Avalon and Kagome come through well the next day. Inuyasha waits for them, pacing nervously. His face breaks into a smile, but it disappears instantly. "Eh, come on. We have to go to the village to gather Miroku and Shippo."

"Okay," Kagome says, walking by his shoulder. "Anything exciting happen while we were gone?"

Inuyasha shrugs his shoulders. "I just slept in a tree."

Avalon shakes her head. 'He was worried about Kagome.' She goes to Inuyasha's other side. "You are so sweet Inuyasha."

Inuyasha bristles. "Feh, whatever."

They make it back to the village and head to Keade's hut. By the time they get there, Keade is already away. Avalon feels relief instantly. She wasn't sure how she would feel about seeing Keade again. She felt bad about their falling out and didn't know how to patch things up. Avalon walks into the hut, sitting down next to Miroku. "Hey, Miroku-sama." She feels he is most likely the one that can relate to her the most. He always seemed the most mature.

Shippo jumps into Kagome's arms, "Kagome!"

"Avalon-sama," Miroku says, putting his hand on her knee, squeezing it. "I heard a most disturbing rumor in the village. A princess passed away and her headman is worried for her soul. He said that many of the young women's souls have been stolen. We have to go back and guard her body."

Avalon pulls Miroku's hand off her leg. 'Always so handsy!' she fumes internally, however she remains calm on the outside and replies evenly. "Hai, it is not well for a soul not to reach its place of rest." 'Should I say it's Kikyo? I'll tell them when we get there.'

Miroku nods and speaks, "Avalon agrees. We should go to the village to guard the princess's soul. I think we should as well."

Kagome nods and Inuyasha shrugs.

Miroku leads the way. Shippo sits on Kagome's shoulder. Avalon's shoulders are slumped as she walks with the group. 'Ah Kikyo. Your life was so tragic and your afterlife is no better. I wish I could help her.' It was a melancholy thought process and it brought her back to where she was. Sesshomaru left her because he thought she only wanted him because of the TV show. She wished she could explain that she never wanted it in real life. Fantasies were one thing, but you don't always want them to come true and even if she did, it wasn't about sex. She wanted to love him and him to love her. It was a bitter pill to swallow knowing he had no intention of loving her, even though they were bound for the rest of their lives. The group finally reaches a huge mansion. Avalon perks up. 'Finally a distraction from my thoughts.' "We're here," she says softly .

They sit in front of the dead princess and the head man. Avalon barely listens, it bores her. She knew what was happening and who was doing it and why.

Inuyasha says, "So these demons carry off the souls of dead girls?

The headman replies remorsefully, "Yes. As if losing out princess wasn't upsetting enough. I can not have her soul stolen before it reaches its final resting place."

Miroku says, "No such thing will occur. Rest assured that my associates and I will protect the princess' soul from these demons."

Shippo questions, "Huh?"

The headman bows and they are led to a room where they are served a bountiful feast by a bunch of female servants.

Inuyasha says, "What? I tell you, same old line, same old unwarranted feast."

Avalon speaks up boredly, "The soul collectors are real and they will come for her soul. They are called Shinidamachū."

Inuyasha looks over at Avalon incredulously. "If you know so much why don't you tell us?"

Avalon's eyebrow twitches. "Would you believe me?"

Inuyasha crosses his arms, lifts his chin and answers indignantly. "Maybe."

"So in other words, no. So why would I bother?" Avalon says with resignation.

Miroku thinks, 'This place is too quiet. The air is thick with evil.'

They all gather around the dead princess. The sun starts to set. After a little while, Inuyasha gets inpatient and stands. "I'm going to go check outside." They all nod.

As he is away the head man comes to the group telling Miroku of the other younger princess and how she is scared.

Miroku says, "It would be my pleasure to check on her."

"I wouldn't Miroku-sama. She's clingy and she isn't like her elder sister," Avalon warns him.

Miroku smirks over his shoulder, "Are you jealous dear Avalon-sama."

Avalon rolls her eyes, "You will find out."

Miroku says, "Come along Shippo." Miroku follows the head man out.

Avalon shakes her head, looking over at Kagome.

"You really know what's happening don't you."

Avalon nods slowly, "Hai, the souls are being gathered by Kikyo."

Kagome covers her mouth. "What?"

"She needs them to keep her moving. It truly is sad." Avalon sighs.

Just then Inuyasha comes back in. "Well everything looks clear outside. Anything unusual in here?"

Kagome's answer is unsure. "No, so far everything has been good."

Inuyasha sits next to Kagome. "Good. So where did Miroku get to?"

Avalon pipes up. "He went to comfort the princess's younger sister."

Inuyasha crosses his arms. "Oh sure. He's some player. Too bad he has everyone convinced he's a saint, otherwise I'd give him a good stomping."

Avalon giggles "Oh don't worry, he isn't going to enjoy his time with the younger princess."

Inuyasha and Kagome ask at the same time, "Why?"

Avalon leans in conspiratorially. "She isn't very pretty and she is very needy."

