AN: I'm sorry I haven't updated in a while! I busy with school earlier and when school ended I was prepared to update, but I never got the chance. You can blame my evil, horribly greedy aunt for it. She had, without my knowing, paid and signed me up for a dozen different camps, including art, volleyball, basketball, church camp (which I don't really mind.), and soccer. You see, I LOVE sports but I LOVE fanfics and anime much much more! Unfortunately, my aunt has failed to understand this. I have, fortunately and thankfully, returned home from v-ball camp today and I am excited to update this fic!! Please review and tell me what you think!!! Thank you!!!

Disclaimer: Same as always, I don't own YYH or Inuyasha.

IMPORTANT: I have received a few emails requesting that I change this fic to an Inu/ Kag fic. I have been persuaded to consider it but I would really like the opinion of everyone else first. Please review with a response at the end of this chapter.

Be With Me

Chapter 4: To Be Split!

He crept slowly as he made his way toward his target. His once beautiful golden eyes, now a dulled, were sharply taking in his surroundings. His mind remained blank with the exception of his orders from Naraku:

Befriend the girl Kagome.

Naraku's orders had been quite clear but as to how he was supposed to be friends with this Kagome was beyond him. Kagome…that name seemed to feel so familiar. He had the most odd feeling of knowing her from somewhere, but where? Or better yet, when? He had been serving Naraku for months now and as much as he tried, he couldn't remember a thing from his past. Every time he attempted to remember something, an excruciating pain would begin to crush his mind. His chest would constrict and breathing would suddenly become harder.

Eventually, he just gave up. What else could he do? Naraku literally held his life in his very hands. But there was one memory he had not told Naraku about. He never planned to tell anyone about it. It was something that belonged to him and him alone. The small memory was the only thing that he felt he could trust was real in this cruel world.

Soft, beautiful brown eyes gazed at him as tears continued to flow from them. Those eyes…they held such deep sadness. The gorgeous eyes displayed a huge inner turmoil worse than anything he had ever encountered. It was beautiful and depressing at the same time. Tears continued to fall as the deep brown eyes watched him with immense grief and mourn.

He KNEW the tears were for him but as to why…? He didn't know. No one he knew ever cried for him yet he knew, that somewhere in his past, someone actually did cry…for him. Which meant…someone cared. This mysterious person, he believed, would never be revealed to him. It was just too unlikely. And even if she or he did finally find him…he would most likely not remember them. He had no other memories beside that one. That one small memory was all he had, and he cherished it. When Naraku had had no use for him, sometimes he would just sit in his vacant prison Naraku called a home and just guess at what the memory could mean. What had happened when those tears had fallen for him, apparently something terrible, but what?

Finally, he had reached his destination. The scent of a three fox demon reached his nose, two male (one much younger than the other) and a female. The female, he knew was Kagome. He shivered, her scent was so appealing he took a long drag of air into his lungs, absorbing the wonderful scent. It was something he felt he had once smelt before but to smell it now was a true blessing. His once tense muscles relaxed into a more calm state as he approached.

-----------------

Both Youko and Kagome looked up swiftly of sound coming from the nearby trees. Shippo was still eating but at the sudden movement of seeing both Kagome and Youko turn, he did too.

He was met with a site he never thought he would see again…Inuyasha. His mouth dropped. He gapped openly not knowing what to do. He was stunned…shocked!

Kagome stared. Her eyes were wide as her heart clenched at the strange site. At first she thought she was hallucinating and began to blink rapidly. Satisfied that she had cleared her eyes she turned to look up again, but he was still there. Her eyes were still wide and her mouth was slightly agape.

Emotions overcame her as she carefully stood. Her knees seemed as though they would buckle at any moment. How was this possible? She began to slowly make her way toward the man who seemed to so much resemble Inuyasha…Inuyasha.

Youko was going to make a move to stop her but Shippo put a small paw on his arm. Taking a hint, Youko didn't move. What was going on? Who was his half-demon to his beloved? He sniffed the air to sample this stranger's scent and found that it held the slight smell of death. Stiffening he held back the urge to get up and grab Kagome away from the intruder.

