call-me-ryuzaki

[call-me-ryuzaki]

The Flame Hashira and The Priestess (3)

All he could feel was the excruciating pain as the demon ran its fist through him and he thought he was surely dead. His gaze drifted to Chuntaro above him as he cried and screamed out for him. He wanted to apologize to the Swallow but the hand around his throat prevented him from doing so.

And then it was black. Darkness and pain surrounded him and he felt himself being pulled into death's sweet embrace. “Ah, I’m sorry Chuntaro, Tanjiro, Inosuke, Nezuko. Sorry for being such a coward.”   He could feel himself slip further and further into the darkness, he could feel his life slipping from him. “I wish I could have said goodbye to them. I wish I could have seen Nezuko’s cute face one last time.”

Suddenly a bright pink light lit up from above him in the dark abyss. It was so bright, so warm and he couldn’t help but reach out towards the light. To him, it almost reminded him of Tanjiro’s presence, only this one was somehow more pure. A feminine hand reached out and pulled him gently towards the bright pink light. “Who are you?” he found himself asking it but received no answer. 

Kagome let out a sigh of relief as she finally made it to the hut. Her body ached from having to carry him all this way. Once inside, Kagome quickly stripped him of his torn clothing and his yellow kimono. She’d have to wash the blood out of it later and repair any damages done to it. His uniform was far from saving, she’d have to get his measurements and get something temporary to wear.

“Alright!” Kagome clapped her hands together, startling the bird on her head, “I'm sorry! I didn’t know you were sleeping,” she said. “After I tend to him, I’ll make us something to eat!”

The swallow chirped in response. Kagome removed the bloodstained cloth she used to secure his more serious wound and set to work once more. She poured more of her healing energy into him to further help it heal. After she was satisfied, she wrapped his torso in bandages and set to work disinfecting his smaller cuts. “He’ll be just fine. He might be out of it for a while, but he’ll survive.”

She heard the bird let out a small sigh of relief of its own. “I’m sure you’ll have to make a report to whoever soon.” another chirp from the bird revealed that she hit the nail on the head. “It feels like it’s been forever since I’ve had company, even if it is a bird and a comatose boy.” She made a rabbit stew for her and a tiny portion for the bird who let out a chirp and quickly devoured his smaller portion. 

Kagome smiled gently at the bird and gently patted its small head. “I suppose you’re leaving soon, to go make your report.” The bird blinked at her, “Make sure you come back for him, something tells me he’s going to be a handful when he wakes up. Remember to keep our secret,” she winked at it as the bird let out another chirp and took flight. “If he has friends make sure to let them know he’s alive!”

Several days passed and the boy had not stirred from his comatose state. His bird friend had yet to return to his side as well and she could only pray that he made it safely to wherever it was he needed to go.

“I really don’t want to leave him alone, but I just can’t leave him without anything to wear,” Kagome let out a sigh. She’d have to go into the village eventually to get more medical supplies and ingredients for dinner, she might as well get something for him to wear as well. With that thought in her mind, she grabbed a small pouch of money and stepped outside.

Before setting out, she made sure the barrier around her hut was intact. With a satisfied nod, she headed towards the village to get everything she would need for her comatose guest and dinner for the next several weeks.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

After making his report to the master, Chuntaro rushed off in search of finding Tanjiro and his companions. He flew as if his life depended on it, any day Zenitsu would wake up and the girl that saved his life would have a hell of a time handling him. If he, a mere bird, could see that the woman was probably a literal goddess, Zenitsu would be lovestruck in a matter of a few seconds.

“Tanjirooooo,” Chuntaro squeaked as soon as he caught sight of his black and green checkered kimono. He had been flying for what seemed like forever and he was so tired. His wings were sore from the frantic flapping he had done.

“Chuntaro!” Tanjiro beamed at the sight of the swallow bird. “I’m glad you’re okay! We got a message to help Zenitsu, but when we arrived there was no sight of Zenitsu and a lot of blood…” Tanjiro’s smile dropped as he felt the tears well up in his eyes, “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to save him. If only I had been quicker to help him.” He clenched his fists and closed his eyes.

“Tanjiro, Zenitsu is alive!” Chuntaro exclaimed.

“He is!?”

Chuntaro wasted no time in recapping most of the events. He left out the part where the woman who had saved him had destroyed the demon with an arrow. Instead he, unwillingly lied and explained that Zenitsu dispatched the demon before collapsing from his wounds. After his explanation, Chuntaro led Tanjiro to the hut where his comatose friend and the woman were at.

