Inuyasha stared desperately down at the figure in his arms, searching her face… Kagome's face… her scent… but what had happened to her? Clawed hands similar to Inuyasha's hung limply to her side, and black stripes marked both sides of her face. And her hair, her hair was now much longer than it had been before.

He held her closely; glad to feel the steady heartbeat within her body, and see her chest rise and fall with each breath she took. The relief he felt at having found her, and knowing she was alive, flooded all throughout him.

What would I have done if I had lost her? I have never cared this intensely for anyone, probably not even Kikyou. Kagome had accepted him for who he was, and stood by him through all their battles. Inuyasha knew that he loved her, as surely as he knew that he could never care for anyone else half as much. He had simply never dared to utter it aloud, even if he could see how much Kagome cared for him as well. They had too many battles to fight before it could be said…

These thoughts leapt through Inuyasha's mind in a moment, and then his nose picked up the scent of blood. Inuyasha shifted Kagome's weight to one arm and used the other to tilt her head in his direction.

A gash, two inches in length, was carved into the side of her head. Blood still ran slowly from it, leaving dark red trails in her dark hair. Inuyasha gently placed Kagome on the ground and tore a shred of fabric from his red haori, using it to form a makeshift bandage about her head. Sango hurried over and helped to tie the bandage tightly, while Inuyasha slowly rose to his feet. Shippou limped his way over to Kagome, eyes filling with tears when he saw her injuries. He choked back his sobs and held one of Kagome's hands.

"She really is a hanyou," Sango said softly, as she gently tried to wipe some of the blood from Kagome's hair. Miroku stood next to her, just as taken aback by Kagome's strange transformation.

Inuyasha's jaw set and he slowly rose to his feet. While he had been inspecting Kagome and her wounds, a figure he did not recognize had leapt down from a high window, landing neatly on two feet.  White hair settled behind him, and he glared vehemently from a striped face. Blood ran from a ragged wound on his right shoulder, but he seemed to not notice.

A hiss of anger and disdain escaped from Chikara's lips, and he placed himself between the approaching demon and the others. The two tiger demons stared at each other.

Ryu pulled himself shakily to his feet, anxious eyes darting from his master to the injured form of Kagome.

As Inuyasha rose, his shaking hands found the hilt of his sword. A low, dangerous growl emanated from deep within, and a vicious gleam had taken over his features. His jaw clenched as he surveyed the people around him.

"Take Kagome into the forest, and protect her," he growled at Sango and the others. Miroku was about to protest when he saw the fury dancing in the dog demon's eyes. He swallowed hard, and then carefully picked Kagome up from the ground. They hurried away into the trees, in search of a place to keep Kagome away from the battle that was sure to occur.

"You bastard." Inuyasha drew his sword and was about to approach the tiger demons when he saw Ryu. Inuyasha ran at him, grabbing him by the throat and shoving him against a nearby maple tree. The branches above shuddered at the impact, and a few leaves were shook loose. They descended slowly past Inuyasha's furious face and into the grass below.

"You must be… Kagome's… mate," Ryu managed to say, staring into the yellow eyes before him. "It's good to know she has someone who cares so much for her…"

"Shut up! Why did you bring her here!?" Inuyasha demanded, his grip tightening. Ryu coughed and struggled against Inuyasha's grip.

"I was told to," Ryu said between gasps. "Lord… Haburi. Claims her as his."

Inuyasha released his grip and pushed the fox demon away, deeming him unimportant. He turned back around to face the tiger demons. They were eyeing each other carefully.

"You still believe my idiot father's proclamation then?" Chikara asked, watching Haburi carefully.

"He was the leader of your family at the time and had every right to offer your daughter to me. I agreed to the terms and there was peace. You are the one betraying your father and the agreement he made with me. Kagome is mine." Haburi's hand settled on a dagger hanging from his belt.

"You know I will not allow it," Chikara said.

"As you wish," Haburi said.

