InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Blood Promises of Old ❯ Chapter Four ( Chapter 4 )

~ )0( ~ Blood Promises of Old ~ )0( ~

Written by: £ady ßan§hee 999© 2003

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, Kagome, or the rest of the gang. Nor, do I own Enigma. I do own Jasmine, 'Blood Thorn', Corwyn, and `Ace' however and none shall be used by another without consent, Gomen-nasai!

Author's note: I am trying to handle all the grammar errors by myself, as I do not have any Beta testers. My husband wants to read the story after I am completely finished and I know he will be able to spot a lot of my mistakes. In the mean time, please excuse my mistakes!

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"When you cried I'd wipe away all of your tears,
When you'd scream I'd fight away all of your fears.
I held your hand through all of these years.
But you still have...
All of me."

~ Evanescence`My Immortal'~

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Previously:

Groaning Kagome grabs his arm and says, "Enough about it. Lets get some ice cream!"

As they head off to meet up with Kagome's mother Inuyasha thinks, `I don't know about this dating, but I don't like it. I have a feeling this Hobo person will be trouble.' Glancing at Kagome he can't help but smile, `she was thinking about me while she was with him on this `date' and she told him she wasn't interested in him either? Yeah, there is no way I am going to let him take her away from me.'

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Chapter Four ~ Trusting One Completely

Meeting up with Mrs. Higurashi and Souta the group grabs some ice cream for themselves. Kagome grabs a chocolate for Inuyasha and a strawberry for herself. Sitting down with the others Inuyasha watches the others eat the strange food before tasting it for himself.

"Shippou would love this," he says between licks.

Laughing Kagome says, "Hai, I know. I wish we could bring them over here."

Cocking an eyebrow the hanyou scoffs, "Feh, nah. This way I can tease him about it."

Arumi looks over at Kagome and asks, "Tease who?"

Giving a half smile the miko replies, "Shippou-chan. He LOVES chocolate, and every time I go I always have to take him some."

"Feh, annoying runt."

Yura laughs, "Ok, I have to ask. Inuyasha did I hear right back there. Where you actually growling?"

Giving the girl a cautious look he shrugs his shoulders, "Feh."

Kagome rolls her eyes at the boy and looks over at her friends before sighing. "It is a inu youkai trait, or just an inu trait." Smirking she gives him another look, "it lets you know when they are definitely NOT happy about something or someone."

Yura smirks as Arumi giggles, Eri just asks in a hushed voice, "I still want to see the ears," which the others nod in agreement. Yura adds, "Yeah, but the fangs and claws are interesting thought."

Kagome listens to her friends as Inuyasha scowls. Shaking her head Kagome says, "We can't show you his ears here, so why don't you all meet at the shrine before we go to the club. You can see them then."

The others nod as they finish their ice cream. Heading out they pass a jewelry story that Yura stops at. "Hang on girls, I want to see if they have anything interesting here."

The girls head in as Mrs. Higurashi, Souta, and Inuyasha wait outside. Looking around Kagome looks at the pendants and charms while her friends look at the earrings. Suddenly she comes across a silver dog charm in the shape of a German Shepard that catches her eye. Deciding that it would be perfect to go with her belly chain she quickly makes the purchase and waits for the others.

Once everyone is done they rejoin the others. Heading out of the mall the girls say good-bye and head home as the rest head back to the shrine.

"Decided to go to the club I see?" asks Kagome's mother.

"Actually we didn't have a choice. I will tell you about it when we get home," Kagome replies as she looks at Souta.

Her mother nods in understanding, "Well, did you find something to wear that you liked?"

Smiling the girl nods, "Hai, we did." Changing the subject she asks, "When is Jii-chan coming home?"

"He will be home on Saturday. He called yesterday and said he wanted to stay a few days longer. It seems his friend was sick and he wanted to care for him before returning."

Kagome nods and continues walking when suddenly she remembers something she had been meaning to ask her mother. "When did I get a credit card?"

Laughing Mrs. Higurashi replies, "It isn't really a credit card. It is more of a debit card. Your father left you an inheritance and I figured it was about time for you to be able to use it. Since you are so mature, and since you are gone so much I figured this way you could have at least some way to enjoy yourself while home."

