Yay! You guys got me to 1000 reviews! I feel so loved! I feel so so so so so so so so so loved! So now I've got to do something special. If you want to see what Suno Kazasami looks like, then check my bio for information on how to see him.

I have so many special things I have to do for you all. Why did I wait two weeks to update? Because this chapter is so very special! There's a surprise…

Also, please check out my other very good stories. I know you all enjoy this story so much, but I have to say that "The Other Side of the Story" and my new story "The Ruler of All" is better in my opinion. "Shattered Innocence" is also very good. If you all are a bunch of romance groupies, then I want you to know that in "The Ruler of All" there will be plenty of romance to fling around between Inuyasha and Kagome and other people, so please check them out. They are good, I promise they are.

Q: If Ikuto is worried about the "balance" then why is he helping Inuyasha defeat Naraku?

A: ….Uh….okay, I messed up, but I figured out a way to fix it! Just read the chapter and I can make complete sense out of my former madness, okay?

Chapter 47

"Are you ready for this?" Ikuto asked Kagome. "We really need you for this, Kagome." Ikuto placed his hand on top of Kagome's while the two of them sat in Kagome's kitchen. "I need you to be confident, focused, and strong." He could feel her hand shaking under his, and it was so cold.

"But what if something goes wrong? What if something happens to Inuyasha and I never get to see him again?" Kagome was terrified. For the past month, ever since she found out Inuyasha was going to die and Ikuto knew how, she had been scared that his time was up now. What if Ikuto was really trying to make sure he lived? Was Ikuto that selfish? She came to the conclusion that he wasn't, but when it came down to his life or Inuyasha's, it would be safe to assume that Ikuto's life was more important to himself. "Ikuto…is he going to die?"

He didn't really want to answer. Ikuto became very jealous at that moment, but remained calm, another difference between him and his former life. "Kagome, I can't say much, but I promise that Naraku will draw his last breath before Inuyasha does, and that's more important to Inuyasha than his own life, so that's the answer I'm going to give."

She wasn't satisfied, but Ikuto was right. If Naraku was dead, then Inuyasha could at least die in peace, even though he loves her and Kikyou. Avenging Kikyou's death was the most important thing. Kikyou also wasn't the only person to avenge. Sango had been caused so much pain because of Kohaku's lost memory and her slain village. Miroku's curse would be gone if Naraku was dead. So many would benefit if only Naraku were dead. Killing Naraku would be Inuyasha's last requirement of himself. Nothing more would have to be done.

"Are you sure we have to do it this way? It seems too risky."

"I'm positive Kagome. This is what needs to be done."

"But...what is your purpose? I mean, you don't want to mess up the balance of the universe, but you want to help Inuyasha defeat Naraku. What sense does that make?"

"Kagome, this may sound a little strange, and you may not even understand it, but my objective here is not to kill Naraku, but merely fight him."

"What?" she asked angrily and with a bit of unbelief. "Do you honestly want to just fight him for kicks? Are you crazy or something? This isn't a game!"

"Naraku's not going to die today; we've just got to send him packing. Naraku is a coward and won't do anything if he feels it's a threat. Since Inuyasha is at his weakest, he'll attack Inuyasha head on and try to kill him tonight. There's no question in my mind about it." Kagome didn't understand Ikuto's theory, but she listened to his explanations. "It's my fault that he knows, so we've got to make it even by making it seem like Naraku never knew the advantage at all."

"But how are we supposed to do that?"

"Simple, Kagome! If we can hold off Naraku long enough, those who have a great sense of smell, like Sesshoumaru or Kouga, will pick up on Naraku's scent."

"So you want to lead Sesshoumaru and Kouga to Naraku tonight so they can kill him?"

"No way. I expect Naraku to flee before they even get the chance. The point I was trying to make was that since Kouga figured out Inuyasha's secret and Sesshoumaru's already known for a long while, the two of them will probably come around Inuyasha when there is a night of the new moon. If Naraku's enemies are all together at once-"

"Then he won't come after Inuyasha on this night anymore..." It all began to make sense now. Ikuto really was a smart guy. Inuyasha could come up with a battle plan once in a while, but his brain power was no comparison to Ikuto.

"But what if he still decides to come around? What if he thinks he can manage to kill Inuyasha with Sesshoumaru and Kouga around anyway?"

"Don't underestimate Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru could at least keep him busy enough for even a human Inuyasha to protect himself. Besides, Sesshoumaru's self philosophy is 'no one can kill my little brother except for me' so I feel pretty confident about this, Kagome."

"I see you've thought this through."

"Yes I have Kagome…"

Kagome could tell that he had something else on his mind. She was curious, but he could only be anxious about the upcoming battle. 'I suppose it's more than that…' "Ikuto, what's bothering you?"

"Kagome, why would anything-"

"Please tell me. I mean your brother just about died. I would have thought you wanted someone to talk to, but you've been avoiding me up until today. What's the matter?"

He took his hand away. "Kagome, after this is over, I can't see you anymore…until you're finished collecting the Shikon Jewel." He waited for a reaction. He wanted her to say something, but she only looked bewildered. "I'm really sorry about this, Kagome. Suno's forbidden me, and he's really serious."

She couldn't believe her ears, but even though she was a bit shocked and a bit hurt, she couldn't be angry. She sadly said "I have to agree with Suno." She wanted to kick herself in the head for saying that, but that was the truth. "You see, I'm really afraid for you Ikuto and you keep getting dragged into my messes. Whatever you know about Inuyasha's life and what has happened or what is going to happen, there is one factor that doesn't belong, and that's you. Back to the whole 'balance' thing…its best and I…" she smiled sadly "I just want you to be safe."

"Just be careful Kagome. It's not going to be the end after today. I can promise you that there's still a hard journey ahead of you. Just be cautious about what you do, but don't overanalyze something. Just be you Kagome." He smiled a small but friendly smile. "It's getting late. We should meet Inuyasha now."

"Yeah, before he comes to get us."

"You mean you?"

She nodded. "Let's go."

"What's taking that stupid girl so long?" Inuyasha barked aloud. "If she's not here in one minute, then I'm going to get her!"

"Kagome hasn't been around lately" Shippo said sadly. "I've missed her, Inuyasha. If you weren't so mean to Kagome then she'd be here more!"

Inuyasha hit Shippo in his head hard enough for Shippo to start crying. "Shut up Shippo!" Inuyasha yelled. "No one wants to hear your opinion."

Miroku shook his head as he saw Inuyasha's foul behavior. "You really are unstable without Kagome around, Inuyasha."

"I'm sure she'll be through the well any minute now" Sango assured. "It's almost nighttime. She'll be here Inuyasha. Just have a little patience."

"I can't trust that girl to be on time for anything! I'll have to get her myself!"

"Sit!"

"Ahhhh!"

"She's here!" Shippo stopped crying instantly and began jumping up and down with excitement. "I can't believe it!"

Kagome's smiling face came up through the well, followed by Ikuto's uncomfortable expression. He never really did feel like he belonged there. He knew he didn't. It only made everyone feel uncomfortable. "Hey guys…"

Miroku practically bum rushed Ikuto and grabbed his shoulders. "You must tell me this right now Ikuto, for I fear that I might never lay eyes upon you again."

"A bit dramatic, but alright. Ask me what you want to know."

"I was wondering…" he smiled a lecherous smile "is this Sidney really beautiful?"

Sango knocked Miroku up on his head and Miroku's questions came to a halt. "Honestly, can't you get your head out of the clouds and into reality for once Miroku? We've got something important we need to talk about. Just in case you haven't forgotten, Naraku is on his way here and he plans on killing us!"

"Sorry Sango…"

"You told them?" he asked Kagome.

She nodded hesitantly. "You didn't say I couldn't. Should I have not done that?"

Ikuto wasn't sure. "Shippo?" he felt a tug on his pants leg and saw that Shippo was tugging with a questionable look in his eyes. "Uh…could you tell me…do I have a reincarnation?"

"Uh…I'm not sure, Shippo. I haven't met anyone quite like you."

Inuyasha finally got up from off of the ground. "Don't worry about it Shippo. Having a reincarnation isn't such a happy warm feeling, just in case you didn't know that. It's only gotten me into more trouble."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, well I'm the one who's going to help keep you alive during this whole ordeal, so shut your trap."

"Shouldn't Inuyasha hide?" Shippo asked.

"Perhaps he should" Sango warned. "He'll lose all of his demon strength."

"Naraku already knows my secret" Inuyasha glared at Ikuto with hatred and Ikuto returned the glare. "Besides, you guys are humans and you always fight. I can't just let you guys fight and stand and watch. How could I? That's why I have to fight and stop Naraku once and for all."

Kagome looked over to Ikuto and wondered if he would explain his plan, but Ikuto looked back to her and gave her a warning not to say a word through his eyes. 'Why doesn't he want to at least tell Inuyasha?' She figured it was because Inuyasha wouldn't actually listen anyway, not that it mattered. "Guys, I think we should get away from the well. I had a creepy dream that Naraku was in my world, and though it already happened, I wouldn't want it repeating again."

"Let's go then." The three of them started wandering away from the well and into the depths of the forest. They had no intention of going to the village and endangering them, and thought it was too dangerous to take the chance of going past the village, since there was so little time before night fall. They all waited, armed and ready for Naraku to strike. Ikuto had a sword with him, the same sword he had already slain a demon with. He also carried bow and arrows with him, as well as Kagome, but not her usual kind. Ikuto was able to smuggle some out of his house for her without Suno noticing.

"My brother would kill me if he knew what we were doing" he said aloud.

"I heard you and your brother resolved most of your issues" stated Miroku. "That's what I heard from Kagome anyway."

"Yeah, that's true. He can still be a jerk sometimes, but he's still my brother and his intentions at heart are to protect me." All of them but Kagome and Inuyasha looked at him a bit shocked, especially since they all knew who he was the reincarnation of. Inuyasha learned to ignore Ikuto and figured that Sesshoumaru and Suno were different because Suno was human and though Inuyasha didn't like Suno, he didn't like to make the connection between Sesshoumaru and Suno, frankly because Inuyasha could never focus on Suno's good qualities and dare to think that Sesshoumaru might care for his little brother, deep down. No way in Inuyasha's mind could that be true!

"I wonder when Naraku will show…" Sango looked up at the sky. "Night is already approaching."

The night came, and it came quickly. Inuyasha reluctantly changed into a human. All of his power was gone, and as far as Ikuto was concerned, Inuyasha's usefulness was gone as well. To Ikuto, Inuyasha was a very sloppy fighter who only lived long because he had his demon power and knew how to stay hidden when he was human. Inuyasha didn't really have a fighting style and liked to wing it, and wasn't that wise in battle. Inuyasha might get lucky, but there was virtually no way that Inuyasha would be able to put a dent in Naraku. Ikuto didn't know if any of them could. They were just going to try and hold out.

Some hours passed, unexpectedly. Inuyasha was surprised. "I figured that Naraku would have been here as soon as the sunsets."

"Naraku is cowardly" Miroku stated "but as of lately, he has grown confident. He doesn't consider us a challenge, and will yet take advantage of anything. He tries to make us weak and comes against us knowing that he has the advantage. He'll come, but he's underestimating us and probably figures that no matter when he comes, he can destroy Inuyasha before dawn."

"Maybe he figures we'll drop our defenses and then he'll come" Inuyasha told his friends "and if that's the case, then he's got another thing coming." Inuyasha glared at Ikuto and asked "Can the baby stay up all night?"

"Yeah" Ikuto guaranteed, though he usually didn't. He hadn't stayed up all night without being tired since he was a little boy. "I can manage."

"Inuyasha, please…" Kagome had enough of their picking. She wanted the two of them to like each other and to get along some kind of way, but they couldn't stand each other. "I just want to get through alright." They were all gathered in a circle and Kagome was of course between Inuyasha and Ikuto, but she leaned a little over to Inuyasha's side more. "I just want all of us to be safe." 'I want you to be safe Inuyasha. Please be careful.'

Ikuto couldn't say that he wasn't jealous. He was very jealous, but he ignored his feelings the best he could and concentrated at the task at hand. 'We've got to hold out.'

Some hours passed and Shippo had begun to get a little tired, as well as Ikuto and Kagome, but they did their best not to show it. Ikuto was the most tired, since Kagome and Shippo were used to dealing with Inuyasha's problem once a month. "When is that stupid demon coming?"

"Hey, I sense jewel shards" Kagome said aloud. "There are two."

Inuyasha grunted once he realized that Kouga was coming and he couldn't even pick up on the scent. "You mangy wolf!" he yelled aloud before Kouga appeared.

As soon as it exited his mouth, Inuyasha was trampled by a whirling hurricane and left twitching under Kouga's feet. "Kagome!" He grabbed her hands and made her stand up. "I was worried. I smelt you and Naraku's scent in the area and considering what night it is, I knew the mutt couldn't protect you, so I knew I had to, Kagome dearest."

Inuyasha forced Kouga off of him and stood up along with Ikuto who both began separating Kouga from Kagome. "Keep your mitts off of Kagome!" yelled Inuyasha.

"She doesn't want you" added Ikuto, as all of his tiredness left him.

"It's you!" Kouga said with malice in his voice. He really did hate Ikuto. "And what are you doing hanging around here."

"I'm waiting for Naraku!"

"A stupid human like you would only get hurt" Kouga told him. "But out! Naraku has nothing to do with you!"

"He impersonated my mother, Kagome, myself, had me and Kagome possessed, nearly got me killed, and my brother! Naraku is my concern!"

Half of what Ikuto said went through one ear and out the other. He pushed Ikuto and Inuyasha out of his way and grabbed Kagome's hands. "My dear Kagome, is it true that Naraku did these horrible things to you?"

"Yeah, but he really hurt Ikuto and…"

"I'll kill him tonight if it's that last thing I do. I'll avenge my woman. It's my duty!"

Kagome laughed lightly. "Oh Kouga, you're too much!"

"I sense Naraku's great demonic aura coming this way" Miroku warned. "It's time."

They all prepared themselves mentally, all but Shippo, who was trying to stop shaking. Sango had Hiraikotsu tightly clasped in her hands, Miroku had his staff readied and his sutras already anointed, Kagome and Ikuto readied their arrows for firing, Kirara transformed, and of course Kouga and Inuyasha, the two brutes, were ready to use their fists. Naraku was coming and as far as everyone except for Kagome and Ikuto, they believed that this would be their last battle with Naraku, or was at least hoping. Now was the time to give Naraku everything they had. If they didn't, they would fail.

"Show yourself, Naraku!"

The aura increased so much, that they all knew he was already there. Naraku appeared in the sky with a pink barrier surrounding him. He had a smile on his face as he landed. He knew that they were at their weakest and figured that they would all perish in a mere instant. "Inuyasha, I see that you are in your human form and you have also brought your reincarnation with you."

"Wow" Inuyasha yelled with sarcasm "did you figure that out all by yourself? I was hoping you didn't notice."

"I say we take him now, and we take him down hard! Ikuto was about to do something, but Kouga jumped up in the air and attempted to attack Naraku. Much to Kouga's surprise, his spinning kick did nothing. He couldn't get through Naraku's barrier.

"Curse you Naraku!" he yelled. He didn't give up so easily though. He continued to fight against Naraku, but he couldn't break through the barrier. Kouga eventually stopped his attempt and wondered what he should do next. 'I can't kill him if I can't break through the barrier. How am I supposed to defeat him?'

"Take this Naraku!" Sango threw her Hiraikotsu, but it only bounced off of the barrier and back into her grip again. 'If we can't break the barrier, than we're doomed. Inuyasha can't make the Tetsusaiga work for him tonight. What should we do?'

"I have had enough of you!" Miroku hit the barrier with his staff and though a current of electricity passed on the barrier, it wasn't enough. Miroku backed away and threw a dozen sutras at Naraku, but they eventually burned up in the barrier.

'I can't break it like this' Inuyasha thought to himself "Kagome!"

"Right!" She fired her arrow, and it made an explosion upon impact, but it wasn't enough.

"Try again!" Inuyasha encouraged. "You've got to do this! I know you can."

"Just stay focused" Ikuto told her. "Remember that day I showed you how to shoot, Kagome. Concentrate and you can do anything."

She nodded and fired again. This time, she focused herself and upon impact, it caused a ripple to circuit throughout the barrier and before it could recover, she shot another one, and the barrier was down.

'Curse that impudent wench!' "Just because you've got my barrier down doesn't mean that you'll win. You are no match for me."

"Shut your mouth!" Kouga began to charge at Naraku and began to slice off whatever parts he could, but Naraku only laughed every time Kouga made a blow. Naraku would only piece himself back together.

"Your attempts are futile."

"Oh yeah?" Inuyasha asked. "Well you talk too much!"

"Inuyasha!"

Ikuto threw Inuyasha his sword and Inuyasha ran straight to Naraku with the sword in his hands. "I'm not backing down Naraku, even if I am human!" Naraku attempted to stab Inuyasha with a spike in his arm, but Inuyasha cut it off with the sword before it made contact. "You're the coward Naraku! You're the one who's weak. You're the one who's going to die!"

Ikuto fired an arrow and it landed right in the center of Naraku's chest. Ikuto fired another and it landed right where his heart should be. He fired again and hit Naraku is his head.

"Nice shooting!" Shippo yelled.

"It's not good enough though"

Naraku was beginning to get annoyed. He managed to hit Inuyasha and knocked him up into the air. Kirara flew up to get him and caught him before he made a rough landing. Naraku managed to do the same to Kouga, but while Kouga was in the air, he flipped and landed on his feet. "You fools! What makes you think that you can defeat me?"

Kagome fired another arrow in Naraku's arm and it exploded. "Maybe because you're falling apart, Naraku!"

"You're not really powerful Naraku!" Miroku gave his staff to Sango and she placed it on top of her Hiraikotsu.

"You're nothing but a sniveling worm, and pretty soon, you're going to get stepped on, Naraku!" She spun and threw the weapon right at Naraku, and it created a gash in his only arm left.

"You think I'm weak?" Naraku asked them. His arm grew back and he took all of the arrows that Ikuto shot at him out of his body. "Don't make me laugh! Your attempts are completely useless. All of you shall perish!"

"What should we do now?" Shippo asked Miroku.

Miroku looked up at the sky. "It's late, but we don't have enough time."

"We've got to last until dawn. Inuyasha doesn't have his powers back yet."

They all continued fighting, but it did all seem futile. Not even Kouga could do any real damage. It was as if Naraku was invincible.

"I've had enough of you all!" he told them. "Perish in a miasma!" A poisonous miasma began to surround them all. Kirara grabbed a hold of Sango, Miroku, and Inuyasha and Kouga took a hold of Kagome and jumped out of the way and into safety. Shippo transformed and Ikuto jumped on top.

"Are you okay Kagome?" Kouga asked.

"Yeah, but what about my friends?" She looked behind her and Kouga and saw them on Kirara and Ikuto on Shippo. "And Naraku?"

Naraku appeared out of the miasma and struck Kirara just enough for her to lose balance and one of her passengers. "Inuyasha!" Sango yelled, seeing him fall back into the cloud of darkness.

"Inuyasha!" Ikuto yelled. Ikuto jumped off of Shippo and ran blindly after Inuyasha.

