*Ahem* Yes, now that I have your attention, let us proceed to chapter 6! *laughs insanely* Sorry, getting a little too much into the rush of power, my ego is getting bigger. Must be calm...*deep, cleansing breaths* Anyway, I few things before I begin.
Jessie s-d: please refrain from shooting Kouga, even if you hate him. It's not a good thing to shoot my role model. My inner chibi has a pair of kodachis and by God, he's not afraid to use them.
pruningshears: I plan to do the entire story from Inuyasha's perspective, except for maybe the last chapter.
Sesshomaru13: I'm very pleased that you love me story!
Divine-Heart: *sniffle* you like me, you really like me
This chapter is deticated to everyone who has reviewed so far, so make me feel like Ramen, and that's really saying a lot! muhahaha!
Disclaimer: I don't know nothing 'bout no 7-eleven and just because I have Kouga and Inuyasha tied up in my closet doesn't mean I stole them or anything.
Chapter 6:
Word from the Front
A guy could get used to this, waking up in the morning to a home cooked meal. I mean, sure, I used to grab a quick something in the morning before heading out with Miroku, or heading to Kaede's for some grub. But for three days running, I have awoken to breakfasts that I have never in my life experienced.
When I got up that morning, Kagome started laughing at me the second she noticed I was awake. "You look like one of those cartoon characters that floats towards food whenever he smells it," she said in between breaths.
"If the shoe fits," I replied, eyeing the food, ready to devour. "Any sign of Sango and Miroku?"
"I don't think Sango will get here until this afternoon," she said. "She's got a lot of duties being the oldest of her family and seeing as how she's been looking for me for a few days." Then as an afterthought, "Miroku is probably on his way over as we speak though." I snorted. I wouldn't be surprised if he showed up at the door within the hour.
"Well, he can have what's left," I said, rubbing my hands together with a sinister grin. Kagome just laughed at me some more. It would usually annoy me if someone kept laughing at the way I acted. But I know she doesn't mean it in a ridiculing way, she just thinks my mannerism is strange.
"Well, I'm glad to see that the way to Inuyasha's heart is threw his stomach." She patted me on the head like you would a small child, then placed a heaping plate of bacon, pancakes, and hash browns in front of me. Not even bothering to remark about being indignantly patted like a kid, I just stuffed my face.
Kagome cleaned up from cooking and joined me, trying hard not to laugh as I savagely shoved everything in front of me into my mouth. I admit it, I could have been a little more polite and taken time to eat, but she didn't seem to care that much. I was still half asleep anyway, so what the hell? When I finished polishing off the last of the food, I leaned back in my chair, ears twitching in contentment. The table was cleared and Kagome washed everything, putting it away to it's proper place. I watched her with curiosity. She seemed totally at ease with everything, the cooking, the cleaning. Sango had been completely against her doing any menial chores, but I think she rather enjoyed it.
As if sensing my thoughts, she spoke up and she dried a plate. "Little things like these make me feel normal. Cooking a meal, washing dishes, these are tasks that normal women do every day. Doing them helps me feel like just your average girl." I tilted my head to the side at this.
"But your not the average girl," I said after a moment. "Your the Guardian of the Shikon Jewel." I watched her hand fly to her throat. I had pretty much decided that she kept the jewel on a chain around her neck, that's why she fingered it so often.
"Yeah, I am," she said in quiet acceptance, but I saw her square her shoulders. "But that doesn't mean I have to like it." Then I heard a sound from her I never heard before. Kagome growled. I was so taken back by this, I leaned back to far and lost my balance. With a loud yelp, I fell backwards and tumbled into the living room. "Inuyasha! Are you alright?" she asked, covering her mouth to hide the smile I just knew was there.
"Oh yeah, I'm fine," I said, trying to regain as much dignity as I could by getting back to my feet. "You growled," I stated.
"You fell," she said back. We both laughed. I shook my head at how normal this was beginning to feel to me. I didn't feel alone in my tiny apartment anymore. I liked the company, the food, even the cleanliness. I truly enjoyed having Kagome staying here. A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.
"May I ask who's calling?" I said in a polite manner. Kagome snorted as she folded up the blankets on the floor, shaking her head at my antics.
"Come on Inuyasha, just let me in." Miroku, of course. I opened the door a fraction of the way, the chain lock still inserted.