"Ah, I see," raising an eyebrow she stammers, "um, err, about how, um…"

Looking over at her daughter, "Are you trying to ask how much?" Watching her daughter blush before nodding she laughs, "Let's just say if you handle it wisely you are well off."

Wide eyed she looks at her mother, "Really?"

"Hai"

Coming to the shrine they quickly enter. Handing Souta his bags he runs off to put them in his room. Kagome tells her mother about meeting Jasmine, the sent, and `The Basement'. "So if we want to find out more about her, we have to go," concludes the young woman.

Kagome's mother nods, "That sounds reasonable. I just want to say this, be sure to be careful."

Kagome nods then grabs the bags, "I am going to put these away," and heads upstairs.

Inuyasha decides to ask her mother some questions that have been bothering him. "We ran in to a boy called Hojo at the mall. Kagome mentioned something about a date. What is that?"

Motioning for him to sit down at the table with her she answers him, "A date is something two people go on, to see if they are interested in each other. Usually people date to find the right one for them to spend the rest of their lives with."

Inuyasha then tells her about the incident with Hojo. She frowns when he tells her Hojo's ending comment. "I thought he was a bit odd, but that worries me. Inuyasha I think you and Kagome need to be careful around him. You especially because things are done differently here then in the past, such as fighting is only okay in self-defense. In other-words they throw the first punch and you were just defending yourself or someone else. And killing is out completely, unless, and I mean unless, absolutely necessary. So please remember that."

Watching the hanyou nod affirmative she continues, "We wouldn't be able to explain who you are. Since you don't have any documentation to prove it."

Kagome enters hearing this, "Ack! You are right. He doesn't. How are we going to get him into the club tomorrow? I am sure they are going to card people." Scratching her head while she thinks she suddenly snaps her fingers and says, "I'll be right back."

Heading to the phone she calls Yura and quickly explains the problem.

"No big deal, girl. For two reasons! One I can create him a fake I.D. It won't fool the cops but it will a bouncer."

Kagome groans, "Why am I not surprised. Ok, so what is the other reason?"

Yura laughs, "Oi, girl, you should know me by now. Besides if that is a surprise, then my other reason should just floor you then."

`Why do I get the feeling I am being set up?' In a resigned voice she says, "and that is?"

"Do you remember Corwyn?"

"Black hair, deep purple contacts, tall, has adopted you like a kid sister?" Kagome smiles as she remembers her meeting Corwyn a few years back. He took them to get some dinner when he was in town and stopped by for a visit. Yura's older brother, Yuuki, and he were friends and due to Yura's close relationship with her brother often times would hang out with them. But when Yuuki was killed in an unsolved murder Corwyn continued to stop by to hang out with his adopted little sister and see how she was doing.

"Yeah, well guess who owns `The Basement'?"

Kagome's mouth drops open at this shocking announcement. "Corwyn owns the club?"

"Hai! That is why I know about the club and that we can get in without any problems. He was the one who invited me to come and bring you guys with me."

"Wow, talk about small world. I can't wait to see how he is doing. It has been awhile." Kagome replies. "But just incase, I want to get an I.D. done up for Inuyasha too. How soon will it take to be ready?"

"I will have it done tomorrow, but I need you to bring Inuyasha over here tonight so I can get a photo for it."

"Alright, we will be right over." Saying good-bye she hangs up the phone and goes back to tell Inuyasha and her mother what is going on.

"We have to go to Yura's house now so she can take a picture of you for the I.D., but it may not be that big of an issue," smiles Kagome.

Her mother frowns, "I don't want to ask so I will pretend I didn't hear anything about an I.D., but why may it not be an issue?"

"Do you remember Corwyn, mom? Yuuki's friend?" Her mother nods as she continues, "Well, it seems that he owns `The Basement' and asked Yura to come and bring her friends with her."

"It seems that you will be able to get in one way or another," her mother sighs.

"Don't worry mom, we will be extra careful and besides, Inuyasha's with me," she grins over to the hanyou next to her. Grabbing his arm she heads towards the door. "We got to go meet up with Yura. Be back in a bit."

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Knocking on the door Yura answers, "Oh, you two. Come on upstairs. I have everything ready to go."

Once upstairs Yura sits Inuyasha down and takes a picture of him with her digital camera. Loading it up into her computer she gets to work.

