Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha! I do own Koneko AKA Kitty, and the plot, and story line... There. I said it. (sighs)

"Talking"

"Thinking"

Scene change...

Chapter 7:

This chapter is dedicated to all my reviewers for this story!:)

Thank you to BankotsuLover09, Yuti-Chan, and Mayan for the suggestions!:)

Chapter 12:

Kikyo staring at her replied, "I shall accompany you to the castle. I have business to be settled there."

Kitty nodded and questioned, "So I was correct after all then?" Kikyo understanding the question nodded. Kitty not surprised said, "Very well."

Kikyo walked over to stand next to Sesshomaru. He looked from her to Kitty nodding and they set off again. Again the groups traveled in silence most wondering what Kitty and Kikyo had confirmed.

Two miles away from the castle the group was quickly besieged by a large hoard of various kinds of demons coming from all directions.

Kitty quickly jumped off of Kirara and released her Hiraiku, slicing through the first wave from the west. Sango did the same for the east wave. Inuyasha whipped out his sword and used his wind scar blasting a big group from the north.

Kikyo and Kagome used their sacred arrows to take out a bunch of demons. Bankotsu and Sesshomaru took out some of the bigger, more powerful demons. Miroku and Hakkaku remained nearby and protected the demon slayer's backs. Koga charged blindly into battle with another group from the south swiping with his claws.

Panting Kitty scowled griping, "This is really getting on my last nerve!" Jumping back into the air she released her Hiraiku and took out another group, then jumped in the air to catch it as well as to avoid a snake demon that had tried to strike her below at the same time.

Kagome spotting the snake demon quickly notched and shot an arrow that purified the snake demon.

Grateful Kitty yelled, "Thanks, Kags," and smiling Kagome nodded at her.

The battle continued for several intense minutes until the all the demon masses suddenly retreated. Tsubaki stepped forward in her gray and purple robe looking at Kikyo with hatred in her eyes and said, "Well, Kikyo, you have come after all I see."

Kikyo notched an arrow commanding coolly, "Tsubaki, This is between us now. You will die today!" she vowed while glaring at her with eyes full of hatred.

Tsubaki cackled and responded, "I will not be so easily defeated, Kikyo!" taunting her arch rival from the days of their youth.

Kikyo narrowed her eyes at her and said, "We shall see." as she notched a second arrow.

Inuyasha glanced around for Kikyo and saw the exchange. He became worried and yelled, "Kikyo!"

Kikyo not taking her eyes off of Tsubaki ordered, "Stay back, Inuyasha! This is my task and mine alone."

Kitty faced Inuyasha and nodded stating seriously, "This is a battle for the two of them alone. Inuyasha, its best not to interfere."

Inuyasha begrudgingly backed down but wasn't happy about it. Sesshomaru faced the remainder of the group and instructed, "We should leave the two miko's to their battle and continue to the castle." With that Sesshomaru spun on his heel and walked towards the castle.

Kitty looking at everyone said, "Follow Sesshomaru." She quickly followed after Sesshomaru as did Bankotsu all of them with their weapons at hand. Sango and Miroku looked at each other confused then followed after them. Inuyasha and Kagome stayed with Kikyo a minute hesitating to leave.

Tsubaki seeing this released a demon towards Inuyasha and Kagome. Kikyo quickly shot an arrow purifying the demo. She spun around and glared at Inuyasha and Kagome demanding, "Leave now, both of you." She had no patience for wasting time with the two of them interfering in her battle.

Kagome bowing her head walked towards the castle and Inuyasha reluctantly followed with his head bowed as well.

With Kikyo and Tsubaki:



Kikyo shot an arrow at Tsubaki and barely missed. Tsubaki's eyes widened in surprise. Kikyo glaring at her said warningly, "I am not as weak as you seem to think, Tsubaki. I warned you not to mess with Inuyasha again!" Kikyo then notched and shot three more arrows rapidly pinning Tsubaki to a tree by the clothing close to her shoulders.

Tsubaki's face became shocked and her breathing hitched. "How?" she thought staring at the tree unable to move. Kikyo approached Tsubaki and yanked her back by the hair saying angrily, "Now you will pay."

Kikyo slammed Tsubaki's face into the tree, then spun her around tearing her robes and pulled out her dagger shoving it into Tsubaki's stomach burying it to the hilt. Tsubaki choked out grinned weakly. "Fool! You can't...kill me...like that…"

Deciding to take this to higher grounds Tsubaki cackled and stared at Kikyo informing her, "We shall finish this at the castle!" She then vanished into thin air calling on her tricks now that the sacred arrows had been removed from her clothing. Kikyo disgusted turned and walked towards the castle.

