InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ For the heart of a demon ❯ Trickery, deceit, and revelations ( Chapter 15 )

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

More convention action. Kagome is returned to Naraku at his compound where she wants to leave. But Naraku, not pleased and secretly angry at her, does �something for a while� preventing Kagome from leaving. And Kagome turns it into a contest. After a skirmish Kagome visits her southern lands and meets with the southern lord, who has alternative plans. A misunderstanding happens leading Naraku to make a fatal mistake.

Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 03.29.2005 | Pages: 24 | Words: 19.3K | Visits: 295 | Status: Completed

For the heart of a demon

Yeah, there was a bit of a wait for that update, but what can I say? I'm doing the best that I can while in college ^__^

Soooooooooo! Did you all like the last chapter? Let me know, cause the comments really help for me to know what I should filter out or not. Not everyone like truly intense graphic images and I can understand that. And, if you ever have any question about my confusement, let me know! And if you guys thought that the last chapter was long….HA! This is longer! Which means the update for the next one will have a bit of a gap in between. Hope it wasn't a cliffy or anything, just where I stop tying for a good spot for the next chapter. And either no one reads the notes at the bottom, or no one knows who Nisterlrooy is! Would have thought someone to know, got a few emails with people getting it wrong (famous actor and stuff like that) but oh well.

I always forget to put this dumb disclaimer here. Oh well, I think it is a fact though. Well, here we are again. I do not own Inuyasha, perhaps this should be stated again.

Chapter 15

Her eyes cried out to him. “Sesshomaru.”

His cold exterior on his face went away some to allow a small smile. “You should not-“

Mamochan went up to Sakura quickly taking her by the arm. “Lady Yukina of the west looks for you Sesshomaru-sama. I believe you would do best not to look in the courtyard at this hour for her.”

Sesshomaru walked back inside. His mind was still consumed. Her eyes…

Mamochan turned Sakura towards him and was slightly confused on what to do. He had never seen her reveal emotion, and now she looked, dead.

“Sakura you would do best for everyone here who is under you if you do not leave yourself alone with Sesshomaru.” He led her inside.” The past is so for a reason.”

Sakura barley slept. There was no point. She thought of Sesshomaru. Come dawn she woke dressing herself in another revealing black and white kimono. Mamochan watched with smiles as she dressed in front of him. They both knew she did not care. She did it to taunt him.

“Your kimono suits you well.”

Her above part was normal save the chest area had large diamonds cut out revealing much. There were also diamonds cut outs lessening in size going down until…

“Shall we leave? We both have business to attend to.”

He left with her. “As long as yours does not include the western lord. There is a summit in three hours. I will come for you then.”

Separating Sakura ate chatting to her dislike with others. After time, Tsume relieved her from the perverts and others around her.

“I have heard of your resistant Sakura, but from you it seems as if an entirely different person. Is it from the pregnancy none can see yet?”

“Sakura must do so for reasons Tsume, you know about who Sakura is.”

“As well, I have been told by Mamochan, that you are not to be left alone with a certain great youkai of the west.”

“Implying it was I who sought him out.”

“Reserved as stone again. You are fine.”

“About the lesser lords who find trouble with me.”

“Infact they wish to speak to you now. They are discussing with foreign lords. I am unsure why, for they speak little of our language.”

“Why would youkai not from Japan believe I want to speak with them, and are able to.”

Tsume looked at her. “You are Sakura are you not?”

“Where do they hail from.”

“They did not say. They approach now. The two fox demons are from the east, the other three… demons, are foreign.”

Knowing for a fact the two spoke little of the native language she openly spoke to the foxes. “You both go against me and do not recognize the scent or look yourself. You both have seen this Sakura before.”

“We know no green inu-“

Sakura cut him off. “You know of a shadow dog and his mate.”

Their eyes widened. “Noriega…Please forgive our intrusion and rudeness.”

Sakura spoke. “Find Sanoske and tell him what you think of me now.”

One of the foreign demons spoke. “Trouble?”

Sakura smiled and was once glad that she had managed to listen when in high school. She recognized the accent. Demons were truly universal during this time. There was an alligator, piranha, and some other type of demon. She knew they would have been from along the Amazon River or in the area. She walked, with Tsume, on her left, and talked with the foreigners who were shocked.

“I presume you understand my words now. How did you hear of Japan, the area, why here, and how are you familiar with Sanoske.”

The piranha demon spoke. “We, managed. How do you speak these words?”

“High school.”

The alligator looked at her. “Odd?”

“Never mind. Why have you come here?”

The piranha spoke breaking off form the two as she left from Tsume. “We received word of the eastern lord slain by a female demon whom few have lived to tell about. We wished to learn more of her vast powers.” He smiled. “I myself am also quiet impressed from what I am able to pick up form others on you lady Sakura, and your attire.”

Sakura spoke in a cold emotionless voice. None would recognize it, for the language was different. “If you touch me I will kill you.”

The piranha backed up. “Cold. You are hot.”

“Who here have you spoken to capable of your language.”

“The southern and western lord and a few of their lesser. Lord Sesshomaru is even known in my lands.” The piranha looked over her. “Here comes Marazou now.”

The dragon spoke in the language as well. “Lady Sakura I had no idea you were educated in foreign languages.”

“It was required of me.”

Marazou smiled letting the piranha speak. “She softens around you. Perhaps you both are in the market for new mates.”

“Perhaps you would do well not to offend such a beautiful young girl.”

Marazou walked off with the piranha. “Mamochan at always the right times.”

He spoke to her. “You would do best to control your anger.”

“As you my wardrobe.”

“You may be the only one to whom has a problem with it.”

