Chapter 23

The occupants of the tent never found out the full details of what went on in Shippo's room between Harry and Kagome, but Harry did explain their theory of how Voldemort used only truly powerful spells.

Since it was nearing lunch Kagome once again settled herself into the kitchen and created another masterpiece. Unfortunately it wasn't enjoyed as much as their last meal. Everyone was intent on talking about whether or not Voldemort and Naraku really did morph together.

For hours it seemed like hundreds of ideas were thrown out, some so unlikely Harry doubted they could be true, and others that bordered on the line of insanity. The only thing all of the ideas had in common was the impending destruction both villains would want to bring upon everything.

The more they spoke Harry could feel his hopes rise. Here were people who were all willing to fight to the death to defeat a blood-thirsty killer, their shining faces strong. It was at that moment Harry felt sorry for their enemy, Dumbledore had told him Riddle never had any friends in his life, Harry thought he wouldn't know what to do without his friends old and new. There was one person who didn't apply himself fully to the mounting conversation surrounding him.

Inuyasha couldn't stop thinking about what happened when he walked past Shippo's door that morning. He kept telling himself Kagome would stay true to him, but what he had heard brought doubt to his mind.

He heard that kid, talking to Kagome about all of the things they had been discussing for the past three hours. That was fine, Inuyasha didn't understand why they had to do it in the dimness of Shippo's room but he thought Kagome wanted to be by the Kitsune's side. But then the conversation changed, he could smell it in Kagome's scent. The boy said something about being in pain and the sympathy reeking from Kagome was almost sickening. He heard only slight sounds, and then a moment later he heard the boy telling Kagome he couldn't stay with her if she was with him, Inuyasha. The last part he overheard was the most frightening, the boy whispered, "I'm still yours." It was then Inuyasha left; he could no longer stand to hear more.

Didn't Kagome want to be with him? Inuyasha was plagued with thoughts and feelings he hadn't been burdened with, ever. Before Kagome, when he and Kikyo were…. well when they were together, Inuyasha never really had to guess what the Priestess felt he always knew it in his heart, until that day when they fell away from each other. Kagome always seemed to want to be with him, even when stupid Koga got in the way. But now… Inuyasha had no idea what was going to happen. He resolved to speak to Kagome at the first chance he got.

But the debate raged on as the hours melted away, so did the day light outside the cave. They had simple food for dinner, Kagome not wanting to leave the table long enough in case she missed anything.

When the entire subject was exhausted, everyone went to their beds in an equal fashion. Inuyasha stood around waiting at the table as Kagome finished the last of the dishes.

"Can I talk to you?" Inuyasha had trouble believing he was going to actually go through with his plan. If they started fighting then she might want to leave him for that kid.

"Yes, but lets go outside, I haven't left this tent all day." Kagome took the half-demon's hand, and with that motion Inuyasha's heart soared.

When they had merged out into the silent night, the breeze gently greeted them. The stars covered the sky like a blanket. Kagome stretched a few times truly enjoying the freedom of being outside. After a while she turned and looked expectantly at Inuyasha.

"Well this morning, well uh I mean with everything that we have been through we should--" Inuyasha had no idea how to speak to the expecting face staring at him in the moonlight. For the first time since they had come outside, Inuyasha looked at Kagome.

Her eyes were filled with starlight, and even though her raven hair blended into the black trees behind her, the little light from the sky reflected off of her pale face. Inuyasha knew he couldn't do anything to jeopardize their relationship. He couldn't bear losing her again.

Inuyasha simply smiled, "Nah forget it I just wanted to get you alone for a few seconds." He reached out and pulled her closer.

It was there with the starry night as a background did Inuyasha kiss Kagome. The hanyou's heart was beating so loudly he could swear their blood was pulsing in tune. The longing they had both felt over the past few weeks now poured out of them. The kiss lasted a long time, neither one wanting to break away for fear that if they did it would end up only as a dream.

"How touching, unfortunately I must break this ah love fest off. I need to inform you as per my requirements we are all in danger." Sesshomaru stood over the couple, his eyes and body tense with the sinister energy which now surrounded them all.