"Ok, we will keep the single name, since what the hey, it's legal. How old are you?"

"18"

"When is your birthday?"

Inuyasha draws his eyebrows together and frowns. "I don't know. I just know it was in fall."

"Um, ok. How about Oct. 19th then?"

"Feh, whatever."

"Kay, let's see the rest I can make up as I go. I will have this ready for school tomorrow." Yura smiles, "if you want, I can create an older set of I.D's for you two as well."

Kagome shakes her head and laughs, "No, thanks. This is fine."

Talking a bit more the two take their leave and return home. Kagome sighs as they walk up the steps of the shrine she looks over at him and smiles, "busy day, huh?"

He shrugs his shoulders, "Feh."

"So what did the others say when you went back?"

They walk towards the god tree while he tells her all that was said about the wise one. Getting to the tree they sit down.

"So this Jasmine must be a member of their order then? Or someone who knows the secrets of?"

"Myouga-jiji seems to think so, but doesn't understand their interest in the shrine now." Crossing his arms he looks up towards the sky as the sun sets in the horizon, "They could be after the shards. Kaede-baba told me to bring your bow and arrows with me, but I don't see how we can take it with us into a the club."

Kagome looks quickly over at Inuyasha with wide eyes, "And you can't take Tetsusaiga. Maybe this isn't such a great idea."

Closing his eyes he sighs deeply, "We need to find out more about her. We have no choice in the matter. We have to go."

Dropping her shoulders she sighs before turning to look at him, "Hai, you are right. We will just have to be careful. At least there will be people around so she can't try anything."

`She can be strong when she needs to be.' Looking over at her he places a clawed hand on her shoulder. "We will be fine."

Smiling at him she replies, "Hai." Then turns her attention to the setting sun.

Deciding now is the time to bring up a few things he takes a deep breath, "Kagome?" She turns and looks at him again and he removes his hand. "We need to talk about Shippou and the group."

Confusion evident in her eyes she cocks her head as she looks at him. "What about?"

`This isn't going to be easy,' he looks back up towards the sky. "Well Myouga-jiji has brought something to my attention today. I didn't have time to discuss it with the rest of the group yet." Sighing he scratches his ear as he continues, "It seems since I am an inu youkai, the other youkai that have heard of us, are calling us a pack. Not that I mind, but I am not sure how the others will take it." Glancing over at her out of the corner of his eye he adds, "or you."

Kagome blinks at him, "a pack? Isn't that a inu youkai or even an inu's version of a family?"

Inuyasha nods as he watches her.

"Inuyasha, I don't think the others would mind at all. Sango has lost all her family, Shippou is an orphan, and Miroku is still with our group, err, I guess our pack. And since I consider you all my family anyways, I don't see the problem."

Blushing a bit he realizes she doesn't fully understand. "Well let me explain a bit about it. Since you and I formed the group, in youkai eyes we are the pack leaders. Other youkai are a bit um, older, when they form their packs or are born into them." Deciding to come to that whole pack leader status and meaning latter he continues, "Anyways, the reason why I brought this up is because of Shippou. I talked this over with your mother already about him, and she said I should talk to you."

Looking at him gently she asks, "What about Shippou?"

Scratching his ear again he sighs, "Well, he is a youkai who thinks of you as his second mother. Being human you wouldn't know but youkai adopt orphans by `marking' them. I think it would mean a lot to him if you marked him as yours." Watching her reaction he quickly adds, "that is if you want to."

"Inuyasha, what is this marking exactly?" she looked at him curiously.

"Well," he tilts his head, "you already have sort of. By sleeping with him at night your scent is already on him. Plus you protect him. By marking him you share a bit of your blood with him, which makes your scent dominate, as the scent of his parent. Other youkai would know that anyone messing with him would have to deal with you as a result."

Her eyes get a distant look to them as she quietly asks, "So you mean it is like me officially adopting Shippou."

Noticing her glazed eyes he becomes puzzled but answers, "Sort of, except to a youkai it would make him smell like you, so they would see you as his natural mother."

Looking up towards the sky but without really looking, "Wouldn't that be a bit weird. I mean he is a full youkai. He might not want to be adopted by a human and given a human scent."

