The sun was barely beginning to set in the heavens, casting its orange glow over the ancient land of Japan. The village was coated in the last rays of the soothing star as it's tip began to dip below the horizon. The people that lived there were tired from a days work of harvesting crops, taking care of their animals, and living their lives. There was a muffle of voices from the people as they all went to their huts, getting ready for the night that was about to come. A happy feeling came from them, as these villagers, unlike others, were far better off. A priestess guarded them from the onslaught of demons, which were becoming more and more of a plague that spread over the lands of the rising sun. It was here, also, that a certain half demon had been pinned to a tree for fifty years. Near the edge of this small little community sat a hut which glowed from the inside. A spiral of smoke began to rise out of a small hole in the roof, trailing with it a few embers that flickered and disappeared into the air. A smell of roasting flesh wavered through the open windows, tempting the people outside. A group of five were walking closer, heading for the the open door, the flap of wooden blocks pulled back to allow the fresh air in.

"Oh! Something smells delicious!" spoke a small little fox demon. His mouth began to water as he eagerly jumped down from a girl's embrace. He bounded over to the hut and went inside, feeling warmth flood over his tiny frame. He was followed by the rest of the group, all of them coming inside and sitting down, resting their weary bodies. The journey back here had taken quite a few days, and it would be nice to sleep inside instead of out in the open.

"Please, rest comfortably..." greeted a rather old looking woman. She had a patch over her right eye, where she had been injured when she was much, much younger. Having lost her sight in that eye, the patch had remained ever since. It was not a hindrance now, more like a part of her life. The old woman turned a few of the roasting fish that hung over the small hearth, making sure that it was cooked thoroughly. "It is good to see you all alive and well, although a little worse for wear. How goes your hunt for the sacred jewel, Lady Kagome?" asked the old woman. She nodded to the girl, clothed in a strange garb. Her manner of dress had once made her wary of the child, but after such a long time, Kagome had become close with the old woman. She treasured the girl like a family member, as well as the others whom were with her. Picking one of the fish off of the rod holding it, she placed it in a bowl and handed it to the girl, continuing to offer the cooking fish to all of her guests.

"We're getting there Kaede... We have a little over half of the jewel now.. Shouldn't be too much longer before we find the remaining shards!" she said, happily accepting the fish and immediately beginning to eat. It tasted delicious, as she knew Kaede had added some extra herbs to make it more appealing. They had run out of the food she had brought from her own time in the future, and relying solely on fish and a few berries they had found on their travels wasn't exactly the best nutrition. It wouldn't be much longer before she had to return home, to catch up on her life in her own world. There were many thing she would have to take care of. School was always an issue, her mind boggled by how many diseases her grandfather would claim she had as excuses to her absences. As it stood, it would take her nearly forever to catch up. Her friends hardly saw her that much anymore, and she did miss their company.

"As long as we continue to look, we will eventually collect them all." said a black-haired monk, who thanked the old priestess for the fish with a hand gesture, and proceeded to consume it. A snort came from the opposite side of the tiny hut. A demon, or rather half demon, had grunted at his comment. He took a hold of his own food and viciously bit into it, chewing loudly. His stomach growled, as he felt ravenous after traveling all day. Would rather have ramen... thought the demon. He had consumed his last ramen bowl a few days ago, and wanted to have another. Unfortunately, he would only get it if Kagome went home, and having her away always made him anxious for her return. Not only for the food and supplies she brought with her, but also that the more time she was gone, the more time Naraku had to collect the jewel shards that they didn't posses. It was a race against time to see if they could get them before the other half demon, and so far they were succeeding. Only a bit more and they would have the rest of the jewel. The only problem with that, was they knew where a few were. Koga, of the wolf demon tribe, still had his two shards in his legs, and then there was the one implanted in Sango's brother's back, keeping him alive... They would have to take those from them both, but Kagome had promised Sango that they would only take Kohaku's as the very last one. They would find a way of saving him first...

"Not like we have all the time in the world ya know." snorted the half demon, finishing off his fish with a snap of his jaws before grabbing another from the fire pit. Munching into that one, he ignored the glare that the little fox kit had given him, for that had been his fish to eat. "That was mine Inuyasha!" he said, whining and trying to get it back from the half demon. Inuyasha ignored him, holding out a hand to keep the kit at bay. Kagome only sighed at this, handing what remained of her fish to the kit so that he could have a full belly. The group settled into the hut, eating the remaining fish and relaxed, comforted by the fire and safety and warmth of the hut. Kaede offered them a few blankets that she had stacked in a corner, and the group decided it was best to turn in early for the night. Inuyasha stood and left the hut, preferring to sleep in the tree near. He felt it would be more safe for the others if, even though he was asleep, he was in the tree. It felt like a look out point to him, and if any trouble came their way, he would be able to sense it and warn the others. Every precaution to keep his friends safe was used by the half demon. In their travels, they had grown to be good friends, and he meant to protect them, to keep them safe from other demons, and especially Naraku.

