Title: Betrayal at it's Peak

Genre: Romance/Adventure

Author: Wind's Whispers

Summary: When Kagome is chased out from her village at a young age, she is thrust unprotected into the world of cruelty. Forced to grow up quickly to survive, she learns about her powers and meets new people/demons along the way. Can she figure out who to trust, and who is the enemy before it takes her down?

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or any slight reference to any other anime/manga that is written in this story.

Little note from the breeze: SORRY ALL WHO WAITED FOR ME TO UPDATE! I had exams and a netball tournament which meant more intense and longer training hours. :( But that's ok, 'cause this chapter is longer than the one before… I guess. Chapter 5 is on the way with the plot planned so I'll try my best to put it up faster and longer than this chapter. Again, sincerely very sorry for the long wait…

Chappy 4: Deal, or No Deal?

"Kagome," Shippo's frantic voice roused her from the fogginess of sleep.

"Hmm?" Kagome sat up and rubbed her eyes, allowing the memories from last night slowly come back to her. "Shippo-chan, are you alright?" He was immediately picked up and placed in her lap, looked over for injuries.

"Kagome…" Shippo's eyes steadily filled with tears and overflowed, loud wails accompanying it.

"Shippo-chan," Kagome said tenderly, "its ok, Shippo-chan, we'll get out of this…" And to herself, she whispered, "I hope…"

Falling in a troubled slumber together, the fact that they were captivity still ran through their thoughts in their dreams.

:(

It was late in the evening when they woke.

The sun's glaring gaze made them squint their tired eyes. "Awake huh?" A slimy voice sounded from the left.

Shippo immediately whipped around and started growling, it sent shivers down Kagome's spine, even though he was just a kit.

"Ah ah ah… No need for hostility," the figure that spoken was clad in a white baboon cloak, the mask covering the stranger's face.

"What do you want?" Kagome asked, her voice concealed her weariness and her eyes a storming blue.

"Nothing, except just a little deal…"They didn't need to see his face to know that he was grinning slyly.

"What kind of deal?" Kagome said, choosing her words carefully, her arms around a now snarling Shippo.

"Kagome, don't listen to him! I don't like his scent!" Shippo growled, his childish face screwed up.

"Now, now, don't refuse until you hear the deal," the smirk obvious in his voice. "The deal is, I'll set you free, including the little kitsune and introduce you to a priestess to train you in the purification arts, and all you have to do… Is owe me a favor."

"We don't need your help!" shouted Shippo angrily, his fur bristling and lips put back into a snarl, showing his baby fangs. "Watch this! Fox fire!"

The ghostly flames met the bars of the cage and spiritual power responded. A crackling sound filled the air before his attack rebounded. "GAAAH!" Kagome could only watch horrified as pure energy ran through Shippo's body as he writhed in pain. The thought of being a actual priestess forgotten as the turmoil of emotions ran through her.

"Shippo-chan…!" Kagome started to sob softly as she watched Shippo get burnt by the merciless energy, feeling rather helpless. Gathering the unconscious kit up in her arms, she rocked him gently. "Forgive me, but it's for our own good." Smoothing his messy, somewhat singed fringe back, she turned to the stranger.

"I-I accept." Kagome gulped, she had a bad feeling about this. "B-but you got to promise me, t-that Shippo-chan would not need to owe you, ok?" She sat up straighter, with a sudden trickle of confidence.

"My my, such bravery from such a young girl," the stranger smirked and whispered to himself, "Not to worry though, you won't go far," with a wave of his hand, the sutras burned away and the cage's bars were sliced away with a slight breeze.

Walking away, the stranger turned and called out with a mocking voice, "by the way, young Kagome, I'm one called Naraku. The priestess would find you." His laughter echoed around the clearing as a swarm of strange looking insects and purple smoke surrounded him and took him way.

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Kagome had quickly escaped with the unconscious Shippo in her arms. Easily reaching the cave they called home, she laid Shippo down on a patch of furs. It was now certain, they had to move as the village nearby had powerful spiritual figures.

Lying down next to Shippo, Kagome slowly fell asleep, allowing the stress of the past day's activities to be blown away with the blanket of sleep covering her, not before her last thought ran through her mind, 'I have spiritual powers?'

It was just before dawn when Kagome woke up. Briefly checking on Shippo's condition, she took her time in soaking the warmth from the rising sun. Reds, pink and orange surrounded the sun that was slowly rising, bit by bit taking over the sky that was once a dark blue, now in various shades of light blue and violet.

Looking around the cave sadly, she got up and started packing slowly, savoring the familiar feel of the cave that had became home to her over the past few weeks.

Picking up a bundle of furs tied into a secure carrier, Kagome cried silently. As two small arms circled around her abdomen offering comfort, she accepted it eagerly. Deep breath, wipe tears and a watery smile, it was time to leave.

"C'mon Kagome…" Shippo whispered softly, not wanting to risk anymore of her tears.

"Coming…!" Kagome stabilized her raging emotions and picked up their bundles.

They stood at the mouth of their cave and looked around, trying to memorize each and every nook and cranny of it. As they begin the journey for another home, they laughed about how they met and the fun times they had, but never forgetting the place where they met.

Kaze's corner:

CaseClosed621: Sorry! I couldn't update earlier… and nope, your guess is wrong but good try, they'll be coming out later in the story: D

Kate: Sorry for the long wait! Here it is! :D

Inuyasha is awesome: Sorry, but your guess is wrong. They'll be coming out later, not really that soon but a few chappies behind? Yes, I did. Maths murdered me, thank God for a calculator. xD

Veronville: Thanks! :D:D

Kagomethebeautifulmiko: Haha Thanks! Sorry I couldn't update sooner, had exams and a tournament. -.- But, hey, chappy is up and finished! :D

Sonyadore: Ooh! You give me the most things to think about! I like that about your reviews… Thanks :D

Pizzap: Oioi don't go putting my name up there, girly. You never know who stalks who… :P And yes that was all Isaiah had to say, a guy of little words ain't he? -.-

Isaiah: Friend, you are… mean. 'Lol' doesn't not tell me how or what do I do to improve on my story. Thanks for the effort though :D