The Domes of Casa Grande by Dani

The Domes

Casa Grande, Arizona

The Domes

“Look at the map again,” Inuyasha huffed, “I know it’s around here.”

Rolling her eyes, Kikyo replied, “It says that we need to take the Thorton exit.  We’re still on the Interstate so we’re not going to see it yet.”

Groaning, Kagome wasn’t sure how her friends had talked her into this.  She was a good girl who believed in God, and prayed on a regular basis.  How she ended up in a van in the middle of nowhere, Arizona was still lost on her.  Especially since her friends wanted to go ghost hunting. 

“Look,” Kikyo said, “There’s the Thorton exit.  It says head South and it should be on the East side of the road a mile down.”

Turning off onto the exit, Inuyasha grumbled, “How am I supposed to know which side is East?”

“Try the sun,” Kagome muttered from the back seat.

Rolling his eyes, Inuyasha snapped, “Yeah, great idea, Kagome.  Why don’t you poke your head out the window and stare at it for me?”

Frowning, Kikyo hit her boyfriend in the arm, “Be nice.”

“What did I do?” Inuyasha whined.  “It was a dumb idea.  Hit her, not me!”

Hitting Inuyasha in the arm again, Kikyo turned in her seat and stared at the young woman lying down on the couch with an arm over her eyes.  Kagome was always a little dramatic at times.  Turning back towards the front, the distinct outline of the domes they were searching for came into view.  “There, Inuyasha, do you see them?”

“Yeah, I see ‘em,” Inuyasha huffed.

Pulling off the road, Inuyasha parked the van on a patch of dirt not far from the buildings.  Groaning, Kagome sat up and slowly opened the side door to get out and stretch her legs.  Hopping down from the vehicle, she watched a black truck pull up beside them.  Stretching her arms over her head, she smiled at the couple who emerged from the truck.

“Ah, Kagome!  How was it riding with the love birds?” Miroku asked with a smirk.

Frowning, Kagome’s arms dropped to her sides.  “Just great,” she mumbled.

Chuckling softly, Miroku rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.  Perhaps having her ride with Inuyasha and Kikyo wasn’t the best of ideas, but he couldn’t pass up the chance being alone with his beloved Sango, so poor Kagome was subjected to the back of the van.  Although, the interior was rather nice and was outfitted more like a camper than an actual van.  A couch lined one of the walls, and opposite the couch was a small table with a couple of chairs, so surely it couldn’t have been that bad. 

Bounding around the truck, Sango hugged her friend tightly, and asked, “Are you ready, Kagome?  We’re going to have so much fun tonight!”

Kagome was skeptical, but smiled anyway.  She knew her friends were really into the whole ghost hunting scene, and she hated to be the one to break it to them, but they had never caught anything on film yet.  They mostly just scared each other on accident or let their imaginations get the better of them.  Call her a skeptic, but she just didn’t think that they were going to find anything tonight either.  Although, the place did give her the creeps. 

Smiling broadly, Inuyasha pulled a pack from the back of the van, and asked, “You guys ready?  I figured we scope the place out while it’s still light and then once the sun sets we can start the real fun.”

Groaning softly, Kagome allowed Sango to pull her towards the abandoned complex.  Four buildings made up the site.  In the front, closest to the road, was a circular building that resembled a spaceship or a squished ball.  A large hole in the front of it marked the supposed entrance, while several, circular holes in the ceiling were all that remained of the building’s skylights.  The once white exterior was dirty and flaking off in most places, exposing a strange yellow-brown colored concrete which sat beneath. 

Concrete rubble, broken glass, and other bits of trash and debris littered the floor of the building.  Cracks covered the once pristine concrete floors and rode up the walls of the strangely shaped building.  Graffiti covered the lower walls, adding color to an otherwise neutral landscape, and marking where the curved ceiling started. 

Letting out a deep breath, Kagome spun slowly in the center of the room, taking it all it.  It looked like it would fall down at any moment.  Surely staying in these buildings at night wasn’t safe.  One fall, or nick, and someone was going to end up with a crazy disease that was most likely incurable.  Not to mention there were probably poisonous snakes around every corner.  Maybe she could just stay in the van tonight?

“This place is amazing!” Inuyasha shouted. 

Chuckling softly, Kikyo replied, “You say that about every place we investigate.”

Grinning, he said, “Common, let’s go check out the rest of the buildings.”

Leaving out a similar hole in the back of the building, which surely had to be a rear exit at some point, Kagome followed her friends with a little less pep in her step.  Behind the spaceship, as she deemed it, was a long caterpillar-like, concrete structure.  It was as if the designer didn’t know if he wanted to build a dome or a long house, so he decided to just do both.  Just like the first building, most of the white exterior was gone, leaving a mostly brown building with several holes in it.

Pausing at the entrance, Kagome gazed to her left and saw a strange concrete circle that was had shrubs growing along the outside rim.  “Miroku,” she called, drawing the male’s attention. 

Walking out of the building, he stood next to the woman, and asked, “What is it, Kagome?”

Pointing to the strange circle, she asked, “What do you think that is?”

Furrowing his brow, he said, “Well, it looks like the start of a foundation for another building that they never finished.”

Frowning, Kagome asked, “But why are there no plants growing in the middle of it?”

Chuckling softly, Miroku rubbed the back of his neck, “Well I suppose the concrete provides shade for the roots.  It is awfully how out here, you know.”

“Yeah,” Kagome replied softly, “but that doesn’t explain why the circle over there has plants growing in the middle of it.”

Glancing to where his friend was pointing, Miroku had to concede that she did have a point.  It was rather strange, but he wasn’t a biologist by any means.  Or a botanist, or whatever they call people who study plants.  Patting her shoulder lightly, he said, “Don’t over think it, Kagome.  I’m sure it’s nothing.”

Nodding, Kagome followed him into the next building, but couldn’t shake the strange feeling that she was being watched.  Trying to ignore it, Kagome looked around the new building.  It too was decorated in graffiti, but there was one in particular that drew her attention.  Taking up a huge portion of one of the walls, was a large portrait of a dog, or fox maybe.  Made up of triangles outlined in black, the geometric image was left white on the inside, denoting the animal’s color.  Large yellow eyes peered down at her, and a small red tongue poked out of the animal’s mouth.  Huge, yellow claws adorned each of the creature’s paws, and two crescent moons were painted on the animal’s foreleg and shoulder.  On its hindquarter was a large cross that was Celtic in style.

Just behind the animal was a large ball.  White and varying shades of black made up the bottom, while the top was painted a bright pink.  Separating the pink from the other colors was what looked like a large opening in the ball where green paint was used to make what seemed like smoke, or steam, or something come out of the center. 

“What are you looking at, Kagome?” Sango asked, moving to stand behind her friend.  Eyes lighting up, she said, “Wow, that’s really pretty.”  Getting her camera out, she snapped a few photos of the white dog and ball. 

Cocking her head, Kagome mumbled, “It’s almost like the animal came out of the ball.”

“What?” Sango asked with a laugh.  “It’s just graffiti, Kagome.  Two different people probably did them.  Look,” she continued approaching the wall.  Pointing to the animal, she motioned with a raised hand, “See how the strokes here are long and even, very steady.”  Then walking to the ball, she motioned again, “and here, they’re more circular in nature.  Very short, jerky lines.  Definitely two different artists.”

Frowning, Kagome crossed her arms.  If she said so, but it was still strange to her.  There were other places on the walls that weren’t covered in graffiti still, so why would they squish the ball so close to the dog-fox thing if they weren’t related somehow?  Although, she really knew nothing about graffiti, so in all reality, it could just be coincidence, she supposed.

Glancing around the room, her friends were already moving towards an exit on the other side of the long building.  Above the hole that once held a large door, or maybe two doors, was more art.  The top of a mouth was painted just about the opening, making the hole look like a large maw.  The white teeth stood out starkly against the red lip painted above.  Flames shot out from the sides of the opening, licking up to the face, around the mouth, and towards a set of panicked looking, wide eyes. 

Glancing behind her, a similar image was painted above the door she had previously walked through, but the canines were sharper, more like fangs, and the eyes were more menacing than frightened.  ‘Stay Out’ was painted next to that door, then just underneath in larger letters was the word ‘NO.’  She could tell that these were some of the older graffiti in the building since the colors were muted and the words and symbols around the sides of the doors overlapped some of the flames near the bottom.  Feeling a shiver run down her spine, she jumped when Inuyasha called, “Come on Kagome, or we’re going to leave you in there!”

Jogging to catch up with her friends, Kagome gladly left the long building.   Directly behind that building, sitting perpendicular, making a ‘T’ was another, long caterpillar like structure.  A similar, rectangular hole sat at the end, but next to it was another large hole, this one not planned and due to the climate or natural decay.   Carved next to the hole however was ‘666.’  Freezing, Kagome watched as her friends entered the decaying building without concern.  Surely she wasn’t the only one to notice the ominous carving.

Swallowing thickly, she stepped up to the large entrance and paused.  Long, thin, parallel pits ran from one end of the building to the other.  She was sure they that had housed tracks at one point, but now the holes lay empty, waiting for someone unsuspecting to trip over them.  On the other side of the building were a few shallow steps that led to a slightly higher portion of the concrete floor.  More rectangular holes littered the ground near the edges of the buildings, jutting out several feet into the space.  Approaching one slowly, Kagome felt her gut twist.  They were almost a foot deep, and would cause serious harm is someone were to fall near or in them. 

This whole building seemed like a death trap to her, but her friends continued to explore, completely unconcerned.  Releasing a deep sigh, she wandered farther into the building.  Like the others, this one was also covered in graffiti.  At least that was something interesting about the trip.  She had never seen so much before, and some of it was actually really good. 

Walking closer to a wall, she was sure to stay clear of the pits in the floor.  A green alien stared back at her.  Its red eyes were a stark contrast to the pale green skin, and white fangs poked from a smirking mouth.  Long fingers capped with yellow claws reached towards her in a menacing fashion.  The blue gray armor the creature wore was strange, but she supposed that it was an alien after all.

The next image that caught her eye was a blue cat with magenta stripes along it’s body and face.  Yellow eyes glared at her, but what was strange about this image was that it looked like someone shot a paint gun at it, leaving strange bullet like spots along it’s body and one directly in the middle of the animal’s forehead. 

On the other side of the building was an evil looking clown with an upside down cross on its head.  Shivering, Kagome quickly looked away and saw something that peeked her interest.  Holding back a giggle, she wasn’t sure what she was looking at.  A large, fat, white, raccoon-like creature decorated the wall.  Bright red eyes decorated its face, and long fangs hung from a long, thin snout.  Two stick figures were running away from the raccoon with their hands in the air and mouths open like they were screaming. 

“What has you giggling over here, Kagome?” Miroku asked, walking up behind her.  Smirking at the graffiti, he too held back a chuckle.  “Well,” he said, “it’s not all scary here, see?”

Shaking her head, Kagome rolled her eyes.  No she supposed it wasn’t, but she still didn’t like it.  Walking out of the building, there was only one more left to explore.  Positioned almost directly behind the one they just left, this one was at a slight angle, allowing for potential trucks to be able to make drop offs.  ‘Don’t Enter’ was spray painted next to the entrance making her pause.  Peeking into the rectangular hole, her eyes widened comically.

The whole back half of the building was gone, blown out from what appeared to be from the inside.  Another gaping hole was in the ceiling and mounds of concrete debris littered the floor.  How the building was still standing was anyone’s guess?  Entering cautiously, Kagome remained near the entrance, not liking this building at all. 

Nearly the entire floor was covered in black spray paint which seemed to be previous visitor’s names all converging to the same point on the floor.  Glancing at what was left of the walls, ‘Only My God Can Judge Me,’ was painting in large, blue, bubble letters, but over the word ‘God,’ someone painted a red devil face.  Next to the face, was the profile of a wolf’s head howling into the wind.  Her eyes slowly shifted up the wall and paused at several, black pentagrams pained just below a circular hole where a skylight once sat. 

Swallowing thickly, she felt a shiver race down her spine again.  Rubbing her arms absently, she called to her friends, “Guys, I don’t think we should be in here.”

“Stay there if you’re scared,” Inuyasha huffed in reply.  Grinning at what he just found on the floor, he glanced back at Kagome, and said, “Hey, come see this!”

Frowning, she slowly made her way over to him.  Her other friends walked over too, curious about what he was looking at.  A purple and pink pentagram sat innocently on the floor almost directly beneath the large hold in the ceiling.  Wrapping her arms around her waist, Kagome frowned.  “I don’t like this,” she mumbled softly.  “Do you think someone actually summoned something here?”

Laughing heartily, Inuyasha joked, “Yeah.  Maybe they conjured a pink, fluffy bunny?  Or a real live Barbie Doll!”

Hitting her boyfriend in the arm, Kikyo huffed, “Stop it, Inuyasha.”

“What?” he asked.  “Who makes a pentagram in pink and purple anyway?  It’s like some stupid cheerleaders came here for a sleepover or something!”

Narrowing her eyes, Kikyo spat, “I was a cheerleader in high school.  Are you saying I’m stupid?”

