X-stasy

Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha.

Chapter 14: -Light-

Sesshoumaru's eyes slowly adjusted to the dimly lit cell to find two, bulging yellow eyes peering back at him. The man was huddled in the corner of the cell and reeked of filth. He wore a tattered piece of cloth that was wrapped around his body. It had probably been a cloak when it had been first made. As it was now it did little hide the hump on the man's back. The man was quite aged and had long, gray hair, and wrinkled skin. Sesshoumaru also noticed that there was a faded blue crescent moon on his forehead. This was just getting too weird.

"Who are you?" Sesshoumaru questioned in a harsh tone.

The old man let lose a bark of laughter. "Who am I? The more important question I believe is who ye are. Yes, now what is the more interesting one indeed. Ye bear the mark of one who has been god-touched and yet here they threw ye into a cell. Is it because ye bare demon blood within ye?"

Sesshoumaru was angered to be answered with a question, but decided to humor the old man. "Yes, I am a demon. But you still haven't answered my question, old man."

"Ah, the young are so very impatient. So you have demon blood within ye. Well, it was a shame ye had to come here. The Light-wielders have never taken to those with demon blood flowing in their veins. There was that war that happened several hundreds years ago after all. Now what was the name of it, ah yes, the War of the Light and Shadow's Fall. It is said both races fell out of the good graces of the God and Goddess for that one, and it is said judgment has yet to be passed. Although I sense that judgment is just on the horizon-"

Sesshoumaru growled low in his throat. He was beginning to get really tired of all this. He didn't understand what the hell was going on. And here this old man was speaking in riddles and cryptic messages. "Old man, explain to me in a way that makes sense who these 'Light-wielders' are and why they have imprisoned here me like this."

"Well, for that we would have to start at the beginning. The beginning of everything. It was when the Gods and Goddesses created the world. There were was the Phoenix Goddess Huang and her consort, Feng who took much interest in the creation of humans and demons. So much interest in fact that both celestial beings took lovers from both races, thus spawning half-god, half-demons, as well as half-god, half-humans. Of course, one race began to think themselves better than the other and visa versa.

The seeds of hatred were planted and thus spawned war. The Shadow Masters, those with demonic and god-blood, rose up against the Light-wielders, those with mortal and god-blood. The Shadow Masters were defeated and cursed to live in the bowels of the earth, while the Light-wielders were blessed to live in the heavens. All this was foretold by an ancient prophecy as was your coming here...Dark Knight."

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow at the title the old man had given him. "Why do you call me this old man?"

"Because I believe ye are the prophesized Dark Knight destined to lead the Shadow Masters to victory over the Light-wielders! I like ye are god-touched, the blood of Feng flows in my veins, however, so does demon blood. And because of that the Light-wielders are my enemies just as they are yours."

Sesshoumaru rubbed his temples in frustration. 'Obviously, the old man is out of his mind. He doesn't know what he's saying.'

"You claim the Light-wielders are my enemy but why should I believe you?" Sesshoumaru drawled.

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend. I am your friend Sesshoumaru, the only one ye will find in this god-forsaken place. I wish for us to be allies." The old man explained simply.

"Allies?" Sesshoumaru questioned bitterly. "And why would I ally myself with a decrepit old man? I have no use for you."

"Oh?" The old man smiled. "But don't you wish to get out of here? I happen to know of a way-"

"I work alone. Besides, you would only get in my way, old man." Sesshoumaru snarled. "This discussion has ended."

And with that Sesshoumaru went over to sit crossed legged at the opposite end of the cell. He then began to mediate on possible ways of escape. 'Isane...'

"Misguided soul, you shall see the Light soon enough I'm afraid." The old man said in a cryptic manner.

ooo

Isane found herself surrounded by cold and darkness.

'Where am I? What is this place? I feel so...alone.' Isane thought to herself as she wrapped her arms more tightly around her body.

'You are not alone.' Came a ethereal singsong voice.

'Who said that?' Isane questioned still not wanting to open her eyes to confront reality.

'It is I, your other self.'

'Huang?' Isane slowly opened her eyes to take in her surroundings. It was too dark to see much of anything but she could see the luminous form of the Goddess before her. She was heavenly as always. Isane noticed that she wore a velvet cord about her neck from which hung a symbol, half of the Yin-Yang, solid red with a black dot. 'Why are you here? What is this place?'

'Don't you remember? You flew away from reality and I brought you here. Here you may regain your strength before deciding to face reality. Before facing your destiny, Isane. Your heart has a decision to make.' The crimson locks of the Goddess floated about her, moved by the energy her aura was casting.

'What are you talking about?' Isane asked wide-eyed.

'What do you feel for the one known as Sesshoumaru? You have not yet shown him your true face. Is it because you cannot trust a demon with such a secret? Are you so sure that he will reject you because if so then the future is already decided.'

'No, I mean yes, I-I don't know. I love Sesshoumaru...but I am unsure how he will react when he finds out I'm human. I haven't shown him my face yet but I do intend to. When the time is right.' Isane admitted raising a hand to make sure her mask was still in place.

'I see. So when you finally show him your face his true colors will be revealed. And then I will be summoned once more by the decision your heart makes. Soon the future will be decided...'

'The future? Of me and Sesshoumaru?' Isane found herself confused by the Goddess' riddles.

A smile formed on the matching Noh mask the Goddess Huang wore. 'The future of everything.'

'You don't like demons very much do you?' Isane blurted.

'Can you blame me? I have not forgotten what the one known as Naraku did to you, my child. I will never forgive nor forget. He betrayed the both of us. But I have honored the Pact of Love we made long ago, and have even given you a second chance at true love. However if you fail...'

'If I fail?'

'Don't worry about it. It is not for you to decide anyways.'

Isane frowned. 'And what do you mean by that?' She spat.

'Look around you Isane...do not forget that your soul belongs to me.' The Goddess quirked her head at Isane in a beastlike manner.

The Goddess then used her god-power to illuminate the space around them. Isane gasped at what she saw. She was trapped inside a gigantic birdcage with bars of gold, a gilded cage, but a cage nonetheless. And all around her was unending darkness and emptiness. Isane quickly ran to the bars and placed her hands around them hoping they weren't real.

She gasped as she felt they were solid. It wasn't an illusion. 'Let me out this instant! How dare you trap me within here like this! You can't do this to me. I am a part of you just as you are a part of me right? This wasn't part of the pact!' Isane cried gripping the bars and beginning to shake them.

'Resistance is futile, my child. You shall remain here until the one that is meant for you and only you comes to free you. But if he fails to move your heart, or if he rejects you, then I will be back to pass judgment.'

'Argh! Let me the hell out of here!' Isane continued to shake the gilded bars, but to no avail. She sunk to her knees and hot tears began to stream down her face. She buried her masked face in her hands. 'Sesshoumaru where are you? Why have you not come for me?' She felt suffocated by the darkness and her own sorrow.

ooo

Sesshoumaru's acute hearing picked up the sounds of light footfalls approaching his and the old man's cell. He opened his eyes and saw that it was the one that had been called 'Lumina'. Her blood red eyes looked back at Sesshoumaru in his cell and held no pity. In fact, a small smile formed upon her pink lips. She flipped her orange-red hair over her shoulder and spoke. "Sesshoumaru, that's your name isn't it? Do you know why I am here?"

Sesshoumaru didn't deign answer.

"I'm here to make you confess your allegiance to the Order of the Dark Moon and Shadowed Sun. Now we can do this the easy way...or we can do it the hard way." Here she licked her lips. "I would prefer the latter of course but it's really up to you. Now, will you simply confess?"

"I have nothing to confess." Sesshoumaru growled. "And even if I did I would not tell the likes of you."

Lumina narrowed her eyes at Sesshoumaru. "The hard way then. This will be such fun!" Lumina raised her willow-wood staff, which had a red crescent moon symbol on the end. The tip glowed a fiery orange color before Lumina unleashed a direct blast of the holy god-power at Sesshoumaru.

Sesshoumaru tried to shield his body from the attack with his arms, but it was too much all at once. It wasn't long before he succumbed to darkness.

When Sesshoumaru slowly came back into consciousness he noticed that his whole body ached, but more importantly there was something bothering his wrists and ankles. Sesshoumaru's eyes flew open and he took in his new surroundings. He was suspended to an X-shaped whipping post in the middle of what Sesshoumaru concluded had to be a sort of torture chamber. His wrists and ankles were bound to the X by black leather straps that were tied so tightly that when Sesshoumaru struggled against his bonds it chaffed his skin causing him to bleed.

There were other types of whipping posts, T-shaped, and one a single piece of wood. Beside his own was a table upon which were laid out several devices of torture from oiled cat-o-nine-tails to nicely, polished razor blades. They were immaculate and deadly.

