Author's notes: First off, I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to you, who have followed and favorited my story up to this point. Therefore, OakieBear and kia himatari, i am really grateful to your positive reviews as they have become one of my biggest supports for me to continue this story.

And last but not least is my best regards to Rumiko Takahashi, author of Inuyasha. Please enjoy and tell me what you think about this chapter as this is the first time I'm writing according to the main storyline.

Quick note: The story will start off from chapter 203 in the manga.

"..." Normal chat

ABC Thought

CHAPTER 8

On one full stars night

Wow, how beautiful. I stand next to Ah-Un whose back is carrying a sleeping Rin and watch the starry night sky in awed. Because this is not something you can see in casual days, at least in my place. Excited, I walk back and forth for more views like a child looking at her favorite toys while Jaken just sits there in silent, not really amused.

It is then, Sesshomaru raises his voice. "It's his smell."

"Does that mean he's nearby, Sesshomaru-sama?" Jaken's tone suddenly changes serious when approaching his master.

Confused, I glance at them. Huh? Who are they talking about?

Right after their short conversation, a strong gust of wind blows at us that causes both Jaken and I stumble. Rin, on the other hand, has been knocked off Ah-Un's back and falls flat onto the ground.

"Hey there."

A lady in kimono carrying a traditional dancing fan on her hand greet us with a smile. She has her hair tied up into a ponytail with earrings on her ears and going bare feet. Not going to introduce nor explaining why she's here, the strange woman jumps right into the point of the story.

"So you've also followed Naraku's smell in the air to come here huh, Sesshomaru"

"Sesshomaru-sama, this woman is Naraku's offspring." Jaken explains to Sesshomaru.

I stand there quietly observe the conversation and soon notice her pointy ears. Wait, is she a youkai?

"Kagura the wind-user, was that what you called yourself."

And Sesshomaru's response pretty much gives an answer to my inner thought. Having his hand resting on one of the swords and ready to strike.

A wind-user. Now that explains the odd wind a while ago...

"So you still remember me, I'm glad. As you may know, I come here in peace. So there's no need for you to be too cautious."

The woman who is called Kagura nods in satisfaction. Then her eyes land on me and smirks mysteriously. For some unknown reasons, I have a really bad feeling about it.

"Seems like you have gained yourself another lovely companion. On top of that, her outfit is also as weird as that Miko… Say, where did you find her, Sesshomaru?"

"That Miko? What do you mean by that?"

Upon hearing her mentioning of someone wearing abnormal clothes similar to myself in this era, I chime in. However Sesshomaru brushes it all before I can receive an answer.

"What do you want?"

"Alright, I shall not waste any more time. Sesshomaru, will you agree to have a bargain with me?"

Therefore Kagura requests a deal with Sesshomaru. By getting rid of Naraku and set her free, she will reward him with Shikon No Tama fragments which she's holding in her hand.

Strange, didn't Jaken say she's Naraku's offspring? So why does she want to kill him? This is not a trap, is it? My head tilts in confusion.

"So you're betraying Naraku."

Somehow Sesshomaru doesn't seem to be too surprised about this turn of event. Yet he refuses her offer and turns away.

"If you want to be free, then use those fragments and defeat Naraku yourself."

"Don't tell me you're scared of Naraku?!"

"I have no obligation to save you. If you're not that well prepared to do so then better give up."

"You coward! And you call yourself a man?!"

Out of anger, she insults him right off the spot. Completely different from what I've expected that he would go on a rampage after hearing so. Instead he's overly calm and watches her throwing tantrum.

Is it because that they know each other? Are they perhaps friends? Or due to that Kagura is a woman?

Wah! What am I thinking! Realizing such ridiculous things just have crossed my mind, I shake my head like crazy to get them off. Whether how he's acting or who he being friend with are definitely none of my business!

"Tsk, I have misjudged you!"

Figures that she can't change his mind, Kagura snatches off a feather on her hair and summons a giant feather. With one final glare, she hops on the bizarre thing to let the wind carries her away with it.

