Hi guys! It's been awhile! I don't want to leave this story unfinished so here I am. I had to refresh my head with where I was going with this story. I apologize in advance if some things don't make sense or if I changed some things. Anyway, I hope you will continue to support my journey in finishing this story! Thank you for all the reviews, follows and favorites! 3

Also, I just wanted to make a short summary of what has been happening so thus far in the story.

Naraku has returned after being gone for some time, getting stronger in order to protect Kagome and be able to extract the jewel from her body without harming her. They also went dress shopping for the upcoming school dance. Oh la la! Kekekee. Tsubaki is manipulating Kikyo and causing her to resent her cousin even more, Inuyasha is trying to get on Kagome's good side and make things up for all the horrible things he's done to her. I believe that about covers everything.

Chapter 15: Homecoming Part I

*Naraku's Castle*

Time 7:30pm

Kagome was not amused. Letting out a sigh, she grabbed the door handle and pushed open the heavy door. She entered the big entryway with double stairs leading up many confusing hallways and many doors, "hello?" Her voice echoed, Goshinki approached her and snorted. She turned around to face him as he hovered over her, "Master is in the demon chamber." He informed her, raising his enormous arm he pointed to the double doors between the double stairs. "Do you remember, miko?" The purple demon asked as he lowered his arm, Kagome looked at the doors and nodded. "I do. Thank you, Goshinki. I can find my way." The demon said nothing and simply shut the door behind him as he went back to guarding the castle.

The sound of her footsteps echoed as she went through the doors and descended the spiral of stairs. Dimly light torches on the wall lit the way until she finally reached the last step.

"AAAARGH!"

*BANG*

The sound of someone banging on metal echoed repeatedly down the dark hallway, Kagome let out a deep sigh and clenched her fists as she continued down the hallway the banging and screaming got louder.

*BANG*

She could hear the swarm of demons screeching and Naraku's voice… the sound of him being in pain troubled her, but in mere seconds it became silent. One last deep breath, Kagome grabbed the handle and pulled the large metal doors open. The smell of decaying flesh engulfed her senses causing her to cover her face, but amid the flesh, there he stood, Naraku was standing with his head down and hair disheveled. His wounds were already healing and all that remained was blood, not his own, but the demons that dried to devour him.

He did not seem to notice her standing at the doorway, Kagome looked around and found a ragged blanket on the ground with minimal demon flesh on it. She slowly picked it off the floor and began her approach, he was panting quite heavily. The last time she witnessed this, she could not recall it being this bad. Naraku went still, his face hardening and his crimson eyes going flat and opaque. "You…" he breathed before taking a step forward only to buckle, Kagome's eyes widened, "N-Naraku!" She ran towards him wrapping the blanket around his half-naked body, he was quite heavy and they both ended up falling to the cold ground.

Kagome stared, mesmerized. He passed out from exhaustion, consuming all those demons. Examining his face, a lot closer, ignoring the blood and dirt on his face she brushed his hair away from his face and continued her gaze to the rest of his flesh. Although his fresh wounds healed, she could still feel the burned scar tissue on his back, the one scar that would never heal. "How much of this must you endure?" She whispered softly, "will the jewel help you? Will you have a heart again…?" The most powerful demon lay in her arms, vulnerable. Like anything forbidden, she hesitated before carefully touching his forehead. His brow furrowed at her touch as her hand began to glow the tint of pink, she could feel his breathing relax after a few moments before finally removing her hand.

He opened his eyes slightly, still exhausted. "I should have known."

"That I'd come down here?" She asked with a short laugh. Naraku smirked, "no… that you wouldn't be able to resist putting your filthy hands on me." Kagome couldn't help but smile, what's come over him? His face… isn't so cold tonight.

Naraku grimaced at reading her mind and tried his best to sit up, but she held him down. Baffled, he stared at her, is he so weak that a mere human miko can keep him still? As if she could in turn, read his mind, Kagome smiled once more. She closed the distance between their faces, "I'm not letting you out of my sight. Sleep." Her soft voice seemed to relax him as his exhaustion finally took over and he shut his eyes. Without looking away Kagome called for Goshinki, red eyes appeared among the darkness as the purple giant stepped forward. The loyal servant carefully took his master into his arms, Kagome watched as he headed towards the door only to take one last look around her, so many corpses. Shutting her eyes she began to follow the demon.

*Naraku's Chamber*

After laying his master down, Kagome placed her hand on Goshinki's large hand—assuring him she would take care of his master. He nodded and left the two alone. Shutting the door behind the large beast she let out a deep sigh and turned around with her back against the door. Clenching her hand on her chest she could feel the Shikon no Tama pulsating within her, at this rate… will he even be able to extract this without taking my life? Maybe there is no other way.

"You underestimate me." He interrupted.