Shaking his head, "Feh, I don't think he would mind. In fact I think he would be very happy. He is an orphan after all. To him it would mean he truly has a family again." Crossing his arms again he continues, "besides, this way he will most likely be less of a pain in the ass while you are gone, cause he knows for sure you will be coming back."

Kagome's eyes widen and she quickly pulls up her knees and drops her head. He smells her tears as they fall silently. This has the hanyou completely confused before he suddenly remembers.

* "I don't know if the well will let me do that." *

`Baka!' he scowls to himself. `You have to tell her. You can't let her go on like this.'

Sighing he gently picks her up and puts her on his lap sideways and gently hugs her. Shocked by this action she freezes for a moment before putting her face in his shoulder.

In a shaky and small voice she says, "I want to do this for Shippou, but would it be fair to him? What happens if I can't go back? He would loose another parent, and I can't do that to him." She starts to sob as she clutches his jacket.

Stroking her hair he puts his head on top of hers and sighs. He has never liked to see her cry it always made him feel bad deep inside.

"Kagome, why don't you think the well will work?"

Realizing his question she gasps, `I can't tell him can I?' She shakes her head.

Inuyasha looks down at her and sees she is hiding something. Speaking firmly, "Kagome, look at me."

She shakes her head as a few more tears fall.

"Kagome"

"I can't say it."

Growling with a commanding tone, Kagome looks up quickly at him. "Kagome, tell me. I can't help you unless you do, please." Looking her right in the eye he continues, "I don't want to see you hurt like this."

Staring back into his eyes she realizes she can't hide the truth from him anymore. With a look of defeat she drops her head. "Once Naraku was defeated, you where going to go to hell with Kikyou." She drops her voice to barely a whisper, "I couldn't live with myself if I let you do that. I was going to give you the jewel to make a wish. So that you could be happy and alive." Putting her hands up to her face she tries to hide the tears but her body shakes with the silent sobs. "I couldn't… be… able to see… you die. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't do something. I knew it would seal me in my time, but you would be alive if you wished for Kikyou to be alive again."

Pulling her back into his shoulder, he holds her tight while she continues to cry. `You would do that for me? Just so that I would be happy and alive?' The impact of what she said hit him harder than anything he has ever been though. Not the death of his mother, Kikyou's arrow, or Naraku's trickery. Kagome was willing to seal herself in this time, because she didn't want to see him die.

Putting his head down next to her ear he says, "Kagome, listen to me. I don't want to make a wish on the jewel. Kikyou died a long time ago, and besides I wouldn't be happy with her. I made a promise to someone who didn't really love me, nor I her. My pack has shown me more in friendship than she ever did out of so called love. I see that now. Besides, I couldn't leave my pack."

Gasping she looks up at him, eyes glistening with unshed tears. He leans down close to her face, looking in her eye as he softly murmurs, "I couldn't leave you."

`He couldn't leave me?' Her eyes widen as what he said sinks in, `b-but w-w-why would he…' And before she could continue with her thoughts she felt a gentle pressure on her lips.

He grazes her lips gently in order to give her a chance to pull away. `Kami please let her want me too.'

Instead of pulling away she hesitantly wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him back with a slightly growing pressure. Purring in his chest, he nibbles her lower lip asking for admittance. Gasping at the pressure of his teeth on her skin she opens her mouth to give a small gasp as he plunders his tongue into her mouth exploring every inch of it as she caressed his with hers edging him on. Breaking off the kiss he looks at her as she blushes and lowers her eyes. "Kagome, you made a promise to me to always stay by my side. I don't want you to ever leave my side, even when this quest is over, please. You mean so much to me, and you also mean a lot to the others in our pack."

Kagome looks up at him, `our pack. Why doest that sound so right?' Laying her head on his shoulder she smiles. `I have wanted him to hold me like this for so long. And that kiss…' Snuggling closer to him she whispers, "I don't ever want to leave your side. Not now, not ever."

With his arms around her he strokes her hair. Hearing her reply he lays his head on top of her head and takes a relaxing breath, still purring in a most peaceful contentment for the first time in a long time. `My Kagome.'

