August 12th

Tossing her dirtied kimono into one of the wicker baskets by her bare feet, filled to the rim with several pieces of clothing and rags, Kagome examined her petite appearance. Though it'd only been roughly thirty-one days since her return to this world, braving many days without enough food to satiate her hunger, Kagome noticed early signs of malnutrition upon her body.

Besides her shrunken stomach, ribs noticeably apparent and ever-growing hunger pains, Kagome couldn't deny her frequent headaches, and inability to sleep comfortably at night. Yet, despite the disparity of the village's situation, the fields were finally producing their harvests, harvests which were not abundant, but enough to sustain them in the coming days. Though the people were still wary of outsiders, they looked after each other, and it was enough to reassure Kagome that things would definitely get better.

Shippo made a noise beside the rolled-up futons, his hands poking out from the bottom of the blanketed basket which served as bedding for him. If anything, Kagome was thankful there was enough goat's milk to feed the child, the child she now called her son.

Bending down before the bulbous backpack she brought with her from her time period in early July, Kagome sorted through her belongings, Aiko's ever curious gaze watching from the other side of the hut.

"What are you looking for?" Aiko asked, slipping her arms into the sleeves of a clean kimono before closing it and reaching for an obi to tie at her waist.

Various items were pulled from the bag, items which still puzzled Aiko. Though she never questioned their uses, despite the iron cooking pots Kagome revealed a short while back, Aiko felt it wasn't her place to say anything. A few moments later, she noticed Kagome pause, retrieving familiar garments from the large bag. "Those are the clothes you wore when you returned to us, are they not?" Aiko inquired, moving to settle herself beside Shippo.

Kagome nodded. "Yes. I should have sorted through them earlier." They were a bit wrinkled up, but other than that, they were clean.

A small selection of various colored panties, bras, followed after by a pair of New Balance shoes, light blue Capri pants and one dark blue tank top greeted them. As Kagome reached for a clean pair of underwear, light purple in color, she slipped them on, followed after by a plain white bra.

Once dressed, she turned to Aiko, who merely looked her up and down curiously. "I know it might look strange, but it's the only clean clothing I have," Kagome explained. 'There's also my school uniform … but there's no telling how the villagers would react if they saw that again.'

"It's alright. I'm sure no one will mind, and it's not like our village will be visited today."

Smiling at this, Kagome bent down once more in front of her backpack, pulling out a plain black hair tie and a brush. After smoothing back her tangles, she quickly pulled her hair back into a high ponytail, her bangs fanning her face nicely before turning to Aiko. "Alright, I'm ready."

A childlike laugh resounded suddenly, their eyes shifting to the entrance of the hut before the flap opened unexpectedly. A familiar little girl, with long black hair and bright brown eyes greeted them, her rosy cheeks flushed and her smile wide with excitement.

"Ume, good afternoon," Kagome greeted, kneeling down to lift Shippo from his bed. As she eased the child into the wooden baby carrier, careful he wouldn't fall out, she slid her arms through the leather straps, with Shippo snug against her back unmoving. After which, she reached over for her basket of dirty clothes before regaining her standing.

Noticing this, Ume's eyes sparkled. "Are you going down to the lake?"

With her own basket of clothes in hand, Aiko nodded. "Yes. Today is laundry day. Did you gather your clothing?"

At her words, Ume nodded. "Yes! I have it outside!"

Pleased by this, the two girls, exited the hut, the little girl beside them humming happily, her own small basket in hand, as they made their way down the small trail towards the lake. On their way, several other women were making their way in the same direction, their own baskets secured against them or balanced atop their heads while caught up in conversation.

It was a beautiful day, despite a few clouds here and there. Children were laughing and playing, while the men were either out hunting, gathering wood or watching over the fields. The construction of the village would commence today, as soon as enough wood was gathered.

Kagome rubbed vigorously at the hemp kimono, using a wet stone to cleanse the dirt from the clothes stacked beside her in her basket. The method of washing clothes, in this time period, baffled Kagome. It was understandable, since the village was impoverished that they lacked the essentials to properly clean their clothing, and as hard as Kagome pressed the rounded stone against the fabric, she felt she was only damaging it. Honestly, the issue was the lack of soap and detergent.

