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 Three

The Feudal Era

Kagome sat down and stared at the well while the others gathered closely around her. Although she wanted to put it off for as long as possible, she knew that it was time to complete the jewel and see what was to happen. But make no mistake, she was far from happy about it. None of them had any idea if the Shikon would send her home to her own time or continue to allow her to travel back and forth between the eras. She had no desire to leave her friends permanently, there were still far too many things that were left unresolved. In spite of the time she'd spent in this time period, she still had no idea just where she stood with Inuyasha. Not to mention she desperately wanted to be there when Miroku and Sango were married, something that was sure to happen now that Naraku was dead. Kagome sighed heavily, there was no getting around the fact that they would just have to wait and see what the Jewel decided for them. Slowly she looked over the people who had had become a second family to her over the past couple of years with tears in her eyes. This might very well be the last time she saw any of them.

No one spoke as they moved in closer to the solemn girl. They all understood how she was feeling; they were apprehensive about what was to happen as well. In a rare show of comfort Inuyasha pulled her into his arms and just held her for several long moments, content to offer what silent support he could. He didn't know what the future held for any of them and he wasn't about to venture a guess. He had spent his entire life living day to day and unfortunately today would be no different, no matter how he wished otherwise. Truthfully he was scared to death that the Jewel would take her away from them and he would be powerless to stop it. He had already lost much in his life, he wasn't sure how he would handle losing his best friend, but what choice would he have? All he could hope for was that it wouldn't come to that, he just had to have faith. Forcing her to look up at him, Inuyasha took a deep breath and made a promise to her, “Kagome, if the jewel takes you from us I promise you that I will find you in own time. You won't be alone for long.”

Not willing to hold anything back, Kagome embraced the exterminator that had become like a sister to her. It had taken a while, but eventually they had opened their hearts to each other, taking comfort in the other's presence through all the rough times. She was sure that if it had not been for Sango she would not have made it through this quest and retained her sanity in the process. Sango's thoughts were running along the same lines, perhaps now that everything was over they could all find happiness. But first they had to get through this final trial and then the saga of the Shikon jewel would over, hopefully to never return again. Soon after Miroku joined them and wrapped his arms around both women, holding them close. For once there were no wandering hands and for that Kagome was grateful. Her voice was shaky but to her credit she didn't allow the tears to fall just yet, “Promise me that you two will be married soon? I want to know that you both had found happiness in each other and started a large family if the jewel forces me back to my time.”


“We promise, Kagome. Remember that the jewel may not take you from us though and then I expect you'll be here for the wedding,” Miroku said, knowing that even as he spoke the words that there was a good chance that he could be wrong. Kagome belonged in another time, she always had and there wasn't any changing that. She had adapted as was needed to the different time, but she would always be a product of some far off future that even he had a hard time picturing. Still, words of comfort were needed and for that reason he did his best to reassure the girl despite his own misgivings.

Kagome nodded once and smiled, grateful for the gesture. She had the promise that she wanted and now no matter what happened she knew that they would be together. They would rebuild Sango's clan by having the large family that they both had always dreamed of. Perhaps she would even take the chance now to look through the history books and see if their fate had been recorded. Certainly now that the jewel was no longer a danger it would not hurt to see if their journey had made it into some ancient text that had been shelved for years, just waiting for her to discover it. Giving the two a final squeeze she stepped back and turned her attention to the last two members of the party. For a moment she indulged herself in running her fingers through Kirara’s thick fur, a slight smile on her face, “Please take care of Sango and Miroku. I have a feeling they are going to need all the help they can get.”

Kirara nodded once and rubbed her face against Kagome’s giving a deep purr of affection. Though she would have done as the priestess had asked anyway, she knew that it was Kagome's way of steeling herself for what she was about to do.


By now Shippo was staring at the ground dejectedly, unable to look at the girl standing only a few feet away. He didn’t want to think there was a possibility of her going; she was his best friend and protector. Who would sit up at night talking to him and petting his tail if she were gone? Who would protect him from Inuyasha when he'd done something to irritate the older male? He desperately wanted to go with her but they had already discussed this several times. It simply was not possible; there was no way she could take him from everything that he knew and drag him into a strange world that thought of youkai as only myths and legends.


