Ok, this is your first warning people. I want feedback on this chapter. Believe me, I'm petty enough to stop writing if I don't get reviews. If that becomes the case, I'll probably just send out new chapters to my more faithful reviewers (and trust me, I know who you are).

Strike 1 people. Review.

Kaijin smiled smugly to himself at the dog demon's obvious discomfort as they left the spider demon's cave. He's so easily rumpled when it comes to the miko. Who does he think he's fooling? His smile melted into a cheeky grin. I wonder…what would it take to get him to admit it?

A breeze swept down from the mouth of the cave, crossing Kaijin's nose. The smile immediately falling from his face, the tiger turned and gazed up at the sloping rock. Narrowing his eyes, Kaijin frowned as tension crept into his form.

Glancing back, Kagome came to a stop. "Kaijin? Is something the matter?"

The tiger didn't respond for a moment. Lifting an eyebrow, Inuyasha turned to glare at the demon, then looked up at the rock face. The hill the rock created was lumpy and malformed, moss-covered in some regions and bare in others. Shadows danced across its surface, licking cautiously at the lighted areas.

Sniffing at the air, Inuyasha frowned. I don't smell anything. What's he so worked up about?

"Hey, Cat Breath. Either move it or start talking, since you don't do us any good standing there like a moron."

"Do you sense something, Kaijin?" Kagome asked quickly.

The tiger demon continued to stare up at the hill for a moment more before slowly shaking his head. Lifting his hand to his shoulder, he soothed his ruffled fur and turned to Kagome.

"No…I don't. I must have been imagining things." Giving himself a brief shake, he strode forward. "Let's get out of here."

Kagome and Inuyasha glanced at each other for a moment before the half demon shrugged and followed. Glancing back at the cave curiously, Kagome followed suit.

"I wonder what bothered him just now."

Try as he might, Kaijin couldn't dispel the sense of unease that had settled onto his shoulders. There was no one on that hilltop. No scent, no sound, nothing. So why did I feel like we were being watched? He allowed his expression to cloud over for a minute, then reassembled his face into a cheerful smile and turned it on his companions.

"After that little episode, I'll bet you guys want to wash." He glanced pointedly at Inuyasha's robes, which had darkened along his side where he'd fallen within the cocoon. The dog demon wrinkled his nose at him.

Chuckling lightly, Kaijin angled off to the right. "Come. I know of a river nearby."

Maybe we all need to relax.

The voices of the three travelers faded as they wandered away from the cave entrance. After a moment, a shadow atop the hill shifted.

Unseen by any who passed, a lean figure lounged among the craggy rock, one arm propped lazily upon a lifted knee. As the group drew further away, the figure's slit eyes opened slowly and his head lifted.

"They got away, did they?" A voice no louder than the whispering wind emerged from his lips. With a gusty sigh, the figure straightened up and frowned. "And what on earth was that tiger doing there?"

Glancing about to make sure he had no audience, he slid down the rock face. His body seemed to merge with each shadow as he moved. Silently, he alighted on the ground.

Placing one dark, clawed hand on the cool grass, the figure looked along their path with hooded eyes.

"I'm not sure I can allow that."

With those words, he melted into the nearest shadow and disappeared.

"I told you, I'm NOT gonna do it!"

"Please, Inuyasha? I promise I won't look while you change!"

"NO."

"Aww, c'mon! You know it's hot enough."

"I. Said. NO!"

Kagome sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "Inuyasha, be reasonable. It's at least 28 degrees out, you're wearing heavy, long robes, and you've been running around all day! Admit it, you need to go into the water!"

Scowling, Inuyasha folded his arms. He'd previously settled for rolling up his sleeves, but it hadn't accomplished much. Sweat ran down his jaw line.

"Maybe I do and maybe I don't, but I'll be caught dead before I wear that…monstrosity!"

Kagome smothered a smile. "It's not a monstrosity. It'll look good on you! I swear!"

"Over my dead body," he stated calmly, looking away. Deep in his gut, he shuddered. Just the thought of wearing that…thing in front of Kagome…no. He'd eat a tub of mud before he lowered himself so far!

Kagome battled with a surge of amusement as she held out her offering. "But if you wear this, we can go in together! I could even wear my new bathing suit!"

Inuyasha feh'd in response, but his interest perked at the mention of her bathing suit. He'd seen it on several occasions, though it had always made him feel a bit like a peeping tom (Kagome had used that phrase several times before. He had to admit…it fit the sentiment) when she wore it. If he put on that…monstrosity, he'd be allowed to swim with her?