It had taken them a few days to make it to the hut. Without so much as a warning, Tanjiro burst through the hut. “Zenitsu!”

“WHAT THE HELL!?” A womanly voice screamed and threw a heavy pot at Tanjiro, knocking him to the ground. “I don’t know who the hell you think you are, but you can’t just waltz into someone’s home without knocking or anything, you pervert!”

Tanjiro’s vision had black spots on them as he sat up. When his vision cleared he came face to face with an arrow, “W-wait!”

“Tell me who you are and what you want?” His eyes followed the arrow to the owner of the said arrow and he found himself staring into the angry blue eyes of a beautiful woman. 

“M-My name is Tanjiro Kamado!” he couldn’t look away from her. Out of fear or awe, he wasn’t sure himself. “Chuntaro told me Zenitsu would be here!”

Kagome glared at him for a moment longer as she put all the pieces together. “Oh,” instantly her anger melted away and was replaced by a sheepish smile. “Forgive me for hitting you with my pans.” She picked up the pot and motioned for him to come inside.

Tanjiro picked himself off the ground and followed her inside the hut, his eyes instantly found Zenitsu on the other side of the hut and he let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you for saving Zenitsu!” He suddenly bowed, his forehead nearly touching the ground.

“It was no big deal!” Kagome smiled, “I couldn’t just leave him there to die. I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself.” Now that she wasn’t so angry about a stranger bursting into her home, she could feel his aura radiating with purity. It was gentle and inviting. She hadn’t felt an aura like this in a very long time. 

She could tell that Tanjiro Kamado had a good heart. 

Soon enough, the swallow had appeared in the home, making himself known with a delightful chirp. Kagome opened up her hand and he settled himself into the palm of her hand, “I suppose your name must be Chuntaro, and his name is Zenitsu!” Kagome let out a laugh.

“How much longer will he be asleep?” Tanjiro asked her as he looked over at Zenitsu.

“He should wake any day now. His wounds are almost completely healed. The one on his abdomen will still take some time and he definitely should avoid moving around too much once he wakes up,” she explained to him, “Once I deem him fit, he may leave. But for now, he will stay here in case something happens.”

Tanjiro nodded and turned to her again and dropped to yet another bow, “Please allow me to stay until he is fully recovered!”

Kagome sighed, how could she possibly say no to him? “F-Fine… I suppose it won’t hurt, but…” Kagome glanced at the strange box by the doorway, “I would like to know why you’re traveling with a demon.”

She half expected him to do a complete 180 and take the box and make a mad dash for it or even attack her for asking. Demons were not exactly on the friendliest terms with Demon Slayers after all. Instead, he smiled, “That demon in there is my little sister Nezuko. Muzan turned her into a demon, but she won’t harm humans. She’s an unofficial demon slayer!”

“She must be something special if she hasn’t attacked any humans,” Kagome hummed. She couldn’t exactly feel anything malicious coming from the box he carried, but she’s been wrong before. 

As day turned into night, Tanjiro moved towards the box and gently opened it up, “Nezuko, come say hello to our host,” 

When the demon emerged from the box, Kagome felt her heart instantly melt. Her soft pink eyes gazed at Kagome curiously as she approached the priestess. Nezuko smiled at her and patted her head and Kagome’s heart soared. All she wanted to do was wrap Nezuko in her arms and never let her go. “You’re definitely the cutest demon I have ever seen!” Kagome cooed as she lightly pinched her cheeks. She made a mental note to be careful around Nezuko and not harm her with her holy powers. As gentle as Nezuko might be, she was still a demon after all and very susceptible to her powers. 

A few weeks passed with Tanjiro helping Kagome out whether it be with the cooking, cleaning, or just running errands into the village. Nezuko too helped Kagome with the cooking when it was her turn to do so. Every now and again, Tanjiro would leave for a mission and would return with cuts and bruises that she tended to.

It was… nice having people around for once. She had spent so many years alone, moving from place to place. She knew in the end she would outlive everyone and it pained her more and more each day. She tried to keep people at arm's length, but Nezuko and Tanjiro easily slipped through her walls and made her feel… alive. Happy.

She dreaded the day they would leave and she would never see them again.

~X~

The sun peeked through the windows of her hut, Kagome peeked an eye open to make sure Nezuko had safely made it into her box. But when she looked up by the door a shirtless man with a boar head carrying dual blades.

