A/N: Thank you for the reviews!

So now that Naima knows that Tsubaki is the driving force behind all of her grief, what will she do about it?


As the days slowly passed after my break up with Sesshoumaru, things never really got any easier. It had only been about a week since we split, but the time that I spent away from him was beginning to grow unbearable. When we were still dating, we never went more than two days without talking to each other, even when we fought. Like with Naraku, my fights with Sesshoumaru never lasted long either. I missed Sesshoumaru very much and I really wanted him back. I guess its true when they say you never knew what you truly had until its gone.

"Naima, are you okay sweetie?" Sai asked me the following Thursday afternoon. We were currently outside on the track getting ready for our meet against Jewel University that would begin in a couple of minutes. I looked up at my freshman friend and sighed deeply.

"Yeah. I'm cool."

"No you're not," she said with a soft smile, "quit trying to play all tough and talk to me. I know that you aren't cool and its okay to be a little sad. You and Sesshoumaru went out for a long time. I know you miss him."

"Yeah. I do miss him. I miss him a lot, but I'm sure that he doesn't miss me."

"Whatever. He misses you just as much as you miss him. But I know someone who misses you more."

"Who?"

"Who do you think?" I stopped stretching for a few moments and stood up straight so I could be at eye level with the fire goddess. "Pick up the phone and talk to him. All he wants is to hear your voice so he knows that you're okay. You avoid him at school too. You need to talk to him. He's still your best friend Naima." I shook my head and bent back down to stretch out my legs.

"I can't do it. Everytime I'm around Naraku...I-I just can't do it. I can't."

"You get those butterflies around him don't you? I don't blame you. Naraku is a handsome guy, although Sesshoumaru is too. Still, neither one of them can compete with my Bankotsu." I stood back up and smiled at her.

"Oh listen at you. Somebody is crushing hard." Sai smiled really wide.

"Yes. He's the best,"

"Mmm. You must not know the real him yet."

"Naima!"

"I'm just kidding. Bankotsu is a great guy. We've been friends since middle school, so I know that he's a keeper."

"So how come you've never tried to get with him?"

"Oh Bankotsu and I have never really been like that. He's more like a brother to me than boyfriend material."

"Well then, how come you've never tried to get with me?" I heard a voice behind me all of a sudden say. I turned around to see that it was Koga who was talking to me. I smiled at him.

"Because you always thought that I was ugly."

"Be that as it may, I have no problems screwing ugly chicks." I scoffed and punched him in the arm. He winced and grabbed his upper arm. "Ow Naima, you hit like a man. I was just joking."

"Bad joke Koga."

"Okay okay. I apologize, but can I talk to you for a second?" I turned to look at Sai for permission, but I saw that she had left and was now talking to Bankotsu at the fence around the track. I turned back to Koga and nodded my head. He smiled and threw an arm around my shoulder as we began to walk down the track.

"So what is it?" I asked even though I already knew that he wanted to talk about Sesshoumaru.

"You know what I want to talk about."

"Yeah...I do."

"Naima, what are you thinking honey? I mean, what is going on in that head of yours?"

"A lot."

"It should be nothing going on at all."

"I know. I know. How is Sesshoumaru doing? He won't talk to me."

"Well...I can only assume he's hurt by what you did. You know him, he's not really open about things. He's secluding himself more than usual though."

"I never meant for things to be like this."

"Do you love Sesshoumaru, Naima?"

"Yes. I love him very much."

"Then why are you acting this way?"

"Because, I can't help but think that if Tsubaki had never gotten involved between Naraku and I, if we would be happily together now."