Kagome raised her head and found the Devil Prince sitting upright in his bed with his ever so confident smirk. Slowly walking to the foot of his bed, Kagome crossed her arms "I knew you wouldn't be sleeping for long." Lifting his chin defiantly he chuckled, "you were early." He said, Kagome simply dismissed his comment with a shake of her head. "Better early than late, right?" She replied with a wink, Naraku simply stared at her before averting his eyes to his large window. "It's late. I'll have Juro—" He paused recalling the witch having killed one of his loyal servants, his eyes turned cold. After a minute he regains his composure, "I'll have Byakuya escort you back home."

Byakuya?

Before she could ask who he was a boy looking about the same age as herself appeared from the shadows holding a small origami crane between his two fingers. "Master," he bowed respectfully before walking towards Kagome, "come." He ushered. "W-Wait a minute. Didn't you tell me to come over for something?" She asked looking back at him, Naraku stared back at her before looking away "I'm not in the mood." Raising her brow, she stopped walking and quickly went to his side, and threw her arms around him.

"Come on. You don't have to push me away. I-I know, I know there's no other way." She whispered into his ear. Naraku's eyes slightly widened but said nothing, just letting her embrace him. Releasing him from her grasp she smiled, "I've decided to accept it. I've lived a healthy 18 years of my life, I think." Naraku stared at her as he saw a tear fall down her face, he tightened his lips. Moving strands of her hair behind her ear she smiles once more, "I'll still keep my promise. I'll give you the Shikon no Tama." Naraku did not smile. "Are you saying that you'd sacrifice your own life to give me the Shikon no Tama?" Kagome nodded, "I am."

He grinded his teeth. This again.

Why didn't you take it then? From what you said, I would have died but to you, I am nothing but a vessel carrying your precious jewel. So why?!

Nothing in this world can bring me unhappiness if I'm with the person I love. I will gladly welcome, misery.

(Refer to Chapter 12)

Naraku waved his hand in the air signaling his servant to leave, Byakuya bowed once more before disappearing. Kagome looked in confusion before looking back at him, he had a more serious expression on his face. "How dare you doubt me. I'm a man of my word, I will take what's mine without taking your life." They both sat frozen a moment, as if she couldn't believe what he had just said. Then her face flushed with warmth and a smile appeared across her face, "okay." Keeping his straight face, he glanced outside his window again before looking back at her. It was silent again and very, very awkward. He stared at her and with a swift movement of his hand, pulled the covers to the side exposing a very empty bedside.

Kagome froze, her face going pale. "Y-You want me t-to…" she began to stutter, her face turning beat red. "Just lay down, ningen. It's late. I won't do anything to you." He reassured her, not breaking eye contact. She gulped before obliging and crawling to the other side of his king size bed. Once she laid down, he placed the covers back and laid down as well, their backs facing each other. Kagome glanced at his back only to see his large scar, biting her bottom lip and quickly turned her gaze elsewhere. Naraku simply shut his eyes. "Thank you, Naraku." She whispered, his eyes fluttered open as he felt her warm hand touch his scar, only for a moment.

Don't thank me yet. He thought, his eyes appearing more determined than before.

*Next Day*

Kagome opened her eyes slowly, sun rays beaming through the window she stretched her arms only to recall what happened last night. She sat upright immediately and looked around only to find that she had woken up in her own bed, her own room. How did I end up back home? Hearing the sound of her phone ding she picked up the black phone and she had an unread message from 2am.

Didn't your brother teach you to never sleep with a demon?

Letting out a heartfelt laugh she replied.

It's just you, so I'm sure he wouldn't be too upset.

Her face turned red as she slammed her face in her pillow, I can't believe I sent that! I mean, it's not like he doesn't know how I feel about him. I practically confessed! UGH! You're such an idiot, Kagome! IDIOT IDIOT IDIOT!

*ding*

Quickly grabbing the phone, she read the message and sighed.

Stupid human. Don't forget to save my seat in class or else…

"Of course," Dropping her phone on the bed, Kagome finally got up and got ready for school. Walking down the stairs, Sota was already in the kitchen making breakfast. "Whoa doth my eyes deceive me? Is my sister up an hour early?!" He joked placing his hand on her forehead and the other on his own, Kagome laughed and pushed his hand away. After a quick breakfast, Kagome began to head for the door. "Oh uh, Kagome?" Her brother called, she stopped at the doorway and faced him, "what's up?" She asked tilting her head to the side. Sota looked as if he was having a difficult time, "are you okay?" Taking a step toward him she had a worried expression on her face, Sota chuckled. Here you are, worried about me… when you should be worried about yourself.

*Earlier: 1am*

*ding dong*

Wiping his tired eyes, Sota opened the door only to find Naraku holding his little sister in his arms. Naraku stared at him, "don't worry. She's just sleeping." Letting himself in, Naraku placed Kagome in her bed, tucking her in. "We need to talk." He muttered, knowing very well her brother was watching at her door, "downstairs." He said, not wanting to risk waking his sister up. Following the human downstairs, they sat across each other in silence for a few minutes, "this is about the jewel, isn't it?" Sota figured resting his arm on his knees as he clasped his hands together.

