Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters from Inuyasha. But I do own my own, I just haven't figured out what to call my group of characters. I was thinking The Next Generation, but that just doesn't seem cool enough. I also don't own any songs within this fic. They are used as covers, or whatever. I am not saying the characters wrote them! They are covers! But anyways, I don't own them but I own me. Tata!


The Hunted

Chapter One
The Chosen Sacrifices


In a small uncharted town, there are certain – how can I put it – traditions. These traditions we have are made to keep us in peace with the others. The others… they are stronger, faster, some say smarter – and to most – they are scarier. They are called yokai, and the mundane side of the small town has been in fear of them for a long time.

Years ago, in ancient history, we were a small village of only humans living happily without worry. And the reason for that is because we had two powerful priestesses watching over us. Their names were Kikyou and Midiroku. They cared for our sick and wounded, watched over and taught our children, and for the most part defended us against any yokai or evil spirit that may have attacked our village. But one awful day an army of yokai walked into our village in want of control.

Of course, our mikos refused entirely, but the yokai would not have that. So they called war. Bu not a single one of our men died in that war because it never went into play. Our mikos wouldn't let that happen. They instead asked for an alternative. To fight an army of yokai with only a small village was far too much of a risk. If worst were to come, they only ones who'd survive would be the two priestesses their selves. They could not let that happen. The yokai agreed to the ultimatum if and only if they could have two women as sacrifice for peace and protection over the small village. The mikos declined saying they'd never take any of their women away from their families. But the yokai said they didn't want just any women.

"We want you."

Exchanging looks, Kikyou and Midiroku agreed. The villagers didn't agree with the alternate decision but the mikos went along with it anyways. The yokai threatened the villagers that if anything happened to show their disagreement, the mikos would die.

And ever since then, that has been a tradition for our small town. Many of our single, young women were taken away from us. That's why our parents are so hard on us to at least get a boyfriend because any girl who is chosen is at least 16 or older and single. Just four years ago I witnessed a girl being chosen. That girl was my best friend. Her name was Takara. She was 16 and had blonde hair and hazel eyes. Not only was she my best friend but she was my sister. My parents passed away a while ago during travel. Her family took me in seeing as we were family friends and they too mourned the loss of my family.

It was when Takara just broke up with her boyfriend. He was caught cheating. His excuse was "I was trying to save her." That was a real asshole thing to say. The day afterwards a yokai messenger came with the names of the girls that had been chosen. No one knows how the girls are chosen, they just are. And when we heard Takara's name, we all broke. But I even more.

They gave us two days to spend the last of our time with her. We spent the first day with our family. We went out camping like we used to do when we were kids. We didn't even think of why we were doing it, we were only thinking about how much fun we were having and how much we loved each other. The next day it was just me and her. All we did was travel around the forest. That's the thing with Takara and I, we loved nature. And any time we had the chance we'd either run out to the meadows or journey through the wooded forestry. And before we knew it, it was time to perform the ceremony.

The ceremony is when we dress the chosen girls beautifully. We adore them with makeup and beautiful dresses and jewelry. We even do their nails and hair. Then during the ceremony we place out their favorite foods and have a party in their honor. Then at the end of the night the yokai that was sent to name off the girls comes with a limo and a SUV then we say our final goodbyes.

"Akemi, I love you", Takara said. "You will always be my best friend and baby sister okay? Don't stop being you; I need you to be strong for mom and dad. Keep singing too! You know how much I love it when you sing. In fact, join every talent show you can and maybe you can get out of here when you graduate." She kissed my cheek and hugged me tight. "I love you, Mimi. Don't forget that. Promise me you won't let this effect you. Continue to be you; don't stop anything that you've done before, okay?"

"Okay", I said to her holding back my tears. "I promise, I'll be me, I'll stay strong. Takara, I'll always remember and love you."

"Good", she said as a final tear rolled down her face. "Good."

And that was the last I saw her. That night, I cried myself to sleep. But the next morning, I acted as if nothing wrong ever happened. As if our dear Takara only went off to college or something. People thought I was crazy and in denial, but I only did what I promised her. And I never stopped.

But the one thing I always wondered was what exactly they did with the girls they collected each year. No one knows what happens because we never see any of the girls again to tell of their story.

What happened to Takara?


The drums and tambourines played and lights shined down on three girls with their backs towards the audience. Those girls were dressed in white crop tops with pastel colored skirts and white wedged heels. They all turned around and there I was, right in the middle moving my hips to the beat with the rest of them with a smile on my face.

Me: I need love, love
Ooh, to ease my mind
And I need to find time
someone to call mine

Me: My mama said
All: You can't hurry love
No, you'll just have to wait
She said love don't come easy
Me: But it's a game of give and take
All: You can't hurry love
No, you'll just have to wait
Just trust in a good time
Me: No matter how long it takes

I then began to sing the next verse as the other girls sung "Ooh" as back up. We began to sway side to side with our hands moving and snapping.

