I do not own Inuyasha, enjoy the story!

Kagome, after reassuring all of the villagers that Kouga was not going to eat them, returned to the hut, but found no Inuyasha, only a bored looking Kouga, and a now very awake Tama.

She sighed, the poor cat would never get to sleep.

"Kagome," he stood up, "you're back."

She gave him an annoyed look.

"Yes, I know."

His face turned slightly downcast.

"What's the attitude for?"

An annoyed shiver ran up her spine as she turned on her heel to glare at him.

"The attitude is for you disturbing all those innocent villagers and interrupting my sleep! Do you know what time it is? It's two o'clock in the morning!"

A growl came from the ground, Kagome instinctively picked up Tama and held her out to Kouga.

"PLUS, you interrupted Tama's sleep as well, that's like the forth time tonight she's tried to sleep, but failed!"

"She's a cat," Kouga said while staring at the kitten in Kagome's extended arms.

"Soooo? She still has to sleep just like you and me!"

Then the words started flowing from his mouth before he could even think, dam* his cockiness.

"Actually, I don't have to sleep as much as you because I'm a dem-"

Kagome gritted her teeth, "Demon? How cocky is that of you to say? You're insufferable is what you are! An insufferable demon."

She then completely turned and walked into the hut. But when Kouga tried to follow, a blanket was thrown in his face, "YOU'RE SLEEPING OUTSIDE! GOODNIGHT!!"

A frown settled on his face as he walked to his friends, who had long ago fell asleep with exhaustion. He hadn't meant to say those things, they just slipped out by instinct. He was always used to being the best and smartest one, so correcting her was only natural.

Never had he thought about the consequences that would come with it.

Now instead of curling up by the fire with his love, he was stuck to sleep outside with a couple of wolves.

So much for the expression 'In the dog-house'.

***Morning***

Distant shouting could be heard and a hard rocking movement took over her body. It felt like she was on a very violent boat, one that was taking on 20 foot waves.

"..ake…p….gome…."

The priestess groaned and rolled over, hoping to change the channel on her dream so that the persistent shaking would stop.

A tickling sensation covered her nose when a cotton like material rubbed past it.

"Ka…e…wake….p…t's….ime….or…bre…ast…"

Another moan escaped her mouth with every word, or part of the word, the voice spoke.

Then everything stopped. Kagome smiled in her sleep and snuggled farther into her pillow as the darkness of dreamland invaded her mind and- "WAKE UP!!!"

The frightened girl sat straight up out of her sleep while frantically looking around for Naraku. But she found that he was not the source of the voice.

Inuyasha stood in front of her, holding Shippou by the tail with an angry glare on his face.

"Bout time!"

"Inuyasha, I was waking her up just fine! You didn't have to scare her you big bully!"

The fox-kit fell from his grasp then, landing head first into the sleepy Kagome's lap.

"Huh?"

A piece of bread was handed her way.

"Eat Kagome, we're leaving today."

It was Miroku.

"What just happened?"

"Inuyasha. He woke you up after you were taking to long to wake up for me," replied a rather peeved Shippou, "The guy's gotta work on his anger problems."

Kagome stretched and wiped the sleep from her eyes. Sango and Miroku sat against one of the four walls talking lightly about the upcoming adventure they were sure to encounter after they left.

Inuyasha was nowhere to be seen. Big shocker, Kagome thought as she rolled up her sleeping bag.

Tama sat on her blanket, looking up hopefully at Kagome, who hadn't noticed her until then.

"Oh, good morning Tama, I guess you're wanting your food, huh?"

Kagome fished a can of food from her bag, setting it open on the ground for the kitten.

She quickly finished off the liver flavored meat mush and licked her lips, waiting for Kagome to notice her once more so that they may travel outside together. The kitten had to tinkle rather badly.

After packing up her belongings Kagome picked Tama up, bread in her mouth, and went outside to enjoy the peace of the village while she could.

As soon as Kagome exited the hut, Tama jumped from her shoulders, running off into one of the bushes close to the hut to do her business.

The futuristic priestess couldn't help but giggle at the kittens shyness, she even had to go to the bathroom in private, what a spoiled little cat.

Kagome finished off the bread with a contented sigh. That was, until a shout came from her right.

"Sister Kagome!"

