InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ On The Night Of A Blood Red Moon ❯ Chapter 10

 

 

 

Title: On The Night Of A Blood Red Moon
Authors: Ryukotsusei and Cyntinell
Disclaimer: We own neither Inuyasha nor Yu Yu Hakusho. We do however own the plot. Steal it and you shall face our wrath.

 

 

 

 

Kouga was idly wondering what was taking Kisho so long in returning, the prostitute that he had wandered off with had long since returned. It left him with an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. By now it was mid-afternoon he was anxious to have them take him to the hideout. Surprise flashed across his face for the briefest of moments when the leather-clad Crow made his appearance in the bar. Kouga had no doubts as to who this demon was, he had immediately recognized him and the knowledge only intensified his uneasy feeling. He began to second guess his decision to stick around, perhaps it would have been best to return to the den and gather his pack but it was too late now. To disappear would arouse suspicion, if it hadn't been raised already. Had he pressed his luck a bit too far asking all those questions about Kagome?

 

He had no doubts that he would be able to take out Masakazu's henchmen but with the Crow he was far from certain. Without the Shikon shards embedded in his legs his speed and strength were greatly reduced. When the time came for him to fight the Crow it would be more about fighting skill and special abilities. Teleportation threw in a wild card he would have been much happier not having to worry about. In any case, he was not about to do anything rash such as attacking Masakazu in their current situation. To do so would seriously jeopardize his chances of rescuing Kagome, not to mention the risk to his own life. If he failed, not only would Kagome suffer but his mate along with the rest of his pack would as well until his oldest son was ready to take over his position.

 

Kouga inwardly sighed and pushed these thoughts away. He would continue to play this little game and wait for the perfect opportunity to strike. Perhaps Masakazu's appearance was a blessing in disguise. If he could strike up a conversation with the Crow then there was the possibility he would be invited to go back with them, bringing him closer to his goal. But it would not do to be too forward and be the one to make the first move. It would bring about suspicions especially since he had initiated the conversation with Kisho and the others. He watched, never taking his eyes off Masakazu as he approached. Before long Kouga was assaulted with Kagome's scent. His hands clenched under the table as he fought for control of his blood beast which was demanding he take action. The smell of her blood was covering the demon. The scent of sweat and sex mixed with blinding terror was trying to overpower him and he had to wonder if she would ever recover from what the Crow had done to her. He knew without even seeing her it was unlikely that she would ever be the same. He closed his eyes as he caught the smell of two other's on his person, one for certain was a female and the other a male. It would seem that Masakazu's reputation was well founded, the leather trench coat parted slightly to show a bare chest still covered in the remnants of one of his victims blood.

 

Masakazu let his gaze slide over the other occupants in the bar, seemingly disinterested as he made his way through the establishment and sat in a dark corner of the room. It would give him the perfect opportunity to observe the floor and examine the players involved. He had seen the flicker of rage in the Wolf's eyes as he walked by but appeared not to notice. Kisho had been correct to come to him about the Wolf's interest. It was amusing to him that this "Kouga" thought that he was adept at hiding his interest. This would prove to be most entertaining.

Kouga watched as the serving wench approached Masakazu with a stein. Even she seemed to realize who he was if her cautious approach was any indication, not that it mattered to the Crow. Masakazu proceeded to pull her closer once his drink was placed upon the table. Ignoring the other patrons in the bar he slid his hands up her skirt wrenching a gasp from the woman. Of course she knew better than to protest such actions, it was expected as part of her job. To refuse was asking for termination of her job and possibly her life depending on whom it was doing the fondling. Kouga was positive that if there hadn't been anyone else in the bar Masakazu would of violated her right then on the table.

 

He turned his head away in disgust as the Crow proceeded to molest the woman in full view of everyone. He found it a bit strange that Masakazu didn't sit with his own men, barely sparing them a passing glance. Silently Kisho made his way back to the table, looking none the worse for wear with his supposed escapade with the prostitute. Kouga raised an inquiring eyebrow towards him once he was noticed, a grin was his only reply. Kisho had been careful upon entering the way that he had left. He had no doubts the Wolf's nose would be able to pick up on any scent of sex or lack there of. It wouldn't do to go back without smelling appropriately so he had quickly had his way with one of the other girl's before returning to the main room. The Wolf would be none the wiser.

 

A drink was brought to Kouga's table that he had never ordered. Tapping his finger on the foam and bringing it to his lips Kouga was satisfied as to the content of the stein. `I need to bide my time and get to Kagome', Kouga kept whispering to himself inside his mind. No mistakes or all could be lost including my own life.

They sat alone in opposite corners of the bar waiting to see who would stand up first and approach the other. Every time Kouga's stein emptied a new one would be brought to him. This went on for over an hour. Who would end this stalemate and initiate conversation. Kouga knew not to be too eager here and would sit and wait as long as needed to put this demon's mind at ease. Masakazu was a rather isolated individual bordering on paranoid when he found himself outside his lair. Kouga knew the purpose of the alcohol. It had an uncanny knack for loosing tongues in quick decision conversation. The one he would inevitably be having soon with the Crow. Even the henchmen he was talking to before seemed to ignore him not even wasting a second glance at him. A tiny bead of sweat started to form on Kouga's forehead. With a quick glance at Masakazu he could see the demon smile at him, barely concealed maliciousness lurking in the depths of his eyes.

Eventually though it was Masakazu that ended the stalemate between them. Casually he stood up from his table with his stein in hand. His entire demeanor radiated an arrogance that Kouga had not seen in anyone except for Sesshoumaru. The way he carried himself was deeply troubling to Kouga, it was almost as if Masakazu knew why he was there. The tension between the occupants in the room rose to a fever pitch as Masakazu stood in front of Kouga. The Wolf began to rise to meet Masakazu eye to eye but a well placed look from Kisho stopped him. He was surprised by the Crow's smooth voice which broke through the tension. "May I sit here?"

"By all means, please do." Kouga was slightly taken back by Masakazu even asking permission to take a seat. He covertly appraised the demon in front of him as he took a drink, noting the Crow's obvious strengths and weaknesses. He quickly took stock of the weapons that he carried, there was a blade in his belt and a second hilt that was well concealed near his right boot. Other then the two blades, Kouga could make out no other weapons but that did not mean that he was defenseless physically. Masakazu was well known for fighting dirty, never hesitating to use his ability to teleport. Two blades would be more than enough for a demon like him to be a vicious opponent. Kouga wasn't sure if his speed would be able to counter the Crow if he chose to use everything at his disposal. At the present time he did not see a pressing need to find out. He had to play this carefully if he was to convince the man in front of him to lead him to Kagome.

"I was told that you have.... an interest in a creature from the Ningenkai. Perhaps I could be persuaded to help you obtain one for yourself if you so desire." Masakazu smirked slightly at the way the Wolf's eyes widened. It was obvious that he wasn't expecting him to begin negotiations so soon. The look only lasted a moment though before he once more held himself indifferent from any emotions.

 

Kouga's eyes snapped to Kisho, the fact that the Crow knew what he was looking for already was disturbing to him. Either Kisho had gone and informed him of what he was looking for or Masakazu had hidden spies in the bar. Either was likely and he couldn't say for certain which was the case. His nose picked up the scent of sexual activity on Kisho's body giving him no clues as to whether or not he had snuck away. There was also a hint of expectation in Masakazu's voice leaving Kouga with an unsettled feeling surrounding him. He dismissed it however, preferring to keep his attention on the threat in front of him. "As a matter of fact I do. I'm always looking for a lovely human woman, I find their fear invigorating. It's been too long since I indulged in the pleasure of one and I heard that you have one in your care."

"You are correct Kouga, I do indeed have one in my possession. She has brought me numerous nights of pleasure." Laughter filled the room as Masakazu's followers found amusement in his statement. Even Masakazu himself allowed a satisfied smile to grace his features at the memory of things he had done to her. The smirk widened further at the thought of what he was planning to do to her when he returned. "The taste of her blood is exquisite, even for a human and the scent of her fear is intoxicating as are her screams."