Kagome, however, didn't notice any of this. Her mind was still in a haze of confusion. Inuyasha. Inuyasha. How?

She finally stopped just a few feet away from him and stared into his eyes. In that instant Inuyasha felt a small memory flash in his eyes. Kagome saw a flicker of amber glint in the moonlight. It was him. But…how? The thought continued to fill her mind.

She reached out almost afraid that if she touched him he would disappear. But she wanted to know…she wanted to know that he was actually there. He was alive. Her hand met the warm skin of his cheek and caressed it gently.

Youko from a distance saw this action of caress and could have growled in jealousy. She was HIS mate and HIS alone. If not for such the high tension in the air, he would have pulled her away immediately and slaughtered the stranger.

Kagome could feel nothing and see nothing except the man in front of her. Inuyasha as back! A voice rang in her head. Inuyasha is back!

Her throat felt dry and she all together felt weak. Still, she stared into his eyes, yearning to find that same arrogant, almost childish, and dangerous spark she had so missed seeing. In a brief moment, she did. Then it was gone.

"Inu…Inuyasha." With that, her entire body slumped. He caught her easily although completely surprised by her actions. He had not flinched away from her touch, if anything it was soothing. He had not expected to remember something from his forgotten past either. It had scared him so much he was shocked still, but when her body began to fall he caught her out of instinct and reflex.

Youko growled when he saw Kagome suddenly faint into this Inuyasha's arms. Just who the hell was he to touch Kagome?

"It is him. Inuyasha's back."

Youko's gaze swiftly turned to Shippo who had whispered just loud enough for him to hear. He got up with no trouble and in a flash was in front of Inuyasha and the fainted Kagome. He gently took Kagome from Inuyasha who did not resist but Youko could see reluctance flash through his eyes at releasing her. A small flame of anger rose in Youko's chest but he didn't show any sign of being upset. He slowly began to walk back to camp but also silently inviting Inuyasha.

Obviously, this Inuyasha was someone of importance to have caused Kagome to act in such a way. There was nothing to do but just wait until Kagome woke up to solve this mystery. Shippo perceived the new 'rule' and remained silent. Inuyasha was automatically silent, taking a seat a little farther away from the camp than everyone else. He watched while the much older male youkai cradled Kagome in his arms while most of her body was placed in his lap. For some odd reason, there was a tight feeling in his chest as he continued to stare at the site.

It was only a good ten minutes later before she woke up. Her eyes fluttered open and were met with a remarkable amber color. Then white hair caught her eyes. She stared harder and then realized it was Youko. She sat up and instantly hugged him.

"Youko…" She breathed his name as though it was honey on her tongue. With her sensitive ears she could hear Shippo napping a little off to the side but then their was an extra set of breaths. She swiftly turned to see who it was.

Her breath caught. "So it wasn't a dream after all." She mumbled. Youko still caught the statement but decided it best to not say anything yet.

"Inuyasha?" Kagome asked, hesitantly. Could this really be Inuyasha? If it was, then how was that possible?

Inuyasha didn't know how to respond. His orders were to befriend the girl. From what he knew on friendships, most of them were based on trust. He decided to be truthful with his answers unless they came to something he wasn't permitted to speak about.

"How do you know my name?" He tilted his head sideways a little in curiosity.

Kagome remained silent for another moment then replied. "Do you not remember me?"

"I'm sorry, but no. We met before?" Now he was even more confused. He couldn't remember ever meeting this young, not to mention gorgeous, woman before. His head began to hurt again as he tried to recall ever meeting Kagome.

Kagome caught the sign of pain flicker through Inuyasha's eyes as he moved his gaze to the ground. It wasn't a physical pain, and from the way his expression was, she could tell he was trying to remember something…trying to remember her. She got up from Youko's lap and went to sit directly in front of Inuyasha. Inuyasha didn't notice as he was still battling the pain.