One after another, Kagome pulled garments from the basket, tossing the 'clean' ones into a separate basket, compliments of Aiko beside her. Fortunately, they were cleaning their clothing downriver, the filth and residue swept away to unknown waters.

"Sorry I'm late," A soft feminine voice replied. "Father needed help this morning."

Kagome smiled at the short haired woman who moved to kneel beside her, pulling out her own kimonos to wash. "Naomi, I haven't seen you much these past few days."

She smiled, her laugh somewhat weak. "I've … been helping out in the fields lately," She replied.

Kagome nodded. Yet, as she looked beside her, she noticed Naomi refused to pull up her long sleeves, the ends suddenly wet by the cold water. Every time Naomi moved her arms to slide the rock against her kimono and fundoshi, Kagome noticed traces of bruises upon her wrist, the area was red as if raw. "What happened to your wrists?"

Somewhat startled, Naomi tugged her sleeve down, a hesitant smile gracing her face. "Oh … that's what I get for being clumsy in the fields. It's nothing, really," Naomi reassured her.

"Are you sure? It looks like it hurts…" Aiko replied, arching a brow curiously. The bruises looked intentional, as if someone had squeezed her wrists painfully and just recently.

"Yes. I'm fine, truly."

Even so, it seemed the sudden attention bothered Naomi, her eyes glancing away awkwardly while her hands gripped her kimono nervously. While it seemed she didn't want to focus on the conversation regarding her bruises, the girls turned back to their own tasks.

Although Kagome seemed worried about her friend, she otherwise respected her wishes. Aiko on the other hand couldn't help but notice Naomi's pale complexion and reddened eyes; if she didn't know any better, it would seem the young girl wasn't receiving enough sleep. What was she hiding? Was someone troubling Naomi?

"In about thirteen more days, we should be able to harvest the millet and edamame," Naomi voiced, forcing a smile at the thought.

Kagome frowned. Millet was a type of grass, normally produced in poor soils of farmland and could either be used as food for the people or fodder for animals. The seeds which formed upon the grass could be used to make flour or alcoholic drinks. Normally, in this village's case, it was made into a watered-down soup, with only a palmful of the millet within their bowls. It wasn't the most satisfying of meals, and Kagome would give anything to have a nice juicy red tomato.

The second crop which would soon blossom was Edamame or in other words, green soybeans. The crop was normally eaten by itself, sometimes steamed or boiled, and sometimes served with rice, which they were unfortunately out of. Sadly, as fast as the crop grew, and as sweet as it tasted when first picked, it wouldn't withstand more than ten hours; its color would swiftly turn brown, the flavor would greatly diminish from sweet to sour and it would no longer be edible. If they had some type of refrigerator in this time period, the edamame would keep for at least a few more days.

"Just thinking about food is making me hungry," Kagome sighed.

Aiko laughed. "It won't be much longer. I went up to the mountains early this morning and found some yams for Lady Kaede." She knew for certain the older priestess would distribute them to the people.

"You went to the mountains?" Kagome asked. Aiko must have left before sunrise.

Aiko nodded. "Yes. I was out gathering herbs and decided to forage a little further. It's not that far of a walk, but the trip was worth it. I came back with half a basket of yams, herbs and a few mushrooms."

As if on cue, their stomachs growled.

With his cart filled with lumber from the Forest of Inuyasha, Kosuke guided his oxen towards the village, following the dirt path as he passed the abandoned rice patties. There was not a single crop growing within those shallow waters, the sight rather displeasing.

Feminine laughter greeted his ears, and glancing across the way, he noticed many of the village women gathered down towards the lake. Children were running around in the water, playing and splashing each other, while the older women were conversed in light conversation. The sight, over all, was pleasing, and he smiled to himself.

"No matter if we are faced with famine or poverty, we're still capable of finding joy among each other," He voiced aloud, patting the oxen's head beside him gently.

Guiding his cart into the center of the village, he couldn't help but notice Yuuta awaiting his return, arms crossed as usual and his stance intimidating. Bringing the oxen to a stop, Kosuke greeted the buff individual, nodding his head in greeting. "Lady Kaede informed me you would help fix up the huts. I assume you've some carpentry experience?"

