Here's the next chapter! This is for my first reviewers. I appreciate the feedback!
Disclaimer: I don't own Inu Yasha, and I don't own Sesshoumaru-sama. The world is unfair.
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The flames in his mouth had just begun to calm down when Kagome's shriek reached his oversensitive ears.
"ECCHI!"
"Kagome!" he cried out instinctively, a low growl emanating from his stomach. He bolted through the trees, certain that some youkai was preparing to rip Kagome to shreds, and he was never going to get there in time---
*Hn? What's that scent?*
His amber eyes narrowed, and the growl intensified. *Kouga!* Inuyasha slashed through the foliage with his claws and skidded to a stop just inches from the river, taking in a rather strange scene.
Kagome was dripping wet, wrapped tightly in a towel, and blushing three shades deeper than Inuyasha's yukata. Only a few feet away, Kouga was standing with a bewildered expression on his sharp features, a fresh handprint beginning to show on his left cheek. His eyes were still shining.
"What did you do to her!!?" Inuyasha lunged at the wolf youkai before waiting for an answer. Kouga jumped out of the deadly path of the fuming hanyou's claws, then aimed a swift kick at his back. That sent Inuyasha fumbling forward on one foot. Unfortunately, the bank decided then that it didn't like the hanyou, and Inuyasha slipped with an unceremonious splash into the freezing water.
"Hn, that's what you get for your meddling, Inukkuro!" Kouga declared through a satisfied smile. "For your information, I didn't do anything to MY woman. I just didn't think she'd be so modest." He turned to Kagome, who was somewhat recovered by this time and was inching towards her clothes.
He was at her side before she had time to blink, and had taken her small hands in his large brown ones. "Forgive me, Kagome-chan," he said merrily. "I'm not used to the ways of humans yet, and I didn't think you'd be...surprised by my presence during your bath."
Kagome felt the blush creep back into her face. "Uh, it's okay, Kouga-kun," she stammered. "Just-umph!" She was interrupted when he pulled her into a hug. "I was just so happy I found you, I couldn't wait to see you!" he added. The blush deepened. "Uh, thanks, I guess," she squeaked.
"Get your filthy hands off her, you mangy wolf," Inuyasha practically barked as he made his way towards them, dripping and ready to kill.
Kagome realized then that she was still only wrapped in a towel--a very wet towel. *Oh, Kami!*
"SIT, BOY!"
As Inuyasha made friends with the bank that had betrayed him, Kagome stepped out of Kouga's grasp and snatched her clothes. "Uh, Kouga, I need to get dressed, okay? Wait for me over there, where we set up camp." She gestured over in the direction Inuyasha had come crashing through before, and he nodded. With a final glance at Inuyasha, she ran off behind a clump of bushes, grasping the small bath towel like a lifeline. Kouga watched her for a moment, inhaling her lingering scent.
"See you at camp, dog breath," he said smugly to the hanyou embedded in the mud, stepping on his white head as he walked toward the trees.
Inuyasha unleashed another almost incoherent string of swears at him as he tried to pry himself from the ground. *That stupid wolf's gonna pay big for this!*
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"Well, Kouga-kun, how've you been?" Kagome asked awkwardly as she rolled up her sleeping bag. She kept an eye on Inuyasha, who was sitting up in the tree again. Only an occasional snort and muttering could be heard from him.
The wolf youkai smiled at her from his place on the ground. "I've managed rather well, actually," he answered lightly. "There was another litter of pups born this season to the pack, and they look like a healthy enough bunch. And nothing's attacked us in a while, so I guess those bird youkai are finally gone for good."
He stood up, joining Kagome as she pushed the rolled-up bag into her backpack. "But you know," he added, putting his hand on her elbow, "I've been wanting to see you for a long time." The miko blushed, and Inuyasha tensed.
"Uh, well, that's a sweet thing to say." *Oh, Kami, that's sounds so dumb!* she thought to herself as she fumbled with the straps on her pack. "I mean...I've been wondering how you were, too." Kouga smiled widely.
"Good. Then will you come back with me, Kagome-chan?"
Kagome sweat-dropped at the same time as Inuyasha fell out of the tree with a crash. Kouga took her hands and looked deep into her eyes. His expression was very serious.
