Daughter of the Moon and a Wolf's True Nature

By: Vasdenjas

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Inuyasha characters or any of its content.

Summary: Kagome is something incredibly rare and highly sought after. On this new journey she will discover many things including the true nature of a wolf.

Chapter Seven: Adjusting

Inuyasha could not believe this; his rival for three years would be joining the group and all at Kagome's request. He was glad to get moving again, but with that wolf in the group, Inuyasha was bound to look bad. Inuyasha growled to himself. He would make sure that the wolf did not outshine him.

Kagome walked out of the cave and had to bite her lip to keep from giggling out loud. There Inuyasha was sitting in a very dog like pose, with his ears flattened, staring out into the wolf territory before him. He was sulking and she knew it; all because she had invited Koga to join them.

Kagome sighed. Yes she had wanted to get back on the road and continue searching for the Jewel of Four Souls; after all it was her fault that it was shattered, but her heart had tugged painfully at the though of not seeing Koga again for…who knows how long. Kagome was enjoying her budding relationship with the expressive wolf Prince, not to mention that he could help her adjust to her new self better.

If Inuyasha really cared about her then he would abide by her wishes.

"Thank you Inuyasha." Kagome said as she walked up to him.

Inuyasha jumped. "What the hell did you sneak up on me for?" He accused.

"I did not sneak, you were just so deep in thought that you did not sense me coming." The wolf priestess huffed while placing her hands on her hips.

"Feh, whatever." His eyes narrowed. "What are you thanking me for?"

"For allowing Koga to join us." She smiled sweetly.

"I didn't allow it! You just invited him without my consent, which I would not have given." The half demon stressed.

"It never hurts to have another able bodied companion to help us in our search for Naraku and the jewel fragments." She said smoothly.

"How can we trust him not to take the fragments for himself? How can we trust him at all?" Inuyasha raged.

"Look, we are all looking for Naraku. That is one common goal that unifies us. Koga has not only proven he is loyal, but he has protected me from time to time." Kagome reasoned. "I am asking you to be civil and accept his help so that we have an even better chance of finding and defeating Naraku once and for all."

Inuyasha sighed in defeat. "As long as that rabid wolf does not get out of line."

That was as close to a yes as Kagome was going to get. "Thank you Inuyasha."

Kagome then just sat next to him and waited till the rest of their group was ready.

((((o))))

Koga had his whole pack gathered in the large front area of the den. He wanted to make sure that everything was in order before he left. There were about fifteen members of his pack left, not including the wolf companions.

"Alright listen up." Koga started briefly noticing the slayer, monk, kit, and fire cat heading outside the den. "I will be joining my woman in her quest to complete the Shikon jewel and kill Naraku. I will return as often as I can to check on things here. Ginta and Hakkaku will be left in charge while I am gone. They will act directly on my orders. Follow them as you would me. If I come back and hear that one of you was out of line, I will discipline that wolf personally." His eyes flashed red to emphasize his seriousness. "Satomi will be in charge of the females and their daily activities. I want this den kept clean and in order."

Koga smiled as a thought came to him. "Remember, humans are off limits unless they threaten the den."

With that the alpha male turned and headed out of the den to join the group. This adventure would be his chance to earn Kagome's love and prove his love in turn.

((((o))))

Kikyo sat on the floor in a dimly lit room going through piles of stolen Shikon lore. The room was unkempt, dust was everywhere and some areas were rotting away. The only light came from a few candle sticks that had melted halfway since the undead priestess lit them. The rough parchments were stacked in three piles: the first pile was pages that were yet unread, the second were already read pages, and the third was useful information.

Kikyo knew that she had only a limited time to find and create what she needed. Naraku's patience had a limit and extensions were only granted if the information was good. She was close though to discovering what she needed. Once she found it, all she would have to do then is gather the ingredients.

It was strange that the former Shikon priestess found herself in this position. Here she was, once again aiding that despicable Naraku and for what reason…she was still unsure. Yes, she remembered her life with Inuyasha, but dying by his hand had twisted her heart. Kikyo loved Inuyasha as much as she hated him and it seemed it was that reason alone that she was helping the enemy.

Kikyo had accepted that she was beyond redemption; her very existence was a heinous crime. Why should one bother to seek paradise when it was fated for her to suffer in hell?

Kikyo sighed. If she could, she would cry right now thinking on all she had lost. She had been ready to give up her duty to enjoy life with Inuyasha. Oh how she had wanted that life and oh how she had mourned the loss of it when she thought Inuyasha had betrayed her. Putting that sacred arrow through his heart had been the hardest thing she ever did.

