Hey, guys! Sorry it's been so long. I had a graduation party and college stuff to gather, it's been hectic. Here's the next chapter!

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Newly discovered feelings fluttered in the hearts of two who refused to be in love. Soft brown eyes watched them as they slept. A young miko overcoming heartbreak and trying to be strong for her loved ones. A daiyoukai unwilling to show any type of weakness. They had noticed each other over the years. He saw her power and kindness, the purity of her soul. She saw his determination and elegance, the ongoing need to prove himself as the strongest alive. Both knew each other, and did not know each other. And as they spent time together, similarities were revealed. The daiyoukai was as devoted to his loved ones as the miko. The miko had abilities to rival the daiyoukai, should she learn how to unlock her potential. The Hana no Shukumei was right to place them together.

Kikyo's poetic musings drifted through her mind lazily. What she could see, separated from the physical world, was obvious and frustrating. If the two would only give each other a chance, they would fall in love almost as quickly as Kagome had fallen for Inuyasha. Underneath their bodies, Kikyo could see a pink aura, twisting and begging for release. The blossoming of their love.

As she traveled with the group, wishing she could rest, Kikyo became acutely aware that her soul would not leave Kagome. It wanted to return to its original vessel, to the state it had before it was ripped out by a witch and placed in a clay body. But the turmoil in Kagome's environment blocked Kikyo's entrance. A soul that was not at peace with itself would not allow repair. Until Naraku was banished and life put at ease, Kagome and Kikyo could never rejoin into one being.

Knowing this, Kikyo settled for watching over her other half. The search to find and kill Naraku was one that worried Kikyo, but as a departed soul fragment, she also felt a detachment to the situation that she had not felt before. It was easier to see the reason behind failures and not lament that she could not help. However, it was also easy to see the follies in emotion that both Kagome and Sesshomaru were going through. Like listening to a good story, Kikyo felt put off by their handling of the situation, and intrigued at what might happen next.

A small noise caught her attention, and Kikyo turned to see Kagome stirring. The miko shifted, and opened her eyes. Slowly, she sat up and yawned. It was past midnight, her body forced awake by an unsettling sensation. She rubbed her eyes gently, and looked around. Everyone else was asleep. Sesshomaru appeared to rest, with his eyes closed. Kagome guessed he was awake.

On cue, the magenta tinted lids opened as if the daiyoukai only blinked. His eyes were immediately upon Kagome, and the two stared at each other. Kagome stood and picked up her bow.

"Where are you going?"

She sighed, expecting that question. "The bathroom, if that's all right with you. I'll be back in a couple of minutes." Kagome hoisted her bow across her torso and jogged from camp. Tree leaves rustled behind her.

Sesshomaru watched her leave, and flexed his claws. The hunt for Naraku would slow their progress in the Mating Dance, something Sesshomaru preferred to finish sooner rather than later. And if he was completely honest with himself . . .

He did not dislike Kagome, or even tolerate her presence. Sesshomaru wanted her near. As with Rin, and even Jaken, she had turned from a nuisance to a companion. It irritated him beyond belief, and he could not voice his opinion.

Is that so bad? his inner youkai questioned. You are allowed to enjoy her company.

It is a matter of principle, Sesshomaru shot back.

At that moment, he heard rustling again, and Kagome reentered the camp. She sat down and removed her bows. "Yes?" she asked, knowing Sesshomaru was looking at her.

"I did not ask anything," Sesshomaru replied.

"But you're staring," Kagome said. "I'd like to know why."

A thousand responses ran through Sesshomaru's mind, and not one of them satisfied him. What he wanted to say and what he wanted to do were on either side of a sliding scale. However, it was late, everyone slept peacefully, and Sesshomaru tired of fighting off his inner youkai at every turn.

Kagome jumped as arms enclosed her, hands clasping together in front of her stomach. Her heartbeat quickened and senses sharpened to her surroundings, ready to battle the intruder. Her mind halted the reaction, knowing it was only Sesshomaru, flabbergasted at what he was doing.

The daiyoukai himself was unsure, and knew only that constantly questioning his motives and reasons was exhausting. His fingers softly touched Kagome's haori, and tightened against her body. Kagome was too surprised to resist as Sesshomaru pulled her into him, nestling her between his legs and setting his feet on either side. Blood rushed to her face in embarrassment.

