A/N: I am glad to see that some of you guys are enjoying the story so far. I will admit I am having fun writing it. Just a small warning this chapter will have some slight Kikyo and Inuyasha bashing for those their fans out there. I am still just winging it at this point really not sure where I will take it. I don't think I plan for them to really be 'bad' characters but I can't help a little tension/drama. Again any constructive criticism is encouraged and welcome.
Recap of where we left off:
"Hey Kagome did ya miss me?" The wolf demon asked ever the flirt and playful despite the fact that there was a boar demon just a few feet away. Before she could answer him though Koga put her down and forced her to stand behind him. By then the rest of her friends had made their way over weapons out, ready to strike the Boar down. "You fools! I will destroy all of you." She heard the now even angrier boar demon cry out as he turned and began to make is way towards them.
"Yeah right you ugly stinkin pig!" Kagome heard Inuyasha yell before he was charging straight towards the Boar Demon, Tessaiga drawn. Too late did she realize none of them were paying close enough attention though because as soon as Inuyasha jumped to bring his sword down on the demons head did the Boar draw a weapon of his own that looked like a giant hammer from his back and swung quickly hitting Inuyasha square in the chest. The blow sent the hanyou flying back through the air directly at Koga and Kagome. Koga quick on his feet though span around and grabbed Kagome jumping to the side just in time so they weren't knocked over by Inuyasha. Thankfully the blow seemed to affect Inuyasha very little, no sooner than he crashed into the dirt was he back up looking all too thrilled with the fight. He really did get too much excitement out of fighting.
"That was a mistake…" She heard Inuyasha say before he was charging again. Only now it wasn't just Inuyasha but Koga as well. The Boar Demon didn't stand a chance as the two together were determined to make quick work of bringing him down.
10 minutes later…
With the combined efforts of Sango, Koga, and Inuyasha the rest of the group pretty much sat back and watched the battle. In the end the final blow being delivered by Inuyasha sending chunks of demon flesh everywhere which Kagome was now picking through to get the jewel shard.
"Disgusting…" She whispered to herself while trying her best not to get too much blood on her hands. "You know Kikyo should have to dig the next shard out of some shredded demon since I am not the only one who can sense them now. I refuse to be the only one stuck with the gross job. Shesh!" She thought to herself before Koga walked up behind her.
"You could say that again." Koga said before plugging his nose. "Damn Boar stinks. Between him and the mutt my senses are a bit overwhelmed." An irritated 'Hey!' followed Koga's teasing from somewhere behind her and Kagome had to fight to keep the amused smile that threatened to appear at bay. "Be nice Koga." She said without looking at the wolf demon as she stood shard in hand.
"By the way Dog Breath what's wrong with you? I had to avoid two separate hits that were supposedly meant for the Boar Demon. You need to stop waving that sword of yours around like it's a toy!" Koga yelled at the other the hint of humor still evident in his voice. Everyone else in the group would know to just laugh at Koga poking fun at Inuyasha but the hot headed hanyou instantly gritted his teeth ready to pick a fight blood still hot from the battle with the Boar. All the anger left him though as a look of confusion replaced it. "Kikyo?" He said barely loud enough for everyone else to hear.
Kagome finally looking up instantly concerned that maybe the other woman was hurt. Instead the other miko stood bow raised and an arrow notched pointed directly at Koga. "What the hell?!" She thought unable to do much else like the rest in the group confused.
"Is there a reason you have your weapon aimed at me?" Koga said much more serious now obviously sensing this was no longer the time for jokes. She watched as he tensed clearly ready to take action if Kikyo made even the slightest wrong move.
"Kikyo what are you doing?" Kagome asked softly taking a protective step towards Koga without realizing she was doing it.
"We require the two shards you have in your legs Demon." Kikyo said her tone cold and serious. "Give them to us now and this can end without bloodshed."
"Is she out of her freakin mind?" Kagome's inner voice screamed. "What?! Kikyo this is Koga our friend. He has helped us dozens of times in the past…" Kagome started to rant again moving closer to Koga suddenly feeling a bit of panic knowing exactly what one of Kikyo's purifying arrows could do to Koga having fired many at demons herself.
"Kagome don't you understand how important it is that we gather all of the shards as quickly as we can? We can't afford to just let two go because you consider this demon a friend. What if they were to fall into the hands of Naraku?" Kikyo demanded with a slight condescending tone that caused Kagome's blood to boil.
