Book 1 Summer

Chapter 11 Crossing Paths

The sun rose over the mountain range shining rays of light across the evergreen forest far into the horizon.

The scene drifted to the sight of five travelers with a small cat walking along the broken trail in the wood. Shippo rode on Miroku's back as he sniffed the air. The kitsune cringed lightly, "What's that smell?" Shippo complained as he covered his nose. Inuyasha huffed out in annoyance. "We're entering into the western lands. My stupid brother created a faint barrier to warn off trespassers for entering any further." Inuyasha said as he sniffed his nose then coughed in disgust. Kagome blinked as she inhaled the supposedly awful scent of the dog demon demonic barrier.

All she could smell was the pine trees with an aroma of rain. Kagome lifted her head up gazing at the skies. Not a single cloud was seen among the bright blue heavens. The miko then took another deep breath. It was relaxing to her, not repulsing like for Shippo and Inuyasha. She then wondered if her nose was just too weak to pick any other scents in the area. Brushing the thought aside, Kagome continued on following the hanyou up ahead.

The group continued on until that entered into an open clearing surrounded by a mellow of yellow flowers. Kagome smiled warmly at the lovely scenery before them. A light breeze flowed throughout the area picking up the pollen in the air as a few cabbage white butterflies fluttered nearby the open field.

Just then a tall figure was seen clad in white with dark armor and long flowing white hair with a silver hue gleaming in the sunlight. Inuyasha instinctive pulled out his sword and growled. "Sesshomaru." Inuyasha said with bitterness as the Taiyoukai simply stared at the group. Kagome took a step forward, her blue eyes glistened. She could feel it, she could feel his aura. Why did it feel so sad almost lost into a deep pit of despair? Kagome thought as Inuyasha took another step forward.

"Why did you come?" Inuyasha asked as he tightly grabbed his sword. Sesshomaru simply lowered his head. "You are entering my lands without my permission. I will ask you only once. Leave my domains or face the wrath of my Tokijin." Sesshomaru said in a serious yet emotionless tone.

Inuyasha growled again, he's not going to be stopped from someone like Sesshomaru. "Let us pass! We heard that Naraku is somewhere here!" Inuyasha barked out as the Taiyoukai raised his right eyebrow delicately. "Impossible…My guards patrol these lands on a daily basis along with my protection. You are the intruders, Inuyasha. Do not make me repeat my warning." Sesshomaru said with a hint of anger in his tone.

"Well I'm not leaving! We know Naraku is out there, in your lands! We're not leaving until we find him!" Inuyasha said nearly shouting as his stubbornness proved to be difficult to overcome.

Before Sesshomaru spoke Kagome stepped in speaking honestly and hopeful to the Taiyoukai. "Please Sesshomaru-Sama. We heard that a priestess has journeyed here and has found Naraku. Allow us to search your domain. If we fail and cannot find him, we'll leave without struggle." Kagome said trying to negotiate with the demon lord.

Sesshomaru scoffed as he turned his head to the side showing the profile of his face as he thought to himself. 'The dead miko was here, so does mean Naraku is on my lands…?'

Sesshomaru closed his eyes before turning further he spoke in a regal tone.

"Very well, you are permitted only in the outskirts of my lands. Venture any further and I will take action." Sesshomaru as he then turned completely from the group and started to leave. Kagome smiled, "Thank you, Sesshomaru-Sama." The girl said in a soft whisper as the Taiyoukai narrowed his eyes.

"Feh! So much for a fight…" Inuyasha said slightly disappointed. He figured getting rid of Sesshomaru would have been perfect but Kagome stopped them before the battle could even take place. What surprised Inuyasha the most was his half brother. Why did Sesshomaru listen to her? Inuyasha wondered as he turned glancing at the miko who was talking to the monk and demon slayer. 'It's not important now…We have to find Naraku first.' Inuyasha thought as he turned to skies. "Come on. Let's keep moving." The hanyou said as the travelers nodded their heads and followed the half dog demon.

Resting under a large pine tree, Kikyo gazed up at the drifting clouds above her along with the swaying branches. A breeze shifted her hair lightly as she sighed, she could hear the sound of her heart beat pumping through her ears as she closed her eyes. She felt content at the moment. No longer did the soul collectors greet her behind the trees and surround her in the luminous orbs of the young women' spirits. She was just by herself remaining and being a live human being. She now exists in this world. No longer will time stand still and keep her from her desire, to live as a normal woman. Slowly she lifted the sacred jewel fragment in between her two fingers, glancing at the dark pink hue it casted as it shined from the small rays of light beaming pass the tree's branches. Should she use the jewel? She already possesses one inside her heart…Would another make her even more human? Could it grant her full abilities as a priestess? Yes, even with the sacred jewel inside her it wasn't enough to enable all of her abilities. She wanted that power back. To be complete once again.

Selfishly the miko took the jewel and pressed it against her chest. The shard absorbed into her skin and buried itself deep inside her body. The woman took another deep breathe as she felt her powers returning to her slowly. The feeling was amazing as she felt herself rise up to her feet. Her hands spread along her sides, wide open as the warmth consumed her body. The power built up inside her like a tidal wave crashing above a cliff. It was overwhelmingly heart-bursting as she cried out in a sound of relief as her aura glowed over her outline. A bright blue encircled her body as her hair swayed wildly. Then as soon as it happened, her aura vanished and her body slumped. Collapsing on the forest floor, the woman panted as her palms sweat. Trembling lightly she gasped out, "This power…This power it possesses!" Kikyo said loudly to herself as she then laughed darkly. Throwing her head back the priestess then laughed manically as her aura changed into a dark shade of blue.

