Author's Note: Not much to say that hasn't been said. Much love to everyone who wrote to me, and remember that the more you write me, the quicker I post…especially with college entrance stuff coming up. So if I don't post for a long while, you can give the evil eye to all the naughty people who read and don't review. ^_~

Also, because there have been a few misunderstandings, I'm the same author as the one who's been posting at Access Inuyasha. I referred to a fellow author, Jezunya, from A:IY at the end of chapter 9. You might notice that I used the same penname as A:IY, lol.

Disclaimer: …

*          *          *

Ishiyana squinted in the darkness as he drove. "Dang. Where the heck are the headlights?"

He fumbled with the handles and knobs surrounding the steering wheel, blushing as he turned on and off the blinker and windshield wipers. Eventually, he twisted the knob on the blinker handle and illuminated the ground before him. He sighed.

"Good. At least now I won't get pulled over." He squinted at the street signs as they went by, trying to remember which went to Kagome's home. I've got a bad feeling about this. I know her family isn't there, but I can't help but feel like I'll get a clue as to where they went if I just get back there.

He made a turn at the last second, wincing as he cut someone off. I wonder why I feel that way? Like something I'm NOT gonna like is going to happen?

*          *          *

Hojo took slow steps up the stairs to Higurashi's house, holding a small bundle in his hand and humming quietly to himself. Gosh, I sure hope she can use these scented bath salts for her bad case of B.O.! He chuckled and shook his head.

"That Kagome. What'll she have next?" He shrugged, smiling cheerfully. "Oh well! At least I can help her feel better!" He checked his watch, whistling at the late time. "I hope she doesn't mind, but after all, we were supposed to go out tonight. Surely she won't be upset if I pay her a little call."

Hojo drew to a stop as the sound of squealing tires cracked the air behind him. Eyebrows rising, he turned to see a strange boy burst out of a red car. He put a friendly smile on his face and turned to the boy.

"Can I help you?"

The boy came to a stop on the step below him, huffing slightly.

"You…have you seen Kagome's family?"

Hojo frowned. "Higurashi? I was just about to check on her."

"She's not in, I can tell you that. Have you run into her family, though?"

"Um…" Hojo scratched his head with his free hand. "Yeah, I think so. I saw them heading from the VR Theater a while back." He shook his head. "I'm not surprised they left, but I'm sure Kagome needs some company…not matter how funny she smells."

Hojo smiled brightly. I'm such a nice guy, helping out Higurashi in her time of need. No wonder she likes me!

Ishiyana raised an eyebrow. "You were going in there?" He looked up at the compound, which was still clouded over with darkness and miasma. "You didn't notice anything…weird…about her house?"

Hojo glanced over his shoulder. "Why? Is something wrong?"

Ishiyana sighed. "Look, never mind. Kagome's not there, and I really need to talk to her family about…uh…her health."

Hojo's brows furrowed momentarily. How does this guy know her, anyway? "Actually, I'm not sure that's a good idea—"

"Do you know how to get there?"

"Of course, but—"

"Then let's go."

Grabbing his arm, Ishiyana practically dragged Hojo towards his car, ignoring the boy's sputtering protests. "No time, ok? 'Higurashi' may be in danger."

That shut him up. "Danger? From who?"

"Some jerk wants her house, and her family doesn't want to give it up," Ishiyana vaguely improvised, sitting in the driver's seat and buckling his seat belt. Hojo followed suit.

"Why didn't you say so? Let's go."

Ishiyana started the car and hit the gas. He glanced over at the tall boy beside him, extending a hand.

"By the way, I'm Ishiyana."

"Hojo. Nice to meet you."

"Yeah. Sure."

*          *          *

Souta stretched his arms up over his head. "Man, that was awesome!! I can't believe we got to go through twice!!" He beamed up at his mother. "Thanks, Mom!!"

