Konnichiwa, minna! I tried to get an update out soon. I count this as very quick updating. –looks proud- Look closely at the past chapters and maybe you'll find something good in the recent events. If anybody finds it, I'll dedicate the chapter that reveals it to them. I wonder if anyone will get it.

Ok, I had a question from one of my readers and thought I would clear it up here, just in case anybody shared the same confusion. Kagome is a kitsune hanyou and not an inu hanyou, even though she chose Inuyasha, because she already had kitsune youkai blood in her. Had she chosen Kouga, she would have become a kitsune youkai, not a wolf youkai. Normally, you would assume the for of the person you choose, but because Kagome already the blood of a youkai within her, this does not apply. I hope this clears some stuff up. Sorry for the confusion.

Also, another reader pointed out to me that I had not written in Shippou's reaction to Kyoko's death. I thought I had, but looking back, I realize I haven't. I apologize for this. Sometimes, I'm a little stupid. –looks sheepish- I have corrected this, so now there is an extra two (I think) paragraphs in chapter 9. If you would like to read them, they're about two-thirds down, right before ---A Couple Months Later---. Sorry about that. Thanks for pointing it out, anonymous (evilneved69)!

Also, I've noticed that I've been writing that Kagome is a neko hanyou. I don't know why I've been making this mistake…but if you see it, remember, it's just me being stupid. I haven't like changed her or anything. I've corrected some of these mistakes, but haven't time to do them all.

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, sadly. But I do have an Inuyasha calendar! Does that count?

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Before they knew it, a month had passed, and so had some of the pain. It hadn't left any of them, by any means, but a numbness in that area had come to settle upon them all. Life began to return to normality, and the inu-gumi were slowly getting used to the empty space that was once filled by a certain lecherous monk. Kagome hadn't returned home since that day, and it was this issue that brought Sango to take her friend's arm.

"Kagome," she began. "Don't you think it's time you went home? I'm sure your family's worried about you. You can go visit for a day or so."

Kagome replied, surprised, "O-Ok. I guess I should. What with everything, my mom's getting a little antsy about me coming here. I probably should go and assure her I'm still in one piece. I'll go tomorrow morning."

Sango smiled. She was much quieter these days. "But leave me for too long."

"Don't worry, I won't."

&&&

The next morning, after a weak argument with Inuyasha, she went home, alone for the first time in months. Kagome hopped into the well and arrived at her back door. "Kagome!" Mrs. Higurashi cried in delighted surprise as she spotted her only daughter making her way into the house. "What a lovely surprise!" The two women hugged briefly. "How are you? No Inuyasha?"

"I'm great, how are you? And, no, no Inuyasha. I decided to come on my own this time. I haven't been here by myself in a while."

Mrs. Higurashi smiled, "I understand. I must admit, it will be nice to see you alone for a bit." She led her into the living room, which Souta was just walking out of.

"Kagome!" he cried in joy at seeing her. "You're home!" He ran over and hugged his sister briefly before turning to leave.

"Where are you going?" Kagome asked.

"Koro's house. I'm sleeping over. I'll be back early tomorrow morning, though! See you, then!"

Kagome nodded, "Bye!" She heard the door close and turned back to her mother.

"How long will you be staying this time?" Mrs. Higurashi asked.

"Not long, I'm afraid. I can't leave everybody alone these days… I'll only stay a day or two."

"Ok. What do you mean 'these days'? I hope nothing bad has happened."

Kagome turned away sadly. "It's been awful."

"Oh dear!"

Kagome sat down on the living room couch. "Like six months ago, Kyoko died. Do you remember her?"

Her mother nodded, "Oh dear! She was little Shippou's mother, right?"

"Yea. She was murdered by Kagura, Naraku's right-hand man…er…woman."

"Right. And Naraku is the one with the monkey coat, right? But how do you know?"

Kagome smiled slightly. "Yea…except it's a baboon coat, Mom. I…I saw her do it."

"Oh sweetie! You poor thing." Mrs. Higurashi sat down next to her daughter and pulled her close.

"Anyway, I came back from Christmas to find that Kaede had died."

