~Chapter 14~

Looking over her shoulder at the palace that continued to drift away, she sighed.

"It'll be there when we return, Lady Kagome." Rin, calmly replied, petting Ah-Un.

Nodding, her gaze drifted towards Kouga up ahead growling.

"Pay him no attention, Lady Kagome." Miroku voiced, with an arm around a frowning Sango. "He shall come to accept your union with your mate soon. For you are mated and he must allow you to leave his heart. He will be fine in a few days."

"This Sesshoumaru doubts that, monk. He is known for holding long and painful grudges."

Folding her arms, Sango looked away.

Feeling bad for her, Kagome pulled her aside. "What did he say to you, when you told him that Sesshoumaru was coming?"

"That I was a lying bitch that..."

Turning on her heels, she marched up towards the angered wolf. Ignoring Jinta and Hakku's words of apology, she grabbed his arm. "What the hell is your problem?"

"YOU AND THAT DAMNED OVER GROWN..."

"Finish that statement and I'll rip you a new sack of jewels." She growled.

Instantly shutting his mouth and silencing his growls, Kouga glared at her.

"Now, I told you before why I mated him and I know that you will never understand why, but this is what I chose. I never loved you Kouga and I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but you need to accept the fact that I'm mated and what you wanted, wont ever come true... And as for Sango giving her word, you should've honestly thought about what you were requesting. Sesshoumaru and me are freshly mated and did you honestly think that he would want me out of his sight? And hello, he's an inu... their known for being fucken possessive! So shut the hell up and tell Sango sorry or get the hell out of dodge! Because I'm tired of you and your damn growling ass. Your worse than Inuyasha... So grow the fuck up or leave."

Pausing, she rubbed her growling stomach. "I'm hungry." She stated and moved to Ah-Un where she proceeded to pull out a bin of food.

Looking from a saddened wolf to his mate, Sesshoumaru sighed. "We shall rest here and continue soon." He voiced, moving to his mate and handing her a bottle of water.

Sango could only blink. "She's only what... about a week or so and she's moody?"

"I guess, it must be the fact that she's carrying a child... that's part youkai." Miroku replied.

"Remind me to do whatever she says." Shippo remarked, taking a seat on the near by rock and observing the woman that he saw as his mother stuffing her mouth.

Walking down the hall humming and bouncing her head from side to side, Liz-ria missed the hand aiming for her throat until it was too late.

Eyes widening in fear, she stared into angered crimson.

"You sure have been a busy worker, to not come and visit me." Naraku growled, tightening his grip upon her.

"I...uh...Inu...yasha...wanted..."

"You spread your legs for him too?" He growled, slamming her into the wall beside them.

Feeling pain race up her back, she clamped her mouth shut.

Eying her, he narrowed his eyes. "Are you avoiding me, Liz-ria?"

"N...No...I would nev..."

SLAP!

Flying across the room and going through the far wall, she fell to the ground in a heap.

"Didn't Kagura warn you of doing that?" He sneered, nearing her.

Shaking her head and slowly coming to her feet, she leaned heavily upon the door. "No...she...she didn't."

"Then please, allow me to show you what the repercussions are if you..." Pausing, Naraku eyed the door to their left. "Hello Inuyasha. What can I do for you?"

Looking to Liz-ria, he raised an eyebrow. "I need...uh...a bathing partner...if your done that is?"

Smiling, he grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. Running a hand down her bruised cheek to her chin, his eyes darkened. "If you are not aiding our newest guest, then you shall seek me out and serve your lord, understood?"

Lowering her gaze, she nodded.

Growling, his hold tightened.

Wincing and quickly lifting her head to lock gazes, tears fell from her eyes. "Yes, Lord Naraku."

Pleased he released her. "Now go and do as he wishes...anything that he wishes."

Nodding, she limped away.

Turning and following her down the corridor back to his room, Inuyasha closed the door. Facing her, he found her near the hot springs, awaiting him. Catching her hand that was untying her kimono, he sighed. "You bathe and relax. I'll wait in my room."

"You don't want to..."

"Wench, if I wanted to fuck you I would've done so already. But I don't do so because that prick tells us to. Got it?" He growled.

Giving a small smile, she nodded.

"Now hurry up." And with that, she was alone.

Closing her eyes, Liz-ria hugged herself. "Thank you...Inuyasha." She called in the empty space, knowing that he heard her. Pleased, she settled herself in the water and washed away blood, bruises, but most of all, worry for her well being.

For now, she had someone that would shield her from Naraku and his abuse.

Staring at the village before him, Renjen smirked.

Seeing this Kagura frowned. "Wait...we shall attack come night when all are sleep and..."

"Your no sister Liz-ria. I not have to listen." And with that, he swiftly exited the forest and ran a fist through the hut.

Rolling her eyes, she slowly walked over. Pulling out her fan, she sighed. "Now this is what I am reduced to doing now...Babysitting a dumb ass 'I want smash, so I smash'...just great, just mother fucken great." She grumbled, flaring her fan.

