A clear full moon night.

Everything was calm and peaceful.

At least, it was supposed to be.

Koga found himself being attacked by a pack of white wolves, as he was chased to the top of a massive tree "You better back down or I'll get serious!"

"Short tempered as always." A voice muttered as a female wolf demon emerged from the river.

Koga glared at her "Who are you? Why did you send your wolves after me? You got a bone to pick with me or something?"

At that moment, Ginta and Hakkaku finally caught up "Isn't that Ayame? The granddaughter of the old chieftain?"

Ginta nodded "I heard she went north with the elder a long time ago."

Koga overheard this "Ayame?"

"I came to give you gramps' message." Ayame called out

"What message?"

"You're gonna take me for your wife, just like you promised Koga."

Koga stared at her, jaw-dropped "My-My wife?!"

Ginta and Hakkaku gaped at her.

Ayame nodded "You have sacred jewel shards and Ryu scales, don't you? With those in your possession, you'll be worthy of ruling the clan. So come with me and let's get married!"

Koga lost the jaw-dropped look on his face and glared at her "Listen, stop joking around! Why should I marry you?"

Ayame seemed visibly saddened by this "You mean you don't remember?"

"Remember what?"

"Koga, you promised to marry me when I came down from the northern mountains!"

The three male wolves were gaping at her.

"Koga, you made such a promise?" cried Hakkaku

"How are you gonna break this to Kagome?" asked Ginta

Not willing to waste anytime, Ayame leapt up and grabbed Koga by the arm.

"Hey! What're you doing?" Koga barked

"Gramps told me to bring you back, with force if necessary!" Ayame shouted… Before the branch buckled, sending them crashing into the river.

Koga stood and glared at her "I already have a fiancée named Kagome who I'm gonna marry! I wouldn't have made any promises to wed you!" and he took off in a cyclone, with Hakkaku and Ginta taking off after him.

Ayame was left alone with her wolves, fuming about how he forgot his promise, from the night of the lunar rainbow.

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Morning came.

Koga and his men had come across Naraku's castle, but weren't having any luck.

"I don't like the looks of this at all." Koga mused "The scent of Gohan and the mutt is all over the place. This castle reeks of Naraku's scent, but there's no sign of him." He turned to his comrades "Alright. Let's go."

"Where?" asked Ginta

"Where else? We're gonna find Gohan and that mutt and question them." he took off in a burst of speed.

But little did any of them know, their presence had awakened a creature lurking in Naraku's basement. And it was MAD.

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Not long after, Ayame and her wolves tracked down the castle, having followed Koga's scent there. And they encountered the presence. An enormous hair demon, emerging from the basement, devouring some of her wolves.

Ayame fled from the demon, and ran into Ginta and Hakkaku, who were trying to catch up to Koga. She learned of how Naraku slaughtered their comrades and Koga wanted to avenge their deaths.

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Kagome sensed 2 jewel shards, and Koga emerged from the cyclone, trampling Inuyasha in the process.

After his usual flirting with Kagome, Koga got down to business "Hey Gohan. Where's Naraku? I checked the castle and there's no sign of him. What happened?"

Gohan quickly relayed the events of the battle with Naraku.

Koga merely sighed "If I'd been there, Naraku would be dead and gone by now."

"Of course. You could have went Goraishi on his ass before he's got away." He then looked in another direction "Why am I sensing hair and female wolf?"

Koga was confused by the hair part, but paled when he mentioned the female wolf "Oh crap."

At that moment, the giant hair demon appeared. Apparently it was some kind of Naraku reject.

Inuyasha and Gohan fought the thing to buy time for Koga to get Kagome to safety.

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It honestly wasn't much of improvement when Ayame showed up, pissed beyond physical possibilities, even for a demon.

"Koga! That girl's a mortal, idiot!" Ayame barked "Are you out of your mind?!"

"No, and I don't have time to stand around gabbing!" Koga barked back "Kagome, run for it."

Ayame's anger multiplied 10X "Kagome. Little hussy! That's the name of this so-called fiancée you mentioned!"

Kagome sweatdropped "Fiancée? Who's?"

"My Koga's! That's who's!"

Kagome glared at him "Koga! Why'd you tell her we were engaged?"

"Because I'm in love with you." Koga replied easily

"You can't decide on your own."

"I'm Koga's only fiancée!" Ayame yelled at her "You can drop dead!" she hurled several shuriken leaves at her.

Which Koga easily destroyed "As if your tricks would work on me. Keep it up and I'll get serious!"

"How could you fall for a mortal! Where's your wolf demon tribe pride!"

"Lay off! I love Kagome! You have no right to lecture me!"

"KA-GO-ME!" Ayame ground out "I don't like this! Your name sound just like mine!"

'One syllable.' Kagome deadpanned

Ayame turned her anger back to Koga "Even if you wanted to marry that girl, you can't go against the tribe's code and marry a mortal!"

Koga snorted "The elder's rules and codes have nothing to do with me! What makes you think I said I'd marry you anyway?!"

Ayame's anger softened considerably "You promised me. On the night of the lunar rainbow."

she explained how Koga saved her from the birds of paradise and promised to marry her when she got older. She remembered this because that night, they saw a lunar rainbow.

Koga just grinned stupidly and blinked "Are you positive? Are you sure I said that and not something else?"

Ayame nodded, tears swelling up in her eyes "I kept those words to my heart. They were the only thing that kept going through the harsh training in the mountains."

Gohan, who had arrived a few minutes after Ayame, sighed heavily "Damn. And I thought you looked like a dick when you claimed you were in love with Kagome because of her ability to sense the jewel shards. This just trumped that by 100%."

Koga glared at him "Shut up."

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During this, Kagome and Ayame were having a feudal girl talk "So the elder of the wolf demon tribe is your grandfather?"

Ayame nodded "The reason I came down the mountain like this is because a strange miasma has descended from the northern mountains recently. Gramps said it smells of a demon. Around the time when the miasma descended, infighting increased among the wolf demon tribes in the east and north, and those in the south and west. So gramps decided to marry me off to one of the strong young warriors to build an alliance."

"Like a political marriage?"

"Luckily, Koga and I were already promised to each other."

"I think I'd remember if we were!" Koga shouted.

Only to be backhanded into a tree by Gohan, who was clearly enjoying this "Shut it. You're in timeout for a reason."

Ignoring them, Ayame continued "Gramps believed that Koga would be able to find followers, and I didn't mind the thought of marrying Koga."

"Dammit!" Koga barked "Everyone's getting all worked up over a stupid miasma! Your role might be to make peace, but all you have to do is crack their heads together and they'll start listening!"

Gohan once again backhanded him into a tree "Dumbass. If it were that easy, they would've done it."

Ayame nodded "In order to bring the tribes together, we need their trust. Us getting married and settling down is the only solution."

Koga shook his head "Sorry, but it just ain't my style. What I want to do more than anything right now is get Naraku's head. I don't have time for anything else in my life."

Gohan and Kagome face faulted.

"Ayame, maybe you should stop listening to what the elder says and start doing what you want to do." Koga said in a considerably softer tone.

Ayame looked up in surprise at this.

"Yeah, guys? Hate to interrupt, but we've got company!" Gohan shouted as the hair demon approached.

