From Goodbyes to New Adventures

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters from Inu Yasha, but I do like to play with them. That is so much fun, isn’t it? Yep, I like to play with the characters.

And the Journey Continues

The group, with the exception of Shippo and Rin were up at the crack of dawn, packing for their departure. Miroku and Sango had brought back rumors of jewel shards from the east, so that is where the group would head. They knew this part of their quest for the last few remaining shards would be time consuming because they would be spread out and possibly harder to find.

“Alright, that is the last of the blankets, except for the one that the kids are curled up in. Do you think that we could just let them sleep on the back of Ah Un like that? I’m sure they will wake up on their own before too much longer.” Kagome was busily zipping up her bag and chattering away. Last night after she and Sango had returned, Koga and picked her up and snuggled her down while Sesshomaru had remained outside to patrol around their campsite. She had cuddled herself into his chest and began to kiss his neck, cheek and jaw. She had had him moaning and kissing her back. He had been tender while he had made love to her. When Sesshomaru had entered their secluded area, he had curled up behind Kagome and kissed her neck before relaxing.

Sango just nodded at the younger woman and noticed Sesshomaru stepping up with the two-headed dragon behind him. He picked up both pups and set them on the back.

The ever-increasing group began their journey just as the sun was making its appearance.

Ginta, Hakkaku and Kohaku (the newer member, making the duo a trio) were in the front with Sango and Miroku following behind them. These two were back to their old routine despite being married. Thankfully, it was toned down. Jaken rode Ah Un with the two pups and was near Ginta.

This left Sesshomaru, Koga and Kagome walking toward the back. Koga had taken Kagome’s pack earlier and had given it to Hakkaku to carry.

They were skipping villages until they had reached further east by at least a few days.

Miroku and Sango were the ones to go into the village when they had reached the Easter Territory. Kagome begged and pleaded to go with her friends. Koga agreed when she wrapped her arms around his neck and made pretty begging sounds; Sesshomaru was a different matter. He was trying to hold onto his no since he didn’t want his mate out of his sight. Kagome turned glistening eyes on him and pressed her body closer to his. Sesshomaru was doing his best to ignore this; he was aware of what she was doing. His indifference didn’t last long once she began to nuzzle into his chest, allowing a couple of tears to fall.

Sesshomaru sighed. He really did not like it when she was upset. “Go. But be careful and stay with the demon slayer.”

With his tersely given permission, the three set off.

The jovial banter was comforting and fun. Their arrival in the village was easy as they quickly discovered that the rumors were true and their origins not so far away. Just another two days. They even found a familiar face in that village-Hakitaki Hojo.

“Good day, fair Kagome. Where is the rest of the group?” he inquired once he had gained their attention after tripping over a cart. He did gift everyone with a juicy orange, though.

Kagome peeled the fruit and began to eat the sections. “Shippo is back with Sesshomaru, Koga and everybody else. Inu Yasha is no longer with us.” Miroku was the one to respond to his question.

Hakitaki looked amazed at that news. “So, he has left your group, has he? I’m surprised. I thought he cared for you, Kagome.”

Sango spoke up when she saw the pain that the reminder had caused the younger woman. “He didn’t leave willingly. He was slain in a fierce battle.” She kept her voice low and cupped a hand over the clumsy guy’s mouth so nobody would know what he had just learned.

His eyes seemed to grow big enough to take over his face as they widened. That was the last thing that he had expected to hear. He made a quick decision. He would try to rejoin the group. Kagome had always held his attention ever since he had mistaken her and Sango for celestial maidens.

Miroku bought some treats for the pups before the now group of four went back to where the pack was waiting.

Both Sango and Miroku knew that Hakitaki would not be well received, however, they knew that the news of the next jewel shard should help soften this.

Once their scents were detectable to the demons, both Sesshomaru and Koga began to growl. There was an unfamiliar scent within their pack and it was aroused.

The growls were louder and accompanied by actions as soon as the group broke into the clearing. Koga grabbed Kagome and placed her behind him and his mate.

Sesshomaru demanded in a voice composed of growls and snarls around words, “Who are you and what business do you have with our pack?”

Hakitaki audibly gulped and bowed his head. “I have been helped by this very same group. I merely wish to rejoin them and have knowledge of the people, villages and area that you are traveling to.”

Koga looked toward Sesshomaru before turning to the petrified human and said, “Fine, but do not touch our mate. We will not take kindly to this and you will find your life shortened.” Kagome was indignant when she heard how they were treating someone who was wishing to help and meant no harm.

Just as she was about to start objecting to what was being done to Hakitaki, Koga reached over and grasped her arm. He gave her a meaningful look that promised trouble if she said what she was about to, but also promised that he would talk to her about it later. Kagome sighed and sent a glare toward Sesshomaru’s back.

The group finished setting up camp and getting everything settled before Koga pulled Kagome over to the side and continued to just into the tree line away from any ears that were listening.

“Never object to a simple warning. Sesshomaru and I are your mates and do want another male fancying his chance with you. If you would have objected, he would have never allowed your friend to travel with us, and his trust in you could have been diminished,” his stern warning made Kagome shiver and look up at him, still somewhat indignant.

She held her tongue until she knew for sure what she wanted to say. “He is my friend and he will be treated as such. He is the same as Miroku to me. I knew his descendant in my time. They remind me of each other, and I consider them both friends. They do not hold that type of spot in my heart, but I do care and would be very hurt and mad if you two did anything to him.” Her eyes flashed as she finished laying out her feelings on the subject.

Koga escorted her back to their other mate once he nodded his understanding. He would explain this to Sesshomaru so everything should just blow over. He had his chance while the girls and pups were bathing and the rest of the party was hunting. Sesshomaru merely nodded when explained Kagome’s position and reasons for objecting.

“Did you explain the reason for the warning?” he asked.

“Well, somewhat. I didn’t tell her that the human was aroused being near her, but she did say that she cared for him in the same way that she cares for Miroku. She also said that she knew his descendent in her time. I know that she only thinks of either one of them as a friend from her scent.”

“So, we will not tell her of his desires then.” The two agreed just as Sango and Kagome brought Shippo and Rin and began to tuck them in for the night.

As soon as the two had finished that, the two demons walked over to retrieve their female and smelled an interesting smell. It seemed that there would be another pup added to their pack.


A/N Thanks for being patient for this chapter. I finally have internet at my new house. Thanks to all my readers (for either story!) and an extra thanks to all my reviews. I hope you are enjoying my story(ies).

Lissa