On The Night Of A Blood Red Moon

Title: On The Night Of A Blood Red Moon
Author: Ryukotsusei and Cyntinell


Warnings: This is a dark fic. It does have graphically detailed rape in it, as well as lemons in future chapters. It's likely to have major character deaths as well. Reviews are always appreciated, flames not tolerated. You are forewarned.

Chapter Two


The Feudal Era

The tension had been slowly building for days and they all knew the end was finally drawing near. The pieces of the Jewel had all been accounted for and unfortunately for everyone concerned Naraku had most of the pieces including Kouga's. He hadn't wasted any time confiscating them when it became apparent that they were the last to be collected, leaving the wolf demon for dead. However Naraku had underestimated the Wolf Prince's will to survive and somehow Kouga had managed to overcome his injuries despite the odds.

Now that the final battle was approaching the main group left Kaede’s village as a precaution, along with what protective wards they could. None of them wanted to have the final confrontation of this war where more people could be slain and the village totally desecrated. Enough people had already died and there would not be any more innocent bloodshed if they had anything to say about it, even if it cost them their own lives.

Any price necessary would be paid to ensure Naraku's downfall and for that very reason Shippo had also been left behind at Kagome’s insistence and over his objections. She knew that this battle was going to be extremely violent and there was a better then even chance that none of them would survive, so she had charged him with taking care of the village. He'd been reluctant, but in the end he'd finally accepted it because she had been the one to ask it of him. He had watched them go sadly, but without tears even though his heart was breaking at the thought of not being with them. He promised himself and the others that he would be strong and make Kagome proud of him. The last thing he'd asked of them was a promise that they'd all make it back safely, now they could only hope it would be a promise that they could all keep.

Not wanting to waste any more time or allow anyone's determination to have a chance to waver, Inuyasha had set a steady, but unhurried pace for once, although the mood surrounding the group was a somber one. It would have been disastrous for them all if Naraku were to strike when they were exhausted from a day's strenuous travel. Having been able to sense his presence for days, they were all aware that their enemy was watching them and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. Naraku would stop at nothing to obtain Kagome's half of the Jewel and if he succeeded, darkness would fall and a reign of bloodshed and terror would cloak Japan. Should their attempts fail, there would be nothing to hold him back, no one strong enough to oppose him.

There was no question in any of their minds that it had to end now, Naraku had made sure that none of them had any choice in the matter. Far too many innocents had died and it would only continue until he had been eliminated. As if sensing something, Inuyasha stopped and stood in a small clearing, his demeanor one of deceptive relaxation. Within moments the others had paused as well and were peering through the trees, waiting to see what it was that had drawn the inu-hanyou's attention. There was no cause for alarm however, within moments Kouga stepped away from the shadows of the forest and into their view. Kagome stepped forward and looked over him critically to make sure he had fully recovered from his wounds. As much of an aid as Kouga might be, he would be more of a dangerous liability to their cause if he were injured. They all knew why he was there though, surely he'd felt Naraku’s presence just as strongly as everyone else and had come to offer his assistance. Inuyasha and Kagome shared a look but said nothing since they had already known this would be a possibility. Kouga's help with the upcoming battle would be accepted without protest.


“Hello, Kagome, Inuyasha,” Kouga said, greeting the two standing in front of him before nodding a greeting to the others. He'd been traveling for days and was relieved that he'd finally found them. For once he'd left Ginta and Hakkaku behind, he didn't want them to risk their lives in this upcoming battle. His pack had already been decimated and it would take all of their combined efforts to have any hopes of rebuilding it.

Kagome came forward while she let out a small sigh of relief. For once it seemed like he wasn't going to concern himself with provoking Inuyasha at the moment and for that she was thankful. The smirk the wolf demon gave her made her wonder if somehow he could tell just what she'd been thinking, but for the moment she brushed it off as unimportant. Now that she was closer she could see that the damage that had been done to his body from the fight over his jewel shards had indeed healed. While his wounds had been horrific there was no way he was going to be left out of this fight, but she couldn't really blame him for that decision. Naraku and his offspring had much to pay for. She could only imagine how hard he had pushed his healing abilities in order to join in the final battle.

