InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Gates of Heaven and Hell ❯ And So the Journey Begins ( Chapter 6 )

The Gates of Heaven and Hell

 

Chapter Six

And So the Journey Beg­­­ins

 

Yuki-hime

 

AN: This is an alternate reality fanfiction to where I, Yuki-hime, am in complete control of this story. ^^ power trip alert! Warning: this fanfic is a KagomexSesshoumaru pairing. I'm going to do a short introduction that will lead into the first chapter. I don't want you completely confused. As I stated before, the only similarity to the series is that I am using the characters and likeness as well as certain plots, twists or etc from the series to push this little story along. To be sure that there is no confusion, I am listing the following characters the will appear. I hope this helps.

 

 

* I will not be listing my own original characters with the guide below.

 

 

romance: the romantic development between characters.

angst/drama: emotional developments.

action/adventure: adventurous content {battles, quests, journeys}

 

 

RATING: R

 

 

Character Guide:

Kagome

Sesshoumaru

Jaken

Rin

Inuyasha

Myouga

Kikyou

Kaede

Miroku

Sango

Kohaku

Kirara

Shippou

Kouga

Toutousai

Naraku

Kanna

Kagura

Hakudoushi

 

 

Guide:

“ ” the spoken words.

Any thoughts are in italics.

* for definitions or notes at the end of the story.

 

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

The enormous sphere of cosmic energy grew, engulfing the unusual trio. Naraku's voice faded as well, and Inuyasha was left facing Muso. The puppet wasted no time in distracting the hanyou. “Poor Inuyasha,” the laugh echoed his master's. “What have you got left but your revenge?!” The demon swung his sword, missing when the target jumped backwards.

 

“Heh, you can't hit me that easily!” Inuyasha yelled as he slipped into the thick forest. He would lure Muso away from the village in hopes that Miroku could get everyone out in time. Though he did not know what was going to on with Kikyou and that woman, he was sure it could not be good. `And Sesshoumaru was right in the middle!' The idea of his brother taking his place along side Kikyou fueled his anger and strength in his current battle. He would not lose. Not to Muso. Not to Naraku. And not to his brother, Sesshoumaru.

 

Kagura watched the scene below. Naraku's presence had completely disappeared when the light of the woman's purity had awakened. `Who is she?' She drew her fan back, waving it to release more tornadoes toward the obstacle of power. They were absorbed into the void.

 

Suddenly, the globe pulsed and sent shockwaves rippling out into the land. It knocked the fighting duo off their feet for a moment. “Looks like Kagura is tying up loose ends,” his voiced floated to Inuyasha's ears. His words were followed by laughter.

 

`What exactly are they planning to do?' Inuyasha was asking himself. He could only see the flames of burning houses from their place in the woods. “Whatever you are planning, I won't let you go through with it!” The inu-hanyou raised his sword. The metal hissed as the blade turned into a diamond. Sparkling shards of the hard rock burst forth from Tessaiga as Inuyasha shouted to the heavens. “KONGOSOHA!!!” **

 

The ground shook as Muso seemed to fade to dust against the bright light. Inuyasha was sure that he could not have survived that attack. He turned from the several large ruts on the ground that was littered with broken trees to the village. Without hesitation, the hanyou darted back home. Kikyou was still in trouble and he did not want her to slip through his hands.

 

When he reached the crest of the forest, he was stunned into silence. The scene before him was unbelievable. The large orb was still resonating power, rippling out like purple and pink waves over the land, homes, people and even demons. It was breath-taking, Inuyasha was mesmerized as it washed over his bare feet, quickly moving up. His body began to tingle and burn, opening up his spirit and refreshing his energy. But it went beyond that as the hanyou felt his power grow a little.

 

His golden eyes opened, flashing red before fading into their natural state. He focused on the people in front of him. Kagura stood still, fixated as he was. Kirara was beside the taijiya and houshi who were staring wide-eyed at the globe. Another shockwave emerged that was followed by crackling blue thunder bolts which spread over the area. The beams multiplied as they advanced, suddenly shooting upward to the sky, killing the thousands of demons that had gathered unnoticed.

 

The power and light faded after a few minutes, leaving the sphere still living. Inuyasha forced himself to move forward, eyes trained on the destination. “Kikyou!” He recovered his voice, shouting for her as he moved quickly past a still frozen Kagura.

