They traveled for an entire week, only having fought a couple of weaker demons along the way; Inuyasha and Sesshomaru killed with ease. They stopped in every town they came across for any kind of information, and they all responded to head further east. To follow the death of Monks and Priests at the surrounding Temples. A new recent development in the search for Naraku and his incantations.
It was a sign.
A sign that he was still in Japan and hiding.
"We need to get the last couple of jewel shards before he does," Kagome had said out loud after they had found the priest earlier that day.
Miroku hummed quietly, "I wish to visit my old Master."
Inuyasha rolled his eyes, "we are on a time sensitive quest and you want to go visit him?"
Kagome had even taken into consideration that Miroku's old master, Mushin, could be in danger of being killed for whatever the assailant was looking for.
"Perhaps we should visit him," Sango hummed. "He may be able to give us some insight into what is behind the countless murders. Naraku might be behind them."
"We should go," Kagome bit her bottom lip. "I have a feeling about it."
Kagome saw a flash of white in her peripheral vision. Turning, she saw that Sesshomaru was looking towards the East, his lips frowning.
"The Miko is right."
The entire group looked wide eyed at the towering Dog Lord. His eyes betrayed nothing. Then it hit her. Lord Sesshomaru must know something or rather, something else.
"Why the hell would we wa–"
Kagome cut him off, her eyes sliding back towards the others. "Lord Sesshomaru is right. We will visit Master Mushin and look into the matter."
"Kago–!"
She shot Inuyasha a look, not realizing that she had gained the attention of the Dog Lord.
"We will leave now," was all she said as she picked up her backpack and began walking towards the East. Au-Un, with Shippo and Rin riding him, began to follow her just as Miroku and Sango began to follow as well.
The group journeyed eastward, guided by Kagome's decision to visit Master Mushin and investigate the mysterious murders. Inuyasha grumbled under his breath, clearly frustrated by the detour. Sesshomaru, however, maintained his stoic demeanor as he followed closely behind Kagome.
As they traveled, Kagome couldn't help but wonder about Sesshomaru's sudden agreement. She stole a glance at him, catching the subtle frown on his lips. There was an air of concern around him that piqued her curiosity.
"Lord Sesshomaru," Kagome began cautiously, "is there something you're not telling us? Why are you so eager to investigate this matter?"
Sesshomaru's eyes, cold and calculating, met hers. "The balance in the region is disrupted. It is in my interest to restore it. Naraku's involvement cannot be ruled out."
Inuyasha scoffed, "And since when do you care about the balance?"
Sesshomaru ignored Inuyasha's remark and continued leading the group. Kagome, sensing there was more to his motivation, decided to press further.
"Is there something personal about this for you, Sesshomaru?"
He glanced at her briefly, his expression unreadable. "The disturbances are affecting the Western Lands. I will not allow it to escalate further."
Kagome nodded, satisfied with the explanation, though she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more beneath the surface. The journey continued, and soon, they arrived at Master Mushin's dwelling.
The old monk welcomed them warmly, though his eyes held a weariness that hinted at the troubles plaguing the land. After exchanging pleasantries, Kagome brought up the recent murders.
Mushin sighed, "Dark forces are at play. I sense a malevolent presence, but its nature eludes me." He broke into a coughing fit
"It seems Hachi was not lying." Miroku stood before his old Master, a serious look on his face. "
Master Mushin took his hand, inspecting it narrowly. "You will die sometime tonight." He broke out into a smile, "just kidding."
"This is no time to be joking," he took his hand from him. "Please tell me Master, did Hachi speak the truth?"
"Hachi?"
The racoon demon had came and found them when they had grown close to the Temple, crying and wailing, claiming that Master Mushin was dying. It only hastened their trip to the Temple.
"Hachi told us you were going to die soon,"
"It's not a lie," he stood from his spot, a jar of sake in his hands. "I fear that I am to die soon." Taking a obnoxiously large gulp of the sake, he let out a tired sigh before breaking into a cough. "It seems to be the fate that is chosen for me. I make no complaints, but I am grateful to see you one more time."
