I do not own Inuyasha, enjoy the story
Kouga traveled nonstop into the night, he knew that being out in the cold would be bad for Kagome, especially in the state she was currently in. Hard winds blew against him while he ran, but he pushed on, holding her tighter with every shiver her body made.
A little after midnight he arrived at the foot of the mountain, thanking the gods that a nice warm fire was only a little ways off.
He skillfully jumped from rock to rock, shifting Kagome's bag around while he flipped in the air, landing safely at the destination.
He ran through the water fall, tornado twisting dangerously inside the den. Kouga sat his beloved's bag down and immediately headed for the large fire that had been kept going to provide warmth.
He sat down as close as he could, with Kagome in his lap, wrapping the blanket tighter around her body until it was snug.
Tama nuzzled his neck affectionately, giving her thanks for keeping her master safe and warm.
Kouga held Kagome tight, dozing off to sleep.
***Next Morning***
The fire had slowly died off into smoldering embers in the night.
Kouga opened his eyes, slightly confused for a moment as he watched the waterfall outside his home sluggishly begin to freeze.
It happened every year, yes, but he thought it was a sight to behold, because at that exact moment of freezing, the morning sunlight shone through the ice, sending an array of colors into the air. And then, in a blink of an eye, it was gone, and the light was almost all the way blocked out.
Kouga removed Kagome from his lap, and placed her on a bed of hay not far behind him. He then began to blow on the embers and feed the small fire so that she would not be cold without his body heat.
Once a sufficient fire was going, he broke through the waterfall, rushing through it so he wouldn't get wet, for the water still rushed swiftly under the ice.
He needed to hunt, but the wildlife would start to thin out since winter was beginning to creep onto his mountain.
After a quick morning run to get his blood pumping, and hunting for two hours, he bagged a small boar.
He wondered if Kagome would even eat it, she had before, but now she was in sickly condition.
"Guess I'll find out in a minute," he said to no one. He spotted just the faintest puff of his breath in the air, a sign that it would freeze that night.
(Yeah I know it isn't like that now, but back then I'm making it like that!)
Kouga re-entered the cave with his catch in tow, being greeted by a couple of wolves who began to whimper and yelp at him.
"Shut up, you mongrels! Kagome's sleeping sti-"
"No I'm not."
Kagome walked up to him at that moment, pulling back some of the wolves.
"I asked them to do this, so I'd know when you were back."
Kouga threw down the boar in front of her, "Oh, I brought you back some food."
Kagome glanced down at the fallen animal and sighed, "That's sweet, but I don't think I'm in the mood for pig. I think I'll just eat some ramen."
"Raw-men? And I thought I was the human eater."
Kouga followed her to the large, overly stuffed, yellow bag and watched her search for the food she called ra-men.
She finally pulled out a white cup, "Here we go."
Kagome then proceeded to remove a metal pot from her bag and place it over the fire.
"Kouga, will you go get some water for me? Just enough to fill the pot."
"Absolutely."
He fetched the water and sat beside her.
"So what is this stuff anyway?"
She held up the package and slid her finger across the print, "Ramen, dried noodles with flavoring. You add hot water and you get soup."
Kouga's eyes widened, "Is this like those things you gave me? They didn't taste like meat, but they were good, and they made me thirsty."
Kouga took the package and sniffed it, "These don't smell like those crunchy things though, they smell kinda like chicken."
Kagome giggled, "That's because its chicken flavored. The food I gave you a long time ago were called chips, they usually make you thirsty because they're so dry."
"Wow Kagome, you're so smart."
Kagome blushed, "Not really, I'm barely passing in my classes."
"What are those?"
"Well in my time, we have this thing called school. Its where young girls and boys such as myself go to learn. But since I've been here for the past year or so, I don't get to go much, and I'm falling behind."
The water in the pot began to boil, so Kagome tore open the cup and carefully poured the water into the container.
"So why not just stay over there? It sounds really important to you."
