Understanding.

Kagome woke up feeling slightly unsure of where she was, then it all rushed back to her. She stared up at the cave ceiling for a moment before yanking herself up from her customized bed, which had been surprisingly cozy. Once realizing she was alone, she quickly got herself together for the day and rushed out with her bow and arrows. Her ear perked up when she heard Ginta and Hakkaku joking nearby. Once they too caught sight of her, they jumped up and rushed to her side.

"Sister, good morning!" They greeted in unison.

"Good morning," she replied with a smile.

"Are you hungry? Would you like us to get you some more fish? Or meat? Anything?" Ginta offered.

"Wait, where's Koga, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Oh, he went off to meet the other pack leaders. He didn't want to disturb you while you Vslept," Hakkaku explained.

Kagome sighed and glanced around the area. She wished he would have at least given her a heads up that he would be doing that. Now what would she do?

"Don't look so distraught, Sister. We'll take care of you!"

"Well... Why don't we go get some food then?" She offered.

The two of them nodded and grabbed two spears. She chuckled at their excitement, as if she wasn't accustomed to it, and followed them into the forest. They bounced ahead of her and chatted away about things she didn't have any knowledge of. Kagome felt a nervous pang in her stomach, one that told her she was unsure of her future that was given to her because of the current circumstances. She didn't know how she would adjust, but she knew she had no choice. She had to be strong and lead the way for her friends.

Kagome felt the wind rush past her new ears, causing them to tweek on their own. She couldn't help but giggle at the feeling. Along with hearing the rush of wind, she found she could sharply listen to Ginta and Hakkaku and even the slapping of water against rock that they were approaching. She allowed her tongue to brush over the new fangs in her mouth, finding that they were as sharp as her hearing. Every brand new sensation gave her the feeling that she had been born again into quite a different life than before. She could only hope that Koga truly would be able to help train her into bettering herself, the sooner the better. Although she had caught onto her miko powers fairly quickly when first entering the Feudal Era, she had not been exceptionally strong physically. She knew that would have to change if she stood a chance at defending herself again Inuyasha. His blunt strength was an obvious threat, even to Koga.

The young miko found herself clenching her fists tightly, catching her by surprise. It had angered her that Koga had been wounded. Some primal instinct within her felt as if she needed to protect him at all costs and that Inuyasha would need to pay for what he did. Kagome bit her lip down, unsure of where the sudden sense of loyalty and protectiveness had come from. Sure, she had always cared for Koga, but it felt different now. It felt like it meant more...

"Ah, finally!"

Ginta and Hakkaku made it through the clearing to the river that they would soon be getting their meal from. Kagome smiled to herself and watched as they prepared to show off their skills. Of course she had her fair share of knowledge on the art of fishing, but she didn't let on to that. Squatting awkwardly near the edge of the river, they held their spears high up and searched for their targets. It didn't take long before Hakkaku threw his spear out into the water, pinning something instantly. Ginta followed this same mannerism and the two went to claim their prizes. Kagome watched patiently as they continued their hunt, although now the fish seemed to be attuned to their presence as they moved down the stream. The two took longer to gather more and more fish, which Kagome had a basket to store them in.

"Sister, how much have we collected so far?"

"I'm counting... Twelve," she responded after checking.

"Stop messin around, Ginta! We need more!"

"This isn't enough?" Kagome asked, confusedly.

"Is it? It's all for you, Sister," Ginta replied anxiously.

"What? This is way too much! Aren't you guys going to eat too?"

"Sure we are, but after we have properly fed you! Koga would kill us if he thought we were neglecting your needs, Sister!"

"He doesn't need to worry," Kagome blushed nervously.

"Koga always worries about you, Sister. He thinks of your safety and how you are when he hasn't seen you, that won't ever change."

Kagome blushed an even deeper red, wanting to brush off the sudden truth she was being given about Koga. She didn't doubt that she was in his heart, it was obvious from the first day they had met, no matter how reckless and wild he had been.

"What's this? Do you feel something for him, Sister?" Hakkaku teased.

"Uh, no! Nothing like that!" She stammered quickly.

"It's practically radiating off of you!"

"H-huh? What is?"

"We can sense your mixed feelings for him, it's bouncing off you!"

"Ugh."

Kagome gripped the basket tightly, trying to take her mind off the wolf leader. Was she such an easy book to read? She bit her lip down and began to walk back to the caves they called their den. The two minions caught up to her quickly and both began jesting at her.

"Come on," she groaned. "You're making it something it's not."

"You really don't think you have feelings for him, Sister? There must be something there, even if it's small."

"You seem really sure of that," she said with a small smile.

"I told you, we can sense it. One of the many perks of being a wolf demon," Ginta grinned.

"Well, I don't know... There could be something I feel, I'm just not sure if it's me feeling it or..."

"The youkai in you?"

She nodded.

"Sister, it's natural that you don't know much about how it works, so let us tell you this one thing. The demon inside you is meant to align up perfectly with you and guide you, protect you. What you might think of as 'animal' or 'instincts' would be your inner youkai. It takes your most deepest desires or urges and intensifies them, but it won't put something in you that's not already there. Does that make sense, Sister?" Hakkaku asked.

"Yeah, it makes a lot of sense. Just don't say anything to him, okay?" She pleaded.

"Not a word!" They promised.

"I admit I do have some feelings for him, I'm just unsure of them."

The two swooned like school girls.

"But don't say anything!" She hissed, now doubting their promise to keep quiet. They seemed too excited, in her opinion.

"We won't, we won't! This is just so exciting!"

"It's not that big of a deal," she flushed again with a giggle.

"We call you our Sister now, but maybe it could really happen! Maybe you two will become mates and you'll stay forever!"

"Slow down, Ginta! No need to rush into things," she laughed.

"Well, no, you're right. Sorry."

He looked at her with embarrassment but the three laughed it off once they reached the caves once more. Kagome retrieved the utensils from her den she shared with Koga while they prepared to put the fish over a fire. She couldn't help thinking over their words and the small hint of excitement she had felt too. For some reason, she felt relieved to have shared her feelings with them. They were growing steadily, she was sure of that, no matter how small they had started. Was it something she had known all along? Ever since she saw him again, when coming back from her time, she had constantly noticed his physique and the way he treated her. He was never a disappointment and she knew deep inside that he would always do his best to please her, as well as take care of her. There was nothing wrong with what she was feeling, she realized.

'This is right... This is right...'

Kind of wanted to keep this chapter short and sweet! I've got the next one ready for you guys, can't wait!