…………………………………………The Figure in the Darkness………………………………………..

Inu- Ki.. Kikyo? (Inuyasha was obviously shocked and surprised.)

Kik- Yes, it is me Inuyasha.

Inu- My beloved Kikio! (Inuyasha lunged to hug Kikyo, and she seemed to welcome it, that is until she yanked the jewel shard he was carrying from around his neck.)

You trader! I should have known.

Kag- (Kagome knew that something was wrong, but she couldn't tell what it was. But she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that this person, whom ever it may be, was not Kikyo.)

Inuyasha, she isn't who you think she is Inuyasha! Don't let her fool you!

Kik- Oh but you don't understand foolish little girl, I already have! For now I have the jewel shard, and there is nothing you can do about it! (an evil giggle).

Inu- (Inuyasha taking advantage of the long winded speech flung a claw through the demon's back catching it off guard. The demon let off a loud shriek and collapsed. Then transformed into its true form, and there in front of the duo lay the most hideous demon they had ever seen. It looked as though it had no means of defense, no claws, no fangs, not even a weapon, just a hideous gray blob.

Just a simple shape shifter I suppose.

Kag- But they usually can't talk, or look exactly like their target unless… aha! 2 jewel shards, plus the one it took from you, and I have three, so that gives us 6. We're making progress don't you think?

Inu- Oh yeah, great progress, especially considering the fact that there are hundreds, or possibly thousands of shards and we have six.

Kag- You could try to be a little more optimistic yaknow.

Inu- I'M IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WOODS WITH AN INJURED GIRL WHO WON'T STOP PESTERING ME, LOOKING FOR PIECES OF SOMETHING SHE BROKE. AND YOU WANT ME TO BE OPTIMISTIC. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!

Kag- well, aren't you being touchy.

Inu- (Inuyasha says in an obviously hurt voice) I am not being touchy!

Kag- Oh I see, its Kikyo. You got your hopes up again didn't you. I'm sorry Inuyasha, but she is never gonna come back.

Inu- This has nothing to do with her. Come on, let's go.

Kag- "I didn't realize he still had such feelings for her. I should try to make him feel better. Even if he is being a jerk."

Inuyasha you can tell me if something is wrong.

Inu- would you just drop it! Nothing is wrong!

Kag- (sigh)