Kikyo took a deep fortifying breath, though she did not actually breathe, the motion had the same effect. She composed herself and continued scanning through the fraying parchments. The undead priestess would give Naraku what he wanted and more. She smiled sadly. Maybe then she could at least die with some sense of peace.

((((o))))

"You have no idea where you are going dog breath!" An irritated wolf accused.

"That is what Kagome is for! We wander until Kagome senses a jewel!" An irked half demon replied.

The rest of the group just dropped their heads and sighed. They had been traveling for about half a day with Inuyasha occasionally looking back at her, hoping that she had sensed a fragment. It wasn't surprising that both males were walking up front as Koga was use to being the leader.

Kagome clapped her hands together. "Now is a good time to have lunch!" Her enthusiasm was meant to drown out the arguing males…it worked.

"I could not agree more." Miroku responded sitting down.

"Yes we might as well take advantage of this stop." Sango said setting down her giant boomerang.

"If Inuyasha is not done arguing when lunch is ready, can I have his ramen too?" Shippo asked with his eyes huge and shimmering with unshed tears.

Kagome giggled. "Now Shippo you know that I am mostly immune to that look." Kagome winked. "Don't worry. I will stop the argument if it escalates."

Just as Kagome finished saying that, Inuyasha yelled "Iron reaper soul stealer!" The sound of tearing ground was heard alone with a taunting laughter from Koga.

"Those two are going to wear themselves out by the time we find a demon to kill." Sango commented.

"Kagome will stop it in no time!" Shippo said confidently.

"I think our dear friend Kagome rather enjoys the display of two males fighting for her affection." Miroku rubbed his head where he was just hit with a large bone weapon.

"Pervert! They are not even fighting about Kagome this time." The slayer hissed.

"How you have managed to obtain all the jewel shards that you have so far is a shock to be sure." The group heard Koga taunt as he dodged another swipe of angry claws.

Kagome had the water in the pot and was waiting for it to boil. She would have let the two males finish their spat until she heard Tetsusaiga being drawn. She gasped, but acted quickly.

"Inuyasha sit!" She yelled while turning to face him.

A satisfying thud was heard as Inuyasha's upper body was forced to the ground by the power of the subjugation beads. Kagome heard him mumble things like traitor, wench, etc but decided to ignore him. The wolf priestess then turned her green eyes to Koga.

"Why don't you come sit by me for a while?" She smiled sweetly.

"As you wish my dear Kagome." He beamed and sat next to her.

The water was ready so Kagome threw in a few packs of ramen, one for each of them, and used a pair of chopsticks to submerge all the noodles in the boiling water. She would have to wait a few minutes till the noodles loosened.

The proud wolf Prince stared at the weird packages Kagome had opened. He picked up a discarded one and brought it to his nose, his eyes crossed as he sniffed it.

"What a stupid wolf, he does even know what it is!" Inuyasha smirked, finally recovering from the 'sit' command.

"I have never seen or smelled it before!" Koga defended his pride.

Koga would have gotten up to use his own version of Kagome's 'sit' but he felt a soft and delicate hand rest on his thigh. He instantly forgot about the mutt and turned his intense blue eyes to the woman next to him.

Kagome smiled gently at him, using her thumb to make small circles on his fur skirt. She knew that she could subjugate Inuyasha if he got out of control, but she had to use other tactics with Koga.

"Just ignore him for now." She gave him an enchanting smile. "This is called ramen. They are dried noodles that come with a flavor packet."

"I have never seen anything like this. Where did you get it?" He asked his blue eyes boring into hers.

"Oh, um, I got this from where I live." She smiled brightly.

"Where do you live? It is near the well?"

Kagome was silent for a moment. She was used to keeping it a secret from him, but things were different now. He was no longer just that handsome yet bothersome male who could not take a hint. Now he was the male she was starting a relationship with. Kagome knew that she could trust him with her life, but would this change his view of her?

((((o))))

Ayame traveled through a thick, dark marshland. It looked as if the sun has not graced this place with light for quite some time. There was rotting vegetation everywhere and the sound of insects filled the quiet. Algae were thick and it grew everywhere; there were many long dead trees and logs that were covered in the green growth.

Ayame coughed as the stench clung to the back of her throat and coated the inside of her nose. Her feet make squishing and sucking sounds as they walked across the sodden terrain. Her eyes picked up the movement of the small lizards that scurried away from her and into hiding.

Naraku had sent her here as her first task. She was to find a pair of fox demons that inhabited this area and pay for their services. She had been given a description of their home and that is what her eyes were scanning for now. Her sense of smell was useless in this brackish landscape.