"Well, I see you're finally awake. I must have given you a little more holy god-power than you could handle. Now it's time for our fun!" Lumina laughed and summoned a Whip of Light that reminded Sesshoumaru much of his own. However, this Whip of Light was completely formed of the holy god-power. This was not going to be much fun in his opinion. Lumina flicked her whip and it came down hard upon Sesshoumaru's bare chest. He had been stripped of all his clothing except for his hakama pants. As the whip hit Sesshoumaru's body it was wracked with intense pain.

He could feel the holy god-power attacking his demonic energy. He felt once again like he was being ripped in two. But he did not cry out.

Lumina raised a beautifully arched eyebrow at him. "A tough guy huh? Well then I won't go easy on you!" Lumina let the lash come down hard on Sesshoumaru again and again. His body spasmed as the god-power attacked his very being. "Confess! Confess your allegiance to the Order of the Dark Moon and Shadowed Sun and I will stop!" Lumina told him.

"You would show me mercy?" Sesshoumaru said spitefully through gritted teeth.

"Of course," Lumina informed him. "We of the Order of the Sun and Moon, the Light-wielders are not without mercy, unlike the Shadow Masters who are cruel and evil to the core. I simply want a confession and will do whatever it takes until I have gotten one. If you do I will harm you no longer." Lumina flicked her wrist and the lash fell once again. This time breaking open a flesh wound that bled crimson.

"You...are...a...hypocrite." Sesshoumaru struggled to say as he coughed up blood. The holy god-power was really doing a number on his system. He vaguely wondered if using demonic power against a Light-wielder would produce a similar effect and smiled at the thought.

"Why are you smiling?!" Lumina demanded.

"Why don't we switch places and you can find out." Sesshoumaru managed to say.

Lumina laughed. "As interesting as that sounds, I think not. Now confess!" Lumina continued and whipped Sesshoumaru again causing new welts to form on his once flawless chest. Lumina watched with glee, and unabashed mirth in her eyes at the obvious pain she was causing him. She licked her lips at the sight of his bare chest covered in his own blood. "Mmm you know you really are quite the handsome one. Even if you are the enemy. It's a real shame for all that beauty to go to waste." Lumina could feel a warmth building between her thighs and couldn't resist coming over to Sesshoumaru and licking some of the blood experimentally from his chest. "You taste wonderful."

Sesshoumaru shivered from the feel of her wet tongue on his bare chest, a shiver of pure disgust and not of pleasure. "And you are simply revolting." Sesshoumaru grinned at her shocked and angered expression.

"How dare you say that to me! A Priestess of the Order of the Sun and Moon commands respect! You-you foul demon!" Lumina fueled by her anger whipped Sesshoumaru relentlessly, telling him to confess, until he was unable to remain conscious, and sagged against his bonds, blood streaming down his chin.

ooo

The sound of a child's crying filled the Forest of Death.

"Sesshoumaru-sama! Rin wants Sesshoumaru-sama! Where? Hiccup. Has Sesshoumaru-sama gone! Hiccup. Sesshoumaru-sama and Isane-sama!" Hot, wet tears coursed down Rin's flushed cheeks. "Rin just knows something is wrong!" Sobs wracked the girl-child's body as her tears continued to flow endlessly.

It had been five days since Sesshoumaru and Isane mysteriously disappeared. InuYasha and the others had combed the whole of the Forest of Death in hopes of finding them to no avail. It seemed hopeless; they had simply vanished without a trace.

The women-Kagome, Sango, and Ayame tried their best to comfort the little girl. None had realized how deep the bond between Rin and Sesshoumaru were. InuYasha, Kouga and Miroku had been assigned with doing most of the searching, but both the males and the females were both physically and mentally exhausted.

"I think it's time we got out of the Forest of Death." InuYasha began earning a harsh wail from Rin. He winced. "It's not that I'm giving up hope but supplies are running low. We're out of water and Kagome only has instant soups left. If we stay here we'll simply die of starvation and then we'll be no good to anyone."

"B-But we can't leave them!" Rin cried looking at Kagome with pleading eyes.

Kagome's heart ached. "Rin, Sesshoumaru is very strong, and so is Isane. I'm sure they're both ok and maybe they're even waiting for us outside of the forest."

Rin wiped her eyes until they were slightly red. "Do you really think so?" hiccup.

"Sure kiddo." Kagome smiled hopefully.

"You're wrong," came a voice carried on the wind. It seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere all at once. A light breeze blew through the sterile air upsetting the dust-covered ground.

