Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the other characters associated with the excellent series. All of it belongs to Rumiko Takahashi, I just like to write random weird fics about her awesome characters. :P

Reviews are much appreciated for the last chapter, and thanks to everyone who did review. Remember, if you're favoriting this story or reading it, you need to review, because if you think you're privileged to read it, I'm privileged to get reviews!

So far, seems like I've gotten a pretty good response to the story. I realize it's a bit weird, with no Kikyo, and Kagome being a priestess in the Feudal Era instead, but just bear with me. You might like the end result. :)

Chapter two

I didn't tell anyone about my encounter with the strange boy in the woods. I didn't want Kaede to know of my weakness, that I'd hesitated, and that I'd been unable to kill him. I didn't want her to be disappointed in me. Sango knew something was on my mind, because I was quieter than usual, and as we were bathing later that evening in the hot spring in the forest, she pointed it out.

"Kagome, ever since you came back from the tree, you've been daydreaming. Are you ok?" she asked softly, looking concerned.

"Oh, I'm fine." I sank lower into the water, sighing at the relaxing warmth. "I'm just deep in thought."

"Did something happen when you were at the tree?" Sango persisted. She knew something was up, and she knew me better than I had expected. I should have known she'd suspect something.

I guess it won't hurt to tell Sango. She might understand. "Well . . . when I was sitting in front of the tree, like I always do, I heard something behind me, and I realized someone was watching me. And I pinned them to a tree with my arrows, and when I turned around . . . it was . . . a boy." I explained. "And he was after the jewel. But . . . I couldn't kill him."

"You couldn't?" Sango sounded surprised. "You're a kind hearted soul, Kagome, so it's only natural that you hesitated. You wouldn't want to take the life of a human-"

"But he wasn't human. At least, not all human. He was demon. And I don't think he's fully demon." I admitted, feeling a little guilty.

"And you couldn't kill him?" Sango really sounded baffled by this point.

"No, I couldn't . . ." I whispered, pulling my knees up against my chest, as if protecting myself. "I . . . I don't know why. I told him I would kill him if he came back."

"When you fought the demon earlier today, there was no hesitation. You offered to spare its life, but that's because you're a kind person, Kagome." Sango said slowly, choosing her words carefully. "But you did what you had to do. And if you didn't want to kill this demon boy, maybe he isn't all bad like we think. I think you're a good judge of character." Sango laid a hand on my shoulder, always the supportive. "I trust your judgement, and if you didn't want to kill him, who am I to question that?"

I felt touched by her support. I smiled up at her. "Thank you, Sango."

She smiled back. "What are friends for, Kagome? So . . . was he handsome?"

"What?" I turned red. "Was he . . . what kind of question is that, Sango?"

She giggled. "Maybe that was why you couldn't kill him. You're blushing, Kagome. I never see you blush. That must have been it. He was handsome, wasn't he?"

Yeah, he kind of was . . . I thought, but I wasn't going to admit it. "Oh, that's hardly the reason." I argued, indignant. "Don't be so ridiculous, Sango."

"Wouldn't it be something, if he came back because he fell in love with you?" Sango continued, as she began to lather soap made from goat's milk onto her body.

"Oh Sango." I sighed. "You and your fantasies."

Sango winked at me. "Every woman loves the thought of falling in love."

"Then what about you?" I retorted.

Now it was Sango's turn to flush. "I don't trouble myself with such trivial thoughts!" she protested, refusing to look at me. "I don't think that's really in store for me."

"Why would you say that?" I questioned, grinning a little at her obvious embarrassment. "You're beautiful, Sango. Any man would be lucky to marry you."

Sango snorted. "I say the same about you, Kagome, but it doesn't seem to make an effect on you."

"Well . . . that's because I can't settle down and be married, as long as the jewel exists." I said, sobering up. "It's my duty to protect it."

Sango grew sober as well, because she knew it was true. "I'm sorry, Kagome. Isn't there a way to get rid of it? The world would be better off without that jewel, anyway."

That's true. This jewel is practically cursed, drawing so many demons to it with their lust for power. I thought, as I looked at said jewel resting between my breasts. "Yeah, probably. Oh well. I knew that life wasn't in store for me when I started training to be a priestess."

"Well, maybe he can just follow you around then like a little lost puppy." Sango said, once again teasing. I flushed.

