The wind blew harshly through the trees which were covered in darkness from the absense of moonlight. There seemed to be a raging storm but the scent of rain was nowhere in the air. Sesshomaru was easily able to survey from above on his cloud as he took in the demonic presence eminating from the area. A-Un, Rin and Jaken were miles away as he had left them to search alone for Naraku.

Sesshomaru glided down on his cloud but before he landed he noticed the smell of blood. It wasn't just any blood either... the miko Inuyasha had been traveling with was injured. If she was injured then her Jewel shards could be taken from her which would only strenghten Naraku. Though that was not all that could be taken if she were alone. With this amount of demonic aura surrounding the forest he was more than sure Naraku was the cause. Using his senses he determined the miko's direction and was off.

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Kagome screamed and thrashed within the lizard demons arms. Not only had she accidentally dropped her bow along the way but her arrows had been tossed away after she had tried to stab him. The lizard demon had only held her tighter after that and looked menacingly down at her. His claws cut into her right side and across the back of her left thigh. Kagome felt her wounds burn as he held her tight and she gasped in pain. The lizard demon leered down at her and began to slow from running through the forest.

Kagome felt the ground beneath her as she was roughly tossed down. The demon loomed above her. Holding her head high she glared up at him while trying to think of something she could do. Goading him would be risky, but if it worked to buy her some time then it may be worth it.

"What's wrong, did you get tired of carrying me? And here I thought that you were supose to take me to Naraku. Why stop now?"

The lizard demon was unperturbed and laughed darkly. "I was sent to take you to him. However, I don't think that he required me to bring all of you. Such a delicous smell, your blood. I bet it tastes delicious."

Kagome grabbed a rock as he leaned down and hit him as hard as she could in the side of the head. Yes! I got him! Now I have to run... The demon snarled and reared back for a moment. A moment that gave Kagome enough time to stagger up and run. Blood soaked the side of her shirt and ran down her leg as she tried to go in the direction she thought Inuyasha and her friends would be. If she could only buy herself some time for them to get there... Her thigh continued to burn and she couldn't help the tears that fell from her eyes. Tripping over a root, she stumbled before falling onto her hands a knees. Within seconds the lizard demon stood before her and pulled her back on her feet.

"That wasn't much of a chase. Come now, if you are going to run then you shouldn't fall!" He pushed her back to the ground harshly and watched with sick satisfaction as she groaned in pain. "They say not to play with food... but fear grows stronger the longer it takes to devour it."

Kagome glared at him defiantly trying not to show weakness but shivered in fear despite herself. Alright, come on Inuyasha. You have to be close... right? She tried to scramble away backwards as he advanced towards her but backed herself against a tree trunk. He reached out a clawed hand towards her face and her eyes widened before she leaned away and closed her eyes. No! Don't touch me! Sitting there in that moment seemed like forever. Sitting there just before the gurgling cry that stopped just moments after it had sounded. Kagome opened her eyes slowly but was just in time to see the lizard demon fall into three pieces before her with a golden colored whip receding back to her savior. Silver white hair flowing behind him due to the wind had her gasp, surprised that he was here. In that moment she was almost mesmerized by him but shook it off as relief for being saved.

"Sesshomaru?" Came out a surprised whisper.

Looking over her form he felt an emotion he did not understand. He was relieved at her safety. She looked worse for wear but would recover. "Do I not look like myself Miko?"

"That's not what I meant! How did you get here?" She was confused and for some reason felt embarrassed.

Sesshomaru stood there for a moment looking at her before turning away. "I know this demonic presence is Naraku's doing. I smelled your blood but could tell Inuyasha was not near. Are you not thankful that I came to assist you?"

Kagome breathed in sharply at his response and stood up. Walking over to him she stopped and looked up at him. He seemed to refuse to look at her and instead looked out to the forest around them.

Feeling irritated at his actions Kagome said the first thing that came to mind. "How about this, I will thank you if you look at me."

His eyes met hers almost instantly and she blushed as she realized that she had never looked into his eyes like this before. "Thank you Sesshomaru..." Backing up and looking away she tried to think of something else.

