Miko: OK, I going to keep this short...Sesshy...

Sesshomaru: Miko does not own anything...not even me....

Joey: SHHHH! Don't let her hear you!

Hiei: * Cowering in the corner * Ya....

Miko: Any who, Sesshoyasha reviewed first for the update of chapter 3! Yay! Any way, sesshoyasha and maria_galix, for you guys, I am going to try to make this one longer! And the next one after even longer! Ok? Good....also, if there is any one who wants me to announce their story on mine, then by all means, let me know...I'll do it...(I got am email asking that) Not saying it will get any one but hey...

Thanks for all your reviews people...

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Chapter 4

The sun had already started to set as Sango, Kagome and Miyuki continued deep into the forest. Lush plants of green surrounded them on all sides. Tall trees swayed back and forth like towering giants. Elongated branches stuck out from nowhere to snag the shirts of the three girls as they made their journey through the forest. Every one was on edge, each keeping up their guard. Kagome had her bow ready, Sango her Hirakotsu, and Miyuki just walked ready to attack.

A thick ominous feeling of want clouded Kagome's mind. What was it that she was really searching for? Was it to avenge Inuyasha or to finish the jewel? Could it be something else that just happened to push her forward? On the other hand, was there really a reason for her presence? Question's such as these popped into Kagome's mind every few seconds. She had no real reason to continue her quest, or even stay in feudal Japan any longer than she already had. Inuyasha was gone, Naraku had most of the jewel, and there were too many painful memories that made her think about the one she loved. What was left for her to do that made her continue forward?

The answer was simple...It was because of Naraku. He was the cause of every thing that had happened. He caused Kikyou and Inuyasha to hate and betray. He was the one who put the curse on the high monk, Miroku, and was the cause of the death of almost all her friends. The cursed half demon was even sick enough to make Sango fight her own brother. Naraku had killed Inuyasha, Miroku and Shippo. You could definitely say that Naraku was the cause of every thing bad that happened in her life. With him still alive, every thing seemed to go astray. Then it came to her, if so many before her fell at Naraku's feet, what could she, a normal sixteen-year-old teenage girl do anything to stop such an awesome power? She couldn't. So why then? Why prolong things by staying in the past. It wasn't her era. She could easily go back home if she wanted to. Kagome continued to think about it for a while longer before her thoughts were interrupted. Kagome stopped walking and stared at the ground for a second.

"Kagome, are you alright?"

Kagome looked up to see Sango staring back at her. Kagome smiled, "Yeah, I'm ok...just thinking is all." Sango nodded, and then they started walking again.

"Sango, what do you plan to do when we actually find Naraku?" asked Kagome as she continued to stare straight ahead. There was silence before Sango actually answered. "I'm going to avenge my brother...and Miroku."

Kagome smiled, she knew Sango loved Miroku when he was alive. She also knew she loved her brother just as much. It didn't surprise her that Sango would want revenge for the loss of both of them. Kagome glanced over at Miyuki. Sure Sango had a reason for coming but Miyuki on the other hand, didn't. So why was she putting her life on the line knowing the consequences? Was it because her parents were killed and she had no one else to turn to? Well whatever the reason happened to be, Kagome was glad she was on her side. Heck, any one would be happy to have Miyuki on their side after watching the young girl fight. Her super reflexes and abnormal senses allowed her to become a very powerful person indeed. Still, would she alone be enough to bring down a most powerful half demon such as Naraku? Kagome could only pray.

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The trip through the forest continued without much conversing between the three girls. A few short questions here and there but that's about it. Well, in all honesty, there wasn't much to talk about. That is until night started blanketing the sky with darkness, and then Sango had suggested they stop and make camp. They stopped in the middle of a small clearing where Miyuki went to collect firewood, Sango started putting up a small tent that somehow fit in Kagome's bag, and Kagome started making dinner.

"Hey Kagome, the tents' up." Sango yelled. "Now what do you want me to do?"

Kagome looked up from the boiling pot of water that sat on the newly made fire. "Just relax Sango." Kagome smiled, "Dinner will be done in a few minutes, I just have to add these noodles." Sango nodded, and then took a seat in front of Kagome to watch as dinner was made.

"So." Sango sighed. "What'cha thinking about?" Kagome added the noodles in the water, and then looked up at Sango. "Nothing...much." She answered truthfully. "I'm just worried about finishing the jewel."

