Crimzon: ugh, ive got STAR testing this week … but on the bright side, I get off early!

Akira: That explain why you typing this now?

Crimzon: Yep, and cuz im going over to my friend's Friday 'till Monday so I wont be able to update this weekend like I was planning, so might as well now haha.

Akira: … well then CRIMZON DOESN'T OWN INUYASHA!

Crimzon: -sigh- oh how I wish I did though … oh well, on with the show! … er chapter … YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!

~Izayoi's POV~

"Promise me that you will leave Akira and the villagers alone?" I pleaded. I know that my friends can handle themselves, but who knows what Kouga was capable of … I decided not to test it.

"You have my word," he said. He then walked closer to me with a smile on his face. I felt the adrenaline shooting through my veins, preparing for a battle … or at least some ass-kicking if this guy tries anything stupid, "Alright, I'll give you some time to say goodbye to your friends. Meet back here at midnight and we'll leave. I'm trusting you to keep your side of the bargin. If you're not back here by midnight, then … well I think you're smart enough to know the consequences right?" he chuckled sadistically as he walked back to where his wolves stood, "Remember our deal, Izayoi." Just the way he said my name made my skin crawl. It really does make me think how the hell my mother dealt with his possesive personality. Minutes passed as I stood there in the darkness, thinking whether my decision was the best one or not, but the real question here was, how am I going to tell Akira and the others?

With not much else of a choice, I made my way back to Rin's hut with only the light of the full moon to guide my way.

~Akira's POV~

"What the hell were you thinking letting her do this on her own?" Shippo and Inuyasha had been ragging on me for the last ten minutes. Truthfully, I just blocked out their complaints. All I could think was whether or not I should have left her alone. But of course, once she decides something, theres no changing her mind. I trust her and I trust her judgment … I just don't trust her when she isnt thinking rationally.

"You really think she's okay? I mean, she's been gone a while now," asked Rin. I was standing just outside the hut, waiting for Izayoi to make her way back. Rin stood at the doorway, Inuyasha stood silent behind her. Shippo continued to mope as he sat cross-legged on the roof.

"Izayoi is strong, she can handle herself. If she were in any danger, then I'd know." Was all I said. I didn't pay much attention on whether she replied or not. The only thing I noticed was Kuromaru's low whimpers as he sat on my shoulder. Please be okay, Izayoi.

~Izayoi's POV~

It seemed to take forever to get back to the village … but then again, I was walking so slow that snails were having races against me and winning. I guess I should probably pick up the pace before I make the others worry even more.

Before I knew it, I was already walking through the village, unconciously making my way back to Rin's hut. Just when I see its roof, I noticed Akira standing there with his arms crossed, waiting for me. Not just him, Shippo was sitting on the roof, Inuyasha leaned against the hut and Rin was standing at the doorway with a worried expression. I stopped walking a moment and sighed, thinking that it would only make it harder for me to leave them again. I've hurt them before, when I left them to go find a shard and I promised never to leave again, but I don't have much of a choice. Besides, Kouga needs me for something so I doubt he'll do anything to me and even if he tried, I'll give him a good ass-kicking.

As I walked closer, I kept asking myself, should I tell them? Before I could decided, Akira spotted me and he smiled. Without realizing, I smiled back, reassuring him that I am un-harmed. As I climed the hill up to them, I knew that I had to lie.

"Hey, Akira," I smiled, hopeing he wouldn't notice anything. He was about to say something when Shippo and my father ran over to me, yelling.

"Geez Izayoi, do you enjoy giving us heartattacks?" complained Shippo. Before I could say anything, he started looking me over. He lifted the sleeves of my kimono, looking for scratches. He did the same with my pant legs. Before he could check anywhere else, as if on cue, both Inuyasha and Akira punched Shippo on the head, causing him to fall flat on his face.

"Calm down guys, I'm fine. Like I said, there was no need to worry." I said, trying to calm them down.

"So? What did he want?" asked my father, crossing his arms. Damn! I forgot to make up something. Being the quick thinker, on occasion, I blurted out the best lie I could muster at that last second moment.

"Uh, not really sure. He just wanted to know why Akira wanted to stay here. He said if I gave him a good enough reason, then he'd leave. I guess he knew you'd never admit it, Akira, so he wanted to hear it from me." at first, I thought it sounded kind of stupid and rushed, but they didn't seem suspicious since they didn't make much of a fuss of it. I guess I'm in the clear, for now.

"Well, I guess that's it then. Now, time for dinner!" chirped Rin as she clapped her hands and shoved Shippo and Inuyasha back inside the hut. She looked back at Akira and I and winked. Atomatically, I felt my face burn red.

"My father, he didn't try to hurt you, did he?" he asked, the moment the others were out of ear shot.

"No. Even if he did, I think I can hold my own in battle." I said full confidence. I heard him chuckle slightly and he turned to look me in the eye.

"I trust you, Izayoi." He smiled and kissed my forhead, "Well, I'm starving, lets go eat before Shippo and Inuyasha eat all the food." He said as he walked away, back to the hut. Kuromaru jumped down from his shoulder and ran to me, jumping into my arms. I pat his head, smiling. Akira's words echoed in my head … this only made me feel even more guilty. 'I trust you' he says. Before going back inside, I looked up at the moon, full and bright. Judging by its position in the sky, it was close to midnight.

After dinner, we all decided to turn in for the night. I waited until everyone were completely zonked out. Once I was sure, I grabbed Lacrima and ran off into the night and towards the sacred tree, hoping that Akira would find it in his heart to forgive me.

Crimzon: Sorry its so short guys, I tried, but writer's block is being a bitch again.

Akira: She really did. Steam was literally coming outa her ears writing this.

Shippo: ITS TRUE! ITS TRUE!

Izayoi: … yeah, well REVIEW PEOPLE!