Hey! Sorry this took so long. I'm going to get right to the point now, cause it's five in the morning... Anyway, I'm gonna edit this for grammar and stuff later cause I am going to bed soon... hehehe. Hope you enjoy and thanks to my readers!

To my reviewers:

To Sukuri 99: Alright, here ya go! Thanks for the review!

To orangepencils: I'm sorry you feel bad. Feel better soon! (of course by the time you get this you probably already do). Glad you liked it.Thanks for the comment!

To Fanficluv7inu: Ha! I was sitting at my computer writing while you were sending in your reviews. I got five "you've got mails" in a row and they were all alerts about reviews from you! I'm sorry I'm evil... and I loooooove ramen! It rocks. That's all there is to it. Glad you like it so far, thanks for the review!

To Irathernotsay: Glad you like it! Sorry I'm so slow. I know what you mean, really I do. I try not to be a hypocrite. But rest assured, even if it takes me a month to update, I will never ever leave a fic unfinished. Thanks for the review!

To orlandoroxmysox: Yeah, she did, didn't she? Mwahahahaa... but is she really good or bad? we WILL find out! Sooner rather than later if I decide to extend this fic instead of making a sequel. Thanks for the review!

To sheenachi: I know... sorry. Hehehe, but I'm glad you like it! Thanks for the review!

To Darkened Soul1: Awww... Thanks! It means a lot that you think that. I'm glad you like it! Thanks for your wonderful comments!

To branch of tree la: I know, I know! Hmmm... maybe so... Anyway, in ye olde version, Inuyasha just falls into a river, no ledge at all, so your guess was closeish! Thanks for the review!

Disclaimer: I don't own it!


Chapter 6: Never Knew the Worth

"Damn this water's cold." Inuyasha grumbled to himself, treading water as he drifted with the rapid current of the river. His clothes, heavier now that they were submerged, weighed him down, making his movements sluggish as he tried to sort out his options.

The sheer walls of stone offered no solace, worn smooth by centuries of weather and erosion. The two opposing faces of the canyon towered high above him, stretching beyond the reach of his vision as they vanished into the billowing clouds of fog that hung in the air.

Inuyasha slapped the water in irritation. "I have to get the hell out of here..."

At long last, the river carried him beneath a short, sturdy tree, twisting its way free of a narrow crevice. "Alright! Finally!" Eagerly clinging to the nearest branch, the half demon discovered that what looks strong may not always be strong, as the limb he was grasping gave way, sending him straight back into the frigid water.

Cussing angrily, Inuyasha grew frustrated at the lack of available footholds. As he was carried swiftly along, his thoughts of Kurenai and her cryptic words diminished, only to be instantly replaced by those of Kagome and her safety.

Where was she? Was she alright? What if Midori attacked while they were separated? Would the rest of the group be able to hold him off?

Inuyasha's concern peaked, and he scoured the walls with a renewed concentration. As the minutes ticked by, his aggravation intensified as he drifted first by a vine, then a small ledge, and finally another tree branch; all out of reach.

"Come on! There has to be some way out of here!" He exclaimed, almost appalled at the whole situation.

The current picked up speed as the river bowed around an abrupt curve.

He twisted around, searching for anything that might prove to be an escape route. "There has to be... some... way..." Inuyasha blinked, in an effort to assure himself that what he was seeing was real.

As the river straightened again, a winding, narrow ridge came into view. It appeared to be just within his reach, and traveled up the wall of the canyon, continuing as far as he could see.

The hanyou cast a suspicious glare around the area, but then shrugged. Was he going to question possible refuge? I think not.

Feeling excitement and relief wash over him, he paddled through the roughly churning water towards the path. He was barely half way there when he heard it.

A low rumbling sound was slowing growing louder. It wasn't until the river's current seemed to tighten around his legs, towing him deeper into the crashing rapids, that he recognized just what it was he was headed for.

"Are you kidding me?" He shouted, aghast as the wind whipped about his face. Sparing only a moment he directed his eyes skyward as if to ask, 'why me?'

