A/N: Sorry for the delay, I've been planning my wedding (getting married in less than a month!) and have just now managed to type the rest of this chapter. I am going to try my hardest to get the next one up soon, it's going to be exciting! Anyways, I hope you enjoy, and as always let me know what you think.

Chapter 17:
Invitation

She saw a ceiling before her eyes as they opened and could only assume she had fallen asleep on Sesshomaru the night before, that is, if it hadn't been a dream. Lifting her arm to cover her face his scent drifted to her and she smiled to herself before getting up and dressed for the day.

The silence of the room was odd, but she shrugged it off knowing Shippou and Shinji probably didn't wait for her to wake up to go to breakfast. After going through her morning rituals she put on her training outfit, the one she had spared Sango in and headed to grab something to eat quickly. She noticed that the whispers had died down and that some of the maids actually looked at her with respect; she wondered what had changed but decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth. Ignoring their stares she made it to the dining hall and grabbed some fruit on her way outside to find Rin and Shippou, knowing that they would be playing together. The sounds of laughter brought a smile to her face and turning in that direction she wondered what they could possibly be up to and she soon found out.

A grin erupted over her lips as she saw Jaken tied to a tree and completely covered in flowers; her laughter bubbled through her lips drawing their attention before they screamed in delight. Running over to her Shippou launched into her arms and giggled when she rubbed her cheek against his affectionately. Rin stopped a bit from them and watched quietly; Kagome smiled widely before scooping the small girl up and spinning them all around. Their screams of delight filled her ears and she knew then she had never felt a peace like this before. Setting them down she went and released Jaken from his flowery prison telling him that he could take a break, she would handle the children. A brief look of gratitude crossed his face before it was back to the usual scowl as he shuffled away and out of sight.

"Mama, are you going to train?"

Turning to her kit she smiled at the two of them before nodding her head.

"Yes, I was hoping to find Sesshomaru and ask him where the training grounds were."

"I can show you Kagome-nee-chan!"

"Thank you Rin, I really appreciate it." Said girl just giggled before grabbing their hands and leading them farther away from the castle where Kagome had come out of earlier.

The sounds of fighting reached Kagome's ears and her blood began to pound, excitement coursed through her body at the thought of fighting someone that wasn't after the jewel shards or wanting to kill her. They crested a hill and below them were soldiers training with each other; looking closer she saw Sesshomaru flash through them helping and pointing out mistakes they made.

She felt Rin's hand tighten around hers, glancing down she saw the same excitement she felt reflected across the girls face.

"Rin," said girl drew her eyes away from the fighting to lock onto Kagome. In those eyes Kagome saw a fighter that hadn't been given a chance to prove herself yet and felt something in her scream out to fix that.

"Do you want to learn to protect yourself?" Those same eyes grew large with wonder and happiness before she grew worried.

"I don't think Sesshomaru-sama will approve," her voice was resigned and quiet.

"Do you really want to learn?" she asked just as quietly.

Nod.

"Then I will talk to Sesshomaru-sama, I believe everyone should know how to at least protect themselves. I've gotten hurt badly from not knowing and I don't want that to happen to you. Come, we will go to a flatter surface, I'll teach you a few stances today." She smiled brightly at Rin's barely restrained squeal and glanced to see if Sesshomaru had heard. Not seeing him making his way over she assumed he didn't hear or sense any danger and therefore didn't need to check it out.

They found a relatively flat area and she began to instruct Rin in how to hold herself in a defensive stance; it made her miss Sango as she remembered what she had taught her. Shaking her head she smiled as Shippou joined Rin even though he already knew what she was going to teach her; it was so she didn't feel alone while she learned.

"Very good Rin now spread your feet apart just a bit. There, remember this is how it's supposed to feel." Her heart warmed at the glow that surrounded the girl as she hid her amazement at how quickly she was catching on to what she was teaching her. She moved through a few more stances before having Rin go through all of them with Shippou; her mouth fell open as she watched Rin go through them all perfectly, like she had been doing this for years.

Like lightning she lifted Rin above her head and spun her around telling her how amazing it was for her to remember everything she had just learned and doing it perfectly. Shippou watched with wide, amazed eyes before dancing around them and echoing Kagome's praise.

"Have you been watching the soldiers?"

"Yes," Rin whispered shyly.

"Good girl, I'm very proud of you Rin." Grinning Rin gave Kagome a quick hug before looking at her.

