We are gaining on the end so fast I can taste it! Not to fear though we still have a couple more to go, though I see some twist and turns in the future that will definitely keep you guys guessing! But, you know its what I'm good at!

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Chapter Sixteen

Endless


Rain threatened to fall at any moment. The sky above an endless shade of gray with no trace of visible sunlight daring to peek through the darken canopy.

Though the absence of light did little to nothing to dull the illuminating glow of the fierily molten gold orbs glaring ahead with inhuman ferocity.

Sesshomaru stood alone surrounded by a dozen or more black clothed figures the smell of sea air wafting under his nose as he smelled the wharf just out of sight.

The crowing of gulls the only sound echoing through the hushed group incasing him.

A clever choice of location. Isolated. Abandoned.

"Punctual. As I knew you would be." A familiar voice called from behind the safety of the stern face hoard circling the silver haired demon.

Sesshomaru's already harden gaze turned impossibly colder at the sight of the suit dressed demon approaching him with a surprisingly casual stride.

"I respect that." Rekin smirked stepping ahead of his guarded men.

So at least the mutt knew how to take instructions. He was right on time. Just before sunset and holding a leather duffel bag no doubt stuffed with the oh so generous amount he had demanded of him.

Who would have ever thought the fool would actually take the bait? The girl must have really held quite a lot of value in the dogs eyes to bother showing up.

"The girl." Sesshomaru stated coldly tossing the weightless bag forward until it landed at the smug demons feet with a heavy thud.

It was apparently quite full.. Stuffed completely with every dollar demanded.

"Well taken care of. Secure, to be released once I am safely away. You understand." Rekin smiled politely behind icy cold eyes.

He wasn't an idiot. The priestess was going to be held under tight lock and key until he gave the command to return her. Possibly from the plane ride out of this god forsaken city.

Just to be sure.

After all he wasn't dealing with just any demon. He was standing before Sesshomaru. A western ruler with more wealth and power then he could ever imagine.

Blackmailing such a tyrant wasn't something he took lightly.

With that thought in mind Rekin snapped his fingers and a pair of stone faced men at his side came stepping forward to swipe the plump bag from the concreted ground with one firm swipe.

Sesshomaru eyed the action emotionlessly.

"I do hope you will accept my sincerest apologies. About, causing this messy situation between us." Rekin gestured towards the narrow distance between himself and the causally dressed dog demon.

"And know I have nothing but the utmost respect for you." He added with almost believable sincerity.

Sesshomaru eyed the smirking demon behind a mask of stone. No inclination what so ever of what malice rose just beneath the surface.

To be commanded to do anything had never set well with the dog demon,. Especially now in this day and age. To be ordered to venture to the darkest part of the city money in hand to barter with a pathetic demon such as this one.

"A pleasure." Rekin nodded and as if summoned by his mere words a sleek black car emerged at his back pulling from around the distant warehouses in the background leaving behind a cloud of pre-existing rust and dirt.

Feeling as though businesses was concluded Rekin turned from the welded dog demon to the already awaiting open door vehicle.

Taking a seat on the plush leather while his apparent lackeys carrying the bag Sesshomaru had brought along side him stuffed themselves into the car as well.

"Her location." Sesshomaru demanded coldly but making no further movement in his actions.

Rekin paused behind the already sealed car door staring momentarily out the partially rolled down window towards the glaring dog demon.

He rolled over his options. If the dog demon was going to trigger a massacre he would have already done so. Besides he was already tucked safely away one step away from sweet freedom.

What harm could come of revealing the absent raven haired girls whereabouts now?

With a coy smile Rekin leaned back comfortably in his leather seat.

"Port side. At an abandoned warehouse just short of the bay." He admitted calmly.

Sesshomaru's shifted his tense posture effortlessly the hidden device tucked neatly and invisible in his pointed ear buzzing to life.

"Got it." The wolfish voice on the other end confirmed.

"Very well." Sesshomaru whispered out loud.

Then faster than a single unsuspecting soul could react the silver haired demon flicked his porcelain wrist forward a beaming whip of golden demonic energy springing from his fingertip to jolt directly forward!

Rekin watched in terror as the bolting lash shot through the car window narrowly missing him to strike the unsuspecting man at his side.

A flash of crimson was all that could be seen as the goon still planted motionlessly in his seat, head rolled from his shoulders.

Sesshomaru smirked coyly as he jerked his hand to the side forcing the whip to follow in his wake but Rekin already on horrified high alert ducked down cowardly.

"Drive!" He shouted a blood curdling demand at the equally as terrified driver!

The hat wearing chauffeur floored the car heavily making the tires screech and peel out as the car was sent flying forward.

Sesshomaru watched as his reach was thrown from the car and the clinking of fully automatic guns filled his ears.

Turning stone face he watched as the remaining footmen all aimed blacken barrels in his direction and the deafening flash and boom of gun fire followed!


"Hey dog you still there!?" Kouga shouted over the howling wind filling his device rigged ear as he leapt from rooftop to rooftop.