"Damn that Inuyasha!" Koga muttered "He must've let the demon get away!" He then looked at Gohan "Let me handle this one, okay?"

Gohan shrugged "I don't care."

Koga smirked "All I needed to hear." And he formed the Goraishi on his hand "Lightning claw!" And the power of the Goraishi obliterated the hair demon, and he handed Ginta and Hakkaku a piece of the hair demon to use to track Naraku, before turning back to Kagome in his usual manner "Kagome, I'm sorry to say that I have to be on my way now. Next time we meet, I promise to bring you Naraku's head on a platter. I promise you're the woman who's gonna be my wife."

Ayame snorted as she saw this 'Look how hard he's trying. And she doesn't even like him!'

Kagome suddenly glared "Hey, wait a second Koga! A long time ago, way before you met me, you promised that you'd marry Ayame! You're already engaged to somebody else!"

Koga cowered a little at this "Like I said, I don't remember."

"You sure about that?" asked Gohan "Think back to a night of a lunar rainbow. You gotta remember something."

Koga nodded and thought back, and images began to flash through his mind "Oh crap."

He remembered.

Now, Koga could:

A. Confess that he remembers everything and decides to fulfill his promise to Ayame once Naraku is dead.

B. Lie and say that he doesn't remember

C. Say that he does remember, but doesn't want to decide between the two of them until after he and Gohan fight it out to see who wins Kagome's heart.

"Sorry, but I still don't remember." Koga lied.

B it is!

Gohan shrugged "Well, I guess it can't be helped."

Ayame nodded "Let's just forget about the past. I understand how important it is for you to go after this Naraku. Get your revenge on Naraku, and gramps and I will manage to somehow work things out with the others."

Koga nodded "Okay."

"Remember though, that doesn't mean that I'll stop hoping that you live up to your promise. I'm the only one who can be your wife."

Panicking, Koga grabbed onto Kagome "My woman has to be able to sense the jewel shards! Like Kagome! She can sense them."

Ayame paused, then gained a determined look in her eyes "Then I'll make myself able to see them too!"

Everyone looked at her and blinked. Well, almost everyone.

Gohan and Inuyasha were rolling on the ground, laughing their heads off.

Koga just stared at her "As if you can do that."

"I can!" Ayame shouted

"You can't!"

"I can, I said!"

"You can't, I said!"

The argument was interrupted when Ayame started giggling, much to Koga's confusion "What's so funny?"

"You'll find out later Koga!" Ayame called back as she sped off

"Well, see ya guys." Koga said before he took off.

"Gohan, about what Ayame said before."

'What about it?'

"A strange miasma descending from the northern mountains. I'm sensing something similar to that in the direction of the oxen tiger."

"Huh?"

"Northeast."

"Thanks." Gohan then turned to the others "Hey guys. Ryu is sensing a demonic aura in the direction of the oxen tiger. Let's try heading there."

They nodded and headed off.

"Zalama, what's in the direction of the Oxen Tiger?"

"A place that makes even Sesshomaru's blood run cold: Mount Hakurei."

"But Naraku is a demon. How could he hide in a place as sacred as Mount Hakurei?"

"It's Naraku. He'd find a way."

"True."

With this newfound information, the group prepared to head out to find Naraku…

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Or at least they wanted to.

Kagome had caught a cold on the way, and they returned to Kaede's village to get some of her remedies, only to find that she was out slaying demons with some of the other villagers.

At Sango's suggestion, Gohan took Kagome back to the modern era.

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At school, Gohan entered the library, trying to find information on Mount Hakurei, and studying for the comprehension test they would have the next day.

Suddenly, Gohan found himself meeting an unexpected visitor "Inuyasha? What the hell are you doing here?"

"I want you to write this list of ingredients." Inuyasha stated flatly.

Gohan did so "What is this supposed to be exactly?"

"Cold medicine. My mother taught me about it. I've got the ingredients back at Kaede's hut. Follow me."

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Gohan did so, and made the medicine at Kai's apartment.

"So what is all of this stuff?" asked Kai.

"There's nothing like liver when it comes to nourishment." Gohan told him "Boar liver, carp liver, chicken liver, and some medicinal roots and herbs.

"Gohan… You do know what would happen if Kagome found out that there was a gallon of liver in this thing, right?"

"Yes I do, and that's why she won't find out."

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Gohan returned to the Higurashi shrine and entered Kagome's room "Hey. Take this. It's cold medicine."

Kagome took a whiff and scowled "It stinks."

Gohan shook his head "I promise you'll get better if you drink."

Kagome took a sip, and immediately grimaced "It's putrid!"

"Cold medicine is supposed to taste horrible."

Sota nodded "Life lesson number 1."

"Number 2 actually. Number 1 is 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.'"

Kagome looked at the cup hesitantly "I don't know."

"Just trust me."

Kagome nodded and chugged it, much to the disgust of Sota "You're right. I think it's working!"

"See?"

"Thanks a lot, Gohan. So where did you learn to make such a great cold medicine?"

"Inuyasha taught me. Apparently his mother used to make it."

"And he taught you how to make it?"

"Well, the ingredients are a little different. Apparently she used dried ingredients. But I used fresh stuff."

Kagome examined the cup "Fresh what exactly?"

Gohan was about to tell her, but noticed Sota crossing his arms, making a 'No' gesture, and shaking his head violently "Who care as long as it works? Just get some sleep."

Gohan left a few minutes after Kagome fell asleep, leaving her in Sota's care.

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The next morning, Gohan stopped by to pick Kagome up before the test "Hey. Feeling any better?"

Kagome nodded "I feel way better today. I might even pass the comprehension test." then she looked at the clock and started freaking out, before he calmed her down.

"Hurry and get dressed."

He then sped off to school with Kagome on his back.

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Next morning, Saturday, Kagome woke up and looked out the window with a smile "The weather's great and I feel fantastic. I'm finally over that nasty cold too. And I made it through the test. I owe you big time Gohan. Thank you, honestly."

Gohan blushed "Well… I should get going, I'm supposed to meet Trunks for training and if I don't show up Vegeta will go apeshit on him."

"True… Hey, you wanna go shopping with me?"

"Trunks and Vegeta could use a little father-son bonding time."

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They started walking around town.

"I can't remember the last time we could just do this." Gohan muttered.

Kagome nodded "No jewel shards, no demons, no Naraku. It feels nice. It almost feels like we're on a date, walking around together like this.' as this thought crossed her mind, she blushed, her cheeks turning red.

Gohan looked at her, the sun reflecting off of her beautiful black hair, and his cheeks turned a light pink.

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After an uneventful trip to the grocery store, they had 2 small bags of food and 3 large boxes of ramen.

"You think we bought too much?" asked Kagome

Gohan shrugged "If it'll keep Inuyasha satisfied, I'm cool."

Kagome giggled lightly, but stopped when she noticed something.

Leaving Gohan to crash into her "Sorry. What's the matter?"

Kagome pointed in a certain direction.

Gohan looked to see Sota standing outside a flower shop, blushing as another girl his age passed him without noticing him.

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Later, Gohan was preparing to head home, when Sota caught him at the front door "Hey, Gohan. Can I talk to you about something?"