"Hmph! That woman, thinking that she could actually become Sesshomaru's supporter!"

Standing on the ground, Jaken scoffs.

"It's because Sesshomaru-sama is already too strong, isn't he?" Rin comments like stating a fact.

While I can only stare blankly at them, feeling completely lost. I swear weird people just keep appearing more and more by days.

Still, the mysterious Miko that Kagura has mentioned of is really bugging me...

Some days later.

At night

"Jaken-sama, make sure that no one finds us, okay?"

Rin calls out to him, picking up the fruit one after another to eat without resting.

Earlier, Rin told us earlier that she wanted to eat some melon and lead us to this place, to steal some melons from someone's garden.

"Here, try it! There are still plenty of them!"

With a mouthful of food, Rin hands me a piece of melon.

"Slow down, Rin. Or you're going to get choked."

Unwillingly accept the fruit from her, I sigh. I know we're all hungry and do not have any money to spend. Still, this just doesn't feel right…

Everything's going smoothly until a strong gust of wind blows straight at us, reveals to be Kagura. Aware of her unpleasant presence, Jaken backs away closer to us but immediately get swept away by her wind and falls flat on his face.

"Hmph! How careless of you, Sesshomaru. Leaving your companion alone like this,"

Kagura smirks then slowly approaches to where I and Rin are standing.

"S-Stay away! Or I won't hold back! I mean it!"

I hold the Naginata agaisnt her. Hoping to keep our distance while covering Rin.

"You? Hurting me? Heh! Dream on, girl."

However, Kagura ignores my tiny warning and wields her fan to summon another gust of wind. Easily separating me from Rin. As I land hard onto the ground not too far away, to the opposite side of Jaken's, Rin immediately rushes to my spot. Only to have her back grabbed by Kagura.

"H-hey! Lemme go!"

With the objective in her hand, she hops onto the giant feather and quickly disappears into the night sky. "Sorry dearie, but you're coming with me."

"Onee-chan! Jaken-sama!"

Rin calls out to us helplessly while Jaken and I can only watch Kagura takes her away.

"Hurry! We have to go back and report to Sesshomaru-sama!"

Not wasting more time, I drag Jaken and run back to find Sesshomaru.

Back to their old resting spot

"Sesshomaru-sama! Rin has been abducted!"

Jaken calls out for him as soon as we're there. In instant Sesshomaru turns around to face us with a deadly expression, waiting for further explanations.

Fear for his life, Jaken backs out immediately and I take my turn to speak.

"Kagura, the wind-user, appeared out of nowhere and took her away. We couldn't stop her."

"Do not worry, Sesshomaru-sama... If you would satisfy my request then the little girl will be safe."

A man voice is heard behind us and we all spin around. There we see a figure, covering himself with a huge white animal fur and surrounded by a bunch of weird looking giant bees.

Seeing him, Jaken shouts, "Naraku?!"

That is Naraku? I stare at the big white fur standing in front of me.

"Speak, what are you planning this time." Sesshomaru questions the man.

"Oh, nothing special...I, Naraku only ask you to eliminate Inuyasha. "

The person called Naraku speaks up. His tone is so deep and calm despite standing before Sesshomaru.

Somehow the guy doesn't look too terrifying, or I can say that he looks quite ordinary for someone to be feared of.

Even so, Kagura who is known as his offspring can summon wind. I wonder what kind of mystical power he's holding. Whatever that power is, it probably something that should not be overlooked.

Wait a minute..Inuyasha?! Isn't that Kagome's friend I met from before? Why does he want to kill him?

"Hmph. And you went all the trouble just for that?"

Sesshomaru launches his claw at the figure's head, tearing it apart from the body. The thing collapses onto the ground due to the impact and reveals a small wooden doll inside a pile on dirt. When the situation turns quiet, Jaken carefully approaches and stares at the doll, explaining.

"This is…Kugutsu."

"If he think that I, Sesshomaru would follow his order just for the sake of a human girl. Then he has made a grave mistake."

