InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Escape ❯ Reverie ( Chapter 18 )

Disclaimer: If I did own Inuyasha, I'd be filthy rich wouldn't I?

Thanks for all of your support and reviews people. I've been so busy with projects and homework and my other fic that I have neglected this one, which is why I made it even longer, just for you all! Special thanks again to Leomae for getting me up off of my ass. I like people who like my fic enough to email me about updating. Its so comforting. Anyways, enjoy!

Last time:

Some part of Inuyasha protested this. He had to go see Kagome. He had promised her that he would be there for her. He couldn't go back on his vow. The hanyou looked down at the wretched miko in his arms. She feared for her life and was plagued by memories of her tormentor. He couldn't leave her like this. But the though of Kagome hating him was more than he could bear, especially since they were so close to having a relationship.

"Please Inuyasha," Kikyo urged desperately upon seeing the inner conflict in his face. "I need you here with me. Don't leave me alone like you did so long ago."

Guilt overrode all other emotions. He owed this to her. If it hadn't been for him breaking his oath to protect Kikyo, she wouldn't have suffered so much. One look at the devastation and apprehension in the brown eyes of his childhood love and he quickly dismissed all thoughts of going to the graduation. He was needed here. "I'm here for you Kikyo," he spoke softly leading her back to the bed. "I'll stay."

Reverie

"…and with this in mind, keep your heads held high and do what you have to do to survive. May happiness dominate your life and all of your dreams and wishes become a reality. Congratulations class of 2004!" With Kagome's last statement, caps flew in the air and cheers erupted from the graduating class as well as the audience came to their feet, applauding, praising, and congratulating everyone on their achievements. Rei and Charlie threw their arms around Kagome and encircled her in a cocoon of joy and friendships.

"God I'm going to miss you guys," Rei cried, mascara trailing down her face as she embraced her friends.

Charlie rolled her eyes. "Must you get all emotional? It's not that serious." But the fat teardrops that began streaming down her face told otherwise. "Ah, what the hell. I'm going to miss you idiots too."

Kagome swiped at the tears and smiled at her people. "I can't believe it. We've finally graduated. These four years went by so quickly."

"Yeah, I can still remember when Charlie wore those ugly thick frame glasses in 9th grade," Rei mentioned tearfully, and ducked when the red head chucked her cap at her.

"At least I didn't wear pigtails," Charlie said stiffly wrinkling her nose in disgust.

Rei licked out her tongue.

Kagome chuckled at the antics of her friends. "This just goes to show how much we've grown during these four years."

They laughed and cried and hugged each other once more. Everything just felt so final. It was hard to believe that their high school career was over.

"Hey, my mom is having a little reception at my house," Charlie said wiping her tears away, "you guys coming? Free food and cute boys."

Rei perked up immediately and grinned. "Well, I can't turn down an offer like that now can I? Count me in."

"Let me say hi to my friends and then I'll come. Catch you guys later." Kagome ran off their direction. She weaved through the throng of people, saying her congratulations and hellos to those she recognized. Tears still spilled from her eyes, but they weren't of joy. 'Inuyasha didn't come,' she thought gloomily, a half smile forming on her face. 'I guess he was just too busy with Kikyo to even care.'

"Kagome!" She was taken aback when a flying ball of fur launched itself into her chest.

"Shippou!" she exclaimed quickly replacing her sadness with its opposite.

The kitsune burrowed his head in the crook of her neck. "Congratulations Kagome. I missed you."

The miko laughed. "I missed you too." She looked up to see the rest of the gang coming toward her, minus her hanyou friend.

For the next couple of minutes congratulations and best wishes and hugs and kisses and licks (by Kirara of course) were all distributed.

"So what do ye plan on doing now that ye are officially a high school graduate?" Kaede asked smiling kindly at the miko.

"Well after we all track down and kick Naraku's ass, I plan on going to college…hopefully," Kagome replied keeping the smile glued to her face and the cheerfulness in her voice. In actuality, all she wanted to do was be with Inuyasha. She inwardly smiled bitterly. 'Even after all of his broken promises, I still harbor feelings for him. I guess that's what happens when a person is in love.'