“Shippo?” Kagome called softly, her heart breaking as she stared at the kit. It seemed that of all of them he was taking it the hardest. If only there was something she could do to remain with him and the others.

Shippo slowly looked up at Kagome as she sat down in the grass next to him. Needing to feel her arms around his slight form again he gave into the need for comfort and crawled up into her lap. If this were to be the end then he would make each moment count. He wrapped his arms around her neck and clung to her. She rocked him gently for several long minutes before she let him go. He tried to smile for her knowing that his tears would only hurt her further. There was no way he was going to give her up, even if it took five hundred years they would be reunited. Though it was hard he gave her a smile full of confidence, “I’ll be right there with Inuyasha, Kagome. We’ll find you no matter what!”

“Thank you, Shippo, it would mean everything to me if you and Inuyasha were waiting for me on the other side,” Kagome said quietly as she gave them all one last look. She desperately hoped that would indeed be true but she had her doubts. To her knowledge a complete soul could not reside in two bodies at the same time as she had learned with the resurrection of Kikyo. Inuyasha frequently traveled through the well into modern times, theoretically that should have been impossible if he were still living. Shippo on the other hand was a possibility that she hadn't thought to consider before. He had fallen into the well once before and it had refused him passage. 'Perhaps it was because he's still alive in the future.' But why wouldn't he have come to her if that was the case? She'd have to think about it more later, after the jewel was wished upon and her fate was determined.

It was time though and she knew that she couldn't put it off any longer. Every moment the jewel remained in existence was one more moment of impending danger since there would always be someone who wanted to steal it. Hesitantly she took out the jewel shards and melded them together while praying that her life wasn't about to take a drastic change. Within moments there was a large flare of light that momentarily blinded everyone before it slowly died down. The jewel's aura vibrated with an intensity they could all feel, it was happy to be completed once more. So far so good, she was still here but Kagome would not breathe a sigh of relief just yet, a wish still had to be made. Taking a deep breath she called forth with her mind, voice, and soul, “Midoriko?”


The jewel glowed brightly once more and in the fading light a young woman stood, dressed in ancient Miko garb. She smiled gently upon them all before turning her attention to the young Priestess, her successor, “Guardian of the Shikon no Tama, has a wish been decided upon?”

Kagome looked at all of her companions, receiving a nod from each of them. They had been up most of the night deciding on the wish that was to be made. It had not been an easy one, almost every suggestion could easily be manipulated and tainted. They had to prevent that from happening at all costs. It meant Inuyasha had to give up his dreams of becoming a full demon but even he knew that it was for the best. Taking a deep breath she nodded, “It has, Midoriko.”


“Tell me, child, what is it that you desire of the Jewel?” Midoriko waited patiently, she knew that this was easy for none of them and things were only going to become more difficult from here on out but it was unavoidable. Fate had already been written concerning the young girl in front of her.


“I wish for your soul to be free,” Kagome said softly and then held her breath while waiting for Midoriko's response. Her future was about to be decided and none of them could influence the outcome.

Midoriko smiled gently at the young Priestess, pleased at what they had decided. The jewel had indeed chosen its guardian well but she was sad for what the girl had yet to face. Her troubles were far from over and what she'd already endured was nothing compared to what she was about to be confronted with. Gently she touched Kagome's face and then spoke softly, “Thank you, child. Your wish is granted. I offer you this warning though, my child, be cautious. Your journey has only just begun and there are rough times ahead for you.”


Everyone looked at Midoriko with concern, none of them wanting to believe that more trouble was to come. It only took moments for them to realize just what the ancient Priestess meant, she had not said this affected all of them which could only mean that Kagome was on her own. Inuyasha was the one to voice the question though, “What do you mean by that?”

He stepped towards Kagome protectively, the well had delivered her into his care and he was not about to relinquish that position. He didn't care who he had to fight, he'd be damned if Kagome came to harm on his watch.

Midoriko shook her head sadly, she could not tell them of what was to come. Instead she left them with a warning, “I wish I could enlighten you all as to what is to come to pass but I cannot. Fate has decreed that she is the only one who can accomplish what must be done. I'm sorry but my time draws to a close. I must go, I can only leave you with this prophecy.”

