InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Wake Me Up Inside ❯ Chapter 14

Wake Me Up Inside

Chapter 14

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Upon getting back into town, the first thing the ladies did was return to Beth's place. All three were anxious to see if Mr. Taisho had called. Unfortunately, he hadn't. Therefore, Kagome piled her stuff into the trunk of her Corolla while Sherry helped Beth tend to the animals. Once everything was taken care of, Beth hopped back into her truck while Sherry joined Kagome once again in the Corolla. Without further ado, the group headed off to town to play that promised visit to one special guy and his three nutty friends at the hospice.

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"Okay, just a reminder one more time. Let's try our best not to hint at Kagome's relationship with Inuyasha. At least not till the guys know her better. We say she's someone from Tech wanting to candy stripe, which she kinda is anyway. If something slips, we'll just say that she's an old friend he had met on a trip to Japan once. If the guys ask more, we'll say it was a long time ago. If they complain about him not saying anything, then we say that he most likely just forgot. Since Kagome's Mom is already sending her out stuff, we'll say the proof is in the mail," Beth rehearsed as the three females walked up to the front door of the hospice. Her words were meant for herself as much as they were for the other two. 

"Gotcha," Sherry nodded. 

Kagome didn't answer. She just silently followed Beth and Sherry inside. Sensing the tension growing in the miko, Sherry reached out to give Kagome's hand a squeeze. The Japanese woman gave the little girl a soft smile of gratitude. Sherry returned the smile brightly.  

Moments later, the three arrived at the door to Yue's room. From within came sounds of three guys immersed in a game of poker while rock music played in the background, and a college football game played on the television. Much complaining was heard when the winner of the current round was decided by the cards. Beth smiled and poked her head in the door. 

"Hey there, guys. How goes it?" she grinned as she spotted the three in a circle, using the bed as the card table. They instantly turned to regard her and returned her grin.

"Hey there sexy!" Keito called out with a wink.

"Beth," Dave nodded as he shuffled the card deck. 

"Hello Beth. It's been a slightly bumpy weekend so far. But things are looking better now," Zach smirked.

"Oh? Well, I'm glad things are better," the off-duty nurse smiled. Then she eyed the pink scrub pants sitting next to Keito in the armchair. "Keito, you naughty boy. What have you done?" 

"Oh, I was just following Dave's advice on a way to tease Zach. He was complaining about his pants that Dave ruined last month," Keito chortled. 

"She's gonna kill you for that. You know that right?" Beth pointed out wryly, amusement dancing in her eyes.

"Nah. Not if I pay her off with some of my mom's cooking," Keito scoffed, waving a hand in the air. 

"Hrmmm, with that, you might have a chance," Beth admitted. 

"Hi Keito!" Sherry waved as she popped into the room. "Hi Zach! Hello.. Dave," she sweatdropped as she greeted the cold member of the group. All he had to do to intimidate her was look at her, let alone open his mouth. Thankfully, he merely nodded to her. 

"Oh my god, Sherry! We've been wondering about you. It's great to see ya back, Kiddo!" Keito cheered as he got up to walk over and give her a hug, which she wholeheartedly accepted. 

"I second that," Zach admitted. 

"Sorry, guys. I got a little sad for a while. But I'm back!" Sherry told him. 

"Oooh.. who's the lovely lady you two have brought with you? And Japanese too, right?" Keito cooed upon seeing Kagome standing behind Beth. 

"Yep. This is Kagome Higurashi. She came here for a college class earlier this week and has been helping me with Romeo ever since," Beth smiled as she stepped aside for Kagome to enter. 

"Hello," Kagome nodded upon being introduced. 

"Wow. Talk about cool! I'm Keito. That's Zach.. and Dave," Keito replied, pointing out the two respectively. 

"Hello Kagome," Zach greeted. Dave merely grunted with a slight nod. 

"You'll have to forgive Dave. He has a tendency for being excessively rude to people he doesn't know," Keito shrugged. 

"Hrmmm, I thought he was rude to everyone, period," Beth said wryly. 

"Well, he is. He's just a teeny bit nicer to the four of us, Yue counted," Keito answered. 

"Not when you force me out of a room attempting to kiss me, asshole," Dave said dryly. 

"Hey, it got you and Zach to scramble out for chow, didn't it?" the oriental young man asked rhetorically while the girls giggled at him. "And watch the language. We got a young-un in the room, idiot," he scolded, earning a glare from his friend. 

"Even I have to admit, that was just down right scary, Keito," Zach complained with a slightly horrid expression. 

"He does it again, and I'm gonna pound him," Dave glowered. 

"Bad Yume-Bear. You're suppose to stay by Yue," came Sherry's voice as she now stood at Yue's bedside after having wandered there while attention was distracted to the three young men hamming it up. The moment she spoke, everyone turned to watch her stick the bear back by Yue's side. Eye brows quirked. 

"The bear's kinda done a lot of migrating lately. Though, it's my fault he was on the nightstand. Sorry," Keito admitted. "I take it you were the one who gave it to him?"  

"Huh?" Sherry looked to him slightly confused. "Oh, no. I didn't. Kagome did. She even named him. She said it's Yume's job to keep Yue company when the rest of us are busy else where," the little girl explained shamelessly. Kagome blushed.

"Ehh…in my art class, we had to draw a still life of a bear and some other things that reminded me of Yue's room. Seeing as the bear was sort of the one thing missing from the room, I fixed it by bringing one. I couldn't help but think he might get lonely sometimes. I thought the bear would help remind him that people still cared and make him feel a little less lonely," Kagome babbled, trying to play the gift off as less meaningful than it was for the sake of remaining anonymous. 

"Oooh, good point. Well, I can assure you, the bear's been doing his job," Keito nodded. 

"That really is kind of you, Kagome. I'm sure Yue appreciates it, though even if he could talk, I doubt he'd admit it," Zach commented. 

'Keh,' came the unheard response of said individual. 

"So I take it you go to Tech?" Keito asked the young Japanese woman. 

"Yes," Kagome nodded. 

"Cool. My mom teaches computers over there in the building with all the funky antennas on it." 

"Beth told me," the miko smiled. 

"You been talk'n about us behind our backs, eh? Such a sly siren. I knew I'd better keep an eye on you, Beth," Keito teased with a wink. 

"Oh, I don't know. Today has me thinking these two girls are even worse than I am. One's mean with a hose, and both of them are French fry thieves," Beth informed him with a chuckling smirk. 

