Title: Nightmare of Amusement

Category: Action/Adventure

Type: Alternate Universe

Rating: T

Warning(s): Suggestive Content/Sexual Undertone, Language, Violence

Disclaimer: The bitch owns nothing! (slaps handcuffs on) WAHHH!

Kagome stared wide eyed at the monstrous being before her, its unruly coils dripping with deadly fear that even the mightiest of warriors could not confront. Its venomous coloring was coated over its serpent-like body. The hissing of it could barely be heard, though frequent screeches would emit from the towering figure.

Bankotsu scowled. "Goddamn Kagome! It's just a roller coaster!"

Jakotsu smirked behind her, taking a huge bite out of his extra sweet cake. "Yeah, you stupid wench," Jakotsu sniggered. "What's the matter, pizza bitch?"

Kagome's left eyebrow twitched angrily. "What the hell did you say, nuhafu?" Kagome stuck her tongue out at the emphasis on nuhafu.

Jakotsu leapt up with a leer that could instantly kill. "You bitch! Did you just call me a DRAG QUEEN?"

Kagome placed an exasperated look on her face. "Nooo! The dumbass behind you!" she droned sarcastically.

All eyes went to look behind Jakotsu.

"What?" a baffled Suikotsu exclaimed from his chocolate vanilla swirl ice cream cone. A bit of the ice cream was smeared on the side of his mouth. He licked it off quickly. "What did I do now?"

"That came out all wrong," Kagome sighed, scratching her hat. "Never mind. You just ruined the mood."

"Well then, now that that's settled," Bankotsu began, an eerily mischievous sadistic look on his face, "Let's go on, Kagome."

Kagome narrowed her eyes, taking a few cautious steps back. "Eh? Have you lost your mind, Bankotsu! Look at the size of that thing!"

A sinister sneer smiled at her, hands immediately coiling themselves around her wrist.

"It'll be fun!"

-.-.-.-

"BLEEEEEEEEEH!"

Hidden behind his dark bangs, Bankotsu watched on embarrassingly as groups of people passed by, muttering a stream of 'What happened to that girl?' 'Is she sick?' 'My god! Roller coasters are so dangerous.' 'The poor dear!' and the most common one, 'Augh! Teenagers these days!'

"Oh! Come now, Jakotsu! It wasn't that bad!" Kagome teased evilly, tippy-toeing beside the trash can. "Besides, that's what you get for eating three funnel cakes before jumping on one of the most extreme roller coasters in the park!"

Bankotsu sighed down at the dark haired girl that the garbage can was surely despising right now. He gave Jakotsu a soft pat on the back. "You know Jak, you don't seem all that intimidating right now."

Kagome beamed down at the feminine male, standing on her tippy-toes and her arms behind her back. "And here you were telling me off about being chicken shit. At least I'm not spurting my insides out in an amusement park garbage can."

Jakotsu peered over the trash can to give the tomboyishly dressed girl an evilly wicked glare. "Pizza bitch… Don't get me started…" he seethed nastily.

Kagome stared angrily at the bent over figure. "You do realize for calling me that I should bop you upside right into the next dimension? The only thing keeping me from doing so is that crap spewing from your mouth."

Jakotsu gave a cocky grin before turning slightly green and turning back to the trash canister.

"Well, other than Jakotsu getting a bit sick, wasn't that a great coaster?" Bankotsu beamed brilliantly. Suikotsu and Kagome forced smiles on their faces.

"Well, for us anyway," Suikotsu smiled politely. "Unfortunately for the couple behind you and Kagome-san."

Bankotsu and Kagome tilted their heads in sync. "Nani?"

"Aniki, it is truly amazing how long your queue is," Suikotsu sighed dramatically. "That poor couple was whipped up pretty bad by it."

Instinctively, Bankotsu fingered his braid. "Pfft! I care why?"

"Bankotsu!" Kagome gasped. "That's not very nice to say!"

