Title: A Spider's Poison

Chapter 7: Is this the End?

Author: LightningRose

Naraku had taken her outside to view his lands; he thought the darkness was true beauty. The wasteland before her was beauty? She knew her heart pounded with love for the man beside her…if that's what he was. She had no idea what he was, she wished she didn't feel this way about him but she couldn't help it, and she wouldn't go back on it. Her friends would feel betrayed yes, but they would have their freedom back. They would lose her and gain so much more. Miroku without his wind tunnel could finally show his love for Sango without the fear of dying. Sango could have her brother and the man she loved, and Inuyasha could have the woman he loved without feeling guilt. Her plan was perfect…why did she still feel fear for tonight. True she didn't show her fear; she wanted to appear strong in front of Naraku, not weak as she already has so many times before.

"Do you honestly believe he will keep his promise? Naraku is a killer, he's always hated Inuyasha. To think a human girl can change everything about a man so evil. I'd watch yourself little miko…" Kagome knew Kagura hated her and wanted freedom from Naraku, but maybe what she said was true? Maybe he was using her, playing on her emotions and she was being foolish once again. She believed Inuyasha when he told her he loved her…and look what happened. He went to Kikyo every night after she fell asleep. Hatred began to fill Kagome's heart, her miko powers started to swirl darkly around her form, lashing out at the wind sorceress standing off to the side.

"Not so pure anymore now are we? He'll kill all your friends, and make you watch before he uses the jewel for his wants. Then he'll turn on you and kill you. You mean nothing to him! Naraku wants absolute power. That's all." Kagura laughed at the woman before her, watching her anger turn her powers into darkness.

"No, I'd watch yourself out there tonight…Kagura." With that Kagome's power disappeared back into her body and she walked out of the room she was standing in. She could sense the arrival of her friends, and her mate was giving them a surprise welcome.

"NARAKU! Give us Kagome." Inuyasha rushed forward ahead of the others. Kikyo stood off to the side not wishing to get involved, Sango ready to throw her boomerang at any time and Miroku hand on beads, next to his love.

"No, I don't think I will. You see Inuyasha, Kagome does not wish to leave." Naraky smiled evily at the half demon he despised so much. He watched as he began to rush forward ready to attack but was surprised to see a force field appear before the hanyou, knocking him down. Kagome stepped up next to her mate.

"Kagome! Why did you stop me?" Inuyasha brushed himself off, standing ready for anything in case she had been brain washed to kill him. There was no way Kagome would willingly defend Naraku.

"I will not allow you to hurt my mate Inuyasha." She spoke it softly but it reached all of their ears, and crushed all of their hearts. Inuyasha began to growl, his anger too much to control. The rest of the group all looked betrayed and hurt.

"How could you Kagome, after everything he has done to hurt all of us. I thought you were our friend! We loved you like a sister, what about shippou?" It was true she had not thought of shippou, would Naraku take him in? Father him like she mothered him? Her thoughts were answered when Naraku wrapped his arm around her waist. It was enough for now.

"Naraku has promised he would free you all. Miroku your wind tunnel will be removed, Sango he will return Kohaku to you, and Inuyasha you have Kikyo. What more could you want?" She only wished this would be enough for them to forgive her. She loved them all very much but she chose to be with her mate. Naraku took out a small black sphere from his pocket and crushed it in his palm. They all watched as it crumbled into dust and blew away in the wind.

Miroku clutched his hand tightly realizing the truth of what he just saw. Naraku had destroyed his wind tunnel, now he was useless in battle. Yes he was happy it was finally gone but what if it had all been a trick. He fell to his knees and cried from happiness and sadness.

"Miroku, it's ok. If it is a trick, I won't let anything happen to you. I promise." Sango leaned down in front of the monk she loved so much, looking into his violet eyes she wiped away his tears and kissed his cheek softly, whispering her promise over and over.

"Sister?" Sango's heart stopped, had Naraku truly released her brother from his hold? Turning her head to the side she saw him standing next to Kagome, holding her hand tightly. She saw his eyes were no longer blank but bright and full of life. She saw tears streaming down his face as he ran towards her and launch into her arms. They cried and she held him as if she thought he would disappear.

"I have removed his memories as well, I have fulfilled my promise. Leave my grounds; we have no fight any longer." Naraku turned his back on the group he once saw as enemies. However, as he put his guard down to turn away he didn't sense the arrow coming straight for him.

It went by too fast for anyone to stop it.

The arrow engulfed in miko power cut through the air straight for Naraku.

Time slowed down for everyone…Naraku slowly turned, Inuyasha leapt forward, Kikyo dropped her bow and the others could only watch in horror.

"KAGOME!"

She had jumped in front of Naraku just in time for the arrow to strike. Falling to her knees, arrow sticking out of her chest, she felt her world plunge into darkness.

A/N: Oh no…what's gonna happen to Kagome? What will Naraku do? How will the others deal with Kikyo? REVIEW please!