Wow, 2006! This story must've been one of your first ones. Maybe even your first AU?
Omg, you can even make a voice sound sexy. Smooth & masculine. Mmmmmm.
I love InuYasha's character already. Starting the day with a joke - what an awesome thing to do!
I was kinda expecting them to never meet - or meet at the end of the fic. Lead up to it longer like in 'The Shop Around the Corner' or 'You've Got Mail'. Guess that shows I can't predict your fanfics!
How cute that they're both excited to finally meet each other =) Kagome is too cute when she's freaking out about her looks. InuYasha's gonna be floored no matter what.
Hahaha, Kouga is clueless about those two being phone buddies. At least he's not a creep like in other fics. I was a little worried when his name popped up. But I guess since InuYasha is friends with him, he wouldn't be a bad guy.
Holy smokes, what a plot twist!!!
I take back every nice thing I said about Kagome. InuYasha doesn't deserve her! How can she be doing this?? But on a quick side note, I love InuYasha's old-fashioned expression "best girl" Harks back to a more chivalrous time.
Humph. I think Sango was too quick to forgive her.
Well, now that Kagome has suffered enough, I'm pleased to hear that she'll be given a second chance. Everyone deserves that.
I like that line: "a smile on her face and a plan in her heart." Very cheerful and optimistic.
Maybe I'm misreading this, but it seems like Kikyo knew about those two and is trying to play matchmaker in her own weird way.
Lol, I didn't expect Sango to be in on this either! Those sneaky girls. I'm glad Kagome & InuYasha had their little cupids to help ease their situation and get them back on track.
I absolutely love the way you end your scenes! The kiss was very sweet, but it was Sango & Kikyo's bit at the end that brought a huge smile to my face. I love those unexpected comedic lines you throw in.
Great story! I'm so glad those two found such a powerful love that can transcend any obstacle and make it obsolete.

Author's Response: Another great review -thanks so much! I had a feeling you were commenting as you read, lol. I said, "She doesn't know about InuYasha yet..." Then I read, "Plot twist!" LOLOL. This actually isn't my first AU. I tarted writing in June, 2005. I had quite a bit of stuff under my belt by the time I did this one (I was reeeeeally prolific at that time). But still, this is one of my faves and one of my longest oneshots. It's one of the few that stands the test of time -and where none of the usual suspects are the bad guys. :)

And now Inuyasha's beautiful yet sorrowful princess enters the story! She is going to be glad she went to the games when she spies him there. And btw, I LOVE one of your lines earlier in the chapter: "The bright, morning sun peeked over the clouds on the horizon and the gentle breeze, wafting through the air served as the exclamation point on what promised to be... The same old day!" It starts out beautiful and descriptive about a new, sunny day...only to emphasize Kagome's frustration about her place in the world. I could really feel her disappointment that although a new day has emerged, her life is out of her control. Poor girl! All she wants is a different life, but that choice isn't hers to make. Maybe she will find some happiness in using her position to help Inuyasha somehow...

Da Grrrl Says: Aww, thanks a bunch! I would really like to clean this story up grammatically, and maybe I will whenever I can find the time, but it\'s great to hear that it\'s appreciated despite its faults. Thank you very much for that! <3

Hmm, I wonder how Miroku is going to play in all this. At least he's made friends with Rin. That poor girl. Hang in there Rin! Sesh will kill your uncle for you! lol

Hahaha, I love that line: "Sesshomaru rolled his eyes in exasperation as he watched the imp pick himself up." That's so Jaken. Clumsy, eager to please and always good for a laugh. I'm glad he's in this fic, even if he's just for kicks.
Btw, great fight scene! I liked the unusual youkai they fought, especially the butterfly/snake creature. Where do you come up with this stuff? You've got such a creative mind. =) Keep it up, girl!

Hahaha, it wouldn't be good story if Miroku wasn't smacked at least once for asking girls to bear his child.
And yay!!!! Kagome asked Inuyasha to be her champion! That part had me grinning like a fool =) I'm soooo glad that Inuyasha has something to hope for and someone to fight for now =D

Another great chapter!! Everyone is so happy right now...and plans are forming to rescue Inuyasha...things are going wonderfully! I loved Sesshoumaru's insight to IY and K's relationship, knowing that her parents are going to have a field day lol. Too bad he's right.
Things are going a little too smoothly though...not that I'm complaining. I LOVE this stuff. But knowing you, you're gonna throw in some complications for our favorite couple. But maybe that can be put off a little longer? Lol, I'll find out soon enough.

Da Grrrl Says: LOL. Yes, knowing me, one shouldn\'t get used to smooth sailing for too long! [Insert evil laugh] But I\'m so happy to hear that you\'re having a good time with this one. :D

LOL, Sesshoumaru was awesome in this chapter! First for teasing Rin, and second for patting "himself on the back for remembering silly ningen customs". I loved that part =) Too funny!
But I almost had a heart attack when I read that Naraku was doing his rounds early. I thought for sure he would make an ill-timed appearance during the escape! Thank goodness nothing happened. I can't wait to read about The Great Escape ^.^

All I can say is...darn you Kikyou for spoiling everything!!! *raises fist in the air*
Dang it InuGrrrl, another cliffhanger! I don't think there's a single chapter where I can safely stop reading without going crazy with curiosity! =)

Awesome, awesome, awesome chapter! I'm upset that IY got kidnapped, but soooo happy that Naraku got his just desserts. And that twist at the end...epic! I have no idea where this is headed, and I'm ecstatic over the fact. Btw, the fighting scene in this chapter was amazing! Beautifully written.

Da Grrrl Says: Thanks a bunch! <3 One day when I\'m less lazy (when will that ever come??) I\'ll clean this up and make it more presentable. But in the meantime, I\'m glad you\'re enjoying it anyway. ^_____^

Hmmm...Naraku is not mind-controlled…interesting. That can’t be good news for IY.
I know this isn’t an important part of the story, but I’d like to add that I think having Sess’s furniture carved with crescent moon symbols is really ingenious. I’ve never read anything like that family crest idea. I like it; it’s so fitting.
I have to admit, when I first started this fic, I did not expect it to go in this direction. I thought most of the chapters would focus on the arena and gladiators. But it seems our silver-haired Spartacus has been captured by an evil witch, and now it’s up to the princess to save him! I did not foresee that one. But nothing like a little unpredictability to keep you on your toes, right? :P

I didn’t think that there was a way out of that mess, but I’m glad I was wrong. I had given up all hope because I thought for sure that his human and hanyou sides were completely subdued. But true love finds a way, ne?
I was so happy and a song came to mind at that moment: ding dong the wicked witch is dead (from the wizard of oz). But I jumped to conclusions >.< Guess she’ll have to live another day.
But thank you for putting Kirara in the story!!! That cat is so adorable.

Awww I'm really enjoying this new romance between Shiori and Kinto. I'm glad those two made it out safely. IY is going to be so happy when he sees them.

How exciting - things are escalating on all fronts. This is so much fun to read! I don't know what I'm most anxious for - for IY and K to be reunited, for Sess and Rin to end their silly game of one-upping each other and fall in love already, or for Kikyou and Naraku to get their just desserts. So many angles! So many things to look forward to!