NOTES: Well, I suppose this was inevitable. Please allow me a moment to prepare myself with an onslaught of torches and pitchforks. Yes, it is I, Zookes, returned from the dead to finally issue to you chapter three of Fate. I am aware that has been two years, well three if you're counting the New Year. I think I may have slipped into a conscious coma…I honestly did forget about this story. o.0

I'll try not to let that happen again. Seeing as I have listed my personal Myspace, I'm fairly certain that someone will remind me should I relapse into this unfortunate mishap. Please, please, please be aware that I am desperately out of synch with Inuyasha franchise. If this story is not in context with the "rules," kindly take yourself back to when Inuyasha was no longer a complex mess of drawn out drama. If anyone would be up for giving me a crash course, you're welcome to. ANYWAY…on with the chapter.


FATE

Chapter 3



[Kouga POV]

I took in her beauty; surely this woman was a goddess in a mortal's body. From the brief period I was able to spend with her, I could tell that her self-esteem level was not approving of her. But how?

As I pulled her thin, lithe body to mine, I felt her breathe catch; her heart rate increased dramatically. At last, she was home, happy to be with me. I hadn't had the pleasure of knowing this mortal long, but something about her had convinced me that she was the one. Not in a human sense of the word, but my demon one. No, she was not merely the one, she had to be my future mate, never leaving my side.

Pulling her tighter, I grazed my right hand over her stomach. One day, my future pups would get their beginnings here. Many nights had passed with my dreams of what they could possibly end up resembling. As much as I detested half-breeds, I knew that my children, my pups, would be different. With such a lovely, talented mother coupled with myself, half-breeds would tremble in their wake. Power would be theirs, I was confident.

At my touch, she gasped again and pressed her body colder to mine. My heart was beating at twice the rate hers was. "I wonder if she can hear it?" I chuckled to myself, and inclined my head to her neck, grazing the her silky skin lightly with my teeth.

[End Kaouga POV]

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[Kagome POV]

The breath hitched in my throat; I froze. Surely, my rotten luck could not have panned out, could it? I mean honestly, how many wolf packs live in a cave protected my a waterfall door looking off of a mighty cliff? Oh…right. Stupid hunger, stupid luck, stupid, stupid, stupid KOUGA!

I felt like screaming, I felt like kicking, I wanted to explode. One would think I had the intelligence level to remember that this was Kouga's home. Who in their right mind couldn't remember the place to which they were kidnapped? Honestly. And why the hell was I spitting out an internal monologue?

Ugh. I could feel his disgusting, grimy hands clawing all over me. At his touch, I flinched back into him. Just who did he think he was? He certainly couldn't think I'd come back to be with him, could he? I gasped. Alright, that does it.

[End Kagome POV]

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Kagome struggled against Kouga's embrace, furry crossing her features. With an audible huff, she struck Kouga with all of her might. Furry was replaced with a contorted expression of pain. "Ow, ow, OW!" She growled, grasping her offended hand, "Did your face get harder?"

Kouga touched the area that Kagome had tried to hurt, a look of realization emerging on his stone face. She had not come to be with him, no. With a sigh, he looked down at the tiny miko before him. Perhaps now his heart could be heard cracking. His eyes brightened, he would simply have to make this woman fall in love him. Kouga flashed a lopsided grin.

"No, Miss Kagome," He said lightly, "But could think of something else that could."

Kagome's face reddened. Kouga laughed. This human girl never ceased to amuse him. Throwing his left arm about her shoulders, he lightly towed her towards the waterfall guarding the dens entrance. Not wanting to stale any longer, Kouga tugged again, pulling her through the chilly water.

The wolves apparently remembered the young girl. Immediately they began to surround the little miko. A look a relief appeared on her face as Kagome knelt down to gently pat each one, finally coming to the largest of all. This was the wolf that had approached her initially with her first…visit. Looking more like that of a house dog by its actions, the great wolf began licking Kagome's face, barking at her, demanding attention.

It yelped lightly as Kouga grabbed hold of the nape of its neck, pulling it away. "Hey, hey, hey," He said, "She just came through the 'fall, you really think she needs another shower? Go on, get!" With that, Kouga tossed the large animal across the den. With a thud! it retreated down a dark, carved out hallway of the cave, its tail between its legs. Kouga proceeded to shoo the other wolves from Kagome.

Watching them retreat, Kagome placed her hands on her hips. "Was that really necessary? What if you hurt him?" She said in a clipped tone. She scowled when Kouga began to laugh. "What's so funny?"

