Thanks to everyone who's reading and reviewing, although I've only got two….Oh well…here's another chapter…this ones not so touchy feely and sorry if you think my fan fic sucks. Just click the review button and give me some suggestions. Thanks!

Kitsune

The taijiya walked toward the hut, in need of shelter from the unyeilding rain. She gave a grunt as she pushed back the straw mat. Sango felt like muck, being covered in grime and all.
"Hm?" She pushed back sticky bangs as she turned to look at Inuyasha. But, as her eyes darted to Kagome, her jaw dropped. Her friend seemed to have adopted a pair of inu ears.
But, as surprising as it was for an ally to change race suddenly, it seemed to startle her more that Inuyasha and Kagome were drawn in close. It wasn't a normal sight. Afterall, there was always Kikyou in the way of their romance's progress.
"Ano...what exactly happened?" She leaned on a hip, placing a hand on it. Her face was one mingled of confusion and astonishment. Her exterior seemed to be as cool as a cucumber, but inside was a fury of fear. K-Kagome-chan...!

Inuyasha flushed again. "N-nothing!" He snapped. "Kagome was just-just feeling worried because Naraku's coming here!"
The way out of this awkward situation suddenly flashed to him. "The final battle's coming up, Sango." the hanyou explained. "The bastard told her he'd be coming to get her, and that means he's not going to send one of his puppets this time."

"Nani?" A whisper escaped her lips as she staggered back. All the worries whirling about had just started to die but rose in a sudden sweep unlike any she'd had before. It roared as if a fire, thrashing violently in her mind's eye.
The fear she felt was unlike any other. The final battle... The words seemed to sting her and sink in slowly. No more extra chances. No more risks. A near-death experience.
Using the back of her hand, she pushed the straw mat back gently. Her brown eyes could still spot the monk in the distance and her eyes grew stony. Everyone is in danger. Inuyasha, Kagome-chan, Shippou, Houshi-sama, Kohaku... Everyone.
Letting the object fall back into place, she ventured into the hut, nearing the hearths of the fire. It's our last chance. Either we win and conquer...or die alone in this miserable world...
The soaked cat trailed Sango lightly, her two tails drippy and soggy. She shook herself dry before settling by the taijiya. Feeling her owner's concern, she mewed softly, sympathetic with Sango.

Miroku looked up from his staff, a confused look on his face. "Thanks for-Nevermind." He sighed, shaking his head; the taijiya was already heading for the hut. Seeing no reason to linger in the mud and rain, the houshi followed soon after, pausing in the doorway as to not get all the hut wet. He leaned his staff against the wall, turning to look over at InuYasha, Kagome, and now Sango.
"Lady Kag-" He stopped mid-sentance, staring wide-eyed at Kagome. She was a hanyou now; indeed her aura was demonic, though it just didn't seem to suit her. Regaining his sense of sanity, he shook his head. "Lady Kagome," he repeated. "Are you feeling better?"
Miroku manuvered to the fire, finding the task a bit more difficult now that his heavy robes were soaked, sticking to him like a second skin. Eventually he managed to find a place on the floor beside Sango, the warmth of the fire very welcoming on his numb, mud-streaked face.

The miko-hanyou blushed lightly as her friends re-entered the hut. She began to fiddle nervously with a loose peice of hair. "I don't know Sango-chan...Naraku was attempting to turn me into a yukai and...well I fought him off..." Her eye's lowered taking on a darker hue. "So I guess the poison didn't take it's full effect, the results...well...you can see." Kagome indicated her clawed hands and inu ears.
"Yes Miroku..." Kagome forced a smile to her face. "I'm feeling alot better." She noticed Sango's shocked reaction. "Sango-chan...I...I'm sorry." Tears began to fall down the girls cheeks again.
It's all my fault...if I hadn't gotten mad at Inuyasha...then none of this would have ever happened...I wouldn't have been alone and Naraku wouldn't have been able to get to me! Clawed hands clenched into fists.
"I don't want you guys to..." Kagome couldn't finish the thought... "I don't want you guys to get hurt because of my stupid act!"

Inuyasha growled. "Don't be stupid! It's not your fault, it's Naraku's! We were going to get that bastard sometime anyway, so don't blame yourself for the inevitable."

Kagome fought back her tears. "Thank-you Inuyasha...I...I know it's not my fault but...well I feel as if it is..." Kagome looked around at her gathered friends. They were all here for one reason...to find and kill Naraku...that's how they all met..and now though...they were a team all of them.

Inuyasha gave a sharp nod. "Good. Now, we all want to win this, and there's pretty much no chance in hell that we'll ever get a second chance this good, so we'd all better start practicing more. Apart from teaching Kagome, I think we should put the search for shards on hold. We'll use what used to be our travel time as a sort of individual ability-building time. Maybe we'll even be able to spar, depending on how many days away Naraku is. We need to be ready for him."
He was aware that some of his companions would be shocked by the hanyou's plan to stop their shard hunt. But what does it matter, anyway? Hell, Naraku's got a shitload of them anyway. Once we beat him, we'll have his shards and then there'll probably be just Kouga's left. All that matters at this point is surviving past the battle.

He fell silent, contemplating InuYasha's words. Putting the search for the shards on hold was probably a good idea; there couldn't be that many left, seeing as they had been searching for months. And he couldn't very well just leave, even if he agreed with that; not only was Naraku far to strong for any of them to destroy on their own, the monk had to admit he had become friends with the motley crew. Aside from Hachi, and Mushin if you counted him, that had been one of the very things he had been against until the wind tunnel was gone; how could he make friends, knowing he could very well die at any moment?
Still, to sit and wait like the prey they were bothered Miroku. He was itching to go and kill the hanyou, but he didn't have much of a choice. How long will it take for Naraku to get here? Mentally, he sighed. It could take weeks, months... All depends on his plotting. Perhaps he'll even wait until I'm well out of the way. And yet, the others seem anxious to delay the battle as long as they can...

"It's getting late." The monk stated quietly noting the low angle of the sun. "It is time to get some rest."

"Oh, yeah." Inuyasha glanced out the window of the hut. He'd lost track of the time, partially because of all the things that had been going on, and partially because of his demon blood, which usually kept him alert enough that he only took about an hour's worth of sleep.
"I guess you humans had better get some sleep." Realizing this general statement didn't cover Kagome anymore, he added. "You too, Kagome. Especially you. I'll keep watch as always."

Kagome nodded more than a little distracted. She stood up slowly and walked to the corner of the hut where she usually slept. she layed down but didn't close her eyes. "I'll try Inuyasha...but...I'm kind of scared to..." The truth of the matter was she didn't and oculdn't sleep. She was more than a little nervous about the fact that Naraku could get to her while she was asleep. And if she was she wouldn't be able to build the few defences she knew. Her mind was in a jumble with confusing thoughts. Miroku could die anytime with the wind tunnel in his hand.

Inuyasha sunk down into his traditional position with his legs crossed, this time only a few feet away from Kagome. Normally he would lean against the opposite wall from her so that nobody would get any "ideas" about their relationship (such as a certain not-so-holy monk).
On the other hand, he figured that even Miroku wouldn't make any snide comments at this point, considering the situation. Besides, the hanyou could smell more than a little apprehension in his longtime female companion at the suggestion that she sleep. Therefore, her statement didn't suprise him much.
I'm not actually so sure that she needs sleep any more than I do, anymore. Though it might relax her a bit...unless Naraku decides to pop in while her mind's at rest, and that would just make things worse... he mused.
"Come to think of it, it might be better if you just stayed awake and rested physically, Kagome." The hanyou compromised, choosing his words carefully. "You should probably stay awake, but just relax."

Kagome raised herself to her elbows and looked at Inuyasha out of amber eyes. "Ok Inuyasha. Thank you." She stood up and sat next to Inuyasha. "It's just that...I think it's easier for Naraku to get to me when I'm unconcious."

