Full Moon, Full Heart
Part II:
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The wolf tribe's dining hall was massive and most of the tables were crowded with barely any elbow room. It reminded her of the big on-campus cafeteria at her old university. However, the table Kagome sat at only seated three people — herself, Koga, and Sesshomaru. She didn't know if the other wolves were avoiding her or her companions.
"Is this the whole tribe?" Kagome asked.
Koga snorted. "Hardly. We eat in waves throughout the day. Food is gathered throughout the year and stored. Even during lean times, the wolves are well-fed."
"A hungry wolf means dead humans," Sesshomaru added.
Servants revealed themselves from the shadows and placed food on the table. Kagome tried to pick up their scents. She thought that perhaps they were also wolves, but they looked human. But then, she and her companions looked human— mostly.
Koga sat beside her at the head of the table. He raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Smell anything amiss, Kagome?" he asked.
Kagome leaned forward on the table to speak in hushed tones."They are wolves, correct?"
"You are adapting to the changes quickly." Koga smiled. "They are wolves. Only those of our kind are allowed into this place. It is too dark for humans. They would be blind in here and too cold."
Kagome directed her attention to her food. "It's all meat. Where are the vegetables?"
Sesshomaru snorted derisively, but continued to eat his meal. "Wolves are carnivores."
"Sometimes we eat small berries, but it's more to clean our palates," Koga explained. "There's a reason we are able to track down Naraku at least occasionally. Beef is a favorite and even he can't pass up a good steak."
Kagome nodded and then using her hands began to tear into the meat dish. She'd never been so hungry in her life! The meat practically dissolved on her tongue.
"Eat slower." Sesshomaru warned. "You will most likely finish all your bodily changes this evening. Do not rush the transformation." He drank from a goblet of water. "Wolf vomit from gorging yourself is a disgusting experience."
"So you've freed up this next week from your mortal obligations?" Koga asked.
Kagome nodded. "Ayumi and her husband Hojo will cover the center. I don't have to be there every day. I do get vacation— though usually I never take any time off outside of holidays."
Koga glanced towards Sesshomaru.
"Human society usually offers two to four weeks of freedom from their daily jobs. They don't rotate duties like the tribe does," Sesshomaru explained. "And they have festivals to relieve the tedium of their lives."
"I understand," Koga said. He shook his head. "Better to be a wolf." He smiled at Kagome, his fangs prominent. "You're going with us to the fights tonight. My Aunt Chou will help you find an appropriate evening gown this afternoon. You should be closer to your new measurements by then."
"I didn't go to the fights on my second night as a werewolf," Sesshomaru said. "Are you sure that's prudent?"
"You were busy trying to survive your Hunter father and his friends," Koga reminded.
"I thought my body would change tonight," Kagome said. She didn't want to argue with her two allies, but there was a lot going on.
"The changes happen while you sleep," Sesshomaru explained. "Trust me, in about half an hour you'll be asleep on your feet. You might as well settle into a warm bed instead."
"How long did you sleep, Sesshomaru? And does the pain get less intense?" Kagome asked, looking between her companions.
Koga stared down at his plate, avoiding her gaze. "Natural-born wolves don't experience pain with our transformations."
Kagome gaped at him and turned her gaze to Sesshomaru. "Seriously?"
Sesshomaru nodded. "He's telling the truth. The pain is a lovely gift reserved for those that were bitten. It's one of the reasons the conversion of humans to wolves is forbidden. You can go insane with the chronic pain." He calmed finished off his drink. "As to your other question — I slept like the dead most of the second day. Luckily, I hadn't confronted my family until afterwards. I say you'll need at least seven hours to rest, but more is better," Sesshomaru advised. He turned to Koga. "I won't be able to protect her tonight. I will be preoccupied with my other tasks."
"I already decided that if anyone is going to play hero for Kagome, it will be me," Koga said with a chuckle. He grinned at Kagome. "Though try to not piss off anybody. The best defense is avoiding the fight all together."
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OoO
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Ten hours later, Kagome woke up refreshed. Lady Chou helped her pick out a stunning blue sequenced strapless gown. It fit her new figure like a glove. She felt a little self-conscious, but also confident at the same time.
Koga met her outside her door. He was dressed in a snappy charcoal Armani suit with his long sable-brown hair was released from its typical ponytail confines and allowed to flow loosely down his back. "You look nice," he said. "I've got a little something that will complement this dress nicely." He held out his hands and something glimmered within. "May I?"
Kagome nodded.
Koga reached behind her neck and clasped the necklace. A dazzling blue diamond rested in her cleavage. "It represents the goddess of the moon." Koga explained as he ran his fingers through her hair after locking the clasp of the necklace. Lady Chou had helped style her hair in a half updo with the other half down flowing down her back. A diamond and white-gold barrette secured it in place.
"Thank you," Kagome said, touching the necklace. "Is Sesshomaru dressed as nice as you?"
"No, Sesshomaru isn't dressed as nice as the wolf prince," Sesshomaru answered. He stood in the hall wearing dark clothing, blending into the shadows, and sporting two blades at his side. "May I leave now?" he asked Koga in irritation. "I have work to do."
"Of course, I just wanted Kagome to know what you'd would look like at the event," Koga explained.
"I don't know why it matters. If I do my job right, you won't ever see me," Sesshomaru reasoned.
"I also thought you could give her some advice when dealing with werewolves. You were once the transformed human," Koga said.
"Keep your thoughts to yourself, Kagome. Do not speak, unless talking is advantageous to Koga. Since you don't know when it will be advantageous, try to say nothing. Wolves are easily offended. Keep your emotions in check. A good nose can smell such a thing." He glanced at Koga and arched his eyebrow.
Koga shooed him away. "Fine, go do your assassin business."
Kagome blinked dumbfounded. "Did you just say assassin?"
"That's only on the rare occasion," Koga admitted. "He is mostly a spy and an enforcer. He keeps everyone playing nice. Since Sesshomaru has worked for the tribe, there has been very little violence."
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OoO
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The place was an elegant palace. It was like a fairytale ball with an assortment of characters ranging from sultans to tech-giants. Gold, silver, and jewels glittered everywhere. All the guests wore expensive and extravagant clothes. The women were decked out in diamonds and the men practically wore ties composed of thousand dollar-bills.