"Oh no! She was the elderly woman, right? You didn't see that, too, did you?" She looked worried.

"Yea…" Kagome sniffed. "And no…but I could smell Kagura's stench all over. And I came back from New Year's to find that…that…Miroku had…died."

"Oh Kami! How?"

"Kagura did something to him. We don't know what. The only person who saw was Shippou, but he's been shocked into silence. I don't blame him… He's so young." Kagome wiped the back of her hand across her eyes, smudging her tears into her cheeks.

Kagome's mother embraced her tightly. "Oh my Kagome," she murmured into her hair and she rocked her child. "I wish you didn't have to see such things." Kagome wept silently into her mother's neck. The tears didn't come for long, but they came hard for as long as they could force theselves out. Finally, Kagome leaned back, sniffed, and wiped her eyes.

"Thanks, Mama. I needed that."

"I can understand. Now, on to happier things."

Kagome nodded. "Yes. I didn't come here to cry. I came to come home for a bit." She stood up and stretched. Walking into the kitchen, Kagome looked around, taking in the life she used to lead before she had discovered the well. She missed it, but she would never want it back. She loved her friends too much. Kagome's eyes wandered over to the refrigerator and she exclaimed, "Oh my god! It's Valentine's Day tomorrow! I totally forgot!"

Mrs. Higurashi came up behind her. "It is. I suppose that means you need to go shopping?"

Kagome nodded frantically, "I'll run to the store right now! I'll be right back!" She grabbed her coat, hat, and purse and ran out the door. Her mother watched her until she was out of sight.

&&&

Kagome sped to the nearest commercial card shop and opened the door. The saleswoman looked up as the bell on the door jingled. "Good morning," she greeted.

"G'morning," Kagome nodded back. She walked down the aisle, past all the cards, until she reached the chocolates. There were boxes and boxes of them. They lined the shelves all around her. Kagome smiled. Jackpot. "Ok, I need four boxes." Her eyes sifted through the choices until she had found the ones she wanted. There was a small red box tied with a red ribbon filled with chocolates filled with assorted nuts. There was another small purple box with a white silk ribbon filled with chocolates of assorted fillings, such as caramel and mint. The third box was white in a red ribbon with flavored chocolates, such as raspberry and orange. The final box, which Kagome used to balance the other three on top of, was much bigger and more expensive. It was red with a white ribbon and it was full of homemade chocolates. A quarter was plain chocolate, a quarter was filled with toffee bits, a quarter was fudge truffles, and the last quarter was filled with assorted nuts. Kagome dumped them unceremoniously on the counter. The woman raised her eyebrows. "You have quite a few important men in your life, don't you?"

Kagome blushed, "Yea, I guess."

The woman smiled and continued conversationally, "And would these lucky men be?"

Kagome shrugged with a smile of her own and began ticking off her fingers, "There's my Grandpa, my little brother, my…friend…" she trailed off suggestively. The cashier smiled knowingly. "…And my good…friend…" Kagome's eyes flew open as she realized her mistake. "Oh my god." I bought one for…Miroku… Kagome's eyes filled with tears. It was as if she couldn't stop crying. How could I forget?

The cashier looked worriedly at her customer, "Miss? Are you ok? What happened?"

Kagome wiped her eyes, but the tears kept coming. "I'm sorry…it's nothing."

"You can tell me, Miss. Better in than out."

Kagome didn't know why she told the woman, but she felt better afterwards, and that was all that mattered. "One of the boxes was for my very good friend, but a month ago he died…and I hadn't realized my mistake until just now…" Her sobs continued. "How can I be so stupid? I didn't mean to dishonor him by forgetting that he had…"

The cashier came out from behind the counter and put her arm around the girl. "It's ok," she soothed, "You haven't dishonored him. You've shown him how big a part of your life he's become. So much so that you still sometimes forget he isn't actually gone. That just shows how strong his presence still is. He's lucky to have such a caring friend like you." The woman's genuine words of kindness cheered Kagome up and she wiped her eyes, smiling.

