AN: Oops, was I late again? Sorry!

Evelyn: I adoreeeeeeee Kagura. If it's allowed, she's definitely my favorite. (Though honestly, that feels like picking my favorite kids, lol) I think a lot of her suggestions come from being mated to Sesshomaru, who I just can't imagine ever being poor. Not because he's royalty, but because he'd want to keep Kagura in comfort and high heels. Thanks for the review!

Mika: Me too, lol. Thanks for the review!

Moi: Yay! Let me know if you like it. :)

NurNur: Thank you! Glad you liked it :)

CookieTheif: Awwww, two reviews for me? You're so sweet. Thank you! Glad you like everything, even if the cliffhangers are a tad to intense ;) And don't worry, Kagura will be showing off her shoes soon enough. Thanks for reviewing!

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and I am not making any money off this story


November 17: 10:22 AM

The Day Before the Trial

Kagome held onto Inuyasha's hair since, clearly, the only thought in his head was 'teaching' his lesson of the day.

Lesson 19: How to drive Kagome insane

She whimpered when he gently bit her nipple, licking the small sting away as his evil, dulled-claws traced the lips of her sex, teasing her.

"Inu.." she moaned, tugging on the silver strands she was desperately fisting. "Please."

He chuckled against her breast, stubbornly resisting her pleas. "This is an important lesson, mate." He kissed her nipple again innocently, like he wasn't currently driving her crazy with lust. "To truly appreciate climaxes, you need to truly understand the pleasure that comes before it."

"This isn't pleasure, this is torture." Kagome wiggled under him, frustrated and unbelievably turned on. His fingers and lips had been feeding the fire burning inside her for what felt like hours now, building it higher and higher, but always stopping right before it could burn into an inferno.

"Oh, God...Do something!" She yelped as he once again slowed his pace inside her, leaving her wound up tight, but unable to go further.

Her eyes were screwed tight, but she could picture his wicked grin. "Who am I to deny my mate?" Two fingers brushed over her clit, a third one sliding itself inside her.

She arched her hips and wailed, those clever, clever fingers working her over. Had she ever thought them evil? His mouth trailed lower, pressing open mouthed kisses all over her stomach while his hand petted and played. A big palm reached up to cover her neglected breast, his callouses deliciously rough over her soft skin. The pads of his fingers plucked at her nipple, giving it a little attention before sliding his hand down, cupping her hip. He propped himself on an elbow, utterly fascinated by how his tan fingers contrasted against all that pale pink skin.

A week ago, Kagome would have kicked him, simply out of reflex for looking. But after a week of lessons on exposing her inhibitions and forgetting what the word 'shy' even meant, all she cared about was writhing and moaning under him.

Especially when he was so good at coaxing those reponses from her.

Her fingers twisted in her bedsheets, desperate for something to hold on to now that Inuyasha's hair was out of her grasp. Panting, she lifted her head, needing to see him.

He was completely focused on the way he was moving his fingers inside her, his face more than a little savage. She shivered at the possessive look in his eye, knowing he was probably thinking all sort of caveman things. She'd be lying if she said it didn't turn her on more.

He met her gaze, fangs peeking out over his lip. She could tell the smooth Casanova Kikyo had helped to craft was fading, being replaced more and more by a dark demon lover.

It wasn't a hard choice on which one she preferred.

Yelping, she nearly jumped when Inuyasha twisted his finger, finding a new spot to stroke and tease. He smirked at her reaction, settling more comfortably between her legs.

"Spread your legs a little more mate...more...more."

Her feet were practically hanging off the bed before Inuyasha was satisfied with her position, and with the way he was licking his lips she didn't even care about the strain.

He nuzzled her inner thigh, earning a whimper when he nipped lightly at the soft skin there. "Good mate. But you're still too tight." he muttered, more to himself. To his relief, he had found no hymen for him to break once they started their 'lessons'. Being her first and last was more then enough, he didn't need blood as well. He still worried about hurting her though.

She rolled her hips in invitation, knowing he wanted to stretch her a bit and wanted it too. It had felt a little strange at first, but with all the care he took to make sure she was relaxed and feeling good, she almost felt physically ready to accept the real thing.

Emotionally and mentally were another matter.