"Oh, I forgot about the hose already. That was funny!" Sherry giggled. 

"This sounds like a story I wanna hear," Keito said with intrigue. 

"Keito­-" Dave started. 

"It's nothing big. She was just doing a chore and handed me the hose to hold while she went to turn it off. Of course, I couldn't help but turn it on her. It was just too easy to resist!" Sherry bragged smoothly, managing to completely leave out the reason why the hose was needed in the first place. 

"Holy cow! Nice go'n, Sherry! Man, I wish I'd been there!" Keito exclaimed in praise of the child's skills of mischief. 

"I'm sure that was said more for the woman in the wet clothes than anything else," Zach scowled. 

"Hey, I'm male. There's nothing wrong with appreciating the female body. It's even better when it comes as the result of a well played prank," Keito defended with his nose in the air. 

"I couldn't agree more," came a new male voice. Everyone turned to see a young man with near black hair and sapphire eyes. Kagome and Beth recognized him at once as Mark. Kagome giggled as she picked up on the comment that spoke so much of Miroku. 

"Why am I not surprised?" Beth frowned as she crossed her arms across her chest. 

'Gee, I wonder,' Inuyasha snickered from within his spiritual confines. 

"Hello Mark. How are you today?" Kagome grinned. 

"I am well. How about yourself, Kagome?" Mark asked with a warm genuine smile. 

"Better that earlier this week, thanks to these two," she answered as she gestured to Beth and Sherry. "And you too," she added with a smile. 

"I'm glad to have been of help to you. A lovely face such as yours is put to shame with anything less than a smile," he said, bestowing upon her his characteristic chivalrous charm. 

Beth frowned, immediately realizing Mark knew too much for comfort in the current situation. Seeking to rectify the problem, she grabbed his wrist and drug him out the door, "Come on, Lover Boy. I need to talk to you for a minute." 

"Is it just me or did she sound a little jealous?" Keito inquired. 

"Surprising," Dave admitted. Kagome and Sherry exchanged glances before giggling amongst themselves. 

"I'm right, ain't I?" the oriental man prodded. 

"You might be," Kagome agreed. "Though I doubt she realizes it herself." 

"Man, we're turning into a regular soap opera here," Keito laughed. 

'Man, you have no fucking idea,' Inuyasha replied. 

"It would seem that way," Kagome nodded. 

"Yep. Except ours is way better than that crap on TV," Sherry grinned. 

"You ain't kid'n!" Keito smirked. 

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Out in the hallway, Beth jerked Mark aside and pinned him to the wall with a glare that said she meant business. Despite the danger posed to him, Mark could feel his heart suddenly pounding in bliss as his head spun and butterflies filled his tummy. 'Damn, but ain't she a sight to behold when she's mad," he thought to himself.  

"Okay, Mr. Smooth. I want you to listen and listen good," she told him in a quiet, stern voice. Then she felt something rather disconcerting upon her rear.           

"I'm listening," Mark answered with slightly clouded eyes and a soft dreamy smile. A rather audible slap kissed the side of his face. 

"I said pay attention, dammit! Not cop a feel!" she shouted. Upon realizing how loud her voice had become she blushed. 

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Sherry hopped up on the bed to take her customary place sitting next to Yue's pillow with her back against the headboard. Kagome smiled and walked over towards the bed. Sighting the shirt, she frowned and tilted her head to read it. Immediately, she blushed beat red swallowing hard at the newly formed lump in her throat. Keito cracked up laughing. 

"I see you like the new shirt I brought him today," he laughed.  "I dare you to-" 

A loud smacking sound rang out from the hallway, arresting the room's attention. An angry female voice followed, "I said pay attention, dammit! Not cop a feel!" 

'I'll be damned. They've known each other in this time how long and already they're go'n at it!' Inuyasha laughed, mirroring Kagome's thoughts.  

"Fool," Dave smirked.

"Damn! That guy's got guts!" Keito laughed.  

"I'll bet you anything, it won't be long before he has her heart," Kagome mused with a knowing smile. 

"How do ya get that?" Dave inquired skeptically.

"It's just a feeling I have," she answered. Sherry giggled. 

"Whatever," Dave snorted.  

"Anyway, as I was saying-" Keito started back up.  

"Shut up, Yamada. Nobody cares. Besides that, Yue'll kick your ass when he gets up for pull'n bullshit like that," Dave barked.  

"Hey! Just because you have a bug up your butt-" Keito tried to retort, only to get interrupted again.  

"Both of you, hush. Can we act like civilized adults even just this once?" Zach reprimanded.  

"Hey, what happened to you, Einstein? It's not like you to ask dumb questions," Keito teased while Dave rolled his eyes.  

"Stupid-itis is apparently contagious," Zach scowled. 

"See? We told you they were crazy," Sherry giggled as she poked Kagome's shoulder. 

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"Of all the nerve!" she hissed with flames in her eyes. 

"You were saying, my dear lady?" Mark asked suavely as though nothing had happened. 

"Why you…fine! All right, wise guy. Here's the deal. Though those three guys in there are good friends of Romeo, there are circumstances preventing them from knowing about Kagome's relationship with him. Until Kagome feels comfortable enough to tell them her story, you are to keep your mouth shut about it," Beth explained till Mark saw fit to interrupt her. 

"Will you join me for dinner tonight?" he asked. 

"What?! Get real!" 

"I am. You said this was a deal. In order for there to be a deal, I must get something in return." 

"In return, you'll live to eat supper, you perverted ass!" 

"You really are beautiful when you're angry. You know that?" 

"Don't change the subject!" 

"I'm not. I was merely complementing you. So will you join me for dinner?"  

"You're unbelievable!" Beth fumed. 

"And you're divine. However, like you said, there is a matter to be settled here," Mark replied calmly. 

"I-" Beth's words died on her tongue as she came to understand nothing she could say would change the conditions Mark had chose to complement hers upon the table. 'Men are such infuriating beasts!' she thought to herself in irritation. "Fine! But if you let anything slip, I'll not only not go out with you. I'll be kicking your ass. If that be the case, trust me, you won't be pretty when I finish with you," she ground out as she jabbed him hard in the chest with her right index finger. 

"My dear lady, you have yourself a deal," Mark smiled. 

"Just this once," she grumbled. "And even think about touching me again, the deal will be off because you'll be dead. The dead don't talk, so I'd still get my way." 

