WARNING

This chapter's content is disturbing, violent, and intense.

There's a really sour lemon so read cautiously.

Chapter 34

Damn, that bitch's new sword nearly killed me. My hands almost burned to the bone. I don't care where it disappeared to, as long as its gone.

Kikyo was interrupted from her thoughts as a large furry sword came crashing down above her. She jumped out of the way and erected a dark barrier around herself.

"Inuyasha!" Kikyo bellowed, gripping her bleeding chest. "You insolent bastard!" Roots sprang up from the ground and twisted themselves around the Inu boy's body tightly, forcing him to drop his sword.

"I'm insolent? And you're all rainbows and butterfly shit," Inuyasha scoffed, struggling against his bindings.

"I could have given you everything! All I wanted in exchange was my soul back," she said straightening.

"It's not your soul, Kikyo. It simply is a soul that has traveled through bodies throughout time. Now it resides in Kagome's body. It doesn't belong to you, or to her. It simply is. You cannot hold claim to something that has no owner!" he tried to reason.

"IT IS MINE! I want to feel again! I want to have joy, happiness, sorrow. Not this taste of what I used to be! Near emptiness, the border of being completely void. It disgusts me and at the same time makes me crave it more!" Dark purple sparks flew around her body and shot themselves into Inuyasha's body. His face contorted in pain as he writhing in the roots. Opening one eye, he looked at his sword which rested untransformed by his feet.

Damnit. I can't reach…His rib cage began to collapse and he realized that this was how he would die. Honorless. He snorted and looked straight ahead at Kikyo. Just like how Sesshomaru would have wanted it. Then Inuyasha's senses tingled, and a demonic aura spread around him, turning his guts upside down. No way…

Suddenly the roots retracted back into the earth and Inuyasha fell, clutching his half broken chest. The smug smile on Kikyo's face turned into fear.

"Wench," calmly said a deep baritone voice in the darkness. "I told you, you cannot kill him yet." From the shadows, a demon clad in white stepped out and level his stare to Inuyasha. It smelled, looked, and felt like him, but something was off. He seemed more…malicious.

"You? This means you're in league with Naraku again," stampered Inuyasha.

His brother laughed snidely. "In league? Halfbreed, think of it more of a mutual arrangement. I am simply looking for my own benefits," he said snapping his fingers. Two demons approached carrying what appeared to be a body bag. They tilted the bag over and out spilled a woman's body wearing a glowing collar on her neck.

"Kagome!" Inuyasha screamed. "What the fuck did you do to her?" He tried getting up but Sesshomaru lashed him with a poison whip and Inuyasha fell to the floor again, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.

"I didn't do anything. This was Kikyo's doing," he said side glancing at her. She stepped up to the body and examined the collar.

"I sense no magic in her," she said informing Sesshomaru.

"Good, then it worked. Stick around brother, you are one of our honored guests and we wouldn't want you to miss this," he said forming a cloud under himself and Kagome's body and turning to leave.

The two demons that dumped Kagome's body grabbed his forearms and heaved him up, dragging his feet along the floor. Inuyasha's face wrenched and he coughed more blood. Fuck, what the hell is going on? I can't even fight…

He glanced back at his sword laying still on the floor.

The hall he was lead to was crowded with candles of all sizes, colors and scents. So much so that his dog nose became sensitive and he fought to keep his stomach down. There's something in those candles that's making me sick. But I'm only half dog demon. Why isn't Sesshomaru effected by them?

His brother lead Kagome to the center, besides an obelisk and an altar. A woman wearing a dark purple dress with a slit on her thigh came out from behind them. Her hair was pick up in hair sticks, with red orbs dangling from the top. A chain of pearls was draped loosely around her head, which contrasted beautifully against the ebony of her hair. Her image was sultry and attractive, but looking at her would even chill the dead.

She glanced out the window in front of her, her eyes tainting red. "It's time," she murmured.

"Wake her," ordered Sesshomaru.

Inuyasha helplessly watched as the witch stepped before Kagome and brought a vile to her nose. Kagome instantly stirred and moaned. Sesshomaru glanced at Inuyasha and growled. "Say anything, half breed, and I kill her now." Inuyasha resigned and bowed his head, defeated.

"I feel so weak," she said to herself. Keeping her eyes closed, she sat up and rubbed her temple, completely unaware of her surroundings. She then began to notice the smells of the candles and she slowly opened her eyes. Her vision was blurred, but she could make out silhouettes standing before the candles.

