Chapter 2
"I'm a swimming in the river, doing laps around the lake. Strolling in the park, whispering in the dark. I'm running in the winter, laughing in the rain. Making history in the seasons, as I kiss away the pain." The song flowed in the wind as the great beast heard the pained singing voice in his head as they lay dying still miles away, the shrine beginning to collapse around them, eyes unseeing at half-mast. Hand still outstretched as the body lay among the four steps that lead to the stage of the epic jewel. Blood still leaking from open wounds, they lay motionless as the soul desperately clung to the form, refusing to give up its form in this life when it knew salvation is on its way.
Silver ears twitched as they swiveled, collecting the sounds on the wind, jaw clenching as uneasiness crawled over their skin like a swarm of insects moving under the layers of skin. A staff jingling as another figure approached, the first never even turned, already knowing who it is. The pained breaths of a woman in labor sounded from the hut behind them but that only being one of the concerns.
"Something has risen I can feel it, but I also feel something ominous tonight, it is covering greater Japan. I fear dark times might be upon us once again. Let's just pray that whatever being that has risen from the grave is on our side." The monk Miroku gazed up at the night sky before looking at his half demon friend who had gone rigid as the howls in the air put him on edge. "I pray that Lady Kagome is alright, I know it is not my fear just speaking when I say something isn't right."
"Thanks for your encouraging words monk." He half demon replied gruffly, sarcasm lacing his words.
"This is serious Inuyasha. It's the night of an eclipse, I'm just thankful it isn't the new moon but we need to stay on our guard. I fear that we might need to call in reinforcements, Kagome cannot protect the jewel all alone, perhaps your half-brother, Lord Sesshomaru, could be our back up. I can tell that little Rin has a pure heart and soul much like our Lady Kagome. He could protect it better than any of us and even hide it from the world."
"Keh! That bastard wouldn't do a thing to help us with that blasted jewel." He glared at the monk behind him before he stiffened and scented the air.
"What is it Inuyasha?" Miroku asked concerned.
"I smell a lot of smoke and fire, more than a regular campfire." Shouts from the trail came to them as some villagers from Edo ran up the hill trail coming out of the forest holding torches up to see. Inuyasha looked at them from the open gate.
Due to the jewels existence they decided to make a settlement on one of the higher hills from the village, protecting it from a distance just in case old enemies seek them out they didn't want to risk danger to Kaede and the villagers. On the other side is the Shrine and Inuyasha's forest which contains the well and Goshinboku.
They ran up to meet the villagers but not leaving the premises of the small fortress. "A fire at the shrine! Demons attacked Lady Kagome and the shrine is ablaze!" Their spines stiffened.
Without another thought InuYasha and Miroku nodded, as they glanced at the hut that held Kaede and her apprentice as they helped Sango with her labor. Inuyasha bounded over the walls and across the trees, hoping to find his friend, no his sister, alive and well. His sword pulsed at his side and he staggered at the force as he looked down at it. Shaking his head he picked up speed, mad that he had wasted precious time on a distraction his sword had caused yet again for the third time that night.