Autumn by Evellin

Chapter One

DISCLAIMER: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan - Yomiuri TV - Sunrise. No money is being made from this work. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media.

'AUTUMN' COVER ART - http://www.dokuga.com/gallery?func=detail&id=10932

SUMMERY: (WARNING: ADULT MATERIEL) Alone, abandoned and fighting for her life: the treeline fifty feet away and somewhere within, a predator hunted for his prey. She was that prey and only the dancing fall foliage would bare witness to her last hours upon this plain of existence.

-WARNING-

This Fan-fiction contains rape, as well as very dark material. Please, do not read this fanfic if you are faint of heart.

Rape is a serious offense. If you or a loved one has experienced sexual assault, please contact a local help center, or, reach out to a trusted loved one for help.

THIS IS RATED NC-17 (MUST BE 18+)

Autumn

Chapter One

By Evellin

Autumn; it was a time of the year where Mother Nature flashed brilliant colors before shedding her coverings, revealing delicate, prone appendages. Encroaching cold, damp air encouraged the mightiest of oak, and maple to dig deeper into the dark of the earth. Leaves of red, and yellow waved, some twisting free, and dancing to the ground. It was a sweet ballet performed every day until the last tree stood bare.

The long slumber taking hold of these mighty giants was just the beginning. Soon, a great freeze would be upon them all. Winter was cruel, and unforgiving, making the last bit of love received from Autumn all the more precious. For this, the Miko had the opinion that Autumn was the most romantic of the seasons. The last climax of life before slowly drifting back to sleep during the upcoming months of cold, and ice.

Perhaps it was the Miko's own life that nurtured the taste for lingering love before cruel treatment: like a lovers kiss upon the shoulder, before teeth biting at sensitive skin. Though most of her life had been mundane, the past nine years were quite different. Battles, bitter love affairs, loss and pain, only to make a choice one year ago that severed her forever from her previous life. It was a decision that had to be made. With her work incomplete here, she felt responsible. She knew she had to stay; to help, to fight, to make sure the future had a chance. Whatever she could do to help. This was her destiny; her future laid in the past.

Twenty-five years of life had brought many trials as well as rewards. However it was the trials that seemed to cling most to her mind, and thus the few rewards she could recall seemed all the more magnificent. She never considered herself a pessimist, however with confrontation of fact, and self-examination, she could not deny; she always seemed to steal herself, preparing her mind for the worst in all situations. There was no doubt she was a genuinely happy woman, always seeking the best in all living things. She always had a smile at the ready, even to the most dangerous of foes. None the less, her life had given her the opinion that, though anyone was capable of doing right, far too often wrong was chosen.

This opinion applied to her currently as she stood, bow at the ready, arrow nocked, and eyes alert for the first sign of any movement that indicated aggression.

She was alone, or seemingly so. All the more evidence her 'opinion', was fact. He had chosen Kikyo again; Inuyasha always choose Kikyo over her. And honestly, it never came as a surprise. For though she had once craved his affection, practically begged for it during her adolescence, he would always go running after that woman... If you could still call her that. Over the years, Inuyasha had made it perfectly clear; he was in love with Kikyo. Forever.

Contemplation of the situation always brought forth the question; 'how could he not?' After all, Kikyo was his first, true love. His only true love. Though deception, and suspicion had torn them apart, true love never really dies. Or so all the story books say. Though here she stood, a living, breathing woman, Inuyasha would always go after that shadow of a person: a shell filled with remnants of a tortured soul who was stolen from her eternal rest.

At first, it was difficult to accept this truth. When she was younger, she had dreamed of a life with Inuyasha. And not just as his best friend, but as his lover. However, some years ago, she realized the truth. Now, at the age of twenty-five, Kagome was OK with it. No, not just OK; she was happy for the Hanyou, and Kikyo. Kagome was not a cruel, malicious individual; she wanted all living things to live in peace, and happiness. This desire also applied to Kikyo, as well as Inuyasha.