"DANCE OF BLADES!"

And with that, the village went up in flames and destruction.

Raising his nose to the air, Sesshoumaru growled. "Show your self."

All became on guard.

Leaping down from a tree, bald man with a black kimono and red sash dressed with a crescent pendent, fell to his knee in a bow. "My lord, I am here to inform you that Naraku's reincarnations have shown themselves."

"Where?"

"Onay, mi'lord."

"Have not soldiers went to defuse the problem?"

He nodded. "Yes, but they have been either killed or injured to the point that they cannot aid no longer in battle."

Growling, his gaze landed on Kagome. "This Sesshoumaru shall go alone and..."

"No...these are not just your lands any longer. I'm going too." She stated.

"But you are with pup and..."

"Do you think Naraku and his reincarnations will care? They obviously wish to separate us, so why give into that?"

Balling a fist, he faced his soldier. "Go and give word that this Sesshoumaru shall come and aid in all. They are to remain there until this Sesshoumaru arrives and protect the people of Onay."

Bowing, he was gone.

Wrapping an arm about his mate's waist, his demonic cloud appeared. "If you all wish to aid this Sesshoumaru, then you are more than welcome to." He called, as they took their leave. "And Jaken, keep Rin safe or it is your life."

Sighing and already accustomed to the threat, he nodded. Grunting, Ah-Un moved closer to the girl.

Folding his arms, Kouga watched as the two exited. "I'm staying put and..."

"Then stay and shut the fuck up." Sango stated, coming to stand before the growling wolf. "We are tired of you and this damn attitude that you are fucken spewing! Be mad at the fact that I lied all you damn well want and more, but Kagome is now mated to Sesshoumaru. There is nothing that you can do, so suck it up and shut the hell up! You gave your word to all that you would now see her as a sister and member of you pack, so do so." Pausing, she sighed. "I know that its hard to forget all the feelings that you have for her...It's always like that when its for your first love, trust me. I know."

Narrowing his eyes, he moved to a tree and took a seat...in silence.

Pleased with herself, she found Miroku giving her a pointed look.

"What?"

"That guy we met back that confessed his love for you and..."

"I was arranged to marry him when we were younger and we grew up together. Me and..."

"Arranged?" He exclaimed, cutting her off. "When were you going to tell me all of this? You were all jealous about Lady Kagome having a family and you about to start yours when all this Naraku crap is over and done wi..."

"We called it off, Miroku." Sango calmly stated, shutting him up. "I told him that I loved another and that I wanted to find my own happiness. Me and him are not getting married...at all."

"...Oh..."

Shaking her head, she smiled. Looking to Rin, she motioned to the bag tied to the dragon. "You want to help me start cooking, as the guys set up camp and go hunting?"

Nodding the two retrieved the pots and food, from the saddle.

Taking the hint, the men went their different ways.

Pulling the towel tighter around her body, Liz-ria entered his room.

Looking up, he could only stare.

Reading his amber eyes, she inwardly smirked. "I um...don't have nothing to change into...Well, I could go back to my room, but I may not be returning in quite a while."

Catching onto what she was hinting, all sense returned back to him. Coming to his feet he moved towards the closet, he gathered an outfit. Returning to her a second later, he sighed. "Here, I'm not using them so...go on and change wench."

Accepting them, she returned to the bathing room.

Once more sighing, Inuyasha shook his head. What in the hell was he thinking? Hell, she fucked Naraku! He sure ass hell didn't want to touch her, if he had that narrowed ass dick up her!...But damn it to hell, he needed some form of release!

Growling, he plopped face front into the futon.

Moments later, she reentered the room and moved towards him. Kneeling and staring at his bare back, she frowned. "Why so tense?"

"I'm not." Came his muffled response.

Smiling, she reached out and started to massage his back. "So what about the tension in your shoulders?"

Releasing a moan, he shrugged her touch off and sat up to face her. Soon as his eyes caught bare legs, he raised an eyebrow. "No hakamas?"

"Their too big...If it's bothering you, I can go and..."

"No!"

Now she was taken aback. "What?"

"I uh...um...it's fine...your comfy, I don't fucken care. Just keep that kimono closed." He stuttered out, eying her in the light blue garb.

Nodding, she moved to stand. "Okay...I'm going move back to the window and..."

Turning away and returning to the futon, he grunted. "If you want...you can uh...sleep beside me."

Eyes going wide, she fell silent.

Facing her, he raised an eye brow. "You looked uncomfortable since you been avoiding that prick...I was being nice wench, if you don't..."

"Thank you." Came her quiet voice, which then followed by her sliding in beside him.

Nodding, he allowed sleep to claim him.

Smiling and watching as the moons gaze shined through the window, she sighed. "This is nice...No demands or nothing...I can get use to this."

"Enjoy it while you can."

Jumping and looking to room's entrance, fear developed her. "Na...Naraku?"

