Kagome just stood there, unsure of what to do. There wasn't anything she could do. She wasn't even suppose to be back Feudal Japan ! Slowly and cautiously, Kagome began to walk forward. Her body began to propel herself left then straight again.

I'll go to Kaede's. I wonder where they are. Are they even there anymore ? Would they want me back ? Would Inuyasha .. Kagome froze in her tracks, as her face clouded over. What if he doesn't want me here ? What if he just wants to be with Kikyou, where he can be happy ?

" I shouldn't be here. " Kagome blurted out, then slapped her hand over her mouth. I better go before Inuyasha hears me. I just want him to be happy ..

Suddenly, a piercing scream thrusted in the air, filling the atmosphere with pain and agony. Kagome jerked her head around, gasping.

That's .. that's .. Without thinking, Kagome just ran. She pounded her feet hard against the ground, determined to reach the voice. I know that voice. I know that voice too well.

Kagome gulped as she bolted inside Inuyasha Forest. A strange déjà vu feeling rushed over her. Ignoring it, Kagome continued to run, her lungs burning with ache.

Screeching to a stop, Kagome burst through the bushes into the clearing. Horrible memories filled her mind as she remembered the last time she was here.

Her body had felt nothing but pain as she felt the sharp blade sear into her flesh. Barely hearing Inuyasha call out to her, she felt herself fall. Her eyes were so heavy, but she was so determined to keep them open. To see Inuyasha one last time. She could hear him calling out to her .. did he sound desperate ? No. It must be the blood I'm losing. Making me godizzy. All she could hear was his voice, calling out her name. WAKE UP, WAKE UP ! was all she could make out. Kagome opened her eyes slowly, and saw Inuyasha's frantic voice and face, peering at her. " I love you. "

Kagome shook her head. I thought that was the last time I would see him. Her brows furrowed with frustration and she scanned the clearing with cautious eyes. This place is filled with nothing but hate and anger. If I ever hold the jewel, I will wish this place gone.

Kagome gasped. How could I ? Am I filled with greed as everybody else,only wantingthe jewel ? Kagome fell to her knees, her head filled with shame. No wonder Inuyasha didn't want me, I'm just a filthy reincarnation of a more beautiful and powerful woman. Kagome eyes pricked with tears as she immediately got up and rushed deeper into the clearing. " INUYASHA ! " No, I will not think that ! I am Kagome, for crying out loud ! Kagome Higurashi !

Kagome jumped into the middle, looking around cautiously. I know that voice was his. I can just see him. Where is he ?

" Inuyasha, where are you ? " Kagome called out, her body starting to feel panicky.

" KAGOME ! " a voice suddenly shot out at her. Kagome winced at the anger and sorrow in its voice, as she whipped around.

She gasped and hereyes widened.No ..

Tied to a tree, was Inuyasha, seared with blood and bruises, his beautiful silver hair splayed across his worn-out face. He breathed heavily at her, and he struggled to stay awake. W-what happened to him ?

A figure, holding a long whip turned around. Kagome gasped, as she backed away. A pair of grey, hateful eyes bored into her. A set of raven black hair swinging behind the head of the figure, a lean figure wrapped in a white and red kimono.

" Kikyou. " Kagome whispered, her eyes deceiving her.

Kikyou narrowed her grey eyes at Kagome, her voice etched with pain and anger, " You weren't suppose to be back. "

Kikyou turned her whole body to Kagome, advancing on her. " You were suppose to be home, with the well sealed. I couldn't feel your presence anymore... how did you get back !? The well was SEALED ! " Kikyou took another step at Kagome, who backed up. " You were suppose to be GONE ! "

With a scream, Kikyou lunged at Kagome, her whip gripped firmly in her hand. Nothing could stop this ferocious woman jumping at Kagome. Not even Inuyasha, who cried to her to stop. " No Kikyou ! " Kagome cried, raising the Shikon no Tama in front of her.

Kikyou's eyes widened, as bright pink light engulfed Kagome. The light reflected off Kikyou, who was sent sprawling to the ground meters away from Kagome. " NO ! "

" Inuyasha ! " Kagome scurried up and ran to Inuyasha's tied figure, his eyes widened.

Suddenly, Kagome felt something grab onto her ankle. Her head jerked downwards and she saw an angered Kikyou on the ground. " You will pay for what you have done. "

" I have done nothing ! " Kagome cried as she tried to release Kikyou's strong grip.

" Say your prayers, you are done for, " Kikyou raised a hand at Kagome's leg and shot bright blue light at her.

