A special thanks goes to my glorious beta Fuu43. She is just too awesome for words!

Timeline:

The Slayers takes place two years after Try. Lina is 19.

Inuyasha takes place while Kagome is 17. She is still dividing her life between her present and the past. The group is still after Naraku.

Disclaimer:

I do not own Inuyasha or The Slayers.

The Lesser Kindred

Chapter 1: A New Adventure

Zelgadis sat at the tavern's bar staring into his mug of ale. It was no longer cold, not that it was to begin with anyway. He was idly listening to the men talking on his left. They were gossiping about demons. Sharing tales of how they each, individually, on separate occasions faced a demon down. Apparently, all three of the men had difficult fights, and after all hope was lost, they mercilessly each killed their opponent.

Zelgadis snorted. He doubted that any of these men had ever even seen a demon, let alone killed one. Absently, he pulled his hood tighter around his head trying to hide his face even more. The last thing that he needed was one of them seeing his stone skin and deciding they need to prove just how brave and heroic they are. Stupid people.

He jumped slightly feeling a hand on his shoulder.

"Yo, Zel," a voice came for behind.

A surprisingly perky Lina Inverse sat down next to him.

"I thought you were sleeping?" he asked. "It's late."

"Couldn't," she shrugged. "Hey, bartender. I'll have an ale."

The bartender frowned at her but Lina doesn't seem to notice. He looked like he wasn't sure if he should be serving someone so small alcohol. Zel nodded his head silently reassuring him to do what she said. He grunted in disgust, it seemed that he didn't like being ordered around by what looked like a little girl. However, if anyone knew Lina, they knew that she was no little girl. Calling her 'little girl' to her face could be the last thing they ever did.

"So, what about you?" Lina asked as her drink came. "Why are you still up?"

"Information. It's been two weeks and we haven't heard anything. But it doesn't seem like tonight will be any different. At least not with this crowd."

Three months ago, Philionel, the crowned prince of Saillune, employed Lina Inverse, Gourry Gabriev, and Zelgadis Grayword as bounty hunters under the watchful eye of his daughter, Amelia Wil Tesla Saillune. Normally, this wasn't their typical type of job, but the Prince offered them a lot of money. And if there was one thing that Lina Inverse loved the most in the world, it was money.

They were after a dangerous sorcerer named Jextra. He had stolen an important book from Phil's library. Either Phil was emotionally attached to this book, or it contained dangerous information. Zelgadis hoped that it was the first of the latter, but he didn't think that was likely. No one knew where this Jextra came from, he had shown up out of the blue. There have been rumors that he was working for some unknown monster. Great. Monsters. Just what Zelgadis needed, more damn monsters.

"Lets go for a walk," Lina downed the rest of her ale. "Hurry up and finish."

He drank the rest of his drink and followed her out the door. The night was cold, but Zelgadis didn't mind. He found it refreshing compared to the tavern. The wind was strong tonight creating everything outside into potentially dangerous projectiles. He had to step out from behind Lina in order to avoid being attacked by her cloak.

"Where are we going?" he asked.

"Hmm. . .How about the filthiest, most disgusting bar we can find. I feel like beating someone up." Lina gave a sadistic grin.

Since Amelia was with them, she insisted that they behaved honorably. After all, they were currently being employed by the Prince Phil, and Amelia could not have them taint her father's reputation. She insisted that they uphold the laws of justice. But, tonight was different. Amelia was sleeping in bed. She was not here to stop Lina; and Zelgadis knew better than to get in Lina's way.

The bad part of town was easy to find and within minutes they were in the dirtiest bar Zelgadis had ever seen. Which was surprising, since he has been in some really sickening places. The bar was called The Wench. It had to be the stupidest name he had ever heard. He could practically smell the place standing outside despite the wind. Inside, the place was covered in grime and smelt even worse. It gave off an odor as if something had died years ago and was still rotting within the walls.

"I like it already," Lina chimed. "And, it looks like Jextra does as well."