"Ugh, you never quit!" I began lathering soap onto my arms to avoid looking at her, mimicking her actions from before.

"Tell me, Kagome, have you ever even been with a man?" Sango questioned.

"Eh? Sango! Of course I haven't!" I was fumbling now in my embarrassment.

"Kagome, do you know what happens between a man and woman?" she persisted.

"Of course I do!"

"You're so red!" Sango said, amazed as she watched me. "You aren't a prude, are you?"

"No I am not! How can I be? I've never had any interactions with a man like that before anyway!" I grumbled under my breath to myself as Sango giggled to herself. "Asking me all these questions . . ."

I was amused.

And when I say amused, I was very highly amused. I was at the sacred tree for the day, and I had a few baskets around me, laden with fruit and bread from the village that I'd picked, harvested, and cooked myself. Sango was to join me later on, but it looked like we'd be having a guest.

He was back, and I had had a sneaking suspicion that he would be. And I had the jewel safely around my neck, and my bow and arrows by my side, as I bit into a pear. You'd think after yesterday he'd be smart enough to leave and give up on the jewel, especially after I killed that centipede. If he knows I'm the new priestess, he must know that I killed that demon. So why is he so persistent, and what does he even want the jewel for? I chewed the pear carefully, and I could feel his eyes clearly boring into my back, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. I decided to wait for him to make the first move, since I was content in my spot by the tree. I really didn't want to get up at the moment.

I didn't know why I wasn't afraid of him. But I wasn't particularly worried. I'd pinned him easily enough the day before, so I guess I thought I didn't have much to worry about. I was completely relaxed.

I heard the rustling of leaves, and I knew he was in the trees, and he was about to make his move. My free hand went to my bow, just in case, but to him, I still looked calm, unarmed, and eating my fruit in peace.

I heard the rush of wind, and calmly dropped my pear, grabbing my bow and an arrow. I heard him land behind me, and turned quickly, my bow aimed at him. His eyes widened when I aimed and shot, and it was the same as yesterday. I pinned first one arm, then the other, to a tree, and he let out a growl of frustration.

"You've got to be kidding me!" I heard him growl, as I grabbed a few arrows, and my pear, and made my way over to him.

I took another bite of it, as I reached him, and simply chewed it as I looked at him. "So, you didn't take my warning after all, did you?" I asked, stating the obvious as I continued to eat. He was looking at me as if he didn't really know how to react, and it was amusing, to say the least.

"Well, I guess I'm supposed to kill you now, as I promised." I twisted the pear core thoughtfully in my hand, and looked up at his face. He was glowering at me, his lower lip sticking out in a childish pout. "But . . . there's a little problem."

"What's that?" He demanded.

"Well, I'm not really in the killing mood. So you should do something to make me mad." I suggested, as I tossed the pear core aside, and lifted my bow.

"What!" he looked at me as if I was crazy.

"You heard me. Make me mad." I sat back on my heels, and waited.

"Ugh, you're just messin' with me! Just hurry up and kill me, bitch!" he snarled, struggling against where the arrows had pinned his arms. "If I wasn't pinned I'd finish you off myself!"

"But you hesitated, a second ago. You could have killed me, when my back was turned. You didn't, though. It was as if you were waiting for me to react." I commented, and it was true. There had been a split second of hesitation, and I wondered, if I let him go, if he'd really kill me.

"What are you blabberin' on about, bitch? Ugh . . . this is so stupid." he looked away from me, glaring off into the distance.

"Well, I guess I'm mad enough to kill you now. Calling me a bitch so much . . . entirely disrespectful." I said disapprovingly, though I wasn't really mad. I took my time dusting myself off, before I grabbed an arrow, and nocked it in my bow. "Are you ready?"

"Just kill me already!"

"All right then." I aimed at him, but found, once again, when it came time to decide whether to kill him or not, I couldn't do it. My bow lowered, for the second time, and I sighed. "You know, I'm just too lazy to clean up the mess. I guess I'm going to have to let you off with another warning. But I'm meeting a friend for lunch by the Goshinboku tree. So . . . if you try anything while we're eating, I guess I will have to kill you." I pulled my bow over my shoulder, put my arrow away, and started heading back to where my food was laid out in front of the tree.

