Recall: "Look, I need to get something."

"Kagome…"

"Please. I'll be okay. I'll just grab this one thing and be out."

"Fine, but if anything happens to you…" She smiled.

"I'll be fine." Inuyasha kissed her one last time.

"You have five minutes before I come after you." She nodded before walking up the stairs. She hoped it wouldn't get to that, so she had to get out of there. But this was it, Kagome had to be strong about this.

She was getting out of that hell.

Chapter 9: How to Be At Peace

Walking up the stairs, Kagome felt as if she was going to have a panic attack at that moment. Inuyasha had just offered a way out of her nightmare. This is the moment she has dreamed of since her mother was taken away from her. Of course she was excited at the opportunity, but at the same time, she was extremely worried.

I can trust Inuyasha, I know I can. She thought to herself. But, I don't want anyone to get hurt because of this. With each step she took, the more she regretted leaving. What if something goes wrong and they manage to hurt Inuyasha anyways? Maybe I can cancel the whole thing with Inuyasha. She stopped, angry with herself. No, I won't let them haunt my thoughts. I need to do this.

Kagome finally reached the house. Her heart was so close to bursting out of her chest she was so scared. She knew that Naraku and Onigumo were most likely watching TV. She'd climb up the tree and retrieve her item before they even notice she was home. What was the item?

Her scrap book...

Something as simple as a scrap book was her most cherished treasure.

But why? What was the big deal?

It was almost like a second diary to her. Pictures of her parents were contained in there. They were the only ones she took with them and she adored them. Usually, when she had time, she would look at the pictures and rekindle hold memories. Not only that, but there were little things put in about her step family.

Notes

Mean pictures

Everything that she didn't want them to see. In any case, the scrap book was extremely important, and if she needed anything, it would be that. Slowly, she climbed up the tree, trying not to make a sound. Once up, she opened her window and went inside. As soon as she was inside, she quietly closed the door. Immediately, she went under her mattress to retrieve her scrap book. Her eyes widened when she saw that it was missing. What the hell... She thought, now scrambling to find it. I always put it under my mattress, where the fuck is it? She looked under her bed, then in her closet. She felt like crying. Where could she have...?

"Looking for something?" The voice made Kagome gasp. Didn't I lock the door? She turned around to see Naraku...

With her scrap book...

Flipping pages.

"W-what..." She should have hid it more carefully. "Why the hell were you going through my things?" She asked, not like it was a surprise. There were always times she'd find him in her room snooping. But this was something she DID NOT want him to find.

"I don't like your tone, little one. But, I'll answer." He started, closing the book, death in his eye. Kagome shivered in fear. "You were fucking late again." He threw the book at her head, but she moved out of the way in time. "So, you needed more punishment, obviously. I came to burn your bed when I found that book under your mattress." She gulped.

"H-hey. You didn't tell me when I should be home."

"You think you're funny, huh?" He looked like he was about to charge. Kagome slipped the book in her bag, close to running out the window, not caring is she sprained an ankle. "And what was that shit you wrote in there about me and dad?"

"I-I..." She didn't know what to say.

"Oh, you don't remember?" She started to think, she wrote a lot of things about them. Called them a lot of things as well.

Crazy asses

Pedophiles

Pussies

The last thought made her laugh, which wasn't a good move.

"Oh, you think that's funny?" This time, he marched toward her. Kagome tried to run to the window, but she was grabbed by the waist and forced on the floor. Once down, Naraku kicked her in her stomach a few times before grabbing her, slapping her in the face. Then, he took them down the stairs, where Onigumo was waiting. "Look who decided to show up." Naraku said, slamming Kagome down on the floor. She clutched her stomach, thanking God that it wasn't her back. Onigumo got up, slowly walking toward her.

"Just what were you planning on doing with that book?"

"N-nothing. It's for me..."

"For you?" He snatched her up by her hair, causing her to scream. "You were gonna go to the cops, weren't you?" Kagome turned her head away from his direction; his breath reeked of alcohol.

"I wasn't it was just for me." He smirked.

"I think I'll burn it." Her eyes widened. Her pictures of her family will be burned as well.

"Y-you can't." She started to struggle when Naraku came over and held her by her neck. Tears flowed, she couldn't breathe.

"What do you say dad?" Naraku said, shaking her slightly. Onigumo chuckled.

"I'm sure we can work something out..." He said, his eyes going down to her chest. She tried shaking her head. "No? Since when are you in any position to make demands?" He took the top of her shirt and ripped it.

"Wait..." Naraku said, smelling her hair. Fuck... "You were with that dog again." His grip on her neck tightened.

"What dog?" Onigumo asked. No, he doesn't need to know...

"Her fucking boyfriend." He teased. Onigumo made the same face Naraku did when he first found out.

Furious

"You've been getting fucked by some boy?" She chuckled.