"Thank you. I needed that. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's alright. I'm glad you're feeling better. You're much cuter with that smile on, you know." She winked and returned to her machine. She rung up the four boxes and stopped. "Do you still want all four boxes?"

Kagome nodded, "I do. I'll just give one to my other friend. He'd like that."

"Wow, more boys! How old is this one? Your age?"

"No," Kagome smiled, "He's only twelve. He's an orphan and I took him in when his father died. I've been taking care of him ever since. He's like a son to me. He would love a box of chocolates."

The woman looked surprised. "Wow. That's wonderful! It's rare to find people as kind as you! You truly are a generous woman, aren't you?"

Kagome blushed under her compliments, "Thank you. I just want to keep people happy."

"And you'll do that just fine with that smile on." She handed Kagome the bag of boxes. "Here you go. Happy Valentine's Day! Have a nice day."

"Thank you. Happy Valentine's Day to you too!" She waved herself out of the store and began walking home, her spirit much lighter. Maybe what she needed all along was to let her tears out to someone separate from everything that had recently transpired. She reached the house feeling better than she had in weeks.

&&&

The next morning, Kagome woke up at nine and immediately got ready to leave. She put on a long-sleeved V-neck bright red shirt and a pair of pink cordouroys. Her hair was tied into a high ponytail. She felt refreshed from her long night of sleep. Her smile was bright as ever when she came down for breakfast. Mrs. Higurashi placed a plate of pancakes in front of her daughter. "Happy Valentine's Day, sweetie," she said as she kissed her daughter on the cheek.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Mom," she greeted back.

After finishing her pancakes, Kagome went to go sit in the living room. It was a Saturday, so Souta was home. "Happy Valentine's Day, Souta!"

"Happy Valentine's Day, Kagome!"

Grandpa walked in and smiled.

Kagome pulled two boxes out from behind her. "This one is for you, Grandpa. Happy Valentine's Day!"

Her grandfather took the box, "Thank you, Kagome. Happy Valentine's Day." He kissed her forehead and she kissed his cheek and hugged him.

She then handed the other one to Souta. "Here you go. Happy Valentine's Day, Souta."

"Thanks, Kagome! Happy Valentine's Day." He tore off the white ribbon and pulled off the lid of the purple box. Inside were the chocolates with assorted fillings.

Grandpa gently untied the red ribbon and opened up the white box to find twenty bite-size chocolates in different fruity flavors. He grinned and picked up a raspberry one, popping it eagerly into his mouth.

Following his example, Souta picked one of his chocolates and ate it quickly. He reached for another. Mrs. Higurashi took his hand by the third. "That's enough for now, dear. You can have some more after lunch." He frowned, but closed the box. Grandpa snuck in one more and did the same.

Mrs. Higurashi and Kagome exchanged exasperated smiles and giggled. Kagome stood up. "I should probably get going. I'll come back and visit soon. I need to get back. Things are a little tense right now. When things settle down, I'll come for longer," she promised. She hugged each of her family members goodbye and waved before running to the wellhouse. She clutched the plastic bag and hopped in.

On the other side, she jumped out and ran to Kaede's hut. It was strangely empty. Where once there had been eight inhabitants, now only three could be found, excluding Kagome herself. It saddened the kitsune hanyou to find so few of her 'family' left. "Hey!" she called.

Sango looked up, "Hi, Kagome!"

Inuyasha noted, "You're back."

Kagome nodded, "Yep. I told you I wouldn't stay long."

"Thanks," Sango said quietly.

Kagome sat down next to her best friend. "Anything happen?" She was almost expecting some bad news, so it was a relief to hear the tajiya's 'no'. "That's good."

"What's the matter?"

"What do you mean?" Kagome asked, confused.

"You're much quieter today. Is something wrong?"

Kagome frowned and her eyes opened as she realized what her friend meant. "Oh. Uh, nothing. It's nothing."

"What?" Sango asked.

"Nothing. Really, it's nothing you need to worry about."

"Tell me," Sango pressed.

"There's nothing to tell," Kagome insisted.

"Yes, there is. Kagome, you're not hurt, are you?"