The child of Destiny leaves her mark upon all
Touching worlds not of her choosing
Hearts will be scarred by Fate’s hellish path
When Fire and Ice collide
Only Holy energy will soothe the soul
Darkness reigns the heart as Innocence is lost
The light must shine through
To enter the Inner Sanctuary
Embrace your Fate to find the truth
Deny destiny and live among the ashes


As her voice rang out the group stood there stunned by the spirit's words. What was foretold was nothing short of disastrous and Kagome was in the center of it all. Midoriko faded from their sight slowly despite the numerous questions and protests that were now filling the air. Unable to believe what was happening, Kagome turned wide eyes on her companions just as she began to disappear. Inuyasha stood horror stricken as Midoriko’s words continued to tear through his heart, he wouldn't be able to protect her this time. His arms tightened around her even as she began fading in his arms. Tears fell from every person present as they realized that she was being taken from them.

“Goodbye… my friends,” Kagome whispered softly as she reached out as if to touch them one final time.

Shippo launched himself towards Kagome and passed right through her colliding with Inuyasha who caught him easily. His tiny voice rang out through the clearing, heartbreak evident in his young voice as it echoed what was felt in everyone else's hearts and minds, “Kagome, come back!”

~ In The Makai - 300 years post completion of the Shikon Jewel~

Masakazu sat at his desk contemplating the open book in front of him. Much of it made absolutely no sense but then again he wasn't exactly surprised. Prophecies were after all very vague things often taking many years to decipher. He began to curse the day that his Seer brought the Book of the Prophets to light. It had the potential to make him the most powerful demon alive but he had yet to figure out exactly what it was that he needed to do to attain that status.


A Pure Heart Will Emerge From A Time Long Past
Possessions Cannot Buy Her Love
One Born Of Evil Will Scar The Flesh
But The Spirit Remains Unbroken
One Born Of The Fire But Tempered By Ice
Will Bring The World Deliverance.
A Maiden Free
The Seed Planted Can Bring The Realms Destruction
Take Heed To The Words True
The Future Will Bind The Three

Each time they had poured over the texts together she had been adamant about pointing out this particular passage to him. But the damnable woman refused to explain why this entry was so important. She only said that it was crucial to his future and that he must figure out what it meant. The realms destruction was appealing, especially if it meant that he would be the one to rule once the current lords were disposed of.

‘Perhaps I am to meet this ‘Pure Heart.’

That particular line would have to come to pass if he was indeed one of the three mentioned and as such he allowed his thoughts to wander along the path of just what he would do to her should she ever be unfortunate enough to cross his path. He always had enjoyed defiling innocents when ever the opportunity presented itself.


How long had it been since he had taken someone’s virginity? It wasn't often that one ran across a pure specimen, untainted by another's hands. ‘It's been far too long. The last was my pet, Shadow.’

For a moment his eyes closed as his memory conjured up that particularly pleasurable image, causing liquid fire to run through his veins. He hardened instantly recalling the boy’s first cries of pain, the pleas for him to stop. Even now he could feel the tearing of flesh as he brutally thrust into his untried body with no preparation. What he wouldn’t give to hear them once more, but it was not to be. Eventually his little Shadow had become hardened to the pain he received and refused to give him the satisfaction of hearing him scream. It took far more to get a reaction out of him now, not that Masakazu was above trying new things.


But now if this girl the prophecy had spoken of were to come into his possession then perhaps he would have no more use for the boy. He could dispose of him as he pleased or or just maybe he would keep him around after all. ‘He’s numbed himself to the affects of my ministrations. If his body went without for a time…. He would no longer have that defense.’

It was a theory he would have to test out if he ever found a replacement toy to occupy his interest. For now though he would continue to indulge himself in his tight body whenever he felt the desire.

'Speaking of desires.' Masakazu turned a malevolent smile to the lone figure that sat in the corner across the room, silently watching him.