The onyx colored oval pressed to his lobe connecting him to the deathly silent dog demon buzzing with nothing but the sound of static.

"God damn it!" He barked as he ripped the cordless gadget from his pointed ear to discard it altogether.

The damn mutt was suppose to get Kagome's location and then leave like expected. Not start a god damn war! At least not till after Kagome was secure! It was his own fault for putting faith in that short tempered mongrel!

Fearing for Kagome's safety more now than ever before Kouga kicked off the thinning rooftops harder. Soaring through the rain scented air like a bullet.

Rekin had said 'port side' he was only a few minutes away! She would be okay! He was almost there! She had to be okay!

"Hold on Kagome!" Kouga mentally shouted while his feet never stopped in their relentless pounding of the further and furthering rooftops. Until the smell of salt water began to burn in his lungs.

And with it, something else. Something sweet and familiar.

Feeding into his radical state with the mere reminisce wafting through the air. He knew with absolute certainty. She was close.


Breathe! That's what she was suppose to do right? Breathe?

With a sobbing cry Kagome rocked forward her bound hands straining behind her back with such fierceness that her knuckles turned a sickening shade white.

Forcibly she inhaled through her nostrils and exhaled through her trembling lips as she tried to cope with the indescribable amount of crippling pain/pressure pulsating through her abdomen.

"Oh god-" She whispered through a broken cry. This was it. She knew it was. There was no denying it this time. Every symptom was exactly the same as what she had read such detail about.

She was in labor.

"This cant be happening!" She mentally shouted in horror. She couldn't give birth to her son like this! In this place! She didn't even have her hands free for gods sake!

Eventually after what seemed like an eternity the apparent contraction subsided just enough for her mind to clear and her survival instinct to kick in!

She had to find a way out of here! It was now or never, otherwise she and her child might not make it! And she was not going to let that happen!

Scanning the filthy industrial surroundings that enclosed her she eyed the broken glass window at her side as her only means of aid.

Luckily her kidnaper hadn't bothered to bind her feet. But balancing herself with her rounded shape and no hand movement what so ever might prove difficult.

Rocking herself carefully she adjusted until she managed to climb to her knees then quickly as she could to her feet. But the moment her sock covered toes made contact with the floor another wave of unrelenting agony surged to the surface.

"Gah!" Kagome cried as she stumbled backwards to the rusted grime covered wall at her back bracing her weight against it fully as she bowed her head in misery!

This hurt so bad! She didn't think anything could be this unbearably painful! Was this normal? Just when she thought the pain would never subside she was temporarily distracted by the warm gush of something hot seeping from her thighs.

Terrified at the possibilities Kagome's tear filled hazel eyes stared down to the puddle she now stood center in. Nothing but clear liquid staring back at her, and with a sickening realization she knew exactly what had just happened.

Her water had broken!

Breathing more rapidly than before Kagome forced herself up right. This was happening! Her baby was coming and he was coming fast! It was now or never she had to get out of here!

Trying her best to set the crippling pain out of her mind she forced her feet forward to the shattered window. Turning her back to the splintered glass trying her best to align her rope tied wrist with a particularly large glass fragment. She began to rub the bondage with the dagger like shard.

Gritting her teeth she ignored the tip of the crystal sliver slicing into the soft skin of her forearm the warm sensation of fresh blood following almost instantly.

Kagome cried tearlessly she didn't know what was worse the constant sawing of her own flesh or the never ending clenching of her hidden muscles to the point of agony!

Just when the thought of ceasing all hope of escape crossed her panic riddled mind the bounds that held her so mercilessly tight finally broke free!

Kagome's hands sprang from their now sliced bounds as she brought her rope burned hands to her still pulsating abdomen!

Breathing as she had trained herself to do she tried to overcome the onslaught of fresh pain as she tore the paint stained material of her tank top sleeve impossibly thinner. Using the tattered piece of cloth to bandage her fresh pulsating wound.

Once she secured the already crimson stained rag into place she eyed the only barrier left between herself and the outside world.

The rustic no doubt heavily locked door, and she knew small triumphs aside. The largest one had yet to be overcome.


The screeching of freshly burning tires filled one of Rekin's ears as the other was consumed with the blood curdling screaming of his under lengths who had sustained no doubt life threatening wounds while escaping Sesshomaru.

The decapitated body of the one already dead member still planted in the absolutely blood soaked limo.

Rekin's clawed across the sopping leather to grip hold of his cell phone his blood soaked fingers punching in the buttons so hard they threatened to snap the mobile in half!

The first ring the recipient of such a frantic call answered.

"Kill her! Do you hear me!? Kill her now!" The fury filled demon ordered mercilessly as he was flung to the side with the reckless and obviously terrified behavior of the stretch driver!

That bastard was going to pay for this! He would make damn sure that bitch and her runt never lived to see another sunrise!

Even if he had to do it himself!


The screeching of the iron door sealing Kagome inside the desolate room slid open and with eyes filled with both absolute dread and hope she watched a lone figure begin to enter.

