Hello all, sorry all, and... Yeah. I honestly didn't mean for it to be so long before this update, by life was hell. Actually, life was okay, but yesterday was hell. Before yesterday, I'd spent a few days with one of my friends, Sara D. We had fun. Then I got home, had to work on my site and putting up a new layout and all that, and that was pretty fun. Then yesterday came. Yesterday was hell. I'll tell you about it later. Probably next update. Anyway, here are the review responses.

:Review Responses:

Kagamoesiun: I don't know. Actually, I do know, but I'm not telling! Only time and reading will tell.
w1cked angel: Then read away! I really hope you like it!
ohiowriter: Thank you, and I shall.
KagomePriestess-15: lol! You always succeed in making me laugh!
Okane-Tsuki: Thank you! It took over a week, but I did update!
djdoodet: lol! Kind of like me! Except my dad would be the one making me be polite...
SubaruWings: Hai! King of Fluff indeed!
hermonine: Thank you! This soon enough?
leanna banana: My one un-signed review! lol! Um, no, sorry, they're not getting together. They're --- Dangit, can't spoil it! But, um, thank you for the review!

:End Review Responses:

Thank you! 9 reviews! That's a record for this story! ... I'm pathetic. REALLY pathetic. 'sweat drop'

:Disclaimer:

Akana: La la la! Don't own Inuyasha!
Leiko: Now THAT'S the Akana I know! Super-hyper.
Akana: Well, Lord Fl--- SESSHOUMARU isn't chasing us anymore!
Leiko: And he won't be chasing us after this chapter, either, thank goodness.
Akana: Yay! Let's have a party!
Leiko: No. I'll only have a party when we own Inuyasha.
Akana: Aw... But that'll be never! 'cries'
Leiko: Get over it.

:End Disclaimer:

Enjoy!

Chapter 8, The Plan

When Kagome opened her eyes the next morning, Sesshoumaru hadn't even moved an inch. She dared to hope that he was asleep as she stood up. She took a cautious step towards some trees, but then stopped, remembering something. Her plan! She'd almost forgotten!

She let out a silent sigh. He'd said the previous day that she could go if she wanted, and this was the perfect chance to do so! However, she had a plan that she knew she must follow through with, no matter what. After all, he could go back on his offer and decide to instead make her stay. Her plan wouldn't fail, though!

She glanced at the pile of burnt logs around which Rin, Jaken, and Ah-Un were still sleeping before looking up at the sky. The sun was just coming up from behind the mountains, casting the golden morning hue over everything. She looked back at the logs, and then an idea came to her that would aid in her plan.

Sesshoumaru was alert and awake as ever. He listened to Kagome's footsteps as she slowly made her way from the camp and into the woods. Had she not remembered the warning of demons in the area? However, he wasn't worried; if he smelled a demon nearby, he could easily get to it before it got to Kagome. If she tried running away, he could just trail behind her in the trees. Sooner or later Inuyasha would find her or she would find Inuyasha, and then Sesshoumaru would simply place his demands again.

Sesshoumaru made sure he could smell Kagome at all times. If she went too far, he was prepared to follow her. And he was quite certain that's what would happen.

He was confused, to say the least, when her scent started growing stronger; it was as if she was coming back. But why would she? Was this not the perfect opportunity for her to escape?

Sesshoumaru relaxed his tense muscles. Perhaps she wouldn't try and escape, after all...

Kagome came back with a few logs in her arms. She walked over to the pile of charred ones and laid the new ones on top, building up the fire again. It was quite chilly, after all, and she was sure that everyone would enjoy a good fire that day.

As she worked, her mind wandered. She thought of Inuyasha, and wondered what he'd do. She didn't want him to give up Tetsusaiga to Sesshoumaru. Her common sense told her that he wouldn't, anyway, but somewhere inside of her she had a feeling that he would. He won't! she thought, forcing all negative feelings down. He'll find another way to rescue me that doesn't involve handing over his sword! ... At least... I hope he does... A look of worry crossed her face as a new possibility surfaced. But... Maybe... Maybe he doesn't care anymore... Now that he knows the price for getting me back would be the Tetsusaiga, is he even searching for me anymore? Does he want me back?

She forced her thoughts elsewhere, not wanting to think of Inuyasha at the moment. I hope Shippou's doing okay... Sango and Miroku, too... I'm sure they're all fine, though. Even if Inuyasha isn't searching for me, I know they are! Her heart warmed at the thought of her friends and her spirits lifted. That's why I have to follow through with the plan!