 

Kouga resisted the urge to shift uncomfortably and took a firmer hold on the reins of his temper as he felt the hook drive deep into his mouth. He knew Masakazu was baiting him into discussing what he had done to the girl so far and he had no desire to listen to detailed accounts of her torture. Kagome was still firmly entrenched in his heart and to hear these men admit to taking liberties with her was almost too much for him to bear. "Name your price." Kouga knew he played his feelings a bit quickly there but he wanted to get on with this and get it over with. He prayed Masakazu wouldn't pick up on just how disturbed he was.

"You must know that she is my pride and joy Kouga. Her resilience to the attention I have bestowed upon her is impressive and to be treasured. She has proven herself worthy to be the one to bare me many children. I am not sure that I could part with such a prize but perhaps for the right price...." His voice trailed off as he pretended to ponder what he would ask as payment for the girl. Masakazu was greatly enjoying his torment of the Wolf. Of course Masakazu had no intention of bringing forth life at this stage in the game. Perhaps later, when his position was secured and the missing pieces to the prophecies were back into place but Kouga did not have to know that. He had seen the way the Wolf paled at the thought of such a pure girl bearing his bastard offspring. It further cemented the fact that she was indeed something special to the demon in front of him and for the moment he had Kouga right where he wanted him.

"I want to see the wench before I give you a price." Kouga could feel how easily the Crow was manipulating the conversation but he was powerless to stop it. He wasn't sure how much of Masakazu's talk was truth or posturing. Would he take the chance of impregnating the girl? Was such a thing even possible with Kagome possessing holy powers? Her purifying energy was a wild card that could not be predicted in this instance, not that he had any desire to find out under these circumstances. To bear the offspring of a rapist was something that he did not know that she would be able to overcome. When Masakazu's gaze narrowed as if to gauge his intentions he decided to further tempt the Crow. The sooner he got this over with the sooner Kagome could begin to heal. "Who knows? If you do decide to sell her I might even share her with you. Under the right conditions of course."

Masakazu smiled slowly as if seriously considering the idea. Had this been under different circumstances he might well have welcomed the Wolf into his band. He was powerful and would have been an excellent addition into the group. However things were not to be, as Kouga would soon find out. "Are you asking to join me?"

"Always a possibility." Kouga shrugged, waiting to see the Crow's reaction to the suggestion.

 

Masakazu's gaze turned appraising. “As I am sure you are aware our group is very specialized. You'd have to bring some skill to our pack.”

 

Kouga was anticipating this although there wasn't much that he could offer to a group such as this. His skills were in brute strength and speed. He couldn't even use his participation in Naraku's destruction just in case the Crow knew exactly who Kagome was. “I can give you contacts to every wolf tribe and my own pack is a formidable one. I can hold my own in a fight.”

 

Masakazu paused to consider his offer, this was working out nicely. Now all he had to do was seal the deal. "If you wish to join Kouga you must realize you will be separated from your pack. They cannot know of our whereabouts. However if you can maintain your ties with them under those conditions then you would be a welcome addition to the group." The Crow smiled, greatly pleased with this turn of events. The serving wench appeared once more to refill their drinks while Masakazu took liberties with her body, his hands immediately reaching up under her shirt to fondle her breasts. As she pulled away he snuck an arm around her waist and reached his free hand under her skirt to caress her bare skin. He sighed dramatically as the girl extricated herself from his embrace and hurried off. “She is not as fine as what awaits me at the lair but she would do nicely." He laughed as he watched her disappear around the corner.

Kouga knew that he was still on shaky ground here but he was feeling more confident now that he had managed to get himself invited to go back with them. His heart clenched at the thought of laying eyes on Kagome once again, would he be able to stop himself from attacking Masakazu immediately? He knew that she was likely to be in bad shape, it would be imperative to get her out of there quickly along with the possibility of her friend "Shadow". He kept his voice calm however, giving no indication as to his thoughts. "So when do we leave?"

"After we are finished here. I do hope you don't mind running." Masakazu had already decided that he would make a quick return to the lair to make sure everything was prepared for the Wolf's arrival but he would wait to announce his departure until after they left. He had no desire to disappoint the fool who so eagerly snatched up his offer to have him join the group.