They sat in a larger room listening to grievances and talks. The next day was similar with discussion not pertaining to Sakura until…

“…and as well. Which now brings us to Ungai's killer, to which Sanoske believes is Nike.” Said an elder demon. “Tsume. You knew her until she killed herself off. What do you know.”

Sanoske spoke. “More importantly, why did she keep you alive?”

Tsume shook his head. “She said I was attractive for a reptile. I only saw her on her schedule which was at random. Very beautiful, very deadly. The one time she did kill in front of me it was some sort of breed of lesser demon approaching. Her speed was quicker than my eye's hesitation.”

A demon spoke. “Fast and beautiful, deadly beauty.”

Another demon spoke. “Since everyone in the palace and the palace itself was destroyed what do you know of the rumor or Ungai more powerful than she and forced himself upon the beauty. It must be true, since his body, or what was left of it, was castrated.”

Tsume was shocked. He could see Sakura in his view clearly without looking at her. Her eyes were full of anger.

“I, I had no idea. But if castrated, then I will leave the assumptions to, you.”

“She obviously must be killed. Killing a lord is no light matter.” Said the elder demon.

Another demon spoke. “She has not been seen since the word was put out on her. She has informants everywhere I hear. Also, the ninja's whom plagued Unagi do so during Sanoske as well, even having the boldness to claim as well they are with her.”

“We have time to continue this another day.”

As those at the summit left Kogua made his way to Sakura outside next to a garden. “Lady Sakura, the talk of the conference bull shit we are at.”

“A pleasure as always to be in the graces of a lord.”

Kogua sat next to her. “Do not sell yourself short. You have accomplished a lot.” Silence. “I- Sakura I had no idea that happened to you. Why did you not tell me?”

”There are certain things to which I do not discuss Kogua.”

“Well then what is wrong? You do not seem like the Sakura I have grown to know, during these times here of course.”

She sighed. “True.”

“Well? You miss your mate or something?”

”In part. I worry for him. I can not go see him, or the pups, or Washi…”

Kogua laughed once. “When did this change happen.”

“Not sure.”

“Being, uhm…Pregnant?”

“Part as well. They have started to move.”

“Can you tell yet?”

“Not for another thirty days. Perhaps less. Is the northern lord interested in the pregnancy of this southern inu?”

“Yeah, and scared, and anxious.”

Sakura looked ahead. “What will happen will happen for a reason.”

Kogua shook his head. “Monotone. That is who is getting to you. Sesshomaru of the west has been keeping his eyes on you, a lot.”

“He told me he regrets his choice for a mate everyday.”

“Wow. That is something to think on. What did you say?”

“Mamochan showed at that time.”

“Are, you feeling okay? You know no matter how much you fool yourself, and you do it quiet well, you love the one whom scared you the most.”

“I love my mate Kogua.”

“I am not saying that you do not, but…He broke you and now says he wants you. Can not really reply to that.”

“I detest these decisions.”

“Can not let anyone decide for ya.” Kogua sniffed the air and turned to her. “Awh, do not start crying.”

Sakura wept. “I can not help it, when, when I am pregnant.”

Kogua walked off. “I can not be seen with you like this for our cover…Guess I have to find the half breed.”

But instead, Sesshomaru came shortly after Kogua had left. The weeping girl received his embrace and cried onto his chest.

“Why did you have to tell me that.”

“It is the truth. Have I further scared you by ruining your relationship with your mate-“

“-I can never love him how I still love you. You still hold my heart.”

“Do you want me to cut you lose you from the hold I have over you.”

Sakura did not have time to process it. Mamochan was there speaking with a slight growl in his throat.

“You will let her stand on her own now.”

Sesshomaru spoke still cold and emotionless. “If I do not.”

Mamochan was emotionless as well. “If you absolutely must, continue your discussion when Sakura is not with child. You know she can not control her emotions well during these times.”

Sakura, still weeping, rubbed up against Sesshomaru. His touch to her back calmed her. “Then why bring her.”

“We were all summoned.”

“Those one cares about in one way or another more sadistic half breed knowing their place still do.”

“True. You threw her out and took a mate not looking back.”

Mamochan knew the words would further harm her crying spirit already altered from pregnancy. And Mamochan did care about Sakura in an odd way, even if he did want to kill her, eventually. But he knew Sesshomaru would, will end up hurting her again.

Sakura cried. She pushed lightly away from Sesshomaru looking at him full of pain. She dried her eyes and walked off with Onita who had come back. Sakura mumbled to herself walking off.

“I really do hate all dogs still, except for one.”

Sesshomaru had heard it though and slightly growled at him. “Harsh.”

“When needed.” Mamochan walked off. “Stay away. You lost the right to her long ago.”

Sakura sat on a bed looking down. Onita gave her some food to eat and spoke to her.

“Sakura…No wonder why you barley told us about Sesshomaru.”

“Am I a wreck.” Sakura asked quiet.

“You needed to get this out of you. Not healthy, if you have been keeping it in that long. Sorry, he did, this to you.”

“How do you know if you made the right, decision.”

“No one can answer that for you but yourself. Look inside yourself. If you think you have fooled yourself to loving both completely, you know it is not true.” Onita turned around to find Sakura asleep. “You need it kid. You are too damn young for all of this.”

The next two days Sakura kept her normal profile. Not even Kogua could tell that she had had a mild break down. She stood, later, in an empty library with a female cat.

“I will be glad as tomorrow is the last day for this.”

“Me too. All this stuff and clothing is cramping.” The cat played with the books with her tail. “It is all pointless.”

“There is a point to everything, some just are not visible.”

“Makes sense. You are really smart for your age.” She walked out. “Be back, I have to find Onita, again.”