The first clear sign of malicious intent a sleek silver gun entering before the actual person and Kagome felt the atmosphere shift between herself and the faceless demon.

There was no time to think or even contemplate what impossible danger she was throwing herself against. All there was, was blind pulsating instinct that took over her and forced her hands outwards.

Kagome flung herself from out of her hiding spot against the opposing wall in the shadows her already electrolyzed hands swiping forward! One making instant contact with the nozzle of the not yet fired gun while the other flew towards the face of her unknown would be assassin!

The moment her sparkling palms making contact with the apparent demon in her hold she felt her spiritual essence surge into the flesh she held!

A blood curdling scream vibrated from under her hand as she shoved the man backwards pushing herself over the threshold and out of her prison!

She pulled on the gun the thrashing demon still in her hold freeing it from the helpless mans trembling hands as she pushed one final time with all her might!

The body of the charred demon flew backwards over a railing she hadn't known was only inches behind them falling over the black absence that was at least several floors down. Screaming all the while until his voice faded into nothing.

For a moment Kagome stood there frozen with the effect of what she had just done in order to survive her hand clenching hold of the gun she had managed to retrieve.

She was in a stairwell. A large open stairwell with what seemed like a dozen row of circling steps leading downwards to the ground floor.

Just the mere idea of making down a single one of the flights seemed impossible especially in her condition. The contractions were becoming more frequent and impossibly more painful.

What could she do?

The option of running vanished as soon as it had arrived with the sudden thumping of countless footsteps vibrating from underneath her very feet.

On instinct Kagome leaned over the rusted railing watching in horror as a massive wave of black dressed demons seemed to flood up the stairwell.

All armed with guns and a look that told her one thing. They were all coming, to kill her.

Instantly her fear was rationalized when one leading the horde of barbaric demons spotted her from several stories down.

Not daring to speak a word before gun fire rang out .

Kagome leapt back as the railing she had been gripping hold of erupted with pelting bullets the sound of blasting shells and barrels booming pounding in her ears!

Fighting through the flakes of hot embers she retreated to the only space she could. The iron room she had just so narrowly escaped.

Frantically Kagome shoved her weight against the screeching door sealing it tightly before she began rapidly piling boxes and whatever else she could grip hold of against the thick barrier.

Once she secured what little she could another wave of agony washed over her only this time bringing her to her knees at the sheer torment!

Kagome fell back first against the mounted pile before the door while holding tightly onto the grip of the gun she had managed to hold on to.

Breathing as deeply as she could she tried to overcome the unbearable suffering but not being able to do little other than sob tearlessly.

The thundering of an army of fast approaching footsteps filling her ears and making her heart pound against her chest.

There was no escaping this! It was going to take a miracle.

For the first time in her life she was utterly and truly helpless and all hope was fading just as quickly if not more so than her very strength.


The deafening ring of gun fire tunneled Kouga's animal like vision to the point of slits. Icy blue narrow orbs of nothing but sheer hatred and consuming rage!

It hadn't been hard to find the location Kagome was obviously being held. The scent of gun powder and demons all wafted from one place, the largest of the sea side surroundings warehouse. The most desolate and run down residing as Kagome's prison. That realization only infuriated the wolf demon even more impossibly so. The mere idea of her being forced into such a industrial hell!

Once he had found this place. He had descended upon it like a plague!

There was a small army placed both outside and inside the dozen or so story complex. Guys Kouga knew Rekin had hired with false promises of a pay off. Unfortunately for them.

They had messed with the wrong demon.

Even now as he barreled his way through the maze of stairs and iron walls. He stood soaked in strangers blood as he sliced his way through the futile efforts of all those who foolishly stood in his path.

Their heavily loaded guns proving futile against his iron like skin and his inhuman speed. Kouga tore through the mass of crowds like a vortex from hell!

Leaving nothing but torn reminisce of body's that dared to step into his path!

Barrels flashed from the mass of bullets blasting both past and against him. While the blood curdling scream of those fleeing and falling from his path. Each rusted iron step crying under his feet as he tore up the winding stair case a dozen or so at a time!

One thing, and one thing alone driving his vicious movements.

To retrieve Kagome. And kill anyone who stood in his way.

Kagome sat trembling in both agony and terror as she eyed the only pounding barrier between herself and the horrid sounds radiating from outside.

It sounded like an absolute war!

With hands shaking like leaves in autumn she held the gun aimed directly towards the door. She didn't know who would be the first to break down her barely maintained blockade but she wouldn't hesitate!

She had never fired a gun before in her life. But right now, in this moment of absolute desperation she would do anything to ensure her and her child's survival!

Kagome gasped in utter fear as she saw the door begin to tremble and quake with the weight of an unknown force shoving against the outside.

Tightening her finger around the trigger she pointed the barrel as steady as she could towards the trembling entrance.

Then filling her with horror the door finally caved and the weak stocked pile of supplies she had placed in front of it came toppling down.

Closing her tear filled eyes tightly Kagome pulled the trigger and the ringing of a deafening blast echoed throughout the rust stained room.

