I had originally plained on quitting this one and leaving everyone hanging because I could not think up an decent ideas for continueing, but as it would appear my writters block did not last forever. I would like to thank everyone who has been reading my fanfic thus far! -bows- I thank you! -smiles- I hope that you find this next chapter worth the wait! But without further ado, I give you . . . the 5th chapter . . . !


Disclaimer: AGH! The world is upside down! I do not own Inuyasha, nor any of the characters within.

Chapter 5.

Kagome walked around town aimlessly for a couple of hours. She didn't know where she was going and didn't care much really. Kouga wouldn't bother again for the rest of this day. She knew that. So she was at least safe from him. By the time it was fully dark Kagome stopped where she was and looked up. She was standing in front of a house that looked familiar. It was Sango's. Kagome went into a crouch and run up into Sango's yard. She ran around back and stopped at the screen window that was just right above the ground. Quietly, Kagome undid the screws to the window with her demon claws and climbed into Sango's basement. She silently made her way to the back room where the spare guest bed was and opened the door. She tip-toed silently inside and shut the door after her. She had been here several times before and knew exactly where the bed was. Kagome walked up to the side of the bed and jumped onto it. She got under the covers after taking her shoes off and went to sleep. She had been walking for a couple of hours and was exhausted.

When morning came, Kagome crept back out the house after everyone had left and put the window back in, puting the screws back in. She then ran as fast as she could back to her house, where everyone had gone also and let herself in and went to the bathroom and took a shower and then got dressed for school. She then left and took all the back ways as swiftly as she could. Sometimes, Kouga would get to her before school even started.

She made it to school safely, and with ten minutes to spare. She walked into the courtyard and was immediatly met by Sango. She stared at her confusingly. Kagome's face turned bright red and she felt like she knew what Kouga had done to her yesterday. She spread her hands apart innocently.

Kagome: Ummm, yeah?

Sango: -in consipiratol whispers- Kagome, what where you doing sleeping in my house last night? Your lucky it was me that caught you and not my dad.

Kagome: -guiltily- Sango, I can explain...! I can...!

Sango: I'm not mad at you, Kagome. I'm just concerned. I know that you have a good reason.

Kagome: Can it wait till we get to your house after school? Please, Sango. I promise I'll tell you everything, just...can we wait till after school when we get to your house?

Sango looks at Kagome even more worried than she was before and nods her head somberly.

Sango: Sure, Kagome. We'll wait...

Sango almost didn't want to hear what happened to Kagome. She knew that it must have been something aweful to make Kagome break into her house at night and spend the night there. Thats why she left her there. Sango had never worried about another person as much as she worried about Kagome. She knew that her life was hard, and she also knew that she, Sango, was the only person who cared about her. Her and Miroku, but Kagome didn't allow Miroku to get emotionally close to her. She didn't know why that was, but knowing Kagome, it had to be a good reason. Sometimes she was sick with worry about Kagome.

The day passed as a blur for Kagome. She walked through it as if in a daze, not taking any notice of anything or anyone. Only at lunch did she interact with someone: Sango.

Inuyasha noticed that something was wrong with Kagome. She wasn't her usual mean and hateful self towards him. He wondered if it had anything to do with yesterday. Had Kouga cought up with Kagome and done something to her? But he had run away; or so he thought. Was it possible that Kouga has followed her scent? Or was it that she possibly felt bad that she had hurt his feelings? Was she feeling guilty? Naaaaah, it didn't seem like feeling guilty would be in her nature. But then again... Inuyasha pondered these thoughts during the day, and during lunch he tried to approach Kagome about it.

Inuyasha: Kagome?

She stared off into space and didn't seem to notice Inuyasha stitting beside her now.

Inuyasha: Ummm, Kagome?

She still didn't notice and so he tapped her on the shoulder and spoke her name again. For a moment Kagome remembered that dream she had yesterday in Kouga's house of rape, and recognition flashed accross her eyes. She turned and faced Inuyasha, her eyes glazed over.

Kagome: Yes, Inuyasha?

Inuyasha: Kagome, are you feeling...alright? You haven't been yourself today...

More of the dream flashed through Kagome's mind; Inuyasha had listened to her and left her abandoned. Literally, fed her to the wolves. Anger spread on her face like a wave, and she turned on Inuyasha like a rabid dog.

Kagome: What the hell do you care, Inuyasha! And even if you DID it's none of YOUR damn business! Who are you anyways! Your a NOBODY thats who, so leave me the hell alone!

Inuyasha was deeply hurt by this, though he couldn't explain why. He turned on her in a rage.

Inuyasha: Well excuse ME for caring, Kagome! I was only concerned for you, THATS all! You have no damned right to get so upset with ME over this! If I want to care about you, I WILL! And theres not a damned thing you can do about it! Though I don't even know WHY I bother with you in the first place! All you do is snap at me and be a rude bitch! If thats the way you want it, then FINE by ME!

Kagome couldn't believe her ears! First he said that he cared about her, after knowing her for only a day and then, THEN he had the nerve to cuss her out like that!

Kagome: Just hold on a minute, Inuyasha! Don't you speak to ME like that! Don't you dare! You barely even KNOW me, so how in the hell can you care about me! I do NOT need you to care OR worry what happens to me! And don't even THINK of calling me a bitch again, ya dumb ass mangey haired, ugly bastard! I don't want your sympathy, so keep it!

With that, she got up and stormed off in a huff. Sango and Miroku just watched and listened to this with an expression of utter shock, their mouths hanging open and there eyes as wide as saucers. They had never heard Kagome go off on anyone like that before! Miroku and Sango looked at each other for a moment and then stared at Kagome's retreating back, and then at Inuyasha, who had a look of fiurry on his face. Sango got up and ran after Kagome.

Sango found her friend in the bus loop sitting behind one of the pillars. She walked infront of her and went down to her level. The Demon Exterminator looked at the Hanyou in concern.

Sango: Kagome, why did you snap at Inuyasha like that? He was only worried about you...

Kagome sniffled and looked at Sango, tears streaming from her eyes as she thought of the mean things she said to Inuyasha, and then what Kouga had done to her the previous night.

Kagome: I...I...don't...know why.

Kagome knew exactly why and put her head down again. Her body shuddered from holding back tears and from lying to her best friend. She spoke through her tears.

Kagome: I'm sorry...I wish I hadn't...I just don't know why...

Sango sighed and looked at the sidewalk as she tried to think of something. She could think of nothing that could help her friends current mood. She decided to change the subject.

Sango: -brightly- Hey! You still coming to my house after school today?

Kagome rubbed her eyes and looked at Sango. She sniffled loudly and rubbed her nose.

Kagome: Sure...

She said between sniffels. Sango patted her knee and said with enthusiasim.

Sango: Great! I can't wait, I'm dying to know what happened. And plus we'll have fun! You need to take your mind off things for a while...it'll getcha down, and we can't have that!

Kagome sighed and mentally rolled her eyes. 'She's being too cheerful! I gotta get away...' She thought reflectively. Kagome got an idea.

Kagome: Hey, Sango...I...I have to go, I need to...I need to go practice. I'll see ya after school okay?

Sango's eyes fell and she looked a bit disappointed, but said nothing to let on how she felt.

Sango: Yeah, sure...after school then...

Kagome got up, dried her eyes on her sleeve and headed towards the band room.

Kagome sat in the first chair of the flute section on the left side of the podium. She had her flute out, up to her lips as she played a lilting piece; it was sad and beautiful, especially when Kagome played it. She had natural good tone with any instrument. Kagome moved with the music, moving slightly back and forth with the rythme. Her fingers glided over the keys as she read the music, keeping time with her foot. Siciliano was the name of it, a favorite of hers. It moved her soul everytime she played it. It reminded her of her past: the distant and the not so distant. When she was done, she rested the flute in her lap and wiped the tears away. 'Oh, Inuyasha...it was terrible! I was terrible. I'm sorry...I'm so sorry. I don't know why I did that...why I get like that sometimes.' She erased those thoughts from her mind as she moved to another piece. Playing music, on any instrument always made Kagome feel better. It was like her soul was the notes; she became a part of the music and for a short time, everything was right in the world; nothing could get her down when she played, and nothing bothered her, especially not Kouga. He wasn't in band, so he wasn't allowed in the room. Finally the bell for lunch was over, so she put up her flute and went to her next class, the Demon Power and Fighting Training class.

"Today class we are going to spar with one another, once I have shown you a few new moves. Kouga, will you come up here please?" Said Sensei Chang as he motioned for Kouga to come to the front. Kouga walked up to the sensei, faced him and bowed. When he straightened up, he quickly looked over at Kagome, who was staring at him in contempt. Inuyasha noticed the look that Kouga gave Kagome. He winked at her, and then gave her a disere-filled look. Kagome made a spitting motion at him. Inuyasha watched this exchange with interest, narrowing his eyes. He could tell that something was up. 'I wonder if Kouga got a hold of Kagome after I left yesterday...?' Inuyasha thought. The exchange between Kagome and Kouga made him very suspicious.

He taught them how to focus demon attacks that are flung at ones opponent at another with precision and accuracy, and how to use an attackers larger size to ones advantage. Kouga couldn't help with the second one, he had no moves like that. He didn't have as much power as the dog hanyou's did. After the sensei finished, Kouga walked back over to his two cronies, and Inuyasha walked up to the instructor. "Sensei, I would like to spar with Kouga, if thats alright with you." "Kouga? Well, if that is what you wish Inuyasha. Then you will be spar with him. Kouga! You are to spar with Inuyasha." He replied and then called across the room. Kouga looked back at the sensei startled. 'The puppy wants to fight with me, huh? Well if a fight is what he wants, then a fight he'll get!' Kouga thought as he walked out onto the mat.

Inuyasha and Kouga bowed to each other and then the sensei told them the rules.

"FIGHT!" Shouted the sensei as he backed away from the mat quickly.

Inuyasha rushed at Kouga, balling up his fist, "RRRRRAAA!" He growled as he thrust his fist forward. Kouga lept into the air, pushing off Inuyasha's head with his feet and fists. Inuyasha pushed back to keep from falling foward and spun around and charged at Kouga as he landed behind him. Again he struck out with a fist saying, "What the hell did you do to Kagome yesterday, Kouga!" Kouga smirked as he lept back throwing a punch at Inuyasha, "I don't know what your talkin' about, mutt face!" Inuyasha threw an upper-cut when Kouga dodged the other one, and through gritted teeth he said, "The HELL you don't, wolf! Tell me!" Kouga fell backwards, but landed on his feet, and leaps forward at Inuyasha. "Take this! MUTT!" He shouted as he came down out of the air feet first aiming for Inuyasha's head. Inuyasha lept backward, then forward again once Kouga landed. The hanyou thrust his fist out once Kouga landed completely and barely caught him on the side of his face, "Kagome was awefully upset when she came to school today, and I could smell you on her! So don't even think of lying to me, jerk!" Kouga fell backwards and Inuyasha lept up into the air, aiming his feet at Kouga's middle. Kouga scrambled to his feet and took a small jump back then came forward again once Inuyasha landed and punched Inuyasha twice, once on each side of his face. "Well it doesn't matter what I did to Kagome, cause theres nothin' you can do about it, whelp!" Kouga replied, smirking as he hit Inuyasha. "WHAT!" Inuyasha growled in rage.

"You heard me, puppy! There ain't nothin' you can do about it!" Kouga smirked. Inuyasha faked a punch to the right and when Kouga blocked, he struck him full in the face with his left, knocking Kouga down. "Why you--" Kouga started. He came at Inuyasha, both fists raised. Inuyasha caught a fist in each hand and they stood nose-to-nose, Inuyasha gripping Kouga's fists in his hands. "Why do you even care about Kagome, anyways mutt! You only met her a few days ago! Can you even say you know her!" Kouga said, pushing hard on Inuyasha, his biceps bulging from the effort. Inuyasha was taken aback from the questions. Why did he care about Kagome so much? Why? He asked himself. With the doubt, Kouga began to take a step forward, pushing Inuyasha back, and then another and another. Inuyasha, whos face was the picture of hurt and confusion and questioning, suddenly changed to that of an angry rabid dog and started to push Kouga back while saying, "What does it matter when I met her! It's part of human nature to care about others! Pah! But you wouldn't know anything about that would, you wolf? Your a youkai! Not a trace of human blood or feeling in your body!" Inuyasha growled savagely as he took four more steps, pushing Kouga back. This comment seemed to make the youkai even angrier than he was before and he leaned in to Inuyasha and bashed his skull against the hanyou's, putting him off balance. For a split second Inuyasha loosened his grip on Kouga's fists and Kouga broke free, leaping into the air and spin-kicking Inuyasha in the face.

Inuyasha went down hard and was about to get back up when Kouga smashed one foot down hard on Inuyasha's chest, holding him there. The youkai wolf demon leaned down in Inuyasha's face and growled his distaste to the 'young pup.' "And why would I want any human blood in me, hanyou! So I could be weak like you and Kagome and every other hanyou out there! Give in to my emotions! Have a night where I am prone to all things that humans go through! Pah! I think not, foolish Inuyasha!" Kouga spat the last part in disgust. Inuyasha was furios by this and was about to make a come-back.

Suddenly the sensei started to clap his hands, followed by all the rest of the class. "Very good, very good Kouga and our newest student, Inuyasha!" The sensei remarked to them, smiling broadly as he approached the students on the mat. The sensei helped Inuyasha to his feet as he said, "That was a very spirited fight, you two! Very exciting!" He said approvingly. Kouga moved to stand beside Inuyasha and they both bowed their respect to their sensei as they thanked him. "Thank you, sensei."

Just then the bell for class to be over rang. The sensei walked away and Inuyasha stared hard at Kouga for a second, his anger boiling. Before the wolf demon could walk away, Inuyasha grabbed his arm and brought his face inches from his and sneered at him, "This is far from over, Kouga!" Kouga jerked himself free and dusted himself off. He looked coolly into Inuyasha's as he replied, "No, I'm sure it isn't insolent pup. But for now, yes. Yes it is over. I can assure you." Kouga winked broadly at Inuyasha and then walked off.

Once more, Inuyasha caught up with Kouga and grabbed his arm. "After school. Meet me at the dump, where we won't be disturbed! We'll settle this fight once and for all." Kouga sneered at Inuyasha and jerked free. He walked off to his next class without a single backwards look and didn't even think twice.


Thats it for the 6th chapter! -takes a bow- Adue! (sp! xD)