"Gah! What kind of temple is this?"

Jumping for what would be the tenth time since their arrival at the temple, Miroku sighed in relief as he dodged yet another artifact falling from the decaying trees around him. Something just seemed off about the entire place. As he looked around with his violet eyes he couldn't help but to get a sense of nostalgia. The temple that had gained such reverence looked nothing more than an ancient village. So much so that he almost anticipated tiny children running around some of the giant columns that lined the property, playing a game of sorts. He nearly snorted at his imagination.

"It is going to take me forever to find this well that the King spoke of. Just what on earth could cause the Great Dog General to send us to a place like this? I would much rather prefer to get to know the Princess exclusively. I heard she is quite the beauty." With a smug grin, the Monk could all but imagine just what type of woman the girl in question was. After all...Inuyasha certainly wasn't any help in providing such information. Sometimes Miroku wondered if he even hit puberty.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to over hear, but did you say Princess? Have you seen Princess Kagome? I seem to be a bit lost..."

Jumping, yet again, Miroku swallowed hard as he heard the soft voice of a woman come from the side of him. He cursed himself for being in such deep thought that he had actually missed her presence. Taking a deep breath, the Monk slowly turned towards the woman and was slightly taken off guard once his eyes met that of her deep brown orbs. Who in the world was this woman? She looked like a goddess! Long, deep brown hair was pulled in a tight pony tail that moved with every sway of the wind. Her face was just as soft as her eyes and even held a reflection of grace and power. He just couldn't contain himself. Her entire body curved in all the right ways and her small, but power, thighs and biceps could easily be seen through the tight, black outfit that hugged her. Wait...tight black outfit? If he didn't know any better, the only people he knew who wore such outfits were...

"Demon slayer."

It was said in a whisper, but the woman still heard it. Her eyes snapped back into focus as she merely glared at the man. She wasn't stupid, he had been looking her up in down since he locked eyes with her just moments before. She even allowed it seeing as she was a bit busy sizing him up as well...though for different reasons. He looked normal enough with his short, dark black hair and his purple, violet eyes. He was handsome, she had to admit, more so than most men she had met. What threw her off was the clothes that adorned him. He wore what looked to be an all black robe under a traditional Monks purple garb. He held a staff at his side and she could see that just by his stance alone, he wasn't a normal peace driven Monk. The man actually made her want to stand her ground, rather than kneel and pray. She was a very perceptive woman and always let her instinct guide her rather then her thoughts. This man certainly wasn't part of these sacred lands, so why was he here?

"I'm sorry? Yes, I am a demon slayer. You're a Monk? Tell me, why do you seem out of place on such sacred grounds?"

Taken back by her blunt question, Miroku cleared his throat nervously. It wasn't everyday that he ventured into human lands. Since he left for the West years ago, this would have been the first he came to an all human temple. The woman was right, he probably did look out of place. However, that gave her no reason to question his holy abilities. He was still a Monk first and foremost and would die before denying it.

"Forgive me, but perhaps we started off on the wrong foot. It is my apologies, but I was never expecting to run into such a beautiful woman. You must understand that I was just stunned momentarily, but I have never meant for you to question my intentions."

Blushing slightly, the demon slayer eyed the man before her accusingly. As genuine as he may have sounded, she wasn't one to trust easily. Miroku smiled nervously.

"My name is Hoshi Miroku and yes I am a Monk. You are right, however, that I am not the Monk of this temple. In fact, I am actually hear to learn from it."

Sensing no lie in his response. The woman's eyes softened slightly as she unconsciously lessened the grip on the boomerang that was being carried on her back. Miroku sucked in a deep breath as he noticed this, almost berating himself for not even bothering to look at the weapon she had obviously had with her the entire time. He really should have been more concerned with the objects that could potentially kill him rather than the people that held them. It was a weakness that wasn't so easy for him to beat and possibly never will.

"My name in Rikai Sango. It's nice to meet you."

Silence seemed to welcome them as they just stood there, examining the other. Neither really knew what to say, but wished so badly the other would speak. Sango blushed again as Miroku only widened his smile, noticing how they seemed to be on the same page.

"I never seen your Princess, but would you like to look for her? I myself am looking for an ancient well said to be located in an ancient hut. Shall we be on our way?"

She knew she should have questioned his reasons, but found her self only able to nod as Miroku started to turn around. If it wasn't for a blast of wind that hit his back, he would have made a grave mistake.

