A/N: I have to apologize for having to wait so long for this update. What can I say, life got busy. To make up for it, I will attempt to get another chapter up in two to three weeks. Awesome, more reviews! I want to thank you all, and respond to those who have taken the time to write to me. Now, I won't always respond, however, since these are the first of the story I felt that it was only proper.

turtlehat - I'm glad you find the beginning of the demon hierarchy interesting. I have only begun to set it up and there is a lot of history and back story to it. I can't wait until it all gets revealed in the tale. Oh, and I am so excited for when Xelloss comes into the story. He is my favorite character and I have all sorts of ideas of how he reacts with the different Inuyasha gang, including Naraku.

Shavaineth - Tehe, definitely an enjoyable thought of the fights between Lina and Inuyasha. The two groups should be meeting up within the next three chapters (not including the snippets of this chapter). I know, still a ways away, but there is still more information that needs to be established before the groups meet. I feel that rushing could create dire consequences.

e-chan16 - I have to thank you for pointing out a few mistakes. . .some I hit myself on the head for making. Constructive criticism is always good and I highly encourage it. I am fixing them as we speak. . .or as I type.

Kurama'sFoxyMiko and Kagome The Sexy Miko - To be honest, this story did begin with an emphasis in romance, however, as I started to plan out the plotline I realized that the romance wouldn't fit well into the overall tale. With so many characters and a complex plot, I made the decision that the romance would take a back burner. I actually hadn't even considered putting Zelgadis and Kagome together. It was another cross-anime couple who might still subtly show up, along with hints and innuendos of others. Alas, I will not tell you who, it's much more exciting to let it unfold with the story.

And lastly, I want to thank the ever wonderful Fuu 43 for being my beta. I don't know what I would do without you. . .seriously, don't every leave me, I would be so screwed.

Timeline:

The Slayers takes place two years after Try. Lina is 19.

Inuyasha takes place while Kagome is 17. She is still dividing her life between her present and the past. The group is still after Naraku.

Disclaimer:

I do not own Inuyasha or The Slayers.

The Lesser Kindred

Chapter 3: Rumors

10 Ways to Kill/Torture Naraku.

1: Scalping him to create a nice throw rug to place in front of the fireplace.

2: Poisoning in his dinner.

3: Tying him up over a red anthill and covering him in honey.

4: Beheading...with a rusty spoon

5: Cutting off certain extremities (fingers, toes and/or reproduction organs) and baking them into a meat pie. Forcing the evil bastard to eat said pie.

6: Sleep deprivation.

7: Having water drip slowly onto his forehead allowing him to do nothing but notice it.

8: Staking him spread eagle on a wooden board and allowing the sun to bake him.

9: Wrapping him up with in a bow and giving him to Inuyasha.

10: Having him roll a large bolder up a hill for the rest of eternity, beginning at the bottom of the hill ever morning.

Kagura smiled at her thoughts. It would be a glorious day when she could do all of those thing and more to that evil bastard. If only he was human. If only he were a weak pathetic demon, then she could show him. Oh! She should add roasting him on a hot picket over an open fire to the list. His body conveniently resting next to her evening meal of fish.

Sighing, Kagura closed her eyes. Freedom. She wanted it so badly. To be away from that sick bastard once and for all. She hated being at his beck and call. Hell, it wasn't too long ago that she was on a mission for him that was practically servants work. Man that pissed her off. Her, Kagura- Controller of the freaking wind, being Naraku's errand boy to inferiors. It would be different if he was a great Demon Lord, but no, this was some insignificant wanna-be. Some pathetic human that Naraku wouldn't even be seen in the presence of. So, naturally the task went to her.

"Kagura," a voice broke her thoughts.

Speak of the devil.

"Yes Naraku," she replied, glad that he couldn't hear her treacherous thoughts.

"I've heard some interesting rumors around town."

Kagura opened her eyes and looked at the devil. "Really?"

She tried to sound interested.

"It appears that someone is going around from town to town asking about you."

Kagura raised her right eyebrow. "Really? That's very stupid of them."

"I couldn't agree with you more. Any idea who would be so foolish?"

"I can name many idiots," she said smiling. "But no one foolish enough to invoke the trouble that this would bring."

"My source was approached by a red headed youth. She was searching for an elegant woman who carries two fans and has an interesting mode of transportation. Apparently, you owe someone money."

Kagura's mouth fell open a bit as she stared at the revolting man in front of her. Whoever it was, she recognized herself in the description. The words were simple, but it had the tell-tale signs that it was her.

"I see you are surprised," he coldly smiled back.

"Of course I am. The idea of me owing anybody money is preposterous."

Naraku chuckled. It was not a happy sound either. Cold, hard and unforgiving. A reflection of the monster himself.

"What's so funny?"

"I will send someone to track down our mysterious interloper," Naraku said as he turned around and left, leaving Kagura alone with her violent thoughts once more. Her list grew rapidly.

"It's been two freaking weeks and we haven't gotten anywhere!" Lina huffed as she fell down to sit underneath a tree.

"I agree," Zelgadis said as he sat beside her. "This is getting frustrating."

"That's an understatement. Two times now I've seen that look in someone's eye like they know who I'm talking about. And then, both times they manage to slip away!" Lina laid down so she could stare into the branches above her. "Where the hell are Amelia and Gourry?"

"Still in town. They'll be back at camp later tonight."

Lina sighed as she closed her eyes. Camp was luckily in a wonderful spot near a river. They had spent the past two nights there, and she couldn't have been more satisfied with the site. It was conveniently situated between two towns. Yesterday, the four of them snooped around the first town for any leads. There were none. Today, they had split up to search the second town. Lina hoped that the others had had better luck then her and Zel. After all, this was getting a bit ridiculous. It was as if people seemed to have no idea who she was talking about, or they freaked out when the mysterious woman was mentioned. Not that Lina had actually said her name, considering it was probably fake in the first place. Instead, she gave a description that was vague; yet recognizable to those who might know her. Kara. . .it was more difficult to find that stupid bitch than she'd thought it would be. And, to make matters worse, it seemed that rumors were beginning to spread about their search. This was especially obvious the last few days. Villagers were avoiding them as if they had the plague.

On the plus side, the town folk hadn't yet tried to kill Zel. She thought that was a pretty good thing considering how he looked- and how people usually reacted. Zel himself attempted to keep his hood up at all times possible. The few villagers that had seen his face tended to shy away from them and mutter demon or monster under their breath. Yeah, it was rude, but better than getting lynched by a mob. So, if the village idiots were calling Zel a demon, Lina supposed it meant that there were monsters in this area too-which quite frankly, sucked ass for them. Lina had been involved with more monsters than she wanted to remember. She had definitely learned her lesson- more than once. Hell, she'd learned it a hundred times. Mazuko plus Lina does not equal good. Lina scratched her head. Demons, just what they needed. Now all that was needed to make this party hopping was for Xelloss to show up.

"Lina," Zel interrupted her thoughts. "We should practice with the shard some more."

Ah, the shikon shard, the bane of her existence. . .okay, not really the bane, but definitely the current annoyance of her existence. From the time the jewel had fallen into their possession, she and the others had been setting time aside each day to practice sensing it. They currently only had the small piece that they had gotten off of Jextra. The small shard had no where near the power that would be needed to cure Zel. So, they had devised a way to look for all of the tiny, itty-bitty pieces that were scattered who knows where. The shards were easy to sense once you knew what to feel for; there wasn't many objects that gave off that strong of a magical aura. However, the trouble was with pointing out exactly where the jewel was located. Sure knowing what general vicinity was swell and all, but the damn thing was so small that it was a pain in the ass to find. To remedy this problem Lina devised, ingeniously she felt, a little game of hide and seek- or shard and seek as they had started to call it.

During their free time, one of them would hide the shard. The others of course were set loose after it was hidden to find it. And man, did it blow. Lina was getting better with practice, but could only pinpoint about a fifteen foot area around the jewel. Zel was about the same, give or take a few inches- which Lina enjoyed reminding him of…constantly. And Gourry, well Gourry could at least sense the jewel piece somewhat, if only faintly. Lina thought that was an accomplishment in itself, considering he was the one non-magical person of the group. It was nice to know that after traveling with her for so long he had become more sensitive to magic. Not that she would ever tell him that. Amelia was a bit of a different story. She was able to narrow the space around the magical object to about a five foot radius. Lina hated being outshined by Amelia; the girl was completely winning the game. Didn't they know that winning was her job! Damn it all.

"Fine. Did I ever tell you that I hate that stupid shard. I can't believe that some idiot broke it," Lina moaned giving into her need to complain.

Forty minutes later Lina found herself wanting to rip out all of the hair on her head. Zel had only taken ten minutes to find the shard. Ten fucking minutes! Man, she really hated this game! She yelled, looking up into the sky with an urge to cause serious pain. She heard Zel chuckle. Damn Zelgadis. Once again, she closed her eyes and tried to feel for the jewel. Okay, so I feel it to the left. . .somewhere. . .maybe twenty feet away. Opening her eyes, she glanced over to where she thought it should be. There were trees, and some rocks. . .and some more trees. Oh and don't forget the leaves on the ground. She scratched her head trying to forget that it was pounding. Even the wind was making her head hurt. And those stupid little animals that Amelia was so fond of just wouldn't shut up! Leaning down, she quickly grabbed a small rock from the ground and chucked it at one of the said animals that couldn't be quiet. It hit the squawking black bird in the head, causing it to make even more noise before it flew away. Man, she hated this game! Where the fuck was the stupid thing!

"That's right you little shit!" she yelled after it.

Amelia's voice cheerily broke through her torture. Lina resisted the urge to scream.

"Hey guys," she waved as she came closer.

Gourry trotted up besides Amelia. "Hey, what are doing?"

"You know," Lina said shrugging her shoulders, trying to hide her rage. "Just the normal past time of shard and seek."

"It's over there," Amelia said pointing to a spot about ten feet away from Lina. "I think it's in the leaves under that tree. By the rock that's shaped kind of like a rabbit."

Lina's face flushed with anger. "No one asked you Amelia!" Stupid no-it-all bitch, she silently added.

"I'm sorry," Amelia looked at her feet.

"Just ignore her," Zel replied. "Lina's just angry because she's been searching for thirty minutes now. She starting to take it out on helpless creatures"

"Shut up Zel," Lina grumbled under her breath as she marched over to the rock. Sure enough, after about a minute of shifting through the leaves, there was the stupid shard. Damn it, Amelia had won again.

"Anyway," Lina began as she put the shard back into its proper place, a hidden compartment in the lining of her shirt. It was time to change the subject, hopefully Amelia and Gourry had a more productive day than her and Zel. "How'd it go with you in town."

"Not so well," Amelia sighed. Lina noticed Gourry make a face at her response.

"What happened?" she continued to ask.

Amelia waved her hands. "It was really nothing. You, know just the typical day."

Gourry snorted. "Like hell it was. I had to defend your honor!"

Lina couldn't help breaking out into laughter as Zel stood with his mouth hanging open.

"Are you serious?" he asked.

"Gourry," Amelia lectured. "No you didn't, it was an accident."

"What happened?" Lina asked as she gasped for air.

"This guy bumped into me and accidentally touched my chest."

"That was no accident!" Gourry defended.

Lina laughed even harder.

"Yes it was!" Amelia persisted. "He was a really nice guy. Besides he apologized and even said that he was honored to meet such a beautiful maiden."

"And then he asked you to bear his children!"

If Lina could laugh any harder, she would have died.

"He wasn't serious."

"Listen Amelia, just hear me out. I'm a guy, okay. . .I know how we think. . ."

"He thinks?" Lina whispered to Zel finally having gotten her laughter under control.

"I heard that Lina," Gourry glared at her. "Like I said, I know how guys think. And I definitely saw some feel-you-up action."

Amelia's face turned red as she looked down at her chest and sheepishly smiled. "I guess they are kind of nice looking."

This time Zel joined Lina in a fit of uncontrollable laughter.

"Seriously now," Lina said in an attempt to settle down. "Anything else happen that was noteworthy?"

"No, not really," Amelia frowned. "However, I did hear an interesting rumor about the jewel shards."

"Really," Zel looked very interested.

"Yeah, apparently there is a group of people out there who are hunting for the shards."

"What did the rumor say exactly?" Lina asked, anxious for any information.

"Well, the group is lead by a strangely dressed priestess from a far away land. Her guardians are a half demon, a monk, and a demon fighter."

Lina moaned. "I hate demons."

"That's a strange group to be traveling together," Zelgadis commented, his hand touching his chin thoughtfully.

"I agree," Lina replied. "Anything else Amelia?"

"Only that they have been looking for them for years."

Lina groaned as she felt her head ache return with full force.

Miroku hummed to himself as he walked back to camp. He had just picked up some well needed supplies and needless to say, he'd had a great time.

"Miroku," Sango called running to meet him. "Did you get the vegetables and beef that Kagome wanted?"

"Yes."

"Wonderful!" Sango exclaimed. "It's been ages since I've had beef."

Miroku smiled at her. "I'm glad it makes you happy."

"How was your trip into town?" Sango asked as they approached the others around the campfire. A pot of water was boiling under the watchful eyes of Kagome. Shippo was sitting next to her reading a book, his face scrunching up as he mouthed the words silently. Kagome had decided a few months ago that she would teach the kitsune to read. His progress was slow, yet he was determined- pulling out the books whenever they stopped for a longer break. His surrogate mother was very proud of him.

"It was interesting," Miroku replied.

"How so?"

"I'll tell you once everyone is here," Miroku explained. He glanced around the campsite. "Where's Inuyasha?"

"Don't know," Kagome said. "But he's around here somewhere."

"What are you reading this time Shippo?" Sango asked.

"Green Eggs and Ham."

"What type of creature lays green egg? Besides, I don't think it's very healthy for eggs to be green in the first place." Miroku frowned as he contemplated the pictures over Shippo's shoulder.

Kagome laughed.

"What?" he responded.

Shaking her head, Kagome said, "It's just an expression."

Miroku did not look satisfied with her answer.

"The book is by Dr. Seuss," she attempted to elaborate. "His stories never make much sense anyway."

"Then why read them?" Sango asked.

"They're entertaining," Kagome shrugged. "Did you get the food?"

"Right here," Miroku removed the pack that rested on his back.

"Excellent," Kagome took it from him.

"Hey! Miroku's back," Inuyasha came bounding out seeming from nowhere. "It's about time."

Kagome shook her head at him and his impatient tone, "I'll start dinner."

"What are you making?" Inuyasha questioned as he stopped next to her.

"They're called shiscabobs."

"That's a stupid name. I'd rather have ramen."

"Well, we're not! And it's not like I was the one who name them." Kagome huffed. "It's just what they're called. Sango, do you mind chopping up the peppers?"

"Sure, no problem," Sango smiled as she went to join Kagome. "So, Miroku, now that everyone's here, tell us about what happened in town today."

"Well, I ran into a very beautiful young maiden today-"

"I should have known," Sango mumbled under her breath.

Miroku continued as if he hadn't heard her. "And she was in search of a woman who owed a friend of hers some money."

Inuyasha snorted, "Who cares, unless this bitch works for Naraku!"

"Well, not really. . .at least I don't believe so as of yet. But I can't be so sure since I think she was looking for Kagura."

"What!" Inuyasha's mouth dropped open.

"Why do you think that?" Kagome asked.

"I didn't have much time to question her since her companion rushed her off. He was muttering something about me under his breath."

"Let me guess, you groped her?" Kagome crossed her arms.

"We might have bumped into each other and I cannot be held accountable for what possible body parts came into contact," Miroku defended. "But we are getting off point. The woman she was searching for was dressed elegantly, had two fans and had an interesting way of traveling. I asked her what she meant by interesting and she said that she decorated her mount with lots of feathers."

"Feathers?" Sango raised an eyebrow.

"Yep, she said feathers," Miroku affirmed.

"And how does that relate to that witch," Inuyasha scoffed.

