Disclaimer: Not MINE.
wk: WHOO. Finally got this chapter done. It's not as long as I would have liked it to be, and I originally had a different ending to this chapter before I changed it... You see, this chapter was going to be my last chapter, but then I thought that was just anticlimatic. So, I changed it. And I thought of new stuff for the next chapter, which I believe WILL be the ending.
I'm VERY sorry for the LONG wait that you all had to endure, but I hope this chapter makes up for it. Since you waited so long for it, I won't say any more, at least until the RoR.
Chapter Fifteen
First Attempt
Inuyasha felt the chill again, stronger. He didn't care. His heart was bursting over! He didn't want to grip the stick, because… well, to be blunt, it had Kagome's pee on it. Touching her urine kind of took love a bit too far.
Still, the creepy feeling he had going up his spine didn't abate. It felt like spiders were just going up, under his shirt… He even slapped a hand to his own back awkwardly, trying to get rid of the feeling.
He went out, went down the stairs, and looked out the kitchen window. Kagome was nowhere in sight. He waited almost half an hour before impatience turned to worry. She would have been back by now. If there was even a chance of pregnancy, she should know that it would be bad for the baby to be so long out in the cold.
He put on a thick jacket, although he wouldn't really be able to feel the cold anyway, and he went outside to wait for her. Souta followed him when he saw Inuyasha pass by.
"What's up?"
"Kagome's not back yet," Inuyasha said.
"Oh, well, go look for her, and bring her back."
"All right. Go inside kid. It's cold." He paced until he could see the path he made in the yellow grass. "Kagome!" Inuyasha yelled, not caring about neighbors. He went down the stairs, started to jog in the direction that had her scent. He even got down on all fours to make sure he was following her scent. Another scent mingled with hers and one spot, and then the mixed scents went to the other side of the street. There was also a strong herbal scent that made him sneeze as well. The scent had vanished. There was still a lingering trace of her fragrance in the air, but it ended there. In fact, he could almost swear that it went upwards, into the sky.
The phone in the phone booth started to ring. He stared at it numbly, walking over and picking it up. He didn't say anything and just listened.
"Hello, Inuyasha," Naraku's voice said. Inuyasha tensed.
"You have Kagome," Inuyasha said tightly. Naraku gave a pitiless laugh.
"Yes, indeed. Leave it to you to go straight to the point."
"I want her back. Give her back," Inuyasha said, his hand starting to tighten on the phone.
"How primitive. You call Myouga, tell him what I want, and I will give you what you want. Oh and by the way… I doubt I need to tell you what will happen to Kagome if you call the police. I'm about to go into a meeting, so ta-ta!" Naraku hung up. With numb fingers, Inuyasha returned the phone to the hook.
"I wasn't planning on police," Inuyasha murmured, upper lip rising to reveal his fangs. He could feel his demon blood start to take over. He felt his claws lengthen and he relished it. All the better to tear Naraku apart with. My mate is gone. It was his only thought, the only thing that he could process through his raging mind.
"Inuyasha!" It was Souta, who had come out looking for him when he had not come back. "You still haven't found Kagome? Gee, and I thought dog-demons were--" Souta paused when he saw Inuyasha. Inuyasha looked at Souta, felt himself becoming normal again. His demon side mourned as it went dormant again. His human side welcomed the return of logic.
"What's going on?" Souta asked. "You looked different for a moment there."
"They took Kagome. Let's go home and tell your mother. I need to talk to Myouga," Inuyasha said, tightly holding onto his composure.
Kagome awoke to bright yellow. It was enough to hurt her eyes, and she closed them for a moment. She opened them again to see a face hovering over hers. She didn't even think of making a sound, just blinked, hoping it would come into focus.
"Hello, dear. I see you're awake," Kagura said, smiling down at her. Kagome shot up, nearly colliding with Kagura.
"What are you going to do with me?" Kagome asked.
"Well, I see you skipped the traditional question of 'Where am I?'," Kagura stated. "Breaking the rules of kidnapping already."
"There are rules?" Kagome asked, trying to clear her fuzzy brain.
"Of course dear. What did you think we were? Barbarians?" Kagura asked with a snide smile.
"Okay… Where am I?" Kagome said, finding that ankles were tied and her hands tied behind her.
"Another rule is that the kidnapper never tells the kidnapped person anything." Kagome sighed.
"So you kidnapped me?"
"Me personally? Why, yes, I did. Naraku didn't want to dirty his pretty little hands," Kagura said, sitting next to Kagome. "My, is that uncomfortable?" Kagura asked, eyeing Kagome's bonds. Kagome shifted.
"Yeah, a little. Could you untie me? It's not like I can do anything," she said irritably. "There isn't even a freaking window in this room. So where's Naraku?"
"Press conference. You know, he had to have an alibi," Kagura said.
"And you?" Kagura hesitated. Kagura motioned for Kagome to turn, and she did. Kagura sliced through the ties around Kagome's wrists, and Kagome in turn untied her own ankles. "He doesn't care what happens to me, so long as he doesn't get penalized," Kagura said.
"Oh. So he manipulates his own secretaries into doing his dirty work."
"He does have my heart," Kagura said with a sigh. Kagome stared at her.
"You're in love with him?"
"No!" Kagura blurted. She scowled. "I do not like that piece of… I mean, he literally has my heart. He would crush it and I would die if it were his wish."
"That's horrible," Kagome murmured. "Demon magic?"
"Yes. It's like the tin man in the Wizard of Oz. I don't have a heart, and I'm doing everything I can to get to the Wizard of Oz, so as to get it back." Kagura laughed mirthlessly.
Kagome felt sympathy for the woman stir.
"I long for freedom," Kagura said. She smiled a bit cruelly at Kagome. "And I can have it, according to him, so long as he ends up with Inuyasha dead, and you as his."
Kagome stared at Kagura. Any smidgen of sympathy she had felt was starting to dissipate.
"So… the deal you have with him… is to give me to him, and kill Inuyasha?" Kagome asked slowly. Kagura shrugged.
"I suppose so, yes."
"You're crazy."
"Yes, I know. So… How's your day going?" Kagura asked conversationally, crossing her legs at the foot of the bed. Kagome stared at her.
"Peachy. Just peachy," Kagome said.
"Oh, now, Kagome dear… Don't be so sarcastic."
"Sorry. Just can't seem to help it," Kagome said, making sure sarcasm was dripping off of her voice. Kagura grinned.
"So, I've been wondering. Does that ring indicate that you're a fiancée to someone that we both know? Or does that mean that you're a wealthy single woman not looking for anyone right now?"
"What do you think?"
"Tsk tsk… I told you that sarcasm doesn't suit you, girl." Kagome ignored her. Staring at her ring, she remembered what she was doing before Kagura had snatched her.
She had been about to find out if she was pregnant or not. Kagome's gaze flew to Kagura.
"What did you use to knock me out? Not chloroform, right?" Kagome knew that chloroform could have a bad effect on her unborn child, if she was pregnant.
