InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Youkai Society ❯ The Alliance ( Chapter 5 )

*Laughs charmingly* I am so sorry… I know how long this took for me to write! I just couldn't seem to get it right…I still have some doubts about this chapter towards the middle… Anyway I hope you all like it! I have really big plans for this story…its gona be a long one! I would like to thank all of you who reviewed and mailed me to continue. That was absolutely the sweetest thing anyone could have done, I truly appreciate all the support.

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Kagome wrinkled her nose in disgust, a pungent scent assaulting her senses. Attempting to cover her nose, Kagome realized both her arms were chained. Heavy metal shackles clasped tightly over her wrists, pulling her arms out horizontally. It was dark and humid inside the room making it hard for Kagome determine were she was. 'Probably some old cell used to torture people.' Kagome thought glumly. The old stone wall felt like it was crumbling against her back, small trails of water trickling down the moldy surface. Leaning her head back Kagome tried to think. 'What were you thinking Sesshoumaru'…

If Naraku used the jewel he would be unbeatable. She knew Sesshoumaru would come for her, and she hopped he would get her out of the dungeon before attempting an attack on Naraku. It would take the both of them, and a lot of luck to defeat Naraku. Kagome knew it would only be a small matter of time before Naraku corrupted the shards and used it for his own evil purposes. Those damn shards caused so many problems. Countless life's had been lost because of it. Somehow it made Kagome feel guilty, she was the guardian of the Shikon jewel and she didn't have the strength to protect it, not against Naraku. And yet…it seemed like her soul was never complete unless she was near the Shikon Jewel, almost like it was a long lost part of her…

Kagome jumped, the sound of a door opening and closing ringing out loudly in the darkness. Could it be Naraku coming to finish her off? Kagome stiffened in fear as the muffled sound of footsteps got closer. She didn't hear any cruel mocking laughter, perhaps it was Sesshoumaru? No, probably not. He wouldn't be taking his time to get to her.

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Kagura's ruby eyes glittered as she approached the chained up human. 'Sesshoumaru's mate.' Kagura had always respected Sesshoumaru's strength, and he had always seemed calm and collected. As to why he gave Naraku the shards was still beyond her, but she suspected it had to do with his new human mate. His actions had opened two windows of opportunity, and Kagura was not about to let her window close.

She would not, allow Naraku to use the Shikon no Tama. Kagura was determined to free herself from Naraku's bonds of slavery. This was her chance to detach herself from being one of his puppets. The past few weeks Kagura had been collecting allies, secretly of course, for a final battle with Naraku. With the distraction of the near completed Shikon jewel, Naraku had failed to notice her activities. She would have to move swiftly, the plan of Naraku's defeat had already began to set into motion. If he were to discover their plans before they were ready for him, it would all have been in vain. After all Naraku held her heart in the palm of his hand.

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Kagome's chains rattled with her sudden movements. She couldn't tell who it was standing in front of her, but whoever it was appeared to be female. 'Is that one of Naraku's incarnations?' Cautious of her actions Kagome stood uncertain when the figure freed her from her bonds. Deciding it best not to question her until she said something first, Kagome winced rubbing her bruised wrists.

Kagura frowned straining her ears for any signs of Naraku. Nothing, good. They still had a lot to do, and the odds were growing against them every minute. The human girl was admitting a strong smell of curiosity tinged with fear, but overpowered with determination. 'Maybe we have a better chance then I thought…' Scooping her up bridal style, Kagura silently made her way out of the dungeon.

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Sesshoumaru growled in frustration. He had been searching for hours, all his sources coming up as dead ends. Wherever Naraku was hiding he didn't seem to want any disturbances. 'How like a hanyou to hide.' Sesshoumaru thought in distaste. 'Did he really think, that I Sesshoumaru, would allow him to get away with such disrespect?'

Glaring out into the sunrise Sesshoumaru tightened his hand around Tokijin's hilt, the Tenseiga glowing a faint blue beside it. What was more annoying then Naraku's unsurprising betrayal, was the painful gnawing in his chest. He was worried for her? She had a strong spirit, the messengers of death wouldn't be able to drag her soul away without a struggle. Reviving her with the Tenseiga would be easy enough, but the feeling of dread remained. 'Damn that woman.'

