If there was one thing that would describe Dark Link at this very moment, stealthily following downwind, behind the gang that early morning, it was that he was very much bored. Although his task was to gather up the priestess before the night of the full moon in order to restore Armaros to his original self, the dark entity had decided to amuse himself with a fun little game instead.

What kind of game was he playing on the travelers?

During a pitiful battle against the gang, a while back, Dark Link had placed a small mark upon the priestess, and though he had failed to eliminate his sworn nemeses, this small mark had brought him great enjoyment. Before, he had planned to use the mark to bring torment to Link through Kagome, but another interesting idea had surfaced after Dark Link overheard a conversation between the group; they wanted to bring Link back to their world.

Considering the disappointment surrounding the fallen hero, Dark Link realized that attempting to eliminate him would prove futile, after all, Link was dead and this world surprisingly was an afterlife. Because Link had died back in Hyrule, it wasn't surprising the same thing happened to himself. Then again, the fact that the dark entity felt so alive in this world was enough to settle those thoughts.

So what if the hero was dead? That didn't mean his plans for revenge would go to waste; in fact, Dark Link found the thought of killing Link multiple times in this purgatory rather amusing, even if meant Link would simply come back just as before. From what he had witnessed in this world, death was indeed possible, but one was never truly dead in this world for they always had strange ways of reviving even if they were nothing but walking souls that bled.

Not only would this please Dark Link, but tearing the youth away from his 'dear friends' would bring him much enjoyment, he was sure. He snickered at the thought. 'A beautiful priestess from another world, together with her strange friends, was destined to save this forgotten land. Yet neither the priestess nor Link realized they would fall madly in love with each other, only to be torn away by certain tragedy. Such a compelling … beautiful … ending.' It was an ending Dark Link hoped would bring tragedy.

Dark Link's task was to abduct the priestess with the spiritual powers on the day the full moon would rise. With her powers, Armaros's mortality would return and with that, the connection tying Dark Link and the sorcerer together would break; it was something he looked forward to very much. There was one more day left before the full moon, and it was plenty enough time to cause some mischief.

It had been so easy to manipulate the monk and fool the slayer into believing the words from an impersonated masked salesman. The anger and the betrayal that Miroku had felt after learning the truth about his dear friend was enough to instill darkness into his heart just enough that gave Dark Link total control.

Tormenting these people provided Dark Link with great amusement. Human emotions were so easily afflicted when it came to anger, jealousy and sadness. In fact, Dark Link didn't have to try hard; he only hoped it would bring misery to his counterpart.

As he lay back, watching the group trudge along in the direction of the canyons in the distance, Dark Link found himself becoming quite bored with the monk. Well, he could always find other solutions.

OOO

Familiar terrain followed into view as the travelers continued down the grassy slope. They saw the wooded path that led to Southern Swamp and Romani's Ranch, and they saw the snowy mountains just north of them behind Clock Town in the distance.

"We finally made it!" Kagome breathed a sigh of relief. It felt so good to be back. Everything seemed peaceful and quiet. Bending down to touch one of the many soft flowers brushing against her ankles, Kagome felt her heart pound nervously. 'Pretty soon we'll return home, but why do I feel so nervous?'

Placing a hand over his eyes to shield away the harsh rays of the sun, Miroku pointed to the East where he and his friends spotted the many pillars leading to Ikana's borders. "We should reach Ikana in one day if we continue as we are."

Shippo felt a cold chill at the mentioning of that haunted place. He really didn't want to go back and he really didn't want Kagome stepping foot back there either. Then again, was there anything to fear returning there? Sakon was dead now; he had seen it himself back at the witch's potion shop. Whatever the case, Shippo tried to swallow down that fear; he had to be strong for his friends.

As Inuyasha led the way with Sango and Miroku following close behind, Link walked alongside with Kagome and Shippo, but his eyes never left Miroku. Last night, after everyone had gone to bed, Miroku had asked Link if he had wanted to take a walk. Little had Link known that Miroku knew the truth.

