It was nearly five days before that smell returned. I was sitting atop one of the tall buildings in Tokyo, listening to the night sounds, when the high wind brought the smell up to my nose. Some part of my blood pounded and I had to smile. Kagome-chan was back.

Every plan I made started running through my head. Things I wanted to do, stuff I wanted to say to entrance the fly into my web. It all came to an abrupt stop as I flew from the building and at a higher altitude, following a main street. I would pick my time carefully, for this was crucial to get her and trap her.

I was no longer going to wait as I had. For I learned, two nights ago, that my master was killed during my slumber, just five years prior to my waking. It was only a rumor...but apparently after a meal that got someone's nearby attention, and a long chase from the police, met my maker with sunlight in a forest...where the powers that kept him alive for so long proved to be his downfall. His skin quickly turned to ash, and his body crumbled.

One of the ways we can die.

Sunlight has always proved to be a problem. It turns our skin a blackish color as the pigment is not used to such a strong barrage and peels faster than a sunburn. After that, the body crumbles to pieces, with nothing to hold it up. It's rather messy.

I keep telling myself it's only a rumor. The facts don't add up. No one has seen him in years, not a trace of his blood to smell in this city or the next. I'm hoping that means he's in a different part of the continent or in a different one entirely.

I hope he's not dead. I come looking for answers...and maybe a little companionship from the person who took my humanity, but also gave me life as well. We had a bit of a friendship along with the mentor/teacher bit, and maybe I am trying to resurrect that. So it seems logical to finish my search here and go to the next city or continent.

If I wasn't so tired of looking ALREADY.

Stealthfully, I hover next to a dark building and slowly descend to keep from getting eyes as I get closer to the ground. Now in an alleyway, my hands go into my pockets as I casually walk from the dark alley and squint at the harsh streetlights.

Night was half over and I needed to get home before too much longer. Instead of flying, I decided a long walk to sort out my thoughts was in order. By then, I'd be home and just in time.

It wasn't until the stroke of eight the next night that I spotted her. With the plan set in my mind, I decided to go searching for Kagome and make her mine. With the information of my master's 'demise', it was even more saddening to know I possibly surpassed my creator...and that one more familiar thing from my life might be gone. With my wakening, I was really starting to despise the fact that I was more and more alone with each passing day.

That's where Kagome-chan came into play.

And that's why I was a little confused at smelling a small cascade of emotions...some happy when her eyes spotted me halfway down and across the block. I blinked in wonder, but halted my steps and let her come to me. Somehow, she managed to find me before I found her.

She wore a smile that always seemed to take me back whenever I saw it, as if she was truly happy to see me. And I found myself smiling back when she stopped and gave a small bow in greeting.

"Konban wa." I quietly agreed, giving her soft eyes.

"Konban wa kyo-san." She answered, looking into my eyes again. It never failed to amuse me how innocently she could do that. As if it didn't bother her. "I've been looking for you. I'm glad I found you."

My head tilted to the side a bit as I regarded her small enthusiasm. Looking for ME?? Wonders never cease about this girl. "Well you found me. What were you searching for?"

She looked away, but I saw the thought in her eyes and I could smell it on her. Maybe that last question aroused more than just a simple answer for her. Who knew?

She looked back with that grin and took another step forward. "I was looking for you. I know we don't know each other very well, but the mystery shrouding you has been on my mind for days now. I was wondering, if you didn't mind, if we could talk."

The smile on my face threatened to show my fangs and reveal some of my mystery, but I gave a nod and looked to the sky. My allure had worked well. "It's late, and I assume your family will not like you out at this hour. Shall I walk you home, and I will answer any questions you like on the way?" She nodded and we started off.

This was perfect...and more natural than any plan I could've come up to appear and catch her interest again. I would have to keep the mystery around myself, as not to make her put any pieces together. If that happened, I would have to chase her down and I didn't want to do that to a potential mate.

"So...you said you lived on old land? What country was that exactly?" She started.