'My emblem! Damn, it's actually on my back, what if she seen it? If she is looking for a Princess, than there is no doubt that she is the demon slayer that was with Princess Kagome. I mean, how many Princess's and Demon Slayer friendships can there be?'

Before Sango could question him further Miroku quickly faced her once more, bowing only slightly as an act of honor. Sango raised a brow.

"Do forgive me, but I could never call myself a gentleman if I didn't let the lady go first. It is only right. I'm just as lost as you are and only think that the well is located this way. There is no harm in you taking the lead."

Saying nothing, Sango walked slowly past him as Miroku let out the breath he couldn't help but hold. Making sure she was a good ways away from him, Miroku slowly walked behind her. Sighing again as he watched the woman not only straighten her stance, but also grip her weapon even tighter. Truly trust was not in the demon slayers vocabulary and the Monk was testing her patience.

'If I make a mistake like that again I may just have my head cut off with that weapon of hers. This is not a good day to be me right now. I wonder how my half demon friend is faring.'

Miroku believed it had to be better than him. After all, he didn't have a demon slayer just a few feet in front of him. His life wasn't being threatened and he probably had already reached his destination, cursing Miroku for making him wait.

X

x

"We passed this boulder a million times already! Face it, we're more lost than we were ten minutes ago!"

"Ten minutes? Feels like longer than that with your screeching at me every ten seconds. Can you just let me figure a way out of this?"

"I so should have never asked for you help. Men never know anything!"

Trying to get ahold of himself, Inuyasha cursed every person he'd ever met at that very moment. Why did he have to run into the most infuriating woman he'd ever seen? Who gave a damn how pretty the girl was, she was a total nightmare! It was a wonder how the girl was even a live seeing as he'd kill her himself, just to shut her up. Looking at the woman beside him, anyone could see she was thinking the same exact thing.

'This man is ridiculous! At first he seemed so sweet and good natured and now he's just a tirant! I could have probably found Sango a long time ago if I didn't waste my time following him. Stupidest idea I ever had...'

"Look, I'm telling you we are not going in circles. If you haven't noticed there are many boulders just lying around. This entire temple looks like ancient ruins. Just calm down and let me think."

All Kagome could do was huff as they both seemed to be at a stand still. The wind was growing even more wild as the stars seemed to brighten above them. She hated being stuck in such a dark night with a total stranger. Sango rarely let Kagome leave by herself and nights such as these were completely out of the question. Usually such protectiveness would irritate the independant woman, but right now she would welcome it in a heart beat. She never realized how much she depended on her friend until that very moment. Her eyes softened as she realized that Sango was out there too, without her. As annoying as this Inu character seemed, at least he was some form of company. Her friend was alone and just as lost as she was.

"Inu...How large do you think this place is? Shouldn't we have seen someone by now..."

Hearing the change in the Miko's voice seemed to calm his nerves in a strange way. Turning his violet eyes back to the woman in question, he almost cursed at the sadness that crept it's way into her soft brown orbs.

"We'll find your friend Kagome. I promise."

Sighing softly, Kagome locked eyes once again with the man beside her. It was strange, but the moment the words left his lips, Kagome couldn't deny them. It was almost as if him promising it, made it all the more possible. Was it because a promise meant another's word and anothers word held honor? Or...or was it something else?

Wishing to examine the strangeness in it more, Kagome about questioned the man before a loud scream was heard. A female scream.

"Sango!"

Without hesitation Kagome took off as fast as her legs would let her. Inuyasha mentally cursed as he followed the crazed woman. As stupid as it may have been, he just couldn't let a woman rush off to her death. If her friend was truly as skillful as she seemed, then a scream from her meant there was trouble. Trouble was not something that was welcomed on nights such as these.

'My sword won't transform with me being in such a body. Might as well even forget attempting to having a quick and easy battle. Why does dad do this to me?'

As much as he regretted chasing after his own enemy, he silently hoped his other wasn't in any true danger as well.

'Where is that worthless Monk when you need him? Bet he's already at that stupid well.'

x

x

"I swear it was a mistake! Just a slip of the hand!"

Anger filled Sango's eyes as she tightened her grip on her weapon. The man before her just laughed nervously as he scratched his head, one hand still planted firmly on his staff.

"Maybe I wasn't being as stern with you as I should have. This hear," Sango said shoving her weapon in the man's face. "Is Hiraikotsu. It is well made from the bones of many demons and can easily crack a skull if needed too, with little effort. Touch such areas again and your mistake will cost you a funeral!"

Falling over in obvious fear, Miroku slowly backed up to a tree he never even noticed behind him.