There in the thick green haze ahead of her was the spiraling tree she was looking for. The tree had no leaves and only had algae growing in patches all over it. The branches all were pointing up, as if reaching for the sky, spirally chaotically. In the middle of the tree were two holes that reminded her of crying, fearful eyes. She wrapped her arms around herself.

"My name is Ayame and I seek your services!" She commanded with a strength she did not feel.

Her weary green eyes watched as two adult fox demons, in their true form, maneuvered down from their holes to the ground with cat-like grace. Their fur was dirty and matted as if they let the algae freely grow upon them. Their claws were long and jagged at the edge and their fangs were yellow with visible striations. Their eyes were red with pupils that had a slight white glow to them. Over all their size was akin to a medium dog.

"Well, what do we have here brother?" The female inquired of her brother with a stained toothy grin.

"Why I do believe it's a wolf sister." The male teased.

"I have a special request and was told only your services would do." Ayame stiffened in an attempt to remain strong.

The two foxes circled her slowly, eyeing her as they did so. Their feet barely made a sound as the prowled around her, tails swaying steadily behind them.

'No wonder I could not smell them. Their scent is similar to this reeking place.' Ayame thought.

"What could a wolf want with us?" The raspy, cackling voice of the female asked.

"It must be something bad if she seeks us." The deep crackling voice of the male said.

"Do you smell that brother?"

"Yes sister, anger, jealousy, shame, and love."

"What a delectable combination, brother!" The female licked the air as if trying to taste the swirl of emotions.

"What is it you want from us she wolf?" The two foxes stopped before her, locking their eyes with hers.

The two foxes listened carefully as Ayame described what she needed them to do. A wicked smiled formed on their cracking lips. The two were old and experienced enough to know what would happen. She gave them the details they needed.

"You ask a great deal from us she wolf." The female started.

"The payment we require will also be great." The male finished.

Ayame held back a sneer, opting to keep an expressionless demeanor, and withdrew a pouch from her breastplate. With a flick of her wrist it sailed to the two demons and the female caught it with her worn teeth.

The female fox set it down on the ground and using a paw and her teeth, she opened it. Inside was a dark red oval like gem. A cruel smile grew upon the lips of the old vixen, a terrible sight.

"Ah, she wolf you spoil us." The female pushed the opened pouch to her brother.

He looked in and his smile grew. "The crystallized heart of a dragon whelp, valuable indeed in the right hands."

"Once we have done what you require we will meet up with the designated contact." The female assured.

Then the two foxes form changed and they became gaseous marsh green forms that disappeared into the green haze of their home.

Ayame finally let the shiver, she had been holding, shake her body. Those two demons had dark auras about them and it caused her hair to stand on end. The white wolf demon wasted no time in getting out of the stinking marshland. Now she must head to the frozen peaks of the north were an ancient evil has dwelled for thousands of years.

"The legendary crystal shaper." Ayame shivered as she sped off towards the north.

((((o))))

"No Kagome. He doesn't need to know!" Inuyasha was once again throwing in his opinion.

"If our friend Kagome trusts him then it is her choice to make." Miroku stated calmly, finishing his soup.

"We all know about. If Koga is going to be traveling with us then he should know too." Shippo piped.

"I don't trust that mangy wolf to keep his mouth shut!" The half demon growled. He had finished his soup just after it was served.

"The decision is Kagome's mutt!" Koga jumped up ready to fight.

Kagome sighed. While the arguing pair fought, again, she cleaned up and slung her backpack over her shoulders. Instead of being caught in the middle again she just started walking west. She would find another time to tell Koga. Shippo jumped onto her shoulder.

Sango, Miroku, and Kirara gave wide berth to the two fighting males and followed Kagome. They caught up to her and walked along side her.

"This is going to be a long journey." Shippo sighed.

"I didn't expect the fighting to be this bad." Kagome admitted.

"Well Koga loves you and Inuyasha is trying to win your affection back." Sango summed up.

"I fear Kagome that until you make a definite choice between them, there will always be this competition." Miroku offered.

"I am not ready to make a choice." Kagome sighed.

All their heads dropped momentarily.

((((o))))

"Listen hear you dumb wolf, just because Kagome invited you to come along does not mean that you can go changing how we do things." Inuyasha was up in the wolf's face with his teeth bared.

Koga stopped and glanced around. Then he looked over his shoulder to see the retreating forms of the group companions.

"Another time mutt." Koga sped off to join the group.

