Update: Chapter edited.

Disclaimer: Usual disclaimer, blah, blah, blah

A/N: Yup, guess who shows up now?

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Chapter Four: Enter the Wolf

The group headed towards the mountains where the wolf tribe had made their home. Kagome and Shippou rode on Inu Yasha's back, Julia rode with Sango on Kirara, and Miroku ran alongside. Julia knew that Miroku was human, but the pace at which he could keep up still astounded her. Sango told her that normally they all would have walked, but since they were in a hurry getting a good start was very important.

Riding on the back of the giant fire cat demon Julia reveled at the beauty of the land around her. They had gone through a lush forest only moments ago and now they were traveling through fields and farmland still green from the spring season. It was so surreal that she almost lost touch with the reality of the situation she now found herself in. She admired Kagome's strength and courage for dealing with this secret life for as long as she had. Julia only hoped that she proved to be half as courageous. She had wanted an adventure and now she was definitely on one. She knew she could have thrown it in after the attempt to steal her shard and have gone home, but somehow she felt like she might be able to help keep it safe.

They stopped once during their trip that day for lunch and to give Miroku a break. Julia was sure that they would be cooking over an open flame, but what she did not expect was the tea kettle and instant noodle cups that Kagome pulled out of her impossibly large backpack. The others seemed quite used to this so she didn't say anything about it, only accepted hers with gratitude.

The conversation while they ate stayed fairly light. Apparently, no one wanted to discuss what it was they were up against. Julia figured they all knew what lay ahead and would rather think of happier things. So, Julia answered all of their questions about where it was that she was from, with even Kagome seeming interested in life in America. She told them of the airplane that brought her from America to Japan, and referenced it on the map she had shown them when she first arrived. Inu Yasha also seemed to be quite interested in the map this time, frequently snatching it out of the others' hands only to have it snatched right back with Shippou reprimanding him. Those two act more like siblings that Inu Yasha and Sesshoumaru do Julia suddenly thought.

The others seemed to be amazed by the fact that Sesshoumaru had saved her. Miroku described him as being a ruthless killing machine, Sango only agreed, and Shippou would talk only of how scary he was. But, other than being extremely arrogant, Sesshoumaru did not seem like the type of person the others described. Why would he have rescued her if he hated humans? It did not make any sense. Being curious as she was, Julia wanted to talk to Kagome about it, but saw no opportunity to do so while they were traveling. However, that night after their meal the girls ventured off to a hot spring where she was assured the boys would not peek - something about knowing the consequences if they did.

"Kagome," she began once they were all settled and Shippou was off splashing about in the inflatable inner tube that Kagome had brought him, "is Sesshoumaru really like what the others described him to be?" Kagome seemed to look over at Sango before beginning, almost like she was not sure whether to answer.

"Well, I used to think so, but…" she trailed off and looked at her reflection in the water.

"What do you mean?" ask Sango, "Do you really think someone like him can change?"

"I think he might have already started to change," Kagome replied and looked over at Sango, then focused her attention on Julia. "When I first came here…my initial encounter with Sesshoumaru ended in Inu Yasha taking his arm. He had come after Inu Yasha in search of their father's tomb so that he could get his hands on the sword that Inu Yasha now uses. He deceived Inu Yasha into thinking that he had brought his human mother back from the dead and then used that deception to get the tomb's location. The sword Sesshoumaru sought was given to Inu Yasha by their father. Another sword was given to Sesshoumaru, but he felt that it was worthless compared to Inu Yasha's sword."

"How so?" Julia asked as Sango merely looked on. The demon-hunter obviously already knew what had happened.

"Well, you see, Inu Yasha's sword, Tetsusaiga, is capable of killing 100 demons in a single stroke, while Sesshoumaru's sword, Tenseiga, is capable of healing 100 in a single stroke," explained Kagome.

"And how is that useless?"

"It isn't," agreed Kagome, "but to Sesshoumaru, a person who had no desire to help anyone but himself, that kind of sword is worthless. A sword to dominate others and destroy his enemies would have been much more to his liking. That is why he continually tried to get the Tetsusaiga from Inu Yasha."

"Well, what stopped him?" asked Julia. "I mean, no offense, but Sesshoumaru seems to have a slight edge over Inu Yasha."

"You're right," Kagome nodded, "but the sword has a protection spell placed on it which will not let a full-demon hold it. So, Sesshoumaru, being a full-demon, can't even touch it."

"But he used that arm to get it that one time," piped in Shippou, still paddling about in his inner tube.