"There is no way of removing the jewel without taking her life." Naraku said.

Sota shut his eyes, fighting back tears. "What happens if we just leave the jewel inside her?"

Shaking his head, "she will always be sought after by other demons. It will never stop." Sota stood up in defiance, "we can't just let her die. I won't allow it! I'll figure out a way, I swear it!" He vowed sitting back down, "don't be a fool." Naraku growled, "you can't protect her." He proclaimed, Sota glared at the demon sitting before him "oh but you can? Don't make me laugh! You're just like all the other demons, you just want the jewel for your own gain!" Full of anger and sadness, Sota wiped his tears and glared at the demon once more, "get out."

Naraku stood up only to tower over the human, "you're right. That jewel belongs to me. I could have taken it for myself, but I made a pact with that stupid human." Glancing up at the stairs where he had just come from, he looked back at a stunned Sota. "I've overstayed my welcome." He snarled before heading out the door.

*Present*

"Helloooo, Sota? Are you alright?" Waving her hand in front of his face, Sota swats her hand away and smiles "I'm fine. Just a little tired. Get out of here already or else you'll be late for school!" He scolded while messing up her hair, Kagome scoffed, "you're the one who stopped me." After putting her shoes on she waved and headed out the door. He'll find a way. For a powerful demon he sure is dense about his own feelings, he thought with a small chuckle before cleaning up the kitchen.

*St. Yuuki Academy*

"Why can't she just transfer to a different school?"

"Can you believe she's friends with that Devil."

"How can anyone befriend someone like him? He's a monster."

"He's only after that jewel. I heard she would lose her life if it was taken."

Shaking her head, Kagome paid no mind to the gossip. They know nothing. They don't know him.

Finally reaching her first period, the seat beside her was already vacant. It appeared everyone already knew who it belongs too, as she sat there waiting for her classroom to fill with students her mind goes back to last night.

Y-You want me to…

Just lay down, ningen. I'm not going to do anything to you.

"Kyaaaa!" Kagome shook her head out of embarrassment not caring that her classmates were staring at her, "I can't believe I slept with him!" She shouted, only to freeze and find every single person staring at her even more intensely. Oh no. Almost instantly everyone began whispering and pulling out their phones, "did you hear her just now? She must be talking about the devil, they slept together! I bet his true form is disgusting!" Kagome stood up immediately, "do you think she heard us?" A couple girls whispered slowly retreating to the back of the room.

"Heard what, exactly?" Inuyasha asked peering through the classroom door, the girls shrieked and quickly left the room. "What's their problem?" He muttered scratching his ear, he looked back into the room and found Kagome just standing at her desk. He could feel the vibe in the classroom as everyone distanced themselves from her. "Oi, Kagome!" He hollered waving his arm in the air to get her attention, but she ignored him. "Keh, now what's her problem?" He wondered out loud, a nervous water demon spoke up "apparently she slept with N-Naraku." Inuyahsha was unable to fathom what he had just heard, "come again?" His ears twitching.

"It's not true!" Kagome shouted, "n-nothing happened." She breathed.

Before Inuyasha could intervene and console her someone had pushed him aside, "hey!" He growled only to find Naraku already approaching her. "The Devil's here!" The students yelled clinging onto their belongings as they watched, he paused beside the shaking girl. "Are you that concerned with your reputation?" He spoke softly, Kagome looked up at him with tears at the corner of her blue eyes. "No." She proclaimed confidently. I bet his true form is disgusting. Naraku narrowed his eyes at her as he read her thoughts, it wasn't about her, it was about him. She was worried about him. He looked back at his classmates who stiffened even more, "even I have standards." He muttered before sitting down in his seat and placing a schoolbook over his face to rest his eyes. She looked down at him with soft eyes and smiled. Thank you. He simply moved the notebook ever so slightly to peek at her before covering his eyes once more.

"I guess she didn't sleep with him."

"Still, she's friends with someone like him."

*ding ding ding*

The sound of first period starting. Every student ran to their seats, and Kagome sat down. Inuyasha watched from outside the door as his fists began to shake, the look he saw on her face… He knew without her having to say anything for he remembered a time when she use to look at him like that.

Did you see? Did you see your lovers face? He never loved you.

"Y-You're wrong!"

The mirror does not lie.

Kikyo fought back her tears as she watched from her bedroom through a magic mirror created by Tsubaki, the look on Inuyasha's face. Why?! You said, it's always been me! Yet, why do you have that look on your face, Inuyasha! Throwing her hand in the air she made the mirror disappear, "I've seen enough." She whispered. Tsubaki appeared standing before the heartbroken girl with a grin on her face, "that's it. Use this feeling to fuel your power." She encouraged. As tears continued to stream down her face, Kikyo began to recall all the memories of her cousin. All the times she's been praised for anything while she was left to train more because she wasn't good enough.

