InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ On The Night Of A Blood Red Moon ❯ Chapter 20

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Title: On The Night Of A Blood Red Moon
Author: Ryukotsusei and Cyntinell
Disclaimer: We do not own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho. We do however own the plot. Steal it and you shall face our wrath.

Warnings: This is a dark fic. It does have graphically detailed rape in it, as well as lemons. It's likely to have major character deaths as well. Reviews are always appreciated, flames not tolerated. You are forewarned.

Chapter Twenty

Time and time again Hiei tested the chains that bound him securely to the stone wall. Muscles strained and flesh ripped beneath the cold steel that encircled his wrists but still he fought, knowing that he had to free himself by any means necessary. Pain was nothing more than an irritation to be ignored, he wouldn't allow it to hinder his efforts to get free. Blood trickled down the sides of his arms but it went unnoticed as continued to struggle. Unable to wipe the crimson fluid away, it slowly dried on his skin becoming a sticky mess and only served to irritate him further, pulling the skin tight around the wounds that the crow had been so generous in gracing him with. No doubt they would scar, a permanent mark of the time he had spent here but the injuries were something he could worry about later, after he had succeeded in escaping his confines.

Well over a week had passed by his estimation though he couldn't be certain. The room Masakazu had locked him away in had no windows, only a door which barely allowed any light to pass through underneath it. The days had long ago begun to blur together making it impossible to gage the passage of time. No one had come for him aside from the crow since that day and only when he felt the need to sate his lust for pain. Ever so slowly his cycle was ebbing though it was torture being strung up the way he was, unable to do anything to relieve the constant ache that coursed through his body. It was enough to make one go mad, only the thought of what Kagome could possibly be going through kept him sane. He had to hold it together for the both of them if they were to survive. A groan escaped him as he continued his attempts to try to slide his hands through the cuffs which had loosened considerably since his first day of confinement. Hunger racked his body and he knew that it was only a matter of time before he would be too weak to fight off the exhaustion that threatened to overwhelm him.

Something had to give soon, though he wasn't sure if it would be him or the chains that bound him. The entire reason for his imprisonment was because he had failed in what the crow had wanted from him, the complete mental destruction of the girl he had been taken from. It was his punishment, not being able to know what was going on in the rest of the lair. No doubt Masakazu was making use of his time with her, if she was even still alive. He had to believe that she was, no matter how the crow had taunted him about how he was going to use the girl now that she was alone and without protection. Laughter had echoed off of the walls as the demented bastard had gloated about the helpless state that they were both now in.

Just the thought of what could be happening now made him renew his struggles, holding onto the hope that she was alive. Injuries could be dealt with at a later time, they had come to be accepted as inevitable once you came to live in this cave. Masakazu wouldn't hold back with her, he knew that much. For the first time he prayed that Ryuji had made it back, if only to make sure the crow didn't kill her. The fact that Masakazu hadn't come to him, taunting him about Kagome's death was one thing that kept that flicker of hope burning brightly within him. That madman would never be able to resist flaunting her death should he end her life. If there was anything about Masakazu it was that he was predictable in that respect, he would let that information slip in order to see how much pain he could inflict on the only one who cared for her. 'No, she is not dead. I will not allow that to happen!' It was something he repeated to himself often, as if he were trying to convince himself the truth of it.

He had to rest, if only for a moment. The sound of the chains rattling ceased as he took the time to catch his breath and rethink the situation. His options were limited up until he managed to get out of the room. Afterwards there were so many variables, so many things that could go wrong. The only thing he knew was that if he were to fail this time, Masakazu was certain to kill the both of them. His eyes drifted closed and Kagome's image instantly came to mind. She dominated his thoughts, both waking and sleeping. There wasn't a moment that went by where he didn't wonder about what state she was in. He both looked forward to and dreaded the crows visits, it was the only way he gained any knowledge on the girl who had become a single point of light in the darkness that had become his life.

