InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Temple of the Dog ❯ Chapter 9 ( Chapter 9 )

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Inuyasha. Those are the property of one Rumiko Takahashi. I thank her whole-heartedly for giving us such an amazing manga/anime to read/watch.

Author's Note. This is NOT the version of this chapter that is posted on fanfiction.net as this is definitely a lemon. It is not intended for readers under the age of 18. Please read the fanfiction.net version of this chapter if you are not at least 18 years of age or if you do not like to read fanfics containing the use of graphic sex.

You have been warned. Thank you.

Urd-chan

Temple of the Dog - Chapter 9

Kagome awoke to find herself alone. The mattress still held the shape of Inuyasha, but he was nowhere to be seen. She quickly dressed in a fresh set of robes and wandered into the main chamber where she was greeted by the sound of cursing and grumbling coming from the spare chamber. Miroku's cot was empty.

The priestess went to the spare chamber and lifted the mat that served as its door. She had to force herself not to laugh when she saw both Inuyasha and Miroku struggling to move a large wooden chest.

"What's so funny?" the deity demanded

"Nothing. I just didn't expect to see the two of you working together."

Miroku shook his head. "And you probably won't ever see it again."

A small wooden object hurtled through the air and hit the priest in the back of his head.

"What was that for?"

"Because you're an idiot. Get back to work." Inuyasha tried to sound angry, but he was still feeling the effects of his night with Kagome. Somehow, even Miroku couldn't make him angry today.

Kagome turned at a noise behind her. Sango stood there, tightening the sash of her sleep robe when she saw Miroku through the doorway.

The priest looked at Inuyasha. "I need to take care of something." He was through the door and at Sango's side, leaving Inuyasha to hold a large stone statue himself.

Sango found herself blushing as Miroku caught up her hands in his and asked her how she had slept.

"She probably didn't sleep at all, knowing you were right across the room from her." Inuyasha appeared at the door, the stone statue in his arms.

"This really isn't supposed to be me, is it?" Everyone looked at the rather overstated statue as the deity sat it down. Bulging muscles and oversized fangs made it look like a distorted version of their deity.

"We can't always control who is contracted to carve the statues. This one came as an offering. There is a reason it was at the very back of the room." Miroku snickered, enjoying Inuyasha's amazement at the statue.

Kagome couldn't help but notice that the statue also exaggerated another part of Inuyasha's body. Miroku noticed her stare and took full advantage of the situation.

"Perhaps you can tell us, Kagome, if the artist got any part of the statue accurate."

She followed Miroku's gaze and realized just what he was implying. The priestess blushed heavily, turning away.

"Just what do you think you're doing?" Inuyasha's face was only inches from Miroku's. He wasn't going to let the perverted priest insult Kagome.

The priestess didn't know what to do, but she knew she had to do something to defuse the situation.

"Yes, they did get one thing right, at least."

Both Inuyasha and Miroku turned and stared at Kagome. They had not expected her to respond.

"You can't be serious?" Miroku asked with surprise.

"Pervert. Get back into the spare chamber and help me move the rest of the things." Inuyasha glared threateningly at the priest. Miroku quickly returned to the room. Within moments the sounds of heavy objects being moved followed by muffled curses came drifting into the main chamber.

Kagome turned to Sango. "I hope you slept all right. Would you like some breakfast?"

"Breakfast?" Miroku was looking out of the spare chamber, only to be dragged back into it by Inuyasha.

The two young women giggled and then started to prepare their meal. Sango chose some ripe fruit and washed it with water from the large vat. Kagome opened a fresh wheel of cheese and cut slices from it before cutting a loaf of bread and splitting it between four plates.

Inuyasha and Miroku took time to eat before hauling the rest of the items from the spare chamber. Kagome picked out several items she would like for the room she was sharing with Inuyasha. Miroku chose several things to keep for the spare chamber, which would now be his room. The rest, with the exception of items like statues, was brought into the center of the main chamber.

They cleared the remains of their breakfast and Kagome and Sango took any perishable food and placed it outside of the temple. Wild animals would eat it there, and since the temple would stand empty for a while, it would not be wise to leave the food there.