As Inuyasha approached, his anger fueled by the words Kagome is mine, he stopped when the two demons launched through the air at each other, with a speed Inuyasha could hardly imagine. Claws slashed, and clothing was torn. Chikara spun about and snarled.

"I'm the one to protect Kagome. Get out of the way!" Inuyasha yelled at Chikara. Chikara paid him no heed.

Haburi let out a monstrous snarl, and in a flash of wind and light he had transformed into a gigantic tiger form, with claws the size of Inuyasha and ferocious teeth bared. Flowing white fur surrounded him as he watched Chikara transform as well.

The two powerful, massive demons attacked. Teeth penetrated through thick fur and into skin, carving out flesh and leaving blood flowing. Chikara screamed a feral scream and dug his claws deep into the face of his enemy. Powerful attacks erupted from extended claws, and when they missed their intended target they plunged into the ground, tossing the earth as it were soft dough.

Inuyasha's hands clenched upon the hilt of Tetsusaiga. Finally he ran forward, launching himself into the air and above the interlocked claws of the tigers below. The scent of blood was already heavy in the air. The sheer, crazy ferocity of the two demons would make this a very short battle… Inuyasha saw an opening, and tried to use it.

Inuyasha brought his sword down toward Haburi, ready to shred him to pieces. Haburi heard his approach, and pulled away from his fight with Chikara long enough to slash a massive set of claws in Inuyasha's direction.

"Shit!" Inuyasha was thrown back by the impact, but brought his sword down fast enough to slice into Haburi's paw. The tiger demon roared with anger, but Chikara was already pouncing. Chikara tore into Haburi's throat, latching on with all his strength. Haburi brought his claws up and into Chikara's eyes, desperately trying to get the other tiger off. Inuyasha attacked once more, clashing with the claws of Haburi.

Chikara clamped down hard, and tore the flesh on Haburi's neck with a powerful pull of his jaws. Chikara leapt gracefully out of Haburi's reach and watched the other tiger from one eye. The other was slashed, and blood gushed from it.

Haburi fell, blood pouring from the gaping wound on his throat. He roared, and tried to stand. Inuyasha stood back, watching as Haburi thrashed with pain. This encouraged the flow of the blood, and an ocean of it seemed to be covering the lush grasses of the garden.

Haburi moaned once more, and then his tiger body disappeared, shrinking back to his usual human shape. He didn't move again.

Inuyasha sheathed his sword, surprised at the quickness of the battle. Concern for Kagome came urgently to his mind. "I'm going to Kagome, and I'm getting her out of here," Inuyasha said, and headed into the forest.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Kagome awoke to a pair of gleaming yellow eyes, inches from her face.

"GAAAHHHH!" Her arms flailed as she yelled with surprise. Inuyasha flinched when she smacked him upside the head.

"Dammit, woman," he grumbled.

The world suddenly came tumbling back into place.

"Inuyasha…" The name, the face, the memories of someone so very important to her. Someone she… loved. It was a wonderful, joyous flood of emotions that brought tears to her eyes.

"Inuyasha!!" Kagome shoved herself up from the ground and into Inuyasha's arms.

"It's okay," Inuyasha said, and held her tightly.

"You found me… I was so alone. I can't believe I forgot you," Kagome said, trembling in Inuyasha's embrace.

"Of course I found you. I'll always protect you, stupid," Inuyasha muttered, marveling at how wonderful it felt to have her so close, her scent wrapped all around him.

"I know," Kagome whispered. She closed her eyes for a moment. "Inuyasha, I haven't told you before, but I just can't hold it in any longer. Not after all this, after all that's happened. I couldn't stand it if I died and you never knew… Inuyasha…" Kagome brought her face up to gaze at the one holding her before continuing.

"Inuyasha, I…"

"Kagome!" Chikara interrupted Kagome, hurrying up to the two hanyous sitting in the grass, holding each other. Kagome's voice trailed off and she looked up at him.

