Thunder rumbles in the distance.

Without missing a beat, both she and Sesshoumaru tilt their heads back to look at the sky. The clouds haven't quite arrived yet but quickly spill across the skyscape, flashes of lightning illuminating the billowing gloom.

Quiet, shared anticipation simmers in the air between them.

"That's coming in quick."

Kagome turns her head to glimpse Inuyasha as he moves to stand beside her. "Yeah, it is."

When he grasps her hand, she squeezes his back.

"You two go."

Eyes snapping to his, her look turns shamelessly hopeful.

Inuyasha's smile softens. "We can handle the runts."