Stepping into the room and pausing, his angered crimson eyes glimpsed the hanyou beside her. "He is a true fool, I'll tell you that. He lost the one thing in this world that all would kill for...Why?...Because he couldn't release the feelings that he has for a certain old lover." Fixing his eyes on her, he growled. "You are mine, Liz-ria, not Inuyasha's. Remember who you serve, because one more slip of ignorance..."Allowing that to go unfinished, he swiftly exited and closed the shojo screen behind him.

Shaking, she looked at the figure beside her. Crawling towards him and lifting his arm, she cuddled up to his side. Seconds later, he pulled her closer and rested his chin on her shoulder. Kissing her neck and mumbling, dreams called to him.

Held tightly in his arms and staring up at the moon through the window, tears of pain raced the course of her face.

Eyes filled with anger and growling, he stepped free of his mate.

"You dare to come and destroy my lands?"

Dropping the soldier and looking to him, the giant youkai scratched his head. "Yo' lands?...Who you?"

"That's Sesshoumaru, the western lord, you dummy." Kagura growled, coming from behind a hut.

"Wind witch...what do you want?" He demanded, with a loss of some malice.

Kagome raised a questioning eyebrow at him, which he ignored.

She shrugged. "Nothing...this time and ever." Looking to the miko, she shook her head. "Who would've guessed, you would be mated to the inu that actually hated humans and is incapable of love? Bravo. You played right into Naraku's plans." Returning her gaze to the western lord, she growled. "The poison said nothing about mating the miko, Sesshoumaru. Or did you ignore that fact?"

Looking between the two of them, Kagome felt at a loss of breath. "You...you and Ka..Kagura? You two...?"

"Do not judge, miko." Her mate barked out, eyes still on the two. Giving a shake of the head, his soldiers froze their attacks.

Taking a step back, she shook her head. "Don't judge? You been fucking Kagura? What the hell you mean don't judge? She is the damn enemy! She works for Naraku!"

"And thanks to you, now does Inuyasha." The youkai before them taunted.

Growling, she lunged at her.

Grabbing his mate, he found his hands severely inflamed by her purification and released her. Staring from his blistering and bleeding palms to his mate, he was speechless.

"Don't you fucken touch me!" She growled, baring her new fangs and having her purification race about her form. "You went and fucked that bitch! Don't fucken touch me!"

"This Sesshoumaru has not bedded the wench since our mating."

Kagome shook her head. "One question...when Naraku attacked you and Kikyou poisoned you, were you fucking her ass before they did that to you?"

All went silent and awaited his answer. Hell, his soldiers were as shocked as she was about the affair.

Sesshoumaru gave a small nod.

Growling in out rage, she slapped him...hard.

Sliding back and refusing to fall to his knees from that blow, Sesshoumaru spat out a mouthful of blood. "This Sesshoumaru deserved that and..."

"And a hell of alot more." She finished and faced the smirking Kagura. "Why the hell are you here destroying my lands?"

Kagura smirked. "Yours?"

"Did I stutter?" She growled, with her eyes turning crimson.

Taking a step back, she shook her head.

"Now, why the hell are you over here destroying my lands?" She once more demanded, as her mate came to her side.

"For astract and girl." The giant said, starting to rub his head again.

"Shut the hell up, Renjen!" Kagura growled.

Balling a fist and plopping down on his ass, he pouted. "No...you no sister Liz-ria! She nice and not yell at me! I say what want and get...no matter what!" He yelled.

Getting an idea, Kagome summoned her purification into a sword and pointed it at Kagura. "You know what?... I'm tired of seeing you. Leave, but know this, come the battle, I'm taking your head as a mother fucken trophy...now get!" She growled as the sword went flying across the distance at demonic speed and found home in her stomache. Calling it back, she raised an eyebrow.

Clutching her stomach, she threw her feather in the air and leaped atop. Leaving Renjen all by his lonesome...which made him start to cry.

Taking a step, she found Sesshoumaru once more holding her arm.

"Release me."

"No. The soldiers shall deal with the reincarnation. You and this Sesshoumaru am in need of a talk."

Summoning her purification and watching as he pulled back, she narrowed her eyes. "Talk? Yes. Now? No." Turning to the soldiers who now had him on his back and ready to slit his throat, she demanded them to stop.

All did as instructed and gave a bow.

Moving towards the youkai, Kagome gave a kind smile. "I'm Kagome. What's your name?"

"Ren...Renjen..." He lowly replied, sitting up and rubbing his arm.

Nodding, she eyed his limp appendage. "That looks like a nasty boo-boo. I bet it hurts alot."

He nodded and tears started to gather.

"Awe, don't cry." She voiced coming closer and laying a gentle hand on his leg. "I could help the boo-boo feel better, but I need some help first."

"I help you, Kagome." Renjen excitedly stated clapping his hands.

"Okay...but first, you need to tell me why you and that bi..uh, Kagura was here in this nice village harming these people?"

Lowering his head, he whimpered. "I tell, he kill me."

"Who is going to kill you?" Kagome asked, rubbing his leg.

"Naku."

"You mean Naraku?"

He nodded.

"If you tell me now, I promise Naraku won't."

