- - -

I Will Always Love You

Part I

- - -

Half asleep on Yuuto's back, Inuyasha buried his face further into the soft mass of midnight hair in front of him for probably the hundredth time that day. Exhausted to the brink of falling off the galloping horse, he wrapped his arms more firmly around Kagome's waist and closed his eyes, in an effort to block out the sunlight, but only succeeded in making himself even more tired, if that was even possible.

"Are we there yet?" he whined playfully, trying to force the drowsiness from his voice.

"Do you see Sango's village?" Kagome asked, turning her head slightly sideways to look at him.

"No."

"Then I guess we're not there yet, are we?"

She turned forwards once more with a small smile. With a dramatic groan, Inuyasha allowed his face to disappear into her black tresses once more; too tired to care when Kagome slowed Yuuto down.

"Maybe if you had actually slept in Master Koji's village you wouldn't be such a mess like you are now…"

"I don't sleep when I'm human, Kagome!" he growled into her ear.

"Well, then that's your problem," she countered, apathetic.

"Oh, ha, ha…"

Kagome leaned into him, allowing him to secure his hold more firmly around her.

"We'll stop soon. I think all of us need a break."

Inuyasha nodded vigorously into her hair then gently placed his chin on her shoulder.

"Just don't fall off the horse this time Inuyasha."

"I did not fall off! This damned demon is conspiring against me and he moved just- "

"Sure, Inuyasha…" Kagome interjected, the hint of a smile in her voice. "Sure…"

- - -

Whiffing eagerly, Yuuto brought the pair to a clear stream, and after waiting for them to dismount, walked to the cool water and buried his muzzle into it eagerly, drinking deep. Grateful to be finally off the horse's back, Inuyasha stretched then went to the bank, bending down to scoop a handful of the liquid into his hands. He stared at his reflection for a moment, growling at his black hair and human ears, and closing his eyes as he found the dark blue stare meeting his own suddenly very annoying.

Dammit, when am I gonna change back?

Frustrated, he took a deep breath and splashed the water onto his face, lifting his head up towards the hot afternoon sky to allow the liquid to flow down his neck and through his bangs. Sighing in contentment after the water dried on his hot skin, he brought his gaze to the stream, picking up another handful to drink. Already, the steady heat was making his weak human body sweat, and he scooped up more water to splash across his face once more, shaking his head doggy-style once the cool liquid splattered over his overheated flesh.

A slight moan caught his attention, and he turned to see Kagome gingerly rubbing her right shoulder, the white folds of her kimono pulled back onto her arm. Beneath her fingers he could barely distinguish four claw mark scars reaching from somewhere behind her back to her collarbone, the bruised skin shining a dark black and blue in a jagged pattern. His breath caught in his throat and he stood, his eyes penetrating as he looked up and down the wound.

"Kagome, what happened?"

Startled, she locked his gaze, then shook her head, muttering, "It's nothing," a little to quickly for his liking.

"It is not nothing!"

Agitation rose in his chest, and he came towards her, his heart pounding viciously as guilt claimed it. To his surprise, fear flashed in her eyes as he approached, then they turned cold just as quickly, stopping him in his tracks. She turned away haughtily, an edgy frown on her face.

"Don't worry about it. It's just a healing wound; nothing to be concerned about!"

"Kagome…" He dropped his gaze, looking hurt.

She sighed, then reached a hand out to stroke Yuuto's soft muzzle as the gelding turned his puzzled head towards her.

"I'm sorry Inuyasha…" He looked up at her, surprised. "It's just a sore subject to talk about…"

With that, she pulled her kimono back up over her shoulder and walked to Yuuto's other side. Inuyasha saw her shakily mount, and walked to the gelding's other side as well, pausing at the miko's leg. He looked up to see her smiling slightly, and then grasped her hand when she offered and pulled himself up behind her.

Wrapping his arms around her, he laid his head sideways against her own, his eyes straying down to the now hidden, ugly wound as the gelding began to move, first at a subtle walk, then to a rolling lope. Inuyasha closed his eyes as her scent covered him, but instead of calming him completely, it filled him with fear and confusion. The look of dread that had passed through her eyes invaded his mind, further throwing him into ambiguity.

