Stay Chapter 19: The Battle for Kagome's Life, an inuyasha fanfic

A/N: I just want to say one thing: YOU GUYS ARE SO GREAT! Thank you very very very much for all the warm and touching reviews! Read the A/N below 'cause I've dropped a few lines for all of my wonderful sweet reviewers! And now, here's the next installment and I hope all of you will enjoy the fighting scene here… I really tried to make it action-filled but I think it's not that good. Please bear with me. -smiles apologetically-

Wow… -insert amused smiley here- I can't believe I made a short author's note this chapter! Hehehe… It's because I'm thanking my readers at the bottom… LOL! I finally got a copy of Sayonara Ashita no Tame ni! You know, the song played when Kikyou died? It's really so good! You better get one too! And at last! I finally got the CD of Best of Inuyasha II! It's got all the songs compiled there! A must-have for Inuyasha fanatics like us! –giggles madly-

Okay… so it's not a short A/N now… -.-'

Disclaimer: Don't you get tired of reading this same line every time I update? –sigh- Anyway, I DoN't OwN iNuYaShA. Yes, I already said it so don't sue me.

Chapter 19

The Battle for Kagome's Life

"What?.!" That was the only word that escaped Inuyasha's mouth after hearing Kagome's words.

Kagome looked up into Inuyasha's eyes, fear and confusion clearly visible in her brown eyes. "I-I can't shoot purifying arrows anymore—Inuyasha! It's coming!" Kagome suddenly gasped, seeing the leopard youkai heading towards their direction—fast.

"Hey! What the hell do you think are you doing?.!" Inuyasha ranted, shooting dagger glares at Kouga.

Kouga was already running away from the youkai—with Kagome in his arms. "I'm just saving Kagome, you idiot!" He called out.

Kagome's eyes widened as the youkai got closer. A few more seconds and Inuyasha would get hurt. "Inuyasha! Move!" She cried out.

Immediately, the hanyou leaped to avoid its sharp claws and kicked it hard, making it sprawl on the ground—lifeless. Then he landed briskly beside Kouga and glowered at him. "You can put her down now." He said, gritting his teeth hard and showing his fangs.

Kouga smirked but he let Kagome down gently. "Heh! You really look like a dog when you growl like that." He scoffed, wearing a smug grin.

"Why the hell did you take Kagome with you?.!" The hanyou barked.

"Just what the hell did you expect me to do?.! Escape alone and watch Kagome die?.!" Kouga retorted.

"Um, excuse me but there are still…" Kagome sighed in defeat as she looked at the two hot-tempered boys fighting in front of her. It was useless trying to talk to them right now. They were too occupied with their quarrel. Everything else was thrown aside. "Don't they know that the battle isn't finished yet?.!" She thought.

"I'm going to protect her, you idiot!" Inuyasha's reply was quick and certain.

"And what gives you the right to protect her?.!" Kouga's eyes pierced Inuyasha, challenging him.

Inuyasha paused but quickly thought of a comeback. "And what's your right to protect her?.!" It was easier to return Kouga's question than to answer his question.

"What the hell's wrong with you?.! Kagome's my woman; it's my duty to protect her." The wolf youkai prince responded like it was a world-known fact.

Inuyasha's blood boiled. "How many fucking times do I have to tell you that she's not yours?.!" He said, looking very pissed off.

Kouga was about to reply again but something moving behind Inuyasha stopped him. Instead he said, "Your kick didn't finish the job." He prepared himself to attack the youkai growling a few meters from Inuyasha while grumbling, "This youkai doesn't know how to quit." He was about to charge when Inuyasha blocked his way. "What the—"

"Don't," said Inuyasha, spinning around to face the leopard youkai. "I'll be the one to finish this. You protect Kagome for a while." Inuyasha placed Tetsusaiga in front of him defensively.

"Now you're letting me protect Kagome?" Kouga said, looking amused.

"Keh! Shut up!" Inuyasha said in irritation. "I said 'for a while'. It's not like I'm giving her to you!" Then he dashed towards the enemy, aiming to kill the youkai once and for all. "Take this! Kaze no Kizu!" A strong rush of energy coming from Tetsusaiga went through the youkai, turning it into dust. Finally, it was dead.