"NO! Sister Liz-ria said it too! Now he hurt her! I no want hurt!" He yelled, balling a fist and hitting the ground.

Jumping and turning to her mate ready to kill the youkai, she shook her head. Refacing the now once more crying figure, she sighed. Touching the bracelet about her wrist, a pure pink light swiftly exited it and raced up his arm. Covering the cut, it healed before their eyes. Summoning it back, she smiled. "See Renjen, I can protect you from Naraku. If you help me, I'll..." Pausing she looked to her mate. "I'll make sure that the soldiers here don't kill you or give you any more boo-boos. My mate gives his word."

Sesshoumaru merely raised an eyebrow.

"Don't you?" She pressed, giving him a pointed look.

"This Sesshoumaru gives you his word." He growled.

Pleased, she went back to rubbing his leg. "See, now you gonna tell me what Naraku wanted you to do?"

Nodding, he wrapped his hands around Kagome and all moved to attack.

Placing her on his knee, Renjen smiled. "To astract west lord and mate."

Calling all back, Sesshoumaru released a breath and listened.

"Astract?" Kagome asked.

"Yup."

Rubbing her chin and starting to pace on his leg, she smiled. "Distract?"

"Yup."

"So, Naraku wanted you to distract the western lord and his mate?"

"Uh huh."

"What about a girl?" Sesshoumaru voiced. "Earlier you spoke of a girl."

Scratching his head, his eyes widened. "Yup...small girl live western lord and bring to Naku."

Growling, Sesshoumaru looked to the warrior from earlier. "Insure that this Sesshoumaru's mate is safe and await further instructions from this Sesshoumaru."

"Whats going on?" Kagome called down to him.

"Rin."

Nodding in recognition, he was gone. Sighing, she slowly slid down to the ground. As she moved to take a seat under a tree, she heard the soldiers take a step towards the child like youkai. Turning around, she growled.

"DO NOT TOUCH HIM! YOU HEARD SESSHOUMARU GIVE HIS WORD THAT NO HARM SHALL COME TO HIM!"

"But we are to keep you safe and..."

"No." She stated, silencing one of the soldiers. "You will keep me safe, but you will 'not' harm a hair on him." Looking to Renjen, she smiled. "You okay?"

Nodding, he returned her smile.

"Good." Looking to all the soldiers all around them, she sighed. "There are huts and debris everywhere. Where are the villagers?"

"In the forest gathering supplies and rebuilding."

"Then what are you all doing standing here and not doing anything? Let's go and help." Staring up at Renjen, her face went stern. "You are not going to sit there mister, after all that you did. You are going to apologize and help. Do I make myself clear?"

Bowing his head and folding his arms, he nodded.

"I didn't understand that?"

"...Yes...Kagome..."

Smiling, she patted his leg.

"Um...Lady Kagome?" One of the soldiers called.

"Yes?"

"You think that it's a good idea that he helps? I mean...he did kinda..."

"Renjen will be fine. He is simply...think of him as a child...uh pup acting out and this is punishment. Do you understand?"

He nodded.

"Good, now lets go and help."

Crack.

Jumping to their feet, all were on alert.

"Rin middle, Jaken protect her, and keep her safe. Do not let no one that comes past us come near her." Sango ordered, as all surrounded the two.

Raising his nose in the air and catching a scent, Kouga growled. "Wind bitch!"

Both Hakku and Jinta took up doing the same.

"Kagura." Miroku called, as her feather appeared over head.

Staring down at them, she scanned them. Eyes catching her prize being carefully protected , she smirked. Summoning her winds, she quickly scattered them all. Pleased, she swooped down and reached for her cargo. Just as her hand was inches from the girl's clothes, fire flew between them as a shield. Yanking her hand back, she glared at the imp.

"Stay back wench." Jaken called, swirling fire all about.

Grunting in annoyance, Ah-Un bit Rin's shirt and moved away from the now crazed fire swinging imp. Placing her down next to where Sango and all stood preparing to attack Kagura, the two headed dragon eyed the pair before them.

"Move."

"No.

Flaring her fan, she narrowed her eyes.

"Did this Sesshoumaru's mate not say leave?"

Turning, all found Sesshoumaru exiting the forest and entering the clearing. Face still red from Kagome, they could only look on in shock.

Locking gazes with him, Kagura took a step back. "You don't exactly expect me to listen to that miko, now do you?"

He said nothing.

"You mated her, that goody two shoes miko that every fucken youkai desires." She spat, clutching her stomach, as her life's blood continued to flow freely. "You...the western lord, the killing perfection, human hater, and all around perfectionist...who would've thought that you would mate the Shikon Miko? Your own brother's bitch...How the mighty has fallen."

"Oh...you...you wretched, dumb ass, wench! How dare you speak to the mighty Lord Sessh..."

"Jaken, silence." He bit out, taking a step and moving towards her. Standing right before her and staring down his nose at her, he growled. "You have a problem with this Sesshoumaru, Kagura?"

"You mated that miko."

"And your point is?"

