She woke to a warm fire, still dazed from the day before. The surge of power had been unexpected, lying dormant for the next time she had need. 'What am I? I know Sesshomaru referred to me as a Lunarian or Solarian, but until now I never paid much attention. Am I really so different?'

Tranquility was quiet for several minutes, staring at the roof of the cave. It would be so easy to lie here for the rest of her life, to forget the danger she was in. Was it so hard to ask for a normal life? She was always fighting, and she knew this to be true in her other life as well.

Hearing a sound, she turned her head, surprised to see the monk. He was wide awake, guarding the entrance of the cave in silence. She had trouble reading his expression, the man constantly looking at his hand. Tranquility gave a soft smile, happy that she had done some good. 'Is the monk protecting me?' she wondered.

Tranquility was so tired of running, Sesshomaru constantly calling. She wanted to give in, to let him be the one to fight Naraku. Sesshomaru had wanted her trust, but it was much more than that. Tranquility would trust him with her life. It was the thought of him dying for her that scared her senseless. Nothing mattered as long as she managed to keep him safe.

The Monk glanced at her, a smile on his face. Seeing her awake, he abandoned his post, moving to her side and checking her bandages. She had stopped bleeding, but Miroku still thought her too thin. "I'll be right back," he promised.

Grabbing a few items from his pack, he disappeared returning an hour later with several fish, some berries and a dead rabbit. Tranquility gaped at the monk, as if seeing a man hunt was completely foreign to her. It didn't take long for her stomach to growl in protest, the smell of his food very appealing.

Miroku laughed. If it's one thing he had learned in the past two years, none of his companions had ever been able to resist or turn away his cooking; that included the stubborn InuYasha. Granted, Kagome's food from the future was good, but it lacked the taste that a person can get if it were freshly made.

"You should eat more," he teased, giving her the first helping. Between the two of them, they easily finished off the ten fish, the rabbit and the loaf of bread he still had in his sack. She still looked slightly hungry, but at least she could move with more energy now.

Despite his smile and laughter, Tranquility could still see that shadowed look in his eyes. She was all too familiar with that kind of pain. "You should rest, monk."

"Call me Miroku," he insisted, taking a cold cloth to wipe away the dried blood on her arms. "One of us needs to keep watch, and I doubt seriously you're up for the task yet. Compared to the gift you granted, loosing one night of sleep is minor." Miroku was tired, but glancing at her pale features, he knew that she had been on the verge of collapse and exhaustion for several days.

"I think you're the one who needs to rest," he gently scolded, treating her as if she were a child. She scowled, reminding him of Kagome. "You're going to try and resist my help, aren't you?" Tranquility looked slightly guilty, making Miroku laugh all the harder. "I better warn you now, it's useless. Once I've set my mind to something, nothing will change it."

Tranquility had to leave, before this kind man was killed. He meant well, but Miroku was still human. Besides Sesshomaru, there was always Naraku. She hadn't felt his presence since she ran off, but that didn't mean he wasn't ready to strike at any moment. Her dreams had been horrifying. She could still see their lifeless eyes staring at her, her hands and face covered in their blood.

It was her fault! She had murdered them all and had laughed while she did it. 'Never! I won't let Naraku control me so easily!'

Suddenly she felt strong arms wrap around her, holding her close as she trembled. Why was everyone so willing to protect her? This monk was clearly human, but he was like Kagome and Rei. He didn't call her a freak, and he was giving her a smile that offered friendship.

"I..."

"You're still very young," he told her. "Must you do this alone?" He wasn't serious! Tranquility jerked away, already bolting for the entrance. To her surprise, Miroku was already there, blocking her path. He seemed amused, but no less determined.

"Don't feel obligated for a gift that I freely gave!"

"Stop trying to send me away, it isn't going to work." Tranquility backed away, but he kept the same distance until she was trapped in a small corner. "I know what you're thinking, that it's best if you did this alone. It's not only insane, but stupidity."

