Kagome ruffled Shippo's hair and he ran past chasing Rin. She was glad to finally have the stupid sling off and able to use both arms. And once they got this next shard she needed to go home for supplies. Medical wise they had been lucky and not needed anything. Food wise...well now with two more mouths to feed she really needed to buy more.

"Stay in sight!" Sesshomaru called to the children.

"Their fine" Kagome said. "Shippo knows to stay close and Rin doesn't seem to be the kind to take off."

"It does not mean I cannot be concerned." He murmured, glad to have things back to normal, their talking and closeness restored.

"Nothings around. Their fine" Inuyasha grumbled.

Sesshomaru ignored his brother, watching the children and taking a step closer to Kagome.

"Have you always been this over protective of her?" Kagome asked.

"I am hardly overprotective. I am just the right amount of protective."

"That didn't answer me"

"Yes, I have always been protective of her." He said simply. Though this became more pronounced after Rin's second death and subsequent revival by his mother.

"Kagome, do you sense that?" Miroku asked stepping up next to her.

"I...sense the jewel. Is that what you mean?"

Miroku shook his head. "The strong spiritual power surrounding it"

"We are near a shrine." Sesshomaru said simply. "Perhaps the jewel shard is there?"

"That would be a new one" Kagome said. "Think they will give it to us?"

"They might if they trust you are the shikon miko" Sango said.

"It is worth a try." Sesshomaru said simply.

She nodded, but wasn't sure how she'd prove that... "how are we going to prove that's who I am? Most people still think there was just Kikiyo and she…" she trailed off.

"Perhaps demonstrating your control over demons would work?" The older demon suggested. "Using the beads?" He smirked at his brother.

"Screw. You." Inuyasha glared.

"I'm not doing that. Besides it being mean, I didn't create the beads. Just becasue I can use them doesn't mean I have much power over them. I'm not even sure I can remove them myself."

Inuyasha gave her a sharp look. "you are going to have to figure out how eventually." He said, wanting them gone one day. That minute even.

"Hm." Sesshomaru grunted. "You can always show the jewels you already have?" He offered.

"That might only prove she has them...is the jewels purified?" Miroku asked looking back at her.

"I can't tell from here. Why?"

"If you were to purify them in front of the priest, that would be significant proof." Sesshomaru explained, following the monks line of thought.

"Oh. Yeah that kinda sounds like it will work" she said.

"What do we do if it's not tainted?" Inuyasha asked. While killing demons was fine, he wasn't going to kill a bunch of monks. Even when he'd stolen the jewel he hadn't hurt anyone intentionally…he wasn't sure he'd hurt anyone at all. that had been his plan at least, to not hurt anyone.

"Offer a trade, perhaps?" Sesshomaru suggested.

"We got anything?" Inuyasha asked, unsure what monk's or miko's would want of theirs.

"We have some supplies" Miroku shrugged. "Might be enough"

"We will see what we can do when we get there." Sesshomaru nodded, staying close to Kagome as they made their way to the shrine.

It was just passed noon when they reached the shrine. Kagome noticed all 4 of the demons looking a tad on the green side, though Sesshomaru and Inuyasha looked less so. "Do you want to wait here?" She asked, assuming it might be a barrier or something.

"No, I will remain with you." Sesshonaru shook his head, ignoring the gnawing feeling in his stomach.

"I think it would be best if you all wait here." Miroku advised.

"Why?" Sesshomaru scowled at the man.

"Because your hair is turning black and it would be best for you to wait." He said pointing out the end of his hair that was turning black, as was Inuyasha and Shippo's.

"Fine." Sesshomaru growled. "We will wait further down the road. Keep her safe." He gave a hard look to the monk.

"Relax. I've left her alone with Miroku plenty of times" Inuyasha said pulling Shippo away from the area.

"That does not negate my concern for her." The full demon grumbled.

"You going to be this nuts forever? Cuz it's getting old fast."

Sesshomaru ignored his brother, taking a seat with the children.

