Chapter 7: All is fair in Love and Betrayal

"Damn it!" Miroku said. Why didn't he pay more attention to where he was going? He continued to walk along the endless winding passageways.

"Where is that stupid fire?" Miroku grumbled. He couldn't see five feet in front of him. The dark seemed to infect every inch of the walls. Out of the corner of his eye, Miroku saw something move. He quickly spun around.

"Who's there?" he shouted. This temple freaked him out. It reeked of death. He knew someone was watching him. He tried searching the utter darkness all around him. He spun in a complete circle trying to get a glimpse of his stalker. He stopped spinning and strained his eyes, hoping to cut through the wall of black that had surrounded him.

He sensed the figure behind him even before he felt the point of her arrow dig into his back.

"Turn slowly," she said in a stern voice.

"Kikyo, what do you want?" Miroku asked as he turned to face the clay miko.

"We need to talk Miroku," replied the priestess. "You have something I want."

"The Shikon shards?" Miroku asked. "Why would I ever give those to you?"

"Because you want Sango back." The priestess was enjoying his misery.

Miroku gasped.

"I heard you say that you would do anything, didn't I? What good is that jewel if you don't have your woman?" Kikyo's words cut straight to his heart.

"Why do you need the jewel?" Miroku didn't trust Kikyo for a moment.

"I need to complete my mission, my life's goal. I need to drag Inuyasha to hell with me." Kikyo stated evenly.

"I can't betray my friends!" Miroku said. "Are you crazy?"

Kikyo smiled, "But don't you want Sango back? There is no other way."

Miroku thought about it. What was he supposed to do? His life meant nothing without Sango. Yet, he couldn't betray his friend's trust.

Kikyo could tell he was struggling. "I think he needs a little persuasion," she smiled wickedly.

Miroku was still deep in thought when he heard her.

"Sango?" he turned in the direction of the noise.

Sango was standing right in front of him. She looked even more beautiful than he had remembered. Her eyes shone brightly. Her rich, sweet laughter filled the air.

"Miroku," Sango said as she opened her arms.

Miroku couldn't believe his eyes. He stepped forward to embrace her. His arms went right through her. He looked at her with horror. Miroku slowly put out his hand. To his dismay, he could put his fist right through her chest.

"Well you didn't expect me to let you have her that easily did you?" Kikyo smiled as she watched Miroku. She knew what was going on in his head.

Miroku's mind was made up.

Meanwhile, back at the fire, Kagome shivered. She wasn't cold but she was spooked. Both of the guys had left her all alone. She had a bad feeling about this temple. There was an evil energy around it. To her delight, Inuyasha appeared holding what would soon be dinner.

Kagome sighed, "Thank goodness you are back."

"Where is Miroku?" Inuyasha asked as he sat down on the other side of the fire.

"He went to go get some water. Actually, he left awhile ago. He should be back by now. I hope he is ok." Kagome was getting worried.

"He probably just needed some time to think. He has been through a lot lately," Inuyasha said. "I don't know how he does it. How does he keep going?" Inuyasha thought to himself.

He had done a lot of thinking lately. When he went out hunting, it was the perfect opportunity to clear his head. He wasn't sure if he loved Kagome. She could be annoying and stupid sometimes, but Inuyasha definitely cared for her somehow. He was so confused about his feelings. In his frustration, he had taken out all of his anger on the surrounding trees. After he had cooled down a little, he made a decision. If the right time came, he would tell Kagome some of his feelings. Whatever happened after that would be up to her.

He looked over at Kagome. "I don't know what I would do if I lost someone I loved," he thought. "Wait, do I love her?"

Kagome watched him think. He looked so cute when he tried to be smart. Then he looked at her. There was something different in his eyes; they were full of warmth and love. What was happening?

"I don't know what I would do without you Kagome," Inuyasha said as he looked deep into her eyes. Even he was surprised at what was coming out of his mouth. Kagome just sat there stunned.

"Do you really mean that?" Kagome asked cautiously. She didn't want to get too excited and then have her heart broken.

After a few moments Inuyasha replied. "Yes, I do. You mean so much to me." Suddenly he became scared. He wasn't used to being this open and vulnerable. "How would we find the Shikon shards without you?"

Kagome's heart sunk. She looked hurt.

"You are more than that Kagome," Inuyasha added quickly. "I need you Kagome. I wouldn't be who I am if it wasn't for you."

Kagome couldn't believe her ears. She pinched herself to make sure that it wasn't a dream. After her pain confirmed that this was real, a huge smile spread across her face. She got up and walked over to where Inuyasha was. He stood up unsure of what was going to happen next. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. He wrapped his arms around her waist loving every second of the close contact. When Kagome tried to pull away, Inuyasha wouldn't let her. He pulled his head back to look at her face. She looked so confused.

"Maybe this will clear things up," Inuyasha thought.

Before she knew what was happening, their lips touched. It was perfect. It just felt so natural, like they were always meant to be together. It was sublime for one never ending moment.

Kagome pulled her head back. Inuyasha had already expressed his feelings. It was her turn.

"Inuyasha, there is something I need to tell you," Kagome said. "Inuyasha, I l………."

Suddenly Inuyasha went rigid. A familiar scent had arrived and it was strong. Inuyasha backed away from Kagome. He had a bewildered look on his face.

"Kikyo??"