"Lust's passion will be served, it demands, it militates, it tyrannizes."
Marquis De Sade

When Lust Reigns

"Talking"

'Thinking'

Stressed
Sitting in a darkened room was the best way to avoid things. The darkness hid you from the problems. It coated you in a cold bliss that left you unaware for a moment. A moment wouldn't last when your problem was outside your door. Kuwabara frowned as he watched Yusuke lay on the bed. The room was a bit darker because they were facing away from the setting sun. Kuwabara wondered if Yusuke would survive these problems with Keiko. The girl had spoken out of hatred and by force, but he couldn't help but wonder if there were truths to her words. There was truth in the smallest lie because everything stemmed from something.

"I'm going to go get a drink," Kuwabara announced as he stood up.

The room was to tense for his liking. He shivered at the energy he felt around the castle. It quickly spiked and he tensed. His eyes darted down the long halls in an attempt to see anything strange. He shrugged and decided to search for the kitchen in this castle. Kuwabara noted the fluxing energy as just the strange levels of youki. He walked down the darkened halls and hoped that his friend was strong enough to get through this. They had fought countless youkai and risked their lives, but this was different. This was family.

Shippo sighed as he walked into the study. Sesshoumaru reclined in his chair and Kagura slightly swayed from side to side. Souten pushed open the doors and smirked at Shippo. They were surprised that they didn't hear or feel her thunder. Shippo sighed in relief that there was no new hole in the roof. Souten sat beside him and Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow. Everything was peacefully quiet. Souten softly frowned; she had not known Kagome personally. She felt like an outsider intruding on something sacred. Shippo reached over and grasped her hand.

Her crimson eyes widened at the gesture. She calmed her beating heart and squeezed his hand.

"I want you to be on the look out for Inuyasha," Sesshoumaru calmly said.

"What about Keiko or Kagome's dark souls?" Shippo questioned.

"The girl is a Ningen and can't cause us any harm," Sesshoumaru assured.

"Bold words," Kagura sighed.

"The darkened souls are already here," Sesshoumaru announced as Shippo's pupils widened.

"Why aren't we doing anything?" Shippo demanded to know.

"We can't fight against a soul. It is a useless battle that only a Miko can win," Sesshoumaru calmly explained.

"What do you think they plan to do?" Souten questioned.

"Go after the Miko," Sesshoumaru simply answered.

"I'm guessing that Inuyasha is around here as well," Kagura sighed as Shippo looked to the Inugami for an answer.

"He might be, but it is better to be safe when we have so many…humans with us," Sesshoumaru spoke as he looked to the window.

"You do care," Kagura teased as he frowned at her.

"What do we do now?" Shippo questioned.

"We wait," Sesshoumaru stated as he reclined and closed his eyes.

Kagura watched him and scowled. He acted as if he knew everything; it bothered her. She feared that his pride would blind him to real danger. Kagura turned her crimson eyes to the window and scowled. She couldn't feel the wind. The wind was apart of her and it felt dead. She looked to Sesshoumaru and found his golden orbs half-lidded. He gave her a knowing gaze.

'So the souls have trapped us in this room. Only the kit and thunder youkai don't know it yet,' Kagura reasoned.

Kurama frowned as he lay upon the soft mattress of the bed. Sesshoumaru had modern day beds. Something seemed out of place and he couldn't bear to not know. Kurama sat up and Hiei opened a crimson eye at this. Kurama walked over to the door and touched the handle. It pulsed white and shocked him. He pulled his hand back and noticed the skin was burnt. Hiei had both his eyes open at this time.

"What's going on?" Kurama questioned.

"Hn."

"It seems there is a barrier," Kurama mumbled as he tapped the handle and got shocked.

"It's Miko ki…tainted Miko ki," Hiei voiced as he gazed at the barrier.

"The souls," Kurama growled as he grasped the handle.