Not for the first time shame overwhelmed him. It was entirely his fault that she was here in the first place, he had come to accept the blame for that completely. He swore that he would make it up to her somehow once he had freed her from this existence. His prior attempt at leaving without her continued to plague his thoughts, adding to the pain of the separation. He would not consider such a thing again. 'I won't leave you here Kagome, I just need more time. Stay strong.'

It was hard for even him to believe that the two of them had been through so much together in such a short span of time. At times it was difficult to remember the years he had spent there before Kagome had arrived, but doing so only served to make his time alone now that much more difficult. Even now he couldn't quite believe that everything that had happened had been preordained. The thought that any of the gods would willingly inflict so much pain and suffering on someone disturbed him. What kind of being would desire such a thing? Were the gods really so cruel? The very idea that Masakazu was only a tool used to bring about the prophecy was a terrifying thought, one he wasn't sure he wanted to dwell on.

All movement ceased as soon as he heard the footsteps of someone rapidly approaching the door that sealed him in this prison. He struggled to place them, hoping to be able to discern just who it was but in the weakened state that he was in he couldn't even tell if his visitor was male or female much less their exact identity. Either way he knew for certain that it was not going to be Kagome which meant that whoever this person was, they were his enemy. He fell limp in his restraints as the wooden door creaked open slowly, as if they were attempting to make a stealthy entrance. A shadow made itself known just underneath the door, telling him that there was only one person, though nothing about their identity. Quickly he closed his eyes, feigning unconsciousness. There was a chance that if they believed him to be passed out they would leave once more, becoming uninterested in a plaything that would not respond.

As the door slammed shut darkness covered the room once more but still he remained unmoving. He could hear the person breathing, letting him know that whatever hope he had of it just being a curious passerby had vanished. He tensed when they began speaking, it taking him a moment to place the woman's voice. The flare of light that appeared made him wince, even though he had his eyes closed. He had remained in the darkness for far to long, he was sure it would take some time for his eyes to accustom themselves to the light once he opened his eyes. 'What the hell does she want?' He could barely contain the bitter words that wanted to escape him, feeling the need to lash out at the woman. The help that she had so graciously offered had ended up costing both Kagome and himself so much. He didn't care if she had risked her own life in the process, if she really gave a damn she would have found a way to set them free instead of setting them up for more of the crow's twisted games. The Seer's presence could only mean one thing, she wanted something and invariably Kagome would get hurt again. He could sense her moving around the room, obviously in no hurry to leave just yet. The distance had between them had been closed quickly and it made him uneasy, there was little that he could do to defend himself against this witch should she decide to torment him as well. The warmth of the candles she held being so close to his skin was a welcome one, but he refused to allow himself to concentrate on the sensation.

She wasn't stupid, she had seen the minute movements of the demon in front of her. No matter how still he tried to remain he couldn't stop the slight tremors that racked his body under the strain of being strung up for so long. She kept her voice low, both to attempt to calm him and keep her presence there unnoticed to outside ears. "I know you can hear me Hiei, you can drop the charade now." When he didn't stir she continued on. "If you cannot fool me then how could you have hoped to fool Masakazu? The fresh blood on your arms gives you away, you've been trying to escape recently have you not?”

'Let her think what she wants. For all she knows I might have just passed out.' The soothing tone she had put in her voice was enough to make his skin crawl and make his hair stand on end. There was nothing at all that he could say to her that would be productive to getting him free so he remained unresponsive, hoping that she would take the hint and leave.

The Seer sighed, wondering why he always had to be so damned difficult when she was trying to help him. Granted, it always came with serious consequences but in the end it would be worth it. It had to be. Making one last attempt she baited him, hoping it would work. "Fine, I guess you don't want to hear about the news I have of Kagome. Such a shame, she hasn't forgotten about you. Even in her sleep she calls out your name. Pity her affection is so misplaced on one so undeserving."