"Who does she think she is?" Kagome glared at the other woman trying to not let her temper and past feelings get in the way of her better judgment. She was having a hard time not hating Kikyo which for Inuyasha's sake she didn't want. By now she was standing right next to Koga all but ready to jump in front of him if need be. "I am warning you now Kikyo to lower your bow. Koga promised me he would give me the shards when the time came and I trust him." She said taking the final side step putting her half way in front of said demon. Koga seemed to have other plans though as he reached around the front of Kagome again pushing her behind him using his body to shield Kagome from what he deemed dangerous. She tried her best not to role her eyes and glare at the back of his head.
Kikyo didn't move or speak though she looked to be considering the situation. Kagome watched as the others eyes darted to the side likely seeing the rest of the group had now moved closer to Koga and herself each in a defense stance ready to take action. All save for Inuyasha who stood frozen looking torn on what to do. After what seemed like several minutes Kikyo slowly lowered her bow though she didn't look happy about it as her mouth was set in a thin line. "Fine I will let him keep them for now. Just know you are making a mistake Kagome letting your personal feelings for this demon get in the way of making the choice for the greater good." With that Kikyo turned and began to walk into the forest not waiting to see if the others would follow.
Kagome could see where the other was coming from but she didn't agree with Kikyo's actions. There wasn't a single part of her that doubted Koga and she knew if Naraku could so easily get the shards from Koga's legs then he would have by now. "Travelling with her is going to be even harder than what I originally thought. She is so self-entitled!" She looked over to see Inuyasha finally standing a bit straighter and looking at her with a slight sad expression on his face. Her attention to him was suddenly broken as she felt a hand on her shoulder. Looking next to her she had to role her eyes seeing Koga grinning like an idiot. "Aww, you do care about me." He said back to his usual self making Kagome laugh. "Of course I do you idiot. You are our friend."
"I am going to go with Kikyo we can rest here for a while." Inuyasha said interrupting their playful discussion bringing her attention back to him. She was surprised to see an angry irritated expression on his face now and couldn't help but notice the way he looked from Koga to the hand on her shoulder before he walked away. "What was that about? He can't seriously be jealous can he?" Kagome thought to herself a bit confused but not letting herself dwell on it. Suddenly she felt the hand on her shoulder move to her back as Koga began to lead her a little ways away from the group.
Koga P.O.V.
They walked for just a minute before Koga took a seat on the grass and leaned back against a tree. He patted the spot next to him hoping Kagome would take it. When she did he smiled though it slowly faded to a more serious concerned expression. "Kagome I don't like that woman travelling with you. It's not just that she threatened to kill me. I don't trust her and after everything she has done I am not sure how you can either?" Koga said low enough just for her to hear as he gazed at her concern etched into his features. "What is she doing here anyways?" He asked though he already knew the answer. He could smell that the clay pot and the mutt and rut not long ago. He just wanted to give Kagome the opportunity to tell him whatever she felt comfortable with. He had been surprised at the realization that was for sure. While he had always thought Kagome was way too good for the half breed he had always assumed they would one day end up together despite his own desire for her.
Yes Koga knew he often made light jokes of his affection for Kagome. Often calling her 'his woman' and confessing his love in a joking manner to get a rise out of Inuyasha. He had honestly had always kept his distance respecting that Kagome was in love with the hanyou though. Anyone could have sensed it, it didn't take a genius to see the way she looked at the hanyou. He wasn't a complete jerk after all trying to go after a taken woman, but now here they all were and Inuyasha choose the clay pot over Kagome and he couldn't understand it.
Kagome was beautiful, loyal, alive, strong, and had one of the bravest, kindest souls he had ever encountered. "How could Inuyasha pass up someone so wonderful?" He thought to himself before the sound of Kagome's voice broke his train of thought.
"I appreciate your concern Koga but Inuyasha… and Kikyo are in love and together now. So she is traveling with us." Kagome said obviously still feeling a bit awkward about the whole thing. "I can't really say I trust her either but I can't try and stop it. Inuyasha loves her and if I try and force Kikyo away because of everything that happened before it will tear this group apart and the hunt for the shards and our goal of destroying Naraku will become that much more impossible." Koga nodded his head in understanding. It did make sense. While Inuyasha was not his favorite person on the planet he had to admit he did a good job of protecting the group. If for whatever reason the hanyou decided to abandon Kagome and the others it would not be good. He recognized Kagome as an extremely powerful priestess but even she shouldn't travel alone. "Hell even I travel with at least a few pack members when away. Ginta and Hakkaku are only a few minutes run away after all."
