Passion

A/N: I really thought I would be able to update sooner. But then Sesshomaru left and I was quite at a loss of what to do"¦
Thanks to everybody who reviewed last chapter!
Lord Tsuki, I'm sorry you didn't like last chapter. I like it a lot; that is, everything but the dialogue. I know that was not one of my best. However, what made you believe this was the end? The end is still far, far away! There are no resolutions in last chapter. Answers, yes. Oh, and one resolution if you count the marking as one. But by and large chapter 10 caused more problems and questions than it solved. Well, maybe you like this one better ...

Enjoy!


Disclaimer: I still don't own them. *sighs*


Chapter X "“ The Morning After

Loud, angry voices penetrated through the thick layers of black nothingness. Familiar voices, raised in a well-known quarrel. They disturbed the quiet waters of sleep and no matter how much she tried, she could not escape them or drown them out. Giving up her futile struggles, Kagome reluctantly left the velvety depths of sleep.

Slowly, her mind tuned in the world around her. She was lying in her sleeping bag, curled up into a tight ball. The ground beneath her was hard and cold, but she felt the warm caress of the sun on her face. There was a soft rustle in the trees above her. A bird chirped. A fire crackled merrily. And two furious, male voices were shouting at each other.

"Shut it, dog turd! I won't let you wake her up! She clearly needs some sleep! Obviously you pushed her to exhaustion, dumb-ass!"

"Get out of my way, whimpy wolf! What do you know about her, eh? Nothing! I do! And I say it's not normal for her to sleep that long! There's something wrong, you moron!"

"You don't have to know her at all to see what's wrong! She's exhausted! She needs sleep! So stop yelling and-"

There was the distinct sound of somebody trying to push another away. Then someone yelped and one of the voices broke into a tirade of abuses and insults. Kagome sighed mentally and, as the last lingering mists of sleep cleared away, decided she had to stop these two. Again.

But the moment her mind woke up fully the boys were forgotten as she became aware of a strange, leaden tiredness. Her whole body felt drained and exhausted, as if she had not slept for days. She could not find the strength to move or even to open her eyes. For one bewildered second she wondered what was wrong with her. Then she felt a sharp pain in her chest and the memory of last night came back.

Immediately she wished she could fall asleep again. Sleep, and hide from this pain. Hide from her stupidity and the results of her thoughtless words. But her mind was wide awake now and with a morbid fascination replayed the scene in her memory. Kagome groaned and pressed her eyes shut, willing the images to go away and the pain to stop. A shiver ran through her body.

Suddenly, she felt a soft touch on her hand and with great efforts managed to turn her head and open her eyes. They met a pair of large, deep green orbs that were regarding her with worry and concern.

"Kagome?" said Shippo. "Are you okay? You don't look good. There are"¦"

Yet what ever there was she was not to know, because suddenly the small fox was pressed into the ground and in his place Koga and Inu Yasha appeared. Had she not felt so miserable and guilty and hurt she would have laughed at the image these two presented.

Crouching in front of her in the same position, both sported an expression of mixed concern and defiance. And neither left her an opportunity to speak as they both plunged into monologues of explanations and accusations.

"Hey, Kagome, you all right? I told dog turd to let you sleep, because it's clearly obvious you need rest "¦"

"Hey, wench, what's wrong? You slept like a dead one, ya know, really creepy and I thought "¦"

" "¦ he probably didn't think about it, but then he never thinks, does he, and so "¦"

" "¦ stupid wolf wouldn't believe me and even when I told him about that Tsubaki hag "¦"

" "¦ just that I wouldn't do that to you, you know, pushing you into exhaustion and "¦"

" "¦ as if he knows what you can take, eh, Kagome? He's really daft but thinks he knows everything and "¦"

" "¦ so why don't you come with me and let me take care of you? You're mine and I won't allow him to treat you "¦"

" "¦ kept talking about you belonging to him and I"¦ Hey, wait a second!" Inu Yasha stopped his ramblings and turned to Koga, his eyes narrowing. "She's not yours!"

Koga cast the hanyou a contemptuous glance. "'course she is! See what you know!"

"She's not! You idiot wolf!"

"Is too, half-wit!"

Kagome stared at them, trying to understand acoustically and logically what they were saying, but her mind did not seem to be working quite as it should yet. She felt confused and disorientated. There was something that was not right. Something was not right with her. She was not right"¦ here. Yes, that was what felt so wrong. She was not right here. She was to be somewhere else!

Slowly, Kagome pushed herself up into a sitting position. Her arms shook from the strain of performing this easy task, and her heart was pounding in her chest when she finally was sitting upright. Part of her mind was amazed at how weak she was. However, the large part of her conscious thoughts was busy with memories and her sudden realisation. Wordlessly, she stared at the two quarrelling boys sitting in front of her, her eyes large with her troubled emotions.

The somewhat vague thought crossed her mind that she was supposed to stop these two and sit Inu Yasha. Not only for arguing with Koga yet again, but also for being mean to poor little Shippo, who was still trapped beneath Inu Yasha. Yet, she could not really bring her mind to work properly and her mouth to form the necessary words. She only blinked down at Shippo.

The small fox was punching Inu Yasha's leg with his little fists and screaming at the hanyou to get up. Inu Yasha, however, was busy yelling at Koga. Kagome gathered her strength and shook her head.

The sudden silence startled her and she looked up again. Koga and Inu Yasha had stopped yelling and were now both leaning closer towards her. Two noses twitched as the canine demons sniffed her. Usually she would have squealed and scolded them for being so rude but today she only stared at them. Stared and watched Inu Yasha's eyes widen in shock and Koga's narrow in fury.

The next second saw Inu Yasha dangling from Koga's grip on his neck. The wolf-demon shook the hanyou furiously, growling between clenched teeth, "What have you done, you bastard?"

Inu Yasha tried to answer, yet only a strangled grunt came forth. He grabbed Koga's wrists and began tugging at them, trying to free his throat. Koga, however, was clearly determined to not let go. Inu Yasha's face soon became tinged slightly blue. The hanyou rolled his eyes and forcefully kicked the wolf's stomach.

Koga grunted and let go, stumbling backwards. As soon as Inu Yasha was free he tackled the wolf and pinned him to the ground.

"What do you mean, what have I done to her?" he wheezed, struggling to keep Koga's flailing limbs down. "I've done nothing!"

Shippo, freed, crept closer to Kagome and huddled at her side.

Koga snarled at Inu Yasha. "Nothing! You"¦ you"¦" He managed to land a punch in the hanyou's chest that sent him flying. "Nothing! And how do you explain that scent on her?"

