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Now on with the story!

A Cry For Help

By: Goth Chick Tiff

Summary: Kagome Higurashi is your average loner in high school who's got a lot of troubles at home that she keeps to herself. At least as normal as you can get when you're attending Takahashi High. Considering she's the only loner, Kagome spends most of her time avoiding the all-to-familiar troubles at school Though beautiful, she hides herself from the world. When she finds out that her friends from the Internet (Inuyasha, Miroku, and Sango) are moving to her town, her life changes for the better. Hopefully.

Chapter 21: Un ami consacré. Elle sera manquée.

Sesshoumaru pulled into the driveway of Naraku's summer home and sighed as he cut off the engine. 'This is gonna be a long night' he thought before waking the three slumbering teens. "Inuyasha, Miroku. Get your asses up." he called. He then nudged Kagome with his elbow and said," You too Kagome."

Kagome slowly opened her eyes, yawning as she did so. She then straightened herself in her chair and looked out of the passenger seat window, memorizing what land she could see surrounding Naraku's home. Looking behind her seat she saw Inuyasha and Miroku still sleeping comfortably. With a sigh she climbed out of the car and slammed the door shut behind her, effectively waking one of the slumbering teens.

Inuyasha awoke with a start and glared at the smirking female who was leaning on the car. "Couldn't wake me up in a nicer way?" he growled out.

Kagome's smirk grew as she opened the door and leaned into the back seat to whisper in Inuyasha's ear. "Sorry babe, I wasn't in the mood to wake you with a kiss and dry fuck." She gave him a quick kiss on the neck and relished in the crimson blush that appeared on Inuyasha's face. Moving out of the way to let Inuyasha out of the car, she noticed Sesshoumaru staring at the house with a faraway look. "Sesshou, are you ok?" she asked concernedly.

Sesshoumaru shook his head to clear the images that ransacked his brain. "I'm fine, just thinking of a strategy."

Kagome cocked her head to the side before sighing. "Whatever. Make your car alarm go off."

Sesshoumaru quirked an eyebrow, "Why?"

Kagome smiled evilly, "To wake the pervert up, of course!"

Sesshoumaru shook his head, a small smirk on his head. He then pushed the button that would set off the alarm

Miroku jumped at the sound of the alarm, hitting his head on the roof of the car, and elicited a high pitched scream. Inuyasha and Kagome held their stomachs as they laughed while Sesshoumaru shook his head disapprovingly. Miroku shoved the door open, climbed out of the car, and then slammed the door shut behind him. Glaring daggers at Kagome and Inuyasha, he walked to the trunk of the car to get his staff. Kagome, feeling guilty for the prank, walked up to Miroku and hugged him from behind. "I'm sorry, Miroku. I just wanted one last laugh, forgive me?"

Miroku smiled, "Give me a kiss and I'll think about it."

Kagome rolled her eyes as she detached herself from the lecherous 'monk' and closed the trunk of the car, narrowly missing his fingers. "Fine," She said as she reached up and kissed him on the cheek. "Forgive me now?"

Miroku tapped his chin with a finger. "Not quite."

Kagome rolled her eyes and tossed her arms in the air "You're unbelievable! Sango is totally into you and…OOFF!" She was cut off mid-sentence when two arms pulled her into a hard torso.

"Just promise me you'll be ok." Miroku whispered, hugging her tight.

Kagome smiled softly and blinked away the tears that threatened to fall. She slowly wrapped her arms around Miroku's waist, gripping his shirt in two fists, trying to will away the oncoming tears. "I'll do my best." She whispered before planting another kiss on his cheek. She slowly pulled away from the hug just to get pulled into another.

Kagome laughed, trying to hide her tears, "What is this, Hug Kagome Day!"

Inuyasha pulled away from the hug just enough so he could look at Kagome. "Nah, that's tomorrow. I just got jealous." He said with a smile. "But then again I can do something he can't."

Kagome cocked her head to the said, an eyebrow quirked. "And what, pray tell, is that?"

"This." Inuyasha lowered his head and captured Kagome's lips in a soft kiss. He pulled Kagome's body closer to his, grinding his hips against hers, causing her to moan and deepen the kiss. Kagome's hands rose to caress smooth cheeks, Inuyasha's lowered to grab a toned ass. With his newfound leverage, Inuyasha lifted Kagome so that she could wrap her legs around his waist.

Sesshoumaru, jealous of the attention bestowed upon his brother, coughed loudly to break the pair up. "If you too are quite done, I would like to get this over and done with."

Kagome, now standing on her own feet, noticed the jealous glint that showed itself in Sesshoumaru's eyes. She sauntered over to him with a smirk on her face, her head cocked to the side. Pausing less than a foot in front of him, she said, "My, my Sesshoumaru. Are you jealous?"

Sesshoumaru looked away, refusing to answer.

Kagome laughed as she launched herself at the hard, toned body of Sesshoumaru. She hugged him tightly and smiled when she felt his arms wrap around her. "Tell Rin and the others that I'll miss them." She whispered almost inaudibly.

Sesshoumaru's eyes widened slightly at Kagome's admonition. "You can tell them when you get back."

Kagome couldn't stop the tear that rolled down her cheek. "Just in case, tell them I'll miss them. And tell…" She hesitated for a moment. "Tell Inuyasha I love him."

Sesshoumaru nodded solemnly as they pulled apart. He looked up and saw Inuyasha standing a few feet in front of him, questions shining in his of which he could only guess. Sesshoumaru shook his head slightly, silently telling his that now wasn't the time for queries.

Kagome skipped over to Miroku with a happy facade. "Ok minions! Let's get this show on the road!" She said and thrust a fist in the air.