“What?” Inuyasha stammered.  “No, of course not, babe!”  Huffing, Kikyo turned and stormed out of the building.  Chasing after her, Kagome could hear Inuyasha begging her to stop and listen to him.  Frowning, she looked back at the pentagram one more time before turning as well.  Sighing, Miroku watched his dejected friend.  It was true she never had a chance to make her feelings known to Inuyasha and he was the only one who knew of her crush.  Kagome was heartbroken when she learned Inuyasha had asked Kikyo out and the woman had agreed. 

Although, Miroku had never expected the toxic relationship to last as long as it had, he felt bad for his kind-hearted friend.  Especially since the idiot continued to flaunt his girlfriend in front of Kagome, completely unaware of what he was doing to the poor girl.  “Is Kagome okay?” Sango asked.  “She seems kind of down.”

Shaking his head, it wasn’t Miroku’s place to spill the beans as it were.  Smiling sadly, he replied, “I don’t think this is her forte.  Next time we shouldn’t push her to come with us.”

Wandering back towards the vehicles, Kagome sighed and sat down on a concrete walkway surrounding the spaceship building.  She could hear Inuyasha and Kikyo arguing in the van, and while she would prefer to be sitting in there, she wanted no part of the lover’s spat.  Hearing the crunching of gravel, Kagome glanced over her shoulder at Miroku and Sango. 

“They’re at it again,” Sango sighed.  Nodding silently, Kagome didn’t feel it was worth answering. 

Frowning, Miroku said, “Why don’t you two go get some wood for a fire, while I unpack the truck.”

“Sounds good,” Sango quickly replied.  “We can start dinner and if they’re not done,” pausing Sango waved her hand through the air flamboyantly, “whatever it is that they’re doing, we’ll just eat Inuyasha’s share too,” she finished with a huge grin.

Chuckling softly, Miroku replied, “Simply devious, my dear Sango.”

Huffing, Kagome, slowly stood and trudged off towards the side of the spaceship, wanting to get as far away from the van as possible.  The yelling had died down, which only meant one thing, they were making up.  Kicking the dirt with the toe of her shoe, Kagome carefully picked up a long branch, not wanting to accidently find a snake.  Poking at all of the branches, bushes and rocks before she reached them, Kagome slowly found herself making her way towards the strange circular foundation, as Miroku had claimed it to be. 

Pausing just on the outside of the weird ring, a gust of wind blew from behind her, making her take a step forward and nearly drop the bundle of sticks she carried.  Pushing her dark hair back behind her ear, she watched the dirt in the middle of the circle whip up and form a small dust funnel.  Shivering, she turned slowly, and glancing over her shoulder only once, made her way back to her friends.

Setting her pile of wood next to the small fire already burning, Sango looked up and smiled.  “Thanks, Kagome,” she chirped. 

Smiling weakly in response, Kagome took a seat next to the fire, and glancing around, asked, “Where’s Miroku?”

Placing a pot of water on a metal tripod, Sango maneuvered the pot over the fire to get the water to boil.  “He’s setting up the cameras for tonight’s investigation.”

Frowning, Kagome drew her knees up to her chest, and wrapping her arms around her legs, rested her chin on her knees.  The sun was already setting, casting a long shadow over their camp and allowing the crescent moon overhead to become more visible.  Glancing at the girl every so often, Sango finally said, “You don’t have to participate tonight if you really don’t want to, Kagome.  None of us will think less of you if you’d prefer to stay in the van.”

Nodding her head, Kagome replied softly, “Thanks, Sango.  I’ll think about it.”

Hearing a loud creak, both their heads shot up when the van door slid open.  Jumping out, Inuyasha partially closed the door back, and stretching, allowed his shirt to ride up his abdomen.  Glancing at the two girls, he asked, “Where’s Bozo?”

Frowning, Sango replied, “Miroku is setting up the cameras since it’s getting late and his help was otherwise occupied.”

Smirking, Inuyasha snipped, “Jealous much, Sango?”

“Please,” she quipped.  “Of you?  Who would want an immature, punk like you?  Right, Kagome?”

Feeling their eyes shift towards her, Kagome flushed and buried her face in her knees.  Rolling his eyes, Inuyasha walked off to find Miroku.  Hearing the van door open and shut, Kagome shifted her head up and watched Kikyo take a seat next to the fire, opposite of her.  “I brought the board tonight,” Kikyo stated, making Kagome cock her head.

“You did?!” Sango replied excitedly.  “Do you think we’ll get a response?”

Shrugging her shoulders absently, Kikyo didn’t reply.  Carefully taking the hot pot from over the fire, Sango ladled the boiling water into several Styrofoam cups.  Handing one to Kagome, she asked, “Which flavor do you want?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Kagome replied, accepting the meal.

Handing her one of the packets, Sango promptly turned back to her own cup and mixed her seasoning into the bowl.  Following suit, it had been a while since Kagome had eaten Ramen, but she definitely understood the convenience of it while camping.  Hearing the boys noisily make their way back to camp, Inuyasha plopped down next to Kikyo while Miroku took a seat between him and Kagome. 

Searching through the ramen packets frantically, Inuyasha asked, “Where the hell is the roasted chicken?”

Looking down at her half eaten bowl, Kagome replied softly, “I think I have that one.”

“You what?!” Inuyasha yelled, startling the girl.

“Knock it off, Inuyasha!” Sango fired back.  “I gave it to her, not paying attention!  It’s not her fault!  Leave it alone!”

Frowning, Inuyasha grumbled under his breath and grabbed a beef packet instead.  They all knew the roasted chicken was for him.  It was his favorite after all.  Taking a bite of his beef flavored noodles, it just wasn’t the same.  Now his whole night was going to be thrown off. 

Cleaning up the mess, Sango poured the rest of the water over the fire, dousing it.  Rising to their feet, Miroku handed out flash lights and checked his pack one more time to make sure all of his equipment was there.  The sun had set, so it was time to start. 

Picking up her own pack, Kikyo turned her flashlight on, and said, “I brought the board tonight, and thought we could start with that.”

“Great!” Inuyasha replied. 

Shifting on her feet, Kagome pulled her bottom lip into her mouth, and said, “I’ll go wait in the van until you guys are done.”

“Oh no you don’t!” Inuyasha spat, spinning towards her.  “You’re doing this with us!  Then if you want to sit in the van the rest of the night you can!”

Blinking owlishly, Kagome wasn’t sure what to do.  Crossing her arms over her chest, Sango snapped, “Leave her alone, Inuyasha.  She doesn’t have to if she doesn’t want to.”

Glaring back, he grabbed his pack, and said, “Hell she does!”  Marching towards Kagome, he grabbed her hand roughly, and pulled her towards the spaceship building.  “Consider this payment for eating my roasted chicken Ramen.”

“You’re such a child!” Sango yelled behind him.

Kagome’s mind went completely blank however.  Staring at the hand that held hers tightly, she stumbled after her crush blindly through the dark.  Pulling her to a stop, Kagome ran into his back, not anticipating the action.  Releasing her hand, Inuyasha huffed, “Klutz.”

The building would have been pitch black if it wasn’t for the flashlight he held.  Clearing an area to sit, Kagome watched as several more lights entered the building.  Walking next to her friend, Sango whispered, “You really don’t have to do this if you don’t want to, Kagome.”

Releasing a deep sigh, Kagome replied softly, “I guess I can try whatever it is.  How bad could it be, right?” she asked with a forced smile.

Shifting her feet, Kagome watched Inuyasha help Kikyo lay out a large quilt.  Taking a seat on it, Sango soon joined them while Miroku set up a small camera to catch the action.  Taking a seat next to the camera, he glanced at her and smiled.  “Are you joining us, Kagome?”

Kagome’s eyes shifted to the board being placed down in the center of her friends, and her heart sank.  A Ouija board.  They were going to use a Ouija board.  Taking a deep, shuddering breath, everything in her being told her to run the other way and never look back.  “Sit down already,” Inuyasha huffed.  “Quit being such a baby.  You act like you’re still ten, Kagome.  Grow up a little would’ja.”

Swallowing thickly, Kagome took a deep breath and approached the quilt.  Taking a hesitant seat between Miroku and Sango, she licked her dry lips, and prayed that she would be kept safe.  Smirking triumphantly, Inuyasha placed two fingers on the planchette and waited for his friends to do the same.  Sitting back, Kikyo stated coolly, “Before we begin, I think it would be wise for everyone to know a little of the backstory of these building.”

Grumbling, Inuyasha raised his fingers from the board and waited for the history lesson to be over.  Ignoring his antics, Kikyo continued, “This complex, as everyone knows, has been termed the domes for obvious reasons.  It was originally built in the late 1970s as a manufacturing plant for computers.  However, the buildings were never completed and the site was abandoned.  Since then, there have been rumors of ritualistic witchcraft, as well as possible satanic worship that has potentially taken place here.  Most locals say to stay out and especially to not go into the tunnels under the eastern end of the facility complex.”

“Wait a minute!” Inuyasha interrupted.  “There are tunnels here?!  Why aren’t we going into those?!”

“Did you just hear what Kikyo said,” Miroku replied.  “They don’t want anyone going into the tunnels.”

“That’s all the more reason to go!” Inuyasha cried.

Narrowing her eyes, Kikyo continued, “The tunnels have been in disuse for several decades and are on the verge of collapse.  The warning is purely for people’s safety so they do not get trapped in case of a cave in, nothing more.  They are so dilapidated, that the government is considering tearing this entire complex down because of it, which is why I pushed so hard to come here so soon.”

Crossing his arms over his chest, Inuyasha pouted.  “Fine,” he finally relented.  “No tunnels then.  Can we get started yet?”

Seeing Kikyo nod, Inuyasha giddily placed his fingers back on the planchette and waited for the others to do the same.  Soon four sets of two fingers lined the heart-shaped planchette.  Shifting in her seat, Kagome licked her dry lips again.  Taking a deep breath, she could feel everyone was waiting for her and she really didn’t want to disappoint them.  Throwing caution to the wind, she slowly placed two fingers on the wooden arrow and looked up at her friends.  Her heart nearly lodged itself in her throat when she saw Inuyasha beaming at her with a genuine smile. 

Flushing a deep red, she hoped that no one saw, and quickly turned her face back towards the board lying innocently on the quilt between them.  Kikyo’s smooth, calm voice broke the silence, wafting lazily through the air.  “If there is a sprit present, we ask that you make yourself known and allow us to speak with you.  You may use our energy and this board to answer our questions if you would like.”  Pausing for a moment, she asked, “Is there anyone with us here tonight?”

Kagome’s brow furrowed and her heart hammered beneath her chest.  Staring at the wooden board, she wasn’t sure what she was expecting to happen, but part of her was relieved when several seconds passed and nothing happened. 

“We would like to speak with you and nothing more,” Miroku tried. 

Still the planchette didn’t move.  Releasing a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding in, Kagome sighed softly, and mumbled, “There’s no one here.”

Suddenly, the wood resting beneath her fingers shifted with a jerk, making her squeak and nearly causing her to pull her hand back.  The wooden object slid slowly in jerky movement until it rested haphazardly on top of the word ‘yes.’

Smiling broadly, Sango glanced at her stunned friend, and coaxed, “Ask something else Kagome.  It responded to you.”

Licking her dry lips, Kagome shifted her eyes towards Sango and then back towards the board.  Shifting uncomfortably, she whispered, “I don’t know.”

“Ask how many are here,” Kikyo coached.

“How many?” Kagome replied shakily.  Suddenly, the planchette jerked again, dropping barely until it hit the number one.

“Only one,” Kikyo mused aloud.  “Thank you for speaking with us.  Do you have a name?”

The wood didn’t move for a moment, but then slowly started to make its way across the board.  Eyes widening, Kagome barely noticed when her friends started to call out the letters.  “S – E – S – S – H – O – M – A – R – U,” Sango said.

Furrowing his brow, Miroku said, “Sesshomaru?”  Turning towards Kikyo, he asked, “Have you heard the name before anywhere?”

Shaking her head, Kikyo replied, “No, I didn’t come across it in any of my research.  It could be someone who was here long before the buildings were made however.  The state does have a tumultuous past after all.”

“Why are you here?” Sango asked hoping to gain some information from the spirit.

The planchette jerked to life again, this time spelling out, K – A – G – O – M – E.   Kagome’s heart froze in her chest and her breathing stilled.  Was this some kind of a sick joke?  Glancing at her friends, they all had concerned looks as well.  Sighing loudly, Miroku asked, “Okay, who moved it?”

When no one answered, he tried again, “Seriously, that wasn’t funny, which one of you moved it?”

A series of, it wasn’t me, was his only answer.  “So you expect me to believe that whoever this is we are talking to, just so happens to be here because of someone named Kagome?”

The planchette suddenly jerked again, sliding quickly to the word ‘yes.’  Taking her hands from the wooden pointer, Kagome crossed her arms over her chest, and huffed, “This isn’t funny guys.”

“Please, Kagome,” Kikyo begged, “put your fingers back.  If you sever the connection abruptly, the spirit could attach to you.  While I can’t speak for the others, I can promise you that I am not doing this.”

