Only a few hours late, sorry. Work schedule changed last minute D; ~

Thanks for sticking with the story readers!

~Enjoy

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, but I do own Clouse and Konso :3

Toxins- Rewritten

Chapter 11: A New Beginning

"Kagome…" Kagome rolled over in her sleep annoyed by the faint voice calling her name so early in the morning.

"Kagome…" The voice whispered slightly louder

"Kagome… Kagome…" Finally after a long while Kagome sat up from her makeshift bed of fur

"What do you want now?" She yelled angrily into the dimly lit cave. From her spot on the floor she could see the night giving way to the morning light from the mouth of the cave. It took her a moment to realize she was alone in the cold space and it took even longer for her to realize why she was upset with the voice.

"Naraku…" As his name left her lips his sinister laughter began to echo in her mind.

"No!" She screamed jumping to her feet. She could feel him slowly worming his way back into her mind laughing louder and louder.

Kagome felt strange as she stood, almost as if she had moved to quickly leaving the world around her in a momentary haze. Seconds later her muscles, all at once, relaxed as if she was paralyzed but before she could even think about falling her strength sprang back tenfold as she took her next breath. Quickly followed her heightened senses, in a blink of an eye her vision was immensely clearer. The dimly lit cave now seemed to be illuminated as if someone turned on a light. Next she could feel her finger nails lengthening into claws, sharpening as they grew. She gasped for air suddenly not realizing she had been holding her breath as her transformation seemed to finish. With the abrupt intake of air she was hit with all the scents she couldn't pick up on as a human. She was surprised she wasn't overwhelmed with all the scents that rushed her, she liked the feeling in fact.

She felt a wave of knowledge crash into her as she quickly deciphered the scents around her. She could easily tell the direction she and Kouga had come from as well as which way Hagesii wondered off to. The path Kouga walked inside the cave almost played back in her mind like a movie as his scent lingered heavily around the space. Kagome's attention was pulled to the mouth of the cave as the soft sound of snow underfoot was slowly becoming louder. She knew it was Kouga but she couldn't trust herself near him with Naraku building power within her.

She wasn't quite sure what to do. She was afraid of what Naraku would make her do if he took control of her, which she knew he would if she stayed where she was. Yet, what if Kouga could help her fight Naraku. A second set of approaching footsteps made the decision for her, she had to run. Kagome wouldn't risk hurting anyone else. She was lost in thought as she slowly made her way to the cave mouth she hadn't even noticed the scents of the two that drew near, Naraku however did and wasn't about to let her flee so easily. The newly transformed half demon picked up her pace eager to flee but as the suns warm rays touched her skin she flinched as if hit suddenly in the head. Kagome fell to her knees pressing her hands to her ears as Naraku's laughter became deafening. She clenched her teeth together tightly holding back a cry of pain, she knew he was trying to stop her from leaving. With a bit of effort she stood, not realizing she had closed her eyes she opened them only to lock eyes with a man she hadn't expected to see.

"Inuyasha…" She breathlessly whispered dropping her hands. Shock splashed all over her face.

"KuKuKu, this will be fun…" Naraku said between the laughter still echoing around her mind. Kagome's face quickly changed to one of fear at Naraku's words and she began to back away from the half demon.

"Kagome," at her name she bolted "Wait!" Inuyasha yelled after her with his arm reaching out to her. He didn't even notice Kouga standing next to him, that is, until the wolf grabbed his arm stopping him from following the girl.

"No, Inuyasha, let her go. Didn't you see her face, she's terrified of yo-" the next instant Inuyasha clocked Kouga square in the jaw sending the young demon flying back into the forest. With an angry growl Inuyasha sprinted after Kagome, his blood boiling under the surface.

It was harder than Inuyasha thought to catch up to Kagome, she was much faster than he could have ever imagined. She was easy to follow nonetheless, she wasn't exactly being sneaky, yet he was always at least three paces behind her. His rage had yet to subside either which worried him. He actually began to feel bad for punching Kouga so hard, he had never acted on his anger before. He shook the thoughts from his mind, however as Kagome finally stopped her escape. Her back was to him as he landed near her. There she stood not but six or seven feet from him, he was so close to getting her back. She didn't face him as she suddenly began to speak,

"Inuyasha, please," she pause holding back a grown of pain, Naraku wanted her to turn around so badly but she refused to hurt Inuyasha "Please… Naraku is trying so hard to make me hurt you. Go back, you can't trust me…"

"There's no one in this world I trust more than you, Kagome" Inuyasha said gently while taking a small step forward. "And I don't believe for a second that you would intentionally hurt me or anyone for that matter."