Why is she afraid of telling me what happened?

His navy gaze opened, immediately resting over her shoulder. His grip tightened around her and he buried his face deeper into her hair, desperately wishing he could just take away all her pains and uncertainties… even though he knew he couldn't…

- - -

"Look! Over there, Inuyasha! We made it!"

Slowly opening his eyes, Inuyasha sat up straight as Yuuto came to a stop. Glancing quickly at Kagome, he traced his gaze down the length of her arm as she pointed forwards. Scanning the horizon, he focused on the outlines of both broken and proudly standing ramparts that hid his friends' village within. Two silhouettes stood at the entrance, waiting for them, while a smaller dot seemed to be jumping up and down in one spot. Recognizing his friends, Inuyasha could feel his heart jumping wildly in his chest in anticipation, and didn't protest when Kagome coaxed the tough gray into a gallop, smiles lighting both of their faces as Yuuto's happy whinny echoed around the fields towards the village, before dissolving into the sunlight.

- - -

Feeling like his cheeks where going to crack apart, Inuyasha accepted another bowl of rice, completely ignoring the dull ache that was settling across his cheekbones from smiling so much. The small company sat within the main house, sitting around the cooking fire and sharing a meal. Miroku and Sango had situated themselves by the front door, with the monk closest to Inuyasha and Kagome next to him. Shippo and Kirara had found comfortable positions on his head and lap, and they just sat there contently, hardly believing he was really there.

Hell, he couldn't even believe he was there.

But he was. The familiar presence of his friends was proof enough of that.

His friends kept firing questions at him and multiple stories that had everyone bawling with laughter. Once their mirth subsided, they settled into comfortable conversations about their past adventures, until they had told their entire trip of getting jewel shards and killing Naraku together, leaving Inuyasha to fill in the parts about Hell and being rescued.

"It's so good to have you back with us Inuyasha," said Sango after silence had settled over them when the story was finished.

"Yeah," agreed Miroku, reaching out to grasp Inuyasha's shoulder and shake him playfully.

Shippo merely giggled and hugged the back of his neck while Kirara mewled her reply and snuggled ever deeper into his obi.

"Thanks you guys. Good to be back."

A small noise brought their gazes to Kagome, who set down her rice bowl and stood, a strange expression on her face. Oblivious to their stares, she glanced out the window across from her, her gaze suddenly darkening as her face fell into a scowl.

"Kagome?" Sango half whispered. "What's wrong?"

Not bothering to answer, the miko simply reached for her bow and arrows in the corner.

"Where are you going Lady Kagome? Are you alright?"

A smile lit up her face as she looked at Miroku, shocking Inuyasha as he saw just how fake it was.

"I'm fine. I just need some air. Don't wait up for me, ok?"

"But – "

He never got the chance to finish his sentence as Kagome pulled the shutters from the door and walked outside, not once looking back as they swished gently behind her.

Slowly, Miroku turned back towards the fire, noticing that everyone's eyes were too focused upon the flames, troubled looks on their faces.

"I'm worried Miroku, about Kagome."

Inuyasha looked up at Sango, who gazed at her husband, her eyes glazed with concern.

The monk only nodded, rubbing his chin deep in thought.

"She's changed."

His violet eyes closed and his sentence floated around the small group.

"How do you mean, monk?" retorted Inuyasha, suddenly feeling extremely uncomfortable.

"Well, she was very quiet this evening," whispered Sango, before Miroku could respond, her hands straying to her rounded belly. "She doesn't seem very happy. Something is definitely wrong…" Silence fell over them all once again, until, with a growl, Inuyasha set down his bowl and stood, apologizing gruffly as the kitsune and two-tailed cat stumbled to the dirt floor. "Inuyasha, where –?"

"I'm going to see if she's alright. Be back in a bit, ok?"

Not waiting for a reply, Inuyasha leaped for the door, and with a swish of the shutter, disappeared from their view.