Me: How many heartaches must I stand
Before I find the love to let me live again
Right now the only thing that keeps me hanging on
when I feel my strength, ooh, it's almost gone

Me : I remember mama said
All: You can't hurry love
No you'll just have to wait
She said love don't come easy
Me: It's a game of give and take
All: How long must I wait
How much more must I take
Before loneliness
Me: Will cause my heart, heart to break?

I sung the next verse as they sung back up again and we grabbed the microphones from the mic stands and began to travel around the stage.

Me: No, I can't bear to live my life alone
I grow impatient for a love to call my own
But when I feel that I, I can't go on
Well these precious words keep me hanging on

Me: I remember mama said
All: You can't hurry love
No, you'll just have to wait
She said love don't come easy
Me: Well, it's a game of give and take
All: You can't hurry love
No, you'll just have to wait
Just trust in a good time
Me: No matter how long it takes, now break!

Me: Now love, love don't come easy
But I keep on waiting
Anticipating for that soft voice
To talk to me at night
For some tender arms
hold me tight
I keep waiting
All: Ooh, till that day
Me: But it ain't easy (Love don't come easy)
No, you know it ain't easy

Me: My mama said
All: You can't hurry love
No, you'll just have to wait
She said love don't come easy
Me: It's a game of give and take
Me: No you
All: Can't hurry love
No, you'll just have to wait
She said love don't come easy
Me: It's a game of give and take

The music began to fade out and we all curtseyed and ran off the stage while the crowd gave us applause. The one thing I heard was two people call out my name. One was my father the other was Brandon, my boyfriend. That, I'll explain later.

"Akemi we did amazing", said one of my friends. She had shoulder length black hair and blue eyes.

"I know right", I said. "Just think Maddie, if we continue these pop shows we'll make so much money for the senior retreat this year!"

"Hopefully we could get enough to go to the Bahamas", she said in reply.

"Akemi", Megan, the other singer and great friend said. "You have to hurry up and change for your next song."

"Right", I said nodding. "I'm out, see you guys!"

I ran to the girls dressing rooms and began to strip, placing my things on the hangers and in the duffel bags. I slipped into a long sleeve t-shirt where the sleeves were burgundy and the shirt was white, with some high waist shorts and white high top Chucks. I tied a blue flannel around my waist and shook my hair. I then went to fix my makeup and ran back to the stage entrance.

"Here you go Akemi", said one of the tech crew members.

"Thanks", I said with a smile.

"Knock'em dead!"

I ran out on the dark stage and stood there with other students as a bass was played. All of our heads were bowed and I began singing.

Electric lights
Blow my mind
But I feel alright
And I never stop, it's how we ride
Comin' up until we die

The lights then shun down on us as the drums came in. We all then began to walk around the stage and I cat walked forward.

You catch my eye
Bitch, you wanna fly
I'm so alive
Never stop, it's how we ride
Comin' up until we die

As all of us stood at the edge of the stage, we all began to clap as the music stops but we continue to sing.

I don't wanna go to school
I just wanna break the rules
Boys and girls across the world
Putting on our dancing shoes
Going to the discotheque
Getting high and getting wrecked
I don't wanna go to school
I just wanna break the rules

The music than came back on and we all started jumping getting the crowd hyped.

I don't wanna go to school
I just wanna break the rules
Boys and girls across the world
Putting on our dancing shoes
Going to the discotheque
Getting high and getting wrecked
I don't wanna go to school
I just wanna break the rules

"Let's go", I yelled.

The instrumental part then played and we all started dancing as the crowd cheered. Yeah, it was a small town, but people in nearby cities loved our performances and enjoyed us just as you would a concert.

I'm such a star
Queen boulevard
Blaze through the dark
And never stop, that's how we ride
Comin' up until we die

I then lept off the stage into an aisle and began walking through it as we sung the chorus once again.

I don't wanna go to school
I just wanna break the rules
Boys and girls across the world
Putting on our dancing shoes
Going to the discotheque
Getting high and getting wrecked
I don't wanna go to school
I just wanna break the rules

The instrumental part played and I ran around the crowd and back on stage.

Get my guitar
Sunglasses on
So light it up
And never stop, its how we ride
Comin' up until we die

I don't wanna go to school
I just wanna break the rules
Boys and girls across the world
Putting on our dancing shoes
Going to the discotheque
Getting high and getting wrecked
I don't wanna go to school
I just wanna break the rules

After a round of the instrumental, we all jumped and sung with our hands going up and down in the air.

Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na

Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na

Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na

Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na

After bowing, hand in hand, we ran off stage out of breath.

"This better be worth it", I groaned out running to prepare for my next set.


"Akemi, as usual, you were amazing!"

"Thanks mom", I said hugging my parents. "Boy, I'm tired!"

"I'm sure", dad said. "You were up there dancing like a mad man! You are a true performer."

"You bet she is." I then turned around and saw Brandon and groaned inwardly. "Hey babe."

"Hey", I said with fake enthusiasm.