Kouga waved towards the hallway where the big wolf had retreated, "Oh please. He only yelped because he knew you'd stick up for him. Little shit."

"I think he's sweet." Kagome said, staring towards the dark, gaping hole in the wall. Kouga pulled Kagome to her feet, perhaps a little roughly. "Ouch." Kouga said nothing. Why could she give the wolves attention but not himself?

"You're just in time for dinner, Kagome!" He said, pulling her towards a straw-covered mat. Plopping down, he pulled Kagome with him. Landing in his lap, she hurriedly crawled a good two feet from him. Pulling her legs under her into a proper sitting position, she glanced warily at Kouga, a blush still gracing her cheeks.

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[Kagome]

Seemingly from no where, females began to appear in the large area, carrying with them large trays filled with food...raw food. My eyes must have widened, for I hear Kouga suppress a light chuckle in my direction. "Don't worry; we have some fruits and vegetables if you can't stomach the meat." He said reassuringly. "Anya! Bring Kagome some fruit, and throw some greens on a plate as well." He smiled at me.

I glanced in the direction that he had ordered the wolf named Anya. I couldn't find her, so I settled for twiddling my thumbs while waiting for her to reappear. My eyes widened again, "Plate?" I quickly covered my mouth. I guess after being alone for so long, I needed some practice in keeping my words and thoughts separate. I could feel myself blushing as I looked in Kouga's direction.

I didn't have to look far. He had taken the liberty of scooting awfully close to me. I debated inching away…would they still let me eat? My stomach growled, and Kouga laughed in response.

"Kagome, I'm hurt," He said, pretending look offended, "Do you honestly believe my people to be so uncivilized that we don't own plates and silverware?" I heard a few offended growls, and shuddered. "Oh shut up, she knows we're not animals." Kouga snapped, and then began his hearty laugh again.

I guess I was hoping against hope that he would be preoccupied with his little jokes long enough for Anya to return. He was already talking to me, rambling about something. I wasn't paying attention. "Dammit, what's taking her so long?" I mumbled. My hands clasped over my mouth again. "Fuck." At least I was able to keep that one in.

Kouga slung his right arm about my waist and gave me a hearty shake, laughing. "Well, well," He began, "Someone's impatient." His laughing eyes then narrowed, "ANYA!"

I flinched at the sheer boom to his voice. He pulled me closer, wincing as I felt a straw dig into the fleshier part of my left thigh. Stupid school uniforms…

While staring down at my exposed legs, a plate appeared under my nose. I snapped my head up in the direction of the hand still holding an elegantly painted bowl. "That's not a plate." I thought with a smirk. I locked eyes with the girl before me.

I hesitantly took the bowl from her, and gingerly began to nibble at a slice of apple from within it. Looking up the assortment of fruit, I noted that there were no vegetables; I again locked eyes with rigid girl. She was glaring at me, her eyes blazing. Kouga must have noticed as well. "PAY ATTENTION." He ordered. The girls head snapped back to look at Kouga.

Nodding, the girl quickly retreated to a group of other females. She seated herself, taking a plate offered to her. Her eyes were still locked on me. I found myself looking from my bowl, to her, to Kouga, and back to my bowl. I sighed, and then abruptly gasped when I heard a low growl rumbling in Kouga's throat. I glanced back at the girl, her gaze had been broken and she was now conversing with some of the other women.

"Do not mind, Anya." Kouga said, startling me a little. I had grown accustomed to the silence in my head and the low murmur from the men surrounding me. "She's a bitch." And he commenced laughing again.

Ugh, more of these lame jokes. I huffed. I was getting tired of feeling pathetic and weak and quiet. Obviously Kouga would bark, or growl, or whatever it is that he does if I offended someone. I could stand a little conversation, even if I did feel intimidated by the stares I was receiving.

"You're not very finny, you know." I said my heart rate quickening. It was then it occurred to me that maybe I shouldn't offend the person, wolf, guy standing between me and a bunch of suspicious tribe members.

[End Kagome POV]

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Kouga looked down at Kagome. She was flushed with seemingly an onslaught of embarrassment. He smirked. "Oh come now, Kagome. Surely I must be a little amusing?" He asked with a chuckle.

"You jokes are little…improper." She said, still unsure of her wording.

"Bah," Kouga began, "You're just not able to fully appreciate their full value, is all. You could get used to them, if you wanted." He said, casting Kagome a hopeful glance. "Where's the mutt anyway?" He continued sharply.