With the others:


They had fought their way to the castle gates and Inuyasha impatient to get inside used the wind scar to blow down the gate door. They all proceeded inside on their guards and ready for trouble. Behind them lay the carcasses of defeated demons and the ground bleed red from the torrent of demonic blood it had absorbed.

More demons came out of the castle and attacked the group. The battle ensued again with everyone fighting and after a few minutes all the demons were vanquished. Sesshomaru ran inside the castle with Tokijin drawn. Bankotsu followed with Banryu ready.

Tsubaki appeared inside the gate and cackled evilly. Kikyo appeared and released several arrows pinning Tsubaki to the wall, before storming over to her and grabbed a fist full of hair yanking her up to her face by her hair. Kikyo viciously began slamming Tsubaki's face into the wall. She notched another arrow and stated, "It's time to finish this, Tsubaki." She stepped back and released a purifying arrow.

It sailed through the air sinking straight through Tsubaki's black heart. Tsubaki screamed in agony while the demons inside her were all purified. The now again human Tsubaki's eyes rolled back into her head and her body went limp.

Kikyo waited to ensure she was truly dead then walked over to Kitty holding her gaze and mentioned, "I have done what I came for."

Holding her firm gaze Kitty nodded. Kikyo silently turned on her heel and walked off disappearing into the thick dark woods.

Kitty faced the remainder of the group and suggested, "We should go see what Sesshomaru has found." Hefting her Hiraiku onto her back with one hand over her shoulder and ran inside the castle to join Sesshomaru and Bankotsu. Inuyasha stood there torn wanting to go after Kikyo.

Kagome seeing Inuyasha's torn look bowed her head ready to cry. Sango seeing this walked over to Kagome and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. She looked into her eyes and softly suggested, "Come on Kagome, we should follow the others."

Kagome sighed heavily and nodded. She looked at Inuyasha asking softly, "Inuyasha...?" trying to hold back her tears.

Inuyasha eyes still looking at the forest, commanded evenly, "Go on inside, Kagome. I will be there in a minute." turning to face the woods effectively dismissing her.

Kagome sighed heavily and walked dejectedly into the castle looking sad barely holding back her tears. Miroku and Sango shook their heads sadly and followed her. Koga whose heart broke at the sight of Kagome in such misery angrily slapped Inuyasha upside the head glared at him and yelled, "What the fuck is your problem you damn mutt!? What do you have to treat my poor Kagome so badly!?"

Inuyasha glaring back, growled, "Back off wolf!" amber eyes hard and unforgiving.

Koga seethed, "You are too damn stupid to see you are hurting my Kagome! You stupid pathetic mutt!" over come with outrage that Inuyasha could hurt Kagome so badly and still be blind to it, Koga slapped Inuyasha upside the head again and stormed off into the castle. Inuyasha growled and swung around to punch the irritating wolf but was too late as Koga had already left in search of Kagome.

Hakkaku sadly followed Koga inside the castle. Inuyasha stayed there staring where Kikyo had gone another minute then turned and walked inside the castle feeling abandoned.

Inside the castle:



Koga found a sobbing Kagome and walked up to Kagome pulling her into a comforting hug. Kagome was surprised, she looked into his eyes and asked, "Koga, what...?"

Holding her gaze, he cut her off saying, "Forget the stupid mutt, Kagome. He isn't worth your tears." Kagome sagged into Koga and let her tears fall freely. Koga growled angrily and held her close letting the woman cry into his chest.

He thought, "Why, Kagome? Why can't you just return my feelings and forget that ignorant mutt!?" growling angrily and held her closer. After a few minutes he felt her pull back slightly and looked down at her face.

Kagome smiled at Koga and said, "Thanks, Koga. We should go join the others now though, they probably need our help." Koga nodded scooping the startled Kagome into his arms and ran over to where he could smell the others. He arrived and ever so gently lowered Kagome to her feet.

Bankotsu was fighting a large demon and Kitty was fighting off another one while Sesshomaru had the king by the throat pinned against the wall. Sango had just reclaimed her Hiraikotsu, when she spotted Koga and Kagome and said, "It's about time you got here." Koga immediately jumped into the fray claws first. Kitty killed her demon and grabbing her weapon ran over to Kagome's side.

Bankotsu jumped to dodge an attack and used his Banryu to slice down the demon cutting it in half with a sickening tearing sound as the flesh split.

Sesshomaru glared at the man he was holding and demanded, "Either tell me where Naraku is now or perish."

Nenji eyes full of fear, choked out, "I...I..." too afraid to speak.

Sesshomaru's other hand came up into the man's face and began to glow green as he prepared to kill the man. He growled, "Last chance, you worthless human!" he was seriously tired of the man stalling.

Nenji nervously gulped and answered, "He's in the mountains behind the castle, that's all I know!" trying frantically to free himself from the demons grasp.