Kagome screamed in pain as blood burst from her ankle. Kikyou stood up and towered over an injured Kagome. Kikyou's soul collectors swooped down, collecting Kikyou's bow and arrows. Kikyou retrieved them and drew an arrow straight at Kagome.

" The other times, I let you escape. That was stupidest thing I could've done. With my last hating soul, I will destroy you. Taking what belonged to me, and what I need, " Kikyou gave Kagome a pure look of hatred, " Goodbye. "

" No ! Wait ! " Kagome raised her hand as a shield, knowing it did no good. Her eyes glistened with tears as her lip trembled uncontrollably, " I know, that you will kill me sooner or later. But I must ask a question. " Kagome gulped, and silence invited her to go on, " Why are you doing this to Inuyasha ? "

Kikyou looked up reluctantly at Inuyasha's beat up body against the tree. With sorrowful eyes, Inuyasha looked back at his once beloved woman. His very own Kikyou, wanting nothing more then Inuyasha, himself dead. It was a hateful thought and it pained Inuyasha deeply and he couldn't help butturn his head away from her excruciating stare.

Kikyou narrowed her eyes as the wind blew her hair radiantly. Kagome looked up with envy and admiration at the elder woman before her. She never fell once, her determination high and her hopes never down. Her beauty was a gift from the gods, as of her power. Kagome knew she could be nothing like her, and she knew she could never be. Her eyes were moist with tears, and she laid her head down, waiting for Kikyou to answer her. At least I'll know why Inuyasha is hurting. I finallyrealize I'll never be the one standing proudly, over a conquered quest. Never.

Kikyou's gaze continued to be trained on Inuyasha as she sent her foot bearing onto Kagome's chest. Kagome let out a cry, causing Inuyasha winced. " Kikyou, let her go ! "

Kikyou cocked her head in amusement, " And why should I Inuyasha ? "

Inuyasha screamed in fury as he turned his head to the injured Kagome, " Kagome ! Get lost, I don't want you here ! " Inuyasha breathed dangerously as he tried to pull himself from the tree, " I will kill you, Kagome ! I am hurting.. because..because you are back here ! Iwas so happy with Kikyou, you just had to come and ruin everything, likealways! Kikyou is not hurting me, you are, you always do ! You always make my decisions hard, and I always have to sacrifice myself for you. You know how stupid I've been ? Yeah, always protecting you all the damn time. I hate helping you, you're so weak and defenseless ! Just leave !" Inuyasha spat as his body jerked him against the tree hard. Inuyasha bit his lip from screaming and his eyes wandered to Kagome, his eyes filled with hope and sadness. Just leave Kagome. Leave .. I don't want to say anymore lies to you. Leave ..

Her body had stopped moving the minute Inuyasha's voice was heard. Her face was covered by her hair, as her body laid motionless on the ground. Slowly, Kikyou raised her foot off of Kagome and onto the ground. Withdrawing her arrow, Kikyou spoke, " This is why. I am hurting him for the things he did for you. All those horrible times when he hurt you. The times when you have to run back to your time, unsure of what to do. I have been helping you, Kagome. But you turned down my offers and run back to the person that hurt you the most, " Kikyou gave Inuyasha accusinggazse,causing him to look down onto the ground. " Inuyasha. "

Suddenly, Kagome bolted up. Everything was so clear now. She knew she shouldn't have come back. But what choice did she have ? Giving Inuyasha one last painful look, Kagome fled. Her figure faded in the distance, her footsteps disappearing as fast as they came.

Silence dawned upon Inuyasha as his eyes dropped. I meant none of the things I said to Kagome. Why can't she see she's in danger the minute she's around me ? If only she knew I just wanted to protect her. To love her ..

Inuyasha's eyes flooded with unshed tears as he dawned on what he had done. I love you, Kagome.

SNAP!Inuyasha winced as a familiar painful sting vibrated through his body. Kikyouhad decided tocontinue with her beating. " Inuyasha, I will not stop until you cease to breathe. I thank you though, for sending that naive Kagome off, I couldn't have done if without you." Smiling at him with amusement, she stepped up to him and tweaked his chin. " Nevertheless, I still hate you. Ihave been hating you ever since I've come back, but you have just gone from worse to worser.You have broken your promise entirely, pushing me into hell as if I meant nothing to you. I will beat you until you breathe your last breath and die. Then, I will release the souls in me and finally rest in peace. Hell will be expecting us, Inuyasha. " Kikyoucocked her headon one side andtskedalmost playfully." Don't look so down, Inuyasha. The girl means nothing. She is a pathetic human that believes everything she hears. She is nothing but a weakling. You said so, no ? "

"You do mean nothing to me! " Inuyasha shouted at her, and Kikyou glared at him.

