Disclaimer: I do not own anything regarding to Inuyasha. The only thing I own is the idea for the plot.
Warning: This fanfiction is Rated R for Lemons, Limes, Language, and Blood.

Choices
Chapter Twenty-One

The sun was coming to a set and the evening light was starting to dance across the forest. Inuyasha and Kagome travelled from morning to sunsetand Kagome was finally wearing out. She understood why the hanyou kept pushing them. He wanted to arrive back at the village with the information and destroy the demons. She just wished that it didn't have to be so soon. The main choice was starting to eat away at her. She knew she had to make that final choice. The demons were after her because she carried the Shikon Jewel. She knew the solution. Make the choice and destroy the jewel. However, she didn't want to. She wasn't even sure on what she wanted. She loved the hanyou and she found out that he loved her too. Making the choice could make her lose him and that was something she didn't want.

The sound of water caught Kagome's hearing as she came to a stop. Inuyasha released a low growl when he noticed the miko stopping. "Come on. I want to get there soon."

"I hear water. Let's stop for the night and continue on tomorrow."

Inuyasha released a sigh, but nodded. He grabbed the girl's hand and lead her through the forest. Her eyes went wide upon the site. A small pond with a waterfall appeared in front. The scene was calm, sincere. It relaxed her to her soul as she listen to the water. Inuyasha just rolled his eyes upon the girl's sudden action. He walked over to a shaded section and sat down, bringing the sword across his lap. "You can bathe, but don't take too long."

Kagome gave him a smile and quickly grabbed her bathing supplies. Removing her clothing, she waded into the water to feel that the water wasn't too cool or too hot. She swam a while enjoying the feeling. It had been a while since she was home and now she had the chance to bathe. Standing under the waterfall, she let the water run down her body removing any pain, any stress that she might have. It felt good just to do nothing. Currently they have been travelling and it was wearing her out. She didn't like to complain knowing that Inuyasha would not be happy, but what else could she do?

Grabbing her shampoo and conditioner, she worked with her hair. Rincing it out and grabbing the soaps, she finished the rest of her bath before swimming around again. Once again as her mind clear, she thougth about everything that was happening. Ever since she started thinking about the jewel and the final choice, a lot of things have happen. Most came in contact with the Koimaryoku demons. Inuyasha was currently taking her to see a seer and hoping that information might help her with the Harikatana that she was suppose to fine.

Stepping out of the water, she wrapped the towel around her body and used the other to dry her hair. The area was peacefull, quiet. It was different from the village and her time. She inhaled a deep breath. She enjoyed the fresh scent of freedom. A frown appeared on her face. Once again the choice was back. What was she suppose to do.

Pulling on a pair of sweat pants, she noticed something strange about the area. It was too quiet. Usually there was noise or Inuyasha would be yelling for her to hurry up, but there was nothing. No sound of birds, no breeze, just the water and the quiet breath of breathing. Kagome quickly pulled on her t-shirt and wrapped her hair in the towel before heading back to where Inuyasha was located.

A suprise look came over her face. No wonder she didn't hear anything from the hanyou. Leaning against the tree with Tetsusaiga against his shoulder, the hanyou had his eyes closed. Kagome released a sigh as she moved over to a side to where her bedroll was located. "I am not asleep." Kagome jumped as she turned around. The hanyou was looking at her with one golden eye.

"Sorry."

"For what? I told you that you could bathe and I just sat here waiting."

"Ya, but I took too long and I woke you up." Kagome was rolling out her sleeping bag and reaching for a book that she carried with her.

Inuyasha moved from his spot, letting the sword fall to the ground. He moved to the side of the girl and stretched out beside her. "I told you that I was not sleeping and don't worry about it."

Kagome gave him a smile before openning her book and starting to read. Inuyasha prevented it. He grabbed the book and threw it, letting it land by his sword. He wrapped his arm around the girl and pulled her towards him. His lips brushed over hers sealing them in a warm kiss. She melted against his movements and released a sigh. His tongue dived in devouring everything that she had. She was like putty in his hands and he was molding her to his love, his kindness that he never showed.

She arched her body against his, wanting to feel the warmth, the heat that surrounded both of them. He moaned against the feelings of her fingers as the glided down his face, tracing his cheek bone to his neck. He rolled towards her letting him lean over her, embracing his weight upon his arms. He kissed her deep. He kissed her with all the passion he had. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she brought him closer. She wanted to feel him all. She wanted to let him know that she loved him with everything that he was.