"Naraku had tried to use Sesshoumaru to kill Inu Yasha by giving him a human arm and attaching it to him with a jewel shard," explained Kagome, obviously seeing Julia's puzzled face at Shippou's comment. "Sesshoumaru almost succeeded in getting it. Inu Yasha managed to get it back, but not without paying a price. Sesshoumaru had beaten him up pretty badly and put a hole through his stomach. I think the only reason Sesshoumaru left him alive at that time was because even though Inu Yasha had passed out his sword was still protecting him."

"He does sound like he was pretty ruthless," agreed Julia, "but, what's making you change your mind?"

"Yes, what is it?" echoed Sango, showing a bit more interest in the topic.

"It just seems that ever since Inu Yasha figured out how to use the full power of Tetsusaiga, and almost killed Sesshoumaru that one time, Sesshoumaru's desire to get the sword seemed to vanish. Then there was the incident with the sword Tokijin. Sesshoumaru didn't attack outright - it was more like he wanted to test out his new sword. Then, when Inu Yasha went full-demon that one time, Sesshoumaru didn't kill Inu Yasha - he only knocked him out." Kagome paused to take a breath. "And finally, it is that little girl that has me convinced the most."

"What little girl?" asked Sango and Julia in unison.

"Do you remember when Inu Yasha broke through Naraku's barrier for the first time?" Sango nodded, and Julia just went along with it. "Well, Sesshoumaru was there, too. He and Inu Yasha almost had Naraku, but Naraku had been holding something against Sesshoumaru so that he would not pursue him. It turned out to be a little girl. The same girl that Kohaku was guarding when you guys went off to find him. She practically ran back to Sesshoumaru once it was all over."

"I hadn't realized it, but you are right," added Sango, "He did not kill Kohaku, either."

"I think that Sesshoumaru has a lot of good in him, and his father giving him the healing sword just goes to show that his dad felt the same way." Kagome seemed to say this more to herself than to the others.

"Then why give Inu Yasha a sword that destroys?" asked Julia, grateful that she was getting some background on these guys.

"For protection," replied Kagome. "As a half-demon, Inu Yasha is not quite as strong as a full-demon, though at times I wonder about that. I've seen him face and defeat quite a few full-blooded demons." Sango splashed her and gave her a sour look. "Okay, okay, he had help, but you have to admit he is strong?" Sango only smiled back and nodded. "Anyway, the sword also acts as a seal on Inu Yasha's demon blood. If he feels his life is in danger his demon blood takes over his systems and he transforms into something as strong as a full-demon, but all he is capable of is killing. It gets worse every time he changes, and it has gotten to the point to where he does not even recognize me." Kagome's voice dropped a little and she seemed saddened by it. "But, as long as he has Tetsusaiga he will not transform."

"Oh," was all Julia could muster as a response, and deciding that there had been enough serious talk she figured it would be a good idea to lighten the mood a little. "So Sango, what's the deal with Miroku?" The young hunter's face went completely red, and Kagome stifled a giggle.

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They had slowed their pace slightly as they climbed higher and higher up the mountains. Sango had decided to give Kirara a break, so Julia found herself walking between Sango and Miroku as they walked up the path. Kagome walked on the other side of Kirara, a searching look on her face like she was concentrating on finding something. Inu Yasha had gone up ahead, unable to walk at the pace the rest were setting.

"So Kouga is a wolf demon?" Julia asked, just to break the silence. They had already told her as much the previous day, but the current mood was killing her.

"Yes," answered Miroku. "He is the prince of his tribe, though his role is more as a leader than as royalty."

"He certainly is arrogant enough to pass as royalty though," interjected Sango. Miroku placed a hand behind his head and laughed heartily.

"That certainly is true enough," Miroku chuckled a little as he agreed, "especially when it comes to Kagome."

"How so?" ask Julia, curious at this new information, but her answer would have to wait.

"He's coming," said Kagome, suddenly pointing to the path in front of them. The others followed where she pointed and soon a small tornado came racing down the mountain side. Julia's first instinct was to get out the way, but seeing the others remain calm she did the same. Grinding to a quick stop, out of the whirlwind popped a rather handsome-looking young man. He wore wolf skins that matched the brown of his hair, and actually seemed to have wolf-like tail. She also noted his pointed ears, similar to Sesshoumaru's, that marked him demon. Without pause he walked over to Kagome, grabbed her hand, and pulled her a little closer to him.

"Ah Kagome," he said smoothly, "how I have missed you these few days we've been separated." Kagome merely stared, and the others looked bored at the interplay. "Did you finally come to take your place as my woman?"