The confrontation had been awkward and almost doubtful to a point where Link felt uncertainty when Miroku questioned him. From the monk's mouth, he learned it had been the Happy Mask Salesman that had revealed the secret Link and Inuyasha had hoped to keep.

But despite the monk's warning to stop and tell Kagome the truth, Link had refused. As much as it upset Miroku, Link had explained he was not ready to reveal anything.

"If by tomorrow night you do not tell Kagome, then I'll do it myself, Link."

After that, Miroku only returned to camp, and Link was unsure of what the monk would do next. As it seemed right now, Inuyasha was unaware of the confrontation, doing his best to act positive around his friends while silently attempting to encourage Link. Although it seemed futile to hide this secret, Inuyasha had exclaimed there had to be a way to reverse this and help Link to regain his life; Link wanted to hold onto that feeling. Perhaps there was a way or perhaps there wasn't.

Shifting his gaze away from Miroku, Link observed the priestess beside him talking animatedly with Shippo perched upon her shoulder. Seeing her smiling face lifted his spirits a little.

"I'll ask Inuyasha!" Shippo's voice suddenly exclaimed.

Blinking confusedly as the child leapt from Kagome's shoulders and darted towards the half demon, Link stared at Kagome and she only smiled back.

"He wants to go hunting with Inuyasha later today," She explained. She thought it was kind of cute, actually.

While walking alongside Miroku, Sango felt the tension radiating off him rather strangely. Looking at him, she saw his face contorted into a dark expression, his eyes glaring straight ahead at Inuyasha. Annoyed, Sango slapped his shoulder. "Miroku, you need to cool off."

Oblivious to the couple behind him, Shippo had perched himself atop the half demon's shoulder. "Inuyasha."

Inuyasha only looked at him with an arched brow. Why was he so cheerful this early in the morning? "What is it?"

"Will you take me hunting tonight?" He asked, eager to help out.

He pondered. He preferred hunting by himself, but seeing the child look at him with his bright green eyes, the half demon shrugged. "Sure. I don't see any reason why not." First Kagome had wanted to skin the animals last night and now Shippo wanted to help; the thought was funny.

At this, Shippo cheered. He couldn't wait to show Inuyasha his new and improved Fox Fire technique. "Wait until you see what I can do with my Fox Fire, Inuyasha!"

"Just don't burn the forest down."

As Inuyasha laughed, Shippo heard muffled voices from behind them, and curious, he glanced back.

"You're making it too obvious that you're glaring at Link," Sango whispered harshly. Inuyasha had warned them last night not to start anything that might trouble the two and especially Kagome.

Miroku held his head, his expression strained. "I should … be happy for them," He admitted suddenly and Sango frowned at him. "But after finding out the truth …" He didn't understand why but it made him furious all of a sudden; he felt as if he was unable to stop himself if he remained quiet.

Sango shook her head and looked around to see if her friends had noticed their conversation; fortunately everyone was distracted. The slayer turned her attention back to the monk beside her. "I know it's a lot to take in, but let's just listen to Inuyasha."

The half demon's ears twitched at this and he turned his amber eyes to look behind him. The two were talking about last night it seemed.

Baffled by this, Shippo tapped Inuyasha's shoulder. "Hey, what's going on? Why is Miroku so upset?"

The half demon mused for a moment. It was understandable why Shippo was confused; after all, he had been gone while the drama between him and Miroku had unexpectedly happened. "Don't worry about it. It's between me and Miroku."

"Did you guys fight?" He asked, not planning to drop the subject.

Inuyasha nodded. "You could say that…"

The tyke glanced back the monk whose eyes were closed and his expression rather strained and pale. It wasn't like them to fight at all and he wondered what could have upset the two. "Well I hope you two settle out your differences before Kagome finds out."

