Stir-Fried Inu

A/N- Welcome back everyone. Thank you for continuing to read along with me. I am sorry about the long wait for the update.

Disclaimer- InuYasha belongs to the genius of Rumiko Takahashi; I am merely a fan expanding upon her work.

'Thoughts'

'Youkai Thoughts/Talking'

Onto the story.

Chapter 7:

Getting To Know You

'At last!' Kouga cheered inside as he stretched and took a deep inhale of the clear mountain air. After three weeks in his cave, being nursed by pack members as well as Inuyasha and his pack, he finally was strong once more.

He hadn't realized just how much he'd missed his freedom of before, not until a week ago when he'd tried to go for a run and hadn't gotten far before he'd been unable to continue. Let alone breathe. Now though, he was hale and whole.

He was ready to do what he should have done after waking up without his female at his side. He would find her and finally find out why she had left. He had promised her that no matter what he would protect her and he'd meant every word of it. It was time to prove it to her, but first he had to find her.

"Kouga?" Turning Kouga felt a smile cross his lips upon seeing Inuyasha. The Hanyou had proven to be true to his word and more. In fact, Kouga was finding he enjoyed whatever time he and Inuyasha spent together. Even if it was just talking.

Inuyasha was quickly becoming one of his dearest friends and maybe even the dearest. He did wonder about something though, the Hanyou seemed much changed from how he'd been before and Kouga really wanted to know why.

He knew the other meant it when he'd offered friendship and a sincere desire to make up for past mistakes and misunderstandings. But there was something else there, some other hidden reason for the other's change in behavior. Something about this change made Kouga feel rather overprotective of Inuyasha, that he'd become fragile in a sense.

Normally Kouga would shake it off or ignore this feeling, but now that they were outside and he was back to one hundred percent, he found he couldn't ignore it anymore. Especially today. Normally he and Inuyasha were equal as far as stamina, but today Inuyasha had lost a great deal of his normal strength. The Hanyou had taken to stopping for a few minutes every mile or so they traveled, 'taking a breather' he'd called it.

This was more than that though; Kouga felt that he could almost see InuYasha's fragility increasing the further they traveled and the longer the day wore on. Currently they had stopped for another of InuYasha's 'breathers,' Kouga was taking this moment to look his friend over closely. Doing his best to determine the truth.

This was something that hadn't gone unnoticed by Inuyasha. He had been trying hard to keep up and had been hard pressed to keep his haori from exposing too much of what he was trying to keep hidden. Soon though he would be unable to hide his increasing waistline.

He was almost certain that some of the other pack members besides Hakaku had figured it out already. Especially one elderly female, Nanaka. She had recently been serving him more food than the others, as well as slipping him snacks whenever she'd been able. She would always claim it was in thanks for saving their Alpha, but Inuyasha knew there was more to it than that.

Panting he did his best to cool off, knowing that he was pushing his limits too much lately. Feeling he'd rested enough he straightened and looked Kouga, "ready to keep going, where to next?" Kouga narrowed his eyes but shrugged, "it doesn't matter, I am just enjoying my freedom from that cave."

Inuyasha nodded his head at this and when Kouga took off again he followed, watching the other much as he had the entire time. Inuyasha was certain of his feelings towards the other now; he knew he loved the ookami, probably more than the scoundrel deserved too.

They spent another couple of hours just running about and 'checking their territory.' Inuyasha knew he was losing strength and that soon he would be unable to continue. It didn't help that his next transformation into his female form was soon upon him. In just a couple of days actually. This fact made him fear how he was going to hide himself from Kouga, or if he even should. He just wasn't sure what to do.

In the end though he chose to move as quickly as he was able to keep up with Kouga until he couldn't do it anymore. Which even if it was soon, Inuyasha knew that he had to try to keep his true self hidden. So as they finished another round of running about, finally Kouga seemed content. He turned to Inuyasha and said, "We should head back now. I'm getting hungry."

Inuyasha blinked in surprise, but little did he know, Kouga had seen how tired Inuyasha was getting and knew that he needed to take the other back to the den. Something was going on and he needed to know what it was. But he wasn't willing to find out if Inuyasha got hurt in the process.

So they returned to the den, when they got close Hakaku ran out to greet them. Kouga had noticed that Hakaku had grown rather protective of Inuyasha but he knew the other wasn't into males, so it really didn't make sense. Unless he knew what was wrong with Inuyasha.

Narrowing his eyes he watched as Hakaku came over and immediately helped to support Inuyasha. Kouga knew there was something they were keeping from him and he would find out what it was. Soon.

Inuyasha did his best not to let Hakaku hold him upright as they walked back to the caves, but he knew that Kouga had seen too much today. He would soon be asking questions, questions Inuyasha wasn't sure if he was ready to answer. Sighing once they had reached his temporary home, Inuyasha smiled at seeing Miroku and Sango. They were sitting very close together and seemed to be deep in conversation.