The resentment in his eyes grew. 'Who would have thought that I, Lord Sesshoumaru, would go to such lengths for a human woman.' The golden pink sky began to turn reddish in foreboding and the air stilled. Sesshoumaru's instincts put him on edge, his ears twitching in the silent morning.

Then, the wind changed carrying Kagomes scent with it. At first the breeze was gentle, almost caressing, but then it picked up speed blowing his hair out in all directions. Her faint smell of blood lingered in the air, the grass blowing in weeping motions. 'Kagome.'

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Kagome felt odd being held like a child by a woman almost as small as she was, wishing for Sesshoumaru's stronger embrace. Could this woman offer any protection? 'Its not like you have a choice Kagome.' She told herself. They were still in Naraku's fort, castle, or whatever it was. Roots grew out of the crumbling walls, the floors were made of dirt and stone. It appeared they had been underground, Kagome wasn't sure how deep. Looking over the mystery woman's shoulder at the winding staircase they had been climbing for the past five minutes. With each step they climbed a darkness seemed to be creeping closer, spreading mysteriously up the walls. 'What is that?' Kagome questioned herself fearfully.

Kagome didn't need to tell Kagura, Kagome could tell she noticed by the occasional glances over her shoulder. Startled by a cool brush of air against her leg, Kagome noticed a shadow had curled its way up to them. Suddenly the shadows backed off, as they came to a stop in front of a sliding paper door. A strange purplish light flickering against the thin rice walls, which soundlessly slid open before them.

Inside the room was a small table, on it sat a few tainted shards of the Shikon, cushioned by a black pillow. The woman slipped into the room setting her down softly on her feet. Kagome felt her hand tug at her arm guiding her to the table. Glancing over the empty room for any signs of Naraku. Finding none Kagome returned her gaze to the Shikon shards, then to the red eyes of the woman. Silently questioning her.

Kagura released the humans hand, instructing her in a low voice. "Purify the jewel shards quickly, we have to be out of here before Naraku realizes what we have taken."

Not needing to be told twice, Kagome pushed her trembling fingers through the crackling purple barrier. A pink glow emitted from her being, covering her in a soft flush. In immediate contact with the Shikon shards, a bright glow flashed through the room blinding them both momentarily. Leaving in its wake three fully untainted Shikon shards, which Kagome enclosed in her palm tightly.

Desperate to get out of there as fast as possible Kagura lifted the miko into her arms, swiftly running from the room. She was almost sure Naraku would have felt the blast of the miko's power, leaving them very little time for a safe escape.

Kagome felt her breath quicken in fear. 'Are those Shikon shards getting closer to us? Could it be Naraku!?' Kagome felt her eyes widen, they were running strait at a wall.

Kagura freed a arm from underneath the miko's legs, switching her from bridal style to a bag of potatoes under her arm. Sweeping her fan in a large arc, Kagura sent a wave of neon blue, razor edged crescents through the wall. Leaping out of the new doorway Kagura covered the miko's mouth to muffle her screams as they fell. Skillfully maneuvering so that a large feather caught their fall, speeding them away. Releasing the miko's mouth she was answered with a shocked, "Kagura?!"

A small smile curved her lips and she nodded. "Yes miko, but this time, we are allies."

Kagome turned to look at the ground once again confused. It seemed like a endless cycle lately, fear, confusion, anger. Shaking her head Kagome felt secure, they had allies? Kagura was strong, and if there were others, along with Sesshoumaru, they had a chance! Leaning her head back Kagome enjoyed the feel of the wind that blew her hair back in wild tangles. Her fingers sunk into the soft downy feather, as they flew off in the sunrise.

Kagura lowered them to the ground in front of a small stream, returning the feather to her hair. "Lord Sesshoumaru is near." She paused reading her reaction. "How was it that Naraku captured you from him?"

Kagome straitened, gazing off into the water. "I attacked Naraku when Sesshoumaru gave him the jewel shards, and ended up being pulled in the portal with him."