Kouga ducked instinctively as a single shot brushed past his head to blast into the iron wall at his side. The scent of fresh gun powder and something sweet filling his nostrils.

Peering out from a blood coated emotionless mask azure eyes fixed on the lone figure curled weakened and trembling in the corner of the filth covered room.

Kagome forced her tear filled eyes to part open. Staring ahead to the surprisingly lone figure staring back at her.

At first. All she could see was the blood. The crimson soaked fingers dripping scarlet red droplets onto the dirty floor and fierce azure eyes peering solely at her recoiled form.

But then. The unknown stranger breathed. A sigh, of what seemed like core shaking relief.

The air once filled with terror and raw murderous intent. Shifted into something, light and warming to the most unseen depths inside her.

Kagome couldn't breathe, but she knew this sensation all to well. And even without being able to clearly see through all the carnage coating over the wolf demon she now knew was standing before her.

She whispered.

"K-Kouga." She cried.

As if her voice broke him Kouga flew forward until he was falling to his knees at Kagome's side. His arms wrapping around her shoulder and burying his fingertips in her raven locks as he pulled her to him in an almost suffocating embrace!

"Kagome! Thank god!" He breathed cradling her to his chest as he buried his nose into the crown of her raven locks. Desperate to reassure himself that this wasn't a dream or some kind of hallucination.

She was real! She was alive!

Her hands now free from the gun she had happily discarded the moment she realized it was Kouga now holding her!

Kagome cried into his chest clinging desperately to his broad form like the lifeline he was! He had come for her! She knew he would! Against all the odds in the world he had found her!

"Are you hurt?" Kouga asked pulling away only slightly enough to take in her shaken figure in fully. The fresh scent of blood clinging to her disheveled form.

Kagome nodded in agreement. She wasn't hurt in the physical sense but that didn't mean she wasn't absolutely riddled with agonizing pain.

"The baby. He's coming!" She cried her mind returning to her dire situation.

Kouga stared down at rounded stomach and the essence of what appeared to be early signs of delivery staining her already badly marred overalls.

And he knew the situation had just went from horrify to terror filled. Kagome was obviously in labor and they were miles away from the nearest hospital!

"Its okay! It's alright! I'm getting you outta here!" Kouga promised reaching underneath Kagome to begin lifting her up bridal style.

He had taken out all but a few of the men outside, sparing only those who had been smart enough to flee from the slaughter he had unleashed upon them.

It should be a clear shot out of this hell hole and onto the streets!

They would be okay!

But just as soon as that promising thought emerged the blasting of a gun fire filling the tight confines of the room shattered all hope of true escape!

Instinctually Kouga shielded Kagome from the unknown assailant the bullet bursting above their heads. The hot embers ricocheting off the iron wall proof it had been a narrow miss as he turned to face the lone figure framed in the doorway.

"Now isn't this a lovely picture?" A familiar malicious voice laughed dryly.

Kouga stood up slowly his azure eyes fixed intensely on the disheveled silver eyed demon staring back at him. The wolf demon making damn sure Kagome fell in the protection of his shadow as he faced the mad man responsible for all this carnage.

"Rekin." He swore venomously.

The usually composed suit dressed demon stood before the pair, with hollow crazed eyes and blood soaked attire.

His jacket discarded and the white long sleeve underneath now a dark crimson along with matching splatter on either side of his face.

His hair messed and wild and his hands solidly mounted to the silver barrel gun Kagome had seen before. The nozzle aimed directly towards the unmoving wolf demon before him.

"Just curiosity before I kill you. What is it about this damn girl that's so special?" Rekin asked emotionlessly glancing towards Kagome who was shielded behind Kouga's widen stance.

Kouga didn't respond only stood motionless eyeing the obviously crazed demon before him. He was radical and unhinged. Capable of anything at this point.

"You threw everything away. For her." Rekin whispered stepping forward until the barrel of the stainless gun pointed directly towards Kouga's chest, to his heart.

"A filthy, pathetic, human. Carrying a watered down half demon bastard." Rekin said maliciously his finger tightening around the trigger with every hate filled word he spoke.

"Leave her out of this." Kouga warned fearlessly. His jaw clenching in fresh boiling rage.

"This is between you and me." He demanded coldly.

"You're right." Rekin smirked squeezing the trigger and a deafening shot instantly followed!

Instantaneously Kouga lunged forward dodging the bullet mid air as it shot past his head and once again into the wall at his back! His fisted claws swiping forward slamming into the side of Rekin's face causing him to stumble back from the attack but not enough to lose total balance!

In the chaos Kagome shoved herself behind a small barricade of boxes masking herself from sight afraid of what Rekin might do given a direct line in her direction!

Rekin spun mid stumble to fire off another round this time the panicked shot hitting the floor and bouncing off the solid ground to pierce the already hole riddled ceiling!

Kagome cupped her hands over her ears in terror not knowing when the next horrifying loud shot would ring out!

"Kagome run!" She heard Kouga demand from the unseen spot he currently struggled with Rekin and his blasting gun still firmly in hand!

