The definition of nervous is...
Having or showing feelings of being worried and afraid about what might happen.
This particular word was unfamiliar to the wolf king.
He has felt countless feelings over the hundreds of years since he's been alive, but the feeling of nervousness was one that was foreign to him... that was until recently.
The combination of anxiety, fear and excitement all at once was constantly erupting inside him these last few days.
And as of right now it seemed that these particular feelings were almost suffocating to him as he looked upon the human village before him.
He crouched upon one of the thick branches of the isolated tree that was rooted upon the high hill next to the village.
The hill he so often sat upon with her.
It was late evening, the sun had already descended behind his mountain letting the milky moon to take its turn to light up the blackened sky with the help of the million twinkling stars surrounding it.
And yet, the human village seemed to shine brighter than the sky tonight. The usual dark lit huts and streets of the village was now a mask of a warm sparkling glow consisting of the colors of orange and reds.
Vendors of all sorts where lined up and down the streets with thousands of paper lanterns to light the way. The smells of cooked meats and different assortments of foods that he had never even smelled before wafted all the way out of the village to where he hid up in the tree.
Human food or not... his mouth watered at the enticing aroma.
And the people... there was so many that he had even lost count; the streets were bustling with them.
And there was still even more making their way down the rocky path to enter the magical festivities before them.
From where he sat they looked like a specks from a rainbow, so many different colors splashing together from the kimonos they wore... it was quite a sight.
His pointed ears twitched slightly when he heard the beating of drums cut through the sounds of the loud chatter and laughter from the crowds of people.
His eyes scanned through the streets of the village, following the groups of people climbing the steps towards the village temple.
He gulped, his palm becoming sweaty as he grasped the silver bracelet within his hand.
His stomach began to flutter aggressively while his heart beat sped up within his chest.
There it was again.
That feeling that seemed to plague him every day.
The feeling of being nervous.
With a heavy sigh he looked towards the direction of where the temple sat.
She will be performing soon...
He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath of air, his broad chest expanding under his plate of armor as thoughts of the pretty miko danced through his mind.
She will be mine.
Azure eyes snapped open with determination as the word mine repeated over and over again in his mind.
Muscles contorted under bronze skin as the wolf demon leaped off the branch and took off towards the village at great speed.
Once on the outskirts of the village he jumped onto a nearby hut with ease, landing upon the structure with surprising grace and stealth.
Quickly he jumped from one roof top to the other till he came to the last hut closest to the chiseled stone steps that lead up towards the temple. The usual plain steps were decorated with red paper lamps upon them; the warm light from the candles splashed a hue of red on the trunks of the giant trees that hovered on either side of the steps.
His eyes scanned over the wooden torii placed before the entrance. The red gate protruded from the ground up into the sky; symbolizing the transition from the mundane to the sacred area past its giant structure.
He watched as people traveled under that gate with haste, quickly dashing up the steps leading up to the temple, in hopes to get a good viewing of the popular miko who will soon grace them with the traditional kagura dance.
He smirked.
He knew the perfect spot to watch her perform; thanks to all the times he waited for her in the past to finish her priestess duties.
With a bend of his knee he leaped into the air, his long dark hair flowing behind him as his dark armor camouflaged him from human eyes.
Once his feet landed upon the ground, he lunged forward with demonic speed into the forest that circled around the temple grounds. A light breeze swirled around him, getting stronger with every powerful step he took.
The branches cracked, autumn crisp leaves broke away from the branches and danced in the air while the humans whispered with shock at the sudden gust of wind that blew past them, unbeknownst to them it was the cause of a wolf demon.
Once the wolf king reached the top of the hill, he lunged towards the roof top to one of the many buildings that circled the temple, his barefeet landing upon the stone roof with ease.
His ears perked at the sound of the pounding of drums and the whimsical melody of a flute.
It's about to start.
Quickly he made his way across the roof to the eave.
Once arriving to his desired destination, he crouched low, one knee placed upon the stone roof while the other remained bent.
Clawed fingertips grasped the stone curved tile underneath him while he slightly leaned forward to view the festivities taking place below him, careful to not be seen and to remain within the shadows of the night.
Though this particular village seemed to welcome demons, and he in particular was shown kindness at all times from the villagers and was accepted amongst them, he knew there was a lot of people from other villages visiting tonight who might not view demons the same way. Not wanting to ruin the special night, the wolf king remained hidden from sight from human eyes.
His eyes scanned the scene below him, taking in the huge platform that was built in front of the main building of the temple, decorated with glowing lamps and torches. Crowds of people surrounded the structure, while behind it, men dressed in temple robes beat upon large and small drums.