Glancing up at her to make sure she was settled and needy, he rubbed her legs with long strokes of his hand, raising goosebumps. "Do something for me mate?"

Anything. "Yes?"

He kissed her thigh tenderly. He might be trying to appear gentle, but she could see the demon behind that angel face. "Hold yourself open for me." He coaxed. "Help me ready you."

Shyness almost crept back up on her, but the desire written on Inuyasha's face forced it back before it could really start. He wanted this, and at this point she would do anything to please him.

And she'd be lying if she said the idea of it didn't make her hot as hell.

Biting her lip, she released her death grip on the sheets and gently pulled open the lips of her sex, completely exposing herself to his view.

He groaned, unable to take his eyes off her. "You're fuckin' perfect mate, you know that?" He popped two of his fingers in his mouth, getting them good and wet. "Lesson twenty mate: Two fingers."

And with that, his mouth dropped onto her clit at the same time his fingers slipped inside her.

Her back arched as she cried out. Thought was beyond her now. Sensations crowded her mind, bursts of color and light and unholy pleasure all she was aware of. Her entire world narrowed down to the demon between her legs, feeling fuller then ever before from his fingers.

His tongue danced across her clit, tracing wicked symbols onto the slick flesh while he gently pumped his fingers in and out, in and out, in and out. Readying her for her 'advanced' courses.

So good. Almost too good. Her head tossed back and forth, nerve endings on fire. She wanted to beg for more, but the only sound she could make was wordless gasps and moans.

Inuyasha hummed against her, making Kagome whimper in turn from the vibrations. His mouth and fingers might have been busy, but he kept close attention to the rest of her body, looking for signs she was uncomfortable or in pain. He wound an arm under her hips, lifting her up enough so his tongue could get at her better.

He pulled back enough to glance up at her, licking her desire off his lips. "You taste good, mate." He rasped, scissoring his fingers inside her gently. Her wet flesh clenched on him, almost making it difficult to move.

She panted, her eyes glassy and lost. "Inuyasha."

He knew that tone by now. He dropped his head back down, tongue lapping strongly at her clit while his fingers moved faster. "Come for me."

Her body tensed, muscles going rigid and stiff. Her mouth opened in a silent wail, heels digging into the mattress as her orgasm swept over her, stealing her breath.

Lightly stroking her like a kitten, he soothed her, helping her float back down to earth. He kissed her hip with a loud smack of his lips before closing her legs and crawling up to her side, tugging her into his embrace, a stupid grin covering his mouth.

Her head lulled on his shoulder, struggling to look up at him when she wanted to go back to sleep. "You are amazing." she breathed.

He felt amazing, like he could climb the worlds tallest mountain, rescue children from a burning orphanage, and have a witty debate with Kagura...and actually win. With his mate lying satisfied in the crook of his arm, all thanks to him, he wanted to puff his chest out with pride. Would probably have done so if Kagome wasn't currently sprawled across it. "Anytime, mate."

She giggled and his ego got about a thousand times bigger. She rubbed her cheek against him and murmured softly, "I want to be amazing next."

Kagome smiled to herself when Inuyasha chocked, feeling his heart rate kick up under her cheek. His muscles flexed under her, as if he was tempted to scoop her up and let her have his wicked way with him.

He audibly swallowed. "Considering those sets of instructions aren't on the lesson plan for a few weeks yet, you'll have to be satisfied knowing you're amazing all by yourself."

Her heart melted even as she felt like rolling her eyes. Inuyasha had barely allowed her to 'study' on him at all this last week, insisting she needed to be more comfortable with him before they took that next step. Neither of them had voiced it, but she thought Inuyasha was still feeling guilty and compensating in the form of screaming orgasms to prove his devotion.

So instead of pushing the issue, knowing he would find a way to distract her (especially since he had so many fun ways to go about distracting her) she forced herself to sit up, steadying herself with a hand on his chest when she still felt a bit wobbly. "Then at least let me make you breakfast."

His arm wrapped loosely around her hips and he cracked his eyes open, still looking smug. He had earned it though. His lips curved into a slow grin. "You said maple syrup is a breakfast food, yeah?"

Kagome just barely resisted hitting him with a pillow, even if she was interested in his line of thought. "I meant real food, not just syrup with me as the plate."

