A/N: Now you shall all find out what happened to Kagome and who the mystery guy is!:D Disclaimers, thanks to reviewers and enjoy!

~~OO~~II~~OO~~ Inuyasha stared intently at the young woman that sat beside him, fiddling nervously with a piece of thread on her clothing. "Well?" he snapped impatiently, struggling not to just pull her closer and comfort her. He had to stay away until she remembered.

Kagome bit her lip, quivering slightly. Giving a deep breath, she asked softly, "You said I was dead before…?"

Inuyasha nodded. "Yeah," he said bitterly. "My fault."

Kagome blinked in surprise, then said, "Well, I guess that would be what the darkness was, huh?" she gave a dark laugh. "Anyways, a voice started talking to me in…in the darkness, threatening to leave my soul behind if I didn't wake up. So I did," she gave a brief smile. "Just before I woke up…I saw the person I've been looking for."

The man beside her watched her quietly.

"He had silver hair and golden eyes." Kagome whispered, closing her eyes. "And he said, 'Come home.'" Her tone quivered. "His eyes…they were gentle, soft like he cared for me."

Inuyasha stiffened at the mention of silver hair and golden eyes. The only two people he knew with that hair color and eye color was Sesshomaru and himself. And his father, who was dead.

Kagome took a deep breath. "And then…I woke up."

Inuyasha focused on her immediately, forgetting his previous contemplations. "Continue," he said gently.

Kagome gave a brief smile. "I woke up in a bed…it was large and comfy, that's what I remember most about the place. I slept a lot for about a month. Anyways, it was a large room. It…it belonged to…to him." She whispered, clenching her hands into fists.

"And who's him?" He asked.

Kagome squeezed her eyes shut. "I can't…"

You need to trust Inuyasha.

Inuyasha reassuringly ruffled her hair, forcing himself not to gather her up in his arms and cradle her against his chest, reassuring her that everything would be fine. "You can trust me."

Kagome opened her eyes, staring straight ahead. "His name is Magatsuhi," she whispered. "Magatsuhi Kurotama."

Inuyasha's hidden ears swiveled beneath his hat, catching the name and storing it away for Sesshomaru to look up. "Continue," he murmured.

Kagome's hands shook as he hugged herself, looking terrified as she glanced around. "I spoke with him, and found out that I was apparently one of his friends that had been in a coma for a few months," she said softly, "I…I believed him." She glanced at the person beside her. "I went on with my life…but I was lonely."

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes. He could tell something bad was going to be said in the next few moments, something vital to what he needed to hear.

"That was the second time he visited me in my dreams," Kagome said. "The dog eared man-" Inuyasha knew it was him now. "-he spoke to me a lot, saying how I'd betrayed him, left him despite a promise I don't remember making. I asked him to take me back…but he said no." Kagome's lips tilted up in a smile. "The dog eared man then said he would eventually take me home.

"When I woke up the next morning, I went to work. I work at Ayame's Bridal Shop…" she added with a sigh. "Jak noticed something wrong and asked me about it, but I said I was fine. I had an appointment and went to fetch the people." Her smile faded. "I met a man named Yoi Hitobito. He was kind and sweet and gentle. He offered to help me…and then asked me on a date. I agreed."

Something snapped beneath Inuyasha's hand as he gave a small growl. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. She doesn't remember agreeing to marry me…it's not her fault.

Kagome could feel tears pricking her eyes. "I…I went home after that, promising I'd meet him around six. Magatsuhi…he was waiting for me. He threatened me, telling me not to go. I snapped at him, telling him I'd do what I want, that he couldn't tell me what to do.

"You have no idea how much I regretted that. I…I…I went out with Yoi anyway, ignoring Magatsuhi's demands…when I came home…I was…punished." Kagome gave a shuddering breath, hugging her knees tightly. "He threw me against the wall, telling me how I'd disobeyed him, how I'd pay the price…"

Inuyasha became confused, and then blushed as the woman began to lift her shirt slightly. "Wh-what the hell are you doing, wench?"

Kagome waved him off, and then pulled her shirt almost all the way up, covering her breasts. "He did this to my back as punishment with a bullwhip."

Inuyasha's eyes flashed red beneath his contacts. He bit back a furious snarl, reaching forward and gently tracing the scar that went down Kagome's spine with a shaking finger; Kagome shivered under his touch.

Kagome lowered her shirt once more.

