"A-ah."

Kagome made no other sound. Her lips remained firmly closed; she would allow Naraku no opening. If she were to take that deep, calming breath through her mouth as she wished, the man pinning her to the wall would take full advantage of it. No doubt he would thrust his tongue right passed and never let her go until she was unconscious from the lack of oxygen. Given enough time, even with taking in air through the nostrils, there isn't enough supply. Especially since Kagome was ever-so-blessed to have her seasonal allergies acting up right now since it was the beginning springtime. Still, she was on her guard. Naraku had been able to sneak up on her today while she was whisked away dancing…with Sesshoumaru. Kagome was embarrassed that someone caught her, but of course it had to be one of the only people who could be considered an 'enemy.'

-But I swear, I think of the weirdest people at the strangest times...-

"Hmm…perhaps I had the wrong impression of you, Kahi-chan. You weren't ever the one to submit."

Naraku's tone iced as his old nickname for her rolled slickly off his tongue. The name came from the first two letters of her first and last name put together in succession. Naraku's normally smooth, even voice was guttural and coarse. It was thick with not only his lust for pain, but also his lust for her body that seems to have only grown in the years they'd been apart. Yet, there was something else. He wanted her to struggle, Naraku wanted defiance because then he could break it. To send what he viewed as an unconquerable spirit into a dark underworld of nightmares and hellish realities that no one of this earth should ever experience.

Naraku's true wish was to send her into unassailable illiteracy, like last time. His pleasure peaked watching her writhing on the bloodied, tile floor. Kagome remembered it, but as if she was a spectral form from without. It was like a dream where she was the main character, the protagonist, yet also there was more noticed then what one could normally see. Kagome saw Naraku hovering over her naked form, blood dripping over his bottom lip while some lingered yieldingly above the rim of the upper. He had licked and drew it all in, tasting the flavor like it was a wine's sharp appeal. His teeth looking vicious and wolfish almost sharper as he widely laughed in his crazed hysteria. His long hair allowed loose from its usual pony tail flowing full around his form like a wavy, ebony veil. It was beautiful and entranced her wide eyes with narrowed irises nearly undetected among the enlarged pool of her pupils. Their nearly charcoal grey hue dissolved, but a stark contrast compared to the whites of her eyes. Kagome has shriveled that day. She wound in on herself, not in body, but in heart and mind. All her guilt and hatred for her weakness and stupidity was focused inward.

Kagome shook her head slightly. Naraku's well-muscled frame was tightly pressed against hers, yet she felt nothing. In her past, her love had blinded her. When he touched, flames engulfed her body spreading goose pimples like wild fire on her skin. She had quivered and shook with a desire she had never known before. In the end, she was disgusted more at herself for actually needing it than him for causing it. This time was different. Kagome would not give in, but she wouldn't struggle as he wanted. Wasted strength and wear would be the outcome of trying to defeat him head on. Kagome would play his game, but she held a few aces up her sleeve and this time she wasn't against cheating.

Naraku frowned. She was quiet. Would she not rise to the bait? His frown deepened. Naraku lifted his hand and swept downward cracking against the woman's cheek. The punch was full on with his knuckles and sent Kagome's head back against the wall. Kagome eyes blurred and her mind spun. There was a burn in her mouth and judging by the taste of blood filling her mouth, Kagome had bitten her tongue. Kagome's cheek ached horribly and if her hands weren't braced above her head she would rub it to try easing the pain. He'd hit the cheek bone, most likely it was broken. He hadn't held back, not that one like Naraku ever would.

Naraku growled. Kagome wasn't playing her part in this plan. Kagome was to want him. She would be disgusted at herself for it, but nonetheless she would need him to satisfy her desire. That's what he wanted. This time Naraku had eventually planned to imprint Kagome's body with bruises and update her memory. The woman would fulfill him like no other, like always. There was always something about Kagome. Technically, last time they experienced sexual relations in this house, it hadn't been rape because she had wanted it too. However, now that wouldn't be the case. Naraku straightened his back. He would not rape a woman. There were many levels to which he would stoop to accomplish his goals. Women flocked to him, attracted by his natural looks and mystery. Rape wasn't an option. Only ugly beasts resorted to that. There was still Kikyo, Naraku thought with a sneer or Kagura as well as Yura for that matter. Kikyo's sister was also soon to be in his debt. Kagura wanted revenge against Sesshoumaru for raising charges of child abuse. Her father was humiliated, but Kagura was kept out of jail, thanks to the elderly man paying the bail. Hamasaki Hisoro spoke with Sesshoumaru asking him to drop the charges. Sesshoumaru wouldn't have originally, but with the promise of a merging on the horizon, he decided to have the man in his debt. Kagura wanted Sesshoumaru to lose everything.