"Good morning, Sister Kagome!"

It was Ginta and Hakakku. So that meant Kouga couldn't be very far behind, right?

Kagome gave a small wave before cautiously looking around her.

Right, no Kouga. Left no Kouga. In front, no Kouga.

Behind, no Kou- "Hi-ya there, Kagome. I see you're finally up."

Kouga stood behind her, hands on his hips, smirk in place.

Kagome fell over, anime style.

"Kouga, you surprised me!"

He helped her up from the ground.

"Sorry, I was just coming to see how you slept."

She brushed off her skirt, glaring up at him.

"Don't think you're off the hook so easily. I'm still very mad at you for last night."

His face fell as his hands flew out slowly.

"What do I have to do? I said I was sorry. I really didn't mean to do all that! I was just coming to see you and make sure you were alright."

His blue eyes bled honesty as they bored into her brown ones, seeking out a light to show her he was sincere.

Kagome broke their stare, not being able to stand the look on his face any longer.

"Okay…but you have to promise to be good around Inuyasha, and to not fight anymore."

He smiled and scooped her up into a warm hug, "Promise!"

Both of them laughed and smiled, until the sound of someone clearing their throat floated to their ears.

Kouga's head snapped up first, making an overly cocky smirk form.

"Mutt."

Kagome's eyes widened.

"Inuyasha."

The silver haired half-breed stood with his arms crossed in front of them, eyeing the whole thing.

"What's this?" he questioned Kagome.

He slowly walked forward, watching her face the whole time.

"Looks like you two are getting along fine, Kagome. Not like last night. What did he do? Say he's sorry and promise not to do it again?"

"Shut up, Mutt!" Kouga's snarl was a little less than furious.

Inuyasha stopped walking then, smirking. He knew just how to get under Kouga's skin, and that was the best part.

"Why should I? So you can go and try to seduce Kagome?"

"Inuyasha…" Kagome's voice was but a frightened whisper. She knew where this was going, and going fast it was.

"Mutt, I'm givin' you one more chance to shut your trap!! Can't you tell Kagome doesn't want you, you're scaring her!"

"Or take her back to the den with you so your little wolf friends can have their way with her."

Kouga's growl rumbled then. He bent over slightly, getting ready to jump at the half-demon's throat.

"Kagome, I want you to stay back. I'm about to put this puppy in his place."

He pushed her behind his body, shielding her, "Kouga, you promised not to fight anymore."

Inuyasha pulled Tetsusaiga from its sheathe, giving a menacing growl of his own.

"He pushed it way to far this time, Kagome. He's asking for it!"

Kagome went to protest, but Inuyasha flew at Kouga then. Kouga knocked Kagome backwards so she would be out of the way.

Kagome watched on in terror as Inuyasha put the blade to Kouga's throat, giving him an evil smile.

Inuyasha never used to be so….ready to kill. So evil about it. Especially not with Kouga.

"You hear that, wolf? It's the sound of your death coming! I can just hear that stupid little cry of yours, and your blood splattering all over the ground. Hopefully it wont stain the dirt to much, you know the humans in this village aren't used to it."

An evil chuckle escaped his mouth as he pushed the blade farther, slowly. It was clear that he was teasing Kouga, testing him to see how far he could go before he really killed him.

"Dam* mutt," he gasped, "you're pathetic. Kagome wont love you, especially if you kill me."

He spat in Inuyasha's face, giving him a weak humorless chuckle. Oxygen deprivation wasn't helping his attitude.

Inuyasha snarled kicking Kouga in the stomach, putting a rather large dent in his chest plate.

Kouga struggled to breath further, coughing into the air.

Small amounts of blood streamed down his neck onto his hand.

Ginta and Hakakku watched from behind the hut, shaking with fright. What would happen to their leader?

Inuyasha had had enough, it was time to end it. He was sick of seeing the wolf's face.

"See ya wolf, say hi to Naraku for me, when I kill him, ahahaha!"

Kouga kicked out, but Inuyasha had him in an awkward position, with his back against a tree, sitting on one hand, with one leg in the air.

Inuyasha moved his hand to hold the blade more effectively, but before he could push down, giving the last blow, an arrow glowing blue flew past him, slicing off a couple hairs in the process.