"I just want you to know that I wish I could have been a part of your life… At least I'm here to help you now. I found a person who may be able to help you merge your demon and priestess powers once and for all," Chikara said, joy in his voice and face.

A short distance away, Haburi's hand twitched. An eye opened and glared.

"Really?" Kagome replied, hope growing within her. The thought of the nightmares returning, along with the madness… It was too much to think about. What if she lost her memories once more? She cast an anxious glance at Inuyasha.

Haburi's barely conscious body crawled, two poisonous daggers at the ready. Inch by inch, a thick trail of blood left behind…

The group was riveted on the words of Chikara, all listening. His body was covered in wounds, and blood was escaping his body from numerous places. He didn't seem to notiice, although it was apparent the loss of blood had made him very weak.

"Her name is Keiko. She lives east of here, on a small island in the middle of a large lake. She is human, but possesses telepathic and healing abilities. I believe she will be able to help you," Chikara said.

Kagome brightened, and Inuyasha was glad to see her normal, happier personality once more. "Thank you," she said, smiling.

"Ah, that smile, just like your mother's…" Chikara gently brushed a hand across the stripes on Kagome's cheek.

A dagger was launched, and moved with a deadly swiftness, making no noise as it moved through the air. The gleam of sinister poison dripped from the blade.

Ryu turned, and saw it flying…  He couldn't get there in time. Chikara's eyes grew wide for moment, and then he fell forward, the dagger through his heart.

The last dagger flew, and the Lord Haburi's body finally collapsed, his last breath leaving him. He died content.

Ryu moved with the speed his species possessed, and knocked a surprised Inuyasha out of the way. The second blade thunked harmlessly into the trunk of a maple tree, the poison hissing angrily. The tree turned a pale yellow, and withered.

All this occurred within moments. A scream left Kagome's mouth, and she went to her father's side. His breath came in liquidy gasps. She touched his cheek, and he smiled at her.

"Dirty bastard… Had to… wait until my back was turned," Chikara wheezed.

"But you're a full demon. You'll be fine, won't you?" Kagome asked, looking at the terrible wound. She pushed his robes aside and saw that his skin was already turning yellow. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Poison, Kagome, in my heart. All through my body, now… I'm so sorry," he whispered. Only the demonic strength he still had left kept his mouth moving. "I wanted to be your father… Now, you must… please…" he said, struggling with each word.

"What is it?" Kagome asked, leaning in to hear. Sango buried her face in Miroku's robes, unable to control her own tears. He held her tightly, his own face barely keeping its composure.

"Tell your mother… I love her. So very much. I have waited many years for her, to see her again. I will continue to wait," he said, and the sorrow he conveyed was mixed with the hope of some day seeing his love once more.

Kagome's body shook with raw emotion. She had never had the chance to know this man as a father, but it was plain to see how much he loved her, just because she came from the woman he had loved for so long.

"I promise," she managed to say. A wide smile spread across Chikara's face, as if he was seeing his lover once more, and then the yellow tint spread over his face. He let out a long breath and was still.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The day was bright and beautiful, full of light and life. A perfect day to be outside enjoying the warmth of the day and the crisp breeze in the air. Fragrant cherry blossoms danced along the breeze, filling the air with their color and scent.

Kagome's mother paused in her work, rake held tightly in one hand, the other pushing a strand of hair that had escaped the bun on her head. Soft brown eyes gazed up into the branches of the ancient God Tree. It always seemed the old tree was watching over her and her family, protecting them. Some hidden knowledge of many years gone by… She reached out and brushed the bald spot on the face of the tree, eyes thoughtful.

The tree seemed to become larger, blocking out her vision of all else. The sky, the grass, the bright sunlight… All consumed and gone. A dream took her.

She was young again, the same age as Kagome. She was a beautiful girl, full of love for the world around. Her long dark hair flowed down, and she wore a soft kimono of palest blue. Tears appeared in her eyes, and memories far away resurfaced. Her heart ached with a longing she had buried away long ago.