Her lavender eyes flashed, but he refused to back off. To see his wide stance and his arms crossed, almost made her laugh. "You can't help me."

"Are you so certain? How will you know unless you're willing to believe in someone?"

"You can't fight a demon!" She snapped, hoping she'd frighten him off. His only response was a bitter laugh.

"Child, you have so much to learn. I've been fighting demons since I was able to walk. Humans either learn to survive in this world, or die."

"Stop referring to me as a child!"

"Then stop acting like one! I'm not going to even ask if you can fight. Instead, I'll make a small wager with you."

"What kind of wager?"

"You think that a human can't fight, at least not against a demon. Fine, if you're right then I'll let you go without a further argument. However, if I win, this discussion is over and we travel together."

Tranquility could only stare at the monk in shock. He wasn't seriously thinking of fighting her. Still, if it would send him away... "Why are you so determined about this?"

"Compared to what I was faced with, fighting your enemy is nothing. The wind tunnel was a gift from Naraku. Now that I'm free of the Wind Tunnel, then I no longer have a need to search for him."

"Then this should be easy for you. If avoiding Naraku is truly your intent, then staying with me will only get you that much closer. Miroku, please take the gift and leave. You deserve a happy and normal life."

"Naraku is your enemy, is it?" He found himself laughing around her a lot, but he couldn't help it. Tears streamed down his face, and he knew it was upsetting her, but the entire situation was hilarious. "I'm almost tempted to do as you ask, but my answer is still no."

Tranquility growled, "How can one human be so stubborn? I won't have you killed!"

"And I will not repay your gift by allowing the same fate for yourself! I gave you a choice, and it's your only way to rid yourself of me!" Miroku set aside his staff, knowing he didn't need it. "I respect your concern for my safety, however, you dishonor me by your request."

"Why won't you listen? My entire life has been alone and I've accepted that! You choose a path of death. There has never been anyone to protect me, nor do I expect them to. Please, I want you to live! My friends are so few, that if even one were to die, I could never forgive myself!"

Miroku refused to move, waiting for her to try and leave. He hated the lesson he was about to give, but it was the only way to get through to her. She was about to see a side that a few of his servants dared not to bring out. "I've already given you my say in the matter."

"I don't want, nor do I need your help! Just leave me alone!"

One step, and he already had Tranquility flat on her back. She didn't even see him move. His hand pressed painfully against her arms, the brown of his eyes cold and hard. "We will not continue this," he warned dangerously. "Insist on acting like a child and you will be treated as such. Perhaps you need to understand why I have no choice but to follow."

She could only stare and listen, too shocked that she had been beaten. Tranquility had been in some challenging fights, but Miroku was on a level that surpassed even the grand masters of the schools she visited. Should she be surprised? This was Feudal Japan. Where she came from, one learned martial arts as a hobby or even a sport. Here, it was a way of survival. It was kill or be killed.

"The gift you offered can never be free! I never even dared to hope that it could be cured. It was my fate and I had accepted it! If I die trying to keep you alive, then that is my choice, not yours!"

"Miroku..."

He grasped her chin with the hand she had healed, fire blazing in his eyes. Tranquility sighed, knowing he had won. It wasn't a thrilling thought. To be beaten so easily, gave her all the more reason to stay away from Sesshomaru and the others. "Naraku came to you in a dream, promising death to your friends."

"How...?"

"Naraku only gains control if you allow him to. Yes I was cursed, but I chose to find and fight him regardless. He has a young boy in his grasp, and at times he's able to break free of it. Narkau has forced him to do unspeakable things, but we're still trying to save him."

"You say you're not a child, and perhaps on human terms you're right. However, according to the demon world, you're still too young to have full access to your powers. Your fate is determined by Naraku only if you allow it to happen."

"By avoiding your friends, you give that much more power to Naraku. If you're going to continue on this path, then stop being so stubborn and allow me to help. It's suicide to go alone!"