“Kouga, it’s good to see you. What brings you here?” she avoided outright asking if he was there to join them in the search, knowing that it was likely to set an argument off. With Kouga being the one to offer his assistance Kagome didn't have to worry about Inuyasha fighting with the other demon. She and Inuyasha had a long talk a few nights before, and Inuyasha was willing to put aside his dislike for Kouga for now, provided the wolf refrained from provoking him.

Inuyasha had made it clear to the miko that he would welcome Kouga for this battle by telling her that it was because they would need another powerful fighter. It had taken a lot for him to swallow his pride and admit that, but it was better than telling Kagome the true reason he would allow Kouga to join them. In truth he was terrified that Naraku would somehow manage to get his hands on her. With Kouga there it would be an added level of protection for the Priestess who meant so much to him on the chance that he fell in battle. It was for that reason alone that he permitted the wolf to approach unchallenged, although it was difficult not to growl at the cocky smirk on his face.

Seeing the darkening look on his rival's face, Kouga's demeanor immediately changed before turning his attention back to the Priestess. Once he felt reasonably assured that the hanyou wasn't going to attack he relaxed slightly, pleased that he wasn't going to be challenged. The boundaries were clear between them. So long as he kept his attention to the matter at head, his normal routine of declaring his undying love for the girl was unneeded, their rivalry had no place in this discussion. He wasn’t sure how his offer was going to be taken, but it was best just to get it out in the open now and have it done with. Taking a deep breath, Kouga stated his business, “I’m here to help with Naraku.”

When Kagome smiled at him, Kouga relaxed even further. There was a difference in her demeanor, she wasn't as tense as she usually was when he was present. He wondered what caused the change, but he wouldn't voice the question.

"Kouga, are you sure that you're well enough to fight?" she asked. Her voice was warm, but cautious to avoid bruising his pride. As much as she welcomed his help, Kagome couldn't allow him to join if he was drained from the massive healing he had to have done. She wouldn't sentence another friend to death if it was in her power to prevent it from happening. She had enough blood staining her hands as a result of her mistake in shattering the jewel. The guilt weighed heavily on her soul, how she had managed to remain pure enough to continue holding the Jewel was an answer she did not have.

"I'm fine, Kagome, it will take a lot more than that to kill me off," Kouga boasted, ignoring the quiet snort that came from Inuyasha's direction in favor of reassuring the woman standing in front of him. He and Inuyasha had proven to each other on more than one occasion that it would take nearly an act of God to destroy either one of them. The soft jingle of metal rings from Miroku's shakujo had Kouga turning towards the monk, but there was no hostility between them.

For several long moments they regarded each other before Miroku’s spoke softly, breaking the silence, “We would be grateful for your assistance, Lord Kouga.” Seeing the wolf appear had him a bit apprehensive, but his mood had quickly changed to one of relief seeing there wasn't going to be the normal posturing and bickering they had all become so accustomed to. If he were to ask Sango of her opinion he knew that it would be the same as his, Naraku's reign of terror had to come to an end. If it meant teaming up with former enemies so be it, she would not object. Kirara of course would follow her mistress’s lead. Everyone knew that Kouga had just as much to make Naraku pay for as they did, they had no right to deny him his justice.

All eyes turned to Inuyasha to make sure there was no disagreement, but he simply nodded and stared Kouga in the eyes, “I’m trusting you this one time, Kouga. Naraku is going to go straight for Kagome, keep her safe while I take that bastard down. If she gets hurt I’ll kill you myself.” Golden eyes held blue for several long moments, burning the unspoken message into Kouga's head. Death would be the only acceptable excuse for Naraku coming close to the woman standing beside him.

Kouga knew he was deadly serious in his threat, but it was unnecessary. One way or another he’d keep her safe during the fight, he would not fail her. Even if it cost him his life in the process, she would survive. Slowly he nodded, conveying that the message was understood, "He won't touch her, not while I'm still alive."

Kagome merely sighed and shook her head as she watched the two men interact, knowing that there was no point in arguing that she could take care of herself. It didn’t matter that they had been together for just over two years and her skills with the bow had greatly improved in that time. Inuyasha was always going to treat her as if she was breakable and there was no way she was going to change his mind. It might be infuriating, but she knew that now wasn't the time to argue about it. It was only out of concern for her well being that he acted the way that he did and she knew it so she held her silence this once. Regardless of what he said, she knew that he cared for her on some level and that made coping that much more bearable.