"Go on", my parents said. "Just meet us by the car."

"Okay", I said. As they left Brandon walked up and hugged me.

"You were great", he said.

"Thanks. I try you know?"

"Yeah and you looked sexy in your outfits." At that I felt him grabbed my butt and I squeaked.

"Quit it", I growled pushing his hands away. "God, I swear you're so gross sometimes!"

"Oh c'mon babe! What are we waiting for? You've been holding back on me for the longest!"

"And for a reason too! You're nothing but a pervert. Can you at least think about anything else other than my ass and humping me? And you wonder why I never do anything with you? It always ends up into something sexual with you!"

"And you act like you don't want it", he said.

"That's because I don't, you idiot!" I sighed out and looked back at my parents who looked at me worried. They're the reason why I'm with Brandon.

Brandon is a nephew of my mom's coworker. They set us up when I turned 16. With what happened to Takara, they didn't want to take a chance with me. In the beginning it was fine. He was sweet and all and he was not a jackass. Then he became a jock surrounded by other athletes and jocks. He grew this big head and soon discovered in his little mind that I needed him more than he needed me. Even though that may be somewhat true, I don't need him. And that I told him, I made sure of it that he knew. There are so many other guys that would be way better than him, especially when I'm a choir geek and there are choir boys. The only reason I'm still with him is because my parents want this for me. But soon as I get the chance, I'm leaving this small town for college, getting a job and taking my family with me. I shouldn't need a man just so I can be free. I don't need Brandon.

I looked back at my parents who appeared to be trying to get to us and I sighed. But for their sake I'll act like I do.

"Brandon", I sighed. I walked to him and placed my hands on his toned chest. I bit my lip and looked up at him. "Why can't we be the way we use to be", I asked grabbing his hands. "When you would set up those perfect dates and we just sit there in each other's arms and joke around. What happened to that?"

"I realized how gay that was and quit", he laughed out. "Really Akemi, you want to spoon all day and night? This isn't a romantic movie, this is real life."

I sighed and looked down. "Well I didn't think it was gay. I thought it was amazing. I like the old Brandon better. I don't care what your dumb ass friends thought."

"What are you talking about, I'm the same Brandon I was before", he said offended.

"No you're not, you're different. You seem to only care about your receiving end in this relationship. I was happier back then!"

"So you're saying you're not happy", he said backing away. "Is that it? I don't make you happy?"

"No, I'm not happy. Well at least not anymore. You treat me like crap. As if I'm only here to please you. This isn't the 60s; I have feelings, wants, and needs too. What about me?"

"You're right", he said nodding. "What about you and your happiness. If you're not happy with me then I guess I need to find a way to fix that so this could work, huh?"

I sighed in satisfaction. It's getting to him, he's actually getting it. "Thank you", I said in an asking manner.

"We're done", he said.

I frowned at that. "Wait, what?"

"If I don't make you happy maybe you'd be happier without me. We're done. Go on and be happy. I shouldn't be selfish."

I took a breath and looked down then up at him. "Hm", I said nodding. "Thank you." I then turned towards my parents and walked away.

Did I cry? No of course not. But was I hurt? That much I didn't know. I mean it's a break up with a guy I was with four 2 years yet he wasn't always the best. He was nice at times like in the beginning and when we were alone but most of the time he was horrible. So was I hurt? Not as much as you'd think after getting dumped. I was more hurt over the fact that I liked him and he didn't want to try and fix what was broken. I was more hurt over the fact that he didn't care anymore to put effort into what was ours.

"Akemi is everything alright", my dad asked.

"Um", I began. "No… Brandon just dumped me." I then opened the car door and threw my things inside. "But I'm fine; I'll just find another boyfriend. He wasn't the best anyways, he changed."

"Honey I'm sorry", mom said. "I know you said he was a bit forceful and that you weren't as happy before."

"Maybe… you should take a break", dad suggested. "Despite the reason for your dating I wasn't really comfortable with the idea of you and boys. More will come, let's just hope they don't."

I smiled at them and nodded. "Thanks you guys", I said. We all got in the car and drove off. Through the window I saw Brandon watching. He scratched his head and turned away.

I sat in my window daybed as it rained lightly outside. My room was lit by the soft glow of the many lit candles around my room. My laptop sat on my lap playing soothing tunes from Spotify as I built a home for my family on the Sims game.

I sighed as I grew tired. I just got out of the shower and slipped into a pair of shorts and an Angry Birds t-shirt. I tied my long onyx hair into a messy bun and got right to work on Sims.

"Okay so let's map out the floor plans", I thought out loud after taking a sip of my glass of SunnyD. "First floor has the kitchen dining and living room along with a bathroom and a study." I scratch my head and cleared my throat. "The study might turn into a bedroom if I run out of space for kids." I then began to put up the walls in the giant square I laid out. "Now stairs", I said choosing the best I thought possible. "And upstairs we'll have a master bedroom with an on suit, and two bedrooms with a Jack and Jill bathroom connection. I plan on twins one day."

