"Kagra, tell me, why didn't you carry out my orders the way you were supposed to?"
"Well, Naraku, you didn't specify how to do it. I had other things to do besides kidnap your little priestess."
"Watch your tongue Kagra. It wouldn't be wise to cross me again. You just better hope he doesn't finish her off. Now leave me."
Such incompetence…but that's okay…Soon…real soon…
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"Was your sister ever rescued?"
"Yes, she was but interesting things started to happen…and…new feelings started to develop."
"What do you mean?"
"We'll discuss it another day, but you should get going. You missed school today but you need to go tomorrow otherwise your mother might not let you come back over."
"Alright then. Later gran!"
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"Inuyasha please!! I love you…"
"Inuyasha, let me die…It's the way it's supposed to be. You know the saying; once the threads of destiny have been tangled they cannot be undone…"
"Inuyasha! You need to make the choice now! Time's running out!"
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Kagome woke up, dressed quickly, and took the long way to school, thinking about the dream she had last night. She had no idea what was going on in the dream and she couldn't really make out anyone but she vaguely remembered a young woman who looked awfully familiar. She was interrupted from her thoughts by the thoughtful Koga.
"Kagome?"
"Huh? Oh…it's you."
"You don't sound too happy to see me."
"Uh…well, I haven't been sleeping well the past few days."
"Oh…well, it's good to see you back in school."
"Oh, oh yeah. Thanks Koga."
"Well, um…I'll see you around then." Kagome frowned as Koga walked off. I wonder what that was all about.
"He's trying to decide whether or not he wants to keep trying to pursue you as a mate."
"What are you? A mind reader now?" Kagome asked hotly.
"No, not at all. There's no such thing. However, my great intellect allows me to easily read people and their emotions. It's obvious that he's jealous of you and me."
"WHAT? WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY 'YOU AND ME'? THERE'S NO YOU AND ME HAKU!"
"Huh? I'm sorry. Did you say something?"
"I am not going to go there with you today. I'm off to class." Haku smirked as Kagome made her way to class. That ass! He makes me so mad!
The day went fairly well for Kagome. Even though Koga was acting weird he still decided to eat lunch with her. After lunch, Koga walked her to her last class and even hung around afterwards to walk her out. Kagome was about to leave the building when Haku caught up with her.
"You trying to leave without me?" he asked curtly.
"You act as though I'm supposed to wait for you."
"No, but I thought since I always wait for you that you might actually return the kindness by waiting for me one time."
"Please. What makes you think…?"
"Because you like me as I like you."
"Get real! I don't like you! I've never liked you."
"And yet you didn't seem to struggle too much the other night under the tree."
Kagome didn't say anything. She really didn't have a comeback for that one. He was right—she did not struggle much when he was kissing her and making her grow weak. In fact, she had enjoyed it very much and if it wasn't for the series of weird dreams she had been having, she probably would have been dreaming of something more.
"It seems that I have rendered you speechless once again my lady."
"Huh? No, I was thinking about something and anyway how could anyone struggle against someone so persistent?"
"That I am," he said with a grin. They had almost reached Kagome's house when Haku stopped short.
"What now?" Kagome asked, rolling her eyes.
"I was just thinking, how about you come with me to my home this evening?"
"And why would I want to do that? Besides, I am visiting my grandmother this evening."
"Well, then I have nothing better to do. How about I join you?" Kagome was about to tell him no when he advanced and stood inches from her face.
"How about if I beg?" he whispered. "Will you let me join you then?"
Kagome looked up and her eyes met his. He leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on her lips and then backed away. "So which way to grandmother's house?"
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"Who's your little friend Kagome? He's quite handsome." Haku just smiled as Kagome rolled her eyes and introduced him.
"This is Haku grandmother. I wasn't going to bring him along but…"
"Let's just say I have a way with words." Kagome shot him an ugly look as Kaede laughed.
"Well Haku, I'm sorry that you don't have much of a background on the story, but if you listen closely you may be able to figure out what's going on."
"Sure thing."
"Okay, so we left off with my sister Kikyo being locked in a tower. Some interesting things started to happen…"
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Shoji paced around the room as though he was worried about something. Every now and then he'd stop and look out the window.
"Is something the matter?" Kikyo asked with a smirk.
"Ah, on the contrary everything's perfect."
"Then why are you so restless?"
"I am thirsting for blood and since you have none then at the moment you are of no use to me priestess." Shoji turned away from her and started pacing the room again. Kikyo was about to close her eyes when she sensed something. There was someone else outside—another demon.
"What is it priestess?"
"Nothing."
"You are lying to me, but that doesn't matter. We are about to take a trip outside. My barrier is strong. I highly doubt your measly hanyou could get through it." Shoji walked over and proceeded to untie Kikyo. Then he scooped her into his arms and headed out the window.
