Author's Note: Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Pua's back in town!!!!! * everyone runs away screaming bloody murder* auw, I'm not that bad, am I? I just got back from a vacation in Washington D.C.! Well, here we go with the last part of day three of the challenge. Who is gonna die? Who will be mortally injured? WHO WILL DO BOTH???? Just read and find out! I love you all, thanks, bye!

Reviewers to thank: You all are so awesome, you rock! Thanks to AnimeObsessionFantasy, Lost*Scorpion*Girl, Sunbeam, Elventeen, LadyKaa28, and my girl Fatcat11388. And anyone I missed. Thank you so much!

Dedication: To my girl Fatcat11388. You are the best friend I could ever hope for!

Disclaimer: this is irritating.I really don't own Inuyahsa... or the world... yet...

Three Days Time, Day 3: sundown Ch. Nine The smell of poisoned tea

The air was thicker than usual in the forest as Inuyasha's alert mind noticed everything that was going on. The day was getting on, with warm weather and serenity in every corner of the land. He carried Kagome on his back, her warm weight laying limply against him. Inuyasha felt her draw each smooth, rhythmic breath as she slept soundly. He followed Kaede through a beaten path in the forest proclaimed to be his. His mind worked angrily at the things that were still irritating him. Damnible old woman, letting that wench use me for target practice..since when did she get THAT good?..or have that much fucking power?..She's still hiding something big, that's obvious... I can't ask her now though damn it..she worked hard I'll admit and now she smells exhausted..pathetic. He looked up through the curtain of leaves above him, seeing patches of blue sky. Something big is happening all around me, and everyone knows it but me, damn it! Focusing ahead of him, the forest seemed to twist on forever. This old bag walked so damn slow! Much as the forest usually comforted him, he strangely wanted to get back to the village quickly.

"Do you have to walk this slow, old woman?!" He burst out, letting his frustrations out on the Miko. " Calm ye self Inuyasha, we shall be at the village shortly!" She answered back curtly, sounding just as irritated as he was. Sniffing her scent carefully Inuyasha smelled fear and anxiety within the old woman. What the hell was she so worked up about? His nose picked up the scent of fires, people, and dinner beginning to cook from the gently blowing breeze. Arriving in the village about five minutes later, they walked straight into Kaede's hut. He felt the stares and curious looks of the villagers following him, but ignored them with much will power. Inuyasha's eyes had no trouble adjusting to the dim light in the hut, but he still turned and looked down at Kaede with a confused expression on his face. "Lay her down on her sleeping mat, and then remove thine self from my hut." Kaede said quickly, looking at him sternly. A pang of irritation swept through him, and he snapped at her as he crossed the room. " Who are you to tell me what to do old hag? I'm not going anywhere! Why do you want to send me out?" The sounds of Kaede stoking the fire reached his sharp ears as he laid Kagome down on her still rolled out sleeping thing.

He surveyed her quietly, smiling at the sight of her creamy face, and glinting ebony hair. Her slender figure rolled over, and she murmured in her sleep. "Gonna be late for school.." Inuyasha rolled his eyes at the mention of the "school" that Kagome constantly disappeared off to. He sat staring at her for a moment or two more, but then realized that Kaede was still there. Tearing his now blushing face away from Kagome, he found Kaede sitting across from him at the fire, with a knowing smile on her wrinkled face. Feh, I'm not gonna put up with this! He thought. " You got something to say old woman? Then say it! Quit starin', this ain't a parade!" He snapped, feeling satisfied that he was letting some of his frustrations out. Kaede held her smile, and then said softly, " Ye must leave, because I need to bathe Kagome and give her fresh robes. I do not think she would like you to see that, do ye not agree?" Inuyasha felt his face begin to burn fiercely at the thought of this, and he turned around and left with a "Feh." As he got outside, he sat next to the hut grumpily, but unable to stop blushing.