Unable to tolerate her any longer he dropped the pretense of sleep and glared at her, his muscles tightened instinctively, ready to rip her throat out for even having the audacity to speak Kagome's name. He surged forward, even if it was mere inches as he attempted to seize her throat and crush the life out of her. Her insults would not be tolerated any longer. This was her doing, she was the entire reason they were still here. Her interference had been the reason certain avenues of escape were forever gone. To now be speaking to him in such a fashion only fueled his anger and the desire to spill her blood was strong. "You had better hope I never get free, I'll cut your tongue out and feed it to you just before I slit your worthless throat bitch! You aren't worthy enough to even speak her name much less judge her!" He bit back the growl that longed to escape as his wrists continued to bleed profusely, the iron cutting into the tender flesh once again.

The Seer straightened up, giving him an icy look to convey just how she felt about his current death threat. "I never took you for a stupid one Hiei, do not prove me wrong here. You still don't understand the full impact of what is going on around you. Though I cannot fault you for that I do not have the time, patience or inclination to cater to your demands so you will shut up and accept what I've come here to do." Without waiting for his response she slowly reached into her cloak, never taking her eyes off of him. He didn't trust her and for good reason, she couldn't say that she was blameless in this entire situation. He would be a fool to completely trust her after everything that had happened, so it was no surprise to her that he followed every single move that she made. When she produced a slice of bread and an orange his eyes had narrowed in suspicion.

If he Hadn't been suspicious before he certainly was now, she had no reason that he could think of to want to bring him food. 'Unless it's poisoned but why go through the trouble of keeping us alive then.' He couldn't stop his mouth from watering as he looked at the food. It didn't matter that he could see how old the bread was as she sat it down on a table nearby. The dull sound it made against the wood convinced him that it was at least a couple of days old, if not more. It would be difficult to eat but he wasn't about to be choosy at this point. His attention was immediately diverted back to her when she reached into her cloak once more, withdrawing a small flash of water.

Seeing his questioning look she gave him an amused stare. Now that food was available his body was betraying him, his stomach protesting its lack of nourishment. She wasn't sure if she should tell him that he had been closed off from the rest of the world for eleven days now. No doubt that would set him off again, especially with how obvious it was that he cared about the girl. "Don't look so surprised, you are going to need whatever strength you can find if you have any hopes of surviving these next twenty-four hours"

"Don't hand me one of your fucking riddles you bitch. If you have something to say then spit it out." The threat in his voice was unmistakable but the fact he was chained to a wall took much of the bite out of his words. He hated being so powerless but there was absolutely nothing he could do about it. Even worse was the way she ignored him, as if his words weren't worth her time. It was rapidly becoming a sore spot to his already wounded pride. He was about to try to irritate her worse, if nothing else to get a reaction but stopped and watched in silence as the seer opened the small flask. He inhaled deeply, trying to find any sign that the water was tainted as she poured some of it over a small piece of the bread that she had just torn away from the loaf. The water was quickly absorbed into it and soon the bread was mush.

Picking up the food she started moving closer to him but stopped suddenly. It was one thing to speak with him but would he allow this to go any further? She wasn't sure just how much further he would bend to her wishes before lashing out again. When he made no move to try breaking loose or hurl more threats at her she proceeded forward, holding the wet bread between her fingers. As expected, as soon as he figured out that she had no intentions of freeing him so he could feed himself his lips remained firmly closed, his jaw clenched. She knew that no matter what he had survived through, he still had his pride and it would be difficult for him to submit himself to this humiliation. "Look Hiei, I have news to that you need to hear and little time to say it in. It's coming to a head soon and you need your strength unless you don't care if Kagome dies. I'm trying to help you, if you choose not to accept it then say so now and I will leave you to fend for yourself. Make your choice, will you allow me to feed you or not?"

Indecision coursed through him. The idea of being hand fed like a child was shameful but she was right. He needed his strength, even if what she was hinting at wasn't going to come to pass. They would escape, one way or another and to do so he'd have to lower himself to being fed. His reply wasn't in words, instead he opened his mouth, allowing her to put the food in. He didn't swallow at first, taking the time to see if she had tainted it. When nothing obvious was forthcoming he swallowed it. A few hard edges remained which scratched his throat on its way down but he ignored it in favor of opening his mouth again. The sooner this was over and done with the better. Not only was it degrading but it would allow his body to begin healing, giving him much needed energy. It was a slow process, taking far longer than he would have liked but eventually the loaf was gone.