Sesshomaru spat in disgust and walks away from us. While I quietly follow them from behind, having a good feeling that I've already known where his next destination will be...

Inside Naraku's castle

Something's wrong with the air here. Urg! Why is it so hard to breathe?! I cover my face with my sleeves as soon as I step into what-so-called a magical barrier.

"What are you doing here! Turn back now, this isn't a place for a human like you to get in!"

Noticing my uneasiness, Jaken points his staff at me and starts nagging.

"But I'm worried about Rin too!"

Mumbling behind the sleeves while struggling myself within the strange mist, I refuse to turn back.

"Quit being so stubborn, There is nothing a human like you can- Ah! Sesshomaru-sama, wait for me!"

Seeing his lord has gone up ahead, he turns back to me one last time before rushing to Sesshomaru's side.

"Fine! Do whatever you want, but if you die in there. No one is going to save you!"

It looks like Naraku's shouki doesn't affect her much. I wonder if it's because he's too weak or there's something else about this human girl. Sesshomaru glances at the girl behind him.

Once he spots Naraku sitting at a small house's balcony, Sesshomaru states. "To leak out your scent to show the way to your castle is considered to be an invitation for I, Sesshomaru."

"Just simply inviting you here wouldn't make you willing to come. Isn't that right, Sesshomaru-sama?"

Naraku, who is now completely revealing himself to us. Looks no more different than a normal human and the only thing unique about him are his red eyes. Then he informs us the girl we are looking for is not here.

"You see, she wouldn't be able to breathe within the Shouki in this castle. Because she would die in instant."

Shouki? Jeeze...Now that explains it. (Shouki: Miasma)

To be honest, I'm quite surprised to find myself withstanding this poisonous gas without dying or having any kind of seizure. Perhaps I'm actually killing myself slowly without realizing.

"And you, who are still standing even after breathing in my Shouki. You are simply not human, aren't you little girl?"

Naraku shifts his attention to me. For some reasons his gaze sends a chill down my spine. Though before I can answer, Jaken yells, demanding to know where he has left Rin.

"The girl is hold captured outside of the castle, but there's no need for you to worry about her at the moment, Sesshomaru-sama."

Naraku assures having keep Rin safe.

"At least you've already realized that I'm not here for her."

Sesshomaru calmly states.

"Of course. As I've known you're not someone who would easily to follow other people's instructions"

He smirks confidently, as if everything has gone according to his plan. "You are neither kill Inuyasha as asked nor searching for the girl. So I assume that you're here first to kill I, Naraku."

"So you tried to lure me here, didn't you. We will discuss about your intentions later. If you're still alive that is."

Sesshomaru frowns and starts cracking his fingers, ready to start a serious fight and he smirks, transforming into a huge centipede to welcome him.

Holy hell, what in the world?!

Both Jaken and I are shocked by his nasty appearance. Fearing to get involved, I back away hoping that he doesn't notice me while Jaken's too busy staring at him.

"Hmph, a bunch of youkai messed up together. So this is your true form huh, Naraku?"

Much different from our reactions, Sesshomaru just straight out mocks him being ugly.

"True form? Oh no, don't get me wrong. As you can see this form is still not perfected"

You're telling me that this isn't even the final form? Man, I wonder what's else he's going to turn into. Growing wings and more heads or becoming even bigger and nastier?

In a flash, Naraku attacks Sesshomaru first with his tentacle(?). Both Sesshomaru and Jaken dodge it successfully, but Jaken's still unskilled and lands onto the ground with his face at result.

"Are you okay there, Jaken-san?"

I peek out from the big rock nearby to check on him.

"Do I look like I'm okay?!"

Good, he's still alive and good as ever.

After countering many more of attacks coming from Naraku, Sesshomaru comments on his skill.

"Naraku, a mere lowly youkai like you, would never have a chance to lay a finger on I, Sesshomaru."

Yet the man doesn't mind about being insulted, even laughing maniacally while striking at Sesshomaru all over and over.