"Minions?" Sesshoumaru asked incredulously.

Kagome smiled, "Well since I AM the strongest of the group, I am the leader and you are the minions."

Inuyasha huffed, Sesshoumaru said a simple "Whatever", and Miroku just stood there confused. "What's a minion?" he asked, causing Kagome to snicker.

"I think someone needs to buy a dictionary." Kagome said. "Now let's go."

Naraku glanced at his watch. 9:57. Just three minutes until 10:00 Just three minutes until he had the two things he'd craved since he'd moved to Tokyo. The Shikon Jewel, and the girl protecting it. Ever since he saw her at the toy store all those years ago he'd wanted her. His little Kagome writhing in pleasure and pain under him. And with the Shikon Jewel he'd rule the world. He could have anything he wanted and DO anything he wanted. He could have every girl and guy fall in love with him if he so wanted it. Now he wasn't a homosexual, he was just obsessed with the notion of everyone loving him. Everyone bowing down to him, asking for his love and body.

Naraku laughed. "What should I do first when I get my hands on my precious Jewel. Mass genocide? No, no that won't do. People would think me even more a monster than I already am." Naraku made one of his hands turn into a tentacle, then sneered. "Well for one I can turn myself into a full demon rather than this retched hanyou form I'm forced to uphold."

"Retched is too nice a word to describe you," interjected a voice from the entrance of Naraku's study.

Naraku turned in his chair, a bewildered look on his face. "How'd you get in, Kagura?"

"You have a habit of leaving your door unlocked." Kagura said and walked toward Naraku's desk. "Now what was so important that you had to call me away from my date?"

Naraku smirked, "And who would stoop so low as to date you?"

Sneering, Kagura sat in a chair on the opposite side of the desk Naraku was situated at. "That's none of your damn business. Now speak or I leave."

Naraku waved a hand, as if to dismiss the subject. "I need your special abilities."

Kagura cocked her head to the side; a devilish smirk graced her face. "My special abilities aren't warranted for your use any longer." She said and threw a file on his desk. "I looked over our contract, I'm supposed to work with you until I either turn 26 or I successfully finish 1000 of your…missions."

Naraku rapidly looked over the contract, trying to find that particular paragraph. "I don't remember agreeing to that."

"Third page; first paragraph." Kagura said leaning back in her chair.

Naraku flipped to the third page and read aloud. "I, Kagura Wind, agree that I will be released from Sir Naraku Hinote should I successfully complete 1000 tasks of any kind or come of the age of 26…SHIT!"

Kagura threw another file on Naraku's desk. "That one is Kanna's. She has the same limitations as I do. But she's done well over the 1000 tasks required. Now since I am 27 and Kanna has performed about 2000 or so of your errands that is technically a breach of contract, which means our contracts are terminated. It also means we are no longer at your services." Kagura stood up and walked out of the room. At the doorway of Naraku's study she stopped. "Oh, and the company you are expecting is about 5 minutes away. Don't be too mad at them for being late. I caused a little delay." She said before walking out of the room and toward the front door.

Naraku cursed loudly. His plan was now foiled and he had 5 minutes to think of another one. "I'll get you for this Kagura." Naraku growled. "You and your damnable sister will pay dearly."

Kikyo watched as Kagura left the house with a sneer. She'd overheard what they'd been talking about and knew that Kagura and Kanna were a vital part of Kagome's demise. With them gone, there was no way that they could get the Shikon no Tama or kill Kagome. "Naraku!" Kikyo called as she walked toward the study. "What the fuck are we gonna do now that the bitch and her sister aren't helping!"

Naraku glared daggers at the teenage girl that walked into his study. "I'm working on it. Why don't you look for someone to screw and leave me in peace?" He growled out before pushing her out of the room and slamming the door shut in her face. He walked back to his computer and turned on his computer looking through his file of contacts. "FUCK!" Looking through his files he noticed that all except one were gone on different assignments. And the last one wasn't even one of his colleagues. Just the lawyer he had write up the counterfeit peace contract. "Looks like I'm gonna have to do this on my own. And the only thing I have going for me is a nymphomaniac nurse's aide that was trained as a priestess. Great." He said sarcastically.

Naraku raised his head at the sound of a car alarm. "Looks like it's time to play Mr. Nice Guy." He stood up and walked out of his study and saw Kikyo sitting on the couch in the living room. "Go in the bedroom, she's here. Don't come out until it's absolutely necessary."

Just as his bedroom door closed the doorbell rang. Quickly straightening his suit, he walked to the door and opened it. To his surprise, Kagome wasn't alone. "Hello my dear and who are these handsome…Sesshoumaru!"

Kagome smiled as she pushed her way inside the house. "Well, he was the only one that knew how to get here, plus he's a lawyer so he should be able to tell if the contract is real." Walking into the living she looked around the house, memorizing the format. "Pretty sweet place you have here, Naraku."

"Why thank you, my dear. Now if you all would just take a seat, I'll go get the contract." Naraku said, leading the others to the living room before going into his study.

When Naraku left the room Inuyasha, Miroku, and Sesshoumaru took a seat on the couch. "There's someone else here." Sesshoumaru said, looking around the house.

"I know," Kagome said. "And I know who it is." She crossed her arms and took a seat on the couch next Inuyasha. "Kikyo, why don't you get your annoying ass out her!." She called, smiling when she saw the door across from her open.

"How'd you know I was here?" Kikyo questioned, a hand on her hip.

"I'm good a picking up people's auras. And I know yours like the back of my hand." Kagome smirked as she saw Kikyo shift uncomfortably. "What's the matter, Kinky-hoe? You look nervous?"

