The next day dawned, and the group set off from the Temple, their stomachs satisfied after a hearty breakfast. Miroku bid his farewells, but a hint of annoyance lingered among them. It turned out that Miroku's supposedly dying master wasn't on the brink of death after all.
Kagome, always the optimist, broke the tension with a warm smile. "Kindness goes a long way," she remarked, her words dripping with wisdom. "It has the power to bring hope and bridge the gap between humans and demons."
Her words resonated with the group, melting away their frustration and anger. They continued their journey, walking until their grumbling stomachs demanded a break for lunch.
Sesshomaru and Inuyasha ventured off to hunt while Kagome led the children to a nearby river, where they gleefully splashed around in the shallow water. Au-Un, the guardian beast, lazily sprawled on the grass, keeping a watchful eye over the Miko and the playful children.
"Kagome!" Shippo's voice echoed through the air.
Perched on a massive boulder by the riverside, Kagome was engrossed in a book, her guide to medicinal herbs in the feudal era. It was her way of mastering the art of healing and aiding those in need during their travels.
Startled by Shippo's call, Kagome looked up. "Yes, Shippo?"
A mischievous gleam danced in the young kitsune's eyes. "Can we play with our water guns?"
Setting aside her book, Kagome reached into her deep blue knapsack and retrieved two plastic water guns. One was a vibrant blue, the other a bright orange. She had recently replaced her worn-out yellow knapsack, which had endured countless adventures and finally met its demise a couple weeks ago.
As the children shrieked, laughed, and ran around, Kagome had closed her book, content to watch them play.
"Miko," the familiar deep baritone voice called out.
Her azure eyes settled on him, tall and still, looking just as handsome as a statue. "Lord Sesshomaru."
"Food is ready."
"Shippo, Rin." The children stopped, their gazes shifting to the woman. "Lunch is ready."
After emptying their water guns, the children returned the toys. Rin ran straight towards the imposing Lord, a large smile on her face as she began to run circles around him. Shippo hopped onto Kagome's shoulders as she picked up her backpack and started walking towards the clearing, pausing only for Lord Sesshomaru and Rin to join.
They walked together, Rin and Shippo chattering away, while Kagome and the Demon Lord listened. As they approached the clearing, both children ran ahead, leaving the two momentarily alone.
"Miko," Lord Sesshomaru's voice broke the silence.
"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru?"
"Your origin."
"What about it?"
"I wish to know more. Tonight, when we make camp."
She smiled, relieved that he was behind her and couldn't see it. Just as she suspected, being a dog demon like Inuyasha, he was curious. "I will answer every question you have."
"This Lord Sesshomaru is curious about the future you hail from."
She blinked, not expecting him to openly admit his curiosity. It seemed that he was growing more familiar with the group, with her, since they merged a few weeks ago.
"I look forward to our conversation."
Stepping into the clearing, she watched as Sango finished serving rice and meat to the children. Meanwhile, Miroku prepared food for Sango and himself. Inuyasha perched in the tree branches, tearing into raw meat as blood dripped down his chin, splattering on the ground below.
Kagome couldn't help but shake her head in disbelief at Inuyasha's outrageous behavior. His utter disregard for manners never failed to astound her, especially when it resulted in her being drenched in blood while sitting beneath his favorite tree. Shifting her attention to the right, she noticed Lord Sesshomaru sitting just a few feet away.
As they all quietly indulged in their meal, the atmosphere hung heavy with silence, interrupted only by the lively chatter of the children, still excitedly discussing their recent water gun fight.
There was an undeniable shift in the air ever since they first learned about the gruesome murders of priests and monks. Although uncertain of what was to come, Kagome couldn't shake off the overwhelming sense of foreboding that consumed her.
Thoughts raced through her mind as she pondered the future. Would she be transported back to her own time once the Shikon Jewel was complete? Would her duty as the Shikon Miko be fulfilled, only to find herself sealed away from this world? The mere idea of leaving behind the friends who had become her family, trapped five hundred years into the past, filled her with a profound sadness.
Sango, Miroku, and Rin would surely meet their tragic fates long before Kagome would even be born. While there was a possibility that Lord Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, Shippo, and Kirara might yearn to visit her time, she couldn't help but wonder if they would ever seek her out.
Lost in her thoughts, Kagome felt a gentle shake on her shoulder, causing her to snap back to reality. Sango wore a concerned expression as she asked, "Kagome, are you alright?"