"What does it matter?" Kagura asked, her eyebrow raised.
"I don't want to be plagued with health problems if-- when-- I ever get out of here," Kagome said. Kagura only rolled her eyes.
"No. Just a really strong herb. It's rare, but with Naraku's money and power, anything can be found, really." Kagome breathed a sigh of relief. She made sure that her hand didn't stray to her stomach. That would give Kagura too many little clues.
"So… The chance of you just letting me run out into the wild is pretty slim, huh?"
"Actually, it's broader than you think," Kagura said with a smirk. "But you probably won't like it. So, instead, why don't you not risk it and stay in here?"
Kagome normally would have argued. Normally, she would have said to heck with it. Now, however, she really had something to look forward to. A life with Inuyasha… A family with him… She would not risk her life now when it was possible that she'd be risking another as well. "Yeah, I think that might be a good idea," Kagome replied, murmuring.
"Scared?" Kagura taunted.
"No!" Kagome snapped. "I just know Inuyasha will come for me. That's all. Say, I got a question for you. Are you going to feed me?"
"Of course. We have to have you in prime condition to use you as a bargaining chip for Inuyasha."
"Wonderful… So, about that food. I'm starved. Could you get me a tuna sandwich with relish in it and some cereal? That would be great, thanks." She had a craving the items she mentioned, but she did it in a way where she would make Kagura unsuspicious of the fact that she was craving these foods. Still, Kagura made a face.
"That doesn't sound like too good of a combination."
"What can I say?" Kagome patted her flat belly. "Stomach of steel."
"You would have to have one to eat that," Kagura said as she walked out of the room. Kagome noticed that Kagura did not even bother to lock the door. Five minutes passed by and still Kagura did not appear with her food. Her stomach rumbled, and she rolled her eyes at her belly.
"Calm down." She believed she was pregnant. She normally didn't even eat tuna sandwiches, but as soon as Kagura mentioned food, Kagome was hit with the craving. She laid her hand on her belly, looking at her surroundings. It was rather a large room, brightly lit. The bed had a canopy, and the covers clashed with the walls. "I must find the name of his decorator," Kagome murmured. Her covers were bright pink, fighting with the bright yellow. There were some stuffed animals on the bed, and Kagome raised her brow as she looked at them. "I never thought he was a stuffed animals kind of guy."
Kagome flung herself backwards on the bed, letting the air rush out of her lungs. Curiosity taking over, she got up and walked to the door. She opened it a crack, trying to look at the limited view and see if Kagura was there or not. Deducing that she was not, Kagome opened the door wider. From the side, Kagura appeared. Kagome shrieked, her hand flying to her chest.
"Don't scare me like that!" Kagome snapped.
"Trying to escape?" Kagura asked. Kagome sniffed and didn't answer as she walked back to the bed.
"So where's my food?" Kagome asked, sitting at a small table next to the bed. Kagura snapped her fingers, and Kagome stared in fascination as a man in a butler outfit came in. "Got him whipped good," Kagome stated as the man promptly set the table and put the food on the table.
"I do my job." Kagura took a sandwich, bit into it. Kagura gave a disgusted look, gave it to the butler who threw it away in a trash can.
"So what is your job exactly?" Kagome asked, grabbing a sandwich for herself as well. She bit into it, smiled at Kagura who watched her closely. "Kidnap girls and train butlers to follow every command?"
Kagura paused, her eyes narrowing as she contemplated something. "Yes. And to follow all of Naraku's directions. His word is law."
"I can see why you want to stay here," Kagome said, finishing off her sandwich. After she was done with her meal, Kagome sat on her bed, looking around the room until her gaze resettled on Kagura.
"Can I speak with him?" Kagome asked softly. Kagura hesitated.
"Inuyasha or Naraku?"
"Both, if you can manage. One and the other, please," Kagome said. Kagura rose to her feet, and went out the door, the butler trailing behind her. When Kagome was a little girl, she used to want a mansion with butlers and maids, but if that was how you were supposed to treat them, she did not want any part of it.
Kagome went back to the bed, lying on it and contemplating her situation. Here she was pregnant (or at least, she thought she was) and away from Inuyasha, where she wanted to be most right now. What was taking him so long? She wanted out of here, and she put her trust in him one hundred percent to get her out.
She wanted out, and she wanted it now.
He was terrified. What was he going to do? He knew what he wanted to do, and that was tell Kagome's mother and then go look for the bastard himself. Dammit. He hated giving bad news to people. Especially when he was on the verge of breaking down himself. He wouldn't blame her mother if she decided to kill him. Slowly. Torturously.
"She what? Are you sure she just didn't go jogging somewhere else?" Kagome's mother asked, a hand to her throat. Inuyasha knew how she felt. He felt like puking himself.
"Yes, I'm sure. This nose isn't very keen in a dog's sense, but in a human sense, I would stake my honor on it," Inuyasha said. "Plus, Naraku called and told me. He's making this personal between him and me."
"Why? Why my daughter?" Mrs. Higurashi asked, sitting down slowly. Inuyasha didn't sit-- he couldn't. He had to continue to move, move, move.
"Because your daughter is associated with me," Inuyasha said heavily. His fault. That's what it boiled down to. This was all his doing. If only--
"Why you?" Mrs. Higurashi questioned fiercely, her indignation at having her daughter kidnapped come forth.
"Because I… made his girlfriend fall in love with me."
"What?"
"Not intentionally!" Inuyasha said quickly. "She was… Kagome looks like her, a bit..."
"So you're going out with Kagome because she looks like your ex?"
"No! I would never do that to her! In fact, that made me discourage my own attraction to your daughter at first."
"Okay, so tell me. Why does Naraku have my daughter?"
"Kikyou, my ex, used to be Naraku's woman. But then she found out what kind of man he was, and came to me. I loved her, so sloppy seconds were fine with me. Naraku wasn't having it though. I think somehow, he set it up so that it looked like I was cheating on her. She wouldn't believe me when I came to her with my suspicions, and she left me. She didn't talk to me, not even the day she died."
"That's horrible!" Mrs. Higurashi said, her sympathy showing. "So what is he going to do to Kagome?" she asked fearfully.
"I honestly don't know. Before, he would never threaten Kikyou. He loved her too much to do anything to her. But centuries have passed, so I wouldn't bet Kagome's life on it. I can't do that."
"So what do we have to do to get my Kagome back?" Mrs. Higurashi asked fiercely, wiping away tears from her face.
"I have to call Myouga to get the papers and money together. I'm not willing to risk Kagome's life on anything. I love her too much," he said, feeling tears prick his eyes. He determinedly kept them at bay, going towards the phone in another room. He wanted privacy.
He quickly dialed Myouga's number, listening to it ring. He waited in tense anticipation, and finally, a breathy, feminine voice answered the phone.
"Tetsusaiga Inc., this is Kanna speaking." Inuyasha paused. Who was Kanna? No. More matters were important right now.
