AN: No, I haven't died... not yet, anyway... but, yeah, I was going through my stuff, and decided that, even though I haven't really finished chapter fifteen of Protect Me, yet, I could at least put this up... not what you guys were waiting for, I know, but I'm afraid it's all I can offer for the time being.

On that note, some crazy loon cough cough Knock-on-Wood cough cough went and did something crazy like nominating my fic for an award of some sort... girl, you're nuts... fanfiction greats like Ilkustioa and Rozefire belong there... and are on there... I can't compete with them!... Trust me, even the consideration of such a feat is a tremendous compliment in itself... but I still call you all crazy for liking it that much... sheesh... now you're gonna go and make me blush...

And also, something that totally doesn't pertain to anything Inuyasha...

My birthday is next Friday! 8/26! Hooray for me!

insert cheezy grin here

Disclaimer: ...sigh alright, I admit it... Inuyasha isn't mine... BUT BANKOTSU IS!

Soul

Chapter 4

The plan

The night was very still; rather unusual for our little village. Normally, there was someone up, even at this ungodly hour, typically patrolling the streets for wandering demons and venturesome human children. Some fell asleep to the tunes of old radios; they won't be turned off until well after dawn. Stray animals would wander through the alleyways, rummaging through garbage in search of either food, shelter, or both. But tonight, everything was strangely quiet. It was as if the night itself acknowledged the tension settling over the Higurashi home, and radiated it through the entire human settlement. Even the full moon cast an eerie glow upon all surfaces.

On the other hand, however, it provided more than enough light for me to see my way through the hallways.

I glanced over my shoulder every few steps, just to make sure the extra light wasn't pointing me out to any unsuspecting or, even worse, suspecting, bystanders. But, of course, the silence didn't lie- there was no one in sight, each time I glanced back.

Nevertheless, I kept up my vigilant caution.

I held my breath as I slid my head around a corner, glancing up and down to check for any sign of activity. After being assured there was none, I softly tiptoed around and worked my way down the corridor.

"My Lady, you called for me?"

I froze, my breath caught in my throat. Crap! I'm gonna get caught!

"Yes, thank you, Sango, I appreciate you coming to meet me at this ungodly hour."

Holding my breath, I scurried back the way I came and all but threw myself back behind the safety of a shadowy pillar.

"My pleasure, Lady Higurashi," Sango replied solemnly. "Was there a problem?"

I nearly breathed a sigh of relief after realizing they didn't see me before I stopped myself. I was in hiding, after all. I peeked around the pillar's surface cautiously.

My mother sighed. "I don't think I need to remind you of the rather eventful evening."

Sango nodded understandingly. "Yes… that."

"A complete disaster," Mother agreed, frowning deeply. "I did plan on a less stressful night for Kagome's fifteenth birthday."

"Kagome was just shocked," Sango explained. "It's shocking enough for anyone to find out their mother is walking into enemy territory, let alone Kagome. Certainly not what she was expecting for her birthday."

That's right! I thought firmly.

"Yes, I know," Mother replied wearily. "But there really was no proper time. I suppose… I was just as nervous about telling her as I was about her reaction. I knew she wouldn't handle it well, but now I wish I would have been honest earlier. Maybe it would have given her time to understand-"

"Lady Higurashi, no offense, but I don't think she'd ever understand," Sango interrupted politely. "She may act kind of rude and uncaring, but underneath that, she's just scared of losing the only parent she's got left."

Since when did Sango turn so insightful? I wondered.

"I suppose you're right," Mother agreed, nodding. "But… still…"

Sango smiled. "Did you want me to remain here, my Lady? Not join you to Naraku's castle?"

Mother looked up at the girl hopefully. "Oh, would you? I mean… I'd feel so much better knowing Kagome had someone to watch over her."

I had to hold back an indignant snort at that one. Who does she think I am? Souta? I don't need a baby sitter, least of all Sango, watching over me!

Sango gulped back a giggle. "I wouldn't let Kagome hear you say that," she advised.

Mother nodded. "Too true. I can't thank you enough for staying behind, Sango. You are one of my strongest warriors, and it relieves me to know you'll be here to watch over my children."

I frowned. She sounds like she's leaving us to our doom.

Sango's mind apparently worked in the same direction, for she voiced as much to my mother.

"Don't get me wrong," Sango added hastily. "Both Kagome and Souta are incredibly strong. They take their lead from you, Lady. You shouldn't let someone like Naraku force you to sacrifice your confidence in either of them."

Mother shook her head, distractedly. "No, no, it's not that I do not have confidence in Kagome. Not at all. But it's… so much more than that, it's-"

Then, my mother did a very strange thing. She suddenly stopped mid-sentence and turned her head, looking unswervingly in my direction. Whether she suspected my presence or not, I daren't pause to find out as my breath was caught in my throat and I thrust myself backward into the shadows, praying my cover had not been blown.

My heart thumped in my ears as I sat crouched behind the pillar, chewing on my lip. The silence was life strangling, and the longer it stretched, the louder the pounding in my chest became. A sinking feeling began to creep up my throat as I heard footsteps approach closer.