Rolling her eyes, Kagome silently put her fingers back on the wooden object.  Looking away, her lips pinched together in a pout.  Thinking about everything that was said so far, Kikyo asked cautiously, “You are no spirit, are you?”

The planchette didn’t move for several seconds, but then suddenly slid slowly towards the letter ‘D’.  Pausing again, it took its time before sliding just a short distance to the ‘E’ next to it.  Having enough, Kagome stood abruptly, and said, “I’m done!  What a bunch of childish nonsense!  And you dared call me a baby, Inuyasha?!  Maybe you are the one that needs to grow up!”  Without waiting for a reply, she spun on her heel and stormed out of the building.

Glaring at their friend, Inuyasha wasn’t sure what he had done.  “What?!” he yelled. 

Glaring at the male, both Kikyo and Sango stood and walked after Kagome, determined to cheer her up.  Shaking his head, Miroku sighed, “Really Inuyasha?  Did you have to go so far?”

“It wasn’t me!” Inuyasha yelled.  “I didn’t move it!  I swear!”  Seeing that his friend still didn’t believe him, Inuyasha crossed his arms over his chest, and huffed, “How do we know she wasn’t the one moving it the whole time, huh?!”

Shooting Inuyasha a skeptical look, Miroku stood as well and went after the girls.  “It wasn’t me!” Inuyasha yelled after him, still not sure what had happened and why he was being blamed for it.  Glaring at the board, he mumbled under his breath, “Stupid board, and stupid Sessmaru or whatever the hell it spelled.”

Suddenly the wooden planchette moved, shooting to the ‘M’, then the ‘O’ and finally the ‘N’ in quick succession.  Jumping back, Inuyasha’s gut rose into his throat.  Spinning wildly over the ‘N’, the planchette suddenly stopped and shot towards the word ‘GOODBYE.’

“Holy fuck!” Inuyasha shouted.  Jumping over the board, he stopped short and turned to grab the camera Miroku had set up before racing from the building.  Nearly colliding with the van, Inuyasha stumbled to a stop, panting and hunched over. 

“What the hell happened to you?” Miroku asked.  “You look like you just saw a ghost.”

Swallowing thickly, Inuyasha shoved the camera into Miroku’s chest, and panted, “Just watch the damn tape, Bozo!  The fucking thing moved by itself after you guys left!”  Glaring at him skeptically, Miroku didn’t get a chance to respond, “I swear to God!” Inuyasha yelled.  “It moved!  Just watch the damn tape already!”

Rolling his eyes, Miroku opened the van’s door and pulled himself into the vehicle.  The three girls sitting on the couch glared at him, and he raised his hands in surrender.  “Sorry, ladies, but Inuyasha insists that I watch this tape.”

“It better not be porn,” Sango huffed.

Climbing into van after Miroku, Inuyasha rolled his eyes.  As if, he knew better than that.  Removing the SD card from the recorder, Miroku pushed it into a laptop he had set up on the table.  Pulling the footage up, he watched in rapt attention at what the camera had recoded.  Just as Kagome had stormed from the room, the camera screen glitched and went black.   “What the hell,” Miroku whispered.

“Did you see?!” Inuyasha boasted triumphantly.

“No,” Miroku replied, turning around.  “The camera went black.”

“It what?!” Inuyasha yelled.  “You’ve got to be kidding me?!”

Ignoring his friend’s outburst, Miroku looked at the camera and playing with it for a moment, said absently, “The battery is drained.”

Narrowing his eyes, Inuyasha snarled, “You forgot to put a new battery in it?!”

Not liking his friend’s tone, Miroku snapped, “Don’t be ridiculous, of course I put a new battery in it!  It was fully charged when I turned it on and these batteries are rated to last over ten hours.”

“Is there a separate camera set up in that building?” Kikyo asked calmly, diffusing the boys’ argument in an instant.

Nodding, Miroku made a few clicks on his laptop and standing, turned on a separate monitor perched overhead.  The camera was still rolling but was pointed away from the center of the building.  “Great view,” Inuyasha huffed.  Ignoring the comment, Miroku backed the footage up.  Pausing when he saw the camera shift, he pushed play in the laptop.

Sitting in the middle of the room was their small group huddled around the Ouija board.  He could barely hear what was being said, but he didn’t need the audio to know what had taken place.  Seeing Kagome leap from her seat and storm out of view, he knew exactly what had just happened.  When the other girls rose as well, the camera screen rocked slightly, then slowly turned away from the remaining two members and shifted towards the side of the room.

Sitting back in his chair, Miroku looked at the screen puzzled.  They had never had a camera move before.  Perhaps something hit it or caused it to come loose in its stand.  “Does that normally happen?” Kagome asked softly.

“No,” Kikyo responded quickly. 

“Has anything else been caught on the cameras?”  Sango asked.

Splitting the screen so all four cameras were showing, Miroku replied, “I will have to check each one, which will take some time.  They’ve been on for,” pausing he checked the clock, and said, “a little over two hours now.”

Digging through his pack, Inuyasha said, “Well I’m going.”

“Going where?” Sango asked.

Smirking, he said, “Where do you think?”  Pulling out his gopro camera, he strapped it to his chest.

“You’re not seriously thinking about going back out there, are you?” Kagome asked slightly panicked. 

Huffing, he dug around in his bag some more.  “Of course I am, what do you think?  Now that we finally caught something on film, that I’m going to tuck tail and run?”

Pulling out a small device, he tossed it to Kikyo, who caught the object deftly.  “Kikyo, you take the ovilus, and I’ll have the thermal camera and the voice recorder.  I bet we’ll get some great EVPs here!”

Sighing, Kikyo slowly stood and grabbed her own gopro camera.  Not wanting to be left out of the hunt, Sango stood as well and gathered her gear.  Kagome was shocked that they wanted to go back out there after what had happened.  There was no way she was leaving the van.  Hell, she could be told that the vehicle was about to explode, and she still wouldn’t go back outside.  No way, no how.  Not happening. 

“Keep a watch on us,” Sango asked when Inuyasha slid the door open.

Pulling a chair out for Kagome, Miroku patted the seat for her.  Reluctantly switching seats, Kagome wasn’t sure what they wanted.  She didn’t know what she was looking at or for.  “We will have your backs, my love,” Miroku chirped, tossing a hand held radio to Sango.  Catching the radio, Sango rolled her eyes and quickly exited the van, wanting to catch up with Inuyasha and Kikyo.

Staring at the open door, Kagome stood and quickly closed it, not wanting to see the outside.  Chuckling at her antics, Miroku smiled sheepishly when she glared at him.  Clearing his throat, he slid a spare laptop to her, and said, “Why don’t you go through the footage we already have and I’ll keep an eye on everyone.”

Turning on the computer, Kagome merely nodded.  At least it was something to pass the time.  Although really, she would much rather just pack up and leave.  Her gut had been in knots ever sense they got here and she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling she kept getting.  Hearing the radio come to life next to her, Kagome watched Miroku pick up the device, and ask, “Where are you starting, over?”

“We’re in the spaceship,” Sango’s voice replied.  “Inuyasha’s moving the camera back.  Nothing seems to be wrong with it.”

Sure enough, a moment later, the camera swiveled uneasily and Inuyasha’s face came into the frame.  Backing away from it, he tried to tell if it was pointed in a good direction.  Clicking on the radio again, Miroku said, “Tell him that’s good, over.”

Seeing Inuyasha give a thumbs up to the camera, Kagome smiled.  Smirking, Miroku rubbed his chin thoughtfully when the radio buzzed to life again.  “Miroku,” Sango’s voice called.  “Kikyo can’t find the pointer to the Ouija board.  It’s not here.”

Frowning, he replied, “Unfortunately, I can’t help with that.  With the camera turned there was no way for me to see anything.  We were in here for a little while, an animal could have picked it up, over.”

Kagome could see her friends shaking their heads and pointing at different things, but no sound came through the video.  “Can’t we hear them?” she finally asked.

“Ah, yes, actually,” Miroku said, but I have to wear the headphones for that and it’s tricky switching from one camera to another.  Normally I just listen to the video once we’re done with an investigation.” 

Nodding, Kagome shifted her eyes back towards the screens.  Her friends were leaving the spaceship building and were walking into the one behind it.  Sighing, Miroku said, “I wish I had more cameras.  These buildings are so big it would have been nice to have one set up on each end.”

Kagome could see his point.  While the camera caught her friends just fine, there was no way to see what was happening at the other entrance or the corner next to it.  But most of the building was in the footage, and her friends were all wearing gopros.  “What are they doing?” Kagome asked.

“Um, it looks like they are asking questions to see if they get a response,” Miroku replied, his eyes never leaving the screens.  Humming thoughtfully, Kagome waited, but nothing seemed to be happening in her perspective. 

~ ~ ~

Staring down at the device in her hand, Kikyo asked, “Is anyone here with us?” Waiting patiently, it seemed like again they weren’t going to get a response. 

“Come out ya bastard!  We know you’re here!” Inuyasha shouted.

Scowling, Kikyo snapped, “You know I wish you wouldn’t do that, Inuyasha.  It’s not wise to provoke the spirits.”

Huffing, Inuyasha crossed his arms over his chest, hitting the camera strapped there.  Grumbling he unfolded his arms and stuffed them in his pockets. 

“Is there someone else you would rather talk to?” Sango asked hopefully.

‘Priestess,' the ovilus said, snapping to life. 

“Priestess?” Kikyo replied confused.  “Is that even a word registered in the device?”

Hitting the radio, Sango buzzed Miroku, “Hey, can you check the list of words the ovilus uses and see if priestess is one of them?”

Grumbling, Inuyasha ran his hand through his short, dark locks.  The silence was killing him.  Suddenly the radio buzzed to life, “Negative,” Miroku’s voice replied.  “I’m not seeing that one.  Why?  Over.”

“No reason,” Sango lied, not wanting to get into it at the moment. 

Turning back to the device, Kikyo stated, “Maybe it is a Native American thing.”  Scanning the room, she asked, “Who is the priestess you wish to speak with?”

Flaring to life once more, the green screen on the ovilus spelled out, ‘Kagome.’

Freezing, the hairs on the back of their necks stood on end.  “Now I know that word isn’t in that damn thing,” Inuyasha said.

“You wish to speak with Kagome,” Kikyo asked firmly.

‘Back,’ the machine replied.

“Back?” Sango asked.  “What does that mean?”

Jumping when the radio crackled, Sango nearly dropped the device.  “Look at the entrance, I think I saw a dog run past towards the other buildings, over,” Miroku’s voice said.

Racing to the door, Inuyasha didn’t wait for the girls.  Exiting the building, he looked around wildly until he saw a pair or red eyes watching him.  Just as soon as he saw them however, they were gone, like they had never been there to begin with.  Hearing the girls behind him, he motioned with hand, and said, “Come on!  It went this way!”

Running off again, he raced towards the very last building.  Shaking their heads, Kikyo asked, “Are we really going to chase a dog?”

Shrugging her shoulders, Sango replied, “It did say back.  Maybe it wants us to go to the back building.”

Shifting her eyes towards Sango, Kikyo asked, “You believe the dog Miroku saw is the spirit?”

“It could be,” Sango replied, walking towards the other buildings. 

Narrowing her eyes, Kikyo thought back on everything she had read about the paranormal.  Dogs were never good signs, worse than cats normally.  “It could be a demon,” she finally said.

Pausing in her steps, Sango glanced at the other girl, and asked, “You really think so?”

Nodding firmly, Kikyo said, “We should all stay on our guard and not go off alone.  Come, we need to find Inuyasha.”

Moving towards the last dome structure, the radio buzzed again when they neared the door.  “Camera number 3 was just knocked over.  Can one of you see what happened?  Over.”

“I’ll go,” Kikyo said.  “Find Inuyasha and meet me in the building.”  Frowning Sango nodded and headed into the last building.  Sighing, Kikyo turned and walked into the other dome behind her.  Pausing in the doorway, she scanned the empty structure.  Nothing was inside, but she did see the camera lying on its side on the other end of the building. 

Taking cautious steps, she paused when her flashlight flickered.  Looking at the light, she took another step and it flickered again.  Hitting the end of the flashlight, the beam brightened for a moment before going completely dark.  Cursing internally, Kikyo hit the flashlight again, but nothing happened.  She could have sworn she put new batteries in it just that morning.  Seeing the red light on the downed camera flashing, she took a deep breath and walked slowly towards the flashing light. 

Placing her foot down, it suddenly met nothing but air, and with a scream Kikyo went down.  Hitting the concrete hard, her ankle throbbed and her knee felt like it had been cut open.  Crying out in pain, the familiar shine of flashlights racing towards her eased her fears a little. 

“Kikyo!” Inuyasha shouted.  “Where are you?!”

“In here,” she called back, as firmly as she could, though the pain was still evident in her voice.  Racing into the building, Inuyasha was quickly at her side.  Lifting her gently she cried out when his fingers grazed her injured knee.  Shining a light on them, Sango cursed when she saw red on Inuyasha’s fingers.

“What happened?!” Inuyasha barked.

“My light went out,” Kikyo wheezed.  “I didn’t see the hole and tripped.”