Kagome's eyes widened. What scent?

Inu Yasha, having hit a tree, scrambled to his feet. "Funny thing," he hissed, "that you blame me. I might as well ask you what you've done!"

Koga clenched his fists. "I have done nothing, you deranged idiot! That leaves you!"

"Oh yeah? I haven't done anything, either! So, what now, wolf-boy? Wanna accuse Shippo or Miroku?"

"Bastard! Why drag them into the matter? It's not been them, I can tell and you can, too. Damn you, Inu Yasha. What have you done to my woman?"

Inu Yasha growled and they leapt towards each other, going for the other's throat again.

"She's not your woman, mangy wolf!"

"Shut it, half-breed! Of course she is! She's strong and pretty and can see jewel shards!"

They met, landed a few hard blows on the other and leapt away again, circling around each other, looking for an opportunity to attack.

"Yeah, and that makes her yours?" Inu Yasha barked a derisive laugh. "Tell ya what, wolfy: I found her first and I'm looking for the shards, too. So, using your arguments that would make her mine." He grinned menacingly.

Koga gave a furious cry and attacked again.

Kagome closed her eyes and listened to the sounds of these two fighting. Haven't I told them yesterday I don't belong to either of them? she thought. Twice, in fact. And here they are at it again, claiming me. And with so nice reasons! Because I can see the shards. What a compliment. And for this I told Sesshomaru I can't stay with him?

Tears welled up behind her eyes and suddenly she could take it no more. The pain and the guilt suffocated her, and the fighting and insulting tore at her nerves and lay them bare. She had denied herself happiness, completeness to stay with these idiots?

Her raging emotions gave her the strength to move and she jumped up, startling Shippo.

"STOP IT!" she screamed. "Stop it! I hate you! I HATE you! You ruined everything!"

The tears sprang into her eyes and rolled down her cheeks as she glared at her companions. They had stopped fighting and were now gaping at her. Dimly she was aware of Shippo staring at her with a horrified expression and that from beyond the fire Miroku and Sango were watching her. But all she saw were the two surprised, hurt, shocked faces of Koga and Inu Yasha. Something burst inside of her and with a strangled cry she turned and ran.

She ran blindly, not caring where to or if branches and bushes scratched her skin. All she wanted was to get away and leave everything behind. Leave those friends that seemed so uncaring, always fighting with each other. Did they know what they had done to her with their claims? These were what had finally led into Sesshomaru marking her as his mate, but she had denied Sesshomaru and herself happiness because of her responsibility towards these friends, which in turn had led to her current misery. It was their fault!!

And they kept on fighting and claiming her for so petty reasons! Shards! All they could think of were shards! Find shards, Kagome! You belong to me because you can see shards, Kagome. And for that she had left the one man that had apparently wanted her for herself and not because she was able to see those damned shards!

Kagome stumbled over a root and hit her knee on a boulder. Sobbing, she fell down and hid her face in her hands. Her shoulders shook violently as her body was wracked with huge, desperate sobs. Weakly, she climbed to her feet and sagged on top of the bolder, hugging her knees to her chest and submitting once more to her despair.


* * * * *


They stared after Kagome's retreating form. For a moment nobody moved as they were all too stunned by the girl's sudden, violent outburst. Koga was the first to recover. He shot Inu Yasha a death glare and set out after her in a whirl of dust and dried leaves.

Inu Yasha opened his mouth to shout, breathed in some dust and coughed violently. Swearing through his coughs he made move to follow the wolf demon. He had not taken more than two steps when his chest collided with something. Metallic rings chimed and an unpleasant tingling shot through his body. He looked back and glared furiously at Miroku, who was blocking the hanyou's way with his staff.

"Miroku"¦" Inu Yasha growled dangerously, rising one hand and cracking his knuckles.

The monk was unfazed. "You'd better stay here, Inu Yasha. Don't follow them."

"What?!" Inu Yasha exploded. "That wolf's gone after her and you tell me to sit down and do nothing?!"

"Right," agreed Miroku calmly. As the irate hanyou opened his mouth, he held up one hand. "Please, Inu Yasha, let me finish. It is obvious that Kagome-sama is very agitated. By what, I can't tell. However, it would be very unwise if you intended to follow her now. She would only get worked up further and who knows where this would end. Besides," he smiled slightly, "I think she's capable of dealing with Koga on her own."

Inu Yasha snarled, "Yeah, to be kidnapped again or something! Let me go, monk!" He pushed against the staff, but Miroku did not budge.

"No, Inu Yasha, leave them alone for once. It will be far easier for her to get Koga to understand that she doesn't want to be his when you are not around."

"But Koga -"

"He wouldn't dare to kidnap her again," said Miroku calmly. "Believe me, Inu Yasha. The state she was in when she left will prevent Koga from taking her with him. Even he must notice it would be stupid to do anything against her will now. Be reasonable, Inu Yasha, and let Kagome-sama deal with Koga on her own."

Inu Yasha stared at the monk, torn between his jealous anger and the hopeful wish to be rid of Koga. After some moments Miroku's calm seemed to communicate itself to the hanyou and with a sigh Inu Yasha sat down.

"Pray that you're right, monk," he grumbled huffily.

Miroku smiled and resumed his place at the fire. "Oh, don't you worry. I am."

Sango gave him a questioning glance but kept silent. Shippo hopped over and climbed into her lap, seeking some comfort. From that safe point he asked, "But, Miroku, what is wrong with Kagome?"

Sango and Inu Yasha's eyes snapped up to Miroku's face, their eyes hard and piercing. The monk raised his eyebrows at them. "Well, from the look of it I would say she is"¦ upset."

Inu Yasha grunted. "Don't you say, smart ass."

Miroku shrugged. "What do you want me to say? I can't read her mind. I only know there's something on her mind that troubles her greatly." He frowned slightly and continued thoughtfully, "And that's nothing new. She has been"¦ troubled for quite some time now."

Sango looked at him in surprise. "Has she? Are you sure? I didn't notice anything."

Miroku sighed and shrugged again. "Perhaps I'm wrong. But remember the day Sesshomaru brought her the shards? I thought she was acting strange then."

Sango huffed. "Everybody would act strange if His Mightiness would suddenly appear and actually help!"

"Hm, probably," Miroku was clearly not convinced.

"But, Miroku," piped up Shippo. "What's the thing that troubles her, then?"

"Why do you think I know, Shippo? I can only tell you what I see. And I saw that she was troubled by something. Maybe some"¦ feminine problem. Or she's worried about these tests of hers and that she won't be good enough."