Kagome has a small grin.

Inuyasha smirks. "That should teach him."

Kagome leans against Inuyasha.

Inuyasha blushes as he feels her lean on him. "Huh? Isn't this a little close Kagome?"

Kagome says exasperated, "Deal with it. She's creeping me out. It's almost like she could spring to life any minute now."

Inuyasha deadpans Kagome. "Huh, that was your motivation?"

"Why else would it be? Hey! Get your mind out of the gutter and concentrate on what we are supposed to be doing," Kagome says grumpily.

"Gutter...yeah. As if. You're the one who jumped me and started pressing flesh," Inuyasha counters angrily.

"Ah ha! So you did have your mind in the trash!" Kagome says, sure of herself.

"I was minding my own business," Inuyasha says indignantly,

"You were hitting on me!" Kagome replies frustrated.

'Why don't these two just kiss already?' Avalon mind drifts to the passionate kisses she and Sesshomaru have exchanged and her depression deepens.

Just then, an ominous wind blows through the room and the princess's body rises off the ground. Kagome clings to Inuyasha.

Avalon summons Murasaki no Raikō, pressing her lips together, ready to strike down the soul collector. 'At last something else to think about.' Her mood lifts.

A bright blue light fills the sky outside and a long white demon busts through the window, swirling around the princess's body. A white mist comes from her mouth.

Inuyashs draws his sword saying, "Time to work."

Avalon slashes the demon in half, destroying it. The princess's body falls back to the ground and the mist returns to her body.

Kagome says, "Her spirit is safe again."

Inuyasha says, "You think it's over. Not likely."

Kagome gasps. "Wait, there's something outside."

They all look outside, seeing several soul collectors who hold souls in their grasp.

"So there are more than just one of those demons," Kagome says.

"Look! They are all carrying spirits of the dead," Inuyasha observes.

"There's so many," Kagome says.

Avalon nods her head. 'All for Kikyo'.

Miroku comes running to them. "After them quickly!"

Miroku jumps off the veranda chasing the demons.

The younger princess says, "Please stay with me." She leans over the railing.

Inuyasha asks, "Miroku, having woman trouble again?"

Shippo covers the side of his face to direct his words towards Inuyasha. "I think she might be a demon and not a woman at all."

The young princess scoops poor Shippo up, squeezing him while exclaiming, "Oh, ho, ho, little fox! How can you treat me so?"

Avalon places her hands on the princess's shoulders, soothing her. "You are safe young princess. They are only after the souls of the dead."

The princess drops Shippo and turns to Avalon, wrapping her arms around her waist, locking her in place.

Avalon runs her hands through her hair. "We must leave. My apologies." Avalon pries the princess's arms from her waist. She and the rest of the group jump and follow Miroku, but soon lose sight of the demons. So they head back to the mansion to finish their watch of the princess.

When the morning comes, they bid the head man farewell as the princess's soul has now passed on.

After traveling for a while Kagome gets hungry. She sets down a blanket and sets out modern food for everyone.

Kagome says that they have to save the girls' souls and Inuyasha, Miroku and Shippo point out that they don't know where to go. Kagome's hopes fall.

"What about you Avalon? You know where they are?" Kagome says hopefully.

Just then a man floats by in the river, clinging to a basket. Kagome pushes Inuyasha into the water to save the person. The monk wakes. He freaks out seeing Kagome then explains how she looks like the one who killed his master and the name of the demon was Kikyo.

Inuyasha threatens the monk for more information, wanting to be sure it is truly Kikyo. Avalon tries to speak but Inuyasha yells at her to shut up. Avalon is irritated, but she keeps her mouth shut. Inuyasha takes off.

Kagome, Shippo and Miroku talk about Inuyasha taking off after Kikyo. Kagome gets angry and grabs her bike, ready to take off. Avalon grabs her shoulder. "You are about to see something that will hurt you, but only you can save Inuyasha."

"What are you talking about Avalon?" Kagome says angrily, over her shoulder .

"Look, I'm just giving you a warning," Avalon says defeatedly, putting her hands up as if surrendering.

"Hmph," Kagome replies haughtily. Then the sky darkens and Kagome gasps. "The sky. Over there"

Shippo says, "The same type of demon."

Miroku says, "After it!"

Kagome agees, "Good idea."

They all take off after the demon except Avalon. She feels pain deep inside knowing the heartache Kagome is about to experience but she puts on a neutral face. She walks behind knowing the barrier will stop Miroku and Shippo any moment. Avalon watches as Kagome passes through the barrier and Miroku and Shippo fly backwards.

Shippo says, "What was that?"

Miroku says, "Seems like someone sealed this area off."

Shippo asks, "So we can't pass"

Miroku answers, "Right."

Shippo looks around and panics. "Wait, where's Kagome? What happened to Kagome?"

Avalon walks up just at that moment. "She will survive."

Miroku looks at Avalon harshly. "What do you mean?"