Everyone's head turned to find out who had shot the arrow, expecting Kaede, or even Kikyo, but found that it was none other than Kagome herself.

She looked positively furious. Her body emanated a sense of pure energy, but instead of it being light and positive, it was heavy and dangerous.

It was almost like she was a whole new person.

"Kagome?" Inuyasha questioned as she notched another arrow in her bow.

"Get. Away."

She spoke very slow and clearly, making her seem more menacing.

"But Kagome, I-he-you-"

Another arrow zoomed towards him, making a whistling sound fly through the air until the head stuck itself in a nearby hut, burning the wood extremely.

"Next time, I wont miss."

Inuyasha lifted his sword, careful not to make any sudden movements, he didn't need another incident like Kikyo's.

Kouga scrambled to his feet, holding his neck.

"Kouga, are you okay?"

He nodded, panting slightly. "Thank you, Kagome."

She nodded.

"Inuyasha, I will give you ten seconds to get as far away from here as you can. You have caused to much trouble, and I know that Kaede wont appreciate you destroying her village."

He returned Tetsusaiga to its sheathe.

"You said the other day that I have as much right to be here as he does. If I go, so does he."

Kagome pulled the bow back closing one eye to aim.

"That was before you almost killed him. Now go!"

His ears flattened against his head, "Kagome I didn't-"

"10, 9, 8,7.…"

The counting continued until she reached two.

"Inuyasha, this is your last chance to leave. I don't want to shoot you."

He stood there, the same sad look on his face.

Kagome took a deep breath, closing her eyes. The in one swift motion she pulled the string back completely. Just as her last finger leave the string releasing it, Kouga snatched the arrow from the wooden bow, jumping away from Kagome.

"Kouga!"

The man stood in front of her, one eye closed from his heavy breathing.

"He's not worth it, Kagome…you're better than that…don't let him get to you."

With that said, Kouga dropped to his knees, dropping the arrow on the ground.

Blood began to gush more openly through the slit in his throat since he was laying on his stomach, allowing gravity to take over the flow.

Kagome ran to him, forgetting her bow that laid at her feet, and Inuyasha who stood completely still. He could feel the shock of purification energy that floated in the air. The anger that swam through Kagome's veins was still present in her face as she looked up at him.

"What are you waiting for?" she bit fiercely. "Get out of here! You've already done enough!!"

Tears formed in her eyes making his red clad image become blurry.

When he didn't move, she stood from her position and picked the arrow up.

"Go!" she screamed throwing it in his direction.

It did nothing but land on the ground only a few yards away.

Sango and Miroku stood at the doorway of Kaede's hut. They had made Shippou stay inside, not wanting him to see Kagome or Kouga in the state that they were. Or the things Inuyasha had done.

Sorrow and agony poured from their bodies as they watched Kagome become more and more pained.

And all for a fake love, thought Miroku as he watched Inuyasha slowly begin to back away.

There was no way to describe how Kagome felt.

It felt like someone had took red hot pliers and shoved them into her chest, grabbing a hold of her fragile heart. Twisting and squeezing it until it was but a knotted and throbbing pile of bloody tissue.

It felt like a semi-truck was driving through her head. Full blast honking his horn until it rammed into the wall of her skull, only to turn around and repeat the process.

It felt like a sea of molten lava was boiling under her skin, running through her veins and arteries like a race car making first place over and over. Heating her very skin until it was warm to the touch.

All the emotions, hurt, confusion, anger, tore through her like a freight train.

Inuyasha made his way into the forest out of Kagome's sight. Then, and only then, did she turn to the fallen wolf on the ground.

Tears still fell from her eyes, onto his dirt smudged face.

She turned him over and saw that he was still conscious, but just barely. It seemed that he had become quiet exhausted.

Deep crimson liquid stuck to her knees and hands as she handled him with care.

A tear fell on his dirty cheek making him look up at her.

"Don't cry…Kagome." his hand found hers.

"It's going to be okay, Kouga. I'm going to make you better."

Kagome's free hand made its way to his throat where she could apply only so much pressure until he cried out in pain.

A purple-blue glow surrounded her hand, the light falling into his gash. He winced and tried to pull away. But his attempt was futile and his whimper fell on deaf ears, because Kagome refused to let him go until he was healed.

