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Chapter Eight: Prelude to the Storm

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Inuyasha looked back at the small group following him, and grinned to himself. It felt more like old times. His heart contracted slightly; there were two missing. He glanced at Miroku, who raised his gaze from the ground, and Inuyasha knew he felt the same. Sango refused to meet his gaze and kept her eyes to the ground as she walked. He sighed and continued to walk forward.

Kikyou walked about in the woods just off the path. Her body had to replenish the dead souls as they walked, and understanding the group's discomfort at the process, she kept out of sight as often as the terrain would allow. Inuyasha stifled the guilty feeling trying to take hold thinking of the woman. They were on the way now, to end this long hunt and bring the reign of evil to a close. Negative emotions had no place in this quest.

He let his mind drift back over the past few days and a light smile lit his face. Being with Kagome, and their friends, made him feel as if he truly belonged, like he had family, a real family, for the first time in his life. Thinking of his friends, he looked behind him again. He needed to clear the air, and make things right.

Stopping suddenly, he waited until the two caught up and asked, "Are you two tired? Do you need to rest?"

Sango looked up at him in surprise. Never, in all the time they had traveled together, has Inuyasha volunteered to stop. He usually pushed the group until dusk, and then complained about weak humans needing sleep. Her eyes turned to Miroku, who seemed as mystified as she was. Looking back at the hanyou, she said softly, "I'm all right. I can continue for awhile."

The monk posed a question of his own. "Is everything all right with you?" He watched his friend patiently.

Inuyasha scowled and looked down. "I don't need to stop, but I think we need to talk." He looked at both suddenly. "What's wrong with you two?" He demanded crossly.

Miroku blinked but remained calm. Sango started. She looked at the hanyou before looking at the monk. "Inuyasha …" she began, uncertain on how to broach the subject. She glanced at the wooded area where she believed Kikyou to be. "It's wrong. It feels wrong."

At Inuyasha's growl, Miroku said calmly, "I too feel something is wrong. It could be we feel the loss of Kagome-sama and even Shippou." He looked steadily at his friend. "I feel it is neither, and it has to do with Kikyou-sama."

Looking from one friend to the other, Inuyasha's brow cleared. He had also been feeling uneasy all day, but had tried to pass it off as his own feelings and misgivings. He looked to the wooded area where the miko should be before replying. "I have to agree with you both. I thought it was my …" He looked away, a faint flush appeared on his cheeks.

"Well?" Sango asked, looking at him seriously.

Blinking, Inuyasha stared at her. "Well what?"

Looking as though she couldn't believe what he asked, she demanded, "What are you going to do about it?"

He looked angry for a moment and then seemed to slump. "Nothing." he replied quietly.

"Nothing?" She asked, looking from him to Miroku and back.

The monk watched as they spoke back and forth. He stepped forward and put a hand on Inuyasha's shoulder. "I understand. This is fate, and we must continue regardless of what is in store." He glanced to the woods and back to his friends. "We will just have to be careful until we know what the plan is."

Nodding, Sango added her support as well. Kirara meowed on her shoulder.

Inuyasha looked from one friend to the other and turned back to the path in front of them. "I wish … " He stopped, not wanting to voice the weakness in him.

Beginning to walk forward, pulling him along, Miroku quietly said, "We all miss her, Inuyasha." Sango joined him on the other side smiling quietly as they continued to walk down their destined path.

Inuyasha walked, his mind a little clearer now, his heart a little lighter. He gave thought to that morning's events and what lead to their current situation.

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Kikyou's arrival, while not unexpected, came too soon for him. Her Shini-dama-chuu youkai circled above the clearing near the little house as he cut wood for the fire. At the sight of them, a depression fell upon him. He carried the armful of wood he had chopped to the hut.

Kagome stood at the door, smiling sadly. "I felt them." She said simply. He nodded, not looking away. "You have to go talk with her at least, Inuyasha." She stepped forward, and touched his face, her eyes never leaving his. "It will be all right. I know where your heart is now." She placed her hand on his chest, giving him a happy smile.

Inuyasha nodded slowly, watching the girl before him. "Let me drop this off first." They entered the hut together. Kagome watched while he laid the tender to the side, and brushed wood chips from his clothing. He looked around the hut briefly before coming to stand before her. Not touching her, he said, "I'll be back, no matter what."

She smiled, and stood on her toes, resting a hand lightly on his shoulder, to give him a kiss on the cheek. "Come back to say goodbye before you leave, Inuyasha." She nodded encouragingly at him, and let him go.

