A/N: This story takes place among episode 151, where Kagome has just been shown to revive Kikyo underwater. The scene takes place as Kikyo has since parted herself from the area, introducing Inuyasha and the others to discover Kagome alone.

*I hope you all enjoy this as it is my first story! There are many AMAZING KogKag stories out there- in fact, some absolutely brilliant stories that blew me away- & growing up watching the show I had always pondered on how many aspects of the show would shift if Kagome had somehow finally fallen for Kogas lavishes of love? And ever since I had been aching to write my own development of their bond. I started it close to the original storyline, but playing out into a completely different direction*wink wink* (;

Thank you so much for being here, I appreciate your interest so much(:

Chapter 1: Routine

The lush forest surrounding the area almost seemed to begin closing in due to the diminishing light. The final shining cloaks of deep orange, yellow and red began to seep through the trees, grass and over the ground. The beautiful array of blended colors were now pulling over the earth, biding their farewell. Natures noises began to dull along with the light of day. The waterfall nearby was providing a soothing natural medley as it cascaded into a small pond of water below. Water of such that had previously been a still, spiritual pool of revival moments ago, now flowed with twisting deep purple ribbons of a deadly, paralyzing miasma. Other than the falls, the silence was deafening. A light tension began to envelope the vicinity. Not one word had been spoken amongst the news of Kikyo's revival.

The close knit assembly of friends stood motionless on the edge of the clearing, eyes focused on a vigilantly distracted Inuyasha.

"Will you go, Inuyasha? Will you venture in search of Lady Kikyo?" Miroku questioned with an arched brow, breaking the silence.

Shippo hung off Mirokus shoulder while Sango and Kirara stood near in silence, as the gentle breeze of the evening swayed through their hair- and fur- thus calling the night to soon cascade overhead.

Inuyashas eyes dared to shift in Kagomes direction, he was careful to note her body language. She sat on the hard earth near the edge of the water with legs bent close to her chest as she hugged her knees. Her eyes remained hidden under the cover of her bangs. He then focused back on the monk.

"That's hardly an option. Not with Kagome like this." His voice lowered before continuing. "Although I can't help but wonder if Kikyo could be hurt. She's most likely traveling in an extremely vulnerable state right now... all by herse-" He was interrupted by a soft voice coming from behind.

"Just go." Kagome said quietly as her eyes remained averted. At the moment she would prefer not to hear him speak her name, especially with these new given circumstances. She allowed her clouded vision to speak for her as she stumbled upon the realization that Inuyasha will not stop until he has Kikyo in his arms once again. This visualization caused her to wince. She had just willingly given up her one chance to be with Inuyasha in a way of which she'd only dreamt of. She could not help but let her mind wander. What if she would have let the sun set? What if she never touched Kikyo before the last glimmer of day disappeared below the horizon. What if she'd have left her in the water, unrevived. No. That is not who Kagome is. She would never let someone die at her hand.

And besides, Inuyasha would never forgive her.

Everyone's attention now laid on Kagome, all sharing the same slight, confused gap of their mouths. Inuyasha blinked once as his brows pinched together. "Kagome," He spoke softly with a rare hint of remorse in his tone. Out of everyone, he was least expectant of having Kagome of all people, sending him off after Kikyo.

"Please don't 'Kagome' me. Just go, Inuyasha. You don't think we all know that's what you want more than anything right now?" She bravely tested. "She's out there. Go find her."

Kagome was troubled. And torn. The earlier occurrence ignited a low burning fire within her. Had she regretted her revival of Kikyo? No. Of course not! That's absurd. She would never turn her back on someone who required aid if she knew she could help. Especially Kikyo. She knew deep down within, as much as it pained her, Inuyasha would be happy to see Kikyo again. It was not without great strain on her heart, she watched the days go by as she quietly observed Inuyasha. A great part of him seemed so... broken. He would walk the earth with his friends by his side, he would laugh occasionally, and even smile every now and then. But yet, Kagome knew. Everyone knew. He marched these lands shining with pride, strength, and an overtly hard exterior yet he seemed so disconnected from the ground beneath him. He missed her. Oh did he long for her. Kikyo. The first woman he ever loved. He loved her with every fiber of his being yet he failed to protect her life. What else could possibly drive his desire more now that he knew she had returned to this earth? He was presented with another chance.