Taking out a small knife she set about peeling the orange, being careful to put the rind into her pocket. It wouldn't do to leave evidence of her visit behind for Masakazu to find when he awoke. There wasn't much she could do about the breadcrumbs but she was certain that the rats would come and claim the bits of food long before the crow arrived. It was a miracle that they hadn't attempted to feast on the demon in front of her yet, the smell of blood was thick in the room. Perhaps the rats knew something that the rest of them did not when it came to the apparition. If he only knew that he was being used as leverage with Kagome. He wouldn't be freed until she had given herself over completely to Masakazu, becoming the docile miko he desired. She had not had an easy time of it during their separation either, the crow visiting her at least as often as he did with Hiei. The demented bastard tormented her with tales of the conquests on the way he used Hiei's body while he was using hers, asking her if she was picturing her abused lover in his place. Shaking her head she pulled herself away from the disturbing turn her thoughts had taken. Hiei needed to know, but first he needed to finish his meal.

Carefully she sliced it into several small pieces before beginning the feeding process once more. As she watched him swallow she knew that he was containing the pain he was in the best he could, the fruits acidic juices no doubt burning with each piece he swallowed. Yet he made no complaints and within a few minutes the food was gone, now all that remained was to tell him of what was to come. Slowly she wiped her hands on her cloak, ridding them of the sticky juices of the fruit. It took a moment for her to meet his eyes because she knew how he was likely to take what she came here to speak of.

The extended silence was grating on him, surely she didn't come here to just make sure he was fed. No, there was something more to this visit and it was time for her to get on with him. Finally he was able to get her to meet his gaze and he was a bit surprised to see the sorrow contained there in. To say that made him even more uneasy was an understatement. The tension between them only continued to grow, hanging thick in the chill air around them. While he wasn't sure he wanted to hear what she had come to say he was tired of waiting. "You came here for a reason, what is it? I doubt it was for my company."

Knowing she could put it off no longer she squared her shoulders. Choosing her words carefully she began speaking, making sure to keep an adequate distance between them. "Kagome's destruction is inevitable unless you find the strength within to save her. The time for you to make your stand is fast approaching, will you do everything in your power to save her?"

Hiei glared at the woman, this wasn't anything he hadn't heard before. Unfortunately each time these words were spoken something happened that went beyond the normal even for this place. "You've said this before and each time you leave us to figure out what it is you've meant. I have no time to attempt to decipher these ridiculous riddles. Speak clearly for once or get out of my sight."

The Seer looked up at the roof, as if praying for patience while she tried to decide just how much to tell him. He hadn't answered her question and that troubled her. There were no doubts in her mind that he would do everything he could for the priestess, however if he didn't have the foreknowledge of what was to come then it could make him choose unwisely. She couldn't allow that to happen, no matter how much she wished to spare him this knowledge even if it was only for a short amount of time. Meeting his crimson gaze which promised her a painful death should she say the wrong thing she decided to tell him what she knew. "Ryuji quickly approaches, having returned from his mission to retrieve an artifact of immense power. No matter the cost, Masakazu cannot have this item."

Hiei stared at her, that explained where the damned dragon had disappeared to but if this witch thought that there was anything he could do while he was locked up like this, she wasn't as smart as he had given her credit for. "So what do you want me to do about it? I'm stuck here if you hadn't noticed and there is no way Kagome can stand against him. If this is some grand scheme of yours to stop him then either free me or stop wasting both of our time."

Pity crept into her expression yet she did nothing to try and conceal it. If she could release Hiei she would have already done so, it would be up to him to free himself. "I cannot do that Hiei. No matter what you think of me, believe me when I say if I could have spared either of you then I would gladly do so but I cannot. All I can do is influence certain events and pray that you succeed. This artifact is powerful, too powerful really and only two beings here have the strength to unleash it. Masakazu is one, Kagome is the other." She could see that he words hit him like a blow to the chest and hurriedly continued, knowing that if she did not then she might never get to finish what she came here for. "It is the Sceptre of Darkness, a rod that has the power to destroy all three worlds should it be used by one with corrupted thoughts. Masakazu would kill us all, only Kagome can stop him. She must touch the rod and key it to herself. Only then will its power become unaccessible to him."