Sesshomaru growled and tossed Nenji into the wall behind him. Swiveling to face the others he said, "We are heading to the mountains!" Everyone nodded and they set out. The castle now lay abandoned littered with the bodies of destroyed demons and humans.

With Inuyasha:

Inuyasha sensed something so he turned to look at the sky. After looking into the sky and seeing Kikyo's soul collectors in the sky, he turned and looked towards the castle saying sadly, "Forgive me Kagome."He quickly spun around and ran back outside taking off into the forest to search for his beloved Kikyo.

With Sesshomaru and the others:



Sesshomaru walked off, Kitty and Bankotsu followed. Sango and Kagome followed with Miroku, Hakkaku, and Koga bringing up the rear. The group feeling the toll of their recent battles stopped and Koga announced, "We might as well find a place to rest. I will stay up tonight."

Kitty said, "I agree. Those mountains are still a good four or five days minimum walk away, and that was a big battle." while staring into the direction of the mountains.

Bankotsu concerned for his girlfriend's health after being poisoned and now all these battles and knowing better then to order her to rest added, "Yeah, we humans need to rest and recoup." amusement in his eyes.

Sango looked at the group and said, "Yeah, besides, I am getting kind of hungry." Her stomach growled causing everyone to laugh until their stomachs also rumbled.

Miroku nodded at her and agreed, "Yeah, so am I." enjoying the blush in her cheeks.

Sesshomaru looked at the humans and sighed heavily. He wasn't happy about it but he sensed the humans were too tired for another big battle just yet. He said, "Very well, I will also remain up tonight in case of any surprise attacks."

Kitty knowing this wasn't easy for him to be so patient walked over and hugged Sesshomaru saying, "Thanks, Sesshy-kun."

Sesshomaru returned the hug and looked at her commanded in a no-nonsense voice, "Make certain you rest tonight, Kitty." He too was concerned for her health but wouldn't voice it in front of the others.

Kitty looked at him nodding and promised, "I will." knowing that he was trying to maintain his cool composure in front of their audience.

They continued walking until they found an enormous cave and started making camp, where Kagome began digging a fire pit and made a fire. Koga went hunting and sent Hakkaku for the water.

Hakkaku returned with the water and Koga returned with plenty of meat. Kagome made stew for everyone and doled it out. After eating Kitty stood up and faced Kagome saying, "Thank you Kagome, that was good. Now I'm feeling drained, night all." as she smiled at the group.

Sesshomaru looked right at her saying, "Goodnight Koneko."

Bankotsu stood up and walked over to Kitty looking into her eyes and queried, "You feeling alright?" allowing his concern to show in his azure eyes.

Kitty smiled at him and replied, "Yeah, just really tired." reaching up to cup his cheek she moved up on her tip toes and gave him a brief kiss on the lips.

Bankotsu pressed his firm lips against hers briefly then pulled back nodding and instructed, "Get some sleep then." his blue gaze softening just a little.

She laid out her blankets with his help and crawled under the blanket closing her eyes. Bankotsu kissed her forehead tenderly then stood up and went to join the others.

Kagome stared off towards the castle sadly. Sango noticed this and soothed, "Don't worry, Kagome. Inuyasha can take care of himself."

Kagome replied dryly, "That's not what I am worried about." looking into her friend's eyes.

Sango nodded saying softly, "I know..." it tore at her inside to know her friend was suffering because Inuyasha was too much of a coward to pick one or the other.

Bankotsu sat down and hearing their exchange frowned asking, "Where is that damn half breed anyways? I wonder what is taking him so long?" thinking he should have arrived by now.

Kagome unable to bear it any longer stood up. She walked over to and sat in a corner by herself and Sango followed after her. Miroku sighed heavily and informed everyone, "It appears that once again Inuyasha has gone after Lady Kikyo."

Koga released an angry growl and snapped, "That stupid mutt!" anger and frustration evident in his deep blue eyes.

Sesshomaru huffed, "That ignorant half breed. He is always running after that dead priestess." golden eyes glancing at the Miko and wondering what she saw in his brother anyway.

Miroku stormy blue eyes saddened for his friend's distress nodded saying, "Alas, sad but true."

Koga sat there staring towards Kagome wondering how to help her.

With Kikyo:



Kikyo sensing Inuyasha's aura, faced him asking, "Inuyasha, tell me- why did you follow me instead of going with your friends?"

Inuyasha looked at her and questioned, "Ki... Kikyo, why did you leave?" hurt and abandonment in his eyes.

Kikyo answered evenly, "I had completed my task." She had no idea where she stood with him anymore and that hurt.

Inuyasha taking a deep breath suggested, "Kikyo, you should travel with us."

Kikyo stared directly into his amber eyes and asked, "Inuyasha do you truly believe your companions would want me to join the group?" she doubted she'd be welcomed while her reincarnation was still there.