Hiei raised an eyebrow as Kurama pulled at the handle. The smell of burning flesh reached his nose. He twitched his nose and frowned at this. Kurama released the handle and stared at the charcoaled flesh. Kurama sighed and sat back down on the bed. His emerald gaze turned to Hiei.

"Are you going to try and break the barrier?" Kurama questioned.

"No."

"Why not?" Kurama questioned.

"It's not my fight," Hiei simply replied.

'Kuronue and Kagome,' Kurama thought.

Hiei smirked as he closed his eyes. He could feel the tainted souls working to keep everyone locked inside. His eyebrows furrowed once he sensed the hanyou and the Ningen female. It seem like something would happen tonight.

Kagome sat on the other side of the bed with her head dropped. She glared at the ground instead of Kuronue. He sat on the opposite side with his own glare. Kagome had refused to answer his question about the Tama. She would die if the Tama were to be destroyed. That was something she didn't wish to talk about. He had gotten upset that she was hiding things. Kagome frowned and huffed.

"Why won't you just tell me?" Kuronue growled.

"It's only for me to know!" Kagome firmly growled.

"Damn it…damn this…I want to be able to know everything about you!" Kuronue declared as she looked away.

"This is the only thing I won't tell you. It is my burden alone," Kagome softly said.

"Damn you, you claim that about everything!" Kuronue shouted as he glared at her. Kagome turned around and matched his glare.

"I shared all I could with you. I can't tell you this one thing," Kagome seriously said.

"You still don't trust me?" Kuronue questioned.

"I trust you," Kagome whispered. 'But some things have to be in the dark.'

"You obliviously don't trust me," Kuronue shot back.

Kagome stood off the bed and marched to the door. She turned around and pointed at him. He tensed in case she decided to purify him for being a jerk.

"Don't you dare twist what I say," Kagome hissed.

"How can I twist things when you don't open up!" Kuronue growled to her.

"That's it! I'm going for a walk!" Kagome declared as she threw open the door.

"Wait—"

"Follow me and I'll purify you!" Kagome shouted as she slammed the door shut behind her.

Kuronue growled and sat back on the bed. It was unfair when your mate had the ability to purify you. He had a feeling that she would never do such a thing to him.

"Stupid," Kagome hissed as she walked down the darkened halls.

Her eyes flashed with tears as she sniffled and stopped walking. Kagome leaned against the wall and gazed at the floor. She didn't want some things revealed. Her death was her business, and hers alone. Kagome raised her hand and covered her face with it. Death was something that she didn't truly fear. It was strange not to fear something. Most humans feared death. She didn't fear death because she knew it was highly unlikely for her to die.

'I only fear for those who would miss me,' Kagome reasoned.

Souta would be lost to grieving once again. Their parents and last living relative was finally dead. He would truly be alone if she died. Kagome was sure that Shippo would check on him, but it wasn't the same. Her thoughts shifted to Kuronue. She hadn't had time to mourn him because she was bent on revenge and then on bringing him back. Kagome knew that he would mourn her because he had his long life. It wouldn't be right from him to live with her death. Kagome welcomed death, but she wouldn't die for the sake of the others.

'Maybe that's selfish,' she sighed as the lights in the hallways went out.

Kagome focused on the floor as she thought about everything. A soft clicking made its way to her ears. She didn't notice the sound or the figure approaching her as she remind in thought. There was a dim light from the moon to welcome her. The figure approached her and she closed her eyes. The spike in energy made her pupils widened. Her body heated and she felt a pressured groan. Kagome deeply inhaled the warming air and sighed as her eyes slowly slid open. The figure reached out and wrapped arm around her neck. His hand traveled to her hip and roughly gripped her. The claws slightly tore at the material as she tried to see his face.

