Disclaimer: Again, I don't own Inuyasha. Sherin is an original character, though, so I guess I own her.

*A kitsune approaches a large stone castle*

Amolani: Looks like someone kicked it out of Europe, and left it here. Poor castle.

*A tortured squawk reaches her ears*

Amolani: Don't worry, Toriki, I coming!!

***********************************************************

Sherin ran through the forest, keeping her bandana on tight. If it fell off, she would turn and fight the army. As a bloodthirsty demon, she could be easily caught. Jaken had mentioned something of this part of the forest. He would never enter it; a powerful priestess and her warrior husband protected it.

Sherin slowed. She could no longer hear their footsteps. She smiled in the dark. No one could keep up with her. She smelled spices nearby.

"Mmm, noodle soup," she whispered. She sniffed again, and turned right.

------------------------------------------------------------

Shippou stood in a small clearing, brandishing a steel katana. He dodged his opponent's sword, swinging at the man. Several strands of black hair fell to the ground.

"I win!" cried Shippou. Both men sheathed their swords.

"Dinner's ready!" called Kagome. Shippou and Inuyasha ran to the small house. A small girl ran out.

"Daddy," she called. "Uncle Shippou!" Shippou swung her onto his back, and Inuyasha ruffled her jet-black hair. They chattered all the way into the house. As they sat down for the evening meal, Shippou stood up.

"A hanyou is approaching," he said. Kagome hushed the three children. Inuyasha nodded and walked outside. Shippou followed close behind, glancing back at the house. Inuyasha drew his sword; Shippou followed suit.

A cloaked figure stepped slowly into the clearing. She removed the hood, black hair flowing down her shoulders. She bowed her head slightly. Black dog-ears twitched above her green bandana.

"I am Sherin," she stated quietly. "I seek shelter from the night." Two swords re-entered their sheaths.

"We welcome you, Sherin," Inuyasha said. "Please, join us for dinner." To Shippou, he muttered, "Keep an eye on her."

"Oh I will," Shippou muttered, eyeing the suspicious brown cloak. She followed Inuyasha inside. "I will."

"So," Kagome began. "Where are you from?"

"North," Sherin replied. Inuyasha stared at her green bandana.

She's hiding something, he thought.

"I'm looking for my father. You wouldn't happen to know where Sesshoumaru lives, would you?" Seeing their uneasy faces and Inuyasha's clenched fists, she added, "He knew my father." Kagome looked uneasily towards Inuyasha.

"He was our worst enemy," Kagome said. "It's been a long time since we've seen him." She lifted a blue bowl from the table, and passed it to Sherin. "More rice?"

Sherin sat outside of the cabin, stargazing. Shippou took a seat next to her. He toyed with his hair for a moment.

"When are you leaving?" he asked. Sherin looked at her bare feet.

"Before the sun rises," she said quietly. She smells familiar, he thought, wishing he had Inuyasha's old sense of smell.

"It's not safe for a woman to be out in the forest alone," Shippou said. "There are demons out there."

"You're a demon." Sherin gave Shippou a confused look. "But you don't act like a demon. You're not selfish and bloodthirsty." Shippou shrugged. His face brightened.

"You're right, I am a demon. I could protect you." Sherin struggled not to laugh. Right, she thought. You could protect me. I don't think so.

"Sure," she said. The fewer who knew about her strength, the better. "I'll wake you before I leave." They sat on the porch for an hour more, gazing at the stars.

Sherin shook Shippou. He shook his head, and blinked his eyes. She bent down, and whispered, "I'm leaving." She stepped out of the cabin, followed by Shippou.

"Which way are we going?" asked Shippou, wiping the sleep from his eyes. Sherin pointed south.

They walked in silence. Shippou fidgeted with his hair.

"So," he began. "Who's your father?"

"You wouldn't trust me if I told you."

"Try me." Shippou grabbed her shoulders gently, and looked into Sherin's green eyes. She struggled to meet his gaze, but failed. Instead, she concentrated on her bare feet.

"Uncle Shippou!" a girl called from the trees. She ran to the kitsune demon, wrapping her arms around his legs. Sherin blushed. Shippou let go of Sherin. He dropped to the child's eye level.

"Keiko," he chided. "You're supposed to be home." Keiko stuck out her bottom lip and pouted. "Mommy and Daddy will be worried." At this, her face brightened.

"They know I'm gone," she said. "I signed your note."

"Okay," Sherin sighed. "You can come." To Shippou, she mocked, "Left a note, huh? Didn't have the heart to say goodbye?" He blushed as she walked away.

"Wait for me!" Shippou and Keiko ran to catch up with her. They walked in silence, except for Keiko who hummed incessantly.

The trees passed. The road all but disappeared. Keiko hugged Shippou's leg as she walked. It grew dark, even though it was noon.

"Kayou," Sherin cursed under her breath. Her hands shot to her bandana. Soldiers stepped out of the trees.

"I'll take care of them," Shippou said. He pushed Keiko away. "Go to Sherin." The teary-eyed girl clung to Sherin's leg.

Shippou drew his katana.

*************************************************************

*A dark laugh echoes in the stone dungeon*

Toriki: Let me go, please. Amolani is not going to save me. She couldn't even find her way to the castle.

Goro: Hush, stupid bird. Goro want jewel. You stay until I get jewel!

Toriki: *groan* This is going to be a long week.