Disclaimer: Nope...still own nothing (who reads these anyway??????)

A/N: Thanx for the reviews. Its decided that Inuyasha will come back with memories but how and when and if he will be the same is for you people to find out. The following chapter will try to clear up some blank spots, if there are any, but be warned – all information in this chapter is speculated by a certain monk and it may not be true. Remember, its his hypothesis. However, if I made a very grave mistake that needs to be fixed, pleeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaase tell me before I get further into the story and it messes up the whole plot. Thank you. You people are the greatest. You make my day!!!!!

A special thanx to anon444 for clearing up that little misunderstanding...eh heh. I fixed it though. Now Inuyasha turns human on New moon not the Full moon. Sorry for letting all you diehard Inuyasha fans down out there!!!

Chapter 5: Unlikely Protector

Later that evening, Kagome had made a quick trip to her time to retrieve the tetsusaiga. It broke her heart to give up Inuyasha's beloved sword to his older brother. Inuyasha had sworn to protect her with it and he had never failed to. Now it was going to a man, a demon, who couldn't bear the presence of a human, other than Rin.

Ironic, don't you think?

She spent the night back in Feudal Times, and they sat around in a circle after having dinner for their nightly conversations.

The seating arrangements were the same as before the tragedy, however Kouga had taken Inuyasha's place next to Kagome. Shippo was playing with Kirara in a corner of the hut and Kaede was brewing some medicine.

"I still can't believe Sesshomarou beat you Kouga," Miroku added his two cents in without noticing how furious Kouga was getting of all the prodding, "I thought you were really fast..."

"Shut up, monk."

"...and strong but maybe not." Kagome hurried to make sure Kouga didn't blow up in the hut and rip Miroku to pieces. He still hadn't figured out what had enraged Kouga so much and sat there staring at the wolf-demon with his cup in his hand.

"He caught me by surprise, that's all." Kouga was worried that the little stunt the Demon Lord had pulled had undermined his image in front of Kagome, "I'll get that sword back Kagome, I promise."

"No problem Kouga, its not like anybody's going to use it here." Guilt stabbed Kouga right into the chest. He felt it so forcefully that he found it hard to breath for a second, a mere second. No, I deserve her; she's mine. That dogface could never take care of her the way I will. She's mine.

"Kagome," Kouga Started uncertainly only to have Sango interrupt him.

"What were you and Sesshomarou talking about anyway?"

"Uh...nothing," Think of something quick. "He was insulting my...uh...pack to uh...distract me from ... to distract me.

"Apparently it worked," Sango added before sipping her tea and watched the cub and fire-cat play.

Kouga flushed and Kagome got up to leave the hut.

"Where are you going Kagome?" Kouga inquired.

"Just outside."

"I'll come with."

Kagome nodded and Kouga followed her out. He stayed a few paces behind her as he felt her mood shift from okay to close to depressed.

They reached the edge of the forest a few minutes later. Kagome made her way to the bank of a river, which ran through the forest, Kouga followed not knowing what to do but knew better than to leave her alone at night in the forest.

He watched her, fascinated by her beauty as she leaned onto a rock to remove her shoes and socks to reveal her delicate feet. She waded into the water going just far enough to have her knees soaked. He was mesmerized by the beauty she was exhibiting, amplified by the moonlight caressing her creamy skin. He watched her suddenly fall to her knees with a sob.

Fearing the worst, he was right next to her lightly holding her shoulders.

"Kagome?" He asked lightly, letting all his worry and fear lace this one word.

Another sob.

"What is it?" Kouga shook her slightly and then turned her so that she was facing him completely, "tell me so I can help. Please, let me help."

Kagome suddenly wrapped her arms around him and buried her face deep into his chest. Kouga surprised by the sudden close contact returned the hug awkwardly. He loved this; he loved her being with him, holding him. He took a deep breath inhaling the air that was heavy with her scent. She smelled like ... spring. That's the only way he could describe the scent. It was refreshing and yet subtle. He could smell flowers and grass and rain. Everything that made you smiles and jump for joy.

"Let me help Kagome," Kouga said a little softly.

Kagome mumbled something into his chest.

"What is it?" He asked her again, pulling her out a bit so that her words will not be muffled by his chest.

"You helped already." She said quietly. Kouga was confused, what was she referring to? He had done nothing but hug her for a minute or two, not that he was complaining.

"I don't get it."

"By fighting Sesshomarou," Kagome whispered, barely audible. "You tried to defeat Sesshomarou, you tried – that's enough for me."

Guilt resurfaced as he pulled her into another embrace, a tighter one.

"I did nothing Kagome, I couldn't ... I didn't," He stopped himself. Are you going to tell her everything? He scolded himself, how can you tell her everything? You can't, because you don't want to. He looked at the girl who had wrapped her arms around him again and trusted him fully. She trusts you, she would never have considered you if that damned dogface was still alive. At least you have her now. He was disgusted at himself. He'll tell her, but not now – maybe later. Later is good.