"I wasn't finished here!" Inuyasha yelled before realizing he was alone. "Hey wait for me!"

((((o))))

The group stopped a few hours after dusk. With the added strength of Koga in the group, they could afford to travel a little bit after dark.

The weary group had already eaten and was now preparing for bed. Everyone slept in their usual positions, except for Inuyasha and Kagome. Inuyasha had no tree to sleep in so he slept in the circle of friends with his head resting on his folded arm.

Kagome slept differently because Koga undressed and shifted to his large wolf form and curled next to her. She slept with her back against his body and Shippo curled against her stomach. Kagome was sure that she heard Inuyasha growl, but thankfully he remained silent.

Kagome's mind began to slowly shut down and prepare for sleep. She could have sworn that the faint scent of those lunar flowers teased her nose before her dreams claimed her.

Dream

Kagome was once again in a field of dew embellished lunar flowers. The misty haze did nothing but enhance the beauty of this dream paradise. The petals teased her ankles as she walked through the field. Kagome threw her head back and gazed at the swirling nebulous; its beauty taking her breath away.

Kagome gasped as his strong arms embraced her from behind. She sighed contently and placed her arms over his.

"Here we are again except I know this is not just a dream this time." He smiled behind her.

"Nope. If is was then I would be wearing something different each time instead of this blue kimono that doesn't exactly hid my body." Kagome giggled.

"I love this kimono. We should find you one for when we are awake and alone." He rumbled.

Kagome shivered. It seems her beast was more in control in this dream world. The priestess was about to turn in his arms when the form of her father appeared before them.

"Father." She acknowledged, still doubtful.

"Daughter of mine." He nodded from several feet above her.

"My lord." Koga release Kagome to kneel before the Father of the Moon.

"Rise Prince Koga." The deep baritone voice ordered.

"What brings you here again?" Kagome huffed.

"Danger is abound and you have yet to accept your true mate." The giant three tailed white said.

Kagome blushed. "I can't just accept him. I must get to know him first and love takes time."

"Time is running out." His moon eyes stared at her.

"You can't just force two people together! I was raised human and thus I do not just know and suddenly accept my true mate when I meet him." She explained.

"That is why I gifted both of you with the mark." He said smoothly.

Koga smirked and Kagome's jaw dropped. She took an angry step towards her father.

"What exactly does this mark do?" She seethed.

"I think that it helped me take your pain." Koga interjected, remembering her fight with Ayame.

"That's one ability it has." He glanced at the wolf before shifting his gaze back to his daughter. "Think of it as insurance."

"So this mark will act to bring us together?" Kagome questioned while touching the silver blue design on her chest. "What happens if I don't accept him?"

A hurt expression crossed Koga's face, but he hid it by turning his head away.

Koga's reaction was noticed by the God. "Then my daughter he dies."

Kagome gasped. "How could you do that? Make me choose between free will and letting someone I care about die? How can you be sure that it is truly love I feel for him if I have that hanging over my head?"

"Kagome." Koga said with a hint of sadness. He waited till she looked at him. "If you, my true mate, chooses another and/or decides that you don't want me; then death is a mercy."

"What do you mean a mercy? You could always find love again." She assured.

"No Kagome. For many other animals this is so, but wolves mate for life-we are one of the few species that do. If we find our true mate and lose them, then we wander around lost to the madness. We will kill indiscriminately, friend or foe, until we are killed." He looked away as if ashamed to admit such.

"My daughter, all my offspring are destined to be paired with another wolf. Just as all my daughters have priestess abilities." He confessed.

Kagome needed to get off this subject of mates. "So all priestesses are celestial wolves?"

"No, but all my daughters are priestesses." The Moon Father corrected.

"Why is that?" Koga asked as he too did not like the idea of Kagome leaving him.

Cryptic silver met questioning blue.

"The Shikon no Tama is a considered precious to many and has only a small ability to protect itself, but without the protection of a dedicated priestess it would fall into hands that would use it for ill. They would abuse the jewel till all the purity of it was washed away."

"What do you mean? What does the jewel of four souls have to do with this?" Koga questioned, annoyed by the cryptic answer.

"Hold what is dear to you close or risk it slipping through your fingers." With that the God turned and dissipated.

"He was warning us." Kagome turned to the handsome wolf.

"I wish I knew what about." He sighed.

They both just stood there for a few moments with nothing but an awkward silence between them. Kagome looked guilty and was nibbling on her bottom lip, unsure of what to say. Koga was just standing there with his arms crossed and staring at the swirling nebulous like it would give him answers.

