A/N: Hope everyone liked the revisions made in that last chapter. I wanted it to seem like something a child would say, like she was being asked to recount what had happened to her. As always, review and let me know what you think!

This Chapter is influenced by the song 'Let it Be' by the Beatles; though I am partial to the version from the 'Across the Universe' soundtrack.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter 2: Let It Be

The sounds of rats scurrying throughout the tunnel were the sounds that woke Kagome from her dreamless nap. It was like that most mornings, when a lot of people were still sleeping, scattered about the abandoned subway like lifeless dolls a child would leave strewn about their room. There was no reason as to why they slept where they did; most people just chose a spot, called it theirs, and set up camp. There were metal barrels placed about, stolen from the streets above them, that were used as a congregation spot. At night, or on particularly cold days, someone would fill it with forgotten paper trash and ignite the can to be used as a source of heat. It lit the tunnels, exposed the nastiness that was usually hidden by the darkness, and illuminated the gaunt and grimy faces of other destitute civilians. No one really talked to each other, what was there to say? Sometimes someone would pass around a bottle of alcohol, but that was about it. There was no sense of camaraderie or friendship among them; resources were to scarce to allow for that.

The young, impoverished girl rose from her stiff bed, if a cardboard box could be called that, stretching her aching muscles and scratching at the bug bites that scattered her body. She often woke up to the sensation of bugs crawling, or when a rat scampered across her leg, but it didn't bother her as much now as it used to. She was resigned to this life now, and knew that to fight it would mean being bitten. She wrapped an old, stained blanket around her tiny form and sighed, taking a moment to fully wake up. Throughout the tunnel she could hear the other's beginning to stir, some were still snoring and wouldn't wake up for another few hours. Her father was one of those people. He was sleeping on the ground a few yards away from her, his tattered rain coat being used as a shield from the chill in the air. She watched quietly as he shifted in his spot, his nasal snoring stopping for a moment as he grunted. Even though he was the reason she was in this predicament, Kagome couldn't find it in her weak little heart to hate him. He had tried for a while to make it work, but his sadness over her mother's passing crippled him. She heard him crying for his late wife in his sleep, and it was possibly the only time he showed emotion anymore. No, she couldn't fault him for being the way he was.

Her attention was torn from his sleeping form by cars driving outside, their sounds filtering in through the stairwell not thirty feet away from where Kagome sat. A small, raspy cough escaped her sore throat before she got up onto her dirty feet. Thin chicken legs buckled underneath her, as the muscles were very weak and bones stiff from the cold. But she steadied herself and let a moment pass until the vertigo disappeared and her vision was no longer spinning. Picking her small Campbell's soup can up from beside her cardboard-bed, Kagome made her way towards the stairs to begin her daily ritual. As she ascended the cold, cement steps, her bare feet stinging against the rough surface, a gust of wind rushed past her. Black dreadlocks danced across her smudged face as the skirt of her short dress whipped around carelessly, tattered and riddled with holes. It had once been a nice, yellow sun dress meant for a peaceful summer outing; not for the bitter cold of New York's winter season. She did keep her blanket draped around her thin shoulders though, using it as a shield from the biting temperature.

Kagome sat herself down on the second step of the stairs, leaned against the wall behind her, and curled her legs into her body, hugging them to her chest. The blanket was wrapped tightly around her, but it was too short to protect her little toes from the frigid air, and shortly after the day had started they were already turning blue. Her small can was placed on the first step, on the same ground that everyone else walked on, waiting for anyone to have mercy and feed it their change. Kagome eyes adjusted to the dim light of morning, thankful that the Sun's direct light was blocked out by tall buildings, and watched as nicely dressed strangers breezed past her, most of them on their blocky cell phones that had just become common place, or drinking hot beverages. A few noticed her tiny, huddled form, but they still kept on walking. It was hurtful to see them do that, since she saw many of their faces every day, some of which had given her money once upon a time. But back then she had only been slightly disheveled and still retained some of her cute baby fat. Her glistening blue-grey eyes had stared desperately up at them and her hair was still somewhat tame. People would give money to a cute, down-on-her-luck child; but not a dirty, smelly, unrecognizable rascal that seemed to have lost all will to live.

It was around noon now, not that Kagome could tell for certain though. She could only comprehend it was noon by the amount of people walking around with food in their hands and by the smell of restaurant's beginning to prepare their lunch menus. She'd been sitting there all day, in the same position, stormy eyes staring off into the distance, when an amazing sound broke her out of the trance she'd been lost in; the sound of money dropping in her cup. It had almost become foreign to her, but as soon as she heard the chiming noise of metal against metal, she grabbed her cup with cold hands and looked inside. Three quarters!