"Why won't you just finish me off! Hey! WAIT! Ugh, you stupid miko!"

I ignored his shouting, and sat back down where I was before, pulling out another pear. I took a bite of it, and smiled when I heard him grumbling to himself. I saw Sango approaching from the opposite direction, and waved back when she waved to me. She was carrying her Hiraikotsu, and her own basket, which I'm sure was filled with food.

When Sango reached me, she set her stuff down. "Hi, Kagome. You've already started eating without me? Well, I'm not surprised. You love pears."

"Yep." I took another bite of said pear. Sango looked over my shoulder, and when she noticed the demon guy pinned to the tree, she looked confused.

"Kagome, isn't that the demon you spoke of yesterday?" she asked.

"Yes." I replied, unconcerned.

"I thought you were going to kill him if he came back." Sango said slowly, as if she was afraid to ask me the question.

"I was. But I don't feel like it." I replied simply, and Sango frowned a little, as she grabbed her boomerang and started making her way over to the demon. I turned to watch, sure that the scene that was about to unfold would be amusing.

Sango didn't seem afraid or tense, so I knew that she, like me, could sense no real threat off this demon. Not because he wasn't dangerous, but because we sensed he wasn't really going to hurt us. "So you're the infamous boy that Kagome spoke of. You're only half demon, though. I can tell."

"Yeah, what of it?" he demanded. Half demon? I knew something was different about him. I thought.

"So, let me guess. You're after the jewel because you want to use it to become a full fledged demon." Sango replied, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Well, if you know so much about me, why don't you let me down so I can kill you both and take what I came for? It makes it so I don't have to explain myself."

"I'm a demon slayer, and that girl is a priestess. I'd say your chances of winning aren't very high." Sango said simply. "So you'd best leave this place and not come back, before you test your luck too much. Kagome decided not to kill you, so I'm trusting her judgement."

"Hah! I'm not scared of a bunch of worthless humans!" he snapped, as Sango turned her back on him and started walking over to me. "Let me down from here and I'll make you eat your words!"

"We should move this somewhere else, Kagome." Sango said quietly, when she reached me. "I sense he is serious about obtaining the jewel, and though he obviously hasn't hurt you yet, that's not impossible. Come on."

I nodded and grabbed my things, before I stood up. I looked at the half demon once more, and his eyes were full of mistrust and confusion, but also anger, as Sango and I headed away and back toward the village.

As we walked, we were quiet, until Sango was the first to speak. "Kagome . . . do you have feelings for that half demon?"

I blushed a little. "Sango, I don't know him. All I know is that he wants the jewel and is obviously more intent on getting it than I thought. So no."

"I'm not saying there's something wrong with it, if you do. Just that . . . it might be dangerous. As we don't know for sure whether he'd attack us or not." Sango explained.

"I know what you're saying. And I keep my bow with me and at the ready. And that's why I pinned him. Because even if he wouldn't kill us, he'd still take the jewel if he wasn't pinned, and I can't allow that." I replied, and Sango nodded.

She opened her mouth to reply, but it was cut off when something red flashed through the trees above us, and then dropped down in front of us. It was the half demon boy, and he straightened up, and flexed his claws menacingly at us. "Now, be a good girl and hand over the jewel, so I don't have to kill you."

"Kagome-" Sango looked to me as she put her hand on her boomerang strap, and she was questioning if I wanted her to kill him. I drew out my bow and an arrow, and that was answer enough. We were going to have to kill him if he tried to hurt us.

"Hiraikotsu!" Sango threw her boomerang, and the half demon with lightning speed dodged, and I tried to follow his movements with my eyes, but he was far too fast. In a flash, he was right in front of me, and he seized my wrists. "Give me the jewel!" he ordered.

"Hiraikotsu!" Sango had caught her boomerang by this point, and she threw it again at the half demon. He growled and released my wrists, and I barely managed to leap out of the way. I watched as he raced toward Sango, and she withdrew a thin blade from the folds of her kimono, going at him with it. He slashed up with his claws, and broke the blade in half. Sango looked down at her sword, stunned, before she tossed it aside and dodged as he tried to decapitate her in one swipe.

