Inuyasha sniffed the air as the group lay around the fire in the woods.
"I don't like how the wind's blowing tonight…" he commented darkly.
Miroku looked around. "I agree. It's very foreboding. We should be on our guard this evening."
Kagome sighed. "It's not like we're ever really safe around here. Everywhere we turn, there's another demon or monster waiting to attack us. I'm surprised we ever get a chance to rest in-between fights!"
Sango gave Kagome a surprised expression. "Kagome, are you worried?"
"Not really. I expect we'll run into something sooner or later, but I would like to get a decent amount of rest for once!"
Sango nodded. "I understand. I'm sure the rest of us do, too. But as I stated before we settled down, you might recall, I have to go back to my village for my monthly mourning. I shall see you all one week from tonight."
Kagome nodded. "But, if there's no priest or anyone else there, how can you perform your ritual?"
"It's done by oneself. It's three days of fasting and meditation, one of praying, and one of hunting. I'll be travelling one day in each direction. One week." Sango proclaimed each day's actions with an air of apprehension.
Kagome and Shippou nodded. "Well then, have a safe journey!" the young fox child wished.
Inuyasha sat, staring upwards.
"Something the matter, Inuyasha?" Miroku asked.
"A demon…I can smell it. It's strong, and headed this way." He stood, readying himself.
Miroku joined him, and Sango lifted her boomerang bone.
Kagome sighed and stood. The trees began to whip around them.
"Naraku…!" Inuyasha called the horror's name to the wind as the aforesaid demon appeared over the line of trees.
"Inuyasha, how pleasant to see you here. I had hoped you'd have the entire group with you, and amazement of amazements, my luck holds true!" Naraku spoke evilly to the grimacing companions below.
"What do you want this time, Naraku?!" Miroku demanded above the roar of the wind.
"What I always want, monk. The Shikon Jewel and the Tetsusaiga. Prepare to face Death!" With that, he dove.
Slashing at Inuyasha and Miroku, Naraku did not appear to notice as Sango ran behind him. She slammed her giant boomerang into his back and Naraku let out a cry of pain.
"Miroku!" Kagome cried. "Use the Wind Tunnel! His insects aren't anywhere near here! I can feel it!"
Miroku nodded and unwrapped his right hand. The powerful wind took hold and started dragging Naraku within. A flailing tentacle of wooden roots lashed out from the frightened demon and attached itself to the Tetsusaiga, which Inuyasha wielded.
Miroku steadied himself for the final intake, and Naraku spoke out, already halfway consumed into the void.
"Hear me, foolish weaklings! Beyond this world I see the future! Through this hand, I shall be flung forth over five centuries and, although I shall arrive weak, unlike so many others who have never survived this tunnel, I shall arrive!
"Therein lies your doom, Inuyasha! The reincarnation of my greatest foe lies in wait, and I shall take hold of her and use her to your destruction!"