InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Stealing Shadows ❯ A Trip for Two ( Chapter 2 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

A Trip For Two



Try as she might, sleep evaded her. All around her the soft sounds of snoring and the crackling of the fire wore on her. Her mind refused to allow her the sweetness of sleep for it was filled with thoughts of the child that lay a short distance away. All night she had been trying to make sense of the occasional words spoken in his recuperative slumber. So far the child had merely whimpered and cried out for his family. The only other audible word had been 'shadow'.

Turning slightly, her eyes rested on Inuyasha. He was propped up against the far wall, Tetsusaiga tucked in his arms. She knew that his rest was very light, his ears often twitching as if reading the night's song. She longed to rest in his arms but the thought of being watched by others embarrassed her to no end.

Dipping a cloth in cool water, she laid the compress across the boy's forehead. He had developed a fever late in the evening and she had been working ever since to bring it down. Gently brushing the child's cheek she wondered what his name was. He looked so young and innocent now, younger than Souta had been when she had first arrived here. Guessing by appearance alone, she thought the child to be no more than nine years old. Other than his current wounds he looked to be in good health. Certainly the village he came from had been prosperous for he had no signs of malnutrition. The clothing he wore suggested a simple life, perhaps that of a farmer's son.

What had he seen that had traumatized him so much? She wondered if the wounds had been from an attack or acquired in his escape. The more she examined the bruises and cuts she began to think the later. The bruising most certainly could have come from a steep fall, like he had tripped going down a rocky hill. The small scrapes resembled road rash and she had cleaned many small rocks and dirt from the wounds.

The only one she had questions on was the sizable cut to his side. At first she had assumed a small blade had made it. With water heating to cleanse the wound, she began to gently remove the old bandages. She threw another piece of wood on the fire to give her more light. A closer look at the bandages told her that the wound had stopped bleeding. It was still seeping a little, but the fluid was clear and she was thankful they had been able to keep the wound free from infection.

The fire crackled merrily and within a few seconds the room was significantly brighter than before. Leaning in she inspected the wound up close. The edges were more jagged than she had first thought. A clean slice would have left smooth edges, perhaps only rough at the entry and exist. The laceration was long and arced slightly down the child's side. More like sweeping motion with a hand. Was it possible that the wound was made from a claw?

Gently washing it with warm water she paid close attention to it. The more she looked, the more she became convinced that it wasn't a blade that had pierced this tender flesh. Patting the skin dry she covered it with fresh bandages. Finished, she pulled the blankets around the boy once more, contented that he would heal.

“Mama?” The boy whispered, his eyes cracked slightly.

“I'm afraid not. My name is Higurashi Kagome. I am a miko.” Kagome whispered, laying a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “You rushed into this village by horse and collapsed outside Kaede-baachan's hut. You were badly injured. We have tended your wounds and you have been sleeping the entire time. How do you feel?”

“I'm sore. Where am I?” The boy asked.

“You are at the village that border's Inuyasha's forest.” Kagome paid close attention to the child's eyes. Both pupils were the same size and not overly dilated. The boy exhibited no signs of concussion so that was another bonus.

“The miko village.” He replied back groggily.

“Yes. How about I warm you up something to eat. You rest while I make you something.” The pot of water was still hot so Kagome mixed up a quick herbal tea that would help soothe his pain and fight infection. Helping the boy sit, she propped him up with a few extra blankets. Passing him the tea she busied herself with a quick meal for the boy.

“Arigato.” He whispered.

“So the runt's up.” Inuyasha's deep voice startled Kagome.

“He just woke.” Kagome turned to see that Inuyasha remained as he was, resting against the wall. His amber eyes reflected the soft flames of the fire. She turned to look at Kaede, the old woman still slept soundly on the farthest mat.

When the rice had finished cooking, she scooped a large portion into a well made bowl. Again the boy accepted the food with the same response.

“Arigato.”

The miko worried her lip. His eyes were fine from a medical standpoint but they seemed so lifeless. They way eyes could only look when they had witnessed great horror. He would mend physically quite well she was certain. The damage done to his mind was an entirely different matter.

“Tell me, what is your name?” Kagome pressured lightly.

“Kiyoshi.”

“Kiyoshi-kun, you are safe here. Can you tell us what happened to you?” Her hand rested lightly on his arm, her reiki sending soothing waves of comfort to him.