I aimed my arrow at him, and shot. I let out a gasp as he whipped around, and knocked the arrow aside effortlessly, as if it was no hard task at all. Sango kicked his feet out from under him in a smooth motion, and when he hit the ground, I aimed at him again, and pinned his sleeve to the ground.

"Kagome, quickly, finish him off!" Sango shouted to me, and I pulled out another arrow, and aimed at his heart. I didn't want to do this. I still don't want to. But I have no choice.

He growled and I saw the muscles in his neck working, and he ripped his arm free, ignoring the red cloth that tore from his sleeve, and he bounded up, and in two quick slashes, sent two trees flying down to crash over Sango. My heart stopped when the trees crashed down on top of her, and I reached out toward her as if to save her. "Sango, NO!"

"Sorry about your friend." He was grinning wickedly, displaying his fangs, and I looked on at him with hatred in my gaze. "Now it's your turn. You shouldn't have left me alive."

Apparently my arrows weren't going to do me any good. I turned around and began to run, heading for the sacred tree. I knew if I could pin him against that, I'd have a chance, and I could finish him off. I had to avenge Sango.

I heard him running after me, and only quickened my pace. My heart was pounding. What am I going to do? I'm so stupid, stupid, stupid! I shouldn't have left him alive! Why did I do it? It cost Sango her life! And it's going to cost me mine! I let out a gasp as I tripped and fell. I didn't even bother to pay attention to the stinging in my hands as I scrambled back to my feet and continued running.

"You're only making this harder on yourself!" he called after me. "If you just hand over the jewel, I won't have to kill you too!"

"I'll avenge Sango!" I shouted back, and pulled out my bow. The sacred tree was in sight, and I threw an extra boost of speed into my step, racing towards it for dear life. Everything depended on me now.

I heard the footsteps stop, and then he was in front of me, about ten feet away, and back to back with the tree. I whipped out an arrow, and he let out a cackle, obviously knowing what my intention was. He raced forward before I could react, and smacked the bow out of my hand. It skittered off into the distance, out of my reach. He grabbed my wrists again, but I was ready. I grabbed his shoulders, and let the spiritual energy flow through me, to my arms, then to my hands, and let it travel to his body. He howled in agony as the energy seared through him, and his grip slackened. I reared my fist back and punched him, and then kicked him between the legs. His clawed hand shot up and seized the necklace around my neck, and I cried out as he ripped it off as he fell to the ground, and brought me down with him.

"No! The jewel!" I looked up from my spot on the ground as he recovered from my blow, and darted back, out of my grasp.

"Stop there!" I turned my gaze to the side, and my eyes widened, when I saw Sango's boomerang flying towards us. It slammed into the half demon, knocking him back into the tree, and he grunted. Sango came running next, and she looked furious. She'd never looked more fierce before.

"So you aren't dead?" The half demon sounded impressed, even as he gave her a sort of wolfish grin. "Well, this ought to be interesting."

"Your aim with the trees was off. You missed. Well, half demon, you talk like a man, but can you fight like one?" Sango challenged, as she caught her boomerang.

"You're alive!" I said happily, as I rose from the ground.

"Kagome, get back while I take care of this demon." Sango ordered, and I obeyed, running to get my bow.

The half demon had pulled the jewel around his neck by now, and he flexed his claws at Sango, before they raced towards one another, and they locked hands, and it was a test of strength. "You won't . . . get away!" Sango said through gritted teeth, and I knew this had become personal for her.

I could only stand by and watch in amazement as the two fought it out. The half demon was strong and fast, and weapons didn't seem to do much good on him. He finally overpowered Sango, and when she stumbled back, his fist landed in her stomach, and she crumpled to the ground.

"I really don't like to hit girls, but you're makin' this really tough!" he growled, as she laid there, cradling her stomach. He turned to face me. "Now, it's your turn."

I felt my heart skip a beat. "Well come and get me!" I challenged, drawing an arrow out.

He darted back and forth, so I couldn't clearly target him, and in a flash, he was behind me, and had grabbed my bow, and thrown it from my hands. "Thanks for the jewel, wench." he whispered in my ear, and then his hands rested on my shoulders, and I knew he was using the power of the jewel when painful, searing energy rushed through my body. My vision turned red, and then black, as I fell to the ground, unconscious.

