DISCLAIMER: Silly otaku! Lawsuits are for REAL! And sadly, Inu-Yasha is not mine.

A/N: Eight years between postings—that has to be some kind of record. There is a typo in Sesshoumaru's email to Sango in the last chapter. For the record, her last name is Kanda (without the 'r'). I hope you enjoy this next installment.

"Do they know you're not an amateur?" Inu-Yasha called by way of greeting. He grinned at the driver's stunned expression.

"You're out," was all the driver could manage…..

Chihuahua, Mexico

"The hell brings you to Chihuahua?" Kouga asked as he idly checked his icepack for blood or any other body fluids. As neither appeared to be on the pack, he returned it to his swollen eye.

They'd walked into some hole-in-the-ground bar Kouga claimed to frequent. The waitress who greeted them took one look at Kouga's face, then to his companion's red knuckles before going off on Inu-Yasha in enraged Spanish before Kouga stepped in and explained the situation. At least, that's what he told Inu-Yasha, who understood as much of the country's language as he spoke. The waitress had given him the evil eye but directed them to a table and disappeared to the kitchen. She returned with an icepack for Kouga's eye, two clean glasses and a pitcher of Corona, still giving Inu-Yasha dirty looks before leaving them alone.

"Business, actually," Inu-Yasha admitted as he poured the cerveza first for himself and then the other man.

"Yeah?" Kouga accepted the offered glass of beer. "What kind?"

"Recruitment from L.A. Lookin' to put together a team for a job State-side. There's no Medicare, but the benefits are good and pay off's great."

Kouga rolled his eyes. "That has got to be the shittiest shpeal I've ever heard. The fuck d'you come up with that?" he took a swig of his beer.

Inu-Yasha shrugged and took a drink from his own glass. "Just before landing. I was too busy trying to block out the sound of some new mile-high members from the first class cans to think."

The other man laughed into his beer. "Fuck, I'd give anything to've seen your face then. Who's workin' with ya?"

"You 'member Sessh, my half-brother?" Inu-Yasha laughed. He pulled out a cigarette from the pack in his jacket pocket and fished around for his lighter.

Kouga's good eyebrow went up in surprise. "No shit? 'That asshole in L.A.'? Don't you two hate each other?"

"Turns out we've got a few things in common..." Having secured his lighter, Inu-Yasha lit up and took a deep drag.

Kouga's expression turned to one of interest. "Oh yeah?"

"We're both lookin' for you." Inu-Yasha ignored Kouga's frozen expression as he clinked their glasses together. "Cheers." He chugged half his glass. He frowned at Kouga's still full glass. "You're not drinkin' yours..."

The icepack once more came away from Kouga's eye as he studied his companion carefully. "What's your brother want with me?"

Inu-Yasha waved him off with the cloud of smoke he just exhaled. "Nah, don't worry. He only wants you 'cause I do." He set his own glass down at Kouga's disquieted shifting and leaned across the table. "Look…New York was a fucked up job. I should've never let it get personal, but I did. And I paid for it with my ass." He ignored Kouga's grimace at the bad pun. "But all of that, fucked or not—that was just a prequel…."

"Prequel!?" the dark haired driver repeated incredulously.

Inu-Yasha grinned. "Yeah."

Kouga stared at him. "Fuck... don't tell me you talked him into chasing after that damn fairy tale, too."

"With my charm? How could he resist?" Inu-Yasha bragged.

Kouga shook his head and chuckled. "Figures you'd convince him to work with you. Alright, I'm in. I gotta meet this asshole anyways." He raised his glass.

"Hell yeah!" Inu-Yasha cheered as he toasted with the other man before they both took a drink.

The Next Day: Los Angeles, California

Sango Kanda wondered for the fiftieth time that day if accepting the invitation to meet someone she'd never heard of before for a possible job some 1200 miles from home was a good idea, even as she rolled along the West Coast in the escort car. There was always a chance that the whole thing was a scam and she was being kidnapped, whisked away to a secret location; never to be heard from again. Of course, the whole set up was all very elabourate for a kidnapping, but still... it could happen. Sango tightened her grip on the handle of her miniature case, reassuring herself that she would be okay even if it did come to that.

Packing had been difficult enough and the cost of shipping it with her had been a nightmare, but it had all been worth it to have her Czech .75 with her. The comfort that it brought was priceless. Besides, it was better to be paranoid than dead.