"She is going to witness Inuyasha and Kikyo hugging and kissing. It will hurt her heart, but she will grow stronger for it." 'Can I grow stronger from the heartache I feel? I can't keep dwelling on Sesshomaru.' Her mind spirals with pain and determination and hesitation, all the while her outward appearance remains the same. Sometimes acting like everything is fine for so long makes your mask impenetrable.

Miroku nods. "Why didn't you stop this?"

Avalon looks at him with a curious look on her face for a moment. 'Why didn't I stop it? Why didn't I stop it!?' her mind fumes. Her face hardens and she replies harshly, "I am done interfering." 'It seems everytime I try to change things something goes horribly wrong!' she screams in her mind

Miroku, Shippo and Avalon wander around until they find Inuyasha in a hole. Avalon explains what happened. When Kagome rejoins them, she insists upon going home, so they follow her back to the well. She hops in. Avalon sits, listening to Inuyasha, Miroku and Shippo discussing what happened when she hears Miroku exclaim, "Eh Gads, you did that with Kagome watching?"

Inuyasha's eyebrows shoot up. "Maybe you should explain what you do with women."

Avalon joins in at this point. She walks to Miroku swaying her hips with a seductive smile on her face. She places her hands on his chest. "He doesn't just kiss them that's for sure."

Miroku's eyes widen and he feels himself respond instantly to Avalon's advance. "Avalon-sama?" he says lustfully

"Yeah not happening Houshi," she says, pushing him away and making him stumble back, barely catching himself before he falls.

Miroku's face falls for a moment, but then he launches into questions about what Inuyasha will do.

Inuyasha asks if he could have both.

Avalon shakes her head. 'You can't play games like that with their hearts. Is it an Inu trait?' she wonders as her thoughts bring her to Sesshomaru.

Miroku explains how it would not work if either found out about the other. Kagome screams, "SIT," face planting Inuyasha into the ground.

Avalon bursts out laughing watching Inuyasha go down. 'Karma.' After settling down she finds herself worried about what will happen if she sees Kaede. She still isn't ready to talk with her again. She didn't tell her about Naraku or Kagome because she didn't want to risk changing the course of things. Inuyasha drags himself out of his crater. Avalon rubs her hands along her arms. "I'm not ready to go to sleep in the village," she admits, feeling a chill as the sun starts sinking towards the horizon. "Can we camp in the forest instead?"

"You can camp in the forest," Inuyasha replies.

"I'll camp with you," Miroku says slyly.

Shippo pipes in, "And I'll keep Miroku's hands off you."

Avalon smiles gingerly and shakes her head. "Thanks. I guess I'll go gather some wood." She sets off into the trees to gather logs and sticks. She returns and drops the wood down into a pile. She notices that Inuyasha has disappeared. "Hey Shippo, you think you could use fox fire to light the wood?"

"Sure thing!" Shippo stretches his hand out at the wood shouting, "FOX FIRE!" Green flames flare onto the logs and soon a fire burns.

"You're pretty good at that Shippo," Avalon comments.

Shippo beams with pride.

Avalon looks over at Miroku. "Where did Inuyasha go?"

"Back to the village," Miroku replies. He holds a bundle of blankets in his hands and starts laying them out around the fire. He sits down with a grim look on his face, flexing his right palm.

Avalon takes a seat next to Miroku. "You're worried," she says gently, placing her hand on his right arm.

He nods. "It's only a matter of time."

Avalon rubs his shoulder. "I wish I could assure you that we will defeat Naraku before...but since I'm here, I don't know how much I have changed. I'm sorry."

"What will come will come. There is no changing that now." He leans back and stares at the stars.

Avalon's lips press together. "You're right, but I will do whatever I can to defeat Naraku before that happens. I really don't want you to die," she says quietly.

"Why?" Miroku's eyes dilate as he gazes at Avalon. "Do you want to bear my child?" he asks, swooning.

Avalon chuckles. "I don't want to bear your child. My motives are more selfish than I would like to admit."

Miroku looks at her incredulously. "What are your motives?"

Avalon glares at the fire. "I want Naraku dead." Her eyes flick to Miroku. "You dying would not help accomplish that."

Miroku gasps, but then he composes himself. "So a means to an end."

"Yes, but not only that," she turns a smile on him, "I can't get to know you if you're dead."

"Why would you want to know me?" he asks.

"I only know what the show told me. You are a real living being in front of me. If you read a story that affected your life profoundly and you had the opportunity to get to know one of the people it was about wouldn't you want to get to know them better?"

Miroku ponders her question, before nodding his head. "I think I would." He raises his eyebrows suggestively "and how would you like to get to know me?" his hand creeps towards her rear.

Avalon grasps his hand that was coming towards her, squeezing so hard the bones popped and gritting her teeth. "Not that way."

Miroku pulls his hand back cradling the now aching limb "So then what?"

Avalon smiles devilishly "Do you mind if I ask you some personal questions?"

"Oh?" Miroku looks at her smiling back "Yes I have been with many women and I know how to pleasure you."

Avalon rolls her eyes "Not what I wanted to ask. Nevermind," she says, frustrated.