"Fine, but only if you teach me how to fight! I've never seen moves like yours, and I watched the masters."

Miroku snorted. "I'm not going to even ask."

"I was good growing up, but I was never officially taught."

"Aren't you a demon?"

Miroku continued to surprise her. She had always been different from her classmates, and had been hated for it. Yet here she was, pinned by the monk, and he respected her. She had so much to learn. "I'm not sure of anything anymore."

"How old are you?"

"Eighteen in two days."

"Are you going to behave now?" Tranquility nodded, knowing it was pointless to argue with Miroku any longer. Smiling, he stood and rested his weight against the cavern wall. Miroku appeared so relax, so different than moments before. "That would explain why Naraku is so determined to have you. You're a child until you hit maturity. Have you gone through the change yet?"

"You know about that?"

"I have a few friends that explained it to me. There's a human even raising a fox demon. I think he's almost ten now."

"That doesn't explain why Naraku would want me though."

"A fully mature demon would be nearly impossible for him to control, and until you've made the transformation, you're vulnerable and easy to manipulate. That's why he went after the demon slayer's brother. He couldn't fight Naraku's mind control at his age."

"Your power was nothing to sneeze at yesterday, and I have a feeling that's only a small portion of what you're capable of. Do you even remember?"

"A little."

"You're a danger to both sides." Miroku saw her withdrawing and immediately rested a hand upon her shoulder. "Tranquility, I'm only making you aware of the problems you're too stubborn to see. All we have to do is to teach you how to use and control this power. In the mean time, we hide for a few months, wait for your transformation and then decide if we confront your enemy with or without your other friends."

He made everything sound so simple, and she couldn't help but hope and believe in him. "How you can be so optimistic?" She asked.

"When you live with death all your life, it tends to put a new perspective on things. By the way, I never asked your name."

"Tranquility." Miroku almost regretted his decision to help her, but didn't have time to say anything before they heard the crushing of leaves outside the cave. Tranquility shrank back, somehow squirming into a crack. Miroku shook his head, already moving outside to meet the intruder.

The last person he expected to find was Sango, the demon slayer on Kirara's back. Miroku wasn't sure how to react, choosing to keep an indifferent expression. He wasn't going to give in without some resistance. What kind of idiot did she take him for?

"Sango," he greeted, his voice cool. She flinched, but Miroku refused to let her off so easily.

"Everyone was worried about you," she whispered, not looking up. Sango had landed for a reason, but had forgotten when she had spotted Miroku. Sliding off Kirara's back, she walked towards the angry Monk and clutched at his sleeve. She tried to read his expression, but it was cold and strangely blank. Sango had done this and it hurt her to know that they may never be friends again.

Miroku should have known she didn't come because she wanted him. "As you can see, I'm perfectly fine." He moved towards the water, washing his hands free of dirt and breakfast. "I'm not going back, so quit wasting your time."

Sango struggled against the tears threatening to fall. She never thought her heart would feel so painful, but listening to Miroku made her feel all the more guilty for the way she had acted. "Miroku, I never had a chance to say thank you. And, you were right. I was wrong to slap and you, and for that I apologize."

Miroku forgot to keep his mask, long enough for her to notice. Sango realized that he didn't want to get hurt again, placing an invisible barrier between them. He hadn't expected Sango to apologize; it was a first and he didn't know how to respond without seeming childish. "Sango..."

Sango suddenly threw her arms around his neck, crying into his robe. "Miroku, I'm so sorry. I knew you were different, but I was afraid and..."

Miroku smiled, returning her embrace. If she was willing to apologize, then he could certainly forgive her. "We'll talk about this later, Sango."

"You'll come back."

He sighed, burying his hands in her thick hair. It felt good to hold her, watching her reaction as he became more possessive. Miroku wanted this woman, more than she could possibly ever want him in return. "Things are not so simple any longer, Sango. Our paths will cross in time, but for now I need the others to stay away from me."