His eyes…they were no longer that sparkling amber she had once known. His eyes now were dull and almost empty. Then it hit her, he had been revived from the dead; like Kikyou. But who could have…? Naraku! A silent tear rolled down her cheek. Naraku had revived Inuyasha and was going to use him against her. That Bastard!

Inuyasha was shook from his thoughts when a warm hand was placed on the side of his face. He looked up and saw a beautiful mix of gold and brown. Those eyes…they reminded him so much of the ones that had cried for him. They were the same…just a slightly different color.

Suddenly a name came from out of nowhere in his mind. "Kagome." He whispered.

Without warning she hugged him close to her. Inuyasha didn't resist. Even though he had no idea what was going on, he could feel it. This was right. He wrapped his arms around Kagome in a small embrace. She was so warm.

His ears picked up the silent words that she spoke. His eyes widened with every word.

"Inuyasha…my Inuyasha."

Pulling away from him after a moment longer she took a seat closer to Youko but not too far away from him. She gazed at the flames a bit longer.

A long silence passed. Youko was steaming but not one emotion flickered across his face. What was going on? Why did she suddenly just hug another male like that? Damnit, I want some answers!!

Just when he was about to ask some of the questions that was just bugging him, Kagome opened her mouth and spoke.

"Youko, I want you to meet…Inuyasha. Inuyasha, this is my mate, Youko." Youko felt an immense pride come to him. Yes, HE was Kagome's mate and HE alone. Inuyasha could have glared at Youko. He didn't know why he was so upset about Youko being Kagome's mate but he held back any emotion in saying so.

Kagome sighed. She could already feel the tension building around both males. Men…

She thought. Even when Inuyasha can't remember anything, he could still be jealous.

"Inuyasha, did Naraku send you to kill me?"

Inuyasha was caught off guard by this question. She knew who he was working for?

"No." He answered quickly, taking too long to answer.

She turned to smile at him. So, it was her other hypothesis that was right, then. Inuyasha was sent to befriend and then betray her. She should just reject him, but somehow, she couldn't. No, she would NEVER reject him.

"I understand." she said, "Inuyasha, would you like to stay with us?"

Hesitantly, Inuyasha nodded. Kagome wasn't dumb. She already knew what the plan was, from what he could tell. So why was she accepting him?

Youko sat and began to absorb all the information. He began to catch on. So, this is one of the friends she had lost to that Naraku character. No wonder, that's why she reacted so strangely. But in all truth it wasn't strange at all. Youko mentally slapped himself. She was just so shocked at seeing this Inuyasha alive. And that smell of old death…

Youko's eyes widened. He had heard of spells and other charms that could revive the dead but he had never really believed it. Now, however, he would just have to believe it. But what was that about Kagome asking him if he was sent to kill her. His amber eyes glinted a deeper gold at the mention of Kagome dieing. He would always protect her, no matter the consequences.

When Inuyasha had replied 'no' to Kagome's question, a wave of relief came over him. But that still left the question as to why Inuyasha was revived to be here. Unless…Yes, it has to be. He was sent to trick us. Kagome, don't you know what he's doing? Youko thought worriedly.

"Yes, I would like to stay." Inuyasha said slowly. He was unsure, but he knew that's what part of his orders were. However, he felt a small pang of quilt knowing that he would hurt Kagome some day when Naraku was satisfied.

Kagome smiled at him. For some odd reason, Inuyasha's heart stopped. That smile…it was so familiar. He could have melted from the warmth that one smile brought him. He then secretly wanted to see more of those smiles for him again, soon. He loved them.

Turning toward her son, Kagome gently smiled at the innocent look Shippo had while sleeping. He was always so cute. His curled up form lay sleeping oblivious to everything except the dreams he was enduring.

Catching Youko worried expression, Kagome stood and walked over to her mate. Bending down, she came face to face with him. She gave him a small reassuring smile and kissed once on the lips. He grinned.

"For now," Kagome started, turning her head to Inuyasha, "we'll rest. We can continue on our journey at dawn."

Both older males nodded. Youko pulled Kagome into his lap while he leaned against a nearby tree. Enveloping her in his warm embrace, as she leaned her body into his. He kissed the top of her head.