"Yeah, you and you're asshole son." She shouldn't have said that, but she was just so mad. She was so close to freedom. Now all of that didn't matter. She was back to square one. Why not sass back at this point? Naraku pulled her hair while Onigumo gripped her neck. She definitely couldn't breathe at this point.

"I told you she was getting out of hand." Naraku said. Onigumo smirked.

"You're right. You know, I think she could use another week in the basement." He turned back to Kagome, whose eyes were rolling in the back of her head. "No food, no water, just like after your mom died..." She could feel herself passing out, she couldn't focus, and blackness was taking over.

Suddenly, the door was kicked open. Before Naraku could turn around to see who it was, his neck was snapped. Onigumo was so startled that he dropped Kagome. She exhaled deeply multiple times, coughing as well. Onigumo stumbled for a second; he didn't know who this person was but he looked like a demon.

Fangs

Claws

Deadly red eyes

Inuyasha didn't even give Kagome the full five minutes. After four, he knew something was wrong. His hunch was right when he saw Kagome being strangled while outside the window. This instantly brought out his demon side, seeing that his mate was in this predicament.

"W-who are you?" Onigumo asked, the demon slowly approaching him. There was no way he could harm a demon, and with his son out cold, there was no way he was getting his help. He was in trouble.

"I should kill you for harming my mate." Inuyasha said.

"Give me a chance. You want the girl? Take her." He knew he could get the cops to get her back, he just didn't want to die. Inuyasha smirked before punching him square in the face. His head hit the wall, leaving him passed out as well.

"You're nothing but a gutless piece of shit." Inuyasha went back to Kagome, who was close to having a panic attack at this point. Inuyasha went into her bag and got her inhaler. He pressed it against her mouth. "Come on, love. Take it." She took a couple puffs, calming her down. She was slightly relaxed before picking her up, carrying her out the door; not before kicking Naraku in the face, making sure he didn't wake up. "I'm sorry, Kagome." He said, holding her closer, his eyes going back to normal. "I shouldn't have left you alone." He soon reached the car, where he put her in the passenger seat. She was already sleep, making him glad he got her to calm down before things got worse.

They drove until they reached his house. He was debating whether or not taking her to the hospital, but since his mother was a doctor, she'd help out. He carried her to the house, opening the door.

"Mom!" He called out, closing the door with her leg.

"Inuyasha? Is that you?" She asked from the kitchen. Inuyasha rolled his eyes.

"No, it's Pinocchio." He said sarcastically. "Can you come out here?" He said.

"Inuyasha, honey, is something wrong-" The woman named Izayoi came out, and instantly looked at her son in shock. He was holding a half beaten girl and he looked as if he had been fighting. Her hands covered her mouth. "Inuyasha, what..."

"This is Kagome. She'll be staying with us for a while. Is the guest room ready?"

"Y-yes but..." He didn't wait for her to finish before walking up the stairs. "W-wait, Inuyasha. Where are her parents?" She asked, chasing him. "They should know she's been attacked."

"She doesn't have any."

"W-what?" It wasn't like she wasn't use to this, being a doctor. But, the girl was so young, not even out of high school. It hits her hard when she sees children in trouble. "Well who's her guardian?"

"The people that did this to her." They reached the guest room, where he placed Kagome on the bed.

"Wait then-"

"Mom..." Inuyasha started, getting frustrated. "We'll talk about this later. She needs help right now. She almost had a panic attack." Izayoi nodded, walking over to the abused girl. She went a felt her pulse.

Her heart was racing.

"Does she have an inhaler?" Izayoi asked, next feeling her head. She has a fever.

"Here." He handed her the inhaler, she immediately knew how many times it should be used.

"Do you see her take it? How many times does she use it?"

"I don't know. I remember one day, she took it at least eight-"

"Eight times?" Izayoi exclaimed. "The maximum for this is six. And that was only at school. Not to mention the times you haven't seen her."

"Is that a problem?"

"Yes, if she takes it more than needed, she could have a heart attack." She rubbed the girls head. "The poor thing. She needs to rest for now. I'll make her some medicine."

"She also has bruises on her body. Probably new ones now." Izayoi looked at her son with much disbelief before lifting Kagome's shirt. The sight of Kagome's discolored skin caused her to be emotional.

"Inuyasha, why didn't you tell someone?"

"Hey, I just found out today. She has a hard time opening up, I had to convince her to stay here." Izayoi nodded.

"I have to get my medical kit." She stood up trying to compose herself. "Your father should be coming home soon. We need to explain the situation." Inuyasha nodded walking down stairs. His dad was usually cool about these things. He would have no problem welcoming Kagome into his house. But, he did have someone to worry about.

