AN : Sorry for the hold up, guys. Thanks for all the reviews ! Oh man, I can't believe how long this fic is taking to finish :X . I'm working hard on Under the New Moon right now and I don't really have time for Long Time No See but I've decided to update both at the same time . Haha . Enjoy guys !

RECAP CHAP 22

"It's not that big of a deal," I said and stared back as him. "Everything is fine and-Mmhph!"

While I was trying to defend myself, Inuyasha had swept down for a kiss. I lifted my arms up and pushed against him but he had all his weight on the wall behind me and the fact that I hadn't been sleeping or eating properly lately didn't heklp either.

When he pulled away, there was silence and I could hear the students inside our class cease their chattering as Kaede-sensei announced the end of our break.

"I'm here for you, Kagome," Inuyasha reminded as he reached over for the door handle and slid it open. "Let's just not mess it all up this time around."

LONG TIME NO SEE – fallen-anqel

CHAPTER 23

Months had passed and the school year was coming to an end with summer break. I was still sad from the break-up but I realized that it just didn't do anybody any good. Crying would get me nowhere!

I quit going to the dojo, it just pained me too much to see Sesshoumaru everyday. I have Yuri, Jin, and Inuyasha with me; egging me on and supporting me in everything I do.

I'm still mad at Sango, and being the stubborn people we are, we are both too proud to apologize to each other. Inuyasha tells me that Sango and Miroku are going strong. Well, good for them!

An arm snaked its way around my shoulders and I looked up to see Inuyasha. He turned to face me and quickly placed a kiss on my forehead before turning back around.

Oh yeah, did I tell you that we're dating?

FLASHBACK

"Oh man, shut up, Kagome!" Inuyasha shouted. "It's not funny at all!"

I laughed. "Aw, poor baby."

"Damn straight!" He placed a hand on his forehead, feigning distress. "I could have died."

"Oh, I would have died without you," I added in my own dramatized voice.

We were at VIPizza, on our weekly Friday VIPizza Nights. I had made up with Inuyasha over the few months after the kiss. It was a bit awkward for a while but it all went back to normal and we were just like old chums.

"Kagome," Inuyasha said seriously.

"Hmm?" His voice didn't suit him at all.

"Do I have a chance?"

"Inuyasha-," I started.

"No, no, hear me out," he interrupted. I nodded in consent and sat back.

"I know that you are still hurting from Sesshoumaru," he said. "But can't you give me a chance? I promise that I won't let you get hurt ever again. Kami, Kagome. I just-."

"Okay."

"What?" Inuyasha looked up at me with wide, disbelieving eyes.

"I said okay." I smiled.

"A-alright then." Inuyasha smirked. "I knew you wouldn't be able to resist my tantalizing good looks."

"Don't get so big headed over there!" I laughed.

'I need to get my mind off him," I thought. 'Maybe this can work.'

END FLASHBACK

"You okay?" Inuyasha asked. "You look a bit lonely."

"I'm fine," I answered. "I think I'm gonna go home now."

"You want me to drive you?" he asked.

"Nah," I answered. "I think I'll just go home with Yuri."

"Good," he said. "Look, I have to go somewhere tonight. D'you think it's okay if today's Friday VIPizza Night is cancelled?"

I nodded, although it was a bit strange to cancel. We never missed one Friday Night since the ritual had started.

"Promise me that you'll go straight home." I turned to see him looking deep into my eyes.

"Sure," I replied. He leaned down and pecked me on the lips.

"Love you," he said and nuzzled my forehead.

"Love you too," I whispered, phasing out into my own little world.

OUTSIDE HOME

"This is my stop," I said. Yuri had driven me home from school. Today was the last day so everyone was a bit rushed in going home. It had taken me forever to find her.

"Stay home, Kagome, alright?" Yuri peered over at me from under her shades.

"Um… sure?" Something fishy was going on. "Why is everyone telling me to stay home today?"

"Haha, it's nothing," she answered casually. "Have fun!"

"You too." I got out of her car and didn't bother watching her drive off.

HOME

"Come on, Buyo," I said as I pushed him off the couch. "Stop being so lazy and go exercise or something!"

He stared at me and yawned before settling down on the floor and going back to sleep.

I sighed and flopped down on the couch. When did life get so boring?

Ever since I quit the gang, everything was just … so boring. -o-;;

No more parties, fights, hanging out … At lunch I just sat with Inuyasha. Everyone in the gang just … cut off all ties from me. Well, except Yuri and Jin.

Whenever I met eyes with Sesshoumaru, he just turned away. No sneer, snort, or even a glare. Just an emotionless face.

I learned to avoid him as he did me. I no longer looked to him when I spotted his stature in the hallway or caught his cologne in the wind. I had Inuyasha—that should be enough, right?

RING RING RING

"Moshi moshi?" I greeted as I picked up the phone.

"…"

"Moshi moshi?" I repeated. What was this? A prank call?

"If you ever want to see him again, come here."

"Who is this?" My body froze over. "Who are you talking about?"

