Note : Thanks Snoochie, Ceaseless Cloudy Days, Yasha23 and Yuya for telling me what OOC & Lemon means.

Mmph .. where .. where am I ? Kagome thought, as the throbbing pain came shooting into the back of her head. She clutched it and tried hard to open her eyes, but only managed halfway.

Kagome felt soft fur on her and under her, and she pushed them away, confused. She waited till she gained focus before springing up on the bed and scanning her surroundings.

Where am I ? Who took me here ? Who hit me ? Kagome's mind screamed, and the feeling of insecurity hit her like a tidal wave.

" It's okay, Kagome. You're safe now. " a voice called from behind, causing Kagome to jump and whirl around in a fighting stance. Even though she never fought.

" KOUGA ! " Kagome shrieked. She jerked a trembling finger at him and flashed her eyes accusingly. " YOU TOOK ME HERE ! "

The wolf prince, who was leaning on the doorway, looked at her with serious eyes. " I did, but you don't .. "

" LET ME GO ! LET ME GO ! " Kagome broke, screaming at the prince, her eyes wide and afraid.

" Kagome, wait ! " Kouga yelled, as Kagome jumped off the bed and hurled herself at him.

Kagome didn't listen though. She crashed into the demon and bounced off him like a rubber ball. She stumbled back, but without a second wasted, she jumped at him again. This time, Kouga was ready.

" KAGOME, wait ! " He yelled as he grabbed her arms and locked her securely in his chest.

" No ! Let me go ! Let me go back ! What do you think you're doing ? You .. "

" Kagome, I'm only doing this for you ! " Kouga shouted, as he struggled to keep the moving girl still.

Kagome didn't stop struggling, but took the time to glare at the prince. " Doing this for me ? What ? Bashing me on the head with a piece of wood then kidnapping me ? "

To Kagome's surprise, Kouga stiffened and didn't reply. Kagome stopped struggling for a moment, and looked up at him with curious eyes. He looked so guilty .. what's going on ?

" No, it's not like that. " Kouga replied, his voice suddenly hoarse and quiet.

Kagome wanted to believe him, but her heart wasn't allowing her to. She glared at his chest and tried again to get out of his arms. " Then why did you take me here ?! "

" It's because if I didn't, you would be kicked out of the damn palace ! " Kouga snapped, his voice gruff.

Kagome stopped struggling and looked up at him. Why was he acting so weird ? " Why would I be ? "

Kouga, who had been looking forward the whole time, lowered his head and looked at her with a serious expression. " If they found out you had feelings for that mutt, you would be sent home just like that. "

Kagome blushed, but tried to stay tough looking. " Who said I did ?! " Kouga tiredly looked at her, but his eyes were dancing with thin patience. His eyes betrayed him and looked like he was going to explode any second from now. " It's obvious ! If they found out you were in love with your own sister's fiancé, they would want you gone so you wouldn't cause any trouble ! "

" Who said I will ! " Kagome protested and grabbed Kouga's arms.

" I did. " Kouga said softly, much to Kagome's surprise. She looked up at him and peered into his blue eyes with newfound curiosity.

Kouga looked back, and for a minute, their gazes locked and Kagome could almost read Kouga's mind. He loved her. Kouga.

Kouga, this high status prince, who could sweep up a pretty girl with a blink of an eye with his extremely handsome looks, who would be the next king of his land, chose Kagome .. this orphaned little sister of a more beautiful, remarkable princess, that everybody adored and cherished.

It was surprising to Kagome, that Kouga could love her. They just met a day ago and they rarely knew anything about each other. Yet, Kouga feels he loves her, and his eyes said everything. Though Kagome should be feeling flattered, she felt flabbergasted. She couldn't love Kouga. No way. She didn't know why, but it seemed like her heart belonged to somebody else.

' " It's obvious ! If they found out you were in love with your own sister's fiancé, they would want you gone so you wouldn't cause any trouble ! " ' Kouga's words suddenly came bouncing into her mind like a lightening bolt. Does he mean .. Inuyasha ?