Inuyasha held her gaze and responded, "Of course they would! Kitty asked you to join us, so please stay with us Kikyo…. so that I can protect you." love clear in his eyes.

Kikyo reminded seriously, "Inuyasha, you need not protect me for I am already dead."

Inuyasha said fiercely, "Even so, Kikyo, you are still alive to me!" determination evident in his warm amber gaze.

Kikyo looked shocked then said, "Very well Inuyasha, I shall accompany you and your companions until Naraku is defeated." Inuyasha pleased grinned and nodded. The two turned and walked back towards the castle side by side.

After sniffing around at the castle Inuyasha followed his nose to the cave. He and Kikyo stood just outside.

Inside the cave:



Koga was sitting beside Hakkaku. Kagome, Sango, and Miroku were sitting together off in a corner. Bankotsu sat leaning his back against one wall and Sesshomaru the other.

Inuyasha entered the cave. As soon as Kagome saw him her face and eyes lit up. She rose to her feet saying happily, "Inuyasha, I was so worried about you."

Inuyasha scoffed saying, "Teh! I can take care of myself!" Kikyo stepped inside and everyone stared at her then got really quiet. Inuyasha informed the party happily, "Kikyo is going to be traveling with us from now on." while gazing from one person to the next.

Kikyo looked at them and added calmly, "Until Naraku is destroyed."

Kagome looked stricken and slowly sank down quietly. Sesshomaru noticed this and said, "Hn."

Bankotsu also noticed the younger miko's actions then stood up and shrugged moving to sit beside Kitty, who utterly exhausted was sleeping peacefully.

Koga noticed Kagome's face and moved to sit beside her. Inuyasha seeing this, stared at the wolf and ordered, "Hey, wolf! You stay away from Kagome!"

Kagome upset and hurt snapped her head up and glared at Inuyasha as she angrily snapped, "Shut up, Inuyasha! You have Kikyo," looking away as tears filled her eyes.

Koga draped an arm around Kagome in a clumsy effort to comfort her. Inuyasha glared daggers at Koga and growled low in warning. Koga snapping his eyes to Inuyasha's glared back. Kikyo looked at Inuyasha commanding, "Inuyasha, leave the wolf and the girl alone."

Inuyasha looked from Kikyo to Kagome a few times and sat down sulking beside Kikyo. Kagome sighed heavily and stood up moving closer to Sango and sat beside her.

Sango looked at her sadly and suggested, "Let's go lie down, Kagome. We should sleep while we can." Kagome nodded mutely and stood up. The girls walked over to a spot by the back of the cave and bed down together. Miroku disgusted with Inuyasha's lack of concern for poor Kagome shook his head stood up joining the girls.

Sesshomaru gazing from Inuyasha to Koga ordered, "Inuyasha, Koga, stop your bickering over a mere girl." Koga and Inuyasha both glared at Sesshomaru.

Sesshomaru stared from one to the other and continued, "We need to let the humans rest up and then be on our way. Naraku is somewhere in the mountains, and they are a five day walk for the humans." Scowling at the bickering mongrels he added firmly, "You two will work this out before we reach the mountains or else, am I clear?"

Koga and Inuyasha glared at each other and then Sesshomaru. After a few minutes they both sat down and sulked. Hakkaku sat beside his esteemed leader Koga.

After things settled down, Bankotsu lay down beside Kitty stretching out and draped one arm over her sleeping form while the other was firmly on his Banryu. He inhaled deeply taking in Kitty's soothing scent. He relaxed and closed his eyes fading off to sleep. Inuyasha, and Kikyo sat beside one another. Sesshomaru sat against his wall shaking his head.

The next morning:



Kitty awoke with Bankotsu's arm draped possessively around her waist and smiled. She carefully removed Bankotsu's arm so as to try not to wake him and stood up. Bankotsu opened his eyes rolling over and looked up at her beautiful porcelain face softly demanding, "Where do you think you are going, Hm?"

Kitty realizing he was awake leaned down and kissed his cheek replying, "I'm going to start breakfast." smiling at him.

Bankotsu sighed nodding and stood to his feet. Kitty walked outside the cave and found Sesshomaru looking towards the mountains. He saw her and greeted, "Morning, Kitty."

Kitty smiled greeting, "Morning Sesshu." She walked around and gathered some of the wood then carried it to a good spot and started digging a pit before starting a fire.

Bankotsu walked out of the cave then over to Kitty and announced, "I will catch us some fish this morning." Kitty nodded gratefully. Bankotsu wadded into the river and caught plenty of fish throwing them on the river bank.

When he had decided he had caught enough for everybody he climbed out of the water gathering the fish and carried them over to Kitty handing them to her. Taking the fish she cooked them over the fire.

Everyone slowly awakened. Kitty looked over to where Kikyo and Inuyasha sat together and said, "I see Kikyo has decided to join us after all."