"Are you okay?" Kouga asked again.

"I'll be fine." Then she laughed. It was choked and half-hearted but she laughed.

Kouga was puzzled by her strange behaviour and his hand rubbed her back lightly, "what...? I...?" Kouga had never been at a loss for words, strange what a mere human girl could do to the leader of the wolf-demons.

She pulled away and then looked straight into his eyes and then with a sad smile added, "that's what he said before he died."

Kouga was paralysed. He watched Kagome wade out of the water and make her way slowly in the direction of the hut.

"That's what he said before he died."

He'll have to keep a close watch on her. He didn't like the way she had said that. She wouldn't have said that if you had won that fight.

"Shut up!" He screamed into the night-air. He had better follow her so that she doesn't get into trouble.

Sighing, he waded out of the river and shook himself to get rid of the excess water. Then he lightly jogged in the direction of Kagome's scent.

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The moon was full that night. Everything was bathed in silver moonlight and the peace of the night was disturbed by small creatures scurrying to safety from night prowlers. The crickets chirped loudly and an owl hooted nearby. The night was peaceful and calming.

Kagome slept a dreamless deep sleep, as did the others. Even Sango didn't mind when Miroku scooted so close to her that he could have draped an arm over her wais if he intended to. Just as a safety measure, Sango had slept with her weapon within arm's reach.

Kouga was sleeping next to Kagome, close but not too much. Shippo made the situation a little easier to handle by sleeping in between them, gently snoring or purring in his sleep.

Kagome was jerked from her sleep by a very tense Miroku; he shook her awake and then put a finger on his lips to make sure she wouldn't make a sound. Kouga was awake already and was standing next to the window, his back to the wall; trying to sniff as if someone was outside. Sango had the Boomerang ready.

"Can you sense any shards Kagome?" Sango whispered, so softly that Kagome barely missed it.

She shook her head and shot Miroku a questioning look. He looked at her pleadingly and then took out a spell parchment. Slowly, he pushed the straw curtain to the side and exited the hut followed by Kouga who signalled the two girls to remain inside.

Kagome stood next to the door straining to hear anything, or sense anything. She could hear nothing but Miroku and Kouga talking in hushed tones.

"I don't smell anything, monk." Kouga shot nervously at Miroku.

"But you sense it too, don't you?"

Kouga didn't answer. Kagome took this as a cue to leave the hut. She was out before Sango could stop her.

Kagome nearly got a heart attack when she looked outside. Miroku had his staff in defence position and Kouga had his nose high in the air, trying to smell something – anything! Right between them was a demon, standing tall and rigid. His claws extracted to full length, a small growl emanating from deep in his chest. He was so close to Kagome, she could touch him. His red glowing eyes dared her to. They challenged her to try and touch him. Kagome drew a sharp breath in an attempt to steady her steadily weakening legs.

Kouga spun around and caught her just before she fell, "Kagome?"

The demon pulled back when Kouga stepped in. But his reaction didn't go unnoticed by Kagome, his eyes glowed brighter and his low growl issued into a full roar as Kouga wrapped his arms around Kagome to support her. Kagome whimpered when she saw his teeth, his canines large and menacing were bared at her – or maybe at Kouga.

Miroku swung his staff at the demon, but it went right through him. The demon however stepped back once more and disappeared all together once he and Miroku made eye contact.

Kouga half-dragged, half-carried Kagome back into the hut. The cub and Kaede had slept right through the commotion and nobody woke them up. It didn't look like anybody would be sleeping tonight.

They sat down in one corner of the room, Kagome and Kouga with their backs to one wall, while Sago and Miroku occupied the other wall. Sango's boomerang was still poised for attack and Miroku's staff was ready at his hands, as always. Kagome's bow and arrows were at arm's length.

They were silent for sometime. Sango and Kouga were confused. They kept looking at each other and Miroku and Kagome for answers. Kouga decided to break the uncomfortable silence.

"What the FUCK was that?" He yelled in a loud whisper. Kagome shot him an icy glare before indicating the small cub with a nudge of her head. He shut up almost immediately.

"Kagome?" Miroku said turning to her, "you saw it didn't you?"

"You did too." Kagome stated just so that she's sure she's not the only one. To her surprise, Miroku shook his head.

"I merely felt a presence, an evil one." He shook his head again, "I did not see it. I felt it. Its wasn't a demon though."

"It was." Kagome whispered.

"It couldn't have been." Kouga countered, "I would've smelled it if it were."

"It was Inuyasha."

Miroku's jaw dropped and Kouga started growling. Sango just looked shocked.

"It was Inuyasha, I saw him."

"But I would've smelled that mutt-face a mile away," Kouga defended.

Miroku held up his hand to stop Kouga from making further excuses, "and you have seen him before, have you not?"