"I wasn't! I swear!" Mark defended, placing his hands in the air. 

"Sure. Like I believe that load of bullshit," Beth rolled her eyes as she turned to walk back to the room. Mark took to following behind her with a Cheshire grin. Beth twitched with paranoia. "All right buddy. I don't trust you. Up in front. Now," she commanded as she paused mid-stride. 

"Yes, ma'am," Mark saluted as he walked past to take over the lead. Just then, the desk girl Mark met last night rounded a corner a ways ahead of them. Mark sucked up his displeasure at seeing her again and used the situation with Beth to his advantage. To the woman he gave a nod of greeting, "Good evening." 

"Why hello Mark. Nice to see you back again," the woman smiled perhaps too brightly. 

"Oh, you know. Just couldn't resist another chance to try and catch Beth," he grinned before swiftly turning to duck into Yue's room. 

"What the-" Beth blinked. "Umm, hello Barbara. What do you mean by 'again'?" 

         &nb sp;  "Oh, he was here last night," Barbara said in a slightly snobby tone before brushing on by to continue her errand. Again, Beth blinked. 

"Okay. What just happened there?" she asked with a dumb look. Shrugging, she turned to head back into the room. 

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Everyone turned to look as Mark arrived outside the door while greeting Barbara. He got many a curious glance as he popped into the room with a cheerful smile. He blinked at them all, "What?" 

"That's what we'd like to know," Keito chuckled. Beth took that moment to walk through the door behind Mark.  "Nice what-for, Beth," Keito winked. 

"What is this Pick On Beth Day or something?" she asked, throwing her hands up in the air. 

"Yep!" Sherry giggled. 

"You're no help," the nurse told the child. Sherry promptly blew her a raspberry then giggled some more. 

"Anyway, this is Mark. He's a friend of Kagome's from Tech. Keito, you'd like him. He's a pervert," Beth said nonchalantly. "Mark, this is Keito, Dave, and Zach. The cute little girl is Sherry, the hospice's youngest candy striper. And the guy in the bed that we've all come to see is Yue, often referred to as Romeo by us nurses." 

"I see. It's a pleasure to meet you all. Your number of friends seems to grow by the day, Kagome," Mark smiled. 

"So it seems," the miko nodded. 

"Believe me when I say I'm most certainly glad of it. You've seemed far too lonesome up until now," he told her. 

"I had my reasons for staying a bit detached," she informed him, nibbling on her bottom lip. 

"I'm sure you did. I'm not judging you for that. I'm only saying that it's nice to see you working those things out. It is becoming obvious to me that you shine your brightest when surrounded by friends," Mark said, stunning Beth again with his unexpected words of wisdom. 

"Thanks, Mark," Kagome softly smiled with friendly fondness shining in her eyes of umber. 

"Wow. Pervert and a poet. Nice," Keito grinned. "You're right, Beth. I like this guy." 

'I knew it,' one hanyou smirked. 

"Why thank you. It's always honoring to find one's efforts appreciated," Mark replied, turning a meaningful grin on Beth. She gave him a glare in return. 

"For what it's worth, Yue's number of friends seems to be growing too," Zach spoke up. "To say it irritated the three of us, watching the rest of his so-called friends from school desert him only months after this began, is an understatement. Keito brought up that thought only just last night. To see new people one by one arriving to join us at his side is…comforting. It's good to know that there are still some good people out there. As it was said before, Yue's never been too terrific at handling issues of sentiment, especially in such a public setting. But, despite that, I'm sure he's grateful as well. It's got to be a hard thing living like that, fighting such a difficult inner battle for so long where no one else but himself can hear his battle cries. To have more and more people giving their time to be with him, even those who didn't know him before this, has got to be something of great value. As Mark tried to say, loneliness is a monster that eats at one's essence. Friends, even new ones, are definitely a good thing. Perhaps, the added attention will be enough to give him the strength to beat this thing." 

"Damn straight," Dave nodded. 

"Zach, that was just oh so perfectly said. I agree with that one thousand percent," Keito said in all seriousness. 

'Though there's some things about these people you three guys still don't know about, you still hit pretty damn close to the mark, Zach. Words can't tell how happy I am that the people I have come to cherish are finding me again,' Yue replied. Sherry bit her lip as she felt warmth from him. Smiling, she shifted to give him a careful hug. 

"Yer loved Yue. We'll be here to back ya up every step of the way," the little girl told the unnaturally slumbering young man she embraced. In that moment, she heard something that almost sounded like someone whispering her name. Unsure, she filed the event away for later contemplation while Keito pulled out the card deck and started dealing a new game of poker for those willing to play. 

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Two hours later, the group of adults sat in a circle on the floor. Each member had five cards in their hands and contemplative looks upon their faces. Mean while, Sherry remained in her place next to Yue on the bed. Except, now the young girl was oblivious to them, as she had fallen asleep an hour ago. Beth and Kagome exchanged grins at the cute scene she made. 

"Girls," Dave muttered, rolling his eyes. "I'll take two." 

"Two girls? You know that's setting yourself up for disaster right? You know how chicks are about two-timers," Keito smirked. 

"Oooh, someone else who enjoys pain. The eye and hand candy makes it all worth it, right?" Mark commented. This got him promptly slapped by Beth. 

"Keito, you ass! Cards! I want two cards! Not broads!" Dave hissed, smacking his laughing friend upside the head. "And to you, I never said that, moron," he said with a glare to Mark. 

"Well then you shoulda said you wanted cards, baka!" Keito teased. 

"You're not saying you're…" Mark trailed off giving Dave an odd inquiring eye. Dave gasped and started to go to deck Mark, only to get his hand caught by Zack. 

"Dave, you're digging yourself an even deeper grave here," Zack chuckled. "It's best you drop it before you make it any worse." 

"Dammit to-" Dave fumed then found Keito's hand clamping over his mouth. 

"Keep it down, fool. The kid is trying to sleep!" Yamada scolded in a shushed voice with all seriousness in his face. 

"Point. Let's try to calm it down a bit guys," Beth nodded. Dave glared at Keito and pealed the hand off his mouth. 

"Get your damn hand off my mouth, short shit," the surly blond growled. "And I still want two cards." 

"Yes, sir!" Keito saluted then dealt, gaining more chuckles and giggles. 

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In the bed, Inuyasha listened to his friends entertain one another. He was happy that the two groups were merging so easily. He couldn't help but feel a bit awed at the unfolding event. 