Hiei easily picked up the scent of Masakazu’s arousal and knew exactly what that meant for him. However, he was not going to give into his demands without putting up one hell of a fight. Time and time again they'd gone through this struggle and still he refused to be broken. Slowly he stood, growling a warning to the Crow as the bastard continued advancing on him. ‘I may not be able to use my powers, but that doesn’t mean I’m completely defenseless, you twisted fuck. Especially now that I’m not chained and you don’t have your friends here to subdue me.’


“So you mean to fight me again? How delightful though I would have thought you would have learned your place by now,” Masakazu said as he gazed upon the slender demon. He never tired of his little pet's antics and it only heightened his enjoyment when Hiei fought back. But even that only went so far, he was not so foolish as to free the apparition from the wards that kept him contained. He had no doubts the boy would kill him given the opportunity.

“You talk too much, Masakazu,” Hiei sneered as he leapt towards his Master, slicing with his claws leaving four bloody gashes across the bare chest in front of him. Quickly he darted back, avoiding the counter strike that Masakazu directed towards him. Unfortunately he was backed into a corner without that much room to move. Sharp claws caught him in the stomach, tearing into the muscles, but not deeply enough to disembowel him. Hiei gritted his teeth, refusing to give voice to the groan of pain that threatened to escape as the grip upon his flesh tightened. He had suffered far worse through the years, a scratch such as this meant nothing more than a passing discomfort. But each passing moment left him vulnerable to a more vicious attack. What he needed to do was get out of the corner in order to have any chance whatsoever of defending himself against Masakazu. He attacked once more hoping to gain a bit of space but was again pushed back. Pinned against the wall he could do nothing as Masakazu gripped his genitals roughly, letting him know exactly what was in store for him at the end of this little game.


“When was the last time I got to hear you scream for mercy? When did you last beg me not to rip you apart with my cock?” Masakazu pretended to think hard for the answers to his own questions, “Oh… I know! It was five years ago when Ryuji joined the group. We really should do this more often you know,” Masakazu grew hard at the memory, it was that night that he realized that Ryuji would be the perfect second in command. He was just as brutal as Masakazu, his ruthlessness proved to be invaluable when they went on raids. He was snapped out of the memory when Hiei spoke again.

“Quit inviting your friends in then or are you afraid that you can’t handle me on your own anymore?” Hiei taunted as he struggled against the crushing grip. He knew that was a sore spot for Masakazu even if the Crow would never admit it. To think that a teenager such as himself would have no problems destroying the leader of their little group should he get the chance had to be irritating.

Masakazu, however, was unamused by Hiei's smart mouth. He growled deep in his chest in warning before he backhanded the apparition sharply. His insolence while amusing to a certain extent was not something that he would allow to go unpunished. But that would come later, after he had satisfied his body's desires with his feisty little play toy. His grip tightened as he leaned further over the smaller demon, “Your resistance only further excites me, my little shadow. Do fight harder.”

“I’m not your anything so why don't you go fuck yourself?” Hiei spat as he continued to fight even when Masakazu pushed him flush against the wall and began trailing one hand down his stomach, leaving bloody trails down the pale skin. Knowing it was now or never he sank his fangs into Masakazu’s arm, hoping to tear open the artery as he continued to slice deeper into the flesh.

The crow demon snarled and took his free hand, fisting it into Hiei’s hair and proceeded to slam his head against the stone wall, stunning him long enough to drag him to the bed and restrain him there. “You know, my pet, it really is pathetic that you see yourself as strong enough to defeat me. You will never have that much power,” Masakazu said, continuing to taunt the apparition even as he began to strip off his tunic.

Despite being pinned by the man's greater weight, Hiei continued to struggle against him in the hopes of breaking the bonds that kept him on the bed but it was futile. He knew what was coming; he only hoped that Masakazu would finish quickly.

~Elsewhere In The Makai~

Realizing that she was no longer floating through time, Kagome looked around warily and frowned upon discovering that the only thing she recognized was the well. Even the plant life surrounding her was different; she saw no sign of the Goshinboku at all. The only thing she could conclude was that she had been moved to a different dimension of sorts or that something had gone terribly wrong, shifting reality as she knew it. ‘What kind of hellhole have I found myself in? There’s demonic energy all around me!’