Bending, Sango picked up a strange looking, blood covered item.  Holding it up for the others to see, Kikyo gasped when she saw the planchette from the Ouija board.  How had it ended up all the way over here?  “Your knee must have hit this,” Sango said.  Nodding numbly, Kikyo buried her face in Inuyasha’s neck, and wrapping her arms around him, tried to manage the pain. 

“I think I twisted my ankle,” she panted. 

Shifting her weight gently, Inuyasha said, “Sango, lead the way.  We need to get her to the van.”

~ ~ ~

The second the door to the van slid open, Miroku and Kagome were on their feet.  “What happened?” he asked, moving items off of the couch so Kikyo could be placed there.

Wincing when Inuyasha let her down, Kikyo replied, “I fell and twisted my ankle.”

Rummaging through an ice chest, Kagome found a spare towel and wrapped some ice in it.  Placing it gently on Kikyo’s swollen ankle, she grimaced when she saw the girl’s knee had been busted open as well.  Kicking into nurse mode, Kagome shooed the others away from Kikyo and got to work cleaning out the wound as gently as possible.  Dust and dirt coated the skin and bits of concrete and grit were stuck in the wound.  She’d need to have this looked at as soon as possible to avoid getting an infection.  Hearing Kikyo hiss, Kagome apologized as she poured more water over the open wound. 

“We should really go, guys,” Kagome said softly.  “This is going to need stiches and you should probably get a tetanus shot too while you’re at it, Kikyo.”

Shaking her head, Kikyo winced, and replied, “No.  We can go to the hospital in the morning.”

Taking a knee next to her, Inuyasha took her hand in his, and asked softly, “Are you sure, Kikyo?”

Turning away from the scene, Kagome sat down in a chair next to the laptops and stared blankly at the screens.  Her heart lurched in a way it never had before, and she began to lose hope that she would ever get the chance to be with Inuyasha.

Standing from his seat, Miroku opened the door to the van.  “Oi, where you going Miroku?” Inuyasha barked.

“I’m going pick up the camera that fell over.  If we are staying here, then it needs to upright.  I’ll be back in a minute.”  Before anyone could protest, he was out the van and the door was closed. 

Staring at the screens, Kagome waited for him to appear.  He was right.  They needed more cameras.  There was no way to see him with the way they were positioned at the moment.  When a shoe clad foot entered the camera frame, Kagome released a breath she didn’t realize she was holding in.  The camera wobbled for a moment as he picked it up and firmly placed the tripod back on the ground.  Adjusting the lens, his face came back into focus only seconds later.  Spinning around, he carefully stepped over the tracks in the ground, and scanned the empty room.

“What is he doing?” Sango asked softly. 

Shrugging her shoulders, Kagome replied, “Looking, I guess.  The camera went down really hard, so he was convinced something had hit it from behind.”

Seeing Miroku jump, he suddenly bolted from the room.  “Where is he going?” Sango asked.

“I don’t know,” Kagome whispered.  “I didn’t see anything, but something must have spooked him.”

Suddenly the door to the van flew open with a loud bang, making the whole vehicle rock.  Everyone inside screamed in unison, not sure what was happening.  Leaping into the van, Miroku quickly shut the door behind him.  Panting, he slid to the floor and rested his head on his knees.  “What the hell, Miroku!  You scared the crap out of the girls!”

Glaring at Inuyasha, Sango held a hand to her heart.  Girls indeed.  She clearly heard him scream as well.  Catching his breath, Miroku replied, “Something,” swallowing he paused, “growled at me.”

Growing more comfortable with the technology.  Kagome rewound the footage on camera 3, and paused when she saw something.  “Look here,” she said, getting everyone’s attention.  Walking up behind her, both Miroku and Inuyasha peered over her shoulder.  Pushing play, the camera was still on its side. 

“Look at what?” Inuyasha huffed.

“Patience,” Kagome groused.  Stepping into the frame was a large white paw tipped with claws.  Soon a muzzle came into view as well, and the lens fogged when a large nose breathed warm air onto it.  The snout was gone as quickly as it came, and the paw moved off, followed by three others.  “See,” she said, “it’s the dog we saw earlier.  That must be what toppled the camera and what growled at Miroku just now.”

“I didn’t see a dog when I was there,” Kikyo replied. 

Looking at the time on at the bottom of the screen, Kagome replied, “This looks like it happened after Inuyasha and Sango found you but before Miroku went to fix the camera.”

“Convenient,” Inuyasha huffed.

“If it is a wild animal, then it makes sense that it doesn’t want to be seen or be near us,” Miroku replied helpfully.  “It is also probably what picked up the pointer from Kikyo’s Ouija board.”

Sucking on her bottom lip, Kagome hoped that Miroku’s assessment was correct.  Shifting her weight, Kikyo said, “Hand me that laptop.”  Doing as she asked, Inuyasha plucked the computer away from Kagome and deposited it gently on Kikyo’s lap.  “I will remain here, since I will be unable to move around with the way my ankle is.  Inuyasha, Sango and Kagome should go and see if they can catch anything else while we are here.”

“Why me?!” Kagome sputtered.

Sighing, Kikyo replied, “Because you seem to be the only one it wishes to talk to.”

Shifting nervously, Kagome jumped when a hand landed on her shoulder.  “Don’t worry, Kagome.  We will be right with you.  And Miroku will be your eyes in the sky, so to speak.”

Frowning, Kagome nodded her head.  She hated this.  Why couldn’t they just go home?  Standing slowly, she shakily grabbed the flashlight held out to her and the strange device that was called an ovilus.  Swallowing thickly, she reluctantly followed Sango and Inuyasha out of the van.  Chewing on her bottom lip, she paused when she saw Inuyasha was leading them to the back building.  “Um,” she squeaked, getting his attention.  “Could we maybe not go back there.  You know,” she added quickly, “Incase the dog is there.”

Huffing, Inuyasha rolled his eyes and turned into the second building.  Releasing a deep breath, Kagome wanted to be nowhere near the building with the pentagrams in it.  While this building wasn’t great, at least it wasn’t completely falling apart and didn’t have any ritualistic symbols in it. 

Standing near the image of the fox-like animal she liked so much, Kagome wasn’t sure what to do.  The flashlights did little to light the space, and the dark ends of the room seemed to want to encroach on what little light they had surrounding them.  Holding up the thermal camera, Inuyasha smirked, “Okay,” he said.  “Here she is.  You wanted to talk to Kagome, she’s right here, so talk.”

Shifting nervously, Kagome waited for something to happen, and when nothing did, she was relieved.  “Say something,” Sango whispered.

“Um,” Kagome stuttered, not liking how her voice broke the deathly silence.  “Hi,” she finished lamely.

‘Hello,’ the ovilus chimed back instantly.

Staring at the screen completely dumbfounded, Kagome glanced at her friends who smiled and nodded for her to continue.  Licking her lips, she shifted her feet again, and aske softly, “Um, is this, uh, Sesshomaru?”

‘Yes,’ the machine chimed back.

Before Kagome could figure out what to say next, the ovilus chirped, ‘Priestess.’

“Priestess,” Kagome whispered.  “I’m not a priestess.”

‘Yes,’ it said back immediately.  ‘Priestess.’ Then a column of words appeared, one right after another.  ‘Church – Visit – Believe – Strong – Priestess.’

Feeling her heart seize, Kagome swallowed thickly.  “How do you know I go to church?”

‘Priestess,’ it chimed again.  ‘Powerful.’

“I guess whoever this spirit is can feel that you have a strong belief in God,” Sango supplied helpfully. 

Nodding uncertainly, Kagome didn’t like what the machine was saying.  It was too personal.  And why her?  Why target her of all people?  The others had been doing this for years, shouldn’t this Sesshomaru person want to talk to one of them instead?  They had more experience after all.  Trying to push a stray hair behind her ear, she lightly hit her head with the flashlight.  Frowning, she jumped when Sango took the light from her with a grin.  Smiling back weakly, she pushed the stray hair behind her ear and jumped when the ovilus suddenly chimed, ‘Mine.’

“Mine,” Kagome whispered.  “What is yours?”

‘You,’ it shot back quickly.  ‘Kagome – Mine.’

Feeling her blood run cold, Kagome’s eyes shot up towards her friends.   “I want to go,” she mumbled softly.  Taking a step, she paused and her back stiffened.

“What is it?” Sango asked.

Breathing harshly, Kagome felt like she couldn’t suck enough air into her lungs.  “Something is touching me,” she finally whispered.

“Kagome, don’t move,” Inuyasha suddenly said. 

Her eyes instantly shot towards him, waiting for an explanation or for something to shoot out of the shadows and kill her.  The later was the most probably outcome at this point.  Walking up to Inuyasha, Sango’s eyes grew wide.  “Where exactly is it touching you, Kagome?” she asked softly.

Swallowing, Kagome watched her friends wearily.  “It,” she started, and taking a deep breath, tried again, “It feels like I’m being hugged from behind.  Like someone is holding me and their head is,” pausing she slowly moved her arms, unsure if she would be able to.  Pointing to her right shoulder, she said, “Here.”

Nodding, Inuyasha mumbled in awe, “That is exactly what I’m seeing.”

Freezing all over again, Kagome hissed, “What do you mean what you are seeing?!”

“There’s a figure, not as warm as you, that is standing behind you and has its arms wrapped around your chest and it looks like its head is resting on your shoulder,” Inuyasha stated.  Staring at the screen with a stupid grin on his face, Inuyasha’s face suddenly blanched when a pair of glowing red eyes appeared on the screen.  A loud snarl rang through the air, making everyone jump and scream. 

Suddenly her friends took off, leaving Kagome standing alone in the pitch black building.  Breathing heavily, it felt like she was about to hyperventilate.  “You,” she whispered, “you left me,” she finished with a squeak. 

Feeling something slide up her arm, Kagome yelped but was too afraid to move.  “I will never leave you,” a husky voice whispered in her ear. 

Breathing heavily, Kagome could feel her chest heave with every breath, but no matter how much air she sucked in, she just couldn’t calm her heart or slow her breathing.  Taking a hesitant step, her foot slid across the concrete floor.  Taking a deep breath, she slid her other foot next.  Holding her hands out in front of her, she grasped at the darkness, but couldn’t see them much less anything else. 

Sliding her feet a few more times, she was making progress, at least she thought she was.  At least she was moving to somewhere.  Sliding her foot again, her toe hit what felt like a large rock or a chunk of concrete.  Not expecting the obstacle, Kagome tipped forward.  Bracing herself for the pain she knew would happen when she hit the floor, her decent was suddenly stopped by something firm wrapped around her waist. 

Breathing heavily, Kagome felt herself being righted, and whispered into the darkness, “Sesshomaru?  Is that …is that you?”

Feeling something brush her hair, her heart froze.  “Yes,” an airy voice whispered past her ear.  Feeling a slight pressure on her lower back, she took a hesitant step forward.  Her feet hit nothing this time, and releasing a slow breath, she told herself that everything was fine, even though she knew it wasn’t. 

Allowing the unseen hand guide her to what she hoped was the exit, she nearly called out in joy when she saw the outline of a dark rectangle not far in front of her.  Seeing the outlines of some of the shrubs outside, she smiled and whispered softly, “Thank you.”

Hearing what sounded like a content purr over her shoulder, it sent a strange shiver down her spine, making her clinch her thighs.  Kagome could only assume that was his way of accepting her thanks, but didn’t want to dwell on it too long.  Making her way towards the vehicles, she cautiously weaved around small bushes and rocks, not sure if the spirit, or whatever he was, was still following.

Hearing her friends arguing through the thin walls of the van, Kagome felt her cheeks burn and her blood boil in rage.  That’s right.  They left her and still hadn’t made an attempt to get her.  The jerks!  Flinging the door to the van open, Kagome ignored the screams that sounded inside, and pointing an accusing finger at Inuyasha, screamed, “You left me!  In the dark!  With no one to help me but the damn spirit!  You, you, asshole!”

Pulling her into the van, Miroku wrapped his arms around her.  “Thank God you’re alright, Kagome!”  Relaxing in her friend’s arms, Kagome could feel the tears threatening to fall from her eyes.

“I was so scared,” she whispered into his shoulder.

Hugging her tighter, Miroku needed to assure himself that she was fine and that she was there.  Pulling away reluctantly, he checked her for any sort of wounds or injuries.  “You’re okay?” he asked hesitantly.  “It didn’t hurt you?”

Hearing a growl outside the van, Miroku quickly slid the door shut.  “I’m fine,” Kagome whispered.  “It,” pausing, she amended, “he helped me get out of the building safely.”

“We need to get out of here,” Sango mumbled, shifting her fearful eyes to everyone in the van.

Sighing, Inuyasha said, “I’ll go get the equipment.”

“No,” Kikyo protested before he could move.  “Leave it.  We can come back tomorrow during the day or just buy new cameras.  I don’t think it’s safe to go out there.”

Huffing, Inuyasha crossed his arms.  “We could always send Kagome to go get them since she’s so buddy-buddy with the thing already.”

