If this is confusing I'm sorry! I like going back and forth for the suspense and I promise it makes sense when you read all the way through!

Chapter 27:

Shippo tilted his head as he stared at Kagome. She kept opening and closing her mouth, but she still hasn't said anything.

"Umm, Kagome?" Shippo asked as he patted her cheeks. "Did you not know? Should I have not said anything?" He thought she would be happy...but, she didn't look it.

Kagome's mind kept racing. 'Oh...my...god...what am I gonna do!?' She knew she needed to help her mate, but a baby? Was she ready for this?! What was her mother going to say?! Nevermind, she'll probably be ecstatic. Kagome had wanted to wait a while before starting a family, but it looks like the Gods had a different plan. But, that kind of thinking could wait, there were more important things to worry about at the moment. How was she going to fight knowing it wasn't only her life on the line? What if Inuyasha died and she had to raise the baby alone?! Are hanyou babies the same as human ones? She was startled out of her thoughts when Shippo called her name again. "Pup?"

Nodding his head, Shippo was relieved she seemed to snap out of it. "Yes! Pup! What are we gonna do now!? Inuyasha will kill me if you go out there!" He shook thinking of the beating he would receive. He didn't want to imagine it.

Kagura rolled her eyes as she watched the interaction. Of course, the girl was pregnant. Just when she thought things were looking up, they came crashing back down.

"Coming or going priestess? We don't have much time, we need to go." Kagura called out.

Closing her eyes, Kagome sighed. If she ran...Inuyasha could die and Naraku would find her anyway. If she went..she couldn't think of that right now. Her mate needed her. She would need a plan to protect her child and her husband.

"Let's go." Kagome decided, ignoring the kits protest. "I'll figure something out on the way there." She shook her head as she tried to come up with a plan.

Kagura nodded as she rejoined her sister. Kagome didn't feel comfortable with them and was glad Shippo could carry her.

"Shippo, I know you're worried...but..if they lose, we won't be safe anyway." She tried to calm his nerves. "They need me."

He wanted to keep fighting her, but he knew she was probably right. If Kagome could feel Inuyasha's pain that strongly, things were not going well. In a burst of smoke, he transformed into his bubble form and headed towards the castle. Then he got an idea.

"Kagome! I think I have a plan!"

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Sesshomaru didn't know if this was a good or bad situation. On one hand, Inuyasha's body could handle more damage in his demon form. On the other, he was a mindless beast! He could attack any one of them like this and would not stop until he was dead or knocked out.

Naraku took a step back as he witnessed the transformation. He needed to find a way to turn this in his favor. Looking to his left, he smiled.

"Well now Inuyasha." The hanyou turned demon snarled as he looked towards him. "I believe your enemy is right...there." Naraku pointed his clawed fingers to the figure to his side.

Inuyasha looked to where the demon pointed and his eyes flashed. Kikyo stood glaring at Naraku as she raised her bow to him. His beast snarled as he recognized the woman. She was the one who tried to kill him! She had killed his mate! Crouching down he prepared to strike.

Kikyo knew she would not survive much longer. There was no reasoning with Inuyasha in this state. She forced as much power as she could into her arrow and fired.

Naraku froze as he watched the arrow fly towards him. He had let his guard down and let his barrier fall. He braced himself as he awaited the inevitable. The arrow hit its mark, taking off a chunk of his chest. Wasting no time, Sesshomaru began his attack again. He knew he needed to strike while Naraku was injured. If he could just destroy his body, he might have a chance to grab the tainted jewel. Using his sword he began to cut away at him. He was beginning to make progress when he was attacked from behind.

Falling to the earth in pain, Sesshomaru's eyes widened as he looked upon his brother. He watched him raise his bloody claws as he rolled out of the way.

"Inuyasha! Stop this!" He tried to reach his brother but was answered by his feral growls. He didn't want to hurt his brother, but he didn't have many options.

Sango looked on in horror as she witnessed her friend's transformation. She wanted to help, but Miroku needed her. His wounds were deep and he was still unconscious. Naraku had pierced through his shoulder and he was losing blood fast. Her only option was to try to get him to safety. Looking past the battle, she could see Kikyo's body laying close to her brothers. Thinking quickly, she called for Kirara.

