Warning: Spoiler for series ending.

Slackers

Koga swatted at the gnats that clouded around his head. Though, foot tapping impatiently, he wished to swat the slugs that slowed down his legs.

"Koga," groaned Ginta, collapsing on a boulder. "We're exhausted. It's hot, our feet hurt, our fur's matted – even the wolves are staggering."

"Yeah," vouched Hakaku between gulps of air. "We haven't rested for days now! And who's to say Naraku's still around at all?"

This time the okami drew back his lips to reveal flashing canines. "Naraku is the one who killed our kinsmen!" A guttural noise trickled out. "Or did you forget that?"

Both waved their hands defensively. "No that's not what we meant at all just, uh," – Ginta stammered – "we really need a break, boss."

"Pah! Slackers all!" Arms crossed over armor. "We hafta go and crush this cretin while we still have our strength and will to avenge!"

Suddenly a chill sliced through the thick summer air.

"What do you want" – Koga sniffed – "dog?"

"Your quest is futile. Naraku is dead," Sesshomaru supplied.

Koga went slack-jawed. "Whaddya mean he's dead?!"

Jaken stepped in on his master's behalf. "Stupid wolf, surely you understand plainspoken language? Dead as in expired; as in breathed his last, made into crow carrion, swallowed a pill he can't digest!"

"Huh?"

Not sure where the last euphemism came from, the little imp repeated, "Naraku is dead!"

A pair of wide, toothy grins spread across Ginta's and Hakaku's faces. They were freed. They could go home now! Their alpha could stop obsessing. The two slapped hands sky-high. Free at last!

As for the pitiful victim of shock, Sesshomaru sidestepped him and continued walking. The wolf chieftain finally blinked for the first time after hearing the revelations.

"Well, I see." Koga nodded. "You're such an arrogant mongrel that you wanna take Naraku's head all for yourself!"

Not once did Sesshomaru's feet falter, but two wolf-demons were in dire need of resuscitation.

"C'mon, guys!" Koga swung his arm forward. "We've got ourselves a demon to nab!" Zeal spurring where Shikon Shards once were, he zoomed over the next slope.

The daiyokai turned. "You're not going after your leader?"

"Nah, he'll figure it out – eventually." Hakaku heaved a sigh.

Ginta tugged pensively at the patch of black hair over his forehead. "So mind if we come with you?"

Returned Sesshomaru flatly, "Get lost slackers."

--

A/N: Yeah, so what does happen to Koga? Anyone?