"You see?" Kagome sighed, adjusting herself to become comfortable. "I was unconscious for a few days. During that time, the dog eared man stayed with me, comforting me and promising that I'd be okay, that he would stay….that he would protect me.

"The next day…" Kagome heaved a sigh. "The day after I woke up…that is the one that I have nightmares over, Takahashi-San."

Inuyasha tilted his head, listening.

"I came home from work." Kagome whispered. "And he took something that meant a lot to me…my freedom. He spoke of a Naraku, and how he'd given the idea to him…the idea of keeping someone's heart to control them. He said that's what had happened to a woman named Kagura when she disobeyed Naraku. That day…Magatsuhi took my heart away."

Inuyasha frowned, giving a growl. "That's not possible, wench."

"Yeah, it is," Kagome retorted. She snatched up his hand, and ignoring his blush and complaints, gently pressed the palm of his hand above her left breast, staring up at him intently. She gave a shaky smile. "See, Takahashi-San? No heart beat. Magatsuhi took my heart that day…"

Inuyasha ripped his hand away, eyes wide with horror. Where he should've felt a heart beat… there'd been stillness, silence.

"And then he came back," Kagome laughed. "I'm surprised he hasn't gotten tired of me," she added. "Anyways, he came back again and reassured me, saying that he would still…still love me despite me not having a heart. I believed him.

"Weeks went by," she continued, "and I all but forgot about it. And then he granted me permission to come here, to Souta's wedding…where you came and blew up at me for something completely out of my control." She shot him an evil eye. "And just before I left, he told me not to talk to strangers," she gave a laugh, "especially not someone strange.

"I guess you were counted strange. After I talked to you yesterday, he came to visit. Magatsuhi threatened me once more, and then disappeared. After that, I went to sleep.

"And the dog eared man returned again. This time, however, he explained why I have no memories…because I have no heart. He's going to help me regain my memories," she said happily. "But he also said to trust…well, you, to tell you everything. And that's what happened to me."

Inuyasha didn't move an inch, processing her story. "You mean," he said slowly, choking on his words. "That…that you can't remember me…until…until that bastard doesn't have your heart."

A nod was his answer.

"…damn it!" Inuyasha exploded, shooting off the bed. Kagome squealed in surprise, cowering out of his range as he slammed a fist into the nearest thing -the bed's head board. The head board splintered under the impact as Inuyasha bellowed, "I'M GOING TO FUCKING KILL HIM!"

Kagome's face paled and she immediately pounced on his arm, gripping it in a death grip. "Please, no, please, please," she pleaded, sobbing. "Don't, please, Takahashi-San! He'll…he'll kill me for sure, please don't!"

Inuyasha froze, confused by Kagome's crying. "What?"

Kagome whimpered, still clutching his arm. "He'll kill me," she repeated, sniffling, "Please. I want to remember everything before I die, please don't!"

Inuyasha was shocked. He had never before seen Kagome like this, pleading for him not to do something this much. The young woman usually fought her own battles, or let him chase off the demons. But not this time. He relaxed. "Fine," he huffed. "But I want to know every time he visits you, got it?"

Kagome gave a nod, wiping at her face after releasing his arm. "Thanks, Takahashi-San," she whispered.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Enough with that stupid 'Takahashi-San' shit. It's annoying. You didn't have a problem with calling me Inuyasha before.'

Kagome gave a slow nod. "Okay, Inuyasha."

Inuyasha affectionately ruffled her hair, wanting to kiss her, yet unable to. "Okay, you should go get some sleep. I'm next door if you need anything, alright?"

She nodded.

"Good," he smiled gently. "I'll protect you, Kagome," he whispered as she walked out of the room. "I won't let you get hurt…not ever again."

~~OO~~II~~OO~~

The next few days passed without trouble, and Kagome didn't dare speak to Inuyasha, remaining silent when he was in the room with her as she waited for a sign that it was safe to go to him and talk.

And then it was Christmas Eve.

Kagome stood before a store at noon, looking at a list of items on her list. "Hmmm…" she said, tapping her chin. "A pea coat for Amber…a game for Souta -can't believe the brat still likes those…" she faltered at the last name on her list. She couldn't be rude and not get Inuyasha a gift, could she? But what would he like?

Kagome sighed, pulling out her phone as she scrolled through her numbers. She paused at one, hesitant to call it. When had it been programmed into the phone…? Kagome shook her head. Probably Souta. She sighed, hitting talk before raising the phone to her ear.

The young woman picked up immediately. "Hello?"

Kagome hesitated, and then said quietly, "Hello, Sango-Chan."

