Back again for chapter two? More than glad to have you all! Hopefully the wait wasn't too long, if it was I would be shocked :3
Now on a different note I have to get a little bit of venting off my chest, I have been wanting to read a good Kouga/Kagome fanfiction for some time now, and I can't seem to find one without the exact same storyline basis!
It's always Kagome sees Inu with Kikyo and runs off to Kouga, granted there are some pretty damn good stories out there who have used this plot but I really think it is overly used! Come on! Give me so new material please! So if anyone has a good Kou/Kag fanfiction they would like to recommend I'm all ears! I really do like to read on the occasion instead of typing *sigh*
Now on with the update, hope you all enjoy!
Note For Review's:
Someones Desire - So happy to have you onboard for another hopefully long story! Your support means a lot and I hope I continue to keep you entertained!
Kouga's Older Woman - Thank you so much can't express how much your constant reviews mean to me! Hope you enjoy the new chapter!
FireDragon456 - Thank you so much I hope you enjoy the update!
Kougakit - Thanks so much I really try to do be as descriptive as I can, enjoy the update! :D
Chapter Two
Collide
A faint chill hung in the crisp air wafting its way through boundless hillsides on the outskirts of the not to distant village.
The unexpected cooler change in the mid day breeze slithering its way into the thick material of Kagome's kimono making her shiver slightly.
Autumn was fast fading into the grasp of winter any day now should be the first snow fall, a day Kagome dreaded facing alone.
Only a day had passed since Inuyasha's departure and she felt just as empty as the moment he left unapologetically.
Kagome didn't know what was worse the fact that she hadn't had the guts to face him after their argument or that she had allowed him to leave to the north without a single goodbye.
She regretted that decision greatly now but it was too late to change anything, he was gods know how many miles away with only Miroku and the young northern village boy as company.
Kagome pulled her knees to her chest wanting desperately to block out the awful feeling churning inside her, a combination of guilt and longing eating away at her silently.
Longing being the more potent of the two poisons, fight aside she missed Inuyasha more than words could say.
Having him leave the way he had only seasoned her turmoil with regret.
Now she was stuck with the punishment of her choices having to face the entire winter without him, she was now completely alone.
"Mind if I join you?" A soft voice asked from beside her.
Kagome looked up to see a pair of brown orbs that much matched her own staring back down at her.
"Sango" Kagome whispered in surprise, the demon slayer only smiled politely back at her.
Kagome shook her head forgetting herself for a moment now realizing Sango still awaited her permission.
"No, go ahead" Kagome smiled more than happy for the company to soothe her all but consuming loneliness.
Sango took a gentle seat at her friends side her soft eyes staring ahead solemnly.
Kagome looked at her dear friend than to her side noticing her three usual shadows were nowhere to be seen.
"Where are the kids?" Kagome asked a bit saddened not to see her some what adopted nieces and nephew falling over themselves to join them.
Their carefree laughter and constant questioning about everything in the world would have been a nice distraction in this depressing time.
"With Kaede, they wanted to help her mix the vegetables for dinner" Sango smiled remembering the look on her daughters face as they examined every strange food they came into contact with.
Kagome laughed at the thought, Kaede must have been overwhelmed to have such rambunctious children fill her small house.
Thinking about the children helper ease her distracted train of regret filled thoughts but she had a feeling her eyes betrayed her secret.
Only when Sango's questioned voice reached her ears did she realize they had.
"Are you alright?" Sango asked lowly.
Kagome felt her partial smile melt away as she looked at her dear friend still staring at her awaiting an answer.
She wasn't entirely sure how to answer that question, had she really given so much away with a single glance? Was she that transparent?
"I mean about Inuyasha leaving, yesterday you two seemed a little-" Sango paused remembering how worried she had felt that Kagome hadn't come to say any departing words to Inuyasha before he and Miroku set off.
It had been unlike either of them to be so ominously quiet, seeing as neither of them had volunteered to offer up an explanation it only made her unease grow.
Kagome shook her head trying her best to give her version of the story without betraying to many unnecessary details.
"It's nothing, we just had a fight" Kagome replied hurriedly wondering if she had chosen the right words.
A fight seemed so much of a lesser word than what had occurred between her and Inuyasha the previous night.