Kagome furrowed her brows, looking away from Kouga's beautiful blue eyes. Do I love Inuyasha ? But .. how can that be ? It has only been a week, and I have done nothing with him but fight and argue. Kouga is mistaken. He doesn't even know me and he suddenly decides that I love Inuyasha ?

" Kouga, I have no idea what you're talking about. " Glaring at the demon prince, Kagome pulled away from his grip. " And I'm going to get out of here, whether you like it or not ! "

Before Kouga could say anything, Kagome ran across the room and quickly scanned the room. It was a beautiful room, filled with furs of different kinds. The carpet was silky soft, of fur of course, her blankets, sheets, pillow, everything was mostly fur. Except the wooden drawer next to the fur bed, there was nothing else in the room but fur. But there was a lamp on the drawer, and that wasn't made out of her. Luckily, hard glass.

Grabbing it before Kouga could, Kagome smashed the lamp against the cave-like wall they stood in. She dropped the lamp, hoping it made somewhat of a crack. But it didn't. It made a tiny scratch and it nerved Kagome.

Grabbing the lamp again, she hammered the wall continuously, hoping it would make something more than a scratch. She grunted in exhaustion and Kouga could see that, but she continued anyways. She used all of her strength in each blow, tiring her out fast. She smashed the lamp against the wall, cutting her hand as well. But she continued anyway. She was desperate and paid no attention to he captor. Nor did she care.

Kouga watched painfully, his heart twisting at each hit she made at the wall. The girl was so desperate to get out of her, and Kouga had a feeling he knew the reason. She wanted to get home, get back to the place .. with that filthy mutt. Inuyasha.

Kouga clenched his fists, as his nostrils filled with the scent of blood from Kagome's cut fingers. This girl was hurting herself but she kept on trying, just to get out. Kouga knew Kagome didn't know she loved that hanyou, but deep inside, she did. It pained Kouga, and the only way was to tell her what he had heard and been told to say.

Kouga opened his mouth to stop Kagome, but she had dropped the lamp painfully on her foot and whirled around to him. She winced as the hard glass hit her bare feet, but she didn't make a sound. Instead, she glared at Kouga and clenched her fists at him. " When Inuyasha finds out you kidnapped me, he'll kick your butt so bad that .. "

Kouga automatically smirked, hoping it hid the pain in his face. " Half breeds can't do anything, Kagome. I can kick his ass anytime I want. With a flick of my finger, he's out cold. I'm full demon did you forget ? "

Kagome spat out in disgust and glared at the wolf demon, " So what ?! Just because he's a hanyou doesn't mean he can't win you in battle ! " Kagome shouted, tears threatening to form. " You don't even know him ! You don't even know all the pain he went through as a kid ! Just because he was a half breed ! You was picked on, tormented, and alone ! You have no idea how it feels to be unwanted, do you Kouga ? Huh ? Now he's strong ! I know he is ! He can beat you anytime, even though you're a demon ! "

Kagome gave a loud sob, and crumpled to the ground, crying. She didn't know why, but Kouga's words hurt her deeply, knowing it would've reminded Inuyasha painful memories he wouldn't have want to remember. She felt as if she could protect him from the world's cruel words and harsh actions. She could be his shield and keep him as strong, so he wouldn't have to hide his feelings and maybe even, I don't know, share it and even talk about it with Kagome.

Kagome .. Kouga looked at the ground sadly, yet he was angry at the same time. This hanyou .. this half breed .. she loves him. She does. She will never love me as much as I love her. She is bright, spirited, and strong. Everything I wanted in a girl .. and she's right here .. but her heart doesn't belong with me. Why ?

" Kagome .. you don't understand .. " Kouga started hesitantly, afraid yet wanting to tell her.

" What do you know, Kouga ? Tell me, what do you know ? " Kagome cried, her tear-streaked face glowing with frustration and fury.