"I think that's enough for you today until I talk with Sesshomaru-sama; however, would you like to watch me spare with Shippou?" Nodding her head emphatically she moved back from them and sat a ways away so that they would have enough room.

Smiling at her kit, she slid into a defensive stance allowing him to make the first move. She watched as mischief filled his eyes before he disappeared using his magic, slowing her breathing she turned quickly to block the kick aimed at her ribs before pushing him back. He spun and landed in a crouch before racing back towards her; she swung out her leg and watched as he twisted missing her foot before she had to duck the claws headed for her face. They continued like this for a while fighting each other as well as Kagome giving pointers to her kit. When he landed a hit to her stomach she called a halt and hugged him, telling him how proud she was of him; she chuckled when Rin came over and joined their hug before squealing and running over to her guardian.

Standing she looked at Sesshomaru and blushed a bit at his appearance; his hair was pulled into a low ponytail and his haori was gone, a tight shirt in its place. She decided that it was a good look before clearing her mind and trying to figure out a way to broach the topic of training Rin. The kids however, saw the looks pass between the two and smiled at each other.

"You're training the kit?"

"Yes and myself; I can't afford to be weak while Naraku is still about."

She watched him nod before going off into thought; she glanced at the hopeful face of Rin and waited for Sesshomaru to speak.

"Do you have anywhere to go?"

Completely caught off guard it took her a moment to answer.

"No, before we came here we had just been traveling around."

Pause.

"I would like to extend an invitation to you and your kit to stay here and train with my troops and I to defeat Naraku."

Kagome's breath left her at that invitation before taking a deep breath and bowing to him.

"I thank you Sesshomaru and gladly accept your invitation. I can't begin to thank you enough for everything you've done for me and my kit," she paused for a moment a smile crossing her face as her hair shielded it from view.

"I do have something to offer you," pausing she caught his eyes through her hair before continuing. "I would like permission to train Rin; I can teach her to read and write as well as basic defense just in case something happens and we aren't there." Kagome waited as Sesshomaru fell into thought at the offer she gave him.

Turning to Rin he looked at her smiling face before speaking.

"Do you want to learn to read and write?"

"Yes Sesshomaru-sama!"

"To fight?"

"I want to be able to defend myself so you don't have to worry!" She stated happily growing more excited by the moment. Sighing almost inaudibly he knew that this would have come up eventually; he knew his ward had been watching him train his soldiers and copying their moves. A part of him was worried, another proud; sighing again he raised his eyes from his little girl to the Demon-miko before him.

"You may train and teach her, but I want to be there for her training in defense."

Rin's squeal cut off any reply she may have come up with to him so she just settled for nodding at him as Rin tried to convince her to teach her more today. Sesshomaru almost smiled at the sight before him and wondered what he had gotten himself into. He shoved those thoughts away when he saw the happy face of his ward as well as the miko and her kit. He found that he wanted to see her happy and was glad that he had brought a smile to her face at his acceptance of her offer. Those thoughts disturbed him slightly but he ignored them so he could watch the interaction between the girls and kit. He knew then that it had been a good idea to extend that invitation as Rin was growing older and needed a female companion to talk to when she wanted. Having the kit around would also give her a playmate and protector if they got into trouble; breaking off those thoughts he stated that he was going back to the grounds and that they were welcome to come along.

He could almost taste their excitement as they followed him and had to fight down a smile at how happy that made him as well. He shook his head wondering where all these strange thoughts and feelings were coming from before concentrating on the troops before him. He had allowed them a small reprieve while he went to talk to the spies on the hill, but they stood ready for him to begin again.

"Pair up!"

Immediately they found partners and slid into their stances.

"Begin!"

The sound and sight of battle filled the air and Kagome took it all in smiling widely from ear to ear, she could only hope she would get the chance to battle and prove herself. She wondered to herself if anyone would be willing to fight her, she wanted an opponent she didn't know the skills of so she could learn to block different techniques. Glancing at Sesshomaru she watched as his eyes picked up every movement his men made and evaluated them. Turning to the kids she chuckled at their awestruck expressions before catching their attention and having them fall into the stances she taught them.

"I want you to go over these a bit more before I show you anything else Rin, but I will definitely teach you others either later today or tomorrow. Shippou, will you go over them with her again? You two look good together and help her if she needs it alright?"

