Luna: I GOT THE THIRD INUYASHA MOVIE! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!

Veron: …By the time you've posted this chapter, you'll have worn it out.

Luna: But the fight scenes are pretty…

Veron: Only reason?

Luna: Okay that and Inuyasha's dad is really hot…

Veron: Thought so.

Luna: ((Grumbles))

Disclaimer: I own all three movies on DVD. And various other objects of Takahashi merchandise, but other then those material things, I own nothing. EXCEPT THIS IDEA! ((Hisses menacingly)) And I own Hiroshi, and Reiko and Himawari. Rawr.

Chapter 8: Red Truth

The words struck Kagome through the heart and for a moment, she could have sworn that same organ didn't move. Determined to keep her emotions deep inside and far from her face, she slid her eyes coldly over to the priestess beside her. Kikyo made no movements of acknowledgement to her or the accusation but simply stood there, eyes locked upon the toad servant.

Sesshomaru glared down at the lord who had brought this fact to the hime's attention. He had never liked meetings such as these, much less some arrogant youkai royalty in his home. He inwardly grimaced, but considering the circumstances, it seemed possible that all of his unwelcome guests would be inhabiting his home for a while longer.

Needless to say, his royal poofy pants was not pleased. Having a group of varying monarchy was like having extended family over for two weeks, annoying extended family. The demon started to feel the pangs of a headache forming when his musings were interrupted by his loyal servant's voice.

" In the rules, if a royal does not have an advisor, they have the minimum of three days to choose." His large yellow irises rose to meet his lord's. " Shall we adjourn until then milord?"

With an inward sigh and the prayer that the castle had migraine reducing herbs, he nodded his acquiesce.

Kagome stood, her back turned away from Kikyo's gray eyes. Her fists were clenched and her posture rigid with tension. A single golden leaf blew between them, the breeze caressing their ebony tresses.

" I…had wondered if you were dead."

Kikyo's eyes widened.

" The day when we had a meal in the meadow. You wouldn't eat your onigiri. And…" Kagome turned, suddenly closing the distance that held them apart. Her tanned palm rested against Kikyo's face.

" You were always…so cold."

Kikyo nodded, before finding the courage to speak.

" So who shall you choose to be your advisor?"

A fire burned within her eyes, the same defiant glow that had caused her aura to spike on numerous occasions. Kagome smiled, pulling her hand away from the priestess.

" You are still my only choice."

Sesshomaru was idly wondering whether or not the women were insane. She had the audacity to ask him of a favor? Him? He, who had, despite his misgivings and anger, had allowed this woman and her entourage to stay and recover from the attack upon her province? Now, she begged for his help, something he refused to give.

For, why should he allow himself to use Tenseiga on such a waste of earth and dark magic?

Kagome stalked out of the demon lord's room, livid beyond all compare. Ignoring all codes of manners, she glared coldly at the woman behind her.

" Kikyo."

The woman stopped and met her reincarnation's eyes.

" Go away."

Kikyo would have felt the pangs of anger at this order if she still held a human heart, but all that she felt was mild annoyance. Nodding her head, she stiffly turned and left the princess.
Our favorite amnesiac was completely lost in the wooden halls of the demon lord's palace. Everywhere she turned was another set of glowing candles and rice paper doors. The cherry wood floors gleamed with the orange light of the torch flames; it was as if the castle was mocking her.

Huffing in annoyance, she crossed her arms over her chest, glaring defiantly into the darkness at the end of the hallway she currently stood in. It was then that she became aware of the immense aura of youki that surrounded her being.

Peering into the shadows that danced along the rice paper of the doors, she realized she was in a section of the castle where a part of the youkai monarchy was staying. Swallowing, she silently made her way down the hall.

A tall figure suddenly encompassed her vision. He was tall and pale, with dark turquoise irises and flowing green hair. Black armor clad his muscled body and a sword hung at each hip. His mouth was curled into a smirk as he bowed low to her.

" Kori-Hime, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

" And you are?" Her cold mask had slipped in place, her posture rigid as her emotionless stormy orbs locked with his mischievous blue ones.

He suddenly was right in front of her, his chest plate nearly brushing the tips of her breasts. His eyes were leering into her own as a single hand came upon her and cupped the left side of her face. Forcing her to gaze into his eyes he smiled politely.

" I am Hiroshi. Lord of the Eastern Lands."

Their gazes clashed together as Kagome's lips turned thin and her stormy irises sparked with anger. How dare this man be touching her! He had no right to violate her personal space like-

Her breath stopped as he placed his mouth a hairsbreadth away from her own. His face took on a seductive look as he trailed a single claw down the side of her face. Swallowing, she watched his every movement in complete silence.

Hiroshi's depths suddenly swirled with the crimson color of blood as he let his fingers run through her raven hair before gripping it and forcing her forward, their noses touching.

" How dare you try and replace Kori-Hime-Sama. You are not worth even nearing the clothes she once wore. You are a hapless orphan with nothing to your name and nothing to your memory. But…" The lord trailed off with not a single drop of emotion splayed on his face. " You do justice to one simple thing."

Kagome's mouth opened and closed her eyes wide with shock and fear.

" You wear red wax in the same seductive manner." The demon grinned maliciously as he curved his arm about her waist and brought her towards him, her body melded into his. Realizing their position, she glared and started to squirm before gasping as the feel of nails in her arm ran through her body.

His voice took on a rich baritone now, his eyes completely devoid of any color but crimson.

" I know one thing."