 

“Inuyasha STOP!” The figure shouted at him. “Don't be a fool! You felt it yourself.” He stilled at her words. Kagura's outburst had seemed to shake sense into the foolish youth.

 

The ball slowly began shrinking, revealing the group as they had been before. Inuyasha took a step forward, uncertain of the dangers. Kagome's back was against the tall demon's chest with his arms wrapped in the embrace that saved her from Muso. Her head hung down, shielding her eyes from everyone. Sesshoumaru was unable to move, trying to soak in and decipher the information he had obtained. The miko behind them did not move either. It was as if they were all in a limbo.

 

Inuyasha's voice broke Kikyou out of her state as she turned to see him. “Inuyasha?” her voice was uncertain as she tried to recall what had been happening. Her eyes surveyed the area. The homes that had been on fire were now put out. The mortally wounded who were still breathing when the power erupted were now alive and healthy, standing about observing the damage and the strange woman. As were Sango, Kirara and Miroku.

 

All eyes were trained on Kagome, the unusual miko that brought both destruction and peace where she stood. And worst of all, she could feel them; feel all of their eyes on her. She just couldn't take it anymore. The girl abruptly turned in the surprised demon's arms. She buried her face in his fabric as tears began to flow. “Kagome,” his voice softly spoke her name. `What exactly did she see?'

 

“Please, Sesshoumaru. Please take me away…” her words trailed off as he picked her up, starting for Rin and the other humans. He did not need to be told twice; she wanted away from these people and this village. Away from whatever had just happened.

 

Eyes were drawn to the couple as the lord stalked away. Inuyasha was not going to let things go that easily. “Let's hope that your humans survived.” His words rang an unspoken truth.

 

Sesshoumaru had indeed underestimated Naraku. Again. For brief seconds of what some might call sanity, the lord began to wonder if this torture-loving creature would ever die. Kikyou had been right those years ago. Now he could see and understand what she meant. Naraku truly was deathly dangerous.

 

* FLASHBACK *

 

It was strange indeed that Inuyasha's wench would request a private audience with him. He was inclined to believe that his half-brother did not know of such a meeting because he sure as hell would not approve. The breeze was soft as it caressed his skin. The miko chose a very unusual place to speak. The forest broke away, leaving a clearing. Sesshoumaru noted the overgrown well, but what drew his attention was the large tree beyond the rotten hole.

 

There was no mistaking it. The demon lord had never seen such things before, and though he had heard stories, he never believed himself to happen upon one.

 

“It is beautiful, isn't it?” Her soft voice floated to his ears. She walked up to his left, her gaze never straying from the massive form in front of them.

 

“Yes. I thought they were only myths humans made up to ease their fears and worry.” His tone still held that icy touch.

 

“The *Goshin Boku is definitely not a myth. Lord Sesshoumaru-sama, if we can not put aside our differences then I am afraid Naraku may never be defeated. You and Inuyasha must combine your father's fang.”

 

“You must have us mistaken miko.” His words were short and harsh as he turned from the human. The urge to touch the godly tree had almost drowned him, if not for Kikyou's sudden appearance. He submitted to no one, not even himself.

 

* END FLASHBACK *

 

Inuyasha turned back to see Kikyou staring at them as they vanished among the debris. Her thoughts were a jumble as she replayed the illusions shown to her. “Kikyou…”

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

He would take Kikyou's offer. After the display of power that Kagome had shown, she would need someone to train her with her new miko abilities. He had found Rin with the guardians he left for her; Ayane and Natsu. The two women had taken Rin and a few other children with them when they ventured into the surrounding trees for a day of exploring, or so they said.

 

When the demonic lord finally came upon them, emerging out of the brush, his anger dissipated at seeing their safety. The fear and relief began seeping out of his body. He nodded to the women before speaking, “Rin, we are going to be leaving.”

 

The woman in his arms had been shaken more than he would have liked and she needed away from the ones had frightened her, time to calm down. So he had taken the four humans with him to the hills that evening. Sesshoumaru already knew of a place that his group would be fairly safe at. Afterall, they were guarded by Sesshoumaru, Lord of the Western Lands and resided in his half brother's forest. The only threat that they might have to fear would be Inuyasha's temper, which Sesshoumaru was sure he could handle.

 

The two women set up the small camp, while attending to the child. When they attempted to introduce themselves, she shied away; blindly wandering into the forest. The two exchanged glances and looked to their master. He nodded at them to continue as he pushed himself off of the trunk he had been against. He would follow her and keep an eye on the female until she returned to the site.