Sesshomaru

It wasn't that much of a big deal being that this wasn't his house so he didn't have a say in what goes on, but Sesshomaru was a bit prejudice towards humans. He thought of them as inferior and a waste of life. Because of this, he had a hard time getting along with him and his mother. Ya, and look at what fucking happened with Rin. Inuyasha thought while fixing himself a glass of water.

He could protect Kagome no problem. However, she was still emotionally distressed and he didn't want her hurt any longer. Inuyasha growled. Brother or not, Sesshomaru better not say shit to her, or I'll fucking kill him.

Kagome was sleeping soundly when the smell of breakfast woke her up. She didn't open her eyes for she was still tired; instead she rolled over. Mmm, it's so warm in here. She thought, cuddling herself against the pillow. It's usually freezing here, and it smells like someone cooked breakfast. She snorted. But, those two bastards don't cook... This fact forced her to open her eyes. After wiping the crusts she took a look around only to see she was at an unknown location.

Starting from the bed, she saw that she was lying in a queen sized bed, covered by a royal blue quilt surrounded by pillows. The walls were light blue and the carpet was white. The furniture was black and very detailed. This...is not my room, nor is it Naraku's or Onigumo's. She placed a hand on her head. Where the hell am I? She sat up feeling something strange wrapped around her. She lifted up her shirt to see bandages. I didn't do this. I don't even own bandages. Not only that, but the shirt wasn't even her shirt, and she wasn't wearing her pants. She got up fully to see she was wearing silk pajamas. Okay, this is too weird. I got to figure out where I am.

Kagome went to open the door only to be met with golden eyes.

"Inuyasha..." She said, completely forgetting about him.

"Hey." He said, relieved that she was up.

"Where am I?"

"My place, remember?" She had to think for a moment. She remembered that she got into it with Naraku and Onigumo then blacked out. After that, nothing.

"I guess I don't."

"Well, that doesn't matter. This is your home now, and this is your room." Looking around again, Kagome wrapped her arms around herself.

"What's wrong? You don't like it?" She chuckled.

"Yeah, it's great." Tears started to form. "I-I...I guess I just can't believe it."

"Hey..." He whipped a tear with his thumb. "You're safe now, okay." Even though she was still scared, she thought perhaps she could relax a little while it lasted. With a smile, she gave Inuyasha a small nod. He smiled back, giving her a peck on the head, making her blush. "Come on..." He took her hand. "Mom and dad are waiting." The statement caused her smiled to drop as she snatched her arm back.

"Your mom and dad?" She asked.

"Yeah, what's wrong now?" Honestly, she didn't know what was wrong. It was probably meeting them under the situation she was in. Instead of meeting parents like normal people, she was dropped on their door step with a life filled with problems. Maybe it was the fact that she would be judged by them for being in her predicament. Whatever it was, she was nervous.

Inuyasha held her hand tighter, feeling how stressed out she was becoming.

"It's gonna be okay. I'm with you." She smiled again, feeling a little better. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder, escorting her to the kitchen.

The kitchen looked a bit fancy to Kagome. The cabinets were white and the counter was a dark color. There was an island in the middle with different kinds of food. Almost like it was a buffet. Next to the window was a table area where someone was reading the paper. At the stove was a woman, with long black hair. Kagome guessed that it was Inuyasha's mother.

"She's up, mom." Inuyasha said, sitting down at the island. Izayoi turned around and greeted Kagome with a smile.

"Hello dearest." She said putting some more food on the island. Kagome smiled a little; viewing the woman carefully. She had a very kind face, slightly taller than her and wore a little bit of makeup. "Did you sleep well?"

"Oh…uh…yes, thank you." Kagome stuttered. Izayoi went over to her, taking her hands in hers.

"I'm Mrs. Takahashi, but you can call me Izayoi."

"It's nice to meet you Izayoi. Thank you so much for letting me stay." Izayoi's smile grew bigger as she wrapped her arms around Kagome.

"Aren't you the sweetest thing? You can stay as long as you want." Kagome gave Inuyasha a confused look as to why his mom was so loving to someone she just met.

"Love, don't scare the child." The man said, getting up from the table.

"My name's Inutashio." She couldn't help but to notice how incredibly tall Inuyasha's dad was. True Inuyasha was a good foot taller than her but this guy was at least two.

"It's nice to meet you as well, sir." She said with a bow. He chuckled.

"No need to be so formal. We're all family." Inuyasha's eyes widened. His dad couldn't contain himself sometimes.

"Family?" She asked.

"Dad, she doesn't know." Inuyasha spoke in his native tongue. Since Kagome wasn't a dog demon, or learned the language, she had no idea what he said.

"What do you mean? You didn't tell her?" Inutashio gasped while looking back at Kagome.

"Couldn't really get around to it."

"Well, you must tell her soon to make the situation easier."

"I know. I know." Kagome looked at Izayoi, who laughed nervously.

