CHAPTER 12: ANOTHER

She was mad. Furious. Positively, absolutely, undoubtedly, livid. Why you ask? Just ask Kikyou, she'll tell you. She did it. And it boiled Kagome's blood. Does she have no commonsense? No self preservation or something? Does she even know how to fight? Kagome doubted, greatly, from what she's seen. And this left Kagome to stomp ahead of the group after a recent demon killing, brooding hotly. Her fists were clenched, and her aura was set on 'bite' mode. She just didn't get it. It was bad enough she had been replaced in the first place, but to be replaced with something so pathetic...it was crazy! Was Inuyasha out of his gourd? Had he really been that fooled? And what made it worse was that Kagome couldn't just let the woman die, no, she had to have a fucking heart at all times and save the useless wench twice. Twice.

The rest of the group was cowering some distance back, Kouga and Ayame exchanging some uncertain glances while the other humans and hanyou tried not to notice the flares of anger fly from the miko's angry form. The dead woman remained indifferent. That is, till Kagome decided this was a good time to round on the former miko. They all stopped and backed as Kagome stalked right up to Kikyou and jabbed an accusing finger in her face.

"You," Kagome huffed and gritted her teeth. Try again. "Is there something wrong with you? Do you not care at ALL? Or is that common with the walking dead?"

Inuyasha's group looked at her surprised, Kagome kept her face to Kikyou's calm demeanor. Kagome squared her shoulders, and Inuyasha noticed for the first time, they had the same build.

"Oh come on! What do you take me for people? How could you not tell she was dead? The smell of dirt and herbs, her weak fluttering aura, and the borrowed power of others. Oh yes, I can tell all of this. Did you really think I was so utterly and totally blind? I didn't make it this far without something up my sleeve. Now you, you poor excuse for a miko, what is your problem?"

Kikyou raised a brow, "I have no idea-"

"Don't give me your shit!" Kagome hissed, and her aura darkened a bit. "Or have you forgotten that I had to save your ass twice because you were too arrogant to even fucking move to defend yourself."

Inuyasha went to back up Kikyou more out of obligation than will, but he growled at the miko anyways. Kagome snarled her lip at him.

"Stay out of it dog boy, it has nothing to do with you."

"It does when you threaten one of my-"

Kikyou held up her hand and Inuyasha snapped his jaw shut in mild surprise. It only fueled Kagome's temper. The damn fool.

Kikyou glared coldly at the woman before her and raised her chin confidently. "What right do you have to say those things? You've only been here so little time."

"I can because I was the one who had to drag their ass away from the fight cause no one else could. I'm the one who had save you from being crushed because you think you're this great powerful miko who doesn't need to even move cause she thinks she's invincible. That's why. Great Kami look at you! You're fucking dead and yet you walk with the living! Yes, I will admit you have some power, but what use is it if you don't even use it? Do you even know how to use that bow? Or those arrows? With what I've seen, I doubt it."

She knew she was getting to Kikyou, and that she should stop at some point, but damn if it wasn't satisfying to ruffle her feathers. She could see Kikyou's weak aura flared a notch, but not much, and she could feel the annoyance flow off her. Kagome smirked.

"You're pathetic Kikyou. You were a miko, mind you I said 'were', but now your nothing but a walking clump of dirt holding on to something that's not even yours anymore."

Kagome had to bite her cheek from continuing. She wasn't supposed to say that, she wasn't supposed to give herself away, not now. But it went unnoticed as Kikyou ruffled more and had to hold back her snarl. It only made Kagome grin.

"Just admit Kikyou, your pathetic, weak, and don't deserve to be the miko you were."

And with that, Kagome turned her back to the empty shell of dirt held together by magic. And by giving her the cold shoulder, Kagome broke the last straw. Kikyou seared inside. That stupid cocky wench, she had no idea what she was saying. She had no right to say things like she knew her. And she was going to see that.

Before Inuyasha, or anyone for that matter, could stop her, Kikyou had an arrow notched, bow raised, and fired before anyone could stop her. But Kagome knew. She knew it was coming, had heard it a mile away. And she smiled. Kikyou had no idea what she was getting into. And she waited, waited as the arrow zipped through the air, spinning rapidly and hissing as it made its way towards Kagome's head. And she turned. Kikyou had a smug smirk on, but when the miko turned, she gasped. It was impossible, no creature could do that. It couldn't be. Kikyou backed away shocked, and away from the shocked silence that followed Kagome's move. She caught it. The miko had caught her arrow.

