Chapter 13, Unexpected Visitors II

Story thus far

After eavesdropping on the conversation of Emperor Higurashi and the royal adviser, Naraku, Sango set out for the Hall of Documents to find out about the legendary (but apparent forgotten) prophecy of Kagome's birth, not realizing someone was secretly watching her every move. Meanwhile Kagome goes on a little expedition through the forest, and met someone who would tell her all about the Jewel of Shikon…

"Miroku," Sango said in a low, suppressed whisper, we need to get going, now!"

"What…when… how… why…WHAT?" Miroku stammered in surprise.

"I found out where the Priestess who gave the beads to Kagome-sama lived. It's by the Forest of Phantoms. I'm sure Inuyasha and Kagome are there."

Unbeknownst to the pair, after they took to the sky on the back of Kirara the Two-Tail, a shadowy figure grinned darkly: "The Forest…Once again, thanks for leading me to them, Miss Taijiya, you are a great help."

When Kagome at last stumbled out of the dark forest, Inuyasha's angry face was there to greet her.

"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN YOU FOOL? I know you're not smart, but I never though you are stupid enough to go into the forest, ALONE, after you were attacked last time!"

"In…Inuyasha…" Kagome looked up at him, her face deathly pale, her big eyes full of confusion and fear.

"Kagome…?" Inuyasha's sharp feature softened, and he didn't object as the frail girl fell weakly into his arms.

"I'm… so scared," she said softly, "I don't know who I am anymore… Something dreadful is going to happen. I can feel it. SHE thinks so. I saw it in her eyes…"

Inuyasha stood as one struck dumb: "What are you talking about, and who the hell is SHE?"

"SHE told me…about everything. Her name is Kikyo."

"Kikyo…" Inuyasha repeated the name and felt flustered as memories of his past obsession came rushing back. He had forgotten completely about the aloof priestess after all the fuss Kagome had stirred up. But that was of no importance now. Kagome needed him.

Kagome calmed down a bit, and started to tell Inuyasha about the prophecy, and what came to pass under the shadow of the woods. After she's finished, they were both silent.

Receiving now response from Inuyasha, Kagome started to feel doubt. She was not sure what possessed her that she decided to place trust in the half demon in front of her and tell him everything. But now, she didn't know whether this was wise. The Inutaisho clan was the enemy of her father, he could use the Prophecy against her.

Seeing the distrust in her eyes, Inuyasha felt a strange but painful jerk in his heart. Did she still see him as a demonic kidnapper?

"Kagome, Kagome!" Two excited cries came from the other side of Kaede's hut. They were joyful and very, very familiar.

"Sango?" Kagome almost didn't believe her ears. She jumped out of Inuyasha's arms and leaped toward her friend, they embraced each other in tears of gladness.

"Thank goodness you are alright," Sango said as she checked Kagome up and down.

"Why wouldn't I be? Nothing bad happened to me, really…"

Glancing forlornly at the chatting girls, Miroku said to Inuyasha: "Now I feel unwanted. We haven't seen each other in a long time too, show me some love."

"Buzz off, Miroku, you give me the creeps." Inuyasha said as he punched away Miroku's widespread arms.

"Aww, I was expecting an 'I miss you' or…"

But Inuyasha wasn't listening.

Nose sniffing, what's this threatening smell?

Ears twitching, what's this new demonic aura?

The forest was dark and secretive, what enemy could've hidden there?

Suddenly, a gust of wind burst through the treetops, followed by a full-blown tornado. It flew towards them, throwing up dust and leaves and twisting them in the air.

"What is it?" Miroku asked.

"Protect Kagome," was all Inuyasha said.

The sky had grown dark. The wind blew mercilessly, bending branches. Out of the trees and thickets eerie eyes glowed and ghostly howls rose. Inuyasha bent low, muscles taut, senses focused, and hands on the sword hilt. The tornado surrounded him; the air was full of dust, preventing him from seeing. Where would his enemy be? There, on the left! It was the smallest wisp of wind, but he felt it. Reflexively he drew his sword to block. Something hit, the loud "clang" of claws scratching against metal could be heard.

"Heh heh, not bad. I though the bastard son of the great Inutaisho is all bark and no bite," a taunting voice teased menacingly.

"Don't just talk, come out and fight like a man!" Inuyasha said through clenched fangs.

"Alright, but don't cry to your mommy after I beat the crap out of ya!"

The dust settled. The sturdy frame of a lean young man wearing brown armour became clear. Kagome gasped: "Prince Kouga!"