"Akemi."

I jumped at the sound of my mom and turned to see her peeking her head through my door.

"Oh… hey. You scared me."

"Oh I'm sorry; I just thought that I should tell you to go to bed. Yes it's the weekend but it's 3 in the morning. You still need to sleep."

"Right", I said. "You're totally right. I'm going to go to bed now."

"Good."

As she left my room I closed everything on my laptop and turned it off. I went around my room and blew out the candles and walked to my bed. I slipped into bed and closed my tired eyes. Sooner or later, I fell into a deep sleep.

"Akemi."

I jumped up and looked around my dark room.

"The fuck was that", I asked myself as I saw nothing. I looked to the door only to see it was closed. "Well I could have heard it in my head."

"Akemi."

"Or not", I said. I then thought about the circumstance. "Okay it's either be the dumb chick and check it out and stay like in the movies, or be realistic and run my ass on outta here with my family." I climbed out of my bed and grabbed a pair of sneakers and my keys and phone. "Option two is always number one", I said. I then walked to my door. When I opened it I froze in place. "Oh my god…"

"Hey Akemi."

"Takara? What are you doing here? How'd you get here? What happened to you? Is this really you?"

"Give me time to actually answer one of those questions, Kemi", she laughed out. "C'mon." She grabbed my hand and dragged me back into the room. "I was allowed to visit you, mom and dad let me in as a surprise. I knew you'd be up this late. What happened? That's a long story and let's not waste time. Yes, it's really me."

"Oh my gosh", I cried out pulling her in for a hug. "Oh god, this is amazing! I missed you so much!"

"I know, I missed you too. But… I can't stay long. My ride is out there waiting."

"What? What was the point of this if you're only gonna leave a second later?"

"To tell you whatever it is you get, keep it. It will be useful. And pack things for survival."

"What why? Why are you telling me this?"

"Because Akemi", she said caressing my cheek. "You're Midiroku now. And because you are, they will be coming after you."

"Is this because Brandon just dumped me", I asked crying. "I can find a new boyfriend! Jared likes me, I'm sure he wouldn't mind dating me. It'll be good enough until I leave for college. I got a full ride!"

"No", she said. "They would have taken you either way. The fact that they only got single girls was just an assumption. And you can't get away, they'll be here tomorrow."

"What's going to happen to me", I asked scared.

"That, I can't tell you", she said apologetically as she looked down. "I'm not even supposed to do this much. I'm just lucky. But I will tell you this, it won't be anything you can't handle."

"Takara", I said quietly.

"I have to go now, Akemi." She kissed my forehead and stood to leave.

"No wait! Should I take anything? What should I do?"

"I already said too much, Kemi. I love you. I gotta go. See you soon."

"Takara", I cried out. She left and closed my door.

My eyes shot open and I took in a huge amount of air. I sat up quickly and looked around me. Morning light shined through my window and I ran my hand through my hair.

"This has got to be an accident, right? I mean, my mind could have just been feeding off the fact I just got dumped and I'm scared." I nodded at that. It'd make sense for me to have a dream like that based off coincidence.

I got out of bed and scratched my head as I walked to my bathroom to wash up. I had important things to do today. I went with a white and tan maxi skirt and matching sandals, with a white tank top and blue jean jacket that stopped at my torso, with a cream scarf.

I pulled my hair out from under my clothing and grabbed my things to go. I raced down the stairs and out through the kitchen. There mom was, cooking breakfast.

"Morning mommy", I said kissing her cheek. "Where's daddy?"

"Outside messing with that garden", she giggled. "I told him I'd call him in for breakfast soon but now that you're here, I don't have to. Go get him, please."

"Okay", I said ruffling her hair. I laughed as I dashed out the kitchen as she yelled at me. I made it out to the backyard and saw daddy working hard in the garden. "How long have you been out here", I asked making him jump.

He only smiled and continued to work. "Not long, just 20 minutes."

"Oh well mom says breakfast in ready. So let's eat up, Captain."

"I never remember why you call me that", he chuckled as he got out of the dirt.

We both walked back into the house and dad went to go wash up. I sat down at the island counter and he came in after me.

"So what are you heading out to do this Saturday", mom asked.

"The library", I said holding up a book. "I finished this baby Monday and was bored for the rest of the week. I could've read it over, but I didn't want to. And hang out with Kagome. We wanted to do dress shopping for prom."

Kagome Higurishi is my best friend. When Takara was chosen as a Woman of Honor, Kagome was there for me. She was actually there for me when my parents died. Takara as we all know, was older than me and in a higher grade where as Kagome is my age. I was closer with Takara because I knew her longer and because she was a family friend. Kagome was a close friend from school. And ever since then, she's been a best friend to me.

"You just got that last weekend", she said.

"I know", I said. "I should've been smart and got the whole series."

"You mean the same series you continue to read over and over", my dad corrected.

"Aye, don't judge me."

