InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Demons Within Us ❯ Planned Attack ( Chapter 13 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Kagome smiled nervously as she entered the warehouse. She spent most of the afternoon shopping, only to find one outfit at the last moment. She felt slightly guilty for buying it at all. She knew she was expecting a cheque from the first competition, but there was no sure way to know if they would make it past the second or third challenge, so any money saved was important. But then again, when would InuYasha ever let her wear what she wanted? Yet wearing the clothing he so often cringed at made her realize she needed something different. So she took the initiative and bought an outfit she was always tempted to wear.

It was a black set of cargo pants that hung low on her hips and a tight red sleeveless body suit that showed her curves, yet hid what needed to remain hidden. She also decided to wear her favourite sneakers for comfort, though the cuffs of her pants mostly hid them. She also forgo the make up and pony tail, namely because she ran out of time while shopping. Instead, she left her hair down to cascade in soft waves around her shoulders and back, and applied her favourite grape flavoured lip-gloss as she drove over to the warehouse. All in all, it made her feel sexy, confident and, oddly enough, fun.

As she entered the warehouse she was anticipating a loud barrage of curses and complaints at her attire, but InuYasha wasn't in sight. Instead, her friends just greeted her cheerily as she entered.

“Hey, Kags.” Kouga nodded his head at her as he tuned his amp. “Looking good there, kiddo.”

“Afternoon, Kagome.” Miroku smiled devilishly and flashed her a hungry look before Sango smacked him casually in the back of his head.

“Wow, girl, I like the outfit. It suits you.” The dark haired woman grinned and cast Miroku a coy look as he wrapped an arm lovingly around her waist as an apologetic gesture. She rolled her eyes and shoved him away from her before heading to her keyboard.

“Thanks.” Kagome flushed as she adjusted her backpack on her shoulder restlessly and quickly looked around once more. “InuYasha's not here yet?”

Sango shook her head as she gulped down some water from her squirt bottle. “Not yet. Leave it to him to be fashionably late.”

Kagome smiled softly and moved over to sit behind the drums, dropping her bag casually beside her. She almost sighed in relief over the fact he wasn't there yet. She wasn't sure how he'd take her new style, but felt somewhat relaxed that her band mates didn't seem to mind. In fact she felt elated that they liked it.

“Yo, Kags.” Kouga came up behind her and ruffled her hair. “Some party, huh? I'm surprised you were able to roll in today from all those drinks you had last night.”

“Ulgh. Don't remind me, Ko.” Kagome gave him a wry glance as she tried to fix her hair.

“Oh?” Miroku sidled up beside Kouga and looked mischievously down at Kagome. “Our little girl drank too much?”

Kouga crossed his arms, though his eyes twinkled humorously. “A little is an understatement. She can drink me under the table.”

Kagome dropped her mouth in denial. “Kouga, what are you getting on with?”

He shook his head in mock disapproval as he laid his hand on Kagome's shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze. “Yup, I've never seen a girl take so many Kool-Aid shots in one hour. She was green by the time I left.”

Sango walked up to Kagome with a shocked look on her face. “Seriously, Kagome?”

Kagome scowled, though it was hard to hold because she was fighting off a laugh. She crossed her arms in defiance. “Kouga, shut up.”

He laughed as he looked at his flabbergasted band mates, deciding to come clean. “The kids dared her to drink some concoction they made up from mixed juices. By the end of the night, Kagome hit a sugar high and her tongue was dyed green.” His dark blue eyes darted down to her in jest. “Things got interesting when they took the karaoke machine out. Kagome is a hot little dancer as she is a singer.”

Her band mates laughed down at her as Kagome huffed dramatically and stuck her tongue out in disgust. Remnants of green dye still stained it. “Parts of it I still don't remember.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “There is nothing worse than a sugar crash. The headache I had last night just about killed me.”

“That's a hard lesson learned, Kags.” Miroku chuckled. “Drink in moderation.”

Sango giggled. “And never get behind the wheel when you've had too much.”