Beneath her hand the boy trembled. He closed his eyes and drew a ragged breath.

“It came when the fields were being prepared for seeding. A creature of the night. At first we thought the missing men had simply gotten lost on their way back from the coastal town. A search party was sent out. They did not return either. Soon the women were vanishing when they went to the river to do laundry.” He shook harder as he recalled what had happened.

Kagome scooted closer to Kiyoshi, wrapping an arm around the boy she pulled him close. Again she used her reiki to calm him.

“Our village was missing so many people. Father was considering moving mother and I to the neighboring village. That night as he prepared I saw a shadow move across the wall in our hut. I knew that it did not belong to any of my family. I watched as it came close to my father's shadow. When they merged father began to convulse. I...” He trailed off.

“Kiyoshi-kun?” Kagome asked but they boy was lost in his own thought. Tears streaked down his face and she knew he was reliving the nightmare. She looked over at Inuyasha, feeling helpless at her inability to help the boy. He was focused on the child, his ears twitching in a subconscious scan of the area. At long last the boy continued.

“It came from the shadows, something that I have never seen before. I couldn't do anything but run. It chased me. That's all I remember.”

“You did well Kiyoshi-kun. You made it to safety.” Kagome felt Kiyoshi relax as the medicine finally began to work. “You rest again Kiyoshi-kun. We will keep you safe, I promise.”

“Arigato Higurashi-sama.” The muffled words were barely spoken before the child slipped into slumber once more.

Kagome sighed deeply as she tucked Kiyoshi in. The terror that she had felt radiating from him had been overwhelming. Uncertain of the beast of which he spoke, she focused on the facts. The boy had reached here mid-day. He had encountered the oni during the night. How much distance had he traveled in between? The more she knew about that, the greater comprehension of the area it originated from she would have. Had he traveled on foot for the most part before finding the horse or was the horse from the village he fled?

“How's his wounds?” Inuyasha stood up and stretched before making his way to her.

“Healing well. Inuyasha, before he woke I cleaned them. The cut I think was made from a claw. A very sharp one. You don't smell any poison on him do you?”

“Nah. His wounds are clean.” He waited until she was finished cleaning out the rice bowl before he pulled her into his lap. “You should rest Kagome. Morning will be here soon.”

“What if Kaede wakes?” Kagome blushed.

“Baba? Feh, we'll be up and gone before she rises.” When Kagome leaned into him, he rested his head on hers.

“Inuyasha?”

“Hmmm?”

“Do you know anything about what Kiyoshi-kun was talking about?”

“Not really. I'll ask Miroku and Sango about it in the morning. Now stop worrying about it and go to sleep.”

As she slept soundly in his arms Inuyasha contemplated the tale. There was no doubt that the boy was severely traumatized so he didn't think the story had been fabricated. The area had been so calm for the past three years that something was bound to happen. What oni had decided to start praying on humans so close to his territory? He didn't like to think about possibilities and implications it could have on his own village.

It was a threat though. Anything that threatened what was his would not live long in this world. The precious miko that was tucked neatly in his lap was his utmost concern. Should this shadow oni so much as look at Kagome, he would send it to the seventh hell. He protected what was his and kami help anything that got in the way of his endeavors to do so.

“I know not of any local youkai that matches such a description.” Miroku considered as he caught one of the mischievous twins before they scooted outside.

“Nor I.” Sango added as she changed the diaper on her infant son.

“Yeah, I had trouble coming up with anything too.” Inuyasha grumbled.

“Are you planning on going to the village Inuyasha?” Miroku did not like the thought of something so menacing lurking so close to his family home. The best course of action would be to eradicate the threat as soon as possible. Things were different now. He no longer had his cursed hand to rely on in battle and his beautiful wife was to weak after having his son. He believe them both capable of protecting their own but to seek out trouble was an entirely different matter.

“Yeah. You stay here with Sango and give Kaede a hand. I think you could probably strengthen the barrier around the village. Make sure you let the people know that they shouldn't wonder beyond it.” Inuyasha was comfortable entrusting the safety of the villagers with his comrades. He had bigger fish to fry and planned on leaving as soon as Kagome was finished with the boy.

“Has the child awakened?” Sango asked.

“Yeah. Kid's name is Kiyoshi. He's been through a lot. Kagome figures his cut was made by a claw. I think that he's alive because the oni likely thought it would be a waste of its time to follow the kid all the way here. A village is an easy source of food, what's the loss of one little boy.”

