Uuuuummmm… Weird. Nothing to say… except maybe that I love you all uber much for responding!

Chapter 8: Let Go

With enough silence and concentration, one can actually feel the heart thumping beneath their chest. Emotions intertwine around it, making it's every movement a part of the mind. The feel of it can be so strong at times that one could swear to have actually heard it. The hanyou could see his chest make small jumps with every beat, and his sensitive ears tried his patience with an echoing boom. For years, he had never really bothered to listen to his heart. He realized now why that was. He didn't like acknowledging fear, especially his own. However, his heart was a constant reminder of every powerful emotion within him.

Inuyasha kneeled to the ground once again as he sniffed for any signs of Naraku. After taking in many whiffs, he growled in frustration and curled his fingers into the soft dirt. There was no track of that bastard. An exhausted Miroku came running up to him, and took a moment to catch his breath. "Would you… just… hold on… for a second?"

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Would you hurry up?"

He crawled on the ground, trying in earnest to locate the scent. Miroku sighed, "Inuyasha, you've searched everywhere for the past four days. Maybe we should be getting back to the campsite."

Inuyasha shook his head. Although he didn't like leaving Kagome's side, at least Sango and Kirara were there to protect her if something were to happen. He had business to attend to. Besides, if his guess was right, there would not be another attack, not for another month. He sighed hard. Kagome didn't tell him what she suspected, but he knew he was wondering the same thing. Her changes in smell didn't go unnoticed by him. He had sent her home once before on such an occasion when he had become fearful of what could happen in her state, but that stubborn girl was hard to keep away from feudal Japan when there wasn't school to worry about. Such a strategy proved useless.

Miroku eyed the hanyou in curiosity, "Inuyasha, you've been acting strange. I mean, stranger than usual. What's going on?"

"None of your damn business," Inuyasha snapped at the monk.

That shut the monk up. When it came to Naraku, Miroku had to assume that Inuyasha was trying to do it his way, and God help anyone who would try to stop him from doing so. Giving up on getting through to him, Miroku decided to return to the camp. The exhaustion was getting to him. Inuyasha continued sniffing, 'Please, just let me be wrong about this.'

Back on the hill by the hut, Kirara frolicked over to where Sango and Kagome were sitting, and hopped onto the exterminator's lap. She was graciously rewarded with pets, and was quite content with life, but even as an animal, she could still sense the tension in the air. She looked at her owner imploringly for answers, and the humans couldn't help but love that concerned look on Kirara's face. Kagome patted Kirara on the head, "What a beautiful girl you are? I wonder if you would have liked Buyo."

"Who's that?" Sango asked.

"My cat. Ha, Souta's probably spoiling him with chocolate again. Next time I get back, I bet that fat cat won't even be able to walk…" Kagome laughed, but she then stopped short.

The smile escaped from her face and she turned to look at the clouds that were coming from over the horizon far away. Up there, she had a whole view of the valley. She couldn't help but imagine Tokyo when she looked upon all the open space. She knew exactly where that hill would be in her own time, and she could practically imagine a map of where her school was, and all the places she had loved. Thoughts of her favorite places gave way to thoughts of her favorite people. Her family, her friends… they had no idea what she had been through. She had gone back once since the incident, but had barely any time there. As friends she felt that she should be part of their lives, and she wondered what they were up to.

She didn't want her friends to worry about her. She didn't want them to know what happened. Deep down, she knew that they would have wanted to know, and to help her through it, but still the idea of discussing it gave her chills. Regardless of what would be said, she just needed to be with the people she loved. Sango noticed her sadness, "Kagome-chan?"

"Oh, I'm sorry Sango-chan. I was just thinking."

"About your time?" She asked in affectionate concern.

"Yeah. I miss my family and friends very much."

"Perhaps you should go back for a while," Sango suggested.

Kagome shook her head, "Oh no. I couldn't possibly do that. I'm sure Inuyasha would have a fit about it, and I have to stay behind to make sure he doesn't do something crazy… and as much as I hate to not tell them everything that happens in my life, I don't want them to know what happened. I don't think I can face them yet."