"Perhaps I was contemplating this," Sesshomaru said, "and that is why my gaze was intent upon you, Kagome." He pressed lightly on her stomach. "Perhaps I could not resist this any longer."

"T-that's ridiculous," Kagome sputtered, refusing to look at him. "Touching me is the last thing you'd want to do, and you're just teasing me."

Sesshomaru frowned. "It is true, that I was not thinking of touching you, especially in such an intimate manner. However," he said, bringing his face close to her hair, his lips brushing against her ear, "this Sesshomaru is exasperated, attempting to keep away from you. Many times, I have told myself that it is weak, to want someone, to be happy with them. And twice, I have allowed an exception in this rule, with Rin and Jaken. And now I have found a third exception. I do not care for you as a lover, and yet I find that I wish to protect you."

The sudden confession caught Kagome off guard. She sat still for a moment, in Sesshomaru's arms, wondering how true any of it could be. If he was lying to move the Mating Dance forward. If he would be willing to truly push aside his pride because he didn't want to deny it anymore.

"And why?" she asked, facing him. Sesshomaru's face did not yield any emotion, and Kagome felt her heart flutter. "Why admit this now, just after we started hunting Naraku? Why admit it at all? I thought you were too proud to show any sort of feelings." Kagome swallowed, and frowned. "What prompted this?"

Sesshomaru could see the conflict in her eyes. Kagome had no idea what to think. He released her, and stepped away. The space between them was palpable. Turning the words over in his head, Sesshomaru didn't have an answer for her.

"Forget this," he commanded, resuming his position under the tree. "Return to your rest and do not mention this event."

()

The tension that morning radiated throughout the group.

Kikyo could see it. Kagome's bad mood was obvious to the children, who were talking amongst themselves and refraining from bothering her. Jaken was silent, carrying Ah-Un's reins and not asking Sesshomaru his usual questions. Kagome brought up the rear of the group, and Sesshomaru walked at the front.

As she twisted in the air for mild entertainment, Kikyo couldn't help thinking how annoying the situation was. Sesshomaru had the chance to tell Kagome that he enjoyed her company, that he cared about her. Telling Kagome he wanted to protect her was a giant leap forward, and his command for the miko to forget it put the two back at square one.

Kikyo flew closer, hovering next to Kagome. Her feelings seeped into her aura, various colors showing the mixed emotions. The soft pink of her budding fancy for the daiyoukai had disappeared, giving way to bright orange anger and green betrayal. The sudden push and pull irritated her.

Sesshomaru, on the other hand, was filled with a dark red. Kikyo moved to gaze at his face. It revealed nothing, but the aura beneath it showed enough. He was filled with regret over his foolish act. Kikyo frowned, and drifted closer. Underneath the red, the seething regret and desire to be rid of the Mating Dance altogether, she saw something. A flicker.

Smiling, Kikyo returned to her place above the group. She felt a slight tug as her soul tightened its grip on Kagome, and she stopped. Kikyo could only go so far, and she had a feeling she wouldn't want to leave the lovebirds if she could.

Kagome gripped the straps of her bag. Last night was possibly more confusing than the mixed messages she got from Inuyasha when they were still involved. The hug was surprise enough, and if he'd given a reason for his sudden admission, Kagome wouldn't have minded it. She didn't dislike Sesshomaru anymore, and the thought that he wanted to protect her . . .

It made her happy. Sesshomaru was allowing his walls to be broken down. And as soon as he does it, he pulls away and acts the way he always did. Kagome wondered if she could be more frustrated. She put her head down and sighed.

"Mama looks so sad," Shippo whispered, peering around Hatori. "Maybe seeing Sango made her miss our friends? I wouldn't blame her."

"I don't think so," Rin said, eying Sesshomaru. "Lord Sesshomaru is acting weird, too."

"How can you tell?" Hatori asked, raising an eyebrow. "He doesn't appear any different."

"I know him better than anybody," Rin said, "and I know when he's not feeling well. Something must have happened."

Kagome looked up and frowned. "I can hear everything you're saying, kids!"

