ello everybody! I really wanted to start writing this chapter! I have a feeling it may be long. Look forward to seeing Miroku and Sango, along with the game starting in this chappie! Hope you like it, and please please review!

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters. Rumiko Takahashi does. But I do own Tyoshi! Yay for me!

()

No amount of arguing, screaming, or insulting, like Kikyo had tried, could get the two cousins out of today's play day. Kind of like how Kagome, after washing it twice in the washing machien and once just with her hands, could not get the gravy out of her clothes. It was sticky like caramel, yet strong like gum. Kagome just had to get over the fact that one of her favourite outfits were ruined.

Kagome walked out of her bathroom after her thirty minute shower, and made her way over to her closet. Her wet hair dripped with every step she took, even with the towel wrapped around it. Kagome opened her closet and began to walk into her walk in closet and choose an outfit. Last night Kagome had put all of her things in her order the way she liked it, then made a hasty retreat to her bed.

Kagome walked down an aisle of clothes then stopped at one of her favourite tops. It was blue with a monkey on it that says 'Give me the chocolate and no one gets hurt.' Kagome had always loved the shirt, and the words it said on it. At the moment, Kagome needed to feel alittle threatening, even if it was said on a cheesy t-shirt.

Kagome continued her journy to find her favourite black jeans, and matching pink seat belt belt. Once Kagome found her a pair of bra's and underwear, she pulled on her outfit and hurried to brush her hair. It was almost tweleve forty-five and she could have to leave soon to go see her mother.

Hair fixed, alittle make- up on, and Kagome was ready. She smiled at herself in her full lenth mirror before leaving her room cheery and happy.

"Souta? Shippo? Are you almost ready to leave?" Kagome shouted over the railing of the long stairs.

"Yeah, almost!" The two boys yelled up to the raven haired girl.

Kagome nodded and let out a soft sigh. Good thing is I get to go see mama! Bad thing is, I have to spend the day with Kikyo. I can't believe aunt Tyoshi is making me do this. I always knew she was an evil genius who only spoke in riddles and laughed at the air when she is alone. Who knows what other stuff she does by herself..

"MOMMY! WHERE'S MY PINK SKIRT WITH THE MATCHING T-SHIRT! MOMMY!" Kikyo screamed from her room.

Kagome rolled her eyes. Couldn't Kikyo go one day without help from her mommy or dear boyfriend Inuyasha? Speaking of Inuyasha, he didn't speak much to Kagome at all. Besides the 'Hey strands,' coment he made before dinner. Maybe he was the stong silent type, or maybe he just didn't like Kagome. Kagome shrugged to herself. What ever the case, it shouldn't matter. It's not like I know the guy or anything. But, he sure was cute. Kagome's face heated up as she shook her head from her thoughts. Great, I think Kikyo's boyfriend is cute! Not that it matters! I'll never get with him anyway, he's dumbstruck in love with Kikyo. Atleast, that's what I think.

Suddenly, the phone from Kagome's room began to ring, causing Kagome to come out of her thoughts. "SOMEBODY GET THAT!" Kikyo yelled.

Kagome stared at the door to Kikyo's room before turning to her own and walking over to get the phone. Who knew who could be on the other end of the line. Donald Trump? Micheal Jackson? Hallie Berry! Kagome placed her hand on her cordless phone and clicked the button on and placed it to her ear. "He..hello?" Kagome asked.

"Yeah hi, is Kikyo there?" It was Inuyasha! Kagome's face heated up just thinking about him before quickly answering.

"Yes.. She's.."

"WHERE THE HELL ARE MY PUMPS? FOR GOD SAKES!" Kikyo screamed loudly.

Kagome blinked then turned her attention back tot he phone. "She's um.. changing. May I take a message?"

"Yeah, tell her that I can't come pick her up because I'm picking Miroku and Sango up from there houses later. This is Kikyo's cousin right?" Inuyasha asked dumbly.

"Kagome, yeah why?"

"When you go to the carnival don't wear anything revealing. Just cover up whatever you have or don't have ok?"

Kagome blinked confused, then felt her blood boil. What did he mean 'or if you don't have?' Just because she wasn't as 'developed' as her cousin, doesn't mean he can go and imply something like that to her! And besides, who did he think he is? Just some Masaharu that know one knows about. That's who he is.

"What's that supposed to mean!" Kagome asked angrly.

