The absolutely distressed fox-demon could just watch as the two doubled over in pain, coughing up blood from what must have been some internal trauma. He had no idea what was going on, who was causing this to happen, how they were doing it, why they were doing it, or anything else for that matter, but one thing he did know was that he didn't like it. Because... no matter how much he might complain about how grumpy Inu-Yasha was, or how they sometimes ignored him, or got all mushy on him, they were his only friends. The people he actually cared about. And people that he believed cared about him as well. And, well, that meant so much to him.. he hadn't had very many people that he felt he could entirely trust in his life, and he damn well wasn't going to lose the ones that he had. I don't know what I can do, but I have to try. He gave an affirmative nod to himself, taking in a deep breath as he tried to gather his courage.

Eyes widening as Miroku called him, he quickly bounded over, eagerly listening to what he had to say. "What?! But.. I..I can't leave you here. With Sango.. you're easy targets! There has to be some way I can.. I can.." He fumbled for words, but what could he do? He felt utterly useless... his fox tricks were no help here. ..I've really just been a nuisance all along.. haven't I? His emerald oculars were shut for a moment as he struggled to gain back some ounce of bravery. And slowly he gave Miroku a nod. "O.. okay. But Miroku, please.. don't.. don't die on me. And don't let Sango, either." He looked the ningen straight in the eye, his eyes filled with traces of moisture as he forced him to promise.

With that, he was off. Although he was small for a youkai, as fox demons tended to be, he could actually prove to be rather fast. And he was pushing himself to no end now. He was darting through the forest at an inexplicable speed, weaving through the trees and clambering through the underbrush like no one's business. He used what little scent he had, since it wasn't as much compared to Inu-Yasha's, say, to try and track his path, and Kagome's, as well. He felt his chest heaving, his lungs bursting, and he wanted to stop, to take a deep breath, get it all back, but there wasn't time for that. And so he kept on going, not thinking about the pain, or anything else. All that mattered was getting there on time.

And then he reached the clearing. He skittered to a stop at the edge of it, unable to believe the sight before his eyes. It was happening again. He.. had changed again. He shook his head, feeling orange strands of hair tickling at the back of his neck with the movement. "No," he whispered, then taking a deep breath, as if to prepare himself, and running towards Inu-Yasha, Kagome, and Kikyou's mangled form. He didn't have time to really see the state of either of the girls; what he needed to do now was stop the hanyou. To stop him from causing anymore damage. To bring him back.

I don't know if I can do it, but I.. I have to try. Because.. even if I can stall him.. that might help in the long run. And I don't care if he hurts me.. because.. because I have to help Kagome.. and I have to help... him. Thus were the thoughts that raced through his head as he pounced on the halfbreed, digging his fangs into his blood-soaked skin. The smell was strong, and it gave him a headache, clouded his vision, but all that was ignored. He released his grip on him to cry out, "Inu-Yasha! Stop it! Snap... snap out of it! Look what you're doing!" He felt the tears streaming down his cheeks.. because.. how could he be doing this? How could he be hurting everyone so much? Didn't he see what he was doing. "You have to STOP! Before this gets to the point where it.. where it can't be fixed.." His voice was losing hope; he was preparing for the onslaught from the crazed demon. He didn't know what affect his yelling had done, but he had.. tried. And that was all he could do now.

I may be useless.. but I want to fix that.. and I.. I have to start here. Before things go wrong. I can help. And it's about time I did...

[ A bit serious and angsty for Shippou, yes, but he couldn't exactly be fine and dandy through all of this, could he? And.. err.. >>;... well, let's just say he's maturing a little, all right? XD ]

She cringed, body tense yet shaking. Her nails dug into either side of her arms, those legs brought to her chest. How did these menacing emotions awake with such force? What power was torturing them? She wasn't sure what the others were feeling -- facing.. but if her own demons were this horrible when realized, she could only imagine what they were dealing with themselves. If this was someone's idea of a sick joke, even he who corrupted them couldn't possibly laughing at the state they were in now, twitching and confused like wounded animals. A gaze drowned in longing and sorrow reached upto the houshi before he fell, touched deeply by his concern. When he collapsed beside her she felt horrible at how she couldn't help him. She wanted to end both their pain if only she could.

"Miro..ku..", she managed, choking a sob. She wondered if they'd ever be together now. She was looking so forward to keeping eachother company after Naraku was defeated. The engagement was declared so little ago, but what a wonderful imagination she had. Kagome and Inuyasha would be together, and she and Miroku as well. It seemed so perfect, yet far off, but still possible. That possibility and her revenge was what kept Sango going. But now she felt immobile and useless. Where was the hope now? It was being pushed aside, giving way to the horrible memories she endured. Somehow finding the strength to turn around, she embraced the houshi for what she dreamed with all her might wouldn't be the last.