Kagome and Sango approached the stairs to the shrine and looked at Miroku.

"Wanna go in first?" Kagome asked.

"I suppose." The man shrugged, proceeding up the stairs to lightly rap his knuckles on the door. "Hello? Is anyone here?"

Kagome fallowed him, Sango taking up the back. There were 3 older men approaching with 4 or 5 younger men behind them.

"Hello, sir. Are you the head priest of this temple?" Miroku asked, bowing to the older man.

"Yes. Can I help you three?" He raised a brow.

"Yes, we're looking for a shard of the shikon jewel." Kagome said arching her own bow. This man didn't seem too friendly.

"My friend here is a priestess, the shikon priestess. We are collecting the shards to restore the jewel and keep it safe from demons and those who would seek to abuse its power." Miroku explained.

"I've heard this story before" the old man said.

"I am sure you have." Miroku chuckled. "Kagome is the true shikon priestess. She can purify the jewel as a show of her abilities."

"I am not risking such a powerful item to be stolen by some random woman"

"Is there something we could do to prove she is the genuine article?"

"Can she purify it from a distance?" A younger man asked.

"I've...never tried" Kagome admitted.

"Normally when she purifies the jewel, it is through physical contact." Miroku frowned. "Could your try?"

"Do I have a choice?" She asked him.

"Your starting to sound like Sesshomaru" Sango said.

"Rubbing off on one another, I see." The monk chuckled. "Then I suppose we shall have to try that."

The oldest man did not seem convinced but turned "fallow me"

"Thank you, sir." Miroku smiled at him, following along.

They fallowed them to the back of the shrine where there were three pedestals. "Our 3 shards" the oldest said.

"No, one." Kagome said. While all three looked identical..."only the one on the left end is real"

"Is that proof enough for you?" Miroku asked, looking at the three men.

"It's proof she's a fraud. All three are shards of the sacred jewel" he said glaring.

"They are good copies but no. They aren't. The tainting power on them is off too" Kagome said, insulted being called a liar.

"It is not the first time someone has tried to create a false jewel. Most likely those are the same." The monk said simply. "Kagome, want to give it a try?"

She nodded and focused on the jewel, trying to somehow reach out for it with her senses.

The old man scoffed. He obviously didn't believe them.

"Do not worry about him. Just focus on your energy, and on the jewel." Miroku encouraged softly.

She nodded and concentrated harder.

"Just like that." He nodded, watching the glimmer around the jewel shard change as it went from a deep pitch black color, slowly returning to its vibrant pink.

"She did it" one of the younger men said.

"She purified one. Not all three" the older said.

"Then can we take the one?" Sango asked.

"Surely that is a fair trade. And she has demonstrated that she is the true shikon miko."

The three men discussed quietly as the group waited. One of the older didn't seem upset getting rid of the shard. The other two were concerned.

"You made a good showing. Hopefully they will see reason. Least Sesshomaru come back to teach them a lesson for not believing you." Miroku smirked, nudging Kagome's side.

"Don't joke. He might" she winced as the younger man moved to the jewel and removed it.

"I'm sure you could've talked him out of it." Miroku chuckled as the young man approached them. "Have you reached a decision?"

"We believe it's only fair to give you the one shard you could purify." He nodded

"That is very gracious of you." Miroku bowed gratefully. "We will be on our way, then."

Kagome accepted the jewel with a smile. "Thank you"

"We will be on our way. Thank you for your time." The monk turned back to the door, leading the others out.

Kagome tucked the shard into her pocket and fallowed. "Somethings off..." she frowned as they exited the shrine.

"Aside from the fake shards?"

"No sounds" Sango said, noticing it as well. Going into the shrine there were birds and other animal sounds. Now...a creepy silence.

"Let's get back to the others. Quickly." Miroku said with a frown, staff held at the ready.

Their steps quickened, hurrying faster as they saw Inuyasha Sesshomaru and the kids.

"What's wrong?" Sesshomaru asked, quickly getting to his feet and rushing to them.