"Kirara." She whispered out. "I need you to grab Kohaku...I can't leave him here." Her face filled with shame. "We need to get Miroku out of here before he dies. I want to help, but..." Her face fell as Kirara nuzzled her cheek. The cat demon knew how hard this was on her mistress, she felt the same way. Crouching low, Kirara headed towards the boy.

She ran fast not knowing how much time she had before Naraku would reform. Kirara mewed sadly watching her pack leader attack his brother. She wanted to help, but her mistress needed her. She reached Kohaku and looked down at him. It hurt her as well to lose him and it was painful to see his lifeless body. Lifting him onto her back, she looked over at the dead woman.

Sniffing the air, it was hard to tell if she was truly dead or not. Kikyo lay in the dirt with large claw marks on her back, but there was no blood. Kirara watched for a moment until she watched her hand twitch. Torn between helping her and leaving her behind, she growled out as she grabbed her.

Bent over panting, Sesshomaru was stuck. His brother was stronger than ever thanks to their training, and he couldn't use his sword. Normally, he would try to at least bring Inuyasha down, but with the hole in his stomach, Sesshomaru was afraid he would kill him. His fingers turned green as he formed his poisonous whip. It was risky, but he didn't want them both to die.

The fighting continued as blood stained the ground. Being hit with the whip injured Inuyasha, but his demon never faltered. He came at him again and again, slashing his claws across the demon's face. As Sesshomaru hit the ground, Inuyasha went for the killing blow.

Looking up at the sky, Sesshomaru waited for his death. There was no way to win this fight without killing his brother, so he accepted his fate. He let his body relax as he thought of those close to him. He was saddened at the thought of never again taking a midnight walk with Kagome as he watched her belly grow. He had finally formed a true pack, only to lose his life. He was comforted by the fact that he could do this for his brother. He owed him everything, and he would willingly give his life. If anyone deserved to be happy, it was Inuyasha. Rin's face flashed through his eyes and his heart faltered...he would miss her the most.

Inuyasha raised his claws aiming for the demon's throat when he was stopped by a scream.

"INUYASHA!"

Taking a step back, the hanyou turned towards the familiar voice. His eyes flashed from gold to red at what he saw.

Standing in the clearing in Naraku's grip, was Kagome. Wrapped tight in his grip with sharp claws held to her throat. The dark hanyou smiled as blood trickled down her neck.

"Kukukuku look what I found." Naraku taunted as Kagome's face tensed in pain. "Looks like my mate has returned to me." Leaning down, he licked the side of her face as she squirmed.

Inuyasha growled as he tried to gain control of his body. That bastard touched his mate! Holding his head in his hands, he yelled.

"KAGOME!"

His eyes were fading back to gold as he lifted his head. He snarled as he ran to grab her.

"Now now Inuyasha, we wouldn't want anything bad to happen would we?" Kagome cried out in pain as he squeezed her tighter.

Inuyasha froze as he stood in front of his enemy. His mind was still foggy, but he knew he needed to get to her. How the hell did she even get here! He looked around for his tessaiga, but it was nowhere to be found. They were at a standstill.

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Kirara raced back to her mistress with her passengers, just in time. She noticed the purple haze surround Naraku's body as it pulled itself together. Being careful she set the bodies down.

Sango looked confused as she watched Kirara lay down Kikyo as well as Kohaku. She had witnessed the blow Kikyo took and knew she would not survive. They couldn't take her with them, she didn't know how she would carry Miroku and Kohaku alone as it is.

She was startled to hear a faint moan from the priestess. Turning her over, Sango watched her face twist in pain.

"Kohaku..." Kikyo whispered low.

Confused, Sango lowered down to hear better. "Kikyo...what did you say?"

"Kohaku...bring...me to him." Kikyo opened her eyes and grimaced. "I can save him."

Eyes widening, Sango didn't want to raise her hopes. She didn't know what Kikyo could do...but she would try anything. She went to lift her body and was surprised when someone helped her.