"Come on guys, we should make use of what daylight we have left," she said calmly, effectively ending the conversation.

They started walking again, effectively leading the dark hanyou further away from the village. Time passed and they kept the same pace for hours wondering when Naraku would finally attack. They'd even forgot stopping for a break despite the growing heat of the passing day. Second guessing Naraku was an almost impossible task because no one could ever be certain about what was going on inside of his head. Now darkness was quickly approaching and Inuyasha had to seriously consider making camp for the night. They wouldn't be able to continue traveling once night fell and if they kept going it would give Naraku the advantage of the cover of darkness. For now he was out front scouting while Kouga and Kagome were in the middle. Sango, Miroku and Kirara brought up the rear. Sighing heavily, knowing that the days search had been fruitless he began taking note of the area and then ventured a bit further ahead to confirm his memory of a campsite nearby.


Once he was far enough away from the others the attack came from the side, as if Naraku had been waiting for Inuyasha to drop his guard. He hoped to use their exhaustion from the days travels against them, catching them in a precarious position. He would need every advantage he could get and he didn't hesitate to fight dirty. Nor was he alone, for from out of nowhere Kagura sent blades of energy racing towards the wolf prince and the miko. Inuyasha sensed the attack far too late to do anything about it. However, Kouga was not caught off guard and in fact, he had been anticipating something like this.

Acting quickly he wrapped his arms around Kagome and jumped, carrying her well out of the way of danger. He knew for her to be useful in this battle he had to get her a safe enough distance away to utilize her bow. With that goal in mind he began distancing them from the others, knowing it was the best possible thing that he could do at the moment. Once they were an acceptable distance away, he set Kagome back on her feet and turned back towards the battle. Kouga growled low in his throat noticing that Kagura had followed them. He wanted to lash out at her, but he would not abandon his position by Kagome’s side, "Stay behind me, Kagome, I'll take care of this bitch."

"Be careful, Kouga," Kagome said, her voice firm as she plucked an arrow out of her quiver. Gone was the uncertain teenage girl and now in her place stood a priestess that was all business. Her blue eyes narrowed as she glared at the wind demoness in grim determination. She had harmed too many in her time of service under Naraku and there was no doubt in Kagome's mind that she'd enjoyed it. The fact that it was a forced cooperation by her creator made no difference to Kagome in this battle. It couldn't, not if they were all to survive. Quickly she notched the arrow and fired, pink streaking through the sky as her power surrounded it. However, Naraku was prepared to counter her attack with sheer numbers and a wave of demons now stood between her and her intended target. It would seem that he had every intention of throwing his minions at them until they had no choice but to collapse from exhaustion. Determined not to give in, Kagome fired arrow after arrow, purifying demons while Kouga lashed out viciously, destroying any that came too close for comfort.

Just when it looked as if things couldn't get any worse, Kanna stepped out from behind a tree, her mirror ready to take their souls. Miroku acted quickly upon seeing that the girl's intended target was Sango who was currently unaware of the danger.

"Sango, look out," he yelled over the sounds of the fighting, desperately hoping that she would hear him. Although he could hear the hum of the Saimyoushou rapidly approaching, he refused to lose the woman he loved to this battle, even if it cost him his life. Time was of the essence if he was to be able to save her and the others. As the mirror began to glow he unwrapped the rosary from his hand and extended it forward, praying that he would be enough. Although Sango was out of the danger zone for the second, he shouted again in an attempt to gain her attention.

When Sango saw what Miroku was about to do she moved quickly and took shelter behind him just as the air void began to suck in everything in its path. Earth, branches and leaves came rushing towards them along with masses of demons that were in the path of destruction. All of it began disappearing into the dark hole in his palm, yet still he held on. The hum of the insects continued coming closer and the monk knew that his time was running short. Miroku shut his eyes tightly against the pain that he knew was coming. If he died, his sacrifice would be worth it so long as Sango lived.

"Miroku no, it's too much!" In desperation Sango gripped his shoulder trying to get him to seal the wind tunnel off once more. She knew that there wasn't enough time to get the antidote into his system, not with the battle that was raging around them. But her pleas fell on deaf ears, Miroku had made his choice.