And simultaneously, Kagome was left deprived of one.

Inuyasha's mouth fell open in astonishment. His chest rose slowly as he drew in a breath to respond but before he could manage a single word...

"And don't you dare tell me I'm wrong." Kagome snapped and heightened her tone while lifting her head to face his direction. Her sadness began to boil along with her slow developing anger. "With your unmistakable, arrogant complaints and obsessive searching ever since you found out she could be alive." She drew in a deep breath before lowering her voice. "You've changed." She muttered regrettably.

But had he really? Had he ever abandoned his quest for Kikyo? No, of course not. Kagome had allowed her overwhelming emotion to speak for her. She knew how much he longed for Kikyo. How he loved her. She held jealously in her heart toward the priestess. She did not want him to leave. Yet she's pushing him away. She wants him to find happiness and peace. But her emotions remain in a conflicting battle for the stability to accept that his happiness may not be with her.

Pride began to swell within Inuyashas chest as his expression morphed from concern to anger. "What the hell do you mean I've changed? I'm still the same guy today that I was when you met me!" He barked.

"Oh, sure." Kagome pestered. "The same guy still finding himself obsessing over a dead woman."

Oh she went there. A low growl made its way up his throat.

"Only now days you've grown completely oblivious to the only people who care for you." Kagome finished as tears threatened to invade her waterline.

Inuyasha took a step backward, bewildered. "Oblivious?! I haven't forgotten about none of ya! I'm still here, ain't I? Protecting all of you!"

He shared a point. He has never abandoned his friends. He has, however, gone off in search of Kikyo on a number of occasions, thus hindering the groups protection. Thus leaving Kagome. But he had yet to forget about his friends.

Kagome shifted her head to face the direction of the now completely silenced Miroku, Sango, and Shippo. But she did not meet their gaze. Instead she locked her eyes on the ground in front of them. A shadow from her bangs crept over her face as she lowered her head.

"It's clear to see our search for the remaining shards has ceased. Seeing as Inuyasha has a new desire to set out for an empty woman made of clay."

Her eyes widened. Had those words just left her mouth? She was not one to insult. What had come over her? Anger? Sadness? Jealousy? All of the above? Perhaps her tolerance for Inuyasha routinely running off in search of Kikyo had at last run dry.

Light gasps emerged from the small group of friends occupying the background.

"Kagome.." Sango attempted softly to intervene but alas she had no further words. Kagome was like a sister to her, she wanted to provide some sort of relief on the situation but sadly she was at a loss.

Inuyashas fists clenched tight as he brought one up to shield his chest in defense. His brows furrowed deeply and he allowed his fangs to peak out from behind his lips. "How can you even say that, Kagome?!" He lashed out. "She's alive, you idiot! Somewhere among this land, she's here! Don't you dare insult her!" Defensive growls ripped through his throat on nearly every word. His fists began to shake. How can she bear to say those words?! Kikyos soul lives on and she is strong. Could she walk this earth without revival or the aid of souls? No.. But she was alive now and that is all that matters.

"Oh she's alive is she," Kagome spoke with a soft, fearful voice. "So tell me, Inuyasha, can you feel the warmth of her body when you embrace her?"

Involuntarily, a hasty breath left his mouth. A quick release from the shock factor from her unexpected words. His fist returned to his side as he turned his head away from Kagome in shame.

"Did you feel blood running through her veins wh- when her lips met yours?" Her voice cracked on the last few words and it was then, a single tear spilled down her cheek.