However, what she was not OK with, was being abandoned in the middle of a field, near sunset.

Sapphire eyes stared into the forest before her as Kagome's mind whirled with contemplation, and anxiety. It was a wood of maple, oak, and cedar. A wood of strong trunk, and thick root. Ancient, ruthless, yet all the while giving, and protective, this place was a thick cloak of leaf and twig on a bed of moss, and fern. Seemingly harmless, yet most certainly a dangerous place. Possibly a haven, yet possibly a trap. The forest offered camouflage to all, your friend and your foe. And that was the current predicament.

Standing alone in the clearing, the forest-line was fifty feet away. And somewhere inside, the enemy lurked, watching his prey in a calculating manner. Whats worse, her closest ally was miles away, preoccupied with a resurrected lover.

Whatever this plot could be, she was certain the impending attack was not far. She knew who it was that hunted within the woods. This was not the first time he had stalked her in this fashion. Countless time she had been his prey. And more than once, he came close to taking her life with a simple clenching of his hand. And yet, despite these numerous attacks, and countless opportunities, Kagome still lived.

Each time her predator had caught her, he would release her. But not without a price. Each time he relinquish his hold over her life, he would stare into her soul, burning her all the way though. It was a relentless gaze filled with hunger, his eyes unblinking, unmoving, promising her silently that one day he would take her. A promise, a guarantee made personally by him.

This promise, she knew, would soon be kept.

Kagome Higurashi stood at the ready, feet planted, and digging into the earth. She was ready to charge, ready to flee: whatever she had to do to keep her life. Heart pounding, adrenaline flowing, the rush of fear overwhelmed every other sense as her vibrant blue eyes glanced left, then right. She tried to feel for him, tired to sense his aura. However, it appeared his presence was masked. This was a sign the attack would soon come. And though she too was incredibly powerful, Kagome was still poorly trained. In fact, she was practically useless. Even now, at the age of twenty-five, the young Miko was incapable of controlling her holy power beyond the occasional fired arrow, and the purifying of a Shikon shard.

These blaring facts caused Kagome to swallow nervously. After all, he was the one and only Yokai Lord who Naraku himself feared. And it was her great luck that she stood alone with that very same Yokai Lord hunting her as if she were prey. What would be his move, Kagome wondered. Would he permit her a few parting words? A chance to fight for her life even if the attempt was futile? Or would he strike her down where she stood without a moment to comprehend?

Perspiration began to form on her hands, forcing her to readjust her hold on the nocked arrow. A gentle breeze whirled around her, and rushed ahead to the forest, causing her raven hair to flutter. The branches rustled. Leaves danced. And Kagome knew, somewhere within that forest, her predator stood, taking a deep, long inhale, and picking up her scent.

Her tongue glided over her lips as she nervously shifted her weight. She was being toyed with. Kagome knew he was out there, and there was no doubt in her mind; he was aware of her own knowledge of the situation. Half tempted to simply turn and run, Kagome adjusted her hold once more, her eyes shifting back and forth, scanning the treeline. Perhaps if she could get to the other side of the clearing, if she could enter the forest herself... Did she have a chance? Could she make it?

Just as Kagome lowered her bow, and eased the drawn arrow, movement caught her eye. He must have seen her intent, for there he was, slowly, almost lazily, walking out from behind the foliage. As usual, his impassive expression was worn. His attire was perfectly kept. And his glorious silver hair danced about his powerful frame with every graceful step. It caused Kagome's breathe to hitch within her throat.

The great Daiyokai of the West was truly a marvel to behold; Beautiful to gaze upon, and yet invoked terror deep within. There was nothing about the Inu that gave the appearance of weakness. Every line, every detail, expressed ultimate control, and power. When he had one arm, he had an aspect of himself that proved he could be killed. A detail upon his person that indicated there was a chance, there was a way to slay the great Lord of the West. However this was no longer the case. Ever since he regained his arm six months ago, the idea of killing Lord Sesshomaru became a fantasy. The Great Daiyokai was back to full strength, and had been demonstrating it ever since.

