Kagome opened her big brown chestnut eyes to meet the sun's bright rays pouring down on her face. She looked around the unfamiliar room and saw that it was not her room. She sat up in the all-white bed and looked around. The room was all white and she knew where she was. The care rooms. Those were the only rooms in the whole castle that were all white. She gently tucked her long thick hair behind her ears and tried to reconcile what exactly happened.

"I got home, spoke to Father... then what happened?"

Just then Kagome heard the door opened and Souta entered the room looking somewhat mad and concerned.

"Sis" Souta came over to her and gave her a big hug. "You had me worried for a second there"

Kagome smiled. "Souta what happened? I can't remember anything after we spoke to Father"

There was a light tap on the door and he entered the room.

Souta's face instantly scrunched up into a very noticeable frown and he crossed his arms over his chest and sat down in a chair next to Kagome's bed.

"Now I remember" Thought Kagome

The man was holding a bouquet of roses and he placed them on the windowsill, he proceeded towards Kagome and gently kissed her on the cheek. "Sweetheart are you okay? I was so worried about you" Said the man with much concern in his voice.

"I'm fine Naraku, I think I was just tired from the trip, Thank you very much for your concern." Said Kagome calmly

"Okay, I don't know what I would do if anything where to happen to you" Said Naraku as he looked into her big brown eyes.

Naraku appeared to be a very nice, calm, and somewhat attractive man. He had long thick black hair that he always kept in a neat low pony tail and wore stylish clothing of the best fabrics in the country. He also had smooth chocolate brown eyes and a very nice tan complexion.

He sat next to her on the bed. "Honey if you're feeling better I would like to take you for a walk in your mother's rose garden, It's quite beautiful"

Kagome looked like a deer caught in headlights. God knows she wanted to say no. she couldn't stand to be alone in a room with her fiancé. She shot a glance at Souta that clearly said, "Please don't leave me alone with him."

"Well…" Said Kagome began Kagome as she searched her mind for a legitimate excuse.

"That sounds like an awesome idea! Why don't I come too! This will be a great time for us to bond too!" Said Souta a little too excitedly.

Naraku looked very agitated at this point. "Sure why not little brother."

Souta's right eye twitched at the word, "Brother" but he remained calm.

"Kagome would you like to come?" Asked Naraku once more.

"Yes a walk would be nice" Replied Kagome as she nodded her head gently.

"Good" Said Naraku with a faint smile. "I would like to talk to you about some personal matters as well"

Kagome nodded.

"Personal matters" Said Naraku calmly as he made direct eye contact with Souta.

Souta stared right back with much intensity as if he were saying, fuck you

"Alone" Said Naraku with a little irritation in his voice.

Souta stood up and proceeded to leave the room. "I'll be RIGHT outside, sitting in the chairs that are DIRECTLY next to her room" Said Souta with an assertive tone.

The door closed and the room got to an uncomfortable silence.

"So you try to embarrass me like this Kagome" Said Naraku in a calm tone as he got off the bed and began pacing the room.

"I would never, I was merely tired" Said Kagome in a low tone as she could feel tears begin to form in her eyes.

Naraku chuckled. "You were tired, you really expect me to buy that bullshit of a story Kagome"

Kagome remained silent.

"You see me and you instantly collapse, do I terrify you that much?"

Kagome still remained silent.

Naraku began to gently rub her hair and then instantly and without hesitation he yanked her long hair. His once smooth brown eyes became a frightening deep shade of orange and his tan skin became pale white. Kagome felt tears come to her eyes from the pain.

"I asked you a fucking question bitch and I expect an answer" He said in a low tone as he kept in mind that Souta was outside the room.

Hot tears went down Kagome's cheeks. "No" She chocked out. "You don't terrify me"

"Good" He released his grip and caressed her cheek very gently. He then quickly wrapped his giant hand around her neck and applied pressure. "Try that little stunt of yours again and I promise you I'll give you something to faint about" He said coldly. He then released her and proceeded to exit the room. "You have 15 minutes exactly to get dressed, Do not keep me waiting or there will be consequences" He then left the room.

Kagome cried silently in her bed as she rubbed her sore scalp and looked at the strands of hair that had been pulled out.

"I can't marry him… I can't… I have to tell mother… today." Thought Kagome as she sobbed into her pillow.

