(A/N) Look who decided to get their lazy bones in gear =.= Ugh, I can't believe how long it's been since my last update…please excuse my laziness. Updates should be coming more frequently now depending on how my schedule works out.

Thank you for all your continued support and I hope this chapter meets up to expectations.

Please enjoy!

Chapter eight: A Confrontation

Kagome stretched as she tried to wake herself up. It had been a long uneventful night for her and her rag tag group. Rinsuke had been on edge and had gotten hardly any sleep. Shippo twitched in his sleep managing to constantly kick Kagome, making it nearly impossible for her to get to sleep properly. In the end Kagome was kept awake by frequent kicks from Shippo and constant questions from Rinsuke.

Rinsuke had asked many pointless questions, so Kagome managed to tune them out of her memory. However there was one question that Kagome had not been able to avoid.

"So tell me Kagome, what was the dream about that you had the other night?" Rinsuke had looked pointedly at Kagome waiting for her to respond.

The young priestess had stared at Rinsuke for a moment before realizing what he was asking about. She sighed and turned away from him before she began to answer his question.

"Well it was really fuzzy so don't expect too many details, okay?" Rinsuke had nodded waiting for her to continue.

"I was back in the 20th century with my family, mom Sota and grandpa. We were all sitting somewhere, I don't remember where but here was a lot of green, so I guess it was a park or something. Anyway as we were sitting there the ground started to shake making us fall. When we fell the ground shattered leaving behind a white area that went on forever. We fell for a while but then I heard a scream. It was my mom she started to bleed from her mouth and eyes. I tried to help her but then everything went black."

Kagome had taken a break, visibly shaken. Rinsuke moved close to her in order to hold and calm her down.

"Was there more?" he had pressed on, curious as to what had Kagome so spooked. Kagome nodded taking in a large breath in order to continue.

"It didn't stay black for too long. Soon I was in a room with only for bamboo walls. My mom was right in front of me bound and gagged; I don't know here grandpa and Sota were. I tried to get to her but something held me back. It was a tail, I think. I had to watch as my mother bled to death…Then there was a voice that called me 'Love' like it knew me. I was crying by this point. Before I could ask what was going on I woke up…"

Kagome trailed off into in erratic sobs. Rinsuke had then proceeded to hold the young women for the rest of the night until she had fallen asleep.

Kagome came out her reverie as Shippo awoke with a wide mouthed yawn.

"Good morning Kagome!" he exclaimed with a chipper smile upon how face. Kagome smiled backing acknowledgement and returned his good morning. The two then looked to Rinsuke only that he was no longer seated in his original place.

"Where's Rinsuke?" Kagome asked. Shippo only shrugged in response.

"Well, then I'll go look for him." The girl said, a tone of worry laced within her words. Shippo hopped up from his place on the ground.

"I'll come too, even though I think you're better off without this guy."

Kagome sighed and rolled her eyes as she pulled Shippo out of the hut. Once they were out of the hut, she immediately began to call out Rinsuke's name. After a minute she saw Rinsuke coming into view just on the outskirts of town. As he came closer into view Kagome could see a scowl set upon his normally carefree face.

"What's wrong with him?" Kagome questioned to no one in particular. However, Shippo took it upon himself to respond.

"He smells upset, and nervous."

Kagome looked at Shippo for a moment before deciding that it would be pointless to tell him that her question was actually rhetorical. Instead, she settled for looking back to where Rinsuke was.

The young priestess began to wave at him with a cheery smile on her face. She thought that maybe he would be put in a better mood if he received a war welcome. Her actions, however, gained the opposite effect. Rinsuke came to stand in front of Kagome with a deepened scowl. Kagome slowly lowered her hand with a nervous giggle.

Rinsuke scrutinized the young priestess with his azure blue gaze. He watched as a single bead of sweat ran down Kagome's forehead. He lowered his head and sighed at the girl. Rinsuke then heard Kagome make an inquisitive noise.

"What's wrong Rinsuke?" Kagome asked with a puzzled look upon her face. Rinsuke looked up to stare at her with angry, yet concern filled eyes. He sighed once more and placed a hand on Kagome's cheek. This sent a small shiver running through Kagome's body; she did nothing to stop him. Rinsuke traced her cheek with his thumb as he began to speak to her.

