Chapter Eight left Sesshomaru and Kagome each questioning exactly what it was that kept pulling them together. And Kikyou returned to Inuyasha, seemingly just in time.

For the record (ahem): I do not own, in whole or in part, any part of the Inuyasha franchise. Nor do I own any of the characters from said franchise that is used forthwith. The following story is solely based on the ramblings of a college student at a boring job and is not to be taken or believed as part of the true Inuyasha saga. That being said, please enjoy my first attempt at fan fiction. Feel free to critique ad nauseum. (Whew!)

Chapter Nine – Pieces of the Same Soul

Kikyou walked over to the trio, who were standing far enough away from Inuyasha to make their escape if necessary. She put a cold hand on Miroku, who jumped slightly. Even though she was a pretty woman, this was one female he never had any intention of dabbling with. "Are we all in agreement, then?"

Miroku nodded. "Do what you have to do, Lady Kikyou. Let's get him back to normal. We cannot go to his brother with him all out of control like this."

She dropped her hand as quickly as she dropped her smile. Of course. We wouldn't want his precious Kagome to see him like this, now would we? She turned and faced Inuyasha, who had seemed to calm a little. His eyes were still glowing red and his claws dripped with the blood of two dozen demons, but he did not seem ready to attack. Slowly, Kikyou walked over to Inuyasha, as if even she were a little scared of him. After all, this body is more fragile than the one I am supposed to have. One wrong step now and all I have fought for will be worthless.

She stopped about 10 steps in front of him, squaring off with him face to face. He just stood there, looking deep into her eyes. As if he were trying to recognize something. Anything. He doesn't know who I am! This will never work if he doesn't recognize me. She was about to turn tail and run, when something he did captured her eye. He sniffed.

Sango noticed it too. "I think she may be starting to get through," she whispered in Miroku's ear. He gave a slight bow of his head, not taking his eyes off of the whole, slightly macabre scene.

Kikyou took a few small steps closer, her eyes never leaving his. "Inuyasha..." She had a new plan now. She was no longer going to seduce him back to his normal self. He doesn't even know it is me. Perhaps he doesn't associate my scent with me anymore, but with... She was close enough to him to whisper without anyone hearing, "It's me. Kagome."

His eyes sparked at the mention of her name. I know that name. He closed his eyes as his human half deep within him tried to focus his attention on who was before him. I came here looking for her. Now she is here, and I can relax. But something else inside of him would not let him relax. Something wasn't quite right with what this woman was telling him.

Inuyasha sniffed again. It is Kagome's scent, but... there is something else there. Something else I recognize. It smells like death. He opened his eyes, and focused his sights on the woman before him.

Kikyou used all the magical skills she could possess and made Inuyasha believe that he was seeing Kagome before him. She gave her best impression of Kagome's sheepish grin, and put her hand on his cheek.

Why is she so cold? She sensed his reluctance to accept her as Kagome, and decided it was time to go a little farther. "Inuyasha. Please recognize me. I have missed you so much." She leaned forward and placed a feather-light kiss on his lips.

The shock of he kiss gave his human self time to take over his mind again. When she backed away from him, he collapsed to the ground. "Inuyasha!" Sango and Shippo ran forward to see to him, and they both placed their arms around him.

"Inuyasha, we were so worried about you. I thought you had finally gone completely demon. You looked so scary..." Shippo ceased his prattling when Sango bopped him on the back of the head. She's right. The last thing he needs right now is to be reminded of what he had become. And what he had done.

But, Inuyasha remembered. He remembered that his anger over Sesshomaru taking something he saw as his property had turned him into something ugly. Something I always accused my brother of being. A soulless demon that would kill anything in his way without a thought. And worst of all, I never once thought of Kagome's safety. I only wanted him to return what's mine. He lowered his head into his hands, quickly bringing it back up again when the overpowering stench of blood on them threatened to make him sick.

"I need a bath."

Miroku was the first one to laugh at this sign. "I agree, you stink, Inuyasha. But we haven't much time. Make it quick."