"I've hurt so many people already… He's always there, in the darkest corner of my mind laughing. I only see darkness inside of me now, everywhere I turn it's just an endless void… Naraku is breaking me and I don't know how to put the pieces back together again..." She continued sounding more and more hopeless as she spoke.

"That wasn't you, that's not the real Kagome! He made you do those things, fight him Kagome you are stronger than him! Every word out of his mouth is a lie." He encouraged her taking another step forward.

"Was it really Naraku that made me do it?" She asked looking down at her clawed hands "I liked killing those people at one point you know, their screams, their dying gasps of breath, the look of fear in their eyes as I drove my hand through their bodies… I… I liked... I like it…" she told him with little emotion in her voice. Naraku's voice seemed to soften as she spoke. As if a switch had been flipped suddenly the echo of Naraku's voice was not that annoying, it was almost comforting.

"He's just trying to corrupt your heart Kagome, none of that is what you really feel. Fight. Look deep inside yourself and you will see your light is still there and it burns brighter than any poison filled lie Naraku could throw at you." Inuyasha retorted, he couldn't believe how much despair Naraku was filling her with. He could see her shoulders shaking as she began to cry.

Kagome's emotion raged inside her crashing back and forwards, she wanted to believe Inuyasha she really did. 'There must still be some light in me...' she thought to herself. Yet with every attempt to see past Naraku, he was there looming over her still laughing. Harder and harder she tried. Searching every possible crevice of her mind; she was met with Naraku's sinister form. She couldn't get away from him. There was no escaping him.

"Inuyasha… Kill me," she sobbed still unable to face him. "I can't control what he's doing to me. Please, just ki-" she gasped as she felt Inuyasha's arms around her waist suddenly. She didn't even notice him moving.

"Kagome, don't be ridiculous. I could never hurt you, and I never will. Please let me help you." He said gently pulling her closer to him. She froze, feeling a sudden spark between them. The urge to face Inuyasha almost over powered her but she remained stiff as a board, for a long while, unsure if she should even move. Inuyasha could feel how unsure she was and so he brought her closer, laid his head near hear ear and whispered

"You've done so much for me, please, let me help you."

Kagome paused for only a second more before tears began flooding down her cheeks and she melted into his arms turning around to hug him fiercely.

"I'm sorry… I'm sorry, sorry…" Kagome sobbed into his chest holding the young half demon tightly to her. Inuyasha gently caressed her head as she cried comforting her the best he could.

"Shush, it's going to be alright now, I have you… And I'll never let you go." His heart was aching for her, never had he seen her in so much pain. It physically hurt him to see her as she was. Naraku would suffer for the pain he was causing her, he would beg for death once Inuyasha was done with him. The rage he felt before began to bubble under his skin suddenly, this time however it was much stronger. It was a rage that was burning out of control. Tessaiga began to rattle at his waist but he didn't care all he could think about was keeping Kagome away from Naraku then ripping the vile half demons head off.

Kagome loosened her grip on Inuyasha at the sound of his sword rattling away, she knew what it meant. Was Inuyasha lying about wanting to help her? She could see, even though he was trying to hide it, the anger that stirred underneath. She was scared all of a sudden, a voice in her mind told her to be frightened it told her to run that he was going to kill her if she didn't. Without thinking about whose voice it was Kagome roughly pushed Inuyasha away. A look of pure terror on her face before she turned and ran deeper into the forest.

"Kagome!" Inuyasha yelled grabbing Tessaiga's hilt "Don't run! Wait!"

The morning sun rose slowly over the horizon. Its rays of light did little to melt the thick layer of snow across the land leaving the bitter sting of the cold night to cling to the morning air. Miroku shivered as he awoke. The ever persistent cold began creeping through Kaede's front door and up his spine springing the monk from his spot on the floor. The fire in the center of the hut was dwindling fast but before it could die out completely Miroku tossed a few more logs on the warm embers. He watched the logs burn feeling the small space begin to warm up again. His attention was stolen by Shippou unexpectedly as the young kit sat up sharply.

"Cold Shippou?" Miroku asked grabbing another log

"Wait, be quiet!" Shippou mumbled as he hopped to the hut door. They sat for a moment in silence but the steady breathing of the others was all the monk could hear

"Shippou what's-"

"Shush!" Shippou waved his hand at his friend his ears burned as a familiar voice reached them.

"The puppet is talking but it's different somehow." He said finally looking at Miroku

"What is it saying?" Miroku asked raising an eyebrow at the young demon

"It's calling for Inuyasha and telling him he can't trust her. It's weird... It actually sounds like Kagome this time." Shippou said crossing his arms.

