-ooO DISCLAIMER Ooo- I own nothing of the InuYasha series and any resemblance to persons living or deceased is completely coincidental and something you really, really need to write and tell me about. Please note that this Disclaimer applies to all subsequent chapters in this story, 'Wind & Snow' a.k.a 'W&S' as such no further disclaimers will be posted because dear gods I cannot tell you in enough words how way too lazy i am to do that. Oh and thank you for not suing - Namaste ooO DISCLAIMER Ooo-

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I started writing this story a few years ago when my father unexpectedly passed away, and I had to stop. I am now picking up the reins again and am continuing in his memory, who always believed you should never give up. To keep going, no matter what. This is for you dad. I love you, and I miss you - Always.

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A/NOTE May 31, 2019

Hello everyone! For new readers, Welcome! For old readers that have wondered what happened to me and my story, I'm happy to say that we're back! :)

I have just *completed* a major reconstruction on this story. Over the last few years many things have grown in regards to this story, and hopefully myself as a writer. I am so pleased to be back and bringing new chapters to W&S and look forward to continuing our journey together with our sexy wolf demon and friends!

Dedication to my readers

For those of you that have been following my writing for a while, you'll know that I've suffered a lot of loss and difficult times over the last few years, but writing this story has given my life purpose during a time when I could never have imagined having one again. Whatever else is going on in my world, this is what picks me back up, and I wouldn't be able to keep doing it if not for all of your incredible support and encouragement, reviewers, silent readers, and all of the amazing people I've gotten to know in this little world of ours. I know there's a lot of hard stuff going on out there, for everyone, and I'm honored if I can create a world for you that you can get lost in for a time and bring a little joy to your day like you do to mine.

If I had the completed jewel in my hands right now, I'd wish for all of us to remember that as long as we Keep Believing, magic will always exist in the world.

Everyone reading right now… Thank-you. You've changed my life.

xoxo ~ lady p.

WELCOME KOUGA LOVERS! =)

You've just stepped into my Kouga obsessed world. I hope you enjoy!

If you are looking for a short, thrown together story where they run around, beat the bad guy, and save the girl in 30 minutes or less, then this story is probably NOT for you.

This is not your typical Kouga/Kagome fanfiction - like at all, lol. There is a very big, long, complicated, *timey-whimey* kind of story that I'm trying to tell. I have it more or less figured out in my head now, but this story at 50+ chapters and has barely begun to scratch the surface of the adventure that will play out in this series. Characters will be developed, flaws revealed, and real-life will seep into ever crack and corner. The story will span several continuations (perhaps a trilogy) that will spread into the past and future in unexpected ways. I've been laying little 'bread crumbs' since the beginning of my story. They seem to mean nothing at the moment, but hopefully when you go back and reread this story after it's all done, you'll be able to see the thread weaving throughout (I hope!) ;-) I realize it may take a couple of years to finish the saga I see in my head, but that's something I've got my heart set on.

I have a LOT of adventures planned for my fav couple, so if that sounds good to you, buckle in! I have a feeling we're going to be seeing each other a lot :)

Another HUGETHANK YOU to everyone that is still following this story and who have made it so much fun to write, and for all that you've helped me learned to make it better. I couldn't have gotten here without all your love an support! Love you guys! Big hugs! xoxo ~ Lady p.

(btw -just to address some pm's I keep receiving, please be aware that I am using the *correct* spelling of Kouga's name K-O-U-G-A because that's how **the Japanese who created the original character** spell his name! :) 'Koga' is the Western/English version of his name so shuddup already and get your facts straight lol j/k, but really, get your facts straight. I personally am fine with both spellings but...

"His mamma named him Clay, Imma call him Clay"

*** A bow of deference and a chocolate chip cookie to anyone that know's what movie that's from, lol ;-) ***

Actually, as an FYI, I use the characters original Japanese names throughout my story, not the English versions, as I grew up reading the manga and later watching the Japanese audio - with English subtitles, so it's ingrained lol. And there are some differences in how some names are said and spelled in Japanese vs in English, most noticeably Kirara's (I see lot's of 'Kilala's' out there).

This has to do with how certain letters are said/pronounced in the Japanese language and caused confusion during translation when they recorded the show with English audio. Just a little trivia for ya! If you want to know more, read it on my profile page.

FYI: I will be using "Ch. 50 'authors notes" from now on to post any updates I have regarding my story so be sure to follow to get notified!