Inuyasha darted out of the embrace of his friends and flew across the ground to a river not far away. Sango looked up at Kikyou, who had been standing silently by, doing nothing. "How did you do it? I really didn't think you could."

She smiled. I am not about to tell that stupid slayer that I had to pretend to be his precious Kagome to wake him up.

Miroku knew what she had done, but wisely decided to keep it to himself. "It doesn't matter. What matters now is that we find Sesshomaru and free Kagome. Goodness knows if she is safe. Or what he is doing to her."

"I know exactly where she is. I can feel her in my blood." Kikyou smiled to herself. And I know exactly what he is doing to her. She doesn't seem to mind one bit.

Rin walked silently into Kagome's room, trying hard not to make any noise. She had seen Kagome walk around for the last four days, and not once had she knocked anything over. She is perfect. I want to be just like her. Maybe Sesshomaru-sama will like me more that way. She walked over to the ochre dresser where Kagome's brush and mirror were.

After looking back to make sure that she was still asleep on the plush tatami, she picked up Kagome's brush and started to pull it through her hair. Not rough like she used to, she had been told that she needed a softer touch. A woman's touch. Ever since her first day of training, when she had heard Kagome mutter, "It is any wonder you are as girlie as you are, being raised by two male demons," Rin had tried her hardest to act just like Kagome.

Rin stared at herself in the mirror, wondering what she will look like when she grows up. She had very pretty jet black hair. Kagome had said so herself. And her eyes were... Rin looked into her eyes. What color were they? She thought so hard that she couldn't stop herself from saying it out loud. "Browny-black." But, Rin didn't even realize that she had said anything. She just kept brushing her hair, pretending to be Kagome.

The soft words Rin spoke had managed to wake Kagome up. She opened her eyes and saw two little feet in front of her, facing the other direction. She looked up and watched as the little girl did her best to act like a grown-up. Rin lifted her chin a little and sucked in her cheeks. Is this what she thinks I look like? Kagome quickly put a hand to her mouth to stop a giggle from escaping. It was obvious to her that this little girl was taking her preening very seriously.

She slowly sat up on the comforter, careful not to distract Rin. Letting the girl have a few more moments with the mirror, she coughed to let the girl know she was waking. Immediately, Rin put the brush down and turned, a brilliant smile on her face. "You are awake! Are you ready to medicate?"

This time she couldn't help but laugh. "You mean meditate?" Rin lowered her head, and Kagome felt instantly contrite. "I'm sorry Rin. What you said was so cute. I wasn't laughing at you, I promise."

Rin looked over at Kagome again, who wasn't smiling anymore. She let a little laugh bubble forth and ran out the door to the courtyard.

Kagome sighed. How am I ever going to get out of this mess? That girl idolizes me. I recognize hero-worship when I see it. She stood and walked over to the mirror, brushing out the night's sleep from her hair. I have a little of it myself. The brush froze in her hair as she said that to herself. She forced her eyes to blink and stiltedly resumed brushing. Okay, I can admit it. I like him. He is rude, mean, angry all the time... A lot like his brother. A laugh escaped at that thought. Keh! These brothers are so alike that sometimes it is scary. No wonder I am falling for Sesshomaru. I feel like I already know him...Falling for him? When did that happen?

She threw the brush onto the dresser with a jerk, ripping open a drawer to pull out a new kimono to wear. This one was a light pink, traced with undulating little vines and interspersed with red cherries. I wonder why Jaken would pick this one? She looked outside at the courtyard before closing the door to dress, and caught sight of Rin's attire. The little girl was wearing an identical kimono. I bet he didn't, but I bet she did. She shook her head and turned back into the room.

As she changed from her night clothes into the pink kimono, her mind would not stop churning. I need to be very careful here. I am getting too comfortable. It has only been for days, not quite enough time for the gang to get here and save me. I am sure they will be here any time now. But, I keep thinking like I intend to stay here the rest of my life. Last night I fell asleep planning out the next few months with Rin. Few months! How long do I intend to let him keep me here?