He arched his eyebrow. "What? It's true."

THWAP.

"Ite! What the hell was that for?" Bankotsu scowled, both hands clutching his abused head.

Kagome wrinkled her nose. "Whaddya think, Genius! You don't have to be so damn evil!"

"If only she knew!" Jakotsu droned, his voice seeping with drama and sarcasm. For a tad bit more drama, he positioned his hand over his forehead, tilting his head dramatically. "If only!"

Bankotsu shot him an evilly rebellious stare and was more than ready to punch his lights out but Jakotsu's stomach beat him to it. Instantly, Jakotsu reeled over and continued spewing his guts out into the metal container.

"If only I knew what?"

Two of the Shichinintai members flinched outwardly. The other hurled the digested remains of funnel cake into a garbage can.

Suikotsu! A little help here!

Suikotsu's eyes darted around the park. "That, ah! Kagome-san! Look, a flyer!"

Kagome bolted her head around stupidly. Squinting her eyes, her pupils dilated in pure exhilaration as she bound over to the paper pinned to the brick wall. A dazzling smile was etched onto her face and it only shone more the longer she kept her gaze. "How fuckin cool!" Kagome snatched the paper off the wall and bound over to the Shichinintai like a lost puppy.

"Bankotsu! Bankotsu! Look!" she squealed excitedly, holding the paper up to his face. "Bad Luck's comin' to town! And Nittle Grasper too!"

Suikotsu frowned. "That popular boy band?"

A muffled 'EEK' sounded from behind the group. Jakotsu popped up, eyes shimmering like gems. "EEP! Bad Luck! Omigod! They are sooo fuckin' hot! Oooh! And that little redhead Shuichi is rawr! I just wanna- Oooh- him!" Jakotsu made a girlish gasp, hands cupping his blushing cheeks, little red hearts practically floating off him. "Omigod! Omigod! OMIGOD!" Jakotsu stilled and ran back to the garbage can.

Kagome shuddered before dashing behind Bankotsu, who looked blankly over his shoulder at the petite girl. "And this is why over obsessive, overly dedicated male fan boys scare the heck outta me!" Kagome piped up, peeking nervously over the boy's shoulder. Scowling at the amused grin publicized on Bankotsu's face, Kagome huffed, meeting him dead straight in the eye with a defensive frown. "You have your fear of overly obsessive, oversexed, Bankotsu-addicted fan girls dressed in yellow sailor suits and I have my creepy fan boys. Gotta problem?"

Bankotsu chuckled at the female behind him. He turned to look at Suikotsu. "Hey, Sui, lemme see that poster."

Suikotsu nodded and handed the paper over to the Shichinintai leader, who studied it carefully. Soon after, a sharp whistle escaped Bankotsu's lips.

"Looks like you're just in the nick of time. The concert is a little less than a week away."

The bright glowing look on Kagome's face dulled so badly one would swear she entered one of the old picture movies without any colors or sound, complete with subtitles at the bottom.

Kagome bit her lower lip. "T-that means I'm too late." Kagome drooped her head. "Awww damn… Kami, why do you hate me sooo much? I haven't gone out drinking or nothin' why must you hate me?" Kagome began to whimper slightly.

Bankotsu couldn't help but blush at the noises she was making. It sounded too much like that… those damn dreams. Fuck them. Love them. Fuck them. Love them. Ah, fuck them! Bankotsu's lips curved into a small pout. Fuckin' dreams. Damn the sonuvabitches to goddamn hell! This was just too damn random! Bad thoughts!

Standing up tall but sullenly, Kagome inhaled and took a deep breath, forcing a strong smile on her face. "Dammit. Ah, well, maybe next year." Kagome bit her lip and tugged on Bankotsu's jacket. "C'mon!" she smiled at him. "We need to go on more rides soon!"

"Kagome-san! Is that you?"