"Avalon-sama I sense it was a serious question."

Avalon puts her head down "It was but it's not important, tell me something about you something most people don't know," she says, looking up into his eyes pleadingly.

Miroku gets caught in her gaze grinning stupidly 'such vulnerability, her eyes are gorgeous.'

After several moments of Miroku staring at her she looks away. "I'll take that as a no."

'WAIT!' he screams in his mind. His hand reaches out but doesn't touch her.

Shippo shakes his head 'Idiot.'

"Avalon-sama."

"Yes Miroku-sama?"

"I liked to pretend I could fly when I was little."

Avalon huffs good naturedly. "I think most kids do." A smirk graces her lips. "Thanks."

"For what?" Miroku asks, looking into her blue-green eyes.

"Sharing," she answers simply. She turns her gaze to the stars, feeling herself put up a wall to hold back her emotions. 'Sesshomaru.' she laments in her head.

"Avalon-sama are you alright?" Miroku asks, noticing her change in demeanor.

Avalon eyes find Miroku's and a soft smile pulls at her lips. "I'm getting ready."

"For what?" he asks taking her hand in his

Avalon twists her head to look away. "Just getting ready for the things to come. I need to focus on destroying Naraku. I think I should visit the Murasaki no Reiko temple."

"I heard it is north east of here."

Avalon nods. "It is."

"Do you intend to go alone?"

"I have no one to go with Miroku. I am a stranger that none of you trust."

"I volunteer to escort you there."

"I'll go with you too!" Shippo jumps up onto Avalon's lap.

"It's not necessary but thank you."

Miroku pulls Avalon into his chest and onto his lap. Shippo jumps away before getting crushed.

"MIROKU!" Avalon growls out, pushing off of him and getting up.

"Sorry," he says sheepishly, then says resolutely. "I cannot in good faith allow you to go alone. A young, beautiful woman such as yourself should be accompanied."

"I can take care of myself," Avalon says stubbornly.

"I will still come with."

"Fine," Avalon says, grabbing a blanket and laying on the opposite side of the fire. "I'm going to sleep." She closes her eyes, grumbling under her breath. She falls asleep soon afterwards.

Avalon wakes with a start when she feels a demonic aura. She jumps out of bed with her sword at the ready. Her eyes flash to the aura and she lowers her sword. "Inuyasha?"

"My aren't you jumpy," Inuyasha sneers out

"Hey, it's a defence mechanism," she says, letting her sword fade away. "I'm not used to your aura so I react."

"Right," Inuyasha says, sarcastically.

Miroku rises with a yawn. "Ah Inuyasha."

"I guess I should get going. Thanks for the blankets."

"Aren't you going to eat?" Miroku asks, watching as Avalon starts walking away.

"I'll find something as I go," she says, not stopping.

"Wait! I'm coming with you," Miroku says, getting up and running after her.

"What do you mean you're coming with her? Where are you going?" Inuyasha asks.

"To the Murasaki no Reiko temple," Shippo says like a know-it-all and starts gathering the blankets. "We both are going."

"Hey, what about the jewel shards?" Inuyasha fumes.

"Without Kagome, we are blind. Perhaps you should make up with her," Miroku says, standing by Avalon.

"Guys I can do this myself," Avalon says, crossing her arms.

"Nonsense Avalon-sama, this is my pleasure." His hand inches to her rear, grabbing it.

Avalon jumps away from Miroku and glares at him.

"If you keep that up, she won't want our help." Shippo comes, carrying the blankets over before making them disappear in a puff of smoke.

"Hey, aren't you guys forgetting something?" Inuyasha says, tapping his foot impatiently.

"Do you wish to come as well?" Miroku offers considerately.

"No," Inuyasha says, crossing his arms.

"Then what is it we are forgetting?" he asks, looking back at Inuyasha.

"Goodbye Inuyasha," Avalon calls cheerfully, while walking away.

"See yah!" Shippo says before jumping up onto Avalon's shoulder.

"Indeed we will return later. You make up with Kagome." Miroku says waving as he walks following Avalon.

Inuyasha stands there dumbfounded. 'They trust her?'

Avalon navigates the trail she had taken when Naraku kidnapped her from the village. Miroku walks by her side and Shippo hums happily riding her shoulder.

"Last time it didn't take so long to reach the temple," Avalon laments, looking up at the high afternoon sun.

"Oh why is that?" Shippo asks.

"I was riding horseback." she says without infliction.

"Avalon-sama, are you well?" Miroku asks, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Avalon ducks away from him. "I'm fine," she replies monotone.

Miroku pulls his hand back. 'What is going on with her?'

As the sun starts sinking towards the horizon Avalon sighs disappointedly. 'We won't be making it today.' "Time to make camp I guess. It will be dark soon," she annonces without fanfare.

"I'll go get wood!" Shippo volunteers.

"Thanks Shippo,"Avalon says, watching as the small kitsune dashes into the woods. She looks for an even spot with some shelter. She finds a small rock formation that offers a little overhang. "Here should be good," she sits down glumly.

