A mark was left proudly on the tree.

If only Aguri was here to see this, Kagome thought excitedly as she retrieved her arrow.

Suddenly, applause surrounded her and she turned in surprise to see the dojo cleaners cheering. Embarrassed, Kagome smiled and bowed. She'd been practicing every day for about two weeks and her arrow finally made it to the base of the tree. Her eyes scanned the small crowd before her eyes landed on familiar calm, gray orbs. As if on cue, Aguri pushed through his fellow crew members and walked towards her. Kagome happily met him halfway. Before she could ramble about her progress, Aguri placed his hand on her head.

"Good job, Kagome," he said sincerely, his eyes twinkling. "You're a fast learner."

"You're a great teacher!" Kagome replied earnestly, a slight blush dusting her cheeks. Ever since InuYasha had basically turned her down, Kagome realized that it wasn't meant to be. InuYasha was in love with Kikyo, and Kikyo was in love with him. Kagome had always been a lower class compared to InuYasha, it'd been stupid of her to expect something more. She felt herself being drawn more and more to Aguri, however. They shared interests, they were compatible, and she truly felt that she was his friend. "Honestly, I never would've realized my love for archery without you. Thanks, Aguri."

He smiled, his face brightening beautifully. "You're welcome."

"Oi!" Another voice yelled. All heads turned to see InuYasha standing in the doorway of the dojo. He held up a cloth that had dust on it. "What's this?" he growled, locking eyes with Chuusuke.

Chuusuke bowed and explained, "We began cleaning the dojo but were distracted by Kagome. She truly is an amazing sight while practicing."

"She's an amazing sight in general," another member mumbled but he was soon elbowed when they saw InuYasha's murderous look.

Kagome, who hadn't heard, smiled to InuYasha and bowed respectfully. A look of regret briefly crossed his face before it disappeared as Kagome stood straight once more. Nudging Aguri, she suggested, "You should go back over there." He nodded and rejoined the others.

"Well, get back to work!" InuYasha barked, his moody tone leaving no place for nonsense. Chuusuke and his men immediately filed back into the dojo after InuYasha had moved to the side and were soon polishing weapons and racing across the floor with cloths. Kagome was prepared to go inside the dojo to make it back inside the palace, but InuYasha stood in her way. Awkwardly, Kagome looked at the grass.

"I have to check on Souta," she mumbled, unable to meet InuYasha's eyes.

"They're cleaning right now," InuYasha answered readily, as if he'd had this excuse planned out.

Kagome's eyebrow twitched. "Then wouldn't it be better for me to go in now and not when they're done?"

InuYasha didn't answer. He hadn't thought about her reply. Ever since he'd hugged Kagome in her room, she'd been distant from him. And he wanted the exact opposite to happen. His feelings had only intensified over the course of two weeks, to the point where he needed to purposefully create opportunities to see Kagome. But she was never happy when with him anymore. It pained him beyond comprehension. "Kagome, what's wrong?" he finally asked, his resolve dropping. He was desperate; he needed to know. "You've been acting strange."

Kagome flinched, her eyes dulling for a moment as she recalled something. "Nothing, Onii-chan." There was no reply. Summoning her courage, she looked up into his eyes, before nearly losing her train of thought. It'd been so long since she'd looked directly into his beautiful golden eyes. They were vibrant and showed all of his emotions. She looked at the hurt in his eyes with surprise. Why was he upset? Her chest tightened. I never thought I'd be the cause of InuYasha looking at me like that. Fully prepared to push past him, Kagome tried to get inside the dojo before a clawed hand grabbed her arm.

Looking back, Kagome waited to hear InuYasha say something. Anything.

InuYasha looked down to where his hand met her arm before dropping her limb quickly. Kagome watched as InuYasha's vulnerable state vanished before her eyes. His gaze hardened and she could feel his brash aura returning. "I told you not to go in there," he snapped, his eyebrows furrowing. Kagome ignored the disappointment nestling deep in her chest as she stuck her tongue out at him.