"Ya, I know what you mean. Nevertheless, how are we going to find Naraku? And even if we do, will we be able to defeat him?"

Kagome sighed, "Best not to think about things like that I guess. It only gets you riled up and mad inside. Pent up anger is no way to be barring a grudge. It only makes you irritable."

Sango stared wide-eyed at Kagome and smiled, "Your knowledge surpasses that of your age, Kagome. However, you should try taking your own advice. I know you too are worried about every thing."

Kagome smiled. "You're right, Sango. I should, and I am worried about every thing."

"See, you cant hide your feelings from me Kagome, I know you to well." "That you do Sango. That you do. It just shows you how close we really are."

Sango smiled wide, "We are close, aren't we."

"Yup."

"I'm glad Kagome. To have a friend like you I mean."

Kagome tended to the cooking noodles. "I'm glad you're glad Sango."

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Minutes flew by as if hours and Miyuki finally returned with two arms full of wood, and a large smile plastered on her face.

"Got the wood for later." She smiled, and walked over to Kagome and Sango who were now eating dinner. "Where should I put it?"

"Thanks Miyuki!" Kagome smiled, "You can put the wood over by the tent. Now come get your dinner. Its Raman."

Miyuki quickly did as she was told, and then sat down next to Kagome. Kagome handed Miyuki a bowl of Raman, and then continued eating. No body said anything. The only thing that could be heard was the soft whistle of wind that happened to float by every now and then. The eerie silence however, drove Miyuki mad.

"Please say something! Some one please!"

Both Sango and Kagome looked up from their bowls of Raman to look at Miyuki. "What's wrong?" Sango asked. Miyuki just shook her head. "I can't stand awkward silence!"

Sango stared at Kagome who stared back, and then both looked at Miyuki and laughed.

"You'll get used to it, Miyuki." Kagome laughed, "It's usually like this at dinner."

Sango nodded. "Sure is."

Miyuki glared at the two girls, then turned to her Raman. "Ass holes."

"HEY!" Kagome yelled, "No bad language!" Sango continued to laugh at Miyuki.

"What ever." Miyuki sighed. "Just forget-."

Kagome looked up at Miyuki. "What's wrong?" she asked. "Why did you stop talking?"

There was a rustle in a bush close by. Both Sango and Kagome bolted upright, staring into the bush as a figure stepped out of the bush.

"Sesshomaru!" Kagome yelled. "What are you doing here?"

Sesshomaru's face was void and didn't show any signs of emotion as he stepped out from behind the bush. "Ah, Inuyasha's wench. Just the person I was looking for."

"What do you mean you were looking for me? We were coming to you!"

"Were you now? And why would you do something like that?"

"Because I was told to by your brother!" Kagome shot back.

"So tell me, what did my dear half-brother have to say?" Sesshomaru walked up to Kagome, making Sango reach for her boomerang bone. Standing only about two feet away, Sesshomaru's gaze burned holes into Kagome's skin. She shifted a little at this, not wanting to be the object of his attention.

"He told me to tell you that the Western Lord falls! Or the Western Lord will fall."

"And," Sesshomaru added, "Why would my dear brother ask you to tell me this?"

Kagome looked at the ground, not wanting Sesshomaru to see the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. "Because he is dead," she cried, "And can't tell you himself."

Sesshomaru stepped closer to Kagome, who intern looked up and stared into the golden pools that were Sesshomaru's emotionless eyes. Sango looked at Miyuki who was still eating dinner and acting as if nothing had happened. "Get up Miyuki!" Sango whispered, not wanting to be heard by the Western Lord that stood only a few feet away. Miyuki didn't answer; this made Sango sigh in frustration. "Fine! Be that way!"

"So tell me, wench. What is your name?" Came Sesshomaru's icy cold voice. Kagome shivered. "I wont tell you until you learn to call me by my proper name!"

Sesshomaru laughed. "Is that so? Well it seems hard to call you by a name of which I do not know."

"Kagome." The young girl yelled a little louder than needed, "Its Kagome!"

Sesshomaru's laugh dissipated. "Very well, 'Kagome'. Now tell me this, what else did my half-brother have to say?"

Kagome looked at Sango with a quite plea for help, but when Sango just stood there, Kagome turned back to the demon lord in front of her. "I believe he also said something else, but that was not information for you I am afraid."

Sesshomaru growled, and his mask of no emotions was placed upon his face. "What else did he say?"