Kagome simply stood there, her palms forced against his breastplate.

" You were with that insufferable hanyou when you murdered my brother."

Hanyou…?

Her face was wrenched up to meet his, his mouth ravaging her own. His tongue like a viper, desperately striking in every place he could find in the delicious caverns of his mouth. Hiroshi's fang grazing deeply along her bottom lip, the metallic taste of her blood only driving his lusts further. His hands gripped her hips, clutching them until the pale skin there bruised beneath her silk kimonos.

Her eyes locked with his for a brief moment and her heart suddenly stopped. Why did that color look so familiar to her…why did the claws digging in her shoulders feel familiar, the pains of having something akin to tiny needles shoved into her flesh. What was it-?

Something familiar pricked in the back of her mind, something akin to a mix of longing and frustration. What was it? Was it a memory…Kagome felt anger surge through her and a voice in her head seemed to echo in her consciousness.

It was that voice…

I can't believe you're letting him touch you!

Ano…

Do something! Slap him, bite his tongue! Honestly, how could-

Kagome quickly became tired of the voice's ranting before she felt a surge of euphoria enter her being. Her eyes rolled back into her head and her breaths became timid pants. The pressure her palms had upon his armor grew as she felt the sensation intensify.

A familiar burning that seared across her flesh, but made her shudder at the pleasing effect it had on her. Stormy met red as she let a tired smile cross her features; she understood this power she held now.

And how to use it.
Bright blue light emitted from her palms, crackling as if it was lightening across Hiroshi's breastplate. His red eyes widened in shock as the inertia propelled him into the opposite wall. This wall happened to be the bedroom of the Lady of the Southern Lands.

Hiroshi was sprawled atop her, causing the moth demons hackles to rise, her eyes flashing as her fangs were bared. He slowly managed to stand up, his clawed hand clutched to his chest, the steaming flesh creating a rather off putting ardor.

Kagome glared, her blue eyes flashing with anger. Her painted lips turned into a satisfied smile as her power built up inside her once again. Rushing into between the torn halves of the door, she slammed her hands against his face. The same purifying light filtered through, making her look almost demonic in appearance so fierce was she.

The lord glared through the pain that scorched his veins. Turning into a golden sphere, he escaped the scene and flew out of sight.

Breathing heavily, Kagome dropped to her knees, the vivid flashes of his crimson irises in her mind. His words echoed in her consciousness, making her involuntarily shiver and swallow.

" You wear red wax in the most seductive manner."

That sentence alone puzzled her tired mind. Tapping a finger upon her lips, she pulled the digit away, examining the blood colored stain with intense scrutiny. Had he met Kori-Hime once before? Before she had fallen to disease and died?

" You were with that insufferable hanyou when you murdered my brother."

" Hanyou…" She whispered softly, the word foreign on her tongue, yet strangely familiar. Vivid red orbs. Golden eyes. Nails-

Wincing, she realized that the wounds in her hips had become worse, drops of blood falling to the floorboards. It was then Kagome noticed the presence before her. Tilting her head up, she nearly blushed at the beautiful goddess of a woman that was raising a brow at her.

" What is a human princess such as yourself consorting with demons in such a matter for?"

Consorting…?

Seeing the burned scraps of armor and the broken rice paper doors, she felt a flush spread across her pale skin. Placing her hands on her lap, she bowed.

" I'm sorry for bothering you! And-"

" Do not fret. Sesshomaru never paid much attention to the quality of his guest rooms so have no fear." Her voice took on a dry tone. " Perhaps this will give him the stab of common sense he so desperately needs." Sensing Kagome's utter confusion at the demoness's mutterings, she laughed.

" I have not properly introduced myself. I am Reiko, Lady of the Southern Lands."

Reiko, Kikyo, and Kagome were sitting beneath the stars upon a blanket. The moon glowed with a maternal light, the welcoming image of the planet making Kagome's earlier muddled thoughts dissipate from mind for the time being.

" I apologize for how I acted earlier, Reiko-Sama."

" I have forgiven you more over then necessary, all is fine. Although…" She trailed off, clasping the cup of green tea in her hands. " It may take more work to redeem yourself for Sesshomaru. He has never been known to forgive easily."

Kikyo was gazing intently in Reiko's face. The woman had long flowing blue hair and large purple orbs. Her skin was the color of new fallen snow but her face took on a rosy hue when she was merry. Which was quite often, Kikyo noted almost amused by the childish antics the monarch harbored.

The welcoming atmosphere that had surrounded the trio of women slowly faded as their serious thoughts once again returned to their tired minds. Kagome's hand clutched the fabric of her kimono to the point that her knuckles became as white as Reiko's flesh.

" What is troubling you, Kori-Hime?"

The said woman bit her lip, her brows furrowed in one of deep thought.

" Hiroshi…he mentioned something to me. Someone killed his brother, a half demon. But he said that I had been beside this half demon when it happened and…"

Both remaining parties nodded toward her for the continued explanation.

" He had told me that I wore lip paint in the most 'seductive' manner. Did he…have a relationship with someone who looked like me?"

Reiko sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.

" Leave it to Hiroshi to cause trouble for us all. You see…He and the true child of Himawari-Sama, were lovers. Forbidden lovers."

" Forbidden? Why?"

The woman gazed steadily into the moon, its glow reflected in her luminous violet eyes.

" He was my betrothed."

Luna: CLIFFIE!

Veron: You always end it this way don't' you?

Luna: Course! Keeps my fans back for more

Veron: …V.V