Kikyo waited in the shadows under the trees at the edge of the forest. The night was lit only by stars, the moon had not yet risen. The group moved forward warily in the darkness.

Inuyasha rushed to her side, "Kikyo, are you okay? Were you followed?" the concern was evident in his voice.

"Inuyasha, you brought them all – the ones who seek Lord Naraku?" she questioned softly. They were her best chance to escape his control. She needed to convince them to help her take him down. "I have information you need."

Sango moved forward, her sword drawn. She recognized the woman who faced them for what she was. "Vampire," she hissed. "You are the enemy of my kind. Why should we believe anything you have to say? Why should I not end your existence now?"

Inuyasha leapt between Kikyo and Sango, Tetsusaiga drawn. It remained an ancient rusty blade, untransformed. He stared at the sword dumbfounded. It could only be wielded for the protection of humans. His own sword rejected her now alien nature.
"Back off Slayer. I'll stop you with my claws if I have to."

Kagome put a hand on Sango's shoulder. "Let's hear what she has to say."

Sesshoumaru added, "Stand down, woman. We have wasted enough time seeking that worthless spider to scorn potential allies."

The group formed a loose half-circle around Kikyo. Inuyasha remained by her side. Kikyo began, "Naraku sent me to lure Inuyasha and be-spell him into stealing the shards."

Inuyasha glared back at their stares. "What ya looking at? I ain't stole no shards."

Kikyo smiled at the hanyou. "I chose not to obey that instruction. When I am out of Naraku's presence I have some freedom of movement. But when he is close I am forced to obey his every whim, no matter how distasteful or evil. I seek your help in ending his reign of terror and regaining my freedom."

Sango snapped, "You are Vampire. You wish to be free to hunt and kill and destroy."

Kikyo shook her head, "No, it need not be that way. Vampires do not need to kill to obtain the blood they need to live. The amount actually needed is so small, the source should feel no ill effects! Naraku kills and tortures for his own personal pleasure."

Sango and Kikyo continued to argue and bicker. Miroku noticed that Sesshoumaru had grown as weary of the two going back and forth as he had himself. He intervened, "Lady Kikyo, tell us you plan. Surely your absence will be noticed before long."

Kikyo paused, "I can let you into the stronghold by the secret ways through the dungeons. Inuyasha knows the path to the entrance."

Sesshoumaru nodded; it was time to take action he decided. "Your plan is acceptable. We shall meet you there two days hence."

The pack could debate amongst themselves later, away from the vampire woman. Her proposal was much like the ones he remembered from the games he played in future Tokyo. He glanced sidewise at Kagome and saw the same recognition in her expression.

The group departed toward their camp. Inuyasha remained a while longer with Kikyo until she took her leave as well.

Two days was not really much time, yet it seemed to stretch out infinitely. They were ready for the battle and tired of waiting. After the excess food was cached and the dishes cleaned, the group relaxed around the fire. Sango and Miroku were talking quietly. The children had fallen asleep on Kagome's sleeping bag. Their nanny Jaken snored against Ah-Un at the edge of the camp. Inuyasha was perched in a tree on the opposite side of the fire from Sesshoumaru. Kagome set down the bucket of water next to the camp fire.

Kagome was restless and wanted to be alone. It wasn't safe to go off by herself at night this close to where their enemy hid. Sesshoumaru watched her through slitted eyes as she moved aimlessly around the camp ground. He rose and moved to the edge of the circle of light. Kagome drifted over and stood next to him.

"Miko, you seem restless. Walk with me up the hill." He turned and moved through the trees. Kagome hurried to his side. She hesitated, waiting until they were out of sight, and reached for his hand.

Kagome had been shocked to silence by his plain declaration of his interest in her back in future Tokyo. It was so different from her previous notions of what Sesshoumaru was like. She sought his company though, even when she thought her interest was one-sided. She was attracted to him, undeniably physically attracted, and out of curiousity as well. She stomped down on her fears and misgivings. It took all her courage to take his hand.

Sesshoumaru looked down at her and tightened his grip in return. Although she had not said anything about his bald declaration, he had caught her glancing his way many times. She sought him out on several occasions. And now she had initiated this contact. He did not believe his interest was misplaced. The little miko was shy but she was already returning his interest.

His instincts screamed to pursue her, dominate her, and claim her. His intellect cautioned a more measured strategy, a slower more patient campaign. Either way, in the end she would be his.

Kagome followed Sesshoumaru along the dark winding path through the forest, trailing from his hand. Although she could barely see anything along the trail she trusted his guidance and followed his lead.

The trail took an upward turn and wound toward the top of the hill. Kagome was breathing a bit heavily as they entered a clearing near the crest of the hill. The moonlight was bright, washing out many of the nearby stars. On the opposite side of the sky, the Milky Way blazed above the hills, truly the Sky River.

Sesshoumaru led her to a giant tree, forming a fork with one branch parallel to the ground at his waist level. Kagome squeaked as he grasped her waist, picked her up and set her on the large branch. He took a seat beside her, one arm reached behind her back and grasped the tree trunk. Her own personal live back rest.

For a while they both sat still and silently watched the stars. Kagome shivered as a chill breeze began to blow. Sesshoumaru pulled her in close against his unarmored side. When had he removed it, she wondered.

Kagome snuggled in close. His warmth banished the evening chill and warmed her body nicely. Her cheeks were hot; she was sure her face was bright red. She had no intention of moving, however.

Sesshoumaru began stroking her arm and side, lightly moving his fingers up and down. Her body took fire within, her heart sped up and her breathing quickened. And all he was doing was stroking her side.

The daiyoukai was pleased at the way she was unconsciously responding to his light touches. What would she do when he nuzzled her neck? Her squeak and startled jump were answer enough. He smiled against her skin and indulged in a nibble here and there. Her heart increased even more. Her skin was heated; she would be flushed red if colors were visible in the night. The hot scent of her arousal filled the air. He stopped.

Why had he stopped; it felt so nice. Kagome looked at him and questioned, "Hmm?"
She reached a hand toward his face, then pulled it back hesitantly and let it drop in her lap.

Sesshoumaru commented, "Do as you please."

Kagome reached up and touched the crescent on his forehead. His golden eyes gleamed with amusement. She chewed on her lip and reached out with both hands, bracketing his face. She ran her fingers down his stripes; he gave a pleasured groan.

Somehow, their lips were touching and Kagome was on his lap, clasped close in his arms. Sesshoumaru began to deepen the kiss.

"Hey!" came an annoyed shout. "This ain't the time for THAT. Your turn for guard duty." Inuyasha glared at his brother, and stomped off, muttering under his breath.