Cool lips covered hers and her eyes shot open. A fire flared within her as she struggled against the man. His hand tightened in her hair and held her to him. Kagome could feel a carnal desire fighting to break free. His tongue broke passed her lips and invaded her mouth. It traced her teeth and prodded her own tongue. Kagome bit down in warning and felt his lips grin against her own. He moved his hands to her arms and roughly pressed her against the wall. He growled as he fought for her to respond to him. Kagome went to knee him and he trapped her legs. He placed himself in between her legs as he ravished her mouth.

"Bastard," Kagome hissed as he moved away. The darkness covered his form and she could only sense his youki.

"Bitch," he grumbled as he kissed her once more.

Kagome could feel his claws slide down her arms picking her in various places. Her mind clouded as she felt the warmth of the air envelop her body. She arched into him and the air heated. Sweat formed on her body as she felt the abnormal energy drive her to instincts. Kagome feverishly pressed her lips to his and he growled at her aggression. She couldn't understand why reason was leaving. It felt as if someone had chained her. She could feel the chains shackling her to this mysterious figure. His lips moved from her mouth and to her neck.

Kagome groaned as he dragged his fangs across the skin. She bit her lip as she felt her skin tear under the fang. His arms wrapped her to his body and his fingers dug into her back. He desperately held her to his body as his claws dug into her delicate skin. Her mouth slightly opened as her eyes opened to reveal lustful orbs. Kagome brought her hands up and grasped the long hair at his back. Her other hand went to touch his face and he roughly grasped her wrist and pinned it to the wall. She whimpered at the pain and he pressed against her.

"Stay with me," his voice whispered.

"I…" Kagome whispered as she felt her reason leaving her. If felt as if someone was slowly peeling her apart.

"Never leave me," he forcefully demanded as his claws ripped her shirt off.

"Who?" Kagome asked as she felt something overcome her.

"I want you with me…forever," he whispered as he bit her chest.

Kagome pressed her head to the wall and relished in the feeling of pleasure. She couldn't remember why she had come out into the hall. Kagome fought to find any memory of reason. His lips pressed against hers and she lost all thoughts. Her instincts demanded her to responded and take part in this act. Something in her mind whispered a protest.

"Be mine Kagome…come with me," his smooth voice pleaded.

Kagome closed her eyes as she listened to his gentle words. His mouth hummed against her heated skin. She could feel his soft hair hit her cheeks as he nuzzled her neck.

"Join me," the figure whispered.

Kagome could feel something struggle to the surface. She couldn't remember whom she had been talking to. An image flashed before her eyes and she turned her head to look at the way she came.

"Join me in death," he whispered. "I love you."

"Inuyasha," Kagome whispered in a drunken slur.

"Forget...and never me leave me alone," Inuyasha whispered as his amber eyes flashed in the light.

Kagome gazed into his amber orbs and her eyebrows furrowed. Something didn't seem right. Everything was off and she couldn't understand why. Indigo flashed in her vision.

"Come with me where we can be together…you promised to never leave me," Inuyasha whispered.

"Never leave," Kagome whispered.

Black hair clouded her eyes and she was staring into indigo orbs. A soft smile touched her face as she recognized the form. Amber replaced the indigo and she didn't understand why.

"Promise me…promise that you'll join me in death," Inuyasha mumbled.

Kagome sighed as she felt someone watching her. She could feel another with her, telling her no. Indigo eyes invaded her mind and she could see him now. Tears filled her eyes as she realized something.

"I promise," Kagome whispered as she let a few tears escape.

Kagome could feel the claws tear into her chest. Blood ran down her body as she felt pain the sting her. His bloodied claws came up and cupped her face. Her own blood coated her face as he stroked her lips. The blood dripped to floor and she could hear each drip.

"You are destined to die," Inuyasha whispered as everything went numb.

'The Tama,' Kagome thought.

"You could never have a future when you are already dead."

'I could only offer sorrow,' Kagome thought.

"You have given him the life that he deserves, save him from the sorrow," Inuyasha whispered as she fell to her knees.

