InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Untold Secrets ❯ 0.5 – Your Fate or Mine? ( Chapter 6 )

Standard Disclaimer - * Inuyasha © Rumiko Takahashi.

Summary: When, one night Inuyasha of the future turns up in Sengoku Jidai beaten and bloody, Inu-gumi are surprised-except for Kagome, who rushes to his side without hesitation. Secrets are revealed & an untold future comes to light, but will Inuyasha accept his newfound responsibility?

Rated: PG-13 / R for mild to moderate sexual content and Inuyasha's potty mouth.

by: *Angelstars
email: angtanuk@yahoo.co.uk

Untold Secrets

--

0.5 - Your Fate or Mine?

**Story re-cap**

While in the past and after yet another argument, Inuyasha and Kagome take some time apart. Miroku and Inuyasha have a man-to-man talk, but Miroku only ends up making Inuyasha uncomfortable and irates the hanyou to no end. Kagome gets sick and Sango rushes to her side to help comfort the teenage Miko.

Later, Kikyo turns up and summons Inuyasha to meet her, while Kaede and Miroku exercise Kagome from the new-found aura that has been slowly appearing around her over the few months of her last visit home.

Summary: The impending awaited answer "Life or death" finally takes place between Kikyo and Inuyasha. Kagome, after snapping out of her spell cast coma, follows Inuyasha, but will she be able to change the past and stop Inuyasha from being cursed? Or will fate work its magic and change history completely? After all, fate has decided to conclude Inuyasha's fate sooner than what had been prophesied, thus Inuyasha of the future's past is changing rapidly.

**Continuation**

-- last time…

Sengoku Jidai

The Shinidamachuu flew around the hanyou, circling him in an almost chain-like fashion. Kagome watched from the hut as did her fellow companions, Shippo hopped onto her shoulder and gripped at her head and soft hair. He was shaking.

Kagome felt queasy once more. This can't be it? This isn't the right time! It has to happen after Naraku is dead!

Kaede moved from the hut and was now out side along with the hanyou. She neared him and pressed a shaky hand upon his shoulder, squeezing it as she spoke. "Inuyasha, be careful. I sense great anger coming from Kikyo-onee-sama…"

Kaede stood in front of the younger miko, a stern look spread across her scared features. "Tis time, come with me…"

Kagome looked at Kaede, confusion set upon her face, before lifting a worried glance toward the forest.

Inuyasha, please stay safe…

--

Kagome gasped as she was lifted higher into the air, her aura now pulsating along with the reddish twinge.

Miroku looked passed Kagome, making eye contact with the older miko. Suddenly, with a crack, Kagome's aura attacked the two holy auras of that of Miroku and Kaede.

They were both flung to the ground a ways from Kagome. Wide-eyed and in awe, Miroku, Sango, Kaede and both small youkai watched as Kagome's miko aura erupted with great strength, merging perfectly with in that of the mysterious red glowing aura.

Where as Kagome's aura was bright, healthy and pure. The red aura was dominant around her, both working in sync with her, seemingly, submissive miko light. Its strength was amazing, it wrapped her being, twisting and winding around her, holding it closer to it.

Another beam of blinding, raging wave smashed through the holy auras that now shattered into pieces. The light was so bright all eyes closed in attempts to drown the glowing aura, as the heat and light died away, there in its place appeared the owner of the spell.

Miroku was the first to break the shocked filled silence.

"Inuyasha?"

-- begin a new…

"Inuyasha?" Miroku gaped.

Kagome was still unconscious and floating in mid air, while the translucent glowing hanyou surrounded her from behind, his arms secularly around her waist. He too had his eyes closed and blazed with wild untamed aura.

"It appears so," Kaede smiled.

"I-Inuyasha did this?" Sango gazed up at the both of them, before returning her attention back upon Kaede and Miroku. "How is it possible?" she asked.

"You mean Inuyasha put a spell on Kagome?!" Squeaked Shippo from Sango's lap, "Why?" His innocent question upon their own minds also.

"Why indeed…" Miroku murmured, lifting a hand to his chin and looking down at the elder Miko.