At the sound of the male voice, Kagome stiffened alongside Bankotsu, pulling his arm against her chest. Awkwardly, Kagome looked over her shoulder forcing on her face the fakest smile in the world. "Oh! H-Houjo-kun! I-I didn't know school got out already."

The said boy jogged up to the group, light toffee brown hair swishing around like the models' hair in shampoo commercials. He looked too much like a pretty boy in his achromatic school uniform, so damn smart and fucking perfect. The kind of boy with teeth so fucking white it must've taken a good six strips of whitening to get them that clean. But the kick in the balls was that the son of a bitch knew Kagome. Bankotsu made a mental note to add him on that apparently building list of Kagome's damn aficionados.

First that goddamn fleabag wolf boy, then the damn mutt boy, and now a pretty boy? Shit! She's a regular pop idol, isn't she?

"Houjo-kun! Why, it's a pleasure to see you! What are you doing here?" Kagome said, trying effectively to even out her voice.

Houjo smiled at Kagome. "Just the same, Kagome-san." Looking at the tall calm man beside him, the feminine one hurling into the garbage can, and the short threatening one near Kagome, Houjo tilted his head. "Kagome-san, are these your friends?"

Kagome glanced over the group and beamed. "Yep! Here! Let me introduce you! This is Suikotsu, the one heh, half in the trash can is Jakotsu, and," Kagome pat Bankotsu's arm, "this over here is the Ryuu Kafe's very own Bankotsu!"

Bankotsu almost puffed his chest out at the spectacular way she presented him, but he tossed that action out. No need to ruin his reputation. Especially in front of the pretty boy he would eventually clobber.

"And, everyone," Kagome said turning to them, "this is Houjo-kun! He's my classmate."

Bankotsu, very observant due to his nighttime job, noticed the faint frown that blinked across the schoolboy's features. It was damn obvious, even to someone as clueless as him, that Houjo was in love with Kagome. Yep, this fucker is getting on the hit list.

"Hello everyone!" Houjo dazzled his sparkling teeth.

"Good afternoon," Suikotsu smiled, with just as much sparkle.

Jakotsu threw up again and Bankotsu shrugged his shoulders. He would tolerate this dumbass… for now anyway. Until Kagome was fast asleep. Bankotsu inwardly grinned, receiving a knowing don't-you-bring-personal-matters-into-this look from Suikotsu. Bankotsu smirked back a don't-tell-me-what-I-can-and-can't-do harsh grin.

Suikotsu sighed. There was no getting through to this stubborn brother.

"So, Kagome," Houjo began, a bit of coloring staining his cheeks.

Bankotsu growled. He knew what road this fucker was driving on and it was one Bankotsu did not particularly like males, especially intelligent classmate pretty boys, to take.

"Would you like to go out to see a movie? I-I mean, if you're not doing anything that is."

Kagome smiled sweetly, making Bankotsu crimson in the face; boiling rage she was smiling at the Houjo guy the way she was and… why the hell was he suddenly blushing?

"I'm sorry Houjo-kun, but haven't you heard? I'm already dating someone. Inuyasha, have you heard of him?"

Bankotsu felt the malice of icy arctic reality bite brutally against his skin. That was right. Bankotsu grimaced. She was dating that damn mutt.

Houjo gave a downcast look, his sneakers fidgeting restlessly. "Takashi-san, right? Yeah, he's in my PE class. Is he who you're dating?"

Kagome nodded with a dazed look on her eyes. "Yeah, Takashi, Inuyasha," she mused dreamily, tapping her lip thoughtfully. Kagome suddenly felt all giddy. It was beautiful to be in love!

Takashi, Inuyasha has officially jumped to number one on my hit list.

"Really, I'm sorry Houjo but… yeah. Maybe when Sango, me, and the others hang out we could invite you!" Kagome smiled at him. NOT!

Houjo summoned the strength to smile back at her. "Yeah, maybe next time. Thanks Kagome-san." The boy strode away morosely, his feet dragging the whole way.