" What did you say ?! " she demanded slowly, her breath getting shallower and shallower.

" You-do-mean-nothing-to-me ! My promise to you was because I loved you and didn't want to hurt you, but now I finally realize it was just all bullshit. I feel for it, AGAIN ! I want to kill myself, and I will do with withoutyourhelp, thank you very much. If I have to go to hell, I wouldn't go with you ! Why can't you just stop being stupid for a minute and let people enjoy their life ?! You always have to drag people in your miseries, and hurt innocent people along the way. Like Kagome. " Inuyasha breathed heavily. There, he said it. If he had to die, he'd kill Kikyou emotionally first.

" That is enough, you worthless animal ! You are nothing to me, Inuyasha, I hate you, I hate you ! This is the only reason hell let me live one more time. So I can kill. Kill you, Inuyasha. Now you will DIE ! " Kikyou backed away from him, closed her eyes and screamed.

The ground started to rumble, the earth shaking like mad. Inuyasha glanced around, panicked. " What the hell ?! "

Kikyou's eyes were still closed as she raised her hands in the air. Inuyasha watched her, horrified. What the hell is she doing ?

As if on cue, hundreds of demons rose from hell. Inuyasha's eyes widened like tennis balls as he watched. Demons, thousands of them, glared at Inuyasha with a pure look of hatred swirling in their eyes. Inuyasha gasped in surprise as he heard a laugh. Growling, Inuyasha spat. " Kikyou, what is the meaning of this ?! "

Kikyou covered her mouth with another victorious laugh, " Inuyasha, how foolish can you be ? You are nothing but a half demon, a simple hanyou, a piece of nothing. These are all the demons you killed, and as you can see, there are a number of them. Their hearts burn with the same hate I have for you and they are hungry for your blood. You will sacrifice your life, whether you like it or not. " Kikyou tossed her head back and let out a laugh that echoed evilly throughout the empty forest.

" NO ! Damn you, Kikyou ! " Inuyasha shrieked as he tried to break the chains Kikyou had put spell on. He struggled to leave the tree, but the harder he tried, the tighter the chains got, especially the ones around his neck. Choking at the little air he had, Inuyasha laid his head back. So this is what I get for living. Everything in the world hating me, demons, Kikyou, even Kagome. Kagome. The thought of her hating him suddenly caused him to wear down and feel even more useless as before.

" Farewell, Inuyasha. See you in hell, " Kikyou pointed her pale hand at Inuyasha's still body, " Charge, my demons ! "

Suddenly, Inuyasha let out a loud growl. The demon blood in Inuyasha suddenly erupted, bursting with ferocious anger. Inuyasha ripped apart the chains wrapped around him and planted his feet on the ground. Kikyou gasped as Inuyasha flipped his head around, exposing his terrifying demon marks and pulsing crimson orbs. His fangs bared as he smirked at the demons. Flexing his muscles, Inuyasha prepared to fight.

Kikyou narrowed her eyes at Inuyasha, but cracked a small smile, " No matter how demon you are, I have worn you out too much by the beating. As well as the number of demons you must demolish. You have met your match, Inuyasha. "

Inuyasha growled and leapt into the sky. He charged towards the herd of demons and with one swipe, destroying them. But just as the first group was destroyed, the ground shook andanother group of demons erupted from the ground.Kikyou tossed her head back and laughed, " Demons will keep on coming until you die Inuyasha. Fight forever if you want, you will still die. Sooner or later. "

Inuyasha continued to charge blindlessly at the demons approaching him, but more and more came. Inuyasha ran through herds of the demons but there was too much coming. This was not going anywhere, but Inuyasha knew nothing. His demon blood did nothing to him but force him to fight. Fight till the end.

Suddenly, a large bull demon lunged at Inuyasha, who was busy attacking other demons. Inuyasha sensed the bull coming and jerked his head around.That was a big mistake. The moment he had turned,the demons in front of him clawed him and senttheripped hanyousprawling across the ground. He screeched to a stop in front of the tree he was trapped on, and chains immediately appeared from nowhere around his neck. Inuyasha let out a low growl and tried to break free again. But the chains were stronger than everand pulled his body back once again. All the demons that he had killed all lunged at him at the same time. Inuyasha looked up, his demon eyes widening.

"Die Inuyasha! " Kikyou's voice rang out of the charging demons. This was the end.

The demons were gone.

The transformed hanyou glanced up surprisingly and watched as the last of the demons evaporated within the air. " Wha.."