Kagome stirred her soup, "It is, but being here is even more important. I mean I miss Momma and Gramps, and Sota, but helping destroy Naraku and making right in this world is what matters most. I can always finish school when I go back."
Kouga's eyes snapped to her face, "Back?"
She blew softly on the steaming bowl, "Well I don't imagine that I'll be able to stay here when the jewel is gone. When the Sacred Jewel is banished from this world, then I will be too, since my job will be over."
Kouga stayed silent, comprehending what she had just told him.
"What if the jewel wasn't banished? What if instead, you took it back to your time and kept it safe there. Then you wouldn't have to worry about demons, and you could come back when you wanted."
"I've never thought about that before…but you see, the problem with that is, Inuyasha can still travel through the well, and there's no telling what he might do."
Kouga balled his fist, "The mutt wont do anything. He told me in forest that he's realized a bunch of crap, and I got no hint of betrayal."
Kagome shrugged, finishing off her ramen and taking out a familiar bag.
"Here," she said handing them over, "I brought you these."
Kouga's tail began to wag, "These are the things I was talking about!"
Kagome nodded, "Yeah, they're called chips. They're barbeque flavored, so I'm sure you'll like them better than those ranch ones I gave you."
Kouga ripped the bag open and placed a handful of the crispy morsels in his mouth.
"These…are great." he said with his mouth full. Kagome rolled her eyes at his barbaric behavior and went to change out of her usual attire, it was time for those winter kimonos Min had made her.
"Where you goin'?" called Kouga from his place by the fire.
"To change."
Kagome walked to Kouga's room with her bag over her shoulder, for some reason she felt better just being in the den, even strong enough to be up and around.
She pulled out a dark purple kimono and with a white sash and smiled, Kouga was sure to like this.
Then a thought occurred to her, why did she care what Kouga liked?
Just a month ago she was completely engulfed with thoughts of Inuyasha, now all she could think about when it came to him was how murderously he looked at Kouga.
Kagome shook the thoughts away, saving them for another time.
When she walked back out into the main den, she noticed that most of the tribe had awoken and began their daily routines. Kouga was waiting for her outside the crevasse and smiled when he saw her.
"You look…nice."
Kagome crossed her arms, "What? You don't like purple?"
Kouga scratched the back of his head, "No, no, purples fine. I just aint used to seeing you all dressed up."
"Well what else do you suppose I wear? It is freezing outside, ya know."
Kouga let his hands drop to his sides, "Well…."
He took her hand and began to lead her to the back of the cave until the came to a large area of rocks. Kouga picked her up and then made his way to the top, where Kagome then spotted an elderly man working with a piece of metal.
"Stay here," Kouga said in a hushed tone.
He then walked over to grey haired man and spoke in what sounded like wolf, with yips and mumbles replacing words.
Kagome stood there for a good ten minutes until Kouga returned, "He said he'll make you some clothes."
"But I already have clothes." she pointed to the kimono she had just put on.
"Yes, but these are Wolf Demon Tribe clothes. They'll keep you way warmer than human clothes, and help you blend in outside."
"Blend in?" now Kagome was becoming angry. Why did she need to blend in? Why did it matter what she wore?
"Yeah, wearing those bright colored kimonos make you stick out like a sore thumb. No wonder so many demons attack you."
Kagome snorted, "Is my skirt gonna be as short as yours?" she asked being smart.
Kouga sucked his teeth, "No, it'll be just as short, maybe even shorter."
The two locked eyes with each other, and sparks began to fly. But the old man came over and grabbed Kagome's arm
"Rahm, muller farnin?" (Is this her?)
Kouga took a deep breath and then nodded, "Rebrorm ingo fushin Kagome." (Yes, this is Kagome.)
The old man smiled, "Marnner ingo femlen." (She is beautiful.)
Kouga watched the old man take her measurements. He then held up three samples of fur, one white, one brown like Kouga's, and then one black.
"He wants to know which one you like best."
The girl looked over each of them, "I like the black, but everyone here wears brown."
"Its our color. Ayame's clan mostly wears white, and the western clan is black. But now, since its winter, white would blend in to your surroundings more."