She was broken from her thoughts as the escort car stopped at a pair of tall iron gates and the driver leaned out to punch a code in a keypad by the entrance. The gates slowly opened and the car proceeded ahead. Sango could only stare as the winding drive led them towards a gorgeous mansion at the top of a hill. She was in awe as they pulled up in front of the fountain.

Okay, so maybe this wasn't a kidnapping...

The driver got out and opened her door for her before she even had a chance to touch the handle. He assisted her out of the vehicle with a smile and went to the trunk to unload her luggage while she gazed up at the mansion.

It was a beautiful fortress with Tudor windows. The design was simple and clean, attracting the eye to the house's greatest feature: the large oak door.

There was an ugly little greenish man who stood so still next to the front door, that Sango initially mistook him for someone's twisted idea of a garden gnome. But, then he blinked, breaking the façade, and turned his bulging eyes on her.

'Oh, God...'

"Miss Kanda?" he inquired in a voice that made Sango flinch in repulsion. He took her action as confirmation. "Master Sesshoumaru extends his welcome. Your bags will be taken to your room. Follow me." He turned and led the way into the house.

Sango clutched the handle of her case tighter and gawked at the narthex they passed through. It was large and dark, fitting of a castle, which described the house perfectly. The stone-floored narthex gave way to the hardwood floor hall and they made a sharp left. A pair of cream double doors greeted them at the end of the hall.

The little man opened one and stepped aside to allow Sango entrance. "Master Sesshoumaru will be here soon." After saying this, he closed the door behind him.

Sango turned around to study room.

The parlor was beautiful. The walls were painted a soft butternut; accentuated with white trim and baseboards. The Victorian furniture matched perfectly and sat on the hardwood floor that had followed in from the hall. The back wall was nothing but floor to ceiling windows with a pair of French doors that afforded a view of a patio and a well manicure lawn just beyond.

A light musical concerto came to the forefront of her senses and for the first time, Sango realized she was not alone in the room. A man sat at a black baby grand on a white shag rug and coaxed the keys in a beautiful peace.

He was handsome. He had a round face but a firm chin and a nose that barely turned upward. His small mouth displayed a gentle smile as he finished the piece and launched into a new one. One violet eye opened to regard her and the other followed suit. "Hello," he greeted, not ceasing from his playing.

"You play beautifully," Sango told him.

"The result of my mother's nazi-ish practice regimen for twelve years," the man admitted with a smile. He finished the piece with flourish then sat with his hands in his lap. "It's been a little more than a decade now and I still can't help but hear her voice in my head anytime I'm around a piano." He gazed at the piano solemnly, and then looked back up at Sango. "So, may I be so bold as to inquire your name?"

Meanwhile

"Here we are," Inu-Yasha announced as the car made its way up the drive. "Welcome to the house on the fucking hill."

A low whistle came from Kouga. "What's he in again?"

Inu-Yasha shrugged indifferently and selected a miniature bottle of rum from the car's minibar. "Hell if I know—never cared enough to ask."

The car came to a stop in front of the entrance and the two men stepped out. Inu-Yasha led the way and opened the door to let themselves in.

"Yo, Sessh!" Inu-Yasha's voice rang out in the narthex.

"Master Sesshoumaru is busy at the moment," Jaken's irritated voice greeted. "You can wait with his guests in the parlor." He had come from the kitchen wearing a decidedly lacey butler's apron and holding a tea tray. He glared at the young men, daring them to comment.

Kouga open his mouth but found himself rendered speechless by the sight. He was reminded by Inu-Yasha to shut his trap before they followed the diminutive man to the parlor.

Sango looked up when the door opened again.

The same creepy little man had come back, carrying tea things and leading a pair of guys into the room.

The first one caught her eye with his exotic looks; snowy coloured hip length hair and bright golden eyes. Sango had never seen anyone like before and wondered how much he paid to have his hair done. He was wiry with a long torso and narrow hips. He glanced around the room in a bored manner, and then flopped heavily onto the Victorian couch, not giving much thought about the furniture.

The second man was almost a complete opposite to the other. His long ebony hair that was tied back in a high ponytail that went past his shoulder blades. He was taller, slightly broader and darker than the first. With his colouring, Sango guessed Native American. However, she could not remember anyone from any heritage possessing eyes almost the shade of teal, though the more interesting aspect of his eyes was the shiner he sported.

