Authors Note: All right, here's the next installment! Please review, I'm starting to think no one wants to read my fic! =(

The snow had been falling for several minutes before Kotori risked a quick stop to catch his breath. He had been running ever since he blew the poisoned dust into that girl's face, fearful that if he stopped her companion would there to deal the killing blow. Kotori had seen murder in young man's yellow eyes, and had fled as soon as his task was completed.

"Have you finished your task?"

Kotori spun around as he heard the voice. "Priestess! What are you doing here?"

Cold brown eyes stared down at him. "I am just making sure that you have completed your task, demon. Has she been exposed to the powder?"

"Yes, priestess, she inhaled the dust."

"Excellent," she said, reaching a cold hand out to pat the demon's head. "You have done your task well, Kotori. But I shall require your services one more time. Will you help me, and repay the debt you owe?"

Kotori nodded vigorously. "Without your mercy those many years ago, I would not be standing here today. Of course I will help you, my Lady. What do you require of me?"

The tall woman reached into her kimono and pulled forth another small pouch. "This is sleeping powder. I want you to go to the village where the girl now lies. Wait two nights, and then pour this into the water supply of the hut where she sleeps. When her companions fall asleep, bring her to the clearing where I first summoned you. Then your debt to me shall be repaid, and you may act as you wish."

"What of the one in red? He looked like a demon. What if the powder does not affect him?" fear filled Kotori's voice as he remembered the dark gleam in the other's eye.

"Do not fear him. I will make sure he does not interfere."

Kotori thought for a moment, and then reached out a toughened hand. "It shall be done, priestess."

Back in the village, Sango stood on the porch of Keade's small hut. The snow had grown worse, and had already gathered at least an inch deep on the frozen ground. There had been no sign of either Inuyasha or Kagome, and the demon exterminator was beginning to worry. Night would soon fall, and if her friends had still not returned she would take Kilala out and search for them.

Sango turned as she felt a hand rest on her shoulder. "Don't worry; they'll be fine, just as long as they don't kill each other." Miroku flashed the woman his most charming smile as he appeared next to her on the small porch.

With a sigh, Sango allowed herself a smile. "The way they've been fighting lately, I wouldn't be surprised if they did wind up at each other's throats. I just wish they'd do it here, so we'd know that they're safe."

"Relax, I'm sure they're fine. They're both tough; I know a little snow isn't going to stop them. Now, it's starting getting chilly out here. Maybe you should come inside, Sango, or at least let me warm you up."

The budding grin that Sango had let slip transformed into a yell as the priest's hand slid down from her shoulder. She turned sharply and slapped her hand across his face. "I warned you priest! Keep your wandering hands to yourself! Now, if you don't mind, I'm going out to look for Kagome and Inuyasha. They've been gone too long, and it's getting-"

"Sango, look!"

The exterminator turned as the priest pointed towards the woods. A shape was approaching, but with the coming of evening and the growing ferocity of the storm it was hard to make out who the figure was. The shape drew closer, and soon the small light from the village revealed the traveler's identity.

"Inuyasha!" Sango, heedless of the slippery snow beneath her booted feet, ran toward the hanyou. Miroku turned to the doorway and shouted the news to the others, then followed.

"Oh no, Kagome! What happened, Inuyasha?"

"I'll tell you later. Just help me get her inside!" was the gruff response.

The three headed inside, two fearful for their young friend, and one clutching his burden close to his chest. When they entered the small hut they found Shippo and Keade waiting anxiously, questions already leaving their lips.

Keade's commanding voice won out, however, and she quickly began instructing the other members of the group. She sent Sango for some cool water and Miroku for a pile of clean rags.

"What can I do?" asked the little fox demon.

The wizened woman turned to the youth. "After Sango returns, help her boil some water for medicines."

With a short nod, the little demon was off in search of a kettle. Turning back to Inuyasha, who still held the unconscious Kagome, Keade motioned toward a pallet on the floor. "Lay her there, Inuyasha, and tell me what has happened. I need to know everything."

Reluctantly, Inuyasha laid his charge onto the bed and began relating the day's events to the priestess. He started with the argument, and ended with Kagome collapsing in his arms. "I think it was some kind of poison dust, but I've never seen anything act so quickly. Can you help her?"

Keade checked Kagome's body for signs of poisoning. Sure enough, there were slight burn marks around her lips and just inside her mouth. She listened to the girl's breathing and frowned at the irregularity of the shallow breaths. A fever had begun, radiating heat from the girl's skin. "I think you are correct, Inuyasha. This is indeed poison, but I am not sure of the nature. The poison was probably laced with sorcery to speed the infection process, so I am not sure what I am dealing with here." Slowly the priestess stood, and placed a wrinkled hand on the young hanyou's shoulder. "Stay with her while I look through my medicines, Inuyasha, and call me if there is any change." Knowing that Inuyasha would never leave the girl's side, Keade walked away without waiting for a response.

Miroku returned with the rags as Keade was leaving. He stopped the older woman and asked about Kagome's condition.

"I don't know yet, Miroku. She's been poisoned, but beyond that I'm not sure. The poison spread through her almost immediately, which means that sorcery may have been involved. If that's the case..."

"Wait, you said the poison acted on contact? What symptoms does she have?"

Keade knit her brow for a moment. "She has shallow breathing, slight burns around her lips and in her mouth, and the beginnings of a fever. These are normal signs of poisoning."

"Keade, I think I may know what's happening. Gather the others quick; I think that they should hear this." Dammit! Please let me be wrong!