Sango sighed. "If only we could locate his whereabouts. None of us have got a solid lead on him. Whenever he attacks, he retreats just as fast as he arrives. If we could get some indication of where he's hiding out at, I bet we could take him out no problem."

Miroku nodded in affirmation. "I've tried locating him on several occasions following the summit meetings he holds in different regions of the country. And every time he disappears without a trace afterwards."

"Now that I'm out of school, we can focus even harder in trying to pinpoint his position so that we can bring him down for good," Kagome stated boldly, determination and willpower shining in her eyes. She had to avenge to death of Carla since it was partly her fault that she met her unfortunate end in the first place.

Out of nowhere a red Skyline pulled up alongside of the curb. A disheveled hanyou jumped out hastily. "Oi, did I miss anything?" Inuyasha asked approaching them.

"Of course you miss everything!" Shippou yelled indignantly from Kagome's arms. "You always do! At least you had the courtesy of showing up at all this time!"

Inuyasha winced at the kitsune's accusations, as well as the irritated and angry glares he was receiving from everyone in the group, save Kaede, who was just looking at him with cool regard.

'Damnit, it wasn't my fault,' Inuyasha wanted to scream. He had finally managed to get Kikyo back to sleep and had snuck out of the apartment. But he could plainly see that he was too late. The hanyou shifted his gaze to Kagome, who was looking at the thinning crowd unresponsively.

"I'll see you guys later," Kagome finally spoke up, breaking the thickness of the air with her melodic voice. "I'm going to one of my friend's reception." She smiled heartily. "Maybe when I get back, we can all go out to celebrate."

"That would be a wonderful idea Kagome-sama," Miroku said with a cheesy grin and a glint in his violet eyes. "And perhaps afterward we both can do a little celebrating of our own."

The force of Sango's punch rendered the lecherous monk unconscious on the ground.

Kaede shook her head. "When will ye ever learn Miroku?"

Inwardly seething at the monk's actions but deciding to ignore it this once, Inuyasha took this time to approach Kagome. His heart did somersaults in his chest as her azure eyes locked on to his, but sank when he saw the guarded wariness of her gaze. He had lost her trust.

She stared at the advancing hanyou dispassionately, ignoring the way her pulse quickened at the sight of the hanyou, who was sporting an expensive short sleeve silk shirt with a few of the buttons undone, revealing a nice amount tanned and chiseled chest, and beige slacks.

"What do you want, Inuyasha?" Shippou asked glaring at him angrily from the miko's arms.

"It's ok Shippou," Kagome reassured the kitsune with a smile. "This won't take long."

Reluctant to leave, he gave the hanyou one last suspicious glower before springing out of Kagome's arms.

"What do you want?" she questioned him tiredly, the smile fading from her face. All of this being worked up over one guy was too much emotional and mental stress for one girl to handle. It was her graduation day, damnit. She was supposed to be happy.

"Kagome, let me explain," Inuyasha said taking another step toward her, and reached out to touch her arm, but she withdrew before he could make contact with her.

"You don't have to explain anything. I understand perfectly," she stated looking at him with a guarded expression. "I figured that I wasn't the most important person in your life right now, but I thought you would at least have the decency to not to feed me lies. Don't make promises you can't keep."

Inuyasha flinched. "Kagome," he reached out once more, but she once again recoiled from his touch as if it burned. Hurt flickered in his amber orbs, sending a of ripple of guilt coursing through the miko. She shook it off. He was the one that abandoned her, not the other way around.

"If you are done talking, I really need to be on my way. I have a reception to attend to," she said eyeing him warily, then turned her attention to her other friends, who were trying hard not to act like they weren't listening to the private conversation. "I guess I'll see you guys later."

Before she could draw back once more, Inuyasha took hold of her hand and pulled her into him. The hanyou wrapped his arms around her petit frame in a tight embrace, hence, making it more than a little difficult to extricate herself from his hold.

All guardedness and nonchalance was forgotten on Kagome's part. "Get off of me you jerk!" She yelled, struggling to escape the tight encirclement of warmth that she refused to succumb to.