“It is quite possible that the oni is using the life force of its victims to sustain itself. I am curious though Inuyasha, you said that the boy spoke of people going missing during the day? I wonder if the oni takes another form during the day, to be able to lure the woman from the river it would have to be human in appearance. Kiyoshi-kun wouldn't have known if the men were taken during the day or night but judging by the attack on his father, I assume they were taken during the night. I know not if they were possessed or killed. Your opponent could be very tricky Inuyasha. Keep a close eye on Kagome. We wouldn't want her being lured away by this creature. Her compassionate nature could be her downfall.” The monk's solemn expression was not lost on Inuyasha. He too had considered the possibilities yet he felt better knowing that Kagome would be with him and not separated by such great distance.

“I'll be careful. Has word come from Shippo?” Inuyasha plucked one of the girls up off the ground and swung her on his shoulders. She giggled and latched onto his ears.

“He sent word a day ago that he would be continuing his stay with relatives for awhile longer. I haven't told him Kagome is back yet as this venture is a great learning opportunity for him. I want him to learn the teachings of his kitsune forefather's and I know he would abandon all training in an instant to see Kagome.” Miroku reached over to pull the laughing toddler from Inuyasha's shoulders when the hanyou prepared to leave.

“Good. Send word instructing him to stay away. You should probably send one to Sesshoumaru as well. He needs to be informed that there is a possible threat against Rin. Until I know what we are up against I would feel better knowing he has an eye on things here.” Without further acknowledgement Inuyasha turned and left.

Miroku watched as his friend walked towards Kaede's hut. Inuyasha had matured greatly in just three years. Before he would have gone head first into battle without considering anything at all. Now he was focused on protecting his village and gathering information on his prey. The stakes were much higher as his pack had grown to include three small children and Miroku knew that their safety was always in Inuyasha's mind. Kagome was back as well, that alone was enough to cease any rash thoughts from entering the hanyou's head. Inuyasha had become their leader and took the title very seriously.

With all the uncertainty clouding the matters at hand, the monk found himself thanking Buddha once more that he had found an ally in such a strong and admirable youkai. Pressing issues to take care of he gathered his scrolls and ink and began to pen a message to the Lord of the Western Lands.

When he had the messages complete, Miroku penned a few sutras for Kagome and with paper in hand he made his way to the miko's hut. Inside he found Inuyasha waiting patiently for the flustered miko. She was taking inventory of a great selection of herbs and then carefully wrapping the precious packages. The large leather satchel at her side was slowly being filled with things for their journey.

Off to her right the young boy they had come to know as Kiyoshi sat quietly, observing the interaction between hanyou and miko. Kaede stirred a large pot of rabbit stew, likely to feed the pair before they embarked on their journey.

“Kaede-baachan, are you sure that you will be able to handle the herb garden when I am gone? It's double the size of yours before.” Kagome worried as she packed the last pouch of herbs into her leather carrying sack. With her medicines packed she checked over her stack of bandages before adding them to the bag.

“Aye child, it will be fine. Rin will assist me with the garden. You have done such a wonderful job that I will have no trouble with it.” Kaede smiled reassuringly to the young miko. The child was always worrying about others when she should be worrying about herself. The road ahead would not be easy for Kagome; Kaede was thankful that the girl had Inuyasha's strength to see her through.

“Kagome-sama, I have sutras for you.” Miroku tucked the papers into her bag then stepped to where Inuyasha stood.

“Arigato Miroku. They will be of great assistance I am sure. Do you want me to help you secure the barrier before we depart?” Kagome was wrapping two pouches of rice as she continued to pack.

“That will not be necessary Kagome-sama. I will take care of that as soon as you are past it.” Miroku grinned at Inuyasha who was doing his best to be patient. The sun was gaining ground in the sky and he knew the hanyou was anxious to be on their way. “I have the letter prepared for Sesshoumaru-sama. I will send it out as soon as possible.”

“Arigato Miroku. Be sure to keep those two brats of yours well within the village perimeter.” Inuyasha knew those two girls could be a handful and numerous times they wandered outside the village. He needed to know that they would be safe in his absence.

“Sango is moving around much better now Inuyasha, and my girls are currently more interested in the baby than the yonder fields. I'll will ensure they stay close. You make sure that Kagome stays within your sights at all times as well. I do not like an oni that can lure its prey away in broad daylight.”