With a graceful stride, he vanished into the depths of his Temple, making his way towards his private quarters. A hush fell upon the group as they found their places in a room located on the opposite side of the majestic Temple. Miroku skillfully prepared tea, while an air of tension kept everyone from exchanging glances.
Kagome's gaze wandered over to Sesshomaru, who sat with his back turned to the group. His magnificent sword lay casually against his shoulder, giving him an air of quiet power. She couldn't help but wonder if he felt a twinge of disappointment for not learning anything significant from the monk.
As the others engaged in lively conversation, Shippo and Rin scampered around the spacious grassy area outside. Kagome seized the opportunity and approached Sesshomaru, holding a steaming cup of tea in her hands.
"Lord Sesshomaru, I've prepared some tea for you," she offered, her voice filled with warmth.
His piercing golden eyes glanced at her from the corner of his vision. He extended his hand, accepting the cup of fragrant green liquid. With a graceful sip, he blew gently to cool it down.
"This Sesshomaru expresses his gratitude," he murmured, his attention momentarily diverting to the children. Rin gleefully ran with her arms outstretched, Shippo perched atop her head.
Curiosity brimming within her, Kagome couldn't resist inquiring, "Are you disappointed?"
He blinked, his response concise yet enigmatic, "No." She waited, hoping for further explanation, but none came. "While you and your companions fulfill the monk's final wishes, this Sesshomaru shall scout the nearby area for Kagura."
Her expectations were met, though she had anticipated nothing less from him. "I do hope you find what you're looking for."
Finally, Lord Sesshomaru turned his head towards her, his eyes studying her intently. She felt a warmth spread across her face as his gaze lingered, refusing to look away.
"I shall return tonight," His penetrating stare caused her to smile, bow her head, and make her way back inside.
The group had devoted the entire day to fulfilling Master Muskin's every command. They began by meticulously cleaning the Temple, and Kagome couldn't help but daydream about Miroku using his Wind Tunnel to expedite the process. It was a wild thought, but a girl can dream, right?
Afterwards, they embarked on the task of ventilating all the beddings, which proved to be quite time-consuming as they gathered and hung them out to air.
Sango, with her skillful wielding of Hiraikotsu, took on the challenge of cutting the grass.
Then came the laundry duties, with Kagome and Sango taking charge of the cleaning while Shippo, Rin, and Mushin diligently hung the garments on the line.
Just as the girls were about to prepare dinner, Master Mushi intervened and whisked them away to the city. He had an insatiable desire to indulge in a feast and drinks at one of the country's most renowned Inns.
Kagome couldn't help but feel sorry for Miroku's wallet, knowing full well the expenses he was about to incur.
Miroku, the notorious lecher, spent a significant portion of the night attempting to charm the dancers, only to be thwarted by Sango at every turn.
What a shameless pervert he was.
"Inuyasha, with his hands casually resting behind his head, scoffed, 'He's just a drunken monk, nothing more.'
Miroku, clearly exhausted from the day's events, remarked, 'The wants and desires of a rural monk are incredibly simple, it seems.'
Turning to Master Mushin, Inuyasha asked, 'Is there anything else you want to do?'
Master Mushin chuckled mischievously, 'Well, if I'm being honest, I'd love to savor some sake.'
The four adults exchanged disapproving glares, their eyes shooting daggers at him. "You're already drinking sake!" they exclaimed in perfect unison, their voices filled with disbelief and accusation.
But Master Mushin simply shook his head, a mischievous twinkle gleaming in his eyes. "Ah, my dear friends, you misunderstand," he said, his voice dripping with mystery. "The sake I desire is no ordinary sake."
And so, their adventure began. Hachi transformed before their eyes, granting them the ability to travel to the nearby mountain in search of the legendary sake. Excitement filled the air as they embarked on their journey, Shippo and Rin riding atop Au-Un. Only Jaken, ever the complainer, grumbled incessantly about being left behind by his Lord Sesshomaru.