Koga took notice that the mikos friend, Miroku, sat kneeling upon a cushion while he held a yokobue to his lips. A beautiful melody left the flute, that seemed to cut through the pounding of drums and the loud chatter of waiting people.
Jingle
The crowd fell silent.
Jingle
Koga felt his heart stop within his chest.
Jingle
His mouth slightly fell open as his ears perked at the sounds of gasps leaving the crowds lips.
Jingle
Azure eyes widened as a goddess stepped upon the platform.
Jingle
Just by the look of her miko robes, he knew they were new. Upon it laid a white chihaya that seemed to shimmer against the light of the lanterns. Its beautiful fabric was decorated with faint white flowers with green cranes placed artistically throughout the sheer fabric. The bottom of the chihaya dragged behind her as she took elegant steps towards the center of the stage.
Jingle
Long silky black hair was pulled away from her beautiful face into a low pony tail. The simple hairstyle was adorned with colorful flower hair ornaments along with a elaborate headpiece that dangled shimmering silver pieces above her eyes.
Jingle
And her face.
A face of pure perfection; with glowing white skin, painted red lips and sparkling hazel eyes.
Jingle
The wolf king felt his mouth go dry, as his eyes never once left the beauty below him since she walked upon the stage.
Was his heart still beating? He was not sure...nor did he really care.
Jingle
Her steps were graceful.
Foot sliding in front of the other while her arms elegantly lifted into the air, the long chihaya sleeves swayed slightly to her movements.
Jingle
Delicate fingers grasped the golden suzu within her hand.
A mesmerizing sound left the golden bells everytime she moved her wrist.
Jingle
Her full lips were turned up into a warm smile as she twirled upon the stage, her ink black hair flowing behind her while the robes she wore sparkled in the light.
Jingle
Koga didn't hear the drums or flute anymore.
The whispers of the crowd commenting on how beautifully the miko danced before them became muted as well to his ears.
Jingle
It seemed as if everything around him faded away, except for the dancing priestess below him.
He didn't see anything besides her.
He didn't smell anything besides the enticing aroma of lavender and vanilla that came off her mouth watering skin.
He didn't hear anything besides the jingle of the sacred suzu that she held within her small hand, the chime of the hair ornaments in her hair clashing against each other, the sound of fabric gliding against her body as she moved and the light breathes that left her parted lips was all that consumed him.
It was almost as if she was dancing for him, and only him.
Jingle
Perfection.
There was no other words to describe the priestess and the way she danced tonight.
Jingle
She twirled.
And as she twirled, she lifted her head up towards the sky.
Glistening hazel eyes scanned the rooftops of the temple buildings, eventually landing upon the wolf demon hiding in the shadows.
Azure eyes widened as her searching eyes locked upon his own.
He watched as a bright smile spread acrossed her red painted lips.
Jingle
A light blush covered his cheeks as he continued to stare down at the dancing girl.
His fingers clutched the silver bracelet within his hand tightly.
She will be mine.
Jingle
Jingle
Jingle
The wolf king sat in the shadows through the rest of the ceremony. He listened to the old miko Kaede preach upon the alter and bless everyone. He watched the crowds of people run up to greet Kagome with admiration, till she was briskly pulled away by her friends and taken into the temple.
Now that the ceremony had officially ended, he watched as the crowds of people eventually make their way towards the steps once again; descending down to the village below to enjoy the rest of the festivities.
With a heavy sigh he leaned against the stone tile, eyes scanning the glowing village in the distance.
It seemed forever since she left the alter and disappeared into the temple with her friends.
What could be taking her so long?
Suddenly his eyes widened as his nose picked up a particular scent.
That smell...
His body stiffened as he slowly sat up from his relaxed position.
That disgusting smell...
His nostrils flared; inhaling deep breaths of air around him.
That revolting smell of wet dog...
Azure eyes scanned the area around him while his nose still desperately sniffed for the owner of the vile scent.
With a low growl he got to his feet and hastily jumped over to the neighbouring building. Slowly the wolf demon made his way to the other side of the structure while taking careful steps.
He felt his muscles flex under his skin as the scent became stronger with every step he took.
Why was he here?!
Finally the wolf king made his way to the edge of the roof, standing tall upon its structure, no longer caring if he was seen or not.
His azure eyes glowed with hatred as they stared down the dog demon below him.
There he stood, Lord Sesshomaru, cladded in his usual warrior armor, as he waited patiently outside one of the many doors to the temple.
His feminine features were as always, emotionless, while his long silver hair slivered around him along with the fur from his massive tail against the light autumn breeze.
Koga growled menacingly in warning, just loud enough for the lord to hear.
He watched the dog demon slightly turn his head in his direction. Golden eyes glared up at the wolf as a scowl tugged at his lips.