"Kikyo, I told you to stay in the bedroom," came Naraku's voice from the hallway.

"Aww, don't be too mad. I told the slut to come out." Kagome said, smirking at Naraku.

Kikyo glared daggers at Kagome. "You know, if it weren't for Naraku's plan to drug you and force the location of the Shikon out of you, I wouldn't hesitate to beat the shit out of you!" she yelled.

"You stupid slut, you just gave the plan away!" Naraku screamed, slapping Kikyo across the face.

Kagome clapped. "Nicely done Kikyo, you're more of an idiot than I thought." She said, laughing as she stood up from her sitting position. "Well, no matter. I wasn't planning on signing the contract anyway."

Naraku growled. "Don't you ever shut up?" he said, walking over to Kagome. Inuyasha, Miroku, and Sesshoumaru went to stand behind Kagome, looks of promised pain on their faces. Naraku laughed. "Looks like you've got your own little army."

"Yea, I'm surprised you don't have one of your own. Or is she it." Kagome said, nodding her head toward Kikyo. "If she is, I seriously doubt you'll win."

Kikyo walked up to Kagome and slapped her across the face. "Watch what you say, bitch. You don't know who you're dealing with."

Kagome snickered. "Inuyasha, Miroku, Sesshou, you guys deal with Naraku while I show this slut who her superior is." She said before punching Kikyo in the cheek.

Kikyo staggered a bit and rubbed her sore check before assuming her fighting stance. Kagome and Kikyo eyed each other, neither moving from their spots. Kikyo, taking the first move, ran toward Kagome and flipped over her. Landing in a crouch she swiped her leg around her, trying to knock Kagome off her feet. Kagome jumped up and threw one of her daggers at Kikyo, frowning when she saw Kikyo dodge it.

Kagome landed on her feet and took her fighting stance once again. She waved Kikyo towards her with her outstretched hand. She smiled when she saw Kikyo running toward her again, ducking when she saw Kikyo's leg aimed to kick her head. Looking up she saw Kikyo's foot coming down towards her and quickly rolled out of the way. 'She's better than I thought.' Kagome thought, once again assuming her fighting stance, this time choosing to be on the offensive.

Kikyo growled as she saw Kagome roll out of the way. 'The bitch is fast, too fast.' She thought, dodging a punch at her head. Quickly, Kikyo raised an arm to block a kick that would have knocked her off her feet, cursing at the pain that coursed through her arm. Recovering quickly, she threw a punch at Kagome's head followed by a few quick jabs to her chest which were blocked and parried. As a last resort, she threw a kick to Kagome's head, which was caught with a hand.

"Oh c'mon Kikyo, I thought you were gonna kick my ass." Kagome said, grabbing Kikyo's leg with her other hand as well. Effortlessly, Kagome threw Kikyo to a wall. She then quickly grabbed two Hira shuriken from her pocket and threw them at Kikyo, pinning her at the shoulders to the wall. Kagome walked over to the pinned Kikyo, a hand on her hip. "Ya know, I expected more from you. I guess I should lower my expectations."

Kikyo growled. "You just got lucky." She said, flinching at the pain in her shoulder.

Kagome smirked, backing up a few steps. "You keep thinking that." She said as she pulled out two Bo shuriken and threw them at Kikyo's hands, pinning them to the wall, assuring that Kikyo wouldn't be able to aide Naraku.

Kikyo flinched, refusing to scream, as she felt the shuriken rip through her flesh. "Just wait until I get down from here Kagome. I'll make you wish you were never born!" She growled out.

Kagome walked up to Kikyo and whispered in her ear. "I already wish that. And it's all because of your boyfriend."

Kagome looked over to Inuyasha, Miroku, Sesshoumaru and Naraku. Miroku was panting heavily, the barrier around him starting to fade. His right hand was bleeding profusely and she could see a large wound in the middle, most likely inflicted by one of Naraku's tentacles. Inuyasha was off to the side, catching his breath, holding a sword in front of him prepared to block anything that came his way. Sesshoumaru was ripping through a mass of tentacles, trying to get to Naraku.

Kagome pulled out three ninja stars and threw them at Naraku's head, cursing when they were parried. "I leave you guys to fight Naraku and you haven't even inflicted any mortal wounds yet." She called out to her friends, while walking toward the battle, swords in hand.

Inuyasha growled. "You try fighting this bastard and see if you can wound him!" He yelled.

Scowling Kagome walked over to Miroku. "I did, remember. And I was able to knock him out and hand him over to the cops. I mean, I can understand why Miroku's all tired, he's human and doesn't have as much stamina as us, but you guys have demon blood in you." She said as she took Miroku's hand, closing the wound.

Sesshoumaru quirked an eyebrow and dodged a tentacle that was coming his way. "If you think you can do any better, than by all means, take over." He challenged.

A blue flame started to engulf Kagome's person. "That's what I planned to do." She said, dropping her swords and clasping her hands together whispering an incantation. When Kagome looked up her eyes were white and wind was blowing through her hair. "Inuyasha! Sesshoumaru! Go wait with Miroku!"

Naraku laughed a sinisterly. "I've grown in power my dear Kagome. What makes you think you could possible defeat me now?" He sent a tentacle towards Kagome, frowning when she seemed to disappear and reappear in another spot, her swords in hand in the form of an X in front of her person.

Kagome smiled. "The fact that I've been training my ass off ever since your cronies killed my mother and brother. " She said twirling her swords. Kagome took her fighting stance, one sword pointing to her left, the other pointing toward Naraku. She charged Naraku, cutting down and dodging any tentacles that came her way.