Kagome gasped out loud but obeyed all the same. Her weaken condition aside she sprinted towards the open door gripping hold of the iron door before throwing herself over the threshold out of sight!

Kouga momentarily distracted by Kagome's escape lost his hold on Rekin's flailing wrist regretting that mistake instantly as the hard iron end of the pistol made brutal contact with his unsuspecting face!

Kouga growled loud and viciously as he felt his mouth pool with blood from the pistol whip slamming against his cheek and unseen bone!

Stunned by the pain Rekin took full advantage to line another shot this time with steady aim and deadly accuracy!

Kouga's booming agony laced voice exploded outwards as a sharp unbelievable pain surged through his leg all the way into his chest. The surging sting unlike anything he could recall as he was brought to his knees.

A fresh spurt of blood pouring from the gun wound sustained to his upper thigh as he clasped his hands over the still electrically charged wound!

The bitter sting burning into his palm as he tired to stop the blinding torment!

Rekin eyed the temporarily stunned wolf demon in malicious victory taking the opportunity granted to tower over the kneeling wolf demon with a wicked grin wide across his blood stained face.

"Incredible isn't it? The pain?" He asked joy and undeniable amusement thick in his harsh tone.

Kouga glared up at the smug bastard behind rage filled eyes but all the while unable to overcome the alien like misery still rampaging through him.

This wasn't a normal gun shot. It was something far far worse!

"Spiritualized bullets. Instant purification in one convenient little round." Rekin explained while aiming the barrel of his still smoking gun towards Kouga's head.

It had been a wise decision apparently to save these expensive little treasure for just such an occasion. Though admittedly he never suspected such ordinary looking bullets to cause so much damage.

Oh how he savored every minute of it.

"One or two feels like your skin is being set on fire." He smiled wickedly already posing his finger of the trigger to release another waiting shell.

Kouga eyed the demented demon leering over him. He was right, it was one god damn bullet but it felt like it was eating away at his flesh from the inside out! He could still feel the damn thing burning the inside of his leg like it had been filled with acid!

It was a brief reminder of what Kagome had unleashed on him the night he had come to her stumbling down drunk. Only a hell of a lot worse!

"Three or four? Let's just say there wont be much left-" Rekin promised as he pulled the trigger without a moment of hesitation. All to eager to see the effects of such torment unfold before his icy crazed eyes!

Leaving only a burst of dust Kouga jolted to the side narrowly missing the crystallized shot to duck behind the rust coated oil drums to his side.

"You bastard! Come out!" Rekin shouted hatefully as he fired another shot in the direction Kouga had vanished!

Kouga flinched from the impact the round made with the drum at his back as he stared down at the still smoldering hole spreading through out his leg!

Sinking his pearl fangs into his lower lip so fiercely he could taste blood he forced his clawed fingers into the wound! Growling lowly he tore through his leg to retrieve the still completely intact bullet!

Ripping it from his muscle and tossing it to a distant corner of the room. Feeling the fresh sting char the very tips of his fingers until he discarded the spiritualized capsule!

This was bad. He could heal quickly from normal gun fire if one was so lucky enough to pierce his skin. But this was something else entirely!

Even now he could feel the effects of mass blood loss begin to effect him from the damage the bullet had left in its wake! It had to have hit an artery! It was the only way to explain the fountain of crimson spew pooling underneath his torn leg!

"God damn it! My vision's blurring!" Kouga swore as he tried to rub the haze developing over his eyes away only smearing fresh blood across his eyes to giving himself an even more demonic appearance.

Rekin's footsteps were drawing closer. He knew time was running out, and running out quickly. He had to end this. Now!


The echoing of Kagome's frantic footsteps was the only frantic sound filling the carnage riddled stairwell as she tried to avoid the mounted corpses Kouga had obviously left in his wake.

Blood splatter and shell casings riddled the floor and walls and her stomach turned at the mere sight of the countless motionless bodies that laid scattered around her.

She knew once she was free from this prison of hell she would undoubtedly have nightmares for years to come of the images she was seeing as she stumbled by.

But for now. Her one soul objective was getting out of here! Getting out here and finding aid for herself and Kouga!

Even now she could still hear gun shots ringing from several stories up. Where she had left Rekin and Kouga tussling around in the filth that had been her own holding cell!

Each blaring shot filling her with dread of the possibilities of what was transpiring above her! Rekin was crazy, unhinged and insane! God only knew what he was capable of doing!

Leaving Kouga alone with such an maniac filled her with terror but what good could she possibly do? She would only get in his way! If Kouga was anything it was strong! And when it came down to it brutal!

But she didn't know what kind of condition Kouga was in! He had been drenched in blood from the moment she had laid eyes on him! Was he already wounded? What if he was fighting injured? Rekin would obviously have the advantage!

Kagome was so lost in her frantic thoughts she didn't see the mounted pile of golden shell casings on the step beneath her. The moment her heel made contact with the rusted step it slid out from underneath her!