"Yes!" She hissed and enthusiastically placed the cup back down and waited for more people. This time though, she was rejuvenated with new hope and there was an excited smile, hidden only by the uncontrollable hair that hung in her face. She straightened up, pushed the hair aside, and tried to be appealing to the passer-byers once more, hoping someone else might have pity. Inside she was just as excited, her heart soaring and empty stomach flopping with ebullience. Oh god how she couldn't wait to show her father today's earnings!

Then, the worst happened. It made Kagome's joyous attitude crumble and stomach plummet. She shrank back into her spot, bringing the blanket up to hide her nervous face. It wasn't everyday they walked by, but when they did it was torture for Kagome. They were strangers to her, but she and one of the children who belonged to the group had a very special relationship; one of torment and ridicule that caused her to cry and disappear into the confines of the subway. He had long, flowing, silver hair, piercing golden eyes that reflected nothing but mischief, and a youthful voice that sent chills down Kagome's back. He was about her age, she would assume, and so were the three others that followed him; all accompanied by a nanny that followed them with a watchful eye. She was a complacent woman who did little more than escort her charges. And as he tormented her, the adult would rarely chime in to stop the cruelty.

Kagome's heart thrummed deeply in her ears as she anticipated his arrival, watching through cracked eyes as he approached. He had yet to notice her, as his attention was focused on a rather cute girl to his left. She had long, pitch black hair that was combed to perfection, and almond shaped eyes that were colored the warmest shade of brown. Today, she wore a nice outfit that consisted of black jeans and a red jacket that covered a white shirt underneath. She looked like a miniature version of sophisticated women, though she couldn't have been any older than ten years old. Her lips curled in a nice smile as she laughed heartily at something the silver-haired boy said. But past that, Kagome saw nothing but a cruel girl who took equal amounts of pleasure in teasing Kagome as the boy next did. Behind the duo were another couple of youngsters. These two were currently making faces at the dark haired girl walking in front. Kagome had a feeling those two might be the only ones who would be kind to her. The girl was fair, with pretty brown hair that was braided down her back and thick, straight bangs that hung just past her eyebrow. Her big, brown eyes were round and expressive. The boy next to her was just as nice looking, if not a little intimidating with his deep, aubergine tinted eyes and that playful smirk on his face. Kagome saw him staring at the brunette with a certain gleam; it's meaning was foreign to Kagome. As the group neared, Kagome's fears were made real as the leader caught sight of her and commenced the torment. He made a show of pinching his nose and waving the air in front of him, turning his face away from her sad form.

"What's is that smell?" He said dramatically, earning a chiming laugh from the girl next to him. She covered her mouth with a gloved hand, yet her eyes were quite merciless. If possible, Kagome shrank more into herself, shame once again taking over her. She averted her pretty eyes and tried to contain the emotions that were quickly rising up inside of her. She didn't know why his words got to her so easily or why she cared what he thought, but having insults thrown at her never ceased to make her cry.

"Oh, Inuyasha look!" The girl pointed down at Kagome's soup can and gave a mock-excited gasp. "She's got three quarters! Isn't that cool?" She gushed and was joined in laughter by the so-called, Inuyasha. He smiled and knelt down to pick the can up from the street. The metal edge of the can scrapped against the concrete as it dragged slightly. Kagome's heart skipped a beat and she scrambled to take it from him, but her movements were so stiff and jerky that she couldn't get it in time. Inuyasha straightened back up and looked inside, then back at Kagome as a terrible idea appeared in his mind.

"Well, since you're so rich, you won't mind sharing." He said with a matter-of-factly tone, voice laced with sarcasm. Kagome stared up at him through the mass of her ugly hair, eyes wide and watery, mouth open and bottom lip quivering. How could someone be so cruel? Her head shook deftly, begging him to stop. But this only fueled his fun. Inuyasha tipped the can over and let its content spill out into his hand. Time seemed to slow down for Kagome as she watched her beloved quarters tumble into his pristine hand, and then his fingers curled quickly deposit them into his red coat pocket. With a harsh laugh, Inuyasha dropped the can onto the ground and it went toppling down the stairwell, past Kagome's splayed legs, and echoed throughout the tunnel. All four of them watched as tears erupted from her eyes, the two in the back seeming a bit sheepish about what had just happened. Kagome buried her wet face in her dirty hands and her shoulders jumped from the sobs that wracked her small body.

The sound of Inuyasha scoffing followed. "Gee, don't be such a baby." He said flippantly, as if this was a game they were playing and she'd lost this round. Kagome looked up at them with sad eyes and felt sudden rage fill her. After a year of being ridiculed by this boy, she'd had enough of sitting back and taking it. She stood up defiantly and got right in his face, their noses almost touching. Her body cried at the sudden movement, and her skin felt like it would crack from the bitter dryness of the wind. But her anger fueled the poor girl to ignore it. Inuyasha was clearly taken back, and a loud gasp came from the girl who was standing beside him.

