Yeah... it's finally here. DON'T be mad!!

You better all thank Naptina for this!! I have felt AWFUL (sick wise) the past few days and when I got on today I promised that if I had a review (not likely since it's been so long) I would start the next chappie right away. BUT SHE REVIEWED!!

Also my inspiration has been really down lately. I think it's because I have been deprived of chocolate... IT'S MY MUSE!!

We have some newbies!!

ChibiPrincess- Thanks!! I love your idea and I will get to writing as soon as I may. Believe me, I'll be writing for a while!! I have so many of my own ideas but I can't pass up on your's!

MJ- Don't hurt!! I am writing. I am writing!

Princess Sapphire- You're hilarious. Just plain hilarious. I love your questions even if the answers are already written!! Thanks for reviewing ALL the chappies! Thanks for telling me it's c-o-c-o-a too! Hey I LOVE 'As the Past Catches Up'!!!!! update soon (not like I can say that ^-^)

Naptina- MY FAITHFUL REVIEWER FROM Whispers of Rain and Wind. I am glad you like this story too. I am glad that my writing makes you so happy! Now that brightens MY day ^-^ I'll update the other soon. ::sigh:: You really want a party for the next chappie? ::humph:: I wanted a battle scene. But I did ask for your opinion.

Fire Raven- Here's the next chappie just for you!

AND my oh so loyal fans!!

Sorena27- No, Hope doesn't know that he's part of the Tashitas yet. BUT I KNOW! Fluffy with blue hair. Actually it has a purpose lata on. Glad you understand why this is late!

Just Peachy- I really don't know why she took it. Must have been a bad day for her or something. Well, I got it back which is all that counts! I will certainly check out your stories!! Oh, and how's your brother? Not emotionally traumatized I hope? Hehe, that IS funny! You make me laugh!! And Miroku is NOT as perverted as it may sound. ::sigh:: you'll understand lata. Actually I am already reading Falseness o_O I didn't check the author though. I'll start reviewing!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!! And now for the chapter that you ALL have begged for.

Shocking Waking, Parties, and the New Moon---------------------------------- --

Kagome and Miroku were still watching Hope's and Yuka's little scrabble. Unfortunately it was coming to an end almost as soon as it started.

"You mean to tell me that he still grabs you even though you're his sister? GROSS!"

"Humph. You telling me that? Well, it's not AS gross as you might think," Yuka sighed, "I'm his step-sister so it's not like we share blood."

Both girls starred at Miroku as he made a peace sign in the background. They turned back to their argument turned conversation.

"It's still disgusting though."

"I know, really. But I have to say, if I was actually related by birth to him I would have committed suicide a long time ago."

"An understatement!" cried out Hope waving her fist in the air at the injustice of it all.

Yuka agreed with another sigh.

Now Miroku was offended. He stood-up and opened his mouth to defend himself when Kagome choose this time to interfere. She didn't want any of his blood spilling this time. Even if he did deserve it most occasions.

"What have you got on the Tashitas, Hope?" she asked tensely.

You could have heard a pin drop on the carpet it was so quiet. Due to the excitement of breaking out and arriving at Hope's, work and their whole reason for coming was momentarily forgotten. But Kagome had just reminded them all. Each one turned to Hope. What they would do next to reach their goal lie solely on what she was about to say.

Hope folded her arms across her chest, her face set in a grim expression. "Not a lot actually. My informants haven't pulled through yet and have yet to check in with me. From what I've heard from their excuses, it's rather difficult to crack the new system that the dogs have set up."

Yuka and Miroku relaxed a bit after hearing this. They actually now had a chance to have some fun. Even if it was not going to last. The only thing that they were afraid of was their boss' reaction. Hopefully she won't take her frustration out on Hope. They now all faced Kagome who had her eyes shut closed.

"I see. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. If the whole of the La Kellas aren't yet able to crack the code then I shouldn't expect it to just happen with you Hope. I trust that you will get what I need before my brother though. I believe you will accomplish that much."

Hope agreed solemnly. She didn't know what was up with her brother but she knew that she would have the information before Sota did. Ry just wouldn't be embarrassed like that.

The two lieutenants almost shook with relief, but they were slightly perplexed. Had Hope already influenced Kagome's personality this much so soon? Somehow they both knew that the La Kellas' insults earlier were just for show, they weren't really meant. But they didn't know that Hope and Kagome were so close that Kagome actually felt comfortable enough to act...almost normal with her.

Miroku changed the subject for which they were all grateful. "So should we all get ready for tonight?" he asked joyfully.

Kagome snapped her head to face him. "What about tonight? You don't actually expect us to go out, do you? Especially with me? No way!"

Miroku pouted which was surprisingly cute and persuasive. "But didn't you just hear Hope right then? She's gonna show us the town. Besides, she has to meet up with her little boyfriend, doesn't she?"

Both Hope and Kagome shot angry glares at him. One for her Sesshoumaru being called 'little,' the other being reminded that she didn't know everything about her Angel.

Lata------------------------------------------------------------------------ -----

Kagome starred into her drink. It was her third martini and it was starting to get to her head. She closed hr eyes and just listened to the people's chattering, the foot-steps of those dancing, and the background music all beat into her mind.