Frowning Kagura bent cupping water in her hands taking long sips of the cool liquid. "You know, Lord Sesshoumaru isn't going to be happy with your actions." Kagura splashed water against her face, washing away the fatigue. "Still I wonder why he would give the Shikon jewels to Naraku. His lands would be endangered should Naraku gain the power he's hoping for through the power of the Shikon. The Western Lord was never one to overlook such things."

Kagome shook her head stooping beside Kagura and drinking from cupped hands. "If he had a reason he didn't tell me. He just did it, but I've noticed something about him. Sesshoumaru tends to act regardless to what anyone else thinks or feels, no one's opinion matters to him."

Silently Kagura stood gesturing for Kagome to do the same. "We don't have much time, and we have a lot to talk about before the battle with Naraku." Opening her fan Kagura moved to the right of Kagome. "Stay still I'm going to blow your scent in the direction of Lord Sesshoumaru, it should signal him of our whereabouts."

Kagome nodded fearfully not sure if she wanted to face Sesshoumaru just yet.

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Peeking out from around the corner of the castle Sota spied Jaken. His eyes glittered with mischief. 'Hah! Silly little man, I told him he couldn't hide from me!' Puffing out his chest Sota leapt in front of Jaken's path, screaming. "Ayyyyah!"

Jaken's yellow eyes widened almost popping out of his head, swinging his staff of heads around in reflex, scorching the 'terrible monster.' "AAAAAHYAHHH!" Jaken screeched in horror.

Blinking surprised Sota staggered back narrowly missing a blow to the head from Jaken's staff. Rubbing the soot from his face Sota shook his head, his hair fluffed out. Then to Sota's distress, it became painfully aware that his friend, nicknamed 'Spunky', was no more. The once very active lady bug, was now a small pile of ashes on his shoulder. Stuttering Sota looked at Jaken before erupting into very loud shrieks. "JAKEN!!! YOU'RE A VERY BAD CRICKET!"

Rin having been picking flowers heard the screams and came looking. A charred Sota stood in the clearing shouting at the stunned Jaken. Rin smiled toothily when Jaken expressed his feelings.

"I am not a cricket you ignorant hanyou!" He tried to straiten himself to appear more threatening, when realistically, the 300 year old demon or so, stood just below Sota's chin. Rin laughed.

Jaken grumbled wobbling away. 'Why lord Sesshoumaru! Why do you make me, your faithful servant play babysitter!' Jaken sniffled. 'To think of all the years I have spent dedicating myself to you!' The hanyou brats were worse then Rin!

Yasha scowled looking around the training grounds. 'I need someone to help me test my wind scar on.' His ears twitched beneath his tangled mass of silver hair. 'That sounds like Jaken…' A very much Inuyasha like smirk spread across his face. 'Perfect!' Yasha took off in the direction of Jaken's sniffling.

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Kagome edged closer to Kagura unknowingly, she could feel the strong presence of a demon approaching. 'Sesshoumaru…' Trembling slightly Kagome prepared herself to run. His aura was a mix of so many emotions it was confusing, but one she could easily pick out was anger. If she could put something between him and her, then maybe she could calm him down before he slashed her to ribbons. Looking around Kagome saw a rock, a fallen tree, and Kagura. She chose Kagura.

Kagura stiffened smelling the fear radiating from the human miko as she plastered herself against her back. 'What is she so afraid of?' Looking off into the distance warily, Kagura watched for any signs of the Lord. The miko saw him first tightening her grip on Kagura, who in return opened her fan defensively.

Sesshoumaru broke into the clearing, his clawed hand flexing at the sight of Kagura. Then to Kagome who seemed to be clinging onto her for protection. From him? His eyes narrowed and he approached her with calm steps, almost daring her to run. She was smart enough not to.

Stumbling back a step Kagome felt numb. He looked so mad, she doubted he would listen to what she had to say. He took another step closer his eyes glittering dangerously, and Kagome realized she had to try. "Sesshoumaru I know your mad but if you would just listen-".