"Not until you listen to what I have to say wench!" Inuyasha growled when she sank her teeth into his arm, but did not release her.

The others, upon seeing this display of forcefulness and brutality, started to help her out, until Kaede signaled them to stop.

"You have nothing to say that I want to hear or haven't already heard!" she snapped heatedly.

"That's not true and you know it!" Inuyasha barked and twirled her around so that they were face to face in the embrace. He lowered his voice a notch. "Listen to me Kagome. Let me explain myself."

Giving up her futile attempts to flee, Kagome took this time to glare hatefully at him. "You don't need to explain yourself Inuyasha. Your actions have said enough." She tried to swallow the lump that had lodged in her throat. "This was the most important day of my life and you missed it after you promised to be there." Kagome's head dropped so that she was facing his chest. "When I was about to say my speech, and when I was getting nervousness and thought I would forget my words, I was expecting to gaze out into the crowd and see your face, full of pride and encouragement and thought I would instantly remember."

He felt guilt eating away at his soul and felt even more remorseful when she lifted her face and he saw her warm blue orbs overflowing with betrayal and despondency and brimming with unshed tears.

"But I didn't see you," she continued tearfully, "I didn't see you at all. And I had to rely on my strength, and the support of my friends, who were there for me. You see, if it hadn't been for them cheering me on. I don't think I would've made it through the speech." From the corner of her eye, she could see Shippou's chest puff out with pride and if she wasn't feeling so down, she would've laughed.

His ears drooped. He was supposed to be the one that would give her strength and encouragement in her time of need. He was supposed to be the one that looked to in her time of need. But no. He had been too preoccupied to be there for her. Gently, he cupped her porcelain like face in his hands. "Kagome, I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. I know I should have been, but…"he trailed off, not wanting to put Kikyo's name in this.

Kagome gave him an understanding look. "You don't have to apologize." She blinked back the tears. "You can always come to my college graduation."

A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "I guess you'll have to reserve a seat for me then."

She smiled back. "I guess I will."

"How about I take you out tonight to a fancy restaurant with just the two of us. My treat."

Kagome snorted softly and poked his chest. "It'd better be your treat. It's my graduation day."

"So does this mean I'm forgiven?" he asked in a timid manner and gave her the puppy dog eyes.

She thought for a moment. It would be wise on her part to keep her defenses up, just in case he did it again. She was tired of getting hurt and feeling jealous all of the time. "Well," she began slowly, trying not to let his mesmerizing golden orbs get to her, "it all depends on what happens tonight."

A wide grin broke out on his face. "It will be a night you'll never forget. You won't regret it."

'I'd better not,' She thought wistfully.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Beautiful. That was the only word that was needed to describe the absolute magnificence and grandeur of the five star restaurant. Kagome's jaw dropped when they pulled into the long, winding driveway of the five story edifice. The sun had sunk beneath the depths of the horizon hours before, leaving in its place a full and luminous moon that produced darkened silhouettes of the restaurant and faux palm trees that encircled it. It was much more glitzier and impressive than the one that Hojo had took her to the night before they had broken up, or rather she had broken it off.

"Ma'am?" Kagome was wrenched from her thoughts by the vale that had opened her door and was now waiting patiently for her to get out.

Inuyasha grinned at her noticeable astonishment and speechlessness. It was the exact response he had wanted from her.

"Oh, sorry," Kagome smiled sheepishly as she climbed out of the Skyline.

The hanyou tossed the keys at the vale and eyed him warily. He hated leaving his possessions in the care of a stranger. "If you value your life, I suggest you not put one scratch on the car, interior or exterior, lest you want to be shredded into mince meat."

The young man gulped and nodded vigorously when he flexed his claws in an intimidating manner. "Y-yes sir."

"How did you manage to get us into a fancy place like this?" Kagome asked clutching his arm once they entered the building. She gave him a suspicious glance. "We're not eating in the alley or the kitchen are we?"