"Life sucks," she whispered to her glass after she again turned down an overconfident male who somehow thought that he would have even the smallest chance with her. Kagome figured it was because of her now streaked red hair and dark scarlet eyes that gave her a punkish, daring look. Ok, she was drunk, but not that drunk. (A/N how else do you think Inu-Yasha has a chance? Hehe)

She narrowed her eyes as she recalled why she was in this state. It was because she had to wait. Waiting was never her strong point, especially when it came to this. She almost broke the glass she was holding. 'How much longer tell I can pay back my mother's death?' she fully closed her eyes again. 'Patience, patience. Hope will not fail me."

She had to face it; she was depressed. She slammed her free fist on the table causing the people gathered around her to edge back in fear. Kagome swallowed the rest of her drink. She hadn't gotten anywhere yet. Nowhere. She had nothing on them. Her only comfort was that Hope and her 'friends' could break the code. She knew that.

She looked down dubiously at her empty drink. What a way to forget her troubles. Kagome was stating to feel a little tipsy now but paid no mind. Well, except for the fact on how she even got so many drinks. How she had even got one drink. She was and looked underage so... She finally figured it was because she was with the Angel. She and her party were even allowed to skip the whole line to get inside just by a nod of her protector's head. Hope must really have great connections.

Kagome looked tiredly around, surveying for anyone that she knew. Yuka could be seen flirting with a hoard of gullible guys in a far corner. 'They probably think that they could get some,' snorted she. Yuka, or should she say Yuki, and her brother acted more alike then they'd care to admit. She didn't find Hope or Miroku though. The last time she had seen the Angel was when her dark blue haired date led her away to meet some Rin person. She lost Miroku a long time ago.

Longing for fresh air she pursed herself rather rudely to the door. Kagome did not venture outside, though, for she would not be able to gain back entrance. She took a deep breath to calm her swirling head and nerves and watched the rain fall and splatter onto the pavement. She would have seen a new moon if the clouds had not obscured her vision. She strolled back to her chair by the bar, surprisingly left vacant despite the tight seating arrangements. She supposed she let out too much of a threatening aura for anyone to challenge her right, even if it was about something as disposable as a chair.

Instead of sitting she leaned against it and again allowed her eyes to wonder. Something caught her eye like magnet and just wouldn't let go. A raven haired man standing near the dance floor. From her angle she was able to tell that he had a very nice body and must be rich since his taste in clothes was expensive. She felt almost attached to him even though his back was towards her and she couldn't even see his face.

As if drawn by her glaze, he slowly turned around and locked eyes with her. Neither moved and Kagome kept an impassive face. Soon her hand with her refreshed drink started to tremble and she quickly broke eye contact and turned back around focusing herself on putting the glass back onto the table. She did not turn back.

'Gods! I must be really drunk to start checking out a guy.' She took a quick look back and noticed a swarm of sluttish girls flood the area around him and start fighting over him. Well, at least trying to fight. Their attempts were actually quite pathetic. 'Great. Now he's a known Playa too.' She watched one girl that actually had some skill attempting to keep the admirers away. Kagome then saw Miroku come up and grab this new woman by the waist and lead her away after she was done fighting off the crazed whores. He noticed his boss' stare and gave her a sly wink.

Kagome gestured for yet another drink and turned her attention and concentration onto this.

Elsewhere--------------------------------------------------------

Inu-Yasha stood next to the dancing couples. He saw his brother currently dancing with this Hope person. Though he might find her greatly attractive, he figured that there was no way that he would desire her as a girlfriend. More like just a friend. Which was good. Otherwise he had a feeling that Sesshoumaru would kill him if he attempted to get a date with her. What intrigued him most of all though was that she was able to make 'her Fluffy' dance, talk, and actually have fun. She had him wrapped around her little finger and his older brother didn't even know it.

They were perfect for each other and if Hope could have Sesshoumaru actually dance, he knew that this cold, emotionless Tashita was smitten by her. Most probably loved her.

Quite frankly, Inu-Yasha never even thought that was even possible.

A shiver ran down his back as he felt a stare from behind him. Hey, he might be human tonight but he still was more aware then any normal one. He turned around to have his emerald green eyes star into startling red ones. This woman caught his attention. He could almost sense that she was different. She wasn't batting her eyelashes seductively at him. Instead her glaze almost seemed to judge, analyze, and penetrate into his very soul.

The mystery woman locked eyes with him, each trying to gain the upper hand. Then she turned abruptly and he noticed her empty glasses by her side. His eyebrows rose. 'Must be depressed or something.' She did not strike him as a drinker. Hell, she didn't even look old enough to drink.

He was about to step forward and introduce himself when his monthly 'fan club' rushed him and almost tore his arms from his body. Instead of thinking how immature these girls were, he surprised himself on thinking what the read eyed woman would think of this. Inu-Yasha supposed he failed miserably in her judgment.

