Alright, this is my thrid InuYasha and Kagome story. This is going to be long, dramatic, and descriptive. Also, I hope to make it shocking, even more so than it already is. The beginning is a little slow, as most stories are. And there is a lot of explaining of emotions, but I think they are crutial to the rest of the story. Please, read the whole thing. PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW!!!!

It was an ordinary day, just like any other for the group. The road they were walking on sent chalky dust up onto their exposed ankles, making them become dirtier by the moment. The weapons all made noises as the bodies that held them moved; the rings of Miroku's staff clinking together with a chime, Sango's Hiraikotsu thumping against her leg, InuYasha's sword's hilt clanking against it's sheath.

Kagome looked up at the cloud covered sky, her face grim. The air had that certain smell to it, the smell that foretold rain. That with the grey sky was enough to convince her that it was time to make camp.

"InuYasha…" she muttered softly, trying not to aggravate him too much before even asking her question. That was just how he was, it seemed. Always yelling and punching before actually listening or talking. And he did it to everyone too, not just her and the enemies. It was his personality…

Just as she had suspected, the promise of foul weather had irritated his sensitive attitude. "What?" he snapped at her over his shoulder.

"I-it's going to rain," she responded with a small smile. "Maybe we should make camp?"

His expression softened slightly. How was it that she had that effect over him? Her smile just seemed to lighten up his whole day, his life even. If she had never fallen through the well on that fateful day, she would never have freed him from Kikyou's cursed arrow. He would have been asleep forever. Kagome could have only met him in his dreams…

He regained his agitated facial feature, whipping his head back front. He scoffed, "Whatever. You women are so week and frail. Always needing a roof over your head to protect you from a little rain."

Sango glared at this, Miroku chuckling at her reaction to InuYasha's comment. He decided to side with the ladies, as always. "Maybe I'd like a roof over my head as well, even if it's just a roof of leaves. We'll sleep under the tree's canopy tonight. Is that alright with you, Kagome-sama?"

Kagome stopped to walk next to him, smiling. Seemed she suddenly appreciated his company more than InuYasha's. InuYasha noticed, becoming a little irritated at that as well. What was so special about Miroku, huh? He wasn't exactly the best man around. Then again, InuYasha was no Romeo himself, but at least he didn't womanize when he knew a girl liked him. Kagome did like him, right? Well, no matter, all that he knew and needed to know was that he loved her. The way her very presence calmed him. The way she protected him; not with weapons or valor as he did with her, but with her words. Every thing that her lips formed was like music to his ears, flowing into the ear drums of his soul and healing it. It wasn't as if he had suffered immense tragedy or anything, but there was one thing that haunted him, and he knew it would haunt him for the rest of his life.

His demon side.

His eyes narrowed as he recalled events from the past. When he had slaughtered those people in the battle with that moth demon…. It had been so long ago, but he could still see the blood on his hands. Not literally, of course, but his mind always sent him the vision. Whenever Tetsusaiga was out of his reach, he panicked. As soon as the sword left his grasp, that little voice in the back of his head started talking. The dark side of him, the demon side, spoke to him, tainting him with its black words. It was as if it was trying to contradict everything Kagome said to him. Ripping apart the stitches on his heart that she tried so desperately to sew together.

There was always apart of him that wanted to stop the internal battle, to let it loose. But he couldn't. For Kagome…he just couldn't do that to her. He saw how worried he had made her, merely from killing strangers. Not only worry but fear. For her own life. He could see it in her eyes, when she had sat next to him by the river. The way she looked at him with pity almost, it crushed him. But when he looked deeper into her chocolate eyes, he could see the true fear within. That crushed him more than anything ever had before in his life. More than Kikyou, even. That the woman he loved feared his very being—scared him more than any demon or human or mix of both ever could.

The group came to a stop in a miniature clearing. The darkening sky was covered by the tree's leaves, only a few drops of the oncoming rain able to slip through and splash onto the dirt below. The air was muggy and soft, like being under a blanket. The pitter patter of the rain was soothing also, making Kagome feel at ease. It wasn't very often that she could feel this way in the Sengoku Era, and this moment was highly appreciated by her. She dropped her backpack onto the ground, its contents bumping into each other with the force. She then sat down next to it, surprised with the dry ground.

"Don't get too comfy," Sango said with a smile. "We should all go out and get fire wood."

InuYasha hopped up into a nearby tree. "You girls go on ahead. You wanted to stop, so I stopped. If I'm forced to do whatever you want all the time, then I deserve some time to myself."

"Fine," Miroku replied cheerily. "Then I'll accompany the ladies for protection." He smiled lecherously.

Sango sweat dropped, "Of course you will."

"You don't need your weapon Sango," he said. "I said I'm accompanying you to protect you, didn't I? I'll hold it true."

She shook her head and smiled, setting her boomerang down with a thump.

Kagome followed her lead, "No sense bringing my bow and arrows." She slid them off her back and set them down. "We're just getting firewood after all."

The three departed, leaving the lazy hanyou perched on his branch.

