Strange Encounters
Sitting in a secluded spot inside his barrier, Sesshomaru relaxed against a tree with eyes closed, making it appear that he was sleeping, but that was far from the truth. The great Lord of the West would never let his guard down and was aware of everything around him.
He could hear the birds and squirrels moving in the trees above him and the buzz of insects hiding in the bushes. He could smell the forest and easily distinguish between each sent. He knew there was a field of flowers a mile away, and a dead animal in the opposite direction; that didn't really bother him since the smell wasn't very strong.
Not only were his main senses on alert but, also, his demonic ones. How else was he to keep track of the many female demons roaming around him? He was noting their progress, for he was searching for the perfect mate, one that was powerful and resourceful, intelligent and strategic.
Thinking it was about time to find a mate, Sesshomaru had called out with his aura to any female miles and miles around who were willing to fight for the right in becoming the Lady of the West, his lady. He would have only the best.
Opening his brightly, golden eyes, he gazed up at the afternoon sun. Soon, he thought. Closing off the light of his eyes with dissenting lids, he again stretched his senses wide to discern the combating females as the day wore on and assessed their power levels. His senses came on alert to a new arrival.
Focusing more on the late arrival, he thought to himself, This female is late, but quickly snapped his eyes open in shock when he realized she wasn't demonic in nature. No, she had a pure light, a miko!
Looking in her direction even though he could not see her, her spiritual powers were unmistakable. He then pondered its meaning. Only female demons can enter this Sesshomaru's barrier. How did she slip through? Frowning, he rose from his perch to confront his unexpected and perhaps unwanted guest.
Walking in a sedate pace at first, he soon picked up speed, running in the direction the pure aura was coming from.
His thoughts were swimming with questions he could not begin to answer and perhaps a bit of curiosity.
He did not understand. He had constructed his barrier so as not to be interrupted, and yet this girl, this miko, had somehow broken through. Unless she had been permitted entry, his mind told him in hindsight. But how was that possible? Why would his barrier allow her to pass? Not getting anywhere with his current thoughts, Sesshomaru focused more on getting to the miko, for he could sense the rise in her aura and knew she was being attacked.
Not wanting to lose the only answer to his questions, he quickened his pace. Passing trees at an impossible rate, he suddenly caught a new scent that made his eyes widen in disbelief, causing him to stumble over his own feet and almost fall unceremoniously to the ground, but he quickly recovered his footing and cold facade.
How did she get here? If she's here, then he can't be far behind, he thought.
Coming to a small clearing, he slowed his pace to a walk until he came to the tree line. The first glimpse he was presented to was her back and a shower of dust falling around her black head and scantily clad figure. He could see she still wore that ridiculously short kimono that showed far too much skin and clung to her figure like a second skin.
He then became aware of the power that charged the air with spiritual energy. He could easily sense it flowing around her and felt it brushing against his senses as she dispatched her enemy. Though now lying dormant, her reiki waited to be called forth again by its wielder. He couldn't remember her being this powerful, granted he hadn't seen her in a while, but even then he hadn't been paying much mind to the girl or her companions except for the half-breed when asking about Naraku's whereabouts or when beating the crap out of him to notice her rise in strength.
He then saw her stiffen and tighten her grip on her bow. Her powers soon spiked as she quickly turned to face him with bow at the ready and arrow fused with her pure light. Her eyes widened when she saw him standing there and could hear her whisper his name.
"Sesshomaru!"
He immediately became aware of her lack of use of the honorific to his name; whether it was intentional rudeness or not, he could not say, for she hardly ever added it anyway.
Looking again at the miko's garments, he could clearly see the roundness of her breasts and a thin line of her stomach. A good portion of her legs were exposed to his keen eyes. Not wanting to be accused of staring, he looked into her chocolate orbs and told her, "Lower your weapon, miko."
It was an order and Kagome knew she should follow it or face Sesshomaru's wrath.
The sun's rays, though waning as the late morning wore on, bathed Sesshomaru in its bright yellow light, making the diayoukai's hair shine like a hallow around his person. Either would have been a beautiful sight had Kagome been paying attention. Still a bit pop-eyed, Kagome lowered her weapon and eased off on the bow string. Warily, she put away her arrow, knowing it was no match for his speed and waited for him to speak.