Kagome sighed, "Then white it is."
"I thought you liked the black?"
"I do, but aren't I suppose to be fitting in?"
Kagome went and sat on the edge of the rock, pulling her knees to her chest, and wrapping her arms around them.
"Fenker Kagome ranmer." (You made her mad.)
Kouga slapped her old man upside the head, "Ranef mulin, renfer granmea headdrea merster." (I think I know that. Get to work, I want that done my sundown.)
The old man bowed and went back to his work area to began working on Kagome's clothes and armor plating.
Kouga stood behind her, "I don't want you to feel like you have to wear it. I was only trying to keep you safe. The armor and the camouflage will help you."
She was silent for a while, and then a long, exhausted sounding sigh left her lips.
"I know, I know, its just…the whole time I've been in this era, I've been told what to do, how to do it, when to do it. And I was constantly being protected by others. I guess I just kinda feel like a slacker, or something."
Kouga chuckled softly, "You're a beautiful, strong, loyal, independent woman. How could someone like you be a slacker?" he sat down behind her pulling her close, "You can read, and fight. You're the only person I know that can go through a well and then jump out into the future, beside Dog-Breath. You're loyal to those you love, and wont give in to anyone, especially those who mean you harm. And you got one hellova arm."
Kagome smiled, "Of course you would point out all the good things. What about the bad ones? Like having crappy aim, I'm afraid of almost everything, the only thing I've ever come close to amounting to was shattering the jewel, and I still have a long way for that. So tell me, why do you think I'm so great?"
"Because, I love you," he simply stated, as if it were so easy for him to admit it.
"And I hope one day, you'll say it back. Then that'll be another good thing I can add to the list."
Kouga gave her a gentle squeeze and then released her.
"It'll be a while until he's done, would you like to go for a walk with me?"
Kagome looped her arm through his, "I would love to."
"Just don't push yourself, I don't want you getting sick again."
They made their way outside and onto the frosty river that was now completely frozen over.
"Its not snowing," Kagome said glumly.
"Not yet, but it will. The river always freezes like this, once a year, but always before the snow comes."
Kagome frowned, "You think before winters up, you'll take me to the well, so I can get my ice skates?"
"Maybe, what are ice skates?"
"They're shoes, but they have blades on the bottom, and then when you get onto the ice, you can glide across it."
"Shoes with blades, sounds like a weapon." Kouga said with a satisfied smirk. He was always so easy to excite.
Kouga led her down a small path which then opened up into a clearing with large trees all around it.
"This is my favorite place to come and sit, when it snows, the light shines here, and in the spring, its filled with flowers. I guess its pretty if you're into that kinda stuff."
She saw him glance down at her, he was always trying to put on the tough guy act.
"Kouga, can I ask you a question?"
"Yeah, anything."
"Do you…do you ever wonder what life would be like if Naraku wasn't here? If he'd never even existed."
He wondered what brought on that odd question.
"No. But if I did, I'd probably think that my brothers wouldn't have been killed, my tribe would still be going strong, and I would be a good leader of the pack. But then again, I ever would've gotten the jewel shards, and I never would've met you."
Kagome looked down at the ground, he always found something to say that made her feel a little better.
"You know you wont be able to keep your jewel shards forever. When Naraku is defeated, and the jewel returned to me, I have to put all the shards together."
"I figured as much, but I'm planning to use them as much as I can before then."
Kagome glanced over, watching his shards glow.
"Do you think I can purify the jewel? Honestly?"
"Why do you ask? You doubting yourself?"
"No, its not that, its just, Naraku is so evil, and the jewel might be really tainted."
Kouga saw the uncertainty in her eyes. "Well, I honestly have no reason in my mind to think anything else, other than of course! I'll kill Naraku, bring the jewel back to you, and then you'll purify it just by your touch."
"You cant touch the jewel, it'll engulf you with darkness. Only someone with holy powers can touch it, even Miroku couldn't touch it."
"Well then I'll just bring you with me, so you can take it out of Naraku's corpse."