Meanwhile...

"S-Sango-chan! What's going on! Sango-chan!!"

The priest cowered over the fragiled Taiji Ya's form, grasping her tightly with frantic hands. Everything seemed to blur in front of him, his vision beginning to degrade. Holding the girl, he could screw concerned eyes shut, calling for the Kitsune in his most calmed tone. Each one of them recieved the shock of the moment and the Houshi needed to disrupt the panic.

"Shippou. You're all right, are you not?" he groaned, "I-Inuyasha... did you catch where he bounded off to? Go get Inuyasha..! Kagome-sama--" Miroku's words abrupted to a stop as he clenched his chest. Hopefully, the child would understand.

My heart feels like... it's being eaten.. whoever.. whatever sorcery or powers were used for this horror.. Ugh, Inuyasha, come back!

The Houshi kneeled beside his companion, one who dealt with far more grim and ghastly experiences than he, and held her with whatever comfort he had to give. His insides were ignited, ardent with his own fatal tragedy to come. "Sango-chan, I'm sorry.." he choked. "Dont let the darkness take over your heart.. I know what you're feeling.." Shifting the exterminator's weight to his opposite hand, he drew several slips of unwrinkled papers. He spouted some indecipherable words under his breath and casted them out with a swift flick of his wrist. They illuminated once they fell to the ground. "The... o-fuda should help alleviate this evil.."

Coughing violently, droppings of reddened fluid splattered as a mess on decaying grass. He had bent over, the girl he held was gently embraced before he fell. Miroku toppled to the side, his entire consciousness as dark as the situation at hand.

Silence. Neither of them moved for several minutes, simply staring one another down... it was almost a dare to the other to make the first move. The scared look on the girl's face stirred something deep within his being. Under normal circumstances, it would have provided a heart-wrenching guilt, and a feeling of responsibility to drive away whatever she feared.

...But what happens when it's you causing that fear?

Behind that intense gaze and unyielding countenance, his mind was swirling with as much confusion as Kagome's. That instinct to kill this weaker being was partially staved off by something... something that his hazy mind couldn't place. Reason was not something he was concerned with right now. In the end, base instinct overpowered any emotional intervention. That frightened expression Kagome presented now called to his youkai blood. The killer in him wanted to emerge.

The distinct scent of her fear tingled his senses... as well as a new scent. Ruby glinted as his eyes fell upon that wound in her belly. His heart began to pound deliciously faster at the sight of crimson soaking into her shirt, blood tainting the white purity and innocence of that schoolgirl uniform. He could feel the last of his sanity drain away... and she was no longer Kagome. She was his prey. He wanted to taste the power... feel the rush of taking a life. The last ounce of his restraint was eagerly thrown away as he lunged.

Blind to all but his bloodlust, the next few seconds were not even consciously experienced. A rush of wind as he felt his body hurtle forward. The sensation of fabric against his palms as he took Kagome roughly by the shoulders. The tensing of his body as he tackled her to the ground. The slickness of his lips pulling back from wicked canines as he bent his head lower and lower towards the inexplicable satiation he would find in sinking them into her jugular...

There was no stopping him now from satisfying his craving to kill.

Gentle spirit swirled with fear and confusion, light with dark, love with hate. All emotions swayed deep within the girls heart, waging inner wars against an oncoming force.

Don't you recognize me?

Her heart pounded within her chest, eyes steady and focused on the former friend standing before her. They had worked too hard for it to end here, she had given up too much heart to let it all go now.

Can you hear me?

Once again she took a step forward, and another, and another. Her body was in a cold sweat, her mind anxious and racing. If she could just talk to him, maybe he could hear her. Like last time.. everything will be all right.

"What happened to her, Inu Yasha..? " Her gaze drifted towards the girl on the cold stone. Pale flesh glowing in the dim light of the forest clearing. Blood pooled around her, dipped and tarnished robes.

"..Gomen ne.."

But you still have me, right?

" Onegai, say something. Anything. Just stop looking at me like that.."

Those ruby slanted jewels penetrated right into her soul. Searching her and tearing her apart limb from limb as if she were some sort of prey. Did he remember her? Was she only a simple thing in his path now?