*2 years ago*

"Kikyo! I want to introduce you to my boyfriend, Inuyasha!" Kagome smiled happily.

No…

"H-Hey Kikyo, I didn't know you guys are cousins. Small world." Inuyasha smiled nervously, Kagome looked between the two, "you guys know each other?" She asked, curious. Inuyasha quickly waved his arms in the air "we've known each other since Kindergarten, but we lost touch some time ago. Good to see you, Kikyo." Kagome clapped her hands together, "wow! Well now you guys can reconnect, isn't that great?" Her cousin asked while looking at her.

I've always liked him. We… lost touch because of all my miko training that I had to make up for, shortly after that meeting my family moved here. It would have taken a day to visit. But, as always she got what she wanted, every time.

"Kikyo, hello?" Waving her hand in front of her cousins face, "oh u-uh y-yeah. We could totally catch up."

*Present Day*

Tsubaki's grin widened as Kikyo's whole body began to glow pink, however it gradually faded and a new color glowed; black. "That's it." She whispered with a menacing tone, "take your revenge on the people who have hurt you." She whispered in her ear.

"Yes."

*St. Yuuki Academy*

*Lunch*

Miroku was staring at Kagome intently, "what?" She asked shoving his face away. "There's rumors going around that you know… slept with… you know…" Kagome sighed while playing with her lunch, "it's not true, Miroku." He raised his brow, "but…" Her face began to turn red, "I knew it!" He laughed triumphantly only to get knocked down by Sango. "Stop pestering her, sweetie." Miroku let out a chuckle, "I just slept over, that's it. Nothing happened." The two looked at each other, "did you want something to happen, Kagome?" Sango asked concerned, the miko shook her head. "N-No. I mean… he knows how I feel about him, but he will never reciprocate the same way. He's made it clear." Her friends sighed and kept quiet as she continued.

"But, I'd still like to stay by his side. Whether he's able to get this damn jewel out of me or not."

Sango reached for her friends' hand, "Kagome. That's very nice to hear, but he's a demon. One of the most feared demons in history. You've heard of his past life. He's dangerous." Miroku nodded in agreement, Kagome smiled at her friends "I appreciate you guys looking out for me, but you just don't know him like I do. No one does, nor has anyone tried. He's not the demon he once was, he's different." Sango smiled at her friend, "okay. We believe you."

"We do?" Miroku questioned, Sango kicked his leg.

"Ow-Oh! Yes, we do!" He stammered with a nervous laugh. Kagome thanked her friends before leaving the table, "I'll see you guys tomorrow night." She smiled, "what's tomorrow night?" Miroku asked confused, Sango let out a frustrated sigh, "it's the Homecoming Dance!" She shouted knocking his head with her weapon, "I'll pick you up at 8pm, dear." He muttered as he laid his head on the cafeteria table, recovering from the blow.

*Rooftop*

"I thought I'd find you here."

Naraku was laying on the ground, he opened his eyes and found the miko looking down at him with a smile. He shut his eyes again and she simply laid down next to him, their heads beside each other. It was quiet for a good 5 minutes, "what happened to Juromaru?" She asked as she looked up at the sky, Naraku opened his eyes "you're a smart human, what do you think happened to him?" He questioned in return with a slightly cold tone. "I'm sorry." She whispered softly, "I don't need your pity, ningen. He was a servant, nothing more." He muttered harshly. Still, I'm sorry.

He sat up and looked down at her, "you're quite bothersome."

Kagome laughed, "so you've told me more than a couple times." As if reaching for the clouds, Kagome let out a sigh "tomorrow's the dance, did you forget?" She asked as she lowered her arm back down, Naraku smirked "humans are so predictable, simple. These pointless parties." Kagome sat up and glared at him, "excuse you! I'll have you know; I've been looking forward to this dance." Naraku leaned in, "is that so?" He questioned mere inch from her face, Kagome froze as they locked eyes. What felt like forever, the distance began to close.

*lub-dub, lub-dub, LUB-DUB*

Naraku quickly pulled away as his chest began to burn, Kagome stared at him confused.

*LUB-DUB*

He grasped his empty chest and growled. "Are you alright?" She asked reaching for his shoulder, but he grabbed her wrist, "what do you think you're doing, wench?" He asked full of anger, "I don't need your healing." He scoffed as he stood up.

*LUB-DUB*

His knees buckled from the pulsating pain as she fell onto his knees, "curse this weak body." He breathed still clenching onto his chest. Kagome ignored his insults and quickly moved to his side, he glanced at her with burning eyes and just like that, he engulfed himself in miasma and disappeared before her.

*Naraku's Castle*

He reappeared in his large entryway, coughing in excoriating pain. Kanna appeared seconds after he arrived, "your body is getting weaker, My Lord. Consuming demons will not be able to sustain that body." Naraku growled, "I know!" He yelled slamming his fist on the ground causing the whole castle to shake. "You need the jewel, I'm afraid your body will deteriorate in a weeks' time, Master." Naraku looked at the white-haired girl and stood up, the pain had finally stopped. "Byakuya," the demon appeared beside the little girl "what have you gathered from the wtich?"