For a moment, Inuyasha fell silent. "I hope so too."

Catching the sadness in his companion's voice, Shippo blinked. This seemed more serious than what he first thought. Yet from the looks of it, it didn't seem like Inuyasha was in the mood to reveal anything between him and Miroku. Instead of pestering him, Shippo patted his shoulder. "Everything will be okay."

An hour went by as the group ventured along. There was no need to stock up on any items and they knew that if they stopped by Clock Town, it would take up too much of their time. Instead, they kept up their pace.

Sometime around the afternoon, they found themselves very close to the borders of Ikana and they realized they would reach it before sundown. During their walk and silent conversations, they began to notice something off with one of their companions.

Swaying back and forth on the path they walked, Miroku felt very light headed and his legs felt heavy for some unfathomable reason. He found himself sweating, strange enough and couldn't explain his strange fatigue. Unexpectedly, he fell against Sango who responded quickly to catch him.

"Miroku!"

The sound of her panicked voice was enough to stop Inuyasha and the others. They turned, noticing the fallen monk held against the slayer's chest upon the ground, his breath quick and his face pale.

Kagome quickly removed her backpack and rummaged through it in search of her medical supplies while the others gathered around the monk and slayer worriedly.

"Miroku! Hey, are you okay?" Shippo cried, pulling on his sleeve.

As she placed a hand to his forehead, Sango realized he was fevered. "He's sick. Miroku, wake up."

After locating the bottle of medicine, Kagome sauntered over and lowered herself upon her knees before the monk. When she saw he was unconscious, she shook his shoulders and he stirred suddenly.

Opening his indigo eyes, he found his friends circled around him, each asking if he was okay and what had happened. He didn't answer them at first; he almost didn't have the energy to say anything. He felt dizzy and tired.

"Miroku. Say something," Sango urged, holding him close her. When his eyes found hers, there was a brief moment where the slayer recognized a dark glimmer in his eyes before it suddenly vanished. Sango half wondered if she had really seen it, but instead, she focused on her friend's health. "Are you okay?"

He nodded weakly. Beads of sweat had accumulated upon his forehead and he couldn't seem to keep his eyes opened much. "I suddenly feel light headed. I'm sorry. I do not think I can continue walking right now. Inuyasha, do you mind if we take a small break?"

The half demon nodded. "Yeah. Did you catch a cold or something?" Strange enough, it seemed as if Miroku's entire countenance had changed in just a few minutes. It was like he was himself again and was no longer angry, but maybe he was overthinking.

After hearing this, Kagome agreed with Inuyasha. There was no way they could continue traveling with Miroku in his condition. Even if they had Kirara carry him the rest of the way, Kagome feared it would make it worse on the monk. "Here," She offered a cup full of red liquid to the monk. "It's a fever reducer and pain killer. It should help you feel better within a few hours."

Seeing the medicine in her outstretched hand, Miroku politely refused. "I'm okay … Lady Kagome. I just need to rest for a few minutes, that's all…"

Kagome gave him a stern look, as if she were trying to feed a child his medicine. "I don't think a small break will do it, Miroku. You seem really pale," She pointed out and her friends nodded in agreement. "What if your fever becomes worse? No way. You're going to take it and get some rest." Once more, she handed the cup of medicine to the monk, but he turned his face away.

Seeing the strange red liquid in the small cup, Link became curious and leaned over Kagome's shoulder. "Is this medicine from your world?" He asked her, and she nodded.

"Yes. But it takes a little while for the effects to take place," She explained. "It doesn't really compare much to the potions you have introduced to us."

Shippo agreed with Kagome. "It's called cough syrup. You're supposed to drink it when you're sick multiple times in one day until you start to feel better," He explained before making a face of disgust. "It's supposed to taste like cherries … but it doesn't. If you ask me, it's kind of bitter and Kagome makes us take it in one gulp," He said before a cold chill swept through him at the memory. "I learned the hard way that sipping is a nightmare…"

Miroku paled at the sight of the medicine and Shippo's explanation of it wasn't helping matters either. The monk really didn't want to take it; in fact, he would take Red Potion any day.