"Yes mama!"

Rin just nodded to her an expression of determination coming over her as she blocked everything else out and went about going through the movements. She smiled as she saw Sesshomaru's eyes widen a bit as he glanced at his ward and knew he was surprised to see her so focused. He caught her eye before glancing to his men and back, a silent question to her. She nodded sharply her tail twitching back and forth in anticipation before he nodded his head in answer and led the way. She noticed he seemed more relaxed here than she had ever seen him; it was a nice change from the terrifying demon she normally saw when they had fought all those months ago.

Shrugging she put it aside for a moment as they reached their destination and she eyed the men she thought she might fight and her excitement grew. There were a few she saw that were waiting their turns as they had fought each other and either won or lost which would determine who they fought next. She grinned evilly knowing she would have to work her way up to get to the ones she really wanted to fight and knew it would be hard; these were Sesshomaru's men, the best of the best.

"Setume, this is Kagome the one who warned me about the attack. She would like to train amongst the soldiers; see that she gets paired."

"Of course Sesshomaru-sama."

She watched as Sesshomaru walked back towards the kids before her attention was stolen by the demon that stood before her.

"Okay Lady Kagome, if you are ready I can set you up with your opponent."

"Please, just call me Kagome and I'm ready."

Nodding to her he led the way towards the group of demons waiting for their turn to fight.

"Nakato!" The demon in question turned from his conversation to look at Setume. "This is Kagome, your next opponent."

"A girl? Have I really been reduced to this level?" he mumbled to himself as he bowed to her before moving to an open area.

The snickers from around them let Nakato know he hadn't been as quiet as he thought as well as what they thought of Kagome. She held back her temper as they bowed to each other again before the fight and she saw the sneer on his face. She sank into a defensive position and watched as his scowl deepened at the thought of putting forth effort on his part. She smirked to herself at the thought of toying with him since he thought her weak and not worth his effort; completely underestimating her. She waited until he charged her before disappearing at the last moment and reappearing behind him in the same position as before. Watching as he looked right and left she snickered a bit which caused him to turn back around and stare at her blank face.

"What's wrong? Aren't you going to start? I'm waiting." She said softly.

"But, you…" Shaking his head he centered himself and charged again. Once again she moved so that she was behind him and waited for him to turn still in the same position from before.

He looked behind him and started when he saw her there as well as in front of him; he moved so he could watch them both from the corner of his eyes as a crowd grew in front of them.

"Hey Nakato, what's wrong? Are you stumped by a little girl?" Someone yelled from the crowd, earning laughs and chuckled from the demons.

"Shut up!"

"Come on Nakato! Can't you see that she's a fox demon? They're good at illusions dumbass!"

More chuckles erupted from that, as well as the look on Nakato's face when he made the connections. Kagome narrowed her eyes at the demon who had spoken before having to block the attacks that Nakato sent towards her and the illusion. Not wanting to give away all her secrets yet, she let the illusion go as she attacked from behind; he spun and blocked it growling at her as she pushed him back.

Sesshomaru stood on the sidelines with the kids as they had begged him that they wanted to watch, to see what their okaa-san and nee-san could do; sighing when they gave him their puppy dog eyes he had relented.

"You think you can beat me little girl?"

"I know I can," she whispered sweetly into his ear before snapping at it and watching him jerk back in surprise. Laughing, she watched as his eyes bled red a bit and knew that the fun was just beginning; the thrill she felt traveled through her and left her feeling more alive than ever before.

"You bitch!" He seethed.

"Oh no, he shouldn't have said that." Shippou whispered as he watched his mother's body language shift and change into something deadly right before them. Rin gripped his hand as she saw the almost blank look cross Kagome's face though her eyes are what scared her; they had started to bled red. It was a red though that was almost black and the tendrils of it snaked its way towards her already slitted pupils enhancing her feeling of terror at the sight.

"I'm gonna teach you how much I HATE that word." She whispered quietly all laughter having left her face as the feeling of euphoria turned into a dark, swirling mass of anger. The demons watching grew quiet at those soft deadly words and the boiling anger they could sense from her.

"Oh, so the vixen has fangs, how cute. You don't like being called a Bitch do you? Well I wonder what other words you don't like. Maybe Whore, you are a vixen aren't you?" He laughed darkly watching her eyes grow darker at his taunting.