“Don't worry about that. Kagome won't leave my sight.” Inuyasha's intense gaze fell on the miko who was tying shut the leather satchel. That one single being meant more to him than his own life. Kagome would stay safe. This time he wouldn't take any risks with her. They would have to move more slowly than before, the trail was uncertain. They had no real leads as the boy only knew that he lived at a village close to the sea's shores. He hoped that he could catch the scent of something once they were closer to the coast.

“Sorry Inuyasha, I'm almost ready. I just have to get changed.” Kagome blew a stray hair from her face before shooting him an apologetic smile.

“I'm in no hurray Kagome. Smells like that stews almost done anyway!” Inuyasha gave her and Kaede a crooked grin before dipping a clawed finger in the pot. Kaede quickly swatted him with the ladle and shooed him away. The display got the response he was looking for, Kagome burst into bubbly laughter.

“You and your food.” She laughed as she picked up her leather suit and disappeared from sight. Moments later she returned, the tekkou peeking from her sleeves were the only indication of the armor she wore beneath her robes.

“Kagome-chan, sit down and eat before you go.” Kaede offered her a bowl of steaming stew.

“Arigato Kaede-baachan, it smells wonderful.” Sampling the aromatic stew she smiled in appreciation. Kaede's cooking was always so good. It may be the last meal she had with the elder for some time.

With their stomachs full, Kagome and Inuyasha left the small hut. Inuyasha slung the heavy satchel over his shoulder as Kagome laced her sturdy boots. With farewells out of the way the two began the first steps of their journey. The sun had already peaked and was starting its path back towards the earth. They wouldn't make it very far before they made camp but it was still progress.

Kagome paused at the edge of the village to wave to Sango, Kaede and Miroku. It felt strange not having the taijiya and monk with them but that was to be expected with their having children. This would be the first time in a long while that Inuyasha and she had gone on a journey without anyone. Even the first time she had come to the past it hadn't been long before Shippo had joined her and Inuyasha.

She wasn't sure if it was the anticipation of finding the oni or being alone with Inuyasha for an extended period of time that had her stomach in knots. Either way she felt strange embarking on a journey with nothing more than her weapons and Inuyasha. There had always been someone else to talk to.

What if they fell back into the routine of fighting? Miroku had always been the mediator and she had had Sango to talk to in the hot springs. Could they handle each other for that long? So far it had been a breeze but there hadn't been any intense situations to set their tempers blazing. She could only hope that they had set their childish tantrums aside and that cooler heads would prevail.

“You sure you got everything?” Inuyasha inquired as they made their way away from the village.

“I hope so. It's gonna be different not having ramen and soda pop.” She giggled trying to hide her nervousness.

“Yeah, I miss ramen. I guess you'll just have to put up with what ever I catch.” He let his hand lightly brush hers as the walked along. A quick glance confirmed that she had felt it, red dappled her cheekbones and she was smiling faintly.

“How many days until we get close to where you think the oni could be?” Kagome asked once the village was out of sight.

“Two, maybe three. No sense rushing. We need to be in good shape when we get there.” Again Inuyasha cringed thinking how hard he had pushed her before. Hell he pushed himself back then, it was a miracle she had been able to keep up at all.

“I wonder what we are up against?” She thought out loud.

They continued on their way, sticking to main roads. Occasionally they would pass the odd merchant and were sure to inquire about the shadow oni. So far no one had heard of such a creature. There were no leads on anything, not even the missing men. They began to think that the village they were looking for must be somewhat isolated from other communities. With that bit of knowledge they at least had something to go on.

Kagome kept up light conversation, telling Inuyasha more about her last three years. The odd time he would keep pace adding tiny fragments about his time without her. At long last they came upon a thickly wooded area just as the sun dipped below the horizon. It didn't take long before a cooking fire was crackling merrily.

Inuyasha watched as Kagome unpacked a few items from the satchel, a cooking pot and one of the packs of rice. He used his ears and nose to scan the surrounding area. Finding no threat he caught the scent of what would be their evening meal. Quietly he slipped away, leaving Kagome to tend to camp. Moments later he returned with two rabbits in his hands.

“Inuyasha! That was quick. Do you want me to skin them?” She offered inspecting the rabbits.