Kagome shook her head, "No. Nothing like that."

"Then what?" Inuyasha asked. Even he was getting curious now.

Kagome broke under their gazes. "It's just that…" she glanced back at her bag and two pairs of eyes followed. "Today's Valentine's Day."

Sango didn't understand for a moment and then her mouth formed a silent 'o'. "Oh."

"I didn't want to tell you…" Kagome sighed.

Sango shook her head, "No, it's fine. Really."

Kagome nodded. "Alright. I brought some stuff." She pulled out her bag and lifted out the first box. She handed it to Shippou. "This is for you, Shippou! Happy Valentine's Day!"

Shippou smiled, "Thanks, Kagome!" He hugged her and ripped off the red ribbon. Shippou had recovered enough to be almost back to normal, but when any mention of the night of Miroku's death came up, he lost his voice, so the subject was generally avoided, for everybody's sake. Shippou set the red box on the ground and lifted off the top, tossing it gently to his left. His eyes gleamed at the sight of the chocolates. They were filled with all sorts of nuts, half of them he had never even heard of. "Wow."

Kagome laughed, "Try one."

Shippou bit into an almond cluster and his face lit up. "Mmm!" After swallowing, he said, "Happy Valentine's Day, Kagome."

&&&

Kagome got up and carried her bag over to the stream and sat down by it, watching small ice chunks float down lazily. She fingered the handles of the bag. Should I give it to him? What will he think of me? She was so deep in thought that she failed to notice said hanyou's presence behind her.

"Kagome?"

She whipped around and sighed in relief. "Inuyasha, it's just you. What are you doing here?"

"Are you ok? You sort of just…left."

Kagome shrugged, "Yea. Sorry. I wanted to sit here."

Inuyasha nodded. "Not that I cared or anything…" He was encouraged by her smile and sat down next to her. She seemed surprised, but happy. "How was your visit?"

"Interesting," she answered vaguely. "I bought a box of chocolates for Miroku and afterwards realized," she swallowed, "that I didn't need it. So I gave it to Shippou. I'm glad he's happy."

Inuyasha nodded, "I see. Well, at least the runt's happy. Otherwise?"

"Nice to go home," she nodded back. "I miss my family."

Inuyasha didn't know what to say, so he just nodded again.

Kagome stared at him in thought for a moment before he grunted, "What?"

"Nothing…" She sat her bag on her lap and pulled out the box before setting the empty bag down again. "Here, Inuyasha. Happy Valentine's Day."

Inuyasha blinked and took the box. "Thanks." He noticed with a jump of his heart that it was considerably larger than the one she had intended for Miroku.

Kagome indicated for him to open it, so he pulled off the red ribbon and opened up the white box to find those brown things in Shippou's box, except there were three times as many.

"They're chocolate. Remember? I've brought them before."

"Yea, I remember." He picked one up and sniffed it before tossing it into his mouth. "Mmm, they're good!" he announced happily.

Kagome grinned, "They're all for you. Enjoy."

"Thanks. Happy Valentine's Day," he said shyly.

As Inuyasha leaned back on his hands, Kagome took a risk and lightly draped her hand over his. He looked down at it, but did nothing to stop her. They looked at each other and looked immediately away, blushing. Neither moved or destroyed the silent moment.

&&&

Two days passed by lazily, and the inu-gumi remained in Kaede's village, resting for the time being. On the third day, Inuyasha suddenly slapped his neck. He brought down his hand and there lay a flattened flea demon. "Myouga?"

Sango, Shippou, and Kagome gathered around. "Hello," he greeted. "I have heard the terrible news. I was passing in the area and thought I would pay my regards. I'm very sorry."

Sango and Kagome nodded sadly. "Thank you," the tajiya said.

"May I stay for lunch?" he asked.

"You can stay as long as you want," Kagome assured him. "Why don't you rest for a few days with us? We're leaving soon anyway."

"Thank you, Kagome."

