I wanted to add this chapter with the others for continuity. Children can be incredible individuals when faced with harsh circumstances. Their ability to endure can be both a triumph and an inspiration.

Do not own Inuyasha.

Shell

Sango and Miroku watched the children and Kagome, huge smiles and grins on their faces. Miroku turned to look at Kohaku. The boy sat with Ah-Un, scratching and petting his flank. Miroku's grin faded when he thought of the boy. Kohaku probably no longer felt like a child after everything he had been through. Miroku made his way over to the boy and sat next to him.

"Do you not wish to join them?" Miroku asked.

"I do not wish to intrude." Kohaku replied quietly.

"I do not think you will be. In fact I am sure that Rin and Shippo would love it if you helped them." Miroku stated.

"I.." Kohaku started, before Miroku stood up and broke in.

"You should hurry, Lady Kagome is getting the upper hand." Miroku said pulling Kohaku to his feet.

Kohaku looked in their direction, then back at Miroku. A nod was his only assurance that it was alright. Kohaku looked back to Kagome and the children, a sigh escaped him as he walked toward them. He watched the interaction, Lady Kagome was indeed getting the upper hand in the situation. He stepped to his left, and made his way behind her.

Shippo saw him approach, he wasn't entirely sure what the boy would do, but he hoped he was coming to join them.

Kohaku crept closer. Once he was in position he attacked. Kagome stiffen for a moment, not knowing who was behind her. She turned her head, a smile appeared when she saw him.

The torture continued for a while more. Kagome was begging them to stop, that she couldn't take anymore. Finally they relented and allowed her a reprieve.

"That was great Kohaku. You gave us the advantage, and your tactic of approach was wonderful." Shippo stated.

"Thank You." Kohaku said, quietly.

"Next time all three of us should talk it out before hand. That way we all are on the same page and can combine our strengths for the most effective battle plan." Shippo said.

"I don't think we should get Lady Kagome next time. That would be too obvious." Rin added.

"I agree." Kohaku concurred.

"Alright you three, it's time for bed." Lady Kagome said.

"We'll talk more tomorrow." Shippo said making his way to his sleeping bag.

"Shippo, why don't we combine the sleeping bags, then all three of you could tuck in together?" Kagome asked.

"But where will you sleep?" Shippo asked.

"Well, we could combine four of them up. Then when I'm done with my homework I could slip in with you. Is that alright with everyone?" she asked.

"Can we Lord Sesshomaru?" Rin asked.

"Hn." his reply.

Once the children were asleep Kagome made her way to the demon lord.

"I'm sorry if I overstepped my bounds with Rin." she said.

"I was not offended." Sesshomaru stated.

"I'm glad. Kohaku is still apprehensive of everything and I was so happy that he came over to join us. I want him to feel like he has a place here, that he's wanted and needed. I think that Shippo and Rin will help him the most." Kagome explained.

"How?" he asked.

"They will remind him that he is still a young boy, and that's it's okay to be silly and goofy once in a while. They will also open him up, and give him a chance to talk about what happened to him. Sometimes kids won't talk to an adult about things, but they will talk to someone their own age." Kagome said.

"You have experience in this?" he asked.

"Yeah. I have a little brother. He will tell me or his school friends stuff before he will tell our mother. It's not that he doesn't know that mom will listen and support him, it's just a comfortably. Kohaku may even only wish to talk to you or Inuyasha about some things. Guy stuff." Kagome stated.

"Understandable in some issues. Will he not try to talk to his sister of his concerns?" Sesshomaru asked.

"Eventually, but that may take a while. He is just now peeking out of his shell. It could be weeks or months before he is ready to talk to Sango about anything." she explained.