"Goodnight, my love." He whispered gently.

"Goodnight, Youko." She said. Then she moved her head to face Inuyasha for a moment. She gave him one last small smile and said, "Sleep well, Inuyasha."

Then she allowed her eyes to shut and dreams over came her. Inuyasha stared at her. She was so kind. But he couldn't shake the feeling that she was so familiar. Like he knew her. But obviously she already knew him. Naraku. That was the only answer. He'd seen Naraku take away the memories of others so how was he to say Naraku didn't take his memories away as well? Sighing he moved his gaze to the small kit that lay not too far from Kagome and her mate Youko.

Shippo…yes, he was almost sure that was the young kit's name. But how did he know that? Memories, the things that had been stolen from him, that must be it. He must have known Shippo before too. A feeling of depression came over Inuyasha. He probably knew a great amount of people but now…now he didn't know anyone. No one was there for him. He was alone. Kagome…the moment he saw her, he found himself less lonely. Kagome...

"You used to love her, didn't you?"

Inuyasha's gold but dull eyes lifted to Youko. His mouth was open in shock. He shut it quickly, knowing for a brief moment, he had looked down right stupid for a moment.

"I…I really don't know. I just know I have this connection to her. She draws me toward her and she seems so familiar. Maybe…" He answered truthfully.

Youko gave a small sympathetic smile but it was brief. His lips were set in a line again before anyone could tell he had smiled.

"I wouldn't blame you if you did. I love her too. She has given me so much and I hope to do the same for her." He looked up and continued, "I know why you're here. I'm sure Kagome does too. She's not dumb like some try to think her as. Nor am I stupid. You're here to betray her after gaining her trust, correct?"

A long pause before Inuyasha answered, "I won't lie to you. That is what I was sent here for. But…" Another pause.

"…But I don't want to hurt her. I can't shake the feeling that if I ever hurt her…I would die myself."

"Kagome, I promise to always protect you."

"Thank you, Inuyasha."

Inuyasha smiled at that memory. It seemed as though the more he spent with kagome, the more his memory returned. And hopefully he wouldn't loose it again. Memories were precious things and to loose one would be a loss worse than anything. Memories are what help bring you forward and give you encouragement to do what is right. It is what gives you something no one else has. It was the blessing that no one can share with you. It was the very thing that belonged to you no matter what.

"I want to protect her. I made that promise to her long ago. I don't know why, but she is someone I have come to trust more than anyone. I know I don't have a complete memory of my past but I…I think it's all coming back. Slowly…in bits and pieces. I want to protect her." He ended. He looked up and stared and Youko straight in the eye.

Youko looked back at him with the same observing and calculating gaze he gave all strangers. He could see it. Inuyasha meant what he said. There was no lie in anything he had just stated. It was all true.

Youko gave him one respectful nod and Inuyasha repeated the gesture. That night, the men made a silent vow to respect one another. And a second to protect the one they cherished…Kagome.

------------------

"Kukukukukukukuku!" Naraku laughed. Inuyasha was so foolish. He may not want to betray Kagome, but Naraku still had control over his body. Inuyasha would hurt. Yes, even after experiencing death, Naraku couldn't let Inuyasha be happy; not after all the shit Inuyasha put him through.

And Kagome…

She would pay most of all. She had almost destroyed him once and that had really pissed him off. She was powerful whether she knew it or not. Now it only came to gaining that power for himself and he had no problem using Inuyasha to get it. They won't even know what hit them. Not even Inuyasha would have guessed such a plan.

Naraku grinned. Just a little longer, Kagome and her power will soon belong to me. This pathetic planet will have a new master: HIM. Naraku!

AN: Hey, ppls!!! I hope you liked this chapter and yes, I know this is a little short but I couldn't write much more, or I wouldn't have anything to write for the next chapter. Please review. I'm going to try and get the next chapter out this week. Please forgive me for all my late updates. I hope to at least get 10 reviews for this chapter / fic. I would really appreciate it. Arigato. Ja ne.