"Eh? They're leaving?" Sango observed as the few remaining youkais retreated towards the heavens, including the Saimyoushou. A single Saimyoushou flew towards the place where the leopard youkai perished and picked up a glowing pink fragment.

"Ah! It has a Shikon fragment!" Shippou exclaimed, pointing at the Saimyoushou that was now flying away.

"Wait!" Inuyasha tried to run after it but it was too high to reach. "Damn it!" He cursed under his breath, glaring at the escaping insect youkai.

"Kirara, let's go!" Sango quickly rode her loyal fire cat companion and went after the Saimyoushou. She quickly threw Hiraikotsu towards the insect youkai and vanquished it. The single shard of Shikon no Tama that it was carrying started falling but Sango caught it right on time.

"Did you get it?" Miroku asked, standing beside Kirara while Sango dismounted from her.

"Yes." Sango answered briefly then went to Kagome. "Here." She placed the polluted fragment on Kagome's cupped hands. "I think you need to purify it."

"Okay…" Kagome stared at the Shikon shard on her hands for a while, waiting for the pink shard to stop emitting a tainted aura. But it still remained to glow slightly black—meaning it still had some evil aura. "What's happening?.?.?" Her mind was very confused with all that was happening to her. First, she couldn't fire purifying arrows anymore. And now she couldn't purify the Shikon shard?.! "I forgot! I didn't even sense the shard's presence in the leopard youkai a while ago!" She mentally added in her head. "Does this really mean that I have lost my miko powers?.!"

Shippou jumped to Kagome's shoulder and stared at the Shikon shard on her hands. "Hey, it's not getting purified." He observed the fragment that was still shining black.

"What?.!" Sango and Miroku immediately went to look at the fragment too. Kouga threw a glare at Inuyasha's way before checking out the piece of Shikon no Tama too.

But Inuyasha wasn't looking at Kouga at that time. He just remained on his position with his head bowed down while he clenched his fists tightly. "Did Kagome really…"

Inuyasha hastened to Kagome's side, worry all over his face. "Kagome, were you hurt?.!" He asked frantically.

She shook her head then looked at the bow and arrow on her hands. "Inuyasha… My miko powers… they're gone."

He raised his head to glance at Kagome and saw that her eyes were also looking at him. "Kagome…"

"Inuyasha…" His ears heard her spoke his name softly, guilt in her features. "I'm sor—"

"Don't say it!" He snapped, tightening his fists. His heart seemed like it was getting stabbed repeatedly as he looked at her. Kagome was actually apologizing for something she didn't have control of doing. Why did she have to suffer every miserable thing possible? This was his entire fault—never Kagome's. If only he was able to save Kagome at that time…

Kagome looked into Inuyasha's eyes more persistently. "But Inuyasha, I lost my miko powers. I can't fire purifying arrows anymore. I can't purify the Shikon shard anymore…" She now had her hands on her sides, clutching the Shikon shard on one of her hands. "I can't even sense them. I'm already useless." That was the painful truth that was bugging her at that moment. She wouldn't be able to help anyone anymore. She couldn't help Inuyasha anymore. Would Inuyasha still want her around?

"Kagome-chan…" Sango wanted so much to comfort her friend. She wanted to say something that would ease her friend's misery but she found no words that could do the job. It seemed like even a thousand words would not be able to bring even a bit comfort; all she could do was feel sorry for her.

"Will you stop talking like it's your fault?.!" Inuyasha said abruptly, eyes looking towards her. "None of this is your fault, Kagome." He said—with a gentler tone this time—as he tore his eyes away from her. He couldn't endure looking into Kagome's eyes anymore. Guilt was slowly increasing in his heart the longer he looked at Kagome's eyes.

"Of course it's not her fault, Inuyasha." A voice out of nowhere said, followed by an evil mocking laugh.

"Naraku!"Inuyasha had quickly recognized his voice the moment he spoke. He tilted his head above and spotted Naraku, who was suspended in midair and surrounded by his insect youkais.