So, first was his company, of which Naraku was buying or rather acquiring all available stock of Takarashi Technologies. Kikyo was to convince Inuyasha to sell, that was how she would finally repay her debt to Naraku. Yura also wanted vengeance against the eldest Takarashi brother because of the way he discarded her so easily. Her pride was severely injured. She was much more a determined seductress and would always come willingly to his bed. However, these three were nothing compared to Kagome. Why? What was it about her?

In truth, Naraku knew the answer. Kagome was pure. No matter how much sadness or anger, the woman could never hate. That wasn't how she was. Kagome deep down pitied him, he knew that. Once there had been something more, now there was nothing left. Had she fallen for someone else? Naraku grinned. Kagome was always an enigma, but this seemed to be completely obvious. Naraku wanted to hear it from her mouth. Naraku had gained several different techniques over the years through experience, perhaps he could practice them? Maybe this would convince the silent woman into speech.

…With Sesshoumaru…

"Well good evening Takarashi-sama."

The butler stepped aside from the door and gave a deep bow motioning the man inside with his right arm. Then he closed the door, locking it tight. The man was dressed simply in a black suit, white dress shirt, and a black tie. There was also a pristine white apron overtop that was tied back at his waist.

"Shall I take your coat, sir?"

Sesshoumaru shifted the coat from his shoulders and handed it over at a slight angle from his shoulder. The man didn't even spare the butler a glance, which is how he treated all of the hired help. Someone of that station wasn't worthy of his attention.

"Sagakara-sama has been expecting you, but he is in a meeting with a client right now."

Sesshoumaru didn't respond, keeping his eyes ahead of him observing the lavish décor of the entry hall.

"If you will follow me, you can wait in the study, as I alert my master of your presence."

The man led Sesshoumaru down a hall and turned once to the left. He was left in what seemed to be the equivalent of an office for Naraku, but there was also a large selection of books. The room doubled as a library it would seem. Sesshoumaru had called ahead at Naraku's main house and was slightly surprised to find the man was staying at his second of three homes in the country just outside the city. Sesshoumaru had only been there once for a party that was a few years back now. His father had insisted upon his attendance as the heir to his company. Sesshoumaru had still remembered the way and the maid of the main house would call ahead to state his approach. Now he was left to let his eyes roam over the shelves while he waited. He wasn't exactly pleased having to come this far out of way. The butler had bowed and exited the room a few minutes ago with a turn of his heel.

…With Naraku…

Naraku reared back on his knees when Kagome bit down on his thumb. His arm reacted almost instantly slapping Kagome again on the same cheek. He aimed for the exact spot so as to increase the intent of his action. Kagome's head whipped to one side as her skin flared red once more. Kagome was beneath him on the floor where he had wrestled her down. When he had tried to move her, the girl practically snapped at him. However, Naraku's sheer strength and size was against Kagome. Naraku had been lightly tracing her lips when the wench bit him. Naraku clenched his jaw. He had to be careful, any more blows like that and his prey would fall unconscious. There was a soft knock at the door though that broke his focus.

Naraku's red eyes swiveled to the door, not fully removing them from the girl beneath him. She was shaking, but he was no fool. Naraku knew better than to believe it was anything other than anger that caused this reaction in her. When the soft, even tones of his butler surfaced through the shut door, Naraku completely stilled. His eyes narrowed at the words spoken to him. Sesshoumaru had arrived much faster than he anticipated. Or perhaps Naraku just lost track of time. That always seemed to be the case when he became involved with his victims. Kagome made him especially enamored.

"Master, Takarashi Sesshoumaru has arrived. He is currently waiting in the study."

In her mind, everything was fuzzy like wool covering her eyes and blocking all of her senses. A voice entered her ears and the words echoed in repetition. Kagome's eyes opened with an excited fervor. Sesshoumaru was here? She couldn't contain the nervous happiness his name and attendance at the hellish place of her past. If only she could get him to notice her existence, but she had no idea where he was. He could be on the opposite side of the dwelling. If it was that far, her screaming may not reach him even with Sesshoumaru's sensitive hearing.

Naraku hadn't missed Kagome's stirring. He would not allow her to attract Sesshoumaru's attention. If he did, she would never enter his grasp ever again. This chance was a rare one and something Naraku would not give up so easily. His response was quick and short.