"I'm not buying anything. Pedal your wares at another place." Then I slammed the door in his face. Kagome and I just laughed at that, listening to Miroku mutter about being the object of ridicule. Swiping the tears on my eyes from the burst of laughs I just had, I opened the door and ushered him in, still unable to form decent words. Kagome did the talking for me.
"I have no idea what's gotten into him this morning," she said, throwing me an exasperated look that only fueled my laughing fit. "Would you like some breakfast, I still have some left over?"
"No thank you Kagome," he said politely, looking around. "Where's Sango?" Kagome smiled and shook her head.
"She went home yesterday, after you left. She should be back this afternoon if you wanna wait." He nodded, settling back.
"Oh no!" I said shaking a fist at him. "With all the trouble you caused me, you're going out to earn your keep buster!" I pointed a claw in his face, then at the door. "You are going to be my nice little messenger, aren't you Miroku?"
"Huh?"
"You're going to go check out Kaede's Place, see if the Golem's are still hanging around for Kagome. Then you're going to tell the old hag that the girl is fine and safe. I'm sure she's flustered to the point of violence by now. And then, THEN, you're going to get some money. You get all that?"
"Why do I have to do that?" he whined, looking at Kagome for help.
"Uh-uh," she said, shaking her hands and her head. "I'm not protecting you, especially when it's my benefactor who's giving the orders. Sorry Miroku, you're on your own." He looked completely miserable when he looked back at me.
"Alright Master," he said unhappily, getting to his feet. "I'll do as you request." Then he looked back at Kagome. "Can I get some food to go?" She smiled and gave him some bacon and toast. Then he was off.
"That was a little mean of you," she commented at me.
"What?"
"First you slam the door in his face, then you deny him the chance to wait for his favorite beater, then you send him on a mission throughout the city." I shrugged. She sighed and looked around. "I actually finished everything yesterday, so I really have nothing to do now." Kagome plopped down on the floor in front of my bed cross-legged, once again playing with that mysterious something at her neck. Unable to remain still, I reached over and moved her hand to see what it was she was messing with.
"You keep playing with this. What do you have there?" She blushed at me, then reached behind her neck, unclipping a necklace. She withdrew the chain, and along with it came a small, round jewel. It was almost a mauve color, but a little lighter. She held it in the palm of her hand.
"The Shikon Jewel," she said, but she needn't have. I already knew what it was. The Jewel radiated power and I had to fight an intense urge to grab it from her open hand. I was stronger, so she kept a hold of it.
"A long time ago," she began telling me, still holding the Jewel. "The Shikon Jewel was broken into many fragments. One of my ancestors traveled all over the land, trying to find all of them. In the process, she befriended many people, saved many lives, and slew many demons. In the end she rebuilt the Jewel again and when she brought it back to the shrine, she placed this chain threw it. It was a precaution so that if anyone ever tried to take the Jewel, the rightful Guardian could keep it close."
"So when the shrine was attacked and you took the Jewel..."
"I was able to hide it under my shirt so it wouldn't be that obvious. It's always with me, and I can't lose it."
"It's a good thing to have." She nodded, putting the Jewel around her neck again. I watched it disappear under her collar, and with it went the urge to steal it.
"The Jewel has power," she said, as if reading my mind again. "That's why it makes demons want it so badly. It wants to be used."
"Have you ever used it?" I asked her.
"No," she said quietly, almost as an afterthought. "I could use it to wish Naraku dead, it would solve my problems for now. But if the Jewel is ever used by it's Guardian, then the Jewel will lose all of its power. No one of my family has ever used it before."
"That's gotta suck." She snorted.
"Yeah, it does." We sat in silence for a while, until there was knock at the door that made both of us jump. I got up and went to the side.
"I told you, we're not buying anything," I called, thinking it was Miroku.
"I'm not selling anything," came a clipped female voice.
"Sango!" Kagome cried happily, waiting for me to open the door. Sango stood at the door alright, looked positively harassed.
"Hi Kagome, Inuyasha," she gave us each a nod, then walked in. She carried in her arms to large bags. Kirara was at her heels, skipping around the room behind her.
"Do you need help Sango?" Kagome asked, taking one of the bags. She smiled at the other girl.
"Thanks Kagome. Sorry it took so long."
