A/N: Hi guys, hope you like the fic. It's my first, so you know how it goes. This is a sample of the types of punctuation present in this fic: ' thoughts ' and " speaking ". That's so I won't confuse anybody. Enjoy! ;)
Disclaimer: Inuyasha and company belongs solely to Rumiko Takahashi and her imagination.
Chapter One: The New Comer
The sweet bliss of nothingness that engulfed her body was interrupted by the cacophony of loud voices filtering into her ears. With a groan, Kagome decided that maybe it was time to get up. Her companions were up a tad early given that the sun hadn't halfway risen in the sky and pink still yet colored the clouds. Another groan, and she sat up, stretched and saw the food sitting next too her bed roll.
"What has you guys up so early?", she said, her voice still containing sleep.
"Bout time you got up woman, hurry up and eat so we can leave." Inuyasha, at his utmost gruffness, had a wild hair up his behind. He was either mad about something, or just felt like acting an idiot. Over the years, Kagome learned to take his comments in stride. 'Well, if he hasn't learned by now, he never will, right?'
They began to pack up and resume shard hunting after breakfast.
Midday found the group still walking aimlessly through the forest. The sun was high in the sky, and the treetops helped little in shielding from the burning heat waves. Sweat soaked clothes and smelly bodies signaled it was time to rest. Miroku and Sango had fallen to the back of the group and the monk was breathing heavily.
'Poor guy, he looks so miserable.' Kagome decided enough was enough.
"Inuyasha, we need to stop."
"Keh, we'll stop when I say stop."
"Inuyasha.…Sit Boy!" And another episode of Hanyou Meets Dirt.
After a few mumbled curses from a dirt-caked face and some sighs all around, everyone set up camp in the forest. Kagome and the others ate a snack, while Shippo and Kirara snoozed in the laps of the two females.
About an hour later, Inuyasha looked up, scented the air, and left with a "I'll be back" following behind him. Confused glances passed through the weary travelers as they shrugged and continued what they were doing.
The sun began to set, and still Inuyasha hadn't returned, so the group safely concluded that they weren't going anywhere anytime soon. The sweat that was on Kagome was feeling sticky and dirty, so she felt she desperately needed a bath.
"Hey Sango, feel like bathing , cause this sweat is icky."
"Great idea! Kirara, where's the nearest spring?" The kitten meowed in the direction of water.
"Monk, don't even think about following us. I am psychic you know." Kagome inwardly grinned at the fact that she taught Sango what that meant. Miroku blanched and decided that this was not a fight he could handle. He'd be good for once and watch the part of the group still resting.
The springs were miracle waters to the two women. This was girl time, and conversation was in order.
"So, where do you think Inuyasha is right now?' Sango sent a pointed look toward Kagome.
"I don't know Sango, hopefully he's alright, wherever he is."
"Think we need to send out a search party?" Sango really didn't Inuyasha to be on his own.
"What for, he can take care of himself. Inuyasha is a big boy, even though he doesn't act like it sometimes."
Kagome began scanning the area as if looking for something. A strange feeling was crawling up her spine, setting her on edge.
"Hey, you okay? Do you sense a jewel shard or something?"
"No, I keep getting this feeling that someone's staring at me. It's probably nothing , though."
Sango looked at her skeptically. One doesn't just get those feelings for nothing, but Kagome just readily brushed it off.
"Sure you don't want to check it out?"
"Yeah, it's alright…I'm sure it's just me being paranoid."
"Trust me, there isn't too much being paranoid in this era. Are you finished, because I'm ready to head back to camp."
"No I'll just sit here for a while. You can go back and keep an eye on that monk of yours." Sango blushed, playfully slapping her on the arm while getting ready to walk back.
"If you need help, yell okay?"
"Will do." Kagome nodded and sent a thumbs up.
The feeling didn't go away after Sango left, if anything it got even worse. Goosebumps began appearing on her skin, and it wasn't from any temperature. The problem was, she didn't feel like moving. Whether it was because of the comfortable waters of the spring, or the prospect of giving some pervert a nice view of her getting out, she couldn't tell.
A slight breeze passed through the trees, a rustle of the bushes behind her making her bite back a scream. However, it was just a bunny. The silence was driving her mad, and there was nothing she could do about it except get out and show her goodies to "peepers".
Trying to find something, anything to get her mind off of her current line of thought, she looked up into the forest canopy. Surprisingly, there was a patch of sky large enough to see the stars. They looked like diamonds as they twinkled back at her. Despite her feelings at present, she smiled. It was enough to lift her spirits somewhat.
A few feet away, she could see rays of moonlight hit the forest floor. The rays had a calming effect. She was about to override her feelings to get out, when she caught sight of something. That same bunny was hopping through the lighted part of the forest, when what looked like a condensed beam of light hit it, exploding it in a rain of blood and chunks of meat. Kagome jumped and turned her head from the horrific scene. When she looked back, a man in white and blue robes was standing in front of her. He seemed to have a glow about him, then Kagome realized he must have been the cause of the bunny's untimely demise. There was no moon tonight. They had all forgotten tonight was the night of the new moon. Apparently, so had Inuyasha.
Now she started to panic. Maybe Sango was right in wanting to search for him. But she had more important things to worry about, like how to get away from the newcomer.
A/N: For those who don't know, Hanyou means half-demon. Tell me how ya like my first chapter! Thanks!
