Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha or any of its characters. They are property of Rumiko Takahashi. However, this story and created charaters are mine.
Italic- Thought of a character/flashback (one word is for emphasis)
Chapter 1: A New Adventure
Miroku was lying next to a cherry blossom tree, gazing at the sky. Thoughts of his demise plagued his mind as their searched for Naraku came to a halt. The disgust and despair he feels is hidden, as not to worry his friends. The end is near, he feared, "And still no girl who will bear my child," he stated out loud, not realizing Sango had come behind him. Kirara purred, which got Miroku's attention. Turning his head, he saw Sango's expression. Never had he seen a calmer face, right before he saw stars.
"Is that all you think about monk!?" Sango said as her Hiratsu smacked Miroku's head. Sango huffed while she steamed off towards Kaede's hut. Kirara meowed and then followed Sango into the hut. Miroku sighed, followed by a smile. He knew Sango cared, even if she was afraid to admit the truth. He closed his eyes to think about their perfect life together, as if Naraku was never born.
"Promise me you won't leave me. I don't want to be alone."
"I promise."
"Miroku," Kagome said, waking him from his dream, "Wake up, we're ready to go." Miroku rose from his supine position to join the rest of the group, ready to begin their journey once again.
"Where are we going, Sango?" InuYasha asked in annoyance to the slow pace they are traveling.
"That traveler said a village near Mount Shen is haunted by hundreds of demons every night. We agreed to help them with the problem."
"Waste of my time. If there are no jewel shards then there is no point."
"InuYasha you are so cruel," Shippo commented. Inuyasha retorted with a punch on his head, "Ooww! So cruel!"
"Come on InuYasha, these villagers need your help, and it's too far for me to sense the jewel shards."
"Kagome's right. Besides, who knows what treasures await us," Miroku commented before feeling the wrath of Sango the second time that day.
InuYasha began to sulk, knowing he could not win the argument. Today, he will be the hero with no reward, again. His focus flew over his shoulder, avoiding the gaze of anyone, as they approached the village.
"The demons fly over the village towards the mountain," Genku, the village leader stated, after welcoming the team of helpers.
"And this happens every night?" Sango questioned, hoping to get the facts right.
"Yes, they travel west, up the mountain side." His finger created an illustration of his words.
"When do they travel down the mountain? Before dawn?" Now Kagome was asking questions.
"They never come back," Genku replied with a grim expression, "the demons only travel one way. We fear that there is a stronger demon, a demon that devours the others or is creating an army, preparing to attack us."
"An army of demons?" Shippo gulped as he hid shivering behind Kagome.
"We'll have to investigate, whether it is one demon or a thousand." Miroku stood proudly, staff in hand. "Genku, we will protect your village." The village chief nodded to the erect monk, "Thank you, first you must be famished from your long journey." With that village women came with an assortment of food.
"Well, if you insist," Miroku grinned as he returned to the wooden floor.
Newly refreshed from the village's hospitality, the group headed towards Mount Shen. The sun began to hang low in the sky, worrying Miroku. Darkness would only ail to their cause, making it difficult to see anything in their path. His concern rose as the air current shifted.
"I am not getting anything," InuYasha complained as he sniffed the air, "There are no demons here." He huffed off at a quickened pace.
"Wait InuYasha!" Miroku yelled, but it was too late. Everyone watched as the annoyed half-demon halted quickly before bouncing backwards towards the ground. "What the hell?" InuYasha cried as he stood on his feet.
"I tried to warn you about the barrier." Miroku replied to the steamed pup.
"Well then," InuYasha said as he unsheathed Tetsusaiga, "I guess I'll have to bring it down."
"Does this mean there is a big scary demon that eats the others?" a quivering Shippo asked, clinging to Kagome's shoulder.
"Let's not jump to conclusions," Sango replied to the shaken fox demon.
"Don't worry Shippo, I will destroy the demon," InuYasha proclaimed as the red fang blade dispelled the barrier.
A young girl opened her eyes as the barrier crashed down. Her loyal pet, sitting close by her, gave a small growl towards the fallen barrier. "Calm down Isamu, we will deal with these intruders if necessary," the girl replied. She gazed hard towards the direction of the invaders, not knowing who, or what, they are.