She sprung into action, but he was just as quick. He had her pinned to the ground with a sword to her neck. Kagome used all of her strength to keep the boar man from slitting her throat, but she could feel him overpowering her. 

“Inosuke!” Tanjiro jumped from his bed and rushed towards him, literally headbutting him. “Are you okay, Kagome?” Tanjiro helped her to her feet.

“Yes, I’m fine.” Kagome let out a sigh of relief and glared at the boar man, “Do you know who that is?”

“I do,” Tanjiro sighed, “I apologize for his behavior. Inosuke is… something else.”

“Gonpachiro–” “It’s Tanjiro!” “It was hard to locate this place and to locate you and Monichiro!”

“I'm sorry Inosuke, I should have sent a letter about our whereabouts sooner!” 

The boar man, now known as Inosuke, crossed his arms over his chest, “I guess I can forgive you this time for being such a loyal minion after all.” he let out a loud boisterous laugh.  Kagome let out a sigh, it was about to get rowdy with this newcomer. Her days of peace were over. 

~X~

“WILL YOU MARRY ME? I MIGHT DIE TOMORROW YOU KNOW!”  A few days after Inosuke's arrival, Zenitsu woke from his coma and as soon as he laid his eyes on Kagome, he was on her faster than Inuyasha was with Ramen. 

“N-No! Now get off of me!” Kagome tried to push away the lover-struck boy currently clinging to her leg. “Tanjiro!”

Tanjiro burst into the room and was quick to help Kagome pry Zenitsu from her leg, “Zenitsu if you keep moving around you’ll reopen your wound and die!” Tanjiro tried to reason with him.

“Why are you preventing me from getting married, Tanjiro?” Zenitsu pouted.

“I'm not going to marry you!” With one final push from Kagome and a pull from Tanjiro, they managed to pry him from her, “Now, lay down and let me check on your wounds and if you touch me, I will not hesitate to stick you with an arrow!” 

Wordlessly Zenitsu did just that. Kagome kneeled by his side and politely asked him to remove his shirt. He opened his mouth to make a comment, but she shot him a glare and he snapped his jaw shut with an audible click.

After his shirt was removed and neatly folded beside him, she unwrapped his bandages and gave a small nod. “It’ll hardly leave a scar!” Kagome grinned at him and Zenitsu swooned. 

“I suppose whenever you guys are ready, you’re good to go. Zenitsu your kimono is all sewn up and you also have a replacement uniform.” In the small time that they had been here, she had grown rather attached to Inosuke. The boar man had actually been rather tame according to Tanjiro. Inosuke was typically loud and brash and always wanted to fight. However, he had yet to try and pick a fight with her or Tanjiro and was rather quiet and almost respectful.  She somehow managed to convince him to take his boar head off and was shocked by the pretty face he had. 

“It’s bad enough I got attached to the three of them,” She thought to herself as she watched Tanjiro pat Nezuko on her head and the demon made eye contact with Kagome. She made her way over to the Priestess. “I’m going to miss you the most!” Kagome wrapped her arms around Nezuko and gave her a tight squeeze. “Come back and visit me again soon, Nezuko!”

“You could always come with us,” Zenitsu wiggled his eyebrows at her almost suggestively. Kagome rolled her eyes and brushed him off. She made brief eye contact with Inosuke before quickly looking away from him. She learned he was oddly observant. 

“We’ll miss you, Kagome,” Tanjiro approached her after his sister was safely tucked away in her box.

She smiled at him and pat his head, “You’re always welcome here Tanjiro. The other two,” she gave a side glance to Inosuke and Zenitsu, “They’re… welcomed too… I suppose.”

They shared a laugh together before Kagome walked them out the door. “Stay safe! Try not to get stabbed again, Zenitsu! I might not be nearby to save your life again!” She waved goodbye as they all walked further and further down the road until there were just tiny specs on the horizon.

After they were long gone, Kagome turned towards her hut and stepped inside. Once again, she found herself alone in a hut that was once filled with life. Now it was empty, reminding her why she never wanted to get attached to anyone again.

“I’m sure… we’ll meet again…”

~X~

“I miss Kagome!” Zenitsu complained, “Let’s go back and bring her with us! Maybe she’ll actually accept my marriage proposal!”

Tanjiro sighed, ever since they had left, Zenitsu had done nothing but complain. “Zenitsu! Stop complaining already! If she wanted to come with us, she would have!”

“I think… she wanted to,” Inosuke said softly. 

“What do you mean?” the two boys asked at the same time.

