To Protect The One I Love

Author's Notes:  I just wanted to comment that I personally loved the scene where Hanyou Inuyasha and Human Inuyasha were protecting Kagome and visually, it'd be hard to imagine, but I guess it shows deep down that Inuyasha's other sides couldn't hurt her.  Have you ever noticed that Human Inuyasha is kinda his emotional side, his Hanyou form is all his stubbornness and pride, and his demon side is his anger and hatred?  They all kinda make up Inuyasha in one way or another, even if they are not always the form he takes, they are always a part of him nonetheless.  Am I making any sense?  Ah well, on with the story…

I'll Be By Your Side Forever

            Kagome sat at the top of the village's shrine stairs, her knees pulled up to her chest, but she wasn't crying.  No, she was here to think.  About the past, present and what the future would bring tomorrow.

            Worried for her, Sango slowly made her way up the steps to her best friend.  "Kagome-chan?"

            Kagome blinked out of her thoughts and smiled at the approaching woman.  "Hey, Sango-chan."

            Taking a seat besides her, dressed in her pink kimono, Sango asked, "Are you okay?"

            "Yeah, just thinking."  The taijiya besides her waited, knowing the girl had more to say.  So Kagome continued.  "I don't remember anything that happened with Kouga or how I got there, but…" Blushing from the memory, Kagome paused.  "I do remember having a dream."

            "About Inuyasha?"

            "Yeah, he was in his human form and he told me…that he loved me."

            Smiling knowingly, Sango asked.  "And what did you say?"

            "I told him what I've wanted to tell him for a long time.  That I loved him too, but even thought it didn't seem real or heartfelt, hearing the words I never thought I'd hear towards me, gave me some sort of happiness and joy knowing it might be true.  And it also seemed to give me courage and the hope that I can save him."

            Placing a friendly hand on her knee, Sango stood up.  "Well, we all know that if anyone can save him, it's you."  Kagome blushed a little more.  "Everyone's ready for you at Kaede's.  We'll wait until you're ready."

            Standing up with her, Kagome shook her head.  "I'm fine.  Let's go."

* * *

            Inuyasha slashed angrily at a vase and shattered it into pieces.  That girl had been able to awaken the part of him he had been trying to get rid off.  His hanyou self had been stupid to think that if he used the jewel to transform that he would be able to control the raw anger and emotion that came with it.  Power, though easy to come by, was hard to control. 

            "Damn that woman!  If I kill her then I will finally be free!"  He roared out loud.  This was no doubt how Naraku felt with Onigumo's feelings stopping him from hurting Kikyo.  "But I am not as weak as Naraku.  I am stronger and once she's dead, there will be no one to stop me."  He smirked in his growing madness.

            "I won't let you do that."

            Spinning around, Demon Inuyasha looked into the mirror behind him and saw Hanyou Inuyasha.  "I thought I had gotten rid of you!"

            "You will never get rid of me."  Inuyasha said back.  "As long as Kagome still believes in me, I have to have faith in my own strength and abilities.  I should've known that she cared about me no matter what.  You may control my body, but she will always control my heart."

            With red eyes flashing, Demon Inuyasha crossed his arms.  "But you don't want me to go away.  I'm your true strength.  I will destroy anything and anyone who ever hurt you.  I got rid of your brother, didn't I?"  He said confidently.

            Shaking his head, Hanyou Inuyasha replied.  "My brother lives.  He's stronger than that and I wouldn't have let you kill him anyways.  I always disliked my brother, but he had plenty of times to kill me and he didn't.  As much as he says he hates me, I know he only fights me to make me stronger.  Without him, I never would've been able to defeat Naraku."

            "Feh, so you are prepared to go back to the sniveling half-breed that everyone picked on and loathed?  Go back to fearing the nights when the moon disappears and you're forced to become a weak human?  Countless nights of sleep have been lost because of your fear to sleep in that form.  With me here, you will never transform into a weak and fragile human again."

