Hi guys, So here is another chapter. Sorry its short, but I am happy to say I am in the zone. I think I shall be updating more regularly from now on instead of having long gaps in between chapters. I hope you guys like this chapter.

I apologize before hand if there is any grammar mistakes or typo's my beta readers is still incognito.

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters.

Chapter 13: Trouble

The late afternoon winter sun was lighting up the sky by the time Kagome managed to make the trip from the cottage to the town. Her cottage was located in the mountain a small distance away from the village. The distance was perfect, she was still walking distance from the village but she still maintained her privacy of the lush forest that surrounded her cottage.

Kagome needed clothes, herbs, sutures, various supplies, and most of all, food. Kagome hated being out in the day where she could be easily noticed, at least at night she would be able to walk around the village hiding in the shadows. During the day she had to make sure to hide her face but not in an obvious way that would attract unwanted attention. She had her white fur hat on covering her head and a scarf that was wrapped around her neck that also covered half her face. Since it was winter she could use the excuse of the cold to cover up half her face that way. Kagome was terrified of being caught, but more than anything else, she feared that something might attack Inuyasha while she was away.

Kagome made it to the main square and almost immediately she was uneasy, not certain why. Few villagers were out and about at such a late hour. Most of the villagers going home after a long days of work. Kagome stopped at a side of a building and casually leaned against the wall, taking a long look around. She could detect no one, but she felt eyes on her, someone or something watching her. The feeling was strong. Lifting her chin, she forced herself to ignore her overactive imagination while she went to one of the food market stands.

The feeling of being watched became so strong, it made her skin crawl. Without warning something pushed at her mind. Not Inuyasha. It wasn't familiar touch. Fear slammed into her, but she kept her cool, professional mask, her single minded purpose to finish her tasks as quickly as possible. Whatever it was retreated, unable to penetrate.

After purchasing food supplies Kagome walked further down the market street towards the Fred's store. Before going into the store she searched the shadows around her carefully, using every sense she could. Sight. Smell. Hearing. Instinct. There was someone, something. It had followed her, was near. She could feel it, but couldn't find it.

Inuyasha? She touched his mind gently, suddenly afraid she was feeling something that was happening to him.

I am awaiting your return. She sensed his tiredness. She hated being away from him.

I will come soon. Kagome took another deep breath and looked around, determined to find what was making her so uneasy. A man lounged lazily in the shade of a tree. He was tall, dark, and motionless, like a hunter. She felt the impact of his eyes as his gaze casually found her.

Her hearts jumped. He seems familiar. Has Naraku's man found her so soon? Kagome turned away. First, before anything, she had to complete her business. She went into the store, and went straight for the isle that contained the items she needed. If she had to move Inuyasha, they would need supplies desperately.

"Hey doc, you in a hurry? Saw ya come in and went straight to the isle. You need help?" Fred asked from behind the counter. He noticed Kagome seemed to be in a hurry and thought to ask.

"Oh hey Fred. No all good, I am almost done anyways." She was almost done grabbing all the things she needed.

Kagome purchased from Fred's store, an extra blanket and pillow, several blocks of ice, and come clothing for Inuyasha.

As she headed out the door she stumbled, then felt a strong hand close like vise around her upper arm, preventing her from falling. Murmuring a thank you, she fumbled in her pocket for her hat to cover her head.

"So we meet again?" the voice was pitched low, the dialect and accent eerily similar to Inuyasha'.

Kagome's breath caught in her throat, and she struggled for release. She was able to get away and started to run, not looking back.

"Hey wait—"

She has been recognized; she needed to get out of here fast. She didn't dare to look back, to find out who it was. She just needed the hell out of dodge, grab Inuyasha and head to their next destination. Kagome heard the man following her, and she put more effort into her running. The burst of speed surprised her, she was never able to run this fast. At this point she didn't care. All her focus was to get away from the man that was chasing her.

Kagome couldn't hear anyone following her anymore as she rounded a corner in a back alley. She turned around extending her senses to see if she lost the guy. It seems she has, she sensed no one nearby. With the coast clear Kagome started to make trek back to the cottage.