His brows pinched together as he squeezed his eyes shut. His nose burned upon inhale. He could smell the salty discomfort of her newly fallen tears. Dammit, she's crying. His chest began to ache as memories flooded his mind and brought him back to that one fateful night with Kikyo. That night where Kagome had an unobstructed view of the half demons endeavors with the priestess. Although, he would never admit it aloud, Kagomes point stood true. Upon contact, Kikyo was nearly ice cold. A mere touch from her caused goosebumps to spread over his skin. And the sensation was not due to a feeling of infatuation. She had no blood running through and her body was made of simple earth from where she was laid to rest.

But no.

He shook his head in attempt to clear the thoughts from his mind. When our lips met, I felt her soul. Her soul is all that matters to me. Blood matters not as she is able bodied to roam and do as she pleases. But he could not help but feel for Kagome as her pain radiated so strongly through her aura. What was he to do? This should hardly be a decision. He must stay with Kagome... on this night.

He was unable to manage a sound. Having a loss of words was not rare on this night. Not at all, as the condition seemed to have affected the others as well. Guilt began to quickly envelope his mind. How could he possibly respond.

Many silent moments passed and Kagome let out a saddened sigh as she gathered the courage to raise to her feet. Tears spattered on the dirt beneath her as she raised. He opened his eyes and turned his head upon hearing her movements. He watched as she took slow, careful steps in his direction.

They were now face to face. She raised her head as she stood in front of him to reveal her eyes.

And damn.

Inuyasha thought that he knew the face of pain. He thought he knew the eyes of torment and suffering. That was until he was now staring into the glassiest, most painfully tormented, ill stricken eyes he had ever seen. Her face was twisted in such a manor it struck a sharp pain in his chest that nearly knocked him backward. Long glistening streams of her exposed sadness flowed down both her cheeks. They seemed never ending. Her dripping eyes were wide and twinkling the reflection of the moon. Her bottom lip trembled, both her fists were bound into a tight ball causing her fingernails to bury into the flesh of her palm. Her whole body was shaking. She looked as if she was about to willingly surrender her heart only for it to get beaten right in front of her.

She was completely heartbroken and he hadn't a single clue.

"Look... I won't leave, okay? I'm going to stay here with you." He tried, standing very still with his now greatly concerned eyes glued to hers.

The pain in Kagome's temple was immense due to the pressure of how tightly her brows pinched together. "But that's not what you want." She croaked in between sniffs.

She knew if her emotions had remained concealed from the start, he would be long gone by now. He would be searching every corner of the surrounding forest and beyond. She supposed that would have been better than this. Right? The common routine. Inuyasha running off in search of Kikyo, all the while leaving Kagome to drown in her sorrow once more.

Why were her feelings getting the best of her on this night? She had never once reacted in a way like this before. She's gotten upset numerous times before when Inuyasha had left. And she has expressed it to him, but never like this. With Kikyo back for a second time, it caused a shift in her heart. She was no longer the only one. And there was no place to fight for what her heart yearned for. For she had fallen in love with a man who loves another woman.

"I'm going to stay." He repeated softly, reaching a hand out to touch her shoulder in an attempt of comfort.

"Please do not touch me." Her shoulder dipped, dodging his touch and she allowed her face to fall in her hands as she began a quiet sob. She wanted him to touch her. She wanted the comfort of his closeness. But it was all just to painful. She knew in her heart that if he had it his way, he would be taking the forest by storm.

"What? Why are yo-" His natural disobedience got the best of him and his palm found its way atop her shoulder.

"I said don't touch me!" She shouted.

And with that she ripped her face from her hands in a sudden outburst and pounded them against his chest, in attempt to create a gap between their bodies. He allowed his body to jerk backward under the sudden pressure of her hands so she wouldn't injure herself and caught his footing quickly. He had not expected her to get physical. In fact, that was the last thing he expected her to do. This was the first time. Sure, getting sat was extremely painful, but this. The pain behind this interaction held no comparison. Her push had not hurt him whatsoever but the emotional pain accompanying the situation was just crippling.