He stood for a moment longer, feeling something in his heart melt. Giving her a warm smile, he nodded sharply before saying, "Hai." He walked from the hut, and followed the Shini-dama-chuu youkai to where the dead miko waited.

Kikyou stood in a small grove farther out in the forest than he had thought she would be. She seemed lost in thought, staring up at the clouds as they passed. She turned as he neared and he started at the poignant expression on her face.

Her face cleared and she said one word, "Inuyasha."

He stopped several feet from her. His heart thumped, and the guilty feelings he had hid the past few days began to weigh upon him. "Kikyou." He took a step nearer, and opened his mouth to say more. "I … Kikyou …" He hung his head, not sure what he could say.

She smiled wryly. "Inuyasha, I knew you would go back to her." He looked up at her, surprised. "I had hoped we could be together until we could defeat Naraku." She sighed, dropping her smile and returning her gaze to the sky. "My time is coming to an end in all things it seems."

His eyes clouded. He stepped closer, feeling miserable and letting it show in his voice, "Kikyou …"

Shaking her head, she laughed disdainfully. "No, Inuyasha, there is nothing you can do to stop this. It will be done." She looked at him again, serious. "It's time. I know where he is now. We need to move soon."

Inuyasha stopped, his body held attentively. "Naraku? You know where he is? Tell me!" He demanded, hands clenching into fists at his sides.

"I'll be leaving within the hour." She turned and began to walk away. "You should go say your good-byes if you still plan to come with me."

"Kikyou! Wait!" He shouted, leaping forward. She stopped, not looking at him, waiting for him to continue. "The others, my friends, I'd like for them to come as well."

Chuckling, she looked over her shoulder at him. "You are asking for my permission?" At his nod, she said, "Bring who you will, but remember your promise. I need your protection."

Nodding, Inuyasha replied, "You will have it. We'll be back here in an hour." He watched as she walked out of the grove, and out of sight.

He returned to the hut at a run to find both Sango and Miroku ready to leave. He gave them a grateful smile before turning to Kagome. She stood quietly waiting for him by the door. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. His eyes closed as he rubbed his cheek against her hair, whispering in her ear. "Kagome … I need to go now."

Her arms went around his neck, and she pressed her body against his. "Inuyasha." she whispered. She felt his arms squeeze tighter.

"I don't want to leave you." He continued to whisper.

She sighed, and brushed a kiss on his cheek. "You won't be leaving me. You'll be making it possible for us to be together."

He turned his face, his eyes still closed and brushed his lips against hers. "I'll be back for you when this is done."

She nodded, giving his another kiss. She sighed and released her arms from around his neck. "I'll pack you a few things for the trip." He let her go reluctantly, and followed her inside.

Sango and Miroku stood silent throughout the exchange. The youkai exterminator looked at the monk before saying, "I never thought I'd see the day."

Miroku nodded, leaning on his staff. "I had hopes, but never thought …" He grinned and looked at her. "So … you want to try …" He stopped and sighed when she gave him a very dirty look.

Kagome, Shippou and Rin walked them to the grove. Shippou and Rin chattered away, seemingly unaware of the adult's tension. Inuyasha held Kagome's hand watching her out of the corner of his eye. She infused her feelings for him in her aura, and surrounded them both, covering him in her love, and happiness being with him.

Inuyasha squeezed her hand softly, feeling the emotions she surrounded him with. He felt grateful for her support, but knowing how she felt made it that much harder for him to willingly leave her. He stopped when Kagome slowed, and looked startled. "What is it?" He asked looking down at her.

The others stopped, ranging out behind the couple, waiting for her response. She frowned, and shook her head. Feeling a little silly, she said brightly, "Oh it's nothing. I thought I felt something, but it's gone. I must be imagining things." She gave them a bright smile and tugged on Inuyasha's hand. "It's ok, really." He nodded slightly and continued to walk.

Kikyou waited where Inuyasha had met her with the Shini-dama-chuu youkai drifting in and around her. Her face remained expressionless as she watched the small group walk into the grove. Her eyes narrowed slightly when she saw Inuyasha's hand in Kagome's.

Catching sight of her, Inuyasha stopped. He turned to Kagome. Her eyes remained on his, saying what had never been said aloud. His eyes softened, and he smiled gently for her. Pulling her close, he crushed her to his chest. "There's so much I want to say … so much I need to say."

"There will be time for that later, Inuyasha." She said, her voice muffled against his chest. "Just make sure you come back. Keep yourself alive, and don't push yourself too hard."