"Koga, listen I-"Kagome began but was cut off by his lifted hand.

"I understand that our relationship went from friendly hellos to passionate kissing and that you were unprepared for the Instinct." He stopped and looked at her. "I also am aware that you dislike being forced to do anything, so I will leave you be for a while. When we are awake, I will be kind and helpful, but will keep my comments and advances to myself till you are sure of what you want to do. I give you my word." He paused thinking for a moment. "Understand this Kagome. As a wolf demon who has tasted his mate, I will not tolerate you showing affections to another male that is anything beyond friendly. So I ask you to make a choice and if you decide to pursue a courtship with me then you will not tolerate the affections of another male."

With that said Koga turned away from her and walked away. It was hard, but he did not look back and he kept his stance proud and strong even though he felt like he might fall apart at any moment.

Kagome watched as Koga disappeared into the hazy mist and left her dream realm. She placed a hand over her heart, keenly feeling the loss of his presence. She had hurt him and thus it hurt her.

'You drove him away!' The she wolf appeared before her with bared teeth.

"I had not meant to." Kagome sounded almost devastated and she collapsed into a sitting position.

'You made him think that you had already made a choice!'

"It was just a 'what if' question directed at father. I was angry that he is trying to force his will upon me." The woman defended.

'That is not what our mate heard. You risk pushing him away for good!'

Tears began to prickle Kagome's eyes. "How do I make it better?"

'You need to decide if you wish to court the wolf or the half breed. Pick one and stay true to your decision.'

The black she wolf laid down next to her demon self. Kagome stretched out her hand and began petting her alter ego. The priestess giggled at the weirdness of it, but decided that it was her dream and it was making her feeling better.

End Dream

Morning came and Kagome was the first one to rise. She carefully sat up, as not to wake her kit, and stretched her arms. She carefully looked over her shoulder to find Koga, still in wolf form, awake and staring out into the distance. He seemed to be intently watching the sky change from dark to light.

"Koga?" Kagome asked gently.

His ears swiveled to the sound of her soft voice and he quickly glanced in her direction, as if he was startled out of his trance. His mouth moved in a series of quiet growls and huffs; to Kagome's amazement she understood him.

"Oh you're awake. Sorry let me get out of your way." He apologized.

He stood and transformed back into his human looking form. Since the rest of the camp was asleep, Koga did not bother hiding his nudity. He casually reached down and began putting on all his furs, his tail barely moving at all.

Kagome blushed and quickly looked away. Then she bit her lip and looked over her shoulder to watch the handsome wolf dress. Thinking that she was being discreet, Kagome's eyes roamed his body. For the briefest moment she caught a glimpse of his manhood as he secured the fur around his waist. Her hand rose to cover her mouth before a breathy gasp escaped. Her eyes went round and she felt an ache build up between her thighs.

Koga stiffened as a familiar enticing scent teased his nose. Against his will, his head turned so that his eyes could look back at the tempting female.

Kagome's heart sped up when she saw the wolf prince stiffen. Her cheeks flushed when his eyes met hers. Both the she wolf and the woman responded to the look he was giving her. It was a dark look, which raked her body, and told her he was sexually interested in her and was thinking about the many ways he liked to take her. Kagome felt like a piece of meat searing under his gaze and she liked it.

"Koga." This time it came out breathy and pleading.

He clenched his fists at his side. "I beg you to stop looking at me like that."

Kagome could tell that it took everything within his willpower to refrain from rushing to her side and claiming her mouth in and hot and hungry kiss.

"What's that smell?" Inuyasha yawned as he stood up and stretched.

Koga torn his gaze from the alluring she wolf before him.

As soon as she heard Inuyasha's voice, all feelings of desire were smothered. She quickly rearranged her pajamas and stood up; careful not to jar her kit. She quickly dug into her pack and pulled out her school uniform, stockings, and a towel.

She shyly approached the brooding wolf demon. "Would you please hold this up for me so I can change?"

"Of course." He agreed with a neutral tone, though Kagome did not miss the heat that flashed through them.

As Kagome was changing the rest of the group began to wake. The companions took their time waking and preparing for the day. They enjoyed a breakfast bar for their morning meal, which Koga and Inuyasha declined. Once everyone was ready the group continued west in hopes that they would come across a shard.

((((o))))

They had been walking for about an hour, with Koga and Inuyasha leading, before Inuyasha dropped back to walk next to Kagome and Shippo who was perched on her shoulder. The half demon looked unsure. He did not say or do anything until he happened to see a small non descriptive flower sprouting from the ground. He quickly bent down and picked it.