Sakura went over to a different book shelf and soon sense it. `Do not look at him.' She spoke. “Must you continue to destroy me.”

“I want no pain for you.”

“You are here.”

“Look at me.”

“No.”

“Why will you not look at me.”

“Because I love you. And it hurts, still to kno-“

He stopped her. “You are saying your thoughts out loud.”

She turned towards him looking down. “What do you want from me.”

Sesshomaru wiped her face. “To dry your tears.” He lifted her chin up towards him. “For you to smile again,” he moved her hair covering the crescent moon mark on her forehead and licked it causing it to glow. “with me.”

The girl looked at him tears streaming down her face. Sesshomaru leaned in and kissed her. And she let him. And she missed it. He put her against the book case deepening the kiss with his hands around her waist-

Kogua barked at Sesshomaru who growled slightly letting go of Sakura. She cried. Kogua spoke.

“Damn it Sesshomaru do not do this to her and especially not now!”

“You give her less credit than she has ability.”

He growled at him. “And you give her far too much. You made her cry!”

“Do not try to shelter further an-“

Kogua cut him off. “If you touch her, come near her again during this damn convention I swear on my northern lands there will be a fight.”

Sesshomaru growled back. He was now red eyed as well. “Do so now so that I may kill you.”

Kogua barked at him. “You damn mu-“

Sakura got up and jumped out of the window. “Stop it both of you!”

Kogua barked three times telling the other wolves what to do as he jumped out of the window running after her. Five hours later he caught up to her only because she had collapsed under a tree, curled up and cried. Kogua held her unsuccessfully getting her to calm down. After a while she went to sleep.

Naraku smelled the wind. Her, salty wolf. He waited an hour to see his mate passed out on the back of Kogua. He turned around letting Naraku hold her.

“What happened.”

“Man what did not happen? Was she like this the first time she was pregnant?”

“Apparently not.”

“Well taking her back she would cry one minute over the damn dog another she almost ripped my throat out, twice, then she would just become deathly silent for almost an entire day. Then she would try to kill me and cry for that. You do not do that to pregnant people!”

Naraku was displeased. He would have to fix that with her, why she was upset. “What did Sesshomaru do.”

“Arrogant bastard- What did he not do. One day he tells her he is sorry. Another he makes her break down and tells her he regrets being matted, and another day the bastard sticks his tongue down her throat after making her cry. Damn dog took advantage of her!”

“You left early.”

“Yeah it is taken care of though. But do not let her alone, and if you blame this on her I will snap your neck.” Kogua ran off. “Bad guards if I got through without them alerting you mutt!”

Noriega woke. New place, new direction, alone, in a bed. She started crying to herself. Seconds later Naraku came in holding her. She cried more.

Naraku was confused. “Why do you cry.”

“I do not know.”

She stopped two hours later. “Are you okay.”

“No.”

“Did Sesshomaru hurt you.”

“He said he was sorry for mar-“ She stopped herself. “For throwing me out. I did not want to hear all of that and I just kept crying and Mamochan was being nice and that was scary and then Sesshomaru wanted me to smile again and I was crying and then he kissed me and I was crying and then Kogua came and I was crying and-“

“Calm down-“

“But I do not like being weepy and crying it is not me! And I hurt and you are mad at me. I am sorry I did not even want to go to that convention thing and he is always, there…”

Naraku was angry. At her and Sesshomaru. At Noriega, because she was his and she could have resisted Sesshomaru, who he was angry at for trying to move in on what is his-

`And myself for wanting to kill him because he even touched her. I need to stop thinking about marking her.'

Naraku had noticed she had stopped crying and was slightly down in feeling.

“Do you still like Sesshomaru, care for him.”

“Yes. I would be lying if I said anything other. I have spent, years with him.”

“Do you still love Sesshomaru.”

Noriega turned to Naraku, became pist and grabbed his throat. “I told you I am sorry for what happened at the convention. If you are still mad at me and wish to kick me out then do so but I do love you. And do not say any more false hoods about to whom I love damned dog.”

Naraku brushed his tail against her. Major mood swings. “I am not mad at you Noriega.”

She calmed down immediately and began licking his neck healing the small cuts she made. She whimpered. Naraku held her in her arms and smiled-

The half fox half dog care taker came in quickly falling to her knees. Naraku growled ready to snap her neck for being in the private wing until she spoke.

“Lord Naraku forgive my intrusion, its… It is just that your children did not wake when I tried to do so to feed them. I can not get them to, wake.”

Noriega and Naraku went to the smaller room to see the two pups sleeping on a blanket. Noriega immediately went to her knees and began licking the boy. She was scared. Naraku held the girl already knowing. Noriega was in denial.

“You are not dead. You are not dead so wake up.”

With a tiny glow from Noriega the boy eventual woke whimpering at first, then happy barks to see his mother. But she was not happy. Infact Noriega set him down, went out to sit on the edge of the complex staring off. Naraku watched. It was something she could not get over, perhaps ever. She hurt so much from what had happened, that day…She stayed quiet for the next week.

`Mama, sorry.'

“I do not blame you Washi. Everything happens for a reason.”

`Even if the reason is not fair?'

“Yes. I am glad that you did not die.”

`I am glad you still eat.'

Noriega smiled revealing no emotion. “Likewise, you have not had your first meal today.”

Washi flapped off of her shoulder. “I think you might be back to normal again.”

Noriega stood believing that Washi may be correct. She made her way for the larger hall, but felt pain. She yelped once and barley made it into a room before she toppled over whining. Naraku came in within seconds and immediately shut the door, moved her kimono, then held her.