Her words died in her throat, the sound of her gown being ripped open rendering her speechless. A heavy blush covered her face as Kagome looked over Sesshoumaru's shoulder at Kagura. Kagura had sat down some distance away, in an uninterested manner regarding them as if nothing was out of the ordinary. Wincing Kagome felt his clawed hand hook under her chin pulling her face up. At first Kagome thought he was going to kiss her, but instead he turned her head from side to side his eyes roaming carefully over her skin.

Relief flooded through him, he had been afraid that once her gown had been removed he would find Naraku's touch in its place. He was well aware of her embarrassment in her state of undress in front of Kagura, and slid the remains of her gown from her shoulders. Again she flushed her confused blue eyes looking up at him.

Sesshoumaru paused before moving his hand to gently caress her cheek. Enjoying the feel of her soft skin beneath his touch. Slowly he moved his hand to the base of her neck, dragging his claws lightly over her smooth skin to the small of her back. Pressing his long slender fingers firmly against the small of her back manipulating a moan from her. Her cherry red lips parted in surprise beneath his own, as he crushed his down on hers possessively. Another sweet cry hitched from her throat, her fingers curling tightly in the silky fabric of his kimono.

Tugging away wetly, Sesshoumaru's eyes glittered in amusement. Truth be told, upon seeing her, he no longer wished to punish her with bruises. Instead he wanted to punish her by setting her on fire with desire, for him. It seemed fitting, his mate would after realize how easily he had made her tremble to his touch. Realize, that this Sesshoumaru, was her superior, her lover. Gently he tugged her hand up, around each of her delicate pale wrists was a red ring of her dried blood. 'So she had been chained.' Cleaning her wounds with soft hot laps of his tongue Sesshoumaru's mind clouded, her sweet blood tingling pleasantly against his tongue.

Suddenly he pulled away turning his back on her. Kagome shook her head stumbling slightly in confusion. 'What is he…'A moment ago he had been caressing her in an astonishingly comforting manner, but then he just walked away? Realization slowly ebbed into her mind and she hurriedly jerked the remnants of her gown together. Her cheeks glowing hot Kagome gritted her teeth together. 'How humiliating! He did that on purpose! That…that arrogant ass!' Kagome knew how she must have looked. Moaning pathetically to his touch. 'Kagura probably thinks I'm shameless, acting like that in front of her.' Kagome thought grudgingly. Recollecting herself the best she could, Kagome swiftly brushed past Sesshoumaru over to the rocky stream. Splashing her face with the chilling water.

Sesshoumaru eyed her for a minute in silent pride before turning to Kagura. Now that he had dealt with his Kagome, he wanted answers. Kagura stood silently and began to tell him briefly the basics of what had occurred. It was agreed that word would be sent to their allies, and strategy would be discussed at Sesshoumaru's castle.

~*Five 'pleasant' hours later*~

Sesshoumaru leaned elegantly back into the stiff dinning chair, carefully regarding those around him. Kouga, leader of the wolf tribe. Kanna and Kagura, both incarnations of Naraku. Toutousai, the sword smith, who would provide them with the best of weapons. Then recently added, Muikare hawk prince of the Northern Lord. Lady Aliera, a lioness demon from the Northern parts. Ruuoa, the Southern lord, a dragon demon. From the Eastern lands, Sauron, a cat hanyou son of the Eastern Lady.

Prince Muikare, Lady Aliera, Lord Ruuoa, Sauron, had offered assistance upon hearing the situation. Quite convenient considering they had all been present due to the banquet. Muikare had excellent eye sight, and was capable of communicating with birds. Providing them with the knowledge of Naraku, his birds keeping a sharp eye out of his activities.

Then there was Lady Aliera, who had mastered many arts of combat. Lord Ruuoa, was an old demon, having been around since the beginning of time. Ruuoa was exceptionally wise, offering assistance with their strategies. They would need to be cleaver in the upcoming battle, and Ruuoa assured everything would run smoothly and flawlessly. It was also rumored that his blood, if drunken, would heal the deadliest of wounds.