Inuyasha had a very hard landing, but that was the least of his worries. He could barely move, but he was also breathing in toxic poisons from Naraku. He got up slowly in so much pain and was defenseless against Naraku who was standing right in front of him, ready to kill.

"Well Inuyasha, now is the time for you to die!"

"No!" yelled Ikuto.

Inuyasha braced himself for the end. He couldn't believe that this was it. He saw Naraku's arm transform into a giant spike and it shot straight towards him. He blinked and felt a pain in his side, but then he felt another as he landed. He was…pushed? He opened his eyes and he was on the ground, and he wasn't pierced by Naraku. "Then what…" he looked at who had actually come to his rescue him and couldn't believe it. "Ikuto?"

"I sense something!" Kagome yelled. "It's the Shikon Jewel, and it's not a shard!" she told Kouga. "I've got a horrible feeling. I need to go back!"

"You what?" Kouga asked. "I can't place you in danger."

"You must Kouga or I'll never forgive you!"

How could he argue with that? He didn't want to put her in danger, but he couldn't deny her that. She was so worried and he couldn't stand to see her that way. "Hold on!" He took her back into the miasma but before they landed, Kagome shot an arrow so the miasma would dissipate.

"Inuyasha?" she landed and saw that he was alright, but Ikuto was another story. Naraku's hand was still plunged through Ikuto's gut. "Nooooooooo! Ikuto!"

Inuyasha couldn't believe that Ikuto just risked his life like that, but something else was bothering him. Naraku, Inuyasha, Kouga, and now even Kagome were all looking at the full Shikon Jewel that had just flung out of Ikuto's body and had landed a few feet behind his body.

"The jewel!" Naraku let Ikuto's body fall, and went after it, and so did Kouga, but fortunately, Shippo grabbed it and ran for his life.

"Leave him alone Kouga!" Kouga stopped in his tracks once he saw Kagome crying. "Don't go after the stupid jewel!" She couldn't think of that anymore. She couldn't even think about Naraku who was now chasing after Shippo. She ran to Ikuto, who was coughing up blood with his eyes distant and cold. "Ikuto…" she held his head in her arms. "No…"

"I wasn't…expecting…this." He slightly chuckled, weakly, with the last of his strength.

Inuyasha joined Kagome's side, still shocked at what happened. "I don't understand…I thought you hated me."

"Believe me…" he coughed up even more blood "I'm just as surprised as you, Inuyasha…"

"Stop speaking" she told him with tears running down her face. She was so worried about Inuyasha that she hadn't even realized that Ikuto was in danger. Now he was dying and now everything was ruined and everything…everything was falling apart. She hadn't realized how much she loved him until now. Such emptiness was coming in her heart. "Don't die…"

"Kagome…I…" The sky began to become violent. It began to rain and lightening flashed. The balance was interrupted and nature was crying out in pain. "I love…you…" His head fell and his breath was gone. There was no more life within his body. He was gone, Ikuto was dead.

"Ikuto….Ikuto…Ikuto!" She shook her head and began screaming in agony. "Nooooooo! Please come back Ikuto!"

"Kagome…" Inuyasha placed his hand on her shoulder, but she forced it away.

"How am I supposed to…Ikuto…he's…" She didn't know what to do. "But I loved him…" she whispered.

Shippo managed to get the jewel to Sango and Miroku, who rejoined the crying and broken hearted Kagome. Naraku planed to finish them all at once. "Now join him in the afterlife!"

They all braced themselves, but before he could attack, a blue wave of energy hit Naraku in his back and tore apart his body. "What was that?" Shippo asked.

A small glimmer of hope lingered in Kagome's heart once she saw their present savoir. If anyone could help her, it was him.

"I've finally found you, Naraku."

Naraku quickly rejoined himself, but he did it with rage. He was infuriated. "Lord Sesshoumaru…"

To be continued….

A/N: I killed someone! I killed Ikuto. No! No! No! Sesshoumaru? Sesshoumaru's in the story? Will he…bring Ikuto back to life? You have to review in order to find out!