As they trudged along the weary road, the landscape stretching endlessly before them, Kagome's exhaustion weighed heavily upon her. The days had blurred into one another, with no sign of civilization in sight. The thought of a soft bed, with its promise of respite from the unforgiving ground, teased her mind incessantly.
In moments of weariness, her eyes would inevitably wander to Lord Sesshomaru's magnificent mokomoko, swaying gently behind him. Its luxurious fur seemed to whisper promises of comfort and warmth, enticing Kagome with its allure. Though she knew it was not hers to claim, the urge to wrap herself in its plush embrace grew stronger with each passing night.
Yet, beneath her covetous thoughts lay a deeper admiration for the stoic demon lord. Despite the trials of their journey, he remained steadfast and unwavering, his grace and power a beacon of strength in the wilderness. Kagome found herself drawn to his presence, finding solace in the quiet strength he exuded.
Since their intimate conversation in the hot spring, Kagome found herself increasingly attuned to the enigmatic Dog Demon's presence. Whenever he ventured out to hunt or scout for potential dangers lurking in the wilderness, her thoughts lingered on him, a silent companion in his absence.
Their nighttime conversations had become a cherished ritual, a shared sanctuary away from the prying eyes of their companions. In those quiet moments, she glimpsed a side of Lord Sesshomaru that few were privileged to see – a younger, more playful version of the stoic demon lord. The image of a serious young Sesshomaru navigating the world with an air of determination brought a playful smile to Kagome's lips, even causing her to stifle giggles as she imagined his stern gaze directed at unsuspecting older demons, ready to mete out swift justice for any perceived transgressions.
But as she mused over these whimsical thoughts, Kagome suddenly felt the weight of Lord Sesshomaru's scrutinizing gaze upon her. Startled, she brought a hand to her lips, attempting to suppress her laughter, yet failing miserably under the intensity of his silent inquiry. Caught in the moment, she couldn't help but wonder what thoughts lurked behind his piercing golden eyes.
"LOOK!" Shippo yelled from atop of Miroku's shoulder.
"It's a village," Miroku announced to the group as he and Inuyasha had taken the front leaving Sango, Rin and the demons to take the middle, leaving her and Lord Sesshomaru at the rear.
"Something doesn't look right about that village," Sango said aloud as she narrowed her gaze.
Lord Sesshomaru sniffed, once, twice and then growled. "I smell a few humans, plenty of death and the wind demon."
"Kagura?! Then lets go!" Inuyasha shouted, his hand on the hilt and then took off.
Inuyasha wasted no time, his determination fueling his impulsive charge toward the village. His readiness to confront Kagura head-on spurred the group into action, each member propelled forward by a shared sense of urgency.
Sango and Miroku swiftly followed suit, their trusty companion Kirara carrying them toward the heart of the impending conflict. Rin and Jaken, clinging to their loyal mount Au-Un, trailed behind with a mix of apprehension and resolve.
Lord Sesshomaru, on instinct pulled her close to him, his arm secured around her waist and then shot off after the group.
The devastation that greeted them as they entered the village was staggering. Huts lay in ruins, their once-sturdy structures reduced to splintered remnants, while a few stood defiantly amidst the destruction, their untouched facades a stark contrast to the surrounding desolation. The shrine, once a beacon of tranquility, now loomed ominously over the village, its sacred aura tainted by the stench of death and decay.
As they took in the scene before them, a group of weary villagers approached, their faces etched with sorrow and fear. Miroku, ever the diplomat, stepped forward to address them, his voice a calming presence amid the chaos.
"What transpired here?" he inquired, his tone laced with concern. "And where is the head priest?"
The villagers' response was grim. "He has been slain," one of them lamented, his voice heavy with grief.
Miroku's expression darkened at the news, his gaze drifting toward the desecrated shrine. Sango, sensing his unease, offered a sympathetic glance before turning her attention back to the villagers.
"This pattern of spiritual leaders being targeted is deeply troubling," she remarked, her voice tinged with apprehension.
Miroku nodded in agreement, his features reflecting a steely determination. "We cannot afford to dismiss these incidents as mere coincidence," he asserted. "We must investigate with the utmost seriousness."
But before further plans could be made, Lord Sesshomaru took charge, striding past both groups with a silent resolve. With effortless grace, he ascended the steps of the shrine, disappearing from view in a swift leap.
The old man's weary voice confirmed their suspicions. "A demon, sealed within the shrine, has been unleashed upon the village," he explained, his words carrying the weight of despair.