Smirking, he slowly descended and landed on the ground silently. "It's all your fault, Inuyasha." He said knowingly, enjoying the mixed emotions on Inuyasha's face. He could clearly see anger and guilt in his golden yellow eyes.

"You bastard…" Inuyasha growled as he glared at Naraku more intensely. Never taking his eyes off Naraku, he slowly walked to Kagome's side while holding Tetsusaiga protectively in front of him. If Naraku attacked, he should be near Kagome to protect her.

"So now you're trying to protect her? It still won't change the fact that you weren't able to protect her at that time…"

"Shut up!" Even though Inuyasha hated Naraku with his whole heart and soul, what he had said was right—and his words had intensified the guilt that Inuyasha felt in his heart immensely. "Damn it…" He mentally cursed, gripping Tetsusaiga firmly in his hand.

"So now you're guilty?" He said derisively. "You should be." He added to make Inuyasha suffer even more. He really liked the fact that he was causing Inuyasha more pain and sufferings—not to mention someone else was suffering too. He took a quick glance at Kagome before looking at Inuyasha again.

Kagome was hearing every word that Naraku had said against Inuyasha while she watched the hanyou with sympathy. If Inuyasha wasn't going to defend himself, she would be the one to defend him. She wouldn't allow Naraku to hurt Inuyasha freely. Never. "You're wrong! It's not Inuyasha's fault! You monster! It's your fault! You were the one who kidnapped me!" She shouted at Naraku fiercely.

Naraku slowly shifted his gaze to Kagome and smirked. "So… your memory has returned..." His voice sounded rather amused at Kagome. Then he continued, "and you still stick up for this irresponsible weakling?"

Kagome's eyes glared at Naraku without any fear. "I told you it's not Inuyasha's fault." She said the words clearly and forcefully.

Inuyasha didn't understand why Kagome was willing to defend him even in times like this. It was really his fault. She should hate him for that—not protect him. "Kagome… why?"

Naraku just smiled scathingly at Kagome's words. "Not his fault? Don't you remember the one who wasn't able to save you? Who was it? Wasn't it Inuyasha?" He smiled victoriously when he saw Kagome's hands tightened on her sides. "Because Inuyasha didn't come to save you, what happened? I was able to control you. You even killed innocent villagers. Where was Inuyasha all that time?"

Kagome's eyes widened. "I have killed… people…?" Her voice was quivering when she asked the question. She turned her head to look at Inuyasha. "Inuyasha, did I really…?"

"Don't believe him, Kagome! You weren't able to kill them! Don't you remember? You were able to save them!" Inuyasha said, a little confused at the way Kagome was acting. "Didn't she just recover her memory?"

"You liar! Kagome didn't kill any villagers! She was still able to control herself at that time!" Sango shouted to defend Kagome. "Kagome never really wanted to do that! You were manipulating her!" She continued, looking angrily at Naraku.

"The fact that she had hurt a lot of people still remains—whether she did it on purpose or not is not in question." Naraku replied, not taking his eyes of Kagome. "And don't you remember that you even tried to kill your precious friends—especially Inuyasha?"

"What?.! How…?" Kagome's mind was getting really getting messed up now. "Why can't I remember those things?" Then out of the blue, pictures suddenly flashed in her head. She could see Inuyasha in one picture with a huge wound, looking hurt and sad. There was a picture of a lot of people running. Blood was present—and a lot of ice. People were screaming as they run for their lives. Their eyes were filled with fear. Then a delighted evil laughter. Was that her? "Why am I laughing?.!" Kagome wondered helplessly, not having any clue of the things she was seeing in her mind.

"Good! A lot of playmates! We're going to have so much fun!"

"The Ice Lady is here!"

"Yeah, I'm here. And I'm going to kill all of you!" And then an evil giggle filled the air.

She flung her hands to her head and closed her eyes. "No, stop it already!"

Inuyasha couldn't take it anymore. He wouldn't just stand there and watch Naraku tell things to hurt Kagome. He quickly raced towards Naraku with Tetsusaiga, ready to finally fight with him. "Bastard, stop messing with Kagome!" He snarled viciously as he swerved Tetsusaiga to his direction. "You're going to pay for all the pain Kagome has suffered!"