"Somethings wrong" Sango said.

"We don't know what though." Kagome said.

"We are leaving." The demon lord said in reply, wrapping an arm around Kagome to urge her on.

"No we ain't " Inuyasha growled hearing the familiar buzzing of Samiyosho.

"Naraku." Sesshomaru growled, drawing his blade.

Kagome grabbed the kids and moved them behind her, keeping them in the center of the adults as they made a circle.

"Thank you for retrieving the jewel shard for me." A cold voice drifted out of the buzzing as a swarm of the saimyosho emerged from the forest.

"Barrier too much for you huh?" Inuyasha growled.

"Hardly. I simply did not want to waste my time on fake jewels." The red-eyed spider smirked. "I'll thank you to hand over those shards now, priestess."

"That will not be happening, filth." Sesshomaru growled.

"My, my... so touchy, lord Sesshomaru. Since when do you care for the human girl?"

Kagome gripped her bow and arrow. "We're not giving you anything."

"Unless you care for a blade in your belly." The demon lord glared up at the spider.

Eyeing the demon lord and how close he stood to the miko, a grin broke out across his face. "Oh, how quaint. You intend to charm the little human? Keep her as a pet?"

Kagome narrowed her eyes. Pet? Really? She put her hand behind her back, signaling Kilala to grab the kids and take off if something should happen.

"Silence, spider!" Sesshomaru growled. "You know nothing."

"Oh, I know what will happen once you get bored of your plaything. You do too, priestess. He will leave you, toss you aside. It is in his blood, afterall." The spider laughed mockingly.

Kagome's stomach dropped but she didn't move. She didn't want to think on what he said. He was lying...

"Enough!" Sesshomaru snarled, leaping at the swarm and slashing at the bugs.

"None of that, now!" The spider demon crowed as the swarm dodged the strike.

"I'll get those shards from you yet, priestess." Naraku taunted.

Kagome raised her bow and aimed, happy to take the bastard out.

"So quick to defend a demon who will only throw you aside. Sound familiar, miko?" The spider demon laughed as the swarm surged forward, swirling around the group.

"Dragon strike!"

"Blades of Blood!"

The dog demons brothers roared, killing half the swarm as Naraku reached Kagome, snatching at the jewel shards she wore around her neck.

Kagome hadn't seen him move and was almost too shocked to react.

Almost.

She raised the arrow still in her hand and stabbed him in the neck with it at the same time Sango next to her used her own sword on him.

"You bitch!" The demon roared, tearing his hand away, succeeding only in ripping her top open as he fled away.

"Do not touch her!" Sesshomaeu roared, leaping at the spider as he fled, hacking an arm off before the man wrapped himself in poison insects and soared away.

"Kagome, are you ok?" The demon lord asked, rushing to her side.

Inuyasha was already blocking her, keeping his eyes away.

"I'll find her something to cover herself" Miroku muttered trying to keep his eyes off her too.

With the amount of shirt he'd torn away, Kagome didn't have much to cover herself with.

"I have a spare robe." Sesshomaru said, pressing forward and withdrawing a lighter, inner robe from beneath his outer layer.

"Here." He presented her with the thin white robe, unable to ignore the lacy undergarment covering her breasts. He had not seen something so elaborate or appealing before and found he enjoyed the look of black and pink lace against her pale skin.

"Thanks..." she said blushing as she took the robe and pulled it on. Of course she had to be wearing a black bra. Couldn't be wearing the plain beige one from when he'd had to strip her. No she had to go with black.

"Are you unharmed?" He asked softly, taking the torn top from her as she tied off the robe.

"I'm ok. Just a couple of scratches" she said. Kagome fixed the top so that it resembled more of a short dress with her jeans. She was about to thank Sesshomaru again before Rin quickly hugged her leg.

"We will see to those later." Sesshomaru commented, looking down at Rin. "She is ok, Rin."

"She keeps getting hurt" the girl said not letting go.

"I will make sure she stays safe, little one." The demon assured her, kneeling down to pat her back.