'If it worked for that wolf, maybe it will work for me.' Inuyasha thought before extending it to Kagome. "Here I got this for you." He said sheepishly while looking away from her.

Kagome had been staring at Koga's back since they began their walking. He walked proudly, like the leader he was and his stance was strong. As he had promised in her dream, he was civil but he did not make any flirtatious remarks or make a move to touch her. This made Kagome sad. When she had a small flower shoved in her face, she came out of her thoughts.

"Oh." Out of reflex she grabbed the flower.

Kagome saw Koga glance over his shoulder and bare a fang in a silent sneer. Then he turned forward again and kept walking, not missing a step.

"What is this for, Inuyasha?" The she wolf questioned.

"Well you seem to like flowers so I got one for you." He said easily.

"Oh." Was all Kagome could manage.

"Yeah well don't think too much of it." Inuyasha said returning to the head of the group and throwing a victorious smile at Koga.

The wolf Prince growled but did nothing else.

Kagome walked closer to Sango and Miroku, who were giving Inuyasha weird looks.

"What was that about?" Shippo asked from his perch.

"I don't know. I have never seen him do that before." Sango whispered suspiciously.

"I think our friend is simply competing with Koga." Miroku guessed.

"That would make sense." Sango glanced at Kagome. "Koga has been awfully distant so far today. Did something happen?"

Sigh. "I had another dream." Kagome confessed sadly.

"Was it one of those weird real dreams momma?" Shippo studied Kagome's face.

"Yes."

"What happened in this one?" Sango was curious about this dream realm Kagome went to.

"Well we didn't kiss or anything." Kagome could not hide the disappointment in her voice.

"I am certain that if you wanted a kiss from Koga, he would gladly give you one." Miroku's smile was way too happy.

Kagome blushed. Then in a whispered voice she described the dream. The whispering companions occasionally glanced at the two leading males to ensure they did not hear anything.

Koga's keen hearing allowed him to easily hear what they were talking about. They were not whispering, nor near far enough, for their conversation to escape his ears. A smile tugged at Koga's lips when he heard that she was disappointed that he did not kiss her. However, the urge to smile quickly left when he thought about the gift she had just accepted from Inuyasha, who was still smug.

"Well then, if you plan to court Koga I wouldn't keep the flower Inuyasha gave you." Miroku advised.

"I can't just throw it away in front of him." Kagome whispered furiously.

"I can do it for you momma." Shippo offered.

Kagome started to smile till a familiar feeling raced over her skin. "I sense a jewel shard!" She called out to the two males.

They both stopped and turned towards her now fully alert.

"Which way?" They both asked.

"To the northwest!" She answered without any doubt.

"Alright Kagome climb on my back." Inuyasha demanded as he knelt down.

Koga's tail twitched, but he did not say anything. He just stood there and looked at his lovely she wolf.

For the first time in their years of traveling together, Kagome just stood there with uncertainty in her eyes. Her gaze shift from the kneeling Inuyasha to aloof Koga. Kagome felt Shippo jump off her shoulder and stand by her feet.

"Kagome quit stalling and get on already!" Inuyasha demanded impatiently.

"Um, Inuyasha I think that I will ride Koga if that is alright." Kagome said hesitantly.

The an ear to ear grin bloomed on Koga's face and it was not a purely innocent smile either.

Inuyasha understood how Koga took the words. "She didn't mean like that you perverted wolf!" Inuyasha growled.

"I don't think that I have ever heard Kagome say that to Inuyasha." Sango whispered to the monk sitting behind her on Kirara.

"Can you really blame her? Kagome has experienced things with Koga that she never has with Inuyasha." Miroku whispered back.

"I know that, but it is still nice to hear her say." Koga said smoothly in response to the mutt.

"She doesn't know what she is talking about." Inuyasha yelled and then turned to Kagome. "Get over here Kagome we are wasting time."

"I think that Kagome has decided who will carry her and its not you." Koga informed the stubborn mutt.

"I have been with her longer. What would you know about what she wants?" Inuyasha taunted.

Instead of replying Koga walked up to Kagome with intent. Once he stood directly before her, he placed a hand on the back of her neck.

"I am sorry Kagome for breaking my word." That was her only warning.

His lips came crashing down on hers in a claiming kiss. Koga's strong, soft lips dominated hers as she melted into him. His lips moved over hers, enticing her to reciprocate, and she did happily. His tongue swept inside her giving mouth once before he pulled back. Koga smirked at the dazed and content look that graced her features.

With a quick sweep of his arms he picked Kagome up, waited for Shippo to jump on her, and walked pasted the speechless half demon.