Kagome's grip on Koga's arm tightened anxiously. She was certainly out of her element.
Koga leaned over and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "Don't look so overwhelmed."
Kagome looked up into his icy blue eyes that twinkled in mirth and smiled back. The smile soon became fake plastered upon her face as several strangers started to greet the couple.
"It's so wonderful to see you again, Koga." A burly man with a thick Russian accent welcomed the two of them.
"I have been busy of late, my dear Vlad," Koga replied politely.
Vlad had a lecherous grin as he inspected Koga's girl. "I can see you have been busy. She is a very reasonable excuse."
Kagome blushed at the insinuations and began to stammer. "It's not like that-"
Koga wrapped his arm around her waist, and twirled Kagome towards him, interrupting her words with a greedy, passionate kiss. Kagome relaxed against him, enjoying his strength. He pulled back and smirked when he noticed Vlad walk away awkwardly.
Someone cleared his throat in annoyance nearby.
Koga reluctantly pulled back and glared at their direction. He sobered up quickly when he noticed that his father and General Tenichi were standing before him.
King Heisei smiled ever so slightly while the general had an intense look of disgust that bored into Koga and the former human female. "You are lucky that Vlad is not someone of importance here," General Tenichi sneered.
Not far away, Sesshomaru lurked in the shadows. Sesshomaru wished that General Tenichi were on his hit list. He would even do the job free of charge. That coward always rubbed him the wrong way. Plus, Sesshomaru didn't forgive easily. He remembered the general's desire to kill him once he'd been transformed. He didn't have to kill Tenichi permanently.
Before Sesshomaru's transformation into a werewolf, his father had given him his inheritance - the Tenseiga. It was an unique weapon created by the warlock Totosai. It's natural state was a sword and while that would be perfectly fine to tote around in the Feudal Era, it wasn't appropriate for modern times. Tenseiga could be transformed into a more portable dagger. However, it wasn't a blade that could harm. It could not only heal wounds, but it also brought the freshly deceased back to life. It was most useful whenever facing denizens of the Underworld — a rare occurrence.
It was Sesshomaru's second blade that was his ultimate weapon — the Bakusaiga. It had appeared shortly after his werewolf transformation.
When Totosai instructed him on the properties of Tenseiga, he had warned Sesshomaru that because of his bloodline there was a strong possibility that another weapon would come in a time of great need. It would be created from his strong spirit and a desperate need.
Sesshomaru's hand rested casually on the hilt of Bakusaiga as he watched Koga and Kagome's interaction. She really was a terrible actress. It was obvious to everyone how uncomfortable she was in this crowd.
"It's okay son, only do try and save those displays for when you two are alone in your bedroom." Heisei winked at his son and Kagome. "I wouldn't mind some grandpups in the near future."
Koga groaned and Kagome blushed. Kagome wisely remained silent, preferring to hide a bit behind Koga from their view. She was a little embarrassed by her previous display. She glanced behind at the crowd and saw that all eyes were upon her.
"You should not encourage him," General Tenichi said to King Heisei. "Prince, you are here for appearance sake, nothing more. Surely even you can't mess that up."
Koga's temper began to flare, but his father placed a calming hand upon his shoulder. "Why don't you show Kagome around the place. Just try to keep the PDA down." Heisei placed his other hand on Kagome's shoulder and met her gaze. "Make sure my boy stays out of trouble." The unsaid request to not draw unnecessary attention was well received.
"We should be in time for the next match if we head for the ring now," Koga said. He guided them to a pair of seats near the front. A waiter walked past the two carrying a tray of wine. Kagome reached for one when they were offered, but Koga shook his head and replaced it onto the tray. He smiled apologetically at the confused waiter.
Kagome looked at Koga questioningly. Koga shrugged. "You can't drink that stuff anymore. Trust me, it's disgusting." Koga inclined his head in the direction of a lanky man with a sinister expression. "You see that man?"
"Yes," Kagome said. She wasn't happy to learn that wine would taste bad now. Already, Ramune sodas were ruined. Now she wouldn't be able to enjoy a nice glass of bubbly.
"Stop pouting," Koga advised, wrapping his arm around her shoulders comfortably. "Grapes lead to kidney failure. You'll find the benefits outweigh the few dietary restrictions. As I was saying, that man has had the winning fighter in the last ten matches. Don't you find that odd?"
Kagome shrugged. "Could just be lucky or very well-trained."
Koga shook his head. "Not quite. The last ten losers all died with two hours of the match. Apparently, there was some sort of rare food poison in their system. It is only found in certain areas of the Australian Outback."
"That man murdered them?" Kagome asked in a shocked whisper.
"He is equally responsible. Do you see that short little man sitting behind him on the floor? That's his lap dog. He's the apothecary. He is our friend's assignment tonight." Koga relaxed in his chair.
"Is there an antidote?" Kagome asked.
"Not officially, but our friend in the shadows has a way with healing even the most impossible injuries," Koga said. "We were able to his skills on the victim fighters after we discovered what was happening. We've kept them in seclusion. Unfortunately, we weren't able to help the first couple."
They watched the match and while the sinister man's fighter won, the other didn't fall ill. "Sometimes the threat is enough to reform others," Koga said in satisfaction. He noticed a change in Kagome's scent — it was more woodsy. "We need to head back. You're not going to last much longer."
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OoO
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Kagome's muscles were sore and achy. She felt a dull headache and her joints were swollen with a pain similar to her wolf transformation the night before.
"It's going to be okay, Kagome," Koga assured her. A sleek black limo waited for them outside. They rode with Kagome resting her head in his lap and arrived in a residential area. "I have a condo here and we'll stay the night. You'll feel better in the morning."
Kagome followed him inside, leaning heavily against him as they took the elevator to the high-rise condo. "I mentioned wolf magic before. It's derived from the bond of a pack. I can't take away your pain completely, but I can dull it by sharing it if we sleep next to each other with skin-to-skin contact. Since you're not part of the pack, I'm afraid touching is the only way I can use the magic."
Her body ached and her sense of modesty hardly mattered at this point. Her friends Yuka and Ayumi constantly berated her for being too much of a prude. It wasn't every night that a handsome wolf prince offered to sleep beside you. "I think I'll be able to manage the hardship," she said, grimacing at the pain.