Not having to wait long, for Sesshomaru will have his answers now, he demanded, "How did you pass through this Sesshomaru's barrier, miko?"
Blinking at him in confusion, she answered with an intelligent response. "Barrier? What barrier?"
He was silent for a moment, digesting her answer. Looking her over for any sign of deceit, he could find none. Hn. Does she really not know? Seeing her emotions clearly on her face, it was impossible to miss the sincerity of her words.
Needing to know how she got here, he asked, "How did you come to be here? Where is Inuyasha?"
Confused with his line of questioning, Kagome answered to the best of her ability. "Um, well you see, I was returning to Kaede's village after my visit home, when I could feel someone calling me." Talking a little faster out of nervousness, she couldn't seem to stop. "But I didn't see or sense anything else, but I felt compelled to follow it. So, here I am. Hehehe..." Laughing nervously, she then reached up to rub the back of her head and smile impishly in his direction.
Then a thought struck her. "Though, I'm sure I heard a voice once. I thought it was my imagination. It said, 'Come to me'. Weird," she murmured.
To say Sesshomaru was shocked would have been an understatement. The only outward sign of his rare show of emotion was the slight widening of the eyes. Recovering quickly, he reassessed the miko. So she, too, reacted to my call. Interesting.
Smirking, he departed with the words, "Let the game continue."
Not knowing if she should follow him and ask for an explanation or run in the other direction if he decided to come back and kill her, Kagome believed the second option was better for her health. So she walked, yes, walked and not ran like an idiot and trip in her haste, in the opposite direction.
Later, a shrill scream ripped through the air as Kagome's arrow fell another demoness. Holding her injured and bleeding left shoulder, she could hardly see the wound because of all the blood, and, kami, did it hurt! She ripped her other sleeve to make a make shift bandage to stop the flow of blood. She then tied it off with hand and teeth.
She made herself comfortable against the trunk of a tree to regain some of her strength and thought of the last four battles she had to fight after her encounter with Sesshomaru, and how each one was stronger than the last. Taking a deep calming breath, she looked up at the afternoon sky and thought, What is this? Attack the miko day? This is getting ridiculous. How many are there, and why are they coming after me?
They didn't seem interested in the jewel shards around her neck since none of them demanded she hand them over.
Oh, Inuyasha, where are you? Hurry up and find me already, will you, Kagome complained silently. She was contemplating getting up when the choice was taken from her as she felt another demonic aura coming towards her. Sighing tiredly she got to her feet to face her next opponent with bow and arrow at the ready.
**********With Inuyasha And Gang Earlier In The Day**********
Walking quietly into Kaede's hut, trying not to gain the attention of his companions who were talking amongst themselves, Inuyasha tried to look inconspicuous. He even refused to take the time to speak with his companions even when they asked him where he had been.
He became too preoccupied with his thoughts, lost in memory of a few minutes ago before he had left Kikyo, completely forgetting that Kagome was to return this day.
Last night, he had been in Kaede's hut when he rose to his feet to go to the door. Raising the door flap, he could see that it was still dark but had thought of retrieving Kagome later when the sun made its appearance, impatient to return to his search of both the jewel shards and Naraku, when he saw them. Kikyo's soul collectors. Looking behind him to make sure no one saw him, he took off after them.
When he saw her, she was wearing a sad expression that tore at his heart. Going to her, he wrapped her in his protective arms and embraced her. He was a little surprised that she returned his hug with one of her own. Holding him tight, Kikyo laid her head on his shoulder and allowed his warmth to seep into her clay body, warming her in more ways than one.
After a few silent moments in each other's arms, she tightened her grip before requesting, "Inuyasha, please stay and hold me. Just for tonight, stay with me."
He was unable to deny her or himself the comfort of having her in his embrace for a few hours more. When the sun started to rise, it came too soon for Inuyasha. He wasn't ready to leave Kikyo but knew that he must so as not to worry his friends or have them suspicious and ask questions. Knowing this, he ignored the rising sun and held on to Kikyo a couple hours more, his desire over riding common sense.
Eventually, he woke her from her light sleep, then he jumped from their perch on a high branch and settled her gently on the ground. Not knowing what to say to her, he just stared into her eyes with sadness and longing. Looking back at him for a moment longer, she then turned away without a word and left while being accompanied by her soul stealers.