"I need to make sure Souta's okay!" Kagome turned back around to see the entire dojo cleaning crew staring at them. The dojo was spotless; it seemed as if they'd finished cleaning a while ago. "They're already done!" Kagome stepped inside and ran across the dojo floor before quickly slipping on her shoes and disappearing out of sight. She stopped running and stood in the hallway, her hand flying up to smack her forehead. "I act like such a child," she whispered, "I'm nothing like Kikyo."

She heard footsteps approaching at a fast pace. Kagome was really not in the mood for InuYasha, but even she couldn't stop the small hopefulness that he had chased after her. But when she smelled the scent of weaponry touched her nose, she knew it wasn't who she'd hoped it was. Turning, her eyes widened when she was face to face with Chuusuke. "Chuusuke?"

"Kagome, why do you want to be like Kikyo?" he asked curiously, his eyes a mixture of confused and pitying. "And what was that ordeal with Lord InuYasha?"

Demon hearing, Kagome thought in frustration before sighing. "It's nothing, Chuusuke."

"You know Lord InuYasha cares for you very much, right?" Chuusuke continued gently, his hand reaching up to squeeze Kagome's shoulder.

He might care but he doesn't love, Kagome thought irritably. "Of course he does. He's watched over me since I was seven."

"That's not what I—"

"Sis!" Souta yelled from down the hallway, his legs a blur as he ran over to Kagome. "I was looking everywhere for you!"

"Sorry, Souta," Kagome replied, gazing fondly down at her brother. "Bye, Chuusuke," she dismissed, and his hand fell from her shoulder as she turned and walked away with Souta. "Did you eat anything today?"

Souta nodded. "Before Aguri left to clean the dojo he dropped off some breakfast and dessert." Souta mischievously smiled before he feigned a nonchalant look. "But I think he was looking for you." Kagome smiled, ignoring the way her heart fluttered. "He looked all over the room while talking to me, but he thought I didn't notice. He's a really relaxed dude." Souta nodded back to the direction of the dojo. "I think he found you, though."

"By coincidence!" Kagome whined, not liking the way her brother was implying the impossible. "We're just friends! We don't see each other like that!"

"Oh, please," Souta rolled his eyes. "Only you would be so dense." Souta shrugged. "You learned it from the best, after all."

Kagome furrowed her brows. "Who?"

Souta merely sighed before he suddenly stopped walking. Eyes wide, he frantically looked around causing Kagome to look at him worriedly. His face paled considerably as a rough chill raked through his body. He breathed deeply as if trying to recover from this strange moment. "K-Kagome, did you feel that?" he managed to ask. Kagome shook her head vigorously before a horrible sensation crawled underneath her skin. Looking up, Kagome glanced around before gleaming red eyes quickly disappeared, followed by long, greasy black hair. Immediately, Kagome was warped into her memory of when she was first taken into the palace.

Opening her watery eyes, she watched her blood drip onto the stainless floor, maids following them to wipe up each and every drop. She watched in horror as demons everywhere gathered to witness the intruders. Some were surprised, some mocking her, some angry and flexing their claws, and others just shaking their head. But there was one person, his hair as black as midnight, looking at her with a neutral expression, before he turned and walked away.

That was him. Kagome was sure of it. Scared, she grabbed Souta and pulled him close. Why was he watching them so closely? How long had he been doing it? Why was it that she and her brother could feel his presence? As her thoughts became more and more jumbled, a searing pain suddenly stung her chest. Holding back a scream, she looked down to see her fragment of the Desired Jewel gleaming unlike it had ever done before. He wants my fragment, Kagome realized, her face too draining of color. He knows what my jewel is.

-.-/,/.-././.~~~~

She couldn't stand it.

Kagome helplessly rocked back and forth on the floor of her room. It'd been hours but she and Souta were still shaken up as they basically locked themselves in their room. It was tearing Kagome apart not being able to consult InuYasha about this. Sesshomaru had been very busy lately, so she wasn't sure if she'd be welcomed. "Does Sesshomaru even know this man is living under the palace's roof?" she whispered, thoroughly confused. If Sesshomaru wanted to ensure that the jewel wouldn't impact everyone's lives negatively, why would he keep such a valued object close to those who want it?