“No, Inuyasha,” Miroku snapped.  “We’re not sending her back out there.  Just get your keys, we’ll come back tomorrow.”

Grumbling, Inuyasha fished around in his pocket, and moving towards the front of the van, he nearly fell into the passenger seat when the van rocked violently.  Screaming, Sango and Kikyo fell to the floor, and Kagome landed in Miroku’s lap.  Loud pops suddenly rang out around them making the girls scream more. 

“Fuck!” Inuyasha cursed, feeling the van list and sink slightly.  “Fucker blew out all of the tires!”

Glancing out the window, Miroku saw that his truck was also now sitting on its rims.  What did this spirit want?  He had never heard of something being so aggressive.  Cursing, Inuyasha threw himself into the driver’s seat.  “Fuck it.  I’ll buy new rims,” he grumbled.  Shoving the key into the ignition, he turned it, but the engine only stuttered instead of rolling over.  Trying again, he cursed when the same thing happened.  Turning the key a third time, he was ready to tear the damn thing apart if it didn’t start. 

“You’re going to flood it,” a soft voice said behind him.

“Oh, so you’re a mechanic now too Kagome?!” he snapped back. 

Frowning, she rubbed her arms absently and quickly looked away from the irate man.  Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Miroku sighed, “It drained the battery.”

“Do you think the truck will start?” Sango asked hopefully.

Shaking his head, Miroku replied, “Not likely.  It looks like we’re stuck here until tomorrow.”

“Can’t we walk?” Sango protested, her voice wobbling.

“Be my guest,” Inuyasha huffed.  “I ain’t going out there with that thing.”

The van quickly erupted into a shouting match between Sango and Inuyasha.  Crouching in the corner, Kagome pressed her eyes to her knees.  She knew this was a bad idea.  Why did she have to come?  Hobbling to her feet, Kikyo raised her voice above the others, quickly stopping the argument.  “We need to keep our heads,” she finally stated calmly.  “We’ve done this enough.  What do we know about spirits or demons?  Why do they drain batteries?”

Falling onto the couch, Inuyasha crossed his arms over his chest, “They’re building up energy to do something.”

Nodding, Kikyo corrected him, “It is likely going to try to manifest or do something else.  Our safest bet at this point is to stay together and keep as much equipment running as possible.  We can see it with the thermal, and we know it likes to mess with the other cameras, so we can track where it is through those.  Also, it likes to talk through the ovilus.  So maybe we can reason with it or at least keep it occupied.”

“He talks without it too,” Kagome whispered.

Seeing all eyes shift to her instantly, she wasn’t sure if she had said something wrong.

“It spoke to you?” Kikyo asked.

Nodding, Kagome licked her dry lips, and replied, “Yes, after I was left.  I …he spoke to me.”

“Why you keep callin’ it a he?” Inuyasha huffed.

“Because he had a deep voice and he sounded like a man.”  Shivering, she added, “He felt like a man.”

“So are we just going to sit in here all night and hope that it leaves us alone?” Sango asked.

“That would probably be for the best,” Kikyo replied.  “We will keep a watch on the cameras and pray that it doesn’t do anything else.”

Just then the camera in the spaceship building went black.  All eyes shifted towards the screen showing the cameras, not sure what just happened.  Chuckling lightly, Miroku scratched at the back of his neck, “Well, it’s just one camera down.  Nothing to worry about.”

Suddenly a second camera went black and then a third, leaving only the one in the farthest building working.  “You were saying,” Inuyasha groused. 

“It’s almost like he can hear us,” Kagome whispered. 

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?!” Inuyasha snapped.

Puffing her cheeks out, Kagome snapped back, “Well what do you think it means?!  Every time we say we’re going to do something or try something, then that very thing goes awry!”

“That’s a bunch of crap!” Inuyasha shot back.  “We said we were going to stay in the van and nothing happened to it!”

“The tires are blown out and the battery is drained!  You call that nothing?!” Sango yelled.

Suddenly the van rocked, knocking everyone off their feet.  Staying perfectly still, no one dared move or say anything.  If Kagome was correct, then the thing was listening to them and acting accordingly.  A loud growl broke the silence.  It was right next to the van, whatever it was, and it sounded angry and huge.  The van rocked violently again, drawing screams out of the occupants.  Then, the back sunk slightly, lifting the front a few inches off the ground. 

“What the fuck?!” Inuyasha cursed. 

The van groaned, and the back windows cracked when the metal roof over the back doors sunk down slightly.  Scrambling towards the front of the vehicle, they watched in horror as the back of the van slowly caved in, like something enormous was walking on it.  Metal groaned under the pressure, and more windows cracked until they finally shattered from the pressure.  Screaming, Sango pushed past everyone and leapt from the passenger side door and into the night. 

“Sango!” Miroku called after her, but she didn’t turn back and only ran farther from the van. 

“We need to get out!” Kikyo insisted as the van continued to crumble and fold down towards them.  Kicking the diver side door open, Inuyasha hopped out next and turned to help Kikyo climb over the seat.  Ushering Kagome in front of him, Miroku pushed her towards the passenger door and quickly followed.  Running towards the spaceship building, they turned in time to see the roof of the van crumple onto the driver and passenger seats. 

Nothing sat on top of the vehicle to indicate what had caused the metal to crush, but several large impressions were sunk farther than the rest, almost looking like massive paws had come down on the van.  Kagome could feel her heart hammering beneath her chest but was at a complete loss on what to do. 

“Sango!” Miroku called, drawing everyone out of their stupor.  Cupping his hands around his mouth, Miroku called again, but no answer came. 

“Does she still have the radio?” Kikyo asked.

Frowning, Miroku replied, “Maybe, but I think the rest of them are in the van,” he finished with a sigh. 

“Fuck the radios,” Inuyasha said, “Just go find her and we’ll hope in your truck and get the fuck out of here.”

The crunching of metal suddenly reached their ears.  Walking towards the vehicles slowly, they froze when they saw the hood of the tuck completely crushed down, to the point that it smashed the engine and snapped the frame.  “You were saying, Inuyasha,” Miroku huffed.

Groaning, Kagome walked towards the smashed van, and said, “I’ll get the radios.”

Grabbing her hand quickly, Miroku pulled her back, “It’s too dangerous, Kagome.”  Eyeing the smashed metal that used to be a van, he added, “Who knows what that thing will do if you try to get back in there.”

Frowning, Kagome pointed to the sliding door on the side.  It bowed out in a ‘V’ allowing a small gap and what was left of the inside of the van to be seen.  “I’ll just take a look and see if I can see one that’s close enough to grab.  I won’t actually go in it.”

Releasing her hand, Miroku relented, and said, “Fine, but the moment anything moves or shifts I’m pulling you away from there.”

Nodding, Kagome hesitantly walked towards the crushed van.  Crouching next to what remained of the door, she was careful to avoid the broken glass scattered over everything.  Licking her dry lips, she hesitantly reached an arm into the opening and pulled out what she hoped was a radio.  Pulling the small, black device out, she frowned when she was it was the ovilus.  Eyes narrowing at the innocent device, Kagome huffed and placed the object on the ground next to her.  Crouching lower, she tried to see if she could see any of the radios in the dark interior. 

Finally spotting what she was looking for, Kagome reached her arm back into the van.  Stretching her fingers as much as she could, it was too far out of reach.  Huffing, she tried again, and winced when her arm caught a piece of broken glass.  About to give up, Kagome’s eyes widened when the radio she was reaching for moved and slid towards her outstretched hand.  Grabbing the radio, she slowly slid her arm out of the van, and picking the ovilus off the ground, slowly backed away from the vehicle. 

“You’re hurt,” Miroku griped. 

“It’s just a scratch,” Kagome replied absently, her eyes never leaving the van. 

Huffing Inuyasha marched towards the smashed van, and grumbled, “See what else we can get out of it.”

Bending to look, he saw one of their packs not too far from the door.  Reaching in, he abruptly jumped back when Kikyo screamed for him to watch out.  Falling to his rear, his heart pounded beneath his chest.  The van’s roof caved farther down, blocking off all access to the interior and crushing whatever was left inside.  Scrambling from the ground, Inuyasha kicked dirt and rocks at the mutilated vehicle, cursing the whole time. 

Ignoring his friend’s tantrum, Miroku fiddled with the radio Kagome managed to salvage, and asked into the receiver, “Sango, can you hear me, over?”

Waiting a few seconds, he was about to ask again, when a shaky reply came through the speaker, “Miroku?  I’m scared.”

“Where are you Sango?  We’re coming to get you,” Miroku replied calmly, although his insides were in knots. 

“I’m in the last building,” Sango answered shakily.  “Please come quick, I think there’s something outside.”

“We’re on our way, just hold tight,” Miroku said. 

“Okay,” Sango replied softly, “I’ll just-“ her voice cut off and was replaced by a terrified scream. 

Staring at the radio horrified, Miroku yelled into the microphone, “Sango!  Sango!  What happened?!  Sango!  Can you hear me?!  Answer me!”

Getting no reply, he was about to bolt when a soft hand landed on his shoulder.  “We need to stay together,” Kikyo stated a calmly as possible.  “Running off may put you in danger too.”

“But Sango!” Miroku insisted.

“We will go get her,” Kikyo replied instantly, “but we will go together, as a group.”

Nodding, Miroku was ready to run towards his beloved, but knew Kikyo was right.  He needed to keep his head cool or more of them could potentially be hurt.  Shifting an arm around Kikyo, Inuyasha allowed her to lean on him to keep the pressure off of her ankle and knee.  Taking the lead, Miroku started towards the back of the complex slowly.  Following close behind him, Kagome gripped the ovilus still in her hand, while Inuyasha and Kikyo brought up the rear. 

Swallowing thickly, Kagome scanned the surrounding desert.  It was so quiet.  Not even the bugs were making noise.  Although, now that she thought about it, she hadn’t heard or seen a single insect since they arrived to the site, which was bizarre in itself.

Passing the second building, the interior was completely shrouded in black, looking more like a hole or cave than an actual building.  Walking along the side of the third building, Kagome could feel her heart rate pick up, and had a feeling she wasn’t the only one.  Surely her friends were also feeling the same sort of anxiety she was. 

Approaching the door to the last building, the interior was dark, but not quite as bad as the last buildings since the back end had been blown out.  The meager moon light filtered into the back of the room, but all that managed to do was toss strange shadows along the walls.  Standing in the doorway, Miroku called, “Sango?!  Are you here Sango?!  Answer me!”

Taking a step into the quiet building, Inuyasha and Kikyo slowly followed behind him.  Remaining in the doorway, Kagome tried to scan the building, but her eyes refused to adjust to lack of light.  Suddenly the device in her hand went off, making her jump. 

“What does it say?” Kikyo asked hesitantly.

Looking down at the device, Kagome whispered, “Cry.”  The device sounded again, and swallowing thickly, Kagome read the word on the screen, “Blood.”

A pained scream broke the silence.  Eyes shooting up from the screen, Kagome could barely see Miroku on the other side of the building where the piles of rubble started.  He fell to his knees slowly and picked something up from the ground.  Breath stilling in her lungs, Kagome felt like she was choking on the dead air trapped within.  Screaming out again, Miroku wailed and pulled what could only be Sango towards his chest. 

Leaving Kikyo’s side, Inuyasha cautiously moved towards his sobbing friend.  Miroku hadn’t moved and neither had the body he was holding.  Stepping closer, Inuyasha could clearly see that it was Sango, but something was definitely wrong.  Moving around to the side, Inuyasha froze.  Cradled in Miroku’s arms was the girl he had loved ever since he had met her.  Heaving, Inuyasha couldn’t seem to get enough air into his lungs.  Her abdomen had been completely ripped open and the organs that should have been housed inside were strangely absent.  A large chunk of her neck and shoulder was gone as well, as if something had taken a bite out of her.  Blood covered the front of Miroku’s shirt, arms and hands, but surprisingly, there wasn’t much on the concrete surrounding them.

Having seen enough, but unable to look away, Inuyasha forced his body to turn, and racing towards a wall, expelled the contents of his stomach.  Retching, he couldn’t get Sango’s lifeless, frightened eyes out of his mind.  What the fuck happened to her? 

“Inuyasha?” a soft voice called. 

Raising his head, his whole body felt like lead.  Frightened eyes met Kagome’s.  She had made her way farther into the building, but he couldn’t let her go any further.  Stumbling towards her, he pulled her away from Miroku and into his chest.  “Don’t look,” he whispered into her hair.  “You don’t want to look.”

Hearing a low growl, he instantly released her and whipping around, searched for the animal that made the noise.  Surely it was the same thing that had killed Sango.  Racing towards Kikyo, he picked her up and carried her to where their camera was set up in the corner.  Placing her back on her feet, he yanked the camera from its tripod, and released a sigh of relief.  It was still working.  The battery showed seventy percent left.  Lifting the camera higher, he scanned the building, thankful that it had night vision. 

“What do you see?” Kikyo whispered.

“Nothin’,” Inuyasha replied softly.  Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the thermal camera, and handing it to Kikyo, said, “See if that shows anything different.”

