Diversion

Kagome latched on the wolf pelt securely over her body. She could feel her heart beating at an unreasonable rate. She tied her hair up into a ponytail and looked over at her bow and arrow. Today was important. She needed to be focused and ready for whatever might come her way. Last night had been beautiful with Koga. She was thankful to have someone as kind as he that she could share everything with, including her body. However, waking up, she felt as if she now had more to lose. She had to protect him at all costs. She had more to lose than ever, now that her love for him felt transcended.

"My love."

Kagome's ear tweaked at the word and she turned to see Koga approaching. His face appeared as stoic as ever, but she could feel the warmth of love beneath that layer. He brought her into his arms and rested his cheek against her head. He wanted to remember this moment as much as all the events of the night before. From this point on, they had to act as leaders of the pack and be prepared for anything that might happen.

"Are you guys ready?" Kagome asked as she met her friends in front of the den.

"Yes. We're to fly above and keep an eye for any signs of danger," Miroku nodded.

"Until we meet up with the other packs at a safe location?" Sango verified.

"Right, we'll be following Koga's lead. He knows where we're going," Kagome replied.

Her friends understand and trusted what she said. Kagome looked over the numbers they had with them, making sure to count each and every wolf. Koga's entire pack was going with them, their loyalty unwavering. She clutched onto her bow and took her place at the head of the pack with Koga. Within seconds, they were on the move.

Midday came and went before they knew it. Kagome's concentration held strong. She could see Miroku and Sango flying above on Kirara with Shippo. She had no doubt that they felt as she did.

Once the sun had set, Koga's plan of meeting had been appropriately timed. His pack had arrived at the mouth of a large cave, clustered in between two mountains protected by layers of forest. In a sense, it reminded Kagome of Koga's own home, which brought her comfort. Kagome immediately spotted Keisuke with his pack. He waved and grinned. Something about him was always childish, but in good sport. Kagome could tell that he was ready for a battle.

"Glad to see you, brother," Koga greeted.

"You as well. Hello, Kagome."

"Hi, thank you for coming."

"No thanks needed! We are only waiting for Hitoshi and his pack."

"Shouldn't they be here?" Koga frowned.

"Er, yeah. I figured they might have gotten a late start," Keisuke shrugged.

"Unlikely. We were supposed to be here by sundown so we could all travel together through the rest of the night. I better take a couple of wolves and find out for sure," Koga said.

"I'll come with you," Kagome replied instantly.

"No. Stay here," Koga said as he turned to her.

"You can't go out alone," Kagome protested.

"I need you to be here, where I know you'll be safe, Kagome. Keisuke, you'll watch while I'm gone?"

"Of course."

Koga pulled Kagome to the side gently. "Please don't fight me on this."

"I don't understand why I can't go," she pouted as he hugged her.

"It isn't like Hitoshi to be absent in times like this. He takes threats quite seriously, I need to make sure nothing has happened to him."

"Take Ginta and Hakkaku at least," Kagome reasoned.

"Those cowards? Well, yeah, I was planning to."

Kagome rolled her eyes, but smiled. He didn't seem particularly worried, which brought her comfort. She kissed him pleasantly on the lips and watched him head off with Ginta, Hakkaku, and three wolves. Keisuke already had a couple of his own to gather wood for fire. Miroku decided to take Shippo to look for water, while Sango went over to Kagome.

"It'll be alright," she assured.

"Yeah," Kagome smiled faintly.

"Yet you're still concerned for Koga's safety, that is the power of love."

Kagome blushed and glanced over at her friend. "We definitely expanded that love last night."

"Whoa! Really?! I thought you weren't ready?"

"I guess I was," Kagome giggled.

"How was it?" Sango pushed eagerly.

"Just... Ah, heavenly," Kagome sighed.

A loud crackling in the sky suddenly tore Kagome's attention away. All she could see was the night sky with flashes of lightening and thunder roaring behind the clouds. Something didn't feel right. She left Sango's side and moved to get a closer look at the sky. She could feel a demonic presence, or something very evil in the air. Her vision was much clearer than it once was and she used it to scrutinize the darkness that was before her.

An hour went by and nothing had happened. She could still see lightening flashing, but otherwise nothing. Her hand was gripping her bow tightly as she studied the area. Was she being paranoid? She was nervous about Koga being away. Had something indeed gone wrong? Kagome listened a few more minutes and then stepped down from the branch she had been perched on. She was definitely being-

"Demons!"

Kagome growled and took off running towards the voice. It had been Keisuke. Rain began to fall from the sky and with it came grotesque demons from all directions. Kagome felt something stir from within and knew it was her inner youkai. Kagome was supposed to be controlling that part of her, not allowing it to take over. Still, she felt her claws and even the fangs in her mouth, extend. Without another thought, she felt her demon counterpart take over.

Sango and Miroku were already fighting when Kagome rushed in. Sango heard herself gasp as she saw her friend tear through a demon twice her size. Kagome's eyes wear bright and her fangs bared in an animalistic way. It was scary seeing her like that, but Sango had to focus on the fight in front of her.

Kagome's claws were bloody, yet she was ultimately unfazed as she continued killing. She was still aware of what was going on, and she enjoyed it. After killing a boar demon, she kicked over its body and looked around. The pack had handled the hoard of demons impressively. Kagome cracked her claws and soon found her eyes meeting another pair. They were golden.

"Kagome!"

Her name sounded distant. She had taken off already, running. The golden eyes were far, but she didn't lose sight of them. She pushed harder, trying to reach him. Those demons had been sent by him, she knew it now. Kagome reached forward, as if to grab him, and then all went black.

This was a short one, but next one will be more interesting. Promise. c: