Chapter Six:

'She might have everyone else fooled, but I don't trust this woman at all.' Sango walked behind the rest of the group thinking about their "rescue" of Kikyo. 'Why would this demon take her just to let her go? She says he must have realised she wasn't Kagome and just left her in the forest. Yeah right!' When they caught up with her scent, they were surprised to just see Kikyo standing there like nothing had happened. When Inuyasha asked her about it she just stared blankly at him and said the demon Kage must have mistaken her for Kagome, and when he realised it wasn't her he let her go and took off. Sango had to admit at least it looked like Inuyasha didn't believe her either, but like always he just nodded and let it go.

'Is he stupid! If it was Kagome he would have fought her till she told him everything! Why is he so submissive to this woman. She has been no help at all! We haven't found one single jewel shard or gotten any closer to defeating this demon or Naraku!' Sango was pissed. She wanted this to be over. She wanted her brother back! She wanted to marry the stupid hentai and have his hentai babies! She wanted her friend back! Thinking about Kagome Sango looked down sadly. Since this whole mess started she had become depressed. She had no one to talk to or have fun with. Sure she had Miroku but she could tell even he was not his usual carefree self. He barely even groped her! Gone were the days of laughing and playing around. No more nights spent talking around the fire. No more taking baths and talking about hentai monks and stupid hanyous. She never realised just how much Kagome did for them. She was their joy when things look bleak. She kept their spirits up when all seemed lost. Now, every day was quiet and awkward. She just wanted things to go back to the way they were.

Sango looked over at Miroku, she knew he felt the same ways as her. She knew he knew this was a mistake. She just had to figure out a way for them to get Inuyasha alone and tell him enough was enough. They were getting nowhere, and it was time to go get Kagome.

Inuyasha knew that Kikyo was lying. He could smell it, but what was he supposed to say! He would always lose his nerve when he tried to confront her. Even though he no longer loved her, she still seemed to have some kind of hold over him. Maybe he should try to talk to her alone tonite. Maybe it was time to put an end to this. He just hoped he could do it.

Later that afternoon, the group decided to make camp. When Sango asked Miroku to help her collect firewood, Inuyasha decided this was his chance to speak to Kikyo alone.

"Kikyo, I think we need to talk," Inuyasha said sternly.

"Oh, what is on your mind Inuyasha?" Kikyo came over to sit next to him.

"Umm, I just think it's strange that this demon would take you and just leave you without a word. He didn't say anything or try to hurt you at all?" He figured he would start there and hoped she would not get mad.

"Is it that hard to believe Inuyasha? Haven't you yourself mistaken my reincarnation for me? I wish I had more to tell you, but it was all very uneventful. I attempted to purify him and he had no reaction. If I were Kagome, I would probably already be dead."

Inuyasha knew it should sound believable, but he just had this feeling something wasn't right.

"Kikyo, I think we have been going at this the wrong way. We can't seem to catch up to this guy. Maybe...maybe if we bring Kagome back it will draw him to us. I know it's a risk, but it's been so long already and we still have nothing to show for it." There, he said it. Maybe she'll understand? Maybe she will agree with him.

"Hmmm. Why is it that you seem to want Kagome with you so badly? Is it her you truly wish to be with? Is my love for one-sided? I am beginning to believe that you do not wish to be with me at all." Kikyo said with tears forming in her eyes.

"It's not that Kikyo! I just want to stop this guy and get back to destroying Naraku! I promised to avenge your death and I will keep that promise!" He was starting to get frustrated. Why did she always do this?

"And what of your promise to join me in Hell? When the time comes will you still honor your vow?'

Inuyasha didn't know what to say. He didn't want to hurt her, but he most definitely didn't want to go to Hell. When he made that vow he felt responsible for her death and he also thought that he still loved her. Now, he knew he wasn't the cause of her death. He also knew his feelings for her were only that of friendship. He loved Kagome, he wanted to live with her not die with another.

"Kikyo...I will keep my promise to avenge you, but...I can't keep my promise to die with you. I'm sorry."

"I see." She looked away and he knew that she was crying. His heart hurt for her, but it was better to let her know now. He had to let her know his choice. "I can not say that I am surprised. I had a feeling for a while now that I was losing you. When the time comes, I will make my journey back to Hell...alone."

Inuyasha felt like shit. Here was a woman who he knew loved him. She was the first person to ever see him then more than an abomination. She treated him kindly and showed him love for the first time since his mother's death, and he just pretty much just threw it back in her face. He was an ass, but he couldn't leave Kagome. She was his future mate and it was way past time he started treating her as such. It didn't mean that he didn't feel bad for Kikyo, she would always hold a place in his heart, but Kagome held a much larger piece.

"Can I just ask you one more favor before I let you go?" At his nod, she continued. "Can you just give me the time we have left? Can I have the time we have before you return to my reincarnation, can you just let me love you and let me feel loved in return? I wish to have you as just mine if only for a little while."

Inuyasha was taken back! What did she mean? "Kikyo...don't you think that will just make things harder? I don't know exactly what you want me to do."

"Just...in the little time we have left, don't push me away. I will not cross any lines, I just want to hold your hand or be able to embrace you without you fighting me. Please...just give me this, let me have some good memories to hold on to for when I'm gone."

The way she looked at him he felt like there was no way to deny her. She didn't really ask for much. Just friendly hand-holding or a hug here and there. What would it hurt? She had suffered so much already, who was he to deny her just a little bit of happiness. He knew he would catch shit from his friends, but they didn't understand. He would just let them know it was pretty much her dying wish. How could he say no!

"Of course Kikyo. No matter what happens I do still care for you. You will always be my friend." With that, she crawled into his lap and held him around his neck. He did not hesitate to hold her in return. He knew he would need to take time to explain it to Sango and Miroku, but he would let her have tonite. He would hold her for as long as she needed.

Unknown to him Kikyo was fuming! 'How dare he! How dare that girl take what is mine! I will not let him go so easily. I will just have to change my plans. If Naraku wants the girl dead so bad, maybe it's time to deliver her to him. With the girl gone Inuyasha will have no choice but to join me in Hell.' She held him tighter as she formed a plan in her head. 'He is mine.'

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Sango and Miroku were shocked when they returned to camp. There was Inuyasha asleep cradling Kikyo in his arms. Sango was pissed! How dare he do this to Kagome! I knew he just wanted to get rid of her to be with this bitch! Miroku was very confused. Inuyasha had not too long ago told him that he was in love with Kagome. What changed? Inuyasha would have a lot of explaining to do come morning.

Inuyasha was the first awake in the morning. He looked down at the priestess in his arms with so much guilt. 'I know I agreed to this but I feel like I'm cheating on Kagome!' He knew that he and Kagome were not mated, but she was his intended. His demon side was fuming that he held a woman that was not his mate. He knew this was wrong, it felt wrong. The Gods must really hate him. He always seemed to be stuck in these horrible predicaments. It went against his demon nature to show affection to a woman that was not his mate, but his human side felt pity for the girl. She went through enough pain as it is because of him. He could at least give her this.

He wanted to take a moment and explain to the others, but it seemed once again that luck was not on his side. Kikyo stirred right before the others and it looked like she was not gonna let go of him anytime soon. Ignoring the glares from everyone he started off into the trees. Hopefully, he would find sometime later today.

He informed them that they would start to head back in the direction of Kaede's village after they collected the jewel shard Kikyo has sensed before her abduction. He got no response but they broke camp and followed him anyway. As they started walking Kikyo grabbed his hand with a smile. He looked down at her and gave a small smile in return. Which was hard to do when he could feel the three sets of eyes burning into the back of his head.

'Ok. This isn't too bad, right? Just two friends holding hands! They would understand! Sango and Kagome held hands all the time! I'm pretty sure they don't have romantic feelings for eachother...right?' He shook his head when his brain started going down that line of thinking. Nope not thinking about that. He was starting to relax a little until Kikyo released his had and wrapped her arm around his waist. As a reflex, he put his around her shoulder. She seemed pretty happy so no big deal right.

He heard Sango gasp behind him and stiffened. 'OH SHIT!' Oh, yea he was fucked. She was gonna kill him and use his bones as a chew toy for Kirara. Maybe this is a bit more intimate than he thought. But, Kikyo looked so happy he didn't know what to do. Risk hurting her or risk decapitation. Hmmmmmm.

Luckily, he didn't have to think on it for long. Kikyo stopped and stated she felt the shard. Inuyasha smiled and lifted her on his back as the others hoped on Kirara. They headed towards a village and he could smell human blood. It wasn't much and he was excited to have a good fight! It had been WAY too long.

They heard screaming coming from the village. While Miroku asked a villager what was going on Inuyasha spotted the demon.

He was very upset to see it was just a snake demon. He wasn't even that big! Of course, he was bigger than normal with the jewel shard, but he was actually surprised the humans in this village couldn't kill it.

He didn't even bother using tessaiga, he needed a good fight, and using his claws would at least take a little bit of effort. After a few good swipes, the snake was pissed and tried to bite him with his venomous fangs. Inuyasha wasn't even fazed as he quickly cut off the snakes head and the snake turned to dust.

"Well, that was fun.." He mumbled as he turned back to his friends.

"At least we got a jewel shard. It has been a long time since we have collected one. I believe there can't be many more out there." Miroku stated seeing as Sango was completely ignoring him.

"Keh. I guess. Well, lets get out of here and make camp somewhere before dark. We can head back to the village in the morning." He wished they could go now but it was starting to get dark and he knew the weak humans needed food and rest. "Keh!"

Sango looked behind him fuming. As he turned around he could see Kikyo headed toward him with a smile on her face. It wasn't a true smile but it was still rare to see it. She ran right up to him and held him from behind. Yup, he was dead. He tried not to look at Sango but he swore he could feel the fire burning him from her eyes.

Miroku just shook his head and grabbed Sango's hand to head out. She gave him a sad look and he wanted to try to make her smile. Hopefully, when they returned in the morning he could convince Inuyasha to go get Kagome. If not for himself then at least for Sango's sake. He could not stand to see her so upset all the time.

The couple took off before Inuyasha and Kikyo, not wanting to watch them embrace. Inuyasha just grabbed Kikyo's hand and started after them. Tomorrow they would get to the village and he would get Kagome and explain everything to her and the others. They would forgive him...hopefully.

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A few miles away another group was headed in the same direction. Kagome had sensed the shard and they decided to go after it. They were hopeful that they would hear some news about Naraku as well.

"I spy with my little eye something green!"

"Ummmm Jaken!"

"Awww Shippo you win again!"

"I told you I'm the best at this Rin!"

"Ok ok, your turn!" Rin smiled.

"Ok...umm.. oh I spy with my little eye...something OLD!" Shippo shouted excitedly.

"Old? Hmmmmm, let me see. Is it... Master Jaken?"

"Hey Rin you got it hahaha"

Jaken walked in front of the children with his head down. He thought it was bad with just Rin around. Now he had TWO brats to take care of. 'Does my Lord hate me so!'

"Miko. I believe you taught the children this game just to test my patience." Even Sesshomaru was starting to get a headache from the overactive kids.

"How was I supposed to know the only thing they would spy is Jaken? If I knew, believe me, I would not have said a word." Kagome smiled over at him. She knew the children started to get bored with the game and decided to just pick on the poor toad instead. "Besides, I believe it is your influence that causes them to pick on him so much. You are a very bad example for them. Bad Dog!" She tapped him on the nose as she held in a laugh.

Sesshomaru just looked at her. Why he used to find her charming he couldn't remember. "Hn. If I did not promise your protection you would be dead by now Miko."

"Yea yea, you know you love me!" Kagome joked back. She knew he would never hurt her and she loved to push him to his limit.

"I think not. This one merely tolerates you until I have no more use for you."

"That hurt Sess. I thought we were friends! Come on you know I didn't mean it." She looked at him with puppy dog eyes as he rolled his.

She smiled as he shook his head at her. When they first decided to leave she was nervous. She knew that he could sense it and they have been teasing each other back and forth ever since. She appreciated him trying to take her mind off of everything and she was grateful to call him her friend. He hadn't asked her again what exactly happened but she knew he was curious. Every time HE was brought up Sesshomaru was adamant that his brother did not want Kikyo, but Kagome would just get sad so he would drop the subject. She would tell him...eventually. He had become one of her best friends and she knew she could trust him, she just wasn't ready to talk about it.

They kept their light banter going for a while until suddenly Sesshomaru and Shippo suddenly stopped. Kagome was confused because she could feel the jewel shard not far away so why did they stop here?

"What's the matter?" Kagome asked them.

"You smell it as well kit?" Sesshomaru addressed Shippo.

"Yea...what should we do?" Shippo replied.

Kagome and Rin looked at them both confused until Jaken opened his big mouth.

"My Lord, why did we stop? It is just your half-breed brother! He is no match for you my Lord!"

"Jaken, silence." Sesshomaru gave him a look that had the toad hiding behind A-Un.

Kagome stiffened. She knew they would probably run into them sooner or later, but not this soon. She noticed everyone looking at her, so she put on her mask that she learned from Sesshomaru. She was fine. She was strong. Who cared about Inuyasha anyway?

"Kagome...what is it you wish to do?" Sesshomaru knew she was trying to be strong but he could still see the tension in her eyes.

"Well, it would seem they have collected the jewel shard. I think it might be worth meeting with them and seeing if they have any news of Naraku. Plus, I would like to see my friends if that is ok with you my Lord." Kagome said with no expression in her voice.

"Hn. Very well." Sesshomaru stated as he walked toward A-Un.

"Yay, I wanna see the others! I miss Kirara and Sango!" Shippo was hesitant but excited to see everyone. Except that Baka Inuyasha and stinky Kikyo.

"Come on Shippo!" Rin grabbed his hand as Sesshomaru placed the children on the dragon. He would not risk them if this meeting went badly and A-Un could get them to safety if needed.

Sesshomaru came back over to Kagome and grabbed her shoulder. She looked at him with determined eyes and he smiled at how strong she looked. With a nod from Kagome, they started walking toward the camp.

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Yay! I'm finished with this chapter prob post the next tomorrow!