Kami, this took forever to write tonight. But now I am ever so grateful it is finished. And it turned out so well if I do say so myself. I hope you all enjoyed the last two chapters and I can assure you this story is about to get interesting. This chapter may seem a bit slow, but Yukina meets up with Kagome and we learn a few clues about why Kagome hasn't come anywhere near spirit world. Hope you pick up on some of those. If not, well you'll have to see.

The Sanctity of Sunset

Great Paths of the Past

Chapter 3

The woman stood still, eyes closed, breathing steady, as she took in the sights and smells of the early morning tenderness. It was pleasant this time of year, summer just around the corner and the days just keep getting nicer and nicer. Her eyes opened, beautiful pools of endless blue eyes, framed by black heavenly lashes, as she smiled peacefully into the morning air, enjoying the chirping of the birds and the quiet calm of the morning. It was on days like this that she relished being alive and took great joy that she had such a lovely home.

Kagome stepped out onto her porch and surveyed her lands, taking in the large flower-filled fields, neatly arranged in endless waves of colors and varieties, some so rare she didn't even know their names. Her eyes fell on the God Tree that protected her family here. She smiled at it and mentally thanked it for its healing touch which to this day still acted as a source of peace to her weary soul. It wasn't right, though. One as young as she appeared shouldn't have felt as old as she did. But, Kagome's eyes dimmed a bit and grew saddened at what she'd given up to come home, to watch over her family here, and grow up in peace. No matter how much she longed to be with her family forever trapped in time, at the same time, she knew this was where she was meant to be.

If only…if only he hadn't chosen the path his heart had set. We could have been happy here. We could have made a life here.

Kagome gently laid a hand flat on her stomach before letting her hand drop all the way to her side.

Anyway this was her home now and she was destined to protect all who dwelled within the household and lands behind it. Kagome made her way down the porch and stepped lightly behind the house, stopping to gaze out in awe of the majestic forest this shrine coveted. As for as the eye could see, belonged to her and her family. Massive mountains, rolling hills, tall trees, and abundant life every where and it was all hers. Every last bit of land she protected with her spirit with a barrier to keep people from entering her shrine and asking questions, questions she had no wish to answer. Her family's shrine was one of the largest and grandest in Tokyo; with the exception being Master Genkai's which still lay many miles away. Kagome smiled softly remembering the old woman she'd met only once when she was a child.

She remembered it clear as day when her mother brought her to meet the woman. Genkai had at first seemed a bit over bearing and harsh, but Kagome learned quickly that what was reflected in her mannerisms was only a cover up to hide her true feelings.

Master Genkai had taken one look at her and stated something that had stuck with her forever. Great paths lay before you, child, remember to heed them wisely.

Of course those words held little meaning to a child back then, thought oddly enough they'd stayed with her throughout her years. She had always wondered if she'd chosen the right pathway in life.

A soft tittering to her right caused Kagome to tilt her head to the side, long braid swinging behind her shoulder as she caught sight of the black crow situated on a tree by the porch. She smiled warmly at the creature, stepping over to the guardrail. "Good morning my friend," she called leaning over the rail and offering her arm for the larger than normal crow to hop on.

The crow seemed to chirp a greeting before hopping onto her shoulder as she continued on ward, leaning down to pick up her bow and arrows as she went. She caught sight of the bird shooting a wary glance at her weapon and she had to laugh. "Don't worry," she patted his head and stroked a finger through his soft, glossy feathers. "You haven't done anything bad…yet." She giggled when the bird stiffened even more. She grinned back at him, laughing even more when he puffed himself up like a puffer fish, the added weight causing her shoulder to slump a bit.

"You feel a bit heavier today, Daija," she teased the bird, laughing when his feather's seemed to ruffle even more at her insult. She felt the reprimand from him when the crow nipped at her ear lobe and twittered in her ear, stretching his wings as if in protest.

Suddenly the large bird stiffened on her shoulder and cawed loudly in her ear, startling her a bit. "What is it, Daija? Do you sense something?"

