"Kagome, hurry it up!" Inuyasha yelled behind him, gripping Kikyo's thighs tightly as he ran harder. "I smell Naraku!"

"So do I! And I'd be running a hell of a lot faster if someone had let me eat! It's been four days! Youkai or not, I need to eat!"

Sesshomaru cast a glance over his shoulder. He needed to find a way to make her run faster. She was slowing him down. "She is not truly a youkai, halfbreed. You can not expect her to be as quick as one."

Kagome skidded to a stop, her eyes wide. "What did you say?"

"I'm sure you heard." He replied smugly, continuing his run.

"I'll show you quick, you damn, arrogant bastard!" Kagome sprinted after him, growling loudly when Sesshomaru bolted ahead of her. Pushing herself to the limits, she dashed a head, swiping her claws at him.

Smirking, Sesshomaru dodged, jumping aside. "Slow as ever, human."

"Grrr." Kagome stomped the ground with more force as she ran, giggling as the Earth ahead of Sesshomaru rose jaggedly, forming sharp spikes.

'The miko seems to think she has won.' Easily, he flipped over the dangerous area and continued to flit.

Kagome glared at his back as he ran just ahead of her. Scowling, she lunged, attaching herself to his back. "Ha! I win!"

"Do you really?" Sesshomaru asked boredly, glancing up at her.

"Yes. Really." She wrapped her arms around his neck, nuzzling his hair with a smile. "Your hair is so soft."

"Do not touch This Sesshomaru's hair." He snapped at her.

Inuyasha stared in shock. "Dear God, the world is coming to an end."

Sango glanced at him, from atop of Kirara's back. "I know. I'm shocked he's even letting her touch him."

"They make a nice couple." Miroku thought aloud. He stiffened when his companions glared at him. "What?"

"You disgraceful human! Get off of Lord Sesshomaru!" Jaken screamed shrilly, lifting the staff of two heads to swat at her.

Kagome and Sesshomaru turned, sending heated glares at the imp.

He shrank back, jumping onto Ah-un. "Sorry, milord!"

"Lord Sesshomaru is angry with Jaken for degrading Kagome." Rin noted aloud. "He must like her. That's why he protected her like he does me."

"Lord Sesshomaru doesn't like humans!" Jaken shrieked, howling and sobbing when Sesshomaru tossed a stone back at him. "Why?!"

The group halted as Naraku, Kanna, Kagura, and Hakudoshi appeared before them.

Kagome uneasily slid off Sesshomaru's back. She looked around. 'Where's Ashi?'

"Lord Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, welcome." Naraku smirked. "Kagome, or should I say, Junsei. How are you?"

"Where's Ashi?"

"Ashi?" Naraku tapped his chin. "Ah yes." He licked his lips. "Ashi, or course. She's doing a little business for me. Shall we get started?"

And the battle began.

p*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*p

Kagome (Ashi) frowned as she entered Naraku's dungeon. The urge to vomit almost overwhelmed her as she saw the eggsack of miasma that sat before her. Stroking her stomach absently, she lifted her other hand and sliced through the sack. "Naraku said that it was time." Her eyes widened as Naraku's newest incarnation crept out. She observed him slowly, beginning at his feet.

Trailing up his long legs, her eyes froze on his member, which twitched at the cool breeze. Looking higher, she noted the muscles in his stomach, chest, and arms. His faze was one of the most beautiful she'd ever seen. His skin was paler than new fallen snow. His lips were round, his nose long and aristocratic, his eyes were narrow, glowing an icy blue. His hair, lengthy, full, and periwinkle.

"Do you see something you like?"

If he hadn't been so smug, Kagome would've grown wet at the sound of his silky, bass voice. Her eyes narrowed instantly, her hands clenching at her side. "Look here, kid, I don't have time for this. Come. We have to get your kimono and meet Naraku." She whipped around to leave, only to be jerked back by the waist.

The incarnation held her back to his bare chest, his lips beside her ear. "Why leave so quickly? You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

"You haven't seen any."

"I have seen all that Naraku has seen." He simply replied.

"Alright, pest," Kagome jerked away, "follow me." She started off, and like a lovesick puppy, he followed. As he changed into his kimono, a solid black kimono with blue snowflakes, Kagome sat on the floor, watching. "What should I name you?"

He smiled broadly. "Whatever you see fit, love."

She narrowed her eyes at that, but shrugged. "You know, you're rather innocent to be one of Naraku's incarnations."

"He spoke to me while I was in that sack." He tied his obi. "From what I see, it's because you've given him a slightly innocent side."

Kagome snorted. "Yeah, deep deep deep deep deep deep down in that black pit he calls a soul." She stared at him with a small smile. "I'll call you Kiyoshiyuki."

