Author's Notes: This was supposed to be updated yesterday, but my internet suddenly decided that it would load any site BUT this one.

Chapter Three: Taking a Chance.

Over the past year of traveling, the Inutachi had become quite skilled at detecting threats and staying on alert. Even if one member was distracted, between the two reiki users, rarely did a threat manage to sneak up on them.

So it came as a shock to suddenly have an angry demoness burst on the scene, especially since Kagome thought that the more upset a youkai was, the more their youki would flair. Yet she could not sense any bit of youki, despite the female clearly being youkai between her tail and ears… and growling. Very non human-esque growling...

And then the fact that they had threemembers of youkai blood. Surely they should have scented her incoming… to which Shippo whispered in her ear, "I can't smell her…"

Inuyasha huffed. "Yeah, the kid doesn't have a scent either."

The demoness seemed done with the conversation and moved to lunge, only to have little Kita come dashing forward. "Wait, Sachiko-sama! They are nice people!"

Still eyeing the group skeptically, the demoness, Sachiko, darted forward and scooped up the child, cradling her close and checking for injuries, all while keeping an eye on the group. "What happened?"

The stern tone seemed to have the little girl wilt a bit as she mumbled, "I… just wanted to impress you by hunting something… and I accidentally stumbled onto to them…"

Eyes softening, Sachiko seemed to forget about the group watching on, or had decided that they simply were not a threat. "Kita…" Rumbling softly while she nuzzled the child's cheek, she lightly scolded, "I admire your determination, but you mustn't run off like that. You only make your pack worry." Then with a sly smile, she added in a conspiring voice, "Do not tell the others, but I am impressed that you managed to steal one of my bracelets from the armory. A master of stealth you will certainly become one day!"

The girl brightened considerably at the praise and wrapped the elder demoness in a tight hug. "I will not sneak off again without telling someone, I promise."

"Good." Seeming satisfied, she finally turned to the group, offering a casual smile. "I thank you for watching over our little Kita. She had us worried, and she is fortunate to have stumbled upon friendly strangers. These woods are not always kind."

Stepping forward, Kagome warmly commented, "It was nothing, really. She's a sweet kid, and I'm glad she wasn't hurt."

Blinking in what seemed to be surprise, Sachiko commented, "You are a miko." At the girl's surprise, she added, "You practically bleed reiki. I haven't encountered someone of this power before. And that you are kind to youkai…" Glancing between Inuyasha and Shippo, she asked, "Do you have a place to stay for the night?"

"Umm…" Rubbing the back of her head, Kagome mumbled, "We were planning on camping… we haven't seen a village in days."

Sachiko seemed lost in thought, as if debating in her mind, up until the little child whispered, "Please!" in her ear. The demoness sighed and smiled ruefully at the little girl. "Ryu-chan is going to scold me for this…" Turning to walk away with Kita still securely wrapped in her hold, she called out, "My village isn't far away. If you behave, you are welcome to stay as honored guests." Then she continued walking, leaving the offer hanging in the air.

A glance was shared between the Inutachi, all conveying slight concern but excitement at the prospect of not resorting to camping. Before Inuyasha could even get a moment to speak, Kagome snipped, "I want real food and a roof, and I will S-I-T you till I get it."

And so they followed the demoness, hoping that this decision would not come back to haunt them.