"Hehehe, I fully understand! You see my lady, this hand is cur..."

"Don't even start with that shit again you stupid Monk. Who will believe such a bogus story anyways? The only thing that is cursed is your lecherous ways!"

Taking Sango by surprise at the sudden new voice, Sango did such a quick spin she almost knocked over another person that was running right at her.

"Wha..."

"Sango! Watch where you swing that thing, I swear you always end up hitting someone..."

Without another word the demon slayer rushed over to the woman who was now being welcomed in a very tight embrace. The other just laughed as Sango cursed her own self for not paying more attention to her surroundings.

"I have you know that my hand is cursed! I told you the story of..."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Whatever Miroku, the only thing that's cursed is you."

Sango glanced over at the man that was helping Miroku up and couldn't help but raise a brow at the woman in her arms. Kagome just laughed as she broke the contact.

"Sango, this is Inu. He helped me find you! I see that you have ran into his friend..."

"Miroku. It is a pleasure to meet such a beautiful woman."

Both girls eyed the man as he took Kagome's hand in his, obviously getting ready to kiss it before Inuyasha quickly forced him to drop it roughly.

"We don't have time for you to be an idiot Miroku. We have more important things to do."

"Oh right! So then I believe you found the tree then?"

"No, I was too busy with the Miko. Surely you found the well?"

"Of course not! I was helping the beautiful Sango out. Gentlemen always puts the ladies first."

Ignoring the wink Miroku sent her way, Sango rolled her eyes in irritation.

"Just what are you two talking about? Why are you so interested in such random things?"

"Sango's right...What the heck is so important about the well and tree anyways? It's just objects..."

Kagome trailed off as the two men just stood there in a very awkward fashion. It was true what Kagome and Sango was saying and unfortunately the men had no answer. It's not like they could tell them that the King of the West put them up to it. That these things held a sense of power and magic. Power and magic that could possibly tell them more about the mysterious Miko in front of them.

"Hm. You're looking for the Goshinboku? It is right behind you."

All four jumped as they all turned to the new comer. Clad in nothing but white robes, along with a white veil on top of her head, a woman stood before them. It was easy to see that she held a sense of power and wonder. She fit in perfectly with the area and it's surroundings. How long was she there? Inuyasha, being none too happy about the little intrusion and already being annoyed with running into Kagome and Sango, was about to make a smart statement before Kagome walked in front of them. Bowing her head in respect, Inuyasha and Miroku both wanted to smack themselves for forgetting that Kagome was a spiritual woman herself.

"My name is Higurashi Kagome. I am the Miko of my own lands. Are you the Priestess who watches over this holy place?"

Smiling slightly, the woman bowed back as she nodded her head in response.

"Yes. I watch over the entirety of these ancient ruins. It is my job to protect the Goshinboku and well from all evil who seek it."

"Evil? What on earth could anyone do with a tree and well anyways? What's so mystical about them?"

If looks could kill, Kagome certainly would have already burned a hole into Inuyasha's head. Glaring back at her, he ignored the flares of her Reiki as he turned back the Priestess before them.

"See for yourself. Do you not feel a certain power around the Goshinboku? In many worlds, it is called the Tree of Ages, for that is exactly what it is. A tree that withstands time itself. Some say that these trees can even create it's own time barrier, almost preserving the most important aspects of it's life, along with the other lives that touch and worship it."

Shaking his head in disbelief, Inuyasha followed the others as they all seemed to stare up at the tree behind them. Miroku, taking extra care to be sure his sign still be remained unseen. Almost instantly, Inuyasha felt frozen to the ground.

'What...What is this?'

A feeling washed over him so powerful he almost believed the air was being sucked out of his lungs. It was as if time had stopped and all sound became mute. Nothing and no one stood around him and it seemed like the wind shifted faster from side to side. He was spinning or falling and couldn't tell which for his entire mind seemed to be set aflame. Closing his eyes, he believed somehow it would stop the feeling that was invading him, but instead only seemed to make matters worse. The emotions came to him full force and in just a split second it was as if he was somewhere else, in a completely different world. Everywhere was green and full of life and he could practically feel the tree's roots curl at his ankles. Fear now came to him and gave him no mercy as in one flash Inuyasha seen himself on that same tree. Roots encasing his body and an arrow sticking right out of his chest. A place only his heart could possibly be located. Quickly opening his eyes, he nearly stumbled back at the vision he'd just had. Fear was still evident in his orbs as he tried to swallow the lump that seemed to develop in his now dry throat.