"I need to talk to Myouga. I don't care if he's in a meeting. Tell him Inuyasha is calling and it's a fucking emergency," Inuyasha said quickly.
"All right, if you'll hold on one moment--"
"Quickly!" Inuyasha said, feeling his nerves shred as Kanna went to talk to Myouga. There was a soft click, and Myouga was on the phone.
"What's wrong, Inuyasha?" Myouga asked.
"Kagome was kidnapped by Naraku. He fucking took her!" he yelled, surprising himself. He thought he had a better hold on himself. To his astonishment, he found that he was crying as well. Quickly wiping off the wetness from his cheeks, he quickly glanced at the door to make sure it was still shut. "Naraku wants papers and the money for you to hand the company over."
"But… Inuyasha…"
"I don't care. I don't care what happens. I need Kagome back," Inuyasha hissed.
"You do understand that most people would lose their jobs, and that Naraku will win," Myouga said.
"I don't fucking care!" Inuyasha was breathing hard. "I just want Kagome! Listen, Myouga. You're not seeming to understand me. I don't care if people lose their jobs. Jobs are not more important than Kagome's life. So get your fucking ass to your damn assistant and tell her to draw up the papers, have a meeting or two, break the news to the people, but don't go to the police. In fact, don't tell anyone until it's over and done. Then, I'm sure Naraku will be slippery enough to not care. He'll have paperwork buried so deep that an earthquake wouldn't be able to unearth it. So get it done!" Inuyasha hung up on him, fisted his hands in his hair, and wondered what to do.
Kagome polished off the sandwiches and made an uncomfortable discovery; she had to pee, and very badly. She went out the door, and looked around. There were large oak doors to each bedroom. She looked around, callously opening doors here and there. She even opened it on a group of men who were playing cards in a thick atmosphere of smoke. They looked at her curiously, but she only shut the door.
Did they not care that she could escape?
Kagome made her way to another door, and pushed it open. She had found the bathroom. Her bladder was ready to burst, and she thought it did the moment she sat on the toilet.
When she was done, she washed her hands and looked in the mirror. She looked like she was… well, a kidnapped person. Her hair was mussed up and there were shadows under her eyes. Growling, she attacked her hair with a clean brush that she found. Naraku had undoubtedly left it there for her, the bastard. She was getting wary when he was being so... so… nice. Weren't kidnappers supposed to bad things to their hostages? She was only locked in a mansion where her every craving was satisfied and she was allowed to wander around with no interference and no threats. Oh yeah. She was so scared now.
Of course, she wasn't complaining either. What kind of crazy nutcase would ask for worse circumstances?
She wondered if she could find a phone… She continued to walk around, keeping a wary eye out for Kagura. The wary eye didn't do its job at all. Kagome gave a little shriek as Kagura tapped her on the shoulder. Kagura looked at her curiously.
"Well. How do you like the house?"
"More like a castle," Kagome mumbled. "It's too big," was her verdict. "And the colors in my room make my head hurt. Who were the men in the room I walked in?"
"That's none of your business. I spoke with Naraku. He said he would love to have dinner with you, as long as you dress appropriately."
"These are the only clothes I have, so--"
"He said that your closet was just filled with elegant, beautiful things that he was sure you were going to love."
"Well, that's perfect. Just perfect," Kagome said, blowing her bangs out of her face. She bet that they weren't as good as the one that Nanami had made her. Nothing could beat that gorgeous black dress. Kagura led her back to her room, since she didn't even remember what floor, door, and the color of the hall was. There, in the closet, were a variety of dresses that she didn't find to be of good quality. They were good quality, but they just didn't suit her. There were tacky rhinestones everywhere, as far as the eye could see. Every dress that she touched had some kind of stone sowed onto it.
"He said I would love these?" Kagome asked, aghast. "Does he expect me to wear one of these?"
Kagura walked over, and sifted through the dresses herself, grimacing as she looked at most of the dresses.
"He might be rich, but he's still a man," Kagura said matter-of-factly. Kagome felt a flash of kinship, from woman-to-woman. That moment made her more uncomfortable, because it didn't do to get friendly with her kidnapper. Besides, Kagura was willing to kill Inuyasha for her own life. That took away a few too many brownie points.
"This one's not too bad," Kagome said, reaching into the back and bringing out a dress that had the least amount of tacky colored stones on it. It was a dark, satin blue, with only a line of different colored stones going from one shoulder, between the breasts, down to the hem.
"You could wear this," Kagura said, pulling out another dress. It was a Chinese style dress, and didn't have any stones on it. That alone made Kagome jump on it.
"Perfect!" It was a burgundy color, rich and creamy. Kagome went to the bathroom, wearing it. She looked at her hair, limp and flat against her head. She decided that she didn't want to make the effort for Naraku.
Kagome came out, and frowned at Kagura who had poked her head into the room that she had gone into before. It was the one where the men had been sitting, playing card games. They had looked intimidating, one, maybe more, with a whole suit of body armor. Naraku's bodyguards, maybe? But then, why were they here when she knew he was at a meeting? So, she could safely deduce that they weren't his bodyguards… Unless he had a whole army of bodyguards, and these were just the ones on break.
She gave up. There was just no telling. His own private army, maybe.
Kagura withdrew her head after chastising the men for being so rowdy. Kagura coughed delicately, waving at the smoke that had escaped the room in the short amount of time that she had stuck her head in. Kagura saw Kagome watching and smiled easily.
"Naraku's little army," Kagura explained, and Kagome's eyes widened marginally. So her joking thought was true? Or was Kagura just pulling her leg? "Well, his temporary army. He knows that it will take a little more than the ordinary to deter a demon from his mate."
"Inuyasha's only a half-demon," Kagome said. "Still, I'm pretty sure he can take care of them." Inside, she wasn't so sure, but she believed in Inuyasha. She had to.
"Yes, he is a half-demon, isn't he? Well, truth be told, he can become a demon if pushed. He will change once he is close to death and he lets his baser instincts take over."
"He wouldn't," Kagome said, but she wasn't sure if she believed herself. "He won't come close to death. I won't let it happen."
"Yes, well… We'll see, won't we?"
"I suppose we will," Kagome said.
"Come. It's time for you to have your desired chat with Naraku." Kagura led the way, down the winding stairs to the dining room.
Naraku was already there, a small smile on his face. Kagome shuddered involuntarily as those cold eyes focused on her. They were icy, and she knew he was capable of murder. He would enjoy it. She looked straight into his eyes defiantly, and wished she hadn't. She had been wrong. They weren't icy. They were fiery. Not with passion, like Inuyasha's beautiful amber eyes, but they were fiery as the depths of hell. She could almost feel her skin burn from the flames licking from his eyes.
She showed none of her fear outside, although she knew that he could probably smell it.
"What would you like to eat?" Naraku said, and his eyes told her that, yes, he knew that she was afraid.
"Do I get a menu?" Kagome asked derisively. Just because she was scared didn't mean she would be cowering.
