All right, I have the next chapter. It's all Inu/Kag/Sess drama. I hope this answers all the questions you guys have, since I know it's a little confusing. If you have any questions still, feel free to e-mail me, or tell me in a review, I'll try to answer you in the next chappy. I hope you guys enjoy, have fun! -Stelmaria

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Chapter 8 Reconciliation

"Inuyasha." She whispered, unable to believe her eyes. Flashes of her beloved being dragged to hell by Kikyo ran through her mind.

"No, you died. It can't be!"

Inuyasha laughed again. It was a cold laugh, devoid of his characteristic enthusiasm. Kagome gasped as uncertainty and doubt crept into her thoughts. This wasn't the Inuyasha she loved, this was the demon Inuyasha! A ghost, a terrible shadow of his former self. She frowned in confusion as Inuyasha slowly advanced, reaching out with his claws. Panic rose wildly within her as she backed away. A growl formed in Inuyasha's throat and his claws flexed. She gulped and took a few steps back, until she hit the rough bark of a tree. She was trapped!

Inuyasha's arms shot out and grabbed her roughly by the shoulders.

"Going somewhere?" He purred.

Kagome's Miko powers slammed into effect instinctively. Inuyasha was thrown several feet away. He sprang lightly to his feet and took up a crouching position, snarling in rage.

As her senses came into contact with Inuyasha's aura, Kagome's eyes widened in shock. His soul felt tortured and twisted almost beyond recognition. A hint of Kikyo's powers entwined within it. Grief stabbed at her heart, he must have gone through something awful. She sighed sadly. It was the evil Miko's doing, how she hated that priestess! Surprisingly, she also felt traces of her own powers, attached to the rosary beads still resting around his neck. 'His soul is still tied to mine through the subduing spell. That must be what's keeping him in this world.' Suddenly he spoke and she was snapped away from her suspicions.

"I only want one thing wench, the Shikon! Now give it to me!"

"Inuyasha!" She called desperately, "I don't have it anymore. It dissolved inside my body!"

The demon growled harshly and narrowed his eyes.

"So be it wench. I'll just have to take it from you."

Kagome cried out in angry frustration. Inuyasha took her moment of distraction to pounce, taking a swipe at her shoulder with his claws.

Surprised at his audacity, Kagome whirled away from his attack. She landed on the ground with a little umph, hard enough to leave her winded. Looking down, she saw four red marks along her neck where Inuyasha had struck her. Grimacing, she quickly propped herself up on her elbows. Kagome had had just about enough of Inuyasha's impudence.

She glared into his scarlet eyes and he glared back. Kagome grinned innocently and cleared her throat.

"Inuyasha," she called sweetly, "SIT BOY!"

Inuyasha ate dirt, raising a large cloud of dust. He kicked and scratched and yelled and growled.... all in vain. Kagome glanced at him with a bored expression and said in exasperation, "Oh Inuyasha, you should really learn to grow up!"

The string of curses that tumbled from his mouth only made her roll her eyes.

"I don't know what Kikyo did to make you turn demon, Inuyasha. But I promise I'll bring you back to your true self." Kagome replied, her voice softening, sadness creeping into her tone. "You know, I've really missed yo-"

Something slammed into her chest, knocking her backwards hard. She gasped as Inuyasha pinned her down beneath him, sharp claws poised over her neck. The spell had worn off much faster than usual! A jolt of fear rushed through her as she realized the danger. Inuyasha could kill her if he wanted to, and there was absolutely nothing she could do to stop him.

"Inuyasha." She whispered softly, soothingly. "Please, let me go. It's me... Kagome. Don't you remember me?" She tried helplessly to hold back her tears. Inuyasha growled threateningly and tightened his hold.

"Feh, stop yer whinin' and gimme the Shikon, bitch."

"I can't! I told you already, it's gone!" She pleaded desperately. His weight on her chest was beginning to smother her. His face became dark and oddly detached. His breathing quickened and his hands clenched hard on her arms, drawing more blood. At last he spoke.

"Wench, if you won't give me the Shikon then you will DIE!"

The words were forced between clenched teeth, long fangs poked out beneath his sinister smirk. Evil shone in crimson eyes as he raised his claws to strike. Kagome closed her eyes and turned her head, refusing to believe this was happening.

Suddenly she felt a gust of wind and a familiar scent. The suffocating weight of Inuyasha was abruptly lifted off her chest. Her eyes flew open to behold Sesshoumaru! The demon loomed over Inuyasha, who was sprawled out several feet away.

"Keep your filthy claws off Kagome, half-breed!" Sesshoumaru snarled, flexing his claws in rage.

"Sesshoumaru." Kagome murmured in astonishment.

Relief flooded through her mind as she gingerly made her way to Sesshoumaru's side. The demon lord's head moved a fraction to regard her with solemn eyes.

"Kagome," he whispered softly. "Are you all right?"

Kagome was too shocked to speak, but she managed to give a feeble nod. Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed as if he didn't quite believe her. Turning, he inspected her up and down for injuries, noticing her blush as he did so.

'I can't believe it! He actually came to save me. Maybe he cares after all. Was that genuine concern I heard in his voice?' A smile spread across her features and she got a dazed far away look, until Inuyasha's growl rudely interrupted her daydream.

Everything erupted into instant motion. Inuyasha leaped up and charged at Sesshoumaru. The demon lord shoved Kagome to the side and pulled out Tetsusaiga, all in one fluid move. At the last moment, Inuyasha shifted directions, diving right for Kagome! Sesshoumaru flicked his wrist and sent the magnificent blade flying.

A moment later, there was an "umph" and a thud, as Inuyasha hit the ground. The hanyou howled in rage as he was pinned down by the hefty sword. It cut through the baggy pant leg of his robes, embedding itself deep in the ground. Inuyasha growled and tried futility to free himself.

Kagome scooted out of claw reach and swallowed nervously. She had to try to reason with Inuyasha, before someone killed him.... again.

"Inuyasha." She called gently, hoping to get through to him somehow. "Please Inuyasha, listen to me. Tell me what happened, why are you here?"

Sesshoumaru snorted in disbelief. 'She's trying to reason with him? Impossible! Only his demon blood remains. He doesn't even know who she is.!' Gripping the Tokijin hard, he flexed his claws and prepared to draw. Gliding silently to Kagome's side, he took a defensive stance and regarded his brother with disdainful eyes.

"You died, Inuyasha." Kagome continued in a gentle voice. "How did you get back?" A sob broke through her voice as hot tears flowed down her cheeks. She could feel Sesshoumaru move closer to her side, his grip on the Tokijin tightening.

"Kagome."

They both froze as Inuyasha muttered her name. Kagome managed a smile and nodded in encouragement. Inuyasha looked around and shook his head in confusion. He looked back at Kagome and said her name again, as if trying to remember.

Sesshoumaru studied him closely for any signs of attack. The demon blood was clouding the hanyou's mind. It was a miracle his little brother could even speak.

Those crimson eyes flicked from Kagome to Sesshoumaru and back again. Tugging violently against Tetsusaiga, a tear could be heard throughout the clearing as Fire Rat armor ripped in two. Snarling in freedom, Inuyasha stalked closer to the two demons. Sesshoumaru growled warningly in return and drew Tokijin. He stepped in front of Kagome and held the sword out before him protectively.

Kagome watched the approaching Inuyasha carefully. He didn't look like he was going to hurt her. 'He seems so lost and confused, the poor guy.' She started as Sesshoumaru pulled out the Tokijin and held it in front of her, barring Inuyasha's path. She sighed sadly and glanced at Sesshoumaru's resolute form. This could be ended without violence, if only Sesshoumaru would set down his sword.

Slowly she reached out, placing her hand gently on his forearm. Sesshoumaru's growling abruptly stopped, as he glanced into Kagome's eyes. He was amazed at what he saw there, hope, fear, peace and love.

Slowly she lowered her hand, gazing deep into his golden eyes, and his sword lowered with her, until it touched the ground and she let go. Her eyes conveyed everything she felt, unending gratitude and thankfulness for his trust. She knew how hard it was for the icy Lord of the West.

Reluctantly, Sesshoumaru stood aside and let Kagome approach Inuyasha. But he kept his eyes peeled for any sudden movements from the mutt.

"I-Inuyasha, tell me what happened to you. Please.... please tell me."

Inuyasha stopped a few feet from Kagome. He tilted his head to the side and studied her for a long moment. At last recognition shown on his features. His eyes cleared and his ears perked. Slowly he retracted his claws.

"I'm sorry," He whispered. "For what I have become. I'm a monster now, I can't control it!" His voice became more strained, panic filled his now golden eyes. He shook his head in denial.

"Why do I want to kill you? Run away! Run before I lose control again and hurt you!" Pain filled his eyes as he crouched down, his hair falling in front of his face hiding his expression.

"I love you Kagome."

He whispered it softly, so only Kagome could hear. She cried out in agony, rushing foreword to embrace him.

"Kagome don't!" Sesshoumaru shouted, leaping to hold her back. She struggled against him, desperately trying to reach Inuyasha. But it was already too late.

His head shot up, eyes once again a dangerous blood red. He cracked his knuckles and reached for the Tetsusaiga. Pulling it from the ground, he held it aloft, the rusty sword transforming into a gleaming fang.

Sesshoumaru held his own sword in a similar stance. The two brothers circled each other warily. Kagome stayed in the background, watching them with fear in her eyes. How could she have let this happen?

"Inuyasha," Sesshoumaru said in a deceptively calm voice. "My greatest regret is that it was not I who took your life. It would have been a great honor. However, your precious priestess got you instead. And now look what happened. It is true that we have never gotten along. I confess, it was partly my fault. But we had started to understand each other, in the end. You were the only family I had left, now you are dead too. Nevertheless, you were father's son. So I shall lead your spirit to rest, Inuyasha. It is the least you deserve."

He held his sword before him in a salute, then he charged. Tokijin met Tetsusaiga with a mighty roar. Energy crackled around them as the two swords clashed.

In the distance Kagome frowned. 'Sesshoumaru is right, Inuyasha is dead. The best I can do is help his soul find peace. I have to accept this!' Her eyes followed the combatants. They circled each other, relentlessly trading blows and parries. Finally, conviction filled her and she called out.

"Sesshoumaru! Go for the rosary around his neck. They are what ties his soul to this world! Destroy them and he will be free."

Sesshoumaru nodded in quick understanding. They continued to fight, neither having the upper hand. Sesshoumaru was more experienced, his moves graceful and fluid. However, Tetsusaiga was powerful, and it protected Inuyasha well. At last, Sesshoumaru found an opening. He darted past Inuyasha's defense, slicing downward with his blade.

Time froze as the sword cut through Inuyasha's rosary. The necklace slowly fell to the ground. Inuyasha's eyes widened in surprise, the Tetsusaiga falling from his fingers. He looked into his brother's eyes, seeing concern there, for the first time. His own eyes blended to their original soft golden hue. He smirked slowly and muttered a grateful "Thanks."

Then his body quickly evaporated into nothingness, and with that he was gone forever.

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Wow, wasn't that sad? I know things are moving kinda slow on the Kag/Sess romance front, but next chapter is PACKED with fluff. You will love it, I guarantee. Meanwhile, how will Kag react to loosing Inu again? Will Sesshy comfort her? *Find out soon!*

THANK YOU all of my awesome reviewers! There are some of you that have reviewed all of my chapters, every single one. I salute you! That takes real dedication, and trust me, I appreciate it. I also know I spelt Jaken's name wrong, but I'm to lazy to fix it, thanx for lettin' me know though!

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