Coming to a halt thirty feet from where Kagome stood, the Yokai Lord was highlighted by the red light of the setting sun. His facial expression was blank. His hair danced about his massive form like a cape made of the finest silk. And all the while, his glowing, golden eyes bore into her own. He was stalking Kagome, even in this fashion.

"Miko." He spoke. Simple, straight to the point, his baritone voice was rich as crème, yet entirely masculine. "Where is my Half-Brother?"

Goosebumps formed as her throat constricted. Unfortunately, this caused Kagome to take a step back, weakening her stance unconsciously. She was fairly certain she reeked of fear, and could only guess at her appearance; a doe caught in headlights. However, despite the fact that her arrow was lowered, she did tighten her grip, preparing herself for a possible fight. If Sesshomaru moved in for a kill, Kagome would have one shot, and one shot alone. Unfortunately, even then, her chances of touching the Yokai Lord were slim. She needed to try and bluff her way out of this.

"Inuyasha is not far... Any moment he will be here!" The lie fell from her lips awkwardly, and in haste. It was enough to cause a blush to caress her cheeks; Kagome never held a talent in deceiving others.

As a response, a single, silver brow rose, almost mocking in fashion. It was the closest thing to a facial expression, Kagome had ever seen on Lord Sesshomaru. This was paired with a heavy, and absolute silence which bore between them. As a result, Kagome's breathing intensified as her sapphire eyes locked with his own amber stare. This was a mistake.

Staring into his orbs of gold, Kagome saw a storm; fierce, powerful, and frightening. His face was placid, but deep within his eyes was a current of passion. He always was a marvel to her, the perfect predator, a creature with a single purpose: to kill. Was that why he was here? To kill her? Her intuition warned her this was so, and as they continued to stare into each others eyes, Kagome could see the hunger grow within his gaze.

She had seen this look before. It was the look of a ravenous dog, staring down his chosen prey. She was that prey. And if she had any chance at survival, she would have to make the first move.

Grasping her bow tighter, Kagome shifted her weight, preparing herself for the fast, fluid movement of firing. She never broke eye-contact with the Daiyokai. Not once did she allow herself to blink. It would be in a small instant of distraction or falter, where he would make his move. This got her nervous as a sudden burst of adrenaline rushed through her system, allowing fear to root within her mind.

Kagome's heart was in her throat. Every breath, every nervous gulp, took conscious effort. Perspiration began to form on her forehead, and temples. Her hands grew clammy. And as she watched her predator, Kagome took note as he tilted his head subtly in response to a gentle breeze. Kagome's cause was not helped: she stood upwind of the Inu. Every scent she gave off traveled directly to that powerful nose of his. Because of this, she knew he could smell her nervousness. Her fear. Her uncertainty.

Kagome blinked unconsciously.

A blur of white. A flash of silver. Sparks of yellow and red. All in the span of a second, the Daiyokai made his move. And in less time than a single heartbeat, Sesshomaru had span the thirty feet, and was upon Kagome with his arm reaching. This set off a chain reaction.

With reflexes sharper than once perceived, Kagome responded. The moment was silent, and only a breath's length. However, within this short spell of time, Kagome raised her bow, tightened her grasp, drew back her arrow, and with a growl of determination, released.

This arrow neither glowed with holy power, nor hit its mark. Instead, Kagome missed her predator, and instantly paid the price.

Like iron his hand went around her throat, and almost simultaneously, Kagome was lifted off her feet. His thumb was pressed against her jugular, cutting off her air flow. Meanwhile, sharp talons bit into creamy flesh, drawing blood, and heightening the Miko's fear. The Inu's hand was like a vice made of steal. His face of was like granite. His eye's were smoldering flames of liquid gold. And eye to eye, Kagome thrashed against his grip; trying to break free, trying to pull in a single gasp of air despite its futility.