Blinded and a scream already developing in her throat she fell backwards against the barely hinged guard rail! As soon as she fell against the dinged bar it snap from its welding place sending her falling over the edge effortlessly and without a sound.

A scream tore from Kagome's lungs as she fell several stories down watching with absolute horror as the ground grew ever closer! This was it. It was the end, she wouldn't survive this. They wouldn't survive!

So certain that the impact was coming Kagome wrapped her arms around her swollen stomach in a last protective effort but the pain she dreaded never came.

Instead she felt herself fall against something warm and hard. Something that came upwards with such force her cry of terror faded away into a gasp of surprise by the unknown sensation.

Then the movement stopped altogether. Until she sat motionlessly cradled to what force had intentionally or unintentionally saved her.

With tear filled eyes Kagome looked up to figure holding her to his chest weightlessly. She half expected to see azure eyes gleaming back at her with equal relief that she shared.

But instead they were cold and emotionless orbs of pure amber.

"S-Sesshomaru?" Kagome blinked taken back by her unlikely savior.

The porcelain faced dog demon eyed the human woman in his arms. Apparently he had gotten here just in time. The likelihood of the priestess and his nephew surviving minimal to none if he had been even more than a second late.

"Are you injured?" He questioned. The scent of blood coated her shivering form but he wasn't necessarily sure if it all belonged to her.

However various other scents obviously did.

"Kouga! He needs help!" Kagome demanded ignoring his question all together as she struggled out of the abrasives dog demons hold!

"You're in labor." Sesshomaru stated flatly and uncaring of the wolfs current predicament over the one he was now witnessing.

As if fueled by his words Kagome bent over once again in crippling pain from the hard radiation of another merciless contraction. They were getting worse, so much worse she didn't know how much more she would be able to take!

"You need medical care." Sesshomaru said bluntly reaching out for her preparing to lift her back into his hold and rush to the nearest hospital.

Blinded by pain and all Kagome clawed his hand away fiercely charging her fingertips with what little spiritual power she could muster!

"I wont leave without out him!" Kagome hissed venomously. She had to take care of herself, of her son! But she wouldn't just abandon Kouga! Not ever!

Sesshomaru eyed the fury filled human slumped before him. It was obvious his options were limited. Either forcefully battle with the already weaken state priestess, or aid her command and seek out the absent wolf demon. Either way time would be wasted. Time he refused to extend any more than necessary.

So the question remained. What actions should he take?


The moment Rekin's shadow over stepped Kouga's hiding spot he lunged! One clawed hand grabbing the barrel of the gun the other aiming for his throat!

The barrel flashed and Kouga's palmed burned from the molten heat the metallic cylinder released with the shot of another aimless bullet!

While he struggled against Rekin's thrashing body with his barely standing leg. Everything was blurred he was trapped in a barrage of clawed fingers and bared fangs as he tore at the maniac caught in his hold!

Their wrestling figures stumbled blindly through the messed piles of garbage and iron until with one hard push they went toppling over onto the filth covered floor! Making impact with dirt and grime a burst of dust exploded upwards temporarily blinding Kouga as he tried to gain the advantage!

He managed to wrestle himself on top of Rekin one hand still firmly on the gun while the other clawed at his throat and face! He could feel fresh blood underneath his fingertips and he knew he was hurting the roaring demon!

But it wasn't enough! He couldn't finish it! Not from this position! Not while trying to keep his god damn gun from going for a kill shot!

Grinding the silver eyed demon's face into the floor hoping to crush his skull Kouga's fangs bared and he growled hatefully. Why!? Why wouldn't the bastard just die!

He could do it! He could kill him like this! He would bloody his brains on the god damn floor one handed if he had too!

Kouga was so sure of it. Until the shrieking sound of Kagome's terrified voice rang out in a piercing scream!

Temporarily forgetting about the death bound battle before him Kouga turned towards the still open entrance he had seen the priestess disappear into! Oh god. What happened!?

Rekin took full advantage of Kouga's distraction momentary as it was to grip full force onto the handle of his iron gun swinging out of the wolf demons loosened hold. Aiming the barrel directly upwards and firing blindly he pulled the trigger!

Kouga roared out in pain as he fell backwards the impact of a fresh and molten like hot bullet exploding into his chest the horrid sensation making his vision flash white!

Rekin fought out from underneath the crushing weight of the flaying wolf demon to tower over him not hesitating as he aimed the gun once more this time for the accursed canines head!

Kouga instincts flared and he knew he was in massive danger jarring upwards he witnessed Rekin prepare to fire one more. Desperate to take the son of a bitch down anyway he could Kouga charged forward despite the spewing of blood erupting from his chest!

He ducked low and bared his shoulder into the torso of the not yet recovered demon sending them both flying backwards in a bone crunching tackle. Only there was no solid wall to absorb the impact of his assault!

The sound of shattering glass filled Kouga's pointed ears followed by the weightless sensation of falling several stories down. Only when Kouga glared forward did he realize he had sent the two of them through the plate glass window and soaring downwards to the concrete ground rapidly approaching!

