Authors Notes: So a very short chapter this time, and I apologize for the wait. I haven't been writing much lately, but I hope that doesn't discourage you from reading my story. Enjoy!

I awoke to whispers, and pebbles being thrown about. Shippou had wandered off and found us still fast asleep resting against each other. But the sun had risen higher than before, and I knew we had to get going. A late start to the day means a late end, and I'm not so sure if I'm up for that.

"What the hell?" InuYasha swatted the air with impatience, knocking the rocks back to the ground where they belong. Even he didn't wake up until now, and that's unusual. He's a demon that refuses to sleep, even when he needs it.

I opened my eyes slowly, noticing a pink blob floating in front of me. Normally when Shippou would expand like this, he'd still remain cute. But this time..

"Holy.." Chills creeped up my arms and I jumped two feet into the air, forgetting that I was only being held by a tree branch. I fell backwards, thinking that I was for sure gonna hit that grass, break my arm, and then be completely useless for the next few weeks. But as usual..

"Kagome!" Two arms caught me, and I was gently plopped onto the ground, feet first. "You idiot. What did you do that for?"

I rubbed at my eyes, catching a glimpse of a scared Shippou being chased by a very grumpy looking InuYasha. They can't seem to go a day without arguing with each other, but I know that if they became seperated.. They wouldn't know what to do.

"Who you calling idiot? Sleeping this long! You're the idioooot!" Shippou retorted, jumping into my arms.

"HA! Come and say that to my face. I dare you!" InuYasha lunged at him once again, but I quickly pulled Shippou closer to my chest.

"That's enough out of you two. Couldn't you wait until later? Geez.. I just woke up!"

I smelt the fire burning from a short distance away, and the cooking fish surrounding it. It was sweet of Sango and Miroku to wake up and grab us something to eat without feeling the need to bother us. Shippou on the other hand..

InuYasha was right this time.

"Mmm.. Smells great! Thanks you guys." I stretched, taking a seat next to Sango. "It looks great, too."

"Just a few more minutes now.. How was your sleep?" Sango poked at one of the fish closest to her.

I could feel my face burning and I quickly shook my head, wishing the thoughts away. "Good.. Thanks for letting us sleep."

I shuffled the ground uncomfortably below me. Miroku leaned into InuYasha, giving him a sort of congratulations.

"Nicely done, my man. It's about time." He whispered to InuYasha, giving a thumbs up.

"What? Hey, I'm not like you!" InuYasha sounded a little flustered, and took off suddenly, grabbing a fish on his way.

"Nice work, Miroku." I sighed to myself, knowing that chasing after him would only make things worse. He still wasn't sure about us, and he couldn't forget about Kikyo.

Kikyo.. I find myself wishing she'd never met him. But I know that's not exactly fair to InuYasha or even her for that matter. I came second, after all. I'll always be second place.

I grabbed the closest fish to me and dug in a little too quickly, burning my lips. "Ow! Ow!" Wincing, I wrapped my hand around my lips. I was hoping that the food would comfort me, breaking the awkward silence looming over top of us. But again, I messed it all up!

"We don't need to hurry, Kagome. Take your time." Sango laughed nervously, grabbing a fish of her own. "I don't feel Naraku close by.."

"Me neither.. It's a bit odd, this calm. I can't even sense a jewel shard!"

"A little too calm.." Inuyasha piped in, looking around anxiously. "I don't like it."

Anunwelcome breeze blew around us, bringing a familiar scent to my attention.

It couldn't be..

Again?