Feeling completely relaxed her body becomes sluggish. Realizing how much of an emotional roller coaster she has been on for so long, along with the vibrations from his purring she yawns. Hearing her yawn he slides a hand under her knee and the other on her back, as he stands up and jumps to his favorite branch. Settling her back down on his lap, he whispers to her, "get some rest. I'll keep you safe."

Hugging him around the neck she squeezes sleepily as she replies, "Hai, I know. You always do." And with that slips into a comfortable slumber.

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Jasmine walks up a darkly lit warehouse and opens the door. Nodding to the dark figure leaning up against the wall by the door she smirks, "where they at?"

"V.P. Lounge"

Waving absently she heads thru the empty club towards the back where the third floor staircase is located. Walking past the double staircase leading down towards the bar and dance floor she walks over sized couches and chairs scattered around the main floor that has the center section cut out to view the lower level. Elegant yet with a dark theme, wrought iron sconces and candelabras cast indirect lighting added with rope lighting built into the floor form a wandering path around towards different areas. The openness of the area is not due to the originality of the building but for the ability to be able to see the comings and goings of those there. Walking up the stairs she heads up to an over-sized set of double doors carved with an Amazon tree and in it's branches laying a group of jaguars. Opening up one door in the darkly light, large room, she continues to walk over to the far wall where there can be seen the shadows of 3 others sitting in a semi-circle Victorian style sectional that over-views the club with a one-way viewing wall.

She sits down, nods to the others, takes the drink that was hands it to her, by a man who turns and walks away just as silently as he came in, and sighs.

The male closest to the window with a voice, deep and curt asks, "Do they know?"

Nodding again she replies, "Hai, he suspected something before I even dropped my barrier but when I did, it just confirmed his suspicion."

The male next to her with a relaxed voice chuckled, "And he didn't fight you right there?"

Laughing she shakes her head, "Nope, he wanted to though. After everything that was told to me about him, I was expecting him to jump me right there."

A gentle feminine voice speaks up, "Maybe he is finally showing signs of maturity. People do change you know." Turning to the first male who gave a snort at that comment as she pokes him laughing lightly.

The first male answers, "More like she has him on a short leash in public."

Jasmine smirks at this, "Kagome seems to be a genuinely open person. What I wonder is she doesn't seem the type to face you down without fear," pointing to the first male.

A sudden glitter of fang as the person smirks, "She has backbone that one. At first I thought she was just stupid, but quickly saw otherwise. She has a inner strength I have seen her use quite often." Hearing the wistfulness of the memories of days long gone.

Noting the trailing conversation from the first male she takes a sip from her drink and turns to the male next to her, "So you ready for tomorrow, brother?"

Grinning he replies, "There are a few odds and ends to get settled but, Hai, for the most part we are."

Raising an eyebrow she nods, "Well, I am sure you will have everything just right."

Suddenly the first male leans forward just enough light to make his golden eyes reflect the light, "Are you ready for tomorrow?" Looking directly at Jasmine with a glare that had many before freeze.

Tipping her head slightly and slowly blinking, "Hai, I know what must be done."

He nods, "Do not take him lightly. He fights just as fiercely as a full youkai."

The other female leans towards him and adds in a serious manner, "Hai, especially when she is involved. You found that out a few times, didn't you dear?"

Sighing he nods, "Hai, I made that mistake before. It almost cost me my life."

Crossing her arms, she sits back a bit in the couch she asks, "So he has gained that much already?"

The golden eyes look straight through her and answers, "One more thing, and this must be stressed. Be wary of Tetsusaiga, but more so when he is without it. If he turns, you will be in danger, along with anyone near him. Friend or foe, he would care not. The only one who would be able to do anything for him at that point would be Kagome."

Finishing off her drink she nods, "I understand."

The golden eyed male leans back in his seat again and his features back into the shadows again, "Be sure that you do."

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Dusk has fallen and Mrs. Higurashi walks to the god tree finding Kagome asleep in his arms, and his golden eyes watching her as she approaches. "Inuyasha, dinner is ready. Do you think we should wake her?" She asks quietly.

Kagome opens one eye barely and yawns, "No, I am up." Trying to open both eyes she adds, "Well, sort of."

Inuyasha chuckles lightly as he lifts her up and jumps down. Setting her down she starches and rubs her eyes. Mrs. Higurashi smiles and tells her, "Hurry up now and go get ready for dinner."