Dread filled Kagome as she choked. Already starved for a breath, the Miko released her grasp upon her bow, tossing it to the ground. Instead, she took hold of Sesshomaru's right hand which currently squeezed her windpipe shut. It was a poor attempt at freedom.

As a loud roar filled her ears, the world became silent around her. Tearing blue eyes shifted this way and that, looking up to the sky as she clung onto Sesshomaru's arm, desperate in her fight. It was all futile. Her pathetic human nails were unable to make a single mark upon his skin. Her thrashing, and kicking did nothing to faze the Daiyokai who held her captive. She was caught. And slowly, she was recognizing this fact.

Lowering her eyes from the sky, Kagome returned her gaze to the Western Lord, and took note of a thin, bright red mark that had formed on his right cheek. It was the only evidence Kagome had tried to fight for her life. A single drop of blood hung at the lowered edge, the vibrant red mingling with his natural magenta striping. If only she had aimed a little more to the right; she might have been able to blind him. However 'what if's' and 'maybe's' were useless at this point.

As predicted, Sesshomaru won. The predator caught his prey. And now, the Inu held her life quite literally in his hand.

Pulling Kagome in, the Miko's person was now danging directly against his own. Chest against chest, hip against hip, the onna's warm body was pressed directly against cold armor, and smooth silk as she struggled for freedom. She was quickly running out of air, and thus her attempts to free herself grew in ferocity. His armor bit at her breast as she wiggled this way and that. Her legs kicked to and fro, trying to gain any sort of footing, or cause some sort of harm. It all felt helpless. Every kick, every strike fell uselessly as if she were kicking the base of a mountain.

Clawing at his hand, tears began to run down her cheeks as the last bit of oxygen was used. '...Please!' Kagome screamed within her mind, her lungs ready to explode from need. As a result, her sapphire eyes began to roll back. Her attempts slowly weakened. And all the while, her burning lungs begged for the smallest breath of air, causing her skin to flush.

"You are a terrible liar, Miko." Sesshomaru murmured into Kagome's ear, his lips caressing the flesh of her lobe. She could feel his left hand gently brush away her bangs, almost sweetly, like a lover admiring his partner. It was then that his right hand eased its hold around her throat, his thumb no longer squeezing at her jugular, allowing blood to travel through.

When a small stream of oxygen rushed into Kagome's lungs, her eyes flashed open only to find herself staring into the eyes of her predator. Golden orbs, swirling with excitement, burned into her soul as he looked deeply, unblinking into her wide-open eyes. She felt naked before him as he, mere inches away, watched her last few moments on this plain of existence.

"You will tell me." He whispered to her, pulling her face ever closer, his mouth mere inch's from her own. "Where is my Half-Brother?"

Kagome gasped for more oxygen, her tongue licking her pink lips as she tried to form words. She was no longer going to faint, however speaking was not easy. A murky fog clung to her mind, making it hard to think of a proper answer. What could she tell Sesshomaru, that would make him spare her life? Fear slammed into Kagome, answering this question with conviction: No matter her response, this encounter was only going to end one way. Whether it be a moment from now, or twenty, Kagome knew she would not walk away from this alive. It truly did not matter what she told Lord Sesshomaru. She was doomed to suffer his wrath.

Blinking her eyes, Kagome sucked in as much oxygen as she could muster while her hands pulled at his vice-like grip. "If you are going to kill me, then get it over with..." Kagome choked, her voice raspy, weak, and barley above a whisper. However, it was her eyes, which flashed a hellish fire, that displayed her stubborn nature. She was tired of hanging by her throat, clinging to her murderer, her last lifeline. And she wasn't going down without a fight.

As a response, Sesshomaru's masculine lips twitched upward into a smirk. Simultaneously, the Inu leaned in, further closing the gap between their mouths. “Tempting...” The Yokai Lord whispered, his smirk deepening as he watched Kagome's eyes betray her terror.