&&&

The day passed just as lazily. Although the layer was much thinner, the ground was still covered in snow, so everybody sat around the fire in Kaede's hut. Kagome and Sango both carried blankets, and these were passed around to contain the heat. Shippou fell asleep after dinner and Kagome watched over him lovingly. She really was a son to her in a way that only a teenage girl could feel for a young boy close to her heart. Sango bid the goodnight curled up to sleep with her head on Kagome's lap. Myouga fall gone to sleep somewhere, so Kagome and Inuyasha were the only ones left awake. She smiled sleepily at him. "I think I'll get to sleep, too. Goodnight, Inuyasha."

"Goodnight, Kagome." She fell asleep next to Sango, keeping Shippou in between them protectively. Inuyasha sat by the door and kept watch. He was responsible for them now. It was his job to protect them. He was the only man left to watch these innocent women and their kitsune child. He smiled. Having a family was a feeling he had missed for years.

&&&

The next day was no different. Myouga chatted with the girls and Shippou amiably as Inuyasha snoozed by the door. Their agreement was that he would watch over them at night and sleep by day if he got the chance. Myouga sat down cross-legged on Kagome's hand. "I'll leave tomorrow night. That will give about two more days."

Sango looked at the sky, "One and a half, really. It's almost noon."

They all looked up. "Time does fly," Kagome commented.

They looked back down at Shippou's growling stomach. He blushed. "Sorry. I guess I'm a little hungry. Can we have lunch now?"

They all chuckled and Kagome nodded, "Of course. I'll start it now. Sango, do you mind going to the river and getting me some water? I'll just make some ramen. Inuyasha will like that." She smiled sweetly over at Inuyasha.

Sango felt both a sad pang in her heart and a knowing smile at the steadily emerging romance that she knew had been hidden for so long in both of them. She took Kagome's 'pot' and walked carefully down to the river. Th ground was very wet and slushy these days, and she didn't want her kimono to get dirty. Sango reached the river and knelt down in a thankfully dry spot. She dipped the pot in the water, letting the water rush in slowly. It filled up and she lifted the dripping pot up. I'm hungry myself. Maybe I should help Kagome and cook something else, too. With this idea in her mind, she made her way back to the hut. Inside, Kagome and Kirara had started a crackling fire. Kagome gratefully took the pot from Sango's hands and placed it on the metal grill she had brought back from home. It took longer for the water to boil than on a stove, so Kagome didn't bother doing anything else.

Sango picked up Kagome's bag and looked through it until she had found what she was looking for. Tea bags. "Kagome, why don't we have some tea after?"

Kagome smiled, "Good idea! I had forgotten I even had those. Once the water's boiling, I'll cook the ramen and then we'll use what's left for the tea. I should have mugs in my bag, too." Sango looked through and shook her head when she found nothing.

Kagome thought for a moment and stood up. "That's right, I left all the food stuff here." She bent into a corner and picked up four mugs and four pair of chopsticks. Eventually the water boiled and Kagome pulled the ladle from her backpack. She spooned hot water into each of the four ramen cups and stirred them, gently adding the seasoning. Soon, all were ready. She left them to cool slightly as she dropped the tea bags in. There was just enough water left for one cup of tea each. As the water was still boiling, it didn't take long for it to boil. Kagome just poured it evenly into the four mugs and set one down beside each ramen cup. "Lunchtime!" she announced.

Sango took one and Shippou sat down in front of one as he couldn't yet handle picking them up.

Kagome picked one ramen cup and chopsticks up and slowly walked over to Inuyasha. She set the down and shook him slightly. "Inuyasha," she called. He didn't respond. "It's lunchtime. I have raaaameeen," she sang.

That woke him up. "Ramen?" he repeated, wide awake now.

"You bet," she smiled and indicated the cup.

"Thanks." He picked up his chopsticks and immediately began digging in.

Kagome laughed to herself as she brought the mug over. "And here's some tea."

"Thanks," he said a little more sincerely this time.

Kagome sat down next to Sango and started on her own meal. It was good to have a nice hot meal, and once it was finished, everybody was feeling much more comfortable.

They lazed around for the remainder of the afternoon and into evening.