Meeting the gaze of her friends, Kagome realized they were all looking at her with genuine concern. But it was the way Lord Sesshomaru regarded her that caught her attention—a look that went beyond concern, offering a strange sense of comfort she couldn't help but appreciate.
"Yes," she smiled. "I am just thinking that maybe we should head to Edo and speak with Kaede. Ask her if she had heard anything from other priestesses. Yet, I find it unlikely."
"We should continue east, then turn back to Edo if we fail to find anything." Miroku suggested, his eyes searching for any complaint but none came, even from Inuyasha.
With renewed determination, they swiftly packed up their camp and ventured further East. As they journeyed, Kagome walked in contemplative silence, her mind consumed by thoughts unbeknownst to her companions. The picturesque forests that surrounded them went unnoticed as she trailed behind the group, lost in her own world. Little did she realize that she had inadvertently found herself walking side by side with Lord Sesshomaru, his piercing golden eyes fixed upon her.
"Miko,"
She snapped her gaze towards him. Her eyes wide as she realized their closeness. "Forgive me Lord Sesshomaru," she bowed her head. "I hadnt meant to intrude in your space."
"You're distracted."
"Uh—yes…I am distracted."
He looked down at her, then turned back to look ahead. "Stay close if you insist on such intense thoughts."
Not surprised, she smiled. "Thank you Lord Sesshomaru."
In the past two years since Naraku's disappearance at Mount Hakurei, the Demon Lord had made a habit of visiting their group regularly. But not to claim Inuyasha's blade. No, he came for civil conversations and to allow Rin to play with Shippo, while Kagome taught her to read and write during their lunch breaks.
Something he requested of her once seeing that she could read and write herself, it was on a day that they had made camp for lunch and Kagome had taken the time to study and take notes from her medical textbook. Lord Sesshomaru insisted on Rin needing to be educated, he had entrusted that task to her, as well as anything else that was deemed important for her health and benefit.
It hadn't just stopped there.
Inuyasha and Lord Sesshomaru had begun hunting together, initially as a competition between them. However, Kagome saw it for what it truly was - a way for them to bond as family. They had grown civil towards each other and even showed hints of concern, though they would never admit it.
Stubborn dogs.
They refused to acknowledge their familial affection for each other aloud.
In the past two years, Inuyasha had matured significantly, shouldering a more respectful role within their group—or as he playfully called it, their pack. It seemed that Lord Sesshomaru had been teaching them the customs and traditions of their kind during their hunting expeditions.
However, Inuyasha still possessed his knack for pushing Kagome's buttons, driving her to the point of unleashing her fury and leaving behind a crater in the earth—an Inuyasha-sized crater, to be precise. They still bickered and clashed, their tempers flaring, but they had learned to communicate first and vent their frustrations later.
Kagome couldn't help but appreciate the positive influence Lord Sesshomaru had on her best friend. He had helped Inuyasha navigate through some of his personal struggles, ones he couldn't share with her, and provided him with an outlet for his pent-up frustrations.
For this reason, Kagome was more than eager to fulfill any request Lord Sesshomaru made. His assistance to Inuyasha had not only benefited him, but it had also brought unexpected growth to Lord Sesshomaru himself. He had learned the virtue of patience with humans, shedding his previous lingering disdain for them. Kagome believed that this transformation was due to Rin being under his care, which had allowed him to develop a newfound fondness for humankind.
However, that didn't mean they didn't drive her crazy at times when they were both stubborn dogs. They shared this trait but stubbornly refused to acknowledge that they had more in common than just their father and their contempt for the once Great Dog General.
On that particular night, as they set up camp, Kagome, Sango, and Rin decided to indulge in a nearby hot spring for a refreshing bath. Meanwhile, Lord Sesshomaru and Inuyasha stood watch from a distance, keeping a protective eye for any danger.
When the women returned to camp, the brothers engaged in a mock duel, showcasing their skills, while Kagome took the opportunity to teach Rin some more reading.
Miroku, Shippo, and Jaken eagerly gathered to witness the spectacle, while Sango stayed back with A-Un and Kirara, meticulously polishing her Hiraikotsu weapon. In the short time they had been together, their group had fallen into a comfortable routine, leaving Kagome to wonder how things would have unfolded if they had joined forces from the very beginning.
An hour later, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the brothers finally took turns bathing, seeking relief from a long day's journey. Kagome, on the other hand, skillfully managed to settle the children down for the night. With both little ones nestled snugly in her sleeping bag, she opened a book of whimsical fairy tales she had acquired in her own time. These tales spun stories of beautiful damsels in distress being saved by courageous princes who faced countless trials and tribulations to win their true love's kiss.
