The Portal

Chapter 4 – A Completely Different Place

When the light finally subsided, Sesshomaru blinked away the temporary blindness. He was immediately aware that just in front of him was Naraku, and lying on the ground beside him was the now unconscious miko. The second thing he was suddenly aware of was the fact that they were not on the side of a mountain. All around him was the most densely lush forest he had ever seen. The calls of strange creatures filled the air. Some were birds, but other’s... well, he wasn’t quite sure.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes toward the half-breed baboon. “Naraku, what trickery is this?”

Unfortunately, Naraku was having trouble with the situation himself. By all rights they should all three be dead. Or should they? Could the ancient ruins be a gateway instead of a weapon? A portal to another place or time? Suddenly he felt the edge of a very sharp blade making it’s way very slowly into the skin of his throat thus promptly drawing his attention back to the taiyoukai holding it. “I do not have the answer to your question, Lord Sesshomaru. I must admit, that I am as surprised about this as you. If you wish to kill me now, then go ahead, but you may never find your way home without my assistance.”

Sesshomaru considered his words carefully. All it would take was the flip of his wrist, to rid himself of Naraku’s plague. Much to his chagrin, Sesshomaru lowered his blade. He would let him live... for now.

‘This place smells... different.’ Sesshomaru surveyed the immediate area. Rainforest, for miles, it seems. This is not Japan. Where could they be? He heard the female groan behind him. Good. He was not relishing the thought of having to carry a human, especially Inuyasha’s wench.

Kagome could hear all sorts of strange noises. For a moment she almost thought she was at the Tokyo Zoo with her mom, but something wasn’t right. Slowly she tried to move. Ooh her body was sore. Why? She remembered! Kagome bolted straight up ready for flight. She quickly glanced around and spotted Sesshomaru, Inuyasha’s older brother. Not good. Even worse was who she spotted next. Naraku!

The adrenaline rush sent her into full battle mode. Kagome flipped away from them both and drew an arrow faster than she could ever remember doing so. She trained it on Naraku. Of the two, she certainly trusted Sesshomaru more than Naraku.

“Kukuku. Come Kagome, would you strike me down, possibly abandoning Sesshomaru and yourself in this unknown place forever?” Naraku asked.

Kagome was frightened, and unsure of what to do. One thing rang in her head over and over... ‘never trust Naraku’. She didn’t release the arrow, but she didn’t lower it either. She had to think, and what about Sesshomaru? Where is Inuyasha?!

Sesshomaru watched the display by Inuyasha’s wench. He had to admit she surprised him with the speed she used in drawing her arrow against Naraku. She has improved much over the years. He decided it was time to intervene. “Girl. Lower your weapon.”

Now Sesshomaru was ordering her to lower her weapon? What is going on? “No way! I don’t know what is happening here, but I do know one thing. Naraku deserves to die for the things he’s done to my friends!”

Slightly peeved for having his order ignored, Sesshomaru huffed rather loudly. This girl, would dare ignore a direct order from him? Then again, this is Inuyasha’s wench he was dealing with. This should not be so surprising. Naraku seemed to find her rebellious behavior humorous. The hanyou did not even try to hide the smug smile on his face.

Sesshomaru sighed heavily. What had he done in a past life to deserve to be stuck with these two? The gods were surely angered at him for some unknown reason. He looked back to the girl. What was it they called her? Kagome? Perhaps he should re-phrase his order somewhat? “Listen to this Sesshomaru, Kagome.” Well that seemed to have gotten her attention. He watched the surprised look in the girls eyes as she slowly began to lower her weapon.

He said her name? He never said her name before, so what changed? “I... I don’t understand. Wh... Where are we? Where is Inuyasha?”

Just hearing his half-brother’s name on her lips gave him an ill feeling. He didn’t have any idea where the half-breed was at, but he was glad he wasn’t here. That could have proven more than he could handle. Sesshomaru looked away from the girl’s crouching figure. “I can not answer that. This Sesshomaru is as clueless to this as you are. Whatever magic has been used, may require all three of us alive in order to return to our homeland.”

Kagome then took a moment to look around her. He was right. This didn’t look like Japan at all. The plants were all wrong. It was more of a jungle, and the animals in the distance sounded so foreign. ‘Where are we?’

Kagome gathered her resolve and stood. After brushing her self off, she thanked her lucky stars that she had thought to change into a pair of jeans and a tee shirt earlier that day. The cool air of the higher climate was her original reason, but now that she was here, well, there were a whole bunch of other reasons.

As much as Kagome distrusted both of her ‘companions’, it seemed that they were going to be stuck together for now. ‘May as well make the best of a bad situation.’ “O.k. you two, since we’re stuck together for now, we should call a temporary truce.” Kagome trained her eyes on Naraku before issuing her warning, “That means none of your tricks, Naraku. I won’t hesitate to sacrifice my chances of getting back to take you out, if need be.”

Naraku chuckled. “Such fiery spirit for a human.” He looked to Sesshomaru. “Do you not find her intriguing, Lord Sesshomaru?”

Sesshomaru huffed. “I do not.” He was tired of wasting time with all this talk. It was time to find out where they were and how to get back to Japan. He drew his sword and began slicing his way through the dense jungle foliage.

Kagome watched the demon making his way easily through the jungle. ‘I guess he’s ready to go.’ She switched her gaze to Naraku, ‘No way am I letting him out of my sight.’ “After you, Naraku.”

“Why Kagome, one would think that you do not trust me.” Naraku purred.

“One would think right. SO, after you, Naraku.” Kagome said a little more viscously.

Sesshomaru let the faintest of smiles curve his lip. The human wench was no fool. Brave as well. Most human women would be reduced to hysterics in this predicament, but this girl faces the unfavorable situation courageously.

Kagome followed Sesshomaru and Naraku through the jungle. She watched Naraku carefully. There was no way she was letting him attack Sesshomaru from behind. It looks like she’s stuck with the both of them for awhile, and she darn sure didn’t want Sesshomaru taken out of the picture. Being stuck here with only Naraku, would be just horrible!