"Don't mention it," I said, taking the other bag from her arms and letting her sit down. I closed the door as Kirara followed me, sniffing. I tried my best not to step in her.
"What happened?" Kagome asked her eagerly.
"Kirara got me home fast yesterday. Father was much relieved, as was Kohaku. I told them of your whereabouts and safety, then we went to the shrine to tell your grandfather and Souta. I did as you requested and Souta asked me to hug you back." She paused in her story to hug Kagome. I snorted and rolled my eyes. "They were a little uncomfortable when I told them who you were staying with, but I assured them everything was alright."
"Thank you Sango," Kagome said. Sango nodded and smiled.
"They're still worried, but they are happier knowing that you're alive and safe." She sighed, then brightened. "Oh yes, I brought you your things!" She grabbed one of the bags and dragged it over to Kagome. "Some clothes and all, but most importantly..." She reached in and dragged out a beautifully carved wooden bow and a quiver full of arrows. Kagome took the bow in her hands and there was that cool, determined smile on her face. The face of the Guardian. I shivered a little, feeling the power that radiated from her and that bow. This was the true Guardian, and she was now in her power.
"Thank you for returning this to me Sango."
"I thought you'd like to have that back," was her reply. I watched the transaction with increasing unease. They both looked up at me then.
"What?" I asked.
"Well, you're going to help us if it comes down to fighting, aren't you?" Sango asked.
"Um...Yeah, I guess so. I'm a pretty good fighter and all but--"
"Say no more!" Sango said, launching herself to her feet and grabbing the other bag. This one was long and heavy! (Author's Notes: It's like a bat-bag for baseball, where you keep all the different bats in. Only longer for all the weapons. Didn't really know how to describe it, sorry!) She rummaged around and I heard the clinking of metal.
"What do you have in there?" I asked, curious.
"That's Sango's portable armory," Kagome said with a smile. "She carried around a variety of weapons for when we go into battle situations." I blinked, in awe. Then Sango popped back up to her feet, a sheathed sword in her hands.
"Behold," she said, formally handing it to me. I took it from her hands carefully. "This is a demon sword that Father acquired years ago. I think it'll work just perfectly for you! It can only be used by someone with demon blood who protects humans." I unsheathed the blade. It was sharp and well cared for, but it didn't look deadly at all. "Don't be fooled by appearances," she continued. "It transforms in battle, just like Kirara." I shrugged, sheathing it again and buckling the scabbard to my waist.
"You have weapons for yourself Sango?" Kagome asked, reaching into the bag and pulling out a long sheathed dagger that she buckled to her waist.
"Yes, my sword and my wrist dagger. All my other weapons are too large. I would have dragged to much attention to myself." Kagome nodded, strapping the quiver over her shoulder. Both women looked ready to go to the front lines. "Oh, and expect a visitors soon."
"When?" Kagome asked. There was then a loud knock on the door.
"Now," Sango said absently, fiddling with some armor that she was strapping to her arms. I went to the door.
"Who's there?" I asked. I was met by a gruff voice.
"I'm looking for Sango and Kagome, I know they're here. I can smell them." Kagome looked up and smiled, brushing by me to open the door.
"Hi Kouga," she said as she opened the door.
"Kagome!" the voice continued, suddenly sounding happy and excited as a puppy with a chew toy. "I'm so glad your ok! I've been looking all over for you when Sango came and told me you were staying here with some dog guy, but I'm so glad your alive!"
"I'm fine Kouga, really, honestly," she sounded like laughing as she drew him inside. I closed the door, eyeing the newcomer. He was easily as tall as I am, with long dark hair held up in a high pony tail. He looked like a fighter, well built. He wore an armband that marked him as a member of the Wolf Pack gang, one of the inner city Pures. He also wore a headband that marked him as the leader of the Wolf Pack. So this was Kouga. His blue eyes met mine in a stand-offish way.
"Who are you?" he asked, eyes narrowing in a suspicious way.
"I should be asking you that," I barked. "You're the one in my house." Then he lost a little of his hostility.
"I'm Kouga, the leader of the Wolf Pack gang."
"I'm Inuyasha," I said. "This is my house." We blinked at each other a little more, then he turned back to Kagome.
