Change of Heart

A/N: Hi again! Now the fun really begins. Before we get started I just wanted to let you know that I have bent the rules slightly for both IY and Beauty and the Beast to make this work in the best ways possible. Please feel frree to let me know what you think. Enjoy!

Warnings: Yaoi (Inu/Nar), possible/probable OOC

Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha, but if I had the chance to I'd take Naraku. :p

--o0o--

Chapter One: Chain of Fools

InuYasha wandered through the little village, a restless need to do something making him feel on edge. His muscles felt cramped with pent up energy and he moved with unneeded speed as he made his way through the locals, seeking news of jewel shards. It did not take long to come upon the home of Miroku and Sango, nor did he waste time on pleasantries when the monk opened the door.

" Any news yet? I'm getting really sick of waiting. "

Miroku sighed, as if he was feeling weary, which made no sense since they hadn't done anything important in weeks. " Still nothing. You, of call of us, should know that. You do live with Kagome. "

InuYasha growled but said nothing, not bothering to grace the monk's hinting tone with an answer where the arrangement between him and his best friend was concerned. Many in the village thought that he would one day claim Kagome, but that only showed how stupid villagers really were. Kagome is like a sister to me, he thought, barely managing to supress a shudder of revulsion, That would just be gross.

Not wanting to be pestered any further about something which, to him, seemed almost blasphemous he prepared to make his leave. " Alright, Miroku. Just be sure that you, Sango and Shippo are ready to go if we hear anything. That bastard Naraku is not escaping me a second time. "

He waited for Miroku to nod and then strode away before the monk could do anything to make his mood any more sour. Going the way he had come he had decided that it would be best to return to his home when he felt a cool hand on his shoulder and a quiet voice in his ear. " InuYasha... "

Turning around like he had been drenched in cold water he found Kikyo looking at him with her beautiful dark brown eyes. His Kikyo, who was now dead. His Kikyo, who tormented him day and night with her memory. His Kikyo, who seemed to begrudge him life now that she could not be in it. His heart ached in sympathy for her, but there was nothing he could do to change the way things had occurred. Would she ever understand?

She stepped closer, pressing her cold body against him and wrapping her arms around him so that she could whisper in his ear. " You are persistant in seeking him out, my love. Were you that persistant in seeking me life we could be so happy. And yet, it is known that the dead long to rejoin the living while it can not be so. "

InuYasha nodded. They had been through this discussion before, and he had never understood what it was she wanted him to say. She was dead and he was alive. Why, then, did she seem determined to keep him from moving on with his life? Guilt flooded him at the thought of it. He could only imagine what she would think if she knew he felt that way. His silence was broken as she placed her lips on his, forcing his thoughts back to his present situation. He only hoped that the others did not see them together. They were all under the impression that he was finally trying to move on.

" Perhaps the solution is more obvious. Do you love me, InuYasha? Really and truely? " Her hands went into his hair, tugging at it slightly when he tried to separate himself from her. " If you do, we both know there is only one possible course of action. Come with me to hell, InuYasha. Make the decission which will allow us to be together for all of eternity. "

InuYasha felt like she had just stabbed him in the chest, his heart aching as she thoughtlessly opened old wounds. She had asked him this once before, not long after he had met Kagome, and had it not been for her he would have accepted. But he was past that now. There might always be a place in his heart where he cared for Kikyo, but to die merely for her satisifaction was a price beyond what he could afford her.

" No. " His voice sounded unusually soft and uncertain in his own ears, and he felt anger at himself beginning to form in the pit of his stomach. If Kikyo really loved me would she want this? Am I really so selfish for wanting to live?

Feeling his resolve threatening to crumble he gently pushed her from him and continued on his way home without daring to look back. To do so might have meant his own very willing ascent to the next world. A shudder of realization passed through his body when he saw Kagome step away from a house not twenty feet away. The look on her face made it obvious: she had seen everything.

--o0o--

" You're unbelievable. " Kagome shoved books into her yellow backpack as she spoke, her body shaking with surpressed rage and her gaze refusing to fall upon InuYasha because she was so disgusted with him. " I thought you said it was over. "

" It is. "

She felt InuYasha begin to place a hand on her shoulder and shrugged it away, satisfied with her choice of belongings. She slung the backpack over her shoulder and headed toward the door. " I'm going home. I have an exam. Good bye. "

" Kagome, wait! I'll walk you to the -- "

" I know where the well is. I can make it on my own. " The irony of her words not lost on her she let the door slam shut behind her and set of resolutely, refusing to let herself forgive InuYasha so easily for seeming willing to throw his life away. For Kikyo... The one she was suppose to be so like. Why can't you let him live in peace?

