A/N: Special thanks to Raven the Shikon-Hawk and Anime master Inu for the feedback!
Kagome struggled to hold on as InuYasha carried her on his back. He was running faster than usual, and she knew he was hoping the scent would lead to Naraku.
Of course, she knew it wouldn't.
She could not sense any shikon shards. And besides, Naraku was too careful. He would not allow his scent to be known unless he wanted it to.
Kagome sighed slightly, then leaned her head on InuYasha's shoulder. She felt guilty for even thinking it, but a part of her hoped they would not catch whoever they were tracking. They could just keep running, and Kagome would never have to leave the comfort of InuYasha's arms.
When had that happened?
When had being carried on InuYasha's back suddenly become her place of solace? She felt so safe, as if nothing could ever harm her. In this moment they would not argue; rarely even speak, and her mind was able to wonder…
But she was suddenly jolted back into reality when InuYasha came to an almost screeching halt. Kagome winced as the sudden stop caused her to bit her lip and she felt the metallic taste of blood creep into her mouth. She was about to scold InuYasha for not being more careful when it suddenly dawned on her why he had stopped.
Kirara had also come to a halt, landing beside Kagome and InuYasha. Miroku, Sango, and Shippo stepped onto the ground, and looked around, obviously unsettled.
"The scent ends here," InuYasha said, as Kagome lowered herself to her feet.
"This demonic aura is most unsettling," Miroku added. Kagome shivered slightly. Miroku was right.
"Show yourself, demon!" InuYasha yelled into the trees.
Kagome shuddered again as a low laugh came as a response. The voice was thick with malice, and InuYasha instinctively stepped in front of Kagome.
"I do not hide from you, half-breed," the voice spat as he stepped into the clearing. His movements were so smooth; he seemed to float into their line of sight.
"Maybe you should have!" InuYasha screamed, as he unsheathed Tetsusaiga. InuYasha had never been one to stop and ask questions, and he wasted no time in attacking the demon. He raised his sword and called out as the weapon came crashing down.
"WIND SCAR!"
"Pathetic fool," the demon laughed. His body became almost transparent as the attack seemed to go right through him.
Kagome's jaw dropped, as the InuYasha's attack had no effect on the demon.
"It… it went right through him!" Sango stammered.
"Impossible," Miroku said, almost in awe.
"But how-?" InuYasha started, and the demon laughed even harder.
"You think a mere half-demon can defeat me, the powerful Sanjitosama?" He laughed again, then turned his attention to Kagome. "I do not wish to play these childish games," he said to InuYasha, his gaze locked on Kagome. "I will take what I came for."
And before anyone could react he lunged at Kagome.