Kaede hadn't pealed her eyes off of the two auras and could feel the wondering and questioning eyes upon her, but continued to keep silent.

"This particular spell is complicated…" she finally spoke, gaining everyone's attention.

"How so, Kaede-sama?" Miroku asked, Sango following suit with her own question.

"And how is it that he knows to cast such a spell?"

Kaede sat silent for a few more moments before continuing, "I cannot answer those questions," her own hand moving to rub her chin in thought. "I can, however, try to determine the source of this spell."

"Why can't we just ask Inuyasha?" Sango replied.

"Methinks he wouldn't have any idea," Kaede concluded, getting up from the floor.

Miroku and Sango also picked themselves up, Shippo and Kirara still hung onto Sango's yukata as she cautiously neared Kagome and Inuyasha.

"Kagome-chan?" The taijiya called up at the unconscious miko.

The raven-haired girl did not stir or show any signs of awakening. Sango sighed, and gripped tighter onto Kirara. Shippo lifted his gaze upon Kagome's floating body--she looked pale and sad. Kagome's worried about Inuyasha, he thought.

"Kagome-sama seems to be unable to wake herself, and if we go any closer, Inuyasha will attack once more." Miroku thoughtfully announced.

Kaede nodded, "Aye, tis difficult to reach her spiritually while Inuyasha protects her".

"Kagome is awake!" Shippo's little tail flicked and tweaked in response to Kagome's sudden caress of aura. "I felt her!"

Sango looked down upon the kit, who was now relaxing in her arms.

"Shippo-chan?" She whispered, leaning down toward him and knocking her head to the side. "How about you try and awake Kagome-chan?"

The Kitsune opened his eyes, looking back and fourth between the Youkai huntress and Kagome before hoping out of Sango's arms.

"Sango?" Miroku looked at her with questioning eyes.

"Hn," She looked up from the scampering Kitsune. "I think Shippo-chan is the only one Inuyasha wouldn't attack" she concluded her theory; silently praying her hunch would be correct.

The monk nodded and watched as Shippo ran on all fours up to Kagome and Inuyasha and lifted himself up on hind legs.

"Kagome…" his small voice pleaded from below, "Please wake up, Kagome!" He continued, this time reaching out to touch her leg to tug on her white sock.

Kagome's eyes shot open just as Shippo's small fingers pressed against her, and the aura of Inuyasha started to disappear from around her. Shippo smiled and leaped up in to her chest.

"Kagome!"

Sango and Miroku let loose their own contented sighs and smiled up at the girl. Kagome blinked a few times before gently landing on both her feet.

"Shippo-chan?" She reached down and tweaked one of his ears with her fingers, "What happened?" she asked, looking up at Sango, Miroku and Kaede.

Kaede watched the young girl as she gained her bearings. "Tis nothing of importance Kagome. We are all relieved to see you awake is all".

"Nani?" She tilted her head to the side, before widening her eyes in remembrance. "Inuyasha! Where is he? Is he alright?"

Miroku approached her and lifted a hand to her shoulder, "Kagome-sama, he has not returned from his meeting with Kikyo-sama".

No! Kagome inwardly panicked, "I have to go to him!" She said as she placed Shippo in the monk's arms and ran off deeper into the woods.

--

Inuyasha followed the soul-stealer through the forest and beyond a clearing; he felt Kikyo's presence long before he actually came in contact with the un-dead priestess. She stood under the large god-tree; both hands lay flat up against the worn bark where he had lain for 50 years against it.

"Kikyo?" He found his voice, but it had come barley above a whisper as he watched her slowly rub her hands over the bark of the tree.

She turned to face him, her face laced with no emotion. Her empty grey eyes regarded him as she spoke.

"Inuyasha, time has now stopped, and our fate has called me. Hell awaits us".

The hanyou sharply swallowed and lowered his head, his white bangs now shadowing his clenched eyes.

