A/N: Ah ha! (rubbing my head) Well you see….university is hard and writer's block sucks and now I work full time for the rest of summer, so SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT! I'll try to write more and for all my 'Freedom of Choice' fans, the next chapter will be out soon, probably next week!

ENJOY!

SORRY AGAIN! I hope the wait didn't discourage you. Nekoblue and I will finish this fic so don't woory!

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No individual thank-you this time, because I thought you would all rather just want to read the chapter, so Thanks for the review and hope you review again –

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Return of the Lost Soul

By: whiterose03 and nekoblue

Chapter 6: Come to me

The day was pretty quiet as Lady Izayoi walked through the hallways of the Higurashi floor. She pulled a strand of her black hair behind her ear as she continued her walk. She was almost there.

There was so much on her mind that she needed to release, and she could only think of one true friend who fulfilled that job.

Lady Izayoi walked past a few paintings and scriptures of their monk and miko heritage. They were truly lovely, but she did not have time to admire them further as she had always done. She walked past a sculpture of the family heirloom: the bow and arrow, and finally reached her destination.

She looked at the doorknob before reaching it and took a deep breath before turning it.

The room was beautiful in every way possible. Freshly cut flowers were set up in vases around the beautifully decorated modern room. The room's colour of lavender always warmed her heart, for she knew it was her best friend's favourite.

She took a couple of steps into the centre of the room and saw whom she was searching for. Lady Kari sat by the artificial furnished fireplace. Her short hair shone through the sun rays, and her yellow bathrobe tied neatly and securely around her.

Lady Izayoi gave her sad smile before she heard one of the nurses coming out of one the rooms.

"Oh Lady Izayoi, how nice to see you again." The nurse bowed with a warm smile. "If you are here to visit Lady Kari, I'm almost done with her assessments and then you may proceed with your visit."

Lady Izayoi gave a nod and watched as the nurse checked Kari's vital signs. When she was done taking her blood pressure, she grabbed her clipboard and documented the numbers.

The nurse turned around and bowed once more before she left the two friends. Lady Izayoi gave a thank you and walked over to her friend and sat on the chair nearest to her. It was so hard watching her friend being subdued to this state of health. Especially since she very well knew the cause and it pained her every time she looked into her eyes.

The loss of her precious baby. She recalled the day when the rest of the three lords and ladies were informed that the Higurashi family were going to have twins, only to later find that one of the twins had died at birth. It pained her to the very core to watch her best friend wither into a lifeless form. And it angered her that the guardians would take away a child from its mother. The four families had then decided that no one, including Kaede and Kikyo, would be informed of this news, for it would be heartbreaking.

A tear escaped from Izayoi. She again took a deep breath and started her usual weekly reports. She found that it was her job to at least inform Kari of the latest events that have been happening in the academy, and more importantly in the world.

She then thought back to their younger years and smiled at how things were so much simpler then.

"Kari, I know you can't respond back, but I know you can hear me. And for now that is enough. We went through so much together as childhood friends. I still remember the time when you told me you had fallen in love with the most handsome man in the world. The way your face lit up and smiled every time you said his name. We were all so happy, but…"

Naraku

That name, it haunted her dreams. That bastard had ruined everything and now her family and friends were living in closed walls with security ventures surrounding them. Was this how her life was going to remain? In isolation from the dangers that awaited them outdoors? This was not how she planned for her son to grow up. She wanted Inuyasha to be free to leave their home and play outside as a child.

But…

It had all changed. He had grown up now into a wonderful, strong man. She could not have asked for anything more. He was happy, safe and healthy -- until he was called for a mission, that was.

Lady Izayoi once again came out of her thoughts and looked at her friend. Her mind then traveled to the new comer to the Academy, Kagome. Yes, that was her name. That brought a smile to her face. There were some questions plaguing her mind that she could not share with anyone. Not even her mate.

