Chapter 8:

Katsume woke up the next morning, before anyone else.

She was awoken by a sudden sharp feeling.

'What the...' She gasped, checking herself for any cuts that could have caused this pain.

There was nothing.

Katsume was confused, but something told her she needed to go outside.

Reluctantly, she stood, leaving the den.

She glanced around her, seeing nothing but snow.

Then, she could smell blood.

That feeling inside somehow told her who the blood was coming from.

'Kaito!' Katsume took off.

Kaito lay in a clearing, bites and scratches covering his snow-white fur.

"Kaito!" Katsume ran up to him, kneeling before him, "What happened?!"

'Rogues. There are rogue dog demons. Kat, you need to get out of here.' Kaito told her.

"I'm going to get dad!" She said before leaving him.

She made it back to the den, "Dad! Kaito is hurt!"

He jumped awake, following her out to him.

'How did this happen?' His beast asked, 'And how did Katsume find him faster than us?'

Sesshomaru shook that thought.

"Where are Akira and Akito? Akira! Akito!"

They soon came running, eyes widening at the scene, "What happened?"

'Rogues. Some dogs came through here, saw me as game, and attacked.' Kaito said.

"Where are they now?" Sesshomaru asked, not catching any scents.

'They're... Probably hiding somewhere. They may be reckless but they are smart.' Kaito said.

"Do another perimeter check! Be sure to keep an extra eye out for intruders." Sesshomaru said, "I will join you shortly."

He then turned to Kaito, "Rin can help with the wounds, there aren't any herbs in this type of weather, but she always has extra. Kat, you stay in the den."

Katsume nodded and Sesshomaru took off.

"I've never seen him that upset." Kaito spoke in his human form now.

Katsume turned to him, her heart breaking at the wounds, "Come on. Let's get you to the den."

She approached him and helped him up, from there, he gently pushed her away, "I got it. I may be wounded, but I can still walk."

Katsume watched as he limped away, following him hesitantly, why was he pushing her away? He never did before, if anything he always welcomed her.

Then, she had a vision of yesterday, it made her heart pount. Was he mad at her?

Rin met them at the cave, helping Kaito in.

He sat down next to the fire, Katsume sitting beside him, never wanting to leave his side.

Rin was getting the herbs out from the back of the cave.

Katsume watched as Rin applied them to his major wounds.

"I'm going to get some water, help soothe the pain." Rin said.

Yes, the water was frozen, but the warm weather was slowly coming back, enough to collect some water.

Kaito and Katsume were left alone.

She glanced at him again, looking at all the wounds. She wanted to make it better.

"You don't have to worry for me, you know." Kaito said finally.

It wasn't soft, it was harsh and sarcastic.

"Why?" Katsume asked, feeling pain right in her chest.

"You don't have to be sorry for me, my mistakes are my own." He said, again sharply.

Katsume was left speechless, 'What happened to him?'

"Ok, it is really cold, but it will be soothing for the wound." Rin came in.

As soon as she finished, Kaito stood, "I should probably find Sesshomaru, see if they've found the rogues."

He left, leaving Rin and Katsume staring after him.

Katsume felt as if she were going to cry. Kaito was the only friend she had, she trusted him, why was he pushing her away now? What did she do?