Miroku frowned, this was clearly a trick. He knew the voice would drive Shippou crazy if it kept on talking however. With a sigh he stood throwing one last log on the fire before he moved towards the door.

"Wake the others after I leave would you Shippou." Miroku said putting on his gloves and wrapping his scarf tightly around his neck. Shippou nodded as the monk finally stepped out into the cold.

"It's too cold out here!" Miroku said with a shiver.

He looked around the road for a moment before his eyes locked onto the wooden creature in the distance. He could just make out the shape of it through the trees. With a sign he walked down the road seeing the puppet moving slightly. He could clearly see it was talking but he couldn't make out what it was saying. As far as he could tell it was repeating itself over and over. The closer he got however he could make out exactly what the puppet was saying.

"Inuyasha, please… Naraku is trying so hard to make me hurt you. Go back, you can't trust me…"

Miroku frowned, it did indeed sound like Kagome. He could hear the emotion in her voice unlike the lifeless tone the puppet usually spoke in. What troubled him the most was her voice was full of sadness.

"Oh my, did you hear how sad she sounds," a familiar voice said abruptly from the sky "She could use some support from her friends, don't you think?"

Miroku jumped back quickly readying himself for a fight as Byakuya appeared in cloud above him. His hand instinctively reached for the beads of his Wind Tunnel ready to pull Naraku's incarnation to his death.

"Easy now monk, I'm here for the same reason as you." Byakuya said hovering above the puppet "She is just full of things to say today. Shall we listen?" as Byakuya finished the puppet spoke up

"I've hurt so many people already… He's always there, in the darkest corner of my mind laughing. I only see darkness inside of me now, everywhere I turn it's just an endless void… Naraku is breaking me and I don't know how to put the pieces back together again..."

Byakuya shook his head bringing one of his hands over his mouth as if to hide his emotions once the puppet finished its sentience.

"She does seem quite depressed doesn't she? If only you knew where she was..." in an instant Byakuya exploded into a fine mist of smoke as Hiraikotsu tore through his body.

"Well, that wasn't very nice..." Byakuya's voice echoed around them.

Miroku turned quickly to see Sango and Shippou riding Kirara towards him. She swiftly caught her weapon before hopping off her companion to stand next to Miroku. The two stayed on alert as Byakuya began to speak again.

"You try to do something nice for these humans, and what do they do? The nerve. I'll just be taking this puppet then, since you all have no interest in finding the real Kagome." the demon said in a bored tone. As he finished however a strong gust of wind began pulling the puppet up towards the sky whipping up snow in all directions.

Sango and Miroku both quickly hopped on Kirara's back flying above the windstorm Byakuya had created. They could finally see the demons real body hovering higher in the air, he had his strange gourd pointed downwards which was creating the wind. Sango raised her Hiraikotsu once again but Miroku stopped her placing his hand over hers

"Wait, my dear. Byakuya said all those things for a reason and undoubtedly knew we would attempt to repel him. Let us see where he takes us." Miroku said watching the demon suck up the puppet.

"What if it's a trap?" Shippou asked hopping onto Miroku's shoulder

"He's right, Byakuya could lead us right into some kind of elaborate web Naraku had sown." Sango said looking to the monk

"It could be, but I'm willing to go out on a limb here and say Byakuya isn't that big a fan of Naraku either. In fact all of his incarnations have betrayed him at some point. This could be Byakuya's way of rebelling against Naraku." Miroku said

Sango nodded turning back towards Byakuya and as she did he gave the group of them a wink before flying quickly away. Without a word Kirara followed the strange demon. Byakuya seemed to be taking his time flying to where ever he was going, he would sway casually with the wind then out of nowhere would speed up flying in a straight line. Sango and Miroku stayed on high alert in case they were wrong and he was leading them into a trap. As if on cue Naraku's putrid miasma began flowing from the forest below them. They could faintly see the glow a barrier as well.

"Hey!" Shippou said pointing to the space beneath them, "I can smell Inuyasha down there!"

Kirara roared in agreement she waited for Sango's word and with a nod Byakuya was forgotten. Kirara raced downwards towards the strange barrier landing nearby quickly. To their surprise Naraku stood before them safely behind a barrier holding none other than Kagome by the throat, electricity sparking from the contact. Inuyasha stood between them growling Tessaiga in hand.

"KuKuKu, come for the show have we?" Naraku asked mockingly

Inuyasha's human companions quickly joined his side ready for anything Naraku could throw at them. Kirara roared as she too faced Naraku and Shippou clung nervously to Miroku's shoulder. The evil half demon simply laughed at the group.