In the forest, Miroku and Sango walked ahead of Kagome. The teenage girl walked with her head down, deep in thought. What was InuYasha's problem? Why didn't he ever want to be with her? He could have offered to go with her instead, but instead he had to pout in a tree like a three-year-old. She sighed heavily. Why oh why did she love him? It definitely wasn't for his arrogance, idiocy, or childishness. Was it because he protected her? No, that was too simple. She looked up to see a few stars peeking through the tree's leaves. Maybe…. Maybe it was because…she needed him? Not to save her from demons, but to save her from herself. She had had a pretty normal, average life. Boring. Her life was actually quite…lifeless. She was doomed to an endless, boring spiral for a hundred years. Sure, that may be a little dramatic, but sort of true. But when she had fallen through the well…

Everything changed. InuYasha, the mystical being, was the first thing she saw that was out of the ordinary. He was gorgeous. His silver hair was just melting in the soft sunlight, giving him an angelic glow. His form was peaceful and calm; resting slightly against the tree he was trapped to. And his face…his skin that she so badly wanted to touch. His lips that she wanted so badly to kiss. And his eyes…when he opened those pools of molten gold for the first time, her heart had caught in her throat. His stare was intense, intimidating. Just the kind of intimidation she needed. Those eyes sent an instant spark into her soul, into her heart. She knew instantly, in that moment, that she needed him. Hell, his purpose for her might not have even been fulfilled yet. But she just knew that she had to release him from that curse. And that when he was attacking her, she just had to stay alive, just for him. She couldn't explain it—she just knew.

She was pulled from her train of thought by Miroku's abrupt stop.

"Shit," he muttered under his breath.

Sango placed her hand gently on his shoulder, "What is it, Houshi-sama?"

He shrugged her off. "Get back, both of you." He yanked his staff in front of his body, the jingling rings echoing in the still woods. He placed his finger to his lips just as the girls opened their mouths to question his actions. After sighing in aggravation, Sango's face matched his, her eyes growing wide.

Kagome looked to them inquiringly. What was their problem? But that's when she felt it. Deep in the pit of her stomach. The demonic aura seeped through her pores, sinking into her body and mind. This thing was big. And Sango had left her Hiraikotsu. She had left her bow and arrows. Miroku only had his staff, which could be easily countered, especially with this demon's massive size. They were in big trouble.

Heavy, thunderous footsteps stomped through the forest ahead of them. A low, menacing growl reached their ears, forcing them to look up in fear. And there it was; the gargantuan ogre demon. Its body was large and dark red-brown. His muscles ripped through its arms and torso, heaving with every large breath it took. Its eyes glowed red in the darkening sky, illuminating its large yellow teeth. The lower body was covered with a loin cloth, just like all the other ogre demons. The only thing that really made this one different was its size.

Suddenly, the beast's nose caught scent of the humans below. It whipped its head downward, roaring at them on sight. Swinging its large, talon-adorned hand into the sky, it slashed down at Miroku. He cried out as he practically flew past them, slamming into a tree. His head collided with it hard, his eyes dilating instantly. Slumping down to the tree's base, he went still. Limply, he held his staff in his hand. A small hint of red was visible on the bark behind his head.

Sango called out to him in worry, beginning to run to him. She stopped in her tracks, however, when she felt the demon move behind her. Whipping off her kimono, she stood before it with her demon-slaying outfit on. She grabbed the sword at her waist, pulling it from its sheath with angry force. She glared at the demon, contemplating her future actions.

She slid a chain out from underneath her elbow armor, swinging it around like Kohaku's scythe. Wrapping it around a tree branch, she jumped up to the demon's head.

"Sango-chan!" Kagome called in worry. Was she insane?!

Sango swiftly wrapped the chain around the ogre's neck, catching it by surprise. She jumped back onto the branch she had tied the chain around, seeing as it was slightly higher than the ogre's head. When she jumped back to the ground, chain in hand, the force caused the ogre to jump up to avoid being strangled. Instead, it whacked it's head on the thick branch. It fell backwards in pain. Sango realized her chance, running toward in full-throttle. She plunged her sword into its head, blood spluttering around her. She wiggled the blade around a bit, for good measure. Confident that the beast was dead, she walked back over to Kagome.

"Are you ok, Kagome-chan?"

Kagome stared at her dumb-founded. "Y-yeah of course."

Back at camp, InuYasha's eyes shot open. His nose danced with the scent of blood. What had happened to them?! The scent was definitely coming from their direction. He launched off the branch, hopping on the other trees at lightning speed. In no time at all, he was at the battle sight.

Just before he could call to them to ask if they were alright however, he gasped. That ogre was huge! They killed it without their weapons? He was greatly impressed. Well, or he should have been, if the demon was actually dead.

The ogre's hand twitched. It sat up quicker than it normally would have, especially with such a grave wound to its head. Blood gushed from its forehead, trickling down its face and pooling in its lap like a stream. It glared at the girls who were conversing below it. InuYasha reached for Tetsusaiga out of instinct.

But he only grabbed air.

