Shielding her eyes from the bright sun, Kagome stared up at the blue sky. The group had just left Kaede's village, and was setting out to investigate rumors of a succubus, who had been attacking lone travelers. According to what they had heard, a beautiful brunette would feign injury, and the moment one set to helping her, she would drain their life. None had died, most of the time, the men had reported coming to after being shoved to the ground. That being said, they could not allow a demon to endanger the innocent people it came across.
"Hurry up and come on, Kagome. We ain't got all day!"
Glancing at Inuyasha, the girl nodded.
"Yeah."
She hurried ahead, catching up to the group. As usual, Miroku and Sango were traveling next to one another. Kirara was perched on Sango's shoulder, and Shippo on Inuyasha's.
"Most of the attacks have been at night. So we need to wait for the day to end." Sango stated, scratching Kirara's head. The woman received a small mew in response, and the group nodded to her statement.
"Yeah, but how are we going to lure it out? So far, only men have been attacked." The serious nature of their conversation sank into Kagome's voice, and everybody gazed at her.
"Well, seeing as to how the clues look, it would have to be either me, or Inuyasha. I would hate to endanger such a dear friend, therefore, I would have to take the modest route- For his protection, of course. Only I could put myself in the dangerous grasp of a succubus."
All eyes settled on Miroku, watching the man in a blank, stare. Of course, he would act as though it was for the team. In all actuality, it was obvious that he simply wanted to be grouped by a demoness.
Before anybody could comment on his 'heroic' display, the ground started to shake. It was almost as if a sudden earthquake was raging below them, and they held their arms out to steady themselves. All but Inuyasha cried out in surprise, trying not to fall. The half-breed gripped Shippo's tail as he fell from his shoulder.
"What is going on!?" Kagome shouted, but before anybody could voice their confusion, a loud howl filled the air. It lasted for a while before slowly dying down, and the earth began to shake once more. By now, everybody was on the ground, trying to keep from face planting. Inuyasha on the other hand, was balanced on his palms and feet as if he was sitting. Shippo bounced along the grass, crying out in confusion.
The violent vibrations halted once more, and a snarl shook the trees. With one last quake of the earth (the worst yet) another howl filled the air, yet the sound was hollow, and pained. Everything stopped. Without hesitation, Sango and Miroku jumped to their feet. They gripped their weapons, ready to charge in the direction of the commotion.
"What in the world was that?!" They exclaimed, and Kagome gripped Inuyasha's sleeve. The pair had also pushed themselves up, gazing towards the source of the noise. Obvious worry was etched into Kagome's features, and Inuyasha scowled.
"Come on, let's hurry up and go."
Without another word, the half-breed started away, heading in their previous direction. All peered ar him, frowning in confusion.
"Inuyasha! Did you hear that?! The howl of a fierce demon, how could you ignore it?!"
Nodding in agreement, Sango stepped to Miroku's side.
"You felt the ground shaking just now." She stated, and Inuyasha crossed his arms.
"Hmph. Don't worry about it, it's nothin'; just some dog crying somewhere. Don't know what he said though."
"It's so sad..."
Everybody gazed at Shippo, who seemed to be lost in thought, staring towards the area the howls had come from. Confusion rippled across them, and Inuyasha frowned down at the Kitsune.
"What was it?" Kagome asked, and Shippo gazed up at her. He was met with four pairs of curious eyes, and fidgeted out of embarrassment. Kirara let out a small cry, seeming to mimic the howls from earlier.
"Hm?" Focusing her gaze on her small companion, Sango pet her.
"What is it, girl?" She asked, and Kirara echoed the noise.
"Uh, I'm not exactly sure, 'cause Inuyokai is a little different from Kitsune, but..." Lowering his gaze, Shippo pouted. It sounded like a mourning call; for a lost mate."
The moment the group heard the interpretation, they mimicked the Kitsune's expression. Silence fell over all, as they sadly returned their gaze to the forest the howls had come from. Inuyasha scowled at the thought of Shippo understanding a language that was meant for him. He would have to smack that damn fox later.
Gazing down at Shippo, Miroku frowned.
"Wait, so does that mean the call came from an Inuyokai?"
"Like Inuyasha's father?" Sango asked, glancing at the half-breed.
Crossing his arms Inuyasha shook his head as Shippo nodded.
"Hmph, my dad dies ages ago."
"And like Sesshomaru..." Kagome stated, a distant tone slipping into her voice.
"You don't think..." Sango hinted, sounding equally engrossed in thought.
"Maybe..." The Miko nodded.
"What are you two on about?" Growling the words, Inuyasha walked to the girl's sides, and frowned at them.
"Maybe something happened to Nazoki..." Kagome wondered, her eyebrows creasing with worry. Sango glanced at Inuyasha, nodding in agreement.
"And maybe that was Sesshomaru crying?"
For a split second, Inuyasha's ears fell, and concern took his expression. He quickly hid the look, and tightened his crossed arms. Throwing his head to the side, the half-breed walked away a few steps. He stopped beside Miroku, who was staring in the same direction of the girls.
Speaking over his shoulder, Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
"As if! My brother doesn't care about anyone but himself!"