Glancing at the garment in her hands, he winced.

Is it even worth it?

"You know you want to…" she sang, shaking it in front of him. With a great show of reluctance, Inuyasha took the garment and held it up.

She really expected him to wear a pair of…what did she call them…Hawaiian swimming trunks?

His left eye twitched as he contemplated the wild red, green and blue flower patterns splattered all over the garment. He could just hear the gods laughing at him.

His eyes narrowed. Gods. Was that fox goddess behind this???

A pair of gentle hands turned him around and pushed him towards a line of trees and bushes.

"You go change over there, and I'll change over here, ok? Trust me, you'll feel better once you get in the water." A sense of glee swept over Kagome. Is he really going to wear them??

"Why can't I just wear what I've got on?" He ignored the whine in his voice. Under the circumstances, he figured it was justified!

"Because we need to wash our clothes anyway! Spider guts aren't the only 'unmentionables' on them. I mean, after all these battles we've fought, how many times have you actually washed those robes?"

Inuyasha mumbled under his breath. Kagome didn't catch what he said, but then, she didn't really care anyway.

"I'm not riding on your back when I know that stuff is in there." She smiled sweetly. "I'll make this up to you later, ok? I promise."

"I doubt that," he grumbled, just before she gave him a last shove towards the bushes. He watched irritably as she walked back over to her bag, which they'd retrieved on the way to the river, and pulled out a length of purple material. Glancing up, she shooed him away.

"Go on!"

Grumbling, he stepped behind the bushes and stripped off his haori and shirt. A breeze decided to whip by at that moment, cooling his sweat-streaked skin. He sighed in relief. Damn, I was getting hot!

His hands went to his belt, but he hesitated, staring down at the brightly colored swimming trunks. A wave of revulsion and humiliation swept through him as the trunks seemed to expand to fill his vision.

No way. No way in hell. I don't care if she "sits" me until my back snaps in half! I'm…not…

"WEARING IT!"

Kaijin floated luxuriously through the water, enjoying the feel of the current swishing through his fur. The sound of his companions arguing filled his ears, so he closed his eyes and let himself drift downstream.

"Eh, they probably want some private time anyway." A kick of his legs kept him in the same area, however. Despite the fact that he couldn't actually detect anyone's presence, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. He'd learned long ago not to mess with instincts.

Opening his eyes, he stared up at the clear blue sky. A single white bird streaked across it, chirping softly.

Rumble.

Sighing, Kaijin placed a hand on his stomach. "That's right, I had to drop our snacks when looking for those guys." A second rumble had him flipping over.

"Time to go fishing!"

As he dove underwater, he could have sworn he spotted a glimmer of movement on the far bank, but a fish the size of his arm swimming by quickly erased the thought from his brain.

Smiling happily, Kagome stepped out from the tree cover, her clothes folded in her arms. She wore a simple one-piece bathing suit that crisscrossed over her mostly bare back and revealed a hint of her sides. The front was modest, showing only a small square of her chest before it formed a solid plane down her torso.

Resting her clothes on the shore, she glanced towards Inuyasha. He still stood behind the bushes, his back to her. Her grin widening, she waded into the water.

"C'mon in, Inuyasha! Don't be shy!" Her eyes glinted with mischief. I can't wait to see him in that bathing suit!

A faint blush warmed her cheeks. The trunks were comical in themselves, but that wasn't the only reason she wanted him in a suit. Though she'd seen his torso a couple of times, Inuyasha never really showed himself off…and she didn't think she'd ever really seen his legs. She couldn't help but wonder what he'd look like in a swimsuit. Was he really skinny? Or did he have more than a lean strength in those legs?

Inuyasha growled irritably at her words, glancing over at her. His eyes swept over her suit, but aside from a slight flush on his cheeks, his expression didn't change.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming! Sheesh."

Kagome held her breath as he stepped out from behind the bushes…

"Hey! You little stinker, you didn't even put it on!" Pouting, she crossed her arms over her chest. He scowled back at her.

"I told you, I'd rather die than be caught in those 'swimming trunks'." Grumpily, he stalked over to the water.

"And what about washing your clothes??"

"Hey, I took my shirt off. Wash that." He struggled to keep an expression of pure pleasure from his face as the cool waters rushed to swirl about his legs. A contented sigh escaped him nonetheless.