"But she keeps getting hurt." She said as Kagome reached down to comfort her.

"I am sorry, Rin. I will try to do a better job to keep her safe."

Kagome bent and picked up Rin, holding her.

"Why don't we head back to the village" Miroku suggested.

"That may he wise." Sesshomaru nodded, patting the girls' back.

"Yeah, fine" Inuyasha grumbled

"A welcome respite will surely help Rin's disposition." The demon lord commented, expecting to keep Inuyasha from complaining.

It did, and they silently made their way towards Kaedes, Kagome carrying Rin and Shippo ridding on Sesshomaru's shoulder.

"Let's camp near a hot-spring tonight" Sango suggested. "It's been a while sense we had a chance to"

"No doubt that will help you both relax." Sesshomaru nodded.

"Be nice to get the kids cleaned up too. Pretty sure Shippo's growing mushrooms on his ears" Kagome said laughing as the kit reached up to touch his ears.

"She is putting you on, Shippo." The full demon smirked.

"I knew that..." he said but still checked his other ear.

Sesshomaru chuckled, reaching up to pat the boys head.

"Couple hours north" Inuyasha said, "should be close enough to set up camp then"

"That will work. Kagome, would you rather have the hour after your spring or before?"

"Uh...how about after?" She suggested.

"That will work." He nodded, reaching over to run one hand across the small of her back.

Kagome moved to walked closer to him.

Sesshomaru had to resist the urge to call her his Kagome as they continued walking. "Once we reach the village and you have returned to your home, I will do the same to begin an investigation into the other demon villages."

"What about me?" Rin asked looking up at him.

"Can Rin stay in the village?" Shippo asked.

"Fine with me" Inuyasha shrugged.

"We'd be happy to watch her" Sango smiled.

"You can stay in the village if you wish." The dog demon nodded. "I should only be gone for a day at most."

"I'm sure Kaede will be happy to have you" Kagome smiled.

"Agreed." Sesshomaru chuckled.

"Ok, Inuyasha you watch Miroku, we'll take care of the kids" Sango said as Kagome pulled out the bath supplies.

"While you are bathing, I am going to see if I can hunt up something to eat." Sesshomaru offered, having looked over their food stores and deciding they would need to supplement what they have.

"Oh...ok. That would be nice" Kagome nodded. Usually Inuyasha did the hunting when needed but she liked the idea of Inuyasha making sure Miroku behaved. She didn't want him to upset Sesshomaru and cause his...well death.

"I should be back before you are." He nodded to Kagome before removing his fur and armor and leaping into the trees.

"Show off" Inuyasha muttered but just started collecting firewood while Miroku built the fire.

Once at the hot spring Kagome got the kids cleaned up, before Sango walked them back to camp and both woman started their own soak. "Hot baths are the best invention" Kagome sighed.

Sesshomaru growled as he ran a boar down, driving a blade into its side to put it out of its misery quickly.

This would make a filling meal for the group, as well as lessen the work on Kagome. All the better.

"You going to tell me what's happening?" Sango asked.

"What do you mean?" Kagome frowned.

"Oh you know, the fact that you went home and came back all lovey?" Sango raised a brow.

Sesshomaru frowned, hearing the demon slayer's voice. He must be near the spring. Near enough to hear them talking, anyways.

"I don't know what you mean..." Kagome said.

"Yes you do. It's fine if you like him, I'm just wondering what changed your mind is all."

'Like? Like who?' Sesshomaru wondered suspiciously. Like him? He had to admit, that was something he noticed as well. He just did not mind the sudden change.

"...I had lunch with a friend. He took me to see Shippo. He's all grown in my time." She admitted.

Sango nodded. "That's not surprising but I'm confused how seeing Shippo did anything."

So the little kit grew up to her time. No surprise. The kit was a full demon, though he was still proud the boy grew up and hoped he was a good man.

"Because...I'm spending a lot of time with him...and he's...I dunno..." she really couldn't find the word. Sweet or caring sounded too cliche.

Does she mean Shippo? Sesshomaru frowned. The gnawing in his stomach felt otherwise. Was she seeing another man...?

"You like him..." Sango frowned at her friend. She could see Kagome's problem, liking both men would be like Inuyasha with her and kikyo. "Has something happened you want to talk about?"

Kagome blushed deeply. Yeah... something had happened all right...

The very notion of something happening between Kagome and another man set his blood to boil. She had cheated on him? He had never thought her to be one given to infidelity...

"I...kinda..." Kagome frowned. "It was an accident..."

What?! What was an accident?! He wanted to scream. The demon lord, feared across the country, Sesshomaru, the killing perfection, wanted to tear through the trees and demand an answer from this woman who would dare betray him! He had shown her nothing but faithfulness, an act that was apparently unfounded.

"Ok...accidents happen...but you need to be more specific. Was this like a little kiss or...an Inuyasha accident?"

Kagome frowned "I think...I have to say worse than an Inuyasha accident..." she'd never caught him with Kikiyo pants down!

An... Inuyasha accident? What the blazes did that mean?! Something to do with the miko from the grave? What happened between Inuyasha and that woman? He had never cared to know before but now it seemed to be important.

"Oh...ok...did you have sex with him?" Sango couldn't think of a worse that wasn't sex.

"Not...not uh...fully..."

She... she really had... even as he felt anger, he also felt an emptiness.

A gnawing void eating at his stomach at the thought of Kagome, the only person he had truly cared for in any kind of romantic way, sleeping with another man.

After the initial rush of anger, he just felt a grey... nothing settle over him.

"Not...fully...ok what does that mean? How far did this go?"

Kagome sighed, embarrassed to admit what had happened but did, with little detail.

Feeling almost a sense of revulsion at hearing how Kagome let another man have her, Sesshomaru forced himself to his feet. He refused to sit here and subject himself to this. He was done.

Dragging the boar away to clean it out of earshot, he returned to camp. The children would at least have something good to eat. He could not fault them in this.

"Then...I passed out" she said. That might be the most embarrassing thing.

"Wait...Kagome are you seeing Sesshomaru in your time?" Sango asked, putting it together.

"...yes..." she nodded.

"Kagome...humans mated to a demon pass out like that the first few times. They cant handle it."

"Huh...?" Kagome frowned confused.

"Kagome, your Sesshomarus mate" Sango said with a smile.

After setting up the boar to cook over the fire, Sesshomaru moved to the far edge of the clearing and sat beneath a tree.

Inuyasha raised a brow and exchanged a look with Miroku.

Someone was in a bad mood...

Dinner had finished cooking when the girls retuned.

Kagome now had multiple questions. Sango hadn't had many mate answers and she needed to know. Maybe Sango was wrong...but maybe she was right. "Sesshomaru could we talk before dinner?" She asked.

"Not tonight." He said simply, coldly. He kept his eyes averted from her, staring out into the forest. He couldn't look at her. Didn't want her to see the anger, the... hurt.

He didn't know why, but this revelation somehow felt more painful than losing his arm.

Kagome frowned. He...wouldn't look at her. "Oh...ok..." she said, moving to sit by Sango. She'd...she'd skipped a few nights. He could too...

"What's up with him?" Inuyasha asked.

"...I don't know..." she said quietly. What had she done?

"Must've had a problem with hunting." The half-demon suggested, sure it was more than that.

"...I...think it's something else..." she said as Miroku started passing out food. When he started to hand her some she shook her head. "I'm...I'm not hungry..."

"It'll be ok, Kagome. Things will be back to normal in no time." Inuyasha assured her, patting her shoulder.

She didn't think so..

"Perhaps when we return to the village, we can have a word with him while you are back home?" Miroku offered.

"I...maybe...I'm just going to go to sleep." She said, moving to get her sleeping bag. She chanced a look at Sesshomaru, who just kept staring into the forest. She set up the sleeping bag and laid down. What had she done...?