A Trap

"Inuyasha stop!" He'd been running at top speed, following Naraku's scent but Kagome had a thought.

"Huh, why? The scent is just ahead and I don't want to lose it!"

"Wait, listen to me. I think we're being led. You say the scent is close but shouldn't we have seen a sign of him, something by now? Not once have you lost the scent, it's always just ahead of us. I think a trap has been set for us."

Inuyasha thought on her words for a few minutes and let her slide down to the ground. Kagome had a point, if it was Naraku, he would have shown himself in some way so he could taunt them. Looking around there was nothing, not even any of his damn insects and yet Naraku's scent was still there.

Voice shaking, Shippo clung to Kagome's ankle. "See anything Inuyasha?"

"Well, it seems your woman is the smart one for she has figured out my plan."

They all jumped, as the voice seemed to come from nowhere. One thing they did know, it wasn't Naraku speaking. Inuyasha gripped the tetsusaiga and moved closer to Kagome so no attack would come near her.

"Damn it, quit playing games. Since you have Naraku's scent and sound nothing like that arrogant bastard, you must be one of his incarnations. Quit hiding and show yourself!"

"Hmph, such impatience but very well, I'll come out." There was movement in the trees then something dropped to the ground before them.

The incarnation was a handsome demon with long dark hair. He was dressed in purple and white with armor over his chest and a sword at his hip. He was ready for a fight.

"My name is Kuromaru and I've been sent here to kill you." He smiled pleasantly as if he'd said good morning instead of threatening them.

"Man, he's creepy." Shippo shivered as he watched Kuromaru.

"First I will dispatch you Inuyasha then there will be no one to stop me from getting the jewel shards from the girl."

"Hey, what about me? I'll protect you Kagome." Shippo raised a fist and shook it.

"Thanks Shippo but I'm no weakling either Kuromaru. You won't get these shards without a fight. I'm sure Inuyasha will take care of you in short order anyway so you should just give up now!"

"Oh, ho, she has such confidence in you Inuyasha. Too bad it will prove to be false." His voice and demeanor became threatening.

"Quit your yakking and let's get started."

"As you wish." Kuromaru bowed politely and then moved so quickly it was as if he disappeared.

The next thing Inuyasha knew he'd taken a kick to his stomach and flew back several feet. He staggered to his feet clutching his stomach and again he was hit. This time it was a punch to the face.

Kagome winced and called out, "Are you all right?"

"Fine." He growled looking around for Kuromaru.

Shippo was also looking around then asked, "How's he supposed to fight him when he moves so fast? This doesn't look good."

"No this isn't good at all." Kagome wanted to help but didn't want to get in Inuyasha's way. "I wish Sango and Miroku were here."

"Oh, they will be here shortly and you can watch them die too." Kuromaru appeared behind her and caught Kagome's hair in his fist.

Hearing Kagome scream in pain made Shippo take action. "Fox Fire!" He sent the fire at Kuromaru's face. Not expecting the attack from the little fox demon, Kuromaru gasped in surprise and let Kagome go.

Kuromaru looked around for Shippo, "You'll pay for …" Kuromaru fell back when Inuyasha's fist connected with his jaw.

"Got 'cha you bastard." Inuyasha pulled Kagome behind him and moved away from the enemy. "You okay?" He wanted to look at her but didn't dare take his eyes off Kuromaru.

"Yeah, I'll be fine, thanks to Shippo.

Inuyasha spared Shippo a smile, "Good work Shippo." He shifted his attention back to Kuromaru, "All right let's get this over with Kuromaru."