[[Disclaimer: So far, I know that I have at least three readers, and you three have no idea how happy that makes me. So thank you, very much. X3 You, my coffee, and my love for this pairing, has kept me going. I only hope you guys stick with me through however long this story might be. I need the support.]]

"Sesshoooomaruuu…" the creature hissed, swiping at him with claw-like fingers. Sheer luck was on his side, as he turned and lunged out of the way in time to only be grazed, three scrapes having been gouged into the front of his already partially shattered armor. He could smell Naraku all over this beast. It was as if he were Naraku in disguise.. Perhaps this was a creature he'd sent after him to finish the job the jewel had failed to complete? His eyes narrowed and he lengthened his claws, charging at the man and snatching his neck. The lord held him high in the air, as he had done to Inuyasha earlier, and allowed his hands to become green, burning the creatures neck as he ran his other hand through his stomach. But he did not scream. Didn't even wince in pain, and, before Sesshomaru could pull back, a hand was at his chest and a blast of energy was sent through him, shattering his armor and ripping open his flesh.

The incarnation was thrust away as the demon lord stumbled backward, wincing ever so slightly, "…State your name and purpose, beast," This elicited a shrill laughter from the creature, who crouched low as he licked his fingers and ran them over his wounded areas.

"I am Kagemaru… A child of Naraku…" the dark haired beast cackled, charging at Sesshomaru, who unleashed his poison whip and wrapped it around the incarnation, snapping it quickly and watching as the creature rolled on the ground. Once again, he rose to his feet, laughing darkly, "I am here to fulfill my master's purpose… Sesshoooomaruuu…" Amber eyes wandered the one called Kagemaru and he quickly noticed that the marks he'd left in the flesh of the other, merely moments ago, were no longer there. Before his eyes, Kagemaru's arms turned into blades and his fangs grew incredibly sharp, and he could almost swear he felt a tremor of fear follow the length of his spine. How was he supposed to defeat an enemy which regenerated so quickly? The creature in question's eyes narrowed as a sadistic smirk twisted his lips, "Diiiie…"

There was a series of movements, Sesshomaru doing his best to dodge the blade-like arms being thrust at him in what seemed to be every direction. A jump or two, high in the air, trying to get the upper hand on the creature. Multiple attempts to catch the creature with his poison claws. But none of it worked.

Sesshomaru had been given a moment to catch his breath, as it seemed the creature was having fun toying with the demon lord. How could he kill him? What was this.. Thing? What was this thing's weakness? With a shallow breath, he charged at the demon, his face remaining emotionless as he moved left and then right, dodging the arms that were thrust at him. Before Kagemaru could actually get his appendages on the lord, a poisonous whip was wound around his neck and his head was severed from his body as he let out a loud, shrill cry of pain.

Blood splattered into the air as the creature's head fell to the ground, followed by his body soon after.

'It seems I may have.. Underestimated Sesshomaru…' Naraku thought, cringing as he held a hand to his bleeding torso. Unfortunately.. He knew that it wasn't over.. His red eyes narrowed on the two as Kagemaru's body began twitching, a bright light shimmering from his body. His head reattached itself to his neck and he laughed heartily, slowly popping his limbs to readjust as he stood. Sesshomaru's eyes just widened, his body frozen as the incarnation raced at him and plunged through his stomach with both arms, sharp as any sword he'd ever encountered.

Deep red eyes narrowed generously and Naraku growled venomously, jumping out of the trees and wrapping tentacles, from underneath his pelt, around the arms of his creation, ripping them from the beast with a single, swift movement. Kagemaru only hissed, regenerating quickly and charging at Naraku, swiping at him with more deadly intent than he had shown Sesshomaru. He would not be bound to anyone. He would have his freedom and he would see to it that he finished what he was created to do. However, just as he was about to impale his already horribly wounded target, and arrow was sent through his chest, melting his flesh as he was sent through the air and to the ground.

Sesshomaru had also fallen to the ground, his vision becoming blurred as his body did its best to regenerate and heal the wounds that bloody incarnation had created. His golden eyes watched as Naraku attacked Kagemaru and gasped when an arrow sent the beast flying. Where had.. Golden eyes followed the direction it had come from, only to see Kagome.. That human which had been shooting arrows at him just the day before, "Inuyasha…" She said lowly, her voice shaking as she aimed another arrow. She was too shaky.. She'd miss.. And Kagemaru could see this.