"And this Sesshomaru will not tolerate whispers about things that are of no concern to yourselves," the daiyoukai added from the front of the group.

The children looked between the two, and hung their heads in shame. Ah-Un grunted, one of his heads nuzzling Rin. She tried to smile and pet his nose. It might not be right to meddle with them, and yet she couldn't help nosing in their business. The sooner the two of them loved each other, the sooner both would be much happier.

Sesshomaru pushed the children from his mind. Whatever they thought of himself and Kagome, it changed nothing. He focused his senses on the surrounding area. Many animals were active today, but few youkai were out and about. There was something wrong. Something the mortal creatures could not discern.

"Stay here," he said, halting.

The group stopped behind him, and Jaken said, "Do you smell something, milord?"

"I will return," was all Sesshomaru said before leaping into the air and summoning the cloud beneath his feet. He sped away and left the group watching, bewildered.

Kagome clenched a fist. "I'm going with him." She dropped her bag, secured her bow and quiver, and added, "Protect the kids, Jaken." She turned and ran in Sesshomaru's direction.

"Stay safe, Mama!" Shippo yelled after, knowing he could not follow.

Quickly detecting her scent, Sesshomaru looked down at Kagome running alongside his path. Her speed easily matched him. "I told you to stay!" he said, glaring at her. Kagome looked up, and stuck out her tongue.

Sesshomaru frowned, and increased his pace. If she would not cooperate, he would make it difficult for her. His cloud billowed in the wind as he followed the familiar path of destruction. Sesshomaru knew this haphazard attack anywhere. As they continued, trees left and right began showing signs of destruction. The grass was torn away. No signs of life, from youkai or mortals, could be detected.

Kagome ran underneath, cringing at the sights. Someone was not pleased. As she raced to keep up with Sesshomaru, a scent passed under her nose. She nearly tripped in her surprise.

Inuyasha.

The scent was not that of his usual smell, the one he had when they met in her time, or even what she unconsciously smelled when Kagome first became a youkai. It was more potent. Full of danger. The hair on her neck stood on end, her muscles tightening. Kagome forced herself forward. Sesshomaru must smell it too. What his plan was, Kagome had no idea, but if the brothers' relationship was any indication, it could not be good.

"Wait!"

The voice was faint, far away. Female. Soon after, her scent drifted to Kagome's nose. She tried to focus as she ran, and discovered it was a mix of human and youkai. Inuyasha's scent followed, still dangerous and stronger than before. He was here, possibly with that female.

"Sesshomaru, please slow down!" Kagome said, peering into the sky.

The daiyoukai hesitated, and slowed slightly. Inuyasha did not appear to be moving. The female with him was a stranger. As they traveled, their voices grew.

"Stop! Please, Inuyasha! Inuyasha!" The woman was shrieking. Kagome's eyes widened, and she sped ahead. Sesshomaru followed suit, and it was not long before they came upon the scene.

In the middle of the forest, surrounded by the remnants of trees and plants, Inuyasha was standing with a woman gripping his arm. The hanyou female was obviously a tiger, with black ears, orange hair, and black stripes on her face. She had herself wrapped around Inuyasha's left arm, growling and pulling.

Kagome shivered at the sight of Inuyasha. His eyes were blood red, blue streaks covering his cheeks. He let his youkai half take over and demolish everything in his path. This was bad. She drew an arrow and set it into her bow. "Inuyasha," she said as calmly as she could, aiming for him.

As Sesshomaru landed beside her, both youkai turned to the duo. The woman was scared, and determined. Inuyasha had only death in his eyes. Kagome took a step closer, and felt a hand on her shoulder. Sesshomaru shook his head. "No closer, Kagome."

"You," Inuyasha snarled, glaring at them. "You ruined my life."

"Cut it out!" The woman yelled, yanking his arm again. Inuyasha growled and tried to shove her away. She clung determinedly to his arm.

"Remove yourself if you do not wish to be hurt," Sesshomaru warned, raising his claws. A sickly green began seeping into the tips.

As much as she didn't want to harm Inuyasha, Kagome knew from experience that bringing him down was the only way to restore him to his normal self. She kept a tight grip on her bow. "He's right, miss," she said. "Get out of the way."

