Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or its characters.

A/N: Gonna be completely honest, I was in a dark place for a while. Writing felt more like a chore than something that I loved to do. My drinking got out of hand, and I injured myself pretty badly after blacking out during a night out with friends. It was enough to scare me sober, and I can proudly say that I am coming up on 7 months of being alcohol-free. In that time, I had to do a lot of shadow work to pull myself out of the seemingly endless pit I had allowed myself to fall into. This pandemic and the following lockdown allowed me to take a break from the world and appreciate the parts of my life I had started to take for granted. I won't say that I am completely recovered- I have thought so before, only for me to fall back into my poor coping habits once my guard was down- but I would like to think that I am healing. It has been a painful, beautiful, necessary process that has brought me back here to my little escape from reality that has never harmed me or my family the way alcohol did. If I have any readers left, I appreciate you all for putting up with me for the last few years as I struggled with my demons. If I have any new readers, please keep my words in mind, and be patient with me, as my veteran readers have, as I try my best to finish this story. While I understand writing fanfiction isn't that serious, it has always been therapeutic for me, and it has often been something that pulled me out of the darkness that threatened to consume me. I will do my best to provide a story that can be something you all look forward to in these difficult times

That being said, I completely lost track of where this story was going. I actually have the final chapter written (I may have mentioned before that it was one of the first chapters I wrote), so I am now trying to remember how I was planning on getting there. I had to reread what I have posted already, and I have some ideas, so wish me luck. I just hope I can provide a story line you all can continue to enjoy

Chapter 35:

To say she was nervous was understatement.

Kagome stared into the kitchen area they had claimed for their meeting from her place in the doorway. The other spiritualists were gathered, the children sitting on stools off to the side with a plate of sliced apples between them, and the adults seated at the table that was cleared of that morning's food preparations. Koga leaned casually against a barrel, speaking quietly to Souta who was wearing his demon slayer disguise after having gone on patrol with said wolf demon. Stefan was at the stove, preparing tea for the meeting that was about to take place, Chie and Fuyuko nearby gathering cups and utensils. Kagome swallowed back the anxiety that was rising in her throat as she took in the scene before her, knowing the seriousness of the situation would shatter this illusion of peace shortly. She chewed nervously on her bottom lip, arms crossed tightly across her abdomen in an effort to calm her nerves. Here, she would get the information she needed to proceed with her plans for the North before they regrouped for their attack from the West. She took a shaky step back as her heart started to race, only to bump into something behind her.

"Careful now, Priestess."

Kagome's body tensed and goosebumps broke out across her skin at the sound of his voice so close and heat of his body at her back. She was incredibly thankful that she had decided to wear her hair up that morning as she felt the fine hairs on the back of her neck stand when his breath fanned across the exposed flesh with his amused huff. She took in a sharp breath and stepped to the side, turning slightly so that she could bow her head and let him pass.

"My apologies," she said, eyes downcast as a blush warmed her cheeks.

The silver haired demon stepped into the room, but stopped before her, making her look up at him from under her lashes nervously. It had been a few days since their encounter in her bedchambers. Days since she had been allowed the pleasure of feeling his lips against hers, or his hands against her skin. She found herself questioning more than once if she had imagined the whole thing, especially with how well he was able to maintain his stoic persona. But then little moments like this would happen, charged with an energy she had no name for, but one that made her feel warm and hyperaware of the demon that had stolen her heart. Precious moments she looked forward to since intimacy was near impossible, but dangerous should she lose control of her own composure in front of others.

"Chin up, General," he said, his deep voice stern, but soft so as not to draw attention from the others in their presence. "Where is that backbone that convinced a council to allow this mission in the first place?"

Kagome's head snapped up, nervousness replaced with irritation and determination burning in her chest at his course he would still use such tactics to motivate her. It seemed nothing strengthened her resolve quite like the desire to prove those that doubted her wrong. She pushed her shoulders back and met his eyes evenly, seeing the smile twinkling in his golden orbs that his lips couldn't express in their present company. She bit back a smirk and instead stepped away from him, walking tall and with purpose to the table just as Stefan set down the teapot before taking a seat himself.