"Kagome-chan, I've been meaning to talk to you about..." he started hesitantly, then took a determined look in his eyes. "I want you to be the mother of my pups," he finished firmly.
The girl only looked back at him with a shocked expression. *Oh, this reminds me of Miroku!*
"All right, you pervert, I've heard just about enough from your sorry hide," Inuyasha declared as he pulled her away. "Kagome and I got shards to find, so go find someone else's time to waste."
"Mind your own business, Inukkuro!" Kouga snarled, baring his fangs at the hanyou. "This is between me and my woman, so buzz off!"
Inuyasha was furious. "Why you mangy wolf, I aughtta cut your stomach out for that!" He pulled Tetsusaiga out of its sheath, and held the transformed blade out in front of him. "Come on, we'll settle this once and for all!"
Kouga paled almost imperceptibly at the sight of Tetsusaiga, but he stood his ground. "All right, mutt! I'll prove to Kagome that I'm the better youkai!"
"There's no way Kagome would choose a loser like you over m---" Inuyasha shut his mouth, and caught the miko staring at him out of the corner of his eye. *Uh, I think I should keep my mouth shut from now on,* he thought.
"Over you?" Kouga laughed, tossing his ponytail over his shoulder. "She knows she deserves better than some half-breed, hot-headed, worthless hanyou like you!"
"I meant she wouldn't choose you over her responsibility to the Shikon-no-Tama," the flustered hanyou said quickly. He tried to ignore the huff that came from Kagome, and the way she clenched her fists. He'd kill Kouga first, apologize later.
Inuyasha started to jump at him, the Tetsusaiga poised for a deadly swipe. *Now I just gotta find the Wind Scar, and--*
"SIT!"
"Ugh!" Inuyasha landed with a spectacular crash just inches from Kouga, who leapt back and over him with incredible agility.
"Kagome!" The white-haired hanyou was furious. "What'd you do that for, wench?" Then he choked back the rest of his complaints when he saw Kagome's face.
"I told you before, I don't want you and Kouga fighting," she said firmly. "He's not our enemy, remember? Naraku is." Her face fell, and she turned to Kouga, who was still looking warily at the detransformed sword in Inuyasha's hand. "Kouga-kun," she said quietly, "I can't go with you. As much as I hate to admit it, Inuyasha's right."
"Of course I am," Inuyasha said smugly as he got up and shook the dirt off his yukata. "Me and Kagome have to get all the jewel shards, and get Naraku for all the stuff he's done," he said matter-of-factly. He looked pointedly at Kouga. "Which reminds me, you got some Jewel shards, don't you?"
Kouga glared at him. "Yeah, and what of it?"
Kagome interrupted them both. "Nothing," she said as she pinched Inuyasha. He yelped, and growled. "We know you need those Jewel shards to keep your tribe safe, Kouga-kun," she said. "I trust that you'll keep them safe from Naraku for the time being, until we can get the ones he has."
"I won't let you down, Kagome," the wolf youkai declared earnestly. "Naraku will never get his hands on the shards that I possess."
"However," he added, taking her hands again. "Kagome, I admire your courage now more than ever. If you must finish this mission of yours, then I understand."
"Thank you, Kouga-kun," Kagome started, but he wasn't finished.
"But Kagome, why not fulfill this quest at my side?" His eyes searched hers, which were widening. "I can do a lot better than Inukkuro, and at least I'd treat you like you deserve to be treated as my woman."
"Uh, listen, Kouga," Kagome stammered, but he put his finger on her lips.
"Inuyasha is a worthless mutt, and definitely not fitting for a lady like you," he insisted.
Kagome shrugged. "I know Inuyasha is kind of rough around the edges, and sometimes he can be a real stubborn pain, and maybe he doesn't always think things through---"
"Hey, I'm still here," Inuyasha interrupted, eyes narrowed to golden slits. "You might try being more loyal, you know."
Kagome flushed, then tensed. "Yeah, like you whenever Kikyo comes running around stealing our Jewel shards."
Inuyasha choked. "That's not fair," he snapped. "It's hardly the same."
