InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Confrontation ❯ Proposition 101 ( Chapter 41 )

A/N: NC-17 Chapter for Language. Remember all character are or will damn near be OOC!

 

Disclaimer: I do not own any of them; however Jouyoku and Miebi Kokushi are mine!!

 

Chapter 41: Proposition 101

 

The demon slayer hadn't budge from her hidden place behind her husbands' back, as visions danced in her head of that monster touching and licking her. The sound of his voice froze her in place. The knowledge that he was a mere 20 feet away from her made her body tremble uncontrollably. “Mir…Miroku” she whispered when her hallucinations became too much for her to bear.

 

The monk stood unflinching staring daggers at the one that had almost raped his wife and seemed more than intent on taking the woman he had grown to love as a sister. `This cocky bastard! He stands there as if he's some kind of Kami! What gave him the right to touch her? If…If only I had my wind tunnel, then I would show this arrogant self-righteous son of a bitch something!' The veins in his neck and forehead looked as if they were about burst, his fist were balled up so tight that his knuckles were chalk white.

 

Looking from the hanyou to the monk, Jouyoku chuckled, “You look fit to kill. Care to try your luck?”

 

Miroku stepped forward, unknowingly dragging Sango behind him.

 

Tilting his head down so that he was looking at him through his long thick eyelashes, Jouyoku snickered, “I already told you that she was barely fuck-able, but if you wish to push the issue of revenge, please step a little closer.”

 

Gritting his teeth the Houshi silently growled, `Bastard!'

 

Grabbing the Monk's robes Inuyasha snarled, “Don't be stupid! Get the fuck out of here!” He couldn't believe that the baka was actually contemplating taking this youkai on. Sure he thought that it was an estimable thing to do, but did Miroku honestly think that he could take Jouyoku on with his bare hands and an already broken jaw?

 

“That's right human, listen to the half-breed and make sure you take that useless cunt with you.” His tone was calm like the eye of a hurricane with just a hint of playfulness.

 

`Why won't this fucker just shut up?' Grabbing on tighter to his friends' robes in order to hold him back Inuyasha shouted at Jouyoku, “You need to shut the fuck up! This is between you and me not him `or' her!”

 

Licking his lips as if he was salivating, the magenta haired Casanova replied, “Actually hanyou, in a moment this will be between me, and that delectable piece of meat you have over there.”

 

Yanking aggressively on the back of Miroku's clothing the hanyou shouted, “I said get the fuck out of here, now!!” He was praying that the fuming monk would catch on and go get Sesshomaru, but he just stood there staring, almost foaming at the mouth.

 

Slowly recognition set in on the Houshi. Inuyasha was talking to him, telling…no demanding he do something. Turning to face him he asked, `What?' with his eyes.

 

“Get the fuck out of here!”

 

It took everything within him not to turn back towards the demon. Placing his arm protectively around Sango he reluctantly turned away and headed towards the house. `I'll get Sesshomaru. Surely he'll want to exact his revenge on the thing that injured his mate!' Pulling Sango closer to his side he quickly covered the distance between the house and the clearing.

 

“Now that that's done, shall we get this over with?” Jouyoku stated in a bored manner. His plan was coming along beautifully. `Step one, completed.'

 

Kagome had been standing there listening and praying that this was some kind of dream. But the more she prayed the more reality sat in. `He has Kikyo with him. Does this mean that she's in on this? Is she just acting like she's hurt so that when the time comes she can take Inuyasha and in return he'll take me? This isn't good, they're up to something.' Pulling on to the back of he hanyou's haori her thoughts continued, `Proposition…proposition…what in the hell is he planning? Is…Is…' It was as if a light bulb had gone off in her head, `is he planning on trying to trade me for Kikyo? Oh, fuck!' “Inu…Inuyasha I think I know what his proposition is.” She whispered hoping that it wouldn't be overheard.