Yuuta nodded, approaching the cart before unfastening the rope secured around the wagon. "A man must always be knowledgeable of these things. I haven't always led such a cruel life. Knowing how to build is a requirement above all else, otherwise how could I call myself a man?"

Kosuke supposed that made sense. "I'll have to make several more trips to the forest." He pulled a rag from his trousers, and wiped the sweat from his brow, his gaze looking around the village. "With regards to how many huts have been destroyed, I'd estimate at least five. I'm not sure we'll get all of them constructed before the day's end, but we might be able to get three if we're lucky."

"Do you normally do things on your own, Kosuke?"

He blinked. "What do you mean?"

Yuuta merely arched a brow. "The other men have gone out hunting and only you've been gathering wood. Why is that?"

At his words, Kosuke only sweat dropped. "Well there was supposed to be another person assisting me, but he's been avoiding me as of late…"

"Who?"

As if to answer his question, Kosuke's gaze drifted past Yuuta, his gaze lingering on a lone individual positioned outside a hut. "Satouru," He replied. "He's been like that since morning, refusing to work, let alone conversate."

Yuuta followed his gaze, eyeing the young man with a note of irritation. "Doesn't surprise me. He's got a temper which anyone would avoid. I'm curious … Why hasn't your head priestess done anything about this situation?"

"What do you mean?"

Yuuta crossed his arms. "Concerning Satouru and his ill-behaved mannerisms towards the villagers, and lack of responsibility. If I didn't know any better, I'd say Kaede has been turning a blind eye to him."

"That's not true," Kosuke replied, shaking his head adamantly. "Despite his punishment previously, our priestess has acknowledged his behavior. I'm sure she's thinking of what to do about him and his place in the village. Ever since he tried to harm Kagome, we've been told to keep strict watch over him."

Yuuta's eyes narrowed in recollection. If he remembered correctly, he heard rumors from the people that Satouru had dragged Kagome into the woods, a short time before he and his gang met the girl. Disgusting. "Were I in charge of this village, I'd sentence the fool to a fate worse than death."

Upon hearing the growl in his voice, Kosuke sweat dropped. It seemed Yuuta truly cared about Kagome, despite his rough exterior. "Well, if he commits one more irresponsible action, then his fate will surely be sealed. That's what Lady Kaede told me a short while back."

"If it comes to such, I'll see to it personally, with or without your priestess's instructions."

"Aren't you leading the hunting party?" Kosuke changed the subject.

He nodded. "I am, but I've let my men handle the task for the day. The head priestess has asked that I partake in constructing the huts for the day. I've drawn out a blueprint for the huts and—"

Before either could say anything more, a sudden commotion drew their attention away from each other, their gazes drifting towards the hill nearest the lake. Upon noticing a few village men gathered around, Kosuke and Yuuta curiously approached.

"Do you reckon it's because of the demon?"

"I'm not sure, but it's certainly good it's returned safely."

A few village men, their ages varying from early thirties to late forties, were gathered around a gray colored goat. They were inspecting the animal for any signs of wounds, but surprisingly, there weren't any, and it seemed as healthy as it could be.

"I'd say it's a miracle for sure. Perhaps it's because of the child Kagome took in."

Hearing the name, Kosuke interrupted. "What about Kagome?"

They turned at his question, smiling as they pointed towards the goat, munching on grass before them. They explained the goat, which had vanished three nights ago, the same night the strange waling began in the Forest of Inuyasha, had finally returned.

"Ever since that night, things have started to look up for our village," One man replied.

Another nodded. "We feel the reason why it's started raining these past few days is because of the demon child."

Yuuta arched a brow at this. "So, you're suddenly believing the child may prove to be a blessing rather than an omen?"

They paused at this, looking at one another inquisitively.

"So far, nothing ill has befallen us. The insufferable heat has disappeared and, in its place, pleasant sunshine and rain."

Another agreed. "Even if we do feel slightly uneasy about the demon living in our village, we trust our High Priestess's decision. Were the child truly a threat, it would not live under the shelter of our barrier."

Kosuke nodded. "I see. I wonder how Aiko and Kagome are handling the situation…"

"Speaking of Kagome…" One of the men voiced, beckoning everyone over towards the hillside. "Did you see the manner in which she is dressed today?"

