Alrighty than, I am very happy with my story and with the reviews I have been receiving. Don't worry, when summer vacation comes, I'm gonna do nothing, but type, but until then, bear with me. This is going to be the last chapter before the epilogue, which is probably going to be very short. So yah, that's the plan and I have decided to make a sequel and will begin on that soon. Oh kay, with that said, here is zee next chapter!

Chapter 17

Life Holds Many Surprises

When I became conscious, I realized that I was in a dark room, just like when I first talked to Midoriko, so I knew that I was in the back of my mind or on the border between the realms of life and death. I stood up and looked around and found that, like before, it was dark every where. I figured that I had to be on the border, for when I was in the real world, I was in so much pain and had a poison running through my veins that would kill me. So was I dead or going to be dead? I didn't want to die, that would mean not seeing my family, my friends, and worst of all, not being able to see Inuyasha. Tears started to run down my face at the thought.

" Aw, Sweetie, come on now, don't cry, " I heard someone say. I quickly looked around to find the source.

" Who, who's there? " I asked, my voice quivering because I was crying. A man stepped out of the never-ending darkness and stood in front of me wearing a smile. A spotlight of light shined down on the both of us and I could see his features better. He had raven hair and chocolate brown eyes. Those two features gave him away. My eyes widened in realization, for I had figured out who he was.

" D-Dad? " I asked, astonished. His smiled widened.

" Yes, my it has been quite some time. Look at how much you have grown and matured, " he complimented. I still couldn't believe what I was hearing and seeing. My father had died in a car accident when I was younger and my mother had remarried. So I was really confused. As though he could read my mind, he started to explain.

" Yes, Kagome, I am, sadly, still dead. We are at the border between the two realms of life and death, meaning you have been doing something that has nearly killed you. You are here because you need to make a decision: to live or to die. Of course naturally, you would want to live and the only reason why you get this choice is because of the miko blood pulsing through your veins. Yes, I have seen what you have gone through and have also learned new things about you as well. So you are very, very lucky to have this choice, you can go back and not leave the ones you love and the ones that love you. You don't have to put them through the tragedy of your death, but if you choose to die, because of some reason, like ultimate pain that you were being caused, than well, that puts every one into deep sorrow and despair. But the choice is yours and yours only, I am only here to explain where you are and what you must do and to, well, see you again. " He explained than smiled.

I couldn't believe it, I was right about the life and death border, but I also had a choice. This was great, I actually have another chance, but I also couldn't believe that I was momentarily dead, so to speak. Also, I wondered how Inuyasha, Keade, and Sesshomaru were doing about this. I smiled at the fact that I could go back to them and live life to the fullest and not have to die at a young age. Another question arose in my mind though, so I turned back to my father.

" If I go back to the living, will I still be in pain? " I asked. Even if I was I would still go back, but I was wondering so I could prepare myself. He continued to smile.

" No, you're miko powers have conquered the poison. See for yourself, " he replied and pointed at my shoulder where I was stabbed. I looked and saw that there was no tear mark in my clothes, no pain anywhere in my body, and I wasn't bleeding. Tears of happiness streamed down my face and my father hugged me and comforted me. I hugged him back.

" It's so wonderful to see you again, Dad, " I said, for it was true. He nodded in agreement. We let go of each other and he cleared his throat.

" Now, you better get going, I know you are going back, so you better get going before everyone who is in the room with you're body, doesn't go through a nervous and mental breakdown, " he said laughing.

" But, where do I go to go back? " I asked. He pointed to a door that all of a sudden appeared. I nodded and thanked him before opening and walking through the door.

" Kagome, Kagome, Kagome! " I heard Inuyasha yelling in worry. The bright sunlight that shone through the windows of the cabin woke me up. When I woke up, I felt no pain just as my father said. I looked over at Inuyasha, Keade, Sesshomaru, and I saw that Inuyasha's face was streaked with tears and when he saw me awake his face instantly light up in relief and happiness. He hugged me and I hugged him back.

" Oh my god, Kagome, I really thought you were gone this time. You wouldn't wake up, nor was your heart beating for at least fifteen minutes. We really thought that you were dead, what happened? " He asked as we released each other. I smiled and explained to everyone what had happened and even told them that I felt no pain and that I was completely fine. Inuyasha kissed me quickly on the lips.

" Kagome, you gave us all a scare and say that you are all of a sudden better, but I still want you to rest and I can guarantee you that Keade wants the same, " he said and I nodded, just to make him happy.

" All right, I will, but I'm telling you I'm fine, but before I do, did you get the jewel back? " I asked. He nodded and showed me the jewel. I smiled and he told me the whole story about the battle and about Koga and Ayame. I was stunned, but glad that they were there to help. After his story, I was actually tired and felt myself starting to fall asleep. Sesshomaru told us that he had to leave for he still had stuff to attend to in his busy life and we all bid him farewell. Inuyasha kissed me one more time before I fell asleep.

When I awoke it was sunny in the room. I had slept the rest of the day before, plus the whole night, so I felt alive and refreshed. I sat up and stretched and saw that Inuyasha was sleeping on the floor next to the futon. I smiled and got off of the futon to stretch even more. Keade was awake and walked out from the backroom and smiled when she saw me awake.

