Chapter 23

"Be warned though, Kagome." Kikyo stated as they set out. Kagome looked up.

"Naraku will not be beat so easily." Kagome nodded

"I know that. But I will be ready for him. I'm not going to give up." She turned to her. "I'm not going to give up on Inuyasha."

Kikyou smiled. "You think you know so much don't you child?"

"Uh?"

"My feelings are confusing to you, you wonder why I hate Inuyasha even though Naraku is the on who put us against each other. You wonder why I don't just die and leave you to alone together."

"Your right," Kagome nodded. "I do wonder that." A blush appeared on her cheeks.

Kikyo looked up at the sky. Kagome could hardly take it. Her whole body wanted to run as fast as she could to the place Kikyo said Naraku would be, but Kikyo was acting like this was nothing but a leisurely walk.

"It is because, Kagome," she paused. "I'm not going to give up on Inuyasha." She smiled slightly. Kagome's eyes widened.

"I knew it."

"Eh?!" Kikyo glared at her.

"I knew that is the only thing we shared. I knew that the only thing that let you keep the rest of my soul was not because of your "consuming hatred" as you once told me. But because we both can't stand to be away from him."

"You're...your wrong! You-"

"Kikyo, in your head you feel older. The fact is though, you are my age, you are a mentally unstable dead woman Kikyo." Kagome smiled, enjoying being rude, for once. "The reason you came back was because once Inuyasha called out your name you knew you wanted to be with him. Did you know that I heard you?"

Kikyo was looking at her with a mix of fear and hurt in her eyes. Kagome continued.

"I heard you tell him not to say your name, I knew you did not want to come out. I told that lie of remembering nothing... so really Kikyo. Am I such a unknowing child?" she had avoided Kikyo's eyes this whole time, but one this last sentence she chanced a look.

The fires of hell burned in those eyes.

"You know NOTHING about my life with Inuyasha!" Kikyo screamed.

"Idiot! Of course I do! Did you ever wonder were your memories were going?? Didn't you ever collapse like me?!"

"Of course I did..."

"Even at night...I have never told anyone that...but even at night I dream about your life together." Tears appeared down her cheeks.

"Are you looking for pity? You do not have mine." Kikyo laughed.

"Nor do I need it." Kagome said fiercely wiping away the tears. "I'm only proving you wrong Kikyo. There isn't any reason to get so defensive."

Kikyo sighed. "What happened to you Kagome? Suddenly you don't act like such a pushover."

Kagome ignored her.

"I know you still love him, and that you blame yourself. You rather be angry at him then admit that, right Kikyo?"

The fire blazed.

Kagome was tired of Kikyo talking as if she only thought sad lonely thoughts, as if she was the only sad person in the world. Kagome's pure heart only went so far before Kikyo's sad life turned into that of a clay body full of nothing but a whining ball of hatred.

Kagome glanced over at her.

"I'm not playing anymore Kikyo. It's time to save Inuyasha."

**Meanwhile**

A tall, well-built, boy ran through the forest. Over one strong arm was a long stick, in which one human, and two demons were strapped tightly. The heavy load was nothing for him. Lord Naraku gave him strenth for this trip. His slayers outfit was cleaned and his duty clear. He was to let lose the sleeping powder in their food and then, capture the males and let the female live. He did so and now it was time to deliver them to his master. He had seen these people before ...who were they?

"Ah Kohaku." Naraku said lightly. "You have done what I asked. Good job."

There was a gasp from the background.

"Thank you Master Naraku." He laid the pole on the ground and sat next to it.

Myroku, Shippo... Kelala... Inuyasha thought. That means Kagome is alone... alone with Kikyo?! ARE THEY DEAD?

"What did you do to them!?" He spat at Naraku.

"Relax Inuyasha. They're only sleeping... for now." Inuyasha growled.

"The women are coming Master Naraku.." Kohaku said after waiting for them to stop talking. Naraku smirked inside his baboon skin.

"Good... thank you Kohaku." Kagura looked over at Naraku.

"Why did you not bring Kanna Naraku? You could have seen them through her mirror." Inuyasha's thoughts were running together. If there waiting for the women then that means Kagome and Kikyo right? But if it means Kikyo and Kagome then that means that Kikyo is really with Naraku. But if Kikyo is with Naraku then why would she bother bringing Kagome to him and not kill her herself. Wait! Why did I just ask that? I don't want Kikyo to kill Kagome... But I don't want Kikyo with Naraku...

"Kanna is on another mission at the moment Kagura." he smirked. "You need not worry about your sister."

Inuyasha gasped as it hit him. Kanna + Other mission + everyone either captured or in danger = Kanna is going after Sango.

"DAMN!!!" He shouted. Naraku smiled.

"Your not as stupid as you look half-breed Inuyasha."