Miroku sits next to her. "Talk to me, Avalon-sama. Something is wrong."

Avalon looks up at Miroku. "Just unpleasant memories."

Miroku takes her hands in his, gently stroking them. "Tell me about them?" he says softly to her.

Avalon debates whether to tell him or not, then decides to let him know. "When I was on my way here last time, I was in Naraku's hands. He had taken me from the village and he had me go to this temple to claim the sword."

"Avalon-sama," Miroku says gently.

"I claimed the sword but it wasn't just grabbing it. I had to deal with my past and I died hundreds of deaths and the last part was a test from the sword that was most disturbing I was...I dreamed I was raped by Sesshomaru," she says quietly.

Miroku's face looks horrified by the revelation.

"It was all to see if I could deal with it and was worthy of the sword. I passed," she says without mirth even as her lips pull up. "Sesshomaru came and scared Naraku off but we fought and he…nevermind but Hikari saw what was happening and she tried to stop it. A monk had let loose an arrow on Sesshomaru and Hikari just happened to be in the way. Hikari died." Avalon finds tears coming to her eyes. She brushes them away. "Sesshomaru revived her. I'm not looking for pity Miroku, you asked what is bothering me now you know," Avalon says, turning her thoughts internal.

Miroku pats Avalon's hands. "I understand and I see why you didn't want to talk of this with Shippo around."

"I'm sure Shippo has seen and heard a lot, but I don't need to add to it. He is still a child," she says softly.

"Indeed." Miroku agrees.

Shippo comes over with a pile of wood and drops it in front of Avalon and Miroku "FOXFIRE!" he shouts, lighting the wood ablaze.

"Such a useful skill." Avalon smiles at the little kitsune, who puffs his chest proudly. "Now lets see how good your hunting skills are!"

"I can do that. I'll provide for you Avalon but not the monk," Shippo says pridefully.

Avalon laughs. "I guess you will have to find your own fare," she says, elbowing Miroku playfully.

"So it would seem," Miroku says sourly.

Avalon quirks her lips. She gets up and starts moving her hips and tapping her foot. She closes her eyes and her body starts moving to music only she can hear in her mind.

Miroku watches transfixed to the hypnotic movements of her body.

Soon a song spills from her lip.

"There's a fire starting in my heart

Reaching a fever pitch and it's bringing me out the dark

Finally I can see you crystal clear

Go 'head and sell me out and I'll lay your ship bare

See how I leave with every piece of you

Don't underestimate the things that I will do

There's a fire starting in my heart

Reaching a fever pitch and it's bringing me out the dark"

Miroku soon finds himself joining in with the dance, moving his body to the rhythm her song sets even if he can't understand the words. He gets closer to her and puts his hands on her hips, swaying with her.

Avalon quirks her eyebrow at him as she continues to move to the beat.

Miroku has a sheepish grin. 'Will she allow me to keep touching her?'

Avalon's eyes close. She figures as long as he doesn't try anything else, she doesn't actually care.

"The scars of your love remind me of us

They keep me thinking that we almost had it all

The scars of your love they leave me breathless, I can't help feeling

We could have had it all

Rolling in the deep

You had my heart inside of your hand

And you played it to the beat"

Miroku sighs in relief. Avalon isn't protesting his touch. He moves with her, the dance is intimate and he feels his length harden. 'Perhaps I will get lucky'

Avalon finishes her song and stops her hips from moving. Miroku's hands remain on her hips and he pulls her to him, letting her feel his desire for her.

Avalon pushes him away. "MIROKU, HELL NO!" she fumes. "I let you dance with me and then you think that is what is going to happen. You're an idiot."

Miroku back peddles "But...I...uh….and….uh...you...uh."

"We were dancing that's all," she says, going to sit by the fire and crossing her arms.

Shippo comes out of the woods carrying a bunch of fruits and a handful of reptiles. "I brought dinner!" he annonces proudly, then he notices the tension in the air. He looks between Avalon and Miroku. "What did you do Miroku?" he accuses.

"Nothing," Miroku says innocently

"He made an assumption, it's nothing new. Thanks for bringing the food Shippo," Avalon says placatingly.

"Of course, I even brought enough for the lecher," he says suspiciously.

"That's wonderful Shippo," Avalon says. She takes the reptiles and skewers them, placing them around the fire to cook.

Miroku remains silent, contemplating how he could have misinterpreted the dance. "Avalon-sama what was that language?"

"English," she answers.

"Engrish," Miroku tries the word on his tongue. "And what was the song about?"

"Oh, um, it was about the aftermath of breaking up I suppose. Why?"

"It was seductive," Miroku says, raising his eyebrows.

"It was a dance. You need to understand that in my time, in my culture touch isn't so forbidden and people dance like we did and it means nothing."

"Oh," Miroku hesitates.

"So get your mind out of the gutter," Avalon says defensively.

"Avalon?"

"Yes, Shippo."