He grinned unrepentantly, and she could see Super Stud twinkling in his eyes. "But I'm hungry for you-"

Interrupting the rest of his outrageous statement with a brief kiss, Kagome hopped off the bed before he could grab her, quickly slipping one of his flannel shirts over her shoulders. "Real food, Inuyasha. We're meeting Kagura in two hours, and I don't want to be all sticky."

He only looked at the junction between her thighs, still smirking.

"Anymore sticky, then." she corrected. "Let's have a fast breakfast, clean up, and after we visit your brother, go on another date. I've been dying to take you to the movie theaters." During the week when they weren't 'studying', they would run all over the city, exposing Inuyasha to the wonders of the new century. She couldn't wait to see him try popcorn for the first time.

And it would further distract her from what they had to do tomorrow.

She wasn't going to lie and say she wasn't nervous about the trial, the days of bottling up her feelings till she got neurotic were past her now, but she didn't want to let that ruin their time together. Especially not when they had the whole day ahead of them to play and enjoy each others company. Besides, there was no way she was going to waste time with worries when she was sure Inuyasha would be fine. He was smart, strong, fast and had been training this past week, Kouga even coming over a few times to spar with him. And she trusted Sesshomaru to protect his brother, or at least be nagged into it by Kagura.

Looking back at him laying on his bed, probably thinking of a way to get her back on it as well, she smiled and knew that she'd stress about it tonight. But not now.

Inuyasha took mercy on Kagome by dragging himself out of bed and pulling his jeans up rather than trying to talk her back into bed. But only because he knew he'd have a chance at talking her into the shower. "What about Souta and your grandfather?"

"Well this afternoon is Souta's last appointment with his damn shrink, so Gramps was thinking about taking him somewhere special. They shouldn't be home till late." Which Kagome felt a little pang over. They had all been spending more time together as a family, Souta losing his obsession with spirits and Samhain, and Gramps slowly coming home earlier and earlier each day. He wasn't burying himself in his work as he had been since her father died, but actually having dinner or watching TV with his grandchildren and Inuyasha. And though he still grumbled about him being 'hoodlum-y', he'd stopped hiding the silverware, which she took as a good sign.

It felt like the entire Higurashi family was healing finally. Even the reports from her mother's doctors were cautiously positive about her progress.

She wanted to go out with them to celebrate cutting damn Dr. Saito out of their lives, or to join Inuyasha and Souta in a game of soccer or even to sit upright next to her grandfather. She hated lying about her ribs, and about her powers and Inuyasha. It was the only blot on how perfect this last week with him had been.

"And let's figure out how to tell them about us once we get through the trial." She said suddenly. "They need to know."

Inuyasha nodded, knowing it was necessary but hadn't known how to tell them either. Souta might be thrilled, but with Gramps believing in the old religion, he might try to kill Inuyasha. And he didn't feel like being attacked with his ineffective ofadu.

Sliding a few buttons into place, Kagome tugged at the tails of his shirt, glad Inuyasha was tall enough that the clothing covered her down to her thighs. "Come on, I'll show you how to make eggs." She cajoled, grabbing his hand.

"Feh. What happened to making me breakfast?"

"That'll still happen. But you might as well help."

Inuyasha grunted, but followed her. "I think we have different expectations of the words ' I'll make'." He grumbled, loud enough for her to hear.

Kagome felt herself smile at the way his fingers wrapped around hers, strong and steady. Inuyasha would be fine. He had to be. Everything would be fine, she didn't want to worry Inuyasha-

She almost cursed at the direction her thoughts were shaping into. She was still pushing her feelings away and pretending to be fine. Well, old habits died hard and she couldn't completely change overnight. But she would talk to Inuyasha. And they would get through this, together, rather then shouldering it all herself.

"Inuyasha, I want to talk to you about-"

Knock, Knock

Kagome nearly tripped down the stairs before Inuyasha grabbed her arm, surprised by the sudden knock. "That's weird, it's way too early for your brother's driver to have shown up. Any idea who it is?"

Inuyasha took a deep breath before promptly sneezing. He looked a bit sheepish. "They're drenched in something sort of sweet, I can't tell." Sneeze.

Kagome knew she looked surprised, but she had never heard Inuyasha sneeze before. "Are you ok?"