InuYasha wasted no time in unsheathing the Tetsusaiga. "Who's there? Show yourself!"

From out of the trees came a hunched and limping figure.

"Kagura?!" InuYasha spat. "What the hell are you doing here? Did Naraku send you?"

Kagura raised her head to look at InuYasha with lifeless eyes. She had one hand around her waist, which was bleeding profusely. She was having trouble breathing most likely due to several broken ribs. "No...I...Sesshoumaru...and Isane I watched them leave this place."

InuYasha was in front of Kagura in seconds. He put a clawed hand around her neck and growled. "Where are they? What have you done to them?!"

"I...didn't do anything to them." Kagura coughed up blood. "Isane was going up the Lunar Rainbow and Sesshoumaru followed her. I watched as the both of them left this world into heaven."

InuYasha let loose a bark of laughter. "And you expect me to believe that. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't just kill you know, child of Naraku!"

"InuYasha! Sit boy!" came Kagome's stern voice.

THUD.

Kagome came over to the injured Kagura and gave her a look of pity. "You're hurt. Allow me to tend to your wounds."

Kagura looked back at Kagome in disbelief. "You would help me? An enemy?"

"Yes, I would." Kagome gave her a reassuring smile. "I could never live with myself knowing I let you die in this accursed place!"

"You are a good person." Kagura told her. But Kagome wasn't sure it was meant as a compliment.

After Kagome tended to Kagura's wounds to the best of her ability Kagura told InuYasha and the others what had happened. After several intakes of breath, and plenty of 'Feh!'s from InuYasha the tale was finished.

Miroku looked thoughtful. "I believe Kagura is telling the truth. I have heard of the Legend of the Lunar Rainbow and Isane...is simply not of this world."

Rin's eyes widened in horror. "Sesshoumaru-sama and Isane-sama have gone to heaven!"

"Well, not exactly. I believe I heard something about a lost city, known as the City of the Clouds." Miroku began. "It's like a stepping stone to heaven. If they did in fact pass through the Stargate I wouldn't put it past them to be there. That means there may still be a chance they will return to this world. Sesshoumaru...if anyone can do it he can."

"Feh," InuYasha said. "My brother's not that good. Don't forget who managed to cut off his arm."

"You know...I think he let you do that InuYasha." Kagome said thoughtfully, a finger to her chin in thought.

"What?!" InuYasha bellowed. "How can you say that?"

"Well, it's just that it seems like Sesshoumaru is definitely powerful enough to kill you, but he still hasn't managed to do it. That must either mean that he's been holding back, or he doesn't intend to kill you at all. I think it's more of him testing you and trying your skill than anything else." Kagome revealed to him. After seeing Sesshoumaru's good side it had confirmed these suspicions of hers.

"Feh, whatever." InuYasha crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"So what do we do now?" Sango questioned.

"I guess we have no choice but to leave this place." Kagome began. "I mean if Sesshoumaru and Isane are in another dimension now it doesn't really matter where we are. We'll figure out a way to help them once we're out of here. I think it's what they would have wanted as well."

"I agree." Miroku concurred. "It is the wised path."

"So you're just going to give up and leave them here, mutt-face." Kouga addressed InuYasha. "I expected better from you. After all, he is your brother."

"Who you calling a mutt?! Wolf." InuYasha growled. "Besides he's not my brother, he's my half-brother."

"Same difference." Kouga smirked.

"Kouga," came Ayame's voice that reminded Kouga of a running brook. "I think Kagome is correct as well."

"Ayame," Kouga looked at Ayame kindly. "Well if you say so then I'm sure we're doing the right thing."

"So we're really leaving?" Came Rin's small voice. Kagome put a hand on the girl's shoulder comfortingly and squeezed.

"Yes, Rin but don't worry. Sesshoumaru and Isane will come back. Believe in them Rin."

"I-I'll try." Rin nodded and smiled.

And so InuYasha and the others left the Forest of Death behind them.

ooo

Sesshoumaru woke up to find the old man tending to his wounds, which surprisingly had not healed, nor regenerated, as it should have been. Thoroughly unnerved Sesshoumaru tried to resist the help the old man was giving him only to earn a slap on his rear as if he were a stubborn child being disciplined.

Sesshoumaru growled low in his throat. "You dare to strike this Sesshoumaru?"

"Yes, I dare." The old man muttered continuing to tear strips of fabric from his tattered and dirty cloak to use to bandage Sesshoumaru. "It's for your own good. Your demonic powers aren't working probably due to this most holy of holy places. In fact it is sapping your energy from ye. Ye won't last much longer in this place unless..." The old man trailed off pointedly.