Sesshomaru raising a brow responded, "Hn."

Bankotsu looked into his lover's warm caramel gaze and mentioned, "May not be the wisest move though."

Kitty frowned and asked, "What makes you say that?" as she looked into the sapphire eyes of the man she loved so much.

Bankotsu held her gaze and replied, "Mutt face and wolf boy already argue over the other miko and last night the younger one seemed a bit upset by her being here." As he pointed to the dead priestess.

Kitty nodded and said, "I thought as much. I do hope the four of them can work things out, though. We could use Kikyo's help. Remember Naraku's human heart once loved Kikyo. She is his heart's weakness, although the heart is not with him." Sesshomaru turned to face the lovers and nodded.

Bankotsu informed every one seriously, "We should find his heart and destroy it first, then Naraku." eyes serious. It truly was the best strategy.

Kitty held his gaze and added, "True. However, I suspect his heart shouldn't be too hard to locate." Seeing their puzzled expressions she clarified, "The baby is his heart."

Remembering the creepy infant that had always given off a bad vibe, Bankotsu's eyes widened and he questioned, "You mean the baby that Hakudoshi protects?" ending with a shudder.

Kitty nodded answering, "That's the one!" eyes hard and worried.

Sango and Kagome awoke and exited the cave followed by Miroku and Koga. Kitty spotted them and greeted brightly, "Morning all."

Koga having over heard the conversation strolled over looking from one to the other and said, "So the heart is the key, eh?"

Kitty looked at him smiling politely and answered, "Of course! The main thing is we will need to regroup yet again and then split into two larger groups."

Sesshomaru gazed at her raising a brow and queried, "You are planning to have us wait even longer?" not sure he liked that idea.

Kitty sighed faced him and answered, "Our best shot is to regroup then split into two stronger groups. One goes after Naraku and the other after the heart." Pointing out the best tactical advantage they would likely get.

Miroku walked over adding, "That does make sense, but how will we know if one or the other has failed or become endangered?" looking at Kitty.

Kitty faced him answering confidentially, "Because one group will go with Kikyo and the other with me." Honestly splitting up the priestesses would ensure both of the group's safety.

Sango loped over and mentioned, "We have plenty of fighters, and only four healers." looking thoughtful for a moment.

Bankotsu looking at her and agreed, "Makes the most sense to split the healers into pairs." Everyone considered this and nodded their agreement.

Inuyasha and Kikyo walked over and joined the group. Kikyo faced them saying coolly, "I see where you are going with this. It is indeed our best shot. However all of us wish to defeat Naraku, so how do we do that if we are split into two groups?"

Kitty staring evenly at her answered, "Because in the end we are all still working together." Sighing she corrected herself thinking, "That is if they can work together."

Sesshomaru considering it stood to his feet and announced, "Very well Kitty, we shall do this your way. I will however be the one to face Naraku." he stated while looking from one member to the next.

Kikyo stated confidently, "I can find the heart." She didn't doubt for a minute that she could, she'd use her schicigami if need be and her soul collectors to search as well.

Inuyasha informed everyone firmly, "I will go with Kikyo." standing beside his dead love.

Bankotsu wrapping his arms around Kitty's waist from behind pulled her into him. He informed everyone calmly, "Kitty and I will go with Sesshomaru." Looking back at him Kitty nodded her agreement.

Kagome who was sitting beside Sango stood up and said, "I will go with Inuyasha."

Koga immediately jumped up and decreed, "I go with my Kagome!" eyes hard.

Kitty looked from Koga to Inuyasha, then from Kikyo to Kagome and demanded, "If you four do not work out your problems soon none of you will be going!" her normally warm caramel eyes now hard and deadly serious. She would not allow their jealousies to cost them the battle.

Sesshomaru agreed strongly, "Indeed, we will not have you four bickering and blowing this opportunity to be rid of Naraku!" as he also looked from one to the next.

Inuyasha scoffed and demanded, "Kagome stays with me and I go with Kikyo!" amber eyes hard and serious.

Koga faced him and declared, "I am staying with my Kagome! You mutt would be too distracted by your dead lover to properly protect her!"

Sesshomaru having had his fill of their bickering bellowed, "Enough!" while glaring at the two posturing males. If they didn't end their arguing soon… he would.

Kitty taking charge and pissed with the fighting began looking at the group and declared, "Now! Kagome, Inuyasha, Kikyo, Sango, and Kouga, along with his wolves and Miroku will all go together!" while looking at every one of them as she listed them off.

Bankotsu nodding added firmly, "Renkotsu, Suikotsu, and Jakotsu stay with me and Kitty!" eyeing his men.

Sesshomaru eyes hard and dead serious commanded, "Kitty stays with me- period!" in a voice that encouraged no arguments.

