The Demon

. x . o . x .

She stirred, the sound of dripping water filling her ears, her breathing, and what might've been other people. Cold stone pressed against her face, and the chilliness bled through the thin clothing that was meant for the warm beginning of Autumn. Letting her eyes flutter open, mostly concealed by her dark hair, Kagome gave a soft moan. Where am I? She wondered silently, shifting her nearly numb hands underneath her to weakly shove herself into a sitting position. Her head cracked against something hard and she automatically hissed in pain, rubbing it.

"Watch out, the ceiling is low over there."

Kagome's head whipped around. Settled as comfortably as one could get in such a confined space was a tired looking woman, barely lit by light that somehow got in. Her red hair was tangled and messy, her skin pale and expression drawn into one of wariness. Green eyes gleamed dully, reflecting light, and when she forced a smile onto her face, Kagome was shocked to see what appeared to be fangs. When she shifted, claws and pointed ears were also revealed. She leaned forward, the strange white fur she wore rustling. "Welcome to Hell," she said bitterly, "Where the end never comes."

"Don't think like that Ayame," another woman scolded from the darkness. She wasn't lit as well as the other woman -Ayame- was, but Kagome knew immediately that she was young and petite. Her voice was strong, attempting to be reassuring. "Someone will come after us eventually. Especially you. The rest of us are just unknown weirdos." She flashed Kagome a smile that said woman could barely see. "I'm Rin Kentaro. This is Ayame Sagimura, she's a wolf demon. I'm human by the way, and over there- oh! Watch out!"

The clattering of chains, followed by an enraged snarl and a blur leaping at her had Kagome shrieking in surprise, scrambling back and knocking her head again. Cursing under her breath in pain, Kagome peeked at the strange being that had tried to attack her. He looked human enough until one paid closer attention. Long silver hair was matted yet shining in the darkness, and the blue pupils encased by red reflected as much as Ayame's eyes. In the feeble light, she could see what she thought was stripes on his cheeks, massive fangs, and long claws. He was shirtless, blood dripping from multiple wounds spread out across his body and staining the red hakamas he wore. His attack was cut short by the chains cuffed to his wrists. He glowered, straining against them for a moment before retreating back to the corner he'd been in.

"Wh-what the-" Kagome breathed, pressing back against the wall, terrified.

"That is the one guy we don't know the name of," Rin finished, sighing.

"Don't worry about him getting out of those chains," Ayame said not unkindly, "Those are charged with miko powers. He won't get out of those anytime." Curiosity, however small it was, appeared in her gaze. "Who are you and how'd you end up in here?" Her nose twitched. "I smell one of my kind all over you."

"Kagome Higurashi," Kagome whispered with wide eyes. "I-I'm not all that sure..." She cast a wary glance towards the snarling man in the corner, then edged her way around to join the other two women. "Where are we?" She tilted her head back. There was more room above her head now, and she could see the walls of what looked like an underground cave or some sort of tunnel that had accidentally crumpled parts of the wall. "Is there a way out?"

"No," Rin murmured. Her large brown eyes studied Kagome. "We've tried looking around. Ayame and I arrived around the same time. He," she nodded towards the strange man, "came here when we were dragged out for a few hours." She shuddered, as if remembering something she didn't want to.

"And...he's a demon?"

"Half-demon gone full demon," Ayame corrected, "Barely able to get past the reek of his demon side, but there's a scent of half-demon there as well. Dog, if I'm not mistaken." She raised her chin proudly. "I'm a wolf demon." She cocked an eyebrow. "You didn't know they existed? Huh. Wonder why you're down here with us in this wonderful place."

Kagome swallowed nervously. "You said I smelled like...?"

"Right!" Ayame leaned close, nose working hard, and then blinked in surprise. "Huh. Koga. Leader of the wolf demons." She cocked an eyebrow at the startled Kagome. "You smell like some other demons, too, but those would be the ones that dragged you here. How do you know Koga?"

"He-he's my boyfriend," Kagome choked out, "You mean he's a demon, too?"

"Oh, Koga's a demon alright," Ayame agreed. "I can't believe you chained that guy down. Wow." She gave a rueful smile. "We should be out of here pretty soon if that's the case. If you're his, then Koga will call on all the wolf demon tribes throughout Japan, and possibly the other demon clans that we're allied with. Maybe we do have a chance at getting out of here, Rin."