Grandpa crossed his arms and grumbled under his breath. "He'd better thank us, after waiting for three hours in line for a twenty minute show, then waiting another three hours for the SAME twenty minute show!"

Mrs. Higurashi smiled. "You're welcome, Souta. We all had fun, didn't we, Grandpa?"

"Hmph."

She laughed softly, her grocery bag swinging gently at her side. "Besides, I was getting good at fighting those monsters. That alone is worth the wait!"

Souta rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah, Mom, you were pretty good." He started to grumble as well. "Almost better than me sometimes. What's with that??"

Grandpa sighed as he looked at a clock on a building nearby.

"It's almost eleven. Can we please go home?"

Mrs. Higurashi's smile faded. I'm not sure. I haven't felt like it was safe since that strange warning from Kagome. She frowned slightly. I thought for sure she would be able to find us, considering how long we were at that theater. I wonder if…something's wrong?

Grandpa took in the worried frown on her face and softened. "Then again, I suppose if it's bothering you…then maybe we should get something to eat?"

Her face lit up. "Wonderful idea! I know the perfect place." With that, she hooked her arm in Grandpa's and snagged Souta's hand, shifting her bag to the hand through Grandpa's arm, leading both boys away.

*          *          *

"Are you sure you know where you're going?"

"Of course! Who doesn't know where the new VR Theater is? It's a hot ticket right now." Hojo smiled. "Besides, Higurashi and I were going to have a date there."

Ishiyana barely avoided hitting an oncoming truck. "You what??"

"We were going to go to the grand opening together, but she fell ill again." His expression turned wistful. "The poor girl. If only her health weren't so fragile, we could have a real relationship!"

Ishiyana stared straight ahead, hands tightening slightly on the steering wheel. "Does she know about that?"

Hojo stared at him. "Well, of course! I mean, sure, she's stood me up a lot, but she does keep agreeing to go out with me." He scratched his head thoughtfully. "Or, at least, her friends do."

Ishiyana blinked, still staring straight ahead. Just how many guys does Kagome have after her? He glanced at Hojo. No way…he's not her type. Nice guy, I'm sure, but he's dumb as a rock.

Abruptly, the whole situation struck him as funny. Bursting out in laughter, Ishiyana tightened his grip on the wheel and tipped his head back against the headrest. Hojo gazed at the boy next to him.

"Um, what's so funny?" He's not a nutcase or anything, is he?

Ishiyana just shook his head. "Nothing. Don't worry about it." Chuckling, he made a turn that Hojo warily pointed out. Sheesh Kagome. You've got me, Inuyasha, this Hojo kid, and that Koga you mentioned before all after your heart. He rolled his eyes. If my situation weren't so darn funny, it'd be reeeeeeeeeally pathetic.

He looked down and reached towards the radio.

"Why don't we listen to some music while we're at it?"

No sooner had he turned the radio on than some eerily familiar bass started thumping out of the stereos. Two seconds later, Ishiyana started laughing again.

I believe in miracles! Where you from,

YOU SEXY THING? (You sexy thing, you!)

I believe in miracles! Since you came alooong,

YOU SEXY THING!

Inuyasha paused on a rooftop, sniffing at the air. Kagome placed her chin on his shoulder, peering at his face.

"Something wrong, Inuyasha?"

He frowned. "No, not really. It's just getting a little hard to sift their scents out from everyone else's. There are just so many scents in your era!"

She sighed. "It must be annoying, with your sense of smell. I don't think I'd even be able to stand it, especially if I was used to the clean air of the Feudal Era." Her eyes lowered.

Inuyasha stilled and looked over his shoulder at her. "It…it's not that bad. I'm kind of getting used to it."

Abruptly, his breath caught as he noticed just how close her lips were to his. His eyes darted from her lips to her eyes, which were gazing at him in confusion. Blushing furiously, he turned away.

His eyebrows drew closer together as he saw a car drive by, music blasting from it. Though it was hard to tell at this time of night, he could've sworn that Ishiyana was the one driving. Scowling, he leapt towards the car, Kagome clutching him tightly.

