Gomen, minna-san!! (sorry, everyone!!) I know this was a long time coming, again...things are really beginning to tie together for our fave couple, while at the same time, new problems are arising...causing one huge brain cramp for yours truly!!! So just bear with me while I let these two tell me how it's going to unfold!!! They sure don't make it easy!!!

Haven't done this for a while...oops!

Disclaimer: obviously I wasn't good enough this past year, or else Santa ignored my request to leave Inuyasha wrapped in a big red bow under my tree...he still isn't mine...sobs

Chapter 21

Merging

"Sango," Miroku ordered sharply, "go get Keade! But try not to alarm the other villagers!"

The demon slayer stared at him in a daze, unable to fully comprehend the scene before her. "Yes, I understand..." Tears welled in her eyes as she took in the limp form of her dearest friend. "Please, Miroku..." The plea in her voice made it unnecessary to finish.

"I will do all that I can, my love. Now, go, quickly." The distressed monk moved first toward Kagome as Sango fled the temple. He could see the slow rise and fall of her chest, and felt the pulse of her heartbeat when he placed his hand at the side of her throat. "Thank Buddha, she's alive," he whispered with relief. Miroku gently moved her head so he could check for any wounds.

As he moved her still wet hair out of the way, the sight he beheld made him gasp. At the base of her skull, was a shock of silvery white hair that ran the full length of her once raven tresses. Miroku frowned as he gently lay her head back down.

Moving quickly across the room to Inuyasha, Miroku checked the hanyou's breathing and pulse. Inuyasha had somehow sustained burn injuries to his hands and forehead, yet when the monk scanned the room, there was no sign of any fire or intense heat on anything. Not to mention, Kagome had no sign of burns on her body.

Miroku cautiously checked Inuyasha's head, only mildly surprised to find a shock of raven hair in almost the exact same area as Kagome's. What in Buddha's name happened here? he pondered. Just then, Inuyasha began to stir. with a low moan, he slowly opened his amber eyes, looking straight into Miroku's piercing blue gaze. Inuyasha shook his head slowly, trying to clear his vision. "Kagome!" he shouted as the memory of what happened came rushing back. He tried to rise, but Miroku quickly pushed him back down.

"Calm down, Inuyasha! Kagome is unconscious, but alive! What happened?" Miroku struggled to keep the hanyou down, so he could check for further injuries. Inuyasha struggled against him, desperate to see Kagome.

"The bastard tried to possess her again," he explained impatiently, "and was blocking me out the whole time. Kagome must have been in self defense mode, and she must have tried to purify the demon, but got me, too, since we were still connected." Inuyasha gave one final shove, pushing Miroku away from him. He ran to Kagome's side, gently lifting her to his lap. "Kagome..." he whispered lovingly. "Open your eyes, Kagome. You are safe now...you did it. Come back to me." There was no response, and Inuyasha began to panic. He shook her limp form gently, his words a bit harsher. "Kagome! Wake up!" Still no response. Inuyasha's anxiety level had now reached it's peak.

He rested his forehead on hers, gathering her close to his heart. With trembling hands, he stroked her hair and reached out to her in the only other way he could think of. Inuyasha concentrated on the beating of her heart. His lids drifted closed as he gathered what little spiritual energy he had left and pushed it through her.

Inuyasha searched for the connection to her soul, desperately pushing against the cold emptiness surrounding her heart. There! That small spark of light! Hang on Kagome, I'm coming for you! Inuaysha reached deep into his heart, pulling just a little more strength from it. He sent his energy, almost completely spent now, to that flickering light, praying he was strong enough to reach Kagome. The light dimmed for just an instant. Inuyasha's heart sank, dreading that he had been too late.

Then the light suddenly flared, and he could sense her aura. And Midoriko's as well. Inuyasha opened his eyes, and waited expectantly with bated breath.

Finally, Kagome's lids fluttered open. Her vision was a little fuzzy around the edges, and no matter how many times she blinked, it wouldn't clear. "Inuyasha?" That one word held a thousand questions.

"Are you alright, Kagome?" Inuyasha couldn't stop staring at her eyes. They were...gold, just around the edge of her dark chocolate orbs. "What happened Kagome? Do you remember?"