"So you're trying to re-live a middle school love in college? I mean, is it 19 year old Naima that wants Naraku, or is it 13 year old Naima that wants him? People grow up and change over time, so how are you so sure that Naraku will be the same man that he used to be?" I was quiet for a second. I never really thought about that before. Even though his character was the same on a frienship level, his attitude might be a little different on a relationship level. "Look," Koga began, "I'm not trying to knock Naraku and say that he's a bad guy, because he's not. All I'm saying is that we both know that Sesshoumaru is the better man for you. Naraku might have been your first love and you two might have only broken up because of a spell, but don't forget who was there for you during those times when Naraku was missing in action. Don't forget that Sessho was the one who dried those tears away and mended that broken heart of yours. Don't forget that he was the shoulder that you cried on when your father passed away. Don't forget who took you to the prom, stayed up late with you to help you study for exams, and never missed any of your track meets during junior and senior years. Sesshoumaru loves you Naima. Yes, a spell might be the only reason why you're not with Naraku but don't let that fact make you just forget about how much you and Sesshoumaru love each other. He's the only man I know that considers his woman's feelings over his own. Even when he found out that you kissed Naraku the first time and even after he got into that fight with him, he never once told you that he wanted you to stay away from him. I guess that was where my boy messed up." After taking in what all Koga had said, I smiled a little to myself.

"You know, you and Bankotsu should be arrested because you two are really acting like their pimps by how much you talk them up." Koga just laughed.

"Hey, what can I say? Sesshoumaru is one of my closest friends so of course I'm going to talk him up. Just remember what I said okay? Don't leave the field just because you think the grass is greener on the other side, because it just might only be artificial turf." I nodded my head.

"I see your point." Just then, we hear Coach Takemaru blow his whistle.

"Everybody! Come get into position!" he hollered out to us. Koga and I left the track and ran over to the southern field goal where the rest of our team was. "Alright ladies and gentlemen. We've got Jewel U today. They aren't quite as tough as Hanyou Tech and Tama College were so I expect you all to perform exceptionally well today, alright? Our next meet is against Shikon University, so let's make a statement to any of those Shikigami out there watching. Like always, I just want you to go out there and do your best. Make Yokai University proud, alright?"

"Yes Sir," we all agreed.

"Okay then, Demon Lords on three. One, two three,"

"Demon Lords!"

"Now get out there and show them who runs this show!" After the pep talk, the girls continued to remain on the infield while the boys got into position to compete first.

"You ready for the sprints, ma?" Sai asked as we watched the first event of the day.

"I guess so. I mean, Sesshoumaru would always spend time with me and calm me down before a meet. I really need that."

"Oh nonesense. You'll do fine. You are so fast, you'll run circles around everyone." I nodded my head, still feeling a little loss of confidence.

"Sesshoumaru isn't even here today. Even if he can't make it to my practices, he has never missed one of my competitions before."

"Oh ma," Sai said as she wrapped an arm around me and laid my head on her shoulder, "everything will be okay. Just try to get your mind off of men right now and concentrate on getting another medal. Men aren't even an issue right now. Why don't you and I go out later? Just us girls." I smiled a little.

"What about 'B'?" She sighed deeply.

"Yes, I'll miss spending time with my Snuggle Bunny, but what kind of friend would I be if I continued to let you mope around." I laughed a little upon hearing her pet name for Bankotsu. The things they called each other were both cute and sickening at the same time. More sickening though.

"I remember when Sesshoumaru was my Snuggle Bunny."

"That's it! I give up!" Sai cried as she let me go, "it seems that I'll have to get you drunk tonight for you to take your mind off of these men." I just laughed even harder, realizing that she was more than likely right

When it was finally time for the girls to compete, I did my best to do as Sai advised and tried to take my mind off of my chaotic love life. It worked for my first two competitions, but my strong facade wore off during my final two competitions. All in all I was able to earn three medals. Two first place and one third place medal. Sai won two second place medals. Even though I was proud of my accomplishments, I still wished that I had my man here to congratulate me.

After the meet was over, Bankotsu came onto the field and walked over to where Sai and I were. He sat down between us. "Like always my two favorite females kicked major ass out there," he declared, throwing his arms around our shoulders. "I just wish Naraku had the day off so he could see his main girl win all those medals." I shook my head at him."

"Don't start with that. Please." He sighed.

"I see someone is still being icy towards her best friend. Very well. I'll leave you alone for right now, but you know deep down inside that you need to answer his calls. Come on Sai. I think I'll have to treat you to a victory drink. You're almost as fast as Naima and Koga girl. You better watch out Naima or she'll take that gold away from you." I smiled at him. I thought it was cute how he praised his woman.