Silence stretched out between them as Hiei stared at her, incredulous that she would even suggest such a thing. Dread settled in the pit of his stomach, there was no way. Absolutely no way he could allow this to happen. If Masakazu had any thoughts of keeping her alive he would surely forget them if this were to come to pass. Fury built in him, hadn't they sacrificed enough? How much more would the gods demand of them? "No! You will not! Don't even fucking think about doing that to her! Masakazu will kill her for certain then just to get control back. I refuse to allow you to sacrifice her, I don't care how many lives you think you'll be saving!"

The Seer shook her head, completely understanding his point but there was no way she would stop what had already been set into motion. If it was not done then they would all die regardless. "What is to be will be, we cannot stop it Hiei. This is the only chance that any of us have. I cannot tell you exactly what will happen, nor if we will survive what is to come but it is the only chance we have, the prophecies have foretold of this. The outcome rests on Kagome's strength and your own."

Hiei had heard enough of this prophecy crap. Ever since Kagome had arrived it had been what dictated every day of their lives and it seemed as if it was only going to continue. "This is such bullshit and you know it! Haven't you figured it out yet that this is real life and not some damned fairy tale that you read? How many more lives are you going to destroy before you finally realize what it is your doing? I don't care what your book says or what you think these gods of yours want, you will not do this to her!"

Annoyance ripped through her as she allowed Hiei to finish his little tirade. She straightened, making herself every bit as intimidating as one would expect of a person of her stature. "You know nothing halfling. You are nothing more than a tool for the Gods, something to be discarded if you prove yourself useless. You think yourself above them? Tell me Hiei, if you were all powerful and controlled your own destiny then what are you doing here? Why haven't you freed yourself already and taken your leave?" Disgust crept into her expression as she stared down at him. "You are nothing, their will is what becomes reality. The illusion of control you have over your life is nothing more than that. Just an illusion. Yes, you may be able to influence certain things but make no mistake fool their will is what is to come to pass. If you fail another will eventually take your place, even if the gods must step in themselves. Remember this though, only you can save that foolish little girl that places her trust in you, a creature that by all rights she should have destroyed yet gave up everything to try saving."

"Shut up! I know exactly why she ended up here and what she's given up. I've watched her live through it where you secluded yourself in your room and let us deal with the consequences. I will not allow her to become a sacrifice, I can't! I've promised to protect her and that is exactly what I will do." It was a vow that he took seriously, if it meant giving up his own life to ensure that she lived then he would but first he needed to be free. Somehow, someway she would be safe, he would see to it.

The Seer smiled then, even if it was barely noticeable. Although he had never outright admitted the feelings he had hidden deep within him it was easy for her to see how much he loved the girl. In the end, he would find his strength in that emotion and do what he needed to do in order to ensure that she survived. She had a few more pieces of information to impart, one of which was something that she had not foreseen but had noticed the last time she had visited the priestess. She wasn't sure exactly how it had happened with the protective spells in place but something had broken them. Perhaps it was the Gods, taking a step to guarantee Hiei's cooperation or perhaps there was another reason, something that would only be revealed in the future. Either way, she would grant him these final pieces of knowledge and he would do what needed to be done.

She regretted what she was about to do, but he needed to know. If this was what it took for Hiei to find the strength that he needed so be it. If he still failed, then he would not give the apparition a second thought and would instead concentrate on keeping her own life intact. "There is more you must know Hiei." Her voice was thick with sorrow, for Masakazu was not their only enemy. "This will all come to fruition tonight Hiei, Ryuji comes. Death follows in the form of a wolf pack seeking revenge for their fallen leader. They blame Kagome for his death and will not rest until she is dead."