One of the questions had to do with Kagome. Why did she have such a resemblance to Kikyo? Not only that, she shared some resemblance to another person….

Izayoi looked at her friend again.

To you.

Izayoi shook her head again from her thoughts. Boy, did her thoughts steer toward the strangest directions. Exactly how did her mate fall for her, she would never understand.

But…could there be something… could there be a relationship? A sign from the Guardians maybe? Something, anything? Hope! No, whom was she kidding?

Izayoi shifted her body as she placed her hand on Kari's arm.

No reaction.

And there never will be.

If only a miracle would happen…


In the Academy Cafeteria………

Anyone who lived in the Academy would know that there were some really crazy things that occurred from time to time; things that were out of the ordinary.

However, what everyone was witnessing now in front of his or her very eyes was far from out of the ordinary. It was just down right frightening.

Everyone in the cafeteria had shock clearly written across his or her face. They didn't know what was going on. They didn't know what to do.

Well, except for some people.

Inuyasha, Miroku and Sango ran up to the sight before them. There in the centre were Kaede, Kikyo and Kagome, and what appeared to be a dark aura encompassing them.

Sango looked at her friends and put a hand to her mouth. "Oh my god, what are we going to do? What the hell is going on?"

"I don't know but we have to call our fathers and do something before anyone gets hurt," shouted Miroku as the aura was becoming larger and stronger. He could feel the evil penetrating through the aura and it didn't look good.

A few people had heard Miroku's suggestion and ran to go find anyone that knew what the hell was going on.

Inuyasha on the other hand was ready to break down that aura with his claws, if it weren't for Miroku who was holding him back from the unknown evil.

"Kaede!" Everyone turned around to see Ken run down lightening fast to rescue his fiancée.

"No! Ken stay back, we don't know what has them, and it can be very dangerous. You may even end up hurting them if you go near the aura." Miroku yelled as he held back his hanyou friend. 'Man! Can't anyone feel this evil but me?'

That stopped Ken. His Kaede and future sister-in-law, and that new girl Kagome were trapped in this aura, doing God knew what to them. His muscles tensed at the thought of something or someone harming Kaede.

Suddenly they heard the three women yelling for each other. It was like they were separated and yet they were holding on to each other.

Now everyone was surrounding the three women and all they could do for the time being was just watch and listen.

Meanwhile…

What's going on? Kikyo? Kagome? Where are you two? Asked a terrified Kaede.

Kaede is that you? Why is it so dark in here? Where are we!

Are you two okay? That sounded like Kagome. Why can't I see you guys. Dammit! Someone turn on the fucking lights!

And like "voila" a yellow glow appeared, allowing the three women a better view of each other.

Kikyou looked at the other two and relaxed a bit. And then her fear hit. This is crazy. What's happening –?

And suddenly she was silenced by thunderous feminine voice.

Well look at what we have here. Three vulnerable little twits waiting for their doom.

I have been waiting years to find such powerful souls and now I have them at the palm of my hands. Come to me sisters…….

"COME TO ME!"

Who the hell are you, and FYI you're not claiming anyone's soul, you freaky bitch! Kagome yelled. Just who did this woman think she was? She couldn't even see her face. It was only that voice. She looked over at Kaede and Kikyou and saw the fear in their eyes. She had to do something. Fast.

Too late. Out of nowhere a wispy dark light appeared and grabbed a hold of their arms and legs.

Kikyou screamed and Kaede sank down to her knees from the strain of the dark force.

The feminine voice gave a monstrous laugh and pulled them closer to her.

Kagome couldn't move. Her legs were tangled with that dark aura. This isn't happening.

Let go of us. Stop. Stop this!

Suddenly, a pink glow emanated from somewhere and detangled the three women from the dark force.

What is this? This power. Where is it coming from? Noooo! I will not let you get away. Nooo!

There was flash of pure light and the three women were sent flying across cafeteria in different corners. The people in the cafeteria screamed for help.