The male hanyou nodded with his eyes closed. "There's probably something to that theory- seeing as he has the ability to get inside your head now."
Unconsciously, the hand on the opposite side of Kagome flexed its claws.
Inuyasha angrily shook his head. "This is all so damn frustrating. I always thought that if we finally got a chance to fight the bastard head on, Miroku and Sango would be as...exilarated as I am."
He had been going to say "happy", but the truth was, Inuyasha wasn't so much happy as angry. The idea of fighting Naraku made him happy, but in a sort of furiously carnal way. Anger was what fueled him on when he was fighting- which was most likely the prime reason Sesshoumaru thought him weak. His hot-headedness was both his weakness and his strength at once. Somehow, if Inuyasha was just the right amount of angry, he'd discovered that he could think the clearest that way.
"And now," the dog-demon continued, "we finally get that chance, and they're suddenly all miserable and pathetic! What the hell is up with that?"
It completely eluded the reckless boy that Miroku and Sango might be afraid of losing their lives, or that of a companions. Once again, Inuyasha's arrogance left behind all evidence of worry- except when Kagome was concerned. When he had pushed her down the well, months and months ago, that had been after a brutal enough battle that he had achieved that level of anger which produced clear thinking. It had also helped that Sesshoumaru had threated the schoolgirl from the future at one point. To Inuyasha's memory, Naraku had never directly threatened Kagome. Therefore it didn't occur to him to worry about their lives.
In a way, his arrogance was also optimism. He firmly belived that there was no possibly way that his odd "pack" could lose to a man as evil and conniving as Naraku.
Inuyasha turned towards Kagome. "Well, at least I understand your attitude, wench. You always did apologise too damn much. And you've got your human thing going on too, constantly thinking I'm going to die from some stupid flesh wound."
His gaze flicked to her new ears. "That bastard. You shouldn't have to put up with this, especially not now. Though I guess we probably wouldn't be facing the final battle with Naraku if it weren't for what he did to you- it still makes me angry!"
The hand nearer to Kagome curled up into a fist.
Inuyasha's eyes softened. "But don't you dare say any of this is your fault." His other hand reached out and tucked a stray lock of hair back into place.
"It's never your fault."

Miroku sat still a few minutes longer, savoring the fire's warmth, before retreating to the end of the hut opposite InuYasha and Kagome, gathering his mud-covered staff as he went. Settling into the corner, it felt much colder than it had closer to the flames, and his robes, although mostly dry, were still somewhat damp and not helping at all. Still, he closed his eyes, staff resting across his lap as his head rested against the wall.
Silence fell over the room, though sleep evaded him. His mind was too occupied. Only this time, rather than morbid thoughts of their current situation, it was a particular taijiya that kept him awake. Their talk, while not of happy things, seemed to lighten the mood just a bit, and for that he was very thankful. Opening one of his eyes he peered over at the demon slayer as she sat near the fire.

The taijiya looked up before tucking her legs to her chest as her dark eyes stared into the heart of the fire. They watched the flickering of the gentle flames. Releasing her arms from gripping her legs pale, she held her outstretched fingers to feel for the heat of the fire.
Sango released a staggering sigh. It half caught in her throat. Back then, she had always believed she--they--can take care of Naraku for good. But her hopes have diminished, seeing as how Naraku continued to strenthen.
Burying her nose into her knees, she let out a muffled groan. Afterall, he had the power to turn Kagome-chan hanyou. He is, no doubt, confident in his ability. And I wouldn't underestimate why. He has most of the shards. We've all gotten stronger, but...it might not be enough...
Standing, her eyes looked to the wall that seperated her from the outside. She hesitated a bit. She knew it was idiotic, but the news had really stricken her so. If I were to go train...I might catch disease. If I were not, I might not be strong enough...
Crouching down to her position again, she let her eyes roam surreptitiously at her companions. Sango knew more than ever that Inuyasha was confident. All she hoped was for him to not underestimate their nemesis, Naraku becoming all mighty and all.
Kagome had also strengthened in her miko powers, but worry never ceased at the fact that turning her hanyou might effect her miko skills. Hopefully, that isn't the case though...
And Miroku was probably eager to suck up the wicked hanyou in the hellhole created by the very same being. But it struck her with concern that the monk's kazaana may consume more than allowed before he was sucked in also.
And I hope that I will be ready to help in this battle. Someone will die. And that's going to be Naraku, we'll make sure. Her heart warmed slightly, but a little nagging voice in her heart tried to freeze it over again. Kohaku...

The miko hanyou watched Inuyasha in apprehension. "Inuyasha...we're all anxious to finally get this battle with Naraku over but..." The raven haired girl glanced away...almost...afraid to voice her thoughts to over excited hanyou.
"Did it occur to you that Miroku and Sango are scared for their...our lives?" She looked back at Inuyasha, her amber eye's searching for the slightest reaction. "Everyday Miroku's kazaana is widening a little day by day." The girls voice was getting softer as she spoke.
No, it's not my fault...but what if it is? If one of my friends die in the upcoming battle won't it be my fault that it happened? My fault for being weak? Or being strong and resisting Naraku? I don't know... Her mind spun in turmoil fear and confusion chasing circles with each other taking turns in her mind.
"Sango has more to lose than all of us...what if she comes up against her own brother? What then?" Again the fear and doubt surfaced. "I know how she feels Inuyasha...what if...what if Naraku does gain control of me? Will you be able to fight me...and mabe even kill me in order to defete Naraku?"
Now the girl was looking directly into the hanyou's eyes searching for some stray emotion. Kagome caught the hanyou's hand as it finished tucking a stray raven lock back into place. "But it is my fault...if Naraku hadn't of done this to me, we would have more time to prepare...and yet...I don't know if that would be better. Naraku is getting stronger the longer we delay in fighting him. Inuyasha...we are all mortal...we can all die in the upcoming battle, even me."
The miko hanyou rose releasing Inuyasha's hand in the process. "When the final battle comes, what if you die? What if it is my hand that kills you?" Her final words were so soft she could barely hear herself but she didn't doubt Inuyasha had heard them. "I don't think I would be able to live with that in my heart."
The girl walked slowly over to her tajiya friend, she had sensed the girl's inner turmoil even as she experienced her own. "Sango-chan?" She asked softly crouching beside her friend. "I'm sure we can defete him, and get Kohaku back."
She knelt then staying silent and watching the flames flicker and dance across the hut walls. Nothing more could be said to her silent brown haired companion, Kagome couldn't ease her own worries, she doubted she would be able to ease Sango's.

Inuyasha bit back a nasty retort. You idiot! You've fought back possession before, and it's not going to get you this time. Besides- what makes you think a weakling like you could kill me! I've got years of experience on you, wench. he mentally raged.
"Arrogant little wench." the male hanyou couldn't resist muttering under his breath. "The new blood must be getting to you. No way you could kill me." No way I could kill you either, though. You've grown on me, damn you.
Quickly pushing that thought away, Inuyasha had no intention of allowing either scenario to be nessecary. If Naraku gained control of her, he'd just...just knock her unconscious or something, right?
A different idea floated to the surface of his mind. But wait...what if she's somewhere Naraku can't get to her? Somewhere...he doesn't even know exists! Somewhere like Kagome's time!
This new thought delighted the snowy-haired boy. Of course! Kagome doesn't even need to be in the fight! She'll be safe in her time. We can concentrate more on Naraku, and safety won't be as much of a problem- since Miroku and Sango can take care of themselves. As for Kohaku...
Inuyasha clenched his teeth, remembering the possesed human boy Naraku had stolen from his older sister, now a mindless toy of war. I don't know what we're going to do. It seems like the only way to free him is to kill- No! There's got to be another way! Sango would never forgive us!
Deciding to think on it later, he called out quietly, "Oi- Kagome. Just because you and I don't need sleep doesn't mean Miroku and Sango don't. Give them a rest, will you?"

The taijiya's chocolate eyes warmed up to the miko but her insides ached desperately. Why...why does it feel like my heart will rip out in all this pain?
No self-pity now. All you can do is look forward and work hard. She cursed herself mentally before speaking. "Mou...I know, I know. Thanks Kagome-chan."
But, nevertheless, her heart sank into deeper pits as she smiled assuredly at her friend. Her eyes focused on the impudent hanyou a little ways off. Sango shook her head. "Ie. I'm perfectly fine..."

She nibbled on her lip as she pushed her fingers to her heart. Should I question it? Sango definately did not want to damper their spirits anymore.
Curiosity clasping her in its persuasive fingers, she spoke. "...do you know where...he is? Or when the battle will take place?" She had to know if she wished to train before their final battle. Still, the taijiya felt naseus from the worry consuming her thoughts day and night.

Kagome smiled kindly at her friend and then looked over at Inuyasha. "Ok, I guess you're right." She said quietly. As the worried tajiya posed her question the miko hanyou blanched.
Her face visible whitened and her amber eye's showed worry. "I...I don't know Sango...I..I haven't tried to find him." Her voice was low and nervous. "He...didn't say when he was coming, all he said was he would see me soon."