Chapter 28

"Naraku is behind all of this?", Miroku asked the witch.

"Yes. He desires to be reborn to wreak havoc on this world once again. And he has chosen Kagome's unborn child for his reincarnated body."

"That bastard!", Inuyasha cursed, as his fist shook with rage, "Tamae, you said I was the only one who could save Kagome. How do I do that?"

"I can make a potion that will put you in the same undead state as Kagome. You will be with her in the same purgatory and you can assist in her battle with Naraku. Only when you defeat Naraku's spirit will Kagome, and the unborn child, be saved."

"Fine! I'll do it! Make the potion, woman.", Inuyasha stated firmly.

"There is one downside, Inuyasha, that you must be aware of. If you decide to do this and you drink the potion, you will have only until the sun sets on the 2nd day to complete your mission."

"What happens after that?", Miroku asked.

"After that, the spell will be unable to be undone."

"W-W-What does that mean?", asked Shippou, nervously.

"It means that, should it take longer than 2 days to defeat Naraku, Kagome and the unborn child can be freed, but Inuyasha will remain in a permanent undead state. Nothing will be able to be done for him. His only option for escaping that state, will be death."

Inuyasha stared at Kagome as this thought ran through his mind. He had no doubts, he would gladly die for Kagome and their unborn pup.

"I'll still do it.", Inuyasha said.

"But Inuyasha, what if you can't kill Naraku's spirit in 2 days?", Shippou asked worriedly.

"As long as Kagome and the pup lives and Naraku is defeated, I don't care what happens to me.", Inuyasha spoke quietly.

"I will prepare the potion. It will be ready at sunup.", Tamae said, as she began pulling herbs out of her bag.

Inuyasha motioned Miroku and Shippou outside. He spoke to them quietly,

"Miroku. Promise me something."

"Sure. Anything."

"If I don't succeed in two days but Kagome does come back, please make sure she takes Yasha back to her world. It's not safe for them here without me."

"Of course, Inuyasha."

"Miroku...one more thing. If it should take more than two days ... once Kagome comes back ... don't hesitate ... I don't want to exist like that ... do you understand?"

Swallowing hard at his friend's request, Miroku nodded. He understood Inuyasha's desire to die rather than remain undead. Later that night, as Inuyasha spent what could be his final time with his son, Miroku explained the situation to Sango, Kohaku and Rin. Their concern for their friends was obvious as Rin and Sango cried and Kohaku just stared at the floor. Nobody could believe what was happening. And that Naraku was behind it all.

The next morning, Inuyasha spoke quietly to his son before heading to Kaede's hut with Miroku and Kohaku. Shippou stayed behind to play with Yasha so that Yasha didn't try to follow his father. Sango and Rin numbly went about their morning rituals. At the hut, Inuyasha received a surprise visit.

"Master Inuyasha!"

"Myouga! What are you doing here?"

"I heard through the woods that Naraku was back. Then I heard that Tamae was involved. When I heard that you and Kagome were involved I had to find out what was going on. Master, please tell me you aren't going through with Tamae's plan?"

"I have to, Myouga. It's the only way to free Kagome and my unborn pup. I don't have a choice."

"Master, what happens if you don't succeed in 2 days?"

"I'll succeed.", then turning to Tamae, Inuyasha said, "I'm ready."

"Here is the potion. Drink it all. I suggest you sit down, the effect is quick.", Tamae said to him as she handed him the cup.

Inuyasha took it and sat down. Looking at Miroku, he reminded him, "Remember what we talked about, Miroku."

"Of course, Inuyasha.", Miroku agreed.

"Good Luck, Inuyasha.", Kaede spoke, with a tinge of sadness, to which Inuyasha just huffed, as he drank all the potion down. Within seconds, he slumped over, lifeless. As Miroku moved his body closer to Kagome, he thought to himself,

'Yes, my friend, good luck.'