Sesshomaru ran his left hand through the onna's midnight, silken tresses, never breaking eye contact during this gentle caress. Meanwhile, his right hand shifted its grasp upon her neck once again, removing pressure from vital airways, and arteries. Much of her neck was now exposed by holding her by the nape rather then by the throat. It offered a full view of tender, bruised skin smeared with blood, which in turn, heightened Sesshomaru's curiosity. As a result, with his left hand still tangled in her mass of black strands, the Inu grabbed hold. Then, pulling her head back, exposed every inch of her esophagus. In this position, with her weight leaning against his frame, Sesshomaru forced Kagome to stare into his unblinking, heated gaze.

Kagome gasped for oxygen as her right hand shot up to his left, attempting to bring an end to this domination. She couldn't help the cry of pain which escaped her lips, nor her struggles for freedom as her left hand pushed at his chest. Her lungs filled, and emptied quickly as blood rushed to, and from her head. This cleared her foggy mind, allowing her awareness to sharpen. That was when Kagome took full inventory of her position; her legs straddling Sesshomaru's waist, and hip, causing most of her weight to rest upon his person. Pair this intimate position with the close proximity of the Yokai's mouth, and the Miko couldn't help but panic.

Fighting back tears, Kagome felt the desire to scream as her sapphire gaze returned his heated stare. "I don't know where he is!" She cried out, eyes wide as a new wave of fear began to take hold. Why wouldn't he kill her, and get it over with? Why was he toying with her? These internal questions were interrupted as Sesshomaru spoke.

Once again the Yokai's lips twitched upward into the faintest of smirks, his face moving in closer toward his prey. He lifted an eyebrow with his response. "You're lying..." he mocked, his voice dark with superiority, and humor. These simple, frightening words were paired with his left hand which tugged as her hair. This brutal action heightened the Miko's pain, forcing her to submit, and pay attention to his upcoming demand. A whimper of pain slipping past Kagome's lips, was his reward.

"No more games. Speak." He ordered as his claws around her neck slowly, and painfully dug deeper into her flesh. It placed intense emphasis upon his simple command.

Kagome cried out once again from pain, her eyes widening but never breaking eye contact. While trembling within his grasp, and gasping for air, Kagome's heart sank as tears found their way to her sapphire eyes.

She had no choice.

After a few moments of silence, Kagome finally answered. "He is with her." she whispered, her voice uneven from strain. This was paired with the blinking of her eyes as she looked away, breaking eye contact, submitting.

She wanted this to be over. What was the point? Inuyasha was not going to save her. Sesshomaru would not spare her. No more did she wish to fight, and no more did she wish to be led on. Kagome was tired of being at the mercy of demons. She was tired of being second choice. Whats more, she was tired of being alone. Jealousy, and bitterness was spreading through every vein of her body. All she ever wanted was a partner, someone who loved her as she loved them. But apparently, this was never meant to be. Instead, she was to be fodder for these Inu brothers.

With Kagome's submission, Sesshomaru did not adjust his hold. However he did revoke his claws from her flesh, ending some of her discomfort. He kept her in place, pressed against his form; her head between his hands as he stared down into her blue eyes. Truth had finally been given after some persuasion: this Miko was a stubborn one.

Perhaps it was her high-spirited nature that made him frequently stalk the Miko. No matter how close to death she came, she would always fight, she would always resist. He had already known the answer to his question, however he found he liked toying with her, forcing her to do what he willed. He was never one to play with his prey, but she was different. There had been times in the past he had let her go, simply because he wished to have the opportunity to hunt her once more. However this time, after such a small amount of persuasion, she gave in. She even enticed him by submitting fully, breaking eye contact, and looking away.

This single act stirred a new, unexpected emotion within him.