Upon seeing Kagome fly across the room, Inuyasha pushed away from his friend and ran towards her before she could collide with the wall. He grabbed her around the waist and held her close to him. Whoa, that was close.

Sango saw Kikyo coming towards her and braced herself for the impact. Kikyou was fine and breathing.

As soon as he saw Kaede being thrown into mid air, Ken jetted towards his fiancée and prayed she wasn't harmed. He grabbed her around her waist while he suffered some of the impact from the wall. Kaede was now resting on him, while he checked her breathing. She was fine.

Miroku looked at the three women. That was amazing. "They're back!"

"No shit baka. Now can we please get them to the hospital wing? I want to make sure Kagome's fine." Inuyasha said as he stroked her cheek. He was worried, her eyes were closed and her breathing was slow.

As Inuyasha was going to pick up Kagome, Lord Takesh and Lord Karuido came into the cafeteria demanding to know what happened. They both looked at the three unconscious women and could not fathom what could have caused this raucous.

"Later dad, first we have to get them to hospital wing," Sango explained while handing Kikyo over to Miroku. She looked back to see Inuyasha already with Kagome in his arms walking towards the exit of the cafeteria followed by Ken and Miroku who were carrying Kaede and Kikyo.

Sango turned back to the two Lords and indicated that they should follow after them. When they did make it to the hospital wing, all three were relieved to see that the three unconscious women were being looked after.

"All right, could someone now tell us what is going on?" Lord Takesh asked impatiently.

"To tell you the truth Lord Takesh, we don't know ourselves. One minute they were shaking hands and the next we heard them screaming to something… or someone." Miroku finished as he scratched his head. "But the weird thing about all that was, there was this dark aura encircling them, like it was trying to pull them in or something."

"How odd." Lord Karuido stated after taking the time to think over the situation. "This academy has been sealed from any outside dark forces. It's impossible for evil to locate us."

The two lords looked at each other. Worry was clearly evident in their eyes. Had Naraku finally found their secret location again? Was he planning on attacking? No they couldn't come to a conclusion just yet. They should wait until the three women woke up and have them explain what they remember.

Just then Kaede started to squirm in her bed and slowly began to open her eyes. Ken was by her side and started to stroke her cheek to comfort her as she came out of her sleep.

Bright light…ohhh how she wished she could just go back to sleep. Hey what was going on here? Her head hurt so much. Only the nice sensation on her left cheek brought her to open her eyes.

"Ken…hmnn," she groaned as she fully opened her eyes. "What's going on? Where am I? Where's Kikyo and Kagome?"

"Don't worry honey, they're fine and you're in the hospital. Do you remember what happened"? Ken asked gently as he helped his fiancée into a sitting position.

"I…so dark…. and then that woman's voice…but that. …light…" Kaede trailed off in between deep breaths. She looked towards her sister sleeping soundly a bed away to her right and on the other side was Kagome. That light I saw, where did it come from?

Everyone in the room were trying to piece together what Kaede had just described, but then their attention lingered to Kikyo who appeared to be waking up next.

"Aww my head, it hurts so much." Kikyo whined as she shifted in her bed to sit up. One of the nurses helped her into the prone position as she placed a pillow behind her back. "What the hell just happened"? She looked around and saw everyone staring at her. Then she looked at the mirror across the room and nearly screamed. "Oh my god! I look like a monster…nurses can you get me a comb and oh don't forget my makeup bag!"

"Well we certainly know Kikyo's fine," Sango said as she rolled her eyes at the scene. Everyone else nodded in unison.

There was another muffled groan and all eyes watched as the new girl tried to sit while placing a hand on her throbbing head. "What the fuck…" Kagome trailed off as she opened her eyes and saw all eyes were on her. Whoops she should really watch her mouth. She shook her head lightly until she felt two strong hands gently grasp her shoulders to help her sit comfortably. She looked up to find Inuyasha staring intently down at her. Why is he looking at me like that? She quickly looked away and mumbled a 'thank you' before she snapped back to what had just occurred.