"I'll be there in just a moment."

The steps faded down the hall as Naraku turned his eyes on Kagome. He grabbed a tight hold of her chin.

"He is on the opposite side of the mansion. He cannot hear you."

Kagome's hopes fell as the thoughts plaguing her were spoken from Naraku's vile mouth. Then with one swift punch, Naraku landed hard on the same spot on her cheek once again. Kagome cried out for once and her head rebounded back against the floor. Naraku lifted himself from her as no response was given. Kagome's breath was even and deep. Her head had curved from him resting sideways against the cool surface of the wooden floor. With a smile, he dusted and straightened his clothes.

"Sesshoumaru will not find you, my precious Kahi-chan."

As Naraku stepped out the door, the corners of Kagome's lips tilted upwards. Her eyes flashed open with a challenge burning in their depths. The door was locked, but that would be one of the hardest obstacles she would have to overcome.

…In the Study…

"I sincerely apologize for keeping you waiting, Sesshoumaru-san."

"The farce isn't necessary Naraku. What are you planning?"

Naraku smiled charmingly, "Ah, blunt as usual, though I believe I don't know what you are referring to."

"Do you plan to take over Takarashi Technologies by overriding my authority with the stockholders?"

Naraku sat in his leather, high-backed chair. He motioned for Sesshoumaru to sit as well, but as expected the man did not take it. Instead he remained where he was. Naraku wasn't aware that Sesshoumaru new of his involvement of this, but the man wasn't oblivious. There were few that could afford stock for Taka. Tech. and even fewer who would give it up. However, with Naraku's influence, a few threats, and several pulled strings Naraku had successfully gathered thirty five of the possible fifty. He was so close to the next ten, but the last five percent that was owned by an old geezer named Toutousai. This old man was rather stubborn and ignored all advances he had tried to make. The other ten percent was in the name of Haruyama Kouga. With enough bribery the wolfish man would easily be bought and overcome. Naraku hadn't wished for Sesshoumaru to figure out it was he who was behind it until he was much nearer to accomplishing his goal.

"I won't deny such a claim. However, this isn't against the law Sesshoumaru."

Sesshoumaru gritted his teeth at the loss of the honorary suffix to his name. Such filth would not have such familiarity with him. Just then a sound caught his attention. It was sound of shuffling past the door as well as something else. It was almost like someone had tripped just outside the door, but managed to catch themselves in time by bracing a hand against the wall. Naraku seemed to be totally attentive to his facial expressions and body language, so he either must have missed it or just dismissed it as one of his hired help. Sesshoumaru didn't and made certain it didn't show in his outward appearance. Sesshoumaru did need to distract Naraku. He brought his hands in front of him and rubbed his fingers together supposedly in an unconscious manner. A frown marred his face and silently he mulled over Naraku's stupidity because of his next remark.

"If you wish to wash you hands, the lavatory is down the hall, turn left, and then it is the third door on the right."

Sesshoumaru nodded and stepped out of the room. He walked down the hall, but instead followed his ears. The man went past two more hallways straight ahead of him. The steps weren't those of the butler. These were somewhat heavier as if the person wasn't even attempting to be quiet, but make their presence known. Sesshoumaru was about to turn right following the shuffling sound, when a solid body connected with his.

Imagine his surprise to find familiar bright blue eyes gaping up at him from where she had fallen on the floor. Sesshoumaru's brow knitted in confusion before the call from earlier with the police officer was recalled in his mind. Kagome shook her head to dispel the vision in front of her. No way could this have been so easy, but there he still was, immaculate as always.

"Sesshoumaru…"

Her voice was breathy and the sapphire hue of her eyes sparkled with delight. One side of her face was turning black and rimmed with a purplish blue. Some yellowish brown spots also appeared here and there high on her cheek bone. Sesshoumaru returned her gaze. Why was this stupid girl here in Naraku's hold? What connection did she have? Another glance at her face as well as the bruises beginning to pierce her pale skin at the wrists and Sesshoumaru found he was pleased that he decided to make this extended trip. Naraku would not be able to blow off these charges of abuse like several times before, not with the aid of his personal testimony. Naraku's plans would matter little in the end.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! This update was not supposed to be late, but I had to study for a chemistry final I had scheduled for today. Be patient with me this week and next at least until all my finals are over. Three…wait four left! groan Help…me…Oh, but I loved all of your reviews! It's pure motivation! And keeps me writing…instead of studying, which for you would be considered a good thing I suppose.