"This is what I live with. But, come now dearest, sit." She guided Kagome to the island. "It's time for some breakfast."

"Thanks so much but you've been kind enough-"

"Up-up-up, this breakfast is especially for you. You don't want it to go to waste do you?" Kagome sighed.

"I guess not."

"Splendid. Now, I didn't know what kind of food you liked, so I went a little over board." She was being half truthfully. True she didn't know what Kagome might have liked, but after seeing how skinny the poor girl was, she wanted to do nothing more than to fatten her up.

"Over board is an understatement." Inutashio commented. "She pretty much made everything in the fridge." Kagome smiled looking at the selection.

There was three different kinds of eggs, scrambled, omelet and sunny side up, as well as two different kinds of bacon, crunchy or chewy. Next to that was blueberry waffles, followed by chocolate chip pancakes, and toast covered with butter. Next to that was some apple cinnamon muffins along with sliced ham glazed with some honey. At the end of the island was a fruit basket, next to freshly squeezed orange juice. The aroma and the sight was too overwhelming for Kagome. Before she could even decide, Izayoi was already fixing her plate, putting one of everything on it.

"Mom," Inuyasha exclaimed. "She can do it herself."

"Hush, darling." She waved as she drizzled syrup on the waffles and pancakes. "And you can't move without finishing your plate." Kagome made no effort objecting as she started sampling everything on her plate.

"Mmm, this is amazing." She said, cramming more food in her mouth. Izayoi clapped happily.

"See hubby, she likes my food."

"I didn't say she wouldn't." Inuyasha rolled his eyes as he watched Kagome stuff her face.

"Never seen you eat this much." She blushed.

"Never gotten around to it, ya know?" He nodded before looking at his mom, who was sneaking more food on Kagome's plate.

"Mom!" She pouted.

"Don't yell at your mother."

"Izayoi love, you'll make the girl sick if you keep feeding her."

"I am a doctor you know. I know what I'm doing…but I'm a mother first." She mumbled that last part, giving Kagome another slice of ham. She smiled before having an odd feeling at something was watching her. She was startled to find a little red hair kid next to her seat.

"Oh…hi." She said, however the boy didn't say anything back; he just smiled. Izayoi looked down to see who she was talking to.

"Shippo dear, when did you wake up?" She asked picking him up. "Dearest, this is Shippo, our adopted son."

"You have three sons?" She asked.

"Yes, Inuyasha didn't mention that?" He shrugged.

"I forgot about the little runt." Shippo pouted.

"He's so cute." Kagome said, making him smile again.

"You hungry Shippo?" Izayoi asked. He nodded his head. She put him down to get his chair but when she returned he was already on Kagome's lap. "Aww, he likes you." Kagome smiled, petting his head. She didn't know why but kids seemed to like her. Then again I did say how cute he was.

"Do you talk Shippo?" Kagome asked. He shook his head no. "How come?"

"He's a bit of a mute." Inutashio said as he turned to the next page on his paper.

"Oh…" Kagome guessed that something bad might have happened, her having a mute stage herself. Izayoi suddenly picked Shippo up who started whimper.

"Come on, dearest, don't whine. You need to eat and Kagome needs to get ready." She looked confused.

"Get ready for what?" Kagome asked.

"You don't have any clothes." Inuyasha answered. "I'm taking you to get some." Kagome started stuttering. She had nothing to pay them with; all of a sudden her thoughts came back to Onigumo and what he'd make her do to get what she needed. No way are they like him though. But, I really don't have anything to pay them with.

"Now come, darling." Izayoi walked over to Kagome once Shippo was in his seat. "There should be a shirt and pants in your room. As soon as you're done showering I'll change your bandages. Then, you and Inuyasha may go on your way." Kagome held her hands up to protest.

"Please, Izayoi. You've been kind enough. I have no way to pay-"

"I wouldn't here of it." She interrupted. "Just relax, dearest. Now, off you go." She said, giving her a couple pats to the butt. Kagome blushed as she hurried along. Mom use to do that. She thought, smiling to herself.

As Izayoi closed the door to the kitchen, she turned and faced Inuyasha.

"They all seem nice." Inuyasha placed a piece of hair behind her ear. "Inuyasha, I really do appreciate everything you and your family has done for me. I never thought this could happen." A few tears dropped from her eyes again. "I'm still scared though." She admitted. He then wrapped his arms around her.

"Don't worry. Everything's gonna be fine." He kissed her head a few times. "You trust me?" She nodded. "Then trust me to protect you, okay?"

"Okay." He kissed her on the lips before wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug; to which of course she returned.

Of course she could trust him. He had been helping out a great deal. From the constant comforting to the promise of a new home, Inuyasha has kept his word. Because of this she was…

Tranquil

Harmonious

At peace...

But how long will it last?

.

.