Her body tensed as she issued the yipping growl that foxes did before letting her body fall into an offensive stance as she waited. When he shifted his weight she sprung forward her claws extend raking them down his arm before he managed to move out of the way.

"First blood!" Cheers erupted from the crowd as they watched the battle unfold.

"You slut! You'll pay for that!" Nakato growled out as he spun and lunged at her; she jumped back leaving him stumbling from the miss before he recovered. Snarling at him she attacked leaving another set of scratches across his face before he knocked her back before she did any more damage. They traded blow after blow as they moved around the fighting area; sweat trickled down her face as she twisted out of the way of an attack that would have impaled her.

Skidding back in a crouch she bared her teeth as she rushed forward flipping over him and knocking his feet out from under him while going for his throat but missed as he rolled out of the way. Her hand struck the dirt as he spun and kicked her into the ground before leaping onto her and pinning her down. Baring his teeth he moved to her ear breathing heavily as he caught his breath.

"Submit to me bitch, I've won this fight, submit to me, now!" Snarling his teeth drew closer to her throat as a threat.

Everyone froze in the silence that followed and waited with baited breath to see what was going to happen.

She turned her head slightly to see the faces of her little ones before closing her eyes, but not before Shippou saw the spark of defiance in them.

Once Nakato thought she had submitted his hold on her loosened and she used that opportunity to flip him over her as she pinned him beneath her. One of her knees went to rest on his crotch while she pinned both hands with one of her own as her other rested on his neck claws dangerously close to his jugular. Leaning down close to his ear she watched as his eyes dilated with anger and fear.

"Don't ever call me a bitch again or I will do more than just humiliate you. Now, submit to me and admit that I won."

Growling at her he knew that he was beat and so bared his neck as he announced his defeat to the demons around them. Accepting it she released him before standing and offering him her hand to help him up; he hesitated a moment before grasping it allowing her to pull him to his feet.

"Thank you for the fight."

Stunned at her change in attitude he could only nod his agreement as he watched her turn to Setume to ask who she would fight next.

It wasn't long before she befriended most of the soldiers and the staff at the western castle; her bubbly personality quickly won them over and her willingness to help anyone with any chore they needed left them grateful to have her around.

Sesshomaru watched her as she helped some guards move equipment from the dojo to the training grounds; even the children were tagging along. A tiny smile flitted across his lips as he watched the kids go through their stances as they walked, always having to catch up to Kagome when they got too far behind. Shaking his head he tried to ignore the emotions that swarmed him whenever he looked at Kagome, but they wouldn't leave him. Growling to himself he paced his study trying to come to terms with said emotions and what they could mean.

It was then that the memories took over his thoughts and he stopped in front of the window as he relieved every encounter he had had with her and without notice a small smile lit his face. He remembered when he first felt her power, her true power as it came to him in the night curious about who it had found before it sped back to her body. The way she had looked up at him full of fear before it fled at the sight of him as she asked him to sit near her so that she could answer all his questions. It was the smile she gave him that night that began his undoing, the way she wished him a safe journey though she knew he was capable of taking care of himself; the way she cared for everyone above herself.

He remembered the way the moonlight had made her look like a fallen angel the night she healed his arm, or the way her power made her skin glow a light blue as her small hands caressed his fur leaving relief in their wake. The soft breath of her giggle before calling him 'Sesshy' and going to sleep completely at ease in his demon form, how small she looked between his paws as she curled closer to him before he covered her with his ear as he too let himself sleep. How she looked curled up that morning and when she snuggled into him as he carried her back to her camp her hands grabbing onto his haori pulling it closer to her.

He remembered when her saw her two weeks later and how warm her eyes had seem to him as she locked eyes before nodding her head in memory of what they had shared. How she knew what he was asking without him having to say it and how she stood up for her decision to her pack.

He remembered the pain and agony and how his demon had remembered the soft touch of Kagome and how she had relieved his pain all those nights ago. The feeling of cold earth against his body as her yell echoed in his ears while she rushed over to him; her soft touch on his muzzle, her presence already soothing away the worst of the pain. Her soft whispers skittering across his fur as she asked if he trusted her and when he took the plunge and gave it to her and how she had glowed like a burning star to him. It was then that he remembered the jealously he felt when he saw how she leaned against Inuyasha and how his arm rested around her pulling her close.