"You don't see the potential danger in this situation do you?" Rinsuke moved his hand from her face and grasped her hands in his own. He interlocked his calloused fingers with hers, pulling her closer to his body. Kagome squeaked in protest, but Rinsuke continued with his actions.

Once Kagome was close enough, Rinsuke twirled her around and pulled her back toward his chest. Kagome squirmed as he drew his arms around her midsection. Choosing to ignore the girl's distress, Rinsuke pulled her closer and placed his chin on her left shoulder, with Shippo glaring all the while. However, he dare not intervene for fear of the reaction from both parties involved. The young fox demon could only stand and watch in disgust as Rinsuke brought his lips to Kagome's ears and began to whisper to her.

"Kagome, the people of this village have mysteriously disappeared. The y vanished recently, Kagome, some huts are still warm form previously lit fires, which by the way still have burning embers in them. This was not a sudden migration by the inhabitants. There are clothes lines with damps clothes, children's play things, and fresh picked crops. The people of this village were most likely, quite possibly by a demon. What do you think will happen when said demon notices three "residents" are still in the village?"

Rinsuke paused waiting for Kagome to answer his question. When no answer was given, Rinsuke continued to speak.

"Kagome, there is a big chance that the demon that took these people might come back to take us as well. I meant what I said in my village all those days ago. I really would hate to see such a pretty kind hearted girl like you get hurt. Please, Kagome, face reality and realize that staying here puts all of our lives at risk. Let's leave and find a village that is willing to take us in. Maybe we can find a place to call home. Forget about your other world and live with me here, Kagome."

Kagome listened as Rinsuke's tone grew more desperate. Before she could say anything, Rinsuke continued with his plea.

"Kagome, I've only just met you, and yet I've fallen head over heels for you…I love you, Kagome. I know this for certain. I've never felt this way before about anyone. Please, Kagome, Let me protect you let me take care of you and your heart the right way. I can't do any of that if we're still here."

Rinsuke concluded his declaration and promptly met the ground. Over the course of his words, Kagome's body had begun to stiffen. The sincerity of his words made her heart ache with the memory of a certain half demon. She had wanted to hear those words from Inuyasha, not Rinsuke, or anybody else for that matter.

In order to combat her feelings of pain and resentment she had pushed Rinsuke away from her with all her strength.

Kagome looked down at Rinsuke seeing the look of disbelief and confusion on his face. He blinked as he watched Kagome seethe with anger.

Kagome wanted to yell and scream at Rinsuke. But try as she might, she could not bring herself to do so. She was unable to hurt the man's pride any further. He had just confessed his love to her and she pushed him to the ground. Tears began to fill the young woman's eyes as she looked at the man below her.

Kagome turned and ran from the scene. She heard Shippo scolding the man as she ran.

"You really did it this time!" Kagome ignored his words and the fact that he had begun to follow her. She continued to run until she reached a nearby forest area. She made a makeshift opening in the brush and continued with her desperate escape. Shippo followed closely behind until he got caught in the brush and brambles. Kagome used this to her advantage.

The young priestess sprinted through the forest, panting all the way. She refused to stop, unable to face the reality of moving on and away from everything that had happened with Inuyasha. It made her heart ache even more than it already did.

In her mind, Kagome liked to believe that she had forgiven Inuyasha, however in her heart she knew that she still wished for him to come back and love her.

Kagome soon entered a large clearing, with luscious green grass and patches of beautiful flowers. She threw her arms out from her and spun around until she fell into a patch of flowers. After a time, Kagome sighed and began to replay the events of earlier.

I don't know what to do, she thought to herself. I guess the first step would be to go back and apologize to Rinsuke for over reacting, after al, he really didn't do anything wrong.

Sitting up, Kagome sighed inwardly. The air around her was soft and gentle. It lightly caresses her face and tossed her hair. She let the light spring breeze blow away her troubles.

The relaxing quality of the wind caused Kagome to lie back down once more, her eyelids drooping with fatigue. Though she tried valiantly, Kagome was unable to keep her eyes open in order to stay awake. With one last blink, Kagome's eyelids fell closed and she slipped off into a light doze.