I remember a time when I had no one but myself. I was a dirty hanyou feared by humans and hated by youkai. I had nothing but my life, my memories of Mother, and the clothes on my back. When I heard of the Shikon no tama, I dreamed of a day when my loneliness and vulnerability would end. It's funny. Of all the things that could have happened, of all the courses my life could have taken, I never expected it to wind up like this.  

It is true that the Shikon no tama cursed many lives with destruction and despair. Yet, now that I think about it, that jewel also gave me so many of the things I cherish. It was because of the Shikon no tama that I met the mesmerizing beautiful young priestess Kikyou. It was because of the Shikon no tama that she sealed me to a tree with an arrow through my chest. It was because of the Shikon no tama that she died, but it was also because of the Shikon no tama that Kagome came. Kagome, who was born as her reincarnation 500 years later, carried the jewel with her inside her body. It allowed her to pass through the time portal in the Bone Eaters well and ultimately arrive before me. 

It is because of the jewel that Kagome freed me. It was because of the jewel that we wound up traveling together. The jewel caused us to meet our friends. The journey the jewel took us on turned us into adults. We became adults and we learned the true meaning of love. The jewel gave me the woman I will marry and the friends I will forever love. Not just the ones from the past either. If it weren't for the jewel, I would have never seen the future. I would have never met Kagome's family, who taught me what a family was supposed to be. It was also because of the jewel that I transcended time in the end to live here permanently in Kagome's time. Thus, in the handling of issues, I was given a new life. I was given a normal life with parents to raise me. I was given still more friends whom I will also forever cherish. In the end, it was the Shikon no tama that started all of this. And it is by the jewel's will that it's ended like this-standing before a door leading to a whole new adventure. 

Inuyasha withdrew from his ponderings to focus upon the child lying so close to him. He could hear her deep and even breathing and feel the warmth of her body heat at his right side. Fighting against the bonds that held him in this dark spiritual dungeon, he reached out to try and touch hers the way he had touched Kagome's. It took a bit of effort, but he finely felt his aura brush against the child's. It was then that he could see it, the faint pink light of Sherry's soul glowing in the darkness. Inuyasha was dealt a delightful shock when the little girl subconsciously rolled over towards him, placing herself tight to Yue's side. 

"Sherry," Inuyasha whispered, speaking her name with just enough Japanese accent to make the R's in her name sound almost like L's. The child obliviously slept on, and Inuyasha reached out to touch her spirit again, anxious to make use of this moment when hearing him would be easiest.

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"Ha! Full house, twos over tens!" Keito declared as he showed his hand. 

"Damn you," Dave growled. 

"Three fives and wild one eyed Jack of Hearts makes four," Zack said casually as he displayed his hand. 

"Well, I'll be damned," Keito smirked. 

"That's what I said," Dave nodded. 

"Only because you lost to me, Prather," Keito told him smugly. 

A rustling sound of movement caused the group to glance towards the bed while Sherry turned over. Beth and Kagome cooed at the child snuggling against Yue with the teddy bear tucked in her arms. The guys smiled softly, minus Dave who was trying his best not to respond.

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In her sleep, Sherry felt someone reach out to touch her. She turned to try and see who it was but found that she couldn't see anything in the darkness. Then she heard someone call out her name. 

'Who is that? Whose voice is that? Who's calling me?' she wondered. Then, she felt something brush against her in the darkness once more. Gasping, her dream-self froze still while her heart thundered in her chest. She quaked slightly in nervousness as she called out with a stutter to whatever was trying to touch her, "Who are you? Who's there?" 

Silence seized the scene for a moment before a male voice echoed from the distance, "I'm here. Look harder." 

'This voice, I've heard it before. I've heard it in my head before,' Sherry realized. Concentrating, she looked harder into the darkness, trying to see who it was that was talking to her.  

"Sherry, I'm here. I can't come to you, but you can come to me. Please, come find me," the voice softly pleaded. 

"Come where? I can't see you," she answered with fear in her voice. 

"Don't be afraid. I would never hurt you. You…are my friend," he told her. This intrigued the girl. The depth of emotion in his voice spoke of honesty. Curiosity peaked, she strode through the darkness, actively seeking the voice's owner. 

"Your friend? Then I know you?" Sherry asked as she walked in the darkness. 

"Yes. Well, you know of me more than you know me. But lack of knowing me never seemed to stop you from caring about me," the voice answered growing softer still while at the same time becoming closer till it was right before her. "I'm still not quite sure what drove you to care so much," the voice mumbled. 

"I'm here, I think. But I still can't see you," she informed the voice. "Where are you?" 

"I'm here, in front of you. Look harder. Use that part of you that feels what others can't and look harder," the voice replied. 

"You touched me. Can I touch you?" 

"You…yes. You can…touch me," the voice agreed. 

"You sound bothered by it." 

"No, it's just that it seems like just yesterday when no one wanted anything to do with me, let alone touch me. Which is why I still find myself often awed by how many friends I have in my company now." 

"That's sad. But, I kinda know how that feels. Kids at school don't like me all that much either." 

"I know. You've told me. I'm sorry that you have to go through that." 

"It's part of life I guess. Anyway, I'd rather be unique and make unique friends rather than spend my life being a second rate copy of someone else and surrounded by people just as lame." 

"You make a very good point. I had…to wind up like this to learn that lesson about true friends. But in the end I learned most of the people that called themselves my friend only did so because I was considered "cool" and they wanted to use me to gain popularity for themselves," the male voice said a bit bitterly. Sherry gasped, redirecting the hidden entity's attention. "What? Can you see me?" 

"No, not yet. But I know who you are," Sherry answered. "You're Yue, aren't you?" she asked in a voice filled with awe. She heard the voice softly chuckle. 

"Yes. I'm Yue," he affirmed. Two small female hands reached out into the darkness, trying desperately to touch the one she spoke with. She felt her hands something that felt like clothing made from a course and strange material. In the next moment, she felt a large calloused hand cover her left hand. 

"Yue…" Sherry whispered. 

"Sherry," he said with a soft smile in his voice. His hand carried hers up till her fingers brushed over something silky and a string of something hard and round. 

'His hair…and a necklace?' she asked herself with a pondering frown. 

"Look harder, Sherry. Look through your soul and not your eyes," he told her. Sherry bit her lip and closed her eyes, concentrating on that strange feeling she always felt from those beads around his neck. When she opened her eyes again, she gasped when before her she suddenly saw a Japanese man with silver hair and the ears of a dog glowing a soft blue as he stared back at her. 

