Book 1 Summer

Chapter 12 Worried

The sight of the sun setting over the tall pine trees was seen as a small camp fire flared in the center of the clearing with the wearily travelers huddled together to keep warm. The nights were growing colder each passing day as autumn drew near into season while the air became thick with demonic energy.

Sesshomaru's lands were proving to be difficult to overcome for the human travelers as they're bodies fought off the negative vibes. Luckily Kagome's priestess abilities were subconsciously purifying the location making it tolerable for their mental health.

The scene moved to the view of Kagome safely tucked in her sleeping bag, lightly resting from her previous ordeal earlier.

Thankfully her headache vanished and feverish skin cooled down. But unfortunately the young miko still carried the trembling pain in her chest. Deep in her heart she felt uneasy and shaken from the event that took place only hours ago. Inuyasha remained close to her; carefully watching the young woman as she tried to sleep, burrowed under her blankets. Sango, Miroku and Shippo sighed with worry as Inuyasha tossed another branch into the blazing fire pit. The kitsune turned from his spot next to the fire and gazed at Inuyasha. He noticed that the hanyou said nothing of his venture into the forest after Kagome pointed out the jewel shards. This concerned the fox child greatly. Usually Inuyasha would have discovered something beyond the wood, yet he mentioned nothing to him or the others.

He simply came to Kagome's aid, concerned for her well being as he built the fire place for their temporary camp site in the vast forest of the Western lands. Shippo knew that whatever Inuyasha found, he didn't want to talk about it.

Honestly Shippo wished that the hanyou would speak up more about the issues on what he knows and feels. Of course, knowing Inuyasha that was impossible. But for the sake of their mission in finding Naraku. Every detail was important. Over the years, Shippo became familiar with the group's emotions on both Kagome and Inuyasha. Ever since he joined the half dog demon and kind priestess he noticed the pattern that played out between them.

Always something seems to happen to Kagome. Inuyasha in the end feels it was his fault for her misfortunes thus sulks over it rather than acting mature and being the leader of the pack. Through Shippo's heritage and knowledge of demons and animals alike it was normal to follow the alpha leader and obey their commands to ensure safety among the group. So far, Kagome has been in charge for everyone including the stubborn half demon.

Shippo wondered if it was reasonable to notice such an outcome for his group. Of course, the kitsune was pleased to see that his adopted mother fought so strongly for herself and everyone. But he couldn't help but worry that she seemed to fall into this troubling events such as today due to her powerful abilities.

Shippo could only count his blessings and hope that Kagome can break through the difficult path that leads her way.

Curling beside Kagome's feet, the kitsune rested his head lightly and sighed. The scene then drifted to Inuyasha narrowed his eyes as he stared off into the forest while he remained close by the sleeping miko.

'Where did that source come from?' Inuyasha thought as he recalled the burned bark that sheered over the trunk. 'Was it Kikyo's energy?' Inuyasha thought to himself as he remembered the anxious feeling he felt while in the area.

'And why did Sesshomaru say all that crap!?' Inuyasha thought angrily as he then thinned his lips.

As much as the hanyou hated to admit, his half brother's words got to him. He should be protecting Kagome and being by her side. Yet he knew she shouldn't be here. She should be in her own time where it was safe. Yet she was the only one who could detect the jewel shards and help him find Naraku.

Inuyasha felt caught in the middle between the dilemmas he was facing. 'I've just have to protect her at any cost!' the hanyou thought to himself smirking slightly as he figured out a good plan.

Turning his attention to the rest of the group he noticed they were preparing themselves for bed. The hanyou felt bad they had to sleep tonight with no meal. Hopefully Inuyasha can hunt a fresh kill of deer or rabbit tomorrow.

It was one thing he learned about traveling with humans. There were so many days they can go without needing rest or nourishment. The small energy bars probably weren't enough for the group to continue without feeling deprived. As much as the half demon hated delays, he'll have to make an acceptation.

Gazing up at the melting skies of sapphire with twinkling lights, Inuyasha slowly closed his eyes allowing himself some rest as well. Unaware of the peering eyes watching over the camp site.