Attempting to sound like his old self, he scoffed. "Keh!" He pulled back enough to look down at her. "As if I could lose to that guy. I'm not that wimpy wolf, you know." He smirked, humor showing in his eyes.

She smiled in return. "I never wanted you to be." She leaned up to give him a kiss. "You'd better go before I change my mind." She whispered. He nodded and stepped away.

Shippou pulled on his pant leg. "Inuyasha?" When he looked down, the kitsune held out a piece of paper. "I made this for you." He blushed, and looked away. "So you won't forget again."

Inuyasha looked at the paper. His heart clenched again. Almost similar to the drawing pinned to the hut wall, this picture showed Shippou's 'family'. He looked softly at the young fox oni before saying, "Thank you. I won't forget." He folded the paper carefully and placed it deep inside his gi. Giving Kagome another look, he turned and walked towards Kikyou, Miroku and Sango with Kirara riding on her shoulder following.

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Sesshoumaru stared at the empty courtyard silently. His eyes darted to the buildings, his nose flared slightly. He smelled the scent he was seeking, but it was days old. The latest castle of Naraku had been abandoned as the others had. It seemed this enemy was running, never staying long enough to be found.

He turned, almost kicking Jaken in the process. His eyes flicked on him remembering his retainer had followed. For a short time, he had lost the toad like youkai. He had meant to have him remain near Rin, but had been distracted in his thoughts after leaving the young girl with his brother's human woman. His lips twisted at that. He thought briefly of the girl's power, and remembered his shock at receiving her touch. 'She will be a formable foe one day.'

"Sesshoumaru-sama!" Jaken squeaked out, jumping out of his way. "Sesshoumaru-sama, where are we going next?"

Glancing down, his expression never changing, he gave Jaken a look, not answering. He walked swiftly from the empty castle, and back to the wild plains. Before catching the strong scent from this castle, there had been something else he had sensed. He was about to follow up on it when he caught Naraku's scent. Not caring if Jaken followed, he continued to walk in his mile eating pace. He couldn't dismiss the feeling he'd been misled, and something big was about to happen.

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Kagome walked slowly towards the village. It had only been a day since Inuyasha and his small company had left, but the hut felt lonely without him. She smiled as she watched Shippou and Rin ran on ahead. Those two had so much energy, she had to find things to keep them busy. This morning they were going to see how Kaede was doing. The old miko had been sick lately, and it seemed to take her longer and longer to recover. Kagome worried she would expend too much energy performing her duties, and not get the rest she needed.

Nearing the hut, the young miko stopped. Something seemed to be nagging at the back of her mind, a twinge different from what she felt with shards. She turned her attention off into the distance and concentrated on identifying what she was sensing. She dropped into an easy trance and sent her aura out, feather soft. She felt almost at her limits when she found it. Sesshoumaru.

She barely identified his aura when he flooded her senses with his anger. She pulled back in surprise, but his aura hadn't released hers. She realized his anger wasn't directed at her, but rather it seemed the situation he found himself in. She could feel his frustration mixed with his anger, and sent a small amount of encouragement through their link. 'If only a person could speak through this link. I wonder what he's so angry about? '

Sesshoumaru released her and cut the link. She was pulling her aura back into herself, but thought she might be able to find Inuyasha. She thought of the hanyou who had changed her life, and put all her emotions of him into her search. There. She could barely sense him, but did feel the surprise and joy he expressed as he felt her. She started to feel the strain and gave one last caress before pulling back into herself.

Smiling, she felt better about the day, and those upcoming. She now felt she could reach him no matter where he was.

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Returning to her hut later that night, Kagome felt more tired than she had in months. She put both Shippou and Rin to bed, before setting things in order, ready for the next morning. Not ready for sleep, her mind still on the day, she stepped outside to sit on the porch step.

'The stars are really bright tonight.' She thought, staring up at the sky. She sighed and thought of her friends, wondering what they were doing, and if Inuyasha was looking at the stars like she was herself. She smiled thinking he probably was. His habit had been to climb into the nearest tree and stare at the stars for hours before dropping off to sleep.

Pulling her knees up close, she rested her chin on her hands. They had only spent a couple of days together, but it felt as though he had never left; as though he would always be there. Kagome thought of how different it had been. Never one to volunteer, Inuyasha did tasks needing to be done without being asked. He often took both Shippou and Rin keeping them busy and out from underfoot. His manner relaxed, and he smiled readier than before.