Kagome extended her senses just to be on the safe side and instantly went on guard when she felt the approach of a demon's aura, and not one she immediately recognized. In the next moment, Kagome had pinpointed the aura, where it was coming from, and where it was heading. And it was headed straight towards her shrine. Suddenly realizing the energy felt slightly familiar, Kagome started walking in the direction of the shrine steps, "Now where have I felt that energy before?" she muttered to herself thoughtfully.

She was startled when the crow lightly traced a line on her shoulder with his sharp talon. It didn't hurt but it did make a small shiver travel up her spine, almost like a cool drop of water or the touch of…ice. A small smile fell over her pretty face a moment later when she realized what her friend had done. "Ah, now I get it. Thank you, Daija. It seems little Yukina has finally taken me up on my offer to visit. Shall we go and greet her?" She asked the great bird.

The crow chirped in her ear and Kagome took that as a sign of agreement.

As she walked along, Kagome thought back to the simple accidental meeting between the ice apparition and herself. And it truly had been an accident. Kagome had only been tracking down that large demon when she felt it trying to get into her own barrier that morning. Of course there was no way in hell a demon as weak as that ogre could have ever figured out how to get through or around the barrier which protected her land. When she felt it leave, she worried that it would go on to other shrines and sure enough the great beast had led her right to Master Genkai's.

She had barely noticed the ice apparition until the young woman had called out for help. Truthfully the ice princess hadn't been too bad in keeping her aura hidden, but she'd forgotten to hide her scent as well which had unfortunately enabled the demon to track her quite easily. Kagome had jumped in, standing between the ice apparition and taking out the demon in just a few short strokes of her exquisitely sharpened blade.

The woman had at first seemed a bit frightened, no doubt sensing Kagome's large amount of purification abilities. She had, much to her surprise and probably Yukina's as well, stayed for a bit and chatted with the woman, curious as to what an ice apparition was doing so far from her natural habitat and living at a very powerful woman's shrine. Kagome didn't talk much, choosing to listen to the soft-spoken Yukina as she talked about her life. Kagome quickly came to find that she liked Yukina's soft-spoken nature, although she knew there were parts to the woman that she rarely let show. Underneath the sweet, innocent girl-next-door look, Kagome sensed a burning passion within the apparition's soul whenever she talked about her brother and the things she had been through.

Yukina, Kagome came to find, was a lot like herself. She had been kidnapped before and stayed brave throughout the entire process. She had come off her island in search of the long lost brother she'd never met all by herself.

And for that, Kagome could respect her and honestly like the aqua haired demoness. She even told Yukina how foolish and selfish her brother seemed by not accepting his past and being a true brother to her.

Kagome had to admit she knew all about Hiei and the other spirit detectives as well. Koenma had taken great pride in telling her all about his team's growing accomplishments during her time spent informing the tiny ruler of her travels. And she had to admit, she was a bit curious as to how they were all fairing now. Kagome's eyes grew dim and shadowed as her bangs fell into her face, hiding the slightly shaken guilt in her eyes. She knew she should have reported to Koenma months ago and would have…had extenuating circumstances made that quite impossible all because of a certain ruler of Reikai obsessed with the knowledge and power of the Shikon no Tama….and she wasn't talking about Koenma.

And there was no way in hell Kagome was ever coming close to Reikai when the threat to her life and the lives of many others were at risk, no matter how worried Koenma became. Oh, she knew he had tried to find out what happened to her, had sent his own people to her shrine and even his father's SRF, who had tried to force their way through her barrier.

Kagome shivered at how close Koenma had gotten, before the others had helped close up the barrier.

She honestly missed the little prince. He may seem a bit childish but he truly wanted her and Ningenkai's best interests. She would have to apologize once she figured out a way to get the rest of Reikai off her trail.

Kagome was shaken out of her thoughts by the sharp pinch of Daija's nails as they bit into her shoulder as if to get her moving again. "Oh," Kagome breathed, realizing she'd stopped short of the top of the stairs. As of now, one of her feet was dangling close off the edge of the first step and Kagome realized how potentially dangerous that had been. For one she had gotten so lost in her thoughts that she'd lost concentration, something she couldn't afford to do. And for another, she could have fallen and seriously hurt herself. "Thanks Daija," she whispered.

