Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

Author's Note: Well, it's been some time... I think I have a legitimate excuse, but I doubt you want to hear it. Anyways, I hope you enjoy! Thank you for all the support!


Nerves crawled up and down her skin. Kagome felt her hold on her center return and she gasped in shock. Her head swarmed with fog, and the earth seemed to somehow tilt. Her steps faltered a bit, not enough to fall completely, but she wagered she looked like a flailing drunk. Capturing her last wobbles, she stood straight and grit her teeth.

Naraku, you...!

She narrowed her honey eyes in realization. The bastard had taken over! It was not until she left Naraku's castle that she felt her grip on herself begin to loosen. She knew that she had given Naraku some control back there, but he didn't even say anything, did not hint at all, that he would steal all her control. On this note, Kagome started to bite her lip. If he had done that, what else could he do?

"Hey! What are ya' waiting for? I don't have all day."

Kagome felt like a whip had hit her spine and she was rigid.

That voice...

Inuyasha!

The roughness, the natural way it held an aggresive bite, it was all so familiar. Kagome's heart squirmed uncomfortably in her chest like a caterpillar itching to move, she let out a feathery breath. Her hand began to make its way to the hurting spot, but in her grasp was something unexpected.

A bow? What am I...Oh. Right. The task he asked. But the blood...why so much blood?

Naraku had hurt him. She felt her muscles constrict. Her eyes focused on the half-demon, trying to identify the wound. In his arm, her mouth went dry, blood was slowly pouring out. The honey irises flicked to the bloody arrow that had been tossed to the side. Kagome couldn't help the watering in her eyes.

Oh, Inuyasha.

Are we encountering problems, my dear Kagome?

Kagome stiffened. She wasn't pleased, but more importantly, Inuyasha had come closer. Not even five feet away, Kagome felt the air close in on her. She could smell Inuyasha's distinctive clean, fresh scent. Her eyebrows shot up in surprise.

Along his white, cotton scent was another scent she recognized even more.

Has he actually missed me?

Intermingled within his scent was the smell of spiced cider. A homey smell, she realized, the fragrance her mother burned in their house almost daily. Her eyes widened.

He's visited my house. My mom. My brother.

"Hey, are you okay? Wench, talk!"

Kagome was beyond words. She could not comprehend the situation. Had she been so bent on revenge, on hate (she shuddered at the word), that she forgot her own family? And then Inuyasha approaching her so closely, everything was so confusing.

The snow-haired half-demon actually had the nerve to touch her, shaking her for a response. His hands, through the cloth she wore, felt warm and pleasing to her body.

She uttered a hollow, "No." The response was directed to both Naraku and Inuyasha. Looking up at Inuyasha's golden orbs, Kagome studied them with interest. They glimmered against the sunlight, flashing confusion and annoyance. Through those emtions, she saw worry. Having him so close, she closed her eyes in comfort.

Inuyasha, you are so worried for a stranger, but for me? Do you worry for me? Do you lov-

Kagome, have you forgotten?

Naraku's words rang harshly, a tremorous timber to them. If she was the wiser, she would say that he was jealous. But the thought was ridiculous. As ridiculous as Inuyasha ever caring for her.

Kagome chuckled.

No, Naraku. I haven't.

Tightening her grip on her bow, she aimed it's heel for Inuyasha's abdomen. His eyes caught it and he began to fasten his hand on her wrist. All the while, she used a fast reflex and blithely grabbed an arrow with her fingers. Mutely, she pinned it with a numb hand in his body. It penetrated the red robe he wore as well as his skin, and came out soundly from his back.

"What the-" Inuyasha choked. Kagome decided to leave him with the arrow and threw him off her. He landed on the grass with a groan. She let out a held in breath.

I wouldn't be surprised if you don't figure it out anytime soon, Inuyasha. Maybe the arrow will jog your memory. Guess, please.

Kagome walked off, entering Naraku's presence and power. She could feel him more strongly as his smooth voice entered her mind.

I'm surprised.

She didn't answer, just smirked. He continued.

I did not think you could do it. Not the first try, I admit.

Impressed?

Don't get ahead of yourself.

Kagome laughed out loud, as it held the innocent notes it always did. The laugh died down as Kagome thought seriously, her eyes flat.

One thing I have to say Naraku.

Speak, Kagome.

It came out vicious, and growled. Anger rolled off in waves.

Don't you ever lay a hand on Inuyasha again. He is mine, I am his opponent, and I forbid you to touch him or so help me.

She felt Naraku's presence flare for a moment, the quietness stretched, and Kagome still waited. Her face remained impassive.

Of course, my Kagome.

All is well then.

She smiled, her dimples accentuating her cheeks, and Kagome disappeared from Inuyasha's view as Naraku's power swallowed her whole, vanishing her from his sight.


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