Kagome walked back into work Monday morning with a headache, not enough sleep, and even worse yet…she had no tea or coffee in her apartment. Starting the day dry of caffeine was not pleasant. She would have stopped at a café or something, but of course Kagome was running late. Her only hope was that there would be some left over in the break room. There wasn't any coffee, but there were some orange pekoe tea bags and you can find hot water almost anywhere. At least, so she thought. Kagome ended up having to go into the bathroom for water than running back to the break room to heat it up in the microwave.

When Kagome finally made it up the elevator to her desk there were a half dozen files full as can be waiting for her on her desk. Her absence had been dully noted and Miroku had little to no success in her absence.

Miroku wouldn't be meeting her today as he had some serious file work to do as well. They instead decided to convene at the library and do some more research. As of now, all Kagome could do was sit up in the posture that was forcibly shoved down her throat by archery instructors and swallow her sigh.

Kagome was about to settle into her work when Jakotsu stuck his head out of his office and called her over.

"Kagome, please come here for a minute."

Jakotsu's voice was stern and level. It was a tone she wasn't used to hearing. Kagome just sat there for a few minutes before the meaning of his words sunk in. The woman jumped up from her seat and somewhat more daintily, entered the office. She fidgeted at the door before taking the seat that Jakotsu waved her into. He shut the door to his office and Kagome visibly gulped.

"Kagome…"

"I know about my absence. I'm sorry-"

"No, no. That's been settled. Takarashi-sama verified your absence this morning. I know things have been hectic around here and if you needed a break so badly…"

"Jak…?"

Jakotsu smiled winking at her. He knew it wasn't true, Kagome realized, but they had to follow protocol. A relevant excuse was necessary and Jak didn't want to cause a scene. So, Kagome followed along very much relieved. It was had enough to believe what actually happened, but then to explain in could have been unbearable. Plus, if it was leaked out to the papers Naraku might be a little mad. Kagome smirked behind her hand. That would be an understatement. She would be as good as dead.

"Just tell me next time, okay? Off the record, I was really worried about you."

Kagome smiled and nodded, though she was sure that Jak wouldn't be the first person on her list to call if she was ever in trouble. It was nice to know of course. Also if Naraku ever did come after her again, Naraku better be ready for the struggle from hell. The next time there would be no past to get over and no real reason for Kagome to have any contact at all. In her mind, she was through with him, but his letting them go so easily seemed quite suspicious. Kanna's words ran through her mind again. It sounded like something Naraku might do, but then maybe the insipid woman rescued Rin to gain Sesshoumaru's trust. You could never really know in this day and age.

…With Sesshoumaru…

His office was quiet, as usual, as he liked it. Somehow today though it seemed to be too much so and every single noise grated on his ears. The clicks of his secretary's busy keyboard outside the door and the phone that was constantly ringing. Sesshoumaru just couldn't sit still today. His body was tense waiting for something, but nothing was happening. It was like one grey cloud hovering over the horizon marring the peace of the day. He was anxious for some unfounded reason he couldn't explain.

Sesshoumaru went out for lunch. Going to lunch at all was an odd occurrence, but today he was meeting his daughter. She had the afternoon off for some school function, a tournament or something. She left after noon and he was meeting her at a café halfway between their home and his office at one. At 12:30 he left. His secretary looked at him like he had a second head when he said he was leaving for lunch, but she nodded anyway too shocked to speak.

Lunch was a simple, but pleasant affair. His daughter was as chatty and joyous as ever. Her soft, warm childish tones soothed over him. Sesshoumaru entered back into work refreshed and glad he decided to make plans with Rin. Sesshoumaru actually did little work as the president, but there were many contracts to sign with the upcoming merger and countless meetings. Sesshoumaru had two today, one in a half hour and another in two.

Something he found slightly disconcerting was the fact that both Inuyasha and Kikyo were missing. Neither answered any phones they owned. For Inuyasha, it was his cell and home phone and for Kikyo it was her apartment phone, her cell, and also the summer house she was staying at in the country. Answering machines and dial tones were all that met the ear when you tried to contact them.

Some thought they had escaped together for a little vacation and alone time, but Sesshoumaru knew his brother. This wasn't unlike him of course, but he always answered his cell phone no matter where or what he was doing. Sesshoumaru often caught him in the middle of his sexual activities quite annoyed and gasping. Inuyasha always growled at him and hung up; cursing him the next day, but it was Inuyasha's fault for answering, the idiot.

Sesshoumaru only confirmed his thoughts with Hamasaki Hisoro. His daughter had wanted to escape city life for awhile and went to their summer house. Kikyo was an expert at hiding how she really felt about things. She never did want to disrespect, dishonor, or disappoint him. Hisoro, however, raised her and could sniff out any trouble. He didn't question her because he thought that a little bit of relaxation among the happy memories she would have at the estate would be good for her.

Kikyo did love Inuyasha, Hisoro was sure of that, but he wasn't sure Kikyo was anymore. She desperately wanted to make no mistakes and therefore made many trying to avoid others. Something happened between the two and Hisoro could only wish for the safety and happiness of his daughter. On a more selfish level, he also hoped for a granddaughter, but he could wait for that a little longer. God knows he couldn't expect any grandchildren from Kagura anytime soon.