"I hate you!" Kagome bellowed, her voice cracking from the strain of her long-time sickness and from being so underused lately. "You're a real jerk! All of you are!" She took a moment to look at the four children, staring each of them in the eye, her own still shedding hot tears. "That was my money and you just took it from me!" By now, her confidence was flaking and her insecurities and pains were resurfacing. Kagome began to back away from them, but kept her gaze on Inuyasha. He was such a beautiful young boy, all the adults claimed such when they saw him, but his evilness masked his looks and all she saw was ugly. Taking a moment for a choked sob to escape, the last of Kagome's strength evaded her and she fled down the stairs with her blanket clutched in her hand, receding into the darkness. They could hear her sobbing and coughing down in the tunnels. The mood of the group was severely injured; thanks to Inuyasha's ego and Kikyou's egging him on.

As the foursome made their way to the cinema, Sango began berating the two in front of her. She was a kind hearted girl, if not a little too easily swayed, but she still knew right from wrong. She didn't really feel much for the homeless girl, but could recognize when Inuyasha went over the limit with his temper and rudeness. Kikyou enabled and fed that personality with her own matching one, fanning the fire to Inuyasha's cruel side. Sango and Miroku knew that Inuyasha could be nice, but not when Kikyou was around.

"Maybe you were too mean today, Inuyasha. That girl looked really sad." Sango looked back down the subway, seeing if she had returned to her place. Miroku gave Sango a friendly pat on her shoulder, his gloved hand falling upon her jacket clad shoulder softly. He knew she wanted to speak out for herself and be assertive, but the girl wasn't very outspoken unless she felt strongly enough about something. However, in this situation, he decided to back up Sango's assertion.

"Yeah, we took her only money." Inuyasha scoffed at the two behind him, hiding his real guilt. He knew it had been wrong of him. And as he was committing the heinous act, Inuyasha wanted to stop the words that were coming and halt his actions. But Kikyou was there! His crush on her had been going on for almost two years now, and she had just started to show interest in him. He knew that she got a kick from messing with people, and he did what he could to keep her attention. She was so pretty, and he loved her home; It had the a large swimming pool with a tall water slide, as well as a dirt bike trail in her extensive back yard. What eight-year-old wouldn't want a friend like that? Still, Inuyasha did feel terrible for the way he acted and prepared himself to respond to Sango when Kikyou cut in.

"You're just sissies!" Her high voice was a bit nasally and shrill, but Inuyasha only heard the gentle sounds of angels coming from those pink cherry lip-glossed lips. "That girl will probably go out and buy drugs or something." Miroku's eyes shot open in surprise and he gawked at Kikyou. Sango, on the other hand, stomped her pricey boot clad foot angrily at the girl and shot her a very dangerous glare. Miroku swore he saw fire behind those usually gentle brown orbs.

"You are so mean!" She screeched and continued after them indigently. By now Sango was tempted to whip out the beeper given to her by her mother and demand a driver to come pick her up. She wasn't in the mood to see some stupid movie anymore; not if Kikyou was going to be sitting three seats away. "She looks younger than us!" she barked and crossed her arms. "I vote we go down there and giver her money back! It's the right thing to do." Sango stepped in front of Inuyasha and Miroku with a firm look, blatantly ignoring the protesting girl to the side.

Inuyasha knew it was the right thing to do, and that he would feel much better by doing it, but with one side long glance at Kikyou he couldn't fall out of her favors now. He really wanted to try out her dirt-bike. Looking away, anywhere that wasn't Sango or Miroku, he crossed his arms over his chest stubbornly, but his confidence was weaning.

"Why do you care?" He asked defensively. "Come on, we're gonna miss the movie." He turned to leave and Miroku hesitantly followed. He wasn't alright with going along with what Inuyasha or Kikyou said, but he was very excited about the movie and would put up with their squabbling to see it. As they continued their walk, Miroku noticed Sango wasn't following along side with him. He looked back over his shoulder to see Sango fidgeting with the beeper, and the nanny crouching down and trying to appease the disgruntled girl. Sango only turned her back to the woman and concentrated on her task. He sighed, half smiling at the stubborn girl, and jogged up to her.

"Come on Sango. We wanted to see this movie all week." He said eagerly, trying to distract her. He wasn't sad about the fact they couldn't, or wouldn't, help the misfortunate girl. No, he was sad that Sango was so upset. He too wasn't immune to the indifferent attitude towards those less fortunate than himself. But for Sango, he hated to see her so down. Glancing up at him through her dark lashes, she saw that he really wanted her there and grudgingly nodded. The two of them dragged their feet back up to Inuyasha and Kikyou, who hadn't noticed their momentary absence.

"This blows," mumbled a very put-off Sango as they stood in line to buy their tickets. Inuyasha glanced back after hearing her, but he didn't respond further than that. He silently agreed, but as long as Kikyou continued to hold his hand like that, it was worth it.