'Was that...Was that a premonition? I know that some of the Healers back home have had many of them when they try to predict the future...Could that have been a warning? A warning from the tree?'

Really not wanting to dwell on it any longer and happy that he seemed to be back in the present place Inuyasha merely tried to shake the feeling from him. Glancing at the others, he didn't miss the look Kagome seemed to eye the tree with. A look of confusion and wonder. Her eyes were so soft you could almost believe she wasn't even in her right mind as she slowly started walking closer to the tree. It was in that instant that Inuyasha knew she was going to the same place he just left. A place he was sure she didn't want to go.

"Kagome, get away from there!"

Cursing when he didn't receive a response, Inuyasha quickly pushed Sango and Miroku aside as he grabbed onto Kagome's waste and gently pulled her away from the tree's presence. Snapping out of whatever trance Kagome seemed to be in, she didn't even realize that they were still on the temple's grounds. Sango and Miroku snapped out of their own trances as they eyed the two confusingly. Kagome blushed as she too, noticed Inuyasha's arm still around her waist before he let go of her, cursing as usual, but unfortunately letting his own blush be seen.

"Keh, you kept walking closer to the stupid tree. It was like you weren't there or something."

Kagome just nodded as she placed a hand over her quickly beating chest. She couldn't tell if it was because of the feelings that the tree invoked her with or the way Inuyasha's arm around her felt. She honestly wasn't even sure if she wanted to know the answer. It was the woman who seemed to get them all out of their own senses.

"So, do you doubt the power of the Goshinboku now? It is a tree worth protecting."

No one said a word as the woman slowly turned and walked in another direction. Without any complaints the group followed her, wondering what other stories the lady was going to tell them next.

"This is our main shrine and covers much of the grounds. This however, is something that isn't part of your normal temples. This, this is something much more special."

Passing trees and more fallen buildings, the group was surprised to see a tiny hut that seemed to still be well preserved. Sango and Kagome didn't know what to make of the place, but the men knew exactly where they were headed and why. Inside the tiny hut, the group just started out in wonder at what looked to be an ancient well covered in nothing but vines and moss in the middle of it's walls. Inuyasha could feel himself going back to that same place the tree seemed to want him to stay in whereas Kagome felt an even greater pull. Was she feeling scared?

'Why? It's strange but, it's like I've been here before...'

"This is the bone eaters well. Long ago, legend has it that the bones of dead demons would be thrown into its darkness and never be seen again. It was carved from the Goshinboku for this very reason, or so it is believed. Priests and Priestesses would purify the demons attacking the village and to ensure the safety of the people, would dispose of any remaining pieces by feeding them to the well. It was a assurance for the people of sorts."

Kagome once again could feel herself wanting to walk towards it, but Inuyasha seemed to have other plans. Standing unnaturally close to her, Inuyasha seemed to step in front of her more and more to break off any connections the well seemed to want to have with her. She was silently grateful for it.

"So your telling me that it's a well meant to eat the bones and flesh of demons? What kind of holy place is this? Why on earth would you give your life just to protect it? Seems like a waste to me."

Ignoring the kick he received from Kagome and the glare sent to him from Sango, Inuyasha stole a glance with Miroku who seemed to be thinking the same thing. It just seemed weird that such places were even thought to be holy for such reasons as those. If anything, the place gave him the creeps and he wouldn't hesitate to be the voice of everyone there if he could state it for them. Just how in seven's hell was any of this going to teach them about the Miko? The woman merely smiled.

"Ah, you are correct. These are all stories of stories that have been handed down from generation to generation. It doesn't seem to be a reason for such a place to gain such protection. Forgive me, but I guess you boys have wasted your time."

Sighing Inuyasha merely cursed again as they all followed suit to leave the well and the hut that protected it. Kagome seemed hesitant, but Inuyasha's constant nudging seemed to make her move a bit quicker. He was all too happy to leave such a place. He just didn't know what it was, but he felt as if none of it was new to him. As if he had heard such stories before.

It wasn't long before they all seemed to be at the entrance once more and Inuyasha and Miroku had started to take their leave. Mikoku left first as Inuyasha followed closely behind, shielding the emblem on his back while allowing his own hair to hide his own.

Kagome and Sango waited until they were out of view before bowing respectively to the Priestess once more in gratitude.

"I do appreciate you explaining this all to us. Me and Sango surely have learned a lot today. I do apologize for our new friend's rudeness. It seems that they were a bit uncomfortable and looked all to happy to leave."