            Hanyou Inuyasha's eyes closed at the truth.  "I do fear being human, and I don't like being weak and without power-even for a night.  But, Kagome once told me something that made it easier to deal with.  She told me that even though more people knew my secret, it also meant I had more friends.  Miroku, Sango, Shippo, they are always there for me when I change into a human and they've protected me more times than I can remember."  Opening his eyes he glared defiantly at Demon Inuyasha.  "And it's because of them that I'm not afraid anymore to be human!  They give me the strength and courage I need!"

            Demon Inuyasha took a step back from the mirror very much like when he stepped back from Kagome as doubt and fear began to seep into his skin.  Then, he smirked and flexed his claws replying, "That may be true, but as long as I am in control, none of that matters.  Power is all that matters and now that I have it, they will all bow down to me!"  He slashed with his claws and shattered the mirror.  It now lay broken on the floor next to the vase.

            A portion of the mirror remained intact and Inuyasha's golden stare continued to glare at his other self as he stated, "Naraku said those same words and look where he is now."

            "Shut up!"  Inuyasha punched the last piece, severing whatever connection his former self had connected.  He may have let Kagome escape once, but there would be no second time.  "She will fall by tomorrow's end."

* * *

            Kagome stood before everyone present.  There were quite a few of them now, but even still, she feared they'd need more help.  Especially if they were to succeed with her plan.  Right now there was Miroku, Sango, Shippo, Kaede, Jaken, Sesshoumaru, Ayame, Ginta and Hakkaku.  Rin was with Kimiko caring to Kouga, who was still unconscious from his battle with Inuyasha.  They would fill him in on the plan later.  Clearing her throat, Kagome began, "Right now, the Inuyasha we all know is still inside him, but with the Shikon no Tama, his demon side has complete control."

            "How do you know for sure?"  Jaken asked.

            Sango immediately jumped to her defense.  "If anyone knows Inuyasha, it's Kagome!"

            "I'm just asking if she's sure because if she's not, then there's no Inuyasha to bring back!"  Jaken argued in return.

            Kagome sighed.  "The truth is I'm not sure, but it's just a feeling.  When I was with him, I could see the Shikon no Tama in his heart.  It was completely black and defiled, but when he hesitated and backed off, I knew my words were getting through to him.  Besides, the jewel lightened in color and the purification seemed to pain him."

            Ayame piped in.  "He also said that at the time he would able to hurt Kagome because the other Inuyasha was gone.  He would've been able to kill her before if that were still true."

            Miroku rubbed his chin in thought.  "Well, if he is still in there, we have to pull him out, so he can have control of his body again."

            "Would one of your ward papers do, Miroku-sama?"  Kaede asked.

            The monk shook his head.  "It would exorcise the evil within him, but unless Inuyasha is strong enough to stay inside his body while the demon is expelled, then both would be destroyed."

            "And that's where my idea comes into play."  Kagome continued.  "You all may not like it, but I suggest we find Kagura and Kanna."

            This sent the room into an uproar.  Whistling, Kagome got everyone's attention again. 

            "Kagome-chan, do you really think they'll help us?"  Sango asked.

            "What good would those treacherous youkai be to us anyways?"  Jaken wondered. 

            Miroku had already caught on though.  "Kanna's mirror may be able to separate the demon from the hanyou, giving Inuyasha enough time to take control and…" He stopped.  "And then what?"

            Kagome nodded.  "Then I plan to purify the jewel and free him from its powers once and for all."

            Kaede's eyes widened.  "Are you sure you can perform such a spell on your own, child?"

            Kagome shrugged.  "I'm not sure, but I plan to have Inuyasha there to help me."

            "Considering this is all possible."  Sesshoumaru spoke for the first time that night.  "You're going to need the demon side weak in order for it to work."

            Kagome nodded.  "I was hoping I could count on all of you to do that for me."

            Jaken scoffed.  "If you think you can just start ordering Sesshoumaru around like you do your hanyou than you can just…"

            "Jaken." Sesshoumaru said, eyeing the creature.  The look alone was enough to quite his servant's excessive jabbering. 