Inuyasha snorted. "Really woman. You have no faith in me whatsoever. I put in a reservation for this place a couple of days ago. And besides, it help to have friends in high places." In actuality, he had to virtually squander most of all the money in his checking account to book a reservation in a place as expensive and high class as this.

'I guess no new rims for my car for the next couple of months,' he inwardly sighed, then glanced down at the excited miko attached to his arm, who was practically drooling and gaping at the extravagant settings that lay before them. He smiled, warmth spreading throughout his body in euphoria at seeing her eagerness and momentarily forgot his financial quandary. Just witnessing her enjoyment and satisfaction was enough to ward off any off his qualms.

As soon as he checked in they were immediately taken to the top level, much to the displeasure of some, who had been waiting in line for a couple of hours and still hadn't been seated. Inuyasha tried not to let his smirk show as he escorted his date to their table.

Kagome began to get a little self-conscious about her appearance. She hadn't changed out of her graduation attire, expecting that Inuyasha would probably take her somewhere semi fancy. She gaped at the silk draperies, crystal chandeliers that hung from the ceiling, the ice sculptures and beautiful water fountains that added to the plush décor of the restaurant, and knew that all of this was a far cry from the places she was used to.

'Maybe I should've worn something else,' she considered biting her lip while gawking at the other women wearing their Chanel and Prada dresses. The females here had an air of sophistication and elegance, while she…Kagome glanced down at her simple attire…looked so mediocre.

She blinked in surprise when she felt her date's fingers link with her own, and was taken aback when he lifted her hand to his mouth. "You look beautiful," the hanyou murmured, his voice so low that only she could hear and eyes filled with tenderness, then brushed his lips gently across her knuckles.

Kagome bit her lip as tingling sensations skimmed down her arm. They held one another's eyes for a moment, inexpressible emotions passing through their eyes. Only when the waiter cleared his throat did they break eye contact, their cheeks becoming tinted with various shades of red, and once again began following maître d' to the top level.

She felt as if her very breath was sucked out of her lungs as they entered the rooftop terrace. Candlelit dinner tables adorned with elaborate stitching were scattered about the terrace. A jazz band set up on a miniature stage in the heart of the impressive scene, playing soulful tunes that seemed to be calling her to the dance floor. Stars dotted the blackened sky, adjacent to the half arc of a moon that hung above the dimly lit terrace, emitting its soft, fluorescent light over the rooftop. Inuyasha guided the awe stricken miko to their seat, pleased with her reaction.

"This place is amazing Inuyasha," Kagome commented eagerly after they were seated, happiness glazing her azure eyes as she continued to survey the exquisiteness of it all.

"So you like it?" he inquired, arching a silver eyebrow and hiding a knowing grin.

"Like it? I love it." The smile she bestowed upon him warmed him to the core. He would do anything to see her happy.

Ignoring the way the butterflies were darting to and fro inside of his stomach, Inuyasha turned his attention to the menu. He inwardly winced at the prices. How the hell was he supposed to pay for all of this crap?

Kagome peered into his face curiously as he studied with a pained expression the contents of the menu. "So…will I just be getting some water and a salad," she inquired with an amused grin.

The hanyou snorted and tossed the menu on the table uncaringly. "Keh. These prices are nothing. Get whatever you want." He silently hoped that she didn't take him too seriously. Perhaps he should have went into work these past couple of days.

Kagome smiled at his faux indifference concerning the costly cuisines and was touched that he would go through all of this trouble just for her. Secretly pleased, Kagome burrowed her face in the carte du jour and tried to make up her mind on what she wanted to eat. But her high spirits took a sharp decline when she heard Inuyasha's cell phone ring.

Irritated beyond words, Inuyasha flipped up his cell phone to answer. "What?" he questioned gruffly, not bothering to hide the aggravation in his tone.

Kagome as the annoyance etched into his facial features slowly melded into anger and confusion. "Naraku is there?" the hanyou practically screamed jumping to his feet. "I'll be right there!" Inuyasha closed the phone. "Kagome, I want you to stay here for the time being."

She stood to her feet eyes ablaze with fervor. "Let me go with you. I can help."