"Onegai.. "

Slender digits were interlaced and held in front of her stomach, where a pounding was beginning to start. Now knives, stabs and cuts, pain pulsing throughout her being. She winced, body slacking slightly in posture. Fingertips now clenched the fabric of her shirt through the pain, but slackened as she felt something rise beneath.

Blood..?

She felt warm liquid spill slowly out of an open wound, slowly, but gradually. But..how? She hadn't been hurt.. maybe, just maybe, this was... a set up.

I'm scared. Can you hold me tight, and ease my fears?

All emotion melted away in a matter of moments. He was reduced to an animal... feral, and he could feel the bloodlust making his adrenaline rush. That scent... the scent of Kikyou's blood on his fingertips made him crave it. The sanguine trails felt slick and cool to the touch... but he wanted more.

A deep yearning began to grip his body. Though surrounded by a sea of red, it simply wasn't enough. The blood that tipped his claws was cold... he wanted it warm. He desired the feeling of those elongated talons tearing through living flesh... a fresh kill.

He heard her coming. In spite of his already heightened senses, they were even more attuned to the faint sound of her footsteps. All the better to hunt his prey. A predatory growl rumbled deep within his chest as she neared him, but as he felt the palm rest upon his shoulder, every muscle tightened.

This was not the way it was supposed to happen. In the natural order of things, he should be stalking up on her. His mind, now reduced to a predator state, now swirled in confusion as this ningen touched him. A snarl as he sprang from Kikyou's side, away from Kagome and whirled on her.

Fangs were bared, shining menacingly in the dim light. Though daytime, this area of the forest held an ominous darkness that permeated the clearing. Glints of ruby stared wildly into the girl's eyes, their indigo pupils almost consciously dilating in recognition as he finally had her in sight.

But was it in recognition as the girl he had traveled with... or as prey? Snowy hair clashed against the shades of violet on his face as he watched her. Not a muscle moved as he stared her down, claws extended from each finger like a vow of imminent death for the girl. She was now his target. No remorse would be felt.

The gentle pitter-patter of footsteps was muffled by the wet grass of the forest floors, yet the pounding and throbbing in her mind seemed to be deafening. A sick feeling was forming in her stomach, with each second it grew and seemed to overwhelm her senses. That feeling.. That she had moments ago was ... here. That eerie voice, the screaming was clouding her mind, struggling to find the hanyou that had ran off so suddenly.

She shook her head as if to clear her thoughts, or at least an attempt to help her mind in a small way. Orbs of deep sapphire were focused straight ahead at a beam of light that radiated from a close distance. ' A clearing.. ' Soon those footsteps emerged into the light, a hand lifted quickly to her eyes to shield the sudden light change. And soon they came upon...

Inu Yasha.

He was standing there, stunned, looking downwards at something that she couldn't quite make out. It seemed to be a form of a girl, or maybe a young woman. She also could sense a shikon shard nearby, but it seemed to give off a sort of electric pain that made her bones ache. Tainted with a sense once pure, and holy, somewhat like ..

Kikyou's.

A gasp escaped parted lips, and eyes took on a look of horror. That smell, it was so powerful, ... the smell of life that slipped through the grasp of a desperate soul - Blood. That hanyou that had once stood tall, sword drawn in hand, was now leaning helplessly at the side of the miko, the sword long forgotten.

Again lips parted in an attempt to speak out to the young man, but caught in her throat. She took a step forward, eyes were clouded with liquid droplets that were sliding down her cheeks.

Inuyasha..? Can't you hear me? Onegai, say something..

Another step, the boy was now holding the girl in his arms, his body shaking in rage.

Don't worry, I'm here.. I won't leave you..

Five more steps, six, seven. She was now at his side, fingertips settled on his shoulder in an attempt to reassure her special friend. But.. Something was wrong, the shaking continued, he tensed, and a growl reached her ears.

This has happened before..

Her head bowed down, and she could only close her eyes. She had no need to see what was happening, she knew..

Don't give in, fight it..

But it didn't stop, she was forced to draw her hand, that was now dipped in the sanguine liquid.

Don't you remember the day you told me, you didn't want to hurt anyone anymore..?
Do you remember the day you told me you needed me?
Well,
I need you now..
Don't leave me here all alone...

That feeling of uneasiness only grew as he blindly tore through the forest. Low-hanging branches and briars scraped at his face, tangled in that long, snowy mane, unheeded. All that was on his mind was finding the source of this tremor within his soul... the place where all of it converged... he knew it would be the place he would find Kikyou. That altar of stone.