"Who's there?" she asked blindly. "Why can't I see?"

"Miko," came Sesshomaru's baritone voice.

"You came!" she said snapping her head in his direction. She tried to stand and walk to him, still unaware. "Rin-"

"Silence," he said warning her with a growl. She instantly quieted. He approached her and took another vile from the alter. "Hold your head up and keep your eyes open," he commanded. She obeyed and felt stinging liquid drop in her eyes. She recoiled back and rubbed them feverously. When she opened them again, however, she could see. She smiled when she met Sesshomaru's gaze, but instantaneously stepped back when she took a closer look. Something was off, and his intense stare made her uncomfortable. Her senses were going crazy, but she couldn't sense him. She quickly glanced around the room, meeting the gazes of the witch, then Kikyo.

She was about to yell to Sesshomaru to attack her, but then she realized he must have known she was there. Why hasn't he done anything. And why can't I sense them.

"What the hell?" was all she could say to him.

He stepped closer to her, cornering her into a wall. She cowered back, feeling very threatened; the urge to flee overtaking her body. "You will not run. Things have happened that we must discuss," he said snapping his fingers. To her left appeared a puff of black smoke. When it faded, Kagome saw Rin standing there, her eyes almost lifeless. She eerily walked towards Sesshomaru and hid behind his legs, peaking around at Kagome. But her eyes...they were so blank. It made Kagome sick to look at her this way.

Two and two clicked, and she knew this was not right. "Who are you," she asked menacingly. A clawed hand shot out and pinned her to the wall.

"Kagome!" screamed a familiar voice. Kagome's eyes fearfully shot to Inuyasha's direction, her heart pounding. What in the name of hell is going on here?

"I don't want you dead, half breed. I want you to see this. But if you do not shut up I'll disembowel you right here and now," he warned for the last time. Inuyasha instantly silenced. Not because he ordered it, but because he had to find a way to save Kagome.

"And you…who else would I be?" he asked in a husky whisper, lowering his mouth to her neck and kissing it softly. Days earlier, if he had done that, she would have been putty in his hands. But now she felt as if she were dancing on the edge of death.

"Naraku," she said through clenched teeth.

"No, miko. It is me. Don't you remember the way I kissed you in the shack? The way you responded to my touch," he said mockingly. Then, with a snide and sick smile, he said into her ear, "the way you pleasured me in your shower."

She gasped. Only Sesshomaru knew about that. Naraku couldn't have. Her blood froze and she felt the onslaught of tears invading her eyes. Why was he behaving this way? "What do you want?" she said with her voice quivering. Inuyasha's eyes widened. He couldn't believe she had fallen for it.

Sesshomaru smiled. "I sensed Inuyasha returning from wherever he had escaped to when you sent him through the well. I couldn't trust him still so I went to make sure all was in order. I found Rin locked in his grasp," he said vehemently, glaring at his 'brother'. "He did not have Tetsuaiga with him, and I realized he was transforming."

He turned Kagome's head so she could see him. Her eyes widened with sadness when she noticed the beginnings of his markings appearing on his cheeks. His eyes were riddled with emotion and he silently begged her not to listen. Damnit Kagome, it's a trap. Why can't you see?

Sesshomaru turned her back to look at him and studied her for a moment. When he was sure of her, he released her from his claws. Her hands shot up to caress her throat but she remained still. He turned his back to her and looked upon Rin's frail form. "When I had him subdued, he began to talk in his frenzy." He spun around to face her with false worry written on his face.

"Kagome," he said stepping up to her to caress her cheek. "Naraku has discovered something I hoped he never would. There is a spell which he will cast that can force the jewel shards, where ever they may be, to join together and become whole again. The only way to do so…" his voice trailed off as his eyes became distant.

"What is it? Sesshomaru, tell me, we have to stop him!" He looked down at her and set his jaw. "The only way to do so is to mate you, Kagome. You are the keeper of the jewel and it will respond to you. When it senses his evil aura force itself upon you, and you are unwilling to comply, the spell will trigger the jewel to return to its natural state to protect you. The spell requires a mating mark in order for it to truly work," he said with haste.

"I don't understand all this," she said furrowing her brows.

