Chapter Seventeen:

The sun started to rise over the horizon, but no light shown through the windows of the castle. The miasma so thick it created a constant night surrounding it. A dark figure stood on the balcony forming a plan. With his prize gone, he was seething. He wondered why he surrounded himself with incompetent fools. He was so close to having that which he desired, and then she took it away.

Kikyo. He should be pleased to see the once pure maiden turn dark, but it didn't have the same effect as he thought. He could see her slowly starting to turn, so it came as no surprise when she killed her reincarnation. He should have seen it coming, she was supposed to be his!

At one time his human heart craved nothing but the dead Miko. He was obsessed! He would have done anything to possess her, but he no longer carried his human heart. Now he looks upon her with disgust. Her cold clay body does nothing to stir his lust. His demon wanted flesh, warm flesh that would bleed as he tore it apart. "Kagome" yes, he wanted her. He wanted to take her over and over until she was a shell of her former self. How long would it take for her spirit to break, or her body? How long would it take for the half-demon to lose his mind as his love was tainted over and over? He wouldn't know now, she was dead. The only consolation being the fact that Inuyasha would suffer. He would watch as Inuyasha lost his mind in grief. How did he feel knowing his former love killed his present? He smiled at the thought.

His Miko may be gone, but he wasn't done. Soon he would make his move. His body was nearly at full strength. He would not kill Inuyasha right away, no. He would not ease his suffering. He would wait until he destroys Kikyo, then he would bring Kagome back. He needed to get her body, then he would make her destroy her friends before killing her love. He had sent Kagura to retrieve it, if she failed him again...she would regret it.

He turned to the small white haired demon who stood behind him. Looking into her mirror he watched Kagura fly to the small village that held his prize, his plans may have changed, but he would still get what he wanted in the end.

0000000000000000

"I know I know ok! It was stupid! I just needed some time by myself!" A woman whispered harshly.

"Miko, you are lucky these sutras are protecting you or else this Sesshomaru would come in there and wring your neck!"

"Ssssshhhhhh. Keep your voice down!" Kagome whispered back.

"I will not! I expected to return and see you asleep in the old one's hut where I left you! Why must you disobey me! The tenseiga will only bring you back once Miko! What is the point of finding this one's brother to only return to find you dead!" Kagome winced as he yelled. He had a point.

"Look, I'm sorry ok! Shippo kept kicking me and I couldn't sleep! So I figured if I put up the sutras I'd be fine!" She knew it was a bullshit excuse, but..."It was the new moon...I-I couldn't sleep ok? I just wanted to be here, I felt closer to him here." She looked down at the still sleeping human.

She heard Sesshomaru sigh. She felt bad for worrying him, but she was worried too. "Is he alright?" She heard his soft reply.

"I don't know. The sun is about to rise, I hope he'll be ok when he wakes up." She was worried about his state of mind when he awoke. He was a wreck last night and she knew he wouldn't be much better today either.

"I will inform the others of your whereabouts, the kit will not be happy when he finds you missing." She flinched when she thought about Shippo. "Take this time to be there for him, his mind is fragile at the moment, it may not be easy to calm him when his demon blood arises. I will stay close." With that, he was gone.

Kagome took a deep breath as his words set in. She knew his instincts to see her safe would be stronger than ever. She should get used to the velcro-hanyou now, but she couldn't find it in her to mind. If it was him, she would be the same way.

She watched the light break through the horizon as she felt the pulse of his demon blood return. She smiled as she watched his black hair turn silver and his ears return to on top of his head. She knew he wouldn't sleep through it, and held him tight as she felt him stir.

Inuyasha came awake as soon as the sun rose. He felt his body change and kept his eyes closed. He had a dream last night that Kagome was still alive and he wanted to hold onto it for just a little longer. He buried his head in the soft bedding below him. It smelt strongly like Kagome and he greedily sucked it in. MATE he heard his demon purr inside his mind. He shook his head. No, she was gone. MATE HERE! It screamed and snapped Inuyasha fully awake. He opened his eyes to see flesh, not bedding underneath him, and just like a switch his brain caught up with him.

"Good morning," Kagome said softly as she reached to stroke his ears. She felt his body stiffen above her and tried to soothe him.

"Kagome?" Inuyasha asked lightly. He prayed it wasn't a dream and he wasn't crazy.

"I'm here Inuyasha." She reassured him as she stroked his hair.

"How? Miroku said Sesshomaru couldn't revive you. Are you really here? Am I crazy?" He wanted to look at her face but he needed to know first.

"No, you're not crazy. I'm sorry Inuyasha, tenseiga didn't work at first but Sesshomaru figured out that my body needed to be where it was when I died. When he brought me to the clearing, it worked." She tried to lift his head but he wouldn't move. "I was so worried about you. Last night when you got here...Inuyasha I'm so sorry." She cried.

The smell of her tears did it for him. He looked into her eyes and wipe away the moisture. "Why are you sorry? You're alive Kagome." He put his forehead on hers. "No amount of suffering can compare to the relief I feel right now." He sat up and brought her to his lap. He took deep breaths of her scent and was terrified to exhale. He couldn't believe she was here. He held her so tight he was afraid he would hurt her, but she didn't complain and he couldn't stop.

"Kagome, I'm so sorry. If I had warned you...I meant to tell you about Kikyo, but...but that morning." He sighed. "If I told you like I should have none of this would have happened." He loosened his grip to look at her. "I-I think that maybe, it would be best if you went home." Her eyes widened in fear. "I'm supposed to protect you, and you died because of me." He looked away from her. "You would be safer there."

Kagome stood up from his arms and stared down at him. She was mad.

"Inuyasha...sit."

It didn't really hurt because of the futon, and Inuyasha actually smiled. He never thought he would be this happy to hear her say that. She was alive.

"What the fuck!" His eyes widened at her language. "Are you serious right now! Gods Inuyasha! What happened to wanting to be my mate huh?! Was that bullshit to you!" She started pacing not looking at him. "Here I am all worried about you, and you are doing this again! Again!" She stopped and glared at him. "I'm not going anywhere! This was not your fault! Did you shoot me? No! So how the hell did I die because of you! I died, it sucked, but guess what? I'm standing right here! And instead of ravishing me, you are trying to send me away! AGAIN!" She started pacing again talking to herself. "Stubborn ass baka! I swear I have no idea how I could love someone so stupid! 'Oh my names Inuyasha! I love this super awesome girl and keep pushing her away because my big ass head is empty'" She said in a deep voice. "My god! One of these days I am gonna s*t his ass so bad that it will take a year to dig him out! No good fucking baka ass dog, try to send me away huh! We'll see about..." She was interrupted by his lips.

Inuyasha watched her ramble on and snickered softly. Gods his bitch was crazy, but she was his. He was relieved she wanted to stay. If she told him she would leave...he would let her go, but he knew now he would definitely not survive. He lost his smile at her god awful impression of him, he did NOT have a big head. He knew she would go on for a while if he didn't do something, with a sly grin he stood and kissed her.

Kagome fought him for a second, but the feel of his lips turned her into mush. She wrapped her arms around him and let go. She could be mad later.

She wrapped her legs around his waist as he pushed her against the wall. God, she tasted amazing. He needed this, he needed to forget the pain of losing her. The smell of death still lingered in his nose and he needed it gone. She was here, and he would make sure it stayed that way.

They broke for air a minute later panting. "Don't you ever do that again Inuyasha!" She leaned back in for a kiss as he murmured "never". After a few more minutes of kissing they just stared into each other's eyes.

"Last night, God it broke me to see you like that." Her eyes misted over. "I don't know what you went through, but I never want to see you look like that again."

Inuyasha smirked. "Yea well, keep that shit to yourself huh." They both smiled as they leaned in for a short sweet kiss.

"Oh, is my big bad hanyou embarrassed?" She smiled but frowned as his eyes turned dark.

"You can't die Kagome," He told her with a serious tone. "From now on you stick by my side. I don't want you to go anywhere without me. I can't go through that again. I won't allow it."

She wanted to fight him, but she could tell he was holding on by a thread. His eyes were tinted red and she knew he was struggling for control. The idea of him following her absolutely everywhere didn't sound that fun, but she wouldn't fight him. She would feel the same way.

"Never." She was relieved to see him relax if only a little bit.

Their reunion was cut short when a loud snarl sounded through the hut.

"Inuyasha? What's wrong?" Kagome lifted his chin and was startled to see his eyes red and purple markings across his cheek. He growled low and she jumped.

At the smell of fear coming off of her, the demon Inuyasha whimpered. She relaxed as he nuzzled her chin and licked her cheek in apology. "What's wrong?" She tried again.

He growled low while looking at the door, she was going to ask again just as Miroku walked through the door. As quick as he entered, Inuyasha had him pinned.

"INUYASHA! LET HIM GO!" She was scared of what he would do and couldn't sit him without hurting Miroku.

"GET OUT!" A deep voice echoed through the hut. It shocked Kagome that the voice came from Inuyasha. She ran over and grabbed his arm.

"Inuyasha, it's ok! It's Miroku." He growled again and didn't let go. Kagome started to panic. "He's pack." The growls lessened as he slowly released the monk. She was glad Miroku wasted no time backing out of the hut.

Inuyasha was breathing heavily, his shoulders shook and she could tell he was trying to calm down. He grabbed her tight and she didn't fight him. A few minutes later he returned to normal.

"what happened?" He looked around confused.

"You transformed.." she explained softly. "Miroku came in and you went after him."

His eyes widened as he looked her over. "Are you ok? Is Miroku ok?" He looked afraid.

Kagome stroked his hair. "We're fine. I promise." He calmed down a little. "What happened?"

"I don't know, I smelled him coming and then...nothing."

"Maybe we should ask Sesshomaru? He might have an idea of why that happened."

He didn't look at her but nodded his head. He had a feeling he knew what was going on and hoped he was wrong.

He stood on shaky legs as he brought Kagome close before leaving the hut. He stopped long enough for her to remove the sutras and they headed to Kaede's.

Kagome kept looking at him while they walked. His ears twitched at every sound and his eyes never stopped moving. She was afraid that her death would mess with his instincts and she knew she was right. Was this how it would be now? Would he never let his guard down even with their friends? She hoped not. His vice-like grip on her hand hurt a little, but he seemed to need to know she was there. She kept quiet as they neared the hut. She was pulled swiftly behind a growling hanyou as Shippo ran through the door. He stopped in his tracks as he seen the look in Inuyasha's eyes.

"Inuyasha? Are you ok?" The kit was worried. He was scared he would lose his father and now he was afraid to approach him.

The kit's nervousness snapped him out of it. He softened his eyes as he saw the tears stream down Shippo's face. "Yea kit, I'm ok. Just...just a little on edge." He opened his arms and let a hesitant Shippo hug him. He was scared for a minute when he came out, he didn't want to hurt him.

They slowly entered the hut and Inuyasha sent a guilty look over at the monk. He could see the red marks on his throat and he felt like shit. Miroku was like his brother and he attacked him.

"Do not feel guilty brother. Your actions are normal and the monk was foolish to enter your den unannounced." Sesshomaru was mad at the monk. Did he not realise Inuyasha's demon was on edge? Humans.

Miroku smiled at Inuyasha. "Lord Sesshomaru is correct. It was my fault and you should not feel guilty, you were protecting Kagome and after losing her...I do not blame you for your actions. I apologize." Miroku bowed his head.

Inuyasha looked embarrassed as the others sent him knowing looks. They understood, but he still felt like shit about it.

"It's good to see you Inuyasha, we were so worried about you after you left. If we knew Kagome would come back...I'm sorry we put you through that." Sango said with a lowered head.

"It's ok Sango, you didn't know." Kagome squeezed his hand as they made their way by the fire.

They all talked about what's been happening and how happy they were that both Kagome and Inuyasha were alright. Inuyasha was actually surprised that the kit never left his lap. He stroked his fur to soothe him, they might not always get along but he knew the kit was worried. They were Shippo's family and he almost lost them.

Sesshomaru explained that his demon would take a while to settle. Normally a demon would go mad at the loss of his mate. With Kagome back, he would keep his sanity but the demon would be near the surface for a while till he was reassured she wasn't going anywhere. They would need to tread lightly around him from now on. The children were nervous, but Inuyasha told them that as long as they approached Kagome slowly, they would be fine. It would be hard, but at least the couple was ok for now.

The tension left the room as they kept the conversation light. Kagome mentioned she needed to go home for a while and was quick to tell Inuyasha that of course, he was coming with her. He nodded and told her to stay in the hut as he walked outside with Sesshomaru.

"What is it brother, do not harm yourself by being away from her."

"I'm not far, my demon's pissed but I'll be fine for a few minutes." Inuyasha took a breath and turned to his brother. "I just wanted to thank you. If you hadn't figured it out, Kagome would be dead and...just, thank you...brother."

Sesshomaru looked at his brother with surprise. "There is no need to thank me. She is a part of my pack and I would not let her die." He was taken back by Inuyasha's smile.

"Yea, I know you wouldn't. But thank you anyway." He squeezed his shoulder before going back to Kagome. Leaving a stunned Sesshomaru behind.

After quick goodbyes, Kagome and Inuyasha left for the well. Kagome was nervous at how mad her mother was gonna be. She was also nervous about what Inuyasha would do if her mother yelled at her.

"It's gonna be ok Kagome. I know she's your mother, I won't hurt her." He looked down at her. "Just sit my ass if I get to close alright." He smiled but it was tight.

She gave him a weak smile in return. "I know it will be fine...Inuyasha? Can we not mention any of this to her? She will be worried enough as it is and...I just don't want her to know."

He winced at the mention of her death. Yea he didn't want her to know either. He was quick to agree and Kagome sighed in relief. They both were nervous as they leaped into the well.