The sounds of water from inside reached his sensitive ears, and he looked down at the ground, wondering if he should go away farther. Suddenly, a fast approaching scent caught his attention, and he looked up just in time to catch the little Kitsune trying to go inside the hut. Inuyasha rolled his eyes as he easily held Shippo's struggling form.
" Lemme go, Inuyasha! I wanna go see Kagome! No fair, I'll tell her you've been picking on me!" He squealed. " If I can't be in there, neither can you!" Inuyasha snapped quickly. Shippo stopped struggling, and looked curiously up at Inuyasha's blushing face. Inuyasha looked down, and then wished he hadn't. The annoying little brat was staring hard at Inuyasha, with a devious grin on his tiny face. What the hell is he smiling about? Inuyasha wondered nervously. "Hey Inuyasha, how come you're blushing so hard?" Shippo asked suddenly, taking Inuyasha by surprise. Panicking, Inuyasha dropped the small kitsune, stuttering as many excuses as he could. " W-what? I'm not blushing, what do you know? Shut up!" But Shippo dashed into the hut faster than he could blink after Inuyasha let him go.

"That little brat!" Inuyasha exclaimed as he dashed into the hut after the fox. (a/n: Big mistake..) Inuyasha dashed into the hut, only to stop dead in his tracks again. Shippo was sitting next to a partially conscious, but completely naked Kagome. Blushing furiously, Inuyasha stood rooted to the spot staring at her like statue. Kagome looked up slowly, and the second Inuyasha registered this, he knew. Shit, I'm screwed..

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ General POV

Outside the hut: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! !! PERVERT! SIT SIT SIT SIT SIT!!!!!!!!!!!!! * BAM BAM BAM BAM BAM!* .....ouch......

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Miroku's POV

The blaring afternoon sun was beginning to fade ever so slightly, as the sky seemed to brighten it's intense blue color. Outside of a small hut just beyond the village, the breeze gently blew fields of long, waving grasses into slow, rolling waves. The golden hues here and there catching the light, and glinting like rays of the sun. Miroku made his way through this serene beauty without any real attention to his surroundings. Even the demon exterminator next to him seemed wrapped up in her own thoughts. What was Lady Kagome thinking, accepting a duel from Lady Kikyo? Lady Kagome is strong, but not a warrior. Although we really have no idea of the extent of her powers, will they be enough to match the awesome might of Lady Kikyo? Every sense in my body is telling me that this will not end well. I feel so powerless to stop such events. Indeed, knowing the truth is worse than being in the dark, like Inuyasha, Lady Sango, and Shippo. A sudden torrent of noise made Miroku's attention snap back to reality. Even from his distant position, he could clearly hear Lady Kagome screaming, then commanding "Sit" about five times. He even swore he heard the groan of pain from Inuyasha.

Despite the situation, a slow grin spread over Miroku's face. It was like nothing was happening at all, and they were simply out shard hunting. He looked to his companion Sango, and she to was grinning. " Lets go see what Inuyasha's gotten himself into this time." She said quickly, motioning for him to hurry. They arrived in the village in a few minuets, and soon found Inuyasha slumped on the ground outside of Kaede's hut. Sango giggled and walked inside, but Miroku felt himself unable to leave his friends side, or restrain the comment that flooded his mind. He kneeled next to his silver haired friend, and listened for a minute to Inuyasha's grumbling. " Ow..lousy wench..just trying to help, damn it...not my fault..." Miroku leaned down to Inuyasha's triangular ears, and whispered, " So, see anything good?" Grinning, he heard Inuyasha stop muttering, and watched him turn his face toward Miroku's own. Inuyasha was heavily blushing, and shooting Miroku a murderous glare. Smiling to himself, Miroku stood, and walked to the doorway of the hut. " May I enter?" He called out questioningly. Sango's voice answered him yes, and with that, Miroku dragged Inuyasha back into the hut.

Stepping carefully over an Inuyasha shaped crater in the entrance of the hut, Miroku's eyes searched the hut quickly. Setting down Inuyasha down next to him, he saw that Lady Kaede was putting pots on the fire for diner. Sango, Shippo, and Kirara were sitting around Lady Kagome, trying to calm the blushing girl down. Miroku noticed that once again, Lady Kagome was wearing the billowing priestess robes. They must be the appropriate dress for such an event, he thought sadly. Reality hitting him again, Miroku felt sorrow well up within him. It was just a little while before sundown now. Closing his eyes, a single thought drifted across the blackness of his mind. Are really about to lose Lady Kagome forever?

