Jackie: I know, I know. Long time, no update. My life has been constant chaos lately, and I'm not sure when it will end. I can only promise to update when I get two seconds to breathe.

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Chapter 27;

"SIT BOY!" Kagome screeched, "SITSITSITSITSITSITSITSITSIT, SIT BOY!"

"AGghhhh," Inuyasha whimpered.

"Now what did you do that for?" Shippo asked, "Even a kid like me knows not to tell a woman she's looking a little frumpy today."

"Damn it, Kagome!" Inuyasha roared, "I oughta!"

He and Shippo looked around but Kagome was long gone. A sweat drop beaded on Inuyasha's head and he growled, "She left again."

"Off for another walk," Miroku sighed, "Spare us the hours of brooding and just go after her now."

"I DON'T HAFTA!" Inuyasha barked, "She owes ME an apology this time."

"For what?" Sango asked, "You insulted her and as usual got what you deserved."

"It's not MY fault she's so sensitive!" Inuyasha growled and sat down facing away from his companions.

"Oh boy," Shippo sighed.

"I'll bet my satchel of money that he takes off after her in two hours," Miroku whispered to Sango.

"You shouldn't bet," Sango whispered back, "Especially when you're just going to loose. It won't be half so long."

"You're on then," He said with a small smirk, "Care to add to the wager?"

"Sure, what?" Sango asked.

"The winner gets to grope the looser," Miroku said.

Sango decided to throw him for a bit. She smirked and said, "So either you get to grope me or I get to grope you?"

"WHY YES!" Miroku chimed unable to believe his luck.

SMACK!

"Not likely," Sango growled.

"I jest of course," Miroku groaned.

"You're both wrong anyway!" Inuyasha yelled, "I AINT goin' after her!"

"I wish I was old enough to bet," Shippo whined.

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Kagome stormed off down the path, too busy fuming to watch where she was going. She growled to herself, "Stupid, inconsiderate jerk!"

Sesshomaru looked down the path and stopped. His party stopped behind him, but Inuyasha's human pet didn't. Before anyone had time to speak she crashed right into him. He didn't budge, but Kagome bounced back a good five feet, landing flat on her butt.

"Stupid! I oughta-," She blinked and went ghostly pale at the sight of the demon lord.

"Sesshomaru!" She squeaked.

Sesshomaru said nothing, but Rin came bounding forward. She hugged Kagome and squealed, "Miss Kagome! Where is Shippo? Can he play?"

"Rin," Sesshomaru said placidly, "We have no time for play."

"Yeah, Hey," Kagome started, "Inuyasha smelled Naraku, and then there was that huge flash of light, so we came to investigate. Inuyasha said it looked like it was near his father's castle."

"My castle," Sesshomaru corrected, "Is no longer there, and Naraku is gone. You are wasting your time."

"We're trying to hunt him down," Miyoiki started, "He can't have gotten…"

While Miyoiki and Kagome talked Rootousi saw his opportunity. If Sesshomaru would not ask for Inuyasha's assistance, Rootousi would be sure that Inuyasha insisted on assisting. Rootousi interrupted the conversation and said, "Naraku is obsessed with capturing Miyoiki. What Sesshomaru and Miyoiki are failing to tell you is-"

"Rootousi," Sesshomaru warned in his all too soft voice that usually meant he was going to kill someone.

"Is that flash of light was caused when Naraku came after Miyoiki again," Rootousi finished and glared back at Sesshomaru.

"You don't even have to look for him then!" Kagome gasped, "Sooner or later he is going to come to you! I've gotta tell Inuyasha."

Sesshomaru did not try to stop Kagome. As calmly as sea in the doldrums Sesshomaru turned to Rootousi.

"Rootousi," Sesshomaru said coldly, "You have abused my patience to its very limits. If you defy me again, Miyoiki will not be able to save you."

Sesshomaru about-faced and started down the path again. The chill in the air his presence had left made even Miyoiki shiver. She stared at his back as he walked. He really was two different people sometimes. She felt certain he would never use that cold voice with her again, but he was not restraining it when it came to anyone else. She wondered how deep his scars must go, and if she could ever fully heal him. Would he ever be as warm to others as he had become towards her and Rin?

She and Jaken followed him finally. Miyoiki did not notice how Rootousi and Rin fell in behind her.

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Jackie: See ya next time. THANKX FOR REVIEWING!