" He doesn't love you Kagome. And he never will. " Kouga put up his hand, his face hard rock. " Don't ask how I knew. But I know because it came from his mouth. He told me he never loved you and thought you were a disgusting shadow of your older sister that he wanted and was going to marry. She was more beautiful, more serious and more intelligent than you and will always be. He hates you, Kagome. He doesn't even know why you stick around him, he's just talking to you because you are his fiancée's little sister. That was all Kagome. I didn't want to tell you but .. "

" NO ! " Kagome screamed, cutting off Kouga. " I can't believe you ! I won't ! You did something didn't you Kouga ? You did something to ruin what Inuyasha and I had ! You said something to make him say those cruel words ! Didn't you, Kouga ? Didn't you ?! " Kagome heaved a great sob and fell onto the ground, crying.

Kouga sighed, his voice tired and drained. " Kagome .. don't you trust me ? "

Looking up, Kagome saw Kouga, looking at her on the ground, pathetic and miserable. How can this hanyou she just met, cause her so much pain ? Or is it Kouga that's doing it ?

Kagome couldn't help but see the sincere in the wolf boy's eyes. It was full of hope and kindness, yet mixed with a bit of sadness. Kagome knew he couldn't lie .. could he ? It pained Kagome's heart .. not because she was guilty for being so mean even though he wanted to help. No. It was because he looked like a lost puppy, begging for a little trust from her. He reminded her so much of that special hanyou in his secretive way of asking people for help. That special hanyou that she may never see again.

Nodding hesitantly, Kagome whispered hoarsely. " Yes I do. I trust you. "

Kouga nodded and turned his back to her, ready to leave. " Then get some sleep. Maybe in a few days, I'll help you find your way home. You don't need to be here anymore, Kagome. Get some rest. " Without a goodbye or a sympathetic look, the wolf demon opened the gate door and walked out, slamming it behind him.

Kouga was right. Kagome needed to sleep. So she slowly picked herself up and dragged her body to the warm fur bed behind her. Kouga didn't even give her some bandages for her open wound on her fingers, and now it was bleeding severely.

Kagome tearfully ripped the bottom of her kimono and used the piece to wrap it around her wound. She winced at the pain, but kept on wrapping. If Inuyasha had seen her like this, he would laugh, or worse, look at her in disgust.

She could almost see him in front of her, looking at her shamefully. " What the hell's wrong with you, you ugly wench ?! "

" No .. " Kagome whispered, shutting her eyes from the image. But all it did was bring pictures of the prince into her mind, sending waves of grief and pain all over her body.

Kagome stopped wrapping, suddenly realizing it was too tight, almost cutting off her blood circulation. She crawled under the warm covers and buried her tear stained face into the soft pillow. Then, she cried herself to sleep.

===

" There, much better. " Inuyasha muttered as he stepped out of the bathroom.

He was surprised that that annoying girl hadn't pounded on the bathroom doors like a nut when he turned on the shower faucet. He had decided to piss her off by staying in the bathroom for at least an hour, but she hadn't showed any sign of frustrations at him yet.

Inuyasha strolled out, peeking around the empty hall cautiously, as if he expected Kagome do run out with a chair high over her head. Sighing in relief when Inuyasha realized Kagome wasn't there, he regained his normal tough-guy posture with his crossed arms and walked down the hallway. Unknowingly to himself, his ears were pricked and was occasionally looking around to see if Kagome was around.

Before Inuyasha could descend down the stairs to find the wench, a figure blocked him. He jumped back, but then figure walked closer.

" Ka .. Kikyou ? " Inuyasha asked in surprise as the princess leaned against him. What the hell ?

" Inuyasha, " The princess whispered back in reply, causing Inuyasha's hairs to stand on end.

" What the hell are you doing ? " Inuyasha asked slowly, his amber eyes widening as Kikyou's arms slowly wrapped around his waist.

" Greeting you. Isn't this what engaged couples are to do ? " Kikyou murmured and placed her cheek on his chest.

" Um, where's Kagome ? " Inuyasha blurted out, asking the first thing on his mind.