"Inuyasha!" Sherry blurted as she gawked at him through wide emerald eyes. The hanyou standing before her gave a smirk. 

"The one and only," he nodded as he released her hand. "I take it you can see me now?" 

"Y-yes! I can!" she told him with a gleeful grin. "I can't…I can't believe…oh jeez!" she stuttered before giving up trying to speak and simply tackling him in a super tight hug. 

"Whoa…whaa!!" he squawked as even in this dream realm the laws of physics seemed to exist enough to work against them. Down they went in a sprawl of limbs. "And he's down at the ten yard line!" the hanyou mocked, earning giggles from the child that now pinned him to the ground. 

"Ooh! Yippie! Now I can do…THIS!!" Sherry decreed as she reached out to tweak the pair of silver dog-ears peeking out from Inuyasha's bushy mane. 

"How did I know you were gonna do that?" he asked with a soft grin. Sherry giggled some more. 

"Inuyasha?" 

"Nani?" 

"How come I can talk to you? How come now?" 

"I've been giving that one a lot of thought. I agree with Kagome on the thought that you possess the potential to be a miko. You've sensed things about me that others couldn't for a long time," the hanyou admitted. 

"But why now? Why am I only able to talk to you now?" 

"Because…something is happening. The locks on this seal have been slowly coming undone since the day the rosary appeared around Yue's neck and I became aware of my surroundings. Soon, the lock that holds me prisoner here will release. I can feel it coming." 

"So I was right about the seal!" 

"Yeah, you were. As for how you're able to talk to me, I think has something to do with the fact that you're physical body is asleep like mine. So we're on the same plane. Except you're able to move around. For me, it takes a lot of effort to be able to reach out and touch someone here." 

"I see. I get it. And probably your own strength has something to do with it too." 

"Yes. Though, I've talked to you before. I talk to people all the time. They just can't hear me because my output connection is offline. But…there have been times when I have done things to express a message, and you have heard me," Inuyasha told her. Sherry gasped. "Like last week when Kagome told her story. Those times when you were sad or scared. You felt someone with you." 

"That was you!" Sherry blurted with a renewed look of shock. 

"Yes, that was me," Inuyasha nodded. "Speaking of that, I want to tell you something. Something that I wanted to say to you before but couldn't," the hanyou said as he sat up. Sherry nodded and shifted to sit beside him. "Last week, when you came back, you were sad. I'll take this chance to tell you…don't be. Because you had every right to act as you did. I remember when I lost my mother as Inuyasha. I was just a little younger than you and I remember how that felt. I'm awed that you chose to come back so soon. Not even I could have done something like that. So don't you dare beat yourself up because of it. I'm damn proud and eternally grateful that you were considerate enough to return. Please don't cry over it anymore. I can't stand it when girls cry to begin with," he told her softly. Sherry gawked with emerald eyes clearly showing how touched she was by his words. She knew, from talking to Kagome, how rare such words from him were. That knowledge made the impact of his message all the more potent. 

"Kagome…said that," the child said, unable to think of any other way to respond. 

"Kagome was right," he replied as he hugged her. "So don't worry about it anymore." 

"Okay. If you say so, then I won't," she smiled. "Since you have a chance to pass on messages, is there anything else you want to say?" 

"Good point. Tell Keito not to worry so much. I'll be back to cause trouble with him soon. Tell Dave, thanks for talking to Keito the way I would have last night. Also tell him, be nice to the bear. Tell Zack I said thank you for preventing the other two from killing each other. But if any one of them flirts with Kagome, they're dead meat when I get out of this," he said with a serious expression. 

  "Keito will need to hear that one," Sherry giggled. 

"Ditto," Inuyasha agreed. "Tell Beth to tell the weekend guy to keep his hands off the radio. Tell her, there's payback coming for that camera of hers. And tell her thanks for taking care of Kagome. As for Mark, tell him thanks for coming. Also tell him, he should take Beth to Gondola's if he wants to win her favor," he smirked. 

"Oh, so you think he's Miroku too, huh?" 

"I'm one hundred percent certain of it," he chuckled. Sherry grinned. 

"So maybe Kagome should arrange to meet everyone back here again tomorrow and tell the rest of them her story," the child schemed. 

"Oh, yes! Definitely! I've been wanting to tell the Stooges about Inuyasha since my mind woke two years ago!"  the hanyou agreed. 

"Okay. I'll work at arranging it. Anything else?" 

"Kagome…Tell her, I like the bear. Yume's a perfect name for it. Tell her not to be sad. I can't stand it when she's sad. I would rather be sat a billion times then see her sad, let alone cause it. Everything will be all right eventually, so be happy. Not sad. Tell her…Yes, I know she's there. Yes, I remember her. And…yes, I love her. It's the biggest reason why I'm here with her now," he said as he stared at the pitch-black ground. 

"I can tell her that," Sherry smiled. 

  "Also tell her…thanks for Thursday night. She's welcome to do that again. And if yer wondering, no, I'm not thinking anything perverted. If you want to know, ask her," he said stiffly. Sherry knew he was talking about something significant that had happened between Kagome and him. It made her smile even more. "Hrmm, also thank her for what she did Wednesday night. She's welcome to do that again too," he amended, then coughed while bowing his head to hide a blush. 

"Okay…if you say so," she giggled. "Do you mind that I'm reading Harry Potter?" she asked as she snuggled against him. Knowing that she only got cuddly with people she trusted most, and adoring her just as much, he allowed and returned the hug. Somehow, it came completely natural to him at the moment. That was something he would have to think on for a while. 

  "Not a bit. I woulda never gotten into it if it weren't for you," he smirked. 

"Oh, hey! What about the others? Do you know where any of the others are? And what about your parents? Do they know?" Sherry asked as she recalled more questions that had plagued her young mind. 

"No, I don't know where any of the others are. Though, I'm sure the rest are alive somewhere. Shippo will like you instantly, that much I can tell you." 

"He sounds like fun," she giggled. 

"When he isn't being a total brat," the hanyou shrugged. Sherry laughed some more. "As for my parents, that's a question I wonder myself. If anyone knows anything, it'll be my Dad. Even the Stooges admitted to thinking him a little strange at times. On top of that, he plays a mean game of chess. So, the one to ask about that would be him." 

