CHAPTER 15: LET YOU DOWN

Inuyasha bit down on the cry as it slowly was becoming a sob. He wouldn't cry, show no tears. But damn if he didn't want to. His fist was so tight on the black strip of cloth, his claws had cut into his palm and his blood was mixing with hers. No one dared to say a word to him.

He gritted his teeth against the unfamiliar heat behind his eyes, and he growled darkly. He couldn't believe, he almost refused to believe it. She had been here this whole time, by his side, right under his nose. And yet there had been no scent, no clue as to her real being. She had hid from him, hid herself against him. And all this time, she had taunted him by fighting him, gloating her shards in his face. But the point being, she was here. He shook his head in denial, not exactly wanting to feel the surge of warmth that flooded his veins at her scent, but not refusing it either. It had been a while since he felt alive again. But here and now...he just didn't get it. She had hid herself, from him. Why? Why would she? Had it not been her oath to stay by his side? But how could she, when he had betrayed in a way he never wanted to.

"This is my quest, and I will finish it!"

What had she meant by it? What was she saying? But he pushed it aside, the pain in his heart real. She had hid herself from him. His senses slowly came back. He would find her, look for her, in any way how. He didn't care if she ranted or yelled, or sat him to his grave. He'd find her by the gods, and make her...wait, what was that? He sniffed lightly. He smelled wolf, but there was something about it. Nervous? Hesitant? Secretive? He growled all the more and whirled to face Kouga and Ayame, making the female jump in her nervous state.

"You knew..." Inuyasha snarled, and flexed his claws, "you knew and never said anything."

Kouga glared him down, but kept Ayame safe behind him. He knew if Inuyasha was provoked, things could turn out bad. "Yes we knew. But she had us swear never to tell a soul, especially not you."

"What?!" he snarled, and made ready to attack.

"He's right Inuyasha, she didn't want you to know," Sango interrupted, surprising Miroku next her, and made Inuyasha whirl towards her, "she wouldn't even me let tell Miroku or Shippou."

"And you think that makes it alright!" Inuyasha yelled in her face, but she refused to back down. "How dare you even keep this from me! You know...YOU KNOW!"

"I only did what she asked of me."

Inuyasha backed and shook his head vigorously. He was set against showing the tears that glazed his eyes. How could she? Didn't she know what she meant to him? He'd find her, find and plead for his life. He just didn't want it to end this way. Faster than anyone knew, Inuyasha was gone and streaking through the forest, trying desperately to find her. To find Kagome.

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He never did find her, which made him infuriated. He had to find her, he NEEDED to find her. But she was gone, like the wind. But that didn't mean he returned to his group, no he stayed away. While Sango tried to reassure Miroku and Shippou that she did trust them, Inuyasha was in some tree, some where, not even caring where. He breathed heavily, emotions to strong for him to deny. He never thought it was this bad, to be in pain. But he finally knew what it felt like, to be heart broken, truly so. What it like to be Kagome. Gods what had he done?! How could he? How could he have been so...so ruthless? How? It wasn't like him, especially with Kagome. She needed kind strength, reassuring attitude, and some one to be there. And he gave none of those things. He guessed he deserved this. To have her come back and do this to him. To become strong, better, and beat him at his own game. And by the heavens how he hated it, accepted it nonetheless.

Inuyasha's head whirled in a random direction, a scent so hated that it had his lips snarling on reflex. It wasn't quiet dawn, and yet he had decided to show his face. Perfect. And this, this was for Kagome. He became nothing but a blur as she ran through the forest, trees breaking in his wake if they were in his way. He wanted no shit this time, no games. For this time, it was real. Naraku can't play nay of his games, Inuyasha wouldn't let him, but who said his death would be quick?

And what he came upon, made him retake that vow over again. He couldn't really tell right now if it was a puppet or the real thing, but as always, it was ugly and had really big brown tentacles. Demons and oni's of all kinds backed him up, flying, screaming, snarling at the group. And they were ready, all of them. Sango on her armor, weapon at the ready, Miroku with a few scrolls in hand, Sesshomaru with his cool demeanor, the wolves standing proud and tall, and Kikyou standing to defend the child and Shippou. And all had their eyes had on the figure who wore his famous white baboon pelt, with brown tentacles waving from his back, and his demon army.

Naraku chuckled lowly, making them tense. "You seem one member short. Where is the fearless masked miko?"

"Shut your mouth Naraku!" Inuyasha fumed, wiping out Tetsusagia, "she's not here, sorry to disappoint you. Guess you're all mine."

"Wait where's Kagura?" Sango hissed and looked around. Naraku gave a low chuckle.

"She's right here, taijiya, ready and willing to fight," Naraku laid a hand in his chest. They gasped.

"He re-absorbed her!" Miroku shouted.

"I guess he realized she was the only with a soul. And sorry, Inuyasha, but this bastard is mine."