 

“Bitch if you know something spit it out, because my patience is running out.” Inuyasha replied without taking his eyes off of the grinning youkai before him.

 

“He wants to trade…”

 

“So Miko, you think you have it all figured out, do you?” Jouyoku stated interrupting the dark haired beauty. Initially that was going to be his plan, but he realized soon after that just because the dead…undead priestess wished to be with the hanyou, it didn't necessarily mean that he wished to be with her. Therefore he decided to go with plan B, `Seek and Destroy'.

 

`Trade…what in the hell is she talking about?' Unsheathing his fang the hanyou hissed, “Damn it all! I'm tired of this shit! If I got something you want then come and get it!”

 

Chuckling sadistically Jouyoku replied, “Oh don't worry, I will.”

 

Inuyasha wanted nothing more than to charge at him and end this quickly with a wind scar but he couldn't. Not with Kikyo standing before him. Sure she had tried to kill Kagome and possibly himself as well, but he couldn't take her life, not like this. Maybe under different circumstances, but not now, she looked as if she would be dead with in a matter of minutes. Was she his captive? Or was she with him willingly?

 

“Such a big sword for such a little half-demon. Are you sure you can use it with out damaging your ex-bitch?”

 

`He's using Kikyo as a shield. He knows I won't attack with her there!' Grinding his teeth so hard that his jaw cracked Inuyasha stated in a taunting tone, “Why don't you let her go and we'll see if your big mouth can stand up to my big sword!”

 

“In due time, now shall we get back to the reason why I'm here?” Rolling his head from side to side as if he was cracking his neck he continued, “My proposition to `you' is this…” Staring at the half-breed his face no longer held any sign of humor or softness. It was as if he had transformed into someone else right in front of them, “I want the Miko. You can give her to me willingly or I can take her by force. Either way, I will have her.”

 

Inuyasha couldn't believe what he was hearing, `did he just say he wanted Kagome? Did he just insinuate that he was going to take her? This fucker has really lost he fucking mind!' Glaring at the all of a sudden serious youkai he responded, “Well then I guess if you want her, you're just going to have to let Kikyo go and bring your dumb ass over here and take her!”

 

“So then I'm to assume that your answer is, no, you will not be giving her to me willingly?”

 

“What, are you fucking stupid? Of course my answer is no!” The hanyou yelled in disbelief. `This prick has lost his ever loving mind!'

 

Eyeing the Hanyou, he slowly ran his hand down the back of the undead miko's head until it was positioned at the base of her neck. “I really hate getting violent, but you leave me no other choice.”

 

Inuyasha eyed his opponent closely while trying to make sure that his intended didn't suddenly disappear. “Kagome I don't know what he has planned, but please make sure that you don't leave my side, okay?” He felt her head nod against his back and that was the cue he needed. Readying himself with both hands on the hilt of Tetsusaiga he planted his feet firmly and took one last look at the woman that would be his, he hoped. Turning back around he couldn't believe what was coming at him! It was a blur of red, white and magenta.

 

“This belongs to you!” Jouyoku hissed as he swung Kikyo's body over his head by her hair. All that could be heard was a loud wailing sound as her body connected with the chest of the hanyou.

 

Inuyasha was thrown back onto Kagome, “What the hell!” Glancing quickly down at the girl beneath him he asked, “Are you all right?” Without waiting for a reply, he stated in a harsh tone, “Stay down,” while getting to his feet. `Did he just hit me with Kikyo?' He thought in disbelief as he shook his head. Realization was not kind, `That fucker just hit me with Kikyo!' Laughing at the idea of what just took place the hanyou readied him self once more, “That was real low Jouhomo!! For that you `will' pay with your life!”

 

“Idle threats I'm sure.” Jouyoku replied as he landed on the other side of the clearing with a smirk. Looking down at the severely cracked husk of the undead miko's body he noticed that she was now missing an arm and there was a huge gaping hole in the side of her leg. He was sure that there was probably more damage hidden beneath her clothing, but this did not concern him in the least. “What do you say Kikyo, are you up for one more round?”