"You'll find a box outside. Someone will be there to pick you up in an hour. Tell no one or he dies." With that, the person hung up.

"What the …" I muttered before walking to the door.

Sure enough, there was a white box outside. Looking around, I saw no one and simply picked up the box before quickly walking inside.

ROOM

I set the box down on the table before me and contemplated on what to do. I was scared out of my mind.

'Who was he talking about? Souta? Inuyasha? … Sesshoumaru?'

I shook my head. "Let's open the box, already."

Opening it up, I gasped. It was a gorgeous, slinky dark blue dress. Next to it was a black cloth mask embellished in little roses and doilies that covered one's eyes. It even came with slick, new black pumps and black silk gloves.

It didn't take me long to decide on what to do.

'I'm going.'

ONE HOUR LATER

I was sitting around my living room, contemplating on whether or not I was doing the right thing.

'The others probably knew about this,' I decided.

"No wonder they were telling me to stay home … but I'm too curious to leave it all alone."

There was knocking on the door.

I approached it and looked out the peephole. It was one of Naraku's cronies.

'So it was him!' I thought. 'What could he possibly want with me?'

I opened the door. "Yes?"

"Come with us, Kagome-sama."

"Hai."

AUTHOR'S POV

NARAKU'S MANSION : Sesshoumaru's Side

"What is this?" Kazuya asked. He was wearing a tuxedo and a black mask, like all the other guys there.

"I don't like this," Yuri said as she stood next to Sesshoumaru. "Inuyasha's here too." Her red dress fluttered with the movement of her arms.

"I've noticed," Sesshoumaru stated.

They had all received an invitation to a Masquerade of sorts. Apparently, so had Inuyasha's gang.

It was very formal and sophisticated. There was wine to the side and little cocktail treats. Naraku had yet to make an appearance but his cronies lurked behind every corner. They were in Naraku's ballroom, sticking to their own sides with some mingling on the dance floor.

To the right was a poker table and many were gambling while they waited for their host.

"What are you planning, Naraku?" Sesshoumaru muttered before he took a sip of wine.

NARAKU'S MANSION : Inuyasha's Side

"Where is he?" Inuyasha fret as he nervously bounced his foot.

"Chill," Miroku said as he gulped down his wine. "We're here to relax and have fun! Loosen up, Yasha."

"Don't be stupid, Miroku," Inuyasha said. "Why were we all invited here? There has to be some reason …."

Just then, the lights dimmed and the spotlights went onto the top of the ballroom stairs.

NARAKU'S MANSION : Naraku's Side

"Welcome, all," Naraku greeted. "Many of you must be wondering why you have all been called to my humble abode."

He smirked. "It is a widely known fact that there are three gangs in this territory. And I was thinking—why do we have to share this land? So let this be the night where we decide it all.

"Tonight, only one side will win."

Immediately, there was uproar.

"I didn't come here for this bull!" Inuyasha shouted.

"What'dya mean 'one side will win'!"

"Settle down!" Naraku ordered, his voice booming above all other. "We wouldn't want anyone to get hurt now."

Suddenly, there was clacking all around them as metal bars slunk down from the ceiling, covering all the exits and windows.

"What the hell is this—a lockdown!"

"This is what he wanted …" Sesshoumaru laughed and started to clap.

"Bravo!" he clapped on. There was silence as people stared at him.

"Nice try, Naraku," he explained. "But I see no reason in you doing this. You can't make us do anything. I refuse to take part in this nonsense."

It was Naraku's turn to laugh. "Do you honestly think that I am that foolish, Sesshoumaru?"

"We have a guest that has decided to stop by. By all means, enjoy yourselves as we wait for her arrival. The party has just begun!"

Classical music poured through the speakers and slowly, the sophisticated atmosphere came back. However, everyone was tense and alert.

What was he trying to do? What guest?

"What are we going to do?" Kazuya asked.

"Wait," Sesshoumaru answered curtly.

The minutes ticked by and everyone grew impatient. Suddenly, Naraku stood from his seat at the front of the room and climbed up the stairs.

"Here she is," he said as a girl hesitantly stepped into the room.

He wrapped an arm around her waist and escorted her downstairs. She was beautiful, her dark blue dress hugging her body and her hair swept up with stray tendrils framing her face. Bright brown eyes shined through the holes of her mask as her lips gathered into a nervous smile.

"Hi guys," she said hesitantly.

"Kagome!" Everyone from Sesshoumaru's gang got up with a start as the Yasha gang followed in suit.

"What are you doing here?" Yuri shouted.

Inuyasha took a few steps toward her. "Let her go you—,"

"Not so fast," Naraku warned as he pulled a knife out of his tuxedo jacket and placed it on Kagome's neck.

Everyone tensed and they all glared at the figure before them.

"Let the games begin." Naraku smirked.

FIN CHAPTER

AN: Haha . That only took too long -o-;; . The next chapter will be the last one you guys ! Stay tuned and review ! Swing by my other fics too !