Yea I know, an author's note at the beginning of the chapter. But I just wanted to apologize for this being so late. I know I usually posted new chapters quite often, but I had was at the end of the school year and I usually write the chapters there. So I didn't want to write an awesome chapter and not be able to post it because it was saved on a computer I couldn't get to. And plus I was relaxing and then my computer crashed. Grrrr... So I finally started writing it and so here you go. The next chapter.)

Rooski sat in front of the fire they had built, waiting for the explanation he knew he would have to give. But as he sat, he looked at each member of the group and remembered what Naraku had said about them; about their weaknesses. The first one, the half breed Inuyasha. Apparently, he was the cause of all of this. He knew of the story between him and the miko Kikyo. When she was seeing Inuyasha against her better judgment, she was also nurturing the bandit, who lusted for her. And because of his lust, he let demons consume him and he became Naraku. Rooski noticed that was a pattern in wars, or in most. Someone just couldn't keep it in their pants, or couldn't be satisfied, and the king or lord wanted their daughter or wife back, so they had a great war issued. This was the same thing, except that the winner gets the Shikon jewel and gets whatever he wishes for.

He glanced over at said Miko of this war. He did have to admit that she did hold great beauty, but he couldn't understand how a woman could cause great grief throughout the land just because he lusted after her. But if this other miko, the reincarnation of this woman, looked just like her, why was she any different? Or did this just involve the Shikon jewel, and the lust just started this? It was stupid.

But as he looked at the miko, he could see why. Her face was pale, but not the deathly pale she used to have. Her eyes were softer, full of appreciation instead of anger and coldness. Her hair was tied back the way she usually had it, but the fire gleamed off of the raven locks, giving them a warm look. But he knew it was not the miko Kikyo he was looking at. It was the other, Kagome. But his musings were interrupted by two possessive growls from the dog brothers. He saw the miko smirk and shake her head.

His gaze landed next on the demon slayer. He knew she was the one who threw every one off. A demon slayer in a demon's group? Ridiculous. But her knowledge on some demons and her weapons did give them an advantage. But only slightly. Though it was even stranger that said slayer fell for a monk no less. But he also knew of the heartache Naraku forced her to go through. First, seeing her brother kill all of the slayers right before her eyes, then see him die right in her arms. A chill ran down his spine as he remembered Naraku's chuckle after he told him that. And then he remembered how he described how he slaughtered her village, disguised as Inuyasha. The slayer had his most respect because their pasts with the vile half demon was the same. But he would tell that story here soon.

But movement by the demon's slayer's side brought his attention to the monk. This one, he thought, had it easy besides the miko Kagome. All he had to deal with was a curse that wasn't even his fault. Bad, but curable. Though he did have to admit that it caused him a few sacrifices. Like forever loosing the feeling in his face from all the slaps he received. Or maybe a brain tumor or something for all the times the slayer hit him over the head from her huge weapon. And the guilt of bring the curse upon his children, and forcing them into a life of servitude to the gods, one he would admit, probably wouldn't go over well for some of them.

His thoughts were interrupted when Kagome gave a small cough to gather everyone's attention. The scene was like a classic story-around-the-camp-fire. On both of his sides were Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. Next to Sesshomaru was Sango, and beside her, the children sat. Next to them was Kagome-in-Kikyo's-body. Beside her was the monk, who kept his hands to himself if he wanted to keep his hands. Beside him was Inuyasha, which brought him back to himself, and his impending story.

"So, Rooski, lets start at the beginning. Tell us how you met up with Naraku."

"It was about a year ago." He started after a few moments of silence. "I just finished my training when a messenger announced that we had an uninvited guest at out gaits. Out of curiosity, my father went to the gait to see who it was. Maybe someone needed out help, or maybe came with news to our missing soldiers..."

"I followed my father to the gait, through the winding ways between the woods that confused those who were not welcomed. He stood there, a few yards away, looming like an unwanted shadow. He wore a purple decorated hoari top with black bottoms. His eyes gleamed like a dark flame. When his eyes landed on me, a chill went up my spine. I would never forget it. My father must have also felt it, as he didn't order the guards to open the gaits to let him in.

" 'Who are you and what do you want from us?' " Asked my father.

"He smirked and said, 'You want to know what happened to your camp of soldiers that suddenly went missing, ne? Let me in and I will tell you.' "

"His voice was so different then his aura. It was steep and alluring. You couldn't help but believe what he said. As soon as he mention the missing men, my father didn't even bother asking for his name. He father fell for it, and let him in. As we walked, I could feel his eyes on the back of my head. I had a bad feeling about this, but my father wanted his men back. I remember thinking that if this man or demon knew where they were, they were more then likely dead. I wanted to tell my father. I wanted him to believe the same thing that way we could call this man out for the fraud he was, kill him and be done. But I knew that if my father thought for a second that their might be hope for his men, then he would risk anything.

