The Poisoned Kiss by PS21

Silver Lining

Through the haze of tears blurring her vision, past the trees separating her from the clearing ahead, Kagome discerned a dark outline against the setting sun.

"Inuyasha?" she whispered, "Inuyasha!" She sped up. But why was he walking so slowly? And if she had just run away, then why was he ahead of her?

She realized that it wasn't Inuyasha before she even saw the demon's face. He would have called back to her. He would have raced towards her. She slowed as she broke through the trees. Cold yellow eyes caught her in their narrow gaze like car headlights shrewdly considering a deer. Nonetheless, Kagome's tears returned, tears of relief, for at least the demon was someone she recognized.

"Human," he addressed her, his tone emotionless. Kagome's heart flipped. At least the taiyoukai had chosen not to ignore her.

"Sesshoumaru-sama…" Her voice was slightly hoarse with the emotion that coursed through her, yet she managed a respectful tone.

"You are separated from my half-brother's pack."

It wasn't a question, but Kagome replied to it like one. "I… ran away," she explained, her voice nearly breaking.

He tilted his head upward to admire the sky. "I see," he murmured eventually, almost to himself.

Kagome was unsure whether to remind him of her presence when his eyes snapped back to her and he said suddenly, "You are called Kagome."

"Yes."

Without another word, the taiyoukai brought his gaze back to earth, resuming his travels by walking right past Kagome. Her heart sank. She would be alone again, without Inuyasha to protect her, without a place to stay, without–

"Kagome."

The girl turned around to see the demon paused at the edge of the clearing.

"You may follow."