She took a seat between Chie and Fuyuko, directly across from Lizbeth that had Talia to her left, and Garth at her right. There was one seat left, opposite of Stefan, to which Kouga surrendered to Sesshoumaru. Kagome heard a soft chuckle from the headman and looked over to find him inspecting the Lord of the West as he moved.

"Hard to believe you were on a hunt just now when you return looking so pristine, my lord," the blonde-haired male said, giving Sesshoumaru a once-over with an amused smirk. "You must share your secrets."

Kagome's eyes widened a bit at the headman's boldness with the icy demon lord that took a seat at the opposite end of the table. She turned to look at him just as Kouga came to stand at his right, a cocky grin on face as well even though he added nothing to Stefan's comment. She cast her eyes to the side, expecting to see a glare focused on the human from the demon he chose to toy with, only to find a bored stare as Sesshoumaru brought his claws up to inspect for blood she knew wouldn't be there.

"Precision," was all he said in response, and Kagome couldn't fight back the smile that curled her lips.

Stefan rolled his eyes, but smiled just the same, raising a hand and motioning for Souta to bring himself closer to the group. Her brother did so, pulling up a stool and sitting behind her, at her elbow, since there was no more room to sit at the small table. He reached out and gave her shoulder a squeeze and Kagome smiled, patting his hand gently as she turned to address those before her.

"I wish I could give you all more time to recuperate after your journey here," Kagome began, trying to make eye contact with the brave spiritualists that sat before her. "But I fear that our continued presence here will do more harm than good. The machinations of this Northern leader are still quite mysterious, but we know that he is cunning and incredibly dangerous. If he does not already know of your presence here, I have no doubt he will soon. That is why, tomorrow, you all will make leave for the Western Capital to prepare for our first official attack on the North."

"And what makes you so sure the West is any safer than here?" she heard Lizbeth say, and Kagome was not surprised at the doubt that marred the woman's violet eyes. "Naraku has eyes everywhere- you would not have come here to find us if he hadn't already started to weave his webs in your own lands."

"The Western Citadel is impenetrable," Sesshoumaru said then, and she was surprised at how level his voice was despite the doubt of his fortress that had surely offended him. "Few even know of its true location. Entry is secured with the strongest magics my sorcerers could conjure, and the terrain was carved and molded by This One's own honorable father with his own claws and fangs. I have left only my most trusted allies to ensure that preparations go smoothly in my absence."

Kagome nodded, a small smile on her face before she reached out to grasp Lizbeth's hand gently with her own.

"Your greatest danger will be in the journey there," Kagome said, and her smile slipped then at the thought. "The distance is not far, but Naraku's minions have shown themselves in the most unexpected places in our lands. If I could, I would escort you to the Citadel myself, but I am needed here. I suppose Chie or Fuyuko would be able to make the journey, but given the stealth required for our current mission, they would not be able to rejoin us here afterward. Regardless, I refuse to force you stay here or come with us as we continue our search for the missing spiritualists after how much you have all been through."

As it was, they had planned on sending the spiritualists into Sesshoumaru's territory with nothing but a map and a sealed letter for whoever came to the mountain's doorway to receive them (most likely Jakken). Her gut twisted uncomfortably at the thought of them traveling without an escort. She didn't want them to get lost, or attacked by those that weren't aware that they were allies. And what if Naraku had more spies waiting in secret for a chance to attack those that were traveling? If his people had already spent this much time watching her and her movements, then they had to know at least some of their plans for defending against his armies. She grimaced, knowing that she would have to settle for sending either Chie or Fuyuko, and wishing she had another option.

