When It's Dark by nightsangel8989

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

The rain dulled his senses and he hated it. Dulled senses made it easy for enemies to attack. Obviously no demon or human would dare attack him though. But of course, there were the stupid ones. The idiots. The fools who wanted to go down in history for killing the great and terrible, Lord Sesshomaru. They were the dead ones. The ones who died before they could even breath in his direction. Rarely was anyone that foolish though.

Not to say he didn't sometimes enjoy it.

He'd at times hope that when a demon decided to be stupid enough to attack, it would put up some sort of fight and he even prayed that it would be a challenge but none ever were. Save for the idiotic half demon.

Naraku.

Just his name made his blood boil. He was a loathsome creature.

A bug who needed to be stepped on.

He couldn't wait until his claws were deep in his chest and around the fools heart so he could pull it out and watch as the life left his body. He didn't deserve to be known throughout history. The spider didn't deserve to exist. He was not powerful. He was a coward who hid behind tricks and gimmicks.

He scowled. There would be time to think of all the ways to kill the spider later. For now, he needed rest. His body was worn and tired from days of travel and fighting. Days without sleep would wear down even the strongest of demons. He looked up to the sky from his perch in the tree. Grey clouds moved and darkened. The rain was only the beginning it would seem.

A storm was rolling in. Something darker and stronger.

He was glad Rin and Jaken were at his home. Having to deal with the child wasn't something he normally minded but not with a storm rolling in. Jaken would do nothing but get on his nerves and he needed the silence. He would have to find another servant should he kill the imp for annoying him and the thought of finding someone else to take his place seemed troublesome. It also helped that he trusted the imp to take care of Rin whenever he needed him to. The thought of leaving her with an unknown demon or person didn't sit right with him. He closed his eyes and forced his body to relax yet always keeping an ear out for anything that may catch his attention.

He hadn't realized just how tired he had really been though because the next thing he knew when he opened his eyes, it was dark. Full moon high in the sky. The wind had picked up and the rain came down harder. The wind howled and the trees rustled. He looked around. The sounds of nature wasn't what had woken him. It was the sound of a heart beating fast and strong, harsh breathing, and the sound of feet hitting the wet ground. The smell of blood filled his nose and he stood smoothly and quietly all the while keeping his aura hidden and his energy at bay.

If this was an enemy coming to attack him, they were doing a piss poor job at it.

Keeping hidden in the tree, Sesshomaru felt the wind pick up some more. The force of it surprising him. It wasn't until the sting of energy started to burn his skin that he realized what it was. Holy. He lifted his nose but wanted to growl. The rain made it difficult to tell who it was. But one thing was for sure, there was a human priest or priestess heading his way.

He frowned.

What would a human be doing so far out in the forest? Humans rarely ventured out into demon territory and when they did, they never lived past a day. It was about a four days journey to the next human village.

The wind blew his way again and another sting of holy energy caressed his skin. Who ever it was didn't seem to be aiming their energy at him.

So they weren't after him?

Hn.

The wind picked up this time and this time the sting of dark energy made him growl out loud. That dark and twisted energy. The smell of miasma. It was the damned spider.

The damn human led Naraku straight to him!

He wasn't in any condition to fight. Damn it.

One night of peace and rest seemed to be to much to ask for apparently.

The sound of heavy breathing reached his ears again and he looked down to see a woman break through the trees and hide behind the very tree he was perched in. He watched as she grabbed her side with one hand and placed her hand over her mouth with the other as if to silence her harsh breathing. Priestess. Not just any priestess. It was his brothers. The loud and annoying female that always seemed to follow his brother like a pet.

Kagome.

That was her name if he remembered correctly. How the hell did she end up so far out here? Where was his brother? Was he not her protector?

Her breathing, mud stained face, tattered clothing, and wounds made it obvious to him that she had been through some serious ordeal. What happened to her and how long had she been out here alone before Naraku had found her?

The trees rustled and Naraku himself walked out. No incarnations. No stupid demon he had hired or made. Naraku, flesh and blood, was here to retrieve maybe even kill this girl.

"Kagome. I can sense you here. Come out. Now. I have no time for your silly little game of hide and seek." Naraku's voice dripped with annoyance.