"If you would like," Naraku said easily. Kagome scowled.
"I want anything with tuna." Kagome said. Why not? She was getting the craving again. His eyes sharpened on her, and she felt the sweat at the base of her spine. Did he know? Could demons tell if someone was pregnant or not? Did Inuyasha say anything about it? No, right? I mean, Inuyasha would have been able to tell, right?
She hoped to God Naraku didn't know. There was no idea what he could hold over both of them if he knew she was pregnant. If she would be able to keep Inuyasha's child and raise him or her as her own, she would do anything, whether it required a bed or not.
She was ashamed to say it, but she would whore herself to Naraku for the sake of her child. Her body meant nothing to her if it meant she could save her and Inuyasha's child.
"And vegetable soup," she added, hoping to add some variety to her cravings. Just to throw Naraku off. Maybe. "And some white bread to go along with that."
"Hungry?" Naraku asked. "How many are you feeding?" Kagome nearly froze, but she looked at him calmly.
"Who else would I be feeding? Do you have any pets underfoot that I can feed?"
"No. Do you want one? I could get you one by tomorrow," Naraku said as he snapped his fingers. Immediately, the same butler that had tended to her came through a door. Kagome was flabbergasted. Did he just wait on the other side of the door, waiting for that small sound?
Probably. Naraku could pay him to do it. The butler nodded as Naraku said something to him. Kagome had thanked the distance between him and her because of the humongous table. She was on the opposite side of the table, with candles between them. Now, however, she cursed the distance. Whatever he had whispered into the butler's ear couldn't have been too good.
She did not like surprises, and she would be darned if she let him surprise her. She wouldn't eat the food that came out. He probably drugged it.
The food came out, and Kagome watched as wine was poured. She held up the glass, looked distastefully at it.
"Could I just have ice water, please?" Kagome asked the person that had presented the food. He seemed flustered, but ushered off to get her what she asked for. She didn't miss the glance that he gave Naraku. She sat back, giving Naraku a cold look.
"You drugged my food," she said matter-of-factly. Naraku stared at her for a moment, then smiled that small smile once more.
"I should learn to be more discreet with my actions," Naraku said, taking a bite of his food.
"Why would you want to drug me?" Kagome bit out.
"To make you mine in my bed while you were out cold. You would be more reluctant to leave if you were to have my child," Naraku said, smiling at her across the table. Kagome gripped the edges of the table and felt the urge to throw up. It wasn't morning sickness, either. "Anything wrong?" Naraku asked, as if he hadn't just said what he did.
"Other than you?" Kagome said, and she could feel the bile rise in her throat. So he didn't know that she was already pregnant. She would have to keep that information quiet. What a horrendous thought he had just instilled into her mind.
Naraku said out loud, "Bring her another untainted plate."
Kagome was still unwilling to eat as they brought out another plate.
"Kagome, dear, you're still not eating."
"I'm not stupid."
"No, indeed you're not. How do you intend to let Inuyasha know, if you don't mind my asking? My house is the best-kept secret in the world. Well, it might come second after Victoria's Secret."
If it was any other person, Kagome would have smiled smugly and said, "That's because us women are superior to you men, and we know how to make ourselves look good." However, with Naraku, she only shrugged.
Naraku ate his plate with relish. "So?" That was when Kagome remembered that he had asked her a question.
"I don't know. I just suppose he'll intuitively know, hm?" Kagome said, looking around the vast dining room. Kagome got up, walked to the middle of the table and blew out the candles and went back to her seat. Naraku looked at her curiously. Kagome smiled sweetly at him. "Wouldn't want you believing something that was entirely untrue, now, would I? Those candles seemed way to romantic for my taste. Personally, I don't even dine with people like you."
"People like me?" Naraku asked.
Kagome waved her hand in a gesture as if he already knew. "You know… Scum of the earth and all." Naraku gave a small laugh that she found a bit sinister. He might as meant it as a ha-ha chuckle, but she found it as a duck-under-the-table sneer. People like him just couldn't be seen as ha-ha. "Are you going to allow me to speak to Inuyasha?" Kagome asked. "It's not like I even know where the heck I am."
Naraku tilted his head as if considering. Kagome didn't speak. She needed to speak to Inuyasha. If that meant keeping her mouth shut rather than insulting her kidnapper, she would do it. She had hoped that Naraku would give her a clue as to where she was, but nooo… He just had to be difficult about it. Well, fine. As long as she got to speak to Inuyasha…
"Okay," Naraku said, forking up another bite. "It could work well for my plans."
Kagome discreetly let out a relieved breath. She stood. "Just direct me to the nearest phone."
Kagome was led by the butler and not by Kagura. She had thought Kagura would be like a safety net, just in case Kagome decided to call the police or something. She wouldn't call the police. At least not until she had talked to Inuyasha first.
The butler left her to the phone and left the room to her. Kagome waited a few moments, and even peeked her head out to make sure that the butler had left the door and was not eavesdropping. He wasn't. She was getting incredibly suspicious. Naraku most likely just had the phones bugged so he could possibly hear whatever she said in an entirely different room. She sighed. Probably.
She dialed Inuyasha's number, and listened tensely to the rings.
One… Two… He picked up.
"Hello?" His voice was hoarse, and he sounded tired. Kagome despaired for him. She suddenly felt tears come to her eyes. She wasn't scared here, but she was scared for Inuyasha. How he must have felt, to learn that she was pregnant by himself and then learn in only a few minutes that she had been taken by Naraku. "Hello?" he repeated, his voice more tense and aware now.
"Inuyasha," Kagome choked out. She missed him. It had not even been a full day and she already missed him. Especially when she was in this psycho's house.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha on the other end was now on his feet, gripping the phone as if it was his lifeline. The despair he had been feeling for the last couple of hours disappeared at the sound of her voice. Now, only concern filled him. Why did she sound so sad? What was happening to her? "Did that fucker touch you? I swear, if he did--"
"No, he didn't touch me. In fact, I'm being treated like a princess over here," Kagome said, her voice still wavery. That's why Inuyasha didn't believe her.
"I'm going to tear off his--"
"Inuyasha, I'm just a little watery right now because it's such a relief to hear your voice." Inuyasha relaxed and gave a nervous, strained laugh.
"You're relieved to hear my voice?" Inuyasha repeated. Before she could say anything, he quickly asked, "Kagome, where are you? How are you calling me?"
"He let me use the phone. I think it's bugged, so don't say anything you don't want heard," Kagome said.
"All right," he said tightly. "Did he mistreat you in any way, Kagome?"
"No," she answered honestly. "He didn't. It's starting to unnerve me." Kagome did start crying then, to Inuyasha's horror.
"Kagome! Baby, what's wrong?" he asked.
"Inuyasha, come and find me, okay? If you don't… I don't… I can't…" Kagome stifled a sob, and she quickly whispered, "I love you," before hanging up. It hurt to talk to him. She didn't know if he would ever find her.