"He picked a fight with you at a time like that?" Sango asked appalled at the gall of the absent half demon.
Inuyasha had always been a little overbearing but to have a disagreement the night before he would have to depart for an unknown amount of months seemed ridiculously upsetting.
He should have done all he could to reassure Kagome that the time they spent apart wouldn't be that difficult, like Miroku had with her.
Kagome felt her heart flutter at the clear aggravation in her friends aggressive tone.
She hadn't meant to make Inuyasha seem like the bad guy, even if he was partly at fault she didn't want anyone to think less of him, especially since he wasn't here to defend himself.
"No!" Kagome began in a panicked squeak "I mean, it was kind of my fault too, its-" Kagome sighed heavily explaining herself was even more confusing than she first realize.
"It's complicated" She finally forced out hoping her simple statement might be enough to satisfy her concerned friend.
"Kagome-" Sango whispered unsure if she should ask any further question, Kagome was clearly a jumbled mess of emotions and she didn't want to make it worse.
"So what about you? Miroku leaving can't be easy on you?" Kagome asked trying to break the growing tension between them knowing chatting about the distant monk would be a much lighter change in topic.
"I'm fine" Sango replied confidentially with a small smile "I really don't have time to think about it, being so busy with the kids and all" She reassured her.
It was the truth being here with Kagome was the closet thing she had gotten to a break since her third child was born, it was a nice reprieve.
"Its nice just to have breather" She admitted with an exhausted smile, the life of a mother was never an easy one.
Kagome smiled back slightly envious of Sango, having three total depended people would make her time to think almost impossible it was a hidden blessing.
Still Kagome didn't have that luxury, all she had was her thoughts to comfort her when the village was at peace.
"Kagome" Sango started evenly her brown eyes fixed on her silent friend.
"Hum?" Kagome asked staring back at the still concerned demon slayer.
Steadily Sango placed a soft hand on Kagome's shoulder reassuringly before speaking.
"No matter what happens, I'm always here for you if you need to talk" She smiled sincerely.
Kagome absorbed her tender words like the comforting warmth they were she leaned forward wrapping her arms around Sango in a grateful hug, no one could possibly ask for a better more understanding friend.
"Thanks Sango" Kagome whispered gratefully.
Sango hugged her dear friend back knowing her message had sunk in, Kagome was basically her sister and anything she needed consideration or comfort on she wanted to be there to help.
Then as the two pulled apart the faint sound of a crying toddler could be heard in the not to far of distance.
Kagome looked over the hill side where the small sound had traveled from, Sango merely bowed her head in reluctance.
"I guess that's my sign to should head back" She sighed knowing the faint cry better than anyone ever could.
Kagome smiled apologetically sorry for Sango's seemingly never ending plight.
Sango climbed to her feet turning back towards the village staring ahead blankly, undoubtedly seeing her son approaching over the hill with the elderly priestess who had undoubtedly reached her babysitting limit.
"Will you be alright out here alone?" Sango asked down at her still sitting friend.
Kagome nodded "I'm fine" She promised.
"Alright I will see you back in the village" She smiled before heading down the hill side eager to greet the approaching priestess.
Kagome sighed watched her best friend depart from the hills back to the village now returning her to her earlier isolation. Even though she was now once again alone she felt much more comforted than she did before.
Sango's words had done an amazing job making her feel comforted, she really was an amazing friend.
Slowly Kagome lifted her head up to the graying sky only now noticing how fast the cold weather was approaching.
Winter was undoubtedly near but unlike before she now knew she wouldn't have to face it alone.
The light crunching of snow was the only constant dismal sound echoing off the stone walls of the over hanging cliff.
Huddled footsteps the source of the low muffled melody as the small group of wolf demons marched on.
Kouga's fierce gaze was fixed ahead on the unfamiliar route as Roiyaru and his disciples led the way further along the mountain path.
The northern territory had been hit hard from the previous snow storms he and the others had so narrowly missed.
It had been several days since they left the comfort of the eastern caves to journey to what Kouga considered a foreign land.
Even though he and Ayame had been mated for several years Kouga had never taken it upon himself to visit the north often.
He hadn't seen the need to, knowing he had an entire mountain of his own to look after and provide for, a duty that had now fallen on Ginta and Hakkaku.
