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Kagome didn't know how long she had sat in solitude crying, but it had been long enough... Her tears had finally come to a standstill. Now she merely sat there. Every so often a sob would escape her pale lips. It was as if all happiness had been drained from her.

She couldn't get the image of Inuyasha being chased through the compact woods. In each image he was apprehended and killed on the spot, each way of execution being more terrible than the other...

Without warning the slamming of a door brought her thoughts to an end.

She turned her head towards her own bedroom door; she listened eagerly to the voices speaking just outside of her room.

"Mrs. Higurashi, a pleasure as always." A grueling man's voice spoke.

Kagome's mother than spoke back to the stranger, "Yes well... I wouldn't have called you all the way here if it weren't urgent."

The man snorted, "I hear your daughter has found herself a youkai."

Kagome's mother stayed silent for a moment. "Yes, although she won't tell us where that thing is, my youngest child Sota has seen where it lives."

"Hm, and will he lead us there?"

"Yes."

"Well than where is the boy?" He demanded.

Kagome noiselessly crept from her bed a diminutive amount closer to the door. She slightly pressed her head against the cool oak surface and listened closely. She could hear her mother's footsteps moving throughout the small cottage. As she went by Kagome's door a second pair of footsteps followed, much lighter than her mother's. They came to a stop once reaching the kitchen.

"Look sturdy boy." The man's voice boomed.

Kagome heard her brother gasp.

The man's voice continued, "So I hear you have seen a youkai. Do you remember where you saw the beast?"

Sota gulped, "Ye...Yes sir." He said silently.

The man snickered. "Good, we'll leave...-"

Kagome backed away from the door. The tears began to well in her eyes glossing them over. They-They are going to find Inuyasha!

Without a single thought Kagome spun on her heals and looked out her window. She moved forward quickly and swung it open, the cold air bit at her skin. She didn't care though. She climbed out; her bare feet felt the grass beneath them. She didn't have time to spare; she began to sprint towards the fence.

It didn't take long before she was over the wooden barrier and running at full speed through the woods. She grinded her teeth and breathed hard through her nose, she needed to reach him! Tears rolled along her cheeks and seemingly disappeared as they fell from her fragile skin.

A gust of wind blew her hair back and a boom of thunder was heard nearby. She continued to run, her lungs felt as though they were going to burst. She reached the creak, not caring about ruining her clothes she ran through it becoming soaked in the soiled water.

She continued until she burst out into the clearing. The blossoms on the grand tree were being thrown around by the aggressive winds. The grass wasn't its normal emerald green but a dim dull color. The incoming storm was destroying the surroundings. Suddenly severe rain began to descend from the heavens.

Kagome's hair danced in the wind wildly, it stuck to her dirty face.

"Inuyasha!" She screamed.

There was no answer, "Inuyashaaaa!" She called again.

Suddenly a shiver ran up her spine and Inuyasha's voice replied behind her, "Kagome?"

She turned around to face him, her eyes met his. Water dripped from the ends of his red kimono, a blank look on his face.

"What're you doing here?" He questioned.

Kagome held back the tears threatening to spill from her azure eyes. She took a deep breath and spoke clearly, "There is a hunting party coming to find you... They are planning on killing you; I had to warn you... I'm sorry..." She looked at her feet.

Inuyasha's expression hardened. "Are you sure? How did this happen?"

"I'm so sorry! It's all my fault, my brother followed me, I...I had no idea! I'm sorry." She burst.

Inuyasha frowned, "Don't worry about it, I'll handle this. Go back to the village before you're found out, I'll be fine." He assured.

Kagome breathed in deeply, "Are you sure."

"Positive."

Kagome turned around slowly and began to creep her way back into the woods; before he was out of sight she dared a look back. Inuyasha stood there, his face lost in thought.

"Be safe." She whispered.

Then she darted into the woods…


The rainfall fell violently as Inuyasha stared at his feet in deep thought. He clenched his fist into a tight ball causing his nails to dig into his flesh; a line of blood dripped onto the soft grass. He would need to leave the forest… No, he couldn't do that. Suddenly as he looked up from his feet he pressed his lips together and furrowed his eyebrows, he had a plan.

...