“Nay, I'll take care of that. I wouldn't mind a cup of tea though.” Inuyasha rolled his sleeves up and quickly sliced the rabbits. With their entrails gone he made quick work of the hide. Two slices around their feet and he was able to simply pull the hide away, leaving the clean meat. With the meat ready he fashioned two skewers out of some green wood and a stand to cook the rabbits on.

The meat was browning when Kagome offered him a cup of tea. He took it gingerly. “Aren't you having one too?

“I didn't have room to pack anymore so we only have one cup. I didn't think you would mind sharing.” Slightly embarrassed that she hadn't been as prepared as she would have liked she lowered her eyes.

“That's fine. Here, you can have some.” He passed the cup back to her, enthralled when her lips touched the same spot his just rested on. With the fire crackling before them, her face was lit ever so slightly. The soft light gave her an ethereal appearance; she had loosened her hair and it flowed gracefully around her face. His breath hitched in his throat when she smiled shyly at him.

“Arigato.” Kagome passed the cup back. Electricity shot through her when Inuyasha's hand closed over hers. Their eyes locked in a heated gaze before she tentatively pulled her hand away. “The rabbit will be done soon, as will the rice.”

Inuyasha struggled to keep hold of the beast that had awakened within at her touch. His eyes followed her every move as she busied herself around their campsite. His mouth went dry as she bent to pluck the rabbit from the fire. The sensual curve of her backside, was enhanced by the flickering light around her. Kami, the next few days were going to be sheer torture. He was absolutely certain Kagome had no idea about the effect she was having on him.

Kneeling before him, she held out one of the skewers, to Inuyasha she looked like a goddess. With shaking hands he accepted her offering. In a trance he ate, barely aware of the meat that passed through his mouth. Every move she made was so innocent yet it set his blood on fire. Looking away he tried to cool the heat that surged within. Damn, why was tonight so different from before? Other than the first night of her return, they hadn't so much as kissed. Perhaps the Goshinboku had been so close to the village that he had snuffed any lewd thoughts for fear of repercussions. With their home so far behind them it was like all inhibitions had been lowered. His beast demanded her closeness; the need increasing with every silent moment that stretched between them.

“Inuyasha?” Kagome repeated trying to gain the attention of her companion.

“Oi wench.” He grumbled, still fighting to gain his composure.

Kagome frowned at the statement. “Haven't heard that for awhile.” The old hanyou was showing his face as the resumed their normal roles as travelers. She never had been fond of the way he addressed her but she guessed it was to be expected. He was still the same hanyou after all.

“Feh!” His gruff response was accompanied by his fingers vigorously rubbing his temples. Yeah, he was acting like the same ass as before but how else did he respond when he was feeling so out of sorts. He didn't like treating her like he had before, he just needed a moment.

“Does your head hurt?” Kagome did not miss the way his thumb and fore finger circled on his forehead.

“Not really, just have a lot on my mind.” He watched as her face sunk and she turned away. “Hey Kagome?”

“Yes?”

“I'm sorry for calling you wench. I guess old habits die hard.”

Her smile was genuine, causing his spirits to lift. The burning heat that had been all consuming before had all but vanished. When the bags were packed again Kagome came to rest by his side. He had just thrown another log on the fire, so the warmth filled the small clearing. When Kagome shifted beside him he, like every night before, offered her the warmth and safety of his lap.

“Come here before you freeze to death.”

“I don't know how I managed before. That skirt was awful drafty.” Kagome giggled.

“You don't say.” He teased. He actually missed that skirt despite all the trouble it gave him. He had constantly been on guard, afraid that tiny piece of fabric would flip up in the presence of Kouga or Sesshoumaru. Hell, he even viewed Miroku as a threat when it came to Kagome's modesty.

“You know, I'm still in awe at how I managed. I didn't know anything when I came here. I was just a naive girl living on unrealistic hopes and dreams. Three years I trained to prepare myself for my return. Each progressive year it became harder and harder to understand how I survived. I knew nothing of self defense, even less of medicinal herbs and yet I survived.”

“You did well Kagome. You learned a lot while you were here though. Think of how much Kaede-baba taught you. You got pretty good with a bow after awhile and that was completely self taught. I don't think you give yourself enough credit.” He rested his head on hers when she relaxed into him.

“I had you. I didn't need to know anything. You would always come for me, always save me. I just hope this time around I won't be such a burden.” Kagome sighed. She had often wondered why the others had put up with her. Sure, she had the ability to detect shards but it pretty much ended there. Other than the occasional lucky arrow she rarely contributed much to the battles. Near the end she had learned quite a few healing skills. In her mind that was little compared to what everyone else had to offer.