Four hours later two tiny pups with patches of black fur came out covered in blood. Noriega nudged them a few times, then was quiet. Naraku kissed her forehead and disposed of the still borns.

“I am so sorry this happened again. And I mean it.”

Three week passed. She sent a letter through to Kogua informing him. She went back to the compound after being gone for five days. She sat next to Naraku.

“Is there any way that I can get you to eat.”

“You ask everyday and I will say no everyday.”

“You may be contempt with your death but I am not.” Naraku spoke. “The pups died, my girl died I am torn but I choose to live. You do not birth death Noriega it happens.”

“It will happen again.”

“Maybe, maybe not.”

She stood. “I must leave-“

Naraku stood holding her back before she was gone and kissed her. “Do not run away from me.”

“Naraku…”

He held her and still kissed deeper. “Do not.”

Noriega stared at the wall laying in the bed with Naraku. He held her closer feeling her font waking up. Her tail was still around his nude body. He still could not read her, even when she was like this. He'd kill Sesshomaru for even thinking that he could dare take what he owned. He felt her heart beat accelerate and he held her.

“You okay.”

“I still must leave.”

He turned her towards him. “Why.”

“Because.”

He grinned. “Why.”

She emotionlessly looked at him. “Because,” she licked his mouth going down. “this Noriega must do something not concerning you.”

Before he could tell her to stop she began at a rapid passed. He quickly grew and spoke with a growl. “You are fast Onna.”

She came up and licked his mouth as he pounced ontop of her knocking her onto the floor. “Flattery will get you no where mutt.”

Naraku moved her onto her knees. “It has gotten you here.”

He entered her with a loud yelp and continued his pace making her whimper loudly. He finished an hour later and cursed pulling out seeing her blood.

“Sorry I got carried away, and hurt you.”

She licked his mouth. “I am not wide. You are very large and ruff,” she licked his mouth again. “Mutt.”

He kissed her. “I apologize. I am blessed. You are very small and tight.” Naraku deviously smiled as one hand went below, spread her and moved about. She whimpered bucking his hand. “And a little girl.”

He continued for a while then he went back inside of her. After more hours passed she wound up on top of him sitting on a chair. He was still in and she whimpered. He licked the shallow of her neck lapping up blood.

“Damn dog. Do you want me to walk again.”

Naraku smiled laughing some. “If you are unable to walk,” he moved her up and down on himself a few times, “then you can not leave.”

Noriega growled. “Dog.”

He stood with her against the wall. “Yes.”

She kissed him. “You are far faster than I .”

“Perhaps, but only with you.”

Noriega laughed and smiled. “How many females have you said that to.”

Naraku stopped and stared at her in shock. “You, are smiling. For real.”

She kissed him. “And you have yet to answer my question mutt.”

Naraku continued but at a much slower pace. “Only you.”

“Liar.”

He grinned. “You are the one who smiled.”

“Because I love you moronic mutt.”

He finished and laid with her in the bed. She licked his mouth as he held her.

“Dog you have gone until I am raw.”

He smiled rubbing against her. “I can keep going if you would like.”

She whimpered. “Please do not.”

“Why not? I do have the most beautiful creature in existence in front in my arms. I should,” Naraku's hand slipped below her causing her to whimper still. “take advantage of this opportunity before she leaves again.”

After a while he got ontop of her. She smiled. “Do you not tire dog.”

“I love the girl inu who smiles beneath me. Once more.”

She yelped. “Damn dog you said that five hours ago.”

He continued. “And five hours before that.”

“You have had me in every centimeter of this room since after dawn.”

“And it is now night.” Naraku kissed her. “I will stop if you tell me something I wish to hear from you.”

She laughed. “You are a fool if you think this Noriega will tire before a mutt.”

“I thought you were so sore.”

She kissed him. “It went away.”

After more hours passed Naraku smiled. “Does my Noriega tire yet. You know you will not win this battle.”

Her tail pulled him ontop of her. “Try me dog.”

He grinned. “Really now.”

Noriega recognized the look and tried to get out from under him but he held her down and kissed her. “Not fair mutt.”

“You told me to try you. How about this. If you do not tire from this, I will let you leave once you can stand.”

“Push me then.”

Naraku did not like the loud yelp he caused her, but it happened. After about fifty minutes he pulled out of the whimpering body and held her close. He licked her neck again for a while.

“Well.”

Noriega kissed him. “Just because you have bled me and have ensured me being with child many times over, does not mean I tire. I do not lose battles dog.”

Naraku raised a brow. “I am impressed. You are a day of extacy.”

“That is why I am yours.”

“For a few days at a time. I would have let you ago anyway. Keeping you here is caging who you are, a free spi-“

Noriega kissed him. “I am most free when I am with the dumb dog who truly loves me as well.” She looked into his eyes. “I will give it all up for you if you want me to.”

Naraku smiled licking her neck again. “I just want you to stay with me Noriega. I love you.”

She looked at him and rubbed her head into the nook of his neck. “Then I will stay.” She smiled. “As long you can contain yourself for five days.”

He growled. “You are devious.”

“I am raw. I will not be walking until tomorrow.”

“Then, when?”

”I must go retrieve my swords. Then I will return. I will leave in five days and return after three.”

“I would not feel right without them either. I have never seen you without Takoru on your side.” He smiled. “Smiling now are we?”

She went to sleep in his arms. “Do not get used to it dumb dog, only because I love, you…”

In the afternoon Naraku returned with food. Her tail shoved him back as she still slept. It worried him still, she had not eaten, most likely in a month. He would wake her tomorrow liked or not. As he walked out Washi landed on his shoulder.

`Naraku why has Noriega not come out yet? Is she ill?'

