Chapter II:

"You should know better, shouldn't you? Sneaking around like that? And in with Inu Yasha out and loose! Really, minion. Haven't I taught you better?!", a whip cracked and a scream sounded after.

"Yes, master. I'm sorry master, Very sorry..."

"I don't think you've been punished enough."

"B-But master, you said you wanted to find the one Sesshoumaru..I wished to find him for you master, or better yet, master, his half-demon brother, the one you loathe so much! For he does have the Shards to the Sacred Jewel, does he not? He has found almost ALL of the Shards master!"

"Yes, minion, I know that. I'm not stupid. If you have a point, Make it and be QUICK about it."

"If you had ALL of the Shards, master, you would have no use for the Tetsusiaga's energies, nor for the demon Sesshoumaru! It would indeed save the master LOTS of trouble!" Another whipcrack, and yet another painful scream. "You inconcievable Baka. I need a DEMON for the spell. And a full- blooded Demon at that! One demon, but myself, of course. So WHERE do you suppose I get one? Hmm?"

"I-I-I am a full-blooded Demon, master Naraku..not a very powerful one, but I AM a full-blooded Demon..."

Naraku raises his arm in a threatening manner-

-Then brings it down to his side. "You, minion? I never would have thought. Interesting. How do you plan to get the Shards from the half-demon?"

"Well, master, they want your head, do they not-"

The menacing voice of Naraku growls beside him, "MINION..."

"-and I AM a thief, am I not? It is quite simple, get close to them and I shall remove the Shards undetected, as their only protection should be distracted by your prescence. A brillian plan, Yes?", minion looked up and winced at his master, hoping for another strike, yet another scar from his few months at Naraku's service. Yet, he was taken in by Naraku and called him master for it. He was given food and a purpose, and his extensive knowledge of spells did come in handy.

Naraku placed his hand on his chin, thoughtfully. "Yes minion, very thoughtful indeed. We shall start looking for them by dawn."