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ooOooOooOoo-W&S-W&S-ooOooOooOoo-

The campfire crackles and hisses as the embers of a dying fire smolder in the ash, the fading light displaying dark figures at its edges. Everyone is asleep save InuYasha that keeps guard up in a nearby tree, and Kagome that sighs as she sits in her sleeping bag, wondering for the millionth time what the hell her problem is. Having spent the last five years with InuYasha gathering all the sacred jewel shards, Kagome realizes that with only a handful left, her time in the Feudal Era will soon be coming to an end. Her quest will finally be over; InuYasha won't need her anymore, and the time-traveling priestess will have no reason for coming back.

Taking a deep breath through her nose, Kagome squeezes her eyes tightly closed. Breathing out, she silently berates herself. What am I doing? My heart can't take this anymore. She hardly notices the tremble in her body as she wraps her arms around herself as she thinks on all the years she's worn her heart on her sleeve, putting aside her own needs and desires to stay by the half-demon's side. In all that time though, InuYasha had never given her any real hope that there could be something more between them. The hanyou's heart still drew to his former lover – the undead priestess.

Kagome gives an involuntary growl at the thought of the priestess whose soul she shares, chiding herself when she realizes what she's doing. Come on, girl! Get a grip! Kagome whimpers quietly. This isn't Kikyo's fault. She was betrayed by Naraku, just like the rest of us! Kagome's anger flares as she thinks on the human-turned-demon and all that his nefarious plots have wrought.

Poor Kikyo, Kagome's mood shifts as she thinks on the undead priestess. Not only did Kikyo lose her life to Naraku, she swallows past a heavy lump in her throat, but she lost InuYasha too. Kagome sighs, feeling defeated, knowing the undead miko had not only lost her love, but whatever life she might have had with InuYasha. How did Kagome ever think she could compete with that shadow? Ever replace that? She sniffs quietly, wiping a tear away before it can fall.

At 20 years old, Kagome's only kiss had been an awkward one with Hojo a couple of years back when she had thought she still might have feelings for her sweet but oblivious classmate. The kiss had quickly made her realize that there was nothing there. No sparks, no fire, no heat. No Passion. Passion. Heart wrenching, all consuming – passion. Kagome can't help the soft moan that escapes her, realizing that that's exactly what is missing from her life, never mind her sort-of relationship with the half-demon she travels with.

Keh, Kagome snorts in a very InuYasha like fashion. What relationship? Only now that she's a little older and a little less naïve, is Kagome starting to realize that she doesn't really have a relationship with the hanyou, other than the one she's imagined and fantasized about in her head. They are friends to be certain, but Kagome had always wanted something more, had always hoped for more. At least . . . she used to, Kagome realizes, finding herself less and less tolerant of late of all the gaping holes filling her life.

No. What is happening between her and InuYasha, or more precisely, what isn't happening, isn't Kikyo's doing. It's his. Kagome squeezes her eyes shut, finding she has far fewer tears that spring free these days as she thinks on the half-demon that had stolen her heart as a young and impressionable girl. It's hard to admit that after all their years together, in the end, Kagome had wanted more than InuYasha was able or willing to give.

It's this realization more than any other that's been haunting Kagome as she struggles with her own growing realization of how unhappy she's been. Caught in the same never-ending cycle of chasing after jewel shards, fighting with InuYasha because he only sees her as a jewel detector, keeping InuYasha from killing Kouga – a grin tugs at the miko's lips as she thinks of the wolf – to ultimately end up crying on Sango's shoulder before running back home to her world. Usually not more than a few days would pass before InuYasha would finally come sniffing around, metaphoric tail between his legs to bring her back, and then the cycle would repeat on a seeming never ending loop.

There just has to be more to my life than this. Kagome tries to sniff quietly, wiping at her nose with the crumpled up bit of tissue in her hands. She should really get a new one, but then she would have to go digging around in her bag and Shippou would wake up. Kagome glances down at the little kitsune curled up near her pillow. The kit's soft little snores warm her heart, and a smile tugs the corners of her mouth as she watches the little fox in sleep. The sight of him reminds her of how often Souta would sleep with her in a similar way when he was much younger.

Kagome smiles at the memory. She knows she has a loving, supportive family on the other side of the Well. Sure they're a little strange sometimes – especially gramps, but they're always there for her when she needs them, even Souta. Grinning wider when she thinks about her three best friends from middle school and all the things they've been through together – they too are like sisters. And somehow, Kagome's been blessed with an incredible array of unusual friends in the feudal era like Sango, Shippou, Miroku, Kaede, and even Kouga the wolf demon.

Kouga.

