Chapter XXI Reason

In the shadows waited the looming figure as he slowly across through the opened gates and pass the children who quickly ran to the side door of the castle.

The figure reached the front doors as the guards fell to the ground suffocating from the thick gas that the demon produced. He placed his hands on the handle and opened both doors and walked in. The servants franticly ran and hid as the guards tried to protect the dining room.

The figure spoke in a low voice, "Let me pass…"

"What is your business here in my home?" asked the Demon lord as he walked in. The guards fell to the floor bowing to their lord.

"I must talk to the priestess called Kagome…" said the demon as he slightly turned his head and looked at Sesshomaru.

Behind the door Inuyasha listened he then opened it and ran in, "Shin!" he called out as he pulled out his sword. Sango and Miroku stood side by side, wondering what was happening.

"What do you want with Kagome?!" he barked as he growled at him.

"I simply wish to talk to her…She must know her fate…" said Shin as he tugged on the cloak of black silk that wrapped around his shoulders.

Then Kagome appeared behind the demon lord, "Yes?" said Kagome as Sesshomaru looked down at her.

"I told you to stay inside the room." He said calmly.

"But I was worried, and besides…I want to know…" said Kagome as she looked at the demon lord then walked in front of him to Shin.

"Tell me…what my fate is?" asked the young miko.

Shin turned completely, facing Kagome. He stared at her then chuckled coldly, "How on earth can someone like you resemble that wrench…You look nothing like her…"

"Uh…?" said Kagome as she blinked.

Shin's face then turned serious as he spoke in a calm and fluent voice, "The fate of all things is connected…a spider's web tangled and entwined by the mere actions we take. Sometimes that thread can tear and widen further or break off completely. But in your case it reaches further…greater than what destiny can truly be called…You are not the reincarnation of the miko, Kikyo…but of the miko Midoriko."

Kagome was in shock…"But…but how do you know?"

"I know because fate has led me to you." Smiled Shin wearily.

Everyone looked at him in wonder.

He spoke again, "There is no way I could possibility be here alive today…I somehow shifted into a time-warp and into your era. In the future, the world as you know it; will die within eighteen years, if you do not destroy both Naraku."

"Wha! It takes us that long to kill Naraku!" complained the hanyou.

"Not exactly…" said Shin.

"I will not tell you when you defeat the vile half breed, Naraku. I will not give you such information for I myself am not sure. But I will guide you, train you, and fight along side with you to destroy him." Shin said as he then bowed deeply.

"What do you think Inuyasha? Sesshomaru?" asked Kagome.

The demon lord and the hanyou looked at one another, they knew if they joined forces they can defeat Naraku…But their pride and stubbornness got the better of them.

They both walked in opposite directions, Sesshomaru going down the hall, and Inuyasha going back into the dining room.

"I guess they'll think about it…" sighed Kagome.

'Stubborn dogs.' Thought Kagome as she grumbled.

"Kagome!" called out Shippo as he came running in the room.

"Oh Shippo." Said Kagome as the small kitsune jumped in her arms.

"Kagome Okaa-san!" cried out Rin.

As she hugged Kagome's knees.

Shippo looked over and saw Shin, "Ah! It's him the demon!"

"It's alright Shippo, he's here to help us defeat Naraku." Smiled Kagome.

"Rin, young Shippo please go to your rooms, the Lord requests it." Said Maeko.

Quickly the two children ran to their rooms.

"Shin-Sama, you are given a room in the eastern wing of the castle feel free to stay as long as you like." Said Maeko with a bowed.

She then turned and smiled at Kagome as she left.

Leaving Kagome, Sango, Miroku and Shin alone. "Shin, we can understand why you came, but the question is this…Wouldn't you have been taught from Naraku to do his misdeeds?" asked Miroku.

"Naraku was dead by the time I was born…Kikyo taught me everything I know…but what she taught was probably no better than if Naraku would have." Said Shin darkly.

"Would you mind telling us?" asked Sango.

"Not at all…" said Shin.

"Lord Inuyasha you must take Shin's offered!" cried out Myouga.

"Feh, no chance, I can defeat Naraku without my stupid brother's help." Huffed the hanyou.

"I said no!" angrily said Inuyasha, as he pinched the flea up and flicked him across the room.

"Feh…" said the hanyou as he rested his chin on his elbow.

Next chapter will explain the mysterious demon named Shin's past! And cute Shippo/Rin fluff-ness! More to come! Stay tune!