"Lady Higurashi?" Sango spoke up.

Still hidden behind the pillar, my vision was completely blocked, but I could hear my mother's short gasp and small footsteps, skirts rustling. It sounded like she had spun around, the gasp leading my mind to assume she was broken from some distraction.

Nonetheless, my tension eased. Regardless of whether or not I was the distraction, her attention is elsewhere, for now. Thank you, Sango!

"Forgive me," Mother said softly. "My mind had strayed… elsewhere."

Sango paused before responding, most likely bowing. "I understand, Lady Higurashi."

Feeling brave, I peeked around the column once again. Mother's back was to me, only about five or six feet away, now. Her body blocked me from Sango's view, and from my position, I could spot her straightening from her bow, smiling encouragingly.

"My Lady, forgive me, but it is rather late, and you have an earlier morning in but a few hours. Perhaps the time would be better spent resting in your chambers?"

Mother shook her head, hand waving dismissively. "I appreciate the concern, Sango, but I couldn't sleep. Not now. I think what I need is a walk. Some fresh air to help clear my focus."

Sango nodded. "I'll inform the guards."

Mother bobbed her head and in a swirl of skirts, spun around to walk briskly toward the stairs. Sango began to move away, also, but Mother's voice stopped her.

"Oh, and Sango? Please lock my chambers," she added, tossing the key to the girl. "No one is to enter under any circumstances. There are some… articles I wish to remain safely kept."

"I understand, Lady."

Mother nodded and disappeared around the corner. I turned to see Sango move toward the closed double doors at the end of the hallway, fingering the key.

I frowned. Oh, no you don't!

My hand shot to my hair, snatching one of my hairpins. Rising, I squinted my eyes, my tongue slipping out of the corner of my mouth as I aimed, and tossed the pin down the adjacent corridor. I ducked back as Sango's head whipped around at the noise.

I tucked myself back into the shadows as she strode past me to investigate. She stopped at the corner, peering into the dark shadows suspiciously.

While her back was turned, I crept out of my hiding spot, keeping an eye on Sango's back as I quickly tip-toed to the door and pushed it open, slipping inside the dark room. I turned back around to return the door to its original position, then dashed around to the other side of her bed to wait.

Merely seconds later, Sango's light step returned, gaining volume as she approached until she stopped at the door. Then silence, a brief moment of hesitation before she continued. Jingling keys and a solid click announced that the room was locked shut. Nonetheless, I waited until I could no longer hear Sango before I allowed a sigh of relief to be breathed, turning to lean my back against the side of the bed while my head collapsed on its surface.

"That," I whispered to myself, "was way too close."

With the security of the locked door, I sat where I was, content to listen to the sound of my own breath as I willed my excited heart to calm down.

Come on, Kagome, you don't have time to waste! A voice in my head reminded me, so I slowly pulled myself to my feet and looked around.

"Alright… if I were a special jewel wanted by an evil bastard, where would I be?" I murmured aloud, wandering over towards Mother's dresser, hovering over its surface and the items it displayed.

All of a sudden, memories of my childhood sprung into mind, and my search for Naraku's jewel was forgotten as I stared down at Mother's treasure. My fingers reached out to gently stroke a small, glass perfume bottle, intricately crafted, my fingertips exploring every smooth surface with the same child-like wonder as I had many years ago. Bringing my thumb and forefinger together, I lightly pinched the rubber sac, spraying a puff of the light scent into the air. I smiled and leaned forward, eyelids sliding shut as I dipped my head in the puff, inhaling the sweet, lilac fragrance.

When the puff had cleared, I opened my eyes and turned my head, my new focus on the beautifully carved wooden brush. I put my fingers back to work, resisting a giggle as I splayed them over the bristly surface, enjoying the prickling feeling on my palm. I moved my hand to trace my fingers along the carved lines down the handle, and into the more intricate designs of flowers and vines, each intricately done with excellent craftsmanship.

I was about to move onto the next object when a soft voice drifting from outside pushed my senses into alert mode, head snapping up to the window, warily. With my breath held in my throat, I silently moved toward the glass, ducking against the wall to glance through the curtains, praying the light fabric would conceal my location.

Looking down, anyway, I noticed the sounds came from two guards standing near the castle entrance, conversing among each other in an effort to keep themselves awake. As they're voices drifted toward me, I heard fragmented bits of their conversation, something about Naraku, my mother, the approaching dawn and… missing cheese?

I backed away from the window, frowning. Though I was still safe, I still had that jewel to find, and judging by how more and more guards seemed to be lurking around the castle entrance, I was running out of time. Now wasn't the time to be swept down memory lane.

With renewed vigor, I spun around and returned to the dresser, this time not getting distracted. I searched over it, in every container I could find, even behind the dresser in case it had fallen back there (not that I thought it would, mind you), yet my search proved to be fruitless.

But I would not be defeated so easily! Next came her closet, and out-turning every pocket, checking for any hidden compartments inside and out. But yet again, no luck.