Kagome stilled her hands for a moment as she was tying the sash at her waist. Well, to be perfectly honest, I forced myself to think about that so my mind would stop thinking about...that kiss. She moaned and pulled the sash closed hard, choking her. She grumbled as she loosened it to a more comfortable position. Why did he do it this time? Because I got so angry at his refusal to use my name? No, he still warned me to watch what I say around him. And I have to agree. I haven't heard one harsh word come out of his mouth. It is the way he says it that stings so much. If I could evoke that kind of fear with a few words, I wouldn't feel the need to protect myself from him by cussing...

Protect myself from what? She walked over to the far side of the room, where she kept her shoes, taking her time to put them on. He seemed angry at first, but he quickly changed his tune. The way he caressed my forehead with his chin, and smelled my hair... A bodily shiver ran over her as she remembered how his holding her made her feel.

Then she remembered why she tried to get away. This is wrong! He hates humans, he has said it before. Therefore, he hates me. He is only doing this to me to keep a hold of me. I know he would never hurt Rin. Would he?

"That's it. I need to talk to him. Confront him and get this all out in the open. It may not be bothering him, but it sure as hell is bothering me." Without giving a thought to exactly what was bothering her, she left her room and walked down the hallway towards his wing, forgetting about the courtyard completely. Rin was oblivious, now fully entrenched in her meditation. With Jaken not too far away from her, standing stock still and pointing his staff at her in readied defense.

As she got closer to what she was told was his private quarters, she got the distinct impression that not too many people had walked down this hall. It was enormous, much larger than the other parts of the castle. Not that she had seen them all; she never found time to go much further than the wing she was in. But this place looked newer, as if it had been untouched. Or unused. She felt a wind blow past her feet and amble in front of her, playing with a few loose oak leaves.

The wind wafted towards Sesshomaru, catching his attention. He had not slept all night, thinking about this girl. And now, as if in response to a silent summons, she was coming to him. He grunted and shifted his position underneath the large tree so that he was facing away from her when she came in. Now is not the time for her to confront me. He was still well aware of what transpired the night before. It was the only thing that had been on his mind these last few hours.

"I know that you have been told not to come in here." He didn't even look at her when she entered the section of hallway overlooking the courtyard.

It took her a moment to see him, because she was overwhelmed by the size of the courtyard he was in. This is huge. Big enough for... well, duh. For a large dog to have room to move. She saw him sitting at the base of a large oak tree, which seemed to curve to his body. He was facing away from her staring at the ground. She waited for a moment for him to turn and look at her. But he gave no other knowledge of her presence; just those few words of warning.

"No one told me not to come here. Jaken just told me that this was where you stayed." She felt the defenses rising in her again. What for? He has done nothing that warrants defense. It is proactive dear. We know how you feel when you are near him.

This time he tilted his head slightly, taking her in. She looks like Rin in that thing. "That should be warning enough to you. You do not want to come in here." That color does make her look different, though. Almost nice...Stop it.

She took another step towards him, which placed her in the courtyard. She was trying to look unafraid, but he could sense that she was scared... of something. But, to his interest, not of him. "I need to talk to you."

He let out a huff of air. "We will talk later, when I come to you."

"It is important."

"I said..." He heard his own voice rising in agitation. Damn, but this girl is changing me. He took a deep breath and continued on an even keel. "What is so important that you risk life and limb to come and talk to me?"

Kagome cocked her head at that response. Without thinking she replied, "You wouldn't hurt me. Not just for walking in here. That is insane."

His head fully rose up to look at her when she said this. She seemed completely confident of what she had just said. And I don't think she realized that she was going to say it. How did she find that out so quickly? "I do not like repeating myself, Kagome. Why are you here?"

She opened her mouth to speak, but suddenly her tongue was dry. He said my name! Wait... why am I here? She had forgotten to confront him about Rin's life. She had forgotten about all her anger the moment he had said her name.