The collision was brutal and flushed what little air Kouga had remaining in his lungs outwards in one hard rush once he felt his back slam into the now splintered ground.

His head sharing the trauma as everything faded from harsh color to unrelenting blackness and shade. He couldn't see, he couldn't breathe. All he could feel was the pain, the unrelenting horrid pain!

Running on nothing but base survival he forced himself upwards clawing blindly at the fragmented ground for any source of support.

Unfortunately his movements had been one step behind Rekin who was already on his feet and towering over the currently blinded wolf demon.

"You pathetic!" Rekin seethed as he reared his foot backwards then brutally smashing it against Kouga's jaw sending him fumbling back into the dirt!

"Worthless!" He echoed with slobbering spit escaping his snarled lips as once again delivered another merciless kick this time to Kouga's already badly injured torso!

Kouga hissed out in agony. As his vision momentarily returned only to witness Rekin grip hold of his blood soaked collar and drag him up from the shattered concrete.

"Piece of shit!" He snapped crushing his fist into Kouga's face sending him straight back down to the floor fresh blood splattering across the ground from his busted lip and gushing tongue.

Kouga gripped hold of the ground feeling nothing but the hard pulsating of agony ripple through him as he forced himself onto his knees. He wouldn't let it end this way. He wouldn't die. Not without taking that son of a bitch with him!

Rocking back on his knees Kouga agonizingly slowly forced his eyes to part ignoring the onslaught of fresh blood that poured into them as he did so.

His harden gaze was met by Rekin standing over him. His gun once again in hand and the barrel directly pointed between Kouag's eyes.

The silver eyed demon looked as damaged as Kouga felt. Blood pouring from his gashed face and body. He couldn't even tell where one wound ended and another began, or even who's blood was who's anymore.

Wiping his already badly stained sleeve against his blood and drool laced lips Rekin stared hatefully at the kneeling demon before him.

Just one, one question out weighing all others he might have otherwise thought.

"Was she worth it?" He asked cocking the hammer of his re-loaded gun all to eager to pull the trigger and end this all once and for all.

He may have nothing in this world. No money, no home, no future. But he could embrace the afterlife with a smile on his face knowing he had sent this smug bastard there before him!

Kouga turned his jaw to the side slowly before spitting out a mouthful of bitterly hot tasting blood. Then ever so slowly turning back towards the awaiting psychopath. His answer already burning his tongue.

"Every god damn second." He smirked whole heartedly. His azure eyes gleaming with certainty and confidence even under the thick layering of blood he glared through.

Rekin should have expected that. Even while dying the smug bastard remained true to his most basic self. A pity it would be his last words.

It was time for it to end, for it all to end.

Kouga eyed the barrel pointed at his head with a smile. He didn't have the strength to avoid another shot. This really was the end.

Then Rekin pulled the trigger for the final time.

Time slowed as Kouga watched the bullet approach, his demise written on one small almost insignificant shell casing. That he knew, would be the death of him. Of his entire being.

Or so he thought.

Out of the corner of his eye, less than the blink of an inhuman eye something yellow in color and absolutely charged with demonic energy cut through the space between them.

The long thin whip like blade cutting through the bullet mid air, and sending the fragmented pieces shooting by either side of Kouga's head.

Without thinking, without hesitation Kouga jolted forward. This was it! He last chance to take that bastard down! He wouldn't waste it no matter the consequences!

Before Rekin could recover from such a inconceivable act of death defying purpose Kouga was before him and a sharp mind numbing pain followed!

Kouga stood stone like as he felt the warm gush of Rekin's blood coat his fingertips and drip from the other end now protruding through the motionless demons neck.

He watched as Rekin's eyes blinked even with Kouga's hand wedged into the void of his neck. Then he coughed letting the pooling blood exit his mouth as his head slumped forward. And his icy silver eyes sealed tightly shut.

Kouga listened for the beating within Rekin's chest to stop, and only when it did. Did he rip his fingers outwards letting the crimson spray wash over his face and arm.

Rekin's motionless body falling at his feet as he did so.

Through merciless eyes Kouga eyed the mound of what was once his partner and associate, knowing full well he should have done this very thing centuries ago.

He breathed deeply, and once he did. The pain he had momentarily forgotten about returned with a vengeance.

Coughing he felt his lungs rattle with the fresh on pouring of blood building within his chest. The damage the now dead demon had left behind yet to be assessed.

But with the crying of a frantic voice, Kouga knew it would have to wait.

"Kouga!" Kagome cried as she sprinted forward to barely standing wolf demon.

Kouga turned to the teary eyed woman now at his side, her small blood coated hands gripping hold of his arms tightly as if she was afraid he might drift away.

A single look of sheer horror spreading over her dirt stained face telling him he must look even more awful than he felt.

"My god-" She whispered eying the blood soaked demon before her. She couldn't even tell where Kouga's was injured and where he was just drenched in another crimson essence!

"I'm fine." Kouga promised with believable sincerity gripping hold of Kagome's cheek gently, instantly apologetic for the blood stain his touch left behind.