Making her way into the forest Kagome followed the faint path that led from the village to the well, her mind still plagued with seeing InuYasha and Kikyo and feelings of guilt over yelling at him when she knew that his past with the woman was such a delicate issue. She did not realize she wasn't alone until she bumped head first into the woman -- correction, demon -- standing in front of her.

" You should learn to watch your step. " Kagura said, her voice quiet but her presence still chilling Kagome to the bone and making her wish she had taken InuYasha up on his offer to escort her. She reached for her bow but was unprepared as the demoness blew a handful of strange smelling blue powder at her. Kagome felt the world spin before her eyes and a pair of arms encircle her before its full potency kicked in and the world went black.

--o0o--

Naraku stood before Kagome, watching her struggle against the restraints he had bound her with. This plan was brilliant. It would give him everything he wanted, worked toward and waited for during the past fifty years. He moved slowly toward his captive, tilting her chin with two fingers so that their gazes met. " Where are your shards of the sacred jewel? "

" Like I'm going to tell you, Naraku. "

He smirked, one of his fingers moving down her neck slowly and tracing lightly against her throat, just enough that she would know it was there. " Will you die like Kikyo? You, who seem so full of life? I think not, Kagome. You would not be able to bear it; the pain and grief you would cause to befall those left behind. "

He noticed her eyes widdening and growing shiny, filled with unshed tears. He was onto something. As if she knew she had given something away she bit down hard on her bottom lip, the overwhelming emotions he had seen vanishing. " Never. To give you the jewel would grant you anything your heart desired. You are a sick twisted monster who has ruined more lives then I could dare to count. Kill me then, since I know you are going to regardless. But don't think I am so niave that I would believe someone as vile as you planned to let me live at all. InuYasha will get you, if not for me then for Kikyo. "

Naraku fought the desire to sink his claws into her throat, instead continuing to gently trace his finger down her neck until he found what he wanted. Sliding two fingers beneath the slight chain she wore he pulled it from her neck, not caring that she cried out in pain. " Ahh, here we are. Now was that so bad? Had you told me, I could have just undone the clasp. But I was losing my patience. "

He undid the top on the bottle that rested on the chain, reaching inside and pulling the shards out. He removed his very large chunk of the jewel from within his kimono and watched with mounting joy as the fragments fused together, making the gem whole. At least, everything would be as it should. Soon he, too, would be complete. A slow smile crossed his face as he looked at Kagome again.

" Are you sure he will come for you? "

He was rewarded with an expression that might have intimidated someone lesser. " When has he not? You may do as you please, but you will not get away with it. "

" Then I shall wait, and we can all witness how right or wrong you are. Good night, Kagome. I hope you are not frightened of the dark. "

He walked out of the room he had placed her in, closing the door behind him. The girl was right: InuYasha could do nothing but follow, since Kagura had for once followed his instructions perfectly. It would be such a joy to witness the expression on the half-demon's face as his wish was finally granted. Knowing he had time to waste he made his way down the hall and made a cup of tea.

--o0o--

InuYasha managed to stay in the village all of the next morning and half of the afternoon, but by the time the sun had began to prepare for its descent he had had enough of waiting. Kagome's exam had to be over by now. Had he hurt her that badly yesterday? He sighed, deciding that as much as he hated apologies that he had best go and make amends since he had given her ample reason to be concerned.

He took his time walking through the forest, hoping against hope that he would find her just climbing out of the well when he got there. The lush green of the trees and the vivid colors and scents of wild flowers were taken of much greater notice then usual, and he smiled a slight smile as he enjoyed their natural beauty. How long had it been since he had taken a moment to appriciate the shade of the sky? The song of the birds as they flew overhead? No time was given for such things, it had to be made. Perhaps this was the slight blessing of Naraku's disappearance.

Internally laughing at himself for his rediculous thoughts he was sobered quickly as a new scent greeted his nose: Kagura. All pretenses of ambling to the well were lost as he raced through the trees, following with ever increasing terror as the scent drew him closer and closer to his initial distination. Had Kagura intercepted Kagome? He saw something yellow laying in the grass and as it came fully into view he feared his heart would leap into his throat. There was no doubt she was in danger. He knew from long experience that she never went anywhere without her bag.

Lifting the bag from the ground he took off in the direction that Kagura's scent was now leading. A few hours later he came upon a clearing, and found a thick barrier in front of him, its power seeming to hum with malice. Gritting his teeth in frustration he drew the Tetsusaiga and charged, slicing through the offensive feild without much effort. That was way too easy...