The sight of a castle came into view as a woman was seen entering the residence. Crossing the dirt courtyard, Kikyo prepared herself as she stepped along the staircase leading into the doorway. Once inside she was greeted by Kanna. The mu demon girl slightly lengthens out her arm, guiding the woman to follow her. As Kanna walked down the hall, Kikyo hesitantly tag along, venturing deep into the dark hallways.

Once down the hall, Kanna turned and bowed. "Milord wishes to see you, please enter this way." Kanna said as her hair flowed down her face. Kikyo nodded her head as she stepped into the room.

It appeared to be a master bedroom complete with haunting candles lighting the room. A figure was seen standing in front of shoji window. The glooming lightly outside cast over the hanyou's form as he turned. "Tell me…What were you able to find in the outside world, Kikyo?" Naraku said with a tint of amusement in his voice.

Kikyo closed her eyes. Should she tell him she found another sacred jewel shard and that she kept it for herself?

No, it was too precious to give away.

"I met the Lord of the Western lands, Sesshomaru." Kikyo said with half truth behind her words.

"Ah, did you now…? Did he attack you?" Naraku asked as his voice tingled with interested.

"He did not…But he did threaten me to leave his lands." Kikyo said being honest.

"Hmm…It is only to be expected from the most feared demon in this land. Of course, his power is nothing compared to mine…" Naraku said as he turned completely, facing the woman.

Naraku smirked as he stepped forward towards the priestess as he spoke in a low tone. "Did anything else happen?" Naraku asked as Kikyo stared with little emotion across her features.

"No." Kikyo said flatly as Naraku smiled. "I see…Well then. You will stay here until we depart to the north." Naraku said as he turned back from the woman.

Kikyo narrowed her eyes, 'Does he know?' Kikyo thought with worrying as she placed her hand on her chest.

'No…There's no way he could…I'm safe for now.' Kikyo thought as she noticed the dark hanyou turning back to her as though he was listening to her thoughts, Naraku smiled even wider.

"Would you care to join me in bed, Kikyo?" Naraku asked in a sensual tone as Kikyo smiled lightly.

"Of course…Naraku." Kikyo said as she narrowed her eyes darkly.

The couple then sat on the western style mattress before hovering under the sheets.


Resting against a tree trunk, Sesshomaru thought deeply of the strange events that happened.

"Kind of…It was actually Kagome. She said she sensed jewel shards here."

Sesshomaru recalled his half brother's statement of the priestess noticing the evil aura. That ability alone was impressive for a normal human…a normal priestess. Then again, she has proved to be far more powerful than previous thought. The demon lord reminded himself as he recalled the times he's seen her in battle. How passionate she was as a warrior. It was something to admire yet Sesshomaru knew it wasn't enough to deem worthy in his eyes.

She was still a mortal…Yet somehow, someway she always seemed to come up when the demon lord least expect it.

Rumors of the travelers hunting the vile hanyou were heard all over the land. Tales of the priestess over threw the mentions of the demon slayer and monk, even the half demon. Her power was indeed a source not to reckon with. Then again, why?

Why her title was so strong compared to the others? No matter how much Sesshomaru tried to forget about the woman.

Something would always remind him and it infuriated the demon lord to no prevail. Even the Lord of the Northern lands has taken interested in the miko. Ever since Mt Hakurei fallen and the rumors spread of a fierce priestess battling the dark beast within the mountain. Intrigued Tougo, the Tiger demon of the North mention in his letters to Sesshomaru that the reincarnation of Midoriko has finally returned. Her power will help defeat the evil half demon Naraku. Of course Sesshomaru never believe in such prophecy nor encouraged it.

The demon lord was angered that Tougo has ignored his roots as a demon and lowered himself to ever want help from a mortal. Then again, Sesshomaru assumed Tougo is becoming desperate due to the destruction Naraku caused in the North. Polluting the lands with his dark miasma and killing everything within the area. Tougo's defenses have weakened and union was declared along the Eastern wood for a stronger army against the powerful Naraku.

Sesshomaru was later, offered the treaty and respectfully declined. Naraku was his enemy; he will deal with the war.

Narrowing his eyes, Sesshomaru scoffed to himself as he gazed up at the moon rising over head.


I hope you liked it! More action coming next chapter and Sess/Kag interaction coming up! I know it seems like I'm going in circles here, but there is a point to this build up.

Please review!!!