The precious smile that was plastered wastefully on her smooth features eyed Houjo's retreating silhouette. When the figure was not to be seen, a huge breath Kagome had been holding in burst from her mouth.

"Man! He's persistent! I'll give him that!" Kagome sighed radically.

Suikotsu gave a half knowing smile. "He seemed nice enough. Are you sure you aren't over dramatizing a bit, Kagome-san?"

A jovial giggle escaped her lips. "If it was only that, Suikotsu!" She beamed radiantly. "If it was only that! If I exaggerated then he would appear more like a stalker than a friend."

"You know Houjo doesn't see you as a friend, right?" Bankotsu stated callously, his arms folded against his chest stiffly.

Kagome's beamed faltered. "Yeah, if I believed in pity dates, he'd probably end up with the most. He's been like this since elementary school. He's really sweet and popular and caring (A dog-like growl from beside Kagome sounded.) but," Kagome inhaled a breath of air, "He's not what I'm looking for. Sure, at first, I thought I wanted someone like Houjo but, now that I'm a little more mature, I realized something. He's sweet but I would and could never see Houjo as anything more than a classmate."

Kagome stepped away and stretched her arms. "Yeah, Houjo's too plain, too ordinary, too… unadventurous. I want a guy who's willing to take risks, not afraid of what others think of him, willing to 'brave the wild' in a sort of sense," Kagome giggled. "Someone who can look death in the eyes and laugh without fear." Kagome cocked her head cutely, "Ya know… maybe it's just the teenage girl hormones talking. Yep, that's probably it. Every girl nowadays wants a badass boyfriend! Heh! Just ignore all my blabbering, okay? I do tend to ramble a lot!" Kagome laughed nervously, waving her hand in a shooing motion. "Definitely not maturity talking!"

Considerable chance of Houjo's survival. Pretty boy is placed in the third death slot of my hit list. Takashi, Inuyasha is still in first place.

A slight vibration broke the quiet atmosphere surrounding them. A light, melodious tune began to sound off, attracting the group's attention. Kagome look over to her left and dug into her pocket. "Moshi moshi! Higurashi, Kagome speaking!"

"Hey you, slick bitch! Whatcha doing ditching school with two hotties and euh, a gay man?"

Bankotsu smirked cockily, leaning up against the wall coolly. Suikotsu blushed and pretended he didn't hear the speaker.

Kagome jerked away from the phone. "S-Sango! W-where the hell are you! And how do you know that I'm with Bankotsu?"

"Well, for that last remark, I would say something snappy but I brought along your bf and I don't wanna be blamed for any break ups."

Had it not been for the mention of Inuyasha, Kagome might have blushed at the indication Sango was suggesting. But… she didn't.

"What! Inuyasha came with you?" Kagome flushed brightly, clutching onto the cell phone for dear life. "C-can I talk to him? Please Sango?"

"Sure, love."

Kagome whipped her head around, the surprise in her eyes meeting a pair of the most amused beautiful gray blue eyes she had ever encountered. Arms wrapped themselves around her thin waist lovingly and the man gave a sensuous kiss to Kagome's cheek. A blush crossed her features. She turned around and embraced him, burying her face into his blue denim jacket. "I missed you while I was sick, Inu."

Inuyasha smiled amorously at the girl, his rough hands gliding through her soft wavy ebony tresses. "I'm sorry I couldn't come, love. I-"

A small fingertip silenced him. Slowly, the hands went back to wrap itself around his built frame.

Hate wasn't even the beginning of how he was feeling at this precise moment. How badly did he want to march up to that jackass, punch his fucking face until it was bloody, and wring his goddamn throat out! Fucking force feed the bastard's own guts to him. Bankotsu's hand fisted and slowly began to tremble from bitter detestation.