Only when she was out of his sight and hearing did he return to Kaede's hut. Still lost in thought, he was jolted out of them when Shippo asked, "When's Kagome coming? I miss her."
It was then that Inuyasha realized that it was getting late in the morning. How long had he been sitting, thinking about Kikyo, he wondered.
Getting to his feet as Sango chimed in, "I'm surprised you haven't gone after her a couple hours ago, Inuyasha."
Smirking, Miroku joined in, saying, "He's probably being nice for a change and giving her more time with her family considering she hasn't seen them in almost a month."
Guilt plagued Inuyasha's mind at the reminder of keeping her so long from her home. Turning towards the door, he said gruffly, "I'll be right back."
All inside knew he was on his way to bring back their miko friend and decided to sit back and wait for their eventual arrival. Knowing Inuyasha, it wouldn't be long if he had his way.
Inuyasha ran full speed to the Bone-Eater's Well, tensing his muscles to jump in and let the power of the well transport him forward into the future where Kagome lived, but he stopped at the last second before jumping in when he caught sight of something yellow beside the wooden structure. Looking at Kagome's backpack, smelling her scent move away from the village and into the forest, froze his limbs as well as his lungs for a split second before a scream rent the air in the form of the miko's name.
"Kagome!"
He was tempted to race off and follow her scent, but instead, he forced himself to grab her bag and race back to his friends. His mind was in a whirl of confusion and fear for his friend. He didn't know what had compelled her to leave her things and venture away from Kaede's village, but by her scent, she couldn't have been gone longer than an hour, maybe two. He was confident he could meet up with her soon, but in what state would they find her in? He was beyond worried when he charged through the front flap of Kaede's hut.
After everyone was brought up to speed, they all raced to the well where Miroku, the voice of reason, asked Inuyasha to check to make sure she was not in her own time. Inuyasha fought him on this, yelling that her scent lead into the forest, but Miroku would not be swayed. He told the irate hanyou it was a precaution. Giving in ungracefully, Inuyasha disappeared into the well.
Several minutes later, he came back minus a miko.
"Well, Inuyasha? Was she there?" asked a worried Shippo, who perched on Sango's shoulder, though it was obvious by her absence but was compelled to ask. Inuyasha shook his head in the negative which made the little fox kit cry in abundance as hope left him. Sango reached up to pat him on the head, trying to soothe him.
"Do you think you can pick up her scent, Inuyasha?" asked Miroku.
Inuyasha nodded. "Yeah, let's go." He then lifted his nose in the air to catch Kagome's scent before taking off into the forest.
Sighing, Miroku said, "That Inuyasha. He never waits for use humans, does he?"
Without answering, Sango called, "Kirara," and waited for the little two tailed demon to transform into her larger form before getting on. Miroku got up behind her and brought up his staff in front of Sango's waist and put his hand on either side of it. Shippo held on tight to Sango's clothing so as not to fall off.
Without any encouragement from Sango, Kirara leaped into the air to catch up with Inuyasha and flew over him. Wait for me, Kagome. Wait for me! Inuyasha thought fiercely.
As fate would have it, the party was soon fell upon by a countless female youkai. Where one fell, another came to take her place. They could not understand why so many were in the area, but the small band of companions were aware that the demoness' were on the same path their missing friend traveled. To say they were worried was an understatement.
It was late afternoon when Inuyasha ran face first into a barrier that flung him back a few feet.
"Inuyasha!" screamed Sango. And soon Kirara landed by the groaning half-demon.
"Now what?!" demanded the little fox kit.
Sitting up, Inuyasha rubbed his nose and pointed ahead of them. "It's a barrier. She's there, I know it!"
"Do you think you can break it?" asked Miroku.
"Keh, of course I can," Inuyasha boasted before drawing his Tetsusaiga.
His massive sword turned blood red before he swung at the barrier. It didn't even waver. "What?" Inuyasha whispered in confusion. Growling in anger, he lifted his sword again to hit the barrier, but the damn thing wouldn't break.
"Try harder, Inuyasha. We have to get Kagome!" Shippo wailed.
A growl was his answer before Miroku moved forward to comfort the small fox child. "It's alright, Shippo. We'll get her back, don't worry." He pated the little kit's head to try and reassure him. They all stood staring at the barrier with worry in their eyes, hoping Kagome was alright.
"Kagome," Inuyasha whispered.
