Hi everyone, yes I know I know I haven't updated in a while. But I only got Two reviews for the last chapters. TWO! That's it. I wasn't really inspired to write. And I found out that my story isn't accepting annomous reviews. Everyone, I'm sorry, I didn't know about it, and when I found out i tried everything to fix it, But I can't find the setting! If anyone knows how to do it, please tell me! Thank you.

Now, on with the story!

New Enemy

Ryo walked through the forest, the scent of his prey close by. His brown hair flowing behind him in the wind. Like many of the neko youkai which belonged to the family that Tsuya was from, he hunted her and Nibori's offspring. For the past couple of weeks, he had been trailing Kirika's scent, until at last he had caught up with her.

Narrowing his gaze on the fire he could see coming from the clearing up ahead, Ryo clenched his jaw in barely contained fury as he walked forward.

Hidden behind a tree, Ryo watched for signs of his prey. Growling deep within his throat as no sign of her could be seen. He sniffed the air once, a cynical smiling forming on his face. She had been there.

'She was here, recently. But where is she now?' Ryo wondered, his eyes scanning the area for any clues he may have missed.

Ryo's twisted smile broadened as a small child and a lesser toad youkai walked into the clearing, completely oblivious to his presence.

'I may not have any clues, but a witness will be just as good.' He thought as he stepped forward into the clearing.

Jaken was the first to notice him, and immediately he stood in front of the human child. Knowing full well what Sesshoumaru would do to him if he failed to protect Rin from harm.

"Who are you and what do you want here!" He shouted while positioning his staff.

Ryo sneered at the staff as if it was an insult to use it on him.

"Don't fear," He said, his voice low and menacing, causing the very emotion his sentence sought to disperse.

"I will not harm you, provided that you answer a few questions for me."

"What kind of questions?" Rin asked peeking around Jaken's staff.

"Rin, stay behind me and be quiet!" Jaken said while turning his head to face her.

"Bad move," Ryo said. Jaken gasped and tried to turn and face his opponent, but instead, came face to face with a fist.

Jaken flew off the ground, and landed in some nearby bushes unconscious. Leaving Rin alone with the stranger.

"Now," Ryo said turning frightening eyes towards the terrified child.

"Perhaps you will be smarter than that fool was." Rin visibly gulped and backed up. Her eyes wide with fear.

"Tell me what I wish to know and no harm shall come to you. Or" Ryo flexed his claws menacingly and advanced on Rin.

"Would you prefer that I rip it out of you?" Rin gasped and took another step back.

"Where is the woman?" Rin's eyes widened in realization.

'He's after Kirika!' Rin huffed and lifted her chin proudly. 'I won't tell him, I won't let him harm her!'

"I won't betray her." She said in defiance. Ryo narrowed his eyes, and gripped Rin by the collar, lifting her several feet off the ground.

"I'll give you one more chance to tell me what I want to know." Ryo flexed his claws in front of the child's face.

"No!" Rin screamed. Ryo hissed and swung back his hands. There was a blur of movement, a flash of red and then a scream which pierced the night.

8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8:8

Sesshoumaru and Kirika raced with one mind, towards the one thing that mattered so much to both of them. Their recent argument forgotten, the emotions felt so strongly a moment before now vanished.

As the clearing came into view, both Sesshoumaru and Kirika ran faster, trying to reach the fire which held the answer that both frightened them and gave them hope.

Nothing could have prepared them for the sight which awaited them.

A/N

Well, what'd ya think? Okay okay, so maybe it was mean of me to leave you with a clifferhanger like that. (See last chapter for my excuse- I mean reason as to why.--; )

Anyway, if you guys really want to find out what happens next, then you better review. remember, the more reviews I get the more inspired I get and the more i write which means the faster I update.

hello again button.