Dark: Practices in front of a mirror I fell off a bridge and am kept prisoner in this awful hospital… no they'll never believe that… I was swamped with evil bugs that were trying to tickle me… nope. Um… I got lost in my… jungle of a room? It's getting there…

Camera men: looks at each other then leans forward and whispers in my ear

Dark: wide eyes What'd u mean we're on? coughs nervously Hi… I was just practicing my excuses… er… I mean reasons coughs again for why I haven't updated. You see… well… The evil gym socks of my class ambushed me…

Audience: glares

Dark: chuckles anxiously well let's get on with it shall we?

Disclaimer: I'll trade you Youko for Legolas. Lawyers bursts in IT'S JUST CARDS! Lawyers: nice try, Lawyers takes away the bound bodies of Youko and Legolas I never get any fun… pouts

Dedication: This chappie is dedicated to spice of Inuyasha, Emowyen and Lady-Seoh-Phoenix. Spice for cheering me on, Lady-Seoh-Phoenix for motivating me to get off of my butt to write, and Emowyen because she read and reviewed my other story! This is for you!

Dark: Now that, that's done I'll roll the film. Oh wait! I forgot to mention I only updated today because it's spice of Inuyasha's special day! (It's her BIRTHDAY!) HAPPY B-DAY! If you're b-day's coming up tell me and I'll update on that day/dedicate the chappie for you. And don't think of faking either… Also you have to tell me at least a month before hand okay? grabs popcorn and starts movie.


I shifted uncomfortably, as the tense air grew thicker with bitterness. It was obvious that the fellowship didn't trust the demons. The demons plain ignored the fellowship, and stupid me was caught in the middle.

Every now and then one of the hobbits looked back, their scents twisted in nervousness, which pierced my very heart. Did they not trust me? I bit my lip in thought, praying that it wasn't the reason why. But with each glance they sent in my way, the dark doubt leaked further into my soul.

I shook my head free of the lingering uncertainty, fiddling clumsily with the still stunning rose. Everything was my fault. The fellowship was breaking apart and it was because of me. My fault… I stared solemnly at the ground, hating the awkward silence, which hung over our heads.

"It's all my fault…" I stopped mid-step, letting my bangs cover my sullen eyes. Who was I to change this? Why was I even here in the first place? I didn't know. "I'm so sorry. Everything's so wrong!"

Like a coward, I wanted to run, to escape this horrible feeling. Instead I stood my ground, sinking down to the cold hard dirt below. Suddenly I felt arms wrapped around my small frame.

"Nothing," Started the husky voice, "is your fault. Things are happening like this because it was meant to be."

I closed my eyes, a shuddering sigh flying from my lips. All I ever wanted was this comforting feeling he gave me, just by standing there. I wanted to belong…

Everything was so different now; I used to be such a worry-free fun-loving girl. Now I couldn't even remember what it was to feel safe, to have a place to call home.

"Thanks." I whispered. Legolas smiled against my neck.

"Do not touch her."

… I blinked and missed it, having transferred from one arm to another instantly. Befuddled, I let my jaw drop and gapped.

"Youko…?" I questioned.

His golden gaze sharpened and glared into mine. "An elf is not fit to hold a demoness. A hanyou would be the result."

I stiffened; memories of Inuyasha bombarded me from every dark recess of the corners of my mind. "And what is wrong with a hanyou, Youko?"

"Don't imply you do not care to mix our blood with that filth! A hanyou is not a being, half something and half another."

My jaw clenched painfully, and I raised my head defiantly. Inuyasha, Shiori, and Jenengi were perfect examples of hanyous, unappreciated, and shunned. Never would I let someone attack them as he had done. They were my friends…

Eyes blazing with anger I poked him in the chest. "A hanyou as you call them are people, they breathe the same air as we do. Don't they face the challenges of everyday life like us? What's so different about them?"