"You want her back?" Naraku raised Kagome higher off the ground as he spoke, cutting off more of her air "She's right here in front of you, attack me and take her back." Naraku taunted lowering his barrier as he spoke.

Inuyasha's ears twitched as he thought of what to do, he waited just a moment more as Tessaiga's blade pulsed with power before diamonds seemed to grow on the blade. With a growl Inuyasha charged forward and like he thought Naraku moved so Kagome was in his swords path but Inuyasha kept going to everyone's surprise. At the last second however Inuyasha ducked down stabbing the fang in the ground and from behind him Kouga burst through trees at a break neck speed. Before Naraku could even react Kouga, using Inuyasha as a boost up, Kouga effortlessly sliced off Naraku's arm. The limb released Kagome as it fell limp to the ground twitching momentarily before it seemed to die. Tessaiga was forgotten as Inuyasha wasted no time launching himself forward catching Kagome bridal style before she too hit the ground. The sword hissed as it transformed back into its dull rusty from.

Kouga landed swiftly away from Naraku with Goraishi's blades glowing slightly as they appeared on his arm, as quickly as the weapon appeared the bladed claws vanished just as the wolf touched the ground. Naraku laughed unmoving from his spot now between the groups. His demonic aura however began to swirl around his feet causing Sango, Miroku, Shippou and Kirara to jump back at the massive power.

"Are you sure you want her, Inuyasha?" Naraku asked looking over his should at the young half demon

"Shut the hell up Naraku! I'm tired of your stupid games!" Inuyasha growled back. Naraku continued to laugh in response.

"She's quite the killer now," Naraku said ignoring Inuyasha and focusing on the four in front of him. "Why don't I let her show you."

Inuyasha didn't respond. He seemed lost suddenly looking down at Kagome in his arms. She was looking back at him but something wasn't right.

"Inuyasha…?" Kouga called noticing right away Inuyasha change in expression. The next instant he fell to his knees pain plastered all over his face followed by the scent of blood,

"Dammit!" Kouga cursed rushing to separate Inuyasha from Kagome.

As Kouga moved however tentacles burst from Naraku's body and severed limb, like water they moved to block his path and at the same time drive the others farther back. Kouga jumped back dodging Naraku's limb every attempt to move closer he was again blocked by another tentacle. He watched as Kagome stood from Inuyasha arms, Naraku's purple aura flowed off of her in waves, her left hand was deep in his chest as she moved.

"Fight harder Kagome!" Kouga yelled dodging more of Naraku's limbs "Don't let him win!"

Kagome didn't move she didn't even turn her head to acknowledge he was there. She simply remained focused on Inuyasha, clawed hand deep in his chest.

"I didn't even tell her to do that, she's hasn't been able to stop looking for more power since I changed her." Naraku lied finally letting the other see past him

"KuKu, it would seem you're too late" Naraku said plainly. He stepped aside slightly withdrawing his tentacles allowing the others to fully see what had occurred. "How does it feel to be betrayed by the one closest to you again, Inuyasha?" Naraku continued

Without a thought Kagome easily pulled her hand from Inuyasha's chest watching as Inuyasha fell lifelessly backwards. She stood watching with no emotion before she turned and finally looked at Kouga. Tears rained down her cheeks but her eyes were devoid of any emotion, instead they were hazed over and a pale green. Naraku had complete control of her.

"Inuyasha!" all three of them called in unison. Kagome turned to face the rest of them as they spoke answering Naraku's unspoken command and began to slowly walk towards her friends. Kouga quickly jumped between them ignoring Naraku completely and placed his hands on Kagome's shoulders

"Kagome! I know you're still in there somewhere, right!" more tears spilled from her eyes but forward she kept walking looking past him with her dull eyes "Come on Kagome, show Naraku you're stronger than this!" as Kouga finished Kagome stopped. She looked right at him as if she didn't know who he was. Without warning she grabbed his wrists from her shoulders crushed them easily in her hands, pulled him closer to her and violently head-butted him.

"Son of a-" Kouga cursed as he could feel blood begin to trickle down his forehead. Before Kouga could react, however Kagome kneed him in the gut grabbing his shoulders as he leaned forward and tossed him with little effort into the forest behind her. Blood poured out the new wound on her forehead yet she seemed unaffected as she continued to walk towards them.

"Imagine how much stronger I'll become when I absorb her into my body!" Naraku continued as he watched Kagome handle Kouga with ease.

"Guys..." Shippou began quivering "She's going to kill us..."

"We will think of something..." Miroku said not sounding convincing

"We always do." Sango added stepping forward slightly.