"Let's go mutt." That was all Koga said before speeding off.

Inuyasha jaw threatened to hit the ground as he stood frozen to that spot. He barely registered as Sango and Miroku rode past him on Kirara. 'Did she just kiss him back?' Inuyasha replayed the scene in his mind a few times before shaking his head vigorously.

"Damn that wolf!" Inuyasha growled.

His eyes glanced around and noticed that he was there by himself.

"Hey wait for me!" He called out and rushed after his companions.

((((o))))

Koga was the first to arrive where the jewel had been sensed. He kept Kagome and the kit in his arms till he was sure what he was up against. The wolf's sharp blue eyes scanned the edge of the forest and his keen nose tested the air. Koga could not see anything, but he could smell something…a bug maybe?

"Do you see anything Koga?" Sango called as Kirara landed next to him.

"No but something does not smell right. Keep on your guard." He notified the slayer and monk.

"Kagome do you see the shard?" Miroku asked.

Kagome eyes swept the edge of the forest. The scenery was strange and something was off about it, but what she did not know. They were standing over a hundred feet from the forest's edge. The trees did not move as the wind was something akin to a gentle caress. The interior of the forest was dark, just beyond the first line of trees.

Kagome eyes narrowed in suspicion, those were oddly shaped for tree branches.

"Found the jewel shard yet Kagome?" Inuyasha asked as he caught up with his companions.

Another second passed. "Yeah it's in that tree with the two scythe-like branches." She pointed to the tree only just visible through the darkened tree line.

"Alright!" Inuyasha leapt towards the tree with his sword raised. "Watch how its done wolf."

Sango eyes suddenly widened with realization. "No Inuyasha watch out!" She warned.

Koga had been putting Kagome on her feet when he heard Sango yell out a warning. His eyes quickly shifted to the area that was the mutt's target. Koga's eyes saw movement for the briefest moment.

"What the?" Inuyasha called in surprise.

Inuyasha had been descending to fast to alter his course. In the time it took him to blink, the scythe-like branches opened up and then with startling speed snatched the unsuspecting half demon out of the air. Inuyasha yelled in pain as he found his hands and feet clamped in two pinchers.

"It's a giant mantis demon!" Sango recognized the creature.

"What is a giant bug doing out here?" Shippo asked while hiding under Kagome's hair.

"These creatures prefer dense forests and are able to camouflage with their environment effortlessly. They wait till their food is close and then with lightening reflexes snatch them up. If we don't hurry and save Inuyasha he will be slowly eaten alive while being held helpless."

"That kind of information would have been great before I jumped within reach of it." Inuyasha yelled exasperated.

"Inuyasha!" Kagome called out in worry.

"Don't worry Kagome. I will save the helpless mutt." Koga said lout enough for said mutt to hear him.

"Why don't you come say that to my face when I am not busy with a giant bug?" Inuyasha threatened.

"Oh, why does Inuyasha always jump into a fight without knowing anything about the enemy?" Shippo wailed dramatically.

Koga sped off in a whirlwind, causing the group to shield their eyes, to begin attacking the creature. With the creatures arms preoccupied the wolf would be able to land several blows.

Once he was close to the creature, Koga jumped up and brought his feet down onto the head of the creature. It let out a shrieking hiss and dropped Inuyasha. Koga was then forced to dodge the grasping claws.

Once Inuyasha landed he quickly used the momentum to launch himself at the pest and swung wildly at it. To the eager half demon's surprise the creature was quick and able to dodge his swings.

"Kagome where in its body is the shard?" Inuyasha called out dodging a scythed arm.

"There are three in its thorax!" She answered.

"Right then. Those shards are as good as ours." Inuyasha sprinted behind it and tried to stab its back. "Stay out of the way wolf if you want to live and maybe you will learn something."

"In your dreams mutt. The only thing you have taught me is not to jump into its waiting claws." Koga shot back dodging said claws again.

Inuyasha brought his sword down and at the last moment the creature turned and swatted him away with the side of its claw. He went flying into a nearby tree.

"Damn it that thing is fast." Inuyasha growled.

The giant bug hissed in fury. Though it was fast, the two demons jumping around it were too hard to catch. The demon then turned its huge bulbous eyes to where it sensed a large fragment of the jewel. It spread its two large outer wings, which were the color of the surround forest, and then it also spread its pair of inner wings which actually gave the creature flight.

Kagome screamed and watched as the creature flew towards her. It was a bark brown color with green patterns on the top half of its body. With its wings spread it looked even larger and Kagome's eyes widened as its claws were extended in her direction.