Gohan nodded "What's up?"

"It's kind of a man to man thing."

"Okay, who's the girl?"

Sota blushed "The girl I'm talking about is called Hitomi. She goes to my school. We're even in the same class. And she sits right next to me in the class room. She's one of the cutest girls I've ever seen, with great big eyes, her skin's so nice, she used to live overseas, she doesn't like parsley, and she never carries a backpack."

"I didn't understand half of that, but basically telling me you like her."

Sota blushed even further "Yeah. But I don't have any idea is Hitomi feels the same way. So I figured I should just come out and tell her how I feel."

"And you're coming to me because…?"

"You've got to help me!"

"What am I supposed to do?"

"Let me practice on you!"

Gohan's eye began twitching

"Let me practice saying I like you so I can tell Hitomi."

Gohan glared at the kid for minuted, before sighing "Fine, but only once."

Sota nodded "I… I… I… I like you!"

"Am I interrupting?" asked Kagome from the doorway, her eye twitching.

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After hearing the situation, Kagome laughed hysterically.

"You don't have to laugh." Sota muttered

Kagome shook her head "Lighten up. It's so stupid, it's funny. You know, you really should've come and asked me for advice. I'm pretty confident that I know a lot more about a girl's feelings than Gohan. I'm gonna help you. You're my favorite little brother and I'm gonna show you the ropes of romance!"

Gohan just looked at the kid "Nice knowing you."

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Morning came.

Sota was (unwillingly) dressed up like the Conan Edogawa from Detective Conan/Case Closed, with a coat and a red bow, minus the glasses "Are you sure?"

Kagome nodded "It's perfect. You're gonna do great looking like this. Now listen. During lunch break, just give her a hint about how you feel. Then after class, call Hitomi out, and when you're all alone, just blurt it right out."

"You mean I gotta wear this outfit until after school?"

Gohan sighed "We've all had to at some point. Go for it, kid."

Sota unsurely left, wondering about the sanity of his older sister and, hopefully, his future brother in law.

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After hearing the situation, Kai paled "Shit, Kagome's playing matchmaker again?"

Gohan sighed "I couldn't stop her."

"Better men have tried. Don't you remember what happened last time? 3 guys ended up in the hospital, I'm not even sure they all survived."

"Don't remind me. Now I've gotta keep her in check."

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After school, Gohan and Kagome were waiting for him.

"Sota's taking a long time." Kagome mused "Was he turned away? I doubt it. But anything can happen on the playing field of love."

Gohan snorted "Kagome, there's one factor you're forgetting in your plan. He's not the star of a chinese soap opera."

Kagome was about to retort, when the door opened "I'm home."

Sota walked in, visibly saddened.

Gohan sighed "Relax. There's plenty of fish in the sea."

Sota shook his head "It's not that. She didn't turn me down. I chickened out."

"Well, I guess it's finally time to do this my way. Don't worry kid, I'll toughen you up and make a man out of you. You'll be as swift as a coursing river, with all the force of a great typhoon, with all the strength of a raging fire, and as mysterious as the dark side of the moon."

Sota looked at him blankly "Isn't that from some Disney movie?"

"You want my help or not?"

Kagome smiled "Gohan."

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A little while later, Gohan used his Dragon Shockwave to destroy a tree in the backyard "Ok Sota, try it."

Sota hesitantly did so "Dragon Shockwave."

Gohan nodded "Good. That's not bad at all for your first try. Give it a few more tries."

Sota did.

"Gohan, what exactly are you trying to do?" Kagome whispered

"This is all a matter of spirit. I'm just trying to get his adrenaline pumping, and give him some confidence."

Kagome smiled "I get it."

Gohan then turned to Sota "Alright. You're ready."

"You think so?" asked Sota.

"I know so. Now go out there and go for it."

Sota sweatdropped at the enthusiasm.

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"Damn!" Gohan swore as they were waiting for Sota the next day after school "This stuff is way harder than slaying demons! At least then we know what we're doing!"

"I sure hope it works." Kagome muttered

"Your kid brother sure is hard to persuade. Just mulling over the problem isn't gonna get him anywhere!"

"If he loves her, he should just come out and say so!"

"Exactly!"

"Hypocrite."

"Shut up!"

"When it stops being true!"

"**** you!"

At that moment, Sota entered, his face revealing that he had chickened out again.

Gohan sighed "Alright, no more dodging the bullet. Sota, just go and tell the girl how you feel already. Have a little backbone. Make up your mind. Besides, didn't you tell me the other night that you love this girl?"

Sota's eyes widened at this.

"Listen, are you a man or not? Have courage and just go for it!"

Sota nodded, determination burning in his eyes, and ran off.

Gohan then turned to Kagome "So, we gonna go spy on him or what?"

Kagome smiled "As if you have to ask."

Then they ran off to follow him.

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Sota and Hitomi were standing by the playground. The moment of truth was at hand.

"What's the matter?" asked Hitomi "You seem sort of different today Sota."

"Hitomi." Sota began "I have something important to say. Hitomi, I'm not strong, and I'm not very reliable, and probably not very good at saying how I feel. But… I really, really like you Hitomi! Would you be my girlfriend?"

Hitomi blushed, but smiled "Kay."

Sota then pulled Hitomi into a small hug.

Gohan and Kagome, who were watching from a bush, were taken aback by this, and blushed.

"3rd graders sure grow up fast these days." Kagome muttered

"Gotta give him credit." Gohan agreed.

They then looked at each other, and their blushes intensified, before they gasped and quickly looked away, but each allowed a small smile to grace their lips at the thought.

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After that, Gohan and Kagome returned to hunting for the jewel shards…

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Ginta and Hakkaku were trying to catch some fish from a stream. And by trying, I mean failing.

"Sure isn't easy finding food in unfamiliar territory." Hakkaku muttered

Ginta nodded "I know, and I'm dying of hunger. We would've been better off attacking that human village awhile back."

Hakkaku shook his head "No, Koga ordered us not to bother humans anymore."

"And if we went after people again, Kagome would be real mad."0

"We sure have traveled a long way."

"There's a river, master Jaken. We can try to catch some fish." A voice said in the distance.

"Slow down, Rin! Don't be too hasty!" Jaken cried.

At that moment, Rin emerged from the bushes, and immediately hid behind Jaken out of fear, due to her nearly being killed by Koga's wolves.

'No surprise that she's afraid.' Jaken mused 'Rin was once attacked by wolves. You there, wolves! Leave this are immediately!"

"Why should we?" Ginta barked "Besides, who do you think you're talking to?"

They then proceeded to make some dramatic introduction about being the right and left hand men of Koga, Hakkaku being the shrewd one, and Ginta having dimples "You must've heard of us!"

Jaken blinked, and shook his head "Nope. Never heard of you." He then tried his introduction while waving his staff around "Cower in fear, mangy wolves! It has been centuries since I began serving lord Sesshomaru! Crossed through 3,000 worlds have I, his most loyal follower! I answer to the name Jaken!"

"Oh boy, what a bragger." Hakkaku muttered

Ginta nodded "We've never heard of you or this Sesshomaru!"

This would've escalated into a huge cat fight, had Sesshomaru not appeared "Jaken, what's all this commotion?"