 

Her reply was a weak grunt or maybe it was a `Go to hell,' then her body went limp.

 

“You fucking bastard!” Inuyasha screamed as he charged towards his opponent. “Wind Scar!” The golden blaze tore up the field in front of him promising death to the person on the receiving end.

 

Leaping into the air and over the blaze, Jouyoku dove downward while winding the abomination's hair tightly around his fist and shouting, “We'll have no more of that hanyou,” as he viciously swung the undead priestess once more connecting with the half-demons upper chest and face.

 

The cast that held the souls Kikyo had collected over the years shattered into what appeared to be a million tiny insignificant almost transparent pieces.

 

Inuyasha flew back from the blow. Shaking his head he tried to clear the stars that danced in front of him, `Are those…are those Kikyo's souls?' He questioned as he watched the last of what he thought were stars soar into the sky. Glancing at the monster, then up at place he saw the last glowing orb. He couldn't believe it. She was gone…Kikyo…she was gone. This monster had just used her as if she was nothing more than an object or a tool…a means to an end. “You fucking bastard, I'll kill you!”

 

“Didn't you already say something like that?” Jouyoku stated with a grin while dusting his hands off in a manner befitting someone that had just been playing in sand. “You almost sound hurt that she's gone. I thought you would've been thankful. After all she did try to kill my ladylove over there and you as well, if I'm not mistaken. Surely your not saying that you still felt something for her.” Calmly running his claws through his mane as if he hadn't just taken someone's life he continued, “Honestly, from the moment I met her I knew I would be forced to kill her. So you can thank me, hanyou, by handing over what's mine!”

 

Kagome sat there watching the altercation and she couldn't help but to feel pity for the woman. Sure they had not seen eye to eye where Inuyasha was concerned, not to mention she had tried to kill her on more than one occasion but she couldn't find it in her to rejoice or find even an ounce of happiness in her demise.

 

A bright ball of light flew towards her, `The rest of my soul.' It dove into her chest causing her body to tremble. She felt whole, rejuvenated, and angry for the manner in which it had been returned to her. She couldn't remember ever feeling hatred towards anyone before but for this heartless monster… For what he had just done…for what he did to Ayame and Kouga, Miroku and Sango and all the countless, nameless, and faceless women the came before her, she screamed, “Inuyasha kill him!!” In a voice filled with so much anger and rage that she didn't' even notice the jewel around her neck darken just a little.

 

That was something she had never done in all the years that she had traveled with him. She had never ordered him to kill anyone.

 

Turning on his heels Jouyoku stalked towards her, “You traitorous tramp! I did this for you and this is how you repay me? She wanted you dead! She would've taken you from me, don't you understand that?” He couldn't comprehend why she would tell that half-breed to kill him. He had done nothing wrong, he only protected what was his. He had removed the obstacle, the copy that resented her and served no purpose to the world, so why on Kami's green earth would she demand his death!

 

“Stay the hell away from her!” Inuyasha screamed as he leaped into the air bringing the blade of his sword down, slicing nothing but air.

 

Turning abruptly the insatiable demon crouched low as his eyes faded to midnight black and his fangs protruded out of his mouth. Digging his extended claws into the ground he sent a powerful burst of dark energy at the hanyou hurling him backwards at an incredible speed while ripping through his clothing and flesh, “Stay the hell out of this! I'll teach `my' woman a lesson about loyalty!”

 

Kagome scrambled back, `what in the hell is he talking about? He sounds like he thinks that we're in some kind of relationship! Oh god…' She had never felt so much fear in her life. The power…the aura around him… “Stay away from me!” She screamed as she leaned back on her elbows and began kicking fitfully into the air as if it would stop him. Closing her eyes tight she screamed, “Inuyasha!!”