" Well, good-morning, Kagome, how are ye feeling? " she asked nicely. I smiled warmly.

" Fine, thank you." I sat down next to the sleeping figure of Inuyasha and started to rub his ears. A quiet sort of purr came from his throat. I started to giggle because it was so cute, and that woke him up. He woke up with a start and sat up quickly.

" It's okay, Inuyasha, it's me, Kagome, " I explained quickly. He looked at me, smiled and hugged me.

" Oh, sorry, good-morning, how are you feeling? " he asked, still hugging me.

" Just dandy, " I said, giggling, and we let go of each other. " I think we should go back to my house and explain to Katherine, what has been going on. Same with Sango and Miroku, " I continued. Inuyasha smiled.

" While you were resting, I did that so that you didn't have to deal with the questions, but I thin we should go see them so that they see that you are okay, " he suggest and I nodded.

We both stood up, bid Keade farewell, and walked out of the cabin, through the woods, and finally to the street, where we hailed a cab to take us to my house, seeing how it would be a very long walk. When we arrived, we stepped out of the cab, paid the cab, and went into my house.

" Katherine, I'm home, " I yelled so that wherever she was, she could hear me. Katherine came rushing down the stairs and embraced me.

" Oh my god, Kagome, I was so worried. If Inuyasha hadn't come over yesterday, I would have called the police to find you, I'm so glad that you are okay, " she said quickly and I smiled.

" Yes, yes, I am quite all right, I'm sorry I worried you, " I replied and she smiled.

" Just warn me next time, " she said and we laughed and I turned to Inuyasha.

" So, should we go see Miroku and Sango? " I asked and he nodded. As though on cue, the doorbell rang and Katherine opened it. When she walked back into the living room, she had Sango and Miroku with her. Sango screamed in delight when she spotted me and we hugged. Than Miroku and I hugged and he kept his hands off, mostly because he already had a girl, who was Sango, and I was happy for them. After our happy moment, Sango lightly punched my shoulder.

" You idiot, who do you think you are making us worry so much? " Sango asked with sarcasm and I laughed.

" I'm sorry, but hey, at least I had Inuyasha with me, if it weren't for me I'd be dead, " I said than nodded. Sango looked over at Inuyasha and hugged him.

" Thank you for taking care of Kagome, " she said and started laughing, than let go. Inuyasha just looked at her confused.

" Okay than…" he said slowly and inched closer to me and further away from Sango.

" Yeah, good job, dude, " Miroku said and gave him the thumbs up. Inuyasha shook his head as to say " idiots. "

" Well, Katherine, I'm going to go upstairs with my friends to fill them in with all the details of what is going on and stuff like that, " I explained while smiling. Katherine nodded.

" Yes, while you do that, I'm having Todd come over, so you get the idea, " she replied. I giggled, but nodded in agreement. So Inuyasha, Miroku, Sango, and I all went up stairs to my room. Inuyasha sat on my bed and leaned up against the wall that the bed was against, I sat in his lap, Miroku sat in a bean bag chair near my bed, and Sango sat in front of him and leaned up against him. We all started talking and discussing the battle and Inuyasha came to a conclusion about Kikyo's death.

" Well good riddance to her, " Sango said with a disgusted look on her face. " just thinking about her makes me sick."

" Now Sango, dear, that's not a very nice thing to say about the recently deceased, even if it is Kikyo, " Miroku chastised. I nodded.

" No, Sango is right. I don't even remember how I tolerated her, all I have to say is that I'm glad I rid her of being my girlfriend and chose Kagome, " Inuyasha stated and smiled at me and I smiled back. Than I thought of something and had to put the mood down.

" Hey guys, don't we have school tomorrow? " I asked and they all groaned, but nodded. I sighed.

" I wonder what they will say about Kikyo. Do you think there will be police at the school? Like trying to find out whom the murderer is…but how do we explain that Naraku is the murderer? " I asked and they all shrugged. I sighed.

" Well, I guess we just tell them who the murderer is and that he was killed because I was trying to protect Kikyo, but she still ended up dying, " Inuyasha suggested.

" I guess that works, " Sango said.

For the next couple of hours, we all talked about happier things and didn't refer to the battle or the death of Kikyo, it was all over so there was no reason to keep reliving it. When it started to get late everyone started to leave and Sango and Miroku left together. I hugged them both and bid them farewell and they did the same. So now it was Inuyasha and I all alone in my room. Katherine was still too preoccupied by Todd to notice.

I sat next to Inuyasha on my bed, both of us with our back to the wall, he had his arm around my waist and held me to him, while I rested my head on his shoulder. I sighed contently and smiled up at Inuyasha. He kissed me full on the lips and I kissed him back, before breaking for a breath.

" I love you so much Kagome, and I'm glad that you are alive. That battle with Naraku, and the poison, really had me worried, " Inuyasha explained

" I love you too, you also had me worried, battling with Naraku when I had to stay at the hut, I was worried that you were seriously injured or worst, killed. I wouldn't be able to live with myself knowing that you were fighting against someone dangerous and I wasn't there to help, " I replied.