Kagome sighed in disappointment. Oh well. What did I expect? This is Inuyasha we're talking about. Rolling her eyes, she sloshed over to him.

"You're a chicken, you know that?" Sticking her tongue out at him, she sent a little splash towards him.

His eyes narrowed dangerously. "I am NOT a chicken!" He pointed accusingly at the offending trunks on the shore. "Only an idiot would be seen in those!!"

"Well, you aren't exactly the brightest bulb in the bunch." Smirking, she flopped onto her back and began to swim in a wide arc around him.

Inuyasha frowned. He didn't know exactly what a bulb was, but he could tell when he was being insulted. Unable to think of a comeback, he simply scowled and turned away.

Rolling her eyes, Kagome rolled over and swam up to him, then stood in the relatively shallow water. She still struggled with her disappointment as she looked at him. I really wanted to see him in those, too.

A thought entered her head, and she smiled.

"You know, you really are a coward, Inuyasha." She shrugged as he slowly turned his head, spearing her with an evil glare. "Well, it's true."

"Mind explaining that?" His voice held a dangerous edge to it. Folding her arms, she tipped her chin up.

"Well, if you don't even have the guts to wear a simple bathing suit—"

"That thing is hideous!"

"...Then yes, I think you're a coward." Fighting to keep a smile off her face, Kagome turned her back on him. "Maybe you're just not man enough."

She smothered a chuckle at the low growl that immediately rumbled out of Inuyasha's chest. Did he actually buy that?

Inuyasha scowled furiously, a flush of anger and embarrassment on his cheeks. Not man enough, am I??

His scowl deepened when she turned around, a placating smile on her face. She patted him on the shoulder.

"It's ok, Inuyasha, I understand. Everyone can get a little shy sometimes—"

SHY??

"...And I guess not everyone has the guts to wear a swimsuit in public." Her smile widened cheerily. "Maybe you'll have the courage next time."

That does it. "The hell I will!" Snarling, he strode out of the water and stomped over to the trunks. I'll show HER courage! He swiped them angrily off the ground and stalked behind the bushes, glancing over at Kagome. "Turn around!"

She turned immediately, unable to keep a grin off her face. Blushing, Inuyasha changed quickly into the swimming trunks. He winced at the bright colors on his pale skin, then glanced back at her.

Ok, good, she's not looking. Tensing, he edged out from behind the bushes, trying to make as little sound as he could. He stilled when she turned her head slightly.

"Well? Can I look?"

Inuyasha's eyes widened as she started to turn, and his bravery deserted him. Dear gods, what if she laughs at me?? Her head seemed to go into slow motion, her brown eyes moving to meet his...

Complete and utter panic overwhelmed him.

"Inuyasha?" Kagome blinked as a silver blur shot past her.

SPLA-PLA-PLA-PLASHHH!

Kagome froze for a long moment. "Wha...?" Turning, she spotted Inuyasha a meter or so beyond her, standing in water up to the middle of his chest. A contorted scowl did nothing to hide the tremendous flush covering his face and neck.

...Nor did it hide the bright Hawaiian trunks dancing beneath the water.

A grin split Kagome's face, and she clapped her hands delightedly. "You wore it! You really wore it!!"

Mortified, he folded his arms over his chest. "Are you happy now??"

Her only response was to splash over to him and throw her arms around his neck. Laughing heartily, she hugged the embarrassed boy.

"Yes! Very happy." Pulling away, she looked at his disgruntled face. "Don't tell me you're upset."

He glanced away. I can't believe I'm actually wearing them...

Kagome smiled warmly at him. "Oh, don't be such a grump. Have some fun for once in your life!"

"Hey!" Taking exception, Inuyasha turned back to her. "I know how to have fun!" His eyebrows furrowed at her immediately dubious expression. "I do!"

"Uh huh." Smirking, she waded back from him. "Prove it."

Inuyasha thought for a long moment, a smile working its way across his face. His eyes narrowed on her. Smiling nervously, she backed away.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

His grin took on an evil edge as he slowly moved closer to her. "You wanted me to prove it, right?"

"Well, yes…" She blinked as he suddenly loomed above her. "Just what are you thinking??"

"Oh, nothing." Quick as a flash, his hands were on her waist. He bared his teeth in a feral grin. "How's THIS for fun??"

A shriek was her only reply.