He could still see the look of reluctance and dread on both their faces as he said his farewells to them, he secretly prayed the two knuckled head could handle such a demanding task without him.
Then again he hadn't been left with a lot of choices since learning of Ayame's grandfathers health.
Kouga sighed heavily this was going to be difficult on both their sides especially since the pass below where they currently stood was almost completely swallowed with snow.
Kouga peered down from the narrow path carved into the cliff side to the sheer drop below nothing but a frozen rock face covered by jagged ice packed snow.
One more snow storm would make sure the pass closed completely for the winter much to Kouga's secret contempt.
"We are lucky we left when we did, the pass will soon be closed over" Roiyaru called over his shoulder secretly sensing Kouga's observation.
No surprise he was taking in the sights being from the east such arctic surroundings must be new to him, winter was undoubtedly difficult back where his home laid, but in the north it was far worse.
Kouga shot him a glare it must have given Roiyaru secret pleasure to see Kouga so out of his element.
Back in the eastern territory Kouga knew every single rock, tree, and crevasse his mountain had to offer, but here he was a visible outsider.
Had it not been for Roiyaru's and Ayame's guidance through the countless narrow ice or stone carved paths he would have been totally lost.
Kouga huffed out a visible heated cloud of frustrated air the sooner they reached the elders den the better, he wasn't sure how much more of this smug pups company he could stand.
"I wonder how grandpa is" Ayame whispered from her permanent place at Kouga's side her saddened eyes fixed on the snow spotted route below.
"Ayame" Kouga replied he had forgotten how upset she must be returning home under these circumstances, for the past few days she had been so quiet even to him, it was unlike her to be so distant but he didn't blame her.
His pace didn't slow as he extended out his hand until he laced their fingers together tenderly.
Ayame looked up at her mate gratefully taking hold of his hand more firmly.
"I'm sure the elder is fine, old or not he's tough as they come so don't worry" He reassured her his blue orbs still fixed ahead on the slightly winding pass forward.
Ayame felt a small smile spread over her lips he always knew just what to say to make her feel more secure.
Then before she could express her gratitude further into words the constant footsteps ahead ceased making them stop as well in partial confusion.
Ayame's jade eyes shifted forward as she felt Kouga's tender grip on her hand slip away, her gaze fixing on Roiyaru who stood ahead of each of them motionless.
"Roiyaru?" She asked unsure of what made him halt the entire group.
Kouga shared her gaze but for a whole different reason, apparently she hadn't noticed it yet but something had turned severely amiss within a few steps.
The once clear mountain air shifted into something darker, something dangerous.
He was more than willingly to admit his surprise in noticing the pup had realized it as well, why else would he stop them on such a vulnerable position on the cliff side.
Kouga's eyes shifted uneasily back and forth trying to locate the source of the invading ominous scent.
"Something's not right" Roiyaru finally admitted to his gawking comrades as well as Ayame.
Slowly he turned towards Kouga who had the same look of alarm on his tense face, instantly knowing the eastern leader felt the change in the air as well.
Then suddenly the cliff wall that so narrowly hung to the path they currently stood upon began to shift and crack unknown tremors rocking through the stone face until it began to crumble apart.
The wall so close beside them shoved alarmingly before breaking stone launched outward revealing a monstrous creature.
Kouga wrapped a strong arm around Ayame's waist before leaping forward dodging the shrapnel of the exploding stone.
Skillfully he landed before the remainder of the group making sure to shove Ayame behind him in the safety of his shadow.
Then silently they watched as the menacing creature began peeling itself from the rock face.
Revealing a giant snake like demon, once curled free on the further side of the path mere feet from were the group of now panicked wolf demons stood.
Its scaly skin cloaked in a sickening albino shade its crimson eyes fixed down below on its intended prey, only it wasn't just one pair of hunger filled eyes glaring down at them but two.
The snake demon reared its twin heads back in a striking position it's overly large fangs hanging below its gaping mouth.
"A snow serpent!" Roiyaru shouted obviously seeing this monstrous type of demon before.
"Wolfsss how delicious!" One of the heads hissed in delight "We sssshall devour each of you alive!" The other chimed in cocky victory.
Then it launched forward its massive mouth open and waiting to consume anything unlucky enough to be in its path!