Kagome sifted through the fog that had settled in her mind. Disjointed flashes of memories bounced just out of reach, over-ridden by sensations of fear and panic. "I...tried to purify? I couldn't...then you were there..." She let out a frustrated breath. "It's too fuzzy. Nothing makes sense." Kagome rested her head against his shoulder. "I'm so tired."

Inuyasha resumed stroking her hair. "Sleep, then. We'll straighten it out later." He rested his cheek against the top of her head, breathing in her scent to reassure himself that she was alive.

Miroku finally stirred, having watched the scene in silent fascination. Just how deep does their connection go? he wondered. "Inuyasha," he questioned quietly, "what just happened? How did you manage to revive Kagome?"

Inuyasha looked at the monk, his lids half closed, and replied, "I called out to her spirit. I have to tell you Miroku, this is beginning to scare the shit out of me. I almost didn't reach her in time." Inuyasha's ears twitched at the sound of rapidly approaching foot steps.

Sango burst through the doorway, skidding to a halt. Frantic eyes searched the room, quickly falling upon the still unconscious figure in the hanyou's lap. "Is she-"

"Sleeping," Inuyasha informed his friend simply.

Sango looked to Miroku for affirmation. The monk nodded as he beckoned her to join him. Torn, Sango stood in the middle of the room. "Keade is on her way. She wanted to gather some things before coming here." Lowering her body onto her knees, she looked worriedly at Inuyasha. "Are you alright? Those marks on your face and hands..."

"Burns. Kagome tried to purify the demon, and I got hit with it, too. I'll be fine by morning."

Miroku returned to his interrogation. "Inuyasha, you said you almost didn't 'reach' Kagome. I don't understand. You were holding her in your arms."

Inuyasha sighed. He really was drained, and it was beginning to take it's toll on his body. Tiredly, he explained, "I had to use what little energy I had left to reach her spirit, which was trapped in a barrier of dark energy around her heart. This bastard is absorbing Kagome's powers, and using them against her." His gaze rested on Kagome, angelic in appearance as she slept. "We can't keep doing this. The demon is becoming stronger. If Kagome keeps this up much longer, she may lose." Determined eyes swiveled to his companions. "I won't let that happen! No matter what, I'm going to kill this son of a bitch!"

Sango tried to soothe the visibly upset hanyou. "We will find a way, Inuyasha. I'm sure we will find some kind of answers at Midoriko's cave." Keade appeared at that moment, a basket filled with bandages and ointments in her arms. "Keade-sama, Inuyasha has sustained burn injuries. Kagome, he assures me, is unharmed, merely sleeping."

"I told you, I'll be fine by morning," Inuyasha growled, his nose crinkled in distaste. "Keep that vile smelling stuff away from me!"

Sango smiled as she rose. That's our Inuyasha, always grumbling when he obviously needs medicinal treatment. The slayer began straightening the area around the futon.

Keade knelt before Inuyasha, assessing the purplish welts on his skin. "These are purification burns, are they not?"

Inuyasha nodded, eyes guarded.

"Your demon blood will not be able to heal these wounds as easily as normal burns. Ye must let me treat them."

Inuaysha shook his head. "Get away from me, Hag! I said I'll be fine!"

"Nay, Inuyasha. Think about what Kagome will feel when she sees them!"

He did think about it, and he knew she would feel responsible for his injuries. Just as he knew that Kagome's misplaced guilt would take root in her heart. Inuyasha finally relented, but was loathe to release Kagome.

Sensing his distress, Miroku crouched in front of Inuyasha, and held out his arms. "Please, allow me."

Reluctantly, the hanyou surrendered his beloved mate. Miroku cradled Kagome gently to him, and carried her sleeping form over to the futon. Sango pulled the covers back, and the monk placed Kagome gently onto the bedding. The slayer tenderly tucked the blanket around her friend, then smoothed the wisps of hair gently off Kagome's face.

As Keade smeared the foul smelling, greasy concoction onto his skin, Inuyasha looked at each of his friends as they watched over Kagome. They love her, almost as much as I do. Kagome has touched so many people. She managed to make this rag-tag group of people a family. She has healed the wounds we all carried deep within us. So why is she so cursed?