"Why?" she asked, searching for a possible threat. Miroku grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him. His gaze was so intense, that she could only stare at him helplessly, a knowing smirk on his face. This time he wouldn't give her a chance to hit him, trapping her arms against her sides.

Sango blushed, his other hand still holding her chin captive. "Miroku..."

"I grant you a gift, a promise that I will return, Sango." He was far from gentle, taking her mouth with a desire that had been pent up for far too long. Sango whimpered, taken by surprise and helpless to stop him. She had never expected this, her entire body betraying her.

He tugged on her lower lip, his tongue demanding entry. They were lost in the moment, completely forgetting their missions. Reluctantly he pulled away, but Miroku was satisfied to know that Sango would forever be his. He could see it in her eyes as she weakly climbed on to Kirara. "Go, before I change my mind and continue what I started," he growled.

"You're not angry still, are you?"

Miroku smiled, the glow in his eyes brighter. She took a deep breath, feeling her stomach flip. His look was predatory and possessive. Miroku was making no effort to conceal what he wanted, and Sango suddenly knew he had felt this way for some time. Sango started to leave when she remembered something.

"Miroku, the others are searching for a girl."

"I know what they're after, and I won't help."

She blinked, wondering why he was so intent on not returning. He was standing protectively in front of the cave, as if he were telling her to back off. "You've seen her," Sango said. She couldn't hide the hint of jealousy, blushing when Miroku smiled.

"Do as I ask and keep the others away from me?" His expression was on the border line of hostile, a deadly promise if he was pushed to far. "Do you trust me, Sango?"

His anger was directed more towards her friends than herself, but she knew better than to continue pushing him. "Miroku..." He growled, snatching her around the waist and pulling her off the two tail.

"That's not an answer," he whispered, pushing her against a tree. "Will you do as I ask?" His breath teased her skin, moving to the hollow of her throat.

"Hai."

"Do you trust me?" He tugged on her ear, driving all thoughts from her mind.

"Yes..." she gasped.

"I won't repeat myself, Sango. Leave, or I'll take you on this grassy floor here and now; damn the consequences or if I'll be held responsible!"

Sango fled, knowing he would follow through with his promise. Was she running from him, or herself? She was terrified of the commitment he wanted from her, but the few days apart had been tearing her apart.

'I'll do as you ask, Miroku. I just hope you know what you're getting into.'

She was so far into the crack, he almost thought she had found a way out the other side. Miroku laughed, "She's gone. You can come out now."

"I knew this was a mistake. If I stay..." Miroku snatched her wrist and slammed her against the wall. He didn't hurt her, but it was enough to gain her attention.

"Tranquility, we've had this discussion. As it stands, you no longer have a choice but to stay in my company. You're running from the best trackers known to humans and demons alike! I don't even think hiding from them is possible! However, unless you know these lands, you might as well give up now!"

"Miroku, I don't want..."

"What you want is irrelevant. Sango has promised to keep them away. If you leave now, your friends will find you. To be honest, I think they should."

Tranquility growled, but Miroku refused to be intimidated. "Get read to leave. Koga's wolf pack patrols these waters frequently. I'm amazed you made it this far without being spotted."

Waiting for him to pack his things, Tranquility anxiously watched the sky, terrified of being discovered. "We should leave the river."

"Why? It covers our scent."

"Tranquility, if Sesshomaru is the one tracking you, then that will only delay him. Who else are you hiding from?"

Tranquility suddenly felt like a little kid, having to tell her father why she had been sent home early from school. "Koga and Artemis," she whispered.

"I know what Koga is capable of. Who is Artemis?"

"He's a Solarian." Miroku paled, almost dropping his staff. "What's wrong?"

"I think I'd rather face Naraku. Have you lost your mind, Tranquility? Solarians rarely lose a fight and they always catch what they hunt."