Instantly, Kikyou snapped her head up at him with cold eyes. Inuyasha's eyebrows went up but he didn't move. He couldn't show this girl that he was a little freaked out by her sudden closeness then cold .. ness. He narrowed his eyes at her as she had. " Why do you care ? "

" I don't, " Inuyasha quickly answered gruffly.

Kikyou narrows her eyes even further and laid her head back on his chest. " Inuyasha .. there is no use liking her. She is a mere slave to the family and we are married. "

" Not yet, " Inuyasha again, quickly corrected.

" But it's like we are, hm ? It was destined a long time ago. " Kikyou replied, closing her eyes.

Inuyasha clamped his mouth shut, as he looked at the girl's head below him confusingly. He was ready to pry himself away from her when she tightened her grip and spoke. " And she will never like you. "

Inuyasha froze, and unfortunately, Kikyou had felt it. Using a menacingly low voice, Inuyasha growled at the girl hugging him. " What the hell do you mean ? "

" There is no need to get touchy, Inuyasha. " Kikyou simply said, opening her grey eyes and looking up at him. It made Inuyasha blush and look away.

" What're you telling me, wench ?! " Inuyasha demanded instead, still not looking at Kikyou.

" Do you know the wolf the other day ? " Kikyou questioned, " She is in love with him. "

Inuyasha furrowed his brows, and he could feel his fists curl up into a ball. Kagome. How can you love such low life breed ? He is nothing but a weak and disgusting wolf ..

Inuyasha tried pulling himself away from Kikyou, but the girl's hold was strong. " Listen wench, I don't know if you're lying nor do I care. But I want to talk to Kagome .. where is she ? "

" Inuyasha .. do you trust me ? " Kikyou asked out of the blue, startling Inuyasha.

" W-what ? "

" I said .. do you trust me ? "

Inuyasha hesitated, but nodded. " Yes. "

Kikyou sighed, laying a hand on his stomach. " Then believe it, my love. Kagome is no longer here with us. She has chosen to leave. "

" WHERE ?! " Inuyasha suddenly yelled, startling Kikyou. " Just tell me where the hell that stupid girl went and I'll go get her back ! How dare she just leave without telling me or .. "

" I do not know, but Kagome does not wish to see you, Inuyasha. In fact .. " Kikyou glanced his angry face, and turned to the side. " She hates you. "

" W-what ? " Inuyasha was suddenly taken aback. Kagome hated him ? But .. what about those times when he felt so weird .. and heard her pulse quicken and her heart beat faster ? Was that hate ? No. He knew how hate felt like. This doesn't make sense.

" You have hurt her in many ways, insulting her and comparing her against me. She was sick and tired of the bickering and she met Kouga. The young wolf seemed to be in love with her and she found out she was too. So, she decided that she should leave this place she hated and go with the man she loved and cherished. They seem happy, they even might get married soon. " Kikyou turned her head to the shocked hanyou and eyed him with dull grey eyes. " Aren't you happy for them .. Inuyasha ? "

Happy ? Inuyasha wanted to scream. How can he be happy when Kagome just ran off with this indescribable wolf that he hated and leave him alone here ? How can he be happy when they are so happy ? He always hated Kouga, but now he hated him a hundred times over. He didn't know why, but taking Kagome's little heart away like that was unforgivable. Inuyasha felt as if he should've protected Kagome from the disgusting butlers and man servants that drooled over her, even though she didn't know. He had given them warning glances and when he saw Kouga, he didn't expect Kagome to love him, not even LIKE him. He had questioned her about the day at the beach but she had assured him that there was nothing happening. How could she lie to him ? He trusted her !

Inuyasha felt angry .. in fact .. very angry. Kagome, of all people, who he had silently put his trust to, had lied to him and left him like everybody else in his life. He thought he could trust her. Guess he was wrong. Now, the only people he could trust was Kikyou. He didn't even know if she was lying or not, but there was nobody else in his life that he could trust. They would all turn their backs to him and leave like Kagome had done. He felt bitter, and wanted some answers. But Kagome was gone without a word and it was all his fault. Why couldn't he be nicer to her in the past week ? Instead of pushing her around and yelling insults, she might've stayed. Maybe he was being so mean so she couldn't see through him and see how he felt about her. He knew there was something more than like .. but he didn't want to know.