Suikotsu noticed Aniki's motions and on normal circumstances, would evenhandedly disagree. Somehow though, his body could somewhat relate. Why was he suddenly feeling this way? Probably the temperature. Yeah, that was it.

"Bankotsu!"

Bankotsu shook his head. "Eh? What happened?"

Kagome huffed out angrily. "Ah, well, never mind. I just forgot what I was going to say."

Catching something from the corner of his eye, Bankotsu angled his head slightly, looking above Kagome's shoulder. A small figure bounced from wall to wall, hiding from what appeared to be Kagome. Shrugging his shoulders, he would enjoy the upcoming event.

Reaching up, the figure's teeth gleam. It inhaled a deep, deep breath. "BOO!"

"GAHHHH!" Kagome freaked out, jumping a good three feet high, gripping hard on Bankotsu's arm. "S-Sango! You bitch! What the hell was that for?"

Sango grinned proudly. "For your obvious stupidity. I told you I was with Inuyasha so it's pure common sense to see him and expect- MIROKU!"

A grinning male popped out from behind Sango. "Hello my de-Oof!"

Sango, complete with demonic eyes glared down the male. "You filthy sick, sick PERVERT!"

A few of the younger children walking alongside their parents stopped and watched the two teenagers bicker.

"Mommy!" a young girl asked her mother. "Mommy! What's a pervert?"

A horrified gasp escaped the mother's lips and she ushered the child farther away.

Sango merely turned around in utter humiliation, face stained with red. "Oooooh! MirrrROOOOOOOOOOKUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!"

Muffled whacks and strikes echoed from behind the small group.

"Eww," Kagome scowled, bent over the beat up Miroku. "Are you sure that's supposed to be sticking out?"

Jerking her head away quickly, Sango barked, "Heh! Who cares? All I know is that now it is there!"

Kagome could pity her friend. Poor Sango being the butt (not an intended pun!) of Miroku's perversity, and almost always being humiliated in front of her friends.

Kagome's face lit up. "Sango-chan!" she squeaked, grabbing her friend's arm. "Let's go on some different rides!"

Sango blinked a couple of times. "Kagome, what's in your hand?"

Kagome flinched. "Eh, over there!" Kagome pointed blankly to her side.

Sango gave her an annoyed look before snatching the paper away. "Whoa! No shit! Nittle Grasper's gonna have a concert here! That's tense! I wanna go!"

Kagome frowned. "We're a year behind. The concert's in a few days. Tickets are more than sold out. Hell, I bet even the garbage can seats are sold out."

Momentarily, eyes darted to Jakotsu.

"What's up with girly man over there?" Sango asked.

Kagome sighed. "Dorkwad ate three complete funnel cakes before going on a ride with more loops than a whore."

Sango nodded her head in total understanding. "Don't worry, Gayman. I did that once. Funnel cakes are hazardous to our health." Sango slowly pat Jakotsu's back.

Jakotsu glared over the garbage can.

"Keh! I'd rather have the fucktard over there then glompin' me!"

Kagome turned to Inuyasha with a bright smile on her face. "Inu! Come with me and Sango to the roller coasters!"

Inuyasha's face softened. "Sorry, 'Gome. I can't. I have-"

Kagome dropped her head. "Another job to do. Again? It's always the same thing. I know that you're busy but why bother having a girlfriend then if you never hang out together? We haven't even gone on a one minute date! And the worst part is I'm not exaggerating!"

Inuyasha reached out to comfort her when she suddenly shot her head up.

Tears clinging to her eyelashes, she rapidly ran her arm over her face, wiping away the tears, and put on a huge grin. "Ya know? Forget it! I'm just being selfish! Go on, Inu! You have to hurry and get to your job on time. I don't want you getting fired now!"

"But 'Gome," Inuyasha stated weakly.

Kagome shooed him away. "Nah! Don't worry! I've got Sango here with me! And if push comes to shove, the lech is here for me too!"

"Kagome-sama! I resent that!"