"Kagome." He whispered in disbelief with trembling eyes and a newly furrowed brow.

"I'm going home, Inuyasha! So I won't be in the way. I don't want you to stay with me simply because I'm upset, because you feel bad. Go find Kikyo, she probably needs you the most now anyway."

Although it pained her even further to distance herself from him, she couldn't stop thinking about how much Inuyasha loved Kikyo. He wouldn't stay with Kagome because her feelings were more important to him than finding Kikyo, he wouldn't stay because he wanted to comfort her, he would stay out of guilt. And he would act out of that guilt. Untruly and biased. Because he knew if he left, that would cause yet another crack in Kagomes already battered heart.

Not that it mattered now though, she had already begun to deteriorate right in front of him.

Kagome started to walk right past Inuyasha without another word or glance. In that moment time seemed to have slowed as Inuyashas radar locked on her as she drifted past him. Streams still flowing down her face. Her body was tense and she was trembling. Suffering. Breaking. She loved Inuyasha with such a burning passion. She would sacrifice her life for him. She would be prepared to die for him on any given moment if it meant saving him. She would need nothing more than just one last second of her life, one last breath to manage three little secret words to him before her soul parted from the earth. And still he remains clueless to the fact.

"Sango, I need to borrow Kirara please." She approached the muted demon slayer and tiny feline.

"Kagome, pardon my intrusion, but it may not be wise to travel such distance at this hour of the night," Miroku suggested. "Please reconsider your departure."

"I have to leave now, I can't stay here any longer, Miroku." Kagome pleaded. There was no way she could spend the night here. Not with Inuyasha. Not with what had just transpired. She had to run away. She had to return to her own era. Now.

"If you must leave immediately, could you allow Sango or myself to accompany your return to the well?"

"There would be no problem, Kagome, we just want to ensure you a safe arrival." Sango added. She had never seen Kagome so distraught before. How could she possibly think to travel alone in this state? Her friends were terrified for her. Especially in this newly expressed battered and emotional state.

"Kagome, please let one of them accompany you," Shippo begged with small tears welling in his eyes. "We would never forgive ourselves if something happened to you while you were traveling alone."

"I won't be alone." Kagome said as her tears slowed to a halt. "I'll be with Kirara." Had everyone seriously forgotten about the fact that she will be traveling with a more than capable neko demon. She's taken Kirara back to the well alone a few times before. Everything will be fine.

Kirara let out a loud mew to advise the others she had no complaint taking Kagome back to the well.

Everyone turned their attention on the small neko with raised brows.

"Err.. Kirara we meant no insult to your skill! Our apologies. I suppose Kagome will have more than enough protection in the case of encountering danger." Miroku managed nervously.

Just when Kagome was about to open her mouth to manage a shaky 'thank you', she was suddenly interrupted by an outburst coming from behind her.

Inuyasha intervened with a loud voice. "You're not going Kagome! It's to dangero-"

"Shut up Inuyasha! I'm going! You hear me? You have no say in my decision making." Kagome didnt even bother to turn to face him. She couldn't. It was to painful to look him in the eyes right now.

"Like hell you are-"

"SIT!"

And with that the beads around his neck shone an awful purple glow and before he knew it, his head was plummeting to the hard earth beneath him, knocking him momentarily unconscious.

The loud crash behind Kagome left a ringing in her ears. She frowned. She did not want to hurt him. But she no longer desired his input. She needed distance. She didn't want to be around him.

"I don't know when I'll be back. I just... I need some time."

Sango approached her quietly and just as the two were face to face, She carefully wrapped her arms around the troubled priestess. "Take all the time you need. See you soon, Kagome."

Kagome returned the gentle hug and just as she released she found Shippo jumping into her arms.

"Please return soon." He said in between sniffs. "It's not the same here without you." She nodded before hugging him back and gently placed him on the ground.

Kagome began towards Kirara. Upon notice of her approach, Kirara engulfed herself in growing flames. The area nearby glowed with an orange radiance for just a moment before fading. Kiraras new form revealed itself behind dying flames.

