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Hey Everyone...Please forgive me!! -sad puppy dog eyes- I'm so so so so sorry that I haven't updated in like forever...School has started up again...grr... I've been really busy...plus I'm going into my senior year, and I have to start looking for scholarships and stuff so I can go to college. Since this story is the most popular I'll update it first...Enjoy...and just to let you know, this story is almost over with...(All cry out: "NO!!!!") Yes, sadly it is true...I really don't see this story going beyond 15 chapters...so yea...here goes...

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Chapter 12

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Kagome awoke a few times during the night to sounds that were unfamiliar to her ears. The ocean was always quiet and still, but on land even at night everything seemed alive. A whispering breeze tossed the leaves of the trees above her head. Insects chirped in the grasses as silent wings flew in the branches.

Kagome took many glances at her sleeping Inuyasha. Even with the constant noises surrounding her, she knew she was safe-in his arms. Forgetting her problems, her worries, she enjoyed the feeling.

She only cast a quick glance at the hourglass pendant around her neck. The stream of pink sand still began to fall from inside the tube. Kagome held the object in her hand, remembering that this would not last forever. The subject made her heart ache.

Kagome pulled closer to Inuyasha-wanting to forget. Before she knew it, she had fallen asleep again.

...

The sun began to rise bringing the sounds of morning birds and golden rays. The world was once again awakened and a new day began.

Almost as if an internal alarm clock had rung, the group seemed to awaken together; greeting the morning with yawns and stretches.

Shippo bounded around camp squealing 'good morning's' to everyone who wasn't quite awake yet.

Kagome stood up and raised her face towards the morning sun. 'Everything here was so warm and bright.' She took many deep breaths of the clean, humid air, until she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Inuyasha's own golden eyes sparkle at her, his lips curved in a half smile. Kagome smiled upon him as well and turned to face the others who had gathered to hear the days plan.

Miroku nodded at everything and spread out his arms, "A new morning filled with promise and question." he stated.

Sango pulled her boomerang across her back and said, "I agree, we have come a long way...how do we continue on from here?"

Inuyasha crossed his arms underneath the sleeves of his red robe, "This is where our paths will part, and we are all heading in different directions for different means..."

"On the contrary Inuyasha," Miroku said, "We all still fight for the same common purpose."

Inuyasha raised an eyebrow at Miroku's comment. Before he could answer, Kagome spoke up.

"Do you really believe that my attacker is the same being who you both seek?" Kagome asked.

"Naraku," Sango hissed under her breath.

Miroku nodded in agreement.

"But...how can you be certain?" Kagome asked.

"It only makes sense that he would be the one." Sango stated. "Who else would cause all of us this much pain?"

"He brought us together, in a strange way..." Miroku added.

Inuyasha growled suddenly turned his head away, "Feh, whatever you all say. Just remember, I am not liable for your hides if you choose to go and get yourselves killed..."

"Inuyasha, don't you ever change?" Shippo asked him.

Kagome stepped forward, "Sango, Miroku, Shippo...I can not help but feel concern towards you all if you were to follow..."

Miroku waved his hand to silence her, "Think nothing of it Lady Mermaid. Naraku has wreaked havoc on us all, we have no choice but to stay and help."

Kagome smiled at them all. Her heart warmed to be in such wonderful company. How ever many times her father had told her that land creatures were horrible monsters, she couldn't believe it now.

"Besides," Miroku added, "there's power in numbers correct?"

"Right!" everyone agreed together.

"So...where do we begin to look for Naraku?" Shippo asked.

"Why are you so excited about going into battle?" Inuyasha growled to the kitsune.

"Perhaps Naraku is not the one we should be focusing on..." Kagome said, placing her hand on Inuyasha's arm.

Inuyasha turned his amber eyes on her, "I will deal with Sesshomaru when the time comes." He said in a low voice.

"Perhaps Sesshomaru knows of Naraku?" Miroku asked.

"I don't know." Inuyasha stated. "It is not like Sesshomaru to team up with others."

"But Sesshomaru knows you are here does he not?" Kagome asked Inuyasha.

"Oh...he knows." Inuyasha said coldly. "He is probably still residing up at the old castle where we grew up."

"Then we shall go there." Kagome said sternly.

"But Nara-" Inuyasha began.

"Naraku will be drawn to the battle scene." Kagome insisted. "Besides, Naraku is looking for a mermaid who lives in the water; not a human on land."

"She's right." Miroku added.

Inuyasha stared at the ground for a few moments but then glanced up again and faced Kagome. "Kagome, you do not have much time here...the farther we go away from the water, the harder it will be for you to get back when needed."

"Inuyasha," Kagome cooed softly to him. "I will be fine. Have you forgotten that the palace is on the coast, not two hundred yards from the water?"

That was an obvious answer, Kagome knew more about his past then he did, yet he had wanted to forget.

The truth was he was afraid to return...not of Sesshomaru, but of the memories. Could he face the life he was banished from?

Inuyasha's thoughts drifted as he felt a gentle, sweet kiss graze his cheek. Turning to gaze at Kagome's face, her lovely brown eyes, her passionate spirit; he must be brave, for her.

Inuyasha nodded and narrowed his eyes in the direction of their destination. He took a few steps forward, hearing the others begin to follow after him; he quickened his pace and led the way.

Shippo scampered onto Kagome's shoulder, as she walked closely behind Inuyasha. Miroku ran his hand through his hair, switched hands with his staff, and gave chase.

Sango lingered for a few moments, adjusting the strap on her boomerang, and fidgeting with her armor. Kirara mewed inquisitively at its master's feet. Miroku paused to see Sango a distance behind him. He turned around and called to her,

"Lady Sango, what is the matter? Are you ill?"

Sango only continued to glare at the ground and seemingly ignored him. Miroku walked back to her and gripped her shoulders, trying to catch her eyes.

"Sango?" he cooed to her.

"I'm...I'm...fine...Miroku..." she said, trying to pull away. But Miroku tightened his grip.

"I may be a bit of a womanizer," Miroku stated, "But I know when something ails a lady."

Sango tensed under his grip, her eyes still unable to face him. "I'm just thinking...thinking about, why I'm here...how long I've searched and waited...to be able to...seek my revenge. But...with all this love around me...I feel as if I'm growing...soft."

"You have always been soft, Lady Sango." Miroku said, lifting his cursed hand to graze her cheek.

Sango's heart began to race. "Miroku..." Then, she turned her eyes to his. His face held sheer compassion and concern.

"A demon exterminator is not meant to be so soft." Sango stated roughly.

"I think Lady Mermaid's spells have been playing at your heart." Miroku sarcastically added.

"It not that...I mean, well...her presence, it seems to be...affecting me...all of us..." Sango quickly said.

"Yes, I see that too." Miroku said, lowering his arms.

Sango leaned closer to him. "Do you think...think she's...doing this...?" Her voice shook with eagerness.

"Perhaps," Miroku said, filling the rest of the gap between them with his body, "but don't you feel like it is right?"

Sango's pulse beat loud in her ears; her voice was only above a whisper. "If I were to grow attached...to...to someone, then...in the battlefield...I might..."

"Might what, Lady Sango?" Miroku's husky voice breathed on her.

"...grow...soft..." Sango murmured.

Miroku laughed slightly. "You are the strongest person I know, my warrior Sango."

Sango let go of her held in breath. The physical heat between them tightened; each one not daring to move closer.

Sango blinked a tear, from her eyelashes, onto her cheek. Then, with a burst of emotion she wrapped her arms around Miroku's chest.

Miroku jumped slightly but then relaxed, allowing Sango to dominate him. He returned her embrace by fingering her long, black hair and hugging her around the shoulders.

"Miroku..." Sango cooed from beneath his monk robes. "Promise me that you won't leave me."

Miroku smiled at her, "I promise Lady Sango."

They parted and headed in the direction of the others...hand in hand.

.......................

It was a long morning of walking. They only stopped once, when the sun was high in the sky, to rest. The group settled at a site of a small stream which tricked over many rocks, creating a waterfall, and then emptied into a small pool of crystal clear water.

A transformed Kirara sat on the ground with Sango leaning against her body, Shippo dozing on her lap. Miroku sat close by; his eyes shut in slight meditation.

Kagome knelt beside the pool and watched the water run over the rocks, her head tilted slightly as she stared. It was so different...to watch...and not be in. She fingered the hour-glass around her neck.

She was so deep in thought; she didn't notice Inuyasha come up behind her, until he sat down next to her. She watched him bend down on all fours and lick at the water with his tongue.

The ripples spread out over the water's surface until hitting the edges of the pool and disappearing altogether.

Inuyasha turned his eyes up to her and caught her staring at him. Kagome quickly turned her head away, blushing slightly. Inuyasha finished drinking, wiped his mouth on his sleeve, and sat up.

He noticed Kagome held her hour-glass pendant in her hand, he narrowed his eyes, and asked her: "Can I see?"

Kagome turned to him with a look of question in her eyes, he nodded towards her clenched fist, and then she understood. She slowly loosened her grip around the hour-glass and lifted it up to show him.

Inuyasha leaned over and took the small, feeble object in his clawed hand. His golden eyes flashed as they followed the stream of pink sand as it continued to fall from the top cylinder to the bottom. The top cylinder was already over half empty.

Kagome noticed that his eyes seemed sad to her.

Inuyasha dropped the hour-glass and it fell down, once again, back on Kagome's chest.

"Shall we continue?" Miroku called to them.

Both Kagome and Inuyasha turned to see him and Sango standing together. Shippo lay on Kirara's back, fast asleep.

Inuyasha rose from his sitting position and stretched. "Yeah, we've wasted enough time here."

Kagome slightly disagreed with his attitude, but she just rolled her eyes and half smiled. She sighed and began to get up.

Suddenly, Inuyasha kneeled back down in front of her, his back facing her.

"Here, climb on. I'll carry you, you're tired." He said in a low voice.

Kagome's eyes widened at his comment, but then softened. 'He's always looking out for me.' she thought to herself. She smiled to herself.

Inuyasha looked over his shoulder at her, "You coming or not?" His eyes shinning.

Kagome pulled her head out of her daydream and nodded. She climbed onto Inuyasha's back and waited for him to stand up.

"Are you sure I'm not too heavy?" she asked softly.

"Not at all," Inuyasha replied. He stood up and began walking towards Miroku and Sango.

......................

The day was growing old, afternoon was slipping away, and dusk was approaching. As the sun began its journey down the sky, the trees opened up and the forest parted. They now stood starring at- what was- the private, royal beach. The palace still stood, up on the hill, overlooking the water.

Miroku whistled in amazement at the size of it. "Wow Inuyasha, you grew up here?"

"Feh," Inuyasha replied, "It's not that great."

They all stood for a moment and stared at it. It almost seemed unreal.

Inuyasha bent over and Kagome slid off his back. She kept one hand on his shoulder as she stared at the demon palace.

"It's different..." Kagome stated.

"Looks the same to me." Inuyasha half growled.

"No..." Kagome said her voice distant, "It used to be so full of life and happiness; now...now it's dark and gloomy."

Inuyasha raised an eyebrow at her, but then stared back up at the palace. It did seem to have that abandoned feeling about it. But, never the less, it was the same place where he had grown up. Inuyasha wrinkled his nose at the thought of it.

Kagome turned her eyes away from the palace and scanned the beach. Her breath caught in her throat and she gasped as her gaze fell on something.

"Inu...Inu-Yasha! L..Loo...Look!" she cried out, pointing a shaky finger down the beach.

Inuyasha jumped suddenly and followed her shaking finger in the direction of her pointing. The sight made him jump back as well.

It was the dock...the old royal dock...where they spent their times together. It still stood, stretching out from the beach into the water.

Before he could stop Kagome, she darted forward towards it.

"Kagome! Wait!" He called. She didn't stop running, so he chased after her. Miroku and Sango following after him.

Kagome's human legs spun like wheels under her body. She stumbled a few times in the deep sand, but still continued towards the dock. Upon reaching it, she stopped and stared down the length of it.

A few moments later, Inuyasha came up behind her and they both stood staring at the old dock.

Many sections of the dock had caved in and many boards were missing along the walkway. Years of barnacles and slime stuck to the wooden posts that rested in the water. Lines of past severe high tide also marked the wood. The whole dock creaked as every wave passed by. It seemed to be still standing on a miracle. Perhaps the tiniest of breezes would have been able to knock it completely over and into the ocean.

Kagome grasped Inuyasha's hand and squeezed it tightly, he did the same. Flashes of their childhoods appeared and they shared them, mentally, together.

...

A wind picked up and blew down the beach, blowing everyone's hair into their eyes. Inuyasha turned around, clenched his fingers into fists, and glared from side to side. His ears twitched and his nose sniffed at the air.

"Inu-...?" Kagome began.

"Sesshomaru." Inuyasha said darkly.

Miroku and Sango both pulled their weapons closer to their bodies. Kirara growled slightly and then in a burst of flame, transformed into her larger self.

The sand of the beach whipped into small tornados. It settled in the air like a cloud of dust. The group pressed closer together and shielded their eyes. Shippo whimpered in nervousness.

A shadow lurked behind the blowing sand.

A low growl escaped Inuyasha's throat, as he stared at it. The noise grew into a snarl, until finally he roared out: "SESSHOMARU!"

Almost as if the wind obeyed his voice, it began to die down. And the figure of Sesshomaru appeared standing just beyond the dunes.

Inuyasha pulled himself into a fighting stance. This was it. Sesshomaru stood in front of him. And the ocean was behind him. There was no where else to go. The time had come.

...

Kagome peered from behind Inuyasha's body at Sesshomaru. She had always heard about him and never actually seen him. She could see how they were brothers; they both had the same silver hair and golden eyes.

Although, compared to Inuyasha, Sesshomaru was much taller and had a colder disposition. His very presence was enough to send shivers down your spine; he carried with him an aura of evil.

His perfect face was completely emotionless. His body rigid and still. The only movement came from his garments, hair, and white wrap around his shoulder blowing in the ocean breeze.

Kagome hadn't realized that she had been shaking until Inuyasha's grip on her hand tightened. She cast a quick glance at his face in profile. Which was tense and stern. His eyes threw daggers towards Sesshomaru.

A sudden movement at Sesshomaru's right pant leg caught her attention. And what appeared from behind it was the most hideous thing she had ever seen in her life.

It was two feet tall at the most. Its face was long, pointed, and an ugly green color. Its large, oval eyes occupied almost its entire face. It wore rags and carried a wooden staff with two heads adorning the top.

The thing waddled up in front of Sesshomaru and swung its staff out and pointed it directly at Inuyasha.

"So," its voice croaked out, "have you returned for another beating from Lord Sesshomaru?"

Inuyasha slightly laughed. Kagome was perplexed. 'Why was he laughing?'

"Got ugly servants fighting your battles for you, Sesshomaru?" he mocked towards his brother, ignoring the small creature.

Sesshomaru didn't flinch a single muscle. But the servant shook his staff at Inuyasha and hollered, "You better watch your tongue, hanyou! My name is Jakan and I am Lord Sesshomaru's most trusted advisor!"

"You mean serving wench right?" Inuyasha snapped back.

Jakan's ugly eyes narrowed at Inuyasha's comment. He thrusted his nose in the air and snorted. "We shall see, hanyou. After my lord is done removing all the limbs from your body, then we'll see who the smart mouth is."

Inuyasha dropped Kagome's hand, raised his clawed fingers up, and cracked his knuckles, "How about I just slice you in quarters then we can forget you ever existed?"

Jakan jumped at his words and backed away, as he said, "Tough talk, hanyou. Just you wait, you'll regret those words!"

Once he was safely closer to Sesshomaru, Jakan shouldered his staff, snorted, and said, "Just hand over the siren with the Sacred Jewel, like a good hanyou."

Kagome took a step backwards as Jakan called for her, she clasped the hour-glass/ Sacred Jewel around her neck. Inuyasha moved in front of Kagome and spread his arms out, protecting her with his body.

"What makes you think we will just hand it over?" He growled.

"Inuyasha..." an icy voice spoke up, "...you are protecting this siren..."

"Feh," Inuyasha smirked, as he stared into his brothers frozen features. "So what if I am?"

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed, "You dare curse our family with her rotten blood?"

Inuyasha growled low, then, in a burst of speed he charged forward towards his brother, "You bastard, take that back!!"

Jakan let out a squawk as Inuyasha charged forward towards them. He swiped his claws at Sesshomaru's head, but the full youkai countered his attack, by moving away.

"Dammit!" Inuyasha growled as he missed. He skidded along on the dirt, and then through himself, again, at Sesshomaru.

Sesshomaru seemed to be able to dodge his attacks with ease. His movements were complete blurs, as Inuyasha continuously attacked him.

Finally, Sesshomaru balled up a fist and struck at Inuyasha. The blow hit Inuyasha directly in the jaw, and he was thrown backwards. Inuyasha wavered a few steps back, but caught himself.

"Inuyasha!" Kagome called as she saw him take the hit. Inuyasha didn't even flinch; he kept his eyes fixed on Sesshomaru's every movement.

"Inuyasha," Miroku suddenly spoke up, unraveling the prayer beads that kept his wind tunnel in, "Move away!!"

Miroku stepped in front of Sango and Kagome, aimed his right hand towards Sesshomaru, and then released his wind tunnel.

The torrent of winds instantly picked up, as Miroku's hand sucked in everything around them.

Sesshomaru's clothing and hair began to whip in the violent wind, he turned and glared at the monk.

"Miroku!" Inuyasha roared into the wind, "Don't interfere!!" This was his fight against Sesshomaru, he didn't want any help. But he too had to brace himself under the high winds.

Kagome stared in wonderment at the vortex emitting from Miroku's hand. What was this supernatural power? She had certainly never seen anything like this in her world. How could this simple human have that kind of power? Before she had time to further question Miroku's strange ability, she noticed a dark swarm of objects come at them from the western sky.

The air was suddenly filled with the sounds of buzzing insects.

Sango cradled her boomerang and stood ready to attack. But, the cowardly Shippo shook from behind Kagome's legs.

Under the roar of the wind tunnel, came the sounds of beating wings closer and closer towards them. Miroku noticed the flying insects and his eyes widened with fear.

By the dozen, the insects began to get sucked up into Miroku's wind tunnel. Their stingers cut into his skin as they entered. The color drained from his face as more and more insects entered his vortex.

Suddenly, Miroku fell to his knees, as if he had just sucked up an incredible/impossible load of power.

"Miroku!" Sango shrieked. Both her and Kagome bent down and tried to help him.

As he fell down, the air void was sealed back behind the rosary beads and the vortex of wind ended.

Everything was still and quiet for a fraction of a second, before more insects filled the sky overhead. The swarm extended for miles.

Sango's eyes turned up to them, she stood up, and frowned. With a gigantic thrust of her arm, she sent her boomerang up into the air towards the insects.

The demon bone boomerang cut and diced through many of the flying insects, and their remains fell to the ground around them.

Sango's boomerang returned to her hand, and she charged forward towards the swarm, yelling over her shoulder, "Kirara, stay with Kagome!"

Kagome barely had time to blink before Kirara stood in front of her and blocked her view. Peering from behind Kirara's legs she stared at the carcasses of the fallen insects.

She felt her mind flashback to the site of her palace's destruction...the annihilation of her people. The creatures who attacked the Coral Palace...the flying demons...the flying insects...the poison that killed off the warriors...the same who attacked them now...the flying demon insects.

Kagome all but screamed at the thought, but it was true. The insects had caught up with her...they must know that she is the King's daughter.

Kagome's heart filled with pain. She watched as Sango fought against the flying beasts. Kirara was also battling any of the insects who dared to get close enough to Kagome.

Miroku was trying to rise up, using his golden staff as a crutch, but it seems the same poison that killed of her warriors was affecting him as well.

Everything and everyone was caught up in the gigantic battle. Kagome seemed like an innocent bystander to it all. Sounds of buzzing wings, war cries, and the roars of pain were all muffled by the pounding of her heart in her chest.

Then, a sudden vicious, dark laugh cascaded over the battlefield.

All at once, the insects rose higher into the sky and away from the battle. They formed a large wall between where the beach began and the dunes ended. Everything paused for a moment, and Kagome was able to see everyone, including Inuyasha-who had been attacking Sesshomaru- standing and looking around.

The wall of the flying insects now separated Inuyasha from Sesshomaru and Jakan. Inuyasha was breathing in low, deep gasps and he had a few injuries but he was still alive.

The dark laugh echoed again over the beach, but this time, from within the wall of buzzing insects a shadowed figure appeared. As sunlight struck his form, the baboon pelt became visible...

"Naraku..." Kagome heard Miroku stutter in pain.

Naraku. It was him; it was him who turned them all against each other at the beginning. It was him who, in his ways, brought them together. He was here; at last they were facing him.

Kagome could still remember the last time he attacked her, the feeling of his body pressed up against hers as he smiled his lustful smile.

Kagome wanted so badly to attack with her sonic note, but she now had to take into consideration the others around her, the ones she wouldn't dare hurt. With them around, she couldn't fight they way she wanted too.

...

Naraku stood behind the baboon mask, yet the long, stringy pieces of his dark hair still hung from underneath the mask.

"Naraku!" Inuyasha roared from across the battlefield.

Naraku raised his head up, his chin and mouth became visible under the baboon mask. His mouth curved again into his lustful smile. And then he spoke...

"Inuyasha, I am surprised that you have returned here after all these years, I must say your efforts have proved very entertaining."

"Feh," Inuyasha mumbled under his breath. "You will pay for everything you've done, Naraku! All the people you hurt! I swear I will kill you!!" he roared out loud.

Naraku only laughed slightly at his words. Then, he slowly turned his head until the eyes of the mask were starring at Kagome.

Kagome jumped as he starred upon her. "Princess Kagome... of the Clear Water Merfolk...my you certainly have grown up..."

Kagome raised herself up and balled her hands into fists, "Naraku! You will pay for the destruction of my people with your life!!" She shocked herself as the brave words poured from her lips, yet that was clearly what was in her heart; she had spent too much time fearing this man-her enemy. She must stand up to him, and fight to avenge her Father and people.

"Princess Kagome, I would have expected something more from the last of the royal blooded merfolk. Or do you dare not risk hurting your new friends with your powers?"

Kagome stiffened, her hatred boiling, as Naraku continued.

"It is also amazing to me that you now stand in human form...so you have mastered the forgotten art of transformation? Very impressive, very impressive..."

"LEAVE HER ALONE NARAKU!!" came Inuyasha's voice, as he charged forward towards him, claws extended.

Naraku turned his head slightly as Inuyasha came at him. Inuyasha's claws came down and sliced at the baboon pelt. But he found himself attacking nothing but a bodiless animal skin.

The real Naraku had shed himself of the pelt and mask, and dodged the attack by moving away.

He now stood in his true form, hovering in the sky above everyone's head. His dark eyes narrowed at Inuyasha, who stood holding the torn baboon mask in his claws.

"So it is true then, the hanyou prince has fallen in love with the merprincess?" Naraku's hair hung around his head like a lion's mane. His words were as dark as his eyes; and now he spoke out loud, towards all who would listen.

"Inuyasha, you would dare defile your demon blood by mixing it with that of a mermaid? You have indeed rewritten the ancient legend all over again." Naraku jeered, his eyes gazing over towards Sesshomaru whose eyes blazed with icy hatred.

Inuyasha growled low in his chest. He cracked his knuckles and tensed with anticipation. Naraku meant to put the world against him.

"Liar!" Kagome screamed up to Naraku. "You lie, Naraku! I know the truth about the ancient legend!"

Naraku turned his eyes and glared down at her as she continued; a half smile on his lips.

"I know the lovers were not killed by there opposites...a dark assassin killed them both and then framed it to look like they had been killed by a demon or a merfolk! The war was unnecessary."

Naraku laughed as she finished, then he said darkly, "Well, since you seem to know everything Princess Kagome...maybe you should go ahead and continue your relationship with your hanyou lover...Oh...wait, do you dare risk the death of your unborn infant?"

The comment made both Kagome and Inuyasha blush. That part of the legend was still true. The child of the demoness and merman...the child who would have been the heir to the two worlds...the child that didn't survive.

But Naraku knew, you could tell by the expression on his face. He came down towards Kagome, hovering about ten feet above her, his dark aura mixing into her own spirit.

Across the battlefield Inuyasha cried out to her and then charged toward Naraku as he ascended towards Kagome.

Naraku's voice was just above a whisper as he spoke to Kagome, "Did you know that the offspring of the lovers was... also... assassinated...? The POISON, however, was never quite found. The child, actually, did not die because of the mixes of the different bloods..."

Kagome's jaw dropped, and her breath caught in her throat. Did she dare believe him? Was the child really murdered along with the parents? Then, the war, the racial hatred...was...was all for nothing?!?

The shock was so overwhelming that she took a step backwards. The back of her foot hit the wet sand of the breaking waves. The sudden wetness shocked her so much that she fell backwards and landed in the shallows.

As her body recognized the water again, her heart began to pulsate. Although she didn't look, the final grains of sand inside her hourglass were beginning to plummet down.

Naraku laughed at her perplexity. "Poor little mermaid...the seed of the demons and merfolk, lost to an unnessessary war of pride and honor."

"NARAKU!" Inuyasha roared as he plunged upon the dark figure, claws extended.

Naraku eyed the attacking hanyou and dodged the attack. With a coiled tentacle he attacked Inuyasha and sent him falling to the ground in pain.

Inuyasha landed next to Kagome, who leaned over to try and help him.

"Don't touch me..." Inuyasha warned her, his voice was low and lethal. Kagome pulled her hand away, her eyes wild with fear.

"Inuyasha..." her voice was a mixture of confusion and panic.

Inuyasha struggled to rise, muttering curses under his breath. He snarled and raised his gaze to meet Naraku. With a burst of energy he charged upward towards him.

Naraku anticipated Inuyasha's attack as soon as he leapt off the ground. Another dozen tentacles and appendages appeared from beneath Naraku's clothing. Many coiled around Inuyasha's arms, legs, and neck.

Kagome's heart raced as she saw him struggle under Naraku's death grip. "Inuyasha!!" She called up to him.

Kagome was dumbstruck as Inuyasha began losing to Naraku's evil extractions. Then, a high whistling sound echoed in the air, as Sango's giant boomerang cut through the tentacles that held Inuyasha confined.

Kagome half smiled as the boomerang returned to Sango's awaiting hand. Sango stood leaning against Kirara; she had dirt and scrapes on her face and body, but seemed alright. Miroku was unconscious and lying on Kirara's back, with Shippo close by.

Inuyasha's body splashed back into the waves near where Kagome was and her attention was pulled to him. The waves had a thin coat of his blood on their surface; yet despite his wounds and loss of blood, Inuyasha continued to try and stand.

Kagome's eyes tore to Naraku hovering in the air. An evil sneer crossed his lips as he extended a hand toward Inuyasha's form. A flash of black light spread from his fingers and flew down towards an unprepared Inuyasha.

Inuyasha gasped at the dark energy attack that rained down on him. He couldn't block it. His eyes glazed over as the attack's power caressed his skin.

Kagome reacted.

She pulled herself to her feet, which were already beginning to transform back into her mermaid fin, and threw herself on top of Inuyasha.

She quickly pulled her hands into a meditative position, and calmed her inner spirit. The ancient song words echoed in her soul, and then finally came to her lips and out into the air.

At the last possible second Kagome's spirit shield protected her and Inuyasha from Naraku's attack.

When Kagome knew the attack was prevented, she relaxed, and her body fell limp over Inuyasha's.

Inuyasha stirred under Kagome's body. She seemed allot heavier than normal...and her breath came in large gasps. He shifted under her weight until he could stare down the length of her body.

Then he knew why she was so heavy again. She was no longer human...her mermaid fin covered her lower half once again.

"Kagome..." he mouthed. His mouth hung open slightly and he shook his head as if not to believe what he was seeing.

Inuyasha met Kagome's eyes, she half smiled at him. "My time as a human is over for this tide." She whispered.

Before Inuyasha could speak to her Naraku's dark laugh came down upon them. Then he bent down, and fell down towards them; sharp tentacles surrounding his form about to squire them both.

Inuyasha's body tensed and he cradled Kagome's upper body with his arms. Yet, Kagome wiggled away from him and pressed a hand over each of his ears. Inuyasha's face was pushed into her chest as she pressed her palms tightly down, blocking out Inuyasha's hearing.

As Naraku ascended towards them, Kagome narrowed her eyes, and then drew in a deep breath. As he neared them, Kagome let her voice sound out; her sonic note blasting directly into Naraku's face.

The evil hanyou was thrown backwards, his hands clasped over his ears, and a blood hurtling scream coming from his throat.

Kagome took this chance and, using her newly returned tail, powered herself and Inuyasha out of the shallows and into the deeper water.

Under the water, everything was quiet. Inuyasha held his breath and Kagome as she flew through the water.

Kagome swam as fast as she could to get as far from Naraku as possible. But, she felt Inuyasha go limp in her arms from lack of oxygen; so she stopped her assault to lend him some of her breath.

The kiss lasted longer than intended, but the couple was rejoiced that the other was alive, so they both held the embrace for a little while longer. When their lips parted, Kagome took Inuyasha's hand and began to swim back-parallel to the coast.

"Where are we going?" Inuyasha asked. Kagome didn't seem to notice his question; she only glanced behind them, making sure no one was following, but then still focused on getting away.

"Take me back! I must defeat Naraku!" Inuyasha growled to her.

"There's no point, he's too strong." Kagome said quickly.

Inuyasha sneered and pulled his hand out of hers. Kagome had to stop and swim back to him before her magical aura would leave him.

"Inuyasha! Come on we have to get out of here!!" She cried out.

"Kagome, I'm not going to run away! I swore I would kill him!!" Inuyasha growled.

"Inuyasha don't be a fool! You haven't a chance against him!" Kagome cried to him. She hadn't realized how much she had just stabbed at his pride.

Inuyasha's eyes narrowed, "I will defeat him!! Don't stand in my way of doing just that!!!" His voice was so full of brutality that Kagome moved slightly away from him.

"Since when have you become so violent Inuyasha?" She whispered in awe.

"Feh, since forever..." He growled.

Kagome was almost brought to tears at his tone of voice. "Inuyasha, if you go back...you...you condemn yourself to death!"

Inuyasha snarled at her, his golden eyes flashing anger and blood-lust. "I'm a demon! I don't run away from a fight!!"

Kagome hugged herself with her arms, "Is this a true demon's nature?" she half questioned herself then to question him.

Inuyasha heard her, "Feh, what do you know about demons?" he growled.

Kagome shook her head, "All I know is, if demons are this arrogant and won't except help from others then I KNOW that I don't belong in their world."

"Not like you were ever welcome here!" Inuyasha roared. The moment the words came from his mouth, he regretted them.

Kagome looked deeply hurt; she blinked her eyes slowly to fight away tears. Then, when she spoke to him again, she spoke as if she had never met him before in her life. She spoke like a diplomatic advisor, trying to keep peace between two nations.

Her voice was calm and collected, "Demon lord, my humblest apologies if I have offended you." She extended her hand, palm up, to gracefully point behind him. "Behind you lies the fight you seek...the blood you lust. I give you my partings; may you now return to your element and I return to mine."

She bowed low, her raven colored hair swooping around her face in the current-less water. "If I may be so bold to say that... I once knew a hanyou prince who always followed his heart. Never did I ever doubt his strength, his dedication, or his desires."

Kagome stared past him and into the water behind him. Her eyes watched as a creature of her calling moved along in the deep water.

She returned her brown eyes back to Inuyasha, "Prince Inuyasha, if you would wait but a moment I would like to bestow on you...a gift..."

Inuyasha suddenly sensed the presence of another creature in the water. The water moved around to obey its commands. Then, the familiar whistles and clicks of the ancient songs touched his senses.

Inuyasha turned around, his eyes widened, as the low swooping motion of a great whale moved into the area. Its shadow passed over both him and Kagome, making her practically invisible.

Inuyasha remembered the last time he had met the whales, which time had been a fun experience...now the whale made him fear for his life. The whale was placing itself between Inuyasha and Kagome. Inuyasha felt microscopic next to its sheer bulk.

The whale's large eye glared at him, as it swam by. It seemed able to read his very soul. Its sheer size startled him beyond anything; that graceful, quiet strength.

The massive creature curved its body and hung behind Kagome like a protective barrier. Its colossal mouth, with rows of straw-like teeth, grinned upon Inuyasha.

Kagome turned her back to Inuyasha and dug inside the rows of teeth. Inuyasha couldn't see what she was doing, until she turned around facing him again.

For the first time, since he had argued with her, Kagome moved towards him. Embracing a tight mound of wound cloth in her arms...the handle of a sword sticking out from within the dark material.

"If you will accept a gift from...a...mermaid...then..." She turned the bundle so that the hilt of the sword pointed towards him.

"...take...this..."

Inuyasha glared at her. She never seemed so far away from him then where she was now. Yet, she never looked more beautiful...almost like she was something he could never have...never again.

Inuyasha stared at the hilt of a sword that was being offered to him. He looked from it, to Kagome's face, back to the hilt again.

Shakily he extended a clawed hand, half expecting Kagome to pull it away, but she didn't. He grasped the hilt of the sword and pulled it from within the bundle of cloth.

As soon as the blade became visible, a shock wave of power shot up Inuyasha's arm. In a clean sweep the entire length of the blade removed itself from within the cloth and Kagome was left with the remains of her old cloak.

The blade's thickness and length tripled in size instantly, in Inuyasha's hands. Inuyasha held the blade, now, with both hands wide eyed in amazement at the glimmering weapon.

He turned his eyes back to Kagome, who had a half smile on her face. "It recognizes you." She said.

"What...? But...how...?" Inuyasha mumbled.

"The demon blade, Tetsugaiga, was captured by my father during the war and has been in his care ever since." Kagome spoke distantly. "Now, I, give it back to wence it came from."

Inuyasha lowered the sword, and tried to move closer to her. "Kagome..." he whispered.

The great whale behind Kagome pushed forward and blocked her behind one of its gigantic flippers.

"Prince Inuyasha," the ancient whale 'spoke' to him, "let this one be...you have your own battles to fight and win."

Inuyasha paused and glared down the length of the blade in his hands. His grip on the handle tightened, causing his arm to shake.

Then, in a burst of emotion, he roared into the open waters. He shouldered the blade and looked boldly at the immense whale that protected Kagome. He could barely see the top of her head and the tip of her fin behind the whale's flipper.

"Even if you won't let me, Kagome, I will always protect you." Inuyasha shouted to her.

Behind the whale's flipper, Kagome's tears melted into the water surrounding her. Her body ached in heart breaking pain.

Inuyasha waited for her to respond, but she didn't. He didn't expect her too. He took few long deep breaths of the watery-air he could breathe before turning his head at the water's surface above him.

He held is breath and swam for the surface; swimming out of Kagome's protective aura. His lungs burned as he exploded through the water's surface.

Still clutching Tetsugaiga he found his bearings and swam for the shore line.

...

Once he stepped through the shallows and onto the sand he turned and glared back at the ocean. Far off in the water, the tail of a whale broke the water's surface and its blowhole sprayed water up into the sky.

"Good Kagome. You stay safe, once I defeat Naraku...I'll come back for you, I swear it!"

He clutched Tetsugaiga in his clawed fingers and ran across the beach in the direction of Naraku's scent.

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Hey Everyone, I hope you enjoyed this chapter...I'm trying to make it up to you by making it extra long...Please forgive me for taking so long!! But as 'they' say: Good things come for those who wait. LoL Laters! Don't forget to review!!