Some part of him couldn't believe his luck. The beast in him chanted to him, yelling at him saying this was it.

'This is our chance.' his beast yelled from its cage deep inside of him. 'Kill him!'

The trickster was now in his line of sight and he thanked whatever god was in the sky because he would now finally get the chance to get rid of the foul creature who caused so much destruction and disorder to his lands.

Another part of him knew he was in no shape. Lack of sleep and hunger would make it difficult to win this fight. He wasn't at his best. Even at his best, Naraku was an annoying half demon. But he couldn't let this chance slip by without trying.

Decision made, he crouched low, gripped his sword and got ready to strike.

"If you think I haven't already sensed your presence here also, Lord Sesshomaru, than you are just as stupid as your brother."

Sesshomaru growled, "And you are just as stupid to show up here alone and unprotected."

Naraku's deep laughter made him growl more.

"You truly think I'd venture out here, so deep into your lands, alone and unprotected?"

That made him pause. Out from behind Naraku came a young woman. White hair flowed behind her and her face was twisted in what looked like a scowl. She was a a dark magic user. Damn it. Sesshomaru was strong but he wasn't an idiot. Naraku was annoying enough to fight with but to deal with a dark miko on top of his tricks was simply ridiculous. A battle between the both of them against himself would only end badly. Normally he'd jump right into a fight with the half demon but not this time.

Days of walking, no sleep, and little food left him not at his best.

He glanced down at the girl below and saw her clutching her side harder. Red seeped through her tattered clothing and she lowered herself to the ground. He could see her body shaking and feel her power fluctuating. Strong then weak then strong again. From the looks of it, she was losing consciousness and fast. He didn't bother concealing his energy anymore. He may not be a fan of the young miko but he was no fool. To allow Naraku to have her would be like handing over the jewel shards or at least a means of finding them all. Those damn shards were the only thing that gave the stupid bug his power. The less he had, the better. Taking the girl away from Naraku would prevent him from gaining anymore access to those cursed shards. Graceful as ever, he dropped down from his spot in the tree and next to the girl.

Without warning he reached out and grabbed the small girl and her eyes shot to him. She winced in pain. Her eyes, though unfocused, landed on his face. First he saw the fear then he watched as, surprisingly, it faded and a look of pure joy crossed her features. With a small smile, she closed her eyes and pressed her face into his chest. She didn't seem to care to much about being in his arms. Funny. Last time he saw her, he tried to kill her. Now she burrowed herself deeper into his chest as if he was her safe haven. Her protector. Silly girl.

'How foolish.' He thought. He glanced up and walked around the tree to face the idiot and his accomplice. Together they stood there, proud of their work.

"Hand her over, Sesshomaru. This is not a fight you will win." Naraku's voice, normally condescending, was now serious.

Sesshomaru glared at the half demon. He wasn't wrong. There was no way he could fight and take care of the girl at the same time. Why on gods green earth did he not just leave her to die? Because she was the jewel shards guardian and she could be forced to find the rest of the shards for the creature and ultimately help him become more powerful. Great. He was left with only one option. Protect the girl. Damn his luck. Fuck! Without a seconds hesitation, his pelt slid its way around the girls body and he jumped. The pelt, acting as a shield, brought her to its masters back so that he could focus on the fight he knew was coming.

With the girl safely out of his arms, Sesshomaru grabbed his sword and turned just in time to see Naraku taking off after him, the priestess not far behind. Her words were low but he knew what she was doing. Streaks of demon fire raced past him and he thanked god for her horrible aim. What the hell did they want from the girl? Could it be to use her for the shards? Was it because she was its guardian? Naraku had a dark priestess right next to him. Should he want her to, he could just have her search for the shards. Maybe it wouldn't have been as effective because the young miko could actually sense and see the shards but still. Was he simply trying to get any shards the girl may have? No. Naraku had said to hand the girl over, not the shards. Why the girl? What use could she possibly have? She held no extraordinary power except to sense and see shards.

"What could you possibly want with her?" No answer.