            Kagome bit her lower lip in doubt.  "I know it's a lot to ask, but you all know that he would do the same for us, and has several times."  To emphasize her point, Kagome continued, "When Miroku-sama was away healing his wounded Kazaana, Inuyasha was there when Miroku-sama's shield broke down.  When Sango-chan attacked him because of Naraku's trick, he refused to fight back because he knew it wasn't her fault.  Inuyasha took on the thunder brothers not only because they had jewel shards, but because of what they did to Shippo."  The room stayed silent as she spoke.  "When Ayame's pack was running from the Shichininitai, even though it was Kouga who defeated the zombie that was killing off her pack, Inuyasha fought to defeat the rest.  Kouga and Inuyasha have always been enemies, but when Naraku's detachment threatened Kouga, Inuyasha destroyed it.  And no bond is thicker than blood.  When Sesshoumaru was at the hands of Naraku, Inuyasha fought Naraku with everything he had and gave Sesshoumaru enough time to break free."

            The miko shrank back a bit knowing these were all painful memories for everyone.  "And I know that if Inuyasha were here himself, he'd give some kind of excuse why he did those things, but the bottom line is he needs us now more than ever.  If any of you don't feel you owe him even a shred of thanks for what he's done for you, then by all means leave this hut and leave the fighting to me.  He's risked his life countless times for me and demon or not, I will not stand by watch him destroy himself!  Not when I can save him!"

            She stood up and left the hut with those words, letting it sink in and letting everyone decide for themselves where they stood.

            Miroku and Sango were the first to come out.  "You know we're with you."  Miroku said, getting a nod from Sango.

            Shippo was right by their feet and raised up a fist.  "He may have picked on me, but Father wouldn't be happy if I stood by and did nothing to help."

            Next to come out was Ayame.  "My grandfather survived because of Inuyasha and my comrades can rest in peace because of his actions."  She smiled and pulled up Ginta and Hakkaku by their ears from behind her.  "We're with you!"

            Both brothers winced in pain, but shrugged and decided it was easier to fight a Demon Inuyasha than a mad Ayame.

            Sesshoumaru was the last to exit and Jaken came out with his arms crossed at his master's feet.  Neither said anything, but Kagome knew the answer.

            Smiling, she felt her throat tighten.  "Arigatou, minna."

            Sango came up and held hiraikotsu with one arm.  "You know I won't let you go alone when you search for Kagura and Kanna right?"

            The miko laughed slightly.  "Wouldn't dream of it."

            Miroku came up behind them and placed on hand on each girl's shoulder.  "Then you must know that I intend to go as well?"  Both girls' eyebrow's twitched and they brought up their fists as he continued innocently.  "As the leading male here, I must protect you."  His hands lowered behind their backs as he went in for a double grope.

            "HENTAI!"  Both girls screamed and slapped him from either side.  "WHAT WE NEED IS PROTECTION FROM YOU!!"

            Kaede came out of the hut and opened her eyes widely as Miroku sat dazed between the two women.  "I suggest you wait until tomorrow to begin your search.  You're going to need all your strength tomorrow, so I suggest you rest until then."

            Jaken looked up at his master.  "Sesshoumaru-sama, you still need time to heal."

            "I'm fine."  Sesshoumaru replied shortly.  Walking away, he silently went to check up on Rin, leaving Jaken behind.

            "W-wait for me!!!"  The little green demon ran after him, staff in hand like always.

            Shippo watched curiously.  "We definitely have an interesting group this time."

            Ayame finally released both wolf demon's ears and cupped her hands behind her back innocently.  "Well, I'm going to check up on Kouga!" She ran off laughing, while Ginta and Hakkaku drudged behind her, rubbing their sore ears and mumbling quietly to themselves.

            Sango turned to Kagome.  "You should be trying to get the most rest after everything you've been through."