The look in his eyes was gruesome and deadly as he cut through Naraku, who tried to restrain him and headed straight for the woman who had done this to him. The hole in his abdomen wasn't healing over.. Why? Kagome was the key to killing him.. Wasn't she? Sesshomaru cursed under his breath, finding his feet quickly and rushing after Kagemaru, who leaped into the air, arms ready to run the girl through easily. The lord growled ferally and jumped at him, sending them both to the ground as the human girl squealed. Kagome hadn't been expecting Inuyasha's brother to help her… Still, she knew her goal here was to get revenge on that incarnation for hurting Inuyasha… And then she'd kill Naraku. He was already wounded enough.. Her arrow was shaky as she tried to aim. Sesshomaru and Kagemaru were wrestling on the ground, Inuyasha's brother moving out of the way just in time to not be killed as a bladed appendage came down near his neck.

Tentacles wrapped around Kagemaru from behind and sent him flying, Kagome following the creature with her arrow and shooting immediately, causing the incarnation to scream out. Golden eyes fluttered closed slowly… He wanted so badly to just let them close… To let his body heal at whatever rate it would… if Naraku had sent this creature to kill him… Why was he stopping the creature from doing so…?

Kagome then collapsed, having spent all her energy on the incarnation. Said creature was breathing shallowly, near death. Naraku would have finished him off if he hadn't caught sight of Sesshomaru. He knew that his body wouldn't regenerate from this on its own… His red eyes focused on Kagemaru who got to his feet and crouched low. The creator growled lowly and Kagemaru took off running into the forest, determined to live. At which point Naraku returned to his usual form, walking over to Sesshomaru who peered up at him through half-lidded eyes, "This wasn't supposed to happen…" Naraku whispered softly. From this angle, under the hood of the pelt, Sesshomaru could almost make out features.. Red eyes.. He was calm.. And with a swift movement, Naraku stabbed a hand into Sesshomaru's chest, causing him to scream, and ripped out his heart, letting the artery meld within his flesh as the lord's eyes closed completely, his breathing coming in small gasps. He wouldn't die now.. Naraku would hold onto his heart to make sure of this, "Seek me out…" He whispered to the demon, running fingers over his throat to feel his pulse, "I'll return this to you once I know it's safe. Once you're protected…"

And then he was gone.

Minutes passed like hours before a voice was heard among the dead silence, "M'lord!" Jaken yelled out, pulling himself up from the ground. He called for Ah-un and rushed to his master's side, noticing his breath was ragged. He had to make sure he was quiet so that he could witness everything without being killed. He'd seen it all, but he still did not understand, "Rin," Jaken said, waking the little girl and pulling her off Ah-Un, "Help me gather Lord Sesshomaru. He needs medical attention now!"

The little girl began whining, "What happened to-"

"Damned human! I said to help me, not to whimper and worry!" He began yanking his lord off the ground and Rin swallowed the lump in her throat, nodding to herself and going to help the imp.

The small pearl, that served as the dog demon's father's gravesite, drifted its way back into the eye of its rightful owner, who began to mutter, a sign that he'd awake soon and help his own comrades. Not that Jaken would have felt obligated to help them anyway.

.

.

Several hours later, amber eyes began to crack open. Ugh.. The sky was dark, but there was warmth from what seemed to be a fire. And there was a cool, wet cloth on his head. The smell of blood was no longer in the air, "Naraku…" Sesshomaru muttered dryly. What had that damned man been plotting? Why had he- The demon lord brought a hand up to take the wet cloth from his forehead. Naraku had saved him. He growled lowly, sitting up and undoing his armor. Or.. What was left of it. And then, he pealed his top open, gazing down at his torso. The skin on the top layer had healed over, but he knew he couldn't get into any battles any time soon… Lest he wish to lose his life.

"M'lord…?" Jaken questioned, rousing from his slumber next to Rin, "You're awake."

Sesshomaru snarled, "What has that beast done to me?"