Kouga kicked off the stone path flying upwards into the air forcing the snake's head to crash into the rock below missing its desired target receiving nothing but a mouth full of ruble and snow.
The other head of the serpent followed suit its gleaming fangs eager to sink into the still unsettled wolf demon.
Kouga shifted in mid air delivering a brutal kick to the serpent unsuspecting face making it slam into the cliff side.
A sickening sound of bone crushing against rock echoing out loudly as a tremor rocked through the stone face making fresh snow and ice crumble down.
Kouga landed directly between the parting of the two immobile heads before his eyes fixed back on the gawking group still huddled together.
"Roiyaru! Get everyone out of here!" He ordered knowing the path below them was far to narrow to fight a full scale battle without risking casualties.
Purposely defying Kouga's request Roiyaru charged forward his drawn sword now in his firm grasp.
"I'm not running!" He barked back infuriated at the thought of abandoning his territorial path to such a demon.
Who was Kouga to order him around? He was a foreigner here nothing more!
"Fool!" Kouga roared watching as Roiyaru blindly charged forward towards the faintly immobile head that had so narrowly missed Kouga before.
The head sprung to life striking at Roiyaru who managed to jilt to one side barely missing the almost fatal attack!
He launched himself forward stabbing the blade of his sword all the way to the hilt as it pierced the serpents thick scale covered hide!
Fresh blood spurting out from the newly made wound making the serpents injured head rear back in seething pain.
Roiyaru unknowingly was far to closes to the serpent to escape its jerking motion its massive thick body jarring to the side tossing him into the air weightlessly.
Roiyaru felt the air flush from his lungs as he once again made contact with solid mass, his now limb body slamming back first into the cliff side making him gasp in pain!
"Roiyaru!" Ayame called rushing to her now motionless friends side as he slid down the cliff, back onto the waiting blood spotted path.
Ayame fell to her knees by his side watching as he tried desperately to regain his stolen breath.
The second head reared back its mouth once again open and gaping for vengeance as it launched itself two the huddle couple.
"Pathetic beassst! I'll tear you apart!" It vowed its jaws parted unbelievably wide in effort to devour them both in a single gulp.
Ayame reached into her fiery hair pulling free her iris instantly the flower morphing into a dangerous point as she prepared to defend herself!
"Ayame!" Kouga boomed wrapping his entire torso around the mid end of the serpent in an inescapable suffocating embrace.
Inhumanly he brutally lifted the massive snake demon from the path slinging its entire body over his shoulder and onto the further side of the cliff forcing it away from all the others!
Kouga eyed the squirming monster as it slithered from his iron grip now both furious heads fixed on him and him alone!
"Get out of here! Now!" Kouga roared over his shoulder his fierce eyes fixed on his battle ready mate.
Ayame shook her head instantly in protest "I wont leave you!" She vowed!
The serpent forcefully recoiled from its ordeal its uninjured head launching downward at the wolf demon it now desired above all others!
Kouga leapt into the air effortlessly missing the demons massive opening once again only to be caught off guard by its second head aiming directly at him as well.
A throat ripping howl of pain erupted from him as he felt the demon serpents fangs sink into his unprotected right shoulder, instantly tearing flesh giving way to a fresh crimson spray of blood!
The demon serpent slammed him against rock face pinning Kouga helplessly against the ice sheeted stone.
Its fangs sinking deeper into his heated flesh making him cry out in agony! As an acid like substance began pouring from the snakes mouth and into his flesh making it feel as if he was being burned alive!
"Kouga!" Ayame cried running from her place at Roiyaru side to her bound mate desperate to free him from the merciless attack he was enduring.
"Let go of me!" Kouga growled low and deadly as he lifted his free arm raising his claws until he tore at the flesh of the serpents exposed eye!
The serpent instantly released its poisonous grasp on the fuming wolf demon with a horrid hiss of pain, allowing him to free fall dozens of feet before slamming into the stone of the path, the rock cracking dangerously thin as he made contact!
Kouga clawed his way to his knees below the still thrashing snake demon watching as the ground around him began to crumble any moment the narrow path of the cliff threatened give way!
"Damn you!" The snake's other head cursed its rage filled eyes fixing on the fast apportioning female wolf demon coming to her mate's aid!
Kouga tried desperately to warn her away but only a wet animal like yelp came out from the seething pain still pulsating around his badly injured arm.
