Chapter 22

Sango's emotions were all over the place as they flew towards Naraku. She was happy to see her brother had his memories back, but she was scared too. Kagome was in danger and she knew this could very well be a battle they did not all return from. She squeezed her brother as she mentally prepared for the battle ahead.

"Sister?" Kohaku looked back at Sango and knew she was worried, he was as well.

Sango attempted to smile but it came off as a grimace. "I'm alight Kohaku, I'm just worried about Kagome."

He gave her a small smile in return knowing that she was more worried than she let on.

"Sister, I just wanted to let you know that I am sorry." At her questioning look he smiled again. "I know that Naraku forced me to do it, but for the pain I caused you and our family I am sorry." He looked away as tears formed in her eyes. "And now because of me, Kagome is in danger." He looked back at Sango, "If this is the end, I just wanted to let you know, I am ok. If it is my time to go, please, do not mourn me. I will be alright."

Sango couldn't fight the tears as she held him tighter. She had so much she wanted to say, but she couldn't find the words. Kohaku squeezed her hand and she knew he understood. No words were needed, they just needed each other.

Miroku looked over at his beloved and smiled. He knew there was little chance that Kohaku would come out of this alive, and he was grateful they had this time together.

"You love her." Kikyo stated softly as she too looked at the brother and sister.

"Yes, I do. I know this will be hard for her, they have both suffered so much. I hope this will be the end to that suffering." Miroku smiled at her.

"Hn." Kikyo responded as she glanced down at Inuyasha.

Miroku did not miss her eyes and he gave the Miko a look of pity. He knew she felt regret when it came to Inuyasha and he felt sorry for both of them. He did not know what he would do if he was in her position. But, he also knew she was no saint.

"The past is a funny thing don't you think?" Kikyo turned to look at him. "Most of us regret it or can't let go of it and it shapes us into the person we are now and gives us strength. But, there is no way of changing it. I believe everything happens for a reason, good or bad. One small change and who knows what could happen" Miroku looked down at his friend and smiled. "If Inuyasha had a different past, would he be as strong as he is now? If he had become human, would Naraku have had killed you both long ago? So many what if's." He looked back over at Kikyo. "The Gods have a plan for all of us, do not punish yourself for mistakes you have made, none of us are innocent in that matter." Miroku looked down at the brothers. "He is not alone anymore, he has a pack and family that loves him. There is no need to regret the mistakes of the past. Without them, he would not have what he has today."

Kikyo smiled at the thought. Most believe she had selfish feelings of regret. It was true in a sense, but she knew she and Inuyasha were never meant to be, at least not in this life. Her regret was causing more pain for one she held dear in her heart. He had suffered enough in his life and she was saddened that she had added to it. But, the monk's words calmed her. He was right after all. She may have done him wrong, but Inuyasha's life was now filled with more love than he probably ever imagined possible. She gave Miroku a thankful nod as she turned around. She may not be able to take away the past, but she could help him now. She would make sure his mate would be returned to him even if it cost her her life.

The group was silent as they headed towards the castle. They all had one goal... to save Kagome, and kill Naraku.

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Shippo's head pounded as he slowly regained consciousness. He could hear Rin softly crying somewhere and wondered what had happened. He tried to sit up but was stopped by a cold hand on his forehead.

"Ye are alight Shippo, but do not move so quickly," Kaede whispered softly to him.

Shippo groaned as he slowly opened his eyes. His vision cleared as he looked at Kaede smiling down at him. Turning his head he noticed Jaken consoling a crying Rin in the corner.

"What happened? Why are you crying Rin?" Shippo groaned out.

"SHIPPO!" Rin ran over to the groggy kit. "I'm so sorry Shippo! It's all my fault!" She cried as she hugged him gently. "If I didn't go to Kohaku, you wouldn't be hurt!"

Rin continued to cry as Shippo remembered what happened. They had been picking herbs when Rin had spotted Kohaku coming towards them, he got up to stop her when Naraku had come out and attacked Ah-Un. Before he could run after Rin, everything went black.

"Now Naraku has Lady Kagome! It's all my fault!" She cried. "She traded herself for this Rin and now she is in danger." Kaede held on to the crying girl as Shippo jumped up.

His vision lost focus for a moment and his head pounded, but his mother was in trouble!

"Where is she Rin!" Shippo ignored Kaede's warning as she tried to get him to lay back down.

Rin just cried harder in response. Without another word, Shippo ran out the door.

"Shippo! Get back here!" Kaede ran to the door, but the young demon was much too fast. She shook her head as she prayed he would not do something foolish.

Shippo ran as fast as he could ignoring the pain in his body. Kagome was in trouble and it was his fault! He knew Naraku used him as leverage as well and he would make sure she was safe. As soon as he caught the other's trail, he transformed into a pink bubble and headed off.

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"Are you tired yet Naraku?" Kagome smirked as he continued the assault on her barrier. With each tentacle that was burned away his anger grew. She could start to feel her powers weakening and knew it wouldn't be long before he broke through, but there was no way she was going to show weakness. She needed a plan and fast! She was hoping that he would hold off for a while if she edged him on, but he just sneered and tried harder.