"Oh crap! Kaede? Kikyo? Are you two okay?" Kagome jolted up from her bed and looked around to find Kaede in Ken's arms. And then there was Kikyo. She sweat-dropped. How could that girl possibly think about her perky prettiness at a time like this? Inuyasha tried his best to lower the worried girl back into her sitting position.

Man this girl has energy. He thought while hiding his amusement.

Miroku nudged Sango with his elbow and gestured towards their hanyou friend. Sango gave him a 'are you thinking what I'm thinking' look.

Kaede smiled at Kagome's worried face. There was just something about this girl that warmed her heart, like they were connected somehow. But the question was how? There was this and the fact that from the first day she had met Kagome, she reminded her so much of her mother. Weird.

She wished her dad were here. Everything was just getting too weird and he was the best person to know what to do.

"We're fine Kagome. Thank you for your concern." Kaede smiled back.

Kagome seemed to relax a bit. She heard Lord Takesh clear his throat for their attention.

"Are the three of you alright?" He started again after he saw them nod. "Alright. Lord Karuido and I were not present during the course of this event; therefore, we would like to know from the beginning what happened."

The three girls looked at each other before Kaede cleared her throat to gain everyone's attention, indicating that she would speak first. "Well, Kikyo was just apologizing to Kagome and then she shook her hand. I came after to congratulate them on their truce."

"Did you do anything in between?" Lord Karuido probed further.

"Yes well I just placed my hand on top of theirs and that's when we were surrounded by this darkness and -."

"There was a voice. It was of a woman." Kagome paused and looked down at her hands. She really hated attention. "She was saying something, Come to me. She said she had been waiting for so long to find our souls or something like that." She finally looked up to see if everyone thought she was going crazy or not, because she certainly thought she was.

"Why would some crazy lady want our souls?" Kikyo finally spoke after she had looked in the mirror and decided she finally looked decent again. "I mean what did we ever do to her or it or …whatever."

"Was that all?" Lord Takesh asked. He had crossed his arms and was trying to piece all this together.

"Basically, but then there was this light." Kaede said as she looked up again. "I think...I think it saved us."

Everyone in the room looked at Kaede with the same thought in mind. A light?

"Well thank you for the explanation but unfortunately I can't piece together this event. We will have to stay alert for anything abnormal until we can determine the reason behind what we have just learned. We will need to wait until Lord Higurashi comes back from his trip and further investigate this matter. In the meantime, I suggest you three get some rest." With that Lord Takesh and Lord Karuido left the room, leaving behind confused young adults.

As soon as they left, Ken enveloped Kaede in a crushing hug. Kaede just giggled at her fiancé's protectiveness towards her. She loved him with her whole heart and soul. Once he pulled back she kissed him in a way that always left him breathless.

"Ahem," Miroku coughed to their attention. "If the two love birds don't mind, I think we should all head to the cafeteria for some munchin'." He turned around and started to walk away when he just needed to add another comment with a scowl. "It's just not fair, how come those two are the only ones who get good action while I –"

He was stopped mid way, with a bonk on his head. "Don't even say it pervert." Sango reminded him as she grabbed him by the collar and marched off.

Kagome looked at the two and shook her head with a smile. Those two would make a really amusing couple. She straightened up a bit only to knock into someone. She looked up to find golden eyes staring back at her. Shit, why is he looking at me like that again, and why do I feel like I'm gonna blush? I mean this is only Inuyasha…right? Get a grip girl. But wait! He saved you.

She looked down again and started to fidget with her hands as if she was trying to contemplate her next move. Ok here I go. She looked up and gave him a pleasant smile.

"Uh thanks for …clears throat…you know…umm… helping me and all." Wow that wasn't so hard, but wait… now he's smirking.