The poisonous venom the snake had injected into him now running its course making his vision blur and his body unwillingly begin to shut down!
"I'll eat you bone and all wench!" The demon snake vowed launching its massive head forward towards Ayame.
Ayame braced her dagger like iris to herself unaffected by the inescapable attack her only desire to get to her brutally injured mate!
Kouga watched helplessly as he was left unable to move unable to aid his mate in any way, his body becoming so unbelievably heavy with toxin he felt utterly paralyzed!
Then his fierce gaze fixed down to the crumbling path below him, the snake still coiled body wrapped around the same inescapable area.
He glared up at Ayame mere seconds from being taken by the accursed serpent.
Before his conscious mind could from any kind of protest he reared back his balled fist, with every last ounce of strength he could gather he slammed down onto the cracking path!
A wave of demonic energy surged though the stone making it pulsate with an indescribable power!
Instantly the rock gave way crumbling into powder like ruble beneath him! The serpent as well as his injured form quickly began to be swallowed by the now tumbling avalanche of snow and stone!
Kouga watched calmly through blurred eyes at Ayame who ran desperately towards him, her jade eyes wide filled with overwhelming terror, he knew she would never reach him in time.
Then the solid plain vanished below him sucking him down into the waiting black abyss.
Only his name from Ayame's horror filled voiced reached him one last time through the darkness, then nothing but the chaotic melody of screams and colliding ice.
Kouga closed his heavy eyes as he felt himself fall into the unknown, fall into the sheer oblivion.
"Kouga!" Ayame screamed at the now gaping hole of the path her body leaping forward preparing to follow after her mate into the flurry of stone and ice!
"Ayame! No!" Roiyaru's arms coiled around her stopping her from following through with her desperate thought halting her mere inches from the still roaring avalanche!
Ayame thrashed against him in defiance fresh tears falling from her panicked jade eyes as she screamed into the consuming cold winters air.
"Kouga!"
Frost thick air invaded mercilessly through the visible seams and cracks of the aged hut acting as the silent trio of huddle forms only shelter.
After traveling for countless days relentlessly to reach the northern territory Inuyasha and Miroku had finally breached the border of the Shikai pass just two days passed.
Only now on this night had they found a relatively decent place to rest while the fast approaching blizzard outside raged on.
It wasn't the most extravagant of shelters but it had four standing walls to block out the frigid wind which was good enough for them.
Miroku sat silently as close to the dying fire as he could manage while Inuyasha braced in his usual position in the far corner, his amber eyes fixed on the huddle form of the village boy shivering in his sleep on the opposite side of the room.
No surprise the kid was struggling to keep warm, weather like this was taking its toll on each of them including him.
He refused to show it but on the inside he was freezing just as they were.
Inuyasha tightened his crossed arms around his chest, to think he could have been back home in the warmth of Kaede's hut with Kagome sleeping silently at his side.
Not that she would want him sleeping by her side mind you after their little disagreement the night before he had departed.
Inuyasha shook the memory from his mind he didn't want to think about such things right now, it would do little good seeing as he was hundreds of miles away.
Then the small sound of Miroku sneezing broke him free of his fast depressing thoughts.
He raised a dark brow at the shuddering monk.
"You're not getting sick are ya?" He asked more annoyance in his voice than concern.
"N-No, I'm fine" Miroku shook his head slowly while chattering a response.
Inuyasha leaned back further against the wall he knew it would have been better if the monk had stayed behind.
One human was bad enough but two tagging along was just making this journey all the more exhausting.
"Yeah well you better not die on me, I'm not dragging your lecherous corpse back to Sango" He snapped thinking briefly what kind of hell he would be facing if he let Miroku die while in his unwanted care.
"Lecherous?" Miroku asked in defense he hadn't done a single mischievous thing to earn such a title, yet.
"Why else would you come with me? Sango was right on the money, you just wanted to see some fresh new village girls" Inuyasha snorted knowing the shivering monk had ogled almost every girl back in Kaede's village despite the constant thrashings from his fuming wife.
"And I hope their worth it" Miroku sighed down at the small flickering flames before him, not bothering with his innocent act any longer than he had to.
