Author's Note: Alrighty, here's the long awaited "what's been happening back in Kagome's world?" chapter! I've had a few of you guys ask about this, and at first I seriously was thinking of having her world's time freeze, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought it sucked, so here's a new plotline that I thought of like 30 minutes ago! And about Inuyasha's debut, don't worry, he's not that pathetic all the time, just when I feel like having a good laugh, or needing to take some frustration out on somebody! Oh, and before anybody asks, this chapter takes place immediately after Kagome "disappears." Well, anyway enjoy chapter 10 and please review!

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to or affiliated with Inuyasha, however this particular story is M-I-N-E! :)

The Meaning of Loyalty

(Back in Kagome's world!)

Inuyasha sniffed the air suspiciously.

Kagome's scent? Damn! She probably saw me and Kikyou.

The hanyou sighed. Though he cared deeply for Kagome, he couldn't forget his love for Kikyou. Loyalty ran deep in his Inuyoukai veins.

I bet she's really angry right now. She might even be crying…

Inuyasha shook his head, trying to clear his guilty thoughts. Kikyou had told him Naraku was planning something, and he needed to tell the others to stay on their guard. He growled at the thought of that vicious hanyou. If he hadn't disrupted their lives, then he could have lived happily with Kikyou, and he wouldn't have to feel guilty about Kagome.

Is being in love so wrong? I'm not betraying Kagome! I've never promised her anything!

Inuyasha stopped in front of Kaede's hut, but his mind was somewhere far away.

But Kagome trusts me…and I told her I would protect her. All I want is for her to be happy, but I don't think I can give her that. I wish…I wish she could be happy… even if I'm not the one who gives her that happiness.

Inuyasha stepped inside the hut, forcing himself to focus on the task at hand. His friends were just starting to prepare breakfast. Sango looked up first and narrowed her eyes.

"And where have you been this morning, Inuyasha?"

He looked away and mumbled, "Nowhere."

"I see. Have you seen Kagome?"

"Um…I think she went back home. You know how much she likes her precious baths and bed. She probably needs some time with her family, too. I'm sure she'll be back soon enough."

Sango sighed. "If you say so."

Inuyasha looked down to find Shippo glaring at him, but the kid was smart enough not to say anything. Miroku shot him a sympathetic glance before gathering up his staff and gesturing for Inuyasha to follow him outside.

"I take it you met Kikyou?" he asked after they were out of earshot.

"….Yeah."

"Well, did she have any news of Naraku?" Miroku asked curiously.

"She said he's definitely planning something, but she needs to get some more information before she figures it out."

"I see. Not much to go on I'm afraid. Our best chance is probably to wait for him to make his move. Charging blindly would not be wise."

Inuyasha growled. "I hate waiting."

"I know how you feel my friend, but until we have more of a lead, it is best to stay here. Besides, I believe it would be in yours and Kagome's best interests to let her, umm…cool down." He put a reassuring hand on Inuyasha's shoulder before heading back towards the hut.

Inuyasha starred after him, then turned towards the direction of the well. With a heavy heart, and guilty conscious, he followed Miroku, thinking of love, friendship, and the meaning of loyalty.

xxx

Kagura flew through the clouds, pondering her newest assignment. She glanced down at the mirror she held in her hand. Naraku had ordered her to destroy it as soon as the deed was done, but she felt it would only be a waste. Besides, she lived to foil that despicable monster's plans.

A flash of white caught her attention, and she glanced down to see Sesshomaru traveling with his small group of companions. A cunning smile spread across her face before she plunged down to meet the taiyoukai below.

xxx

Sesshomaru felt the rush of wind seconds before Kagura landed with a bow. She glanced up, red eyes gleaming in the morning sunlight.

"Sesshomaru-sama, what a pleasant surprise."

Sesshomaru placed a hand on Toukijin's hilt and eyed the female youkai warily.

"State your business, or be on your way," he said without emotion. With a gasp, Rin dashed behind his legs, as Jakken gripped his staff tighter. Behind him, Ah-Un growled a warning, but waited for his master's command.

"Hmm, it seems I am not very welcome." She straightened, taking out her fan and holding it in front of her face."I have recently acquired an item that Naraku wishes destroyed, but I think its purpose would be put to better use in your hands." Her lips spread into a wicked smile.

"And how does this concern me?"

"Oh, I believe this will concern you sooner or later. For now, it is in your best interest to keep this from breaking." She tossed him a mirror, which he caught with ease.

"A mirror?"

"Yes, it's a very special mirror, but I'm sure you'll discover that for yourself in time." She plucked out a feather for her to ride, but as she was flying away, she called back, "Oh, and if by chance you run into Inuyasha, tell him what he's looking for is no longer in this world," and with a rush of wind she was gone.

Sesshomaru starred after her, then glanced down at the mirror in his hand. Whatever the wind sorceress had planned, he knew only trouble would come in its wake.

Other Author Note: I'm sorry to say that I will probably not be posting anything next week. My beta is leaving for a trip and won't have access to internet, so I will wait for him to come back to review my stuff. Until then, ANTICIPATION!