Sango nodded slowly. "Yes, that could be it. But I don't see where this is connected to Sesshomaru."

"It isn't."

"But you said -"

"I said she was acting strange that day, my dear Sango. I didn't say that had something to do with Sesshomaru." Suddenly, Miroku grinned broadly. "Though, it might."

"Miroku! What do you mean?" Sango glared at him, ready to be indignant and defend her friend.

"Yeah, Miroku, what do you mean?" growled Inu Yasha, who had been very silent so far, listening to his companions' talk with an uneasy feeling in his stomach.

The monk looked at his friend. He sat with his arms crossed, a dark scowl on his face. Miroku decided that it was not wise to talk of his suspicion that Kagome-sama's state had very much to do with the demon lord now. Therefore, he shrugged and answered nonchalantly, "Oh, nothing. I just thought she was quite flustered after Sesshomaru had left, but that might have been due to his unexpected gesture."

"That's pretty odd," remarked Sango. "First, he saves her from those demons and then he comes to us with shards, which he only wants to give to Kagome-chan. He's acting strange, too. Why would he do that? Inu Yasha? Any idea?"

The hanyou scowled at her. "Why should I know?"

"Oh, forgive me for asking you," retorted Sango, annoyed. "Miroku? Any idea? Preferably not a lecherous one."

"Pardon me, my lovely Sango, but the only one I can offer is that Sesshomaru shows a very distinct interest in Kagome-sama."

"Oh, do you think he's fallen in love with Kagome, too?" chirped Shippo, curiosity in his large eyes.

Sango's eyes widened and her jaw dropped, but before she was able to say anything Inu Yasha roared, "SHUT UP, SILLY BRAT! YOU OTHERS, TOO! THAT'S NOT TRUE! SO STOP TALKING ABOUT THIS RUBBISH!!"

He snarled at them, breathing heavily, daring them to say anything. But they remained silent. After shooting all of them a death glare, he huffed, turned and stomped away. At some distance to his friends he sat down and glared into the direction Kagome and Koga had gone, anger boiling inside of him.

Why would the silly brat say something like that? It wasn't true! It couldn't be true! No, never! Inu Yasha shifted uncomfortably. Denial was not working well. Sesshomaru had saved her, he had followed them, had followed her to the well, had said she was an interesting woman. This seemed to prove the brat was right. But still"¦ the idea was ludicrous. It couldn't be. Sesshomaru couldn't be in love with Kagome! There had to be some other reason for his actions. Maybe he wanted to make them think he liked her to lull their suspicions of him and then grab Tessaiga. Ha! That must be it!

He cast a condescending glance over his shoulder at the three figures sitting silently around the fire. Ha, he got it right! What did they know, anyway? His bastard brother in love with a human? Ridiculous!

Having decided that matter, he turned his thoughts to the more pressing matter at hand, Koga. He was alone with Kagome right now. What was going on there? What was he doing to her? Trying to convince her to become his mate? That mangy wolf! How dare he?

Clenching his fists, Inu Yasha growled. If that wolf dared to touch her he would kill him! And this time he wouldn't allow Kagome to stop him! Kagome"¦ His shoulders slumped slightly as he remembered Miroku's words about her being worried about something. He hadn't noticed there was something that was troubling her, either. True, she had been a bit moody, but then he had never understood her emotional outbursts. Usually they appeared to be connected to him. Had he done something wrong again?

Frowning, Inu Yasha tried to remember if he had done something to anger her, but he couldn't think of anything. Maybe it really was her tests? He would allow her another week in her time when they had got back to Kaede's and the well. Feeling very noble and generous he nodded to himself. Yes, he would allow her one week for these tests and then they would go back to shard hunting. Or better, Naraku hunting! After all, last time a week at home had done wonders to her mood and condition. Maybe another long stay at home would solve her other problems? That of her scent, for example.

His frown came back and deepened. There was something in her scent"¦ It was different from before and yet not. It was still her scent "“ well, that strange, new, changed scent "“ but there was a new"¦ something to it.

Inu Yasha closed his eyes and concentrated on the memory of her scent. At first, he had not noticed this new"¦ whatever. Only when she had moved and the slight breeze brought more of her scent to him he had realised. Below the fatigue - which was unsettling enough, because after a good night's sleep she shouldn't be that exhausted! "“ there was something new. Something he could not quite name. It wasn't alien like the first change in her scent had been, nor was it threatening. In fact, it seemed quite familiar to him. As if he had smelled it before. Just never on her. What could that be?

It couldn't be something from the wolf. Nah, that whelp's stench was unmistakable! Neither was it from Shippo, who had slept at her side. Of course, there always was a faint hint of Shippo on her since the annoying little monster seemed to be glued to her sometimes. But this was different. Besides, this new scent gave him the impression of something"¦ mature. Older. Cool. Distant. With a hint of great power.

He snorted. Great, now he was beginning to see "“ smell "“ things. That power was hers, of course. She was a miko, after all. Maybe she had a growth spurt on her powers or something? But that would not explain why he felt he knew the scent. It was nothing like Kikyo's scent had ever been, and Kikyo was the only miko he had come close enough to"¦ notice certain changes in scent. So, what could it be? If he could only remember"¦

He shook his head. No, he could not grab it. The memory where he had smelled that scent before "“ or something very much alike - was hovering just beyond his reach. It was annoying and frustrating. With an impatient grunt Inu Yasha decided to let it rest for the moment, confident that soon the memory would come to him. Besides, he had not got much of Kagome's scent earlier. Maybe he would remember if he smelled it for a little longer. Which reminded him"¦ what the hell was taking her so long? It couldn't be that difficult to tell the wolf to sod off, could it? So, where was she?

He tensed as he imagined reasons for her staying away so long. The wolf had kidnapped her. She had accepted to become his mate and now they had gone off together without telling him. Nah, stupid. She wouldn't. The wolf had become furious with her refusal and killed her. If he did I'll make sure his death is very slow and very, very painful! . She had encountered another demon and that one had killed her. It's Miroku's fault! She would have been safe if he hadn't held me back! These and similar, cheerful thoughts busied Inu Yasha for some time while he waited for the girl to come back. But Kagome did not return.

He heard whispers behind him. Shippo and Sango were wondering what could possibly keep Kagome away for so long. They sounded worried. Inu Yasha cast a dark glare over his shoulder at them. Well, he had seen it coming. Something was wrong. He should have followed Koga and made sure the wolf did not do some thing or other to Kagome! But no, the self-acclaimed wise man had to hold him back. And look where this had led to! And he had not even the decency to look worried! No, Miroku was totally unperturbed. He was going to kill the monk"¦


* * * * *


Meanwhile, after following her trail through the woods, Koga had found Kagome in one of the many, convenient little clearings one could find all over Japan. She was sitting on a boulder, her knees drawn up to her chest, her arms wrapped around her legs, and her face pressed against her knees. She did not stir at his arrival, nor let him in any way know whether she was aware of his presence or not.