"You are mine, that's fucken why!" She yelled, despite the pain racing up her body.

Sesshoumaru merely raised an eyebrow.

Growling, her hand became air born.

Easily catching it, he growled. "You have no right to lay a hand upon this being."

"Is that so? Then why the hell did you fuck me! Huh?"

All around the clearing, everyone gasped in mortification.

Pushing her hand away, he folded his arms. "This Sesshoumaru needed release and you were there."

"Release? Is that all I were? A means for your 'release'?"

He said nothing.

"I sacrificed my life for...for your fucken release?"

"You did as you did and this Sesshoumaru cares not for you."

"But you care for that miko and...and that thing growing within her?"

He gave a strong nod. "Yes. Kagome is this Sesshoumaru's mate, equal, lady, and better half."

A bitter laugh fell from her lips. "Better half? Is that why she back handed yo' trifling ass?"

Eyes went wide at that comment.

"This Sesshoumaru has received only the beginning of the wrath his mate will give. And this Sesshoumaru shall take all that she delivers." Voice hardening, his youkai raced about his figure. "And this Sesshoumaru shall not be angered at Kagome for her feelings and how she acts, towards all that she learned. For she and this Sesshoumaru are open to all. The past, present, and future of both she and this Sesshoumaru share with each other, is just that. She is this Sesshoumaru's equal and not speaking of the affair that occurred, gave great disrespect towards her..."

Pausing, he back handed her. Watching as she went flying and landed a few feet away, he narrowed his eyes.

"You stay away from this Sesshoumaru and all that he values. Do not listen to what the miko spoke, this Sesshoumaru will not stand in the way if she wants to kill you. For this Sesshoumaru will not enable her to act as she wishes and do such when it comes to your being, Kagura. The past that you shared with this Sesshoumaru is over and that will no longer stand in the way to save you from the hands of this Sesshoumaru's mate...nor this Sesshoumaru...Understood?"

Slowly coming to her feet and wiping the blood off her face, she quickly threw the feather up in the air and was gone.

Turning to all, he sighed. "Gather all and camp shall be moved down the path further to the east of here." With noting more to say, he disappeared back into the surrounding forest around them.

Looking to Miroku, Sango raised an eyebrow.

"Don't...this is not the time to talk nor the place of what we have all learned. Let us just gather all the supplies and go to Lady Kagome. She is surely not coping well if she hit the western lord."

"And stabbed the hell out of Kagura with her purification."

"SHIPPO!" Both exclaimed.

He just shrugged his shoulders and moved to Rin, as both rode upon the two headed dragon.

Hearing the shojo screen to the indoor springs open, Kagome frowned. "Leave, I'm not in the mood Sesshoumaru. Just go and..."

"So, you want me to go then?"

Turning and finding Sango, she sighed. "I need someone to talk to."

Smiling and walking over, she took a seat. "Okay...I'm all ears."

Turning back around and staring at the wall, she folded her arms about her knees. "I can't get over that he...that he had sex with...with Kagura of all people."

"Well, I know this wont help, but you and him wasn't mated back then."

"I know...but...I have somethings that I told him and vise versa. He should've told me when we were being open and everything."

"Kags, no offense...but what he has to tell, must be ten times worse than yours. And keep in mind that he has lived many more years than you and slain thousands compared to you and us all combined."

Lowering her gaze, tears fell. "Maybe...but did he lead to the death of his father and hundreds others, by not following instructions?"

Eyes widening, Sango fell silent.

"I'm the guardian of the Zetsume Stone. My family...my father's family are the Hiragashi monks and priestess' that protect it. Long story short, my father and gramps is from the past. Me and Souta are the last two guardians. Now that I'm mated, me and Sesshoumaru are recreating the blood line, we both are the guardians. After Naraku is defeated, there will be some great evil and me and him will have to defeat it...but our true powers that each guardian has will not come to us until we are open and accepting of each other one hundred percent. And that includes the past. Just knowing that he and Kagura...I don't think I want to know all that he did and ...this is just too much...I can't ...I just..."

Watching as her friend fell into her emotions and cried, Sango could only hold and tell her that all would be okay. For only she and her mate could truly take the pain away.

Watching as both females exited the bathing quarters, Miroku sighed.

"Rice, Lady Kagome?"

Shacking her head, she pulled her hair back into an atie and he gasped.

"That...that stone on your bracelet...is that...the...Zetsume Stone?" Came his quivering voice.

Narrowing his eyes, Sesshoumaru moved towards his mate. "Why do you ask, monk?"

"I...I just...that stone is death itself...every person that ever wore it...they held a curse."

Stepping away from her mate, Kagome took a seat across from him. "What are you talking about? What curse?"

"You know the story of how it came to be, correct?"

She shook her head.

He sighed. "Long ago, when youkai were first created and they ruled all and everything. Humans were slaves and never had a life, unless their youkai master gave it to them. Legend says, a youkai raped a young girl and she became with child. He left her to suffer and live with what he done to her. The girl was very much shuned and hated like women who bare hanyou today. As the girl became a woman and her daughter grew, there was something that just...that just called to others. All couldn't help but to love her and flock towards her." Pausing, he looked directly at Kagome. "She had a gift to see what was inside one's soul. She befriended one of the most vicious youkai that was around. She even started to love him and she gave him her heart. But his past desires and wants for the call of flesh, it..."

"Came between them and ripped them apart." She lowly finished, lowering her eyes to the fire in the center of the room. "She found him in bed, with one of the young girls from the village that hated and always beat her as a child. She was was so hurt and...he just looked towards her and shrugged. As she stood there and watched the one man that she loved and left her own mother for screw the girl, she felt her heart break. Her body went cold and she just..." Pausing, she lifted her head to reveal glowing eyes, as tears flanked her cheeks.

"Kagome?" Sango called, moving to reach out.

"No...leave her be." Sesshoumaru replied. "The stone is using her to relive the story. Allow it to be heard."

Nodding, all turned back to a silent crying Kagome.

"That day, she ran away and gave her soul to a youkai in exchange for something lethal...No more was she going to be victim to any youkai that thought that they could rule her life. Too long had she held her tongue...she wanted to make 'every' youkai pay...The youkai in exchange, gave her nothing...but opened her eyes to all that she already held within her. Her very own power that her bastard of a father gave her. His defected genes, his youkai in the form a human could handle...purification."

Miroku gasped. "Purification is from a...a youkai?"

"For many years, she trained herself in different types of youkai, origins, weakness', strengths, strategies, and her self to kill. By the age of twenty-three, she killed hundreds of youkai and made a name for herself. She became the hero to all humans and the youkai did not like this. But all who went after her, they never returned. She could look at one and they would crumble to ashes...yet, she enjoyed the pleasure of the kill...After two years of such, she came across her match."

Pausing, Kagome raised a hand and caressed her mating mark.

"A western prince...he was sent to destroy her and prove himself to his father that disowned him and would not welcome him home, unless he brought her back dead...Thus, began the battle to the end of their lives...They would fight and both would have to go and seek refuge, for both were always too badly wounded to finish the other one off. But one night, the prince was at his best and strongest during the crescent moon when she had to retreat. He followed her and allowed her to think that she was safe. As she bath and dressed her wounds, he came to end her...yet, instead of killing her, he mated her."

Dropping her hand, Kagome started to visibly shake.

"He knew that what he did would bring dishonor to his father the western lord, so as she slept he moved to kill her. The prince stabbed her in the stomach and turned to leave. Before he could take three steps, he fell to his knees. The girl stood, with pain wrecking her body and her life leaving her, she moved towards him. Glaring down at the man that she actually developed feelings for the fist time since what led her on this deadly trail, she cried. Touching his face, she smiled and sealed their fate with a curse. Once the last word left her lips, her purification exploded. All within a five-hundred radius were killed and their souls pulled towards where they perished. In place was a stone..."

Tracing the stone on her arm, she sighed.

"The pink means innocence of the soul, and green jealousy and how corrupt one can always become...as the crimson eye, heartache and bloodshed that would forever fall to every guardian until the curse is finally lifted."

Blinking, her eyes returned to normal and she started to pant for air.

"Kagome!" Sango exclaimed moving towards her. "Are you okay?"

Nodding, she looked to her mate. "I felt her pain...when she saw him and..." Lowering her gaze, she frowned. "In place of what the first miko saw of her...I saw you and Kagura...earlier I... I didn't mean..."

"You meant it Kagome." He stated in his familiar cold voice.

Jerking her head up, she raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"You meant everything that you did and said. This Sesshoumaru knows that you are hurt and this being does not hold any anger towards you. For there are many things that this Sesshoumaru has done that you will not be agreeable nor happy about. Be it in the past or not, you and this Sesshoumaru has much more to share of each other."

Nodding, she looked towards Miroku. "What about the curse? Why does everyone die after defeating some great evil?"

"I don't know. But it has to do with the curse not being solved, Lady Kagome. If I knew the curse then I could..."

"I know it."

"What?" Sango exclaimed. "How? The stone told you?"

She shook her head.

"How?"

Standing and looking out the window, she started to sing.

"Love is not what it seems

as all else never gleams.

And one's heart is a treacherous thing

that shall never sing.

Now of far and wide

and those that have been pushed to the side.

Time shall forever ring

as in your eyes I ding.

Until all has been told

and nothing ever sold.

Allow none to leave

until they finally believe.

Every soul that shall be called

shall live until your time become bald.

And then and only then

shall thy guardian at last win."

"Is that a lullaby?"

Shaking her head and facing them, her eyes watered. "No...that's what my father told me as he died in my five year old arms. I just sing it, so I can remember it."

Nodding, Miroku frowned. "It seems like some love riddle. But I think that it has to do with all the things that she went through with her two youkai lov..." Eyes widening, he gasped. "Kagome, did your father have any youkai blood in him?"

"I think so...Why?"

"The riddle, its not a riddle you can actually answer. It's one that 'you' have to react to."

