It had been one month since Jade had begun her quest, though it felt as if it had been a year. Every day searching for Naraku drained her spirit and strength. She had no leads on her enemy's whereabouts; however she would not allow herself to abandon her obligation to kill Naraku and gain possession of the Sacred Jewel, therefor redeeming her family's honor and rank. It was quite depresssing being alone, Jade realized her journey would advance much quicker if she were in company with others, but she could spare the outstretched time that it would take to trust anyone. It was late night, Jade was searching for a secluded area where it would be difficult for a demon to pick up her scent...she was in unknown territory. Finally after deciding on a high tree branch, she gave one last sniff to the air, assuring herself she was in no danger. Approximately one hour later, exhaustion took over, forcing Jade to ease into a slumber so deep, she did not take notice to the youkai watching until he came upon her.

'Hmm...she is quite odd. Never have I seen a hanyou with such an appearance.' Sesshoumaru thought of the woman with curiosity and suspicion as he breathed in full equivalence of her alluring scent, Jasmine and rain. He dared himself to get closer, just near enough to gain her scent fully. With great speed and haste the youkai ran and climbed the dying tree to the branch directly above where the woman was resting. He searched the girl over carefully, taking the moments slowly. Her honey hair was pulled back coarsely in pins, her black and blue kimono stained with grass and blood. She wore black boots created from a leather which seemed ragged, not at all standing equal to Sesshoumaru's own fine wear. Her skin was bronzed, seeming to glow as the moon gave it a subtle sheen.

Her lips were crimson, possessing a faint smirk which seemed to dissapear the longer Sesshoumaru gazed her over. Her scent seemed to intoxicate him now, 'All I need is to feel a bit of the heat from her flesh, then I'll take my leave.' The youkai thought himself so bold as to endure his thoughts, not realizing the young woman was acting.

"Bastard!!!" Jade screamed her insult at the demon with annoyance as she lept from her false sleep, instantly abrupt in taking the demon down. She had knocked the youkai to his back on the cold grass, forcing him to plumett from the high branch, now pinning him to the ground with her claws at his throat, her face inches away from his own. "Why are you here?!!" Her eyes were angry and full of hate as she commanded the youkai to answer. Sesshoumaru's expression now matched the girl's. How could she, is mere female, demand a reply from he, The Ruler of the Western Lands? "You know not your place, Wench!!!" The angered lord lept up from the hanyou, sending her into the air. Sesshoumaru watched as the girl sailed through the sky, almost out of sight, and landed few feet from him, steady on her feet.

He growled at the precision of her mount, she was not as weak as he first aimed. The girl raised her head to glare at him, "You will answer my question, Youkai!!" Jade's voice was gruff with anticipation, realizing this demon would be a challenge. "That is no business of yours; you are treading on my lands. You have no authority here." Sesshoumaru spoke while gazing at the girl; she was still and ready for battle. He grinned at the thought of a woman believing she could defeat him, but just to amuse himself, he drew his sword. Jade imitated the demon, drawing her own blade.

"Are you experienced in battle with demons, Wench?" Jade scoffed at the ego of her adversary, gritting her teethe as she answered, "You shall judge for yourself!!!" After her words were spoken Jade charged at her opponent. Sesshoumaru was dazed at the pace of the hanyou, 'How does she gain such speed?' His thoughts were interrupted when he realized that the girl had knocked him to his back, his sword lying at his feet.

Sesshoumaru's face began to gain heat, his eyes altering from their deep gold to a searing red. 'How dare she! I came upon her with no harm in mind, had it been any other creature the punishment would have been death!' Suddenly Sesshoumaru could not bring himself as to why he did not slay the girl, and then quickly came to the notion that he did not have time to be plagued by such thoughts...there was a death to look forward to. Sesshoumaru lept to his feet, snatching the sword from the ground. "Die, Wench!!!" He screamed his battle cry as he charged at the young woman, attempting to slice off her pretty little head. Suddenly he gasped, realizing his blade was blocked by Jade's own sword. This girl would not be an easy opponent.

The two swords locked against eachother while Jade's and Sesshoumaru's gazes met, both filled with rage, but also with a small amount of pleasure they knew they were to experience from the battle.



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