His ice cold glare sent Ginta and Hakkaku running with their tails between their legs, sure that they'd seen him somewhere before.

They had no idea how in over their heads they were.

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Koga and Gohan were in the middle of a sparring match, Ryuuga against Goraishi.

Gohan backed off with a smirk "That thing's pretty tough, Koga."

"Ryuuga's no joke either."

They broke off their fight when Ginta and Hakkaku showed up "Hey Koga!"

"Found anything to eat?" asked Koga

"No, not exactly." Ginta muttered

Kagome took a bag of chips out of her bag and handed it to Koga "Why don't you guys eat some of these."

Koga took her hand in his with a smile "Kagome, I know how much you worry about me."

Kagome smiled, yet she was grimacing on the inside "Not really…"

Inuyasha then picked a fight with Koga over the bag of chips, believing that they didn't have to give their food to him.

"Say Kagome, Gohan, ever heard of a guy named Sesshomaru?" asked Ginta

"A fair-skinned dog demon who wears a fur over his kimono." Hakkaku added

Kagome nodded "We've met him. He's Inuyasha's older brother."

Ginta and Hakkaku were terrified by this.

"What kind of guy is this Sesshomaru?" asked Hakkaku

Gohan shrugged "He can't stand Inuyasha, not that I blame him. He's got this powerful sword named Tokijin, forged from the fang of one of Naraku's incarnations. He's seriously strong, and a bit on the cruel side in battle. I get along with him pretty well, though. Inuyasha and Koga can scrap like that forever, but they'd never kill each other, though I don't think Sesshomaru would hesitate to kill his opponent. He also wants to kill Naraku for reasons I don't understand. My guess is because Naraku tried to use him to kill me and Inuyasha awhile back. He doesn't seem as cold-hearted as before, though."

Hakkaku and Ginta shared a nervous glance. Even more so when they learn that it was their wolves that attacked Rin before.

The squabble ended when Kagome told Inuyasha to SIT.

Koga smiled at her "I'll accept this food with gratitude and think of it as a token of your deep love for me."

Kagome sweatdropped "Don't give it to much thought."

Koga thought she was just being modest and smirked "See ya." he disappeared in a cyclone.

Gohan and the others continued on to the next village, much to Inuyasha's ire when they left him behind.

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Koga was devouring the bag of chips.

Despite the efforts of Ginta and Hakkaku, they couldn't deter Koga from heading towards the river, thinking that he would immediately try to pick a fight with Sesshomaru.

When they ended up making him mad, Koga told them to get lost, causing them to start crying anime tears and run away, much to Koga's confusion.

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Gohan and the others destroyed a large ogre demon attacking a nearby village.

The grateful headman of the village offered them a place to stay for the night. Inuyasha and the others accepted, but Gohan, sensing something, decided to go and check it out.

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Ginta and Hakkaku were searching for food, with no luck.

Anything they found either escaped, or was poisonous, complaining about Koga all the while "He's arrogant because he's the leader of the tribe. Maybe should join Kagome and Gohan and serve under them."

Hakkaku looked about them "You're forgetting about Inuyasha."

Ginta slouched over sadly "You're right. He's just as bad as Koga."

That was when they angered a nearby ogre demon. Ginta fled, leaving Hakkaku to fend for himself. This led to an argument about how Koga would never abandon a comrade. This was when they realized that despite his flaws, Koga cherished all of his comrades.

Sensing something, they looked in a certain direction "I know that scent, it's Sesshomaru. And he's coming this way!"

Then they started fantasizing about how Koga would do something to anger Sesshomaru. One thing would lead to another, and Koga goes splat under Sesshomaru's paw.

Fearing this, they decided to redirect Sesshomaru.

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Their attempts failed miserably.

Ginta turned to Hakkaku as Sesshomaru prepared to draw Tokijin "Hakkaku, we still have a chance of making it out of here alive if we drag Koga away."

Hakkaku nodded "Let's get Koga out of here!"

"Somebody looking for me?" asked a voice.

Ginta and Hakkaku looked to see Koga on the cliff above them, glaring down at Sesshomaru "I remember you. You were there during the whole mess with the cat demons."

Sesshomaru nodded "As were you. Kiba's son if I'm not mistaken."

Koga's eyes widened. Then they narrowed "You knew my father?"

"A close ally of my father, who was killed in battle long ago."

"Let me guess. These two were trying to stop us from meeting because they thought I would provoke you and get myself killed."

They looked down in shame and nodded.

"I might be brash, but I'm not THAT bad. Do I look like Inuyasha?"

"You really want me to answer that?" a voice called out as Gohan emerged from the trees "I'm just glad I made it before the bloodshed began."

Koga just glared at him, exasperated "I'm not that bad!"

Sesshomaru ignored the outburst and looked at Koga as he drew the Tokijin "I see you've acquired your father's weapon, the Goraishi, as well as multiple Ryu scales. I'd like to test your power."

Koga nodded as the Goraishi formed on his hand "If you say so."

The two clashed, Goraishi against Tokijin, neither one gaining the advantage, in terms of raw power or in energy blasts.

The clash was interrupted when two demons appeared, desiring Koga's jewel shards. Sesshomaru made quick work of one, while Koga easily destroyed the other when it attacked Rin.

Jaken, Ginta and Hakkaku looked at Gohan "You're not going to get involved?"

Gohan shrugged "It's not my place. This is between those two."

Sesshomaru glared at Koga as he passed "Unnecessary interference, but an impressive weapon."

"Feeling's mutual." Koga replied evenly

Gohan turned to Sesshomaru "So, are you satisfied?"

Sesshomaru nodded "He's done well mastering the power of the Ryu scales."

"Ryu deemed him worthy when it heard his reason for hunting Naraku. It also found Jaken worthy when it heard his loyalty to you. Well, I should get back. Oh, and if you guys want to find Naraku, head northeast."

Sesshomaru and Koga then went their separate ways.

But little did they know, while this was going on, something was beginning. Something big.

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In the cold of the night, a small shrine began glowing ominously. A human-shaped statue inside it vertically broke cleanly in half, and the shrine itself collapsed around the half of the statue left standing. Kohaku approached it, seven jewel shards in hand.

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A few days went by, and wolf demon tribe members from the northern mountains, including Ayame, were driven from their territory by a "specter", which her grandfather, the elder, claimed that only Koga could defeat. At this rate, for the wolf demons, it was either get eaten by the specter or get eaten by the demons fleeing from the specter.

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At a nearby river, Koga received some startling information "A giant demonic aura passes overhead?"

Hakkaku nodded "The whole area is talking about about it. Though no one has seen it since. No one knows where it disappeared to."

Koga stared at the river 'The river upstream flows to the mountains in the north. We've come close to Ayame and the elder. Ayame said the demon had come, and everyone was nervous. That's why she came to take me back. But I chased her away. I have a bad feeling about this.'

That was when Koga noticed something in the water "Blood…"

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Ayame and the wolf demons were fleeing from the specter, when the elder collapsed.

One of the other wolves, Royo, decided to stall the demons chasing them, so Ayame and the others could get away.

But he never stood a chance against so many demons, and they seriously wounded him, his fur coated with blood, before Koga appeared and slaughtered the demons.