And there Kagome stood, half turned towards them, hand raised to eye level, an arrow caught between her fore and middle finger. Not an inch from her face. Kagome pursed her lips as she turned fully, ignoring the silence that reigned around her. She twirled the arrow in her fingers, as if considering it closely. But then the arrow was gone, and her arm left in a completed position. The others heard as there was a thump and a gasp behind them. They turned and gasped.

The arrow that had been in Kagome's hands was now stuck in a tree, vibrating from the impact as it was thrown. They watched as a lock of black hair drifted down. And the woman who was shaking visibly, eyes wide, teeth clattering. And the arrow was just above her left ear, and would have given her a new piercing of it was a fraction of an inch lower. It had cut off a lock of her hair, pinning her to the tree in shock. But before anyone could see, Kagome was there, right in her face. And her sword pressed tightly against Kikyou's throat.

"You know," she whispered softly, dangerously, "I could just kill you now, but it isn't worth my time and energy. But just know," she dug the sword deeper, almost cutting, "if you lift one more finger to me, I'll cut it off before you can blink."

Kikyou's bow crashed to the ground from her limp fingers, and seemed to snap the others from their trance. Inuyasha growled, and stepped in immediately. He tore Kagome from Kikyou, and stood in front of the miko protectively. Though Kagome would never show it, another crack made itself known in her heart. Even now, after Kikyou had tried to kill her, he would defend her. He was such a fool at times. He growled right in her face, giving her a nice whiff of his masculine scent.

"You ever do that again, I'll make it you really can't see."

Her face hardened, "try me dog breath, I need the fight."

"Okay miko-sama, we need to talk," Ayame came up and took Kagome's arm, gently tugging when she refused to move and kept herself turned to a menacing Inuyasha. But she let herself be dragged off by Ayame into the woods. She could sense the demon's anxiety and quickly walked ahead to get this over with. But inside, she was quivering for unknown reasons. Or maybe, she just didn't want to know. She led Ayame to a clearing and started pacing, cursing under her breath. Ayame crossed her arms.

"What in the seven hells was that? Huh Kagome, cause I really saw no point in it, and you know I love a fight."

Kagome kept pacing, using her hands for emphasis, "it was her! I just...by Kami...I just don't know! She just gets to me, and I couldn't help it. She needed to be shown she isn't all she thinks she is. And by damn if it dons drive me up a wall!"

Ayame tapped her foot and sighed frustrated. "But did you really need to threaten her? We still need all the help we can get."

"I know! No need to remind me! But it was just something I needed to do I'm sorry. I just can't stand her!"

Ayame watched closely as Kagome paced. She couldn't smell the miko, but she could still tell body language, and this girl was lying. Oh sure, Kikyou had gotten to her, but it was something else. Her hands were clenching and unclenching, her scowl couldn't stay in place. And the tall tale sign. Her lip was quivering. No it wasn't just Kikyou that had gotten to Kagome, it was something else. And that thing probably had dog ears and a red haroi.

"Kagome," Ayame commanded, but the girl ignored and kept pacing.

"Kagome," still nothing, irritating her.

"Kagome!" Ayame walked right up and grabbed her by the shoulders, and stared her straight in the face.

Kagome refused to look at her, her bottom lip shaking more. "Kagome, this isn't just about Kikyou is it?" Biting her lip, Kagome shook her head. Ayame sighed. She knew it.

"It has to do with Inuyasha doesn't it?" Kagome pushed away and started pacing again, but not as high strung this time. But Ayame saw her nod, and waited for her to talk.

Kagome stopped and licked her lips before speaking. "I just don't get it Ayame. I really don't. She treats him like a lap dog, and he just takes it. She's got him walking on a leash but he doesn't care. And it gets me mad to see it. I mean, that wasn't the Inuyasha I knew, that wasn't the hot tempered hanyou I met that got mad every time I said 'sit'. He's changed, and it breaks my heart."

Ayame looked her over calmly. "Well, you've changed too I believe. When I met you, you didn't walk around with a sword, or have new powers, or this speed. You have to admit Kagome, you've all changed, all of us, and nothing will be the same for you."

Kagome nodded slowly, and bit her lip. She was right, they've all changed. She just didn't want to see that. And it made her sad. Letting out a sob, Kagome fell to her knees and held herself. Ayame gasped and went to comfort, rubbing her back as the curled form of Kagome cried silently behind her blindfold.

"Why Ayame? Why did it have to change? We had something, a friendship like no other, but then, he just...drifted from me. And you know what's sad? I still love him. I just can't seem to stop. And every time I see them together, every time he stands for her, it breaks me in a way I'd rather not. I shouldn't have come, I shouldn't have opened old wounds. I don't belong here."