Lina motioned with her head and much to Zelgadis's surprise, there was the man they had been hunting for a month sitting at the bar.

"Why can't these evil wizards ever like upscale, classy places?" Zelgadis asked out loud.

"I think it would ruin their whole image or something," she replied.

Sitting next to Jextra was a woman who looked completely out of place. Zel could tell right away that she must be a foreigner by looking at her. Her black hair was tied up in a bun and she wore a tight, expensive looking robe. The two were engaged in a conversation and were not paying any attention to those around them. The woman kept shaking her head at Jextra.

"I bet they're making a deal," Zelgadis mentioned quietly to Lina.

"I agree."

It looked as if Jextra and the woman had finally settled on terms. Jextra handed the woman something wrapped in black cloth. Zelgadis would bet anything that it was the book he had stolen from Prince Phil. In return, the woman gave Jextra a small pouch most likely containing gold.

"Well," Lina said. "Let's go get our man."

Zelgadis followed after Lina as she casually strolled up to the bar.

"Jextra," Lina said. "I've been looking everywhere for you."

Jextra and the woman just starred.

"Jextra, do you know this child?" the woman raised an eyebrow.

"Excuse me!" Lina raged. "No one calls me that. . ."

"Look," Jextra interjected. "Can't you see that we're busy. Go away."

"Nope, sorry pal, but you're my meal ticket. I'd give up now unless you want to face the famous Lina Inverse."

Jextra looked at her with his mouth wide open. "You're Lina Inverse! HA! You're breasts aren't even formed yet! You're the dragon spooker! I'm surprised you can even reach the bar, shorty. Leave kid, before you get hurt."

Lina's face reddened with every insult. How dare he. . . "MONO VOLT!"

Jextra's reaction was too slow. Lina had already had grasped his arm and said the spell. He let out a scream of pain as the spell took effect. The woman next to him jumped back to get away from the fight, the book with her. Before Jextra could even think about how to counteract, Lina slugged him in the face, never letting go of his arm. He fell off of the stool, unable to do anything because pain from the spell and punch.

Lina heaved Jextra to his feet. "You're just lucky Phil wants you alive."

Zelgadis frowned. The entire bar was looking at them. This wasn't good.

"We need to make this fast," Zelgadis suggested to Lina as he turned to retrieve the book from the woman. "If you give that book to us, there won't be any trouble."

The woman smiled. "I don't think so."

She ran towards the door surprising Zelgadis with her speed. The woman was exceptionally fast considering the way that she was dressed. He dashed after her. The crowd parted for them, obviously not wanting anything to do with the fight. She was out the door ahead of him, but not by far. He could catch her. He was confident.

"Freeze Arrow," he chanted aiming for the woman.

She jumped out of the way of the arrow while throwing something into the air. A giant feather appeared. Effortlessly, she leaped into the sky gracefully landing on the strange trasportation. Zel paused for a moment. That was unexpected.

"You won't get away that easy," he said to no one in particular. "Ray wing."

He was in pursuit and determined to catch her. After all, she had the book that belonged to Phil. Zel was gaining speed. Within moments, he would apprehend her. She was moving fast, but not fast enough. He could almost grab the feather when the woman looked back. Her jaw dropped in disbelief; distorting the nonchalant, bored image that she had been portraying. Finally close enough to get a really good look at her, he noticed that she was pretty. Even when her face was distorted in a sneer directed at him.

"This will not due," she spat out.

Zelgadis smiled. "You might as well give up now."

She laughed in response. Shifting her weight, she pulled a fan out of her dress.

"NOW LEAVE!" she commanded with a flick of her wrist. A huge gust of wind hit Zelgadis off guard knocking him to the ground. It was an unpleasant fall. He landed hard on his left arm. Fortunately his stone body protected him from any damage that a normal person would have received.

Groaning, he sat up. He peered into the sky in hope of regaining pursuit. However, she was no where to be found.