Running swiftly through the thick of trees, he tensed the muscles in his legs beneath him and leapt, lighting on a tree branch. Golden eyes were wild with emotion, darting around as he lifted his nose to the air. The greater that sense of forboding, the stronger he could partake of the undead miko's scent. She was close, he could tell. And the smell that intermingled with hers was one he did not like.

Again he was moving, faster and faster he sprinted through the woods, an utmost desperation in his search began to rise until he stumbled into a clearing. Chest heaved beneath it's crimson wrapping, dry lips parted as he panted for breath, silvery threads masked his face as taloned digits wrapped around the familiar hilt of his blade. In one swift motion, he had drawn the Tetsusaiga and lifted his eyes, amber gaze flashing as brightly as the Fang as it transformed while he stared across the clearing. He was unsure of the presence of an enemy, but the hanyou was positive something was wrong.

...And something was.

He felt his throat constrict at the sight before him. This was the stone altar that had invaded his dreams just a short time ago... and it was here that he saw the one he was looking for. The miko's haori and hakama of white and red were unmistakable. Her frail form was sprawled onto the ground, raven hair fanned out around her body. Beneath it, was the source of that scent that had caused him such anxiety. Blood.

Inu-Yasha had found Kikyou.

A choking sound was all that was uttered at first from the hanyou's lips. Then a scream of disbelief. "Kikyou, NO!!!"

Sparks flew as he drove the blade beneath him, into the stone itself. The Tetsusaiga discarded and forgotten, he was at the fallen miko's side in an eyeblink. His surroundings vanished as his attention focused only on Kikyou. Brows furrowed, he crouched beside her, lifting her limp form with trembling hands. Turning her over to peer into her face, his eyes shut tightly in a wince as he saw a glimpse of her dead eyes staring lifelessly into the sky. "No..."

Daring another heart-wrenching look, he finally noted the source of the pool of blood that soiled the pristine robes of the priestess... the blood he was now crouching in. A slender knife was delved deeply into her chest, which he grasped and withdrew gently, as though she could still feel it's pain. The gouge in her heart leaked more of her life's blood onto his hands as he threw the dagger away bitterly.

Sanguine-dipped fingertips touched her cheek shakily... the flesh was so cold. Colder than it had been during her false second chance at life. Cupping her face in his palm, his eyes shut tightly as his head bowed down in defeat, his forehead touching hers. A choked whisper. "How could you do this to yourself...?"

The overwhelming sense of grief he should have felt was replaced with one of numbness. His mind was blank, not knowing what to think... or what to feel. He had loved this woman... even as this shadow of her former self, he had loved her. Now she was torn from him a second time. How was he supposed to react?

A low growl rumbled in his chest as his fangs gnashed together. How could she do this to herself? How could she do this to him?! That numbness was gradually melting away. It was becoming anger. No, not anger... but pure rage. His eyes bore down onto her incredulously, as his voice rasped out coldly and without feeling... speaking those words for the second time in his life. "Bitch... how dare you..."

Without even noticing, his fingers that were originally rested tenderly against her cheek tightened their grip. Pointed talons began to grow, grazing her dead skin as his blood burned through his veins in anger. Fangs that were grating against one another lengthened, his face contorted with rage, gaining two violet stripes... one on each cheek. Snowy ears lay flat against his head as he screwed golden orbs shut tightly.

When he finally opened them again, they were clouded into a blood red.

Those dazzling orbs of warm light followed the man in white. Small hands rose to the right side of her chest, where her heart was. A great rush beat throughout her tiny being, for the words of the youkai's protection made her cheeks flush. It was only a small command, a reasonable one at that, but it was enough to make the young girl's heart flutter.

Soon the Lord was out of her sight, and soon a new feeling overtook the last one. Back hunched, orbs covered, and her breathing became shallow. A constriction surrounded her heart and soul, pulsing tighter and tighter. Soon her throat became dry, as salty water droplets formed in the corner of those giant orbs. The poor girl was huddled tight to her knees, hands holding desperately onto her neck, hoping that some way it would make the pain disappear.

"O-Onegai.. Stop!" She Whispered.

The pain faded, slowly at first, as did t he consciousness of the girl with honey sweet eyes.

Mellifluent particles of youki (youkai parapsychological energy) materialized before that haughty presence. All motion ceased from every limb amongst his confinement, while that prolonged grimace held stirdy; as did his movements. Inclined boots proceeded with mere catiousness by travel of that forest clearing. Platinum strands of silk beginning to be sieged by a myriad of agitating gusts -- shimmering pools of amber exerted, in closure, to his comrades: Jaken, Rin, and that mounting dragon, with the dual headed pairing of Aa and Un. Acting as a youkai shield of the sort, he transpired before the faction in defense.

