"It's freezing."

Kagome hugged herself as they walked, teeth chattering. The morning had brought a thick blanket of dew, and its chill—though unwelcome—still lingered.

Ahead of her, Jaken turned, his beak in the air. "Weak, sniveling human. Did you think—"

A rock struck his forehead.

It came out of nowhere—a muted grey projectile that whizzed past her ear and triggered indignant squawking.

Eyes widening, she turned.

Behind them, a suspicious pebble suspended between his claws, Sesshoumaru walked, Rin giggling beside him.

"You did not," Kagome whispered, laughing.

The daiyoukai slid two gold eyes to hers…

…and smirked.