"We reached his council hall where he discussed such things in. After refusal of tea, we cut down to business. My father demanded to know where his men were.

" 'I was strolling through my lands,' He began, 'and I stumbled upon the ruins of an old castle. I wasn't too interested because I thought no one survived. But as I moved I stepped on a pile of ruble and I heard a groan. I moved my foot and saw a hand. I cleared him out and asked to see if he was all right. He told me yes and asked about the others.' He paused to take a glance at me, 'I asked him if he knew if they were alive. He told me no. So I carried the wounded man back to my castle for my mate to heal and care for him. Then I took my army and cleared out the area and found several more men that survived. Though I am sorry to report that some of them didn't make it.' He glanced back at my father. Though I wasn't about to let him get away.

" 'How many?' I challenged.

"He was about to respond when my father cut in for him. He put a hand on my shoulder and barked in laughter, 'Now, now, son. Lets not push it. Be glad we even have survivors.' I shook off his hand and asked instead, 'Who was in the castle that bombarded out men?'

" 'Probably a minor lord who felt threatened by a large group of soldiers.'

"I couldn't do much but watch as my father gave him a room to stay while he rests before taking another group of men with him to bring them back home. Don't get me wrong, I wanted them home if they were alive, but I really doubted it. All we had was his word on it and there was something about him that just made me uncomfortable. So I didn't believe him. But I couldn't say anything, at least not until I could get my father alone and then that would be a job.

"So the following day, I insisted that I go with them, to make sure this demon was telling the truth. He smiled at me, but I could see the hidden anger and I knew he hadn't meant for me to come along. We met at the gait and he was wearing this baboon pelt over his other clothing, so we couldn't see much of his face. As we set out and made camp, he seemed distant. He didn't bother to tell us anymore information then what he presented to me and my father. I thought that was odd.

"But a few days later when we reached his palace, the first thing that sent off warning bells was the face of the huge demonic barrier that surrounded it. But I shrugged it off with the thought that it was a way to protect it, like we have our forest. As we went through the castle, it all seemed bare and bleak, which was another odd thing. Most castles are inviting and lively. But this place was like a dark cave that reeked of poison and death. He lead us through a room that lead to a crawl space.

" 'The bodies are down there. If you recognize them as your men, then I will lead you to the survivors.' He said, standing aside for us.

"The general went ahead, but I stopped him. I was to go first. If this was some kind of sick joke, or a trap, then my men could fight them off. So I went down and the smell of death nearly choked me, so I believed that dead men were down there. But when I touched ground, my eyes saw nothing. Just smoke and I knew it was a trap. I turned around and yelled out, 'It's a trap!' But it was too late.

"I heard men yell and swords clash, and before I was halfway up the stares, he closed the door on me. I ran up and pushed against the door. I used everything I had, but that door wouldn't budge. Then I felt something wrap around my ankle and dragged me down the stares. I lit a flame and what I saw, what I knew that I would soon be facing, made me freeze in horror. I had to make the flame go out so I couldn't see..."

Rooski stopped and closed his eyes against the images that flooded his mind. He felt a warm hand on his shoulder. He opened his eyes and turned to see the slayer beside him.

"I know, Rooski. I know how vile and disgusting and evil that monster is. I lost everyone to him, but I'm sure he told you that." She said softly.

Rooski nodded and looked across the fire to the miko. She had pity and sympathy shining in her eyes that she was near tears. He didn't know what to say. Someone like her, someone so pure and strong had sympathy towards him, and was upset he had to endure what Naraku dished out for him, was unbearable. Yet, he had no idea what to say to her to ease her discomfort. But she spoke for him.

"It's OK Rooski. You don't have to tell us that part. But what about your father? Isn't he looking for you?"

He was dreading that part. The torture he endured was nothing compared to when he found out his father was dead. What he saw, he would rather endure more torture for another lifetime if it meant to avoid ever remembering what he found.

"He's dead. Their all dead." He whispered.

The slayer's grip tightened on his shoulder, giving him a reassuring squeeze.

"What happened?" She asked.

"I was laying on a bed of hey in my cell he gave me. I was laying there, wishing I was dead because I knew everything was lost to me. I often thought about my father and what he was doing now. I wondered if he tried to find me, or if he was lost to his misery. I wondered how he was fairing, and sometimes I would curse him. Curse him because of his blind faith. But I knew it was my fault because I insisted that I go. But I wouldn't have went if my father took the right precautions. He didn't even asked his name, and I found out from the wind witch. If my father wasn't already dead, I would kill him, and revive him so he could live with his guilt. I know it might be wrong, but if my father tried to listen to me, then I wouldn't have done his job.