"I see what you mean," whispered Julia to Miroku as she picked up on the arrogance that he had spoken of earlier. Miroku only nodded.

"Get your filthy paws off of her!" erupted Inu Yasha as he raced to the scene, immediately getting between the two. "When are you gonna learn, you wimpy wolf, that Kagome is not yours!?"

"Well, well, well," smirked Kouga, backing up a pace. "If it isn't Dog Breath. Finally stop moping over your dead Dead-Girl?"

"Why you," yelled Inu Yasha as he rushed Kouga.

"SIT!" shrieked Kagome, which to Julia's surprise caused Inu Yasha to hit the ground with enough force to crack the rock. "This is no time to be fighting, Inu Yasha." Kouga looked pretty smug until Kagome turned on him. "And you! Why rile him up like that, especially after he saved your life back at Mount Hakurei?" Kouga looked sufficiently scolded, but instead of apologizing he crossed his arms and turned towards the rest of the group.

"Kagome!" yelled Inu Yasha looking like the devil himself, "What did you do that - "

"And who is this?" Kouga interrupted, coming over to Julia.

"Julia," she answered. "Nice to meet you." She added a small bow to show a little bit of respect. She wasn't really sure she liked Kouga, but better to start out on the right foot, right?

"You smell human," the wolf demon replied, taking a big sniff, "but you sure don't look like any human I've ever seen."

"She's not from around here, Kouga," stated Kagome, obviously attempting to avoid the issue of the well again. Apparently that's not a secret that those outside of Kagome's little circle of friends know Julia thought. "Julia came across a jewel shard that has recently come to the attention of Naraku and wants to help us defeat him. And actually…" Kagome paused momentarily, and put a hand on Kouga's arm. Inu Yasha did not like that one bit, but other than his eyebrows rising beyond its normal height, he held his tongue. "That is why we came to see you, Kouga."

"Oh, so you want my help to get the shards too, eh?" Kouga replied haughtily, puffing his chest out. "Dog-Breath couldn't cut it so you came to get a real man, huh?"

"Well, yes and no," responded Kagome, obviously not wanting to tell him the truth. "We would like your help in defeating Naraku once and for all, but we also came to warn you that-"

"I was coming for you!" boomed a voice from out of no where, and then on the path in front of them appeared Naraku. Not sparing a moment he sent a blast of energy their way, causing the group to quickly back down the path. Sango jumped onto Kirara, Miroku grabbed Julia, and Inu Yasha snatched Kagome out of the way.

"Damn it!" cursed Inu Yasha, "Why didn't we sense him coming?"

"He doesn't have the rest of the Jewel of Four Souls with him." answered Kagome.

"You," Inu Yasha pointed at Kouga, "stay out of the way. I'll handle this." Inu Yasha then leapt back up the path to confront Naraku with Miroku and Sango in tow.

"Why you-" began Kouga as he started after Inu Yasha.

"Wait," cried Kagome, "please Kouga, you have to stay here."

"Why?" questioned Kouga.

"He is after your two shards," Kagome explained. "If you go out there you'll be the primary target of attack." Kouga seemed to take in what she said with some degree of discomfort. "Besides, I need you to stay here and protect Shippou and Julia."

"Hey," began Julia, about to nip the 'needing to be protected' thing in the bud, but she caught Kagome's pleading look and knew that Kouga needed a little ego-stroking to stay out of harm's way. "umm, you're right, I would feel a lot safer if Kouga was here to protect me." Julia said, as feminine as she could muster, even batting her eyes to emphasis her supposed weakness.

"Well," considered Kouga "alright then. For your sake, Kagome."

"Thank you, Kouga!" she yelled back over her shoulder as she too went to engage Naraku in battle.

"Don't worry, Julia," said Shippou as he hopped into her arms. "I'm here to protect you too." He put on his bravest face, but she could see that the kitsune was scared and anxious. Kouga looked like he was a bit nervous too, and definitely ready to join the fight if things did not go their way.

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At least I know that Kouga will be safe while he thinks he must protect Julia thought Kagome as she rushed in to help her friends. Naraku was putting up quite a fight - he'd brought swarms of his poisonous insects to prevent Miroku from using his wind tunnel and droves of lesser demons to surround him. She didn't see Kagura anywhere, but that did not mean the wind demoness was not in the area.