Nose wiggling and ears twitching, Inuyasha nodded. "I'm good. You get back to bed and I'll grab the door. Your ribs are supposed to be injured." He reminded her, before she could protest. "Then maybe before we have breakfast we can...clean up."

Knock, Knock

Kagome's eyes lit up at the promise of a shower. "Normally, I love the way you think but I can't help but think about the oatmeal you poured all over yourself yesterday at breakfas-"

"And how are two showers in one day a bad thing?" Inuyasha gently pushed her towards her room. "I'll be right there. Wait for me."

KNOCK, KNOCK

Starting to unbutton her shirt, Kagome whirled around, smiling over her shoulder. "Don't be long." Just before crossing her doorway, she whipped the shirt off and chucked it over her shoulder with a giggle, quickly disappearing behind her door.

A stupid grin spread over his face. Fuck, did he love that girl. He snagged the shirt up off the floor, shoving his arms through and enjoying the warmth and Kagome's scent clinging to it as he padded down the stairs, sneezing again.

Unease prickled along his spine, but he pushed it aside and buttoned the shirt halfway up. It was probably some stupid tourist who couldn't find the temple by themselves. He just wanted to deal with them quickly and get back to Kagome.

KNOCKKNOCKKNOCKKNOCK!

Definitely a pushy tourist. He'd just get rid of them and dart back to Kagome so they could clean up before lunch. In the shower. With the lights brazenly on, this time.

He tried to force a scowl on his face, but couldn't since he was thinking of Kagome. There would be no scaring the tourists today, then.

Shrugging to himself, he resolved to at least act like he was polite and twisted the doorknob open and back.

He just barely saw a flash of red, before Inuyasha staggered back, eyes, throat and nose burning. The gritty dust settled in a thick layer over his face, and no matter how hard he scrubbed at his skin, it clung stubbornly on. He gasped for breath as the particles were slowly absorbed, settling in his flesh.

Face still stinging and his head spinning, Inuyasha found himself on his hands and knees, claws digging deep enough into the front step to draw blood. His eyes watered and his throat felt scratched raw, but what was worse was his nose. Every inhale was tinged in smoke and power that stung like acid. He hadn't seen the person who attacked him, but he knew the signature of that power anywhere.

"Kikyo."

"It's sonice to be remembered." Kikyo drawled, and he had the sense that she sat close to him, maybe a step or two below him. "Do stop with the dramatics though, Inuyasha. That little bit of powder couldn't have hurt that much."

Inuyasha snarled in response, feeling weak and shaky. He tensed the trembling in his body, trying to gather the strength needed to leap at her.

Kikyo sighed. "Before you attempt to attack me, be very aware that I've been in close contact with all of your mate's family. You won't be able to smell the proof of course, but I don't think you want to test me in this. If you attack me, you may as well attack them instead. You'll be kinder, I'm sure."

She was right, he couldn't smell or see but he could hear the ring of truth in her words. If she didn't leave the shrine grounds safely, he was sure she had set motions in place to hurt Kagome's family in retaliation. She wouldn't have come without insurance.

Not that it had occurred to him she would come at all.

He shook the thought off, knowing he couldn't take a guilt trip right now. He needed to protect Kagome.

Kago-

Agonizing pain shot through him, shooting lightening bolts studded in spikes and dipped in venom through his brain. Ma-

If possible, the pain was even worse with his second attempt to connect with Kagome. He writhed helplessly on the ground, his muscles contorting under his skin while his mind burned.

"I wouldn't try that again if I were you." Kikyo's voice broke out over his misery, but for the first time in 500 years it didn't calm him. "Though honestly, I wouldn't have tried to betray me in the first place. Oh well, hindsight, right?"

The pain slowly ebbed away, leaving him panting and flat on his back. His fangs dipped over his lips and his claws were fully extended, but he didn't feel strong enough to use them even if Kikyo hadn't held Kagome's family in her hands.

He cracked his eyes open, black circles dancing in front of fuzzy images. "What the fuck did you do?" He gasped, straining to see past the dots marring his vision.

"Obviously I interfered with your mate-meld with Kagome. Didn't the blinding pain and inability to reach your mate clue you in?"

Kikyo had definitely adapted to the new era. She had never been this mouthy before. "Impossible." And it was fucking crazy to even suggest it. Nothing could sever a mate meld. Kag-

Pain smacked him back and forth, flipping him around like a cheap rag doll. Each time just got worse and worse.