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"Thank you…" Royo got out weakly "You're from one of the tribes to the south? You went to the trouble of saving me, but I fear my end is at hand."

"Aren't you an elder of the northern mountains?" asked Koga

Hakkaku nodded "Ayame came from the north to get Koga not long ago."

Royo's eyes widened "Koga? Is Koga here with us?"

Koga knelt down beside him "I am Koga."

"I'm glad I had a chance to meet you Koga. We abandoned our territories and descended from the northern mountains, as did the demons that attacked us."

"Fled from what?" asked Ginta

"From a specter. It came from far beyond our northern border. It is neither a demon nor a human. Yet it's body reeked of dead men and graveyard soil. And it started to eat the demons close by."

Those were Royo's last words.

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Koga respectfully buried Royo's body and placed a rock on top of it as a marking for his grave.

"What'll we do now Koga?" asked Hakkaku

Koga turned and looked at them seriously "I'm going. We may be searching for Naraku, but we can't ignore the fact that our brethren were slaughtered. The least we can do is see what this is about. Besides, Gohan and the mutt are heading this way, so there must be something to it. I've got a bad feeling about this. Let's go." he sped off in a cyclone.

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In the meantime, Gohan and Inuyasha sensed something and decided to check it out "It smells of wolves here. There's only one wolf around that smells like this."

Gohan nodded "I can sense Koga further ahead."

"Did someone mention Koga?" a voice called out, as Ayame appeared in front of them.

"I thought you went back to the northern mountains. What're you doing here?" asked Gohan

"I did. But we fled when the beast came after us. A beast who devours demons."

Gohan shivered "I don't like the sounds of that. You guys wait here and tend to their wounds. I'm going ahead to make sure Koga doesn't do anything stupid." and he sped off before anyone could object 'This aura is making even me shiver. I've got a bad feeling about this.'

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The specter devoured another corpse.

Kohaku met up with him "Master Kyokotsu, the sacred jewel shards are close. The ones who possess it are approaching."

"I see." the specter, now known as Kyokotsu, mused "It was worth heading over there before my brothers do the same. Kohaku, was it not? You are free to leave. That is all. But I will have that shard on you back!"

He lunged at Kohaku, who easily dodged and cut off Kyokotsu's arm "I'd advise against such deceit."

Kyokotsu noticed several Saimyosho appear, and reattached his arm "So you're under his protection. Very well then. I'll leave you alone. I value my life, especially since I've been resurrected from the grave." he chuckled evilly, the jewel shard in his forehead glowing ominously.

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Koga soon confronted Kyokotsu "Keep away from my comrades!"

Kyokotsu glared at him "Is it you? Are you the one who has the sacred jewel shards?"

Gohan soon arrived, and paled considerably when he saw Kyokotsu "Oh shit… Koga, whatever happens, don't use the Goraishi on him. Naraku's insects are watching, and we can't let him find out how strong you are."

Koga nodded "Good idea. What's with you though? I've never seen you so freaked out over a battle."

Gohan gulped "I know what that thing is. We've got to double team him if we want even a chance of surviving."

Koga smirked "Speak for yourself." and with one swift move, he kicked Kyokotsu in the head, snapping his neck "And that's how you do it."

He began to walk away, but Kyokotsu got back up, fixed his neck, and picked up Koga "Thanks to this sacred jewel shard in my forehead, I'm immortal!"

That was all Koga needed to hear. Thanks to the Ryu scale in his arm, he punched right through Kyokotsu's skull, obtaining the jewel shard in the process.

Gohan fell to his knees in relief "Oh thank god… It's over…"

Koga emerged from the bones, jewel shard in hand, and looked at Gohan "What the hell is wrong with you?"

Gohan sighed "I know who Kyokotsu is. He's a member of the Band of Seven, a fearsome group of mercenaries. Their names make even my blood run cold with fear. Kyokotsu was also the WEAKEST of them. There's six others: Mukotsu, Ginkotsu, Suikotsu, Jakotsu, Renkotsu, and Bankotsu, the leader and the most powerful."

Koga looked at him seriously, before slapping him across the face "So what?! You've never been like this before in the face of an enemy! Besides, are you just so afraid of them that you're going to let them kill everyone you care about?! What is something happened to me?! Would you just let them kill Kagome?!"

Gohan eyes widened, before his fear melted away, and he stared at Koga boldly "No. If they even think about doing something like that, I won't leave even the smallest trace of them behind."

Koga smirked "Now that's the Gohan I know."

"Still though, I doubt Ryuuga can match up against the power and size, mostly size, of Banryu."

"I can help you with that."

Gohan and Koga suddenly found themselves face to face with Ryu.

"Who, what, how?" Koga stuttered out

"I am known as Ryu, as I'm sure you're aware, but my true name is Zalama, the Dragon God, but that's for another time. We're in Gohan's mind. You're connected because of my scales in your arms and legs."

Koga raised an eyebrow "So we're in Gohan's mind?" He looked around, finding several images of Kagome "Yeah, that looks about right. So, why are we here?"

"To help both of you combat the Band of Seven. Gohan, place one of my scales on the Ryuuga. That way, it can alter the shape of the blade into various other weapons, while still retaining its demonic power. Koga, take this."

The Goraishi appeared in front of them and evolved into a silver katana.

They then found themselves back at the battlefield.

"This is the true form of the Goraishi, Koga. The blade only wielded by your father and grandfather. The Shiroga. Now, its powers is being passed on to you."

Koga's eyes widened as he gripped the blade "I can feel the power radiating from it. They won't stand a chance."

Gohan nodded "But we've got to be careful about what we let Naraku see. The last thing we need is for him to try and steal its power. Well, I should get back. Kagome and the others must be worried. Later." and he sped off.

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The sun was setting.

As Gohan made his way back to the group, he drew Ryuuga and placed a Ryu scale on the blade. Almost immediately, the sword transformed into a large halberd, then a staff, a set of nunchucks, and back to a sword, before being placed back in its sheath.

Gohan smirked "Oh I'm gonna get a lot of mileage out of this one."

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Kohaku reported to Jakotsu, another member of the Band of Seven, about Koga's victory over Kyokotsu. Jakotsu merely waved it off, stating that Kyokotsu was the weakest of them all, before he began gushing about how handsome Gohan and Inuyasha must be, much to Kohaku's ire, though he didn't show it.

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A few days went by, and Gohan was explaining what he knew about the Band of Seven.

They noticed a group of warriors from a castle heading in a certain direction.

As they passed through the town, they noticed several of the men whispering about the resurrection of the Band of Seven.

Miroku decided to ask the men about it, and learned that there was a nearby temple built to quiet their deceased souls. They worked as Ronin, not serving one lord alone. They were brutally savage. All of their victims were either hacked to bits, or burned alive. Eventually, the lords decided to sell them out, out of fear of their strength. In the end, they were all executed after a hard struggle. But a few days prior, the shrine meant to calm their spirits was destroyed, split in two.

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"What do you think of the villagers' tale, Miroku?" asked Sango as they went on their way.

"It's possible that with Naraku's evil gone from here, all the evil have become free, and possibly even resurrected."

"I don't know whether they're supposed to be specters or demons." Inuyasha muttered "We're heading in that direction, though, so we're about to find out."

Gohan nodded "I've got a bad feeling about this." He noticed Kagome stop "What's wrong Kagome?"

"I sense a sacred jewel shard around here." replied Kagome

Sensing something, Sango took off with Kilala, with Gohan following them in secret.

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Gohan noticed Naraku's Saimyosho, and went lower to see Kohaku in a tree. He then touched the ground, and confronted Kohaku.

Neither said a word.

When he noticed Sango and Kilala, Kohaku, overcome by emotions, attacked her, but Gohan morphed the Ryuuga into a staff, blocking his attack.

As this happened, a strange mist blanketed the forest.

When it did, Kohaku fled, with Sango and Gohan taking to the air soon after, much to Sango's dismay.

Kohaku turned to the one responsible for the mist "You shouldn't be so careless. You're being watched."

The figure chuckled "You were taking far too long, so we came instead. That woman. Do you know her?"

Kohaku looked up towards Sango's direction, and slowly shook his head.

He knew nothing about her.

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Jakotsu was confronted by the men from the castle, and easily slaughtered them all with his Jakotsuto, even when confronted by their rifle squad.

Inuyasha smelled the blood, and went to confront Jakotsu, and found the gruesome sight.

Gohan soon arrived on the scene, having gone on ahead from Sango.

Jakotsu began gushing over them, much to their confusion and disgust.

"Start talking. Who are you? What do you want? Why did you kill those men?" Miroku demanded

Jakotsu smirked "Inuyasha and Son Gohan are handsome, but you're pretty sexy as well, monk."

Gohan just gagged "Ok, **** this. I'm blowing this freak to bits."

He was about to, when Kagome stopped him "Hold on, Gohan! He has a sacred jewel shard! Maybe he revived through the power of the shard!"

"Makes sense. Who gave you the shard?" He drew the Ryuuga "Start talking."

Jakotsu smirked "That's an interesting sword you have there, Son Gohan." He then drew his snake blade "Which is stronger though?"

Gohan's Ryuuga was barely able to block the strange attack pattern "I knew something was off about him. The way those soldiers were killed. He got me the first time. He didn't even give me a chance to block his attack. I figured there was something tricky about his assault. Those soldiers didn't even have a chance to attack. It's his sword!" He blocked another strike, but the blade bent and carved into his arm. Gohan was about to be finished off, but the blade was trapped when Sango threw the Hiraikotsu at it.

Angered, Jakotsu attacked her, injuring her arm.

This distraction gave Gohan the time to hit Jakotsu with a Ryu scale enhanced fist to the face, but Jakotsu rebounded "That was cruel."

Gohan snorted "Says the mercenary. Now tell us who gave you the jewel shard, or I won't go easy on you. It was Naraku, wasn't it?"

Little did they know, Jakotsu's comrade, Mukotsu, was watching them from above, waiting to activate his trap.

Mukotsu then unleashed his black poison powder, much to Jakotsu's ire "Damn! Son Gohan, you better leave while you can!"

Gohan was confused, until his foot was burned by the poisonous gas Mukotsu set, and glared at Jakotsu as he left "Sick freak. Where's the poison gas coming from?"

The group started discussing about the motives of Jakotsu, Gohan and Inuyasha took off after Jakotsu, leaving Miroku to protect Kagome and Sango.

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Mukotsu was preparing some of his poison when Jakotsu approached him "So Mukotsu, you tried to do me in with your poison too?"

Mukotsu chuckled "Don't be angry. I knew you could handle yourself. So, tell me about the others."

Jakotsu shrugged "Well, Renkotsu is busy taking care of Ginkotsu. He's… You know. He needs all these new guns and gunpowder."

They looked to see one of Naraku's Saimyosho, and Jakotsu smiled "I see! Son Gohan and Inuyasha are coming after me on their own."

Mukotsu chuckled "I guess that means the others are all by themselves. And this Kagome girl possesses sacred jewel shards."

Jakotsu nodded "They're all yours Mukotsu. You take the sacred jewel shards, and I'll keep Son Gohan and Inuyasha all to myself." he walked away.

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Renkotsu, 2nd in command of the Band of Seven, commandeered a nearby temple, and killed the monk in charge of it, posing as him for a trap he planned to set for Gohan and the rest of the group.

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Kagome and Shippo went to find some water, only to find everyone in the town dead from Mukotsu's poison, and Kagome found herself fading.

Shippo's magic had no effect on Mukotsu, other than angering him. He was about to take Kagome's shards, when Sango and Miroku arrived.

Shippo ran off to get Inuyasha and Gohan.

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The two of them were locked in battle with Jakotsu, who Gohan found rather disturbing.

Shippo quickly arrived "Inuyasha! Gohan! Another one of the Band of Seven has Kagome!"

Gohan turned to Inuyasha "Inuyasha, can you handle this sick freak?"

Inuyasha reluctantly nodded, and Gohan sped off as fast as he could.

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Mukotsu was spraying his poison around Kagome and the others, and was about to kill Kagome for her jewel shards.

That was when he was struck from behind by Sesshomaru "Get away from her, vermin."

Mukotsu looked at him in fear "Who are you?"

Sesshomaru glared at him "I was about to ask you that."

Fearful, Mukotsu tried to subdue Sesshomaru with his poison, but had no success, even with the strongest of his poisons. Without a word, Sesshomaru easily slaughtered Mukotsu "Your primitive concoctions are no match for my superior powers."

At that moment, Gohan sped in "Lord Sesshomaru, what happened?"

"I found the small fat one using his poison on them. He's dead." Sesshomaru explained bluntly

Gohan eyes were filled with relief, and his bowed lowly on his knees "Thank you. I'm forever in your debt, lord Sesshomaru."

"I couldn't just let that fat pig kill your future mate."

Gohan blushed, but not as bad as Kagome.

At that moment, Inuyasha and Shippo appeared, having been ditched by Jakotsu.

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Jakotsu rendezvoused with Renkotsu.

"I see." Renkotsu muttered "First Kyokotsu, and now Mukotsu. So, what can you tell be about the one who killed Mukotsu?"

"He had cold expressionless eyes." explained Jakotsu "Quite manly, I suppose you could say. But I guess if it came to it, I'd still choose Son Gohan or Inuyasha."

"I believe we're losing focus, Jakotsu."

"But Renkotsu. There still seem to be many things we haven't been told. Take, for instance, this Naraku person who revived the 7 of us. Who is he?"

Renkotsu closed his eyes in thought "Naraku. I've never met him. Only big brother has met Naraku. Naraku handed him the shards of the sacred jewel, including ones for us. Naraku told him that if we got rid of all who sought Naraku, the shards would become ours."

"What an agreement. 2 of the Band of 7 are already dead. So from the 7, that leaves only 4."

"No. If you take two away from seven, you get five. Jakotsu, you said Inuyasha and Son Gohan's friends were exposed to Mukotsu's poison."

Jakotsu nodded "Mukotsu's poison is very persistent. By nightfall, they'll probably all be dead."

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Gohan and Inuyasha were trying to find a safe place to rest, so Kagome, Miroku and Sango could recover from the poison.

Unknown to them, Ginkotsu, another member of the Band of 7 was heading their way. And that meant trouble.

