Fight for my Shadow

Chapter one: So much for Peaceful Existence

The day brought warmth from the sun and a gentle breeze to rustle the grass and the leaves of the trees. Miroku sighed. It was a pleasant day, a calm one, a wonderful reward after so long a tribulation he had endured. Nuraku was dead, finally. This caused him to again look at his right palm, clear of prayer beads and free of the kazannna. He smiled, sighing happily at the thought of it. Two years and the luster of victory had yet to fade, and in those two years he had traded in his lecherous ways for a wife, his beloved Boomerang Butterfly, Sango.

All was well. The group (Inuyasha, Kagome, Sango, Miroku, Shippou, and Kirara) had all remained in Keade's village, living peacefully as Kagome protected the now whole and pure Shikon no Tama. The jewel still brought trouble, but often only foolhardy demons for, apparently, word have spread of the great "Protectors of the Jewel". The name was laughable, Miroku hardly thought himself as that, for it was really Inuyasha who commenced in all the battles.

This caused the monk to think of the hanyou. Over the past two years, and quite frankly the year of traveling together before that, had caused Inuyasha to drastically change. In a way, he had matured, and become more open. Though he still rarely admitted it, he cared for more people now than he ever did. Because of Kagome, though, she had done wonders with her compassionate ways.

He now smiled and laughed, was snide with several comments though rarely meant them, and was indeed a steady, thought still headstrong and rebellious, young man/demon, hanyou, whatever his title was. He had gained respect within the village, and was treated as one of their own. That too was a great influence on Inuyasha's changes; he finally had a place, besides Kagome's arms, where he was accepted and respected.

Miroku made his way to the river, intent on his morning meditation. He walked down the path, looking up at the sky and its clear azure expansion. He reveled in its massive size and beauty, not a cloud to tarnish it. Today was indeed a good day, a blessing from God, he was so bold to conclude upon.

Miroku arrived at the river, watching the sparkling waters travel swiftly down to the pools and other streams, but he only stayed there, taking his spot atop a rock. Crossing his legs and folding his arms in his wide sleeve, he closed his eyes, sword loosely in one hand as it rested against his shoulder.

And then, Miroku heard a slight patting sound, like leather falling on the stone floor. His eyes snapped open, and he braced himself.

Miroku slowly rose and turned, hand gripping his staff. There, on a large boulder jutting from the rapids stood a young demon in the form of a human. His black-purple hued hair was pulled up into a cropped ponytail. He was wearing blue hammer pants held to his waist with a broad black belt. He had two wide swords sheathed in scabbards on his sides, their handles holding black onyx crystals in their hilts. He wore a blue vest, but instead of the vest being buttoned up it exposed white bandages that were wrapped around the demon's torso in criss-cross fashions. The young demon's eyes were sapphire blue with flecks of gold.

Miroku could vaguely place the eyes, the ears, the general facial structure of the demon, and he quickly came to a conclusion; "Sesshomaru," he said through gritted teeth, barely a whisper.

"No," the demon replied solemnly; "Tamasine. Sesshomaru's son," he inclined his head respectfully, and then said; "You must be the monk, Miroku."

"I am," Miroku said warily; "What business have you here?"

"It regards the Shikon Jewel," Tamasine replied; "I am in need of it."

"I am sorry, but the Jewel is not up for negotiation," Miroku said, back-jumping off of the rock and onto the land, eyes never breaking contact with the demon's.

"Understandable," Tamasine said; "I wish to speak with my uncle then. Is he here, in this village?"

"Perhaps," Miroku said reticently; "Why?"

"Well, I know he his here, anyway," Tamasine said; "I was merely trying to be respectful of your home, but, since you are being rather discourteous, I shall just have to take it by my own initiative," he smirked; "It was a pleasure meeting you, monk."

Miroku watched as Tamasine jumped from the rock, and midair he faded in a blur, so great was his speed.

Miroku immediately broke form his stupor, and turned at a run to reach the village. As he did, he yelled at the top of his lungs; "INUYASHA!!!! DEMON!!!!"

Though, in the back of his mind, he knew that by now, Inuyasha knew of his supposed nephew's presence.

At first, Inuyasha heard Miroku's yell, but just as quickly he smelt a scent like his brother's. Automatically he growled, drew Tetsusaiga, an left his spot at his large hut. Kagome ran out, having heard him growl, but before she could ask, she knew.

Tamasine was walking under the shrine entrance, regal and his gate demanding the respect he was due. His face was set as if in grim determination, as if he were dreading what was to come. A meeting he did not want to happen under circumstances and tensions he knew would be evident.

Inuyasha stopped a mere twenty feet from Tamasine, Tetsusaiga held out and gleaming in the dawn. Tamasine's left hand was at the hilt of his right sword, his eyes narrowing.

"Inuyasha," he spoke, voice resonating around the shrine.

Kagome stood at the top of the steps, a case Inuyasha had jumped without a second thought, holding to one of the giant red posts as she watched with a mixture of anxiety and worry, her one hand clutching the Jewel that hung from a thing chain around her neck. The demon was an almost exact replica of Sesshomaru, it shocked her. Save for the obvious difference, hair, eyes, clothing and height, that is who he was.

"What do you want, baka?" Inuyasha ground out, fangs bared as he glared at Tamasine.

"Uncle," Tamasine said, voice still that of power, yet lacking volume. His hand fell from the sword hilt as he said; "I request your assistance."

"Yeah, right, you expect me to believe that," Inuyasha scoffed, rolling his eyes.

Kagome turned, and in a flash had gotten her bow and arrows. She returned, seeing that the two apparent relatives were locked in a heated staring contest.

"I speak the truth, Uncle," Tamasine said; "I am not so proud to ask when help is needed most."

"What's your name, kid?" Inuyasha asked, lowering Tetsusaiga slightly as he eyed the demon.

"Tamasine," Tamasine replied; "And I come for the Jewel," he repeated for the second time that day. And I will have it, he thought.

TBC

maybe....

A/N: so tell me how it was...please... I know it's short, but this is just a try-me-out fic. It's also my first Inuyasha, so be nice.