Tranquility felt discouraged, but Miroku was already heading out, waiting for her to join him. "You're still going to help?"

"I haven't a clue why, but yes. I'm not sure if I should pity or respect this foolish quest of yours; however, a promise is a promise. You're trying to protect them, aren't you?" He took her silence as a yes and sighed. "Tranquility, hasn't it occurred to you that they don't need it. I'm surprised that they're even getting along."

"Why?"

As they walked, Miroku told her of the wars between the wolves, dogs and Solarians. The wars had been fierce and deadly, all sides taking heavy losses. "All the more reason to keep you away from Naraku," Miroku finished.

"I don't want to kill them!" She cried.

"Not telling them will be just as harmful. Tran, while we're traveling, consider the mental pain you cause your friends. I should know; I did the same when I discovered my curse."

"That's why I said you can go."

Miroku sighed, as if he were speaking to a child; "Tranquility, my family is gone, destroyed by Naraku. I'm the last of my line and as long as Naraku still lives, I'll never truly be free of him."

"Where will we go?" Tranquility asked. His smile made her laugh; "I forgot, you're a monk."

"We'll take the river to the next village. From there we'll catch a ride on a hay wagon until we reach the northern mountains. If we're careful, we can use the snow to hide our tracks and scent." After washing up, Tranquility was finally ready to leave, following close behind Miroku. He appeared so calm and confident that she lost any doubt about his joining her.

"I can't believe this!" Artemis growled, letting Serenity rest. They had been traveling for several months, finding no sign of the runaway.

"Do you think she has her memories back?"

"If she did, Tranquility would know it's stupid to run and hide like this! She can't recall any of the battles we fought, therefore doesn't think we're strong enough to stop a simple half-demon."

"You can't blame her, Artemis. It's not like I haven't done something just as stupid. Remember the dark moon?"

"Don't remind me. It's one of the few times that I ever agreed with your boyfriend on anything."

"I did make him angry, didn't I?"

"You could have been killed."

"My life was no more important than my friends."

"You're as bad as Tranquility. If you ever pull a stunt like that again..." Artemis took a chunk out of an old oak, releasing some of his anger. "Dammit, why can't we find her!"

"Are you sure that none of us haven't?"

Since coming to Feudal Japan, her telepathic abilities had increased tremendously. Green eyes stared at the Lunarian, waiting for her to explain her question. She didn't seem to know how to continue. With a sigh, he slowly relaxed, allowing Serenity to rest against his side.

She was starting to depend on the large feline more and more, and Artemis preferred it this way. Strangely, she could no longer become Sailor Moon, nor did he want her to. "I think Sango has an idea of where she's at."

"Sango doesn't lie, Serenity. If she had seen Tranquility, she would have said something."

"I never said she saw her, only that she may know of her location. Haven't you noticed how quiet she is?"

"I thought it was because of the Monk."

"Sango said he refused to return to the group. At first I thought it was because of the fight they had, but now I'm not so sure. She seems so sad, and worried. Sango avoids conversations with Kagome, and spends hours in the sky with Kirara."

"Where is she now?"

"With InuYasha and Kagome."

"Aren't they patrolling the Northern Sector?"

"Hai."

"I wish I knew what's she so afraid of? According to Rei and Kagome, Tranquility has never run from a fight in her life."

"I don't think she's running because she's afraid. She runs because Naraku has promised to use her against her friends and the one person she loves."

"You can feel her?"

"Only for brief moments and only when I'm asleep. She's very sad, but I think someone knocked some sense into her."

"Who?" he growled.

Serenity laughed, stroking his golden stripes. "I don't know his name, only that he doesn't agree with her sense of protecting everyone."

She was hiding something from him, her eyes glowing with mischief. Artemis growled, starting to reach for her with his paws. "Lunarian, you may not know his name, but you have an idea."