Kitty nodded her agreement and looking at Sango said, "Alright, so now we have the groups. Sango, your group's biggest problem will be Hakudoshi. He is a powerful fighter himself and will protect the heart to the best of his abilities." Sango nodded her understanding.

Inuyasha boasted, "Teh! I can take him no problem!" he'd faced Hakudoshi several times already and hadn't lost yet.

Kitty looked at Sesshomaru and informed the group, "Sesshu, and Ban's biggest worry will be Naraku and his guards. I will be fighting as well, but I will be the only healer in our group."

Bankotsu looked at the group sighing and reminded them, "Suikotsu is a doctor when needed so you won't be the only healer if it comes down to it." Kitty smiling nodded. Bankotsu stated, "So now we just wait for the others to catch up." Everyone quickly nodded.

Kitty looked from one person to the next and instructed, "Once we get a location on the heart, Sango's group will set off. At that time our group will head straight for Naraku! And of course once they have destroyed the heart, they will come to regroup with us again."

Sesshomaru scowling barked, "They had better." normally he wouldn't allow a woman to lead, however he knew from personal experience telling Kitty to learn her place only ended in a fierce battle and she was a fearsome warrior as any he had ever faced. Not in the mood for battling her on top of finishing off Naraku, he decided to let it go- for now.

Everyone nodded and settled in to wait for the others to arrive. Kitty and Kagome walked around gathering nuts and berries with Bankotsu close at hand. Koga and Hakaku caught the fish. Miroku dug cooked the fish over the fire as the women passed out the nuts and berries.

Everyone ate breakfast and spent the day cleaning their and preparing their weapons for battle, as well as discussing strategies. Just before dark Renkotsu, Ginta, Suikotsu, and Jakotsu all appeared.

Bankotsu stood up, "It's about time." He scowled and began informing his men of the new strategy and groups. Ginta and Hakaku were sent to hunt for the evening meal and returned with plenty of rabbits and boars to feed everyone.

During the evening meal everyone reviewed the groups and plans for a final time to insure no one would forget their part. Everyone agreed to head out at first light, so the wolves and humans settled in to sleep.

The three wolves bed down together on the out skirts of the camp. Kagome, Sango, and Miroku bed down together close to the fire. Kitty and Bankotsu slept cuddled to each other, with their weapons close at hand. Renkotsu, Suikotsu, and Jakotsu bed down together on the opposite side of the fire. Inuyasha, Kikyo, and Sesshomaru stayed up to keep watch.

The next morning:

An hour before sunrise Kitty and Bankotsu woke up cuddled together. They reluctantly disengaged from one another and stood to their feet. Sneaking off to the river to bathe, they spent some quality time together knowing they wouldn't get another chance until the battle was over and done with. Afterwards they returned to camp and Kitty started breakfast.

Bankotsu walked around waking up his brothers and ordered them to prepare to leave. Inuyasha did the same with his own group. Everyone ate breakfast and got ready to depart. Kikyo sat outside knowing full well they would all be heading out soon. Suikotsu walked over to Kikyo and said sweetly, "Lady Kikyo, It is a pleasure seeing you again." while smiling kindly at her.

Kikyo smiled at him and responded, "It is a pleasure to see you again as well, Dr. Suikotsu." kindness in her brown eyes.

Inuyasha seeing this and not one bit happy about it, growled yanking Kikyo up by the arm, and ordered barking angrily, "Stop flirting and start moving!" as he pushed her to walk in front of him. Kikyo shocked at his behavior mutely began walking.

Kagome watching this sighed and stood beside Sango waiting to leave. Koga also saw this and glanced over at Kagome catching her reaction to it. Seeing her sad expression he walked next to Kagome and gave her a friendly hug.

Needing comfort she turned into him and returned the hug. Inuyasha seeing this, glared at them and bellowed, "Hey wolf! Get your filthy paws off Kagome- now! Kagome get the hell away from that mangy wolf!" amber eyes set hard as stone as he glared from one to the other.

Kagome stiffened at Inuyasha's outburst then dropped her arms from Koga's waist. Koga released his hold on Kagome and spun around facing Inuyasha and barked, "Shut up, mutt! You have no right to tell my woman what to do," while glaring at him just as angrily.

Inuyasha growled angrily and started towards Koga. Sango and Miroku who saw this, shook their heads in disappointment. Kikyo calmly ordered, "Inuyasha leave the wolf and my reincarnation alone."

Inuyasha growled and sat down sulking. Kagome sat beside Sango as did Miroku. Koga stood beside Hakkaku and Ginta while glaring at Inuyasha, who glared right back at Koga.

Everyone sat down discussing how best to proceed with things. Bankotsu eyed the groups and informed them, "As far as finding the heart goes... If you find Hakudoshi, you can be sure the heart is close by. When we worked for him, Naraku always had Hakudoshi close to where the heart was."