"Naw, I don't mind running at all." Kouga was surprised that there would be no teleporting? It actually worked to his advantage as he was granted more time to observe the group and plan this rescue attempt. It was unlikely but perhaps he could even find an ally along the way.

~*~

 

Searching through all of her scrolls and books of prophecies the Seer found herself at a loss. There was absolutely nothing containing any information on how to undo what was already done and set the time line correct once more. She was beginning to fall into despair as she closed the books. Dropping her head down into her hands she tried to keep the tears at bay. She was stronger than this, despite what Fate had thrown her way she hadn't survived this long just to give up when things looked impossible. She leaned back and thought about her remaining options. She couldn't undo what had already happened but perhaps there was something she could do to prevent any other complications.

 

'I need to keep them alive. That is of the utmost importance.' Her mind wandered back towards her spell books as she debated how to accomplish this. Masakazu had already proven that he could easily alter the prophecies with his blind rage. 'If the world's salvation is no longer written in the prophecies then I must look elsewhere.' Quickly she got up and retrieved a book that she had acquired long before she joined the group. It was a text that she had known would be valuable and as such she had kept the knowledge about it a secret. A sliver of hope appeared in her eyes as she leafed through the ancient pages. Her gaze landed on one particular spell, in her heart she knew that it was the one she was looking for. Carefully laying the book down on her desk she hurried about her room collecting the necessary ingredients she would need to complete it. Finally she was down to the final ones, it was time to make a trip back to the cage. With any luck Kagome and Hiei would be willing to give her what she needed. She knew her time was limited, Masakazu had the irritating habit of popping up when least expected. She ran down the hallway, her shoes barely making any noise on the stone floor.

The door to the cell creaked open as the Seer scurried into the caged area. Her eyes quickly adjusted to the dim light of the room, her gaze landing on the two she came to speak with. The sound of the door opening had woken both of them and they were now watching her carefully as she approached. Kagome with no small amount of fear, Hiei radiated hostility. Even with what she had already done for them, neither trusted her.

"I have little time to explain my presence here. I just need a few things to help protect you from Masakazu." Her voice was firm and commanding, as if she would not take no for an answer. She did not have the time to debate this with them, it needed to be accomplished quickly.

Hiei however was not about to bow down to her no matter what she had intended. He had learned long ago not to trust anyone in this place, one moment of kindness from the woman was not going to undo years of conditioning. His voice was full of the loathing he had for the woman but to her credit she stood her ground. "Aren't you afraid that he will catch you in here?"

Kagome did not give her the chance to respond, quickly picking up on what Hiei had already known as soon as she entered the room. "You've been hurt."

 

The slices on her neck and chest were still plainly visible since she hadn't changed her clothing. Blood still dripped from the gashes albeit slowly. She hadn't had time to see Ryuji as of yet and with how long this was likely to take she doubted that she would have the opportunity before the Crow returned. It was no matter though, there were other things going on that were more important at the moment than her well being. "It is nothing to worry about, it was the price I had to pay for my part in all of this." She looked at the both of them, searching the depths of their eyes. She was unhappy with what she found looking into the gaze of the Fire Apparition. It was obvious to her that he would never accept her help in this matter, she just prayed that he would not influence Kagome's decision. It was likely to be her only true chance for survival. "My time is short, Masakazu has left temporarily. I need to obtain a few things to invoke a protection spell over both of you."

Hiei immediately tensed and placed himself in between the woman and Kagome. He'd be damned if anyone was going to cast a spell on him or Kagome. For all they knew it could make them unable to resist whatever twisted plans she and Masakazu had for them. "Fuck you woman. I am not an experiment nor will I let you defile Kagome with your witchery." His hands flexed as he glared at her, it would be too easy for him to sink them into her tender flesh. Her lifeblood would spill easily if he so decided.

"I have no time for your ignorance Hiei. If you would not like my aid then remain silent!" The anger in her words echoed in the cell, she would not cow away from this decision. She would have the ingredients that she needed, come hell or high water. He would not stand in her way!