Naraku didn't have any difficulty in avoiding Inuyasha's attack. He simply jumped out of the way, increasing his distance from Inuyasha. "Instead of attacking me, you should be more concerned with your useless miko." He said callously, looking at Kagome with interest, while Inuyasha ran back to Kagome. "She hasn't remembered everything yet. Now's the perfect time to kill her. Her miko powers are not present to protect her." He recalled the time when he had tried to kill Kagome back when she was with him in his castle.

Kagome was sleeping innocently on the soft futon, unaware of Naraku's presence.

"Now you die, annoying girl." He encircled his hand on Kagome's frail neck then tightened his grip on it.

Kagome began choking, her hands trying weakly to release Naraku's grasp on her neck. Then a burst of miko power came out of her hands, making Naraku withdraw his hand immediately.

Naraku looked down on his hand and saw it sizzling from the burn he had received. It was like having his hand on fire. He returned his gaze on Kagome, who was sleeping peacefully again. "Damn it! Why can't I kill this miko?.!" He smirked at the answer he found. "She really is like Kikyou… I can't kill her unless she loses her miko powers…" With that thought in his mind, he left the room to figure out another way of killing the miko.

"Finally now, I'll be able to kill her." Naraku thought, seeing Kagome as she held her head weakly with her eyes shut tightly. He could clearly see the pain and confusion in her face. "That's it. Suffer like hell before you die." He scorned mentally at Kagome.

"Kagome-sama, what's wrong?.!"

"Kagome-chan, what's happening to you?.!"

"Kagome, are you all right!"

"Kagome, talk to us! Kagome!"

"Kagome!"

Kagome could hear a lot of voices speaking to her. She knew those voices—those were the voices of her friends.

"Kagome! Kagome! Talk to me!"

And that was Inuyasha. Kagome wanted so much to do what Inuyasha had told her—to talk to him. She wanted to reassure everyone's worries but her voice was not cooperating. Next, she saw another picture in her head.

"Now, die!" Kagome said, lifting the sword to pierce in his chest.

Kagome obviously knew whose chest it was that she was about to pierce in the picture. It was Inuyasha's.

Kagome turned around to face Inuyasha, looking straight into his golden eyes. "If you really want to save me, then—" She quickly changed her baton back to a crystal ice sword and stabbed it into Inuyasha's stomach. "Die!" Kagome cried, hatred filled her eyes so much.

Her eyes suddenly snapped open and she found herself surrounded by her friends, concern all over their faces.

"Kagome-chan, is your head hurting again?" Sango asked, looking thoughtfully at her.

Kagome forced a small smile then answered, "It's okay. I was just seeing some pictures. The pain's gone now."

"No, it's only beginning." Naraku corrected her. He was now standing only a few meters away from the group, wearing a confident smirk on his lips. "Prepare to die now, little miko."

Everyone quickly got ready to protect Kagome.

Inuyasha caught Kouga's eyes and told him, "Stay with Kagome. No matter what happens don't leave her. I'll be the one to fight Naraku."

"You don't need to tell me anymore," said Kouga in reply. There was no chance he was going to let Kagome get killed—especially by Naraku.

"Keh!" Inuyasha was about to approach Naraku when he felt someone holding the sleeve of his haori. He turned his head to find Kagome looking at him with great worry.

Kagome's brown eyes looked at Inuyasha with full concern. "Inuyasha, I'm—"

"Don't be afraid, Kagome." Inuyasha interrupted her. "I told you I won't let Naraku near you again. He will never get you." He took Kagome's hand gently off his red haori and left to protect the girl he vowed to defend with his life. "I promise that, Kagome." He looked fiercely at Naraku and said, "Bastard! You're going to die today!"

Kagome looked at Inuyasha, still the worry and hurt in her heart wouldn't subside. "Inuyasha…I'm not afraid…" It wasn't what she had wanted to tell Inuyasha. "What I wanted to say was… I'm sorry. I'm sorry for being useless to you…"

She looked at the arrow in her hand intently, trying to focus her energy on the thin article but it was hopeless. She couldn't feel her miko powers anymore. She couldn't defend herself anymore. "Please! I need my miko powers now!" She begged desperately, knowing that a fight was about to commence.