Raising the camera, Kikyo frowned when she noticed the low battery light flashing in the corner.  Twenty percent wasn’t much, but hopefully it would last them.  Scanning the building, she paused at the far corner.  Not far from where Miroku was still sitting with Sango’s rapidly cooling body was something else perched on the rubble.  Crouched low, it looked ready to pounce at any moment.  “Inuyasha,” she whispered.  “On the rubble.  To the left of Miroku.”

Turning his camera to where she instructed, he didn’t see anything.  “You sure?” he whispered back.  Nodding her head, Kikyo slowly handed the thermal camera to her boyfriend.  Taking the device, he gave the night vision to Kikyo.  Holding the camera up, Inuyasha’s blood ran cold.  It was the same thing from earlier.  The one that had hugged Kagome from behind. 

“Miroku,” Inuyasha called, his voice wobbly.  “We need to go, man.”  Swallowing, he added, “Like, right now.”

Bending lower, Miroku hugged Sango’s corpse to his chest tightly.  “I can’t leave her,” he choked out.

Seeing the figure on the thermal camera shift, Inuyasha yelled to his friend, “We’ll come back for her, man!  We need to go now!”

Not sure what he was seeing, Kagome raced towards Miroku.  Stopping short, she barely registered that it was Sango he was hugging.  Kagome could feel the bile rising up her throat.  This wasn’t happening.  This couldn’t be happening.  It was all a bad dream.  That had to be it.  She would wake up in the hotel room and find out that they hadn’t left for the domes yet.  Sango would be there smiling and laughing at her, teasing her, very much alive and well.

“Guys!  Move now!” Inuyasha’s voice rang out. 

Dropping in front of Miroku, Kagome hugged him to her chest, determined to shield him from whatever was coming.  Bracing, she didn’t move, but then again, nothing else moved either.  Everything was quiet, except for the soft sobs and apologies coming from Miroku.  Peaking over her shoulder, she saw nothing and felt nothing.  Looking back at Inuyasha, she swallowed, and asked, “Where is he?”

“Be…. behind you,” Inuyasha stuttered. 

Breathing slowly, Kagome asked as steadily as she could, “What is he doing?”

“Just, standing there,” Inuyasha said lamely, not sure what he had expected, but it surely wasn’t this.  Releasing a deep breath, Kagome wrapped her arms tighter around Miroku’s shoulders. 

“Please stop,” Kagome whispered into Miroku’s shoulder.  “You’ve done enough, just please, stop this.”

The ovilus chimed twice next to her, making both her and Miroku jump.  Running her hand along the floor, she grabbed the machine and stared at the screen.  ‘Release’ was the first word, followed by ‘Him.’ 

“No,” she whispered defiantly.  “I won’t let you hurt him.”

A low growl sounded behind her, making her grip Miroku even tighter.  She wouldn’t do it.  She wouldn’t allow anymore of her friends to die, especially if she could stop it.  Rubbing his back softly, Kagome whispered, “Come on, Miroku.  We need to get up.  We can’t stay here.”

“But Sango,” he whispered.

Releasing a shaky breath, Kagome gripped his shirt tightly, “We’ll come back for her.  We won’t leave her here, I promise.”

Sucking back his tears, Miroku sniffled loudly.  Releasing the body slowly, he gently laid her on the concrete floor.  Brushing the bangs from her face, he closed her eyes with his palm.  She looked a little more peaceful now, at least, that was what he told himself.  Pushing up softly, Kagome tried to rise from the ground.  Miroku resisted for a moment, but reluctantly rose to his feet as well.  Burying his face in Kagome’s shoulder, he wrapped his arms around her tightly and his tears started anew. 

Glancing at Inuyasha, Kagome asked, “Where is he?”

Scanning the room with the thermal camera, Inuyasha replied shakily, “I think he’s gone.  I don’t see him.”

Taking a step back, Kagome keep a hand on Miroku’s waist as she scanned the room slowly.  She couldn’t see much but could barely make out the outlines of Inuyasha and Kikyo on the other side of the building.  The blinking lights from the cameras they held were a bit of a reassurance that her eyes weren’t playing tricks on her. 

Wetting her dry lips, Kagome whispered, “Sesshomaru?  Are you still here?”

‘Mine,’ the ovilus chimed only a second later. 

Crying out, Miroku fell into Kagome’s chest, nearly knocking her off her feet.  “What happened?!” Inuyasha yelled.

Calling out in pain, Miroku gasped, “My back!  Something scratched my back!”

Holding him tightly, Kagome peeked around his shoulders and saw 4 bleeding claw marks.  They weren’t deep but did manage to draw some blood.  Wrapping her arm around his back, careful to stay away from his new scratches, Kagome turned Miroku towards the others, and said, “Come on.  We need to go.”

Hissing, Miroku could feel the skin pulling with every step, but didn’t stop.  They were right.  They couldn’t stay here any longer.  They would surely all die if they did.  Stumbling towards Inuyasha and Kikyo, Kagome helped him lean against the wall to catch his breath.  “Is he still there?” Kagome asked hesitantly.

Scanning the building, Inuyasha replied, “No, I don’t see anything at least.”

Kikyo gasped beside him, and turning to her quickly, he asked, “What is it?!”

Glancing towards Miroku, Kikyo looked back at Inuyasha and whispered, “She’s gone.”  Slamming her hand over Inuyasha’s mouth before he could make a scene, she thrusted the camera in his face, and whispered, “Look!”

Pointing the camera to where Sango’s body was supposed to be, Kikyo was right, it was gone.  He hadn’t noticed on the thermal since she was no longer producing heat, but the night vision didn’t lie.  The body had disappeared.  “What the fuck!” Inuyasha screamed into Kikyo’s hand, making the woman groan. 

“What is it?” Kagome asked hesitantly. 

Unable to keep it secret any more, Kikyo replied softly, “Sango is gone.”

“Gone?!” Miroku echoed, straightening despite the pain in his back.  Snatching the night vision camera from Inuyasha he frantically scanned the building for her body, but saw nothing.  His blood boiled in his veins.  How dare that, that thing!  How dare he take her!  “You bastard!” Miroku yelled into the darkness.  “Wasn’t it enough you stole her from me!  Now you take her body too!  I’ll kill you!  You hear me?!  I’ll kill you!”

“Stop, Mirkou!” Kagome pleaded with him, grabbing his arm tightly before he could do anything brash. 

Kagome squeaked when the ovilus chimed again.  Afraid to look at what it said, she reluctantly held the devise up.  ‘Blood’ was written on the screen.  Chiming again, the word ‘Need’ appeared.

“Need blood,” Kagome whispered.  “For what?”

‘See’ the ovilus chimed back.

“We’ll see,” Inuyasha snarled.  “I think we’ve seen enough!”

‘See’ the ovilus chimed again, then ‘Kagome’ appeared on the screen.

“He needs blood to be able to see Kagome,” Kikyo whispered, her face paling. 

“Fuck this,” Inuyasha hissed.  Grabbing Kikyo’s hand he pushed past Kagome and Miroku and marched towards the door, pulling a limping Kikyo behind him.  Not wanting to be left behind, Kagome grabbed Miroku’s hand and pulled him after the couple. 

Exiting the building, Kikyo had enough.  Ripping her hand from Inuyasha’s, she yelled, “Stop it!  If this is the way you’re going to act, I will walk by myself!”  Shifting, she raised her injured ankle off the ground to rest it.  Cringing, Inuyasha had forgotten that she had twisted her ankle.  He was too worried about leaving the domes that everything else had fallen to the back of his mind. 

“I’m sorry, Kikyo,” Inuyasha tried, but she brushed him off. 

Leaving Miroku’s side, Kagome wrapped Kikyo’s arm around her shoulder.  “I’ll help you,” Kagome offered with a wane smile. 

Smiling back at the younger girl, Kikyo nodded and took a step forward.  Turning to bypass the third building, a flash of movement made the girl’s pause.  “What was that?” Kagome squeaked. 

Raising the camera, Inuyasha felt his blood run cold.  Staring back at him was the biggest dog he had ever seen.  Or maybe it was a wolf, or possibly a bear, or some combination of the three.  Lowering its head, the creature released a threatening snarl.  “Into the building,” Inuyasha ordered before anyone could question what he had seen or what the sound had come from. 

Lifting Kikyo in his arms, he ignored her protests and rushed her into the building they were next to.  Not wanting to be left behind, Kagome and Miroku dashed after them.  The sounds of large feet hitting the ground and heavy panting could be heard behind them, but they didn’t look back.  Racing into the building, Kagome glanced over her shoulder in time to see a large white animal dash past the entrance.  “It’s not following,” she breathed out.

“So we risk dealing with Sesshomaru inside the buildings or we risk whatever that was outside,” Miroku stated hunched over, resting his hands on his knees. 

“It appears that way,” Kikyo stated with remorse.

“Fuck!” Inuyasha shouted, kicking a rock away from him. 

Ignoring his outburst, Kagome turned towards Miroku, and asked, “How’s your back?”

“I will live,” Miroku replied bluntly, straightening his spine. 

Feeling something gently brush the hair on her back, Kagome whipped around.  Becoming more alert, her friends gathered closer to her.  “What is it, Kagome?” Kikyo asked.

“Something touched me,” she whispered back.  Unable to see much but the shadows playing games with her eyes, Kagome asked softly, “Is that you, Sesshomaru?”

‘Yes,’ the ovilus chimed in her hands.  Figuring it was better to keep him talking, Kagome gently pushed back into her friends, hoping they would get the message, and took a step backwards.  “Why are you here?” she asked softly, trying to distract him.  “Do you live here?” she added, taking another step back.

“What the-“ but Inuyasha’s complain was cut short by Kikyo.  Motioning with her head, she grabbed his hand and took a short step in the direction Kagome was moving them in, towards the other exit.  Finally understanding, Inuyasha jerked when the ovilus chimed.

“Trapped,” Kagome whispered, so the others would know what appeared on the screen.  “So you are trapped here?” she asked, hoping to keep the conversation going.  The ovilus chimed again as they took another small step towards the exit.  “Was,” Kagome whispered.

“He was trapped her, but is no longer,” Kikyo paraphrased. 

Furrowing her brow, Kagome said, “But if he’s not trapped anymore, why would he still be here?  Shouldn’t he have returned to wherever it was he came from?”

The ovilus chimed once more.  “What does it say?” Miroku asked, shifting again with his friends.

“Called,” Kagome mumbled.  “Did we accidently call you back with the Ouija board?”

The ovilus suddenly chimed to life again, spitting out several words.  “Summoned, mortals, foolish, freed, spell, revenge,” Kagome recited in order. 

Taking another short step backwards, Kagome couldn’t figure out what he was trying to say.  “I don’t-“ she started, but stopped when Kikyo began talking.

“Perhaps he is saying that we are foolish for summoning him and now he is free because of it,” Kikyo offered.

“I don’t believe that is the case,” Miroku replied, taking another step in sync with his friends.  “He would not have used so many words for that message.  I believe that every word is a clue.”

“Like what?” Inuyasha groused. 

“Whoever summoned him were foolish mortals in his mind,” Kagome replied softly.  Staring at the other words on the screen.  “But,” she started slowly, “they freed him by breaking whatever spell he was under which was what had him trapped initially, maybe, and now he wants revenge?”

“Why would he want revenge on the people who freed him?” Inuyasha huffed.  “That doesn’t make any sense.”

“Maybe he wants revenge on whoever trapped him?” Kagome offered helpfully.

“Indeed,” a husky voice whispered next to Kagome’s ear. 

“What the fuck was that?!” Inuyasha yelled with a start.

“You heard that too?” Miroku asked.

“Yes,” Kikyo replied shakily.  “I heard it as well.”

Chewing on her bottom lip, Kagome whispered, “That was him.  That was Sesshomaru.”  Swallowing thickly, she could feel the other’s eyes on her, but she was sure it was him.  It was the same voice that had spoken to her earlier in the night.

Growing angry, Inuyasha yelled, “We’re not the ones that trapped you, you asshole!  Take your damn revenge out one someone else, bastard!”

A low growl sounded nearby, followed by a rush of wind.  “Don’t make him mad!” Miroku hissed.

“Him?!” Inuyasha balked.  “What about me?!”

“Inuyasha,” Kikyo reprimanded harshly. 

“We’re sorry,” Kagome whispered.  “We’re sorry you were trapped, but Inuyasha is right, it wasn’t us.  We didn’t do it.”

The ovilus chimed in her hands again, making her scream.  Calming her heart, she glanced down at the screen.  The word ‘Priestess’ stared back at her.  Hearing another growl, the ovilus chimed again right after in quick succession.  The words ‘Trapped,’ ‘Shikon,’ ‘Jewel,’ ‘Priestess,’ and ‘Whole’ appeared.

Chewing on her bottom lip, Kagome tried to make sense of the words staring back at her.  “Well?!” Inuyasha huffed with impatience. 

Waving him off, Kagome shifting on her feet, trying to piece his message together.  “A priestess is the one who trapped you.” Kagome stated firmly.  That had to be it.  But the next few words confused her.  “Do any of you know what shikon means?”

“Never heard of it,” Inuyasha huffed.

“What comes after it?” Kikyo asked patiently.

