A/N: It's so odd to me that a lot of you really like this story, and then I get almost hate messages from other people telling me about everything that's wrong with my work. So, for the Guest person who left me an anonymous review:

Guest: This is an alternate universe story. It feels like I've said it a million times. This story is in no way similar to the Inuyasha world, other than the character names. I even put Alt. Univ. in the summary. And yes, this story is based off The Bride of the Water God manhwa. I said that in one of my other A/Ns, but for some reason it didn't post, so I'll say it again. I love that manhwa, and it doesn't get the attention it deserves, so I decided to try and raise awareness about it by writing this. Also, just to let you know, Chisaki won't be the 'only other female character' and I don't really care if you think that last chapter had a 'middle schooler's concept of love subplot'. I'm not writing a novel here. What does it matter if it's a little cheesy? I've read far worse things on this site, but thank you for thoroughly pissing me off. Read something else if my work bothers you so much.

Anyway, hope you all enjoy this chapter! It's going to be dramatic! :)))

Kagome's POV

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Chapter Twelve: Decisions

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The early morning sun had just started its ascent into the sky. The pale pink of dawn highlighted the clouds, and the twitter of small birds echoed cheerily through the air.

It was going to be a beautiful day. I rested my arms on the railing of the gardens' bridge, trying to feel as tranquil as my surroundings. Hundreds of thoughts raced through my mind, but the most prominent was the conversation Sesshoumaru and I had had the previous evening.

Despite the fact that we were, for all intents and purposes, married, we still had separate rooms, and that was something Sesshoumaru wanted to rectify. Soon.

I, on the other hand, was not so eager. Our relationship was still too new, still blossoming. I wasn't naïve. I knew what married couples . . . did,and it was something I certainly wasn't ready for.

Not that Sesshoumaru wanted to do more than just sleep, but why tempt fate?

As I stood there, attempting to come to some sort of decision, I felt masculine fingers rest on my shoulders, and I smiled. Speak of the devil . . . or, rather, think of . . .

Warm breath brushed my ear when he whispered, "We really should stop meeting like this, Kagome."

I instantly froze. That voice . . .

Panicked, I jerked myself away from the hands that held me and spun to face the god who was not Sesshoumaru. "You . . . what . . ."

Kagutsuchi grinned, his fanged teeth gleaming menacingly. "I know. You're speechless at the sight of me. I am rather awe-inspiring."

My hands began to tremble, fear overriding every other sense. "You . . . you shouldn't be here. If Sesshoumaru were to find out . . ."

Kagutsuchi waved away my warning. "But he won't find out. Not after you've heard what I've come to tell you."

"Tell me?" I gaped at him. "What could you possibly have to tell me?"

"Perhaps tellis the wrong word." His unusual black eyes glittered, and his expression was gloating. "Perhaps warnwould be more appropriate." He stepped toward me, and I flinched back, unable to help myself. "You see, I've learned something since the last time we met, Kagome."

I forced myself to say, "And that would be what?"

Kagutsuchi's grin hadn't wavered and, if possible, his features turned even more smug. "Clearly, coming after you to get to Sesshoumaru was not my smartest move. I was lucky to escape with my life that night, to be honest." He frowned suddenly. "Never would I have thought Sesshoumaru would be so angry over a human." He spat the last word out like it was poison. "But I've seen the error of my ways. So, now I've decided on a different course of action." The grin was back full-force. "I'll go after Sesshoumaru to get to you."

I'd known he was crazy before, but now he was making no sense at all. "I'm failing to see how this will work for you."

"Of course you are. You do not understand the workings of our world." For a brief second, fierce rage clouded his face, but it was gone as quickly as it had come. "Which is yet another reason why you should not be here. At night," he started to explain, "Sesshoumaru has the advantage because there is no sun. During the day, however . . ." he trailed off and cast me an expectant look. "Which of us do you think is stronger?"

I knew he wouldn't go on until I answered, so I replied, "You are."

"Exactly, Kagome!" he exclaimed. I gave him an odd look. For someone so deranged, I thought, he sure does seem awfully . . . chipper, most of the time. "I am. So, here is what I have to propose. You will leave the gods' realm, alive and well and in one piece, or . . ." Kagutsuchi's voice became harsh, almost violent. His eyes turned wild, and his red mane of hair floated strangely in the air. "This time three days from now, I will rip Sesshoumaru limbfrom god-forsaken limb while you watch." He abruptly reached forward and caught my chin in an iron grip, forcing me to look at him. "I will bleed him dryand scorch his body black until there is nothing left. Unless . . ." To my surprise, he let me go, and his genial façade slid back into place, "you go home."

I was surprised I wasn't crying. "But . . . he'll never let me leave, Kagutsuchi. Not after he worked so hard to get me here."

The fire god shrugged. "Then don't tell him. You don't need him to go home." Kagutsuchi spread his arms and I watched in horrified fascination as fiery wings burst from his back. "Ask Chisaki. She'll be more than happy to help you. Well, it's been fun." He gave me another of his terrifying grins. "I really must be going now, though. Don't want to overstay my welcome." He took off toward the rising sun, pausing only to call back happily, "See you in three days, Kagome!"

I sank to my knees as soon as he was out of sight. Cradling my face in my palms, I tried my hardest not to cry.

I didn't know what to do. Should I tell Sesshoumaru what happened, or do as Kagutsuchi said and leave? I didn't want to endanger him. If what Kagutsuchi said was true, there was no way I could let Sesshoumaru fight him during the day. I refused to let him die.

Which left me only one other option . . .

I finally just let the tears fall.

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A/N: Thank you to everyone who took time to read this. Sorry about my venting in the first A/N. I've just been getting the same thing over and over and my patience is shot. If you would like to review, I would very much appreciate it. Thanks!