Inuyasha, ever attuned to the scent of danger, joined them at the shrine, his senses ablaze with the presence of hidden adversaries. "Hundreds of small demons lurk amidst the wreckage," he declared, his voice a grim reminder of the impending threat.
But amidst the tension, Kagome's thoughts were consumed by Lord Sesshomaru's sudden disappearance. With a sense of urgency, she reached out with her reiki, attempting to trace the familiar signature of his yokai energy. She detected his presence heading towards the east, a direction fraught with uncertainty.
"Why did he leave?" Kagome's voice betrayed her concern, her brow furrowed in worry as she struggled to make sense of his abrupt departure.
Inuyasha spared her a quick glance, "We can't worry about him right now," he replied, his voice edged with urgency. "Our focus needs to be on these demons."
Inside the warm confines of the village chief's home, a sense of relief washed over the weary group as they were welcomed with open arms and hearty provisions. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, as they ate without qualm.
"Have there been any more similar occurrences within the area?"
"Yes, many rumors about them in the last couple of months." The old village chief leaned back, with his tea in hand.
Rin and Shippo provided a small beacon of innocence, their laughter and chatter a stark contrast to the weighty conversation unfolding among the adults. Seated in a quiet corner, they focused on their coloring, blissfully unaware of the gravity of the situation at hand. Meanwhile, Jaken, ever disdainful of humans, remained outside with Au-Un, preferring the company of the loyal beast to that of the villagers.
Miroku set down his bowl of rice, "Who do you think might be behind these attacks?"
"A woman that carries an infant child with her."
As the village chief's words hung heavy in the air, a palpable tension gripped the room. Around the room, the group exchanged wary glances, each lost in their own silent contemplation. The revelation of a woman bearing an infant child as the potential orchestrator of the attacks sent a chill down their spines, stirring memories and suspicions alike.
In the midst of their collective unease, Kagome felt the weight of their gazes bearing down upon her. Swallowing hard, she fought to suppress the flood of memories threatening to overwhelm her. The image of Kagura, her captor, flashed vividly in her mind's eye, the echoes of their past encounter haunting her even now.
"Sesshomaru was right," Inuyasha set down his empty bowl, peeking at Sango's. "It's Kagura." Inuyasha's declaration hung heavy in the air.
Sango, ever the voice of reason, voiced the collective confusion that lingered in their minds. "What could Kagura possibly be up to now? And why involve humans?" she mused, her brow furrowed in contemplation as she passed her half-full bowl to Inuyasha, who eagerly accepted the offering.
Miroku, ever the strategist. "The use of humans seems out of character for Kagura," he noted, his voice tinged with skepticism. "It begs the question of what her true intentions might be."
Inuyasha's outburst reverberated through the room, his frustration echoing their shared sense of urgency. With a forceful slam of his empty bowl, he dismissed their doubts, his determination unwavering in the face of uncertainty. "Fuck the questions! Who cares?" he declared, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "If Naraku is involved, that's all we need to know. We can't afford to ignore it!"
Miroku, ever the strategist, nodded in solemn agreement, his gaze shifting towards Sango as he sought her support. She met his gaze with a determined nod, acknowledging the gravity of their situation.
"How would we even find her?" Sango's voice cut through the charged atmosphere, her gaze flicking between her companions before settling on Kagome, a silent plea for guidance.
Kagome met Sango's gaze with a knowing look, understanding the unspoken question that hung in the air. With a small smile, she nodded in agreement. "We'll know the answer soon enough," she assured them, her confidence unwavering. "I imagine that is where Lord Sesshomaru went off to."
As Sango smirked knowingly at Kagome, the latter responded in kind, flicking a playful piece of rice in her direction.
"The best course of action would be to find the most spiritual monk or priest in the nearby area and have Kagura come to us." Kagome looked towards her friends.
"One that is alive?"
Inuyasha growled, "of course they have to be alive!"
The old man tapped his chin in thought, "That will be Monk Shinsen of Mangan Temple."
"The monk Shinsen?" Sensing the confusion among his friends, the old man elaborated further, his voice filled with admiration. "Monk Shinsen is legendary," he explained. "It is said that no one puts a demon under seal more skillfully than him."
"I've heard of him as well, and I'm a demon slayer. " Sango confirmed, her tone tinged with respect for the monk's formidable reputation.
The chief rubbed his chin, "He has subjugated the demon, Rengokuki and sealed away the demon horse."
As the group embarked on their journey towards Mangan Temple, Kagome couldn't shake the sense of unease that settled over her. Despite the familiarity of traveling with Inuyasha, being carried by him now felt... different. Unsettling, almost.