" But, you did help earlier in the battle, with your arrows, " Inuyasha remarked and then hugged me and I felt so much better being in his strong and secure arms. I thought my heart would burst from all the love I felt for him. I wondered if any of this was real. It was like a dream come true, or is that all it was…a dream? I looked up into Inuyasha's amber eyes and was instantly lost in them and I knew this was all true. He stared straight into my eyes just as intensely.

We stayed like that for a couple of minutes before I broke the silence by accidentally yawning. Inuyasha laughed and stood up. I looked at him confused and I stood up as well and stood in front of him. He hugged me before heading towards my doorway, than he turned and smiled at me.

" Get some sleep, Kagome, we have school tomorrow. I'll meet you at the end of the shrine steps in the morning, until than good-night and farewell, " Inuyasha said. I smiled.

" Okay, goodnight and I'll see you tomorrow, " I replied. He nodded and playfully saluted me before leaving. I sighed contently and took a shower. The warm water relaxed all my sore muscles from the events from the battle, so when I emerged from the shower, all dressed for bed, I felt great. I didn't realize how tired I was until my head hit my pillow. My eyelids instantly grew heavy and I drifted off to sleep.

I awoke to Katherine shaking me awake telling me that I needed to get ready for school and that I forgot to set my alarm clock. I thanked her and groggily got ready for school. Slowly, I trudged to the bathroom and to the sink. Taking a washcloth, I ran it under cold water and rubbed it on my face to wake me up. Let me tell you, it worked. I woke up almost instantly because of how cold it was. I went back into my room and changed into some dark green baggy pants, and a light green shirt, and than I brushed my hair. Once that all was done, I packed up my backpack and went down for breakfast. Katherine had made French toast and it was delicious.

Once breakfast was over I looked at the clock and realized that Inuyasha and everyone else would be meeting me at the end of the shrine steps, so I hurriedly grab my bag and said good-bye to Katherine, before I bolted out the door. Sure enough, there they were Miroku, Sango, and Inuyasha, all waiting for me at the bottom of the steps. As I descended, I purposely walked really slow just to mess with them and Inuyasha made a gesture with his hand that meant, " hurry up." Smiling, I continued to walk really, really slow. Miroku and Sango laughed, while Inuyasha rolled his eyes. Inuyasha than, being very impatient with my slow movements, jumped halfway up the steps to where I was, picked me up bridal style, and jumped back down to the end of the steps. I smiled up at him and he set me down.

" Hey, I can walk on my own, " I said sarcastically. He smirked.

" Well, you were taking way too long, " he replied and I laughed. So did Miroku and Sango. Today was a glorious day, a day where we didn't have large troubles to worry about, like Naraku. These were the thoughts I was thinking about when we were walking to school. Inuyasha, Miroku, and Sango were all caught up in their conversations and I was content with just thinking.

When we arrived at the school, my bubble of happiness burst. There were cop cars parked around the school and we could see officers interrogating students whom where still outside of the school. We all stopped and gazed about, taking in what was going on. I sighed.

" This is probably about Kikyo's death isn't it? " I asked. Inuyasha, Miroku, and Sango nodded.

" So, this probably means we will be interrogated as well, " Sango remarked and we all shrugged.

" What a great way to start the day, " I sarcastically remarked. We all sighed once more before entering the school. Instantly, Inuyasha's friends, or so-called friends, more like followers, were at his side, filling him in. So, we were correct in believing that this was about Kikyo. Funny how even in death she stills gets all the attention. It was almost impossible to get to homeroom, because of all the students scurrying about trying to get away from being interrogated, not to mention Inuyasha and Kikyo's followers were bothering us, and yet, they didn't really seem sad. I couldn't blame them; Kikyo was a bitch.

When we did finally manage to get to homeroom, we sat way in the back so that no one really noticed us, but we were soon to find that we were noticed. The teacher walked over to us and had a gloomy look upon his face. He looked from me, to Inuyasha, to Miroku, and than to Sango, for that was the order in which we were sitting. The teacher sighed.

" Kagome, Inuyasha, Miroku, and Sango, you guys are the only one in this homeroom who has not spoken to the police yet. So, Kagome and Inuyasha, you need to go down to the office and Miroku and Sango, you need to go to the gym, " he explained. I sighed and he left.

" Great, we're being separated, basically. Miroku, Sango, you tell me how it goes and we'll do the same, " I said and they nodded. We all stood up and started to walk to our destinations, Inuyasha had his hand around my waist in a reassuring way, and Miroku did the same for Sango. Inuyasha and I arrived at the office and when we entered, we could see that the place was swamped with students and officers. It was unbelievable. A woman, who was working at the office front desk, told us to have a seat and wait for our turn. We did so and I leaned on Inuyasha's shoulder.

" So, what do we tell them? The truth? " I asked. He sighed.

" I guess I can tell them I was protecting her against Naraku, and that I did the best I could, but it wasn't enough, and I killed Naraku out of self defense, " Inuyasha explained. I nodded.

" And I guess I tell them that I was a witness? " I asked, even thought I partly was, even though I didn't see that battle with Kikyo, I did see a battle with Naraku. Inuyasha nodded and we than both waited quietly and patently for our turn.