By the time she found out where she was she noticed she was further away from her cottage then she initially realized. At least it was night time, where she could stick to the shadows and back alleys. She was good at that. So instead of taking the main road she took the longer road back home. As she slid from one shadowed corner to another she continually checked her surroundings to make sure wasn't being followed. She didn't want to lead the guy back to Inuyasha.

Thinking back on the guy, from what Kagome sensed that the guy was one of Inuyasha's kind. It didn't feel like one of Naraku's men. But Kagome couldn't take the risk in finding out.

~*~*~ Mystery Guy~*~*~

He couldn't believe he almost had her. After tracking her down for months he finally found out that she was currently residing in this village. Where precisely in this village he had no idea, but seeing her today made all his hard work pay off. Knowing that he was on the right track took some weight of his shoulders.

After saving her from Naruku's men a while back, he became interested in her. As the saying goes the enemy of my enemy is my friend. He wanted to know why Naraku was chasing her. If Naraku was after her meant that she has something that Naraku wants, this gave him a link to finding Naraku.

Naraku was one tough guy to find. No matter where he looked, high or low, he could never find Naraku. However, if he stuck close to this woman or stayed around her long enough it would lead him right to Naraku instead of chasing after Naraku like he has done for several years.

It seemed like a great idea at the time. But, months later he found out tracking Kagome down was harder then he thought. She didn't stay long in one place and made sure to never make any friends wherever she goes and making sure she leaves no trail behind.

Took him a while to find out her pattern, but he did and was able to track her here. That was the good news, the bad news is if he was able to find her then Naraku's men couldn't be far behind. He saw some man that could belong to Naraku not too far from here, slowly making their way here.

He had to hurry and warn her of the impendent danger.

Kagome was making great progress. She calculated that she is halfway to her cottage. Kagome looked around a corner to make sure the coast was clear, after she looked she rushed to down the alley. In her rush she stumbled over something, then felt a strong hand close like a vise around her neck preventing air passing to her lungs.

"I finally found you womenl! Think you can keep hiding from us. " A big man answered, his words were low and menacing. He seemed to be alone from what Kagome could tell. She was struggling to breathe. Her hands had went automatically to curl around the man's wrist in order to alleviate some of the pressure from the man hands, but from the dark sport that were appearing before her eyes she could tell it wasn't working.

Kagome tried not to panic, keeping her mind working at top speed going through the list of spells she knows, looking for a way out. He seemed to hold all the cards, but…

Kagome let one of her hands fall to her side.

"Let me guess Naraku sent you? Alone? That isn't very smart of him." Kagome struggled to talk hoping to keep the man's attention on talking.

"Yeah he sent us. I am not alone though my other comrades are on their way. I decided to come here ahead of them to scout the area. Lucky, for me it I found you sooner than expected." The man laughed, full of himself.

While the man was talking Kagome was reaching around her back to grab her bow. She never left home without it. Her bow was nicely hooked behind her and detaches easily from a hook that was on her quiver. As soon as she had it in the grip of her palm she acted fast. Bringing the bow around and slamming it into the man making sure all her spiritual energy is being channeled into her bow.

The big man was caught off guard by the blow and was sent flying hitting in the opposite wall from the alley. Kagome fell to the floor on her hands and knees gasping and coughing taking in big gulps of air. Before the man could get up again, and without thinking twice Kagome took an arrow out from her quiver. She walked over to where the man laid unconscious in a pile of trash. She held the arrow over her head putting her spiritual energy into her arrow and aimed for his heart. She also made sure to step hard on the guy's left arm, in case the guy tried to use his hand to break free and push her away.

The man woke up from the stabbing pain in his chest. An agonizing scream started to form but Kagome pressed roughly one of her hands over his mouth to quiet him down. The big stranger tried to struggle with all his might, he couldn't move his left arm so he used his right arm and grasped Kagome's neck again.

As the guy had her once again in a choke hold, Kagome twisted the bow to deliver the final blow, ignoring the pain around her neck. After a few shorts seconds the guy slumped like a death pile on the floor, unmoving.