Walking along the forest, the travelers grew wearily as they found no sign of Naraku. Taking a small rest in a clearing, where a fallen tree trunk made a useful seat, the four friends sat down enjoying some energy bars and bottled water. Inuyasha stood while leaning against a tree. His eyes closed and his nose sniffed again. 'Man, I can't take this smell.' Inuyasha thought as he then stepped over to where the smiling miko was. At least someone smelt pleasant…

Just then Kagome gasped as she dropped her water. Sango and Shippo both looked at her concerned. "What's wrong Kagome?" Shippo asked as Kagome placed her hand over her heart.

'This feeling…What is it? It feels like my heart is sinking.' Kagome thought as she then tried to stand up. Her head was spinning as she then looked out into the forest. Then she saw it. A bright light shining in her direction, the light carried a dark energy with it as Kagome then fell to the ground. "Kagome!" Shippo cried out as Inuyasha ran to her side.

"Kagome! What's wrong?" Inuyasha asked as his voice laced with worry. Kagome panted as she clenched her heart.

"I sense it…A-A jewel shard…" Kagome managed to say as sweat beaded her forehead. "A tainted shard." Kagome said as she pointed to the forest ahead. "Two of them." Kagome said as she glared at the trees ahead.

"What should we do Inuyasha?" Miroku asked as he gazed down at the miko with concern.

Inuyasha's eyes glistened as he thought deeply. 'It could be Naraku…But I can't leave her here.' Inuyasha thought as he then heard a soft yet trembling voice. "Go Inuyasha." Kagome said knowing fully well how the hanyou felt.

"Go and find Naraku." Kagome said as she forced a weak smile. "I'll be fine." Kagome said with reassurance.

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes; he knew he couldn't miss this one chance to find that bastard. Yet it hurt him to see Kagome barely breathing and obviously in a lot of pain. "Sango, Miroku watch over Kagome, I'll go ahead." Inuyasha said as he stood up and gave a serious look at the two warriors. "Of course." Sango said as she remained kneeled by Kagome's side.

Inuyasha then lowered his head before running off into the woods.

Walking deeper into his domain, Sesshomaru thought to himself. 'Why did I agree to her arrangement? I am Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western Lands. No one should be allowed on my lands.' The demon lord thought as he closed his eyes. 'Was it that woman's appearance that made me allow it?' Sesshomaru thought as he recalled the honest expression on the miko's features.

Could it be he has pity for her? Or something else more…? 'She's a strong woman. A priestess…There is no way she can be anything else.' Sesshomaru thought as he then stopped in his tracks sensing something evil and dark.

'Could it be that vile hanyou after all?' Sesshomaru thought as he then gracefully walked in the direction of the ominous energy.

The view of a woman stepping up to a barrier was seen as she closed her eyes. After she entered and disappeared, the scene moved to the sight of a dog eared half demon running to the location. He quickly stopped and sniffed the air. The scent was heavy with the odor of graveyard soil and sakura blossoms. 'Kikyo was here…' Inuyasha thought as he heart tugged against his chest. Stepping closer to a massive pine tree, he noticed the dark scorched marks along the bark and dead grass below. 'What happened here…?' Inuyasha thought as he then smelled the familiar scent of the Taiyoukai. Turning his head he growled as he saw the tall demon lord.

"Sesshomaru." Inuyasha said annoyed seeing the demon twice in one day.

"Hmm…So it seems you sensed it as well?" Sesshomaru said as he narrowed his eyes.

"Kind of…It was actually Kagome. She said she sensed jewel shards here." Inuyasha said hoping his half brother might know something more on the sacred jewels.

Sesshomaru closed his eyes as his face appeared as hard as stone. 'That woman…She is strong enough to sense the shards…Perhaps even the evil aura as well. Interesting.' The Taiyoukai thought as he then spoke coldly.

"I care not what that woman has sensed. From what I see the danger as already vanished. So it does not concern me any further." Sesshomaru said as he then turned. Inuyasha growled lowly as he shouted out. "How can you say that?! This is proved that Naraku is out there! Whenever jewel shards are involved Naraku is there, searching for them to become more powerful!" Inuyasha said growing tired of his brother's arrogant actions.

"You should not have that woman around here half breed." Sesshomaru said in a threatening voice. Inuyasha then froze as he listened to the demon lord. "He seeks her eyes in order to find the jewels, correct? In any case, she should leave this area and return to her homeland." Sesshomaru said as Inuyasha then scoffed. "Heh, what's the matter Sesshomaru…Sounds like you care for her." Inuyasha said in a mocking tone.

"Aren't you the one who should be protecting her, little brother?" Sesshomaru said with amusement as Inuyasha gasped lightly unsure how to comment back to the Taiyoukai.

Losing his temper Inuyasha pulled out his sword and pointed it towards the demon lord.

"Fuck this! I'm going to end this right here and now! After I finish you, I'll then kill Naraku." Inuyasha said with a confident smile.

Sesshomaru merely stared at the half demon. Giving him a bored expression he simply turned and left.

"Hey! What the hell?! Are you running away you coward!?" Inuyasha yelled as Sesshomaru replied lightly.

"I am not running from you. I have more important things to settle with rather than your immature fits of rage." Sesshomaru said as Inuyasha growled. "Say that to my face you bastard!" Inuyasha shouted angrily as the tall figure of the Taiyoukai disappeared into the forest.

Inuyasha sighed as he returned his sword into its sheath and sneered. 'That bastard who does he think he is telling me I should protect Kagome…I already do.' The half demon thought as he then barked out, "Feh!"

As the hanyou walked off into the woods as looming figure was seen watching him leave.

At last! I updated! Please review and comment!!!!