"Do you really think it's good idea for Kagome to stay here in our era?" whispered Sango to Miroku. The couple was standing a few yards away from Kaede's hut watching the sun set.
The monk sighed. "No, but I don't see what choice Inuyasha has. Kagome is very strong-willed. Inuyasha would most likely end up spending the entire time guarding her to ensure she didn't run back through the Bone Eaters' Well without his knowledge."
From inside the hut, Inuyasha could hear every word the pair spoke. He knew they had gone outside to spare him from their conversation, but his ears picked it up as easily as if they were in the room.
He chuckled darkly to himself. "He's got a point."
He looked over at the young priestess who was asleep again. She'd spent the rest of the day in much higher spirits than the previous few days. The medicinal tea and acupuncture bracelet that Kaede had given her seemed to help the nausea as well. And she hadn't had another fainting spell. But she still looked so tired, thought Inuyasha. Kaede had assured him that the fatigue was normal and would only last a few weeks, but he couldn't help but feel uneasy about it. And now we've got Naraku to worry about, too.
Inuyasha's thoughts drifted back to their earlier conversation. Why does Kagome have to be so stubborn? She'd definitely be safer in her era. But it's not like things'll be any safer here after the baby's born, he realized. I can't hide her away the rest of her life. At least I'll be there at her side protecting her.
Kagome started to stir. Her eyes opened, and she took a moment for them to adjust to the waning light in the hut.
"Hey there, sleepyhead," said Inuyasha in that soft gentle voice.
Kagome smiled back. "Hey. Sun's setting already? I must have slept for a while. Should be almost time for supper."
Inuyasha nodded from his spot leaning against the wall. "Yea, just about."
"You're not still mad about this morning, are you?" the girl asked hesitantly.
"No, Kagome, I'm not mad," replied Inuyasha, fixing a determined gaze on the girl. "I understand why you want to stay and fight. And if that's your choice, then I will protect you."
"Thanks, Inuyasha," she replied, smiling at him. The pair locked eyes. "I know that I can always depend on you to keep me safe."
Inuyasha smiled and closed his eyes. "Heh," he laughed, and Kagome knew she was in for a good-natured ribbing about her antics. But whatever he was thinking never got voiced aloud. Inuyasha's golden eyes opened and then narrowed, and his ear twitched. He tilted his head towards the door.
"What is it?" whispered Kagome.
"Something's not right…" came his reply. Sango and Miroku had moved farther away, and Inuyasha couldn't quite make out what was being said. But he could tell that there was trouble. "Stay here," he told Kagome commandingly as he leapt up and exited the hut.
"Thanks, Inuyasha," spoke Kagome with a smile. "I know that I can always depend on you to keep me safe."
The half-demon smiled back at his lover. Kagome recognized that smile. "Heh," he laughed, and she smiled even bigger. She recognized that laugh too. She was in for it now. She waited, anticipating his snarky comments, but his smile faltered. His eyes darted to the door, and he leaned his head in the same direction. He was listening to something.
"What is it?" whispered Kagome. Please just be Miroku and Sango, or Kaede coming back, or even the village kids...please just be something normal...
"Something's not right…" Inuyasha spoke measuredly. Kagome's heart started to beat faster, and she felt her stomach tighten. "Stay here," he told her. Her anxiety grew as she watched him jump to his feet, move his hand to Tetsusaiga, and run out the door.
Inuyasha, she thought, as she stared at the spot he'd been standing just moments ago. Then, she gasped. I can sense the Shikon Jewel! She clenched her fists. It's Naraku...he found us.
The young priestess scanned the room for her bow and quiver. She saw them leaning against her yellow backpack by the back wall. Jumping out of her cot, she grabbed them and nocked an arrow. She turned to the door and waited.