 

Ayane took Rin to the stream while they fished for dinner, returning successfully to the site after a couple of hours. Natsu had collected berries and some fruits to add to the flavor. When the trio returned, they found both their master and the female had returned to camp. They had obviously happened upon a private conversation as Kagome stood abruptly and walked several feet into the forest.

 

For the remainder of the night Kagome kept quiet, not speaking and barely touching her food. Sesshoumaru was aloof from the group as he watched her actions. She was distancing herself. After the meal, Rin helped Natsu and Ayane clean and dispose of the food. Although the child had tried, even Rin could not break the silent barrier Kagome had erected.

 

That night, Sesshoumaru kept his guard over the humans, not willing to let Naraku get the better of him again. Rin was curled into Ah-Un's warmth with the other two women slept a few feet away. The coals still glowed red as he could hear their light snoring. Kagome had placed herself as far from them as possible while still in the caresses of the fire. And Sesshoumaru had placed himself at her side when she finally fell under the sandman's spell, curled in a tight ball.

 

He let his thoughts wander momentarily. The extra guards he sent for would be here in a matter of hours, then he would be able to freely move around; free to exact his revenge, his frustrations. The woman beside him stirred. Her unexpected movements landed her in his open lap. She moaned lightly.

 

Her hair hid part of her face and he moved to brush the locks away. Her cheeks were flushed and beads of sweat covered her features. He could smell the fear and distress that was rising in her. She moaned again. What was it about this woman? Her strained voice broke him out of his trance. “Inuyasha…”

 

Her whispered words brought anger to the surface. He had to check himself. This woman did not know anything; nor could she remember anything. So why was it that she was calling out to the hanyou? The prince reached out to touch her skin. She was burning up. He looked to the sleeping bundles. No movements. And the forest was quiet as well. His eyes focused on the female again.

 

The memory of seeing her the first time floated to the surface. His left hand moved to the wound that Tessaiga left. What was it that had even made him look? Her aura? Her smell? There was something that pulled at him, urged him and on instinct he had obliged. `Damn Inuyasha.' He growled.

 

She was obviously human and her clothing led one to believe her a `free' woman. Yet, he had been wrong. Wrong about everything he had assumed when his eyes landed on her. She had fled of course. And he had followed, swiftly brushing Inuyasha off. He had to know what it was that set her apart. The youkai blood in him pushed his restraint. He slipped into the treetops, stalking her as she ran frantically. From his height he could see the drop and swiftly moved himself to where he could obstruct her downward path.

 

The minute he felt her body, he knew the answers to his questions. She was a priestess. His demon blood itched to run, yet he could not let her go. The purity flowed off her skin yet it did not burn him. And she did not smell like any human he had ever encountered. There was something else. Then his pupils landed on the jewel. Was that what had attracted him? The pull of power? The pull of secret desires unfulfilled? No. He was above that. It was something else. Inuyasha's shrill voice broke his gaze. `Kikyou?' This was definitely not Kikyou.

 

He looked at the woman again, gently stroking her hair. It had become wet with her perspiration. The forest was silent and nothing stirred. Sesshoumaru surmised that humans were indeed weak when he wrapped his arms under her body and lifted her into the air. Her body shook slightly. There was a spring not far and she had to be bathed and cooled before it became too dangerous. The demon was not a stranger to bathing humans. Rin would often complain about not bathing. Yet, Sesshoumaru just could not stand the stench that humans accumulated when they were dirty.

 

However, this situation was very different. Rin was still a child and the proud demon prince would never lower himself to that degree. Kagome was not a child. And the pull he felt in those first few seconds coursed through him. He growled, putting himself in line. This woman was not a toy, and he could not think of her as such. He was sure she held the key to Naraku's defeat, the jewel hidden in her body was proof. If the female survived after the hanyou was dead, then he might indulge himself in those buried desires.

 

The smell of water tickled his nose. He slipped from the tree line and into the clearing around the spring's banks. Sesshoumaru could not smell nor hear anyone around. His demonic blood telling him that it was safe enough for the moment.

 

A cluster of rocks and brush close to the edge caught his attention. The couple glided over and he sat her down, slightly hidden from view. He quickly disrobed, dropping armor and the kimono and hakama clothing. Pulling on her tie, the under robe loosened. He lifted her up, letting the flimsy cloth fall to the ground. She fit nicely against him, and he growled at himself for the thought as they both entered the cool water.