"Ha!" she barked out, "Told you!"

"What about him, though?" Kagome asked nervously, gray eyes shifting to lock with furious red. He bared his fangs, recoiling, and Kagome frowned. She could've sworn something had flickered across his face. Guilt? Perhaps some fear? Her eyes widened. He was frightened. Maybe only slightly, but scared nonetheless. And she could see why by the scars lining him.

"He's been like this far too long to be able to become sane again," Ayame said quietly, "He'll be killed. It'll be merciful and quick, though. He won't feel a thing." Sadness filled the female's face. "It's not his fault. He doesn't deserve to die because of this, but it's what will have to be done."

"Nonsense," Kagome retorted, some of her usual confidence back. She squared her shoulders, moving to step closer to the growling demon, but was interrupted by a loud sound. Ayame cursed, glaring suddenly as a doorway materialized in the darkness of the wall. The woman that Kagome last remembered stepped into view, still dressed in her kimono. Her painted lips curved into a smirk. "Ah," she mused, her voice nearly a purr as she snapped a fan she held open, hiding her face with it. "So the miko's awake. Naraku will be happy to hear of this...he's been wanting to speak with you since you arrived."

"Whoever he is, I don't want to speak to him," Kagome muttered under her breath. The woman seemed to hear her, however, and threw her head back and laughed. Kagome gritted her teeth irritably, the sound grating on her nerves.

"Too bad, hon," she drawled, "He wants to see you. Now, since you're up. Come along."

"Go," Ayame said firmly in Kagome's ear when she hesitated. "It's worse if you try to resist. Trust us on that. Kagura's not nice."

"I can believe it," Kagome hissed back. She forced herself to take a deep breath, than walked over to stand before the Kagura. Her hands shook violently as she glared into her red eyes, then stepped out of the small cave. A growl followed her out and Kagura snorted delicately, muttering, "The mutt's going to piss Naraku off again if he keeps that up." Stepping back, the doorway vanished.

Kagome studied the area they'd stepped into. It was a strange, nearly glowing, white hallway. "This way," Kagura sighed, starting to their left. Kagome trailed nervously after her, letting her hands slip into her sleeves. Kagura led her through multiple winding hallways, leaving Kagome confused and bewildered until they reached a door that leaked a vapor that Kagome automatically knew was deadly. Kagura rapped sharply on the door, then stepped back to wait.

Within seconds, the door creaked open and Kagura stepped inside the room it led to. She shot Kagome a look, and she chewed quietly on her lip as she ducked in after her. Terrified, Kagome kept her gaze on the ground when Kagura began to speak. "Hey, Naraku, the miko's awake and ready to talk."

Within the room, there sat a man. His red eyes shone brightly within the darkness that was his mass of dark hair. A smile slid across his face, and Kagome might have possibly considered the man handsome had she not seen the harsh cruelty about him. Much like Kagura, Naraku wore traditional clothing, and Kagome found herself once again wondering why they were all wearing such things. "Ah, at last we meet, Miss Higurashi."

Kagome shuddered. His voice speaking her name was not a fun thing to hear. "What am I doing here?" she demanded automatically, crossing her arms when he began to study her.

"You are here," Naraku began, leaning forward slightly, "Because I am positive that you are capable of assisting me, Miss Higurashi. I have heard from a little bird of mine that you are a miko, and I happen to be in need of a miko."

Kagome narrowed her eyes. "You're mental," she spat, "I'm not a miko or any other thing. I'm a human girl who's going to leave this place and go home." She scowled, though her confidence faltered when Naraku's eyes narrowed.

Displeased with her answer, Naraku glared. "Then we'll just have to convince you otherwise, won't we? Kagura, take her." Kagura rolled her eyes at the order, roughly grabbing Kagome's arm and digging her nails in. They bit into Kagome's skin despite the cloth that separated them. "You know what to do when we're trying to get mikos to cooperate."

Kagura grinned. "Of course," she practically purred, though the tone held no warmth. "I'll get started right away..."

He pinched the bridge of his nose, beyond frustrated at the woman nervously sitting before him. Because of her scheduling, he'd missed a meeting that was rather important for the company he usually shared with his half-brother and had lost a fairly good opportunity with another company. "I told you," he gritted out, "to schedule that meeting for four o' clock P.M.. Why did you not do as I told you?"