``Jaken...heed my words, safeguard Rin from the rear while I continue as lead. This ominous display of misfortune tells me that something diabolical is appearing, and we must be prepared to face it's assault.``

As that declorative statement was adhered to, that vagabond hastily had taken an abrasive stride. Crimson indicia of twin haori sleeves trounced to his sides, as that boa resistently lashed in the air, embroidered atop his right shoulder. His left appendage was definitely not of his origin; forearm having qualities of another youkai. It was severed from the beast, and implanted to his own assembly. Golden obi snugged tight about that breast plate retaining both katana. His father, Inutaishou's, keepsake and momento, the Tenseiga, sheathed in it's scabbard upon the left of a chiseled torso; the other contributed by that prodigal swordsmith, Kaijinbou. It was Toukijin that had been withdrawn, and carried vertically by it's hilt.

Darkness had taken an uprising, and secluded the forest setting in a mere shade, but Sesshoumaru was apparently ready to face some assailant producing the ill-omened maelstrom. Piercing hues suddenly widened in junction, before taking views of a force concealed by the ever-casting shade. Coaxed palms decorated the Toukijin's end, while knodding to the others in sequence.

``It seems that I have discovered the essence and core of this menacing plot. I will not forgive this treachery brought against us."

Presumably, dashing forward in anguish, locks of assorted silver flailed and ivory cloth blurred in unison, but wind seemingly tried to propel his efforts in reserve. He suddenly halted to a crouch, then jumped into a hover above the shadowy persona. While descending in a calm glide, he waiting for this creation to release it's hiding feat. Amidst, he was taken back by this delusionary apparatus conjured to blockade those hearing, sensing and smelling abilities. Pondering to himself. Could this be Kagura...Naraku...no...it's something else...diminished of a soul...it's pure evilness, but...what is it? Landing from his ascendment, awaiting to face this countering coward.

Sapphire gems were covered in a moment of uncertainty, a distant cry began to echo in her mind. It sounded like ... someone was.. Dying, painfully at that. The voice clouded into every crevice of her mind, calling again and again in pure agony. Malevolence creeped within the groans, muttering a name over and over. 'Inu yasha.. Inu yasha..' The pleading calls echoed in her mind, causing pain to bolt up her spine like electricity.

"S-Stop.. stop it!" Her body collapsed in a heap of convulsions onto the grass, muttering again to stop the pain inside her being. 'Die..' The voice screamed, then vanished with one last shudder. That voice was familiar, all too familiar that it brought a stab to her heart.

"Kikyou.."

Her mind had been buzzing with curiosity, and became clouded and fuzzy. As soon as the half youkai had disappeared, Kagome had followed in his footsteps without hesitation.

He grinned to see the taijiya come in just as he expected, clutching someone else that was new in her hands. Ears perked up slightly and he watched her consume it with curiosity. That sure looked good to him, and he blinked as Kagome answered the question of what exactly it was. "Po.. cky...?" he said, getting used to the new, awkward word. As soon as he was done with the lollipop he was sucking on, he was going to have to steal some of that stuff from her. Oh yes. He then noticed that Kagome became rather uneasy after answering that question. What, was the pocky diseased or something. Ahh, the little one was so very oblivious.

Gaze then turned over to Inu-Yasha, still scarfing down those ramen noodles. He would have loved to try some at one point, but the hanyou always got to them first. Grr, stupid grouchy hanyou. He grumbled to himself as he viewed the dog demon retreat into that durned tree again. He really wished he would get over his obsession. Trees were for sleeping in, not lounging in. He shouldn't hog the same one all the time, anyhow... that was... tree loitering.. or something. Feh, it didn't have to have a name, it just was against the law. Shippou's Law.

Eyes widened, however, as the name of that priestess from days past was yelled in distress by the very same hanyou. They all knew how Inu-Yasha was about the priestess, and as far as Shippou knew, he'd probably go running off somewhere in just a few... yep, there we go. He sighed, not truly understanding the seriousness of the situation just yet. "So, should we--" However, youkai was cut off by the houshi, his perch for the day, doubling over thanks to the pain from that bloody palm of his. Stupid vortex. Either way, the concerned kitsune quickly bound over, reluctantly spitting the lollipop out so that he could speak better. "Miroku, are you all right? What happened?" he quickly questioned. "Hey, don't move!" He made a futile attempt to grab at the bottom parts of his robe to stop him, but being so small could be a disadvantage.