 

Her skin was indeed on fire. When the liquid touched her, she violently jerked. “No! Please don't…” her whispered scream caught him off-guard. “I haven't done anything...please… Please Naraku…”

 

`Naraku? Was he torturing her in her dreams?' He pulled her closer, holding her so she could not flail about. The demon dropped her into the water where her head was just above the surface. She had to be cooled quickly and her nightmares were starting to become a problem. Her pleas were getting louder and he did not want to gain the attention of any demon or human. Frustration got the better of him and his anger flared at her inability to overcome such an obstacle. Humans were too weak.

 

“Kagome.” The stern tone in his voice as he called her was lost. His claws cut into her arms as he shook her. There was no response. He checked her flushed cheeks for a sign, yet it seemed the fever spiked. The icy water was not able to counteract it, so it was up to him to quench the heat that was threatening to engulf her mind, body and soul. Sesshoumaru had held little concern for humans in general, only a few actually pulled at him, yet this human woman moved him into acts of compassion that he did not know he was capable of.

 

Thoughts of his father passed through his mind. Was this what Izayoi had done to his father? Had the human female caused him to go insane with his desire? Blood hit his nose. Blood mixed with a foul stench of Naraku. Miasmic gas seeped out of her tiny wounds. Now he understood what she had meant. Her words held meaning that had been beyond him. Had the hanyou got to the girl when they had been separated? What nightmarish horrors had he poisoned her mind with?

 

Sesshoumaru knew that Kikyou was in no place to perform another purifying ritual, so it was left up him. And the only solution he knew of required draining part of her blood so that the venom could escape. She cried again; her tears falling into the crystal waters. The miko's persistent movements had quieted as his grip tightened, giving him the chance he was waiting for.

 

The youkai lord sank his teeth into her shoulder. Blood ran away from the wounds across her creamy flesh. He could taste and smell the viral gas leak out through the two wounds his fangs created. Her warm blood filled his mouth and throat. She was a doll in his embrace as he pulled away, licking his lips and looking to her for any signs of change. The demon checked her. Her fever had broken. His solution had worked after all.

 

The two rose out of the water. Sesshoumaru quickly grabbed his kimono, wrapping it around her form before he pulled the hakama on. Although the fever had dropped, she was still in need of warmth. He quickly returned to the site; everyone was fast asleep, unaware of their departure or return. The female began to shake slightly from the cool night air. His body heat was not enough warmth so the prince stoked the fire, adding several logs to bring the blaze to life.

 

When the fire was finally set, he cradled the female close to the heat. Kagome's expression was serene, no hint of the fear that had been there an hour ago. The two remained in the position until daybreak, the prince moving to redress both. `Maybe this will calm her down a bit,' he thought, thinking back to her actions earlier that night. `Had Naraku been driving the woman to such crazy lengths?' The silver-haired lord set the female down beside the fire in front of Rin and Ah-Un.

 

He could smell the guards approaching and the youkai moved away from the side of the mystical miko, into the tree-line. Several demonic men appeared, clad in armor with various swords and daggers. “Protect the women. Do not let them out of this camp or you will pay with your life.” His words were sharp and cut the men into action, moving to their positions. Sesshoumaru did not want failure, it was not an option. Not at this point. He had to relieve his tension and the rage that had built up when he discovered Naraku's secret hold on Kagome. The hanyou was still able to control the way things were going to turn out. He had to make this fragile female into a strong warrior if they were hoping to defeat him.

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Kagura could not move her body, leaving her exposed to anyone who wished to attack. The power had immobilized her. The wind goddess felt Naraku's presence fade as the orb grew. Although this power should have killed the demon, instead the youkai felt almost rejuvenated as the deadly bolts missed her every time. The waves and lights disappeared. Suddenly, the foolish hanyou attempted to approach the energetic and very dangerous sphere.

 

Before she could help herself, Kagura called out to him. “Inuyasha STOP! Don't be a fool! You felt it yourself.” And it was true. Everyone felt it. The power began decreasing; revealing the trio, who appeared unharmed.

 

Her eyes narrowed to the woman. Naraku's aura did not appear with them like it had vanished. What had happened? The minute the hold lifted, she flew away in search of Muso or his remains. She had to find out what had happened. The people below her still stood as she had left them.