"Shaddup you perv! You've got nothing to resent!" Sango snapped back.

"'Gome… please don't-"

"DAMMIT! I said go already!" Kagome cried out, her head shaking from frustration, more hot tears nipping at her skin. "Just leave me alone! I don't want to see you!"

With a whip of her head, Kagome sped out of sight. Softly, her cap landed on the floor.

"K-Kagome! Wait up!" Sango cried out. The older female gave Inuyasha a final glare before she bolted after the other girl.

Weakly, Inuyasha stepped forward. "Kago-"

CRACK!

"Aniki! Control yourself!" Suikotsu shouted out. The Shichinintai member rushed forward and held the pissed off Bankotsu back.

Bankotsu turned his neck, a malevolent brutal scowl on his face. "Shut the hell up, Suikotsu! This scumbag just made Kagome cry! My ass isn't just going to sit, stare, and twiddle my fingers as this damn fucker messes with a girl's heart! Fuck you to damn hell, Inutrasha!" Bankotsu went in for another swing at Inuyasha's jaw but Suikotsu held him back.

"Aniki! If you're worried about Kagome go find her and stop messing with her damn boyfriend! She could be anywhere in the amusement park and anyone could find her!"

Bankotsu's azure blue eyes enlarged. "Fuck!" Once Suikotsu released him from his grip, Bankotsu glared at Inuyasha, spat on the floor, and followed the two girls.

-.-.-.-

What's happening? Where are the others? Am I dead?

Kagome peered up over her shoulder, tears slowly fading from her miserable eyes as a new emotion began to materialize. What happened to everyone? One minute I see Sango following me next minute she just… disappeared. The schoolgirl shakily got up. W-Where is everyone? Cupping her hands around her mouth, she swallowed deeply before shouting out, "Hello! Is anyone there? Sango! Can you hear me?"

Still in view was the cheerful atmosphere of the carnival, the rides, the teacups, even the small food booths. But there was no one in sight. Not a soul could be heard, only of the echoing of her own voice.

Kagome began to chew nervously on her lip. "Y-ya know, if my friends where the only ones in the park, I'd think that it was some… some kind of cruel joke on a heartbroken girl… but even the kids…" As if on cue, her shaky eyes darted to the side, catching a view of the swings that should have been swinging and singing with merry children. Instead stood no person, no kid, not even a ride monitor.

She was all alone.

And getting slightly frightened.

"S-Sango! Inuyasha! Miroku! Bankotsu! Anyone! Can you hear me please?" Kagome tried again, hoping that this was all just a very bad dream. "Please! Someone! Help me!"

"Girl."

Kagome shivered at the sound of the voice. I thought no one was here! Slowly turning her frightened form, her curiosity overwhelmed her instinct to run from that person, that aura. When she did turn her face, her eyes widened in distinct recognition.

"Y-you look…"

A tiny eerie smile curled itself onto the woman's face. "No, you fool, I am not you. More rather, you are a copy of me."

Kagome took an inch of a step back.

The woman, clad in what seemed to be feudal era priestess attire, took a few intimidating steps forward, a sturdy wooden bow at her side. "I cannot believe the gods would allow a simpleton such as you to take my place as the Shikon no Kakera guardian. What a pitiful waste!"

So distracted was she that she did not hear the icy words of the female. They were the last thing on her possible mind. Kagome was shaking terribly. She couldn't help it; something about this woman, this older seeming person of herself, brought a chill up and down her spine like a running maniac. It was almost like… like her aura was drawing her core to her, like she was absorbing her very being. Her soul.

"W-what are you doing?" Kagome whimpered. "What are you doing to me?"

The older woman gave an intent unswervingly look, staring deep into Kagome's eyes. "Fool. You are not worthy of guarding the Shikon no Kakera if you trap yourself in a world you cannot escape."

With every step forward the woman took, the more Kagome felt her energy drained from her. Slowly, her body fell limply on the floor.