Shippo pointed at Miroku's hesitation. "See! Even Miroku thinks it's nasty."

"Come on Miroku. It won't kill you," The priestess attempted to force feed it to him, but he suddenly moved away from her and attempted to pull away from Sango but the slayer held him still, despite his refusal.

"Oh I actually feel … quite better now, Lady Kagome," He suddenly exclaimed before pushing the cup of medicine away.

Kagome narrowed her gaze, not even once believing him. "Drink it."

Finally breaking free from Sango's hold, he shakily stood up and stretched his arms above his head. "See my strength has returned. I only needed to rest a minute. Let us continue our—"

"Drink the damn medicine, Miroku!" Inuyasha growled with his arms crossed. He didn't once believe he was feeling better. Even if the medicine tasted like shit, Miroku should at least be a man about it. "You're only making it hard on yourself. It's either that or I'll force feed it to you myself. So which is it?" He warned.

Paling at the thought of Inuyasha forcing him to drink it, Miroku hesitantly sat down and took the offered cup from Kagome's hands. As he held it, he saw his own hand shaking. Ever so slowly, he brought the cup to his lips. It was only two tablespoons, but it was two tablespoons of hell. Taking a deep breath, he took it in one gulp before cringing at the taste. After a few seconds of holding it in his mouth, he swallowed and fell back against Sango's chest.

While Link looked on a little worried when the monk didn't move, Kagome took the cup from his hand and stood up to clean it before shaking her head. "Goodness. See that wasn't so bad, was it? You're just as bad as Shippo. The taste isn't that bad. I happen to like it."

"Says the person who is used to drinking it," Inuyasha rolled his eyes.

She blinked at him before looking at Miroku and the others in confusion. Looking back at the bottle in her hand, Kagome pondered. "Maybe I should buy a different flavor then? Maybe Grape or Orange?"

Shippo only sweat dropped. "Are there any without flavors?"

Hearing Shippo ask this, a thought suddenly came to the half demon. How many different kinds of flavors of medicine did she have in her time period? "Do you have any with ninja flavors like Ramen?" He asked.

A stupefied look fell upon the priestess. Ramen flavored medicine? "That would be completely disgusting! Who would want Pork, Chicken, or Shrimp flavored cough syrup?"

Curious of the medicine in Kagome's hand, Link wondered how terrible it was. "It couldn't possibly be that bad…"

After hearing Link say this, Inuyasha grabbed the bottle from Kagome's hand and removed the cap before opening the lid and pouring the cup almost to the brim with the liquid, much to Kagome's protest. "If you're a real man, don't hesitate and just take it in one gulp."

Shippo gasped. "Don't do it yet! Hold up!" As the child scampered over to Kagome's backpack, he returned with a water bottle before returning to Link and Inuyasha's side. "You can drink this after if you need to. If you feel like you're going to throw up, then throw up."

"Hey, don't waste our medicine!" Kagome cried, her hands placed upon her waist agitatedly. Why were they doing this?

Surprised at what Shippo has said, Link eyed the small cup full of red cough syrup before bringing it to his mouth. Closing his eyes, he drank it, the contents fell upon his tongue and the flavor was quite strong but it tasted nothing like cherries. True to his words, Shippo was right; it was bitter. Link almost lost it within a second of taking the medicine, but he held a straight face before swallowing.

For a moment, nothing happened. Shippo and Inuyasha stared at Link's nonchalance in morbid surprise while the priestess took it from his hand quite pleased he hadn't made a fuss.

"Link?" Shippo asked worried. His friend was standing very still and his mouth was tightly closed. Offering up the water bottle, Shippo wondered if his friend was going to throw up.

