Chapter 3: A new foe
"Kagome," whispered Inu Yasha late one night. The young girl stirred and looked at him.
"What is it Inu Yasha," she yawned.
"We need to talk. Now."
"Okay, Okay." They headed a little ways in to the woods where they were sure not to be disturbed. It was a beautiful night and the running water of the river mixed with the wind in the trees to form an intoxicating lullabye. The stars and moon illuminated the area as the two sat.
Inu Yasha started at her. How beautiful she looked at that moment. For a moment he lost himself in the serenity of the moment. Kagome's voice brought him back to reality.
"Okay, Inu Yasha. You dragged me out here in the middle of the night. What is going on?"
"Look, it's about Sandi; she shouldn't be here. I mean its one thing for you to be here. We need you to help find the shards. Sandi, on the other hand is just a human in the wrong era. Not to mention country."
"Oh, so the only reason you tolerate me is so you can find those stupid shards, huh?"
Inu Yasha glared at her. "Look, I really don't feel like arguing with you for once."
"What harm is it doing to let her tag along? And she did help us earlier today as you recall."
"Feh."
"If that's all, I'd like to get back to sleep."
"hmph, fine by me. But I would like to know how you're going to explain to this girl's family if something bad should happen while she's here."
Kagome bit her lip. That was something she had not considered. Thankfully, she didn't have time to answer. A loud scream echoed from the camp site, sending Kagome and Inuyasha flying back.
"Hiraikotsu!" The large boomerang bounced off the new hebi youkai barely leaving a scratch. Miroku was standing back with Sandi and Shippou. It didn't take too long to realize why he wasn't using his wind tunnel. The bee-like creatures were every where.
"Naraku," said Inu Yasha and Kagome simultaneously.
Kagome aimed one of her arrows directly at the forehead of the hebi knocking out the 2 shards within; it immediately disintegrated. The bee-like creatures gathered up the shards and disappeared into the night sky.
"Are you all okay?" asked Kagome. The all nodded.
"So tell me, Kagome-sama," began Miroku, "where exactly were you and Inu Yasha in the middle of the night anyway?" The two turned beet red. Of course, Miroku's question was immediately followed by a wack to the head from Sango.
"Hoshi-sama! How inappropriate!"
"What? It's a fair question." This comment was meant by a series of feminine growls, not to mention the death glare from Inu Yasha.
All was not calm though. A chill went up Sandi's spine and she began looking around her nervously. Inu Yasha could sense it too. There was some one else there. None too friendly either.
"Hey monk, you sense something?"
"That's strange. This presence wasn't here a minute ago. It's stronger this time too. Much stronger."
Sango gripped Hiraikotsu, ready to fight at any moment. Shippou bared his little fox teeth and stood near Kagome who had her hand ready on an arrow. Miroku and Inu Yasha walked towards the woods; towards the presence. Sandi stood back and observed the group in action. She would not interfere unless the need presented itself.
"Kagome, can you sense any shards?" asked Inu Yasha.
"I think there's one. Maybe two."
"Shit," he continued, "the scent's getting stronger. Whatever it is, it's hurrying over here!"
Then, it appeared; a bird youkai. She was in a human guise and was tall and slender. She had long, robin-blue hair and nails like talons. Her outfit was silvery and it shimmered in the early morning moonlight. A small, but deep, laughter began to emit from her body. It was clear that she intended to fight.
"Hmm, I see you took care of those worthless youkai Naraku sent your way. Pity, I hoped they'd put up more of a fight. Especially with those shards embedded in them. Oh well, it appears I shall have to fight you myself."
The group braced themselves for whatever would come next.