Kagome didn't feel much like traveling down all those steps when she was going to return with Yukina in just a few moments. Obviously she wasn't going to turn her new friend away when she really wanted to speak with her again. And judging by her the energy surrounding Yukina, Kagome could tell the ice Koorime had taken her advice in getting some training.

Kagome's eyes widened. A whole lot of training if I had to make a guess, Kagome thought to herself. She mentally marveled over what sort of powerful friends had been able to aid in Yukina's training. Maybe she would have to meet them as well.

"Well, shall we go?" Kagome asked to her friend. "Would you create a portal, Daija?"

The crow nodded, and Kagome watched fascinated as Daija's eyes began to glow red and began forming a circle just wide enough for Kagome to step into. Kagome loved watching the crow work. And she thought her portals were cool. The circle began glowing a brilliant red color and burst into flames before Daija's eyes lost their glow and the fire went out just as fast as it appeared. What was left behind was a large red circle, 6 feet across in all directions.

Kagome smiled gratefully at her friend. "Thank you, Daija," She stated coolly, stepping into the circle and appearing directly by the bottom of the never ending stone steps. She stepped out just in time to watch as Yukina appeared and almost walked head first into her barrier.

Wow...Yukina wondered to herself as she glanced up at the stone walls surrounding her friend's shrine. I didn't realize her shrine was just as large as Master Genkai's. Yukina stood staring awe, growing curious as to what lay behind the walls and up the vast stairs.

"I hope Kagome-sama doesn't mind that I came by so early," She stated to herself, a little worried that she might be turned away. She didn't want to offend her new friend. Yukina shook her head and squared her shoulders, intending to carry out her mission, if not for Koenma, than for herself. She really wanted to speak with Kagome again, now that she knew a bit about Kagome's past as a miko. And there was also something about Kagome that appealed to the little koorime. She had sensed the vast majority of holiness welling inside the miko and knew instantly that she was a pure soul, one that could never be corrupted by the forces of evil.

But she could be affected, her mind supplied to her. After all Yukina had witnessed the cruelties of both man and demon close hand and yet she had managed to stay bright enough to look to the future instead of letting the past render her a soul beyond repair. That's not to say she thought Kagome was a lost soul or anything, yet she remembered the curious, yet distant look in Kagome's eyes during their first meeting. But as passing hour flew by Kagome's eyes had brightened all the while, seeming to take joy in the simply stories Yukina had relayed.

Yukina smiled and stepped forward, only to jump back as she felt a barrier snap into place. So shocked was she that she almost fell over until she realized she wasn't hurt and that this was probably one of the safe guard Koenma had mentioned as Kagome's shields. Curious now Yukina tested the barrier, after all she knew quite well how to make her own barriers, though they didn't feel quite as intricate as her own ice barriers. Yukina reached out with her senses and timidly tried pushing at it, only to be pushed right back with tremendous force.

This time Yukina really did fall over, but she only sat on the ground shaking her head. This…this energy, Yukina blinked up at the steps as she realized the implications of what she just felt. It's not only her own, but I can feel several others as well, other demons in fact. This is not the work of just one person, but of many.

"That's right," Whispered a soft voice Yukina instantly recognized as a woman's. Yukina's eyes flashed open and instantly spotted Kagome standing just a few feet away, leaning against the walls of the shrine, within the bonds of her barrier.

"Hello, Yukina," Kagome called and stepped down, effortlessly stepping through her barrier. She walked towards the fallen koorime and offered her a hand up. "How are you, Yukina?" She asked pleasantly. "Would you like to come up for some tea?"

"Ye-yes," Yukina stammered in awe of the grace and poise of the woman before her. She was just like she met before, only now she was wearing the normal robes of a priestess. Her hair was still tied back in that seemingly endless pony tail which trailed down her back. She was instantly reminded of Yoko for she moved much the same way her kitsune brother moved all sleek and graceful just like a cat. She spotted the crow on her shoulder, quirking her head when the crow blinked at her and cawed before lifting a feathered wings and beginning to prune its feathers as if he were dismissing her.

Kagome obviously caught Yukina's incredulous stare and peaked over her shoulder at the large bird. She pulled Yukina to her feet and turned to her feathered friend.

"Now, now, my friend, don't be rude," Yukina heard Kagome speaking to the bird as she allowed herself to be pulled to her feet. Kagome turned to her and smiled. "Yukina, this is Daija, don't mind him, he's a little arrogant." Yukina didn't miss the slight ruffling of feathers as the blue-black crow seemed to shoot the miko a scathing look. Yukina couldn't say she wasn't surprised that the bird seemed to be acting more intelligent than most birds, but with all that she'd seen she guessed she couldn't be.

Yukina smiled a gentle smile and reached to pet the beautiful bird's sleek feathers and giggled when she felt the bird flinch at first and then relax into her hand, nipping the palm lightly as she ran her fingers over his body. "Don't worry, he doesn't bother me. In fact I've got a friend that acts just like him," Yukina laughed picturing the way Kuronue preened when he thought no one was looking.

"Oh?" Kagome's eyebrow rose at the glowing smile that radiated from the apparition's face.

"Yeah…he looks as fierce as a lion, but when you get right down to it, he's as tame as a pussy cat," Yukina finished, amusing Kagome and sending Daija into a huff.

"So…what are you doing here?" Kagome asked again.

"Well," Yukina shot her an apologetic look which confused Kagome a bit. Yukina looked around for any prying eyes or spying figures lurking about. "I can't really talk about it here. Is there some place where we can speak for awhile?"

Kagome's face relayed little to no reaction as she digested Yukina's words. Her insides were screaming, though. Yukina had relations with the spirit detectives and consequently, Koenma no doubt. Had he finally sent someone to find her? And why Yukina? Realizing that she was in a bind, Kagome knew she couldn't turn the ice apparition away, but also realized the risk involved in speaking with her.

"Please, Kagome," Pleased Yukina, noting a bit of panic in Kagome's eyes and the sudden stillness of Daija who seemed to be eyeing her skeptically. "Listen I know there is probably a reason you have such a great barrier around your home and I can only promise you that I'm not here to deceive you or betray your confidences. I want to help, as well as Koenma, but mostly I want to help because I'm your friend. I swear that if there is something you can't share with Spirit World you can share it with me. Please Kagome, let me help you."

Kagome continued staring at the girl, knowing in her heart that Yukina spoke the truth. Finally she sighed. "All right, but we cannot now," Kagome started. Yukina looked a bit relieved and a little confused. "Look, if you want to speak with me, it must be under the cover of night. There are great reasons for this and I'm risking a lot just by allowing you to speak with me now. Come back tonight and I promise to answer any questions you might have."

Yukina thought it over before nodding slowly. "All right, Kagome. I trust you…however," Yukina paled. What about the others? Should I ask her about them as well? Would she accept them here?

Kagome who had been listening to Yukina's debate answered her. "How many, Yukina?" She asked quietly. "How many of them are there and most importantly…can I trust them?" Kagome cupped her hands around Yukina's skinny shoulders looking deep into Yukina's eyes for any sign that her friends could not be trusted.

Yukina nodded slowly, although a picture of Yusuke flashed through her mind. She shook her head though. Yusuke had been a Spirit Detective for a very long time and he may seem a bit more brash and rude then ever, but he could still be trusted. The others she had no doubt about. "Yes, Kagome. I swear on my soul. They can be trusted," Yukina answered steadily and stared right back until Kagome nodded and moved away.

Yukina's mouth dropped open when Kagome's form began blurring a bit. "Then bring them tomorrow night, Yukina, but I warn you if any of your friends, and I mean any, decide to speak of what goes on here, I will kill them. I will do whatever is necessary to protect my home and my family, even if it ends up hurting someone that you love." And with that she disappeared, leaving behind nothing but a soft wind and absolutely no trace of her energy.

And that's that. So what did you all think? I hope this chapter wasn't too boring or anything as I really wanted to set the mood for this story. Oh, also I'm still looking for names of demons and suggestions for different types. I will also take ideas for shape shifters, vampires, werewolves, fairies anything you guys want added in. I promise I'll give you credit for anything I might use.

Ja ne

Kura-kun's-lovr