Inuyasha perched in a lofty tree; he surveyed the area for the hunting party. He could smell the oil from their lanterns growing stronger and at last he spotted them. Through the copious rainfall he could make out about five men and a young boy. A sly grin broke out on his features and he leapt down from the tree, disappearing into the shadows.

Sota led the hunting party on their expedition, he could to a certain degree remember the direction to the clearing but the memory was slightly hazy.

"Well boy, which way is it?" The huntsman who his Mother had called demanded.

Sota scanned the trees trying to recall the way he had taken. His eyes spotted a small creek which he had remembered from following Kagome. He reached out his arm and pointed towards it.

The older man smiled and patted Sota's head before moving ahead of the group. The six of them trudged their way across the creek, none of them even took the time to take off their shoes for the rain had them already completely drenched. It wasn't long before they emerged from the tree line and into the clearing.

The once beautiful paradise had been nearly completely destroyed by the storm. All of the blossoms on the towering tree had been carried away by the brutal winds and the wild flowers were withering and discolored. The river had turned into a vicious combination of raging waters, broken logs, branches, and even the carcasses of some animals being swept away by the current. The men peered around looking for their prey.

"Where'd you see the beast?" The huntsman questioned Sota.

Sota's cold, exhausted body trembled. He eyed the great tree a few moments before pointing at it. The man stepped forward and approached the hulking tree. Its colossal branches waved violently in the wind. The man squinted and peered around, there seemed to be no sign of any youkai. That is until he saw a glimpse of red.

It was proximate to the upper half of the tree and looked to be a piece of fabric. The man's eyebrows furrowed.

He turned to one of the other men and whispered, "Give me a bow." One of the men equipping a bow on their back removed it and tossed it over to him. The man, with bow readied, circled to the back of the tree. He could scarcely make out a figure clothed in red pressed against the barky tree trunk. The creature seemed to have not noticed the huntsman as of yet.

He aimed the bow at his designated target and took a deep breath in. Closing one of his eyes and focusing on the prey with the other, he shot with precision. The arrow soared through the sky and there was a moment of silence before it connected with its intended body. Suddenly the figure in red let out an animal-like cry and it plummeted from the tree. It hit several branches on the way down before falling to the grassy earth.

All of the other men sprinted to the fallen corpse. The huntsman readied another arrow and aimed it towards the lifeless body; the red cloak covered the creature sheltering its appearance. He then nudged it with his foot and when it did not move he flipped it over onto its back. A large white wolf lay in the center of the cloak; its snowy fur was stained with its blood.

The huntsman grinned widely and let out a laugh, "We have done it men! The beast is slain. It seems that what the boy saw was merely a disguise to lure the Higurashi girl into its trap. Behold its true form."

The men stood in awe and examined the corpse. Sota stood a distance away and peered into the tree line, he comprehended the fact that it was all over, but deep down he felt like something wasn't right…

Inuyasha watched from the other side of the river, hidden in the deep brush. He smirked at the sight of the humans surrounding the wolf he had injured and placed there. He knew that humans were gullible enough to fall for something like that. Internally laughing he turned around and retreated into the forest.


Kagome had been secluded in her room for hours now. Her mother had feebly attempted to bring her some dinner but she got no reply out of her daughter; instead Kagome merely sat there, deep in thought and silent.

The thirteen year old couldn't get her mind off of Inuyasha. She anticipated him being there the next time she snuck off more than anything; and yet, somewhere in the back of her mind she couldn't help but imagine the hunting party capturing him. The images wouldn't leaving her mind of his body lying lifeless and his crimson blood staining his striking silver hair with his eyes wide open, the life leaving them and the golden color melting away into a comatose grey.

Her eyes began to water; she took the skirt of her dress and wiped the tears away. Without warning she glimpsed out the window and spotted the hunting party. They climbed over the fence and then walked over towards the house. Kagome immediately stood to her feet and retreated from her room, just in time to see the men entering the house.

The huntsman from earlier wielded a massive brown sack, as he set it down she heard a loud thud. Her heart skipped a beat.

Kagome's mother put down the rag she had been cleaning with and walked over to the party.

"I presume the beast is dead?" She pronounced as she looked over the large sack.

"Aye," The huntsman replied. "Didn't put up much of a fight, the beast didn't know what hit him." He let out a husky laugh.

