A week had gone by, and Kagome's companions still had not returned and news quickly spread throughout the village regarding the Shikon Priestess 'condition'. Many treated her like she was bound to break while others ignored her completely. The only person to act as if nothing had changed was Kaede, and Kagome was thankful for that.

It was because of Kaede that she now found herself far from the village looking for herbs the elder woman had run out of. The sun was shining bright, and the cool breeze felt good on her skin. Kagome wore her traditional priestess garb these days since it drew less attention to her while alone. In a village full of people who could not sign or read it was difficult to even attempt conversation. So being able to enjoy the sunny day in peace was something she was not going to pass up.

Kagome gathered some more shiso to add to her basket when she felt a strong demonic aura gently brush against her cheek. It was almost like the feathery touch of fingertips asking her to look up, so she did. Across the field, she was greeted by a smiling Rin racing through the meadow towards her. The priestess dropped her basket and ran to meet the girl halfway. The two fell in a pile of limbs and hair while erupting into giggles.

Once the two girls had recovered and composed themselves Kagome looked past Rin and saw Sesshoumaru was not far off sitting on a large boulder watching them closely. Rin was quick to grab her attention again and pulled her small satchel between them.

"We watched all the lessons but now it won't turn back on." Rin's movements were hesitant like she was afraid Kagome would be mad at her. She did not expect the older woman to burst into tears instead. Panicking, Rin quickly started to look through one of the books while apologizing over and over. It wasn't until Kagome reached out to stop her that she understood what was happening.

Kagome was smiling so brightly it dimmed the sun.

"Thank you, Rin. It means so much to me that you did all of this and learned so much." She spoke slowly to be sure the young girl understood. "The tablet isn't broken, just needs to be recharged. I will add more lessons for you if you'd like."

Rin nodded vigorously with excitement. They spent the rest of the afternoon looking for herbs and chatting. The conversations were simple but that didn't matter to Kagome, she was just happy to be able to share with someone.

A sudden rush of demonic energy hit Kagome's senses. Before she had time to react something grabbed her right arm and yanked her to her feet. The force of the action caused her to yelp and instinctively pull her arm away. The claw hand holding on tightened and resulted in her sending a shock of holy power into her attacker. They both jerked away causing claws to rip into her sleeve and dig deep into her flesh. Laying on the ground Kagome held her torn arm and looked up at her assailant while hyperventilating.

Inuyasha stared down at her in shock. He opened his mouth to berate the young priestess for acting so jumpy, but he never got the chance as a strong hand grabbed his throat. Sesshoumaru lifted the boy in the air and snarled.

"Have you forgotten already pup? She could not hear your obnoxious shouting or thunderous approach." Squeezing his fist tighter, Sesshoumaru's eyes darkened with malicious intent, "Shall I rip off your furry appendages so you can experience the world as she does?" As his other hand began to reach for Inuyasha's pointed ears, Rin's shout stopped him.

"Lord Sesshoumaru! Lady Kagome needs our help!" She was trying her best to stop the bleeding, but the cuts were too deep.

With one last look at the half-demon who was now a sickly shade of blue, Sesshoumaru tossed him into the forest where his body made a nasty cracking sound while hitting a tree. Looking behind him he saw the young priestess looking as white as a sheet. She still had not managed to get her breathing under control and it was only making her bleed faster.

Sesshoumaru gently pushed Rin aside and knelt in front of Kagome. "Be calm. Breathe."

He spoke with such strength and grace her eyes couldn't look away from his hands. She nodded and tried to slow down her breathing enough to stop the panic attack she was experiencing.

"Good. I will take you to the village. May I carry you?" Sesshoumaru recalled one of the lessons saying it was best to always ask permission before laying hands on someone lacking in key senses. Inuyasha was proof enough as to why that was.

Kagome's eyes widened further and nodded again. Was this happening right now? When did Sesshoumaru learn JSL? Any other thoughts she might have had were gone the moment he placed his arms around her body.