"Just as simple as it sounds. Don't think to hard about it, we wouldn't want you to loose another thing that you don't have, if you know what I mean." Kagome could have sworn she heard Inuyasha smirk. What a jerk this guy is!

"Look here I..."

"I better go. Don't forget to tell Kikyo what I said. See you later strands." Just like that, the dial tone rang, indecating that Inuyasha had hung up.

Kagome stared at the phone, then slammed it shut. That Inuyasha guy wasa real jerk! She supposed Inuyasha and Kikyo belonged with each other. Now, she was happy for the two and hoped they got married and had some little life distroyers of there own.

Kaome's eyes flashed anger as she stomped out of her room and knocked hard on Kikyo's door. "What!" Kikyo hissed from behind the door.

"Inuyasha just called." Kagome answered dryly.

"Why didn't you give me the phone! What did he say?" Kikyo threw her door open and glared at her cousin heatedly. She was wearing the lost pink skirt and matching shirt she was looking for before.

"He said that he couldn't pick you up later because he was picking up some people named Miroku and Sango, and that he'd see you later at the carnival." Kagome replied, leaning back.

"Noo! That means I have to drive with you and that brat in the car! Could this day get any worse!" Kikyo yelled to herself.

Kagome smiled suddenly and nodded. "If you wish that Kikyo dear." Kagome then reached into Kikyo's room and pulled her door shut quickly, slamming Kikyo's foot against the wall. A howl of pain from Kikyo's mouth echoed around Kagome as she laughed and quickly raced down the long flight of stairs.

Once she made it to the bottom, she was greeted by Souta and Shippo, along with her aunt who was looking at Kagome confused. "What was Kikyo screaming about?"

"Oh," Kagome began as she walked up to her aunt. "Kikyo was happy that she found her skirt that's all."

Tyoshi nodded, then turned her eyes towards a pissed off looking Kikyo as she stomped her way down the flight of stairs. "Ready Kikyo? Let's go." Shippo and Souta raced out of the house, while Kagome walked alongside her aunt, and Kikyo for some odd reason, limped behind the two silently.

()

"So mommy's in there?"

"Yup."

Souta pointed towards the Hawaiian hospital where his and Kagome's mother was currently staying. The hospital was almost as big as Tyoshi's mansion, and the parking lot was just as massive. The hospital looked like it was made of glass, and shone against the light. Kagome could tell this hospital would really helped their sick mother.

"Can we just hurry this up?" Kikyo asked annoyed. Everyone just ignored her and continued on into the hospital.

"Kagome, can you watch Souta and Shippo as I ask what room your mother's in?" Tyoshi asked as she looked over at the reception desk. Kagome nodded and took Shippo and Souta's hands. "C'mon, over here." Kikyo followed slowly behind Kagome.

Tyoshi walked over to the desk and talked to a red haired women who pointed down a hall and talked with Tyoshi. Tyoshi nodded and motioned for Kagome and the others to follow her. "She's on the first floor thankfully." Kagome nodded and quickly made it to her mother's room.

Tyoshi knocked on the door and waited for a faint reply from her sister Atsuki, then she and everyone else entered. The room was a very light green with a t.v right infront of the white bed. There was window next to the bed, and on the other side of the bed was a sink and cupboard. In the left corner there was a door that led to the bathroom, and a couch next to the door.

Atsuki was hooked up to three machiens, including a heart monitor. She had an IV pack contected to her arm, and it appeared she had alot of drugs in her body. Atsuki smiled as she saw her sister, daughter and son, niece and a new face enter the room.

"Hello there." Atsuki spoke alittle lowly. She pushed herself into a sitting position.

"Hi big sis, how you doing?" Tyoshi walked over and hugged Atsuki before stepping back.

"Better then I usually feel. This hospital is really helping." Atsuki turned her blue eyes towards her daughter and opened up her arms to her. "Kagome, Souta, you both are doing well?" Kagome and Souta gave there mother a long hug before nodding.

"And Kikyo, you've grown so much." Kikyo waved abit and smiled. It seemed she was atleast trying to act nice.

"Oh, and who might you be?" Shippo looked up at Atsuki before shrinking away slightly. It seemed he had gone back to his shy form in a blink of an eye. It was only because he didn't know Atsuki though, and he was just alittle scared.

"That is Shippo. I adopted him, he's my new little boy. Come here Shippo." Tyoshi held out her hands and Shippo slowly walked towards his mother's arms. "Say hello to your new aunt Atsuki."