Kagome sensed the rapidly growing tension in the air and somehow just knew that Hiei was moments away from killing the woman offering them help. Perhaps it was from all the time she spent watching demon mannerism, whatever it was she knew that she would have to redirect the conversation. "That cut is from Masakazu isn't it?" Kagome had known that the Crow would not be pleased at her giving them aid though she was surprised that the woman was still in such good shape. "It's because of what I did isn't it?"

 

"Yes it is. Did you think Masakazu would not be angry that your protector still lived? He believes that it was I that saved his life and I took the brunt of his anger. It was the only thing that stopped him from returning to finish the job and killing Hiei in front of you." If she was hoping to endear herself to the Apparition she was sadly mistaken. His growl echoed throughout the room as she attempted to take a step closer to them. She glanced about uncertainly, Ryuji was still in the lair. It would not do to have him find her in here.

"I can handle that twisted fuck myself woman, I don't need your interference." Hiei was beyond pissed that she was attempting to use the closeness that he had developed with Kagome to get her to agree to whatever it was she was suggesting.

"Oh yes I can just see how successful you have been so far boy. If it wasn't for Kagome's help, you would be freed of him and she would be alone to deal with him. Yes, I would say you have demonstrated exactly what you can do at the present time with Masakazu. That is of course if dying was your goal all along." The look of malice in her eyes surprised Hiei but he wouldn't allow her to see it. She had delivered a blow to his pride with her words and she knew it. What was worse was that every word she had spoken was the truth and they all knew it.

Kagome laid a gentle hand on his arm, not to restrain him but to attempt to calm him some. Her touch had the desired affects though it did not lessen the look of hate he had for the witch. It was fine with Kagome, all she wanted was to find out exactly what the woman needed so she would go. Her presence frightened her. If Masakazu found her in here there was every possibility that she or Hiei would take the brunt of his anger. "What is it that you need from us?"

 

"I need blood from the both of you to perform the necessary spell. It will render you unable to die unless something extreme happens such as a beheading though it will not prevent physical injury. Masakazu must not know of this, otherwise he may well use it against you and you will wish for death long before he tires of his games." She knew that this was going to be where she would face the most resistance. The blood required would have to come from a fresh cut.

While Kagome was contemplating what the spell would do for them Hiei shook his head. There was blood splattered liberally throughout the room. "There is plenty of blood on the floor witch take what you need and be gone." He still did not like the idea of a spell being placed on either of them. If he could get the woman gone he could talk to Kagome and explain to her his concerns.

"It is not that simple the blood must not be tainted. It must come from a fresh cut." The Seer made eye contact with Kagome, her eyes pleading to the Priestess to let her help them. She knew she would get no help from Hiei.

The thought of the woman inflicting yet another wound on the girl was infuriating. Hadn't she suffered enough already? He growled and wrapped his arms around Kagome when the Seer reached into the ruined folds of her cloak pulling out a dagger. "There's no fucking way you're touching her."

The look of disgust that blanketed the Seer's face surprised Kagome who was slightly surprised at how he was holding her. They had been close a few other times but she was not expecting the level of protectiveness that was rolling off of him. "Then you have sentenced Kagome to death with your ignorance along with yourself. I have no time to save the foolish when my own neck is in the noose already." She turned to leave believing her work so far had been all for nothing. She could not force them to accept her aid.

"Wait. Please don't go." Kagome's words were whispered but they still carried through the room easily. When the Seer stopped and turned to look at her Kagome quickly turned around in Hiei's arms to look at him. "I have no idea why, Hiei, but I think we can trust her. I am willing to try this spell. What harm is there in trying?"

There were many reasons that emerged inside Hiei's mind as to what might happen and the harm in trying. There was no love lost for anyone in this prison he called home. He refused to subject himself to it especially if she was willing to try. At least one of them needed to remain out of the influence of this spell in case it was a trick to make them vulnerable. He couldn't tell her he was not to allow it to happen to her though, he knew that she would fight him on it, he could see the determination in her eyes when he thought about objecting. He sighed and nodded his acquiescence. Regardless of whatever happened, he would protect her.

