Passion

Disclaimer: They all belong to Takahashi-san. I only play with them. ^-^


A/N: Here is chapter 8! There's a lot of Koga in it and I'd like to dedicate this chapter to those who have been waiting for him. I beg for your forgiveness, though: I found writing Koga terribly hard, so if he's not portrayed in the way you like him don't eat me.

Oh, and I've started a mailing list. So if you want to be emailed when I update leave your addy with your review.

And now: enjoy!!

Chapter VIII – A New Problem

Kagome gazed confused into Koga’s narrowed blue eyes. They were regarding her with a strange, piercing glare, and her wolf-friend seemed to be teetering on the verge of fury, but Kagome could not imagine why. ‘Huh?’

Koga’s eyes narrowed into slits. ‘What happened to you, Kagome?’ he repeated his question, leaning even closer towards her.

Kagome shook her head and tried to understand what he was talking of. What happened to her? Well, she had fought a demon this afternoon and got almost killed, but Sesshomaru had saved her. Then Kohaku had moved to try and kill her, but Sango had stopped him. She herself had stopped Sesshomaru from killing Kohaku and he had left to see the boy leave his lands, so what happened to her?

‘Nothing,’ Kagome said and smiled brightly. ‘Nothing happened to me. I’m fine, Koga.’

The wolf demon did not seem to be convinced. He sniffed her and then growled, opening his mouth to say something. Yet before he could voice anything there was a sudden flurry of movements. The wolf leapt away and Inu Yasha was standing on slightly shaky feet in front of Kagome.

The hanyou had had enough. He’d had an awful day; first he had fought a demon, then he had had to watch his damn brother save Kagome, had to watch these two together again and this time he had had a hard time to ignore the persistent voice inside of him that told him it was true what he saw. He had to face his damn brother again in order to protect Kohaku and had been knocked out once more by the bastard. Just moments ago he had been pushed face first into the ground by an annoying wolf – something that didn’t improve his headache; and aside from having to listen to whimpy-wolf’s prattling, which always was a pain in his neck, the demon’s question stirred his inner turmoil even further.

Since nothing had happened to Kagome in the fight Inu Yasha regarded the question as an insult of his abilities to protect the girl. The fact that today he had not always been able to protect her and that it had been left to his brother to save her – again!! – from the demon made the insult even more offensive.

Yet below his anger over the abuse something akin to terror seeped through Inu Yasha. The wolf had to know Kagome wasn’t hurt, therefore his question could relate only to one thing; the one thing Inu Yasha had denied for so long, and this was the possibility of something going on between Kagome and Sesshomaru.

He had denied it, refused to believe it, had banished it into the depths of his mind because it was simply impossible that his Kagome would ever do as much as consider his brother in that way. Even though a tiny, gnawing voice had kept on whispering to him that he knew what was going on, and even though it had been blatantly obvious these two times he had seen them together Inu Yasha simply refused to acknowledge that there was something. It was not possible, therefore it didn’t exist.

This constant denial had taken its toll on him, though. There had been so many hints and it had been so hard to ignore them all. And now there was this wolf that brought them all to his mind again with one question. But it wasn’t possible! Nothing happened to Kagome, absolutely nothing! She was fine, nobody had touched her. How could this sorry excuse for a wolf dare to think that there had happened something to her? How could he dare to indicate it was true?

The rising wrath had given Inu Yasha enough strength to shake the wolf off in spite of his poor condition. It had given him strength to get to his feet, and it was pulsating so strong in his veins that he was able to ignore the throbbing ache in his head.

He glared at Koga, who stood some steps away and glared back through narrowed eyes. Inu Yasha growled, baring his fangs. ‘Stay away from her, whimpy-wolf.’

Koga’s eyes darkened in fury. ‘You…’ he snarled.

Inu Yasha’s hand found Tessaiga’s hilt and drew the sword out of its sheath. Behind him he felt Kagome tense, and one small hand touched him in an effort to calm him down, but he shook it off. He wouldn’t be stopped this time.

Koga’s gaze lingered on the spot where Kagome had touched him before he looked back up. His eyes were pitch black and his fists clenched in anger. ‘What have you done to my woman?’ he growled through gritted teeth.

Inu Yasha jerked as if hit by a jolt of electricity. ‘She’s not your woman!’

With one swing he transformed Tessaiga and got ready for the fight; at the same moment Koga howled a challenge and attacked him. Inu Yasha dodged, and instead of him Koga’s fist hit the ground, sending a shower of loosened earth everywhere.

The wolf spun around to attack anew, only to be forced to jump out of Tessaiga’s way. The hanyou went after him, once more brandishing his sword, and the demon countered with a kick aimed at the hanyou’s chest. It missed because Inu Yasha ducked in time, but both opponents lost their balance for a moment and had to pick themselves up from the ground.

Koga was the first to stand and was about to pounce on Inu Yasha when he noticed Kagome. She was still standing on the same spot, which was entirely to close to the fight for Koga’s liking, watching them with confusion on her lovely face.

‘Kagome!’ the wolf-demon yelled and she looked at him, her dark blue eyes wide. ‘Stand back! You could get hurt.’

He didn’t have the time to watch whether she did what she was told or not, because Inu Yasha was on his feet again and attacking.

‘Stop orderin’ her around, you bastard!’ he yelled.

‘Shut up! I do with my woman whatever I see right!’