"Hnn" He looked back to the forest around them. "Can you tell the direction of Naraku?"

Brushing the dirt off herself from being on the ground she felt a sudden pain in her side, which was a reminder of her injuries. If she went home like this her mother would be even more worried about her going through the well. Maybe I should stay until I am healed? Oh yeah and my bag just had to be left back there at the abandoned house. She brought her thoughts back to the present.

"We need to wait for the others to catch up before we go after him. I feel that the Jewel shards are in that direction." Kagome pointed towards where the lizard demon had been taking her and she saw Sesshomaru nod.

"I shall be going alone, Miko." Sesshomaru turned and began to walk off. "Inuyasha should be able to find you soon. I do not wish to encounter the half-breed if I can help it."

"Wait, so you are leaving me here alone? What if another demon attacks me?"

Sesshomaru looked towards her and gathered his cloud beneath his feet before he drifted up into the air. She caught what she believed to be a small twitch of his lips before he turned his attention ahead of him and flew away. Suddenly, she she realized faintly heard a sound in the distance. Inuyasha was calling out to her and was sure to be headed straight her way. She sighed in relief. So Sesshomaru heard him coming. Atleast I know why he left in a hurry, but... Did I just see him smile? She began to walk in the direction of Inuyasha.

"Over here! I'm right here, Inuyasha!"

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Shippo snored lightly from within Sango's arms. The group had all tried their best to keep going in the direction of Inuyasha but without knowing where they were headed they decided to stop and wait for their friends to return. The darkness of the forest was lit only by the light which emanated from the small campfire. Miroku kept watch and listened for any sound which would signal someone or something was approaching them.

"Sango, are you still awake?"

Sango opened her eyes, "Yes... I can't sleep with all that has happened." She looked down at the sleeping kit in her arms and smiled lightly. "It seems that Shippo can sleep fine as long as he feels safe. It would be nice if I could sleep like that."

Miroku's eyes lit up as a thought crossed his mind. "Oh, my dear Sango... if you would let me I could help you sleep."

Sango's face flamed and her anger rose as she spoke. "I know all too well that it wouldn't be sleep that I would get if I let you do anything!"

Shippo yawned and rolled over in Sango's arms. Sighing, Sango glared at Miroku and wished that she could slap the monk. Miroku only smiled back at her and chuckled while he rubbed his hand over his own cheek. It was always her reaction to slap him after all. It only made her much more angry at him for his reaction to her anger. He knew she would not welcome him and yet he riled her up anyway.

There was a sound then from within the forest. Miroku was on his feet within seconds and Sango tensed. "It's just us." Inuyasha called out to them and they visibly relaxed as their friends came into view.

"Kagome are you alright? What happened?" Sango asked before she had climbed off of Inuyasha's back.

Upon seeing her blood covered clothes Sango's eyes widened in fear and she stood abruptly. Shippo woke from being jostled around and jumped down from her arms, running straight to Kagome.

"Kagome?! What happened? Can I help you?" Turning to Inuyasha he yelled angrily, "Inuyasha you idiot! You are suppose to be protecting her! How could you let this happen?"

Inuyasha glared at Shippo before huffing and looking away. "Feh! You act like it was all my fault! I can't do everything now can I?" He continued his rant in a mocking voice. "Inuyasha, kill the demons. Inuyasha, protect Kagome. Inuyasha, be in two places at once." He glared back at Shippo once more as he crossed his arms. "I'm not perfect ya know!"

Kagome walked to Sango weakly and yet smiled brightly through her pain. "I'm alright though I do hope you grabbed my backpack. There are a few things in it that I will need to help treat my wounds."

Miroku shook his head at Inuyasha and Shippo before he walked over and handed Kagome her backback. They had enough sense to grab it just before they had left the abandoned house. Knowing it had medical supplies and food was a good enough reason to not leave it after all. It was lucky enough for Kagome that they had as she hadn't lied about needing her supplies. As the night continued on, Sango dealt with Kagome's wounds and Inuyasha and Miroku kept watch. The rest of the night was uneventful, but for what reason they did not know. Naraku could attack them easily or send demons to attack them in his stead... yet for some reason nothing came.