Author's note: First and foremost I own nothing, but Tama and the plot. Secondly, when Tama is talking "it will be like this." Also I am open to suggestions, this story is not planned out and I am giving it to you as is- no editing.

Thanks :))

InuYasha returned later that morning to find that his pack had went on without and guilt filled him in such a way that he wasn't sure if he should kill something or apologize for his a hand though his hair, he decided first he should sniff out his companions and go from there.

{Back with the gang…}

Sango kept casting worried glances towards her friend; they made the decision to go on without their leader because well he wasn't being much of one lately.

For her part, Kagome seemed to be holding up fine, sure it hurt to know that Inu would choose a dead person over a living one but what else was she supposed to do but move forward.

"It's hard to let go of the past". The dark kitsune roused from within.

"Doesn't make the pain hurt less though", the miko confessed.

"No, but time will. He will never love you like you deserve." There were times when Tama could be very nurturing, she was happy that this was one of those times.

It wasn't easy keeping the kitsune concealed especially with Miroku traveling with them- often it would appear that she was spacing out, it took a while but she mastered how to talk to Tama and still be aware of her surroundings.

"Kagome-chan, do you want to stop and wait for InuYasha?" Kagome looked back at Sango, "No, he'll catch up." It wasn't that she was trying to be so short with Sango, but she just didn't feel like discussing InuYasha with her.

She and Miroku always looked at her with pity and damn it she was sick of it! She had a frickin shadow kitsune inside of her, she was the shikon miko! not some weakling and yes she allowed InuYasha to become a weakness for her and she wasn't sure why.

Tama tried to explain to her before that she was just young, she was basically a child with an enormous amount of power- hell even Shippo was older than her. Humans age faster than demons do and unfortunately for her she wasn't mature enough to know how to properly control her powers.

Alas there was no point and stressing over it, with time and dedication she will be able to fully come into her own powers- yes hers not Tama's. For Tama did not share any of her gifts unless absolutely necessary to ensure their survival. The last time she had did so was at the late western lord's gave and Sesshomaru nearly discovered their secret.

The sound of cursing brought her out of her musings and she tried her best to not let InuYasha get to her. He was going on and on about how they should have waited for him and they can't possibly beat Naraku without him.

She learned over the years that it was best to pick your battles and move on and that's what the group did. They continued to follow the lead for the next shard with the dog demon now leading his pack.

No one noticed the figures following them from the shadows… well everyone except Tama that is.

"Soon we will be together again."