Jakotsu was rather unhappy about this development.

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Gohan and Inuyasha were moving Kagome and the others to a nearby lake to wash the poison from the systems "Are you in pain Kagome? Hang on just a little bit longer."

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Jakotsu was rather in denial about that whole thing with Ginkotsu, Gohan and Inuyasha.

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Gohan, Inuyasha and the others suddenly found themselves being attacked by steel blades flying at them out of nowhere.

They tried fleeing through the forest, only for Ginkotsu to fire his shoulder cannon on them, setting the forest ablaze, trapping them.

They found an opening out of the forest, and took refuge in a cave.

Gohan gently place Kagome on the cave floor "Stay with me, Kagome. Please. Damn, the poison is spreading. At this rate… I can't even say it. Inuyasha, let's go. Shippo, stay and watch over these three. Come out, and I'll gut you like a fish. Understood?"

Shippo nodded, fearful of the venom in his voice.

Gohan and Inuyasha then exited the cave, Gohan determined to show them why they didn't mess with him, his friends, or the woman he loved. But they were caught in a trap to lure me away.

Ginkotsu made his way towards the cave, intending to bury them alive.

Kilala came out and confronted Ginkotsu, but was easily caught in a trap.

Ginkotsu almost turned them all into mince meat, but Gohan and Inuyasha arrived and thwarted the attack.

Inuyasha summarized his opinion of Ginkotsu "What the **** is that thing?"

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As they distracted him, Shippo and Kilala snuck Kagome and the others away to safety, and brought them to a temple, but little did they know, this was part of a trap set by Renkotsu.

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Gohan and Inuyasha were having a tough time with Ginkotsu, even double teaming him, thanks to their movements being limited by his steel wires.

But they broke through his trap, and Inuyasha decimated his body with the Wind Scar, before it was buried under a pile of rubble.

3 down, 4 to go. Apparently.

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But before that, Ginkotsu warned them that Kagome and the others wouldn't live past sundown.

Following Inuyasha's nose, they raced towards the temple as fast as they could, but with Gohan weakened from the battle, he could only run as fast as Inuyasha.

They quickly came across the temple, and found Renkotsu, disguised as the monk "Tell me. Are you Son Gohan and Inuyasha by any chance? I have been waiting for you both to arrive."

He showed them to Kagome and the others, with Shippo being unconscious due to an incense used by Renkotsu.

Gohan breathed a sigh of relief "Oh thank god… She's alive…"

"I take it you're being pursued?" asked Renkotsu

Inuyasha glared at him "Who are you?"

"As you can see, I am the head monk of this temple." Renkotsu lied "Lately, there has been talk in a village nearby, that the spirits of the Band of Seven, who were ambushed and put to death over 10 years ago, have somehow been resurrected, bringing great calamity to this region. The dead you saw me burying when you two arrived were burned to death by these resurrected spirits. I was filled with such fear, that I hid like a coward behind a statue of Buddha. I understand that you are being pursued by these 7 evil spirits."

"Look, we're not being pursued! We're the ones doing the pursuing!" Inuyasha barked

"I meant you no offense. But please, answer me this. Why has the Band of Seven been resurrected?"

"Why do you want to know that?"

"As you know, I serve Buddha, but I was helpless to stop the slaughter of my brethren. And so, I wish to make amends. If I'm able, I wish to put at peace the souls of the dead."

Inuyasha frowned 'This smell. Just forget about it. This is no business for a monk like you. I'm definitely smelling a living person. The other smell must be from the people he buried outside.'

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Myoga was making his way towards Inuyasha, and noticed Ginkotsu emerging from the rocks, injured and MAD.

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Koga was making his way towards Kagome and the others, but picked up the scent of graveyard soil.

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"Someone named Naraku called forth the dead souls?" asked Renkotsu "Tell me. Who is this Naraku?"

"He's not a complete demon." explained Inuyasha

Gohan nodded "He's more like a half-demon. Right now, I would imagine he's hiding himself somewhere."

"He's undergoing another transformation and increasing his power. And he's using the Band of 7 as a decoy to buy time."

Renkotsu nodded, and seemed to be deep in thought.

This was cut off by a loud explosion from outside.

Ginkotsu was closing in on the temple.

Gohan turned to the monk "If you want to survive, wait here." and he and Inuyasha took off.

'Damn Ginkotsu.' Renkotsu mused 'He should've waited longer before coming. I've learned one important thing though: Naraku cannot be trusted.' He then took the shards from Kagome 'You can all die now.'

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Gohan and Inuyasha confronted Ginkotsu outside, and this time, they weren't so nice.

While Inuyasha was trapped by the steel wires, Gohan took the opportunity to sever his arm, destroying the gears on there, and freeing Inuyasha.

Suddenly, Inuyasha began smelling smoke, and saw it emerging from the temple.

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Fearing the worst, they attempted to rush to their aid, but Renkotsu appeared before them, and smirked "I am Renkotsu of the Band of Seven." He saw the confused look on Inuyasha's face "What's the matter, Inuyasha? I dare say you look just a little confused. Your nose is extremely sensitive, am I right? I honestly thought you were on to me earlier. But then again, I suspect that I didn't emirate the scent of dead bodies or graveyard dirt. Am I correct, Inuyasha?"

Inuyasha snarled at him "Damn it. It's this place."

"It seems that taking over this temple was a wise move. It's surrounded by graveyard dirt. So you wouldn't realize the scent came from me. I wore the clothing that the real monk kindly left behind. Your sense of smell is so sharp, that you caught his scent right away, and it ironically helped put your suspicions aside."

Gohan snarled "You were the one who killed the monks of the temple."

"And I just finished burying them when you first arrived."

Inuyasha's eyes narrowed "How could I be so blind?!"

Gohan could think of nothing but putting this bastard's head on a pike.

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Myoga arrived at the temple, and help Shippo regained consciousness.

Shippo immediately tried to put the fire out, but it only grew bigger.

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Enraged, Gohan and Inuyasha fought as a tag team against Renkotsu and Ginkotsu.

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Koga was running through the forest 'I keep catching the scent of dead bodies and graveyard dirt.' He was ripped from his thoughts by a surprise attack from Jakotsu, who rather gave him the creeps.

Koga watched how the sword looked like a snake "This might be a good time to test out my new sword." and he drew the Shiroga, preparing to clash with Jakotsu.

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Gohan and Inuyasha were struggling against the duo of Ginkotsu and Renkotsu, until Gohan transformed the Ryuuga into a large scythe and slashed through the steel wires, allowing Inuyasha to cut through Ginkotsu with his own steel blades, followed by the Wind Scar.

Seeing the temple ablaze, Gohan and Inuyasha raced past Renkotsu.

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Gohan and Inuyasha entered the burning temple and found Shippo and the others "Shippo!"

Shippo turned to them, tears forming in his eyes "I knew… I knew… I knew I had to be strong! I tried my best!"

Gohan knelt down in front of him "I know. You did good. You protected everyone from the heat with your foxfire."

"I know, but… But… Even though I tried to save them…" He began sobbing "They all stopped breathing!"