Thirty minutes passed and the wound began to slowly heal. Beads of sweat rolled down Kagome's face and forehead, plastering her bangs to her cheeks and neck.

Kouga had passed out three minutes into the process, and now Kagome's sight was beginning to fail her. The glow from her priestess energy was starting to dim and flicker.

Miroku had tried to pull her away.

Sango urged her to let Kaede help.

And Kaede offered a medical treatment from herself.

But their helping offers were in vain, because Kagome just shook her head, never taking her eyes from Kouga's sleeping form.

His head laid in her lap. Sticky blood coated her legs and thighs now, but she didn't pay any mind.

The only thing that she could think about was Kouga's life in her hands, and Inuyasha's retreating form.

Then Kouga's eyes snapped open and the wound closed off completely, with not even a scar left to be held as evidence from Inuyasha's blade.

"Kagome?"

His voice was weak, and broke off at the end.

Kagome let her hand drop a relieved, yet sad smile on her lips.

"I'm glad you're okay."

She brushed his bangs away from his eyes, which were glassed over with being just…tired.

"Kagome, you look like you're about to pass out."

"No," she replied with a happy tear sliding down her cheek, "no, just happy and tired. Don't talk now. Get some rest."

"I love you, Kagome," he whispered while his eyes slowly closed and his breathing slowed again.

Kagome rubbed his neck with her thumb and then looked around to find Kouga's two lackeys standing in front of the tree they had used for shelter earlier.

"Ginta, Hakakku, will you do me a favor?"

They both straightened, jumping to her side that instant.

"Yes sister!"

"Anything!"

Both of them obviously noticed her seriousness.

"Take Kouga and put him in the hut next to Kaede's. and stand guard so no one goes in there to disturb him."

Her voice was not a command or even a question. It was more pleading than anything, like a frightened mother fearing for her child's life.

"Yes!"

"Of course!"

Gently picking the unconscious Kouga up, they quickly ran to the empty hut.

Kagome slowly stood, and fell back to her knees. Sango came to her side a worried look on face.

"Kagome, are you alright?"

She nodded, forcing herself up once more.

"I'll be fine…I just need to-"

But before she could finish the sentence, she doubled over in pain, fall onto Sango's shoulder.

"Miroku, get help!!"

The monk was at her side within seconds, Tama on his shoulder.

"We need to get her inside now! She has a fever and is totally exhausted! I don't think she knows she was holding that healing process for over two hours. Help me carry her!!"

Miroku slid under one of Kagome's arms.

"Where's Kirara? We could use her to get Kagome to Kaede's hut!"

"I think she went with Kaede to help the villagers after Kagome refused her help."

Tama mewed. She leapt into the air, a blue ball of flames engulfing her until a larger form of herself stood in front of them.

"T-Tama transformed!!"

"Hurry," Sango half-shouted while turning Kagome over laying her on Tama's back.

"To the hut, Tama."

***Next Morning***

The next morning, Kouga woke up with a splitting headache and a stiff neck.

He leaned forward, putting his wait on his elbows.

"Where am I?"

Ginta and Hakakku burst through the hut with tears in their eyes.

"Kouga!!"

"You're okay!"

They dogged piled on him, hugging his waist and shoulders.

"Our tribe will be okay!"

"All thanks to sister Kagome!!"

When that was heard by Kouga, he jerked forward.

"Where is she?"

He got to his feet then, wobbling to the door before he was stopped by his men.

"No, you cant leave!"

"Lady Kaede said that…um well…"

Ginta rubbed his neck, looking away from his leader.

"Said what?" Kouga demanded, knowing they were keeping something from him

"Well," Hakakku reluctantly gave in, "Lady Kaede told us not to tell you, but…"

"Hurry up, you dolts!"

"Sister Kagome has come down with a severe fever and hasn't woken up since yesterday when she collapsed."

His words were rushed, as if he hoped Kouga wouldn't hear. But they both knew it was futile, especially since they had mentioned Kagome's name.

"What?"

His voice leaked disbelief.

"Yeah…the little fox, he told us that its from her using up to much of her spiritual energy. She had held out that healing thing for almost two hours."

"But on the bright side, the monk said that it was remarkable how long she held up, meaning that she's super powerful and has a good chance of coming through without even a loss of her powers."

Kouga's face was blank.