“Your Noriega is resting. She will see you tomorrow.”

The next day Naraku rubbed his hand against her face. “You need to wake now.”

She rolled over shoving him back with her tail. But Naraku continued. Noriega growled and held her hand her hand to his lower areas.

“If you do not leave I will purify what a male holds dear to him.”

Naraku looked at her. “You would not dare.”

She moved her hand closer singeing him. “How many children do you wish for again.”

“More than nine.”

“You are ill.” She stood walking off. “Leave me be.”

He saw Noriega later sitting with Washi chirping very rapidly. He let them be and would get her to eat later. He could tell she was not doing so well.

“It is great to see you like this Mother! I have missed you.”

“Likewise, yet this is the fifth time you have said so this afternoon.”

“It is the truth…Do you see something mother?”

“I have not, yet. Your eyes are the best I have knowledge of. What do you see.”

Washi turned around and chirped. “There are, uhm, two groups. Seven and four. Who are trying to enter the building. His look outs can not see them, I think they might be acid demons.”

Noriega could smell them now. “Truth told Washi.”

“They are one of the demons who have a dislike towards Naraku, ne?”

“Yes, and one of the demons with them, is, most peculiar...”

Noriega stood. Washi flew inside the compound. The seven visible wore black, red, or green. They looked like grey demons with pointed ears.

“Looking for Naraku inu, no qualms with you…But we will go through you in seeing you are marked as his mate.”

Another spoke. “Or in you bitch.”

Noriega remained the same. “To whom is your eleventh not as an acid demon.”

The demons grinned. “A shrill youkai.”

Noriega immediately put her hands to her ears. The noise was loud and caused her immense pain, but she would get over this. The three acid demons separate had acid shoot out of their mouths causing parts of the compound to melt away. Too close to her.

She immediately picked up her scythe by the long point throwing it into his head. They stopped and attacked her with weapons. She blocked with her remaining scythe until she saw an opportunity to gorge one. She picked up his kodachi and took down the other one. About to pierce the shrilling shrill demon the rest of the acid demons attacked. The noise was about to explode in her head. She flipped back from acid going straight at her, cut the wrist off of one and stumbled from a punch. Noriega barley had time to jump form the acid as the splatter burned through to her bone in her arm and some on her side as well.

Angry she cut the head off of one demon and created her whip pushing them away from the compound so she could create an explosion. She threw both kodachi straight ahead and then popped the head off of the shrill demon with her whip. The rest came out from the compound now able to hear to see Noriega where she last sat. Kagura saw the wrap around her arm from under the top of her fighting kimono just below where Washi was.

“What I do not understand is how you were able to withstand their sound. I could not even stand from the immense pain.”

“I did not let it devastate me Kagura.”

“Unique. Down a few more acid demons now Naraku. I think you should keep her around.”

Washi could see Noriega was a bit stiff. “Mom, your side is hurt along with your arm?”

Noriega looked up. “All the more reason I am in need of my swords.”

“Do we leave now?”

“Yes.” She stood with Washi on her shoulder. “I leave for my swords.”

“You are bleeding and have not eaten in many days Noriega-“

She cut Kagura off. “I assure you I will eat along the way and,” she walked off. “I would not be bleeding if I had what is mine. I will return.”

As Noriega ran up towards the area of the well Kogua joined her.

“Shadow dog works fast ne.”

“He has told me he wishes for at least ten pups.”

Kogua smiled. “The more the better! This is going to be my mate's eight liter and we have fourteen!” Kogua quieted down and spoke softly. “When, it happened…Could you tell?”

“Do you truly want to know Kogua.”

“You may be the only one to bear it. That is a lot on you Oka.”

She hesitated. “There were two, and they were dead.”

Kogua had a bad feeling. “Okay do not tell me then. Why are you bleeding and what is the rush.”

“A minor wound from an acid demon. I have three days to get to the well, the southern lands, then return to Naraku.”

“Do not tire yourself out. That marathon running as you say will wear you out will all the land you will be covering.”

“I will be fine and that I will not discuss with anyone. I do not enjoy being pregnant and at times I can not control my words.”

“Oh yeah, and be warned when you are in the south. At the conference, Mamochan decided to do something stupid. He told people and you know it spread, that you and he are no longer mates, that he `prefers dragons over bitches.'”

“How was it taken.”

“Not like you are saying it. He left you respected, feared a bit, but well. Do your future business no that we are at this old well. See you later.”

Noriega jumped out of the well from grabbing her swords and exchanging the scythes. She proceeded to run on. When in the south she turned into her Sakura form and was met by a golden female cat who ran with her.

“Is there trouble Jing.”

“Uhmmm… Not exactly Sakura, it is just…Marazou decided to drop by now that he knows you or whatever. I was not sure so I sent a letter to Souta who yelled at me to let him in. We sent word for you, but, I am guessing you did not reci-“

“When did he arrive.”

“Twenty hours ago. He knows you were at your other lands.”

“How many are in his contingent.”

“Twenty three...In sensing you are pregnant no more…”

“It will be dealt with Jing.”

Sakura, having changed her fighting kimono into her southern colors before reaching the southern boarder, entered the small blue and orange palace to see a number of dragons mingled with an equal number of cats. The grand dragon walked forth.

“Lady Sakura! I enjoy what you have done with the place. It is a bit sad to hear of you and Mamochan but these things, happen for a reason. He said you two always have had a hate love relationship; unless when making love of your own.”

Sakura mentally reminded herself to kill Mamochan. “Love is not necessary in all matters Marazou why have you come to one of my places of residence.”

“Straight to the point, good. I have an idea of whom to be your new mate.”