She went over every detail in her mind; there really weren't that many. It was pretty much based on coincidences and good fortune. She'd been lucky today, but would that good luck hold?

Of course, Kagome shouldn't've even bothered worrying if Inuyasha would look for her or not. As soon as he was conscious, Inuyasha shot up to his feet. He cringed as the shock of standing brought pain to his wounds, but he quickly dismissed it and looked at the others. Miroku was sitting against a log that he was sleeping against, and Sango was sleeping peacefully with her head on Kirara, who was as asleep as everyone else. Shippou, for lack of a Kagome, slept curled up in Sango's arms.

Inuyasha walked over to them. He felt a little guilty about taking them from their obviously pleasant dreams, but his worry for Kagome overcame that guilt and he proceeded to wake them all up.

Sango sat up and rubbed her eyes. "What? Morning already?" she questioned, looking around at the newly-risen sun. She glanced down at Shippou and couldn't help but smile as he mumbled something in his sleep after Inuyasha tried and failed to awaken him. Sango looked to Miroku, who was standing up and brushing his robes off. She hid a smile of admiration as he walked over to them.

"Dammit, runt!" Inuyasha growled. He finally just picked Shippou up by the tail and yelled into his face. "WAKE UP!"

Shippou continued snoring as if he hadn't heard a thing, which he probably hadn't. This only made Inuyasha more frustrated, and he was quite tempted to just throw the little guy on the ground. The only thing that stopped him was remembering Kagome and how she always sat him when he did something to poor little Shippou. He just let out a famous "Keh", then put Shippou on Kirara. Sango, already on Kirara, picked up Shippou and gently held him so he wouldn't be jostled around on the ride.

"Okay, then," Inuyasha said. He looked in the direction his brother had taken the previous night, and his eyes narrowed. He would get Kagome back today! He got ready to run off, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him.

"You ride Kirara," Miroku said. "Take my spot. I'll run." He'd miss sitting so close to Sango... Unfortunately, though, Inuyasha needed the rest more than he.

"What the hell are you jabbering about?" Inuyasha asked, more than slightly annoyed. "I've had enough rest! My wounds have healed, and I can run!"

Everyone saw through his lie. Kirara nudged him, letting out a small whine/growl that could possibly be interpreted as, "I'm carrying you, no matter what you say, you big huge idiot!"

Inuyasha looked like he was going to protest again, but a swift blow to his head rendered him speechless. "Get on, now!" Miroku yelled at him, holding his staff up as if he were going to strike again.

Inuyasha growled. "I'm telling you, I'm fine!"

"And I'm telling you, you're a stubborn mule! Now, we could either stay here and waste time arguing or you could get on Kirara and we could go find Kagome!"

You just can't argue with Miroku's logic. Inuyasha grudgingly got on Kirara, and they were off to find Kagome.

Phase A, complete! Kagome thought when the fire was roaring. She was, of course, referring to the mysterious plan of hers that you have no idea about yet. Note the keyword, "yet". That means that you will probably find out. And, considering that this chapter is titled "The Plan", I think it's safe to assume that you will find out. But, since I am the authoress of this story, I could say no, and keep you all in suspense. Or I could just shut up now and let you get on with the story.

Kagome glanced over at Sesshoumaru and knew, somehow, that he was awake. When she heard a small yawn, she looked to Rin, who was just now waking up and rubbing her eyes sleepily. "Good morning!" Kagome said in a cheerful voice.

Rin nodded slightly. "Morning..." she said sleepily. After a few minutes she brightened up and was the normal, hyper, cheery Rin that we all know and love. She got up, stretched, then started humming a song she'd made up while going around and picking the few flowers that grew in the clearing.

Kagome smiled and got up to help, glancing at Sesshoumaru out of the corner of her eye. Her plan came to mind again, and she was sure it would work. After all, her luck was really good, usually. Once I have his trust, I can run away! she thought. She'd almost felt bad when she first thought of the plan, for it meant pretty much using Sesshoumaru, but then she'd remembered that this was the cold-hearted killer who'd tried killing her on numerous occasions.

The plan wouldn't fail.

Not a clue when I'll update next. I'm starting school on Tuesday, so... Yeah. Busy busy busy. Plus, I have a site to keep up with and friends on the 'net I want to talk to and stuff.I'm not going lie and say that maybe if you review, I'll update sooner. I am going to say, though, that reviews would really help cheer me up. When I said yesterday was hell, I meant it. I hardly ever cry. I cried. Over the phone, no less, to a friend of mine after my best friend called me. I'll explain probably next update. Please review, though!