Kagome was breathing heavily staring at the dead man before her, she slumped backwards landing on her back side as adrenalin leaving her body, her hands by her sides keeping her from falling sideways.

As she studied the dead man before her she came to the conclusion it wasn't the same guy she bumped into at the store earlier today.

Realizing she was sitting there too long, Kagome moved into action, grabbing all her supplies that had fallen and hightailed out of the alley. Once again slipping into the shadows making her way to the cottage.

Now that she had concrete knowledge that her pursuers were closing in on her she and Inuyasha needed to leave town by tomorrow, before the rest of Naraku's men arrive.

There was a push at her mind, a familiar path she recognized instantly with relief. Kagome merged with Inuyasha. He was weak, what little strength he had leeched away with his attempt to leave the cottage. Kagome was angry with herself for not making the effort earlier to reassure him. She should have known that he would feel her fear even from a distance.

You are well?

Yes, Inuyasha. I'm sorry I didn't check in. She made an effort to stay calm and hide her alarm from him. The last thing she wanted was for the wild man to attempt to rescue her. And she knew he would. He would kill himself trying to get to her side.

I feel your worry Kagome. It was a reprimand of the sort she was becoming used to. The arrogance of command was creeping more and more into his voice as his health improved.

She took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and took the plunge. There was one of Naraku's men here. But, no worries I took care of him. And I think I might have bumped into one of your kind by the shop today. At least I think he was your kind. She didn't want to tell him the whole story; she knew if she did he would be even angrier, because she got hurt.

His reaction was explosive. Hot fury, fear for her, an almost uncontrollable rage. Inuyasha forced himself to remain silent and hear her out. He knew his volcanic, intense emotions frightened her. They frightened him. These new emotions were unfamiliar to him and could be overwhelming.

Like she predicted she could feel his anger. Kagome sighed to herseslf.

Don't worry Inuyasha I made sure to lose him and cover my tracks. But I am still worried for you, I'm afraid I left you helpless. I hope the stranger from the shop doesn't search for you at my cottage.

Did Naraku's men hurt you? The demand was imperious; she felt his black rage beating in her head.

She touched her hand to her oozing wound on her neck. Her wounds that were caused by Inuyasha opened up again after nearly being strangled half to death.

Barely a scratch Inuyasha I primrose. She replied soothingly.

Some of his helpess furry dissipated. Where are you?

I am safe for now and trying to make my way back as fast as I can. The rest of Naraku's men will be here by tomorrow, I'm certain of it. We need to leave tonight.

Please hurry and be careful Kagome, the longer we are apart the more I worry for your safety and long for your comfort.

Kagome's heart fluttered at his words.

I'll be fine. It is you who must be careful, Inuyasha. She tried to reassure him.

You do not understand the danger you are in. You must get to me.

Kagome thought his protective nature was endearing, but she does understand the situation she is in, how else was she able to take a strangers life without feeling guilty about it, she long ago hardened herself to reality. She has been pursued all of her life, it was kill or be killed. First time she had to kill someone she vomited and felt awful as she saw the life of her enemy leave his eyes. But that was long ago, now it was something normal to her. But, best she kept that to herself. If she contradicted him now he will feel more unease. She could feel his conviction to save her if it comes to such a need, his fear for her, and she shivered, remembering the strength of the death men's grasp.

Don't worry, I'll come right away. Go to sleep now, Inuyasha. This is draining for you.

Kagome. There was a moment of silence, of longing. Come back to me. If you believe nothing else I have told you, believe I need you.

I promise. Kagome put her forehead against the wall she was hiding behind. He makes it sound like she plans on running away leaving him behind. Like I would do something like that. She scoffed.

She smiled at herself coming to the realization that Inuyasha was growing on her. She liked having him around. It felt nice that someone was worried about her. It's been a long time, living alone all these years.

Kagome smiled continued onward to her cottage. The way back to the cottage sure feels long.

I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Please leave a review to let me know what you think. As for the next chapter lets see who this mystery guy is. Is he a friend or foe. Until next time. ^_^