Disclaimer: I, the writer, have no connection with the creator of the Inu- Yasha series (Rumiko Takahasi), the series itself, Viz, or anyone at all officially associated with the anime and/or manga. Nor do I claim any of these characters or the plot line for my own.

Author's Note: Sorry there isn't much action! Most stories begin with an exposition anyhow. Well, this is it. Deal with it, because it'll get better. ^^

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"He cannot be trusted, Kikyou."

"Have we not known this for quite some time, Naraku?" The beautiful woman gazed emotionless at her ally, her partner in crime, sitting with his back crooked in his chair. He was staring in a most unflattering way. His anger did his already unappealing features no justice.

"We already know that he has his own plans in store for Inu-Yasha. But what about the Shikon Jewel? What if he has his own--"

"Naraku." Her chilly voice silenced him. He looked over. Her silky skin and flowing hair, slightly moved by the breeze within the castle, was like her personality: icy. She was so cold and angry that even her beautiful appearance was inhibiting. "His hatred for Inu-Yasha is different from your own and mine. It is a hatred over blood and family ties, not the shard nor the girl. I highly doubt, Naraku, that he has any plans of his own for the sacred jewel."

Naraku nodded and stared again into the dark. It was warm in feudal Japan on this October night. There were hardly any sounds, save for perhaps an insect or two or the sounds of moving leaves in the slight breeze. He was unsure of what to do, but he would never grant Kikyou the satisfaction of knowing that. They had two things in common: hatred for Inu-Yasha and hatred for the girl who tagged along so insistently.

Kikyou knew now that it was he who had deceived both Kikyo and Inu-Yasha, but his insistence on collecting the shards and his companionship to her descendant and the keeper of most of her soul cemented her angry, distrust, and malevolence towards him. For Naraku, it was merely the shards. And his strength. One day, assuming he could even make it far enough to reach Naraku, it was possible that Inu-Yasha would win in combat. Incarnation after incarnation was defeated. How many would he go through before his patience, which was scarce anyhow, waned enough that Inu-Yasha could find and destroy him on rage alone?

But the girl was another matter altogether. Kikyou's hatred bore from a jealousy she refused to admit. She must have retained some feelings for Inu- Yasha, for had she let go of them altogether she wouldn't give a damn what girl he decided to spend his time with. But she did. Perhaps it was more of "if I can't have him, no one can" than anything else. Or the principle of the matter. Maybe it was simply she couldn't stand to see him happy.

This descendant, the holder of Kikyou's soul, was every bit as strong as the priestess herself. Her powers were carried on between the eras. Her archery was excellent, it made the target nine times out of ten and usually purified whatever monster it hit. If the demon was evil, it was destroyed. She was a worthy opponent herself, and less conspicuous, too. But there was another thing - Inu-Yasha fought better in her presence. As if the fear of her in danger made him stronger, a better fighter. This was another worry Naraku didn't need.

"Sessomaru has not defeated Inu-Yasha yet, though he has had many chances to do so," Naraku said at last, after Kikyou was sure he was not going to speak again.

"You do not know his motives. Or his strength as a pure demon. You may see whatever you wish, but you cannot see within their hearts or minds."

"Be that as it may, I want proof of Sessomaru's loyalty."

"He is allied with no one, Naraku. Any move of the sort would gain you an enemy."

"I want proof of Sessomaru's loyalty," he merely repeated.

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"Jaken, fix the mortal some food. I do not wish to hear her complaints," came the quiet, deep voice of Sessomaru from the river where he drank. Jaken walked around, mumbling his complaints to himself. He sighed, feeling slightly remorseful. It was nice to have some companionship other than his master. She added light with her happy and gentle spirit to what would be a dangerous and desolate existence.

Jaken shoved a stick through the each of the two fish he'd caught. One for him, one for her. He'd returned from a mission today, and he was tired. He'd feel much better after fried fish, however, and roasted them over the dancing flames.

"Rin!" he called. "RIN! Where are you?"

"BOO!"

Jaken screamed and fell over, barely catching their fish. He'd thrown them into the air in surprise. He placed them both, ready to eat, on leaves and swiveled around to face the one who'd scared him so.

"What was the meaning of that?" he demanded of Rin, who's bright eyes were smiling in triumph at scaring Jaken senseless.

"I wanted to surprise you. Mmm! It smells delicious!" she said happily, picking up her fish. "Thank you Jaken!"

Jaken merely nodded, but was happy. It was good to serve someone who was openly grateful for his efforts. Not that he wasn't happy to serve Lord Sessomaru.

Their meal was interrupted by a loud growl. They looked at each other, in confusion and fear. What demon could be nearby that would pose as a threat? Usually, they were not bothered by such trivial matters, but Lord Sessomaru was not with them. They were rendered completely defenseless.

They dropped the remains of their dinner on the ground, just a few bones anyhow, and ran to the location of the noise. To their surprise, they found Lord Sessomaru and not some strange demon as they had expected.

They were just in time to see the finale. Lord Sessomaru's claws swiftly ripped through the head of a baboon fur draped over the frame of a man. It sank slowly to the ground, empty of anyone. In the air, a familiar sight, was Naraku.

"I do not intend to be the strings behind some puppet, Naraku. I will do as I choose. If your alliance benefits my cause, then I shall accompany you on your quest. But I will not be treated as a mere servant. Are we at an understanding, or must I make it anymore clear for you?" His claws were back in the air, but his voice, like always, was calm and menacing.

"You'd be wise to hold your tongue, Sesshomaru."

"I have no need for any shards, Naraku. Nor will I succumb to any method of control you're attempting to pull."

"Have it your way. Expect me to call on you soon." Naraku was gone.

"Lord Sessomaru! What happened!" It was a statement, not a question. Bold and brave, but spoken by a visibly frightened little girl. She was trembling in the warm autumn air.

"Calm yourself, Rin." She did so. "He offered me what remained of the jewel only if I used it to defeat my brother. It was a trick he'd played before. It was not the real thing, so not only would I be in his control I would suffer later. It was a cheap shot, and I do not care at all for being treated as the other lowly demons he chooses to control."

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Naraku was angry. Very angry. He paced, muttering and sputtering angry words and insults at Sesshomaru, who was no longer present. Kikyou sighed in aggravation.

"Naraku."

"What is it, woman?"

"I have an idea."

"Say it quickly. I have no time for useless schemes."

"What were you planning on doing with your time instead? More incarnations that will not work or cursing Sessomaru's mistrust?" Naraku glared at her with anger. She was not fazed. "The only two able to go through the well are Kagome and Inu-Yasha. For the time being, Kagome is safe in her own time. She is a threat to us. She is my reincarnation, so my spiritual abilities were passed along to her. The affection Inu-Yasha carries for her makes him stronger in battle. She is strong, brave, and quick-witted. Eliminating her would eliminate, at the very least, some of our problems. As well as make Inu-Yasha weaker." Her voice was now tinted with jealousy. "Without her, he is less of a challenge in combat. He no longer has her there to protect."

"Make your point, Kikyou."

"She and Inu-Yasha are able to pass through the well. Kagome and I share the same soul, so I believe it may be possible to pass through the well myself. We are different, but bonded in that way."

Naraku could only stare at her for a moment. Her face was still emotionless and cold. But behind that icy mask was a brilliant mind. This was quite an idea.

"I suppose you require the Sacred Jewel?"

"Just a single shard will do."

"I see. See that you do not fail me, Kikyou."

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Author's Note: Another chapter complete! *claps*