When Han and Sesshomaru returned to the distant mountaintop, she expected to find Kikyo waiting for her with a gentle smile. Instead, Yunai rushed toward her in tears, while Jaken stood hesitating off to one side. Han's heart sank.
"Yunai, what happened? Tell me." Han dropped to one knee and held Yukito before her, asking solemnly.
"Wah... Han, Sister Kikyo was taken away! That guy wearing the white baboon pelt... wah..." Huge tears spilled from Yunai's wet, dark eyes and landed on the backs of Han's hands.
"All right. I understand." Han gathered the frightened little rabbit into her arms. In contrast to her gentle strokes, her gaze was firm. "I'll save Sister Kikyo. I promise." The promise was as much to herself as to Yunai. I knew Kikyo couldn't move around easily, yet I still left her here alone... I can never forgive myself!
"Sesshomaru..." Han looked up at him. This had nothing to do with him. The girl involuntarily bit her lower lip and bowed her head slightly. "I can go alone. Sesshomaru, could you wait for me?"
"Don't be foolish." Sesshomaru turned around, speaking as though in passing. "Let's go." The girl might not dwell on it, but Sesshomaru had never forgotten the demon named Naraku. That demon had hurt Han, challenging his dignity. He would never let him off lightly.
"Ah..." Han raised her head in surprise and looked up at Sesshomaru. As his meaning sank in, a delighted smile blossomed across her face. "Yes!" She rose and hurried to his side.
Sesshomaru's lips curved almost imperceptibly, a faint warmth in his eyes, and he set out with the girl to find Naraku.
Inuyasha and his companions, who shared their objective, were also drawing closer to Naraku.
After the battle with Menomaru, Inuyasha's group had