The wolf king bared his fangs.
Koga was about to leap down from the rooftop, till the sound of a sliding door reached his ears causing the him to stop his assault. His ears twitched ever so slightly when he heard a loud squeak of pure happiness erupt through the air.
"Lord Sesshomaru! You came!"
Koga watched as Rin came bounding out of the temple at full speed towards the dog demon. Her fuchsia pink kimono decorated with gold sakura flowers shimmered underneath the moon and torch light as she ran.
Jewels and hair pins decorated her elaborate styled hair while pink powders were dusted upon her cheeks and red paint graced her smiling lips.
"I'm so happy that you were able to come, Lord Sesshomaru." She said gleefully.
The lord stared down at the teenaged girl before him, "I am glad you are happy, Rin."
Koga watched in shock as the Lords facial features suddenly softened as he lifted his head away from the girl before him and stared straight towards the entrance from where she came running out of.
Curiously, Rin turned away from her Lord and followed his gaze till they landed on what had him so mesmerized. A mischievous smirk spread across her painted lips as she called out, "Miss Kagome! Don't be so shy! Come out here!"
...Kagome?
With a soft huff of impatience the teenaged girl left the dog demons side and made her way back to entrance.
Kogas eyes widened as the girl pulled Kagome out of the entry way, dragging her by her hand to stand a few feet away from where Lord Sesshomaru stood.
For the second time that night, Kogas heart stopped within his chest.
The priestess no longer wore the ceremonial robes from earlier, but adorned something even more breathtaking.
A kimono made of the finest silks graced her body dyed with the colors of white cream that faded into a crimson red. Chrysanthemums decorated the glistening kimono in a assortment of warm colors, while the obi was tied tightly around her waist, showing off her perfect curves.
The top half of her beautiful black tresses was pulled up into a extravagant hair style decorated in golden combs and colorful dangling hairpins, while the bottomed half cascaded down her back in waves.
Her eyelids were dusted with colors of reds and golds, while her lips were painted of the darkest of reds. Her skin, usually a creamy porcelain white, radiated a pink hue upon her cheeks...
Wait.
She's blushing?
Koga crouched low and glared down at the scene before him, quickly taking notice that the dog demon had yet to break his gaze away from the priestess...
and she... she was blushing while her hazel eyes sparkled up at him.
Rin tugged at the Kagomes long sleeve, slightly leaning into the mikos ear.
Even though the girl whispered for just Kagome to hear, Koga could still hear what was said, "Miss Kagome, why are you being so shy? Ask him if he likes seeing the kimono he gave you on you."
Kogas eyebrows raised at her soft words, as he bared his fangs in fury.
She... accepted... his ... gift...
He watched as Rin went behind the priestess and lightly pushed her forward causing Kagome to slightly stumble and take a few steps closer to where the dog demon stood.
Kagome peered up at the demon, her nervous hazel eyes locking onto his golden ones causing her blush to deepen upon her skin.
Crack.
Koga gripped the stone tile of the roof, his fingers clutching the stone so hard that it cracked within his grasp as the whites of his eyes started to bleed red.
He watched as the miko twirled in front the dog demon with arms outstretched, the long sleeves flowing around her while the hair pins jingled against each other in her hair.
She stopped suddenly, hazel eyes sparkling up at the demon Lord before her. "Do you like it, Lord Sesshomaru?"
The wolf king watched as the lord smiled ever so slightly as he peered down at the miko with obvious want lingering in his golden molten pools.
He watched as he took a few steps closer to the girl while reaching a hand out towards her. Clawed fingers gently brushed against the softness of her cheek, causing her face burn brightly and hazel eyes to widen with surprise.
The lord slowly bent down towards the priestess and whispered into her ear, "You are beautiful, Kagome."
Crack.
The stone tile crumbled into dust within the wolf kings hand.
It took everything in him to not crush the bracelet within his other hand as well.
Desperate deep breathes left his parted lips, as his eyes glowed a crimson red.
The muscles under skin were contorting as his fangs ached and started to elongate past his top lip.
He felt his bones begin pop out of place and move under his skin.
I'm about to lose control...
She can't see my true form...
Not now...
He watched as the bones of his fingers begin to stretch while dark fur began to patch over his bronzed skin.
He needed to leave.
He needed to leave now.
Or he was going to rip apart that dog and slaughter everyone around him.
I can't lose control!
Crimson eyes took one last glance at the enchanting miko, before they quickly turned away.
Swiftly the wolf king made his way across the roofs of the temple buildings, hastingly leaping into the forest nearby.
Once landing upon the grassy earth, he took off in a demonic speed into the darkness.
Through heavy breathing, the wolf king threw his head back as he ran and howled into the night.
HOOWWLLLL