AN: Hello all! Summer is almost here and that is making me extremely happy. Although, the hotter weather aggravates me. Oh well, I guess I have to take the good with the bad. I have also realized that I haven't really been getting that many reviews lately and it discouraged me a little; but then I realized that I don't always review the stories that I read so I couldn't be a hypocrite. Sometimes I hate being logical; if I wasn't, then I could whine and not feel guilty. Ah well, HAPPY READING AND ENJOY!

coyotesabre: Hmm.. hope you didn't get grounded, that would really suck. My mom can't ground me anymore, I only live at home on holidays (joys of college). As for this one ending, it makes me sad; it was the first story I ever let other people read. I'm always reluctant to sit down and write the next chapter now because it is almost over; and I've been trying to make it last a little longer. Hopefully, my next story will be as good.

tessie-fanfic: I'm glad that you were able to finally view the chapter. I think fanfic.net was just having technical difficulties or something. Thank you for reviewing.

The One above All: Sorry if my chapters are a little short, but I'm kinda trying not to end this one yet. Pretty soon there won't be anymore chapters and that makes me sad.

Disclaimer: If I owned it I would name it Squish, and I would Squosh it, and it would be mine forever. But I don't, so that isn't its name.

Love Isn't Just a Memory

Chapter Twenty-Four: Facing the Facts

By: Nimerin

Everyone had theirs eyes cautiously fixed on Kagome awaiting her reaction. Well, everyone but Inuyasha, who was currently staring at the pavement as though it held the answers to the worlds big questions. Sadly it didn't; although, if he had asked the caterpillar it would have been able to enlighten him.

Kagome, for her part, was struggling to remember why everyone thought that this Kikyo person would be after her. No images came to mind, but her feelings were extremely strong. It was strange, but the very sound of that name sent chills down her back and straight into her heart and soul. She was terrified of this person, but she realized that the fear had nothing to do with her own safety. Which perplexed her, since everyone seemed to think that this person was out to harm her. 'Shouldn't I feel fear for myself if this person is out to kill me?' Kagome mused thoughtfully, 'I know I'm not though. I'm afraid, but is more like I'm afraid she is going to take away something very important to me.' There was also another emotion there, but it was so buried under the fear that Kagome didn't take the time to try and discover it.

Kagome looked at Sango, who was still standing very near by, her hand still laid comfortingly on Kagome's shoulder. Sango appeared afraid for Kagome, but she was also very sad looking. Kagome frowned, "Why do you look so sad Sango-chan?"

Sango had a sharp intake of breath, and her grip became marginally stronger, "Oh Kagome-chan, you don't remember do you?"

"Iie," Kagome shook her head, "I don't remember her at all; well not really. I mean I remember being very afraid of her, but I don't remember why."

Sango sighed and removed her hand, she then moved to stand next to her. She was unsure of whether or not it was a good thing that Kagome still couldn't remember Kikyo. It was bad enough for her to fear the dead miko, she did not want the young girl to remember the feelings of inferiority that always surfaced whenever she was mentioned. Still, she needed to know what she was up against so she wouldn't be so surprised when they actually had to face her.

Miroku shifted on his feet, "It is only logical that you would be afraid of Kikyo; she is, after all, trying to steal you soul."

Kagome bit her lower lip and squinted as she looked off into the distance. "It isn't that kind of fear Miroku-sama." She was quiet for a moment as she struggled for a way to explain her feelings to her friends. They all remained silent as they patiently waited for her to elaborate. Kagome sighed, "I'm not quite sure how to put it, but I'm not afraid of her doing me harm. I'm scared she might take something important from me, and I don't think it is my soul. I mean, the dream told me that someone was trying to do that, and I was scared, but it's just not the same."

Everyone was silent as they took in the new information. It took them a few moments, but as soon as they started to process the information they began to sneak discreet glances at the hanyou who was still transfixed with the ground. They all knew who she was speaking of, even if she didn't remember; but none of them were intent on informing her. They did not believe it was their place, and if anyone was to explain it to her, then it should be Inuyasha.

Unfortunately, Inuyasha was clueless as to what Kagome could be afraid of Kikyo taking. He furrowed his brow in thought, and missed all of the knowing glances sent his way as he tried to sort out things in his muddled brain. The voice popped up to lend his assistance, 'So Kikyo is back again.'

'It would appear that way.' Inuyasha mumbled in his head.

'And she is trying to kill Kagome.'

'You don't know that!' he shouted.