Naraku growled. It didn't hurt when the tentacles where sliced off, but at the rate Kagome was going she'd make contact with his body in minutes. His eyes widened when he saw a sword hurtling his way. Naraku quickly ducked but didn't expect the sword to boomerang back, resulting in the loss of an arm. Naraku held back a scream and clutched his stub of an arm. 'The bitch wasn't lying. She's much stronger than before.' He smiled. 'But so am I.' Naraku chuckled as he regenerated his arm and saw Kagome's eyes widen.

Kagome narrowed her eyes and took a standing position. "What do you say we fight this battle normally." She offered. "And I'll only use one sword."

Naraku smiled evilly. "Alright my dear, but don't cry when you lose." Accepting the offer, Naraku replaced his concealment spell.

"Inuyasha," Kagome called. "Give him your sword."

Inuyasha's eyes widened. "Are you kidding me? He'll kick your ass from here to the moon!" he yelled.

Sesshoumaru crossed his arms. "Give him the sword, Otouto. She's got something planned."

Inuyasha huffed, but threw the sword towards Naraku, missing his head and pinning it to the wall. "Thanks Inu," Kagome said. "Now you three get the hell out of here."

"WHAT?" they all cried in unison.

Kagome growled. "You heard me. I can't fight if I'm worried about you. Now get your off your asses and go!" she cried, throwing three Bo shuriken at them to get them moving.

Inuyasha grabbed Miroku's arm, helping him stand. He looked over at Kagome and saw the pleading look in her eyes. "You better make sure you make it out of here alive." He said sternly.

Kagome smiled. "I'm not leaving you alone just yet." She said reassuringly. Kagome turned back to Naraku when she saw the others leave safely. She twirled her swords once before connecting them at the base.

"That was reckless Kagome, without them you can't win." Naraku chuckled and pulled Inuyasha's sword out of the wall. "And I thought we agreed on one sword."

Kagome narrowed her eyes and threw the doubled-bladed sword in the air, catching it behind her back and crouching. "I won't endanger them, I love them too much. I can win without them. And it is one sword; it's just double-bladed."

Naraku took a crouching position as well. The sword horizontally in front of him with the blade pointing to the right. He had the palm of his right hand pressed against the smooth edge of the sword, his fingertips toward the ceiling. "What makes you so sure?"

Kagome twirled the sword slowly in one hand behind her. "Because I have one move that will kill you, but it comes at a price I am willing to take." She said, mentally counting how many shuriken, ninja stars, and daggers she had left. 'Three daggers, one Bo shuriken, four Hira shuriken, and four ninja stars. Good enough.' She thought.

Naraku chuckled, "So you're going to sacrifice yourself, are you? Only a foolish person would do that."

"Call me what you will, but remember, you're the one with a one way ticket to Hell." She said throwing her last Bo shuriken, starting the fight.

Naraku blocked the shuriken with his sword and charged Kagome, swinging his sword. Kagome parried each swing with a swing of her own sword resulting in a locking of swords. Kagome and Naraku each pushed against their swords, trying to overpower the other. Quickly, Kagome ducked into a half-split and raised her sword, stopping Naraku's from coming down onto her. She smiled as she pushed hard against Naraku's sword, unlocking their swords. Performing a one-handed cartwheel, she was able to kick Naraku right in the face. Standing upright again, Kagome twirled her sword before assuming another fight stance.

Naraku shook his head, clearing away the dizziness. He crouched again and waved Kagome over to him with his free outstretched hand. His eyes widened when Kagome appeared in front of him, kicking him in the stomach. Naraku staggered backwards, clutching his stomach. He quickly regained his composure in time to block an oncoming array of sword swings. 'Damn it. She's fast, faster than before.' He thought swiping his sword in an attempt to slash Kagome in the stomach. Naraku frowned when he saw Kagome twirl in time to evade the swing, her coat getting sliced instead. Kagome looked behind her at the tear in her coat. "This is a hundred fucking dollar coat, asshole!" She screamed.

Without hesitation, Kagome flew at Naraku, swinging her sword rapidly. Naraku hardly had time to block the onslaught that came his way, almost getting another arm chopped off. Kagome threw a kick at Naraku's head. As expected, Naraku ducked, so she twirled her leg around her ducking at the same time, catching Naraku off guard and causing him to fall on his back. Naraku quickly somersaulted backward, avoiding a blow from Kagome's sword. Naraku panted as he assumed his fighting stance. Kagome noticed this and smiled. 'Guess I won't need to fight much longer. He's already tired.' She thought, thrusting her sword to the side.

Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru carried Miroku out of the house. "Inuyasha, do me a favor and shut up." Sesshoumaru said. Inuyasha had been grumbling ever since Kagome decided to take on Naraku alone. "She's stronger than all of us, and somehow faster. We just have to believe in her."

"I do believe in her. I just wish she didn't go and decide to fight on her own. I mean, we can help for god's sake!" He grumbled..

"Inuyasha," interjected Miroku's voice, "you grumbling on about it isn't gonna change anything. So do me and Sesshoumaru a favor and shut up!" he exclaimed. "I'm getting really sick of your kicked puppy attitude. I just had a hole in my fucking hand and I'm getting carried out of the house because I can hardly walk. Your energy is almost depleted, and Sesshoumaru over here, though he may not look it, has used about 60 percent of his energy. When we left, Kagome didn't even use 20 of her energy. The same goes for Naraku. There's not much we can do. So get used to the fact that Kagome can take care of herself. She doesn't need you being her 'Knight in Shining Armor'. Now quit your thoroughly annoying whining and help me to the damn car!"