"Then what are you doing here?" Kagome raised her head and turned to Ayame's light magenta aura. "Why are you here Kagome?"

Kagome sniffed, "I don't know."

"Exactly. No one knows why they are there until it's shown to them. I'm not too sure why I'm here, but I'll tell you, I'm staying until I find what it is. Same with you. Expect, I think you have greater purpose than I do. You're here, cause you're meant to be."

Kagome went to comment, but just then, a twig snapped. Their heads whirled in that direction. Coming back to focus, Kagome locked on to the aura.

"It seems we have a visitor Ayame. Come out...Sango."

And out came Sango, her pink and green kimono donned, her weapon strapped to her back. And a very shocked and saddened face on. A tear rolled down her cheek. Kagome stood and confronted her friend. Sango's jaw was working but not her voice, until she found it.

"Why?...why didn't you tell us?"

Kagome smiled, "why do you think?"

Sango looked as to ponder, all the while approaching Kagome and Ayame slowly. Her red rimmed eyes rose to theirs. "Inuyasha," she breathed and gulped. Kagome nodded sadly and hung her head.

She thought Sango would berate her for lying to them, or run to tell Inuyasha, but a pair of cool hands came and framed her face tenderly, and Kagome looked with blank eyes up at her friend.

"Can I ...see your face?" Kagome nodded, and felt the cloth leave her eyes. Sango gasped as she opened her unused brown orbs, and stared regretfully into her own. But then she clasped her tightly in a bear hug, and let out a sob on her shoulder. Kagome's hands came up and held tight around her real true friend. Sango sobbed some before releasing and giving her a watery smile.

"Oh Kagome, you have no idea how much we've missed you."

"I've missed you guys more."

Sango sniffed, "you could have come to me at least."

"I was afraid..."

"No, you knew you could come. But I guess seeing us like this made you feel bad. Shippou's been a wreck with out you, and Miroku, believe it or not, has given up on groping me. We have no spirit left with out you."

"Don't say that Sango..."

Sango shook her head and backed away sighing. But she looked back up at Kagome and smiled a little smile. "How did you do it? Hide yourself form Inuyasha?"

Kagome grinned smugly, "there's a ward on my back, hides my scent, presence, and anything else on my person. But I can't guarantee anything off."

Sango just shook her head, and grabbed Kagome's hand. "Now that I know, can I tell Miroku and Shippou?"

Kagome thought, then shook her head, "don't, Shippou can't keep a secret and Miroku will just act suspicious. I rally don't want Inuyasha to know until I'm ready."

"All right, but will you at least join me for a bath?"

Kagome smiled and was lead by Sango with Ayame following, "I'll come with you for old time's sake, but I won't bath. I want to catch up with you."

"Then we have a lot to talk about."

:::::::::::::::::::::::OMG!!!!! IM SO SORRY!!! I know I should have done this earlier, but I had no time to! But now its here, and I have an announcement. Its coming to an end!! Only a few chapters left my friends, and they will be filled with suspense. And inuyasha will find out! I promise!

SO's: (wow, a lot!)

Essis: I thank you ::bows::

Cubanblood: I'll try, I had something like that in mind. ::thumbs up::

peachesDani: hmmmm...ah, so on with the story!

Jammies2000: oh sorry, that wasn't ayame! That was kouga! my mistake ::smacks head:: stupid me. Anyways, thank you.

Lady-of-the-darkness: I got another for you...shmagaffle waffle, and no it is not a breakfast. And yes dictionaries are evil.

Kitsi: OO...um, here you go? Uh...um...I'm just gonna walk away and lock the door. Bye!

Swimchick1416: you will find out! I promise! And its gonna be cool!

Bubblebean022: oh better than that my friend...::evil laughter::

Lil'MizzRiri2004: yeah I get that way when I find something really good too. Thanks for reading! On with the show!

Kitaru-inu-lova: and it is updated! Enjoy my little dream...

Pattycake: hi! Yes, I am a healing master! You cant touch this no you cant, this too hot for you y'all cant...touch...this...um...I'm gonna shut up now.

Mish-serentiy: um...thank you? Id say I love you but I need a date first. Nah im kidding! Later!

Gothic inuyasha: you don't like the ass kickin kagome? Are you mentally challenged? Dear god, help this child! Give her the insanity needed to be a ...uh...um...I'll get back you on that.

Scitzy: here you go, enjoy!!

Inuyasha-Freak15: well somebody did, so nah! You think im that boring?