The Portal

Chapter 2 – Something in the Air

Inuyasha stopped in the middle of the road. Kagome knew he was checking the air. Over the past two years, she had seen him do this thousands of times. Everyone knew to wait until he gave the ‘all clear’. She looked over to Sango who shot her a questioning look. She shrugged her shoulder’s. She didn’t know what he was sniffing out either.

Miroku leaned against a tree on the edge of the road. He watched Sango and Kagome’s body language. He always watched their body language. It always proved to be such an enlightening conversation. He had no idea why Inuyasha stopped either, but he certainly wouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. He needed a moment to rest and gather his thoughts.

Sango had become so dear to him over the past two years. More important than anyone could know. The houshi watched as she leaned against her hiraikotsu so gracefully, while she and Kagome whispered amongst themselves. She was a strong warrior and a lovely woman. One day, when Naraku is defeated, he would ask her to be his bride. His mind began to drift to their future children. He wanted to have a house full of them. With that thought came the thoughts of creating the children. ‘Ah, many days and nights of hard work ahead.’ The monk chuckled quietly. ‘Oh, but fun work, which will prove to be well worth it.’

Sango heard that chuckle from Miroku. She turned immediately to the lecher, as she was well aware of where his filthy mind had drifted. She had heard that laugh too many times over the years. After successfully gaining his attention she made sure to throw him a warning glare, which he acted surprised to receive. He shouldn’t be. He got that look at least two times a day.

After assuring herself that the monks’ thoughts were taking a healthier path, Sango turned her attention back to Kagome, who was chastising Shippo for taking a lollipop without permission, from her pack.

“Will you two shut-up?!” Inuyasha shouted.

“Well, excuse us!” Kagome returned in rising frustration. “What’s the problem anyway, Inuyasha? What do you smell?”

He pulled his hands to rest in the sleeves of his red haori, and shook his head in confusion. “I’m not sure. I know it sounds crazy, but I thought I smelled Naraku. It’s gone now.”

When he said ‘Naraku’ the entire group leapt to attention. Kirara transformed to her fierce demonic size, and Kagome pulled an arrow from her quiver, just in case.

Miroku frowned, and glanced around suspiciously. “Naraku? Could it perhaps have been one of his incarnations?”

Inuyasha shook his head, unknowingly, “I couldn’t tell. It was brief.”

Miroku sighed despairingly. “Well, let’s be on our way. We have quite a bit of ground to cover before we can make camp.”

They all turned to continue their journey. The light-hearted banter from earlier, now a thing of the past. The threat of Naraku, or one of his minions, dispelled any happy feelings immediately, and they proceeded in their journey with their guard in place and weapon’s ready. Each of the shard hunter’s refusing to be taken by surprise.

~~~~***~~~~
“Jaken,” came the deep, creamy smooth voice, cutting through the foliage of the surrounding forest.

A scuffling sound making it’s way quickly through the grass and fallen leaves of the forest floor announce the arrival of the kappa youkai. “Yes, my lord?”

Lord Sesshomaru glanced down at his green retainer. “Take Rin and Ah-Un back to the castle.”

Jaken appeared distraught at the command and in his discourse brashly spoke what was on his mind. “But my lord, why?”

A steel gaze of warning brought the little vassal to his knees in regret. “Oh please forgive me, Lord Sesshomaru! I have spoken out of turn. Please, your lowly vassal begs your forgiveness.”

“Come on Jaken. Lord Sesshomaru has gone.” The child, riding on the back of the two-headed dragon said.

Jaken jerked his head up, when Rin spoke. He glanced around, finding that the human child was not telling a lie. He mumbled, as he stood, and dishearteningly began to lead the beast back to the house of the moon.

“Sayonara Lord Sesshomaru!” Rin shouted behind her. Though she could no longer see her demon protector, she knew he could hear her.

Sesshomaru made his way toward the mountainous terrain ahead. He heard Rin shouting good-bye, and caught himself before he turned to her. Strange how that child affected him.

The demon lord in white silk proceeded in the direction of Naraku’s scent. It was brief, but clearly and unmistakably Naraku. He couldn’t help but to wonder why the filth would release his scent. Could it be a trap? He was sure that the hanyou did not make mistakes that easily. He had spent too many months tracking him for that to be the case. Whatever Naraku had up his sleeve would be of no consequence, however, not against this Sesshomaru.

He walked until he came to the foot of the cliffs and mountains beyond. Some of the worst terrain in all of Japan. A fitting place for one such as Naraku. Sesshomaru looked around, as he sniffed the crisp air. He could not catch a scent of the hanyou. Not even a trace. Perhaps it was just a passing breeze, long gone. Something told him otherwise.

It had been two days since he had eaten. He needed to build his strength before taking on the filthy half-breed. Since he couldn’t catch a scent of Naraku at the moment, Lord Sesshomaru decided to use the interlude, in order to grab a quick meal.

With the speed of light he disappeared into the forest in search of his prey.

~~~***~~~

The group of shard hunter’s had finally begun to relax. It seemed that Inuyasha was either wrong, or Naraku was long gone. Either way, the passing scent was fast fading in their minds, as they once again fell into a sunnier disposition. That’s when Inuyasha went into battle stance.

He swung around to Kagome and the group. “NARAKU! Everyone follow me!”

In a flash Kagome was mounted on Inuyasha’s back, with Shippo hanging on for dear life. Kirara transformed, once again, to her full size, and just as fast the neko youkai felt Sango’s familiar weight settle onto her back, soon joined by Miroku. Kirara took off after the fast disappearing Inuyasha who was making unbelievable time as he made his way toward the mountains ahead.

~~~***~~~

Sesshomaru slipped the last sliver of boar into his mouth, as the scent of Naraku hit him. The taiyoukai wasted no time in departing his kill, and headed toward the mountains. Naraku was up to something, and he refused to miss the opportunity to end the bastards’ life.

~~~***~~~

Naraku’s evil laugh bounced through the vast rocky surroundings as he stared into the mirror held by his little darling, Kanna. “Inuyasha has taken the bait.” Another round of self-adulating laughter. “Let the games begin.”