The Shikon No Tama was pulsing, drawing to it's attention every demon, human and creature alike that wished to obtain it's power. It was sought after, fought over. Demons begged and pleaded, humans tried to bribe. But all who tried, failed of course. It wasn't long till the stories of the bright demon Kikoryo and his youkai bodyguard had travelled all over the lands. Their origin was in question, who they were and why they had turned their backs against the world. No one who went after the jewel lived, not that it was Kikoryo that destroyed them, no it was his vicious bodyguard. Some debated that it might be stronger then Kikoryo himself. 'It' because no one had ever seen the gender, dressed in black with a mask covering it's lower face. Some might say female for the long hair, but many men in that era had long hair. The body was delicate and yet there was a terrible strength behind every single attack. The world had yet to know a female youkai that was even that ruthless, and yet they couldn't be sure it was male. Therefore, it.

This lesson was one that many learned, including a certain bear youkai that was standing before the bright demon now, mouthing off about his superiority.

"Therefore I should hold onto the jewel, you are nothing but a pup to me, and it should not be allowed for a child to carry so much power."

He seemed so confident in his ability to win against whoever was thrown in his direction. His dark arms crossed over his chest. Look wise, anyone would say he looked intimidating. He could not have stood shorther than six foot seven, and all his height was dedicated to cords of thick muscle. He had strength, pure strength. His hands were massive, could probably span Kikoryo's head with skin left over. He had no weapons, since he seemed to be a fighter that believed it cowardly to use weapons, concluding in the end that he only needed his own body to fight.

Kikoryo stared at him, matching his stance, silver eyes digging into his. He looked to the side, where the shadows seemed to be thickest. There were no words exchanged, but there was a shift in the air.

"He might look tough indeed, but his scent gives away his fear."

The voice was monotone, and yet deep underneath it all, there was a sly twist of the words as the figure stepped forward. Black clothing covered the person from head to toe, the black and white hair brushing down the backside of the person. A mask of black was tight over their lower features, but the voice did not seem muffled. The bear youkai took a small step back at the vision before him. The two-toned eyes took in this action, and a large growl rumbled from the person's throat.

"You came here to fight for the jewel, so stand your ground and fight as a man. Do not attempt to run, it only serves to show that you are a coward."

The harsh words did not seem to distill anger in the bear youkai, but instead made him take a step back. the figure in front of him might have attacked, had not the pale hand of Kikoryo stayed up across the small chest, a silent signal to wait.

"Now now, no need to go and kill him. You always gave them a chance to run before you chased afterwards. It would not be fair to bereft him of this advantage."

The bear youkai seemed ready to flee from his very spot, the dark presence didn't seem satisfied to leave the advantage open, and Kikoryo was the only one smiling. But finally, there was a slight nod of the dark head, acknowledging that no fighting would come at the moment.

"You may now begin your flee if you wish, you will be allowed a graceful head start. I suggest you spend this time well in your journey to flee, my companion here is a master of speed."

The smile started to falter, it's cheery disposition starting to fade, but the pale lips pulled back even more and something sinister passed across what some might consider a handsome face. The bear faltered in his first initial steps, his eyes transfixed upon the dark shadow that stood still at the bright demons side. Tripping over his own feet before finally turning around and fleeing into the thick boughs of the forest. Kikoryo's smile faded before turning to the still shadows.

"Don't waste too much time on this one, we have bigger youkai to kill. After we have finished here, our next courpse shall be the Taiyoukai of the Western Lands. Does this serve a problem with you, Kagome?"

Her two-toned eyes flickered to his face, the depths of them dulled by the magic of the black jewel. Her mask had not fallen, but the bright demon knew that her lips twitched once in thought, before he so gracefully fueled her thoughts with visions of Sesshomaru doing wrong against her. Of course most of them came from her own memories, before the two had kindled some sort of friendship between them.

"None whatsoever Lord Kikoryo."

With a turn of her heel, she positioned her body towards the direction of the retreating bear youkai's presence. Pushing off the ground so that she glided through the winds, a few feet from the ground, she took off after him. Kikoryo watched her with amused eyes before turning almost completely around, and starting towards the Western Lands. Once he defeated Sesshomaru, he would start with the other lands.