The insects had arrived and were already being drawn in and Miroku grimaced against the stinging pain that invaded his body. However, he knew that it would only take a little longer, Kanna had lost her position and was struggling against the raging winds. It would only take a few more moments and she would be consumed as well. After what seemed like an eternity the albino child vanished into the darkness never to be seen again. Nevermore would she be a threat to their lives with that damnable mirror. Perhaps now they had more of a chance winning against Naraku. But as for Miroku the damage was done; he hit his knees barely managing to seal off the void as the pain from the poison continued to spread through out his body. His vision began to fade as unconsciousness threatened to overtake him though he attempted to fight it off. Dimly he heard Sango's voice, calling for him to just hold on but it seemed to be coming from so far away. "Sango?"


“Miroku don’t you dare die on us! We need you, I need you,” Sango yelled while she pulled his head into her lap, heedless of the demons that swarmed around them. For the moment Kirara would have to be the one to take care of any threats, she couldn't just allow Miroku to die.

The Slayer's yell managed to snap Kagome out of her trance and she began sprinting towards them with Kouga right beside her. They had both watched in horror as Miroku had essentially sacrificed himself to keep Sango safe.

"Kouga get my backpack," Kagome ordered the man at her side. When he looked as if he were about to protest she cut him off, "Dammit, Kouga just get it!"

Kagome hit her knees as she slid to a stop beside the pair, "I’ll take care of him Sango, just keep them off of us until Kouga returns!” Desperately she hoped that it wouldn't take very long for the wolf to return, she'd dropped the backpack to the ground when they were first attacked. Miroku's one chance at life now rested upon her shoulders and she would not fail him.

Nodding quickly, Kouga sprinted towards the pack although he wasn't sure just why she wanted it so badly. The Monk was doomed, he had seen how many of the insects he had taken in. The idea of leaving Kagome's side didn't sit well with him however when he had looked to Inuyasha who was engaged in his own battle he received the barest of nods. Perhaps they knew something that he did not. Getting to the pack wasn't easy though, Kagura maintained her attacks on him as he made his way across the battlefield. It would seem that she was furious that her sister had fallen so easily.

As much as she wanted to help Miroku, Sango knew that her skills would be best put to use protecting them. Keeping that in mind, Sango had unstrapped Hiraikotsu and began the job of dispatching any demons that made the mistake of coming too close. Her aim was lethal and demons fell by the dozens as the boomerang cut a path through the masses. Blood splattered across the battlefield, everything looked as if it were covered in a sea of red. Sango noticed the problems Kouga was having returning with the needed antidote because of Kagura. Interfering in their fight was a risk for certain, but it was one she would willingly take. While Kouga had the wind demoness distracted she hurled her weapon once more and cut Kagura down before the woman had a chance to realize what was happening. With a sick tearing sound her body was torn in half, the pieces falling to the bloody ground.

Now that Kagura was dead the way back to Kagome and the others was cleared. Kouga said nothing as he returned with the pack, he had intended to be the one to end her existence, but he'd been denied that satisfaction. Strangely the knowledge did not bother him as much as he had thought that it would. So long as his pack was avenged he was okay with it.

"Here you go, Kagome, take care of him while we take out the rest of these bastards," he said. His expression was grim as he turned to help Sango fight off the demons who continued to approach.

"Thanks, Kouga. Hold on, Miroku, you're going to make it," Kagome said, keeping her voice soft while she fished the first aid kit out of her yellow pack. Occasionally she'd feel the warm splatter of blood hit her skin, but she didn't look up from her appointed task, trusting that Sango and Kouga would keep the demons at bay. After the first instance of poisoning Miroku had gone through they kept a supply of the herbs needed to treat it on hand. She uncorked the bottle of bitter liquid and poured it into his mouth forcing him to swallow the antidote. It was slow going since he was barely conscious, giving it to the man too quickly increased the risk of him inhaling it. After she was certain he had taken enough of it to counteract the poison she laid her palms on his chest and sent her purifying energy into him, effectively destroying any taint that would be left behind from the demons the wind tunnel had devoured. Satisfied for the moment that she had done what she could she gently laid his head down on the ground. There was nothing more that she could do for him, now it was up to his own will to live. Quickly she stood up and took a defensive position next to Sango, determined to help her in any way she could.