"I'm sorry," she said softly, looking near tears. Not that Sesshomaru Takahashi cared. She'd messed his schedule up. He'd never had this problem with his missing full-time secretary. Ayame would have gotten the time correct.

"Go," he muttered, snarling under his breath when she was out of the office. He leaned his head back, growling softly again. Never in his life had Sesshomaru thought he'd miss his secretary or, for that matter, his similarly missing brother. Inuyasha usually dealt with the people like this, hiring only the best that wouldn't need to be replaced within a week of working because he was busy with the paperwork and financial side of the business.

But lately...

"Sesshomaru."

He raised his gaze in surprise, startled to see Inutaisho stepping into his office. The demon in charge of their side of the war didn't usually come to where his sons worked. It was generally avoided, if possible. He disapproved of the construction company. "Father," he greeted wearily.

Without bothering to procrastinate, Inutaisho said bluntly, "Koga has called. The possible miko that I requested you send a demon to watch is gone. Koga confirmed that it was Kagura who took her, and has notified the woman's family. Koga assured them that he would call all contacts about finding her, and that includes you."

Sesshomaru's eyes flashed irritably at the mention of Kagura. "Kagura took a miko?"

Inutaisho nodded, scrubbing a hand down his face. "Yes. Again. We think she was a miko anyways. She was friends with the female demon slayer, Sango. Sango and her boyfriend reported the reaction a miko's bow had to her though they doubt she noticed. What he wants with a miko has yet to be determined."

His son scowled. "Have you spoken to Mother to see if she knows anything?"

Inutaisho's expression went blank. "I have not spoken to her since our conversation over Izayoi six hundred years ago, I assumed you had spoken to her."

Sesshomaru sighed. "I will speak with her as soon as you have left." He paused, glancing towards the now empty secretary desk that could be seen from the open door. "After I have hired another secretary. The previous one was unhelpful and caused more trouble than they were worth."

"Ayame will be back soon," Inutaisho muttered, "Just deal with that work yourself until she returns. On another note, a woman came looking for you at my home earlier." His eyes gleamed as he suddenly leaned forward. "I have learned that Kimi has decided to thrust a few select demon women on you to see if you will choose one as your mate."

Sesshomaru made a sound of disgust. "I will speak to her about that as well."

Chuckling, Inutaisho left Sesshomaru's office. Rather than the traditional cloth and armor he preferred to wear over modern clothes, he was wearing a simple shirt and pair of jeans, earning a few curious glances from workers that were bustling around, figuring things out for the company. Inutaisho wasn't as well known as Sesshomaru or Inuyasha, but he was known enough by the people who knew his sons.

Upon reach the outside, Inutaisho was stopped by his impatiently waiting mate. Izayoi gave him a warm smile, greeting him by gently touching his cheek. To any onlooker, it would have been a strange greeting. But to them, it meant more than simple words. Despite the seal that kept his demonic appearance locked away, their bond relayed whatever they wanted. "Izayoi," he murmured aloud softly. "You were supposed to be at home with the security that makes sure you're safe."

Izayoi waved him off, laughing quietly. "It's fine, dear, there's enough people around that I'm safe." She kissed his cheek. "I came to tell you something important." Her gaze became serious and they started down the sidewalk, ignoring looks that were sent their way. "I looked into the disappearance idea that Miroku suggested. Not only have Kagome, Ayame, and Inuyasha gone missing," she said, eyes misting with longing for her son's safety, "But others have as well. A few human women and a human man or two, all with ancestry that includes those with spiritual abilities. The most recent was a veterinarian who has recently moved here, a Rin Kentaro."

"Interesting," Inutaisho murmured. "So even if there's a chance of people having spiritual abilities, they're gone..." He cast her a sharp look. "Izayoi, you must be careful. You are the most well trained miko in Japan at the moment. I don't want you gone, too."

"I know," she reassured. "I'll stay with you, Sesshomaru, the demon slayers, or in the house. And because I'm well trained, I can defend myself, too. Remember that, dear."

