Author's Note: Hello everyone longtime no see! I'm so so so sorry for updating like…twice a year, but there's just so much stuff going on and I hardly have time to write anymore. I also visit this site so rarely that I completely forget about my story at times. Anyway, I want to thank all of my reviwers I really appreciate them and it motivates me to keep writing. So after (insert very long time period here) here's chapter 11! R&R

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha so don't sue me…I can't even pay you in pennies!

Sango and Miroku gazed at the crackling fire before them in pure silence. Not too far off, Shippo and Kirara were snuggled up against Kagome's large, yellow backpack. The backpack wasn't heavy with the goods Kagome used to bring back from her future world, especially since Inuyasha had finished off every form of food stashed in there. The backpack itself, was the only thing she had left behind, that and a bad taste in Inuyasha's mouth. Nowadays, the hanyou barely spent time with the group, but they figured that he had gone off to visit Kikyo on a regular basis now since Kagome wasn't there to stop him or make him feel guilty.

Sango sighed slowly and gazed up at the starry sky. She had become slightly depressed as of late, but she had no idea why. Of course she missed having Kagome around, they were like sisters, but something else weighed heavily on her mind.

Miroku, who was laying on his side supporting his weight on one elbow, looked over to Sango in curiosity. She continued to sigh. "Sango, keep that up and you'll blow the fire out. What's wrong, you've been awfully quiet the past few days?" he asked.

Sango looked up at him and sighed again. "Miroku, what do you think of all this? I mean about everything concerning this situation." she asked, hoping his answer will put her at ease once again. When Miroku was actually being serious, his words of wisdom were often taken to heart.

He thought for a minute. What did she want him to say? It really wasn't his place to judge or criticize their situation, he just liked to go with the flow. "Well, Sango, if you are referring to the Kagome and Inuyasha situation...I have no words for you. But, I will not hold back and say that I'm perfectly content with what's happening." he hoped that his answer would suffice.

Sango grunted in a low voice. " That's all? You don't think this whole situation is impeding our progress to search and destroy Naraku! You don't think that Inuyasha is becoming a little lazy and lenient about our quests! I mean I don't care if he doesn't want to avenge Kikyo anymore, but I will not sit here while Kohaku is still held captive by that monster!" she declared, her voice and words becoming ever more vigorous.

Miroku simply put a finger to his lips to get her to lower her voice, but he understood her to the fullest. "I know you're probably thinking that we shouldn't tag along with Inuyasha if he isn't driven to take action anymore, but-." he was interrupted.

"But what? We....I can't sit around like this anymore. I'm sorry things turned out the way it did for Inuyasha, but it's time to move forward." Sango added.

"Sango, that may be so, but Inuyasha is still our friend. We should try to understand and help him, we did the same with Kagome, did we not?" he challenged.

Sango sighed. She couldn't contest that statement. "You're right, but still...I'm becoming restless." she admitted.

"So am I. Here, we'll bring this up to Inuyasha and get his standing on this. If his attitude doesn't change, we'll find ourselves a new situation." Miroku proposed.

Sango nodded slowly. 'A new situation? I surely hope that it doesn't come to that. Maybe everyone needs a change...Kagome certainly got hers.' She thought.

Miroku smiled at her. "Now get some rest. Hopefully, we'll have a big day ahead of us tomorrow." He joked as he laid down once more.

Sango smiled slightly. "Yeah, hopefully." was all she said before she retired for the night.

Unbeknownst to them, Inuyasha had returned to the campsite a while ago and sat perched in the large tree in the area. He had caught bits and pieces of their conversation, but he knew what they were getting at. 'So, everyone continues to blame me for what happened, huh? Keh! Saying that I'm still seeing Kikyo and what not. I'm trying to find a way to get their 'dear' Kagome back, but I guess it's taking me longer than I expected. She'll come back with me if I have to force her!' He thought darkly as he gazed of into the starry night.

***

It was another beautiful day. The weather was warm, the sky was blue, nothing could bring her spirits down. After they had dispatched Renkotsu and Ginkotsu, things have been pretty tame lately, but she wasn't complaining at all. It gave her more time to spend with Bankotsu and the others. She didn't have as many scrapes as she used to with Jakotsu, but, she had to admit that she did enjoy them sometimes. It actually scared her even more when he was trying to be nice. She recently found out that she and Suikotsu had some things in common as well. Ever since she began traveling with them he seemed more gentle and amiable than before.

Kagome knelt down by the small stream and dipped her hands down into the water and splashed it over her face. That always refreshed her. She gazed down at her reflection in the water blankly. Her mind began to wander off again, as it always did when she finally had some time alone. She often thought of her family, her school friends, Inuyasha and the others. She sighed to herself. 'Inuyasha....' she shook her head. 'I wonder how Sango, Miroku, Kirara, and Shippo are doing. I miss them so much.'

"Hurry it up, Kagome!" a voice said.

Kagome gasped loudly. For a split second, the voice reminded her of Inuyasha, but as she turned around, she realized that it was only Jakotsu. She exhaled finally.