“Just because I am a female does not mean I want to nor need or seek your advice

for a mate. My current position is acceptable and welcomed. Males are not thought of as weak if a woman is not at their side and if you consider me weak then why is it that I have obtained and comfortably secured eleven land slots in your southern lands, without a mate.”

“Inu always have bad tempers.” Marazou smiled. “Passing thought.”

“Do you wish to stay the night or do you and yours have other near by accommodations.”

“I will stay with you for the next two nights. There are, a few things more I wish to discuss with you about, Sakura.”

Sakura sighed mentally; she was not getting back to Naraku as she had planned. “Very well. You each will be shown your rooms by the person to your left as I will lead you Marazou.”

They walked up the stairs after everyone was settled. “Have I interrupted you from another holding affair?”

“I was settling affairs in my holdings. I leave for, a distant land in a few days and will be back in less than a year.”

“Sakura, the international traveler. Very exquisite.” They were in his room for the night. Very grand. “Very much indeed you have changed. Do you plan on gaining an empire now?”

“Perhaps, pending on my stay.”

“So much without a mate.”

Sakura wanted to cut him. “We will meet in the morning. Until then.”

Naraku woke to hear a tapping sound towards the bottom of the door. He opened it and then looked down.

“Washi. Why have you come to visit me at this hour.”

Washi flew onto Naraku's arm, who took the letter out. `Something about the Southern lord. I have to fly back though, bye!'

Naraku pushed off for Washi to fly off. He read the letter to himself. “Marazou has decided to visit. Add two days to the wait. Then I will not be gone from you for more than a day.”

“Two days yet you have not made your, point.”

Sakura and Marazou stood outside looking ahead. “Very well. While you are away I give my word as ruler and as a noble dragon, your holdings will not rejoin their former, Sakura.”

“As I recall there was another youkai who had these lands before I but was killed two years ago. These have not been your lands for more than five years, Marazou.”

“Intelligent and beautiful. If you were dragon you would be mine.”

“And no longer in possession of these lands what do you want of me.”

Marazou smiled. “Your word as a land holder and an honorable dog not to further your empire in my southern lands.”

“You will receive word from one of mine in two days time for I will no longer be here. If the word is of agreement then you will be dishonored beyond shame to lie afterwards. Both sides will keep up their end of the agreement. If the word is not of agreement it does not mean a direct threat to you and yours or that I will expand just to leave the possibility open.”

“Very wise Sakura sama. Very wise. If you do not agree as you say, that also does not mean, we will have times like these-“

“Your voice has undertones of deceit Marazou if you plan trickery lie to me now and do not hide it.” Sakura faced him. “Why would the powerful dragon of the south want to make peace unless he felt threatened or to lure into a falsehood of security to attack.”

“Since I did not sense you lie, Sakura, you truly will be indisposed of, for a year or less. You would do well to figure out my motives yourself, inu, or you may find yourself in a bad sitting position.” Marazou continued smiling at her waiting for her to break from her low range of expressions, especially the emotionless eyes. “You remind me of Sesshomaru sama, Sakura, you far less for no one can read him, and that all of you dogs are alike.”

Sakura showed nothing, for Sakura. Her face was a bit softer and not menacing as Noriega. Her voice also had inflections in it.

“If you plan to get some type of enjoyment Marazou from me breaking composure I assure you that your wait will be past your, death. If a deceiver wishes to play games, then do so with another. If otherwise, you have asked nothing of me and thus need no reply. Once I return I assure you I will, return, the hospitality ways as I have given to you, at the southern palace. I am in no need of an entourage.”

Marazou smiled. “I do like you lady Sakura.” He walked off. “I can wait for your return.”

As the Southern lord left with his dragons, Jing stood next to her. “Sakura.”

“Inform the other nobles of my place. After I return from my pregnancy there will be high tensions for us and those of the southern land.”

“What word has he given you Sakura?”

”The dragon enjoys games highly as well but his go along the lines of deceit and traps. He knows I will not be here for up to a year, thus could not play a game without the opponent. If he does not wait he is a coward and will be killed.” She walked northeast. “Care for the perimeter as always. If any are in need of me to which can not be handled by Souta, contact Washi or myself as a last case directly at his compound, with no detection.”

Washi came out of her tail when he felt Noriega walking. The dragons were long gone and he could perch on her shoulder. `Mom?'

“Yes Washi.”

`You, do not lie, I know…'

“What is your question Washi.”

`You told the dragon lord yesterday that you would be in China…But….'

“Going to China…We are going back to the future,” she began to run.

`The dragon did not know though.'

Noriega spoke. “You know as well I enjoy games.”

Noriega came upon the ninja village informing them to send word to Washi instead. The conversation was brief, for the demons there could clearly see her discontempt for all three races living together.

As the children of the compound played outside anxious for the return of the lady of the complex Naraku's mood lifted. Washi soon flew up and began to play with the children. Knowing Noriega would arrive soon gave Naraku an idea as he smiled and went into his dark chamber.

“You risk much in finding me here.”

“Hmmm…It will be well worth it.”

The black inu walked as a lion demon followed. “You are still a fool who bores me.”

The lion looked at Noriega looking up at the sky. He stared at her curves. “Who got you pregnant.”

“Obviously not you and if you do get any closer I will strangle you with your own tail.”

The lion was about an arms length from her. “Come on Ni-“

The black inu turned around grabbing the lion by his throat, pulled his tail out of his body, wrapped it around his neck and tied it to a tree. She held her hand out receiving a black sphere. The inu sighed placing it in her hip sack and then glared at the puppet in the tree. The inu jumped in front of it speaking before purifying it.

“You have chosen an angry inu to return to you Naraku.”