And he knew it. Sesshomaru smiled at the open-mouthed Kagome. If I had known that she could be silenced with a single word, I would have done it long ago. He decided to try and help her out a little. "Is it about your quarters?" She mutely shook her head, her expression still blank. "About Jaken? Is he bothering you again?" Another shake of the head. "Is it about Rin, then?"

Sesshomaru knew he shouldn't have said it the moment it was out of his mouth. He knew that the only reason she was still here was the threat of ending Rin's life he held over her. Her face changed with frustration as she blurted out, "You cannot kill Rin! She adores you."

He stood quickly, looking at her calmly. "Are you leaving, then?" He tried to ignore the rising of his pulse when he asked this, not wanting to understand right now why those words brought a foreign feeling of panic to his soul.

"No..."

He sighed softly then. "Then I won't."

She stamped her foot in agitation, her whole body rigid. "But even if I were, you can't kill her!"

Sesshomaru cocked his head to the side. "Why not?"

Her teeth bared in an effort to control her anger. Why is he acting like such a child? Does he want me to attack him? "Because you can't, that's why."

He took a couple of steps closer to her. She stood her ground. "I can do whatever I want here. This is my castle, not yours. Don't forget that."

She stepped towards him, forgetting her place as a prisoner. "I don't care what if this is your castle. If you think you can kill that girl on a whim, you have another think coming, mister."

He raised his eyebrow and looked down at her. "Mister? What does that mean?"

"It means you are an ass," she said through clenched teeth, "if you think that killing her would do you any good at all."

Another step closer to her. "Watch your mouth, miko. You tread on dangerous ground."

"All it would do is prove what a monster you really are!"

He grabbed her chin, his claws pointing into her skin slightly. "I warned you to watch your mouth around me. You think me a monster? Well, then..." He claimed her lips before he even finished his statement. And, again this kiss was different from the others. It was heavily laced with frustration. His lips crushed hers, his hand forcing her head back so he could reach her mouth more easily.

She just stood there, unable to believe what he was doing again. I can't believe this is happening again? Is this his way of punishing? Why do I get myself into these things? As he kept bruising her lips, his tongue made its way past her teeth to fight with hers. She sighed as frustration was also creeping up her. Her one hand grabbed his arm roughly as the other grabbed a fistful of his clothing, effectively holding him to her.

Through the haze his mind was now in, he noticed that she was now holding him, and moved his hand from her waist to capture her waist. He pulled her roughly up to him, with her feet barely touching the ground. She is not going to get away this time. His hair fell around her head in silvery billows as his tongue continued to combat hers.

Kagome barely noticed that her feet were no longer touching the ground, or that they were turning in another direction. All she knew is that she could feel every inch of him pressed against her. Her hand inched up his sleeve, using her nails to make sure her grip never loosened enough for him to get away.

Had that been his intention. He had no intention of letting go either, as he slowly dropped to his knees, again under the large oak tree. She felt the ground come up to meet her legs, and also felt him quickly pushing her back, putting her in a reclining position against the rough bark of the old tree. His grip lessened on her waist and she felt his hand trail around it to the knot in her sash. As soon as he touched it, the sash flew out of the way and he quickly spread the kimono out. Sesshomaru eased her hand off of his arm and through her sleeve, after which it quickly resumed its position, a steel grip pressing into his flesh. He did the same to her other arm, then leaned over her, pressing her slowly down onto the ground.

When her head hit the ground, her mind came to a sort of fuzzy wakefulness. She realized that she was lying on her kimono with his body covering her now naked one. And she felt the delicious feeling of his hand washing over her breasts, lightly raking his claws on the pinkened skin. His legs were on either side of hers, Pinning her underneath him, and pressing her down onto the ground beneath him. She tried to concentrate on why this was wrong, but as his lips began to leave soft kisses on the corners of her mouth, she forgot what she was protesting against. Instead, Kagome returned his kisses with soft ones of her own.

He pulled up slightly, and changed directions to deeply kiss her neck. Her breathing was ragged, but he could hear her trying to at least voice a protest. "Please, we can't..."