- - -

Bow in hand, Kagome continued down the path, squinting against the sunset before her. Clearing a thick set of trees, she stepped into a small clearing, and paused immediately, unease rising into her chest. A swirl of wind whipped around her, and a second later she drew an arrow and notched it, goose bumps flecking across her skin as a cold sweat dampened her bangs, her eyes scanning the trees all around her frantically. Her heart pounded wildly, pushing the Shikon no Tama up against her kimono as it rattled with the thunderous beats.

He's here.

- - -

"Kagome!"

Growing frustrated, Inuyasha followed the miko's barely distinguishable path through the forest, anxiety making his pace quicken.

What in all the hells is she doing all the way out here and on her own?

Fighting his way between the thick brush and trees, he could just make out the faint outline of her sandals when he looked up and saw her, his sigh of relief stolen as he saw how tense she was standing. Inuyasha's feet stopped moving and he stood stock still, frowning as the feeling of a growing dark aura suddenly escalated around the clearing, getting closer.

"Kagome – "

He rested his gaze upon her form just in time to feel dark energy sweep by him. His eyes widened in horror as the world around them went completely silent, and for a moment the evil presence subsided. Inuyasha could hear his blood pounding in his ears, making it hard to focus. Scanning the trees one last time but feeling and seeing nothing, he was about to call Kagome, who still hadn't seemed to notice his presence, when there was a flash of light, and she cried out in pain, her bow and arrow falling to the ground with her, blood pooling from her right shoulder.

"KAGOME!"

Inuyasha leaped forward but after one step collided with a blue wall that sprang up to block him out of nowhere. He pressed up against it, fighting the blue electricity that spat up his arms and rattled his bones, turning his muscle seemingly to mush, but could only stand for a moment before he collapsed, cursing his stupidity and his human form. But fear had him fighting to stand up again, his eyes frantically watching the scene on the other side of the spirit shield, not wanting to admit that he was helpless, and unable to move anymore once he caught his balance and stood.

Dammit, I can't get through!

Kagome was flat on her stomach, her wounded shoulder gushing blood down her right arm as she tried to reach for an object near her fingertips. After a few moments, Inuyasha realized it was the jewel, somehow dislodged from around her neck, and tainted crimson and swirling black from the inside. Dark energy surrounded the miko as she finally got a grasp on it, but before she could draw it back to herself, their was another burst of light, and a bare foot landed hard on her wrist, an evil chuckle resounding around the clearing.

"You idiot!"

The foot began to twist back and forth on her hand, the red pants attached to it ruffling with every movement. It pressed harder until Kagome cried out and lost her hold. Sneering, the figure bent down to retrieve the jewel, its features finally highlighted by an unearthly glow.

Inuyasha stared in open shock as the shadow form moved to stand in front of the agonized miko, its lips curled into a toothy sneer as it triumphantly held the tainted jewel between two claws.

N-no… it cant be…

A hanyou Inuyasha stood proudly in the center of the clearing, its golden eyes narrowed and full of hate as it glared down on its prey, its evil smirk widening as Kagome stared up at it.

"Idiot!" it spat again, making the other two cringe at his severity. "Who said you could have the jewel, you filthy human?"

Inuyasha's hands balled into fists, his fingers so tense his human nails broke the skin of his palms. He sat there shaking, anger flaring up dangerously within him, his minds straying back to his past nemesis.

Damn, he's pulling the same trick as Naraku did with Kikyo and me!

He growled deep in his throat, but the pulsing wall of the spirit shield as well as his throbbing muscles reminded him he couldn't do anything. So instead, he turned once more to his angel, every ounce of him hoping, praying, that she would realize the truth.

Kagome, don't believe him, please! It's not me… it's not me!

"Inuyasha… why…?" she managed to gasp out, breaking his hopes and making his heart shatter into millions of pieces at his feet.