But he knew the answer. Though their wish seemed unselfish, Inuyasha knew it was. They hadn't brought her back for any greater purpose. They used the power of the Shikon no Tama to revive Kagome so that she could continue to live by their sides. And now, Kagome was paying the price for it. This is all my fault, and somehow I have to find a way to fix it.

Keade finished dressing his wounds, binding his hands tightly with the long strips of cloth. Inuyasha nodded his thanks, and the old priestess beamed with pride. Inuyasha slowly rose to his feet. Limping slightly from sheer exhaustion, he made his way to the futon. As Miroku got up to stand beside the hanyou, Inuyasha clamped a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you," Inuyasha whispered solemnly.

Miroku smiled at his friend. "We all love her, Inuyasha. You will never be alone in protecting her." Miroku gestured to Sango that they should leave. Sango came around the bed to hug a surprised Inuyasha. "She is the sister I never had. I will lay down my life for her. For both of you." She joined Miroku at the door, wrapping one arm around his waist. The couple bid him good night and left.

Keade hesitated, watching the sleeping girl. "Inuyasha, this girl means so much to so many people. She is a light in the dark lives of the people in this village. She is respected and revered far more than my sister was, and the legend of her deeds will live far beyond our years." She lifted her wise eye to meet his. "I don't believe the fates would be so cruel as to take her soul away from you again. I think, perhaps, you have both suffered enough."

Inuyasha watched the old miko take her leave. "I hope you're right, Keade." He settled down next to Kagome, pulling her close to him as sleep quickly claimed him.

Kagome woke with a start. The sound of rain falling heavily upon the clay roof was unexpectedly loud in the small room. She looked down upon her peacefully sleeping husband, and frowned. She was sitting upright, yet she could clearly hear the sound of his heartbeat! What the fuck is going on? she thought frantically.

Thunder resounded outside the temple, and Kagome covered her ears. It was as though the distant lightning had struck the earth right beside her.

Inuyasha sat up, instantly awake. "What's wrong, Kagome? Why did you cry out?"

"Stop yelling at me!" She blurted, pressing her hands tighter to her head.

"I'm not yelling!"

"Yes. You. Are!" she screamed back. She saw his ears lay flat at the piercing sound. "I can hear you just fine, even with my ears covered!"

Inuyasha scowled at her. Dropping his voice to a mere whisper, he retorted, "What the hell is your deal, Kagome? I haven't even raised my voice!" Another roll of thunder, and Kagome was cringing. The sound seemed to reverberate throughout her body.

"Everything is so loud!" Kagome looked at him through the darkness. "And I can see you. Clearly. But everything looks so ... weird. The colors are off, somehow."

Inuyasha grabbed her shoulders, his heart rate escalating with anxiety. "Is it a sort of strange blue-ish -green tint?"

Kagome's eyes widened. "Yes, that's it exactly! Inuyasha, what's happening to me?"

The hanyou closed his eyes. How could this be? His mind raced. It's not possible...is it? "Kagome, I think I know, or at least have an idea..." He sighed, gently removing the hands that covered her delicate ears. "Just how much of my strength did you absorb?"

"I- I'm not sure. It all happened so fast, and I wasn't even aware of what I was doing really..." It was then Kagome noticed the bandages around his head and covering his hands. "Oh my God! I purified you again, didn't I?"

"Yeah, but I don't think it was me you were targeting this time. Kagome, when you absorbed my strength, I think you may have also taken some of my youkai power."

"Youkai...what are you talking about?" Her brain refused to accept what he was trying to tell her, but her heart somehow knew the truth.

Inuyasha nodded. "Do you remember what happened the first time we tried to seal the demon?"

"You mean how my eyes changed?"

"Uh-huh. Well, when you came to earlier, they were the same. Brown rimmed with gold."

"Oh, God." The anguished whisper pulled at Inuaysha's heart. "So, what you're telling me is, basically, that I somehow absorbed some of your abilities?"

"Yep. And my energy was just about as drained afterward this time." At the worried look in her eyes, Inuyasha quickly reassured her. "I'm fine, really, just a bit worn out. It's you I'm worried about."

Kagome snuggled into him, letting his warmth envelope her. She relished the sense of security he exuded. "What now?" Kagome couldn't keep the anxiety from her tone. Nor could she stop her body from trembling with this new feeling of uncertainty.