"No! Now shut up and stay put. I'll be back." He sighed when her eyes became glossy with unshed tears. With liquid smooth agility, Inuyasha came up before the miko and cupped her cheeks in his calloused palms. "Please Kagome. Do this for me. I don't want you getting hurt or putting yourself in unnecessary danger. Will you stay for me?" he asked gently stroking her porcelain face.

Kagome melted under his ministrations, basking in the warmth and tenderness of his strong hands. Looking into the amber orbs that she had come to love and which were now swirling with concern, urgency, and a hint of fear, she gave in. "Fine. I'll stay here until you get back."

Inuyasha gave her a quick grin and a chaste peck on the cheek. "I'll kick his ass for you and be back before you know it." And with that said, he bolted across the terrace and jumped off of the roof, much to the disturbance of customers. Unfortunately in his hurried state, he failed to realize that the crossed fingers behind Kagome's back.

'If he thinks I'm going to wait here idly, ' she thought with a grin while exiting the terrace by way of elevator, 'he's sadly mistaken.'

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

It wasn't so much the anger that bothered him the most, or that he had sped through half of the city at breakneck speed in order to arrive at the apartment intent on destroying Naraku to find nothing out of order. But it was the fact that Kikyo had called him up, disrupting his perfect evening with Kagome, and dragged his ass all the way home, just because she thought he was lurking outside of the complex.

"You told me that he was here and was going to kidnap you," Inuyasha stated through clenched teeth, his voice bordering infuriation. It took all of his self control not to demolish and ravage everything in sight.

Kikyo's eyes flashed dangerously, her hands balling up by her sides in suppressed anger. "Don't insult my intelligence. I know what I saw and heard. And I know that Naraku's filthy hide was hovering above my window. Why can't you believe me?"

"Well its kind of hard to believe someone when they come home and find no trace or scent in the vicinity," he responded flatly, then glanced at his watch. He had only been gone five minutes. Not wanting to keep his date waiting any longer, Inuyasha threw another wary glance her way. " Now if you're done wasting my time, I need to be getting back the restaurant."

The seething miko took four long strides toward the hanyou so that they were face to face. He expected to see the simmering anger beneath her blank mask of indifference, but what he didn't anticipate was sadness and pain that flicked through her brown eyes accusingly. "Inuyasha," Kikyo bowed her head, her voice beginning to crack and the grief she had tried to repress rising to the surface, "how can you think that I am lying? Am I just not that important to you anymore? And after all of the things that we've been through; the things that I've been through."

The hanyou mentally berated himself after the smell of salt water wafted into his nose. Guilt began to tunnel its way into his heart. Inuyasha sighed in exasperation. "Kikyo, how am I supposed to believe you? Miroku and others didn't sense anything. And I can't pick up on the slightest scent. Maybe you were just imagining things," he said softly and rubbed her arms in a comforting manner.

She shrugged his claws off of her. "I wasn't imagining things. I saw him floating outside of the window. He was calling to me and saying that he would take me away with him for good soon." Unable to smother the tumult of emotions barraging her, Kikyo threw herself at him, enfolding her arms around him and let the waterfall of tears cascade down her pale face.

He blinked in surprise at the sobbing female that had attached herself to him. Inuyasha gulped. He couldn't stand up Kagome again. Not after he had promised that he'd always be there for her. But one look at Kikyo's condition and the state of hurt she was in convinced him that leaving her here alone would only further upset her. 'Ten minutes,' Inuyasha inwardly affirmed hugging the miko, 'ten minutes and then I'll go. Kikyo should be fine by then.' He only hoped that Kagome would stay calm and stay put until then.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

It had been fifteen minutes. Fifteen minutes and he still hadn't shown up or called to tell her everything was alright. Granted, she didn't have her cell phone with at the moment, but the least he could have done was call the restaurant and let her know what was up. 'Unless he needs some help,' she mused impatiently swishing the water around in the crystal wine glass. 'I should go help him.'

"Miss? Are you ready to order?" the voice of the waiter brought Kagome out of her thoughts.