And then it got worse. There went Sango, collapsing on the ground before the houshi. "Sango!" he yelped, quickly headed over to the taijiya who seemed to be in an even worse condition than the houshi. "No... g-get better! I gotta do something.. why is this happening?" So confused, the poor kitsune felt rather helpless. And then he remembered there was another with them as well. Scared eyes skated over to Kagome, wondering if she was experiencing something as well. This was all so sudden... all at once... and he couldn't do anything to help... Where was that stupid hanyou when you needed him?!

"Pocky..", the taijiya repeated the other, younger girl's word for such a food, then thoughtfully took another bite.

The group seemed calm and stable for the moment.. Tensions were wearing down, and she felt herself reach a certain level.. of peace. But, unfortunately, such tranquility only lasted for so long in this era. And so, the group's mood suddenly went downhill as Inuyasha left them in an utmost hurry.

"Nani?", she asked as she lifted her chin and brows drew together. What's going on now? Has something happened to Kikyou? She didn't know much about Inuyasha and the deceased miko's history together, but she did know that trouble usually accompanied the living-dead girl. But, Sango didn't have long to ponder what was going on with Inuyasha, for Miroku seemed to be having problems of his own, which she observed from the corner of her eye.

"H-Houshi-sama!", she called, sharply darting her head his way; those eyes growing bright with worry. She was quickly by his side, comforting hands placed on his shoulders as she attempted to look him in the eyes and ask what exactly was going on.

"Houshi-sama!", she cried frantically again, only to let go of Miroku, and tumble into a pile at his feet, that ponytail falling in a languid wave, as if in slow motion.. Curling up on the hard ground, she hugged herself and screwed her eyes shut as they pulsated; an unbearable pain, physical and yet undeniably sad ripping through her.

What's this feeling?, she asked herself as watery eyes parted open.

It was the same as she felt in the past, only heightened to an unbearable level. Not only was her heart aching for release, but the scar on her back burned, spiced with the intensity of that memory.

It was refreshing, their meal, smoothing over their hard way of life comitted to the era. Miroku had no excuse for his whimsical look, enjoying the moment as it stood before (as always) it would be deprived of them without a moment's haste. The feeling they all knew too well.

If it was just the sensitive houkiri he possessed or just ill-fate passing by for laughs, the hairs across his arms went suddenly cold. Brushing the feeling off, the houshi's senses would do the same when a pretty girl, full in the chest, would pass by him; it was just a delayed reaction, he thought. That was when Inuyasha, his words deep in tone, questioned the air before him of a name loathed to hear; and he left, just like that. Did the hanyou have another dream, concise on revealing even more downfalls of the ones he had loved? It was just then that the thoughtful priest felt a horrifying bite in his right palm.

He wasn't sure if the others were inflicted in their own ways or not, but his grip on the emptied red can had dropped to catch his beaded fist, clutching his cursed hand as if it had just been cut in two. The feeling ripped against flesh along his arm, an acid that would force him to cry out in a low, gruff groan as he muffled it quickly, holding his own weight and standing his own ground as multiple firey shots rippled beneath his tendons and broke his spirit.

A moment's breather as the pain subsided, Miroku found himself bellowed over on his knees, a rough pace midst his breaths with the comments of severing sweat. "Ugh... Just.. wh-what the hell.. was that all about?"

He was in utter confusion. Concern for his friends sent the Houshi to his feet, Sango being the first he would confront. ..Inuyasha had better come back with a damn good reason for running off, was this the time for chasing your heart?

Happily swallowing the noodles, Inu-Yasha was barely chewing at all... but it hardly hindered his progress at demolishing his second cup of the ramen. Darting his tongue out of his mouth, he ran it over his lips to savor the trace of excess salty goodness from his favorite food. The motion resembled a puppy that had received a biscuit... and yet it still eluded him why they would dare compare him to a dog.

Snowy ears laid flat against his head as he contemplated reaching for a third cup-o-noodles, but he resisted. The ferocious growling of his stomach had ceased and was instead satiated by the warmth of the ramen inside. Now to digest... The hanyou rose from his seat to his haunches, when he suddenly sprang upwards... a blur of silvery hair and crimson cloth, and he was gone. Back into the tree he had previously been resting in.

A groan of satisfaction could barely be heard as he reclined his lean form against the trunk once more, lazily rolling his shoulders around before tucking his hands behind his head. Settling his head back into the cradle of his palms, he breathed a slow sigh of contentment. Usually he was always in such a hurry to rush off and find Naraku, but he was known to enjoy relaxation from time to time.

