InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Halves ❯ I don't think so ( Chapter 3 )

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

Halves

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Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and I do not make money from writing this story.

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A/N: Thank you, everyone, for your support and reviews :)This chapter's for you ;)

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Chapter 3- I don't think so

There was no sound whatsoever. The voices didn't echo in the darkness, because there were no voices. They no longer existed. It was better this way, it was much, much better. He could do without the light, he could do without the faces, without the warmth of the touches. These were trifles he had never really needed, much less longed for.

But it burned. It was scorching, blistering, maiming, and he couldn't last much longer. Unless he did something, he would forever be caught between these lies, these walls that made for a place to live in. It was the curse of that sick miko. The one that had been in the Emperor's service hundreds of years ago - Midoriko. The bitch that had made him what he was - a shapeless mass of demonic flesh without the necessary youki to survive normally. He was, for lack of a better way of putting it, nothing. He didn't exist in the outside world, because he was trapped within himself. And nothing but the damned jewel could help him now, but as long as Midoriko kept fighting inside it, there was always a chance that he would never get out. His plans of ruling the world had clearly been destroyed when he'd made the mistake of using Takemaru. The bastard Shogun was too stupid to let go of his rage and think for a change. He'd had to go and screw him royally and die in the process, so he had no one to take revenge on, now.

It was every day that he reached with his dismembered tentacles, trying to grasp onto something from the real world, hoping he'd set himself free. He'd heard of the latest miko that was guarding the Jewel - Kikyou-Hime. A cold beauty, she was. After a while, he found himself wanting her. Better said, desiring her with all his tainted, disfigured flesh. But first, he had to take her Jewel and use it to become whole again, and only afterwards would he steal her from her life. She was married to Inuyasha, the son of the Emperor. Well, good. Because he wanted them to suffer - he wanted them all to suffer. The more the merrier.

He tested his voice, first grunting then trying half of a growl, before actually using words. It had been too long, too damn long since he'd last spoken to someone.

“This is not over,” he promised, and the silence seemed to agree with him. His normal agitation was gone now - he was calm. As calm as the still waters before disaster. The thrill of vengeance coursed his uneven veins, tasting absolutely scrumptious.

“I'll have you as dessert.”

The corner of his mouth tugged upwards, revealing marred teeth, and he could barely remember a time when he'd been one of the best-looking daimyo. Where were those times? Where was his strength? Had he been so weak to be finished off by a mere miko?

`No,' he corrected himself, `not finished off. My head is clearer than ever. I know what I must do.'

And he did know. His goal was to find the miko who protected the Shikon no Tama and destroy her soul, so she could taint the jewel and give it to him out of free will. He'd do that - he was good at that kind of manipulation. Even the purest of mikos couldn't escape him now. Not even Kikyou. Especially not Kikyou, since he'd seen the darkness in her heart.

Kikyou wanted a child, didn't she? She wanted Inuyasha's child. Well, what would Kikyou say if she had his child instead? How would she react if she could bare his child but not Inuyasha's? Perhaps… the child of a rape? To rape Kikyou would surely crush her spirit, wouldn't it?

But it wouldn't be enough. This had to go beyond physical. He had to think some more.

“Soon, my precious, soon.”

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It's… him.

Kagome tried to ignore the way her heart clenched painfully inside her chest, pulling then pushing itself - it felt as if it was deliberately swinging through her organs, yanking a few inward groans of pain from deep within her core. And it would have been easy to stand if only her damn brain had wanted to cooperate. But it seemed that the whole universe was plotting against her.

It's him. You know him - I know you. Inuyasha…

And it felt like voices. They were palpable, in the darkness, far ahead, and she couldn't reach them. But they could reach her. Touch her, caress her, soothe her ache. He was unknowingly reaching inside her, holding on to anything he could grasp. He was wreaking havoc, and he didn't even know it. How could he? Why would he?