Our turn came an hour later. The same woman from the desk came and told us that we were next and we both stood up. Inuyasha held my hand and squeezed it reassuringly and we both walked into a back room of the office and sat down at a table with two detectives sitting on the other side, one was a man and the other, a woman. The room was dim, just like regular interrogation rooms down at the station. It wasn't very comforting and it didn't make the situation any better. The first detective, seeing that we sat down, started the interrogation with an introduction.

" I'm Detective McAllen and this is my partner Detective Jackson, " he said. The woman, detective Jackson, looked at a clipboard that she held and then she looked back at us.

" And you two are Kagome Higurashi and Inuyasha Takashi, right? " she asked and we both nodded. (I can't remember what I had Inuyasha's last name before, so if it's different than before, let me know)

" How did you two know, Kikyo Urekko? " Detective McAllen asked. (Oh Kikyo's last name means "popular person" just thought I would let you know)

" I was her ex-boyfriend, " Inuyasha replied.

" I just knew her as a popular girl, who was Inuyasha's girlfriend for a while, and that she and I didn't get along very well, " I replied.

" I see, and why didn't you get along with her, Kagome? " Detective Jackson asked me. I thought a moment, I wasn't exactly sure, but I thought I knew.

" I think it was because she thought I would take Inuyasha away from her, because we were really close friends as kids and I was his best friend now and hung out with him a lot, " I replied honestly. She nodded.

" Now, Inuyasha, you said you were her ex-boyfriend, why did you break up with her? " Detective McAllen asked. Going back and forth between detectives was making me confused a bit, but I could see that I was basically being asked questions by Detective Jackson and Inuyasha was being interrogated by Detective McAllen. Inuyasha sighed.

" I broke up with her because, one: she attacked Kagome and two: because I had always liked Kagome and the whole reason why I went out with Kikyo was because she looked like Kagome, " Inuyasha replied. I guess we were just going to have to explain it all and tell nothing, but the truth, well except for when it came to the part about Naraku, that was something that we were going to have to bend the truth about. Both detectives nodded at his response.

" So, you know than Kikyo was murdered, do you know how? " Detective McAllen asked. Inuyasha nodded and both detectives looked a bit surprised.

" You do know that information hasn't been released to the public. All we have told people was that she was murdered, but not how, so how would you know? Unless you are the one who killed her, " Detective McAllen accused. Inuyasha sort of glared at him.

" I did NOT kill her, but I was there when she was killed and I know who DID kill her and it wasn't me. She was stabbed in the back, which is how she died. You can ask Kagome, she was a witness, " Inuyasha said calmly, but sternly. Detective McAllen leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms across his chest. Inuyasha had said that I was a witness, but I wasn't a witness to the part of Kikyo being stabbed, but we couldn't release the whole story or the sacred jewel might be taken and god knows what would happen then. So all I could do was not lie but more like bend the truth, for I knew Inuyasha was telling the truth.

" All right, than who did kill her? " Detective McAllen inquired.

" Naraku, " Inuyasha simply stated. Detective McAllen and Detective Jackson both looked at me and I nodded to confirm that Inuyasha was telling the truth.

" And who is this Naraku person? Why did he kill her? " Detective Jackson asked this time. Inuyasha gave a quick description of Naraku, including that he was a demon, for the detectives knew about the demons in this school.

" I don't know exactly why he killed her. All I know is that I saw Kikyo after school and she was running from something and that something was Naraku. So I defended her to the best I could have, I didn't make out just fine though, I did have my good share of injuries, but Naraku ended up killing her one of the times he deeply wounded me. When he killed her he came after me and I ended up killing him in self defense, " Inuyasha explained and I, once more, nodded again to confirm his story.

" So, if we go back to the area of which you fought Naraku, we should find a body? " Detective Jackson said. Inuyasha shook his head.

" Naraku was killed in the same area that Kikyo was. You obviously found her body, but you would not find Naraku's for his disappeared, because he was a demon. All that was left was his torn and tattered clothes and there should be blood stains everywhere from him and I " Inuyasha explained. We decided to leave Koga and Ayame out of this. Since they weren't mentioned, it looked like the detectives hadn't spoken to them yet.

" We shall see about that, " Detective McAllen said sternly. He took out his cell phone from his pocket and punched in a number. He told the person on the other line, which was probably another detective, to go back to the area where Kikyo's body was found and to look for the clothes. While Detective McAllen was on the phone, Detective Jackson was left to talk to us.

" Since you say that your blood would be found at the scene of the crime, we need a DNA sample, " she simple stated and Inuyasha shrugged.

" Fine by me, " he said dully.

" Okay, than you will have to come with us down to the station after further questioning, " she explained and he sighed, but nodded. After a few more minutes, Detective McAllen hung up his phone and looked at us.

" It seems that your story checks out, we found the clothes and hard to believe that we actually missed the blood, but we found them, like Detective Jackson already said, we need a DNA sample, so you can come with us now, seeing how the questioning is pretty much done. Thank you both for your cooperation, " Detective McAllen said and Detective Jackson nodded. We all stood up and both detectives headed out the door, the both waited outside the door, but that gave me enough time to whisper to Inuyasha quickly.

