Chapter 4: The miko is missing
A/n: Obligatory disclaimer that I don't own Inuyasha or any of the characters. I'm just playin' with them.
The next morning the storm had cleared and the group started travelling again. After a while Inuyasha announced they were close to their village. Kagome made the decision they should head back for the nice and stock up on supplies since they were close. The group agreed and and headed in the direction of the village. When they had about an hour left to go Kagome sensed some shards and charged ahead calling over her shoulders to tell the others. Sango and Miroku stood semi-shocked but Inuyasha was ready to run after her. Surprisingly, Sesshomaru felt compelled to chase her too, especially after sensing Naraku.
No one had noticed Shippo and Rin missing until it was too late. Both boys charged forward followed by Sango and Miroku. Before anyone could really get anywhere Kagura descended on her feather blocking their path. She opened her fan and flicked her wrist sending waves of wind that threw Sango and Miroku against trees knocking them out.
"Need something a little stronger than that for us Kagura!" Inuyasha yelled as he pulled out Tessaiga. The wind witch flicked her wrist again sending curved white wind blades. Inuyasha used Tessaiga to block himself while Sesshomaru dodged the blades quickly. As her blades faded Inuyasha tried to get an attack in but Kagura dodged and narrowly missed being hit by his sword. Kagura retaliated with more blades. Sesshomaru summoned his light whip and lashed it her way.
Kilala used the opportunity of everyones distractions to take to the sky in the direction of Kagome and the children. The fight continued for a while, no one making any progress. Inuyasha distracted by a missing Kagome and Sesshomaru distracted by a missing Rin, and 'mate' as his beast claimed, neither were fighting at their full potential. What seemed like ages later Kagura suddenly hopped on her feather and disappeared.
"Hey, get back here, we're not finished yet!" Inuyasha shouted at the sky. Not a second later Kilala landed with Shippo and Rin on her back. Both kids had bruises on their faces. Rin jumped off and ran to Sesshomaru, holding his leg tightly. Normally Shippo would run to Kagome but Inuyasha didn't see her. Instead Shippo slipped off Kilala's back and stood there timidly, eyes watering. Rin stretched out her arm and Shippo joined her against Sesshomaru's leg. He had the urge to kick him off but Shippo's alpha was missing, he wasn't thinking and if it'd make Rin happy he'd allow it.
Sango andMiroku started coming too and were pretty sore. Sesshomaru told Inuyasha to take Kilala and Ah-Un to get the rest of the pack back to the village then join him searching in the forest. Inuyasha was about to protest but one look at Sesshomaru and he knew that it wasn't a good idea. Once they were on their way Sesshomaru started his search.
He scented the area and sent his yoki out but there was no sign of Naraku or Kagome. Damn girl, saved Rin again. Claim her. She's alpha female. No. He argued with himself while running ahead. Eventually Inuyasha joined him in his search. Both ran through the forest searching and spreading their yoki to try and sense her spiritual power.
By nightfall they headed back to camp. The group knew when they showed up without Kagome that they'd have no luck. Sesshomaru didn't ask many questions sensing Inuyasha's discomfort. He could smell the change in his blood. Tonight was the new moon and Sesshomaru wished to be out searching but while Kagome wasn't present and Inuyasha was human it was up to him to protect the group. He wouldn't normally take over a pack like this but he wanted to make things as easy as possible for Kagome when she got back so he put up with it, besides Rin liked Shippo and Kilala. You're making me soft. He thought while looking at Rin cuddled next to Shippo.
The moment Inuyasha transformed back they were off again. The second day of searching passed much like the first did. The slayer and the monk had recovered enough to care for the group so Sesshomaru didn't bother to stop for food. Miroku took care of the food while Sango took it upon herself to go to Kaede and prepare some medicine for when they finally found Kagome.
They returned back to camp at nightfall. If Sesshomaru had any question before, it was clear now; Kagome was definitely the alpha of the pack. Shippo was a trembling mess, Sango was trying to keep a brave face but he could tell she was loosing hope for her best friend still being alive, Miroku tried to comfort her but it was no use and Inuyasha was restless and more irritable than usual. In the early hours of the morning Sesshomaru couldn't take it and told Inuyasha to watch the group before running back to the forest.