Disclaimer: The characters of InuYasha are not mine; they are property of Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV, Sunrise, and Viz. The following story is for entertainment and not profit.
Golden Rings
Kagome had packed her things hurriedly no longer feeling safe in her own home. Her mother had tried to calm her, but with little success. She felt like every move she made was being watched and it was disturbing. The secret admirer she had at first welcomed was becoming a stalker. Inside the box had been a small whistle made of bird bone and decorated with a thin band of red silk. She had thrown the whistle, still in its wooden box into her bag before making for the well house. 'If I'm not going to be safe at home,' she thought as she swung her legs over the edge of the old well, 'I might as well be with people who can defend themselves.'
Emerging on the other side, Kagome heard the rhythmic clink of metal approaching her from behind. "Lady Kagome, we were not expecting you back so soon." The questioning voice of the monk greeted her, the golden rings on his staff still clinking as he approached.
Digging into her bag, she presented her latest gift in answer. Kagome watched him for any hint that he might sense something, any residual presence. Looking thoughtful he lifted the whistle from its box, pressed the end to lips and blew. Nothing happened, only silence from the intricately carved instrument.
"Hmm. Decorative I guess." He shrugged placing the whistle back in its case. Kagome exhaled the breath she hadn't realized she had been holding as Miroku returned the box to her waiting hands.
Before she could move to stand, a menacing form burst through the bushes. Ears perked forward and claws extended, Inu Yasha stood searching the field. "Kagome!? I thought I heard…" His words trailed off as he saw only the monk beside her, "Never mind. What are you doing back already?"
Kagome couldn't help but eye him suspiciously. She could tell that he was hiding something, if only she knew what.
"Right," the sudden outburst caught her by surprise, "I found this outside the door this morning." From behind his back, Inu Yasha produced yet another box that bore the name 'Kagome.'