"So Kouga, what will you choose? Will you choose to remain inside my Ryujinomai and be sliced to pieces or will you come out and be sliced by me?" There was no reply from the trapped youkai and the longer he remained silent the more impatient Kagura became. Well, I guess I better let him out before it's just a cut up mess left. I'd have a hard time trying to find the Shikon shards if that happened.
Kagura looked up to find that Kouga was leaping out of her Ryujinomai. Slightly impressed that the wolf youkai had managed to escape her trap she smiled grimly. With a wave of her fan, she commanded an army of skeletons to attack the already injured wolf youkai. The myriad collection of human skeletons attached themselves in various ways to the growling Kouga. Some held his arms, some held his legs, and at the same time, a number of skulls sank their teeth into him. Kouga struggled to no avail as the many skeletons held him immobilized.
"Fujinomai."
Kouga found himself helpless to do anything but watch as Kagura's blades of wind came closer and closer. The wolf youkai clenched his fists tightly in frustration at being unable to do anything. In a splurt of blood, the Shikon no kakera were freed from his legs. Having achieved her goal, Kagura dismissed the army of skeletons with a careless wave. Freed from the gruesome grip, Kouga fell hard to land face down as Kagura looked down at the injured youkai with pity. Another victim of Naraku. Kagura bent and scooped the fallen Shikon no kakera into her hand. Sensing the approach of Inuyasha and company, Kagura tightened her hold of the shards within her fist. With a last glance at the fallen wolf youkai, Kagura turned pulled a feather from her hair and transformed it into a boat-like shape. Taking to the air in her giant feather, the wind-user made a quick escape.
Inuyasha arrived to see the retreating back of Kagura and the injured Kouga. The hanyou noticed the wounds on Kouga's legs and swore in frustration. There was no doubt that Kagura had taken the Shikon shards from the wolf youkai. Inuyasha turned quickly to leave, wanting to confront Naraku as soon as possible as a more instinctive feeling. He wanted to give Kouga time to himself, not that he would ever admit it if anyone asked. Somehow, seeing the strangely defeated look on that usually cocky face made him feel strangely uncomfortable. Surprisingly, he was stopped by the wolf youkai calling out to him.
"Hey dog turd! Kagome is here, so you better protect her well for me."
For once, the hanyou took no offense at the insulting nickname. Kagome is here? She's alive She's alive! With his back still facing the sitting Kouga he nodded silently while different feelings washed over him in waves. He felt relieved that Kagome was alive, but he was equally relieved that Kikyo had not killed Kagome. That Kagome lived did not change the fact that Kikyo had made an attempt on the girl's life. But it was all too late now. His road had already been chosen and he would not stray from that path no matter what. Determined, Inuyasha headed towards his most hated enemy as Kouga looked on.
Unnoticed by the two youkai because of the way the wind was blowing, Kagome had seen what had happened from a little ways back. Before she could reach them, Inuyasha had left in a rush. Kouga heard their running steps as Kagome and Rin finally approached his side. If Kouga thought it strange that Kagome was there with a little girl he did not show it. The wolf youkai just grinned as the miko rushed over to kneel beside him.
"Kouga-kun! Daijoubu desu ka?"
"This little injury is nothing." Kouga grabbed Kagome's hand with a smile. "I am honored that you would worry about me. Have you finally realized your true feeling? That you love me and not that dog turd?"
Kagome sweatdropped.
"Ano...Actually, Kouga-kun..." Kagome gently tugged her hands free of Kouga's loose grip. "I have finally realized who really possesses my heart and I have promised myself to him. Sesshoumaru is my life mate."