Laying Amongst the Dead

Disclaimer: I don not own InuYasha.

Chapter Twenty-Two

"Kagome, if you need anything just let me know," Sesshomaru whispered and gently pushed me away, "I've got someone to take care of."

I watched Sesshomaru race off to my left. I stood there. Staring after him like a lost puppy. Sesshomaru had been my last chance for warmth. I stiffened when I heard ragged breathing from behind me. I turned slowly and the breath in my lungs rushed out and left me breathless.

I started at the creepiest demon I had ever seen. He had a hogs face with green slimy looking skin and blood red eyes that were mixed with black around the pupil. He had razor sharp claws that looked like they were capable of slicing me in half with one quick movement.

"What is with all these demons?" I said in a agitated tone. I was visible trembling even though I sounded brave.

"I knew I smelt fresh hanyou blood. I will make you my mate, girl," the demon snorted and took a step towards me.

"I'm already claimed bozo, so shove off," I growled and took a step back.

"He Hasn't branded you yet, so you're still available. Claimed or not, girly," the demon chuckled evilly.

He stepped forward and snatched up my arm with amazing speed. I gasped and struck out at him. My claws made four lines appear on his face that instantly started spilling out dark blood. I stepped back and noticed that the demon no longer had a hold on my arm.

I whirled around and got not even a step away from the demon when he had my arm and jerked me back to him. He pressed me against his slimy body and licked my cheek. I jerked my head away.

"You're going to regret that. I was thinking of letting you die slowly and peacefully, but now I've changed my mind. I want to here you scream," he snarled with a hissing sound that reminded me of a demented man on speed or some kind of strong drug, "I've even heard that Death is after you. You must have been a very naughty girl."

"What did I ever do to him? Nothing! I gave my human blood to him! Is that something to condemn a hanyou to hell for?" I cried out. My control was gone and I wanted to strike the demon dead.

The demon suddenly pushed me away. I turned and glared at him. He looked at me strangely. He almost looked alarmed at my anger. I watched him take a step forward. He flinched, knowing that it was the wrong move.

I charged at him and tore at his face with my claws. He yelled in pain as I throw him to the ground and fiercely beat on his chest. I reached up and scratched his face again, making him howl.

He grabbed my hand and throw me away from him. I hit the ground and rolled. I smacked into something and felt like my world was swirling. My stomach didn't feel so good.

I stayed where I was and wept for myself. I felt something grasp my arm and yank me to my feet. I stared at the demon and didn't do anything. He grabbed my throat and started to squeezed the life out of me. I didn't even try to stop him. I just cried.

"What's wrong with you? Why aren't you trying to pry my hand away from your precious throat?" the demon asked in a high, excited voice.

I shook my head and felt the heavy hate filled tears drip onto his hand. He frowned and the excitement left his face. He let do of my throat and I collapsed near his feet. I gasped for air and continued crying. I didn't think I had any tears to shed.

"Why don't you plead for your life?" the demon asked as he kicked my stomach.

I gasped and rolled a little ways from him. I curled up in a ball and put my arms around my stomach. I whimpered and waited to feel another kick to the ribs. But nothing came.

"Kagome," a familiar voice asked. A voice that I wished not to remember.

I forced myself onto my hands and knees. I ignored the blasted demon that made me change myself and staggered to my feet. I gasped and leaned against a near by tree.

I felt the demon grab my arm and tried to steady me. I slapped his hand away and cried our as my side gave a violent pulse. I collapsed to the floor and slapped the demons hand away again.

"Don't touch me," I growled and stood up again.

"Why won't you let me help you?" he growled back.

I ignored him and walked towards the castle that had been my original destination. I felt the damned demon grab my arm and twirl me around, causing everything in my body to protest in pain. I yelled and fell against him.

"Stop trying to push me away, Kagome," he yelled furiously.

"Fuck off, InuYasha," I hissed and pushed him away from me with a force that sent him flying.

I heard him hit a tree and mutter a loud curse. I limped towards the castle and let the hateful tears stream down my sore cheeks. The demon had smacked me hard and didn't notice at the time.

"Stop, Kagome!" InuYasha yelled and ran in front of me.

I stopped and glared into his eyes for the first time since he told me that saving his life was a bad idea. "Why? So you can tell me that your life meant nothing to me? So you can tell me that I'm nothing but an ignorant hanyou? I don't want to hear what you have to say, InuYasha. I've already heard enough," I hissed. Saying his name with venom that surged through my body like the poison it was.

"InuYasha," a deep, cold, but extremely wonderful voice called from ahead of me.

InuYasha turned and glared at his brother. "What?" he asked in a snarl.

"Let her go. You've already done enough damage," Sesshomaru said in a icy tone.

InuYasha looked back at me and reluctantly let go of my arms. "I didn't mean what I said," he muttered barely above a whisper, "but when I said that you were stupid for giving your human blood up, I was telling the truth."

He stepped away from me and started walking away from the castle. I spun around and glared after him. I felt my anger rising with something that wanted to rip out of me and shred InuYasha to pieces.

I stepped towards him and felt a strong hand grab my shoulder. "I hate you, InuYasha!" I screamed and turned and leaned into Sesshomaru's welcoming arms that held more warmth then InuYasha's heart did.

Sesshomaru slipped his arm underneath my legs and lifted me up. I settled against his chest and looked back at InuYasha one last time. He had turned around and was staring at me with so much hurt in his eyes that I had to turn away.

oOo

Well, that was chapter twenty-two. I had originally made this one to be chappie 21, but I changed my mind last minute and decided to make it chapter 22. How do you duys like it? I like it a lot. Kag running into Inu again. Isn't Sesshomaru sweet. Showing up at the right moment and everything. Well, tell me what you think. Liky? No liky? Icky? Or cool? Well, I love your reviews, so keep them coming. Love ya.