A castle now stood before him, and the scent of both Kagura and Kagome were present. Not wasting time on contemplating whether this was a trap -- what else could it be? -- he made his way through the omenously open doorway, jumping only slightly when it closed of its own accord behind him.

" Well, well... You're late. But not too late... " Kagura seemed to materialize out of nowhere, her red lips drawn into a smile.

InuYasha held the Tetsusaiga steady, looking at the demoness and debating whether or not to kill her. She might be my only guide to Kagome. " Where the hell is Kagome? "

" My, aren't you a charming guest. " She turned from him and began to walk away. " Come. She has been waiting for you. "

InuYasha followed her through a maze like set of passageways, down several stairs and through a narrow and more poorly kept hallway. Upon reaching a door he watched as she took a key from her kimono and unlocked it, stepping back to gesture for him to enter.

The room was pitch black, the only light coming from the candles that were shimmering in from the hallway. He waited for his eyes to ajust and then saw that Kagome was against the far wall, seemingly unmoving. " Kagome...? "

" InuYasha, don't take another step. Its a trap! " Kagome said. This was followed by several loud coughs and sniffles.

Ignoring her warning InuYasha entered the room and went to her, taking in the pale color of her skin and the coldness of her hands as he reached up to undo the chains that had been placed around her wrists. A moment after touching them he drew his hand back, a string of curses escaping him as his skin burnt with pain. " What the hell? "

Candles seemed to light themselves around the room and it brightened, bringing the reality of the situation, aside from one corner of the small space, into a clearer view. The door closed, leaving him, Kagura and Kagome in its confines.

" So you did come. I am glad. " InuYasha felt his ears twitch as Naraku's spoke, someone's warm breath brushing against them as he did. Turing he opened his mouth in shock but could not find words. It had been the demon lord himself, standing not even a foot from him. And from the scent alone he could tell this was no puppet.

The warm masculine scent was too vivid and intrancing to not belong to its originator. He began reaching for Tetsusaiga, planning to slice the bastard in two. He would pay for making Kagome sick. " Release Kagome. "

Naraku laughed, which only made him more angry. The sword came out and Naraku managed to duck his frenzed swing with little effort. " Now, now... Are you sure you can free her if you kill me? That she will not be left to waste away to skin and bones? "

InuYasha growled but could not agrue with what he was hearing. It would be just like Naraku to set something like that up. " Then release her so we can finish this. "

" InuYasha... " Naraku was close, way too close, his hand sliding inside of his kimono as if the action foretold the fate of the world, he was moving so slow. A light began to form in his hand and as he brought his hand out InuYasha shuddered, the perfectly formed shikon no tama saying all that needed being said. " How can you finish what is already at an end? "

" InuYasha, I'm sorry -- "

" Idiot! How stupid are you? You let Naraku have your jewel shards? "

" Well excuse me if I'm not as fond of death as Kikyo. I was scared! " Kagome shouted. She blinked once, twice, then burst into tears, her body shaking slightly with them and making InuYasha feel like a first rate jerk.

" Feh. Lets think, Naraku. You were smart enough to find a way to get Kagome. You were smart -- or probably just cruel, if I know you -- enough to get the jewel shards from her. And yet you were too stupid to use the jewel and make a wish. " InuYasha smiled, his fangs bared slightly, and raised his sword to strike again. " Sucks to be you! "

" Are you really that willing to trade her life for the jewel? " Naraku gestured toward the restraints that Kagome wore, where little barbs were beginning to grow on the outsides of each. " The restraints are made of tentacles from my body, which I can cause to inject her with a leathal poison at any moment I desire. I have the girl, I have the jewel, and in a moment I will be a full demon. And there is nothing you can do about any of it. Kagura, take his sword. "

InuYasha laughed, the last part comforting him since he knew it was impossible. " I'd like to see her try. "

The door to the room opened and Kohaku walked in. He approached InuYasha. " Your sword, please. "

A low growl settling in his throat InuYasha handed the sword to the boy, his gaze riveted on Kagome to see if Naraku so much as once cheated on his end. The moment anything happens to her, InuYasha thought, I will kill this bastard or die trying.

Naraku moved closer to InuYasha, tracing a finger down his face and causing a slender trail of deep red blood to drip from where his claw had passed. " I would suggest you focus on me. Hmm? You and Kagome should both be honoured. You are about to witness an event so magnificent that it might change the course of history. "

" What? You're going to let us go? " InuYasha's voice dripped sarcasm and Naraku clenched his fist to keep from losing his temper, not wanting the moment he had so long waited for to be ruined.