Kagome's mother's face immediately looked somewhat relieved. She made her way over to the counter and snatched up a hefty coin purse which was brimming with silver and gold coins. She situated the coin purse in the Huntsman's hands. He proceeded to peer into it and a large grin appeared on his face as he inspected the contents.

"I hope this will cover your services." Kagome's Mother declared.

The Huntsman looked up with a smile apparent on his features. "Aye." He uttered.

As the party spoke with Kagome's Mother Kagome couldn't take her eyes off of the sack. A small pool of blood had begun to leak from within it. A look of pure horror was apparent in Kagome's azure eyes as she assumed what lay within the bag. Stricken with grief Kagome rushed into her room and shut the door. The teen then collapsed onto her bed and began to weep.

The tears dropped endlessly from her eyes, and then suddenly a tapping noise interrupted her mourning. She peered up at her window where the noise had come from and through her blurred eyes she could make out the color of a red Kimono. She immediately wiped the shedding tears away and looking back up; she realized the figure before her was none other than Inuyasha.

A smile swept her face and the tears began to fall a little more gently.

"Inu…yasha?" She whispered.

He tilted his head at her, his golden gaze holding an uncertainty. He backed up allowing Kagome room to open the small window and climb through, when she was clear of the window she progressed forward and latched her arms around Inuyasha. His ears went back and he was clearly startled. He froze unsure of what to do next.

Kagome's body was shaking; she was smiling and crying at the same time. Overwhelmed with happiness she just held onto her friend.

"I thought you'd been killed." She whispered. "I thought it was my fault you'd been killed and I'd never see you again."

Inuyasha gently pushed her off of him and cleared his throat. His cheeks had become rosy from blushing.

"I… I'm fine." He declared, turning away.

Kagome released a giggle.

"I've got to get going… Y'know before they notice me…" Inuyasha uttered.

Kagome vaguely smiled. "I'll see you in the clearing, tomorrow?" She questioned.

"Keh, if you want to." He answered.

"Tomorrow then." She affirmed.


-2 years later-

"Kagome... It's time to get up..." Kagome's mother's voice spoke softly in her ears.

Kagome turned onto her side and groaned. She really didn't want to get up...

"Kagome." Her mother's voice grew louder.

Finally her eyelids gradually lifted revealing two bright azure orbs. She twisted her body towards the door to see her mother's head peaking in.

"Kagome you need to get up, there is a surprise waiting for you in the kitchen." Her mother's features brightened and she smiled, "Make sure you wear something nice." She finished before leaving and closing the door behind her.

Kagome yawned hazily. She drew her arms over her head and stretched, afterwards letting them fall back onto the bed. She sighed.

Despite the fact she was dead tired and sore she dealt with it and managed to drag herself out of the comfort of her bed. Her bare feet touched the cool floor; she could feel the irregular surface of the wood on her soles. She walked to the small dresser and dug through the container looking for an appropriate garb.

Finally her hand touched the fabric of one favourable dress. She pulled the gown out and held it in front of her, imagining what it would look like on her tiny frame. A smile graced her lips. It was perfect. After taking off her current wear she slipped the dress over her body.

After several moments the young 15 year old departed her room. All eyes turned to her. Her expression was at first of the norm but after several seconds the realization hit her, and it showed.

She hadn't noticed at first that a guest was present. He was a handsome young man; his hair was dark and short, nicely groomed. Two eyes, a chestnut color, were set on her. He had a striking grin on his face.

Kagome immediately started to back away, her mother's hand grabbing onto her arm brought her to a halt.

"Kagome this is Hojo, he is the headsman's son from the next village over, and do you remember him from when you were little? He is here to see you." She smiled at her.

Kagome's eyes widened and she gulped. Her head titled ever so slightly towards this 'Hojo', he was staring diffidently at her. Her mother's grip loosened and Kagome took a step towards the boy, who was about a year older than she.

His smile grew and his eyes wandered over her body, coming back to meet hers.

"Hello, I'm Hojo. And you must be the lovely Kagome?" He alleged taking a small bow.

Kagome nodded.

"Kagome say hello!" Her mother said strictly making her jump.

She looked at Hojo's face, "Hi." She spoke plainly.


After a torturing hour and a half of sitting with Hojo and talking about pointless blabber, and receiving a fair amount of priceless gifts Kagome was more than happy when he left.

