A New Path

Disclaimer: I do not own any aspects of the anime Inuyasha. I do not own characters, locations or the storyline. i only own the original plot of this story.

Chapter Four

Kagome and Shippo headed over to the camp. As they walked, the sun sank lower in the sky.

As they neared the camp, Shippo remembered why Sango sent him away. He was supposed to collect firewood for that night’s fire, and he took a detour to check on Kagome. Now he needed to get the wood.

“Kagome, I have to collect wood for tonight’s fire, that’s why I was away from camp when I decided to check on you.” Shippo told Kagome.

“All right Shippo. I’ll help you collect wood but let’s stay close to the path ok? You go to the left and I’ll go to the right side, don’t go too far.” Kagome replied.

They turned off the path and started looking for wood pieces on the ground. The sun sank below the horizon, and Kagome found herself fumbling around in the dark. She subconsciously used her miko powers to shine light before her. She gathered wood quickly, making sure to gather good wood that would burn well. While she worked, she thought about the events of the day, particularly the part with Sesshomaru.

‘He seemed really interested in my miko powers. I smell different from other humans. What is that about? If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he was trying to comfort me as I listened to Inuyasha…he acted very strange that day. Almost like he cared about me.’

Deep in thought, Kagome was about to reach down for a piece of wood when a clawed hand covered her mouth. She tried to pull away, but felt herself pulled roughly against a hard chest. A velvety voice whispered in her ear, and the feel of the warm breath caressing her skin sent a shiver down her spine.

“Don’t scream I’m not going to hurt you.” The emotionless voice told her who it was. She relaxed in his grasp, and he released her. ‘Why am I reacting this way in response to Sesshomaru?’ She spun around and looked into his face.

“Sesshomaru! What are you doing here?” she asked.

“I wanted to be sure that my hanyou half brother did not harm you further.” Sesshomaru answered. He had to fight to maintain his composure after feeling her body shiver in fear against his own when he pulled her close. The close contact with her was almost intoxicating to the demon lord, and he didn’t understand why. ‘What is wrong with me? She is a human! And I barely know her, she belonged to my brother for god’s sake!’

“Why? Since when do you care about humans?” she asked. His current behavior reminded her of earlier in the day.
“I care only for one reason. You were loyal to him. You showed nothing but true loyalty to him at all times. When someone shows you that kind of loyalty and devotion, you don’t betray them. It is a dishonorable act and I will not stand for it. Inuyasha has shown that he has no honor, and that he does not deserve your loyalty.” Sesshomaru answered. It was easy to use honor as an excuse, but he had to hide the fact that he was worried about her, and wanted to see her again.

Thanks to sesshysgirl08 and Annetta for their great reviews! Sorry this chapter is so short, but i was anxious to update and have no more time to write tonight. more tomorrow!! REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!! reviewing is what keeps me going, if you dont review i forget to udate!