Project Puppy Love

Chapter Seven: Who's Afraid of The Big Bad Wolf?

A week had passed when Kikyou and Naraku arrived to work bright and early as they did every day. So far, things with InuYasha and Kagome were progressing just as they had hoped.

InuYasha had taken to Kagome just as it was expected he would and it wouldn't be long before their plans came to fruition.

Aside from that almost minor mishap last week, things since then were looking up. The moron responsible for failing in his duties had been properly reprimanded and understood the consequences should he fail to follow orders again. Let's just say, it was unlikely he'd be so careless in the future.

It was early enough that Kagome and InuYasha had yet to be separated, but that was the first thing on Kikyou's agenda for the day. Kagome needed to be looked at and InuYasha needed to be sent off for his daily work out. They couldn't have him getting lazy and out of shape. That wouldn't do at all.

He was, after all, their most successful super human of his kind. There had been two before him, and while successful, both had ended in tragedy. Kikyou clucked her tongue at the memory. The situation would be so much better if things had turned out differently. Still, it wouldn't do to dwell on the past.

Although InuYasha was the most odd-looking of all their test subjects, he had been their most valuable thus far-even if his origins were slightly different from the two that had come before him.

Kikyou would be damned if anything went wrong this time around. She would do anything in her power to make sure everything turned out just as it was supposed to. Failure was just not an option.

Sure, what she and her husband were doing was illegal, but that obviously hadn't stopped them before. Besides, once the government was able to see how successful they were, they'd be thanking them for their efforts. Just thinking of all the scientific advancements that would be made once this project came to light made Kikyou's heart flutter excitedly.

She was so close to having everything she'd always dreamed that it was almost tangible.

Kikyou continued her travels through the facility and made the order to separate the slumbering duo, and then have Kagome brought to her. She made sure this time to assert just how important it was that no mistakes were to be made.

Past experiences told her that InuYasha's inhuman instincts would make him unpredictably aggressive. It really shouldn't come as a shock. He wasn't completely human anyways.

Like those before him, he had proven just how unpredictable he really was on many different occasions. Last week being the closest to a casualty they had come to in many years.

This was why the pair had to be separated before anyone went to retrieve the female. For all intensive purposes, (at least in InuYasha's eyes) she had become mate and as a good mate he'd protect her with his life. For both his safety and theirs, he had to be removed from her before any action took place. Failure to do so very well could end in severed limbs or even death.

Such things were deeply rooted in InuYasha's subconscious and instinctual. Kikyou believed InuYasha most likely wasn't even aware of his behavior himself.

After that close encounter last week, it had been decided that a meeting needed to be held to reiterate the danger InuYasha now posed.

If InuYasha thought harm was coming to his female he may go berserk and that would complicate things. This was something both she and Naraku wanted to avoid. Last week had been a close call, and was not something anyone working here wanted to replicate. While startling, it had become somewhat of a blessing in disguise. Those working on the project were not more strongly aware of just how careful they needed to be. Most were even scared.

Kikyou smirked at the thought. If that was what it took for those she paid to be here to be more careful and alert in their work, then perhaps it wasn't such a bad thing.

Not to mention, if everything went according to plan he may even get more aggressive than he already was. During this time, everyone would have to be far more alert and careful than they already were.

Kikyou just hoped those she paid to be here realized that.


As Kikyou made her way down the away from the room Kagome had been contained in, she took the time to look over InuYasha's file.

Just as they had hoped his endurance and strength had grown since both the introduction of the female. And even more so now that they had moved on to intercourse. This was just to be expected. The stronger his bond to her, the more of a reason he'd need to protect her.

And even more of a reason she and her employee's needed to be on their guard when around him. Until the time where he could be molded into a more obedient super human, carelessness was not an option.

Of course, now that they had Kagome, she might prove useful leverage.

Kikyou smirked at her pure genius.

Kikyou had already given the order to have Kagome returned to her room but now she had another idea.

She and Naraku had hoped giving InuYasha a female would most likely trigger an increase in his physical abilities. They based this idea on the fact that previous studies on other test subjects this had proven to be true.

And it had worked. But now they needed to know just how far InuYasha had come and possibly tap into that strength that had yet to be discovered.

Sure, he was already stronger, but Kikyou wanted more. She wanted to break InuYasha and see just how far he could be pushed.

Smirking, she entered one of the main rooms where various test and experiments were being performed. Incase this failed or something ever happened to InuYasha, they needed a backup. The only problem with that was the woman who had been most successful in creating InuYasha and others like him was no longer with the company and hadn't been for many years.

