While Kagome had told them about her haphazard start in questing after an all-powerful jewel, and the challenges they currently faced, she had been quiet on the matter of her background, and those of her companions. It made his tail twitch, his interest pique…and his worry blossom.

Youko dealt with anxiety in a productive way, by running through every outcome and squashing the ones he did not like. Kagome needed to live for his plans to succeed, and she needed to thrive for his triumph to be secured. Both of these problems had solutions though to his consternation it seemed as if they would require his presence twice over.

A presence he was hardly at liberty to give. And he risked much by lingering around her too long when she traveled as she did. The priestess was both the challenge and the key. She needed help to fill his purpose, but he need her to help him first…neither could occur after the other, and yet one had to by necessity. It was beguiling…and the best delight he could imagine.


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