'Dammit! If only my hands were free I could at least have a chance!' She knew she was running out of time and prayed for a miracle.

She was about to give up when there was a knock at the door.

"WHAT!" Naraku roared as he paused on his assault.

"My Lord, there are intruders headed towards the castle, Kohaku is with them." A voice responded through the door.

"Kukukuku, well my sweet." Naraku smiled over at a hopeful Kagome. "Do not worry, I will be back shortly." With that, he left the room.

Kagome fell back on the bed panting, thankful for the break. She knew Inuyasha was close and she let herself relax for a moment. Now that she was alone, she needed to free herself. Looking around the room she didn't see anything useful and she started to panic. She didn't know how much time she had but knew it wasn't much. She started to try to snap the chains when the door opened. Her barrier shot back up on reflex and she heard a yelp.

"Dammit Kagome! Are you trying to kill me!" Came a grunt from the floor.

"Kouga? Is that you?" Kagome dropped her barrier as she sat up the best she could.

Kouga groaned as he stood back up. He shook his head as he looked down at the woman on the bed. A sly grin spread across his face. "My my my Kagome, this is the second time I've come to save you and find you naked. I'm starting to believe you planned this all along." He rubbed his chin. "You that happy to see your mate?"

Kagome laughed and tears came down her face. She was so happy to see him she didn't care what he said at this point! "Kouga! Hurry! Help me out of these chains! I don't know how long till Naraku gets back." Kouga's face grew grim as he remembered where they were. He moved to her hands as he pulled out a knife to uncuff her.

"How did you find me here? Where's Inuyasha and the others?"

Kouga let out a growl as he got one hand free. "I don't know where the mutt is, I came here with the wind witch. She made a distraction and snuck me in." As he finished freeing her, he was surprised when she jumped in his arms. He hugged her back thankful she was ok. Taking a whiff of her scent, he growled as he smelled it mixed with Inuyasha's.

"Kouga?" Kagome asked confused.

He let out a sigh as he hugged her tighter. "How could you do it Kagome? Do you really love that asshole?"

Kagome was confused for a moment before it dawned on her. He could smell that she had mated. She felt bad for Kouga, but she knew that he wasn't surprised.

"Oh come on Kouga." She lifted her head and smiled at his pout. "You know that you decided to mate Ayame a while ago, why are you so upset now?" They had talked about this before as she and Inuyasha got closer and she knew he only kept on calling her his mate to piss off Inuyasha.

Kouga rolled his eyes as he smiled, "Yea well, when I saw him with the dead bitch, I thought maybe I still had a chance! Can't blame a guy for trying can ya?" They both laughed gently as Kagome pressed her forehead to his. She knew he still loved her, and she did feel guilty about not being able to offer anything more than friendship, but it couldn't be helped.

"Well, as much as I would love to keep talking about how you should have chosen me," Kagome smiled as he rolled his eyes. "I think it's time we get the fuck out of here. I don't know how much time we ha..."

Kagome looked up at him as he stopped talking. His face looked confused as he looked down. Kagome followed his eyes and her breathing quickened at what she saw. A thick tentacle stuck out of his chest as blood trickled down. Her eyes shot back up to his face and she cried out as she noticed the blood trickle down his mouth. He opened it to talk but only a gurgle came out. She covered her mouth as terror filled her. His eyes rolled back as he fell off the bed. Kagome screamed for him as he laid there motionless.

Her hands shook as she slowly looked to the doorway. With a smile on his face, Naraku looked at the blood soaked tentacle in front of his face.

"Now koi, see what you made me do? I really don't like to share." He laughed as she shook.

Kagome was pissed! How dare he! She was done!

"You killed my friend you son of a bitch!" Kagome leaped from the bed holding the knife Kouga had left. She channeled all her power into the blade as she struck out. Catching him off guard she smiled as she stabbed his stomach feeling the power wash through her as his flesh turned black. She didn't even flinch as he smacked her away. Looking up from her place on the ground she laughed as he doubled over. But her laughter died as soon as his started.

Naraku looked at her while still laughing. His hands turned black as he pulled the knife from his gut and looked at the blade. He smirked as her eyes grew wide and fear lit her face.

"That hurt koi, I thought you loved me." He shook his head as he walked closer to her. "I was going to play nice with you, but I think you should really know how this feels." Before she could move Naraku threw the same knife into her abdomen and laughed as she cried out. "Hurts...doesn't it."

Kagome cried out as she pulled the knife away. It wasn't very deep, but she knew she was in trouble. She pulled together the last of her strength and set a barrier around her and the wolf. She knew it was weak, but it would at least buy her some time. Holding her wound to stop the blood she looked back over at Naraku. She sneered at his smirk.

"Now, it looks like we have some visitors, so try not to die before I get back ok? We still have a long night ahead of us." He walked out the door while telling a snake demon to stand guard.

Kagome cried in pain as she was left alone. She felt helpless. She put everything she could in that attack and he acted like it was a scratch! Leaning against the wall, she looked down at Kouga. He was dead because of her and she couldn't do anything. She really was a burden, everyone suffered because she wasn't strong enough. Curling into a ball she cried.