Kagome saw the hesitation but was thankful he wasn't going to push her into refusing. If this spell would keep her alive then she was all for it. She knew though that he would not take the spell himself. It would be up to her to run interference as much as possible when it came to dealing with Masakazu. While she couldn't die, Hiei could very easily and there would be no third chance for him. She turned back to the Seer and waited as the woman approached her with the dagger. Kagome made to take the blade but the woman shook her head. "This wound cannot be self inflicted Kagome. Give me your arm and I will make the cut."

 

"You're out of your fucking mind if you think you're going to cut her while I'm here." Hiei had heard enough, it was one thing for Kagome to cut herself, it was quite another for the witch to be the one to do so.

"Then you make the cut Hiei." The Seer's voice was flat and emotionless. She had known that the Hybrid would not allow her to be the one to make the incision and had been counting on it. It was one of the requirements for the spell to work properly, especially considering the second spell she was invoking at the same time. It needed to be done by a person that had strong feelings for the one needing protection, whether it be friendship or love. The making of the incision was more important then the blood, the spell placed upon the dagger would fuse the aura of the one wanting to protect with the blood of the one to be protected.

 

Hiei scowled, he had no desire to inflict a wound on her. This entire problem was becoming much too complicated. Kagome reached out and took the blade from the Seer. She carefully placed it into one of his hands and looked at him. Seeing his indecision she leaned forward and whispered in his ear. "It will be alright, I trust you Hiei.”


The blade trembled in Hiei's hands. He could sense magic at work inside the knife, it was almost as if it were alive and running itself over his skin tasting him. It was a decidedly odd feeling and he didn't like it one bit. Indecision was still raging within him, should he make the cut or throw the blade away? Could he take this kind of chance with Kagome's life? The very person he swore to protect with his own if necessary. Inwardly he sighed, she was placing her life in his hands. She wanted him to do this and he would not fail her. The Seer would die by his hands if anything went wrong.

 

He took his free hand and brought it up underneath her chin so she was looking at him. He steeled himself for what was to come and took her arm in a firm grip. "Look at me and don't move Kagome." The dejection in his voice saddened Kagome but she did as she was asked. She never wanted to put him in this position but if it would help then they would both deal with what was to come. As gently as possible the tip of the blade entered her flesh, as quickly as it entered it was removed and the blood welled up from the incision. Carefully he wiped the blade through the blood making sure the surface was well coated. "I hope this is enough bitch, I refuse to cut her further." He handed the knife to Kagome who had still maintained his gaze. He was relieved to see that she held no resentment towards him even though he had been doing as she asked.

The Seer took the blade from the Priestess, careful not to disturb the blood that it carried. "Yes, that is more than enough. I will return quickly to invoke the incantation and place the spell on you Kagome." Her robes flared out around her as she quickly turned and left the room.

 

Hiei looked to her arm which was still bleeding. They had no supplies to clean it and make sure it did not get infected. Kagome watched him with wide eyes as he proceeded to bath the cut with his tongue. Once that was done they settled down to wait for the Seer's return, neither one quite certain what to expect.

~*~

 

Masakazu teleported into the cell containing his toys. It had been too easy to come up with an excuse to leave Kouga and return here, the pitiful Wolf had no idea the extent of his abilities. All it had taken was him excusing himself with the reasoning his second in command had called him mentally. Hiei jumped up as soon as the Crow made an appearance, he wasn't expected so soon. What had happened with the Seer returning?

 

 

With a sneer Masakazu thrust his hand into Hiei's hair and cast him aside as if he were nothing more than paper. The shock that registered in Kagome's eyes made him grin maliciously as he turned his entire attention to her. His hand traced gently down her cheek, one would have thought it a loving gesture had it not been for the sadistic gleam in the Crow's eyes. "I have no time to play with you right now my pet. I bring a friend that is quite eager to see you."