"NOO!" Kagome screamed at herself in her mind unable to do anything. The same steel manacle held her in place as she watched her friends look at her in horror. Desperately she tried to pry her hand free but nothing she did worked. She couldn't believe how easily Naraku got her to do such unforgivable things, she knew in her heart Inuyasha would survive she had managed at the last second to move her hand slightly missing his heart.

Naraku didn't seem to notice luckily. She didn't know if she could do so again however, it took everything she had just to do that. She wanted her friends to run away but she knew they would never leave Inuyasha behind. The more she struggled the more she felt Naraku's demonic aura, she wouldn't give up she refused to give Naraku the satisfaction. Mustering up all the strength she could she pulled on the chains holding the heavy steel off the fog filled ground. Harder and harder she pulled faintly hearing the steel begin to strain. The deep sound of metal being bent echoed around her as she continued to pull harder

"You... Cannot hold me forever..." Kagome said through clenched teeth.

"Enough" Naraku's voice suddenly boomed all around her sending a stabbing pain throughout Kagome's body.

She yelled in agony falling to the ground the steel rattling loudly around her. She could feel Naraku standing over her now watching her. He was ignored however as a sound unexpectedly caught her attention, she searched the best she could until she found the source. Tessaiga. The fang was rattling relentlessly from its spot in the ground. She knew it meant one thing.

"Inuyasha..." she managed to say aloud

At his name a vicious growl escaped him. Inuyasha's body pulsed with demonic power on the ground one last time before he stood up. He growled as his demonic aura radiated around him in his powerful full demon form, the wound in his chest was almost completely healed as he stood. His attention was immediately focused on Kagome his boiling demon blood was dying to see who was stronger. In a rage almost Inuyasha stomped his way over to her. Naraku frowned and again Kagome answered his unspoken command. She turned around with a vicious growl ignoring her friends and lunged herself at the transformed half demon. He caught her clawed hand easily pulling her hand aside but her momentum sent the two crashing into the thick trees behind them.

"How unfortunate" Naraku said with a scowl watching the couple tumble out of view "She was able to disobey my command" He finished in thought.

"Hiraikotsu!" Sango yelled throwing her large weapon.

The bone tore through the forest splitting trees as it rocketed towards its target, right before the weapon connected with Naraku's body however a deep purple barrier blocked the blow. Hiraikotsu sparked as it tried to penetrate Naraku's barrier glowing brightly as it absorbed his demonic aura. Yet the barrier was too strong and the Hiraikotsu was blasted back splitting the ground as it traveled back towards its owner.

"Damn, he erected a barrier at the last second" The slayer said in frustration watching her weapon land out of reach

Naraku had yet to even look at the pair still focusing on Kagome deeper in the forest. He had some frustration of his own with the girl. She had still attacked Inuyasha but she didn't finish him like he had commanded her to. There was no doubt that she was under his control or any signs she would be breaking free of his hold anytime soon, a lingering feeling told him to keep her away from Inuyasha however. Even in his ruthless demon form there was something that might click between them and Naraku wasn't going to take any chances on losing his control of her not after the complete disconnection during the full moon. They would flee.

"Be quick and finish him Kagome, I'll await your return" He said as he hovered off the ground miasma began to spew from Naraku's feet as he moved.

Shippou, Miroku and Sango quickly jumped on Kirara's back flying clear of the miasma watching helplessly as Naraku escaped.

"Damn…" Sango cursed

"He ran away…" Miroku almost asked. He quickly turned his attention to the tumbling trees below them "Let's hurry and help Inuyasha and Kagome!" he said pointing his staff towards the destruction the two were causing.

"Right!" she answered with Kirara roaring in agreement

"You're right," Shippou gulped "We can't let them kill each other… or us" Shippou said trying to sound brave.

"We've handled Inuyasha like this before I have no doubts that we can subdue him. We will subdue Kagome the same way!" Miroku said confidently

"Yeah but all those times before Kagome was the one who stopped Inuyasha…" Shippou retorted

"Oh right…" Miroku sighed

"We will find a way Shippou, don't worry!" Sango answered

Down below Kagome and Inuyasha skidded to a ruff stop tearing down trees as they rolled through the forest. Kagome sat on top of the angry half demon with him never letting go of her wrist. Kagome wasted no time using her free hand to strike aiming for his heart but Inuyasha expected the attack and caught her hand laughing as he easily tossed her off of his chest.

"You'll have to try harder than that, heh" Inuyasha taunted cracking his knuckles

Kagome didn't respond landing gracefully on her feet across from him. The two of them faced each other for only a moment sizing each other up. Kagome moved first lunging yet again at Inuyasha swiping her claws at his face, Inuyasha swiftly ducked under her attack springing back up like a snake tackling her to the ground.