I ignored her gaze and kept it straight ahead. I tried to give off a disarming pose with my slow walk and the hands resting in my pockets as not to tense her any. "It was mainly called Europe in those days." I quietly answered, keeping my voice even. "The land wasn't as split up as it is today in that part of the world. It was really one big continent."

I could hear her blink and smell the confusion. "Demo...but, Europe spans from one ocean to nearly India!" She thoughtfully mused. "It's been hundreds of years since it broke into different countries. How is that possible?"

I gave a small shrug, as if it wasn't that big a deal. The land I came from that had no name they now call Russia, or around there. I never kept track and it's been decades since I've been there to see the changes for myself. "The land is a large one and there aren't a lot of people on it."

She gave a thoughtful 'hmm' and a finger tapped against her cheek. "So what brings you to Tokyo?"

"I came to locate someone I hadn't seen for many years. I wanted a few answers out of him, but found out he might be dead now. There's been no sign of him for five years."

"Ah, gomen nasai." She nearly whispered. I could almost feel her sorrow, if not smell it on her.

I shrugged again. "I am disappointed to not gain answers, but it's been a very long time since I last talked to him. He was my teacher in a way, but not really a good friend."

She was stunned, along with mortified at my answer. What could I say otherwise? Death was a friend of mine, and my master died along with what I hoped to do someday. He possibly claimed eternal rest first. The last time we'd seen each other was before I turned one hundred.

After a small bit of awkward silence on her part, I finally cast a subtle glance to the girl inches shorter than I. She fiddled with the hem of her skirt in what smelt like agitation. I gave her my full attention. "Is something wrong?"

Her gaze shot up with slightly wide eyes, as if caught doing something wrong. She pasted on a small smile and shook her head. "Iya. No, no. Daijoubu. I was just wondering...well I just realized that I never knew your name, even though you know mine. We never had a formal introduction."

I stopped suddenly and faced her. With a small bow and a silk-laced voice, I humbled her request. "Konnichi wa. Boku no namae wa Korov Kelah." I straightened and took her hand, putting a finishing touch to flatter her. Mindful of my sharp teeth, I kissed the back of her palm. "Hajimemashite." I whispered against her skin, smelling the blood flow quicker. Her heart pounded in my ears and I gave her one of my charming smiles.

She blinked in pleased shock when our eyes met, but a wide smile lit her face. Hands pressed together as she gave a quick bow. "Hajimemashite. Atashi no namae wa Higurashi Kagome." Amusement entered her eyes. "I see you're picking up more."

Indeed. During my brief time in this country, I managed to pick up twice more comprehension of the language through listening on rooftops and drinking the blood of my victims the past few days. Drinking their life takes everything they were, knowledge and wisdom from the living and transfers it to us.

I took up the casual pace again, as if nothing happened. Though I appeared unfazed, she wasn't. Her pace halted from being synch with mine and her heart still pounded. I flattered her more than she was expecting, if any at all.

"So...Kelah. ...Interesting name. Does it mean anything?"

"Not that I'm aware of."

She 'hmmed' again and was silent. "Now that your...business in Tokyo is done, do you intend on going back home?"

I gave a tiny, wry smile. I had no home anymore. I could go wherever I pleased, but only with her at my side. Even walking like this, with her alive, I felt more at peace. Just like I had been next to that large tree around her house. Whatever powers she possessed, they were strong.

"It depends on a few things. I travel quite a bit and have for as long as I can remember. But I am looking for something else now."

"What is that?"

Her question was so innocent. SHE was so innocent. She wouldn't be that way for long, not after she drank my blood. "Someone to be with."

She blinked and I felt her gaze, but ignored it again. "Someone... Who?"

I kept silent, but cast a short, sideways glance in her direction. "We're near your house, aren't we?"

She looked away to the area. I smelled her wonder and small suspicion, but didn't let it bother me. Soon, all I would smell is her fear.

"Hai...but how did you know where I lived?"