The boy bowed, "she has completely consumed the other miko with hatred, she has been tainted with dark magic. I presume they will take action tomorrow night." Naraku smirked, "So be it." His two servants bowed.

*Saturday*

Opening her closet, Kagome found the dress that Naraku had purchased for her. Running her hand over the fabric she still couldn't believe how much this dress had cost, and he bought it just for her. Calm down, Kagome. It's just a dress, it means nothing. Thinking back to yesterday to the moment their lips almost touched, but he backed away from her so abruptly. Also, what was that all about? It's like he turned back into the Naraku I met in the beginning… Shaking her head she walked into her bathroom and began to get ready for the dance.

*Knock knock*

"You're dressed, right?" Her brother asked walking into her room with his eyes closed, Kagome laughed, "yes. I haven't changed yet. Just doing my hair. What's up, Sota?" She asked walking out of her bathroom. Sota shrugged, "I just wanted to tell you… Have fun tonight. I have to meet with Sesshomaru tonight, so I won't be home." Kagome smiled, "thanks." Sota shifted impatiently and gave his sister a beaming smile, "okay. Well I better get going. I'll see you later tonight. Don't do anything I wouldn't do, got it?" He teased raising a brow. Rolling her eyes, she pushed him out, "I won't. I promise! I'll be fine." She pinky swore before shutting the door. Sota smirked and looked back at her door once more before heading out of the door. Be safe tonight, little sister.

*2 hours later*

"Done!"

*ping*

Grabbing her black phone, she flipped it open.

Your chariot awaits, milady.

Letting out a childish laugh she went to her window and drew the curtain away, just enough to spot a limo outside. Alright, Kagome. Keep calm. Don't get worked up.

Running down the stairs she grabs her black strapped heels, taking about a minute to get them on she grabs her doorknob and takes one last deep breath before opening. The limo driver opens the passenger door and just as she expected, he was exquisite and quite dashing she might add. The tuxedo suited him perfectly, it was your typical black and white, sharp-looking and well-fitted with his sleek, shiny combed back hair. A perfect match for his mysterious yet cold suave mannerism. Shutting the door behind her, she began to descend the steps. She could feel herself trembling out of nervousness and grabbed her arm as to calm her nerves, but it was no use. As she continued down the steps, the red-eyed demon finally raised his head and his eyes widened ever so slightly as not to give away his surprise.

As if everything slowed down, he dare not look away.

The dress was beautifully form-fitted, strapless with a gold belt around her tiny waist. It accentuated her features as she took each step revealing her slender leg as the slit stopped nearly at the top of her thigh. His eyes traveled back up to her delicate face, although she had minimal make-up on, her large ocean eyes were lined in black, and her lips were glossed. She finally reached the bottom of the steps and was a mere foot away from him, "how do I look?" She asked giving him a little twirl. Naraku cleared his throat and brought a small plastic container from behind his back, Kagome averted her eyes to what he was holding, a single red rose corsage.

She looked back up at him a bit stunned, "you got me a corsage?" Naraku smirked and easily removed the flower out of the container and grabbed her wrist. Her face flushed as he gently slipped the corsage around her wrist, "shall we?" He ushered moving aside to let her in the limo, Kagome nodded with a smile and stepped into the limo with Naraku following her. The silence didn't last long, as Naraku finally spoke, he needn't look at her though. "The dress looks decent on you." He nodded solemnly. Kagome didn't notice the slight blush come across his face, she placed her delicate hands back on her lap and smiled, knowing very well he was trying to give her a compliment. "Thank you, you don't look so bad yourself."

The demon cocked a brow as his flushed face faded and he was able to look back at her, "what's the matter? Don't know how to take a compliment?" She teased.

"A compliment from you? What an insult." He stated immediately.

"Now you're just mean on purpose." She snapped back with a pout.

He smirked smugly as the rest of the ride they sat in silence, content with each other's company.

*Meanwhile*

Kikyo stared at herself in the mirror next to Tsubaki. Wearing the white dress she stole form her cousin, Tsubaki placed her claws on the dark miko's shoulders and smiled. "Tonight, you will finally get the revenger you've been yearning for, for so long." Her voice whispered, Kikyo nodded with vengeance in her eyes. The witch spun her around quickly, grabbing her chin she chuckled "your hanyou will be here shortly. Don't try to kill him yet, we need him."