Kagome's face turned a light shade of green, "Corpse?"
"Oh yeah, I wont quit until I wring his filthy neck with my own hands. And I wont stop there, I'll make sure he doesn't come back, using my Goraishi."
Kagome felt her stomach churn.
"You okay? You look sick again." Kouga felt her forehead.
She turned from the log and coughed, followed by a sound of platters and moans.
After she was done, Kagome turned back to Kouga, "Okay, all better."
Kouga's eye twitched. He stood and picked her up, "Come on, I'm taking you back inside. I knew you were to sick to come out here."
Kagome pounded his chest, "I am not! It was your talk about corpses and killing that made me puke. I'm fine, really!"
Kouga ignored her complaints, "I don't care. The old man should be about done anyway."
She crossed her arms, stubbornly, defeated.
When they reached the old wolf demon, he was just finishing her new clothes, sewing on the shoulder pads and clasps for the fur cape that would keep her shoulders warm.
When he noticed them, he slowly walked over. "Mern farim renferm." (It is done.)
"Mafner limpes minser remblerm sifa." (Thank you for your service.)
Kouga took the clothes from him and headed towards Kagome, "Here, go change behind that rock over there, and make sure they fit."
She looked behind her, "A rock? What if someone comes back there. Or one of the wolves wonder away?"
"I'll stand guard."
He walked her to the rock, trying to assure her that nothing would happen.
When she finally did get behind the rock, Kouga stood there and waited, and waited, and waited, and waited, and waited, and well, you get the point.
"Kagome, what's taking you so long?"
Kagome paused, "Um…I cant put it on."
"Why not?"
Kagome shivered, "Because I don't know how."
Kouga smiled at her frustrated tone. "Want me to help."
"N-no." she as shivering.
"Fine then, freeze."
Kagome heard footsteps fading away. Little did she know it was Kouga playing a trick on her.
"Wait, don't go!"
"What was that? I cant hear you!"
If Kagome could've growled, she would have.
"Fine, you can help. But you have to promise, no peeking!"
Kouga chuckled, "As you wish, but I'm just letting you know, you might end up begging me to look."
Kagome blushed from behind the changing rock, "W-what!? You're a pervert, Kouga."
"I'm coming back."
Kagome quickly turned then, holding her arm over her breasts. The armored plate opened slightly in the back, and then was lathed together once on. The problem was, every time Kagome went to latch it, the armor would slip.
"Okay, so what's the problem?" Kouga asked with his eyes closed.
"The stupid metal thing keeps falling every time I try to put it on."
He held his arms out, "Come here and turn around so I can put it on, then."
Kagome inched towards him.
Kouga felt her touch his hands, "Don't you dare go any lower."
He pulled the latches together, "You think so badly of me?"
Kagome turned around once the plate was in place, "You're the one who said all that about you me wanting you to look."
She placed her hand on his upper arm, suddenly noticing the stubble on his jaw line.
Kouga felt her fingers graze his chin, "You know, you should shave."
Kouga's lips curled into a smile, a fang poking out.
"I kinda like it, it gives me a rugged look. Don't you think?"
He stepped closer, his eyes still shut.
"Like you need any help with that. I didn't think tribe leaders had to worry about that kind of stuff."
Kagome watched his hand go to his chin, "Maybe you're right."
"I know I am."
"Hey, you-"
"Just shut up, and kiss me."
What Kagome had said surprised even her. Kouga opened his eyes, and looked down into her chocolate brown orbs.
But he couldn't pass up a chance, so he placed a hand behind her neck and pulled her to him, pressing his lips to hers.
Kagome tensed when Kouga made his move, but then slowly relaxed into his arms.
She wrapped her arms around his chest.
'What am I doing?' Kagome thought.
Kouga let his hands slip down to her waist where he locked them together, holding her to his body.
Kagome turned her head, breaking the kiss, so Kouga started kiss her cheek and neck.
"Kouga…"
He stopped and took a deep breath, releasing her from his hold.
He turned and cleared his throat, "I guess you should finish getting dressed."