"During my search, I came across many temples, but this one intrigued me." The lie rolled off my tongue with ease. But the place DID intrigue me, so it was only a half lie. "I noticed that large tree in your courtyard and went to look at it. It's remarkable."

"Would you like to see it?" She asked, taking my hand. I gave a silent nod and curled my fingers around her slender hand as she jogged across the concrete. Her skin startled, but she relaxed and stopped in front of it. The tension I smelled slowly left as she stared at the tree.

"Goshinboku." She quietly mused, as if to the tree. Almost in greeting.

I looked at her, but she kept looking up at the tree. Her neck lay exposed and my tongue absently rubbed against a fang in expectation. Soon...when I could lure her to a room in private.

She looked at me and blinked in childlike wonder. "Nani? Erg...what is it?"

I looked away to keep the intense, predatory look out of her reach. She needn't see that so soon and spoil everything. "That building over there. It feels as odd as this tree does." I pointed to the same shed Kagome disappeared and reappeared from. I took a step for it. "Why is that?" Another lie, but my innocent act was a good one.

"That...that's a well that has been around for hundreds of years." Kagome's footsteps quietly followed mine as I listened to her hesitation. She knew about that well more than she'd let on by her pause. "It's about as old as the tree, if I'm right."

I quickly reached the doors and slowly pulled one aside, looking at the wood as if in memorization. The darkness greeted us, along with the well, and I took a few steps inside. Feigning a sardonic, unbelieving tone, I turned around at the top step. "But this is just any old well. Doesn't look like something to erect a building around."

Kagome smiled in the darkness and took a few steps inside. "This is a shrine, not just a 'building'." She explained, taking a few steps around the top. I watched her with intensity, waiting for the right moment. Soon...very soon.

"So, why would anyone erect a SHRINE for any old well?" I corrected, stealthfully edging my way to the door. Too much moonlight was coming through and she could still see. With my eyes on her, I floated mere inches off the ground and felt my fingers itch to slam the wood shut. Only a few more feet...

"As I told you, the well is as old as Goshinboku. It's called the Bone eater's well. Shrines are made to contain a thing of great magic, mostly bad." I turned and watched her walk down the three steps to the ground. She leaned over the lip and looked down, and I quickly floated to a stop behind the door, seeing my chance for haste. "If you squint, you can almost see an interruption of the dirt. They say that in the past, when mononokes and onis prowled the land, this is where they threw the remains. Of course, it isn't really believed nowadays."

"Fascinating. The bones really get eaten by the well?" I quietly queried, feeling around for the wood. Stalling her and keeping her attention diverted was important. My sharp nails grasped it and I slowly started sliding it closed.

"That's what is said. Ne, Kelah-chan, why don't you come down and look?" She stopped short as she turned and looked to me. I met her eyes in the dark, my sharp sight picking up every detail. "Kelah-chan...nani o suru-"

"Kagome-chan...earlier when I said my teacher was missing and I was looking for someone to be with... I have been so lonely these long years. I believe that I've found someone to be with. Someone who smells as old as I do, and has powers of her own."

I heard her gulp in the silence, and couldn't help the start of a predatory smile in the darkness. "Wha...what do you mean? That sounds silly..." She nervously stuttered. I could smell her suspicion and hesitation abound over everything else. She was starting to question me now.

The door quickly slid shut behind me, as I knew I had wasted enough time with talk. Now was the time for action. After the mildly loud clack, her surprised gasp reached my ears. I flew straight for her, wrapping my arms around hers...pinning her form against mine. Her arms were trapped against her sides and the only thing she could do was scream.

Which wouldn't last her long.

"NANI O SURU?! Hanaso! HANASO!" She demanded, glaring at me.

"You're not afraid of me?" I lowly answered, lowering my head. I slowly sniffed up her neck, smelling the blood pound underneath. It was intoxicating. "You really are a good match for me."

"NANI!?" Immediately, she struggled, but found it useless. My arms barely moved throughout. With a heavy swallow, the fear I anticipated started threading her anger. "What...what ARE you??"