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Hmmm…a barrier… Sesshomaru continued to walk and was able to walk right through it. He mustn't be all that tough if I can walk straight through it.
"Ses…Sesshomaru?" Sesshomaru turned to see Kikyo tied to a tree in a standing position. She looked weak and he could tell that the only thing keeping her on her feet were the ropes.
"Priestess," he said frowning. He had never seen Kikyo this helpless. He studied her for a moment and deducted that she was just barely hanging in there. Her hair that was usually tied behind her back was now hanging freely. Even though she looked weak she was still as beautiful as ever. He had never had a liking for humans, but Kikyo was different. He had never had a reason for envying his younger hanyou brother but Kikyo would probably be the exception.
"What brings you…to…these…parts?" she asked weakly.
"I could ask you the same question but I'm afraid you don't seem to be in any condition to answer. Where's my little brother?"
"I…I don't know. He…he saved me earlier but went…back to join…his friends."
"Pathetic." All of a sudden, Kikyo let out a cry that could pierce even the strongest of night airs. Her body was writhing as though she were in pain and then she stopped moving and her body went limp.
"What the…?" Sesshomaru watched as a demon appeared out of nowhere from the night sky. He looked like an ordinary human but his demonic aurora was very strong.
"My Kikyo, I thought you said there was no one here. Hmmm…well, a small price to pay for your lies. So tell me priestess, could this be the little hanyou that was supposed to come and rescue you?" Sesshomaru could fill the anger boiling up inside of him. Just who the hell did this demon think he was messing with? And to mistake him for a mere half-demon was the worst of it. When Kikyo did not answer, she cried out again into the night and Sesshomaru watched as her body twisted and turned.
"If you keep doing that to her she'll never be able to answer you," Sesshomaru replied coldly.
"Oh, it speaks. The half-demon…"
"You fool. I am no half-demon, but it seems to me that I've come across an idiot if there ever was one."
"Me? An idiot? You might want to take that back before I put you through the same pain as the lovely priestess here. I don't think she's enjoying it very much…Are you…enjoying this priestess?" he asked teasingly. Sesshomaru made to withdraw his sword but Shoji stopped him.
"I don't want to fight. In fact, it's not you who I want. Tell me, are you the one they call Inuyasha?"
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"I'm tired. I think we ought to rest for the night. We've been walking for hours!" Kagome said.
"Yeah, I agree. My feet are killing me!"
"Sango, we just had a break an hour ago. Plus there may be a village somewhere nearby so I think we should keep…" Kirara started to growl.
"Wha…what is it?" Shippo asked nervously.
"Hmmm…there's something in the area…I just can't…" Inuyasha started sniffing the air. "I smell something…but…Maybe I'm just kidding myself, but it smells like…" A loud, piercing scream hurled through the air causing Shippo to run to Kagome and Kirara to grow big.
"What on earth was that?" Shippo asked.
"Sounded like a woman…but I don't see signs of other life anywhere. Why would a woman be alone out here?" Miroku asked curiously. They walked a little farther and they soon heard the same piercing cry. Inuyasha stopped and his face went pale.
"Inuyasha? Inuyasha what's…what's wrong," Shippo asked.
"I know that scream…WE HAVE TO GO NOW!"
"Inuyasha what is it?!" Sango asked frantically.
"Just…we have to go…I just know he wouldn't…he's not that ruthless."
"Inuyasha stop babbling and tell us what the hell is going on!" Miroku cried as he and Sango mounted Kirara's back. Kagome had already reluctantly climbed upon Inuyasha's back and they were running up the path through the forest.
"My brother. He's here…somewhere." Kikyo please be alright. If he's done anything…
"I've never seen you get all bent out of shape over your brother," Sango said curiously.
"Yeah, well he could be torturing…" There was another scream and Inuyasha picked up the pace.
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"No, I am not Inuyasha. Did you not hear me state earlier that I am no half-demon?" Sesshomaru asked impatiently, hand still near his sword.
"Forgive me brother."
"I am not your brother. In fact, you aren't even on my level." Shoji just laughed and turned his attention to the priestess.
"She's quite the beauty isn't she?" He walked towards her and started stroking her face. He didn't know why, but for some reason it angered him to see her touched by Shoji. Sesshomaru withdrew his sword.
"Give me a reason to spare your life. If it's good I just may oblige."
"Let's see now…Oh yeah, well I don't think your ultimatum works in this situation. You see, being that I am the stronger one, I think it is I that should be asking you that question."
"You impudent fool. You need to be taught a lesson." Sesshomaru walked forward and was about to swing on his opponent when Kikyo let out another cry. "Why must you keep doing that to her? She's already walking around in a world in which she doesn't belong. I'm sure she suffers enough daily. Why make it any worse for her?"
"Why do you care?" Shoji asked.
Shoji looked up as some of Naraku's samiyousho appeared overhead. "Ahhh, I see…so you're Inuyasha's brother!"