"You worry too much, Artemis. At least she's safe, and still recovering from another sparring match."

"And?"

"I can't hide anything from you," she pouted.

"You're not supposed to!" He snapped.

"He's human."

"Serenity..." His patience was growing thin, and he was prepared to torture it out of her. "Wait, you're telling me a human can beat her!"

"He's actually very good and she has yet to win." She finally gave in, knowing that they needed to find her. Serenity could be wrong, but two and two always added up to be four. "I think it's the Monk, Miroku."

Artemis snarled, already wanting to tear the human to shreds. "Doesn't he take advantage of girls?"

"Miroku is harmless. I actually talked to him once."

"And you're telling me now!"

"He didn't say where he was, only that Tranquility was safe. I've never met anyone that can resist my abilities like he can. Miroku doesn't like her decision to avoid Sesshomaru or the others; however, he knows that she'll only run again if he tried to take her back. By staying with her, Miroku feels that he can keep her safe until you do find her."

"How does Sango fit into this?"

"She said she found him on one of her patrols. If he told her to keep us away from him, Sango wouldn't ask any questions. Miroku, I don't think, told Sango about Tran."

"I can't believe I'm actually respecting a human. He's clever and very devious. By having Sango keep the others away from him, he's managed to sneak Tran beneath our very noses. The others won't search for him, thinking that he needs time away from Sango."

"Sesshomaru hasn't found her in the west, Koga just cleared the east and we're almost done with the south. Artemis, I think she's in the northern mountains. It's the only part we haven't searched."

Artemis couldn't believe Tranquility had managed to trick everyone. They had all assumed she was traveling alone, Serenity's dream changing everything. If she had remained alone, Tranquility would have more than likely stuck to the river. Koga had managed to find the cave she had rested in, not recognizing the other scent.

Being a monk, Miroku knew the land better than a lot of the demons. Not only could he hide, but he knew how to defend himself against the demons, having fought with them for several years. He was almost as affective as the demon slayer. "Get Rei and tell her to head for the Northern Mountains with Koga. I'll let her be the one to tell Sesshomaru and the others."

Artemis nuzzled the Lunarians neck, content to rest a while longer. "I hope there isn't a village near by when she does tell him."

"He won't hurt her, will he?" Artemis purred, calming her.

"I doubt it, but don't think he won't make her regret running away either. Has she made the transformation yet?"

"I don't think so, but it's been awhile since she's spoken to me. It was through Miroku last night that I managed to put things together."

"Why now?"

"He's worried. There's been an increase in demons searching for her, and they're not exactly friendly. Instead of engaging with them, he's kept a low profile. Miroku thinks that if he kills any of them, Naraku will know where they're at."

"So we owe the Monk for keeping her out of trouble?"

"Basically."

"These humans surprise me."

"Artemis, you can't judge the entire race because of a minor few. She loves the humans, and by hating them, you hate what Tranquility is. It's a human that risks everything to keep her alive." She turned her face up to look at him, to make him fully realize what the humans have done. "It's the humans that help Kagome fight Naraku. No, they're not perfect, but considering their short life spans, we can't expect them to be."

He started to rise, but Serenity gently held him down, curling closer against his soft fur. Artemis was so warm and she needed to sleep. "We've been searching for several days now and we can use the rest. Artemis, we're all worried about her, but she's not going to come back without a fight."

"You've grown up, Serenity."

"I've certainly waited long enough," she giggled. There was so much more that Serenity wanted to say, but felt insecure about her feelings. 'He probably thinks of me as a child anyway.'

Artemis could sense her discomfort, but chose to give her the time she needed to sort out her thoughts. She was seventeen. Have they really been searching for half a year? Tranquility was almost nineteen and this worried him. Why can't she transform and did it have to do with the block on her memories?

Rei nearly fell out of the sky when she heard the news from Serenity. 'I'm not telling Sesshomaru!' She protested.