Kagome smiled softly as the Priestess just smiled back.

"It is fine. This place is living history. Only few have been here and most don't really believe the stories when told. I am used to it."

Nodding again, the girls began to take their leave as they could almost see the sun seem to come up in the horizon. Had they been there all night? Kagome hated knowing that logic. The trip really was a waste of their time and as she glanced at Sango, she could tell her friend was thinking the exact same thing. Before heading out though, Kagome glanced back again at the kind woman who played the role as their guide.

"Thank you again! May I ask the name of the Priestess who helped us today?"

Kagome almost missed it, but as the wind picked up, the woman's head piece seemed to fly off with it. Shock found it's way into Kagome's eyes as another unnamed emotion crept it's way into her soul. The woman smiled.

"Kikyo. My name is Kikyo."

X

X

"That is the last time dad. I'm not kidding. I will never listen to you again."

It seemed to take all day for the two men to reach back at the Western Citadel and Inuyasha seemed to burst from aggravation. All afternoon long the half demon paced back and forth in the throne room, yelling at his parents in an attempt to recount all that had happened that night. Sesshomaru seemed bored with it all while Izayoi seemed too humored by it. Touga just listened intently, trying to take in all the information.

"I will never go back to that place again! I literally seen my own death on that tree! Do you even care? Where's that loving father so many people claim to have? When can I have one?"

Miroku just rolled his eyes as he patted his friend's shoulder in an attempt to calm him down.

"There, there Inuyasha. Calm down. After all at least we didn't have to waste time by figuring out all that stuff on our own. The Priestess did help us out a lot."

"Priestess? You keep going back in forth between Priestess and Miko...You do know the difference don't you? Do you know how confusing it is when you change from such titles for the Princess? I can never tell exactly what you are trying to tell me!"

This time, both men eyed the demon before them wearily. Inuyasha had literally explained everything to the King and he was confused? I mean it wasn't like they knew exactly what happened either but they at least knew who was all present! Did they not make any of that clear?

"Dad...Kagome is the Miko and we never caught the Priestess name, because well...I didn't care too. The chick was creepy anyways. All donned in white and hiding most of her face. Even her voice seemed creepily familiar...It certainly fitted the place though..."

Izayoi's smile dropped as she turned to her mate worriedly.

"You mean to tell me there was a Priestess on the grounds? Someone other than Kagome?"

"Yes! What the hell do you think I was talking about this whole time?" Inuyasha had just about lost it. Stopping to try and catch a breath he could feel his own eyes turn red at his own father's stupidity. Inuyasha was no storyteller, that was certain, but he did a much better job than most would, given the situation. Surely he couldn't have lost them that fast? Miroku shook his head as he tried to cut his friend off.

"Inu-No-Taisho sama," Miroku figured using his most honored name might make him understand that they weren't just telling stories. "The Priestess showed up out of no where. We didn't even notice her at first and she claimed to be the rightful guardian of the grounds. She seemed to truly know her stories too, seeing as she was so sure as she spoke them. She had a very mystic air around her so I do not doubt for a second that she was who she said she was. Kagome had no relation to this."

The Queen latched on to Touga's arm as his stare became even more concerned. Even Sesshomaru became interested at the seemingly new information now announced.

"Boys, there isn't any Priestess of those lands. In fact, it is said that there isn't even a living soul allowed to venture onto it's grounds. A powerful barrier surrounds the entire fortress and is invisible to all that nears it. When you have come to me saying what had happened, I was shocked. Shocked because I believed you would have to use Tetsusaiga to break the barrier, not just walk in. The last Priestess that guarded such lands died nearly 200 years ago. I would know, because she was buried with her mate under the Goshinboku."

Anger seemed to be washed away from Inuyasha's eyes as him and Miroku stood as still as stone before the royal family. Raising one eyebrow, he couldn't help by catch what his father just said.

"Mate? You're telling me the Priestess married a Demon?"

Disbelief clouded his eyes, but did not deter his father one bit.

"Yes. A half demon. You may have encountered the spirit of the Priestess who died there. A spirit guardian wishing for you to know the real stories. Her own stories."

If the room could grow more quiet, it would have been at that very moment. Inuyasha couldn't believe what he was hearing as his father's words seemed to play on and on through his mind. The vision of before trying to creep it's way back.

'When I seen myself on that tree dead, it didn't seem like that was apart of any of the stories that Priestess was trying to tell us. If she was a ghost of the past, why the hell was I seeing a vision of a possible future?'

Silence was his answer. He didn't like that answer.