Emerging from the closet, I stood with my hands on my hips, surveying the room with a critical eye. Soon, that critical eye landed on Mother's bedside table, completely bare save for a half-melted candle and a small, dark green book.

Curiosity got the better of me, once again, as I found myself moving forward, almost as if my feet had a will of their own, finally stopping to seat myself on my knees beside the bed. Reaching out, I grabbed the book and brought it closer for a thorough inspection.

I recognized it almost as soon as my fingers brushed against its soft, velvety cover, and before I knew it, I was blinking back a wave of tears.

"Daddy… it's… your journal," I murmured as my fingers stroked the green velvet and gold lettering lovingly. Brushing back the tears stubbornly, I looked at the cover, reading aloud, "To my wonderful daughter, my little princess, with all my love". Sniffling, I opened the cover to read the small writing in the bottom corner.

Kagome, may you never lose your wonderful spirit and incredible heart. Together, they will bring you eternal strength as you battle through life.

Stay strong, my princess. I love you always.

Daddy

Great. There went those stupid tears, again. No matter how hard I scrubbed at them, they refused to go away. Frustrated, now, I gave up, and instead focused my energy on skimming through the entries, recalling the days when Mother would read them to me as I was tucked in bed as a child. I laughed softly at the small doodles from my father's non-artistic hand as he recounted his travels on the road, and of the people and things he had seen on the way.

A small trail of string caught my attention, and I smiled as a new wave of memories washed over me, reaching out to fondle the black leather cord, coiling it around my fingers. I could remember how much I hated it when I spotted the little strip of black peeking out from below the pages- it was Mother's bookmark, and it meant that the reading would be over for the day. Typically, I would have been too tired to put up too much of a fight, but the fights I did put up were memorable. Maybe a tad frustrating to Mother, but memorable to me.

I hardly noticed when the gentle fondling became insistent tugging as the tears fought against me again, and before I knew it, I was throwing the book on the ground angrily.

Why did you have to go, Daddy? Why couldn't you have stayed, for once? Just… stay… stay with me? You wouldn't be in this mess, then… you wouldn't have disappeared for eight years. You wouldn't be with Naraku, right now, and Mother wouldn't be journeying off to her death to rescue you! Why couldn't you just-

As I ranted in my head, I tried to clench my fingers tightly, but something wound around my fingers prevented me from doing so. I had a vague remembrance of Mother's bookmark, and so spun my around to glare at the traitorous cord as if I could place the blame on it, instead. However, as soon as my eyes landed on it, my anger melted away to be replaced by shock.

You know, I had never actually seen the entire bookmark… all I had ever recalled seeing was the black tips sticking out of the top and bottom. So it came as a surprise to me when I spotted a small white glass shard, no bigger than my thumb, attached somewhere near the center. Frowning, I brought the shard closer to my face, staring in awe and… still a little bit of shock, I'll admit.

As I studied it, I discovered it was not really white, but more of a really pale pink color. And it certainly wasn't glass. I rubbed my thumb across it curiously. It felt a bit warm to the touch, and very smooth, more like marble or pearl than glass. As I moved my thumb away from it, I was startled to find the spot where I had touched it was slightly whiter. But as I stared at it, I slowly regained its normal pink hue.

"Whoa… it's sort of like a marble mood ring," I commented thoughtfully.

Then…

Duh!

I gripped the leather string tightly, eyes blazing. "This must be it! The Shikon jewel!"

Voices drifted from outside, again, this time a bit louder, and much more of them. I frowned, looking out the window at the creeping sun.

With a sigh, I stood, staring at the jewel in my hands momentarily before taking the ends of the leather in each hand and tying it around my neck like a necklace. Once it was secured, I tucked the jewel in my shirt, out of sight, and turned to move towards the door.

I stopped just before it, rolling my eyes and smacking my palm against my forehead. "Duh, you idiot. It's locked, remember?"

With an annoyed grumble, I spun around and headed for the window when my father's journal caught my eye. I hesitated only for a moment before walking back and leaning down to scoop the book up, sticking it under my arm and making my way back to the window. Pushing it open, I looked down, waiting until the gathering guards' attention was diverted elsewhere before I climbed out and scaled down the wall, using the ancient stone's chipped mortar as grip holds for my hands and feet.

A minute later found me leaping the last ten feet to the ground and ducking down immediately, waiting for any response to my presence. When none was made, I snuck around the castle walls and darted across the street to the shadows of a two-story building close by, using this strategy to make my way to the city's gates, where my bike and pack were waiting.

Mother was not going to meet Naraku, certainly not with the jewel. Not if I could help it.

Review Responses:

xbittersweet: Aww... thank you for both your compliments and your patience!

Knock-on-Wood: Yeah, as previously mentioned, you're a nut... pats on head but I wouldn't have ya any other way! You're really far too kind, you know that?

Next chapter: The Real Quest- Kagome finally starts off on her journey with her ever trustworthy pink bike! (from the series... with a bit of a tune up...) Of course, will she be alone? No way... but does she even know what she's doing? ... not really... but she'll find out...