The bottom half of a fish wriggling before his lips, Kaijin lifted his head out of the water. His ears tweaked at the sound of intermittent screams and laughs from his companions. Munching slowly on the fish, Kaijin watched them with bemused interest.

The two appeared to be playing together, though the game consisted only of Kagome swimming frantically around, with Inuyasha splashing after her. When he finally managed to catch up to her, he would hoist her giggling body out of the water, turn, and hurl her as far away as he could. Then they'd start all over again.

Silently, Kaijin wondered if the half demon had ever enjoyed himself this much.

Grinning, Kaijin gulped down the rest of his fish and swam over towards the couple, keeping himself a safe distance away so he wouldn't get clocked by a tossed Kagome.

The miko was actually a talented swimmer; she streaked through the water with an admirable speed for a human. Inuyasha, on the other hand, could swim, but he wasn't nearly as proficient. His strength propelled him far faster than his technique (or lack thereof) should have allowed.

As Inuyasha closed in on his prey, Kaijin locked eyes with Kagome. A sparkle of amusement shone in her eyes. Smiling in response, Kaijin called out to the dog demon.

"Hey, Dog Butt!" He grinned as Inuyasha glared at him. "You'd better look out!"

"Huh?" Confused, Inuyasha turned back to face Kagome, who promptly disappeared under the water. Moments later, she sprang out behind him and clambered onto his back. She immediately wrapped her legs around his waist and locked her arms about his neck.

She laughed delightedly. "Now try to get me off!"

Inuyasha blushed furiously as he tugged weakly at her arms. This was a new situation…Kagome, who was wearing remarkably little, was smeared across his bare back.

...I wonder what Miroku would say about this?

The following thought only made Inuyasha's blush worse.

Mock growling, Inuyasha tried to throw the girl from his back. It was hard to try to pry her arms and legs free without hurting her, especially when he couldn't truly work up the desire to remove her. Compromising, he spun violently around in the water, trying to disorient her enough to loosen her hold on him.

Eventually, Kagome let herself be flung off, enjoying the thrill of flying through the air before splashing into the water. Smiling, she swam away and watched as Kaijin used the opportunity to smack Inuyasha upside the head. The two immediately engaged in a water fight filled as much with splashes and sputters as it was punches and clumsy kicks.

Rolling her eyes, Kagome waded to shore and stretched out on the warm grass. Sighing happily, she closed her eyes and let herself relax for what felt like the first time in ages. She listened vaguely to the boys fighting as she bathed in sunlight. Her mind began to drift, and she didn't notice when the shadow from a nearby tree extended slightly, just barely touching her ear.

"WHO ARE YOU??"

Eyes flying open, Kagome clapped her hands to her ears, sat up, and screamed.

Night descended over the land as the group trudged warily through the woods. Fighting the sudden chill, Kagome rubbed her arms.

What the heck was that earlier? A voice spoke in my head! Shaking off a shiver that raced down her spine, she glared at the two boys flanking her. They'd immediately rushed to her side (more or less, since Kaijin kept a hearty distance between them) when she'd screamed, and they'd gone off in search of anyone in the area, but neither had detected any presence.

Naturally, that really bugged them.

Rolling her eyes, Kagome trudged along between the two demons. Sure, they'd acted like they weren't worried about the voice, but from that moment on, she hadn't been allowed any time to herself. Both boys had stationed themselves rather protectively near her (again, allowing for Kaijin's "personal space") even when she went to wash their clothes, and though she appreciated their concern, it really got on her nerves.

Of course, the moment Inuyasha had figured out that he was still wearing the swimming trunks rather made the whole thing worthwhile. THAT expression wasn't one she'd forget anytime soon.

As they walked, Inuyasha frowned in mild discomfort. His hand had begun burning lightly a while ago, but he couldn't sense any changes. Glancing down, he noticed that the grin on his palm had sharpened, moving it from the jovial expression it had been to a positively menacing smirk. Unease rippled through him.

Is there any way that the Fox Goddess could be responsible for what happened to Kagome? Can she extend her power from me to the people around me? Clenching his hand into a fist, Inuyasha scowled at the dark forest before him.

She'd better not even TRY to hurt Kagome.

The boys came to a stop at the same time in a small clearing. Looking around, they judged its degree of safety, then glanced at each other and nodded wordlessly. Kaijin turned to Kagome.

"We'll rest here for the night, Lady Kagome."