Inu Yasha had been using his wind scar attack to clear the path to Naraku, but just as soon as he killed the first wave another would dive in to take its place. Sango's boomerang continued to slice through dozens at a time, but she was not making any progress getting to their target, even with Kirara at her side. Miroku was in similar straights not having the use of his wind tunnel. He cut through as many as he could while staying close enough to Sango to watch her back. Occasionally Kagome saw a few of his talismans fly towards oncoming demons.

Letting her arrows fly, she made her way over to those two, not wanting to get in Inu Yasha's way.

"Kagome you should have stayed with Kouga," yelled Sango as Kagome approached them.

"No, I can help," she replied. "Besides, if I stayed with Kouga all the shards would be together, making us one target instead of two." Sango nodded her agreement, but she did not look happy. While sheltered by her three companions Kagome turned her attention towards Inu Yasha, and his desperate attempts to get closer to Naraku. The demons surrounding him were too numerous even for Inu Yasha's attacks.

Deciding she could help him Kagome notched one of her arrows and aimed for Naraku. Letting it fly she watched it slice through many of the lesser demons in the way and fight against the shield that now surrounded Naraku, but her arrow could not pierce it.

"Inu Yasha!" Kagome shouted. "Follow my arrow!" Seeing that he had heard her, she repeated her motions and let another arrow fly. Inu Yasha followed close behind, she could see him readying Tetsusaiga, the sword turning red with its shield-shattering power. Good, she thought, he is not going to hold back. Time seemed to slow as Inu Yasha unleashed his attack. Sango and Miroku looked on, hope shining in their eyes. This could be it! thought Kagome. But something was wrong - Naraku did not look worried. He merely stood there waiting for Inu Yasha's attack to come. And then the moment came, Inu Yasha's attack hit Naraku's shields causing great clouds of dust and debris to fly into the air, obscuring Naraku from view. Kagome held her breath as the dust began to settle, her eyes never leaving Naraku's last known location. Inu Yasha still stood at the ready, sword in hand. The other demons also seemed to stop their pursuit, waiting to know the outcome.

Then a gust of wind blowing down the mountain side revealed what all hoped would not be. Naraku still stood, his shield intact and a triumphant smile upon his face.

"You honestly think you can beat me?" taunted Naraku from the safety of his shield. "You, a pitiful half-demon? What hope do you have of defeating me?" Kagome could see murder written all over Inu Yasha's face, and knew that Naraku's taunting would get Inu Yasha to attack recklessly.

Upon seeing their master still intact the other demons began their charge once more. Since Inu Yasha could not penetrate Naraku's shield his group was at a disadvantage. The others were getting tired and Kagome was running low on arrows. She had to do something or Naraku would get her shards and then go after Kouga and Julia. The Jewel would be complete and Naraku would become unstoppable. But what could be done?

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Sesshoumaru had trailed Inu Yasha and his group since the previous day. He knew they must be heading towards the mountains where the wolf demons made their home. If he remembered correctly the leader of the pack had two jewel shards, one in each of his legs. They had met once before, and while the wolf demon's arrogance was astounding he had had helped to save Rin's life. For that, Sesshoumaru was grateful, though he would never admit it.

He stood at the base of the cliff where he knew his quarry had stopped to greet the wolf. He could hear Jaken grumbling about Rin's foolishness behind him. The little girl had found some mushrooms growing at the base of a tree, and had proceeded to make small dwellings out of them for imaginary beings. At least she is keeping herself busy Sesshoumaru thought as he wondered why it was that he allowed the little human to follow him.

Sesshoumaru had not found an opportunity to get the strange girl alone in the last couple of days. He knew he could just go and get her, but he did not want his worthless brother to get in the way. Sesshoumaru could be patient when he wanted to, and so for now he would wait. There would be an opportunity. He was sure of it.

It was then he sensed it – Naraku's miasma. But…it was so slight that Sesshoumaru had to double check what his senses were telling him. He then felt the other hordes of lesser demons as they came flying overhead towards the cliff where Inu Yasha and his group were. Realizing that Naraku must be making his move Sesshoumaru quickly leapt into action.

"Jaken, watch Rin."

"My Lord, wh…" but he was gone before his servant could finish his sentence.

He did not immediately join the battle. Instead he landed on a cliff overlooking the fight. Scanning the battlefield, Sesshoumaru could see that Inu Yasha was already making his way towards Naraku through all of the lesser demons Naraku used as cannon fodder. The demon hunter, monk and fire cat were holding their own against the onslaught as well. Further down the trail he found Inu Yasha's woman, the wolf, and the girl. There seemed to be a minor argument, and then Inu Yasha's woman ran towards her friends, letting her purity arrows fly. She is definitely a much better marksman than the last time I saw her fire a bow. That left the wolf, who did not look happy about being left out of the battle, and that strange girl holding the small fox kit. She did not look scared, only worried for her friends. She also kept glancing at the wolf like she was keeping an eye on him. Could it be that she was supposed to keep him safe instead of the other way around?