He remembered how he had startled her with his presence and how her eyes had roamed his body making sure he was alright before she relaxed. The way her breath caught in her throat at his question and how her eyes glowed as she spoke her answer; how her aura flared happily when he told her he would like her as a friend. The way she smiled at him as she bade him a goodnight before she waved and left his eyes watching her till she faded into shadows.

He shook his head clear of those memories knowing that if he kept going he would relive her death and it was not something he wanted to remember; he never wanted to remember her being so cold and pale. Growling he told himself that he cared for her, he knew not how much, but he left it at that not wanting to frustrate himself any more than he had already done.

Laughter from outside drew his attention back to the window and what he saw dumbfounded him for a moment before he turned and headed outside. The sounds of children laughing slowed his approach until he stood quietly in the background observing what was going on. Before him stood Kagome as she addressed about 30 children including Rin and Shippou who stood on either side of her.

"Hello Everyone! My name is Kagome and I have talked to all of your parents about teaching you all about self-defense. They've agreed that it was a good idea and have allowed you to show up for your first lesson. I want to state this now: You are not to use these techniques to harm others without cause. This class is to teach you to protect yourselves against danger, not to endanger others. Do you all understand this?"

"Yes, Kagome-sensei!" Smiling at their enthusiasm she started her class.

Sesshomaru was stuck between being angry and proud; angry because she hadn't talked to him about this and proud because she was teaching the west's future how to survive. Watching, he decided that he shouldn't be angry since this was something he should have thought about and done a long time ago. Frustrated to himself now at his lack of planning he slipped off to the training grounds to work off some of that frustration.

Kagome had been nervous when she sensed him watching her, but the longer he remained hidden the more confident she became. As she instructed everyone to pair up she thought about the fact that she hadn't mentioned this to him and her reasons why. She hadn't wanted him to worry about this when he was still rooting out the traitors that had organized the attack on Rin; she knew he was getting close to the source and it would only be a matter of time until he found them. In the meantime she wanted to help him secure the future and she knew that some of these kids would end up in his armies, why not start teaching the basics so that they could survive until then. Shaking her head clear of morbid thoughts of children dying, she focused back on the children before her as they waited for her instruction.

"Alright, I want you to watch Rin and Shippou as they demonstrate the first thing you are to learn."

She smiled when they stepped forward before turning to face each other; she almost laughed at how puffed up her son was acting because of all the attention. A look from her was all they needed before they began; Rin slipped into the first stance she had learned while Shippou made himself look as aggressive as he could. When he glanced at her she nodded and he made to attack Rin slowly so everyone could see her reaction to it.

Rin's feet were planted apart so she had more balance and her arms were tense at her side; when she saw Shippou's hand coming at her she reacted by stepping to the side and grabbing his wrist. With one her legs she tripped him and pulled him forward forcing him to land on his stomach

"Thank you Rin, Shippou. Now did everyone see what she did?" Waiting for their agreement she continued, "Good, now I want you all to take turns being defensive. Myself, Rin, and Shippou will be walking around to help, if you have any questions please feel free to ask; understood?"

"Yes Kagome-sensei!"

She smiled indulgently at her pupils before moving amongst them to help them when they needed it; it wasn't long before they had gotten it down and she moved them onto other stances in defense and helped them with those as well. Rin and Shippou demonstrated the stances before the students were allowed to attempt them; it continued on like this for a while before she called a halt to it and told them they were done for the day. Amongst many grumbles she explained that they would meet every other day at the same time.

"I expect you to practice on your off day and remember: You use any of what I have taught you for anything other than defense," she paused causing them to draw nearer as her she continued in a soft, deadly voice, "and you will learn of my wrath." She watched as Shippou and Rin cringed slightly out of the corner of her eye further scaring her pupils into understanding that she wasn't kidding.

"Now, it's nearly lunch time and I'm sure your mothers want you home for it. You're dismissed!" She smiled waving them off and listening to them talk about how happy they were to be learning defense techniques.

"So what did you two think? Did I do alright?" She whispered as they walked back to the castle for their own lunch.

"You did great Mama! They were all really excited to learn and it was really fun!" Shippou stated as he skipped around his mother and Rin.

"Yeah, Kagome-nee-chan, this is a great idea!"

"Thanks little ones. I want you to know how proud of both of you I am, for helping me and learning as well as you have."