We all laughed and continued to eat our breakfast. But the one thing that kept coming to my mind was the dream. What if I could no longer have this?

I squatted down to look at the book series I was reading. Once I found it, I grabbed as many as I could. The library was pretty empty. It was also pretty small seeing as we're in a small town. We don't need a huge library for a small town. Our town is so small; we don't even have a Mc Donald's. If we want any, we'll have to go to a nearby city.

I walked up to the front counter and smiled at the librarian. "Good morning Mrs. Rose", I said.

"Akemi, this series again", she said laughing. "I'm thinking of giving it to you!"

"That'd be nice", I said.

"Yes, but I fear you won't came back. I mean this is basically the only thing you get here", she said.

"Oh never, I'll always come back to this place. It's my haven."

The older woman only laughed as she handed me my checkouts. I bid my goodbyes and left the library. When I did I stood frozen in my spot. There in front of a limo, was a crowd of people from out town looking worried. And right in the midst of the crowd stood a tall yokai male. He looked straight to me and frowned. I blinked rapidly and sped walked to my car covering my face.

"No this can't be happening", I said quietly as I pulled out my phone to call my parents. "It was only a dream. There's no way she could speak to me through a dream!"

I quickly opened my car and sat in the driver's seat. I called my parents and looked around my car to make sure no one was there.

"Mom, get to Main Street. They're here and he looked at me. I didn't hear my name but he looked at me." She agreed immediately and I knew they were on their way.

I let out a shaky breath and held on tight to the steering wheel. I closed my eyes and laid my forehead on it.

A knock hit my window and I jumped and turned to see it was Brandon. I rolled down my window as I rolled my eyes. "What the hell Brandon! You scared the shit outta me!"

"I'm sorry", he said. "I saw you walking out of the library and your reaction to the yokai. I also see him look at you. Are you okay?"

"Why would you care", I asked tilting my head. "You dumped me remember? All because you didn't want to seem gay to your friends for my happiness."

"Akemi, I still care about you", he said. "I never stopped. It's just…"

"What", I asked. "What is it just? You don't even know do you?"

"Y-you don't think…"

"That he's here for me", I asked. I then looked forward and chuckled with a shrug. "Honestly I don't. But if I had to bet money on it, I'd say yes."

"Don't say that Akemi", he said.

"What are you talking about", I said. "It's the same way it happened to Takara, the day after her break up. Not to mention…" I thought about it and shook my head. "Never mind."

"Not to mention what", he asked.

"It doesn't matter because nothing to do with you."

"This is my entire fault", he said. "I've should've thought about you instead of only myself. I thought this would only scare you and have you coming back to me, like Derek said it would. It worked for Jessica. I'm so stupid; I don't want to lose you. Not like this."

"And this is what you get for listening to your dumb friends like I tell you not to do", I said. "But it doesn't matter. It was going to happen anyway."

"You say this as if you were expecting it. As if you knew." I said nothing. "Akemi…"

"Akemi!" I turned to see my parents running to the other side of the car. I quickly got out of the car and hugged them. "Did anything happen yet?"

"No", Brandon said. "They haven't even announced the girls yet."

"We need to go over there", I said. "I need to know."

"Akemi", my mother said holding my face.

"Mom, I just have to prove something to myself. To see if my suspicions are accurate." I then walked over to the crowd and saw the yokai eye me the entire. That kind of already gave me my answer.

"I am here to name the Women of Honor", the yokai's voice boomed. "I need everyone to please move backward to make space so that the women have room to stand beside me." At that we all moved back. But I made sure I was up front. I slowly looked around and saw a couple of girls from school. The main one that caught my eye was Kagome. She had her head bowed looking to be guilty. But how could she be worried when she has Hojo?

I quietly walked over to her and held her hand. She jumped a bit but looked at me with tear stained eyes.

"Y-you too", she asked quietly. "You had a dream didn't you?"

"Yes", I said quietly.

"Your sister came to me and told me I was Lady Kikyou."

"I was told I was Lady Midiroku", I whispered.

"Eliza Profit", the yokai called out. At that a family cried out and Eliza walked forward. She never had a boyfriend. "Carla Gray", said the yokai. The talking and mourning only grew louder. "Kagome Higurishi!"

Kagome broke next to me and walked forward. Her hand left mine and she covered her mouth.

"Wait! She shouldn't be going!" I turned behind me and saw someone running up. "She's my girlfriend!"

"She isn't happy with you", the yokai said. "She never was seeing as the relationship was forced. Just like our next Woman of Honor, Akemi Blume." My heart jumped and I turned to the yokai as he stared me in the eye. "In the beginning, yes, she was happy. But later her relationship became a burden to her. Come."

I walked forward and looked back to my parents and Brandon. Tears were in his eyes as he realized just what he done.

