Tiny hands grasped a delicate bracelet adorned with colorful moonstones that were embedded into the silver jewelry.

The fox demon slowly turned the bracelet curiously within his hands, watching in amazement as the suns beams made the gems sparkle underneath its warm light.

"Do you like it?" Kagome asked, her hazel eyes scanning over his bewildered features.

She was so happy that Shippo had came to visit the village; finally taking a break from his excessive training.

She couldn't help but smile when her eyes landed upon his little cream colored fluffy tail that ever so slightly swished back and forth happily.

Green eyes scanned over every smooth gemstone with interest, "Mmhmm" the kitsune mumbled softly.

Suddenly his eyes glanced back at the miko, "Do you know what this is?" He asked.

Kagome raised her eyebrows at his unexpected question, "A bracelet?..." she paused for a moment before also adding, "A gift?"

"A betrothal gift." He corrected.

Kagomes eyes widened slightly at the fox demons words.

Slowly she pulled herself up from the cool grassy ground that she was once comfortably laying upon.

"A betrothal gift?"

The fox demon rolled his eyes, "So the wolf didn't explain anything to you, did he?"

Pulling her knees to her chest, the miko placed her head upon them, the fabric of her hakama feeling cool against her skin as her face began to burn a crimson hue.

Bashfully her hazel eyes looked every where but at the young fox demon sitting at her side; as thoughts of the night before where Koga claimed her lips with his own fluttered throughout her mind.

"He... he asked me to be his mate... but..." she said softly, the blush upon her skin deepening. "But, that is all..."

"Wolves." The kitsune mumbled under his breath in annoyance.

Intense green orbs casted over to the priestess that sat next to him. "Soooo you accepted?" he questioned.

"Accepted?" Her eyes widened at the kitsune.

"...You accepted his proposal to become his mate."

"I haven't given him an answer... yet..." her blush upon her cheeks deepening even more.

"But, you were wearing his betrothal gift?"

Kagome stared blankly at the little fox demon, "Yes?"

"So... you accepted."

The priestess sat still as realization on what Shippou was trying to point out to her finally dawned on her.

Her eyes widened even further as they shifted from the fox demons green ones to the bracelet that was grasped within his tiny hands.

This bracelet...

Is like an... engagement ring?

And I... immediately put it on as soon as he gave it to me.

Oh.

My.

God.

"Kagome?"

Does he think I accepted his proposal to become his mate now?

Does this mean I'm engaged to Koga now?

"Kagome?"

This is all to soon...

"Kagome?"

Is it to soon though?

I mean... I've fallen for him... so does it really matter?

Oh.

My.

God.

Small clawed hands lightly touched the mikos arm bringing her out of her hectic thoughts, her head snapped to the side, hazel eyes immediately locking onto Shippous.

"Kagome." He said her name once again, finally getting her attention. "Are you okay?"

The priestess licked her dry lips as she quickly hummed. "Mmhmm."

Her fingertips lightly pulling on the ends of her bangs nervously.

"This bracelet... if I wore it infront of him... then that means... I accepted his proposal to become his mate?"

Shippou smiled softly as he looked up at the pretty miko. "Yeah... he probably should have said something to you about that, but then again... You're human; you know nothing of the wolf demon customs. He probably realizes this and didn't take it as you officially accepting his proposal... just yet." The young fox demon shrugged his shoulders, "Either way you two will have to discuss this when he comes to visit you again."

The kitsune went back to inspecting the bracelet with interest, turning it over and over within his hands.

Kagome continued to watch him, as a worried thought ate at her mind.

"How do you feel about everything, Shippou?" she finally asked.

"How do I feel?"

"If I were to say yes to Koga... how would you feel about it?"

The fox demon shrugged, "As long as you're happy Kagome... that's all that matters."

She smiled softly, somewhat hesitant to ask her next question. "What about Inuyasha?"

Years ago she was to supposed to be Inuyashas mate... before he disappeared.

She didn't want Shippou to think differently of her for choosing to accept Koga... thus choosing to fully move on from the past.

Shippou scrunched his nose up in disgust as soon as the half breeds name reached his pointed ears. "Who's Inuyasha?" He asked in disdain.

A sad smile tugged at the corners of the priestesses lips.

Over the years, his love and admiration chipped away for the dog demon and was replaced with anger and distain.

She knew the kitsune was extremely hurt and felt abandoned when Inuyasha left and disappeared without saying a word to anyone.

She even caught the young demon crying alone sometimes out of worry for his close friend.