While Shippo became flustered by them, Rin adored the thought. Kagome couldn't help but see that happening for her once she grew into the beautiful young woman she would become.
As the night grew darker, a peaceful slumber embraced everyone, except for Inuyasha. It wasn't unusual for him to wander off, especially since Kikyo's mysterious disappearance at Mount Hakurei. He adamantly refused to accept that Naraku was responsible for Kikyo's demise. Instead, Inuyasha embarked on a relentless search for her, while the rest of the group enjoyed a well-deserved break from their arduous travels.
Deep down, Kagome knew that Kikyo still lived. Otherwise, her own soul fragment, taken by Kikyo, would have returned. Inuyasha clung to this vital information, fueling his unwavering hope of finding Kikyo again someday.
"Miko," a voice interrupted Kagome's thoughts, drawing her attention away from the flickering warmth of the fire. "Lord Sesshomaru wishes to speak with you. Unless your mind is preoccupied with other troubles."
Caught off guard, Kagome stammered, "I... um..."
Lord Sesshomaru's piercing gaze locked onto her, his eyes demanding an answer. "Does Inuyasha's departure bother you?"
Suddenly, it clicked. Sesshomaru's concern stemmed from his worry that Inuyasha might be unfaithful to Kagome. Amused by this notion, a smile tugged at her lips.
"Inuyasha is free to follow his own path," she replied, her smile growing. "We have never been, nor will we ever be, in a romantic relationship."
"He still yearns for the deceased priestess," Sesshomaru stated matter-of-factly.
"Yes," Kagome acknowledged, her smile unwavering. "His loyalty and devotion to her, even after everything, is truly a beautiful thing to witness. I suspect those are traits inherited from his Inu yokai bloodline, am I correct?"
Lord Sesshomaru nodded curtly. "Inus are known for their loyalty, possessiveness, affection, and dominance. We protect what is ours, regardless of the cost, even if it means sacrificing our lives."
"Like your father," Kagome added.
Sesshomaru's gaze narrowed, though he remained silent, his nod acknowledging the truth. "This Sesshomaru didn't expect you to remember such details."
Kagome fought back a smile but failed. "It's rather hard to forget when you nearly killed me while we were inside your father's remains."
A faint twitch danced at the corner of his mouth, revealing a hint of amusement. "Yes, I suppose such moments would be hard to erase from memory."
"Lord Sesshomaru," Kagome said, extending her gratitude with a bow. "I wish to thank you for saving my life, multiple times in the past. You were under no obligation to do so, and for that, I am truly grateful."
"No need for gratitude," Sesshomaru replied, his pointed ear twitching. "You saved Inuyasha when I could not."
His words answered a question Kagome hadn't even realized she had. Sesshomaru knew that Inuyasha had been sealed to the sacred tree and had even attempted to release him. Her heart softened at this revelation. Even then, Sesshomaru still cared for his half-brother.
"You owe me no debts that need repayment," Kagome replied, absentmindedly pulling at a loose thread. "I assure you, my decision to save Inuyasha was driven not only by self-preservation but also by the desire to protect the Shikon Jewel."
"You are the Shikon Miko," Sesshomaru's gaze intensified, seemingly peering into her very soul. "Is it not your duty to do whatever it takes to ensure its safety?"
Stunned, Kagome found herself momentarily breathless. She shouldn't have been surprised that Sesshomaru understood duty and responsibility. After all, he was the Lord of the Western Lands, a male bred to rule and conquer. Just as he was beautiful, he was deadly. His swordsmanship was beyond compare, his prowess as a warrior was unlike anything she'd seen.
"You are correct." He ever slightly nodded, as though he understood too. Nervous, she cleared her throat. "I wa—am going to be born in the year nineteen eighty one in Tokyo, Japan. I live on a shrine that will be built in Edo with my grandfather, my mother and my younger brother. My Father died in a car accident when I was only four."
Kagome paused, peering at the dog demon, curious to see his reaction. He stared back, his golden eyes locked on her. Gathering her courage, she continued, explaining the wonders of modern technology—starting with cars and then moving on to everyday appliances like microwaves, refrigerators, freezers, and more.
As the night wore on, Kagome began to struggle to stay awake. It was then that she realized how late it had become. Of course, the demon lord took note of this, peering over at her as the dying fire cast a warm glow.