"Fresh snow?"

"Yup. You like?"

"Anything you give me, I adore." He sank to his knees beside her, handing her a brush. "Could you comb my hair?"

She nodded, taking the brush and dragging it through his hair. "What kind of demon are you made from?"

He hummed softly. "A soul carrier. Like that which belongs to your former self, only in human form."

"Mm-hm. And what exactly can you do?"

"My height can change to my whim. I can retrieve, create, and give souls."

"My, aren't you perfect." Kagome cooed.

"Of course...What do I call you?"

Kagome sat the brush aside and stood. "Kagome. Now, let's get going." She left the room.

Kiyoshiyuki shot to his feet, following her. "I am right behind you, Kagome-sama!"

p*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*p

Naraku smirked as his sword clashed into Sesshomaru's. "My my, you keep looking to the miko youkai, Lord Sesshomaru. Are you becoming protective of the girl?"

Sesshomaru glared. He would not explain himself to a bastard of a hanyou.

"I assure you, nothing will happen to my little woman on my watch." Naraku's smirk widened when he noticed Sesshomaru's eyes narrowing.

"I heard that!" Inuyasha threw himself into the fight, slashing his heirloom sword into Naraku's when Sesshomaru moved out of the way. "Kagome isn't, nor will she ever be yours."

"Why do you care? You have your miko." Naraku replied.

Inuyasha growled, pushing back. "She's still my friend."

"Dear Inuyasha, as much as I..." His eyes widened as he looked over Inuyasha's shoulder at Kagome. 'Miko!'

"What?" Inuyasha looked over his shoulder. "Kagome!" He turned to run at her. "Sesshomaru, can you reach Kagome?!"

The Daiyoukai turned away from the demons he'd just slaughtered to face Kagome. He flitted in her direction, knowing he would not reach in time as a huge ogre ran at her.

Kagome backed away. "Um..."

"Kagome!" Sango and Miroku cried out.

"Um..."

The demon laughed as it stood before her and lifted it's hand.

Kagome held up her right hand, shouting in fear, "Touketsu!"

The ogre, as well as all of Naraku's other demons froze immediatly.

Kagome took a deep breath, then sighed. She'd heard someone else scream when she had. Turning to face the forest, she watched with wide eyes as a tall, handsome demon stepped out, Ashi on his shoulder. "Ashi!"

"Junsei." Ashi jumped to the ground in front of her other half. "Yo. Long time no see."

"Oh, Ashi! I missed you!" Junsei squealed, holding 'herself' tightly.

Ashi stiffened, patting the girl's head. "Alright." She turned to glare at Naraku. "Your mindless demons almost took out Junsei!"

Naraku glared at her. "Hold you tongue." He hated it when his lover defied him in public.

Huffing, she nudged Junsei away. "That's enough hugging."

"Are we fusing together again?"

"Of course."

"But who are we going with?"

Ashi smirked, her eyes flashing. "Naraku, of course." She embraced Junsei, clenching her teeth in slight pain as they fused.

Kagome smirked. "On with the battle." Springing up into the air, she flipped backward, toward Kiyoshiyuki. "Go. Fight at Naraku's side, Kiyoshiyuki."

Nodded with a small frown, he reluctantly left her side to be near Naraku. Ashi had filled him in on the side he was fighting against, and he felt he was more than ready.

"Who's this?" Inuyasha inquired.

"This," Naraku smirked, "is my newest child. Introduce yourself."

"Hello. My name is Kiyoshiyuki." He grinned maliciously, fangs flashing. "It is a pleasure to meet, and soon defeat, you."

Kagome stared at him, surprised. He hadn't seemed to have such evil intent before. Perhaps Naraku was corrupting him already. She shook her head. 'My Naraku.'

Naraku nodded, accepting. "Shall we proceed?"

"Gladly." Sesshomaru swung his sword at Naraku.

Inuyasha growled, "Greedy bastard! You always get Naraku!" He jumped back when Kagura unleashed her "Dance of blades".

"Poor, Inuyasha. I hope I'll suffice. Dance of blades!" She repeated.

Kagome sat on the sidelines, bored. She was useless without a side to fight on. The closest she'd gotten was erecting a barrier around Rin and Shippo, and Ah-un, when a demon had gotten too close. She yawned, turning her attention to Kiyoshiyuki, who was fighting Kikyo.

"Foolish demon." Kikyo smirked coldly. She drew back her arrow, then before releasing it, cringed in pain.

Kiyoshiyuki chuckled. "Am I hurting you?" It was a little difficult fighting her, seeing as she looked like his beloved, but she had to be dealt with. And maybe he could release his Kagome-sama's soul.

"Ugh, damn you." She fell to her knees as her souls began to leave her, one by one.