Kagome hid a grin as she looked at her friends from the corner of her eye, falling lastly on Kouga. She gave him a sinister gleam. “How could I go anywhere when Ko and Ayame had my car all night?”

All eyes shot to Kouga whose face turned a shade brighter.

“Oh really, Kouga?” Sango smirked.

“Where'd you go? Lover's Lane?” Miroku made kissy noises.

“Yeah, since apparently the stairway wasn't private enough.” Kagome grinned slyly, tweaking an eyebrow suggestively.

Sango and Miroku busted laughing.

“Oh, no way!” Miroku guffawed as he flung an arm around his girlfriend's shoulders.

Sango giggled as she leaned lovingly up him. “I'm so sorry I missed this party.”

Kouga cooled down his blush and cast a rueful glance at Kagome. “You are evil.”

Kagome burst out laughing and jabbed his stomach with her dainty finger, making him flinch at the ticklish sensation. “Ah! The messer has just become the messee!”

Sango giggled. “Damn, Kouga, how is it possible for you to pick up girls at a children's party?”

Kouga waggled his brows as he unconsciously rubbed at the spot he was poked. “What can I say? It's a gift.”

“You are my mentor, man.” Miroku bowed lowly to Kouga, flinching when Sango whacked his ass in jest.

“As if you need more help, you hentai.” She leered at him playfully.

Miroku chuckled as he gazed happily down at her. “True, but it got me what I wanted.”

Sango blushed prettily and nudged him softly with her shoulder. “Yeah, well, you could have gotten it a lot sooner without out so many ass grabbings.”

“Hey, hey, hey now!” Miroku lifted his hands in argument. “Don't diss the ass snatch.”

“That's true.” Kouga smirked, lightly punching Miroku's chest. “We got at least two fine ladies off the market because of it. Now if only someone grabbed Kagome's ass then we'd all be happy.”

Kagome gasped in mock indignation and shoved him away from her and the warehouse echoed with their laughter.

InuYasha had walked in a few minutes before to see his friends laugh and joke with his drummer. It had annoyed him deeply. He wasn't used to seeing them so animated and it unnerved him that he wasn't involved. But gazing at Kagome's face, his jealousy was quickly replaced by warm electricity in his chest. She beamed in happiness even when she pretended to be upset and it was hard to keep from smiling at their antics.

He swiftly looked away, uncomfortable at the feeling she was stirring in him. The girl had come so far in the last five weeks he has known her. She settled so comfortably in Perdition that it felt like she was always apart of it. Even his best friends treated her like she was a buddy. As far as he knew they have never acted so comfortably around anyone except each other, and that was only after knowing each other for a long time. It was unsettling how easily this girl wedged herself inside and how close she had gotten to each of them.

All except him. InuYasha cast his eyes down in angry humility. He couldn't exactly put the blame on her. It wasn't like he gave her the opportunity to know him, and it was safer that he didn't. He could see how much she bonded with his friends, and how relaxed and happy they were around her. He didn't want that. He didn't want her to get close to him. He didn't want her to see that part of him, the part that could laugh and relax in ease just because of her. To him, it was a part he didn't have and didn't want to have. And remembering last night, it was something he did not deserve to have. But it didn't stop the ache inside him that craved to be apart of her happiness.

He mentally shook his head and glared up at his band in resolved annoyance once again. Were they ever going to notice he was there? He cleared his throat heavily.

All eyes turned to him with mixed emotions and he couldn't help but feel slightly depressed at how his presence dropped the light mood. He hardened his shoulders as he crossed his arms and stretched a smirk across his lips. “Having fun?”

Kouga mimicked InuYasha right down to the smirk. “We were until you came in.”

`Ouch.' InuYasha felt his smirk turn into a deep scowl as he eyed the long-haired man darkly. “Shut up, ass-wipe.”

Sango smacked Kouga's arm before she headed over to her keyboard with a wry grin on her face. “Yeah, Ko. It's not like you're ever the life of the party.” She gave InuYasha a small wink in jest.

“Nope.” Miroku grinned jovially as he jogged over to his guitar. “That would be Kagome, apparently.”

The girl in question gave him a snide face before ducking behind her drums to search for some sticks in her bag.