"He..hello." Shippo whispered a faint welcome.

Atsuki smiled warmly at the little one. "It's very nice to meet you Shippo. I hope you and Souta have made friends?"

Shippo nodded, then smiled abit. "Souta's my best friend! And Kagome," He paused as if thinking something over. "Can you be my friend too?"

Atsuki smiled alittle bigger then nodded. "Of course. Why wouldn't I want to be?"

Shippo smiled wide and stretched out his arms to give Atsuki a hug. Tyoshi put him down and watched as Shippo opened up to his new aunt. Atsuki hugged Shippo back before turning to everyone. "I didn't expect a visit from all of you."

"Well, after this were going to a carnival. I only wish you could come with us." Tyoshi replied sadly.

"Maybe some other time." The others nodded.

Everyone was silent for awhile, before Tyoshi broke it. "Oh! Kagome I bed you wish to talk with your mother in private? Come on everyone, we'll come back after we find something to eat." Tyoshi took Shippo and Souta's hand, while walking out of the room with Kikyo following behind. They left Kagome and her mother alone to talk.

Atsuki was quiet as she looked her daughter over. She seemed fine, even happy, but a mother new when something was wrong with there children. "Kagome? How are you doing?"

Kagome looked up at her mother and smiled abit. "I'm fine."

"How are you liking Hawaii?"

"It's.. nice. Souta's loving it, I almost think.."

"No honey," Atsuki interrupted. "I asked how you like Hawaii."

Kagome was silent for abit, trying to put the words together to make it sound like she really liked it here. The last thing her mother needed was for her to hear how much Kagome just wanted to go back to there home, back when everything was alright.

"I... I like it. It's hot and very beautiful. And I also like living with Tyoshi. That's nice too, but.."

"But it's not home? I know honey." Kagome let out a shaky sigh. She walked up next to her mother and nodded.

"I know you rather be back home, and I know you rather be with your friends.."

"It's ok." Kagome shook her head. "If anything, I'd want to be near you. I miss Tokyo, our home, but one day we'll go back home... right?"

Atsuki stayed silent. She stared at her daughter before turning her gaze out the window. "I can't promise you that honey. I can promise you that you may return, but I can't promise you I'll be returning with you. You have to know that."

Kagome bit her lip and nodded. This was no time to break down crying. She had to stay strong just like she did when she left her friends and home. She had to be strong for Souta and herself. And she was going to. "I.. I know that."

Atsuki turned to her daughter again and smiled abit. "Your getting older each time I see you. Stronger, wiser, your becoming such a fine women. Kagome, you must know how proud I am of you." Atsuki pulled Kagome into a hug while stroking her hair. "And when you become older, wiser, stronger, I wish for you to stay yourself. I wish for you to keep that same light that shines through the dark when everything goes black. Can you promise me that?"

Kagome nodded, blinking away the tears. "Yes.."

Atsuki nodded and watched as her daughter pulled back. She smiled at her daughter who smiled back at her with the same warmth she always had. Atsuki couldn't be sure if Kagome can be what Kagome wants to be. But she knows no matter what, Kagome will always be her daughter. Even if she's not there to see it herself through her same eyes.

Just then, Tyoshi and the others came back smling and laughing with chocolate bars. "We had to go up three floors to find food! They make it so you have to go already up there to shed some pounds, then you gain it all back when yours eating candy!" Tyoshi exclaimed. Atsuki laughed and nodded. "I know what you mean."

Kagome laughed abit to, even though she knew she was breaking inside. If her mother passed on, what would she do? Living with Naraku was the last thing she wanted to do, but she was only sixteen, she didn't even have a job! There was no way she would be able to support her brother. Not that it would matter since the two would be put in foster care. Kagome didn't want to think about that. No, her mother wouldn't die. Atsuki was atrong, she would make it. Just like always.

()

Before Kagome knew it, three and a half hours had past and they were all saying good bye to the sick family member. They had all catched up on old times, laughed, and joked about all the things that had happened through their life.

Giving Atsuki one last hug from everyone, they all waved and began to pile out of the room and back into the limo still laughing. But Tyoshi couldn't help but see her niece with a far out look in her eyes, and very quiet.

"Kaggy? You ok?"

Kagome snapped out of her thoughts and turned to her aunt. "Oh, yeah sorry. I'm just alittle tired."

Tyoshi nodded. "Well, you should be happy because were almost at the carnival!" Tyoshi replied in a sing song voice.