*ding dong*

Both their heads snapped in the direction of the front door, "lover boy is here. Do enjoy your time at the dance, miko. It's going to be a long night." Kikyo watched as she swaggered away and disappeared, shutting her eyes for a few seconds she headed down to greet her boyfriend. Opening the door rather quickly, Inuyasha turned around to look at her and smiled so tenderly she almost believed he actually cared for her. "You look stunning, Kikyo." He said happily. She smiled and against her better judgement her cheeks flushed with excitement, "thank you, Inuyasha. You look quite handsome as well." All the while fixing his tie, "are you ready to have some fun?" He asked offering his arm, "most definitely." She gushed taking his arm without hesitation.

*St. Yuuki Academy*

The limo slowed down as the line of cars began to form, Kagome peered outside the window. "I wonder what the ballroom looks like!" She pondered out loud, Naraku remained silent as he looked outside his window although Kagome did not notice, his reflection was quite serious.

She hasn't arrived yet.

They finally reached the entrance, their driver opened the door and Naraku was the first to step out, he adjusted his tux before extending his hand down, slipping her delicate fingers into his, he gently helped her out. Surrounding students gasped at the sight of them, "they actually came to the dance together!" Some students quickly made their way into the school, not wanting to stick around. "Everyone is staring at us." She whispered covering her mouth with her free hand, Naraku chuckled "let them." Taken back by his answer she simply nodded, and they began their walk all the while hearing just about all the horrible things anyone could possibly say about them, him.

Upon entering the ballroom, Kagome gasped with excitement. Letting go of his arm she took a few steps away from him to admire everything.

(I had a link of the ballroom, but I will just let you guys use your imagination!)

Some students were already dancing, while others were chatting with friends and enjoying the food set on the outskirts of the dance floor. Kagome turned around and grabbed Naraku's hand, surprising him a bit as she led the way. They reached the top of the stairs and the room became deathly quiet, "it's the Devil." A few students muttered aloud, "just the sight of him makes me want to leave the dance already. Total buzzkill." Some agreed, Kagome was about ready to yell at them when Naraku squeezed her wrist. She looked at him defiantly, but he simply shook his head at her, "look at them. How could they show their faces here?" A cat demon questioned harshly.

"You don't need to waste your time on vermin like them." He bellowed coldly.

The cat demon gulped and scurried away, disappearing in the crowd. While everyone else continued to whisper amongst themselves.

Principal Miyoga appeared on stage getting the everyone's attention this time, "alright everyone. This is supposed to be a fun night, no? Enjoy the food, the music and have fun!" He encouraged, the students began to agree and soon, they started to enjoy themselves. Forgetting about the devil, temporarily. Thankful for the Principal's announcement Kagome relaxed and Naraku released her from his grasp, "Kagome!" Her friend shouted from the entrance, "Sango!" She smiled embracing her friend with Miroku trailing behind her with a fresh handprint on his cheek. "Oh Miroku, already?" Kagome mumbled pointing at his red cheek, he laughed while Sango crossed her arms.

Sango quickly grabbed her friends' arm and whispered in her ear, "he doesn't look half bad in a tux." Eyeing the lone wolf standing a few feet away, watching them carefully. "Sango, he can hear you." Her eyes widened as she looks back at the demon and he was looking quite smug making her blush, "Miroku, I'm thirsty!" She shouted and began to drag him away. Kagome waved as the couple disappeared in the crowd, feeling his presence Kagome simply looked to her right to find the demon standing behind her. "I think my friends are coming around, don't you think?" She asked with a grin. Naraku just stared at her, not amused.

"No." He answered before handing her a drink.

Kagome obliged and took a sip of her fruit punch, "do you think that Tsubaki woman will be here tonight?" Raising his brow, he looked at her, "perhaps." He said sternly.

"What are you going to do when you see my cousin?" Her tone sounding quite sad.

"That all depends…" He whispered as he took another sip of his drink.

"On what?"
"If she tries to kill you."

*cough cough*

Looking out of the corner of his eyes, he observed her reaction.

*lub-dub*

His empty chest began to pulsate, but it was tolerable. He handed her a handkerchief; she took it without hesitation and began patting her lips. "S-Sorry, I got lip gloss all over it." Naraku was about to say something only to pause and redirect his attention to the top of the stairs, he let out a low growl. Enough for Kagome to hear, following his gaze she found herself locking eyes with her cousin. Kikyo was already staring at her, Inuyasha was talking to one of his classmates when he felt Kikyo's hand tighten around his, he looked at his girlfriend's face as her brows furrowed.

"What's the matter?" He asked, leaning into her a bit. "Nothing," she answered turning her eyes onto him "let's go say hi to our friends." She gestured with a smile, Inuyasha nodded and began descending the steps when a familiar scent wrapped around his keen nose. He looked over his left shoulder and found Kagome staring at them with weary eyes and next to her, stood none other than Naraku who was too, staring at them. He watched as the devil whispered into her ear, Kagome nodded and began to walk away. Naraku leered at them before following after the miko, "Inuyasha?" The sound of his girlfriends voice brought him back, "are you hungry?" She asked once she had his attention. He smiled with a nod, "sure." Kikyo led the way to the snack table but glanced behind her in the direction her cousin had been standing only moments ago.