Hiei couldn't say that he was surprised somehow, wolves were not known for allowing such a transgression to go unpunished though they were targeting the wrong person. The one ultimately responsible was the crow, though they were unlikely to listen to reason. "You're just full of wonderful news today woman. So not only will Masakazu try to kill her but the wolf tribe as well." The memory of the day Kagome had to choose between his life and Kouga's came to mind. Once more Kagome had saved him only to risk her own life. When the woman in front of him shifted uneasily he knew there was more to it. "What else are you hiding?"

Putting it off wasn't an option so she decided to plunge in and get it over with. She had some theories on just how it happened though she couldn't be certain. "The spell I put on Kagome is no longer in affect. I believe it was an effect of quelling your desires with her, though I cannot say why that would have broken it.

Hiei stared at her for a moment as what she said sank in. If the spell was gone then that meant Kagome had nothing to help her against Masakazu. Just how injured was she now? He threw his weight against the chains, hoping they would give. He had to get to her, she needed him there. While he couldn't heal her if Masakazu was to come then he could at least divert his attention. "Fuck why didn't you say something earlier. Let me loose, I have to get to her."

She laid a hand on his shoulder, ignoring the growl that she received. "It's worse than that Hiei, you know the spell kept him from killing her but also from conceiving. When you laid with her, the spell shattered. Kagome is now with child, your child Hiei. "

All struggles ceased as he stared up at her with wide eyes. "It's not possible, you spelled her against such a thing. Even if the spell broke it would be too soon." Hiei couldn't believe what he was hearing. Was it a lie? The thought that Kagome was with his child was hard to believe. It made no difference in his feelings for her, but on the off chance that she was...

"I know it is a hard thing for you to believe Hiei but heed my words. I can feel the aura she possesses and it has changed. There is life growing inside of her and it does not carry the taint of Masakazu. You and he are the only ones who have lain with the girl. It can be no others, you are to be a father should the three of you survive."

Silence reigned once more as he contemplated her words. It hadn't been something that he had ever expected and he couldn't help but wonder how Kagome would feel about such a thing. One thing was for certain, he wouldn't let either of them die. "You had better not be lying to me, if you are then know that I will kill you without a second thought."

The Seer nodded, having already expected as much. "You already know that it is the truth Hiei or you would not have stopped to think over recent events. My time runs short, Ryuji approaches and the final pieces are now in play. I leave you with one final piece of advice young one. If you both survive long enough to escape, you cannot follow her into her own time. There are reasons you must stay here but she cannot, if she were to try it is unlikely she would survive to birth the child. Once Masakazu falls, the concealment spells will fall as well as the ones containing her power. Demons from all over the Makai will seek her blood and while you are strong, they are many. She must return home, make sure she does."

Hiei stared at her as he watched her leave, the door closing quietly behind her. Yes, he agreed that the girl had to leave but he'd be damned if she left without him. One way or another they would be together. He would not watch her disappear from his life, he was determined to be there. For her sake and that of their child.

~*~

Kagome stared at the door as she brought her knees up to her chest. Time seemed to drag out forever to her but she couldn't stop hoping that Hiei would return. Each time the door had opened since he had been taken she held her breath, waiting to see if he would return. Nightmares plagued her each time she closed her eyes, the memory of Hiei being brutalized right in front of her was still fresh in her mind. Tears had fallen then and for a while she despaired over them ever stopping. She couldn't even say for certain that he was even still alive, Masakazu hadn't given her that piece of information that would give her comfort.

It was all her fault, the punishment that Hiei had endured. Even now she could still hear the hoarse grunts of Masakazu's pleasure echoing through the room as he brutally raped him. It was only a matter of time she knew before Masakazu returned for her. His visits thankfully had been few and he seemed more interested in torturing her mentally instead of physically. At the moment though she couldn't say which one was worse. Her eyes fell to the floor, training themselves on the blood that lead to the door. Hiei's blood, smeared there when the crow had dragged his unconscious body out of the room. "Please God, I don't know if you're listening or not but please. Let him be alive." She wasn't sure if the Gods were even paying attention any longer, if they were then they had surely forsaken her. Her will to live had left when Hiei had been taken from her, only the thought that he was still alive kept her going.