The two spirits sitting upon the dense cloud were silenced in dread. They had seen the awkward but intense scene between Sesshomaru and Kagome after her bathe. They had seen how seperation had effected them both, and when they had seen Sesshomaru's tears, they thought for sure that a new relation would spark. They were stunned to say the least with Sesshomaru's angry reaction, and how far Kagome retreated back into herself. Their fear only escalated when Kagome fought back with her words and fled. They had seen everything that had happened, and neither one could understand how to right everything that had gone wrong.

"Will Kagome-sama return to Sesshomaru?"

Shippou turned to look at the sad-ridden girl.

"Under her own compulsion? She might have once her anger died down, but now that she is under the spell of the black jewel, I'm not quite sure anymore. Kikoryo is fueling her anger towards your Sesshomaru by feeding her visions both true and false. He's just like Naraku."

Rin stayed huddled close to the kitsune, and he seemed as if he might need the closeness as well. Their plans were starting to dissolve. Kagome and Sesshomaru were their only way to live once again, and if they never united, Rin and Shippou would not be given another chance for a long while to come.

"Shippou-sama, I'm scared. Rin does not want to stay a spirit for so long. Rin wants to be with Fluffy and Kagome-same. We were going to be a family!"

Her expected tears finally came from her soft brown eyes. Shippou could feel his own prick at his bright green eyes, but he would not let them fall. He would be a man for once. He wrapped an arm reassuringly around her shoulder and patted her back tenderly.

"Do not worry Rin-chan, all will work out for the best."

He pulled his eyes back to the scene of Kagome's form flickering through the tree's shadows, her prey straight ahead. Before she could land her vicious attack on the bear youkai, the scene faded away.

Despite his constant commands to ignore the disappearance of the miko, Sesshomaru had sent many demon scouts and warriors of different calibur to find the whereabouts of Kagome. Report after report came back with devasting news. She could not be found, and neither could her trail be picked up. It was as if her being just suddenly disappeared. That is, until he received one last report, where a demon had picked up the scent of her dried blood. The poor demon had returned with a piece of Kagome's clothing, which had crusted over with her vital blood. The demon had barely enough time to extract himself from the office before Sesshomaru exploded. The miko youkai's blood had been spilled, and from it's scent, it was an extreme wound. Was she laying somewhere dying from blood-loss? Was she hoping he would find her and rescue her? Did she even care? 'Of course she does you fool. She has to care if she was falling in love with you.'

The voice did not seem to anger the taiyoukai, but instead it's voice made the silver head dip down in despair. He had been the one to push her away, he had been the one that had made her flee. And now she was gone, maybe even dead, and Sesshomaru had not been given the chance to return her sentiments. He was in love with her, and as much as he would like to deny it over and over again, it would never leave. And, it was not just because she was suddenly a youkai, even if she turned back to human, he would still love her. No matter what form she took, she was always Kagome.

His thoughts were interrupted when one of his warriors bursted through his office doors. Sesshomaru might have ripped his throat out, had he not felt the urgency and fear that was rolling off of the man in front of him. He was out of breathe, which was strange for a demon, and sweat had begun to trickle down his face.

"Lord Sesshomaru, we have spotted the demon Kikoryo. He has made his intentions very clear. He wishes to destroy you, and has killed every warrior that we send against him. There is a black shadow that falls him, and none of our weapons will pass it by to hit it's target."

Kikoryo. The demons name had spread quickly over all the lands like liquid fire over the past few weeks. Humans and demons alike seemed to shudder with the mention of the name. For Sesshomaru, it only annoyed him, it was another set-back to his mission to find Kagome. He had heard rumors that the demon had the Shikon No Tama in his possession, but from the demonic aura that was approaching him, Sesshomaru could not feel any spikes of power that seemed abnormal. Besides, Kagome was the one who possessed the jewel and Sesshomaru doubted that......

