Kaida followed Sesshomaru silently. He looked upset still after what had happened with Naraku. It had been a couple days, but Sesshomaru hadn't talked to her about it. He had just told them to stick close to him. Rin didn't seem concerned at all, but Kaida was worried about Sesshomaru. She stepped closer to him. "Sesshomaru… Can we talk?"

He said nothing as they walked. Kaida sighed, but her thoughts were interrupted as both her and Sesshomaru caught a scent. It was similar to Naraku's, but slightly different. Sesshomaru seemed to recognize it and sped up. "Rin stay close!" Kaida said before following Sesshomaru.

Kaida walked out of some bushes and paused. Sesshomaru stood staring up in the air where a man had just disappeared. But Kaida's attention was drawn to something else. A young boy in an outfit similar to Sango's was lying on the ground covered in snakes. Kaida could smell the poison coming from the boy.

"Kohaku!" Rin gasped and rushed to help the boy.

"Don't touch him Rin. Those snakes are poisonous." Sesshomaru said before Kaida could warn the girl. Rin paused and then blinked.

"Yeah but… They've already biting Master Jaken." Rin said looking at the toad who had a snake attached to his arm.

Sesshomaru glanced over at his assistant, and looked annoyed. "Please save me, Sesshomaru. It hurts." Jaken whined.

Kaida sighed and looked at Rin. "Rin we're going to need some herbs. Come with me. Sesshomaru please watch the boy." Kaida didn't wait to hear his answer, she and Rin headed back into the bushes. Kaida frowned as they searched for the needed herbs. Kohaku…. That's Sango's brother…

"Kaida are these right?" Rin asked holding up a handful of plants.

"Yes, thank you." Kaida smiled. "Go back to where Sesshomaru is and build up a fire please."

"Okay." Rin turned and hurried off. Kaida gathered a few more, just in case Rin's handful wasn't enough. She turned and hurried back. Rin sat by a small fire, Kohaku hadn't moved but he was now snake free. Sesshomaru was looking straight at Kaida.

I don't have time to be fighting with him. Kohaku and Jaken need this medicine. Kaida got started making the antidote to the snake poison. After a little both patients were treated. Jaken sat silently off to the side, probably upset that it had been Kaida and not Sesshomaru who had saved him. Kohaku was still passed out.

"Is he going to be okay?" Rin asked.

"Yes." Kaida smiled. He wouldn't have died… That jewel shard made sure of that… But he would have been paralyzed and Naraku couldn't have taken the shard then… That would have killed Kohaku. Kaida paused as she noticed Sesshomaru eyeing her. She sighed. "Rin can you watch Kohaku for me?"

"Sure." Rin said as Kaida got up. "Where are you going?"

"I need to talk to Sesshomaru." Kaida smiled gently. "Ah-Un and Jaken can protect you while we are gone…. But we won't be far."

"Alright." Rin smiled.

Kaida looked at Sesshomaru and then walked past him. She knew he would follow her, and if he didn't right away Rin would say something till he did. Kaida stopped after a moment. Sesshomaru walked up behind her. "Well…" Kaida said looking at him.

Sesshomaru was silent for a moment and then he looked back at the camp. "You want him to come with us?"

"For starters yes." Kaida nodded. "But that's not what I wanted to talk about."

Sesshomaru turned back to her. "What then?"

"You…. Ever since Naraku… You've been more cold than usual." She took a step closer. "Sesshomaru I'm fine now… And if you think pushing me further away will protect me from Naraku you're wrong… Naraku doesn't want me because of you."

Sesshomaru suddenly wrapped his arms around Kaida and pulled her close. "I won't let him touch you again…."

Kaida relaxed. So that's it… He's just upset at Naraku… "Sesshomaru I'm fine… You don't have to be so cold and distant… I know you are focused on killing Naraku, but I can't stand it when you shut me out to focus so hard on him."

Sesshomaru looked down at her and Kaida buried her head in his chest. "Kaida, I will protect you."

"I know…. But please don't grow so distant in your determination to kill him." Kaida whispered. "Don't let him be a poison for us."

Sesshomaru nodded. "I won't let him hurt, or come between us." He leaned down and kissed her gently. "As long as you promise to stay close and be careful…"

"Deal." She kissed him back and smiled. "Now let's go check on Kohaku."