"Sleep Miko," he stood, his gaze lingering in her before turning towards the woods, his pointed ears twitching. "This Sesshomaru thanks you for satiating his curiosity."
"Goodnight Lord Sesshomaru," Kagome replied, settling down and kicking off the blanket as the warmth of the fire flushed her skin. Spring was nearing its end, and the nights were growing milder
"Goodnight Miko," his voice gentle.
As the days passed in their usual rhythm, Inuyasha's nightly excursions became a predictable occurrence. Meanwhile, Kagome found herself engrossed in conversations with Lord Sesshomaru about her experiences in the future. Their discussions often revolved around topics like technology, business, and investing, which seemed to captivate Lord Sesshomaru more than other modern-day subjects.
During one of their breaks, while Inuyasha and Shippo took a leisurely stroll and Miroku and Sango tended to camp duties, Kagome spent quality time with Rin. She read stories to the young girl and taught her how to fashion delicate flower crowns from pastel-colored blooms.
Sitting amidst the tranquility of the field, Rin's innocent question cut through the peaceful ambiance. "Will I ever meet my prince, Lady Kagome? Like in the stories?"
Kagome's smile was tender as she replied, "If anyone deserves a true love's kiss, it's you."
Rin's face lit up with joy as she placed the freshly crafted flower crown atop her head, it consisted of purple, white and red flowers on top of her head. "Thank you for the story, Lady Kagome."
"You're welcome," she smiled. "We should return to camp and see how lunch is coming, yes?"
The kids, excited, ran back towards camp. Kagome followed after them, she paused in front of Sesshomaru, offered him a kind smile and continued on ahead. Acutely aware of him following behind rather closely.
However, upon their return to camp, Kagome's surprise was palpable as she spotted Hojo Akitoki seated by the fire, a mysterious weapon cradled in his lap. His greeting pulled her attention away from her thoughts, and she approached him with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
"Why are you out here alone?" Kagome inquired, her voice tinged with worry.
"I'm on a mission," he bowed his head low. "This blade," Akitoki held a clothed blade in his lap. "It is called the Naginata of Kenkon, of heaven and earth. A demonic blade with a blade affixed to either end. My family has been plagued by misfortune for the last two years. We have traced it to this blade."
Akitoki carefully, and slowly untied the purple cloth, promptly unveiling a shining purple blade.
As he unveiled the blade, Kagome's gaze was drawn to its shining purple surface. But her attention quickly shifted as she noticed Inuyasha's and Sesshomaru's reactions to the weapon.
Inuyasha seemed entranced by the glowing blade, his movements drawn inexorably closer to it. Sesshomaru, too, appeared affected, his hands clenching and unclenching as he struggled to resist its pull.
"Cover it back up! Now!" Kagome snapped from her spot.
"Inuyasha!" Sango ran over, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Are you alright?"
"Snap out of it Inuyasha!" Shippo flailed his arms desperately. "Wake up!"
Covering the blade back over with the purple cloth, he wrapped it back up. Tight and secure.
Just like that, Inuyasha fell out of the trance. "W—what happened?"
"You were being possessed by the blade." Sango patted him on the shoulder.
Turning her attention to Sesshomaru, Kagome couldn't help but openly stare at him, her gaze betraying a mix of curiosity and concern. He had managed to calm down almost immediately. Lord Sesshomaru merely tilted his head in acknowledgment, his stoic expression betraying nothing. Yet, the intensity of his stare left her feeling rather warm. Kagome felt a flush creep up her cheeks at being caught in her scrutiny, quickly averting her eyes to mask her embarrassment.
"In order to subdue its evil aura, we had been advised that an exorcism would be necessary to rid it of its demonic aura surrounding it." Akitoki held it close to him, a tired expression. "You just witnessed its power is too strong. It was decided amongst my clan that someone would take the blade to Mount Hakurei and purify it there."
Miroku approached the group, his voice tinged with concern. "The mountain is no longer there," he stated, moving closer to inspect the blade before giving up, the weapon entirely covered.
Hojo's expression darkened at the news. "I have heard that a natural disaster caused it to collapse, not even leaving behind a shred of its former glory or its powers of purification."
An uneasy silence settled over the group as they absorbed the revelation. They all knew the true cause of Mount Hakurei's fall—Naraku's nefarious schemes—but none were willing to reopen old wounds by correcting Miroku's misconception. Instead, they nodded in solemn agreement, falling into a heavy silence.