Miroku leaned over to Kouga who was lifting the strap of his bass guitar over his shoulder. “Think if we gave her some Tang she'd give us a pole dance?”

“Hey!” Kagome stood up abruptly with her hands fisted on her hips, a stick gripped hard in each hand.

All eyes shot up at Kagome, shocked to hear her raise her voice. Had they gone too far?

She shook a stick at Miroku menacingly. “There would have to be a lot of Tang and some rippin' music before that happens, Mister.” She winked slightly as she fought off a smile. “What kind of Tang?”

All but one laughed at her retort.

InuYasha felt his heart stop for a moment. As she stood up, he could see the clothing she chose to wear and she looked hotter than he had ever seen her. The black pants hung low and loose, giving nothing away in the matter of her shapely legs. But the way the pants hugged her hips suggestively made his mouth water at the image of seeing them fall from her form. If that wasn't bad enough, the blood red body suit gave everything to the imagination. Her round breasts, tight stomach and the twin dips of her sides were perfectly moulded in his trademark colour. It was hard to contain the moan he barely stifled between clenched teeth. He realized then his plan had backfired.

When he told Sango to relay the message that Kagome could wear whatever the hell she wanted, he assumed she would wear her frumpy orphanage director clothes, not `tease InuYasha's cock' clothes. He inwardly groaned.

The tight leather clothes she previously wore wreaked havoc in his dreams last night, making him wake up to wet sheets and a sticky, and still very painfully throbbing member. What she wore now blew that wet dream out of the water. With her raven hair hanging low, her face pure without make up, and a smile to die for, she showed her true natural beauty. She was perfection come to mock him, to make him fall on his knees at her feet. If only she would allow him to touch that hot body and lap her sweet skin to quench his dire need of her. God, what he'd give to be alone with her right now.

The very idea quickly made his gut twist in anxiety. After what she saw last night, could he trust himself to stand there as she looked at him, judged him and turn from him in disgust? Fuck, if the situation were reversed he'd be staring hatefully at her right now, wanting nothing more but for her to drop from the face of the earth.

Hesitantly, he lifted his eyes to seek hers and was almost blown away by the gentle smile and warm gaze she settled on him. It confirmed everything he was fighting against. Kagome held no hatred for him, no animosity, no revulsion. Instead he saw perfection - loving, peaceful perfection and she was giving it to him.

He wrenched his face away from her eyes and glowered at the ground. “Well, enough fucking around. Let's get this shit done, I want to be outta here by sundown.”

Kouga snorted. “What? Got a hot date tonight, dog shit?”

“Yeah, with your momma.” InuYasha flipped him the bird as he tossed his black motorcycle helmet to the side and stalked heavily to the mike stand. The faster they got this done, the faster he could get out of there. And the faster he could get away from the sudden impulse to run up to that damn girl and kiss her for every inch of her life. Too bad they were just starting.

Fuck, he was screwed.

-+-

Kagome gulped down some warm water from her thermos, ignoring the scattered drops that spilled from her mouth and down her front. She was hot, tired and so thirsty that no amount of water seemed to be hitting the spot.

It was well after sundown, and InuYasha was still going strong. He never seemed to notice the time, and whenever someone commented on it, he would look agitated before stating they needed to rehearse one more song. It was fast approaching ten o'clock and even InuYasha was looking drained. She didn't understand where his stamina was coming from, but she kept up as best she could. For some reason, she didn't want to stop either.

It could have been because she was concerned about the promos they had to do during the week, or maybe the desperation to win the competition on Friday, or the fact that InuYasha was so incredibly amazing tonight that she could not find it in her to leave his presence. He was singing harder than she had ever seen him do, and it brought out the very man she had craved the moment she first saw him. He was confident, powerful and alluring, without pretence or vengeance against her. Instead, he seemed to avoid her at all costs, not even looking at her unless he had to.

The few glimpses she got from him, though short, since he would look immediately away, were curious, almost as if he were studying her, before they turned cold… and if she could guess, sad even. She wondered what was going on in that mind of his. She had never seen him act this way and it confused her. He was always so confident, cocky even. Now, he seemed withdrawn.