His eyes snapped open at the thought, jerking the demon in front of him back a few steps in fear. 'No, it can't be.' He rose to his full height and was instantly running out of his home and into the forest ahead. If Kikoryo did have the jewel, Kagome must have fallen to his hands. 'Do not think of it yet, it could still just be a falsehood.' It did not take him far till he saw the moon glitter off of the whiteness of the demon approaching him.

"Hello Lord Sesshomaru. I am glad you were able to meet me on the battlefield instead of me having to drag you out of your home to fight you. I hope I am not disappointed with the fight you give. I have been terribly upset at the small resistance that has been given to me. Not much of a fight don't you say?"

The pale face was pulled back into a wicked smile, the silver eyes glittering with the need for power. Oh yes, he wanted the Western Lands bad. Sesshomaru was the most powerful demon of the lands, and to get rid of him first would only solidify his victory over the other cardinal lands. This did not seem to bother the taiyoukai, he only wished to know of Kagome at the moment.

"Tell me demon, is it true that you possess the Shikon No Tama? I feel no large amount of power from you."

The silky voice was cold and icy as he narrowed his eyes to the bright demon. His mask was back up full force, and therefore his eyes had frozen to the harsh gold. He barely took into notice the shadow that seemed stuck against Kikoryo's side. No doubt the dark assassin that the rumors had also told of. He senses did not pick up much from the obvious demon in the darkness. Either the demon was already dead and animated by the power of the jewel, or it's soul had been locked away.

"Oh yes, the Shikon No Tama. The jewel that gives power, grants wishes, the jewel that was protected by Midoriko, then by Kikyo....and now protected by the miko youkai Kagome? Have I gotten this all straight?"

He pulled his pale hands to his chin, in a wicked immitation of thoughtful depth. He twisted his eyes around as if he thought of how to put his next few words that he spoke, before drawing in air and giving a soft chuckle.

"Why yes, I do believe that I have the jewel in my possession. I'm sure it would bother you to know that I had to rip it out of your precious Kagome's side in order to have it. If it would please you to know, she did not scream out in pain, but she did fight like a wildcat. I'm afraid she was just too weak from her anger. You know, that for one moment she hated you, and her hatred corrupted the jewel."

A dark glow emmitted from Kikoryo's midsection, the dark jewel making it's presence known. He had yet to notice that the taiyoukai's eyes had bleed to red already. He was angered, to know that Kagome had been injured, and was probably now dead. Under that anger, his heart was bleeding with pain and despair, and underneath that, he was hurt that she had hated him for even a split second. Kikoryo would die for what he had done to Kagome. He did not give a battle cry, nor say anything witty as he leapt from the ground, rushing his body towards Kikoryo with a growl ripping from his throat. He could see his target getting closer, and yet did not realize that Kikoryo was smiling.

Before Sesshomaru's outstretched claws could slice into the bright demon, a darkness flashed across his vision and he was brought to a halt. A slim hand was wrapped around his wrist, and a body was blocking his movements. At first he refused to look towards the person, his only target was Kikoryo, but when the flutter of fabric tickled his ears, and he saw black hit the ground, he turned his gaze. Before him was standing a youkai, a female youkai. Her hair was long and ebony, streaked with snow white. Her eyes were almond, and long eyelashes framed her two-toned gaze. Her skin was fair and pale, her body was clothed. He should know her, but the gaze she let fall on him was not one that he had in his memory. Her gaze was murder, she glared at him with hate, and he could see his death in the eyes. The red left his eyes, and he stuttered as his arm went slack.

"Kagome?"

"Ah yes, I forgot to tell you Lord Sesshomaru. She would have probably died by my hand, but I found her too convenient. How likely is it that I will come across a miko youkai once again? Not very likely I can tell you. She would make a perfect guard, to kill those that came after me. A shard of the black jewel embedded in her body, and therefore I control her. I have fed her anger and hate with so many gruesome pictures of what you have done to her. She has forgotten her love for you, she only see's her hate."