"Are you sure you're alright? I mean, when I finally got to the shrine your grandfather told me you were gone. I thought I was gonna die! I couldn't believe I feel for such a stupid trick by the Golems, to go fight in one spot while they were really after you. God, I could've kicked myself!"
"It's okay Kouga! Really, I'm fine. Sango's here. Inuyasha said I can crash as long as I need to. At least until I can take care of Naraku and return the Jewel." She gave him that lightning fast smile of hers, and then I nearly gagged when he suddenly hugged her.
"I was really scared," he told her. Kagome sighed and returned his hug for a few moments, then pushed back.
"Honestly, Kouga, I'm fine. I'm so sorry that I worried you and everyone else." He nodded. I don't think he was too thrilled. I could see what Sango told me before, that he was in love with Kagome. It made me mildly anger, though I couldn't explain why. "So tell me," she said finally, a hand on his arm. "What do you know about what's going on at the front?"
"The Golems are regrouping the Heart of the City. I've had no word from my spies in three days, I'm starting to worry." She nodded, looking deep in thought. "We know that Naraku moved him base to the very center of his territory, to make it hard for anyone to reach him. It's an old abandoned skyscraper. We do know that he's sent about eighty of his most loyal demons to look around the city for you, but you disappeared beautifully. Everyone's utterly baffled." She snickered. "The last message I got from my sources was that Naraku was getting impatient with searching from afar, I think his next step is to send Kagura after you."
"Kagura? That's not good," she muttered. "She might be able to find me."
"No kidding!" Kouga agreed, looking a little uncomfortable. "I know you can take care of yourself, and I know that this is the safest place in the city for you right now." He said quietly. Kagome looked appreciative before hugging him again.
"Thanks for everything Kouga. You should get back to the Wolf Pack. Naraku might still try and attack the shrine and I need as much information as I can before I go in." He nodded, stepping out of her hold and back towards the door.
"Kirara can keep me informed of your movement, and if anything comes up, I'll just send Shippou." He opened the door, then beckoned me to come out with him. I looked back, but both girls were already busy talking about plans. I was confused, but what else is new, so I followed the wolf demon.
"Inuyasha right?" he asked once we were out.
"Yeah, that's right."
"Listen, if anything happens to Kagome while she's in your care, you can be damn well sure that I will hunt you down, you get me?" His voice was a low snarl and my hackles raised.
"Nothing will happen to her while I'm with her, got it?" We had a brief stand off. But then, with a snuff in my general direction, he took off at an amazing speed toward the Heart of the City. I watching him go, still feeling the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end. He meant business that one, and if it came down to it, it'd be a pretty good fight that I'm not sure I could win. Just as I was about to go back inside, Miroku returned.
"Aw, Inuyasha, you were waiting for me?" he asked, all teary eyed and annoying.
"Of course not, I was seeing out a guest." He looked broken, but then saw Sango inside and looked like a little boy on Christmas day.
"Inuyasha, I think I'm in love," he said dreamily, before going inside. I closed my eyes and sighed as the battle began anew. Why me?
After about and hour of merciless beating on Miroku, Kagome finally got Sango to leave him alone long enough to have rational conversation. "Miroku," she began. "If it were to come to a fighting situation, would you stand with us?" she asked.
"Of course!" Miroku said indignantly, trying to sound brave. Sango grumbled as she went to her armory bag, then pulled out a staff of some kind.
"Here," she said gruffly, shoving it into his hands. "It used to belong to a family of monks. It enhances spiritual powers and can be used as a weapon. If fights arise, you can use it against all kinds of demons." Miroku played with it a second.
"Thank you fair Sango," he said. For a moment it was quiet, then he pulled something and she went off. Kagome rolled her eyes, going back to the bag of clothes that Sango brought with her. I sat in the kitchen, looking at the sword that Sango had given me.
One day I'm just a regular thief living in a city. Next thing I know, I'm a body guard for the Guardian of the Shikon Jewel as she readies to attack the most powerful demons in the aforementioned city. How do I get myself into these situations?
Behold, Chapter 6 is finished. For those who like Kouga, don't worry, he'll be back and we'll get to see him in a few fight scenes. For those who don't like Kouga, he won't be back next chapter. Oh, and I'm gonna spoil a little of the mystery for the next chapter by saying for all of those who are waiting to see Kagome in battle, you're gonna get your wish. Muhahaha! Stay tuned for chapter 7 "Kagome vs. Kagura!"