"Oh…that." Kagome picked at the remaining fruit, "…Yeah…"

A low growl could be heard, and Kagome looked up, concern filling her eyes. "Please, don't worry about. It's…nothing." Kagome said, sighing the last word. "Thank you so much for allowing me to stay and eat. I suppose I should be on my way."

Kagome stood, gathering her giant pack. Turning, she felt a tug on her left wrist. She looked down. "Non-sense my Kagome," She flinched at the emphasis at on 'my,' "You are welcome to stay as long as you require. I should hope forever."

Kagome sighed and smiled, "Kouga, you're hopeless."

He smiled at the sound of his name. Kagome stared into the blazing fire that lit the entire front space of the cave. How had she missed the giant fire hole during her first…visit? Kagome's expression blanched as she watched Kouga's hand creep from her wrist to hold her hand. "You can let go, now, Kouga." She said softly, fighting an on coming blush.

"What the hell am I doing?" She thought, her blush intensifying. Kagome's mind became a blur as she heard and somewhat saw Kouga bidding his people good night, and lighting pulling her down a massive carved out hallway. She heard him talking, but could only pick out certain words of his speech.

"…love it here…"

"…don't worry…"

"show you around in the morning…"

"Huh?" She asked, coming from her reverie. "I'm sorry, Kouga, I wasn't really paying attention just now. Sorry…"

He laughed his booming laugh, the sound echoing down the hall and back again. Releasing her hand, he drew Kagome into a warm embrace. "Do not worry, Kagome. From your current state, you've had a long and unaccompanied journey here," He growled slightly, "You must rest. You look like you're going to pass out on me!" He laughed again.

Kagome wondered how he though that was funny. She shrugged. Maybe he just liked to laugh, who knew? Kouga spun Kagome around so that she was facing a fur covered entrance. Pulling aside the white fur, a mahogany door revealed itself. "They need more torches on the walls…I can barely see a thing." Kagome sighed. "Don't bite the hand that feeds, I suppose."

"What was that, dear Kagome?" Kouga asked, a bit to close to Kagome's ear. She shivered, he smiled.

"Oh! Nothing!" Kagome groaned, she'd have to work on that.

The door gave a slight moan in protest as Kouga pushed it open. Kagome gasped. "It's beautiful." She murmured.

Candles, both sconces and stand alones, illuminated the room to that of modern day brightness. Pushed against the stone wall was a large circular bed, covered with expensive-looking furs. Two candle sconces were placed above the bed, one on each side. Kagome's eyes flickered to a giant gleaming chandelier, adorned with what looked like sparkling diamonds. A large dresser sat across the room from the bed, an elegant mirror perched above it, also framed by two candle sconces.

Deeper into the room, Kagome could make a dimly lit area, seemingly a sitting room, with many pillows arranged for sitting. "And through there is the rooms hot spring." Kouga said, "If you'd like, I'll have two ladies bring you some clothes and washings so that you can rest easy tonight."

Kouga laughed as Kagome let a small squeak with what sounded somewhat like a "thank you, yes." Pushing her towards the door, Kouga opened the door, saying a woman would be there to assist her shortly.

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Sighing, Kagome slid under the sheets of the grand bed. Four people could comfortably sleep there, Kagome sighed again. The women, to Kagome's dismay, who Kouga had sent to help her, had been very kind. After finally assuring the nine or so women that she could wash herself, Kagome finally relaxed for the first time in months.

"Maybe Kouga isn't so bad. Maybe a little to eager to help, but he'd certainly make a great friend, if he'd only calm down a bit. I'll have to talk with him about that tomorrow…" Kagome yawned. All the candles had been put out before she had finished her bath, and she had groped her way towards the bed in her new bed clothes.

"I never knew wolf people could be so nice. Yeah, that Anya girl was a little weird, but maybe she was PMSing or something…" Kagome yawned again, and slowly sleep over came her.


FINAL NOTES:

Hiya! Hope you enjoyed that. Surprisingly it was fun to write. I hope someone even reads it! I'm starting writing the next chapter as soon as I post this, so no worries. If it's not up within four days, feel free to harass me on my myspace.

Please review, as much I need to be yelled at for my tardiness, some constructive criticism would be loved. I have plenty of ideas for the next chapter, it's just some extra bulk that I need for future ones. I'm fairly sure of what I want plot wise, what I'm really after is some funny scenes you guys and gals would like to see. Playing around with Kagome and Kouga and the tribe sounds like fun, but my mind has its limits. Feel free to throw some ideas at me, and I may work them it.

PAYCE. =)