"I'll remember that," I said. Bankotsu nodded his head and gave me a quick peck on the cheek before walking away with Sai. Even though I was happy for both of my friends, I couldn't deny that I was a little jealous of how cute Bankotsu and Sai looked together. It made me even more depressed. More and more I began to miss Sesshoumaru, realizing that I had indeed taken his love for granted. I wanted him back so badly, but I knew that he wouldn't take me back until I was one hundred percent sure that he was the only one I wanted. How stupid was I to betray him like that? Stupid, stupid.

As I was wrapped up in this thought, a soft feminine laugh all of a sudden caught my ear. I looked up to see that it was none other than Tsubaki laughing with Yura a little ways off. I am by no means one who likes to fight. In fact, I detest any feeling of animosity, but if I find a good reason to fight someone, I will not hesitate to do it. I continued to watch Tsubaki laugh it up with one of her best friends and little by little, I began to get angrier. She was the driving force behind all of my pain right now. She was the one who caused my love with my best friend in the entire world to be ruined. Not only that, but she also hurt him by destroying that hot truck that he loved almost as much as he loved football. And even though I was wrong for kissing Naraku when I still had a boyfriend, she was the reason why Sesshoumaru found out about it before I even had the chance to tell him myself. She was the driving force behind my split with BOTH men. She has caused me such sorrow and the heifeir has the audacity to laugh? Right then, I seriously felt like slapping the taste out of that bitch's mouth, but I wanted some answers first. I got off of the sideline bench and walked over to where she and Yura were.

"Tsubaki. I want to talk to you," I demanded in a firm voice. She turned around and gave me a cold look. I could tell that she was feeling very bold right now, more than likely because Yura was standing right next to her.

"Yes?" she asked, her voice as cold as her look.

"I just want to know. Why did you come between Naraku and I?" A small smirk appeared on her face.

"Isn't it obvious? Because I love him and I wanted to become his woman. I couldn't do that as long as you were in the way."

"But why? Why him? You are a really pretty girl and you could have had plenty of other men. Why would you choose one that was already taken?"

"Love knows no boundaries Naima. I could careless if he was dating you or anybody else. Naraku was destined to be mine and look who ended up with him."

"But you had to curse him in order for him to even look your way."

"No. I had to curse him so he would leave you. Naraku's attraction to me was of his own free will." I smirked a little to myself.

"Tsubaki. You really are something else. Do you even care that you hurt people just to get where you want to be?" She laughed defiantly at my question.

"I've hurt no one of any importance to me. Its simply a Machiavellian principle. Do whatever you can to get where you want to be and I did exactly that. I got where I wanted to be and that was by Naraku's side and in his bed. Oh and how I enjoyed the ride. Every night with him was rememberable and we never hesitated to show our love for each other."

"You truly are stupid. Naraku doesn't love you. If he did, don't you think that he would be with you right now."

"Easy for you to say. If you loved Sesshoumaru then you would have never cheated on him."

"I never slept with Naraku that night and anyways, what goes on between Sesshoumaru and I is absolutely none of your business."

"Oh bitch everyone knew that you still loved Naraku. A blind man could have seen it so I knew that it would only be a matter of time before you did something stupid and messed up your relationship with Sesshoumaru." I began to get even angrier as I took a step closer to her.

"Still, you had abosolutely no right to tell Sesshoumaru my business. That was for me to do. Not you!" Tsubaki backed up slightly, seeing my anger rise.

"If you would have just been a woman about your issues and handled them properly, then you wouldn't be missing your man right now. You only have yourself to blame Naima," Yura jumped in, stepping in front of Tsubaki a little. I laughed loudly at the two women.

"You two are such clowns. You talk about me being a woman and facing my issues head on, but look who's cowering in fear right now. Yura, even though you destroyed my necklace, I'll let you slide since you were working for Tsubaki, but if you don't back the hell up I'll take you out too." I then turned to Tsubaki. "I don't need either one of you chastizing and judging me for kissing Naraku because I know that I made a mistake by betraying Sesshoumaru like that, but I find it funny that you two would say something like that. Considering that one of you is playing the role of another woman's bitch and the other one can't get a man unless she brain washes him." My statement seemed to arouse Tsubaki's anger even more.