A hand on his shoulder caused Inuyasha to turn and peer at Miroku.
"Well, are there any other Inuyokai in this area?"
"Uhh... I- I don't..." Scowling, Inuyasha pulled away from the monk's hand. "NO, but I still don't think..."
A sudden itch interrupted the half-breed's thoughts, and he scratched his left ear. Not to his surprise, Miyoga was having a feast as they were speaking. Pulling Miyoga from his hair, Inuyasha stared at the flea, annoyance creeping over him.
"Ahh, lord Inuyasha, your blood is delicious, as usual..."
Scowling, the half-breed applied pressure, and squished Miyoga.
"No- No- Lord Inuyasha!"
As the flea sunk to the ground, he murmured his true purpose.
"It really is Lord Sesshomaru- He is trying to get his ward back..."
All eyes focused on the flea, and Kagome knelt down beside Miyoga.
"Ward? Rin?"
Standing up, Miyoga shook his tiny head.
"The other one. It seems she was taken away from him. He heard she was killed, so he went to find Naraku and see for himself."
"Naraku?" Everybody asked in unison, and Miyoga nodded.
"Guess we can't ask you what happened. You probably ran the moment he got close to the place." Kagome sighed, and Miyoga frowned.
"Hey! I came to find you!"
"Sure, and hide in Inuyasha's hair." Sango piped in, rolling her eyes.
After hearing Miyoga's ranting about how Sesshomaru was after a staff, and he had accompanied the lord, everybody came to a conclusion. Naraku was definitely involved as was Nazoki. Though all agreed to find Sesshomaru, and help if possible, of course, Inuyasha was the only to protest.
"What can we do about it if his weird ass mate is dead?! What about the succubus?"
"Succubus?" Miyoga asked, and the group nodded.
"If you're looking for a succubus, you just need to lure it out with a man. How do you know it's a succubus though?"
"Men have been drained at night lately. They've all been scared, but none killed." Kagome informed.
"Not killed? That does not make sense. Did they have relations with the woman?"
The flea's question caused all to look at one another. A moment passed, with everybody shaking his or her heads.
"No." Sango answered for all, and Miyoga frowned.
"Are you sure it's not a weak kitsune, trying to heal? Some can use the same method as Succubae, but it's a rare skill. In fact, they do not seek physical relations, but to drain one's life force. "
Another moment of silence passed, and the group finally realized what Miyoga's words meant. Sesshomaru was searching for Nazoki, and heard she was killed. Villagers were attacked and drained by what they assumed to be a succubus, who was not interested in sex. Kitsune can drain people like a succubus. Nazoki was a kitsune. But then again, Nazoki had red hair, the succubus was a brunette. But Shippo could morph... And Nazoki could make illusions... If their assumption was right, she could be the succubus.
"Come on!" Kagome called, not bothering to wait for everyone's agreement. She ran straight towards the direction of the mourning calls, and was soon followed by Sango, Miroku, Shippo, and lastly Inuyasha. Sesshomaru's howl was at least two forests away. In their haste, they completely forgot that they could use Kirara, or Shippo to travel faster; simply ran. The chaos had come from the southeast, and they were determined to get to the bottom of it.
Crashing through the foliage, Kagome stopped when she reached a small stream.
"We've got to cross it." She murmured, before frowning, and kneeling down beside the water.
"It's blood." Inuyasha stated, gripping the girl, and jumping to the other side of the stream. The group easily followed with the help of Kirara, and their rush continued.
"It was miasma- Blood and miasma!" The Miko proclaimed, and determination swelled within the group.
Half an hour later, they were exhausted. All had collapsed in a clearing of the forest.
"You idiots, why didn't we go like we usually do?!" Inuyasha demanded, staring down at the weary bodies on the ground. Shippo was curled up with Kagome, and Kirara touched her nose to Sango's.
"I guess we should have paced ourselves..." Miroku grumbled, and Kagome nodded in agreement.
"Yeah. We'll help out tomorrow, promise..." Kagome sighed.
"Sesshomaru's strong, he'll be fine." Sango added, and Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
Sighing loudly, the half-breed shook his head. So he was on guard for the night, great.
A/N: Credit for the dialog and events in this chapter goes to the lovely NonieBee (4352183).
If it wasn't for her this story would not exist, so I just want to Thank her once more for her amazing idea, allowing me to build upon it, and offering wonderful scenes like this! :D
Other awesome Sesshy stories- check 'em out!
(Jasst do it! Oh wait- that's a Gintama quote... Oh well!)
This one's called "Fade" (9284951) , by Pinkiedoll - 4619758 - It's about a rare breed of Inu, and our lovable Sesshy. It's still new, and developing quickly.
And this one is called "The Sunset Beauty" (9251592), by Serenity Charm - 4539531 - It's about a determined dragon, and once again the ever wonderful Sesshy.
Both have been updating every day lately, and what do they have in common? Beautiful princesses!
So- that being said, if you want another good read I suggest these :3
And if you don't know what to do with those numbers up there, you can go to my reviews and find their profiles.
Allll right, that's all! Have a great day, and thank you all for your comments, they really make me smile, and give me inspiration :D