Koga helped Kagome out of her dress and she slipped under the covers of the king-sized bed. The mattress was soft like a cloud, but every point of contact of her skin felt like pins and needles.
"If you'll allow it, I can ease some of your discomfort, but I would need to be touching you skin-to-skin," Koga explained.
"I really don't care as long as you can help the pain." Kagome grimaced from the discomfort. "Why are you asking now? You didn't ask last night."
"Sesshomaru told me it was not appropriate behavior for a human," Koga answered. He joined her in the bed, dressed in his under clothes, and hugged her against him. The neuropathic pains and burning ache in her muscles eased at his touch.
"I feel I need to be honest. I'm attracted to you, Kagome." Koga closed his eyes and grit his teeth as waves of Kagome's agony transferred into him. "There is a cinnamon-like spice to your scent. I believe you have inherited some of your family's holy powers. Shintoism is the traditional practice of Japan, but most Japanese do not identify themselves as Shinto. At least, that's what I read on wikipedia when I looked it up."
"Why would you look that up? Are you not native to Japan?" Kagome asked.
"Our tribe immigrated here five-hundred years ago during the Feudal Era," Koga explained. "My mother was from Japan, but my father isn't. Could you explain Shintoism to me?"
"Everything has a spirit, according to my grandfather," Kagome tried to describe. "He's a Shinto priest. When a spirit becomes corrupted with malice or other negative emotions, a priest or priestess of pure heart can purify the spirit. There is a natural order to things and chaos occurs when that order is disrupted." She yawned and relaxed deeper into the pillow under her head.
"Have you ever purified something?" Koga asked. He began to caress her arm.
"Just water with a filter," Kagome teased. She yawned and shook her head, trying to fight sleep. "Koga?" Kagome asked groggily. "I've told you about my family. Can you tell me a little more about yours?"
"I once had a brother," Koga answered softly, his warm breath fanned across her neck. "He was younger and we had different mothers."
"What happened?"
"He was lost to me long ago. He became corrupted by his lust for power and his obsessions." Koga stroked her hair soothingly. "My father is the king. My aunt is Lady Chou. My mother died when I was a pup, so my aunt is the one that raised me. Father was too busy leading the tribe."
They fell into a comfortable silence and Kagome napped for a short while. She woke with a start. "Are you still awake?"
"Hmm," Koga hummed.
"Will the changes in my appearance be very obvious? I don't want to have to avoid my family and friends," Kagome said.
"We don't have too many documented cases of transformed wolves to base this on. Our library is vague regarding the topic. However, with Sesshomaru as an example, I'd say that you'll be more tone, but clothing can hide that. There's no point in speculating, we'll find out soon enough." Koga brushed a kiss to the top of her head. "Go to sleep now, we'll talk later."
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OoO
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The shower in Koga's condo was amazing. The hot water eased her tense muscles. She might not need to take a shower, but she really enjoyed the feeling of freshly shampooed hair. And since Koga didn't have to bathe either and yet owned a shower, he must have enjoyed it too.
Koga knocked on the bathroom door. Kagome slid open the shower door. "Do you need something?" he asked.
"I'll be done in a few minutes," she called back. He'd offered to take her back to either the den or her own apartment. She wasn't sure she wanted to do either. While the limo had dropped them off the night before, Koga had another motorcycle in the garage here. She was tempted to ask if they could stay at the condo, but that wouldn't solve anything.
Kagome returned to scrubbing her legs. The differences in her body were interesting. Her legs, arms, and torso were toned. Her fingers seemed slightly longer. If her mother and Inuyasha didn't notice, then she'd be fine. If the latter truly was a Hunter and he noticed, then she'd be in trouble.
After a final rinse, Kagome turned off the water and toweled off. She shrugged on the large terrycloth robe and stepped out of the bathroom. Koga waited for her in the kitchen. He had a pan full of scrambled eggs and bacon.
"I guess cholesterol isn't a problem for werewolves," Kagome teased.
"I suppose it's not," Koga agreed. "Have you decided what to do?"
"Inuyasha and Sesshomaru are brothers," Kagome said. "I want to know Inuyasha's perspective. We'd been friends for a decade and he won't be fooled by any lame excuses. I think I should also visit my grandfather. If I do have holy powers, maybe he can teach me to use them."
"That's a good plan. I'll work to teach you how to master the use of illusions," Koga said.
"How do illusions work?"
"You'll appear as you imagine yourself," Koga answered. He closed his eyes briefly and his tail vanished. "When I was a pup, I couldn't control my humanoid appearance and would forget about the tail."
"So you can look like anyone?"
"Maybe some can, but I don't know of that skill. You can only look like different versions of yourself," he explained. "I'll take you back to your apartment. Do you want me to stay with you?"
"Do I really need to worry about Naraku?"
Koga shook his head. "Based on his usual method of operation, he won't bother you again until the next full moon. I'm not sure if he was out for you specifically or the Hunters, or something else. He'll want to wait until the excitement has died down."
"If you knew his habits so well, don't you think you'd have prevented this whole episode from happening?" Kagome asked.
"That is an excellent point," Koga admitted. "I won't be too far then. He's fooled us before."
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OoO
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The Tokyo field office was one of the best for the International Association of Hunters. The association not only consisted of werewolf hunters, demon slayers, warlocks and witches, and assorted former military, but also a division of Buddhist monks. Each team was to consist of at least three of the different divisions.
Inuyasha had officially been a member of the hunter division for five years. Due to recent technological improvements, the ability to have secure teleconferences made travel abroad unnecessary. Unfortunately, it did nothing to reduce interacting with his father.
Toga, the infamous werewolf hunter of the previous generation, stared back at Inuyasha impatiently. He wanted an update on their dealings with the local werewolf population. Growing up, Inuyasha had been taught that all werewolves were evil. You didn't wait for evil to strike, you protected your people.
However, he often found himself letting the wolves alone, if they didn't interact with humans. If they kept themselves in the shadows, then there was no reason to harass them. Miroku's perspective had changed his own. It felt wrong to preemptively take down werewolves on the basis that they might do a crime.