"She'll be just a minute" Said Naraku with a small smile as he sat next to Souta.

The two of them sat in silence for a few moments. "So… you excited about the wedding?" Asked Naraku with a sincere smile.

Souta chuckled dryly. "Am I excited about the wedding? No, I'm not"

Naraku was taken back a little. "Well that's normal, you're gonna miss your big sister and all"

Souta sighed. "No, it's not that. I know that Kagome is of age and she must get married soon, I just don't like the fact that she's marrying you is all." Said Souta with a certain meanness in his voice.

Naraku smirked and chuckled slightly. "What did you just say?"

"You heard me" Replied Souta in an all serious tone. "I don't like you, I don't like that she's marrying you, and I sure as hell don't trust you around my sister!"

"Ahhh, so the little brother is trying to boss up on the big brother huh?" Replied Naraku with an evil grin.

"I'm not your brother and I never will be!"

"Interesting" Naraku looked Souta right in his beautiful blue eyes. "At the end of the day who is she marrying? ME. I believe she has made that clear to you and your family. You can bitch about it all you want to but face it kiddo. Kagome will be coming home with me and it's not a damn thing you can do to change that"

"Kagome will never-"

Just then Kagome came out of the room. "I'm ready" She said in a low voice as she kept her head low towards the ground.

She was wearing a long yellow and white kimono with silver trim. It fit her loose and her hair was in a messy low bun.

"Well" Said Naraku as he stood up. "Let's be on our way" He shot Souta one last glare and they proceeded to walk to Queen Naiomi's rose garden.

Hojo stood on the left side of the King and in front of them where about 20 young men all in their knight uniforms waiting to be knighted. There were a lot of people on attendance in this made Hojo a little nervous because he had never had the opportunity to work alongside the King in such a public manner. The room was oval shaped and it had a lot of artwork on the ceiling. Whoever did it had to have taken at least 10 to 15 years to finish a room this large. The walls were emerald green and had diamonds sporadically all over it. The King and Hojo were waiting for everyone to take their seats.

"Your Majesty" Said Hojo in a low voice.

"Yes"

"How is Kagome? I didn't get a chance to see her this morning." Asked Hojo with concern in his voice.

"I saw her this morning but she was still sleeping. The elders said she was fine and that she was merely tired from the trip. She should be awake as we speak." Whispered the King

Hojo looked a little uneasy. I think she fainted because of Naraku's very presence. But I would be out of line saying that. My Majesty would think I'm insane if I were to tell him that I'm in love with his daughter that is getting married in a few days." Thought Hojo.

"Everyone please take your seats." Said the King.

On command everyone took their seats and the guards by the doors let in the few remaining people. The room got very quiet and everyone seemed to be happy and excited for the new young men that were about to be given this wonderful opportunity. Hojo was only 15 when he became a Knight for the Higurashi Kingdom, he was the youngest and also most skilled in their kingdom. Right behind him in ranks was Souta, who couldn't be in attendance because he was making sure Kagome was in good health.

The King cleared his throat. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me be proud and honored to introduce the new line of young knights that will be protecting our kingdom. These young men have worked hard and have risen up in ranks to be standing here today. It takes a lot of hard work, blood, sweat, tears, and determination to even consider becoming a knight. And all of these young men have proven that they are ready to face that. Give a round of applause for these men."

The audience applauded and Hojo gulped. He was nervous even though the day wasn't even about him. He had been knighted years ago and he was just as nervous as he was today. He was standing next to the King. That was a very great opportunity to have. Most people didn't even get to be in the same room as the King. Yet he has had countless times speaking personally with the King and even getting to be with his children.

The King grew a big smile on his face. "Now I would like to introduce our number one ranked fighter in the entire kingdom, Hojo Amersaki!"

The crowd applauded even louder and Hojo's face turned beet red.

"Hojo will be assisting me with the Knighting" The King looked at the young knights that were standing in a single file line. "My new knights I want you to strive for success and be the best of your capabilities, These are the exact words I told Hojo many years ago." The young men nodded their heads solemnly and the Knighting began to take place.

It was a bright, sunny, warm day outside as Kagome, Souta, and Naraku walked through the famous rose garden that The Queen planted nearly 10 years ago. Naraku and Kagome held hands as they walked along the cobblestone pathway and Souta remained a few feet behind them, but close enough to keep them in eye distance.