"That makes sense. Just…. what if she does something though? That mutt couldn't even figure out what to do when she was threatening me. What is he going to do if one day you are the one she is pointing her arrow at?" The question seemed to only make Kagome even more depressed as her shoulders slumped and she looked at the ground unable to answer. Koga instantly felt bad for asking but he knew it was something that needed to be considered given all the other times Kikyo had tricked them.
"I don't know Koga… All I know is I can't make her leave." Kagome told him before pushing her palms into her eyes and rubbing them clearly more exhausted than anyone realized. Now that they were no longer being attacked Koga took a second to take a good look at Kagome. He instantly noticed the dark circles under her eyes and how she slumped over as if even the weight of her back pack was too much. "Well the mutt said you guys were going to rest here for a while. Why not drop the bag and just relax with me." He said not waiting for her to answer as he reached back with one hand grabbing her back pack and pulling it back so she could slip her arms out from the straps. He easily lifted the pack and set it next to him before he reached around Kagome and pulled her close. He noticed the way she tensed at his touch and waited to see if she would move or protest. It was a bold move after all, but she didn't fight it and he couldn't help but smile as he leaned back into the tree again getting comfortable pulling Kagome with him as she too relaxed.
It didn't take long before he noticed Kagome's breathing even out signaling she had fallen asleep. As much as he wanted to feel happy at the prospects of now being able to truly pursue Kagome. Now that the hanyou had made his choice, he just couldn't feel happy about it. He felt sad for Kagome and the hardships she was having to endure. Not only was her life full of constant stress as it was but now he imagined she likely felt more alone than ever. Nothing stung quite like unrequited love. Even more troubling was the idea that Kikyo was being dishonest. "If she hurts Kagome I will tear that clay pots head off with my bare hands." He thought to himself not realizing he tightened his hold on Kagome protectively. He was pulled out of his thoughts though when suddenly there was weight to his leg. Looking down he realized he had been so deep in thought he hadn't sensed the young fox kit approaching and he was now balanced on his knee staring at Koga.
Shippo was staring at Koga as if sizing him up before he decided on something, what it was Koga had no idea. "Kagome hasn't slept this good since the night before last. She was up the majority of the night just staring at the ceiling or tossing and turning. Kept me up most of the night too I was so worried about her." The kit said to him though Koga wasn't sure why. Without asking or warning the young fox moved and wiggled himself into Kagome's embrace. Koga watched how even in her sleep she instinctively wrapped her arms around Shippo pulling him close curling her body protectively around him and she snuggled deeper into Koga's side. "Well alright then…" He thought to himself slightly amused and ever impressed with the women who held his affection and her ability to love Shippo as if he were her own.
Their position laying with each other was a bit awkward as Shippo was no long quite as small as he used to be and he was practically being smashed between Kagome and himself. Carefully Koga removed his armor so he was just wearing his furs before he pulled Kagome and the kit onto his lap. Neither Kagome nor Shippo stirred at all both passed out. Kagome's frame was so small she fit perfectly against him her cheek resting on his chest and Koga was able to rest his chin on the top of her head. Wrapping his arms around them both adjust his position until he too was comfortable Koga let his eyes drift closed content. "Perfect…" He thought to himself as he too fell asleep.
Their moment of peace though didn't last long. Koga wasn't sure how long they had slept but he knew it could only have been maybe an hour. The sky had now turned various shades of orange and purple signaling that in just a couple of hour's night would fall. He knew before he even looked that Inuyasha was near and watching them. Sensing that someone was looking at him had been what woke him not to mention the smell.
"Kagome what the hell are you doing?" The hanyou's loud yell caused Kagome to flinch in his arms as she cracked a single eye open obviously upset at having been woken up. Slowly she stretched and moved off of his lap to sit next to him stretching. Shippo as well was rubbing his eyes clearly still tired.
"What's wrong Inuyasha?" Kago heard Kagome ask obviously having missed the angry irritated tone in Inuyasha voice that was directed at them.
"What's wrong? You were in his lap Kagome don't you have any self-respect? I can't believe you would cuddle up with that wolf. It is disgusting." Inuyasha snapped crossing his arms glaring daggers at them both.
Kagome seemed to instantly become wide awake at his response as she immediately stood with her hands clenched in tight fist her aura spiking obviously angry. "You are in for it now dog breath." Koga thought to himself as he stood next to Kagome putting his armor back on.