"We need to get out of here now!" Kagura whispered harshly as she lifted the priestess. "Whatever she plans on doing will have to wait."

"Wwwhat!" Sango asked in shock. "What are you doing! Why would you help us?"

Kagura ignored her as she lifted Kikyo and Kohaku onto her feather. She didn't have time to explain, and if Kagome failed she didn't want to stick around.

Kirara didn't hesitate as she helped Sango load Miroku to her back. She knew the wind demoness had attacked them before, but they needed the help. She nudged her shocked mistress as they prepared to leave.

Sango was about to follow when a scream reached her.

"INUYASHA!"

Looking back at the battlefield, Sango cried out as she watched Kagome struggle in Naraku's arms.

'NO KAGOME!'

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Sesshomaru looked up in horror at the scene before him. What the hell just happened! He growled as he thought of the kit. He trusted him! He was supposed to keep her ass put! He struggled to get off the ground when he looked at her again.

"Wait...what?" He knew he had lost a lot of blood, but his eyes were working just fine. What was she wearing? Looking her up and down, he noticed Kagome was wearing her modern clothes. That wasn't right. Where did she get them? His eyes widened as he felt an enormous amount of power coming from behind them. Looking back, he froze.

Naraku laughed as he watched the torment across Inuyasha's face. His eyes were still hazed red and he looked defeated. Lowering his head, he whispered.

"Watch koi, watch as your dog loses his mind." He nipped her shoulder. "Soon he will be gone, and we can finish what we started."

The girl shook with what he thought was fear but was actually laughter. Confused, Naraku looked over at Inuyasha, why was she laughing?

"SHIPPO! NOW!"

The voice rang clear as the woman in his arms disappear with a cloud of smoke and a small kit stood at his feet. His head shot back up as he watched the real miko raise an arrow behind her mate.

"Inuyasha! Sit!" As soon as Kagome called out, she released her arrow.

Naraku watched as his rival slammed into the ground and an arrow sped towards him. Fear filled his eyes as it flew towards his stomach.

Hitting the same spot that had yet to heal, he screamed in pain as the purification consumed him. The tainted jewel inside his stomach glowed a bright white as pain surged through his body.

"WHAT! NOOOOO!" Naraku cried out as his body slowly turned to dust. How did this happen! He had the jewel! With anger and fear in his eyes, he shot out a crumbling tentacle.

Inuyasha's vision cleared as he watched the appendage fly towards his mate. He was still stuck to the ground as he cried out for her. He looked out in horror as it made its way towards her frozen body and there was nothing he could do.

Kagome froze as she watched the attack. She had let her guard down thinking it was over! She covered her stomach with her arms as she waited for the pain. Eyes closed shut she braced herself.

"I don't fucking think so!"

Opening her eyes, Kagome blinked as she was met with a wall of brown fur.

Kouga jumped in front of Kagome and cut down the attack. "Forget someone asshole!" He had awoken only moments ago and was glad he was still fast even without his shards.

Naraku's screams slowly faded as the last of the purification consumed him. The only thing left behind was a pile of ash and the now pure jewel.

"Hahaha, fucker!" Kouga laughed as he looked over at the pile. "Killed by a chick!" His laughter filled the clearing, but it turned into coughs as he turned back to Kagome.

Hands on her hips, Kagome looked pissed! "A chick? Really Kouga?" He gulped as she walked towards him.

"Nnnooo Kaaggome! It was a joke I swear!" He raised his hands as she got closer.

Kagome stood in front of him with mock anger on her face. "You better watch yourself Kouga. This CHICK can still kick your ass any day." She laughed as she hugged him. "Thank you"

Kouga stopped shaking as he felt her hug him. He breathed a sigh of relief as he hugged her back. "You will always be apart of my pack, even if you mated a mutt." He pulled back and looked at her smiling face. "We look out for each other." He went to hug her again, but was pushed aside.

"That is enough wolf. It is bad enough she already smells of this one's brother." Kouga growled as he looked up at Sesshomaru. It quickly stopped as he watched the daiyouki send him a low nod.