"You cannot escape from your own spell and nor can you bring up a barrier to protect yourself, but yet, a fool such as yourself can transport into a different dimension and survive the demons inside the Shikon no Kakera? How very interesting."

Kagome felt an unpleasantly cold hand cup her cheek softly and when her heavy eyelids managed to open, she found herself staring at deep terra eyes.

"I deem you unworthy but there is a force out there that believes you can wield the burden of the earth. I shall help you escape this world and transport you to the next since you hold the Kakera and are my reincarnation, insult as it might be." The woman stood up. "Come girl. Unless you wish to stay here for an eternity, take my hand."

Everything was starting to blur. All she could see was shades of blurred red and white and a pale peach extending outward. I have to take her hand. With all the strength her body could muster, Kagome reached out and fiercely grasped the woman's hand.

"I-I don't… I don't want to stay here," she managed to gasp out.

Although Kagome could not see it, a small approving smile graced the woman's face. "You are a determined one, I will give you that. But if you have any hope of protecting the sacred Kakera then you will learn to develop your skill."

Kagome leaned her head against the woman's body. "Yes… Kagome…"

-.-.-.-

"KAGOME! KAGOME! BANKOTSU! HURRY!"

Rustling was heard and then contact with a warm hand. But still… she felt drained. Cries and shouts she heard from afar. Are they calling me? Straining her ears, the voices became slightly clearer. That's… That's Sango… And Miroku… And… Bankotsu? Are they calling me?

A sharp piercing slap brought her to reality. Opening her eyes, Kagome saw the blurred face of worried Bankotsu.

"KAGOME!" Bankotsu was pushed out of the picture and a worried, tear drenched Sango gazed down at her, chewing her lower lip nervously. To the side of Sango, a serious Miroku sat, eyeing her carefully. She could tell he wanted to shout for joy but he could never break down like that… it wasn't in his nature.

"Kagome-sama, it's good to see your faint attack wasn't serious."

"K-Kagome! KAGOME!" Sango wailed.

Miroku quietly ushered her out. "Now, now Sango." Turning around slightly, Miroku asked, "Bankotsu, is your house nearby?"

"Yeah."

"Then would you mind terribly if I left Kagome-sama in your care?"

Bankotsu smirked proudly. "Don't worry! I'll take care of Kagome!"

Miroku gave an appreciated grin. "Thank you. I would do it myself but I've got one almost suicidal girl myself," Miroku chuckled. "Call me if you need help with anything."

"Yeah, okay."

Miroku, holding Sango around the shoulders, helped her from the park. Saying good-bye to the guards with an unbelievably realistic fake grin, he pulled out Sango's keys and unlocked her Jeep Cherokee. Helping her into the passenger seat, he seated himself at the driver's seat. Starting the truck's engine, he fixed the mirror into place. The vehicle slowly began to move out of the parking.

Sango lifted her eyelids, her glazed brown eyes glancing off in the distance, a stiff frown on her face. "He's coming for Kagome-chan, isn't he, Houshi-sama? That bastard's coming back to finish what he started."

Miroku gave a sideways glance to the demon exterminator, a very saddening frown on his handsome features. "I wish I could deny that, Sango. I really do. Our dear Kagome-sama does not deserve any of this."

Sango cast her gaze downward, glaring hard at her trembling fingers. She swallowed hard, before her face hardened darkly. "Why this? Why this fuckin' shit? Why Kagome? Why did they bring her into this! Why'd that bastard bring her into this! She's done nothing wrong! It's just not fair! She's innocent!"

Miroku felt his friend's justified rage and his heart tightened at Sango's eyes, brimming with tears so thick and glassy, begging the slayer for them to fall over. He directed his gaze back to the road.

"Indeed. Kagome-sama isn't suited for this war. She is too innocent. But Sango, you are wrong about one thing."