"Master Sesshoumaru should be with you soon," the little man croaked as he set down the tea, all the while glaring at the white haired young man, who had his feet up on the table. He left them alone after that, the doors clicking closed behind him.

"Oh, lovely. Tea," Miroku pronounced, rubbing his hands together. He rose from the piano and made his way to the table holding the refreshments. He poured the tea with a certain grace that transferred from his playing ability and handed Sango the first cup with a warm smile.

Blinking, she accepted and reached for the sugar, listening with an interested ear as conversation circled around introductions.

"Inu-Yasha," the white haired man answered at Miroku's question and turned his head, declining the proffered cup. Beside him, the other man also demurred.

"So, what do you do for a living, Inu-Yasha?" Miroku asked politely as he took the drink for himself.

Inu-Yasha smirked. "Actually, I just got outta jail," he confessed. He eyed the tea tray then reached for an empty cup.

Sango, who had paused in her refreshment, regarded the man carefully. He was currently pulling out a miniature bottle of rum from his jacket pocket and pouring it in his cup. "Why were you in jail?" she asked slowly.

"I stole things," he announced breezily as he poured only a little tea in his cup as well. With a tiny silver spoon, he stirred his mixture and blew the steam away before taking a tentative sip. "'S not bad," he informed his companion.

Kouga shook his head.

The double doors opened again to reveal a tall and imposing gentleman, who was also sporting unnaturally light coloured hair. "Good afternoon," he greeted them. "It's good that you were all able to join name is Sesshoumaru."

Here, Inu-Yasha hopped up. "Before we get to the break down, lemme talk to you for a sec," he requested of the older man, draining his cup

The brothers disappeared into the hallway, closing the doors behind them.

The parlor fell into an awkward silence for a moment, before Miroku broke the quiet. "So, what's your name?" he asked the other man.

"Kouga," he responded. "Stock car racer."

"What is this about?" Sesshoumaru asked as soon as they shut themselves into the hall.

Inu-Yasha stuffed his hands in his pockets. "I ran into Kinu's kid in New York," he said.

"Kinu Todd, our father's old friend?"

"Yeah."

"I assume you aren't mentioning this as an incidental social hello."

The younger man sighed. "Look, I owe 'im, okay?"

"We agreed that this wasn't going to be personal," Sesshoumaru reminded him.

"It's not," the younger man returned evenly. "I'm not going to let him fuck this up."

Sesshoumaru stared at him quietly for a long moment. Finally he replied. "See that he doesn't. I'm holding you responsible for his actions."

"Fine," Inu-Yasha answered. Without waiting for a response from his half brother, he turned to rejoin the group in the parlor.

Left alone in the hall, Sesshoumaru allowed himself a rare eyeroll at his sibling's childish attitude and followed his brother's path. He watched as his brother drained his teacup and set his mouth in a thin line at the smell of alcohol wafting to him. "We shall convene in the den," he told the small group and led the way across the hall.

The den was decorated tastefully, just like every other room. A mountain stone fireplace and a large window took up one wall by themselves. Three corners had dark overstuffed chairs; two more chairs and large ottomans sat in front of the fireplace. A wardrobe sized media center stood against another wall, close to a handsome valet cart. One wall boasted delicate gazelle antlers. In the middle of the room sat a large oak table and chairs set, circular in shape.

It was here Sesshoumaru sat; Inu-Yasha sitting opposite him. Kouga, Miroku and Sango followed suit.

"I trust you've all had ample opportunity to make introductions," Sesshoumaru began. At the murmurs of agreement, he continued. "And undoubtedly, you are wondering why I have taken the time and consideration to arrange for you to meet me here."

At the other side of the table, Inu-Yasha crossed his arms and smirked.

"I have a job that requires certain…skills. Each of you possesses a certain superiority in your field and I am interested in having you become a part of my team."

"I'm sure we're all honoured that you would consider the best in our fields of work," Miroku spoke, looking around the table for support. "But, what job could possibly need a college professor, a software programmer, a stockcar racer and…. an ex-convict on a team together? No offense…" Here, the professor addressed Inu-Yasha.

Inu-Yasha waved him off with a shrug.

"You misunderstand me, Dr. Priest. I wasn't referring to your career professions." Sesshoumaru corrected him. "I have a need for a demolitions expert, a computer hacker, and a precision getaway driver."