Instead, he watched as Naraku's tentacles ripped from his sides and attacked, aiming straight for the Lords heart. One after another, the Lord dodged them but having the dark one aim at him as well was becoming irritating. A fight such as this needed his utmost attention but he had the girl to look after. He had to get her away fast. For the first time in a while, Sesshomaru broke a sweat. Streaks of fire whipped past him and tentacles to. He had only his right arm to fight with, two demented demons attacking him, and he was protecting an unconscious human female. It was no easy task, even for himself. A streak of fire whizzed past his head and for a second he was caught off guard by how close it was to his face. That second was all Naraku needed. Faster than the eye could blink, a tentacle shot forward and pierced Sesshomaru's left shoulder.

A piercing howl filled the night and he sliced through the tentacle with his sword, jumping back to put some distance between him and his enemies.

The fucking girl had to go and run deep into his forest and stumble upon him, didn't she? Now look where it got him. Attacked by two demons and a hole in his shoulder. She better fucking explain what the hell Naraku wanted from her when she woke up because he was in no mood. He wanted answers.

He landed in clearing not far off in the distance. Blood dripping from his left shoulder and his breathing labored. This situation was a stark reminder that he needed to force himself to rest and eat more often to avoid situations such as this. Fighting while not fully rested was fool hardy and stupid. He dropped to his knees and panted. If he didn't end this soon or at least get away, Naraku was really going to win this battle.

"Let me go." A soft voice spoke behind him.

He glanced back.

The girls eyes were closed and she laid against his pelt as if asleep. He thought he may have just imagined her voice until she opened her eyes and looked at him. His breath caught in his throat. Her once blue eyes were now gold. A ring of red surrounded the pupil of her eyes.

"Let go." She said again. Was she insane? Did she want the bug to take her?

"You are foolish. You are in no condition to fight him."

She stared at him longer. Something in her eyes, maybe it was the change in color, gave him pause again. Something was off. They were not the eyes of the vibrant and strong willed miko he knew her to be. She seemed to be conscious and yet she barely saw him. They were not the eyes of someone who was aware of her surroundings.

"Miko." He said softly.

Slowly her hand lifted and she pressed lightly against his pelt that held her tight. Without his permission, the pelt released her, disobeying its masters orders when told to continue to hold her tight. He watched as more blood seeped from her side and her dirty and broken body stood up, no signs of pain from her. She slowly lifted her hand and he nearly growled as she placed it on his open wound. Opening her mouth, she murmured a string of words he couldn't understand. Twigs cracking a few feet a head of him made brought his attention back to the tree line. The dark miko and the spider stepped out a look of annoyance on their faces but that quickly changed when Naraku got a look at who stood behind him, hand against his shoulder.

Annoyance gave way to anger and...something else.

He watched as it passed over the spiders face.

Wait. Was that...?

No. It couldn't be.

Was he...?

Before he could name the emotion swirling in Naraku's eyes a blinding white light lit up the clearing. He shut his eyes against the light, unable to withstand its brightness. Then suddenly he was burning. A fire, ever so slowly, made its way through his body and his veins. His blood felt like molten lava. His muscles tightened and pure pain shot through his body. After saving her damn life she repays him by trying to kill him?!

He wanted to badly to turn and dig his claws into her throat but he couldn't move a single inch.

Fuck!

He knew he should have just left her to die. But of course, he didn't. His damn curiosity got the better of him. Lately, it seemed as if he was going against listening to his better instincts and now he was paying the price. When he got out of this, and he would, he was probably going to kill the bitch for harming him, then with her gone, he could focus on killing Naraku once and for all.

'I'm sorry for your pain.' A voice whispered. 'Just bare with it for a while longer. It's almost over.'

The soft voice seeped into his mind and, for a moment, the pain seemed to disappear. It was a cool, calm, and soothing. Like water running over his body after days in the desert.

The miko...she was...she was talking to him in his head? How? What the hell was she doing to him? And what the hell did she mean bare with it?!

'She is healing you.' said another voice. This one was male. He forced his eyes open, trying to see who had spoken to him but saw nothing but blinding light. Warmth spread through his body again and he had to force his body to relax.

Slowly the blinding light faded and the burning pain disappeared completely. Finally able to take a look at his surroundings, he quickly turned to see the miko on the ground, still bleeding from her side. She had healed him but not herself. Stupid girl. She could have killed herself.

Suddenly an angry cry cut through the night.

"Agh! No!"