"Farewell Kagome!" He called as he and his father rode away on horseback.

Kagome rolled her eyes.

"Kagome." Her mother's voice spoke from behind her.

Kagome turned around and smiled trying to hide the monotony in her face.

"How did you like him, was he nice to you, are you having any thoughts about this?" The excitement was evident in her mother's tone.

"Yes, he was kind, but I'm not really interested." Kagome answered.

Her mother's face turned into a scowl. "Not interested? Kagome you do understand the importance of this…?"

"Yes mother…. But I'm not sure."

"I'll give you some time to think about it…" Her mother got up and departed leaving Kagome sitting on the porch steps.

She took a big sigh. She needed something to get her mind off of this… Suddenly a dazzling smile came to her features, she knew just what to do.

She looked back at the front door to the house, feeling that her mother would not catch her Kagome got to her feet and bolted towards the fence, which was a good amount higher and stronger than it had been 2 year ago.

Her dress danced around her in the wind. She got a good hold on one of the wooden bars and pulled herself up grabbing onto yet another one and repeated the process, finally she had come to the top of the structure. She swung her legs over the side and jumped, landing smoothly on the mossy ground below.

She looked back at the fence and smiled triumphantly. Her mother thought that building a higher fence would stop her... If only she could see her daughter right now.

Kagome turned back and began to walk deep into the forest.

It wasn't long before Kagome came to the small trench-like scar in the forest floor. It had once been a creek but had dried up not too long ago. She thought back to the memories of tiny fish swimming against the current. She shook her head clear of the memories and continued on her way.

After a while the forest finally came to an end. The rays of sunlight blinded Kagome at first, but once they adjusted she looked up to see the clearing. It was as beautiful as it had ever been.

Since the first time she had come here this place was still truly magnificent. The grass still held that incredible green and the fluorescent flowers had spread, engulfing the area in colors.

Her eyes scanned the area. Finally she saw him.

He sat perched in the branches of the immense tree; bright blossoms surrounded him nearly concealing his body. Even though he was practically invisible, encased in the pink petals Kagome could tell it was he.

As she neared the Tree, which she had named the Goshinboku, she saw his figure move slightly. His lengthy silver hair was now visible, as well as his crimson Kimono.

The next thing Kagome caught sight of was a pair of intense molten gold eyes observing her; they were animalistic, exotic and watched her like a predator. Below them and a perfectly molded nose, was a smirk evident on his lips. A fang was detectable; it sat in the long rows of perfectly set white teeth.

As Kagome came closer he shifted and leapt from the high branch landing graciously in front of her. He was a good height taller than her, he had been since they had met but now his childish features were replaced by strong emotion filled and mature characteristics.

He smiled wide, it was a cute smile. And it wasn't often that he showed much joy as he was now. Kagome smiled back.

"So Kagome, what brought you to my little hideout?" He teased.

Kagome giggled, "Oh you know, just got bored of wondering around at home."

Inuyasha's face brightened as he watched her laughing. He hadn't seen her for at least a week now, and as much as he hated to admit it he had really missed his little human.

Her chuckling came to an end and she looked at his face, she could tell he had so much to ask her of what had been going on lately.

The two talked for nearly an hour, they were now positioned under the Goshinboku. Kagome sat on her knees and played with a strand of grass as Inuyasha sat cross-legged in front of her. She explained how she had been lately and anything he had missed, although she left out the part regarding Hojo…

"Sounds pretty good to me," Inuyasha said. "Y'know you make it sound like living in the village is a bad thing. But it sounds like royalty compared to living out here."

Kagome dropped the grass strand. "I would give anything to stay here, forever…" She sighed.

Inuyasha grimaced at her. "And why's that? You do know that there's more to living on your own than you think."

"I know, but still…"

"You don't know nothin'." He said playfully pushing her over onto the grass.

Kagome scowled at him, "If you ruin this dress I swear to Kami I will kill you."

He smirked. "Well, you can't kill me if you can't catch me."

As Kagome was getting back up he shoved her back down, she glared at him. One thing you did not want to do was make Kagome angry, Inuyasha knew that all too well.