"Huh? Monk, you lost yo' damn marbles or something?" Kouga growled.

"No, Kouga. The riddle is telling Kagome that she has to beable to trust and fully open up to Sesshoumaru. And if she don't, then she will share the same fate all else have." Sighing, he calmed down. "What the first miko went through, is what all else have. Every miko that was the guardian, they fall in love with a youkai that puts up all these barriers and sometime they do the unthinkable. But the curse will lift, if she can forgive Sesshoumaru for something and stick by him."

"This ain't all that big, so I guess the over grown dog will majorly fuck up ...huh?" Kouga rather snidely commented.

Growling and standing, Kagome marched out the house and walked the estate's grounds.

Punching the wolf prince, Sesshoumaru went after his mate.

Walking the grounds, she growled. Staring down at her claws, she shook her head. "Why did I have to save his life?" She growled, as she came to the small koi pond. Taking a seat on the boulder, she sighed. "Who would've guessed, I would be mated to Sesshoumaru and hunted by my first love?"

"Inuyasha is who you still long for?" Came a voice to her left.

Without turning, she lowered her gaze. "No...but I miss the good things that we did and the..." Looking towards him, she frowned. "How long were you and Kagura involved?"

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow. "Why must you know this? This is an act that is from the past."

"Just answer the question. How long?"

"Two summers."

Eyes wide and rapidly coming to her feet, she growled. "Two years?"

He merely nodded.

"But...Naraku always wanted you dead and..."

"Yet, this Sesshoumaru does not care of such. What occurred between this being and Kagura was set only of the two and no other." He voiced, cutting her off.

"How...how did it start? Did she come onto you or..."

"Kagura came to this Sesshoumaru and begged for aid to free herself from the hanyou. During such, this Sesshoumaru was craving the need for flesh and did not quench such, so..."

"She became your new fuck buddy?" Kagome tightly finished, between her newly acquired fangs.

He nodded.

Turning her back, she folded her arms. "Are there any females that you slept with that work at the palace?"

"Why?"

"Are there?"

"Yes."

"How many?"

"Well over two hundred."

Going silent, she shook her head. "Who was the last servant you fucked?"

"...Ja-naza..."

Growling and turning on her heels, she slapped him. Watching as his face jerked along the hit, she growled. "The servant that aided me in preparing for the ...Why? How could you..."

"Ja-naza were only to aid you and..."

"But you don't see nothing wrong with her helping me, knowing that you fucked her?"

He shook his head.

"And why the hell not?"

"This Sesshoumaru is lord and able to do as he wishes."

Placing her hands on her hips, she narrowed her eyes. "So than, since I'm the new lady...I can go and seek pleasure from those that I want?"

He growled. "Wench, do not speak nonsense."

Kagome smirked. "Trust me, I'm not..." Smirking, she folded her arms. "You think Tiven could make me scream?"

Narrowing his eyes, he said nothing.

"He does have this air about him that's just so...so inviting and his voice...A girl could become lost in it. Oh, and then there's the..."

"He shall not touch you!" Sesshoumaru growled, as his gaze took on a crimson tint.

Sighing, she nodded. "You see the way you acted when I said that...and I didn't even touch him yet. Now, imagine it if I did and he was to assist you...How would that make you feel?"

Quickly silencing his growls, he looked beyond her figure. "This Sesshoumaru understands, miko. Ja-naza should not have assisted you with the bonding that you and this being were to part take in. He apologizes."

Falling silent, Kagome reclaimed her seat on the boulder. Fixing her eyes on the koi pond, she nodded.

Seeing the crest fallen look grace her features, he frowned. "The affairs that this Sesshoumaru indulged in, is not what bothers you, mate. What is wrong?"

"I just...what Miroku said about the curse and...I can't stop thinking that your going to hurt me."

"This Sesshoumaru would never think of doing you harm, Kagome."

She shook her head. "I'm not talking about physically...it could just be emotionally...I may stand here and seem all strong and all together, but I'm not."

Facing him, she allowed her emotions to show in her aura.

"I have been through so much with Inuyasha, that I find myself at a loss and...If you ever left me, abandoned me, or just had a fling, I would lose it. I can't take this no more. I gave your brother my all. He was my life and I never faulted to come to his aid. Even if he was wrong, I would stand beside him and not go against him. Inuyasha was a brute and one that always saw me as a his second Kikyou that returned to him. I accepted it because I loved him and thought that one day that he would see I'm not her...I wasn't his first love and that woman that he fell for fifty years ago. I wanted him to see me...Kagome Li Hiragashi...but he never did."

Standing and moving towards him, she stared him square in the eyes.

"We did mate just to save your life and ...Sesshoumaru, I do care for you. Hell, I'm falling in love with you and I can now admit it. From when you first told me that you saw me as myself, I first started to actually develop feelings for you. And giving my heart once more out is more harder than you could imagine. I will stand by your side no matter what and support you, but if you hurt me...I will lose it and nothing...nothing you do or say can ever change my mind. That is what you must remember, because I can't take another blow to my heart."

