A/N: Ok, new chapter already. I couldn't sleep, and while I really should be uploading my sites to the new server, I had to get this written down before I lost it.

Once again, thank you's to the following:

Jyde: So glad you liked the chapter, I'm pretty happy with it.Ya, I took some liberties with the Path of Darkness, but oh well. Hope you like the new chapter!
Sioned: I know, no one can ever replace Kagura in my heart either... And the tights aren't necessary, but a cape would be a nice touch... Now hopefully I got this part out in time to save the poor gecko... XD And ya, Madagascar rocked my socks. "I like to move it, move it!"
Kawaii cherry: Glad you're enjoying it, and Naraku's intentions will become clear... eventually :P
Shahrezad1: Thanks, I try so hard to keep everyone in character, especially Sess. Cuz while I'd love for him to profess his undying love for Kagura, I just don't think that'll happen... XD. Glad you like Naoko too!

Now without any further ado, the story...

"You have failed, Naoko."

"I'm sorry my lord," Naoko whispered, bowing in front of Naraku. Having failed in destroying Sesshoumaru she had returned to Naraku's castle to face whatever punishment he had for her. She deserved it, after all. "I shall accept whatever punishment you see fit."

"Don't be foolish," Naraku said, resting a hand on her shoulder. He smiled slyly to himself, and he was thankful Naoko's head was still turned to the floor. He was certain his expression would have given away any credibility he had with the girl. "I am only glad you escaped with your life."

Naoko raised her head at this, Sesshoumaru's words flashing into her mind.

"Naraku did not tell you… I am certain that Byakuya would have informed him of the swords new ability."

Was it possible he had been telling the truth?

"Naraku," Naoko began, lifting her gaze to meet her master's. "The inu-youkai… his sword.-"

"Yes," Naraku interrupted, offering a hand to Naoko. She accepted and lifted herself to her feet. "It seems the blade has acquired the ability to attack. You were lucky to have dodged such a blow."

"You saw?" Naoko asked, somewhat surprised.

"Of course," Naraku said with as much concern as he could muster. "Your sister Kanna showed me through her mirror. I wanted to be certain you were alright."

She supposed she was intended to be comforted by this, but as Naraku turned from her, Naoko still remained troubled. Naraku had always been aware of what his enemies were up to. If not through Kanna's mirror, then through Byakuya's eye. If this was so, why was he not aware of Sesshoumaru's Path of Darkness?

"Sesshoumaru," Naoko started again, pausing slightly when Naraku halted. "He said… he said Byakuya had become aware of his sword's attack. He was certain he would have informed you."

Naraku turned back to her at this. His face bore no expression, and had it not been for the slightest narrow of his eyes Naoko would have never noticed his anger.

"You trust our enemy over me?" Naraku yelled, his hands roughly gripping Naoko's shoulders. She whimpered slightly as he continued to speak. "You are a woman born of my flesh. I created you. And you dare to question my motives?" At this he loosened his grip on her, and Naoko fell helplessly to the floor.

"Forgive me lord," she sobbed. Naraku had never been angry with her before, and it frightened her more than anything. He was right though. He had given her life, protected her, and this was how she repaid him?

"My dear Naoko," Naraku soothed, gently lifting her chin so her eyes met with his. "Do you not trust your lord?"

"Of course I do," Naoko said honestly. "I won't doubt you again."

"Good, now leave."

Naoko nodded, then turned to leave. However, just as she reached the doorway of Naraku's chambers, the nagging question in the back of her mind persuaded her to stop. She did not like to push her luck, but her curiosity could not be put to ease.

"Naraku-sama," she said cautiously, turning once again to her lord.

"What is it?" he asked, not bothering to hide the annoyance in his tone.

Naoko hesitated briefly, then decided her stubborn mind would not allow her to leave without at least asking.

"Who is Kagura?"

Naraku smiled inwardly. So the great Sesshoumaru had mentioned Kagura. He had hoped he would. Perhaps the tai-youkai harbored compassion for the wind witch after all.

"Kagura," he began, choosing his words carefully. "Was a traitor and a fool. She wished to be free of me, and so I granted her request. I returned her heart to her, and she was killed soon after." He paused at this, trying to decipher Naoko's reaction. She was difficult to read however, so Naraku continued. He had to be certain his point came across. "I held her heart, as I do yours. But it is for your own protection, Naoko. Surely you do not wish for Kagura's fate?"

"Of course not," Naoko agreed.

"Good," Naraku said, smiling at her. She was unsure why, but his grin sent a small shiver down her spine.

"This Kagura," Naoko said, still curious about one thing. "Did she look like me?"

Naraku's grin grew even larger at this, and Naoko still could not shake the uneasy feeling it gave her.

"I suppose there is a slight resemblance."

Naoko's dream returned to her again that night. It started the same as it always had. She was dying, some foreign toxin pulsing through her veins. She marveled slightly at the heart beating within her chest, but the almost unbearable pain caused the sensation to lose its appeal.

Yes, it was exactly the same. The strange man came to her, and as always he seemed to have the ability to numb her pain. And then, like every other night, she tried to run to him. Only this time he didn't fade away.

This time she was able to reach him, and in an instant she was in his embrace. And it was wonderful. She held him closer, as if suddenly everything were alright. The poison seemed to vanish from her veins and all that remained was the soft thumping of her heart. She pulled away slightly, and turned to face him, her hands resting on his arms.

However, something was missing.

Where his left arm should have been there was nothing more than the loose folds of his haori. Confused, she lifted her gaze to meet his.

Amber eyes pierced her crimson, and she pulled away in shock.

"Sesshoumaru!" she cried out, her voice laced with anger and confusion. He did not let her leave however, and he pulled her once again into his embrace.

"Kagura," he whispered. Logically she knew it was not her name. She was Naoko. However there was something comforting about being held by the youkai, and not even her stubborn mind would allow her to leave.

So in that instant she gave in, melting into his warm embrace.

And, if only for that night, if only in a dream, Naoko had never felt such freedom.

A/N: Ooooh, Sess/Kagu moment... sorta... It's only a dream, but it's something! Review please and thanks!