Kikyou scowled at the memory. Stupid woman. She had almost ruined everything! If this project failed it would be all her fault.

Unbeknownst to Kikyou the second she entered the room all work stopped. All eyes of those she ordered around had been staring at her for some time when she finally came back to the real world.

"Boss?" A female subordinate asked to gain her attention. "Is there something you need?"

"We are going to play a little game with InuYasha. A test of sorts." She said deviously. "We need the female to be taken to the training room. Another one of you needs to pull Kouga. And the last needs to get InuYasha. He needs to be properly restrained until you are told otherwise. If you have to sedate him to get him to cooperate, do so lightly. I don't want him sleeping for hours. Understood?"

Several heads nodded.

"Good. I'll have more orders for you soon." Kikyou made to turn and leave but then stopped. "And if we have any mishaps like last week, you'll lose more than your jobs." She threatened before she disappeared out the door.


When they came to get her for the second time that day, this was not what Kagome had expected to happen.

She'd assumed her captors had forgotten something and just needed to check her out quickly and then she'd be returned to her room for the rest of the day.

Nope. That was not to be the case at all. In fact, out of all the possible things she had expected to be subjected to, this was most certainly not anything she had even remotely expected.

For the first time since she was initially forced into her captivity, Kagome actually feared for her life.

Not long ago, she had been taken rather forcefully from her cell and then thrown into one of the biggest rooms she had seen since her arrival. It looked massive and made Kagome question just how big this place was. The ceilings were very high and very well lighted. The floor reminded her of that of a track often used for running. There were various other pieces of equipment lining the walls but Kagome had little time to focus on that.

Across the biggest wall was a huge rectangular window Kagome assumed to be a two-way mirror. Most likely, she guessed, where her captors were sitting watching her. Perhaps, she thought darkly, they were enjoying her discomfort.

But that wasn't her biggest concern right now.

No, her biggest concern happened to be towards the massive snarling wolf in the center of the room. He was the by far the largest creature she had ever laid eyes on and Kagome was sure, if she lived through this she'd never see one so enormous every again. His fur was dark and mangy and his eyes may have looked a beautiful shade of blue where the situation different. He was drooling excessively and looking at her like he was ready to rip her to shreds at any moment.

At the moment, the only thing keeping him from doing just that was the metal collar around his neck. That collar was then attached to a chain bolted into one of the far walls. The wolf was pulling against his bindings desperately trying to break free. Kagome knew, once they let him go, she wouldn't stand a chance.

Tears began to well in her eyes at her own stupidity. How could she have let this happen? If she had only taken a cab home that day then maybe she'd be home safe right now with her family, instead of fearing for her life right now.

But then she'd have never have met InuYasha. And for some reason, despite all the crazy shit that had been happening, she couldn't bring herself to regret that.

Twenty more minutes had gone by and Kagome's fear had almost reached the breaking point. It didn't help that her own hands were bound behind her back in some kind of sci-fi like handcuffs, also shackled to the wall opposite to that of the snarling wolf. She had never seen such a device before and despite her efforts was unable to break free.

Maybe she wouldn't be as afraid if she had better range of motion, but due to the sadistic nature of those around here, that was not the case. Her life was not and had not been in her control for quite a while.

Forgetting about that for the moment, what really bothered Kagome more than anything else was not knowing where InuYasha was. His presence alone would be enough to relax her, despite the severity of the situation.

Just when things got too much to bear, InuYasha was lead into the room. Her heart stirred at the sight of him and for a moment she thought all would be well. Their eyes locked immediately.

Kagome's relief was short-lived when she noticed that he, too, was handcuffed. Any hope she had for safety vanished as quickly as it had come.

The interruption only momentarily distracted the wolf from his initial target. He sent barely a glance toward InuYasha before returning his attention back to Kagome.

InuYasha's appearance seemed to be the missing piece to the puzzle. It was with his introduction that Kagome's ears registered a voice she recognized as Naraku, booming throughout the enclosure. She tried to establish its location but to no avail. Instead, she focused her attention on the two-way mirror behind her.

"Now that you are all here, the real party can begin!" He was far too amused for both Kagome and InuYasha's liking.

InuYasha upon seeing the situation Kagome was in had begun struggling with his bindings and growled threateningly. His irritation only continued to escalate the longer things progressed.

The look of pure fear Kagome sent him only fueled his struggles further. She was begging him for help and he would do anything in his power to save her.

