Disclaimer: The author of this story does not own anything (or anyone) used in this story.

Special thanks to Jamie, who helped me double check and revise this chapter and tell me that I mistyped some words, leading to the reposting of this chapter.

PLEASE NOTE: This chapter had some typos and it has been reposted. The votes for this chapter have been added. Thanks to AnimeMoonlightGoddess, 4kagome, skiyomi, Jennifer011121, the one the only METaran-Wanderer, Kayla, Jessica, and Miranda for reviewing and providing your input. To jaryjosephwantsapplejuicenow and ShawKoh1989, it was nice to see your reviews again. Finally, special thanks to Jamie for helping with practically everything, especially with reminding me about my mistakes, which I have been too tired to notice lately. Thanks to everyone for their support. The next chapter is in progress and hopefully, it will be done this weekend.

How the writing is organized:

"....." speaking

'......' thoughts and quotes (if it's quotes then it'll be in the speaking)

Word character's actions or sound he or she makes

(......) notes

Italics how much time has passed or where the scene is taking place

Chapter Eleven: Preparations And Kagome's Running Away?

A month after the previous chapter

Summary of Events:

Miroku, Sesshy, Inuyasha, and Kagome, disguised as Kai, have been training together for the past month. The friendship between the four had slowly grown into a deep brotherhood. However, the relationship between Sesshy and Inuyasha is a bit tight because of Sesshy's dislike for half-breeds and Inuyasha's stubborn pride, which makes him want to prove himself. Luckily, all fighting is stopped by Kai, using his persuasion skills and wits on Sesshy and utilizing the power of "Sit!" on Inuyasha. Inuyasha and Sesshy have become something similar to rivals. In spite of this, the two are close friends to both Kai and Miroku, forcing the two humans to be involved in their disputes, even when Miroku and Kai had expressed their dislike for partaking in their quarrels. Kagome still does not want to marry Inuyasha, even though she likes him as a friend (he does not fit her picture of her ideal guy since she doesn't like his attitude and manners). The story begins after a month from their first meeting. It is time for Inuyasha to fight against Hojo for the privilege of marrying Lady Kagome.

With the group of four (Miroku, Sesshy, Inuyasha, and Kai) who have been training

"It's getting late, we better head back," a tired Miroku yawned as he looked up at the setting sky. "Meet back here at noon tomorrow then?"

"Sure," came the simultaneous response from Kai and Sesshomaru.

"Can't, I have business tomorrow," Inuyasha replied, remembering that tomorrow was the day that Lord Higurashi set for the battle between Hojo and him.

"What do you have to do?" asked Miroku, not knowing that the date was tomorrow, since Kagome herself didn't know at all. The group was now walking on a well-worn path towards the village. Reaching the end, Kai split up from the group heading towards the shrine as the rest of the group continued towards the inn.

"I shouldn't really tell you, it's kind of private."

"Come on, tell us, it can't be that special can it? Besides, we're all men and we're not strangers you know."

"Feh. You? A man? It's hard to believe with your immature attempts to get attention. A real man would know better than that," commented Inuyasha as he shook his head.

"I can't help it, it's in my nature and women are made for this. Sooner or later, they will fall to my handsome charms."

"Feh. Really? I can hardly find anything special," Inuyasha retorted as he began to get annoyed.

"I think you're jealous."

"Am not! Besides, I already have a girl! Or at least closer to one than you are..." Inuyasha yelled back in frustration.

"Oh? Who is it?"

"Lady Kagome!"

"Really? Since when?" Miroku teased, knowing that he could use the advantage of the fact that Inuyasha doesn't know that he knew about Inuyasha's engagement.

"Since the day you met me!"

"Prove it," taunted Miroku.

"I'm going to fight for her hand in marriage tomorrow!" Inuyasha screamed in anger, forgetting that he was trying to prevent the others from knowing was what he just said.

"So that's what you've been hiding," a satisfied Miroku commented.

"Darn you!" Inuyasha cursed as he realized his mistake.

"It's not something to be embarrassed about. I think it's great! You're a lucky man if you can get Lady Kagome. Don't you think so, Sesshy?" questioned Miroku as he tried to include the reserved inuyoukai in the conversation.

"This Sesshy does not concern himself with the matters on inferior beings, especially that of an obnoxious hanyou," Sesshy replied as he walked farther away from the two.

"So you still think I'm inferior, do you?" challenged Inuyasha.

Sesshy continued walking, not bothering to face the insubordinate hanyou as he replied, "Subordinates should not challenge their superiors."

Inuyasha was about to lunge at the aloft youkai when he was stopped by a certain monk's staff. "Let it go Inuyasha. If you truly want Lady Kagome, it would be wise to save your strength for tomorrow."

"Feh! I can beat that snobby intruding brat without moving a muscle!"

"Still, you wouldn't want to look all roughed up and tired in front of Lady Kagome, would you? I'm sure a battle with Sesshy will lead to that, even if you beat him."

"Feh!" Inuyasha said, knowing what Miroku said was true.

"Well then, why don't we go and rest up for your battle tomorrow. I'll even come and watch your match," Miroku suggested as they reached the inn.

"Feh!" was the only reply Miroku got as Inuyasha stormed off towards his room.

At the Higurashi Shrine

"Kagome! You're back!" an enthusiastic Grandpa exclaimed as Kagome, dressed as Kai, entered the room.

"What is it Grandpa?" questioned Kagome, knowing from the moment, her Grandpa had something planned for her.

"The battle between Inuyasha and Hojo for your hand in marriage will take place tomorrow."

"What!" Kagome shrieked as she fell in a state of shock and anger. "Why didn't you tell me this earlier? Why the night before? Do you even care about how I feel? At least you could have given me a warning! I didn't even want to marry neither of them! You forced it on me! And now you tell me just less than twenty-four hours before! You are so insensitive Grandpa!"

"I didn't think you would care that much... After all, you didn't like either of them and Inuyasha is the stronger fighter so you don't have to worry since you can break the marriage off with Inuyasha," Grandpa replied hoping to calm down his emotional granddaughter before she did something in her state of anger.

"I can't believe you! You don't see my point! I can't take it anymore! I'm going away! I'm not going to marry anyone! I'm not coming back until you cancel this stupid engagement and start to think about others! Why can't you care about how I feel? Can't I just find a man who loves me rather than a spoiled brat and a rude jerk?" Kagome cried in frustration as she got up, rushed towards her room, packed several necessities and ran off towards the woods, heading to the next town, knowing that she will find a place to stay with one of her friends in that village.

Author's Note: I'm terribly sorry for the late update but I didn't have much time to write this (I'm probably going to add more detail later on when I can find time). Hopefully, I will have more time for writing but I have to warn you that the next few chapters may be delayed because I'm having a hard time with keeping up my homework since the teachers have finally started to load us with as much homework as possible. I would like to thank Jamie for double checking this chapter (it saved a lot of time for me). Again, I would like to point out that with the votes, I am only accepting one vote per person, or else it won't be fair to the other people (but you are welcome to find friends who can vote for the pairings you want). However, if it is not about the same pairing, feel free to mention the other pairing you want. Lastly, the voting is still continuing and if you have any suggestions about the story or about any pairing(s), let me know and I'll try my best. Again, the Miroku and Sango pairing is guaranteed as are the Inuyasha and Kagome pairing and the Sesshomaru and Kagome pairing. Also, let me know if you want Rin to be older (like teenager or adult or remain same age as in the anime/manga) and if you want her to be youkai or not.

Reminder: One vote for each pairing will be counted for a vote from one person. If one person votes for the same pairing twice, the second or whatsoever vote will not be counted. However, if that person changes his or her mind or wants to vote for another pairing or about the extras, the person is free to do so.

Possible Pairings (ones being planned unless voted/suggested otherwise- will pretty much be in both endings for sure):

Kouga and Kagura Votes so far: 1

or

Kouga and Ayame Votes so far: 2

Hinten and Kagura Votes so far: 1

And for Alternative Endings (these pairings will be added to the other pairings in the Alternative Endings):

Sesshomaru and Rin (if Rin is older) Votes so far: 4

Inuyasha and Kikyo Votes so far: 1

Shippo and Rin (if you don't want Rin to be older)

Kageromaru and Kikyo Votes so far: 1

First ending to come out (the other ending will be the alternate):

Inuyasha and Kagome Votes so far: 10

Sesshomaru and Kagome Votes so far: 8

Extras:

Rin being youkai: For: 1 Against:

Rin being older: For: 4 Against: 1

Something I want to point out: I found that there is a bit of confusion about the pairings so I'm going to explain it in detail.There will be two endings for this story, Ending A and Ending B. Ending A will have Inuyasha and Kagome whereas Ending B will have Sesshomaru and Kagome. Whichever ending will be written first will be decided by the most votes. However, added pairings will work differently. For example in Ending A, there will be the Inuyasha and Kagome ending plus the added pairing, which might be Sesshomaru and Rin for example. Likewise, in Ending B, it will be Sesshomaru and Kagome plus the added pairing, which might be Inuyasha and Kikyo. However, the pairings not involving Inuyasha and Sesshomaru will almost definitely be included in both endings.