"Oh come on Inuyasha," Kagome huffed. "Just think about it. Of course she was describing Kagura. Why else would there be any hint in there about feathers? And the fans? It's completely obvious to anyone who knows who Kagura is. The real question is why is she looking for her?"

"I don't believe that Kagura owes anybody money, the idea is simply ridiculous. If she really needed it she'd just kill the person and take it." Sango inputted.

"Well, it's not like they want to advertise the real reasons that they are searching for her," Kagome mused.

"True," answered Miroku. "She didn't seem like the type of girl to be evil, but I have been wrong before."

Sango snorted and mumbled something close to 'repeatedly' under her breath.

"So," Miroku continued. "We can't know for sure if they're an enemy of ours or a potential ally."

"I agree," replied Kagome. "We should try to find out more about them. You said it was a girl and that there was a man who dragged her away, right?"

Miroku nodded.

"What did they look like?" Sango asked.

"Well, the girl had black hair to her shoulders, a well proportioned body and was about 16 or 17 in age. Quite good looking," he scratched his chin while he thought. "She was dressed in white with a cape and leggings. These both had pink accents and there were blue talismans decorating her wrists, her waist and one on her neck."

Miroku smiled to himself as he pictured the cute girl. This earned him a shove from Sango. "And the guy?" She spit the words out.

"Oh, yes. . .the guy. . .hmmm. . .let me think. He had blond hair and a sword."

"Is that all? What was he wearing?" Sango crossed her arms.

"I don't remember."

"Keh," Inuyasha turned to Kagome. "Figures, he remembers the cute girl but not the guy with the sword."

Kagome sighed as she replied to the hanyou. "At least we have one detailed description."

"I say," Inuyasha began. "We find them and beat them up until they give us answers."

"Or, perhaps we should figure out if they are a threat first?" Miruko responded. "And then, you can beat them up."

"I like it." Inuyasha smiled.

"Men," Sango rolled her eyes and Kagome followed.

Kagura frowned as she stared at the image in the bowl of water set next to her. The image was complements of Naraku's newest minion, Iris. An annoying little bird that could transmit what it saw into a designated spot. Hence, the bowl of water. Unfortunately, the thing couldn't transmit sound. She had to admit, and she was loathed to do so, that it was quite a good idea- in fact a wonderful way to gather information. However, she would never admit that to Naraku. She'd rather have tea with that tiny kitsune that was always with Inuyasha then say a thing to him about it. And that damned bird was driving her insane with all of it's squawking. Her thoughts broke suddenly as the bird was seemingly struck with a stone, the picture distorting as it flew away. The image began to loop again, focusing on the red headed little girl walking out of town. As she watched the girl she had a stabbing feeling in her gut that she has seen here somewhere before.

"Damn it," Kagura muttered as she realized who the girl was. She was that stupid child who interfered with her business with Jextra months ago. Apparently Jextra didn't fair to well if that annoying kid was here. How the hell did she get here anyway? And, to make matters worse, that bitch had a jewel shard. Shit, she glanced out of the corner of her eye at Naraku who was watching the moving images calmly next to her. He was not going to like this at all. It had be the shard that was traded for the book. Naraku had given Jextra the jewel only because he knew it was a way to get that wizard to work for him. Having a contact from the world outside the fallen barrier was an investment that he could not overlook. As soon as he was no longer needed, it would be easy to take the shard back. Kagura felt here stomach drop. He was definitely not going to like that Jextra was most likely caught. Kagura had casually left that part of the conversation out when she told had him about the mission. Now, it looked like she was finally going to pay for her failure.

"Kagura," Naraku asked while still watching the water. "Do you know this child?"

"I do."

"Explain."

Kagura bit her lower lip. If she was lucky, Naraku would only torture her for a few hours then send a minion to retrieve the shard and kill the interlopers. Unfortunately, she had a feeling that it is more likely he would torture her for a few days or weeks and make her retrieve the shard. Taking a deep breath, she began her tale, adding all the parts she had previously glossed over. Kagura noticed Naraku's face darken with every word. She was definitely facing the second option.