 

But what bothered Kagura more was remembering the weight lifted from her shoulders as the miko energy caressed her. What should have killed her only made her a little stronger. Had she been mistaken that she felt her heartbeat? `Is Naraku gone?'

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Sango looked about the wreckage. It was a lot of work and it would take weeks for the village to even look normal again. The truth was Sango knew that the people here would never be the same. Not after what had happened. She was sure that everyone would hold a grunge against them because of the unwanted threat that was brought upon the innocent lives.

 

And yet, human beings just kept amazing her. Even though Sango felt she knew these people, she was surprised when they reacted in the opposite way. Everyone was so grateful to the new mysterious young lady, even though she was the one that brought the destruction. Sango was personally thanked by every mother because she had taken care of the children during the raid.

 

Yesterday had been so completely crazy, that between her concern for the children and being knocked out, everything had become a blur for the taijiya. She had awoken with Miroku over her and the two small children in her arms. Her anger at his attempted fondling was washed away as her eyes caught the bright light.

 

Last night, Kikyou spoke a little about what had transpired inside the orb. The priestess told of the bloodshed that was covering the lands around her. Sango did not really understand what had happened.

 

“Miroku,” she spoke as the monk turned to her. “It's about yesterday.” Something was still off. Sango couldn't place it but what Kikyou and Miroku said didn't add up. Her voice lowered to above a whisper. “What happened to Naraku?”

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

The priestess needed time to herself. Time to sort through the images she was shown. Time to sort through this situation that had suddenly become so much more complicated. `How is it possible?' She just could not wrap her mind around the small truths she had been shown. Over the past couple of days, the entire village was slowly rebuilding the homes that were burnt. The huts that did survive were packed full of families living together until there was more space.

 

* FLASHBACK *

 

She was no longer in the village. Sesshoumaru and Kagome were not in front of her anymore. Instead, Kikyou was shown the homes of the villagers she protected. The wind rustled the leaves as the faint sounds of mats flapping against the wooden houses. Something was wrong. `Where is everyone?'

 

She approached the nearest door, peering inside to see it empty. A sound from behind caught her attention and the woman turned to see a ghostly image of another priestess. But her face could not be made out.

 

* END FLASHBACK *

 

“Kikyou,” Inuyasha's voice beckoned her to come back to reality. Even though he knew she had come to the shrine for solitude, the hanyou could not simply leave her to dwell in her thoughts alone. “Kikyou, are you okay?” The sincerity in his voice touched her for a moment.

 

“Inuyasha,” she spoke as she kept her back to him. “Please, leave me be.” Her pose never changed from the prayer stance.

 

“What are you doing?”

 

She kept her silence. He stood his ground. “I am praying for guidance Inuyasha.”

 

“Kikyou. You have to tell me what happened. I want to know. Naraku was in there with you.” There was a cold look in his eyes. One full of revenge.

 

Her whole body pivoted toward him. “How did you know? Inuyasha who told you?”

 

“What should it matter who told me? What did he say to you? What happened Kikyou? Did he get his hands on that girl?”

 

Kikyou stood, facing Inuyasha. “Who told you that Naraku was there?”

 

“Why is it so important?”

 

She shook her head. “I feel I must know.”

 

The name stunned the miko. “Kagura. She also knew that it was seemingly unsafe to approach you after the power disappeared.”

 

Kikyou could not answer him for a moment. What would she say? How would she explain what she had seen? “Naraku was there. We were split up, I was alone so I assume they were too. I can't tell you what he said to them, but he spoke in riddles. And I was shown the beginning of it all.” Images of what had happened to them nearly ten years ago.

 

“The beginning?”

 

“When Naraku tried to trick us.” Inuyasha nodded at her comment.

 

“What else did he say?” The half-demon prodded, unwilling to give up Kikyou understood, giving him enough to satisfy his thirst for knowledge.

 

“He spoke of her escaping before. Leaving him and disappearing.” She paused. “Onigumo never spoke of any girl with power. But I am sure that she is very special. If she were from this area, or region, we would have heard about her spiritual energy sooner. She can not easily hide such a strong will, and I am surprised she is still alive being unable to control herself. I do not understand how she can not control her abilities though. They do not suddenly appear over night.” She looked him in the eyes. “She would have had to be training her whole life or…”

 

Inuyasha waited for her to finish. But Kikyou's sentence was disrupted as loud noises were heard from the hills his brother and that girl had headed towards. He turned, sniffing the night air. Laughter from the small square could be heard and the smell of cheap wine and humans rubbing against each other filled his nose. Yet, there were other demons about. “We'll have to finish this later.” The red cloth disappeared through the door and into the dark.