The sun set, and night was upon them. The group slept peaceful, blissfully unaware of the world around them. It was one of the better nights of sleep they had gotten, and by the time the sun began to rise again in the east, they were refreshed and warm, comfortable and content. Kagome stirred in her sleep, awakening as a ray of light shone in through the window to lay on her face. She yawned, trying to keep quiet as she knew the others were still asleep. Sitting up, she stretched her arms and ruffled her hair, trying to wipe the sleep from her eyes with her fingertips. Shippo, the little kit that she had come to care for as a baby brother, was curled up next to her like he was every night. She took the blanket from around her and gently wrapped him up in it, making sure he was still warm. Standing up, Kagome tip toed over to the door, stepping over the sleeping forms of her friends, and slipped her shoes on. She pulled back the door flap and stepped into the early morning sunshine. A slighty nippy breeze blew over her, making her shiver as she looked around. She could easily spot Inuyasha's form, still sitting in the tree. He was wide awake, as he was every morning at day break, his eyes staring off into the endless fields of the land.

"Morning!" she called up to him, waving with a smile on her face. The half demon broke his gaze and looked down at her, giving her an annoyed look. He stood up on the branch that had been his perch, scoffed, and jumped down in front of the girl.

"Keh, took you long enough to wake up!" he said, arms crossed. Being too used to his rough manners, Kagome only smiled back at him and turned her head to the right, looking over what he had just been gazing at. The sun was glittering over the dewy grass, reflecting tiny rainbows in the air. Sunrises were always so very beautiful, and this mornings' was no exception. Sighing, the girl stretched her arms over her body, raising up on the tips of her toes to make the feeling last. She let out another happy sigh at this movement, then relaxed back. Inuyasha used that moment to stretch his sore limbs as well. Sitting in a tree all night wasn't the most comfortable way to sleep.

"We should get going soon. Naraku isn't going to wait for everyone to get their rest." grumbled the half demon. He was eager to be on the search for the shards again. It made him antsy waiting around. His body, unlike that of his companions, could take a longer beating, less food and rest than theirs could. Sometimes he felt as if they weren't trying, but it always came back to him that they were human, and although he was part human himself, his demon side gave him a strength and will that they could not posses. That didn't mean that his friends didn't have iron wills themselves, but that his was just more superior, as with most demons.

An hour or so later, Kagome and Inuyasha were waiting outside for their friends to awaken. Kirara mewed as she jumped out of the window, snuggling up against the side of the girl. Kagome reached down and petted the fire kitten, earning a mew in response for her affections. A smile came across her face as she scratched behind the ears of the demon kitty. Kirara knelt next to the priestess, closing her eyes as if she were falling asleep. She curled up, her twin tails cover the sides of her body and slightly hiding her face. Not thinking a thing about it, the girl stood up but fell to her knees.

A tremendous explosion threw the pair to the ground, deafening them for a few moments before their hearing returned. Inuyasha grasped the hilt of his sword, growling with his fangs extended. He had immediately jumped back to his feet, hovering in a protective stance of the girl and the fire cat. Kagome frantically looked around, wondering where such a large explosion had come from. She could not see another living soul near them, perplexing her more as to whom the destruction had come from.

"Stay down Kagome..." growled the half demon. He stood up and pulled out Tetsusaiga, the gang transforming from a brittle looking thing into a monstrous sword. The fur at the base of the hilt ruffled in the wind caused by the explosion. "Come out whoever did that!" he barked, his body tense in case another one came their way. The air was silent. No sounds were heard except the growling of Inuyasha and the panicked breathing of the priestess. Wind blew over them, rustling the trees' leaves. Straining to hear, the half demon tried to see if he could sense a presence. A soft rustle echoed into his sensitive ears, causing him to turn to the right and charge for the tree line.

"Show yourself!" he called out, swinging at a shadow that evaded him and disappeared. A soft laugh blew over them, causing the hairs on both of their necks to stand up. They would recognize that voice anywhere, and it always sent chills up their spines. Growling even louder, Inuyasha ran back over to Kagome, who still sat on the ground. She could feel the evil aura emanating all around them. It felt even stronger than she had ever experienced, making her feel like her own life was being choked out.

"Show your face Naraku!"