Swimming for all he was worth, Inuyasha fought his way towards the rocky outcropping, away from the thundering roar and the tumbling mists of the waterfall.

And as the river's violent end grew quickly nearer, and his chances at flight dwindled hopelessly, Inuyasha wondered idly just who it was he had angered so badly...


"Miroku! You try that one more time and I'm gonna knock you down the gorge myself!"

Kagome sighed. Not even Sango and Miroku's constant bickering could keep her mind off of Inuyasha. Every time she closed her eyes she saw him. His eyes, his hair, his ears. Everything about him. As the time had passed she had been constantly bombarded by memories of him and their exploits together.

Hugging herself, she fought back another forceful surge of hopeless sorrow. She had known for a long time now that she loved him. She couldn't remember it happening, but it had, and now she was coming to terms with just how much she needed him...

"Whoa!"

Kirara put on the breaks, and they skidded to a stop a short distance away from where the ground disappeared. Moving closer and peering over the edge, they found a dangerously steep slope.

Kagome carefully slipped to the ground and inched closer to the edge. She gasped in horror as she caught her first glimpse of the crashing waterfalls that poured from the more shallow ridge.

"Hey! Look!"

Sango's call shook Kagome from the frightening thoughts and images that filled her mind.

"What is it Sango?" Miroku asked, dropping to the ground to stand beside Kirara.

The young woman pointed, her hand moving slowly as if following a line. "Down there! There's a path or something!"

Sure enough, a treacherous looking path carved its way up the side of the incline. It started somewhere before the falls, but where it finished could not be seen, blocked from view where the drop ended and the forest began..

Miroku grinned, congratulating himself. "Eureka! I have done it! Good-looking and a genius. Some guys have all the luck."

Sango sighed and shook her head. "Miroku, you're incorrigible."

Miroku's beaming smile slipped into something aimed at being debonair. "Does incorrigible mean handsome, suave, and irresistible?" He drew himself to his full height and straightened his robes, cocking an eyebrow at her.

The demon exterminator raised an eyebrow, her expression bored. "No."

Kagome finally tore her gaze from the cliff-side trail, turning and beginning to step towards the forest. "I'm going to try to find that path."

Her companions turned to face her, Miroku nodding while Sango shouldered her boomerang. "We're right behind you."

"Not so fast."

Kagome froze mid-stride. She knew that voice, but even so, she found herself praying that she had heard wrong. Turning back, she found her friends already lowered into defensive stances, Kirara baring her fangs. 'Please, no.' She thought desperately. 'Not now...'

Midori smiled, moving closer, one taunting step at a time. "Did you think I would let you reunite your beloved Inuyasha so easily?" The plant like demon scoffed, waving absently as he sneered at Kagome in particular. "I have no qualms about taking the easy way out. And I must admit, getting that irritating half-breed out of my way did indeed... simplify things."

Kagome shuddered as his cold, empty eyes narrowed on her, stepping back in reflex.

The demon smirked, watching her intensely as he continued to speak. "After all, the journey matters not. It is the destination that holds the most significance. Wouldn't you agree, Kagome?" He paused, an almost civil expression on his face as he addressed them. Almost. "For instance, it makes no difference what height your friend fell from when he winds up dead either way."

Flinching visibly, Kagome choked back a sob. He couldn't know that... he didn't know that! He was wrong!

Miroku scowled, anger building as he watched the girl's reaction. Facing Midori he raised his right arm, taking the beads that bound his wrist in his other hand. "Don't listen to him, Kagome. He doesn't know what he's talking about." The young monks voice was strained and harsh, offering little comfort.

Sango brandished Hiraikotsu, not taking her eyes off of the plant-like man as she spoke to Kagome over her shoulder. "Miroku's right, Kagome. Take Kirara and go find Inuyasha. You can leave Midori to us."

Kagome obeyed, clambering onto the catlike creature's back, but hesitated as she turned back to her comrades.