A wide smile finds its way to Kagome's lips when she thinks on the wolf and the jealous tirades that InuYasha would usually spiral into at the demon's arrival – and with good reason. Kouga was one of those guys she couldn't help but be drawn to. Everything about him stood out, from the wolf's gorgeous storm filled blue eyes, to his charismatic smile, and his lean strong body – a flash of heat rolls through Kagome's belly. She unconsciously tugs at the collar of her shirt, hoping to relieve the sudden warmth, her stomach slowly churning with nerves.

Kouga had always held a special place in Kagome's heart. He's the one person in her world that no matter whatever complicated, all-consuming, or upsetting event she was going through, Kouga would always show up when she needed him. Surprising her with a beautiful seashell or making her blush with sweet words and an intense gaze. It was hard to stay melancholy in the wolf's presence. His thoughtful words and gestures always reached through the walls of caution and protection Kagome had learned to erect over the years. Having had her heart broken by the hanyou on more than one occasion, it was something she had learned to do out of necessity.

So preoccupied in her anguish, Kagome doesn't hear the quiet thud behind her, oblivious even to the golden orbs framed by a white mane that slips into her view.

"Oi," InuYasha calls out, blinking curiously at the priestess.

"What's up, Kagome? You sound like a restless pup down here." The canine lifts a dark eyebrow at the silent miko. Kagome is so lost in her thoughts that she doesn't seem to hear him.

"Hell-o!" InuYasha mock sings, waving a hand impatiently before her.

"Huh?" Kagome blinks, her eyes finally focusing on the bemused hanyou in front of her.

"Why ain't you asleep?" InuYasha asks, eyeing her curiously. He balks at mentioning that her scent has been shifting, giving off an array of emotions: distress, anger, jealousy, sorrow, frustration – and even the faint spice of her arousal. InuYasha can feel the flush rising in his cheeks.

"What's with all the growling and muttering?" He asks instead, not entirely certain if maybe Kagome has been spending too much time around demons and has started picking up some unconscious habits. InuYasha wonders if she's just trying to get out of hunting shards so she can go back to her indoor plumbing, and her shampoo. Then again, maybe not. It's easy for him to forget that Kagome is from another world – another time. He's so used to having her by his side.

"Oh . . . uh . . ." Kagome fights back the heat in her cheeks. She hadn't realized she was being so vocal and makes a mental note to watch the muttering. She doesn't dare wonder what the half-demon's sensitive nose might have also picked up on. "I'm fine, InuYasha," the embarrassed miko begins. "I was just thinking about some exams I have to take for school." Stretching an arm over her head, she feigns fatigue. The last thing she feels like doing is rehashing a very old, very painful argument.

InuYasha arches an eyebrow quizzically at her. Hadn't Kagome told him she was finally done with her skool? Maybe there were more exams to fight even when she finished skool. Kagome's world is so strange after all.

"Keh," InuYasha turns his head up, crossing arms into the sleeves of his haori.

"Forget about that, Kagome. We're almost done collecting the shards. You need to get your rest so we can keep hunting in the morning." He scowls at the priestess for a moment to impress upon her the importance of their mission.

Kagome stares wide-eyed at the hanyou's words. Of all the things InuYasha could have said to her! But instead of cutting her and bleeding her out like it would have in the past, Kagome takes a deep breath to strengthen herself.

"Don't worry, InuYasha, I haven't forgotten." Kagome's deadpan tone is the perfect mask of calm and indifference. A mask she has learned to wear quite well over the years.

InuYasha wrinkles his nose at her, sensing . . . something he doesn't quite understand. The hairs on his body feel suddenly electrified, so sensitive he can feel the individual threads of his fire rat robes pressing against his arms. Overwhelmed by the sensation, InuYasha shakes his head in an attempt to dispel the feeling. Turning, he stares blankly at Kagome as she watches him with silent, angry eyes. There are a million things he wants to say to her, his shoulders droop, and a million things he can't. Not wanting to bring up the same arduous debate they always seem to get into, InuYasha turns and leaps back into the cover of the trees.

Kagome bites down on her bottom lip. Yeah, that's right, watching with such a heated glare as InuYasha jumps back up to his perch, she's surprised the branch doesn't burst into flames. She can feel the mist rising in her eyes, Just run away and hide. For just a moment it had seemed like he was going to say something to her, to actually talk to her, share his feelings with her, but as soon as Kagome thinks it, she knows it's just another one of her ridiculous fantasies.

What else would he be concerned about? Kagome swallows hard as she settles into her sleeping bag.

Taking a deep breath to calm her racing heart, she closes her eyes, struggling to clear her mind in an effort to prepare herself for a sleep that she knows will most likely elude her for some time. There's a growing feeling inside her chest that tells Kagome something important, something big, is missing from her life. A gaping hole that hungers to be filled with something . . . something more, something so much . . . more. The need, the desire, grows stronger inside of her with each passing day.

Slowly, Kagome lets her mind drift. Pulling away from her reality, she begins to imagine people and events that fill her with hope and a sense of well-being; someone caring and strong. Kagome prays, hoping, wishing for a real kind of love. Something selfless, patient, and kind. Something that fills her with peace and an all-consuming passion that burns to the touch.

As slumber pulls at her consciousness, Kagome's mind stretches out, reaching, as her dreams begin to fill with hazy azure tones and flashes of a storming sea, unaware of a soft pink haze that momentarily surrounds her body.

.ooOoo.

Chilly brisk winds howl loud and deep as they whip furiously across a frost covered landscape. Icy gales lash frantically at Kouga's thick, heavy cloak as the wolf pushes through the frenzy of blinding snow. The Alpha wolf barely feels the sharp icy cuts on his skin as he charges on, his demonic blood a burning inferno deep within his chest. Kouga knows she's out here, somewhere, alone and afraid. He couldn't believe his nose when he caught Kagome's scent on the wind, certain he was hallucinating at first.

What the hell is that dog shit doing bringing Kagome out here?! Kouga growls angrily, And where the fuck is he now?! His fists clench in silent fury as he continues to push against the biting tempest, thinking of all the times that stupid half-breed has put his love in danger.

I swear InuYasha, if anything happens to Kagome, I'm gonna strip your flesh from your fucking bones! Kouga snarls inwardly, his eyes momentarily hazing with red. Speeding onwards, he crests a small hill overlooking a crystal frozen river. His sharp eyes land quickly on a single smudge of green in the distance, blazing like a fire in the vast swirling chaos of white.

Kouga's body explodes in a rush of adrenaline as the powerful scent of sweet lavender warmed by sunlight and honey reaches out to him across the stark expanse. A painful whimper strains at the back of his throat.

"Kagome!" Kouga howls at the top of his lungs, but the driving gusts steal his voice, carrying it away. "Shit! She can't hear me!" He growls furiously, shaking a frost covered fist before him. Watching helpless as the apparition staggers across the frozen river, stumbles, and suddenly disappears from sight.

"Ka-Go-Me!" Kouga roars loud enough to pierce the wind, pausing a moment in shock before moving with lightning speed in the miko's direction.

The Alpha pumps every last ounce of strength into his legs as they burn brightly with the power of the sacred jewels. Approaching the place where Kagome had disappeared from his sight, Kouga's eyes grow wide, his inner youkai howling in rage as unsuppressed fear races through him. Kouga's heart sinks as deep as the river before him as he gazes into the large hole where the ice has thinned.

Shoving panic and despair forcefully from his mind, Kouga quickly scans the frozen surface . . . there! A dark shadow, a few yards off, floats away under the ice. The stricken wolf has no time to think as he leaps towards the submerged shape being carried away by the strong current. Kouga lands a few feet ahead of the dark mass with a grunt, smashing his fist through the thick ice with ease. With his heart lodged securely in his throat, Kouga reaches into the glacial waters and grabs onto his precious cargo just as the currents carry it past. Carefully, he lifts the frozen and unconscious form of the woman he loves from the rivers icy hold.

"Hang on, Kagome!" Tears sting Kouga's eyes as he quickly unclasps the ties of his fur cloak and wraps it securely around her still and frozen form. He gently cradles her to his chest, unable to fathom how in the name of all the kami she's ended up all the way out here, cold and alone, with nothing but her strange thin kimono for protection. No, all Kouga is capable of focusing on is how there's no color in her cheeks, no rise or fall to her chest. The miko's lack of breath defies everything the wolf is capable of believing.

"Don't you die on me, Kagome!" Kouga screams, shaking his head furiously in denial. "You hear me?!" The terrified wolf shakes the unconscious woman forcefully by the shoulders, desperate to gain any kind of response from her. But Kagome's head falls forward, heavy and limp against his chest, unmoving.

"By the gods, Kagome," the despondent wolf curls his body carefully around his woman's frigid body, shaking in fear for the first time in his life. "Please, Kagome, please, y-you can't leave me," Kouga whispers, lovingly rocking the cold, lifeless form of the woman he adores against his chest. "You c-can't die, there's so much I still have to show you," his tears fall unhindered, "so much I still have to say," Kouga moans in despair. His chin trembles with the force of his building emotions.

"Fight, Kagome!" Kouga roars, flaring with anger. Refusing to accept the truth in his arms as he fights back the tidal wave of dark emotions that threatens to drown him right alongside her. "Please fight," Kouga whimpers, rage quickly wilting to despair. Instinctively, he nuzzles Kagome's ebony hair, inhaling and memorizing her unique and beautiful scent as hopelessness overwhelms him. "F-for me," he begs in a low whisper as hot tears fall onto her cold ivory skin.