"Inuyasha, what are you doing?"

"The little wuss is heading in the same direction as your family's scents. I'm trying to figure out what the hell he's doing."

"You mean you actually care?" She smiled. "I knew it. You really are a softie."

Inuyasha blushed a little deeper, but he said nothing.

Where did you come from, baby?

How did you know I needed you?

How did you know I needed you so badly?

How did you know, I'd give my heart gladly?

Ishiyana bobbed his head to the music, singing along with it. Hojo shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

"Yesterday! I was one of the lonely people. Now you're—"

"Hey! Turn here!"

"Oh, right." Laughing, he made the turn and continued getting into the music.

"I believe in miracles! Where you from, YOU SEXY THING!"

Shimmy to the left.

"I believe in miracles! Since you came along, YOU SEXY THING!"

Shimmy to the right.

Hojo reluctantly smiled and started to sing along. What could it hurt?

Where did you come from, angel?

How did you know, I'd be the one?

How did you know, you're everything I prayed for?

How did you know- every night and day for?

Back in the Feudal Era, Sango leaned against the side of the well, peering down into its depths. She glanced up at the sound of sandaled feet scuffing the ground. Miroku gazed at her for a moment before sitting beside her, leaning his staff against the side. He also looked down into the well.

"A peculiar thing, isn't it? Inuyasha can travel through the well, Kagome can travel through it, and now Naraku." He frowned slightly. "But if the jewel is all it takes, shouldn't we be able to cross over as well?"

Sango looked up at him. "If you want to try, be my guest."

Miroku pulled a fragment of the Shikon Jewel out of his robe and glanced at it.

"I suppose it couldn't hurt to try."

With that, he swung his legs over the edge of the well and slipped inside. Sango leaned over the well, eyebrows rising when no noise emitted from the shadows.

"Monk? Are you down there?"

Silence.

Sango leaned back in surprise, trying to make anything out in the shadows of the well. I wonder…I wonder if he made it…?

"…Ow."

Sango slumped. "So you're still here." Her expression darkened. "You know, you didn't have to lead me on like that."

She heard him move about in the bottom of the well. Eventually, he replied, voice coated with embarrassment.

"I think…I think I might have twisted my ankle down here."

Groaning in frustration, Sango dropped down into the well and groped about in the darkness. When her hand hit him, she grabbed him and pulled him towards her, snagging his arm as it came around her shoulder. She scowled as she prepared to leap out of the well.

"Honestly, how you managed to land without a sound…"

"That's how I twisted it."

"You're an idiot."

Just before she jumped, however, she felt a familiar hand running down her back…

"You PERVERT!!!"

WHAM!!

Miroku hit the ground heavily, chuckling softly. "My apologies, Sango. Now, if you would be so kind as to—"

She huffed, face red. "Forget it. You can get out on your own."

Indignant, she vaulted out of the well. She scowled as the monk followed suit.

"I thought your ankle was hurt," she ground out.

He looked down at it in surprise. "Well, what do you know? It must have been healed by your touch."

"Spare me." Grumbling, she headed back towards the village. Miroku stared after her, his half smile dissipating.

When she disappeared from sight, he sighed. Damn. I hate resorting to such cheap tricks with her, but how else am I supposed to get her attention? If I left her alone, she still wouldn't let me touch her.

Picking up his staff, Miroku followed her back into the village. He wandered into Kaede's hut, then lifted his eyebrows at the mostly empty room before him.

"Where are Lady Kaede and Shippo?"

Sango glared at him. "I'm not sure. I think she went to visit a sick friend, and I'm assuming Shippo went with her to make sure she was all right."

"She went to visit the sick?? She's in no condition to do such a thing!"

"I know that, but you know how stubborn she can be." Sango tended to the fire.

Miroku stilled as their situation dawned on him. For the first time, he and Sango were left alone together. What was he going to do?