" I'll see you when you get back and you better tell me everything that goes on, " I whispered sternly. He smiled.

" Paranoid, " he whispered back and I stuck my tongue out. He rolled his eyes than kissed me and we quickly left the room, Inuyasha left with the detectives and I started to walk back to class. Luckily, I bumped into Miroku and Sango and we both told each other what went on. They said that they got out early because they had nothing to tell them that was useful, but they waited for me and Inuyasha to get out. I told them about Inuyasha going to give them a DNA sample. Miroku shook his head and Sango sighed.

Inuyasha didn't come back throughout the whole day of school and I started to worry. Sango and Miroku tried to comfort me by saying that they probably just sent him home for the day. I nodded, but I couldn't help but think there was something wrong. Maybe I was paranoid. Miroku, Sango, and I all started to walk home at the end of the day and we chatted and tried to talk about something a bit more pleasant, like the end of the school year, which was only a couple weeks away. (Yes I sped up time. .) I was the first to arrive to my destination out of the three of us and I bid them farewell and I walked up the large amount of stairs. As I stood in front of my door, just about to open it, I felt someone grab my from behind and I let out a scream. My mouth was covered and the culprit spun me around the face them. It was Inuyasha. I smiled and hugged him tight and he hugged me back. Than I lightly punched him in the chest.

" You idiot, you gave me a freaking heart attack!" I chastised him. He smiled and I was about to yell at him some more but he captured my mouth in a kiss and I sighed contently before parting. He smiled.

" Feel better now? " he asked and I laughed a little.

" Yes, but how come you didn't return to the school? " I asked. He shook his head as he relived what happened. He groaned.

" Because they didn't get done with me until a little while ago, for some reason it took a while, but they said that my story and alibi held up. So, the case is closed, for it was no use in looking for Naraku's body since he's a demon and some demons' bodies do that, " he explained and I nodded and instantly felt better.

" Well, I better get going before my father wonders where I've disappeared to, " he said smiling. He hugged and kissed me once more before leaving. I watched him run off until he disappeared and I entered my house. Katherine had heard about everything on the news and wanted me to tell her about it so I did.

Later that night my mother, in Florida, called and wanted me to tell her all about it as well. It was funny how fast news got around. So I was explaining to her for at least two hours what was going on with the investigation and what was going on in my life, since I hadn't talked to her in a while. She wasn't happy about getting poisoned, nor me fighting, but she was happy I was safe and that Inuyasha and I were going steady. I told her all about Todd and she laughed saying that Katherine really needed somebody and I agreed. We finally said good-bye when I told her that I needed to go to bed. When I hung up the phone I felt better, nothing could ruin my mood and nothing did.

The next morning I awoke half an hour early and I didn't know why, but I stayed up anyway because I couldn't fall back asleep. I sat down at my desk, after I took a shower, and for some reason began to think about the school year. Inuyasha and Miroku were one year ahead of Sango and me. They were sophomores and we were freshmen and we still had three years till we graduated and they had two. Why I started to think about this I wasn't sure. School wasn't exactly my favorite subject to think about, but since it's near the end of the year, I guess it's okay to be thinking about it.

I went downstairs when I heard Katherine call me saying that she wanted to tell me something. So I hurried and wasn't surprised to find that Todd was standing there with his arm around her waist. Todd and Katherine had been going steady for quite some time. They met when we first moved back here and they went steady a month later so they've been going steady for months, maybe almost the whole entire school year. Whatever Katherine wanted to tell me, it was very good, for she couldn't stand still for a moment. Maybe she was crazy and that was the deal. I knew that wasn't it, but hey, you never know. I smiled at the thought. Todd was beaming just like Katherine was and than I knew something was up and I guess I was about to find out.

" You beckoned me? " I said to Katherine and she nodded, while still smiling from ear to ear. Now I really wanted to know what was going on.

" Yes, I have something very, very important to say, " she started. I made a hand gesture that meant, " go on." She took a deep breath and so did Todd. So this automatically told me that it had to do with Todd as well. Possibilities started to run through my mind, but before I could decide on one Katherine interrupted my thoughts.

" Todd and I are engaged and we are going to marry next year, " she delightedly said. I blinked a couple of times, letting the words sink in. Katherine…was…getting…married. I smiled wide and hugged her.

" Congratulations! " I yelled and both of them smiled. I even hugged Todd. I couldn't wait; I was having the best day of my life. Katherine was getting married, school was ending soon, and well I can't think of anything else except that I have awesome friends and a loving boyfriend. I looked at the clock and slapped my hands together.

" Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but I have to get to school. See you two later! " I said as I was heading out the door with my backpack.

Running down the stairs of the shrine, I could see that Miroku, Sango, and Inuyasha were waiting for me like they did every day. Today, I didn't walk slowly down the steps and Inuyasha smiled.

" I see we are moving a bit faster today, " he said sarcastically. I rolled my eyes and hopped the last step of the stairs and landed in front of him. We kissed before walking to school and Miroku and Sango did the same except for they seemed to be making out. I giggled and Inuyasha just rolled his eyes.

" Looks like you two are having fun, " I commented.