"Can you teach me English?" Shippo asks, hesitantly.

Avalon takes a moment to consider his request. "I can teach you some of the words but I don't know if I can actually teach you English. It's very involved."

"Teach me what you can!" Shippo says happily.

"Alright." Avalon spends the rest of the evening pointing out items and telling Shippo the English name for them. Miroku listens carefully, trying to pick up the words as well. As the night wears on, Avalon starts feeling herself getting tired. "I think I'm going to go to sleep."

"I'll take, first watch," Miroku volunteers.

Avalon laughs. "Not necessary."

"What?" Miroku asks, stunned.

"What, you don't sleep in a barrier?" Avalon asks, arching her eyebrow.

"No, I can't maintain one in my sleep," Miroku admits.

"Too bad," Avalon says as her arms push out and a purple shining barrier forms around the camp. "No one can see us now and demons can not pass through it. Well, Sesshomaru can but I doubt he will. Good night." Avalon lays down and Shippo cuddles into her arms.

"Good night Avalon," Shippo says with a yawn.

Miroku lays down, staring up through the barrier as a purple shimmer distorts his view.

Soon Avalon is asleep along with Shippo.

Miroku continues watching the barrier, surprised that it is maintained and wonders if Avalon might be able to teach him how to do this as well. It would be a good skill to have. His eyes get heavy and he drifts off to sleep.

Avalon's eyes snap open when the light of the sun hits them. She feels the small warm body curled into her chest. 'This has got to stop. I can't be pining after someone who won't love me. But I can't stand just being used for sex. It hurts too much. And you think I'm just going to let you have me when you come. You got another thing coming. First things first, Naraku needs to pay for what he did to me.' A new resolve forms in her mind, determination takes over and the heartache subsides. 'I won't be some desperate whiny child.' Avalon gets up and leaves Shippo laying down where he sleeps. She looks over and sees Miroku is up. She walks over to him and whispers. "Did you sleep? You were safe within my barrier."

"I did and I know. I was wondering if you could teach me how you do it."

"Have a barrier while you sleep?"

"Hai, I would very much like to know how. It seems a very useful skill."

"It is, but it takes a great amount of spiritual power to do so. I'm not sure you are powerful enough to do it."

"I would like to try."

"Okay, well to start, you form a barrier and maintain it for as long as you can, while you are awake."

"That's it?"

"No, it's more like you need to get to the point that you maintain the barrier as second nature, something you do without thinking about, like how you breathe without thinking. It's not easy."

"No it does not sound like it. I cannot maintain my barrier without feeling exhaustion set in after an hour or so."

"Then I don't think you can do it but you are welcome to try. When you can maintain your barrier for eight hours without feeling exhaustion, I'll teach you the next step."

"EIGHT HOURS?!"

"Shhh, keep your voice down Shippo is sleeping."

"Eight hours?" Miroku whispers back. "How?"

"Miroku, while I'm sleeping and my barrier is up, it is draining my spiritual powers but I have enough that it doesn't bother me and eight hours is about the length of time one sleeps."

"Hmmm, I will try Avalon-sama," Miroku concedes.

"Oh and one more thing, you can't use an object as the fulcrum. You need the fulcrum to be yourself as you will not be able to focus on it while you sleep."

"Ohh." Miroku bites his cheek, unhappy to hear he can't use his shakujō. 'This will be much more difficult a skill to master than I thought.'

Avalon lowers her barrier and eats some of the fruit and leaves the rest for Shippo and Miroku.

Miroku tries to form his barrier using only his spiritual powers, finding it even more exhausting than when he uses his Shakujō. He finds he has more admiration for Avalon's powers and skills.

The group continues on their journey towards the temple. Miroku continues trying to maintain his barrier, finding the process too exhausting to do while walking so he gives up on it for the time being. Avalon, Miroku and Shippo keep up small talk getting to know each other better. Miroku and Shippo feel closer the more Avalon opens up about her life and how she came to this time and Avalon feels more confident in a friendship blooming between her and her companions. Avalon notices a familiar grouping of trees and walks out and stops dead in her tracks. Her eyes are wide and her mouth is slack. Miroku comes out of the trees next and is stunned. "Is this the temple?"

Avalon nods numbly.

The building is burnt to the ground and several bodies are burnt beyond recognition.

Tears gather in Avalon's eyes. There are four corpses. "Naraku," she hisses out angrily.

"You can't know that," Miroku says from beside her.

"Who else would want to keep me from knowing more?" she asks scathingly.

Shippo looks on, then lowers his head, unable to say anything about it.

"I should bury these men," Miroku says somberly.

Avalon nods, "We should." She clears her voice and face of all emotion and looks for something to use to dig graves for the men. Finding a small shed full of tools, she hands Miroku a shovel and takes one for herself. She picks a spot near to where the temple was and starts digging.

"Avalon-sama, you need not dig graves," Miroku says, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"It's the least I can do for these men. It's my fault they are dead." She plunges her spade into the ground pulling chunks from the ground

"You did not kill them," Miroku says, sternly.

"No, but they would still be alive if I never came. Just like all the people Naraku had me kill. I may have been used as a tool but if I was not here I could not have affected things and these men would be alive," Avalon answers without inflection.

"You can not be held responsible for things you did not do by choice."

"I appreciate your concern but I am fine," Avalon says, dismissively.

Miroku purses his lips, concerned for Avalon's well being but starts digging at her side.

By the time the sun is sinking below the trees, the men are buried. Shippo gathers flowers and a prayer is said to the men so they can find peace. Avalon sets up a camp a little bit into the woods, away from everything.

The silence is deafening to Miroku. Avalon had not spoken since she told him she was fine. Avalon's focuses on the fire. Her mood is dark. 'I will see to the end of Naraku, no matter the cost,' she vows before forming her barrier and laying down to sleep.

Miroku and Shippo look between each other, both sensing the foreboding in Avalon's mood.

"Miroku, why is she taking this so personal?" Shippo asks, once Avalon falls asleep.

"I can understand why she feels like it's her fault, but she isn't responsible for another person's actions."

"Do you think Naraku did this?"

"I don't know for certain Shippo, but I wouldn't be surprised. Avalon learning more about her powers could be bad for him, so he may have taken actions to stop her from learning."

"Poor Avalon," Shippo says sympathetically.

"Yes, we will have to cheer her up when she wakes," Miroku says, encouragingly.

"We can make her feel better," Shippo says cheerfully. "I'm going to sleep now."

"Very well Shippo. I will see you in the morning."

Miroku stays awake attempting to keep his barrier raised through the night. 'This is getting ridiculous,' he thinks, sighing internally. After several hours and exhausting his spiritual powers he gives up and lets himself fall asleep.

Avalon wakes to the sun's blinding rays. She finds herself cursing it's existence and wishing that it would stop shining. She grits her teeth, getting up and drops her barrier. She sees Miroku and Shippo are still sleeping so she quietly makes her way to the remains of the temple. The pillars still stand but the rest of it is burned beyond recognition. She pulls rubble from the ashes, hoping to find anything of value but finds nothing. She continues her search. She pulls at a piece of wood. There cracking and then a rumble. She looks up in time to see a beam falling and she is right below it. She jumps to get away, but it lands on her left leg, crushing it. She screams in pain, her eyes water and she lays there for a moment collecting her thoughts.

Miroku hears the thunderous sound and then Avalon's painful scream. He leaps up and runs towards the sound, finding her buried under a large beam. "Avalon-sama!" he says distraught. He attempts to move the beam, but the wood is too large for him and he does not know how to free her. "SHIPPO COME QUICK!" he calls.

Shippo hearing his name screamed, jumps from his slumber and comes rushing to Miroku. His eyes widen when he sees that Avalon is trapped under the beam.

Miroku ducks down and takes Avalon's hand, offering her comfort, trying to form a plan to free her.

Avalon can barely concentrate on what they are doing. She is just trying to not pass out from the immense pain. An involuntary, "Sesshomaru," slips from her lips in a whisper.

"Miroku what are we going to do?" Shippo says panicked.

"We have to think of something," Miroku replies. He contemplates the best course of action. "Shippo I'm going to wedge my staff under the beam and I want you to transform and get the beam off of her."

"Right! I can do that!" Shippo responds confidently.

Miroku releases Avalon's hand. "This might hurt. I am sorry."

Avalon nods, understanding even as her mind spirals and tears flow from her eyes.

Miroku gets next to Avalon, placing his Shakujō under the beam and uses it to lift the beam ever so slightly.

Avalon screams as a new pain laces through her leg.

Shippo's tail puffs up hearing the ungodly sound.

"SHIPPO HURRY!" Miroku says, sweat drips from his brow with the effort he is exerting to keep the beam up just a bit.

"Oh right." Shippo snaps out of his stupor and crawls under the beam transforming into a pink ball. The beam goes flying off of Avalon and lands a few yards away from her and Miroku.

Miroku rushes to Avalon's side to examine her leg. The bone protrudes from her skin and blood pools around her leg bruising is obvious and it is clear where the beam had crushed her leg. "Avalon-sama this is bad."

Avalon grasps Miroku's arm in a painful vice. She uses him as leverage to rise and sees her injury. Her jaw clenches. "This is not good. You need to set the bones before they start to heal."

"Avalon-sama, this wound… it...is fatal," Miroku says hesitantly. "Or we could amputate."

"NO amputation and it's not fatal for me," Avalon says through gritted teeth. "You need to set the bone."

"Alright this is going to hurt." Miroku says quietly, still debating if she was losing her mind or if she knew something he didn't.

Shippo joins Avalon and Miroku looking at the gore that is Avalon's leg. "Oh no! Avalon are you going to be okay?"

Miroku tries to keep his head clear. He digs his hands into Avalon's leg. He nearly passes out as he sets the bones in place.