"But we are," he said against her throat. His hot breath on her now slick throat made her moan, arching her back to try to relieve the tight pain it brought to her stomach. When she did, she came in intimate contact with his torso. She stopped dead in her tracks at this feeling, now knowing that he wanted her as much as she wanted him. Kagome despised herself for feeling this way, but could think of nothing to do to stop it.

Sesshomaru could sense that she was about to protest again, so he silenced her forthcoming words with what seemed like an endless variety of kisses, ranging from savagely impatient to slow and liquid. He explored her the shape of her lips, the texture of her tongue. At the same time, she felt a sense of play come into his fingers. Almost teasingly slow, they began to play with the overly sensitive peaks of her nipples until she was gasping for air. Kagome felt torn between the need to be free of him and the need to be free with him; of being afraid to let go and desperately needing to let go. I can't believe this is actually happening... and that I want it to happen! God, how I want it...What he did to her with the erotic pressures and probing of his fingers left no doubt in her mind that he was demonic.

He seemed to know where she needed to be touched, creating sensations in her she never knew existed. Kagome began to arch repeatedly up against him as he stopped his exploring long enough to removing his clothing. His mouth never left hers as he did this, as if were afraid it would break the spell. His knee slid between her legs as his hand danced around her belly and lower, causing a sharp intake of breath and an involuntary movement of her legs to accommodate him. She was still begging him to be closer with her body, and almost welcomed the sharp stab that entered her body and made her cry out in pain against his lips. Soon, the feeling was replaced by a feeling that she could only label as pain, although it didn't really hurt. It did make her start to emit choked moans and animal sounds that she didn't even recognize as her own. She vaguely heard the growling and moaning he was making in unison with hers as he rocked her with him. His hand now stayed at the small of her back, pressing her further into him as he pushed her onto the ground.

More...more...was the only thought that kept running through her head now, as she relished the motion of his body over hers and the feeling of him inside her, filling an emptiness she had not realized she had inside her. He chanted the same thoughts in his head as he quickened his pace with her, needing her to fill his emptiness as well. Her arms laced in his hair, pushing his mouth hard onto hers as if she were trying to devour her. Blinding passion took over them both together, and he released her mouth to howl in ecstasy as he let himself finally go. She said nothing, but held her eyes open and on him, relishing the temporary power she wielded over him.

From here, free-falling back to reality was a wake-up call for both of them. Kagome suddenly became conscious of everything. The rumbled kimono beneath her, and the other pile of rumpled clothing flung out of arms reach to her left. His body still nestled between her legs, and the full weight of his torso pressing down onto her. Not to mention that he was still a part of her. She turned her head from the rumpled clothes and caught him looking down at her, with a lazy smile on his face. If he says anything cruel now, I know I will not be able to take it.

But, Sesshomaru did not say anything. He too knew that anything they said would ruin the moment. Instead, he brought his mouth down to warmly nuzzle the soft, sensitive juncture between neck and shoulder. A moan escaped her lips before she could stop it. A new emotion welled up inside of her. Why is he suddenly so pefect? As thoughts flooded her mind, giving her rational and irrational reasons why they should have left well enough alone, hot tears began to drop down the sides of her face. I don't know if I can handle this.

When Sesshomaru felt a tear hit his cheek, he looked up. What he did not expect to see was Kagome weeping silently, her eyes pressed firmly closed. But that is what he saw, which gave him the wrong impression. She hates me for that. She couldn't count on my control and can't stand for me to touch her. He quietly but quickly got up, grabbed his clothes, and left the castle entirely. Leaving Kagome naked and wretchedly sobbing underneath his oak tree.

Coming Soon – Chapter Ten – Glory in Darkness

Kikyou is able to calm Inuyasha, but Miroku fears she is here for ulterior reasons. Jaken learns of all the damage Inuyasha has done to the Western Lands and reports to Sesshomaru. Rin tries to be just like Kagome, mirroring her every move. And, Kagome tells Sesshomaru she is going home.