"A rose is but a rose. A thorn is but a thorn. Inuyasha, you will soon learn the meaning of these words," whispered Kano. He took up a nearby hand bell and rang it a few times. Soon, a young girl who appeared to be the age of ten arrived.

"Yes, my lord?"

"Anzu, go fetch me a bowl of water," commanded the man, as he turned around to face her. "And, don't dawdle. I need everything quickly."

"Yes, my lord." After a bow, the little girl left to do her master's bidding.

Turning around to an ancient painting of an old village man, Kano murmured, "I will soon avenge you, father. The time has finally arrived."

-

"Inuyasha! Where is that stupid jerk!" Kagome muttered. She stomped out onto a grass field, searching for her half-demon friend.

"Kagome-chan, perhaps Inuyasha has tracked down the scent of Naraku," Sango said. She scanned her nearby surroundings, trying to catch any glimpse of Inuyasha.

"No, it can't be. Inuyasha would've told us. He's always told us if it has been Naraku," Kagome replied. It must be Kikyou! Only he would secretly run off to see her. Inuyasha still can't forget about her, can he? Kagome's worry for Inuyasha instantly turned to anger. Fine, let him be with his Kikyou. I don't care anymore. I don't care if he returns! "Wait, you know what? I think if Inuyasha wants to come back, he'll come back. So, let's just find a place to rest for the night."

"But," Sango began, but Miroku quickly shushed her.

"Look at Kagome-sama. Most likely, Inuyasha is with Kikyou right now," Miroku whispered. In a louder voice, he said, "Yes, let us. I've heard of a nearby village that needs an exorcism. Shall we go there?"

"Oh, are you going to perform your fake exorcism again?" Shippou asked innocently.

"Ha-ha, Shippou, it's not a fake exorcism. To perform a fraud is wrong, and so it is against my religion," Miroku said modestly.

What religion does he practice? Sango thought. But, she followed with the other three as they moved along to the village.

-

The smell of lilies and flowers were becoming stronger and stronger as Inuyasha moved towards the mountains. He could feel the person with whom this fragance belonged to. He remembered the kind embraces this person had given him. He remembered when she had stayed by his side when he was sick. He remembered who she was.

But, it can't be. Inuyasha thought. Why would she be here? She's gone. It can't be her.

Inuyasha quickened his pace as he sped towards the mountain. A thick mist was beginning to shroud the peak and ominous clouds started to bunch together. A light rain started drizzling down onto the ground, soaking through Inuyasha's clothes. Still, Inuyasha pushed on. Feh. I'm not going to be stopped by water.

Ah...the second chapter. Yeah...a little short, too, I know. But, the third chapter is going to be longer :D I just can't really think of anything so I'm writing down anything I think of. Review please!