'He will not mourn what he never had a chance to know,' Kagome rationalized as she fell to her side. Her body fell into a puddle of her own blood.

Yusuke noticed that room was quiet. He could no longer hear Kuwabara's soft complaints. The room darkened and his eyes wandered to the window. A cloud drifted over the moon and he frowned. The door squeaked and he didn't bother to get up.

"Where you been?" Yusuke gruffly asked as he heard the door click shut.

No one answered and he frowned. It figured that Kuwabara would come back in a bad mood. Gentle taps against the floor traveled toward his bed and he rolled his eyes. Pressure pushed the edge of his bed down and his eyes widened. He balled his fist up ready to strike the intruder. Yusuke pushed up and his eyes widened in shock.

"Keiko," Yusuke softly whispered.

Her dull brown eyes gazed at him as she crawled over to him. A look of confusion fluttered across her face before it became void. Her hair hung around her shoulders as she pushed him to his back. She was gazing down at him on all fours. Yusuke was shocked that she was here and not trying to kill him. Her hand reached up and gently traced his face. Her fingers lingered on his lips before she sighed.

"I see your face in my memories," Keiko softly whispered. "My mind is foggy yet an image of you gets through."

"Keiko," Yusuke painfully said as he cupped her face in his hands.

"Why does my heart ache?" Keiko questioned.

"You know that I love you," Yusuke whispered as he ran his fingertips over her eyebrows.

"Then what is this hate?" Keiko questioned.

"You don't hate me…because we loved each other!" Yusuke firmly said as his eyes sparked with passion.

Keiko froze and stared into his brown depths. Inuyasha had said to distract Yusuke, but she wanted to know something. It tugged at her heart when he looked so full of pain. She knew he was pained over her and she wanted to know why. Keiko didn't know him; all she knew was that she was supposed to hate him. Keiko gently ran her fingers through his hair and felt his gaze upon her.

"I don't remember you," Keiko whispered with a confused look. His features froze before he leaned up and pressed his forehead to her forehead.

"You don't remember me because I was a jerk," Yusuke whispered as her eyebrows furrowed. "I wasn't the ideal boyfriend."

"We were dating?" Keiko questioned.

"Sort of," Yusuke answered.

"I don't understand," Keiko announced.

"I was never there when you needed me. I was always off on missions and having to protect the world. I was never around for you," Yusuke explained as her eyes widened at the explanation.

"You didn't purposely ignore me?" Keiko questioned.

"No! You were the only person that ever truly cared for me. You cared when my mom didn't give a rat's ass," Yusuke firmly said.

"I wasn't weak," Keiko stated.

"No," Yusuke said as he pulled her into a hug. Her head rested above his heart. She listened to its strong beat.

"You loved me?" Keiko whispered.

Yusuke remained silent as he stroked her hair. Keiko rolled her eyes to look up at him and he smiled. She wondered if he didn't love her, but did she love him?

"I love you," Yusuke assured as he kissed the top of her head.

"Do I love you?" Keiko questioned.

"It would be nice if you did," Yusuke teased as she sadly smiled.

"It would…be nice," Keiko agreed.

"Stay with me." Yusuke requested.

"I can't, my master calls," Keiko replied as she pulled away from him.

She saddened at the lost warmth. It feel so natural being with him. Keiko wished that she could stay within his arms. She sighed and felt her master call her. Theyalready had the Miko and it was time to go. Keiko stepped out of the door and could hear him run to it. The handle jiggled and she felt tears. She wanted to stay, but her master called to her. It wasn't in her nature to disobey the one she was loyal to for a stranger. Her heart told her that he wasn't a stranger.

The door was kicked off the hinges and she watched him step through the barrier. It sparked and tried to hold him off. Keiko wistfully smiled and took off running in the direction that Inuyasha was. Yusuke took off after her and she wanted him to catch her.

Author's Notes:

Nothing much to say...
Please leave a review and I will update within the week!