"Well I couldn't have your weak body hit the wall. It seems you can't really protect yourself." Inuyasha crossed his arms and regarded her fuming nature. It's funny when she's angry with me. The way her nostrils flare up and her… Whoa! Ok… I think I'm letting what Miroku said get to me.

Kagome couldn't believe it. The nerve of this guy. She had just thanked him for helping her and he had to shove her one moment of weakness in her face. Oh I'll show him weak.

Kagome was just about to attack the arrogant jerk when she felt a hand on her shoulders. She turned around and discovered that it was Kaede. Dammit! The baka got away this time.

"Kagome, what are you doing now?"

"I'm probably just gonna go now. I have some things I need to take care of. Why? Do you need anything?" Kagome asked as she saw a look of disappointment come across Kaede's face.

"Well I was just wondering if you would like to join Ken and me for something to eat, if you're not too busy or anything." Kaede asked with a hopeful expression. She wanted to talk to Kagome more about what they had just experienced. She also wanted to learn more about this young woman. There was something about her that she just couldn't put her finger on.

"I guess I can stay for a bit only, but then I really have to leave" Kagome replied. Great now I have to wait and think of another plan to get into some of the dorm rooms to get those blankets. Aw well I guess the longer I stay here, the greater chance for me to get these accessories.

"That's wonderful." Kaede turned around to face her sister who seemed to be rummaging through one of her makeup bags. "Kikyo would you like to join us?"

"No thanks, the girls and I are going to hit the tanning room. I think this stupid evil aura thing has left me a little pale." The group rolled their eyes again. Kikyo ignored them and went back to her bag. "Dammit where are my cotton balls and nail cutter? Kaede have you been going through my stuff?" Kaede gave her a "ya right" look.

"It's probably still in your room with the rest of Barbie's playhouse." Kagome intervened. In the background Inuyasha, Kaede, and Ken began to chuckle. It appeared that Kikyo had finally found someone to challenge her.

Kikyo turned away with her chin held high. "Listen, I don't need to take this, I'm leaving." And with that the beauty crazed queen stormed out.

"Ok well that counts Kikyo out. How about you Inuyasha, would you like to join us?" asked Kaede. From the corner of his eye he could see Kagome shaking her head at Kaede, as if secretly telling her not to ask him that.

"Sure, I have nothing else to do for the time being." He held a smug look on his face as he watched the look of defeat coming from Kagome.

So the four headed towards the cafeteria, with one who held her head low in annoyance while the other held his head high in victory.


Boardroom…

"…And so we believe that sending the troops over to the far west side rather than the east side of the Korono Village will help ward off some demons but also put up a strong defense against the next attack." Sesshoumaru ended as he stacked his papers and looked up to get the acceptance from the three lords who were sitting at the head of the 20 feet long table. They regarded his presentation one more time before the three exchanged a look and nodded to the inu youkai.

"Thank you Sesshoumaru, you may take a seat." Inutaisho waited for his son to sit and then cleared his throat for the next topic at hand. "Does anyone have any other matters that they wish to discuss?"

A gentleman named Eiji stood up stood up for his announcement. "My lords and ladies, it has come to my attention from other students and residents of this academy that there has been thievery occurring in the first and third floors. Some things that have gone missing include blankets, sweaters, and other accessories. There has not been any traces for who it can be but we are keeping a look out." The man bowed once and sat back down.

"Does anyone have further comments on this matter" Lord Takesh asked his council. There was no response indicating there was none. "Very well then, please keep us updated on this matter, Eiji, and if you find anything report to the council STAT." He ordered. "And now we have a more pressing matter to discuss.

"Earlier today there was an incident that occurred in the cafeteria involving Kaede, Kikyo and the new girl Kagome. However, Lord Karuido and I did not witness this event but we were told of its uprising and might I say it is quit interesting." He looked at all the faces in the boardroom consisting of the three lords and three ladies, his son and daughter-in-law, Kagura, Totosai, and the other associates of the academy.