Kagome wasted no time in acting, arrows flew through the air glowing a bright pink signaling the power she had infused in them. Demons blew apart on impact, the wind that had kicked up around them carrying the dust away. As soon as a path had cleared she turned her attention to Naraku. As expected, Inuyasha had his hands full engaging the half demon although neither seemed to have a real advantage over the other. As far as she could see they were evenly matched although Inuyasha could not use the wind scar due to his current position. Kagome notched another arrow and waited for her opportunity, knowing that it would come sooner or later. She would not allow Naraku to harm Inuyasha, not while she was still alive. Time seemed to stand still as their enemy launched an attack on the inu-hanyou, but it was quickly halted by an arrow that lodged deep within his chest.

Kagome swore under her breath seeing that the hit hadn't been enough. Under normal circumstances her energy would have been enough to kill him with a direct strike such as that. However, he had half of the Jewel residing on a chain around his neck that gave him far more power that he had no right to use. She watched as Inuyasha took his chance and put some distance between them, most likely hoping that he would have the opportunity to use the wind scar while the bastard was distracted.

Naraku however took no notice of this, his attention resting on Kagome while he braced himself against the pain of partial purification. He sneered at the Priestess, malice dripping from every word that fell from his lips, “You’ll pay for that, bitch!”

As Naraku advanced towards her Inuyasha reacted, there was no way in hell he was going anywhere near Kagome. Viciously he hacked through the demons who moved to stop him, since he couldn't use the wind scar yet because Naraku had moved directly in between him and the others now. “Your fight is with me, Naraku, leave her alone!” Inuyasha growled as he struck at him with the Tetsusaiga, impaling him on the blade as Naraku turned towards him. The Tetsusaiga easily cut him in half, but he knew that they would have to work quickly before he pulled himself back together. Heedless of the danger surrounding her, Kagome quickly ran towards them determined to remove the half of the Jewel. Inuyasha stayed on guard and watched the fallen hanyou carefully. Already the mass of body parts had began to pulsate and he knew that there wasn't much time left, they had to hurry.

Kagome was almost there but even she could see that Naraku was already beginning to regenerate. When a mass of tentacles erupted Inuyasha quickly cut them down with the Tetsusaiga, but it seemed to be a losing battle. They were just coming too quickly to deal with them all and sooner or later Naraku would gain the advantage he needed to regenerate. What made matters even worse was the miasma that continued to pour out of each wound, lingering in the air and making it almost impossible to breathe.

Naraku managed to pull himself to his feet, a malevolent smile upon his face as he stared at the priestess standing just out of his reach.

“Time for you to die, little girl, not even your fool hanyou will be able to save you now,” he said, his voice cold as he took a step towards her. Now she was quickly backing away, no doubt praying that Inuyasha would be able to save her, but it was no matter. He was going to kill them all, starting with her. Before he could get much farther though a sword pierced his chest and then twisted, tearing up through his shoulder.

“You!” Naraku gasped as he stared into the face of Sesshoumaru. It would seem that the demon lord had finally made his appearance.

Kagome was stunned as she watched Naraku's final moments unfold. The thin golden chain that held the missing half of the Shikon had broken the moment it had come in contact with Toukijin. The jewel bounced along the ground and despite being cleaved nearly in two Naraku made a grab for it.

“I don't think so,” Kagome yelled as she dove for the artifact as well, her fingers closing around it just before the enemy could reach it. Yet it left her in a precarious position as he was now poised above her, readying a killing blow. “Inuyasha!”

“Bastard!” Inuyasha yelled as he rushed forward in hopes of tackling the other hanyou to the ground. They were so close now and there was no way he was going to let the bastard win with victory in their grasp.

Before his brother could reach Naraku, Sesshoumaru had already launched what would be the final attack of the battle. Toukijin ripped through the air, the tip of the blade slicing cleanly through Naraku's neck, severing his head completely from his shoulders. The blow killed him instantly, without the regenerative powers of the jewel he was defenseless against the combined efforts of his enemies.

Picking herself up off the ground, Kagome watched the life bleed out of the demon who had caused so much death and despair over the years. Calmly she pulled one of her last arrows and stalked up to the corpse. There was only one way to be certain that he could never return and that would be to purify his remains. Relief filled her as she plunged the arrow into his body, her purifying energy reducing the corpse to ash.