~~Jesse the Wolf Demon~~
Jessie s-d: please refrain from shooting Kouga, even if you hate him. It's not a good thing to shoot my role model. My inner chibi has a pair of kodachis and by God, he's not afraid to use them.
pruningshears: I plan to do the entire story from Inuyasha's perspective, except for maybe the last chapter.
Sesshomaru13: I'm very pleased that you love me story!
Divine-Heart: *sniffle* you like me, you really like me
This chapter is deticated to everyone who has reviewed so far, so make me feel like Ramen, and that's really saying a lot! muhahaha!
Disclaimer: I don't know nothing 'bout no 7-eleven and just because I have Kouga and Inuyasha tied up in my closet doesn't mean I stole them or anything.
Chapter 6:
Word from the Front
A guy could get used to this, waking up in the morning to a home cooked meal. I mean, sure, I used to grab a quick something in the morning before heading out with Miroku, or heading to Kaede's for some grub. But for three days running, I have awoken to breakfasts that I have never in my life experienced.
When I got up that morning, Kagome started laughing at me the second she noticed I was awake. "You look like one of those cartoon characters that floats towards food whenever he smells it," she said in between breaths.
"If the shoe fits," I replied, eyeing the food, ready to devour. "Any sign of Sango and Miroku?"
"I don't think Sango will get here until this afternoon," she said. "She's got a lot of duties being the oldest of her family and seeing as how she's been looking for me for a few days." Then as an afterthought, "Miroku is probably on his way over as we speak though." I snorted. I wouldn't be surprised if he showed up at the door within the hour.
"Well, he can have what's left," I said, rubbing my hands together with a sinister grin. Kagome just laughed at me some more. It would usually annoy me if someone kept laughing at the way I acted. But I know she doesn't mean it in a ridiculing way, she just thinks my mannerism is strange.
"Well, I'm glad to see that the way to Inuyasha's heart is threw his stomach." She patted me on the head like you would a small child, then placed a heaping plate of bacon, pancakes, and hash browns in front of me. Not even bothering to remark about being indignantly patted like a kid, I just stuffed my face.
Kagome cleaned up from cooking and joined me, trying hard not to laugh as I savagely shoved everything in front of me into my mouth. I admit it, I could have been a little more polite and taken time to eat, but she didn't seem to care that much. I was still half asleep anyway, so what the hell? When I finished polishing off the last of the food, I leaned back in my chair, ears twitching in contentment. The table was cleared and Kagome washed everything, putting it away to it's proper place. I watched her with curiosity. She seemed totally at ease with everything, the cooking, the cleaning. Sango had been completely against her doing any menial chores, but I think she rather enjoyed it.
As if sensing my thoughts, she spoke up and she dried a plate. "Little things like these make me feel normal. Cooking a meal, washing dishes, these are tasks that normal women do every day. Doing them helps me feel like just your average girl." I tilted my head to the side at this.
"But your not the average girl," I said after a moment. "Your the Guardian of the Shikon Jewel." I watched her hand fly to her throat. I had pretty much decided that she kept the jewel on a chain around her neck, that's why she fingered it so often.
"Yeah, I am," she said in quiet acceptance, but I saw her square her shoulders. "But that doesn't mean I have to like it." Then I heard a sound from her I never heard before. Kagome growled. I was so taken back by this, I leaned back to far and lost my balance. With a loud yelp, I fell backwards and tumbled into the living room. "Inuyasha! Are you alright?" she asked, covering her mouth to hide the smile I just knew was there.
"Oh yeah, I'm fine," I said, trying to regain as much dignity as I could by getting back to my feet. "You growled," I stated.
"You fell," she said back. We both laughed. I shook my head at how normal this was beginning to feel to me. I didn't feel alone in my tiny apartment anymore. I liked the company, the food, even the cleanliness. I truly enjoyed having Kagome staying here. A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.
"May I ask who's calling?" I said in a polite manner. Kagome snorted as she folded up the blankets on the floor, shaking her head at my antics.
"Come on Inuyasha, just let me in." Miroku, of course. I opened the door a fraction of the way, the chain lock still inserted.
