Miroku stayed by Kotori's side all night, not even bothering to sleep, for fear she would need him. She slept somewhat peacefully, despite how much pain she was in. He had taken off his lighter purple robe and wrapped it around her like a blanket. He was dabbing her face with a cold cloth when her eyes fluttered open.

He smiled, "How are you feeling my love?"

"Much better. I can barely feel any pain now. Why don't you get to bed? You look like you need the sleep."

"I want to stay by you to make sure nothing like that ever happens again."

She smiled and stroked his cheek, "If I didn't have you to love me, Miroku, I don't know what I'd do."

He bent down and kissed her lightly on the lips, "If I didn't have you, Kotori, I'd wish I were dead."

She ended the kiss and said, "Now get some sleep. I don't want to have to worry about your health." said Kotori. Just as Miroku was about to protest, she put a finger to his lips. "If you won't do it for yourself, do it for me. Please."

He sighed, "Fine." He laid down beside her and wrapped an arm around her waist.

She turned on her side so that her back was against his chest. His grip on her waist tightened as he brought her body to press up against his.

He was comforted by the heat of her back against his chest and was soon asleep.

"Sleep well, my Miroku." she said softly, before she, too, drifted off to sleep.

Kagome laid awake in her sleeping bag, arms above her head. The events of the night kept replaying themselves in her head.

"There is absolutely no way I'm going to be able to sleep now. Maybe I should go keep Inuyasha company." said Kagome to herself.

She slowly got out of her sleeping bag, careful not to wake Shippo, and quietly made her way over to where Inuyasha was keeping watch. As she passed by, she saw Miroku holding Kotori in his arms. They were both sleeping peacefully.

"They were meant for each other. I hope Inuyasha and I will be that close one day." thought Kagome.

She found Inuyasha sitting underneath a tree. He looked regal with the moonlight shining on his face, illuminating his facial features.

"Inuyasha?" said Kagome softly.

He quickly turned around, "Oh, Kagome. What are you doing up?"

"I couldn't sleep. Would you mind if I stayed with you for a while?"

"No, go ahead." said Inuyasha as he patted the ground beside him.

She sat down beside him and looked up at the moon.

They had been silent for a few minutes before Inuyasha spoke, "So, how's Kotori?"

"She's asleep."

"That's good. Let me guess, Miroku is asleep next to her, right?"

Kagome smiled, "Yeah. Could you blame him though? I mean, the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with was just raped. I think he deserves to sleep next to her."

"You're right. He does deserve it." After thinking for a few moments, Inuyasha said, "Do you think we'll be like them?"

His question took Kagome by surprise, "What do you mean?"

"Well, do you think we'll ever be that much in love?"

She looked at him, "I hope so. Don't you?"

He turned to look at her and cupped her chin in one hand, "Of course I do. Nothing in this world would make me happier." Then he kissed her.

Kagome was taken by surprise at first, but then she let herself sink into the passion that was welling up inside her. She could feel Inuyasha's hands caress the small of her back.

Inuyasha's sensitive nose picked up a scent that was growing stronger by the minute. Kagome's arousal. His nostrils were flooded with the scent, driving him crazy.

"Dammit Kagome! Do you have any idea what you're scent is doing to me?" thought Inuyasha.

Without realizing what he had done, Inuyasha laid Kagome on the ground. He could feel his manhood harden as his hands caressed her.

"Great! Now I'm horny! This is just wonderful!" thought Inuyasha sarcastically.

Suddenly, they heard a rustling in the bushes. They quickly sat up and looked around to see who was coming.

Kita staggered towards them, her eyes half closed. When she saw Inuyasha and Kagome, she rubbed her eyes and yawned.

"What are you doing up, Kita?" asked Kagome.

"I went to get a drink. I'm going back to bed now. 'Night." said Kita sleepily. Then she walked back to the camp and laid down beside Shigure again.

"That was close." said Inuyasha once Kita was out of earshot.

"Yeah." said Kagome. After a few moments of silence, Kagome placed her head on Inuyasha's shoulder.

He wrapped one arm around her waist and in no time she was asleep. "Goodnight, my Kagome." he said softly.

The next few days passed by quickly. Miroku had not spoken to Shigure at all since the night of the incident, no matter how much Kotori tired to persuade him.

Kotori was up and about the very next day, despite the protests of the others. Inuyasha and the others thought that Kotori needed to be checked out by Kaede, so they left that afternoon and traveled for the next three days towards Kaede's village.

Kaede was very happy to see Kotori. As soon as she saw her, she embraced her tightly saying, "I have missed you so much these past few years. How have you been, my dear?"

"I've been quite well." lied Kotori, "And how about yourself?"

"I'm fine. Now, everyone come inside. You all may stay as long as you like." said Kaede cheerfully as she led them into her hut.

"Kagome, why don't you take Kotori around the village? I'm sure she'd love to see it again." said Inuyasha.

Kagome, understanding Inuyasha's meaning, took Kotori by the hand and said, "Ok. Come on Kotori."

Once they were out of earshot, Inuyasha quickly told Kaede about "the incident".

"I had a feeling that there was another reason for you to visit. Why would she lie to me like that?" asked Kaede.

"Because she didn't want you to worry about her," replied Miroku, "She didn't want to seem weak. We want you to make sure that she is all right."

Kaede nodded, "I see. Well, I will do that, just give me some time. Stay a while, I'm sure after such a traumatic experience, you all need a good rest."

They agreed to stay, and when Kagome and Kotori got back, Kaede took Kotori aside.

"Why don't we sit and talk for a while? Catch up on the past few years?" suggested Kaede.

Kotori smiled and joined her in a cup of tea.

"Inuyasha, Miroku, and Shigure told me something very interesting today."

"What was that?" asked Kotori. A feeling deep down told her that she already knew what it was.

"They told me that a few nights ago, you were.... attacked."

Kotori put her cup of tea to her lips, "It is true. But you trained me to be a warrior, so I was prepared to fight."

"You know what I'm talking about, Kotori. They say it had happened to you once before. By a person you trusted greatly..."

"Shigure." finished Kotori softly.

"Why did you lie to me? I would not have thought anything less of you. All I want to do is help you."

"I know, and I'm sorry. I just didn't want.... anyone's pity. It made me feel like I was weak." said Kotori, her eyes welling up with tears.

Kaede pulled Kotori close to her and Kotori laid her head against her shoulder. "Now, now my child. We all have to face our fears at one point in our lives. You mustn't be afraid to show your feelings. There is a weakness in everyone, no matter how physically, mentally, or emotionally strong they are. The biggest battle you must fight is the one against yourself, and to win, you must face your fears. No matter how tough it may seem, you just have to keep on fighting."

"I'll try my very best."

Kaede smiled, "Good. Now why don't I see how much damage was done, huh?"

Kotori nodded, "Ok."

About half an hour later, Kaede found everyone sitting outside her hut. They all jumped up when they saw her and Miroku was the first to start asking questions.

"Is she all right? How much damage was done? Can I see her?"

"Relax, Miroku. I gave her some herbs that will make her sleep for a while. You may see her when she wakes." replied Kaede.

"Well, what about the damage? How bad was it?" asked Kagome.

Kaede sighed, "Much has been done. She will heal, but it will be a slow process. What she needs right now is rest."

They nodded and Kaede left them.