"I don't think I'll forget," he sighed, rolling his eyes, remembering their first meeting twenty seven years ago when she'd first began to full see through the concealment spells and had panicked when she'd quite literally run into him, panicked and terrified. He could still feel the shock of her powers despite the years that had passed. She'd run off, and it had only been natural (to him, anyways, as a dog demon) to follow after her. She'd backed herself in a corner- only for him to ask her if she was alright enough to accompany him on a date, or whatever modern people did.

A year later, he'd made her his mate. Despite twenty seven years of aging, she was still as lovely as she'd ever been. He raised her hand to his lips, lightly kissing her knuckles. "Mine," he practically purred. Under the seal, he flashed his fangs at her, letting his gaze heat up.

Izayoi's cheeks flushed. "Not now," she murmured, smacking his shoulder. He chuckled, pausing to kiss her forehead before pulling back. "Come on, I want to see if the demon slayers have any news on my son, Inutaisho."

"Our son," he corrected. "And they won't have anything new to say about Inuyasha, Izayoi. I'm sorry and it pains me to say it, but it's true. Sango will alert us of any new information. Come, we need to return home. You need to kick that woman out of our home and I need to look into a possible location of Naraku's."

Izayoi's gaze snapped towards him, eager. "Do you think...?"

"Maybe," the dog demon sighed in response, "It's a possibility that there's a hidden area near this suggested location. But I doubt that this is where Naraku will be hiding. Koga tracked Kagura's scent as far as he was able and it led to a warehouse on the outskirts of the city. I'm taking a few of my best to inspect it tomorrow morning."

"You'll be careful," she said sharply, "Got it?"

"Yes, yes," he muttered, waving off her concerns. "I've had my armor reinforced with stronger metal as of recently, Izayoi, I'll be fine. I'm taking Sesshomaru with me as well, and he's bringing his Bakusaiga. Tenseiga will remain here."

"What about So'unga and Tetsusaiga?" Izayoi questioned. "You'll be taking the So'unga, right? And Tetsusaiga will stay here as well?"

"No, Tetsusaiga will come with me just in case we do find our son," Inutaisho replied quietly, "It would not surprise me if his demon blood has come into effect should he be alive." He grimaced at his own words and Izayoi's gaze dropped, upset.

Over eight hundred years ago, Inutaisho had met a human woman. He'd grown to love her despite her humanity, and had eventually made her his mate despite the demon he'd wed for political purposes' fury. As demons were only allowed one true mate in their lifetimes, the female had threatened to kill her. Until Inutaisho had sent her off and the human woman had given birth to his second son, Inuyasha. Kimi hadn't had to do anything to her, and the Lord of the West had lost his mate to complications.

Centuries later, he'd discovered her reincarnation. Izayoi had run into him and he'd fallen even harder for this human woman, who was unable to have children yet claimed Inuyasha as her own. Despite being an adult and having problems with trust due to his half-demon blood, he'd somehow accepted her as his mother and did his best to take care of her if he was able. It was as if he was her true son and she was his true mother.

Inutaisho was more than fine with it.

Sesshomaru, however, simply accepted it and avoided her as much as possible.

"We will find him," Inutaisho said firmly, raising his chin proudly. "I promise."

Inutaisho had never broken a promise. Especially not a promise to his mate, and she knew it.

Suddenly, Izayoi stumbled before crumpling to her knees, head clutched in her hands and eyes searching the air blankly without blinking. In an instant, Inutaisho was kneeling beside her, concerned. "Izayoi?" he demanded, fighting the urge to growl when a man hurried over to see if they needed help. "She's fine," Inutaisho snapped, chasing the man off by letting his seal falter for a moment.

Gray eyes stared dully at a cracked concrete floor that was stained with blood, both old and fresh. What had once been nice, stylish clothing was now torn and bloody. Shiny raven hair now hung around her face in clumps created by blood and sweat, and any confidence that she'd once had was gone. Slowly, she let her head raise, though it lolled when unconsciousness threatened to close in on her. Tied down, she couldn't move much.

A woman with ruby red eyes and a smirk advanced, fan in hand. "Not so fun, is it?" she taunted. "If you'd hurry up and let those powers loose, we could stop and move on."

Blood bubbled at her lips as she rasped, "I don't know what you're talking about." A choked sob escaped her lips. "Please, stop."

