It wasn't too much longer before the group of Naraku-hunters were packing up again. They would leave tomorrow if all went well, Sango was showing signs of sickness, but assured all that she was perfectly fine. Kaede made a remedy just in case.

'I would be able to help,' Kagome started, 'except my first aid kit is running low on supplies and...'

'I'll be fine,' promised Sango.

'If you say so.'

By dawn, their faction was heading north once again, this time by a different path. New path meant new clues and a new lead. Sango trailed behind with Kirara, panting even at their slow pace. Kagome kept her company, but had difficulty keeping her mind on her friend's troubles. She almost felt ashamed... almost. Around noon Sango stopped to rest and the others stopped with her.

'You're just holding us up,' Inuyasha grumbled. 'Why don't you just go back to the village until you're well.'

'Well... he's trying to be thoughtful. It doesn't come easy for him,' Miroku stated. 'He's right though and I would gladly escort you back. We'll take Kirara.' The demon cat nudged at Sango with her nose and mewed, urging her to agree with the boys.

The demon slayer protested at first, but, feeling weary, eventually gave in. 'I'll be fine by myself, Miroku,' she insisted, sure that the others would need him should they run into any demons.

Sure enough, by mid-afternoon, they did. Shiyou had tracked Inuyasha's scent, '... easily discerned. After all, it has this mutt-like quality about it.'

'Damn you! Damn all of you stupid little ponies!' Inuyasha drew Tetsusaiga and held it steady before him.

Kagome, too, glared at the beast. After having seen the assault on Kouga, and having heard, in detail, from the wolf demon, who had visited the village two days prior, all about Inuyasha's pitiful struggle. 'You should have seen him... nearly crying he was. I still don't see why you choose the thick mutt over me.'

'Why such a contemptible look from such a lovely face.'

'Don't even try,' Kagome snapped. 'You- you-'

'I must apologise for upsetting you, but now I have a score to settle with your love mate.'

The school girl stared with wide eyes. 'What?' she demanded of the hanyou standing next to her.

'I never- I- never be your boyfriend.'

'WHAT?'

He started the fierceness in her voice. 'Well, what do you want me to say?'

'I want you to say that- I don't know.'

'If you're done bickering...'

'I am not done!' Kagome shouted.

'I am!' Inuyasha declared. I honestly think I'd rather fight the bloody pony. 'What do you want!' he demanded as he turned to Shiyou.

'I'd actually like to ask you a question.' Inuyasha raised his eyebrows and lowered his sword. 'What is that blasted Sesshoumaru's weakness?'

Kagome blinked. What does he want with Sesshoumaru. I thought... he was so respectful.

'Forgive me, my lord. I have given an awful gift, discourtesy, in return for living on your lands.'

'Why should I tell you?' Inuyasha asked as he started forward.

'Because... if you don't, you've as good as admitted you don't know.'

'Just shut up,' he said, pushing aside the horse demon. 'I've other matters to deal with. I could care less about your tiff with Sesshoumaru.'

'Apathy is bound to get you into some trouble in the near future,' Shiyou said softly as he prepared for an attack.

I know this is short, but it's better than nothing right? -grins- Oh, and thanks again for all of the reviews.

-rambling- Soo much drama. And I can't tell you... 'cause then it would be like... Ohmigod. Then there would be the passing of the notes, and the whispering of the secrets, and the ruining of my life! So. Much. Drama.

Hehe... yea. I don't know where that came from, but it seems appropriate.