Sesshoumaru heard the call for Inu Yasha to follow the arrow, and watched in great anticipation as Inu Yasha let his attack fly. There was a small hope that it would work, but Sesshoumaru knew that Naraku had hidden away for a reason. Naraku had almost been bested by Inu Yasha's sword before, and he would not have come out of hiding again until he was sure he could withstand that same attack. And as the wind blew the dust away Sesshoumaru saw his assumptions proven right.

"Damn that Naraku." The demon lord cursed quietly. He saw Naraku taunt Inu Yasha and draw him back into battle. "Damn it, Inu Yasha, use your head for once - that is what he wants." Sesshoumaru decided that the fight was going to quickly turn on his idiot half-brother, and that if he wanted to destroy Naraku now was his chance. Pulling Tokijin from his belt Sesshoumaru let fly a giant blast of energy straight at Naraku.

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Julia watched as the most incredible looking blast did nothing to Naraku. Things did not look good for her friends, and Kouga looked like he was ready to jump into the fray. She saw Inu Yasha make another attempt to break through Naraku's shields by hitting it directly with his sword, but he was suddenly blown back by the force of another energy blast hitting the shield.

Looking up the cliff face she saw Sesshoumaru jump down and head towards Naraku, sword in hand. She saw that the others had spotted him as well and were obviously shocked by his appearance. After what they had told her the other night, she was not surprised by their reactions. Inu Yasha had quickly recovered and shouted some profanities at his brother, but also noticed that Naraku had actually been shaken by the attack that Sesshoumaru had just unleashed. Taking the opportunity he raised his sword and let another powerful attack fly alongside another of Sesshoumaru's energy blasts.

Julia watched Naraku's face change from triumphant to furious. He had clearly not expected Sesshoumaru to show up. Filling the air with some kind of gas Naraku quickly escaped, glaring down at the two brothers. With his departure the rest of the demon horde left as well. Miroku quickly whipped off the protective binding on his wind tunnel and sucked in the poisonous cloud. The others had told Julia about Miroku's hand, but seeing it in action was an eye opener. Miroku resealed his hand and Julia and Kouga ran over to them, Shippou still in Julia's arms.

"Are you guys okay?" she asked as soon as she reached the small group, feeling relief as they nodded. She could see a few cuts on both Sango and Miroku, but nothing looked too serious. Turning to Kagome for an answer she saw that the other girl's attention was on the two figures still standing a little ways off. Inu Yasha and Sesshoumaru stood staring off towards the setting sun. The direction Naraku had fled to. The effect truly made them look the part of the heroes. Kagome must have been thinking the same thing as her eyes were slightly glazed over. The moment, however, was ruined the second Inu Yasha looked back at his older half-brother.

"I could have handled that," he whined. Sesshoumaru merely stared at him, wearing the same stoic mask Julia had started to become accustomed to. She saw Kagome walking towards them, and followed her.

"Thank you, Sesshoumaru," Kagome interjected before Inu Yasha really got started. Julia nodded in agreement, but did not say anything. She did, however, notice that Sesshoumaru was now eyeing her. He must still be mad about the other day.

"What are you doing here, anyway?" asked Inu Yasha, obviously not wanting to admit that Sesshoumaru was any help.

"I sensed Naraku in the area and came to deal with him," came the even reply, but Sesshoumaru's gaze remained fixed on Julia.

"I told you Naraku is mine," Inu Yasha stated icily, finally drawing Sesshoumaru's gaze away from Julia and to himself. Thank you. She would not look away, but that gaze could be quite intimidating.

"You would be dead right now if I had not arrived," Sesshoumaru stated. Wow, does he really care about his younger brother? "Your death will be at my hands, and no other's." Never mind Julia thought, mentally slapping herself in the process. These two were just too much, she'd heard of sibling rivalry but this was ridiculous.

"Look," she started taking a step towards the two, "you both are really powerful, and once you both attacked Naraku obviously got scared, turned tail, and ran," she stated putting her hands on her hips as Shippou jumped to her shoulder. "Why don't you two work together to defeat him?" They both turned their heads towards her like she was a crazy woman.

"Work…with him?" cried Inu Yasha pointing an exaggerated finger towards Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru merely glared at her.