Sesshoumaru hung up the phone after ending his conversation with Hamasaki politely. He folded his hands over the file folder that contained the documents of the merger. Several needed Inuyasha's signature since he was the second owner of Taka. Tech. Sesshoumaru shifted his jaw, obviously annoyed. He shifted out of his chair walking towards his coat. He wanted to find that idiot and humiliatingly drag his ass back to Tokyo. However he didn't have the time. Seikio Prep. was having an early Spring Festival to celebrate the blossoming of the Sakura trees that he had to attend. This was necessary not only because Rin was being educated there, but also because his father, a proud and long-time sponsor of the school, would be giving a commencement speech for the occasion. Inutaisho would expect him to be there as well as Inuyasha, but who knows when or where he was at the moment.

Sesshoumaru looked out his huge, wall-size window that overlooked the neighboring sky scrapers and busy streets below. The sun was setting a deep orange and the clouds had a pink hue. Time had passed so quickly. It was always slipping away from him like sand through an hourglass, except his time capsule had a gaping hole on one side. Sesshoumaru had too much to do and not enough time to complete it all, hence the late nights he spent at work. He locked the door on his way out fingering his keys in his pocket.

Sesshoumaru ran a hand through his long hair that he had just let loose from its hair tie. There just weren't enough hours in the day. He breathed in deep, inhaling the evening air that had cooled with the exchanging positions of the sun and moon.

…With Kagome…

Kagome's day went quickly at first. Her movements mechanical and organized. She spent lunch with Sango who broke into hysterics crying and all that, literally. When Kagome had first come into view that woman had sprung from her seat and thrown her arms around Kagome's middle. It was all Sango could do not to fall to her knees sobbing, making a complete scene in the small restaurant. After some consoling and a lot of explaining, Sango confessed her invasion of Kagome's privacy.

Flashback

Sango wiggled her toes in her platform cork-heeled sandals. She licked her lips, apprehensible. Kagome could be picky when she wanted to be and her privacy was something she treasured. Sango had no idea how she'd react and after such a traumatic experience Sango feared for her friend.

Kagome watched Sango with squinty eyes. Her lips pursed as she regarded the girl in front of her. Sango's coffee cup, newly refilled, was still untouched. This was quite unusual since Sango was nearly as much of a caffeine addict as Kagome was. Something was wrong, that was for sure.

"Sango, spill it. What's wrong!" Kagome said exasperated.

Sango sat up straighter and rubbed her face with her hands. She sighed suddenly aggravated with herself. How could she let this happen? Sango had felt that something was weird with Hiten, but at the time she couldn't put her finger on it. She also had much more faith in the police department. This event was sort of an opener for her as well, not just Kagome.

"Um…remember those diaries…"

Kagome stiffened, her eyes widening unconsciously in her reaction. Sango had found one, maybe two, but why was she bringing them up so unexpectedly?

"My journals? What about them…"

Kagome was uneasy now. Sango's fidgety, uneasiness was also out of character. Her friend, the one she knew, was always straight forward with her questions and answers. She did put a person's feelings into the mix and tried to put things softer in emotional situations. This Sango in front of Kagome now was being ridiculously timid. It was getting on her nerves.

"Out with it!"

Kagome slipped a hand over mouth. Her cheeks blazed crimson when several pairs of eyes slid over her, their owners ceasing any activity on her account. Kagome muttered a soft apology all the while wanting to shrink into the plastic-coated fabric of her seat.

Sango leaned forward, her features serious. Kagome sighed, recognizing the expression. This was her 'ok-no-bullshit' face. It made Kagome a little more relaxed. After the weekend she had, beating around the bush was irritating and unnecessary, even though Kagome was prone to do such a thing in many circumstances.

"I saw the initials under the sink. I looked for them to find whose they were. I mean Miroku and I did."

Kagome interrupted her, panicked.

"Miroku! Sango!"

"I know, I know. I was panicking, I couldn't think straight. For all I knew you could be dying!"

Sango had leaned forward, her palms flat on the tabletop between them. Her brown eyes wide and watery, terrified. Kagome smoothed her hands over Sango's removing them gently from their death grip on the table's edge. Kagome focused all attention on the soft skin on the back of Sango's hands. It was rougher than hers and had a more masculine feel to it. Sango worked with clay a lot and it often dried out her hands. Kagome ran small circles there and met Sango's eyes encouragingly.

"And then, Sango, what happened?"

"Miroku said we should go to the police."

Kagome frowned. There weren't any police. Something was wrong here. Then it clicked, what Kanna had said. Kagome wanted to bang her head against the two inch Plexiglas front window of the store to her left. Where were they now? Those were private, very private thoughts. They weren't meant for anyone, but Kagome and she was nervous knowing they could be in anyone's hands. What if they were used as evidence against Naraku? They could become public!