Inuyasha literally jumped, which surprised Naraku. Well, the whole group who wanted to face him seemed a bit shocked too. They all turned, Inuyasha a bit slower than the others, and he let his composure full for a second. For there was Kagome, standing stiffly with her sword held loosely in one hand. Her eyes burned like coals, and she swayed as if drunk. But she kept her hot eyes on Naraku, hoping to kill him with but a glare. She could have if possible.

"Hmmm...the young Kagome, it seems as if you were missing for sometime. Since when did you come back?" Naraku sneered.

She sneered in return, "Oh poor Naraku, left out of the loop. I've been here, all this time. Do you not recognize my blade?"

He spared a glance at it, "why no don't, would you like to enlighten me?"

She laughed right in his face, "You are such a fool! It was the same one that effused you!"

Naraku narrowed his eyes, thinking. The girl looked mad, and was brave beyond what he knew of her. But refused him? Since when has he seen her? The only person he offered his supposed 'alliance' to was...

"Oh so I see. You are the Blind Miko. How very clever of you, hiding yourself like a coward behind a name, and from your friends. Not very friendly Kagome." He wagged his finger at her like she was a naughty child. It made her boil.

"What would you know of friendship?" she spat, "I did what was best for me, and to protect them from the pain I have! But guess what? The lucky you gets to feel that pain. Prepare for your death Naraku, it will only be too sweet."

He smirked, and gained the attention of all, "you might have skill Kagome, but do you have grace? Try if you will, but it won't be easy. Not when I have the full Shikon no Tama."

"What are you—"she stopped, and slapped a hand to her neck. The vial was tugging against her shirt, wanting to be free. A scream of pain came to their ears, and everyone turned to see Kouga grasping his bloodied knees. They saw the quick streak of purple, and Kikyou gasped as hers were taken as well. The vial snapped, and Kagome wasn't quick enough to stop it from flying to Naraku, where on his open palm, glowed a dark chipped Shikon no Tama, which was suddenly being put back together as the pieces came back to the original.

"He's calling them to him..." Sango breathed, and Kagome tensed her fist. They heard a little click, and the COMPLETED, WHOLE Shikon no tama gave flash before being shown glowing a dark deep violet. Naraku grinned as it pulsed in his hand. And then that hand sudden sunk the jewel in it, bringing it up his arm to his chest.

"NO!" Kagome screamed and launched herself at him. Naraku grinned, and released his demon army. The others jumped to action, bringing down demons as fast as they could. Ayame stayed by a lamed Kouga, who still fought as best he could. Inuyasha released the wind scar once before Naraku took action on that and using his newly acquired powers, confused the winds. Thank to Kagura. Inuyasha growled and slashed at any demon that came near. Sesshomaru was actually having difficulty. Naraku had concentrated on him, sending him demons so thick that Toukijin couldn't cut all the way through. The demon lord snarled in frustration. Kikyou remained behind, firing arrows in protection of Rin and Shippou, and setting up barriers when they came too fast. The taijiya and Houshi were cooping, but were getting tired.

"Naraku you son of a bitch! Fight me you coward!" Inuyasha yelled, but gasped when a black blur ran past him. "Kagome!"

She didn't listen. She didn't hear. Nothing was real to her. But him. And she ran to him, as fast as she could, sword drawn. She was going to kill him. He was going to die. If it was the last she did, it would be to save her friends. That damn jewel already caused too much pain, she wasn't going to let Naraku keep his dirty paws on it. If it was the last thing she did...

He felt the power coursing through him, and he laughed at it. He never felt this godly, and he already loved the feeling. As he watched the measly beings fight for their lives, demons seeming to manifest from the air, he grinned. His red eyes darted to the side, and saw the flash of silver.

"DIE YOU BASTARD AND ROT IN HELL!" Kagome cried, and brought her sword down fiercely...

:::::::::::::::OMG!!! DID I JUST DO THAT!!! YES, YES I DID! STAYED TUNED MY FRIENDS, YOU'LL NEVER GUESS!!

SO's:

Jammies2000: gasp! What will happen?

IY-luver-789: I know, I liked writing that. Stay with me now...only I know what will happen.

Swimchick1416: itolf you, no more clues. Find out.

Inuyasha-Freak15: are they still now!?

Cubanblood: ...don't ever utter those words again in my presence again...inuyasha and kikyou...shudder.

Mish-serenity: just one more reaction to add to my collection!

Kitura-inu-lova: who cares? It kewl. Don't hate me...I know you're gonna hate me.

Nagumi strife: that's what I said and got grounded but wth? Who cares...No please, anything but that...

Essis: why thank you, and hate me all you like right now. I know you will.

Taeniaea: come back and find out!!!

Lady-of-the-darkness: I'm heart broken!!! You're so cruel! Hehe.