Author's Note: Nothing really to report, just enjoy chapter 12 and thanks for all the reviews!

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to or affiliated with Inuyasha, however this particular story is M-I-N-E! :)

Danger in Disguise

"You know, I'm surprised we haven't run into Naraku yet." Kagome said curiously, as the group continued to travel down an old dirt road. "I mean, we've got a bunch of shards, so why hasn't he tried to steal them?"

"Your guess is as good as mine Kagome, but I'm going to make that bastard pay for the curse he placed upon my ancestors," growled Miroku.

"As will I, for my village," Sango said evenly.

"You both have mentioned this Naraku before. What was his purpose for attacking you?" asked Sesshomaru.

"Well, many demons have attacked me and my village for the sole reason that we are Midoriko's descendants. My sword once belonged to the priestess, herself."

"Wow, Sango! That's so cool!" Koga piped up. "I can't wait till I'm big enough to get a sword!"

"That may be a while yet, pup. I wouldn't trust you with pointy objects, anyway." Sesshomaru smirked at the angered Koga.

"Hey!"

"Now, now, it is too early in the morning to be arguing. As for your question Sesshomaru, I believe it is because my great-grandfather provoked him. Instead of killing him, Naraku placed a curse upon our family, instead. The youkai is a firm believer in torture," Miroku ground out through gritted teeth.

"Wait a minute Sesshomaru, you don't know Naraku?" Kagome asked surprised.

"Why would I know of him? It was not that long ago that I was released from my fifty year seal."

"But wasn't Naraku the one…never mind."

That's right. He probably doesn't know about the man who killed the Kagome from this world. Should I tell him?

"Hmm?" Sesshomaru raised a questioning brow in her direction.

"Ah, it's nothing. Hey, have you gotten used to your sword yet?"

Skirt the topic. Skirt the topic!

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at her, but answered, "It is a suitable weapon, though I am sure there is more to learn about it." He shot her one last annoyed glance that said "You will not hide anything from me. We will discuss this later," before walking ahead.

Just great, now I have to deal with a moody Sesshomaru. Why does he have to be so perceptive?

xxx

Why is she hiding something from me? Does she not trust me? Will she betray me like…No, that is unlikely. But why lie to me? Was our friendship not established adequately?

Sesshomaru suddenly halted the group and sniffed the air, his ears flattening to his head.

"What's wrong Sesshomaru?" Kikyou asked nervously.

"Something doesn't feel right. I can smell it on the wind. We will proceed with caution."

The group carried on as Sesshomaru stayed alert. He glanced around the area warily but no threat made itself present. They continued over a rise in the road until what looked like an old Ryoukan came into view.

"Do you think the place is haunted?" Kagome asked.

"I am not sure," Sesshomaru replied suspiciously.

"Well we can't exercise any spirits unless there are people to pay us," Miroku pointed out.

"Oh, you and your money grubbing ways," Kikyou sighed.

Suddenly, the door slid open and a young woman wearing an orange checkered Kimono with half pulled up black hair stepped out. She flashed a large grin at the group and said a cheery "Hello!"

Sesshomaru dipped his head in acknowledgement, and the young walked towards them.

"Would you weary travelers care to stay the night in my humble inn?"

"I do not think—"

"That sounds like a marvelous idea!" Miroku suddenly interjected, grabbing the woman's hands. "You have such exquisite beauty! Would you care to bear my—" WHAM! Sango's fist instantly connected with the back of the taijya's head.

"Thank you for your hospitality. Sesshomaru, what do you think?" Sango asked.

Sesshomaru glanced towards Kagome who was looking longingly towards the inn. He finally sighed and relented. "The rest would be appreciated. We will accept your invitation."

"Wonderful! If you women would follow me, I'll show you to your room. My brother will take care of the men." She turned and called, "KOHAKU!" A young boy came running out the door, then stopped in front of the group and bowed. "Be a dear and show these men to a suitable room," the young woman asked.

"Of course, sister." The boy named Kohaku started towards the door, while Sesshomaru and Miroku followed. Sesshomaru glanced back and leveled a disciplinary glare at Koga before calmly saying, "You will come with us pup."

"No way! I wanna stay with—" Sesshomaru picked the boy up by the back of his haori, much to Koga's displeasure, then followed after Miroku. He glanced back towards Kagome who gave him an encouraging thumbs up.

xxx

Kagome giggled at the sight of Sesshomaru hauling poor Koga away, then turned back to the adult version of Rin. At first she was surprised to see both Rin and Kohaku, then thought that the lifestyle suited them.

"Would you women care to try out our hot springs in the back? They are excellent for skin care and relaxation!"

"Oh, that sounds marvelous!" Kikyou said dreamily.

"A bath would be very refreshing," Sango nodded her agreement.

"Count me in!" Kagome clapped her hands together.

Rin led them to the hot springs, where the girls rushed in immediately. Kirara stayed outside and curled up next to the building.

"Please take your time enjoying the water! Oh, if you smell something funny, it is an incense we burn to keep the air clean, so please just ignore it," she said before closing the door and leaving the room.

The women took pleasure in each other's company as they gossiped about different topics while enjoying the spring. Kagome noticed the smell before anyone else, and at first thought to ignore it however, when she looked up she was overwhelmed with a sickening horror. A thick cloud of purple miasma was slowly lowering towards them. Kagome quickly stood up, but was overcome with dizziness.

"Kagome! What's…wrong…" Kikyou slurred slumping over.

"Damn…it's...a…trap…" and Sango was the last to fall.

The door slid open revealing a triumphantly grinning Rin holding an unconscious Kirara.

"Perfect! Everything's going as Naraku planned!" she giggled, throwing the fire cat inside the room, before closing the door with an ominous thud.

Other Author Note: Oops! It's another cliffy!