Not yet.

Kikyo grimaced at the voice and returned to her boyfriends side, when?

Soon.

"So what did you want to talk about in private?" Kagome asked once they walked out onto the balcony, Naraku walked past her and leaned onto the marble railing. Tilting her head to the side she approached him, "did you just make that up so I wouldn't have to see them together?" Naraku simply looked down at her from the corner of his eyes before looking straight ahead, Kagome just nodded and placed her hands on the cool marble. "You don't have to worry about me. I know before… just the sight of them both together made my blood boil and… broke my heart." He listened intently. "But now…" Her voice softened.

Song Playing: Every Heart

Before the miko could say anything else he interrupted her, "care to dance?" He asked with a smirk.

"Just this once." He told her.
"Just this once," she repeated coyly with a giggle as she slipped her hand into his.

As they made their way into the ballroom, people made way for them as they stopped in the middle of the dance floor. Everyone unsurprisingly cleared the area, ignoring them all, Naraku swung the miko effortlessly in front of him. He could sense her nervousness, feel her fast heartbeat against his chest. Kagome looked up at him not sure about what's to happen, he wrapped his warm around her waist and drew her close, his cold hand grazing her back as it slid down to her hips. It sent chills throughout her body which caused her move even closer to him. Naraku chuckled at the sight of her squirming under his touch, Kagome gulped and straightened her posture. "If I didn't know any better, miko. You don't know how to dance." He said with an obnoxious grin.

"Is that a problem?" She asked innocently, hiding her face as they slow danced.

He remined silent, narrowing his crimson eyes at her. He couldn't help but notice how beautiful and innocent she was, he let out an exasperated sigh. Kagome kept quiet, afraid he was getting frustrated with her poor dancing.

"Why me?" He asked softly with a hint of frustration.

Kagome lifted her head; he was looking at her with the most confused expression she's ever seen. Uncertainty

"I just wanted the jewel. All I needed was the jewel, nothing else." He said with a remorseful tone.

"Why?!" He asked once more, this time releasing her from his hold. "I-I don't understand. Why, what, Naraku?" Kagome asked, she looked around as the music had stopped playing and all eyes were on them.

*lub dub*

You must never trust another human, Naraku. Do you understand?

Listen well, miko. My feelings towards humans will never change, not even you can change my mind.

You're wrong! I'm here aren't I?!
I may carry what you want, but if you truly wanted it, you would have taken it the moment you found out I was the Guardian.

(Refer to Chapter 10)

"Someone like you…" He snarled.

*LUB DUB*

Kagome began to recall those words he once said to her, he was fighting himself. His human side.

Students began to talk amongst themselves, "he's losing it! Shouldn't we leave?!" Kikyo pushed her way through, Inuyasha right beside her. "What the hell is wrong with him?" Inuyasha muttered aloud, "he's losing himself…" Kikyo whispered under her breath, a grin slowly appeared across her face as she targeted her cousin, vulnerable. Naraku began to breath heavily, reaching for his face his eyes widened. My body… it can no longer sustain itself. I've run out of time. I… I need the jewel. He locked eyes with the miko, her expression, clearly worried for him. He shut his eyes defiantly and shook his head.

*LUB DUB LUB DUB*

The pain grew even more excruciating as it pulsated throughout his body, "gah!" He fell forward landing on his knees, Kagome knelt in front of him. "If you don't have the jewel, you'll lose control… won't you…" He heard her whisper, he grabbed her arm tightly causing her to wince, "I told you… I'd find another way." He muttered between his growling. Kagome smiled and placed her soft hands on his cheeks, "this is the only way." Naraku managed to get back on his feet, stumbling a bit. "Don't be stupid, wench." Kagome stood up and smiled at him again, that smile really irritated him.

Naraku was about to force her to move away from him, but he failed to notice she had used her compulsion. "Release me." He demanded, glaring at her maliciously. "If you were at your normal strength, you would have easily broke free from my compulsion." She muttered, "don't." His voice full of anger and a hint of desperation. Although he could not move his presence alone began to shake the whole building as he began to fuel himself with anger hoping to break out of her compulsion. Kagome looked at her surrounding as some rumble began to fall from the ceiling, some students began to run in order to escape the falling debris while others prepared for the worse with their powers showing and claws out. I have to hurry before they come after him.

Raising both her arms, hands open as her palms faced the weak demon her hands began to glow pink with electricity emitting from them. Naraku gritted as he watched helplessly, her ocean blue eyes began to glow as well as they turned pink. However, before she could even start calling the jewel forth, she quickly flicked her right arm to the side as a black arrow was quickly deflected. What?! Naraku growled as he and the miko averted their eyes to the top of the stairs, Kikyo lowered her arms as her black bow dissolved in thin air. "So, you were able to dedicate my arrow." She smirked, "what is the meaning of this?" Kagome asked glaring at her. Kikyo crossed her arms with a smug look on her face, "it's simple really, dear cousin. I heard if the jewel is taken from you, you also lose your life." Kagome made no notion to answer her.