Pausing at the edge of the clearing, Koga watched her for a moment. Now that he had found her he was somewhat hesitant about how to approach her. He had never ever seen her in any other state than perfect happiness or slight annoyance. Her shouting last night and her outburst this morning had shaken him and he was not sure what he could expect from her if he approached her now. Would she scream again? Attack him with her miko powers? Or would she be different? Would she welcome him? Actually listen to him? Was she crying?

Koga's eyes narrowed as the distinct scent of salt hit his nostrils. She either was or had been crying. That cursed whelp! It was all his fault! Why could he not just lie down and accept that Kagome belonged to the superior? And that was he, Koga, leader of the wolf-demons. But no, dog-turd had to interfere and make his woman unhappy. Damn that boy! Well, Koga decided, he would show Kagome that he was the right man for her.

Therefore he stepped over to her and patted her lightly on one shoulder. "No need to cry, Kagome. He'll understand one day."

Kagome raised her head and blinked at him. "Huh?"

"That silly dog-boy will understand that you're mine and then he'll stop making you unhappy. Why don't you come with me, Kagome? I won't make you unhappy at all! I promise!"

Kagome sighed. Her eyes closed and Koga watched worriedly the lines of tiredness in her face. "You did not listen to me, did you, Koga?"

The wolf frowned. "Listened to you? Of course I did! I-"

"So why do you still think I will be yours one day?"

Koga eyed her uneasily. There was no fire in her voice like usually. She sounded exhausted. What was wrong with her? What had she said? Why he still claimed her? Couldn't she see?

"But, Kagome, you are mine! Of course you are! So, naturally you'll come with me one day! This morning"¦ bah, you weren't serious, I know that!" He shrugged disdainfully. "You said that to get rid of dog-boy, didn't you? There, see how well I understand you? Much better than the whelp."

He grinned broadly at her, straightening, puffing out his chest proudly. She had raised her eyes to his face and was staring at him with an expression of complete incredulousness. Ha, he had surprised her! She had not thought he would understand her so well, had she?

"Koga," she said slowly, "you really did not listen to me."

He frowned. "What are you talking about? "˜course I did! You're my woman. I'd never do something as offensive as not listening to you! Not like dog-boy. He doesn't treat you right. I'd treat you much better. You know I will! Besides, I'm not constantly running after other women. You're the only one for me now and forever. I'll treat you right, and protect you, and never make you unhappy again!"

He stepped forwards and clasped her hands. "So, Kagome, come with me right now! Come with me! You'll be happy! We'll find the shards and destroy Naraku and then settle down and have many little wolf-children! Come on, Kagome!"

He actually tugged at her hands, but she did not move. Instead, she kept looking at him with weary eyes and sighed again. Koga was confused. Why did she not react? He bent closer and peered into her eyes, then let go of her hands and grabbed her shoulders.

"Kagome," he said in a more serious voice, "what is wrong with you? What has he done to you? What-"

He stopped as an intake of breath brought her scent to him. There it was again. Mixed with her disconcertingly changed scent was the hint of dog. He had previously forgotten about this matter in his eager to let Kagome see how much better he was than the hanyou. Now his fury came back with a vengeance and his hands tightened around her shoulders so suddenly and forcefully that she moaned in pain.

Paying no heed to that he snarled, "What has he done to you? What have you let him do, Kagome? What?! How could you -!"

In his wrath his grip had tightened further, which tore at her shirt and let the collar slip down, revealing more of the soft skin of her throat and shoulders. Koga froze. There, at the juncture of neck and shoulder was something silvery "¦

The heat of fury burnt in his chest while the cold of anticipated horror settled in his stomach. Yet feeling oddly distant from these violent emotions, he raised one hand and forcefully tore at her collar. The thin material gave way to the attack and then it lay bare to his disbelieving eyes. Silvery, already scarred, while the flesh around it was still angrily red.

A bite mark.

A mark.

She was marked.

Koga felt as if all breath were knocked out of his lungs. This could not be. This could not be real. He looked up to her face and their eyes met. Hers were bright, but calm. There was no anger in them, no fear, no plea for forgiveness, for understanding. She held his burning gaze calmly, proudly.

"˜Well,' thought Koga, curiously calm. "˜That explains a lot.'

Then the calm gave way to the storm. The wall that had separated him from his wild emotions broke down. A deep, menacing growl rolled in his throat.

"That bastard," Koga pressed through grit teeth. "That bloody, damned bastard. I'll kill him. I'll kill him!! How could he dare mark you! He knew I laid claim on you before he even thought about it! And you! How could you let him? I know this was done with your approval. Why did you give it? Why?!"

He was shaking, his eyes searing into hers. Kagome remained silent, distant, not letting his words touch her. It incensed the wolf-demon even further.

"You!" He snarled at her. "You lied to me, Kagome!! You said you didn't belong to either of us! Well, look at you! You do belong to that "¦ mutt. Oh, I'll kill him, bloody bastard, slowly and painfully. He'll suffer, oh, yes. And you, too! You "¦ you "¦"

Suddenly, Kagome looked over his shoulder, and Koga watched in incredulous fascination as a smile, a lovely, beautiful smile spread across her face and her eyes lit up. They were no longer cool and distant but warm and tender. He had one fraction of a second to wonder what had caused this change. Then he felt the presence of a demon behind him; felt it the very moment he heard the icy voice.

"Would you kindly take your kinds off my mate."

Koga whirled around at the acid request, ready to attack, but he stopped dead at the sight that greeted him. Between the trees at the edge of the clearing, a light figure in front of the dark background of the forest, stood a demon. And not just some demon, but clearly a high-class demon. He was tall, taller than the wolf. His clothes and armour spoke of wealth and influence. He radiated an immense power and Koga felt very small and insignificant.

After a minute or two of a stare-down duel, Koga's mind registered the demon's words. He gasped and backed away. "Y-your "¦ what?"

He glanced at Kagome, who was still smiling lovingly at the demon. A horrible realisation dawned on Koga. It was confirmed as the demon stepped into the clearing and over to Kagome. He stopped behind her and laid his hand on her shoulder, facing the overwhelmed wolf-demon.