Kagome felt her heart thump painfully. She also thought he looked scared. She questioned if she should talk to him about it, but knowing him the way she did, it was best to let him make the choice. She'd be content as long as he knew she was there for him in case he did. So whenever she'd catch his eye, she would smile warmly, not knowing it was that smile that made him turn away from her with that withdrawn expression.

She sighed as glared longingly at her now empty water bottle. She deftly got up from her seat by the drums to fill it up once more in the bathroom, wiping the sweat from the back of her neck as she rubbed her aching muscles. Man, she needed a shower. Her bladder twisted slightly as she walked. And she seriously needed to pee.

InuYasha watched her sweat drenched form trip lightly to the bathroom for the fifth time that night. They were taking another quick break as he prepared to rehearse another song. He knew he was working them too hard, but for some reason the thought of stopping made him feel slight panic in his chest, or more especially at the thought of Kagome leaving, though he wasn't about to admit that to himself. But he also knew they needed rest and it wasn't wise to burn out this close to the competition. Watching Kagome rub her neck before she ducked into the bathroom, he sighed resolutely.

“One more song and we'll call it a night.” He said gruffly as he collapsed tiredly on a folding chair.

“About fucking time!” Kouga growled. “I was beginning to think a mutiny was needed to be organized.”

InuYasha rolled his eyes before he looked distractedly back at the bathroom door. “Yeah, like you can organize anything. You can't even match your own socks.”

Kouga smirked, flicking his eyes to the bathroom then back to InuYasha knowingly. “You'd be surprised at what I've organized.”

“What's that supposed to mean?” InuYasha mumbled, not paying attention to what he was saying, his eyes still lingering on the door.

Kouga snickered. “I'll have you know that I'm setting someone up for Kagome.”

“What!?” InuYasha's head whipped around so fast Kouga nearly winced.

“You heard me.” He crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow in challenge. “Some guy is interested in her so I'm helping him out.”

InuYasha was sure he was seeing red. “Who the fuck is he?”

“Why do you care?” Kouga grinned evilly.

InuYasha's mouth opened and closed repeatedly. “I don't! I'm just shocked some lunatic likes the dumb bitch. You'd be doing him a favour by telling him to run away now.”

“I could.” The guitarist shrugged. “But he really likes her, and I think she'd be good for him. So why not set them up? She's single, gorgeous and funny. I think this guy has good taste, really.”

The silver haired man felt his chest tighten painfully. He crossed his arms and looked dourly to the far wall. “Whatever. Good luck to him since she won't have the time to see the jackass anyways. Perdition will be keeping her too busy to do shit all.”

Kouga looked casually back at Miroku and Sango, who were eyeing them both curiously. He grinned darkly back at the singer. “I don't think time is a factor. Besides, if I can make the time to see Ayame, Kag's can definitely make time to see him. She sees him at her work all the time anyways.”

InuYasha's mouth dropped in disgust. “Are you talking about that Homo fucker?” He clenched his teeth hard. It was true that Hojo would be a good match for Kagome, but come on, the guy was a dipshit. She couldn't possibly want to date him, would she? He felt his chest grow cold at the thought.

“You mean Hojo?” Kouga's grin turned into a shrewd smirk, knowing his plan to make InuYasha jealous was working perfectly. He found it funny how the singer jumped so easily to conclusions when all the while he was referring to InuYasha himself. “He does like her. In fact I've set it up for him to see her next Saturday at some charity function she's going to.”

“Like hell she is.” InuYasha growled. “We are rehearsing next weekend for the third competition.”

The bass player smiled slightly at InuYasha's confidence that they would even make it to the third competition before he shrugged. “Yeah, well, you'd be doing it alone, since we're all going to it.”

“What?” InuYasha glared hard over at Miroku and Sango.

They grimaced at him guiltily.

“She asked us earlier this evening.” Miroku shrugged.

“And it did seem very important to her.” Sango smiled sheepishly. “Besides, it's in the afternoon. We have plenty of time to practice afterwards.”