Wherever she was, Kagome had absolutely no intentions of sticking around to find out just who the demonic energy belonged to. It was simple, she’d just go home and pretend that none of this was happening. She could only hope that the well would continue to work for her now that Midoriko’s soul was had been freed. Anxious to leave she pulled herself up and over the edge, jumping into the darkness of the well only to land heavily on the bottom. Despair crept into her mind as she contemplated her situation.

It doesn't work! What am I going to do now?' Not seeing any other options she did the only thing she could do and reluctantly crawled over the ledge before sitting down heavily in the grass.


“Midoriko, please help me!” Her whispered plea carried along on the breeze, but she really didn't expect an answer. So when she actually heard Midoriko's voice in her mind she was startled enough to jump, her head whipping about in an effort to find the woman. Eventually though the ancient miko materialized in front of her, al though her expression was anything but reassuring. It didn't matter though, Kagome knew that the spirit was likely to be the only one who could help her get home now.

Midoriko smiled softly before sighing and held up a hand to forestall any questions, ‘I am sorry, child. There is much you still have to go through, I can only pray that you have faith and endure it.’


“Midoriko, where am I?” Kagome ignored the foreboding words and concentrated on pulling information from the spirit. That would be the first step towards getting home, she couldn't begin to plan without knowing exactly where she was. The feel of so much demonic energy around her was making her skin crawl and she was hard pressed to keep from shuddering. She had never felt anything quite like it, even in the Feudal Era there was not such a high concentration of demons in one small area. It was almost as if she were completely surrounded.


For a moment Midoriko said nothing as she debated just how much she would have to tell the girl. To say too much would potentially influence her in the wrong direction with danger consequences. ‘You are in the Makai, Kagome. Shortly after the Jewel was wished upon the world split into three realms isolating demons and humans from each other. You must guard the jewel carefully as there is just enough energy left in it to activate the well one last time, however you must endure what is to come first. You will know when the time comes for you to return home.’

Kagome couldn't understand just why she'd been brought to this place that Midoriko had called the Makai, however, she had no choice but to trust in the ancient spirit. She wished she knew exactly what it was that was being left unsaid, yet she knew she was not likely to get her answers. After all, she had said as much as they disappeared from the Feudal Era. Sighing heavily, she cast a resigned look to the other miko, “This is insane. I have nothing but a bow for protection, there are demons all around and the Jewel still has power. Why did this have to happen to me?”


Midoriko could honestly sympathize with the girl; Fate had chosen to give her a hard path to walk. She could only wish her well in her journey and guide her the best that she could even if she were limited in what she could do. If Kagome managed to survive this then she would be able to survive anything that Fate would throw her way. Patiently she continued to attempt to reassure the girl. ‘Because it is your destiny, Kagome. Stay strong, no matter what happens you must not give up. Millions of lives are depending on the choices you make.’

Kagome watched her fade once more. It would figure, the lives of all were always resting on her shoulders. 'Nothing like putting just a little pressure on a person's shoulders!'

Kagome snorted as she plucked at the grass beneath her fingers. First the business with the Jewel and Naraku. Now this, whatever this was. She still had no clues aside from the prophecy Midoriko had recited, but she knew that she wouldn't figure it out just by waiting around. “Well, I may as well get moving. I’m not going to figure out where I am supposed to go just sitting here.”

Standing up and brushing off the back of her skirt, Kagome considered her options. First and foremost she had to continue protecting the jewel. It was her one and only ticket to get home and she had no intentions of losing it. For a moment her aura swelled around her as she clutched the almost powerless jewel in her hands. The most she was hoping for was for an illusion spell, however, it would seem Midoriko was to exert her influence once more. The Jewel glowed brightly for a long moment and then vaporized, the pink mist swirling for several seconds before sinking painlessly into her skin. Regardless of what happened, the jewel would always be within her.


Now that the jewel was taken care of Kagome looked around trying to determine a direction. She had no idea of which direction to go, so she headed west. After all, that was the area she was most familiar with in the Feudal Ages. With all the demonic energy that surrounded her she had the slightest hope that there was a chance she would run into Sesshoumaru or perhaps Inuyasha. That was assuming they were living in this realm of course. If they were she was positive that she would somehow find them, she refused to believe she was completely alone in this strange realm.


Time seemed to drag on forever as Kagome picked her way carefully through the unfamiliar territory. She let her miko senses guide her steps, alerting her to any possibly dangerous plant life. Several trees had seemed to lean in towards her to get closer, sending her senses screaming in alarm. She quickly learned to skirt around the strange vegetation, knowing that any one of them would be happy to make a snack of her. After a while however something else pulled at her senses though she knew not what it was. Allowing her instincts to guide her Kagome traveled deeper into the forest, every sense alert for any possible trouble. The sound of a whip slicing through the air met her ears, followed quickly by a hiss of pain as it struck flesh. She stopped hesitantly, unsure if she should go on or turn back before she was spotted. Another cutting sound echoed through the air and she knew that someone was in serious trouble. However she was only one woman with a bow, what possible good could she manage to be? She turned to go back the way she came, but was stopped as a cry of pain echoed through the air before being cut off abruptly.

‘I have to at least see if I can help.’ Kagome crept forward silently just as Inuyasha had taught her while being careful to shield her energy at the same time. She knew the group that she was approaching comprised completely of demons; she couldn’t take the chance of being discovered. Taking a chance she brushed a large leaf out of her way to give a view of the clearing just beyond and what she saw shocked her, rendering her motionless. Bound to a tree was a young demon that looked to be around sixteen or so. He was stripped of all his clothes and blood running down his exposed skin while the whip continued to lash against his bared back. His eyes were clenched tightly against the pain and Kagome's eyes watered in sympathy with each consecutive strike. She couldn’t just leave him there to be tortured. She had no idea what he had done to deserve such treatment, but it didn’t matter. ‘I have to help him!’

She carefully sized up her opponents while wishing that Inuyasha were there to help her. She knew the odds were against her as she looked over the group carefully but she wasn't going to let that stop her from taking a stand. The demon that was doing the beating was extremely tall and his very posture was that of someone who commanded respect and fear. He looked extremely powerful though she could not risk exposure by feeling out his aura. As she continued to stare she realized that his violet eyes held nothing but malice in them even as he regarded his work.


“I grow tired of this routine. Perhaps we should move onto more pleasurable things, what do you say?”

The words reached Kagome easily and her stomach twisted violently when she realized just what the sadistic bastard meant to do to the tied demon.

“Go for it, Ryuji. The Boss said we could punish him however we wish.”


It would seem that his companions were all in agreement about raping the young male, giving him no choice in the matter. There had to be something she could do, but what? Under normal circumstances she couldn't channel her energy into anything other than her arrows and if one of them managed to get within close range she would be defenseless against an attack. Kagome couldn't look away as the one identified as Ryuji smirked and ran his fingers through the blood on the boys back before tasting them.
“Your blood is delicious, little one. I wonder how the rest of you tastes?”

Kagome couldn’t stand it anymore. The one tied up showed no signs of responding to his captor and she was that he was unconscious from the beating and blood loss. She had to do something about this! She readied an arrow and took careful aim, hoping that her aim would remain true. However she did not take into account the sound the bow would make as she drew back to fire her arrow.

Ryuji’s head snapped towards the sound alerting the others to the fact that they were not alone. Quickly he jumped out of the way as an arrow pierced the air where he had been only a second before. He felt the energy that surrounded the arrow and realized that no matter where it would have struck him it would have been a fatal hit. ‘A Miko here? Very interesting, this shall be fun.’ Abandoning his current position Ryuji moved towards where the arrow originated from knowing he would need to be careful with the woman who no doubt had him in her sights. After all, she could easily kill him with the slightest of hits. He noted with satisfaction that Kisho had already worked his way around the girl and would soon be upon her. Another arrow flew through the air piercing one of his companion’s chest, purifying him into oblivion. It was proof of just how lethal their prey was.

Kagome mentally cheered as she watched one of the demons disintegrate, but she knew she wasn’t out of the woods just yet. There were still four others out there and she could only see two of them. She loosed another arrow watching it bury deep into a demon’s side, taking out yet another of her enemies. Ryuji was difficult to keep an eye on however as she tried to pin his movements down. Suddenly her eyes widened with realization. ‘He hasn’t actually attacked me yet!’ She began to spin around when her senses alerted her to the presence of another demon behind her. She never got the chance to react though as pain exploded through her head and darkness claimed her.

Ryuji looked at the unconscious girl on the ground with a malicious smile. She was certainly attractive enough to catch his attention. She seemed to be intelligent as well, but woefully naive. It had been all too easy to distract her which was typical for one not accustomed to the dangers of the Makai. Gently he ran a finger through the blood that was slowly dripping from a cut on her forehead. He brought it to his lips and tasted the power that flowed through it, a contented smile crossing his face. It was invigorating and he longed for another taste, however, Masakazu had first right of refusal over any that were captured. Ryuji knew that he would be pleased with their acquisition and would be more than happy to keep her around for however long she managed to survive. ‘Perhaps he will even be willing to share her with us.’

Hiei bit back a groan as Kisho finished untying his hands, freeing him from the tree. Contrary to what Kagome had believed he had somehow managed to stay conscious through the entire ordeal though it had only left him with questions.

‘Strange, what the hell is a human doing here and why would she attack like that?’ He was confused as to why she attempted to interfere. Was she actually trying to help him? She could have killed him easily if she had wanted to, but hadn’t. If she had been hunting demons he would have been an easy target, unable to defend himself. That in itself made the woman a curiosity that he wanted to learn more about. Unfortunately for the both of them they would have plenty of opportunity for he knew that Masakazu would not let either of them free without a fight. He was dragged none too gently behind the group as they headed back to the lair. ‘Welcome to hell, woman.’

Masakazu stared at the group that was slowly approaching the lair from the tree he was reclining against. It would seem that Ryuji had found a play toy and was bringing her home for his inspection. This change in behavior had him intrigued, usually Ryuji was not one for bringing them back unless they were special because he knew that he would not get first choice over if he could keep them or not. The leader of the group always had the first option and that was one rule he never allowed his followers to break. He stood up slowly once they came close enough that he could begin to make out the girl's features. As expected Ryuji dropped her to the ground rather carelessly so that Masakazu could examine her.

“Delightful, where did you find such a delicious looking girl? And in such revealing clothing no less,” Masakazu inquired as his gaze ran hungrily up her bare legs and to the lacy undergarment that could be seen peeking out from underneath her skirt. Ryuji certainly had fine taste in women, he would give him that.

“The sweet little bitch attacked us while we carrying out your orders, Masakazu. She is a Priestess, but she was easy enough to subdue. I’m guessing she took offense to his punishment,” Ryuji said as he gestured to Hiei who was standing on his own glaring at any who looked his direction. The look could be attributed to the apparition knowing what this likely meant. The fact that his punishment was interrupted only prolonged what he would go through for once this was settled Masakazu was certain to order it finished. This gave him only the slightest reprieve.

Masakazu nodded once, this just kept getting better and better. She was lovely as well as being a Miko. He could smell her purity, the innocence of one yet untouched. His mind thought back to the prophecy. It would seem that the pure heart mentioned had finally arrived and he couldn't be happier, “Bring her inside and show her to her new quarters. You will notify me when she awakes.”

Masakazu disappeared into the cave as Ryuji picked her up again and took her to what would be her home until they grew tired of her. Eagerly the crow walked up to his desk and caressed the leather cover of the book. His mind wandered back many years to the time that he had approached a Seer in search of knowledge and she had directed him in his quest after much… persuasion. She had been the one to help him acquire the book of Prophets.

It was his ultimate desire was to amass great power and become one of the Kings of the Makai. Such a thing would be impossible for one of his current power, however if he could gain the knowledge necessary then he would become unstoppable. All of the Makai would bow down before him and then he could turn his sights on the Ningenkai as well as the Reikai.


The Seer had done well helping him get to this point but had warned him that the future was clouded in obscurity. He had spent the past ten years studying that particular prophecy waiting for this girl to arrive. He had learned much but he wished he had more time to decipher what it had foretold of the future. Well now the time had come and he held her within his grasp. He turned the bracelets over in his hands before setting them on his desk, turning back to the book before him. He opened it one last time hoping to make some sense out of this new development but of course no further information was forthcoming. What was to come to pass would forever change the lives of everyone involved but first he had to break the woman to gain the power that he sought. Soon no one would be able to stand in his way.

