The mountains outside Kiryu City rolled on endlessly, ancient trees towering amid the layered peaks and ridges.
Vines coiled around the trunks like snakes, and the sun-blotting canopy sliced the sunlight into tiny flecks that spilled over the thick layer of fallen leaves.
The three children had been walking along the mountain path for nearly four hours.
Inuyasha walked at the very front. His deep-blue kimono was still stained with dried blood, and the bandage on his shoulder showed at his collar, the white strip of cloth already soaked through and turned dark red.
But he did not make a sound.
His silver-white hair stuck up in messy tufts, and his pair of furry ears stood upright atop his head, twitching now and then as he listened warily to the movements around them.
Sakura walked behind him, a bundle on her back, her right hand never leaving the hilt of the short sword at her waist.
Her arm was bandaged too, but the wound was much lighter than Inuyasha's and did not hinder her movement.
Her long white hair was tied into a high ponytail with a black ribbon, revealing the clean lines of her profile. The stray strands at her forehead were damp with sweat and stuck to her skin.
Saku walked at the very back.
She held that old cloth doll, her short white hair lying neatly against her head, and her large, round golden eyes were staring unblinkingly at the woods ahead.
Her complexion was a little better than it had been that morning, but she was still somewhat pale.
That earlier outburst of demonic power in Kiryu City had drained far too much of her strength.
"Sister."
Saku suddenly spoke, her voice very soft.
Sakura stopped and turned her head.
"What is it?"
"Ahead... there's the