Sango's tear moistened face glared up at his solemn one. "And that is what, Houshi-sama?"

Miroku gave her a mysteriously serious look. "There is a reason she's been dragged into this. It can't be just a random coincidence that she's been given the most dangerous job."

The female's body began to tremble once again. This time, a thin stream of glass slid down her smooth cheek and was soon accompanied by a few more. "Houshi-sama," Sango began, choking back her tears, "when Kagome-chan was walking down the street the first time, no one really did jump her, did they? And this time, it wasn't just a faint attack, was it? This all seems too unreal! Like, how all of a sudden, everything bad is being targeted at Kagome-chan! Like, oh, Kagome-chan was knocked out cold for a good three days and could barely move the next! I highly doubt that that was the handiwork of a robber or pedophile or any other regular I human! It had to be a demon of some sorts! I mean, we're not talking about the high priests or generations of successful demon vanquishers- this is our Kagome here! She's as pure as they come!"

Miroku gave Sango another sideways look. "Perhaps that is why the Shikon no Tama choose her as its guardian."

Sango's pupils dilated. "What! Fuck no! That damn sphere can go to hell! I want my normal Kagome back! I want it to be just like before when we could hang out carefree, just the three of us, Miroku! I mean, goddamn! Even Inuyasha is messing up her life and she can't tell! He's no good, not with how he balances out those random jobs of his! Why the hell does he do so much anyway? Geez! His family's fuckin' rich and his dad hasn't made him kiss the curb yet so why!"

"Sango, please stop and breathe. If you wear yourself out, it would do no good to Kagome-sama, the Shikon no Tama, or myself and that would be one less threat against Naraku. We need to hold him off for as long as possible, for Kagome's sake so close your eyes and rest; I am sure Bankotsu will take care of Kagome just fine. I can see that he does care about her."

Sango leaned her head against Miroku's strong arm, cuddling closer to him. "Thank you, Miroku. For everything." Soon after, soft breathing was heard.

Glancing quietly at the girl beside him, he quickly redirected his attention to the road, which now seemed to be so lonely and lifeless.

If only it was just a faint attack… Naraku will soon reveal himself again. I can only hope Kagome-sama can protect herself and the Shikon no Tama from his vile being. For if he got a hold of the Sacred Jewel and its guardian, chaos across the globe would be the least of our worries.

Konnichiwa everyone! Hope you like's today's chapter- full of surprises and secrets that are being uncovered! Sorry not much Bankotsu and Kagome fluff in this one but that comes next chapter when well - read for yourself! The Shichinintai asked if I could leave an episode preview this time and I said "What! Why!" And then Kagome gave me this "God you are so stupid" look and helped me plan ahead. Thanks again Kagome-chan!

Oh but to speak, did anyone notice anything about my story chapters this year? Yep they're bigger! That was one of my New Year resolutions- hell, if I have to make you wait, shouldn't the chapter be worth it? So now chapters, for all of my stories, are going to BIGGER! Guaranteed or your own unpaid money back! Well, except my oneshots - can't do too much with those otherwise they'll turn out bad. Oh, speaking of which, expect a few more stories from me in the future! Well what am I forgetting? Oh yeah! I have a BanxKag forum on this site under Mercenary and Miko Ai (would be easier to just go to my user page and just click the links! I've actually tried looking for one forum among those streams of them! Took a while I might add!). If anyone has any comments/questions/concerns, feel free to email me.

The Preview for the Next Chapter! Happily brought to you in part by the Shichinintai! Killing for your family since Feudal Japan!

When Kagome begins to make a crucial decision about whether or not dating Inuyasha is worth the pain, her answer just might tip the balance in favor of Naraku. And what's this? Miroku and Sango have something to confess about themselves? And will being trapped in Bankotsu's room alone with the sexy love-stricken murderer affect her rational mind? Will it mess with his? And what's with Kouga's sudden reappearance? This and much more next time on Assassin Café!