"Well, why not?" she questioned, "You guys would be unstoppable. Then once Naraku is dead you can go back to trying to kill each out with out interruption." she finished with a sarcastic smile. She could see Kagome hiding a smile out of the corner of her eye, but the boys did not seem happy at all. Inu Yasha looked speechless, and what Sesshoumaru was feeling was anybody's guess, but he must have been feeling something because he took a few steps towards her. Julia held her ground, but suddenly found herself blocked from him by three other people. Sango and Miroku, with Kagome at point with her arms spread wide.

"Sesshoumaru, please," pleaded Kagome, "she is new to these parts, she-"

"You would be wise to learn to hold your tongue, woman," the demon lord interrupted, looking past the three humans and straight into Julia's eyes.

"Well at least I've graduated from a girl to a woman." Julia mocked, pushing her way past her three protectors - Shippou jumping onto Kagome's shoulder as she did so. Sesshoumaru's mask began to crack. "Yes, you are powerful, yes, you could probably kill me now and not think twice about it, but," Julia paused, and looked intensely right into Sesshoumaru's eyes. "What I said was the truth. Together you would be able get rid of Naraku." God, what am I doing?! Sesshoumaru's face was livid. And after everything the others told me about him… But, Sesshoumaru did save her the other day, and even after she had flipped him he had not attempted to kill her. But, she had done that in private, and now she was defying him in front of everyone. No! I won't show my fear! Not now!

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Sesshoumaru stared into her unflinching green eyes. He knew he must look angry, he had lost control of his mask a while ago. Why was it all of his dealings with this girl made him lose the control he had worked so hard to perfect over the years? There had never been a human who spoke to him so, and definitely never a female human. There were even very few female demons that would dare to speak to him in such a manner. And even if they did, there was fear in them. With this girl, this woman, he did not sense any fear - only strong determination.

Sesshoumaru could sense too, that the other humans around her were still tense, probably thinking that he would rip her throat out at any second. But, he was not a mindless killing machine. Sesshoumaru killed when it served him, and right now her death would not do anything for him. He gradually regained control of his emotions and slid his bored mask back in place, but he did not break eye contact.

"You," he said in a low voice, coming in closer to her, "do not know of what you speak."

"I know enough to know that you are being stubborn," she said her voice just as low, her eyes never leaving his. He had hoped to get the last word and leave, but she was relentless in her decision to not back down.

"Woman," he growled slightly, "you should know your place." He turned his back to her before she could get another word in. "Inu Yasha, it is no wonder you get nowhere in life, letting your women walk all over you as you do." She will not get the last word he thought to himself as he took the sky. That woman will not get the better of me!

"Do you have a death wish or something?" Inu Yasha yelled at Julia, who looked like she was coming out of some sort of trance.

"What?" she asked, shaking her head slightly. "No, of course not."

"Then why did you provoke him?" Inu Yasha could not believe the sight he had just witnessed. He had never seen anyone, other than himself of course, stand up to Sesshoumaru, let alone talk to him like that before. He had stood there and watched the whole thing, and he still did not believe it.

"Look," Julia turned to him, almost unnerving the half-demon with how close she was to him in height. "I am not used to being treated that way, and your brother," she pointed in the direction Sesshoumaru had left to, "half or no, needs to learn some manners. I wouldn't care if he was lord of all Japan, he can't treat people like that." Her eyes never left his, and Inu Yasha was beginning to understand how she could stand up to his brother. "And you," she pointed to him, "are not helping things, either."

"Me!" he exploded, "What did I do?"

"You could have agreed with her about working with Sesshoumaru." interjected Kagome. Oh no, now Kagome's at it too thought Inu Yasha, his ears beginning to flatten.

"We don't need his help!" I can handle Naraku…and I do not need my ass of an older brother's interference!

"Inu Yasha, you saw as well as we did how ineffective your red Tetsusaiga was against Naraku's barrier," Miroku added to the conversation as he walked over to them with Sango and the rest in tow.

"Please Inu Yasha, it couldn't hurt to try to work with him," pleaded Kagome. She looked at him with such caring eyes that he felt himself starting to give into their logic.

"Your brother was right, Dog Breath," Kouga added as he approached the group. "You do let your women walk all over you." Inu Yasha was about to go kick some wolf ass, but he was beaten to the punch.

