Chapter 4-"A dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world."

The battle stopped, literally, which was a record time for the two rivals/friends. Sure the monstrously huge saber tooth, flaming, cat demon gave them pause but what had stopped them all dead in their tracks was Kagome. She sounded angry, something that normally wouldn't have mattered to any of them (had Sesshomaru, Sango, Shippo, and Miroku been present every single one of them would have been running for cover and shivering in raw terror.) but she was, at the same time, glowing softly. A pink light that, for the Sanzo gang, threw warning signs through their heads because it was getting stronger and the woman was pissed. Kougaji and his gang, unfortunately, had no reason to fear the puny human…Or so they thought until each and every one of them (save for Goku, Sanzo, Rin and Kilala) caught momentarily on fire from the pink energy. A series of what the fucks and startled cries ensued and general chaos reigned for but a moment before Kougaji identified the threat and would have attacked except…She looked like his mother. Oh not her form or her face, hell they didn't even have the same hair color or anything, but those eyes. She was glaring at them all the same way his mother had glared at his father when his father had put him in danger which was more times then he could count and each of those times had ended with his mother somehow succeeding in making him feel ashamed.

He's your son, your heir, and you thrust him into battle as if he were nothing but a common soldier all for your own hunger!

Do not push me woman. You're nothing to me, NOTHING

That may be but he's more than that and if you do that to him again if you PLACE MY SON IN DANGER AGAIN I'll help the gods take you down myself.

You wouldn't dare

For the love of my son!? I would dare anything Gyumaoh

His father's eyes had glowed, a smugness in his eyes that had shattered Kougaji to the core but his father said nothing. He simply looked at his mother with that look and walked away. His mother was nothing but light in his memories, nothing but goodness and sweetness and everything that made life worthwhile because she loved him and he would be strong for her. She had knelt by him then, pushing back a lock of hair.

See know my dear one, you're father is just a big grump. Everything will be ok. Mommy's here.

Gods that smile. He had smiled in return.

I love you mommy.

I love you too dearest.

I'll protect you.

I don't doubt it, my little warrior, I could never be in danger when you're around.

And she had laughed. It was the last time.

"YOU IDIOTS!" Came the voice from the woman and Sanzo was almost blinded by the light emitting from her even as he sensed it was fading, her anger receding, but he didn't know how he knew and, quite frankly, was going to resist any knowledge that had to do with the woman because she unsettled him in a way that he had never felt before. A way that, he knew, threatened him but he just didn't know how. He also didn't know why in the name of Buddah and everyone else he jumped in front of her when Kougaji attacked, a strange almost maddeningly sorrowful look in his eyes. He managed to grab Kougaji's wrists, stopping the claws that would have sunk into the girl and torn her to shreds, it took a bit of effort because Kougaji was a demon and Sanzo was still only human. Whispering softly Sanzo summoned the sutra, it wrapped around Kougaji and pulled him away from Sanzo and the women but it didn't destroy him because that was contrary to Sanzo's will. Once Kougaji fell the others, predictably, ran to him surrounding him and protecting him. Meanwhile both Gojyo and Hakkai watched in open-mouthed awe. Sanzo had never, really, interfered in a fight in any way shape or form except maybe like twice in all the time they had known him. And never for a female. History was in the making.

"Leave my brother alone." Lirin cried even as Kougaji returned to his feet, focused on the present now instead of the memories of the past. Still the girl unsettled him.

"Then watch where you FIGHT." Kagome yelled from behind Sanzo, turning away to go to Rin, comforting the girl. Rin had been in the middle of battles before but, always, Sesshomaru had been there. There or close by so she had never felt herself in danger, this was different because only Kagome was here. Normally that was enough to make her feel safe but they were surrounded by demons and neither of them knew if any of said demons were friends. Rin shook, but only a little, she was a princess after all the daughter of a great lord and she would not let her father, Kagome, or even Shippo down. She composed -herself quickly and nodded her head.

"I'm ok Kagome-chan."

Her voice was still a bit shaky but it was clear and strong and broke through the tension like the ringing of a church bell. Goku rushed over to Rin and Kagome questions tumbling out of his mouth as he checked on his new friend. Hakkai also moved forward to check for injuries while Gojyo took his place beside Sanzo, a protective wall around the others meanwhile Kougaji took note of the child for the very first time and he could feel his face reddening from shame.

"We didn't know she was there."

"Then maybe you should take the time to look around before rushing into a fight. You could've killed her."

"Look we're sorry." Kougaji.

"Oh yes, none of us saw the child please accept our humble apologies." Purple-haired beauty.

"We didn't mean to scare her." Lirin.

"What's a kid doing with you guys anyway?" Big buff dude. She had to learn all these people's names.

Kagome stared at them all for a moment and then sighed. It was the feudal ages all over again. Silently she thanked her friends for sending Kilala with her, without the demon cat Rin would have had to real protection today. Kagome was useless against Goku and Sanzo but Kilala could always take Rin to safety. She shook her head lightly.