"How dare you Inuyasha. After… I have been nothing but understanding… just… how can you stand there and act like you have the right. You are with Kikyo remember? Where do you get the nerve to tell me what I should and should not do?" She demanded and both Shippo and Koga had to take a step back as her Riki pulsed causing Koga's skin to tingle.
Inuyasha's demeanor instantly changed as well as he realized the situation he just got himself in. "Kagome I didn't mean…"
"No! Inuyasha just stop. You are done speaking to me like you own me, like you have any say in the things I do. I won't stand for it anymore. What I do with Koga is absolutely none of your business." Even Koga was surprised with the force in her voice that left no room for argument.
He could tell thought that Inuyasha was going to let his pride get the best of him though as a string of emotions went across his face. First there was surprise, then sadness, and then irritation.
"I am not telling you what to do damn it. I am just saying you need to stop being an idiot who makes dumb decisions, like willing sleeping in the arms of this pervert." Now it was Koga's turn to get angry, though he kept his mouth shut despite being insulted.
"Again it isn't your business Inuyasha but Koga was nothing but a gentleman. So drop it." Kagome said turning to grab her pack.
"How can you not see he will just use you. You're going to just throw yourself at someone who is going to just up and leave you?" Inuyasha said a little too loudly drawing the attention of the rest of the group who was now walking towards them. Kagome at this point was bright red with embarrassment and anger. This time Koga was the one who responded though.
"Mutt face I'm not going anywhere. I don't really think I trust you to look after Kagome on your own anymore so you all are just gunna be stuck with me." The words were out of his mouth before even he himself really had time to think about it. It was a spur of the moment decision but after only a few seconds of consideration he saw no reason not to. "I really don't trust Kikyo and this way I will be able to be there if something happens. I can let Ginta and Hakkaku know they can look after the pack while I travel and when we are in the East I can check in on everyone. They will understand…" And with that he made up his mind to travel with Kagome at least until after they defeated Naraku.
Kagome P.O.V.
"Wait did Koga just say he was staying?" Kagome questioned her own hearing. Everyone seemed to be a bit unsure of what just happened.
"What!? You can't travel with us!" Inuyasha practically spat out.
"Oh really?" Koga responded all but daring Inuyasha to try and stop him.
"Would it be a good idea for Koga to travel with us? Or is it just asking for a disaster between him an Inuyasha?" The more Inuyasha argued though the more she realized a part of her didn't want Koga to leave. Looking around to the rest of the group who stood silently watching the three of them she considered how having Koga with the group could benefit them. He was a good fighter, and was someone who could be trusted. It would also allow the group to occasionally split up if need be so they wouldn't have to rely on Inuyasha for pure brute strength all the time. Finally Kagome looked over to Kikyo. A selfish part of her also wanted Koga around because it would be a pleasant distraction from Inuyasha and Kikyo. Did that make her a bad person like she was using Koga? That wasn't how it felt to Kagome. She genuinely enjoyed the others company, he was a good friend and also easy to talk to. Her mind was made up.
"Inuyasha, this isn't your decision to make. It is everyone's. I think it would be great for Koga to travel with us. At this point with all the shards nearly found we could use all the help we can get." The rest of the group Kikyo included nodded their heads in agreement. Sango for a split second smiled knowingly before it disappeared. The look made Kagome raise an eyebrow and she told herself she would have to remember to ask her about it later.
"Inuyasha, Kagome is right. The more help we have the better. It will also allow us to be able to keep an eye on the shards Koga processes and he will be able to keep them for the time being." Kikyo said her voice void of much emotion. Even Kagome would have to admit that she was a bit surprised.
"Well majority rules Inuyasha, Koga stays." She said turning to Koga who was grinning at her again this time like an even bigger idiot. Trying to ignore him and fight back her own smile Kagome began to walk away. "Well come on everyone no use standing around we should get as far as we can while it is still light out before we make camp for the night." She called out over her shoulder. Where they were headed she wasn't that sure since they had no leads on either a shard or Naraku. All she knew is that she was done standing there arguing with Inuyasha over something that wasn't his business. She was trying to keep her mind distracted knowing if she continued to think about it she would only become more upset.
Without having to look she could sense Koga walk up to match her pace to walk beside her. "What are we all getting ourselves into?"
A/N: Well that is it for this chapter guys. I know not much happened but I hope you enjoyed it anyways. I will try to get the next chapter up soon though I can't say when.
Also it is kinda late and I wanted to get the posted before I went to bed. Despite having read over it a handful of times there might be some errors. I apologize now for them.