"Don't fear me Kagome-chan." I whispered, looking deep into her eyes. "You can't fear someone like me...because soon you will BE someone like me."

"You...you're not making SENSE. Hanaso! Let me GO!!"

"My dear Kagome-chan..." My lips trailed across her neck and she froze for an instant, than tried to struggle again. I held her even tighter, almost in an embrace, before opening my mouth and sinking my fangs into her throat.

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The pain hit me like a wave and my face cringed against it. All the fear I held back, trying to stay strong as I had with the others, hit me full force. I opened my mouth to scream, but found nothing worked. My senses were being tapped as I felt the blood leave my body and into this...THING. It felt utterly weird, feeling the blood being sucked from my skin, those teeth jarring in my body whenever he moved.

Kyuketsuki. That's what he was. If I didn't live a double life hundreds of years in the past, I wouldn't believe it. But the proof was jammed into my neck at a painful angle.

Kelah continued to take my life-giving blood, draining me of energy. My whole body slumped backwards as I had no strength to keep myself upright any longer. It hit me when I didn't fall that he was holding me up and slowly lowering us to the ground. For some reason, I felt touched that he cared to do such a thing.

Why did this creature choose ME to be with?? It didn't make any sense.

But neither did KILLING me either.

Just as I felt my heart slow down in its final beats and the little bit of blood ooze from my neck, I looked up into those dark brown eyes. I could barely see them through the haze obscuring my vision and I knew I was dying.

Panic hit me in waves.

NO! I wasn't ready to die! I was too young! It couldn't end like this!! Why couldn't I have seen the signs sooner? The appearances and disappearances...the mystery...the odd answers he gave me...he was doing it all to lure me in and trap me.

And now it would be too late to do anything to make him pay for the treachery.

There would never be another chance to see Inuyasha or Sango, Miroku or Shippo...not even Kaede again. I would never see if the group defeats Naraku or not...or if Inuyasha ever helps Kikyo...as he is so adamant to do.

Tears stung my eyes. It was so unfair. There had to be SOME way to save me. I didn't want it to end like this. I wasn't ready...

"Kagome-chan. I can smell your fear and despair. You're dying...and you don't like it do you?"

My mouth opened and I struggled to speak. A weak cough escaped first. "Naze...?" I sadly whispered, feeling tears fall down my skin. "Why?"

"Shinpai suranai Kagome-chan." Kelah soothingly assured. A slender hand ran down the side of my face almost in a caress. If I wasn't so weak, I would've cringed away. "I can save you. But you have to trust me. I know what to do."

"How...can I...TRUST you?" I tried to retort. I gasped for breath as Kelah moved my limp form and cradled it in his arms. I looked into his eyes and saw them oddly caring, though I didn't know why.

"But knowing that I can save you. Daijoubu...I'll make all this go away."

I helplessly watched as he brought a long nail to the inside of his wrist and slashed across the veins. A gash appeared and blood immediately dripped down to my face. "If you want to live, drink my blood. As I have done to yours."

My eyes jerked in panic to nothing as he lowered his wrist. Something about this seemed so wrong... The blood dripped on my lips, but the thought that I'd live ran through my head and without thinking this over, I opened my mouth and let him place his skin against my mouth.

"Kagome-chan nomu...nomu to ikiru."

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It was still night when my gaze jerked up from the small rest I was taking in a tree. Something felt utterly wrong in my heart. I stared into the black night and examined the emotion, feeling fear and worry.

But why?

I couldn't place it, but something somewhere nearby felt really unsettling. With thoughtful eyes, I looked to the ground way below the tree I was in and tried to shrug it off.

'Don't kid yourself,' I retorted, 'you're still worried about Kagome's departure last night.'

It was true. Kagome made an almost hasty retreat back to the well, saying she intended on taking care of the thoughts that were plaguing her mind. She was anxious, almost troubled over something. She was more anxious to get back to whatever it was she kept thinking about than think of the quest. That right there annoyed me.

I couldn't help but worry about the vague answer she gave that didn't sit quite well with me.