"We're still investigating," Inuyasha explained. "On the full moon there was a lone wolf and it appeared to be a first time transformation. Shortly before we arrived on scene, there were two other parties. She seemed to have left with the larger party."
"I see," Toga said, his voice disapproving. It was clear that he felt he'd have caught the wolf. "You know your orders."
Inuyasha nodded. "Yes, sir," he agreed. Their latest orders were to detain any werewolves or other creatures of a supernatural nature. They were not to kill any of the creatures if it were avoidable. He was grateful for the new policy, but also a little suspect about its origins.
"Can I ask you a personal question?" Inuyasha asked.
Toga's jaw clenched. "Are you finished with your report?"
"Sango turned in the report about the demonic possession and Miroku's exorcism. Otherwise, it's been pretty quiet these last few weeks," Inuyasha explained.
"Very well. Ask your question," Toga agreed.
"Mom's birthday is coming up, did you want to get together?" Inuyasha asked hesitantly. His mother had died seven years ago, leaving his father a widower. Inuyasha celebrated her birthday every year. He always invited his father, but he'd never come. His father was a distant man and it made him yearn for his older half-brother, Sesshomaru.
"Not this year," Toga said quietly. "Are you properly caring for your blade?"
Inuyasha was caught off guard by the topic change. "Tessaiga? I keep it clean and sharp. Why?"
"And you always carry it on your person?" Toga asked.
"Except when I go to places where weapons are forbidden," Inuyasha answered.
"I suggest you not go to places where weapons are forbidden then," Toga said. He glanced behind him, angling out of the view of the camera. He exchanged quiet words with Myoga — his secretary. Toga leaned forward towards the screen. "Let me know when you track down the wolf." He disconnected the teleconference.
Inuyasha stared at the black screen in silence. He had an awkward relationship with his father. Toga was distant and yet overbearing at the same time. He stepped out of the secure room and found Miroku sitting at the long table in the library.
"Another affectionate conversation with your father?" Miroku asked, glancing up from his laptop. A thick pile of research books were scattered within his arm's reach.
"Ha!" Inuyasha pulled out the chair across from him and sat down heavily, slouching in emotional exhaustion. "Find anything?"
"You're not going to like it," Miroku said. He turned his laptop around so the screen faced Inuyasha. It was the scanned image of a painting from the Renaissance period in Italy.
"What am I looking at?" Inuyasha asked irritated. "If you're trying to convince me on taking an international expedition then you're out of luck. I have to get approval for those from father and I'm not talking to him voluntarily unless it's life or death. "
"No need, my uncultured friend," Miroku assured him. "This is from one of our Italian colleagues. I'd contacted him after we pulled up nothing in records department on Naraku. This painting comes from a folk legend in the Italian countryside. The devil taking the form of a wolf. " He advanced the image to another drawing from an old manuscript. "This was during the witch-persecution era of Europe. I believe this is the lead we needed about Naraku. I think he's the werewolf responsible for some of the recent deaths we were investigating."
The man in the image did look similar to Naraku.
They had been investigating the suspicious deaths of a half-dozen hikers in the last six months. Most had been lone travelers — their families not worried about their prolonged absences due to their frequent adventures in remote regions.
Kagome's fear on the night of the full moon, her new friend, and recent date with Naraku all combined to twist Inuyasha's stomach uncomfortably. "The confused female wolf,"he said quietly.
Miroku nodded with a solemn expression. "I've not told Sango about my suspicions. I don't think she'll take it well." He turned the computer back around. "I've not found anything on Kagome's new friend Koga. Did you sense anything about him?"
Inuyasha shook his head. "Do you think he's a wolf too?"
"He could be the rescue party for that female wolf. I think you need to find out. Did you already arrange a lunch date with Kagome to apologize?" Miroku flexed the tension out of his neck muscles, cracking his vertebrae with a loud pop.
"I planned to call her in a little bit," Inuyasha said. "Should I ask her directly?"
Miroku shook his head. "Of course not. If she is the new werewolf and if Koga is the one that helped her in the woods, then she'll know we're hunters. She'll be analyzing you too."
Inuyasha groaned. "I'm terrible with pretense." He pushed away from the table. There was no point in postponing the inevitable. If Kagome was a werewolf it wouldn't be the first time he lost a loved one to the wolf's curse. His brother Sesshomaru had been transformed when he was a kid and his father Toga had killed him. "If she is a wolf, remember we are to contain her and not kill her."
"Of course," Miroku agreed.
Inuyasha made his way to the balcony. Pulling out his cell phone, he tried Kagome's number. It rang three times before she answered.
"Hello?" she asked, breathless.
"Hey, Kagome. Are you up for a lunch date with me today? I'd like to apologize for my behavior," he added. The apology had been Miroku's idea. Personally, Inuyasha didn't think he did anything wrong. Though, with recent developments in their investigation he'd make any excuse.
"I've love to, Inuyasha," Kagome agreed. "Can you pick me up from my apartment in an hour?"
"Count on me," Inuyasha promised.
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OoO
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She hated him, but there wasn't much she could do about it. Naraku had inherited some strong witch magic from his mother and he'd chosen Kagura to use it on. He'd stolen her heart, literally. She didn't know where he kept it, but she couldn't die and she couldn't exercise free-will. Over the last five centuries she'd done things that would haunt her forever.
She grew up on the northern most island of Japan, Hokkaido. The people of her land were simple and content. They were a farming community where no one went hungry or unsheltered. The villagers took care of one another and they worshipped the Goddess of the Wind. When Kagura had been born with the innate power to control the element of wind, she'd been seen as a blessing from the goddess. The crops flourished during her youth and the villagers were blissfuly unaware that news of their goddess' blessing had spread.
It had been her misfortune — and that of her village — to have attracted Naraku's attention. Outside of her homeland, she'd been called her the Wind Witch and her reputation had spread by word of mouth. Her name became associated with terror and she'd become a scapegoat for typhoons and other terrible weather. It had been a terrible surprise to learn that outside her village, she'd been viewed as the source of nightmares.
It had been shortly after her twentieth birthday when Naraku had snatched her. She was betrothed to her childhood sweetheart and they were due to be married at the end of the week. They would have been married years earlier, but he was a wako, or Japanese pirate. He had been raiding the shores of China intermittently for the two years prior. Naraku's interference changed all that.