The more she thought of those two days, the more she believed he had changed. A lot. She wasn't sure if he had matured, or if, as he had confessed to her that first night, he had done enough introspection to realize what he wanted his life to be like. She hoped they would get the chance to talk about it when he returned.

She smiled remembering how easy he fell into their pattern around the hut. Although, it wouldn't have been hard, they had been companions for years, and their roles well established. There were changes though. He had always watched her, but now there was a difference. His emotion seemed to show with every look, at times filling her heart with joy, and others making her blush and look away feeling suddenly very shy. And then there had been the odd look she couldn't describe. She had been reading to Rin and Shippou, one on each side, nestled against her legs. They were on the verge of sleep when she happened to look up and catch him looking at her. She smiled but his gaze remained the same. If she could describe it, she would call it a wistful hopefulness.

Kagome didn't sleep next to him after that first night. He had asked she sleep on her futon; he didn't have to explain to her why he did. While their kisses were more frequent, Inuyasha refrained from the passionate ones they had shared the first night. She knew without him saying so how close they had been to more than kissing.

She blushed now even thinking of that night. Sighing, she rose to her feet and went back inside. She really needed to sleep if she were to continue with Kaede's duties the next day.

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Inuyasha watched the flames leap and dance thinking about the long walk of the day. A brief smile touched his lips remembering the gentle caress of Kagome's aura. It had been as surprising as it was welcome, and he longed for more. Thinking of her, he shifted and looked at his companions. Miroku seemed to doze, sitting in his crouched position, staff leaning against his shoulder. Sango sat before the fire, polishing Hiraikotsu, Kirara nestled on her lap.

His eyes strayed to Kikyou. She sat apart, lost in thought, staring out over the field they were in. His expression saddened. 'If there could be some other way.' He snorted at himself, and looked away. He kept asking for the impossible. Fate had shown them both where their destinies lay, and hers was drawing to a close.

The three in front of the fire looked up in surprise when she joined them. She sat quietly for a moment keeping her gaze down, then looking at each one in turn, she stated, "We will run into Naraku tomorrow. I can feel him, and he is calling me." Her face remained expressionless, but her voice held a hint of sadness none had heard before. "I do not know what tomorrow will bring. I know what I can do to send him to hell, and ask each one of you to help me." She looked at each person again, and continued as they all nodded. "He does not have all the shards and that will assist us in defeating him." She looked into the fire for a moment. "I do not expect to see another nightfall."

The three stirred restlessly. All began to speak, but Miroku's voice carried above them. "Kikyou-sama, if it is as you say, then we will be blessed by your presence tomorrow." He bowed his head, and raised his hand in prayer. Kikyou closed her eyes and nodded at him respectfully.

Sango leaned forward and asked hesitantly, "Kikyou-sama, what is it … how is it that you plan to kill Naraku?"

Kikyou gazed at her steadily before replying, "Naraku believed he had rid himself of Onigumo's heart when he cast me into his fissure of miasma. I was saved, barely, by my Shini youkai." She looked back into the fire, her face thoughtful. "My memory is cloudy, but it seems as though the earth opened up, and I melted into it for a time. I lay there and listened to Onigumo speaking to me through the earth. He told me of a way to make a connection with Naraku, getting around his defenses, and using my miko powers to purify him."

Sango shifted and asked, "Why would he want you to do that? I didn't think Onigumo would .. I mean, wouldn't he die as well?"

The miko looked at the youkai exterminator again as she replied, "He would die." She did not continue, but they all could see there was more she wasn't saying.

Inuyasha frowned. "Kikyou, why would Onigumo suddenly show you the way to defeat Naraku?"

The woman remained silent not looking at her companions. As the hanyou started to ask again, she waved a hand asking, "Do not ask me for I will not tell you. Just trust me for tomorrow it will all be over." She looked at him pleadingly for a moment before schooling her expression into the blank mask she normally wore. She hadn't the heart to tell them the promise the wild thief extracted from her for the information he imparted. She knew Inuyasha wouldn't allow her to go through with it, and there was no other way.

Silence followed as they became lost in their own thoughts. Inuyasha rolled to his feet and walked clear of the camp, needing to think, and clear his mind. Miroku banked the fire, and prepared for sleep. Sango put her weapon away, and pulled her blanket about her, settling Kirara beside her. Kikyou remained kneeling before the fire, head bowed, preparing herself for the next day's events.

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Kagome woke the next morning the air feeling oppressive and heavy.