…

Kagome awoke to warm embrace. She snuggled into it before realizing that a strong demonic energy was engulfing her.

What's going on? Kagome questioned as she began squirm.

"Don't struggle my love," a smooth and quiet voice said to Kagome softly. "You're safe now my love. I'll take care of you, Kagome."

The young priestess struggled harder against her captor.

"I don't know who you are, but you better let go of me!" Even with her threat, the demon's grip became harder to move in. The more she struggled the tighter the embrace became.

"Just calm down my sweet, I shall not hurt you."

Kagome refused to listen to the demon's words. Her heart was pounding, sending massive amounts of blood into her ears. With the pounding in her head, she was unable to think clearly, so she made a quick and desperate decision.

"Rinsuke!" Kagome's voice echoed through the clearing, causing birds to flee from their nests. The demon's hold became so tight that black dots began to dance in front of Kagome's eyes.

"I only ask that you come quietly my love. However, I suppose you have to journey with me unconscious." The demon hissed in aggravation. "What a shame."

Kagome began to gasp as her airway was constricted. She tried to scream again, but she was unable to draw in any air. After a few more seconds of struggling, Kagome finally gave up and blacked out.

"That's right my dear, fall asleep. All will be well when you awaken…"

The demon, having secured Kagome in a comfortable position in his arms, set off in the direction that Kagome had come from.

…

Sesshomaru walked slowly as to not lose his small traveling party. They had set of from Inutaisho's castle at the crack of dawn. It was now midday, and the perfect time for Rio to start his complaint session.

"My feet were not meant for this type of vigorous strain." He sighed as he shifted upon his bare feet.

"Shoes are always an option," was Sesshomaru's only response.

Rio sighed as he gave a reply.

"Shoes are too much of a hassle, my lord, you should know that."

Sesshomaru made no motion to respond this time. Seeing this both Gakuto and Daiki decided that it would be best to stay on their lord's good side for the day. In order to do so they kept all conversation quiet. Rio on the other hand had no qualms about agitating the demon lord. He decided to continue his mission to make his master rather angry by displaying more dissatisfaction with the situation.

"My lord, if I may be so bold as to point something out to you," he began with a slightly cynical tone.

Sesshomaru clenched his fist tightly. Rio took this as the cue to continue with his earlier statement.

"My lord we have been traveling for at least half of the day now. I'm sure that we should have made it to the village by this time, so I have this simple question to ask you. Where exactly are we going?

Rio sent an icy glare toward his lord doing his best to amplify his feelings. Sesshomaru rolled his eyes, unclenching his fist. Continuing to walk forward, the demon lord gave his answer.

"We are not headed for the village. I am following the demonic trail of the demon from the other day. At this point I care little about the affairs of that village; should the demon's trail lead us to the village than we shall head there."

Rio sighed then grumbled about having to walk more than was strictly necessary.

Taking action in order to save his friend from meeting an early grave, Daiki shoved a hand over Rio's mouth.

"Keep your mouth shut Rio! I beg you, for your own sake, keep your mouth shut!"

Rio glared at Daiki with a burning intensity that could rival that of the sun.

That traitor, the blue haired demon thought dejectedly. He sighed and placed a well manicured hand on his hip. He then began to walk after Sesshomaru, Gakuto and Daiki in tow. Rio decided that he would resume pestering his lord at a later date.

Sesshomaru thanked Daiki internally as he continued to follow the demonic trail. A comfortable silence soon began to envelope the group; this did not last long. Rio began to moan breaking the silence, causing Sesshomaru to become rather disgruntled. The dog demon turned around to reprimand Rio for his actions.

Sesshomaru turned around only to see Rio almost doubled over in pain. Sesshomaru hadn't noticed until now but the demonic aura around the group had grown stronger. It had obviously begun to affect the advisor.

"Rio," Sesshomaru had stated as he walked over toward his vassal. Rio raised a hand to stop his lord's approach.

"I am fine, my lord, the demon is closer now. The sooner you get rid of it…the faster I'll get better…and the sooner we can all go home," Rio stated in between gasps for air.