"I don't think I'll be ordering tonight." She came to her feet and handed the menu to the thin mustached man.

He raised a perfectly arched eyebrow, as if questioning her sanity for giving up the chance to dine at one of the most refined restaurant in the city. "Whatever you say."

Within minutes Kagome was outside once more. She gave one last look at the beautiful edifice in all of its glory and magnificence before reluctantly turning and leaving. 'So much for a romantic night with the man…err hanyou of my dreams,' she thought somewhat dejectedly and resumed trudging on. 'And why does it feel like I'm having déjà vu? Oh right, Hojo did the same thing before I got smart and dumped his ass.'

After flagging down a taxi, the miko clambered in and told the driver of her destination. "At least this time I was smart enough to bring along extra money," Kagome muttered delving into her small purse for the bills.

"Did you say something?" the man asked from behind the wheel while staring at her through in his rear view mirror.

"Oh, nothing," she replied a bit sheepishly, embarrassed at being caught talking to herself. "Just verbalizing some of my thoughts-" Kagome trailed off upon briefly witnessing the man's eyes narrow to slits. Something was off with this guy.

"Is something the matter?" he asked inquisitively still looking at her through the mirror, his orbs dilated as if nothing out of the ordinary had transpired.

"Could you let me out right here?" she asked, praying that the nervousness she was feeling didn't show in her voice. "This is close enough."

"Are you sure? We still have a couple of miles to-"

"This is fine," she reaffirmed tossing a twenty in the passenger's seat.

He shrugged and brought the vehicle to a halt. "Have it your way lady. But I would be careful wandering these streets at night. Shady folk linger in the shadows so watch your back."

"Thanks." As quickly as humanely possible, Kagome hopped out of the taxi and shut the door. Immediately after the car pulled off, she got the impression that she had done the most idiotic thing in the world. "Great," she groaned slapping her forehead in stupidity, "now I'm stuck out here with no transportation and I have to walk all the way home." 'How am I supposed to help fight Naraku if I can't get to the battlefield in time.' She glanced down at her shoes. 'And in stiletto heels no less.'

A chilly breeze sent icy tingles across her body. Folding her arms in order to preserve what little warmth she possessed, Kagome continued her journey down the long, winding road. A sliver of the moon hung faithfully in the sky, illuminating the road with dim florescent light before her. She shivered again. 'I should have stayed in the damn car or at least at the restaurant. I don't even sense the slightest of disturbances in the air.' Kagome sighed and stared up into the darkened sky. Perhaps her intuition was off.

Glancing wearily back down the deserted street, the sight before her stopped in her tracks. Fear began to swell in her chest. An enlarged lump formed in her throat.

'Shit. I guess my intuition was right after all.'

The taxi, which she presumed drove away, was now backing up straight toward her at a slow and steady rate. Its red rear lights gleamed against the darkness that surrounded her. Kagome clenched the handle of the purse in her hand, fearing for what was to come. Her eyes darted to the left on right. Dense trees surrounded her on all sides. Why the hell couldn't she get stuck somewhere where there was actually life? The driver just had to take the shortcut through the recreational site.

Kagome could hear her heart thundering in her ears as the vehicle stopped in front of her. Confusion settled in once the man didn't attempt to get out. Cautiously, she took step after step toward the cab until she was standing beside the driver's door. With a deep breath residing in her lungs, Kagome peeked into the window curiously. "Do you need…some…thing…" There was nobody in the car.

The hairs on her neck stood on end as she felt hot, sticky breath course down her neckline. "Ssssooooo you're the little girl that Naraku-ssssssama wantssssss to posssssesssss." It grabbed her and spun her around so that they were facing one another.

With her back pressed against the solid vehicle, the only thing Kagome could do was glare at the red eyed snake youkai who had posed as the driver and hope that it couldn't smell her fear. But by the way he was licking his lips with his elongated tongue told her that her attempts were futile. "W-what do you want?" she asked, her voice shaking with panic.

He grinned, revealing a pair of pearly white fangs and a set of immaculate teeth. "I don't want anything." The youkai grabbed her upper arm, his claws sinking into her skin. "But Naraku-sssssssama would like sssssssomething from you."