Sesshomaru's patience dried and he turned to the room. "Escort everyone out," he said to the guards. They nodded and grabbed Inuyasha and Rin. Inuyasha struggled to get out, growling and barking, appearing all the more unstable. Rin followed the guards walking drunkenly, and Kagome failed to see the trail of tears streaming down her face.

When the doors had closed, Sesshomaru turned to Kagome and embraced her tightly. She was taken aback by his sudden movement and awkwardly returned his hug. "Uhm, Sesshomaru…" she said with a slight questioning voice.

"Kagome, the only way he can do this is by forcing you to bed him. Then mating you, forcing you to be his and only his until he dies. You will smell like him, your aura will bend to him, your very soul will be his. Kagome, I can't allow this to happen."

"Is there a way we can stop it?" she said with fear hitching in her throat.

"Yes. I will do everything within my strengths to protect you. But if I fail, you need to be assured that he cannot mate you," he said stroking her cheek.

"How?"

"Someone else needs to mate you first," he said pausing for her reaction.

She stared at him blankly for a few moments, then realized his insinuation. "Wait! Mate? You don't mean you, do you? What about Miyuki? You're blood line?" To say she was shocked was an understatement.

"My love for Miyuki goes back before your great grandparents were born. I thought it would be an eternal love I had shared with her. But then I met you. Since the day you pulled the sword from my father's grave, to the day you sang for me, moving my soul into your voice…Kagome, I cannot deny this thing that is taking over me. This thing is you," he said stepping closer to her. Her heart began to beat faster and her throat tightened with anticipation.

"If I were to mate Miyuki, she would be a fine mate indeed. But I can feel it searing into my heart, she is not the right choice. I never, ever though that I would be so captivated by a human. Following truly in my father's steps. Despite your frailty and near insignificant life span, there is strength in you that Miyuki will never have. Kagome," he said taking her hands in his and bringing his lips to hover over hers. "Allow me to mate you. Not just to prevent Naraku's attack. But because…I love you," he finished.

That was it. Kagome's eyes poured tears.

"Sesshomaru…I don't know what to say. Just wait a minute…This isn't your palace and after everything you allowed Kikyo to walk around like she owned this place. If Naraku is planning such things, Kikyo is in on it too! And what about-"

"Kagome, shh. Listen. I will answer everything, I promise. But we need to act fast. That woman that was here was a spy of mine. She has sent word that Naraku is on the move. Please, Kagome. I can't live with myself if my plan falls apart. Everything is in place. All that's left is for you to make a decision."

Suddenly, to Kagome's right, a large concrete door swung open and revealed a room within. Sesshomaru took her hand and lead her in. Gasping, Kagome couldn't believe her eyes. The walls were painted purple with black floral designs. A large crystal chandelier with dozens of candles all around lit up the room romantically. There was a large window draped with deep purple velvet curtains, trimmed with gold. In the center of the room was a massive bed. The headboard was gold, along with the foot board. The bed was accented with soft down pillows, fabrics upon rich fabrics that were crème and purple colored. The night stand beside the bed had a bowl of some red liquid in it.

Kagome awkwardly looked about the room, and then back at Sesshomaru.

"Koi, I know this wasn't the way you would have wished for it to happen..." he began. He walked behind her and wrapped a strong arm around her small frame, breathing in deep the scent in her neck. He smirked wickedly behind her, smelling the scent of her slight arousal. So slight she wouldn't have even noticed it yet. "Stay with me tonight," he whispered in her ear. He placed a tentative kiss on the juncture between her neck and shoulder, and Kagome was sent an electrifying sensation to her core.

She turned slightly to face him, and he spun her around fully. He kissed her hard, a false tear fell down his face and landed on her cheek. She stepped back shocked, and reached up to touch it. "You...are you..." she looked up at him bewildered.

He was silent, and she watched another tear fall abruptly. "I can't lose you. I've lost everyone I ever loved. I won't allow you to fall through my fingers too," he said turning his back to her.

Make her come to you. Let her think this is her decision, he reminded himself. He had to control himself so he wouldn't burst laughing as he heard her steps come towards him. Humans are so vulnerable. So gullible. Just a few soothsaying and she is wrapped around my fingers. Time to wrap her around something else, Naraku thought snidely.

Kagome reached up and grasped his shoulder, turning him around. "You're right; this isn't how I dreamed this would happen. But if you think that this is best, and you...really love me...Sesshomaru, you broke my heart this morning. How could you do a thing like that?" she asked, waiting for an answer.

