Disclaimer: You know I don't own Inuyasha. I know I don't own Inuyasha. Now on with the story!
Chapter 8: Finding You
There was no problem as Inuyasha and his companions crossed the land between their campsite and the castle. Even more surprising was there was no one to stop them as the entered the castle.
Inuyasha stopped and smelled for any scent that he knew. Picking up on a faint vanilla scent, he raced down a hallway.
The place was a maze, but Inuyasha was zooming through it as if it didn't matter. It was all Miroku and Sango could do to keep up with the hanyou boy. Without their training the miasma would have killed them. At one point Inuyasha thought that Kagome was trying to call out to him, but pushed it aside as her and Nekoyasha's smell grew stronger.
xxxxx
"Wow, that's so swee-" Kagome stiffened. A smile started to cross her features. "I sense jewel shards." She turned to the cat. "We have company."
The miko relaxed herself and tried to call out to Inuyasha that he was on the right path. She could only hope he got the message. She believed that he had as she felt the "clean" jewel shards coming closer.
The door across the hall opened and in charged Inuyasha.
Just like a knight in shining armor! Kagome thought.
"Kagome!" he shouted and started to head in their direction.
As he was halfway across the room, a surge of miasma invaded the space.
When it settled, Naraku was standing there with Kagura, Kanna, and Kohaku by his side. They were just between Inuyasha and the girls.
"I'm surprised that you found them so quickly, Inuyasha. Perhaps I should have made it harder," Naraku commented.
"Let them go!" Inuyasha growled.
Naraku laughed. "That would be too easy. Besides, I have a proposition for you."
Inuyasha didn't like the sound of that.
xxxxx
He had left as soon as he had the news. The southern healer and the half-breed's miko were being held hostage by that insidious Naraku. He did not want to even think about what shape-shifter had mind for those two.
He moved quickly and deftly across the land. He had long since left that whimpering little toad behind, but for some reason had not left his other companion. He knew it was stupid to bring her along, but at least she did not complain. He would figure out what to do with her when he reached Naraku's castle.
xxxxx
Shippo huddled in the thicket. He hoped that everyone was alright. He stiffened as he heard someone approach. The footsteps slowed. Shippo smelled the air. It was a familiar scent but not one that Shippo thought he should alert. The kit tried to quiet his racing heart as the steps stopped.
The man stopped. In front of him lay Naraku's castle. Now was decision time. What was he going to do with his traveling companion? His gaze rested on a thicket. There was something off about it. He sniffed. At least she would not be alone.
He pushed aside some of the branches. There next to a large yellow bag a red kit looked up at him.
Shippo was nervous as the gazed up at the demon lord. He was not sure what the dog would do to him.
The silver haired demon put a human girl next to Shippo. She smiled at him.
"Shippo!" she exclaimed as she threw her arms around him.
Shippo hugged her back. "Hello, Rin." He looked back up at he demon lord. "They already went in. Naraku has Nekoyasha and Kagome."
The demon lord nodded. "I am going for my cousin. I leave Rin under your protection. Make sure no harm comes to her."
Shippo gulped and nodded. The demon lord spun on his heel and walked toward the castle.
At least now Shippo had company and a job to do. Rin's big dark eyes had a little bit of fear in them.
"Is Sesshomaru-sama going to be alright?"
Shippo looked to the castle. "I hope so. I hope that everything goes well."
xxxxx
A/N: I know I said that the jewel shards are in the backpack with Shippo. Well, the ones that Kagome collected are. I am operating under the fact that Miroku is still in possession of a few shards. It is his shards that Kagome feels.
Nekoyasha: Excuse me? Can you get me and Kagome down yet. Our arms are getting tired.
Kagome: Not to mention this miasma is starting to burn.
Inuyasha: Yeah let them down now!
Catleana: ::sighes:: I can't do that now. Other things must happen first.
Nekoyasha: Be afraid when she says that! She has an evil scheme in mind. Run Inuayasha, while you still have a chance!
Inuyasha: What about you?
Nekoyasha: I don't have a choice. I live in her head. She's evil…
Catleana: I am not! C'mon… it's not like I am going to kill him…
Everyone: WHAT?!
Catleana: Huh? I didn't say anything.
Inuyasha: I'm not sure I like this anymore.
Nekoyasha: Join the club.
Catleana sighs and wanders away to find more fanfiction…