*Yeah, 'cause you'll forgive anything she does, even if she wants to kill me and drag you to hell with her!* The words were on the tip of her tongue, but Kagome bit them back and simply turned her back on him. "I guess you just expect me to stick around just because I can see the shards, right?" she hissed. Inuyasha flinched.
"Fine," she snapped, turning back around and nodding briskly. "I know it's my responsibility to help find the shards, so I'll do it," she said. "I'll help you find the Shikon no Tama, and then you can become a demon or a human or whatever you feel like turning into! Then I'll just get out of your way, since you won't have any use for me after that!" She panicked when she felt her throat tighten. *Oh no, don't cry now!*
She was saved by Kouga, who had up to now been watching the scene with some amusement and curiosity. He marveled at the way the small girl could make the hanyou fidget under the force of her temper. *And she looks so pretty when she's mad,* he thought as he moved to intervene.
"If you insist on remaining with him on this, then, Kagome," he said, "I would like to join you, so that I can keep you safe." He looked meaningfully at Inuyasha, who was recovering from Kagome's outburst and was turning red.
"You stupid wolf, I'm here to protect Kagome," he said fiercely, but no one paid attention.
"I think that might be a good idea," Kagome said, shocking Inuyasha and making Kouga immensely pleased.
"What! No way, Kagome," Inuyasha said angrily. "There's no way I'm gonna let this weakling of a demon tag along just so he can steal all the Jewel shards first chance he gets!"
Kagome bristled. *The dumb jewel shards again. Is that all he's worried about?* "Inuyasha, just listen!" she said before Kouga could reply, matching the hanyou's temper evenly. "We're getting close to Naraku, and you know it. We'd have a much better chance of defeating him if we have all the help we can find!"
When she saw him pout defensively, she softened her tone. "Don't let your pride get in the way here, okay? Besides, it's only a suggestion. I think we should ask the others and see what they think."
Inuyasha muttered something under his breath, and crossed his arms defiantly. Kagome sighed when she realized she was getting no where with him.
"Fine, then, we'll go back to the village and talk things over with Miroku and Sango," she said with finality, and started to reach for her backpack. Kouga beat her to it and slung it over his shoulder, then reached an outstretched hand for her.
"No way, creep," Inuyasha growled as he took a surprised Kagome on his back. "I wouldn't put it past you to run off with her again."
The wolf youkai grinned, his fangs white against his lips. "So you've got some brains, after all," he said. Inuyasha growled again, then leapt into the air. Kouga settled into a comfortable pace beside them, and they headed off toward the nearby village where the rest of the group awaited them.
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"I hope they come back soon," Shippo was saying as he finished off his breakfast with a slurp. "And I hope Kagome is okay."
"Don't worry about her, Shippo." Sango reached over and took his empty bowl. "She's with Inuyasha, remember? He won't let anything happen to her."
Shippo sighed. "It's Inuyasha that worries me," he said, crossing his small arms and frowning. "He's probably being stupid and hurting Kagome's feelings, like he does all the time." He shook his head. "I think he should just tell Kagome how much he loves her already. I don't understand why he always acts so mean to her."
"It's a complicated thing, Shippo," Miroku responded. "It's intimidating when you love someone, if you're not sure how they would feel about you in return."
He sipped his tea, and his eyes wandered to Sango, who was cleaning the small hut that had been lent to them. "It would be truly a heartbreaking thing, if one's love was declared but not returned."
"And don't forget," Sango added, stooping to pick up a dropped bowl. Miroku choked on his tea, but no one noticed. "Inuyasha probably still has feelings for Kikyo."
Miroku nodded. "Inuyasha will have to choose between Kikyo and Kagome. It wouldn't be fair to Kagome if half of him was still with the undead priestess."
"I still don't understand," Shippo said unhappily. "Kagome is alive, and prettier, and much nicer than Kikyo. She wouldn't try to take Inuyasha to hell with her!" He stood up, putting his small fists on his hips. "Inuyasha's just stupid!"
"Stupid am I, huh, kid?" Shippo's eyes grew wide as saucers as Inuyasha stepped into the hut with Kagome right behind him. "You'd better learn not to say bad stuff about someone when they can hear ya!" He reached for the kitsune with his claws.
Shippo cried out in alarm and scrambled behind Miroku.