"Damn it," he muttered as he stood and started in the direction from which he had came. He hated letting the enemy get away. Especially when he should have caught them without any trouble. The wind from the fan was unanticipated. He silently cursed himself for not being prepared. Usually, he could have deflected a spell like that without any problem.

Groaning again, he rubbed his right temple. Lina was going to be furious. After all, she had every right to be. He had let the woman get away. Damn it, angering Lina was something he tried to avoid at all costs. She was known to get violent and take her temper out on anyone and everyone in the nearby vicinity. Unfortunately, it looked as though tonight would be on of those nights.

Zelgadis found Lina along with Jextra who was still paralyzed from the spell. He was sitting on the ground leaning up against a tree. Lina had restrained his hands behind his back. She was talking to him although he could not hear what she was saying. Noticing Zel's approach, she looked up.

"There you are," she waved. "I didn't want to leave until you got back with the book."

Zel sighed. "Um. . . .yeah, about the book."
"You did get the book back, right?"

"Not exactly."

"Damn it Zel! How could you let her get away? We were so close to being done with this stupid mission. Now, we're going have to go chasing after that woman. That could take another three months!" Lina threw her hands up into the air emphasizing her last sentence.

"I know. Look, she was a good enough sorceress to knock me out of the sky with a spell. By the time I got off of the ground, she was already gone."

"Well," Lina said looking at Jextra next to her. "At least we have him. Perhaps he can tell us a little bit about where to find her."

Grabbing the collar of Jextra's shirt, she hefted him into the air. She was surprisingly strong for her petite size. Jextra grunted as she slammed his back against the tree.

"So," she began. "Where did your friend go."

"Go to hell."

"Wrong answer," she threatened. "Now, if you tell me what I need to know; you will be given to Phil unharmed. If not, well I can't be responsible for my actions. I'm sure you've heard all about the horrible, evil sorceress Lina Inverse. The bandit killer. Well, I'll let you know that death will be the a very long, and very painful process." She smiled playing the perfect part of the sadist. Hell, if Zel didn't know Lina as well as he did, even he would be a little scarred.

Jextra paused as if he was considering whether he believed her.

"Come on, Zel. How about we take Jextra here some place quiet, where we won't be disturbed. An ally. That's dark. Where we can be all alone, just the three of us. You. Me. And a soon to be screaming Jextra." She smiled. "Zel, you do know some silencing spells of some kind, right? Cause I don't want anyone hearing him and peaking around the corner to see what's going on."

Zel grinned at Lina in an answer to her question. She laughed at him in return and stalked towards the alley dragging Jextra behind her. Zelgadis followed. He watched Jextra as all of the color drain out of his face. He looked like he'd piss his pants any minute, but still determined enough to not utter any useful information. That would come soon enough though, once they convinced him that what they could do was worse than whatever his employer could do. If they could convince him that is. Lina might act all tough, but Zel guessed she was only capable of doing half of the things that she threatened.

Once in the alley, Lina threw Jextra to the ground, "Start talking, and make this easy for both of us."

"She's right," Zel confirmed crossing his arms. "After all, I am in a particularly bad mood after loosing the book."

"So am I. So, how about we start with that woman? Who is she?"

Jextra spat in Lina's face. It was he last act of defiance. Zel watched as Lina's eyes hardened even more, if it was possible.

"Mono volt," was her response. Her victim screamed in pain as the electricity sped through his body a second time. This time, the spell was much more intense than what she used on him earlier. Still smoking, he slumped to the ground. Lina bent down and tore off a piece of the royal purple shirt he was wearing. She proceeded to wipe off her face, then threw the cloth back at him.

"Now, lets try this again," Lina said. "Who was the woman?"

"Kara," Jextra panted. "She said her name was Kara."

"That's a good boy," Zel stated. "What does she want with the book?"

"Are you an idiot? Like she would have told me. All I was supposed to do was get it for her."

"I don't think I like your tone," Lina said in a low voice. "Now, if you want to make it to Selluine in one piece, I suggest you tell us everything you know about this woman."