I didn't know what time it was when I came to, but it was nighttime. My entire body was sore, and I rolled onto my side, seeing Sango was still unconscious, her boomerang laying beside her. My bow was a few feet away. And that half demon, he . . .

"He's gone! And he has the jewel!" I bolted straight up, and let out a frustrated growl. "No! He got away!"

How could this happen? How could I let him get away? It's only the second day I've had with the jewel, and I've already lost it . . . I'm weak after all. And I'm not ready for this duty. What am I going to do?

"Ka . . . gome . . ." I heard Sango's weak voice, and I crawled over to her, whispering, "I'm here."

"Did you stop him?" her voice was heavy, and I knew she was injured.

" . . . No." I admitted, ashamed. "He escaped. He knocked me out too."

"There's nothing we can do right now. We need to get back to the village and explain what's happened. Then we must go after him, and take the jewel back." Sango managed to get out, before she whimpered and clutched at her stomach.

"He must have hurt you badly. Come on, let's get you back to the village. I'll take care of you." I wrapped her arm around my shoulders, before I decided it would be better just to give her a ride. I strapped her boomerang across her shoulders before I hoisted Sango up onto my back and then got my bow, and started back toward the village. I left our baskets of food. I could come get those later.

What is Kaede going to say? Is she going to hate me? Will she be angry? These thoughts plagued me, as I carried Sango back to the village. Things had gone so drastically wrong. I didn't see how they could get worse.

When I reached the village, we were instantly swarmed by the villagers, who bustled about, taking Sango from my arms and carrying her to her hut, where Rin began crying when she saw her foster mother. Kaede appeared from our hut, and didn't say a word as she followed me to where Sango lay in her own hut.

It was only as I pulled Sango's kimono away from her upper half that Kaede finally broke the silence. "Kagome, tell me what happened." So, I made the story short, and explained to her what had happened, and waited for her to fuss at me, as I rubbed soothing oil on Sango's stomach, and then bandaged it.

Kaede was silent for a long time, before she finally spoke. "I will not lecture ye on the deed, for it is done and ye have learned your lesson on sparing demons. However, this matter cannot be left unchecked. Ye must set out and find the demon, and take back the jewel at any cost."

"I know." I said softly. "This is all my fault."

Kaede sighed. "We all make mistakes, Kagome. The good thing is that it hasn't been that long, if it happened earlier today. He can't have gotten far."

"I guess . . . I didn't think he'd really do it." I admitted. "I thought . . . he was different. Something about him was different."

"Different or not, the desires of his heart were greater, and spurred him to harm Sango and take the jewel from ye, obviously with force. He is not to be underestimated. So when ye find him again, do not take him so lightly, Kagome." Kaede chided, and I nodded, feeling glum and guilty.

"I will take to Sango. Ye must go and prepare for your journey, Kagome. Who knows how long it might take to go and retrieve the jewel?" Kaede said, and turned to Sango. I nodded and stood up, heading for our hut.

This just gets worse and worse. Sango got hurt because of me. I thought, still beating myself up, as I went to gather my things together.

After I had packed a sack full of food and supplies and arrows, I decided I would go soak in the hot spring to help myself relax. I informed Kaede where I was going, and once I got her consent, I headed off for the hot spring.

I reached the hot spring and set down my bow and arrows, before I slipped off my white robes, and then my red pants. Naked, I slipped down into the water, and pulled the white band out of my hair that held it in a ponytail, letting the black waves loose. I looked down into the water, and the reflection that stared back at me was nothing but a girl who looked ordinary, with her wavy black hair and large brown eyes, but could never be ordinary.

Was protecting the jewel really the task I was destined to take on? Is it my fate? And what about that half demon who stole the jewel? Where does he fit in? I thought, as I stared at my slightly wavering reflection. Does he even feel sorry for what he did? Does he care? Does he feel bad for hurting us?

I scoffed. Probably not. Why would he feel bad? All he cared about is the jewel. "Oh, that's it!" I announced out loud. "The end, chapter closed. I have to find him and take the jewel back. It's that simple." I hope . . . I sank down into the water and closed my eyes.

I don't know how long I relaxed there, letting my worries wash away, but it had been some time, when I heard a soft whispering going through the trees, disturbing the leaves. I quietly slid over to where my bow lay, and grabbed an arrow, nocking it in the string and holding it up.