Before she could get back up he pushed himself off the ground and scrambled onto a branch of the Goshinboku. Kagome finally made it to her feet and sent him a deathly stare; she raised her fist at him and shook it.

"I'm going to come up there and drag you back down if I have too!" She yelled.

He only laughed at her, "Go ahead."

Kagome smiled to herself, she got a good hold on some of the bark and pulled herself up. All the while finding other places to clasp onto with her hands and feet. She was only about halfway up the tree when she felt something bite her on the neck.

She panicked and began smacking her neck with one hand but she missed the little nuisance that had dared bite her. Without warning she lost her gripping.

She felt herself falling; a scream came from her lips. She closed her eyes tightly, she waited for impact, but strangely nothing happened. She opened one eye; she was in Inuyasha's arms safely on the ground.

His golden gaze was filled with alarm.

"Kagome, are you ok?" He asked. The worry evident in his voice.

Kagome nodded, "Yeah I'm fine…. But what, what bit me?"

Inuyasha frowned; he slowly set her back onto her feet.

Kagome drew the collar of her dress back and saw a small flee squashed against her skin. Inuyasha took a step towards her and squinted at the bug, suddenly his face turned into a scowl. He extended one of his clawed hands and seized the flee.

"Myoga!" He shouted.

Suddenly the little flee came to life. It lifted its head to look at Inuyasha.

"Oh, Master Inuyasha! How are you this fine day?" It spoke nervously.

Kagome couldn't believe her ears! Did that flee just… talk?

"You fool Myoga! Do you not realize what you just did? Kagome could have fallen!" Inuyasha spat.

Myoga looked down at his buggy hands. "Well I didn't realize this was the young maiden you spoke to me of…"

Inuyasha sighed and glanced at Kagome; it appeared she had just seen a ghost.

"Kagome are you alright?" Inuyasha asked.

Kagome nodded slowly, "Just a little shaken up is all… Do you want to explain to me who this is?"

Inuyasha explained that Myoga the flee was his guardian. He had been watching over him since his parents had perished. Basically Myoga was the one whom had taught him all he knew and had protected him from being sought after by the villagers.

"That's so sweet," Kagome said taking in everything she had heard. "So you two are like family. Why didn't you tell me about him before?"

Myoga nodded, "Yes if that's what you wish to call it, and I believe that master Inuyasha refrained from telling you about me because he wished to appear as though he was living here alone and taking care of himself, which in turn made him seem stronger..."

Inuyasha gave a subtle yet irritated "Keh" in reply.


Before long the sun began to set. The sky was lit up with a wide array of color, and a light breeze kept the hot air from scorching you to a crisp. Inuyasha and Kagome were positioned on the side of a hill, watching the sun set together had become a natural thing that they did quite often.

Kagome peeked at the young hanyou next to her; he was lying on his back with his hands behind his head staring up at the sky. The sun reflected off of his golden gaze making it appear as though his eyes were glowing.

He noticed her intently looking at him, and glanced at her.

"What is it, Kagome?" He questioned quietly.

She looked away; a light blush graced her rosy cheeks. "Nothing…" She whispered.

He shrugged and returned to surveying the sky. Kagome puller her knees to her chest and rested her chin on them. She would soon have to return home; otherwise her mother would worry…


Kagome got home just as the sun had completely fallen, Inuyasha accompanied her to the fence than bid her farewell, disappearing into the night.

The young teen climbed over the barricade and darted to the front door of the house; she kicked the dirt from her shoes and opened the door going inside. Within the cottage the candles had recently been blown out, the only light was from the open fire. Everyone had already departed to their rooms and were sleeping soundly.

Kagome smiled to herself, she had enjoyed Inuyasha's company.

She tip-toed across the house and slipped into her room, unnoticed. Slowly she crept into her bed. She was too tired to change out of her current wear. Within minutes she was in a deep slumber…

Without her knowing Inuyasha stealthily had followed her, he truly cared for Kagome. He didn't even have words to describe the feelings he was having. But something in him made him protective, every night for the past month he had come to the village and watched over her.

He perched himself in a tree that was far enough from the house he could keep an eye on her but at the same time remain hidden. His golden eyes set on the currently star filled sky. The breeze wafted Kagome's sent into his nose, he inhaled deeply and closed his eyes.

That night he dreamt of his beloved human girl.


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