Inosuke laughed and ran ahead of the boys leaving them behind. Zenitsu ran after him, yelling at him for being secretive and to clarify what he meant. Tanjiro let out a sigh and then smiled. He turned to gaze down the path where they had come from. 

“We’ll meet again…”

[call-me-ryuzaki]

[call-me-ryuzaki]

Unmasked comparison of Haganezuka's rage

Thank you ufotable for this gem xD

[call-me-ryuzaki]

Attack on Titan Official Key Animation Book

[call-me-ryuzaki]

The Flame Hashira and The Priestess (2)

There were certain types of crows that Kagome quickly learned to avoid. Over the years she noticed that crows she later learned were associated with the Demon Slayer Corps, had unique auras about them. Once she started taking care of the demons herself, she knew she was under the Demon Slayer corps radar.  She’d have to be very careful when the unique crows were around. Kagome was not ready to entangle herself with the Demon Slayers.

She let out a sigh as she sipped her tea, “Man, demon slayers sure have changed over the years,” she looked up at clear blue sky, recalling the days of her travels in the Sengoku Period. Demon Slayers were well known throughout the country and the people of Japan knew of them and the existence of demons. 

Those who were fortunate enough to never had an encounter with a demon didn’t know of their existence or believed them to be myths and legends, just like that of the Sacred Jewel. She tried to find out more about the demon slayer corps, but when she brought it up to random passbyers, they looked at her like she’d grown a third head and brushed her off. 

From what she could tell, they were few and far between.

After finishing her tea and paying, she strolled through the village, making her way to one of her many homes scattered across the land. She had accumulated a large good amount of money throughout her long, long life. She would consider herself well off, but didn’t use her wealth for luxuries. Her homes usually consisted of the same things: Medical supplies, a bed, a small kitchen with a fire pit, herbs and ingrediants. She only kept the things she needed. 

Miroku had built her a hut somewhere outside the village of Edo where she stored her most important things. The monks staff along with Sangos boomerang, Tetsusaiga, and Tenseiga mounted on the wall of the hut along with a trunk that contained items she deemed most important to her. Inuyasha’s subjagation beads were one of the items in the trunk. Sesshomaru had a powerful priestess put a spell on the hut where only she and Sesshomaru himself could access the hut. 

She had asked the demon lord why he left his fathers sword to her. He never answered her and she was left wondering why. That had been the last time she had seen him. Sometimes she thought she could sense him, but it was gone just as quickly as it had arrived. Was he dead or alive? It seemed like she would never know.

As she entered the hut, she heard a groan coming from her newest patient, A boy wearing the demon slayer uniform with a yellow kimono with white triangles on it. She came across him in the forest moments before a demon was ready to deliver the final blow. Kagome wasted no time in eliminating the demon with a purifying arrow. After it had disintergrated, she quickly kneeled down to assess his wounds. He had cuts all over his body, but the worst was the gaping hole in his stomach. 

Beside him was a sparrow crying frantically and squeaking. Kagome gently scooped the bird into her hands and smiled at it, “Don’t worry, little sparrow, I’m going to save him, you may rest easy.” Kagome gave it a tap on its small head with her index finger before she quickly began performing basic first aid. 

On the outside she was calm, focused on the task before her, but on the inside she was slightly panicking. She could feel his aura slowly begin to fade. “Dammit, I’m losing him.” She gasped when he stopped breathing. Kagome quickly tore pieces of her clothing to tie around his more serious wound to stop the bleeding or atleast slow it down enough.

Without missing a beat Kagome tilted his head back and pinched his nose. She took a breath of her own before placing her mouth over his and then performed the chest compressions. She silently thanked the Gods for that basic first aid class she took in school. She continued this pattern until he was finally breathing on his own.

“That was a close call, little Sparrow,” She gave a nervous laughter. She made sure that the yellow haired boy was still breathing on his own before setting to work on the stab wound he received. She placed her hands over his wound and a pink glow emitted from them and into the wound. 

“Little Sparrow,” Kagome glanced at the bird who had its beady eyes on her hands, “I know you’re associated with the Demon Slayer Corps.” She could practically see the bird tense, “I must insist that you keep everything you see a secret.” She stared the bird down until finally it let out a meek squeak, as if agreeing to her terms. 

Getting him back to the cabin was a lot harder than she thought it was. She was drained from healing his wound. It wasn’t completely healed, he wasn’t in danger of dying, but he would be if she didn’t get him back to her hut and treat it properly and continue her treatment.