"Well you know what Naima?! I can see why Sesshoumaru would want to leave you! You are nothing but a cold, worthless bitch! You think you're all that because you have a pretty face and a figure that most men seem to like, but you're not! You aren't any better than me! You say that I'm deceitful and manipulative, but at least I never cheated on Naraku! You might not have slept with him but you still kissed him! You still stabbed your boyfriend in the back! Sesshoumaru was smart for leaving a stupid bitch like you and Naraku should be thanking me for saving him from a girl who is just so easy!" And that was that. That last statement officially set me off. My normally cool demeanour was shattered and rage now took over my body. All I saw was red. Without warning, I lashed out and punched Tsubaki in the face. She stumbled backwards and fell to the ground. I climbed on top of her and began to hit her over and over in the face. Lucky for her, Yura was still around and was able to pull me off of her with her ability to control hair. Strands of hair wrapped tightly around my legs and arms and threw me backward until my body slammed into a goal post. The force of the impact knocked the wind out of me a little, but I was no means finished with either one of them.

"Yura! You better let me go!" I demanded her. Tsubaki got out of the grass and wiped the blood away that was tricking down the side of her mouth.

"You damn slut!" she cried as she walked over and slapped me across the face. I growled as I continued to struggle against the hair. Seeing this as an opportunity, Tsubaki began to hit me across the face and kick me in the stomach. But her strikes only caused my rage to grow. I was so pissed right then that I was able to overcome the strength of the hair and freed myself of the shackles. I instantly punched Yura in the face for binding me to the goal post. She hit the ground hard, but I jerked her back to her feet. I kneed her in the stomach and threw her into the goal post. She gasped loudly as her back hit the hard metal. I hit her over and over again until Tsubaki pulled me off her by my hair. I fell backwards, but quickly sprung to my feet. My demonic energy was at top levels and I knew that my eyes were beginning to glow green for I could feel my panther wanting its release. I charged at the human female whom I hated so much at the moment and speared her to the ground. Once again I climbed ontop of her and went after her face. I didn't even have to use my claws. My knuckles were enough to draw blood from her and the scent of the blood only seemed to continue to fuel my fire.

"Naima! Naima stop!" I could hear Sai calling out to me. I saw out the corner of my eye that she and a couple of other girls were coming over to where the fight was. I knew they would try to stop me, but I refused to come off of this bitch. After all of the things she did, not beating her ass would be an injustice. I grabbed Tsubaki by her neck and pulled her to her feet.

"Stand up and fight me head on since you claim that you're woman enough!" I demanded as I continued to swing at her. She tried to swing back, but I blocked all of her strikes. I caught her wrist in mid swing and twisted her arm behind her back, holding her in an armlock. She let out a cry of pain as I once again threw her to the ground. I instantly grabbed her arm again and jerked her up. By that time her face was red with blood, but that only made me want to continue. My panther was fully out now and there was no stopping my rage. In fact, none of the girls attempted to stop me, knowing that it would only cause me to lash out at them. "Ahhhhh!" I screamed as I kicked her in the stomach, causing her to double over in pain. That would prove to be my final hit on her for I now felt a pair of arms go around my waist trying to hold me back. But my rage was so high that I turned around and hit whoever it was that was grabbing me. I should have calmed down for I soon realized that the person I hit was Coach Takemaru.

"Dammit Naima!" he snapped as he charged at me and pinned me to the ground. "How dare you strike your coach! Have you lost your damn mind?!" Little by little, the panther was calming down and I was returning back to my normal self. I stared up at the fumed coach with fearful eyes, knowing that I had just made a huge mistake. Coach Takemaru growled as he climbed off of me and jerked me to my feet. "You are done for the year Naima! In fact you might just get kicked out of college! You don't hit your coach!" I gasped as tried to calm down my breathing.

"Co-coach...I..."

"I don't want to hear it young lady!"

"Co-Co..."

"Naima! GET OFF THE FIELD!"


A/N: Yikes! Major uh oh