Before they even hit the ground Kagome's claws were in his arms trying to pry his arms from around her waist. He was sure to grab each of her wrists pulling her clawed hands from his shoulders as they finally connected with the ground. She immediately tried to sit up but he wouldn't budge from on top of her. Inuyasha sat on his knees quickly straddling her waist and yanked her arms above her head locking her in his iron like grip.

"Heh, too easy, I was hoping you'd put up a better fight" he said with a crooked smile staring right into her eyes.

He growled annoyed with her lack of emotion which she growled back in response. It annoyed him even more that she had no scent. He was curious all of a sudden, what did she smell like? Ignoring her snarls he leaned in close to her neck taking a sniff and as slight as it was he could pick up on her scent. It surprised him how much he actually liked her smell it didn't even bother him that at the faint hint of it his blood-lust began to calm, his boiling demon enjoyed her scent. Her natural scent made him think of her mortal side picturing her with brown eyes, which did little for his blood. The new combined scent almost made his mouth water she smelled so appealing to him he didn't even care it was part wolf. Inuyasha's expression changed from one of smug arrogance to genuine compassion, a look normal half demon Inuyasha would give her on rare occasions before he would turn away with a blush.

"Interesting," Naraku said startling Kagome, she had forgotten he had been standing next to her "Your new form seems to have a hypnotizing effect on male demons... Let's toy with Inuyasha shall we Kagome?" he said with a sick look in his eyes

"What do you mean? Inuyasha isn't himself like this, anything you do he won't even remember"

"That is what I'm counting on" Kagome immediately regretted asking figuring out right away what Naraku intended

"No! Don't make him-" she was cut short as the sharp pain returned to her body

"Quiet woman, I know you'll enjoy this kukuku"

As Inuyasha continued to enjoy Kagome's scent she leaned forwards gently nuzzling the side of his neck. He froze right away at the contact staying close to her ear, he seemed to be waiting for her to do something. She nuzzled him again this time however she left a trail of soft kisses on his exposed skin. She could hear him taking deeper breaths suddenly he easily accepted the felt him move slightly, he leaned closer nibbling on her ear gently running his fangs across her skin.

Kagome gasped blushing 10 shades of red at the intimate contact. She was in fact enjoying the strange tingle of pleasure the small touch gave her, but she wasn't stupid. Inuyasha isn't himself he is simply acting on instinct she told herself. She needed him to stop before things went too far as Naraku seemed to want. As the thought crossed her mind Inuyasha released her ear moving to her neck. She felt herself wanting to arch her body into Inuyasha's,

"This has to stop" she whispered breathlessly

"Inu... Inuyasha..." Kagome managed to say. His ear twitched at his name and he growled softly releasing one of her wrists to instead hold her waist. He waited for her to continue.

"Stop, please..." she whispered bringing her free hand to rest on the back of his head

Inuyasha stopped dead in his track even holding his breath, which he found hard to do. Gone was the boiling rage and lust to kill in its place was new lust, a lust for Kagome. His blood was now aching to touch her, to claim her and make her his only. It wanted her as his mate. Frozen he remained however as desperate as his demon side felt to be one with her it also didn't want to hurt her either.

Naraku scowled once again, Kagome was defying him more and more. He would have to punish her. He couldn't decide if wanted to force her to kill Inuyasha or use her body to force Inuyasha on her. He was already assaulting her for speaking but it seemed she was fighting the pain pushing through to do as she wanted. He would have her kill him, as much hurt as Inuyasha forcing himself on her would inflict, he knew a part of her wanted it and he wouldn't give her what she wants.

"Run..." Kagome whispered trying to warn Inuyasha.

Before Inuyasha could react Kagome brought her knees up kicking him in the chest which sent the half demon flying back. Kagome rolled back standing quickly and charged at Inuyasha as he slammed into a tree.

"There they are!" Shippou yelled as he and the others finally drew near.

"They're still fighting" Sango said jumping off of Kirara

"Yes, we will have to wait for an opportunity to hold them back." Miroku replied pulling out sutras from his robe.

"Hey!" Kouga's voice echoed from behind them "What the hell is going on!?" The wolf said with growl jumping out of the trees next to the group.

"Kouga, are you alright?" Shippou asked

"Yeah, yeah runt I'm fine, I want answers!" Kouga growled in response "Why has Inuyasha's scent changed and why the hell does it smell like they were, were, gah!"

"Were what Kouga?" Miroku asked raising an eyebrow

"Forget it! I'll just kick Mutt face's ass!" Kouga yelled.

As Kouga shouted Inuyasha was thrown yet again into a large tree snapping it in half like a twig, Kagome followed just as quickly as she flew swiping at his form on the ground. Inuyasha rolled to the side dodging her claws but she was faster than he expected and barely dodged he next attack. The two danced almost around the leveled trees, Kagome would attack and Inuyasha would dodge never having a chance to fully recover.

"This is more like it!" Inuyasha yelled with excitement. He stood his ground as she attacked once again letting her drive her clawed hand threw his chest.

"What the!? He let her strike him?" Kouga asked tossing aside his thoughts from moments ago. Sango and Miroku readied themselves to break apart their fight in forming Kouga about their plan

"Kouga, we won't have much time so listen carefully," Miroku said stepping closer to the fighting pair "When Inuyasha is in this form he is a blood-thirsty animal he won't be able to tell who we are and will try to kill us. Before he tries to kill Kagome I will throw my paralyzing sutras at the two of them, we need you to hold down Inuyasha while Sango and I subdue Kagome. We will only have once chance I fear, when Inuyasha breaks the sutra I'm not sure we will be able to contain him." Miroku instructed again stepping closer.

"I can handle Inuyasha don't worry, you two focus on Kagome." Kouga responded

As they spoke Inuyasha took hold of Kagome's arm keeping her hand imbedded in his chests forcing her to attack with her other hand which he caught easily. Much like she did to Kouga Inuyasha pulled her towards him and head-butted her as hard as he could. Dazed was she as her wound on her forehead reopened from the force, her whole body felt the impact causing her to loss her balance. Kagome was barely conscious as she drunkenly fell into Inuyasha's arms. Sango and Miroku began to move in but were stopped by Kouga raising his arm in front of them

"Wait, Inuyasha isn't acting so mindless. Otherwise he would have tried to kill Kagome just now not try knock her out." He said not taking his eyes off the fight pair. Sango and Miroku paused as well; Kouga had a point. They remained ready to hop in at any moment however.

Inuyasha growled once more still holding Kagome's wrist removing it from his chest finally. His demon blood drove him as he spun her around and slammed her back into his chest. Keeping her wrist in his hand he held her hands behind her back so she couldn't get away. His growls were directly in her ear now which surprisingly began to calm her frenzied blood. She was still dazed from Inuyasha blow to her head and with his slightly different sounding growls Naraku's once commanding voice was beginning to fade.

She could think more and actually began to relax. There was something about the sound Inuyasha was making that was calming her, she all but stopped growling as he growled softer and softer. Out of nowhere a feeling of peace washed over her, it was a true at ease feeling. It wasn't anywhere near the feeling she had when Kouga held her, with this new feeling she felt a warmth that flowed throughout her entire body easing the ache of her heart. She remembered the scent of Kouga and how it changed as he stared at her. She clearly remembered how the change didn't appeal to her at all, however as Inuyasha growls softened and his breathing was steading his strong unfamiliar demonic scent changed as well only this time it spoke to something in her, it spoke to the wild side of her and it calmed the beast in her.

Kagome looked up at Naraku, a new fire burning in her heart, she would not be taken control of again she was damn sure

"Naraku!" she yelled "You may control my body but you will NEVER control my spirit!" Kagome growled trying to stand, her own massive light blue demonic aura flowed around her in spiral blowing back the thick fog of her mind. The color changed as again she pulled on the steel chains wearing the steel down quickly, her body glowed pink as some of her spiritual powers seemed to burst forth as well

"It can't be" Naraku took a step back completely overwhelmed by her sudden burst of power. "Where did this power come from?! She will break my hold on her if this keeps up!"

"Inu...yasha!" Kagome struggled to say "You have to... Fight... Fight your demon blood... Don't… Don't let it control you." She clenched her teeth together holding back a cry of pain. As soon as she spoke Naraku began attacking her to get to be silent, the pain was almost unbearable.

"If I can... If I can fight Naraku," at his name she threw her head back and her body went rigid as if she had been struck with lightning. The feeling wouldn't let up "… Fight Naraku… Then… Then," she had to stop again as Naraku relentlessly assaulted her but she refused to give in "then you can… Fight your demon blood"

The others all stared at her in disbelief. They could all tell right away that speaking caused her pain yet for the sake of Inuyasha she kept going. Helping Inuyasha came at a price however, once Kagome had finished she began growling again and her eyes were hazed over with Naraku's influence.

