Kagome couldn't help but shed a few tears as her best friend and sister flew away on her twin-tail. She had stayed for two days and she still needed to visit the slayer village. Sango's visit had done wonders for her mood and the miko was all smiles.
Koga watched the girls as they said their goodbyes and couldn't help but smile at the joyous aura that surrounded Kagome. He hadn't seen her this happy in a long time. I wonder why she's so happy…it can't just be because the slayer came to visit. He shrugged his thoughts away and hollered at Kagome. They were near the den and he was planning on making a visit before they head back out in search of Naraku.
"Where we going?" She asked as she scooped Shippo up in her arms.
Koga pointed his thumb over his shoulder. "To the den."
"Good, that will give me enough time to make a visit to the well! My bag is almost empty and I need to restock!" She began to ramble off a list of things she needed, not caring that Koga, Ginta and Hakkaku had no idea what she was talking about. Only Shippo understood, but that was because he had been with her long enough to learn about the conveniences of Kagome's world.
"Can you bring me some new crayons?" Shippo asked, giving Kagome his version of the puppy dog eyes.
"Of course!" She glanced at her confused comrades and grinned. "Don't worry I'll bring something for you guys as well!"
With that said, they began their short trek back to the wolf den. Ginta and Hakkaku inquired about her era. That was all it took to get Kagome going. She went into detail about her school life and how she needed to take a few days to study for an upcoming test. She ranted about Inuyasha always bothering her and keeping her from her studies and insisting that she come back to the Sengoku Jidai. Before long she was talking about the luxury of plumbing and hot water. By the time she was done chattering, all three wolves were staring at her in confusion. They had no idea what she was talking about, but none of them had the heart to tell her that.
It was almost nightfall by the time they reached the den and Kagome was itching for a bath. Walking across the countryside during the heat of summer was excruciating and reeked havoc on her skin and hair. No matter how many times Shippo told her she smelled fine, she couldn't help but feel filthy. She never worried about it so much before, but now that she was staying in the company of a group of super sniffers, she was afraid of offending them.
She sat the fox kit on the ground and went in search of the small hot springs that sat on the outskirts of the wolf den.
Pausing behind a tree, she scanned the area. Sensing nobody in the immediate vicinity, she stripped off her clothes and cannon balled into the water, sending water everywhere. When she came up for air, she couldn't help but burst into laughter. I haven't done that in years! She made her way back to the edge of the springs to grab her shampoo and conditioner.
"Better get clean before my bath is interrupted…" Kagome sighed as she lathered the shampoo into her hair. It never failed, whenever she wanted to bathe alone, she was always interrupted by someone or something.
Sure enough, just after rinsing the conditioner from her hair, she heard a rustle in the bushes. She muffled a ear piercing scream and sunk lower in the water, making sure everything was completely covered.
"It's good to be home."
Kagome felt her face turn a deep crimson when the voice reached her ears. She wanted nothing more than to shrivel in a ball and die. She was so embarrassed, she didn't even notice when he stepped into her line of sight in nothing more than his birthday suit. How he didn't notice her was completely beyond her, but she had other things to worry about, like a nude Koga stepping into the water.
"Wha-what are you doing?" Kagome shrieked at the top of her lungs the moment she realized what was going on. It was like he was in a different world, completely oblivious to his surroundings.
Koga's eyes refocused when he heard Kagome scream. At first he thought she was in danger, that was until he looked down to see her almost completely submerged in the hot springs. He couldn't tell if it was the temperature of the water, or because she was livid, but her face was redder than he's ever seen. He had been so lost in thought that he hadn't even picked up on Kagome's scent as he neared the hot springs.
He should have removed himself from the water and leave her to finis her bath, but he couldn't help but let his eyes linger over her body. Sure, she was almost completely underwater, but with the light of the moon over head, he was able to make out the roundness of her breasts. He couldn't help but smirk at the sight of her.
Kagome followed his line of sight and gasped. She covered her chest with one arm and shot out of the water. She had had enough with the peeping toms! She pointed her an angry finger at the awe struck ookami.
"I can't believe you! Get out of the water you hentai!" She poked his hard in the chest.
Koga raised an eyebrow as he looked over the rest of her body now that she was uncovered. He nodded in appreciation, only to feel the wrath of the miko before him. Her hand snaked out and slapped him hard across the face, leaving a perfect hand print on his cheek.
"I'm going home!" She shrieked before storming out of the water, only stopping to grab her pile of clothes.
I can't believe the nerve of that guy! You'd think he would leave and apologize the moment he realized I was in there, but noooo he had to go and stare like a complete hentai! Grrr….oh my goodness…I cannot believe that happened. Kagome blushed harder as she covered her face with her hands. He saw me naked and I saw him naked. That is so so so….Ugh! Why can't I get stop blushing? Kagome pulled on her clothes once she was far enough from prying eyes. Damn, I left my bag at the hot springs…I'll send Shippo to go get it.
She walked back to the wolf den trying to coax her face back to its normal ivory color. It took a lot of effort, but she managed.
"Shippo!" The miko called as she walked into the cave.
The kitsune rushed to Kagome and looked up at her. He could tell by the look in her eye, something had happened. "What's the matter Kagome?"
Instantly, her face boiled in embarrassment. She shook the image of a naked Koga from her mind. "No-nothing! Can you to the hot springs and grab my bag? I left it there and Koga's bathing. I don't want to interrupt him."
Shippo's eyebrow raised into his auburn bangs. "Sure Kagome."
Kagome thanked him before sliding down the cave wall. She sat with her arms wrapped around her knees until the kitsune returned with her bag. Thankfully for Shippo, the bag was almost empty, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to carry it. It didn't take long for him to return.
"Here you go, Kagome!"
"Thank you Shippo." She smiled before looking around the cave. "Can you help me find Ginta and Hakkaku? I wanted to see if they could take me home."
"Huh? You're not going to have Koga take you?"
The twitch of her eye and the fact that her hands balled into fists, let Shippo know she was upset about something. It was the same look she got when Inuyasha did something to upset her.
"Uh…ok…forget I said anything…I'll go find them." Shippo stuttered before taking off. He didn't want to be around when she exploded, and judging by the look in her face it was going to happen very soon. The fox sniffed the air and caught Koga's scent coming closer. Let's ask him what happened. He scampered off in that direction.
Kagome was ready to leave by herself when she ran into Ginta and Hakkaku near the waterfall. She rushed over to them. "Hey guys! Can you take me to the Bone-Eaters well?"
The men exchanged glances. "I thought you were going to wait for tomorrow." Ginta pointed out.
"Does Koga know about this?" Hakkaku chimed.
"Who cared what Koga thinks? Seriously guys, can't you do anything without consulting him first? Just take me home!" Kagome snapped, her face red with anger.
"Yes Ma'am!" They saluted in unison. They followed behind the angry woman as she stormed off towards the village of Edo. Neither of them had the courage to ask her what had changed her mood so drastically. Not two hours ago she was chipper and happy and now she was angrier than they've ever seen her.
-oOoOo-
Deep in the northern mountains, Ayame raced through the trees, enjoying the feel of the wind in her hair. She stared up at the full moon and smiled. Someday…under the full moon, Koga and I will be married. I will wait for you Koga, no matter how long it takes. She thought to herself as she resisted to howl at the moon. The light was beautiful tonight, bathing the mountain side in it's silver glow. Nobody could ask for a more perfect night.
Her small group of wolves stopped in their tracks and called for her to stop. She whirled around and watched her friends with concern. They took turns yipping and whining, warning her of an approaching evil. It was true. She closed her eyes and scanned the area, easily spotting the formidable youkai aura approaching her location.
Her eyes snapped open and she held several small leaved between her fingertips, ready to fight if need be. In a whirl of youki and debris a male youkai appeared with a much smaller female youkai of the palest coloring. The scent coming from them registered as familiar, but she couldn't place it.
"Who are you?" Ayame asked.
The male chuckled as he tossed a stray lock of ebony hair behind his back. "Are you the one known as Ayame?"
The ookami nodded her head. "I am."
The man grinned. "My name is Naraku, this here is Kanna. We have something here that might interest you."
Ayame's eyes widened. That was why she recognized the scent. She had come across it awhile ago when she was trying to find Koga. He was the person Koga was hunting, the one that massacred dozens of ookami youkai. Ayame couldn't help but snarl at the man before her. He was Koga's enemy, therefore, he was her enemy as well.
Naraku didn't even blink an eye at the woman before him. He motioned for Kanna to step forward. This aught to catch her attention.
Ayame's growl was cut off when the mirror of the pale youkai began to glow. Her first reaction was to defend herself, but an attack never came. Instead, her reflection began to change, revealing another person in its place. Ayame's eyes widened. She was staring at Koga and Kagome. The two of them were standing in a think forest at night. She couldn't tell if what she was seeing was a past event or something that was happening now, but either way, she could tear her eyes away from the mirror.
"Koga…"Kagome whispered as she pulled her hand from his arm and placed it close to her heart. "Koga…I know it isn't my business, but what did you see?"
Kagome's breath caught in her throat as Koga's arms wrapped around her, pulling her tightly to his chest. He pressed his nose against the top of her head, taking in her scent. Satisfied, he place a kiss on the crown of her head. "I thought I lost you Kagome…"
"I'm not going anywhere Koga…I promise." She whispered.
Ayame gasped and looked away from the mirror the moment Koga bent over and kisses Kagome on the lips. She couldn't bare to watch anymore. This couldn't be real, this had to be something Naraku made up. She shook her head, whishing she never laid eyes on that cursed mirror.
"Koga has fallen into Kagome's web. She is taking Koga away from you, are you going to let her get away with this?' Naraku asked, hints of mischief evident in his crimson eyes.
Ayame brought her teary green eyes up to meet his. "So…She's been after him all along? But I thought her and that inu hanyou had something together…"
Naraku shook his head. "No, Ayame. Kagome has chosen Koga, leaving Inuyasha and his group behind. There is nothing stopping the miko now that Inuyasha is out of the picture."
Ayame shook her head. "No…this can't be happening. He promised to marry me! Me damnit, some some stupid ningen female!"
"What if I told you there was a way to get Kagome out of the picture?" Naraku smirked.
Ayame sniffled back tears as she looked at him. Can he be trusted? Is this the truth? I don't know what to think after seeing that! Koga did say she was his woman, but she never showed the slightest interest in him. What could have changed? Damnit all to hell!
"Tell me."
Naraku smiled. This was going to be fun.
-oOoOo-
A/N: First and foremost I want to thank miss requiem passion for all her wonderful reviews! I appreciate all the comments that have been made, so don't feel left out! *hands out virtual cookies to everyone*
Anyway, I promised to get the plot rolling and so I did! The first part of this was really hard to write since the mood was happy and supposed to be funny. Normally that isn't too much of a problem, but it has been a crappy day and its hard to write happy moments when I'm not happy. So if this chapter sucks, I apologize!