Rosaline woke entirely different the next morning then she had earlier. In her weakened state, she had shifted to human form during the night. Her head was still resting in Kouga's lap. He had fallen asleep leaning against the wall, his hand on her head. Her arm had finally ceased it's bleeding and she shifted, trying to alleviate the discomfort in her back from the previous night's abuse. Kouga felt her stir and he woke, smiling gently at her. "How do you feel?" He asked.
"Like I've been run over by a train," she replied stiffly. Kouga chuckled. "What?" she snapped.
"Nothing,"
She's so beautiful, he thought. He had only met her once, the last time he had run into Inuyasha. Then, he had found her impertinent and insubordinate, a saucy little wretch, but now, seeing her up close…
She looked like an angel. Her silvery blonde hair was disheveled and had little flecks of blood at the tips, her yellow eyes had cooled and the fear and rage had melted away, leaving her warm disposition and playful smile. She tried to stand, but was discouraged by the stiffness in her fatigued joints. Kouga tugged her back down and told her to be still.
"I can't be still. I have to find a way to escape."
"You're still healing, stubborn ass!" He tried to shake the previous sentiment from his consciousness as she turned to him with a snarl.
"You don't think they're just going to keep us here alive, do you? If we don't escape then we're dead meat."
"You're in no condition to fight anyone. You know better then I do what happened last night." He touched her arm gently. "I know what I saw."
"There must be a way out of here without having to tear through guards." Something clicked in the back of Kouga's mind.
"The ceiling tiles! I'm to big to fit through it, but you are much smaller then I am." She rolled her eyes.
"Don't remind me," she muttered. "Can you lift me up?"
"Sure. I'm sure you're very light." She rolled her eyes once more. He chuckled again as he grasped her by her hips and lifted her up towards the ceiling tiles.
"It'll be a little claustrophobic, but I can fit." He grinned as she pushed it up and out of the way, and he helped her hoist herself up. She fit easily.
"You got it?" Kouga asked as he watched her rear disappear into the hole in the ceiling. She was out of sight now and he was able to smile. It was only a few minutes before he heard the distinct sounds of growling. He heard a snarl and snap, a strangled human yell, and a triumphant bark. The lock on the cell door rattled and creaked as Rosaline bit through the rusty lock. She was staring at him now, her tail wagging mockingly, her yellow eyes smiling, and her head tilted in a characteristic curious posture. He couldn't help but laugh with relief. Relief that they were free or relief that she was safe he didn't know yet. While he contemplated, she shifted to human form, leaning on the wall for support. Her silver tresses were dotted with slightly more blood, but she seemed fine.
"Can we leave now?" she asked. He shook himself, his earlier sentiments returning to him.
"Lead the way Princess."