Sango's voice lit up happily. "Oh hi there, Kagome- Higurashi-San." She greeted, careful to use her honorifics as ordered by Inuyasha. "Anything I can do for you this fine day? And Merry Christmas, by the way!"

Kagome smiled. "Merry Christmas to you, too, Sango-Chan. And yes, I did need help."

"Just Sango is fine, Higurashi-San."

"Then call me Kagome."

"Alright, Kagome, what do you need?" Sango asked cheerfully.

"I…I needed to know what I should get Takahashi-San for Christmas," Kagome said hesitantly. "It would be rude not to get him anything, but I don't know what to get him…"

Sango's voice was soft as she replied, "Kagome, it doesn't matter what you get Inuyasha. He would be happy with anything you got for him, I promise. Hell, you should've seen the look on his face the last time…" Sango trailed off before starting again. "Anyways, he'll just be grateful if you got him…anything. Get him some candy. He'd just be happy to have a gift from you."

Kagome smiled. "Thanks, Sango…maybe when I get back to Tokyo, we could possibly meet up and get to know each other."

"I would like that," Sango's voice croaked out. On the other end, tears streamed down Sango's cheeks. "That would mean a lot to me…I hope you find a good gift for Inuyasha."

"Thanks, bye Sango," Kagome said, then hung up.

Kagome smiled, walking into the store. She purchased her items for Souta and Amber easily, and then looked around the large mall, looking for something suitable for Inuyasha. She didn't want to get him something cheap. He needed something special, as well…it's the least she could do. She owed him.

Kagome's gaze locked on an article displayed from a window. She walked over, looking at it curiously.

"Looking for a gift for a loved one, dear?"

Kagome jumped, sputtering as her face flushed red. "N…no," she stammered, turning to face a smiling old woman. "I…I just need something special for someone. He's done a lot for me and I want to show him my thanks…"

"Go ahead and take that for free then," the old woman said, taking the item down from the window and handing it to her after checking it out. "I know what it feels like to giving something special. You don't need to pay for it."

Kagome's eyes softened. "Thank you so much," she whispered, giving her a hug.

"Ah," The old woman sighed. "Been a while since someone has given this old woman any attention. Tell your lover to enjoy it."

"He's not my lover," Kagome protested as the old woman walked away. She sighed, tucking it into her pocket. "Time to go home," she decided.

~~OO~~II~~OO~~

Kagome finished wrapping her gifts around eleven o'clock that night and smiled at the finished project. She snuck downstairs, placed all three beneath the Christmas tree that was up, and then went back to her room. There, she snuggled under her blankets and fell into a deep sleep…

…where a familiar companion awaited her.

((Kagome's Dream))

Kagome looked around in confusion at the darkness. She knew where she was. This is where she always came to meet the dog eared man…but where was he? He was always waiting for her. "Sir?" She called.

"Took you long enough."

Kagome whirled around to face him, sighing in relief at the familiar sight of warm golden eyes and silver hair. She hesitantly approached him. Almost immediately, his arms slid around her waist and he pressed a kiss to her head. "Long time, no see," he murmured against her hair.

Kagome sighed softly. "I still don't know your name," she said suddenly.

"Ah, ah, ah," he taunted, tapping her nose with a clawed finger. "You'll learn in due time, Kagome. For now… we have a memory to recover, now don't we."

Kagome nodded.

He dipped his head down for a final kiss just as the darkness disappeared, swirling away into nothing, and then the two were at the side of a road. Kagome blinked in confusion. "Err, what are we doing here?"

He shushed her, placing a finger against her lips. "Hush, watch, Kagome."

Kagome tilted her head, watching as a black car came hurtling down the road at the normal speed. "That's my car!" She exclaimed.

He nodded, eyes hardening. "Watch," he repeated.

Suddenly, a woman appeared in front of the car, a fan covering the bottom half of her face. She had a bun, ruby red eyes, and feathers in her hair.

Kagome's eyes widened as she recognized herself in the car.

The Kagome in the car gave a surprised scream before jerking the wheel, causing the car to slam right into a tree. The trunk popped open and food went flying.

It went silent.

Kagome's face paled and she pressed against the man beside her, shaking. He reassuringly squeezed her shoulder but didn't say anything.

They stood like this for ten minutes.

Then another car, a way nicer one, came racing down the road. It passed her car…then screeched to a halt. She heard someone howling in panic as they scrambled out, rushing over to the car. "KAGOME!" He cried, eyes wide with horror.