My huffing and puffing pounded ruthlessly against my ears drowning out the silence I hated so.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. This was getting us nowhere, and time for us wasn't a given. I blew a stray lock of hair from my face and glanced up in frustration. "I'm sorry." I said. I didn't meet their confused eyes. "It was out of my place to say."

Youko opened his mouth, but I never got to hear what he was about to say. A startled shout from Frodo broke our intense battle of the will and surprised, I jumped.

"Orcs!"

I followed his shaking finger to the summit of a mountain not far from us and cursed under my breath. How could I have let my guard down? Nevertheless, I had made a mistake and would have to rectify it.

Using the (still) unfamiliar demonic speed I was "blessed" with, I grabbed Sam and Frodo's wrists. When I was sure we were a good distance away from the ongoing fight, I stopped and crouched low enough to meet their eyes.

"Listen to me, don't trust the Golem and stay safe."

"…Kagome?"

I sighed, blowing a stray lock of hair from my face before saying, "I know this doesn't make any sense right now but you'll understand later. Whatever you do though, don't trust Smegal."

"Where are you going?"

"This is my fault. I have to go correct it."

As I bounded away, the sound of their cries wrenched my heart and made me wonder if I truly was doing the right thing. With a heavy guilt, I raced into the bloody battle. And for one moment I doubted that killing would solve any of my problems.

Finally I stopped… and turned back. There was no way I was going to leave the poor hobits alone. I knew what would happen, the others would be safe… I hoped.

"Sam!" I called, "Frodo!"

"Kagome! You came back!"

"I could never leave you two by yourselves, hard as I try." I smiled at them grimly, a slight worry for the others settling in my stomach. "Lets go."

"Go? Go where?"

I walked over to a nearby drifting boat, and untied it, calling backwards, "Are you coming or not?"

They climbed into the small vessel clumsily, and the tiny boat rocked hazardously with the unexpected weight of us three.

…And as luck would have it, -the misfortunate- one of us toppled over and landed under the liquid sputtering up disgusting lake-water. And who was it you ask? Who else but yours truly that has such horrible chance?

Coughing I muttered angrily as I scampered into the miniature, wooden, craft, shivering wildly at the cold wet moisture dripping from my hair. "Argh, Fate really hates me."

I managed to squeeze most of the dirty water from my hair, and wiped the rest from my body, but I knew I couldn't survive a single day without taking a shower – or even better a bath… I let out a desiring sigh; almost drooling at the thought of a nice, hot, soak in the tub.

I wondered about my family, about Souta, my history-loving gramps, and my good old mother. Sometimes I just wished… that I could be normal again, to just live with my family and be happy. Instead I got stuck with adventure and bad luck. Sure I may be the great heroine but… I missed my home.

"I want my mommy." I mumbled unknowingly.

Frodo and Sam exchanged glances, and I pinned them down with a glare. "What?"

"Nothing." They chimed together.

I would have pouted but I was much too mature for that so I decided firmly to just ignore the two little hobbits. My oh-so brilliant plan had backfired right in my face. Silence once again wrapped around our dreary forms, making me shudder more violently.

At last after a long wait (five minutes… I counted) I crumbled and started to ramble, my words of random caressing my pointed ears. As they continued to fidget uncomfortably I fiddled with my hands, unsure of what to do.

It seemed to me that everything that happened, happened on my behalf, and it was painfully obvious my friends thought so as well. I wanted so badly to laugh and cry at the sheer irony. It was like I was a jinx, cursed to be doomed for the rest of eternity - only jinxes were luckier.

Here I was separated from the others by my utterly idiotic actions. Why it never failed to happen, weighted me down. But I forced myself to keep my chin up high and hold myself proudly, only to manage to look pitiful. How I wished for a giant hole to open beneath my feet and swallow me whole.

I sighed. "I'm sorry."

"For what?" Sam asked, tilting his head, which only added to his cuteness.

"Forget it… Its nothing anyways." I looked away


Sesshomaru glared across the field, and narrowed his eyes further when the object he was searching for didn't fill his gaze.

Where was she?

He knew he didn't care for her, the only reason why he was so concerned for her safety was she was the only one who held the knowledge of how to get back to his western lands. Or at least he told himself that.

Sesshomaru cast a disregarding glance at the other demon next to him. It truly was disgusting how the kitsune toyed with his opponent before slashing the ogre-like-thing's throat.

He himself just whipped through the masses of orcs as though they were nothing but paper. Of course to him this came as no surprise – he was, after all, the demon lord of the west.

His indecision was confirming the worst of him so he snatched her scent from the air and left, ignoring the pesky voice telling him, he was retreating from his enemies. This Sesshomaru does not 'retreat.'

He quenched the irritating noise simply as though it were nothing but a bug to be squished. And followed the unique aroma until he reached the bank of a large yet calm lake.

Not to be bested by something as insignificant as a big pool of water, Sesshomaru summoned his nimbus cloud and flew across the rippling lake.

There she was… Her body was racking furiously from the wind and for some reason watching her quivering violently struck a cord of displeasure in his being. It was only because she was the only way back, he told himself coldly. That was the only motive.

He waited as the cloud beneath his feet lowered to level with the small boat. His lips gave a tiny, almost invisible, twitch upwards as the hobbits scurried as far away from him as given possible by the small craft and from glancing at the size it wasn't much.


I frowned as the two moved to the far end of the boat and sulked. "Ha ha very funny." I said, crossing my arms. "I don't smell that much do I?"

Now imagine a girl sitting in a wobbling vessel, freezing her very butt off from a very, very frosty lake with her teeth chattering loudly. Her friends plaster themselves to the wall of the rowboat, because (she thinks) they thought she smelled. When out of the blue a deep voice speaks, saying. "You're odor is worse than what you think." Surprise overtakes the girl and she trips over an oar to bang her head against the side of the wood. Got it? Good, now replace 'mystery girl' with me.

Wouldn't you know it… I tipped under again. This time, however, I refused to surface. There was no way I was going to face the guys without my face looking, like a bright red tomato.

Unfortunately I was still a plain demon doomed to have to breathe the freshness of air. I burst through the watery wall, soaked to the bone and miserable. Sam reached out for me but I didn't accept his hand.

"You'd have to kill me before you see me in the stupid boat again! It hates me!"

"Girl, get up."

"No."

I don't think he was very used to people disobeying his orders because with one powerful wrench, I was brought up and set on his big fluffy thing. Confused I didn't know whether to thank him or dive back to the icy water just to taunt him. I decided on the former, having liked to live.

"Thanks."

He didn't reply and I didn't expect him to.


They were gone! Missing from his life in a single minute. Oh Gods he felt terrible. Legolas let his eyes close in self-hate as he remembered the terror that streaked through his form when what went wrong made it known to him.

Pippin and Merry were lost to them and worst of all Kagome pulled a disappearing trick with one of the demons they had met up with. One could only assume that Sam and Frodo were with her. If not…

The other one, Youko, growled demanding the whereabouts of Kagome. And how horrible were they not to have the answer they all wanted – no needed.

"I found him." Legolas called adverting his attention.

Aragorn knelt by the fallen warrior's side and sighed. "Boromir…" he started, "Are you harmed?"

"Leave me."

Taken aback Aragorn's face twisted in puzzlement but he didn't stop.

"Boromir…"

"I have failed in my duties." He sounded so brokenly.

"What are you saying?"

Something was not right, Legolas deduced. A feel of dread washed over him with good reason too. Within a second the fallen fighter lashed out making Aragorn tumble on his bottom.

"I'm saying I can't control this! My need for the ring grows inside me Aragorn! Kill me and end this torture!"

"You are delirious Boromir… come let us rest."

Legolas was silent, watching as Boromir's entire personality changed from desperate to impassiveness. Something was out of place – and it wasn't the fuming demon behind him either. Somehow… it was as though an occurrence that was written on stone dissipated.

Frowning Legolas kept his eye on Boromir who was acting all too calm after his "outburst."

The barely audible, harsh whispers of argument between Gimli and Youko began to grow in size. Pretty soon it was an all out war that not even Legolas could ignore.

Irritation having finally kicked in flared wildly as he turned to glare at them. "Be silent!" He hissed.

They did as they were told. And broke out in anger a few minutes later.


Welcome to Boredom's Vil where the only thing you can do is be bored out of your mind. Population? Me.

I was just about ready to pound my head into something, until all my dullness came pouring out when I saw it. And what a beautiful, cuddly it, it was! Grinning like a maniac I pointed to the fox and squealed at the top of my lungs. "It's a foxy!"

Sesshomaru turned to snarl at me, but I was long gone. I leapt onto the bank of the shore and ran to the cute animal, cradling it instantly to my chest as coos rolled off my tongue. "Where'd you come from hm?" I asked, nuzzling its neck. Then I said softly so Sesshomaru couldn't hear, "Could you pretend to be my Shippo? I'd love that."

"Woman!"

I sighed, eyes glued to the ground in guilt. Patting my clothing free from dirt I rose to my feet careful to bundle the tiny animal in my arms. "Don't call me woman." And walked away.

Quick as lightning he caught up, placing a clawed hand on my shoulder in a threatening position. "You need to learn your place." Then as an after thought he added "Woman." I frowned and felt distain bubbling in side of me. He did it to spite me!

Glaring at him with all my might (which wasn't much) I told the fox, "Bite him!" A look of disgust melted onto its face as it shook his head frantically.

"Fine! Be that way!" I huffed. Then I scowled. Exactly why was it that I was speaking to an animal that couldn't understand me in the first place?

"Know what?" I whispered to him in a hushed tone. "I think I'm going crazy."

It scoffed and I smiled. Dear gods I really was going nuts. I sighed in defeat and followed Sesshomaru like a lost puppy. If I was seriously cracking might as well drag someone down with me. The arrogant taiyoukai was looking extremely tempting at the moment… I laughed to myself, I didn't earnestly mean it, and I knew after all that he would kill me before I drove him to insanity.

"I still haven't named you huh?" The fox in my arms practically froze in fear as a malicious grin made its way across my lips. "Nah, I won't be mean. Much." Insert evil cackle.

After digging through the many (embarrassing) names that flew in my mind, I took a careful look at the small little thing and cleared my throat. "How about Youko?"

It's ears twitched irresistibly and it perked up, raising its head in surprise.

"Don't stare at me like that! You just… remind me of Youko Kurama is all." I said in my defense.

"Girl!"

"Coming!" then lower so only Youko could hear, "talk about barking…"

It whined, in agreement. I smiled then, knowing I had made a new ally and better yet… a new friend…


He wasn't going to wait there like a damsel in distress! Besides, who knew what the little dwarf was producing? Other than his smell of course. With a frown etched on his face he reverted to his fox form and slunk away.

As soon as he was certain he was safe from their sight, he ran through the forest focusing intently on finding the demoness' unique scent. It came as swift as a cougar and as surprising as a bomb dropped in his lap. Suddenly just when he jumped from the bushes the overwhelming fragrance smacked him right in the face.

And just as startling, he was snatched from his feet by none other than the same girl he sprinted off to find. She held him close to his chest and he purred in satisfaction. Unfortunately as the saying went, what goes up must come down. In this case, it was his luck. All too quick her attention was averted from him making him pout in response.

A look of fury blazed across her face and she pointed at the dog demon accusingly. "Bite him!" She commanded. Realization of her asking dawned on him and he shook his head wildly praying feverishly for her to understand. His prayers were answered.

At first it seemed to him that he was being ignored, something that had never happened in his entire lifespan. Luckily she was merely sulking. Like the cheerful and talkative creature she was, she started to confide in him, things he knew she wouldn't have, had she known who he was.

His mind began to wonder as she started to ramble and pretty shortly he locked gazes with the stoic demon before him, and grasped the meaning almost immediately. Sesshomaru knew who he was…

Well may the best demon win… The question was – to win what still remained unseen. He turned his head towards the babbling girl holding him and mused.

…Perhaps it wasn't as unseen as they had thought.


Dark: 380 reviews! Almost 400! I'm so happy!

Inuyasha: You took Kagome away from me! Unsheathes tetsusaiga

Sesshomaru: She never belonged to you in the first place!

Youko: She's mine!

Kagome: is dizzy

Legolas: Kagome, are you alright?

Kagome: Fine thanks.

Dark: sighs I wish… that someone would love me like that… even liked me in the tiniest bit… Oh wells is sad… I did vow not to date until 2nd year university… Anyways I passed the finals with straight A's at the end!

IMPORTANT! Sesshomaru/Kagome fans I've posted a new story, I also adopted a Hiei/Kagome story. Please read them!


Poll:

I've lost count… Youko and Sesshy are neck to neck with Youko leading with two votes (I suppose)

Poll for winner of Kag's heart:

Legolas: A LOT!

Winner: seven I guess…


Review Responses:

hakkai-my-youkai: Er… I don't think I left a cliffhanger… Warning though if you think that's bad just wait until my cliffhangers are posted… evil grin Know what? I think I need to revise this story! So many people are saying how they're confused to maybe I'll replace them – what do you think? I love the fact that you love my fic! Kagome has been in Middle Earth ever since I think it was the second chapter and that auction thing's weird, I know. Sighs I hope my writing's good enough to make things clearer in the near future.

YoukoLover: grins You really think so? I'll try to keep up the work… course I can't guarantee me updating anytime soon…

Saphire Dragon: I'm so sorry I made you wait so long! O.o That's a new threat… I wish I was as creative as you. Seriously? You like my story! I'm so glad! Smiles Especially because you're one of my favorite people on Hehe, I love being evil…

Lady-Seoh-Phoenix: wide eyed er… I didn't mean to…? Coughs I mean, I didn't abandon you… (Inu crew: LIAR!) You really think this is a great story? I'm flattered! Yeah, Kagome's going insane isn't she? (Kag: HEY!) Dear Lady-Seoh-Phoenix's muse, there's no need to be so formal towards me! I'm still a kid and I like to make friends so I'm more comfortable with casualty. Third time? Wow she must run you ragged… just kidding! God knows how many people I've killed with my lack of updating… I'm worse than anyone you or I know! Darkness carrier-sama? I am so growing an ego! You guys are just too kind! Blushes

Lady-Seoh-Phoenix: grins Gotta love death threats…

Lady-Seoh-Phoenix: You've been rereading my fic? Wow you must like it… I'm glad! I'm updating… now? Lol

Saphire Dragon: Lol, be thankful I didn't leave you with a cliffy. I do love being evil! Evil laugh

Silver: Lol, I will, thanks for voting!

Nameless: You seriously love my story? It really is funny? Really? Because usually I can't do funny, not once… Okies, one for Youko becomes accountant Yep you guessed it!

Broken Whispers: weak smile Sorry, I'm kind of used to it but I'll try not to put it in as much okay? Thanks for saying so anyways.

Broken Whispers: Like I said above, so many people are getting confused to I'm considering revising this whole story. Tell me your thoughts okay?

Broken Whispers: … I'm glad you like my story enough to review as much as you did and if you think that's bad just wait… I have two cliffhangers that'll make you want to kill me… I'm dead serious.

Broken Whispers: … thanks?

Broken Whispers: Women rock! Power to the females!

