As Timmain walked through the forest she thought about how foolish she was acting. She didn't want to leave Sesshomaru and Rin but yet she had and she regretted making such a rash decision, especially if Gulden decided not to face her alone but with Naraku. She knew she could handle Gulden but not the two demons together. Not if one of the demons had an almost complete Shikon jewel. She began to doubt her strength, something she had never done before, and she wondered if it had something to do with the feeling of attachment she had to Rin and Sesshomaru.
It had taken her awhile to accept her feelings for Sesshomaru but she finally did accept them. But she didn't know why she feared for her life more so now than she ever did. As she thought about it more, she figured it had to do with the fact that she had been given a second chance and she now was able to see that there was something to live for. A family. She never had much regard for her own life as a Maraigh. That was her job, to protect those who were weaker than her and if that meant sacrificing herself than so be it. That was before her family had been killed by Gulden. She hadn't realized it at the time but she had desperately wanted a family again and when she had been killed by Gulden, she was almost happy about it, knowing she could not stand living without one.
Yet, somehow, Rin and Sesshomaru had filled that empty void in an odd way, and Timmain felt whole again. But her natural instincts that had been trained to despise and kill demons had kept her from realizing it right away. And now her heart had finally overcome her instincts and she wanted to go back more than ever. But she knew she couldn't. Her pride wouldn't let her and the satisfaction of revenge against Gulden was too strong. Whatever is to happen, will happen, Timmain thought to herself sadly. I made my decision.
She pulled her drifting thoughts back to focus on where she was. She could feel the power of the Shikon jewel shards was stronger and she knew she was close to Inu Yasha's camp. As she approached she wondered how she would bring up the subject of Gulden and Naraku and hoped they would also see that she came in peace. She knew that her appearance was intimidating at times and she was glad she had been forced to clean up. She saw the glow of a fire within the trees and soon heard voices.
"What's wrong, Inu Yasha?" Timmain heard, as she got closer slowing down a bit.
"It's that bastard and he has a friend." She heard next.
"What do you mean?" Another voice said.
"Wait, everyone be quiet," and everyone did as they were ordered.
Timmain knew that Inu Yasha could sense Sesshomaru and she thought he must be a little confused that scent also contained that of a human. So not to alarm them any further Timmain spoke up.
"Do not fear me, I come in peace," she assured as she approached the clearing where Inu Yasha and the others had made camp.
"Who are you?" Inu Yasha questioned suspiciously, as she stepped into the glow of the fire.
Immediately Timmain was able to recognize who Inu Yasha was and it was not the fact that he was standing up with his hand upon his sword hilt. It was the silver hair and golden eyes and Timmain thought that the two brothers must hate the fact that they look so much alike. But that was where the similarities ended. Where Sesshomaru gave the air of a noble powerful Lord, Inu Yasha gave the impression of an impulsive, immature youth.
"I am a lone traveler who would like to share your fire for a bit. My name is Timmain." She stopped a few feet before the fire and felt all eyes upon her. Even though the rest of the group was seated, Timmain knew she was taller then all of them and she could tell that they were more in awe of her height and beauty. She hated those kinds of looks and now cursed Sesshomaru for making her wash up.
"You look like an American model," a young girl said breaking the silence. All eyes looked at the young girl wondering what she meant.
"What are you babbling about, Kagome?" Inu Yasha asked a little exasperated rolling his eyes at her.
"Oh nothing," the young girl, Kagome, said waving her hands in front of her. "Just forget I said anything," she added glowing red with embarrassment.
"May I sit?" Timmain suddenly wanting to get this visit over with so she could continue with her journey.
"No, not until you explain why you have Sesshomaru's scent all over you," Inu Yasha growled.
"Inu Yasha, don't be so rude. She's a Maraigh, she should be treated with respect."
All heads now turned to look at another girl, dressed in a plain kimono, who had just spoken.
"She's a what?" Inu Yasha questioned just as Timmain said, "How do you know about me?"
"What's a Maraigh, Sango?" A small fox demon seated beside the girl asked.
"She's a demon slayer, one born to kill demons. The rune on your hand is the symbol that denotes your position and you are born with it," Sango explained in awe and it was not because of Timmain's appearance this time.
"How do you know of us?" Timmain asked curious that one so far away would know that much about the Maraigh.
"I come from a village of demon slayers, we were taught to recognize other slayers. It is said Maraigh's have the ability to heal from any wound, is that true?" Sango asked excitedly.
"If she's a demon slayer than why was she with Sesshomaru?" Inu Yasha asked impudently before Timmain could answer Sango. But it seemed the others of the group were not so concerned about Sesshomaru as Inu Yasha was.
"Can you really?" The little fox demon asked looking to Timmain in wide-eyed wonder.
"That's amazing," a young man, dressed as a monk whistled. "Will you..." but Sango cut him off.
"Don't even ask monk," she growled with murder in her eyes.
"So where are you from?" Kagome asked.
"Inverness, but I protect all of the British Isles," Timmain managed to answer before being asked another question.
"So can you really heal from any wound?" Shippo asked again.
"Yes," Timmain asked starting to not like being interrogated so much.
"Let's see," Shippo exclaimed excitedly.
"Shippo, you want her to hurt herself on purpose just to see?" Kagome asked exasperated.
"Hey! Is everyone forgetting that she was with Sesshomaru?" Inu Yasha cried out over all the talking, silencing everyone.
"Gee Inu Yasha, calm down," Shippo muttered under his breath.
"Shut up, Shippo," Inu Yasha yelled then turned to Timmain. "Well..."
"I just left Sesshomaru and his companions," Timmain answered.
"What were you doing with Sesshomaru in the first place?" Inu Yasha demanded.
"That's my business. I didn't come here to be interrogated by you, Inu Yasha I came for information. I seek a demon called Gulden, who may be traveling with Naraku, a demon Sesshomaru says you all seek as well. I came to ask if you know anything of the whereabouts of Naraku or if you've heard of Gulden."
"Humph, you don't just walk in uninvited and to get information, especially if you carry the scent of that bastard," Inu Yasha retorted.
"Inu Yasha, relax," Kagome said coming to Timmain's defense.
"Look, if she's such a great demon slayer, then why didn't she kill Sesshomaru?" Inu Yasha asked a little annoyed than nobody else seemed to care about such a detail.
"I told you, that is my business," Timmain said again. "You're very stubborn, just like your brother." Timmain smiled evilly, knowing Inu Yasha wouldn't like being compared to Sesshomaru.
"Don't compare me to that jerk!" Inu Yasha yelled in anger just as Timmain knew he would. She stood watching him seethe with anger with a smirk on her face.
"Oh, Inu Yasha, she's only teasing you, why don't you..." Kagome soothed but before she could finish Inu Yasha interrupted.
"Don't say it! I'm sitting," he declared and sat down in a huff.
Then turning to Timmain Kagome told her, "I'm sorry but we haven't had any news on Naraku's whereabouts and we haven't heard of a demon called Gulden."
Timmain, disappointed, thanked them and began to take her leave.
"You're leaving so soon?" Sango asked wanting to know more about the secrets of the Maraigh.
"Yes," Timmain replied, "I do not wish to intrude any further and must continue my search."
"Good riddance," Inu Yasha muttered under his breath still upset about Timmain comparing him to Sesshomaru.
"Inu Yasha, why don't you walk with me a bit? There is something I wish to speak to you about," Timmain said looking back at Inu Yasha before leaving the camp.