They all stared back at him to continue, and Lord Takesh explained to them how the three young women were trapped in this dark aura and a demoness voice was calling for their soul. He heard some surprise gasps from a few members, one being his mate, but continued and explained how the three were thrown out of the aura but were safe.

"And how are they doing now?" Asked Kagura from the other end of the table.

"They are well and I believe have now proceeded to the cafeteria. However, we are unsure of how to deal with this matter until Lord Higurashi and Myoga come back from their business trip and have them investigate on this matter. "

"Do you believe it could be Naraku?" Lady Takesh probed further. What if it was him and he has found them out, then the academy would be…

"Now I know what you are assuming Izayoi, but we cannot be certain"

"But who else can it be?" Izayoi interjected. She was worried indeed for her family and friends. If Naraku ever found out about this academy, they would all be destroyed. No!

"Mother, please remain calm. We will get to the bottom of this as soon as we have more information. We will not let Naraku touch our family." Sesshoumaru answered in a gentle voice with his normal flat look but Izayoi could clearly see the protective expression on his face.

She gave her stepson a small nod and smiled for his confidence and support. Oh, I have the two most wonderful sons. She thought as she went back to facing her mate who also gave her a reassuring smile.

There was a knock on the door and one of the students of the academy took a step inside and cleared his throat for permission to speak. "My lord and ladies, Lord Higurashi and Myoga have returned from their trip and would like to meet with Lord Takesh, Lord Shinji, and Lord Kariudo in his study when you are free."

The lords nodded and the student gave a short bow and left the room. "Their timing could not have been perfect," Lord Kariudo stated as the members bowed and left the boardroom.

Just before she walked out, someone took her arm and pulled her to the side. Izayoi looked up and saw her mate staring back at her with worry in his eyes. She placed her hand on his cheek and placed a soft kiss on his lips. "I'm sorry for that outburst sweetheart, I don't know what had gotten into me." Inutaisho bent down and kissed his lovely mate's forehead reassuringly, indicating that he understood. "I guess it's just after visiting Kari and just seeing her like that again and again…" Izayoi stopped and sobbed against her mate's chest as he held her tight.

He knew that watching her best friend day after day in a non-responsive state was killing her spirit. "Shh, it's alright honey." He whispered as he rubbed her back for comfort.

"Inutaisho, I just don't know how to help her, how I can bring her back. I hate watching her suffer like this. Why does it have to be this way?" She questioned through her broken sobs.

But he didn't know how to answer her. How could he, when he was asking himself the very same questions?


In the Academy Cafeteria………

"I can't believe you have a tanning room." Kagome commented as she drank from her bottle of water. The group of four was now sitting in the cafeteria, enjoying their light snack. "I mean is that really necessary? There are more important needs in this world than burning your skin with artificial light."

"I know it seems a little strange but I guess we try to live as "normally" as possible. I mean since we're not allowed to leave the academy unless there's a demon attack or we have to run errands or any other thing, but we try to make the best of the situation." Kaede responded. She was sitting across from Ken while Kagome was sitting across from Inuyasha.

Both men seemed to be oblivious to what was being said as they were paying more attention to their food. Kaede watched them for a while and soon Kagome caught on. Both girls rolled their eyes, men and food, go fig.

Ken finally looked up from his bowl of noodles and veggies and saw the two women staring at him. He nudged Inuyasha who also looked up and found the two ladies staring at him with raised eyebrows. "What… it's raman!" He snapped back and continued eating his all time favourite and the most delicious food that had ever been created.

"Anyways…" Kaede carried on with the conversation and turned to the girl beside her who was gagging at the sight of the hanyou devouring his meal. "Kagome what do you think of today's incident? Do you know where that light came from?"

"Actually I have no idea, but it was very weird. I mean one moment we're being pulled into this trap and the next we're – ow!" Kagome turned around to the hanyou sitting across from her and glared at him. "Will you quit that you stupid dog!"