Deciding that a response would only entice InuYasha to keep going, he instead held the jewel in front of himself, closing his eyes and trying to relax. " I wish to be a full demon. "

It was as if the very earth had shifted. Intense heat began to fill Naraku's body as the various demons that had fused to give him life were totally united as one. He felt a curious shift and as he looked at the three who were in the room with him his thoughts were slowly directed toward his present situation. He had kidnapped the girl so that he could bring the half demon boy rumored to be her lover here. He had wanted to kill him. Yet as his gaze moved over InuYasha the thought of his death seemed boring and contrived, no longer holding any appeal. At least not at the moment.

The scent of blood from the cut on his former rival's cheek was almost addictive. It was not just the blood, but the entire scent of the silver haired dog demon that seemed to beckon him nearer. And those ears. How could he have never noticed them, their fur almost begging to be touched? So much for killing him. Still, there was no need to let his brilliant plan to capture InuYasha go to waste. He would merely change what he was going to do with him.

" Time to test my poison claws... " Smirking he walked over to Kagome and raised one of his hands in the air, pausing dramatically as he prepared to strike.

" Wait! " The note of urgancy in InuYasha's voice amused Naraku and he continued to stay still, his claws extended, making sure that Kagome still looked like she was in grave danger. Which she would be if the fool didn't co-operate...

" Hm? " He turned and looked at InuYasha, his eyes partially closed and joy filling him. It must have shown on his face because the half demon gave him an even more murderous glare. How little he knew that it was something entirely different that was the cause of his elation. " Make it quick. I am anxious to do this. "

" Leave Kagome out of this. " He watched as InuYasha began to move toward him. The half demon had his hands resting loosely side and his gaze seemed to be focused on his bare feet. Good. He had finally accepted that he had been beaten. " Its my blood you want. Take me instead. "

" Done. " Naraku released the tentacles that had been holding Kagome and she dropped to the ground. InuYasha moved to go to her but Naraku held a hand up to stop him. " Kagura, take her back to the village by the well. "

" InuYasha! " Kagome screamed as the demoness picked her up and carried her out of the room. Naraku followed the pair, the screaches of protest that ripped from the girl's throat hurting his ears.

" He is no longer your concern. Do not come here again, Kagome. Next time I will not be so lienent. "

Once he was satisified that Kagura and Kagome were safely on their way he made his way back to the room where he had left InuYasha. He found the half demon standing where he had been before, still acting as if he was in a daze. He placed two fingers beneath his chin, tilting it so InuYasha would have to look at him. There was pain in his expression, and a tinge of fear marked his scent.

The silence dragged on until Naraku could no longer stand it. " What's wrong? "

" Bastard! I'll tell you what's wrong. " InuYasha's fear seemed to cease as his anger took over, which to Naraku's surprise relieved him. " You kidnapped my best friend. And she was sick. She could have died and you wouldn't have cared. You may have got your wish and gotten rid of that human heart, but lets face it, Naraku. You are still rotten to the core and that will never change. "

He hates me that much? Naraku continued to simply stare at InuYasha for a moment, trying to let this sink in. Well he is mine now. He may as well get use to it. " Come here, InuYasha. Lets test something... "

InuYasha came to him more quickly then he had expected, given the fact that the half demon probably thought he was about to get clawed. Once they were facing each other he closed his eyes, and Naraku almost sighed in disappointment as the beautiful amber orbs were hidden from him. He was still as a statue, as if he expected the end to claim him there and then. It was all Naraku could do not to laugh.

Instead he cleared the space between them, wrapping one arm around InuYasha's waist to tangle in his silky silver hair while the other gently cupped the back of his head, fingers reaching up to brush the backs of his ears. At first the dog demon retained his rigid posture, but Naraku would have none of it, his palm splaying against InuYasha's back and gently rubbing it in circlular motions through his shirt, trying te relieve the tension that he could feel there.

" Relax... " he said, feathering kisses against each of InuYasha's eyes. He continued to trail kisses against the half demon's face and neck, noticing that in subtle ways what he was doing was working. His awakening need getting the better of him he slowly brought their lips together, his tongue darting out to tease InuYasha's bottom lip as it sought entrance to his mouth.

It took a moment but the half demon's lips parted slowly, giving him what he wanted. He did not rush, instead slowly and gently exploring, trying to get InuYasha to respond. He felt their tongues brush against each other and was filled with a deep satisfaction as arms wrapped around him. Apparently, he was not the only one enjoying this. He only hoped that InuYasha was not pretending.

--o0o--

End Notes: Was InuYasha pretending? What is happening to Kagome? Will Kikyo persist in trying to get InuYasha to go to hell with her? And just what all does Naraku have planned for his new 'guest'? This and more when Change of Heart continues...