They both blushed before rushing off to get some lunch from the kitchen leaving a smiling Kagome behind. She wondered to herself why Sesshomaru didn't interrupt her class and if he would be mad at her for not talking to him about it. Laughing at herself for worrying about something she couldn't control she continued on her way hoping the children weren't causing too much havoc in her absence.

It was later on in the afternoon before she escaped the children and made her way outside to relax for a little while; even though she loved the life she had here she knew that eventually it would have to come to an end because of her search for the jewel shards wasn't over. Sighing to herself she drew farther and farther away from the castle to a clearing encased by trees.

Standing in the center she let her mind go blank and just enjoyed the peacefulness around her something she wished she was able to do more often. Slipping into her mind she went through all the moves she knew, expanding on them as she imagined enemies around her. Left, right, dodge, roll, kick, jump; repeat. It was relaxing to her to go through movements she knew by heart, it made it easier to push her limits to see how far she could go. It also helped that she could go train and ask for help from the soldiers in Sesshomaru's army and because of that she had learned a great many new attacks and defenses that only another demon could teach her. Some still didn't like her, but most of the time when she kicked their ass they usually changed their view of her.

She smiled as she remembered the astounded looks on their faces as she won fight after fight and it made pride swell in her breast at what she had accomplished in such a short time. Giggling to herself just for the joy she felt, she spun around before freezing as she came face to face with Sesshomaru.

"Your form is almost perfect."

It took her a moment to catch onto what he meant before stepping back from him to get some space knowing what was coming. She had but a moment to dodge his attack as he rushed her; jumping to the side she became wary of what he would do next; she was tense as he turned to her and in that moment their eyes connected she felt something in her shift. Ignoring it for the moment her eyes watched his every move and when he appeared in front of her she blocked his hand with her right forearm before swiping at him causing him to jump back.

"Good, you're quick to defend and retaliate." It went on from there, he would attack she would defend herself before attacking back and him having to defend.

She twisted out of the way of his claws letting her own go for his cheek. She was surprised when she landed in a crouch to see four thin lines of blood welling up on his face.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" Forgetting they were fighting she quickly made her way over to him before laying her hand gently over the wound. Closing her eyes she didn't see the way his eyes flashed at her closeness nor was she aware of the hands that came to rest on her hips.

Drawing up her miko powers her hand started to glow a soft violet blue as it knit the skin back together. It was done before she knew it and opening her eyes they were met with his smoldering gold ones. Freezing at the look in them it was then that she noticed where his hands were and that she was more or less trapped.

"Umm, I'm going to go check on the children," she squirmed out of his hold and disappeared back to the castle before he could protest.

Sesshomaru watched her flee before a predatory smile crossed his face as his hand came up to rest where hers had been moments ago.

Her mind was in turmoil the entire way back, not knowing why he had looked at her like that; checking on the children like she had told him she made her way to the hot springs to think, hopefully figure out what was going on.

"You alright Kagome?" Almost jumping out of her skin she turned to see Amata behind her, a small smile on her face.

"Fine Amata, just fine."

"Kagome, I know you better than that; you almost jumped out of your skin a second ago when you would have known I was coming any other day. What's bugging you?" Sighing in defeat she asked Amata to join her in the springs, she wanted to was the sweat and grime off.

"So what happened?"

"I was training by myself and Sesshomaru shows up, he says something about my form being almost perfect before he attacks me. It was weird when he looked at me after that, almost like he was proud or impressed, but it felt like it was something more. I don't know how else to explain it.

"Well we continued fighting; I guess training would be a better way to put it, anyways I managed to injure him on his cheek though I didn't see it until I looked up. I freaked a bit and ended up healing him, but it was the look in his eyes that frightened me," pausing she looked at Amata hoping she had an answer to what she experienced.

"Kagome, could it be that he's coming to care for you?"

Stuttering, Kagome could only look at Amata in shock that she would even suggest such a thing.

"He can't! He hated me when I was human, he can't possibly care for me," but her voice became smaller and smaller towards the end as she turned wide eyes to Amata. "He can't, can he?"

Amata just smiled as she patted the confused girls hand before standing and getting dressed.

"Anyone can change their mind Kagome; even those you think the most unlikely to do so." With that said she turned and left leaving the poor girl to her own thoughts.

"He can't care for me like that, can he?" Memories tried to surface to tell her otherwise, but she just shook her head to clear them before standing and getting dressed. Leaving the spring she went in search of the kids needing a distraction.

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