"I'm not buying anything. Pedal your wares at another place." Then I slammed the door in his face. Kagome and I just laughed at that, listening to Miroku mutter about being the object of ridicule. Swiping the tears on my eyes from the burst of laughs I just had, I opened the door and ushered him in, still unable to form decent words. Kagome did the talking for me.
"I have no idea what's gotten into him this morning," she said, throwing me an exasperated look that only fueled my laughing fit. "Would you like some breakfast, I still have some left over?"
"No thank you Kagome," he said politely, looking around. "Where's Sango?" Kagome smiled and shook her head.
"She went home yesterday, after you left. She should be back this afternoon if you wanna wait." He nodded, settling back.
"Oh no!" I said shaking a fist at him. "With all the trouble you caused me, you're going out to earn your keep buster!" I pointed a claw in his face, then at the door. "You are going to be my nice little messenger, aren't you Miroku?"
"Huh?"
"You're going to go check out Kaede's Place, see if the Golem's are still hanging around for Kagome. Then you're going to tell the old hag that the girl is fine and safe. I'm sure she's flustered to the point of violence by now. And then, THEN, you're going to get some money. You get all that?"
"Why do I have to do that?" he whined, looking at Kagome for help.
"Uh-uh," she said, shaking her hands and her head. "I'm not protecting you, especially when it's my benefactor who's giving the orders. Sorry Miroku, you're on your own." He looked completely miserable when he looked back at me.
"Alright Master," he said unhappily, getting to his feet. "I'll do as you request." Then he looked back at Kagome. "Can I get some food to go?" She smiled and gave him some bacon and toast. Then he was off.
"That was a little mean of you," she commented at me.
"What?"
"First you slam the door in his face, then you deny him the chance to wait for his favorite beater, then you send him on a mission throughout the city." I shrugged. She sighed and looked around. "I actually finished everything yesterday, so I really have nothing to do now." Kagome plopped down on the floor in front of my bed cross-legged, once again playing with that mysterious something at her neck. Unable to remain still, I reached over and moved her hand to see what it was she was messing with.
"You keep playing with this. What do you have there?" She blushed at me, then reached behind her neck, unclipping a necklace. She withdrew the chain, and along with it came a small, round jewel. It was almost a mauve color, but a little lighter. She held it in the palm of her hand.
"The Shikon Jewel," she said, but she needn't have. I already knew what it was. The Jewel radiated power and I had to fight an intense urge to grab it from her open hand. I was stronger, so she kept a hold of it.
"A long time ago," she began telling me, still holding the Jewel. "The Shikon Jewel was broken into many fragments. One of my ancestors traveled all over the land, trying to find all of them. In the process, she befriended many people, saved many lives, and slew many demons. In the end she rebuilt the Jewel again and when she brought it back to the shrine, she placed this chain threw it. It was a precaution so that if anyone ever tried to take the Jewel, the rightful Guardian could keep it close."
"So when the shrine was attacked and you took the Jewel..."
"I was able to hide it under my shirt so it wouldn't be that obvious. It's always with me, and I can't lose it."
"It's a good thing to have." She nodded, putting the Jewel around her neck again. I watched it disappear under her collar, and with it went the urge to steal it.
"The Jewel has power," she said, as if reading my mind again. "That's why it makes demons want it so badly. It wants to be used."
"Have you ever used it?" I asked her.
"No," she said quietly, almost as an afterthought. "I could use it to wish Naraku dead, it would solve my problems for now. But if the Jewel is ever used by it's Guardian, then the Jewel will lose all of its power. No one of my family has ever used it before."
"That's gotta suck." She snorted.
"Yeah, it does." We sat in silence for a while, until there was knock at the door that made both of us jump. I got up and went to the side.
"I told you, we're not buying anything," I called, thinking it was Miroku.
"I'm not selling anything," came a clipped female voice.
"Sango!" Kagome cried happily, waiting for me to open the door. Sango stood at the door alright, looked positively harassed.
"Hi Kagome, Inuyasha," she gave us each a nod, then walked in. She carried in her arms to large bags. Kirara was at her heels, skipping around the room behind her.
"Do you need help Sango?" Kagome asked, taking one of the bags. She smiled at the other girl.
"Thanks Kagome. Sorry it took so long."
"Don't mention it," I said, taking the other bag from her arms and letting her sit down. I closed the door as Kirara followed me, sniffing. I tried my best not to step in her.