Both priestesses were vital for her own safety while she traveled here, and though she wanted to have faith in their abilities, she had never actually seen the women in combat. How was she to be certain that the mother and daughter could adequately defend themselves if they were separated? She could ask Sesshoumaru, she knew that he would at least consider it, but she doubted that he would be willing to let her travel through the Northern lands without him when so much of their strategy was relying on her and her powers. Feelings for each other aside, she was a necessary part of their plans to fight Naraku's armies, her protection was of the highest priority. Unfortunately, this meant that Kouga would probably refuse to escort them as well. Maybe not so much for strategic purposes as his personal feelings for her, but she was disappointed to admit that she didn't have much faith in being able to reason with him. Her gaze turned briefly to Souta, and she immediately dismissed the idea. Her brother was already pushing himself so hard to move past his very recent trauma- one that was triggered by his desire to keep her safe. She doubted that he would function very well as an escort if it meant him being separated from her now. He would be distracted, and could potentially put himself and the others in danger. She let out a sigh, bringing a hand to curl around her chin as she thought.

No, the plan that they had in place was the only option they had. She didn't like it, but she had to put her faith in their strength as they would have to put their faith in hers.

"Trying to save the others is a suicide mission," Lizbeth said softly, pulling Kagome from her thoughts. "You are better off returning to the West to regroup as well."

Kagome looked down at the table before her, her hand coming to grip the edge as she thought to herself. It would make the most sense for her to return to the West. She had said she would settle for saving at least one person, and here she had found five- but she felt in her soul that her work here wasn't finished. She thought of Liam and Takeo, and the promise she had made to them. She did not know if the captured spiritualists were alive, but she could not live with herself if she returned to the safety of the West without having tried to find out. She would be putting herself and her comrades in jeopardy, and she knew deep down that she was being incredibly selfish, but she had to believe that she could do something good here. Already their presence had brought hope to the people of this village, returning a fighting spirit to its people that Stefan had admitted had been dampened until their arrival. Her index finger scratched at the table's surface absently, and she shook her head slowly before looking up to meet the eyes of all those around her.

"All of these people," she said softly, heart aching as she forced the words out from her throat that suddenly felt much too tight. "All of the spiritualists that have been hunted here, and now in my homeland like animals- they are suffering because of me. Because of my very existence. It is my duty to rectify that."

"Kagome..." she heard Souta, felt his hand on her arm. Kagome knew he was trying to stop her from revealing too much information, as well as stop her from blaming herself for something that was out of her control. She swallowed, patting his hand affectionately as she swallowed painfully.

"I don't know what I will find," she said hoarsely. "I don't know if I will succeed, but I could never forgive myself if I did nothing now. If there is a chance that I can save those that have been taken, I will do all in my power to make it so. This Naraku is searching for me, but I feel that he would not have gone to such lengths if I was not also a threat to his plans." Her eyes hardened, and she leveled her gaze on Lizbeth, who was watching her with a questioning gaze. "I'll save as many as I can while I am here, and I will make Naraku rue the day he decided to attack my people, my family, and myself."

o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

"I will be sad to see you go, Lady Kagome."

Kagome smiled fondly at the young girl before her and pulled her close for a gentle embrace. She had just finished her final training session with the young members of this village, and informed them that she and her entourage would be departing soon. They had all known she would be leaving, but it seemed that now that the time had come, none of them were quite prepared for it. Herself included. She pulled away and put her hands on her hips, taking a moment to take in all of their bittersweet expressions with a sad smile.

"I shall miss you all," Kagome said softly. "You all better keep up with your training in my absence. I'll not have anything less than perfection from you lot when the time comes!"

"Yes, Master!"

Kagome's eyes watered at the chorus of voices around her and she stood back to look around at the small group she had become so very fond of in such a short amount of time. They all stood at attention, arms folded behind their backs, chins up- child soldiers, all of them. Kagome felt such pride, and such bone-aching sadness at the sight. She desperately wished that they wouldn't have to use any of the skills she had taught them, but she felt assured that they were prepared to protect themselves and each other should the war spill into their town. She had no doubts that this village would be one of the first to be affected. She wouldn't be surprised if Naraku was already making plans to secure his borders. She just hoped that when it happened, all of these faces would be there to greet her after the dust had settled.