"That's you!" Kagome gasped, eyes wide.

"Damn it! Kagome!" The silver haired man whimpered, and then whipped out his phone, dialing violently. He held it to his ear. "MIROKU! GET YOUR ASS OUT HERE AND HELP ME!" the man shouted into the phone. "Bring everyone except Rin and Shippo!" He paused. "I…I'm on Kagome's street…" He snarled and slammed the phone shut, stuffing it in his pocket before attempting to tear the car apart once more.

Kagome glanced at the man beside her. "I was in a car wreck…but my car, it said on the dashboard…"

The man smiled. "I know. I was the one who put it there, wench."

Kagome blinked. "You really were important to me."

"ARE," he snarled. "I AM STILL important to you. You just don't remember."

Kagome nodded numbly. "Alright…"

"Watch," he said suddenly as another car pulled up.

Three adults piled out of the car, as well as a nekomata demon. The silver haired man snarled curses as he struggled to tear apart the car. His nose was wrinkled, and even Kagome herself could smell the blood. "Damn it!" He spat as a piece of metal dug into his arm.

The only woman's face paled. "No, no, no…that's not…she said she'd…"

The black haired man groaned before moving over and gently pulling the other man away from the car. "-wait a minute."

Kagome frowned. "He said your name, but I didn't hear it."

He just nodded at the scene, indicating that she should watch.

"Let's look carefully and find the easiest way to get her out. Sango, be ready to call an ambulance," the black haired man ordered.

Kagome gasped. "THAT'S Sango?"

The man nodded. "Yep. That's Sango…she was your best friend until you lost your memories. She still is. The man beside her is her husband."

"Sesshomaru, do us a favor and use your true form to see if you can get her out," the dark haired man added.

The silver haired demon with the stripes on his cheek, grumbled but turned into his full demon self -a large dog.

"My brother," the man beside her said flatly.

Kagome blinked.

Sesshomaru lifted the car, then dropped it gently on the ground.

The silver haired man raced over, tearing through the metal quickly. "Kagome! Can you hear me?"

Sango had her phone open and ready, but shoved it at the black haired man and ran over with the nekomata, who had become a larger version. Soon, the tree had the driver's door off, and the silver haired man was dragging a bloody version of Kagome out of the car.

Kagome's face paled. "Wh-what?"

"Shhh."

The silver haired man was leaning over the other Kagome, eyes panicked. "Kagome, get up!"

"Should I call the ambulance?" Sango asked, voice anxious.

The dark haired man nodded. "Yeah, call them-" He was cut off as the silver haired man snarled.

"Stay away from her!" He growled.

"But, Inuyasha…"

"She's hurt!" Sango cried.

"Stay the hell away from her! I swear that if you come any closer, I will tear your damn heart out!" Inuyasha snapped. He had managed to spread his body protectively over the other Kagome's.

Sesshomaru spoke up, slightly amused. "It seems that this has pushed him over the edge. I would suggest you humans join me by backing up before his youkai blood shows up and he slays you both."

The man snarled again.

The black haired man and Sango scrambled backwards.

The silver haired man leaned closer to the unconscious Kagome. He murmured something to her.

And then the Kagome before them opened her eyes, groaning. "I'm fine," she choked out.

Everyone cheered.

And then the man and Kagome were back in the darkness. "That was one of the most important moments," he whispered to her, nuzzling her head lovingly. "I showed you that first…and that woman? That was Kagura."

"Kagura," Kagome repeated, shocked.

"Yep," he replied. He glanced over his shoulder. "I have to go. I'll come to you soon, alright?"

Kagome pouted but nodded, burying her face in his chest. "I don't know who you are," she whispered, "but…"

He smiled, hugging her tightly. "I know. You can't say it out loud, but I love you, too, Kags. You'll find me eventually, I promise."

The dream ended.

((End of Kagome's Dream))

Kagome woke up, gasping for breath. Sweat poured down her face and she shot up, stuffing a fist in her mouth to stifle the sob that nearly escaped. She buried her face in her hands, allowing herself to cry.

After a while, she sighed shakily and looked at the clock. Eight o' clock AM.

Sound came from next door and Kagome sighed. Inuyasha was awake. She'd definitely have to tell him about her latest dream as soon as Magatsuhi came and left again. A moment later, there was a knock on her door. "Come in," Kagome called, wiping away the last of her tears.

The door opened, revealing Souta. "Merry Christmas, sis," he greeted with a laugh. "Come on downstairs. It's gift opening time. Then Amber's going to make some breakfast."

