A/N: Sorry, it isn't good, but I'm not feeling too well. And I'm more focused on Flowers and DG lately, so yeah.

Better Version

The inutachi was walking down a path leading through a thick forest to a small fishing village by a lake. A village that was soon going to be tricked into letting in a group of youkai and supply free food and lodging for the whole gang in return for a totally unnecessary exorcism from a - for some reason spiritually gifted - monk with a knack for fraud.

"Alright, what should it be this time?" Miroku asked his friends.

"A kappa!" Shippou exclaimed from Kagome's shoulder, his tail waving in excitement.

"It makes sense, it's close to water," Sango nodded.

"It could be a frog, like that one we fought with Inuyasha," Kagome put a finger to her chin and suddenly stopped. "Uh, guys..."

At the same time she spoke, Inuyasha turned around and growled. A few seconds later their odd behavior was explained when a whirlwind approached them and stopped near the miko, revealing a wolf youkai.

"Hey, Kagome," Kouga greeted. "How are you?"

"She isn't- Eh?" Inuyasha stared at the wolf, who for once didn't grab Kagome's hands or make lovely-dove eyes at her. He didn't even call her his woman. When the whole group looked at the wolf in confusion and Kagome tried to reply, a soul stealer flew from the sky.

Both Inuyasha and Kagome stared at it, for a moment forgetting Kouga was there. After the first one came a whole flock of them, carrying Kikyou and planting her gently on the dirt road.

"So... Uh, Kagome... That will be awkward..." Kouga said sheepishly. "But, you know, you never were too much into ditching the dog and, well... We met," he gestured to the other miko. "And we talked... And... Uh. Our relationship wasn't really that great anyway..."

"We came here to inform you that we joined forces," Kikyou said evenly.

"What?" Inuyasha's jaw almost hit the ground.

"We had the impression you weren't interested in teaming up with others?" Sango asked.

"Kouga is better suited to act as my partner than anyone of you and we have things in common," Kikyou shrugged. "He wants revenge, like I do."

"I can assure you we all have strong reasons to hunt Naraku," Miroku lifted his hand.

"Yeah, but in contrast to dog face I can keep up with Kikyou," Kouga said proudly.

"Keh, because you have shards in your legs," the hanyou grumbled.

"Anyway, Kikyou is willing to be with me, so... Sorry, Kagome, you're cool and stuff, but she's... Uh... Stronger and pretties..." Kouga tried to explain to the girl why he had chosen another. "And she can sesnse the jewel shards too!"

He expected tears, shouting and insults. What he didn't expect was a warm smile - directed at both Kikyou and him - and a nod.

"I'm glad for you two," she said. "Naraku grew so strong lately, it's just right to travel and fight him in teams. I always worried one of you would get hurt and there would be no one to tend your wounds."

"This is nice of you," Kikyou said with a kind smile. "You have many flaws, but at least you have a true miko goodness in you. But there is no need to concern yourself with our well-being. Especially when you and your group are following the way leading straight to the lair of a dragon."

And with that she let her soul collectors lift her again. Kouga waited a minute for her to reach the treetops before he ran after her.

"Heard it? There's a dragon there!" Shippou exclaimed. "Way better than a measly kappa!"

Miroku and Sango looked between Kagome scowling after Kikyou for her comment and Inuyasha, who had been pretty quiet during the whole exchange.

"Keh! I can handle a dragon just fine! Come, you weak humans, we have better things than stand in the middle of wolf stink cloud!"

"I guess..." Sango started. "We better follow him... But... I expected..."

"You heard the guy, let's go!" Kagome said and ran after the hanyou.