So here's the next entry. This one is the beginning of an occurrence many of you have been waiting for, so read on with anticipation, my loyal viewers, read on.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything! I'm a bum! All I own is the slightly damp box that I live in, a half eaten sandwich, and the disc I use to save my entries on! I post my chapters on a library computer! Ahahahahah tee hee hee… Lately however, the bum from two allies down has had his eyes on my sandwich… that bastard. Get your own sandwich Lesley!

Renewal of the Hunt

Despite what had happened the night before, Kagome found her self in a rather chipper mood the next morning. It was too gorgeous to sulk.

The resounding whistles of the larks broke through the crisp, morning air as they played amongst the mist that shrouded the gardens. It smelled so fresh, and she had even risen early enough to watch the sunrise. It was magnificent.

A variety of pink and orange hues had painted her room, basking the forest in a warm blanket of vivid, ethereal light.

What was more; today was the day she resumed her hunt for the shards. She could hardly wait to get back out into the wilderness she had come to love.

She refused to act awkwardly around the western Lord. She did indeed feel for him, and the fact that he had attempted to couple with her made her blush in giddy modesty. He felt for her as well, he had said so himself.

She was still somewhat upset with herself for reacting in such a way. Many times before she had convinced herself that she was ready, but when it had actually happened, she panicked.

'Come on, Kagome,' she urged, 'you have to get over your stupid, childish modesty! Otherwise you'll be a virgin forever!'

Shaking herself of any such thoughts, she maintained packing her belongings. She would cross that bridge when she came to it. Until then, at least she would be busy doing what she was meant to do.

Changing from her sleeping yukata into her fighting garb, she slung her bag over her shoulder and took one last look around her room. She would miss sleeping on a warm, soft bed; but there were far more important maters to attend to.

Strolling confidently out of the room, she sought out Sesshomaru's aura and headed toward it.

Dawn had found him in the garden that morning, his sleep being disturbed by not only the remnants of a very graphic dream, but the heavenly scent the miko exuded. Today he and the little onna would venture forth to amass the residual shards. It would be difficult, constantly being around her with no one there to interrupt. Ah, sweet temptation. He sighed aloud, emotional wall let down for the time being. He was alone.

'Hn,' he mused as a cheery, familiar aura came to his attention, 'perhaps I spoke too soon.' Turning to greet Kagome, he slid his cool mask of indifference back into place.

For a long moment, they simply stood there and stared at one another; her face painted with joyful determination, while his portrayed strong willed control.

Nodding once to affirm their departure, he beckoned her to his side and manifested his cloud. Once she was securely aboard the mass of demonic energy, they took to the skies, the wind coiling around them playfully, sending their clothing and hair into a tangled flurry.

Kagome giggled in childish glee as leaves swept up from the trees below and danced in the breeze. Once they were at a high enough altitude where the wind did not seem to hinder them, she looked herself over before turning to Sesshomaru. She frowned. Her clothing was crooked and her hair tousled, yet his was completely straight, as though it had never been touched in the first place. Crossing her arms, she pouted cutely and looked forward, missing the little grin he let crack his lips.

Stretching her senses out in all directions, she searched for the closet trace of a jewel shard. So far, she couldn't sense a thing.

Sesshomaru expanded his own senses, searching for any clue of a threat while the miko sought out the Shikon shards. It gave him something to do other than focusing on the heat of her body that seemed to bathe him in its soothing warmth. She really was a bothersome little slip.

Kagome smiled as a pair of blue jays fluttered by them, swirling around one another in what looked to be a game of tag. Grasping her companion's sleeve, she gave it a light tug and pointed out to her discovery. "Look, Sesshomaru, aren't they beautiful?"

Following her finger to the pair of jays that flew beside them, he lifted a tinsel brow and inquired flatly, "Birds, miko? You should not be gawking at something as common as forest wildlife. You have shards to seek out, now do not dawdle."

Blinking in accused shock, Kagome turned her nose up at him and grumbled, "Grouchy youkai."

"Not at all," he countered, "I simply think it is important for you to stay focused. We cannot afford to have you distracted and miss a shard."

Grudgingly she admitted he was right and nodded curtly, escalating her senses for a second time. To her revelation, the second she did a slim spark of the Shikon's energy called out to her from somewhere to the south. Pointing, she informed him, "There is one in that direction. It's still too far off to tell where, exactly, but I'll be able to tell you that shortly."

Grunting quietly, he changed the direction of his cloud to south, eyes narrowing as a familiar stink tickled his nostrils… there were two smells, actually. He wondered if he should inform her at the moment or wait it out and allow her to find out for herself. He concluded that the two he caught wind of were the ones in possession of the shard; therefore she would have to face them soon anyways. Leaving it at that he kept quiet as they neared their destination.

Tugging again at his sleeve, she motioned for him to land. "They're close, two of them."

Cloud dissipating, he wrapped an arm around Kagome's waist and fell gracefully to the ground, landing with ease. Looking down at her, he explained in cool tones, "I sense no presences here other than that of the two holding the shards. I assume you can handle them yourself."

She nodded confidently.

"Very well, I shall wait for you here, priestess."

Kagome retrieved her bow from its perch across her shoulder, nocking an arrow in readiness. Slinking carefully through the bush, she glanced back one last time to catch a glimpse of Sesshomaru.

He looked so regal, his very air displaying his stability and royal lineage, the portrayal of confidence and majesty. Tall and proud he stood erect between the trees, flowing silver locks dancing around him, his clothing ruffling in the wind. He was currently looking up and to the right, as though in deep thought. A large clawed hand lifted to smooth out the fur of his pelt, golden hued orbs staring thoughtfully into space. He seemed ethereally perfect as slivers of sun penetrated the forest canopy and showered him in flecks of light.

"Little miko," his rich baritone called to her, his stance never once shifting.

Perking in curiosity, she turned to face him fully and awaited his finishing words.

Eyes still trained on the heavens, he suggested, "Should you not be going? The shards will not wait for you."

Growling in irritation at being scolded, she whirled around and began at a light sprint, her feet falling silently amongst the leaves, like a predator stalking its prey.

For a split second, his ardent amber eyes darted to her retreating form, the lilting sway of her bottom enticing him. Reprimanding himself, he looked back to the sky. He hoped that she was ready for what she was about to face.

Sweeping aside low branches with the lightest of motions, Kagome snaked through the thick growth toward her quarry, arrow in place. Shielding her aura with a potent spell, she pressed on. Hearing the telltale sound of footsteps approaching, she ducked behind a tree and sucked in a quick breathe.

Waiting patiently, she could literally feel her hands shake with anticipation. These would be some of the last few shards, another step closer to ending the threat that was Naraku.

When the swelling pulse of the jewel shards thrummed in her ears like the beat of a drum, she leapt out from behind her hiding spot and pointed her weapon directly at the heart of the one who carried them.

Eyes widening in horrific surprise, she found herself unable to let fly her arrow. Dazed amber eyes and white, perked, puppy dog ears made it painfully clear who, exactly, her victim was.

Any guesses as to who it is? Okay so it's pretty obvious, whatever.

I love cliffies… well, when they're my cliffies. Other than that I hate them. Grr…

Review…….. (glares threateningly)