Her hands trailed down his back, over his shoulders, across his chest. Yanking his haori and white shirt open, she removed it off his shoulder and threw it towards the direction of his sword. Her fingers burned a path across his chest as she traced each muscle, each part of him that he used to protect her with.

He broke the kiss and moved to trace her jaw line to her neck. She moved her neck against his movement enjoying the heat that surrounded them. Constantly battling with her thoughts, she almost forgot the most important thing. He brought that back by his care, by his love. He meant so much to her than just one simple choice. He was everything and she would be lost a stray without him.

She felt as his hands traced her back before a small sound of ripping was heard. He removed her shirt allowing it to lay by his clothing. She arched her body wanting to feel him all. He moved back to her mouth and devoured everything that was her. Each darkness that was built was crumbled down by his touch, by his kiss. She wanted to prove to him that he wasn't alone anymore. He had her, all of her.

Breaking the kiss, he leaned up to look in her eyes. A smile danced across her face as she traced her hand across his face. She was amazed by who he was. Her heart leapt in so many direction because she had him. Of all the times, she hid her feelings, her love for him, she didn't have to do it anymore. Leaning up, she brushed her lips across his. He leaned down to embrace the kiss when a scent drifted through the air.

A low growl escaped Inuyasha's lips as he moved off the girl and grabbed his shirts. Throwing Kagome his haori, he pulled on his white shirt and grabbed Tetsusaiga. A whirl wind was approaching and came to a stop blowing dust over Kagome. She coughed and noticed Inuyasha benting down beside her. He had a tight grip upon his sword. Who could be here? Who could have made Inuyasha so mad?

Following the river, he noticed the next landmark. A large rock looking like an old bridge. The Kuromiko mentioned something about that and Kai nodded noticing on what he was looking for. The mountain that contained the cave was only a day away. He would soon find the Harikatana and retrieve the power of the Junjoujarkaren from both the blade and the girl.

Walking across the bridge, he noticed the deep ravine below. It was hard to tell that a small river was flowing below. The height was great and no one would survive the fall. Kai gave a laugh as he walked across the rock bridge. A bridge and a ravine was not going to stop him from where he was heading.

He followed the path circling the moutain. A forest appeared on the other side. A vast forest full of tropics and traps. The blade was protected in one as such. He knew it wasn't the right place for he had to travel through one along with a small desert. The mountain was high and the weather was difficult. It would be a suprise if the hanyou and miko never found their way here. Giving off another laugh, he continued on his way.

Another growl escaped the hanyou's lips as he pushed the girl farther behind him within the shadows of the forest. Kagome peaked over his shoulder when she noticed who it was. "Kouga?"

"Yo Kagome. How's mutt-face treating you?" He was sitting upon a fallen log looking over at Inuyasha and Kagome.

Kagome pushed away from the hanyou and walked around him. He released a low growl for a warning, but she ignored it. "We're doing okay. What are you doing here?"

"The same. Came to take you away from him."

"I rather that you didn't. I am staying with him."

Kouga looked a little suprised. He moved from the log and started to appraoch the girl. Inuyasha released a low growl and tried pulling her back. She gave him a peircing stare and he just stopped in his tracks. It surpised her, but she probably knew that he knew what was going to happen.

Kouga kept approaching when the scent came to his nose. He also was looking at her strange. "What in hell did you do to her, mutt face? She has your shirt on and smells like you."

"Isn't it obvious."

"Ya. You are trying to take my woman."

"She has never been your woman, damn it."

Kouga released a growl as he approached the hanyou. Inuyasha tighten his grip upon his sword. Kagome released a sigh. "Kouga, I love Inuyasha. I would never go with you. I am sorry." To prove her point, Inuyasha wrapped his arms around the girl's waist and pulled her towards him. She gasped upon the movement, but gave him a smile in return.

Kouga looked suprised by the movement. "Is this what you want, Kagome?"

Kagome gave him a nod. "I am sorry Kouga."

"Ah, it's nothing big. I just actually came to tell you good-bye."

"Why?"

"Just three days ago, I took Ayame as my mate. She is currently carrying my pup. I need to return to her. I just came to tell you the news. Till next time, see you later Kagome. And, Inuyasha, you better take care of her." Kouga gave a wave over his shoulder before he disappeared in a whirl wind.