Inuyasha, Inu…

She wanted them out. Out out out ou-

“Well, thank you for lifting this burden off of my wife's shoulders,” the prince said awkwardly.

Didn't he know? Couldn't he feel this, too?

The bottom of her stomach dropped. Nausea. Dreadful, terrible, gut-wrenching queasiness that threatened to make itself shown. It was wrong, so wrong on so many levels that it wasn't even funny. She hadn't asked for it. She wanted nothing to do with it. The man was married, the man had a family - an Imperial family - a wife… probably kids, even though she hadn't heard of it. The man was… her Half.

No need lying to herself.

No. She had to get away, had to…

“I'm glad to be able to help,” she said despite herself, only bending her head in respect.

My Half, my everything, my…

“Inuyasha-sama,” Sango called desperately and his head snapped to the side. Before he could ask what it was, he rushed to Kikyou's side. She was pale, very pale, and was only now starting to stand. She'd fainted. And he'd missed it.

“Didn't you hear the commotion?” Sango scolded, only half worried that she might anger the prince by admonishing him. “She fainted.”

“I can see that,” he all but shouted, trying to keep his wife steady on her own feet. Gentler, he turned his gaze towards her, mustering all the love he could at the moment, despite the uncomfortable feeling of his Half nearby. “Are you okay?”

“Fine, fine,” Kikyou answered, touching the back of her hand to the forehead, “I'll be fine.” Her face was glowing - Kikyou looked happy.

“What is it?” Inuyasha asked, slightly confused. Here she was, barely recovering from having fainted, and she was smiling. Truthfully smiling.

“Do you realize that it could be a sign? I could be pregnant,” she said cheerfully, lost in her own world of wishes and dreams. Inuyasha, on the other hand, was thoroughly puzzled about what he was feeling. A sharp pain shot through him at Kikyou's words and his gaze unconsciously darted to Kagome, who was still standing motionless, apparently impassive. Almost sighing in relief, he thought about the prospect of being a father. It was… more than he could ever wish for himself. He could just picture it. A bunch of half demons running around in the woods with him following closely, their mother laughing blissfully at their passion. Kagome would look so beautiful taking care of their children…

Inuyasha froze completely, startling even Kikyou who was still in his arms. He couldn't believe it. He'd just… thought about Kagome being the mother of his children. That wasn't what he'd had in mind, not at all.

Trying desperately to fix things, he forcefully changed the scene in his head, placing Kikyou instead of Kagome. But then there would be no forest, because there was no way Kikyou would let them play in such a dangerous place. And besides, their children - if they ever managed to have them - wouldn't be half demons, because Kikyou would make sure they were conceived when he was human, as she always tried. It didn't really hurt him, the fact that she was rather hesitant of his demonic side, but sometimes it seemed as if she'd rather have him permanently human, and he wasn't ready for such a sacrifice.

He felt Kikyou tug at his sleeve so his eyes came down to rest upon her furrowed brow. “I said, wouldn't it be wonderful?” Inuyasha smiled despite himself, holding his wife tightly, forgetting for a moment that Kagome was there with them, witnessing his display of affection. “It'd be the best thing to happen to us,” he whispered back, loud enough for anyone to hear the confession.

Their warm moment was cut short when the Emperor shouted for the guard to bring some help. Inuyasha's heart almost stepped out of his chest at the sight of Kagome kneeling on the ground, her hands covering her face, her clothes stained with blood. He wanted to go to her, to sweep her into his arms and protect her, but the weight of Kikyou in his embrace reminded him that it wasn't his place to do so.

However, he could at least mentally tear some things around the place to release the pressure. Soon, he realized the origin of the blood when Kaede came and grabbed the younger miko's elbow to lift her and she released her face. Wide-eyed, Kagome was crying. Blood. The scent was so repulsive that he wanted to let go of Kikyou and close himself into a small, fresh space with only Kagome's natural, healthy scent. Damn, his father had been right. There was nothing more delicious than the scent of his Half. And there was no doubt that Kagome was his Half. She just was.