Sango paled. "What?" she whispered horrified. "What on earth-"

Sesshoumaru nodded in his brother's direction. "You would be supporting a rather successful jewel thief in liberating an item."

Sango stood up abruptly, with enough force to push her chair back, and slammed both hands on the table. "You want us to STEAL?!" she cried in outrage. "What kind of crazy person are you?"

The stoic man merely raised an eyebrow. "One who will use any means necessary to achieve a goal." His eyes flicked to the silver case she had resting beside her chair. "Though not so paranoid as to bring a weapon to a business meeting. You are of course, aware that California does not recognize concealed carry permits from any other state?"

Sango became red, glaring at her opponent, but retook her seat.

Inu-Yasha rolled his eyes. Great. "Look, before my brother alienates anyone else—it's just a fuckin' job opportunity with a good payout. We want an item. You do what you do to help me get my hands on it and you get paid. We all go on with our lives, and ignore the fact that he's just socially unequipped to deal with humanity," he explained, inclining his head towards Sesshoumaru. "Nothing personal."

It was quiet for a minute before Miroku spoke up. "In and out?"

Shocked, Sango whipped her head around to stare at him.

Inu-Yasha gave a gesture halfway between a nod and a shrug. "Yeah. Mostly."

The professor leaned forward, linking his fingers together on the table. "How much money?"

The Next Day

It was in the name of research that Sango and Miroku made their way to the Los Angeles public library the next morning.

"I don't see why we're down here," Sango insisted. "It's just some stupid marble."

"Really, aren't you even the littlest bit interested?" Miroku inquired.

"No," Sango insisted. "I'm basically being blackmailed into doing this job and I don't want any more trouble. The less I know about this thing, the better." Once Sesshoumaru had told them the amount of money they'd be getting out of the job, the professor's smile had brightened immediately, only dimming when the target was revealed as the Shikon no Tama of all things. Still, he'd agreed quickly and then that left Sango. Another pointed glance to her guncase, and a causal remark about some of the grey-hat wearing she'd done in the past and there wasn't much she could do to say 'no' to the mogul and his klepto brother. At this point she just wanted to get through this and go home.

Miroku stopped her in mid-stride with a hand on her shoulder. "You're right," he agreed. "This isn't the best situation for you. But, I believe knowledge is power. Who knows what we might find that might turn your plight for the better? Besides, I doubt you're pleased about remaining at the house during this venture." He offered a small smile. "A change of local is just what this Doctor ordered."

She snorted, but tilted her head as she regarded him seriously. "Why are you being so nice to me?"

His expression turned wry. "I wasn't aware that I needed a deeper purpose to be," he replied, noting with amusement her look of chagrin. "But if you are looking for a reason, I suppose, then because you and I are now partners, I suppose, in a way. At least, part of a team. Besides, my mother would surely disapprove of me allowing a lady to remain in distress if I could help it." He returned Sango's smile tilt of the lips in return and held open the library door for her and was rewarded with a good view of her backside as she entered.

They made their way to the front desk and Miroku turned his charm on the young woman at the front desk.

"We hate to trouble you, Miss, but could you direct us to the Natural Sciences section?" he asked with a winning smile.

The young woman hardly glanced up, and then did a double take at Miroku. She blushed. "Uhhh, yeah…Kagome can help you find your way," she offered. She looked past the duo in front of her and called for a girl behind them, and returned Miroku's gaze shyly.

Kagome was looked every bit the part of a library volunteer. She was a petite thing with pale skin and raven hair pulled up in a messy bun. She wore stylish square glasses and a dark button down sweater over her clothes. "How can I help you?" she greeted with a smile.

"Natural Sciences," Sango requested, tossing an odd look her companion's way, though he seemed too preoccupied with the desk girl to notice. He'd gone from caring to schmoozing in an alarmingly short time and she wondered if she'd just been had by his smooth lines outside.

The girl-Kagome nodded. "This way."

Sango grabbed Miroku by the arm and followed their guide.

Kagome led them through shelves to the Natural Sciences section. "Here it is," she announced. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"

Miroku, having since gotten over the girl at the desk, beamed and Sango figured he was a little ADD or a complete player. "You've been most helpful, my dear. If we should require your services again, where can we find you?"

Behind him Sango rolled her eyes and began perusing the titles.

Kagome pinked. "I'll uhhh…be reshelving," she informed them faintly, pointing in the direction from which they had just came.

Miroku took her hand and brushed it with his lips. "Until then…." he told the blushing girl.