"Look from what I gather you guys are kinda friends and I'll be traveling with Sanzo and the rest of the guys and so will Rin so I'll make you a deal. You watch were you're going before you start fighting, make sure Rin isn't in danger, and then fight to your hearts content meanwhile I know well enough not to get in between you guys." She was thinking of Inuyasha and Kouga, how they had always fought every time they saw each other but how they were always friends in the end. She supposed this was the same she just wished she understood why these two groups were like this. But, then, it could just be a guy thing.

"Fine, whatever, just one question. How the hell did you burn us."

Kagome looked at him quizzically and then noticed that everyone save Rin was looking at her curiously aswell. This was China not Japan but surely, after however many years had passed, they knew what she was because if they didn't that might mean that no other priestesses survived the feudal era of Japan and that would mean that the future could not be changed. Or, maybe, they've just never bothered to care.

"I'm a priestess." As if that explained everything. It didn't but Kagome couldn't seem to come up with a better explanation. There was little she could do I mean, really, how do you describe a priestess? A demon's worse nightmare. There, done, ya not the best ay to make friends. Kagome sighed inwardly, homesick for two worlds and stuck in a strange one…again… Shaking her head she looked out at the two groups and wondered what, exactly, would happen now but somehow she thought she knew. The other group would leave but before they did she needed answers, from everyone.

"Gyumaoh." She whispered, softly, but it worked. Everyone stopped again and looked at her. She could feel their stares like lasers piercing through her flesh.

"I'm looking for a demon named Gyumaoh."

Kougaji smirked and gathered up his group but he didn't say anything not until the last, most dramatic moment, before he and his group disappeared.

"My father isn't awake…yet."

Curiously enough though he didn't sound happy that his father might be waking up at all, whatever that meant, he seemed just so very sad.

Sanzo, and the others to be sure, were well shocked when she announced the demon she was looking for though, somehow, he knew he souldn't have been surprised. Not in the least. Was this a trick? A trap? But, no, he doubted that because if it had been Kougaji would not have been so surprised but, then again, Kougaji wasn't the same man he had been before, something had changed and Sanzo was beginning to suspect that the ONLY thing keeping Kougaji and the others on their enemies side was whatever it was they had over him which was, according to Goku, his mother. He could understand that, not sympathize but he understood because if it ha been…Stop that thought right there Genjo Sanzo and so he did. He was good at that, most days, for now he concentrated on the woman and the girl along with their cat. The girl was smiling again, giggling as Goku did one monkey trick after another until he could see all the tension drain from her, the cat had retransformed into a kitten state and was, once again, playing with Hakoryuu Kagome watched from a distance, watched the children and the animals but mostly she watched them. Sanzo turned back to Hakkai and Gojyo.

"I don't like this man."

"I have to agree, Sanzo, this does seem strange."

"So what do we do?"

"I say we ditch the broads."

"Gojyo don't say that, we can't just leave them here."

"Why not?"

"Because what if she's telling the truth? What if it IS just a coincidence that she is traveling towards the same demon we are? She could help us and besides…I don't like the idea of that child wandering around our world alone. Not with so little protection."

"I want to know how she did whatever she did."

"Ya what is a priestess exactly? I mean we have priestesses here but none that can do what she did."

Sanzo opened his mouth to answer but before he could, and shouldn't he have expected this, she was there at his side soft eyes imploring but there was steel there too.

"You could always just ask you know." Sanzo almost growled.

"Go away."

"No."

"So how's you do that…burning thing? And what's with the light show huh?"

"Please excuse my companions they're a bit blunt." Hakkai grimaced.

"It's ok I'm…use to it I guess. But I already answered your question I'm a priestess."

"Sure you are sister."

"You guys don't have priestesses?"

"Well yes but not any that can do that."

"Oh.' Kagome blinked, well that explained a lot. But how much to tell how much was safe to tell? She didn't know but she remembered that voice telling her Sanzo and she had been delivered to him. Right to him, had even woken up in his arms. Then she thought of Rin and Inuyasha and Sesshomaru, she thought of her son, and her world trembled for an instant.

"You don't trust me."

"No." They all agreed, unanimously.

"I don't trust you, any of you, but I'm stuck with you because this world is different. I don't know who the good guys are or the bad guys, I don't know what to watch out for or what customs I need o be aware of. I need you help to get to Gyumaoh to set my world right and to send her back where she belongs, where her father entrusted me to send her."

"And what of you, Miss Kagome."

"I don't care what happens to me so long as Rin and my son are safe."

Like Komijo kept me safe? Sanzo wondered but didn't say aloud. Couldn't say aloud but he still dreamed. Every time he closed his eyes he saw him, his father and teacher, and right next to that painful image was Goku but he didn't really look like Goku and Hakkai and Gojyo his friends, though he would never admit that aloud, but they didn't really look like Gojyo and Hakkai which didn't make any sense what-so-ever. He tried, vainly, to shake that image away but it simply wouldn't go. If anything it was becoming more insistent. So felt insistent that he felt almost faint, kind of dizzy actually. Until he felt something warm on his wrist, something as strong as a steel cable pulling him back into place with little to no pressure at all. It was her hand, purple eyes clashed with brown, his world spun, and then he ripped himself away from her.