&&&&&&&&&&

Night fell, though the hanyou did not notice. He turned around and faced his right hand woman. "Kagura," he began, "Tomorrow, you have another job."

"And who is the vicim this time?"

"The little kitsune child, Shippou."

"Ok. I will leave tomorrow evening, so-"

"No," Naraku interrupted. "You will leave tomorrow morning."

"But then I will be there by mid-afternoon," she protested.

"Exactly."

"You want me to do this is broad daylight?"

"Yes. It will be better this way. The child will die right under her nose. I think this one will crack her substantially."

"If I may ask," Kagura inquired, "she poses no threat to you, so why go to all this trouble to break her? What do you gain?"

Naraku's smirk widened, "Something great and fearsome that is crucial to my final ascension to absolute power."

Kagura looked confused, but his air of finality and enigma forced her to shut her mouth before she could voice her list of questions. "I see," she answered, though she clearly didn't.

Naraku smiled cruelly, "Don't worry, Kagura, you will understand in time. For now, continue with the missions I assign you."

Kagura nodded and bowed out of the room, still feeling in the dark about Naraku's 'big plan'.

&&&

The sun awoke at dawn to find a woman on a feather flying across the lands at a high speed. She was clearly searching for something, but had not yet found it. The sun yawned and turned its bright eye on others, paying no more heed to the strange woman.

&&&&&&&&&&

The inu-gumi woke later than normal that day, everybody feeling refreshed and energetic…and hungry. Kagome scurried to find her pot and matches so she could start a fire to get breakfast going. "Sango, do you mind filling the pot again? Thanks," she asked distractedly as she attempted to light the fire a third time.

Sango chuckled, "Sure. But, Kagome, calm down. No one's going to die if you don't hurry up with breakfast." She laid her hand on her friend's shoulder before getting up to walk to the river.

Kagome took a deep breath and struck the match deliberately against the side of the box and the stick burst into flame. She smiled and threw the match onto the small pile of sticks. It slowly caught fire so that by the time Sango came back, it was hot enough to begin heating up the water. Kagome set the pot on the grill and sat back with a sigh. "Now to wait."

Shippou snuggled in her arms, still half-asleep. "What's for breakfast, Kagome?"

"Rice, vegetables, and beef."

"We're having beef?"

"I brought some back from home." The water finally began to boil, so Kagome feel silent and reached over to pull the small bag of rice from her bag. She poured a little in and let it sit and cook.

"Can I help?" Shippou asked innocently.

"Not now. Sorry, Shippou. I'm not sure if you'll be able to reach and I don't want you getting burnt. If I need something else, though, I'll tell you, ok?"

He nodded, disappointed, and closed his eyes again.

Kagome smiled at him and leaned back on her arms so that he was curled up on her lap. After a while, she pulled out the vegetables from their plastic bags. Luckily, she had just gone home so they could eat something nice for a change. She had cut them at home and just placed them on the grill now. There were peppers, broccoli, and carrots. "Shippou," he sat up suddenly, "would you mind going into the back and bringing me some of Kaede's spices? I need the white one, the black one, and the brown one."

"On my way!" He ran down and came back seconds later. "These ones?"

"Thanks, Shippou."

He smiled and sat down in her lap.

Kagome poured a little bit of each on the vegetables and couple pinches in the rice. She stired the rice with a spoon then flipped over the vegetables with the same spoon. They were burnt at the edges and cooked well in the middle. Kagome sprinkled some more spices on the other side of the vegetables. Minutes later, she flipped the over one last time. The spices had been grilled into the vegetable slices.

Sango complimented, "Mm, those smell really good!"

"Thanks. I hope they taste just as good." She plucked the vegetables from the grill and laid them on a plate. "Don't touch," she warned Shippou. Then, she took the pot off the fire and mixed it some more before putting some more spices in. The rice began to turn a little brown. She dumped the vegetables in, mixed it again, and reached into her bag one last time. "Tada!" she announced as she pulled out a dark brown bottle. "Soy sauce!" She poured some in generously and stirred the rice again. Breakfast was ready.

Sango peered in, "That's quite a lot of food."