"Kikyo, I have promised you my life in return for your safety. I had every intention of fulfilling my debt," He lifted his head, but kept his eyes closed. "But, but I have not yet finished my revenge. Naraku still lives and I also have to…"

Slowly he opened his eyes, making direct contact with the miko. He owed her an explanation-he owed her the truth. "To protect Kagome… in order to finish what will be Naraku's demise!"

The pale priestess moved forward and reached out a single hand, her eyes still void of emotion as she faced him. Her soul snatchers now huddled and circled around the pair as she neared him, bringing her face inches away from his.

"Inuyasha," she started, lifting her gaze upon him. "Don't make this a chore for me, I have waited long enough!" Her voice was filled with anger as she lifted her free hand and place a lone finger against his chest and let loose a surge of miko purifying energy.

Inuyasha's eyes widened at the sudden pain that bellowed below his chest, Kikyo had aimed for his heart and now he found his vision blurred as his heart fought to keep its pace.

"K-Kikyo…" He said through clenched teeth, his fangs digging deeper into his lips causing blood to run freely.

Kikyo did not let up and heightened the dosage of energy, her aura now building as the sparks of pulsating miko energy entered Inuyasha's body.

"Hell awaits us, Inuyasha!" Her lips tweaked in to a small satisfying smile.

Inuyasha clenched his eyes tightly shut and dug his claws into his palms, he could feel his bodies attempts of fighting off the miko power, but at the same time give in to its pain. His inner turmoil was now at its max as it reminded him of his unfinished quells of life.

Thoughts and images whirled in his minds-eye, of his enemies, his friends, and his new life.

Sango-the taijiya whose brother was still under Naraku's hold. Miroku-the houshi that's family lineage had been cursed by Naraku. Shippo-the Kitsune whose family and life had been taken away because of the demand of the Shikon no Tama, in which Naraku darkly desired. Kagome-The girl from the future, the young miko who came into his life and lifted him from his 50-year sleep. The girl he gave his protection and friendship to. His loyalty. His companionship. His trust.

"Kagome…" His sensitive nose caught her scent. She was here.

**Flashback**

It won't be easy, but you will make a choice… but, whatever you do! Whatever you decide, please don't let Kagome get hurt!

**End flashback**

His eyes shot open and he bore his teeth as he growled and shoved the miko away from him. Kikyo was not expecting Inuyasha to move away from her; neither did she expect him to deny her of their promise.

"Inuyasha?!" She gasped, her aura now turning dark and menacing. "What is the meaning of this?"

Inuyasha held onto his painful chest as he regarded her with angry, stern eyes that burned with betrayal.

"Kikyo, I can not leave my responsibilities behind!" He snarled, and backed up away from her just as she cracked another bolt of miko energy toward him, whipping out her arm as she was lifted into the air along with her Shinidamachuu.

She floated above the Inu-hanyou as she powered an angry boost of purifying energies into her hands, bringing them together to form a round ball of light.

Inuyasha looked up at her, still supporting his painful chest. "Kikyo, please! Listen to me!"

"NO! I will not listen to your pathetic lies, Inuyasha!" She growled back, letting go of the ball aimed directly for him.

"Kikyo!" he roared, blocking the powered ki with his now shredded arms. His fire-rat armour barely holding little protection as it burned into his skin, making him fall to one knee in order to catch his painful breath.

--

Kagome ran through the forest and deeper into its depths of darkness, not caring that her arms and legs were getting torn and ripped as the foliage and twigs scratched at her bare skin and clothes.

She caught her breath as she passed Kikyo's strong miko barrier. She shook her head, quickly gaining her wits and continued on.

"Inuyasha…!"

She picked up speed upon feeling his familiar aura, his youki felt stronger and she now worried about his current condition. Was she to late? She didn't want to think about that, she had to stop Inuyasha from being cursed by Kikyo.

She continued on and rummaged through the bushes, pulling a branch away as her eyes focused upon the image of Inuyasha and Kikyo together. She gasped slightly, seeing her hanyou's condition, bleeding from his arms and slashes of fresh scratches across his face. Her attention soon resting upon Kikyo's presence.

Kagome felt anger and jealousy within her being, but sucked it back, burying it deep below the surface. She had to clear any petty, impure thoughts from her mind. She needed to keep Inuyasha safe and alive, and by gods she wasn't going to let Kikyo take her mate away from her!