Inuyasha looked up at the very pissed Kagome and slurped down the rest of his raman. "Quit what – ow!"

"Quit kicking me and stop acting like a child!" She shouted back.

"Well it's not my fault your feet are in the way!" He yelled back.

"What! My feet were here first, so stay on YOUR side before I make you!" She was getting very irritated now. Some people in the cafeteria stopped their conversation and were now listening to the two argue.

He had to really laugh at that. She was going to make him. HA! He would like to see her try. Okay so he hadn't meant to kick her the first time. It was an accident but then whenever he tried to stretch his legs he ended up touching – not kicking – but touching her feet. Man, this girl can get very angry. "Fine then why don't you make me?" He challenged back.

Kagome smiled at him, a very genuine smile that somewhat scared Inuyasha and made him gulp. She than picked up the ketchup bottle in the middle of the table which made Ken and Kaede gasp. She wouldn't dare would she? Inuyasha the whole time was regretting his choice of words but still held a confident expression.

However, instead of pointing the bottle at the hanyou, she just squirted some glob on her French fries without making any eye contact with Inuyasha.

The breath that everyone was holding, including Inuyasha, was released as everyone figured she that was probably leaving it as an opening threat.

Kagome picked up her French fry covered in some ketchupy goodness and popped it into her mouth. What everyone wasn't expecting was Kagome to pick up her plastic plate full of fries and ketchup and throw it, in a clean sweep, to Inuyasha's face.

The cafeteria was now silenced so that you could hear a pin drop, and mouths were open as they watched the plate slip down Inuyasha's face and onto his lap. He shuttered at the feeling of ketchup, salt and oil clinging to his skin. He now looked up at the now smirking girl in front of him.

Guess she does live up to her threats.

Kaede and Ken couldn't believe what they saw. No one had ever dared to pull something like that to one of the sons of one of the powerful lords in the nation. Oh this wasn't looking good.

Inuyasha matched her smirk and picked up Ken's plate of noodles, while avoiding his protests of he was still eating that, and hauled it at Kagome.

She somehow knew it was coming at and ducked in time for it to miss but hit a guy sitting behind her. Ohh and that guy didn't look too happy, especially since it was Kouga. A loud growl erupted from the wolf demon as he stood up and faced Inuyasha's table.

"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR DOG SHIT?" He yelled while brushing off some of the contents of Ken's meal from his head.

"Whoops sorry wolf shit. I guess your big head got in the way again." Inuyasha growled back, but at the same time trying very hard to suppress his laughter.

Kaede, being the kind person that she was, believed that talking through problems rather than using violence was the way to solve problems. However, as soon as she was about to stand up and break apart what she knew was about to happen, she felt someone grab her arm to stop. She turned around and found that it was Ken while an amused look crossed his face as if he wanted to see what would happen.

So she sat back down like a good little girl and covered her ears to shun out the harsh profanities that would soon follow. Why was it that she was the only one who disliked violence as a means to settle a score?

"Now, now, gentlemen, let's just stay calm and remember that we are all mature her-" But before the now involved Miroku could finish his sentence a piece of half eaten pie was thrown at his face and he was now covered in sticky goo. He was just enjoying a light snack with his lovely Sango when he heard some shouting on the other side of the cafeteria.

"Well then again………….FOOD FIGHT!"


Higurashi Study

"Thank you for joining me on such short notice," Lord Higurashi stated as the other three lords made their way around to the three vacant seats waiting for them.

Myoga was also in the room and had stood up briefly to welcome the lords but then retreated back to his chair after they were all inside and seated.

Lord Takesh looked at his friend and could see the fatigue form in his eyes from the long trip. He was debating whether or not telling him about his daughters' incident would be appropriate at this time, but his thoughts were stopped as Lord Higurashi made his way to the head of the table and letting his friends know he was ready to start.