"Kagome… I'm gonna tell Father. I can't let you marry him. I won't let you marry him." Thought Souta.

Souta continued to walk a few paces behind them as he took in the beauty of the rose garden. He hadn't realized it had been at least six years since he had entered the garden. He used to come outside and play in the garden with his Mother when he was a child. He remembered the days like it was yesterday.

Flash back.

"Mommy lets go in the rose garden!" Yelled an excited five year old Souta.

"Sure honey." Said the Queen.

The two of them played for hours and some days they would just relax and let the day pass them by. Souta remembered his Mother's beautiful brown eyes, her warm smile. Her comforting hugs, every time Souta would look at Kagome he would see his Mother clear as day. But he couldn't bear to face his Mother when she got sick. It was far too painful for him

His Father had told him that she wasn't going to be able to do things she used to do. But Souta thought his Father was crazy. His Mother didn't look sick nor acted sick. She still played with him, she still went places, and she still did everything. But soon all of that changed. She became very weak and walked very slow, then she needed assistance to walk, then she used a wheel chair to get around, and then she became too weak to even get out of bed. It hit Souta like a pile of bricks. His beloved Mother was dying right in front of him.

"I should see her… I want to see her but…"

End of Flash back.

Just then Souta felt wetness on his face and he then noticed that he was indeed crying. He quickly wiped his tears let out a long sigh.

"What if she doesn't want to see me…? I haven't spoken to her in at least five or six months."

Souta continued walking a few feet behind Kagome and Naraku.

"MATE"

"MATE"

"MATE"

"SHUT THE HELL UP!" Screamed Inuyasha as he sat straight up in his bed. He looked to his left to see Miroku giving him an odd and puzzled look.

"Bad dream?" Asked Miroku as he sat on the plush couch and stared at his friend who was drenched in sweat.

Inuyasha breathed heavily. "You can say that"

"You alright Yash?" Asked Miroku while looking at him with concern. "You've been asleep all morning, its going on two in the afternoon"

"I'm okay, I've just had a really bad headache since yesterday is all" Said Inuyasha as he pulled the drenched sheets away from him body.

"Oh, why didn't you come down to say farewell to the departing guests? That was kinda rude you know, even Sesshomaru's antisocial ass came"

"I just really haven't been feeling too good is all Miroku" Said Inuyasha as he rubbed his aching head.

Miroku got off the couch and walked over to his friend. "Yeah man, you don't look so hot. It's uncommon for demons to get sick"

"I'm part human too Miroku, maybe I caught a bug or something and the human side can't fight it off…"

Miroku processed his theory. "Not likely, your demon blood would have automatically kicked in and instantly killed the virus"

Inuyasha laid back down and closed his eyes tightly but could feel the numerous beads of sweat continue to pour down his face.

"Maybe I should go get the nurse or maybe-"

"It's okay Miroku, I aint dying over here" Said Inuyasha with a small chuckle. "I do have a request though"

"Sure, what is it? Rice balls? Some grape wine? Some seared fish?"

"Cherry Blossoms" Replied Inuyasha calmly.

"Cherry Blossoms?" Replied Miroku with a quizzical look upon his face. "What are you gonna do with Cherry Blossoms?"

"I just need to be near them, I like the scent, It… it calms me down"

Miroku nodded solemnly. "Okay I will have the servants get right on that"

He quickly exited the room and Inuyasha rolled over to his side. Kagome

And that is the new and Improved chapter seven. Before I was literally smashing like 7,000 and more words into one chapter! So, were going to cut alot of these chapters in half. please R&R. This chapter is only a little over 2600 words and I think thats a nice length.

Now, lemme hear your thoughts, wassup with Inuyasha suddenly catching a "Cold" ?

Souta may be young but, he sure as hell wont put up with bs!

What do you guys think about Hojo and Kagome? He's actually not a bad guy ya know! He's honorable, loyal, trustworthy, goodlooking, and a excellent fighter!

And we will find out why Inuyasha and Hojo hate each other so much in the later chapters! Their rivalry has been going on for a longggggg time!

And what do you guys think of Naraku? His personality reminds me of the calm before the storm! he can change his appearence and look like a normal human however, he it truly a evil monster and thats not even half of it!