Strange, why do I have a feeling that Naraku is only taunting Sesshomaru? What is he actually planning?

And in a split of second, Naraku's expression turns serious. Notice his uneasiness, Sesshomaru smirks.

"It seems like you're concerning about something at the castle's wall. Don't you, Naraku?"

"Sesshomaru-sama, I can no longer waste any more time fighting you. Because…That full youkai powers of yours shall me mine!"

In instant, Naraku's green fleshes appear from the ground and warps Sesshomaru's body tightly. A piece of Naraku's flesh is also coming after Jaken and he uses Nintoujou to kill it but failed.

"B-but why?!"

Seeing Jaken being chased around, I have to get out of my hiding spot to save him by using the Naginata to cut the thing apart then step on it. Somehow my attack workes and stops that thing from moving. However the moment we turn our attention back to the battle, Sesshomaru has already fully covered with green flesh.

"Sesshomaru-sama..."

Jaken cries out helplessly.

This is bad! If we don't do something now, he will be absorbed!

"Stupid! You will only be a nuisance if you go out there!"

Aware that I'm about to jump out, Jaken stops me.

"I've got to separate him away from Naraku's grips at least!"

I stubbornly protest. Then suddenly we hear a yell from afar and it reveals to be Inuyasha, as he charges right into the middle of the fight with his giant red sword.

What is that guy doing here? But more importantly, does he even know that Naraku is trying to kill him?!

"Kaze no Kizu!"

Inuyasha wields his sword and releases something that look similar to energy waves toward Naraku, cutting down his barrier like butter and even damages him.

"Wow, I didn't know he would be this strong!"

Needless to say I'm impressed by Inuyasha's power. Since this is the first time I ever see him going all out in a serious fight.

"Cheh! Sesshomaru-sama is hundred times stronger than that lowly half-youkai!"

Even so Jaken spat, totally unamused about it.

Half-youkai? At that moment thanks to Jaken that I've got to learn a bit about Inuyasha background. Before turning back to Sesshomaru's spot with a bored look.

"Yeah, except he's now becoming Naraku's food."

And Jaken goes back on crying. "Sesshomaru-sama..."

After a bit more of struggling, Inuyasha finally defeats Naraku with another Kaze no Kizu and releases Sesshomaru from his grip.

Despite having his life saved by his brother, Sesshomaru doesn't show a single bit of appreciation and proceed mocking Naraku.

"For your flesh to be served as a barrier against Inuyasha's Kaze no Kizu."

I wonder what's the relationship between these three. It seems as if none of them is in a good term toward to each other.

As Inuyasha's about to deal the final blow at Naraku, Sesshomaru has beaten him in running and be the one to strike at Naraku instead. In defense, Naraku releases even stronger Shouki to push them back and floats onto the air to escape.

"Sesshomaru-sama, it seems like I have to withdraw for today"

"Fool, you think you can escape from me?"

Sesshomaru growls and his eyes start changing.

"Huh? His eyes are turning red, what's going on?"

Confused by the turn of event, I ask Jaken but only receive a silent from him.

"Kuku..Sesshomaru-sama, rather than transforming to chase after me, it would be better if you go look for your little companion first. Right now, Rin is together with the one called Kohaku. I suppose that you can imagine what will happen, Inuyasha."

Is he saying that Rin is in danger?!

Worried about her safety, I step out and stand in between Sesshomaru and Inuyasha.

Already confused enough about Sesshomaru's little companion, it's even worse for Inuyasha when he sees me appears next to his damned older brother and can't help but pointing at my face, shouting.

"Oi! It's you from back then! I knew I wasn't wrong when i noticed your scent a while ago! What are you doing here?! With this bastard, no less!"

They knew each other? Sesshomaru glances at the two. Confused and curious.

"Quit yelling already! I will explain to you another time, okay?!"

Cannot waste more time for story telling, I turn to Sesshomaru and urges him to leave.

"Please, let's us hurry, Sesshomaru-sama"

"W-What?! Sesshomaru-sama?! Don't tell me you are on this bastard's side?!"