Broken Whispers: Er… you're getting me confused further…

spice of Inu-Yasha: Happy, happy, happy b-day! Sings Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear spice of Inu-Yasha (I won't say your real name unless you want me to) Happy birthday to you. By the way, I'm not going to respond to every single review you've given me because… well we speak all day with msn right? Grins

Tears-of-the-moon-goddess: I'm so happy I could make you laugh, and really glad that you took the time to review. I really am.

DarkHanyouGurl: You guess it was cool? Sniffs nah, I'm just kidding. I hope you find this chapter a little bit better.

Azaria: It is? Really? You made my day! Does a lil jig You're so nice!

kitty kitsune: Glad to know I'm not the only one… I kinda felt left out since no one else answered… I'm glad to know, you're glad to know that I'm continuing… Ow my head… lol

Saphire Dragon: Congrats! What day? I'll make sure to update then.

Alexia: I tried, God knows I tried, but I couldn't fit in a good fighting scene. That and I stink at writing so any fight scene I do… let's just say the characters must beware of my inability to write… it's shorter but hey, I think the writing's better don't you think so?

Squirrel Girl: Ack! I must be such a horrible writer to confuse so many people! Sighs I'm delighted to hear that you like my story anyways. And really? THANK YOU!

Tie Kit: That's the fifth or fourth person that's gotten lost! Pouts I really am flattered to hear how much you liked it!

Silverspun: YOU REVIEWED AGAIN! I'M SO HAPPY! It is mutiny. Brothers can be so evil… like today I would have updated hours earlier but my brother wanted to watch the anime I've been… watching. Lol. It's not only instinct and pride… let me just spoil that part since you're really close to me. Sesshy (Sess: stabs author but she still lives WHY WON'T YOU DIE!) just too cute for me to be mad at… (Kag: HE'S MINE!) I do too. I haven't let Inuyasha see his beloved yet didn't I? Well next chappie… Takashi's not important… Lol, good choice… It means everything to me!

Lea & Moon: Considering the length of your review I have to say this response is going to be long… spirally eyes I personally think that chapter smells like rotten eggs and comparing it with this one I have to say this is chappie is my fav so far. Takashi's not important believe me, he might make another appearance later on but that's it. To Lea: SAME! I love Youko better than Yoko (no offense, it just looks empty) Lol I guess you can call them that until I reveal what they truly are. No it's not instincts. That's too clichéd so I'm not going to make it so that she wished on the jewel just for Inuyasha. Kinda… I can't spoil it (Youko: More like you can't describe it!) Hehe, you really think so? Of course he loosens up. I made him show up more in this chapter… Hehehe, thanks. You're right, I managed to pass my finals and get straight A's! If you really like him I'll let you take him off my hands… he's evil to me! (Youko: Wide eyes) Hands Youko to Lea and Moon Have fun girls! Other fan girls groans in disappointment

Lady gina goddess of the wind: Thanks. I will and the poll is for who ends up with Kag.

The Fire Goddess: THANKIES!

SilverShadowKitsune: Thanks

Sapphiredragonchild: I am…

moonie9999: Hehe, I'm so delighted I introduced to you the evilness… I mean cuteness that is Youko. Okies, and I'm so glad you're still with me!

warriorangel15: snickers It is? Thanks so much but you should read spice of Inuyasha's stories or youkai yume (I think that's her pen name) their stories are so much better than mine.

Saphire Dragon (aka Kikyo must die...changed my name): Well you made my day by reviewing!

Drakumaru: Aw… thanks… blushes

Tenchi-No-Kaji: Lol, having fun? Keep him for as long as you want… I only need him on the stage to write these chapter is all… I love the fact that you think I'm a good writer, that I do…

Nightwoman: This chapter was a really long wait wasn't it? YAY! I'm so happy that you will be with me through out the entire sequel!

Sirius-Black-is-not-dead: I wish I could become an author… I really do. It's one of my dreams that I know won't happen. Thanks for the compliments. And considering your name, you agree with me in the fact that Sirius is so not dead!

yami star 5983: Thank you so much!