"Kikyo…"

She heard Inuyasha whisper and felt her heart drop from her chest, a wave of sadness now taking over as she watched the pair of ex-lovers.

"Inuyasha, you promised to leave with me. You promised to walk with me in hell. You said I belonged only to you. You said I was the only one." Kikyo's voice snapped from above, another energy ball made a direct hit in front of the out of breath hanyou.

Kagome gasped, readying herself to defend Inuyasha before Kikyo did any more damage to him. She moved, getting ready to run into the line of fire when she was brought back down by a heaving hiss of pain to her chest.

She gripped at her heart and panted slightly, stunned at the sudden twitch. A flicker of red tainted aura now surrounded her, and held her firmly to the ground.

Nani?! She thought, her eyes now widening as she fought the aura around her. Please… please let me go! I have to keep him safe! The powerful hold never gave way as Kagome struggled in its grasp.

"Kikyo, I meant what I said, but… but things have changed! I have changed. I can't leave with you, don't you understand?" Inuyasha pleaded as he rose off the ground.

Kagome stopped, stunned at the hanyou's statement. The reddened aura still surrounded her, protecting her, soothing her as she listened on through heavily panted breaths.

"Kikyo… I can't leave. I want to live. Please, let this go!" Inuyasha continued, walking up to her as his eyes fixated onto her frozen lifeless ones.

"If you care anything for me, please allow me to live-I have a life now!" He shook his head, baring fangs as his fists clenched deeper into his palms. "Damnit! I don't want to do this!"

Kikyo's eyes narrowed as she stared down at the grovelling demi-demon, her contorted façade jarring an evil glint as her lips grew into a sly smile. "You think I will allow you to live?" She started, "That you can easily break your promise and beg me to reconsider?" She snorted back a laugh before continuing.

"Stupid, pathetic half-breed, you make me a promise and go back on your word and expect me to agree to YOUR uncertain terms?!" Her eyes flashed with anger and her hand lashed out for yet another plunge at the dog-demon.

Inuyasha held his breath as the coursing miko power ripped at his skin and burned at his eyes and face. "Kikyo, please!" he tried once again, gaining his footing once more as he grabbed her legs and pulled her down into his chest.

The miko thrashed in his hold, screaming at him to let her go. Inuyasha held onto her tighter and shook her violently keeping a stern face as he snarled at her to stop moving.

"Listen!" he growled, shaking her slightly in order to get her attention. "Kikyo, we died together in the past. We both got brought back by some strange twist of fate." He shook his head, uncertain of her reaction, but choosing to continue with his speech.

"But this has to stop! You can't continue to walk this earth, driven only by your hatred for me. It kills me to see you like this! It fucking aches when ever you look at me with those half empty eyes, to see the hurt and betrayal I caused you… its punishment enough that I have to live with these memories and feelings," his voice now lowered so much that Kagome hard a job to hear.

"I don't want you to have to continue to walk this earth, hunting me with your hatred. You don't deserve to feel this pain any longer. I want to help you, Kikyo. Set you free. Help you find peace!" he looked her in the eye. "Let me help you!"

Her icy cold stare sent a shiver down his spin as her hand slowly rose to caress his face and cheek, her unearthly pale face held no emotion as she clearly made her answer known.

Inuyasha's small hope was shattered as Kikyo unleashed yet another painful jolt of electrical miko power, this time aimed directly for his eyes. He clenched his teeth hard, and closed his stinging eyes as he let her go and stumbled back form the undead female.

Kagome couldn't stand it anymore. Inuyasha's vivid memories now returning to haunt her, she knew what would come next and she had to stop it from happening-no matter what the consequence.

"Inuyasha!" She cried, ignoring the powerful grip that fought to hold her down. Her own miko aura flaring around her in order to submit the protective underlying that wished for her safety.

A clap of thunder roared above the woman as the wind blew around the pale priestess. Her raven-black hair bellowing around her as her red and white miko robes shuffled snugly against her un-natural shell-like skin.