The kitsune turned his head to face the miko, his serious green eyes locking onto hers. "You deserve to be happy, Kagome. And I feel that Koga could give that to you... even if he is a wolf."

Tiny clawed hands reached out and gently grabbed the priestesses hand. The kitsune placed the bracelet within her palm then slowly retracted to cross his arms over his chest angrily.

"If that dog were to ever return... I hope he'll see just how happy you are. I know he will regret his decision for leaving."

Would he?

Hazel eyes stared down at the bracelet within her hand, watching as the gems continue to sparkle underneath the setting sun rays.

Do I even care how he would feel if he saw me with Koga?

Kagome was some what surprised.

Ever since Koga reentered her life, her thoughts of Inuyasha that once plagued her thoughts daily, even her dreams,

now hardly, if ever, came to her mind.

He was all but a distant memory to her now.

No... I don't think I would care...

Suddenly a jolt of electricity went down her spine as her creamy white flesh broke out in goosebumps.

Hazel eyes widened as the all to knowing feeling of her powers thundered within her own being in immediate warning; desperately telling her that a demon was quickly approaching.

Koga?

The miko quickly sat up from the grassy ground, her hazel eyes staring off in the direction of the demonic aurora that was steadily approaching.

"Kagome?" The kitsune worriedly said her name in question, as he to hurriedly stood up as well from the ground. "What's wrong?"

Before the priestess could reply back, Shippous nose wiggled slightly.

His nostrils flared as he faintly picked up the scent of a demon from a few miles away.

"A demon..." he whispered under his breath.

The miko felt her heart skip a few beats as pleasant thoughts of the wolf king once again filled her mind.

Koga... he's come back.

She squinted her eyes in hopes to get a better view of the demon that was quickly making it's way towards her and the kitsune.

Her eyebrows immediately furrowed as the figure finally came running out of the thick covering from the forest trees, his powerful legs sprinting threw the tall field of grass from below.

The metal of his armor gleamed in the setting sun as both of his arms held large baskets within them.

"It's Ginta!" The kitsune said ecstatically.

"Yes... it is." Kagome said softly in disappointment as she watched him approach her.

But, why is he here and not Koga?

When the wolf general reached the priestess and the kitsune on top of the hill that they sat upon, he exhaustedly dropped the woven baskets on the ground with a loud thud.

Immediately the wolf leaned forward as he placed his hands upon his knees for support, desperately trying to regain his breathe from his long journey. His black and grey hair was in disarray as sweat dripped down his tan skin.

"I... don't know... how... he makes... that run

... all the time..." Ginta said in between deep breathes of air.

"Who?" Questioned Shippou as he approached the large woven baskets with curiousity, his small hands lightly touching the rough surface as his nose sniffed it.

"Koga..." Ginta said in between gasps of air, "He's always... coming... here..." the demon suddenly paused, as his blue eyes widened with realization.

Slowly he lifted his head as he took in the priestess before him, her hazel eyes boring into him with concern.

Swiftly the wolf demon bent to one knee before the human girl, bowing his head in respect, "My Queen," He began, his voice completely steady now; no longer gasping for air, "It is a pleasure to see you once again."

Kagome nervously bit down upon her bottom lip at the title he addressed her as.

She was no longer just a sister to him... but, a Queen.

"Ginta you don't have to address me as such or bow down before me." She said as she hurriedly approached the still kneeling general. She quickly grasped his hand within her own and forcibly pulled the man to his feet. "Kagome is just fine... or sister." She said with a warm a smile.

He raised his eyebrows at her words, as his eyes looked onto her wrist to see the bracelet that Koga had given her wasn't placed on either wrists, but instead grasped within one her hands.

The priestess followed his worried gaze and realized what was the cause of his sudden concern.

He thinks I didn't accept Kogas proposal because I'm not wearing the bracelet...

A light blush covered her cheeks.

If I place the bracelet on in front of him... it will show him that I've accepted his Kings intentions of making me his mate.

The priestess was hesitant for a second, pulling away from the wolf demon before her as her heart raced nervously within her breasts.

Grasping the cool silver within her one hand, she slid the bracelet over her other with ease, watching as the moonstones sparkled as the delicate piece of jewelry now dangled from her wrist.

Almost imediately a sigh of relief escaped the lips from the general before her. His hand lazily running through his short hair, "Thank the gods..." he said softly. "You've accepted him."

The blush upon the mikos face deepened, as she bashfully looked to the ground. "I wish... to tell him that I've accepted his proposal myself." She said softly. "I haven't given him an answer yet."

"I understand." Ginta said with a warm smile.

"Why are you here and not that wolf king?" Shippou questioned aloud, bringing two sets of eyes to stare down at the small kitsune.

He crossed his arms over his chest, fury eyebrows were raised in question as his vibrant green eyes stared intently at the wolf general before him.

"It's a bit odd that Koga would send you to bring Kagome gifts, instead of himself." The fox demon stated, as he pointed to the large woven baskets behind him.

The young demon knew what was inside as soon as the general dropped them on the ground. The mouthwatering smell of a variety foods wafted through the tightly binded vines of the baskets.

Ginta nervously ran a clawed hand through his thick hair once again, his blue eyes looking up at the darkening sky above them; desperately avoiding the concern gaze of his future queen and the questioning fox.

"Well you see..." the general began, nervously clearing his throat, "We have unexpected visitors visiting our mountain as of right now..."

"Unexpected visitors?" Kagome questioned, her hazel eyes filling up with even more worry. "Who?"

"Warriors from the Northern Tribe."

Kagome felt her heart plummet to her stomach.

The Nortbern Tribe...

Does that mean...

"So Ayame is here?" Shippou asked, his eyes set into a glare.

"NO!" Shouted Ginta immediately, his eyes darting between the shocked pritestess and the kitsune. "No, she is not here." He repeated. "Only a few warriors arrived yesterday to discuss... borders... and trade agreements..."

"Borders and trade agreements?" Kagome questioned.

And ... of us?

Is he going to break everything off with the Northern Tribe right now?

The priestess felt her heart plummet even deeper.

Is everything going to be okay?

Is the tribe going to be okay?

Is Koga going to be okay?

"Yes, my queen," Ginta said quickly as he began fidget nervously, "You see... this was all unexpected. My King hasn't been to the North... for quite some time..." blue eyes quickly looked at the priestess and just as quickly looked away, insinuating that she was the reason for this.

"So the Northern warriors had decided to come visit the King themselves."

"Just warriors?" Shippou asked, his features still in a hard untrusting glare as his fluffy tail swished violently behind him.

"Of course? Haha..ha..ha." the wolf general laughed nervous, as his hand once again ran through his black and grey hair.

Kagome quirked a thin eyebrow at his anxious behavior.

"My Queen!" Ginta ecstatically shouted, desperately trying to change the subject. "While my King is away, he has given me the task of taking care of you in his stead. He had a variety of foods prepared for you along with other gifts. He hopes this will make you happy."

Hazel eyes shifted over to the two large baskets that the general carried within his arms for miles.

"I will be visiting you every night till the Northerners have departed. If you are in need of anything, my Queen, please let me know." The wolf said with large smile.

"You're going to be making this trip... everyday?" Shippou sniggered.

The wolf general might of stopped heaving for air, but his hair was soaked with sweat while his tan skin glistened showing that the wolf did struggle on his journey.

"Ha...ha... of course." The wolf said with a forced smile, "Anything for my beloved King."

Seeing the kind priestess was always a joy to Ginta; so given this particular task wasn't a problem to him.

But, the journey to get to her village was a bit... strenuous.

He really didn't know how Koga made the trip all the time with ease.

The priestess smiled softly, "Thank you Ginta, but when do the Northerners plan on leaving?"

Kagome appreciated the gifts and for Ginta bringing them all the way here.

Though she was extremely grateful, all she really wanted was to see Koga once again.

The wolf general paused for a moment, not really sure on how to answer the miko, for he wasn't sure himself.

"I suppose once everything is... settled."

"Oh, I see..." Kagome said softly as she continued to eye the large woven baskets on the ground.

Noticing how the miko saddened a bit at his answer, the wolf demon quickly went to the baskets and lifted them into his arms once again. "My Queen, please lead the way to your home. I would love to try some of your cooking." The general said warmly, "Our king has told us countless times on how his woman is a magnificent cook."

Hazel eyes sparkled as a grin tugged on red lips. "Oh he did, did he?"

"Of course."

"She's the best!" Shippou said happily, as he tugged onto the generals fur loin cloth excitedly. "Follow me wolf! I'm starving!"

The general chuckled as the little kitsune dragged him down the hill towards the village.

Hazel eyes watched as the two departed; the mikos eyes focusing more intently on the back of the wolf general in suspicion.

She bit down upon her lip anxiously as her stomach continued to twist and turn with unease.

I can't help but feel like Gintas hiding something... Kagome thought worriedly as she followed them from behind.

But what could it be?