" Come on before we are late for school, " Inuyasha commanded. The two stopped and blushed furiously.

We arrived at school and the day went by normally. No detectives, no nothing. Just a regular boring day, that was only good because of my friends. Soon the school days just started to fly by and before we knew it, it was the last day of school and all the classes were shortened. During lunch, us four, Miroku, Sango, Inuyasha, and I, all discussed what we were going to do with our lives when we graduated from high school in a couple of years.

" I think I'm actually going to go into photography, " Miroku said. We all looked at him like he was crazy.

" Why? " Sango asked, still trying to get over it like the rest of us. Miroku smiled wide.

" So I can take pictures of all the beautiful things I see. So that means my picture books would be filled with mostly pictures of you, Sango, my love, " he said and I laughed, Inuyasha shook his head, and Sango blushed.

" I think what I want to do with my life, is get married and raise a family, " I said.

" Yeah, same here, " Sango agreed. The boys just stared at us like we were crazier than Miroku. I put my hands on my hips even though I was sitting down.

" What's wrong with that? " I asked sternly. They both burst out laughing. Sango and I growled and were about to pummel them, but they stopped.

" Of course that's what you would say, all girls say that, " Inuyasha stated and Miroku nodded in agreement. I glared at Inuyasha.

" Oh you are very nice, good thing that my husband would want the same and wouldn't laugh, " I said, knowing that talking about another guy would get Inuyasha riled up. I was right, for he looked at me and looked serious.

" What, is there another guy that I don't know about? " he asked, starting to get slightly angry and very jealous. I laughed.

" Well, you think the idea is silly so you can say that you are going to be my husband, " I explained and he didn't say anything for a moment, so I decided to bring the subject back to what we were going to do with our lives.

" So, Inuyasha, what do you want to do with your life? " I sweetly asked him. He continued to look like he was in deep thought, so I waved my hand in front of his face and he jolted back to reality.

" Hm, what? What's going on? What did I miss? " He asked, confused. I looked at him weird. Had he not heard me? What was he thinking about?

" I said, what do you want to do with your life? " I replied. He shrugged.

" Dunno, haven't really thought about it, " he said smiling. I rolled my eyes.

" So, what were you thinking about that led you to ignore, Kagome? " Miroku asked. For a second I thought I saw Inuyasha blush and look the other way, but a minute later he looked back at Miroku and wasn't blushing.

" I was just thinking that's it, got a problem with that? " Inuyasha sarcastically asked. Miroku nodded.

" Yep, I do. You thinking is very, VERY crazy. You thinking would make you smart, but you are not because you are an idiot because you went out with Kikyo and bunch of other stupid things, " Miroku replied and Sango and I laughed. Inuyasha growled and made a fist.

" Watch yourself or you are seriously going to regret it, " he threatened. Miroku gulped and laughed nervously.

" I'm shutting up, " he said nervously and Sango laughed.

We were all having a great day, I mean come on, it's the last day of school. Plus, I was spending it with the best friends I had ever had. When the bells rang it was like freedom rang through the halls and all were glad at being dismissed for the summer. Us four, were the last ones to leave because we didn't want to endanger our lives by venturing outside the classroom and into the sea of students, rushing to leave, where you could get trampled and crushed.

Inuyasha and I parted with Sango and Miroku, because they were going to the mall and we were going back to my house. Inuyasha grabbed my hand as we started walking towards my house and we smiled at each other.

" I love you, Kagome, so much and I seriously mean love, not strongly like, " he said affectionately. I smiled sweetly and felt that my heart would burst, for I felt the same.

" And I love you too, Inuyasha, love, not strongly like, " I replied lovingly, purposely using his words and he laughed.

As we climbed up the shrine stairs, I could see that there was a white car in the driveway, and it wasn't mine, Katherine's, or Todd's. It left me confused and I could see Inuyasha looking at me confused as well for he knew which cars we owned and which we didn't and that definitely was a car we didn't own.

" I take it that you are expecting company, " Inuyasha stated. I shook my head.

" No, I'm not. I have no clue whose car this is. Well, lets go find out, " I suggested and still with his hand in mine, I entered my house. I heard Katherine call me to the living room saying that I had a guest and I was even more confused. Inuyasha and I entered the living room and whom I saw standing there made my eyes grow wide. He, yes the guest was a he, he was a friend I had made in kindergarten in Florida. Why he had traveled all this way I had no clue. From the corner of my eye I could see Inuyasha glance at me and all I could do was stare wide eyed at the fifteen-year old boy, same age as me, in front of me. Than I finally found words to speak.

"Hojo?" I asked in a disbelieving tone. Hojo smiled at me and came over and hugged me and all I could do was let him, I was too stunned to do anything else. I hadn't seen Hojo since I left Florida, and he was also the one who wanted to go out with me badly. Inuyasha growled protectively and Hojo backed off.

" Kagome, who is this guy? " Inuyasha asked in a stern tone, never taking his eyes off of Hojo. Katherine decided than to leave the room and leave us alone to deal with our problems.

" Uh, Kagome, who is this dude? He's a demon, " Hojo asked. I looked from to the other before snapping out of it.