"Don't cry boy", the yokai called out. "You just weren't meant to be. She isn't your to cry over." The yokai then looked to the four of us and Kagome grabbed my hand. I laid my head on her shoulder. "You have the maximum of 2 days to share your last moments with your loved ones. That is all." We all turned to leave but I felt someone grab my shoulder. I turned around and saw he grabbed my and Kagome. "You two, Lady Midiroku and Lady Kikyou, I was ordered to give you a message. It is known that there is always a ceremony that takes place in your town where you wear your best. It is asked that you don't wear large ball gowns. We won't break your tradition but it is best you take heed to these words. Kagome, you are asked to wear red. Akemi, you are asked to wear black. Bring extra shoes that have no heel, for you will need them. These tips were given because of the pure souls you have. Listen to them and you'll do well."

Kagome and I exchanged looks and we nodded. He gave a last nod and got in the back of the limo. We then turned to our families who only stood together crying.

"Kagome", I said to her. "I think we should listen."

"Me too", she said. "If they are actually giving us messages like this and no one else, I think we should take it as a favor."

"Right", I said.

"I also think we should stick together. All of us. We shouldn't be selfish. In my dream your sister told me that I should keep the things that are given to me because I'll need them. She also said to stick with you because you'll understand the predicament."

"But I don't know the predicament", I said frowning.

"She said that", Kagome said. "She said you'd say that. But she told me I must."

"Okay then", I said. "Well let's stay together then."

"Ladies", my mother said to us as they all walked up. I nearly died at her expression. She was broken. Her first daughter we chosen, now I am too. Her last daughter. And the worst part is I was almost done. I would've been gone in a month. "We need to go. We have a lot to do."

"Right", Kagome and I said. "We would like to do all of our things together", Kagome said as I nodded.

"Why is that", her mother asked.

"Well… the yokai was talking to us and telling us that we were Midiroku and Kikyou. So we thought we should be doing certain things together", I said.

"And we knew", Kagome begun nervously. "We knew that we were going to be chosen. We both had a dream last night with Takara telling us so and that we should remain together."

"Okay", my father said nodding. "If that's what you ladies want. These last days… are all about you."

"What would you like to do today", Kagome's mother asked.

"Kagome and I were going to do dress shopping for prom next month. But I guess… we can go dress shopping for something else huh?"

Everyone nodded and Kagome shook her head. "No", she said. "Stop acting like this! Momma, I'm not dying! I'm okay, I'm just being chosen. We can't sit here and cry over this. Not when it's my last time seeing you guys, we have to be cheerful. Just like when Grandpa died. He knew it was coming but he wanted to go out with a smile. I want that too. And I'm Akemi agrees."

"I do", I said. "Now please, let's just pretend that we wanted you to join us for prom or shopping. Or even better, Kagome and I are having a duo wedding. And we're celebrating our last two days with you planning what we want before we get married."

"I like that", Ms. Higurishi said. "Might as well do this now, right?"

"Right", my mom said. She then grabbed me and pulled me into a hug. "Let's go get our babies' dresses!"

"Yeah", Kagome and I shouted.

We all got into our cars and went to the one dress shop we had. There we saw Eliza and Carla picking out dresses."

"Hello ladies", said Mrs. Watson. "I hope you're here to pick out dresses for prom." I shook my head while Kagome gave a sad smile. "Dear lord", she said. She gave a sigh and hugged us both. "Well, let's not get sad. Not when I'm giving all of you ladies free dresses! Any one you want you can have. Any one."

At that all four of gave a bright smile. Yeah, we were leaving our families and friends but we were getting free ball gowns. If anything can make girls happy, it's free clothes. I just wish it wasn't a dress though. Despite the fact that I'm wearing a skirt, I hate dresses. I prefer jeans and shorts. Occasionally I might wear a skirt because my parents beg me to, but I can't stand dresses.

"What color do you want", mom asked as Kagome went off to look at a red dress.

"Black", I said looking down. I actually wanted either white our turquoise but that's out the window.

"And why black", she asked looking shocked. "It's so… dark and gloomy."

"Something is just telling me black would fit", I said. I don't wanna wear a black dress. Ugh… life!

"Okay if that's what you want", she said looking through black dresses. I followed her lead but went to find Kagome as well.

I found her looking at a pretty pink dress and sigh as she placed it back. "Depressing huh? A ceremony made for you and you can't wear what you want?"

"Aren't you speaking the truth", she said. "I mean I have no problem with red my thing is why such and intimate color and dark color. When I see or hear things, I think of things that maybe similar to it. And when I see red I immediately think blood."

"I know right", I said looking through the dresses. "And black. I don't want my parents to think of this situation as a death but here I am dressing for a funeral! Not to mention black is also very intimate too." I sighed at that. "And look on the bright side; at least you're wearing an actual color. I'll look like a violet eyed crow! My hair is black as ink and so are my amazingly long lashes. And my makeup would have to match. I can't go wearing blue eye shadow with a black dress. I'll look like a bad decision. I'll look like a total Goth."

"Then add a splash of color with accessories", she suggested.

"No won't look right, you know. Maybe silver or something…"

"Yeah", Kagome said. We both pulled out a pretty dress we liked and sighed.

