Hell Knows No Bounds

A.N.: Greetings my friends and congrats to AFF! It lives on!!! Many thanx to the almighty donor who was sooo generous! *wink* You rock dude"¦ Anyway, I'm tryin to keep on the ball with my story so hopefully I can have a good part of it finished before finals week. *winces* It's gonna be a painful one! I despise algebra"¦ By the way, I have a tendency to revise chapters, so going through the chapters once in a while might not hurt. ~_0 Enjoy!!!

Disclaimer: *looks around and points at herself* Oh please"¦.like I could pull that off!

**Last Chapter**

The sky turned to fire as the sunset reached its end, sending shattered stars into night's welcoming embrace. Something new and frightening had charged to life in Sesshomaru's eyes, and something as equally beautiful and terrifying had sparked in eyes of the girl pinned between the tree and him. No one else existed: Inuyasha, Kikyo, or any other being that drew breath. The heartbeat of the very earth seemed to halt as the Demon Lord closed the distance between them. For once Kagome forgot of others and gave in, closing her eyes and leaned into the strong embrace"¦

**On with the story"¦**

Chapter 3
Bittersweet Surrender

Sesshomaru knew what was happening"¦fate had finally smiled on him! He smiled and concealed a surprised look when the "˜human' girl in his arms leaned toward him, one hand on his chest while the one still grasping his hair fell to his armless shoulder. The Inuyoukai's grip on the back of Kagome's head firmed as he pressed her up against the tree behind her and lowered his lips to hers. He stopped but a breath away from the parted, rose petal-pink lips before him. Slowly Sesshomaru brushed his own against hers, testing to see if she would startle and run, knowing of her innocence.

Kagome opened her eyes to stare at the demon"¦no! Man who stood before her. It didn't matter that he was a demon at this point. She's a woman and he's a man and that's all that mattered in Kagome's lust hazed mind. The feel of his lips brushing against her own was doing unbelievable things to her mind and soul. The miko's eyes locked with Sesshomaru's and she felt herself drown in the ocean of gold she found there. Lifting the hand from his chest, she placed it on his face cradling his cheek while stroking his bottom lip with her thumb. The longing look in angel's eyes was too much for her. Swallowing her bashfulness, Kagome lifted herself to firmly press her lips against Sesshomaru's. To her surprise (and delight, but she didn't realize it) he not only received her kiss but returned it with a passion all his own. The hand tangled in her hair began to massage neck and lower to make small circle patterns in the small of her back. Kagome had slipped her own hand around his neck while leaving the other to hold his shoulder for balance.

Sesshomaru nipped at the girl's bottom lip, and upon hearing her gasp he quickly plunged his tongue into her mouth with unbridled need. Tasting everything he could, the Tai Inuyoukai ravaged her mouth as a growl reverberated through his chest and sending chills up Kagome's spine. A small moan erupted from the miko in his arms causing him to press her more firmly against the tree in an effort to get as close as possible to her. Kagome's own tongue met the Demon Lord's with an equal amount of need and lust. The fog of their minds was so thick that neither one noticed the growl that escaped Kagome's throat as Sesshomaru deepened the kiss. Whispered words and groans echoed across the field of the Bone Eater's well. The brightening of the stars and the full moon's sudden appearance cast a silvery glow on the two as summer air began to cool.

"Kagome"¦" Ragged pants dissolved any other words that would form on his lips. The girl released another moan upon hearing her name called. Sesshomaru held on by a thread, drowning in the noises Kagome made. Every so often she would whisper his name.

Despite overwhelming odds, questions began to form in the fogged brain of the miko. "˜What had gotten into them? They had barely spoken beforehand and now they were all over each other as if it were mating season!' Truthfully, however, she no longer cared. As long as Sesshomaru kept holding, touching, and kissing her like this, nothing mattered. His satin lips and velvety skin were a prison to her, yet she never wanted to be released. All that registered in the couple's minds was the knowledge of an amazing heat that had lay claim to their bodies.

The demon was fighting to keep control of the havoc that the girl reined on his body. Her sweet, exotic taste was driving him as mad as her small, silken wandering hands were. The thoughts of what he would employ those hands to do would even make the hentai monk blush. Kagome's hand slipped in its exploration to graze against the stump that was Sesshomaru's arm. Normally this would have caused the Demon Lord to jump back and growl in anger, yet his current distraction kept him occupied. The miko herself never realized where her hand lay.

Kagome threw her head back and gasped as Sesshomaru trailed his lips from her own to her jaw and then her throat, licking and biting all the way. Licking at her pulse on her neck, he swiftly drew his hand up the back of her shirt and caressed skin of her back. He continued to suck and bite at her neck while Kagome moaned and whispered his name, neither one of them noticed the pink glow that came from Sesshomaru's shoulder. A sudden shout from the village brought them back to their senses. A distinct "mutt-face" was growled. "˜Oh no"¦' The miko groaned as an eyebrow twitched. "˜Kouga. Could his timing be any worse?' A loud growl rose from the Inuyoukai's chest as he unknowingly clutched Kagome closer to his steel form. Sesshomaru had obviously noticed to Wolf Prince's approach as well.

Kagome looked down to find her fingers entwined with Sesshomaru's. The newly regenerated arm shifted gracefully underneath the cover of Sesshomaru's outer robe. "˜How did I do that?' Apparently this demon brought out more in her than she was willing to admit. A sudden blush came to her cheeks when she remembered their current position. Trying to disentangle herself, Kagome found that she was now held in place by two arms instead of one. However one still remained under her shirt, rubbing her back in soothing circles. A sly smile lingered on Sesshomaru's lips as he eyed his new arm and the girl he still held.

"This Sesshomaru thanks you for restoring my arm. I will not forget such kindness"¦" Yet before Kagome could try to excuse herself, he spoke once more. "I am curious to learn, however, why you wish to leave so soon. Was our encounter really so bad?" The girl shook her head furiously while blushing a pretty pink.

"It's not that I want to leave; it's just that the others are looking for me." She shivered when a clawed hand removed a stray lock of hair from her eyes. "˜Damn those sexy lips!' Kagome's thoughts were becoming panicked. A sudden crashing noise and a whirling wind ripped her attention from the silk, parted lips inches from her own.

"Kagome! Kagome! I've come for you!" The whirl-wind dissipated, leaving a handsome Wolf Demon in its wake, his cobalt-blue eyes shined in the moon's glow. "Mutt-face left you for the corpse, but do not despair for I am here for you! Now you can become my wo"¦man?" The perfect, pearly smile faded as Kouga glanced at the demon holding Kagome in his arms. The Lord of the Western Lands answered in his own cool gaze, flexing his new arm while wrapping the other around Kagome's waist. Kagome jumped as Sesshomaru's low, dangerous chuckle reached her. A smirk had spread across his face and he raised his new arm and rolled the shoulder, clutching and unclenching his hand and flexing the claws. Kouga bared his teeth and growled at the Inuyoukai's arrogance.

"Kouga! It's so nice to see you! How is AYAME doing?!" Kagome chuckled nervously after putting stress into the name of Kouga's more determined admirer. "Shouldn't you be with her right now? I'm sure she's missing"¦" The Demon Lord at her side cut her off from continuing.

"So she is yours, is she?" The dangerous laughter returned as Sesshomaru watched the Wolf Prince stiffen and smile. "You are nothing but a foolish wolf cub." Sesshomaru turned to stare at the miko in his arms as he continued to speak. "You are not worthy of Kagome, but if you wish to take her you must announce your interest and compete with other suitors first. Have you forgotten such technicalities?" Turning to Kagome fully, Sesshomaru took both of her hands in his.

Kagome was beet red by this point and could only stare in confusion as his once passion-filled eyes hardened with utter seriousness. Sesshomaru's next words left Kouga swearing in three other youkai languages, and Kagome a startling reddish-purple color.

"I, Sesshomaru "“ Lord of the Western Lands, and Prince of the Inuyoukai, announce my intentions for the hand of the Lady Kagome; miko and Guardian of the Shikon no Tama." Sesshomaru turned to face the fuming Kouga. "I await your challenge, Kouga "“ Prince of the Wolf Demon tribe." His face was a cold mask once again as Kouga approached Kagome, dropping her hands to give her room. With a warning growl from Sesshomaru, Kouga simply dropped to one knee and lifted his eyes to Kagome's, finally noticing her change in appearance and scent. Shaking the questions from his mind, he focused on his words.

"I, Kouga "“ Prince of the Wolf Demon tribe, announce my intentions for the hand of the Lady Kagome; miko and Guardian of the Shikon no Tama. I will win you, Kagome!" That proud smirk had found Kouga's lips once more. Kagome had heard enough and suddenly rediscovered her ability to speak.

"Don't I get a say in this?!" She shot Sesshomaru a pleading glance, mentally begging him to not take this any further. It was pointless"¦neither one of the demons was willing to break their gaze on each other to meet hers. The air was charged with their hostility and Kagome's flaring anger at their ignorance of her opinion. Footsteps came from behind her, Kagome turned to see Inuyasha, Kikyo, Sango, Miroku, and Shippo had joined them. Apparently she had been too engrossed in keeping the two demon princes off of each other to notice anyone else had arrived. She turned her attention back to the two "˜men' in front of her and had the mind to continue trying to talk some sense into them. A hand on her shoulder stopped her dead in her tracks. Inuyasha removed his hand and met her steady gaze. His boyish face held a look of guilt and sympathy. Kagome could have sworn she saw jealousy when his eyes fell on his older half-brother seconds before.

"Don't interfere." His gold orbs seemed to beseech her to listen. "It's a matter of Youkai law and tradition. Not to mention pride"¦" He offered a smile at the last comment. "I just don't understand how my bastard half-brother got involved in all this. I just came to intercept Wolf-breath there, but he took off in his whirl-wind. Fucking coward"¦" The last part came out in a low growl, Inuyasha's eyes traveled to the wolf demon.

This situation was way too strange in his eyes. Of all people, Sesshomaru was the one to start the battle for Kagome's affection. And her new features had not escaped his attention. Kagome seemed to have a completely different aura from what he had grow to know. Something in her had changed. Inuyasha felt as if this were the first time he was actually seeing her. This didn't change how he felt though. She was like a sister to him and he would always protect her. The only way to describe the feelings he had beforehand was through what humans called (to his distaste) "puppy love". At one point he imagined it would have been him going against the wolf, but deep down he knew that he would always see Kikyo in Kagome. Guilt washed through him again. He knew Kagome loved him, and it hurt that he couldn't fully return that love. Sure, he felt love for her but it would never be enough. He saw Kagome's eyes drop to peer behind his shoulder and he felt a hand fall to grasp his arm. Inuyasha turned and smiled at Kikyo as she came to stand at his side, her eyes on Kagome.

"I am sorry for all the pain I have caused you and your friends, Kagome. I know I did wrong and I do not deserve your forgiveness, but do not despair." Kagome's eyes were brimming with tears from seeing Inuyasha, but now they began to slowly roll down her flushed cheeks. Kikyo closed the distance between them and looked pointedly at the Inuyoukai that held an intense gaze on Kagome, smelling her tears and unsure of what action to take. Kouga had also stared on when the rest of the group appeared. "I began to see a change in him after he revived the little girl. But the most profound change came when the final battle came upon us. Your unwavering bravery and loyalty is something of a wonder." Kagome let her eyes drop from the dead miko's. The pain in Kikyo's eyes had mirrored her own, and her words left her shaking. Kagome felt fresh tears as she realized that she could never hate her. Raising her hand to her chest, she wrapped her fingers around the glowing jewel. A quick tug and the chain broke free, leaving the completed Shikon no Tama in the palm of her pale hand. Raising her eyes to Kikyo once more, she gently grabbed the dead woman's hand and placed it onto her palm before closing Kikyo's fingers over it with her own. The surprised and slightly frightened look on the dead priestess's face quickly began to change into an expression of gratitude and even hope. Inuyasha's seemed to have trouble forming words, so Kikyo spoke for the both of them.