"What happened?" Kagome asked her eagerly.
"Kirara got me home fast yesterday. Father was much relieved, as was Kohaku. I told them of your whereabouts and safety, then we went to the shrine to tell your grandfather and Souta. I did as you requested and Souta asked me to hug you back." She paused in her story to hug Kagome. I snorted and rolled my eyes. "They were a little uncomfortable when I told them who you were staying with, but I assured them everything was alright."
"Thank you Sango," Kagome said. Sango nodded and smiled.
"They're still worried, but they are happier knowing that you're alive and safe." She sighed, then brightened. "Oh yes, I brought you your things!" She grabbed one of the bags and dragged it over to Kagome. "Some clothes and all, but most importantly..." She reached in and dragged out a beautifully carved wooden bow and a quiver full of arrows. Kagome took the bow in her hands and there was that cool, determined smile on her face. The face of the Guardian. I shivered a little, feeling the power that radiated from her and that bow. This was the true Guardian, and she was now in her power.
"Thank you for returning this to me Sango."
"I thought you'd like to have that back," was her reply. I watched the transaction with increasing unease. They both looked up at me then.
"What?" I asked.
"Well, you're going to help us if it comes down to fighting, aren't you?" Sango asked.
"Um...Yeah, I guess so. I'm a pretty good fighter and all but--"
"Say no more!" Sango said, launching herself to her feet and grabbing the other bag. This one was long and heavy! (Author's Notes: It's like a bat-bag for baseball, where you keep all the different bats in. Only longer for all the weapons. Didn't really know how to describe it, sorry!) She rummaged around and I heard the clinking of metal.
"What do you have in there?" I asked, curious.
"That's Sango's portable armory," Kagome said with a smile. "She carried around a variety of weapons for when we go into battle situations." I blinked, in awe. Then Sango popped back up to her feet, a sheathed sword in her hands.
"Behold," she said, formally handing it to me. I took it from her hands carefully. "This is a demon sword that Father acquired years ago. I think it'll work just perfectly for you! It can only be used by someone with demon blood who protects humans." I unsheathed the blade. It was sharp and well cared for, but it didn't look deadly at all. "Don't be fooled by appearances," she continued. "It transforms in battle, just like Kirara." I shrugged, sheathing it again and buckling the scabbard to my waist.
"You have weapons for yourself Sango?" Kagome asked, reaching into the bag and pulling out a long sheathed dagger that she buckled to her waist.
"Yes, my sword and my wrist dagger. All my other weapons are too large. I would have dragged to much attention to myself." Kagome nodded, strapping the quiver over her shoulder. Both women looked ready to go to the front lines. "Oh, and expect a visitors soon."
"When?" Kagome asked. There was then a loud knock on the door.
"Now," Sango said absently, fiddling with some armor that she was strapping to her arms. I went to the door.
"Who's there?" I asked. I was met by a gruff voice.
"I'm looking for Sango and Kagome, I know they're here. I can smell them." Kagome looked up and smiled, brushing by me to open the door.
"Hi Kouga," she said as she opened the door.
"Kagome!" the voice continued, suddenly sounding happy and excited as a puppy with a chew toy. "I'm so glad your ok! I've been looking all over for you when Sango came and told me you were staying here with some dog guy, but I'm so glad your alive!"
"I'm fine Kouga, really, honestly," she sounded like laughing as she drew him inside. I closed the door, eyeing the newcomer. He was easily as tall as I am, with long dark hair held up in a high pony tail. He looked like a fighter, well built. He wore an armband that marked him as a member of the Wolf Pack gang, one of the inner city Pures. He also wore a headband that marked him as the leader of the Wolf Pack. So this was Kouga. His blue eyes met mine in a stand-offish way.
"Who are you?" he asked, eyes narrowing in a suspicious way.
"I should be asking you that," I barked. "You're the one in my house." Then he lost a little of his hostility.
"I'm Kouga, the leader of the Wolf Pack gang."
"I'm Inuyasha," I said. "This is my house." We blinked at each other a little more, then he turned back to Kagome.
"Are you sure you're alright? I mean, when I finally got to the shrine your grandfather told me you were gone. I thought I was gonna die! I couldn't believe I feel for such a stupid trick by the Golems, to go fight in one spot while they were really after you. God, I could've kicked myself!"
