but her smiled fadded. "I am not a dark priestess, Akihito." She declared in a strong willed voice.

The wolf demon laughed. "I beg to differ. Any woman who is willing to use her gifts to kill her ex-lover's current love has fallen into darkness." He places the cloth stained in blood on the balcony's ledge. "You are indeed a dark priestess now...Kikyo."

Akihito turned and left her on the balcony. He wordlessly left creaking the door behind him. Fully aware that he was gone, Kikyo finally took her eyes from the midnight sky and looked at the cloth stained in Kagome's blood. It is too late, she told herself. You are already damned, why not at least live out the remainder of your days with the man you love. You've already started this spell by hiring the Luwi Assassins. Its time you finish it. You hate this clay body, so claim your true body, the body that bitch Kagome stole from you. A smile finally broke on her cold face. She was right. It was time to claim her true body, but first she'd have to kick out its current occupant.

She reached down and grabbed the blood stained cloth and turned into the room which Akihito had loaned her. I will finish what I have begun.