Sesshomaru turned just in time to see him attacking, tentacle once again ready to do damage to his person. Reacting on instinct, he grabbed his sword and raised it above his head. He was done screwing around.

With a steady growl and his voice low and commanding, he didn't think twice before calling forth his power. "Dragon strike."

Energy raced from the bottom of his toes to the tips of his fingers and into the sword and straight up to the sky. Bolts of lighting descended from the night sky and towards his opponent. Crashing to the ground, Naraku screamed and Sesshomaru basked in the knowledge that he had caused him pain. He watched as bit by bit burned, his body convulsing. A shrieking sound pierced his ears and Sesshomaru quickly turned to the dark miko, getting ready for an attack. Golden eyes watched as his attack not only hit the spider but the dark miko as well. His posture relaxed and he watched every nerve in her body burn and her muscles tighten together, locking in place. Her once pale skin now lined with dark purple, black, and blue marks all over her body. She had burned from the inside out. He knew his dragon strike was strong but this was the first time he had been able to attack multiple enemies at the same time.

Her cries died shortly after getting hit and he watched as his attack disappeared and she fell to the ground, silent. The clearing was calm and all was silent. He watched as the dark miko slowly disintegrated. It was oddly satisfying. His golden gaze turned towards the spider who stopped screaming and he nearly growled out at what he saw. Kanna, the creepy little child, held the head of her master in an orb. An evil smirk upon his face.

"You win for now. But I'll be back for her. Mark my words Sesshomaru. You're going to wish you had handed her over to me." He said cryptically, as Kanna stepped through an open portal with him and they vanished.

All was silent and all was calm again. No bug or bird was heard. No cricket or frog. Just the wind and and rain as it hit the earth.

After all the trouble the girl had caused him, he honestly already regretted not handing her over. He simply wanted to sleep and got sucked into a fight with the bastard. God only knew how irritated he was. He took a deep breath trying to calm himself and glared at the spot where Naraku had escaped, then sighed.

No. He knew he had done the right thing. She may belong to his brother, but he knew without Inuyasha to take care of the girl, she would have been taken. God only knew what Naraku could have done to the girl. Not that he cared or anything but the idea that Naraku could some how use the girl to gain access to more power was more than a little worrisome. His frown deepened further. The girl.

He turned and walked slowly towards her. His aura extended and caressed hers gently, checking her over, but stopped short upon reaching her. She held no jewels. Why would he try to kidnap the girl? To use her against Inuyasha? Most likely. Yet something nagged at him. Naraku wasn't one to kidnap unnecessarily. He was a trickster, yes, but he always had a plan. There was always something he wanted from his victims. He shook his head. It was most likely the jewels. There was no need to over think this. Right?

No. The look on the spiders face when she healed him. It wasn't a look he had ever seen on him before. The look of fear and need. He wanted her. He needed her. But he feared her. Naraku took one look at the girl and upon seeing her eyes the spider looked like he didn't know whether to run far away from her or grab her and rut with her.

Suddenly, her eyes flew open, her body jerked upright and she scurried backwards as if to get away from him. Her golden eyes back to its normal sapphire blue. Her eyes frantic and her heart pounded hard. She didn't even seem to realize he was there. Her hand flew to her side holding it as if to stop the blood seeping out. From the looks of it, if she didn't take care of that wound soon, it could potentially become fatal. Then he'd really not have any answers. Yet, at the same time, her death could probably be a good thing. Naraku wouldn't have the girl to go through what ever plan he had some how concocted. Oh the possibilities. He growled. But she had saved him. She had healed his wound when he needed it most. Damn his honor.

"Heal yourself, miko. You'll die otherwise." He cocked his head when she said nothing and to back away from him some more. Her eyes flew to his face and she gasped as if just realizing he was there.

"W-what? Wh-" She winced in pain.

"Heal." He demanded. "Then you will tell me why Naraku was after you and where Inuyasha is."

She looked him in the eyes and he watched as her pain morphed into confusion.

"W-who?" she breathed.

The question caught him off guard and he bent down to her level looking her in the eyes. "Naraku. Why was he chasing you? And why is Inuyasha not with you?"

She shook her head, "I...I have no idea what you're talking about. W-who's..."