Then he was there, her love of 500 years ago. Chikara took her in his arms and held her close, with complete tenderness. His passionate kiss found and devoured her lips, and she pressed herself against him. How she had missed him…

"I love you," she murmured.

"Don't worry, love. We will be together again, if not in this life then the next. I swear it… I love you…"

The dream ended, and Kagome's mother stood still before the God Tree. A single tear rolled down her cheek, but a smile came to her lips.

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Chikara was buried in the palace gardens, and Ryu said he would stay to bury Lord Haburi. He owed his master that much, he said. He stood before Kagome, as she and her friends were preparing to leave.

"Kagome, I want to apologize. If I had never brought you here…" Ryu's voice was full of shame. Kagome interrupted him in the middle of his sentence.

"You were doing what you were ordered to do. If it hadn't been you bringing me here it would have been someone else. You even saved Inuyasha from the poison dagger. Thank you," she said, smiling at him.

Ryu was taken aback, unaccustomed to such gentle treatment. "You really are special… And the last of Chikara's powerful family. I wish you good luck on your journey, Kagome. Or I should say, Lady Kagome," he corrected himself, suavely taking one of her hands and placing a kiss upon it. Inuyasha glared and growled in annoyance.

"Good luck to you as well," Kagome replied, laughing.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The group began its journey to find the woman Chikara had told them of. Kagome couldn't help but notice the way Sango and Miroku walked so close, as well as the way they looked at each other. Apparently something had happened while she was gone, between the two of them. About time, too. I'll have to talk to Sango about this later, Kagome thought.

Inuyasha stepped in front of Kagome, and she stopped, an eyebrow raised. The others continued on the trail, not yet noticing.

"Hey Kagome… What were you going to tell me before?" Inuyasha asked her. Kagome blinked, and then a blush stole across her face. She looked up at him, nervously chewing on her bottom lip.

"Nothing much," she finally mumbled, her blush darkening.

"Oh. Okay," Inuyasha said, but his tone implied that he didn't believe her.

Kagome's head snapped up and her eyes locked onto Inuyasha's. The breeze tugged at her long hair as determination took hold of her.

"I love you Inuyasha!" Kagome exclaimed suddenly, fists balled at her sides and face blazing red.

Inuyasha's mouth fell open and he stared at her.

"If it wasn't for that, I don't think I would have made it through all this," she said, very softly.

There was a very long moment of silence, during which Kagome felt her heart slamming rapidly against her chest, as if it were trying to burst right out. She was ready to cry and run, sure the customary "Keh" was coming… Why should he feel the same way? She couldn't fight well, she-

Was suddenly in his arms and being held almost painfully tight.

"Inuyasha…"

The reply was his breath on her neck, and then his face so close she could hardly breathe… Then the event Kagome had pondered about like so many other girls past and present.  Her first kiss came from Inuyasha, and she was overwhelmed with the joy of it.  She lost herself in the strength of his arms around her, his scent, his lips pressed hungrily against hers…

When they finally broke away, both were flushed and out of breath. Inuyasha ran a finger along one of Kagome's stripes before murmuring into her ear…

"I love you."

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pheeewwwww. Yes, it's the end! I will be posting an epilogue, and I am considering writing a sequel. Please give me some feedback on that, because I don't want to write it if no one will read it… I'm thinking, how much ass will Kagome kick during the final battle with Naraku now!? ^_^ I also need to get to work on Wink of an Eye before someone hurts me… *waves finger at people who send death threats* You know who you are…

Also, I hope to get my new story up soon. It will be an alternate universe story, with all the characters living in the present time. Kagome and Sango are going to university together, and will meet some of the other characters there. The problem is, Kagome has sworn off any kind of dating while in college. Bets are laid on the table as to which of the guys can get her to change her mind… Sounds fun right? Mwaha!

One last thing, if you just can't get enough Kagome/IY stories… Go read my friend's and be sure to review. It's under my Favorite Stories, Realizations by Kuromiko. YOSH!