Kagome looked at her feet, suddenly finding them quite interesting, "Yeah, you're right."
Kouga walked from behind the rock. Once out of sight, he leaned his back against the wall, his hands flying into his hair.
"What the hell was that?! One day she leaves, and now she kisses me?"
He covered his face with his hands, sighing and then taking in a deep breath.
He was confused and partially angry, not at Kagome, but with himself. He didn't like the feelings that were happening within his body. He could actually feel his heart wrenching at that moment, making him grimace.
What if she left again?
What if she ran back to the dog?
Would she stay if he asked?
Would the pack accept her?
These thoughts ran through his head, almost dizzying him.
Kouga balled his fist and hit the wall, creating an imprint of his fist and cracking the wall around the dent.
After dinner, no, before bed, he would pull her aside and ask her what her true feelings were and where her heart lies.
***Kagome***
Kagome finished getting dressed, putting on the white fur skirt and ankle-leggings, along with the wrist bands. She emerged from the rock, holding her clothes and searching for Kouga, only to find him gone.
Ginta noticed Kagome in her new clothing and gasped, "Miss Kagome?"
He dashed over to her, staring at his reflection in her black and silver chest plate.
"Ginta."
"You changed your clothes!"
Kagome shook her head, Ginta was always pointing out the obvious.
"Yeah, Kouga asked the old man over there to make it for me so I would fit in outside more."
"It looks good on you. I'm surprised the old guy made it for you, even if it was Kouga telling him to do it."
"Why?"
"Well, he's the oldest member of the tribe, and doesn't think highly of humans and demons getting along."
Kagome looked past him to watch the grey haired, shriveled, and hunchbacked man work with a piece of metal like a true artist.
She frowned, "Well, I don't know what to say. I cant change what he thinks, but I don't want him to hate me."
Ginta shot her a toothy grin, "Don't worry about that, if he made you that, he must think something of you, and its good. Plus, even if he didn't, Kouga would make sure he kept a good attitude towards you."
"I hope so. Hey Ginta, could you help me get down?"
Ginta nodded, "Sure, sis, hold on!"
He let her climb on his back and then jumped from boulder to boulder until they reached the bottom floor.
Kagome slipped off his back, "Thanks, I'll see you later."
"Okay, sis. If you need anything you can come to me."
Ginta walked outside and caught a glimpse of Kouga on the watch position up on a high overhang.
"Hey Kouga?!"
Kouga put a hand up, "Yo."
Ginta jumped up to the spot where his leader sat.
"Boss, what's the matter? You seem down."
Kouga placed his chin in his palm, "Just thinking."
"Bout what?"
He sighed, "None of your business. Say, when did you start caring so much about what I thought?"
Ginta shrugged, "I don't know, I was just talking to Lady Kagome and she was worried about the old man not liking humans. I told her that as long as you were leader, he wouldn't hurt her, but if he made her that outfit he had to like her."
"I don't know why she worries about things like that. I told her that the tribe likes her. Especially since she helped us with the Birds of Paradise."
Ginta dug in his ear, "Yeah, I know, she saved my life from one of those talkin' turkeys. And then Inuyasha showed up."
Kouga's growl rumbled deep in his throat, that mutt-face always had to steal the spotlight.
Ginta scooted a couple feet away from Kouga when he began to growl.
Kouga stood, it was beginning to get dark and it would soon be time for Kagome to eat. It was weird, humans ate so much. How did Kagome stay so skinny?
"See ya, Ginta."
Kouga left Ginta on guard task, tricking him into taking on his duty.
"Wait, Kouga, you tricked me! I don't wanna do watch!"
Kouga tuned him out, searching for Kagome in the crowd of wolves and men in the den.
A white dot moved through the cave, catching Kouga's eye. He sashayed past her, hoping she would stop him. To his luck, she caught his arm in her hand.
"Kouga," she looked up at him, a half-sad glow in her eyes.
"Oh, there you are Kagome, I was just looking for you."