"I'll be AAAAARRRRRAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Avalon screams as Miroku manipulates the bones back into place. "Fine," she pants out. She gingerly touches her leg, gritting her teeth checking Miroku's work. "You did well. Now we just need something to bind the leg and keep it straight till it heals."

Miroku watches in amazement as the skin starts knitting back together. "This is the power of your bond?" he asks softly.

"It is, but the broken bones will take longer to heal," Avalon says. "Shippo, can you get me two straight sticks about this thick." Avalon shows him with her hands. "And about this long." Again she demonstrates with her hands. "And some vine to use as ropes?"

"Sure I can do that. Are you sure you're going to be okay?" Shippo asks worriedly.

"I'll be fine in a few days I'm sure." Avalon smiles through the pain for Shippo.

"Alright I'll be back!" Shippo says scurrying off into the woods looking for what Avalon asked for.

"Avalon-sama, how are you really feeling?" Miroku asks.

"It hurts like hell Miroku but it will heal and I will be fine in a few days I'm sure. We should probably return to the village. I think it would be good for me to go through the well to get medical treatment in Kagome's time."

"I think that might be for the best," Miroku says, gazing into Avalon's eyes. He can see the pain that lies behind her calm facade. "Avalon-sama, you really are an amazing woman."

"Miroku now isn't the time to flirt," she says, admonishingly.

"I do not mean it as that," Miroku says. His gaze turns longingly on to her. "You must be in so much pain right now, yet you do not cry out. You have been through so much yet you still stand strong and your powers are amazing. I have never met anyone like you. Bear my children."

Avalon rolls her eyes. 'How did I see that one come? "No," she says flatly, not impressed with his praise.

"You may change your mind at any time. The offer is still open," Miroku says, lustfully.

Avalon shakes her head while rolling her eyes.

Shippo returns with the sticks and vines. "I brought what you asked for."

"Thanks Shippo," Avalon says gratefully. She takes the sticks and sets them on either side of her leg. Then she uses the vines to wrap the sticks tightly to keep her leg straight.

"I will go and make a litter for you and then we will head out."

"Thanks Miroku," Avalon says with a smile.

"You are astounding Avalon-sama." With those words, he heads off into the woods to gather what is needed.

Avalon closes her eyes, taking deep breaths, trying to overcome the throbbing pain that was in her leg.

Shippo sits next to Avalon watching her breath. 'Is she really okay? That wound looked really bad and she is human not a demon.' He puts his hand on Avalon's.

Avalon opens her eyes at the unexpected contact. A soft smile crosses her lips. "Shippo, I'm bound to a powerful daiyoukai. I'll be just fine, I promise," she says assuringly, placing her other hand over his.

Shippo nods, while his lip quivers. "I don't like that you were hurt."

Avalon can't help but chuckle. "I'll heal."

Miroku returns with a newly made litter, lifting Avalon onto it and securing her. "Will this be okay?" he asks unsure of if she will be comfortable.

"I'm sure it will work just fine Miroku. Thanks."

Miroku slings the straps over his shoulders and starts heading back the way they came. Shippo and Miroku make idle chit chat to distract Avalon from her pain since every time the litter bounces she winces. They are certain they will be back to Keade's village within a couple of days.

A/N Thank you to all my loyal fans I am so grateful to you all. You make it that much more enjoyable writing this story. I love my coauthor Elohiniar. We may not always agree on things with this story but it in no way makes me value her any less. She is my friend first and foremost. She is blunt and I enjoy that about her. I will always be thankful for she is the reason you all can read this story if not for her help I am not sure I could have put this fanfic out. Please continue with your reviews they make me smile when I see them and let me know how you feel about the story. Like Vergyberg mentioned that she/he was concerned that Sesshomaru would be going back into the cycle of pain, vial, sex. It is insightful and lets me improve my work obviously she/he is bored with that aspect so I know to move away from it. Please leave reviews let me know what you like. What you don't like. What surprised you. Everything and anything you want to relay to me is appreciated. Alex Demonica posted a review that was very critical of my work. I responded by reaching out to her and thanking her. She did not specifically attack me she only pointed out the flaws and that is wonderful, it made me want to work harder to make her like it. So please don't be afraid. Doumo arigatou gozaimasu!

Miss Meep - Thank you for reviewing. I am so happy you enjoyed the chapter and I do plan on them growing before they get back together.

smmahamazing - Yup Rumiko must know something so you most definately have to hang around to find out what and why she knows these things. I would love to hear theories. Yeah they are starting to see that she isn't Sesshomaru even thought she is his mate. Doumaru is a funny. Thanks so much for the review.

itzatakahashi - Rumiko, Rumiko what do you know? Sesshomaru just can't escape the ladies :) Thanks for the review

Vergyberg - I assure you that is not the point of the story and it will not be all about that. The relationship between Sesshomaru and Avalon will progress beyond just sexual needs.

tammyrockstaross79 - I'm so glad I caught you and so glad your hooked on Sesshomaru. He is by far my favorite character in Inuyasha simply because I feel he is the most complex. I hope this chapter didn't disappoint.