Curious of the spectacle, the three men quickly rushed to the hillside, kneeling upon the ground as they peeked their heads over the incline. From beneath the hill, they caught sight of the women washing their clothes, rubbing the fabric of their kimonos and undergarments with rounded stones. As their dark eyes shifted from each woman and child, they fell upon three girls near the bank of the lake, knelt down washing their clothes.

Kagome stood up, hefting her basket of dampened clothing and sauntered over towards the trees beside the other girls. As she bent down and placed the basket onto the ground, she reached into the basket, her back facing the hillside.

"She wore those garments before, I think. Such unusual clothing…"

The two nodded, eying her form up and down. It was peculiar, seeing a woman dressed like a man, though the style of garments were terrible different than what they were used to. And yet, the way in which she wore the clothes, which clung to her curves, left the men slightly in awe.

"I've never realized she had such a nice figure…" One voiced.

"As tight as they are, those trousers look kind of nice on her…"

"You think I could ask her to get a pair for my wife?" One asked almost jokingly.

At the sight of the men gawking at the women, Kosuke shook his head. "You shouldn't talk about Kagome like that. She's our village's future priestess, after all."

"Don't get jealous, Kosuke," One man replied, humored by the young man's humble actions.

"Yeah. Last time I checked, she didn't officially agree to undertake the role of priestess."

Hearing this, they all laughed, somehow finding amusement in their choice of words, everyone except Kosuke.

Yuuta, who was annoyed by their ignorance, raised his hand. In one fell swoop, his fist collided with each of their heads, the three crying out painfully from the attack. "I suggest you listen to the boy. Watch your mouths, especially when it concerns her. Do I make myself clear?"

Though reluctant to move from their spot, the view quite nice from where they were knelt, the three village men grouchily stood up, and sauntered past the two. After which, Yuuta and Kosuke watched as they returned to their tasks, overlooking the fields and tending to their own personal affairs.

Feminine laugher reached Kosuke's ears, and recognizing the laughter as that belonging to Kagome, he couldn't help but turn his head in her direction. From where he stood, he noticed her laughing along with her two friends, and he smiled.

"Is there something you need here?" Yuuta asked, narrowing his gaze slightly towards Kosuke.

Kosuke's head whipped back, his face reddened when he saw Yuuta glowering at him suspiciously. It wasn't as if he was watching her for his own amusement. "No … not really…"

He only arched a brow, watching as the young man awkwardly stepped past him, his steps carrying Kosuke towards his abandoned cart filled with lumber. Satisfied no one was peeping on the girls, Yuuta shook his head. It seemed the men of this village only had one thing on their mind.

"Yuuta!" Kagome's voice called from below the hill.

He jumped at this, half expecting her to reprimand him, but instead, he was greeted by her smile as she waved at him. Half tempted to turn away and help Kosuke unload the wood, he suddenly noticed the woman step towards him before waving him down.

"Do you mind helping me really quick?"

Bemused by what she needed, he accepted, carefully stepping down the incline, despite Kosuke's curious stare from a distance. Managing to make it down the slippery slope, the grass still wet from last night's rain, he greeted the woman, Kagome's two friends talking amongst themselves by the lake with Shippo beside them. "Did you need something?"

Kagome pointed towards two trees beside her, both connected by a long rope. One end was tied securely around a branch while the other was lopsided around the opposite tree's trunk. "I kind of messed up and now I can't reach the branch to fix it. Do you mind helping me?"

He nodded approaching the tree before reaching up easily enough to unwind the rope from its double knot. How the woman even reached so high up in the first place was a mystery to him. After that, he secured the rope around the tree's truck and satisfied the rope was balanced and high above ground where Kagome and the other girls could reach, he turned to Kagome.

"Thank you! You really saved us there."

Despite Yuuta's warning not to peep on the girls, Kosuke watched first hand as the rogue man descended the incline and approached Kagome. The very sight upset him, and he realized Yuuta must have planned this from the start. Slightly annoyed and seeing no reason why he couldn't speak with Kagome, Kosuke also descended the hill. "Kagome!" He called, smiling at the raven-haired woman.

Both Yuuta and Kagome turned at his voice, and while Yuuta obviously narrowed his gaze, Kagome otherwise smiled.