Inuyasha just gave off a "feh" as he placed his sword at his side and moved over to the tree to sit down. Kagome watched him with his movements. Even though that Kouga wouldn't be bothering her anymore, Inuyasha still didn't seem happy. "Are you okay?"

"Ya. Just go to sleep. I want to leave early in the morning." He tighten his grip upon his sword and rested his head against the tree trunk. Kagome released a sigh and went through her bag to retrieve a shirt. Hiding behind a bush, she pulled her shirt on and gave Inuyasha's haori back to him.

With her laying in her bedroll, she welcome the exhaustion to flow through and drift her to sleep. She had no idea that Inuyasha came beside her and laid down. She had no idea that he laid a kiss upon her forehead and wrapped his arms around her while placing his haori over them both before he drifted to sleep also.

Rain was pouring as Kagome hid under Inuyasha's haori. They were not planning to be out in it or even to be travelling. However, when they found no place for shelter, they had no choice, but to continue on. Kagome shivered as she hugged closer to Inuyasha. He released a curse and started to pick up speed. He was able to survive the rain, but he wasn't sure of the girl.

Taking a large leap, he made it into the trees. Kagome gave off a small scream and tighten her grip upon his shirt. He smiled and tighten his grip upon her. Continuing to leap, he made his way to a big tree that he knew was near. Arriving near it, he sat against the trunk and pulled her close. "We will wait till the storm ends. The place is just over the river which is half a day away." Kagome gave a nod as she pulled the haori around her.

"Do you think we will arrive before nightfall?"

"I don't know. I would like too, but if the rain doesn't stop, we won't." Inuyasha glanced up into the trees. He wanted to make it to the seer that evening. He wanted to receive the information and be on his way. With the weather delaying, he wasn't sure what time they were going to make it. He glance down at the girl. She was falling asleep against his chest. He enjoyed having her near and if he could figure a way to make her stay, he would.

The rain came to a stop when the sun was starting to set. Kagome was still asleep, wrapped tightly in his haori. Inuyasha picked her up and dropped down from the tree. The place smelled clean, fresh. The water droplets could be seen dripping from the leaves leaving small puddles below. Tightening his grip upon the girl, he broke into a sprint to find a place to rest for the night.

Noticing a small cave, he slipped in. With removing Kagome around in his arms, he was able to get the girl's sleeping bag out of her bag and tucked in. He gave her a smile before placing a kiss on her forhead. She released a light moan. He smiled again before moving from her side and walking towards the cave entrance. He sat down to stare at the calm night.

"Inuyasha?" He turned at a glance when he heard the young girl's voice.

"I thought you were sleeping."

"I can't. At least, not anymore. Are you okay? You seem to quiet."

Inuyasha gave her a light smile as he pulled her into his lap as she appeared around at his side. He laid his head upon her shoulder. She smiled towards him and captured his lips into a warm kiss. His tongue tickled her lips, pulling her closer towards him. He broke the kiss to look into her eyes. "It's nothing. I just keep thinking about many things. Pretty uncommon for me, I know, but anymore I think I do that more often."

"You have changed a lot, Inuyasha. Do you realize that?"

"Feh." He turned his head away from her. He knew he changed. He changed because of her. The love she showed him, the protection she needed, it changed him to the hanyou he was now.

Morning came quickly for the hanyou and miko. After Kagome gave Inuyasha the comment on how much he has changed, the evening went silent. Not much went by each other. The girl would give a smile towards the hanyou, but he would just stare outside. Kagome knew he had a lot on his mind and she knew what it was about. It wasn't till later on that she headed back to bed. Currently at the moment, Inuyasha was carring Kagome on his back and racing across the last meadow towards the hut and seer.

A small hut came into view as Inuyasha stepped into a small clearing of a forest. A small stream surrounded it and a stone bridge laid across. Inuyasha let Kagome off his back and grabbed her hand. She followed as he walked across the bridge and towards the hut. The old demon was sitting outside once again. The seer, however, was no where to be seen.

"Hanyou, I see that ye have returned. How may I help ye this time?" said the old demon.

"I came to speak with the Seer. Is she around?"

"Currently at the time, she is away. Ye may wait. She should return soon." The old demon closed his eyes slowly when he sensed the power. "She's the girl. She's the one, the Junjoujarkaren."