The swallow perched itself atop her head as she dragged his body through the forest and off the main roads. She didn’t want to risk a stranger stopping her as she dragged his unconscious body throughout the land. She was sure someone would stop her and she couldn’t afford to stop or he would certainly die. 

(Chuntaro’s POV)

Chuntaro could only watch helplessly as he watched Zenitsu run from the demon. He was clearly no match for it and help was still too far out. He feared Zenitsu wouldn’t make it through this battle as the terrified boy ran for his life, dodging as many as its attacks a he could manage while crying.

The swallow let out a loud squawk as the demon thrusted its hand through Zenitsu’s abdomen. It laughed as he ripped his hand out and watched him drop to the forest floor. Chuntaro didn’t even notice as a young women rushed onto the scene. He was busy crying for Zenitsu and watching what could be his final moments. This was the one time where the sparrow wished he was human so he could save Zenitsu.

He helplessly watched as the demon picked Zenitsu up by his throat and lifted him from the ground. “Die demon slayer!” he laughed.

The next thing Chuntaro knew, the demon had disintegrated in a flash of pink and ash. Zenitsu’s body dropped to the forest floor and the bird flew down by his side. “Please don’t die!” he cried over and over and over. Suddenly he felt himself being picked up by gentle hands and he was face to face with a beautiful raven haired woman. He stopped crying instantly as he stared into her blue eyes with awe and confusion. She smiled at him, “Don’t worry little sparrow,” she said to him, “I’m going to save him, you can rest easy now.” and she tapped his head with her finger and set him back down. He could only watch in awe as she quickly set to work closing aiding him.

“Who is this girl?” He had never seen her before. She was definitely someone he would never forget. 

He almost didn’t hear the gasp she let out and he focused on Zenitsu. He noticed that he had stopped breathing and began panicking again. “Please save him, lady!” he cried out knowing that she couldn’t understand him, but still, he begged her to save him. 

Chuntaro felt himself freeze when he saw her lean down and put her mouth on his. “What are you doing kissing him like that!” he was angered by her actions,”You’re supposed to be saving him not kissing him!” he wanted to peck her.

But then she started pressing down on his chest and she repeated both these actions for what seemed like an eternity. 

“That was a close call, little Sparrow,” she let out a nervous laugh. Chuntaro was still a little mad at her, but his anger soon melted into astonishment as she placed her hands over his stomach and began to glow. “Is she even human?” he couldn’t tear his eyes away from the glow. He watched as the bleeding stopped all together and slowly.

“Little Sparrow,” she didn’t look up from her task, “I know you’re associated with the Demon Slayer Corps,” He tensed, now THAT caught his attention, “I must insist you keep everything you saw a secret.” when Chuntaro looked up, she was staring right at him. Right into his very core. 

He didn’t know what her reasons for wanting all of what he witnessed a secret, but he was sure she had her reasons. “I suppose since you saved his life I will keep it a secret for you! As thanks.” To her, his response was a squeak. 

[call-me-ryuzaki]

The Flame Hashira and The Priestess (1)

After Inuyasha's sacrifice, the Bone Eaters Well had sealed itself upon the completion of the jewel, leaving Kagome stuck in the Feudal Era with no hope of returning home. Kagome mourned the loss of both Inuyasha and her family and friends. Sure, she had Sango, Miroku, and Shippo around, but they would soon move on with their own lives.

After the final battle, Sango and Miroku married shortly after and before everyone knew it, Sango was expecting her first child. Shippo stayed within the village for a few years before he decided to leave and train and retake the fox demon exam.

Kagome obviously stayed in the village. She didn't want to wander too far from the Bone Eaters well in case it started working again. She learned all she could from Kaeda and from other priestesses that would occasionally pass through the village. Much too soon for Kagome's liking, Kaeda had passed away peacefully in her sleep.

The years passed by her in a blink of an eye. It wasn't until Sango and Miroku started to grow gray hairs did the trio realize that Kagome had not aged much after her 20th birthday.

"It probably comes with being the guardian of the Shikon Jewel," Sango said as she and Kagome strolled through the ever-growing village. "We don't know exactly what the jewel is capable of, so prolonging its guardians' life is definitely a huge possibility. I mean you haven't aged a bit after all."

Kagome sighed. She prayed that she would age alongside her friends, however, the jewel clearly had other plans for her. She didn't want to watch her friends and loved ones grow old and pass away while she continued to walk the earth.

The jewel was more of a curse than anything else.

"I didn't want this," she said softly.

Sango squeezed her best friend's arm, "Just think of it this way, Kagome. Perhaps you'll live to see your family again."

The mere thought of seeing her mother, grandfather, and brother, ignited a small hope within her. "You're right, Sango. Thank you."

It was quiet for a moment before the former demon slayer spoke."It sure has been quiet lately. Demon attacks have started to become less and less. We haven't had a single report of a demon attacking the village in months.

Kagome frowned. Demons not attacking the village was normally a good thing, "Not just that, but I haven't heard of a single sighting of a demon in the last few months either. I haven't even sensed any either."

"Maybe this is what happened to the demon," Sango said, "You said that there were no demons in the future. Maybe they just all disappeared?"

Kagome shrugged, "I'm not sure. Miroku suggested they learned to blend in with humans. The more powerful demons such as Sesshomaru or even Shippo."

"Bah," Sango waved her hand in a dismissive manner, "Enough talk about demons, let us go take a bath!" Kagome agreed and the girls rushed to get their things, giggling and gossiping the whole way there.

~X~

As the years continued to pass Kagome by, Sango eventually died. She was buried beneath the Goshinboku where Inuyasha rested. Not long after Sango's death, Miroku closely followed after her.

"Lady Kagome," the dying monk motioned for her to come closer to him.

"Yes? What is it, Miroku?" Kagome clasped his hand into her own, holding back her tears.

"I feel my time is coming to an end," Kagome bit her lip to keep from sobbing, "Promise me something?"

"Of course, anything!"

"After I die, please look out for our children."

Kagome nodded her head, "Of course!"

Miroku smiled and let out a sigh of relief. "I have left everything to you. Take extra care of the chest with all the scrolls stored inside of them. I made sure to record our adventures together. They contain our travels together, the legend of the Shikon jewel, and how its mysterious guardian brought us all together."

Kagome smiled softly. "You remembered that there was not much on the Shikon jewel from my time."

The monk nodded his head. "Of course. History will not know your name, only know you as the girl who saved the world from a great evil."

"That's okay," she said, "It's better that way. Everyone should know your names. Sango, Inuyasha, Shippo, Sesshomaru, Kouga, Kikyo even."

Miroku nodded his head in agreement.

They continued to make small talk and reminiscence of their shared time together. She stayed by his side until Miroku drew his final breath and slipped into the sweet embrace of death. It was only after he finally passed away did Kagome allow herself to cry.

He was buried alongside Sango and Inuyasha beneath the Goshinboku. "Be at peace, you guys…"

~X~

With the disappearance of demons, priestesses were no longer needed. Still, Kagome honed her abilities. After Sango and Miroku passed away, she lingered in the village a little while longer before deciding to leave.

Kagome traveled throughout the land, helping those in need. Whether it be exorcizing evil spirits, or delivering babies..She lost count of how many years she'd been travelling and things around her began to change.

Demons that once freely roamed Feudal Japan became myths and fairytales parents would tell to scare their children. The Shikon No Tama became a legend and not many people believed it, or its guardian actually existed. In each village she traveled to, she would tell the children stories of the heroes who saved the world by defeating an evil spider demon.

In time, Kagome became a nameless healer. Some people actually believed her to be a spirit stuck wandering the earth. While some believed she was a goddess sent from the heavens to aid those in their time of need. She stayed in each village until she felt she was no longer needed or the villagers grew suspicious of her never aging appearance.

She tried searching for Sesshomaru or even Shippo but with no luck. It was as if they had completely disappeared. Something told her they weren't dead. At one point in time, Kagome thought she had a really good lead on the Lord of The Western Lands, but eventually, the trail went cold and she was back to square one.

"Damn demons, always keeping themselves hidden!" she kicked a rock and adjusted her bow. All she wanted to do right now was cry, but she knew she had to turn around and head back to the village she had passed through a few hours ago. It wasn't safe for people to wander alone in the dark. Especially with the rumors of brutal murders happening.

And trouble always seemed to find her.

"A woman walking alone at night with no one around?" A voice all but purred in her ear. Kagome quickly turned to face the owner and she wished she hadn't.

Her skin crawled as came face to face with a humanoid creature. Its cat-like eyes stared at her hungrily, licking its lips. Kagome was frozen in fear. Never before has she come across a demon such as the one before it. The aura of this particular monster was different from anything she had ever encountered. It was filled with more malice and bloodlust that rivaled Naraku's.

It filled her with a fear she hadn't felt in a long time.