She snapped her fan shut, tapping her lower lip with the tip of it. "Hm...I think not-" She cut off, tilting her head as if listening in on something. A pout seemed to appear on his face. "Oh, fine. I have orders to send you back to that fun little new home of yours." She flicked her fan open and stepped forward. "Let's see if we can get you to a few centimeters away from cute little doggie boy down the hall..."

Izayoi blinked for a few moments, slowly becoming aware of the flurry of activity around her. There was a familiar warm body pressed up against her own, concern etched into the owner's brow as he mouthed her name in concern and glared at people to stay away. She shook her head slowly to clear it, touching Inutaisho's cheek to reassure him. "I'm fine," she whispered, "I'm okay, Inutaisho, we need to go home."

Visions always tired her out. And she needed to discuss the contents of this one in particular with him. He shot her a look of anger and she gave him a desperate look as he helped her up. "I'm fine," she reassured a few people who'd gathered around to make sure she was okay. "I'm perfectly fine. I just tripped. Inutaisho-"

"Come on," he murmured, "I've got you." He easily picked her up, grip tight around her. "Are you alright?"

"Vision," she breathed in his ear, then nodded, saying louder, "I'm fine, just tripped like I said, dear."

His gaze hardened and he gave a curt nod to show he'd heard her. Without another word to anyone around them, who still continued to look on anxiously, he strode quickly down the street. Izayoi pulled out his phone, silently holding it to his ear as he ordered their driver to bring their limo around. They said nothing aloud when they'd climbed into the limo. But, within their minds, a conversation of possibilities raged on.

Kagome winced as she was shoved, landing clumsily on the ground in the strange cave as the doorway vanished. Chains clinked when the silver haired demon snarled and shifted unhappily, but it was silent other than that. Ayame and Rin had disappeared, and in the back of her mind, Kagome felt a flash of worry for the other two women. A quiet moan escaped her lips.

She wanted to go home. Desperately. She wanted to leave all of this darkness and pain behind and return to her home at Higurashi Shrine. A sob escaped her lips as she laid there, too sore to move. Her body shaking with exhaustion, all she could do was lay there and listen to the demon's low growl, which was somehow soothing.

After a few minutes of quiet crying, Kagome forced back her terror and tears and crawled further into the cave to curl up in a ball at the edge. No wonder Ayame had looked so tired. Kagome couldn't blame her. Tired, Kagome shifted carefully before closing her eyes- only to open them when the demon suddenly made a sound she hadn't heard him make yet. A quiet whistling whine.

Kagome let her gray eyes flutter open and tiredly examine the man. He was crouched in the corner, ready to defend himself, though his growling had suddenly stopped. His red eyes peered curiously at her, and he seemed almost intrigued by the bloody human woman he suddenly found himself imprisoned with. "Huh," Kagome muttered, resting her chin on her knees as he stared into her eyes. "Looks like we're in the same boat now. Maybe if we can get you on our side, we have a chance at getting out of here."

He curled his lips back and bared his fangs in response to her words and Kagome sighed in response, closing her eyes to doze and try to ignore the pain that rippled through her. "Guess not," she mumbled.

As her breathing deepened, the demon fell silent again, going still and studied her. His head tilted just slightly to the side, like a curious puppy, and he breathed in sharply, trying to catch another whiff of her scent when it wasn't full of blood. He'd smelled something strange on her. He'd smelled it once before, not too long ago, but he couldn't remember where and his feral mind couldn't bring itself to care about it.

But her scent was soothing. And despite the craving for fighting, violence, and blood that he felt, he desired her more. A smirk crossed his face at the thought, but was gone almost as quickly. He couldn't possibly desire a human woman more than her death. Not when she was as bloody as the one before him. Her blood called to him, and he leaned forward, longing to be free of the chains so that he could rip her apart and hear her screams.

At the same time, however, he didn't want to rip her apart and hear her screams- of pain anyway. Other screams, perhaps he'd like.

He growled in frustration, tugging again at the cuffs that held him there. The torture that he and the other two females had been put through over the course of the days was slowly beginning to drive even him crazier than he already felt. He wanted to kill. And he wasn't getting the chance to. And to him, that was more frustrating then not being able to get to the owner of the scent that whisked across his senses.

A soft woof escaped him before he could help it, but any sound was cut off when the cave was suddenly flooded with light again. Like minutes before, another human, the smallest of the tree, appeared, her gaze emotionless. He followed her warily with narrowed eyes as she stumbled over to make sure the one he wanted was okay.