Inuyasha huffed, knowing that Miroku was right. He looked back to the house, silently hoping and praying to every god that Kagome would be alright.

Sango looked at the clock on her bedside dresser. 11:33. Two and a half hours ago Kagome, Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru, and Miroku left to fight Naraku. Four hours ago she had found Jashin about to rape Kohaku. Half an hour ago she decided to go and help her friends.

Kohaku was peacefully asleep on her new bed, curled into a ball under the covers. It had taken Sango over an hour to get him to stop crying, two hours to get him to fall asleep. Now she was at the dresser she used shuffling around for a shirt and pants. She had taken two duffle bags full of her and Kohaku's clothes with her to Inuyasha's, knowing Kohaku would never feel safe sleeping in their apartment any more. Sango took a hair-tie and brush from the top of her dresser. She placed the scrunchy in her mouth and proceeded to brush her hair, gathering it in a ponytail. She placed the scrunchy in her hair and changed into a pair of black cargos and black long-sleeved shirt.

Walking to her closet, Sango picked up the converse she had taken from Kagome and walked over to the bed. She sat down on the edge and pulled on the converse. Afterward she straightened out her pants legs and walked to the door of her room. Looking back at Kohaku one last time, she decided that she'd have to ask Inuyasha if they could stay here. It was the only way to keep him safe. She quietly walked out of the bedroom and closed the door behind her. She had asked Hiten if she could borrow his car, and lucky for her Kagome left her phone here. She was able to get the address the belonged to Naraku's phone number, now all she had to do was stop at her house and pick up her sword and Hiraikotsu. Then she'd be on her way to help her friends. She just hoped she wasn't too late.

Sango grabbed Hiten's car keys off of the coffee table and walked out of the house. Hopping into the driver's side of Hiten's new Mustang GT, Sango sighed and started the engine. 'This is going to be a long night.' She thought, pulling out of Inuyasha's driveway, heading toward her apartment.

Kagome dodged a swing to her head, pulling off a one-handed back handspring and full-twisting layout. Glaring at Naraku, she went in her lower pant pocket and pulled out two ninja stars. Running toward Naraku, she threw them at Naraku then jumped up and threw a dagger at him. Naraku, not expecting the dagger didn't have time enough to dodge and got hit in the shoulder. Flinching, he pulled the dagger out and flung it back at Kagome, who in turn kicked it out of the way, causing it to get stuck in a wall.

Once again, Naraku charged at Kagome, angry beyond reason and forgetting all technique. Kagome dodged and parried blows left and right, but missed a sword thrust that caught her in the stomach. Naraku smirked and pushed the sword through her abdomen until the tip protruded from her back. "You lose, my darling." He whispered, kneeling to look Kagome in the eye.

Kagome coughed up blood and grabbed the sword with her free hand. "Not just yet." She said, pulling the sword out her stomach, flinching in pain. She pushed Naraku back and smiled at the look on Naraku's face. "It'll take more than that to kill me." She said, wiping the blood off of her mouth. Kagome, blocking out the pain in her abdomen, charged at Naraku with a series of swings and kicks that Naraku had trouble blocking. Quickly, Kagome unconnected the swords and swung the swords with a newfound strength.

Twirling with her arms outstretched, Kagome was able to slash Naraku in the throat. Kagome looked behind her to see Naraku clutching at his deeply wounded, trying to stop the bleeding. She smirked, dropped her swords, and ran towards Naraku. Using his slightly bent knee as leverage, she was able to jump up and kick Naraku in the head, severing it from his body. Kagome staggered as she landed and pressed a hand to the wound on her stomach. She looked over to the wall Kikyo was pinned to. Smiling, she walked over to the girl.

Kikyo's eyes widened at the sinister smile that graced Kagome's face. Closing her eyes, she shrank against the wall, trying with all her might to disappear. Kagome laughed as she approached the trapped girl, and pulled the shuriken harshly out of Kikyo's hands and shoulders. "Run." She said. "Don't look back; don't call the cops, just run. You'll never get a chance like this again." Kikyo nodded dumbly and followed the girl's advice and ran out the front door.

Kagome wiped the blood off of her shuriken and placed them in her pockets before walking to the adjacent wall which had a dagger embedded in it. Sighing, Kagome walked to the opposite wall which had a number of shuriken, daggers, and ninja stars embedded in it. "God I'm beat." She said to herself, still clutching her stomach. Once she had attained all of her lost weapons she walked over to her swords, sheathed them, and placed them back in her trench coat pockets. Without another thought Kagome walked toward the front door, ignoring the blurriness and dizziness. "It's finally done, and I didn't even have to use my final move." She said and walked out the front door.

Sango flew up the stairs of her apartment building and rushed into her apartment. "Where did I leave them." She whispered to herself, running into her bedroom and searching through her closet. When she found her sword and obscenely huge boomerang she ran out of her apartment and down the stairs. It was almost midnight and she didn't want to dally incase her friends were in danger. She just got them; she didn't want to lose them so soon. She wouldn't be able to handle it. Sango rushed to the trunk of Hiten's car, hurriedly placing her Hiraikotsu and sword inside before slamming it shut. She ran around the car and hopped into the driver's seat, closed the door, and cut on the engine.

Upon hearing the car roar to life, Sango backed out of her space and sped down the street. She didn't care that she was going well-over the speed limit; she just wanted to get to her friends. At the moment that was all that mattered: her friends and her family. Hell, her friends were her family. They were the only family she had and she wasn't going to let them fall at the hands of some no-good, raping, asshole fugitive. Nope. Not on her watch!