Sniffling a bit and straightening, her mind raced. She would have to get out herself. There was no way for Inuyasha to find out where she was, and there was no way she could stay here for even one more day. She couldn't put her baby at risk of drugs or other various things. At least she had a chance… out there… where ever…
She was going to need to pack. She went into her room, and rummaged in the closet. What she found nearly made her gag. It was a tote bag covered in rhinestones. She wanted something unnoticeable, but if this was the only thing she could find, it would be the only thing to do. She had to pack the whole thing with food. She didn't care about hygiene at the moment, although toilet paper was a must. She went to the bathroom, and found the closet to be filled with toilet paper and towels.
She put one towel on the bottom, and a couple of rolls of tissue paper inside. Then, leaving her tote bag in her room in her closet, she went to the kitchen. She needed things that wouldn't smell too much. She needed things that wouldn't really get rotten.
She rummaged in the fridge, mumbling something about a snack to the startled maid who had come through the door.
"I can get anything you like for you, miss--" Kagome shook her head.
"No, I'm all right," Kagome said, pushing aside various items. As she did, a sudden thought struck her. She whirled around, pinned the maid with her gaze.
"Do you know who I am?" Kagome asked.
"No, ma'am. Master Naraku said you were his girlfriend, ma'am. He brings them up here sometimes, so it's no big surprise," the maid said carelessly, then realized who she was talking to. She slapped a hand over her mouth, and looked frightfully at Kagome. Kagome gave her a reassuring smile.
"That's all right. I'm…" She wondered if she should tell the maid what she really was, but she thought suspiciously that Naraku could have sent her as a spy. He could have all the butlers and maids as spies. She would have to be even more careful without seeming to be. "I'm famished," she finished. "But don't worry about it," she said quickly as the maid rushed to the fridge to cater to her needs. "I'd rather find something to eat myself. Thank you for your concern though," Kagome said.
She looked into the fridge. She grabbed as many canned foods as she could find, then stole the can opener when the maid left the kitchen. She also stole a fork. Naraku wouldn't notice the disappearance of kitchen appliances, would he? Besides, it seemed as if they had an electric can opener anyway.
Kagome wondered if she could kill Naraku with the can opener. She noticed with some small level of amusement that the knives were hidden from view. She left the cans in a drawer, leaving them there for easy access. She bound up the stairs and went to grab the bright tote bag.
She went back down the stairs with it, hiding behind corners to make sure no butlers were coming. Her mind was buzzing, trying to come up with a good excuse for lurking around if she was found out. Realizing there was nothing she could say that would justify sneaking around someone's house, she did something they probably wouldn't expect. She walked in full view, the tote back glinting off the hallway lights to shine in anyone's face like a disco ball. She acted as if it was natural to carry around the hideous thing. The first thing she would do when she got back to Inuyasha was to burn the darn thing.
The maids and butlers looked at her curiously, but didn't say anything to her. Kagome grinned at her own intelligence. They didn't suspect her of anything but bad fashion sense! Kagome quickly and briskly walked down the hall. She peeked in through the kitchen door, and saw no one. She immediately went in. She cautiously went to the drawer, and opened it. She piled the cans inside, and made sure she also grabbed the fork and the can opener.
When she opened the door, she gaped at Kagura. Kagura eyed Kagome's tote bag with amusement.
"Escaping with style?" Kagura drawled. Kagome's mind raced. What could she possibly tell her? Oh, well, might as well try the truth.
"No. Escaping with no style at all," Kagome said back through stiff lips. Would Kagura try to stop her?
Kagura shrugged, moved out of the way so Kagome could go.
As Kagome ran out of the front door, she went up the stairs to the room still filled with billowing smoke. Kagome would either come screaming back with fright of the unknown, or she would come screaming back over the shoulder of one of the Shichinintai.
Inuyasha had never felt so lost in his life. That last choked statement from Kagome had him fighting for composure. He lost. He did not sob, or cry aloud. He only stared at a nonexistend spot on the wall and let the tears come out. He couldn't stand not being able to do anything. Until the day he died, he would never forget the helplessness and hopelessness inside of him.
He clutched at his chest, at the spot over his heart. He wished she hadn't hung up so quickly. He wished he could have told her he loved her and his child. Wiping the tears away from his cheeks, he called Miroku. On th second ring, he picked up groggily.
"This better be good, Inuyasha," Miroku murmured sleepily as Sango woke up slowly beside him.
"Kagome was kidnapped by Naraku," Inuyasha heard himself say. He was surprised by his own voice. It was steely, frigidly cold, and in control.
Miroku sat up quickly, his sleep-hazed mind quickly clearing. "What?" he yelled. Sango sat up next to him, concern on her face at his new tone.
"So I need you to do me a favor. Don't mention this on the radio, and don't mention this to authorities of any kind."
"You didn't go to the police?"
"Don't you think I would have, if I could have?" Inuyasha said through gritted teeth. "No police. Just keep an eye out, Miroku. Use your sources, and try to find out where the fuck she is."
"Yeah, okay. I'm on it." Inuyasha hung up. Next, he dialed Ayame's number.
"Hi, Uncle Inu," Ayame said as cheerfully as possible. If Inuyasha was in his right state of mind, he would have been automatically suspicious. Only Kagome--
Thinking of Kagome made his throat close up with tears again.
Ayame cleared her throat nervously. Did Kagome already tell him? Was he so mad about it that he couldn't speak to her?
"Ayame," Inuyasha managed, and the raw tone of his voice made her alert and on edge. This wasn't about Kouga.
"Did something happen to Kagome? Uncle Inu, what's wrong/" Ayame asked desperately when he did not answer for a few seconds.
"Naraku took her," Inuyasha said in a wavering voice. From inside, a considerable amount of fury shook him again. The fucking bastard had stolen the only thing that mattered to him from right under his nose! "Son of a bitch took her!" he whispered harshly. Only the thought of Kagome's family outside the door kept him from clawing something-- or someone-- to shreds.
Ayame was in shocked silence. Then, she said, "Uncle Inu, give me the address and I'll be over as fast as I can. Hang on." He heard rustling noises as she looked for pencil and paper.
Woodenly and coldly-- anything was better than the banked bloodlust inside of him-- he recited the address of the shrine, then hung up. He heard the yells erupt on the other side of the door as Mrs. Higurashi undoubtedly had filled Grandpa in.
Grandpa burst in, despite Mrs. Higurashi's attempts at holding him back. Whoever thought the old man would be so strong?
Grandpa grabbed the front of Inuyasha's shirt, glaring menacingly and hatefully at him.
"This is your fault," Grandpa hissed, ignoring Mrs. Higurashi's sharp, indignant protest on Inuyasha's behalf. Inuyasha remained silent. What could he say when he agreed with the old man? "Fix this, and bring my granddaughter back, or so help me, I'll--"
"Grandpa!" Kagome's mother snapped out again. Grandpa only frowned at his daughter disapprovingly. He let go of Inuyasha's shirt, and stalked out. Inuyasha felt his control nearly break again when he saw Souta in the doorway, wide, teary eyes staring at him, cutting into him, before Souta followed Grandpa to soothe him.