Kagome was about to climb aboard Kirara when she heard the familiar jingle of Mirokus staff approaching.

"Lady Kagome, You must know the pain accompanying you is merely temporary. This to, as all does, shall pass. Many occurrences are yet to be sorted. Happiness will find it's way to your heart. I advise you to remain in attempt to seize all ponder of Inuyasha during your time away. All will be well, given time." Miroku reminded her with a gentle smile.

Mirokus words were comforting. It allowed a tiny smile to play amongst the edge of her mouth. Although she was at a loss. How could she avoid the thought of Inuyasha?

"Thank you, Miroku. Goodbye."

Inuyasha then raised his trembling, pounding head out of the dark ground upon the scene of Kagome climbing onto Kiraras back. His gaze quickly found its way to Kagomes eyes. In this moment, Kagome turned her head as if on que and their eyes met. For a brief moment she felt a warmness surround her heart but that did not last long as the ache from the earlier occurrences replayed in her mind. She immediately averted her eyes as yet another tear spilled down her cheek.

Inuyasha did not want her to leave. But he was at a loss. She wanted to return to her own time. She was upset and hurt. So hurt. But why. Had something happened between her and Kikyo before he had arrived?

"Farewell Kagome." Miroku said with a smile before taking a few steps backward in preparation for Kiraras take off.

Final farewells were bided through waves from the small group of friends as a quick spread of air gushed over the surrounding area as Kirara jumped off the ground and into the air, carrying Kagome into the sky.

Inuyasha raised to his feet and watched until Kagome and Kirara disappeared into the horizon out of sight. He turned his body in the direction of the others and began to walk towards them, then right past them without a word. His face was expressionless and unreadable.

Miroku, Sango and Shippo all turned, following his movements until he was at the edge of the forest.

"Where are you going, Inuyasha?" Miroku demanded.

Nothing. Not a word. Inuyasha kept his pace and disappeared into the forest. Opposite the direction of which Kagome had left.

Kagome and Kirara had been flying for quite some time now. She hadn't put much thought to the distance between how far away from the well they had actually traveled. She had been zoned out the entire journey thus far, only now catching herself with her gaze lost in thick cream colored fur. She sighed. Kiraras ear twitched and she turned her head to peak at Kagome. She looked so hurt. So defeated. Kirara let out a soft noise, one mixed between a meow and a roar in attempt to break Kagomes concentrated pondering.

"Hmm? Oh... sorry Kirara." Kagome patted the top of her head. "I'm okay." Lie.

Furthest thing from. Her mind was moving at a thousand miles per hour, her chest was aching, and her body was weak. Kirara could tell. She felt Kagomes body tremble every now and then throughout the ride. She felt how loose Kagomes grip was. Almost as if she wouldn't mind falling to the earth at any given moment. But alas, Kagome knew Kirara would catch her before she even had the chance to leave her back entirely. Kirara let out another one of her other wordly meow-roars and returned her gaze to face front.

Kagome presumed to get lost in her own thoughts.

What the heck is wrong with me. How could I have let it get so out of control like that? I pushed him for crying out loud. I pushed him away from me. I should have just told him to go, shut my mouth and been over with it. Should I go back and apologize? No! Thats ridiculous! He yelled at me! But... after I yelled at him. But he got furious after I mentioned Kikyo! But... no. For good reason. I insulted the woman he loves.

She winced.

I'll just go back home for a few days to clear my mind. What happened tonight wasn't like me. I don't understand what possibly came over me.

Love.

How did I get so upset that I felt the desire to react the I did. Inuyasha probably hates me now. Gah. I need to refresh my mind. Things will be okay... with time. Miroku said so. But then again Miroku says alot of things. This is insane. I really wish I could think about something else right now!

And as if on cue, Kirara let out a low growl as her head snapped to the right and stared below. She slowed her flight until she floated in place.

"Huh? What is it Kirara?"