"Why? Why give me this after all I have done?" Kikyo's words cracked with tears. Inuyasha placed his hands on her shoulders as his eyes scanned kagome's features. Kagome flashed a fatigued smile and wiped her tear-stained face.

"I am doing as I promised. Inuyasha can use the jewel to bring you to life and the jewel will be destroyed." Kagome stepped back, a strange haze was beginning to cloud her senses, the heat was returning. A thin layer of sweat had already begun to glaze her forehead and chest. "˜Not now"¦please.' Forcing another smile, Kagome wandered to Sango and embraced her "sister". "It's good to see you two so happy! I can't wait for the ceremony in two days!" Sango noticed Kagome's strange behavior but knew that the young woman would explain later. A low growl interrupted the group. Kouga had given up on waiting and took a step toward Kagome. Sesshomaru was in front of her in a flash of silver; a scowl etched into his fair face.

"You are not the cleverest of the wolves are you?" Sesshomaru smirked and flexed his claws as poison began to drip from them, turning the grass to ash. "Are you ready to face me, cub?" Kouga growled loudly and braced himself.

"Alright then, Lord Fluffy! I challenge you to the hand of the Lady Kagome!" Kouga smirked at the hardening of Sesshomaru's eyes. "˜Hit a nerve? Maybe"¦' He was so pleased with landing the infamous nickname that he almost missed Sesshomaru's response.

"Very well. I see I will have to disgrace you in order for you to finally learn your place. But I wonder"¦" A coldness that could have frozen the seven rings of Hell had edged the words he spoke. "How do you expect to defeat me when you could not even save your tribe from the witch, Kagura?" He smirked at the pale, furious expression that painted Kouga's face. The group watching had gasped at the cold words, knowing that Sesshomaru had hit a new level of torment. Kagome felt pity for the pained expression that Kouga wore. The string that had held the confrontation a bay finally snapped as Kouga sped towards the Inuyoukai.

Winds sped across the field and the two demons disappeared in a flash of silver and brown. Kagome ran closer into the field to see what was happening. Kouga dropped to the ground, pivoted, and set a roundhouse kick towards Sesshomaru. The kick propelled a strong wind towards the demon, leveling several trees in the process. A crack of Sesshomaru's poison whip sent the wall of air in retreat. A small explosion sent poison winds scattering across the small meadow. Kagome covered her eyes against the assault heading her way. Seconds passed and no wind came. Darkness surrounded her, only silence answered her calls. Kagome gasped at the renewed heat that spread through out her body. The pain seamed to turn her nerve-endings to ash. Her lungs felt like they were going to burst and a strange pressure began to build in her chest. Kagome threw her head back in a wordless scream at the new sensations; a voice called to her.

"Release me"¦release yourself"¦the fires call. The fire in your soul must answer."

Who was it calling her? The voice sounded so familiar. Kagome's eyes became wide as she recognized it. The pleading voice was her own"¦


TBC

You like??? I sure as hell hope so!! It's only 3 in the morning!!! *sheepish grin* So I'm a night"¦err"¦night / early morning type of person. Can't help it! I'll probably post this and start working on the next chapter"¦maybe. REVIEWS ARE GOOD!!!! Throw me a bone here, people! *puppy eyes* Please?! *shrug* I tried. Cheers! - G.S.