Sango quickly changed back into her body suit and picked up her boomerang. She was still uncertain why everyone was treating her so well after her attempts on Inuyasha the day before, but for the first time in several weeks she actually found a glimmer of hope for her brother. Perhaps with her new friends, Kohaku could actually be saved.

Miroku moved towards Sango and successfully groped her backside. He was hit in the head by her boomerang for his efforts. Kagome couldn't help but laugh. She had not seen Miroku act so childish before.

He was surely being affected strangely by Sango's presence at the temple.

Inuyasha excused himself and disappeared into his chambers, returning with his hand clutching something gold and shiny. The four traveling companions stepped into the sunlight, closing the temple door behind them. All but Sango carried a small bag carried by a long strap. They took with them only necessities, such as a change of clothing.

The group headed towards the village, followed by Sango's small cat. Apparently Kirara had remained outside of the temple during the night. She now stayed by her mistress's side, jumping onto Sango's shoulder as they entered the village.

The chaos of the day before was still evident, although people were now working at cleaning up the silt and debris left by the dirty water that had invaded their village. The river was still swollen, but now barely overflowed the banks and was no longer a threat. It was fortunate that the storm had been short-lived. Had the rain continued, the village would not have fared as well.

Villagers stopped what they were doing to run up to Inuyasha and Kagome, thanking them and offering them their undying gratitude.

Inuyasha was uncomfortable with the throng of people pressing near him. Kagome and Miroku did their best to keep the villagers at a distance. They made it to the house of the elder who headed the village.

Miroku knocked on the man's door and was greeted by the man's granddaughter. The young woman smiled sweetly at Miroku. The priest found himself unable to resist and quickly grabbed the woman's hands.

"Would you please bear my child?"
Sango gasped, causing Miroku to turn sheepishly to her.

"I'm only joking," he lied before asking to see the elder.

The group was led into the house where an old man sat looking over some scrolls.

"We're sorry to intrude, but its necessary for us to speak with you." Miroku could be diplomatic

when necessary.

The man stood up and offered to sent for food and drink for his guests.

"Actually, we are in need of some food, but we need food that can be carried with us. It has become necessary for Inuyasha to visit the city of the pharaoh, and we are departing immediately." Miroku bowed his head slightly towards the old man.

The man sent his granddaughter to spread word of their need. He then turned to the group and asked if they had any other needs.

"It is not us, but the villagers who are in need at this time. Inuyasha has graciously opened the storage bins of the temple and found furniture and other items that the people of this fair village can make use of. We know that a number of houses were destroyed while others suffered the loss of only their belongings. Send men to the temple to bring back these items. The temple is open. You only need to go inside the main chamber. The items are in the center of the room."

"But, these are things that were meant for Inuyasha's use! It wouldn't be right for us to take them."

Inuyasha tried to sound angry. "I have no use of them at this time, but the people of the village do. What kind of deity would I be to turn my back on my people?" He felt good about giving away the items. Not only would they be helping the villagers, but when they returned Miroku could finally have the spare chamber to himself. The deity was becoming bored with Miroku's complaints regarding the room.

Inuyasha turned to Kagome. "I have to take care of something. Wait here with the others. I'll be right back."

Kagome nodded. She could see from the deity's expression that it would not be wise to disobey him this time. She waited with Sango and Miroku as villagers arrived with food for their journey. The priestess started to worry about Inuyasha. He seemed so serious when he left.

Inuyasha quickly walked the short distance to the old seamstress's house. It had been untouched by the river, although effects of the flood surrounded it. The deity quickly went to the door and knocked. It took the old woman a moment to come to the door.

"My lord!" she exclaimed, surprised to see who her visitor was. She glanced around, even more surprised when she realized that he was alone.

"I would like to speak with Kaede." Inuyasha remained outside the house until the old seamstress motioned him to come inside.

"Kaede, you have a rather unexpected visitor."

Kaede looked up from her darning. She glared at Inuyasha.

"Why would you want to see me?"

Inuyasha glanced at the seamstress who quickly made an excuse to leave the room.

"I know you don't believe me, but I would never have hurt Kikyou. She was my friend. Well, at least I thought she was. I still don't understand why she did what she did. We'll never know." Inuyasha paused and looked down at his hand.