"She. . .she's foreign. . ." he stuttered. "From a land across the sea. Northeast of here. That's all I know."

"Yeah right," Zel sarcastically commented. "How exactly did you meet her."

Jextra remained silent. Silent until Lina kicked him in the face. "TALK."

"I met her in my travels of the outer-world," Jextra stammered clutching what looked like a newly broken nose. "Once the barrier was down about three years ago. It was in small town. She was looking for the book and I was willing to give it to her for a price."

"Hmmm. . ." Lina replied. "Let's see how much she paid you." Bending down, Lina pulled the purse free from the man's neck. He grunted as the cord snapped.

"What the hell?" she said staring into the bag.

Reaching in, she pulled out a shinning object. It was small and looked like it was only a small piece of a larger part. In the dim light of the alley it appeared as if it was either pink or red. Zel narrowed his eyes trying to get a better look at it.

"Zel," Lina absently said. "You have to hold this."

Zelgadis moved closer to Lina and held out his hand. She placed the shard into his palm. He couldn't help his mouth from falling open. The small object radiated an immense amount of magical energy. The power that it held was incredible. It was pure. He had never felt anything like it before in his life.

"Wow," was the only word that he could seem to form.

"Exactly," Lina replied. "So, Jextra, what the hell is this?"

Jextra laughed spitting out flecks of blood. "I suppose an idiot like yourself has never heard of the Shikon no Tama."

"The sacred jewel?" Zel gawked. "You mean it actually exists?"

"You've heard of it Zel?" Lina asked turning her attention to him.

"Yeah, Rezo was researching it. But he couldn't find it, probably because it was located outside the barrier. He came to the conclusion that it was only a legend." Zel looked at Jextra. "This looks like it is only a piece."

"Apparently, some fool broke the jewel."

"Hmm. . . ." Lina scratched her face. "We should get back to Amelia and Gourry. We'll need to drop him off at Saillune and we can find a map there so he can point out exactly where he met this woman. Zel, grab him and let's go."

Zelgaldis picked the man up. "He'll have to stay shielded with us for the night. I don't think the jail will be able to hold him. We can take turns guarding him."

With Jextra in hand, Lina and Zelgadis walked back to their tavern. When they entered the room, they found both Gourry and Amelia fast asleep. Unfortunately, all four of them had to share a room because the place was booked.

Lina lit the oil lamps. "Everyone, time to get up and look at what we caught!"

Amelia groaned and wiped her eyes. "Miss Lina, what are you doing. . . .Jextra?"

"Yep," Lina replied cheerily. "Zel and I had a busy night tonight."

"You caught him while we were sleep?"

"Well, yeah. You can't expect us to say 'just wait right here while I go wake up my friends!' Jeez Amelia."

Zelgadis dropped Jextra down on a chair. "We're going to have to watch him for the night. We can head to Saillune the first thing tomorrow so we can get there before nightfall."

"That's just wonderful!" Amelia chimed. "Then we can give daddy back his book and all will be well."

"Umm, yeah, about the book," Zel stammered.

"You do have the book, right?"

"It sort of got away."

"What!" Amelia screamed waking up Gourry in the process.

"Look Amelia," Lina said. "It will be alright. Jextra is just going to point out the area on a map of where the book is going and we'll go get it back."

"I doubt it will be that easy," she grumbled.

"Well," Zel said. "The woman who has it rides a giant flying feather. I mean, really, how many people have that?"

"I guess you're right," Amelia thought out loud however she still sounded unconvinced. "Since you caught him, I'll take first watch. My fists of justice will keep him in line."

Zelgadis snorted at her comment and crawled into the bed that he shared with Gourry. The blond haired man was sitting up and looking very confused as to what was going on. Perplexed that they were going to have another person sharing their already small room.

"Who's this?" he asked.

"Gourry," Lina placed her hand on her head. "Don't you recognize the guy we've been hunting for the past three months."

