Inuyasha came upon the castle at night fall. He could smell Kagome and his heart soared. "I've found her." His heart screamed out. He jumped over the castle walls and was immediately confronted by a horde of demons.

He began fighting his way through the court yard into the castle. As he made his way towards Kagome the smell of Naraku vanished. He had retreated. "Coward." Inuyasha spat.

Continuing to fight Inuyasha worked his way through the demons. He picked up his pace when a new smell assaulted his nose. It was Kagome's blood.

He stepped back and in a fit of rage and deperation he let loose the wind scar once, twice, three times annihilating all the demons in his path, as well as half of the building.

He ran to Kagome's room. He saw her slumped over on the floor. He ran to her, "Kagome." He said.

He looked down and saw her wrists. "NO!" He yelled. He yanked the sheet from the bed. Tearing thick strips he tied them tightly around her wrists to stop the bleeding. He cradled her in his arms, "WHY!?" He cried, his tears falling onto her pale bruised face.

It was then that he saw the message that she left for him. "In life I loved you. In death I love you. Forgive me I was weak."

"No, Kagome. You're not weak. You can't leave me. I need you." He cried, for the first time since he was a child he cried openly. His tears washing her face and soaking her hair. He sat there rocking her back and forth, holding her tightly. "Don't leave me. I love you."

He held her while the castle disintegrated, leaving no trace of Naraku. The sun rose and fell twice and still he held her. Reluctantly giving in to exhaustion and turmoil he fell asleep.

He woke with a start. A hand lay on his cheek. Somewhat cold but beginning to warm. Inuyasha looked down. Kagome's eyes were open. She was looking up at him, tears in her eyes.

He pulled he up into a tight embrace. "Oh, Kagome. Please don't ever leave me. I can't live without you."

"I didn't think you would find me." She whispered, "Forgive me for being weak."

"NO! Kagome it wasn't your fault." He stood, gently picking her up. "Let's get back to Kaede's. She will be able to help you better than I can." He took off with renewed strength.

No time to waste they had to get back so Kaede could help her.

Moving faster than he had ever moved before, they reached the village the next morning.

Kaede and the others were sitting outside, all were is deep thought when Inuyasha walked up.

Shippo was the first to see them. He saw Kagome limp in Inuyasha's arms and screamed.

The others rushed to him fearing the worst. "Is she dead?" Miroku asked trying to hold back his tears.

"No." Inuyasha said quietly, "but real close." He looked to his left, "Kaede --"

"Get her inside." She interrupted. She and Sango were in the hut for a long time.

All the while Inuyasha was filling Miroku and Shippo in on all that had happened since he had left the village. "So," Miroku said thoughtfully, "She would have rather take her own life than allow herself to be used by Naraku."

Inuyasha just nodded.

Suddenly Sango came outside. "She's asking for you." She said placing a gentle hand on Inuyasha's shoulder.

He stood and walked to the door way. "Is she--" He began.

"She will be fine." She smiled. "She's very strong. You know that."

Inuyasha went inside, his heart jumping into his throat as his eyes fell on her weak form. Kaede walked behind him and left the hut.

He walked over to Kagome, but she seemed to be sleeping. He turned to leave, "Don't" Kagome whispered, "Don't leave me."

A tear fell down the strong Hanyou's cheek. He laid down beside her and gently pulled her into his arms. "Never again." He sighed. "I will never leave you alone again." "I love you." He kissed her hair.

It was four weeks before Kagome was well enough to travel. True to his word he didn't leave her side. Even when he smelled Kikyo's scent not far away he didn't leave. By Kagome is where he belonged. He knew that now.

When Kagome was well enough, they once again began their journey to find Naraku.

Each companion had a new fire in their eyes.

A new passion in their hearts.

They were going to KILL that son of a bitch!!!