 

The priestess turned to the shrine that had been erected in Honor of the Shikon no Tama.

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

After Rin and the others had laid down, Kagome still sat across from him, unmoving and lost in thought as the fire light licked her features for an hour. When she was sure he was asleep, the miko made her move. His hooded eyes focused on her figure from his perch. When she stood and slipped through the bushes and into the dark, he followed.

 

Kagome just had to see for herself. She could not take the nightmares another night. Did he kill everyone? Every child? Every animal? The thoughts of seeing a bloody carnage, body limbs hanging off of roofs and decapitated heads, made the young woman's head spin and stomach turn. Yet she could not stop herself from seeing the truth. She had asked to leave, check on the village to ensure that it had been an illusion but Sesshoumaru had refused her? Was it true then?

 

`Argh!' She shook her head. Everything had become confusing. Was she awake or dreaming? She never knew and could not tell the difference. Her memories were still as elusive as ever and now she felt as though she really had nothing to do with what was going on with the people she had met. `Tonight I will know. I will know if Naraku is telling me the truth.'

 

She slipped away when she thought the youkai had finally fallen under. The female charged through the undergrowth, ignoring the twigs that her white hiyoku* was caught on as she purged forth. The burning desire to see other living people overwhelmed her. Kagome was oblivious to the demons that were stalking her in the dark.

 

Sesshoumaru was glad that she had paid him little attention but that was quickly replaced when he realized that she was blindly running in search of something. The presence of other lower youkai appeared around them and he shortened the distance from her. She stumbled and started to fall forward into his waiting arms.

 

“Sesshoumaru?” her voice full of surprise.

 

“What are you doing?” he asked his eyes on the forest around them. He did not relinquish his hold on her instead he stood the woman upright and pulled her to his right side. The other demon guards he posted around the campsite would ensure Rin and the women's safety. Better safe than sorry. Before she could answer, he spoke again. “The village is south of here. You are going in the wrong direction.”

 

She paused, suddenly realizing that there were others around. She hugged her body closer to the demon, suddenly very frightened. `How could I know that?' Kagome buried her face in the folds of his kimono and fluffy armor*, her own gown blending in with his. Her black hair was the only contrasting element. “There are so many…”

 

He did not spare her a glance when she spoke. `So she finally sensed them.' A thin whip of light appeared and disappeared continuously as demons fell before their feet. He pulled her up into his embrace as they speed off to the village. “What is in the village that you seek so much?”

 

She swallowed hard. Her face had been buried in the demon's neck, his soft armor caressing her cheek. “I have to know if… if… there are still people…”

 

He grunted. “There are still humans alive. Why is it important?” Her breath was hot on his skin that was exposed from his kimono. Her fingers absently played with the cloth at his collar which caused her to touch him on occasion.

 

He heard the forlorn tone in her voice. “It just is…”

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

It had happened less than two days ago. The morning Naraku appeared. After the dozen of people that had been killed were buried, the residents gingerly started picking up the pieces of wood and debris, beginning the long recovery period for everyone. With the help of Inuyasha's group, their efforts were tripled and at the end of the second night, over a third of the village had been cleaned and about half a dozen homes rebuilt. Although there were still two dozen families without anything, the banter of the crowd that night was joyful.

 

Sango and Miroku sat by the large campfire and enjoyed the warmth from the flames and their friends. The singing voices carried through the night, disguising any other unusual sounds. Kirara sat at the taijiya's feet, curled in a slumbering ball. The couple watched as Shippou danced with the other small children who were clapping a beat as well.

 

The group had not noticed Inuyasha slip from them, several minutes ago. Yet, when Kikyou approached, her presence was praised. Her name was on everyone's lips. She smiled and greeted the people with warm words and encouragement. Food was passed to her as she sat beside the monk.

 

“Kikyou, where is Inuyasha?” he asked when she was settled. The catfish and bear meat on her plate was still steaming from the heat.

 

Before she could answer the houshi, a cold voice called out from the dark. “Priestess.” Every human adult and child froze in their spot. All eyes turned to the voice. A white form could roughly be made out.

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama,” the woman replied.