            Shaking her head, Kagome replied.  "I'm not tired yet and there are things I need to do first."  Turning away she started walking off by herself.

            Behind her, Sango tapped her foot impatiently as Miroku watched the miko walk away from his point on the floor.  He was trying to get a glimpse of her undergarments when Sango stepped on his head.  "You'll never learn will you?"

            He smiled innocently and raised his hands in a shrugging manner.  "Haa haa…."

* * *

            Kagome walked into the forest and looked up at Goshinboku.  It's been awhile since I've been here, but whenever things got tough, you always came here, didn't you, Inuyasha?  Smiling she grabbed hold of one knot and climbed up to the first branch she saw.  Ever since she was a kid, her mom had to yell at her not to climb the tree because she could fall, but after so many years, she'd become an expert at it.

            She sat down on the wide branch and leaned back against the trunk.  This was something that never changed.  She always felt comforted by the tree's magical presence and it was the same in both times.  Perhaps it was because Inuyasha had been sealed here for so long.  Or maybe the reason was more ancient than that.

            Whatever it was, Kagome needed it badly because although she was composed in front of everyone, inside she was scared to death.  She talked big, but could she convince their one-time enemies to help them?  And if so, would she be able to purify the jewel and bring Inuyasha back?  

            Inuyasha, I don't know how you did it.  Hide your fear and anxiety from us when you needed to be strong.  I'm no leader, I never have been.  I wasn't even a good captain for summer volleyball.  But now, these people are turning to me to lead them into a battle even I'm not sure I can win.

            I feel like crying, but I know that won't help right now.  Even though she thought this, tears still formed in her eyes.  I want you back more than ever, Inuyasha!  I want to go back to the way things were.

            "As long as you hold onto the courage inside you, there's nothing you can't do."

            Gasping, Kagome looked down at the base of the tree and saw a translucent figure of none other than Inuyasha himself.  His dog ears and silvery hair were exactly like she remembered.  "I-Inuyasha!"  She gasped.

            Quickly climbing down, she looked at him.  There was one time before when she had seen him like this and it was when Kikyou had convinced her to go home after Kagome had shot Inuyasha and pinned him to Goshinboku a second time.  The mystical tree had been able to connect the two times and made it possible for her to see him and him her.  "I-is it really you?  I'm not imagining it this time."

            He smiled fondly and pulled her into a hug, just like he had that one time.  She felt his body against hers as he crushed her close.  "I'm not free yet, but I had to come see you.  Somehow I knew I'd find you here."

            Kagome's tears now flowed freely.  "I'm scared, Inuyasha.  I want to be with you so badly, but I…I…"

            "Shhh."  He stroked her hair softly.  "I know it's hard, but we both have to be strong.  A lot of people are depending on you.  I'm one of them.  But I know you won't let me down because you're strong.  I'm sorry I've called you weak before, but you're not.  You've overcome things I don't even know if I could do.  You're a strong willed human and a wonderful miko.  You are whoever you want to be and you can do anything you set your mind to.  Remember that."

            She nodded and rested her head on his shoulder.  "When everything's back to normal, will you…will you hold me like this again?"

            Smiling, Inuyasha closed his eyes.  "Anything you want."

            Kagome smiled and closed her eyes but when opened them again, she was alone.  She looked up at the tree and as the night air blew the leaves and branches, she could almost see Inuyasha's smiling face.  "Wait for me.  I'm coming."

* * *

            In the darkness of the castle, Inuyasha laid against one of the stonewalls.  His eyes were closed in sleep, but his ears twitched as he heard her words and a smile crossed his face.  Kagome…

Author's Notes:  One thing I will say:  This chapter brought tears to my eyes.  If you can imagine it, somehow it really chokes you up inside.  Well, as the story goes on, this fanfiction is definitely getting longer and longer, huh?  Oh yeah, the title was inspired by Kagome's promise to Inuyasha at the end of the 48th episode was it?  I don't remember, but we all know the one.  Well, hope to get the next chapter up soon.  Bai bai!