She scanned the skies looking for the rain clouds she thought would be responsible. None could be seen, and a pinprick of fear lanced through her heart. "Inuyasha," She breathed, "Please be careful." She felt the stirrings of something malevolent beginning, but could not find from where it generated. Returning to the hut, she began to prepare breakfast.

Rin crept from behind the sleeping screen and made her way to Kagome's side. She climbed sleepily into her lap, and unconsciously popped her thumb in her mouth while clinging to Kagome's shirt.

Frowning slightly, Kagome removed the girl's thumb, admonishing her, "Rin, you are too old to be doing that. Whatever's the matter?"

The young girl pouted and curled closer to the young miko. "Rin not like the way it feels." She said.

Her expression softened as she comforted the girl in her lap. If she could, she would have crawled in her mother's lap as well. "Why don't we wake Shippou up for breakfast and begin our day?" She said brightly, hoping to lift some of the gloom that had settled on them.

Reluctantly Rin rose and went with Kagome to wake the kitsune. The girl liked staying with Kagome and Shippou, but she missed her Sesshoumaru-sama. She thought if he were there, she wouldn't feel so scared. He wouldn't let anything happen to her and she would be safe. She looked at the pretty lady and sighed. She knew the lady wouldn't let anything happen to her either, but somehow it wasn't the same.

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The oppressive atmosphere lifted somewhat as the day wore on, but left a lingering depression on those who felt it. Kagome tried to shake off the melancholy feelings as she went about helping Kaede in her duties. Resting at midday in the old miko's hut, she felt more normal, and almost her cheerful self.

Shippou and Rin were busy coloring after eating heartily on the lunch provided. Kagome worked with Kaede to sort and grind herbs into medicine powders. They worked in a comfortable silence, listening to the two children as they played. Rin retold the story of the wolf attack and how her Sesshoumaru-sama saved her. The young miko smiled thinking of her story. It didn't seem possible the girl meant the same youkai lord she knew.

Sighing softly, she asked, "Kaede, have you ever been in love?"

The old miko's hands stilled for a moment, her eyes grew distant with memory. She chuckled and began her grinding again. "Yes, child I have." She glanced at the girl by her side and gave her a smile. "A long time ago, but it was a love as strong as yours I'm sure."

Kagome looked up at her startled. She gave her a hesitant smile. "Oh but … well, I'm not … " She stammered blushing.

Chuckling still, Kaede said, "You two, I'm not sure which of you is more stubborn. Both of you refusing to acknowledge how you feel; neither giving an inch." Her eyes crinkled in humor as she patted the girl's hand. "You have no need to deny or hide anything. We all know how you feel, and have known it for some time, girl."

Still blushing, but no longer denying the truth, she asked, "So what happened with you? With the man you were in love with?"

Sighing, the older woman sat back and dusted her hands off. "Let's see … it was about forty years ago, could be more. He was a merchant's son in the village near where I trained." Her eyes became misty in her memories, and her voice softened as her story continued. "Aroju … he was a boy still, and I not yet a woman. We'd met during my second year of training. Oh young love… you believe it will last forever. In a way it does, but as hot as it gets, it can burn out just as quickly. He had wanted to marry immediately, but I still wanted to complete my training. As the years passed, he grew tired of waiting and left to find a new bride." Her eyes cleared and she looked at the girl again.

"His life was happier for it, and I've never harbored a grudge against him or his wife." She smiled ironically. "They lived for quite some time in this very village, and I helped deliver most of their children. When he died, his widow left to live with one of the daughters." She gave a little sigh and began grinding the herbs again. "I see their sons on occasion. They are good strong boys, and have fine large families."

Kagome looked at her sadly. "But that's sad, Kaede. You should have had a family."

Kaede chuckled. "I've lived more in my life without a family than I could ever have with a family." She patted the girl's leg. "Don't worry. It has been my destiny that I shouldn't have my own family."

They continued to work, half listening to Shippou and Rin exchange stories. The afternoon heat and the monotonous work began to take their toll. Kagome felt drowsy and wanted to lie where she was to sleep. She blinked her eyes, and stretched, trying to shake the lethargy settling in her. She stifled a yawn when it dawned on her what she was feeling wasn't natural.

Standing up suddenly, she looked at the door. Kaede woke from her doze at the stone mill. The two mikos looked at each other in surprise. They both sensed it, the feeling of evil spreading throughout the village. That they both had fallen into a stupor meant this had been planned, and was deliberate.

Side by side, the two mikos walked from the hut to determine this new threat …

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