50 years later….
The sun was shining overhead, the heat was almost to the point of being stifling without the humidity, but coupled with the humidity it was down right miserable. Kagome trekked her way through the dense foliage that surrounded her and was once again cursing her luck. She had been stumbling around for what felt like days and her legs were to the point of giving out. All she wished was for one break, one sign that she was close to civilization. Instead she walked and walked and the only break in her forested scenery was a small creek or natural formation in the terrain. She avoided the outcroppings and formations that could contain caves and the animals or demons that inhabited them. Looking ahead she let out a huff of breath and readjusted her small pack, bow, and quiver that were resting on her shoulder. Pushing her hair back that was matted with sweat she scanned her surrounding and continued on traveling in what she was hoping a northern direction.
As the sun slowly started to sink and darkness seemed to encroach on her vision Kagome resolved herself with another deep breath and set about making a small camp for herself. Setting her bow and quiver of arrows down she began to gather twigs and branches for kindling and firewood. Once a descent pile was acquired Kagome finally sank down in front of the fire, finally letting the ache in her feet and legs make an appearance. She gathered her hair on top of her head and tied it off with a ribbon and settled in and tried to get as comfortable as possible on the hard forest floor.
Drawing her small pack closer to her she pulled out some dried meats and bread and set herself to eating her meager dinner while finally taking in her surroundings in the soft evening light. As she chewed she thought back on how she got herself in the unfortunate situation. She was only supposed to be traveling for a week. She was called away from her quiet home to aid a distant village. When she learned of the small village and the children that were falling gravely ill she was determined to help and didn't hesitate to get on the road. That was three weeks ago, before she became utterly and completely lost. She shook her head to clear her thoughts, this forest was going to be the death of her. All she felt she had accomplished was going in circles in this reached forest. In hindsight she probably should have taken the advice of the messenger and avoid the "haunted" forest and take the time to avoid it. Kagome was not concerned about it being haunted by some apparent demon, but she was concerned with the fact of being lost and unable to help the ill villagers.
While pondering her poor decision making tendencies she heard a loud snapping sound a few yards away to her left. Eyes darting in the direction of the snapped twig she slowed her breathing and tried to sharpen her eyesight in the now dark surroundings. Straining to hear anything she focused on a pair of golden yellow eyes hidden just outside her ring of fire light.
Breath catching, Kagome did her best not to show her panic. If it was a wild animal she would hope it would lose interest and leave her alone. So much for sleep tonight. Braving her voice, she tried scaring the forest creature away.
"Hello.."
"I know you are there, shoo, go away"
A light growl was emitted from where the unblinking yellow eyes resided. Kagome slowly reached for her bow and her arrows.