Confidently walked over to Hiei who was still bloody from his beating earlier and pushed his pet to his knees, placing a finger under his chin forcing him to meet his gaze, “I must properly thank you, Shadow. If it weren’t for your blatant disregard for my orders we might never have found her. She has you to blame for her current predicament. Perhaps in the future you will remember this and act accordingly, hmm?” Crimson eyes glared hatefully back at him but said nothing.

Hiei detested the man before him but dared not defy him again, not yet anyway. It would take some time to heal, and he needed an advantage over Masakazu. The time would come soon where he would take his revenge on the demon before him. It was just a matter of patience, and that was one thing he had an abundance of.

~In Another Part Of The Lair~

Kagome moaned and rolled onto her side, wishing the pain in her head would disappear. Gingerly she reached up to touch the lump she was certain was there. Dismay filled her as she felt how sticky her hair was and only grew as she pulled bloody fingers back. ‘Just great. Where the hell am I?'

She opened her eyes slowly and took in her surroundings. She was in a windowless room, the only light seeping in from underneath the door. In the corner there were a couple of thin blankets tossed on the floor, looking like they had been used recently as a bed. Next to it was a bucket of water with a small cup next to it. As thirsty as she was Kagome wasn't about to take the chance of drinking it, there was no telling if the water was tainted or not and the last thing she needed was to be drugged.

She got up slowly and tried to ignore the pounding in her head as she made her way to the door. She knew it was likely to be locked but wasn't going to stop her from trying to open it anyway. However as she reached the doorway it opened before she could even touch it, causing her to step back to avoid being hit. ‘This cannot be happening to me!’ Her eyes widened when she saw who it was that was checking in on her.

Ryuji stepped inside the room and quietly regarded the girl standing before him. These first few moments would be telling to him as far as how powerful she was. They knew she could infuse her energy into her arrows but could she purify them with only a touch? He tensed and waited for her to attack, confident that he could move and disable her before she landed a blow. But it never came and after a few moments he smiled maliciously at her. ‘So she is either untrained or not very powerful, interesting.’ Either way it would be no matter, if she had any hidden abilities they would be nullified shortly. “Tell me, girl, why did you attack us?”

Kagome thought about ignoring his question for a moment and then thought better of it when she saw the look on his face. She had already witnessed first hand that he had no problems putting others in pain and she wasn't likely to be an exception.

“You were being cruel. Surely whatever he had done was not worth the beating you were giving him,” she siad. The indignation was plain in her voice, but Kagome didn't even attempt to temper it. She didn't believe it was possible, however, when she said that Ryuji looked even more amused than he had before.


“That was none of your concern. You were foolish to have attacked us and now… Well, let’s just say Masakazu has taken an interest in you,” Ryuji commented offhandedly, shrugging when he watched the girl pale. The girl continued to surprise him to his delight and he wondered just what she would do or say next. A Priestess normally did not involve herself in demon affairs unless it was to destroy them. Then again, it had been a very long time since the two lines had come into contact with each other. Perhaps the bloodline had gone soft with lack of enemy contact throughout the centuries.

Kagome shrunk back away from him, afraid to ask what he meant by that. Instead she asked another question, concern welling through her for a demon she didn’t even know, “What about the one you were whipping? Is he okay?”

Ryuji looked at her oddly, for a Priestess she certainly was not acting like any he had ever heard of. Perhaps the girl was mentally unstable, it wouldn't be the first time he'd heard of that deformity among their kind. Did she not know what they were? She had some use of her powers but she was acting as if Hiei was just another human, one who needed saving. “He will survive, this time anyway.”

Without bothering to explain what was coming Ryuji turned and exited the room leaving her alone once more. He had to inform Masakazu that the girl was now awake.

Kagome watched him go before allowing her head to sink down to her knees. There was no way she could leave, not at this particular moment. Instead she had to content herself with contemplating how she was going to get out of this one.