Kagome nodded, "It's going to be lunch, too." She distributed some in every bowl and handed one to everybody with a pair of chopsticks. Myouga stole from Kagome, as he didn't dare take any from his master. Compliments were passed to Kagome throughout the meal. She beamed and finished her food quickly. "Tea, anybody?" They all nodded, so the kitsune got up to fill the pot with more water. It was cold outside. She shivered slightly, but she wasn't half as cold as she should be. Being a hanyou definitely has it advantages. She stopped as Inuyasha put a hand on her shoulder.

"Let me do it," he offered gruffly, averting his eyes.

She smiled, "Thanks, Inuyasha."

He gave her a small smile and took the pot. Kagome watched him for a minute before returning inside.

"Where's your pot?" Myouga asked.

"Inuyasha took it. He offered to fill it for me."

"Oo!" the flea cooed, "I think he likes you."

Kagome blushed, "No. He just wanted to help. Everybody else has. Except you." She put her hands on her hips.

Myouga coughed, "I'm too small."

At that moment, Inuyasha returned and set the pot on the grill. Kagome put in the tea bags and let it boil. The fire slowly began to die down. "Shippou, do mind going out and getting more firewood?"

Shippou shook his head, "Nope! Be right back!" He ran out of the hut to collect some.

Kagome smiled at his back, "I don't know where he finds his energy. Even Souta isn't this hyper."

Sango laughed, "I don't know either."

&&&

Ten minutes passed and Shippou wasn't back yet. "Where is he?" Kagome wondered.

Sango shrugged, "I don't know. His arms are small, I'm sure he's just having a little trouble." Kagome nodded.

&&&&&&&&&&

Shippou was having some trouble, but not with the firewood.

He was walking along the edge of the woods, picking up fallen branches. A pile was steadily growing in his arms, though beginning to totter slightly. He clutched them tigher. As the pile reached his nose, he heard something behind him. It was the rustle of a twig being stepped on. "Who's there?" he called out, turning around. Nobody was there. Shippou shrugged and continued on. "Oh well." He took a couple steps and bent down to pick up a branch, but as he moved to stand up again, he saw a pair of feet. His eyes followed them up to find the face of none other than… "Kagura!" he cried, stumbling back. "What do you want?"

"Everybody asks me that," she commented lazily. "And I give everybody the same answer, more or less."

Shippou nervously crept backward, preparing himself to scream. He glanced back and could see the hut, but doubted its inhabitants could see him.

"What have you got there?" Kagura asked almost kindly.

"F-firew-wood," he stuttered. He continued stepping backward.

Kagura's smile flashed into a smirk, "Lovely. I hope they don't need it too badly. Goodbye, little kitsune." She flipped open her fan and waved it. The simple wind was enough to blow him off his feet. She was careful to wave it away from the hut; else her scent might reach them. She buffeted the poor child around for a minute before assuming a cruel look on her face, "Ok, playtime's over." She held her fan up and whipped toward the ground. A powerful wind coursing with energy ricocheted off the ground and headed for Shippou. He dropped his sticks and turned and ran. The wind was faster, though, and pushed up against him. There was a blinding flash of light and it disappeared just as quickly as it appeared. Shippou felt himself flying through the air. He hit the ground with a moan. His eyes closed and he felt himself being carried off into the air. He sighed and did not move.

When her eyes had adjusted, Kagura found Shippou lying on his stomach, a little way ahead. A dribble of blood ran down his chin. She walked over and kicked him onto his back. His eyes were wide and frightened, but his breath was gone. That went too quickly. How boring. She flew off on her feather before the inu-gumi could find her.

&&&

Everybody looked up at the flash of light. Kagome sniffed the air and gasped. "Kagura!"

Inuyasha jumped up.

Sango exclaimed, "Who does she want this time?"

Kagome cried out frantically, "Shippou!" She dashed out of the hut and reached Shippou, who was lying on his back. "Shippou!" She shook him, gave him mouth-to-mouth, and listened for his pulse. Nothing worked. He was dead.

Inuyasha came up first, "What happened?"

"He's dead!" she wailed.