But he just needed to feel her, to know she was alright.

Kagome obviously didn't care as she gripped hold of the wolf demons wrist uncaring of the crimson stain it coated her fingertips with.

But a single glace down at her tattered appearance brought him spiraling back to reality. And what needed to be handled before anything else.

"What the hell are you still doing here! Get her to the hospital!" Kouga snapped angrily at the approaching dog demon to his side. Hesitantly retracting his hand away from the hazel eyed girl still holding onto him fearfully.

"I'm not leaving you!" Kagome demanded. If she hadn't convinced Sesshomaru to stay who knows what would have happened! It was his demonic whip that had managed to cut down Rekin's last bullet! Undoubtedly it had saved Kouga's life, but not by much considering the state he was in.

"I'll be fine. Always am remember?" Kouga smirked tucking a stray hair behind Kagome's ear tenderly. Thinking back to the night he had promised her he would abstain from the pits. Unknowingly the same night he had set all this chaos into motion.

Kagome felt protest rise in her throat. She couldn't leave him, not like this!

But before she could muster a single word Kouga dipped his head forward capturing her lips with his own, kissing her softly but with so much devotion and adoration behind it. It made her heart skip in her chest and a lone tear escape her hazel orbs.

She didn't get the opportunity to return his gesture before he was pulling away slowly.

"Go." He whispered in a pleading tone she hadn't known him capable of.

Kagome gripped hold of Kouga's skin tightly, more afraid now than she could ever remembering being. The look in his eyes. They weren't the exuberant azure she knew and loved, they were darkening. Turning into a dark shade of navy. A look she could remember seeing once before…the day her world had fallen apart…

"No." She whispered with a broken cry.

"We must go." Sesshomaru intervened wrapping an arm around her shoulders as he began pulling her away from the motionless wolf demon before her.

"Kouga-" Kagome gasped as fresh tears began to cloud her vision as his touched with ripped away from her.

Kouga stared after the uplifting priestess as Sessomaru began to take flight into the darken sky taking her trembling form along side him.

"I'll be right behind you." He promised watching as Kagome's tears began to flow falling downwards towards him like fresh rain triggering the sky to do the same until the salted drops were lost in the slow down pouring.

"Kouga!" Kagome called until she dissipated from sight behind a thick haze of darkening clouds and showering rain fall.

Only when she was completely absolved from sight did Kouga's resolve finally break.

Crumbling to his knees he felt the warm gush of blood once again fill his mouth until he was forced to spit the bitter essence away. Feeling as the sensation intensified with the vast filling of his lungs.

Slowly he tore at his shirt collar splitting the darken materiel down the center to gauge what Rekin and his accursed pistol had left behind.

What he saw confirmed everything he had originally thought. The bullet had hit to close to his heart. To far and to deep for him to retrieve it with his fingers alone this time.

Even now he could feel the familiar burn radiate in his chest as the scorching crystallized energy began to purify him from the inside out.

Kouga smirked to himself with a bloody smile. After all these centuries of bartering with his life, a god damn gun was going to be his down fall.

Seemed a shitty way to go.

Trying to stand Kouga braced his weight on his uninjured leg only to have it give way and send him directly back onto the blood soaked concrete.

Coughing and knowing his lungs were filling with blood far faster than he could remove it he laid there. Turning on his back to stare towards the weeping sky.

The cooling rain falling on his stained face, washing away the hard crimson spray and filling his azure orbs with its crisp water.

The water felt good on his hot skin. It reminded him of a time centuries ago when he use to do just this. Back in the eastern mountain. Lay on the rock face of the vast endless cliffs and let the cooling spray wash everything away.

That memories. It felt so real. Like he was there right now.

Through narrowed eyes he could see it. The sky, the mountain tops the scent of fresh pine and stone filling his nostrils.

It felt so peaceful.

So real.

Weakly Kouga reached upwards feeling the slowing thump of his heart in his decaying chest.

So this really was it? His end.

He thought he would be angry, maybe even a little afraid? But, he wasn't. He was calm, he was okay with this…letting it finally…stop

He was ready.

Hundred of years he had fought against his past, fought against the demons that plagued him at night only to finally succumb.

He regretted it. Throwing what little life he had managed to hold onto down the shitter. But, it was exactly what he deserved.

He deserved to die like this. Alone, and cold.

It was alright. It was right. Justice at last.

Kouga's rain weeping eyes narrowed as he eyed the blackening sky. He was okay with this, with what his end truly meant.

Only….he wished he could have been there… for her…for them…

There was still so much, he never got to do…to say…

"S-Sorry Kagome…looks like I-I couldn't keep my promise…" He whispered.

The thumping in Kouga's chest slowed to an impossible pace…the beating of his heart…it was fading.

Thump...

Closing his eyes softly he smirked.

Thump...

Everything…really had come full circle.

Thump...

It was done… over…at long last it was finally…finished.

Then the beating, stopped.


Stay warm guys. Next chapter coming up soon.