" Inuyasha, this is my friend Hojo, we've been friends since kindergarten, when I moved to Florida and Hojo this is my long lost friend Inuyasha, who I met a little while before you and I had to move away from him, " I explained. Hojo smirked.

" So, this is the infamous Inuyasha I've heard about. The one, who kept you from going out with me, " Hojo said with detest.

" I did not keep her from going out with you. Who would want to go out with you anyway? " Inuyasha said back with just as much disgust as sarcasm. Hojo continued to smirk.

" Oh everybody wanted to go out with me, but I only wanted to go out with Kagome, but no, she wouldn't because she had her heart set on you and you were always on her mind. She wanted to go out with you, but wouldn't say that," Hojo explained and I blushed for I knew he was right. Inuyasha blinked a couple of times and than looked at me.

" You wanted to go out with me way back then? " he asked. I nodded slowly and I saw Inuyasha's face light up, but than fall, when he remembered that he had been going out with Kikyo around that time and before. Hojo noticed this and took advantage of it.

" I bet you were already going out with someone. It probably broke Kagome's heart. I knew that she was wasting her time wanting you, " Hojo assumed and Inuyasha said nothing for he knew it was true and so did I. I sighed.

" Hojo, just stop it alright, the past doesn't matter. His old girlfriend, now I don't know whether to say fortunately or unfortunately, died, but even before that Inuyasha asked me out, so all is not lost, " I explained. Hojo was taken back by the fact that I was actually going out with him.

" You can't seriously say that you are willing to forget the past, that he had a girlfriend, when you wouldn't go out with anyone because of that promise. Now don't say that isn't true, because you told me yourself that you wouldn't go out with anyone, because of the promise and that you were keeping your word on it, " Hojo asked skeptically. I looked at Hojo than at Inuyasha. Inuyasha was looking at me with sad eyes and his ears even drooped a bit. His eyes were asking me if that was true or not and all I could do was nod.

" Yes, I am willing to forget the past, for it doesn't matter. All that matters is him now. I know that I held that promise dear, but I was stupid, we were only kids and I had no friends so of course I was going to hold onto something like that, " I quietly explained. It was weird how one person can change your life and bring back the past that haunts you. I didn't want to be reminded, but no, there is always someone who does the reminding whether you like it or not. Hojo laughed like he couldn't believe it.

" But Kagome, you could have gone out with me, who had gone out with no one, and still hasn't, " he started. He walked over to me and took both my hands in his. " I can make you much more happier than he can, I can be a much better boyfriend, I can guarantee it. I'm not a filthy demon who might one day attack you. Kagome, he doesn't deserve you." That "filthy demon" line did it for me. That was it, he had officially pissed me off. I slapped him hard across the face.

" Don't you EVER talk about Inuyasha like that or so help me you will regret it! " I screamed at him. He was taken back by my actions and so was Inuyasha. Hojo touched the spot where I had slapped him, which had become a really red hand mark, redder than the ones Miroku used to receive.

" K-Kagome, you actually struck me. You have never once used violence, for as long as I have known you, " Hojo stated. I sighed.

" Yes, I have. You just never saw me, " I said simply. Inuyasha's face seemed to light up at the face that I stood up for him and actually struck someone.

" I take it that Kagome doesn't like you anymore, " Inuyasha said sarcastically and Hojo glared at him, but than looked sincere at me.

" You're right Kagome, I'm sorry for that remark, but I really can be better, you'll see, one day he'll abandon you for someone else. But done worry, I'll be there for you when you'll need me, " Hojo assured and went to hug me once more, but Inuyasha interfered and stood in front of me.

" Keep your hands off her, " he commanded and growled dangerously at him. He sighed and glared at Inuyasha once more and Inuyasha glared back.

" I'll see you around, Kagome, " he said than left. I sighed heavily and walked out the back door with Inuyasha and went around to the front, buying time for Hojo to leave, and leaned up against the sacred tree. Inuyasha stood in front of me and looked at me with sad eyes. I looked back at him, confused on why he was sad. I brought my hand to his cheek and cupped it with one hand and Inuyasha put his hand over mine.

" Inuyasha, what's wrong? " I asked quietly. He sighed and continued to look at me with those sad amber eyes.

" Hojo is right, I don't deserve you. Here, you kept on to that promise, and wouldn't go out with anyone, and here I do go out with them, even if I did go out with them because they looked like you, doesn't change the fact that I went out with someone who wasn't you. I didn't have any friends either and I didn't hold onto the promise like you did. I feel like such an asshole, " Inuyasha explained. I shook my head and cupped his face with both hands.

" Who cares about Hojo and who cares about the past? All that matters is you now, " I explained and kissed him. He smiled once we parted and grabbed me around the waist and buried his face in the crook of my neck and kissed me there. I shivered from the sensation, but I giggled as well. He continued to smile.

" You really are too good for me, I was lucky that I was able to even be with you and to be so deeply in love you, " he said quietly and I smiled.

" Same here. Now, don't worry about what anyone says, including Hojo, he's just jealous, " I explained and Inuyasha smirked.

" I'll bet. I'd be jealous too, " he said and I laughed. He hugged me to him and we stayed that way for a while, just enjoying one's company and to be in one another's arms. We had to part when Katherine started to call for me, wondering where I was. I called out to her to tell her where I was and she said okay and was just making sure I was okay.