"Okay. I gave him a call this morning back at Beth's house but he wasn't home. We'll wait and see on that. I'll be sure to tell you how it goes," Sherry said. Then she frowned as a new thought entered her mind. 

"What?" the hanyou inquired. 

"Oh, um…I was just wondering…if I might be someone too. You know…someone from the past. I mean, I've managed to get so close to you and everything. And what about the guys? The 'Stooges' I mean," Sherry stammered. 

"I can tell you off the bat that Keito, Dave, and Zach, are three new people to the story. Though, I'm just as thankful to have them as friends. They've managed to teach this dog plenty new tricks," Inuyasha admitted, leading Sherry to giggle again at his joke. 

"And me?" 

"And you…possibly." 

"Really? Who?!" Sherry exclaimed. 

"Ask Kagome about a girl named Shiori sometime. I'm not entirely certain that you are a modern form of her, but there are a lot of similarities between you and her," he answered. Sherry pouted at missing out on the story. 

"Do you mind?" 

"Do I mind what?"  

"Would you mind if I turned out to be her? This Shiori person?" Sherry asked worriedly. 

"Not at all. Like you, she was someone who understood me. But, I didn't get a chance to know her for very long. So, no, I wouldn't mind. But, even if you aren't her reincarnation, you're still a friend of mine," he assured her. 

"Really?" 

"Yep." 

"Yash?" 

"Hmm?" 

"You're so cool," she said as she squeezed her arms around him. It was Inuyasha's turn to gasp as she then leaned up to kiss his cheek. 

"Sherry," he whispered as he hugged her back, "you're pretty cool yourself." A moment after he finished saying that, his ears heard the group rousing from their poker game. "Time to go. Take care, Sherry. Tell them that too," he told her as he gave her one last hug. 

"I don't wanna go yet," Sherry whimpered as held on tight to him. 

"I'll still be here tomorrow. You know that. Besides, you've got a party to arrange tomorrow, remember?" he smirked. 

"Oh yeah! Okay. I'll see you tomorrow then," she smiled bittersweetly. 

  "That's the spirit," he said, letting her go while flashing a fanged grin that made her giggle. Not a moment later, the light of her spirit withdrew from Inuyasha's prison to return to herself and wake. Inuyasha sighed. This had been a really good day.

------------------------ 

Keito yawned and stretched as the poker game drew to an end, "Well friends, it's been fun, but Dave, Zach, and me all gotta be heading out. My Mom's expecting us at her place this evening." 

"Well, Beth. Are you ready then?" Mark smiled. 

"Huh?" Kagome blinked. 

"You'll have to wait, Mark. Kagome and I need to get Sherry home first," Beth glared with arms crossed over her chest. 

"What's this?" Kagome grinned. 

"Oh, this fool here blackmailed me into a dinner date," Beth answered. 

"Oh, come on! Am I really that bad?" Mark whined. 

"Yes! Pervert!" Beth hissed. Kagome giggled then stood to go wake Sherry up while Zach and Dave worked at putting the cards away. 

"Sherry, time to wake up," Kagome said as she reached out to gently shake the child awake. Sherry blinked her eyes open and turned to look at the Japanese woman with an inquisitive mumble. Kagome smiled at her, "It's time to go home. We're getting ready to part for dinner, and I'm sure your uncle will worry if you stay out any longer." 

"Oh," was all the girl said as she sat up yawning and stretching. Yume, the teddy bear, fell into her lap as she did so. Seeing it reminded her of the "dream" she had of talking to Inuyasha. Blinking, she glanced over at Yue's near motionless form. Remembering his words, she smiled. 

"I can't believe you managed to land a date with Beth. She's definitely a woman on the Hard to Get list," Keito laughed as he gave Mark a pat on the back. "Whatever ya did, nice job!" 

"Thanks, Keito," Beth said dryly. 

"Don't mention it," Keito grinned cheekily. 

"Mark is taking Beth on a date?" Sherry blinked. 

"Apparently so," Kagome grinned then winked at her. Sherry remembered one of Inuyasha's messages and gasped. Leaping up from the bed, she bolted over to whisper something into Mark's ear. Whatever it was, it made Mark smile quite big as he nodded to her. 

"Thank you, Sherry. You're very kind," he praised. Beth sweatdropped. 

"Whatever you told him better be something good, Sherry," the nurse warned. 

"Oh, I assure you it is, my dear Beth," Mark said, still smiling. 

"Those words, coming from you, is what I'm afraid of," Beth responded with a scowl. 

  "Don't worry, Beth. I wouldn't do anything that wasn't good for you," Sherry giggled.  

 "And turning a hose on me is good for me?" Beth lifted a brow. 

"Yeah. It helped you make Kagome and me laugh," the child snickered. 

"Ooh! Nice come back, Sherry!" Keito cheered. 

  "Thanks," the girl said with a theatric bow. 

"Hey, if Beth's going out with Mark, and Sherry's gotta head back to her parents, then that leaves Kagome by herself. Kagome, would you like to join me and the guys at my Mom's place for dinner?" Keito asked. Dave immediately smacked him. 

"Hey, dumbass! Yer do'n it again. Would you mind not saying things like that in ear shot of him?!" Dave scolded while pointing to Yue. 

"Eh, sorry Dave. This time he'll have to endure it. This is for Kagome. She's somewhat new to the area and Mark did say she's shy in the friends area. Mom does happen to be Japanese, so I think it'd be good for the both of them. You got a problem with that?" Keito challenged. 

Dave blinked, realizing Keito was right for once, "No." 

"So, Kagome? Would you like to come?" Keito asked again. Kagome blinked, slightly embarrassed at getting fussed over. 

"Umm, sure. Why not?" she responded with a smile. 

"Great!" Yamada cheered. 

"So how am I to get there?" the miko asked. 

"You can ride with us. Dave and Zach were up way early, plus they live on Eastern Time, which is an hour ahead of us, so I can drop them off to crash early. Then I can bring you back, so you don't have to worry about getting lost," Keito answered. 

"I don't want to inconvenience you," Kagome told him. 

"Bah! You're not an inconvenience at all," he replied. 

"Let them treat you, Kagome," Beth laughed. 

"Okay. If you say so, Beth," Kagome grinned. 

"Umm, before we split up, can I ask one thing?" Sherry spoke up. 

"Sure. You got the floor, Sherry-babe," Keito grinned. She stuck her tongue out at him. 

"I was wondering if we could all meet up here tomorrow. I mean all of us, Mark too," Sherry said with a serious look upon her face. Mark blinked. 

