Disclaimer: The characters of InuYasha are not mine; they are property of Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV, Sunrise, and Viz. The following story is for entertainment and not profit.
Chapter 4: Unwelcome Guests
"Isn't she though."
He fought the growl that began to rise in his throat to maintain his icy demeanor. "Why do you follow me, Kagura?"
"My, my, but you are egotistical, aren't you?" Kagura replied stepping from her hiding place behind a tree. "It is not you that I was sent here to watch."
Sesshomaru remained motionless, "So she is the one that he was attempting to abduct."
Kagura stiffened fearing that she may have revealed too much to the demon lord.
The soft swish of silk caught her by surprise. "You had best be off if you are to follow your master's wishes, Kagura. They prepare to leave."
It took Kagome longer than she had anticipated to pack her supplies and get back to the feudal era. She had spent most of her time apologizing for leaving without saying goodbye even though her mother told her that they understood. While packing, Kagome told Mrs. Higaroshi about chasing Naraku through modern Tokyo and the girl that he had kidnapped and dragged back through the well.
"Perhaps you should bring her some clothes for your journey, dear, if all she has is a light robe?" Kagome felt stupid for not thinking of it before. After packing the extra clothes, she was off.
Kagome tossed the first of her packs out of the well to land in the unexpecting lap of a dozing hanyou. "Hey, watch it!"
"Sorry, Inu Yasha," she said taking the hand that he offered to help her over the ledge.
"Yeah, just watch it next time." Picking up the extra bundle he led her back to the village.
Kagura shadowed the small band for three days before anything worth reporting occurred. The exterminator appeared to have taken an interest in the strange girl, making use of any spare moment to train her in using both Hiraikotsu and the katana. Kagura wondered if Naraku would be prepared; the girl was a quick learner. On the third day Kagura sensed the approach of another demon and it wasn't long before the half-breed sensed it too.
Inu Yasha sniffed the air before letting out a low growl; this was just what he needed. "What is it, Inu Yasha?" Kagome asked reaching for her bow as she noticed his tense. The others followed her lead and prepared to face the unknown demon.
Naosu scooped up the kitsune and disappeared into the nearby trees. As they had set out in search of jewel shards Kagome had asked her to see to the safety of the kit. Naosu had been touched by the gesture of trust. Inu Yasha hadn't been so sure, but had shrugged it off with his usual "feh." If the brat couldn't defend himself against a human female that would be his problem.
Inu Yasha continued to growl as he moved to place himself between Kagome and the approaching demon. Kagome felt the jewel shards that it carried moving in on their position with a familiar speed. She felt her muscles relax as the whirling dust cloud that accompanied Kouga came to a stop at the edge of the camp.
"Ah and how is my woman?" He asked as he attempted to brush by the still tensed hanyou like he wasn't there.
"She's not your woman, you mangy wolf," Inu Yasha growled, as he cracked his knuckles in an attempt to intimidate the youki leader.
"Inu Yasha," Came Kagome's cold voice over his shoulder in warning. The last thing she needed right now was another one of their fights for possession and dominance.
Reluctantly, Inu Yasha backed away from the wolf demon. "What are you doing here?"
Kouga gave him a smug smile. "I have come to speak to MY woman…privately!"
Inu Yasha opened his mouth to object, but found himself silenced by a gentle hand on his shoulder. "It's okay, Inu Yasha."
He turned his questioning eyes on Kagome as she stepped out from behind him and moved to stand next to Kouga. Her expression didn't waiver. "Stay."
Kouga smirked, but bit back his intended remark when he caught the warning look in Kagome's eyes. Without another word, he reached for her hand and led her away from the camp. Inu Yasha stood, unmoving, with crossed arms. So long as they stayed within sight he would remain here. Sango and Miroku returned to packing up the campsite and dousing the fire.
Naosu crouched at the base of a tree, Shippo just out of sight over her head. When he had realized that the approaching demon had only been Kouga, Shippo had told Naosu that there was no real danger. As they were about to head back, they noticed Kagome and the wolf demon moving their way. Naosu stopped with a mischievous glint in her eye that the young fox recognized. She had helped him back into the tree and quickly got out of sight herself. Shippo had smiled, spying was always more fun with a friend, not to mention it made for a better cover story.
"What is it Kouga?" Kagome asked, concerned at his seriousness.
"Don't tell the mutt, okay."
Kagome nodded as he held out his hand. In his palm lay two jewel shards.
Smiling sadly at his, she felt she had to ask, "Are you sure?"
"Don't worry about me. I would rather you have them and see you smile." His other hand moved to caress her cheek. Kagome leaned into his touch.
Placing the shards carefully in her hand, Kouga curled her fingers over them. "When you defeat Naraku our tribe will be avenged." He smirked warmly at her, "After all, you are my woman and sister of the wolf tribe."
Before she could object, he had pressed his lips to the side of her face. As he withdrew her empty hand flew to her cheek which had become flushed. She watched as he took off back the way he had come, still a whirl of dust, but slightly slower.