She glared daggers at him. "Don't even think about trying any funny stuff, you lecher."

He smiled innocently. "Me? I would never." Damn.

He seated himself by the fire, resting his staff against the floor and folding his arms against his chest. Staring into the flickering flames, he let his thoughts wander. If I try anything tonight, she'll never trust me again. I can't risk that.

After a moment, he lay down on the floor, pillowing his head on his hands and staring up at the ceiling.

"I suppose you can let the fire alone. We can't help the others, so we might as well get some sleep."

She eyed him warily. "Fine. Go to sleep."

Sighing, he closed his eyes. Well, what did I expect?

Sango watched him in the firelight. Strange. I thought for sure he'd try something. She shrugged, frowning softly. I should be glad…no, I am glad. I hate it when that lecher touches me.

She lay down uneasily. Of course I do…

Yesterday I needed love and satisfaction!

Now you're lying next to me, givin' it to me!

"Oooooooook, I think that's enough." Ishiyana turned off the stereo. His eyes darted up at the same time as Hojo's. "Hey! There they are!"

Ishiyana pulled over on the side of the road and threw himself out of the car.

"Mrs. Higurashi! There you are!"

The woman paused and smiled at him. "Ah yes, you're Kagome's friend, aren't you? I'm glad you're back." She barely stopped a worried frown from slipping over her face. "But where's Kagome?"

"Mom!!"

Everyone turned to see Inuyasha landing beside them, Kagome on his back. She piled off him in a hurry and threw her arms about her mother's waist.

"Mom, I was so worried about you!!!"

Souta scratched his head. "Worried about what?" He looked up at his grandfather, who shrugged.

Inuyasha folded his arms over his chest, trying not to feel discarded and useless. Ishiyana blinked at him, eyebrows furrowing.

"What are you doing here? I thought you went off to find Naraku."

Inuyasha scowled. "He got away, ok?"

"What?? Do you even know where he went?"

Inuyasha started grinding his teeth. "No," he forced out. "I don't know where he is."

Kagome interrupted before Ishiyana could reply. "Look, Mom, we have to talk. We can't go back home for a while."

"What? Oh come on!" Souta threw his hands up. "Look, it's been an awesome day, but I'm tired, ok? It's time to go home!"

"I'm sorry, Souta, but we can't!" She sighed. "Look, I'll explain inside, ok?"

Inuyasha looked up and noticed for the first time that they were in front of some restaurant. Oh, great. Now I get to look like an idiot in front of all these people from Kagome's era. That's sure to impress her.

"Um, could someone tell me what's going on?"

The group turned to see Hojo, who'd come up to join them. He scratched his head. "Well, first off, who're these guys, and how do you know them, Higurashi?"

Kagome blushed. "Oh, Hojo! What a surprise. How did you…?" She trailed off, staring at Ishiyana.

He shrugged. "I needed directions. I am new here, after all."

Biting her lip, Kagome tried to figure out a way to get rid of Hojo without hurting his feelings.

Mrs. Higurashi stepped in. "Why, Ishiyana is a new schoolmate of yours, and Inuyasha," she gestured at the two boys, "is his cousin. We're just trying to help them settle in here."

Hojo brightened. "Oh, ok. I get it. That explains why you wanted to find them so badly," he stated, looking at Ishiyana. The other boy smiled sheepishly.

Kagome clasped her hands together and gave Hojo a pleading look. "Thank you for showing them here, Hojo, but we kind of have some family issues to discuss. You wouldn't mind heading home, would you?"

"But—"

"I'll make it up to you, I promise." She started shooing him away. Reluctantly, Hojo smiled.

"Um, ok, then I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

She smiled over-brightly. "I'm sure you will. See you!"

He wandered off, wondering what had just happened. You know, come to think of it, I didn't smell anything, and she was supposed to have a chronic case of body odor. Maybe she got better? He frowned as he walked away. I can't help feeling like something odd is going on here. After a moment, he shrugged. Whatever. I'll figure it out later.

