Chapter 1: Sound of Death

Kagome walked through a thick forest looking for a challenge, or at least something that would satisfy her need to kill. Ever since she left that day many years ago she has needed to kill more often to survive because many demons have tried to take her as a mate but none were strong enough to even subdue her. She was older now but not much; her hair was longer and tied into a high ponytail. Her eyes though, were still cold and she still looked as empty as when she left. She wore a black tank top that showed off her curves and black pants with black slipper like shoes with a sword at her side. She had put two anklets on each of her ankles so that when she walked they would cling together telling people that she was near and that when they heard it, it meant death. They were meant though, to give her opponent the chance to hear her and prepare before she attacked; to give her a challenge.

She continued to make her way through the forest when a water dragon appeared out of the lake to attack her. Without even glancing its way she used her claws to kill it in one strike.

She looked at the blood on her hands, "pathetic," she said and continued on her way. As she was walking she could hear talking. With her sensitive hearing she could tell it was two male youkai talking about what they were going to do once they caught her; it sickened her.

"I hear she is strong, she will make a perfect mate for me," one of them said.

"Ha! You have to subdue her first Zin. I hear many have tried but all have failed. What makes you think you can do it? Me on the other hand may have a chance," the other said.

She was disgusted with their conversation although it didn't show on her face. So she decided to make her presence known, and end they're little conversation.

"We shall see, or we could just share her Shin," the one named Zin said.

"I like that idea," Shin said evilly.

Cling

"Shh! Do you hear that?" Zin said.

Cling

"Wait! I know that sound!" Zin said.

"You do?"

Cling

"That you hear is the sound of death," Kagome said and without them seeing or sensing her presence she had her blade to Shin's throat

"You think you can subdue me when so many others have failed?" She said in his ear, "I have killed all who have tried and you are no different," she finished before decapitating him. She looked at Zin and smirked, "Now, I believe it is your turn," and when he tried to run away she threw a kunai right through his heart.

Kagome walked over to pick up the kunai she threw. She looked at her kill and shook her head in annoyance, "they were too weak, not even a challenge for me, just like all the rest," she sighed, "and they call themselves demons?" She said again in a bored tone, and again, continued on her way.

With Sesshomaru

Sesshomaru had been in his study all day doing paperwork for his lands. Out of everything that came with ruling the western lands, paperwork was simply the most boring to him although it clearly did not show on his face.

"Lord Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru sighed in annoyance. It was Jaken, that toad's voice always made him cringe. He had no idea why he kept him alive.

"Lord Sesshomaru, I have a message for you from the elders and a letter from one of the village lords," Jaken said.

"What is it?" Sesshomaru said in his usual bored tone.

"The elders wish to see you. They said it is important that you arrive as soon as you can."

Sesshomaru sighed. Seeing the elders always meant that something was wrong, and he wished to not find out but he didn't have a choice in the matter.

"And the letter?" Sesshomaru demanded more then asked.

Jaken handed the letter to Sesshomaru and he began to read it:

Dear Lord Sesshomaru,

There have been mysterious killings around your bordering. Many say that this assassin wears two anklets on each ankle and when you hear them you know that this assassin is around. Many are being assassinated and we have yet to catch this killer or yet, see their face. We have decided that we should inform you that there is an assassin in your lands and they're killing many and we have yet to figure out why. We figured that if we informed you, we would probably have a better chance in finding her. But all we know about them is that they wear anklets and if you hear them you will know that they are near. They are very strong and have yet to be brought down.

Sincerely,

Village Lord

Sesshomaru was getting annoyed, not only does he have to deal with the elders but he also has to deal with an assassin in his lands. "Leave," he said sternly to Jaken.

"Y-yes milord."

Sesshomaru left his study to head towards the elders. When he arrived he was greeted by five older youkai.

"Welcome, Lord Sesshomaru," Riza; one of the elders said.

"What is it that you needed to see me for Riza?" Sesshomaru asked giving the elder a not to friendly tone.

"Right, Sesshomaru we're going to get straight to the point. You have ruled the western lands ever since your father died. It is tradition and required that you need to take a mate so that you can have a heir to take your lands. If you do not choose a mate by the next full moon; which is in thirty days; then we will have no choice but to give your lands to a neighboring nation," Riza said.

"I have ruled my lands for this long without the need of a mate and I do not need one now," Sesshomaru said getting annoyed.

"Sesshomaru, you have heard what we have said. If you do not choose a mate b y the next full moon then you will forfeit your lands. You have thirty days to do this."

Sesshomaru dared not argue anymore because when it came to the elders, it was futile to try and change their minds, even though he was angry with their decision. This whole deal with the elders made him even more annoyed; not only did he have an assassin in his lands, but he had to find a mate by the next full moon. Kami was simply not making his life easy.

The big question though was how to find a mate worthy of his attention. All the female inu youkai were self centered, hormone driven crazy bitches, and simply made him gag. But before he could think of trying to find a mate now he needed to bring down this assassin that was killing on his territory. This assassin's actions simply would not pass by him; assassin or not; she was going to be brought down.