"Okay, first of all? She has to be like, half your age," Sango chided the moment Kagome left.

"I am merely expressing my gratitude," the professor insisted as he joined Sango in her search.

Sango stopped looking for a moment and stared at her companion. "She walked us to the Natural Sciences section and you make it sound like she's some sort of entertainment girl!"

Miroku did not reply, but selected a number of tomes and handed them to Sango. "You can start with these, they look the most promising."

"Me?" Sango cried.

"I'm going to run a periodical index search for some geology articles," he continued as if she had said nothing. "Why don't we meet up in about forty-five minutes?" He gave her a pat on the shoulder and disappeared in the direction Kagome had gone.

Sango stared at his retreating back in disbelief. It figured he was a flirt. Sighing, she sat down at a nearby table and began going through books. "Skirt chaser," she muttered.

One Doctor Miroku Priest was becoming increasingly irritated. After spending the last half-hour pouring over National Geographic and the library's impressive comprehensive periodical index, he'd found a grand total of nothing. He sighed heavily and ran a frustrated hand through his hair.

"Any luck?"

Miroku looked up to see their pretty volunteer standing a few feet away with a fresh cart of books to return.

Annoyance and mental exhaustion cast a tired look on his features and he gave a wan smile. "Actually, no," he admitted his lack of ability to find even a hint of his subject matter. "I was just about to hit the card catalogue."

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Kagome asked hesitantly.

"At this point, anything you can find would be a vast improvement," the professor insisted genuinely.

The young woman nodded and led him to the bank of computers that hosted the e-card catalogue system. "Rocks or gems?" she quizzed, ready to type.

Miroku smirked. "You noticed."

Kagome shrugged it off. "It is a popular and common subject," she said.

Fair enough. "A gem. The Shikon no Tama?"

Kagome froze and slowly turned her head to assess the man behind her for a long moment before quirking her lips. "Follow me."

She led them through the stacks only to slow as they reached the children's section of the library. "The library only has one book on that subject," the raven haired girl revealed as she pulled a slim book from one of the shelves and placed it in his hands.

"The Legend of the Jewel of the Four Souls?"

The young woman's lips twitched as she fought to suppress her smile. "You were looking in the wrong section," she explained gently. She glanced back at the book. "Personally, I think it should be shelved in Fiction. It's an old and very obscure Shinto legend," she elabourated at Miroku's sharp look and gave a little smirk. "My grandfather used to tell my brother and I this legend when we were young children." She eyed the thin hardback with amusement. "I'm surprised this book even managed to get published."

"So, the Shikon no Tama…."

"…is just a very good bedtime story," Kagome finished the thought in an apologetic tone. "I don't know if that helps, but hopefully it'll clear some things up for you."

Dr. Priest stroked the cover of the book thoughtfully. "I think, my dear, this will be, as you have been: extremely informative." He gave her a real smile then, and was delighted to see her blush and return his gesture with one of her own.

"Good. Now maybe you can go rescue your friend from wasting her time…."

"Hmm? Oh! Yes!" Miroku was brought back to himself at the slight tease and grabbed the young woman's hand to place another kiss on her knuckles. "A thousand thanks, my dear. You are truly an asset to this great establishment."

Kagome reddened further, but pulled her hand away from his lips. "H-have a good day, Sir."

"So there's nothing else in the library's system," Sango announced two minutes after the stated meeting time, as she plopped a neat stack of papers on the table in front of Miroku. "And the only book is…." she trailed off as she realized her partner was more interested in flipping through what appeared to be a children's book, than her search results. After half a moment of silence, an expression of annoyance etched across her face and she cleared her throat pointedly.

"Hmmm? Yes?" Miroku answered distractedly. He lifted his head first, before actually tearing his eyes away from the pages to focus on the woman in front of him. "Go on," he encouraged, softly. "I believe you were about to say that the only book in the entire library is actually in the Children's Fiction section." At that he closed the book and turned it to show her the cover with a smile.

Sango narrowed her eyes once she read the title, but finally sat down. "I was also going to say, that I did some extra digging online, thankyouverymuch, and I found some places of interest." She shoved her paper stack towards him. "They aren't much, and I'm not sure if they're helpful for what we actually are looking for. It's mostly conspiracy sites and such."

Her partner glanced at the papers before swapping the book for them. Sango accepted the trade and the two fell into their reading.