Coming to this place had been a costly mistake right now he could be warm in bed with his lovely wife and children instead he was freezing in a half formed shack with a half demon and a young boy.
But it had been for more reasons than the glaring dog demon gave him credit for, he could tell the moment they entered this foreign territory that a strong demonic presence was lingering around this area.
Just a few days ago they had witnessed an ominous avalanche on the high peaks of the far off mountains, no doubt sealing the pass they had so narrowly managed to slip through.
The village boy had told them that though uncommon avalanches were not unheard of along the mountains, so they had seen no reason to investigative further.
"I just hope this Yokobue is worth coming all this way" Inuyasha sighed his breath visible from the invading cold.
Inuyasha didn't enjoy the drug out journey at all but the thought of fighting a worthy adversary seemed amusing.
After the defeat of Naraku, he hadn't come across a single demon that posed a great threat, only weaker demons he could pick off in one attack seemed to be in great supply around the village.
It got tiring at times but maybe this new demon would be more of a wanted challenge.
Miroku narrowed his eyes at the thought demon aside the journey to the village wasn't over yet and they still had an entire winter to wait out.
He scooted closer to the now faintly blazing fire his cold hands open to receive any warmth the small flames could provide.
His only secret hope was that his family was faring better than the three of them, that was all he truly cared for.
Then with a lasting whisper of more frost bitten air the flames dancing before him painfully slow died out.
The morning air was crisp with a lingering cold, heavy snow reaming firmly in place along the frozen dirt pathways even though the sun hung brightly overhead.
It was a welcomed sight after such a raging blizzard the village had endured the previous night.
Kagome felt the lasting snow begin to melt under her now socked feet as she remained in place firmly before a familiar hut opening.
She smiled politely as she handed a bag of mixed herbs to the slightly aged woman standing before in the small door opening.
The elderly woman took them gratefully with a thankful bow secretly praying happily she had such a caring priestess to watch over her in this dreary time.
Kagome released the bag of rooted remedy's knowing she had just completed another task set upon her from Kaede.
Since the first snow fall a few days ago winter had hit the village full force making several villagers like the one she currently stood before feel ill due to the shift in weather.
She had handed out countless bags of the exact mixture to other people lined along the village only this time she had been provided company.
Mi and Sa had begged Sango for the chance to observe Kagome for the day joining her for every stop she was assigned to make.
Now there the two gawking twins stood pinned to each of her sides both holding handfuls of her red hakama for comfort since they were still a bit alarmed by strangers.
"Now remember to boil the leaves twice" Kagome smiled making sure the elder woman recalled the proper way to drink her herbal medicine.
"Of course, thank you so much my lady" The elder woman announced happily once again bowing slightly before the youthful priestess.
Kagome laughed a bit unnerved by the gesture, being called 'my lady' was over gratitude enough but bowing was uncalled for.
She didn't see herself as the savoir all the villagers did, if anything she saw herself as their equal a simple human trying to get by in a sometimes harsh world.
Still she didn't want to appear rude so she forced herself to bow back all the while with a reassuring smile before turning away from the now prepared village woman.
"Well now, should we head back?" Kagome asked down at the two small girls staring up at her in wonder.
More at ease they grabbed at her open hands being careful to pull each one to themselves as they walked forward up the snow spotted roadway.
Kagome took the gesture sweetly retuning their hand holding with a smile as they continued ahead.
It was nice to have time with the two rambunctious children it kept her mind preoccupied from thinking about a certain amber eyes half demon.
Not to mention Sango was probably happy to have the partial alone time to herself as well.
Then slowly she felt Mi on her left side begin to halt in her constant pace.
"Aunt Kagome look a bunny!" She chimed in amazement her large eyes fixed across the frozen water preserved fields where the forest thickly began.
There just a few feet from the underbrush a winter coated rabbit sat nuzzled close to the overgrowth.
"It's white!" Sa mused her high pitched voice making the rabbit look up in slight alert.
Kagome smiled down at the gawking children, they were almost indescribably adorable.
"I see it" Kagome smiled wishing she could bring them closer but venturing so close to the outside of the village probably wasn't the wisest of ideas during this scarce season.
"Lady Kagome!" A voice suddenly chimed from behind the three of them.
Kagome turned slightly to peer over her shoulder only to see the elder woman from before calling out to her, undoubtedly having more questions about her medicinal cure.