"Then let us continue," Sesshomaru said picking up the pace once again. Rio Daiki and Gakuto followed closely behind.

Rio began to rub his temples in an attempt to calm the pain that he was experiencing.

Rio, being a Tracer demon, had the power to sense the aura of powerful demon, memorize it and then use the information to track them later, no matter the distance between the two. The process of memorization is what caused Rio's headaches and the like. Though the process of memorization made him the best tool for tracking other demons, it put him through quite a bit of agony. He did his best on a regular basis to stay away from auras that matched the caliber of his lord. There were situations however, such as the current one, which caused his system to go into auto drive, memorizing the aura before he the chance to decide whether he wanted to or not.

The memorization process lasts no more than three days, depending on the demonic energy. For Rio he just hoped that the demon was exterminated before he found out how long the process would last. If the demon ceased to exist the pain would disappear faster.

Rio sighed as he felt Gakuto place a comforting hand upon his shoulder.

"You'll be alright, my friend, the demon will be exterminated soon, and I will personally guarantee to draw a warm bath for you when we return home. Just be strong until then.

Rio nodded slowly in thanks for Gakuto's kind words. He was about to voice a question about the demon to Daiki, when an orange haired demon adolescent came running up behind him. The young demon had run into Rio's side effectively knocking him over.

Rio let out a gasp of pain as his headache was worsened upon colliding with the ground. The demon apologized, offering a hand to him. Rio accepted the hand, using it as leverage in order to regain his footing. He stared at the young demon for a moment before stepping aside, leaning on Gakuto and Daiki for support and letting his lord asses the demon.

Sesshomaru walked toward the demon, a scowl gracing his elegant features. His scowl hardened as he continued to look at the young creature. He had the vague sense that he knew the demon, however, his memory decided to fail him. With little time to waste Sesshomaru decided to get right to the heart of the demon's sudden appearance.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" Sesshomaru stared the demon down, waiting for an answer. The demon sighed looking at the demonic prince.

"I figured you wouldn't remember me, hardly anyone ever does. I'm Shippo; I used to travel with Inuyasha and his friends."

Ah, the little fox kit that traveled with Inuyasha…how quaint, Sesshomaru thought as he waited for Shippo to answer the latter part of his question.

"You're looking for the demon that abducted the nearby village right, since you brought a Tracer with you?"

"Why have you come here, kit?" Sesshomaru glared once again waiting for Shippo to respond.

"Alright, no need to be so pushy."

Shippo cleared his throat.

"I think the demon that you're looking for happens to be back at the village. I can lead you there faster than your Tracer. You just have to follow me."

Sesshomaru eyes Shippo suspiciously.

"What exactly do you gain from this venture, kit?"

Sesshomaru stared at Shippo, expecting him to answer with a rather selfish statement. What Shippo actually said surprised him.

"Kagome and her friend are in trouble. I need help to save them and you're the closest demon around with enough power."

"Why should I help you or that miserable wench?"

Shippo glared at Sesshomaru, clenching his fists, doing his best to stay calm. Before Shippo had a chance to speak again, Gakuto broke away from Rio and Daiki, in order to talk to his lord.

"My lord Sesshomaru, perhaps this is not a meeting of chance, but rather one of miraculous convenience. Rio is down due to the memorization and Daiki, though good for information, is terrible at everyday combat. Though you have my support, I might also prove to be a nuisance on the battlefield. Finding your target has proved to be more than taxing and for you to complete your mission it might easier to get to the demon faster. Let the young fox child lead you to your prey."

Sesshomaru looked back to Shippo, seeing the look of urgency upon his face.

The dog demon prince finally motioned fro Shippo to lead the way to the village.

Rio sighed as the group of demons continued with their journey.

Hopefully this will be over quickly…my head hasn't hurt this bad since Inutaisho's memorization.

Rio, Daiki, and Gakuto soon fell into step with their lord and the fox demon.

(A/N) Yay, another chapter posted and done. Hope you guys on fanfic like it :3. Since I have some chapters written down I will try to post faster.

See you guys in the next chapter. Tah Tah!

~shastar27