"As you can feel, it's very possible. Though I'm assuming you meant it's impossible to break your connection. You're very right, I can't do that. However, I can interfere with the signal a bit. Has Kagome explained cell phones to you yet? I've basically put your phone too close to another electrical device and it's causing interference. Unfortunately it's not permanent, but it won't need to be."

Inuyasha had no idea what she was talking about with the cell phones, but he knew interference was better then outright blocking. And if he tried hard enough, he should be able to break through Kikyo's spell to reach Kagome.

Kikyo tapped the tip of his nose to make sure his attention was on her. "And before you get the bright idea to just keep trying until you can break through, just know that the dust can be carried down to Kagome if you keep forcing it down the line. Now do you want your pretty little mate to hurt like this?"

"You bitch." Inuyasha hissed.

Kikyo allowed the insult to roll right off her, both of them knowing she had won."That's what I thought. So now that you're fully aware of what hangs on the balance, here's what's going to happen next. You're leaving with me, right now, and you'll do whatever possible to keep your little mate from following us." She flicked a strand of hair soaked by sweat off his forehead, her fingernail leaving a little, stinging mark. "You might think you're hurting her, but it'll be nothing compared to what I'll do if I ever see her again."

"And then what?" Inuyasha struggled to catch his breath.

"And then we go to the treasury to release Naraku. That's always been the plan." Kikyo brushed gently at the line she left on his forehead. "Just your part in it has changed."

Inuyasha shook his head, ignoring the way it made him reel. "You're lying. You still need Kagome to get the jewel."

"Maybe, maybe not." Inuyasha could just barely see Kikyo shrug, looking unconcerned. "You don't need to worry at all about how I'll get the jewel. You just worry about making sure Kagome never, ever wants to see you again."

Inuyasha clenched his fists, the helplessness sweeping over him worse than the pain. He wanted to reach out to Kagome, but could feel the poison Kikyo had covered him with at the edges of his mind. He had to believe Kikyo, there was no way he could meld with Kagome right now.

But that didn't mean he believed that Kikyo wouldn't need Kagome, she was the only one who could get the jewel. She might have 'interfered' with their bonds, but in the end, Kagome was the only descent of Midoriko.

And if he went with her now, there had to be some way he could stop her before she went for Kagome. Attack her while she drove, slice her while pretending to reconcile, anything. It was almost a blessing that he couldn't meld with Kagome. There was no way she could get hurt if their connection wasn't reachable.

He closed his eyes seemingly in defeat even as relief washed over him. He never thought he would be glad about this, but thank God he hadn't completed the final bonding with Kagome. He could still die in defense of her and she wouldn't be forced to follow.

And if he was fighting Kikyo, there was a chance he wouldn't survive it.

So he had to do as Kikyo said and made sure she stayed away. And the only way to do that...His heart clenched at the thought of what he would need to say. He had to do it though. Better her alive and hating him then dead and loving him.

At least he no longer had any reservations about killing Kikyo.

"I'll go."

"Of course you will," Kikyo pointed out, voice smug. "There was never any question about that."

Keeping the growl he wanted to snarl at her behind his lips, Inuyasha started to stand up, testing how much of his weight his legs could take. The pain had finally faded, but it left him feeling weak and sluggish. It was the thought of having to hurt Kagome that left him feeling like he might shatter into a million pieces.

Kikyo waved a hand. "Well, go ahead. I'll wait out here for you."

His fists tightened before he forced them to relax and hang limply at his sides. He needed to save his strength. He wanted to be able to rip Kikyo apart with his bare hands when this was over.

Inuyasha's eyes worked well enough now to see the way she studied him coolly, unemotionally. She had changed. Her skin was tanner, hair drawn up and her nose wasn't how he remembered. She seemed taller, but that could just be the high heels females of this era seemed to favor. More then her appearance and her attitude, her eyes had changed. Even hidden behind glasses, they were hard and cold when once they had been excited and full of hope. She used to look at him like he was her entire hope for her future. Now she just looked calculating.

She wasn't the only one who had changed. 500 years ago, he would have killed for her. Now he was going to do his best to kill her.

After he ripped his mate's heart apart.