“Jewel, then priestess, then whole,” Kagome replied.

“Shikon Jewel,” Kikyou mumbled.  “I’ve never heard of it, but it could be what he was trapped in, maybe.”

“And somehow another priestess can make him whole?” Miroku asked, not sure what any of this could mean. 

“Well, he claims Kagome is a priestess, so we should just let him have her,” Inuyasha said.

Kagome’s eyes widened, shocked that her supposed friend would just toss her aside so easily.  “Inuyasha,” Miroku barked, “That isn’t even an option!  Why would you say that?!”

“Well it’s true!” Inuyasha shot back.  “He’s been claiming he wants her ever since we showed up here!  If we just give her to him then we can probably go home!”

“And what of Kagome?!” Miroku yelled back.  “You would just leave her to her fate?!”  Huffing, Inuyasha crossed his arms over his chest and looked away.  Sneering, Miroku said, “I’m sure if it was asking for Kikyo, you wouldn’t be so quick to hand her over.”

Eyes widening, Inuyasha pointed an accusing finger at Miroku, “No one is going to touch her!  You hear?!”

Narrowing his eyes, Miroku replied, “My point exactly.  And no one is going to touch Kagome either.  So don’t even think about handing her over to anyone.”

Glaring at the floor, Inuyasha mumbled, “Don’t know what the big deal is.  She’s not nearly as pretty or smart as Kikyo.  Why would it matter?”

“Inuyasha, that’s enough,” Kikyo spat.  “I agree with Miroku.  She is staying with us.”

Grumbling under his breath, Inuyasha’s eyes widened when he saw a pair of red eyes appear behind Kikyo.  Screaming he reached for her, but was too slow.  With a horrified scream, Kikyo was pulled into the darkness, disappearing almost instantly.  Racing after her, he ignored the screams from his friends, and stumbled through the building, falling several times due to the holes and raised portions of concrete scattered throughout the space. 

Seeing a faint blinking light, Inuyasha scrambled for what he knew was the camera she had been holding.  Falling to the ground, he picked the camera up and searched frantically for his girlfriend.  Calling her name repeatedly, no answer replied to his call. 

Panting, Kagome and Miroku finally caught up to him.  Looking around frantically, Miroku asked, “Where is she?”

Pushing to his feet, Inuyasha glared at the two standing before him.  “She’s gone!” he screamed, shoving the camera into Miroku’s chest, pushing him back a step.  Turning on Kagome, he pointed a finger at her, and yelled, “This is all your fault!  If you hadn’t been so selfish and would have just given yourself up, then she would still be here!”

Feeling tears welling in her eyes, Kagome refused to let them fall.  He was wrong.  She knew he was, but part of her felt that there was truth to what he had said.  Pushing past Inuyasha, she refused to stay and be insulted by him.  Glaring at his friend, Miroku followed Kagome towards the vehicles.  Walking around the second building, Kagome stomped towards the flatten cars.  She was done.  She was done with all of this and just wanted to go home.  She didn’t care if she had to walk, but she was leaving.

How could she ever like that jerk?  He was infuriating!  At least she found out how he really was before she made a mistake.  Although, she hated that Sango and Kikyo were sacrificed for no reason.  Wiping her eyes, she sniffed and stopped short.  Walking out from around the spaceship building was a large animal. 

Its white fur glowed in the minimal moonlight even though its body was slightly transparent.  Red eyes shined down on her from the towering head and a long, jagged, pink tongue hung from the animal’s mouth.  Taking a step back, Kagome heard Miroku whisper behind her, “Do not make any sudden movements, Kagome.”

Taking a deep breath, she slid a foot back against the ground.  The animal’s head cocked to the side like a curious dog.  Taking a step forward, the large clawed paw brought the creature substantially closer.  Taking another step back, the same thing happened, but since the animal’s legs were so much longer than hers, he covered much more ground. 

“Just a little farther, Kagome,” Miroku coached softly.  “You’re almost to us.”

Scooting her foot back again, Kagome screamed when the creature barked loudly twice.  Forgetting Miroku’s sage advice, she turned and bolted away from the animal.  Hearing it bark once more behind her, she screamed again and with tears streaming down her face, nearly plowed into Miroku.  Grabbing her arm tightly, he swung her to the side and towards Inuyasha who was standing near the second building’s entrance.  “Run Kagome!” Miroku yelled.  “Don’t look back!”

She didn’t.  Even when she heard the animal bounding towards them, she didn’t turn around, too afraid to look.  Running into Inuyasha, he pulled her behind him and into the dark building.  Finally turning around, she saw Miroku reaching for them, but just as his fingers grazed Inuyasha’s the animal clamped its giant maw around Miorku’s waist and bounded away. 

Screaming, Kagome reached for him, but Inuyasha wrapped his arm round her waist and hauled her back.  Prying at his arms, she struggled against his hold.  “No!” she screamed.  “We can still save him!  Let me go!”

“Damn it, Kagome!  Stop it!” Inuyasha ordered. 

Kicking him in the shin, Inuyasha cursed and loosened his grasp on her.  Pull away from him, she reached the rectangular door of the building only to stop.  A large paw landed in front of her, blocking her path.  Frozen in fear, Kagome’s breath stilled.  Her eyes widened when a large snout leaned down towards the door.  Licking its lips, red stained teeth peeked through its mouth, making her blood run cold.

Pulling Kagome’s back into his chest, Inuyasha kept his arm locked around her waist and pulled her farther into the building.  Surely the beast wouldn’t be able to get inside.  It was too big.  “What are we going to do?” Kagome whispered.  There was no hope.  No way they would escape this place alive.  It was impossible. 

Moving closer to the center of the room, Inuyasha paused when a vicious growl sounded behind him.  Whipping around, he kept Kagome plastered to his front, putting her in between whatever growled and himself.  Shaking, Kagome gripped his arm tightly, and whispered, “Inuyasha, what are you doing?”

“Shut up, wench!” Inuyasha barked.  Keeping a firm hold on her with one arm, he rose the thermal camera, trying to see what was in the building with them.  Turning slowly, he didn’t see anything on the camera.  They appeared to be alone, but he knew he heard the growl.  Although, it could have come from the beast outside. 

“Foolish mortal,” a voice whispered near them.

Whipping around, Inuyasha pulled Kagome with him, despite her struggles.  Tugging at Inuyasha’s arm, Kagome pleaded with him, “Let me go!  Please, Inuyasha!”

“I said, shut up!” Inuyasha shot back.  Turning again, he yelled out into the darkness.  “You want her?!” he asked angrily.  “You can have her!  Just let me go unharmed and you can have her!”

Feeling a wind whip around them, Inuyasha tried to turn with it, not wanting to let the spirit have the upper hand.  Feeling something soft caress her cheek, Kagome stiffened at the touch, alerting Inuyasha.  Holding her tighter, with one arm, he dug in his pants pocket and pulled out a small knife.  Switching hands, he held the knife near her neck and rose the thermal camera again to try and see what he was up against.

“Inuyasha,” Kagome whispered, shifting her eyes towards the knife held precariously close to her neck, “What are you doing?”

“Shut up,” he growled, his eyes never leaving the camera.  Turning towards the second exit, he froze.  Standing in the doorway was a figure.  Broad shoulders and a trim waist spoke of a man’s silhouette, but the long hair flowing down to the back of his knees looked strangely out of place.  The red and yellow color on the thermal camera made it clear that whoever this was, they were alive, but where the person came from, Inuyasha couldn’t be sure. 

“Who are you?!” Inuyasha yelled.  “Where’d you come from?!”

Seeing the man take a step towards them, Inuyasha yelled again, “Don’t come any closer or I’ll kill her!”

Pausing instantly, the man didn’t move, taking the threat to Kagome’s life seriously.  Cursing under his breath, Inuyasha’s arms were getting tired, but self-preservation kept his muscles taught.  “Who are you?!” he yelled again.  “Answer me!”

“Give me the girl,” the man replied calmly, his voice deep and husky from disuse. 

“Fuck you,” Inuyasha spat, not about to let his shield go.  “Why don’t you go back to where you came from!” he continued to yell.  “In fact, why don’t you go take a nice stroll outside and let that fucking monster out there chase you so we can get the hell out of here!”

“Inuyasha!” Kagome hissed, completely horrified. 

Feeling the knife graze her neck, Kagome instantly quieted.  He was unstable, and she didn’t want to risk him doing something crazy because she couldn’t keep her mouth shut.  The man didn’t move however, and instead replied back calmly, “The beast will not harm me.  The girl, give her to me mortal.”

Tensing, Kagome could feel Inuyasha go ridged as well.  Mortal, that was the same word that had come through the ovilus, meaning that the person they were speaking to was no man.  “Sesshomaru,” Kagome whispered.

“The fuck?!” Inuyasha spat.  “It can’t be!  This fucker is warm, he’s real, not a damn spirit!”  Pressing the knife firmly to Kagome’s neck, he heard her whimper in pain, but he no longer cared.  He wasn’t going to die and was going to do whatever it took to leave this hell hole alive. 

Smelling the woman’s blood, Sesshomaru’s eyes flashed red, making Inuyasha jerk.  “Leave now or I’ll kill her!” Inuyasha threatened.  He hoped it would work.  He didn’t want to die but if he was going to, he was damn well taking Kagome with him.  Grunting softly, Sesshomaru turned and walked out of the building, disappearing around the corner.

Releasing a deep breath, Inuyasha’s hold relaxed on her, allowing Kagome to pull away from him just enough to get the knife away from her neck.  Looping his arm through hers, Inuyasha pulled Kagome back to his side, and huffed, “You’re not going anywhere.  You’re my ticket out of here.”

Tears streamed down Kagome’s cheeks.  “You bastard,” she whispered.  “You don’t care about anyone but yourself!”

“Damn straight!” Inuyasha snapped back. 

“How could I have actually ever liked you?” Kagome mumbled.  “You’re a monster.”

Sneering down at her, Inuyasha replied haughtily, “Maybe I can remind you when we get out of here.”

Pushing against him, he didn’t budge.  “I’ll never be with you!” Kagome spat.  “I’d sooner let that demon take me than be with you!”

“That can be arranged,” Inuyasha replied menacingly.

Hearing a vicious, low growl, both forgot their argument and looked towards the building wall.  Holding the thermal camera up again, Inuyasha’s eyes grew wide.  No, it wasn’t possible.  How the hell did that thing get in there without them noticing?!  It didn’t make any damn sense!

Taking a step away from the wall, the large dog-like creature seemed to appear from thin air.  Taking a step back, Inuyasha pulled Kagome with him.  The large creature watched them with interest, it’s red eyes glowing in the dark building.  Lowering its head, it growled again, making the fur on the back of its neck stand, causing the creature to look even larger than it actually was. 

The blood ran cold in his veins, when Inuyasha saw the glint of sharp teeth hidden behind the monster’s lips.  Without thinking, he pushed Kagome forward, making her stumble and fall to the ground before the animal’s huge, claw-tipped paws.  Running towards the exit, Inuyasha didn’t look back, convinced that the animal would be content with the easy meal Kagome would make. 

Ignoring the girl lying before him, the beast sprang on nimble legs, spanning the long building in one leap.  Skidding to a halt, Inuyasha was shocked when his path was suddenly blocked by four towers of fur.  Kagome watched in detached horror as the beast circled and played with her former friend.  Inuyasha tried to fend off the creature with his knife, but the animal was too big, and easily bit the arm holding the weapon clean off.

Screaming in agony, Inuyasha stumbled towards the exit, but didn’t make it far.  Biting down on Inuyasha’s shoulder, the beast lifted his prey into the air, and after a horrifying crunch, devoured the boy in only a few bites. 

Kagome breath was completely frozen in her lungs.  Eyes wide, she knew her body had gone into shock, but couldn’t seem to snap out of it.  Swallowing thickly, she remained perfectly still when the creature turned and looked at her.  Taking a step, the animal moved slowly, stealthily.  Seeing the massive paws coming closer to her, caused Kagome to jolt into action.  Scooting backwards along the ground, it didn’t take long for her back to hit a wall.  Scrambling to her feet, an image in the corner of her eyes nearly made her scream.

A large, white creature, painted on the side of the wall stared down at her with yellow eyes.  Glancing between the painting and the creating standing not far away, there were definite differences.  The graffiti showed yellow eyes, while the beast clearly had glowing red orbs.  Where pointed ears sat on the painting’s head, the one standing before her donned a pair of floppy ears, making it look not quite as menacing as it could have been. 

Unsure of why she spoke out loud, the silence was getting to her however, and the words just tumbled out of her mouth.  “This is you,” she whispered.  Cocking its head, the creature stared down at her, tail swishing slowly behind it, reminding her of a cat. 

Moving slowly, Kagome slid along the wall, away from the large beast.  Watching her closely, intelligent, red eyes took in her skittish movement, but the beast didn’t move.  Sliding closer to the door, she paused and glanced at the ominous mouth painted above the opening.  The fangs enclosing the top corners of the opening and the flames licking up the sides gave her pause.  Swallowing thickly, she reminded herself that it was only graffiti, but then again, the image of the creature had been eerily accurate. 