InuYasha felt his jaw drop. So they had mutinied after all. When did he lose control over this situation? He knew rationally that it was no big deal, but fuck! They needed to practice and… and…. She invited them to a charity thing and not him? And some ass fucker was going to meet her there?

He clenched his fists hard as he tried to control his temper. It felt like he got shot in the chest but a frosty bullet. Damn it, he wasn't about to stand for this!

“We ready?” Kagome smiled as she stepped from the bathroom, holding a full bottle of water.

InuYasha turned around and glared at her. “What the fuck was taking you so long? I've got better things to do than wait for your blessed ass to decide to grace us with your presence.”

Kagome's mouth opened in slight surprise at his outburst, not sure where it had come from. She hurried over to the drums and sat down, refusing to look up at him as she readied herself.

The singer watched her move deftly to her instrument and he inwardly slapped himself. `Great, Asshole, just great. You had to shoot your fucking mouth off. Damn it, why can't I learn to control my temper?'

He blew a frustrated breath out of his sweat stained lips. He needed a song to relieve this bitter betrayal he felt. His friends were tuning him out, all because of this fucking girl. Even she was pushing him out. Deep within him that thought hurt the most.

Growling, he nodded his head over his shoulder, not looking at any one in particular. “Nice Shot.”

Kouga gave Kagome a quick smile before strumming a few chords on his bass. Kagome followed slowly behind on the drums. She gave him a slight wink back, letting him know that InuYasha's temper hadn't fazed her, though her heart thumped painfully at the wounded look on his face. What happened to him?

The singer gripped the mike hard in one hand and let his strained voice husk over the warehouse walls. Music was always his best therapy, though a fucking drag would be good after this.

I wish I would've met you
Now it's a little late
What you could've taught me
I could've saved some face
They think that your early ending
Was all wrong
For the most part they're right
But look how they all got strong

He pulled the microphone from the stand and stepped back, keeping his back to his band, more specifically to his drummer.

That's why I say hey man nice shot
What a good shot man

That's why I say hey man nice shot

What a good shot man

His hips pulsed forward as he pulled his back into an arc, his chest pointed hard at the ceiling to force his gut wrenching pain out in the lyrics.

A man
Has gun
Hey man
Have fun
Nice shot

He dropped his body back to turn to finally face her. His golden eyes filled with primal urgency and cold indifference as he stared her down. Her face shone confused innocence at his behaviour, but what else was new?

Now that the smoke's gone
And the air is all clear
Those who were right there
Got a new kind of fear
You'd fight and you were right
But they were just too strong
They'd stick it in your face
And let you smell what they consider wrong

InuYasha stumbled in front of the drums and pointed to her, then to his chest. Kagome let her eyes drop back to the drums, unsure what to make of it all.

That's why I say hey man nice shot
What a good shot man

That's why I say hey man nice shot

What a good shot man

He turned from her pissed off and forced his body forward, as if he were throwing up the lyrics he screamed out.

A man
Has gun
Hey man
Have fun
Nice shot

Kouga eyed him, knowing full well the emotions that were fucking up his friend. He just hoped his plan would help InuYasha in the long run. He held off a frown when InuYasha turned to glare hard at him, regurgitating the verse once more at his bass player.

A man

Has gun

Hey man

Have fun

Oh nice shot, man

InuYasha pumped his silver head in rhythm to Kagome's beats, feeling his temper cool and his body ease. He lifted his hand to point his fingers like a gun to his head, and shut his eyes as sweat streamed down his face.

Oh nice shot, man

He let his hand drop heavily to grip the mike hard to his lips.

Oh I wish I would've met you
I wish I would've met you oh
I wish I would've met you

I wish I would've met you

I'd say
Nice shot

-+-

InuYasha cursed dully under his breath as he walked out of the warehouse to his cruiser. It was piss-pouring rain and he had to ride home in this. It was a classic ending to a shitty night. He fumbled in his jeans pocket trying to find his keys, having a hard time pulling them from his waterlogged pants.

“Fuck!” He dropped his helmet in agitation as he fumbled to hold his pants and pull his keys out at the same time.