"But One day, after I healed from my flesh wounds, the door opened. I sat on the bed and waiting to see if anyone would come. when no one did, I walked to the door and peaked out. No one was around, and the air was unusually clean. The miasma was gone and the sent of death wasn't as penitent. Still on the guard, I walked around the halls, trying to find a way out. I didn't sense anyone. Not Kagura, not Naraku, or any more of his demented incarnations. By the time I reached the front, I was nearly running. I wasn't about to let him get me again. I would die first. But when I passed the gait, and was out of the borders, I knew I was free. So I went to the first place I had been thinking about: Home. I ran and ran and only stopped to rest. But when I got there, before I even went though the forest, I knew something was wrong. I could smell fire, like a forest fire, yet I couldn't see any smoke or flame. So I ran on, afraid to face the truth. And when I got there, my heart died.

"Everything was gone. All burnt into ashes that smeared my hands. All the bodies were unrecognizable, and I only recognized one body as my father because of the Madeline he always wore. One that would be mine one day. I looked around the barren place that had once been my home, my life. All if it, was burned and I knew who had done it. My anger rose like the fire in me. But I couldn't do anything because a sudden chill ran down my back and my body froze. I didn't have to turn around to know it was him. I could feel his gaze on the back of my head, and could feel the evil smirk on his face.

" 'Do you see now the reason I kept you alive? Even after you had foiled my first plans, I thought of the importance you could be to me.' He said as though it was just a conversation you would have on a regular day. 'You are my ties to the other lords. And with that, just think of all that I could do.' "

"But I didn't want to think of what he could do. It was too horrible and I was full of anger and hatred that at that moment, all I could think of was revenge. How dare he do this? How dare he come into my life and destroy it? How dare he take away everything that I held dear? How dare he? I turned around and let the rage take me. I could make out me yelling at him and throwing every attack I learned at him. But I knew I wasn't hitting him. I could feel him dodge my attacks or if he couldn't, he put up is barrier. I could feel the rage building and I could feel my body alight with the fire I held inside. I could hear someone yelling, and I could feel my aura flare and could feel my powers burst. When I came back to my senses, I was kneeling on the ground with my hands pressed on the sides of my head. And it was too much. Too much for me to take all at once, and I passed out.

"When I came too, I was back in my cell. But I could tell it was in a different castle. But it was the same. The same stone walls, the same dirt floor, and the same bed of hey. And I could tell I wasn't alone this time. I turned my head to see him sitting there, and a dark gleam was in his eyes. I knew I was in for more torture, but not after him rubbing it in my face.

" 'How did you like your reunion with your family?'

'Go to hell you bastard.'

'I'm afraid I've already been there. But you will come to see that you wish you were there instead of here.'

'I already do.'

'Hmm. I'll make you a deal. You work for me, and I will give everything back.'

"I turned my head away and closed my eyes. What was he talking about? Everyone was dead and everything was destroyed. How the hell could he bring it all back. But then he chuckled.

" 'Rooski, have you forgotten about the shikon jewel? If you do as I tell you, you can have your life back.'

"I turned toward him with nothing but disbelief. He had lied to me once, why should I trust him again? Why would I put my faith and hope and the rest of my pitiful existence into a jewel that was only rumored to even exist?"

" 'Rooski, I'm sure you know of Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western lands, and son of the great dog general.'

'Of course.'

'Then I'm sure you have heard of Inuyasha, his half brother.'

"I had. It was rumored among the lords that Lord Sesshomaru's family disgrace was chasing around the land with the reincarnation of the miko that once protected the Shikon jewel. My father and I wanted nothing to do with the damned thing. All that followed it was death and tragedy. So my father and I went on and didn't deal with anything concerning the jewel. But now it seemed my life was forced to have faith in a jewel I knew he would use for his own selfish, death wishes. I still wanted nothing to do with it.

"So I nodded and he gave one of his knowing-something-bad-was-coming-after-this smirk.

" 'Inuyasha has other travel companions. One a small fox kit, a demon slayer, a monk, and recently joined Kikyo. But it is not them I am currently worried about. It is Kagome and Sesshomaru's new mating. Sesshomaru is the strongest foe I face, and Kagome is the only miko strong enough and pure enough to purify the jewel. The only way to sever that bond, or destroy them is to kill the other. Kagome will be the easiest. So, I want you to go to the Panther tribe and convince them that their mating goes against natural law. Sesshomaru and them have been on rough grounds, and they are more human-haters then Sesshomaru was known for.'

"He told me in more detail about your group. He told me that he didn't care what I told them, but he told me that I was going to be watched, and that he would know if I didn't do what I was supposed to.

"Wait, do you mean to tell me that you are the reason why Kagome is dead!?" Inuyasha shouted.

