Notes: Sorry it's been so long since I updated last. I've been crazy and didn't have as much time as I would have liked. I do have at least one more chapter that I'll be able to post later today if not more.

Disclaimer: While Amaya is my character, none of the Inuyasha characters are mine... : )

Chapter 11-Walk Among Sakura

"Well, I guess we have no choice now," started Miroku. "We have to find Kagome. That's the only way to get him down."

"All we can do is keep looking," commented Sango. "But can we just leave him here like this?"

"As long as he's pinned to the tree, I don't think we'll make any real difference. What more could possibly become of him here?"

"I suppose you're right. Let's get moving."

Slowly she strolled through the sakura garden. It's more of a forest than a garden to me. I'll never find him. Well, I can't just give up. He never gave up on me. A sigh parted her lips as she surveyed the area. "Hmm..that's right!" She began to sniff the air about her. Too bad I don't know which scent to track. There's a faint scent that seems to cover everything. Wait! She sniffed harder for a moment. That smells close! She began to run in the direction of the smell.

"Think they've found that mutt yet?" Koga snorted.

"I sure hope so," answered Shippo. "We'll need him to get Kagome back."

"Like I need HIS help!" Koga fumed. What happened, Inuyasha? We do need you. If Amaya must be faced, I can't beat her. But I know you can. Stupid flee-bag.

"I miss Kagome," Shippo whined.

"Will you shuddup already?" the wolf youkai growled, slamming his fist on Shippo's head.

"Hey, I'm only a kid."

"Maybe we should split up," suggested Sango.

"Good idea, my flower. We'll cover twice the ground that way," Mikoru agreed. He took the youkai-exterminator's hand and caressed the back gently with his lips. "My heart will ache to see you again."

Sango blushed brightly at this. As she tried to respond, she was stopped abruptly by a hand rubbing her ass. "BAKA…" :SMACK: "…HENTAI!"

Miroku rubbed the red hand mark on his cheek as Sango shouldered her hirikotsu and began her search. With a sigh, he turned to seek out Kagome.

As she approached the source of one of the scents on the air, she saw a young girl she thought she recognized. She's a warrior, for sure. I know her. But I don't remember her yet. I guess I'm not ready to. Maybe she's seen Inuyasha.

Kagome stepped silently out of the foliage to stand a few steps ahead of Sango. The youkai-exterminator stopped in shock. "Is this another illusion?" she asked in earnest, "or are you really Kagome."

"I am Kagome."

Tears welled up in Sango's eyes as she ran up to embrace her friend. "Oh Kagome, are you alright? We've been so worried about you. We've got to get you out of this cat's den."

"But why?"

"You don't belong here, Kagome. Your place is with us hunting down Shikon jewel shards. And Inuyasha-"

"You know where he is?"

"Yes. I can take you to him." Sango grabbed Kagome's arm to lead her to the hanyou when she was stopped. "Huh? Kagome?" To her surprise, the young miko's eyes were tearing and she wouldn't budge. "What's wrong, Kagome?"

"Let me go!"

"Kagome…"

"I said let go! I won't let you take me away. You can't have me! I belong with Amaya!" Amaya, help me.

"What do you-?" She was cut off by a swirl of sakura passing over them as Amaya appeared behind Kagome. She wrapped one arm around her mate's waist as she summoned her sakura with the other.

Confused, Sango stood where she had just been with Kagome. Am I dreaming? Did that really happen? I wish that had been an illusion. She sighed as she decided to try to track down Miroku. "Kirara!"

Notes: Well, I hope that this story is still interesting. I'm not sure how much longer it will be, but there will be several more chapters before it ends. Please review if you've read this story. Critiscism is welcome. Thanks. InuNimue