"It's not your fault," Kagome's mother said softly, laying a hand on Inuyasha's shoulder. Inuyasha couldn't help it. The compassion that Mrs. Higurashi had shown him broke his composure once more. He wept on Mrs. Higurashi's shoulder, and felt her tears on his own shoulder. Through shared grief and love for Kagome, they shared their tears as well.
wk: Okay. I'm going to speak very little. I'm very sorry it took so long to update. Youhave my permission to stake me to an anthill and boil me in oil.713 reviews! Okay, I'm done.
ReViEw oF rEvIeWs:
Haha... Calm down, Wake-Robin! And you will get a sequel. (Grins) Sorry it took me so long to update...
Glad you liked the IK proposal so much Leni! And yes, I figured that Kouga's ego in the show was a bit inflated, so I decided to use Ayame to puncture it a bit. Haha... Sorry I updated so late!
THANKS. There really is no other word needed here, either, lol. Thanks for your review, jj, and sorry it took so long to update!
Haha... I tried not to be too cruel, Drake Clawfang. Glad you liked the bragging thing. Hope you liked this chapter, too, and sorry it took me so long to update!
I love my reviews. Haha, thanks for reviewing, country-inugirl03. Sorry it took so long to updatteeeeee...
Haha, glad you took the time just to review, kayzer! Sorry it took me so long to freakin' update!
Haha... I'm afraid I just turned into one of those authors! Oh man, sorry that it took me so looonnngggg... It's just that these past few months have been hectic. Hope you're still with the story, Wolf Blossom!
Did the link I send you work, Kimiki? I don't remember... Well, anyways, I apologize that it took me so long to update! Hope you're still with me!
Haha, didn't know it was your personal quote, Kombat-King. I tried to make this as lighthearted as possible, but that's just not possible when the love of your life is gone and her life hangs in the balance, you know? Glad you think I'm improving though. Makes me happy. Sorry it took me so long to update!
Haha, glad I got such a... er... vicious reaction out of ya, silentslayer. I'm sure Inuyasha would appreciate the help.
Haha, I know I was very cruel. It was meant to be, and this chapter was a bit cruel too, I suppose. And Kouga and Ayame will have to wait for later. There are more important matters at hand at the moment. Oh dear. Thanks for the review, Fuu43, and I'm sorry it took so long to update!
No worries, TriGemini! I'm not sure I would have the heart to let anything happen to Inuyasha's child... Then again, I could just be saying that to delude you, too, as an evil authoress... Mwahaha... Just kidding. And of course I'll have Inuyasha and Kouga meeting. It's just too hilarious of a scene not to miss.
Yep yep. He got one of his underlings to do it. Namely, Kagura. Good job at figuring it out, xSilverShadowsx! Sorry it took so long to update!
Of course that would hurt, Daddy's Pixie. He's a good friend, right? I mean, my good friend was hurt too, but a woman's gotta do what a woman's gotta do. And don't expect to find Mr. Right in high school. If you do, that's great, but you have like... 50+ years ahead of ya. Don't spend all that time looking for the perfect guy, because trust me... you'll never find him. Haha! Oh, and Shippou will be making an appearance later. He's just not... critical at this time right now. Now for the rest of the questions... I think Kagome's going to be okay, I'm not sure about Inuyasha kicking Naraku's ass because of a plot in my head, you'll see what happens between Inuyasha, Kouga, and Ayame, Sango and Miroku are still in the story as well, Sesshoumaru... I kinda forgot about until you mentioned him, but I will try my best to include him in the end, and don't worry about your inquisitive moods. I have them too. Haha, and yes, this chapter also had a cliff hanger. WHOO. Okay. Deep breath. Now, I have to answer my other reviews. Thanks for your review, and I hope you're still with me, since I took FOREVER just to update. (Grimaces)
Aren't we all on sugar highs, Inuyasha's Dark Angel? Glad you liked the fic so far! Sorry it took me forever to update, and I hope you're still with me!
Haha... Sorry about that, Starchick101. And I went back to the Kouga and Ayame part, and winced when I realized what you said was true. If I'm going to edit this story, I'll be sure to go back and fix it. Thanks so much for mentioning it to me, and keep up the criticism! It only makes me better as a writer. Sorry it took me forever and a day to update. Hopefully, you're still with me! Haha, and yes... damn those cookies!
Wow... I didn't know I could make people cry with my stories, The Forgotten Child. Makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside... Not that you cried, just that my story was powerful enough to do that. And I'm glad I made Kagome pregnant, too. Adds a little happy twist to the whole... kidnapping thing. Haha. Sorry it took me so long to update, and I hope you're still with me!
Haha! I laughed so hard when you said, "... meanie," Fushigi Aoi Tenshi! And yes, I had Ayame made into a pimpette happily. (Grins) I loved that ring. It was the second most gorgeous thing I'd ever seen. Sorry it took me so long to update, and thanks for your review! Can't wait for your next one!
Haha, you'll see what happens, so remember to keep your pants on, Saiyou the Lover! Haha! And this chapter ended in a cliffy too... kinda. Haha, sorry it took me so long to update!
Sorry, xXlovablekdXx! (Winces) I tried to write it faster and get it out sooner, but... (Sighs) Fate and school were against me. It's a conspiracy!
... Are you kidding, Librachic? Haha... He proposed to her... So yes, they're going to end up together...
I believe I sent you the link to the ring, right, GoldenTuna? And sorry it took me so freaking long to update... Hopefully, you're still with me!
Uh-oh... Did I send you the link to the ring, Corner Girl? Did you get to see it? I don't quite remember... And I'm very glad you reviewed! Makes me feel special that you made an exception for my story. And the next update I make is most likely for my other IY story. So wait for it!
Did I send you the link to the ring, Gittelbug? I really don't remember anything... (Sighs) My memory, I'm afraid. Sorry it took me so long to update! Forgive me!
Haha, hopefully, you're not crazy yet, Krista! Sorry it took me soooooo long to update! I'll try to update much faster next time!
Thanks, TsukinoInu! Hope you're still reading it after all this time...
Sorry it took so long to update, Inu-Baby18! I tried my best, but... Eh, took me forever. Sorry!
Hehe... It was the evil authoress in me, I swear, Orlando's Girl! The fudge was a nice incentive to update faster though. (Smiles) And... I met your mooses (meese?) of doom! They feared me more than I feared them! Mwahaha!
Sorry it took me so long to update, ChibiKenshin6490! Hopefully, you're still with me! Glad you liked my last chapter!
Hehe... Sorry, sapphirepink! Made more of an impact that way, I think... Sorry it took me so long to update! Hope you're still with me!