"Oh, don't even get me started on you, buddy!" shouted Julia, whirling around on the unwary wolf. "I barely even know you, but from what I've seen you are just as arrogant as Inu Yasha's brother!" That shocked look on Kouga's face feels almost as good as punching him would have…almost. "Inu Yasha and everyone else came here to save your life, and all you've done is insult him. I'm honestly not sure why it is you deserve their help, let alone their friendship." Kouga looked thoroughly humbled, a look that was definitely not something Inu Yasha ever thought he would see on that damn wolf's face. I think I might be starting to like this girl, even if she does think I need help.

"Kouga," Kagome interrupted soothingly, apparently trying to salvage some of the wolf's pride that Julia had just ripped to shreds. "It is as I told you before. Naraku now knows where all of the remaining shards are. We came here to warn you, and come up with some kind of plan."

"I see," replied the wolf, obviously still feeling put in his place by their newest member. "Then, let's go back to my den. We can all recuperate there and discuss what our next step should be to deal with Naraku."

"Thank you, Kouga," Kagome gave him a slight bow, but Inu Yasha wished she wouldn't be so nice to him.

"No," Kouga took her hand, "thank you, Kagome." Kouga said as he looked into her eyes. Oh, that is it Inu Yasha growled to himself.

"Hey,-"

"Well," Kouga interrupted Inu Yasha as he stepped back from Kagome, "I'll go on ahead and get the men to get a meal together for you when you get there. You remember the way, Kagome?" At her nod, Kouga continued. "See you there, then." He gave a final wave good bye and took off, creating a tornado as he went. Kagome stood staring after him.

That stupid wolf, how dare he touch Kagome like that? Inu Yasha thought to himself as he too watched the tornado drop out of existence.

"Well, we should get going," piped in Miroku. "The sun is almost set, and I for one am famished."

"Me, too," squeaked Shippou from his newest perch on Kirara's head.

"Fine, let's go," Inu Yasha growled and led the way up the path. He didn't look back, he knew the rest would be following soon. He could sense Kagome staring at him, she was probably wondering if he was annoyed by Kouga's little scene. Well he was annoyed, but what could he do? He'd all but blown Kagome off for Kikyou all those times. Why should he be able to stop Kagome if she chose Kouga over him? It was her choice after all.

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Kagome watched Inu Yasha walk quickly up the hill. She knew he was not upset by Julia's words, if anything he was probably grinning ear to ear on the inside for what she said to Kouga. It was the typical silly jealousy that he was upset over. What do I have to do to make him understand that I don't have any interest in Kouga?

"Kagome," came a voice from her side, "is he okay?" It was Julia, and the 'he' that she referred to was indicated by an outstretched finger pointing to Inu Yasha.

"Yes," Kagome replied. "He just doesn't like it when Kouga is…friendly."

"I think I'll catch up to Inu Yasha. Shippou, why don't you come with me?" Miroku said as he grabbed the small kit from Kirara.

"But I-" Shippou started to complain, but was cut short by Miroku picking up his pace to catch up to Inu Yasha. He must understand the need for girl talk. He really could be sweet when he wanted to, now if only he could stop being such a letch…

"What was that all about?" asked Sango as they started to walk in the direction their male companions had gone.

"I think Miroku wanted to give us a chance to talk," answered Kagome.

"About what?" she asked.

"I asked Kagome why Inu Yasha was upset?" replied Julia.

"Oh," was all Sango said.

"Kouga has it in his head that I am, as he puts it, 'his woman'," explained Kagome. "He really is a nice guy, and I am afraid I may have used his affections to make Inu Yasha jealous on occasion," she admitted. She didn't like that she did, but she knew she had.

"What do you mean?" asked Julia.

"Well, you see," she began, and then explained who Kikyou was, how they first met Kouga, some of the adventures they had together, and the jealousy that Inu Yasha always displayed afterwards each time that the wolf and Kagome met. "I think that we've all been through enough that Kouga knows I really do only care for Inu Yasha, but he continues to be…overly sweet."

"I see," was all the older girl said. What must she be thinking? thought Kagome. This woman who was able to speak her mind to Sesshoumaru, and put all the guys in their places? I must really look like a silly school girl to her…

"Have you told Kouga that you think of him only as a friend?"

"Well," she had, hadn't she? "I …well, when we first met I denied being his woman."

"But, have you actually told him that you don't see him in your future?" persisted Julia.

"No…I guess I haven't," Kagome admitted rather sheepishly.

"Now that Inu Yasha no longer has to keep his oath to Kikyou, I'm sure he will want to hold on to you more, and perhaps seeing you so friendly with Kouga is causing his confidence in your love to dwindle," explained Julia. Kagome nodded, seeing the other girl's logic.

"Julia," Sango suddenly asked, "how do you do it?"