"I know what I saw, Inuyasha. I lost an eye in the process. It was you that attacked my sister." The woman glared with her one eye at the deity.

He looked directly at her, sure of his innocence. "I know I can't bring Kikyou back. I can't even bring back what you lost in the flood. However, I do have something I want you to have." He opened his hand and moved it towards Kaede. On his palm was a gold hair ornament.

"This belonged to Kikyou. I found it the day everything happened. It was on the floor of the temple and I put it away for her before she…" Memories of the day filled his mind. If only he knew why it had all happened.

Kaede looked surprised. "You really want me to have this?"

"Yes." Inuyasha waited until the old woman had taken the golden trinket and turned to leave.

"I would like to believe you, but I saw you attack Kikyou. How do you explain that?"

"I can't," he mumbled. He didn't have the heart to tell her that Kikyou's tomb had been broken into and her mummy taken. The old woman had enough to deal with already.

Inuyasha walked slowly from the house. Kaede followed him to the door and watched as he moved down the dirt and stone street. He seemed to be telling the truth, but if that was the case, how could she explain the fact that she had seen him attack Kikyou? Kaede returned to her chair and looked at the hair ornament that had been her sister's. It was well made and of some value, obviously an offering to the temple. She remembered vaguely her sister wearing it once.

Inuyasha returned to the elder's house. Sango had excused herself and left to retrieve her belongings. She was now dressed in her two-toned kimono with the green overskirt and carried a bag with her belongings. Miroku had followed her, saying it was in case she needed help carrying things. However, he had managed to grab her backside several times in the short time it took them to walk there and back again. His face was graced with a very red handprint from Sango's last slap.

Kagome looked at Inuyasha expectantly. He simply nodded and looked at the supplies that had been brought for them.

"I don't know how we are going to carry everything," Kagome commented.

"That's not a problem. Kirara can help." Sango indicated the little two-tailed cat by her feet.

"Like that little thing could be of any help," Inuyasha growled.

Sango simply smiled and walked outside, Kirara at her side. Once they reached the street she nodded to Kirara and the little cat transformed into a very large and rather ferocious cat-type creature.

"It's a youkai," Inuyasha stated when he saw the little can change shape and size.

Miroku looked questioningly at Sango. "If you're a youkai exterminator, what are you doing traveling with one?"

Sango shook her head. "There are good and bad youkai, just as there are good and bad people. The only difference is that bad youkai have powers that they use to hurt others. My family has been in this business for many years. We have found many friendly and helpful youkai in that time."

Kagome found herself looking at Inuyasha. He was, after all, half youkai.

Sango lifted several packs containing food and tied them together before hoisting them onto Kirara's back. Miroku did the same with the remaining packs. Sango then strapped her boomerang on Kirara.

Two of the priests who had visited the temple came up to the group as they started to leave. It was the elder priest and Houjou.

"I understand you are going to the city of the pharaoh. Would it be presumptuous of us to ask if we could accompany you? The other priests from our party will remain here in the village to help with its restoration. They would gladly watch the temple in your absence. I feel that I have already been away longer than I should have been and must return to my temple." The elder priest bowed his head to Inuyasha.

The deity grunted. He would already have to deal with Miroku and their other unexpected companion. Having to deal with the two priests, especially the younger one who refused to keep his eyes off of Kagome, was more than he cared to think about.

Miroku spoke up, "Of course you may accompany us. After all, we are traveling the same road and there is safety in numbers."

Inuyasha snorted softly but didn't say anything. As though they would need anyone but him should they run into trouble. He didn't feel he could turn them down, especially after Miroku had welcomed them to their small party.

The deity shot Houjou a warning glance, wanting the young priest to understand that he would be watched closely.

Houjou smiled nervously and looked away, keeping his eyes away from Kagome. He might be naïve but he wasn't stupid. The bond between Kagome and Inuyasha was unmistakable. It would not do to anger the deity by being too friendly to the young priestess.

Miroku smiled, "Well, it looks like we are ready to depart."

The three priests walked in the front of the group, followed closely by Sango and Kirara. Inuyasha shook his head at Kagome, wanting to fall to the back of the group with her. He would not find any privacy with the beautiful priestess on the journey, but at least this way the others would not constantly be looking at them. He glanced at Kagome and wished for just a few minutes without the others.