Thanks so much, sleep walking chicken and HAP! And yes, you're very observant. (Grins) Don't worry. Everything will turn out all right... maybe... mwahaha! (Coughs) Okay, anyway, thanks for your review, and I'm very, very, very sorry I updated so late! I tried to update earlier, I really did!
Your suggestion about Myouga really intrigued me, flip-x-fantasy. I really considered changing my whole ending to go about it your way, but, then, there were too many consequences of that... WAY too many. My head nearly exploded. It was a very well-educated guess though... Wow. I'm impressed my own readers. (Grins) Sorry it took me so long to udpate, and I hope you're still reading this fic. If not... (Cries)
Haha, I'm glad you thought your mother's wrath was less important than my fic, gothic inuyasha! Makes me proud. (Grins) If anyone can forsake their mother's wrath for anything else, that's when you know it's a keeper. Sorry it took me so long to update! I tried to do it sooner, but than the virus, and school, and sister, and computer breaking, and... and... (Sighs and kills herself)
Haha, the cherry was a great incentive to try to update sooner, animefreak-superfreak, but the virus didn't listen. (Frowns) Sorry I updated so late! Hopefully, you're still reading the fic!
Haha, it sure doesn't, Aryante! Sorry you had to wait so long for this chapter. Viruses, sisters, and school, oh my!
Haha, I loved your very prompt review, inulova4lyfe! Sorry it took so long to update!
Congratulations on your engagement, shaid! That's awesome! When's the big day? Your ring sounds sooooo prettyy... Don't be surprised if you find it missing one night. Just don't point the finger at me. Sorry it took me so long to update! Hopefully, you're still reading the story!
Usually, I post up chapters a lot more regularly than I just did for this chapter. I had a problem with a virus, my sister, and school... You know the whole deal... I'm glad that you really liked my story though, akai no tenshi! Hopefully, you're still with me!
Haha... That 1 second nearly killed me, Esther Tan! And NO. Kagome will NOT lose her baby. I might be cruel enough to leave a cliffhanger, but I'm not that cruel... yet. Maybe in another story. We'll see. And no, Inuyasha did not save our Kagome from Naraku yet... But we'll see for the next chapter.(Grins) I think I can safely tell you that the chance of Inuyasha recuing Kagome is slim to none. (Grins again) Think on that while you wait for the next chapter! And I'm so glad my stories make you feel so alive... So sorry that it took so long to update!
Yes... They're going to be wonderful parents, because I can't have it any other way. Haha, they can't have it any other way. Glad you liked the chapter, skitzoid, and I apologize for the chapter being so late... But not to worry! I'll (hopefully) get the next one out sooner!
Glad you like it so much, Laura-chan! And yes... Kagome was kidnapped. We just have to see how she gets out of this one... DUN DUN DUN... yeah, anyways, sorry it took so long to update! Glad you were patient with me.
Haha, sorry that you were sick. I was sick for a whole week, too, to my chagrin. And yeah... I'm starting to make things a little more serious, but don't worry! I'll still try to put more spunk in it. And when Inuyasha finds out about Kouga... "Let's Get Ready to Rumble" seems an understatement. And Kanna and the rest of them will all get find out... All in due time, my dear Watson... Er, I mean NefCanuck. Did I send you an e-mail for the link of the ring? I'm afraid I don't remember... Thanks for waiting so patiently for my updates, and I'm sorry that this one took so long. I'll try very hard toget the next one out sooner!
Haha, thanks, Mizo Sakura! Yes... I had her kidnapped. My evilness inside was screaming at me to do it! I'm sorry! It seemed a bit cliche, but you know. All's well that ends well? And did I send you ane-mail for the ring? I just don't remember... (Grimaces) And whenever I'm online and you're online, just IM me. I don't get pop-ups telling me if someone came on or not. Just say hi, and I'll say hi back... Unless it's my sister, my father, or my mother... if I don't answer, then that's why. Haha, thanks for waiting patiently (or impatiently) for this chapter! I'm so sorry it took so long.
Haha, thanks, InuKag Fan! Hopefully, this chapter made your day, too!
Yep... It was a two-for-one special. Did you like it? Haha, hope you liked this chapter, too, SaiyanPassion! Sorry you had to wait so long for it, though...
Sorry it took me sooo long to get this chapter out, raven wings xx! Next time, I'll try a lot harder to get it out sooner! Thanks for waiting!
Good job with the suspects, Amanda Trinh! And yes, Inuyasha found out. Also, I'm very sorry about not updating sooner... I was having lots of problems with my computer and school and other stuff. I'm glad you waited though, if you're still reading!
Haha, how can I not take constructive criticism, KharmaSmack? I mean, readers are just doing it to make me a better writer, right? Can't say no to bettering yourself. And thanks for putting 102.5 FM! It makes me frustrated that the period doesn't show up in the title. Oh wellll... Sorry it took so long for the update! Hopefully, you're still reading it!
Haha... Sorry you had to wait so long to see this one, drake220! I'll try to write my next chapter faster, I promise!
I'm so glad! Something I'm always afraid of, Night Ember, is that I'm making them a little too out of character. Glad to see that you don't think so! (Grins) Sorry it took me so long to update!
Haha. I tried not to be too predictable, but what can I say? Some predictableness is good! Besides, too many twists and turns in this complicated plot. Gives the readers some thought, I say. SO sorry it took me so long to update this chapter. Hopefully, you're still reading it, Midoriko-sama!
Haha, yep! The proposal is now set in stone! Haha, and don't worry. As long as you read it, I'm happy. Hopefully, you're still reading it, abstract x heart. You still with the story? You have a great day too! (Grins)
Sorry, Kikyoubigtimehater! It's almost over, I promise.
Haha! Thanks so much for the cookies and muffins, FFStoryteller! I'm just afraid that they'll go straight to my thighs and my belly... And I have to lose weight, you see. (Sighs) And I'm not just saying that because I'm a girl, either. (Grimaces) Hope you didn't wait too long for this update!
Hehe... I kind of accidentally deleted it... (Grimaces) I was just trying to change the title, and stupid me, I removed the whole chapter. Sorry, Anne79!
Haha, you'll always have my permission to say that, AngelOfDiamonds! Hope you didn't wait too long for this chapter... Hope you're still with me! I'll try not to take as long with my next chapter. (Grimaces)
Hope you didn't wait too long for this chapter, Mini Nicka! And yeah... Kagome will be okay.
Of course, Duet Masaki! I mention all of my reviewers! (Grins) Glad you like my story so much, and I'll try to get my next chapter out faster next time!
Haha, sorry, Julie.O! And I'm sorry it took so long to update. Hopefully you'll forgive me?
I try my best with with my webs, Sunrider22! And if there's any way I can see the art, I'd LOVE to see it! Hope you didn't wait too long for this update... I know I took a really long time. I'll try to cut down on the updating time next time... (Grimaces)
Haha, you're welcome, Mizz Moo! And your question of chloroform made me think about it, and I addressed the matter in this chapter, I believe. Thanks! And I hope you didn't wait too long for this chapter...