He stood there listening to them babble on a little longer. Then, without warning, he turned on his heal and zoomed right out of the hut, knocking the door down in the process.

His companions were left to yell after him, with no success in bringing him back.

Kouga's nose led him to the hut right beside the one he was in.

He jogged into the hut, frantically looking around for his love.

Finally, his eyes fell on her body, which was curled up by the fire, facing the wall.

"You must not be in here, ye wolf! Get out! She mustn't be disturbed."

Kaede set her cup of tea down when he didn't comply. He simply strolled past the old priestess, kneeling beside Kagome.

"Kagome? Kagome, wake up?"

He lightly shook her shoulder, hoping to get a response.

He brushed her hair behind her ear, only to find they were hot to the touch. A thin layer of sweat coated her brow, and a low moan escaped her throat.

"Yo Lady! Isn't there somethin' you can do? She's burning up over here!"

Kaede grimly shook her head, settling against the wall of the hut. She decided it was futile to try and get a stubborn wolf to leave her hut, especially when Inuyasha wasn't there to kick him out.

"I can do nothing. If it were a sickness, yes. But this isn't ordinary."

"Well then what is it!?"

She sighed taking another sip from her cup, "I…am not entirely sure. She is undoubtedly exhausted from healing your neck, and will require rest. But the fever, I have no idea where it has come from. I tried all my remedies and even potions. But nothing is working, her body just rejects whatever is put in. I am afraid Kagome must bare this on her own."

Kouga gasped lightly, staring intently down on Kagome.

"But…she's miserable. Just look at her! Isn't there somethin, anything we, I, can do!? You have to know! You're a priestess for god's sake!"She only shook her head.

"I know where we can get something to help her," stated a very quiet Shippou.

He had been sitting on Kagome's bag the whole time, along with Tama, who had been keeping watch.

"Aren't you that runt that was on my tail the last time I saw you?"

"Yeah, now do you want to know how to help Kagome, or not?"

Kouga sat down beside him, nodding once.

"There's an herb farm about a two day walk from here, to the east. I know a half-demon who owns the farm and grows special plants. I bet if you went there, you could get something that would at least help Kagome's fever."

"Alright." Kouga stood up then, turning to leave.

"Catch is," the fox added, "you have to take me with you."

"What?" Kouga half-shouted, fearing that it would wake Kagome.

"Well, Jinenji wont give his special remedies to just anybody. So, if you take me with you, I can convince him to hand over the herbs by telling him I know Kagome."

"And why cant I just say I know her and that she's sick?"

Shippou jumped to his shoulder, a playful yet cocky smirk on his lips, "Because I can do the puppy dog eyes."

"Whatever, those things never wor-"

Kouga stopped as Shippou's eyes grew huge, turning a darker shade of green with his mouth slightly protruding.

"Now what were you saying?" the fox-demon questioned confidently.

Kouga sucked his teeth turning his head away from the terrible eyes that the child controlled.

"Just lead the way!"

And so, they were off! Kouga ran as fast as he could.

It felt as though his feet weren't even touching the ground as his tornado quickly carried them through a field of grass and wild flowers.

Night had soon fallen, and Shippou had requested for them to stop and pick it up in the morning, but Kouga refused saying that if he truly cared for Kagome then they would keep traveling.

As the sun started to rise the next morning, Kouga felt a bit tired, but pushed on. The scent on the wind brought that of herbs and dirt, a sure sign they were headed in the right direction.

Shippou had told him he had never actually been to the place, but Inuyasha and Kagome had described it as small and well thriving. From the short story, Kouga had gathered enough information to assume they would be dealing with a large half-demon, an old woman and maybe some angry villagers, but they weren't a problem.

He also noted the half-breed as being kind natured and shy, even afraid. It seemed the old woman did most of the fighting, which was stupid if you asked him.

Soon enough though, Kouga came to a jogging stop when he realized they were at the edge of the farm.

He looked around, making sure there were no villagers to spot them. Hopefully they could avoid trouble and get back to Kagome before sundown.

A large, blue eyed half demon saw them and immediately ran for the house. Kouga spotted him just as he entered and followed.

"Hey wait, I need you help!" he called after.

Getting no reply, he entered the hut, only to be greeted with a broom to the face.