Kagome sighed heavily there was no point in dragging the girls back to the door frame making them once again uncomfortable seeing as it was only a few steps away.
Slowly she peered down at the already staring twins their eyes wide with questioning.
"Stay right here okay?" She smiled down at them reassuringly watching as they nodded in agreement before she headed back to the waiting villager.
Once she was a noticeable distant away from the two mischievous children, they shared an equal look to each other than to the rabbit still eating away at the unfrozen greenery.
Stealthily they tiptoed ahead careful to avoid the piles of loose snow so not to crunch it and give away their intentions.
Then once free of the powder like substance they sprinted forward towards the unsuspecting rabbit.
The snow colored creature turned towards the loudly approaching twins before its beady eyes widened with panic.
Fearfully it shot back into the underbrush vanishing from sight but the twins had no intention on giving up.
Unknowingly they launched themselves into the hidden path of the thickening woods in hot pursuit of the long gone creature.
The carved paths of the village vanishing into snow covered forest floor the once thick overhanging trees bare from the lingering frost.
Mi sprinted forward with Sa close to her side running blindly forward childishly until she felt a hidden blunt buried tree limb send her flying face first into the snow.
Sa instantly came to an abrupt stop watching as her sister slid across the hidden dirt and ice.
She couldn't help but erupt with loud laughter at the sight of Mi clawing her way back to a sitting position her smooth face now covered in unknown forest muck.
"It's not funny Sa!" Mi snapped angry at her sisters with embarrassment.
She scooped up a handful of undisturbed snow packing it into a small ball preparing to deliver a punishing blow to her sibling, until she watched a look of sheer horror spread over her face.
Mi felt confused by her sisters sudden change in fear but then she turned to see what her eyes were so forcefully fixed on.
There perched only a few feet from where the two of them stood was a massive bird like creature.
Its beady flat eyes positioned between a jagged overhanging beak its large snow spotted feathers tucked to its side.
Its blue shaded razor like claws clenched to the icy branch it sat upon.
"Hum human children, what a nice meal" The bird demon crowed bracing its dagger like feet further apart preparing for flight.
Mi turned from the horrid creature back to her paralyzed sister fearfully she charged forward towards her.
Instantly the two now trembling children held onto one another each falling to the snow in a helpless position.
"I'll devour you alive!" The bird roared soaring downward large ice shards falling freely from the bare branch as it did so.
Its massive claws fixed on the embracing children eager to sink its cracked beak into their tender youthful flesh.
The girls cried against one another desperately calling out for their mother or any form of savior but their small voices were covered by an even louder roar of something unknown.
They awaited the pain of the demon bird undoubtedly ready to devour each of them but nothing came.
Then a horrid crow of pain rang out forcing them to open their youthful tear filled eyes.
Instantly they watched as the once leering demon bird was torn apart with the swipe of powerful claws sending a spray of feathers and fast dissolving crystallized meat flying outward.
The remained of the once intact bird hit the snow loudly fragmented pieces of the beast landing widely around the still embracing twins.
Both Mi and Sa looked up to the new figure standing before them unknowing if this new person had saved them intentionally or not.
Standing a few feet ahead of them was a tall bronze skinned wolf demon.
His right arm limp at his side dried darken blood stained along his skin running the length of limb. His left arm flexed with strain from the damage it had just inflected on the now dead bird demon.
His legs braced apart but his knees turned inwardly as if threatening to buckle at any given moment.
His raven hair loosely held in place by a fur band the rest wild and tangled around him unruly.
Countless scrapes and cuts lined along every visible inch of his tan skin, his head was bowed seemingly heavy with exhaustion not allowing their large eyes a glimpse of his face.
"M-Mi" Sa whispered down at her still clinging sister in unease unsure of what they should do now.
Then as if her small words had alerted the unknown demon he slowly peered up at the two of them.
His blue eyes narrow with strain his breath coming out in large heated clouds of clear exhaustion.
The twins instantly tensed in fear unsure of the strange demons intentions.
Before either of them could react further the wolf's legs buckled sending him face first into the waiting snow.
Mi and Sa watched paralyzed as the unknown wolf lost consciousness before them.
"I-Is h-he?" Mi asked not daring to release her sibling in clear fear.