" Of course I'm okay, I have Inuyasha with me, " I said smiling at Katherine, who was standing in the doorway of our house. She smiled and nodded before going back into the house. I looked to the sky to see what time it was. It was dusk so I looked to the west to watch the sun set. The sky turned from blue to orange, pink, yellow, and purple. It was a heavenly sight and I sighed contently as I leaned my head against Inuyasha's chest, whom had wrapped his arms around me from behind, and he was resting his chin on the crook of my neck and we stayed that way until the sun went down. When it did, we kiss and bid each other goodnight and he left for home, while I entered my house. My life was so wonderful, even with the confrontation with Hojo.

3 Years Later…

It was graduation once again; Inuyasha and I were still together and still madly in love. The same goes for Miroku and Sango. This graduation was for the end of my last high school year as a senior and so was the same for Sango. Miroku and Inuyasha had graduated the year before and continued to tease us saying that they didn't have to go to school and we did. My family came over from Florida, for my graduation and was sitting in the crowd with Katherine, Miroku, Inuyasha, and surprisingly, Sesshomaru. Sango and I were dressed in our black cap and gown outfits and were walking out with the rest of our class and we waved to our boyfriends and just to irritate him, Sesshomaru too. I of course waved to my mother, step father, brother, and Katherine. I was so happy to be graduating, because than I could be out in the world on my own and not to mention, not have to deal with school.

After our diplomas getting handed out and after our speeches, the ceremony was over and we all threw our caps up in the air, luckily I was watching mine carefully, so I retrieved it; same with Sango. We walked over to each other and walked arm in arm over to our families and friends. Inuyasha stole me from Sango and Miroku stole Sango from me. Inuyasha held me to him and kissed me and I kissed him back and Sango and Miroku mirrored our actions. We were all laughing and having a good time.

" Let's go out to dinner to celebrate, " My mother suggested and I took her up on that offer. Inuyasha, Miroku, Sango, and her family came with as well. Inuyasha had to help me pursued his brother to come along and after much begging he finally agreed. It was a huge party and we decided to go out to the Olive Garden and eat there. As it turns out, my parents had already made reservations, so Sango and her family, Miroku, Inuyasha, and Sesshomaru were already invited. Which meant that Sesshomaru was just giving us a hard time earlier, just to tease us, for he had already agreed to come earlier before Inuyasha and I started begging.

So, we arrived at the Olive Garden, but we didn't go right in. I was confused, so I looked at everyone and they were looking at me and smiling. I looked at Inuyasha with confused eyes and he was the one who was smiling the most. I was so confused it was making me crazy.

" What's going on? Why are you all standing around smiling like that? " I asked in a worried tone, afraid that they were going to play a prank on me, so I started to back up, but Inuyasha stopped me.

" We're not going to do nothing to you, " Inuyasha assure, but I was doubtful.

" In fact, I believe he has something to ask you, " Sesshomaru said calmly, but yet he was smiling as well. I turned around to face Inuyasha and found that he was down on the ground, on one knee, holding a small box with a ring in it. I was so stunned I was surprised I didn't faint. I knew what was coming next and I was smiling like him.

" Kagome Higurashi, will you marry me? " he asked and I was still so surprised. It took me awhile before I nodded.

" Of course I will, " I said lovingly. Inuyasha stood up and placed the ring on my finger and we kissed. Everyone was cheering and my eyes were watering with tears of happiness. I hugged him tight and he held me just as tight. I soon found out that everyone was in on this charade, but I didn't care, I was too happy.

Later, when we had finished eating, Miroku and Sango started to bang on their glasses to call attention to everyone, so naturally everyone made it harder for them to call attention, just to irritate them. They started to bang on the glasses louder and they cracked, didn't break, but cracked and than everyone looked at them. We laughed, for the glasses were cracked, none of the less, they raised their cracked glasses to make a toast.

" We want to make a toast to the engaged lovebirds, " Miroku started.

" Yes, and we want them to be happy and better send us invitations, " Sango finished and we laughed and toasted. That night was the happiest day of my life, I couldn't believe it, I was going to be married to the one I had love for so long. I couldn't wait to see the look on Hojo's face, so that's why he was getting an invitation. So the night wore on and eventually ended. We all went home and I kissed Inuyasha before he left and I went home and straight to bed. Inuyasha and I were to get married in a couple of months and I couldn't wait. With those thoughts I drifted off to sleep for when I awoke it would be the prologue to the beginning of my new life, which the actual beginning of my new life would be after I was married. I know knew what Inuyasha wanted with his life, he wanted the same as I did: to get married and raise a family. Life held so many surprises, but this was the surprise I loved the most…

That was : sniff sniff :: wipes away tear: so beautiful. Whew that was long, 14 chapters on Microsoft Word. Okay this is the last chapter, but I'm having an epilogue so that's more like the last chapter, but that is going to be pretty short, for it's just for tying up loose ends and all. But I am having a sequel, which I shall have the name of the title at the end of the epilogue, and I will get started on that as soon as I can.

Sayonara!

Kitty – san