Sesshoumaru had doubts about the hanyou Sauron. Not only because of his lack of pure demon blood, but because he was merely a pup. Perhaps a year younger then Inuyasha had been, still young in demon age. Still they needed all the help they could get, and Sauron had proven himself in strength. He possessed knowledge of sneak attacks, able to move without being noticed. Agility being his main asset.

Breaking from his thoughts, Sesshoumaru took note of Kagura as she disappeared from the room stating that their last ally had arrived. Not more then a minute had passed before she entered again accompanied with the hooded figure of a miko. A few mummers broke out around the room, and the miko slowly revealed herself.

Sesshoumaru was surprised although he did not show it, it was the undead wench. The scent of her clay bones mingling with that of herbs and human blood. Clearing his throat to silence the small group, Sesshoumaru rose with dangerous grace. "Miko, what is it that you have to offer." It was more of a demand then a question.

Kikyou stood in a serene coolness, her traditional miko garb fluttering with her slight movements. "Lord Sesshoumaru." Her voice edged with resentment while remaining respectful all the same. "While I was living, there was not one miko who could match me in strength. I have been trained in the art for many years." She smiled coolly holding out a beautiful wooden bow. "My aim is perfect, and my purifying energy flows like blood in my veins. And yet…my greatest strength is Naraku's weakness." Disgust was clear in her voice as she explained. "Naraku fears me, you see, his human side is in love with what I once was. Even now, while I am neither dead nor living, he has a weakness for me. So if not for my powers as a priestess, then I am valuable for my power over Naraku."

Sesshoumaru remained silent. He had heard of the hanyou Naraku, and his lust for the dead miko, but love? It was possible, the miko had no reasons to lie of such things. "Why is it, miko, that you offer help in the defeat of Naraku. What is it your hoping to gain from this?"

Kikyou narrowed her eyes in anger, her cold body trembling slightly. "Naraku took something from me." At his questioning gaze Kikyou continued. "He killed Inuyasha. Inuyasha belonged to me, we were bound by our promises for one another. I so longed for the day when we would embrace death together. Naraku stole that from me, and it is my intention to make him pay. I can not rest until I see him dead."

Sesshoumaru accepted her vengeance as a suitable reason, even if it was for the hanyou. Returning his attention to the other demons Sesshoumaru informed them they should return to the banquet for a small break. After sitting still for close to six hours, they were all happy for the break. Excusing himself Sesshoumaru headed to his chambers. He had ordered Kagome to stay and rest when they returned. Of course she had put up an argument, about how she was involved in the battle and should be included in the preparations. Sesshoumaru snorted at the thought. She was not stepping anywhere near the battle, she would stay here, and wait for him to return. It was far to dangerous for a human. For his human.

Stretching Kagome rubbed her face into the silk sheets, her sleep clouded mind slowly clearing. It took Kagome a while to acknowledge the warm fingers caressing her back in soothing circles. Her voice still thick with sleep Kagome pushed herself up on her elbows, straining her eyes in the dark. "S-Sesshoumaru?"

The bed dipped down with his weight and Kagome found herself to be pinned between him and the silken sheets. Pushing herself down flat in an attempted to escape his heated eyes, she knew exactly what flickered in the golden depths. Lust. 'Is this why he wanted me to rest?' His lips pulled back in a smug smirk as he dipped his head down, slowly caressing her neck with wet laps of his tongue. 'That is why!' Kagome seethed, she had thought to some extent he had just been worried about her well-being. 'He's only concerned about himself, and his...his needs!'

Sesshoumaru sensed her thoughts were elsewhere making his attempts to seduce her ineffective. In an effort to catch her attention he grinded his hips down against hers with a soft growl. In response her body jerked with startled pleasure, then instantaneously her hands clamped down on his bare hips in an struggle to push him away.

Startled once again Kagome jerked her hands back. 'H-he's naked!?' Suddenly Kagome was very aware of how tightly he was pressed against her, his hardened length grinding roughly between her thighs.

A low chuckle rumbled gently in Sesshoumaru's stomach, amused at how innocent she could be. There she was trembling beneath him, flushed in red, her scent enhanced with arousal, and yet she was fighting him. Latching his mouth hotly over the curve of her jaw, he nibbled her sweet flesh. She was back with him, where she belonged. Brushing his lips up to hers, he captured her in a possessive kiss.