Kitty nodded and mentioned, "It would make sense. Naraku would have that heart guarded by his most trusted and most powerful incarnation."

Sesshomaru eyed the groups and informed them, "Kagura said that Hakudoshi and the baby were once the same; they were split and one became the baby the other became Hakudoshi." Kitty already knowing this nodded again.

Inuyasha broke his glare from Koga and faced his brother, demanding, "How does she know that?" not sure if he would trust Kagura's words.

Jakotsu spoke up answering point blank, "Because she was there when they were split. At least that is what Kohaku said." remembering the young demon slayer in Naraku's employment.

Sango faced him asking, "Kohaku!? You mean he is still alive?" hope clear in her mahogany eyes.

Bankotsu sensing the urgency in her tone looked at her and confirmed seriously, "Kohaku was still alive when we stopped working for Naraku."

Sango nodded and said quietly, "Thank you, " trying not to cry.

Kitty looked into Bankotsu's confused eyes and explained, "Kohaku is Sango's younger brother."

Bankotsu nodded and said, "I thought there was a connection." as his sapphire gaze brightened from the confusion clearing.

Koga sat down beside Kagome. Inuyasha glared again at him, growling and demanded, "Move away from her, flea bag!" casting a nasty look at the wolf demon.

Kikyo getting annoyed by his defensiveness over her reincarnation faced Inuyasha and said, "Hush, Inuyasha! Leave the girl and her wolf alone." staring at him blankly with her dead brown eyes.

Inuyasha glared at the three of them and huffed. Kagome just stared at Inuyasha sadly who was now sitting beside Kikyo. She sighed heavily and stood up intending to move away. Koga also stood up and grabbed Kagome's hand. Inuyasha saw this and bellowed, "Stop touching her, you damn wolf!" anger in his eyes.

Kitty whirled to face Inuyasha and snapped frustratedly, "Shut up already, Inuyasha! You are the one who keeps running between Kagome and Kikyo! Others are now interested in them and you are just going to have to learn to deal with it," eyes hard as she glared at Inuyasha. If this continued much further she was going to kick their asses herself.

Inuyasha jumping up moved towards Kitty in a threatening manner and growled ordering angrily, "Shut your mouth, bitch!" eyes full of anger and frustration as he clenched his fist.

Bankotsu instantly jumped up and stood protectively in front of Kitty. He glared at Inuyasha and warned him deadly seriously, "Don't even think about it! You take one more step towards her and I will personally tear you apart," eyes cold and angry. He would not allow that half breed to harm one hair on his girlfriend's head.

Inuyasha yelled, "Oh, yeah!?" digging his claws into his palm so hard he drew blood.

Sesshomaru glared daggers at Inuyasha and demanded, "Inuyasha, stop acting like such a wretched pup!" he also would not tolerate his half breed brother harming Kitty.

Inuyasha whirled to glare at his brother and growled, "Stay out of this, Sesshomaru!" Sesshomaru stared him dead in the eye and growled a loud and clear warning.

Kagome frustrated with all the arguing yelled, "Sit boy!" Inuyasha slammed into the dirt creating a large crater in the once solid earth. Kagome sighed walking over to Sesshomaru and looking him in the eye suggested, "Lord Sesshomaru, I think it would be best if we leave now."

Sesshomaru looked at her a moment then said, "Hn." and nodded.

Bankotsu eyed everyone and ordered, "Let's move out!" the sooner this was finished the sooner those two idiot mongrels would stop fighting.

Everyone grabbed their stuff and set off together towards the mountains, Sesshomaru, Kitty, and Bankotsu in the lead. They were followed by Kagome, Koga, Sango, Miroku and the wolves, then Inuyasha, Kikyo, Suikotsu, Renkotsu and Jakotsu. They walked in strained silence most of the day. The air was so thick with tension you could have cut it with a knife. Just as the sun was setting Sesshomaru motioned for everyone to stop and announced, "We will make camp now and stop for the night."

Everyone nodded and began completing their appointed tasks. Kagome and Sango began setting up camp. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru stood on guard. Koga and the wolves hunted and brought back plenty of meat.

Suikotsu and Jakotsu collected the water. Kitty and Kikyo gathered herbs, nuts, and berries. Bankotsu stood guard over Kitty and Kikyo while they went around gathering. Miroku and Renkotsu collected firewood.

Kagome pulled out the pots and started the stews. Kitty added flavoring herbs to the pots. Kikyo began making two piles for the healing herbs so that both groups would be well prepared. Suikotsu stood beside Kikyo, and Koga stood beside Kagome. Inuyasha kept glaring from Kikyo to Kagome, while pacing back and forth fuming the entire time.