It gripped her jaw with one of its hands, its nail pricked her skin, drawing blood. "You smell delicious!" The monster licked its lips in anticipation.

Kagome closed her eyes as she waited for the demon to devour her. But it never came. The hand holding her face had all but disappeared, she caught a glimpse of ash before she heard the sound of a sword being sheathed.

She opened her eyes as the shock and fear faded and she finally laid her eyes on her savior. A tall muscular man with long spiky hair with red tips kept secured in a ponytail stood before her. He wore a calm expression on his face as he approached her.

"Are you well?" he asked her.

"Huh?" she blinked.

He reached up and wiped the small bit of blood off her cheek.

"Oh! Yes! I'm fine! It was just a scratch! Thank you for saving me."

"Allow me to walk you to the nearest Inn," he spoke softly to her and motioned for her to follow him. He headed towards the village she passed through earlier in the day.

"So…um, what's your name?" she asked him after a long period of silence.

"My name is Yoriichi Tsugikuni," he smiled at her.

"I'm Kagome Higurashi!" She returned the smile with one of her own, "I can't thank you enough for killing that thing back there."

"No need to thank me. I'm glad I made it in time before that demon made a meal out of you,"

Kagome let out a nervous laugh, "So it was a demon…"

Yoriichi nodded his head, "Yes… with each human they feed on, they grow more powerful, but do not worry. We'll protect as many people as we can."

She decided not to question it anymore and stay silent for the remainder of the trip. And true to his word, the man known as Yoriichi escorted her safely to an inn.

"Thank you,"

"There's no need. Please take care and try not to wander alone after dark." he turned to leave before he paused and looked back at her, "If you ever find yourself wandering alone at night, demons are repelled by Wisteria Trees."

Kagome smiled, "I will keep that in mind, Yoriichi. I hope we cross paths in the future."

He nodded his head before finally taking his leave.

Kagome spared one last look at the man known as Yoriichi.

"What an interesting guy…" Kagome smiled and she hoped they would meet again, hopefully under better circumstances.

~X~

Many more years passed, and Kagome never got the chance to see Yoriichi again. She did encounter quite a few people calling themselves demon slayers. She lost count of how many of them she had tended to in her travels.

"Geez, Masaru," Kagome sighed as she dressed his shoulder wound, "This is the third time in the last month I've tended to you alone! You need to be more careful when dealing with those demons!"

"Right…" he let out a nervous chuckle, "I'll try and be more careful next time." the demon slayer let out a sigh, "They're just so… powerful. The only sure way to kill them is to cut off their heads with a Nichirin Sword."

"What exactly is so special about those blades anyway?" Kagome asked as she finished dressing his wounds.

"They're forged with Scarlet Ore and Scarlet Crimson Sand which are found on Mount Yoko and are constantly bathed in sunlight all throughout the year," Masaru explained to her, "Other than decapitating the head, direct exposure to sunlight is the only way to kill them. Some of their regenerative abilities are… insane."

"I see…" Kagome gathered his torn clothes in her arms, "I'll make sure to wash these and sew the holes in them. For now, rest and let your wounds heal."

"Yeah yeah," he grumbled crossing his arms in front of his chest.

Kagome smiled softly as she walked passed him with the bundle of clothes. She spared a glance at the crow sitting in the open window, seemingly watching her like a hawk. It unnerved her really, the crow was with him every time he came around with a fresh wound.

"The demons of today's age are nothing like the ones we battled," Kagome sighed. She had only encountered the one demon Yoriichi saved her from, and she wasn't looking forward to meeting with any more of them.

However, she knew that eventually, she'd have to. "Perhaps, purifying them would work?" she knew no one of this day and age would know. She was the last living true priestess after all, and the guardian of the Shikon No Tama. She shook her head to clear her thoughts.

After the clothing he wore was clean from all the blood, she brought it back to the small hut she was staying in and hung it up to dry. Once done with that, she went inside and began to brew some tea.

Masaru watched her from his place across the small fire. Kagome was an enigma.

After a particularly rough battle with a demon, he and his companions were severely injured and probably would have died if she hadn't shown up. It was thanks to her that he and his companions even survived. By the time the Kakushi arrived, she was long gone and he thought their whole encounter had been just a dream. His companions didn't even recall seeing her at all.

Then he encountered her once more in the woods after a long night of battling. He had been bleeding in several places, none of his injuries was life-threatening, but they hurt like hell. She had dropped what she was doing and rushed to his side immediately. She led him to a small hut he thought was abandoned.

