Short chapter, but it keeps you in suspence. XD But I still love the last chapter.

Chapter 22: Shikon no Tama /b

Kyoumi walked back to camp well past midnight and sat down next to InuYasha, still stunned by what had happened. InuYasha opened an eye and smirked. "So, you're back. How was your kiss?" asked InuYasha.

Kyoumi blinked and shrugged.

InuYasha was surprised by this answer. "Haven't you ever been kissed before?"

Kyoumi looked at him without turning her head and raised her eyebrow.

"Oh, yeah. OK... Well, you should get some rest," suggested InuYasha.

Kyoumi nodded and laid down and closed her eyes, going into a light sleep.

---

The morning brought more questions than answers to Kyoumi, but she threw them all in the fire, trying to forget about them and trying to figure out one main question. What was this new feeling of confusion and other strange emotions?

Kyoumi walked in a daze for most of that day, trying to figure out what happened.

Kohaku was still knocked out, having been hit over the head by InuYasha every time he woke up. Sango didn't like it, but agreed that it was the safest way to bring him with them, seeing as he may try and kill them under Naraku's influence.

"I sense another Jewel Shard," Kagome said as she started to walk faster.

Kyoumi ran as fast as she could, leaving the others behind. Mitsu followed her, making sure she wouldn't get hurt. Kagome, Shippo and InuYasha soon caught up, and Miroku, Sango, Kohaku and Kirara came behind them.

Kyoumi didn't know why she wanted to get to this Jewel Shard so badly. Was it because she smelled a familiar scent?

They soon came to a clearing similar to the one they met Sesshoumaru in and they saw a castle in the middle of the wasteland.

"I smell Naraku," Kyoumi said with venom in her voice, stopping a little ways from the forest edge. The only thing below her was dirt and bones, and across the war-stained land was only dead things, but a single golden flower in front of them. It had beautiful silver and gold colored petals and it shimmered in the light.

"It's sad that that is the only living thing here," Kagome said as they passed it and headed towards the castle.

---

"Naraku, they are here," said Kagura's voice in the darkness of the castle.

"Good. Let them get into the castle. I'll deal with them... You may stay in here unless I call you," said the horrible voice that was Naraku's. A single ray of light fell on his pale face with the redish-brown eyes. He had an evil smile and wore the usual kimono while in his human-like form.

I wish he wouldn't treat me like a child! I wish I could just go away from here. I don't even like Naraku! thought Kagura as she walked off to some room in the castle.

"I will finally get rid of that wretched InuYasha and his friends. And I will get the last of the Jewel Shards to complete the Sacred Shikon Jewel. The Shikon no Tama," said Naraku to himself as he walked out of the room.

Pay attention to that flower, loser.