And the battle began. Not only Inuyasha was fighting for Kagome's safety—everyone was.

"Naraku!" Inuyasha tried to cut Naraku but was immediately stopped by his barrier. "Damn it…" He cursed, trying to cut through the irritating barrier.

Naraku smiled evilly then changed his hand into a tentacle and wounded Inuyasha's abdomen. "You can't defeat me, Inuyasha." He said scornfully, withdrawing his hand.

"Inuyasha!"

It was Kagome. Inuyasha knew it was her. And knowing her, he knew that Kagome was planning to go to him. "Stay there!" He shouted, holding the bleeding wound with his hand while he continued to clasp Tetsusaiga with the other hand.

"Naraku!" Sango tossed Hiraikotsu towards Naraku but Naraku easily pushed it aside with one hand. Kirara was badly hurt by the cut she received on one of her legs when she had attacked Naraku. She couldn't stand up anymore. Losing her primary weapon, Sango gripped her sword strongly to protect herself. They needed to win this battle. "Or else Kagome will die…No, I won't allow it!" She dashed towards Naraku, trying to pierce her sword or at least wound him. But Naraku was fast and he caught Sango's neck before she could even swing her sword. After she had dropped her sword, Naraku flung her away, making Sango's body fly and hit the ground with a loud thud.

"Sango!" Miroku immediately rushed towards Sango, praying repeatedly that she was all right. He was about to reach her when something stabbed him on his left shoulder. He quickly grasped his wounded shoulder and turned to see Naraku's arm had transformed into a pointed tentacle to pierce his shoulder. "Naraku!" He winced as he began to feel the pain seep through his body. He walked weakly towards Sango and collapsed beside her.

Everything was starting to get blurred in Miroku's eyes. The last thing he saw was Sango's unconscious form beside him. He tried to reach his hand to touch Sango's face but his arm felt too heavy. "Sango… please be alive…" Then, all went black.

Kagome saw everything happen and she couldn't do anything except watch. She obeyed Inuyasha when he told her not to come but when she saw Sango being thrown by Naraku, she knew she couldn't just stand there and watch. Even though she couldn't fight, she should still be doing something—even just to see her friends' condition. "Sango-chan!" Kagome was about to run to aid her friend when Kouga stopped her.

"Don't go there, Kagome! He's after you!" Kouga tried to stop her.

Kagome pulled her hand from his grasp; her eyes were filled with tears as they looked at Kouga. "They're my friends, Kouga-kun! I can't just watch them dying because they had to protect me!"

"But you'll be killed!" He protested.

Kagome had just seen Miroku fall after being pierced by Naraku's arm. "Miroku-sama! I don't care about getting killed! I don't mind dying as long as I wouldn't see my friends getting hurt!" She hurried towards Sango and Miroku, not minding Kouga's attempts to call her back.

Kouga knew it was pointless to argue with Kagome. Once Kagome had decided on something, she wouldn't let anyone stop her—especially when it concerned her friends. Kagome's heart was always caring and worrying about her friends. That was one of the qualities that Kouga had loved about her. And that was the reason he wouldn't allow anything to happen to her—he loved her.

Immediately, he ran after Kagome.

"Now Inuyasha, it's just you and me once again. Don't worry; I'll kill your beloved miko first before I kill you." Naraku's eyes looked to the right. "Good, she's coming this way." He quickly moved towards Kagome, readying his tentacle to take Kagome's life.

"Shit! He's fast!" Inuyasha instantly followed but Naraku was way ahead of him. "Get back here, you bastard! Don't come near her!" He shouted angrily. "Kagome! Watch out!"

Kagome broke from her run when she heard Inuyasha shout her name. When she turned her head, Naraku's tentacle was already near her. Her legs were glued to the ground and she couldn't run away.

"Kagome!" Someone shouted.

Just in time, Kouga got Kagome before Naraku's appendage reached her.

"Kouga-kun!" Kagome was surprised to find herself on Kouga's arms.