A black, dark figure materialized at the edge of the forest line. Another low laugh echoed over to them, and the face of their enemy, the bane of their existence and pain, stepped into the soft light of the morning sun. He dark luxurious locks spelled over his shoulder. His armor was missing, only a dark purple kimono and hakama covering his form. Piercing red eyes encircled by long black lashes gazed malevolently over at the pair, a slight look of amusement flickering deep within their crimson cores. He stepped forwards once, then another. The grass beneath his feet withered and died, the miasma that seeped from his skin becoming toxic to whatever it touched. This demon was pure evil, even so that the plant life around it seemed to be sapped of their energies.

"Hello Inuyasha. So good to see you again... alive." she said, chuckling to himself. The half demon was strong, but he was ever so more powerful. "I come here not to fight you. Only give you a choice. Hand over the jewel shards you posses, and I will let you live." he said, offering up his hand, a smirk forming on his cruel lips. Inuyasha scoffed, a smile of his own on his face. There was no way they would give up their shards, not to Naraku, or anyone else! Growling, he lifted his sword and slashed at the other half demon, who disappeared with ease, only to reappear a few feet to his left. Inuyasha swung again, but the image of Naraku flickered and teleported away again. The amusement in the demons eyes grew as the other grew frustrated, getting angered at having his attacks being avoided.

"Hold still, or are you afraid I'll kill you easily?" barked the half demon. He was met without a reply, except for a raise of a hand. The image of Naraku's smile faded as his hand flicked itself. Immediately, both Kagome and Inuyasha were paralyzed, unable to move. Shocked, the pair tried to move anything, their limbs, their heads, even their lips were immobile. They could not speak or even blink, such was the powerful control that was forced on them. How... how is he doing this? thought Kagome. He had never had this power before. If he had, she was sure he would have used it to easily finish them off. With another laugh, the shade of the half demon lowered his hand forcing them both to the ground.

"Since you refuse my request, I guess you leave me no choice..." Smiling, he raised his hand again. A faint light began to emit from his palm. It glowered bright and brighter, until it was the size of a small boulder. Lifting it above his head, a wicked light entered his eyes. With a powerful force, the light was thrown into the ground. Immediately, it grew and exploded, showering both Inuyasha and Kagome in its light, as well as Kirara, the hut, and anything within a couple hundred feet. The pair screamed, their entire bodies filled with agony, the world ablaze around them. Nothing but pain could be felt, as their bodies were racked with it. What was only a few seconds felt like hours before the pair both felt the world go dark around them...

In the darkness, there was no sound, no light. No scent, no feeling. All senses were gone. The only thing remaining was her mind. Kagome could not feel anything, not even her own body. Suddenly a cold spell wrapped around her form, encasing her in its wintry embrace. She wondered if this was what it felt like to die, to have the warmth sucked from your soul. Immobile, unable to do anything, she could only stare into the abyss of emptiness before her. As she drifted, she could only feel her mind slipping away from her. Everything in her mind began to grow dark as she felt like pieces of her were being broken away.

Unable to comprehend the passing of time, Kagome felt like she was floating away. She could not tell where she was anymore. Where... am I? she silently thought. Then something flickered before her. It was tiny, and she had almost missed it... but it had definitely been there. What? Thinking she had imagined it, she began to drift again when she saw it flicker again. This time, sure of it, she strained to see with her nonexistent eyes. This time it was coupled with a mumbled sound, one she couldn't understand. It began to appear again and again, each time growing in brightness and gaining more volume.

"...e.."

What? What is it... who's there?

"...ome..."

Please I can't hear you!

"Kagome..."

A bright light blinded her, causing her to flinch away from it. It was an incredible luminance, so much that she had to close her eyes again to keep it from searing into her mind. It took a moment or so for something to click in her mind. Wait... I can feel again? Slowly, the priestess opened her eyes. Her body hurt all over, the pain becoming intense as she realized she was waking up. Feeling an overwhelming sensation, she couldn't help but feel so incredibly happy that she was alive. That darkness had felt like it was eating away at her, destroying her, consuming her..

"Kagome... thank god you are awake!" the voice, now rough, echoed again. Trying to focus her gaze, a blurred image came into view. It was a dark mixed of muted earth colors, still indistinguishable as to what it was. She blinked a few times, feeling tears stinging her pained eyes. She could not help but begin to cry, for the pain she felt, for the pain that had consumed her in that abyss. A gentle hand rubbed away the tears with a soft piece of cloth, taking care not to scratch her. Blinking, Kagome tried hard to see who it was. After quite a few moments of straining, an anxious, yet relieved face came into view. She felt more tears bubbling to the surface, recognizing the face that was only a foot before hers.

"...Koga?"

A/N: Phew ^^ That took a bit to write. I think I am pleased with this prelude to the actual story. I hope you guys like enough to review and make suggestions or anything :3 I don't know how often I will update, but I will try and keep writing. Please r&r *hearts* ~LadyCharlotte