"You get outa here right now, ya dirty demon! Aint no one gonna hurt my son!"

She swung the broom again, but this time Kouga was ready. When the broom reached him he grabbed it, twisting it away from the woman's grasp.

"Yo, listen here, grandma, I need that guys help," he said, pointing to the curled up mass of muscle that hid in the corner trembling under a blanket.

"We aint helping anybody!!"

She batted on the chest with her hands, "Get out!"

Shippou jumped from his shoulder and ran over to Jinenji , a friendly smile on his face.

"Jinenji we need your help, Kagome, she needs your help. She's got a terrible fever and we think that you have the herb to cure it! Please!"

Upon hearing Kagome's name Jinenji uncurled, a surprised yet still scared look on his face.

Shippou then noticed, along with Kouga, how many scars were on his body. Kagome and Inuyasha hadn't lied about his abuse.

"Kagome?"

Jinenji's large round eyes, swiveled to the wolf demon.

"I can smell her on the both of you."

"Yeah, she got real sick after she healed my neck where the Mutt cut me," he admitted with a little reluctance, "So you gotta help us! If not…" he ended the sentence with silence, letting Jinenji imagine the consequences.

The old woman, by then, had grown tired and rested against the wall.

"Jinenji ….?"

He looked over to her, "Ma, you okay?"

Suddenly he was at her side, rushing to her within an instance.

"Help these boys, help Kagome. She got those villagers to leave us alone. Its about time we returned the favor."

Jinenji straightened then, "Yeah Ma, don't worry, I'll get them what she needs. You just stay here and rest."

She nodded.

Kouga and Shippou followed him to the row that was farthest out. It was isolated from the other plants, and the roots were submerged in water.

"What is this stuff" Shippou gagged, "it stinks!"

The young fox pinched his nose, giving him a nasal sounding voice.

Kouga just wrinkled his nose, refusing to sound foolish in front of another "grown" man.

"Its called the Micamba Plant. The roots have to be in the water because tiny bulbs of vegetables grow out. They look kind of like ginger. And they have to be away from other plants because they kill them by overrunning the fields."

(Pronounced: Mee-cum-buh)

He knelt down and pulled out three of the plants.

"Cut off the bulbs and boil them in water. Drain the plants and then grind them to a powder. Mix it into her food and make sure she eats every bite, or else it wont work."

Kouga picked up the tiny plants that were thrown at his feet. He clutched them tightly.

"You sure this'll cure Kagome?"

Jinenji turned so that he was now facing a village that could be seen off in the distance.

"Those villagers used to hate me and treat me so horribly. But Kagome and Inuyasha came along and they left me and ma alone. Kagome was the first person to ever be nice to me. I would only give her the best of my remedies, you can trust me when I say that the plant, if used correctly, will rid Kagome of whatever it is she has."

Shippou jumped to Kouga's shoulder, "Thanks Jinenji! I know Kagome's gonna be grateful for your help!!"

Kouga nodded and started his way back to the village.

***Village***

While Kouga and Shippou had been gone, Kagome's condition only got worse.

Her breathing became hard a labored, while her color began to lighten into a pale shade of white. Not good signs in Kaede' book.

Miroku and Sango tried to do what they could. And Tama never left her side, even t ue the restroom, for the cat refused to eat whatever was offered, even the special treats Kagome had bought for her.

And just when everyone was beginning to doubt Kouga's arrival, he busted through the door, triumphantly holding onto the small satchel that held the plant.

"Oh my, I was beginning to think you'd never get here, Wolf!"

Kaede rushed to him taking the plants.

"You should already know that I would never let Kagome down." his face was chiseled hard with seriousness.

"Yes, yes, now tell me what to do with these so I may get them into her system."

"The half-demon said to-"

Shippou cut him off "Boil them in water, drain them, crush them into a powder and then put it into her food. But make sure she eats every bit of it or else it wont work"

Kouga pushed the fox off his shoulder, making him fall face first onto the ground.

Kaede did what she was told and then set the medicine off to set and wait until the mush of food was ready for Kagome.

She was going to have to be hand fed since she wasn't able to eat herself.

Kouga watched patiently as Kaede spooned the brown substance into his woman's mouth, chew for her and coax her to swallow.

When the process was done the old priestess looked up.

"Now, all we can do it wait."

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