"FEH! Get off of me bitches!!" he yelled attempting to break their many holds. He was starting to wonder if he would have to seriously harm them in order to free himself. He desperately wanted to redeem himself for some strange reason. Luckily Sango had just made her appearance and started to expertly hit the lunatics without truly hurting anyone of them.

Inu-Yasha shook the remaining off and regained his composure. For once he swirled around to thank his friend but she was already off in the arms of an ice blue haired an. He shrugged it off. It's not like he really needed to thank her, she was just doing her job.

He revolved his body around again as was about to step forward when.... (A/N I am evil. No? Inu-Yasha just can't get there can he?) his shoulder was suddenly grabbed. Inu-Yasha tensed and was about to flip his 'attacker' but stopped once he heard the voice.

"Don't hurt her," demanded Sesshoumaru, "That girl is Hope's friend and if you attempt to just use her and then discard her you WILL answer to me!" Fluffy (^-^) stepped back and then returned to his lover.

Inu-Yasha shook his head slightly at his brother's meaningful words. Somehow he knew that he would not use and abuse this one as his brother had plainly out it. He knew that this one was special. And to him he could tell that to win her love was going to be a challenge.

He advanced toward the red haired beauty, determination in his steps.

(End? NO WAY!!!)

Inu-Yasha took the seat beside her after frightening off its resident away with a cold look. He sat down and ordered a simple coke from the bartender. He was only nineteen.

Kagome felt him side next to he and she widened her eyes as she heard his voice. 'So soothing,' she thought drowsily. She had had yet another martini and firmly resolved not to have another. What was it? Five? Six? She smiled insanely to herself realizing that she now had no restraint on her emotions. She also thought this guy was cute.

My name is...Kate," she ended remembering the made-up name that Hope had christened her with. She could tell that the man was surprised when she made the initiative.

"Hey, Kate. You can call me Inu-Yasha," he responded after a slight pause.

'Kate's' eyes widened yet again. "Dog demon?" she asked.

"Yeah," he replied smugly, "you can say that my parents loved dogs."

Kagome thought to herself. 'Loved?' she questioned. "My parents are dead too," she surprised herself with her volunteering that information. "At least I think so. I never met my dad so I don't really know if he's alive or not." She had to stop herself. This was getting too personal. But for some reason she felt safe with telling this complete stranger about her life. Of course if she spoke any more she would exclude the parts about gang wars, power struggles, and transporting drugs. She was with it enough to know not to do that!

"Sorry," mumbled an empathetic Inu-Yasha, "I know how you fell. At least to some extent."

Kate giggled to herself. "I am so drunk!" Inu-Yasha looked at her sharply. Now he had no doubts that she did not drink.

"You need help getting home or something?" he offered. 'Ok, I can get to know her better maybe some other time.' But he sighed. He wanted to get to know her right then. 'This is so unlike me!' he screamed to himself. 'I have never felt like this for a girl. And she's drunk too!"

"Come on!" laughed Kate as she pulled a stunned Inu-Yasha from his chair by his sleeve. "Let's get some fresh air." She pulled them to the door and exited out into the rain. She let go and raised her arms up to embrace it. She giggled again and Inu-Yasha smiled looking at her. She looked so innocent besides the violent hair and eye color.

For the first time in a long while Inu-Yasha felt happy. He joined her glaze and looked up to the sky, letting his hair and clothes become drenched by the wet droplets. He laughed and turned towards this mysterious, innocent, not to mention drunk girl that had been able to make him do something that no other woman in a long time had ever been able to make him do.

His laughter joined her's. But then he stopped. The drunken woman turned towards him, a soft smile taken over her lips. "You really are something," he whispered. Right then and there he decided that he would conquer her heart, preferably when she was herself, and make her his. He felt giddy for some reason like he had too much wine.

But then Kate suddenly slumped and fell. The shock just registering he barely managed to catch her before she hit the pavement. His eyes widened. "She really is drunk!" he looked from side to side but he realized that there was no one to help him. He could not enter back into the club because he would not be recognized in his human form. He knew that both Hope and Sesshoumaru would kill him if they caught wind that he had just abandoned her.

Inu-Yasha didn't want to do that anyway. He swung her over his shoulder and proceeded to walk.

4 hours lata----------------------------------------------------------

Kagome groaned and twisted in her sleep. She shook herself half awake remembering the dream, no, nightmare. There was so much blood. She shivered and clutched herself tightly. She calmed though when she felt a warm body snuggle against her and an arm clutched her stomach tightly. She sighed and fell back to sleep. Her dreams now pleasant and sweet.

2 hours lata---------------------------------------------------

Kagome awoke all of a sudden. "My head," she whimpered. And curled into a tight ball. She felt her stomach rebel. "Oh Gods," she whispered.

"You know you shouldn't drink so much, Kate. It looks like your stomach can't handle all the alcohol."

Kagome, a.k.a. Kate, turned her head and paled at the sight before her.

End for now---------------------------------------------------

Aren't I evil? Don't worry. I have plans for those two. You also get to see what happened with Miroku and Sango in the next chappie. I made this one extra long to apologize. I think I'll post it after school tomorrow. Or maybe tonight. It's only 11:10!

Chow! hazel