For a time he remained still, ears unconsciously twitching every few minutes from the sounds of his comrades below. Slowly golden orbs were closed and his breathing deepened, almost on the verge of sleep. Somewhere in that place between the states of slumber and being awake, he could vaguely hear a voice. A voice... so familiar. Painfully familiar.

...Kikyou...?

In his mind's eye he could see a place... a place devoid of light, both literally and figuratively. An altar of stone stood cold and mocking, and before it stood...

"Kikyou?!"

A startled cry. Eyes snapped open with a sudden jolt as though he'd been struck by lightning. A cold shiver ran down the hanyou's spine as he looked around wildly... a bit shaken and more than a bit surprised to find himself still in his tree. A quivering sigh as he slipped out of the tree and looked off into the distance, not even aware that his comrades must have been staring at him.

His voice came out in a soft monotone as he continued to gaze into the thick of trees, not making any move to directly look at the others. "...I have to go..."

Before any could protest, he had taken off into the forest, leaving all behind him to only wonder about his behavior. "...And don't follow me!" A shout rang out amongst the wilderness after he was out of sight.

Inu-Yasha did not hesitate in his movement, nor look back. Only traveling at top speed, unwavering in his course. Kikyou... there was something wrong with Kikyou. He had to find out what.

Hold on, Kikyou... I'm coming to find you.

A gaunt hand reached within the shredded miko robes, pulling out a slender, glimmering fragment of some sort of jewel. Pink shimmer mixed with opalescent shine brightened all that was dark. A symbol of all that was pure and innocent rested in the hands of one so vile and wicked.

A patch of what would appear as herbs and spices lay in two, shallow bowls next to this pool. Gentle fingertips extended towards the bowls, taking a pinch with her fingers of each bowls content, she would begin to sprinkle it in the hollowed rock. Glistening orbs filled with wicked hate ran past a sharpened weapon. Stained with rust and dried blood it still shined as new, a pattern of a serpent wove around the handle. Made of white gold it glistened and glimmered in the dim lighting of the hell hole. Pale fingertips grasped the handle, bringing it up to examine the beautifully deadly weapon.

"How elegant"

The blade would be pressed into the slender digits, a deep crimson gash slowly appeared upon pale skin. Again, moving to a lowed section, it would drive deep within the muscles of her arm, a stream of sanguine liquid slipped and dripped down on the cold stone below, flowing into the pool. Rigid edges ran into and across the palm, the miko wincing slightly in response, eyes still held the same emotionless expression as always. Letting the blood flow from her gashes her hand was a bloody mess of ripped tendons and seared skin. The pool began to fill, crimson liquid overflowing from it's shallow depths.

With her damaged hand she picked up that shard of purity, dropping it in the sea of blood. A hiss would emerge as it made contact, simmering bubbles of black would burst and become thick. Gurgling echoed as the 'thing' continued to move in a whirlpool like motion, a swirling pool of black and red. Bubbles bursting, a groan sounding from it.

Chanting in some ancient language penetrated dry lips, lids hiding those blank eyes of pain and suffering.

The silver dagger ripped into the miko's heart, eyes widening at the surprise of overwhelming pain. Kneeling over the pool, her eyes shut tight. Throat constricting as she shoved the dagger deeper. A sickening gurgle rose from her throat from the pain. Blood dripping from her mouth slowly in a waterfall, sliding down ghostly white flesh.

"So here lay me down in the sea of hatred, let me ravish in the darkness once more. Let the soul of the murderer overwhelm you"

What little color was left faded slowly as her body grew limp and collapsed, laying beside the now acid pool. Not once did she stir from that spot on the icy stone, only a rivulet of crimson left remembrance of what once was..

Eyes of the deepest hue widened in shock, as soon as she let that food hit the blanket, it was gone. About half of the contents that she had brought with her were probably have digested by now.
Her gaze shifted to the half youkai, noodles half way out of his mouth, gobbling away. The word 'ramen whore' came rushing to mind. A rush of thanks came at her, she could only smile in response. 'As long as they're happy, I suppose. Even though I almost broke my back trying to drag that damned thing all the way here.'
Her head would turn towards Sango, eyes drifting down to the object. "Oh, that's called a pocky. It's a sort of pastry. I believe.." A small sweatdroplet could be seen on the back of her head, could a junk food really be a sort of pastry? Well, it is now, for her mun has no clue.
She herself hadn't been very hungry, so she leaned on the neighboring tree as her friends all enjoyed the feast. Orbs of blue tint raised to the surrounding woods. A feeling of uncertainty lay in the pit of her stomach, it felt like .. A shard of the shikon jewel. But, it was different this time. Darker ... eerie. She gave an involuntary shiver as a cold wind ran through her bones. Something was happening, and it was going to happen soon.