"I am so proud of you all," she said, putting a hand to her heart. "I have no doubt you will fight with valor when the enemy shows its face. Being your teacher for this short time has brought me such happiness. I pray that we will see each other again, and when we do, the North will be free from the poison that has plagued this land."

Her words were answered by a thunderous war cry, hands fisted in defiance raising into the air above them as their eyes glowed with a warrior's determination. Kagome swallowed painfully, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill as she raised her own fist, adding her own cry into the cacophony of voices before her. Her heart swelled within her chest, making sure she took in all of their faces and engrained this scene into her memory. She would forever look back on this moment with an indescribable pride that burned with the intensity of a thousand suns.

She allowed the group to surround her then, all cheering voices and jostling bodies as they bade their farewells. Kagome laughed, eyes finally allowing a few tears to roll down her cheeks in her happiness as she was embraced from all sides. She wished this moment could last forever, so lost was she in golden light of the auras around her, but she knew that this was just the beginning of what would be a long and treacherous journey to freedom for these people.

She just hoped they all lived to see it.

o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

"I have decided to escort the spiritualists to the Citadel."

Kagome blinked in surprise at Kouga's announcement the next morning. She and Sesshoumaru had come to bid the small group luck on their travels, and she was shocked to find the wolf demon among them, a pack on his back and a cloak around his shoulders. She frowned in confusion, looking to Sesshoumaru for an explanation, but the Western Lord seemed to be waiting for one himself. She turned back to Kouga, opening her mouth to question him, only to have him cut her off.

"It makes more sense that I be the one to go," he said, stepping forward to speak to Kagome directly. "Sending Chie or Fuyuko, when they don't know the faces of the enemies we've encountered, and don't have the ability to sniff them out, would just be a hassle. And I would never ask Souta to leave your side, not that he would ever agree. I can ensure their safety, and I can catch up to you all here much faster than any of our human comrades. And... Lord Sesshoumaru is..."

Kagome's cheeks flushed lightly when she felt Kouga take hold of her hands tenderly with his own. She blinked in surprise, feeling her heart race in her chest as she looked up into the crystal blue eyes of her former intended. He was giving her a sad smile, one laced with defeat that had her furrowing her brow even more. He cast a glance to the side, eyes locking with the icy, golden gaze of the demon he spoke of. Kagome desperately hoped he did not notice her sweating palms as the silence continued. The seconds they spent staring at each other was making her so anxious she could hardly stand it. She parted her lips to speak, but hesitated when she heard Kouga sigh.

"He is stronger than I," Kouga finally admitted, and she felt her eyes widen impossibly further. He returned his gaze to hers, a barely perceptible shrug moving his shoulders. "He can better protect you here. At least until I return. If you absolutely must continue with this quest of yours, you should have only the strongest at your side. Fuyuko and Chie know the land and its people, Souta knows you and what is best for you, and Lord Sesshoumaru is the most powerful demon ally we have. I have no doubt you will be well-protected in my absence. And besides, I am the fastest wolf in any of the regions- I can catch up to you before you ever start to miss me."

He finished his speech with a wink, and Kagome felt her face flush at the same moment a fit of laughter erupted from her lips. She shook her head, giving Kouga's clawed hands a gentle squeeze and smiling up at the ever-surprising male, heart warming with a fondness for him she was just now starting to understand. She may not be in love with Kouga, but she could not deny that she cared for him. He had rough edges, some emotional flaws that he needed to work through, but he was a loyal friend. Here he had come to the same conclusion she had, and had surprised her to no end by volunteering himself for something she had thought he would never agree to. She felt just the slightest bit guilty that she had doubted him. Perhaps there was hope for him to be understanding in the future when she finally decided to make her feelings for Sesshoumaru known. She reached out, cupping the wolf's cheek fondly, making sure that he saw the gratitude in her eyes.