"Yes!" Kagome cheered, shooting out the door. Anything for a distraction. She zipped by Inuyasha, who stumbled in surprise, eyes wide. Kagome froze, looking back at him. Had it just been her or had she seen golden eyes? But Inuyasha had turned away and when he looked back, he was dark eyed again.

"Just my imagination," she whispered to herself before hurrying downstairs and sitting beside the Christmas tree. She grinned when everyone gathered around. "Merry Christmas guys!"

Inuyasha gave a soft smile as he flopped down nearby on the couch. Souta sat down beside his sister, laughing at her still sleep-softened appearance. Amber sat in his lap.

"Hand out the presents already," the cat youkai whined, snuggling against Souta's chest.

Kagome rolled her eyes and began handing out presents. She was surprised when she discovered she'd received one from Inuyasha and shot him a look as she tossed Souta's present to him at him. The man just smiled slightly, easily catching it.

Kagome smirked as she hid her present to Inuyasha, and then declared, "No more to hand out!" Inuyasha blinked, looking slightly hurt when he discovered he didn't have one from her. Kagome just winked at him and tore into her presents like Souta and Amber.

Amber squealed at her gifts. The pea coat from Kagome, the small stuffed cat from Souta -she kissed him and Kagome made a face at them, causing Inuyasha to laugh- and a simple book that the woman had been wanting. She smiled at her fiancé, soon to be sister-in-law, and Inuyasha. "Thanks guys!"

Souta was next, smiling brightly at the game from his sister. He shot Amber a look when he revealed a sutra from her. "What?" She said innocently. "You were talking about all those times when you ere a kid…oh just look beneath it!" He did so, and then tackled her at what he received: a new set of key chains for him.

Kagome sighed, shaking her head. Souta received a gift card from Inuyasha.

Then it was Inuyasha's turn. He smiled lightly, thanking Souta and Amber with amusement for their gift: a keychain with a dog on it. "What's with you and key chains?" He asked Amber.

"I like 'em," Amber said with a shrug.

And then it was Kagome's turn.

She had received a few books from her brother, and -what else? - a keychain with a few hearts and stars on it from Amber. She then picked up Inuyasha's gift, and a thought struck her. She glanced at Inuyasha and he was looking away.

Kagome opened the gift.

She gasped at what was in the small box: a beautiful diamond and amethyst comb that you were supposed to tuck in your hair to wear. "Thank you, Inuyasha!" She cried, pulling the comb out and stroking it. "It's…it's beautiful."

"Don't get mushy," Inuyasha huffed.

After more thank yous, Amber and Souta slipped off to make breakfast, leaving Inuyasha and Kagome alone. Kagome smiled, grabbed Inuyasha's gift, and sidled over to him, sitting beside him on the couch. "Hey, Takahashi-San?"

"Wench…"

"Fine. Inuyasha?"

"What."

"Here," Kagome said, smiling as she offered the gift.

Inuyasha blinked, but took it. "You got me something?"

Kagome rolled her eyes. "Of course I did, I'm not mean."

Inuyasha snorted, carefully opening the gift. He blinked in shock at the sight before him. Then his eyes softened as he took the golden locket from the box and held it up to the light. "Wow…thanks Kagome."

Kagome smiled. "I didn't think you'd like it," she confessed, "since it's jewelry and all, but it seemed like something you might like…and if you didn't like it, Sango said you'd like just about anything from me." She gave him another warm smile. "So do you like it?"

Inuyasha rolled his eyes, glancing at her. "Are you blind? 'Course I like it. …thank you, Kagome." He whispered.

Kagome's eyes softened, looking away. "I owed you something," she said. "I wanted it to be special, since you allowed me to tell you where I've been and stuff-"

She was cut off when Inuyasha suddenly grabbed her by the shoulders and crushed her against his chest, burying his face in her hair. A blush rose on her face and she squirmed. "H-hey, get off, Inuyasha!" Inuyasha chuckled, pulling back as he held up the locket again. "I will never, ever, be able to thank you enough, Kagome. But you know what?" "Huh." Kagome looked at him.

He smiled. "You didn't have to get me anything," he said, leaning closer to her with a warm smile. "You returning from the dead was enough."

Kagome laughed, slipping off of the couch and dancing out of his reach before disappearing upstairs…

…where a terrifying surprise awaited.

~~OO~~II~~OO~~

A/N: Hope you enjoyed! ^_^