The miko's eyes never faltered, and her body never did budge. She was a marble statue, and her strength was much more than Sesshomaru would have thought, even with the presence of the jewel. He moved, twisting to the side, making his wrist slide in her grasp before he broke away. He did not attack, but instead retreated back. No, he couldn't hurt Kagome, he would not forgive himself if he did. Instead his golden gaze was sent back to rest on Kikoryo.

"She has forgiven me for the past, you fed her nothing but lies. And you are a coward just like Naraku by hiding behind her. You have all of the jewel and the powers, why not use it and leave Kagome out of this."

Neither of the male demons noticed the flicker in the blue and golden eyes when her name was said by Sesshomaru. To either of their gazes, she had returned to her status beside Kikoryo, her face emotionless. Somewhere of course, the soul of Kagome was trying to fight back, to fight against the power of the shard at the base of her throat. She could see all that had happened, and yet none of the bloodshed and death had effected her as much as seeing Sesshomaru had.

"Do not feed me such pathetic words. I was right when I suspected that you would not hurt the miko. You have feelings for her do you not? To think that the taiyoukai was brought down by a female. I thought the Icy Lord was incapable of love? That is what it is, isn't it?"

The words drew Sesshomaru into a blank. True, when he had thought he was speaking with Kagome, he had said he was in love with her, but was it wise to admit it to the bright demon in front of him? What did it matter, Kikoryo already knew the answer. Shifting his gaze to Kagome, running his eyes all over her in desperation, he could not deny that he did love her, and even now with her as one of his opponents, he still loved her. He kept his gaze on the miko as he spoke.

"Her name is Kagome. Not miko, not wench, not youkai. Ka-Go-Me. And yes, it is true that I have feelings for Kagome. But you are wrong, it isn't just love. I feel respect towards her, I admire her. She astonishes me and leaves me guessing at everything that she does. Once I think I may have her figured out, she draws the fog over my eyes once again. I feel pain for all that she has gone through, and I feel anger for not having known her as I do now sooner."

Kikoryo's white eyebrows shot upwards, his mouth moving into a smirk. His pale lips opened to say something in return, but Sesshomaru pulled his hand up.

"Shut your mouth, this Sesshomaru is not done. I feel like I should try and protect her from everything that would do her wrong, no matter who it is. I would fight the Kami if it did her wrong. And I feel grateful that I have been able to earn her friendship, and that I have been able to give mine back. Yes Kikoryo, you are right, this Sesshomaru loves Kagome."

He fell silent, his eyes staying on the form of Kagome. He had hoped that he would see a reaction from her, and yet he saw none. Was she truly so deep under the spell of the shard that she could not hear him? He blinked once, letting his gaze shift to the bright demon, and in his actions, he missed it. Kagome could and did hear everything that the taiyoukai had said, and if he had been looking longer he would see her eyes flicker, see her eyelids transcend down and blink. Then tears would start to form and spill down her cheeks. Sesshomaru. She watched as he launched himself once again towards Kikoryo, and she moved as well. Thought this time her path was not towards Sesshomaru, but towards the bright demon himself. She reached him before the taiyoukai, and before the bewilderment in Kikoryo's eyes could register, she had shoved her clawed hand into his abdomen. Her claws clutched at the Shikon No Tama, and then she felt the hands of the taiyoukai on her shoulders. She was so close to ripping the jewel from Kikoryo's body, so close, before she realized to late that a blade flashed across her vision. She was ripped back, pain flaring across her chest. A dark light exploded as the dark Shikon No Tama was split in two. One half in Kagome's bloody hand, the other shining through the gaping hole in Kikoryo.

A gasp was sounded as Kagome landed next to Sesshomaru, her head snapping back against the rocky earth. She saw Kikoryo grab at the bloody hole and disappear with fright in his eyes. She was barely aware of Sesshomaru moving against her, trying to speak with her, before the pain in her body overwhelmed the last of the dark jewels spell and she collapsed into unconsciousness.

----------

Authors Note: I apologize for how long it has taken me to make this chapter. I am glad that I actually stuck through it and typed as much as my brain could handle. I hope it is satisfactory with my readers. Also I wish to apologize that I do not thank each reviewer myself, but I soon will.

Kikoryo will return of course.