"See what I told you! You almost got killed back there!" Kouga scolded her. He settled Kagome to her feet then all of a sudden, a tentacle wrapped around Kouga's neck.

"Thought you could escape me?"

"Kagome, run!" Kouga managed to say while choking on his breath.

"Fool!" Naraku pierced his other hand in Kouga's stomach before casting him away. "Now, it's your turn!" He turned to Kagome.

Kagome started to run but Naraku's tentacle was getting closer to her.

"Kagome!" Inuyasha came right in time to cut the limb that was about to reach Kagome. Putting himself between Kagome and Naraku, Inuyasha glared at Naraku menacingly and growled, "Don't you dare to touch her, bastard!"

"You can't do anything to stop me, Inuyasha." Naraku smiled wickedly. "You won't be able to protect her from me. Like before."

That was it. Inuyasha was getting really pissed off. He was serious about protect Kagome this time and he'd prove it. He hastened towards Naraku, ready to slash him to death. "I'll be able to protect Kagome!" He said determinedly as he dropped Tetsusaiga's blade to Naraku's body.

Naraku just smirked at him, instantly conjuring a barrier to protect himself. "You have to kill me then." He said, challenging Inuyasha confidently.

"That's what I intend to do!" With that said, Inuyasha increased the force he exerted on Tetsusaiga. "I'm not letting you hurt Kagome again!" Inuyasha's strength and power began to increase greatly. Finally, he broke Naraku's barrier.

"What the—?.!" Naraku couldn't believe that Inuyasha had just shattered his barrier.

"Now you're really going to die!" Inuyasha roared, raising Tetsusaiga to deliver the final strike.

"Damn it!" Naraku quickly moved away to prevent himself from getting completely destroyed. Half of his upper body was damaged by Inuyasha's attack but he was able to escape. "You'll pay for this one, Inuyasha!" He gave one last look at Inuyasha before letting his Saimyoushou take him away.

"Get back here, Naraku!" Inuyasha shouted furiously. "Why did I let him run away?.!" He grumbled in his mind.

"Inuyasha, please stop it." Kagome appealed, worrying about him.

"Kagome…" Inuyasha knew Kagome was very worried about them so he didn't try to argue anymore. He simply walked towards Miroku and Sango, saying, "Kagome, you better treat them fast. They might be in danger."

Kagome nodded quickly and said, "Wait, I'll just get my—"

"Don't bother, Kagome! I already got them!" Shippou said, handing Kagome's medicine kit.

"Thanks, Shippou-chan." Kagome said, smiling. "Can you give me a hand here?"

"Sure, Kagome!"

Kagome and Shippou worked long and very hard to treat Miroku and Sango's wounds. It was a good thing that Miroku's wound was not that deep and far from his heart; he would be able to survive. Sango was lucky that she didn't hit her head hard when she landed on the ground. She had many bruises but she wasn't in great danger like Kagome had thought.

"Are you finished there?" Inuyasha asked.

"Yeah, we're done." Kagome answered and turned to look at Inuyasha. "Inuyasha…" She was taken aback when she saw Inuyasha standing in front of her, carrying Kirara's small form—and Kouga.

Inuyasha felt his cheeks burning at Kagome's reaction. "What?.!" He demanded, trying hard not to blush even more. He handed Kirara carefully to Shippou so she can be treated.

Kagome gave out a smile. "Nothing…"

"Keh!" He placed Kouga beside Miroku and turned his back at Kagome.

Kagome's smile was still not disappearing. "Inuyasha, thank you…" She said gratefully.

Inuyasha didn't turn to look at Kagome anymore. "Keh! Don't thank me anymore. I'm not doing it again!" He griped.

"It's okay, I still want to thank you." Kagome replied, looking at Inuyasha. He was still not looking at her. She just shrugged, still smiling at the little good deed that Inuyasha had done, then she started nursing Kouga.

"It's the only thing I can do to repay him… for saving someone precious to me." Inuyasha thought, finally looking at Kagome.

Kagome didn't see it but Inuyasha was wearing a smile. A grateful smile that he hadn't lost her.