Kagome considered herself to be a normal girl….well, as normal as you could get in her situation. At 21, she still resided with her mother, her younger brother Souta and her crazy grandfather in one of the last dedicated Shinto shrines in the Asian district of San Francisco, when she wasn't attending college here in Los Angeles. She was getting her degree in Mythology to appease her grandfather, who seemed to take it personally that Kagome would not be the shrine's miko. Personally, Kagome thought the whole idea of priestesses with magical powers was silly. Though Jii-chan insisted that their family had a strong line of powerful mikos, Kagome had never had seen any proof that such people existed, and she certainly did not have a spark of whatever it was the women in her lineage were purported to carry.

Still, she felt more than slightly guilty when that man's face had dropped when she delivered the disappointing news. Whether or not she actually believed in the religion, she was in fact the resident expert and that alone bestowed the duty of being unbiased for anyone who wanted to research it for any reason. She was on the verge of hunting down her researcher down as she cobbled together a rough apology for letting her own feelings colour her answer when said man—and the pretty woman with him came to her.

Kagome offered a small smile. "Did the book help?" she asked as they approached.

The gentleman nodded. "Immensely," he insisted with a satisfied smile. "You couldn't be more helpful."

Thrown off track by the lavish praise, Kagome merely nodded and let them walk away. It seemed her worries were for naught.

Once the pair approached the desk, Miroku procured a plastic card with a small id photo and his driving license, which he presented to an elderly clerk who raised her eyebrows.

"We don't see many of these," she told them in an impressed tone. She slid Miroku a small form to fill out.

"What is it?" Sango asked, craning her neck to see the cards.

"A Smithsonian National Library card," Miroku explained. "Any library linked in the Smithsonian web accepts this card when you're visiting from out of town. All I have to do is fill in a temporary residence address form and they let me check out any of these lovely books." Real pleasure laced his tone as he handed the completed form to the clerk.

"They're not cheap," the woman warned Sango.

"But worth every single cent," Dr. Priest exclaimed with a smile as the book was handed back to him with both cards. He turned and gave a conspiratal wink. "Very handy for research."

Sango felt herself beginning to smile in return. It was obvious, the man before her took actual interest in learning and knowledge in a way one didn't find in the public anymore. She'd long been a believer that smart was sexy and it was slightly gratifying to have such an obvious display before her.

The low chuckle had both of them returning their attention to the woman behind the desk. "Did Kagome help you find this book?"

Miroku tilted his head. "Yes, actually, she was tremendously helpful."

The clerk smiled and scanned the book and printed out a book receipt.

"Why?" Sango asked, immediately suspicious.

"It's her grandfather that wrote it," the older woman explained with a grin as she handed the items to the professor. "Have a nice day." She missed the wide-eyed look the couple before her gave each other and continued her work.

It was a slightly more excitable couple that rushed back to Kagome and her cart. Concern took over her features as the pair she had just helped returned at a clipped pace. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes," the gentleman puffed. He held up the children's book. "I—we were just wondering…"

"Did your grandfather write that book?" Sango cut in. She ignored the man's reproachful clearing of the throat and focused on the young woman before them instead.

"He did," Kagome answered slowly.

"But you don't believe the story is true," Miroku added.

"No," Kagome assured him. "Like I said, it's a good bedtime story for children, but that's about it."

"What about that jewel they found called the Shikon no Tama?"

Kagome gave them an amused smile and settled her arms fully on the cart. "My grandfather has been telling me that particular legend for as long as I can remember. If I'm not mistaken, I think they've only found this new gemstone about half a decade ago." She nodded to the book in question. "Did you read through it?"

Both Sango and Miroku nodded.

Kagome did too in reply. "Then you know that it supposedly had the power to grant a wish. After all this time, do you really think no one's tried to make one?" She shrugged. "I'm guessing that when they found this new stone, they just named it after the fable for fun. There's no real power in that jewel."

Miroku beamed. "I have a colleague who I think would be most interested in speaking with you."

"I'm here most mornings," Kagome told them. "I have class in the afternoons, but I usually have break around eleven thirty or so."

Dr. Priest pulled a business card out of his wallet and handed it to the young woman. "Thank you again, so much!" He grabbed the hand that had reached for his card and kissed her fingers once more.

Kagome turned bright red. "It's…really no trouble…."

The pair turned and headed out the door.

"Flirt…" Sango muttered.

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