In an instant, Link reached for the bottled water and drank it thirstily. That medicine was truly awful. He wondered how long the taste would remain in his mouth.

Seeing his reaction, Inuyasha snickered. "You're a real man now Link. Thank you for your sacrifice."

As the evening slowly approached, their companion still wasn't up for traveling. For a third time, Kagome had given him more medicine and the effects had put the monk to sleep. Fortunately his fever had dropped a little and his sweating had finally ceased. Miroku was lying against Kirara, whose soft fur warmed him as he slept.

It was almost supper time, and Kagome found herself cooking over the fire. A little while ago, Inuyasha and Shippo had gone off to fetch their meat, and she wondered if the two were having a good bonding moment. With Link beside her, offering his assistance, Kagome measured out the broth for their soup. A small bag of rice was sitting beside her, the same bag Natalie and Victoria had given to them for their travels.

While she chopped up some mushrooms and onions, she pointed to the bag beside her. "Link, can you measure out two cups of rice, please?"

Nodding, he picked up one of her many measuring cups and scooped out the required amount and at her directions, added it to the broth. "What are you making?" The aroma coming from the pot smelled absolute amazing and there was plenty for everyone.

"Chicken and rice soup," She explained. "Since Miroku isn't feeling well, soup is the best thing. Also, it's been a while since we've had any soup." The priestess was hoping Inuyasha and Shippo would return soon with their meat. She was planning to cook the meat and add it into the soup before the rice cooked down.

Pulling herself away from the monk's side, Sango stood up and approached Kagome and Link. As she saw the pot boiling and smelled the chicken seasoning, she smiled. "Kagome?"

Glancing over her shoulder, the priestess smiled at her friend towering behind her. "Yes Sango?"

"Well, since it's a nice day out, I was hoping we could go for a walk before sun down. If you like?" She asked.

Surprised by this, Kagome nodded before smiling back. "That sounds good. It's been a while since we last did that, huh?" Looking back at Link, Kagome asked if he could watch over the food while she was gone.

OOO

As the two young girls walked out into the wilderness side by side, Kagome stretched her arms above her head before a nice pop from her shoulder caused her to sigh. "It feels so good to go walking together. We haven't done this in a while."

Sango nodded, smiling at the young girl. "To be honest, I was a little worried about Miroku earlier, but it's good to see him peacefully sleeping."

"He scared me too," Kagome replied back solemnly. "For a minute there, I wasn't sure what was going to happen. Thankfully it wasn't anything serious. I mean, we've been through a lot since we came here. It's no wonder he's exhausted. It could have happened to us at any time."

Closing her eyes, Sango placed her hands behind her back, her brown eyes searching the darkening sky overhead. "We have been through a lot. You know, Kagome. It's been exactly a month now since we started our journey here."

Kagome blinked. "Really? It feels like it's been longer…" Despite that, she continued smiling, her thoughts of Link heavily on her mind. "Pretty soon we'll summon the Goddesses. I wonder if we'll actually get to see what they look like. Real Goddesses."

Sango turned at this. "So we have everything we need. We have the pendants and our wish."

"Yep!" Kagome giddily exclaimed. "Our wish to save this land from its curse, and once that's over, we can all go home and continue our search for the Sacred Jewel shards, but…"

"But?"

Kagome sweat dropped and scratched her head. "If you and the others don't mind, I might go home and spend some time with my family. It's been a month and I'm sure by now they must be worried sick about me."

This was completely understandable. "Of course you can. You know you can go home at any time, Kagome. It wouldn't be right if we forced you to stay," Sango replied and at this, Kagome nodded.

The priestess's thoughts swayed to an image of Link, and she blushed suddenly much to Sango's confusion. "After we summon the Goddesses, Link can travel back with us. Even though Inuyasha can travel through the well to my world, I wonder if it's possible for Link."

