Nothing To Lose
Inuyasha looked in awe up at the tower of the castle. Somewhere, up there, was Naraku. Just beyond these walls. Just inside here...inside...was his sworn enemy, the demon that had killed Kikyo, had nearly killed Kagome. The very same demon that had caused the wind tunnel in Miroku's hand, had slaughtered Sango's people.
He was the root of so much trouble. And now Inuyasha had a chance to end it.
All of a sudden he felt a shiver run up his spine.
Fear?
Yes, fear. Fear was what it was called, this strange tingle.
But fear of what? He wasn't scared of Naraku. He was more angry then scared. And if he had a chance to kill the wretched man, he would trade his life for it in an instant. It didn't matter. Not as long as he was finally gone from the face of the earth.
So what was he scared of?
A hand touched his shoulder, and he turned. Kagome was standing beside him, smiling sadly.
"Nervous?" she asked.
"Nah." he replied. But he turned back to the castle, and it was plain that he was.
"Come on, Inuyasha." Kagome said, acting as if he had admitted he was scared. He wasn't even surprised she'd been able to tell. This was Kagome, after all. He'd stopped trying to deny things like that. "You're the Great and All Mighty Hanyou. The only one Naraku was ever scared of."
"Besides you." Inuyasha retorted. He wouldn't have been surprised if Naraku was more worried about Kagome than he was about him.
"You know what I mean." Kagome smiled at him again, and he turned back to her. "You're strong enough to make him quake in his baboon pelt. Going in there...do you really have anything to lose?"
Inuyasha watched he for a moment, then grabbed her shoulders and pulled her forward. He pressed his lips to hers; holding her tight, he realized just why he was feeling scared.
It was for her. It was all for her. Everything, just for Kagome, this girl from the future, who had enough power to filet him alive and then blow up Edo, who could win this war – and yes, it was now a war – this girl that he truly loved, with all his heart...she was the one.
And he was scared for her.
He let her go. "Don't ask me if I have anything to lose anymore. Because believe me, I do."