"When entering the village, obey the village," Souta answered half-heartedly as he turned slightly from his position at the window. "That man wouldn't dare defy Lord Sesshomaru while he's here. He probably knows what the man is after, so keeping him out of the palace would make it easier for him to take your fragment."

Unsure, Kagome lifted her head to look at her brother. "But he could just walk right up to me and take it!"

"Would you let him?" Souta fired back, causing Kagome to fall silent. "And he wouldn't make it five feet before InuYasha got to him."

Kagome sighed. "Are you sure about that?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Souta finally faced her fully, a confused expression on his face. "InuYasha always been there for us!" An unreadable expression took over Kagome's visage. "Kagome, you can't just throw away ten—almost eleven—years just because of this stupid misunderstanding." Kagome childishly turned her head. "You placed the distance between you and InuYasha. Did you ever tell him how you felt?"

"He wouldn't take me serious anyway," Kagome pouted, but that just ignited Souta's anger.

"When did you become so selfish?!" Souta asked, his eyebrows furrowing. "We might be in danger, but you refuse to tell InuYasha about it because you're scared you'll fall in love with him again! If you ever stopped loving him, that is."

Kagome flinched. Her brother had always been accurate in his assumptions. "InuYasha is happily involved with Kikyo! I'll just be a burden," she whined, trying to make Souta see her point of view. "Souta, my feelings were becoming too strong. I needed to distance myself."

Souta sighed in exasperation and turned in defeat. He was truly convinced that his sister was an idiot. "Kagome," he said slowly, his patience thinning. "Just go talk to InuYasha, please." A slight pause. "I'm sure he's waiting for you."

Kagome watched as her brother refused to face her. It seemed she was the younger sibling in this scenario. She had always worried over Souta, since he was born. She'd been a fool to think it'd be that way forever. Her brother would grow aware sooner or later; he would worry over her as well. He was constantly thinking of her wellbeing, and finding out that his sister was the holder of a frequently sought out jewel probably impacted him more than he let on. Guiltily, Kagome said, "I'm sorry, Souta. Thank you." She smiled, her hand reaching up to grasp her necklace. "It'll be okay. Hatsuren definitely left me with this for a reason. Please don't doubt her."

Getting up, Kagome determinedly left the room and set on finding InuYasha. A little upset she couldn't sniff him out, she looked around the lower level before contemplating whether she should go upstairs. As she walked towards the first step, something stopped her. Turning abruptly, she ran down the hall, ignoring the looks she got. Excitedly, she pushed open the doors to the garden upon arrival and shivered from the chilly air. The sun was along the horizon, deep oranges and reds streaking the sky. Walking across the grass delicately, Kagome was focused solely on the patch of red visible from the sakura tree path.

Nearing the shrine quietly, Kagome observed the hunched figure of InuYasha as he knelt and silently prayed. She vaguely remembered the hurt look he'd given her earlier that day. She was scared to near him. She felt that every word uttered to him from her mouth was a betrayal to Kikyo. As she prepared to back away, Souta's words echoed in her mind.

I'm sure he's waiting for you.

Kagome planted her feet and allowed her guard to drop. He'd surely sensed her by now; he was leaving it up completely to her whether she would approach or not. Kagome inched forward, her arms lifting timidly. She knelt behind him and before she knew what she was doing, she had his hair divided into three sections. She braided slowly, her cheeks flushing. Why couldn't I just hug him like a normal person?

If InuYasha was surprised, he didn't show it. "What are you doing, Kagome?" he muttered grumpily, and Kagome grinned at the familiarity of his tone. "I'm not working right now."

Kagome continued braiding leisurely, her happiness threatening to overflow. She truly loved InuYasha. "I was looking for you," she answered honestly, not wanting to announce the reason why yet. "I wasn't that nice to you this morning."

InuYasha snorted.