Nodding, he reached out and caressed her jaw. "This Sesshoumaru understands what you feel and gives his word that this being will not cause you any pain. Be it physically or mentally. This Sesshoumaru shall not hurt you, Kagome."

"But what about the..."

"Do not doubt this Sesshoumaru, ever. For when he gives his word, he stands by it to the end." He voiced, cutting her off. Running a hand up towards her hair, he ran his claws through her tresses. "And this Sesshoumaru would never cause his mate any harm, for when you are in pain this being shares it as well..." Pausing, he looked past her. "When this being had to sit back and watch as you proved yourself worthy of becoming the new western lady and defend your life, this Sesshoumaru was pained and in rage. For you are one that this Sesshoumaru holds higher than that of his own life and if you were to become injured or even pass and enter the next world, this Sesshoumaru would lose himself..."

Lowering his gaze and staring in her eyes, her breath caught.

"For you Kagome Li Hiragashi Tashio, is this Sesshoumaru's other half and what keeps this being grounded and gave him a reason to rise and fall each and every day. And now that the western lands are to finally have an heir, you are even more valuable than anything that this Sesshoumaru could ever possess."

Blinking back tears, she smiled. "I...I will always hold thoughts of the curse, but what you just said...I...I won't ever doubt you or your word. And what you said about me..." Lacing her fingers within that of his and placing them on her stomach, tears graced her cheeks. "I couldn't picture any other that I would ever want a chi...a pup with. I love you, Sesshoumaru."

Stealing a kiss from her lips, he pulled back and nodded. "This Sesshoumaru is honored to hold your heart and more, miko. For you are very special and high within this being's value and...heart."

Knowing that was the best she could get out of him for now, she as too gave a nod. "Let me fix my face and we can return back to camp."

Taking her seat on the boulder, he sat back and watched his mate.

Sighing and nuzzling the warmth with his nose, he smiled. Taking another good wiff of fresh winter and a hint of salt, he jerked back. Staring down at Liz-ria, he froze.

She was balled up in a fetus position with dried tear trails coursing her face. Hair down and flanking her shoulders and jaw, she was a weeping angel in disguise.

Releasing a breath and taking one in, his eyes narrowed.

Naraku.

His scent was in the air. Once more staring down at Liz-ria, he frowned. "What did he do to you?" Inuyasha found himself asking the quite room.

Pulling her knees closer to her body, she gave a small shiver.

Retrieving the blanket and pulling her once more closer to his side, he cocooned them within. Shifting and having her now face him, he eyed her neck.

The spider mark.

It wasn't on her back, it was on her neck!

What the hell?

Sighing and laying her head on his chest, Liz-ria smiled.

Still staring down at her, Inuyasha found himself at a loss.

"Ah, your awake." Came Naraku's voice from the rooms entrance.

Sitting up and forcing her on the futon, Inuyasha narrowed his eyes. "What the hell do you want, bastard?"

Smiling, he entered and leaned on the wall. "Nothing...I just wished to inform you, today you shall be introduced to your army." Pausing and eying Liz-ria, his eyes darkened. "I see you and my new reincarnation have grown closer."

"What can I say? I love the feel of her." Running a hand up her covered thigh to her ass, he gave it a nice squeeze. "She is very...useful."

Nodding, Naraku turned his back. "Come noon, you shall meet the army." And with that, he took his leave.

Sighing and placing both his hands in his lap, Inuyasha lowered his head. Closing his eyes, he hunched his shoulders.

Quietly slipping from under the cover and sitting up, Liz-ria stood on her knees. Hesitantly reaching out and once more massaging his knots out of his skin, she leaned over his shoulders. Allowing her hands to work on his tenseness, she lowered her lips to his furry puppy dog ears. "Thank you, Inuyasha. No one ever stood up for me...I am forever in your debt...whatever you want, I will never deny you." Claiming his ear in her mouth, she gave it a small nibble.

Growling and turning in demonic speed, he had her pinned to the futon. Splayed out on top of her, he stared her square in the eyes and raised an eyebrow.

Smiling and placing her leg on his hip, she nodded.

Needing no more words, Inuyasha quickly rid himself of his hakamas and thrusted homed within her body.

Arching her back, Liz-ria for the first time found herself actually wanting to become one with another, instead of being ordered and forced. Clutching his back, she readily met his thrust with that of her own.

Thank you all for reading and let me explain a few things that you maybe confused on.

The whole first miko I know was to be Midoriko, but I kind of got lost in the whole Avatar the last Air Bender and I felt drawn to Prince Zuko and his situation. So I bent it and made that up. I also wanted to add something more than the usual Naraku fighting and end of the story. So, I wanted to add to it and...let's just say I have alot planned for this story. By the end of it...which may be like 45-60 chapters...I will have characters die, find where they belong, tragedies, and lessons learned. So don't go thinking that the story is going to get all lovey-dovey...because it will be far from it...and don't forget that Sesshoumaru is the killing perfection...so let the blood fall...lol...

Please review and tell me what you think.