Inuyasha pulled her down to lay curled against him, rubbing soothing circles on her back. "Try to sleep, Kagome. There's nothing else we can do about it right now. Besides, the effects may only be temporary, just like before."

"What if they aren't temporary?"

Inuyasha expelled a long breath. He hated when she put voice to his own fears. "Then we just add it to the list of things we already have to deal with."

Kagome was pulled slowly from the depth of slumber by an annoying "thunk, thunk" sound. She groped groggily for her alarm clock, but when her hand made contact with a firm body and a gentle "oof", she sat upright. That's right, we're back in the feudal era, she thought. The events of the previous evening came flooding back.

Thunk, thunk...thunk, thunk...the sound was dimmer now, but she could still hear it. She turned slightly, looking down into Inuyasha's sleepy eyes. Thunk, thunk, thunk...thunk, thunk, thunk...the pace of the sound increased slightly. Kagome concentrated on the sound, finally figuring out it was her husbands heart beat she had been hearing. "Shit!" she swore vehminantly as she turned away from him.

"Kagome? What is it?" Inuyasha sat up beside her, bringing her chin up so he could meet her gaze.

Kagome snapped her head away, refusing to let him see her eyes. "So much for the effects being temporary," she muttered.

Of course, with his heightened hearing, he heard every word. "Talk to me, Kagome." When she still wouldn't look at him, or answer him, Inuyasha let his frustration take over. "Damn it, Kagome! Don't shut me out!"

Enraged, Kagome stood and began pacing furiously. She wouldn't look at him! He's told me he loves the color of my eyes, what if this new...change...repulses him? What will I do then? Self doubt ate at her, her blood pressure spiking dramatically. I couldn't bear it if Inuyasha turned from me now. Not after finding out what we could really have together... Tears of hurt and pity leaked from the corners of her tightly squeezed eyelids. She heard him rise from the futon, and step into her path.

Inuyasha reached out for her, but the instant his hands brushed her flesh, Kagome jerked away. "Don't come near me!" she cried. Inuyasha took a pained step away. He could smell the difference in her scent, could practically hear the raging blood as it coursed through her body. His eyes widened when her aura pulsed slightly. He quickly grabbed her arms, forcing her to face him.

"Open your eyes, Kagome!"

Kagome finally complied. Fury, fear, doubt, and self pity all swirled in the now red eyes. Kagome placed her hands against his chest and pushed him away with every once of strength she possessed. "Get the fuck away from me, Hanyou!"

Inuyasha cried out at the blast of spirit energy. That, coupled with her forceful shove threw him across the room to crash against the wall. Wood splintered upon impact, and the entire wall shuddered. "K-Kago-me?" he stuttered.

Kagome glared at him with narrowed eyes. "Just stay away from me!" she hissed, then turned and ran out of the temple. Inuyasha watched, dumbfounded, as she raced down the stone steps.

He followed, at a slower pace. He instinctively knew where she was headed.

Kagome ran for all she was worth, her feet barely making contact with the ground. She paid no attention to the villagers, or their calls of greeting. Her soul was crying out, begging for her to slow down, to calm the storm raging in her blood. But for once, she didn't want to. This feeling of power was more intoxicating than the mist of the Sacred Sake. Her lips quirked a bit at the memory, but her blood raged once again at the thought of Sango hanging all over Inuyasha. I'll kill the bitch for touching what is mine! She skidded to a halt, turning her sights back toward the village. Panting, Kagome gently sniffed the air, but was unable to determine which of the scents was actually her prey. It doesn't matter. I know where the conniving slut is... Just as she turned in the direction of Keade's hut, a blur of red slammed into Kagome and scooped her over it's shoulder.

"Oh, no you don't!" Inuyasha told her. "I'm not letting you back into the village until you've calmed down." Inuyasha carried her screaming, writhing body through the forest. Once reaching the Sacred Tree, he lept up into it's limbs. Inuyasha dumped her onto one of the sturdy branches, then jumped gracefully to the forest floor.

"You stupid mutt!" Kagome screeched at him. "Get me down! Fight me like a man!"

"Not a chance, Kagome," he yelled back, settling between the roots of the tree. "You are out of control. I'm not getting you out of that tree until you snap out of it!"