Inuyasha's strong arms had always been her refuge in times of danger, his protective nature a constant reassurance. But now, as she rested against him, she couldn't help but compare his touch to that of Lord Sesshomaru's. The demon lord's presence had become a reassuring constant in her life, a silent guardian who watched over her with a vigilance that both comforted and intrigued her.
Recalling the moments when Lord Sesshomaru had come to her aid, Kagome couldn't deny the subtle shifts in their dynamic. His watchful gaze, his unwavering proximity... It was as if he had become attuned to her presence, his actions speaking volumes even in their silent moments together.
With a pang of guilt, Kagome realized how accustomed she had become to Lord Sesshomaru's presence. Despite the danger he posed as a powerful demon, she couldn't deny the strange pull he held over her. Hoshiyomi's threats had forced her to confront her feelings, to acknowledge the complexities of her relationship with the stoic demon lord.
Lost in her thoughts, Kagome found herself yearning for Lord Sesshomaru's familiar presence, his silent strength a source of comfort amidst the uncertainties of their journey. Yet, as they neared Mangan Temple, she knew that their reunion would have to wait.
"Kagura's scent is strong," Inuyasha stated.
"Before he passed, he had destroyed the infant." One of the followers sobbed, "our Master's power tore the baby in half."
Seeking clarity amidst the confusion, Sango turned to Miroku for guidance. "What do you think?" she inquired, her voice laced with concern.
Miroku's expression darkened as he considered the implications of their discovery. "The child was an incarnation of Naraku," he explained, his tone grave. "Created by him and hidden away for the past two years."
The revelation sent a chill through the group, their worst fears confirmed. If the infant was indeed connected to Naraku, then their enemy's reach extended far beyond what they had previously imagined.
Kagome, her senses attuned to the subtle undercurrents of danger, voiced her unease as she surveyed the scene before them. "I have a bad feeling about this," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Inuyasha asked, his hands tucked in the sleeves of his haori.
"The border between this border and the next was something the infant spoke of before looking into our Master's soul."
Inuyasha's question hung in the air, his confusion mirroring that of his companions as they grappled with the cryptic words of the temple's followers. With his hands tucked into the sleeves of his haori, he awaited Miroku's insight, seeking clarity amidst the uncertainty that surrounded them.
Miroku, ever the voice of reason, furrowed his brow in contemplation as he pondered the implications of their discovery. "The border between this world and the next..." he mused, his tone tinged with concern.
Sango turned to him, her expression pleading for answers. "What does this mean?" she implored, her voice tinged with urgency.
Miroku's gaze shifted between his companions, a sense of unease settling over him as he struggled to make sense of the puzzle before them. "I thought their intentions were to unseal and free demons," he admitted, his voice heavy with realization. "But it seems that I was wrong, or rather, that it wasn't their only goal."
As the deafening roar echoed through the temple and the ground trembled beneath their feet, the group sprang into action, their instincts sharpened by the imminent danger that loomed before them. With a sense of urgency, they raced towards the source of the disturbance, their hearts pounding in their chests as they braced themselves for whatever awaited them.
Their frantic dash led them to a cave, its entrance bathed in an eerie glow as a loud explosion rent the air. Before their astonished eyes, a monstrous figure emerged from the depths of the cavern, its white form wreathed in fire and its red eyes blazing with a sinister red light.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome's cry cut through the chaos, her hand reaching out to grasp his arm in a desperate attempt to anchor herself amidst the tumultuous upheaval.
With the ground trembling beneath them and fissures spreading like cracks in glass, she clung to him, unwilling to let him slip away amidst the chaos.
Meanwhile, Sango and Inuyasha wasted no time in confronting the demonic horse, while the rest stood on the sidelines, watching with bated breath.
After having been confronted by Naraku's latest incarnation atop of the demon horse, Entai. They had decided to make camp after he escaped with Kagura in tow. While Miroku and Sango went one direction leaving Inuyasha to head in the other to find any traces of their scent.
Kagome was at camp with Rin and Shippo, while Jaken took Au-Un to graze in the field near the forest they were currently at.
"Lady Kagome?" Rin sat in front of Kagome as she read from a book aloud, "May I ask you a question?"
"You can always ask me questions," Kagome smiled, finishing the young girl's braid that she decorated with flowers they had picked from the field nearby.