Sango turned onto the interstate, narrowly missing a car. "Get out of the damn way!" she screamed out of the window, cutting off any people that were in her way. Sango turned on the radio and tuned to a station that always had music which raised her spirit, like fuel to a fire. Flooring the gas, Sango weaved in and out on any traffic that presented itself silently thanking her father for teaching her how to drive. "Dad, if you hadn't drag raced I would be in some deep shit right now" she said to herself, smiling. Seeing the exit she needed to take, she slowed down a bit, so as not to crash on the turn.

While driving, Sango saw a silver car in the distance. Letting up on the gas, she came to a stop scaring the three inhabitants of the car. "God damn fucking idiot! Watch where you're fucking parking," Came Inuyasha's voice as he stepped out of the car.

Sango smiled as she stepped out of the car. "Sorry Inu, I didn't mean to scare you. I just didn't want to miss anything." She said and walked toward the silver-haired hanyou.

"Sango? What're you doing here?" He questioned when he saw who it was. "And what are you doing with Hiten's car driving around like a lunatic?"

Sango walked up to Inuyasha with a hand on her hip. "I come here to offer my help and you call me a lunatic? If I didn't think of you as family I'd turn around and leave!" She said appalled.

Inuyasha smiled. "Still the over-dramatic actress I see," he said laughing and pulled her into a hug. "How's Kohaku doing?" He asked pulling apart.

Sango laughed and slapped Inuyasha on the arm. "He's doing much better. I finally got him to sleep about three hours ago." Sango looked around and didn't see Kagome. "Where's Kagome?" She asked, worriedly.

Inuyasha crossed his arms. "The bitch told us to high-tail it out of there, so now we're just sitting here worrying our asses off. About five minutes ago Kikyo came running out like a bat outta hell. She looked like she saw a ghost or something." He said snorting.

"I thought I told you not to call me a bitch," interjected a voice from Naraku's porch. Inuyasha and Sango looked over to where the voice came from and saw Kagome staggering down the porch steps with a hand clutching her stomach.

"Kagome!" Inuyasha called and rushed over to where Kagome was standing, arriving there just in time to catch a her before she fell to the ground. "Kags, are you ok? Kags! Sesshoumaru, start the car!" He called, standing with a limp Kagome in his arms. He rushed into the car placing Kagome in the back and climbed in after. Inuyasha stuck his hand out of the window and waved a finger in a circle, telling Sango to turn around and follow him.

Lifting up Kagome's shirt, he saw an open wound in her stomach, blooding draining from the hole profusely. "Sess, man, you gotta step on it. I don't think she's gonna make it!" He said to his brother, ripping off the sleeve oh his shirt and placing it against the wound. Inuyasha lifted Kagome a bit to see if there were any other wounds. "Goddammit! The bastard stabbed right through her!" He cried. Miroku get your ass back here, I need your help!"

Without question, Miroku climbed into the back of the car. "Ok rip off a sleeve of your shirt. Now!" Inuyasha ordered. "Good, now press it against her wound in the back, hopefully it'll stop the blood from flowing."

Miroku shakily added pressure against the wound and jumped at the sound of his phone. Looking at the caller ID he flipped his phone open.

On Phone

"Sango!" Miroku called into the phone.

"Miroku, how's Kagome doing, is she ok" Sango asked concernedly.

"She's not looking good, she's bleeding really bad."

"What?"

"She's got a really bad wound. Naraku stabbed right through Kagome's stomach. I have to go."

"Ok, just tell Sesshoumaru to follow me."

"Ok"

Normal

Miroku flipped the phone closed. "Sesshoumaru, Sango said to follow her." Miroku called to the front seat.

Sesshoumaru scrunched his eyebrows. "What do you mean 'Follow'… OH SHIT!" Sesshoumaru swerved to the side when he Sango pull up next to him and pass him. "Miroku, you're girlfriend's a lunatic!" he called back, flooring the gas trying to keep up with the Mustang.

Sango pulled into Tokyo Hospital, followed shortly by Sesshoumaru. Running into the emergency entrance, she called for help. Searching around the lobby she ran to the nurse's station. "I need a stretcher! My friend is badly wounded!" she cried.

The nurse behind the desk, spoke on the loud speaker. "Doctor Wolf, Doctor Himura! Come to the emergency lobby we need your help!" She quickly ran outside and to one of the ambulances, taking a stretcher from the back and wheeled it back to the lobby. Seeing a bloody teenage boy holding a limp blood covered girl in his arms followed by two other teenagers, the nurse wheeled the stretcher over to them. "What happened!" She asked Inuyasha.

"She and some guy were sparring when he stabbed her and ran away." He said, lying. Running beside the stretcher as the nurse wheeled it into an emergency operating room. Looking around Inuyasha saw Dr. Wolf and another doctor prepping the room. "Dr. Wolf, you gotta help her!" he cried.

"Inuyasha?" Dr. Wolf asked then looked at the girl lying on the stretcher. "Oh God, Kagome!" Dr. Wolf rushed over to the stretcher. "Hurry, hook her up to the IV! Dr. Himura, get him out of here!"

Dr. Himura pushed a struggling Inuyasha into the waiting room, reassuring him that Kagome would be ok. Inuyasha huffed and pulled away from the doctor to look for his friends. He found Sesshoumaru sitting in a chair in the waiting room, a worried expression on his face. Miroku was hugging a crying Sango. Inuyasha snickered solemnly, "It's déjà vu all over again," he said as he sat down next to his brother.

Sesshoumaru nodded. "Yea, and this time she's already marked. Whatever happens happens. There's nothing we can do about it." He said somberly.

Inuyasha sighed. "This is the worst case we've had. None of the others had it this bad." Inuyasha said, holding his head in his hands.

Upon hearing this, Sango pushed away from Miroku sniffling. "What others?" She asked walking over to Inuyasha.

Inuyasha flinched visibly and raised his head. "Nothing Sango." He said, trying to avoid the subject.

Sango looked at Inuyasha quizzically, "You said something about cases and other people, it's obviously not nothing." She insisted.

Miroku walked over to Sango and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Sango, why don't you just sit down, it's not important right now."

Sango shoved Miroku's hand off her shoulder. "You know what he's talking about, don't you?" She said pointing at Inuyasha.

Miroku sighed. "Sango, just sit down. It's been a long night, and Kagome's lying in that operating room bleeding to death! Now I don't know about you, but I'm more worried about Kagome at the moment than something Inuyasha said. Whether I know what he's talking about or not!" Miroku yelled, losing his patience.

Sango walked up to Miroku with tears in her eyes and slapped him. "Don't you dare presume to tell me what to worry about! I've been at home taking care of my brother who nearly got raped by our foster father while at the same time hoping you guys were ok! I've known Kagome longer than you, she trusted me before any of you with her secret! I was the one who took care of her when she was beaten by her step-father before you guys even moved out here! She's like my sister! You can't even imagine what she means to me!" She screamed, tears flowing uncontrollably down her cheeks.

"Sango," Miroku said softly, "Calm down."

"No!" cried Sango, "My sister's in the fucking hospital again! Ever since you guys moved here she's been in the hospital twice! TWICE! Now I want you to tell me what the fuck Inuyasha meant by others!"

Inuyasha stood up and looked at Sango, "Me, Sesshoumaru, and Miroku are part of an organization called THST: Teens Helping Suicidal Teens. We all lived some pretty bad lives, Miroku is still living in one. We go into suicidal chats trying to help the people who appear the worst. Usually it's just kids who are misunderstood, but with you and Kagome we knew it was different. You guys seemed to know each other before we got there and sounded as if you made a suicide pact so we decided to help you guys, not knowing that we'd get emotionally attached. And before you say anything about us lying to you, we only did it because we knew you'd ignore us. It was the only way to get you guys to trust us, and because of that we are all friends. I don't regret what we did, and I can be damn sure neither does Miroku or Sesshoumaru. I'm not sorry I met you guys, and I never will be, but like Miroku said: It's not important at the moment. What is, is Kagome. She needs us to be strong. So please, can we talk about this later?" Inuyasha pleaded, tears rolling down his cheeks.

Sango took a seat on the far side of the waiting room. Lifting up her legs, she placed the heels of her feet on the edge of the chair and rested her head on her knees. Tears were still streaming down her face when Dr. Wolf came out of the operating room and called Sesshoumaru over to him. When Sesshoumaru was in front of him, Dr. Wolf placed a hand on his shoulder and shook his head. "She lost a lot of blood. Her heart was barely beating when she got here." Dr. Wolf hesitated, a tear rolled down his check. "She didn't make it."

Sesshoumaru fell to the ground, his eyes wide. He looked over at Inuyasha and shook his head, telling him that Kagome was gone. Inuyasha fell back in his chair, shocked. Sango looked back and forth between the two brothers. "What's wrong? What happened! Tell me!"

Dr. Wolf walked up to Sango and pulled her into a hug. "I'm sorry, dear. She's gone." A scream echoed through the hospital walls as Sango cried into Dr. Wolfs' shirt. Miroku walked over to the hugging pair and pulled Sango to him, rubbing circles on her back trying to console her. Miroku cried silently, hugging Sango close to him, not believing that their friend was actually gone.

For an hour they stayed in the waiting room; Sango crying into Miroku's chest, Inuyasha sobbing in his chair and Sesshoumaru sitting in the middle of the hall with a distant look in his eyes. It was about 2:00 in the morning when they all clamed down enough to drive home. Inuyasha rode in the passenger seat of Sesshoumaru's car, taking care not to look in the back seat; lest he see the blood and break down, while Sesshoumaru drove. Miroku drove Hiten's car while Sano lay in the back seat sobbing silently.

When they arrived at Inuyasha's house, Miroku had to carry a distressed Sango into the house. Both Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru appeared to be zombies, walking slowly and absent minded. All four were traumatized and neither knew what they were going to tell the others. All they knew was that their best friend was no longer in this world. She would no longer feel the wind blow through her hair or feel the sun on her skin. She would no longer feel the rain fall on her skin or taste the snow on her tongue. She wouldn't be able to feel the touch of her friends or the sweet kisses Inuyasha bestowed upon her. She was gone and nothing would ever bring her back.

Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru were the last to enter the house. Sesshoumaru closed the door behind him and called Inuyasha, stopping him from going to his bedroom. "What is it Aniki?" Inuyasha asked, tiredly

Sesshoumaru pulled Inuyasha into a hug, not caring who saw. "Kagome wanted me to tell you something." He whispered almost inaudibly. Inuyasha sniffled and nodded his head, silently telling his brother to go on. "She wanted me to tell you she loves you and that she'll miss you." Inuyasha sobbed into his brother's chest, grabbing Sesshoumaru's shirt in his fists. Sesshoumaru rested his head against Inuyasha's, a lone tear falling down his cheek.

Slowly, Sesshoumaru pulled away from the hug. "Go get some sleep, Otouto. I have to tell Rin." Inuyasha nodded and left his brother standing alone in the Living room. Oddly, the house seemed bigger now that Kagome wasn't there. It seemed more ominous, like something dark and evil was going to swallow him whole. Slowly, Sesshoumaru began his trek to Rin's bedroom. He knew it would take a long while for Rin to get over her 'Mommy's' death. Aside from him and Inuyasha, Kagome was the only person that Rin got really close to. Rin was devoted to Kagome, and to find out that Kagome was cruelly ripped out of her life would devastate her.

Sesshoumaru sighed as he reached Rin's bedroom. He quietly opened the door and found Rin sleeping peacefully in her room. He hated to wake her, but he would never be able to tell her why her mommy is gone if he waited until tomorrow. Sighing again, he walked to Rin's bed and shook her awake. Rin slowly opened her eyes. "Yes daddy?" she asked innocently. Sesshoumaru sat on Rin's bed and pulled Rin into a hug.

"Rin, do you remember when we talked about life and death?" He asked, not knowing how he was going to tell Rin that Kagome was dead. Rin nodded. "Sadly, somebody died today. Somebody we all know and love; somebody who showed us a great deal of fun and love." Sesshoumaru hesitated, choking back a sob. "I'm sorry Rin, but Kagome isn't with us anymore."

Rin let out a wail as she hugged Sesshoumaru, crying into his shirt. Sesshoumaru tried his best to console the crying girl, but no amount of hugs or words of endearment would ever bring her mother back. Rin cried into Sesshoumaru's chest for an hour before wearing herself out and falling asleep in his arms. Sesshoumaru gently tucked the girl into bed, careful not to wake her, before going off to his own room to rest. He was right. It was a long night. One he wished he could take back.

Kagome's funeral was held a month later. Sango, Kohaku, Doku, Hiten, Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru, Rin, Miroku, and Kouga sat in the first row of the funeral home at Kagome's Wake. When the priest was done reading the Last Rites he called Sango up to the altar. "Kagome once wrote me a poem when I fist moved here, and I'd like to read it for her today…" Sango held back a sob as tears rolled down her cheeks. "She wrote:

I've searched far and wide

For a single person like you

And now there's no way Ill let go

Of a friendship so true

You're there when I'm depressed

And listen when I whine

And I'm ever so grateful

That our lives are intertwined

You've never forsaken me

After the trauma I went through

And because of that

I owe so much to you

But now it's my turn

So lay your problems on me

and soar like the wind;

Playful and carefree.

All your worries and fears

I will solve them all

I'll be right there next to you

To help you stand tall

You are my friend

My confidant, my sister

And I'll cherish our time spent,

From now and forever."

Sango held back a few more sobs before continuing. "Kagome was my friend, and I loved her like a sister. Even through her hard life she always found a reason to smile. So keep smiling, Kagome, we'll miss you so very much." Walking back to her seat, Sango wiped the tears that flowed freely down her cheeks.

Miroku stood up and hugged Sango before walking to the altar. "I met Kagome about two years ago." He smiled. "In a chatroom." The people elicited a somber laugh. "She was always a spitfire, you could tell just IMing her. She was never one to give up on something she believed in. She was loyal to her friends and wouldn't hesitate to back them up in a fight. She had a great sense of humor." Miroku laughed. "We were getting ready to do this photo shoot she thought up, and she was checking to make sure our sizes were correct and she went and slapped me on the ass." The crowd starting laughing, "It totally took me by surprise. And then she goes 'What Miroku, you can dish it out but you can't take it?'" Miroku elicited a somber laugh, "She was a great friend, no one will ever compare to her."

Inuyasha was next to stand at the altar. "What can I say? Kagome was the best thing that ever happened to me. She was smart, beautiful…genuine. She didn't care what other people thought about her. She didn't pretend to be something she wasn't. She was unique, she was…Kagome. She liked puzzles. I didn't understand why then, but I do know. She said it was like taking a broken life and putting it back together. Kagome's life was the hardest puzzle of all, and she died before I could finish putting it together. I love you Kags, and I'll miss you more than you'll ever know."

Lastly, Kouga stood at the altar. "I knew Kagome when she was young. She was beautiful even then. She was radiant, and full of life. Probably one of the happiest people in the world. That changed when I betrayed her trust and when her father died. A few years later, I saw her and begged for her forgiveness. I knew that I wasn't worthy of it, but I couldn't stand her being angry at me. Surprisingly she forgave me when she didn't even have to. But that was Kagome. Forgiving and always ready to solve your problems. There will never be another Kagome and she will be terribly missed."

Kouga stepped down from the altar and walked back to his seat. With a few last words from the priest everyone headed outside in the rain. Inuyasha, Sesshoumaru, Kouga, Miroku, Hiten, and Dr. Wolf carried the coffin out of the funeral home into the hearse that would take her to the cemetery to be buried.

Everyone got in there cars and followed the hearse to Tokyo Cemetery. Sango cried throughout the burial, switching between Inuyasha's and Miroku's shoulders, only moving from her spot to place a rose on Kagome's coffin. There were over three dozen roses on Kagome's coffin as it was lowered to the ground. Over a hundred people came to the funeral wake and burial.

Inuyasha, Miroku, Sango, and Kouga watched as the grave was filled with dirt. The gravestone had two roses carved into it. Kagome's name, along with her date of birth and death was centered between the roses. Below the roses was written Un ami consacré. Elle sera manquée. : A devoted friend. She will be missed.

A/N: I know, I know. I took forever to update. There were a lot of problems happening at home, plus we a new computer so i had to write the chapter again. Not kewl. There will be an epilogue, so wait for the next chappy. I'll get started on it soon. I just have to finish this book first. Thank you my blessed readers and reviewers :hugs and kisses: