I want you all to know…my internet gave out for seven hours today! I fretted the entire time about updating and the fact that I couldn't. How much of a life do I not have? …(-.-)…

The silence in the room clung heavily in the air. Each occupant sat with a tense nervousness. Kagome glanced slyly around the room. Kagura's shoulders were pushed back bringing her chest up in a forced, but perfect posture. Yura was wringing her hands, but tried to hide it by smoothing the wrinkles in her dress. The ensemble was gathered on one side just below her left breast. So regardless, the intended 'wrinkles' weren't going to become undone. Kanna stood by the door almost like a good servant would and said nothing, of course. She was perhaps the only one composed, not that you would recognize it if she wasn't. Hakudoushi might as well have not been in the room. He sat on the floor, knees bent upwards, and intently focused on the back of Naraku's chair. He was waiting for something, but Kagome didn't know what. Was it for a signal, perhaps?

Kaijinbou acted like this was the norm for a dinner party and pulled out a cigarette. He lit it and was soon blowing off from the window seat. He cracked open one of the windows behind him to lessen the smell of smoke. There was a small turning handle at the base of each window. Finally- cerulean orbs lifted to her companion. There was really no definite clue that could describe his state of mind other than his eyes. A lot of that was merely interpretation and could be easily confused. Basically, no one really knew where this would be heading or how it would turn out.

Naraku was piecing together the finalities of his plan. Everything was falling so neatly into place that a feeling rivaling between giddiness and sadistic satisfaction welled within his being. His eyes stared into the empty fireplace, the log burnt from the night before when he'd decided to read in front of the flames. He would snuff Takarashi and he would know the pain of humiliation. Crimson orbs smoldered at a remembrance of a day long ago. Once upon a time, a young man with great potential was denied his rightful place in a prosperous company. This man was fully capable of completing such a job, but the rival candidate was of a better family and given the job in his place.

Naraku gritted his teeth. That Haruyama brat was undeserving. His degree was even less than his. The kid was a year younger and bragged openly that he would get the job. The reason was because Inutaisho owed his family a favor. The boy's full name was Haruyama Sekiyou and was the eldest brother of two. Kouga, the younger, was in some hot-shot rock band and refused to enter law like he was supposed to. Sekiyou and Kouga were only a year apart in age. Sekiyou had no mind for law and supposedly had a love of invention. He had entered Taka Tech. to work with micro machines. The worst past was that his bragging came true. Naraku was shoved aside like yesterday's trash. It was with spite that he accepted another offer for his ideas and effort. From then on, hatred for the Takarashi line while climbing the ladder at the Obaruka Company. Naraku was ingenious and creative. His perspective was new and fresh allowing his innovations in the company to make much progress.

Naraku retracted his past from the forefront of his thoughts. A brief check of his watch marked the time as nine forty-eight. In twelve minutes, the finale would begin, but for now it was time to give the ultimatum. His stood from his chair and turned with his arms folded behind him at his lower back. He regarded his guests and nearly snorted at Kagura's undaunted yawn. She was leaning on her elbow on the armrest with an empty wine glass in her hand. She glanced at the bar in the corner, but scowled. Kagura was obviously too lazy to walk over and refill her glass. Kanna walked slowly, moving over to the right side of the room. All eyes watched her. Bottle in hand, the pale woman approached Kagura and filled the glass.

"Uh…Thanks."

Kanna nodded. Naraku caught her eye as she moved silently back to her place by the door. Hakudoushi sat with his arms resting on his knees. His face upturned and awaiting orders. Kaijinbou snored from his seat. The sounds weren't loud, but were annoying regardless.

"The time has come. You're all here for one reason or another. There's no need to speak the reasons."

Naraku's gaze met Sesshoumaru's.

"There is something I want and something you do as well, perhaps more than one."

The man's eyes flickered over to Kagome who flinched unconsciously and gripped a hold of Sesshoumaru's sleeve near the elbow.

"Choose one."

"What choice is there for me to make."

Naraku sneered. It was obvious that Sesshoumaru wasn't going to cooperate. The word wasn't even in his vocabulary nonetheless actually doing so. Cooperate and compromise were rare occurrences with this one.

"Your company or your women, it is that simple."

Kagome gasped. Her free hand lifted across her heart. He was talking about Rin, but who else? He did say 'women.' Her eyes widened remembering that he'd looked her over before the sentence. Frustration curled in her forehead announcing the call ahead that a headache was on the rise. Kagome jumped to her feet with her chin stuck out obstinately. Her fists clenched at her sides as her eyes darkened to an indigo hue.

"Hey, wait a minute you! Are you including me in that too!"

Naraku smiled at Kagome's childish behavior.

"Yes, my dear Kagome."

Kagome faltered at the blatant answer. Her mouth fell open in surprised. Naraku didn't just give away answers. He was more likely to twist it around and avoid the question by giving one of his own. The conversation suited his needs and his alone. So it was strange.