Miroku stood up to hold Inuyasha back from attacking Rooski. Rooski was looking at Kagome striate in the eyes, and he could feel the regret and sorrow leaking from his eyes. He didn't have to look to find Sesshomaru glaring heatedly at him, and he was grateful that the taiyouki had such great self-control.

"But his plan backfired when he found out I joined my soul with Kikyo's." She said loud enough to gather everyone's attention.

Rooski nodded, never breaking eye contact. How could she so calmly sit there, facing the person responsible for her untimely death? How could she so easily forgive him?

"Then Naraku called you back, and forced you to carry a shard to lure us into his trap. What exactly did he intend for you to do?" She continued once everyone was seated again and with cool heads.

"Naraku told me to stay a distance away, but close enough for you to sense the shard. He knew I already knew how to mask my aura and sent so you couldn't tell if I was a demon or if it was someone working for him. But he said once I had you in my grasp, he told me to poison you. While everyone was distracted in helping you, then I could get a hold of Sesshomaru and Inuyasha and kill them. If I succeeded, then I was to take your life again. But he knew I probably wouldn't make it, which was why he sent Kagura to stay near by in case you did get a hold of the jewel."

"So you mean Naraku knows you failed?"

"More then likely, yes."

"So we should expect him to come and attack, or what?"

"I'm not sure what he would do, but he still plans for Sesshomaru's demise. He's probably thinking of another way." He paused and looked at Sesshomaru to find him still giving him that heated glare.

"Well, then, stay with us." She offered after a few moments of thinking.

"No way in hell!" Inuyasha objected, jumping up again.

"Inuyasha please! You can't just send him back! Not after all Naraku has forced him to go through." She said, jumping to Rooski defense.

"Yeah Inuyasha. You would just be condemning him to death." Sango spoke up, coming to stand beside Kagome-in-Kikyo's body.

Rooski had a disbelieving look on his usually empty face. Why were these people standing up for him? When all he has done was try and take away their hope and hope for a future that consist of destroying Naraku. He didn't deserve it.

"No. I should go back." He said, standing up. He kept his head down, for he didn't want to see the shocked expression on the miko's face. He heard her step towards him, but was stopped. He looked up to see Sesshomaru holding her hand, preventing her from moving forward. The look in his eyes said it all. He wanted him dead too. It was one of the few things the brothers agreed on. They both wanted him dead for the death of the miko, as it should be. Sesshomaru had all rights to kill him, and he would prefer to face his death by Sesshomaru's hands then to return to Naraku. At least then he would die with some honor, no matter how little or insignificant it was. But when he looked into the miko's eyes, his heart hurt. She had such a pitiful look in her eyes, and she pleaded with him silently to let her help him.

He shook his head and turned to walk away. But then he heard the slayer call out for him.

"Rooski! You can't just leave! I know what your going through and I know that you know it too. I won't just let you go to your death by that monster's hands. I will fight both Sesshomaru and Inuyasha if I have to." She promised.

He turned around to face her, eyes fierce and smoldering.

"Would you? Would you if I said that I could kill you and make up for it? Would you if I burned the miko and sent both of them into the after life? Would you if I stole the jewel for my self and wish everything I lost back? Would you if I lured you right into Naraku's trap, one I didn't mention and would never until it's too late? Would you if I trick you all, and this was just another ploy to gain your trust, just to let it die when you do? Would you?!" He shouted.

Sango backed up, tears shinning in her eyes. She had no idea of how to respond to that. Would she have? Really? Or was he hinting at something he wanted to avoid. Could it be that Naraku really set all of this up, and was hoping that they take him in?

"I thought so." He snapped. But before he could turn to leave, he heard a hiss from Sesshomaru and Kagome was standing before him.

"I know you don't mean any of that." She said sternly, positive in what she said.

"You must stay, in repayment to me. Not to what these men think justice is. Stay for me."

Just what was it with this miko? Why could she so easily persuade him? What power did she possess that could make his will crumble? He could refuse even the greatest temptress, but once this miko looked him in the eyes and asked in that sweet, irresistible voice, it just vanished? With frustration and reluctance, he nodded and sat down by a tree a few yards from the fire.

(So, how do you fancy? During the parts that are bold was his flashback, but in a more conversational way. I got the idea from Interview with the vampire and the way she wrote it. I usually do flashbacks, but there was more emotional things I wanted to express then what I could just portray. So I tried something new and I'm kind of happy with it. I don't know exactly what to do with Rooski yet, so it might take longer to update while I decide on his character. I had originally planed to make Rooski another incarnation of Naraku and have him be a total smart ass, but I thought 'Let's make this difficult and have him ... well, turn out the way he did. I'm not saying more so I'm just going to shut up.

Review in your thoughts please! I know I don't ask and so I don't get many, but I'm just like everyone else. I love reviews and love to see what you think about this.)