AN: Kimochi iiiii! I'm so happy, this story really has my creative juices flowing! Not much action in this chapter, but a strong empire- err story begins with a firm foundation! Well enjoy!

Tsukijou

A man paced out side the lavish door unaware that those inside could every footfall. The man was tall and strong looking, his face was very sharp and hard, he had a distinguished looking beard and mustache and his hair, black as night was pull up into a topknot. His kimono was unlike any woven on earth like looked like the Milky Way itself, a dark blue night sky dusted with stars. In contrast with the outer kimono, his haori and hakama were pitch black. He carried no sword, there was no need; the stony look on his face was enough to keep most away.

Sensing troubled times ahead he cursed the fact that he had only one heir to inherit his power. He also cursed the fact that he was on such bad terms with her. And his sister for that matter, but his sister was being childish and stupid. The only reason he was at this dilemma now was because he hadn't been on speaking terms for the last few centuries with either of them...and his daughter was his sister favorite niece. If Amaterasu held an audience with anyone from his house it would be his daughter. Now he just needed to convince her to go and talk with his sister...'Hrumph.' He and knocked on the door and then entered.

The word lavish didn't describe the room nearly enough. The walls and ceiling were painted the night, from dust to dawn, centering on the full moon in the middle of the ceiling. Everything, every piece of furniture, was expertly crafted and made of the finest materials. It was a paragon of opulence and luxury. Except for a metal plate nailed to the floor directly beneath the moon. A chain was attached to the plate, and the chain to a clasp. His eyes followed the chain to the back of the room were a gaggle chatting and giggling of maids obstructed his view.

He clapped his hands twice and the chain jerk sharply, surprised. "You are all dismissed. Leave us." The women left quickly and silently leaving only one figure behind. A feminine figure clothed in robes as lavish as her surroundings. Despite the beauty of everything, including the woman, the room was filled with sadness. It radiated from her heart and soul in waves.

"Kaguya."

"Father." There was a silence as he debate how he should go about asking her. Then he remembered; he was the father she should obey him regardless.

"Kaguya, someone has stolen the chalice." He stated

"So you decided to grace my prison with your presence, how novel." She said with no small amount of contempt.

"I will forgive your impertinence this one time child, as this is truly a dire matter. Someone has stolen the chalice-

"Why come here? I don't have it. I can't even reach the window, thanks to you."

"Thanks to me you are back where you belong! Where you should be instead of- of gallivanting among mortals and making a fool of yourself and lower yourself to consort with-" he stopped and breathe deeply. He would not repeat this old argument again. "You are to go to Hijou and tell Amaterasu of this immediately."

"Why not send someone else, a servant or better still go to her in person, it is a dire matter."

"She'll only listen to one person in this house and that happens to be you. If not we shall die." He implored.

"I don't care there is nothing for me but sorrow. Death? I welcome it I'd rather spend eternity with my beloved, then here in this prison-"

"This is your home! This is your world! And I will not have you speak such nonsense anymore!"

-with the monster that murdered my baby! His own grandchild and my reason to live! You heartless monster!"

"Watch you tongue child! You will do as I say!"

"Fine!" He blinked. Had she given in already?

"But in return I want my freedom or a quick death-

"Absolutely not!"

"Then we die together, it matters not to me." Damn her! Damn that girl to all the seven hells! Him trying to gain audience with Amaterasu was as likely as the sun traveling with the moon through the sky. It wouldn't happen, at least not soon enough to save them. He sighed, there was one way to make her go, he was loathed to use it but…

"I didn't kill your child." She gasped.

"It," he spat, "is still alive, on earth."

Miroku

"Do you see them?"

"Not, yet. They couldn't have gone that far."

"Unless Inuyasha doesn't want to be found..."

"What do you mean by that, houshi-sama?"

"Well it was dark for a good ten minute that's enough time to-" her handed tighten on Hiraikotsu's grip, "-to spend some quality time alone with Kagome-sama." His words were light but all of them had a tense moment back there. For a few minutes in the absolute darkness he wondered if that was what it would be like should his wind tunnel swallow him up. It was most...disconcerting.

When the light had return he had been pleasantly surprised to find Sango gripping his hand like death itself. And then merely commented on it being a nice habit to start so long as she didn't squeeze so hard. That had earned him a bump on the head...But everyone was alright and much relieved. Until they saw that Inuyasha and Kagome were missing.

"I see them!" Shippo pointed at a conspicuous spot of red, "Oh no, Inuyasha's hurt!"

Both Sango and Shippo were at their friend's side the moment Kirara lightly touched down. "Kagome-chan! What happened?" they questioned.

Miroku took his time, noting the blood and the trial that led away from what was an obvious fight. Something attacked, but was it the reason behind the darkness or just a coincidence? Inuyasha didn't look bad, well not as bad as it had to be to knock him out. Only a few scratches from what he could see. Kagome told them what had passed while tenderly stroking Inuyasha's head, which rested in her lap………lucky dog.

Inuyasha was so fortunate as to have the affections of, not one, but two women. Granted Kikyo had tried to kill him and Kagome-sama several times…and that Kagome no longer said to be bothered by Kikyo's claim on Inuyasha heart.

He would try to enlighten them on what a fortuitous opportunity they were passing up. Later.

Right now they had more pressing matters. He wasn't the only one who suspected something suspicious was going on. Although Inuyasha never vocalized such to Miroku, the hanyou's edginess was proof enough.

During their travels they encountered a lot of demons due to the shards of the jewel they carried. But not every single day like this week. It was troublesome and exhaustive.

He blinked to see Sango draping Inuyasha over Kirara. "I saw a village not too far from here. I think we can make it by nightfall. We should go there and rest for the night."

"Agreed. Do not worry Kagome-sama I sure Inuyasha will be fine." She nodded but still looked worried.

They made it to the village around dusk. It was bigger then most they happened upon. It was located on a large river so he wasn't surprise to see lots of shops and peddlers still about. At the far end of the village there was a large building- a castle in fact.

"Wow that place is big." Shippo commented in awe.

"Spirits are attracted by spacious places, the more wealth the better."

"Spirits huh? I can think of someone else who is attracted to luxurious homes."

"Sango I have no idea what you mean. The only thing that attracts me is your marvelous beauty and grace."

"Spare me houshi-sama."

"Hey, guys we're here." Kagome told them as she steadied Inuyasha' unconscious body.

"Quite so," he walked up the path, through a beautiful garden with a pond and a well, which lead to the entrance. A servant, a pretty, young sweet with candy eyes and cherry lips, greeted him. She also looked very tired, with dark ring beneath her eyes.

"May I help you, priest?" she said with a sigh.

"Yes, my companions and I were wonder if you had any lodgings to spare-

"I'm sorry but this isn't an inn," she yawned, "besides this place is haunted."

"Which is why we came here, I noticed an ominous cloud that hangs above the house and would hope to use my services in exchange for a nights stay and food for my weary companions."

"Really?" Her whole face brighten, she had cute dimples. "That is a small price for a large vice. I'm certain the Mistress would not mind, I shall take you to her."

"A Mistress? If she is as beautiful as you-Ow! My dearest Sango, must your affections be so painful?"

"Can you really get rid of this spirit?" A strong but feminine voice called from behind the maid. "My lady!" the girl bowed. Miroku shoulders sagged. It was an old woman who resembled a dried skeleton more than the beautiful woman he'd been imaging. 'She looks tired as well,' he thought.

"I believe so." He answered, but the woman wasn't listening. Instead she was looking narrowed eyed at Shippo and Kirara. "My friends," he stressed, "and I, are experienced at dealing with this type of matter."

"Fine. You should get some rest; the spirit only appears after all have gone to sleep. Michiko, show them to there rooms and have meals prepared." With that the old woman left.

"Please forgive my lady, she is not well these days. Too many nights without sleep." No one knew what to say to that.

Sango broke the silence, "Tell us about this sprit,"

"Is it why you both seem so tired?" Kagome asked.

"Yes, and this way please." As the maid lead them through the large house, he couldn't help but observe the beautiful shoji and wall paintings depicting a love story between a lord and a beautiful servant girl. It must have cost a fortune. "This house is haunted by a former servant. She used to haunt this place centuries ago but stopped and up until a few weeks ago everything was fine. But now all of a sudden the spirit has appeared again," she stopped, "Here are your rooms, I shall tell you the whole tale when I return with your dinner."

Miroku watched the maid leave 'pity she couldn't stay longer…'

"Quit staring at that girl's rear and help me move Inuyasha to the futon."

"Of course, Sango, but I was merely making sure didn't fall from weariness," Kagome and Sango gave him disbelieving looks. He sighed; they never believed him anymore.

"She did look really exhausted." Kagome commented once they had Inuyasha situated. The young miko was tenderly washing the blood from Inuyasha hands with a cloth and water a servant provided moments after Michiko left. He and Sango shared a look and a smile. It was so obvious to everyone but them. "What worries me more though is the fact that Inuyasha hasn't awoken yet."

"You said he was in pain before?"

"That's right," she told them and continued her work as they speculated and the whys'

"That strange darkness is behind it, of that, I'm nearly sure. I sensed a dark power as fallen over the land."

"Naraku?"

"It doesn't have his rotten stench all over it."

"I agree, Shippo, it doesn't feel like him. I don't think he is powerful enough to stop the sun from shining either."

"Is whatever caused that, what's causing all these restless youkai and spirits?"

"Most likely."

"But," Kagome interrupted, looking up from wringing out a cloth, she posed the real question," what's all that got to do with Inuyasha?"

Disclaimer: See prologue. Please review any comments questions or criticisms are welcome.