"It's okay Kouga! Really, I'm fine. Sango's here. Inuyasha said I can crash as long as I need to. At least until I can take care of Naraku and return the Jewel." She gave him that lightning fast smile of hers, and then I nearly gagged when he suddenly hugged her.
"I was really scared," he told her. Kagome sighed and returned his hug for a few moments, then pushed back.
"Honestly, Kouga, I'm fine. I'm so sorry that I worried you and everyone else." He nodded. I don't think he was too thrilled. I could see what Sango told me before, that he was in love with Kagome. It made me mildly anger, though I couldn't explain why. "So tell me," she said finally, a hand on his arm. "What do you know about what's going on at the front?"
"The Golems are regrouping the Heart of the City. I've had no word from my spies in three days, I'm starting to worry." She nodded, looking deep in thought. "We know that Naraku moved him base to the very center of his territory, to make it hard for anyone to reach him. It's an old abandoned skyscraper. We do know that he's sent about eighty of his most loyal demons to look around the city for you, but you disappeared beautifully. Everyone's utterly baffled." She snickered. "The last message I got from my sources was that Naraku was getting impatient with searching from afar, I think his next step is to send Kagura after you."
"Kagura? That's not good," she muttered. "She might be able to find me."
"No kidding!" Kouga agreed, looking a little uncomfortable. "I know you can take care of yourself, and I know that this is the safest place in the city for you right now." He said quietly. Kagome looked appreciative before hugging him again.
"Thanks for everything Kouga. You should get back to the Wolf Pack. Naraku might still try and attack the shrine and I need as much information as I can before I go in." He nodded, stepping out of her hold and back towards the door.
"Kirara can keep me informed of your movement, and if anything comes up, I'll just send Shippou." He opened the door, then beckoned me to come out with him. I looked back, but both girls were already busy talking about plans. I was confused, but what else is new, so I followed the wolf demon.
"Inuyasha right?" he asked once we were out.
"Yeah, that's right."
"Listen, if anything happens to Kagome while she's in your care, you can be damn well sure that I will hunt you down, you get me?" His voice was a low snarl and my hackles raised.
"Nothing will happen to her while I'm with her, got it?" We had a brief stand off. But then, with a snuff in my general direction, he took off at an amazing speed toward the Heart of the City. I watching him go, still feeling the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end. He meant business that one, and if it came down to it, it'd be a pretty good fight that I'm not sure I could win. Just as I was about to go back inside, Miroku returned.
"Aw, Inuyasha, you were waiting for me?" he asked, all teary eyed and annoying.
"Of course not, I was seeing out a guest." He looked broken, but then saw Sango inside and looked like a little boy on Christmas day.
"Inuyasha, I think I'm in love," he said dreamily, before going inside. I closed my eyes and sighed as the battle began anew. Why me?
After about and hour of merciless beating on Miroku, Kagome finally got Sango to leave him alone long enough to have rational conversation. "Miroku," she began. "If it were to come to a fighting situation, would you stand with us?" she asked.
"Of course!" Miroku said indignantly, trying to sound brave. Sango grumbled as she went to her armory bag, then pulled out a staff of some kind.
"Here," she said gruffly, shoving it into his hands. "It used to belong to a family of monks. It enhances spiritual powers and can be used as a weapon. If fights arise, you can use it against all kinds of demons." Miroku played with it a second.
"Thank you fair Sango," he said. For a moment it was quiet, then he pulled something and she went off. Kagome rolled her eyes, going back to the bag of clothes that Sango brought with her. I sat in the kitchen, looking at the sword that Sango had given me.
One day I'm just a regular thief living in a city. Next thing I know, I'm a body guard for the Guardian of the Shikon Jewel as she readies to attack the most powerful demons in the aforementioned city. How do I get myself into these situations?
Behold, Chapter 6 is finished. For those who like Kouga, don't worry, he'll be back and we'll get to see him in a few fight scenes. For those who don't like Kouga, he won't be back next chapter. Oh, and I'm gonna spoil a little of the mystery for the next chapter by saying for all of those who are waiting to see Kagome in battle, you're gonna get your wish. Muhahaha! Stay tuned for chapter 7 "Kagome vs. Kagura!"
~~Jesse the Wolf Demon~~