"As you can see, we decided to play a little game. We thought you might enjoy it as well! You know, just a little fun!" Kagome could almost imagine the smirk on the evil man's face. "Kouga here hasn't really had much to eat over the last few days and he is awfully hungry."

Kagome momentarily eyed the wolf a few feet from her. The drool dribbling from his snout had now begun to pool at his feet. She gulped.

"Isn't he just marvelous? Kouga is another one of our projects. Not quite the turnout we had hoped but he will serve his purpose." Naraku chortled gleefully. "Anyway. He hasn't had much to eat lately and unfortunately for you, Kagome, you seem to be just the perfect morsel to fill his empty stomach."

InuYasha's snarls increased now, and he worked even harder to free himself.

Naraku cackled all knowingly. "You won't free yourself, InuYasha. We specially made those cuffs just for you!" Ignoring the growls now sent towards him, Naraku continued on. "Soon we shall set you all free. If you can save Kagome's life, InuYasha, she will live. If not, she dies."

Kagome had already begun to weigh her options, realizing a while ago just what was going on. InuYasha was too far away from her to reach her in time, and Kouga was too close. There was no way she was going to make it out of this alive.

Agility was not Kagome's strong suit and she knew she'd never be able to out run the beast they had named Kouga. Though now resigned to her fate, the young woman would not go down without a fight. If Kouga wanted to eat her, he could have her, but she most certainly wasn't going to make things easy for him.

Kagome barely registered anything else Naraku may have said. There was a deafening click and suddenly Kagome was free. She wasted no time and took off, trying to put as much distance between her and Kouga. She could hear the creature right behind her and knew in seconds he would be upon her.

Kouga howled euphorically, a sound that made Kagome want to crawl into a hole and hide. She screamed as she tripped, and waited for the end.

But it never came. Kagome heard the yelp of the wolf and a sickening thud before she turned around and found InuYasha standing in front of her.

"InuYasha…" How he had reached her so quickly would be something Kagome would never understand. His back was too her. The only indication that he had heard her was the one ear that had turned to face her.

Kouga now rested on his side, several feet away from both her and InuYasha. He was only down for a few seconds before he was on his feet again and snarling and barreling towards them.

This time his anger seemed to be towards InuYasha, not pleased he had been interrupted from his meal.

InuYasha crouched then, and charged. The wolf was down again before making even a few paces.

The look in InuYasha's eyes was one Kagome had never seen before and one she would never forget. Pure rage. She swore she could feel the rage tumbling off him in waves. His fangs seemed longer and his eyes seemed darker. But Kagome could not be sure if what she was seeing was true or not, everything was happening too fast.

That last hit had sent Kouga back several feet and blood was now pouring out of his snout. With his adrenalin running high, the rage filled monster kept coming. He charged towards InuYasha again but InuYasha charged too.

They collided in a massive heap of snarls and flying limbs. Kagome's human eyes could barely register just what was going on before as quickly as it had started it was all over.

An eerie calm settled over the room and when the dust cleared and her eyes refocused, Kouga lay dead and InuYasha stood towering over his carcass as if to make sure.

"I-InuYasha…" Kagome said, her voice barely above a whisper.

She was so scared. Not of InuYasha, but of the situation. Her body was shaking uncontrollably as the fear began to overcome her. Everything had happened so swiftly that her mind still had yet to comprehend all that had gone on.

His was across the room in seconds, helping her to her feet and looking her over for any signs of injury. Other than a few scraps on her hands and knees she was completely unharmed.

InuYasha had not been so lucky. While nothing was fatal, Kouga had managed to get a few good bites in during their scuffle. His wounds were deep and oozing blood, but nothing that would kill him.

"Y-your hurt!" Kagome cried, now examining the gashes on his arms and the minor one on the side of his face with a careful eye. He was covered in blood and Kagome couldn't be sure how much belonged to his own wounds and how much of what covered him belonged to Kouga.

She was crying freely now overcome with concern and relief. His wounds worried her tremendously but she was comforted knowing Kouga would no longer be able to harm her.

"I'll live. I've had worse." InuYasha said dismissively. He could care less about himself at the moment. He would heal; these were wounds he could handle.

Kagome didn't like the sound of that but trusted him enough to try not to worry about it. She threw herself into his arms and sobbed without restraint, trying to be careful of his injuries.

"I was so scared." She mumbled quietly into his shirt. She clung to him, not ever wanting to let go.