Turning to Kagome, Sesshomaru scowled. "This Sesshomaru will yell at you later miko." His face softened at her flinch. "your mate is quite injured and we need to get him out of here." Kagome's eyes widened as she looked over at Inuyasha.

"Inuyasha." She whispered as she ran over to where he still lay. Tears filled her eyes as she looked over his injuries. The hole in his stomach had closed some, but it was still a nasty wound. His body was cut up everywhere and she was afraid she might have hurt him worse.

"Inuyasha, I'm so sorry!" She cried out as she knelt before him. "I knew you were hurt and I sat you anyway!" Her cries grew as she watched him breathe heavily.

Her mate smirked as he watched her cry. She always did this when he was injured, but looking at her face he felt no pain. Relief filled him as he noticed she was no longer pale. He reached for her neck and seen bruises, but they would heal.

"Kagome...thank god you're alright." He spoke lovingly as she cried harder. "Whatcha cryin for wench? These are just scratches." He smiled when she laughed out but groaned when he felt pressure on his chest.

"Inuyasha! Are you ok!" Shippo cried from his chest. "You're covered in blood!" Shippo looked all around and squeaked when he was lifted by a clawed hand. He looked down at Inuyasha's face waiting for his wrath.

Anger filled him as Inuyasha lifted the kit. He stepped right on a nasty cut and he needed to calm down before he yelled at him. Shippo saved all of them, and he didn't deserve it. He watched the fear on the kit's face and relaxed.

"I'm fine Shippo." He spoke in a soft voice. He smiled at his stunned expression. "You did good kit. You made me proud."

His bottom lip quivered as he looked down at Inuyasha. He tried his best not to cry. He was PROUD of HIM! They may have had their ups and downs, but he loved Inuyasha. Hearing those words meant everything to him.

"Hn indeed." Sesshomaru nodded. "You protected your mother and father Shippo, well done."

Kagome smiled as the kit glanced back and forth between the inu brothers. She was proud as well. His little kit came up with the whole plan and saved them all. She wiped the tears from her eyes at the scene.

Standing up, Kagome walked over to where Naraku once stood. Bending over she grabbed the jewel and sighed. So much death, so much pain, all for one small object. She placed it in the pocket of her borrowed robe as she prayed over the ashes. Naraku was an evil man, but she hoped the spirit of Onigumo found peace in the afterlife. She walked back over to the group as they prepared to leave.

"We need to go back to Kaede's," Kagome announced. "I saw Sango and the others leaving that way. I think that's where they were going."

"Yes, they were quite injured as well." He looked over at the field. "I believe they took everyone with them." He noticed the miko and Kohaku were no longer laying where they fell.

"What the hell happened?" Inuyasha asked as the kit helped him sit up. "I remember hitting the tree, but...it gets hazy after that." He could recall bits and pieces, but he knew he had missed a lot.

Sesshomaru shook his head as he recalled what happened. "Later brother, we must get you looked at first." He narrowed his eyes before Inuyasha could fight him. Looking over at Kouga, "Wolf...you will carry this one's brother." It wasn't a request.

"WHAT!?" Inuyasha and Kouga called out at the same time.

"Hell no! Uh-uh." Kouga shook his head as Inuyasha agreed with him. "You carry the mutt! I'll carry Kagome!" He looked over and smiled at her as the brothers growled.

"I think not." Sesshomaru stepped towards her. "She can not be carelessly carried in her condition." He froze as the words left his mouth. He noticed the concerned look on Inuyasha's face. 'Shit'

"Condition? What the hell are you talking about!" Inuyasha yelled. "Is she hurt!" He looked her over, and while she looked nervous, he didn't see any bad injuries.

Kagome and Sesshomaru looked at each other trying to think of what to say. She glared at him, pissed that he let this happen. He just shrugged his shoulders, he was gonna find out sooner or later anyway. Kagome went to respond, but her kit beat her to it.

"She's pregnant baka!" Shippo huffed in annoyance. "You should know that! You're the one who did it to her!"

Silence once again surrounded them. Kagome cringed as she peeked over at her mate.

Inuyasha's face grew white as his eyes rolled into the back of his head. He passed out.

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