"Unless?" Sesshoumaru prodded.

"Unless ye awaken your hidden powers." The old man gave Sesshoumaru a hard stare.

"Hidden powers?" Sesshoumaru tried to laugh but only ended up coughing up blood.

The old man shook his head. "Yes, your hidden powers. As the chosen Dark Knight ye have powers that have not yet been awakened. I can assist ye to awaken those powers, however, and then ye would have more than enough power to get us both out of here. Now, to begin awakening your powers ye must-"

"Silence old man," Sesshoumaru snarled. "I will not believe your lies or your delusions of grandeur for that matter. I am not this Dark Knight you speak of nor do I have any sort of hidden powers."

"Who can ye be so sure? You were so surprised about this place, its story, and its people. You should be more open-minded by now."

"I will not fall for your tricks, old man. Now leave me be." Sesshoumaru spat as he made his way over to the opposite end of the cell once more. He was badly injured still and practically had to crawl on his hands and knees to accomplish the feat.

"As you wish," the old man sighed.

ooo

"Come along, Spot." Lumina laughed as she yanked the leather lead, which was attached to a golden collar that was about Sesshoumaru's neck.

Sesshoumaru tried to resist the command but it was impossible. He felt a surge of god-power flow through his body, which forced his body to move of its own accord. He found himself following Lumina obediently because of it when really he would do anything to be able to rip her heart out.

Under several days of torture Sesshoumaru had still confessed to nothing making Lumina feel it was time to resort to more drastic measures in order to break Sesshoumaru. It had been approved by the High Council of Elders to use a Control Collar and Master Ring to do so. And so now Sesshoumaru was forced to do Lumina's bidding regardless of how hard he tried to resist the Control Collar's hold upon him.

The Control Collar and Master Ring possessed great power and Ancient Magicks, which Sesshoumaru found to be unlike anything he had ever come across before. Any whim or command that Lumina simply told him, he was forced to obey. Resistance was truly futile.

"Now, Spot, walk on your hands and knees." Lumina grinned broadly as she watched Sesshoumaru struggle to resist the command. His body jerked in a very abnormal fashion and Sesshoumaru was forced to his knees. "Now, come along and be a good boy." Lumina was positively glowing from pleasure. She was leading Sesshoumaru all around the city with Sesshoumaru trailing behind her like some sort of whipped dog. She greatly enjoyed showing off her prize to a group of her friends, which she encountered.

A group of three priestesses, to be exact.

"Lumina is that the demon?" Asked a wide-eyed priestess with a glowing sun on her forehead. She had a cascade of silvery-white hair and red-colored eyes.

"Yes, but until he confesses he's my new little pet." Lumina happily explained. "Isn't he just the cutest little thing, Blaize?"

Sesshoumaru growled low in his throat.

"Oh my," Blaize looked worried. "Are you sure he's safe?"

"Oh, he's all bark and no bite." Lumina laughed. "Watch this. Oh, Spot. Roll over."

Sesshoumaru felt a surge of god-power attack him and he tried to resist what the power was trying to force him to do. He was able to resist for a good three seconds before he found himself on his back with his hands in the air like a dog.

Blaize raised an eyebrow. "I see."

"Still not going to confess?" Lumina asked him in a sickeningly sweet tone.

"I have nothing to confess!" Sesshoumaru snarled trying to fight the humiliating position he was in.

"Such the pity." Lumina didn't mean a single word. "Let's play some more then. You can show my friends all the new tricks I've taught you. Spot, sit!"

Sesshoumaru found his body being jerked into a sitting position. "Play dead!" His body was thrown back into the ground with a thud. "Beg!" Sesshoumaru's body was once again bent awkwardly into a sitting position where Sesshoumaru felt his hands coming out in front of him and looking like paws. Sesshoumaru strained with all his might against the god-power to no avail. Oh, how he hated this. As soon as he was freed he had plans for that foul woman Lumina, many plans indeed.

Lumina's friends simply laughed at Sesshoumaru's plight having no pity in their hearts for one in whose veins flowed demon blood. Blaize, as well as two other Priestesses were thoroughly enjoying the performance.

"Now Spot." Lumina got a mischievous look in her eyes. "Kiss me."

Sesshoumaru found himself coming back into a standing position. He then found that he was walking towards Lumina. He struggled to keep himself from moving. His body forced him to take another step, then another. Sesshoumaru nearly fell over as he used a burst of demonic energy to try and stop himself.