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Sango's POV

Sango smiled at the angry face of her friend. Kagome was still going on and on about Inuyasha seeing her naked, but that's not what comforted Sango. With this situation, Sango hoped that now maybe all the secrecy and strangeness would be ending. After all, right now things almost seemed normal. "Can you believe his nerve, just walking in here! He knew what was going on, the pervert!!!! What a jerk!" Kagome exclaimed for the thousandth time. Sango smiled again, but then stopped when an odd smell reached her nose. It made her feel curious, like she wanted to fall asleep. Turning around, she noticed Lady Kaede putting herbs into a boiling pot of water. "Lady Kaede, what are you cooking?" She inquired. The old Miko turned to face Sango, and began an explanation, but was cut off by Kagome. " Oh, I picked herbs for a tea tonight!" Kagome said with strange cheerfulness. Sango nodded, finding nothing wrong with this. Turning to lean against the wall of rough wood, she reached out to pick up Kirara. Petting the small demon slowly, Sango felt grateful. Maybe now everything'll be right, she thought.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_ Kagome's POV

Kagome silenced her ranting about Inuyasha when her mind returned to the prospect of sundown. It surely wasn't far off, and then...then she'd face off with Kikyo. Why the hell did I accept this stupid challenge anyway? I might have been brave earlier, but now, I'm not so sure. Sure of what? Said the voice in her mind. I'm not so sure how I'll do against Kikyo, Kagome told herself quietly. I mean, she's a fully trained Miko! And I'm...You're doubting yourself now? Why, so she can kill you, and drag Inuyasha to hell with her? The voice asked strongly. What? Kagome screamed in her mind. Never, I'll never let her have him! Then don't doubt yourself, or that's exactly what will happen. You are ten times more powerful than her, you just need to believe that you are. Kagome was stunned at the sudden encouragement that her own subconscious was giving her. But then she realized that she couldn't lose hope now. Looking back up to the room around her, she found everyone staring at her. Feeling nervous, Kagome smiled quickly, searching for anything to say. "Uh." She began, then said " where's Lady Kaede?" (a/n: my brother says: "woo- hah!!!!")

Inuyasha, who had now righted himself, replied testily, "The old bag went to the temple, saying she'd be back soon." Kagome looked at him, and then around the room for anything to distract her from the fear that was once again slowly consuming her. She lost herself amongst the flames of the fire, watching their hypnotic movement. The colors of heat melded themselves together, then separated again, extinguished themselves, only to be born again. Kagome didn't even notice Kaede come silently back into the hut, carrying a large, carved chest. Sundown's coming, Kagome thought slowly. "Kagome?" Shippo asked quietly. Looking down at him, Kagome tried to smile, but failed. How had she been so confident a minute ago? "What's wrong?" Shippo asked. Kagome didn't answer him, but cuddled the little kitsune closer. Suddenly, Kagome didn't want Inuyasha to be mad at her anymore. Not when this might be her last night alive. "Inuyasha?" Kagome said meekly, looking at the silver haired hanyou. "What?" He snapped quickly, not looking at her. Kagome decided not to hold anything back. She would say whatever she wanted. " I'm really sorry I sat you five times. I kinda overreacted. I really hope you're not mad at me because I don't need that right now." She spouted quickly. Inuyasha fell over, and looked quickly up at Kagome. Kagome stared back with all her might into his deep golden gaze. "W-what? Are you kidding?" He said in complete disbelief. "Not at all." Kagome reassured. He simply stared at her, agape at her sudden change of heart. Kaede interrupted suddenly, breaking the tension between them. "I hate to interrupt, however dinner is ready." Kagome looked up at Kaede, who was serving stew and the poisoned tea into wooden bowls and cups. When did she get back? Kagome wondered.