"Yes and no."

Miroku nodded his agreement; "The spirit near the well was good, while this one radiated evil."

Kagome clenched her fists in shock and anger; so, he was real. She had shouted at him when he had been trying to protect her, even in death. She had thought she had imagined him when he stood next to her and saved her from the darkness that plagued her soul. And she had told him to leave her alone. "He...he was real?" Kagome questioned Miroku, hoping he would deny it. Hoping against hope that he would say that she had yelled at her imagination and not banished Inuyasha's soul.

Miroku nodded his head reluctantly, he was not sure what he had said but it had upset Kagome.

"What made him good and the demon outside bad? I mean... why was the aura around the well good while tonight...?"

Kagome took a moment to calm herself, maybe if she called, he'll come.

"He... the one near the well... he was human."

"The human Inuyasha?" Sango raised an eyebrow, "human as in like the human he turns into every new moon?"

Kagome nodded slightly, "the one tonight was well... demon."

"Fully demon?" Miroku raised a hand to his chin and stroked it, he looked deep in thought, "his soul has split." He said more to himself than others.

"What do you mean?" Sango was way more than interested in this than she was letting on, "How can someone's soul split?"

Miroku looked at everyone before speaking to make sure if he had everyone's attention. He didn't look long, every pair of eyes, that weren't closed, were on him.

"As all of you know, save Kouga, "He stopped to make sure Kouga was listening, he was greeted with a very impatient snarl, "Inuyasha harboured several personalities."

Sango scooted closer and Miroku tried to control the grin that threatened to paste itself on his face.

"Inuyasha was a sensitive human one night every month. During this night, he was prone to emotions. He was quiet, sensitive and paranoid. He was also subtle and not easily angered."

Kagome knew all of this; she had noticed the change in Inuyasha every month. With his appearance, his personality changed as well. However, Inuyasha still was overprotective. He would still get mad if anyone tried to hurt Kagome or even hint at it.

Miroku returned his hand to his chin, rubbing it with his thumb, "And then is the ever lovable full-demon. When Inuyasha's life was threatened, he transformed into a very powerful full-demon. This form possessed minimal rational thought, driven by thirst for power and blood.

"Normally, Inuyasha was a rash half-demon. Easily angered and quick to take action. He killed first, thought later. Even in this form, he was sensitive to other's pain and hated killing innocent people." Miroku's staff jingled as he set it down again. "That doesn't explain anything." Sango almost whined.

"I'm getting to the matter that this little explanation concerns, if you will let me dearest exterminator," He gave a small bow with an exaggerated swing of his arm, "Now, where were we, ah yes! The Inuyasha that we all knew and loved was a combination of the aforementioned extreme personalities.

"When a person dies, his soul is ripped from his body and sent to the afterlife. Very seldom, these souls refuse to leave this world. Some never leave their body, thus creating the undead. Others leave the body but refuse afterlife; these make demons. Very few agree to reach the afterlife but only after they fulfill an obligation, a task or a promise; these would make ghosts. These cannot be smelled, detected or seen but by the person whom they concern or very holy people."

"He promised to protect me," Kagome thought out loud fingering his beads that she always carried around with her, "he was trying to protect me."

Miroku nodded and opened his mouth to say more before Sango interrupted him.

"But why did his soul split?" Sango was clearly getting irritated by Miroku's slow approach to the first question.

He put up his hand to stop any further questioning, "I am getting to that. As I said, Inuyasha harboured several personalities. Now what would happen if Inuyasha's soul is ripped from his body? His demon side and human side fused together to form Inuyasha and both refuse afterlife to protect Kagome.

"However, one side believes in silent companionship which would help Kagome get through troubled times. His human side would offer advice that would discourage fighting and offer alternative protection. His human side was weaker at fighting than his demon side and it made him more cautious and took more preventive measures. During his 'time of the month', he sought out more strategic attacks than physical ones.

"His other side, on the contrary, is aggressive and relied on brute force to guarantee his survival. He also relies on his strength alone to protect the ones he loves, if he loves anyone in that state that is."

Kagome had caught on to what Miroku was trying to say, so she finished up for him, "So his indecisiveness on the course of action to protect caused him to split."

Miroku nodded, "I believe that is the case, although I may be wrong."

It was pretty late and Kagome's watch told her that it was around 3:00 am. They could get a few hours of sleep before Sesshomarou came demanding his sword back. Although after this night's disturbing conversations, she didn't who could sleep.

Question: Naraku was born when Kikyo took care of him in that cave thingy, right? The curse Miroku carries on his right palm is by Naraku, which is carried by his family for generations, right? So how come Naraku is about 50 years old and Miroku's family curse is generations old?

(Remember, my information is based on the first 50 episodes and I haven't seen them in a while. So I might be making a very stupid mistake but it has me thinking anyway. Thanks for thinking on my behalf!!!! :-D)