Naraku bit her and transformed Kagura into a werewolf. During the night of her first change when she'd been weak, disoriented, and incapacitated — Naraku murdered her entire village. It had been little consolation to learn that her betrothed had put up a strong resistance. He'd still died.
Naraku used dark magic to convert the negative energy of the villagers' deaths to take Kagura's heart and literally remove it from her chest. Wolf's magic allowed her to live without her heart. It beat within a strange box that was always within Naraku's possession and as a result, she was possessed. Naraku's will could control her actions. Kagura was the source of great tragedies over the next few centuries. She was aware of what happened, but unable to fight against her body's actions. It was a living nightmare.
Kagura wasn't supposed to have feelings — which was a blessing considering she was the sole survivor of every person she ever knew. It should have been impossible for her to care about anyone without her heart. However, she did come to gradually care for her adopted sister— Kanna. Kanna was another of Naraku's victims.
Then something unexpected happened about a decade ago. There had been another whom she cared about— Sesshomaru. Her mission had been to study Sesshomaru and learn about not only his habits and personality, but about his unique ancestry. He had made an impression that was even stronger than her memories of her betrothed.
Under Naraku's influence, she'd turned Sesshomaru into a werewolf. There was a brief flash of hope that the bond they'd forged would survive. Perhaps, together they could escape Naraku's influence.
It all went wrong when Sesshomaru tried to kill her.
She still didn't understand how she wasn't dead. Maybe Naraku's magic kept her alive? She could be injured gravely, but given enough time — she would recover. She'd tried to kill herself many times before meeting Sesshomaru, but it never took.
It had taken ten years for her to heal from the wounds of Sesshomaru's attacks. Not only did he possess the strength of an alpha werewolf, but he was descended from a mighty line of inhuman warriors. Sesshomaru's ancestors had been powerful yokai in ancient Japan. Though, the Feudal Era didn't feel like ancient Japan to her — it was just Japan.
Kagura did learn something useful during her time of recovery. Before Naraku turned Kagura into a werewolf, he'd done the same for a both a powerful priestess and medium in Okinawa. He had taken them during the witch trials of Okinawa in the early fifteenth century. Kikyo was the king of Ryukya's sister — the high priestess also known as a noro. Kanna was a spirit medium known as a yuta.
The king had been a recent convert to Confucianism and had led the witch hunt himself. He was distraught after his firstborn child was stillborn and his queen died shortly after his delivery.
The king decided the tragedy was a curse from the witches. He'd had everyone put to death — priestess and medium alike. It had been challenging to capture the strongest of each and Naraku had arrived in time to save them from a mortal end.
Kanna had transformed into a werewolf without complication. Unfortunately, the wolf magic and the priestess's innate spiritual powers conflicted. She destroyed every human in a five kilometer radius in a great surge of chaotic, uncontrolled energy. Afterwards, she immediately fell into a coma. Five hundred years later, the priestess Kikyo was still in a coma.
Kagura didn't understand Naraku's obsession with the priestess. He treated her like the Snow White of Grimm's Fairy Tales. Her eternally young body was tucked away inside a glass coffin — neither alive nor dead.
Kagura starred down at the glass coffin and the priestess within. Kikyo's dark eyes snapped open and for the first time in her immortal life, Kagura felt her heart beat.
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OoO
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Inuyasha wiped his sweaty palms onto the fronts of his pants. He shouldn't have been this nervous. It wasn't like he was on a first date. He was just meeting Kagome for lunch. It shouldn't have been a big deal, but it felt different.
Seeing her get off Koga's motorcycle had changed everything. He'd been against her dating Naraku, but he still couldn't figure out why that man made all his internal alarms scream. He was too clean on paper —- which meant that someone had scrubbed him from all public records.
He rapped his knuckles on the front door of Kagome's apartment. She opened the door promptly. He stared for a moment. She wore a white sundress that flowed easily about her legs. Her legs looked much more tone than he remembered. Had she been working out? "Hey, Kagome. You ready to go?"
Kagome nodded. "You'll drive?"
Inuyasha gestured towards his Subaru. "I'm parked over there."
Kagome locked up the door behind her and smiled. "Lead the way."
After a brief discussion about restaurant they settled on Italian. Ristorante Il Buttero in the Shibiuya district had outside seating and was a lovely place to enjoy the nice weather that day. Inuyasha ordered for both of them and Kagome thought nothing of it. He always ordered for the two of them.
It wasn't until her plate was set before her that she realized she was on a strictly meat diet now. Perhaps Koga and Sesshomaru had exaggerated. Surely a wolf could eat foods other than meat and berries. Dogs would eat anything you put before them. But then, they did get sick sometimes because of that. She remembered her friend Yuka taking her dog to the veterinarian after it ate chocolate.
"You've been busy, lately." Inuyasha commented as he watched Kagome push her vegetables around on her plate. She had eaten her meat already.
"Yeah, things have been a little hectic lately." Kagome admitted, refusing to meet his eyes. She couldn't look at him directly, not after meeting Sesshomaru. "I'm taking a week off from work. That Naraku was bad news, I never should have gone out with him."
"Keh, yeah, you should listen to me more often," Inuyasha said. "You work too much anyway. It's about time you took a vacation." He tapped his fork against the side of his plate, noodles wrapped around its tine.
Kagome looked at him briefly and flashed a quick smile. "Souta had mentioned to me that I needed a staycation during his last break from classes at the university."
"Do you plan to spend much time of this staycation with your new boyfriend?" Inuyasha pressed. "You know, that guy that gave you a ride back yesterday. What was his name? Koga?"
"He's not my boyfriend. We only met recently," Kagome admitted. She twirled her noodles and stuck a forkful into her mouth. She swallowed after barely chewing. "I can't believe they serve forks here and you have to ask for chopsticks," she grouched.
"They are trying to be authentic," Inuyasha said. "Don't you think you're moving a little too fast? I mean, this Koga is better than Naraku. Anyone is better than him. But, you don't know anything about this guy either."
"Well I don't know everything about you and I've known you for years," Kagome snapped irritatedly.
Inuyasha didn't have an answer for that. He was being a hypocrite. Suddenly, Kagome's face turned green and she ran from the table towards the restroom.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha followed after her, pushing his chair back with such force that it clattered to the floor. He rushed after her into the women's restroom and cringed as an elderly woman screamed in his ear and hit him hard with her handbag.