" What's this ? " Kikyou demanded, as she stepped up to the deserted clearing. Where were all the demons ?

" If you have to hurt Inuyasha, you have to deal with me first. " a familiar voice shot out coldly at the shocked priestess.

" What !? This is not possible ! " Kikyou cried, as she dropped her bow and arrows in surprise.

Inuyasha let out a low growl as the familiar voice rang through his sensitive ears. Where had he heard that voice from ? It was so beautiful and pure. So ...innocent.

Thick black hair was tossed over a slender shoulder as the figure drew another pure arrow at the growing demons. Her brown eyes burning with determination and hope, as her face was streaked with dried tears. She stepped up to the miko and narrowed her eyes at her, " Release him, Kikyou. "

Kikyou let out a desperate cry asshe pointed accusingly at the younger girl." KAGOME !? How can this be ! You are suppose to be .. " Kikyou screamed, her voice filled with frustration. Her plans, failed yet again.

Kagome's face twisted in anger as she gave Kikyou a satisfied smirk, " Crying at home like a pathetic slob ? Hah ! The Kagome you face today is not as stupid as you think. " Kagome took a deep breath, swallowing all the fear that gathered inside of her. " Inuyasha would never say he hated to protect me. He sworn to, and I know he'd do everything to do what he promised. I don't know why he said all this to me, but I am going to be stubborn and stand by Inuyasha. " Kagome narrowed her eyes at Kikyou, drawing the bow more. " I love him. "

Kikyou whipped her head up at Kagome, her eyes burning with hate and revenge, " You love him ? All those hard times you caused for him, you think he'd love you back ?! No ! He chooses to be with me ! And he will die with me ! No matter what you say girl, you are too late. He is in his beast form, unable to transform back anytime soon. Run while you can, or I will finish you off, with or without my demons. " Kikyou shouted, as she began to advance on the girl.

Kagome gave a fake laugh and glared harder at the woman in front of her. " Inuyasha would never want me to run. He would want me to stand here, to fight until every bit of my will is drained. Even if he doesn't, I will. He has taught me so much in life, to stand up for myself, not to always be the damsel in distress. I don't know why you are doing this Kikyou, but I know I won't stand up for it. " Kagome stepped closer to Kikyou, training her eyes on the still incarnation.

" Come any closer, Inuyasha will be squeezed to death. " Kikyou warned, her eyes to the ground. She tightened her fist, and the chains around Inuyasha tightened as well.

Inuyasha let out a shrill cry, but growled in anger right after. He didn't know who that familiar girl was, but he knew she was protecting him. Just as he has to protect her. Inuyasha tried to free himself, but only caused the chains to grow tighter.

" Inuyasha, stop moving ! " Kagome cried, as she turned to his demon form on the tree.

Inuyasha snapped at her, eyeing her suspiciously. " Shut up, girl. " his husky voice whispered angrily.

" What ? " Kagome's voice began to waver, the firmness in it a moment before gone.

" He doesn't want you Kagome, leave. " Kikyou said tonelessly, as her hand slowly went behind her back. Soon, the stupid girl will be killed.

Kagome continued to stare at Inuyasha with wide eyes as Kikyou continued to create a ball of power. Kagome will never stand the power of the dark miko magic. She will shrivel up and die, right in front of Inuyasha. After Inuyasha is destroyed.

" Bye. " Kikyou whispered as a huge ball of blue light was thrusted right at Inuyasha.

Inuyasha's eyes widened as he let out a long scream. Kagome gasped and rushed towards the light. But she knew it was too late. " Inuyasha ! No ! "

Inuyasha's ears twitched. The familiar girl's voice finally reached to his heart, pulling out the answer of who she was. " K-Kagome ? " he whispered, his voice still rough and demonic.

" Yes, Inuyasha ! Fight back ! Don't let the ball of fire .. " Kagome cut off, screaming as the ball reached Inuyasha's face. " NO ! "

" K-Kikyou ? " Inuyasha whispered as he squinted at the bright light inching to his face. He shut his red eyes automatically, " What .. the .. "

Suddenly, the light disappeared instantly. Inuyasha breathed heavily as he heard nothing but silence. Slowly, he opened his eyes, which were now amber. He was back to normal, but was everything else ? Inuyasha's eyes widened as he saw Kagome with a released bow. Her eyes were wide with surprise and her lower lip was trembling.

" Oh my god .. " she choked out, as she dropped to the ground.

