Shiukori, Inuyasha's Sister

Chapter Six: Run In with a Demon

Shiukori was walking behind the group, as usual, having a casual conversation for once. Not about Naraku, not about the many dangers of this era. In fact, they were talking about Kagome's schoolwork.

"Oh yeah, every once in a while, we have to take these things we call tests," Kagome smiled.

"Like, a test of strength? Do you have to slay demons?" Shiukori asked, completely oblivious to the modern world's customs.

"Oh no! Nothing like that! It's more of a test of knowledge. We get a paper filled with questions and sometimes we'll have multiple choices but other times there'll be a question that we'll have to answer on our own," she explained.

"What are the questions?" Shiukori questioned.

"Well, there are lots of different subjects! There's, geometry, language, science, and, my favorite, history!" Kagome was quite cheerful.

"And does no one find it suspicious that you only seem to return when these tests occur?" Shiukori narrowed her eyes. Not in a threateningly way, but in more of a questioning way.

"Huh, I never really thought of that. I guess not, they probably just think I'm pushing myself too hard," Kagome replied thoughtfully.

"Sometimes, Lady Kagome, you are," Shiukori said and walked ahead of her, talking with Miroku and Sango. Kagome thought about what she had said. Was she really pushing herself too hard? Did it seem that way to others? Kagome didn't think she was. Perhaps she just didn't notice.

Anyone else would have thought that Shiukori was being cold. But Kagome knew better. She knew that, that was just Shiukori's nature, and she meant no harm.

"Sango," Shiukori began, "would you tell me what it's like to be a demon slayer?"

"Huh? My Lady, why would you want to know about that?" Sango wondered.

Shiukori gave a closed eyed smile and put her hands up in front of her, "please, you needn't call me Lady. I'm hardly a priestess or of any royalty. That term is reserved for my brother, Lord Sesshoumaru," she rolled her eyes at the last statement. "Anyways, it seems interesting. Demon slayers seem to be very close-knit. I'd love to hear about that."

"Uh, well, from the time we are children we're trained to protect ourselves. To slay demons. We know how to handle all different kinds of demons. Weak demons, royal demons, dragon demons, wolf demons, even dog demons like yourself. Uh, but you and Inuyasha are my friends, so I wouldn't-"

"I know. And the wolf demon has shown no reason for us to be suspicious. He's completely devoted to Lady Kagome," Shiukori cut her short, giving a warm smile.

"Miss, I'm sorry. We all thought you knew. Koga doesn't plan to stay with us, he's got a tribe to lead," Miroku explained, expecting her to be disheartened. Shiukori only blinked at him.

"Why are you sorry, monk? It makes no difference to me," she chuckled at his assumption.

"O-oh. I see. I will say, I'm a little surprised," Miroku chuckled back.

"Why?"

"Well, no reason. I simply suspected that you'd taken a liking to Koga. I guess I was mistaken," he laughed nervously, scratching the back of his neck.

"Why would you think that? He's simply a wolf demon that travels with us," Shiukori spoke, obviously confused.

"What? Haven't you noticed, Kori?" Sango asked, her eyes going wide.

"Noticed what? Stop being so cryptic," she was beginning to get frustrated.

"He's obviously sweet on you, Kori," Sango giggled, as if it were clear to everyone but her.