Kagome's smile deepened. She lay back against the other demon and looked up at him, covering his hand with her own. There was such an ease in the position they had adopted, such tenderness in Kagome's smile. It could not be mistaken. They knew each other. Intimately. And it was obvious that Kagome had strong feelings for that demon.

Koga regarded them with a sense of growing dread. As he met the demon's eyes that had been watching him in turn he felt all his hopes shattering. The deep golden eyes of the demon watched him calmly, distantly, betraying no kind of emotions. They looked upon him with a very similar expression to the one he had earlier seen in Kagome's eyes.

She had already begun adopting parts of his character. For anybody, human or demonic, to start adopting the partner's character meant that the bond between them was an extraordinarily strong one. It meant they had not only bonded, but melted into a unit. Koga felt devastated.

He looked back at Kagome. "K-Kagome, who's that?" he croaked, needing but dreading the affirmation of what his eyes had told him.

Kagome looked back at him. "He is Sesshomaru. My mate."

Hearing the words from her lips he had to believe it. Her mate. She was mated. To someone that was not him. Koga shook his head. This was a dream. It had to be a dream! This could not be true! This could not be happening!

"But, Kagome, I "¦ you "¦" he protested feebly.

"You never listened to me, Koga," she answered his unspoken words, knowing what he had wanted to say.

Koga stared at her uncomprehendingly. "B-but"¦ but"¦"

"I told you from the start there was another. Remember? You said I was your woman and I answered you that I was not because there was someone else."

"Inu Yasha "¦"

She nodded slightly and Koga watched with all too keen eyes how she tightened her clasp on her mate's hand.

"Yes, at first it was Inu Yasha. Then "¦ it changed. I found Sesshomaru, or he found me, and now he is my mate." She tilted her head to look up at the demon's face. "And I'm happy about that," she added in a whisper.

The Sesshomaru guy looked down at her for the first time. No words were spoken, the expression on his face did not change and yet Koga knew something important passed between them. An unspoken message was sent from her beautiful, softly glowing eyes to his, a message he understood without hearing it. Koga felt a sharp pang of jealousy and wished he could do something to destroy that unit, to tear them apart. Anything, as long as he did not have to watch them any longer.

"Kagome," Koga said impatiently, imperiously. The demon's head snapped up and he stared with narrowed eyes at the wolf-demon. Kagome slowly averted her eyes from her mate's face and cast Koga a questioning glance. He faltered, and his words did not came out as sharp as he had wanted them to be. "Kagome, why him? If you were sick of Inu Yasha, why didn't you come to me?"

Kagome looked at him, remaining silent for a long while. Her eyes, so expressive before, gave him no clue to her thoughts. Finally, she answered and her voice was very soft.

"I did not plan this, Koga. I did not decide to drop Inu Yasha. It just happened. There was nothing I could have done against it, even if I had wanted it. It happened because it had to."

This drew a reaction from the demon behind her. She did not see it, but Koga did. He saw Sesshomaru's eyes narrow in surprise; saw the shadow of an emotion pass across his features. The wolf-demon thought it interesting, even though he could neither name the emotion nor explain why Kagome's words had had this affect.

However, as interesting as this was, Koga only noticed this in passing as his attention was mostly focused on her words. Her declaration that the relationship she shared with this demon had had to happen. Her calm conviction as she spoke these words. He felt as if each of them stabbed him like a knife. They hurt. They could not be true. She had to have made up a romantic ideal. She could not really be serious about that!

"Had to happen?" Koga snorted. "Kagome, how do you know that? Don't you just say that as an excuse?"

He knew he was walking on thin ice there. That Sesshomaru guy did not seem to appreciate his words. Koga felt the other demon tense, felt his youki flicker and rise. But he could not stop himself. This sounded so fantastic "¦ that it simply could not be true! Kagome had made a mistake, a dreadful mistake! He, Koga, had to make her see it. He would save her from this demon and then she would love him back and be his mate.

"You can't know if this was meant to happen," he went on, keeping an eye on the demon behind his woman. "Or do you have an unknown ability to see what Fate planned for every creature? And don't tell me that is one of your miko powers, because it's not! I know this much about mikos, so don't you try to trick me! You can't know if it was meant to happen, Kagome! There's no way to it!"

Kagome smiled sweetly. "There is. I know it." She raised her other hand to her chest. "I feel it. In my soul. It was meant to happen."

Koga opened his mouth to contradict her, to tell her she couldn't know, but then he closed it again. He stared at her. And finally, for the first time, he listened to her. He listened to her words and the tone in which they were spoken. A tone of calm conviction that nothing he could say would ever shake. He listened to her body language that told him she felt right where she was, leaning back against this demon. He listened to the expression on her face that told him she was happy that this demon was there. He listened to the tender glow in her dark blue eyes that told him about the strength and the depth of her feelings for her mate. He listened, and there was no way he could deny the truth this time.

She belonged to that demon: body, mind and soul. Together, they formed a unit and there was no way he could force them apart. Her mark had shown him clearly that she had agreed to the bonding. She had willingly come to that guy, had willingly surrendered to him. The smile and the light in her eyes had shown that she felt deeply for him. Yet, even if he had not seen that smile, Koga suddenly realised, he would have known. There was something in the air between these two that told everybody that they belonged together.

Of course, Koga thought wearily, he could try to kill this brother of Inu Yasha's (hell, how did the wretched whelp come to such a high-class demon as a brother and why had he not known beforehand?). But that Sesshomaru guy would fight for his mate, and from the looks of him he would fight fairly fiercely. From the power that was positively crackling around him Koga could tell it would be his hardest fight ever. He was very unsure if he would be able to win against such an opponent. Hell, he did not even know if he stood a chance to land at least one blow! Sesshomaru clearly played in a different league than Inu Yasha.

And even if he, by some unexpected miracle, was able to kill the dog demon it would lead to nothing. The bond between that guy and his Kagome was so strong, so close already that she would probably die, too. Not immediately, of course. But slowly, painfully, she would lose her inner fire and her will to live. She formed a unit with that demon. If one part was destroyed, the other could not survive. Koga's shoulders sagged and he closed his eyes. He had to accept the fact. He had lost her.

Slowly, he looked up at her. Her eyes were resting on him, warmth and compassion in them.

"I'm sorry, Koga," she said quietly. "I never meant to hurt you."

Koga gave a strangled sound that might have been a bitter laugh. "I know."

She did not have to say it. He knew it was his own fault.

Feeling utterly desperate, Koga was searching for something to say. Something to explain"¦ something "¦ but he saw in her eyes that it was not necessary. She understood. It did not help him at all, only made him feel worse. Such a sweet, understanding girl "¦

He fought back an anguished cry. "Goodbye, Kagome," he choked out.