He whistled at them as he and Hakaku passed by. Hearing Sango gasp was enough to answer any question Inuyasha might have had, he just shook his head and let Hakaku set him down on the edge of his bed. He closed his eyes and sank back against the cool cave wall. "Thank you Hakaku."

When the other didn't move to leave Inuyasha let out a sigh. "What is it?" Hakaku shifted back and forth a bit before he finally answered. "Did you tell him?" Shaking his head Inuyasha kept his eyes closed trying to relax, "why?" "Because it isn't time yet. Soon I will have to tell him though."

Sensing that Inuyasha wasn't going to be any more forthcoming, Hakaku spoke softly. "I'll get you something to eat, rest Inuyasha. We both know you need it." Then Hakaku was gone.

Inuyasha shifted a bit against the wall as he laid his hand over his growing belly, he knew he would soon fall asleep and wanted to make sure his unborn pups were safe. He let the sound of Miroku and Sango's whispered tones lull him into unconsciousness. His last coherent thought was that he hoped Kouga wouldn't push himself too much in his searching, because he knew the other would definitely go out there once more. With or without him.

Hakaku had been headed back to give Inuyasha the meat and vegetables he'd gathered when Kouga waylaid him. Well, more like cornered him after chasing him around for a bit.

His pack leader wasn't happy, this much was obvious to Hakaku as he looked up at Kouga's narrowed gaze. "What is it Kouga? Did you need something?" Kouga snorted at Hakaku's words before he pointed a finger at him, "Look, I know you're hiding something from me. Something that has everything to do with Inuyasha and why he's been so weak. I know it isn't because of the moon, it's not the right time of month for that."

Hakaku looked away and tried hard to focus upon the promise he'd made Inuyasha. Whether he wanted to tell Kouga or not, he knew it was InuYasha's place to tell Kouga the truth, not his. "I can't say. You'll have to ask Inuyasha."

Kouga growled angrily at that even as he clenched his fists. "Just tell me this, is this illness of his fatal? Is he doing?" Hakaku felt his jaw drop at this, 'of all the things to guess.' "No Kouga, he isn't dying. What he is going through is very natural, although in his case it is somewhat different from normal." Feeling even more confused by this, Kouga huffed in annoyance before he stepped back and placed his hands on his hips.

"Well then, since you will not tell me. I will ask Inuyasha the next time we head out to search together. Tell him to rest up for the next three days, and then we will depart. I expect him to be better by then, if not then I will confront him for sure." Hakaku looked relieved at his words and Kouga shook his head as he waved the other off, "go on, I know you're headed back to Inuyasha."

Not needing to be told twice Hakaku took off leaving a less than satisfied Kouga behind.

As promised, three days later Kouga was waiting outside the cave InuYasha's pack had decided to inhabit for the Hanyou to appear. It was barely mid morning and Kouga planned on covering a lot of ground that day, he had his mate to find after all.

Hearing a rustling behind him he looked back to see Inuyasha making his way out of the cave. He looked a little pale but seemed well rested, Kouga also noticed something was off about his scent. It seemed softer, which normally was something only females had about them, shaking off this thought he raised a hand in greeting.

"Are you ready then?" Inuyasha rolled his eyes as he walked past Kouga and kept on walking. Kouga watched him for a moment before he moved to catch up to him. They walked for a long few minutes in silence and Kouga couldn't help but wonder what was going on with the hanyou. He was acting a bit more grumpy than usual as well.

"Inuyasha, what is it? You seem different today." Kouga's curiosity was getting the better of him and he couldn't stand by while his friend was hurting. Instead of responding, Inuyasha kept on walking, as if he was lost in his own thoughts or something.

Kouga crossed his arms as he followed close after Inuyasha at first. He would let the Hanyou sulk for a bit but once they had reached a stopping point he was going to get to the bottom of this nonsense. He'd had about enough of getting the run around from his pack and from his friend.

Inuyasha did his best to not get too close to Kouga as the Ookami took the lead, he didn't want to chance having him catch his changing scent. He knew Kouga's patience was running thin with him but in the end he wasn't sure just how to broach the subject. Truth be told, he was still scared that Kouga would reject him once he knew the truth.

As Kouga picked up the pace and began running, heading south, Inuyasha stayed on his tail. They had traveled a fair distance when finally Kouga came to a stop. He'd caught a scent that had him narrowing his eyes and flexing his claws in pure hate.

"Kagura."

That one word alone had Inuyasha falling into a fighting stance; he wouldn't let his guard down around the wind sorceress. Especially now that he was fighting to protect his unborn pups.

"Well, well. If it isn't the mutt and the mangy Ookami. I didn't know you two were on friendly terms." Looking up both of them sighted Kagura on her feather, floating a good twenty feet above them. She looked amused and that was enough to have Kouga seething. "Get down here you Bitch!"

She just laughed as she circled them, waving her fan a couple of times. Inuyasha crouched, making sure to guard his belly, knowing this was one of her attacks. Sure enough he felt his cheek erupt in pain as a sharp blade of wind sliced across it. His hiss of pain was barely audible but Kagura seemed to hear it just fine.