"I think I can work in some time to stop by," Mark nodded, curiosity evident in his eyes. 

"You know the three of us will be here," Zach said, motioning to Keito and Dave as he spoke. 

"I can free up some time in the afternoon to pop in for a while," Beth nodded. 

"Okay," Sherry nodded in return. "Kagome, I need to talk to the two of you on the way back to my house. You can come if you want to Beth, since you'd understand what I wanna say." 

"Sure. I can drive us," Beth said, volunteering to play chauffeur so that Kagome could pay attention to Sherry.  

"That's a good idea, I think," Sherry nodded. 

Kagome shrugged, "Okay. Let's get going then." 

------------------------------

Penguine: I apologize for taking so long to get this thing out to you guys. I've experienced a ton of issues during the course of it's creation that have lead to the delay. Weekend before last, I had to take a personal break. But then when I got back to work on the story, I ran into another wall. That wall being what the hell to do with Kagome's car. About that time, this past weekend showed up. I got tied up in a bunch of stuff Friday and Saturday. Then Sunday, I was on FF.net chasing after some information and discovered their little note about the system maintenance that would have the site in read-only mode for two days. Yeah! Just great. Okay, so I spent even more time trying to figure out what to do with my problem and a few other questions I had for the storyline.  I eventually sorted that mess out, then wound up adding an extra 3400 words to the story because Inuyasha popped up and demanded that I do that scene with Sherry. Eventually, I managed to get the thing finished and shipped off to DarklessVasion for proofreading. While she proof read, I immediately got started on writing Chapter 15 while the story was still fresh on my mind. I spent twenty four hours cranking on that trying to get as much written as I could in between handling other issues of daily life. Then today, FFnet starts sending me reviews again. So guess what? Time to get ready to post. Well there was one other person that I promised to let read chapter 14 before it came out. There was issues in getting the file to her so I uploaded it as a hidden chapter at Mediaminer. While doing that, I discovered that something had screwed up the formatting and quadruple spaced the paragraphs. ARGH!! So, I had to paste the entire thing into Frontpage and manually fix every single paragraph. That task took forever. And of course, I still hadn't gotten to the review replies because I always do those last. So that's why you're getting this so late. 

I mentioned that I've started work on Chapter 15. Since I have a feeling that it'll be another really long chapter, it also might not get out by Sunday. I'm trying to cram as many Saturday evening (story time) events in it as possible so I can move the story along as much as possible. However, since things have suddenly gotten this much more complicated and it's taking me this long just to tell what happens in the course of one day, I'm going to warn people that it might be chapter 25 or 30 by the time Yash wakes. It'll be a short time if you count it by the passage of time in the story, but there's so very much going on that it's taking me a while to tell it all. Believe me when I say, I'm trying to make Yash wake as quickly as possible, but how much story there is to tell between now and then will dictate how long that will be. Also please realize that I generally post 5000 words each chapter. It takes me anywhere from an hour to two hours just to type 1000 words. I'm a perfectionist and I have to get the words fitted properly in my head before I can type them. That's just how I am. And since this chapter was 7400 words WITHOUT my author's note and review replies, consider how much time I've had to spend creating it. Chapter 15 is already at 5000 words and I'm nowhere near done with it. 

I apologize about getting on the soapbox, but I've heard the "wake Inuyasha up" line so many times by now, I just had to stand up and say something. As an author, I'm doing my best to write a well written story that people can enjoy. If I listen to people and wake Inuyasha up now, it will really kill the story that I'm trying to tell. So.. please.. please.. PLEASE be patient with me. Besides.. would you rather the enjoyment keep going for a while, or do you want it to end so soon? That's no fun.

Anyway, I need to end this note before it becomes a chapter in of itself. -shudder-

FFnet Review Replies

Suki1: Yeah, I'm shocked to find the count reaching over 300 now. :: Ooh! Cheeseburger! Yummy! -gobbles it down- 

Hikari Tsuki Chi: -lol- My mine does that sometimes too. Actually, it does that a lot. X_x And you're welcome. :)

Ixchen: You're welcome. :)

Daddy's Pixie: Hopefully this chapter answered your questions for me. -lol- Yeah, I get a lot of laughs when writing this stuff. I was working on chapter 15 earlier today and the Stooges had me crack'n up yet again. Keito especially. XD

Kagome13: Just keep trying your best. The more you work at it, the better you get. :)

Sizzlinghotcat: Hopefully this chapter and my author's note at the end answered those questions for you. If you have any others, ask. I'll do my best to answer them.

WackyWisher18: -lol- I'm writing as much as I can, when I can. I do admit other ambitions sometimes get in the way. Drawings especially, because they take such a long time to finish too. And if I don't keep at it, they get lost in a stack of paper and forgotten. U_U* And having ADD doesn't help either. But I certainly do try to keep at it. I've been really anxious the past two evenings trying to get stuff written for 15 that I have on my mind. Hopefully I'll get it all written by the weekend cause it's driving me nuts. -lol-

Rai-en-chan: Heehee, I loved those scenes with the Stooges too. Especially where Keito pretended to try to kiss Dave. That one still gets me chuckling. -lol- As for the clothes, I actually want to try and make those at some point when I get some money. :: My muse runs away alot too. We're in the same boat I think.

Lord of the Pit: -lol- I will try to keep it coming as often as I can.

Esmilla: I've met guys who've acted like that too. -lol- 

Keyo-Red Angel of Hope: -lol- Keito will survive. He may be silly, but he's more intelligent than he lets on. He'll prove that in the next chapter.

DarklessVasion: I've had AuthorAlert do that to me too. :S Irritating. :: My Dad and I are both well known for yelling at the refs through the TV. XD :: Yeah, never tell Keito to do something you don't really want him to do. Chances are, he'll do it. -snicker- :: Like I told Rai-en-chan, I wanna try and make those clothes Kagome got someday. They may not be as well made but, I'm die'n to make 'em. 

Ladyofthedragons1: The Stooges will definitely keep coming. -lol- Zach and Dave will have to return to Knoxville during the week, but they'll probably return the following weekend to hang out. You know... any excuse to gather together and have a party's a good excuse. -lol- 

Miroku-has-darkness: Done. :)

Heero Yuy: I'm go'n nuts too. My muse and these characters keep giving me more story to tell. @_@

Hosaki: I love those clothes Kagome picked up too. I wanna make them so bad when I get money. I've thought about it all summer!