Kagome smiled at him and reached out and squeezed his hand lightly before letting it fall to his side.

"The journey to the city of the pharaoh isn't that long. We'll be there in a few days," she reminded him.

The deity grunted again. He had a feeling these few days would seem more like a lifetime.

The traveling companions made their way to a road that ran parallel to the river, taking them to the east and towards the Nile. It was not a long journey, but they were anxious to reach their destination. There was a definite tension as they trekked towards their goal.

Miroku spoke for a while with the other priests, although he attention was drawn quite often to the young woman who walked behind him. Sango seemed to be preoccupied and didn't say much as she walked beside Kirara. She did take time to pat Kirara affectionately from time to time, or speak softly to her.

Inuyasha and Kagome walked quietly, simply enjoying the other's company. The deity glared occasionally at Houjou as he glanced back at Kagome. The young priest would quickly look away.

After a while Miroku tired of his discussions with the visiting priests and fell back to walk by Sango. She looked at him warily, keeping her eye on his hands at all times.

"I'm insulted," he said in feigned innocence, pulling his hand back as he spoke.

Inuyasha became more and more agitated as they walked. He was anxious to get to the city of the pharaoh and get things over with, but worried about what might happen. His bad mood was obvious to the others, who made extra efforts to stay out of his way. Kagome continued to walk quietly by him, laying a calming hand on his arm every now and then.

They stopped to eat, making do with what had been packed for them.

Miroku looked at his food with disgust. "How can I eat this after all the wonderful meals I've eaten at the temple?"

"Just eat and shut up," Inuyasha snapped at him as he picked at his own food.

They ate in silence before continuing their journey. It was uneventful, and they began to look for a place to camp for the night when the sun became low in the sky.

Sango and Miroku scouted ahead and found a suitable place not far from the river. They would have easy access to water. By the time they set up camp it had become dark. The men had managed to scrounge up enough wood for a small fire. The moon was low in the sky but still provided enough light to see by.

The group scattered around the campsite, unrolling what bedding they had brought with them. Miroku placed his blanket close a few feet from Sango. She smiled and then spoke softly to Kirara who positioned herself between them.

"Why did you do that?" he asked innocently.

"You know why," she responded as she curled up against Kirara.

The other two priests were asleep almost immediately, not being used to the physical exertions of the journey.

Inuyasha took Kagome's hand and pulled her with him in the direction of the river. He stopped when they were by the banks. The water sparkled in the light of the moon. The river was wider here, but seemed to be unaffected by the rain that had flooded it further upstream.

"I thought you might want to have a bath."

Kagome looked surprised, although the idea of a bath after the events of the last couple of days was quite appealing.

"Nobody will bother you. I'll keep my ears open." Inuyasha stood looking at the priestess.

Kagome suddenly felt shy. Even though he had seen her at the temple, it seemed different out in the open.

Inuyasha stepped towards her and took her face in his hands. He leaned towards her, capturing her lips with his as he gathered her into his arms.

Kagome surrendered immediately to him, returning his kiss with equal passion and wrapping her arms around him.

"Kagome," he murmured as his hands slipped to her robes and untied the sash, letting the soft fabric fall soundlessly to the sand. Her shift followed, leaving her naked in his embrace.

The priestess quickly undid his kilt, letting it join her discarded clothing.

Inuyasha kissed her again, pulling her close as he let his hands travel over her body. Her skin was soft and warm to his touch and he enjoyed making her moan with pleasure when he stroked her special places.

Kagome could feel Inuyasha's arousal against her thigh as she moved her hips against him, exciting him.

He quickly picked her up and walked to the river, not stopping until the water reached his waist. He carefully set her down.

"If you are going to get a bath, perhaps you had better do it now. Otherwise I have a feeling you never will." He cupped his hands and filled them with water, raising them up and letting the water flow over her chest.

The river was surprisingly warm compared to where it ran near the temple. Kagome closed her eyes and arched her back, letting the water trickle over her breasts.