"Kagome!" We both turned around and saw her mother with a red dress. The only problem, it was a huge princess looking ball gown. Something he said not to wear.

"It's nice momma but not what I want", Kagome said.

"Well what do you mean", her mom asked.

"I don't want it big a puffy. Maybe something slime and flowy?"

"Is that what you want too Akemi", my mom asked, surprising me.

"Ugh yeah kinda", I said.

"Well you girls are driving far away from the usual tradition", Ms. Higurishi said. "Usually the girls were big and bright colored dress. You want the complete opposite."

"We want to stand out", I asked.

"What's the deal here", my mom asked. "The dresses you want do even fit you. Akemi you'd want one that's be turquoise. Yes one that flows would be good for you, but you would not want a black dress."

"And Kagome pink is always in your category. You always want to look like a princess."

"The yokai told us specifically to not wear huge ball gowns. And he said for us to wear those colors. Why, we have no idea."

"And we kinda knew this would happen", Kagome said. "It happened in a dream. We were told we would be chosen."

"So you're doing this because the yokai told you to", our mom's asked.

"We're getting favors as if tips so we can do better", I said. "He said it as if he preferred us not to wear dresses at all. As I the idea was dumb."

"And he told us to bring extra shoes, like flats."

"What do you think could be going on", Kagome's mom asked mine.

"Ski, I have no idea", my mom said. "But it seems serious. Their getting… help. First the warning now tips on what to do. We'll take all we can get. If we can't protect them the best we can do is make sure we're pushing them down a safe path."

"I agree", Ski said. "Let's find these perfect dresses."

We looked through the boutique and didn't find much of anything. They had dresses but they didn't really fit us. We waved goodbye to Carla and Eliza as they left. Dad went to go get Souta, Kagome's little brother, so we could go out to eat afterwards.

Kagome and I sat in two seats and sighed. Our mom continued to search for dresses as we sat there in our pity. I looked out the window and sighed. The sun was going down.

"What's wrong girls", Mrs. Watson asked.

"We can't find a dress", Kagome said. "Any we found weren't good enough or didn't fit the description."

"What kind of dress are you looking for?"

"Well… something that flows", Kagome says. "We don't want a big dress like the others."

"Colors?"

"Black for me and red for her", I said.

"Well I know the problem to that. I don't have much of those anymore. I mean anywhere else, you'll be able to find those but I had to stop ordering those type of dresses because they wouldn't sell here."

"Great", I groaned out. "We don't have time to go anywhere else. We only have two days! We have to use the little time we have to spend with our friends and family not to mention to plan the ceremony."

"Well I have some old things", Mrs. Watson said. "I was going to throw them away. I forgot I had them! I found them just a couple of days ago. They're pretty old but you can take a look to see if you can fins anything."

"Thank you", Kagome said.

We both got up and followed her to the back. She turned on the lights and there we saw some dresses in a pile. Kagome and I looked at each other and slowly walked to look through it. The pile was pretty big for old and forgotten dresses. Mrs. Watson left and we continued our search.

"Akemi", Kagome gasped. "I think I found one…"

"Really", I asked excited that maybe this would be cut short. "Let me see it!" I turned to her and gasped. "It gorgeous! Okay but before you try it on, help me find me one. I really need to eat. I'm dying here."

"Right", she laughed out. We were finally feeling better seeing as we might just have the ability to go home early.

"Where'd you find that one?"

"Over here but I didn't see anything black."

"Great. I hope I don't have to go to the city and find one. That's ruin everything for me."

"I'll go with you if you need me to", Kagome said.

"No", I replied. "I don't want you to miss out on any time with your mom and brother. I can't ask you to do that."

"These last two days are to spend with our family and friends. You're my best friend Akemi; of course I'd help you."

I smiled at that and hugged her. "Thanks Kags, you're the best." I pulled away and looked at the pile separated in three. The big one was he pile we were looking in; the other two were dresses we discarded. "Let's just hope we don't have to do that, yeah?"

"Yeah."

We then got back on the floor and dug around in the dresses. The further we went in, the more hope I lost. I was practically to tears now. Each dress I pulled out was a time I screamed no out in my head. We when got to the last dress was when I broke.

"No no no NO! That can't be the last one! It's 12 in the fucking morning and I still have yet to find a dress! What the hell?"

"Akemi", Kagome said pulling me into her arms. "It's okay; we'll find you one, okay? You can't give up hope. Have faith."

"All of my faith has died", I cried out. "I'm leaving my family only to walk blindly into a place full of yokai, not knowing my fate. I don't know what will happen to me! And when I get information that might help make things better for me, I can't find it! What did I do for this to happen? Who hates me this much to actually do this to me?"

"Akemi, calm down. You got to look at this differently. You might see Takara again."

"Takara might be dead", I whispered. "And I might be too…"

"Akemi stop, you can't think that way. Just… just take a break okay? You need t cool off, you're stressed out. Just calm down." Kagome placed my head on her shoulder and held me in her arms. She rocked me back on forth and I closed my eyes.

