Kagome ran blindly through the forest until she stumbled and fell onto the soft grass. She sobbed and just couldn't stop until the pain went away. But it felt as though it would never go away…how could InuYasha do this? That selfish, cruel…Kagome stopped herself. Selfish? Wasn't she the one acting selfish, wishing him back just so he could be with her? It was his decision who he wanted to be with, not hers.

Kagome wiped her eyes with her sleeve and sighed. A quiet rustle came from some nearby bushes and she turned. Shippo emerged with Kirara carrying a couple acorns and smiling broadly. "Hi Kagome!" he said cheerfully. "Did you feel that earthquake?" Kagome winced but gave the little fox demon a small smile.

"Yes, Shippo, I felt it."

"Wasn't it cool?" he laughed and tossed an acorn at her. Kagome caught it and just starred down at it. "So where're the others? I haven't seen InuYasha…" Kagome swallowed the huge lump that was forming in her throat. "…Kagome? Are…are you alright?" Shippo asked in concern. Kagome nodded in hurry and then got to her feet and ran off. Why am I running from Shippo? She thought guiltily, as she heard the fox demon calling after her. But she couldn't stop and just ran and ran and ran. Who would protect her now? Who would visit her through the well? No one. No one was there for her anymore…she'd thought InuYasha would always be there right by her side…or was it the other way around?

Kagome's vision was starting to get blurry and she realized she was crying again. She halted beside a tall oak tree and took several deep breaths. She would return to the campsite and then go home. For good.

Kagome looked up to see dusk falling. I'd better hurry before it gets too dark, she thought as she turned to retrace her steps. But suddenly her head connected with something sharp and painful. She gasped and fell backward. Blood dripped from her nose and temple. She felt woozy and someone was approaching her, ready to strike again. She couldn't move, she was too weak. The person or demon raised what looked like claws and laughed. Kagome moved her lips but no sound came out. A loud thump was heard and then everything went black…

Kagome blinked open her eyes to see the bright morning sun shining down on her. She could hear running water and knew she was near a river. She tried to sit up, but a throbbing pain in her head made her wince. She slowly turned her head to notice a figure crouched by the river. She struggled and finally managed to groan, catching the person's attention. The person stood and walked back over to Kagome. She squinted and smiled. It was Koga.

"K…Koga?" she said softly. "What…happened?" Koga bent down over her an laid a soaked furs on her forehead. It instantly cooled her.

"A demon attacked you and I smelled your blood. By the time I reached you though you were already out of it." He grinned and added, "But I chased him off and brought you here. Those wounds are bad. And besides…" he winked. "…You've always taken care of me in the past." Kagome managed a tiny smile before shutting her eyes again. She was wrapped in warm furs and felt cozy and safe. Maybe…Maybe she wasn't alone…Maybe she did have a protector…

Something smelled really good and Kagome couldn't help but ask, "What're you cooking?" Koga looked taken aback but grinned. "Fish. Here, I'll bring you some." Kagome opened one eye and saw Koga walking over to a fire with some big fish cooking over it. He took one and left it on the stick so Kagome could hold it and eat. Then he helped her up so she was in a sitting position.

"Thanks," she said, taking a small bight. "Oh wow! This is delicious!" She started taking bigger and bigger bights and soon she had eaten three fish. Koga watched her the entire time, wondering only one thing. "Why did Mutt Face let you go wandering around alone?" he asked. Kagome stopped chewing. She starred at her fur blanket and was silent. "If you mean InuYasha…well…" She couldn't finish. Koga cocked an eyebrow.

"He…he went off with some other girl…and…he's never coming back."

Koga was so thrilled he wanted to jump. But seeing that look of mournfulness on Kagome's face made him contain himself. "So he chose another woman?" was all he could think of to say. Kagome nodded and a tear ran down her cheek and fell into the brown fur. Koga moved a little closer and put an arm around her shoulder. More tears dripped down her face and Kagome was suddenly sobbing into Koga's shoulder.

"It's alright, Kagome. Remember…you still have me."