Letting out a sharp laugh, the demon began moving again, drawing ever closer. "Is that so?" He looked from the demon exterminator to the boy. "One thrashing was not enough, I see. Very well. I'll deal with you both right now."

Miroku tensed, his hand tightening around his beads. "Kagome, go!"

Sango rushed forward to stand beside the monk. "Kirara!"

With an affirmative growl, the aforementioned animal turned and sprung towards the tree line. But before they could get more than five paces away roots shot from the ground, tangling around Kirara's legs and sending her crashing the ground. More vines grew and tightened around the creature, forming a net-like structure that had her effectively pinned.

Kagome cried out in a combination of shock and pain as she struck the hard, damp earth. Recovering as fast as she could manage, she stood gingerly and hurried to free Kirara.

Sango, turning as she heard the anguished shouts of her friend, moved to take Kagome's place. "You have to get out of here Kagome. Go find Inuyasha!"

Kagome looked from Sango, to Kirara, to Miroku and back again, her feelings conflicted. She wanted to stay and help, but if Midori was after her, it was best that she leave; hopefully to find Inuyasha alive and well.

"Kagome!" Sango yelled, becoming anxious.

Startled, Kagome jumped, hesitating for just a moment more. "Right." Nodding, she turned on her heel, bolting into the woods and out of sight.

Midori frowned, summoning another mass of vines. "Go ahead and run, you won't get far."

Making certain that Sango was well behind him, Miroku braced himself. "Stay back there, Sango. I'll use the wind tunnel to destroy him!" Uncovering his hand, he ripped the beads from his arm.

The sudden howling winds managed to catch Midori off guard, but as he felt his roots settling deep within the soil beneath him, the demon smirked in satisfaction. "That is quite some curse you have, monk. Pity it won't help you now."

Miroku faltered at the confidence in both Midori's stance and voice. 'Why won't the void have any effect?'

Seeing the heavily robed young man's doubt, Midori bid the vines forward, watching as they hurled towards the darkness surrounding the boy's hand, aided by the pounding gales.

Miroku forced himself to stay upright, anchoring his feet as the sweat beaded on his face. 'Damn him. What is he doing?'

Sango paused in her efforts to free Kirara, observing the scene warily as the roots plunged onward, nearing the monk. With a strangled gasp, she realized that the plant had suddenly sprouted thousands of large, gnarled thorns. "Miroku! Cover your hand! The thorns will damage your wind tunnel!"

Reacting instantly, the monk sealed his wrist, winding the beads tightly about his hand. But the vines had gathered far too much momentum, almost upon him as he stumbled from exhaustion.

"Miroku!" Seeing him slip, Sango abandoned Kirara momentarily, jumping to her feet. Turning, she threw her boomerang with all her strength, shouting as her muscles screamed in protest. Dropping to her knees, she watched Hiraikotsu strike the oncoming roots, tangling in them and deflecting them enough for Miroku to avoid the rest.

Finding himself safe for the moment he collapsed, gripping his wrist as it throbbed painfully. He pulled his arm to his chest, pushing himself to his side as he felt Sango immediately behind him, her hands clutching his shoulder.

"Miroku!" Sango called frantically, shaking him. "Miroku! Please tell me you're alright!"

Fighting back the discomfort that clogged his voice, Miroku struggled into a sitting position. "I'm fine." He replied, grinning ruefully. "Thanks to you, Sango. I owe you one."

Suddenly embarrassed as he turned to meet her gaze, Sango fumbled for words. "Um..."

"Touching, really..."

Recognizing their predicament, they turned to face Midori, who looked rather disinterested.

Miroku grimaced as pain shot up his arm again, and glanced at Sango, noting that she was now unarmed. And with Kirara still trapped, they could be in real trouble. "Well, Sango. I dare say we have a dilemma on our hands."


Kagome ran. She ran as fast as her legs would carry her, and even faster when she could manage. She dodged around trees, biting back tears as low branches scratched at her face and neck.