"Thank you, Kouga," she said gently.

"Anything for you, Kagome," he said, and leaned down to press a kiss to her cheek, his lips lingering for just a moment before he pulled away.

Kagome knew her cheeks had flushed at the open affection, but not for the reasons she was sure Kouga assumed they did. She watched him give her a wide smile before he stepped away, turning to the group of spiritualists and announcing that they would be departing soon. Kagome discreetly cast a glance toward Sesshoumaru, knowing that he had been watching the entire display. She was morbidly curious to see how he would react, and hated herself for hoping that he was just the slightest bit jealous while simultaneously dreading the odds that she had made him upset by not rejecting Kouga's affections. Chewing on her bottom lip, she watched him, but he kept his gaze ahead as he stepped forward to speak with the group himself. He didn't say a word to her. Kagome frowned, her heart clenching just the tiniest bit.

"Liam, Takeo," she heard him call out, and Kagome pushed her worries aside so that she could hurry forward and speak to the boys as well.

The two young ones came forward, the reigns of their steed held fast in Liam's hand while Takeo adjusted the sword belt that wrapped across his body from shoulder to hip. The two of them were still much too thing for Kagome's liking, but already their skin had lost its sickly pallor, and their eyes shined just a fraction brighter. She took in their small forms, complete with new clothing and was amazed at the difference a few days filled with kindness and security could make. Kagome bit the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling to hard when she noticed that Liam had even tried to comb his unruly hair, but already the dark tufts were breaking free from the semblance of order he had created. At her side, Sesshoumaru regarded them both with a nod of his head. They stared up at the demon lord with shining emerald eyes that spoke volumes of their admiration for him.

Sesshoumaru had taken the time to test their abilities shortly after their arrival, and mentioned that he was impressed with the strength of their combined powers for ones so young. She attributed most of their talents to having to survive in such perilous times, but she hoped that their strength and will to keep fighting would be what would get them through this war. Sesshoumaru stared down at the boys, his head tilted just slightly, making quite the intimidating image of power, and still, they did not cowar before him as others their age would have.

"You have proven your worth and capabilities as protectors," Sesshoumaru said, and though his face was as stoic as ever, she could hear the respect in his voice as he spoke to the children. "However, I will require you both to continue training upon your arrival at the Western Citadel. My brother, Lord Inuyasha, can appoint someone to further train you in combat. You will train hard, and you will earn your place in my employ."

Kagome allowed herself a small smile as she lowered herself to be level with the two of them, reaching out to rest her hands on their shoulders. They looked at her then, blushes on their tanned cheeks.

"And my mother, Mai, can help the both of you train with your spiritual powers," Kagome added. "And if not her, my cousin Kikyou is there as well. Here," She pulled out the letter from the satchel at her waist, showing them the seal with a crescent moon pressed into the indigo wax. "Give this to Master Jakken. He will be there to receive you when you make it to the city. This has our instructions inside, along with a note for the two of you to be allowed access to the kitchens whenever you desire. I hope that when we meet again, the two of you are as strong and healthy as boys your age should be."

"Thank you, my lady," Takeo said, taking the letter from her and holding it gently before tucking it into a pocket of his vest. He looked back up at Sesshoumaru, holding his head high as a determined gleam sparked in his eyes. "And thank you, my lord. We will not disappoint you."

Beside him, Liam straightened himself as much as possible and raised his hand to his forehead in a salute that looked quite silly coming from a child, but Sesshoumaru answered it with a regal nod as he would have to any of his soldiers. Kagome's heart ached with affection for the male beside her, and she wished more than anything that she could express it in that moment. Instead, she settled for wrapping her arms around the two boys, and pulling them to her firmly. She felt them tense in her hold before they eventually relaxed, both of them slowly bringing an arm to hold her as well. She sighed, wishing again that these two didn't have to participate in this war, that none of them did. Children weren't meant to be tools of war...