Kagome nods and heads off towards the house. Inuyasha is about to follow her when Kagome's mother puts a hand on his arm. "So I take it you talked to her?"

Crossing his arms he looks towards the house, "I told her about Shippou and the mark. I also told her of my decision not to go to hell, and of our pack." Sighing he turns back towards the woman and tells her about Kagome's plan to let him use the wish, why and what it would of meant for her. "That is when I told her of my decision not to leave her or my pack."

Listening to him she replies, "It sounds like she had thought about that idea for some time. She truly only wanted you to be happy."

Nodding he smiles lightly, "she is always like that."

"Yes, she is, isn't she."

"I guess she was worried about this for sometime now. Afterwards she was exhausted."

"Inuyasha I am glad you two finally talked about things. It is important for people to talk things out and not keep them inside. That causes many problems in the long run."

"I guess."

"Anyways, lets go get some dinner."

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After dinner Kagome heads upstairs to start on her homework. Souta grabs Inuyasha and asks him to play a game with him on the game system he just got on his birthday. After loosing a few games he decides that claws do not help against a battle when one must push buttons on a controller and calls it quits. Going upstairs he goes into Kagome's room when he sees a light on under the door. Walking up behind her and leans down over her, looking at the paperwork on the desk, he asks, "What's that?"

Leaning back up against his chest she reaches up and scratches one of his ears. "I am trying to figure out this math assignment, but failing horribly." Smiling as he tips his head towards her hand and purrs softly. Looking up at him she watches his eyes close, she says, "you really like that don't you?"

Shrugging his shoulders but not opening his eyes, "Actually I only liked one other person scratching my ears. My mother use to do it when I was a pup, but I had forgotten how good it use to feel."

Scratching his ear for another minute she sighs, "Well, as much fun as this is, I have to get my work done." Still leaning up on his chest he looks down.

"Do you want some coffee?"

"Hai, coffee would be great," she gives him a big smile.

Leaning down he quickly kisses her forehead, "Get back to work. I will be back shortly with your coffee."

Nodding she leans forward to go back to work. Glancing at him as he leaves she smiles, `I just hope I can keep my promise about staying by your side.'

Heading downstairs he goes into the kitchen. Seeing Kagome's mother he says, "Kagome wanted a cup of coffee."

Smiling she nods, "Alright, should just take a moment." Quickly getting the coffee going she looks back at him, "So is she going mark Shippou then?"

"I believe so. Her main worry is that the well will stop and then he would be alone again, and she doesn't want him to go thru loosing a mother again."

"Well that is understandable. But nobody can predict the future. You guys especially need to find happiness when you can. Especially within your own group." Smiling she adds, "Besides, if Kagome marks him, than that means I am his grandmother. I just wish there was a way to bring him over here so I could meet him."

Pouring two cups of coffee and adding sugar she hands them to the boy. "Maybe after all this stuff here we can figure a way to do so."

Nodding he takes the cups upstairs. Handing one to Kagome and sitting down on the bed he asks, "Ok, what is this math you are doing?"

Looking back at him and raising an eyebrow she sighs, "well, math is finding the sum of numbers. I am stuck cause it was never my strongest subject. What I am working on right now is called Algebra. Basically it is 2+A=7+3. What I have to figure out is what "A" equals."

Cocking his head to the side he simple replies, "2".

Gasping she stares at him with eyes wide open as well as her mouth. "Nani!" Stuttering she continues, "I mean, Hai, you are correct but how did you figure it out so quickly?"

Shrugging his shoulders he sips some coffee, "Feh, it was easy. My mother taught me numbers and figures when I was young."

Laughing she smiles at the hanyou, "I wish I had known this earlier, you could have helped me with my homework and studies awhile ago." Grabbing her book and her papers she goes over to the bed and stretches out on her stomach. She starts explaining where she is and what she is stuck on.

Mrs. Higurashi knocks on the door and walks in seeing the two stretched out on the bed. Inuyasha looking over at Kagome's papers pointing out something, "here see you have `X' equaling 24, and that isn't right."

Kagome turns to him, "What did I do wrong?"

Smiling at the two she asks, "Having fun you two?"

Both teens look up at her and Kagome answers, "Hai, Inuyasha is great at math. Maybe with his help I can actually do well in that class."