Kagome brought her knees up to her chin in fear of the thought. She didn't know if she would ever be ready for that. An image of herself breaking down before them always passed her mind. Sango said, "Kagome, you know that they will love you no matter what. And they would want to be there for you."

"I know," Kagome responded solemnly, knowing this battle couldn't be won.

Sango placed a hand on her friend's shoulder, causing the miko to look up at her again. She spoke, "I can imagine this whole thing has been very hard for you. I just hope you realize that it will help to have the people who care about you near."

Kagome nodded and smiled weakly. Yes, what she really needed was to be with the people she loved. Her thoughts reverted to a certain hanyou, who she hadn't seen in quite a while. He had been off training, and looking for any clues nearby that could lead him to Naraku. He swore to Kagome that Naraku would pay for what he did. She wanted Naraku to pay too, but she also wanted something else much more. "I just wish Inuyasha could see that," she remarked, "He is so insistent on killing Naraku immediately, but I do wish he could come back here and be with me instead."

Sango eyed her curiously, "You can't possibly tell me that you don't want revenge too."

"No, I do want revenge. More than you'll ever know, but… revenge alone will do nothing. Revenge doesn't accomplish anything, except affirming that something won't happen again. Revenge isn't going to take away the pain. What's going to help me heal is having Inuyasha by my side."

"It's just because he's worried," Sango shrugged it off, "He wants to keep you safe. We all do."

"Yeah, but sometimes I worry about him. As much as I appreciate him doing this for me, I don't want anything bad to happen to him in the process, and I don't want him to think that he's responsible for everything that happened. I think he still blames himself. The fact of the matter is that we aren't prepared to face Naraku yet. We need time, and I couldn't bear it if something happened to anyone because of me."

Sometimes Sango couldn't believe Kagome's strength. She had been raped once, and not four days prior, the attempt had been made again. And yet there she was, insisting on staying by Inuyasha's side, needing him to help her through it. The exterminator sure felt like throwing her boomerang at the hanyou when he returned. Despite her appearance, Sango knew that her friend was in a lot of pain, but she was trying to keep a grip on herself for the team. That was the Kagome way… to always think of others. She could sense the miko's guilt and she spoke up, "Kagome… this wasn't your fault. You know that, right?"

Kagome looked deep into the eyes of her friend, seeing the concern there. How grateful she was that someone who cared for her was there by her side. Kagome rubbed Kirara's head, "I know. Don't worry. I'll be fine. I just need time."

"You say that, but I sense that your feelings are different. Are you just saying this because you think it's what we want to hear?" Sango asked.

"No!" Kagome looked somewhat insulted, but her face softened and she bowed her head forward, "… and yes."

Sango leaned over to embrace her fallen friend. Kagome couldn't help the sobs from escaping her. As strong as she was, she couldn't hold in these feelings forever. At least she had Sango around. Finally she was able to let go of all the sorrow she felt. Sango tried her best to comfort the girl, "I'm so sorry you had to go through that... and that Inuyasha, he's so clueless. I'll give him a piece of my mind when he gets back."

Kagome shook her head against her shoulder, "No, please don't. I don't want him to worry about me. It's okay. There are more important things right now."

Sango reluctantly nodded, not wanting to leave it alone, but knowing this was something between her friend and Inuyasha. Kagome was so grateful for Sango's support, but her thoughts continued to linger over to the memories… and Inuyasha. She loved him with all her heart, but she was so sure that he would feel crushed if she was sobbing like this with him. It would only upset him more. Why couldn't he understand that she needed him so badly? Right now, she didn't want to think about Naraku or revenge. She just wanted Inuyasha, to comfort her, to make her feel safe, to make her feel worthwhile. Kirara helped ease her tears by rubbing affectionately against the miko's leg. Kagome smiled at the neko-youkai. She pulled out of Sango's embrace and let the cat take its place in her lap. "Thank you for being here, Sango-chan, and you too Kirara. I guess I really needed to let go of what I was feeling."

She sniffled a bit and wiped the wetness from her cheeks. Sango smiled sweetly, "Anytime. We'll always be here if you need anything. Remember that."

