ATTENTION: I am posting a new story next week called "The Ruler of All" and it's going to be so good! What if Sesshoumaru inherited the Tetsusaiga instead of Tenseiga? You'd be surprised how different things are, and how much is the same. You've got to read it! It's filled with Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha goodness and other goodness that you just have to read to find out! It'll be the best story ever!

HEY! LOOK HERE: Just in case someone didn't get the message, I posted a review on chapter 9 about something someone said to me.

Chapter 41

I do not own Inuyasha

"I should go back to Kagome" Inuyasha insisted. "She shouldn't be alone with Ikuto for very long." Inuyasha was once again in Ikuto's rooms, but this time, Rina was looking through Ikuto's clothes, just trying to find something suitable for Inuyasha to wear for his night over. She settled for a pair of Ikuto's sweat pants and a T-shirt.

Rina handed the clothes to Inuyasha and smiled. "You like Kagome like Ikuto does, don't you, Inuyasha?"

"What?" Inuyasha began to blush as he tried to hide it, but he just turned his head. "I don't even know what you're talking about. You're crazy kid, and besides, it's not any of your business."

She shrugged her shoulders and walked into Ikuto's bathroom that was connected to his bedroom and started searching for something. She wasn't in there for very long though. She just came out with two bottles, a towel, and a wash cloth. "I want you to help me take these things away to your room for tonight."

Inuyasha took them from her and looked at the bottles strangely. "And what is this stuff supposed to do? It looks pretty weird to me."

"Its shampoo and conditioner. Your hair looks thicker than my daddy's so I wanted to give you Ikuto's shampoo. You can wash your hair, if you want to."

"I don't need all this stuff."

"Sure you do. Your hair is all knotted and tangled." Rina led Inuyasha out of Ikuto's room and into a guest room suitable for Inuyasha, that had its own bathroom connected right to it. "Isn't this place nice?" she asked.

"It's alright, I suppose." 'I can only imagine Miroku trying to rip off this place. I bet Ikuto's brother would be too smart to fall for Miroku's lies.' The mention of Ikuto's brother got Inuyasha thinking. "Hey kid, what's it like here?" Rina didn't understand what he meant by the question, so he continued on with his thought, even though he really didn't want to ask her. "How is it for Ikuto to live with his brother?"

"Well, I like having my uncle around, but he and my dad used to fight about a lot of stuff. I'm just glad that they learned to get along. They've been doing well." Rina smiled gently and a flash of maturity entered her eyes. "I know that my daddy is really hard on Ikuto most of the time, and I know sometimes my uncle Ikuto doesn't understand why he's treated the way he is." Rina's smile became strong, bright, and innocent as she continued on. "It doesn't matter though, because deep down inside, Ikuto knows that my daddy loves his little brother and if the worst should happen, he would do anything for Ikuto. My daddy always fights to protect my brother's good name and I know that if something bad happened to Ikuto, my daddy would be crushed. I also know that if something bad happened to my daddy…" the thought began to scare her, and her smile began to fade away. "I know Ikuto would be sad if something happened to my father."

Inuyasha saw that her smile was completely gone and her eyes started to tear up. "W-what's the matter kid?" He didn't treat her like he would treat Shippo, but it reminded him of when he was about to see Kagome cry for the first time and he wasn't sure what to do or even why it was his fault. "What did I do? You're not about to cry, are you?" The mention of her crying jinxed her and she immediately burst out into uncontrollable tears. "Come on kid, stop crying!"

Rina forced herself to stop and tried to wipe her tears away, but she couldn't. "I…I was just thinking…what if something happened…to my…daddy?" She started to cry louder, and Inuyasha covered his ears.

'What is wrong with this kid?' "Your dad is fine! Nothing bad is going to happen to him. I promise."

She instantly stopped wailing and wiped the last few tears away. "I'll believe you, Inuyasha. It's just that I really love my daddy and I would be so crushed if he died."

"But he's not…"

Rina nodded her head. "Okay, I believe you, Inuyasha, but it still hurts. My real daddy died, and I don't want anyone else to die. I love my daddy."

'This kid is so strange, but I suppose the thought of my mother dying scared me too as a child, and then it happened when I was so young…' "Stop whining, because your dad is alright."

She found her smile again and nodded her head. "Okay, I won't cry anymore Mr. Dog Man."

"The name is Inuyasha."

"Inuyasha?" she asked. "If you don't know, my name is Rina."

"Rina, huh?" Inuyasha looked at her harder. She didn't look exactly look like Rin, but there were resemblances. 'I can understand her being reincarnated, but what about everyone else? Demons can live for hundreds of years, yet there really aren't any in this land at all. Miroku and Sango of course would die over time, but what about Shippo and Kirara? Something happened to all of the demons. What happens to Sesshoumaru?' Inuyasha remembered Ikuto. 'And what is supposed to happen to me? I'm going to die. How does it all happen?'

Inuyasha's thoughts were interrupted when Rina announced "I'll leave you here to get in the shower."

"The shower? I remember how to work Kagome's."

'Who wouldn't know how to work one?' "Well, it's almost my bedtime."

'Yeah, and I've got to get back to Kagome.'

"So" Ikuto looked around him to see if any of his family members were still around or even Inuyasha, but no one was around. Whatever conversation they were about to have, it would be totally private. Ikuto was uncomfortable about that. He could guess what it was about. "Kagome" he made eye contact with her, really the first time since the incident with Naraku. "I uh…I was wondering if you and I…were we together, as in a boyfriend, girlfriend thing?"

Kagome nodded hesitantly. "Yeah, you were my first boyfriend."

"Oh…" 'Were, as in we're not now. Maybe I shouldn't bring it up. I suppose I will though.' "Uh…was it my fault, Kagome? Did I do something wrong?"

"No of course you didn't do anything bad Ikuto. It was all me." She insisted it and totally took the blame. 'It was my fault after all.' "It's kind of a touchy subject. I'd rather not talk about it. I feel so horrible."

"Horrible?" he asked. "Even so, shouldn't I know, in order to get my memory back?"

'He wants to know that of all things? Why that?' "Ikuto, I'd rather not really go into that much detail. I think you should know that you are Inuyasha's reincarnation, though."

"The dog guy that wanted to kill me?"

"Yeah, Ikuto, you're his reincarnation." She didn't really want to tell him all of the other details, but she needed to tell him some of it, anything to jog his memory. "We broke up, because I loved Inuyasha before I even met you. I said that I love you, but-"

"Wait, wait, wait!" he practically yelled with excitement. After a look of panic and confusion came on Kagome's face and she stopped her conversation, Ikuto slowly started to smile. "You told me that you love me?"

Kagome began to blush. "Ikuto, I've got something important to say. Can't you ask those questions later?"

Ikuto was glad to know that he had someone to share feelings with and completely forgot that they weren't even together anymore. "So, have I confessed my love to you? Are we that serious?"

"Ikuto," she placed her hand on his so he would stop talking. His excitement died down and she continued on. "You did tell me that you loved me," a smile began to spring up on his face, but just as quick it was beginning to come, Kagome's words ruined it "but we're not together anymore, Ikuto. I'm sorry, but I still love Inuyasha and you, so we're all single right now." She took her hand off of Ikuto once she knew that he fully understood everything she had said.

"Well, what about all of the other stuff? You won't tell me the story of why we broke up, but what did Naraku do to me, where are my parents, and my brother and I don't seem to like each other at all. Would you please explain some of the details I don't understand? Feel free to fill in the gaps."