"I wish you safe travels, my brave warriors," she whispered, turning her head so that she could plant quick kisses to each of their cheeks before she jumped upright.

She bit back a laugh as the pair stared up at her with wide eyes and red cheeks, each of them holding a hand to the cheeks she had kissed. Their lips parted in awe, and Kagome gave them both an endeared smile before she looked past them to where Lizbeth and her sister were standing with Garth. She took in a steadying breath as she moved to approach them.

"I cannot thank you all enough for what you are doing for our lands," Kagome said genuinely, bowing her head respectfully. "You will always be welcome at my table, no matter the outcome of this war."

"If we survive it," Lizbeth said with a roll of her eyes. Kagome saw Garth give the woman a gentle nudge, to which the brunette responded with a sigh before she met Kagome's eyes. "I am skeptical of your plan, and not nearly as optimistic as the rest of your followers of our chances at victory- but I cannot deny the light and determination in your spirit. Your intentions are pure, but it will take more than that to win this war. Perhaps after spending some time in the heart of enemy territory, you will understand."

Kagome gave the woman a look of understanding before she looked to Garth, who had gone back to using his disguise of being a feeble, old man now that they were to be traveling. The older man reached a hand in her direction and Kagome offered him hers, smiling when he brought her knuckles to his bowed forehead in a sign of reverence.

"I cannot leave much," he said after a moment, raising his head and meeting her eyes. Kagome blinked in surprise at the tingling sensation that traveled across the back of her hand and down to her fingertips when he did so. "But this spell should be able to protect you, just once, from attack. Lizbeth is correct in suggesting that the North will not be kind to you. You and your people must remain vigilant in order to survive."

Kagome stared down at her hand in wonder, turning it this way and that, so that she saw just the slightest hint of something sparkling across her skin as she did so. She clenched and unclenched her fist, staring in delighted wonder as the magic seemed to dissolve into her skin, but she could still feel a hint of it there within her. It was fascinating what these sorcerers could do. She looked forward to the day that she could speak to Garth upon the subject of his magic more thoroughly. She gave the man a bow of thanks.

"I have every intention of making it back to the West," Kagome assured him. "I still have many things left unfinished."

"Of course, my lady," the man said with a knowing wink, and Kagome's smile faltered as she watched Garth turn away from her to help Liam and Takeo onto their horse. Kagome looked over her shoulder, concern blossoming in her gut at what his wink had meant, and wondered just what this man knew about her. Her thoughts were interrupted when feminine arms were suddenly thrown around her shoulders, and a tinkling laugh brushed against her ear.

"The shores, the shores, the crystal bleeds," she heard Talia say, her sing-song voice making shivers race down Kagome's spine, even as she reached up to return the younger girl's embrace. She stared over her shoulder, her eyes meeting the concerned gaze of Lizbeth as Talia continued to speak. "Find the bat; the girl you need."

Kagome pulled away to stare into the child-like stare that met hers. Talia smiled mischievously, using her firm hold to pull herself up so that she could place a quick kiss to Kagome's lips with a loud smack before she broke out into a fit of giggles. Kagome could only stare, her face turning several shades of red as a hand came up to press against her lips where she could still feel the warmth of Talia's. She looked to Lizbeth who was giving her a bored smirk before she reached out to pull Talia back to her side.

"She placed a blessing of her own," Lizbeth explained, wrapping an arm around Talia's shoulders as the girl continued to giggle. "One to keep your mind protected from outside influence. I am surprised. It has been years since I've seen her use anything but her Sight."