KittySand Katie: I like Keito too. -lol- :: Yeah, I was a little surprised when he ran around like that too. -giggles- Or did I already say that? -scratches me head in confusion-

Blackrosebunny451: Heehee. -gets pushed aside momentarily as Keito runs up to take a bow-

Inuyashasgirl12: Plenty! All kinds of craziness is slated to ensue.

Dragon Firefairy: Ooh, a list. Okay. 1.) Since Rumiko only gave him one tail, I'll stick to one tail. 2.) No, I think you're getting Yue's family confused with what I said about the Stooges' families. 3.) I doubt it. She might be, but I dunno. 4.) Yes, Sesshomaru will have a significant other. 5.) Really? Get'n yer worth here, ne? -giggles- 6.) Yeah. She'll have trouble with Dave, but yeah. 7.) For the most part, yep. Dave's an ass to everyone, but I think they'll be okay in the end. 8.) Yes, Kouga will be in this. :: I hate writer's block. I get it so often it's damn irritating. -grumble-

InuyashaFan: I'm glad. :) More fun coming.

EternalHappiness: Yeah, it kinda sucks. But it'll work out in the end. :)

Ariane Juarez: I hate when FFnet does things like that. Maybe this most recent upgrade will fix that.

Articuno: I enjoy telling it, for the most part. Technicalities and writer's block issues can be a pain, but that comes with any story. -lol- :: Yes, I noticed Sherry's maturity too. But then again she's lost both her parents at a young age and is having to deal with grown up things a lot earlier than most kids. Then, too, there are a few kids out there that can think on adult levels. I have one good friend who has been one of those kids. I've known her for several years and from day one she has amazed me with her ability to grasp complex things that other kids her age can't. 

Allin656: They crack me up too. They tend to surprise me as well. Quite unpredictable.

XBlackheartx: Okay, cool. If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask. :)

Animemistress419: Hi. I'm glad you're enjoying the story. :) I'm anxious for him to wake up too. The more I write, the more I realize how very small my control over its course really is. -lol- At this point, the characters are pretty much telling the story, rather than me.

TennyoKameko: I try to update as often as I can. It doesn't always go as planned, but I try. :: Yeah, watch Keito steal that shirt later. I just bet you anything he will. Especially since Yue's already claimed. XD :: Mmm.. Ramen is yummy. I like having that for breakfast.:: Fan? O.o .. wow! I'm honored. Truly honored. Thank you. :) -hugs- 

Starlynn: You're the one I emailed about how to get around the "Story not found" bug, right?

Sailor X: It does seem like a long time, but then again, in the story, it's only been four days since Kagome found Yue. It's just that so much has happened in those four days that it seems longer. Peace, Inuyasha, and Blessings, ne? -giggles- I like that one.

InuLver7: Hopefully I was able to answer a few questions with this chapter. The scene with Sherry getting to talk to Inuyasha really did take me by complete surprise. It was in no way planned, but turned out to be something rather wonderful anyway. Maybe it'll alleviate at least a little bit of the stress of waiting.

Kiyana Va Sala: I hate that bug. I hope that new upgrade fixed it. :: I doubt Inuyasha will let her. Though there have been several times in the past where the rosary's been useful (particularly in the 3rd movie), by this time in their lives it's come to be much more than a subduction spell. It's something that connects the two of them and reminds them of all they've gone through to get to where they are. :: Ugh.. gross. Not a picture I needed. X_x I really don't know if she'll use the rosary while he's like that or not. She might at some point, though I'm certain she'll be sure to use extreme care with it.

Soul-Of-A-Lost: Cool. :)

Quiet Escapest: I love the guys too. They always find a way to make me laugh. :: O.o! Oh wow! No, I don't mind ya draw'n scenes at all. If ya feel like, have at it. -giggles- About sending them, how about trying your local library first. Sometimes places like that have scanners. If not, email me and I'll send ya my snail addy if you really want to send them. :) :: I'm glad you're having fun with the other characters in the story. That's really what I'm trying to shoot for.

ME: My mom always signs "Me" in things she writes to others in the family. So my sister started signing "Me II". She even had that on her license plate at one point. -lol- I ended up as Me3 and my sister's daughter signs "Littlest Me". Kind of a running joke. -lol- :: I'm trying my best to get him to wake up as soon as possible, but other things for me to tell about keep filling the gap. I will keep adding in special Inuyasha scenes like the one in this chapter so that Yash gets to plays roles too. Though, when those happen seems to be up to him.

BlueDragonGirls: That "story not found" issue has been a bug plaguing FFnet for a while now. It's highly irritating since I can do nothing about it no matter how much my readers complain. But, if you get that error try refreshing the page or coming back a little later. It'll fix itself eventually. I'm hoping whatever they did to the system when they took it down fixed it. As for my Miyu story, it's on hiatus for a while till I get back into a mood for Miyu and manage to break down the road block sitting in my way on that story. Terribly sorry. But, I do fully intend on finishing it at some point. It just might be a little while before I get there.

Hellokitty 4 ever: I scrolled back through the list of reviews looking for any review you might of left that I missed. I couldn't find any. If you've got a question, would you mind asking it again? I'll be sure to answer.

Kitty: Huh? Okay, half of that didn't make any sense to me at all. As for what happened to Inuyasha, Miroku, Sango, and Shippo in the past, I haven't told that part yet. Wait and see. I'll tell when the right time shows itself.

Mediaminer Review Replies

Mangagirl1128: I'm doing the best I can at speeding up the story. The characters seem to have other ideas at the moment. The more they give me to tell about, the longer it gets. But hopefully once certain scene in this chapter helped a little bit. :)

Caliko: Done. :)

RavenShadow: I'm glad you're enjoying it. :)

Kim: Eep! I feel your pain. Been there, done that. SO not fun. X_X :: About Spook and Spectre, that's so cool!!! Hey, how long after the colt was born was the mare able to be ridden? I've had trouble answering that question. :: Heeheehee, yeah, those three guys are a riot. XD I love 'em to death.

DarkDynama: Wow. I'm glad you like the story. :) I'm on MSN every night. What's your passport addy? I'll ping ya. :)

FallenAngel1990: I'm glad you like it. I try to update every weekend. Though, as I stated in my author note, sometimes things get in the way. But, when I do update, it's usually on the weekends. :)

HanyouBabe: -lol- I'm trying to give it my best. I'm honored that you like it so much. :)