Chapter 2.

I don't know how long it has been now, since I found my blackened peace, but I could tell it didn't last long. My sleep deprived body cried out for more relaxation, but my over whelming curiosity lifted my eyelids. The smell, feel and even warmth of the area I found myself in told me I was no longer leaning against a hard tree.

I was in a campground.

I almost panicked; my body went rigid as I prepared to struggle against my broken pride and spirit that told me I was better off dead, until I felt something….

The numerous wounds, cuts and broken bones were wrapped up. And the best thing about it, is that my nose, which was so used to smelling grime, lust and poison smelt my heavens light. Ramen. The noodle cup that symbolized so much was here. Meaning…

I was safe.

As I looked around I could see various objects. Kagome's bike, Sango's Hirakoutsu, Miroku's staff… and as I looked around further I could see other things that meant I was home. My rigid body didn't relax, my pride healed over, I was certain they had seen me already, so sure they were the ones to fix my battered body….

But, added to the list of the things I didn't want, I didn't want them to see me. I didn't want them to know what I went through, I just wanted everything to go back to normal, to pretend this didn't happen, heal, and be done with it.

It must've been hours before everyone came back. The girls, I could smell with out opening my eyes, were cleaned and freshly pampered in Kagome's modern day soap, Shippou as well. If they were taking a bath, and Miroku went with them... I could visualize his head, and cheek full of bruises. Just like the old times I wanted.

My eyes remained closed. For just a while longer, I wanted to pretend that nothing had happened to me…. I didn't want to face their questions.

"I can't believe you…" A woman's voice hummed angrily, my head started to pound, running side by side with my racing heart. Now that I was thinking, truly thinking, I knew I didn't want them here. Not now… I wanted to be near them, I don't want them to see me.

It starting toliterally hurt. The pain that will come with all their questions…

It's agony already, those memories. The one's I wish would just leave me be, and if my some lucky chance, leave me with hope so my spirit can rise again.

"Lady Sango…" Miroku said slowly, his calm voice thick with explanations.

"Not this time Houshi-sama!" Sango growled.

"He is badly hurt,"I always found it adorable how, even when she was angry, Kagome's voice was almost meek. Innocent. "He needed to be watched over…"

Those words hit me hard. I don't need protection. I am protection. There was a pause in verbal language, but even with out opening my eyes I could see both women, perhaps even a kitsune, glaring at the monk. The footsteps stopped beside me, everyone hovering over my supposedly unconscious form.

Kagome's voice softened, her eyes now on me. "I wonder what happened," She murmured quietly. That seemed to break the angry spell over everyone- mostly everyone.

"He never looked so…. Beaten before." Shippou said, snuggling closer to Kagome. Was it true? Did I really look that bad? All my life I had been rotting on the inside, keeping everything bad tearing at me. But no one noticed, I was skilled at the challenge of hiding things.

Wearing a mask that no one bothered to even try to see through until Kagome came along. I wish she didn't pry into my past, I wish she didn't know about everything that hurt me. She doesn't deserve to be bothered by my pain. She needs to be happy… I don't need sympathy, I need to see her happy.

Then my spirit would be free…. Would be, if it weren't dead.

"Kagome-sama" Miroku said softy, his violet eyes trained on her. She didn't answer; at least, I didn't hear one. "Knowing him, he might try to pretend nothing is wrong. His ego is to big, he wouldn't want sympathy…." The monk trailed off.

It was scary how much he knew.

"That's too bad" Shippou cut in. "Because that's all we can offer…"

I could tell Kagome went rigid after those words where in the open. They could fix my body; they could act like everything was normal…

But what could they really do to revive my soul?

I know It's short, but I'm telling you now, my chapters will be short but quickly updated. Please review.

Review responses.

I'm going to respond to reviews since my chapters are short, and I didn't get alot.

May20:Thank you. I didn't think i did a good enough job describing, but it was one of my 'off' days. Like the beginning of this chapter, actually. Thank you for the review, you were the first one. So for that, you get a cookie... Hands you a cookie. Hope to hear from you again!

Halfdemon-Kai: Thank you, you just did some ego brushing. There is others out there that are better in the art of writting then I am, but I thank you nontheless. If you hang in there, I'm sure you will be able to tell stories better than I can. Maybe you already can, I dont think I read anything of yours. Im glad you like the story.

KuramasKitsuneGirl: Heh. Thank you. I think this is the update you wanted...? Thank you for th review, I hope you continue to read this fic. But, it's really up to you.

Inushosetai: If you read this chapter, This is what's going to happen. Not a cliff hanger this time. Thank you for taking the time to review!