"Oh shut up, grandma," Inuyasha muttered stepping past her and catching the still swinging door of Kagome's stall. She was leaned over the toilet as violent bouts of vomit surged through her body. Inuyasha kneeled behind her, held back her hair, and rubbed soothing circles on her back.
He felt dread in his gut. Either she was pregnant, or she was a werewolf. He'd requested the garlic pasta for them both. Garlic and onions were extremely dangerous foods for canines. Symptoms of food poisoning from them included vomiting and anemia.
"It's okay, Kagome. You're going to be all right." Inuyasha helped her stand and led her to the sink to rinse her mouth. "I need to settle our bill. Wait for me at the hostess table and I'll take you home."
"Sorry about that, Inuyasha. I just haven't been feeling well lately." Kagome cupped her hands, filled them with cold water, and then splashed her face.
"Don't worry about that. I'll take you home and we'll just hang out quietly on your couch. Maybe Netflix has a new series we can watch," Inuyasha suggested.
Kagome smiled at him half-heartedly. "Or we could watch that Korean drama I wanted to see last time?"
Inuyasha narrowed his eyes. "Maybe an episode or two," he conceded.
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Kagome felt queasy and wondered what she ate that lead to her illness. She'd have to get a list from Koga as to what foods were forbidden. Sesshomaru could have given her a better warning too. Inuyasha was suspiciously acting nicer than usual.
"I'll just change into some more comfortable clothes," Kagome said. She started for her bedroom while leaving Inuyasha to turn on the television in the living room. She stopped short at the sight of her bed and cried out.
A dagger was impaled into the center of her pillow. A sheet of paper was stabbed between the blade and the feathery mess that remained of the pillow.
The message was scrawled in an elegant hand, though the ink had a coppery scent.
"What is it?" Inuyasha asked, rushing beside her. He stepped past her into the room and read the letter. "Naraku left you a note," he said, his expression grim. "I think you should come with me. Your place is too dangerous."
"He isn't supposed to know where I live," Kagome whispered. She'd been careful to only communicate with him via text and always meet him somewhere on the three dates they'd been on. She knew not to trust strangers completely and that was before she knew he was a werewolf.
Inuyasha came back beside her, careful not to disturb the weapon on her bed. He looped his arm over her shoulders and hugged her against him. "You know you can tell me anything. I would never judge you, Kagome. You know that, right?"
Kagome nodded her head, although she didn't believe him. She knew of Sesshomaru, she could not trust him. Koga was the only one that she could trust with her protection. Inuyasha was a werewolf hunter and she was now a werewolf.
Inuyasha sighed. "Come on, you're going to be staying at mine and Miroku's apartment."
"Koga is supposed to come by later today," Kagome protested. "He won't know where I am."
"So text him," Inuyasha suggested, dropping his arm from around her. He picked up her backpack from on top of her dresser. He tossed it to her. "Pack some essentials. If you think of something else, Sango and Miroku can come over later and get it for you."
"Why would Sango and Miroku come over later? Maybe we need to call the police?" Kagome suggested.
"Because police can't deal with a werewolf," Inuyasha snapped. His golden eyes were bright with anger as he met her gaze. "He is a werewolf, isn't he?"
Kagome bit her bottom lip, breaking the skin. She cringed in a pain and then nodded. "I think so."
"Keh, you think so," Inuyasha scoffed.
Kagome started to pull out clothes and toiletries from her dresser and bathroom, doing everything she could to avoid the sight of her bed and Inuyasha's knowing look.
A short while later, Kagome rode in the front seat of Inuyasha's Subaru clutching her backpack. If he knew about Naraku, did he know that she was a werewolf? If he didn't, then Miroku and Sango would figure it out. At least she confirmed that he was in fact the hunter that chased after her the other night. She would have to trust that Koga would save her.
"Inuyasha?" Kagome asked, while they waited at an intersection. Masses of people passed through the busy streets of Tokyo. Could Naraku be hidden amongst those people? Did he have his own tribe full of spies throughout the city? Wolves were pack animals, surely he had allies.
"Yeah?"
"Do you have any siblings?" Kagome asked.
Inuyasha hesitated, his expression darkening. "Why would you ask a question like that?"
Kagome shrugged. "I always assumed that you didn't."
"No," Inuyasha told her. "I'm an only child."
Maybe he didn't know Sesshomaru was still alive? Or maybe he had purposely forgotten about him. His shuttered expression kept her questions unasked and an uncomfortable silence settled between them.
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Koga was restless after taking Kagome home. He'd returned to the den to pass the time until he was supposed to pick her up again. His aunt kept him company reading a book while Koga paced back and forth in the pack's library.
"Nephew, you need to calm down. If your father wasn't at a meeting with the general, I'd suggest you ask him for a mission to keep you occupied," Chou said. She calmly turned the page of her book.
"Father wouldn't trust me with any important missions in my current state of mind," Koga argued. He'd only had one real mission for the past few centuries and he still hadn't succeeded. Naraku was still alive.
"You could burn off some energy with the young pups in the training room. I'm sure Sesshomaru would appreciate a break. It's his shift today," Chou said.
Koga paused. "Sesshomaru is having to train the young wolves?" That was new. Most of the tribe acted like Sesshomaru was contagious with the plague given his origin. He wasn't sure if it was fear that kept the pack from accepting Sesshomaru whole-heartedly or racism.
"King Heisei and General Tenichi took a large contingent of the pack with them. They have a meeting on the mainland with several other tribes." Chou answered.
Koga walked over towards his aunt and took the book from her hands. "They went to China? The centurial meeting wasn't due for another three years."
Chou grabbed the book back and slapped the back of his hand. "Be respectful of your aunt," she warned. "General Tenichi and a few other generals decided they needed to meet sooner. I don't know why."
"Do you know why I wasn't told?" Koga demanded. "I'm the prince. I'm the heir of the tribe. Shouldn't I be included?"
"While they did take several members of the pack, only the king and his general attend these functions. You know that," Chou chided.
"I'm sorry, auntie. I should have been more respectful," Koga apologized, dipping his head in respect.
