Kagome returned to the village after another hour of trial and error attempts. Sesshomaru had, much to her dismay, been very helpful in channeling her abilities. Her mind drifted to the kiss, which she knew took place only to infuriate her into using her power, but still.... she couldn't really say it had been unpleasant. 'Now what on earth am I thinking?' The young female youkai shook the memory of his touch from her mind. That was just insanity.
Everyone had gathered for lunch. Miroku helped Inuyasha out of the hut to sit with them in the shade for some fresh air while they ate. Only Kagome was aware of the lingering youkai presence, just out of sight in the trees. 'He's watching me," she thought. The knowledge alarmed her, but also excited her. 'I must be nuts,' she chastised herself for being stupid. The last thing she needed was to be stalked by a murderous demon lord with a crush. Of course that thought brought on a giggle, which went un-noticed by all, but the monk.
Miroku was puzzled by the whole affair. The knowledge that Nuraku was behind this turmoil was not surprising, but he would be willing to bet the headmasters gold that he did not intend for Kagome to have gained the attention of his demon offspring. He would never willingly give such power to the already strong miko. This has probably sent him into a state of rage. It is obvious that he must stop this new demon presence before it destroys all of their youkai allies. Nuraku himself, is now more likely to try something to thwart their efforts in finding him.
"Friends, we will have to be vigilant in our efforts to stop Nuraku. As I'm sure he is aware of Kagome's new strength, he will probably launch an assault on us soon. Kagome has become a great danger to him, and his past actions show that he will not take this lying down," the monk spoke with concern. All listening, including one demon lord, agreed.
Sango spoke up, with the beginning of a plan, "Maybe we can track his 'pet' and it will lead us to him."
Inuyasha stirred from his spot as he said, "Impossible. It has no scent. We can't track it."
Miroku thought this over for a brief moment and interjected, "Maybe we can. The vermin has been moving steadily north. Lord Sesshomaru said that it left from his territories, and the victims have all been from north of there. Remember when Muso was released from Nuraku? He unknowingly sought out his creator, which eventually led to his doom. There is a chance that this incarnation of Nuraku will do the same. If we follow the victims, it could lead us to Nuraku."
All agreed that this plan of action could be the only route to catching both the Kyoufu Akuma, and Nuraku. It was agreed that in the morning they would head out in search of its path. Kagome felt better knowing the village would once again be safe from Sesshomaru, as he would have no reason to stay once she was gone.
The afternoon went well, Kagome spent some time meditating, as instructed by Sesshomaru. He insisted that it was the key to channeling her energy. She didn't really like him, but she had to admit that he was an expert at channeling energy.
As night crept over the land, Kagome gathered her things for the hunt. She and Sango left Miroku with Inuyasha to slip down to the springs for a bath. About ten minutes later they arrived at the warm pool of swirling water. It had been awhile since she bathed and she was anxious to wash the grime from her body.
Sango slipped into the water first, as Kagome had to dig out her shampoo and soap. When she turned to get in the water, she noticed Sango staring at her body. She felt a little embarrassed and Sango quickly apologized.
"I'm sorry Kagome, I didn't mean to stare. I just noticed the stripes go around your thighs, and there's a marking like an arrow at the base of your back," the exterminator explained.
Kagome twisted trying to see the one on her back, but it was just out of her sight. 'No matter, I'll check it out in the mirror in my bedroom at home,' she thought, and continued her descent into the swirling pool.
Unknown to the woman, a pair of golden eyes stood guard nearby, observing, but not observing. He scanned the area for danger. Serious danger he did not find, but he did find something else.
Kouga almost bit the end of his tongue off when Sesshomaru landed in front of him. He didn't have to utter a word, because the wolf knew he was busted. He really hadn't meant to peep, but he'd hoped to get a chance to talk to Kagome before he went on his search for the rest of his pack. He followed them here, and was stunned when they began to disrobe. Of course, he'd been so stunned that her forgot to leave, and simply stood there staring at the enchanting sight before him. Now he found himself in deep trouble. "Uh, it's not what you think," boy that sounded guilty, he thought.
Sesshomaru glared daggers at the wolf. He could easily disembowel the filthy beast, but it seemed his mere presence was enough to shake the wolf in his boots. "Leave now," he allowed a hint of anger to come through in his voice, which sent the wolf running back to the village.
With Kouga gone, Sesshomaru took up watch again in his previous spot. Only ten minutes later another presence became clear. 'This is getting tiresome,' he thought as he took flight.
Miroku fell on his backside when Sesshomaru basically re-played the previous encounter with Kouga. The monk smiled at his accuser, and began to scoot back slowly. "Uh... excuse me, Sesshomaru-sama, I was simply out for some fresh air, and..." He was cut short when the demon lord spoke, "Leave at once." The monk scurried off the same way as Kouga.
It occurred to Sesshomaru that the two men should have run into each other. With an indifferent shrug he again took up watch over the bathing miko and her friend. The women finished cleansing themselves and emerged from the springs. Sesshomaru glanced at them when he heard their movements. He had not meant to stare, but by the Gods she was so beautiful. 'Damn, I'm no better than the houshi and that mangy wolf,' he cursed himself for the weakness and took his leave.
Kagome and Sango quickly dressed. Neither of them wanted to get caught by prying eyes. After gathering their things they headed back to the hut where they would have one more night to sleep under a roof before beginning a new journey.