Soooo sorry it took me so long to update, Keiko89! Computer problems, sister, and school... Oh my! Hopefully, it'll take a shorter amount of time to udpdate the next chapter. Well, actually, it might not, because I have to write a new chapter for my other story. Well, anyways, wait for it!
Haha, sorry you had to stick with the hated cliffhanger for so long, iris dreamer! I'll try to take a shorter time next time.
Sorry to keep you in suspense so long, Inuyasha-Is-My-Boyfriend!I am really, very sorry that I had to keep you waiting so long... I hope this chapter makes up for it!
So sorry, Inu-Baby18. Hopefully, you'll find this chapter a little better, since you know Kagome wasn't hurt.
Haha... Don't go crazy, Initial A! Here's the update, and sorry it took so long to get it out! And I appreciate the please and thank you. (Bows in return)
Goldilocks is the best. And so are sugar highs. Don't you thinks so, Valese? (Grins)
I'm sure Inuyasha wouldn't mind the help, SadPoet! Haha, and I'm very, very sorry that I took so long to update. I'm sure you've been shaking in your shoes to find out what happens now, huh? Haha, well, I apologize for that. Hope you had fun with this chapter, and I'll see on the next!
Thanks for the comment about my morals, hockystar13! I think they're really good, too, not to sound haughty or anything. I'm so glad you liked my story so much, and I promise that I'll try not to take such a long time next time!
Thanks, JAZ! This story loves ya right back! I'm so glad you liked it, and I'll try not to take such a long time next time! (Grimaces)
Haha, yay she's kidnapped! Hoorah! Haha! I loved your review, MM! And I'm sorry it took me so long to update! It's been a very hectic few weeks... (Winces)
No worries, Miztical Dragon! We all know that FanFiction has its glitches. And of course I'll e-mail you! Glad you've been sticking with my story so loyally! Hopefully, I'll have that amount of pure will one day for school. Haha, if only I could just stick to my studies! (Sighs and winces)
I'll be sure to try to read your story, MoonlightHayou! I just need to find the time...
Sorry it took so long to update, bloomz-baby! Glad you love the story!
Haha, sorry, angel-tears-16! Hope you're not dead yet! And I'll try next time not to take such a long time in updating... (Winces)
Thanks, kaffeine-buttocks! Love the name, by the way. And I'm so sorry that it took me so LONG to update! I'll try much harder next time to get my chapter out much sooner!
Wowwww... (Whistles) Quite the feat, reading this whole story in one go. You must be a speed reader or something. And no, you're not wrong about Naraku. And I'm sorry it took such a long time to update, Thistle Galena! I'll try to update it faster next time to satisfy a majority of my readers!
Sorry it took me so long to update, aquaprincess1! I tried to update faster, I really did!
Haha, thanks DarkFalkyn! I'm glad you love my story so much! And, of course, I'm very, very sorry that I couldn't update sooner. Next time, I'll try to update at a quicker pace!
I'm tyring, Demon-Inuyasha1! Thanks for the support!
Happyvery belated Valentine's day to you too, rikaloveshinu! Sorry it took me so long to update! And you would like the link to the ring, give me your e-mail address and I'll be happy to. (Grins)
Wow. I'm impressed, HellKeeper! All in one night, hm? I'm sorry it took so long to update, and I'll try to update faster next time.
Don't worry, ilikesaddleshoes! I don't have a grasp on the language either. (Grimaces) Wait for the next one! Sorry this one took so long!
I'm tryin', psychoitic-hanyou! Haha, stay with the story, you heard!
Haha... Flattery will get you... everywhere, Rainbow! Haha! And I don't know how I did it... Just my fingers think on their own, I think... Anyways, I'm glad you enjoyed my story, and I'm sorry I updated so late!
Great! Haha... I've reeled in a new one! And I'm glad you stumbled onto this story as well, MeMe! And I'm very sorry it took me so long to update. Hopefully, I won't take as long next time...!
Thanks, Angel81!
Yeah, I realized my mistake... Could you tell me if that mistake is still there, zazolia, 'cause I could have sworn that I fixed it. Sorry I updated so late!
This story LOVES YOU RIGHT BACK, HottInuyashaBabe!
Can't tell you what Naraku will do, Kanna is most likely a spy, although I haven't figured out how to incorporate everything into it, and no, it was not Kanna's mirror, and I will decide when Kagome and Inuyasha will get married... Whew. Answer all your questions, Rayia? Haha, wait for the next update! And if you have more questions for me, don't hesitate to ask!
Nope...chloroform was not used, Nauriell... Although I am unaware what kind of herbal stuff can knock you out, I'm pretty sure there is something that exists. And I looked it up, and it says that it can harm the baby. Sooo, I was in a dilemma on whether or not to have her baby okay or not, but then you know... can't be too evil. Not unless I want to die at the hands of my readers. Wait for my next update!
Haha, thanks for the encouragement, Shippo-Luver 4 life! Sorry it took me sooo long to update!
Thanks, panthera1984! And no, it's not on the last chapter yet, although it's pretty close... Maybe two, three more chapters, and then I'm all done. Wow. That'll be a kick in the gut for me. And I'm sorry it took me so long to update!
So sorry it took me so long, FanFic luver! And yes, you were right. It was his own secretary, Miss Kagura! Glad you love my fic so much, and I hope you're still here with me!
I don't know if you came back already or not, but I'm sorry it took me so long to update! And I hope this chapter was good enough for your return, Chat-Chan! Thanks for all the compliments, too. Makes my head grow bigger everyday. (Grins)
Haha, thanks, daaaaawling... (I think I enjoyed that too much...) Thanks so much for sticking with me this far, WiCKeD ScHmoNesS! And I'm very sorry I updated so late! I'll be trying to get out the next chapter much faster!
I know I have more than just "some" mistakes, but eh. Laziness is an ingrown habit, I suppose. And I'm sooo very sorry that I updated so late... Problems and busy life and all that junk that you probably already heard, Jamie. Thanks so much for enjoying my story!
I've decided to write another chapter, rubius! (Grins)
I wrote more, MysticalElf! (Laughs and smiles) Hope you didn't wait too long!
Yep yep. Naraku has to do with everything evil, horrendous, and just plain bad. Thanks for reading, Kiala! See you next chapter! And I'll try to update faster next time!
Thanks, Crystal Twilight! And yes, Kouga is stupid... Is Ayame enough to handle him! That's the question. Haha, glad you enjoyed it so much, and I'll try to update faster next time!
Story loves you right back, none! Sorry it took so long to update! Personal problems, busy life, blah blah blah... I'm sure you've heard it before. Hehe, hope you're still with the story!
Thanks, Darknessspreads!
The reviews for chapter 15 will be answered in the next chapter, so don't think you were forgotten! I just wanted to take less time in updating, as doing the ReViEw oF rEvIeWs turns out to be a challenge. I'm not complaining, of course. The amount of reviews I get give me a warm fuzzy feeling.