Kikyo's smile grew as Kagome made her way toward the fallen hanyou, "This is the reason you wish to live, Inuyasha?" her voice echoed hauntingly over the claps of thunder.

"Then, if she dies, there is no need for you to live anymore, now is there?" she coolly pondered before turning on the frantic girl.

Kagome heard the threat but ignored it as she ran up to Inuyasha.

Inuyasha paled upon hearing Kagome's scream followed by Kikyo's hiss of a threat. He yelled for Kagome to get away, growling as she shouted her retort of disobedience.

"Inuyasha, I won't leave you!"

"Baka!" He snarled and snapped open his eyes to glare at her.

Shit, he couldn't see anything. He had been blinded by Kikyo's last attack.

He blinked a few times and rubbed his arm over his eyes in order to make them water under the pressure. "Kuso," he mumbled under his breath, as the same black picture looked back at him.

"Inuyasha!" he heard Kagome cry once more.

"Shit!" he cursed out loud stumbling to his feet. "Kagome, you stupid bitch! Get out of here!"

Kagome shook her head, the tears now rimming the corner of her eyes. "No, Inuyasha! I promised to be by your side, and I can't let her take you to hell!"

"How sweet… " Kikyo appeared in front of her, blocking her from Inuyasha's path. "My reincarnation thinks she can win over your heart"

Kagome stood her ground and kept a confident gaze upon the mildly amused undead priestess.

Kikyo's eyes framed her pale face as her hair flew above her, her miko robes thrashing about in the wind as a cackle of lightning hit near them, forking out in all directions before hitting the dead miko square on. The undead woman began to chant, slowly at first as her eyes gleamed and focused upon Kagome's.

This is it! Kagome thought, the curse has already begun.

Inuyasha's heart stopped as he recognised the curse Kikyo was about to put on Kagome. Without a second thought to his condition or lack of eyesight, he blindly leaped in between the two miko's.

"Kagome!"

Kagome grabbed onto Inuyasha's haori just as he landed in front of her and pulled him down with all her strength. He yipped and growled just as Kikyo's final words left her mouth and another clash of lighting hit her square on, forking out toward he and Kagome.

SHIT!

Kagome screamed just as the lightning hurled toward her, a flash of red and silver caught her eye just as Tetsusaiga was unsheathed and firmly struck into the ground in front of both her and Inuyasha. He fell to his knees, his long silver bangs hid his face from view as Kagome held onto him for dear life.

"Inuyasha!"

Winds blew and darkened skies filled with angry thunderclouds that burst in to tiny amounts of water droplets, pouring down over the treetops and open scorched area under the shelter of the old god-tree.

Kagome slowly opened her eyes. She was still tightly grasping onto Inuyasha's waist and chest and her head was firmly hidden within his robes. She could hear his pants from above and his breath blew against her bare neck.

"Inuyasha?" She lifted her head up to look up at him. His eyes were closed and his face was rung with painful cringes as his teeth clenched tightly. One hand was wrapped tightly around her waist, while the other leaned against Tetsusaiga. The fang was glowing red and electrifying sparks flew around it every so often.

Kagome's eyes searched out beyond the red fang and found a pile of ash and clay, the only remains left of the undead priestess. Her heart stopped in her chest.

Kikyo…

Inuyasha felt Kagome tense and smelt the lingering fear and sadness rise from her. He looked up at her, opening his eyes to focus his slightly blurry sight upon her.

"Kagome?"

She hadn't noticed Inuyasha's gaze until he had called her name.

"Inuyasha!" She dove into his chest, tears now turning into sobs of regret and sadness. "Gomen ne… I'm so sorry, Inuyasha"

He looked down at her, and pulled her closer. His face and nose now buried in her hair. "Kagome," he whispered, his voice shaky as he inhaled her scent.

He opened his eyes and took in the area around them, and the damage that had been caused by the undead miko's curse and Tetsusaiga.

His eyes roamed further and rested upon the remains of Kikyo.

"I couldn't save her…"

Kagome lifted her head from his chest, her eyes swollen and red, blemished from her tears. "All because of me".