Jakotsu stared down at her for a moment with pursed lips. Why was she staring at him as if he were a ghost? Sure he was dead, but he wasn't 'that' dead. "Stop spacing out! Here!" he said as he threw something beside her.

Kagome looked down at the object that rattled by her side as it hit the grass. It was a bow and a quiver of arrows. "Hey, where did you get these?" she asked.

"Some village. Bankotsu said that you might need them just in case. " he said while crossing his arms.

Kagome smiled. 'Bankotsu...always so thoughtful.' She stood up and dusted off her skirt. "Thanks. I'm glad that I'll be able to help if something were to happen." She was interrupted by Jakotsu's outburst of laughter.

Jakotsu waited until his laughter subsided before saying, "I doubt that'll you'll be of any help to us. I've seen you shoot those arrows before and you have no skill whatsoever! I'm surprised you're still alive." he insulted with another laugh.

Kagome grunted in frustration. "I'll have you know that I've hit at least 70% of my targets. Why do you think Naraku is so afraid of me! It was my arrow that scared him into hiding once before!" she defended herself.

Jakotsu rolled his eyes. "Yeah, I'm sure. Let's go meet the others." he said while turning around and walking away. "I was minding my own business until they sent me to retrieve you." he muttered.

Kagome calmed her nerves and smiled again. 'That Jakotsu! He'll never change.' she thought before following him in tow.

Up ahead Bankotsu and Suikotsu were standing at the top of the hill waiting for them. Bankotsu waved to them with a smile. "Let's get a move on guys!"

Kagome ran over to him and joined him by his side. "You're certainly happy today." she said. Maybe everyone was in good spirits because of the lovely weather.

Bankotsu draped his arm around her should and pulled her closer to him until she was resting against his chest. "Why wouldn't I be happy? I have you by my side." Someone cleared their throat loudly.

Jakotsu glared at him with his hands perched on his hips.

Bankotsu smiled sheepishly. "And my two most loyal brothers left. We're all like one big family, right?"

Kagome nodded her head. "Right!"

Bankotsu kissed her on the top of her head. He turned to the others and said, "Let's go." He didn't know where they were headed, but as long as they kept moving they'd be sure to find their next destination.

***

The translucent mirror shun brightly before him as the white-haired child held it to reveal to him the events that had taken place during the showdown between the band of seven. She remained silent as usual.

Her master smiled maliciously. "Hm, it would seem as though everything is going as planned. He failed as expected, now Bankotsu is in possession of more shards, what will he do with them?" he pondered, becoming even more intrigued with the mercenary.

Kohaku stood before him silently listening to his devious monologue. He knew this tactic all too well. He'll let his victims revel in their false security until a series of events would trigger their downfall and ruin everything they'd ever hoped for.

Naraku gazed over to the boy and smiled wickedly. "Let's continue to see how their tales further play themselves out, then I will truly be able to manipulate their situations." He spoke malevolently.

***

Kagome drew back the string of her bow tightly and aimed at her target. She kept her eyes focused to zone out her surroundings and steadied her breathing to keep herself locked on the target. 'I just have to keep my target in sight, I know I can become better if I just keep practicing.' She thought before she released the arrow.

She walked over to the circular indentation in the tree and sighed. "Oh boy! I guess it'll be a while before I can actually hit the mark in the center of the hole…or even in the hole itself!" she said aloud in frustration. Kagome exhaled deeply before reaching up to pry the arrow out of the tree.

"Oh, there you are. I was wondering what you were up to so I came to find you. Are you okay?" Bankotsu said from behind her.

Kagome whipped around after he startled her. He simply had a way of sneaking up on her when she least expected it. She walked towards him and nodded her head. "Yeah, I'm fine. I was just…" She stopped when she noticed his gaze wandering over to the holes in the tree and back to the bow and arrows gathered in her arms.

When Kagome had requested that she wanted some alone time, the last thing he expected her to be doing was to be shooting arrows into a tree. What was on her mind? "Kagome, why were you practicing here alone?" he asked.

Kagome shifted a bit under his gaze. "I was just brushing up on my archery. You never know when something could happen and I don't want to be useless to you guys. I want to be there to help if I'm needed." She confessed. She stiffened a bit when he cupped her cheek with his hand.

Bankotsu gazed down into her eyes and said, "Hey, you don't have to worry about fighting, Kagome. Just leave it all to me, I'll protect you." He assured.

Kagome bit her bottom lip softly. "I know, but…if you ever need me to, I want to be able to protect you too."

He was a bit taken aback by her last remark. His eyes widened slightly as he stared at her. 'Kagome…does she really want to help me that badly? It's always me who has done the protecting, even with my brothers, but I never once thought that someone would do the same for me…Kagome at that.' His thoughts raced on.

As if she could feel the turmoil within him, she instinctively moved closer to him and leaned against his chest, closing the gap between them. "It's okay to depend on others sometimes, Bankotsu. From now on, I'll be there for you, as well as Jakotsu and Suikotsu." She promised.