"A-and what would that be?"

His tongue brushed across her cheek, leaving a thin trail of slimy liquid in its place. "Your life."

Her options were few, so she opted for the oldest trick in the book. Kagome kneed the youkai in the balls and took off down the street as fast as humanely possible as her enemy slithered to the floor, hissing in obvious discomfort. The youkai's eyes narrowed in anger as he watched the miko kick off her heels and attempt to get away. He grinned once more, pleased that his prey was going to put up a fight. Naraku-sama wanted her alive, but that didn't mean he couldn't have a little fun before he took her in.

Kagome could feel her chest tightening and expanding with every breath she took. 'I guess this is what I get for being out of shape for so long,' she thought grimly. Ignoring the way the gravel bit merciless into the bottom of her feet every time they touched base with the ground, she pressed on. All she could hear was the panting of her own labored breathing and the pitter patter of her nylon covered feet against the rocky road.

Frowning and somewhat unnerved by the fact that she couldn't hear her assailant behind her, Kagome threw a quick glance over her shoulder. She felt her blood freeze in her veins. He had disappeared. She slowed her pace, coming to a dead halt. 'Where the hell is he?' she thought fighting off the rising panic that was threatening to consume her. Kagome backed up slowly, her eyes flicking from the abandoned taxi to the silent forest, and back to the taxi. This was not good.

The cab's luminous headlights dimmed before waning completely.

Definitely not good. Darkness shrouded her on all sides. The once brilliant moon and the radiant stars which had illuminated her surroundings only moments ago, now hid behind clouds. She gulped nervously, then took off again. If he decided to show up again she sure as hell didn't want to be around to find out what he had in store for her. Deciding that the fastest route to the nearest intersection would be through the woods, she cut across the street and into the thicket of trees.

Nearby branches scratched her skin mercilessly and ripped at her new dress as she tore through the forest blindly. One too many times did she collide into tree trunks and trip on roots, but she pressed on, determined to escape the fate that the youkai had waiting for her wherever he may be. Kagome smiled weakly, panting hard as the sounds of the city floated into her ears. Her heart soared when she caught sight of the passing cars some 30 feet away.

All of a sudden, something grabbed her from behind and hoisted her into the air. Kagome screamed bloody murder when she came face to face with the ugliest creature she had laid eyes on. The snake youkai in its transformed state hissed, as if laughing at her predicament, revealing a pair of long razor-sharp fangs dripping with venom and an equally elongated tongue.

"It ccccertainly hassssss been a pleassssure playing with you little girl." Its eyes bled crimson as it tightened it's hold on her waist. "But now we have to depart. My masssster would very much like to meet you and have you for hisssss own."

Instead of the usual pang of fear, Kagome felt her anger bubbling in her gut. "How dare you! I am not something to be had!" Her sapphire orbs flashed with fury. Inwardly she could feel her miko energy arising rapidly.

The snake youkai stared at her in surprise, sensing the power she was capable of harnessing slowly increasing with every passing second. She was a miko? Its already thin irises narrowed even more. Naraku-sama had neglected to tell him of this small detail.

Kagome yelped when it coiled its tail even tighter around her waist. Crushing pain enveloped her lower half. Tiny black dots began to dance in front of her eyes. She gritted her teeth in pain. 'I will not go down like this. I refuse to.' Kagome squeezed her eyes shut, summoning her hidden miko powers forth.

The snake youkai hissed as the upsurge of bluish energy began to spill forth from little girl. "Ssssssstop this at onccccce!" Its hold on her constricted doubly.

Pushing all of the hurt and pain to the furthest most region in her mind, Kagome focused all of her efforts on calling out her miko power. A ball of blue energy formed in her palms and immediately took the shape of a bow and arrow, already notched and awaiting to be fired. Before her assailant could react, Kagome seized her newly formed weapons, drew the arrow back and fired in a matter of seconds.