As they ascended the mountain, their anticipation grew. But just as they neared the summit, a thick fog descended upon them, shrouding their surroundings in a veil of uncertainty.
"Stay alert, everyone," Inuyasha warned, his hand firmly gripping Tessaiga, ready for any danger that may lie ahead. They formed a tight circle, backs pressed against one another, a unified front against the unknown. And perched on Kagome's command, Au-Un stood ready to take flight, prepared to whisk them away at a moment's notice, should the need arise.
Lord Sesshomaru had tasked her with looking after Rin, and she'd be damned to allow the young girl into the line of fire.
"What is this?" Sango asked aloud, no one in particular.
Inuyasha warned, "Be ready for anything."
"HI! MY NAME IS KAGOME! I'D LIKE TO SING FOR YOU!"
Kagome, with a heavy blush, began to sing into the microphone that she must have pulled out of her yellow backpack.
"THIS KAGOME WOULD LIKE TO DANCE FOR YOU!" Hachi, shapeshifted into Kagome, a couple of feet away began to dance terribly, a blush across his face.
"AND THE THIRD KAGOME WOULD LIKE TO LAUGH LIKE AN IDIOT!" Shippo, had also transformed into another Kagome, as both him and Hachi stumbled around, laughing and dancing.
"I don't understand what is going on around here at all," she stared at the other versions of her with a confused red face.
"Oh brother," Inuyasha swore, an annoyed look on his face as he watched them from several feet away.
Kagome went back to singing without a care.
"Somebody please kill me now," he muttered watching the three Kagome's linedance with one another.
Rin, giggling danced around on top of Au-Un while Jaken had passed out, the staff in his hand.
Miroku covered his face with his sleeve. "Everyone listen to me! Don't breathe in the mist! This must be the work of the Demon that lives here!
Kirara was on the ground, asleep and twitching. Inuyasha turned to Mirokue with a pissed off look, "I think you're a little late on the warning as it has already affected all of our friends!"
"I was referring to the three of us," he pointed out.
Feminine airy laughter sounded all around them, a woman's feminine figure shadowing through the heavy mist. Sango, grew closer, a flushed face, stumbling around and into Inuyasha's arms.
"W–what are you doing?"
"Forget about the others! Let's just go!"
"Whatcha talking about?" He blinked, widely at her.
"I'm so sick and tired of that flirtatious stupid monk!"
Miroku's eye twitched, as he stood dumbly off to the side watching his best friend and Sango.
"What is that supposed to mean Sango?" The monk narrowed his eyes.
"Did I stutter you two-timer?"
Miroku glowered as he watched the interaction between Sango and Inuyahsa. Kagome just blinked, struggling to see through the heavy mist. Everything was too loud, but she wanted to keep singing and dancing. Which is what she did, she grew closer and closer to the edge of the summit. The only two sober people were dealing with a flirty and intoxicated Sango as she rubbed herself against Inuyasha as Mirokue and Inuyasha yelled at one another.
Just as she had almost fallen off the edge, two firm and large warm hands grabbed her by the waist. Being pulled backward into something hard and tall, she twisted in the hold that was wrapped around her. Only to stare into the eyes of one Lord Sesshomaru.
"Sesshomaru," she purred. "You're back already!" Throwing her hands around his shoulders, she leaned into his hold, her hands touching his hair, twirling a strand around her finger.
"Miko," he commanded. She gazed up at him with half lidded eyes, "you are inebriated."
She hummed, "you have such beautiful eyes."
His face was of indifference, but his eyes squinted at her, his hands firmly planted on her waist. Whether to hold her in place or to keep her planted against him.
"You smell so good," She nearly moaned, as she began to rub herself against him.
"Miko," his voice rumbled, "we will address your behavior once you are of sound mind and body." His words brushed against her ear, sending shivers down her spine.