She took a deep breath as pain danced across her face. "I-I have no idea who that is!"

He quirked a brow at her. "I have no time for this. I risked my life to save yours. You owe me. So you will answer me."

She shook her head, "I...I don't know a Naraku...or an Inuyasha. I s-swear!" She stammered. What the hell?

"You don't know? What do you mean you don't know?" This had to be a lie. She could not remember?

Had Naraku done something to her?

"I can't remember anything! All I remember is dungeon." she started to cry.

Dungeon. She said dungeon. As in Naraku's dungeon? His castle? His eyes widened. "You've been to his castle? Where is it?!"

She shook her head. "I-I don't know. Once I escaped and left the grounds I turned to see if anyone was following me...but nothing was there. I was scared, so I just continued to run. That was three days ago. That man, Naraku you called him, and that woman found me just as the sun set earlier today. I've been running and hiding ever since."

Three days? She had survived this forest for three days without a demon getting to her? How?

"How did you manage to run through the forest without another demon attacking you? Miko or not, it's a surprise you're still alive."

She didn't answer. She just stopped backing away from him and simply stared up at him. Her black hair soaked and matted to her face as the rain beat down on them both. As slowly and has painlessly as she could, she got up and forced herself to stand but slipped. Reacting, he reached out to grab her and...that's when he saw it.

His arm.

His whole left arm. There it was. Attached to his body as if it had never been lost.

In awe, he steadied her with his right arm yet held up his left to examine it. It was...perfect. A complete replica. No. No replica. It was his. He could somehow feel this was no replica. It didn't belong to anyone else and it wasn't created. He could feel his own power racing through his veins. The flesh was his. The blood was his. The arm in which was severed from his body by his half brother. The arm in which he had done every possible thing to replace yet never could.

The arm in which she had restored upon healing his wound during battle.

"How?" he breathed, his eyes never leaving his hand. Each claw was sharper than a blade and perfectly deadly. Every marking the same shade as the rest on his body. Nothing was different.

"H-how what?" she breathed.

Any anger he felt towards her vanished. He looked her in the eyes and breathed, "How did you restore my arm?"

Confusion crossed her face as she looked at his arm then back up to his face. Her eyes were once again unfocused. He could see she was tired and ready to pass out again. She'd lost to much blood. Whatever had happened to her, he wanted answers, but he obviously wouldn't get any right now. Bending down, he swooped her into his arms, her arms circling around his neck.

"W-what? I...don't know..." she murmured, her head suddenly lulled against his shoulder and her eyes closed. Her breathing caressed his neck and he knew she was out. He held her tighter with his new arm. This tiny girl.

This tiny girl in his arms was powerful. Now he knew why Naraku wanted her. He may not know the exact reason but something told him if the spider got a hold of her, it would spell trouble for them all. The power to restore or create body parts was not something a normal miko could do. The change in her eye color was also something he'd never seen before. And to heal at such a capacity while wounded was astonishing. What else could she do? Did he even want to know?

He stared at her for a moment before he finally spoke. "What are you?"

Obviously he wasn't gifted with an answer. Her silence was enough to let him know she would be out for a long while. He needed to get back to his home. He'd have to talk to someone maybe the old tree could shed some light for him.

He looked down toward his left arm again and something tugged at his chest and he watched as she slept.

He lowered his head to her ear and whispered, "Thank you."

He doubt she heard him.

"Thank you." He said again because he couldn't seem to believe that she had done this for him. He had tried to kill her multiple times. Tried to get rid of her because unfortunately for her, she had associated herself with his half brother. In his eyes she had chosen a side. She had chosen to stand and fight against him along side Inuyasha. A man who shared his blood. A man in which he despised. And yet here she was, unconscious and in the arms of her enemy.

At least, at one point he had been her enemy. Now he wasn't so sure.

One thing was for sure though. He was indebted to her. As much as it pained him to admit it. He had to pay her back for what she had given him. Human or not, he owed her. He sighed.

He would protect her for the time being or at least until she was back and safe in his brothers arms but not before he got the answered he wanted. There were to many unanswered questions and he didn't like being in the dark. He needed to know what was going on. What were Naraku's plans?

He would get his answers one way or another.

So for now, he held the young miko close to his chest and made his way towards his western castle.