"No!" Sango cried.

"He's dead!" she lamented, flinging her body over his tiny form. "Wake up! Please wake up, Shippou! Wake up!" She shook his urgently.

Sango knelt beside her and took her in her arms. "He's gone, Kagome."

Kagome fell against her, sobbing. "No!"

Inuyasha's face was grim. "Kagura," he growled.

At the sound of her name, Kagome rose up. "Kagura," she growled louder. "I'll kill her!"

Sango was surprised to see her friend so angry. "Kagome?"

"I'll kill her!" Her voice rose. "I'll kill that stupid bitch! She murdered my Shippou!" Looking down, the sight of Shippou's lifeless body brought something out in her. "Shippou!" she roared. Her body began shaking violently. She clutched herself. Her claws extended and sharpened so dripulets of blood rolled down her arms. Her teeth lengthened so they were poking out of her mouth. She lifted her face and they could see her eyes were a frightening red with dark brown slit-like pupils. There were two light green stripes arross her cheeks and two more on her forehead going into her hair. Everybody stepped back in surprise and terror as she gave a fearsome snarl. She swiped wildly at the air. "Kagura! I'm going to kill you!"

Sango was frozen. "What's happening to her?" she whispered fearfully.

Myouga hopped to her shoulder. "She's a hanyou, remember? So she can change to a youkai in extreme situations, as can Master Inuyasha. Shippou was like a son to her. She and Shippou have formed a mother-son bond, and now that he's dead, the motherly instinct in her demon blood is enraged enough to take over her human blood."

"So she's set on revenge?"

"Yes. The only way to stop her is if she finds and kills Kagura or is knocked unconscious."

"Isn't her human blood fighting it?" Inuyasha asked.

"Her human blood is probably just as angry, so it doesn't bother."

Inuyasha took a step forward and Kagome spun around menacingly.

"Kagome," he began. She gave a feral growl in response.

Myouga called to his master. "Master Inuyasha! She will kill you! Please step away! She's dangerous!"

"No!" He kept his eyes focused on her form. "Kagome," he called softly.

Her ears trained onto him and his voice.

"Kagome," he repeated.

Kagome stopped and slowly transformed back to her hanyou state. Her knees buckled, but Inuyasha caught her. "Kagome?" he asked in concern.

She looked up at him with tears in her eyes, "I can't believe he's dead."

Inuyasha glanced at Myouga. "She's doesn't remember," he explained.

Inuyasha nodded, picked her up bridal style, and carried her back to the hut, where he lay her down on some straw by the fire to sleep.

&&&

Sango, Kirara, and Inuyasha gathered around Myouga. "Her body's drained from the strain of her first transformation. We should let her sleep. You were lucky," he directed at Inuyasha, "This time, she recognized your voice and that brought her back. Next time, you may not be so lucky. Make sure she is not put under such strain again. Shippou was close to her. Don't bring him up for the next few days. She can come tomorrow when you bury him, but that's it. I want you to avoid the topic. I'm not sure how much her blood, or her body, can handle. Besides the fact that should she trnsform again, you may not be able to save her so easily."

Inuyasha nodded and calmed his racing heart. She'll be fine. I'll protect her. But, what will happen next time? He sat down next to Kagome and watched over her for the rest of the day.

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How was it? Good? Bad? You'll hear more about Kagome's transformations in the next few chapters. This story is not over yet, but there will probably be only about five or so more chapters because of the way I divide things into chapters. Don't worry, though they'll be at least as long as this chapter was. We still have some more things to get through, so fear not faithful reviewers! Hehe.

Personal Reviews:

TaintedInuShemeeko – Thank you. I'm glad you liked my chapter. If that one made you cry, I wonder what this one will do. Thanks for reviewing!

BeccaPatty – Nope, the family will have to be just Inuyasha and Kagome. Things will lighten up, though. Soon… I'm so bad, aren't I? Did you like the Kagome twist? Thanks for reviewing!

mysisterthinksimasquijum – I'm glad you love my story! Weird, huh? I hope that's a good thing! That's great that you've been writing! Thanks for reviewing!