‘SHE’S NOT YOUR WOMAN!’ Inu Yasha roared.

‘IS TOO!’ Koga hollered back and they rushed at each other again.

Kagome shook her head. There they were at it again, though she could tell this time was different. This time they both seemed determined to kill the other, and she could only hope that fighting would cool them down to a more sensible state of mind before they hurt each other. She watched them worriedly, wondering what had enraged Koga so much, and fretting over Inu Yasha’s condition. She was sure he had a concussion, and fighting like this would only make it worse. Why, oh why, did they have to fight?

For one moment she actually pondered trying to stop them. However, she realised the fight was too quick for her to step in between them and they were both too determined to even listen to her. She could sit Inu Yasha, but in regard to Koga’s fury she decided it was better not to do it. All she could do was stand back and watch with worried eyes.

Koga’s order had been reasonable, so she retreated a few steps until she stood under a large tree, half-hidden from sight by some of its low branches. She still had a good view over the place and was thus able to watch the fight. She winced as Tessaiga cut across Koga’s legs, leaving two fine lines that started bleeding immediately. Shortly afterwards one of Koga’s kicks hit Inu Yasha squarely in the chest, and Kagome groaned as her friend stumbled backwards against a tree.

And still they kept on rushing at each other. The speed of the fight did not lessen, either. Kagome flinched every time either of them got hurt a bit more. By that time her confusion about what had worked her two friends up so much had developed into some serious wondering on that behalf.

Inu Yasha had naturally been angered by Koga calling her his woman, but she was sure that there was something else, too; something more than simple annoyance at Koga’s antics. Of course, they had always angered Inu Yasha, yet he never before reacted in such a violent way, and their fights had always been more like the half-serious games kitten played with each other to train their instincts and abilities. But what had enraged Inu Yasha? What had Koga said and done to make him so angry? What had Koga done save what he always did?

And what had infuriated Koga? He had asked what had happened to her, but nothing had happened to her! She was okay, absolutely fine. Watching Inu Yasha’s attempt to slice Koga into two halves, Kagome frowned a bit and tried to find an answer to her questions.

Koga had been as usual when he arrived, but then had changed suddenly. He had asked her, but then Inu Yasha had interfered and Koga had become terribly furious with him. Kagome sighed. No, she could not make something out of this.

Behind her fighting friends she saw Sango and Miroku. They, too, had retreated to the edge of the forest around them and were watching having come to the same conclusion as Kagome had that it was not wise to interrupt the fight. The monk sat on the ground, with Shippo clinging to his shoulder and Sango stood slightly in front of them. She had her boomerang at her side, obviously ready to protect Miroku if necessary. Her eyes were trained on the fighting guys, but Miroku looked over to Kagome and their eyes met.

He raised both eyebrows in an obvious question. Kagome shook her head; no, she didn’t know what had caused this. Miroku shrugged; neither did he.

A yelp and a dull thud whipped Kagome’s head back to the two opponents. Her eyes widened as she saw Inu Yasha lying flat on the ground with Koga towering above him. The wolf-demon had one foot on Inu Yasha’s throat, cutting off his air supply. Inu Yasha’s free hand tore frantically at Koga’s foot, but the demon did not release him.

Koga bent down a bit. ‘What have you done to my woman?’ he growled, emphasising every word.

Red flashed in Inu Yasha’s eyes and Kagome gasped in fear. The hanyou finally managed to shove the offending foot away. Shakily he got to his feet, gripping the hilt of his blade tightly with both hands. With a sigh of relief Kagome saw that the red in his eyes had receded and they were bright gold once more. Now that this fear was gone she noticed with quickly rising worry how weak Inu Yasha was. His face was sickly pale and sweaty, his hands shook slightly and his stance was unstable. Yet he attacked as if nothing was wrong with him.

Raising Tessaiga above his head Inu Yasha screamed angrily, ‘KAGOME IS NOT YOUR WOMAN!’ before he unleashed the wind-scar.

Kagome gasped again and searched in the bright light for Koga. When she saw a shadow leap out of the blade’s way she let out a deep breath, knowing that Koga had got away. Yet her anxiety increased. Since their first meeting Inu Yasha had never again used the wind-scar against Koga. What was wrong with these two?

When the light of Tessaiga’s force had died down Koga jumped at the hanyou. Inu Yasha managed to dodge, but just barely. Huffing from the exertion Koga bared his fangs at him. Kagome shuddered; she had never seen him do that before!

‘Shut it, dog-boy!’ Koga yelled. ‘Course she’s my woman! She belongs to me!’

Inu Yasha saw red – literally. ‘SHE DOESN’T BELONG TO YOU, BASTARD! SHE’S MINE! MINE !’

Koga’s black eyes flashed, and with a howl of unrestrained wrath he pounced on Inu Yasha, tackling him to the ground. Tangled in an unrecognisable bunch of arms and legs they rolled to and fro, biting and scratching, growling and hissing.

Kagome watched them, jaw hanging wide open, frozen in surprise. Out of the corners of her eyes she saw her friends, equally bewildered. Had they now both lost it completely? What was this all about? Why were they trying so hard to kill each other?

Suddenly Kagome felt fury rising inside of her. It grew stronger and stronger, burning away all her worries and fears. Her hands clenched into small fists, her lips were pressed together into one narrow line, her deep blue eyes flashed and she was shaking visibly. She was furious beyond everything she had ever known before; furious with these two bloody idiots that each claimed her his own. How could they say this? It was not true! She belonged to nobody !

