An Addition To The Party

Disclaimer: None of these characters are original (they belong to the great Rumiko Takahashi) except for Shikara.

Author's Note: Hi, everyone! This is my first fanfic so give me comments but don't be too harsh : ) My name is Hanakin, which means "gold flower" in Japanese. Umm.. yeah, that's it for now! Enjoy my fanfic!

Inu-Yasha, Kagome, Miroku, and Shippo moved slowly through the dense forest, searching for the remaining shards of the Shikon jewel. They were concentrating so hard on their path that they didn't notice a dark figure blocking their way.

"Halt!" Shouted a voice.

The four travelers looked up in surprise. There standing before them was a girl about Kagome's age. She wore the clothing of a boy, but her dirty blonde hair went down to her waist and was tied back with a pink ribbon (No, it was not a man dressed in drag!). The shadow of hate covered her face. In her hands she held a huge bow with a black arrow that was pointed at Kagome.

Kagome drew back in fear, but Inu-Yasha scoffed, "It's not like we're going to kill you… who are you, anyway?"

The girl raised her head with conceited pride. "I am Shikara, the archer of this forest. Who are you, and why are you passing over this land?"

Inu-Yasha looked at Shikara and, deciding that she was trustworthy, answered, "We're just searching for the Shikon shards. Perhaps you know of their whereabouts?" Inu-Yasha asked with curiosity.

"Ahhh," mused Shikara. "I believe I might. On the other side of this forest, there is said to a strange thing glistening in the water. Maybe it is what you are looking for." Shikara thought for a moment. Then she pointed her bow at Inu-Yasha, and the arrow turned red. Shikara gazed into his eyes and added slyly, "Perhaps you would like me to lead you there."

"Of course," Inu-Yasha whispered softly. "Please be our guide."

Kagome was startled. What was wrong with Inu-Yasha?!? Why wasn't he being more cautious? Shikara seemed so unfriendly and hostile. Perhaps she didn't know where she was going, or maybe she would even lead them into a trap.

But Kagome remained silent, for Shikara's bow was still gripped tightly in her hand.

Shikara gave a light nod to Inu-Yasha, and the five of them continued on through the forest. Kagome, however, was still deep in thought. "Shikara must have some hidden purpose! Something is just not right…"