Why does father bleed?
It isn't fair! Why does father have to die!?
He bleeds because he is sick. There is no cure for this illness that lingers within your father's very being. It'll continue to cause him immense pain until it finally kills him.
There is NO cure.
Kouga opened his eyes slowly, his mental and physical states returning to reality at a sluggish pace. He had drifted off hidden within the thick branches of an old tree just outside the isolated inn the group was staying in for the night. Inuyasha had smirked when the inn keeper showed little trust towards the wolf and sent him outside. Kagome tried to bargain with the untrusting man, but he refused. Kouga didn't really care though. He was a demon after all. Lucky for Inuyasha, tonight was the night of the new moon. As for the little fox Shippo…he was just a small kid. Hardly a threat.
Milky streams of lunar light danced across Kouga's skin as a light breeze moved the leaves and thin branches of the large tree to and fro. It was actually quite peaceful. Kouga found himself dozing off again until he heard a sweet voice from below.
"Are you okay, Kouga-kun?" Kagome asked, looking up to the wolf. She had changed into her pajamas; one hand was holding the fabric of her night shirt just below her neck. A mix of concern and apology swirled about in her chocolate eyes.
Kouga sat up, moving his eyes down to where the priestess was standing. "Yeah, I'm fine Kagome. But why aren't you in bed?"
Kagome moved closer to the tree, reaching out and brushing one hand across its rough bark. "I came to check on you," she replied. Then, clenching her fist, she continued. "I'm sorry you couldn't sleep inside with the rest of us."
Jumping down onto the ground, Kouga neared Kagome. "Hey, no worries. I'm fine." He smirked slightly, eyeing the young girl. "Besides, I don't need to sleep. I'll stay up all night to protect you, Kagome."
A small smile played on Kagome's lips as she tore her gaze from Kouga's. "Thank you, Kouga-kun."
"Now go back inside and get some rest," Kouga demanded, his smirk growing.
Nodding, Kagome turned away. She looked back over her shoulder a moment later, her eyes a little sad. "Are you sure you'll be alright?"
"Yes, yes. Now go on," Kouga laughed, waving his hands as if shooing Kagome away.
As soon as Kagome disappeared inside of the inn, Kouga climbed back into the tree and onto his branch. He leaned back against the tree's broad trunk and closed his eyes. Kouga needed to think things through and try to tie up loose ends.
Why was Naraku in that canyon…and why was it his blood that was spilled? Perhaps that was the blood that attracted Kouga? But, more importantly, what the heck was in the dug up hole? Did whatever was in the hole attack Naraku? Was Naraku playing the role of a dirty grave robber?
Gah! So many questions. Kouga finally gave up and tried to drift off back into dream world. He easily succeeded, knowing the whole time that no demons would dare attack the inn while he was around. Asleep or not.
Morning seemed to arrive rather quickly, as if it did not have the courtesy to let the tired beings sleep. Kouga had awoken first, followed by Inuyasha, who walked out of the inn stretching his arms. His dog ears had returned and his hair flowed silver. Fire was once again ablaze in his eyes.
Kouga jumped out of the tree, landing casually on the ground. His hands met his hips as he sauntered over to the half breed. "Hey there mutt. Did you get kicked out, too?"
Inuyasha smirked. "As if. I just decided to get out before I was forced out."
"Like the dog you are," Kouga chuckled under his breath.
Inuyasha scowled, nearing Kouga. "Hey at least I got to stay inside."
The wolf leader shrugged. "So?"
"And I got to sleep with Kagome," Inuyasha hissed, a wide smirk crawling across his face.
Kouga winced, growling deeply. "You had better kept your hands off of my woman, you dirty dog."
"When will you two learn to get along?" Shippo sat perched on the railing of the inn porch, licking a red lollipop that Kagome had given to him. Both of the canine demons turned their heads to face the little kitsune.
"You stay out of this you little badger," Kouga snarled.
"I am not a badger! I'm a fox!" Shippo shot back, standing up.
The door slid open and Kagome stepped out. "What's going on out here?" she asked as she closed the door quietly behind her.
Shippo leaped onto Kagome's shoulder. "Kouga is calling me a badger!"
"Kouga-kun!" Kagome looked to Kouga, her facial expression showing disappointment.
If Kouga had ears like Inuyasha, they would be flat on his head right now. "He shouldn't have interrupted…" he murmured as his pools of icy blue suddenly found the ground to be a very interesting thing.
Inuyasha snickered. "Serves you right you stupid-"
"Inuyasha! Sit boy!"
Kouga laughed as Inuyasha quickly became close friends with the dirt. Kagome sighed and turned away, walking back into the inn to greet the others.
Soon after Inuyasha had dusted himself off and the gang had eaten a quick breakfast, they were off again.
"Why does he have to come along," Inuyasha complained, glaring at Kouga.
"Because he's part of the group to," Kagome pointed out, her expression serious.
Shippo sighed. "More fighting."
The priestess moved to Kouga's side, wanting to ignore the hanyou's whining. "Just ignore him, Kouga-kun. We are glad to have you traveling with us."
Kouga smiled, looking to Kagome. That's when he remembered something…something in Kagome's eyes reminded him of what was once buried beneath the dirt in the canyon's depths.
The group had done some investigating near the grave, but failed to find any clues. So they decided to move on, hoping to catch wind of Naraku once again. Inuyasha figured he was hiding out again since he was apparently "injured."
What was buried there had injured Naraku. Kouga just knew it. Just like the Band of Seven, Naraku must have brought what had slept beneath back to life. And if it was who Kouga thought it was…it would make perfect sense to why it was Naraku's blood there near the grave.
"You alright, Kouga?" Kagome asked, touching the wolf's arm.
Kouga blinked, snapping back into reality. He sighed, looking to Kagome once again. "Kagome…It is dangerous to stay with me."
"Hmm?" Inuyasha's ear twitched, and he turned to the two, listening. As did the others.
"What do you mean?" Kagome questioned, frowning slightly.
"We must go our separate ways, Kagome. I will not put you in danger." With that, Kouga turned on his heel, running off in the opposite direction.
"Kouga-kun! Wait!" Kagome started to follow, but Inuyasha had grabbed her arm.
"Let him go. We're better off without him," the half breed stated, his eyes of gold watching Kouga.
Kagome whimpered a little, worried about Kouga. "…Kouga-kun…"
A/N: Wahaha! Two in one day! It's a bit longer. Enjoy!