Looking down upon the captured Miko, Sesshomaru couldn't help but offer another smirk as he shared private information. "There is only one thing I hate more than humans, Miko..." Sesshomaru murmured, his golden eyes glittering in the light of the setting sun. During this, the Inu leaned back, cocking his hip out, and forcing more of Kagome's weight to press against him. However her response caused his gaze to narrow in disapproval.

Pushing against Sesshomaru in an attempt at escape, Kagome squeezed her eyes tightly as fear began to bubble to the surface. This response was quickly interrupted. Displeased by the sudden lack of eye contact, Sesshomaru gave the Miko a shake, encouraging her sapphire gaze to reopen. When they did, the Inu found unshed tears glistening in the fading sunlight.

She was flush; her cheeks were pink, and her lips were red. Sesshomaru could feel her pulse in his hand. He could hear it; steadily increasing as she became more distressed. As a result. his captured prey began to tremble within his arms. Lavender and earth, her natural aroma, was fully mingled with the heady essence of tension, and fear. He knew this smell; He could pick it up miles away in the middle of a rain storm. However, with the intense aroma of anxiety spiking her scent, and the intoxicating beauty of her frightened demeanor, something within Sesshomaru awoke. This something inspired the Inu to lean forward, bring his smirking lips onto her parted, soft mouth.

However, their lips never made contact.

The sight of Sesshomaru lowering his mouth onto her own, left the Miko in desperation. His strength was overwhelming. His dominance was undeniable. In this predicament of abusive intimacy, the Miko was overran with terror. However, Kagome refused to give up. She refused to submit any further. And with a mind full of fear, and a heart full of courage, instincts began to kick in.

Glaring into his vivid eyes, Kagome tore at Sesshomaru's clawed hand which pulled at her hair, and held her in place. Simultaneously, her one free hand flew from the Inu's chest, and went for his eyes as Kagome began to thrash about viciously. However, the Miko was no fool. She knew none of her blows would cause actual damage to the Daiyokai. None the less, she hoped the sudden attack, and the sheer strength of her struggle, would loosen his grasp. Perhaps, if he released his hold over her, she could make a run for the forest, and find refuge. Unfortunately for Kagome, her plans never seem to work out.

As a result to her sudden defiance, and attempt at escape, only one hand loosened its hold upon Kagome: the hand around her neck.

Kagome screamed in agony as Sesshomaru held her up by only her hair. She swung from his body, falling an inch or two before the length of her hair was pulled taunt. Horrible, blinding pain shot up and down her spine. Her vision blurred. Her body trembled violently. Meanwhile, both of Kagome's hands shot up to his one, which held her strong by the roots. He held Kagome merely for a moment. However, the overwhelming level of pain made this tiny span of time seem like an eternity. As a result, the edges of her vision began to darken just as she felt his hand release its last, and final hold.

She found herself falling, landing in a clumsy mass at his feet. World spinning, head throbbing, Kagome rolled to her side, and up onto her knees, and hands. Her neck, and shoulders were on fire. Moving in any way caused unimaginable pain. She had undergone far too much trauma, her muscles were fighting her with every move she tried to make. However, she had to get up onto her feet. She had to move. Now that freedom had been granted, Kagome had to at least try, and escape into the forest. It was only fifty feet away...

Dizziness was reeking havoc upon her coordination. None the less, Kagome scrambled to her feet, stumbling away from her predator who stood still, and watched with interest. The first few steps were aided with her hands, grazing the ground, helping her from falling straight onto her face. She then was able to pull herself upright despite her shoulders, and neck reacting slowly. It felt as if she were moving through quicksand; her pace far slower than anticipated. Every step was agony as every impact sent bolts of electricity up her spine, making her head feel as if it were about to split open. Tears fell from eyes as she pushed herself towards the forest, the tree line slowly approaching. Twice she nearly stumbled, coming close to a complete halt. However each time she forced herself to fall into the next step, always perpetuating her motion forward.