"So, you're back," the houshi stated without surprise. "I'm glad to see you're all right, Kagome," he said as he rose from his place on the ground with Shippo on his shoulder, who promptly made a short jump onto the miko's shoulder.
Inuyasha growled, but didn't attack again. The kitsune's insult hadn't been the only part of the conversation his sensitive ears had picked up, and he wasn't sure how he should react. Or if he should. With a huff, he went and sat cross-legged in the corner.
"Hi, everyone," Kagome said cheerfully as she took the kitsune in her arms.
"Kagome, I missed you!" he said, burying his furry head into her chest. She stroked his hair affectionately.
"I see that everything went well, Kagome," Sango said as she walked up to her friend, who was still in the doorway. "I'm glad you----what?"
She stopped abruptly as her attention was centered on a figure a few feet behind Kagome. "Kouga?"
"O-hayo, ningen," Kouga replied. Kagome moved so he could enter, and the kitsune in her arms shifted uncomfortably.
"Kouga joined us on the way back in the woods," Kagome said quickly, before Inuyasha could say anything and start another argument with Kouga. They'd been doing it all the way to the village, and she was tired of it. She turned to Sango and Miroku, who were looking warily from Kouga to Inuyasha. "Sango, is there any tea left?"
"Yes, of course," Sango said, recovering quickly and helping Kagome get some tea. Soon, the humans were settled in a circle on the floor (with Shippo on Kagome's lap). Inuyasha was still in the corner, and Kouga was leaning against the wall on the other side. Neither was looking at the other.
"So, were you able to gather the shard of the Sacred Jewel from the youkai?" Miroku asked, trying to ease the tension in the air. Kagome nodded and sipped her tea.
"It was kind of tricky finding it. It smelled really awful, and Inuyasha had a hard time tracking down the exact source of the stench." She shuddered, remembering the slime-covered den that they had stumbled upon.
Inuyasha rubbed his nose. "That stupid thing's scent covered everything around the place," he said. "It was kinda hard finding the smelliest place when everything smelled bad. It was almost as strong as the stupid ink of the hell-painter."
"I hope you didn't pass out like you did when the ink covered you, Inuyasha," Shippo said from the safety of the miko's lap. "That would be really embarrassing."
"You passed out from ink, Inukkuro?" Kouga laughed, and Inuyasha growled.
"So, it ain't my fault my nose is so sensitive!" the hanyou said defensively, getting to his feet. "That don't give you a right to laugh, you cheating wolf! At least I don't need Jewel Shards to defend myself!"
Kouga stopped laughing. If Kagome hadn't stood up in his way, he would have leapt at the white-haired hanyou. She looked at him sternly, and he leaned back against the wall.
"There was something that we wanted to talk about with you guys," the miko said as she sat back down to her spot. "Kouga offered to join us, and I think it might be a good idea."
"What does Inuyasha think?" Sango asked doubtfully, casting a glance at the brooding hanyou. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but then shut it and looked away, crossing his arms.
"I didn't think so," the demon huntress said, looking back at Kagome. "Is he trustworthy?"
Kagome looked carefully at Kouga, who was also looking off somewhere else and trying to seem uninterested. "Yes," she said firmly, and Sango shrugged.
"I can see where it would be useful to have him on our side," she offered.
Miroku nodded. "Kagome, I take it you're willing to accept Kouga's help because of Naraku, am I right?" Kagome nodded.
"Well, it seems reasonable enough," the monk continued. "The only problem, then, lies with the rivalry that exists between Inuyasha and Kouga. Do you think they will be able to work well together?"
Kagome sighed uncertainly.
"Kagome-sama," Miroku added seriously, "you can't expect them to get anything done if they're constantly fighting. It's just going to be too hard for them not to, with you distracting them." He put his arm around her. "You might get hurt, and I may not always be around to protect you."
As Sango and Kagome both face-vaulted, Miroku was thrown from the hut by a startling show of cooperation between Inuyasha and the wolf youkai.
"So they can work together," Sango chuckled next to a shocked Kagome. "Houshi-sama should have known better."
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There, Chapter 2 done and up, for your reading pleasure. Don't forget to try out that wonderful review button!