Stopping suddenly on their walk through the woods, Sango couldn't help but clench her hands at Kagome's reply. If only she knew the truth. It didn't seem likely that Link would rejoin them in the Feudal Era, not after what she and Miroku recently learned.

Realizing Sango wasn't following, Kagome turned around and stepped up to her before touching her arm softly. There was a strange sadness in the slayer's eyes. Something was wrong. "Sango? Is something wrong?"

Looking her in the eyes, Sango only frowned. Something was wrong. Even if Inuyasha had warned her not to say anything, Kagome still deserved to know. It wasn't right to keep this secret. "Yes. Something has been troubling me."

She knew something wrong ever since yesterday when Shippo had brought it up. "If this is about Miroku, I think I understand what might be going on, Sango."

The slayer blinked. "You do? How did you find out?" It wasn't possible Kagome already knew the truth, was it? Could it be she was hiding her personal feelings for her friends?

"I found out through Shippo. He told me and Link about Miroku's strange behavior last night, and I think I understand what's going on. I was a little surprised, actually. But everything will be fine, Sango. I'm sure it's nothing to worry over," Kagome explained before smiling softly. "I know that things will work out in the end. They always do."

Hearing Kagome say this, Sango became suspicious. "How can you say everything will be fine? Kagome it's not fine at all!" Her voice raised a fraction louder than was intended. "Don't you get it? How can you stand there smiling about this situation?"

Was it worse than she had imagined? Sango genuinely seemed upset right now. It couldn't be that Miroku had done something so terrible, right? "I never thought it was that serious… Sango, are you okay?" Kagome was a little worried her friend might burst into tears any second.

Had Kagome's affection for Link blinded her?

"Tell me what happened Sango. This concerns your relationship with Miroku. If there is anything I can do to help, please, tell me."

The slayer blushed at this. "What? Our relationship?"

"Well haven't things between you and Miroku been a little rocky for the past couple of days?" Kagome asked. "I honestly thought something had happened between the two of you, so I was worried. Sango, you know you can tell me anything."

Slightly frustrated that Kagome didn't seem aware of what this was truly about, the slayer combed her fingers through her brown tresses before sighing. "This has nothing to do with me or Miroku. I'm talking about you and Link."

Kagome blinked. "Me and Link?" So this wasn't about her and Miroku? Kagome felt she was missing something here.

Grasping the priestess hands with her own, Sango looked her straight in the eyes. "I know how much you really like Link. I would want nothing more than to see your happiness. I see great potential with the two of you, however…"

"However?" Kagome asked. For some reason, the priestess felt a strange knot in her lower belly. Something wasn't right. "Why do I feel this conversation is going somewhere bad?"

"Kagome. You have to be realistic and stop deluding yourself in this little fantasy of you and Link being together."

What? What? Wait, why was Sango saying such things? "Deluding myself? What do you mean by that?" Kagome couldn't help but glare.

There was no turning back now. Sango wanted to tell her the truth right then and there, but the words wouldn't come out. "Nothing in this world is what it seems, Kagome. There are things about Link you don't know about yet."

There were things about him she didn't yet know? What was Sango saying? "I think I know more about Link than you or any of the others do," Kagome replied crossing her arms irritably. "Unlike you and the others, I have actually taken the time to talk with him and he has shared much of his past and worries with me."

"Kagome that's not what I—"

"And there's nothing delusional about me and Link! I don't get why you're suddenly acting like this, but I want you to stop. The feelings between me and Link are real, Sango."

Sango only sighed again. "Your feelings may be real but the two of you will never be together…"

Kagome narrowed her eyes. Why was Sango trying to pick a fight with her? This really wasn't like her at all. "Excuse me? What gives you the right to decide our fate?"

"If I could control fate, I would allow the two of you to be happy together. I wouldn't just sit back and let this happen. It would be nice to have Link come to our world, but I don't think it's possible."