Suddenly the rain stopped falling on him and a soft giggle brushed warmly against his ear. He looked up in surprise.

Kagome was holding a large black umbrella over his head and smiling warmly up at him. “Thought you might need this.”

He rolled his eyes and shook his head, tugging harder in the pocket that jailed his keys. “I don't need anything from you.” He griped but didn't move from under the umbrella.

Kagome bit her lower lip as she gazed from his bike, to the rain falling overhead then finally to his disgruntled face. “Can I drive you home?”

He glared down at her. “What did I just say?”

She smiled slightly. “You don't need anything from me. But what I was asking was if I could drive you home. It's not safe to drive in this weather. It is typhoon season after all.”

He shrugged indifferently but hissed slightly at a scratch his pocket gave his hand in his dire effort to get at his keys. “Damn it!”

“Please, InuYasha?” Kagome manoeuvred her face to gaze into his stubborn eyes. “You may not want anything to do with me, but I want to keep you safe. Let me drive you home.”

InuYasha stopped still, stunned at her audacity to be nice to him after the shit he had to deal with that night. But then again, she technically didn't do anything wrong other than keep him from his friends and not invite him to things. He looked into her sky blue eyes and inwardly groaned. That damn innocent stare, what was she doing to him?

He sighed, feeling his temper melt away just by looking at her. Maybe he'd give her the chance to explain herself after he balled her out on it. Besides, it was a terrible night to ride home in. His eyes searched hers intently once more before he stooped down and picked up his helmet, emptying the rainwater from it. “Fine, since I know you won't shut up about it.”

She smiled brightly as she held the umbrella over him, not seeming to notice that she was barely covered by it as she guided him to her car. She unlocked the passenger side and held the umbrella over him as he got in before she ran to the other side and hopped in the driver's side. She shivered as she shook her umbrella closed and dumped it into the back seat.

Digging her keys out, she pulled her car door shut and smiled over at him. “Much better, huh?”

He gave her a rueful glance before looking out his window. He wasn't sure how to approach the subject of tonight, but maybe it was better off being ignored, like the subject of last night, or hell, any night he had to deal with her. A blast of cold air from her heater buffeted against his face, making him shiver involuntarily.

“Sorry.” She leaned over and adjusted the settings to warm up the car, and to defog the windows that had built a rapid glaze as soon as she turned on the engine. She quickly pulled her seat belt over herself and glanced over at him, expecting him to do the same.

He flicked his eyes over at her before grumbling in annoyance and buckled his own belt.

Steadily the air grew warmer in the car and the windows began to clear. Flicking her wipers on bust, Kagome slowly inched the car from the lot until she stopped suddenly. Her wide blue eyes searched his face. “Um, where do you live?”

He gave her an annoyed glance and nodded his head to the right. “Third Street West,” he mumbled, rubbing his wet hands against even wetter jeans.

She nodded as she moved the car out, looking distracted as she drove out on the slightly flooded street.

InuYasha studied her damp form from the corner of his eye. Her cheeks were flushed and pale from the cold, as were her fingers. Yet it in no way detracted from her beauty. Instead her diamond blue eyes looked even brighter. There was nothing that could make her unsightly. In fact, everything seemed to make her more and more lovely.

“Are you getting warm?” Her soft question made him almost jump.

“Keh, I'm fine. I've dealt with worse weather.”

Kagome glanced at him questionably before she set her lips in a resolute line. “Well, not anymore. I'll come get you whenever you need… I mean, whenever you want me to.” She smiled sincerely over at him.

He studied her quickly before he shrugged and looked back out the passenger window. “I won't want you to do anything for me. I'm fine on my own.”

She bit her lower lip and sighed, unsure how to react before she gave in to her temptation. She smiled warmly over at him, her eyes bright and soft. “I know you are, it's one of the things I like so much about you.”

He looked over at her stunned. She liked him?

“You know, I was hoping to talk to you before you left.” She gazed out the windshield, staring warily at the storm torn sky.