Kagome sat back with a huff, muttering curses down upon him. The serenity of the Sacred tree began to seep into her, slowly calming the demon blood within her. She rested her head back against the trunk of the tree, closing her eyes. Why the hell is this happening to me? What does it all mean? Kagome could feel her pulse slow, the pounding in her head fade. Her body grew lax, and she thought, this is bad...She tried to call out to Inuyasha, but no sound emerged.

Inuyasha's ears twitched at the sound of leaves rustling above him. He lifted his eyes to where he had left Kagome high in the tree, and his heart stopped when he saw her limp, unconscious body slip from her perch. His lightening fast reflexes took over, as he catapulted himself upward, nimbly catching her in mid air. Once safely on the ground, he assessed her condition. She was still breathing, her heart beat steady and strong. He sighed with relief as her eyelids fluttered. "Kagome?"

"Don't ever do that again," she said weakly.

"Only if you promise not to go demon on me again." When she blushed a bit, Inuyasha smiled. "Are you feeling better now?"

Kagome nodded. "That was quite possibly one of the worst experiences of my life. Is that what it's really like for you?"

Inuyasha sat with her cradled against him. "Don't know. What did it feel like for you?"

Kagome was loathe to dredge all those emotions back up, but her curiosity pulled at her. "I hated everything, including myself. I thought you would turn away from me, because I was different now, and this rage filled me. Everything after that was mostly a blur, but I remember feeling... blood lust. I needed to rip ... somebody apart." Kagome couldn't bring herself to tell him it was her dearest friend that was the object of the blood lust. "At that time, all I really knew was I loved the sheer power that consumed me. But now, the whole thing just scares the hell out of me."

Inuyasha gave her a comforting squeeze before answering. "Yeah, that's pretty much how it is. I always come out of it with this fear that the next time, I may turn my claws on you. But during the transformation, the craving to destroy everything in my path, the power of my youkai thrumming in my blood...it's addicting.

Kagome decided to lay her worst fears out in the open. Drawing a shuddering breath, she said, "Inuyasha, do you think that I'm somehow turning into the demon inside the jewel?"

"Keh! No, I don't think that. You just absorbed too much of my energy to seal the bastard. It'll wear off after a while." Inuyasha forced himself to sound cocky and overconfident, while, deep inside his heart, he knew better. I do think the damn bastard is trying to possess you!

So there you have it, and I hope it was worth the wait!! Drop me a line, (aka: REVIEW!!!") and let me know!

To clnv: holds hand over heart I swear to never worry you like that again!!! I'm so glad that you enjoyed the last chapter, and I hadn't given you guys a "cruel, inhuman cliffie for a while now...thought it was time. I've really enjoyed our chats recently, and really love the bond we have...hope the long wait for this update was everything you hoped it would be!!

To Angelblaze2006: Thanks for the wonderful review, and I hope this chapter was able to answer all your questions! I look forward to hearing from you again!

To XelaKitsune: Aren't "evil cliffies" FUN??!! Thanks so much for the review, and you shouldn't let fear keep you from posting your fic...if you would like some help, or just an honest opinion, drop me a line! I'm more than happy to lend a hand, and my opinions are never cruel...

To wbaker5286: I simply adore reading your reviews! You always catch the subtle messages so clearly, and pick up on what I am trying so desperately to say through the characters! As for the "stress reliever" I recently watched a scene where, not consciously i think, they did something similar, so I decided to use it here. I've recieved messages where ppl think they don't argue enough. Personally, I got sick of the arguing constantly. But a little fanservice now and again doesn't hurt! I always thought the tree was VITAL to the storyline in the series, but it never got any real focus, it was just there as a reminder. I feel compelled to honor it's presence in both their lives, and this was the best way I could find. The last section was so difficult to write, but I'm delighted I was able to bring forth the tension and climax I was looking for! I hope this chapter continues that trend...

To Deonica: I know it will be a bit til you catch up, since you want to review each chapter as you go...but I wanted to thank you for all your encouragement, and I look forward to more of your helpful insight as you go along...and thank you for the nom on Eien Ni, I am excited to see how it fares in that category, there are so many talented authors I'm up against...