"He left you here to take care of local problems," Chou said, reaching out and ruffling his hair. "You have plenty to do, nephew. There is a new transformed werewolf, your brother is obviously up to something, and the hunters are practically nipping at your heels."
"I'll go help out Sesshomaru before he accidentally kills the pups then," Koga decided. Afterwards, he'd let Sesshomaru know of his plans and then go and retrieve Kagome.
Sesshomaru and the pups were in wolf form. The tribes scholars suspected that Sesshomaru's heritage made it possible for him to transform without a full moon much like the natural-born wolves could do. The fifteen pups were scattered about the room in exhausted heaps while Sesshomaru paced easily waiting for the next pup to attempt an attack.
The pups looked up eagerly as their prince entered the room. Koga transformed into his wolf form and stalked towards Sesshomaru. "Maybe we should show these pups a more evenly matched sparring session," Koga said.
The pups barked in appreciation and Sesshomaru merely stared back at him. They both knew that Sesshomaru was stronger. The rest of the tribe didn't know this and they did their best to keep it that way.
Koga sprang towards Sesshomaru and the latter deflected his blow, but was knocked back from the force of it.
Koga landed easily on his feet and charged again. It felt good to spar and the two friends gave and took fairly equally. By the time they were done, the pups were excitedly trying to mimic some of the techniques they witnessed.
After transforming into their human forms, Sesshomaru stretched out his back and leg muscles. Koga wondered how the pain of his transformation affected him because he didn't so much as flinch. The pups began to file out of the practice room and the prince and the assassin were alone.
"What are you doing here?" Sesshomaru asked. "Not that I'm complaining about having help with these annoying children. I thought you'd be attached at the hip to Kagome."
"I'm giving her a few hours. I'm sure this whole experience is overwhelming," Koga explained.
"It will be worse if Naraku decides to abduct her while you're busy trying to be a gentleman," Sesshomaru argued. "It would be prudent to figure out why Naraku chose her for the transformation. What makes her special?"
"Do you think it's her bloodline? Her grandfather is a Shinto priest," Koga explained.
"I think we need to find out," Sesshomaru answered.
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"Have you ever thought about training in Shintoism?" Miroku asked. "For the last two years, I've been petitioning Inuyasha to bring you onto the team, but he's been too protective. With your innate purification powers, you'd be a valuable asset. With just a little training, you'd be very powerful. It would be a very valuable skill, especially if a werewolf is after you."
"You speak of werewolves so easily," Kagome said cautiously.
Miroku shrugged. Inuyasha and Sango were in the kitchen having a heated discussion. They kept their voices low, but Kagome heard them clearly with her inhuman hearing. "My spiritual powers have been an asset to me whenever I have faced violent supernatural forces. Why just last week I exorcised a demonic entity that was intent on slaughtering an entire family!"
"It's hard for me to fathom that you're in this line of business," Kagome said.
"It's a family business. I come from a line of Buddhist priests that specialized in exorcisms. Sango comes from demon hunters, and Inuyasha — well, his family is the best at hunting in general," Miroku explained.
"I can't believe you're sitting here telling me all of this," Kagome said.
"I was hoping that after you heard the truth about us, you might trust me with the truth about yourself," Miroku answered. Kagome pursed her lips, but said nothing. "I understand your caution, but I can sense the difference in you. There isn't any point in pretending anymore."
"Naraku cursed me," Kagome admitted, staring down at her hands.
"You don't have to worry, we don't go around killing werewolves that haven't done anything. Though, to be fair, the policy of ten years ago did involve the destruction of all supernatural beasts preemptively. The powers that be decided that not all supernatural creatures were innately evil," Miroku explained. "So, you see you're perfectly safe with us from Naraku and whatever his goals are for you."
"Do you know much about Naraku?" Kagome asked.
"The more we learn, the more worried we become," Miroku said.
Sango and Inuyasha rejoined them. The demon huntress was standoffish and avoided Kagome's gaze. "Has she made a list of things we need to pick up?"
"She is right here," Miroku said, frowning. "And yes, I have a list."
"Then let's go," Sango said. She turned abruptly and started for the door.
"Don't worry about her, she just takes a while accepting uncomfortable situations," Miroku apologized. "She'll come around," he promised before chasing after his girlfriend.
Inuyasha rummaged in his closet for a few moments and took out a throw blanket that Kagome had given him for Christmas the year before. He placed it over her shoulders and then sat beside her on the couch. Her stomach growled into the silence.
"Do you know what you can eat safely?" Inuyasha asked.
Kagome tugged the blue fleece blanket tight over her shoulders. "I'm apparently a carnivore that can handle a few berries," she said, thinking back to her meal with Koga and Sesshomaru.
"I have some sausage and eggs," Inuyasha said. "Give me a few minutes and I'll have it ready."
Kagome followed him into the kitchen. Inuyasha glanced over his shoulder from the stove as he set out a frying pan. "What? Don't think I'm capable of scrambling a few eggs?"
"No, it's just, this is all very strange. My concept of the world has been shattered and you're taking it all in stride," Kagome said.
"I grew up with this stuff. I'm sure you had studied under your grandfather you'd be familiar with these things too," Inuyasha said.
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Koga parked his motorcycle outside Kagome's apartment building. He sniffed the air, picking up on subtle changes in the environment. He could tell that Kagome was not there and had been absent for a few hours at least. He could also smell traces of that wolf hunter that she was her friend.
Perhaps the scent that caught his attention the most was the lingering presence of Naraku. An immense wave of hate flashed through his mind. The Subaru vehicle that belonged to the wolf hunter approached.
Koga hid his motorcycle and himself behind some bushes. He watched the SUV park in front of the apartment building. It wasn't Inuyasha driving, but the other two hunters. He recognized their scents.
"I just don't like this." Miroku commented as he and Sango began walking towards the apartment. "Kagome is scared out of her mind and this Naraku is very dangerous. I still can't believe she went out with him to begin with."
"Maybe if Inuyasha hadn't been such a child with his feelings for her, someone else wouldn't have had the chance to come along and romance her," Sango said. "I just wish it hadn't been Naraku. Now her life is ruined."
"Her life is different, not ruined," Miroku protested. "What about the guy Inuyasha saw her with yesterday morning?" Miroku asked as he dug the keys out of his pocket to unlock the front door.