He stayed with her for another week after she told him he was fit to travel again and they became fast friends.

Masaru didn't know much about Kagome. He tried to pry for more information about her but to no avail. He hadn't learned a single thing about her other than the fact that she was rather lonely and had no family. He often caught her dazing off, a faraway look on her face, and he could never bring himself to ask what was on her mind.

He also learned she never stayed in one place for very long.

"Where do you plan on going after you leave here?" he asked her while she sewed the holes in his uniform.

"I'm not sure," she replied, "Wherever I'm needed I suppose."

"You should come back to the Demon Slayer Headquarters with me!" He beamed, "You'd make a great Kakushi!"

"I appreciate the offer, but I'm going to have to decline," she said.

Masaru sighed but didn't press the issue further. She'd be done fixing his uniform tonight and he'd be on his way tomorrow. He wished he could repay her, but each time he tried, she denied him, telling him he owed her nothing in return.

Just as he had predicted, when he awoke the next morning, his uniform was neatly folded beside him and she was nowhere to be seen. With a sigh, he dressed himself in the demon slayer uniform and sought out the mysterious woman. He found her beside the small stream of water.

"Kagome!" He called out to her.

She turned to him, "Good morning Masaru!" she greeted. "Are you leaving?"

He nodded his head, "I am."

She was always just out of arms reach, they were close, but not too close for her to become attached. She knew what fate awaited normal humans, and demon slayers tended to live shorter lives. She couldn't bear watching more people she cared about die.

"Please be careful out there!"

"As always," he said. "Until we meet again, Kagome!"

"Hopefully under better circumstances."

With a laugh, Masaru set off. His ever so faithful crow flying just overhead, leading him to who knows where.

"Until next time," she whispered.

The next time she saw Masaru, he was no longer alive.

It happened a few months later. Despite the warning she had received from Yoriichi, Kagome traveled along the pathway, her only source of light being the moon. And as she was passing through a smaller village, she sensed a demon.

She shuddered as she quickly made her way toward the demon, drawing her bow as she moved. She gasped as she saw the demon throw a body across the clearing. The body crashed through fencing and ceased any form of movement. She couldn't feel the aura from the person and instantly knew they were dead.

A scream ripped her from her thoughts. The demon had a hold of a woman, ready to take a bit out of her flesh. Kagome quickly nocked an arrow in her bow, "Hey ugly!"

The demon turned to look at her and laughed at the arrow. "You think a mere arrow can kill me?"

Kagome swallowed thickly, "Maybe not…"

The woman whimpered as the demon tightened its hand around her neck, "Don't make me laugh girl! Leave now and maybe I'll spare your life!"

Kagome scoffed, "You honestly think I'm going to leave while a damsel in distress? You're a bigger idiot than I thought!"

"What did you say?" his eye twitched.

"You heard me ugly! Now let her go!" She pulled the bowstring back, ready to release the arrow at any given second.

The demon laughed at her and threw the woman to the side, "Stay put." he turned his attention to Kagome. "You seem like you're the type that needs proof. Go ahead and shoot me, but once you do. You won't have another opportunity. I'll kill you right where you stand!"

"As you command," Kagome smirked. She didn't realize that the demons were so cocky, or perhaps it was just this particular one.

She took a deep breath, "Please work." she prayed as she released the arrow. It soared through the clearing, quickly being enveloped in a bright pink color. The demon's eyes widened as the arrow struck him and he felt his whole body be enveloped in the same color as the arrow.

"You bitch!" He screamed as he began to fade to ash, "What the hell did you do to me!?"

"Your the first demon of this era to have a taste of pure spiritual power." Kagome approached him, "So you were right, a simple arrow couldn't kill you. Unlucky for you though, it was no simple arrow."

Kagome walked passed him as his screams faded into nothing.

"Are you okay?" she asked the woman.

She could only nod her head, not able to find her voice.

"Now, go on home. No more wandering the streets out at night, okay?" Kagome helped the girl up and gently nudged her towards the homes. Once she was out of sight, Kagome rushed to the fallen demon slayer.

Her heart dropped in her stomach.

"Masaru…" she dropped to her knees. "I'm sorry I didn't make it in time to save you." She silently wept for the boy. "Be at peace my friend." She grabbed his sword and placed it beside him, surely he'd want it even in death.

She leaned down and placed a kiss on his cold cheek. "Thank you for everything." with a heavy heart, Kagome left the scene.

From that moment on, Kagome vowed to destroy any demon she came across.