Rin closed her book, and faced her with a smile. "Will yo–"
Kagome felt her reiki crackle with apprehension, and a demon was quickly approaching them. With practiced efficiency, Kagome sprang into action, her maternal instincts kicking into overdrive as she positioned herself protectively in front of Rin and Shippo.
"Rin, Shippo, quickly!" Kagome urged, her voice cutting through the tension like a clarion call to action. "To the other side of the clearing, now!"
Though Rin hesitated for a fleeting moment, the urgency in Kagome's voice spurred her into motion, her petite form darting gracefully across the rugged terrain with Shippo in tow.
As the monstrous demon lumbered into view, its grotesque form casting a menacing shadow over the serene clearing. Just as a large headless demon broke through the treeline, crushing a tree underneath his massive and large frame. Kagome's senses sharpened with a primal instinct for survival.
She reached for her bow and arrows, her fingers trembling slightly with a mixture of anticipation and adrenaline.
With her companions safely out of harm's way, Kagome focused her attention on the looming threat before her. The air crackled with palpable tension as she readied her bow, her muscles coiled like a tightly wound spring.
But just as she released her arrow, a sudden blur of movement caught her off guard. Before she could fully comprehend what was happening, strong arms encircled her body, lifting her effortlessly into the air with an almost supernatural grace.
For a fleeting moment, Kagome's mind reeled with confusion and disorientation as she found herself suspended in midair, the ground disappearing beneath her feet. But as she caught sight of the familiar figure and the brush of the familiar yokai, as he held her securely in his grasp, her breath caught in her throat.
"Lord Sesshomaru..." Kagome's voice faltered, a mixture of awe and gratitude coloring her words as she met his piercing golden gaze.
Sesshomaru's expression remained stoic, his features carved from marble as he surveyed the chaos unfolding around them with an air of detached superiority. Yet, beneath the icy veneer of his demeanor, Kagome detected a flicker of concern, a subtle acknowledgment of their shared peril.
"Are you alright?" Sesshomaru's voice cut through the tumultuous cacophony of battle, his tone betraying a hint of genuine concern that sent a shiver down Kagome's spine.
"I-I'm fine," Kagome stammered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment at her own vulnerability in the presence of the formidable demon lord.
As Sesshomaru gently set her back down onto the solid ground, Kagome couldn't help but linger in the lingering warmth of his touch, the memory of his claws brushing against her waist sending a thrill of electricity coursing through her veins.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin's voice broke through the haze of Kagome's thoughts, her joyful exclamation drawing her attention back to the present moment.
With a grateful smile, Kagome watched as Rin bounded over to Sesshomaru, her eyes shining with adoration as she threw her small arms around his leg in a tight embrace.
"Are you alright, Rin?" Sesshomaru's voice was soft, almost tender, as he returned the young girl's affectionate gesture with a gentle pat on the head.
"Lady Kagome protected me!" Rin exclaimed, her words filled with boundless admiration as she turned to include Kagome in their shared moment of triumph.
"It was nothing, really," Kagome replied modestly, her cheeks flushing with warmth at Rin's heartfelt gratitude. "Lord Sesshomaru came to our aid, just as I believed he would."
As she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, Kagome felt the weight of Sesshomaru's intense gaze lingering upon her, his otherworldly presence enveloping her in a cocoon of electrifying energy that sent her heart racing. Her palms grew sweaty, and a delicious ache between her thighs made her fidget.
She couldn't help but wonder if he had sensed her arousal, especially when she saw his eyes flicker red, his fangs flashing, and his claws growing in response.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha's voice boomed as he burst through the treeline, followed closely by their friends.
As Shippo and Rin recounted the events that had transpired, Kagome couldn't bring herself to meet their gaze. Instead, she focused on the ground beneath her feet, her cheeks burning with embarrassment as she tried to ignore the lingering intensity of Lord Sesshomaru's stare.
Despite the chaos unfolding around them, his presence felt like a weight upon her shoulders, his unwavering gaze piercing through her defenses with an almost palpable force. She could feel the heat of his scrutiny like a brand upon her skin, igniting a primal instinct within her that she struggled to suppress.
But as much as she tried to distance herself from the overwhelming allure of his presence, Kagome couldn't shake the feeling that his eyes held a power over her that she couldn't fully comprehend. It was as if he could see straight through her facade, unraveling the layers of her soul with a single glance.
And as the others continued to speak, their voices fading into the background of her mind, Kagome found herself locked in a silent battle of wills with the enigmatic demon lord. Try as she might to resist his magnetic pull, she knew deep down that she was powerless to escape the gravitational pull of his gaze.