 

Her panicked expression was delicious as he pulled her roughly to her feet. Fisting his hand into her hair he began to drag her outside the heavy steel door. Hiei was up and running intent on keeping the bastard from allowing his friends to play with her. Unfortunately he wasn't quite fast enough, exhaustion having taken its toll. He hit the swinging door just as it locked into place. Masakazu turned and looked at him slamming Kagome roughly up against the bars when she continued to struggle, effectively stunning the girl. "Oh I haven't forgotten about you Shadow. You wouldn't believe how pleased I am to see you still breathing. I get to taste your warm blood once again." With that being said, he opened the outer door and dragged his prize into the corridor slamming the door behind them.

 

Once outside of the room Kagome immediately ceased struggling, she knew that it would only serve to arouse him further. If she was to get through this it would be on her own, Hiei wasn't there to help her. Masakazu took her into his own sleeping chamber and shackled her to the bed and admired how she was spread out naked for him. He couldn't resist tormenting her before he had to return to Kouga. It would only last for a few minutes yet it would give her a hint of things to come. Something to look forward to. He smiled down at her as he ran a fingered claw down her cheek to follow the curve of her neck before continuing down along her left breast. He paused momentarily to squeeze her nipple.

 

 

Kagome squeezed her eyes shut as his claw continued its downward approach leaving a thin line of blood on her skin as it made its way to her stomach. Her skin quivered underneath his fingertip, repulsed at his touch as he continued further and ran his fingers through her pubic hair. She gasped as he inserted his finger forcibly inside her, his claw slicing the tender skin easily. He withdrew quickly and brought his hand to his nose, inhaling deeply the smell of Kagome's sex mingled with the fresh blood. "Oh this will be very enjoyable. My guest will be pleased to take you, you know he's on his way right now." Kagome turned her head away from him wishing he would just disappear. Masakazu laughed as he turned from her amused by her antics. He made his way to the door leaving the trembling woman on his bed.

The Crow quickly found Ryuji and gave him his instructions. Hiei was to be shackled in the master chamber, he was going to get a front row seat to the proceedings. The wench was to be bathed and healed of all her wounds. Once finished she was to be placed once more in his room, positioned as he had left her.

 

Ryuji scowled remembering his orders. "Put the finest garments on her, she is to look like a proper concubine, I will not accept anything less. Bath her in perfume and cover her with silk sheets. I will be back soon with a friend. Make sure she's ready for our return." The gleam in his eye foretold that something evil was plotted out in his demented mind, Ryuji shook his head and proceeded to do as he had been told.

 

~*~

 

The Seer was hard at work finishing off the protection incantation when there was a knock on the door that shattered the silence. Quickly she made sure that there was no visible evidence as to what she was concocting before granting entrance to her visitor. "Enter."

 

She was not surprised to see the Dragon open her door and make his way into the main part of the room. The look of disdain was still on his face following his brief encounter with the Crow. Without hesitation she turned her full attention to Ryuji. It was obvious something had gotten him worked up. She motioned for him to sit as she walked over to the table and sat down in front of him. "What can I do for you Ryuji?"

"Masakazu is insane. He leads us into peril without any hope of the plunder we have been promised. His obsession with that bitch has weakened him and it is coming time to end his charade as leader." He had been more than put out having to carry out the instructions given to him. The wench had fought him tooth and nail once Masakazu had left. He had no desire to deal with her any more than necessary, it took all of his restraint not to throttle the bitch when she bit him.

 

The Seer brought a hand to her face concealing the smile that she could not stop from forming. Things seem to be falling back into place ever so slightly. She knew Ryuji would play an instrumental role in the events that were to take place. "I appreciate your candor but what part do I play in this scheme of things?"

Ryuji actually laughed, if this woman thought he was blind to what she was doing she was sadly mistaken. He was a Dragon, he could easily feel the hum of magic that was in the air. He could even tell what particular kind of magic it was that she was invoking. "I know you woman. You have manipulated events since she has arrived. What I want to know is why?"

"Isn't the answer obvious?" She couldn't resist drawing this out slightly, it was unusual to see the Dragon so flustered.

"Fuck the prophecy. I want to know why." Ryuji stated coldly, the prophecy was now all but useless. He wanted to know what she was up to, why she would risk herself so for something so uncertain.

"Those two will be the downfall of Masakazu, Ryuji.” She remained firm in her beliefs, Kagome and Hiei would play an important role in his destruction. They only needed to bide their time for a little longer.