"Why? Well why not?" The hanyou bent down and grabbed her chin, forcing her gaze to his as he sneered. Pure hatred bubbled in Inuyasha's chest as he watched, wanting nothing more than to rip its fingers off, but before he got the chance to slam himself angrily against the shield once again, the evil Inuyasha continued, its voice growing colder and harsher, making Kagome slowly shrink away from him. "You are nothing but a jewel detector… always have been, always will be. You're just Kikyo's double and," he tightened his hold and jerked her head back up as she tried to look away, smirking cruelly as she grimaced, "you are nothing."

Inuyasha felt his eyes burning as he watched tears leak down Kagome's face, and she dropped her gaze, gaining a cruel laugh from her tormentor.

Kagome… that's not true! You are everything to me!

It released her roughly and stood, rotating the tainted jewel between its fingers, a thoughtful look flittering across its face.

"But you did help me acquire the Shikon no Tama, as well as rescue me, so in thanks, I'll let you die as Kikyo did, over fifty years ago. It didn't work so well the first time I tried to do this, but he didn't do a very thorough job, did he?"

What other time? Has he done this to her before? Blood dripped freely from Inuyasha's hands as his fists tightened. The bastard…

"This time will be different. This time I wont wait for you to try and save yourself with this jewel. It's powerful enough without your despair, and if I use it to kill everyone around here, then it will be just as powerful for me as it could've been for you. I wont kill you, so you can use these last moments of your retched life begging the Kami for help, but I can tell you now, it wont come."

Then, with a final chuckle as its words hit home, the hanyou Inuyasha turned on its heel and began to walk away, clearly oblivious to the spirit shield right in front of it.

Prepared to move to meet the charlatan lest it make through the barrier, Inuyasha was about to leap towards where it was heading when Kagome slowly began to sit up, weakly grabbing her bow and one of the arrows that had spilled from her quiver when she had fallen. She notched it and painfully pulled it back, completely silent as she took aim and concentrated, her brows furrowing with hate.

"INUYASHA!"

Navy eyes and golden eyes both opened in shock as the fake hanyou turned to look at her…

…only to be slammed in the chest with a sacred arrow, its bright purity piercing the imposter right through its heart. An unnatural scream erupted from it before it dissolved into tiny black particles that slowly faded away in a burst of light. Purified by the arrow that thudded dully into the ground, the jewel fell from where the puppet's hand had been and softly hit the earth; its now flawless sphere rolling freely towards Kagome, and it rested only a few inches away from her. Her bow fell from her hand as she gently grabbed the pink orb, her wounded shoulder and arm shaking mercilessly.

She held it before her face and instantly the spirit shield evaporated, the blue energy flowing back to the jewel before disappearing entirely as the jewel glowed brightly, pulsed once, and then settled dully in the miko's bloody palm.

"Kagome!"

All pain in his limbs forgotten, Inuyasha leaped forward, catching her as her eyes rolled up and she fell sideways. Cradling her against his chest he gently shook her, calling her name, desperately trying to get her awake.

"Dammit Kagome, you can't do this to me. Wake up!"

As if on cue, she flinched, and he immediately stopped moving her, quietly whispering her name until her eyes slowly opened. At first they were glassy, and he was afraid she was going to slip unconscious once again, but after she blinked a few more times, she slowly brought them to rest on his face, and after a few moments she smiled in recognition.

"Kagome… are you ok?"

She nodded against him, then reached up and dropped the jewel into the folds of his haorie at his neck, before reaching up to cup his face.

"Inuyasha," she gasped with a small smile, tears slipping from her eyes, "you came for me. I-I knew… you would come… for… me…"

She sighed and closed her eyes, reveling in the feeling of being in his arms. Then her hand fell as waves of pain suddenly exploded into her temple, making his voice distorted and fading farther and farther away…

When it came, she welcomed the darkness.

- - -

(A/N: Wow, I'm on a roll today! Actually, I'm trying to finish this before school starts, and there are now only five chappies left of this fic, not counting this chappie – which, I am proud to say now has the record for being the longest in this story so far! So thanks for all the great reviewers out there and please enjoy these final chappies! I'll also be needing a lot of support from ya'll now because I plan to update daily this week, so I can get this done, so plz, REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW! Thanks. 3)