Inuyasha's shocked even more once seeing Sesshomaru jumps into the air and carrying me away with him.

While we're flying in the air to look for Rin, I unconsciously observe the white fluffy ball/scarf he has been carrying around with out it's as soft as I've expected it to be.

But why does it feel like dog's fur?

I giggle to myself, feeling the white fur in my hand before realizing the critical situation we are in. Wait! This is not the time for that.

Soon we reach to the nearby forest and there we find an unconscious Rin, lying next to a boy who is around 10 years old with a giant sickle with his arm and attempting to strike at Rin.

As I attempt to rush to her side, Sesshomaru stops me. Seeing that the boy has turned back to face us and stood in his defensive stand. The lord then cracks his fingers.

"So you're planning to oppose me?"

Out of nowhere Inuyasha appears and launches a punch to that boy's face. "Kohaku! What are you doing?!"

Taking the chance that he has lost his guard, I run to Rin's side to check on her. Sighing in relief that the girl is unharmed, not even a single scratch.

"Rin's alright, Sesshomaru-sama. She's only fainted."

Therefore I inform Sesshomaru about her situation and suddenly, I hear Kagome's voice behind me.

"Senpai?! Is that really you?!"

In instant I turn around, my heart skips a beat when seeing Kagome standing right before me, in her junior high outfit and a bow in hand.

"Kagome-chan?! You're here too?!"

Could it be the Miko that Kagura mentioned before was her?

Therefore Kagome explains that she and Inuyasha has come here to fight Naraku and find this boy, named Kohaku.

"Even if you try to protect him, Inuyasha. That boy still insists to be caught by my claws."

Sesshomaru warns him and just as he's said, Kohaku throws the sickle mercilessly at Sesshomaru. And Inuyasha immediately guards his brother with his sword.

Saving him a chance to dash over and grabs Kohaku by the neck, lifting him up in the air. Knowing that Sesshomaru's not going to let the boy go that easily. I join in as well to help Inuyasha defend for Kohaku's life.

"Please don't do it, Sesshomaru-sama! He's only a boy!"

Fortunately, Sesshomaru listens and releases him.

After Kohaku getting on his feet and escapes. We see Kagura arrives to to the place to pick him up and together they flee away from the scene.

"Senpai, who is this girl with you?"

Curious, Kagome points at the little girl sleeping on my lap.

"She's with Sesshomaru. Probably both of them."

Inuyasha jumps into my mouth before I can even answer.

"What?! Is that true, Senpai?!"

Needless to say Kagome's shocked, her eyes widened once seeing me nod in response. It's so awkward that I just sit there and avoid her gaze constantly. Unsure whether I should say or act properly.

"Uhm…Onee-chan?"

Just then Rin wakes up from her slumber and I help the girl sits up.

"How are you feeling? Can you stand?"

She nods weakly then notices her lord, who is standing not too far away from us and calls out for him in joy. "Sesshomaru-sama!"

"Go to him first, I will catch up to you guys later, okay?"

I push her gently to his direction and Rin obliges, making her way over to the group.

"Senpai, why are you with Sesshomaru?"

Kagome asks me and by the look in her eyes is telling me that this time she's not going to let it slide without an answer.

"It's a long story…"

I look down to my feet, fidgeting. And she pats my shoulder to calm me down while waiting patiently. "I don't mind at all"

"Sora."

As I'm about to tell her everything, we hear Sesshomaru's voice and I shift my head back. Surprised to see him remaining still at his spot and waiting for me. While Kagome raises her eyebrow at the unfamiliar name.

"Sora?"

"Yes, that is my name at the moment. And trust me, I do wish to tell you everything, Kagome-chan. But right now I really have to go."

Cannot let Sesshomaru keeps on waiting, I promise her next time before rushing to his side. "Till we meet again, take care."

"Senpai!"

Kagome calls out, helplessly watching Shiomi slowly disappears into the forest along with Sesshomaru's group.