Aware of the demon watching them, Rin gently touched Kagome's arm. The older woman jumped, jerking away in fear and pain, but then relaxed when she realized who it was. "Rin," Kagome slurred tiredly, "You scared me."

"You didn't cooperate," Rin said bluntly, gently examining her torn up arm. Kagome lifted her shoulders weakly in a shrug. "Even Ayame cooperates to avoid this...the only one who doesn't is him." She shot a look at the demon, who glared back, growling again. "You have to cooperate with Naraku, or Kagura, or whoever else shows up to take you away. Trust me. It's better." The doorway opened a third time, and the demon grumbled irritably. "Oh," she murmured, "Supper's here."

"They feed us?" Kagome muttered, surprised.

And feed them they did. A bowl full of food for each person, excluding the demon and including Ayame's dinner, was shoved in seconds before the light was gone. Rin hurried over, bring a bowl of soup to Kagome and taking a bread roll for herself to go with her soup. "The food's not half bad," Rin promised when Kagome eyed it nervously.

"What about him?" Kagome asked, setting her bowl aside. The demon was openly staring at their food, and it made Rin snort in amusement as she muttered, "Good luck getting close enough to get him to eat if he wants. Ayame says he usually just ignores the food or tosses it aside."

"Well I'm going to try," Kagome murmured, "I don't think he deserves to starve..." She picked up the roll that had been put in her own soup, slowly standing. She took a deep breath, acknowledging Rin's wide eyed stare as she began to edge carefully towards the demon. Pretending Rin wasn't there and shivering at the furious look that was being sent at her, she moved until she was a few inches from him. Relieved that he was leaning forward, growling furiously now and straining against his chains so he couldn't lunge and attack, she forced herself to smile. She held out the roll. "Here," she offered quietly.

His growl cut off for a brief second before starting up again, this time at full force though it seemed almost uncertain. He scowled at her and Kagome found her eyes traveling up to examine something she hadn't noticed before.

And despite the situation, she giggled.

"Kagome?" Rin called warily, worried at the fact that the woman was laughing in their situation. Kagome only turned and smiled broadly, roll carefully grasped in a hand caked in blood as she rested it on her knee.

"His ears," she explained, turning back to the utterly confused demon. Now nervous, he struggled to lunge further forward and bite her, but she remained relaxed and didn't move. "He doesn't have regular ears, Rin, he has dog ears. They're kinda cute." Said ears were flattened against his head in anger and nervousness, but she could care less. If he wasn't going to kill me and we were in a different situation... she thought, looking longingly at them.

He snarled again and she focused, waiting until his mouth was dropped open to create a strange snarlish bark. Then she simply popped the roll in between his teeth and darted away to stand beside the sitting Rin as he coughed in surprise, jerking back and trying to spit it out. When it remained stuck in his fangs, he moved back to use his hands, growling irritably as he pulled it out of his mouth. He stared at it for a few moments, glanced up, then tore it apart, devouring it immediately. It was gone within seconds and Rin's mouth dropped open. "Jeez," she whispered.

"Knew he was hungry," Kagome murmured, snatching Rin's roll away from her hand. Rin protested, then pouted when she tossed it over to the demon and he devoured that one as well. "I feel like we're feeding a wild dog," Kagome commented, noting the demons now curious stare as she settled down to eat her own soup. One bite and she sighed. "Why does food in a place like this have to taste so good?"

"No clue," Rin muttered. They ate their soup in silence, simply enjoying each other's company. Kagome pursed her lips thoughtfully. Should they get out of there, she decided that she wanted to remain in contact with the woman beside her. She was sweet, and Kagome had a feeling that she wouldn't mind becoming good friends. Sango would like her, Kagome was sure.

Grief and homesickness suddenly filled her and she set the soup aside, pulling her knees to her chest. She wanted to go home. Koga would be worried, and her mother would be returning shortly with Sota. For all she knew, she might already be home, waiting for her daughter to show up. Something that would never happen at this rate.

The demon suddenly gave a soft sound and Rin looked up in surprise. "I've been here for a while. He's never done this before."

"Ayame said he's gone mental, right? What if we can get him to calm down, think straight?" Kagome asked quietly. "Maybe we'd have a better chance at getting out."