"I see Naraku has you doing his bidding."
"Something like that. But you…you are quite the character. So I take it you're here to save the priestess for your little brother?"
"I work alone and I am not here for my brother. That is where you are mistaken."
"So…let me get this straight—you'd let her suffer or even die just because you hate your brother?" Sesshomaru glanced over at Kikyo and she seemed to be growing weaker and weaker. He looked up and saw Kikyo's soul collectors trying to get to her but it was no use. The barrier was too strong for them to penetrate. "Stand back Sesshomaru or I'll have to kill the girl."
"I am sure Naraku would not like that."
"I take orders from no one," Shoji replied coldly. Sesshomaru swung his sword but it was blocked by another barrier, this one stronger than the one surrounding the area. "Naraku's barriers sure are great in times like these. Now to attend to the priestess." Shoji stared at the priestess making her scream once more into the night.
"STOP THAT! LET HER GO YOU BASTARD! I'LL KILL YOU!" Sesshomaru turned to see Inuyasha and his friends standing outside the barrier.
"In…Inuyasha…"
"Stop talking priestess!" Shoji said softly. She cried out once more and her body began to twist and turn. Sesshomaru turned his head for there was nothing he could do at the moment. He could destroy the samiyousho to get rid of Shoji's body barrier but doing so may result in Kikyo being taken away again or possibly killed.
"STOP IT! LEAVE HER ALONE YOU BASTARD! IF YOU DARE…"
"You must be Inuyasha. Why don't you come inside and fight? Oh wait, that's right, your other half is too weak to penetrate the barrier." Shoji ran a finger down the side of Kikyo's face.
"DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH HER! YOU HEAR ME?!" Inuyasha started banging on the barrier, trying his best to get in. He took out his tetsaiga and used the wind scar but it was no use.
"Inuyasha, you need to stay calm," Sango said frantically.
"Don't tell me what to do! He's…he's touching her and I don't like it. LOOK AT HER! SHE'S HURT AND IT'S ALL MY FAULT!"
"Inuyasha, Sango's right. We need to stay calm and come up with a plan to get inside." Inuyasha wasn't paying attention. He was watching as Shoji toyed with Kikyo and his body started to shake with anger. He looked around and saw Sesshomaru standing there, doing nothing. How the hell could someone be so cold? To stand there and watch…
"Inuyasha, any idea how Sesshomaru was able to get inside?" Miroku asked curiously.
"I'm not sure but how could he just stand there…If I ever get my hands on him I'll kill him too," he replied through gritted teeth. Kikyo let out another cry and then went limp once more. Inuyasha watched her body grow limp and his eyes welled with tears. He couldn't take it anymore and was going to do what he had to do make sure she was safe. He withdrew his tetsaiga and tossed it to the side.
"Inuyasha, what the hell are you doing?" Kagome asked.
"I am taking care of business," he smirked.
"But…you know…don't you think you ought to have that sword? You know what happens when you don't…"
"That's the whole idea isn't it?" Miroku asked softly. Inuyasha looked at him with a sad expression on his face and nodded. "I'll…I'll do my best to make sure you come back to us. I understand what you must do."
"Huh? Am I missing something here?" Sango asked.
"The only way Inuyasha can get inside the barrier is if he's a full demon," Miroku replied grimly.
"Oh ok…hey…wait a minute…WHAT? No, he can't Miroku…remember what happened…"
"Yes, I know but it's the only way he can save Kikyo."
"But what about his brother?" Kagome asked.
"I don't believe Sesshomaru is as ruthless and cold as he makes himself out to be. As you can see, his sword is withdrawn but he isn't doing anything. My guess is that he doesn't want to risk Kikyo getting hurt."
"But she's already hurting!" Kagome added hotly.
"Yeah, well she could end up getting killed or kidnapped again. Like I said, I'm sure Sesshomaru has a reason for just standing there."
"But that doesn't justify why Inuyasha has to…"
"He's doing what needs to be done to save the woman he loves. I'd do the same if I was in his position. Besides, I think I know what he's up to…It's a good thing Sesshomaru's around…" Miroku was cut off by Inuyasha falling to his knees. "You guys…I think…I think you better get somewhere safe." Sango and Shippo both mounted Kirara but Kagome just stood there.
"Kagome, why are you just standing there? You need to…" Inuyasha started groaning and clawing at the earth.
"Ka…Kagome…come on!" Shippo yelled. A second later, Inuyasha let out a loud growl as he stood up. He looked at Kagome and released his claws. He was about to strike her when someone called out to him.
"Little brother, that's not a very nice thing to do, even if she is annoying." Inuyasha turned towards Sesshomaru and ran right at him through the barrier.
AN: Sorry it took me a while to update, but I wanted to take my time and figure out which direction I wanted to continue in. Lots of things going on but you know me...Bwahahaha I just love my Sesshy. So questions, concerns...Review!