An explosion of light and energy erupted upon impact with the head of the snake youkai. Kagome squealed in pain and disgust as bits of flesh and blood pelted her skin. The death grip the tail had on her waist loosened and she sunk to the floor in a heap of half masticated pieces of the former youkai. Tears of joy sprung into her eyes. She had done it. She had kicked the ass of the snake youkai without the help of Inuyasha.

Kagome's eyes narrowed at the thought of the hanyou, who had supposedly promised that he would always be there for her and protect her. So much for promises. The only person she could truly count on was herself and herself alone.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Inuyasha closed the door quietly behind him. Now with her asleep he could finally go back to Kagome. He glanced at the clock on the wall and silently cursed himself. He had meant stay for a couple of minutes which had dragged on to half an hour. Kikyo had been too shaken up to be left alone, and refused to have Miroku or Sango to stay with her, saying that it was his duty to guard her.

His nose twitched when the smell of blood filled his nostrils, all belonging to the person who was outside of his door. Inuyasha growled and quickly grabbed the Tetsusaiga that lay dormant behind the couch. Gripping the hilt of the fang, Inuyasha walked over to the door and flung it open, only to find a disheveled, blood covered, weary Kagome at his doorstep.

The rusted katana fell from his hand. "Kagome?" Worry, shock, and fear swam in his golden eyes. "What the hell happened to you?"

"Well if you had been there you would have known," Kagome replied dryly bypassing him and stepping inside, but he took hold of her bloodied arm before she could move on.

Slamming the door shut with one foot, Inuyasha skimmed the multiple cuts that covered her arms, legs, and face, then the blood caked to her body which carried the stench of a snake youkai. Inuyasha hooked a gentle clawed finger under her chin and lifted it so that they could see one another's eyes. It enraged him that somebody would inflict harm on her, and even more pissed him off that he wasn't there to keep her safe. "Kagome," he said through clenched teeth, restraining the surge of anger that swelled in his chest, "who did this to you?"

Kagome shrunk back from his touch and gazed at him tiredly. "Inuyasha, the snake youkai who attacked me is already dead. I killed him, without the aid from you or anyone else. I have come to the conclusion that with my miko powers, I will be able to stop Naraku." She ignored the hurt that flickered within his amber orbs. "I'm leaving in the morning. I'll track him down on my own. I don't need anybody." She glared at him accusingly. "Especially from someone who I can't even count on to take me on a date or come to a graduation. Good night, Inuyasha," she said curtly before retreating to the bathroom.

Inuyasha could only watch as she limped away and winced when she slammed the door behind him. She probably hated him, and with good reason. He had let her down all of the times that she had really needed him. Instead of being there for her like he had swore to do, he had let her down countless times. He tired to swallow the lump that had embedded itself in his throat. "I'm sorry Kagome," he croaked painfully and shamefully withdrew to his room, paying no heed to the silent tears that rolled down his cheeks.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Kagome took in her environment, perplexed. "Where am I?" she murmured staring at the misty fog that surrounded her on all sides. The last thing she remembered was falling asleep after she took a very long, very hot shower. She shuddered at the thought of being covered in youkai blood and flesh. She turned her attention back to the fog. "I'm probably dreaming," she sighed.

"Oh, sweetie, this isn't a dream."

Eyes wide, Kagome watched as the fog parted for an approaching figure in its depths. Wisps of vapor clung to the pure white dress of the woman as she stepped into a clearing so that they were now faced each other. Kagome's eyebrows furrowed. This woman looked very familiar with her long black tresses that fell past her waist and her enchanting blue eyes that bore a similarity to her own. "Who are you? Are you like my fairy god mother or something?" Kagome asked hesitantly. Ok so what if she was into Disney movies.

The woman threw her head back and let out a hearty laugh, filling the silence with her melodic voice. "Why child, do you not recognize your own grandmother?"

End.

AN: I guess I'll leave it there. I'm too tired to write anymore. And besides, pizza is waiting for me in the kitchen so I must bid you all a farewell until next week, or whenever I decide to write some more.

Next chapter: Roadtrip: A lead on Naraku. But first. The trip there.

Review and tell me whatcha think! They make me write faster! Ciao for now!