The wolf prince felt guilty. He was benefiting from Kagome's misfortune. She should have never been made into one of his kind. But, it did happen and there was no point in dwelling on things that couldn't be changed.
Koga realized that the two individuals who meant the most to him were made into werewolves against their will. If the law had been obeyed it was quite possible that they would both be his enemy.
Koga made a decision. He released the wolf magic he'd been using to conceal his presence. The Buddhist monk immediately stiffened and turned towards him.
"Yo, excuse me," Koga called out, waving to the pair. "Do you know where Kagome is?"
"Who are you?" Sango asked.
"I'm Koga. I haven't talked to her all day and was beginning to worry," Koga answered. "Is she with Inuyasha?"
Sango sighed and turned to Miroku. "I'll give this a chance, but I don't like it."
"Trust me, Sango. When have I ever disappointed you?" Miroku turned back towards Koga. "Why don't you come inside with us? We're packing a few things for Kagome and then we can take you to her."
"Why isn't she here now?" Koga asked. "I sense a dangerous enemy has been here."
"You're correct. We'll show you," Miroku replied.
Koga followed them into Kagome's apartment. These were without doubt the other two hunters from two nights ago. He could sense their trepidation around him. Did that mean they knew what he was? Did they know what Kagome was? His questions ceased when he saw the dagger in Kagome's pillow.
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"You're awake," Kagura said in shock. She opened the lid of the glass coffin and helped the woman, Kikyo, climb out.
"How long have I been…asleep?" Kikyo asked. She blinked her dark eyes heavily. "Where are we?"
"I don't know how long you've been asleep," Kagura said. "You've been in some sort of stasis for at least five hundred years. We're in Japan. Osaka."
Kikyo touched the base of her throat, Naraku's fangs had pierced her skin there centuries ago. She'd never transformed into a wolf. Was she a werewolf or something more? Kagura didn't know. "Osaka is very far north of my kingdom."
"Are you hungry?" Kagura asked. She could smell the holy power in the woman, but the scent of a wolf was absent. The priestess wasn't a werewolf.
"No." Kikyo turned towards Kagura. "Your heart was absent. I have returned it."
Kagura's eyes watered with emotion. "Thank you," she whispered.
"Where is he?" Kikyo asked. "The demon wolf?"
"He's not here," Kagura assured her. "He's meeting a coven of vampires tonight."
Kikyo nodded. "Good. He won't be able to take your heart again. You are free."
Kagura didn't even know how to imagine her life with this newfound freedom. Should see try to find Sesshomaru and explain herself? Should she pretend to still be under Naraku's influence for Kanna's sake? Should would have to do something to repay this priestess. "I owe you my freedom. Let me help you."
"Five hundred years," Kikyo echoed. "My brother is dead; everyone is dead." A lone tear streaked from her eye. "What's your name?"
"Kagura."
"When do you expect the demon wolf to return?" Kikyo asked.
"Not at least until tomorrow night," Kagura said.
"Let us leave this place," Kikyo said. "Go somewhere he does not know. And while we're on our way, Kagura, I need you to tell me about this time."
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Kagome and Inuyasha were two episodes into the Korean drama when the front door opened. Inuyasha quickly brushed away his tears with the sleeve of his shirt. "Why couldn't we have watched The Punisher?" he complained under his breath.
"Honey, I'm home!" Miroku called out. "We brought company."
Kagome looked over the back of the couch and smiled in surprise at seeing Koga standing next to Sango and Miroku at the front of the apartment.
"He was at your apartment," Sango said. Her posture was relaxed and whatever trepidation she had earlier that afternoon seemed to have dissipated. Koga, the wolf prince, had apparently charmed the demon slayer.
"Yo, Kagome," Koga said, grinning boyishly at her. He cast a quick glance at Inuyasha and nodded his head in acknowledgement.
"What's he doing here?" Inuyasha demanded.
Kagome jumped over the back of the couch and ran to Koga. She flung her arms around his neck and hugged him tight. His arms snacked around her waist and he held her against him.
"He's her boyfriend," Sango snapped. "He was worried."
Miroku leaned against the kitchen bar with arms folded over his chest with an amused smile as he enjoyed the show.
"Well I don't know that he's boyfriend material," Inuyasha argued. "Just how old are you, Koga?"
"Why do you care about my age?" Koga asked. He brushed a kiss to Kagome's brow before she stepped back.
"Because I didn't know what a monster Naraku was when Kagome decided he was boyfriend material just last week. And we all know how that turned out," Inuyasha answered.
"Naraku is no friend of mine," Koga said.
"So you do know him?" Inuyasha probed. "Were you aware that he is in fact a werewolf?"
Koga's face was expressionless and Kagome's heart pounded. "Yes, just as I'm aware that the three of you are Hunters," he said looking between Inuyasha, Miroku, and Sango.
Sango sucked in air between her teeth sharply.
"Kagome, I think we should go," Koga said. He held out his hand towards her.
"Cards are on the table," Miroku said holding his hands placatingly. "Now we all know Naraku is a werewolf that specifically targeted Kagome — whom we all care about. Why did he choose Kagome? Was it her relationship to him?" He pointed to Inuyasha. "Or was it something about her specifically? Does it have to do with her family running a Shinto shrine?"
"You never ask questions without already knowing the answers," Sango interrupted.
"If Kagome leaves with Koga she's lost half her allies. From what I could learn about Naraku — he's been around at least five hundred years. She needs all the help she can get," Miroku said.
"You're also the only lead we have on Naraku," Sango said. "He will come for you."
"So my choices are go with Koga or stay with you guys to be bait?" Kagome laughed. "That doesn't sound like much of a choice to me."
"Our operation is mobile," Inuyasha said. "Miroku thinks you were chosen because of your heritage as a Shinto priestess. I think we need to visit your family shrine. If you have time for training — great, but I think you're years too late for that."
Koga ran his fingers through his long hair. "What is your policy on supernatural creatures, hunters?"
"We no longer strike preemptively. We retaliate against known crimes," Inuyasha said. "It's the reason we didn't pursue you all in the woods the other night."
Koga chuckled. "I thought the rain was interfering with your tracking skills."
Inuyasha shrugged. "That too."
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