“You were never a burden to us Kagome.” He whispered remember the countless times she had been willing to sacrifice herself to save one of them if not all of them.

“Well, at least this time I'll be of more help. You have to admit I'm not half bad at combat now. I excel at my knowledge as a healer and have a decent handle on my reiki.”

“Feh, you're not half bad at all.” Kagome was certainly confident in her abilities now. Inuyasha worried about what she would do in battle now with her new found skills. If she had raced in without a thought to herself before, what would she be like now? He suddenly worried about the possibilities. “Just promise you'll stay behind me when the shit goes down.”

“I don't need to anymore. I'm strong enough to fight by your side.” Kagome pouted. She could be of aid to him and she knew it.

“I don't care if you can fry youkai with just one look. I need to know that you are safe Kagome. I don't like flying into battle worried sick that you are going to get hurt.” Inuyasha held her tighter, trying his best to get the message across. He didn't dare think what would happen if he scented her blood in battle now. His youki was closer to the surface than ever before and her blood would surely set it over the edge.

“But I...”

“Kagome please. Just promise me you won't get involved unless its absolutely necessary.”

Kagome noticed the shake in his hands as he held her tight. She understood. Inuyasha had always taken her safety seriously. If he didn't have to worry about her he could concentrate on the battle at hand. Ultimately, her engaging in the fight could become a distraction and he could become injured. With him in mind she agreed to his demand. Only because she did not wish to see him pained at her expense.

“Alright Inuyasha. I promise.”

Contented with her response he relaxed his grip on her person. The night wore on and eventually he became aware of the soft rise and fall of her chest. These were the moments he would always treasure. Kagome peacefully sleeping in his lap, trusting and accepting of who he was.

With dawn still hours away, he closed his eyes to rest.

“Inuyasha! That woman said that she had heard of some men going missing from a village not far from here.” Kagome rejoined her companion who waited patiently at the edge of the clearing. So excited was she with her latest uncovering of viable information, that she misstepped. She braced for the impending fall only to be caught by strong arms.

“Careful.”

Kagome blushed in embarrassment of her own clumsiness. All the kendo training had done little to solve her overexcited two left feet.

“What else did the old hag have to say?” Inuyasha steady his miko.

“She thought that the rumor had originated from a fishing village. Her guess was that it was a day's travel from here on foot. Over that ridge,” Kagome pointed to the looming foothills in the distance, “and then anywhere from the first to the fifth village.”

“Any clues about an isolated one?”

“I asked but she couldn't say for sure. She hasn't left this area for years and was just passing on what she heard from the traveling merchants.”

“Hmph. I guess we'll have to do some digging around once we get on the other side of that ridge.” Inuyasha had picked up the faintest of auras a few miles back. Kagome also had speculated about a possible aura. Shortly after it had tickled their senses it had vanished. Whatever it was he was certain that it lay just beyond the misty hills in front of them. It was sinister and the brief brush against his own youki had left him unsettled.

“The passage looks pretty well traveled, I don't think it should be hard to get through. Seems like the road is used regularly by merchants from the fishing villages on the other side.” Kagome rambled on trying to quell the nervousness that had crept inside of her. The closer they got to the mysterious shadow oni, the more on edge she felt.

It had been three years since she had encountered any dangerous oni or youkai. She hadn't had the opportunity to use her reiki in such a way since her last trip to the past. Her powers had been fine tuned in the areas of healing and barriers only as there had been no way to safely practice offensive and defensive tactics in the crowded city. Her swords were basic despite being forged from a hanyou's fang. Inuyasha had wanted something that resembled Tetsusaiga, something that could protect her in magical ways. Because of her reiki interacting with Inuyasha's youki, Totosai had been adamant about forging regular blades. The ancient sword smith had worried that Inuyasha's unstable youki could react negatively to her reiki, causing her harm during battle. So the only bonus her blades had was their immense strength. It would take a great deal of force to chip or break her katana or wakizashi.

This time she also wouldn't have Sango and Miroku to watch her back. They had such a tight group going into battle, all relying on one another in some way. It wasn't as if she was doubting Inuyasha, it was just that she was used to the former norm and this new method was going to take some getting used to. She was glad that she had made proper preparations for her return. Her kendo lessons would prove an invaluable asset and she was doubly thankful that her sensei had focused on her abilities to wield a sword as well. He had never asked questions as to why it was so important to her and he had even given her a key to the dojo. That had allowed her to train everyday for three long years. She had accomplished more in those years than she had ever thought possible. Sure, she had sacrificed her life as a normal high school girl but Kagome knew it was well worth it.