After managing to carefully tread down the hill, he approached them, his height taller than the woman, yet shorter than Yuuta in comparison. "Do you need any help?"

Kagome shook her head, pointing her thumb at Yuuta beside her. "Oh, well Yuuta already helped me."

Hearing this, he forced a smile, scratching the back of his neck nervously. "I mean, I don't mind helping you with the laundry…" Saying these words brought a blush to his cheeks, and he hoped he didn't sound too strange.

Kagome mused. If Kosuke wanted to help out, then she supposed he could. It would definitely speed things along, and there was no harm in it at all. "Alright. Give me just a minute. I forgot Ume's basket." If Kosuke wanted to help, he could hang up Ume's father's clothes, that way it'd be less work for the child and herself.

As the raven-haired woman walked away, Kosuke turned to Yuuta, the two sharing a short and hard stare. "I know what you're up to."

Yuuta arched a brow, his face alit with amusement as he noticed obvious jealousy within Kosuke's stare. "Oh? And what might that be?"

"You were waiting for me to leave so you could be alone with her. Well guess what? It's not going to work," Kosuke replied, reaching into Kagome's basket of laundry.

Yuuta crossed his arms, watching amusedly as the young man spoke against him. 'Really?' He smirked. It was a first, especially between the two, which he'd displayed his jealous side, especially with regards to the young woman. Kosuke must have thought something was happening between the two, and Yuuta couldn't deny his interest in the girl. Kagome's beauty far outshined that of many of the women in this small village. Not only that, but she held spirit and courage, something he found admiring in a woman.

Upon retrieving one of Kagome's garments, Kosuke paused, his eyes taking in a strange piece of cloth held in his grasp. It was peculiar in design, not exactly a kimono, but definitely quite intriguing. A pale pink double cushioned cloth was displayed between him and Yuuta, its design slightly intricate with small yellow hearts all over its exterior. "What is this?" He asked, caressing the soft material between his forefinger and his thumb.

Yuuta shrugged, eying it as well, though he didn't approach Kosuke. "Perhaps it would be best to put it back."

Kosuke narrowed his gaze at his words. Now he was giving him orders? "I told Kagome I would help her, and help her I will, Yuuta. I'm not doing anything wrong," He replied, his hands squeezing the padded cushions of the cloth while his other hand surveyed the strange straps and hooks. It was definitely used for something, but what? Perhaps Kagome would tell him?

A startled gasp resounded near them, and turning away from the strange garment, they noticed Kagome standing before them. With Ume's basket of clean clothes held against her stomach, her startled eyes took in the sight of Kosuke squeezing the cup of her favorite bra. Her face reddened with embarrassment. "Kosuke!"

Bemused by her anger, he watched as she sat the basket down and marched towards him. Before he could back away, she snatched the garment from his hand. "K-kagome? What's wrong?"

"What do you think you're doing with my bra!?" She replied, tossing it back into her basket before glaring at him.

Just as confused, Yuuta noted Kagome's unexpected embarrassment. It wasn't as if Kosuke had picked up her fundoshi of all things. Looking closer at Kagome's appearance, he noted her strange kimono top, sleeveless and held together without an obi. Yet, looking closer, he noticed straps beneath the shirt, straps which seemed somewhat similar to what now laid in the heaping basket. Realization struck him, his own face reddening. The cloth was most definitely used as a wrap to bound her chest.

"Your … bra?" He asked, confused by the strange word. Because he hadn't expected this reaction, his eyes slid towards Yuuta, who wore a very awkward smirk across his face. From what he saw, Yuuta's index fingers were pointing towards his own chest, clenching and unclenching his hands as he motioned with his eyes towards the basket.

Still somewhat bemused, his eyes shifted towards Kagome, lingering upon her chest as he fought to understand Yuuta's meaning. It couldn't be possible that something like that was used to…

"My eyes are up here, Kosuke!"

The sound of a slap echoed in the vicinity, the women turning their curious stares in their direction. Kagome had hit Kosuke, the red mark bright and stinging. After which, Kosuke promptly left the area, a feeling of humiliation washed upon his entire countenance, Yuuta following behind with mild amusement.