"Goodbye, Koga."

Koga groaned and clenched his fists. He looked from her to Sesshomaru, but there was no need to tell the demon to take care of her and treat her right or else. So, he gave one, small nod, turned and then sped off as fast as he could, trying to forget his broken heart.


* * * * *


Kagome watched him leave and felt sorry for him. She knew what he must be feeling at the moment. She had felt the same each time she had seen Inu Yasha with Kikyo, had felt it when she finally had to realise that Inu Yasha had chosen the dead miko over her. Besides, she hated to be compelled to hurt anybody, more so if it was a friend. And as annoying as Koga had sometimes been, he had always been a friend. She was truly, sincerely sorry for him, and one part of her soul was weeping in misery.

The other part of her soul, however, the larger part, was singing with joy at Sesshomaru being so close to her.

She had known he was coming, had felt it. Since he had shown up, all her tiredness and exhaustion, all her pain and misery were gone. She felt light and happy. He had come to her, again. He had not left her for good. So, he had forgiven her stupid words. She felt joy shooting upwards like the glistening cascades of a well-spring. It came bubbling and leaping up in the most tremendous hurry to reach the sunlight, so that all her blood danced with the rush and surge of this extraordinary fountain of delight. A soft smile lingered on her lips and her eyes shone brightly as she turned to him.

He was standing so closely behind her that her body rubbed against his in a most delicious way, and when she looked up into his eyes she saw a sparkle in their depths that belied his expressionless features. She clasped his hand with both her own and held it tightly.

"You came," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "Thank you."

He answered her gaze coolly. Yet, still, deep down there was a sparkle in his eyes, and Kagome wondered whether it had always been there and she just had never before been able to see it.

"You are mine," he said, his voice quite and even. "I will not allow anybody to come close to you. And I shall kill anyone that tries to take you away from me."

His calm voice made the threat even more menacing, but Kagome was unfazed. "There won't be any need for that. I belong to you and I wouldn't want it any other way."

Sesshomaru snorted and cast a very pointed glance into the direction Koga had disappeared. Kagome shook her head. "No. It is as I told him: this "“ we "“ had to happen. I know it and I neither want nor would ever fight it."

He looked down on her, a strange expression darkening his eyes, but he said nothing. Hesitatingly, Kagome went on. "About yesterday "¦ I'm sorry. Please, don't be angry. I know it was wrong to say that, it's just "¦"

With an impatient gesture he pulled his hand out of her grasp and turned away. His voice was deadly calm as he answered, "Never mind."

Kagome straightened, afraid that he would again leave her behind, that she would again not be able to explain herself to him.

"No, please!" she cried hurriedly. "Please, don't go! Please, Sesshomaru, let me explain -"

"There is nothing more to say."

"But -!"

"No."

This put an end to her frantic struggle to make him understand, and Kagome sagged on her boulder, feeling hopeless and pained where she had been so radiant just a minute ago. Through a veil of tears she gazed at Sesshomaru's form. He was still standing with his back turned towards her. This hurt her, but at least he made no move to leave her again. She felt her hopes rising again cautiously. Maybe she could "¦

He turned his head and gazed at her over his shoulder. Kagome gasped. His eyes were very bright, positively burning, searing a way right into her soul and making her heartbeat accelerate.

"You feel bound to your obligations," his voice was deep, almost a purr, and Kagome shivered. "You cannot and will not give them up. I understand. You do what you feel you must do."

Hearing him speak those very words she would have used in a voice that she only heard from him when he was aroused made her shiver. Her body reacted to his tone, not caring for his words. She felt her stomach flutter and a familiar tingling between her legs. Her eyes wide, lips slightly parted, she stared at him, unable to say anything.

His lips twitched and the corners of his mouth curled into a tiny smile. His voice dropped even lower as he went on.

"One day, though, you will understand. You will see where your true obligations lie. And then you will come to me. You will come because you cannot deny it any longer, because you can no longer stay away from me, because your life will simply no longer make sense. I shall wait for that day. And don't be mistaken, my love. You will come."

Kagome could only stare at him. His deep, velvety purr aroused her to a painful extend, and his words simply stunned her. This was so unexpected, so unforeseen, so"¦ Helplessly, she raised a hand and held it out to him in a wordless plea to come to her, to explain why he had so suddenly changed.

Sesshomaru stared straight back at her, eyes still burning but otherwise cool and distant. Their heated gazes locked, melted into each other. For a moment there was a high-strung tension in the air between them. Then he growled, and the next second she was pressed against his body, his lips devouring her mouth. She moaned, wrapped her arms around him, pressed closer to him and kissed him back with all she had to give.

He gave a deep pleased sound that rumbled in his chest and trailed hot, open-mouthed kisses down her neck to her shoulder. As his lips brushed over her mark, Kagome cried out. It still hurt when touched, but at the same time his lips on the tender flesh sent flashes of lust through her whole body. She trembled and clung to him, sobbing with a rapidly increasing need for him.

His sudden move surprised her and caused her to lose her balance. One second she was pressed flush against him, his lips caressing her mark, the next second he was gone and she sank unceremoniously onto the forest floor. For a moment she sat motionlessly, her lust clouded mind trying to process what had happened. Then she looked up, raising her large, confused eyes to his face.

He stood some steps away and watched her. His face was unreadable and his breath even, but it was a forced calmness, and his eyes were tinged with red. There was an ever so slight tremble in his voice as he whispered, "I shall wait for that day." Then he was gone.

Kagome blinked, staring at the spot where he had been standing just a heartbeat ago. He had gone again. He had left her again. But he had said he was waiting for her "¦

She moaned and hid her face in her hands. It was too much. The emotional turmoil she had been through, from misery to happiness to despair to bliss "¦ and then he had gone and had left her like this! She was still burning for him, yearning for his touch. The fires of desire were still raging inside of her. She wanted him so much it actually hurt, but he had gone. Even though he had wanted her too he had gone.

Her body shook uncontrollably. She tried to understand, but her senses were on overload and her mind had long since given in to them. She was pure feeling, all craving and need. Her breasts ached and there was a painful emptiness between her legs. Kagome moaned again and her hands slid from her face down to her breasts. She cupped the soft mounds through the fabric of her shirt and squeezed them gently. The aching subsided as the flames of lust flared sky-high.

She gave a soft, somewhat startled cry and repeated her action. Her eyes drifted close and she concentrated on the feelings of her own hands caressing her body. She felt her rapid heartbeat and the hardened tips of her breasts pressed into her palms; felt them harden further as she brushed her fingers over them. A quiet moan passed her parted lips. She was ablaze with lust.