-Ok stupid…that's unlikely if some, or most, of the police force are working for Naraku.-

Kagome attempted to calm down. She was beginning to panic must easier now than ever before. Kagome sighed. She felt like a pregnant woman with all these fluctuating emotions swelling and ebbing inside her. They just couldn't wait to be released. Kagome snickered. She should go find Sesshoumaru and let it out on him. He could take it and it might just freak him out enough to break an expression on his placid face.

"What's so funny?"

Kagome told her nothing, just shaking her head and waving a hand with a small jovial smile on her face.

"Anyway…" Sango drawled on the word, "His name was Hiten and-"

"Hiten?"

Kagome whispered hurriedly. Sango nodded in the affirmative. Kagome sat still, staring at Sango with a bewildered look. All of sudden, the gaping mouth's lips cracked a grin, her eyes closed, and Kagome burst into laughter.

"Oh the…irony of…it all…"

Kagome spit the words out between laughs and Sango sat not phased or perplexed at all by this. She was long used to this sort of behavior. Kagome would explain it sooner or later. Later over sooner, Sango thought because Kagome was still out right laughing, the mirthful explosions were not even dying down yet in the slowly passing minutes. She could only figure, that perhaps she wasn't in as much trouble as she thought.

End Flashback

Kagome was now opening the door to the library. It was old, ancient in the truest sense. The place was consumed by dust despite the fact that every time she came here, the librarian was on a ladder with a rag or feather duster in her hand. Kagome sniffed a little. Her allergies were acting up again. She pulled a tissue from the small pocket of her backpack and blew her nose. The sound was loud in the dead stillness of the library. The librarian lifted her head quickly in Kagome's direction and she swore the woman was going to shush her for it too.

"Kagome, over here!"

Miroku waved from behind a set of tables already stacked high with several piles of books.

"Shh!"

Miroku wilted, hunching his shoulders and shoved his hands in his pockets. He was wearing khaki cargo shorts that stopped just below his knee. He wore a simple tee shirt with 'Billabong' in curvy white across the front and navy flip flops.

Kagome walked over with a slow, loping gate. She was so tired. She wanted so badly to be home asleep, but a lot of kids were depending on this and no amount of her sleep was going to deprive them. Kagome had had just enough time to run home for a quick change of clothes, virtually at light speed, before scooting on over to the library.

Her long, hippie-like skirt flowed out behind as she moved. It was a patchwork quilt-like thing in different shades of green and blue plus random squares of white and cream that fit in nicely. Her shirt was a plain white tank with a navy blue zip-down cotton sweater over top. It was kind of hot out today, or gotten to be so in the rise of the afternoon sun, and Kagome brought the jacket in case the library was going to be frigid with its air conditioning. It was and Kagome was glad she decided to bring it. Kagome had slipped on a pair of Birkenstocks on her way out the door.

"So…get enough stuff?"

Kagome asked raising a Sesshoumaru-like eyebrow.

"Take long enough to get here?"

"Touché."

The two sifted, ever so slowly through the heaping piles of scientific literature. The keyword being 'scientific,' meaning facts and long run-on sentences lasting entire paragraphs. Kagome, having always had a fastidious habit towards grammar, found this entirely too annoying not to mention hard to read. Time dragged by like it had molasses on its heels and was racing a snail. Kagome rested her head down with a groan. How she wished that it was still passing by so quickly like it had been all morning. Sure it had worn her out, all the filing and skimming, but it was better than this. Anything was.

All she was reading, she knew already. It was nothing new, but Miroku had the grand theory that if they combed through it all again any unheeded information could be found. There wasn't any harm in it, but Kagome was finding it hard to concentrate. Her eyes had starting to cross when she finally took a break.

Kagome pulled out a spiral-bound note pad from her backpack. She proceeded to doodle for a few minutes before catching Miroku's attention. His looked over a short stack of periodicals to observe her drawing. He stood from his seat and walked behind her.

Kagome was drawing a from-memory sketch of Shi. The little girl's face was turned away from you peering through the shaded window as she always did. Miroku frowned lightly before placing a hand on Kagome's shoulders. She didn't know, he should tell her. It was the least he could do anyway.

Kagome tilted her head a little alerting Miroku that he had her attention, but when he didn't respond she looked over her shoulder at him. He smiled wanly and commented on her drawing.

"That's good. Did you ever think about becoming a police sketch artist?"

It was meant as a joke, but obviously it wasn't taken that way because Kagome gave him a serious gaze.

"No, the police force has too many infestations."

"You mean like rats or bugs?"

"Exactly."

Her eyes darkened, which bothered Miroku a little. A few chills went up his spine at the light she was giving to the table and glad it wasn't focused on him. For surely if it was his skin would have been burned by its intensity. However, it was gone almost as quick as it appeared. Miroku shook it off. He now sat puzzled.

Still, he couldn't do it. He couldn't bring himself to tell Kagome, especially after what she went through over the past couple of days…that Shi was dead. That she had been for a day and half.

…And this is a filler. There was a lot more to this, but then my p.c. shut down and I lost it, of course. Review for me anyways! Please?

Next chapter- Where is Inuyasha anyway?...