" Inuyasha ? " Kikyou softly called out to him and placed her hand on his arm, breaking his thoughts.

It had been a while and Kikyou had been watching Inuyasha think. Think about Kagome.

She could see it all over his face. He looked sad and confused, and looked angry. When his face suddenly tensed then softened, Kikyou knew he was figuring something out and she couldn't let that happen.

Quickly, she grabbed his hand and called his name. He blinked and looked up at her, his eyes innocent and his face blank. For a second, Kikyou felt guilty for saying all those words to him. It pained him so much but she knew she had to. Kouga would've.

" Let us go to the nearby beach to clear our minds and spend time with each other. I'm sure you need it, Inuyasha. " Kikyou said and held out her hand at him.

Inuyasha looked away from her face and onto her pale hand. He looked at her face again and furrowed his brows. She was looking at him with hope in her dull eyes, something you don't see everybody.

She's just trying to help you, bastard. Let her. Maybe you can get some answers and maybe even, get to know her and love her like you should. Maybe.

Nodding in agreement, Inuyasha clasped his hand over Kikyou's and reluctantly began walking down the stairs with her.

That was when Inuyasha realized, this wasn't Kagome. This was Kikyou. Not Kagome.

Inuyasha clenched his fists and he let his bangs drop over his angry eyes. I don't understand. I know this is not Kagome .. this is Kikyou. But why does it have to feel so wrong ?!

Suddenly feeling a totally different environment, Inuyasha looked up and realized they were already outside. Inuyasha let Kikyou take him around the cliff, and approach the sparkling sea ahead of them. The calm wind blew in their faces and the sun shone down warmth to them. Birds flew in the blue skies and the flowers and palm trees swayed in the wind, sending its scents sailing through the air. It was complete paradise ..

But Inuyasha saw none of those things.

All he could think about, was the harsh words Kagome had told Kikyou.

Inuyasha clenched his fists and he let his bangs drop over his angry eyes. I don't understand. How could you do such a thing to me and betray me like this ?! I thought you understood all the things I've been through. Then you suddenly turn your back to me and go with some guy you just met. Damn you Kagome, you don't know what you did.

I thought we had something there, but I was wrong. You just took everything along with you didn't you ? I don't know why I'm feeling this but this is the way it is. Damn, I hate it.

Feeling Kikyou stop walking, Inuyasha dare not look at her but at the shimmering blue waters in front of him. His eyes dramatically fell and tried to push away the question that lingered in his mind for so long.

Inuyasha looked at the sand under him, and closed his eyes.

Why did you have to leave, Kagome ? Why did you leave me ?

I don't understand.

I don't understand.

Kagome peered out in the light blue skies, embedded with puffy white clouds. Birds soar through the air, piercing it's blueness with a variety of colours. The mountains showed their selves proudly under the blue sky, and the towered even more proudly over the peaks. The aroma of freshly planted flowers filled in Kagome's small room.

But Kagome saw none of those things.

All she could think about, was the harsh words Inuyasha had told Kouga.

Kagome lay emotionless in her bed; her hands sprawled out onto her soft pillow. Her usual bright brown eyes was like dull rust, staring at the window above her.

She hadn't moved from that bed for already two days. There was no point to.

Inuyasha .. how could you just turn away from me like this ? I thought I understood all the things you went through .. but I was wrong. You just betray me like that and now you hate me. Inuyasha, I don't understand.

I thought we were friends. Close ones. You took my life away, do you know that ? I don't know why I'm feeling this, but this is the way it is. I hate it.

Kagome's fingers clutched onto the fur on her pillow and bit her lip, hoping it would close the question that lingered in her mind for so long.

Kagome buried her face into her pillow and closed her eyes.

Why did you have to leave, Inuyasha ? Why did you leave me ?