It was finally over and now Inuyasha wasn't sure of just what to think or do. For the moment he settled on watching his brother cautiously. His appearance hadn't been that much of a surprise, but there was no telling just what Sesshoumaru would do now. Somehow he doubted that he'd attempt to stake a claim on the Shikon, however, it was better to be safe than sorry.

Sesshoumaru knew exactly what Inuyasha was thinking and refrained from sighing. Although it was irritating that his half brother would think so little of him as to believe that he would take advantage of a power that shouldn't exist, he wasn't going to go out of his way to reassure him. Slowly he nodded once to the Priestess who stared at him curiously before turning to leave. No words were spoken as he disappeared into the surrounding forest, leaving the clearing as if he had never been there. There was no need to speak to any of them, now that Naraku was dead he could return to other matters that needed his attention.

Silently the others watched him go, surprised that he would disappear without saying something that would provoke another fight. Sighing heavily, Inuyasha sheathed the Tetsusaiga and looked over to Kagome who was now staring at the pieces of the Jewel. Somehow he knew what was on her mind and to be honest he was just as worried about what the future now held for them. There was no way of knowing what the Jewel would decide to do once it was complete and wished upon. Perhaps it would take her home, perhaps not. They just wouldn’t know until it came to pass. The only thing that any of them were certain of was that they would not make the wish here. If she was to be taken away she wanted to have the chance to say goodbye to everyone who had come to mean so much to her. Ever so slowly they all gathered their belongings and began the trek back to the village and an uncertain future.


~Present Day, Within Hiei's Memories~


Blackness surrounds me as yet another memory hits but this one is different from the others I'd experienced before. This time I am able to feel things as I relive a part of my past that I'd forgotten, the memories that only come to me in my nightmares. It was for this very reason that I had used the Jagan to make me forget until the memories were needed. I had no desire to watch her tortured again and I had tried to convince myself that it didn't matter, that I didn't care. But I knew that I was lying to myself and denying the truth. I would always care and even if she turns from me when we meet again she will always hold a place in the heart I've tried to keep hidden. Only one other person has managed to accomplish that feat, my sister. I know what is coming and I desperately attempt to pull myself away from this path of torment, but my best efforts are in vain. The Jagan has it's reasons, it always does and I can only hope they will be revealed soon. Resigning myself to the horrors that await, I immerse myself in the past, my only comfort is knowing that this time I will remember them. I will not allow myself to forget again.

Intense pain sears through my chest and I find that I can’t breathe. The day's beating had been especially bad, but I had refused to give in to Masakazu’s demands. I could not bring myself to hurt her; after all we shared something in common. We were both forced to endure that fucking crow’s more carnal desires for months, praying that the end would come soon.


I remembered back to earlier that afternoon. I had seen the look of fear in her eyes as Ryuji had leered at her while unbuckling his belts. He was particularly vicious while he indulged in taking a lover, always sure to leave some mark behind to remind the victim of him. I carry a few of those scars from my own encounters with the second in command. However ,Masakazu would not allow the same to be done of her, he had claimed her as his own personal property, his alone to mark as he saw fit. But that did not mean he was not generous with those that were loyal to him. Today had been the first day that he had allowed his closest partners to partake in the girl he had chained to his bed.

I was forced to watch as Ryuji brutally thrust up into her ignoring the cry of pain that was forced from her lips. She would learn, much as I had that any noises only encouraged them to further brutality. The bastards got themselves off on the shrieks they caused, the blood that they spilled. Many of the women they had captured met their end with fuck sessions like this and their bodies discarded like trash. I had my doubts about how long this particular girl would survive and it wouldn't be long before she came to view death as a blessing. Truthfully I was surprised they hadn’t killed her yet, but somehow she had managed to last longer than any of the other female captives they had taken. I couldn't help but wonder just how a human female could possibly live through things that had killed so many others. But the answer came from Masakazu himself when he taunted her for being tainted. She could never be considered pure again, something some said was essential for being a Priestess. I myself had doubts, for if a Priestess’s powers were removed once they were defiled then why would he still need to keep her warded?