“If this is about that charity thing next week, I already know. I ain't going.” He crossed his arms over his chest, cringing slightly as his cold wet shirt pressed up against his flesh. Besides, it was too late for her to ask now and he hated pity invites.

“Oh.” Kagome looked disappointed. “Kouga told me to not bother asking you, but I still thought I'd ask.”

InuYasha's eyes opened wide as he turned to face her. “He did what?”

Kagome nodded. “He said he already asked you, and said you didn't want to go. But I hoped maybe you'd have changed your mind.”

InuYasha could feel his temper flare and the need to beat a certain blue-eyed guitarist nearly suffocated him. That dumb fuck! Why would he tell her that? Unless Kouga didn't want him at the function. Did he think he'd fuck up the date he had planned for her? Why would Kouga even think he'd give a damn about that anyways, unless he was keeping him from something else? Damn it! What was that shit stain planning that he didn't want him around for?

InuYasha inwardly seethed before he turned his golden eyes at her, coming to a quick conclusion. “Tell you what. If we win next week, I'll go to this charity whatever.”

Kagome smiled brightly as she looked over at him happily. “Deal. But I have to say it's in the bag. Perdition is going all the way, baby!” She flushed prettily in her excitement before she quickly looked to the road, her smile still lighting up her face.

InuYasha grinned slightly despite of himself. Her enthusiasm was contagious as was her smile. He felt slightly guilty at yelling at her earlier, now knowing it wasn't her fault. She did want him to come, but that ass fucker Kouga lied to her. He knew he should say something to Kagome about it, but one thing he was never good at was apologizing. But looking at Kagome's happy face, it seemed it was something she would never ask for.

He turned his eyes to the road and inwardly groaned. Even though she had never blamed him for any injustice he had done to her, he still felt she had every right to hate him. Then at least someone would hate him more than he hated himself. But she would never do that. He knew that now.

He eyed her on the sly. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad getting to know her.

Back at the warehouse.

“I really don't think this is going to work, Ko.” Sango frowned. “InuYasha would never go for a set up.”

“All the more reason to have him think he doesn't stand a chance.” Kouga smirked. “Dog breath thinks Kagome is way out of his league, but we all know he wants her. I think she might be able to turn the guy around.”

“I don't know, Ko.” Miroku looked down in doubtful anger. “InuYasha is into some hardcore shit. His dealings with Kikyo tie into Naraku, and I don't want Kagome involved in that. Though I doubt InuYasha would intentionally hurt her, he's so far down that rabbit hole he's bound to make her fall with him.”

Kouga crossed his arms. “Kagome is a lot smarter than we give her credit for. I think she might have a better grasp on how to deal with him than any of us. I mean, look at how he's behaved since she joined. He's done everything he can to push her away. Hell, some of the shit he pulled would have me in jail for killing him already. But Kags, she stuck through it without worse for wear. And I think she's getting to him. You saw how he reacted tonight when he thought I was setting her up with that doofus she works with.”

Sango looked wryly over at Miroku. “Yeah. He was pretty insane. I've never seen him so jealous.”

“I've never seen him jealous, period.” Miroku shook his head. He looked up at Kouga. “Fine, we'll help you out. But if it seems Kagome will get hurt, that's it, we're calling it off.”

Sango nodded. “We want to help InuYasha, but we will not sacrifice Kagome to do it.”

Kouga grinned. “Believe me, we won't go any further than what Kagome will allow. And I highly doubt she'd sacrifice herself for him.” Kouga rolled his eyes. “We should know by now she's too strong to let InuYasha break her down.”

The couple looked at each other, then to Kouga. Kagome may be strong in her faith, but InuYasha was strong in his self-loathing. They only hoped Kagome was strong enough to endure it to bring their friend out of his darkness, without him destroying her in the process.

“What do we have to do?” Sango sighed.

Kouga smiled slyly. “We feed their strengths.”

A/N: Hey Man, Nice Shot, sung by Filter. Kick ass song that has to be pumped up as I drive home from work. Hey, every gal needs a PWND (Owned spelled geek style) CD. I know it's a song about suicide, but I also think it's about betrayal. Sometimes a man drowns in his own weaknesses to fall victim to his self. I thought that applied pretty well to this InuYasha.