Each breath was ragged due to her throat burning from its previous ordeal. Pressure, great and terrible, filled her head: she had the worst migraine she had ever felt. Her vision was blurring, her body slowing, and still the tree line was ten feet away. Only a few more strides, just a few more painful, clumsy steps, and she would be surrounded by the forest. If she could reach it, there might be a chance she could hide, she might find some upper hand that could keep her living at least one more day. It was her best chance at survival. No doubt even within the forest, there would be a fight. However in said forest there were ways of hiding, ways of fighting: distractions and hindrances. The wood was her best bet earlier, and it was still the same, even now as she struggled.

She was graceless, and slow, but Kagome reached the treeline none the less. Bursting through a young maple sapling, she sobbed out her hope as thin branches slapped her flesh, leaving small, red welts on her bare legs. Brilliant red leaves, void of their chlorophyll, clung to her hair, almost creating a wreath of fall foliage in her messy curls. She hardly noticed; Kagome found maneuvering in the forest much more difficult then in the open field. The ground was moist, and slick, making each step unstable, threatening her with a terrible fall. However, her worries of falling were quickly brought to an end.

With a scream escaping her lips, a band of metal hooked around Kagome's waist, stopping her progression. This scream of horror, however, quickly came to an end.

A wave of weakness consumed the Miko as the great Daiyokai of the West caught his prey, and released his aura. This allowed the Miko to feel the entirety of the Inu Lord's spiritual presence. It was an eye-opening experience; one that overwhelmed the Miko with the sheer magnitude of his strength, and power. Shock took a firm hold. Her mind locked. And each muscle within her body became unresponsive as her predator reclaimed his prize. She was trapped. Whats worse, she was incapable of fighting back due to her stunned awareness.

Kagome's blue eyes widened in horror as she felt herself being drawn into his grasp once again. Every hair on her body was standing on end. Each breath was shallow. Her heart was pounding as fresh adrenaline came rushing. Yet despite these mind-numbing sensations, the Miko remained fully aware of Sesshomaru's actions. And when the Yokai began to spin her around, Kagome couldn't help but whimper helplessly.

Within the blink of an eye, Kagome found herself pushed against the trunk of a cedar tree. Simultaneously, Sesshomaru's left hand found her neck. But rather than holding her by the throat in an attempt to cause harm, Sesshomaru took control over Kagome by grabbing her by the nape. It was thoroughly immobilizing. And it was here, in the following seconds, that Kagome gasped in terror as understanding flooded her overran mind.

This time, Sesshomaru was not going to let her go. This time, his plans would be fully carried out.

Sesshomaru silently watched his whimpering prey as he repositioned her into a more favorable arrangement. With his left hand holding Kagome in place by the nape of her neck, he cradled this abused flesh, minimizing her discomfort. Then, sliding his knee between her legs, he lifted her, allowing his knee to press against the base of the tree. This forced Kagome's legs to straddle his thigh as he supported her weight in this manner. Instinctively, her hands shot up to his left, pulling at his wrist as panic filled her eyes. However, Sesshomaru merely batted them away before capturing them both, and holding them hostage above her head with his right hand.

Fully immobilized, moist curls fell about Kagome's face as a cry of desperation erupted past her lips. A few red maple leaves still clung to her raven locks, reminding Sesshomaru of her feeble attempts at escape. He enjoyed the view. Kagome's blue eyes were wide, and unfocused with panic. Clearly, the Miko was still disoriented by the Inu's released aura, and her current predicament. All these things created an intoxicating sight, one that enticed the Yokai Lord into further action.

'...My little otome...What a delicious handful you are.' Sesshomaru mentally acknowledged as he leaned in to nuzzle the bruised flesh between her shoulder, and neck.

"Please..." Kagome whimpered, tugging at her captured hands to no avail. She dare not try to wriggle free. Only his white hakama, and her cotton panties separated their flesh from one another as she straddled his thigh. Not to mention, Kagome was confused. She was frightened. She did not understand why he was behaving in this manner. Nor did she understand why she was still alive. Pair these overwhelming factors with the stunning effects from Sesshomaru's aura, and it left Kagome unwilling to provoke her predator any further.