For a moment, it seemed as if the Emperor glared at his son, something that confused Inuyasha terribly. Why would his father glare at him when he hadn't done anything? Did he… did he know?

Gulping, Inuyasha looked at Kikyou, knowing that he wanted to stay with her, spend the rest of her mortal life with her, even though at the moment he couldn't - for the life of him - feel that way. Was this right? Was he supposed to feel so strongly for Kagome? In the back of his mind, he knew the answer. He knew that he needed her, that he needed to have her, love her, protect her so he would have peace. But Kikyou came first. Kikyou was his wife - he couldn't simply abandon her. He loved her. Didn't he?

Inuyasha found himself torn between staying with Kikyou and following the guards who were making sure Kagome arrived home unscathed. When his soul made the choice for him, Kikyou pulled him back, frowning. “Let them take her,” she told him, “you are too kind for your own good.”

He couldn't help but sigh in an attempt to dismiss the voice of his youkai side thundering inside his very brain, threatening to come out if he didn't look after his Half. He wanted it to end, honestly wanted out of this mess.

“You cannot have a child,” the Emperor's voice resounded in the large room and both Kikyou and Inuyasha turned bewildered eyes at him. “The ones who have Halves can only have children with them,” Inu no Taishou further explained, his face darkening, “It is the way things are.”

Kikyou's bows furrowed in deep thought - something wasn't right with his statement. “But then how was Sesshomaru conceived?”

Inu no Taishou's face abruptly darkened and Kikyou almost shied away at the icy gaze he sent her. “That is something you have no business knowing,” he intoned carefully, making sure he got his point across. But this only spiked Inuyasha and Kikyou's interest. They had never thought about it… And that was partly because up until now they hadn't known it was impossible for one to have children with a person that wasn't their Half.

Which begged the question…

“Why wait till now to tell us?” Inuyasha asked through gritted teeth. He was ready to pounce on his father for the evil he'd caused. They'd been trying to have a baby for years and each time they had failed miserably. He could have at least told them what the problem was… “You must've known we couldn't conceive,” he added.

The Emperor's indifferent face said everything. “No,” he replied evenly, “I did not.”

“Father,” Inuyasha drawled as a warning, almost growling, but he instantly ceased at the look of pure disapproval his sire wore.

“I do not waste my time listening to gossip, as you both know, so there is no way I would know of your… problem,” he explained harsher than required. Kikyou looked very pale, but she wasn't willing to show her true emotions. Why did her father-in-law hate her so much? It sure seemed that way. Was it… was it because she wasn't Inuyasha's Half? Did she remind him of his own wife, Masami-Hime?

Unexpectedly, the Emperor headed towards the shoji doors, ignoring everyone in his path. Then he stopped, making sure his son and the princess were focused on him. Not wanting to really disclose that he knew about Inuyasha's Half, he decided to be mysterious.

“Do you two know what happens when a premature betrayal ensues in the bond of Halves?” he asked the twosome, knowing that he would have to clarify. When no answer came, he didn't bother turning around to tell them, “They cry tears of blood.” Hearing the collective gasps, he decided it was enough and exited the room in favor of being alone.

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Kagome couldn't stop coughing. Every once in a while her throat would tickle, starting another unending fit. Clutching her stomach and ignoring the hot tea her mother had brought her, she let her cough blend with the tears she knew were falling freely. It didn't matter now. Nothing mattered. She wanted to live, Gods, she wanted to live so badly… but how could she, when the emptiness in her stomach had made itself known so gracelessly that she could still feel the taste of betrayal on the tip of her tongue?

Betrayal betrayal traitor

The voices. The tormenting, Hell-raising voices that couldn't seem to stop gnawing at her sanity. They didn't want her to lose him - her Half. The voices, they told her that Halves had to be together. That she had to make them happen. But it wasn't possible, she knew. She was being practical. How could she bind a man to her when he clearly loved his first wife more than anything? He hadn't even given any indication that he knew she was his Half. Bastard probably did, though, but wanted to hide it.