Kagome stood up and made her way back to the hut. It was a bit early for dinner, but she just needed to do something to get her mind off Inuyasha and Naraku. Inuyasha had laid out some fish to be cooked, so she decided to get started on that so the food would be ready when he returned. Even if he didn't much like her cooking, he still needed nourishment after all. Kirara came in shortly after her, wanting to keep the girl company. She could still sense the girl's sadness. If there was one thing she knew for sure, it was that humans couldn't resist the cute and fluffy. Good thing she happened to be just that. As adorably as possible, she made her way next to Kagome, who was making preparations, and she poked a bit at the garlic salt, causing the jar to tip over. The contents spilled onto the neko-youkai's nose, which made her sneeze. Her theory was right on the mark, for Kagome began to giggle at the kitty's curiosity. Now a little disgruntled at the uncomfortable tingling in her nose, Kirara curled up in the corner closest to Kagome. Kagome inwardly smiled, 'I will always have people here to care for me, won't I… Inuyasha…'

Sango leaned back on her hands as she tried to take in as much sun as she could before it would fade away behind the storm clouds in the distance. The outside of the storm looked peaceful from where she sat, maybe because it was still so far away. She knew, however, that within that storm a hurricane would soon be awakened. They would need to seek better shelter before the day ended. Rumor had it that locals had started taking refuge in the caves in the mountains, so perhaps they would go there as well.

Even the danger of the oncoming hurricane didn't jostle the exterminator of her troubles. Somehow the near danger seemed nothing compared to her worry for Kagome. She loved Kagome like a sister, and the idea that she was taken advantage of made her sick. She knew there was nothing she could have done to stop it, but that wouldn't stop her from at least trying to make things better for her friend. Kagome was so strong and she was trying to not show how vulnerable she was feeling, but Sango felt it. Lingering in her eyes and her smile there was suffering, and something else she hated to see: guilt. As hard as Sango tried to understand, she just couldn't comprehend how Kagome could feel guilty about what happened. But it was definitely there. In a way that she couldn't describe, she sensed that there was a loss in confidence and in worth. Kagome never said anything, of course, but Sango knew it, and she hated it.

Sango wanted to help her friend, and while she had managed to be there for Kagome during an emotional moment, she knew there were more emotions still locked up inside. Many of them emotions that concerned Inuyasha, and only he could set them free. She wrinkled her brow as she thought of that baka of a hanyou. Kagome needed him more than ever, and he wasn't there. He didn't even realize that he was actually adding to her pain by being away. Inuyasha… he felt such a sense of responsibility for Kagome's well-being, but he had become blinded to her true needs. Somehow he refused to accept the worth of his support and love. Sango was sure that in his own foolishness, he was slowly breaking Kagome's heart. She couldn't stand for that. He had to see just what this was doing to her.

Inuyasha walked slower than usual up the hill to the hut, still recovering from training and searching non-stop. He somehow had managed to scour most of the valley in the past few days, both looking out for clues of Naraku, training, and along the way looking for a safe place to stay when the hurricane arrived. Physically, he was spent, but there was still much to be done. There was still a section of land he hadn't searched yet. He knew the chances of Naraku being in the valley at that moment were slim, but after Kagome was almost attacked again, he couldn't afford to take any chances.

When Sango saw him coming, she rose from her spot and shouted, "Where in the hell have you been, Inuyasha?"

"Just training, and searching for Naraku. So what?" Inuyasha responded, not even noticing her angry flushed cheeks.

"You shouldn't have gone so far away for so long," Sango criticized.

"I was only gone for a few hours. I'll be going out again in just a minute .I just need to quickly get something to eat," Inuyasha said, and he walked past her.

Sango clenched her fists and closed her eyes. Could he not even see how angry she was? She called, "If you go in there, I'm not letting you back out again."

At this, Inuyasha stopped and turned to look at Sango. Her back was turned towards him so he couldn't see her facial expressions, but he could feel anger radiating from her. "What's your problem?"

"Argh! That is so typical of you," Sango turned around to glare at him, "You really are clueless."