This, however, did not stop a cry of dismay to slip past her lips as she felt Sesshomaru nuzzle her bruised skin. "Why are you doing this?!" Kagome mewled as his lips brushed over one of his claw marks, and his tongue licked at drying blood.

Sesshomaru pulled his mouth from Kagome's neck, and looked her squarely in the face. Here, with golden eyes aglow in the fading light, Sesshomaru offered a reply. "I detest my brother, more than I do any human." Face of granite, eyes like the sun, passion and desire roared within his irises as he spoke these frank words. However, it was his following actions that dissolved Kagome's lingering sanity.

Allowing his eyes to wonder over her form, Sesshomaru scanned the Miko's torso, studying every line of her body. It was here, unexpectedly, that the Inu Yokai revoked his left hand from Kagome's neck as he began his next assault. From her right shoulder, down to her navel, Sesshomaru attacked, his claws slicing through clothing, and skin, leaving shallow cuts that began to weep blood. Then, with her blouse in hand, Sesshomaru carelessly tossed the bloodied fabric to the ground. And as Kagome screamed in agony, his eyes slanting down to his handy work before returning his gaze, looking into her tearing eyes.

Kagome sobbed in angst, tears shedding from her eyes as she howled in pain, and embarrassment. Only scraps of her top clung to her left arm, and shoulder, both her breasts bare, heaving as she sobbed. Four, bright red slashes ran down from her collar bone to her navel, her right nipple barely missed. Though not deep, blood slowly oozed from the fresh, stinging wounds. It caused her to cry out in horror.

“Why?! Why are you doing this to me?!” Kagome sobbed, her voice hysterical as fear, pain, and absolute confusion ripped apart her sanity. “What have I ever done to you?!”

Lord Sesshomaru listened to his prey sob into the night, begging for some sort of understanding. And rather than ignoring her pleas, Sesshomaru decided to humor the captured Miko.

“Inuyasha took what was rightfully mine, nine years ago. Now, I am merely returning the favor.” Sesshomaru's words were blunt, his tone cool, but his motivations were no longer in question.

This was all too frightening to take in. Sesshomaru was attacking her. He was hurting her. He had hunted her, and now she was his. Kagome shook her head adamantly in an attempt to push away this reality. Unfortunately, such actions never worked. This was the truth. Right here, right now; this was reality. And there was no escape; not from the likes of Sesshomaru.

Overwhelmed, overstressed, and incapable of retaliation, the Miko found the corners of her consciousness slowly collapsing. She was losing her awareness; her mind incapable of functioning in such a reality. Her spirit begged for reprieve. Her heart cried in mourning. And all the while, her mind attempted to find a solution. However, now that she had some understanding as to Sesshomaru's motivation, Kagome saw the truth; there was no escape. That is, not in the physical sense. Because of this, Kagome did not fight the consuming black-out which crept through her awareness. Instead, Kagome embarrassed this blissful darkness as it began to cloud the corners of her vision.

"Please...just let me go..." Kagome lamented one last time, her tearing eyes gazing into his. She was losing focus, her vision blurring as the darkness consumed all. However, it was when Sesshomaru replied that true loss clenched her heart.

"When I am finished with you, I may let you go."

Sesshomaru's voice was cold. His face was placid. However, his eyes burned with a passion never before seen. As these molten gold orbs stared into fluttering blue eyes, the Inu blinked once, just as Kagome's eyes began to close. Then, before the Miko fell into a sea of unconsciousness, the Inu Lord scooped her up, and flipped her over his shoulder.

The last thing Kagome saw were the Autumn leaves, waving to her as if to say farewell. Then, darkness enveloped her mind.

Kagome knew not what she would awaken too... If she awoke at all. However, what she did know, was that this Autumn night was far from over.