Kaede handed everyone bowls of stew, and then a cup of tea to everyone but Kagome. And then to Kagome's extreme surprise, served herself the tea also. "Lady Kaede?" Kagome said before she could catch herself. " I also wish to taste your tea. I hope that is fine with ye?" Kaede said simply. Kagome nodded, and began thinking again of the challenge as she ate. Everyone was almost done when Shippo broke the silence by asking a question. " Hey, how come Inuyasha and Kagome aren't having tea?" Kagome jumped, and looked around. " The tea is for you guys, not me!" Kagome laughed. She hoped that sounded convincing enough. "What about Inuyasha?" Shippo persisted. Kagome looked at Inuyasha, and caught sight of his untouched tea. Oh no! He needs to be subdued the most Kagome thought, horror struck. What am I gonna do? " Feh, this junk smell strange. I'm not drinking it." Inuyasha stated firmly. Thinking quickly, Kagome realized the one thing that would make Inuyasha do anything. Working up some tears, Kagome drew herself into a ball and began sobbing for all she was worth. " I-Inuyasha, *Sob if y-you hate my *Sob c-c- ooking t-that much, w-why didn't y-you tell m-me? *Sob, I- I feel t- terrible!" Kagome choked out. Laughing in her mind, Kagome congratulated herself on a job well done. Inuyasha was beside her instantly, trying to rectify his mistake. " N-no! I'ts not bad, I'll drink it! See? Don't cry! See?" He stuttered, gulping down the tea faster than lightening.

Kagome looked up and smiled as everyone else complemented her quickly on her tea. She wiped her face off, and finished her own stew. Setting her bowl down, she waited for everyone else to finish. While waiting, she began to feel as if what she had just eaten was wiggling around in her stomach. "Kagome, child?" Came Kaede's voice. Looking up, Kagome looked at the old Miko, and watched her reach for the box she had been carrying earlier. " Come here." Kaede instructed quietly. (a/n: sorry, I really just couldn't write "Come hither," it's so corny!!) Kagome felt confused, but removed Shippo from her lap and crossed the room to sit next to the old woman. All of her companions watched the elderly woman as she opened the beautifully carved chest. Kagome looked inside, and gasped at what she saw. Inside was a Bow, quiver, and arrows unlike anything she had ever seen. They were carved delicately, depicting flowers, and beautiful trees. Japanese symbols were etched into each piece. Gems off all colors were scattered here and there, forming the glittering centers of flowers, or the leaves of trees. The firelight scattered their hues all over the small hut, so that small specks of brilliant colors were everywhere. "These, child, are the ceremonial weapons of our village, passed down through the generations of our Mikos for centuries. They are now yours, use them well child, they have a power all their own." Kaede said lovingly as she removed the objects of beauty from their resting place. Kagome took them with trembling hands, hardly daring to believe that things so beautiful could now belong to her. As her she slid her hands up and down the bow and quiver, she suddenly felt a warmth pulse inside of them. The weapons flashed briefly, and Kagome wondered what had just happened. She felt as if these weapons were now attached to her. She looked up at the elderly Miko, who was smiling at her knowingly. Kagome suddenly flung her arms around Kaede, pulling the old Miko into a hug. "Thank you so much, I'll do my best." Kagome gasped.

"Lady Kagome." Said a voice, and Kagome looked up. Miroku was staring at her. "What is it, Lord Miroku?" Kagome inquired, letting go of Kaede, an moving to sit back down next to Inuyasha. " Look outside." He stated simply. Kagome felt fear pierce her happiness as she looked outside. The sun was about to start setting. Now Kagome, say your good byes, before the potion takes it's effect, said her subconscious. Kagome nodded to herself and stood. She walked over to Miroku first. He rose, meeting her eyes with a knowing but sad look. " Lord Miroku, thank you for being there for me, and all my friends. You are someone I will never forget." Kagome said, pulling the monk into a hug. She felt hot tears welling up in her eyes. God, why does it have to be hard? He hugged her back gently, and said, "Lady Kagome, God is on your side. You will not fail, but be careful. Please." He said quietly. Letting him go, Kagome did not try to stop the tears that streamed down her face. She gave him one last look, then moved to Sango. She stood also, with a confused look on her face. Kagome took the demon exterminator's hands in her own, and looked into her violent red eyes. "Sango, you, you are, so close to me that I would trust you with my life in a heart beat. Like a sister that I've always known, yet I haven't. Please take care of my little Shippo." Kagome whispered to the confused girl. Sango's eyes began to tear as well, and she pulled Kagome into a hug. " Kagome, I don't know what's going on, but I will be behind you. Every step, all the way. You are my sister." Kagome pulled away, and smiled, wishing that could happen.