"What in the hell did I do?" Inuyasha asked defensively.

Sango closed her eyes, trying to gain control over her anger. She promised Kagome she wouldn't spill the secret to him. If anyone had to do it, it was Kagome. Inuyasha wouldn't believe it, unless he heard it from Kagome for himself. Once she was satisfied that she had calmed down, she gently said, "Look… I suggest that you take a good look at what's really going on here, cause if you don't, it will only bring more pain to Kagome."

"Did something happen, Sango?" Inuyasha asked in worry.

"Go in to see her, Inuyasha. You're the only one who can fix the hole in her heart," Sango said, and she walked away again.

Inuyasha cocked his head. What was Sango talking about? Kagome was fine, right… or at least she would be, once he got rid of Naraku. Inuyasha looked back at his female comrade in disgust. It wasn't like anyone else was helping to track down Naraku. Why was it that he was the only one who seemed to care about making that bastard pay for what he did? Some friends they had. Well, at least he could do something to save her. Even so, he decided to see what was going on, and walked to the hut.

To be continued…

Pout. I want more of my fluff back. Hope this chapter wasn't a disappointment, but it does have some important info. Next chapter is fluffy though, so stay tuned.

orangepencils: Yeah, Naraku's an ass. You'll find out why he wants to soon enough. Mmm, fish… (hugs)

kenshinluvr: Glad it turned out okay, cause I was worried. Thanks. (hugs)

Mikkasura: I hate Naraku too, which is why I made him so evil. Glad you like it. UK, awesomeness! You'll have to share some British slang with me so I can confuse one of my friends. (hugs)

kawaiigirl-77: It just makes me so happy when so many people respond, so it isn't a burden at all to update everyday. I'll still praying it can stay that way, what with finals next week and all. Glad you like it. (hugs)

InuyashaKougaLover: Jujuju was a type-o. I've seen a lot of other fics saying that Naraku's laugh is 'kukuku' (although I guess that must be in the English version cause I don't hear that in the Japanese). So it was supposed to be 'kukuku' but I had just gotten out of linguistics class where the phonetic symbol for an 'h' sound is j, and I guess I just wanted it to be 'huhuhu'… hm, did that make any sense at all? Oh, and Shin'ne supposedly means "die" in Japanese. (hugs)

Zoey: You'll just have to stay tuned. Haha, but the fact that I'm a hopeless romantic should be a pretty good hint… unless I change my mind. Ooh, I'm evil. (hugs)

Liknn: Hurray, I'm finally cool! Hahaha! Hurray for drama geeks! (hugs)

Jenn-silent breed: Oh dear, torture? Hm, is that good or bad? Either way, I'll update soon, because I'm feeling so loved with this fic. (hugs)

Marilyn: I'm such a hopeless romantic; I don't think I could ever go without all that lovey-dovey stuff. Glad you appreciate it. (hugs)

inuyasha4ever1: I'm glad you're so enthused about it. (hugs)

sitekicky: #1! happy tear. Wow! I am soooo happy that you feel that way! It really makes my day to hear that my stuff is appreciated. (hugs)

SlummyRedDragon: Glad it turned out okay, cause I was worried. (hugs)

HorridlyTruthful25: I can be quite forgetful, so I probably wouldn't even notice. Even if I did, I never get tired of the responses, no matter what. (hugs)

Yuukyou-chan: To have my work appreciated means so much to me. Thanks. (hugs)

Katie: Hm, as the outline looks right now, I'm about half way through the story. Sorry it won't end so soon, but it will be fun. Or a least it will be fun for me to write it. (hugs)

TotallyLost: Addition, eh? Romance is better than coffee. Glad you love it. (hugs)

Shadow Kitsune67: I'm hoping I'll be able to update on a daily basis. I have finals next week too, hope I can still make the daily deadline. Kia, you used 'uber', my fav word . Yeah, it was supposed to be 'kukuku', but I wanted it to be a 'huhuhu', and I had just returned from linguistics class where phonetically, an 'h' sound is written as j, so it became 'jujuju'… wow, I hope that didn't totally throw you off. (hugs)