 

“May I have a word.” His tone was diplomatic as he turned and walked into the dark again. She noticed something off.

 

`Did he just grow two more feet?' She stood. “I will be right back.” The miko disappeared after the demon.

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Inuyasha was quiet as he slipped through the trees tops. The demonic stench of several lesser youkai covered the area. Yet, he had not seen any. `Where the hell are they?' He growled. It seemed hopeless. His nose could not pinpoint their location.

 

His thoughts floated back to his conversation with Kikyou. He could only guess that Naraku had slipped into the power ring with them, but he wanted to hear it from the miko. It unnerved him that she did not trust him enough to tell him whatever had happened. She still felt that the woman was keeping a secret.

 

“He spoke of her escaping before. Leaving him and disappearing. Onigumo never spoke of any girl with power. But I am sure that she is very special. If she were from this area, or region, we would have heard about her spiritual energy sooner. She can not easily hide such a strong will, and I am surprised she is still alive. I do not understand how she can not control her abilities though. They do not suddenly appear over night. She would have had to be training her whole life or…”

 

`Or what? How else could this girl exist?' The sound a child laughing caught his delicate ears. The hanyou paused. Rustling bushes caught his attention. It wasn't a demon. He stopped and stepped closer to see what had caused the disturbance. A small black haired girl popped out of the underbrush and into his chest. It took a moment but Inuyasha recognized her as Sesshoumaru's human companion.

 

When she looked up, her face was dirty and tear stained. “Inuyasha?” Her tone seemed confused and he grunted at her question. `What she blind?' The child took his response as she wished and clung to his legs. “Please save Ayane-chan and Natsu-chan! Demons attacked after Sesshoumaru-chan left.”

 

He grabbed the girl and rushed in the direction she pointed. `Where was the woman? And where was Sesshoumaru?' What had been so important that he leave the child and other women alone, unguarded? When they reached the site, it was in disarray. What little human elements that existed were scattered about the ground. Inuyasha could smell blood.

 

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Red cloth swished as she walked. Her hitoe contrasted against the darkness. Kikyou kept her eyes trained on the demon in front of her. It had taken her a minute before the miko realized that that girl was clinging to him, hiding among his armor and clothing. She was not sure of where they were going but kept her silence. Something had to be wrong.

 

They walked into a clearing, the Goshin Boku towering above them. She briefly wondered why he had brought her here. Suddenly, the girl darted out from under her protector as he stood still in front of the ancient tree. The silky hiyoku made the woman look earth-real as she stood under the canopy of leaves. Her hand went to touch the bark.

 

Sesshoumaru's words startled her out of her daze. The girl had mesmerized her. “Kikyou. Does your offer still stand?” It was the first time he had spoken her name. She turned, realizing what it was he spoke of and nodded.

 

Their eyes locked. “What were you shown?” The question left her mouth before she knew. His eyes never wavered, not that she expected them too, but his words had the effect that she was expecting.

 

“Death. Both humans and youkai.” She sighed. Just as she had thought. It was the same for her.

 

She averted her eyes to the woman. She stood as before, like Kikyou had seen in the vision. A sudden wave of fear washed over her. “Kami only knows what she saw.” Her soft whisper brought a flood of emotions into her heart.

 

It had been a very long day. Everyone was exhausted from the work that had to be done. And to top it off, they were not even close to being done. Three days. Three days ago was when Naraku attacked the village. Three days ago Kagome had awoken. And three days ago Sesshoumaru had made up his mind.

 

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Kagome could not keep her emotions at bay. It had become much harder to control her feelings when they approached the old tree. There was a strong and strange pull on her soul. The young miko felt a bond that she could not explain the minute the Goshin Boku appeared.

 

There was a fog that surrounded her and she felt herself slip back into faint and distant memories. The forest around the miko faded away. Her eyes were filled with a mist that clouded her already unstable reality.

 

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AUTHOR'S NOTE:

 

*Kongosoha - Diamond Spear Wave - This is an attack gained after Inuyasha battles Hosenki, thanks to that nasty Naraku. Hosenki is a diamond demon that forged Tessaiga { and I think Tenseiga }. After Inuyasha defeats the demon he gains the power to shot spears of diamonds with his Kaze no Kizu. ^^ Naraku can't stand up against this one.

 

*Goshin Boku - God Tree

*Hiyoku - the silk under-kimono that women would wear beneath the traditional kimono

 

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