A coy smile danced on her lips as she continued to gaze at him, a mix of adoration and lust in her eyes.
"Inuyasha!" Miroku's voice boomed from somewhere behind them, having recovered from being hit on the head. "Use your wind tunnel to clear the mist!"
Humans truly were fascinating creatures.
"I'm a little busy right now!" Inuyasha shouted back, trying to pry Sango off him, who had latched onto him in the midst of the chaos.
Sesshomaru refocused his attention on Kagome as the scent of her arousal grew stronger.
"I suddenly feel so hot," Kagome whimpered, leaning into him. "Lord Sesshomaru, will you help me?"
Before he could respond, Miroku's wind tunnel cleared the air. As the heavy mist dissipated, Kagome blinked away the haze, realizing where she was. Embarrassment flooded her, and she buried her face in Sesshomaru's chest.
Keeping his hands on her, Sesshomaru moved them away from the edge and onto Au-Un, where Rin was sleeping peacefully.
The air was heavy with silence as the entire group reconvened. A sense of embarrassment hung in the air, causing the human adults to avoid each other's gaze. The children and Jaken, exhausted from their adventures, peacefully slumbered. Lord Sesshomaru, having already made his point to Miko, knew they needed to have a conversation later. As the others prepared for bed, each taking their own path.
The Monk sought out his Master, eager to have a private discussion. Inuyasha, grumbling about the complexities of women, headed straight to his bed without a word. The Demon Slayer, seeking solace, locked herself away in her room. Meanwhile, the caring Miko took it upon herself to tend to the children, ensuring they were tucked in and cared for.
Lord Sesshomaru sat against a tree, across from the Temple as he waited for the Miko to arrive.
He had been passing through, making his way back to the Temple, when he caught wind of their scents. There, he found Miko on the verge of falling to her demise, intoxicated by the heavy mist saturated with sake that engulfed the summit.
He closed his eyes, his power as a formidable demon allowing him to resist such intoxication. Yet, he couldn't escape the throbbing headache that lingered.
"I have prepared some tea for us," Miko's voice drifted through the chilly wind.
Opening his eyes, he saw the young human Miko sit before him, her legs tucked under her. She had yet to prepare for bed herself, as she still wore her daywear, a long navy blue dress that was a bit more modest then the uniform she used to wear.
"This Sesshomaru thanks you," he graciously accepted the cup she poured for him.
"You're welcome, Lord Sesshomaru." Her blue eyes avoided his gaze as she bowed her head in respect.
He tilted his head slightly, observing her.
The young Miko had grown remarkably in maturity since their initial encounter when she was but a child. He couldn't deny the intrigue she sparked within him from the moment their eyes first met, especially when she had glared at him with fiery anger, wielding his Father's sword as if it were a mere toy.
With each interaction, she had learned the value of thinking before acting, growing calmer and more composed as she settled into her role as the Shikon Miko.
"Firstly, I wish to thank you for saving my life on the mountain." The Miko finally peered up at him through her bangs, her doe eyes focused entirely on him.
"While it is not needed, this Lord Sesshomaru will accept your gratitude."
It didn't pass him, taking a large whiff of her anticipation and embarrassment. It didn't help the way she blushed, her eyes averting from him as they did when the Monk cleared the mist earlier.
"Miko," he stated. "While inebriated, you propositioned this one up on the mountain."
"P–propositioned?"
Bringing the cup of hot tea to his lips, he fought back a smirk, watching as she began to fidget.
"Indeed."
Staring up at him, her face pink. "I must admit that I don't recall what I had said when I was on the mountain. However, judging by your words, I have a clue as to what might have been said."
"Hn,"
The Miko bowed her head, "I apologize for propositioning you while I was under the influence of sake, Lord Sesshomaru."
He stared at her, baffled by her bowing to him.
"No need to apologize Miko,"
"Kagome," she raised her head. "My name is Kagome."
He felt a corner of his mouth twitching. "It is late. You should get some rest."