I knew then that Masakazu had to have had something special planned for her. As much as I wished that I could leave, I couldn't, to attempt to do so would bring Masakazu's wrath upon me. I had no desire to watch them defile this girl, after all she had tried to help me. I still have yet to learn why a human, much less a Priestess, would have any desire to help a demon. Perhaps if she hadn’t she wouldn’t be in this predicament, but there is nothing I can do to change her fate, at least not yet anyway. Perhaps if she is still alive when the final fight between Masakazu and myself comes it will be another story yet for now she's on her own. I’ve lived with this little group for far too long, but it's going to end sooner or later. In the meantime I’ll continue to bide my time, I must be strong enough when I attack Masakazu or it will be for nothing. I will not make the same mistake twice. If I’m lucky then he will kill me quickly should I fail, however, mercy just isn't in that bastard’s nature.

Suddenly Kanaye grabbed me by the hair and began to drag me over to the girl, no doubt to get a close up view of what they were doing to her. The girl's blue eyes pleaded with me to help her, yet I know I’m not in a position to do so. I close my eyes and draw a shuddering breath, trying to shut out the sounds of what is going on around me. Although it sickens me to think this way, I'm just glad that it’s not me in her place. They now have someone else to satisfy their desires; perhaps they will leave me alone. Once my injuries are healed I can get the both of us out of this mess. I owe her that much at least.

Slowly my eyes open against my will and my gaze is drawn to the bracelets on her arms which are glowing an angry pink. The soft glow bathes everything nearby as the wards work to control her powers while she attempts to fight back. She’d be doing better to conserve her energy, things are only going to get worse from here on out and there's no hope for escape right now. I’ve found that the smith he commissions to do his work produces flawless restraints. After all, it contains my powers or I would have left this place long ago killing everyone in it. I cannot decide which would be a worse fate, staying here as Masakazu’s pet or escaping with my powers bound, injured and weaponless into the Makai.

I didn't want to see the tears that ran down her face as Ryuji cut into her flesh with his claws. Even knowing what I was going to bring upon myself, I could not stop myself from going to her side. I could feel the weight of the men's stares as I approached the girl slowly and knelt down placing my lips next to her ears trying to comfort her. They had been at this for hours, it had to end soon. I have to be careful though in case Masakazu takes offense.

"Don't cry out, it will only make it worse," I told her. My voice was soft yet I knew that she had heard because she turned her head to look at me. Why was I attempting to comfort her? Even I could not say why, aside from the fact that she had attempted to help me. No one had ever done that before.


“So my little pet has taken an interest in the girl after all. Tell me, my little Shadow, does the sight of her naked body excite you?”

I turned a glare on the owner of that hated voice and I'm sure the fury I was experiencing was plain to see upon my face. At that moment I wanted nothing more than to tear his throat out and watch his blood run over my fingers. Someone so twisted deserves to die.

“Fuck off, Masakazu. You know I’m not the sick, twisted bastard that you are,” I snarled at the taller demon. Unfortunately my defiance only seemed to amuse him further and it was then that I knew I was in for a very long night. I needed to learn when to keep my mouth shut; perhaps then I wouldn't have been raped and beaten quite so many times, but I refuse to bow down to him. He might eventually kill me, however if he does, I will go down fighting. I won't beg him for anything and he knows this, perhaps that is why he continues to keep me around.

“But I am positive you would enjoy her ,my little Shadow. Ryuji, give him a turn, let him sample my delectable little morsel and we'll see how long he continues to harbor kind thoughts about the girl.”

Obeying quickly, Ryuji pulled away from her and looked at me expectantly, believing that I would acquiesce to Masakazu's command. Had this been under different circumstances I might have leapt at the opportunity, she was indeed tempting even to myself. But I would not take the girl against her will, nor would I touch her if she had said yes out of fear of what would happen should she refuse. I knew that it would be a very long time before she would be able to handle any intimate contact without screaming. Assuming Masakazu ever let her go, which was doubtful.

“What’s the matter, little one, are you afraid of her? I assure you she cannot harm you. Or…perhaps you do prefer the touch of a man. Tell me, Hiei, have I spoiled you for any other? Is that why you do not wish to indulge in her soft body?”

By then he had me pinned up against the wall. He had to be angry that I hadn't jumped at the so called generosity that he had shown to me. I opened my mouth to tell him to go fuck himself when he learned forward and attempted to force his tongue into my mouth. The attempt failed however because as soon as I felt his tongue invading, I bit down as hard as I could. Obviously he hadn't expected such a move and fury etched his features as he jerked back. Spitting the blood out of my mouth I gave him a grin, pleased that I'd managed to hurt him at least that much. I knew I’d pay for that later, but I couldn’t contain the satisfaction that I was able to cause him some amount of pain.