Sango yelled and threw her giant boomerang. It hit the left side sets of wings and the bug crashed down into the earth. Kagome felt the tremor shot through the ground and felt the dirt rain down on her for a brief moment.

Sango yelled out again and took out the remaining wings.

"There you guys. It should not be able to escape you again." Sango called out to the wolf and half dog.

"Impressive slayer." Koga commented as he punched the abdomen of the bug.

It shrieked and maneuvered its vulnerable abdomen away from its attacker.

Inuyasha jumped in and, using his shoulder, pushed Koga out of the way. Then he went to hack off an arm but missed and it almost got Koga in its spiked grasp.

"Out of my way wolf. I don't need your help." Inuyasha growled.

"You almost got me eaten!" Koga said feigning hurt.

"Yea well we would be better off without you!" Inuyasha was still upset about that kiss he witnessed.

"Kagome would miss me terribly." He shot the mutt a knowing smile.

"Shut up!" Inuyasha roared as he hacked off a leg.

The creature stumbled from the loss of a leg. It quickly repositioned a leg so that it was now standing evenly on three.

Koga took the opportunity to hack off another leg, leaving the bug with one on each side. Once done he quickly jumped away to avoid the claws. The bug was now practically immobile.

Inuyasha took advantage of the creature's distraction to land a hit on the back of its thorax. He smiled in victory till his blade bounced off and not a scratch marred it.

"What's going on?" Inuyasha asked no one in particular.

"What is wrong Inuyasha?" Miroku saw the failed attack.

"Its armor is too thick here." He notified the group.

"It's the shards Inuyasha!" Sango yelled.

"Kagome shot one of your arrows!" The half demon was confident that this attack would work. "Try not to shatter any shards." He teased.

"Very funny." Kagome grumbled.

Kagome notched an arrow and aimed. Her priestess abilities allowed her to see the glow of the jewel in any creature, even one whose exoskeleton was as thick as this ones. Kagome took a deep breath and focused her purifying power on the tip of the arrow; instead of the normal pink color it had become blue-even since the moon flower had bloomed. Once she built up enough power, she exhaled and released the string. She felt the bow string pulse wildly once the arrow left it.

The arrow went sailing and began to be encompassed by a flaring blue power. Straight and true it hit its target and shattered the armor on the thorax.

The creature screamed and charged Kagome. The girl gasped and bolted to another side of it, she was hidden from view by the creature's massive body.

Once the arrow hit, Inuyasha focused on seeing the demon's wind and his own. He waited till the two swirled winds collided and created a scar. Once he saw it he heaved his sword up and released its full power.

Koga has sensed that Inuyasha was about to use the wind scar and moved over to Inuyasha. The wolf Prince's eyes sought his woman and when he did not see her standing where she had been a minute ago he panicked.

Sango and Miroku had noticed Kagome's new location too late. Sango's eyes went wide and she saw the full power of the wind scar heading towards her friend.

"Kagome!" Sango cried out in desperation.

Koga heard the slayers desperate cry and his eyes followed her line of site, which disappeared behind the grounded insect which was the path of the wind scar.

"Kagome!" He called out.

Kagome saw the golden power of the wind scar head toward the giant writhing bug in front of her. She barely heard the scared calls of her friends, her mind was thinking of Shippo who was clinging to her shoulder.

"Momma I am scared." He cried.

Kagome new that she would not be able to escape so instead she grabbed Shippo and flung him out of the sword's path of destruction.

Shippo felt his body go sailing. His eyes locked onto his adoptive mother's face and he choked in fear. Her face was sad and yet relieved to see him getting out of harms way.

Kagome eyes turned towards the destructive power heading towards her. She blinked her eyes and the five blazing trails of power torn through the mantis and kept coming. Her skin prickled as the power neared, Kagome was just at the edge of it now.

Kagome closed her eyes, too afraid to watch any further. Her ears picked up the desperate call of Koga and her eyes prickled.

Though her eyes were closed, the light emitted by the wind scar shown through her eye lids as it was upon her now.

((((o))))

A/N: I thank all the people who have sent those wonderful reviews. There is nothing like knowing that people are enjoying what I have written. I will definitely keep writing as long as my readers enjoy the story. Oh, I just realized that the old white wolf is Ayame's grandfather and not her father like I have it written. I am sorry for the inconsistence, but it's too late to change it now. Also I will be playing the beta for The Old Republic this weekend and continue moving as well so I may not have the next chapter up till Monday. Thank you for you patience and continued support.