"I got a little snarky," she admitted. "I'm sorry for calling you onii-chan." Kagome bit her lip. "I've never thought of you as an older brother."

InuYasha stiffened and Kagome stopped braiding. It was silent between them before InuYasha tried to speak. "Um—"

"I've thought of you as an oji-san," Kagome blurted before her hands flew to her mouth. InuYasha's shoulders sagged and Kagome worriedly poked him. "InuYasha?"

InuYasha turned slightly and Kagome gasped at how his face was void of all emotion. "Am I that old?"

Kagome turned red all over before shaking her head vigorously. "No, you're very young!" Her voice squeaked. InuYasha seemed unconvinced, and Kagome began to ramble. "You're very handsome and good-looking. Oh wait, those words mean the same thing. Your face isn't old at all; it's actually quite chiseled. Not as chiseled as Sesshomaru's though. Your eyes don't have wrinkles—well, they do when you laugh— and…" Kagome stopped in horror as she looked at InuYasha's wide eyes. "You're not an oji-san, okay? Hmph!" Standing up, she tried to scramble the rest of her dignity and leave quickly.

She expected InuYasha to pull her back, but he didn't. Instead, she heard a chuckle before a full-out guffaw sounded behind her. Embarrassed, Kagome didn't bother to turn around. She could just picture how InuYasha looked at the moment. Face red, fangs fully visible, tears welling in his eyes as his mouth stretched wide to laugh. Succumbing to her curiosity, Kagome turned. InuYasha was laughing freely, almost as if he was forcing it out. He'd been solemn for so long; this was his much needed outlet. "Anyone would think you're in love with me," he managed to say, his laughter dying. Kagome stood still, her emotions conflicting. This was the perfect opportunity. All she had to do was let him know that she did love him. "But whether it's onii-chan or oji-san, I'm fine with either."

Kagome smiled weakly.

Why am I lying to her? InuYasha thought, the pain in his chest unbearable as he smiled up at the woman before him.

"Then, oji-san," Kagome forced out, "I actually have something I need to talk to you about."

"What is it?" InuYasha's smile dropped slightly.

"There's this man," she started, and immediately InuYasha jumped up, fangs bared. She lowered her voice, "I think he's been watching me and Souta." She touched her necklace. "When I became aware of his presence, my necklace started to burn me. I think he's after it."

InuYasha snarled, his feet hitting the ground roughly as he stomped away.

"InuYasha!" Kagome called, fear emitting from her. "You know who it is?"

"No!" He continued to leave. Kagome ran after him. "I'm going to Sesshomaru! I knew he's been hiding something from me!"

Kagome mentally berated herself. I forgot InuYasha didn't know about this! "Lord Sesshomaru must be busy!"

InuYasha suddenly turned, causing Kagome to bump into him. He rested his chin atop her head and serenity encased them almost immediately. It seems I can't escape women who protect jewels, he thought crossly. "I'm worried about you, Kagome." He paused. "I think you're connected to Kikyo."

Well, he's not wrong, Kagome mused.

"Kikyo is hunted every day," he continued.

"I haven't been hunted yet," Kagome readily replied.

"That's true, but—" InuYasha was cut off.

"Kagome!" An exasperated voice yelled. InuYasha leaped far away from Kagome, his cheeks red. Kagome looked past him to see a distressed Aguri running to her quickly. He was out of breath and his normally sleek hair was out of its ponytail. "Kagome, have you seen Souta?"

Kagome looked at him, a bad feeling nestling deep in her stomach. "I left him in our room."

"He's not there," Aguri answered as he began to pace. "He's not anywhere." He stopped and Kagome paled. "I searched before coming here."

InuYasha sniffed the air before whispering, "Why can't I smell him in the palace?"

Not needing to hear anything else, Kagome took off running.

A/N: I'm so sorry it took so long to get this chapter out! This was definitely a hard one to write because it's the point in the story when the plot begins to develop aside from love and romance. By the way, for those who don't know, oji-san is the general Japanese term for "uncle." That's about it. Please review and let me know what you think!