 

Stepping so that he was towering above her Jouyoku opened his link, `Shut up! You will not speak until I tell you to! How dare you scream for that half-breed, he's nothing! Do hear me, nothing!' Anger radiated off him in waves. His hair rose and fell around him as if it had a life of it's own.

 

Kagome's eyes snapped open, `my voice, my voice! Please…Inuyasha…Please.' She cried as tears ran down the sides of her face.

 

Staggering to his feet the dog prince could feel his strength being slowly drained from his body. The sun was minutes from setting. The beating that he had, had at the hands of his brother, had taken it's toll. His body couldn't…wouldn't take much more of this, but Kagome she needed him. Using his blade as a crutch he tried to regain his balance. “Kagome!!”

 

She heard Inuyasha screaming her name with such force and so much frantic passion that her eyes snapped open of their own accord. The sight before her told her that in a matter of seconds everything was going to change. Jouyoku was standing over her. In place of his eyes were two vacant black holes, slobber dripped off the tips of his hideous fangs, his claws stretched out towards her, mere inches from touching her…grabbing her…taking her away from the one man…the only man she had ever loved.

 

She wanted to scream, she wanted to summon her miko energy and offer him up a healthy dose, but every muscle in her body was terror-struck. Her mind was a frenzied mess, stuck only on his appearance, and the thought of what he was promising her. `Not…No…Please…God…Inuyasha!!'

 

She felt his hands grasp her arms, `Where is Inuyasha? Why hasn't he come yet?' She could feel his breath on her face, `is Inuyasha okay? He should've been here by now!' She wanted to look away from him, but his eyes…they drew her in, promising her pain...pleasure…agony…ecstasy. `Please…Inu…Inu…yasha where…where are you?'

 

Gathering the last of his energy the hanyou lethargically dragged himself across the clearing. He could feel blood draining from the lacerations Sesshomaru had inflicted on him. He felt the tenderness of his ribs and chest. Every muscle tendon in his body begged for mercy. “Get your fucking hands off of her!” He managed to scream, and even that hurt. If there was one day…one time that he hated being hanyou he had to admit that it was today…this moment…right now!

 

He could do nothing as he watched the demon glare violent daggers into her face. He could do nothing as Jouyoku yanked her up off the ground and roughly jerked her towards him, “You son of a bitch!” He wanted to use his fang but at this distance anything he did would without a doubt hurt Kagome.

 

There was a vicious gust of wind accompanied by a powerful shift of auras and the hanyou collapsed to his knees mumbling, “It's about…fucking…time.”

 

 

~Simonkal of Inuy~

 

 

Sesshomaru stood in the room torn between his need for retribution…the need to protect his mate and unborn pup and the desire to let the hanyou experience the pain…the knowledge…the ache of knowing that his mate was in the hands of that monster.

 

He fought within himself to not go out there and dish out the vengeance that was owed to him. This fight…what was happening outside of these walls…it didn't involve him, right? His place was here with her…with them, wasn't it?

 

If he hadn't attempted to revive the wolf youkai, then his mate would not have been harmed! Weren't all his problems…didn't all his problems…his battles stem from his dealings with his half-breed brother? No matter how far he tried to distance himself or how hard he tried to pretend he didn't exist, there was always something... It was as if there was a hidden reason…agenda …a scheme that made it so that his involvement always became necessary.

 

He heard a voice similar to his own, yet wholly different say, `your lives are nothing more than the stitching in a blind maidens tattered tapestry. There is no direction, no reason, and no purpose. It is simply chaotic, unruly, ass-backwards, senseless, tempestuous, and as much as you would deny it, it is also connected, interwoven, linked, and knotted, from the beginning to the end.' Why was it repeating his thoughts to him? Hadn't he already figured that much out?

 

Shaking his head he dismissed the voice and growled at the sound of his brothers' battle cry. He had to fight against himself and the need that grew ever stronger with every beat of his heart. Clenching his fist so tight that he drew blood he yelled silently, `this is his fight! He must protect his mate! My place is here!'

 

`Do you have nothing you wish to protect?'

 

Growling harshly at the voice that he was sure was only in his head he replied, `what does it look like I'm doing?' He heard the miko scream his brothers' name and inwardly he flinched.

 

`Do you have nothing you wish…need to protect?'

 

He angrily punched the wall next to him! Who in the hell was this? Was this really all in his mind? What was it trying to tell him? The only person he was supposed to protect was here with him! He had nothing left to protect!

 

`Is there nothing that deserves your protection?'

 

“This is not my fight.” He whispered. Though in his heart he knew that it was.

For the things that, that beast had done to Rin, the promise he made to the wolf youkai. He would keep that promise. He would make sure that the demon responsible paid for what he had done to her. “This is not my fight.”

 

`Blood is blood in any form.'

 

He felt the aura surrounding his brother weaken and smelled the spike in the miko's scent. Stepping towards the door he stated to no one, “I will not save him, I will seek my revenge for my mate. I will gain retribution for the wrong done to the youkai bitch…” He felt an ominous change happening to the one called Kagome and he could feel his brothers' fear nipping pleadingly at his ankles as if he himself was experiencing it, “I will not save him!”

 

`You have something to protect.'

 

Unsheathing Toukijin he replied harshly, “I have nothing but my mate and pup to protect!” Holding steadfastly to the idea that he only had two beings to protect he ran swiftly from the room, past a stunned slayer and Monk, and out of the house.

 

Denial was a beautiful thing.

 

 

~Simonkal of Inuy~

 

 

Jouyoku sensed him coming before he crested the threshold of the home. Releasing the miko, who dropped to the ground with a dull thud, he turned on his heels and smiled at the dog lord who stood only a few feet away from him with an unreadable expression gracing his features. Chuckling lightly he asked with a smirk, “Is she dead yet?”

 

The Lords' only reply was the pointing of his sword and the blue blast of energy that burst from the end of the blade.

 

Almost moving too late, Jouyoku leaped out of the way, “Oh, don't tell me you have nothing to say me. Last time we met…” Landing softly in the center of the clearing he continued with a sadistic grin, “you threatened me. “Please, tell you're going to do it again.”

 

Sesshomaru could only watch stunned, as that demon dodged his attack. That was supposed to be a dead-on shot! How could he have gotten out of the way? The silver haired lord heard him throwing taunts in his direction, but he wasn't about to be baited. Glancing down at the miko that sat huddled on the ground, he charged towards the demon.

 

Thanking every god that she knew, the terrified miko tried to regain her composure. `If Sesshomaru hadn't come… What was he doing to me? I couldn't look away! It was like he was raping my very soul! Why…why didn't… why couldn't I purify him?' Looking around the clearing she saw her hanyou lying stretched out on the ground unmoving. “…” She tried to call to him but she couldn't speak! `Is he? Inuyasha, please be okay!' She thought frantically as she jumped to her feet and darted around the two warring youkai's.

 

It looked like Sesshomaru was going at him with all his might. Each blow was skillful and powerful, but that bastard, Jouyoku would only move out of the way or use his claws to block them. Forcing her attention away from them she focused only on getting to Inuyasha and making sure that he was okay.

 

Kneeling beside him she quickly rolled him over. Since she couldn't talk she slapped both side of his face while praying silently that he would get up.

 

The hanyou felt someone hitting him and he groaned softly. He tried to sniff the person but his senses were so weak that it did no good. Slowly he opened his eyes, “Ka…gome”

 

She smiled at him, tears pooling around her lower eyelids.

 

“He didn't hurt you, did he?”

 

She shook her head in a negative fashion.

 

“Wench, why aren't you saying anything?” He asked weakly while trying to sit up.

 

She gulped, `he's going to freak when he finds out.' She wanted to tell him that she was okay and that Jouyoku had simply planted a suggestion in her head. She wanted him to know that more than likely, once Sesshomaru had killed him or at least injured him. This would go away, but she couldn't so she pulled his upper body to her and hugged him.

 

“He did something to you? What did he do? Why aren't you talking? What the fuck is going on, Kagome?”

 

She could tell by the tone of his voice that he was getting impatient. Sighing dejectedly, she grasped her throat then pointed towards where Jouyoku and Sesshomaru were still fighting. `Don't worry I'm fine.' She thought hoping that he would get the hint.

 

“That bastard!” Inuyasha hissed as he pushed away from her and attempted to stand, but failed miserably.

 

`You're hurt, you need to lie still.' She wanted to say as she reached for him again.

 

“I'll fucking kill him!” The hanyou ground out. He knew his threat was empty, at least for today. His time was coming fast and there was absolutely nothing he could do. He felt a pulse then another as he stared at her. She was the only thing he had ever truly wanted…craved…needed. She was his air…his reason and he couldn't protect her. Reaching up he caressed the side of her face as the final pulse erased every trait of his demon side.

 

She watched with tears trailing down her cheeks as his ears disappeared and reappeared on the sides of his head. Then she watched his hair go from beautiful silver strands to the most gorgeous shade of jet black she had ever seen. She watched his eyes dim from golden to violet and she knew that this is what was bothering him. He was afraid of being human when that monster came for her. He was scared of this…of what was happening right now. This was his worst fear and now it was happening. `I'll fight him, Inuyasha. I'll fight him.' She wanted to say, but instead she tenderly kissed the inside of his palm as the claws that tickled her flesh and maimed countless demons vanished.

 

“I'm sorry Kagome. I'm sorry that this had to happen when you need me most.” His eyes held misery, guilt and shame. “Sesshomaru…he'll protect you, even if he doesn't want to…he'll kill him, don't worry...” His voice trembled with fear for her and what he knew was to come. Yet he still needed to reassure her that everything would be okay, even if he didn't believe it himself. This was his human side talking. The emotional rational side that wasn't too prideful to accept help. The side that wasn't too egotistical to know when to accept defeat.

 

She stared at him as the vulnerability that he had always tried so hard to hide shone through. Why was he talking as if this was the end? `Inuyasha you did your best.' Why was he being so dismal…so disheartening? `It's not over yet, it's not over.' There was still hope, wasn't there?

 

He wanted to scream at her to run, but it was futile. There was nowhere for her to go, that, that beast wouldn't find her. The well had been destroyed and they hadn't had time to try rebuilding it. Grasping her hand tightly he slipped from her lap as the damaged done earlier came full force. His chest heaved up and down, his breathing became labored and ragged, and he felt like every rib…every bone in his body was broken. Pain tore through his muscles…his tendons…every orifice of his body. “Don't forget…” He whispered as his eyes rolled back into his head.

 

Seeing this the miko shook him violently, `don't leave me! I'm sorry…I'm so sorry Inuyasha! I should have purified him! I should have done something! Please just don't leave me!'

 

He could feel his body convulse in the darkness that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, `no I won't go! I won't leave her! I'll hold on! I'll wait…' His thoughts grew weaker as the seconds ticked by, `I…can't…leave her, not now…not like this.' Slowly he opened his eyes to the light. Staring up at her he tried to give her a reassuring smile but faltered as tremors ravaged the earth around them. “Don't forget about me.” He managed weakly.

 

Openly weeping now, she blurted, “Shut up! Just shut up! Nothing is going to happen to you or me!” For a moment she was shocked, when had she gotten her voice back? Had Sesshomaru killed him? Did this mean that everything would be okay now? Did this mean that she would not be taken? “Baby, stay with me, okay? See, I have my voice back, that must mean the your brother is kicking his ass.” This was stated in an attempt to lighten the mood. Still she couldn't ignore the tiny voice in the back of her head that whispered, `don't get your hopes up.'

 

He tried to smile once more but it came across as merely a smirk. He wanted to tell her that he loved her and that he only needed to rest, but all thoughts evaporated as pain shot forth, ripping through his back and up his spine spreading through out his limbs. He heard Kagome's heart wrenching scream and then there was nothing…absolute silence…no pain…nothing.

 

The girl stared on in unabashed horror as her hanyou's body slowly rose off the ground to hover just above her. She watched a dark mist develop around and under him. She saw grotesquely long black claws appear embedded in his chest from below! Then she heard the most hateful sadistic chuckle she had ever heard in her life. It made her skin crawl, her hair stand on end, and her aura spike. She crawled back, away from the thing she knew was Jouyoku, even though his full form had not taken shape. `Sesshomaru didn't kill him! Oh Kami, did he kill Sesshomaru?'

 

She knew if the dog lord had failed, there was no hope for her. She would be taken…raped repeatedly…made to live an eternity with him as nothing more than nourishment! She couldn't stop the tears that flowed. This wasn't happening to her! Inuyasha wasn't going to die, he couldn't! He was stronger than this! He had been hurt a lot worse than this before! Stopping only when she hit something hard she pulled her legs up to her chest and wept as she stared at the youkai taking shape before her.

 

“I grow tired of playing with dogs, miko.” He stated in a calm voice. Staring at the hanyou's body he laughed, “This is whom you wanted to give yourself to? This half-breed that can barely defend himself, let alone protect you!” Staring at the body dangling from his claws for a moment longer, Jouyoku stated almost as if he was reconsidering what he was thinking, “You have two choices. Come with me of your own free will and he lives or I'll kill him and take you anyway.” He had never been one to fight or kill with out cause. However if she pushed him he would, with out a second thought take the half-breed's life, if it meant getting his point across to her.

 

Kagome sniffled then began to cry even harder. This wasn't fair! Did he really think that he was giving her a choice? Either way her life was over! If Inuyasha survived she knew that he would spend the rest of his days hunting him down for what he had done! Did she want that type of life for him? No she didn't, she wanted him to be happy, to go on…she wanted him to forget about her and go on with his life. `Kami, I'm such a terrible liar! I want him to hunt this jerk down! I want Inuyasha to find him and kill him over and over and over! I don't want him to go on without me! I want him to love me always! I want him to crave me the way I crave him!' The jewel around her neck darkened slightly, but once again she didn't notice. `I love him…I just love him so much. I can't live with out him. I can't let Jouyoku kill him, I can't…' Standing to her feet she whispered, “Please don't hurt him anymore, I'll…I'll…

 

“Step away Miko.” A cold voice stated from behind her.

 

Jouyoku glared at the Inu Lord. “Why won't you fucking dogs, just die?” He knew he had delivered the finishing blow to his chest. To see him here standing as if he wasn't hurt, or rather that his hits were nothing more than love taps really pissed him off!

 

Turning on her heels Kagome stared at the torn and beaten Lord of the Western Lands. His impeccable robes now torn to shreds, though his face was set in the most impressive scowl she'd seen yet to date, she knew he was badly injured. Blood coated the front of his robes, the side of his head and drained down his one good arm. `What did he do to you?' She wanted to ask.

 

She suddenly felt guilty. Inuyasha was gravely injured because of her. His brother, who should've never been here to begin with, was severely hurt as well and all because of her. What was her life really worth? Was it worth Inuyasha's life? Was it worth Sesshomaru's, Rin's or even their unborn pup's life?

 

“Miko step aside!” The injured Lord ordered. It had been a cheap shot that had drawn his blood. He had only looked away for a millisecond, when he smelled his brothers scent shift from hanyou to human and weaken to the point of almost non-existence. This pathetic excuse for a demon had taken that moment to attack him, severing some of the tendons in his arm and upper chest causing him to drop Toukijin. Since he couldn't hold his sword, he had decided to use his whips. However every attack he threw at him was reflected right back at him. As much as he hated to admit it, this demon was a good match for him and in his current condition would probably kill him. He would not, however willingly bow down to defeat… He would not let another person be it human or demon fall to this demon, even if it cost him his life.