Protect - protect heart - must find betrayer - must finish bond

“Ugh!” Kagome clutched her head and shook it harshly, hoping it would wash away all her thoughts, drive away all the ghosts that were still haunting her. She didn't want them there, didn't want to…

“Kagome-chan?”

The sweet voice of her mother was too, too much and Kagome broke down into heartbreaking sobs. Instantly, her mother was by her side, pulling her into her arms, even though she knew it was not enough. She couldn't save her daughter. Whatever it was, it was something of divine interference, something she couldn't compete with.

“I wish you told me what is wrong,” her mother said, rubbing the top of her daughter's head soothingly and listening carefully to the broken, erratic cries. There seemed to be pattern, she realized after a time - it almost sounded like a bitter tune.

But Kagome couldn't speak. She couldn't say she had found her Half and that his heart was already taken. She couldn't describe the countless emotions that overwhelmed her, conquering her very soul and making it seem tiny in contrast to the love she had seen shining in Inuyasha's eyes. For a moment, for a distinct instant frozen in the confines of time, she wished it was her who had the right to receive such a look. And it hurt.

Your heart is full of her…

When had she become so needy? She had barely met him, and… But he was her Half. He was supposed to be hers.

Damn you, ojii-san!

She wanted to blame the entire world for her plight and for the blood that left her body with every tear she cried. Her head was a painful mixture of random thoughts that killed her bit by bit.

Inuyasha - betrayed - have to… Inuyasha - protect

It didn't make sense, really, but she didn't want to think about it. Her eyes suddenly widened, desperation obvious in every move she made. Realization. Grasping her mother's kosode, she turned pleading eyes to her.

“Marry me!” she begged, blood still coating the sides of her face, making her look like a vision form the deepest abyss.

“What?!” her mother shouted, pulling Kagome's hands into her own, then checking her forehead for fever. There was none.

“Have me marry someone. I want to be married, I want to… have children and find myself a good man and…”

“Kagome, stop,” her mother said gently, forcing the younger woman to look at her bitterly, “I cannot do that. You grandfather says you will have a Half and I trust his judgment, even though he is crazy half of the time,” she tried to joke, but Kagome didn't deem it funny.

“You don't know that. Are you going to sacrifice my youth, my happiness for a dream?”

Without wavering, her mother nodded, “Yes.”

“Fine!” Kagome snapped, disentangling herself from her mother's hold, “Be that way! I'll find a husband myself!” Before she got to the door, she felt a pair of rather strong arms pull her back.

“You don't mean all that, ane-ue,” her little brother said, “You'll see. When you meet your Half, you won't want anyone else.”

Kagome dropped to the ground, “You're wrong! You're all so, so wrong… I'm… I want…”

Her words became incoherent then as the tears of blood stopped flowing, but her face was a mess. Her world was chaos, twisted beyond recognition. She hadn't wanted it like this… never like this.

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What was it? This… beautiful feeling. Was the Jewel being corrupted? If so… what could cause precious Kikyou to forget her job and let the darkness in her heart bloom?

Regardless, he wasn't one to complain.

“Yes, my precious, let me out,” he coaxed, enjoying the feel of dark tendrils clutching each portion of his decayed body and placing it back together, like long-lost pieces of a majestic puzzle. A few more grasps and he would be done. He would be whole again.

“Jewel of Four Souls, here is mine,” he declared, laying his soul on a silver platter for the countless demons inside the small jewel to feast upon. He didn't need it, had no desire of keeping it. He just wanted out.

Small pieces of debris floated nearby as blood started flowing within his veins once again.

“Soon.”

His heart skipped a few beats before resuming its pounding for the first time in so long. He swore he could taste the air, could smell the earth and sky above him. And - most important of all - he could see. He could see and hear and it was amazing.

“Wait for me, Protector of the Shikon no Tama. I'll come for you.”

A promise made, he tasted the lips of freedom.