"Oh really?" her mother looks over at the boy who is blushing slightly but not looking at either females.

"Hai, he already understands algebra and is trying to help me."

Looking even more embarrass the hanyou hides his eyes with his bangs, "Feh."

Noticing his antics and nodding, "Well that is good. I am glad you guys are working together." Smiling at her daughter she notices Kagome glancing over at him out of the corner of her eye before looking back at her mother. "Well, I am going to bed. Don't stay up to late. Good-night you two."

"Night mama"

And with that the two return to continue her work. A few hours and many subjects later Kagome gets up and stretches. "Man I got to get some coffee. I only have history left so now is a perfect time to take a break."

Heading downstairs the two refill their cups. Inuyasha looks at the tired expression on her face, as his ears droop to the sides, "is your school work always like this?"

Sighing but giving him a tired smile she shakes her head, "not really, or at least it never use to be. But because of all the school I miss when I go thru the well I end up having to make it up when I am home." Grimacing she ads, "I really should do more of my work while I am there though."

Dropping his ears down even further he realizes how much of a toll this has taken. Here he always thought she ran thru the well to get away from everything, but it ends up she has more then enough to deal with on her side. Even though it wasn't physically demanding, it was still mentally draining. "I … I am sorry."

Surprise evident on her wide eyes looking up at him she blinks, "About what?" Truly confused.

His shoulders drop a bit, "I should of tried to understand this sooner. What you have been going though with living a life on both sides of the well."

All though processes stopped for her with this, `Nani is wrong with him. He never seemed to care about it before. Why now, what is going on.' Stammering a bit she coughs lightly to try to get her voice to work, "Um, err, well, school isn't as important as collecting jewel shards and stopping Naraku, I'll admit." Giving a deep sigh she figures she should continue, "But I need to learn. Back there, I am already considered an adult. But here I am not. There is still much I need to learn before I would be considered one. Consider it a right of passage if you will. I must learn what I need to know to become an adult here. Since this is the era I was born and raised, I am in a way bound by its ideas of who I am, and such. Granted I am almost done, and it has been difficult, but I wouldn't have traded it for anything. I just hope we can come to some sort of compromise about it."

Giving her a smirk and moving his ears to face her, "So does this mean no more sits?"

Laughing at his antics she replies, "Only if you don't fight me about it. Especially when final exams come."

Tilting his head in confusion he looks at her, "What are final exams?"

Shaking her head and rubbing her eyes with her hand she groans, "Final exams are given twice a year. They count for a large part of the end grade. They test you on the extent of your knowledge on what you have learned so far. They are really rough though, and I always worry about it cause I might of missed something while I was away." Smiling at him she adds, "Well, at least you can help me study for my math final."

Another hour later she closes the last book and yawns. "Finally" she moans. Looking over next to her she sees him fast asleep curled up next to her. Chuckling slightly and moving a bit of hair out of his face she smiles. Slowly as so not to wake him she gets up out of bed and packs away her work. Grabbing some pajamas she heads off into the bathroom to quickly change and comes back. Shaking her head she wonders `ok, now what.' Looking at the sleeping hanyou she shrugs, and turns off the light. Climbing back on to the bed as quietly as she left and stretches out next to him. As soon as her head hits the pillow she instantly falls asleep.

~ T.B.C. ~

~ * ~ )0( ~ * ~

Banshee ~

Hey all, sorry this took so darn long to type up. I am trying to switch between stories. Between this one and "The Whispers of a Well and The Fate of Them All". I try to type up a bit of one each night. And with my love for long chapters… well, needless to say this can take a while. (Yeah, just ask my husband… he so is going to end up having to get his own computer if he wants to go online. :P)

I am also typing up bits and pieces of an A.U. with the gang. Not really sure about it yet. I would sort of like to get farther along in these stories first. I sort of type a bit of it while an idea hits me. Usually when I am cutting grass… all 5 hours worth of grass. (*Sigh* the joys of farm living.) My husband has read the first couple of pages and he said he liked it. But then again, he is my husband, and you know how that goes sometimes.

Anyways, I have written about 3 more chapters of this one. I just have to type them up. SO, I will try to do it as quickly as possible. Let me know what you think so far.

Thanks!