Hearing this, something inside of Gohan snapped. His heart suddenly began beating at triple the pace, his body was surrounded by a golden aura, and he let out a primal grief-filled roar.

Inuyasha looked on in shock, Shippo, Kilala, and Myoga clinging onto him for dear life "What's happening?!"

Inuyasha shook his head "I don't know!"

Gohan suddenly transformed, taking on the avatar of a silver dragon demon, followed by him producing a demonic typhoon, putting out the flames and destroying the rest of the temple. He then transformed back once the flames were extinguished, and fell to his knees 'Damn it… I should've known Renkotsu would pull something like this. If only we had defeated Ginkotsu sooner… Don't cry Shippo. You did all you could."

"But it wasn't enough!" Shippo choked out "And if they all die, I'll never be able to forgive myself! It's all my fault! If only I never brought them to this temple!"

"Stop it. You're not responsible for any of this. If anyone's to blame, it's me!"

"That's enough!" Myoga shouted "We've gotta get these three to somewhere safe!"

Gohan noticed Shippo trying to move them, but failing "It's alright Shippo. We'll do it."

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Koga had left the battle with Jakotsu after he let out that Kagome might already be dead.

"Kagome… Please, be alive… Damn it! What's Gohan doing at a time like this?! While he's doing god knows what, she could be dead!" he seethed.

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Shippo, Myoga and Inuyasha were looking over Kagome and the others, while Gohan was letting out his anger.

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Gohan slashed down another tree "Get the **** out here, you filthy bastards! If you want a fight, then you've got one! Renkotsu, Jakotsu, Ginkotsu, and whoever else still has blood to spill! You won't live through the night! I WILL KILL EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU! Quit hiding! Come out and fight!"

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Renkotsu was making repairs on Ginkotsu's body after a direct blow by Inuyasha's Wind Scar.

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Morning came. Gohan was sitting by a waterfall, slamming his fist into the ground "Damn it! Damn it! It's all my fault! If only I realized just who Renkotsu was!"

"Why are you cursing yourself, Son Gohan?" asked a voice

Gohan knew who it was, but didn't bother to turn around "Now is the worst possible time, I'm in no mood to talk right now."

"So only now you realize your limitations."

"Shut up."

"After all, you are only a mere human.. You can barely take care of yourself. And yet you wield the Ryuuga, a sword meant to protect your loved ones. Your friends, especially that woman, never stood a chance."

"If that's the case, then maybe I should kill you and take your Tenseiga, then resurrect Kagome and the other two."

"Do you really believe that you could master my Tenseiga?"

"I won't know unless I TRY!" and he fired the Dragon Cyclone, which hit nothing but water "He's gone. Or maybe he was never there. Oh ****. Now I'm starting to see things."

So yeah, he could be better.

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Gohan returned to the group shortly after his little meltdown at the waterfall.

"Gohan…" Shippo sniffled

"Shippo, don't cry anymore. Men never show their tears no matter what." Gohan told him, his voice filled with no emotion, no feeling. Just… Emptiness.

Inuyasha looked at Shippo "He needs time."

He sat down by Kagome and hugged her closely, tears falling down his cheeks 'I know I said men never show tears, but let's be realistic. I no man. I'm just a failure. Kagome… Forgive me… If I hadn't failed you, you'd still be here… With me… I failed you… I need you by my side… I love you Kagome… I always have… Even though you deserve better than a piece of trash like me…"

"Gohan…" a voice said weakly "Can't… breathe…"

Gohan's eyes widened "K-Kagome…?" He loosened his grip and saw her eyes and opening "How…?"

"I'm kinda… dizzy…" she got out weakly

"That's to be expected." said a voice "I sucked out a lot of blood to get the poison."

Gohan looked over, and was startled to see Myoga, fat and HUGE, sucking the poison out of Miroku "Woah… Even for me, this poison packs quite a wallop…"

"Myoga… You saved them?" asked Gohan softly

Slowly, Miroku started to come to "Well, so you'll bare my child then?"

"I should've let this one die." Myoga muttered as he rolled away

Kagome smiled weakly "That means… That everyone's still alive.. I'm so glad."

"I was only able to revive you because the poison had not completely gone through your bodies. Had I been any later, it would've been too late."

Kagome slowly looked at Gohan "I'm sorry, Gohan… For making you worry."

"Stop it! Don't apologize!" Gohan said sternly, before he gently put her down and turned away.

Shippo ran around and looked at his face "Gohan, you said men never shed tears no matter what."

Gohan shook his head "I know, but I'm no man."

Kagome looked at him worriedly.

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Kikyo had been recruited to take care of the Band of Seven, and was making her way to Mount Hakurei.

When she found that the sacred barrier prevented her from doing so, she turned back, and came across a small village, where the village doctor by the name of Suikotsu had a jewel shard keeping him alive.

She had a lot to learn about this man.

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Myoga was creating a "special potion" for Kagome, Miroku and Sango to help their bodies recover faster. Even though they were disgusted by the contents and taste of the potion, they decided to grin and bare it.

At that moment, Koga showed up "Kagome!"

Kagome coughed out some dust "Oh, hi Koga."

"Are you okay?" Koga asked frantically "I came as fast as I could!"

"Um, do you mind?" asked a muffled voice.

Koga looked down to see that he was standing on Gohan back "Oh, sorry."

Gohan shook his head "Forget it."

Koga was getting worried.

Gohan's eyes had no light in them. No emotion. Just… Nothing.

"What happened?" asked Koga

Gohan said nothing and walked away.

Koga turned to Inuyasha, looking for an explanation.

When he got it, he didn't like it. It didn't seem like Gohan to let something like this get to him.

Koga walked over to Gohan "I know what happened."

No response.

Koga sighed "Quit feeling sorry for yourself. Look Gohan, I don't mean to sound harsh. But do you think you're the only one suffering?!"

"I know."

Koga scoffed "Look, I know how it feels to fail someone you care about."

"Easy for you to say! Your stupidity and recklessness didn't cause the love of your life to almost die!" Gohan barked.

Koga wasn't having any of it, and slapped Gohan across the face "If anyone should feel guilty for allowing someone they care about to die, it's me!"

Gohan's eyes widened at this, and his comeback died in his throat.

Koga, seeing that he had Gohan full attention, continued "But unlike you, I didn't sit around sulking about how weak I am. I vowed to slaughter Naraku. I vowed to get stronger. I vowed to protect Kagome! And I vowed that we would battle it out for Kagome's heart once Naraku is dead. But I learned that I couldn't do it alone. I knew I had others to depend on. You know who taught me that? You."

Gohan absorbed everything Koga was saying, and he slowly stood up and looked Koga straight in the eye "Thanks Koga. I needed that. I vow to never let anything like that happen to Kagome again. I vow to slaughter every last member of the Band of Seven. I vow that we'll fight it out for Kagome's heart, and I vow to protect everyone I care about, especially Kagome. But I won't do it alone. I have friends and rivals to depend on. Inuyasha, Miroku, Sango, Sesshomaru, and you. Thank you, Koga." he held out his hand, which Koga gladly shook.

Kagome had been listening, and looked on with slight concern 'Gohan…'

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Kikyo discovered that Suikotsu, the Doctor of the village, was already dead, and the jewel shard in his neck was keeping him alive.