A/N: I'm sorry for the hiatus everyone. Real life hasn't been so great lately and I've pretty much lost all interest and enjoyment in writing… and everything else, actually. But I don't want to leave you guys hanging because you've been so wonderful, so I'm uploading two chapters today. I hope you enjoy them.

Kagome's POV

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Chapter Fifty-Three: Rumor

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"Today went rather well, don't you think?"

Sesshoumaru smirked at me and continued to pull the pins from my hair. "Depending on the observer, I would say it did go rather well."

I rolled my eyes. "You've no reason to complain. Kagutsuchi was civil, almost respectful, just like I asked."

"True, but that does not mean I'd enjoy having him as a frequent guest." His fingers tightened convulsively. "Do you forget, koishii, what he tried to do to you?"

"No," I whispered. Unbidden memories of his fist wrapped in fire flashed through my mind. "I could never forget."

"And that is all I want." He leaned forward so his lips grazed the shell of my ear. "He is a trickster, Kagome― a beast masquerading as a man, you could say. Be wary of him."

As I nodded, I suddenly heard shouts from beyond the confines of my room. I turned in surprise and jumped when the door slammed open. "Sesshoumaru-san!"

It was Rin, who looked disheveled and panicked. She sprinted into the room after hastily sliding my door closed. "Sesshoumaru-san," she said again in a harsh murmur. "I'm so sorry. I don't know how he found out, but he's coming. You must send her away.Now."

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed dangerously, and though I hadn't any idea what was happening, I felt fear coil in my stomach. "You are certain?"

"Yes!" Rin cried, and her anxiousness was in no way comforting. "Send Kagome-chan away before it's too late."

What?

I stood from where I was sitting and eyed my companions. "What is going on?"

Rin's dark gaze landed on me, pinning me, and her urgency was palpable. "You are in so much danger, Kagome-chan. You must leave here immediately, or I'm afraid the worst will come to pass."

"Is anothergod coming after me?!" I exclaimed. "Who is it?!"

She sighed, and I almost missed her quiet answer. "Akuma."

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A/N: Again, I'm so sorry I've been MIA. Hopefully I'll be able to get myself out of this funk soon :)