Disclaimer: I do not own any of the wonderful InuYasha characters created by Rumiko Takahashi, nor do I own any of the Greek gods listed within this story.
A/N: Thank you to all who reviewed. I am glad you are enjoying reading my story as much as I am enjoying writing it. You are all correct- this story has a long way to go plus many twists and turns before it is truly complete. However, I could not bear the thought of not sharing just because there's still more to write. So to quote and old movie "fasten your seatbelts, kiddies. It's going to be a bumpy ride"!
The Map
The group was heading north the fourth day after Kagome recovered from her injuries. She had sensed several jewel shards in that direction. InuYasha ran off to scout ahead as the rest of the group followed and Sango took the opportunity to discuss yesterday's events with Kagome. Several blushes and minutes later, they caught up with InuYasha at the edge of a lush forest. Kagome's head snapped up. "There are 3 jewel shards ahead of us" she informed the group. They prepared for battle. Giving a growl, InuYasha yelled "Let's go guys. Those shards aren't gonna come to us" and ran into the forest with the rest of the group following close behind.
The battle was over. The shards were collected, and the tension between InuYasha and Kagome was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Sango and Miroku avoided the two, not wanting to get caught between the two as the group continued through the forest. Kagome was lost in thought, mulling over the events of the day before. "That darn InuYasha! He's been avoiding me all day!" she thought angrily. "I bet he's regretting everything that happened yesterday. I'm so glad I didn't tell him my true feelings…" her thoughts stopped abruptly as she felt a tingling where the hidden amulet was on her chest. "Hey Sango!" Kagome caught up with the demon slayer. "What's up Kagome" the slayer asked. "I need a few minutes to myself to sort some things out. Could you run interference with InuYasha for me? I promise I'll be back in 10 minutes" Kagome asked her friend. "Okay, but you owe me big time!" "Thanks, Sango!" Kagome called over her shoulder as she took off into the forest.
Once she was far enough away from the group, Kagome used her Miko powers to erect a barrier just like Hephaestus told her. A few seconds later, a small wiry god with curly blond locks appeared. He was dressed in a short white and gold toga, plus a helmet and sandals that both sported wings. He hovered a few inches above the ground. "I am Hermes, messenger of the gods. You are Kagome, right?" he asked the girl. "Hai, I am Kagome. What news do you bring?" she replied. "I bring a message from Hephaestus. Your Sensei is in these woods half a day's travel from here." He handed her a map, which instantly absorbed into her hands, transferring the directions directly into her head. "Arigato, Hermes." Kagome bowed slightly. "Good luck, dear lady" he saluted and flew off. Kagome took down the barrier and started walking, trying to figure out how she was going to get the group to follow the map without giving away her secret. "Wait! There was a hot spring on the map! I'll tell them I 'sensed' the spring!" Plan in mind, she headed back to the group.
After sitting InuYasha several times, Kagome was able to persuade all of them that the hot spring she 'sensed' would be a great place to make camp for the night. They reached the spring as the sun was starting to set. It was partially hidden behind a small rock formation, so they decided to set up camp just on the other side of the rocks. The set up went fast since they all knew what had to be done. After eating dinner and cleaning up the mess, Sango and Kagome made the boys promise to stay in camp, and skirted around the rock formation to enjoy the hot spring. Though both wanted to enjoy 'girl talk' about the boys, they knew they were too close and the boys would be able to hear everything, so they simply enjoyed the quiet peace of the night while soaking in the warm waters.
InuYasha couldn't smell anything-the sulfur from the hot spring hung over everything. He was more alert for sounds since his sense of smell was of no use. Unfortunately for him, the being approaching the hot spring made no sound as he glided over the rough terrain. He knew Kagome was here now and decided it was time to make his grand entrance.
Kagome and Sango had just finished dressing and were getting ready to head back around the rock formation to camp when Kagome sensed his presence. "Sango, we're not alone" she warned the demon slayer as the man approached them. He was tall, muscular, and tan. His golden shoulder length locks shimmered with light though the sun had already set. He was dressed in braided white form fitting -"boy are they snug" she thought- pants and a white vest that complemented his tan. He positively glowed. As he got closer, they both noticed his brilliant blue eyes and his strong chiseled jaw line. Both women sucked in their breath at his beauty. He was downright gorgeous! "Good evening ladies." His deep, sensual voice caused them both to shiver with pleasure. "I am Apollo. What brings you to my forest?" he asked as he captured each of their hands and brought them to his lips. Before they could answer, a growling hanyou decided to make his appearance and broke the contact.
"What the hell are you doing?" InuYasha snarled at the man who had dared touch his Kagome. Apollo raised his hands, palms out. "I did not mean to offend" he chuckled. "I was strolling the banks of the lake and noticed these two divine goddesses, so I thought to introduce myself". Sango and Kagome had both sighed and blushed when he called then goddesses. Before InuYasha could interrupt, Apollo continued. "I am a master healer. I live here, just over the rise" he gestured to the right. A gentle rain started to fall and Miroku and Shippo joined the group. "You and your traveling companions are welcome to come and stay in my hut tonight so you do not need to stay out in the rain." "No way!" InuYasha growled. "SIT BOY!" InuYasha was slammed to the ground by the command as Kagome stepped forward. "Arigato, your offer is greatly appreciated." "So this is the god Hephaestus told me about. He's gorgeous!" Kagome thought to herself. "I am Kagome. These are my friends Sango, Miroku, and Shippo." She pointed to each one. "And the one planted into the ground is InuYasha". She received a glare from the hanyou as he pulled himself up off the ground. "We'll get our things and be right back. Let's go everyone". They retreated to camp and gathered their things, then joined Apollo for the short trip to his hut.