A huge headache was beginning to set in. That's the usual to when I cry; I start to get really bad headaches that only sleep can cure.

"You know", I begun with my eyes closed. "When I was younger, before she died, my mom used to sing to me whenever I got like this. It'd always helped me." I cleared my throat and moved to where I could see Kagome. "I was going to sing it to my kids. You know, when I got married. I'd do it as I rock them to sleep."

"I think you should sing it", Kagome said. "Maybe it'll help you cool down."

"Maybe", I said. "But you promise that you won't laugh."

"I promise", she said.

You my Honeybunch, Sugar plum
Pumpy-umpy-umpkin

I began to sing the song my mom sung to me and I heard Kagome giggle before she began to sing as well.

You're my sweetie pie
You're my cuppycake, gumdrop
Snoogums, boogums, you're
The apple of my eye
And I love you so
And I want you to know
That I'll always be right here
And I love to sing
Sweet songs to you
Because you are
Sooo dear

"I know that song", Kagome said. "Momma sung it to me too."

"Yeah", I said. "It's really soothing."

"Not to mention cute and adorable", Kagome added.

We both began to giggle and I sat up and hugged her. "Thanks Kags. You're a great friend."

"No problem", she said. "It's what I'm here for."

"And I'm here", I said standing up and helping her up as well. "To see you try on that dre–" I froze and pointed behind her. "Where'd that come from?"

"What", she asked. She turned around and her mouth dropped. "Well that's different."

"It's perfect", I said walking to it.

"Really?"

"Yes really!" I grabbed the object off the door and held it up. It was the black dress that would be perfect for me. "Let's just hope it fits, right?"

"You girls find anything?"

"Yes", we both said.

"Akemi, really dear? That one?"

"It's the only one", I said.

"No."

"Dad where'd you come from?"

"You're not getting that."

"I haven't even tried it on yet", I said. "C'mon Kagome, let's try them own."

We both ran to the dressing room and helped each other in the clothing. Looking in the mirror we were speechless.

Kagome's had a gold belt around the waist and had a long silk and sequin skirt down to her feet. The top tied around her neck. It flowed beautifully at each movement. And the best part it had a long train behind it. Mine was somewhat similar yet so different. I actually had sleeves except it was made out of floral lace that was, of course, black. The dress was also long. It looked as if there was a long piece of silky black fabric that wrapped around my body in a crossing formation that ended mid thigh. And the rest of the way down was more black lace. And just like Kagome's, I had a long black train too. We were sure that if there was a fan, we'd look like blossoming flowers!

"You were right", Kagome said. "That is perfect for you."

"Thanks", I said. "And that's perfect for you."

"Just a quick and weird thought", Kagome said. "You don't think that they knew about these dresses and that they knew that it'd be perfect for us… do you?"

"Honestly Kagome", I said weary. "I don't know. I really don't know. I could say no but they got Takara to warn us in our dreams. Right now, anything could be possible." I took one more last look at the dress and nodded. "Let's go show these to everyone so we can eat and go home to bed."

Kagome nodded and we walked out of the dressing room.

"Wow, that actually looks good", my mom said.

"Oh you ladies look gorgeous", Ski said.

"No."

"Dad really", I said. "This was the only dress! If I don't get it that means I have to go out to the city to get another one. And what are the odds of finding the perfect dress that is the right color, right style, fits perfectly, and is for free? Let's be realistic."

"You're getting the dress", mom said. "It's what you want and we don't have to pay for it. Let's go."

"You found one", Mrs. Watson asked.

"Yes", we said.

"Great, I have to get home to my family. So you girls just pack up you things and get dressed. I'll get the dresses together for you."

So we got undressed and she wrapped them up and we were out the door to get food. Luckily our town had a 24 hour diner for tourists passing by, because let's be honest, tourists don't go on vacations in small town with fucked up traditions where four girls are abducted every year. We'll not that they know the idea even exists. To the outside world, they don't even exist.


Author's Note: Hi biyatches, I'm back! Yeah… I know, I've been M.I.A. for a while. I haven't been posting stories. I'm sorry for having a life. I know, it's a tragedy. No, truly it is. I have so many problems. I have academic problems, family problems, mental problems (HA!), financial problems, boy problems… I guess you can say that I have 99 problems, and writing… just might be one of them!

An-tea-way, I'm back. That's all that matters. I've decided my new writing policy will be this: write half the story before posting the first chapter. That way I won't go through this bullshit where I stop writing and you guys suffer. I have about twelve chapters of this story completed, so you should be good for three months. I plan to post a chap every Monday, so stay tuned.

So with that being said, enjoy the rest of the story. Please leave reviews 'cause I like those I prefer nice ones and reviews hat do not consist of "So what's next", because biyatch, I ain't gon tell you! Wait till the next flippin' chapter! I love you guys! See ya next chapter! Buh-bye!