Kagome traced the felines gaze. The ground below was illuminated by the brightness of the moon just enough for Kagomes vision to be considered useful. She scanned the forest and whatever she could make out through the trees. Nothing. She darted her eyes over to the large stream of water that cut through the forest. Nothing. Her eyes scanned down the length of the flowing water until her eyes reached an area where the forest was not as close to the rivers edge. A small clearing. And it was there she saw a small group of about... five, six, seven... dog... no, wolf silhouettes who were also accopanied by the silhouettes of three men standing in the water. Hmm.

"Think we can sneak down there, Kirara?"

Kirara growled in protest to her request. She knew they didn't need any trouble and if they could avoid detection from strangers and potential enemies by remaining high in the sky, that's what will be done. Kirara would not face Kagome in any danger. It was her duty to get Kagome back to the well and only that. Time was still within the early hours of the evening and there were still many hours to go until any glimmer of day revealed itself.

"Please, I just want to get a better look at them. They won't see us. We'll be okay."

Kagome was now intrigued with the strangers below. She had not seen their faces nor their clothing yet she had a draw to them. The quantity of the group, wolf to man ratio, rang one to many bells and seemed oddly familiar to her. And come to think of it, Kirara must have known them too. She had stopped her flight completely upon nearing their presence.

Kirara beared her fangs and slowly began to descend into the forest slightly east from where the mystery group stationed in order to avoid detection. She was planning to approach them from behind. In high hopes, without getting discovered. Kirara took note of the wind, which was fortunately in their favor tonight. It flowed from the groups direction towards herself and Kagome. Luckily, their scent would be carried off in the opposite direction, concealing their position. Nonetheless, Kirara strongly believed they should not be doing this. Everything she had previously thought moments ago had been contradicted by her desire not to upset Kagome any further, forcing her to comply.

As Kirara neared the ground, she did not land. Instead she glided just above, carefully maneuvering through the trees and over the twists and curves of the earth into the direction of the strange group. Her pace slowed as they approached thick greenery and bushes which lined the very edge of a small cliff that dipped down right into the clearing where the men stood in the river nearby. Kirara slowly floated towards the cliffs edge, grateful for the barrier of chest high bushes in between them and a decent sized fall into the mess of jagged stone lining the rivers edge. Finally, her paws met the ground.

Kagome quietly climbed off the felines back and tip toed toward the bushes. Quiet crunching of pebbles and dirt made their appearance on every step. She peaked over the lush greenery and studied the area below. The brightness of the moon reflecting off the water illuminated the area greatly. She could make out every tree standing at the forest front, every boulder lining the rivers edge, the small but wide waterfall just upstream continuously cascading into the flowing water below, the small pile of freshly caught fish lying over leaves on the ground near the water... her eyes shifted slightly down stream as she found what she had been looking for. Seven large wolves gathered around either side of the river. Some laying on their stomachs with their heads perked, others stood further from the water, while some stood near the waters edge with two front paws standing in the gentle flow. The only sound which radiated the area was the pitter-patter of flowing water. Even the wolves were silent. And the men... were all nicely illuminated by the moon but none facing her direction. The trio stood scattered from one another in knee-deep water, bent over forward in position, their palms held steadily above the water while their claws barely dipped into the flow. They were catching fish. Her eyes narrowed as she carefully studied their back profiles one at a time. Upon gaze of the third man, Realization struck her.

Wolf pelt loincloth: check, torso armor: check, large bushy tail: check, wolf fur shoulder plates: check. Kagomes eyes narrowed further, attempting to make out the blurry features under the moving water. Aaand... wolf fur shin guards: check. Her eyes moved up his body. Wolf fur headband with black hair tied up into a ponytail... check.

Her eyes widened.

"Koga."

A/N: AND SCENE! Haha, I am SO grateful for anyone who has reached the end of the first chapter! I am in hopes your interest is peeked! I would absolutely love to read some feedback! Please do not be shy to review, I would appreciate it greatly(: