Disclaimer: See first chapter.

Rating: PG – 13

Author: Purple Uranium

A/N: I am actually having more fun writing this story than all of my other ones. Cheer for me young grasshoppers.

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Chapter Two

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Her fingers had found their way into her white obi, clutching the fabric tightly as she stood in the complete companionable silence.

Well actually, it wasn't companionable.

It was more along the lines of awkward.

She had barely been awake for a minute before she actually realized all of the people had done nothing but stare at her. Just the thought of all of those unique, beautiful, enchanting golden eyes staring at her, as though scrutinizing her made her extremely self-conscious. Not to mention shy.

She had immediately cast her eyes downwards, in hopes that they did not notice that she was feeling somewhat – reserved.

If only they would look away!

But she knew they wouldn't, and she had already introduced herself to Inuyasha, so she might as well introduce herself to the rest of his group. After all it would be considered rude, and she did not exactly feel like making a bad impression on these people.

Besides they could probably give her a place to stay – or at least help her find someone who could have possibly known her in her past life, and then maybe they could help her recover her memories.

Yeah, that seemed like a very good idea.

Kagome lifted her head, about ready to speak but stopped, closing her mouth abruptly as she noticed the strange look that she was receiving from Inuyasha – and upon further inspection from the rest of his friends.

They all seemed to be eying her with distrust and a short of underlying hatred.

'Did I do something wrong here?' Kagome thought, drawing into herself slightly. It was somewhat strange. She had never really known what it was like to be looked at like she was now, as though she had done something wrong when she had only woken up a few minutes ago.

So, she took the initiative to ask. "Is something the matter?"

Her voice sounded timid and meek, as though begging them not to answer for fear of what they might say. And she was scared. She was outnumbered – about twenty to one, and it would not take much for them to overpower her or –

Kagome paled visibly, clutching her obi tighter than before, causing her knuckles to go stark white. She seriously did not want to think about what they could do to her – after all it was a simply vile act and if they even –

Inuyasha took a step closer to her, his eyes narrowing slightly.

'Ok not good!' Kagome bristled, her eyes darting around for any chance to get away from them. She seriously did not know why she had to deal with this problem. She had lost her memories, been stuck in a void for too long, and now there was a hanyou, whom she had just met , who was looking a little too homicidal for her taste.

Life was definitely not fair.

"Did you say your name was Kagome?" Inuyasha asked, taking another tentative step forward, effectively causing Kagome to take one step back, her mind screaming for her to run.

"Ye- huh, wait what?" Kagome asked, diverting her attention back to him.

To say that she was slightly confused was an understatement. She was sure that she had heard wrong – after all he was supposed to be mutilating her body right now, not asking her what her name was.

And once again, he scoffed in annoyance.

"I asked you to confirm that your name is in fact Kagome." He growled, cracking his knuckles. Kagome, if possible, grew paler and numbly nodded her head.

But she was not even sure if that was her name – and she knew that she would later regret not telling him that she had been struck with a great deal of memory loss, because as soon as she nodded, he charged at her.

Before she had known it, she was thrown up against a tree, flinching as the rough bark stabbed into her back, as though attempting to puncture her flesh. But Kagome was not really focusing on the bark, because Inuyasha was brandishing something that she had not expected him to be able to have.

Claws. Very sharp pointy claws, which her currently positioned at her neck.

"You are the traitor." Inuyasha seethed, pushing his claws deeper into her flesh, effectively puncturing it and causing her to bleed.

But Kagome merely gulped – her mind elsewhere. She definitely had not pictured this to be the way she was reinstated into the world. She had hoped that there would be someone who had known her and could lead her to a family perhaps – and from there she could attempt to regain her memories, up until the point where she had lost all of her memories.

But instead her reward was getting thrown up against a tree; by someone she had just met and was on the verge of death.

'Very wonderous way to enter the world.' Kagome thought with a roll of her eyes.

"Bitch." Inuyasha hissed, pulling Kagome away from the tree, only to have her body thrown back into it.

A moan of pain rolled off her lips, and she immediately turned a tear-stained face up to meet his, something finally sinking in.

He called her a traitor.

And a bitch.

And she was not either, because – well now that she thought about it, she did not really remember what had happened in her past so the allegations that he was making could in fact be completely true.

"I – I don't understand. What do you mean I am a traitor?" Kagome asked, whimpering slightly as Inuyasha grabbed her by the collar of her kimono and pressed his claws to her neck again.

"Don't try that innocent little act with us now. It was you who sold us out to Naraku, you conniving little bitch." He bit out harshly, causing hot new tears to stream down Kagome's face.

Why did life have to be so unfair to – wait. Wait. WAIT.

"Um – I don't know anyone named Naraku." Kagome whispered, flinching in agony as his claws pushed deeper into her flesh. And she knew that by the way his amber eyes darkened – he wasn't exactly fond of the fact that she was 'pretending' like she did not know what he was talking about.

"Whose Naraku? Don't make me laugh." A voice from beside them said. Kagome turned effectively, raising an eyebrow at the inquiry. And now, for everything that it was worth, she really wished that she had told them that she did not remember a single thing about her past.

"I'm not trying to amuse you sire," Kagome started, assuming that person next to them was a guy due to their deep thick voice, " I seriously don't know who Naraku is. I mean I don't remember anything –"

"Don't fucking lie to us!" Inuyasha growled, throwing her up against the tree once again.

Kagome could feel her body groaning in protest, her back already forming bruises as the bark finally managed to tear through her cotton kimono and puncture her tender flesh.

"I'm not lying!" Kagome yelled back, tears coming to her eyes as she felt the hot sticky blood run down her back.

"Then why are you crying?" Another voice asked – which Kagome had to guess was female. Kagome glanced up, trying to locate the owner of the voice, but unfortunately was not able to see past Inuyasha's haori, so instead she looked at Inuyasha – innocent blue eyes staring into those of angry red eyes.

"Well most people cry when they are getting beat up for no apparent reason." She replied blithely, trying not to let her fear show through her determination.

"You sold us out!"

"Well, maybe I did – I wouldn't know because I don't remember! I don't remember anything up until I met you!" Kagome said, pointing an accusatory finger at Inuyasha's chest, her resolve strengthened somewhat. Inuyasha merely growled, swatting her finger away from his chest before wrapping his hand around Kagome's wrist squeezing it tightly.

"But if you don't remember anything how do you remember your name?"

"I don't know! It's just a name that I said – it just sounded right so I used it. I don't even know if that's my real name – I just don't know anything." Kagome said, her voice getting quieter and quieter with each word. And as she finished her statement, she sunk to the ground, sobbing loudly.

All of Inuyasha's comrades exchanged uneasy glances, as though trying to make up their mind about something. Inuyasha however merely huffed before crossing his arms dejectedly.

"I don't believe you." He murmured stubbornly, gazing up at the sky with stormy eyes.

"I think she's telling the truth Inuyasha." A small, high-pitched voice said, causing Kagome to raise her head.

And to her astonishment a small child who looked no older than 5 was standing next to Inuyasha, his fiery red hair tousled, and his green eyes showing with worry.

So she smiled.

"Thank you." Kagome stated as she gave him a short nod of appreciation. The child merely beamed before taking careful steps towards Kagome as though afraid she might attack him.

But Kagome merely wiped her tear-stained face with the sleeve of her kimono, her thoughts brightening. After all if a simple child believed her – well these creatures weren't as cruel as to kill a human being in front of an innocent child were they? If so then they would be truly sick and twisted and –

"Inuyasha, what do you suspect we do with her? I mean she can't stay here by herself." The boy stated patting her leg comfortingly.

Kagome's heart almost burst out of her chest.

Were they really going to allow her a place to stay? If they were then – Kagome's eyes immediately brightened as she scooped up the child in her arms, smiling brightly at Inuyasha.

"Please let me come with you. I would be forever grateful and forever indebted to your service." She replied, giggling softly as the child seemingly snuggled into her warmth.

Inuyasha raised an eyebrow at the spectacle that Kagome and the little boy were making, before turning to the rest of his group and asking the silent questions.

And as Kagome watched, she could not help but notice how Inuyasha's shoulders slumped dejectedly every time he made eye contact with one of his comrades. Kagome couldn't help but giggle, causing everyone in the precinct to eye her suspiciously.

Kagome merely shrugged, and pointed to the tail that the younger boy was sporting before turning to Inuyasha and eying him expectantly.

"Well?" She asked almost impatiently.

"You are going to be coming with us." He stated simply.

Kagome beamed. "Thank you! You don't know how much this means to me."

"And you are going to meet my father." Inuyasha added as an afterthought. Kagome raised an eyebrow, obviously confused as to why she had to meet his father, but the sudden gulp from the child in her arms made her wary of the decision that had just been made.