Hojo's determination to purify the cursed blade spoke volumes about the depth of his resolve. "I have to purify this blade," he stated firmly, his voice laced with desperation. "Otherwise, my entire clan will continue to be plagued with misfortune."
Kagome's voice was thoughtful as she hummed, recalling the teachings of Priestess Kaede. "Priestess Kaede taught me about a place called the Furai shrine, deep in the woods. It is one of the holiest places you will find, strong enough to purify the blade."
Hojo's expression brightened with hope, but he seemed unsure of how to navigate the dense forest. "How will I know how deep in the woods?" he asked, handing Kagome a map and quill, which she reluctantly accepted.
Kagome wrinkled her nose at the quill, opting for a pen instead as she began to explain. "A river flows to the east of the peak. By following it upstream, you will then find Shoun Falls. The Furai shrine is near there." She circled the general area on the map, providing him with a vague sense of direction.
As Hojo's desperation became palpable, Kagome's heart went out to him. He pleaded for their help, his distress evident in his voice and demeanor. "PLEASE HELP ME!" Nearly slamming his head to the ground, Akitoki nearly cried, begging and asking for their help in his mission.
Inuyasha's frustration was palpable as he argued his case. "We already have a mission to look for jewel shards," he asserted, rising from his spot with a determined air. "We don't have time to dilly dally and solve the problems of helpless humans!" With that, he stormed off, leaving Kagome to take a deep breath and steel herself for what was to come.
"I'll go," Kagome announced, standing up resolutely and hurrying after him, determined not to let him face this alone.
Sure enough, she found Inuyasha lounging in a tree, his mood as sour as ever. Kagome settled at the base of the tree, her movements graceful as she tucked her legs underneath her.
"How long will you be sulking up there for?" she teased gently, earning a dismissive grunt from Inuyasha in response.
"I'm not sulking," he retorted, though the tone of his voice betrayed his true feelings.
Kagome persisted, her concern evident in her words. "We should help him," she began, her voice earnest. "Because Mount Hakurei disintegrated, Hojo can't carry out his mission. Don't you feel sorry for him?"
Inuyasha's rebuttal was swift. "We're not the ones who destroyed the entire mountain," he countered, his frustration evident.
Though he had a point, Kagome couldn't shake the feeling of responsibility weighing on her. "We can't just ignore those who need our help," she insisted, adjusting the flower crown on her head with a small smile.
Inuyasha's grumbled response only served to make Kagome smile. "You're too nice to others," he grumbled quietly, though Kagome knew his words were meant affectionately.
As Kagome felt a faint brush of yokai against her reiki, she turned her gaze in the direction of the sensation, her curiosity piqued by the unexpected encounter.
Before she could dwell on it further, Inuyasha suddenly jumped out of the tree, his attention diverted by something nearby. Kagome watched him go, a small smile playing on her lips.
As Hojo and Inuyasha disappeared into the forest, Kagome remained where she was, waiting patiently for Sesshomaru to approach her. And sure enough, he emerged from the tree line, his presence as enigmatic as ever.
"Huh?" Inuyasha suddenly jumped out of the tree and in front of a large bush next to a tree. "Why you…!"
"Ah!" It was Akitoki, he fell over on his butt.
"Since Kagome asked, I'll take you to the waterfall or shrine or whatever. So get your business over with quickly," Inuyasha declared, his tone short and aggressive as he addressed Hojo.
As Inuyasha stomped away in his typical fashion, Hojo chased after him, stumbling as he called out to the half-demon. Kagome remained where she was, her gaze fixed on the retreating figures, waiting for Sesshomaru to approach her as he always did.
True to form, Sesshomaru emerged from the tree line, his aura imposing as he addressed Kagome. "Inuyasha is correct," he began, his voice steady and measured. "Isn't gathering the jewel shards our priority?"
Kagome hesitated, her heart torn between her sense of duty and her compassion for those in need. "I understand that such things might seem trivial," she admitted, her voice gentle. "However, I cannot just ignore someone who needs help. I would have carried out helping him alone if needed, but I believe it's vital and healthy for Inuyasha to interact with others."
Sesshomaru observed her quietly, his expression unreadable. Then, with a subtle tilt of his head, he seemed to acknowledge her words.
Suppressing a smile, Kagome added, "Kindness is free, and who are we to deny it to those who need it?"
Sesshomaru continued to regard her in silence for a moment longer before nodding in acknowledgment. With a graceful turn, he vanished into the shadows once more, leaving Kagome amused by the subtle dynamics between the two dog demons.
What is the worst that could happen?