Upon seeing this, Aiko and Naomi giggled.

With a huff, she reached down into her basket and folded it over the rope, followed after by another. 'The nerve of him. I leave for one second and the next he's fondling my bra!'

"Kagome?" Ume called from beside her.

Snapping out of her grumbled thoughts, she looked down at the small child beside her, tugging on her pants. "Yes Ume?"

"Can I help?"

"Of course, you can," She replied, smiling softly.

Wiping the sweat from her brow, Aiko stood up, her clothes washed and piled in her basket. As she looked behind her, she smiled at the sight of Kagome and Ume laughing together, the raven-haired woman lifting the child so she could reach the rope to hang her kimono.

"Finally, I finished," Naomi cheered, folding the last of her garment into her basket. Looking beside her, she noticed Aiko looking at Kagome and Ume, an ever-present smile pressed upon her face. "What is it?"

"You know, I was just thinking Kagome is very good with children. At our age, we'd be married with kids by now."

Naomi nodded. "Father has been pressing the issue onto me as of late, but I'm not ready. Besides, most of the men in this village are simply…" What was a nice way to describe it?

"Unattractive?" Aiko laughed, noticing Naomi's flushed expression. "We should be grateful to the few attractive men in our village. There's Kosuke, who is probably the most charming out of all the men. He's reliable and honest, probably the perfect man a woman would want."

Naomi nodded. "Don't forget Yuuta," She replied, smiling as she noticed a blush creep across Aiko's cheeks. "As roguish as he might appear, he is rather handsome. He might have been a bandit at one point, but it seems he's settled down nicely. Looking at him now, you wouldn't think he was a bandit."

"That's true," Aiko replied, trying to hide her blush. "Then there's Takashi, Satouru and his two friends…"

At the mentioning of Satouru, Naomi blanched, her countenance still. Troubled thoughts burdened her, and she looked away dismally. "Oh … I don't think Satouru is charming whatsoever…"

Aiko agreed. "I'm not going to complain with you there, but you can't deny his attractiveness. I'd say, compared to Kosuke, he is second in the village. If he didn't have such a brazen attitude, he might have been married by now."

"I wonder which of us will be married off first…" Naomi asked.

Aiko mused. Though she didn't have to worry too much about that, especially considering her family was no longer living, she turned her stare towards Kagome. "If it's anyone, I'd say Kagome. Though she told me some time back she preferred being single, at least until the right man came around."

"I have a feeling that time might come sooner than we expect."

Aiko looked at Naomi curiously, watching as the young woman reached for the sleeping baby in Kagome's wooden carrier before holding him snug against her chest. "You think so?"

"It's not a mystery that Kagome is very beautiful. Practically all the men have noticed her beauty, especially the older ones with wives," Naomi explained. "Though, I'm not sure which guy it might be to win her favor…"

"Huh?"

"I'm talking about Yuuta and Kosuke," She replied, noticing Aiko's countenance take on a surprised one. "Haven't you noticed how those two seem to flock towards her? Even just a few moments ago, did you not notice the rivalry?"

Aiko shook her head. She must have missed that. So Yuuta and Kosuke both liked Kagome? Well, she knew Kosuke liked her for sure, but she never thought Yuuta would as well. A man who was once her kidnapper was suddenly a love interest. "Are you saying, one of them might propose?"

"Maybe not now but soon. If anything, I think Kagome would definitely be the first to marry, at least, before the two of us."

That was a curious thought, though Aiko couldn't help but wonder if Kagome really would. There was always a chance the tree would return her back to her own time, a place she truly belonged.

"Kagome!" A feminine voice called out.

As the girls searched their surroundings, they noticed Mayoko above the hillside, waving down at them. It seemed the older woman requested a private audience with their friend, and Kagome was quick to return to their side.

"What's going on?" Aiko asked.

Retrieving Shippo from Naomi's arms, Kagome cuddled the child against her before retrieving her basket and wooden carrier. "Mayoko and I made plans today. She's going to show me how to make a cloth carrier for Shippo."

"Can I go too?" Ume asked from beside her.

"Sure, you can. Just let your father know where you'll be first, okay?"

"Okay!"

Before she and Ume turned to leave, Kagome waved to her friends. "I won't be long. I'll see you two in a bit."