"I take it it's not a good thing?" Kagome asked, looking down at the child in her arms.

"Nope." The boy responded simply as everyone started to file out of the clearing, motioning for Kagome to follow.

And it did not escape their notice that she grew deathly pale.

~*~

He didn't seem so cruel at first.

He had been kind when he had introduced himself, his amber eyes twinkling with kindness as he gave her his name.

But then, when she had stated the name that she thought to be hers – she felt as if she were in the incident with Inuyasha all over again.

He had unceremoniously threw her against the wall, and placed the pointed tip of his claws at her throat, demanding to know why she had sold out the entire nation to Naraku – giving him what he had most desired for his own selfish needs.

And all Inuyasha did was stand there watching.

The little boy seemed so scared out of his mind that all he had managed to do was scurry away and cower behind Inuyasha's leg.

But if Kagome did not know better it seemed as though Inuyasha truly liked seeing her struggle to breathe. But what they didn't seem to understand was the fact that she did not remember her past, and should therefore not be held accountable.

But unfortunately for her – these people were not too keen on listening. Which was a bad thing for her, because if she did not do something quick, she seriously doubted that she would be living long.

She cast a saddened glance over towards the little boy, who was still trying to hide behind Inuyasha's leg and not be forced to face his father's wrath, but unfortunately it seemed that Inuyasha seemed to be attempting to inflict his own damage upon the child.

"Hey!" Kagome immediately chided, pushing Inuyasha's dad away with strength that even she herself did not know she possessed. As the older man fell to the ground, Kagome immediately dove at Inuyasha's feet, scooping the child up in her arms, and cooing him softly – trying to calm him.

But the child itself was still a little shaky – and Kagome immediately regretted allowing him to come with her to meet Inuyasha's father.

If Kagome had been paying attention however, she would have noticed the strange look that crossed his father's feature – halfway between bloodlust and confusion.

Were people who betrayed others even allowed to coddle a child after sacrificing the lives of hundreds of people simply because she wanted to live a regular life?

Inuyasha's father straightened himself out, combing a hand through his long silver hair before watching Kagome stand up and turn towards him, a determined look apparent on her normally innocent features.

"Lord Inutaisho " Kagome started numbly, thinking about how many scar markings she would have on her throat if she even made it out of this situation alive, "if you would please listen to what I have to say, it's really important." She urged, casting an unsubtle glare towards Inuyasha.

"You have five minutes." Inutaisho replied coldly, folding his arms across his chest as he glared at Kagome somewhat dejectedly. And for just a brief moment, Kagome wondered why he had looked so depressed but then – it's not every day that weak human children with no memories are able to attack a demon and actually make it out alive.

"I know that everyone believes that I sold you guys out to this Naraku fellow," she simply received an undignified snort from Inuyasha, " but I honestly don't remember anything. All I know is that there is the possibility that my name is Kagome, and you guys want to kill me because I supposedly betrayed you. I don't remember anything about my past, but I do remember floating around in a white void of nothingness for quiet a long time, but that's it."

Inutaisho stared at her disbelievingly.

"She spouted that same crap to me too." Inuyasha stated offhandedly, eying the child in Kagome's arms with distaste. "Shippou however thinks that she is telling the truth."

Inutaisho raised an eyebrow, looking at the said child who had nestled deeper into the woman's arms.

And Inutaisho looked as though he were having a battle with himself. Although he had his expression schooled into a stoic one – his eyes betrayed his emotions. It seemed as though he was stuck between allowing Kagome to live and wanting to tear her to shreds.

Shippou's opinion could not have had that much effect on the male could it?

Kagome's heart wrenched painfully as Inutaisho's eyes suddenly grew dark and he took a condescending step towards Kagome.

Every muscle in her body was telling her to run away – that he was going to kill her, but she continued to stay rooted to the spot. Whatever pride she had was not allowing her to move – and Inutaisho was now in front of her, glaring at her menacingly.

"They say that children are able to see through any façade that an adult puts on. And seeing as to how Shippou is a kitsune he is able to sense a liar a mile away – if you so much as put one toe out of line or go crawling back to that fiend Naraku, I will not hesitate to kill you. Do I make myself clear?" He growled out.

Kagome nodded slowly, taking a step back in anticipation.

That definitely was not what she had expected but – she had to be grateful to Shippou – but she would be able to thank him later. There was something else on her mind, nagging at her senses.

"Lord Inutaisho, pardon my intrusion, but who pray tell is Naraku? I mean he's been mentioned around me every single time but – every time I ask about him I get attacked." Kagome muttered a little sheepishly.