Inuyasha turned to face her, his eyes now burning into her blue depths. "No! It's not your fault, Kagome!"

She shook her head, closing her eyes. "Yes it is…"

The hanyou gripped her shoulders and drew her in closer once more. Kagome shifted uncomfortably and swallowed hard, "Inuyasha, what happened?"

He stayed silent for a few moments and lifted his head toward the sky, allowing the rain to downpour over his face and silver hair.

"I heard Kikyo chant her curse and panicked. I was blinded by her miko burst, and couldn't see where you were. That's when I leaped in between you." He tightened his hold before carrying on.

"I felt you pull me and I lost my balance. All I could hear was Kikyo's chants and thunder clapping in my ears, that's when I unsheathed Tetsusaiga and lifted myself up. I felt the lightning bolt hit, and the fang must have taken the brunt of it…"

He paused.

"It reflected anything Kikyo did back at her. I don't remember feeling or hearing anything else after that."

Kagome was chocking on tears once more. "Did it hit you?" She managed to ask through sobs.

Inuyasha never replied.

"Did it hit you?" She asked once more and buried herself deeper into his chest only to let loose all her pain and guilt, it was all too much for her to take. She knew his answer.

Inuyasha had still been hit, not entirely, but never the less he was still going to die. Kikyo still hated Inuyasha and died with hate in her heart.

"Kagome…" He lowered his head to rest upon hers. "As long as your safe"

Kagome pushed away from him and frowned between tearful eyes. "No! It wasn't supposed to be like this! You weren't meant to get hit! I should have been hit! Not you!"

"What? Slow down, Kagome" Inuyasha grabbed her shoulders holding her still as she shook with tears, her whole body convulsed under his gaze. "Calm down, stop talking shit and blaming yourself!" He finally growled.

She broke down.

"You're going to die!" She retorted, burying her hands into her face. "Inuyasha, you're going to die and all because of me!"


---

Modern Tokyo

Meanwhile…

"That kid needs to stop this shit! He's got himself in trouble… again!!"

Inuyasha was trying to concentrate on what the wolf was carrying on about in front of him, but something had awoken inside of him and he couldn't quite get the feeling out of his head that Kagome was in trouble somewhere. He had confidence in himself, watching out for her and protecting her… but something was off about his/her feelings.

Ever since he had mated with Kagome, he had been connecting with her. Feeling her emotions and almost sharing all her dreams and memories. It was the mark he had placed upon her that bound them complete. The prayer beads may have once upon a time bonded them together, but his mark had sealed their souls.

"Yo! Inuyasha?" Kouga blurted waving his hand in front of the Inu-hanyou's face. "Did you fucking listen to a word I was saying?"

"Shit," Inuyasha mumbled under his breath. "Aa, I just felt some strong emotions from Kagome, it was nothing…" he shook his head. "I'm sure she's fine"

Kouga gave him a toothy grin and slapped his hand upon his shoulder. "Don't sweat it, dog-face!"

Inuyasha growled.

"So, are you in?" Kouga continued, ignoring the menacing growl from the hanyou.

"Aa, if only that little brat would keep himself out of shit! We wouldn't have to go get his butt out of there every fucking time!" Inuyasha sighed.

Kouga's smile widened. "Great! I really wanna kick shit out of these guys!!"

The hanyou's eyebrow twitched. "You're not right in the head, yasaeokami"

--

Sengoku Jidai

Later that evening, Sango and Miroku had willed Inuyasha's wishes to set up camp not far from the village. Kagome wasn't ready to talk about what had happened and refused to return there. While the hanyou was extremely quiet, but hovered over the despondent miko most of the way through a late dinner and now while she slept.

Miroku offered to stay up and take first watch, Inuyasha had snorted and told him he had no intention of sleeping and would watch over everyone. The houshi had looked at Sango for help, but had been replied with a simple shrug.

He soon gave in and uncomfortably fell into an upright sleeping position against a tree. Sango curled up beside Kirara and Shippo had taken his usual place beside Kagome. Inuyasha didn't leave the ground to take place above the group, but instead found comfort near Kagome's slumbering form.