Inuyasha's gaze turned to the woman who tried to kill him, and he let out a anguished cry, " KIKYOU ! "

Kikyou stood there, her own emotionless eyes widened. An arrow was in her chest, and her own arrows had dropped to the ground. Slowly, she dropped to her knees, her face paling. Inuyasha felt the chains holding him began to lessen its steel grip. As he leapt from the tree, Inuyasha let out a scream, " Kikyou ! No ! "

Inuyasha rushed to Kikyou's side as she fell into his arms, her face pale and surprised. Kikyou let out a small breath and peered at Inuyasha with her sad, grey eyes slowly, " Goodbye, Inuyasha. "

" NO ! No more goodbyes ! " Inuyasha yelled as he shook Kikyou violently. " Kikyou !! "

" The hells have given me one last chance to destroy. I have failed, and I shall never be given the chance anymore. Take care of .. of .. Kagome, Inuyasha. See .. you in .. hell .. s-someday .. " Kikyou gave Inuyasha the first real genuine smileever since her revenge,before her eyes slowly fluttered, closed.

" KIKYOU ! "

Kikyou's clay body began to decay once again. And for once, for sure, the last time. The thought rumbled through Inuyasha's mind, and he let out a silent cry. He had lost her .. again. No matter how cruel Kikyou had been, Inuyasha had loved her. This time, he wouldn't be seeing her anymore. As he grasped the last chunk of clay that would melt into the ground, Inuyasha closed his eyes. Rest in peace, my lovely Kikyou.

As the final piece of clay disappeared from his grasp, Inuyasha stood up. He walked forward, and the pains of the beating from Kikyou suddenlycaught up to him.He ignored them and walked on. He brushed past Kagome, who stood, trembling on her spot.

Suddenly, Inuyasha stopped, inches away from Kagome's shaking body. " I'm sorry. "

Without saying anymore, Inuyasha walked on,his heart feeling so empty.He felt so lonely, he hated the feeling. Kikyou's gone for good. For good ..

Suddenly, a hand wrapped around his shoulder protectively. Inuyasha peered from under his bangs at the hand. It lead to Kagome's body and she had stopped shaking. She whipped around to face him, with tears in her eyes. " I .. am so .. s-s-sorry, Inuyasha. Forgive me .. " Kagome flew into Inuyasha's arms before he could walk away.

Kagome continued to sob in Inuyasha's arms as he wrapped them around Kagome himself. They embraced each other for what seemed like hours, before Kagome pulled away. " You can hurt me, if you wish, Inuyasha. Or do you want me to leave.. c-cause I will if you really want me to .." Kagome whispered, her body paining with guilt and anger only at herself.

Silence followed, as Kagome bit her lip. He's going to send you home, Kagome. I should leave before I make it any harder. Goodbye Inuyasha ..

Kagome let out a surprised cry as she felt arms suddenly wrap around her. Silver white hair blurred her vision and she let it.

" Kagome, I never meant to hurt you. I am so sorry. " Inuyasha whispered, as he buried his head inside her hair.

" Inuyasha, you were protecting me. I .. killed Kikyou, " Kagome bit her lip as she watched Inuyasha's eyes cloud over, " I'm sorry. " Kagome quickly rushed out of Inuyasha's arms and backed away. "I'll leave now."

Kagome turned around to run when a hand grabbed her shoulder. " I-Inuyasha ? "

The half-demon shook his head, which made the confusion rumbling in Kagome's heart increase. " Kagome, don't you see ? Kikyou was the one causing all this pain. All along, I was so blind, " Inuyasha pulled Kagome into his arms again and spoke in a soft whisper, " I could not see how much you hurt for me, physically andemotionally. I was a stubborn jerk who did nothing but hurt you and think of nobody but myself, Kagome. What you did, to Kikyou, saved my life. You should have no intention so say you're sorry, because I am the one who should. Kagome, I care for you, you must know that. " Inuyasha pulled Kagome away and looked into her brown eyes, filled with hope and kindness. " I .. love you. "

" Oh, Inuyasha. " Kagome gasped, as happy tears burst through her eyes. She buried her face in Inuyasha's chest,andhis arms wrapped tightly around her. " I will let nothing happen to you. Even if it means giving up my life. I love you."

For a moment, nothing filled their heart but each other. Inuyasha's heart no longer felt for Kikyou, but the girl in his arms. He could see so clear now, and he thanked the gods for it. He thanked the gods for Kagome. His Kagome.

Together, hand in hand, they walked towards the sun setting behind the towering mountains. Their love was finally exposed to each other and now they can move on to a new life. New life .. together

A/N : I'm gonna start a new one soon. I might call it The Love That is Lost or something. Review ! Thanks for reading