"Yay!" Shippo and Souta shouted.

"Yeah.." Kagome and Kikyo spoke dully.

Tyoshi grinned as the limo stopped and the limo driver turned around. "Were here."

Tyoshi grinend wider and threw the door open. "Let's go have some fun!"

Shippo and Souta jumped out of the car screaming, while Kagome and Kikyo pulled out of the limo slowly. Neither of them wanted to spend the rest of the day together. No good could come from this, and Tyoshi new it. Why did she have to torture them so?

Tyoshi pointed over to a line to get into the fair grounds and began to walk over there. Shippo and Souta were chatting about what rides they should go on, and games they should play. While Kikyo and Kagome were having a different talk.

"Don't talk to me, look at me, and make sure no one knows your with me ok?" Kagome only rolled her eyes.

"Believe me, I wont even breathe near you." She replied.

"Good. Oh! I see Inu-poo!" Kikyo ran over next to her mother and pointed to Inuyasha who was waving them over. He was third in line and had two people with him who didn't look to pleased to be with him. Guess those are his friends.. Kagome thought as she ran up to her aunt and quickly made it over to Inuyasha.

"Inu-baby! I missed you!" Kikyo wrapped her arms around Inuyasha and hugged him.

"I missed you too." Inuyasha replied, then kissed Kikyo.

The two friends of Inuyasha just rolled there eyes and looked disgusted. "Inuyasha, who are your friends?" Tyoshi asked.

"Oh." Inuyasha pulled away from Kikyo then pointed to a male friend of his. "This is Miroku Kazaana."

Miroku smiled charmingly and took Tyoshi's hand. "Pleased to meet you." Tyoshi smiled.

"And that's Sango Tajiya." Inuyasha pointed to a girl with long brown hair who waved. "Hi."

"Miroku, Sango, this is Kagome, Kikyo's cousin." Inuyasha pointed to Kagome who waved abit and smiled.

Sango and Miroku stared at Kagome shocked. Kagome felt alittle embarresed. She knew they must be thinking how much her and Kikyo looked alike. Kagome hated that about herself, but wasn't going to make a big deal about it now.

"Money?" The group turned there heads to the guy who would allow them into the carnival. Inuyasha nodded and handed the guy his money then got a stamp on his hand. The rest did that then quickly entered the fair grounds.

"Wow!" Shippo exclaimed happily. There were rides and games everywhere. People laughing with food and cotton candy. Screams of fun and joy could be heard everywhere. Souta was loving it.

"Can we go on that ride? Or that ride? Or maybe that one!" Shippo and Souta were pointing in completely different directions. Tyoshi laughed. "Calm down. We'll go where ever you want, but not all at the same time."

Kagome looked around then let out a sigh. She knew Kikyo would ditch her with Inuyasha soon, and she would be left all alone. Just what she wanted. "Kagome? Will you be alright with I go with the boys?" Tyoshi asked. "Sure, go ahead! I'll be just fine!" Kagome replied with fake enthusiasium. Tyoshi nodded, then was dragged by the two boys away.

Kikyo grinned as her mother was pulled out of view, then turned to Inuyasha. "Go play some games and win me stuff!"

Inuyasha smiled then nodded and walked over to a near by game, leaving his own friends with Kagome. The three stood in silence, just looking around. "Told you he was gonna ditch us." Sango stated dryly. "Leave it to Kikyo to ruin eevrything."

"You don't know the half of it." Kagome replied staring at Kikyo who was screaming at Inuyasha.

"I'm guessing you don't like Kikyo?" Miroku asked.

"Keh, who does? She's like a spolied brat who gets whatever she wants whenever she chooses. It gets annoying after about eleven years or so." Kagome turned to the two who stared at her confused. "What?"

"I just thought... you would like Kikyo or something. You know because you look so much like her and... Sorry to judge you!" Sango apologized.

Kagome laughed. "S'ok. I hate looking like her. People always think I'm her and it drives me crazy," Kagome shrugged. "But not half as much as that Inuyasha guy."

Miroku turned to Inuyasha then nodded. "Yeah, but you'll get used to it."

The three then began to talk about how Inuyasha was like a slave towards Kikyo. It was funny on how they agreed about many things. Kagome felt like she finally had someone to talk to about her problems with Kikyo, but of course that was ludacris. No one would believe her anyway.

"You realise this is a carnival, and we haven't played any games?" Kagome asked laughing abit.