Kagome knew he was lying, she saw him before looking for her from the entrance.
He looked away from her, avoiding her soon-to-be questioning. "I was wondering if I could talk to you outside for a minute?"
Kagome pushed a piece of hair behind her ear, "Yeah, sure."
They ambled outside, an awkward silence filling the air between them.
When they reached the edge of the cliff Kouga turned to her, "I-"
They both started at the same time.
Kagome smiled delicately, "You first."
Kouga sighed, "You…you came here couple of weeks ago, and we," he swallowed, "kissed. And then you left. Now you're back, and we kissed again, except this time, you told me to. So, I wanna know-" He rubbed the back of his neck. "if you're going to leave again?"
Kagome listened intently, frowning at his hesitation.
She fiddled with her hands, taking in a shaky breath.
"Kouga, I didn't mean to leave, I had to, you know that, and I'm sorry. I cant really tell you what I'm going to do. I made a promise to Inuyasha and the others to collect the jewel shards and vanquish Naraku."
"So I take it that you plan to go then? I wont stop you. I'll have Hakakku bring your things."
Kouga faced away from her.
"That wasn't what I meant."
He twisted around, "Then what did you mean!?"
She averted her gaze, "I meant I have a commitment to fulfill! Aren't you always the one saying how loyalty is important? I plan to keep my promise! That doesn't mean that afterward," her voice changed from strong and determined to soft and gentle, "I can settle down and take it easy, if it goes well."
Kouga saw how she became suddenly shy at the end of speaking. His eyes widened as he grasped what she was saying, without really saying it.
He gave a small grin, "So you're saying you have to travel with the mutt and then after all the jewel shards are captured you can come with me?"
She blushed, "Well, I never said where I would be going, but…"
He caught her hand, "In that case, I guess that means I'm going on a trip."
"What?"
Kouga bravely stepped towards her, "If you're going on, then so am I. The journey is going to be hard, and I have to make sure my woman is kept safe. I'd have to kill anyone who hurt you."
Kagome stared into his eyes, trying to push away any thoughts of someone hurting him.
"How did I become your woman? As far as I know, I am owned by me, myself and I."
He shook his head, "No, you're my woman because someone has to keep you from getting broken, everybody knows how clumsy you are."
She groaned pointing at her outfit, "Don't remind me."
They laughed together, but Kouga stopped when a charred smell floated to his nose.
"Kouga, what's wrong?"
He sniffed again, "Smoke."
He followed the smell to the direction of the Bone-Eaters Well.
Orange flames tickled the sky while plumes of black smoke lifted into the sky.
"No, the village! Kouga!"
He responded by sweeping her off her feet and running to Ginta back up on the cliff, "Inform the men that I will be gone. There's trouble in Kagome's village."
The two left without another word, heading towards the smoke that now covered the village off in the distance.
Kagome forced the tears back, not even knowing why she was already crying.
She was such a crybaby! Always tearing up when things got even the slightest bit hard or troublesome.
"What do you thinks happening?" she whispered.
Kouga held her tighter when the night wind blew against them.
"I don't know, I cant smell anything other than the smoke."
A large demon rose from underneath them as Kouga jumped across a small ravine.
He jumped back and set Kagome down, charging the demon with his Goraishi transformed.
"Get outa my way!"
His claws sliced the snake demon, starting at his mouth and ending at the tail. Kagome flinched when half the body fell beside her.
Kouga placed an arm around her shoulder. "Its okay, its gone now."
She trembled, "Kouga, we should get to the v-village. The others are sure to be in d-danger."
She rubbed her arm and picked her back up, but this time, she was on his back. A position he thought might block her from the some of the wind.
The last thing Kagome thought about before she went to sleep was her friends. Who was behind the fire? What kind of danger was everyone in? What would happen to Shippou? Would Inuyasha come to save them, or would he come to try and start more problems.
Sooner than she thought, her eyes were getting heavier and heavier.
Way less words than before, but I have a busy schedule. Sorry, I have spring break coming up and I have to pack. But I promise to post as soon as I get back. Review.