*          *          *

The group headed inside the restaurant and chose a large booth in a secluded corner. Inuyasha firmly seated himself next to Kagome in the booth, crossing his arms and glowering. Ishiyana, not wanting to deal with animosity, decided to sit across from Kagome.

After ordering a few drinks, Mrs. Higurashi folded her hands on the table. "What exactly is going on? Why can't we go home, Kagome?"

She sighed. "Mom…we can't go home because…there's this guy…Naraku…and he-he came through the well, and…" She trailed off, unable to tell her family how much danger she'd been in in the Feudal Era.

Her mother figured it out anyway. "So this Naraku is the reason we can't go home? He's that dangerous?"

Kagome nodded.

"And you've encountered this dangerous man before?"

She nodded again.

Mrs. Higurashi sighed heavily, a cloud of hurt and dismay sweeping over her face. "Kagome, how could you keep something like that from us? From me??"

Kagome held back tears. "I'm sorry, Mom. I just didn't want to make you worry. Besides, I'm never really in any danger. Inuyasha and the others always protect me."

Inuyasha shifted in his seat, blushing slightly as the others looked at him.

Mrs. Higurashi continued to frown. "Still, I don't think I want you in such danger, Kagome! Maybe you shouldn't go back to the Feudal Era."

"What??"

"What??"

Both Kagome and Inuyasha started at that. Inuyasha fought to keep a look of horror off his face. Shit! If her mom forbids Kagome from coming back, I might never see her again!!

Kagome sputtered. "Mom, I have to go back! We have to complete the Shikon Jewel!"

"But sweetheart—"

"I don't have a choice, Mom. I have to complete the jewel, or who knows what'll happen!"

Mrs. Higurashi stared at her daughter, at the determined look on her face. My little girl…you're growing up without me. She sighed, leaning back against the seat. She opened her mouth to reply, but a waitress interrupted her with their drinks. When she left, Mrs. Higurashi leaned forward and rested her forearms on the table.

"If it means that much to you, then I suppose I can't stop you." She placed her hand atop Kagome's. "But promise me you'll be careful."

Kagome squeezed her mom's hand and smiled. "I promise."

Grandpa cleared his throat. "However, that doesn't give us a solution to our problem. Where are we supposed to stay?"

"You can all stay at my place."

Everyone looked at Ishiyana, who absentmindedly stirred his drink with a straw. He gazed around the table.

"My mom's always complaining that our new house is too big for the two of us, so I'm sure she won't mind the company. There's room for everyone." He slanted a look at Inuyasha that clearly said, "Yes, even you."

Kagome glanced at her mother. "Mom, is this ok with you?"

The woman smiled reluctantly. "Yes, I'm sure it'll be fine. Thank you, Ishiyana."

After ordering a small meal that no one ate much of (except Inuyasha), the group squeezed into Ishiyana's car, this time with Mrs. Higurashi behind the wheel and Ishiyana in the passenger seat.

She smiled at him. "Now, if you'd just tell me your address?"

Ishiyana gave it to her, and they started off, everyone in the back in mild discomfort. Souta grumbled at being forced to sit on Kagome's lap, but she just gave him a soft whack upside the head and told him to shut up.

Inuyasha fiddled with the window button, sliding it up and down.

"I think I liked that motorcycle better."

Abruptly, he rolled the window all the way down and stuck his head out. His eyes closed in pleasure.

"Ahh, much better."

"Inuyasha, will you get your head in this car?!?" Kagome grabbed a lock of his hair and tugged sharply. Yelping, he ducked back inside and rubbed the back of his head.

"You didn't have to do that!! Sheesh!!"

Ishiyana shifted in his seat. I wonder what's on the radio now? Reaching out, he turned it on…

"WHO LET THE DOGS OUT? WOOF! WOOF WOOF WOOF!"

He turned it off.