As the said taijiya approached the group, the faintest shade of pink graced her cheeks as Miroku greeted her. She had been a tad shyer ever since the houshi proposed to her that day, and was unsure to whether she could trust him ..completely. After all, was it not he who paused at her question to if he'd see other women or not once they were engaged? Well, actually.. He didn't answer at all! Hmph. Men. Lips pursed at the simple remembrance of that uncertain expression he offered her. Ah, well -- back to the present situation.

"Arigatou, Kagome-chan!", she chimed, before casually invading her backpack like the rest of them. She found the usual sweet treats, and even some.. Well, this was new. Sienna eyes, lined with magenta, blinked lightly as she held up a piece of.. what looked to be a twig covered in a dark substance. Cantering her head curiously, she brought the stick to her lips and tasted whilst looking up.. Mmm. It was a candy, after all!

"Kagome-chan", she began, and looked to the girl as she pointed to the small box, innocently. "What's this?"

Ah, yes. Inuyasha may have been a ramen whore, but Sango was a chocolate one. Sadly, it was the influence of her mun.

And before the other two could even give the youkai and houshi permission to go look for the said taiji ya, there she came, her faithful pal, Kirara, in tow as well. "Hello, Sango-chan!" He barked that quick hello to her, smiling brightly, as the two shared that one connection in their love for those ever-so-sweet treats known as 'candy'. And that was the very topic he should have stumbled upon, considering that there was Kagome, dupping the loot out of that oversized backpack. There were all the designated items... candy, of course, the ramen, the soda (a bit too much for the kitsune, it made him get dizzy), and other things such as 'chips' and the like.

This was always their favorite part about Kagome returning (except for the fact, of course, that she was back), and as soon as the stuff was revealed, Miroku was quickly forgotten as he jumped off of that purple and black kesa and was sitting on the ground right next to the pile of stuff. He grinned a fanged grin as he saw Inu-Yasha was already wolfing down, and quickly Miroku came over to grab his soda, but candy was what Shippou was after, of course. He grabbed the first piece he could get his hands on, a new one, this time, and didn't even look at the wrapper before opening it and popping the sweet into his mouth.

Unbeknownest to him, his substance was caramel, and so he was taken aback by how much it stuck to his teeth. He was forced to wrench his mouth open the first few times just to chew it, quite the effort for the tiny youkai. He got it, though, and after the first few bites he was in bliss. As soon as he had managed to get that down his throat he grabbed more; a handful this time, and was bold enough to eat more than one at a time. If they didn't stop him, at this rate he was going to be rather sick by the end of the day. Of course, he expected Sango to jump in and give him a hand with disposing of all the candy soon enough. Otherwise, he would have quite the task of eating it all. That was quite a lot of candy for someone so small.

With a chuckle and a reassuring grin, all of the essentials came to fall in place. Kagome-sama had surely returned and with prepared morsels appetizing to everyone, including himself, she horded the 'valuables' across her newly-smoothed picnic cloth; the youkai taiji ya wasn't far from them to begin with and his moment's hesitation was erased as quickly as it came as she announced her arrival.

"We were beginning to worry about you, Sango-chan! A~h, at least, we can eat together now and scout for the Shikon no Kakera later. It's always help with a full stomach on the job!"

Don't forget to take a chance for relaxation, he would say to himself, eerie premonitions were plagueing all around him. It was a feeling of doubt, it could have most likely been a simple remembrance of a bad dream or perhaps the aftermath of eating something unworthy of digestion the day before.. but in all seriousness, it was a sightless sobriety, forewarning the group of brave youkai and humans to be prepared.

For what exactly? The Houshi couldn't quite put his finger on it. He snapped the "Coca Cola" can open and sipped, the carbonation fulfilling as he handled it as if tea. The wonderful things that Kagome-sama could bring. The expression he made was solemn (if not smug), his usual go-abouts as he singled the Hanyou out as the ramen stack was ravished.

"I don't think we'll ever get tired from what you supply us, it's a blessing. It's certainly better than the burnt lizards and rabbits Inuyasha finds." Another sip. He doubted that would pull the boy from his noodles, separating a mouse from its cheese. If it did, Miroku was prepared to duck.