Not thinking, merely acting on what her throbbing body demanded Kagome slipped her hands under her shirt and continued to caress her breasts. Her fingers circled the tips and gently pinched them, while her mind dwelled on memories of another hand doing the same. She panted as the images behind her closed eyes sent a stab of white-hot desire to her core. She felt the wetness between her legs and slid one hand down.

It slipped under the waistband of her skirt and met bare skin. Vaguely, Kagome noticed there were no panties stopping her and remembered equally vaguely that Sesshomaru had ripped them the previous night. The memory incensed her even further, if that was possible. She groaned.

Her hand slid lower and she felt the curly hair against her fingertips. She shivered in anticipation and as if in answer she felt a soft pulsating deep inside of her body. Slowly, she trailed her fingers over the slightly parted folds, teasing herself. She parted the soft flesh, feeling heat and wetness, and took her time discovering the hills and valleys of her own sex.

One finger circled the slick entrance to her body. More warm liquid trickled over the probing finger while she remembered another one's finger doing the same, their soft touch and the occasional scratching of a sharp talon. She moaned and dipped the finger into her body, felt the engulfing heat and the fluttering of internal muscles. She thrust the finger deeper, then inserted a second one, moving them in a slow, steady rhythm. She remembered Sesshomaru doing the same, remembered the feeling of him deep inside of her and her fingers moved faster. But it was not enough.

Kagome sobbed in desperation as the thrusting of her fingers left her more wanting than satisfied. The penetration was not deep, not fulfilling enough. It only reminded her more strongly of what she was missing. With a low moan she withdrew her fingers and pressed them onto the small bundle of nerves that was throbbing gently. Immediately the lust intensified, drowning out the aching emptiness. She began to massage the tender bud in slow circles and within mere moments the tension inside of her became unbearable. She panted and sped her movements up, her body tensed further, her back arched and with a low cry she exploded.

All strength left her and she fell forwards onto the forest floor where she lay, panting, her head spinning and her body humming with satisfaction. And yet, still, she knew there was something, someone missing.

After her heartbeat and breath had somewhat calmed down she rolled over and came to lie on her back, staring at the softly swaying braches and leaves above her. Her mind cleared and she found herself thinking.

He said he understood. He said he understood and he did. He gave me all the arguments I would have given him. She closed her eyes. What happened? What in the names of the gods happened?? Why is he suddenly so understanding? Why does he accept my choice? Why? She gave a short laugh. Oh, what an irony! Here she was, complaining because Sesshomaru understood her! She, who had always been complaining about Inu Yasha not understanding her! Oh, but the mere idea of it! Sesshomaru, cold, proud, arrogant demon lord, understanding her! Accepting her choices! It made her feel very, very small. Small and "¦ guilty.

But why did he accept her choice? She would have thought he would force her to come with him now that she was his! Why had he not done so? Why had he allowed her to stay with Inu Yasha? He had allowed her to choose and had honoured her wishes. This could only mean he honoured her too, couldn't it?

Kagome froze and her eyes snapped wide open. Her breath hitched in her throat. Her heart began pounding in her chest. Did he? Of course, he had marked her as his mate. But that did not necessarily mean "¦ or did it? Could he be "¦ feeling something for her? Something more than desire? A shiver ran down her body. Could it be?

He had said he would wait for her. He. Would. Wait. For. Her. Wait until she came to him. Why would he wait for her? Why would he "¦ demean himself and wait for her?? Kagome rubbed her face with both hands as a large part of the world as she knew it came crashing down. An incredible realisation dawned upon her.

He must be having tender feelings for her.

Kagome lay very still and listened to her erratic breath and her madly beating heart. There was no other explanation. He had saved her from the demons, from Inu Yasha's wrath. He had followed her, gone after her, had sought her out. He had called her to him. He had been kind and gentle to her. He had not hurt her. He wanted her with an all-consuming passion. He had asked her to stay with him. He had asked her to be his mate. There could be no other explanation. He had to at least like her for he could surely not love her, could he?

Could he??

Abruptly, Kagome sat up and shook her head free of all thoughts. She would not think of it now. This was too big, too much now. She had already been through so much today. This new, breathtaking, unbelievable bit of realisation had to wait until a calmer time came. Besides, she really ought to go back to her friends! She had been away far too long! With a determined nod she clapped her hands once and got up. Go back to friends now, think later.

With a slight frown Kagome looked around to find the direction she had been coming from. There, that tree. She had stumbled over this tree's roots earlier. Kagome grinned lopsidedly and set out, carefully giving the treacherous tree and its dangerous roots a wide berth. Then she walked down the path through the brush she had Koga and trampled earlier with quick strides. A peek at the sun told her she had better hurry.

However, suddenly she stilled and tilted her head. There, faintly but impossible to miss was the merry tinkling of water on stones. Kagome grinned again and made a detour via a shallow, icy brook. The cold water refreshed her and chased the last traces of fatigue and misery away. After all, there was nothing to be miserable about. Her mate understood her, honoured her decision and would wait for her. What else could she wish for?


* * * * *


By the time Kagome returned to her friends Inu Yasha was about to murder each and every one of them. He had been imagining worse and worse scenarios about what had happened to Kagome. Her being kidnapped by Naraku was the most harmless one. Miroku's calm and Sango and Shippo's worried glances and whispered fears tore at his nerves until he felt he would explode the very next second. He was just thinking of several nasty ways to kill an annoying monk when Shippo jumped up and announced shrilly,

"Kagome's back!"

Inu Yasha's head whipped around and there she was, approaching them through the trees. He sighed with relief and his whole body sagged as the tension left him. She was okay; not kidnapped, not hurt, not killed. She was back. A small smile lightened the hanyou's face as Sango and Shippo dashed towards her to hug the girl, chattering and taking turns in asking her where she had been. He was so relieved that he did not think about why he had not smelled her coming.

"Kagome-chan!" exclaimed Sango, clasping the other girl's hand while Shippo seemed glued to her neck. "We were so worried when you didn't return for so long! Where have you been? Where's Koga? Why's your hair wet?"

"I bathed," answered Kagome pleasantly. "Now, Shippo-chan, don't hug me so tightly. I can't breathe!"

She softened her scolding with a smile and detached the foxchild from her neck. He seemed to have hurt her because she winced a little as she did so.

"Bathed?" Sango repeated, perplexed, gazing after Kagome as she stepped over to the fire where she handed Shippo to Miroku.

"Kagome-sama," the monk rose and hugged her quickly, and, Inu Yasha noticed with surprise, he did not grope her. "I gather you managed to persuade Koga not to come back with you?"