Just a quick note about a few things. I have been asked a few questions about the story that may be confusing to the flow and accuracy of the whole thing. So I decided to address them now so you all won't think I'm horrible and need a smack up against the side of my head.

One such question was what the time frame of the story was. Just to make sure that people understand that this is more of a near or far future setting, and I didn't state the exact time for a reason. I will leave that up to individual ideas of politics and world transitions. Some changes are dramatic and some ageless. In this case, it is just a matter of looking at today, seeing the Middle East conflict, the conflict in Afghanistan, the conflict with North and South Korea, and the conflict with Lebanon, etc. Each of these countries are tied to other countries, who are against other countries. Some have means for mass destruction, some have the mind to use them, and some have the morals to stop them. It was a matter of poetic licence on my part that took the hard road to show the devastating results if our world did go into World War III because of these conflicts.

In the news we can see it is the Western Culture calling it a war on terrorism, while those suffering these terrors are told is it a matter of faith and God. A God not associated with one religion, but all three major ideas of thought: Judaism, Islam and Christianity. At the moment in our true time, there is an arms race, and there is the means to use them, and there are the morals to see how damaging it would be. But if these morals are unable to stop the hatred and power lust, then yes, our world may go to war, with as much force to kill up to a quarter of our world's population. That is why I stated that World War III in my story was called the War of Armageddon, because it has the potential to change the world as we know it forever, based upon the principles we had evolved from an ideal God.

As for the time frame for my story, that is a matter of thought. If mass weapons are used, think of the amount of bodies to be buried. Think of the amount of graves and cremations needed to get rid of these bodies. Think about the environmental effects from radiation, poisons and even our own waste, especially as bodies decompose. Think about the effects of our water systems not being sanitized correctly because of the population loss, and the amount of bio fluid polluting the water if bodies and waste are not disposed of properly. Think of the food being contaminated because the water isn't fit to drink let alone grow crops, etc. Think of the sicknesses that will occur if bodies and waste cannot be buried or destroyed and bacteria rises and evolves.

Think about what can happen if the water becomes contaminated, or medicines cannot be distributed, or nourishment cannot be gained. Think of more death because of these sicknesses and famine.

Now think of the war finally being over, and the world needs to be repaired. Bodies need to be taken care of, water needs to be reserved, energy conserved, and people need to get back on track. Think about the conflicts that people hurt by war will suffer, and think of the lifestyles the children and teenagers (that grew up seeing nothing but death and destruction) will choose to live. Think about new cities being made, new ties being forged and new countries being named. Think about the amount of time needed for all that to occur, and that will be the time frame of my story. It can be a matter of years, to possible decades to maybe up to a century. Horrible to think, but like I said, I took the worse of the worse case scenario as a backdrop for my story. Let's just hope it stays in a story.

Another question asked was language and how they will be able to perform when there is a language barrier. Don't fret, it was not an error on my part and will be explained later in the story. So for now just assume they are talking Japanese. Right now Perdition is performing in Kyoto, Tokyo, and if they make it, Hong Kong. As far as I know, language is not so much a problem at the moment, but yes, like I said, the language barrier will be addressed in later chapters.

And finally there is the question on religion. How is it possible for Christianity to be in Japan? Well, considering that about two million people practice Christianity in Japan, it isn't far fetched. The majority of Japanese are Buddhists or of Shinto faith, but in actuality these are more formal beliefs than practiced ones for many Japanese people. Both are remarkable faiths centred on very wise and wonderful ideas and stories. If you are curious about Japanese faith, I highly recommend you research it. It's very fascinating.

As for my story and Kagome having faith in God, that will be further explained deeper in the story, as well as why InuYasha hates believers so much. Don't worry, none of these details were left out, and they are in my mind when I write, so please don't think I'm just typing on a whim ;).

I think that addresses the big items of my story. If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask me. I make it a point to email those who review, though difficult at times with MM unless people leave an email. I hope this clears everything up and I hope you enjoy the story. Love and Laughter! WDW