Kagome, cheeks still flushed, felt her eyes soften as she looked back to the girl who had been through such horrible circumstances and was still able to smile. She wished there was something she could do to help her, but she had no experience healing wounds of the mind. Instead, she bowed her head to Talia, to which the girl's giggles increased in volume before she gave a curtsy of her own. Kagome knew that the power in Talia was incredible. She would make sure the girl was taken care of and protected for the rest of her days. It was the least she could do, considering she and her sister had been failed so horribly by their own people. She hoped with everything in her that she would be able to help create a future where they could live without the struggles they'd known their whole lives. Kagome sighed, reaching up to rub the back of her neck. She had so much work to do...

"Do you know what she spoke of?" Kagome asked Lizbeth after a moment. "She mentioned a shore, and...a bat?"

Lizbeth lowered her eyes in thought before she shrugged, pointing away from them, towards the Northwest.

"There is a colony of bat demons that live along the coast," Lizbeth offered. "I have not heard about them in years, though. They used to ravage the lands, devouring humans, but when their new chieftain took over, they secluded themselves to their territory by the water. That is all that comes to mind, but I could be wrong. Talia's rhymes can be tricky at times."

"Noted," Kagome said, making a mental note to discuss the matter with her group before they departed. "Thank you all again. Safe travels, my friends."

"To you as well, Lady Kagome," Lizbeth said, turning away from her so that she and Talia could mount their horse that was being handled by Kouga.

Kagome watched them all as they pulled their cloaks over their heads, ready to depart. She felt a pang of worry in her chest, praying to every god she could think of that these wonderful people would make it to their destination safely. She couldn't live with herself if something else happened to them because she had made them into targets. She chewed on her bottom lip nervously, raising a hand to wave at Kouga, who was waving at her over his shoulder as they began to move. She took in a deep breath through her nose, bringing her shaking hands to clasp in front of her in an attempt to still them. So much was riding on this quest of hers; Lives that she felt completely responsible for. She felt nausea roll in her stomach as her nerves got the best of her.

"They will be fine," a deep voice said from close behind her.

Kagome jumped and whipped her head around to meet the golden eyes of the male that stood just inches away. She looked around them, surprised at how quiet it was now that the others had left. It was still relatively early, so she didn't expect many villagers to be out and about just yet. Souta and the others were still inside, probably preparing for their own departure later that evening. She turned to look out toward the road where the group that had just departed was already growing smaller into the distance. She swallowed, painfully aware of something she hadn't noticed before: She and Sesshoumaru were alone.

With Kouga gone, there was very little for her to worry about where her feelings for Sesshoumaru were concerned. The main person they had to worry about finding them out was temporarily out of the equation. There was no one with heightened senses to pick up on their emotions and whispers; No one to fight for her attentions; No one to stop her from being incredibly impulsive in the many situations she was already daydreaming could occur during their journey into the North. She took in a shaking breath, her heart racing in her chest at the heated look her demon lover was giving her. She saw his nostrils twitch as he inhaled subtly, saw his pupils dilate just enough for her to notice, saw his lips part just slightly...

Kagome knew one thing for certain: if she didn't find a way to control herself soon, her promises to remain vigilant while traveling would be broken. Staring into the molten stare of the male before her, she noticed she was inching ever closer, eyes dropping to his pale, parted lips. She felt intoxicated just being near him, and the intimacy she had been craving was so delightfully possible that she had to swallow audibly to keep herself from quite literally drooling over the silver god that had bewitched her.

"Kagome! Get in here and pack your underthings before I do it for you!"

She let out an embarrassing squeak as she darted past Sesshoumaru at the sound of her brother's voice from the upstairs window. Her skin burned in mortification, and her lips pressed together painfully to keep herself from cursing as she ran into the inn and up its stairs as quickly as she possibly could.

Maybe keeping her hands off Sesshoumaru wouldn't be as difficult as she thought.

A/N: It's not as long as I would have liked, but I feel like I made you all wait long enough for an update. Again, no promises about when the next one will be up, but I feel like I have so much potential for fun and exciting chapters in the future now that I've gotten this one done. As it is, I'm going back and rereading previous chapters as often as I can to try and figure out where I can take this story. Let me know what you think! Constructive criticism is always welcome!