"You have sensed that also, Genroutakaharu. I was suprised when I was walking through the forest. Right away I sense the hanyou, but not the miko. She is remarkable." Kagome turned quickly around when she heard the voice. Her eyes went wide when she noticed the young woman approaching her.

"Miko, this is Kyoko. She is a Senkakusha. Ye may ask the questions ye need."

Kagome gave a nod and glanced towards Inuyasha. Inuyasha gave her a nod and sat down upon the ground. Kagome followed, but never looked away from the Seer. She was walking towards the old demon carrying a small bowl. "I was wondering if you could tell us where we could find the Harikatana."

Kyoko looked up from the bowl. "You are looking for the sacred blade? Let me guess. It is to destroy these demons, am I correct?" Inuyasha nodded his head. "I see."

"Can you help us?"

"The Harikatana is not an easy weapon to find. The Purest of Heart can only located this blade. It will be located in the dept of her soul."

Inuyasha released a low growl. "I know. I know. Just how?"

Kyoko released a sigh as she waved her hand over the bowl. Kagome's eyes went wide when a small picture appeared inside it. "I need certain berries and roots to form the potion. This potion will allow her to find the located. I give you warning, hanyou. This weapon is hard to find. There is a chance that finding this weapon might kill the miko."

"I won't allow it. Now where are the herbs?"

Kyoko gave a sigh and told the hanyou where the location of the herbs were. He gave a nod to the Seer and ran into the forest to retrieve them. Kagome didn't want to be alone, but Inuyasha seem to trut them and told her it would be a lot safer and quicker. "The hanyou seems to care about you, child." said Genroutakaharu.

Kagome jumped, but gave a nod. "I care for him also."

"I am glad. It would be wise not to stray from him. His protection of ye is wise especially against the leader of the Koimaryoku demons." Kagome gave another nod to the demon before glancing back out at the forest. She wish Inuyasha would hurry. She hated to be a certain distance away from him. Releasing a sigh, she knew he would be okay and just had to wait.

The roots and berries were boiling. It had been an hour since Inuyasha returned with the ingredents and Kyoko had started making the potion. She had mention that the miko had to be pure. Taking her to the Cooling Spring, she sat with the young girl and watched as the water removed any stress she had. The Seer had noticed that there was a lot.

"I see that you are with trouble, miko. What could that be?" The Seer was sitting on the rock looking at her Gimihari.

Kagome gave a shook of her head. "There is nothing. Just a lot of things on my mind."

"You love the hanyou, correct?" A light pink danced across Kagome's face. "Don't be embarressed by it. I can tell that he loves you also. These thoughts you have, do they regard a certain choice, one that might take you away from the hanyou?"

Kagome's eyes went wide. "Yes. How did you know about that?"

The Seer laughed. "I am a seer. I can see the past, present and some of the future. I see it through my Gimihari, my looking bowl."

"That's amazing. However, you were right. Right now, it is just a hard choice and I rather not think about it."

"It is hard not to, though. The choice is always on your mind and that is what keeps you from embracing the full power of your miko ablities. Find the Harikatan will help you. Let's head back. The potion should be done." Kagome gave Kyoko a nod and stood out of the pool. Dressing in a dark green kimono, she followed the seer back.

Inuyasha was waiting for her to return. He heard noises and glanced over his shoulder. His eyes went wide when he noticed how she look. A light blush appeared upon his face when he noticed the smile from the girl. "Miko, you must drink this potion. A deep sleep will come over you. Within this sleep, you must find the path, the location of the Harikatana."

Kagome gave a nod. Looking towards Inuyasha, she noticed he was doing the same. Walking towards the Seer, she lifted the small bowl to her lips and drank. The liquid was warm. It tasted like something hot and solid. Her eyes started to become heavy. Sleep was taking over. Weakness developed in her legs and she came crashing back. Inuyasha caught her and held her close. "Now we wait." said Genroutakaharu.
Inuyasha gave a nod as he used one of his fingers to move a strand of hair from the girl's face.

Dictionary: Senkakusha: Seer; Genroutakaharu: Elder Advisor; Gimihari: Looking Glass; Harikatana: Crystal Blade

A/n: Please noticed that when Kai found the location, he found it from a Dark Miko. She knew of the location through a power and long path. Kagome's location will be different. Not long, but easy. This is because she is destine for this blade and the location should not be hard for her to reach.