"I know. But you're safe. And I'll always protect you." He promised. InuYasha's features hardened as his rage momentarily got the best of him.

He was painfully aware of just how delicate she really was. It never occurred to InuYasha that he could ever lose Kagome. The possibility awakened something deep within himself and he silently vowednever to let that happen.

Kagome nodded numbly at his declaration, and simply wrapped herself tighter around his frame.


"Off the charts!" Naraku exclaimed merrily, unable to stop the joyful laughter the bubbled from his throat. "He has even surpassed his father before him in both speed and strength!"

Naraku stood then, pulled his wife into his arms and kissed her deeply. "Kikyou, my wife, you are pure genius! I knew there was a reason why I married you."

Kikyou smirked and rolled her eyes.

"While this is all great news we are only halfway there." Kikyou said not willing to get overly excited just yet. "We have figured out a way to increase his strength, now we just need to expand other areas of the project. We can't fail this time, Naraku. I won't allow it."

"And we won't. Have faith, my wife! Things are finally going our way!"

Naraku may have been hopeful, but Kikyou was not ready to forget about their past failures.


That night, Kagome lay awake wrapped in InuYasha's arms. Their joining had been rough and frantic. InuYasha seemed to be taking out all his pent-up frustrations out on her. He needed her and she knew she'd never be able to deny him.

Afterwards he had apologized profusely for not being able to protect and care for her the way he should. Kagome had then taken it upon herself to show him that she did not blame him at all. She wanted him to know that none of this was his fault and that she didn't fault him at all.

InuYasha seemed appeased, but she knew he was still bothered by the situation.

Kagome lay facing him, mesmerized by how fast his wounds seemed to be healing. They were already almost gone and Kagome didn't know what to think of it. InuYasha seemed to amaze her even more as the days went by.

She played with a piece of his onyx colored hair, as she lost herself in her thoughts.

InuYasha seemed content for the moment to just lie there, and rested his chin upon her head.

Their comfortable silence had gone on for so long that Kagome was unsure if he had yet succumbed to sleep. She poked him in the chest to get his attention.

"What." He snapped playfully. "You should be asleep, woman. You've had an exciting day."

"And that's exactly why I can't sleep." InuYasha raised an eyebrow skeptically. "I can't stop thinking about it. And I have so many unanswered questions."

"Don't worry about that right now. Lets worry about it tomorrow." He sighed not really wanting to relive today. To think about it made him angry all over again.

InuYasha shifted so he was now lying on his back and Kagome rested her head on his chest. So many questions were racing through the young woman's mind right now. She needed some answers. Ones only InuYasha might be able to provide.

"InuYasha," she began carefully, "how old are you?" The young woman's curiosity was genuine.

A shrug was all that she received in response and Kagome frowned. How could he not know how old he was? Kagome wondered what else he didn't know.

"Do you know how long you've been here?" She continued gently.

"I don't remember a time outside of this place. I've been here so long the days seemed to blur together." He sighed softly as he lost himself in his recollections.

"What about your childhood?" Kagome pressed, drawing soothing circles on his chest.

InuYasha paused, seemingly to gather his thoughts before he spoke again.

"I have few memories of that even. I remember a dark-haired woman… I remember I cared about her deeply and she was always so loving and kind to me. The memories are so few and so fragile I just don't know."

InuYasha sighed and Kagome decided not to press him further.

"I want to get out of here, InuYasha." She said quietly.

After what had happened today, Kagome's resolve to find some method of escape had only strengthened. If Naraku and the woman she knew to be his wife would do something like this then there was no telling what other things she'd be subjected to. It was a scary thought and Kagome didn't want to know just what these people were capable of.

InuYasha said nothing in response but Kagome felt the acceleration of his heartbeat.

"I want you to come with me. We have to get out of this place." She looked up into his eyes then to see some unknown emotion smoldering there. It caught her off guard and caused her own heartbeat to accelerate uncontrollably.

InuYasha nodded his agreement but still said nothing. His eyes clouded over as he became lost in thoughts of his own.


Bahahaa! I had planned to throw Kouga into the story much later but then changed my mind. I am just so amused by the part he played. I played with the idea of him even showing up at all, but in the end I couldn't resist.

This would have been posted sooner but I was distracted by another plot of yet another story that demanded to be written. I don't plan on posting anything else until this one is finished or close to it. Just know that I have other ideas both in the works just waiting to be posted. XD

I hope everyone had a good Holiday and I wish you all a Happy New Year!

Please Review! I do love hearing from you!