Inuyasha growled low and deep, a menacing growl that none of them had ever heard from him before. His demon blood knew it was Naraku who was hurting her and it was pissed beyond comprehension. His demon side wanted Kagome safe, it wanted her happy, it wanted her in his arms and it wanted her. It wanted her badly. He brought his lips to her ear and said in a barely audible voice,

"You are mine, my mate…"

Naraku held Kagome by the throat using his other hand to send powerful bolts of electricity into her body her powerful aura began to fade quick almost disappearing. She almost didn't catch what Inuyasha had said over her own cries of pain. Her body didn't react at all but within her mind she blushed deeply shaking her head.

"He's got to be confused!" She thought enduring another powerful shock from Naraku

Inuyasha gasped suddenly as finally his demon blood released him. He was stunned for a moment not remembering how he got to where he was. Right way he realized he was holding Kagome tightly to his chest, she was growling at him as he held her. He smiled to himself and couldn't help feeling at ease with her in his arms; he knew that somehow she had helped him to push back his wild demon blood. She tried to pull away from him then but his hand didn't budge. Quickly he held both her wrists in one hand and brought his free arm around her waist pulling her closer to him, at the same time he leaned his head forward letting it rest on the back of hers.

"Kagome," She froze instantly at her name "Please don't leave me again... I need you here with me."

At Inuyasha's words something deep inside Kagome shattered, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Her aura skyrocketed around her forcing Naraku to drop her. The sheer power of her aura began to melt the manacles around her wrists launching them into the dark around her, a bright light also began to form around her pushing back the darkness Naraku had created.

"Impossible" Naraku snarled backing up farther, her aura was beginning to purify his.

"Get out of my head!" Kagome yelled charging forward driving her claws through Naraku's chest

"Curse you wench!" He growled as his body disintegrated right before her eyes.

END CHAPTER 11!

Not sure when the next one will be out, my work hours are so unpredictable now D; but like I always say, I will not abandon this story!

Thanks again!

Chapter 12 Preview

Chapter 12: Home, Sweet Home

"Goodnight Kagome." Sango said with a yawn

"Night Sango" Kagome waved to her friend and watched her walk back towards the camp.

She could hear her friend pause as she got closer to camp, most likely to see if she would try to run away.

"I'm not going anywhere Sango, really, I promise" Kagome said not facing Sango but hearing her sigh with relief.

Kagome sighed as well, it felt good to talk to Sango again and it felt even better to know her friends didn't hate her. She stayed in the same spot a long while hearing the slow steady breathing of her companions. It was strange to hear them she hadn't really spent any time with any one since she was changed. It was something she would have to get used to she figured.

Another sigh escaped her. She didn't feel comfortable on the ground anymore despite the dark feeling that she was being watch vanishing. With a stretch she stood immediately hearing movement at the camp. Kagome knew they were worried for her and she didn't blame them she did try to run from them once before. Sighing a third time she walked a few steps closer to camp before jumping up into the trees, again she heard movement. Inuyasha. As soon as stood he was on edge he was more worried than anyone else that she would try to slip away in the middle of the night.

Kagome found a fairly wide branch to sit on, she knew Inuyasha would try to talk to her. She was surprised he had given her space at all when she first awoke. Kagome took her time examining the bark of the tree before she finally sat down pulling her knees up to her chest.

"Kagome?" Inuyasha called quietly

"It's okay Inuyasha, you can come out." Kagome answered looking up at the moon in the starry sky.

Inuyasha gently landed on the same branch as Kagome, if not for his sudden warmth next to her Kagome wouldn't have known he even moved.

"Are you okay, Kagome?" he looked at her as he asked but she remained silent "I mean I know you're not okay, just um you know, you okay?" he asked again nervously

"Physically, I'm fine…" she answered plainly refusing to look at him.

"Is it true Kagome?"

"What?"

"Did… did I…" Inuyasha paused with frustration. Kagome could feel him shaking which stole her attention instantly

"Inuyasha?"

"Did I force myself on you while I was transformed?" Inuyasha asked his voice drenched in sadness, his ear were flat on his head and he couldn't meet her eyes. Kagome gasped blushing deeply at the question remembering how his touch made her feel.

"Um...well, I wouldn't say 'forced' really ha ha" Kagome answered averting her eyes as well.

"Wait, what?" Inuyasha's head snapped to hers not expecting her answer at all.

"Well you were transformed but it was still you, the way you looked at me was the same…"

"You mean… you liked it?" Inuyasha asked blushing himself.

Kagome's blush deepened as she thought of a way to explain every time however her mind kept drifting back to the gentle kisses he left on her neck.

"I can't believe I'm going to say this," she gulped finally meeting Inuyasha's eyes "If hadn't Naraku been there we would… be mates right now" she responded blushing madly

"Mates…" Inuyasha repeated dumbstruck.