He watched Kagome sleep; her tears had dried and now stained her pale face. He could still smell the sadness and guilt within her scent and now it looked like she had fallen into a nightmarish slumber. The hanyou had mixed feelings, he wanted to console her, and the only way he found comfortable with was to stay near her.

Kikyo…

Once again the undead miko came to his mind, she had pushed his limits and even gone as far as threatening Kagome's life.

His future self's words echoed once again.

"It won't be easy, but you will make a choice… but, whatever you do! Whatever you decide, please don't let Kagome get hurt!"

"Nani?"

"You fucking heard me! I said, don't let Kagome get hurt! Protect her with your life if you have to, just don't let her die!"

He shook his head, growling under his breath. He had saved Kagome. She was safe.

But, once again, the undead miko left hating him. Cursing him. Branding him. Kikyo had died with vengeance in her voice, and betrayal in her heart.

"You wish me dead that much, Inuyasha? Does that girl mean more to you than me?"

He lowered his head and sighed, closing his eyes for a second before his ear twitched and his nose caught scent of something he despised to no end.

Inuyasha was up on his feet in seconds, his hand reaching for tetsusaiga's hilt. Miroku stirred upon hearing the hanyou's low snarl feeling the pick up of wind against his neck.

"Inuyasha, what is it?" The houshi asked, as both female companions now awoke from the commotion.

Kagome rubbed her eyes and looked up at Inuyasha. "Inuyasha?" She began, but was cut short when a familiar twister of wind whirled its way in front of her.

Kouga-kun?

"Kagome!" The wolf youkai stopped inches away from the half-asleep girl. "Quickly, he needs you!"

Kagome's eyes widened.

The wolf lowered himself onto one knee and beckoned her to climb upon his back; she didn't hesitate and clambered from her sleeping bag onto his back. Inuyasha growled and made a move toward them just as Kagome looked up with moist eyes.

He froze.

"Inuyasha, we're going to follow them" Sango said, not waiting for the hanyou's reply as Kirara took into the air with the monk and Kitsune not far behind.

Inuyasha swallowed sharply, his ears twitched as he scented the air once again. His senses hadn't lied.

He could smell his own blood.

--

Author's note: I finally finished this chapter; it took me a long time to write. And thanks to Fanfiction.net being a baka, I had more time to write! I hope this hasn't all confused the heck out of you, and if it has I promise it will all make sense in the next few chapters. I warn you now, the next chapter is sad!

Next Chapter: 0.6 - In death, comes life

--

Shout outs! & Bonus update!

O2 - Oh, wow! Thank you so so much! Thanks to ff.net, your review doesn't show, but I still received it in my inbox and what can I say? You made my day! ^_^ *Glomps*

InuX - You reviewed every single chapter while ff.net was down :( So yours haven't shown either, but thank you! Thank you! I'm so happy you thought this was well worth the read and I update every week (so far) and thanks for trying out the bonus!

Kagomesjewel - Thank you for your guess too! & your review & for putting me on your favs ^.^

Umii-chan - Hey sweetie! I'm so happy to speak to you again! I loved all your reviews (once again, sighs, ff.net never showed them)

Kagomewannabe - Oh! You really wanted the DVD too! And you guessed part of it right! - About your question, I think you were the only one to spot that HUGE clue. But, Inuyasha (future) past has now changed, so you will have to wait till next chapter to find out :P

Bex - I always love your reviews! ^_^ Yes, Inuyasha of the future knows spells and all sorts! He has lived a looooong time; our puppy is clever at it too. All will be revealed in the next chapter! Which, by the way is really sad. I'd hate to meet you in a dark ally if Miroku has pissed you off ^^; heh, I swear that was scary! lol

And to all and everyone of my reviewers so far, thank you so much! I love you all, mm.org readers you're all going to run me off with wooden sticks and forks (maybe even spoons?!) The next chapter will be rated high, because of potty language and lots of violence but it will be clean and suitable for PG-13 + readers also.

Now onto the DVD bonus - It has been taken! Gomen!