"Those two? A child and a human wench? You must be jesting." Ryuji had quickly come to the conclusion that the prophecies had to have been wrong. So far he had seen nothing extraordinary out of either one of them.

"They must endure what is. When the time comes they will destroy Masakazu." Her eyes met with his. Her icy stare quelled any further questions or arguments. Grudgingly he backed down in the face of her resolve of the situation. Something about her demeanor made him believe that she was telling the truth, at least as she saw it. "Protect them Ryuji and you will become the leader of this clan. This I have already foreseen. Now if you will excuse me, I have much to do before Masakazu returns."

 

Ryuji quickly stood and made his way to the door. "Trust is a valuable thing, woman, I would hate to have to spill your blood. Fail me and I will not hesitate to destroy you." He opened the door and was gone.

Sighing heavily she once more took out the components she needed and returned to the task of completing her spell. She added a few extra protection spells that she had not told Hiei nor Kagome about as well. Once it was finished she quickly made her way into Masakazu's bed chambers. There she found Kagome on the bed shaking in fear. She was surprised to see her wrapped up in a silk robe, freshly bathed. That had to have been what had irritated Ryuji so horribly. The smell of her perfume was overpowering. 'What is that madman planning?' She knew that only time would tell and the hourglass was getting close to revealing its secrets.

 

Kagome had noticed the Seers entrance into the room and quickly opened her mouth to speak only to be silenced when the woman brought a hand to her own mouth indicating she should be silent. She closed the distance and placed Kagome's chin in her hand. "I have come to invoke the spell child. Have no fear." Her voice was soft, meant to comfort the girl as to what was coming.

 

"I am not afraid of you. It is the others that I fear. To go from a slave to a pampered concubine in the span of an hour." Kagome shuddered as her voice trailed off. "What is going on? Why is he doing this to me?"

"I wish I knew child. Now please be silent this will be a bit awkward as I have to place the spell on you. No matter what you must remain silent." She had never performed this spell before so she was unsure of how the girl's body would react to it. She waited to Kagome nodded before she began.


Kagome could feel the beginning on the woman's power well up as she began the first words of the incantation. Panic filled her momentarily as the familiar taint of magic rolled over her. Exactly what had she gotten herself into with this witch woman? She began to think that she should have listened to Hiei and refused to be a part of this but the time for that decision was long gone to her. The only comfort she could find within herself was the knowledge that the Seer could be correct and this would accomplish what was necessary in order to bring Masakazu to his knees.

 

Her panic calmed after a few minutes as a warm feeling enveloped her, it was strangely comforting. It was strong, she had no doubts about this but she knew that it would not harm her. If felt as if a raging fire had swept over her, cocooning her within it's depths assuring her that it's strength was hers to command. As the spell ended the tingling heat disappeared but the feelings remained behind it.

The Seer opened her eyes to look over the Priestess, taking note that her eyes were glazed over with a contented look. It was almost as if nothing could touch her at the moment. She nodded to herself, she had been right about Hiei. His feelings for her were more than strong enough to lend the spell the strength that it would need. She rested her hand on the girl's shoulder gaining the girl's attention. "I have added another spell to this one child. No matter what Masakazu does to you, he cannot impregnate you. To combine your blood with his would be disastrous. There is nothing more that I can do for you though. It is up to you to be brave and see this though to the end.”

Kagome felt like sighing with relief when she heard that, she had been terrified of the prospect that she would become pregnant in this hellhole. This would ensure that it was not possible, assuming that her body had not been damaged beyond repair. She wanted children in the future but she felt that it was an unlikely possibility. Who would want her now after all this was over? Who would she be able to trust enough to ever touch her like that again? Answers were not forthcoming, she carefully locked that dream away. Perhaps later, when this was all over and she had time to heal she could rethink her decision.

 

Author's Note: I know I said there would be a character death in this chapter. It's coming in the next one. I was going to include it in this chapter but I decided against it since the chapter was over 12,000 words and it was only about halfway finished. So I picked a good stopping point and chopped the chapter in half. It shouldn't take long for me to post the next one however. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed.