Thank you guys for the reviews! Oh, yea Inuyasha is definitely gonna flip!

Chapter Twenty-One:

Inuyasha wanted to turn back around the second he entered the hut. It wasn't that he didn't trust Sesshomaru to take care of Kagome, but it was supposed to be him. Being newly mated his need to be near here was higher than it's ever been, and it's always been high. He knew he needed to do this, but it was a lot harder than he thought.

The sound of her laughter drifted to his ears and calmed him slightly. He was glad Sesshomaru was here, Kagome needed to have some fun. It was his job to protect her and that's what he was doing, he just wished she was with him. Steeling his nerve, he turned to face Kikyo.

He faltered for a moment when he looked at her. She looked like she already knew he was going to kill her and she didn't seem too upset about it. Then why was it so hard to make a choice! If she wanted to die shouldn't that make this a hell of a lot easier! He shook his head, nope just made him feel guilty. 'She killed Kagome! DO NOT feel guilty!' That's right, she isn't the same anymore. You can do this!

"You seem different today, calm." She smiled sadly, "She is your mate then?"

"Uh, yea, she agreed." Ok, this was uncomfortable.

"Hm, it is as it should be. You needed her, I see that now. She has done something for you that I could never have. She has taught you to accept yourself and find balance. I'm glad."

Inuyasha couldn't help but smile, she was right. Kagome showed him how to accept what he was, and for the first time in his life, his two halves were in sync.

"Love looks good on you Inuyasha, it's true that I always wanted to make you look like that, but I couldn't accept your youkai half before. If only I could go back, I see now that you are a man, not just half of one. I am ashamed of my actions towards you. I used to believe I loved you fully, but seeing you with my reincarnation I know now that it was a tainted love. I believe if I made the wish to turn you human, it would have destroyed us both."

Inuyasha looked surprised. He never really thought of that before. What would have happened if she made that wish? He didn't want to think about it. Even if nothing bad happened, he would have been human and probably dead by now. He would have never met Kagome.

"I did love you Kikyo, but it wasn't the kind of love I have with my mate. You were my first friend and I will cherish the time we had together, but that time is over. If I had become human for you, I may have been happy for a while, but a part of me would always spite you for it. I wanted to be accepted for who I was, and Kagome gave me that. I have friends now, and a kit. Hell, even a brother! All because of her. I wish I could say that I wish things would have been different, but I can't."

"I know, she has done more for you than I ever could. But, I am still glad that I got to be yours, even for just a little while." She smiled at him and he gave a little smile in return.

"Have you decided then?"

Inuyasha sighed. "I was actually going to leave the choice up to you Kikyo. I'm not gonna lie, a part of me wants you dead but the other part has a hard time letting go. Kagome doesn't want you to die. She wants you to go willingly and have your chance at taking down Naraku. Even after you killed her, she still doesn't blame you for it."

"It does not surprise me, she has always been a forgiving girl."

"Yea, you ain't gotta tell me that."

"I suppose you are right. I am sorry for being the reason for needing forgiveness Inuyasha. If I had never returned, you would have been mated long ago."

He nodded, she was right after all. The only thing that kept him and Kagome apart for so long was her. But, it wasn't all her fault. "Don't beat yourself up about it Kikyo, I didn't need to push her away to be there for you. I've made a lot of mistakes too."

"Well, what's done is done. I will miss you when I go, but since a part of me will always live on in Kagome, I guess I won't be far after all." She smiled. "I do wish I could be there when Naraku falls, but I believe I have overstayed my welcome. I do not blame you for wanting my death, I should have never been brought back in the first place."

Inuyasha flinched. He knew if he didn't call out her name she wouldn't be here right now. But, he couldn't really blame himself, how was he supposed to know. He was actually glad that he did. He would have never got his closure if she hadn't been brought back. "I guess everything happens for a reason."

"Yes, it does."

They were quiet for a time, neither one not knowing what to say. But, maybe they have already said it all.

"So, I guess this is goodbye then."

"Kikyo...I..."

"WHERE THE FUCK IS SHE! DON'T YOU SAY SHE AIN'T HERE I SMELL HER EVERYWHERE!"

Inuyasha jumped up as he heard the yelling outside of the hut. He blocked Kikyo's body crouching down waiting for the wolf to enter.

He didn't have to wait long as Kouga ripped off the reed door snarling. He could see Kaede standing outside shaking her head. Shit, he was gonna have to fix that.

"Move aside dog-shit! That bitch killed my mate and I will kill you to get to her!"

"Keh! I ain't doing shit wolf! You want her, you have to get through me!" He raised his claws. He couldn't draw his sword in such a small space, but he didn't really need it for the puny wolf.