Taking a deep shuddering breath, she took a step away from the wall, and froze when she saw the beast crouch, like it was about to pounce.  It happened all in a flash.  The animal left the ground, sailing through the air towards her in what felt like slow motion.  Faltering for only a second, Kagome screamed, and spinning raced towards the door.  Slipping through the large opening, she heard the creature’s large paws land behind her, but drew comfort in the fact that it couldn’t squeeze through the opening. 

Spinning around, she nearly tripped over her own feet.  Breathing heavily, she panted, resting her hands on her knees.  Staring at the opening, it looked like a black hole from where she stood.  Hearing the crunching of rocks and grass to her right, exhausted eyes stared in disbelief at the large creature standing only a few yards away.  It was impossible.  How had it gotten out, much less be so close to her?

Stumbling backwards, she nearly tripped over a shrub, but managed to catch herself in time.  Bounding effortlessly, the animal easily blocked the entrance to the building she just emerged from.  Cursing internally, Kagome took a few steps back and tried to go the other way.  Again, her route was blocked by the large creature.  Its tail swayed happily behind it, and its huge head cocked slightly, waiting to see where she would try to run to next. 

Eying the spaceship building, Kagome took a few wary steps towards it, but stopped the moment a large paw landed in front of her.  Panting heavily, tears streamed down her dirty cheeks leaving streaks.  “Please,” she whispered desperately, not sure what she expected to happen.

Lowering its large snout, the creature bumped her with its massive, white nose.  Whimpering, Kagome stumbled backwards and fell to the ground.  Crying, she scrambled back when the nose tapped her feet.  Small rocks and twigs scraped against her skin, but she didn’t feel any of it.  Kicking wildly, she scrambled to her feet once more.  Horrified, tear stained eyes looked upon the large creature looming over her.  An indigo crescent moon was centered on its forehead and two magenta stripes met at a point, framing the back of its massive jaws on each side of its face. 

Stammering, Kagome took a few steps backwards, and asked, “What do you want?”

Lowering its massive head again, the animal went to nudge her, but Kagome panicked.  Running to the side, she tried to escape, but was once more easily blocked.  Spinning quickly, she tried another direction, but was stopped from going that way as well.  Spinning, she ran towards the back of the complex, not really wanting to go that way, but not having a choice either.  Stumbling over a line of concrete, she fell to her knees on the rough ground. 

Groaning, her legs hurt and her palms burned.  Lifting her bloody hands, small rocks and debris littered her palms.  She knew her knees fared no better.  Pushing off the ground slowly, she watched the large animal pace around the concrete circle that surrounded her.  Releasing a shaky breath, Kagome realized that this was the unfinished foundation Miroku had talked with her about.  Moving closer to the barren center, she watched the animal wearily.  It refused to cross into the circle, which left her relieved and strangely terrified as well. 

If only her friends had known earlier, maybe they would all still be alive.  Shaking that thought from her head, she didn’t have time to dwell on what ifs.  The night was waning, but there were still a few hours before dawn made its debut, and she needed to keep her head in the game.  She prayed that the creature would disappear with the sun, that she would be finally safe then. 

Stopping its pacing, the creature stared down at her.  The minimal moon light made its fur glow, and flashing brightly, the large creature was suddenly gone.  A bright orb of light floated where it once stood and shooting towards her, Kagome screamed, covering her face with her arms. 

Hearing a soft grunt, she carefully peaked between her arms and saw an armored chest.  Lowering her arms further, Kagome’s eyes widened at the being standing before her.  Long, silver hair flowed down his back in moon spun strands, and a pair of glowing, amber orbs stared at her impassively.  An armored plate covered his chest and abdomen, while three plates covered the sides of his legs and front of his hips.  Pristine white cloths were tucked neatly beneath the armor, allowing his billowing sleeves, and harem pants to blow gently in the breeze.

The tips of clawed fingers barely poked out of his red-capped sleeves, and a yellow and indigo sash wrapped elegantly around his waist.  Swallowing thickly, Kagome watched completely captivated when clawed fingers rose and brushed several strands of silver hair behind a strangely pointed ear.  Two magenta slashes adorned his wrist, matching two thinner slashes that sat proudly upon both of his perfectly sculpted cheeks.  An indigo crescent moon was proudly displayed on his forehead, framed by perfectly cut bangs. 

Taking in a shaky breath, Kagome took an unconscious step back, drawing the gorgeous man’s attention.  Everything in her being was telling her to bolt, to run as her life depended on it, but something primal kept her rooted to her spot, too afraid to move lest she be attacked.  Smirking sinfully, the man strode forward.  Taking another step back, Kagome’s progress was halted when a hand shot out and caught her wrist. 

Gasping, she could only stare as he brought her abused hand closer to his face for inspection.  Dried and fresh blood covered the torn skin, making her wince.  The corners of his lips tipped down in a frown.  “So careless,” he stated softly.  Bringing her abused hand closer to his lips, an abnormally long tongue dragged against her palm, licking up both the old and new blood.  Purring softly, he took another long lick, reveling in the spicy tang of her blood as it sparked against his taste buds. 

Gasping, Kagome’s eyes grew wide.  “Sesshomaru,” she breathed out.

Amber eyes shifted towards her own, scared, brown orbs.  Grunting softly, his other hand reached for her, making her flinch.  Ignoring the action, he ran his fingers through her dark locks, careful of his claws.  Leaning towards her slowly, he was careful not to impale her on the two spikes adorning the top of his armored chest plate.  “Kagome,” he rumbled, making her shiver.  “Only I am allowed to spill your blood.”

Breath freezing in her lungs, Kagome had no time to respond.  Pulling her to his side roughly, he wrapped an arm around her waist, locking her to his side.  “You are the beast,” Kagome accused softly.  Not getting an answer, her voice rose, “You killed my friends.  You ate them!”

Golden eyes shifted down towards her.  Smirking, he revealed a set of sharp canines hidden behind his perfectly sculpted lips.  Running his free hand down her cheek and neck, Sesshomaru rumbled, “Indeed.”  His sharp claws caught on her shirt’s sleeve, tearing the fabric.  “Now that you are mine,” he whispered huskily, “perhaps I shall devour you as well, Kagome.”

A shiver wracked her body, but she wasn’t sure if it was from fear or some other unspeakable feeling.  Feeling the earth move beneath her feet, Kagome’s eyes widened and she released a weak scream.  Clutching onto Sesshomaru’s armor, she cried out when a blue and purple light shot out from the ground around them.  Calmly, Sesshomaru pulled the frighten woman closer to his body.  Wrapping a swath of white fur around her, he shielded her from the world around them.

“What’s happening?!” she asked panicked, feeling like her body was sinking. 

Running his clawed fingers through her hair, Sesshomaru released a low, purr-like growl.  “Calm yourself,” he said.  “Nothing shall harm you while you are in my presence.”  Trying to see around the mound of white fur, Sesshomaru gently stopped her struggles, and forced her to look at his face.  “You are safe,” he stated softly.  Slowly the blue, sparkling light engulfed them completely, creating an ethereal halo around the gorgeous man holding her.  If she thought he was beautiful before, now, in the glittering light, he appeared more of a god.

“What are you?” Kagome asked, her voice wavering.

Leaning his face closer to hers, Sesshomaru replied softly, “I am yours.”

“My what?” Kagome asked, licking her lips.

A sinful smile parted his lips, making her want to groan.  It wasn’t fair.  He was too pretty.  She couldn’t think.  “You are too curious,” he replied with a chuckle.  Eyes darkening, he added, “You shall see soon enough, once we reach my home.”

“Your home?” she echoed, her voice cracking slightly. 

Humming softly, his eyes left hers to take in their surroundings.  Carefully looking around, Kagome couldn’t see much, but the blue light had faded and the night sky was just as dark as it had been.  She wasn’t sure what that light was, or what it had done, but she was ready to take her leave, no matter how hansom the male was.  Pushing against his chest, he allowed her the freedom.  Taking a step back from him, Sesshomaru watched her, curious of what he reaction would be.  Detangling herself from his fur, she spun around and froze. 

She couldn’t breathe, and could have sworn that her heart completely stopped within her chest.  A barren, rocky wasteland stretched before her.  The dark stone was reminiscent of lava rock, but that couldn’t be right.  No trees or shrubs dotted the landscape, and only a few, dead sprigs of grass covered the parched land.  The red glow of fires could be seen in the distance, and faint, pained filled screams barely reached her ears.  Taking a step back, her back hit Sesshomaru’s chest.

Wrapping a loose arm around her waist, he waited patiently for the question he knew would soon leave her lips.  “Where…” she started.  Licking her dry lips, she tried again, “Where are we?”

“My home,” Sesshomaru replied huskily.  Petrified, brown eyes rose, searching his face for the answer she sought.  “Welcome, to hell, Kagome.”  As predicted, the woman’s eyes fluttered closed.  Catching her limp body easily, Sesshomaru lifted her into his arms without a fuss.  Cradling her to his chest, his eyes reflected the distant firelight.  Taking in the sounds of suffering echoing around him, Sesshomaru breathed a sigh of relief.  It had been too long since he had been able to return.  Gazing down at the sleeping woman in his arms, he would be sure to reward her properly for her assistance, for without her, he never would have made it back. 

~ ~ ~

Groaning, Kagome’s head felt heavy.  It felt like she had been hit by a truck, and her skin tingled painfully, almost like her whole body had fallen asleep and lost blood circulation.  Rolling her head to the side, the pillow under her was soft and the silken sheets beneath her were a welcome distraction.  Forcing her eyes to open, the crust coating her lids held on, wanting to keep the lids sealed.  It was too painful to wipe her eyes however, her arms having no feeling in them refused to move. 

Fluttering eyelids eventually pried open and dilated pupils struggled to focus.  The white sheets on the bed were the first thing she noticed.  Where was she?  The names of her friends flashed through her mind, and sucking in a deep breath, her eyes widened.  That was right.  She had gone on a trip with her friends!  Wild eyes darted around the room, and Kagome eventually released a deep breath.  White walls and a curtained window met her gaze.  The hotel room.  She was in the hotel room, which meant the whole event was nothing but a dream.  A horrible, horrible, nightmare of a dream.

Groaning softly, Kagome’s lids slid closed again.  A small smile tugged at her lips.  “Only a dream,” she whispered into the dark room.  She would get up, and they’d all be there, alive and well, ready to start their day.  Although, she may insist on going somewhere else, lest her nightmare really be a premonition.

Feeling the mattress sink near her feet, Kagome kept her eyes closed, and mumbled softly, “Sango, I had the worst dream.  You and everyone else died.  It was awful.”  Freeling the mattress sink around her more, it felt like someone was crawling towards her face.  Forcing her eyes to open again, Kagome mumbled, “Sango?”

Chuckling darkly, Sesshomaru watched the woman’s eyes shoot open.  Turning her head slowly towards him, her brown orbs danced with fear.  Allowing a fang to poke over his lip, Sesshomaru ran a clawed hand slowly down her side, forcing a shiver to race across her smooth skin.  “Luckily for me, Kagome,” Sesshomaru whispered huskily, “it was no dream.”

Breathing heavily, she suddenly noticed that they were both very naked and her arms and legs had been tied to the bed she was lying on.  Trying to move an arm, the appendage wouldn’t budge and felt more like a dead weight than her arm.  Tears leaked from her eyes and her throat became suddenly parched.  “Why,” she asked.  “Why me?”

Running his claws across her breast, he allowed the sharp tips to dig into her flesh, drawing a scream from her pink lips.  Lowering his head, he kept his eyes locked on hers as he greedily lapped up the blood spilling across her skin.  Sucking hungrily for a moment, her essence felt divine sliding down his throat.  Releasing his treat, he lapped the blood from his lips and chin.  Licking his claws clean, he replied huskily, “Your blood is what allowed me to return home.”  Smirking, he added, “And now, I shall enjoy playing with you for eternity.”

“Just kill me already,” Kagome whispered.  “Isn’t that what you’re going to do anyway?!” she ended with a scream of frustration.

Scoffing, Sesshomaru licked at the blood oozing from the wound on her breast.  “You are now in hell, my dear Kagome.  You cannot die here.”  Lazily licking her breast one more time, he caressed the mound lovingly, “See,” he added rubbing the mound more.  “It is already healed.”

Not wanted to look, Kagome’s eyes shot towards the breast he was fondling.  Sure enough, the wound he inflicted was completely gone.  The only evidence was a light smearing of drying blood that he hadn’t cleaned yet.  More tears spilled from her eyes, and a sob spilled from her lip. 

Leaning closer to her, Sesshomaru purred.  “I shall enjoy you to the fullest, Kagome.”  Eyes darkening, he smiled cruelly, and added, “In every way imaginable.”  Lowering his hips, Sesshomaru slammed his hardened shaft into her while clamping down on the juncture of her neck and shoulder viciously.  Kagome screamed and her body arched into him when he took a bite out of her and ripped through her maidenhead.  Eyes glazing over, she shuddered as he continued to feast on her.  Staring at the curtains covering the window, her mind blanked when she heard him whisper into her ear, “You are mine, forever.”