'I've decided,' Shiyou declared to his pack, 'that this jewel shard will do us much good, and if all goes as designed we will have many more such miracles to come.' That rotten wolf demon ought to be dead by now. He's more jewel shards, I know. 'Kouji, Min, come.' Two horse demons, one a tall, lean male with blue eyes and pale hair, the other a shorter female with green eyes and dark brown hair cut short, rose from where the others sat and joined Shiyou as he turned to leave.

As morning approached, Inuyasha seriously considered leaving the wolf youkai on his own. This way he could travel at what speed pleased him and he wouldn't have to deal with Shiyou. Kagome would hate me forever if she thought I let the bastard die. Of course, an end to his aggravating insults might be worth it. It was then that Kouga awoke. 'You'll never find her at this rate,' were the first words from his mouth.

'We're staying put for another day,' Inuyasha informed him, trying hard to ignore the demon's attitude.

'Not on my account, I hope.'

Inuyasha stared at him for a moment, then nodded. Kouga made for a good excuse not to travel.

'You can't be serious. I'm perfectly fine.' Kouga got slowly to his feet, swaggering a bit.

'You can hardly stand, let alone walk.'

'I can run!'

The inu hanyou rolled his eyes and sighed inwardly. He couldn't very well let Kouga think he had reason for holding things up. Kouga didn't know yet about this night, and at least if he did he didn't remember. Inuyasha decided he wouldn't risk it.

'So,' Inuyasha questioned some time later, 'where are your pack mates? Did they just abandon you?'

'No,' Kouga said sharply. 'I told them to remain where they were and that I would return when I was ready. That they didn't come looking for me shows they know what it means when a real leader gives orders.'

'If you say so,' Inuyasha said absent-mindedly. He tried to keep Kouga rambling... maybe then he wouldn't notice the dismal expression on the hanyou's face. She had better appreciate this, Inuyasha thought. Well, if nothing else, at least she can't 'osuwari' me any more. He sighed. This is just what she wants, I bet... for me to keep thinking of her. It's driving me crazy.

The two hadn't gone more than a mile or so when Kouga made up his mind to rest. 'I know what I said,' he snapped at Inuyasha who had idly pointed out his earlier statement. 'I can run!.'

The hanyou sat down, tired of waiting for Kouga and nodded off in the unusual quiet. He awoke to the scent of an unfamiliar demon. Inuyasha stood and tried, unsuccessfully to find its source. Kouga looked up at the hanyou, and silently cursed. 'Well, I'm feeling rested,' the wolf demon said untruthfully. 'We'd best be going now.'

Inuyasha glanced at Kouga half expecting to find the word 'liar' written across his face, but fortunately for Kouga and unfortunately for Inuyasha, the wolf youkai was decent with lies. 'You can't-' he started, then trailed off, finding this effort hopeless.

Kouga got to his feet with some difficulty and started in the direction opposite Shiyou's scent.

'You know, I'd rather finish off whatever demon might be following us before dark.'

'Wouldn't you have an advantage in the dark what with you being a mutt-face and all,' Kouga suggested.

'Why wait until dark? I can smell him close... I'm going.' Inuyasha paused, sniffed the air, and made his way south, careful not to be seen as an easy target.

'Damn mutt,' Kouga muttered under his breath as he limped after the Inuyasha.

As Inuyasha approached a plot of land, buried in boulders he found himself eavesdropping in on a quiet conversation.

'He's heading west, and slowly at that. A surprise attack tonight would serve him right. No doubt his senses are down. Min, did you bring the potion.'

Inuyasha peered around a particularly jagged rock. A dark haired horse demon nodded, pulled a vile from her tunic and waved it at the who seemed to be the leader before placing back in its hidden pocket.

'What reasons have you following us... me,' queried Inuyasha, stepping out into plain view.

'What, if you don't mind my asking, do you want?' said the leader of the three.

'None of your damn business,' he growled as he pulled Tetsusaiga from it sheath.

'Ooo, I'm shivering... Kouji, do catch me if I faint. You're but a mere half-breed, Inuyasha.'

Inuyasha's eyes widened. He knows who I am?

'Sesshoumaru has told me much of you.'

'Wait. How do you know Sesshoumaru?'

'The time for talk has passed, mutt-face,' said the female in a soft voice while twirling her fingers around her tail.

'See. Now you sound like Kouga and anyone on that bastards level is bound-' Inuyasha was cut off by a blow to the head. He pivoted on the spot, blinking back tears. 'What the hell! That was a cheap hit.'

'Shame,' came Shiyou's voice again, 'that attack usually works. Kouji, you're losing your touch.'

'You're awful loud-mouthed for someone who hasn't hit me yet!'

'Well, that might be because I haven't tried.'

'That's it! WIND SCAR!'

Shiyou dodged the attack, Min fell unconscious, and Inuyasha lost sight of Kouji. I've got to find him. Another attack from behind like that might send me reeling. Inuyasha perked his ears up at a rustling in the tall grass behind him. They aren't too good at this. Inuyasha flew towards the quiet swishing of grass. 'WIND SCAR!... Wind scar?' Why the hell isn't it working? Damn, the sunset!

'Look what you've done,' Shiyou stated in an exasperated way. 'Hear me now. You will not do well to know that we have indeed become enemies.' He scooped Min up into his arms. 'We will meet again. I leave you to Kouji for now and if you should survive, give Kouga my regards.'

Kouji, Kouji... damn it all, where is he? Inuyasha sighed as the sun sank behind the horizon.