The woman stayed put. Inuyasha took a step forward, and she pulled back. He started to growl again, and she snapped, "Inuyasha, this is no one's fault!"

"Says you!" Finally succeeding in ripping the girl away, Inuyasha said, "She rejected me." He glared at Kagome, his blue pupils striking through the red. "And he took her away." Inuyasha turned to Sesshomaru. "Without them, I'd be happy. I could have my life back." He flexed his claws, and bared his sharp canines. "It's their fault!"

Inuyasha lunged. Sesshomaru leaped. Kagome shot.

The arrow whizzed by Inuyasha's head and landed in the grass beyond. Sesshomaru planted his feet in front of Kagome with poison claws prepared. Inuyasha stopped, nearly caught by the arrow, and eyed Kagome with hatred.

"This is stupid!" The female said. She walked up to Inuyasha, who turned to her with fangs ready.

"Miss," Kagome tried to say. The hanyou woman held a hand up.

"It's no one's fault," she said, taking Inuyasha's hand. He resisted, moving back, but she kept her grip. "Inuyasha," Kyoko said, frowning. "This is childish. You can't go on a rampage like this, just because I'm pregnant."

Silence rang through the air. Kagome stood with her bow still in hand, her brain scrambling to deal with this new information. Sesshomaru's mild shock did not show on his face. Inuyasha jerked his arm, as though he might attack again, and stopped. Kyoko gave him a hard look, and narrowed her eyes.

The red seeped away. Blue returned to gold. Inuyasha turned to Kyoko, and hugged her. "I'm sorry," he said. "I was being an idiot."

"Yes, you were!" Kyoko said, pulling away. "If you ever do that again, I will leave you behind."

Coming to her senses, Kagome shook her head and put the bow down. "Wait a minute," she said, stepping closer. "Inuyasha, who is this girl? And . . ." Kagome glanced swiftly at the woman's stomach.

"Why am I pregnant?" Kyoko offered. "Or, rather, why have we been doing what would lead to a pregnancy?" Kyoko released Inuyasha and took Kagome's hand. Sesshomaru flinched, but did nothing.

Kyoko shook Kagome's hand, and said, "My name is Kyoko, and I am a tiger hanyou. Inuyasha assisted me on one occasion, and we have since been spending time together as friends. However." Kyoko paused, her eyes drifting to Inuyasha. "When I was desperate to speak with Inuyasha about his problems, we were, you could say, carried away by the tension of the moment."

Kagome blushed as Kyoko released her hand. "You're Kagome, aren't you? The archer?"

"Yes," Kagome said, nodding. "I guess Inuyasha has told you a lot about me."

Kyoko smiled. "About all of his friends, yes, and you in particular. It's nice to meet you." She looked at Inuyasha, who had turned away, and said, "I'm sorry things worked out so messily for you both. It's a shame."

Struck by her maturity, Kagome nodded again. "Yes." This woman had the strength and determination of Inuyasha, but a much better way of handling a given situation. That was clear to Kagome immediately.

"If we are finished," Sesshomaru said, pushing himself in front of Kagome, "it is obvious that we have no involvement in this. I came here because I sensed a disturbance in the area." He glared at Inuyasha. "If my brother has ended his destruction, we will be going." Sesshomaru turned to go.

"Hey!" And, as usual, Kagome was stopping him. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at her. "We can't just leave Inuyasha," Kagome said, frowning. "This is all . . . well, really surprising," she admitted, "but if Inuyasha would have it, I want to help him." She faced the hanyou and smiled. "No matter what's happened, I won't abandon my friends."

Inuyasha snorted. "I don't need your help. Go back with your mate. Ow!"

Kyoko had a hold of Inuyasha's ear, and growled, "This is how you get upset in the first place, you idiot. Stop blaming other people for things that are not their fault, before I get truly angry."

Kagome couldn't help but giggle at the familiar scene, knowing she had done that to Inuyasha more than once. It almost brought back the feeling of happier days. As Kyoko let go and Inuyasha complained about the scolding, Kagome wondered if she should stay and help. The idea that someone was pregnant with Inuyasha's baby, that something life changing was happening this rapidly, was still sinking into her mind. Perhaps it would be best if she left well enough alone.