If he had perished though, there was nothing more for her to live for. Her will to live had been stripped from her, she had no reason to continue. "We will be together, even if it is in death." She wasn't sure how she would do it, believing that the Seer's spell was still in place. Somehow though, there had to be a way to be reunited with him.

The creak of the door startled her, instinctively she pressed closer to the wall behind her. She breathed a slight sigh of relief though it was laced with disappointment when she saw that it was the Seer. What she saw when she looked into the woman's eyes filled her with dread. Fear and uncertainty were the primary emotions she could pick up immediately, though there was more hidden which did nothing to relieve the anxiety she was feeling. 'Oh God, she's here to tell me he's dead isn't she? He's never coming back and I am alone now. It's all my fault.'

The Seer watched the girl's aura dim with her appearance though there was nothing she could do for her at the moment. They were running out of time, they had to make their next move. "It is time, we must go to Masakazu's chamber child. For what it's worth, I am sorry."

Kagome nodded, tears she no longer knew she had beginning to slip down her face. Her voice was broken, filled with grief as one word slipped past her lips. "Hiei."

The Seer exerted her will upon Kagome , forcing her to look up. "He lives child, do not give up hope yet. He is imprisoned in another room, though I expect that will change soon. Masakazu intends to keep the two of you separated but fear not, the end of this ordeal comes soon. The outcome hinges on your strength combined with that of your apparitions but the crossroad is now upon us."

Relief swept through her at hearing he was still alive. The knowledge was enough to give her the strength to stand though she wasn't looking forward to whatever awaited her in the crows bedchamber. Either way, she would endure. As the cell door opened the Seer extended a hand to her. With great reluctance she took it, knowing it would be futile to resist. If she did, then Masakazu would come himself and that would bring nothing good to pass.

Leading the girl out of the cell she gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, hoping it would give her what she needed in order to face what was to come. "I am sorry for this child, but know that it is necessary if we are all to survive." Regret laced her voice as she spoke, her scrying had told her of three possible outcomes to tonights events. Only one could be considered favorable while the other two ended with the destruction of all hope.

Kagome said nothing as they continued to walk down the empty hallway. Each was wrapped up in their thoughts of what was to come, the Seer with what the future held for them all and Kagome wondering what twisted games Masakazu wished to play this time. Her fear for the man was quickly becoming a thing of the past, he had taken everything away from her and short of her life she had nothing left to give. Her strength lay in Hiei and so long as he was alive she would continue on. Strange how her salvation had come in the form of a demon who under any other circumstances would have had nothing to do with her. He had been the one to restore her faith that they could survive. If Masakazu hadn't managed to kill him yet then it had to mean something. She would be strong and face whatever was coming.

Without knocking the Seer pushed open the door to Masakazu's private chambers and quickly pulled the girl into the room. Glancing about quickly she motioned the girl to a side room. "Stay out of view until I return!"

Kagome stared at the woman dubiously as she glanced around the room. It didn't even have a door, just a curtain separating it from the main chamber. There was nothing to hide behind should the crow return, which brought her back to her question of just why was she here to begin with if Masakazu hadn't summoned her?

Seeing the questions of the girl's face she hurried to reassure her. "There are no time for questions, just do as I say. Be quiet and do not attract attention, you should be safe here until I return. Masakazu will be back shortly and this must be finished before he returns." Seeing Kagome's complicity she turned and hurried back out of the room, the sound of the door closing was the only sign of her passing.

'What the hell is going on here?' Kagome couldn't understand what the Seer was up to. It was obviously something important but as of right that moment she didn't know what it was. Why couldn't this have happened in the cell, why did it have to happen here? Quickly the thought of leaving to go find Hiei hit her before she stamped it down. It would do no good, she didn't know where he was and there was a strong possibility she would be found. Then there would be questions that she could not answer and that would only bring her more pain. Time past slowly as she waited, hoping that she would not be discovered. No sound was made except for her quiet breathing, though she could hear her heart pounding.