Jii-chan had brought in a friend of his from a shrine in the north to hone her reiki abilities. The ancient priest had been jii-chan's mentor. Once a week they met and she learned the art of her projecting and controlling her power. He had instructed her on the theory of using reiki for offense and defense Kagome hadn't the opportunity to put the theory into action. She was certain she would finally get that opportunity another day.

Beginning the short ascent into the hills Kagome felt another push of dark aura against her. Like something that was trying to sense her out, it tickled and prodded carefully around her. Never overly threatening it took its time assessing her giving her opportunity to learn from it. Despite its gentle push Kagome felt something very sinister beneath its outward appearance. A strange combination of peace and hostility it sang to her, beckoning her closer.

“Kagome?” Inuyasha's voice broke the trance.

“It knows we are here.” Kagome searched the area around them. Looking for anything hiding in the trees around them. Night was approaching, making the shadows in the foliage around them darker. With her normal eyes she couldn't hope to find anything in the trees. “Is anything out there?”

“No. I felt the aura again. My ears and nose haven't picked up anything. That's what has me concerned. No birds, no animals, nothing. There is literally nothing out there.” Inuyasha relied on his relationship with nature heavily. The fact that it was so quiet around him was a clear warning. Things were not right on the other side of the pass. Every step they made his ears twitched and turned trying to catch a sound of anything. The only thing he could hear was their own footfalls.

“That's strange. The aura talked to me.” Kagome mused out loud.

“What!” Inuyasha growled. He didn't like something that could approach Kagome without him knowing. Just what the hell where they up against?

“It wants us to come closer. Inuyasha?” Kagome was becoming confused as she tried to sort out the character of the presence she had felt.

“Yeah.”

“Is it possible for oni to be both pure and evil?”

“What do you mean?”

“I sensed great peace on the surface but underneath it was pure malice I felt. It's like it is both good and evil.” Kagome wondered if the peaceful vibe it was sending was just orchestrated.

“Isn't that what I am?” Really, when his youkai half was in control he was capable of horrible things. Sesshoumaru, at his request, had been helping Inuyasha come to terms with his youkai half. No longer did he fear the loss of his humanity.

“No. You are completely different. Even when your youkai rises to the surface you have always known who I am. Your heart is kind no matter who is in control. I think yours is just a matter of learning to balance the two. This was strange.”

“Funny you should say that. Sesshoumaru has been teaching me to balance the two.” He admitted.

“Really? You never said anything about it before.” Kagome was beginning to realize that there was a great deal of change that had occurred with Inuyasha since she left.

“It never came up. What about this aura? It could just be using the good side to lure you in. Kiyoshi said the women went missing during the day when they were doing the laundry. Maybe it just puts on a pretty face to attract its prey. I don't like that it is trying to communicate with you. Since when did auras talk?”

“I felt the aura first and then something trying to talk to me. They could be two separate things. That would explain the good versus evil thing.” Kagome worried her lip. Whatever was going on she was having a hard time making sense of any of it.

Ahead awaited a creature neither of them had ever encountered. As the sun dipped towards the horizon they continued towards the evil that awaited them.

A/N: Thank you Kokoronagomu for taking on another one of my stories. I value your input so much!

Catlover260: I'm so glad to have you on board for another adventure. I hope you enjoy.
LunaBell: Thanks for the great review! Enjoy.
Vampirelover2009: I hope the rest lives up to your expectations.
Kdec: Thank you!! ;p
little25victor: *giggles * so happy that you enjoyed it. You'll just have to stay tuned to find the answers to your questions...
LadyCash : My sweet! I hope this makes your day! Give you know who a huggle for me.
Mayu28 : Love at first sight eh?! I hope I don't disappoint.
Inu Hanyou Nikkie: I'm still blushing with your wonderful review. Hurray for a Kagome that actually prepares!
Kmoaton : Extra special thanks to you. Arigato for seconding Darkness. I squealed when it was nominated and I squealed again when you seconded it! Hope you enjoy this as much as my last. I'm pondering a few one shots with Sess and Missy so keep an eye out!