And now I was feeling it tenfold. So, what to do??

I situated myself and tried not to worry. But it wouldn't go away and it irritated me to no end. Kagome could go as she pleased and just worrying about her life in the future wasn't going to do me any good. So there was no good thinking it to death.

Except I had a feeling that death was what I was thinking ABOUT.

With a growl at my morbid thoughts toward Kagome, I heaved a sigh and jumped from the limb with as much power as I could. I sailed above the trees and looked to the distance. I needed to do something to get my mind from these stupid things. My mind was too cluttered and it was aggravating. If it kept up, I wouldn't be able to sleep. And since I didn't when the group traveled, I needed all I could.

I landed in a small clearing and took to a slow walk, idly smelling the air. It was fresh and the smell of dew started marking that morning was coming soon. Dawn would be here in a few hours.

I startled from my reverie to find that my feet took me to the well. With a scowl at my own behavior, I started to sigh and stopped. I blinked and took a deep drag of air from that initial inhale.

Something smelled like blood. Why or how I didn't know, but it was coming from the well.

I jumped across the space and stared down, distinctly smelling Kagome's blood and the mustiness of someone else's. But that was impossible! My heart pounded in fear as my claws tightly gripped the lip. Fangs bit my lip as I told myself I had to be dreaming. Kagome was fine; she was healthy when we left her last. There was nothing she scraped or hit in her descent into the well. So what could've happened in such a short amount of time that warranted this smell?? This was only minutes old...utterly fresh. Whatever was going on, I was going to find out!

Springing over my hands, I jumped straight into the well and for the other side.

The darkness of night in this time also greeted me, but the smell of two bloods became staggering. It almost made me dizzy. My eyes narrowed and I jumped for the top.

What I saw when my head passed the wood made me want to kill the offender immediately.

I numbly landed on the wood and withdrew Tetsusaiga without thought. "Kagome! Who are you??" I deeply glared at this unknown that held Kagome in what looked like a tender embrace.

In the night, Kagome's eyes popped open as her mouth rested over the unknown guy's arm. There was no emotion in her eyes as she stared at me. Whatever was going on, it looked like she was almost enjoying it.

"What are you doing here?? You came from the well? ...It makes sense now." Deep brown from that awed tenor looked to Kagome.

"Let Kagome GO!" I demanded, jumping from the well. In a flash, the guy stood and took Kagome with him, still holding her. He backed up a few steps and partially out of my reach. "NANI!?" I blinked at the guy's speed, momentarily amazed at it. But my wits returned and I charged, a hand extended to grab Kagome.

"NO! What're you doing??"

The panic and worry reached my ears but I ignored it and yanked Kagome from his grasp. He was too startled to hold on and dumbly stood there at the tip of my sword as I cradled Kagome. "Daijoubu, Kagome. I'm here." I spared her a glance, finding those unexpressive eyes on me.

"No, stop! You can't interrupt the change! You don't know what you're doing!! She's barely drunk anything!" He insisted, taking a step forward.

"Baka!" I hissed. "I should kill you right here for what you've done!"

A hand loosely gripped my haori and my eyes jerked to it. "Inu...ya...shaaaa..." Kagome's eyes rolled into her head and she went slack on my arm. My heart skipped a beat in fear.

"KAGOME!" Knowing I was at a disadvantage with my worry for Kagome and the inability to fight this stranger, I decided to run for now and come back to kill him later. I WOULD kill him when I knew everything was fine. After sheathing Tetsusaiga, I cradled her to my body and jumped back into the well.

'Gods Kagome...please don't die!'

**I am a BEGINNER Japanese learner...so if these are not 100% correct...please let me know if you care to do so. I only have a web page to learn from, a dictionary, and a few months experience to work with.**

Translations: Boku (Atashi for females) no namae wa...-My name is... Hajimemashite-Pleased to meet you Nomu to ikiru-Drink and live

Goshinboku-God tree (also where IY was pinned)

Hanaso!-Let go of me!/Let me go!