Serenity laughed, reminding her that she was the only one that wouldn't get killed. Gliding towards the surface, she landed on a rock, waiting for Koga to catch up and shift. "How angry can Sesshomaru get?" she asked.

"The fight between Artemis and I, consider that child's play." Rei was having second thoughts about telling the Western Lord what she had just learned. "What's wrong? Tranquility isn't hurt is she?"

"No, but..." Rei changed, stretching her long legs and muscles. It had been several days since she had been able to do this, spending hours in the sky. Koga couldn't help but stare, her actions strangely arousing.

"Why do I have the feeling I'm not going to like this anymore than Sesshomaru would?"

"Well, it appears that we all underestimated Tranquility. All of us assumed she would do this alone, but apparently that wasn't the case."

"I knew there was another scent that day."

"Serenity managed to connect with the one helping her, but he didn't give away their location. He's extremely loyal to Tran, but he's worried enough to know they're in a lot of danger. Naraku will snatch her the moment they reveal themselves."

"He's that close to her?"

"Serenity didn't know. She only knows that the monk refuses to fight them. In doing so, he'll give away both their positions."

"A monk?" Rei almost chose to leave, watching Koga's eyes turn red. "What monk?"

"He didn't say, but Serenity has a strong feeling that it's Miroku. The Monk did refuse to rejoin their group and told Sango to leave him alone."

"Of all the... She is not with that perverted..." It took him nearly an hour to stop his ranting, several trees and bushes now splinters of wood. Rei had transformed, hovering in the sky until he stomped back to the clearing, demanding that she come down. She hesitated, not quite trusting his temper. Rei was definitely considering just leaving Sesshomaru in the dark.

"You're not afraid," he teased with a wolfish grin. "I'm not going to bite, at least not enough to kill you." Koga was still angry, but he seemed to have it under control as Rei did as he asked.

Even on the ground she hesitated, ready to fly at the slightest sign of his temper. His smile grew wider, impossible for her to resist. Rei may be an adult, but by demon standards, she was still very young and could easily be hurt or killed. Koga smelled her fear, but she didn't move as he came closer. "Have you told Sesshomaru?"

He was amused by the flapping of her wings, the only indication that she was more than terrified. "I haven't determined if it's in everyone's best interest yet."

"Let me give you some advise, Phoenix. Don't stay linked to him after you tell him. Miroku treads dangerous grounds with her."

"Why? Serenity said she was safe with him."

"From other demons yes, but from an impossible flirt no! Sesshomaru will kill him."

"You're not serious. Miroku, according to Serenity, treats Tran like a child." Rei again changed back into her humanoid form.

Koga laughed, amused at the idea. "She does act that way."

"Was he really that bad?"

Koga took a step closer, his breath inches from her throat. "Miroku was a little like this." He snatched her waist and pulled her against him. "He can't help himself." To make his point, Koga lowered his hands until they stopped at the edge of her skirt, his fingers brushing against her bare flesh. "A little higher and you have an idea of what he's like. Need I explain further," he growled.

Rei trembled, her face beet red. Did she slap him or pull away? Koga had gone very still, sniffing at her neck. She was intoxicating, the smell of the wind and fresh rain. "Koga?"

Koga leapt away, startled by his reaction. Suddenly he wanted to throttle Tranquility. If it hadn't been for her, he wouldn't have to be stuck with a woman he wanted to pin and take. He was a wolf, and Rei was everything he wanted in a female partner. Her scent was strong and very tempting.

"Rei, you have about five seconds to call Sesshomaru. Continue to hesitate, and I'll start to think you want a distraction." Rei blushed, having a difficult time concentrating. Koga didn't help matters as he came close again, brushing her thighs with his long tail. Why was he acting so strange all of a sudden?

Sesshomaru was in a volatile mood. Not only had he not found her, but he had a strong hunch that she had help. He knew she hadn't recalled the past, or this nonsense would have ended a long time ago. She stubbornly refused to speak with him, and her scent had grown cold after the first day.