Naraku laughed some as the pain wore off from his puppet being killed. She was scary when angry, but still his.

Naraku left with a smug feeling. He voiced his attention to the servants watching the children of his allies play.

“You all would do well to prevent the children from crowding my mate upon her return. She will be very angry as it is.”

The insect demon quickly gathered the children and soon became frightened. The black inu walked past beaming with anger. She kept her eyes closed but even the children could smell her pure anger. Naraku laughed some going into his private wing, but before he could enter a room he saw the walls were covered with purification energy. She opened her eyes, angry, but not red, and growled.

“You truly are a stupid dog Naraku.”

He smiled. “You like games-“

She picked him up with her tail walking towards a purified wall. “Damn it Naraku what is not amusing is if I grow immune to sensing your damned puppets and do not show when you truly are dying, like now perhaps, ne?”

Naraku blinked twice. `What is wrong with-`Naraku stared at her neck and cursed himself. `I had not meant to mark her, at all. I no longer wonder why I felt as if I cared…I can redeem my actions by continuing not to care more than necessary. She is only here for my offspring.' Naraku was out of the fun zone feeling the slightness of purification behind him. “Nori-“

She pushed him to the wall as she displaced the miko energy. “My games are not of mortality.” She walked off. “Do not play with me.”

Before he could leave the hall, his son came up to him. “Father?”

Naraku stared ahead still confused about the black inu. “What is it Kenshin.”

“Mother actually spoke to me instead of pushing me away. She said I should call you a mutt and practice for when I gain poison by spitting on you, like this.”

Naraku's tail wiped the small saliva from his shoe. “Do not listen to your mother when she is angry at me Kenshin.”

“But, when will she talk to me then? It is the first time she has spoken to me, aside from asking me to move father.”

The black inu had sliced through a servant from anger and kept waking. She sat on the edge of the compound, and Naraku sat next to her sensing her no longer hostile.

“Who was the lion who wanted sex from you I saw in the forest.”

“A group of people I do not like.”

Naraku shook his head. “When you are angry…”

“You would not say the same things if your back purified.”

“Where did the name Nico come from?”

She growled. “Do not say that name around me- You demand nothing of me now Naraku.”

“Back to the lion.”

She barked at him. “Not now Naraku.”

Naraku blinked a few times, he had just noticed that she had been calling him Naraku this entire time. He did not remember her ever calling him by his name, maybe once or twice. Odd.

“What is wrong.”

She stood walking off. “If you do not leave me be now Naraku I will gladly leave.”

Naraku stood. “Something is very disturbing with you Noriega let me-“

The inu turned around, barked pushing Naraku to a beam supporting the complex and showed her fangs. “For once in you damned life listen when someone tells you to fuck off Naraku.” She walked off and spoke loudly. “Washi we leave, now!”

Washi flew up from playing with the children to her shoulder. `We just got here are we coming back soon?'

“No.”

The children were clearly frightened. The inu had killed five people just because they were there. She was clearly mad. Also, the children were frightened because if she did not return, they would not be allowed to play anymore. If their lord was not happy, no one around him was. Kenshin stood in the middle from where the black inu walked to the compound. Naraku stood at the edge.

“Mama you just got here twenty minutes ago.”

“Presumptuous.”

“I do not want you to go away again.”

The black inu hesitated but turned around and walked towards him speaking as her tail wrapped around him. “Then come with me.”

In that moment Naraku knew she had no plans of returning. She left nothing behind. He went after her not wanting her to leave. Because she was his, and Kenshin, his son, was his. But after a few minutes of pursuit, it was as if she vanished from sight.

She looked down at the enormous rift before her. Noriega looked around at the compound. Dead silent. She could not smell Washi or Kenshin anywhere near the area. She went inside to see everyone overly afraid of her. Kagura was as well to her side speaking hesitantly.

“What caused the change in heart to come back after thirty minutes my lady?”

Noriega did not look, she would have seen her confusement. “This is the first time I have been here since to retrieve my sword. Did you not smell or clearly see now the imposter was not with child but perhaps had some type of cloaking spell.” She gave the wind demon a moment for the information to sink in. “Explain.”

“Naraku said you would be returning angry. You- This duplicate was angry, she killed some servants, did something to him requiring a number of angry barks, left with Washi and Kenshin. Then after Naraku tried following her she caused that ravine in the distance.”

Noriega's eyes smallened at the fact that she was not there to stop Washi and Kenshin from being taken. She could not sense who the imposter was. The servants' scent took the place of all of the other scents, if there were ever any others. She walked off sliding the door open. Naraku did not look at her when she came into the room he was in.

“Do you plan to purify me this time, Noriega.”

Noriega was deeply hurt that the one whom took her as a mate could not tell the difference between her and the imposter. “I have been informed-“

Naraku stood hitting her to the ground. “What the hell is wrong with you to force your anger out upon myself!”

Noriega stood. He was mad at her for something he thought she did. Noriega could have easily blocked or avoided, but…It hurt her to know that he…

“Will you please let-“

Naraku hit her down again and began to beat her relentlessly. “Why damn it?!”

Kagura became worried. `Why have they not left to go after their sons?' She walked to the private sections soon hearing the all too familiar sounds of a beating, and a dog yelping. She ran in opening to door blocking his foot with a wind gust quickly getting in front of the fallen Noriega.

“Naraku she-“

Naraku's eyes were red. “Get out of the way Kagura.”

“-She just got here! Noriega is carrying your pups the thing twenty minutes ago was not!”

Naraku's anger went away. The inu before was not pregnant, but looked… He looked down to the floor to see a three month roundness from the bloody dog on the floor. Her eyes were open looking ahead. She sat up with a yelp that went straight to Naraku's heart. He did not want to care, but at times he could not help it on some levels. She spoke looking down as she stood.