Lumina tapped her foot upon the ground impatiently. "Hurry it up Spot. Kiss me!"

Sesshoumaru was pulled forward suddenly and he found his lips upon Lumina's. She moaned in response and probed his lips with her tongue. He opened his mouth to allow her entrance.

When suddenly.

"Ack!" Lumina cried and pulled away from Sesshoumaru. "That bastard bit my tongue!" A trickle of blood shown on the corner of Lumina's delicate mouth. Sesshoumaru simply smiled back at her innocently and licked the blood from his lips. "Damn you demon! I'll teach you some respect! On your hands and knees before me. It's time you pleasure me to make up for what you just did!"

Sesshoumaru scowled as he found himself on his hands and knees again. He was drawing close to Lumina and found his hands were already lifting the white skirt of her Priestess outfit.

"Lumina!" Came a harsh voice.

It was Flash. His eyes were ablaze with anger as he took in the scene in front of him. "What the hell do you think you're doing?! The High Council of Elders did not agree to your request simply so you could have a new sex toy. You're supposed to be using your power over him to retrieve information, nothing more. You're acting no better than a Shadow Master. What do you have to say for yourself?!"

Lumina glared daggers at Flash before her lower lip pouted. She vaguely felt Sesshoumaru's hands going up her legs and absent-mindedly told him to stop. Which he did with no little relish. "But Flash," Lumina whined. "I've been trying so hard to get the confession or any sort information out of him for that matter, but he's just so darn stubborn. I've even been forced to resort to such lowly means as this, but it wasn't until he bit my tongue that I wanted him to make up for it. I'm not like a Shadow Master at all...really. How could you think that of me, Flash?!"

Flash's eyes flickered over to Sesshoumaru. "I don't think the problem is that he's stubborn. I think regardless of whatever you do that you will not manage to break him Lumina. He has too much pride for that, not to mention inner strength. He's far too strong for such petty means of persuasion to work on him. Torture...and humiliation only work on weak-minded cowards. You should know that the bough that bends with the wind instead of breaking is not weak, but the strongest of all."

"The bough that bends," Lumina smiled a secret smile to Flash. "Is certainly not weak."

"Then you understand that you have no chance in making him talk unless you come up with some other way of getting information out of him. Perhaps, a truth serum could be administered."

"Perhaps, you really can be a kill joy, you know that don't you Flash?" Lumina giggled like a schoolgirl. "But I promise I'll try and find some other way to get him to confess."

"Good." Flash said as he saw Sesshoumaru silently thanking him with a look. "But you should also try and use your good judgment Lumina. If he has nothing to confess...he should be taken to trial as soon as possible."

"I understand." Lumina pouted. She hated when Flash had the good sense to scold her. Sometimes the fire in her blood ruled her when she should have let her mind be in control. He was her balance, her other half, without him she would be lost. And he knew this. That part she hated the most. The control he actually had over her, when she was one best suited to be in that position. Although sometimes it wasn't so bad to give in. Lumina smiled at the thought.

ooo

Sesshoumaru was roughly thrown into his cell by Lumina, who promised him she'd think of another way to get the information she wanted out of him. Sesshoumaru was not looking forward to the prospect. His entire body ached from trying to resist the Control Collar. He felt like he had fought a fierce battle for days. His wounds still refused to heal and some looked as though they might be infected. His stomach growled and Sesshoumaru looked over to the small bowl of gruel that had been left for his consumption.

He gagged as he poured the disgusting human food down his throat. Oh, how he hated human food. It seemed like the liquid food had actually managed to sate some of his hunger until he felt nauseous and found himself retching in the corner of his cell.

The old man tsked at him. "Have ye had enough of doing things your way yet, pup? Or do you wish to learn how to awaken your hidden powers and escape?"

Sesshoumaru growled and gave an angry glare to the old man, but it held little anger or emotion for that matter. Sesshoumaru felt so drained. So unlike himself. Would he simply waste away until all his demonic energy had been drained from him if he remained in this place? Or would he end up a pathetic old man in a jail cell like his fellow prisoner. Sesshoumaru shook his head. He couldn't allow that to happen. He couldn't give up. He still had to find Isane after all.

"I'm ready old man." Sesshoumaru admitted. "Let's see if these delusions of yours become reality."

The old man smiled a crooked smile revealing his yellow teeth. It was not a pleasant smile in the least.

ooo

To be continued...