The image of a silver-haired, white-clad demon lord penetrated through the fury, and Kagome had to admit that she was not completely honest with herself. But right now she had neither time nor the wish to ponder whether she belonged to Sesshomaru – what a tantalising thought! – or not. Well, she shrugged mentally, at least I’m sure I belong to neither of them !

Her anger flared up again, and she glared at the mass of hanyou and youkai still trying to tear out each other’s throat over the question to whom she belonged. Those unbelievably stupid idiots! How could they fight for her without even asking what she wanted? Koga had simply decided he was in love with her and therefore she belonged to him. He hadn’t listened to her when she told him she wasn’t and never would be, and had believed Inu Yasha only a temporary obstacle in his way. And Inu Yasha? He had now claimed her twice as his own, but only in his demonic rage. Whenever he was himself he preferred Kikyo. He had chosen Kikyo! He had no right to claim her! And now they were killing each other!

When she heard a pained gasp from Inu Yasha, Kagome finally snapped. She shot out of her hiding place and into the clearing, screaming ‘STOP IT!!’ at the top of her lungs.

Everybody flinched at her high-pitched and forceful voice. It pierced through the adrenaline-clouded minds of the fighters and they stopped their attempts to kill each other. Looking up somewhat confused they saw Kagome storm across the clearing towards them, a dark scowl on her face and her eyes flashing with anger.

As she came to a skidding stop in front of them Inu Yasha ducked, flattening his ears against his skull, trying to look as insignificant as possible. He knew that face on his Kagome; it meant she was really really angry and the best thing was to shut up and let the storm pass.

Koga did not know her equally well, and he opened his mouth to say something, but was cut short by Kagome. Arms akimbo she glared down at them.

‘Stop it, both of you!!’ she yelled. ‘Have you gone mad?! What do you think were you doing?’

Koga opened his mouth again. Kagome screamed ‘SHUT UP!’ and his mouth snapped shut. His now again blue eyes were watching her like she had grown a second head.

‘You!’ Kagome hissed, pointing an accusing finger at the two of them. ‘You… you bloody stupid idiots!’

Everybody blinked at her in surprise at her choice of words. Kagome wasn’t prone to swearing. This was a bad sign for the near future. Shippo hid behind Miroku. ‘Scaaaary …’ he whispered and Miroku nodded.

‘You insufferably silly jerks!!’ Kagome raged on and Inu Yasha bent even lower. ‘What was that all about? Do you really think killing each other would endear you to me?!’

Koga tried to answer once more. ‘Well, Kagome, look –’

‘SHUT UP I SAID!! You… you… oh!’ She stomped her foot and the two boys in front of her flinched. ‘I’m fed up with you! Both of you! You bloody morons! Did you think I’d like to watch you fighting like that?! Over who possesses me!?! Are you out of your senses?! I’m nobody’s possession! I’m not a thing you can own! How could you talk about me like that? How do you think I feel when you treat me like a thing?! I’m not!! I am a human being, and I have feelings! You cannot own me!’

‘But, Kagome, you’re –’ Koga made an attempt to justify himself when Kagome had to draw a breath.

‘I’M NOT YOUR WOMAN DAMMIT!’ Kagome yelled. Koga gaped at her. ‘You just decided I am! You never asked me whether I liked to be or not! You just acted the big and powerful demon and decided for me ! I can very well make my own decisions! And I did! And then you decided it was the wrong one! How could you dare to think you can make my decisions?!’

She huffed at a totally speechless Koga, and then turned to Inu Yasha. ‘And you! You!’ She shook her finger at him. ‘YOU! You’ve never claimed me for your own! You chose Kikyo! Now you suddenly decide I’m yours?! Why now?! And in this manner! Just as self-righteous as Koga! You decide and then I have to follow?? Neither of you,’ her eyes flashed from Inu Yasha to Koga and back, ‘has ever asked me! Neither of you asked me what I wanted! I’m so sick of being treated like this! I’m sick that you think to know what I feel and then make my decisions!’ Her voice sunk to a whisper. ‘I’m so sick of it.’

For a moment there was silence. Nobody moved. They all seemed to even hold their breath, waiting for the next eruption of Kagome’s anger. But the tension in her body subsided and her shoulders dropped. She exhaled deeply, rubbed her face with slightly shaking hands, and then looked at the two boys in front of her again.

Her eyes no longer flashed with fury. However, the reproachful glare in the deep blue orbs still spoke volumes of her anger. ‘What came over you to fight like that? To try to kill each other? I thought we were friends! Or at least allies! Naraku would be too glad to see you two now! This is exactly what he wants! Could you not let this childish quarrel rest until we’re rid of him? And I don’t care who kills him as long as he’s gone! So no more arguing on that behalf!’

Kagome looked pointedly at Koga, but this time the wolf did not try to answer her. He was staring at her totally befuddled. He had never before seen her react as explosive as she had just now. This was a new side of Kagome and he wasn’t sure whether he liked it or not.

Kagome seemed to take his silence as consent, for she gave one sharp nod and then turned to Inu Yasha. Since the hanyou still watched the ground in front of him with rapt interest she knelt down to catch his eyes.

‘And you,’ she went on, her tone this time much gentler, and Inu Yasha dared to look at her. ‘How could you act so foolish, Inu Yasha? You’re hurt! I’m sure you have a concussion from that blow to your head, and jumping around like you did doesn’t make it any better. Now it might take even longer to heal! No, don’t give me that rubbish!’ she hissed at him as the hanyou mumbled something. ‘I know you heal much faster than humans do, but right now you’re hurt!’

She reached her hand out and brushed his bangs aside, revealing a bloody gash on his temple. Kagome winced in sympathy. ‘Oh, Inu Yasha, that must hurt! Such a nasty wound and with you already having a concussion, too. Oh, I have to disinfect this immediately! It might become infected! Where’s my bag?’ she asked, looking around.

Her eyes widened as she perceived the chaos on the clearing. There were several holes in the ground where Koga’s fists had missed Inu Yasha. The firewood, carefully piled by Shippo, was scattered. Her bag had obviously got into the line of fire, too. It was dirty and squashed, most of her belongings strewn all over the place.

Kagome’s face darkened. ‘Look what you’ve done!’ she scolded. ‘You’ve created a complete mess! Now, the least thing you can do is help to clear up and gather my things together. Especially the first aid kit! Not you, Inu Yasha!’

He had made an attempt to get up. Kagome grabbed his sleeve and pulled him back into a sitting position. ‘You are far too hurt to run around! Koga can do this.’

She turned her head to look at the wolf who was still gaping at her in disbelief. ‘Now, Koga,’ Kagome smiled sweetly, ‘please be so kind and put these things back into my bag and bring me the first aid kit, will you? It’s a white box with a red cross on it, thank you.’

She returned her attention to the hanyou and began checking his numerous bruises and scratches, chastising him quietly. Koga got up and staggered some steps into the direction she had pointed. He felt somewhat dazed with Kagome’s quick mood swing, but her command had been clear.

A pat on his shoulder started him and he looked up into the twinkling eyes of the monk. ‘Allow me to help you,’ said a grinning monk.

Sango, Shippo and Miroku had watched the scene from the sideline. Kagome losing her temper was nothing new, but the force of her anger had surprised them. They had never seen her so absolutely furious before, and had again wisely decided to stay away from the action. They had listened to Kagome’s rant with mixed feelings. Sango had nodded every now and then, obviously supporting what her friend shouted. Miroku had thought some thing or the other in her choice of words highly interesting. Unlike Shippo they hadn’t been scared, yet still they were happy when Kagome ceased her shouting. They were all wary of an angry Kagome. When she ordered Koga to clear up they decided it was safe to make their presence known again.

Sango looked at Shippo. ‘Come on, Shippo, and you, too, Kirara. Let’s rebuilt the fire so that Kagome can see to Inu Yasha’s wounds. And to ours, too,’ she added with an afterthought. Over the fight she had just witnessed she had forgotten about the demon they had all fought earlier that day. They all had received the one or other injury during that battle.

As she stepped away to collect the scattered logs Sango cast one glance over her shoulder at Miroku who was struggling to his feet. ‘You’d better stay were you are, monk. Your head hasn’t healed already, and that demon hit you rather badly. No wandering around for you, either!’

Miroku smiled pleasantly, but as soon as she had turned her back on him he limped over to Koga. The wolf-demon wore a dazzled expression on his face, and moved like he was dreaming. The monk grinned. Yes, Kagome’s temper tantrums were really … spectacular, especially if one was unused to them. Therefore it wasn’t at all surprising to see the proud wolf obey to Kagome’s commands.

Miroku stepped up Koga and patted him on the shoulder. ‘Allow me to help you,’ he addressed the demon.

Koga started. ‘Uh … um, okay,’ he mumbled and bent down to pick up the first item. It was a book with odd signs and little images. He examined it suspiciously.

‘Her math text-book,’ said a voice next to him. Koga looked up and found the monk still standing at his side, still grinning. He pointed to the book in the demon’s hand.

‘Oh,’ answered Koga, trying to figure out what a math text-book was.

‘She says she hates it, but she carries it around all the time,’ Miroku informed the wolf.

‘Hm.’ Koga picked up the next thing, a once white towel. ‘Um … is she - often like that?’

‘Oh no,’ Miroku shook his head. ‘Only when she’s angry. Now, let me carry that and you pick up the next thing.’

He took the book and the towel, wondering how long Koga would need to wake from the daze he was in. Following anybody’s orders wasn’t like him. Well, Inu Yasha still needed several minutes and he was quite used to all of Kagome’s emotions. Miroku’s lips twitched slightly. Well, to almost all of them, anyway.

Koga was silent for a while, picking up Kagome’s belongings while Miroku trailed behind him, taking the things out of his hands. Finally the wolf shook himself and straightened, his hands clenching around the last item he had picked up. He turned to Miroku, his jaw set, a look of determination on his handsome features.

‘Well,’ he said, and his voice had gained its self-assured confidence back, ‘it’s good that Kagome has such a fierce temper. She’ll need it as my mate. Leading a wolf-pack isn’t easy, and the boys are a bunch of rowdies. Ha, but they’ll respect her!’

Koga grinned, nodding several times, and Miroku rolled his eyes. And here he had always thought Inu Yasha to be the epithet of stubbornness! But obviously Koga could teach Inu Yasha something about being stubborn. The monk sighed.

‘Sure,’ he agreed non-committally. ‘You’d better bring her that,’ he added, pointing at the box Koga clutched in his hands.

The wolf-demon blinked and then looked down at the box. ‘Huh?’

‘That’s her first aid kit,’ Miroku explained. ‘The one thing she ordered you to find. The sooner you bring her that the more pleased she’d be.’

Koga huffed. ‘Nobody orders me around!’ He glared at the monk before he turned and marched over to where Kagome sat with Inu Yasha.

Miroku nodded once. Koga had woken from his dazed state. Unfortunately he seemed to have forgotten what had invoked Kagome’s superb temper! He sighed again and made to follow the demon, but suddenly Sango stood in front of him. Arms akimbo and with a glare that rivalled Kagome’s.

‘Didn’t I tell you not to wander around?’ she hissed.

Miroku smiled at her. ‘I’m sure you did, my dear Sango, and I am grateful for your worry about my health.’

Sango blushed and opened her mouth, yet before she was able to retort Miroku went on, ‘But I had a very interesting conversation with Koga. Sango, Shippo, I have a very bad feeling for the near future!’

Shippo, who had appeared next to Sango, asked, ‘Why, Miroku? Koga and Inu Yasha have calmed down, and Kagome told them both off.’

‘Well, let me just say this: Koga is even more stubborn than Inu Yasha.’

Shippo frowned. ‘What do you mean?’

Sango eyed the monk, then cast a look over her shoulder at Koga. ‘He still claims her as his woman?’

‘Yup.’

Sango sighed and Shippo rolled his eyes. ‘How can he be so stupid?’

‘Hush, Shippo. Let’s be silent and don’t interfere. Kagome-chan is quite able to deal with him on her own.’

The three of them walked to the rebuilt fire where Sango helped Miroku to put Kagome’s belongings into her bag. Shippo sat down next to Kirara and fixed his green eyes on Kagome who was busy tending to Inu Yasha’s injuries.

After she had sent Koga away to clear up, Kagome began checking each and every one of Inu Yasha’s numerous bruises and scratches. The hanyou didn’t dare to protest, fearing Kagome might snap again. Yet he was very uncomfortable, for the girl was scolding him the entire time for being foolish and rash and stupid and so on. Inu Yasha felt strongly reminded of one of the village’s women scolding her child for running alone into the forest.

The appearance of an annoyed Koga with the first aid kit was therefore a relief to Inu Yasha. Kagome stopped scolding and looked up. A pleased smile lightened her face.

‘Ah, there you are, Koga,’ she said and took the box out of his hands. ‘Thanks for finding this for me.’

Then her eyes came to rest on the several cuts on his bare legs and arms. ‘Oh, you’re hurt, too! And I sent you out to clean up! I’m so sorry, Koga. Sit down, sit down! I’ll see to your injuries after I’m done with Inu Yasha.’

Scowling, the wolf plopped down next to her. He glared at Inu Yasha and it was obvious to the spectators that he would have started the row again had it not been for Kagome.

The girl herself was oblivious to her surroundings. Her attention was fully concentrated on Inu Yasha and for once her mind did not stray from him. She was worried for him. He had fought twice before today, receiving at least one severe injury, and this brawl with Koga had gained him more wounds and had surely damaged his poor head further. Vaguely she remembered that ignoring a concussion could lead to irreparable damages in the brain. Kagome feared what damage to the brain could do to Inu Yasha. He might transform without any chance of bringing him back! Therefore she kept on talking to Inu Yasha and watched his face and eyes closely. But so far she had only seen annoyance, discomfort and exhaustion.

Poor Inu Yasha, she thought, he’s stronger than any of us, but even he tires! I hope Koga will behave, or better, leave, so that Inu Yasha can get some rest. He really needs it!

Carefully she cleaned the gash on Inu Yasha’s temple, disinfected it ignoring her patient’s hisses and murmurs, and put a plaster on it. Then she proceeded to tend to the other injuries, cleaning and disinfecting where necessary, putting on ointments or plasters until Inu Yasha was covered in the little, colourful patches. When Kagome finally leaned back the hanyou, who had rapidly been losing patience, wore a scowl as dark as Koga’s.

Kagome cast him a warning glance as he shrugged into his haori. ‘I saw to all of your injuries, Inu Yasha, but you’re still far from being healed. Remember that! I would like you to lie down next to the fire, close your eyes and rest. Your body and especially your head need rest! Think of how long it took Miroku to recover!’

Inu Yasha cursed under his breath but did as he was ordered. Though he would of course never admit it he felt weak, and his head was spinning like mad. With a sigh he sat down next to Miroku, leaning back against the trunk of a tree and closing his eyes. He still held Tessaiga close so he was able to draw within seconds.

Kagome turned to Koga who glowered at the hanyou’s retreating back. ‘Now I have time for you, Koga. Let me see those cuts on your legs first.’

Koga’s head snapped back as she started cleaning the cuts, and he gave Kagome a hard, scrutinising glance. ‘Why are you so worried for mutt’s health, Kagome?’ he asked.

Kagome blinked up at him. ‘Huh? Oh, Inu Yasha fought twice before you today, and he received a heavy blow to the head. I’m sure he has a concussion and neglecting that can be dangerous. Besides, I’m worried for the health of all of my friends, Koga!’

‘Nothing more?’

‘What do you mean, nothing more? Honestly, Koga, what’s up with you? You’ve been acting very strange!’

Koga eyed her suspiciously but couldn’t detect anything more than confusion and annoyance. ‘I don’t take betrayal lightly. He knew I claimed you as my woman. He had no rights to do that and you had no rights to let him!’

Inu Yasha’s eyes snapped open. He sat up. ‘She’s not your woman!’

Koga growled at him and Inu Yasha growled back. As on cue, the heads of Miroku, Sango and Shippo turned to Kagome to watch her reaction, yet Kagome only stared wide-eyed at the wolf, utterly befuddled. What’s he talking about?

The growling became louder and Koga made to get up, hands clenched into tight fists. This called Kagome’s attention back to the matters at hand.

‘Oh, stop it, you two,’ she said irritably. ‘Koga, could you please tell me in plain, simple words what you are talking of? Because I don’t understand one bit of it.’

Now it was Koga’s turn to be bewildered. ‘Eh? I’m talking of what he did to you!!’

Kagome suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. ‘What should he have done to me then?’ she asked.

Inu Yasha glared at Koga through narrowed eyes. ‘Yeah, what’ve I done to her? I really wanna know.’

The wolf’s eyes widened in surprise. He looked at Inu Yasha, who was glowering, and then at Kagome, who watched him with irritated curiosity.

‘It wasn’t you?’ Koga suddenly grinned broadly and Inu Yasha’s scowl darkened. But the demon’s grin vanished again almost immediately. He whirled around to Kagome. ‘Who was it?!’

This time Kagome did roll her eyes. ‘Since I don’t know to what you are referring when saying “it” I’m afraid I can’t help you.’

‘Eh? Are you playing dumb or what?’

‘I think,’ Miroku said calmly, ‘it would be helpful if you could give us details, Koga, given that neither of us knows what you are talking about.’

The demon studied the monk, and then his gaze swung to the human woman and the kitsune child who were watching him in confused interest. Obviously they really had no idea of what he was talking, therefore …

He turned back to Inu Yasha, his eyes wide. ‘You didn’t know then??’

The hanyou got to his feet, feeling discriminated against by the demon’s words that seemed to indicate his inferiority to Koga. ‘What didn’t I know!?’

‘Inu Yasha! Si - ah – stay where you are! You mustn’t move!’ Kagome glared at Inu Yasha until he sat down again.

Koga ignored this little interlude. He was still gazing at Inu Yasha in disbelief. ‘You really didn’t know? Ha, your nose isn’t as good then as I supposed it to be! Pathetic; even a hanyou ought to smell it. But then you’re only –’

‘SMELL WHAT?!’

Koga gave Inu Yasha a sympathetic glance. ‘Well, that she mated with someone! Which reminds me: who was it?’ His gaze returned to Kagome. The demon’s blue eyes darkened once more and they pierced into hers as though he wanted to read her mind.

Time seemed to slow. Kagome felt as if she was standing next to her body and watching the scene unfold. She was aware of her friends’ surprised and shocked gasps as well as their eyes as they turned to look at her. She was aware of Inu Yasha’s furious roar as he jumped up. She was aware of him suddenly freezing and looking at her with mixed horror, disbelief and pain as she kept silent.

But the first moment of shock did not last long. The next second she was inside her body again, staring helplessly at Koga. Her mind whirled but she wasn’t able to grasp one thought. Her heart was beating madly and she trembled. Heat rose in her cheeks, yet her stomach seemed frozen in fear. Through the thunderous pulsating of her blood in her ears she perceived a tiny voice screaming at her. Reason … she thought absently.

The next second all her questions and worries and fears crashed down on her and flooded her mind. How did Koga know? flashed up, then, Why didn’t Inu Yasha say anything? He seemed to have known it! Oh kami, what am I to say?

A maelstrom formed in her mind, sucking in every thought, whirling them around. They passed her by with increasing speed so that she only caught fragments of them. How can I explain … Did he smell … and Shippo never … maybe Miroku … did Sesshomaru know … What will they do? … I can’t tell … he’ll kill … what to say … what will he … and what shall I … what …

‘What?’ she asked feebly.

This word seemed to end the spell. Everybody took a deep breath but the further reactions varied. Koga frowned, her friends’ shock turned into confusion and the hurt in Inu Yasha’s eyes into blind fury. He drew Tessaiga and within the blink of an eye he stood in front of the wolf-demon, the blade at his throat, eyes flashing, and growling.

‘What. Did. You. Say?’

In Koga’s eyes flashed an equal fury. ‘She’s mated, you moron! She was with a male demon!’

‘She’s not mated! I would know!’

‘Course she is! I can smell it even if you can’t, dog-boy! And I wanna know who that was! I’ll kill him for mating with my woman!’

‘SHE’S NOT YOUR WOMAN! And she did not mate!!’ Inu Yasha tried to cut Koga’s throat, but the demon leapt away.

‘YOU BLOODY STUPID IDIOT!’ Koga roared. ‘I don’t know why you don’t smell it but I do! Her scent has changed! And there’s the scent of a male demon around her and mixed with hers! She did mate with someone!’

With an outraged cry Inu Yasha attacked again.

Kagome buried her face in her hands, shaking violently. She did not know what she could do to stop them. She could not affirm Koga’s announcement for then Inu Yasha would go berserk. Yet neither could she deny the truth, for Koga would never belief that. What could she do? Oh, why wasn’t Sesshomaru here to help her?

And why couldn’t they stop discussing her love life in the public? Kagome could feel Miroku’s eyes on her, and she knew that either his lecherous side would take over and bother her with lascivious remarks, or his wise, experienced, observant side would guess the truth. She wasn’t sure which was worse.

Tessaiga hissed through the air, missing Koga and hitting the ground in a little explosion of earth. Inu Yasha snarled ‘Course there’s the smell of a male demon ‘round her! I carried her on my back you dope! I always do! So stop babblin’ your rubbish!’

“‘I carried her on my back”, my ass! Do you really think that’s the explanation? You’re even denser than I thought anyone could be!’

An infuriated growl, some stomping, rustling and hissing later Koga’s voice sounded anew. ‘What about her changed scent? Come on, even you had to have smelled it! Scents don’t change so easily! The only explanation is she’s mated!!’

‘She changed her soap,’ chirped a small voice.

The combatants froze; Kagome’s head snapped up; everybody turned to look at Shippo. The small kitsune retreated a few steps into the safety of Miroku’s back but refused to back down under the glares of Koga and Inu Yasha.

‘I noticed the change in Kagome’s scent, too,’ Shippo went on, ‘and I wondered how it did, but then I saw she used a different soap. Kagome bathes very often. It’s no surprise her scent changed so much with this new soap.’

‘Bah,’ snorted Koga. ‘What does a kit like you know!’

‘Hey!’ yelled Shippo indignantly, rising to his full height which was unfortunately not very impressive. ‘I’m a full demon! My nose is as good as yours, Koga, and I know what it tells me! And I see a lot more of Kagome than you do, so you can believe me!’

Kagome buried her face in her hands again, flushing bright red. Miroku hid a grin. Koga glared at the child. ‘What do you mean you see a lot more of Kagome?’

Shippo huffed and rolled his eyes at Miroku. ‘Well, I don’t get slapped when I ask to bathe with the girls! I saw the soap! Kagome washed my hair with it!’

‘Ah, well,’ began Miroku after nobody had said anything for a while. ‘I guess now the problem is solved. Kagome-sama, would you now please see to Sango’s and my injuries? Oh, and Shippo’s, too. He got some nasty scratches when he fell into a thorn-bush.”’

Kagome peered at Miroku through her fingers, but when there was nothing more in his face than mild concern she shook her embarrassment away and got up. ‘Oh, I’m sorry Miroku-sama, Sango-chan, Shippo-chan! Come and sit down at the fire and I see to your injuries. Oh, poor Shippo-chan, does it hurt badly?’

She bent down to inspect Shippo’s arms that were indeed covered with dark red scratches. Then, in an afterthought, she glanced over her shoulder at Inu Yasha. ‘You’d better lie down, Inu Yasha! No more fighting today, or I’ll … well, you know I can make it much worse!’

Wincing Inu Yasha decided to do what she told him. He clearly remembered those times where she sat him several times in a row to prove her point, and he silently vowed that no matter what Koga said he would not pay heed to it.

Indeed it seemed as if the wolf-demon wasn’t finished with the hanyou. He stepped into Inu Yasha’s way, arms crossed, eyes still dark. ‘You believe the stuff the kit said? Is it that simple to trick you? I don’t think it’s the truth and I think you neither. So …’ He raised his hand and cracked his knuckles meaningfully.

‘Keh, if you like playin’ the fool, go on,’ retorted Inu Yasha.

‘It’s you who is the fool, mutt, if you deny your own senses. More the fool because you didn’t stop it or kill the other male. I told you to protect my woman and you failed. I’m going to kill you, bastard.’

Inu Yasha grit his teeth, trying to stay calm. But two little words made him forget his earlier vow to not be provoked by Koga again. ‘She’s. Not. Your. Woman!’

Koga threw his head back haughtily. ‘Of course she is! She -’

Inu Yasha jumped at him and tried to punch him, but Koga dodged easily. ‘She doesn’t belong to you, whimpy-wolf!’

‘Ha! So you indeed claim her as your own! It will be my pleasure to kill you, dog-boy! And then I’ll take Kagome with me and protect her properly and –’

Further descriptions were cut short by a fist connecting with his jaw. Like many others before him Koga now discovered that Inu Yasha was really very fast when he was protecting his Kagome. The demon stumbled several steps back, a somewhat disbelieving look on his face.

‘Stay away from her,’ barked Inu Yasha. ‘She’s not yours! I will protect her whenever necessary! Sod off, wolfy!’

‘You’re really taking this to a fight for her, right now, aren’t you? Hurt as you are? Ha, I’ll kill you quickly then!’ Koga leapt towards Inu Yasha who got ready to defend himself.

‘YOU!’ a shrill voice stopped them again.

Kagome had just begun seeing to the scratches on Shippo’s arms when she heard the voices behind her. A glance over her shoulder confessed that they could not let it rest. Koga seemed to be determined to kill somebody, and unfortunately Inu Yasha was always ready to fight him. Sighing she shook her head when she heard Koga call her his woman again.

Kagome groaned in exasperation. ‘Didn’t I just tell them ?’

Her friends looked at her. Sango leaned forwards. ‘Kagome-chan, do tell,’ she began but she was never allowed to finish her sentence; which was fortunate, because she had wanted to ask Kagome for the truth behind Koga’s accusations.

Yet the boys chose that moment to start another fight, and the same instant as Koga attacked Kagome’s fury flared up again. With a high-pitched scream she was on her feet and standing between the two. ‘Stop it, stop it, stop it !! This is more than enough! Didn’t I just tell you to stop this lunacy?’

She whirled round to Koga who had backed away. ‘You!’ she pointed an accusing finger at him. The wolf eyed it uneasily, for the tip seemed to be glowing lightly pink. ‘How could you dare attack again? I told you he’s hurt! You knew he mustn’t fight again today! But what did you do? The moment I turn my back on you you had to provoke him! Why, Koga? Why can’t you simply let it rest for today? No, don’t say anything! I don’t want to hear it! I’m very disappointed! I thought you were more compassionate and less arrogant.’

She turned away from a considerably deflated wolf-demon. Her eyes fell on Inu Yasha. He was very pale, the gash on his temple was bleeding again but he was grinning like an idiot, feeling clearly superior for one reason or the other. Kagome’s dark blue eyes narrowed as her fury twisted.

‘There’s no reason for being happy like that, Inu Yasha!’ she hissed and the hanyou started, the grin fading away. ‘I told you twice to lie down and rest, but you didn’t! You had to allow him to provoke you! Why couldn’t you simply ignore him? You do this so well when I try to help you! Why did I see to your injuries at all? You just went and had them open again! And now you probably expect me to clean and disinfect them once more, don’t you?’

She huffed and glared at both boys in turn. ‘Just one more thing,’ she went on, her voice gaining an icy quality that made even those shiver to whom it wasn’t directed. ‘I will say this once more and I really hope you get that into your thick skulls this time. Listen carefully, and if you can’t hear it read my lips: I don’t belong to either of you! I’m not a possession! Is it that hard to comprehend? I belong to nobody, and before I ever even consider to agree to do so, I want to be asked ! You understand that? Asked, as in: Do you want to be my mate, girl, wife, whatever? Neither of you asked me! You decided for me, but I won’t take that anymore! I can make my own decisions!’

Kagome took several deep, claming breathes. Slowly her fury subsided. ‘I will make my own decisions.’

She sighed as the vanishing passion left her drained. Exhausted she looked at Inu Yasha again. ‘Besides,’ she went on in a somewhat sad tone, ‘you chose Kikyo, remember? If you have her you can’t have me. So I really don’t see the reason for all this fighting.’

Her shoulders dropped and she stumbled back, sitting down heavily next to Shippo. ‘Let me see the other arm. Are there scratches, too?’

Gulping hard Shippo held out his arms to be inspected. His green eyes studied the girl’s face for signs of anger or sadness, yet there was only exhaustion. The others watched her in different states of bewilderment as she went on with her business as if nothing extraordinary had happened.

Miroku finally sighed silently and leaned back, closing his eyes, deciding that if any more action took place it had to happen without him. His head hurt. Sango sent quite a lot of dark glares at the responsible boys as she waited for Kagome to finish with Shippo. In the earlier fight with the demon a tentacle had hit her in the back and she wanted Kagome to point a special ointment for bruises on the spot. Miroku had already offered to do it for her, but she preferred to let that done by Kagome. She could at least be trusted to leave her hands where they belonged.

Koga and Inu Yasha sat down silently as far away from each other as possible. Both watched Kagome proceed from Shippo to Sango and then to Miroku with her first aid kit. When she had seen to all injuries of them, she had a second look at the more severe wounds of the demon and the half-demon. She did not say a word while she did so, yet her silence was the worst punishment Inu Yasha could have thought of.

He clearly felt he had disappointed Kagome, and even though he thought some of her last accusations were wrong – he had really tried to ignore Koga! – he refused to discuss that with her right now. Somehow he wasn’t able to string the necessary words together in his head.

Koga accepted her help, too. He kept silent as well, but for a different reason. He was still convinced that Kagome had mated with a demon, either with Inu Yasha or another male he did not know of. But since he wasn’t able to get the name of that male out of her he decided he would simply stay and watch until he found out. To be allowed to stay meant not making any more trouble; thus Koga was silent.

While Kagome was busy tending to a copious amount of bruises, scratches and cuts, Sango prepared dinner to help her friend. She offered some of the food to Koga who to her surprise didn’t refuse. Kagome asked him in mild astonishment whether he wanted to stay for the evening, to which Koga answered arrogantly:

‘Yeah, I’ll stay for tonight. After all the trouble of the day you’d surely like to rest, and I’ll watch out for you. That way all can sleep.’

He slightly emphasized the ‘all’, which gained him glowering glances from Inu Yasha. Yet, since the hanyou wisely refrained from mouthing any objection, it went unnoticed. Koga received a warm, thankful smile from Kagome.

They spoke little while eating; mainly let the day pass by once more. Afterwards they distributed the blankets amongst them and searched for the softest spot to sleep on. Kagome snuggled in her sleeping bag and as soon as her head touched the ground she was deeply asleep. She didn’t even feel Shippo slip into it and cuddle up to her.

Inu Yasha refused to fall asleep with only – and of all people! – Koga to watch out for them! That damn wolf might even use the opportunity and take away their shards! Kagome was far too trusting! But after long last exhaustion overwhelmed him, and he dozed off.

When he was sure they were all asleep, Koga sneaked up to Kagome and sniffed her again, cautious not to wake the kitsune-pup next to her. There was no doubt about it: he clearly smelled a powerful, male demon on Kagome. A new soap, ha! He would find out who this demon was, and then he would dispose of him. Kagome would then see what a good and strong demon he was and finally agree to be his mate. Koga grinned in satisfaction.