Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or its characters; that right belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. Nor do I own Vampire Knight or its characters; that right belongs to Matsuri Hino.

Author's Note: In this chapter, the story deviates from the main(OG) storyline. So if you do not like that, I politely ask you to turn around and leave now because I don't see the point in wasting your time and mine.

"Dammit, when I find her, I'll strangle her."

Only a soft snicker followed the growled threat.

It'd been almost two weeks since Kagome had vanished after knocking out Kain Akatsuki. Who'd been angry to the point of several pieces of furniture catching on fire?

"Sesshomaru, you know how she is, thanks to your brother. She has serious self-esteem issues and a need to be a martyr."

"Kit, be careful with your next words."

"Yes, such a stiff. But you didn't deny my words."

A soft snort was the only response given as silence fell over the small group. They knew asking more questions would result in either a suffocating aura from the Demon Lord or more furniture catching fire.

And Kagome had a blood bond with two people present, so they knew she was alive and mostly safe. It was confusing when they explained. Since the clearest version stated, she was behind a barrier.

In the heavy silence, each kept their own thoughts. Yet some deep-rooted instinct had them on edge. Something big was going to happen. And soon.

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A sarcastic smile twisted pale, thin lips. The narrowed red eyes showed displeasure tinted with anger.

It was a stark contrast to the warm smile and amused blue eyes.

"Miko, you'll die here today."

A sweet laugh rang in the cold spring night air.

"No, Naraku, I won't," Kagome rebutted.

Her words caused the half-demon to slam his fist against the barrier Kagome had erected. It served as protection from friends and acted as a lure for the nuisance of a tantrum.

"Don't be stupid. You cannot use your Horeiki! I ensured that the curse could only be removed via mating," Naraku sneered. "And with how damaged the person you loved left you, you'd refuse to mate willingly. So, you're powerless."

Kagome felt her smile slip as anger and hurt swelled in her heart. She did not want to think about them or 'him.'

As Naraku gloated, Kagome sat in the center of the barrier. She was placing her legs in the lotus position.

Kagome calmed her mind as she pulled the small stack of twenty charged talismans from her Haori. Not once did she break eye contact with Naraku.

"What do you think you're doing?"

Hearing the panic in his voice, Kagome began a mantra and slowly re-absorbed the spiritual Qi in each talisman.

Soon her body became uncomfortably full. The power amassed but was unable to circulate.

"Stop that this instant."

Feeling the pain as her internal organs began to expand and compress from the buildup of her Qi, Kagome let the smile return to her lips.

"I want to thank you for giving me this idea," Kagome said.

The shock and horror of her lifelong nemesis' face had a sense of peace settled over her, and with an ease born of practice, Kagome directed the Qi and Horeiki with force to the curse and broke through the seal with sheer force.

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Quiet. That was the only way to describe what he felt now. It was eerie, considering he had long gotten used to the inane chatter and feeling of another always being in the back of his mind.

With a subtle glance, it was apparent Lord Sesshomaru was experiencing what he was. Kaname knew it had to be on a grander scale since the bond they shared was older and stronger. It was amazing to see how calm(on the surface) the ancient demon lord was. He should be practically insane.

"Boy, I suggest you prepare yourself."

At Sesshomaur's words, Kaname looked at Kain Akatsuki. He was shocked at how angry Kain had been after waking. The young man had set several fires due to his rage. Kain Cross was beside himself at the 'amount' of damage caused.

Yet it was understandable Kain had been tricked and put to sleep and denied his choice in the matter, even though he'd rejected Kagome when she tested him. Now it was a matter of pride for the young vampire.

Then again, Kaname wondered if Kagome did it on purpose. She had lived hundreds of years with demons. Though vampires were neither human nor demon, but more devil. She would know she was poking at the pride and honor that it'd send instincts into overdrive for good or evil. And Kaname wanted to retain a talented and loyal young man.

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He frowned and chose not to answer the demon lord. His thought was his own, and the Kitsune had been poked at him after she explained everything that had gone on between him and Kagome.

Every part of him had been clamoring to find Kagome and put her in her place.

"Eh, Ol' man, quit badgering the Kiddo."

Narrowing his eyes, Kain looked at the Kitsune, Shippo. They'd been moving at a breakneck pace since they'd all felt Kagome. It was annoying how far she had gone.

"I mean, he rejected her. He has no claim on her, even after this little outburst. I mean, your and Lord Kaname's blood bonds have been damaged," Shippo said. His words were blunt. "But hey, Lord Koga's youngest son and mine can now try for Kagome's heart. I mean, you could as well. We all know she's sweet, gentle, and nurturing. She'd make the perfect wife and mother, plus we know she can kick ass."

Kain used sheer force of will to keep from twitching and letting his fire ability set the forest on fire. However, he let a smile appear when the Kitsune looked at him.

Shippo was wrong about one thing; he still felt the partial mating bond he put on Kagome. It had not been damaged when her holy powers exploded.

Though the pain he felt was not only his but Kagome's. She was alive but more than likely unconscious. How he knew, Kain couldn't say. But he had a score to settle. She was his; no one could claim her, not even the demon lord.

TBC!