Chapter 17


"It is with great regret that I announce, Higurashi Kagome has gone missing in action."

A silence fell over the gathered hunters, then a sudden buzz erupted as disbelieving murmurs and outraged yells echoed inside the crowded room. Everyone was confused and saddened. It was only a few months ago that Kazuo and Lena had died, and now Kagome was gone. Their very best gone. They wondered if the association would recover from such a blow. Many 'hows' and 'whys' were asked but the President only shook his head.

"Hunters!" Everyone quieted, "No one knows how or why, but we do know that there was no body. However, it has been many weeks and we have not uncovered any details that would confirm her dead or alive. I, as president, am disappointed to say that we will be ending the search for her."

A moment of silence fell as they all paid their respects to what they assumed was a fallen comrade.


A small silver-haired boy of eleven years knelt sulkily on a couch. He glared out the window with lilac eyes, a pout forming for the hundredth time. Abruptly he turned and plopped down with his arms crossed and kicking his legs. Yuki quietly watched him. She knew better than to bother him when he was in one of his moods, but he'd been that way for a while now and she just knew it had to do with Kagome being gone so long. A knock was heard at the door and Kaien came prancing out of the kitchen in a pink apron. His glasses were slightly smudged and his bangs had some sort of sauce in them.

"Ah, welcome Toga! You came just in time, I'm trying a new recipe for dinner." Moments passed and a frown fell over Kaien's face, "What is it?"

"Let's talk somewhere private."

"Oh, well, come on into the kitchen and I'll show you just how tasty my creation looks!"

When the adults entered and the door swung closed, Yuki crept closer, and with kids being kids, Zero couldn't keep away either.

Toga's face was something scary when he turned and faced Kaien. The frown had his brows scrunched so hard they were almost touching, and the downturn of his lips was absolutely menacing. Kaien dropped his facade and adopted a more serious expression. The dark-haired man was obviously delivering news.

"Earlier today the President officially labeled Kagome MIA. He called off the search."

"That can't be! Kagome wouldn't just… just disappear. At least not without telling us! And what about Zero? She wouldn't just forget about him."

"Exactly." Toga confirmed, "The President is hiding something from us. You must know something Kaien, she was your student afterall."

The blond shook his head, "I can't say I do. I mean, I met her a long time ago and when I took her under my wing it was a silent agreement that we wouldn't ask each other about our pasts."

Zero moved away from the door. An angry scowl crawling across his face. No way, Kagome made a kitsune promise! She never broke her promises.

Yuki reached out and lay her hand on his forearm, lightly shocking him out of his inner musings.

"Zero… Kagome-"

"No way! Kagome's not like that!" He cried, "Kagome… Kagome wouldn't leave me Yuki."

The adults jumped and rushed to the door to find Zero and Yuki eavesdropping. Toga cursed and Kaien's face was stony.

"Zero-" They began in unison.

"You're wrong, you're all wrong!" Zero stood in a defensive stance, his face breaking. He made a quick dash to his room and slammed the door.

Toga let out a sigh, his shoulders sagging. Kaien looked down at Yuki and gently patted her head. "It wasn't your fault Yuki."

The girl frowned anyway and looked at Zero's door. She was very sorry.


A/N: Well, well, well. Here is another chapter! I decided to get my butt into gear and churn this out. Also, for all of you who have been waiting, the original story line will start in another chapter or two (I know I said that already but it's for real this time). I would also like to take this time to thank my readers and reviewers. I love you! To Crazykenz, who may or may not be reading this anymore, I might have mentioned in an A/N about whether or not I wanted to keep her human or immortal. Obviously by now, most of you should have figured out that I'm making her immortal, lol. The crystal was only a means of healing (yes spoiler, but you guys deserve something right), and not a way for her to be the right age.