Back at Naraku's castle, Naraku sat on the floor, looking at his damaged side. "Damn you, Inuyasha! I'm really going to kill the miko next time… As long as she doesn't have her miko powers back, I'll be able to kill her. And I'm going to make you suffer the pain you suffered before—the pain of losing a loved one."

A/N: You know what to do next, right? Before that, here's my response to the reviews last chapter!

Chiisana Anisa- We're the same! I don't like one-shots that rush things up… Thanks for reading my story! Hope you read till the end!

Mew-xena- Um, you hate Kouga? I actually love him because he gives a nice chance for Inu/Kag fluff! Hehehe… Anyway, about her powers… well, it's really gone… thanks for the review!

Destiny – Nice name! Your review was really nice… Made me feel so special! Thank you too for being there to read the fanfic I'm doing.

Shangxiang10- Sorry to keep you hanging… I just missed putting cliffies so I placed one there… Forgive me?

Saikoubi Sama- Wow! You're one of those few who loved my cliffie! Thanks! Yay! You forgive me already! –dances happily in front of my pc-

Inferna- You're back! Yeah, thanks for saying that Inu's not OOC. I really needed someone to comfort me… Thanks!

Kagomes daughter- Don't worry I'm really finishing this… Just you wait! Thanks for the review!

Tennyo Kameko- Thanks for the wonderful review! Um about the why question… um, well, she lost her powers… that's all… Hehehe…

Rayoko- Wow! A bunny! That's really neat! Now you have to review because I got a new chappie!

Chibineko192- o.o wow… you're really hyper! So cute! Anyway, well… about what happened to Kag… she lost her powers… that's all… (I'm getting lame in answering my reviews, sorry)

Hersheykiss1012- Hehe… sorry 'bout the cliffie. I'm glad you're still there! Thank you so much for being around!

Kitsune Kii- Thanks for the constant reviews! I hope you'll review till the end, okay? Yehey! You agreed! Hehe…

Claire- I don't have so many great ideas… Just this one. –smiles- Thanks for the review!

Sadako sasaki- Thanks for adding it to your faves! I always feel honored when my readers do that!

Animemistress149- hehe… sorry for bugging you with the e-mail. Thank you VERY VERY VERY much for all the reviews! I feel so touched when I read them… And about your question how Inu and Kag communicated way back in Chapter 9, it's going to be revealed at the end! I'm glad you noticed that! You're the first one to ask me that! You're a very observant reader. Please update Winter Hanyou soon, I'm really looking forward to read another chapter of that fanfic!

RyoSanada1717- Thanks for coming back and still being there. I know I've been long gone… Sorry about that… I'm glad you still like the fanfic… And as for the cliffies, I really can't get enough of them! But I haven't placed one here. I'm being nice today. –smiles sweetly-

Pan24- Thanks for reviewing! I really have a hard time making fluffy moments for Inu and Kag that won't make Inuyasha ooc… I'm glad someone is really appreciating the effort I'm giving!

Sexy-hanyou-fa-sho- Any other stories? I have two other but it's just short… but almost like Stay only Stay is longer… One is a one-shot and the other is a two-chappie… Maybe you can read that too if you like… I was really flattered (I turned into a puddle!) with your review! It made me feel so great! And for a starting writer, you should start a fanfic then post it here to see how you're doing. Readers here in are there to help you improve… First step is you should find a topic that you're really interested then collect ideas. Make sure that when you write the story, you know enough details to make the story interesting and alive. Also, check your grammar and spelling. I know it's hard to be perfect but errors must be minimal. If you start writing, e-mail me and I'll read your work for you and tell you what I think of it! Hope that would give you some tips…

Ryuki-Chan- You're welcome! I really liked the effort you gave for reading Stay. Thank you so much!

Kinchi- Wow! You're back! Hehehe… Yeah, I know. Sorry it took me so long… Thanks for understanding me with the cliffie thingy… We authors just love using them at times… -winks-

Phew! What a long response for reviewers! My fingers are aching… hehehe… Not that I'm complaining. Okay! That's the last appearance of Naraku so say bye-bye to him! I don't want to see him again so I flushed him in our toilet. But who knows? He might be back again… -dundundun… suspense!-