"Good luck with that," Rin sighed, setting her empty bowl aside. She crossed her arms thoughtfully. "I hope someone notices I'm gone soon. I have a dog that needs to be taken care of." She pinched the bridge of her nose irritably. "I'm thinking he'll have upset the neighbors by now, so...maybe he'll be okay."

"I'm sure he is," Kagome reassured. "How long have you been here?"

Rin shrugged. "A couple weeks, I think. Ayame's been here longer than I have and he's been here longer than both of us. There was another girl when Ayame showed up. She's gone now." Rin shuddered. "Trust me, Kagome. You want to do what they want. Please. I can tell you're a good person. Don't let them kill you."

"Trust me," Kagome said firmly, "I don't plan on dying in here." She hoped. She really should have insisted that Koga and her wait till the next day to go to the movies, she thought. If they hadn't gone to the movies, then this wouldn't have happened.

The two women leaned on one another, sighing quietly and earning a laugh from the one they leaned against. Before long, they were sleeping, resting in preparation for the days that were to come while the demon simply sat there, watching the one who'd stuffed a roll in his mouth with open curiosity.

Chewing on her lip, Kaori Higurashi stared out the window of her living room with a worried look upon her face. Sitting across her with his head in his hands, worry written across his face, was Sota. The seventeen year old suddenly glanced at his mother. "Why does it always happen to our family?" he said softly, referring to Akio Itoh, Kaori's ill father, the death of his own father, and then Kagome's disappearance. "Can't somebody else suffer?"

"Koga's looking for her, he'll find her," Kaori promised, her gaze distant and full of grief. But she knew. She knew that others had vanished recently and hadn't been heard from again. Tears gathered in her eyes again. "Oh, Kagome," she breathed.

The front door opened then closed quietly and both glanced up to see Koga stride in, icy blue eyes troubled. He shoved a hand through his hair, looking exhausted as he dropped down onto the couch next to Sota. "No luck, yet. I have nearly a hundred or so people of mine all out looking for her."

"I'm sure something will come up soon," Kaori murmured, disappointment crossing her face.

"I'm sorry, Kaori," Koga murmured, "This is my fault, I shouldn't have left her for even a second with those kidnappers running around. I will find her if it is at all possible." Unknown to Kaori, he was certain of who'd kidnapped his girlfriend. Naraku had struck again, or Kagura at least. He'd recognized her scent coating Kagome's abandoned phone. Knocking on the door startled them out of their thoughts. "I'll get it," Koga said gently, standing swiftly. "It might be one of the people I sent out..."

It wasn't. Instead it was Sango, who automatically lashed out with a hand to crack across his face. Koga jerked back with a yelp of surprise as the demon slayer shoved her face close to his. "You bastard," she whispered as he backed away, recognizing the deadly look in her eyes. "You let her get... you caused a human harm, Koga, I have no reason not to kill you right now."

"I'm looking for her," Koga said defensively, hands up in surrender. "I'm not giving up on her, I have some of my pack looking for her, Sango."

"You better," she replied darkly as Miroku slid inside beside her. "Inutaisho does as well, now, and he's taking Sesshomaru to check out a werehouse that you supposedly found, along with another demon or two. You're not one of them."

Koga's gaze shifted away from the slayer. "I can't. A member of my pack made an appointment with me days ago and wants me to go make sure one of his group isn't a traitor supporting Naraku."

Sango stared at him, giving the wolf demon a death glare for a few moments before shoving past him in favor of going to speak quietly with Kaori. Miroku watched after her, a strange expression on his face before he turned to Koga. "I need to talk with you."

Koga raised an eyebrow. "You want to talk to me? This is new." He crossed his arms, leaning against the wall as Miroku made sure Sango wasn't anywhere near before leaning forward to speak.

"I have a plan..."

Glossary:

-hakama: a pair of Japanese pant-like clothing

-miko: in this fanfiction (and most others), the term miko refers to a Japanese priestess with spiritual abilities

A/N:

New chapter is up and going. ^_^ I'm working on making each chapter longer, so. :) I hope you enjoyed!

Note: This chapter? I came up with the glossary's explanation. |D

Lilliana Hana: Thank you! :) I've been working hard at it, the writing as well as the plot!