Her laughter circled around them like a whirlwind once more, bringing with it more slicing blows. Kouga stood tall, not even flinching as cuts nicked across his body, he was biding his time. Inuyasha narrowed his eyes as he felt flair of pain once more, but this one was different, this one was an internal pain.

Looking up, past Kagura, Inuyasha studied the sky and saw that it was dusk. Soon the sun would set. The change was beginning.

Inuyasha was snapped out of his thoughts when Kouga leapt at Kagura, using his legs to strike a hard blow. Kagura let out a shriek as half of her feather disintegrated. She quickly waved her fan until she was in the center of her own little tornado. This was a move Inuyasha had seen her use before.

It was a dangerous move, which not only repelled the attacker but rebounded their attack back at them. Seeing that Kouga was poised to attack once more, Inuyasha made a snap decision. It was the only thing he could think of to keep the Ookami from harm. He called out, "Kouga wait!"

But he was too late; Kouga had leapt forward at full power and kicked the tornado. It rebounded him easily, snapping his ankle and slicing a good portion of his calve. Kouga flew back and landed near Inuyasha with a low 'thud' but Kouga got back up, supporting himself with his good leg.

Seeing her opening, Kagura dispersed the tornado and instead drew a blade. She smirked as she flew straight at the Ookami, knowing she had the upper hand. Unable to stand by as his Ookami was attacked, Inuyasha leapt into the fray. He could feel the transformation occurring even as he placed himself between Kagura and Kouga.

The last light of the day faded at that very instant.

A loud 'crack' sounded as Kagura's blade was shattered as it struck home against a barrier. The barrier shimmered pink with holy power and Kagura let out a scream of pain and frustration as a blast of purifying energy was practically flung at her. Her eyes narrowed as she took in the human female, the miko, who stood between her and her quarry.

"You shall pay for that wench!" Kagura was about to attempt another attack when a voice behind her called out, "enough. It is time to leave Kagura; Master Naraku doesn't like to be kept waiting." Behind her stood Kohaku and she knew he was right. She turned back to glare at the now panting human and the shocked looking Ookami.

"Until next time." She then waved her fan and reformed her feather, Kohaku jumped atop it and they soon both disappeared over the horizon.

Collapsing to her knees, Inuyasha felt her barrier fall as she panted. Her body trembling all over from the strain of such a sudden use of power. One of her hands unconsciously moved to sit on her swollen belly; she hoped her children were alright. She'd never used her powers as a miko while pregnant, not until now.

A wave of dizziness suddenly caused her vision to fade and she swayed before falling to her side. She clenched her eyes closed to keep herself from loosing what little food she had in her stomach, hearing movement nearby she opened one eye to see Kouga limping over to her.

His eyes were wide with shock and something else she couldn't quite decipher. Seeing him limping like that made InuYasha's heart clench and as soon as he was close enough, she reached out and clasped her hand about his broken ankle. A hiss of pain was torn from Kouga's lips, but before he could even say a word, Inuyasha sent a healing pulse of her power throughout Kouga's whole body.

Every cut, every bruise, even his broken ankle was healed instantly. Kouga blinked in surprise as he gazed down at her, Inuyasha smiled tiredly as she released his ankle. "Please forgive me. I love you Kouga, I...love..." Suddenly Inuyasha went limp, her voice cut off as she fainted from the exertion of using her power while in such a weakened state.

Kouga fell to his knees at her side unable to believe what he'd just witnessed. It had to be a dream. There was no way this was real. Reaching out he touched the female before him, a jolt went down his spine as her scent wafted around him. Broken free from whatever seal she'd placed about herself.

Immediately his inner youki responded, this was his mate. This was the female he'd laid claim to; she was here, before him. His body moved before he could even blink, he'd lifted her up into his arms and cradled her close. 'She just saved my life and healed me as well. But...' his thoughts dwindled as he recalled all that had just happened.

Inuyasha had been weakening, he'd been unable to fight and being a pack alpha he knew he had to protect the Hanyou. But then Inuyasha had leapt in the way, shielding Kouga. Then the unexpected occurred. Inuyasha glowed a slight pink before suddenly there stood a woman, in InuYasha's clothes. This could only mean one thing and Kouga wasn't sure he was ready to believe it.

He jerked when he felt something wet strike him on the nose, breaking him from his thoughts. Looking up he saw that clouds had formed in the gloom and a rainstorm was beginning. Standing up, Kouga cradled the female, 'Inuyasha' close as he turned and ran. He knew of a place they had passed earlier that might offer enough shelter from the storm.

He just hoped that when he got there, he'd be more ready for facing the truth. Something else was nagging at the back of his mind, something about InuYasha's scent. Something important.

A/N- Alright, done with this chapter. It was one that really didn't wish to be written, but here it is. I hope you all enjoyed it and with stick with me until the next chapter is finished.

I also used one Japanese word, Ookami. It means Wolf.

Thank you all again for reading my work. It really means the world to me.

May the Fluff Be With You!

=^..^=