A/N- I'm really sorry for not updating sooner. With summer just starting my parents seem to think chores are fun…who knows. But that's really no excuse…again I apologize for the delay!

'Italics' thoughts

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Chapter 3

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Kagome and Inuyasha reached the river by nightfall. It was a very secluded spot and she wondered how Inuyasha ever managed to find it in the first place, much less to find it again. She also found herself wondering if Inuyasha even had the correct river bank. When she asked, he nearly bit her head off.

"Inuyasha are you POSITIVE this is the right spot?" Kagome asked for the tenth time.

Inuyasha shot back at her, "Hai, now stop asking!"

"Well I don't sense the jewel anywhere near here."

"Maybe you're not trying hard enough."

"Not trying hard enough!" Kagome's voice rose up a notch. But she quickly got herself under control and stalked away.

The pair continued to search diligently till dusk, only to come up empty handed. They made camp in silence. Kagome rolled out her sleeping bag under, what she deemed the perfect tree. She then gathered up her shampoo's and left to bathe, Inuyasha knew better then to follow so Kagome knew no threat was needed. The only thing asked was if Inuyasha would fetch some fish for dinner. After he left Kagome sat down next to her tree, feeling fresh and clean, closed her eyes and took and took a quick cat-nap.

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Kagome awoke from her nap with a start at hearing Inuyasha loud holler. Inuyasha's hollering wasn't the problem, after all he was always yelling about something, it was Inuyasha's older brother Sesshoumaru, that bothered her. Inuyasha always seemed to fight with him, and it always ended with someone hurt, usually Inuyasha.

"Half-breed, I won't ask again. Why are you and your wench on my lands?" Kagome winced at the loving name he used to describe her but Sesshoumaru was famous for his emotionless threats and expressions, she did well to hold her tongue. Emotionless or not, he always lived up to his threats. Sesshoumaru was NOT one to mess with. Inuyasha seemed to think otherwise.

"Its none of your damn business why I'm here." Inuyasha snorted out. Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed fractionally, and his nails seemed to take on a green hue. Kagome suddenly realized it was time for her to intervene. Just because Sesshoumaru had helped them once, in the defeat of Naraku, didn't mean he would tolerate Inuyasha now. Kagome seriously doubted that if given the opportunity and the right reason Sesshoumaru would hold back from just killing Inuyasha.

Kagome jumped up from her perch, sat Inuyasha and bowed to Sesshoumaru,"What brings you here Sesshoumaru-sama?"

Sesshoumaru merely looked at the girl. She seems to have gotten taller since last we met, at least an inch or two. Her hair was longer, and she has acquired a nice tan that accentuates her… What am I thinking! Sesshoumaru mentally slapped himself.

"I am here because you and the half-breed have been on my lands, in the same spot, all day. Now, state your reason for being here, or deal with the punishments of trespassing." At the mention of punishments Kagome's eyes widened.

"My lord, we meant no harm. Last week Inuyasha accidentally threw the shikon into this river. He claims this to be the last spot he saw it and I was meagerly hoping it washed on shore and was still here. But alas, no such luck has befallen us. In fact it doesn't seem to be near here at all. My guess is that someone either found it or it is now at the bottom of the ocean." Kagome glared over at Inuyasha when she said 'accidentally'.

Sesshoumaru had raised a perfectly shaped eyebrow at the mention of the shikon. "You mean to tell me, this oaf, has once again lost the jewel of four-souls?" Sesshoumaru inwardly groaned when his inner-demon came up with the idea of actually helping find the thing.

'The jewel did cause a lot of unwanted problems for this Sesshoumaru in his lands. Better to find it sooner rather then later.'

"This Sesshoumaru will accompany you with your travels. I don't need you two roaming my lands unsupervised."

By that time Inuyasha had recovered and before he could retort Kagome sat him once again. "Thank you for your kindness, it is much appreciated." Kagome bowed once more before returning to her spot under the tree. It was well into the night and she needed her rest if she was to deal with Inuyasha AND Sesshoumaru tomorrow.

Sesshoumaru retired to the tree directly across from Kagome, while Inuyasha choose the tree branch directly above her. Sparing a quick glance at Sesshoumaru, before she fell asleep, she watched as he closed his eyes with a smirk plastered to his face.

'I wonder what he thinks is so funny.'

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A/N- YAY! Three whole chapters! WHAT A FEAT! (esp. for me)

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