"Huh, who?"

"Oh shut up jelly-fish-for-brains and go back to sleep. You have watch after Amelia since Zel and I caught the bastard."

Gourry scratched his head as he laid back down. "Okay, whatever."

Lina shook her head and jumped onto her bed for the night. Stretching, she gave a sigh as she closed her eyes. It was time to sleep, for a little while at least.

The night was over too quickly for Zelgadis's taste and they were soon on the road to Saillune. Zelgadis silently thanked the gods that Jextra behaved, well mostly behaved. However, just because their prisoner didn't cause any problems, that didn't mean that the trip went smoothly. For it seemed that overnight, Amelia had discovered just how they had captured Jextra, and did not approve. Periodically through the day, Zel and Lina had to listen to her lecture about their roles as heros of justice and upholding Saillune's values.

When they arrived in Saillune, the first order of business was to get Jextra into Phil's hands. Phil was ecstatic to see the evil sorcerer caught. Then horrified that they did not have the book. Lina assured him that Jextra would point out the location of where it is and they would go get in in no time.

Zelgadis and Lina relayed the details of Jextra's capture and the unknown woman to the others. Of course, they gave an edited version only to leave Amelia scowling at them throughout the tale. The Shikon no Tama was kept to themselves, Amelia and Gourry hadn't even heard about it yet.

As they walked out of the meeting with the Prince, Zelgadis noticed Lina practically bristling with excitement. Jextra seemed to have a pretty good idea as to the area where the woman had come from. They could find it easily. All they had to do was charter a ship. It looked like it was time for another adventure.

"Come on," Lina said leading the way. "We need to go somewhere where we can talk without being overheard."

Amelia gave her a confused look. Gourry did as well. Zelgadis was the only one who knew what was going on.

Lina led them to a balcony that overlooked the city.

"What's this about?" Amelia asked.

"Yeah," Gourry added.

"We think we might have found a way to cure Zel," Lina stated.

"What!" Amelia practically yelled.

"Look at this Amelia," Lina tossed her the bag containing the jewel. Her eyes went wide as she opened the draw string.

"It's so pretty," she muttered. "What is it?"

"The Shikon no Tama. Well, a small piece of it anyway," Zel replied. "Legend says that it's a jewel of immense power. That it is a powerful conduit of magic and can be used to intensify spells. Like the talismans that Lina wears, only stronger. It's rumored that it can grant any wish desired."

"Any wish?" Amelia repeated in awe.

"That's right, any wish," Lina confirmed then frowned. "Although, I highly doubt it actually grants wishes; but it definitely can give us the power to reverse what Rezo did to Zelgadis. All we need is a type of transfiguration spell and the full jewel."

"Oh dear. The full jewel? That could take forever to find."

"We got this piece from Jextra. It was his payment for the book," Lina clarified.

"So, the rest of the jewel should be around the location that Jextra pointed out on the map," Zel continued where Lina left off. "I'm going to go find it. You guys can tag along if you want."

"But don't we have to find the book?" Amelia asked.

"We can do both at the same time!" Lina shot back. "Of course we're with you Zel."

"I didn't mean it like that," Amelia looked ashamed. "Mr. Zelgadis, we well definitely help you find that jewel and turn you back into a human."

"I have no idea what you guys are talking about," Gourry added. "But if it helps Zel, then I'm for it."

"Okay!" Lina shouted throwing a fist into the air. "First stop, find a boat."

Since there are many spell in the Slayer universe, I have decided list and explain the ones that are used in the chapter. The definitions are from the Slayers Universe at http/ www. inverse. org, sorry but the spaces will have to be taken out. I am working on getting a direct link, easier said than done.

Mono Volt: An elementary lightning spell. A direct hit simply paralyzes a target temporarily, due to the targets' skin.

Raywing: This gives the ability to fly by creating a shield of wind around him/herself. More than one person can be carried. Since this spell needs a high level of concentration, other spells cannot be cast at the same time.