"No! I wont tell you! But now that I have relayed my message, you tell me what exactly you were doing looking for me!" Kagome yelled, placing her hands on her hips like a mother scolding her child.

Sesshomaru stood awe struck. Never in his existence had he been told no. In his mind, 'no' was some kind of slang term used to cover up the real matter at hand. It infuriated him to think that this woman, human woman, could even posses the nerve to tell him such a word. 'How dare she?' he thought. 'How dare she?'

Sesshomaru stared at Kagome not wanting to look away. 'How can a human be so sure of one's self to have the nerve to tell me 'no'?' he thought, but nothing came. His mind drifted elsewhere. The wind picked up Kagome's scent and sent it flying towards his senses. Sesshomaru inhaled, and suddenly became relaxed. Her scent was calming, and smelt like Sakura trees in bloom. In addition, a familiar scent blended with the Sakura trees, and it overwhelmed him. 'This woman is...' he trailed off taking in another big whiff of her scent. 'In heat...'

"Hello?" Kagome called, bringing Sesshomaru out of his daydream. "Are you ok?"

"Silence!" Sesshomaru spat. "You're insubordination to cooperate has become most tiresome. But...." he drifted off, his senses again becoming overwhelmed by Kagome's scent. "I came looking for you after I found out about Inuyasha's death. So you see my dear, I already knew that Inuyasha was dead."

"But."

"I also knew that Inuyasha had recently been bouncing a dead Miko that looked very much like you." Sesshomaru smirked. "You know of whom I speak do you not."

Kagome stared at Sesshomaru. Was what Sesshomaru telling her true? Even after Inuyasha admitted that, he loved her. 'No, It isn't true!' she scolded herself. 'Inuyasha would never....'

"Kagome.... do you want to know why Inuyasha made you seek me out to tell me such a simple thing? It's because he was afraid that the dead Miko might leave him. He came to me about a month ago, telling me that as his brother I should help him. Moreover, do you know what I said? I said I was not his brother, and that he was not worthy to have my blood coursing through his veins."

"Stop!" Kagome yelled.

"That our father was foolish to think that he could ever become Western Lord after both his and my passing." Sesshomaru's smirk widened. "So I got an idea, and then agreed to 'help' him. You see, the throne is passed on to the oldest man in the family. It doesn't matter if I had pups, the throne would still go to Inuyasha. Therefore, we made a deal, and the deal was that he would give up his birthright to the throne if I helped him get the dead Miko to love him sincerely; instead of just wanting him to go to hell with her. Simple yes? Not quite, because after he went to council and disowned himself from my family, things plunged into chaos. There was no heir to the throne any more, so Inuyasha had to make a deal with the council. Do you want to know what that deal was?"

"NO! STOP PLEASE!"

"That you would become Lady of the Western Lands after he died, and bring forth pups in which to make heir's after my passing. Naturally I objected, but the council approved Inuyasha's foolish wish, and now that he is dead, you rightfully belong to me."

"No I don't!" Kagome yelled, "I belong to no one!"

Sesshomaru chuckled at this. "On the contrary my dear, you most certainly do."

Sango stepped forward. "No she doesn't! Kagome belongs to herself! You wont take her away!"

"Is that so?" Sesshomaru laughed, looking at Sango.

"Yes!" Both Sango and Kagome yelled in unison. "It is!"

"Well then, we will just have to see about that wont we." Sesshomaru stopped laughing and looked at Kagome. "Well then, we can discuss things at home, come now." Sesshomaru smirked, and glanced at Sango as he scooped Kagome up bridal style and started into the air. {Yeah, I know...Sesshy rides that cloud thing most of the time, but I have seen him just fly ya know. Watch the episode Tetsaiga and Tenseiga. Sesshy jumps off Ah and Un and fly!}

Sango was left staring wide-eyed with her mouth hanging slightly open. She looked at Miyuki who had already fallen asleep and then sighed. "I wonder how we're going to get ourselves out of this mess."

End chapter

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Miko: SO? Did I do better on making it longer? Hope so.....Its hard for me to write 2,525 words....especially with end of the year exams looming over my head....

Sesshomaru: Hope you enjoyed it....

Joey: Ya...

Hiei: Hn?

Miko: Please give me ideas! Oh and I really could use some constructive critisicm, I mean I get my ideas as I type Ok? Any who, tell me what you think by pushing the little button to the right....

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