After a time she heard the door creak open once again and she held her breath, waiting to find out if it was the Seer or someone else she had no desire to see. When the curtain brushed aside she stepped back, only relaxing when the Seer came into view once more. "What is that?" She couldn't tear her eyes from the weapon the woman held, though it was nothing like she had ever seen before. Even as warded as she was she could feel the power it contained as it reached out to her. Suddenly she wished she was back in the cell, wanting no part of whatever was to happen.

Holding the rod out in front of her the Seer stepped forward. Already she could see the affects it was having on the girl, she looked ready to bolt at any moment. "This is your reason for being here girl, this is your purpose for living." Easily she picked up on the way the girl paled, looking as if she were about to be sick. It wouldn't surprise her, the feel of the rods power affected even her but still she held onto it. It was calling for the girl and it would not be denied. "This is the very thing that Masakazu needs to destroy the world, only you have the strength to thwart his plans. Only you can stop him. Touch the Sceptre child and he will no longer be able to use it for destruction. Afterwards I can safely take you back to your cell.

Kagome stared at her hard, having heard the pleading tone in her voice. The Sceptre being so close was making her ill, she would have emptied the contents of her stomach had she eaten today. While going back to the cell was sounding appealing, touching the piece of metal was not. "I don't think so. Not until I know what it does, what it will do to me. We've followed you before, blind to what we were walking into and we've had to live with the consequences. Not this time, tell me what I want to know."

The Seer closed her eyes, knowing that arguing was going to get them nowhere. "I cannot waste precious time arguing with you. You are right, you deserve an answer but there is only so much I know. This is the Sceptre of Darkness. I know not of how it works, only that it needs the strength of its user to operate it. Two people have that power, you and Masakazu. If he gets it all is lost, you are the only choice. It will join with whichever of you touches it first. Now please, if you want to live, if you want Hiei to live then touch the rod and we can return to the cell."

Kagome wondered if she could actually refuse this request. Somehow she knew that she couldn't, if Masakazu achieved its power there was no telling of the destruction that would come to pass. Her hand reached out to it but stopped as she looked into the Seer's eyes. She had to know. "If he knows that I can use this and it will not work for him what then? I will become a target for his wrath. He will now the truth of what has happened and then kill me to become its new master."

Nodding, she held the Sceptre out to the girl. "It is true that he may attempt to kill you to get the Sceptre. But if he has it to begin with you are dead anyway. We are at the end of Masakazu's reign now and the next few days will bring about many changes. I will do all I can to keep both you and Hiei alive, you have my word. I will not let you die if I can help it." She struggled to keep her hand from trembling as she held the object of debate. "What will you choose?"

Sighing heavily Kagome closed her eyes. "You could have lied to me and said that I would be safe and yet you did not. Instead you told me something you knew I did not wish to hear, hoping that it would be enough. For that I thank you, it is more than Midoriko was willing to do. It is enough, give me the damned thing." Reaching out once more she took hold of the rod. Her eyes widened as she watched it, she could have sworn that it had moved as she reached out. It was as if it were trying to get closer. Intense heat flared through her as the Sceptre keyed itself to her power. Revulsion welled up within her as she felt the evil objects delight in her touch. Her hand flew to her stomach as convulsions racked her body, her stomach attempting to purge what was not there.

A sickly purple aura enveloped her as the power continued to grow, pain flaring within her. It felt as if she was being incinerated from the inside out. It was a demonic weapon, never meant to be possessed by one such as herself. She knew that was why it was such an excruciating experience, her contained miko abilities were straining to purify the demonic presence and failing. After what seemed to be an eternity the pain ended, the bonding process having finished. The rod was now hers and she could feel its awareness coursing through her, there was no doubt in her mind that it was alive. Her breath came in harsh pants as she closed her eyes, unwilling to look at the weapon in her hand. Against her will all of her strength left her body and she slid to the floor. She was vulnerable now, should Masakazu arrive she would be powerless to defend herself.

Thanks to everyone for being so patient and to everyone that has reviewed so far.