Kagome grimaced. She was going to have to save her too. Naraku wouldn't be very happy at all. Standing, she started toward them. "Kiyoshiyuki!" She called, but he seemed not to hear her. "Kiyoshiyuki!"

He turned to face her, the cold expression he'd had fading. "Kagome-sama."

"Cut it out."

"Kagome!" Naraku snarled.

She ignored him. "Don't hurt her."

"Is it causing you pain?" Kiyoshiyuki inquired.

Kagome shook her head. "No. But you have to stop. I'm not going through the trouble of keeping her alive, just for you to kill her."

Naraku frowned deeply, his sword locked with Sesshomaru's. He had to get over there. A tentacle jutting out of his hip, he swatted at Sesshomaru, knocking the Daiyoukai away. He darted over to Kagome, grabbing her arm. "Pick a side, miko. Mine or the halfbreeds! Who do you belong to?"

"Girl, you shouldn't have interfered." Kikyo coughed.

"Kagome! Kikyo!" Inuyasha yelled.

Kiyoshiyuki narrowed his eyes. He didn't like the way Naraku was handling her.

"Who do you belong to?!" Naraku yelled again, gripping her arm tighter.

Kagome grunted. "No one."

Furious, Naraku lifted a hand and swung it downward.

"Kagome!"

Naraku stared in shock as his newest child caught his arm. He glared. "Boy."

"Do not hit Kagome-sama, Naraku."

"Naraku's going to kill him his first day." Kagura smirked. But her face fell when Naraku smiled. Why hadn't he punished the brat? Could he possibly be different from her and Kanna?

"Kagome, make a decision. Who's side are you on?" He jerked his arm away from Kiyoshiyuki, wrapping it around Kagome's waist.

"I fight on no one's side."

Naraku nodded. "Then you can not protect anyone either."

Kagome huffed. "I'll do what I wish."

"You will not." He held her to him tightly.

She stared back defiantly.

"Naraku, release the miko." Sesshomaru growled.

Naraku paid him no heed. Instead, he grasped Kagome's hand, lifting it to his mouth.

"What are you doing?" Kagome asked.

He chuckled, biting into her hand and dragging his fangs through her skin and up her arm to her shoulder.

Kagome grimaced, her knees crumbling.

"Kagome/Kagome-sama!"

"Naraku, what are you doing to her?"

"Kagome," Naraku smiled, coming to his knees and pushing her chin up to lift her face.

Kagome stared at him through lidded eyes. "Hm?"

He suckled her shoulder. "You are mine now." He drove his fangs into her shoulder again.

"Ah!!" Kagome shrieked as their aura's soard around her.

The people, and demons, nearest fell backwards, scrambling away. The molding of the two aura's was interrupted as Kagome leaned toward Naraku's ear, whispering with an intense softness, "This had better not endanger the baby."

Naraku blinked, before smirking and releasing miasma for them to escape.

"And that's our cue!" Kagura grabbed Kanna, Hakudoshi, and Kiyoshiyuki, before soaring off.

Inuyasha rushed to Kikyo's side. "Are you okay?"

Kikyo nodded, sitting up as the others gathered around her. "My reincarnation, has nearly killed herself in saving me."

"I think she knew that."

"What did he do?" Rin whimpered softly.

"He marked her." Sango replied. "Not as his mate though. She has a chance to escape."

Miroku tapped his chin. "But does she want to?"

Inuyasha nodded with a glare. "Of course she does. She just needs our help. I can't believe we've left her in his possession for so long. I'm failing her."

"It's her fault." Kikyo said softly. "She keeps putting herself in danger to save others."

"You're lucky she is!" Sango cried. "Or you'd be dead right now."

Kikyo narrowed her eyes. "She once said that if she had a chance to help someone, then she would do it, no matter what it meant for her. She is a fool. This is nearly the fourth time she has nearly killed herself, trying to save me."

Shippo grinned. "Momma is very kind."

"She's stupid." Inuyasha pouted, scowling when Sesshomaru whacked him over the head. "Ow! Why are you so defensive of her?"

"Hn. The miko has earned my respect."

"Keh, whatever. We have to get her back, and soon."

Miroku sighed. "Better said than done. We can only fine Naraku when he wants to be found. He could hide with her for years."

Rin and Shippo bursted into tears.

"Don't say that!" Sango punched him in the shoulder.

"My mistake." He sighed. "Shall we find camp?"

"Keh, sure monk." Lifting Kikyo into his arms, Inuyasha started off.

Sesshomaru followed behind the ragtag group, a hand rising to his pulse, which was still slightly bruised from Kagome's kiss. 'Miko.' Growling softly, he snatched his hand away as though it burned. 'Damn human.'