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Kagome hiccupped in her sobs, feeling a dark sensation crawl up her spine to settle just below her nape.

The Jewel!

Before she could try and purify the darkness in her thoughts, she felt it. The change, though subtle, was wicked and she felt she'd suffocate in it. It was all around her, swallowing her will, eating every bit of her gentleness that was left, but she wouldn't give up without a fight.

She was young. Kagome was so young and loved life.

“You're not going to get it!”

She didn't care if her mother and brother thought she was crazy, but she had to do it. Had to protect the Sacred Jewel.

But soon she realized it was not after the Jewel. It already had the Jewel, and it was twisting it to its will. She felt helpless to its malice, and she wanted to know what it was. The shadows, the whispers, the evil looming in the dark.

She'd helped it - helped him. It was as clear as daylight now. The only thing left for Kagome to do was to cleanse her mind and soul, so she could weaken his arrival. Unpredictably, a promise echoed in the recesses of her heart, demanding, “Wait for me, Protector of the Shikon no Tama. I'll come for you.”

As fast as it came, it left with the wind.

She was done for.

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It was like being torn on the inside. He couldn't stand the devastating chill that ran up and down his spine, relishing his desperation. He hadn't meant for this to happen, truly he hadn't, but he couldn't help loving Kikyou. She was first. She was there. Kikyou was his.

But Kagome… she was… more than that. The moment he'd laid eyes on her had felt like she belonged to him, with him, and he didn't want it like that. Perhaps Kagome had someone she loved, too. Perhaps Kagome wanted another life, a simple life he could never give her. Now she was undeniably his.

And something was nagging at the corners of his mind. Did his father know? Had the Emperor any inkling as to what was happening? It sure seemed that way.

“You are being a coward and an utter fool,” the Emperor accused, violently pulling Inuyasha out of his thoughts. “You cannot expect her to just forget about you now that you two have met.”

It was clear. He knew. Now what to do? Act like he had no idea or face the music?

“I don't know what you're talking about.” Immature. As always.

“Inuyasha, don't make me slap you,” Inu no Taishou growled, clenching his fist to show he was in for more than a mere slap.

“I don't want her,” Inuyasha snapped, crossing his arms, a pang of guilt building inside his gut, but he pushed it away forcefully. He knew it was because of this unnatural bond and he wanted nothing to do with it. The Emperor, however, was having none of it.

“You will recognize the girl as your Half and I will annul your marriage to Kikyou,” and all will be right with the world. No. Inuyasha didn't want that. The idea sounded horrendous. Maybe…

“Who are you to tell me what to do with my life? You fucked up yours!” That didn't come out well. Suddenly, Inuyasha wanted nothing more than to rip out his own vocal chords. He didn't know much of his father's life, but the man had, indeed, loved his mother more than anything, and it was proof in how faithful he stayed to his youngest child, not letting anything bad happen to him, despite his heritage. Inuyasha was a half demon and many were not pleased with the fact, but Inu no Taishou had made sure no one said anything about it for fear of being butchered.

Surprisingly, the Emperor had nothing to reply. If anything, he seemed to agree.

“Is there any way to end the bond with a Half?” Inuyasha asked curiously, praying the answer would be positive. He missed the dark look upon his sire's face and the unintentional glare sent his way.

“Never think such foolishness!” the Emperor all but bellowed, but Inuyasha stood his ground.

“Why? Is there?”

Inu no Taishou was conveniently silent.

“Fine, don't tell me. But know that I don't like this. I hate it, actually. I love Kikyou, I want to spend the rest of my life with her,” Inuyasha whined, the tender face of his wife ever present in his mind.

“A life that will be entirely too short. It will feel like a few years, and then your Half will die too, if you do not claim her. That's when you'll see chaos, son. You will no longer be whole, but there is no way you could understand that now. Not with your… level of comprehension.”

Indignant, “Hey! What's that supposed to mean?”