"Do what you want, it's none of my business."

Oh god what had he done.

"Is he ok?"

"I don't know."

"Oh." Kagome bit her lips lightly, wonderingly, and then made up her mind.

"Well then we should rest here for the night. That little interlude cost us most of the day. I'll make diner."

"Why thank you Miss Kagome but, I'm sorry to say, we don't have any food."

"WHAT NO FOOD! But…I'm hungry." Goky mumbled pathetically. Kagome chuckled.

"It's ok. I've got it covered." Moving to Rin's side, where all their belongings were currently located, she found her yellow pack. There wasn't much in it, just the clothes and the gifts that they had been given, but there was plenty of ramen in there too. The bag had much lighter weight to carry now a days but somehow Kagome was sure that it would once again resume its unwanted state. Gods it would be strange carrying around the huge bag. Shaking her head she pulled out everything she would need while Rin instantly ran to get firewood.

"What's that?"

"Ramen."

"I've never seen it like this before." Goku commented, holding up the package. Kagome looked at the boy for a second and sensed a loneliness that stretched back years, her soul the jewel twitched and Kagome stood to wrap her arms around the boy.

"Trust me, you'll love it."

It didn't take long to make diner and the sun was long gone by the time said food was ready. Goku, as Inuyasha had always done, devoured one bowl-full after another until he passed out, his stomach bulging with the amount of noodles he had crammed down his mouth. Hakkai and Goyjo had also eaten their fill, entertaining both herself and Rin with outrageous stories of their journeys together. Goyjo seemed especially taken with Rin and took great pains to clean up his language around her which, from Hakkai's startled looks, was a very rare thing indeed. All in all it was a good night, filled with food and new friends and laughter. Except for Sanzo who remained alone, ate alone, and brooded. It made her sad, almost. After diner was done Hakkai washed the dishes before he and Goyjo settled down for the night, Kilala transforming once again so that Rin could cuddle up comfortably. Kagome looked around, unable to sleep.

"Oh Shippo." She felt a tear fall and worked hard to suppress the rest. Her hand reached up around her neck, to where she had placed Inuyasha's necklace, and grasped the pendant that she had had to rip from the skin of her hand (which by the way still hurt but was rapidly healing thanks, in part, to the jewel). Kagome looked at her son, her baby, and her resolve strengthened as it would every time she looked at the photo. Her son was in danger, Sesshomaru, Sanzo, Miroku where all in danger and she was the only one who could save them. Hell she may have never been bored if this event, whatever it was, was allowed to happen. She dragged her gaze away from the picture and began checking on her camp mates. It took a little effort but Goku, still just a child in many ways, groggily leaned on her until she could lead him to where Kilala lay, settling him against the great cat who gently wrapped one of her free tails around him, careful to watch for the flames. A much more comfortable place then the hard ground. Hakkai and Hakuryuu were sleeping soundly, Haku lying on the pillow right next to Hakkai's head. Chuckling Kagome fixed the blanket that he had already kicked off, replacing it gently on top of him. Gojyo had managed to keep his blanket but his pillow had been thrown some ten feet away reminding her of her younger brother, Souta. Like with said brother Kagome masterfully lifted Gojyo's head and stuffed the pillow beneath before he had the chance to wake. Watching as he settled himself comfortably and began babbling come on's to dream women.

"Now where is…oh."

Sanzo, of course she was looking for Sanzo, and thankfully he was asleep. But he was asleep a good twenty feet away from their camp, against a rather uncomfortable looking rock. Kagome sighed, the man was even more stubborn and strange than Sesshomaru could ever be and that was a hell of a feet. And imagine she had only known him for a handful of days. Glancing around Kagome found no pillows or blankets but she couldn't let the poor man sleep like that. He seemed so…alone. It made her ache. Sighing, not allowing herself to think about it, Kagome removed Inuyasha's jacket and tip-toed over to the sleeping monk who, upon closer inspection, was fidgeting in his sleep.

"Probably a bad dream."

Reaching out, slowly, she draped the jacket around his form but before she could finish his hand shot out and grabbed her wrist in an iron grip. Kagome flinched for a moment, expecting him to shout at her or something, but he just continued sleeping. Gently she pried his fingers from her arm but the moment she did he began to fidget again. Frowning Kagome made herself comfortable beside him and started gently running her fingers through his hair, relaxing him.

"Don't worry…I'm here." He stopped fidgeting immediately, as if hearing her whispered words. Shaking her head to hide both her mirth and her wonder she looked up at an alien sky.

"Please help me." Wether she was whispering to Sanzo or to the gods she wasn't sure but she hoped her families were safe, for now, and she kept right on running her fingers through Sanzo's hair, unwilling to allow nightmares to plague him, until the world started to brighten and pink fire decorated the sky.