Truth Wills Out
This has to be a joke, Sesshoumaru thought as he climbed stairs leading to the shrine. There's no way in hell that girl would go so far…
He broached the upper Torri gates, silently relishing the feeling of the purified air. At the top, he was greeted by the girl's mother—judging from scent and from looks. He offered her a polite bow. "Good evening," he said, keeping his tone level and safe, "I am looking for Higurashi, Kagome."
The woman offered him an easy smile with no threat following. "Kagome is gone, I'm afraid," she replied. "Are you Sesshoumaru?"