Bankotsu sat on a fallen log with Kitty beside him. Sango and Miroku sat beside the fire together. Ginta and Hakkaku stood behind Koga. Sesshomaru sat off to one side alone watching the camp.

Finally once the stew had finished cooking, it was doled out accordingly. After passing out stew to everyone else, Kagome and Kitty served themselves. Kagome took her bowl and sat beside Sango.

Kitty took her bowl and sat beside Bankotsu wanting to spend as much time with him as possible. Her time was growing short and she knew it.

Inuyasha growled louder every time Koga started inching towards Kagome. Koga would just smirk and started inching towards Kagome again which in turn caused Inuyasha to glare at him and growl even louder. Sango sighed heavily in annoyance. Kikyo stared at Inuyasha and said evenly, "Inuyasha, do not allow that wolf to provoke you." staring at the hanyou.

Inuyasha huffed and sat down sulking with his arms shoved into his haori sleeves. Seeing this Koga smirked and moved closer to Kagome again. Sango glared at him and said sternly, "Koga, stop antagonizing Inuyasha already!" brown eyes hard.

Koga huffed and sat down sulking about being scolded. Sesshomaru sat just watching things unfold shaking his head.

Bankotsu having had his fill of their nonsense jumped up and yelled angrily, "Damnit, you morons had better cut this shit out already! I have had enough of it!" He whirled to glare at Inuyasha and commanded, "Inuyasha, stop growling at that idiot wolf every damn minute!" Then he turned to glare at Koga and ordered, "Koga stop provoking that stupid mutt!"

Taking a deep breath he glared from one to the other while saying, "If you two dogs do not settle this soon, then neither of you will be going into the final battle! Because if you did, it would only weaken us!" his stormy blue eyes held frustration and anger his fists clenched so tight they were white.

Kitty shook her head standing up and demanded seriously, "Enough!" She glared from one to the other and continued, "You two have been at it all day! If you both don't stop, then I will purify both your asses and end it myself!" everyone blinked.

Kitty thoroughly pissed continued, "Now I suggest you two start getting along because Naraku will not hesitate to use your petty territorial issues to tear this group apart! He will use it to pit you two idiots against each other and destroy everything around you. Then while you are busy tearing each other apart he will kill both of your stupid asses!" her caramel eyes now also held anger and frustration.

Sesshomaru stood to his feet glaring at them both and said, "Catherine and Bankotsu are correct! Settle this now or else I will!" Inuyasha and Koga both glared at everyone around them and growled. Sesshomaru faced Kikyo and Kagome and demanded, "Kikyo you and Kagome will travel at my side and stay there until your group departs!"

Then he glared at the two antagonists and continued, "Inuyasha you will not get near either of the mikos again until then. Wolf the same goes for you," daring them to defy his orders with his hard amber eyes.

Kitty glared from Inuyasha to Koga and back again while adding, "If either of you go near either of the girls until then I will kick your asses myself! Understood?"

Both of them growled as did Sesshomaru whose was much fiercer and Bankotsu. They informed Inuyasha and Koga dead seriously, "We will enforce this!"

Both Inuyasha and Koga went to opposite sides of the camp and sulked. Bankotsu turned to Suikotsu and ordered dead seriously, "Suikotsu you will stay away from the mikos as well! Understood?"

Suikotsu looked at him gulping nervously and replied, "Yes, big brother." Eyes wide with fear at the consequences if he did otherwise.

Kitty decideing to end things once and for all declared, "Both Kikyo and Kagome will sleep beside Sesshomaru as well!"

Sesshomaru rolled his eyes and said sarcastically, "Terrific!" before glaring at his 'sister'

Bankotsu stated satisfied, "That should take care of that." as he sat back down.

Kitty sighed heavily and said, "Let's hope so." She walked over to Sesshomaru, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder and looked into his eyes saying seriously, "I know that you are not happy about this, but it is the only way to solve this aside from killing those fools!" her eyes communicating the unspoken plea.

Sesshomaru looked at her a minute then nodded and acknowledged her. "Very well, I shall allow it." Sesshomaru wasn't happy about it but he knew they would need to idiotic mongrels in the battle in order to protect Kitty and the younger miko. Kitty smiled and nodded.

Bankotsu nodded and demanded, "Finally, now everyone turn in and get some sleep, we move out at first light!" standing with Banryu in his hand.

Everyone bed down for the night. Inuyasha, Koga, and Sesshomaru stood guard throughout the night. Kagome and Kikyo lay down on each side of Sesshomaru. Ginta and Hakkaku lay down just outside the camp.

Miroku and Sango bed down next to the fire. On the other side of the fire Jakotsu, Renkotsu, and Suikotsu bed down. In the middle was where Kitty and Bankotsu had settled in to bed down cuddling together with their weapons close at hand.

Author's Note: Okay guys and gals there is chapter seven please remember to read and review thanks.