Disclaimer: This story is based on "Inuyasha," copyrighted by Rumiko Takahashi. No infringement of copyright intended or implied.
Waiting
Kohaku blinked as the two youkai disappeared, and then started to slump as a wave of weariness overtook him. Shaking his head to clear the cobwebs, straightening his shoulders, he looked at the two wolves sitting on the other side of the fire. "What do you want?" he demanded, wondering why the two had really left them behind. "You're not snacking on cat, believe me."
Green fire flickered in their eyes as they lowered their heads and looked away from him. The larger of the two whined softly, touched noses with the other, and then turned and trotted away. The other plopped to a prone position, tucked one foreleg under the other, and then rested her chin on her legs with a long sigh.
Kohaku resisted the temptation to do the same, but as adrenaline ebbed, found it difficult. His head ached, and his stomach growled. Still, he kept his battle-ready pose, until he heard a tiny mew rose.
Keeping his weapon to hand, Kohaku dropped to his knees beside Kirara. "Please don't die," he whispered, stroking her head. "I can't do without you."
Her eyes open, she turned her head and gave his hand a tiny lick, before dropping it back to the ground, panting. Pulling out his small bag of supplies, Kohaku poured some water in a bowl. She drank, but ignored the dried fish, whimpering from time to time. Kohaku petted her, waiting, praying, hoping against hope that the youkai would return with a cure.
Author's Note: This was written for the LiveJournal prompt "Slump" for the community Issekiwa. It was originally posted on August 18, 2011. (10/04/2011)