Inuyasha pulled her to him, kissing her again. His hands continued to rove over her body, delighting her with his touch. He was careful not to scratch her with his long nails as he stroked her back. His hands continued to explore her, covering her with soft caresses. Kagome moaned lightly, tilting her head back so she could kiss him.

She surprised him by gently forcing his lips open and exploring the warmth of his mouth with her tongue. He gladly reciprocated, letting his tongue respond to her. They kissed deeply as they pressed their bodies closer together. The movements of Kagome's hips were exciting him.

"Hurry up and bathe," he whispered as he pulled her with him into deeper water.

The priestess thrilled at his touch as he rubbed her gently, filling his hands with water again and again. She let her hands slip over his body, making sure not to miss any of him.

She quickly ducked under the water, letting her hair float around her as she scrubbed at her scalp. She knew she would need a better bath later, but for now she could at least get rid of the sand that still clung to her head after dealing with the floodwaters. Had it really only been the day before? So much had happened in such a short amount of time her head was still reeling.

She could feel Inuyasha next to her as he ducked under the water, too. They quickly did what they could to clean themselves, coming up for air when they could hold their breath no longer.

Kagome reached up and pushed her hair from her face. Her stance only accented her figure, leaving Inuyasha no choice but to scoop her up in his arms and carry her to the bank.

He stood her on her feet next to the pile of their clothing.

"Lay the robes out. You'll be covered in sand if you lie directly on it." He gestured to the soft linen robes at her feet.

Kagome bent over to retrieve them, shaking them out before letting them fall lightly to the sand. She knelt down to smooth them, surprised when Inuyasha knelt behind her.

In that position, her special areas were in full view of the deity. He quickly grasped her hips and leaned towards her. She gasped as she felt his tongue start stroking her womanhood while his hands massaged her firm, round backside. She was already aroused by his actions in the water, her body responding to him.

Her scent and taste were almost more than he could handle. He was afraid he wouldn't be able to contain himself much longer as he continued to stroke and probe her with his tongue.

Kagome's moaned again. She whispered his name over and over as she thrilled at his touch. She gasped and moaned as he probed her deeply with first one and then two fingers, letting her arousal coat them. He slid his other hand to her breasts, quickly rubbing her nipples to erection. She felt so good to him. He could think of nothing but her as he replaced his fingers with his tongue again, probing her with it while he let his hand travel to the soft mound at the front of her special place. He pressed his fingers against the firmness of her nub, rubbing her until she gasped and moaned with passion. When he could tell she was close to release he quickly moved, bringing his hips against the back of her thighs.

His throbbing manhood slipped easily into her as he grasped her hips and drew her to him.

Kagome gasped, "What are you doing?"

He trust deeply into her in answer to her question, smiling when she squealed softly with delight. Their bodies were still wet from the river. His thighs made a slapping sound as he pumped against her, pushing himself into her again and again.

Inuyasha let one hand travel to her breast, massaging it gently as he continued to thrust himself into her. He knew he was close to release but wanted to be sure Kagome would reach ecstasy with him. He gently pulled her up, bringing her back to his chest as he continued to massage her breasts with one hand. He slipped his other hand to her womanhood, rubbing her as he pushed himself into her from behind.

Kagome's breath was coming in short gasps. He could feel her heart pounding as he could control himself no longer. He erupted into her, sending his seed deeply into her as her own arousal peaked and she gasped.

"Yes!"

Inuyasha sat back onto his heels, pulling Kagome with him. She sat over his lap, her back to him as he remained in her. Both wished the moment would never end.

Kagome twisted her head to look over her shoulder at him. He responded with a gentle kiss, pulling her tightly against him.

The priestess wiggled from his grasp, sliding herself from him before turning to him and sitting over him again, only facing him this time.

Inuyasha slid his arms around her again as he captured her lips with his. They stayed that way, unaware of anything but each other.

A warm breeze blew across them as they embraced, drying their damp hair as it sifted through the strands. Inuyasha's ears twitched slightly when the sound of a jackal howling came from a distance, but he relaxed and turned his attention back to the woman in his arms. He wished they could stay that way all night, but knew that Kagome would need rest for the next leg of their journey. Unlike him, she did not possess the strength and stamina of a youkai.

"We should get back to camp, " he whispered to her.