As she descended the stairs, some students began moving out of her way astonished.

Once she finally reached the bottom of the stairs, she flipped her long black hair and smirked, "it'd be a shame… but, I'd be killing two birds with one stone." In one swift motion, Kikyo charged towards her cousin with full force as black electricity began to engulf her body. Kagome glanced at Naraku before retreating beside him and creating a protective shield, Kikyo's attack was quickly deflected. "What's wrong with her?!" Kagome asked aloud as she watched her cousin repeatedly attack her shield, Naraku fixed his composure as he glared at the possessed miko, "Tsubaki." He simply answered as he clenched his chest. Tsubaki. The miko whispered subconsciously. "But, Kikyo is a strong miko… She shouldn't be controlled this easily." Kagome explained, "unless she succumbed to her darkest desire." He continued calmly, before Kagome could reply she felt his arm around her shoulder as he jumped straight through her shield and landed a few feet away as she watched her cousin finally break through her shield.

"What do you mean, darkest desire?" She asked letting go of his tuxedo, Naraku looked down at her and then at someone standing quite a distance from behind her. Kagome glanced over her shoulder and found Inuyasha staring in horror at the sight of Kikyo going berserk. "Inuyasha?" She whispered slightly confused, instead of being cautious of her surrounding Kagome was suddenly pushed back by Naraku, "I'm going to kill you," he snarled as the tainted miko charged once more. Naraku opened his hand as a purple sphere appeared and its' size increasing, he pulled his arm back as he prepared to attack her head-on. "W-Wait!" Kagome shouted trying to stop him, but it was no use. Once her cousin was close enough, Naraku threw his arm forward, releasing the powerful orb and collided with what he thought was the enraged miko, instead the smoke cleared to reveal Inuyasha had used his Tetsusaiga's Kaze no Kizu to dissipate both attacks.

Surprised, Kikyo jumped back. Naraku winced as he grabbed his arm and fell onto his knee, Kagome quickly ran to his side "you shouldn't have done that! You used too much." She began to heal him, "if I didn't… she would have killed you." He explained staring at her, Kagome's face turned a light shade of pink before she resumed healing him. "Her darkest desire," he muttered under his breath as he looked straight ahead, Kagome followed his gaze and rested her blue eyes on the silver-haired hanyou. "Tsubaki figured out your cousins' weakness. It's her attachment to that damn half-breed." He explained before growling in pain.

"Kikyo, what is the meaning of this?!" Inuyasha asked, stunned.

The miko lowered her head, how could he have saved that red-eyed demon and HER?! Clenching her fists, rumble began to levitate around her, "Kikyo!" Inuyasha shouted once more snapping her out of dark thoughts, she glared at him, "why is it always her?" Her voice shaking, tears forming at the corner of her brown eyes. "What are you talking about? I don't understand. Talk to me, Kikyo." He begged as he slowly approached her, "there's no point in talking… not anymore." She whispered softly before lunging towards him with a painful battle cry. Inuyasha quickly brought his arms up to defend as Kikyo drove her shoulder into his chest, slamming him into the wall. Inuyasha managed to knock her off into a pillar, cracking on impact. Students cleared the area in fright afraid the column would collapse at any moment.

Falling to the floor, Kikyo staggered to her feet using the pillar to hold herself up. Don't let him get into your head. He's protecting HER. Tsubaki cooed softly, Kikyo gritted her teeth as she wiped her face of dirt. "I don't want to fight you," Inuyasha told her while putting his sword away. "That's fine," Kikyo muttered with no feeling whatsoever. As the two continued to talk, Kagome lowered her hand "it's not working!" She cried as she examined his condition, obviously worried. Naraku watched as she began to panic, "you have to leave." He told her calmly. Kagome shook her head, "no. I'm not leaving you here. You're in no condition to fight or even defend yourself. No one here is going to willingly protect you!" She wasn't wrong, he knew that. As her voice began to drown out, he looked at her and he knew, he knew Kikyo would not stop until she got what she wants – not with the witch possessing her mind.

"Let us end this, Inuyasha. I… you were never mine." Kikyo whispered as a tear streamed down her fair skin. Inuyasha looked at her, stunned by her words. "How could you say that?!" He shouted glaring at her as he clenched his chest, Kikyo shook her head not wanting to hear anymore. Her eyes faded as the dark magic darkened her heart once more, "the jewel… the jewel is all I need. You and that damn devil are in my way." She muttered before lunging once more, straight towards the hanyou. Inuyasha prepared to block her attack again, but she disappeared before him. "KIKYO!" He yelled, as if time had slowed down, he looked over his shoulder and his amber eyes locked in a horrifying scene.

Naraku's eyes widened, blood dripping onto the marble floor.

*clink*

*clink*

*clink...*

And the Shikon no Tama.