"Mi! Sa!" A familiar panicked filled voice echoed through the bare trees causing them both to look away from the motionless wolf demon.
Kagome came bursting through the remaining greenery of the undergrowth her eyes wide with fear at the sheer sight of them.
She rushed to their sides before falling to her knees instantly the girls launched into her open arms finally releasing the tears they partially held in relief.
"Are you two alright?! What were you thinking?! I told you to stay put?!" She scolded but embraced them back tenderly so overcome with relief to see they were unhurt.
She swore she hadn't taken a breath since turning away from the elder village woman to see Mi and Sa had vanished.
An overwhelming amount of fear filled thoughts consuming her all about what the horrid possibilities could have been should something have happen to them.
"Aunt Kagome" Mi sniffed away her fresh tears pulling back only enough to stare up at the worried face of their adoptive aunt.
"A mean bird tried to eat me and Sa!" She finished wiping her kimono sleeve across her smudged face.
"Y-Yeah but the wolf man saved us!" Sa cried looking over to the still motionless demon.
"Wolf man?" Kagome asked confused by the strange choice of words the girls had chosen.
She turned to look at the scattered remains of the former demon bird than to the seemingly lifeless body of the unknown form laying motionless mere feet away.
Carefully she stood up making sure to push Mi and Sa into her shadow incase of any lasting danger.
Edgily she walked forward the snow crunching lightly under her feet her spiritual power rampaging through her body in heighten alert, as she drew closer.
Then for the first time a clear view of the man like demon became visible, bronze skinned wrapped in dark furs draped with raven locks.
Kagome felt her heart skip a beat "No, it couldn't be-" She whispered in disbelief not sure if she felt more at ease or more alarmed.
Gently she went to her knees beside the unknown demon carefully pulling his slumped shoulder over to reveal his face.
A shocked gasp escaped her parted lips at the sight of him, it was him this wasn't some sort of demon trickery!
"Kouga?" She asked completely bewildered at what had drove Kouga so far as to come to their village.
Then the sight of his badly injured arm snapped her back to reality and out of her questioning train of thought.
"Oh no!" The wound was unlike anything she had every seen before, it was deep and no doubt infected from exposure, just how long had Kouga been out here in the wilderness alone?
"Mi! Sa! Go get your mother and Kaede!" She shouted to the gawking twins knowing if they headed directly back to the village they would be find.
She hadn't sensed any demons near by besides the one she currently knelt beside.
"O-Okay" The chimed in clear worry before clumsily getting to their feet and running back towards the waiting village.
Once they vanished back into the underbrush Kagome's gaze retuned to the helpless wolf laying before her.
Carefully Kagome pulled Kouga slightly upward until his head rested in her folded lap, his skin tightened as soft grunt like noise slipped passed his lips.
It was clear he was unconscious but this simple movement gave her hope he was still coherent.
"Kouga? Can you hear me?" She asked down at him her soft hands swiping the matted hair of his bangs aside so she could see his face clearly.
Her warm palms rested on his cheek tenderly trying to give him any form of warmth she could, feeling under her touch his skin was freezing.
His face tightened again as if trying to force himself awake, Kagome held him a bit tighter trying to stop it.
If anything he needed rest and lost of it of course after he received desperately needed medical attention.
"Don't try and move" She whispered down at him fearing if he did his wound would expand more than it already had.
"It's okay, your going to be alright now" She soothed trying to reassure him hoping that somehow he could hear her concerned words.
Softly Kouga fought through the darkness only enough to turn himself more against her, his now heated cheek nuzzling further into her palm.
Kagome grasped him calmly her eyes flooded with concern and confusion.
"Kouga" She sighed so unsure of what could have accrued to him to cause this much damage.
"What on earth happened to you?" She whispered her voice carrying softly on the now freezing wind.
Now were getting some where finally reaching an interesting point, originally this chapter was suppose to be part of the previous chapter but it had to get cropped in order not to be overly long.
So apologize if this chapter was bit on the short side but all to make room for an even longer chapter next update!
A slight authors note the twin characters Mi & Sa as you know are not my Oc's but original character from the Inuyasha series. Though I do not know their original names so I just decided to use the first beginnings of their parents names :d
So I hope you enjoyed the update and look forward to more to come!
See ya Soon!