A/N: This was written when I was an early Inu -Yasha fan, so I've tried to correct all inaccuracies. Please R & R!!

Disclaimer: I do not own Inu - Yasha.

Rating: PG-13 for slashiness

Chapter 1: Strange Travelers

For hundreds of years he had roamed these lands, and he would likely roam them for hundreds more. A man, purer than any monk could ever hope to be, wiser than any sage could dream to be, stronger than any demon could ever wish to be, and braver than any samurai could ever try to be, for he was all four of these things and more. He was a being of absoulute Nirvana, a rugged wolfman wondering the wild and wispering to nature.

His name was Tashimo, or 'grey wolf' as he was more commonly called. He had a thick shock of dusty gray hair that fell down over his headband and was tied in a ponytail in the back. His eyes were a deep hypnotic blue, and he had razor sharp dog teeth. He wore a fine silk robe, with a notched sheathed sword on his sash. Around his neck he bore a moon crest. His pants were ripped at the knees and his staff was just a little taller than he was. His feet were hairy on top with long curved toenails.

Upon wondering one day he came across some strange folk: A young school girl, a half breed dog demon, a monk, and exterminator, and a small fox boy.

Tashimo sniffed the air "You carry shards of the Shikon no tama, am I not correct?"

The half breed unsheathed a sword from his sash, and it immeadiatly turned into a large buster "Get back!"

Tashimo put his hands up "Calm yourself my friend! No demon am I, so the shards would do me no good."

"You lie!" cried the half demon as he swung his sword. Tashimo easily dodged it. " You suffer from a great loss." he turned to the school girl "The loss of a loved one."

The half demon swung and this time was parried by Tashimo "What the hell are you?"

With a wave of his hand, Tashimo had the halfbreed's sword in his hand "Give me your name and you shall recieve mine in return."

"I don't do negotiations." the halfbreed exclaimed "And gimme back my sword!"

Tashimo managed to put the demon on his back and put his sword against his throat "Fighting is foolish."

Just then a devilish red glare came across the Demon's eyes "Give it back."

"STOP!!!" cried the monk. The other four turned to him,perhaps indicating that this was not his normal behavior "Inu-Yasha!" he said "Granted you have been known for rash descisions, but for heaven's sake! This man wishes for peace."

The dog demon now identifyed as Inu-Yasha indignantly sheathed his sword.

"Most charitable monk." said Tashimo "Your father would've been proud."

The monk bowed "My name is Miroku. This is Kagome," he indicated the young school girl "Sango." the exterminator "and Shippo" the small fox boy.

Tashimo turned to Inu-Yasha "I noticed your agression growing as I took your sword and your life began to be in danger."

"Yeah." said Inu-Yasha "Had you done that much longer and I would have turned from a hanyou into an oni."

"Well then you won't have much luck at this village you're going to." said Tashimo "Thieves and demons runnamauck EVERYWHERE!"

"Oh no! Inu-Yasha!" Exclaimed Kagome "What if one of them steals your sword like last time?!" she said, recalling the incedent with the moth demon Gotenmaru.

Tashimo held up hid hands "Fear not!" said Tashimo "The forest can protect you all tonight." he turned to Inu-Yasha "Even from yourselfs."

"Thanks but no thanks." said Inu-Yasha "I can handle whatever-"

Kagome cut him off "We'd LOVE to stay in your forest!"

"KAGOME!" yelled Inu-Yasha "What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

All 4 of them gave him a dirty look.

"On the OTHER hand" he said "We COULD use a nice place to sleeep."

"Excellent!" said Tashimo "Follow me."

I sincerely hope you liked this fic, because, if I may say so myself, it WAS pretty good. Please Review! I'd prefer if you reviewed the way I review: 1 good comment and 1 bit of constructive critisism.