Her eyes were now blurred and swimming with tears. She knelt down, and gathered the small form of Kirara into her arms. "Kirara, I don't know if you can understand me, but thank you for always protecting us all in battle and out." Kagome whispered to the small demon. Kirara stared up at Kagome with her large eyes, and suddenly nodded, as if she indeed understood. Kagome placed the small kitten in Sango's arms, the motioned to Shippo. Shippo bounded into her arms, looking as if he were ready to cry himself. Kagome looked at the tiny Kitsune as memories of everything they had been through flooded back to her. She let out a tiny sob, and looked the small fox in the eyes. "Shippo, promise me that whatever happens, you will stay with Inuyasha and the group. That you will grow up to be respectful and fun loving. And that you'll always look out for Inuyasha?" Kagome said quietly. Shippo began crying, and sobbed out, "I promise! But don't leave me alone Kagome!" She set him down with great difficulty, and tried not to cry harder than she already was. As she finally came to Inuyasha, she choked with sobs. "Kagome, what in hells is going on?" He said gently. Kagome put her arms around him, and stared into his glowing eyes. She felt the tears increase as she realized that she was standing with the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. It didn't matter that she was 15, or that she might never go back to school. It didn't matter that everyone in this dimension was out to kill them, or that her family might not approve in her own time. All that mattered was that she was with him here and now. He wrapped his own arms around her, and pulled her into a soft kiss. Kagome closed her eyes, wishing to high heaven that she didn't have to leave. Breaking the kiss, and spoke the last words she might ever say to him. " Inuyasha, I love you." She whispered softly. He looked slightly stunned, but then whispered back, " I love you too." He was about to smile when he began to breath heavily. Kagome stepped back in surprise as he began to stumble around erratically, trying to speak but failing. Trying to understand what was happening to him, but failing. Kagome looked around, seeing her other friends doing the same. They gasped, and reached their hands out in the air, trying to find someone or something. Kagome realized that the poison was taking it's effect, and began wiping away her tears.

It had to be done, the voice assured her as her friends gave a final gasp, and fell to the ground, laying still and silent. Kagome took one last look at her friends, and then started out the door. She picked up the carved bow, and slung the carved quiver full of delicate looking arrows around her back. As she stepped over the Inuyasha shaped crater, she found herself outside. Her feet began taking her towards the end of the village, and she looked up to the sky. The sun seemed to burn the very sky as it made it's way down. It's blood red center cast out fiery orange light all over the land, lighting up every single leaf, and blade of grass. The air was warm, with the light breeze still blowing. As she walked, she found that no one else was out in the village. This struck her slightly odd, but she looked ahead of her. Her mind began to focus on her task ahead, and Kagome found that her fear vanished without a trace. It was replaced by something she could not quite place. Something warm and sturdy, something that was comforting. As she neared the end of the village, she realized it. It was courage.

As soon as she village ended, Kagome stopped. Looking around her, she waited for something to happen. The sun set finally, and the night dawned oddly bright around her. Kagome looked around, and without warning, one of Kikyo's soul skimmers flew out from the starry night sky. Kagome gasped as it wound itself around her, and carried her out into the night sky with surprising speed. Kagome looked all around her as the night sky whooshed past her, billowing her robes and her hair out behind her. The forest continued on beneath her, and suddenly, her stomach dropped as the soul skimmer began it's ascent. It dropped Kagome into a well lit clearing in the woods, a great distance away from the village she had just stood in. Kagome quickly pulled an arrow from her quiver and put it to her bow as she landed on the ground. She felt the warmth appear, and then felt it double with a flash from the bow. Listening around her, she heard nothing as the soul skimmer disappeared into the woods. Where's Kikyo? She wondered. Then she heard it. It illuminated everything around it, and the unearthly noise it made as it traveled seemed to split the very air before it. And it was speeding right towards her.

Author's note: Bwahahahah! Cliff hanger of doom! And I rewrote this with incredible speed, bigger and better than the last one! So in your face you stupid computer! What did everyone think? Good? Bad? Please leave me a review, and let me know what you have to say! This chapter was a blast to write, and I can't wait to start on the next one!!!! All right, well, lots of love to everyone, See ya!