"Do what?"

"Speak your mind so freely, especially to the men?"

"I," Julia looked confused for a moment, "I don't know. I guess I'm just not used to being talked down to. In our time," she motioned to Kagome and herself, "women and men are treated as equals," she smiled, "or at least that is the idea of how things are supposed to be. Sometimes we have to fight for that equality, but we usually get it." Sango looked to Kagome for confirmation, and her friend nodded. What Julia said was true - that was the way it was in their time.

"However," continued Julia, "I have the added problem of letting the words out of my mouth before I think them over." She smiled then, and Kagome smiled with her.

"But, I think you are right about Inu Yasha and Sesshoumaru working together." Kagome brought up, using Julia's comment to change the subject away from her guy problems. "The problem is there is so much bad blood there, and they are both so stubborn."

"It's true," agreed Sango, "I don't see the two of them working together anytime soon."

"I see," replied Julia, a wry smile playing across her face. What is she thinking? wondered Kagome. "Come on, let's catch up to the boys. I'm getting pretty hungry, too."

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The wolves had made their den behind the curtain of a waterfall that overlooked the valley. After a quick dinner Hakaku and Ginta, apparently two of Kouga's most trusted warriors, began to share tales of their great adventures with the rest of the pack, at times acting out scenes from some of their more exciting adventures. Julia laughed along with the others at their antics, but soon felt the need for some fresh air. Rising, she slipped out of the cave as quietly as possible and came to stand at the cliff's edge where she could see the valley below her bathed in moonlight. She never got tired of the scenery here - every time she got a chance she'd stop and enjoy it. A gust blew down the side of the mountain carrying drops of the falling water, causing a chill to run down her spine. She hugged herself and rubbed her arms to get warm again.

"The falls make the air up here much cooler," said a low voice behind her. Turning, Julia saw Kouga coming out from behind the watery veil. "If you are cold the fire inside is still burning."

"No," Julia shook her head, "I was only momentarily chilled. I'm fine now," she stated and dropped her arms for emphasis. Looking at him she began to feel bad about her words earlier. "Look, Kouga, I'm sorry about what I said earlier…" she started and walked over to him. "I have a tendency to let my mouth run away with me."

"What you said was the truth," replied Kouga, shaking his head slowly. "I know that Inu Yasha and the humans mean well. They have saved my life many times and I'd like to say the same is true for the reverse, but I know it is not. Even with these shards I am not a match for him," Kouga said as he walked slowly over to the edge of the cliff, "and Inu Yasha has something that I can never have." He turned and looked at Julia with sad eyes. "Kagome." He gave a sad smile then and turned back to viewing the valley.

"Kouga, I-"

"The reason I am telling you this is because you spoke plainly enough to me that I will give you the same courtesy." He turned back to her before continuing. "I care about Kagome, I would do anything to see that she is happy, and it kills me to know that she only has feelings for a man that gave his heart away a long time ago. Inu Yasha deserves her love about as much as I deserve their friendship." Julia was spellbound by the intensity of his bright blue eyes. Was this the same arrogant man from earlier now speaking with such conviction?

"I was wrong, Kouga." She smiled at him, and explained. "You do deserve their friendship, but I haven't known the others long enough to know if Inu Yasha deserves Kagome." As she spoke, a smirk grew on Kouga's face.

"And how did you come to be in their company?" asked Kouga, clearly trying to move past their earlier subject.

"It is just like Kagome told you earlier - I have a jewel shard that Naraku would like to get his hands on," she explained quickly, hoping he would not want more.

"But, where do you come from? As I said before you do not look like any human I have ever seen." Damn. Why can't he just drop it?

"Julia?" a voice called out to her from inside the cave.

"Out here," she called back, grateful for the interruption.

"Oh, I wondered where you had gone off to," said Kagome as she came out from behind the veil. "You, too, Kouga - Hakaku and Ginta were re-enacting the daring rescue you made from that hair monster." Kagome smiled at them both.

"Well, we better go make sure they are getting it right," the wolf stated, the arrogance back in his voice, as he put an arm around Kagome and led her back inside. Julia watched them go for a moment, hoping that Kagome was making the right choice in standing by Inu Yasha. Kagome was right about Kouga knowing her true feelings, but did she really know what Kouga's were? Kagome calling to Julia again brought her out of her thoughts and she hurried in after them.

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A/N: Didn't know Kouga had a softer side did ya…okay maybe you did if you saw the episode about the hair monster that I mentioned above…and no, I don't mean Yura…

Reviews are always welcome…always…no really…review please….