“I just wish to know if you have any-“ Noriega's face severely betrayed her showing she was in immense pain. “-any idea who has Washi and Kenshin.”

Naraku was in shock as he stared at Noriega. She fought to avoid eye contact.

“Who am I, not even to tell the difference from one who bore me a child…”

“For future references, I will die or be killed before causing you pain as evident.” She wrapped something along her arm whimpering. “How was the miko energy used.”

“It covered this entire hall.”

Noriega leaned against the wall clearly tired. “I am not able to do so and neither the ravine, to that extent.” She took out a spirit and it went out in the hall. There were only three sets of foot prints, and one was, oddly familiar…

Noriega fell to her knees and winced as she spat blood from her mouth. She could tell Naraku wanted to look at her even though she strongly refused to do so. He spoke.

“I do apologize.”

“I do not blame, you…Ragnork-“

Naraku had taken off running after his still bleeding mate. He noticed how much slower he had made her. She could not fight like this, and pregnant with his next heirs. She was still faster, barley, and he could to afford to totally loose her. But he too knew Ragnork. The mage demon who terrorized him when half demon. He could only track her by her fallen blood now that she was further ahead. He realized she would be defenseless around him, even worse, because of him.

Noriega jumped up to the far north east mountain caves leaving thick blood splotches beneath her. The normal looking demon laughed with his green eye slightly glowing upon first seeing her. It was day time, but the cave was dark. A small fire was in the far corner illuminating Kenshin and Washi in the middle of the cave. Washi was unconscious. Noriega did her best to remain calm.

“Nico. It appears as if the former spider hanyou took out his aggression upon you. Blood has always, looked good on you.”

Noriega took out her sword takarou. “You see well.”

“If he beat the memory out of you, I will refresh it for your sake. You can not physically or energy wise harm me since you are, miko.”

She slashed above her quickly sheathing as an avalanche of rocks fell. Her tail quickly grabbed the two children and quickly leaped out of the cave. Half way down the mountain she saw the saw Raganork directly in front of her. He struck out his staff with a glow sending her straight down the mountain.

Noriega landed hard on her side with her tail in the air to make sure the children were unharmed. She shouted feeling the sensation of all of her ribs knowing many were broken. She stood and with angry eyes filled with fear at the same time sent flames before her to try to block Raganork. He was angry that she even tried to go against him covered with cuts from the falling rocks when in the cave. He took out a slim long sword and sent it straight through her chest.

Naraku froze in seeing it. Noriega did not yelp or cry out, she just fell once Raganork removed the sword and fell into a growing pool of blood. Naraku had never felt this way before. He had dared to harm the one carrying his pup and the pups inside of her.

Naraku let the anger take over as he transformed into a large black dog. He quickly jumped to where the mage demon was and picked him up with his teeth before he could do anything and chewed, slowly. He enjoyed the sound of his crunching bones and though the taste of the blood was bitter at times, there was always a sweet lingering taste, of satisfaction of devouring the one that had caused, this to happen. Once finished, in normal form, he knelt next to Noriega.

Holding her Naraku noticed all of her vast injuries. Her body on one side was crushed.

”Father? Is mother dead?”

Kenshin's words did not register to him. He continued staring. All because he could not even…

Washi came to. He saw where he was, Noriega, then became very scared. `Kenshin what happened to Raganork?'

“My father ate him, but…I think mother is, dead…”

Washi chirped loudly panicking. Once he realized no one alive could understand him he thought to Naraku. `Naraku Noriega has done so before he will materialize from the blood left of him-There!'

Naraku saw the mage demon's blood from his first bite form, bubble then make a body. Whole again, he grinned and disappeared. But before anyone could do anything else a white inuyoukai stood before them. Kenshin immediately hid behind Naraku while Washi stood staring in slight fear. Naraku saw the western lord look at him with no emotion, cold, hard, with almost an evil look. It scared him, but Naraku did not let it show at all. He watched as the great white dog pulled out a sword.

“The wounds to which you inflicted upon her by your claw marks over her are unable to be healed.” The tensagia `cut' Noriega healing her chest stab wound and all of her injuries from the fall.

Noriega opened her eyes with a sharp breath of air and looked at him, she was the only one able to read him. She could tell that he regretted, everything, and now, and so much more…

Sesshomaru walked off. “If I find you have touched her again in a way unwanted or prove unable to defend who you claim as yours I will kill you and do so.”

Washi looked. His mother lived, but the wounds Naraku apparently gave to her still remained. She bled, in many, most places and he thought her left arm look different. But he looked into her eyes to see them crying out for Sesshomaru with what strength she had left. He chirped to her.

“Do not cry mother. It will be okay soon.”

Sesshomaru spoke in hearing distance still walking away. “Listen to your ward, Kagome.”

I believed that for the different language when everyone was at the conference, I am not sure how many would be able to understand (I would!) but so not to confuse I left it out.

As well, for other things mentioned in this chapter but not explained, I have said things are explained as the story progresses, so patience!

If there is anything one would like cleared up, write an email or leave a review. Both are fine as well, if not, how am I to know you are confused? ^__^ (By the way, some one told me that the e-mail thingy is messed up at times, so if you would like to drop an email, it's…. solitocabre@netscape.net =)

Well? How did you like reading this chapter? Long, no? Well, that means you have had a long time to read, and an update may not be up in a while (less than three weeks) but there will be one. College is taking its toll on me and I wish that I would just get a job offer for 300,000 dollars a year, now…But I know that won't happen, especially since I am still no where near graduating… Oh well, later!