"I thought you were on our side, Sango. You brought the topic up asking if Link would be interested in coming to our world after saving Termina. It was you who asked, mainly for my sake but also because you guys are friends with Link. But now, you're taking all that away and for what reason? Because of doubt?"

OOO

Both Link and Shippo sat beside the fire, both intently watching the boiling pot of rice and meat while the girls were away spending time together on their walk. While Miroku had fallen asleep due to the effects of the medicine, the guys had remained rather quiet, oddly enough. Even Link was a little too quiet lately, and as he watched him from the corner of his eyes, Shippo saw that the young boy was in deep thought.

A noise from behind them shifted Shippo's attention away from Link and towards Miroku who was finally awakening. "You're finally awake!"

Inuyasha, who was sitting off a small distance away from them, stood up and approached the monk, who was looking around the camp intently. "How are you feeling?" He asked, kneeling beside him.

Miroku only nodded before touching his head slightly; he had a small headache but other than that he was fine. As he looked around the camp, he realized there was no sign of the girls nearby. "How long was I asleep?"

"You were out for an hour or so. You weren't looking so good earlier, so we had no choice but to make camp. We'll continue our journey to Ikana tomorrow morning," Inuyasha replied with a slight shrug.

Realizing that the monk was confused about the girls' whereabouts, Link decided to fill him in from his place beside the fire and Shippo. "They went for a walk a short while ago, if you're wondering."

"I see," The monk couldn't help but smell something cooking above the fire. "What are you cooking?"

Shippo looked back at the pot. "It's supposed to be chicken and rice soup with some mushrooms and onions. Kagome said that since you weren't feeling well, this would help, but it should be finished cooking pretty soon."

"I can't help but think Kagome and Sango have been gone too long," Link suddenly admitted before instinctively reaching for the hilt of his sword. "Maybe we should go look for them. These forests are not safe at night."

While Inuyasha wouldn't be upset at the fact Kagome was taking her good old time walking around the woods especially with Sango or someone else accompanying her, there was something else that bothered him. Earlier when he and Shippo had returned, Link explained that it was Sango who had insisted on going for a walk with the priestess.

Normally this wouldn't bother the half demon, but after his earlier confrontation with the slayer and monk, Inuyasha didn't feel comfortable. 'There's no way Sango would…'

"Is something wrong?" Link asked, noticing Inuyasha's worried expression. It was obvious the half demon was concerned about his companions. Standing up from his place beside Shippo, Link reached for his bow and quiver of arrows. "Perhaps we should search for them. I do not feel at ease either."

Looking back at Link, Inuyasha nodded. "I suddenly have this bad feeling—" The half demon paused suddenly, his eyes wide when the familiar scent of salt invaded his senses. He knew all too well that it belonged to Kagome. "Shit!"

Before Inuyasha could react and follow in the direction of Kagome's scent, he and the others were surprised when the priestess suddenly stumbled into camp, her face red and her eyes wet from crying.

Although they were all surprised to see their friend rush back to them in such a state, they were all quick to surround her and ask what had happened, but Kagome only threw her arms around Link's shoulders causing the youth to fall back onto his rump, but she didn't let go.

With his bow and quiver forgotten beside him on the ground, Link placed a hand upon her back. "K-Kagome?" Link looked at her in concern. She was sobbing against his shoulder terribly and her own shoulders trembled. Something must have happened upset her when she was out with Sango.

"Kagome! What happened? Why are you crying?" Shippo asked, pulling her on white blouse. Why was his mother so distressed?

"Where is Sango?" Inuyasha suddenly demanded. "Tell us what happened!"

Attempting to pull her off him, Link tried to look at her face, but she was quick to turn her head away from him, hiccupping as she continued crying. Upon her face he had seen something, and as he moved a strand of her hair, his eyes widened at the sight of a bright red mark across her cheek. "Did Sango hit you?"

Hearing Link say this, the others hurriedly gathered around the priestess, still clutching onto Link's tunic, hiding her face away from the others.