Inutaisho raised a delicate eyebrow, watching in slight awe at the innocence that flooded her blue eyes. There was no way that she could have been lying about losing her memories could she?

After all there was the strong possibility that Naraku could have injured her in someway and caused all of her memories to be wiped completely away from her.

But perhaps – he knew of how strong she had been, after all she was the protector of the jewel that she had so willingly given to Naraku in exchange for a new existence – she had to be extremely powerful.

And if she were that powerful – perhaps he would be able to use her against Naraku. All she really needed was a little training and she would be able to channel all of her miko powers, and they would be able to successfully rid themselves of Naraku and destroy the fated jewel that had caused their world to fall to pieces.

Of course, it was a perfect plan.

But there was only one downside. Could Naraku have purposely done this?

Naraku of course knew of the power that the miko possessed and if she were give off enough at one time it would send the Inu – Clan running to find her.

That after all had been the cause of their sudden appearance that day. They had felt some strange sort of pulsating power and they immediately went to check it out. Of course they did not expect to find the one that had joined Naraku's side – the one that had given him the jewel.

But it was good enough for him. She had been wiped clean of any and all memories, which would mean that it would be good for Inutaisho to build new ones. He would be able to mold her, to bias her in any way that he pleased – and because she would want to reconcile for what she had done in the past, it would simply be too easy.

It was cruel of him yes, but necessary nonetheless. Kagome was strong and obviously prone to manipulation – and if manipulated the right way, she would be eating out of the palm of his hand.

Life could not have gotten any better for Lord Inutaisho.

"Inuyasha, show her to a spare room, preferably one close to you. Kagome, you will need to come down to dinner, dressed reasonably. That way I will be able to present you to the entire Inu – Clan and explain some past occurrences with you." He commented taking notice of the look of horror that spread it's way across her face.

Perhaps she would not be able to handle what had happened in the past – but it was necessary.

Inuyasha merely scoffed.

"Yes father." He bit out roughly before grabbing Kagome by her arm and dragging her out of the room.

Kagome barely managed to bite back a yelp of surprise as his claws dug into her delicate arm, causing her to bleed once again.

~*~

"This is your room, I will send someone to tell you when dinner is ready." Inuyasha muttered as he shoved Kagome and Shippou none too gracefully into the immaculate room.

Kagome wanted to give a huff of indignation, but instead the room had caught her eye instead. She knew that she would never know if she had seen something so completely beautiful before but –

"Wow, this is beautiful." Kagome murmured, walking over to the canopy bed and running her slender fingers across the beautiful silk. Shippou merely chuckled from new place on the black sheets, before patting the spot next to him.

Kagome beamed, sitting down next to the young child, before coddling him again, stroking his beige fluffy tail lightly.

"You know – I could really get used to this." Shippou purred, snuggling into Kagome's chest once again.

"Is he always like that?" Kagome asked, eying the new puncture wounds on her arm disdainfully. She was suddenly having seconds thoughts about staying in the citadel, especially if it meant her having to endure hours and hours of pain on end.

"Inuyasha?"

"Hmmmm." Kagome murmured, suddenly entranced by how silky and soft Shippou's tail was. Shippou tried his best not to giggle at her ministrations, but he failed miserably.

"Yeah," he said between choked laughs, " but you get used to that idiot. It takes a while, I mean I am still getting used to him being a jerk. Is your neck ok?" Shippou asked suddenly, running little clawed fingers across her small lacerations.

Kagome nodded enthusiastically, curling her big hands around Shippou's smaller ones.

" How are you so sure you can trust me?" Kagome asked suddenly, breaking the beautiful silence that the two had fallen into.

"Because your aura is too nice. Not to mention you are pretty and you smell good." Shippou said before pulling away from her and smiling up at Kagome, his emerald eyes shining brightly.

"Is anyone in the citadel as nice as you?" Kagome asked, noticing how Shippou seemed to get extremely giggly as she reached out to stroke his tail once more.

"Nope, I'm as nice as they come." Shippou chirped happily. And Kagome smiled.

Perhaps her stay here wouldn't be as bad, as long as she had a friend – even if it was a cute child with unreasonably adorable emerald eyes.

After all, having one friend was better than having none.

A/N: Yay, chapter 2 is done. And I am happy. For some reason I want to write more on this fic than all of my other ones. I guess I just have the writing bug – yay.

~Purple Uranium~