The mere thought that someone was helping her made his blood boil. 'It better not be a male!' Tranquility starved for affection, and it would be easy to take advantage of her.

'Sesshomaru...' He froze. Only two people had the courage to contact him this way, and he knew better than to think it was Tranquility. Despite her lack of communication, he was still aware of her pain. She wanted to answer his call, almost doing so on several occasions. The nightmares held her back, giving her the iron will to resist him. Her determination shocked him.

The next time he allowed her a bath, he would personally take on the responsibility himself. Sesshomaru was accustomed to his command never being questioned, and her lack of trust infuriated the Western Lord.

Rei waited patiently for him to calm, very close to leaving him alone. Sesshomaru felt the fear radiating around her, quickly cutting off all emotions. It did the trick, Rei immediately calming enough to deliver her message. 'Serenity said to concentrate our efforts on the Northern Mountains.'

'Why? InuYasha may be an idiot, but he's more than capable of tracking someone.'

'Not if the person helping her is familiar with InuYasha and how he hunts.'

What human would dare hide Tranquility against several demons? Rei knew he would figure it out, and prepared herself for the explosion. With an iron will he forced himself to stay calm, but it was by a thread. 'Continue.'

'Tranquility doesn't know these lands, not unless she had her full memories. We all know that isn't true. There's no way she could have found all the passage ways into the mountains unless she found someone to guide her through them. How many people do you know that have that knowledge and can fully protect himself against a demon if need be?'

Sesshomaru slowly added the clues together, the control on his anger slipping with each one. It was a fact that she had left the river shortly before Koga found her hiding spot in a cave. It was a fact he had picked up another scent, but dismissed it as more than one occupant at separate times. Miroku was missing and had refused to rejoin Kagome or the others.

Miroku hated Naraku more than anyone, but had made it quite clear he wanted all his friends to stay away from him. 'If that monk...' Sesshomaru was all too aware what the human monk was like, and how many times he had seen a red mark on his face from either the demon slayer or the Miko. 'Tell me,' he growled dangerously.

She hesitated, but Sesshomaru was not known for his patience or forgiving nature if she withheld the information now. 'Miroku.'

All Sesshomaru could see was red, Rei already out of his mind when he roared. The very heavens seemed to split apart, the earth trembling as he raced towards the Northern Mountains at a pace that left burnt marks for miles. He knew that monk and Tranquility would easily forgive him. Miroku knew the region and could definitely hide her from a large group of demons.

'If he's laid one hand on her...' His mind was a cloud of hate and rage, his heart twisted in jealousy. Tranquility was his and the mere thought of the human monk was enough to send him into a frenzy. All Sesshomaru could feel was the need to kill, to tear a certain monk to shreds.

Rei couldn't believe how dangerous Sesshomaru was. "Koga?" she trembled. "We better find Miroku and Tran before Sesshomaru does."

"Why?" he growled. Rei glared at him, but he wasn't about to take it back. "I dislike the human as much as Sesshomaru. What makes you so sure I won't kill him?"

"He hasn't harmed her," she protested.

"Define your definition of harm! She's a woman and that's all Miroku needs!"

She brushed his face with the tips of her fingers, her touch strangely a comfort. "You're very protective of her, aren't you?"

"We all are," he answered, already changing into his wolf form. "Let's go," he growled.

Rei sighed. Would the three demon's ever forget the guilt? Her death was not their fault, but it was impossible to convince them, especially Sesshomaru. 'Koga, we'll get her back.'

'Before or after Naraku does. Damn that monk. He may not be enough to help her.'

'We'll get her back!' Rei shouted in defiance. Koga would have smiled if he could, racing against the wind. She was fast, making it difficult to keep up. 'I'll never give up on my best friend.' His teeth were pulled back, and if she could have seen him, Rei would have known he was laughing at her.