Kouga growled deep. "You would protect this bitch! She's already dead dumb ass! I would be doing her a favor!" He moved closer. "I knew Kagome was better off with me. I expected you to protect her! But, here you are protecting her killer!" He swiped out catching Inuyasha's cheek. He smirked as a thin line of blood ran down his face. "As soon as I kill you both, I'm taking my woman far the fuck away from here!"

Inuyasha dodged another swipe as he kicked the legs out from under Kouga. Unsheathing tessaiga he brought it to the wolf's neck. "You better shut your fucking mouth! The only reason I am protecting Kikyo is because Kagome doesn't want her dead!" His eyes flashed red as he pressed down harder. "And Kagome isn't your woman bastard! Is your nose broken Kouga? Why don't you take a good whiff." He bared his fangs with a toothy grin.

Kouga struggled to get free but with the blade across his neck, he wasn't getting anywhere. Hearing Inuyasha's words he closed his eyes and inhaled. He gagged at what he smelled and his growling turned deadly.

"YOU PIECE OF SHIT! YOU MATED HER! She was mine!" He started to struggle, ignoring the cuts he was getting. "Did you force her fucker! After all the shit you put her through! Now you rape her on top of it! I'M GONNA FUCKING KILL YOU!" Kouga used his legs to knock over the hanyou. He went to slice off his head when he felt a searing pain in his chest. The smell of burning flesh hit his nose as he looked up at the ceiling, the bitch tried to purify him!

"You are a fool if you believe he would rape her." Kikyo stood with her hand raised. "Kagome went to him willingly, stand down demon."

Kouga sat up holding his still smoking chest. He looked over at the dead bitch standing in front of the sitting mutt. "You don't know shit bitch! You weren't there to see her cry every time that fucker left her to go running to you!" He panted through the pain. "She wouldn't do that to me! She loves me!"

"Do not kid yourself wolf. You would have to be blind to not see her heart belongs to Inuyasha alone." Kikyo narrowed her eyes.

Kouga's eyes flashed with pain. He knew Kagome loved the baka, but he left her! He replaced her with this walking clay pot who killed her! He didn't care what she said, mated or not he was taking Kagome with him.

"Where is she? Where's Kagome!" He slowly stood. "I know the dog brought her back! I won't risk her life by leaving her again!"

"She's my mate fucker! You ain't taking her anywhere! Over my dead body!" Inuyasha stood in front of Kikyo.

"Huh, seems we finally agree. With you dead your mate mark means shit!" He went to attack but was stopped by a barrier. Looking at the Miko he snarled. "Stay out of this bitch! Don't worry you'll get your turn."

He went to attack again but stopped. He frowned as he sniffed the air. "I smell blood, and a lot of it." Ignoring them for now he inhaled again. "Dragon."

Inuyasha's face paled as he looked out the door. A breeze blew in bringing the scent with it. A-Un. Shit! If he was down...

"Shit, Shippo!" He went to leave but was blocked by Kouga.

"This ain't over mutt! Where the fuck do you think you're going." Then he froze. A chill ran through his body as another scent reached his nose.

"Miasma...Naraku!" Running out the door he headed towards the dark presence.

Inuyasha panicked as he followed him. Lifting Kikyo onto his back he took off. If Naraku was there. "Kagome..." He ran faster.

His heart sank as they got closer to the meadow, the scent of blood was thick and mostly A-Un's, but he could also smell Shippo and Rin's blood mixed with it. It was small, not enough to be dead but it still worried him. Where the fuck was Sesshomaru.

He stopped running as he saw a cloud of miasma fill the sky. He looked around trying to find his mate, but the smell was overpowering, he took off towards it.

The first thing he saw was the body of the fallen dragon. He gagged at the smell of death and blood. Setting Kikyo down he walked closer.

He was missing a head and his body looked like it was shredded. Blood covered the ground as it continued to pour out of his body.

Hearing Kouga's yelling he turned around.

"KAGOME! How the FUCK did you let him take her!" Kouga growled at a blank-faced Sesshomaru.

He said nothing as he bent down to pick up a crying Rin. She shook as she latched on to him and he purred quietly to calm her.

"Shippo!" Inuyasha ran over and picked up the fallen kit. Looking him over he noticed a small cut on his temple. He relaxed as he noticed he was just knocked out. He placed him inside his fire rat then looked at his brother. "Where's Kagome?"

"He took her." Every eye shot to the teenager sitting on the ground.

"Kohaku? What the...who took her?" Inuyasha knew what he was going to say but prayed he was wrong.

"Naraku." He lifted his head and stared at the hanyou. "He took her to his castle."

Inuyasha's breathing turned shallow. He looked all around the field to try to catch a trail of where they went, but it was like they just vanished.

"Well, I ain't sitting on my ass while he gets away!" Kouga sneered as he took off. No one stopped him.

Kikyo shook her head at the wolf. She knew he wouldn't find her so easily.

Inuyasha fell on his knees. She was gone, once again he failed her. He stayed with Kikyo and now she was gone. He couldn't believe he let this happen again.

"Kohaku, do you know where his castle is?" Sesshomaru turned to him.

"Yes. But it will not be easy to get inside. He has a barrier around it." Kohaku lowered his head. He was ashamed he had been the one to help Naraku get Kagome. He knew he was being controlled, but it did nothing to ease the guilt.

"Brother...what happened?" Inuyasha asked in a daze.

Sesshomaru looked down at his brother and hesitated. It was his job to watch Kagome, and he failed her. Looking at the Miko who stood behind Inuyasha, he had to stop himself from killing her. He knew it wasn't her fault, but if he had just killed her like he wanted to, Kagome would still be here. But, he could use her now. They would need all the help they could get.

"Kagome traded herself for Rin and the kit. He was going to kill them, she went willingly." He knew he shouldn't be, but he was grateful to her. Rin was scared and hurt, but she was safe.

Inuyasha gave out a humorous laugh. That sounded just like his bitch. She would die trying to save anyone she loved. He looked down at the sleeping kit and knew he couldn't be mad at her. Shippo was their son, he would have done the same thing.

He tried to stay calm. He would need a plan to get her back, but his demon was pissed! He could feel his body starting to change and he quickly handed Shippo to Sesshomaru. His eyes turned red as his claws and fangs grew larger. The purple marks were jagged across his face as he clenched his fist.

Sesshomaru was surprised at his brother's transformation. Tesseiga was at his hip! He looked into his brother's eyes and was shocked to see his pupils were normal. Normally they would turn blue when his demon took over, what the hell was going on!

"Brother?" He asked hesitantly.

Inuyasha was panting and gave no sign he had heard him. His eyes flashed from red to gold and back, while his sword shook at his hip. His breathing calmed and Sesshomaru prepared himself in case the demon won.

"Inuyasha?" He tried again.

"Yea, I'm here brother." Sesshomaru gasped as Inuyasha turned to him. He was fully transformed except for his pupil. His voice was deeper than normal as well, but he seemed to be in control.

"What is happening?" He could smell no human blood on his brother, but he wasn't going insane.

"I don't know, I feel weird, stronger. But I seem to be in control for the moment." He shook his head. It was strange being in control with his demon blood taking over. "I think my demon is pissed, but the tesseiga is keeping me balanced."

Sesshomaru nodded. He didn't quite understand, but he could ask Totosai about it later.

"Inuyasha, we must go after her. The more time we waste the more danger she is in." Kikyo said as she kept her distance. She knew his demon did not care for her and she was afraid of him.

Inuyasha nodded as he looked at his brother. "Come on, we'll drop the pups and Jaken off at Kaede's then we'll go." He stumbled forward as he tried to get used to his new body. His sight and hearing were incredible and he felt drunk on the power surging through his veins. But, his anger was high and it took all his strength not to tear Kikyo apart. His demon urged him to kill the bitch! So he tried to stay away from her.

They made it back to the hut and Sango and Miroku were waiting for them. They were frightened at Inuyasha's look, but Sango was more interested in someone else.

"Kohaku!" She ran to him and cried when he hugged her.

"Sister." He wrapped his arms around her. It had been a long time since they saw each other.

"Inuyasha? W-what...are you alright?" Miroku walked up to him slowly.

"Kaede take the pups inside. Their hurt." Kaede looked nervous but did what he asked. She sensed Naraku in the area and with Kagome not with them, she knew something bad had happened. She returned a minute later with Kagome's bow and handed it to her sister.

"Inuyasha where's Kagome?" Sango asked as she held her brother.

Inuyasha growled and the humans jumped. It was deeper than normal and he was a little intimidating at the moment. "Naraku took her. Get your shit, we're leaving." No one questioned him as they gathered their weapons and hopped on Kirara.

"Brother, we need to make one stop before we go."

Inuyasha growled at his brother but nodded. They went back to the clearing where A-Un's body still lay. With a quick swipe of his sword, the group watched mesmerized as his head reattached and he came back to life.

"Damn," Miroku whispered with wide eyes. He felt a little better knowing Sesshomaru was on their side.

"Priestess, you will ride on A-Un." Sesshomaru addressed Kikyo. He did not want to carry her and knew his brother felt the same.

Kikyo nodded as she climbed on the dragon. Miroku decided to ride with her to give Sango time with her brother. Plus, he didn't trust her at all.

"Where are we headed Kohaku?" Inuyasha was getting impatient.

"North, we must hurry. Naraku plans on taking Lady Kagome as his mate." That was the wrong thing to say.

Inuyasha's blood boiled! "NO ONE WILL TOUCH MY MATE!" His demon took over as he ran north, he didn't care if they followed him or not. His anger grew as he ran. Any other time he would be amazed at how fast he was running, but not now. Images flashed in his mind of Naraku touching Kagome in ways only he was allowed. If he touched her, he would take his time cutting off every finger one by one and enjoy killing him piece by piece.

Kirara pushed herself as hard as she could. Inuyasha was a lot faster, but Kohaku needed to show them the way. Sango held her brother tight. She had so many things she wanted to say to him, but her mind was on Kagome. She had just got her back and was afraid of losing her again. So, she just held him. Hopefully, he was still with her when this was all over.

Sesshomaru had a little trouble catching up with his brother. He was almost as fast as him...almost. Finally matching his pace he glanced over at him. His demonic energy was incredible, he felt like he was running next to his father.

"We will get her Inuyasha, she is waiting for you." He knew his brother would not fail. He always fought his best when Kagome was involved and now that they were mated...he had no doubts.

'Hold on Kagome, I'm coming.' He just hoped he made it in time.

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Kouga ran as fast as his legs could carry him. He didn't know where Naraku's castle was, but he knew someone who did.

"KAGURA! Get your ass out here!" He sniffed around where he had left her and was relieved to smell her nearby.

"What do you want now wolf?" Kagura jumped down from a tree.

"Get your ass on that feather and let's go! I need you to take me to Naraku's castle."

"And why would I wanna go there huh?" She looked bored.

"Grrrr! Because the bastard took Kagome!" He was about to lose his shit.

"What! I told you to warn her! Can't you do anything!"

"She was already gone when I got there! Now get your ass up and let's go!" He yelled.

Kagura looked unsure for a moment before nodding. Pulling out her feather she took to the sky. "Well, what are you waiting for!" She yelled down.

Kouga growled as he took after her.

'Dammit! I guess it's time. The final battle is here.'

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Kagome awoke to find herself chained to a bed. Her head hurt and she was groggy.

"What happened." She looked down and rolled her eyes. She was naked again. The fog started to clear and she started to remember.

"I must have passed out from the miasma." She started to panic as she realised where she was. She pulled on her chains but cried out as they cut into her skin.

"Shit!" She looked around for something to use but all she seen was a lantern. It was dark in the room she was in and she was frightened to think about how long she had been here.

She moved her legs and was relieved to feel no pain. At least he hadn't done anything while she was passed out. Pulling the chains once more she knew they wouldn't budge.

"Yep, I'm fucked." She closed her eyes to calm down. Her only hope was that Inuyasha found her. Thinking of him she felt her mark pulsate. A side effect from their mating is she could feel his emotions when they were strong. Yea, he was pissed. She tried to stay calm herself so she didn't frighten him, but it was pretty hard to do. Closing her eyes she breathed deeply before releasing it. She knew it would be a while before he got here, so she would need to be strong.

"You are finally awake I see."

Kagome's eyes shot open and her fear spiked as she heard his voice from the doorway.

"My my my, you are truly a beauty." She shivered as he walked closer to the bed.

"Stay the fuck away from me asshole!" She grit her teeth.

"Kukukuku well, you have quite a mouth on you my dear. I believe you have spent too much time with the mutt." He laughed as he dragged his fingers up her body.

Bile rose to her throat as she felt his fingers touch her. "Don't touch me!" She barked out.

"Hmmm, I don't believe you are in any position to give me orders." He reached her neck and pressed his claws into her mark. "Do you know what happens if you are unfaithful to your mate?" He lowered his mouth to her ear. "I hear that the pain is indescribable. I myself will feel only pleasure but you...well, let's just say I will enjoy hearing your screams." She felt her angry tears fill her eyes as he laughed.

"Oh, don't worry though koi. I will only take you once before I destroy your mate. Then, oh then I will have you screaming for a whole different reason." He leaned down to kiss her and pulled back as she bit him. He licked the blood off his lips and smiled.

"Come near me again and I will make sure you are missing that part of your body." She spat at him.

Wiping the spit and blood off his face he smiled before slapping her. He laughed as she cried out in pain. "We'll see about that." He started to remove his clothes.

Kagome panicked as she watched him start to undress. Closing her eyes she concentrated on her power and shot out a barrier. Hearing him in pain she laughed.

"What's the matter Naraku? Did I burn you?" She smiled.

"You bitch!" He stalked the barrier as he looked down at her laughing figure. "You think you have outsmarted me koi? Well, let's see how long you can hold out." He smiled as he started to attack the barrier. His tentacles burned off as he lashed out, but he didn't flinch as more appeared.

Kagome stopped laughing as she felt the push of her barrier. She focused all her energy on keeping it up. She knew she could hold out for a while but, 'Inuyasha! Hurry!'

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