Kagome panted for breath twisting her head to the side, escaping his scalding kisses. She wanted to make him understand, understand that she wouldn't be locked away. Locked away for this, for the rest of her life. Her life was meant of more important things, she was destined to be more then the Lady of the West. Kagome tightened her hand around the Shikon shards, which pulsed warmly in response. Did he think he could deny her power? She was born to destroy Naraku's evil, sent to the past to fulfill what she couldn't in her past life. It was clear to her now. They needed her, she was the key.

With that realization, something overcame Kagome. It hit her in a dizzying wave of heat, then coolness, then heat again. Snapping her purplish/red eyes open wide, Sesshoumaru was thrown away from her body in a pink flash. The Shikon shards disappeared from her grasp, transforming into a pink mist that settled over her body in glittering shimmers. Then it was almost like her soul opened up, sucking in the Shikon Jewels essence. Kagome's body lifted ever so slightly delicately floating, while her silky raven hair fell back pooling around her on the bed.

Sesshoumaru caught himself skillfully before he could crash into the wall. He was surprised to say the least, the wind had been knocked from his lungs by the hot blast that sent him flying undignified across the room. Quickly collecting himself Sesshoumaru approached Kagome, reaching a hand out almost desperately, trying to take control of the situation. The pain was unexpected and again Sesshoumaru was thrown backward a few steps. A barrier had encased her which rejected Sesshoumaru, stinging him with loud crackles of hot pink. It felt a lot like the first time he had tried to touch the Tetsusaiga in his fathers tomb. Growling out his frustration Sesshoumaru slipped into his silk kimono, preparing for the worst.

Voices were whispering to her from inside her head, voices from her past. She recognized her mothers first, her mother was telling her not to be afraid. To be strong for her and her little brother. Then she heard her grandfather, who told her how honored he was to have her as a granddaughter. She heard thoughts of her friends who wished her well and wanted to see her again. Then most importantly she heard Inuyasha. It was almost like she could feel him embracing her, and she imagined his hot breath tickling her neck as he laughed. She was unable to see or touch him so Kagome clung to his words. She relived the first time he had admitted to loving her, their first kiss, and the look on his face when he saw their sons. Kagome panicked when the voices began to fade, the last thing she heard being Inuyasha telling her he would always be with her.

When the last of the Shikon had been adsorbed into her being the barrier shimmered brightly before exploding. Shielding his eyes Sesshoumaru waited for the pink glow to dye down, before deeming it safe. He hesitated, something Sesshoumaru rarely did, before leaping forward to catch her from the air. His instincts told him something was wrong and he peered down in protective wonder at his mate.

There were subtle changes in her appearance making her all the more beautiful to Sesshoumaru. Her figure had filled out more almost adding an inch to her height, her lips were a deeper shade of red, and her hair had lengthened in silky waves falling down to her rear. His breath caught in his throat startled, when she opened her eyes. The red had faded away from her brilliant blue pools, leaving the gentle purple behind. Looking up at him in silent question were the twin orbs of her purplish/blue eyes.

Then her lips parted and her pink tongue darted across them wetly, teasing him to kiss her. Clutching her tenderly to his chest he dipped his head to hers, brushing his lips softly against hers. Kissing her unlike he had kissed anyone before, kissing her with love. She had began to kiss him back when he caught the scent of it. Jerking his head away in anger he glared down at her accusingly. The smell of his bastard brother clung to the air around her. Blood red encased his vision as his demon blood threatened to overtake him, low snarls vibrating from his being.

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I made this chapter a little long to make up for the time it took me to write it. Again I'm sorry it took me so long. My main reason is school… I'm involved in my drama class, and currently we all have to write a play for the young play writes festival. So I might be busy with that for a while. Thanks again to anyone to gave me their thoughts or praise on my story! I know this chapter doesn't have much about Naraku, but he makes his scene in the next chapter. Have some fun things planned for him.

-As always with love, HeartlessEnchantress.