 

Looking away from the Tai-Youkai as if she hadn't heard a word he had just said she turned back to Jouyoku and an unconscious Inuyasha. `My life…my life is not worth yours my love. It's not worth Sesshomaru's! He's already been hurt so badly, if he keeps fighting he'll die and so will Rin and their pup. I…I can't let that happen…I can't let him sacrifice his life and his family for me. At least this way…you'll still have a chance at retribution and…happ…happiness.' The last part almost killed her to admit.

 

She knew it was selfish, but how do you just accept the fact that your happiness didn't mean as much as the next person. How do you just send the man you love out into the world to love someone else…to find happiness without you?

 

Jouyoku watched with a self-satisfied smirk as the miko weighed her options. He gloated silently, knowing that she would choose to go with him, because quite honestly she had no other choice. “You insolent dog, can't you see our dear miko is making a decision?” He stated with a chuckle as he jiggled the hanyou's body just a little, as if to remind the dog just what was at stake.

 

Watching the miko turn back to face him, Sesshomaru tried to read her face… her mind, anything that would tell him what she was thinking.

 

Staring at the one she had feared in the beginning then learned to respect, she felt her heart break as she stared into his golden irises that at this moment were too much like the man that she loved. Addressing her question to the demon Casanova, “do you promise, if I should go with you willingly, you will leave this village and my friends alone?”

 

“I only promise to leave the hanyou alive. His survival will be up to him. However your friends are not apart of this deal.” Though he may be thought of as nothing more than a monster, he was not a liar, and even now would not mislead her.

 

She closed her eyes briefly and exhaled. `So much for that.' “Sesshomaru, please tell Inu…tell him that I love him…tell him that I will never forget him. Will you do that for me? Will you tell him?”

 

Panic unknowingly ravaged Sesshomaru's body. To those around him it would appear that he hadn't so much as taken a breath, but he knew that he was shaking with anger internally! Was this bitch really planning on going with this youkai? What did she hope to gain by doing such a thing? Did she think that this would actually save the hanyou or her friends? Jouyoku was a demon and not an honorably one, so what would lead her to believe that she could trust him? Better yet honor anything that fell from his lips? “Miko don't be stupid.” He replied coldly.

 

Tears pooled around her eyes once more as she stared back him, hoping that one day he would understand and be able to make the other's especially Inuyasha understand why she had to do this. Stepping closer to him she rested her head in the center of his chest.

 

He froze, not knowing what to do or think. `What is she doing? What's she trying to prove?'

 

“Tell him…promise me you'll tell him, he is and always will be my only love.” Wrapping one arm around his waist while resting her hand on his bicep she whispered, “I'm sorry”, as she released a small amount of energy into him. She knew it wasn't enough to harm him, but it would stun him enough so that he wouldn't interfere or cause more damage to himself by trying to hinder their departure.

 

Turning away from him, she stared brokenheartedly at an openly gloating Jouyoku, “Release him, I am ready.”

 

He chuckled as he lowered his arm and allowed the hanyou's impaled body to slide slowly off his claws. `Hell, if I knew it would've been this easy, I would've forgone everything else and gone straight for the half-breed in the first place.'

 

Watching her loves body collapse to the ground she stated in a forlorn manner, “There is no need for you to use your suggestion on me. I am going with you willingly. I…I will not fight you. Just leave him alone.”

 

He couldn't hide the manner in which her words him. Allowing his features to revert back to that of the handsome, harmless, charismatic, and charming youkai he wiped the traces of the hanyou's blood on the back of his hakama leg while pulling her into his arms with the other. Smiling down at her he stated possessively, “Mine.”

 

At that moment…as the world around her faded…as the last image of Inuyasha, the forest, Sesshomaru, and her friends faded from sight, her soul died.

 

Until Next Time… (The nice thing to do would be for you, to leave a review.)