"Can't we just stay here, like this?" Her voice was low and soft, still full of the passion they had just shared.

"Remember, we have a lifetime of nights like this."

Kagome wriggled against him and sighed. For a moment she felt that the world was perfect. They had each other and that was all that mattered.

They stood and reached for their clothing, shaking sand from it before slipping back into it. Inuyasha slipped his arm around her as they walked slowly back to the campground.

He lay on his blanket and patted the ground next to him. Kagome moved her own blanket, overlapping it with his. She quickly slipped next to him, cuddling against his shoulder. He held her, murmuring her name as he kissed her ear.

"I love you," he whispered.

"Me, too, " she whispered back, giving him a quick kiss before snuggling back against him.

The priestess fell asleep quickly. Inuyasha glanced around the camp, noticing that Miroku was awake and looking at him.

The sound of a jackal could be heard in the distance.

"Seems like the jackals have been busy tonight."

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes, not sure what the priest was implying.

Miroku smirked. "I could even hear them mating earlier."

Inuyasha glanced at Kagome, but she was asleep and had not heard the remark.

"I would mind your manners, if I were you, priest. Or you just might find yourself as a meal for those jackals." Inuyasha snarled.

Miroku just shrugged and looked at Kirara, wishing the large cat youkai wasn't blocking his view of Sango. He turned over and closed his eyes.

Inuyasha looked down at the sleeping priestess. He silently promised that he would protect her from the pharaoh. It had taken him too long to find her. He wasn't about to let anything, or anyone, take her away from him.

Torches flickered around the room, sending eerie shadows across the face of the pharaoh as he sat, waiting expectantly for what he knew was to come.

His chief advisor entered the throne room, smiling at the pharaoh. Surely he would be well rewarded for his part in this. He stopped and clapped his hands, signaling the guards who stood outside the throne room door.

"Your highness, I have brought the sorceress here as you requested."

The pharaoh narrowed his eyes and tapped his fingertips together in anticipation.

Several of the pharaoh's personal guard entered the room, flanking two women. The first one moved forward, coming to a stop just below the raised platform that supported the pharaoh's throne.

"I come to you in success, my lord," the old woman crowed. It was obvious that she was pleased with herself, overconfident with her accomplishment.

The pharaoh looked past her to the woman who stood between the guards. He motioned for them to bring her forward.

The young woman walked forward, hesitant in her movements. She stopped before the pharaoh and gave him an icy stare.

"Why was I brought here," she demanded.

The pharaoh laughed softly, flashing an evil grin at the woman.

"You don't recognize me? Oh, that's right. I do not look the same as I did the last time we met. Forgive me for my oversight." He paused, standing slowly from the throne and moving to the stairs that led down from the platform. He walked slowly and deliberately towards the woman, making her wait for him.

He reached her and laughed again.

"The last time you saw me I was lying on a mat in an old building on the outskirts of your precious village."

The woman looked confused. After a moment, his words hit home.

"The one who lay on that mat died, " she announced.

"No, I didn't die. I simply transformed into what you see here. My body was dying, but I was not yet ready to leave this existence. Fortunately, I was able to join with some other creatures, some youkai, creating the person you see before you. At that time I did not yet appear as you see me here. This is the visage of the pharaoh who was on the throne at that time. I simply took him into myself, as well. What better way to live than as the ruler of the land?"

The woman glared at him.

"I don't understand. I took care of you. I tried to help you to the best of my abilities. I even neglected my duties at the temple to care for you. What is it you want of me?"

The pharaoh laughed again. "You really don't understand, do you? Think back to that day. What do you remember."

The woman looked away from the pharaoh, recalling the events of that day - it had only been the day before but she was having difficulty remembering.

Her eyes opened wide as her memory returned.

"You died. Or, at least that is what I thought. Then…"

She had cared for the dying thief at the abandoned building, despite the fact that her deity had been against her doing so. She had found herself spending more and more time carrying for him, as his wounds were severe and his health had quickly declined.

She remembered returning to the building with food, only to find the body gone. A noise had startled her and she turned to see Inuyasha glaring at her.

"He's dead and not a moment too soon," the deity had snarled. She had never seen him this angry.

"Where is the body?"