Naraku had no idea what she was talking about. But he thought quickly. "I don't know what I was thinking, so I don't have an answer for you. But please forgive me. I am temperamental and sometimes act without thinking," he responded. Damn, I shouldn't have said that. Sesshomaru always thinks things through. "I act without thinking of you," he corrected himself. "But that's all going to change. If you let me..."

"Sesshomaru. Kiss me," she said looking up at him. Naraku sneered within himself. You're mine.

H bent down and kissed her passionately, grabbing the back of her neck and pulling her closer. He tore her shirt with his claw and lifted her up easily. He had her pressed against the wall, his knee shoved between her legs to hold her up so he could free his hand. Kagome's hands found their way twisted in his hair as she deepened the kiss. Naraku could sense her entire being focused on him.

He set her down and led her to the bed, stood her facing it. He wanted her to imagine the things he was going to do to her, to pull her further in a drunken lust. He pulled down her fighting pants and kneeled behind her. He kissed down her buttocks, her thigh, and worked his way back up.

She was in heaven. The attention he was giving her flesh sent her into madness. She was in the clouds. She felt his hand reach to her front and began to caress her inner folds. She threw her head back and breathed heavily, her knees growing weak.

She suddenly began to feel herself being pulled from her body. She opened her eyes and she was in a strange, foggy space. There was dead grass under her feet, and she was aware of her nudity.

"Miko, she heard a powerful female voice echo from behind her. She spun around and tried to peer into the fog. The details became clearer as the woman stepped closer to her. She had raven hair, draping to her knees. She was wearing high priestess robes, and a bow was hooked to her waist and the quiver tied to her back was empty. Her face was scarred, burned. Her robes torn and bloodied.

"Who are you?" Kagome asked, trying to hide herself.

"I am the keeper of the souls in the Shikon Jewel."

Kagome gasped and fell to her knees. "Midriko," she whispered. The high priestess stepped within inches from Kagome, and rested a hand on her head. Kagome fell to her knees as the high priestess' powers vibrated throughout her body.

"Kagome, you are in peril and you cannot see. The one who touches you now is not the one who loves you," she said cryptically.

"What?"

"Your Inu lover is not with you. He is scared, angry, and lost. He cannot find you because you have shut yourself form him and opened yourself to an imposter."

"Sesshomaru...we were in his bedroom..."

"MIKO!" Midriko shouted, "You are my successor! How can you be so easily swayed by words and touches! How you insult your lover by believing a wolf in sheepskin!"

"That is not...Sesshomaru," she began to be lifted from her drunken state. The fog around her cleared. Midriko waved her hand to the right, and an image of Kagome and Sesshomaru appeared. It was them, back in the purple bedroom. But Kagome began to notice things. The room was not familiar to her. Sesshomaru's palace was not that extravagant. And she noticed something about Sesshomaru...the way he touched her was different. It wasn't with passion. It was with intent. The dark look in his eyes was unrecognizable. And Kagome noticed him tracing an invisible spell on her belly as he touched her.

"Naraku!" she cried utterly afraid. "Damnit, I knew it! Midriko, what will I do?"

"Call for Sesshomaru. I cannot protect your body. But I will fight Naraku from within you," she said and pushed Kagome into the swirling image of herself and Naraku.

Kagome opened her eyes in a panic and saw Naraku hovering over her, his manhood pressed against her. He noticed her change in aura and peered into her eyes. She knows. How the hell did she find out? He dropped his guise and the white hair that cascaded over Kagome's belly turned black. She was staring into the face of the half demon that destroyed her life. Killed thousands. And now he was about to...

"Get off!" she screamed and tried to conjure up her miko powers. Naraku laughed above her.

"All this time, you hadn't even noticed the binding collar you had been adorning. You are not a miko now. You are a frail human girl. And you are mine," he snickered.

Tears welled in her eyes, but she refused to cry. What he was going to do was inevitable. She remembered what Midriko ordered of her. Sesshomaru...she cried silently. Silence. Sesshomaru! Naraku...he's...oh god...

She heard a growl within her mind. Fight Kagome. I sense you now. Fight him. I am coming.

Suddenly a sharp pain seared through Kagome's core. She opened her eyes to her worst nightmare. The nightmare of everyone woman. Her innocence, her purity, her light. It was all taken from her. Sesshomaru...