A sharp inhalation causes his heart to stutter.

"Ka -Kagome?" Kouga's eyes light with wonder as his world suddenly shifts and then shifts again. Air rushes back into his lungs as Kagome's body convulses in his arms, coughing violently as water expels from her mouth before falling still again.

Kouga's youkai falls into rare silence as he moves his head closer; hovering a pointy ear next to Kagome's mouth. He's rewarded with the feel of her hot, ragged little breaths puffing beautifully hoarse against his skin. A delirious rush of joy spreads through Kouga's soul, a powerful howl of elation that resonates deep in chest and at the back of his mind. His heart exploding with relief at the incredible sound, wondering if he's ever heard anything more beautiful in his life. Kouga knows the answer even before thinking it – only the sound of her voice.

"Hang on, Kagome, I've got you!" Kouga stands readily, cradling his only reason for living protectively to his chest. The wolf's snow-covered ponytail whips in front of him, his armor and bracers glisten with the building frost as he considers his options. He knows he has to get Kagome somewhere warm and dry – and fast! Quickly scanning the horizon, he spies some large mountainous hills glistening like white diamonds to the east. Where there are mountains, there will undoubtedly be caves and shelter.

Using as much of his body as possible to shield Kagome from the unforgiving elements, Kouga quickly steps into his whirlwind and takes off towards the jagged, sparkling peaks. In a few short minutes the wolf demon stands at the entrance of a dark sheltering cave that sits protectively at the base of a snow covered mountain. Kouga's stomach lurches when Kagome shivers violently in his arms, unconscious but still breathing . . . barely. The tinge of blue on her skin makes him feel nauseous and sick to his very core.

"It's going to be okay, Kagome. I'm gonna get you warmed up, just hang on, love," Kouga whispers reassuringly. Moving deeper into the cave, he gets as far away from the biting cold of the storm as he can get, scanning the cave for inhabitants as he goes. The Alpha's powerful senses reassure him that no unwanted occupants linger inside.

Reaching a rear wall, Kouga carefully settles the bundled woman that has stolen his heart on the cave floor. Having secured shelter, his gaze immediately falls onto Kagome's soaked and frozen clothing. Kouga sweat-drops, knowing he can't very well leave her in such a state.

"Sorry 'bout this, Kagome," the embarrassed wolf swallows thickly, "Please don't hate me when you wake up."

Averting his gaze – as much as a demon in love can – Kouga quickly and carefully removes her soaked garments. He has some trouble with her strange chest restraints before finally ripping the entire thing to shreds in his frustration. Kouga's ears redden as he tugs on the last bit of cloth that he slides down and over Kagome's frigid, ivory legs, doing his best to keep his gaze averted. Tan cheeks heat at the sight of the soft pink cloth that goes sailing by as Kouga tosses it near the rest of Kagome's drying clothes before wrapping his cloak around her again.

I've got to get her warmer and fast! A fire would be difficult to build without dry wood and would take too long getting hot enough. Only one solution surfaces in the wolf's mind, the best option he can think of given their circumstances.

Releasing his youkai from the confines of his form, the heat and power emanating from within the wolf, brushes past the unconscious miko's aura, blowing her hair gently. As Kouga's body begins to glow, his form contorts, growing taller, larger, and wider with incredible speed and fluidity. His mouth stretches, shifting into a large furry snout as he drops to all fours. Soft dense fur sprouts all over Kouga's body, his dark tail grows longer and thicker, his hands knuckle in turning into large soft paws.

In a matter of moments, Kouga's vast youkai recedes when the transformation is complete, revealing a giant wolf that nearly brushes the ceiling where the demon had been. The enormous black and brown wolf pads on silent feet towards the unconscious woman. Nudging her with his large muzzle, he whimpers in distress when she doesn't respond.

Carefully, the large wolf lays his massive body down, curling tightly around Kagome. Nuzzling her body with his large soft head, wolf Kouga carefully nips at the cloak's furry edges, tugging Kagome to him. He adjusts her so she is lying on top of his warm belly, the cloak wrapped securely around her. Whining low at the back of his throat, he licks Kagome's icy face. Kouga's large thick ears fold forward as he settles his muzzle onto his paws to wait.

The Sun begins to set as the wolf demon maintains his vigil. Kouga's wide crystal blue orbs flashing with veins of silver never move from the rise and fall of Kagome's chest and her short ragged breaths. He waits patiently and hopeful as she stops shivering and the pale blue color fades from her skin.