"But…why? I mean we are only…"

Kagome stalled. What were they? Their relationship wasn't friends. Sesshoumaru thought that friends were only a crutch for the weak and unnecessary. Kagome didn't work for the man directly or even with him, so they couldn't be co-workers. Being lovers was out of the question! Kagome blushed at the thought. Then she chastised herself for even thinking about Sesshoumaru unclothed. Sure, she'd had one or two intimate dreams about him, but that was just because she was lonely and he was hot. Kagome smiled before giggling a little.

-Well, he is pretty bangin'…-

Yura and Kagura gave each other a look in confusion. Kagura shrugged while Yura wondered at the girl's sanity. Here she was caught in the enemy's fortress having her fate decided and she was laughing. Well, her fate probably wasn't death exactly, but being forever stuck with Naraku was death enough.

Sesshoumaru and Naraku just ignored it. They were both long used to Kagome's crazy, sometimes delirious moods. It was sad really that this understanding was also something they had in common. With an anxious cough, Kagome cleared her thoughts. Her mirthful spell was over and the weight of the situation settled between her shoulder blades. This was something that she'd been trying hard not to realize was very serious. However, the woman stood strong in front of Naraku, a man that caused her unlimited fear, pain, and became a vicious phantom of her past. But that was all he was, a phantom, something in between reality and the land of dreams. It is feared, but can be overcome if you have the strength.

"Sesshoumaru has nothing to do with me…or us. This is between you and me, Naraku."

Naraku's smirk faded slightly.

"I'm not a violent person, but I swear…if you hurt that innocent child…"

The threat was left empty. Kagome wanted to slap herself. It sounded like a cheesy line from a movie.

"You'll do what, Kahi-chan?"

Kagome flinched again, backing up a step.

"Will you kick me in the shins or perhaps a more vital region? You cannot harm me. You are just a simple girl."

Naraku's tone deepened growing more malicious. His brow knitted and a sneer curled his upper lip. His right hand rose quickly and slapped Kagome across the face. Kagome stumbled backwards. She heard Sesshoumaru stand behind her. Kagome widened her legs for a steadier stance. Her normally kind, sparkling orbs were now a biting navy burning darker every minute. Maybe it was the light in the room, but there was a flash in the blackness of those eyes and a snigger of fear prickled the hairs on Naraku's neck. A fear he'd rarely felt, if ever. How could such a small, insignificant girl make him fear like an ordinary child? Regardless, his knees were becoming tremulous and his weight was making it even harder to stand. The circumstances were changing and the alteration was drastic.

"I can't stand people like you! You order people around and force them to do things against their will because of blackmail or fear! I refuse to fear you!"

Kagome's tone was harsh and by the end of her sentence it was nearly a guttural growl. She was loud and quiet. The emphasis was growing with every syllable.

"You are a despicable coward. You will lie, cheat, or anything else to get what you want! You hide behind others and don't ever dirty your hands! Naraku- I won't let you get away with this!"

Sesshoumaru placed a hand on her shoulder, but she shook it off. Her skin was hot to the touch, as if her very anger was being pulled to the surface scorching her body. Her eyes were wild and flashed violently with each word she spoke.

Kagura sat on the couch still leaning against the armrest, but all fatigue left her. She was looking forward to seeing how this would turn out. Never had she known anyone to actually face Naraku and finish with a victory. She'd seen a few in the short months of her dealings with Naraku. The fools would declare that they were through with Naraku and weren't going to fall to blackmail anymore. They'd try to go to the police, find out that most of the department was on Naraku's side, and crawl back with their tail between their legs. It was pathetic. Kagura was almost hoping for a challenge to defeat Naraku. She did want her revenge, but Naraku getting the crap beat out of him would be worth the loss. The man was just too confident and self-assured that it was sickening. If this slip of a girl could do it, it would be hilarious and satisfying. It would be the perfect end for one such as Sagakara Naraku.

Yura was leaning on her knees, her chin supported in both hands. She was swaying slightly back and forth belying her excitement. A small smile was on her lips and Kagura was almost disgusted at how low the cut of her dress went. It was gathered at the top and hung down low. When she was sitting right it was fine, almost classy in its hanging slack, but now that she was bent over it was just ridiculous. You could see all the way past her cleavage to the level skin below. Kagura grit her teeth when she cracked her gum. The girl had recently pulled a fresh piece from the clutch at her side. She then blew a bubble out to about the size of a quarter before snatching it back between her teeth.

Hakudoushi had moved back around the couches, around Kagura and by Kaijinbou who now stood at attention, to stand by Naraku's right side. He was a good vassal. Kagura didn't know much about him. His was quiet and rarely ever said anything. Naraku seemed to like people with that sort of personality. Kanna, Hakudoushi, and even Kikyo weren't big on the talking. It made Kagura wonder though why he put up with Yura. Was it just sex? If it was, Yura had to be good because the bitch was plain out maddening.

"Bitch- know your place."

Kagome staggered slightly, the pang in her cheek stinging whenever she blinked. She winced slightly. She was seeing spots. Right now Naraku's head was a blackish yellow blob with some hair here and there. Kagome could tell he was angry, really angry. Naraku was usually calm and it took a lot to make him mad. He liked to keep his head clear, so that if things went for the worse for him, he could find a reasonable escape. If he was angry, his focus went out the window and nearly all options closed besides physical force. He was breathing hard and shivering slightly. Kagome smirked gently, trying not to upset the knot rising on her cheek bone. Kagome could always rile him so easily. It was like her words had more effect than anyone else's.

