Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for this absurd adventure... especially for the frightened one. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess.
Chapter 21: Child's Play
Kouga bolted after the centipede youkai, his mind racing. This quest had apparently been designed for a wealthy human who liked to play dangerous games, but would Sesshoumaru actually risk the life of a guest? A scream pinned back his ears, and the scent of blood hit him like a blow. Helpless, hapless, hopeless...! With a growl, he ran straight up the demon's plated back, sword poised as he charged to Kagome's defense.
The demoness was foolishly more interested in gnawing off her prey's arm than in watching her back, so the kill was child's play. A thrust. A snap. The hag reared back with a silent scream, her many legs grasping at nothing as she swayed, then toppled. He rode her down to the jungle floor, cleaned his blade, and then tossed her twitching carcass away from Kagome's huddled form. She flinched when he touched her shoulder, and he sighed. "It's just me, woman."
"K-k-kouga?"
"Yup."
"What was that thing?" she whimpered.
"Nothing much," he curtly replied, hauling her into his arms and striding back towards the campsite. Kouga had traveled enough to have see these kinds of death matches before. The first opponent was always a throw-away, nothing more than a warm-up to weed out the weaklings. Even a human with a little training could have done in a lowlife like her. Tail lashing, he adjusted his grip on Kagome, who was wound up in a tight little knot that stank of blood and fear. He'd been taken by surprise once; it wouldn't happen again.
Two things were damn certain. First off, he'd need to be more careful about guarding his companion because things were bound to get worse. And second... well! With a smirk, Kouga muttered, "This lame quest thing might actually turn out to be fun!"
End Note: This chapter was written for the Live Journal community fanfic(underscore)bakeoff and their Secret Ingredient for July 2011—Foolish. Posted on July 7, 2011. 300 words.