“It means, my son, that you do not know what life entails. You are still ignorant. I presume your Half is the smarter of the two - you're probably the one with brute strength.”

Inuyasha was seething, but then Kagome's image flashed before his eyes. Concerned, he started fidgeting, something that didn't go unnoticed by the great demon. Narrowing his eyes, Inu no Taishou studied Inuyasha for a long moment. The half demon's breathing was erratic, and his eyes starting adopting a rosy hue. That meant danger. What was happening to Kagome?

Almost as if on cue, he heard a terrible noise and his son was gone in a flash.

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“Anata,” the woman whispered helplessly, all too ready to embrace the cold wings of death and its icy breath on her nape. She knew what was waiting for her. A better world, but a world without him. She didn't want it, but it would have to do.

“Izayoi,” came a gruff voice that threatened to crack at the edges from the sheer pressure of the emotions wrapping them both. Inu no Taishou pulled her gently into his arms, savoring the last minutes with his love. “Shh,” he soothed, “you're going to be fine.”

But he was lying. He knew it - he could feel it. They both knew it. The torn Emperor damned his weak heart and his misplaced trust. He damned the whole world for taking his most precious treasure from him.

“Izayoi…”

“The boy,” she whispered, coughing for a moment, “Inuyasha.”

“Hmm?” Devastated beyond human comprehension even before her actual end, the Emperor couldn't concentrate on anything else than her decaying scent which reeked of impending death.

“Name the boy Inuyasha,” she pleaded, coughing once again, this time blood.

“Izayoi!” She placed a trembling hand on his lips to keep any more words from coming out.

“For…give Take…maru,” her kindness knew no boundaries, “and forgive me. I couldn't… do it. I couldn't,”

“Shh,” he said again, a single tear rolling down his cheek.

“You are crying,” Izayoi observed with amazement, “for me. Thank you. Anata,”

“Anything,” he replied, squeezing her hand that felt weaker and weaker, and…

“Don't… forget me…” Even her voice was fading away.

A promise…

“Never.”

And the feel of vivid, moist lips on lifeless, cold ones. Not even Teneseiga could help.

Goodbye.

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Kagome didn't really see the path she was running on. It was just ground, and ground was moving oddly beneath her feet with every step she took. Determined, she mustered all her courage and clarity of mind and soul to keep the Jewel as pure as possible… and was failing miserably.

Inuyasha, her soul whined, Inuyasha.

Why couldn't he leave her alone now that she had a task to accomplish?

Protect the Jewel… protect… Inuyasha!

He was coming for her. He was sick and cruel and wanted the power of the Jewel. She'd practically delivered it to him and now she had to make things better. She had to reach Kaede - the old woman would surely know what to do.

Getting into the palace was easy, since the Emperor had surprisingly ordered for her to be always welcome without question. Her legs felt like they would give out soon, but she forced them to carry her further. Without really intending to, “Kaede-sama!” she yelled, the guard instantly on edge. “Bring me Kaede!” she demanded and a few men rushed to fetch the old miko.

The darkness was closer, closer and it sent chills all over her body. Shudders of terror.

“No!”

Suddenly, she pushed her whole body into a pillar as she tried to stifle that horrible man's imminent freedom, unsure if her death would be enough. However, she could still wish, still believe that it was a way of saving the world from a great evil - to destroy the Sacred Jewel. Without really thinking, her body was wrapped into a holy light of purification that would devour her entirely as soon as the pillar fell on top of her, surely cracking the Jewel. Then she would purify it, the little stone she was meant to protect, securely bringing it with her.

The pillar was falling. Still she felt… oddly relieved.

Goodbye, Inuya…sha…

Kagome closed her eyes, already falling to the ground, the Shikon no Tama tightly within her grasp, waiting to collide…

But the impact never came. Opening a single eye, she realized that the heat she suddenly felt wasn't due to her self-purification, but to her being in the embrace of the only man she hadn't wanted to see again. Her heart stopped for a moment.

Inuyasha…

Her savior had pulled her out of her hand-made disaster, unknowingly destroying the last chance she had of protecting the world. She could feel it clearly now - the thumping of a heart that wasn't supposed to beat again, the smell of obscurity as she pushed herself away from her Half.

“You idiot!” she accused, wanting to tear into him for his idiocy. Inuyasha seemed thoroughly confused. Perhaps he thought she should be grateful? “Look at what you've done!” she shouted, appearing completely mad. He was still silent, unable to understand what was going on. He couldn't see anything wrong, but Kagome's desperation was palpable and he wanted it to end. He wanted to soothe her nerves. From behind he heard an outraged, “No!” that he recognized came from Kaede, the Head of the Imperial Mikos.

“You should've let me die!” Kagome yelled next, catching him off guard. But this statement seemed to trigger deep something within him, because he felt an eerie panic at her words. He realized... he didn't want her to die. Ever.

“Look-” he started, but was rudely cut off by Kaede's frightened gasp.

Kagome's eyes widened, and even with her horrified expression and bloody face, Inuyasha had never seen a more beautiful sight.

Her hair fluttered around her, arms rose to the sky and a heart pulsed. Thump thump th- A shrill cry left Kagome's lips as a monstrous creature crawled its way out of the Jewel, tentacles spreading everywhere. No one said anything, because no one could say anything. It was as if time stood still to let the abomination live again. The Jewel had plotted against the world, a pure miko had lost a fight within its confines, but not the war, never the war.

Inuyasha's ear twitched when he saw what he had earlier perceived as a mass of flesh transform into a man. An unnatural elegance was present in his moves as he approached Kagome, and Inuyasha wanted to tear him limb from limb, but he found he couldn't move.

Not yet, a pitiless voice whispered.

The miko didn't seem frightened, but resigned. Inuyasha understood then what her purpose had been, but he couldn't have let her die even knowing so.

“Kikyou,” the man drawled almost lustfully, and Inuyasha cocked an eyebrow. Kagome didn't look surprised, but Kaede looked terrified.

“No,” the man corrected, still approaching the young miko, “you're not Kikyou. Are you the new Protector?” He was a breath away from her, but Kagome still didn't answer. Instead, she kept staring at him with big, expressive eyes. “You're better,” he said, his hand turning into a despicable tentacle that tickled her arm, “more desirable. I'll have you instead,” he declared, pulling her into his embrace and smiling as she didn't move to protest.

This time, Inuyasha found his strength, moving with impressive speed to pull Kagome away from the disgrace of a youkai, but nothing could have prepared him for her reaction. His head turned to the side from the impact and he twirled it right back in time to see her rubbing her palm, which was probably itching after such a stinging slap.

“What was that for?” he demanded.

“You have got to be the biggest asshole! That's twice you ruined my plans!” she accused, letting her eyes go back to the resurrected man to make sure he hadn't escaped.

A devilish smirk appeared on his lips. “You meant to kill me, didn't you?” the creature asked smartly, “You would have let me take you and then purify me as I was inside you, am I right?”

The mere image of that statement sent disgusted shivers all over Inuyasha's body. Judging from Kagome's expressionless face, she would have done just that. He didn't want that. She was his.

“The Hell she would have!” he snapped loudly, drawing the man's attention.

“Ah, the half breed. Pity. Death would have been a great payment for taking your Half right in front of you,” the nameless man uttered, ignoring the collective gasps of surprise. Kaede and the guards, who were the only ones in the dark, couldn't believe their ears. Kagome was Inuyasha's Half? Kagome, the commoner, was the prince's intended? But how did this youkai know?

“You're a half breed too,” Inuyasha countered, his nose working overtime.

The man scowled. All of a sudden he was in front of Kagome, grabbing her elbow and pulling her to him to whisper hotly in her ear, “We'll meet again.”

Before he vanished in thin air, a few cold words brought about a creepy dread.

“Remember my name - Naraku - because you will all die by my hands.”