"You are nothing more than a fuck. That's all you ever were and all you'll ever be."

Kagome's head snapped up. Shock scrawled across the sloping plateaus and shallow valleys of her countenance. She gritted her teeth and felt the pressure welling in her neck traveling up to her forehead. Kagome felt a familiar burning at the back of her eyes. There was some tightness in her chest that squeezed harshly every time she tried to breathe. Panic was springing to life inside her and Kagome shook slightly. She wrapped an arm around her waist. Tears tickled her eyelids and she shut them tightly. Why? Wasn't she over this? Didn't she let this go?

-Why can't I just get past this!-

Kagome's mind screamed at her. How she was so stupid, pathetic, irresponsible, clumsy, and overemotional! Over and over the insults and self-pity reached new limits. A cool calm fell over then. A numbness that blurred the words in her mind and Kagome was aware of how weary she was once again. She bowed her head and let loose a grim smile.

"Naraku…"

Kagome whispered his name dejectedly. Her voice was quiet and soft. Kagome sighed, lifting her head. Her body was loose and relaxed. The pressure released and her stomach settled. Air filtered into her lungs easily. Her panic and anxiety were no longer an issue. Her eyes closed briefly, taking a deep breath, before she regarded him carefully.

"You're right."

And she smiled. Naraku still had control over her because she still didn't fully accept what happened. Yes- it was partly her fault. She had gone there, to this house, of her own will. Once more she had willingly agreed to sex, but then she was over her head. Physical, mental, emotional abuse- she never thought they'd happen to her. She watched the ads on television, hear about it on those educational videos in health class, but truthfully she never believed it would actually occur to her. The reality of it hit very close to home and it left an imprint that took seven years for her to even have the courage, the need to face. It was like a worn nerve path in her brain. If a child is bitten by a dog, it's possible they will fear dogs for life just because of their past. Now, Naraku's opinions and feelings wilted her own pride and what little confidence she had. She just couldn't help it. He mattered, he was her first love and that was what Kagome despised.

However, if she wanted to truly get over this and be able to move on without any emotional disabilities, she had to accept everything. Whether it was his harsh, negative opinions or the positive, Kagome couldn't deny them because they probably had some truth to them. Naraku wouldn't embellish or consider her reaction; he would be straight with her. If you were affected by him with any emotion, the man would use it against you. Fear, anger, shock, sadness, happiness, love, or even hatred would be shoved back in your face leaving your unbalanced if not completely vulnerable. That was Naraku's way. If Kagome could set aside everything and just consider it, maybe Naraku's powers would disappear.

Naraku had come after Kagome for what he could get out of the union. He was just like every other guy she'd ever met. He was just a little more extreme and don't forget crazy. That was what Kagome was to him- sex. So, the fact that she was only worth a physical action like that would be true in Naraku's eyes. But to someone like Hojo, Kagome was sweet, gentle, and kind. Hojo treated her with absolute respect and always wanted her outlook on things. They would meet once a month and in the time apart they would read the same book. Then during their weekend together, they would discuss and debate certain issues or themes within the book's cover.

-I'm supposed to see him next weekend in fact…-

However, Naraku's voice brought the wandering female back on track. Once again, Kagome had veered off into the unimportant during an all too imperative conference. Kagome bit her lip and fought to remain focused. Her emotions were raging and bouncing off the walls like they had a sugar high. Kagome repeated 'relax' in her mind like a mantra.

"What did you say?"

"You're right Naraku. That's all we were. There was nothing between us, but a physical interaction that I have to say you weren't that sufficient at."

Kagura burst out laughing. It was loud and short. It sounded weird because it was more like an outburst with no follow up. Her hand had risen almost immediately afterwards. Everyone was staring at her. Soon though, Kaijinbou was slapping his knee in jollity. Naraku glared at him, but the male didn't seem to notice. Yura cooed to Naraku giving a grin.

"Ouchie, Ku-baby. It doesn't matter what that little girl thinks."

Yura gave him a wink to which he rolled his eyes. Hakudoushi silently slipped out of the room unnoticed by everyone except Sesshoumaru who had remained a silently shadow throughout the entire charade. His golden irises glittered dangerously. There was no way he could follow without Naraku being aware. He checked his watch. Time was dragging by. It was now just past ten o'clock. They needed to get Rin out of here and over to the police, but still their evidence was lacking. It was then that Sesshoumaru also noticed Kanna had gone as well. Sesshoumaru closed his eyes briefly with irritation. He was caught in Naraku's web and it was getting stickier with every move he made. Soon, there would be no way for him to succeed. What would he chose? Would he choose an orphan girl and a slip of a woman? Or would it be his father's legacy and the source of his stability, his prestige?

GOD! This is moving so freakin' slow! I'm getting tired of this scene, but it's almost over. Thank the heavens because I can't wait to for the next part. .- This fic is really getting drawn out. I think I should condense chapters, which will take me forever to get around to. Anyways…Is anybody still with me after all this time?