"Yeah! Lets go win some things!" Sango and Miroku replied. The three laughed then ran to go play and win, even if all the games were rigged.

()

Two hours later, Miroku had won two stuffed animals for Sango. Kagome had won a bear for Miroku, and Sango won a monkey for Kagome. It seemed that they were becoming better friends with each game they won.

They hadn't seen Kikyo or Inuyasha for that two hours and wondered where they were. The three began to go look for them. "I wonder where Kikyo dragged Inuyasha off to now." Sango looked around some candy shops and stores.

"Who knows with Kikyo." Kagome replied. Just then they saw a glimpse of Kikyo and Inuyasha walking towards them.

"Look what Inu-kun won for me!" Kikyo had about six stuffed animals all in her arms. It seemed she wanted to gloat in Kagome's face.

"And let me guess, you didn't win one by yourself? Guess your a big loser." Miroku stated with a small smirk. Kikyo glared as Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Shut the hell up Miroku."

"Guess he's right." Sango replied.

"I could have won a game if I wanted to!" Kikyo whined loudly.

"Yeah right." Kagome muttered under her breath. Kikyo glared, catching Kagome's words. "Is that a challenge?"

Kagome looked into Kikyo black eyes and felt a fire within her beginning to burn. "Yeah Kikyo, it is. I bet you couldn't win any game in the world. Even if you picked."

Kikyo then flashed Kagome a smirk. "I couldn't win any game even if I picked huh?"

Kagome nodded, crossing her arms over her chest. "Yeah."

"Then let me pick a game and see if I lose. Or, are you afraid Kaggy?" Kagome rolled her eyes. "Of course not."

"Then do you agree for me to let me pick a game. Any game, no matter what?"

Kagome could hear the voices in her head to stop. To turn around and walk away. This was danger and she was stepping right into it. But Kagome couldn't back down now, no way at all. "I agree."

"Good. Come here Kaggy." Kikyo grabbed her cousins arm then began dragging her away. "We'll be right back!" Kikyo dragged Kagome away from the three people then stopped and glanced around. "I have a perfect game to play."

"And you couldn't tell me with Inuyasha and his friends around?" Kagome asked.

"No, because this is a game that only we can know about. Only we know the rules, the purpose, the whole reason to play." Kikyo smirked wider then leaned back again. "This game is only known as 'The game.'"

"What a well thought name." Kikyo ignored Kagome and continued.

"We can do whatever we like to eachother, where ever, when ever. Yet we can't tell anyone why we do what we do, or the reason behind the constant war."

"So it's a war?"

"Yes. Now, like every game, there must be a prize. We must put our highest, most precious thing on the line. Kagome, what do you have that's precious to you?"

Kagome thoguht about it then shrugged. "I don't know."

"That's alright. By the end of the game you'll have something I want. Now the only thing I have that is precious to me that you wouldn't want would have to be..." Kikyo looked around then nodded. "Inuyasha Masaharu."

"Inuyasha? I don't want him!" Kagome yelled. Kikyo put her hand over Kagome's mouth to shut her up. "Excactly. It doesn' matter if you want him or not, it's about getting what's most precious. Understand?"

Kagome nodded slowly. "Any questions?"

Kagome shook her head. "Good." Kikyo replied. "Remember, you can't tell anyone and neither can I. Things are about to get interesting. Since after all, you are starting to go to my school soon."

Kagome nodded again. She almost forgot about that. She didn't have a choice, now who knows what could happen at school with Kikyo and The game starting. Kagome know knew she should have said no, and walked away from the danger instead of heading straight to it.

"Good. Now, have fun." Kikyo smiled then walked off leaving Kagome alone.

Who knew what Kikyo might do? And what would she get if Kagome lost? And Kagome knew that she didn't want Inuyasha, he was a jerk. Not that he'd go for her anyway, she wasn't Kikyo, she was Kagome. Kikyo's cousin. Kagome could feel dread coming over her. This wasn't the best idea to accept. But what could she do?

Kagome let out a soft sigh and began to walk back to Kikyo and the others. The game was just starting, and Kagome already felt like a loser.

()

Well the ending was rushed, but atleast the game has started. I'm sorry this took so long to put out. My computer had the MSN virus and I was trying to get rid of it, and I think I've finally done it! Wish me luck about that. Sorry the chapter sucked but the next one will be better, promise. Please review! Til then..

Yume!