A/N: God terrible chapter I know. Going to try to wrap it up by Friday y'all. This is what you get for writing three stories at once.

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Itty Bitty Pretty One

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"Well, thank you for coming to tell us," Sango sighed as she furrowed her brow and glanced around the treeline, "Where is your family? Didn't you bring them with you?"

"I left them behind. There wasn't time to explain," Emi answered anxiously causing the slayer and monk exchanging worried side-eyed glances, "I, uh, should be getting back."

"One of us should escort you. Kilala can fly much faster than you can run," Sango offered kindly, "Plus, there's something strange about the situation. I'd like to investigate a little."

"Oh," Emi whispered quietly before swallowing thickly, "You really think they might be in danger?"

"Perhaps but hopefully not," Miroku replied in a calm, thoughtful tone, "It is strange that Kagura didn't notice your presence when you noticed her own and for the same scent to have accompanied her. It's very likely that she used Dance of the Dead to bring back the old woman to trick you into delivering the potion and has been watching you for some time."

"I had never smelled that scent until that day," Emi replied – the knot in her stomach twisting angrily and her breath becoming increasingly erratic as her thoughts returned to her family left all alone in that clearing, "But yes, flying back would be much faster. Could we leave now?"

"Will you be alright on your own?" Sango asked Miroku quietly – her brow arched in a silent question before she glanced purposefully towards the well.

"All seems quiet for the moment," the monk observed as he sighed and rolled his neck, "I don't expect them to be returning anytime soon. Not with his condition being what it is."

"Kagura most likely won't attack without him nearby anyway," Sango mused before turning back towards the girl, "Let me just get my things together and then we can leave. Thank you for your help."

"I haven't helped," Emi replied miserably, "I just keep making things worse."

"You came to tell us of your discovery," Sango soothed as she gave the girl a warm smile, "That's helpful."

"And I listened to an evil miko who purified the man who saved my family. Oh and don't forget. I shrunk you both and him," Emi groaned – internally screaming at herself to shut up before they decided she was too much trouble and forced her to run the entire way home.

"I tried to kill Inuyasha when I first met him," Sango whispered quietly, "I believe Miroku did as well. No one is perfect. I was tricked by an evil half-demon myself into believing that Inuyasha killed my entire village. Miroku…well, Miroku, uh…"

"I was merely in the habit of exterminating demons and in need of jewel shards," the monk replied honestly, "I thought he had abducted the Lady Kagome and thought I was coming to her rescue. Fortunately, however, Inuyasha – for all his faults – is one of the most forgiving individuals I have ever had the pleasure of meeting."

"Forgiving?" Emi snorted as she rolled her eyes, "He didn't seem very forgiving to me."

"Give him time," Sango laughed softly, "I'm sure he'll forgive you as well. He's just very impulsive is all and has a short temper."

"Agreed," Miroku chimed in with a gentle chuckle, "Trust me, there have been individuals who have harmed him far worse that he still chooses to forgive. Besides, you've done us a great service and come a long way. There's a lot to be said for that."

"Well, thanks I guess," Emi mumbled awkwardly before her nose twitched and her head whipped towards the east, "Actually, I might not need that ride after all. I think my grandfather and brother might've followed me. They're not too far away."

"Followed you?" Sango asked quietly as she shared a weary look with the monk, "But they're human, right?"

"Yeah," Emi answered slowly as she creased her brow in confusion and worry turned her blood into ice, "They shouldn't be this close, should they? Do you think someone captured them?"

"Perhaps," Miroku replied darkly, "Stay close by. I doubt very seriously any good will come from you running off to face them on your own."

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"This is stupid," Kagura muttered as she flew towards the village with three extra beings in tow, "How the hell am I supposed to get him to drink this?"

"Two vials," Kanna suddenly whispered, "That's all."

"Thank you," Kagura clipped back sarcastically as she rolled her eyes, "That was helpful."

"It does not need to be consumed," Kanna whispered in that same eerie tone, "So long as two vials are used the effects should be the same."

"So just douse them with it?" Kagura snorted before a wicked smirk grew on her lips, "Now that I can work with."

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Nuzzling his nose into her hair once more, Inuyasha reverted back to his old reliable friend – scent – to calm his nerves. It wasn't as strong as it normally was but he could still pick it up if he focused. That dream had gotten underneath his skin to the point where he couldn't sleep. It didn't matter that he was exhausted or that the bed was so comfortable. The vision of her bloodied body falling onto the ground was enough to give him a mild panic attack every time he closed his eyes. The only reason – and I mean the only reason – he was able to keep his wits about him at the moment was the knowledge that Kagome was safe in his arms. In some ways, he never wanted to become a half-demon again. At any moment, his demon half could take control and then that nightmare might be realized. It was something so…so stupid that kept his demon in check. Kagome had joked on occasion that his sword was like his medication – explained in such a way that it made perfect sense. In order to stay himself, he needed to keep it with him at all times just in case. Like an Epipen or Insulin, she'd said. While some of her explanation had been lost on him entirely, he couldn't help but think how burdensome that might be in her era – in the event she wanted to return for good. No one carried around weapons of any kind here. What would he even do with it if he wanted to attend school like she did? He couldn't very well carry it with him at all times, right? And she would, undoubtedly, want to stay in this era after their quest was complete. She'd worked so hard after all. Maybe it'd be better if he left now so he couldn't disappoint her later once she realized it just wouldn't work.

Scoffing lightly at himself, he tightened his grip around her waist slightly. Yeah, he'd be able to force himself to leave her when hell froze over and not a moment before. She'd have to be the one to leave. Not him. God, when did he become so weak. Stupid human emotions. They'd be the death of him.