"The gaps?" 'I can't be the one to explain how his life was miserable. Does he really need to know all of that? Everything has been real stressful for him. I should probably let it go. I mean, I haven't known him for that long.' "Ikuto…I don't think it's my place to say anything…" she felt a little ashamed. Who would want to tell him of his life? Most of his life had been tragic, even though he's so fortunate to have so many riches. "Maybe you should ask Suno…"

"My brother?" Ikuto groaned as he felt something wrong with his stomach. 'What's wrong with me? I feel very odd and I am sleepy.' "Kagome, I am going to rest in my room. I'm not feeling well at all."

"Yes, I understand. I'll call my mom and tell her that I'm spending the night." Ikuto nodded and walked off towards the stairs and Kagome felt a great deal of pity for him. 'He can't even remember his parent's face. The poor guy! Terrible things just keep happening to him. He doesn't deserve it all.' Kagome laid her whole body on the couch and closed her eyes. She hadn't realized that she was so tired. Being so worried really took her energy away. 'I love you Ikuto, and I hope you get better soon.'

'Ikuto, I bet that you are more capable of remembering then what you're letting on.' Once Suno had gotten into his room with his wife, she began to give him a relaxing massage. "He can't be doing all of this anymore. It's too dangerous and he's too important to be having a secret identity. It can't be done."

"I agree, but you Kazasami boys can be so stubborn. I fear he won't listen to us, no matter what we do."

"Don't worry over it. It's not healthy for the baby. I'm the one who always has to clean up his messes." Suno had been very skeptical about the baby, but he luckily was now thinking about its well being. It really touched Sarah and she began to cry. "Why are you crying now?" He was a bit annoyed now. She cried everyday, more than once.

She stopped massaging him and hugged him from his backside. "Nothing sweetheart, you're just a wonderful man, that's all. I know that we're going to be one big happy family once the baby is born." She held him tight, feeling that if she let him go, she'd never get the chance to make it up.

"You're trembling" he said with a hint of concern in his voice.

"I'm just…I just hope everything will be okay in the end." 'I do feel as if something horrible were about to happen though. I fear the worst.' "I love you Suno."

Once Kagome's eyes opened, she was staring into a pair of golden eyes. Once she sat up and got the full view, she was relived to see that it was indeed Inuyasha. She also realized that she had a blanket over her, and it was comfortable and looked expensive. "No one wanted to wake you, Kagome."

"I see." She pulled the covers off and just stared at Inuyasha. The lights were out and it was exceptionally dark in the house, but Inuyasha's silver hair made him slightly glow in the dark. "Inuyasha…I'm sorry if you feel…out of place here."

"Out of place?" he asked. "This place is weird but not overwhelming."

"No, I'm talking about Ikuto, and you know it."

His ears fell down. "Well, I understand his condition." He had too much wounded pride and rage in that statement to actually mean it, but Kagome let it go.

"Inuyasha" Kagome moved her legs "will you sit next to me?"

"Sit next to you?" Inuyasha was glad she asked. He was scared that he was going to lose her, even though he knew he really couldn't have her. He said nothing and sat next to her. Kagome gently rested her head on his shoulder and she smiled deeply. "Kagome, do you really believe he's lost all of his memories?"

"Why not? Look at Kohaku. He doesn't remember Sango."

"If that's the case, then no one in this house is safe, Kagome. We've got to make him remember, or else Naraku will win."

"No one can force him to remember, Inuyasha. It's just something he has to work out." Kagome was still tired, so she nuzzled her head on his shoulder until she was comfortable, and rested her eyes. "The morning is coming soon."

"Yeah, Kagome. Just rest." He was happy that she was with him once again. 'I don't want you to leave my sight Kagome. It's too dangerous to go off on your own or be around Ikuto. Something's wrong with him. I can smell it.' Kagome had begun to lightly snore and Inuyasha thought it was a little humorous. He smiled at her a bit. "I'll protect you Kagome. You don't have to worry about anything else in the world. I'll be there for you."

Ikuto came out of his room late in the afternoon. He went downstairs to the kitchen expecting to see breakfast, but instead, he found Rina eating a sandwich and Suno eating a salad for lunch. "What is going on? Where is Kagome?"

"You weren't feeling well, so my mommy let you sleep for as long as you wanted. You took too long and Inuyasha took Kagome home since her mom, grandpa, and brother was worried."

"Are you too weak to fence?" Suno asked his brother with a hint of something in his eyes. He was up to something. "Well, little brother?"

"I don't remember how to. You'd beat me, no contest."

"We fence everyday. You should remember something. Follow me."

Ikuto hesitated to do so, but he followed his brother to their practice room where they did fence usually everyday. Ikuto was a little nervous as he looked at his sword in his hand. It seemed odd to him. He couldn't remember anything about technique and what he was supposed to exactly do. Even the feel was awkward. He couldn't remember anything. "Are you sure we do this everyday?"

"Just about." Suno had perfect form and a dead serious look on his face. He was about to show no mercy to Ikuto, when Ikuto couldn't remember how to defend himself. He even had his death glare on his face. He wasn't about to pity Ikuto. He would be totally ruthless, as always. "Let's begin."

"Begin?" Ikuto went into a cold sweat once his brother charged at him. He held his sword up and it luckily blocked Suno's sword, and he did it once again, but the third time, Suno's sword met with Ikuto's arm, and with a flick of Suno's wrist, Ikuto had a cut. "What was that for? I don't remember anything. I can't defend myself!"

"You always liked to make excuses, little brother. You always blame others for your faults and your unhappiness instead of looking at yourself. You're an irresponsible fool, Ikuto!" Suno tried to strike Ikuto again, but Ikuto blocked it, and continued to block blow after blow, but that was all he was doing, but he wasn't doing a good job at it.

"You're crazy! I can't remember how to fight!"

"I don't care if you were attacked by a demon. You can't remember because you don't wish to remember anything. Who would want to remember such a pathetic life such as yours?"

"What?" Ikuto began to put a little more strength in his defense as Suno began to make him angry. "Don't accuse me! I wish I could remember!"

"It would seem so or at least that's what you make it appear to seem like. I believe that you lost your memories, but now the only one suppressing them is you. You can't live with your life, so you're hiding from it, even if you're not trying to keep your memories dormant."

"Shut up!" Ikuto instructed his brother. He began to steadily get angry, unbelievably angry.

"Life has always been a bit cruel to us brother. We've been blessed with fame and money, but both of our parents are dead. Our father and your mother died in a fire, and our father died trying to get you out. He died saving you!"

"Don't say anymore!" Ikuto stopped trying to simply protect himself, and started attacking his brother whenever the right moment appeared.

"Your mother was a different race from father, and that's why people despised them. They despise you worst of all, because you're a half black American living in Japan." Ikuto grunted and continued to attack his brother. "You had no friends as a child and you were often picked on. Even your first girlfriend Lari betrayed you because she was ashamed of you. Do you know what they used to call you at school?"

"Don't tell me!"

"You don't remember, brother?"

"Be quiet!"

"It seems like you do."

"Shut up!"

"The demon child."

"I said shut up!" It was then that Ikuto began to go all out on his brother. It became all out war between the two of them. Suno didn't back down, but now Ikuto wasn't going to either. Ikuto was now mostly attacking. Suno dodged his brother easily enough though. "You were always a disappointment, little brother. Now is the time for you to be defeated once again!" Suno attacked again and this time, Ikuto not only stopped the attack, but pushed Suno. "You shouldn't be angry with me" Suno said. "You can't defeat me, but it's no surprise. No one ever truly believed in you to begin with."

"Shut up already!" Ikuto's rage and skill rose higher and higher, but he had his limits and the next thing that happened, Suno knocked Ikuto down. "Ah!" His body had a hard impact with the floor. He hurt himself but Suno didn't show good sportsmanship by helping Ikuto up.

Suno held his sword to his little brother's neck. "I win again little brother."

Ikuto was just overcome with rage. "One of these days!"

Suno had begun to remember something and realized what was happening, so he played along with Ikuto. "Maybe when I'm 108 and you are only 98, but other than that, you'll always be weak to me. I would probably beat you then."

"You'd be on a respirator!" Ikuto yelled out, but once the words exited his mouth, he realized that he had said those words to Suno before. He had said those exact same words. "I remember." That wasn't the only thing he remembered. He remembered everything. He remembered his parents; he remembered his school life, his brother, and Kagome. He could remember it all. "I remember…"

Pleased with the results he received, Suno stretched out his hand to help his little brother up. Ikuto hesitated, still being a bit angry, but he was able to figure out why his brother was so tough. "It's good to know that I don't have to cover for you anymore. I had to handle your little no show at work."

"So I guess I'm not still fired, huh?" Ikuto nodded his head, once he was up on his feet. 'He's a jerk all of the time, and even though I thought he was just trying to be cruel, he was the only one who could help me, because he's not afraid to say the truth.' "Thank you" and that was hard for him to say.

"I knew you were capable, once you put your mind to it."

'Even though he's cruel, his objective is to protect me, if the worst would happen.' "I uh…I should call Kagome."

"And tell her what the demon did to you?"

Ikuto shook his head again. "That's the only blur and if I can't remember that, I've got a feeling I won't be able to. I think something really bad is about to happen, Suno."

"It's not your concern. Tell the dog, and drop it." Suno was completely serious. He didn't want his brother or Kagome ever going back to the Feudal Era again. It was too dangerous for the both of them and it only meant trouble. 'Too much has happened. The next time, someone could get killed.'

"I understand." Ikuto understood alright, but he didn't agree and wasn't sure if he could promise anything. He wished he could avoid it, but he had a feeling that they were all too deep into it to leave. He wanted to avoid it though. He could sense that something dreadfully awful was about to happen. 'I feel a little sick. I wonder why.'

"What's troubling you, Ikuto?"

"Come on!" he practically barked. "You've done enough and I really hate asking you for advice!" He placed his sword back on the rack and crossed his arms like a stubborn child. "If you knew something that could save someone's life, but could end your own, would you tell them?"

"It would depend whose life I would be saving. I wouldn't just risk my life for anything or anyone." Ikuto became unusually silent and distant. Whatever he had to say, he didn't want to say it at all. Suno already knew though. It was all deadly obvious.

"It's just that I…"

"It's the dog, isn't it?"

"What?" Ikuto should have figured that his brother would be able to figure it out, but it was still surprising to him. "But how did you know?"

"It's dreadfully obvious. If it was Kagome, you wouldn't have asked. You would risk your life for the girl. If you have information that could save Inuyasha's life, then it would naturally endanger yours. What you're really asking me is would letting him die make you a bad person, and it wouldn't. You'd only be messing up the time frame, if you did. You'd cease to exist and no matter how tempting it is to me, I would rather not have the balance of the universe shifted because you decided to become a noble idiot and interfere with fate."

"I get it."

"But I don't? What's so different now? How do you know how to save his life?"

Ikuto ran his fingers through his hair, trying to think. It was mostly a blur and very hard to concentrate on, but he knew some of it, at least enough. "I think Naraku wanted information out of me, and in order to get that information, he had to make me remember…all of the way back to Inuyasha."

"To Inuyasha?"

"Yeah, I say that because I kind of just don't feel like me. My head is all split up and I kind of have some of his memories and some of his feelings. It's very strange. I could have sworn that when I had no memory and Kagome told me my name was Ikuto, I felt like it was almost wrong."

"So he made you remember so much that you forgot? How ironic?"

"It's ironic alright, but Naraku likes irony and no one knows him better than Inuyasha, me." Ikuto sighed and looked his brother dead in his eyes. "I…I remember being him, and I know how he dies."

To be continued….

A/N: I hope you all were smart enough to figure out the big foreshadowing! The real trouble starts next chapter! Please review!