She knew the general direction she was moving in, and trusted her instincts to lead her to the path.

Finally she couldn't run anymore, and leaned up against a tree trunk to catch her breath. Letting out a strangled moan, she placed a hand on her neck. Her throat and lungs burned, and air just made it worse. Over the sound of her harsh breathing she heard, or rather felt, the ground begin to tremble. Instantly knowing what it was, she fled in the opposite direction, her stride now unsteady and erratic.

"No." She cried hoarsely, racing from what she knew were Midori's roots. "No!" She was sobbing now, terrified as her body refused to listen. Her legs were rebelling as she tried to force them into sprinting again. She could hear the vines behind her now, crashing through the underbrush. "No!"

Shrieking in pain as her foot caught on an upturned rock, she fell, fingernails scraping at the dirt as she writhed on the ground, dragging herself. Tears streaked down her face as she looked back over her shoulder to see the plant looming over her, tendrils stretching to reach her. 'Inuyasha!' She pleaded for him, but knew he wasn't coming this time.

What she saw next, before she had a chance to shield herself, was not what she had been expecting. The very plants around her seemed to come to life, bending and twisting to block the path of her pursuer. The root struggled, but the trees, literally bowing over, tightened their hold until the vine could no longer move.

"Get up."

Shouting in surprise, Kagome twisted to face what looked like a girl a little older than herself. Her bright blue eyes were partially hidden by her thick dark hair as she lowered her head, looking Kagome over. Gaping upwards, the prone young woman noticed how heavily threaded the long mane was with flowers and grasses. "Um..."

"Get up." Her voice never wavered, but did not hold anything that would inspire fear.

Ignoring the pain all over her body, Kagome stood, still gawking at the girl before her. "What-"

"Run." An order, tone demanding obedience. "I will tend to your friends."

Without a second thought, Kagome took off again, weaving through the forest.


Inuyasha grumbled as he shook out his sleeves, marching steadily up the last few feet of the trail. Walking in irritated silence for a few minutes wound him up deep within the forest..

"Stupid river. Of all the-oof!" He was cut off as he was struck by a very solid force. "Kagome!"

Reeling backwards, the girl stared blankly at him for a moment. "Inuyasha?" Coming to her senses she flung her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "Inuyasha! You're alright! Thank goodness." She smiled as she felt him wrap an arm around her shoulders.

"Kagome... I-"

The raven haired girl suddenlypulled roughly away. "What's wrong with you?"

"Huh?" Inuyasha blinked.

"You go and get me all worried!" Kagome fumed. "You jerk!" She stepped forward and took a swing at the still confused Inuyasha.

"Hey!" Inuyasha dodged out of the way.

"You idiot!" She cried, punching at him again.

"Watch it!" Inuyasha ducked again.

"Stupid! Stupid..." She stood still for a moment; her fists at her sides, fighting back tears. Then she lashed out again. "You stupid dog!"

Inuyasha caught her trembling fist in his own hand.

Kagome froze, her chest shaking with barely contained sobs.

Their eyes met. Inuyasha slipped his fingers under her tense ones; sliding them against her own until their hands were splayed palm to palm. Then he shifted his hand, lacing his fingers with hers. He saw Kagome's eyes flicker over his face and he smiled; a genuine smile. Then he swiftly pulled her against him; releasing her hand to wrap his arms firmly around her waist. He bowed his head close to her ear; pressing his face into her hair.

"I'm sorry."


"Now tell me again why Midori ran away." Inuyasha frowned at Miroku, skeptical.

The monk rolled his eyes. "It's like I said. Some beautiful young woman showed up, said all but two words to that bastard, and they disappeared. Just like that." He smiled dreamily for a moment.

"Right." Inuyasha grumped, crossing his arms. He frowned at Shippou's amused expression as the kitsune approached.

"Well, well, well. Doesn't this seem like deja vu?" The little fox settled next to Kirara, who was busily cleaning her fur.