"My friends, I have called you hear because I found it important to tell you that Naraku seems to have disappeared for the time being. No one knows where he is since he did not leave any traces of him," Lord Higurashi paused for a second and then continued. "We believe he may be regenerating his strength with the help of some other forces but we have failed to find out what."

"What have the leaders of the neighboring cities advised, Koji?" Lord Karuido asked.

"That we should be prepared for anything and everything," Lord Higurashi explained as he sat down on his chair. "If Naraku is receiving power to build his strength from anywhere we must locate that source and destroy it as soon as possible."

"I agree," Lord Takesh responded. "However, Koji, we have matters to discuss with you concerning your daughters."

With that Lord Higurashi's fatigue vanished with the thought that something could have happened to his daughters and they might be in danger. "Kaede? Kikyo? Someone better explain to me right now if my girls are in danger."

"Do not worry my friend, for I can assure you they are well." Lord Takesh reassured. "However, today there was a disturbing matter where we were informed that Keade, Kikyo, and this new girl were trapped in some sort of evil aura."

New girl? He thought as his mind wandered around the fact that his daughters were safe.

Lord Takesh looked at his friends and when he saw that Koji had relaxed into his seat he continued with his information. "Myoga, I know you just came back from the trip, but if you can, please look into this matter and report back immediately. We need to know whether the residents of this academy are in danger or not."

"Yes my lord, I will get started as soon as I can" Myoga nodded.

"Well then I believe we should let you retire Koji for the rest of the day, for we know you must be tired." Lord Takesh watched as his friends nodded in agreement.

"Yes I believe that is a pleasant idea, but tell me, who is this new girl?"

Lord Karuido decided to answer that question. "She is the one Sango had informed us about before you left. The one who had helped her." He leaned back more to his chair. "Let me assure you Koji, this girl is quite…interesting to say the least."

"Interesting you say?"

The three lords chuckled from the memory. "Yes well, she appeared to have- what do kids say these days- ah yes… 'kicked' Inuyasha's 'butt' during a spar match. This girl truly has great strength."

Lord Higurashi whose mouth was now wide open looked at Lord Takesh, as if to ask if this was true.

"It is true my friend, Inuyasha did get whipped by a human woman." And with that the four lords broke out in laughter.

"So tell me what is this girl's name, for I should congratulate her for beating my best friend's powerful son," Lord Higurashi asked in between catching his breath from laughing. Oh how he would never let his friend live this one down. He knew Inutaisho and his two sons had great pride in their name and power and would challenge and defeat anyone who would test their strength.

"Her name, her name, hmmm," Inutaisho pondered as he tapped his claw to his chin. "Ah yes, I believe her name is Kagome."

It appeared as if time had stopped for a mere second as Lord Higurashi heard that name escape his friend's tongue. Did he just hear it right? Or was he experiencing auditory hallucinations? No it couldn't be, could it?

"Did you…did you just say…Ka…Kagome?" He whispered trying to form the name of his once thought lost and dead daughter. Suddenly he was feeling very light headed and believed he must be experiencing shortness of breath. A part of his mind was swimming with possibilities of it being a mistake while the other was screaming with excitement. My Kagome…my daughter! She is alive? She has to be! Or were the Guardians playing a cruel trick on him? Was he dreaming?

The three lords looked at their friend with worry as he had suddenly turned pale and was now trembling. "Koji, are you well?"

"I …I … excuse me for a moment," Lord Higurashi used whatever strength he could muster at the point and quickly walked out of his study, while leaving behind his puzzled friends. Please, please let it be her. Oh Guardians please give me strength for this will change all our lives forever. He prayed to the heavens above while thinking back to the baby he had once held in his arms and rocked her to sleep.

His precious daughter.

Kagome.


A/n: DONE! See a long chapter! Thank nekoblue for that! Well I hope to hear from you all!

READ AND REVIEW PLEASE!

Ja ne!