"Inuyasha," she said, looking him in the eyes for the first time. Inuyasha frowned, but didn't look away or say anything. Kagome took a deep breath, and said, "If you really don't want me around, I understand that. We've both done some things to hurt each other. Just . . . let me know, if you need anything." Kagome could feel tears welling up, and she blinked them away.

The hanyou didn't respond. Taking his silence as a no, Kagome turned to Sesshomaru. "All right, then. We can go now." She held her bow close and began the trek back to their camp. Sesshomaru, previously eager to leave, hesitated. He looked to his half-brother.

"She still cares for you a great deal," Sesshomaru said. Inuyasha opened his mouth to retort, and Sesshomaru cut him off, saying, "I do not care if she remains friends with you. It vexes me to tolerate your presence, but I have learned that Kagome's happiness is crucial to the completion of out Mating Dance. But you are warned," Sesshomaru said, narrowing his eyes, "that if you reject her assistance or severely upset her, I will not hold back."

With that said, Sesshomaru left to find Kagome. Inuyasha stood in silence. Kyoko took his hand and leaned her forehead on his shoulder. "One issue at a time," she said. "You do not have to deal with your emotions right now, if you do not want to. But the pregnancy . . ."

His ears flattened against his skull. Where his life went from here depended on how he handled the situation. Given his track record, Inuyasha was not confident, and worry began to seep into his heart.

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Away from prying eyes, the tears flowed heavily. Kagome wiped her face several times, to no avail. She didn't quite know why she was crying, only that she couldn't seem to stop. I'm such a baby, she thought, collapsing at the foot of a tree.

Sesshomaru was soon by her side. He looked down at her, unwilling to do what his inner youkai was screaming at him. The daiyoukai would not submit to the weaknesses of someone else.

"I'm sorry," Kagome said, standing. "This whole thing . . . ugh." She wiped her eyes again. "I guess I'm shocked by it all."

"That is not the reason you cry."

Kagome peered at Sesshomaru, waiting for him to continue. He gazed back for a moment, and said, "You imagined that you would wed the hanyou, did you not?"

The assumption was true, and his accuracy made Kagome blush. "I knew he wasn't mine as soon as he chose Kikyo over me. I was moving on." She clenched her fists.

"The hope that you would marry him and have his children was not completely shattered until now," Sesshomaru said, knowing every word hit its mark as Kagome looked away. "You were not witness to his transgressions with other women before. His affections for the miko occurred behind a curtain that you did not open."

"I didn't want to see him with Kikyo," Kagome whispered.

"This is proof, once and for all, that his life is happening in your absence."

Kagome slammed her fist into the tree. "So what?" she asked, glaring. "He's free to do what he wants. He can be with other women. He can move on." She opened her mouth to continue, and stopped. She whispered, "Inuyasha doesn't want to be my friend any longer. That much is clear."

Without thinking or caring, Kagome launched herself at the daiyoukai. He caught her body and instinctively enveloped it in his arms. More tears fell from Kagome's eyes, and she whispered again, "You must think I'm the weakest youkai you've ever met."

Sesshomaru tightened his grip on her. "No, Kagome. Your heart is too strong for your body to handle." One hand rested on the back of her head, the other gripping her shoulder. "Once in a while, it is all right to allow your worries to show themselves."

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Hi again! So, everyone, this is the end of the chapter, and I added some tension! Those of you who read the previous incarnation of the story know that Kyoko get's pregnant. However, I felt the relationship was rushed last time, and this go around I tried to slow it. They're not in love, folks, but we all know what can happen to two people under stress.

On another note, Kagome and Sesshomaru have hugged twice! A big step! I thought it would be nice to start teasing at the feelings between the two. I think, at this point, Sesshomaru wants to admit that he likes Kagome's company, but he still thinks of love as a weakness and refuses to acknowledge Kagome as his true mate. And recent revelations have left our poor Kagome confused with herself.

More again in the next chapter! As usual these days, I'm busy preparing for college, so the updates might not be weekly anymore. But I'll try not to update less frequently than every two weeks. Thanks so much for reading, you guys! I love all your reviews, so please review again. I appreciate your comments.

Until next time, ja ne~