As Aiko waved towards the young woman, Naomi couldn't help but notice movement from behind the trees a short distance away. The familiar face of a young man with terrifying eyes watched her, nodding his head for attention.

"Naomi? What's wrong? You look pale," Aiko commented, touching her friend's cheek worryingly. Was she getting sick?

Pulling away from Aiko's touch, the short-haired girl only shook her head, smiling slightly, though her eyes revealed fear. "Oh … no it's nothing. Actually, I'll be right back, Aiko," She replied, quickly standing.

"Where are you going? I can come with you, if you like."

Again, Naomi shook her head, this time, awkwardly moving in place. "Actually, I sort of need to relieve myself in the woods. I won't be long."

Understanding, Aiko watched as the young girl walked off, towards the Forest of Inuyasha. If she had to pee, all Naomi had to do was say so, but why had she acted so scared? Somehow, Aiko had a suspicion something more was going on.

As soon as Naomi disappeared over the hillside, Aiko stood up, her basket in hand before making her trek up the incline. After making her way to the top, she sauntered slowly towards the hut, not at all far from the hill before stepping inside. Placing her basket down onto the floor, she paused, a sudden thought resurfacing.

"What happened to your wrists?" Kagome asked worryingly.

Somewhat startled, Naomi tugged her sleeve down, a hesitant smile gracing her face. "Oh … that's what I get for being clumsy in the fields. It's nothing, really," Naomi reassured her.

"Are you sure? It looks like it hurts…" Aiko replied, arching a brow curiously. The bruises looked intentional, as if someone had squeezed her wrists painfully and just recently.

"Yes. I'm fine, truly."

Aiko frowned. Somehow, she knew those bruises weren't accidents. No, they were definitely left by someone. Not only that, but her friend's complexion was pale, her eyes reddened and swollen as if she'd been crying. Whoever was hurting Naomi, Aiko wouldn't forgive.

Turning towards the flap of the hut, Aiko stepped out, her eyes staring in the direction of the woods. Within those few moments, she made up her mind; she would find Naomi and discover the truth.

Exiting the village proved easily enough, the villagers distracted by their own tasks, and soon enough, Aiko made her way through the thicket of trees. With her guard up, her eyes scanning her surroundings, she searched the area for any signs of trouble. There was silence around her, followed after by birds chirping.

Venturing further into the woods, she half wondered if Naomi traveled this far, but before she could call out to her friend, she heard voices ahead, a feminine voice followed after by a masculine voice.

Pushing back the shrubbery of bushes and branches, Aiko immediately stilled, her breath hitched in her throat before ducking behind the nearest bush. In sheer surprise, she peered out, noticing two intimate individuals, a man and a woman, consummating within the forest, several feet away from her.

Looking closer, Aiko saw the familiar face of her friend Naomi, her legs wrapped around the man's waist, whose back was facing her. Naomi's back was pressed up against the rough bark of the tree as this man relentlessly pounded her, his own groans reaching her ears, but Naomi never uttered a word, her eyes tightly closed and her mouth firmly shut.

Aiko covered her mouth. What in Kami's name was happening? No, better yet, why was this happening? She had no idea her friend was intimate with someone in the village. Who was the guy?

Though she felt entirely embarrassed, witnessing the act of passion right before her eyes, Aiko didn't move from her spot. Something told her to stay, despite her want to flee back to the village. As she squinted her eyes, the leaves concealing her well enough from view, she made out the outline of the man with Naomi. He was tall, quite muscular in appearance, and he certainly had an exquisite facet.

Realizing she'd been admiring his backside, along with his broad shoulders, she blushed. Now was not the time for such thoughts; this was serious! Were it found out, an unmarried daughter was secretly intimate with a man of their village, the people would certainly turn against them, especially her. It was a sin. Naomi, why was she doing this? Was it possible, Naomi loved this man?

A startled cry escaped Naomi, and surprised by the pained noise, Aiko watched in mortification as the man slapped her friend to the ground. Naomi was holding her face, tears prickling her vision as he bent over her. His hand grasped her dark strands of hair, roughly pulling her to her feet, despite her cries.

Aiko gasped. The man who was attacking her friend was none other than Satouru.