Chapter Four

Using her demon strength Kagome shot into the river and salvaged the man. He was still breathing but unconscious. He looked to be about in his late 30's with short black hair that was just starting to gray. He wore an old farmer's kimono and had rough calloused hands. As Kagome placed him near her camp he started coughing up water.

"Whe- Where am I?" The man asked in a bewildered.

"You are not far from Akamaro village sir. Are you alright? What happened?" Kagome looked at the man. He looked weary even for a farmer.

"I was taken by a charming woman to become her husband, she said that my human form wouldn't do and I would have to become a part of her, but when I declined that is when my memory fails me." The man answered. He noticed Kagome had fluffy dog-like demon ears but could see her priestess powers shining through as well. His village told legends about the infamous Demon Priestess, but could this possibly be her? A woman so beautiful, yet downright deadly.

"If I may ask, what is your name sir?"

"Of course, my apologies. My name is Hojinti. I originate from the Akamaro village past the mountains. Thank you for saving me… Miko… Demon?" Hojinti said slightly fearful and confused at the same time. His eyes stayed glued on the demon priestess as if calling her name out loud would send her into a killing frenzy.

"No need to thank me, and yes, I am the Demon-Miko Kagome." She showed her award winning smile that was now joined by two long canines and offered her hand which he graciously took. Her skin was exceptionally smooth and fair Hojinti could have mistaken her for a celestial being. And he thought his abductor was beautiful, compared to the demon priestess she was a toad. Her deep blue orbs looked at him with such kindness, and her lengthy black hair was such a vision; it resembled the finest silk, reminding him of his wife's.

"Well nonetheless, thank you dear Kagome. It is an honor to meet you." Hojinti said while graciously bowing his head. She could smell the sorrow radiating from him so she offered him something she knew he wouldn't refuse.

"Hojinti am I headed towards your village. How about we camp here for tonight and I could accompany you there tomorrow morning? I have to find this demon that took you and destroy her, so maybe you could help me with that?" Kagome blushed slightly asking for help but she had no other leads besides that his village is where she needs to be.

He agreed and watched Kagome set up camp in a blink of an eye. Before him was now a large fire with several fish cooking over it. They continued with small talk about the demon, and he allowed Kagome to smell him. Unfortunately, all evidence of the demon's scent was washed away.

Kagome cleaned up and Hojinti was already fast asleep, no doubt due to his near death experience. She placed a light blanket over him and jumped into the tree tops like she so often saw Inuyasha do. Kami did she miss him, she could still feel his heartbeat it was in sync with hers, no doubt their souls were connected.

At that same moment Inuyasha was thinking the same thing in his own tree top. He could hear her laugh, feel her warmth, and see her smile like she was right there with him. A low whine pushed its way out of his throat; as much as he hated to admit it he was empty without her.

"Kagome.." Inuyasha whispered to the sky.

"Inu-yasha?" He heard her, she had sounded far away but it was good enough for him! Kami she could hear him! They were connected deeper then he ever thought possible. Hundreds of miles away and he could still sense and hear her.

"You can hear me?" Inuyasha asked hopefully.

"Oh Inuyasha."

"Kagome, I- I miss you. So much."

"Inuyasha, I miss you too." Kagome started crying and he instantly felt her pain.

"Kagome, please don't cry love. You are the strongest woman I know. You can do this."

"I'm so scared Inuyasha. I don't have you, Sango, Miroku, or even Shippo."

"You can do it. I believe in you, I love you…" His voice was down to a whisper, and then disappeared as soon as it had come.

"I love you too, Inuyasha" She whispered back.

After that sleep came over her but she stayed alert throughout the night.

In the morning they continued their journey after breakfast. It was another half a day worth of traveling so they would reach the village by sunset. Aside from a few grungy demons their travels were safe and fairly boring. Kagome carried him most of the way and they traveled in a comfortable silence.

As predicted they reached their destination around sunset. Strangely no one was outside, it seemed everyone went into hiding after Hojinti's disappearance. He shouted to see if anyone would come out and a woman slowly poked her head out of her hut, and then started running towards him crying.

"My love I thought I would never see you again!" The woman screamed with hot tears staining her plump cheeks.

"Emiko! My darling!" Hojinti said while hugging his wife tighter then ever before.

"Emiko how I have missed you. I promise I won't leave your side again."

"Hojinti, I was so worried I would never see you again. She came back, she came back and took more men!"

"Don't worry, Kagome please come here."

Kagome walked over to the couple and introduced herself.

"Hello Emiko, my name is Kagome."

"Emiko, Kagome here is the demon priestess. She saved my life and escorted me back home to you. She was sent to destroy the demon."

"Well it is a pleasure to meet you Kagome. As you know my name is Emiko. I am forever in your debt for rescuing my husband. I will be more then happy to tell you everything I know about the devil woman.