Koga sniffed the air. He could smell leopards and they were close. The only thing that was worrying him was that Kagome's scent couldn't be found. He retraced his steps until he came to the edge of a mountain. He starred up and thought. He could smell something familiar…suddenly, he gasped. It was faint, but it was still Kagome's scent!

Koga hopped onto a steep rock and began to climb. He was soon at the mouth of an enormous cave and he peered inside. At least twenty leopards were in there feasting on deer and rabbit meat. They were talking and seemed to be having a good time. One of them even got up and walked over to feed…Kagome?

Koga snarled when he realized she was tied up against the wall. When the leopard stuck the meat in her face Kagome bit his hand. He recoiled in pain and let out a howl. The others turned to see what the commotion was about and the leader stood. He stepped in front of Kagome, grinning wildly, and grasped her shoulders. He was forcing her head up so she had no other choice but to look in his eyes…

Koga couldn't take it anymore. He jumped out from his hiding spot and shouted, "Get your hands off my woman you piece of trash!" The leopard wheeled around and starred in shock at Koga. The wolf demon sprinted at him and tried to kick him in the stomach but the leopard was too quick. He bounced back out of the way and growled.

"Once I kill you wolf boy your woman will be mine," he laughed. His men were getting to their feet to help but the leader snapped, "No! I'm gonna kill him alone!" Koga snorted and replied, "You can try, you damn leopard." He dodged the oncoming attack of the raged leopard and smirked.

"Ha! If that's the best you can do this should be over soon!" He seemed like a blur as he rushed past the leopard so he was standing behind him. Koga punched him hard in the back and the demon fell to the ground. Kagome was cheering all the while for Koga and he gave her a triumphant smile. "Don't worry Kagome. You'll be free in a matter of---"

Koga couldn't finish for he had been knocked off his feet when the leopard kicked him. He landed on the hard stone floor and glared at his opponent. The leopard demon leader was giving him the same smirk that Koga had had on his face a second ago. Kagome struggled to get out of her shackles but it was no use. She had to think. If only she could get loose! Then she could grab the bow and arrows sitting in the corner of the cave…

Suddenly, an idea dawned on her. Kagome called, "Koga! Can you kick my shackles with all your might?" Koga looked at her in bewilderment but nodded. He sprinted over to her and kicked her bindings as hard as he could. The metal broke and Kagome's legs were free. She smiled but just then Koga was punched by the leopard. The leopard cackled evilly and held Kagome's chin up.

"This fight is almost over, my soon-to-be-mate!" he said, still cackling. Kagome's anger was ready to burst and she thrust her feet forward into the greedy leader's gut and he was so taken by surprise he fell to the ground—hard. Kagome merely glared at him as everyone in the cave gaped at her. The leopard demon sat up and clutched his stomach in pain. He snarled at Kagome and she gulped. Uh oh, bad idea! She told herself. The leopard slowly stood and advanced on her.

"Wench!" he shouted, causing Kagome to wince. "Forget being my wife! I'll kill you first!" He bared his fangs and held up his razor shard claws. Kagome bit her lip and closed her eyes. This was it…

"HOW DARE YOU THREATEN HER!" a shout came from an all too familiar voice. Kagome opened one eye to see Koga kick the demon right smack in the face. He slammed into the side wall and slumped to the ground. Kagome starred in amazement at the fallen leader and then at Koga, her eyes shining. Koga released her without hesitation and picked her up. He turned to face the other leopards.

"Anyone else wanna try and stop us?" he asked forcefully. The leopards shook their heads as Koga smiled triumphantly and raced out with Kagome held tightly in his arms. It seemed like he ran forever but finally he halted by a river. The sun was just setting below the horizon as Koga set Kagome down. She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him close. "Oh Koga! Thank you so much for rescuing me! You're my hero!"

A tear slid down her cheek as she remembered someone else who had once been her hero. She pulled back in embarrassment and hoped she wouldn't start crying. But Koga wiped away the tears in her eyes and smiled. She looked up into his sky blue eyes and sighed. He leaned in and their lips met in a gentle kiss.

Maybe this life wouldn't be perfect…but it certainly wouldn't be boring.

The End