"It doesn't matter. You will not have to return here again. You have neglected your duties to me for long enough." The deity had grabbed her arm roughly, turning her to face him. His face was practically distorted with his anger. She began to feel frightened.

"Let go of me. I have done nothing to deserve this treatment."

"You will take what I have to give you," Inuyasha had snarled before grabbing her and pulling her to him.

"I told you to let go of me," she screamed, struggling to get away from him. Her fear had grown to terror.

"Are you refusing me?"

"I am a priestess. I am not your concubine. If that is what you want, then perhaps you should find a new priestess."

She had pulled away to leave, noticing that her younger sister, Kaede, had arrived. The young girl stood watching the priestess and deity with a look of horror on her face.

The priestess had moved to her sister, intending to take her to safety when she felt a tearing at her shoulder. Pain seared through her body and she could feel the warmth of blood flowing from her right shoulder.

"How dare you refuse me, bitch," Inuyasha screamed at her.

Kaede tried to put herself between the angry deity and her sister, only to be shoved away. The deity's sharp claws had raked across her face, blinding her as she fell crying to the ground. She looked on in wordless terror as Inuyasha had again ripped at the priestess, opening a gash where her shoulder met her neck.

The priestess could remember seeing her own blood.

"Useless bitch," he had screamed at her and then was gone.

The priestess saw several of the villagers running her way. One had apparently just returned from hunting as he had a bow in his hand and a quiver of arrows over his shoulder.

"Please take care of Kaede," she begged one of the women, who nodded silently.

She grabbed the bow from the man and asked for the arrows, forcing herself to the temple. She could see the trail of blood that followed her and knew that she didn't have much time. Her strength was not going to hold out much longer.

She remembered reaching the temple. The doors stood open, letting in the breeze that blew in from the nearby hills. It was a beautiful day, but she could only see her hatred.

He stood inside the temple, looking bored.

"So, you're finally back." His amber eyes had looked at her. She could see the alarm in them as she raised the bow and pulled back.

"How dare you! You told me I was your friend. How could you betray me?"

She didn't even remember letting the arrow go, but could picture Inuyasha as the arrow struck him in the left side of his chest. He had been forced back against the pillar, the arrow pinning him to it.

"You bitch!" He screamed at her before he slumped against the pillar.

Her vision swam in red and there was a ringing in her ears. She could remember falling and then nothing.

She looked up at the pharaoh, confused.

"How could I be here? I was just at the temple. Surely with that much blood…"

"You died," the pharaoh said as he smirked at her. "You betrayed your deity and died from the wounds he gave you."

"I couldn't have died. How would I be here?"

"It's been fifty years since your precious Inuyasha killed you. I have taken it upon myself to have you brought back to us. You belong to me, now, Kikyou."

The young woman reacted with anger. "I don't know what is going on, but I can't have died if I am standing here. And, I don't belong to anyone."

The sorceress chuckled. "My dear, you were, indeed, dead. They brought me your mummy and the canopic jars that contained your organs. I used my magic to resurrect you." She turned to look at the pharaoh. "I have done my work, your highness. I await my reward."

"Reward? Oh, yes, I did tell you that you would be well rewarded." The pharaoh moved towards the sorceress, his expression unreadable. When he was only a few feet from her he smiled. "Here's your reward."

Tentacles lashed out from his body, piercing right through the old woman. She screamed in pain and fear, her eyes quickly glazing over. The tentacles wrapped around her, surrounding her for a moment before withdrawing. There was no sign of the old woman.

"Her power is not exceptionally strong, but it will help me nonetheless." The tentacles withdrew, no sign of them remaining.

Kikyou faced him, sheer anger distorting her features.

"How dare you. You think you can just use people and then make them go away."

"Of course, " the pharaoh snickered. He turned and started walking back to the throne. "I've done it before and I'll do it again. You see, I am Naraku. As long as I am pharaoh, nobody can do anything to stop me." He paused and turned to look at the reanimated priestess. "Not even you, Kikyou."

He signaled his guards, who grabbed Kikyou's arms, roughly dragging her from the throne room.

Naraku returned to the throne, relishing the feeling of power surging through him. The sorceress had been strong enough to bring Kikyou back, after all. Her magic would serve him well.