Nodding, she dropped her bag to the ground, placed both hands on her hips, and arched her back.

"Oh man, that backpack weighs a ton!" She stretched her neck, placing one hand upon it. "It feels good to put it down!"

Kaijin frowned, his eyebrows furrowing. "You should have told me it was too heavy, Lady Kagome. I would have carried it for you."

She and Inuyasha both glanced at him, Kagome with mild surprise, Inuyasha with mild irritation.

"That really wasn't necessary, Kaijin, but thank you." She smiled reassuringly when the demon still looked troubled. "Really, I'm fine. Besides, I'm the one who packed too much."

He made a low note in his throat in reply, but he still looked vaguely upset. Kagome tilted her head to the side. Why does it bother him so much that I carried a heavy load? Is he that much of a gentleman?

Attempting to reassure him, she walked forward and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you for the concern, Kaijin, but I can handle it, ok?" Her smile faded at the expression on his face.

"…Kaijin?"

The demon's face had gone sheet white beneath the thin fur, and his muscles seemed to have locked in place. Perplexed, Kagome waved a hand in front of his face.

"Kaijin? You in there?"

Worried, she removed her hand from his shoulder. Kaijin reacted immediately, skittering backward, palms up.

"P-Please don't do that again, L-Lady Kagome. I beg of you."

Kagome blinked. "A-All right, I won't."

"Thank you." Visibly rattled, Kaijin wandered over to the far side of the clearing. He dropped onto all fours, walked around in three circles, and flopped gracefully (if that's possible) onto the ground. Ears twitching, he closed his eyes.

"What a weirdo," Inuyasha murmured after some time. "Why's he so scared of you, anyway?"

"I have no idea," Kagome replied. Shaking her head, she retrieved her sleeping bag and spread it on the ground. "Let's just go to bed and get it over with."

Inuyasha watched silently as she slipped into the bag and curled onto her side, promptly falling asleep. Lifting his left hand, he wrapped his fingers about his right wrist and flexed his aching palm. The heat grew steadily, seeping into his skin and turning it a mild pink color.

So, puppy. What should I do with you? Your body can withstand a great deal of punishment, but can your mind?

Inuyasha winced as he felt a presence scrape across his brain, a pair of claws scratching at the surface. Scowling, he clenched his right hand into a tight fist.

"Leave me alone, you bitch!" he snarled under his breath. The claws raking his mind turned to a cool caress as a chuckle echoed between his ears.

Disrespect is an ugly thing, pup. Inuyasha had the distinct impression of someone leaning close to whisper into his ear. Phantom breath warmed the twitching ear as ghostly fingers swept through his hair.

I'm going to humiliate you. Another chuckle. And I'm going to love every second of it.

A wave of bile rose up in Inuyasha's throat as his hand exploded with pain, stars flashing before his eyes. Gasping, he fell to his knees.

The world began to spin before him, and Inuyasha collapsed on the ground. Before the world went black, he lifted his head.

The last image he saw was of a sleeping Kagome as dark laughter filled the air.

Kaijin twitched restlessly in his sleep, his tail slapping the ground about him. One foot slid out, claws extending, and then abruptly pulled back in as he rolled over.

"How could you? How could you do it to him?" a woman's voice shrieked.

Kaijin whimpered softly in his sleep, one fist curling under his face.

"He was your brother! How could you betray him like that??"

He turned a pair of gleaming eyes towards her...

"Kaijin! NO!!"

Gasping, Kaijin's eyes flew open, and he sat up, sweat rolling down his face. He took a few harsh breaths to calm himself, glancing warily at his sleeping companions. Neither seemed to have noticed him, so he laid back and stared up at the night sky, his hand lying open on his chest.

"I could have done without those memories." His expression darkened, his eyes flitting over to Inuyasha's sprawled form. "I wonder...was it because of you?"

A scowl of his face, Kaijin shook his head and rolled over, determined to sleep. His claws dug involuntarily into the ground as he forced himself into slumber.

"Kaijin...

The shadowy figure leaned against a nearby tree, frowning as he contemplated the sleeping people before him.

"That dog demon has the scent of the Lord of the Western Lands. What the hell is he doing here?? And with a priestess, no less!" His frown deepened as he watched the tiger demon on the far side of the clearing wake, look around, and lay down. "And what is Lord Kaijin doing with them?"

A black scowl crossed his face. "The Lord won't be happy to hear about this."

With that, he turned and disappeared into the shadows.