These words roused Inu Yasha from his relief over Kagome's safe return and instantly, with a rush, suspicion, anger and annoyance came back. He stamped over to the fire and, interrupting Kagome's answer, snarled at her,

"Yeah, where's wolfy? What's he done with ya?"

Kagome turned her head and smiled. "He left, Inu Yasha."

That said, she made move to go to her backpack, but Inu Yasha grabbed her arm. Instead of frowning at him, Kagome only raised her eyes to his face. This confused Inu Yasha no little and his words came out with less force than he meant them to have.

"Oi, wench, you can't run off shouting ya hate us all, stay away for ages and then come back with no excuse but a bath and a "˜he left'! What's wrong with ya? What happened with Koga? Why did he leave? What have you told him? Where have ya been so long? Answer!" he growled, shaking her.

Kagome's calm was an odd contrast to the hanyou's anger. "If you would let me change my clothes and have some breakfast I will tell you, Inu Yasha. Now, please let go of me. You're hurting me."

Inu Yasha blinked and let her go. Kagome retrieved the needed clothes from her bag and retreated behind some trees to change, leaving him in stunned silence. She had not sat him! Now he was beginning to really worry.

After Kagome had changed and towelled her hair, she joined her friends at the fire and accepted with a thankful smile the bowl Sango offered her. Yet she had not even gulped down one mouthful of her breakfast when Inu Yasha leaned towards her, glaring at her through narrowed eyes.

"Now, spill it! Where've you been, where's Koga, what happened?"

Sango rolled her eyes and Shippo jumped upon the hanyou's shoulder, telling him in a high-pitched voice not to disturb Kagome's breakfast. The girl, however, merely gulped and answered.

"Well, I can't tell you where I have been, because I don't know where that place is. Some way from here," she made a vague gesture with one hand. "Koga, as I said before, has left. That's what happened."

"Wha -!" Inu Yasha gaped at her. "Hey, hang on, you can't believe to worm your way out like this! That's no answer at all!"

"I have to agree, Kagome-sama," nodded Miroku. "A bit more would be nice."

Kagome looked at the monk. "What do you want to know, then?"

Miroku opened his mouth but again Inu Yasha interrupted. "What we want to know?! Well, let me think! Where to start? What was wrong with you this morning? Why did you say you hate us and then ran away? What have you told Koga? What took you so long? Why did you decide to have a bath instead of returning? You must have known we'd be worried "˜bout you! And what's up with Koga's words "˜bout you having mated, eh? Why'd he think so? What's the reason you scent changed? What happened between you and Sesshomaru?"

Kagome blinked, a little overwhelmed by this flood of questions. Again, Miroku spoke.

"I think Inu Yasha summarised it very well. Please, answer, Kagome-sama."

Kagome sighed, put her bowl down and sat up. She looked at her friends, took a deep breath and began. "This morning I was angry with Inu Yasha and Koga. Very angry. Just yesterday I told them twice that I don't belong to either of them and that they should stop fighting. And yet this was what greeted me when I woke up. Koga and Inu Yasha fighting. Considering how they both claimed to like me I found it astonishing how little they respect my wishes."

She had not raised her voice, nor spoken angrily, but Inu Yasha nevertheless cowered and tried to look innocent.

"But, Kagome, I "¦" he began, trying to defend himself.

Kagome raised a hand. "You wanted my answers, Inu Yasha. Then please let me finish."

Inu Yasha silenced.

"As I said, I was upset this morning," Kagome continued. "Very upset. I was sick and tired of Inu Yasha and Koga. Though, I agree, I did overreact a bit. I apologise." She bowed slightly to a gawking Inu Yasha. The three others stared at her as well.

"I needed a bit of time for myself to cool down, therefore I left. When Koga joined me, he of course tried again to convince me to come with him because I was his woman. It took me some time, but I finally convinced him that I never was nor would ever be his woman."

"And how did you do that?" Sango cut in, clearly curious. "He never accepted it before."

Kagome smiled. "He finally listened to what I was saying."

"And what was it you said?"

"That I don't belong to him because there is someone else."

These simple words had an astonishing effect on the small group. First, everybody looked at Kagome, then three heads turned simultaneously into the same direction whereas a forth, the one with long, white hair, lowered to avoid the eyes of the others. The pale cheeks under the white hair reddened.

Miroku looked back at Kagome and gave her a piercing, scrutinising look which the girl did not notice because she was gazing into space. The monk gave a nod as if he had found something in her face that he had been looking for.

"So, Kagome, you managed to get rid of Koga," he said. "I thought you would."

Kagome's eyebrows rose. "You did?"

Miroku grinned. "I had always great confidence in you, Kagome-sama."

"Keh," commented Inu Yasha. "What next?"

"Next I thought about the situation and then decided to return. On my way back I heard water running, found a small brook and had a quick bath."

"Yeah? And it didn't occur to you we'd be worried "˜bout you?"

"Of course, that's why I only had a quick bath."

Inu Yasha's jaw dropped but Sango giggled. "Nice one, Kagome-chan!"

Kagome grinned back.

"Stupid wench," grumbled the hanyou. "And what about what Koga said yesterday? That you mated?" He gave Kagome a very hard look that she answered without flinching.

"Inu Yasha, you should know what stupid things can be done and said out of jealousy. Koga thought I mated with you," at this point Inu Yasha's face was of the same colour as his haori, "that was why he was so angry. You know that this is not true. I told him that. It took some time until the information permeated his thick skull, but he got it."

"So he said these things just because he was jealous?" asked Sango. Kagome shrugged, and Sango went on, "Hm, since you've not "¦ er "¦ with Inu Yasha that's to be the explanation."

Miroku eyed Kagome thoughtfully.

"But, Kagome," insisted Inu Yasha. "Why then did your scent change?"

"Dear Inu Yasha, in every woman's life there are times and events that cause her scent to change," Kagome answered, a slight smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Believe me, you don't want to know details about that thing."

Inu Yasha blushed once more and shook his head hurriedly. No, about that female stuff he did not want to know more!

Miroku hid a grin.

"Well, if you're satisfied now, may I finish my breakfast?"


* * * * *


Later that day, when they were back on the road, Sango inched closer to Miroku.

"Miroku," she whispered, casting glances at Inu Yasha and Kagome, who where walking in front of them, "don't you think Kagome-chan is somewhat "¦ changed? I think she's acting odd now and then."

Miroku grinned at Sango. "I think if you look closely at it her demeanour is perfectly normal."

I think Miroku knows it"¦