He looked down at the sheath in panic. The actual blade had fallen out of the sheath! It must have slipped out when he was lying in the tree…. InuYasha's face turned to one of desperation. What could he do? He had to resort to old techniques, his claws. Quickly, he dove down at the demon, his claws cracking.

"Iron Reaver Soul Stealer!" He bellowed, slicing the demon's belly open in one swoop. It shrieked in pain as its entrails spilled out onto its legs. But it was still alive! "Damn persistent bastard!" InuYasha smiled, bringing his claws to his face. Sango ran up next to him, her sword out defensively.

"Thanks, InuYasha," she said while getting in battle stance. "That would have been bad."

He frowned. She had put Kagome in danger. Sango thought she was such a good fighter. She couldn't even protect one simple human girl! "Best demon slayer" his ass.

InuYasha jumped up, over the ogre's body. Sango took it as he was going to attack the demon from behind. She hopped up its body, slicing its skin on her way to its head. It had its mouth opened in agony, revealing a perfect spot for her to strike. If she cut the tip of its spine, through its neck, it would be paralyzed. She thrust her sword into the spot, surprised when she heard another shout come from the other end. It sounded like…InuYasha!

InuYasha stared at the blade that had just impaled him. It went right through his stomach. He shakily brought a hand to it, grasping it tightly. He tried ripping it out, but only succeeded in slicing his hand open deeply. His eyes began to cloud over with the fright death. Heh, Sango must have hit one of his main organs. Stupid girl…. He smiled. Oh well…it was an accident of course….

But Kagome…..

Don't you die

What was that? InuYasha's eyes opened a little.

Don't you dare die here, not like this. Have you know dignity?

Who was that? He felt anger erupt in his body, deep in his heart.

You're just going to let some stupid human be the cause of your death, and by accident no less?! Kill that stupid demon! Kill that stupid girl! Kill that monk! Kill the priestess! Kill them all! KILL!

InuYasha shook his head, placing his hands to his ears. He cried out as he felt the blood starting to pour from his stomach. His heart beat throbbed in his head, fueling the voice's influence. No! He couldn't! He wouldn't kill them! Not Sango, no, it was an accident! And Miroku…he didn't mean to put Kagome in danger! Kagome…he would never kill her! Not in a million years! That was what he feared the most in life!

But if you don't kill the ogre… the voice continued. Kagome will surely die. All it needs to do is snap its mouth closed to kill the demon slayer. And Miroku is out cold, easily a victim. Kagome is just left there, alone and defenseless against this demon's rage. You said you'd protect her, at any cost! You promised! Don't back out now! Be a man—be a demon! The full-fledged demon you desire to be!

InuYasha gave into the darkness. Is fangs began to shake as they extended in his mouth. The purple lines etched themselves onto his cheeks. His claws stretched and formed into talons. His eyes flashed fed with murderous furry, the pupils turning blue and white. He threw back his head and cackled, his mouth enlarged by his fangs. He swiftly jumped back from the sword, the blade sliding out of him with ease. Blood trailed after it, but he didn't even acknowledge it in the slightest.

His feet collided with a tree parallel to the ogre's back. In one fell swoop, he literally cut the demon in half. Sango jumped back in the nick of time, pulling her sword out with her. She landed on the ground before the two demons, InuYasha now standing on top of the ogres mangled corps.

It seemed he wasn't through yet.

Sango shivered as the demon's glare went straight into her mind.

InuYasha snarled at her as if she were a piece of meat. She's the one who injured you so badly. With you out of the way, Kagome would have been easy prey. She is the real threat here. Kill her. KILL HER!

InuYasha's mind was completely consumed by the demon within. He jumped from the carcass, diving straight for Sango. Her legs started to shake. She had done this to him. It was all her fault. So who was she to kill him, one of her best friends? She dropped her sword; half in fear, and half in pity for the man coming at her.

It was as if it happened in slow motion.

His claws collided with the skin on her upper chest, near her collar bone. His crazed, blood-lusting eyes met with hers. Her own eyes dulled in acceptance. He smiled at her and grunted a beastly noise, but it was quickly drowned out by the sound that followed. His claws ripped through her body like a nail would rip through paper. He plowed through her entire torso, his claws only getting caught on her ribs and heart. Blood sprayed over his body—like he had just purified himself in a waterfall of blood.

Sango coughed up blood as her limp body fell backward, right in front of Kagome.

Kagome stood with shaking knees and arms. She brought her hands up to her mouth in horror. Her eyes trembled with fear as she stared into the dead eyes of her best friend. The best friend that the man she loved had just slaughtered. She balled her hands into fists at her temples, closing her eyes in agony and pain. She cried out a deafening, ear-splitting, heart-shattering scream as hot tears began to roll down her cheeks.

InuYasha's low, evil growl stopped her cry. He turned to her now, his claws ready at his sides. Kagome put her hands up in defense and let out a small whimper of fear. No, it couldn't end like this. No, no! Not InuYasha! He couldn't…he wouldn't….

Now for the priestess…..