And I was right; gods help me I should have known better by now. The girl watched in horror as I received the same treatment she had been getting only moments before. Time seemed to drag on forever and I know that eventually I lost consciousness. When I finally came to the intense pain that spread through my body told me that it would take at least a couple of days to recover from the injuries I had sustained. The cold, hard ground against my skin told me that they'd thrown me into the room that was commonly called the cage. When I heard movement off to the left I attempted to roll over, but I no longer had the strength to do so.


When soft hands touched my shoulder gently I growled, hoping to warn whoever it was away from me. It really didn't matter though for I could not see who was touching me and I was in no position to back up the threat I had voiced. The scent of blood hung heavily in the air and I came to realize that whoever was here with me was hurt just as badly as I was. It was vaguely familiar, but all I wanted to do was fade back into oblivion where there was no pain. At least then I wouldn't have to worry about trying to fight them off if they got any ideas about trying to fuck me while I was injured.


“Relax, I’m not going to hurt you.”

Uneasily I realized that I knew that voice and somehow I managed to roll over, groaning as I did so only to see two blue eyes staring down at me. She looked terrified and honestly I couldn’t blame her, but to her credit she didn’t shrink back away from me. Even after being raped and beaten she was willing to approach me, though why I wasn't certain. The girl had guts, I would have to give her that. I watched her warily as she tore a strip of cloth off of the rag they had given her to wear. Her hands were shaky, but the slight touch of her fingers against my flesh was still gentle while she washed the blood from my naked body. Suddenly she stopped and I realized why, there was blood coating the inside of my thighs from having been violated. She continued to surprise me though, in all the years I had been here none of them had ever shown me the same level of care that she was giving now. Instead of worrying for herself she was here and tending to my wounds. But while I would recover from this in a few days, her injuries left untended would take weeks.


“Do you trust me? I promise I will not touch you except to clean the blood off.”

I nodded once; it was shocking that she was still willing to help me even though it was indirectly my doing that she was here. I cannot say I would have done the same had the roles been reversed, most likely I would have left her to whatever fate awaited. I tensed as she ran the cloth over my abused skin but thankfully she was finished quickly. Then to my surprise she picked up the clothing they had tossed in with me and helped me to dress even though each movement had to be agonizing for her. I probably could have done it myself even if it had taken a while and I opened my mouth to tell her just that. But I had to stop as soon as I saw the look on her face. This small task was giving her someone to help, it was something to take her mind off of the torment her mind and body was in. Once it was done she would be alone once more to face the horror that her life had become and there was nothing that I could do for her. Truthfully I doubted she would accept my help even if I had offered it.


After she buckled the final belt she somehow managed to help me to sit upright before moving a short distance away, hugging her knees to her chest. I could not blame her for moving away; I was after all a demon and she was a human girl who had lost her innocence to one of the most twisted bastards I had ever known before being passed around like a cheap whore.

Hiei slowly opened his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to push back the lingering pain that had come from immersing himself so deep into the memory. A scowl crossed his face as he thought about what he knew of the time that he had spent in Masakazu’s little group, and how briefly he had been with the girl. He refused to admit it to another soul, but there were times that he missed her presence, even if he hadn't been certain at the time just what it was he'd been missing. It was like a void in his life that could never be filled, no matter how hard he tried. Although it had taken a long time, eventually they had come to find comfort in each other. It had been an agonizing three hundred years since he had last felt the contentment of being with her and it was at times like this, right after the dreams occurred, that the loneliness crept up on him. It didn't matter that through the years the Fox had become a close friend and they had been through much together, it just wasn't the same.

'Unfucking believable. I’m sitting here moping over a human girl. Kurama would get a good laugh out of this.’ Most likely they all would and he could imagine the hell that Yusuke and Kuwabara would be tossing his way. No, this was one secret he had no intentions of ever letting get out until it was absolutely necessary. But at the same time he couldn't help but wonder just how he would explain to the others about his past and the girl when she finally became a part of his life once more. He briefly toyed with the idea that they didn't have to find out about her. Although it would be difficult he could always take her someplace safe and keep her away from anyone who might cause her harm.