'She is trying to steal Kagome's soul. What do you think, it will just tickle?' The voice snapped back.

'Maybe it won't hurt her.'

'Boy, you really are a baka.' The voice mumbled, 'Face it, you have seen how tired Kagome has been? This isn't going to end well for her and you know it. You promised to protect Kagome, and you may have to protect her against Kikyo. Can you do that?'

'I also promised I would protect Kikyo.' Inuyasha murmured dejectedly.

'But she is trying to hurt Kagome, you can't just let her do that.'

'I know.' Now Inuyasha sounded like a kicked puppy.

The voiced sighed, 'So what are you going to do about it?'

Inuyasha didn't answer for a moment, but when he did, it was a whisper, 'I'll do anything to make sure the Kagome isn't injured.' He sighed, 'I don't know how I am even able to make this decision.'

'What if it was the other way around?' The voice asked curiously.

'What?'

'What if it was Kagome trying to kill Kikyo?'

Inuyasha mentally shook his head, 'Kagome would never do that.'

'Exactly. You are able to finally chose because you finally realized that Kagome is innocent and pure and would never do harm to a single thing if it was not required. Kikyo isn't even the same person anymore, the Kikyo that walks the world is corrupt.'

'I know that; but it's even more than that. I finally realized that I would do anything for her.'

'Good, took you long enough.'

Inuyasha was exasperated, 'These sorts of things take some time to get straight; you shouldn't rush me!'

'So you aren't going to do what you always do to Kagome when Kikyo is mentioned?'

'What are you talking about?'

'You know, you always avoid looking her in the face. Like, now for instance.'

'That doesn't have anything to do with her.' He replied defensively, 'I just feel guilty. She wouldn't have this problem if wasn't for me. I didn't protect her well enough back when Urusae captured her.'

'You can't blame yourself for that, and you should know by now that Kagome doesn't blame you either. Besides, some things are just meant to happen.'

'Like Kagome falling in the well.'

'Hai, so stop being such a coward and face her.'

'I am no coward!' Inuyasha responded angrily.

'Then prove it.' The voice responded evenly.

Inuyasha snapped out of the daze he had momentarily been in while he was talking with the voice. He observed the others, as they all shifted uncomfortably. Their glances were alternating between Kagome and him; obviously they were debating whether or not to tell Kagome everything they knew about Kikyo. He was sorely tempted to tell one of them to do it, or merely to let Kagome not remember. Ultimately though, he knew he would have to be the one to inform her. Kagome would never settle with not knowing what was going on, especially if she knew they all were holding out on her. He also knew that it would have to be him because while the others knew about the situation between Kikyo and Kagome, they didn't know everything.

"Sometimes," he mumbled as everyone turned to face him, surprised that he had spoken at all, "I hate having to be the one to lead you guys. I end up having to do all the crappy jobs."

Everyone was confused as to what he was speaking about and Shippo was the first to voice it, "Oi, Inuyasha" he piped, "What are you talking about?"

Inuyasha sighed and turned to Kagome. He took a gentle hold of her arm and began to lead her away, "Come on Kagome, I'll explain some things to you about Kikyo."

Everyone watched him march her off in surprise; for once he wasn't running away or acting like they were accusing him of something. Sango turned to Miroku, "Do you think it is a good idea for him to talk to her alone like that?"

"I doubt he would say what needs to be said in front of us."

"But what if he leaves something important out; how are we going to know?"

"We are just going to have to trust him on that one. Besides, the fact that he is willing to talk to her at all is a big sign; he might actually get everything right this time."

"I hope so." She mumbled as she watched the two head off in the direction of the Goshinboku. They turned to face Allerium and Kagome's mother.

Mrs. Higurashi had walked up to the Guardian of time and was trying to offer her some tea. "We would be honored if you would join us for some tea Allerium-sama."

"That is very kind of you, but I am afraid that I must be on my way. I have lingered her too long as it is. Arigato." Allerium smiled warmly at them all before stepping back and fading into the storm that had brought her there. They all stood there waiting for the storm to dissipate before sending one last look at the Goshinboku and heading back inside. They were anxious for Kagome, but knew Inuyasha would take care of her and it was necessary for her to remember more of the past.

AN: Alrighty, that's it for today. I hope you like it. I think that the conversation between the voice and Inuyasha is a tad awkward and I might revise it another time. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW! THANK YOU! Hey, I said I didn't want to whine, but I never said anything about begging.