Giggling, Kagome had the same smile on her face had held earlier was back. Inuyasha was under another towel, his fire-rat kimono drying by the fire again. She felt like she was going to float away she was so happy. Inuyasha was alright, and that's all that mattered.

She dropped the towel on the ground and sat beside the hanyou. Sighing happily, she leaned against his shoulder, closing her eyes.

Inuyasha tensed, painfully aware of the eyes staring suspiciously at him. Glaring back at them all, especially Miroku, who had stopped midway to Sango's rear-end to gawk at them. Inuyasha smirked in satisfaction as he heard the sharp sound of Sango's hand meeting Miroku's face. That one had to sting.

Finally allowing himself to relax, he slouched over a bit, enjoying the feeling of her petite form against his. Suddenly feeling very sleepy, he let his eyes close, his ears drooping. Almost immediately, he felt something settle around his neck, and heard a quiet mumbling. His eyes shot open and the angry half demon looked ready to strangle the smug old woman in front of him.

"What the hell is this?" Inuyasha shouted, holding up the band around his and Kagome's necks, sufficiently jerking the girl at his side enough to wake her.

"What does it look like?" Kaede asked back. "I shall be sure to keep you two stuck together until I get an understanding. I am getting tired of you're constant arguments."

"Why you old-" Inuyasha's hand shot forward.

"Sit!"

Both of them went plunging to the ground. Kagome, managing to catch herself, while Inuyasha was face down in the dirt.

The half demon sat upright, his mouth open to shout yet another obscenity at the elderly woman, but Kagome's voice and her hand on his arm stopped him.

"Inuyasha... It's alright." She withdrew her hand, looking sheepishly away.

Inuyasha couldn't do anything but gape. How could she control him like that? He growled, but it was also silenced as her eyes fixed with his. He relented, standing up.

"Stupid old hag." He muttered, pulling Kagome to her feet. "Fine then, we're going to bed." He stomped over to a nearby tree and flopped down on the ground in a huff. When Kagome didn't follow willingly, he looked up at her, and angry eyebrow arching over his left eye. "Well?"

Kagome knelt down, and grinned weakly. "Well, I kind of thought maybe we could... um... well... sleep up in the tree tonight."

Inuyasha was stumped again.

They stood up together, Inuyasha's eyes locked with hers, searching for something. He stepped closer and put his arms around her waist. "Alright then. Hold on."

Kagome flushed; placing her hands on his shoulders. The next moment there was a rush of air and weightlessness. She gasped, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck and closing her eyes as they leapt from branch to branch.

"Kagome?"

"Hm?" She still had her eyes closed tightly. Her face pressed against his shoulder.

"You can let go now."

"Huh?" Her eyes opened and she realized they had stopped. "Oh." They stood on a thick branch a good ways up from the ground. Kagome eased herself back from Inuyasha, blushing again. Glancing around, she was awed at what she could see from their vantage point. She gasped. "It's beautiful!"

Endless miles of moonlit trees, grassy meadows, and sloping hills stretched out before them. She took a step back and immediately lost her balance. She shrieked, flailing helplessly before her cries were silenced again by a broad chest.

"Careful!" Inuyasha snapped, although half-heartedly. He began to step backwards toward the trunk, not even looking at where he was walking. "Can we settle down now?"

"Oh, sure yeah." Kagome allowed him to sit down, leaning back against the tree. Then he guided her, turning her around to lean back against his chest.

"Alright?" He questioned as she relaxed.

Kagome nodded, yielding into his broad frame "You better not drop me."

Inuyasha almost laughed. But instead, he moved to wrap his arms around her waist, and when she didn't protest, pulled her more firmly against himself.

"Don't worry. I won't."


There you go! Hope you liked it! Feel free to review! I'd love to hear from you guys! I'm thinking of extending this story instead of making a separate sequel, because I'm dragging up details that won't be explained until the sequel, which doesn't seem really fair to you guys. The last thing I want to do is confuse you guys, so let me know what you think! Please? Thanks again for reading!