"Ok, that's enough! Come out! I know you're out there!" I called, trying to sound tough, but inside, my heart was pounding.

I didn't receive an answer, but I didn't lower my bow either. I could still hear the rustling. I looked up, trying to see something, anything, in the trees, and I thought I saw a dark figure. I squinted, and when I picked out the shape of a human, I aimed at it, and fired.

"AGH! Will you watch where you're aiming that thing!"

I recognized the voice, and gasped as the half demon dropped down from the trees smoothly, the arrow sticking out of his arm. He was gritting his teeth, and I watched with wide eyes as he yanked the arrow from his arm and tossed it aside.

I couldn't decide whether or not covering my nakedness or threatening him with a bow was more important, so I did both. I held the bow in one hand and used the other to cover my breasts, as I lowered down into a crouch to cover my lower body from his eyes. "What do you think you're doing, spying on me?" I demanded, infuriated he would dare.

"I, uh . . ." he looked away from me, and his golden tinged skin was red on his face with embarrassment. "It's not because I wanted to look at ya! I just . . ." he toughened his tone up, as he pulled something off his neck, and when I saw the jewel, I wondered what he was doing. "I can't use this stupid piece of junk anyway. So take it back." He tossed it on the ground in front of his feet.

"You can't use it?" I repeated. "But you used it before, in the forest, to knock me out."

He looked at me, but he wasn't looking at my body. He looked me straight in the eyes when he snapped, "I said I can't use it, so just take it!"

He's lying. I realized. But why? If he can use it to become a full demon, why doesn't he? Is this because . . . I spared his life? Is this his way of paying me back? Returning the jewel? I felt my gaze soften, and I set my bow down, and moved forward, picking the jewel up, and pulling it around my neck. "Thank you." I said softly. "For giving it back."

"Yeah, well, stop thankin' me. I wouldn't give it back if I could use it." he said gruffly, blushing deeper. I saw his golden eyes flicker towards me, and I knew he was caught between wanting to look, and wanting to give me privacy. He was a man, so it was understandable and predictable.

"So you're a half demon. And you wanted to use this . . . to become all demon?" I held the jewel up, gazing at it. It was still pure, so I could tell he hadn't even tried to use it. Further proof he was just doing something nice. "I knew you were different." I said, but more to myself.

"What are you blabberin' on about?"

"Nothing. So, are you going to tell me your name now?" I looked up at him, and I was completely relaxed, and unafraid. I knew he wouldn't hurt me.

"Whaddya wanna know that for? It's not . . . it's not like I'm gonna be hangin' around you! You're still a stinking human!" he growled, turning away from me and crossing his arms over his chest.

"Well, you had plenty of time to come down and give me the jewel back, but instead, you stayed up in the trees, and you spied on me." I accused. "So I think I'm a bit more than just a stinking human."

I heard him give an unintelligible sound of embarrassment at having been caught, but he didn't acknowledge that. "And plus," I added, "I spared your life twice, no, three times, actually. So, the least you can do is tell me your name."

He was silent for so long I didn't think I'd get an answer. But then, he finally answered me. "Inuyasha."

"Inuyasha?" I asked, surprised.

"What? You said you wanted to know my name and that's it! So what's the problem, bitch?" He demanded, whirling around to face me. I was standing up, my entire naked body exposed, so when he whipped around, I gave a shriek and ducked far down into the water, and his eyes widened and he quickly looked away, the blush back in his cheeks.

"Maybe now isn't the best time to talk." I said, humiliated. "Maybe you should let me get dressed first."

"I already told you I don't wanna hang out with you. I've given you the jewel back, so I'm gonna go." He said haughtily, and started to head away. Then he paused.

"I thought you were leaving." I said, my own tone snooty.

"Well, you didn't . . . Oh, forget it! I don't care away!" he started to stomp away, but my next words stopped him.

"My name is Kagome."

"I didn't ask!"

"Isn't that what you wanted to know, though?" I challenged, raising my eyebrows. He opened his mouth to retort, but he knew I was right, so he just glowered at me before he jumped up into the trees and darted out of sight. When he was gone, I couldn't help the small smile that came over my lips. Inuyasha . . .

Aww, he gave the jewel back. Would you have liked it more if she had hunted him down, or do you think it's more sweet that he returned it to her? Thoughts?