Bankotsu embraced her in return. "Thank you, Kagome…" he breathed out.

Secretly, the pair they were being watched in contempt.

***

Later in the night, after the group had settled down in another campsite, Kagome was grateful to have found a nearby hot spring. The men could go on without bathing themselves for a few days, but she simply could not follow in their footsteps. She told the others that she wouldn't be long so that they could bathe as well.

Once she folded her uniform neatly upon a rock she slipped into the warm water. Too bad she didn't have all of her belongings with her, she could always use a towel, some soap and shampoo, but she would have to make do without such luxuries for the time being. As always, she had to plunk her head underwater before she could truly relax. Once this was done she swam over to a nearby rock to rest her head on.

After a few moments of well appreciated silence, the sound of rustling bushes and cracking twigs alarmed her. She immediately flung her arms across her chest to cover herself, but she was still completely vulnerable.

"Hello? Who's there? Hey guys, if you don't want to give me a heart attack you could at least announce yourselves before sneaking up on me!" she whined.

Still no answer.

Kagome glanced around frantically, hoping to catch a glimpse of her stalker before she got herself too worked up. Still no signs of anyone or anything. "Okay this isn't funny!" she cried. She heard the bushes rustle from behind her and she squealed in shock as she turned to face the noise. "Bankotsu, is that you?" Just the thought of her stalker being no one other than him put her at ease. She smirked. "Look, if you wanted to join me all you had to do was ask. I didn't take you for much of a voyeur." She laughed softly.

The looming silence was making her heart pound against her chest. Even though she hadn't heard the rustling bushes for a while, she had the creeping suspicion that she was still being watched. The last place a girl needed to be was alone in the forest, wet, and naked. She squeezed her eyes shut and embraced herself for comfort. 'I'm scared…'

"Kagome." A voice finally said.

Kagome's eyes flew open and she gasped upon recognizing the voice. "W-What are you doing here?" she asked in bafflement as she faced her stalker.

Out of the bushes stepped a silver-haired hanyou dressed in a red haori. "Kagome…I have to talk to you." He stated sternly. He was trying to avert his eyes from her seeing as she was still very nude.

Kagome realized why he was staring at her strangely and quickly sunk down into the water, only allowing her head to be exposed. "Talk to me? Now?! Great timing, Inuyasha!" she said sarcastically.

Inuyasha grunted and rolled his eyes. "Well I'm sorry, since you have such a busy schedule nowadays with 'him' being latched onto you like a leech all day!" he retorted with equal sarcasm and even a bit of scorn. "This was the only opportune moment." He clarified.

Kagome's eyes shifted to the side as she sighed heavily. "What do you want anyway? Make it quick, one of them might be near."

Inuyasha folded his arms and scoffed. "Whatever. Look I just wanted to tell you that the others miss you and seem to want you back. It seems we can't do anything since you went solo on us. Then they're making me the scapegoat, as if half of this isn't your fault." He said crudely.

Kagome fought the urge to yell her favorite two words at him for making such a remark, but she didn't want to alarm the others in case they were around. "Well I'm sorry if you're not getting along well without me, but I'm not leaving them. I made a promise." She stated.

"Feh! Promise? What about our promises?"

"You mean the ones you broke!" Kagome shot back.

That stung. Inuyasha glared to the side for a moment. He knew that it was pretty futile in trying to convince her to come back with them since half of the things he said made her even more upset. "Fine then! But remember, it's not me you're hurting. Think about Sango, Miroku, and Shippo…they're suffering the most from your new 'situation'." He reminded, hoping that would at least strike a chord in her.

Kagome glared at him and let a wry smile play along her lips. "Maybe it's you who's hurting the most, Inuyasha, but as always you're too stubborn to admit how you're really feeling. You only have yourself to blame for this, Inuyasha. Now if that's all I'd like for you to leave now." She said austerely.

Inuyasha, now at a complete loss for words, had nothing to do but to comply with her request, but as he turned to leave he said, "You may think you're on top of the world now, but when you come crashing back down to reality, we'll see who it is you come running back to." He gave her one last look before he bounded off through the trees.

Kagome gasped lowly before sighing in frustration. 'What nerve he has coming to harass me like that…and make it seem like I'm the one to blame here! Maybe in the past we could've been happy together, but because of your countless mistakes I'm with the greatest guy in the world and not even you can make me feel bad about that!' her thoughts trailed on angrily. 'He should just stick to his 'beloved' Kikyo and leave us the hell alone. The nerve of him!' She slammed her fists down into the water and created a loud splashing sound that brought her back to reality.

Realizing that she had been in the spring longer than she expected she quickly dressed herself and headed back to the others. She was still surprised that their argument didn't spark their attention, thank goodness.

Author's note: Phew, I have a lot of this story written out, but I'm just slow at updating…sorry. When I first started writing this fic I never intended on it being this long, but I'll see how far I can carry it. Thanks for reading!XD