The morning light was particularly bright, as I tried to snuggle into the warmth behind me. The warmth groaned, and I let out a squeal as my eyes snapped open and I jumped up. There I stood staring down at a half asleep Kouga, his hands started feeling around looking for me before his eyes snapped open. He saw me staring at him and blushed slightly.
"Morning Kagome. How did you sleep?"
"Kouga why didn't you wake me up? Or at the least take us inside?"
"We are quite a ways from the den and I didn't know where to take you." He blushed even redder. "You don't like anyone in your den and I know you would have freaked out waking up in mine so I just kept you here safe and warm." He stopped and looked at me. "Unless you weren't warm in which case I am sorry."
"Kouga." I started readjusting my kimono so that everything was properly covered, as I spoke. "I was plenty warm, thank you. I just-" What? What was I freaking out about? He was correct, I didn't want to wake in his den and him in mine would have made me angry. "I just- haven't been used to sleeping outside. My kimono is damp with dew." I tried to laugh it off but it came out rather forced and awkward.
Kouga started to stand up and stretch out as he did I noticed a particular bulge in his nether region. I quickly averted my eyes and focused on fixing my hair. Kouga finished his stretching and offered his arm for the walk back to the cave. I took it, happy to have help balancing on the roots and bushes. I didn't remember how long I had walked or even in the direction I had gone, I began to become very thankful for Kouga's guide home.
"Thank you." I finally said to him as we reached the pool at the base of the waterfall.
"For what?" He was genuinely curious, I could see it in his eyes.
"Well, My head hurt so bad last night that I didn't even remember what direction I had gone." His eyes widened. "I would have been all morning trying to find my way back." He pulled my arm towards him and wrapped his strong arms around me giving me a huge warm hug. I could hear his heart pounding under my ear. "Kouga is everything alright?"
He whispered in my ear, where I hadn't realized he had placed his head.
"Please don't ever do that again. I will always be available if you need me, please don't wander off blindly. Anything could have happened to you." He released me but held me back at arms length. "There are still many demons that could hurt or kill an unsuspecting priestess in the middle of the night." He released my arms, and looked down toward the ground. "If you don't want me with you please just take someone, the wolves love you and all you need do is ask."
I blushed, I guess I didn't realize just how dangerous last night could have been.
"Sorry, I will try to remember next time."
"Good." He was smiling and it covered his face. "I have a meeting with the men this morning about my trip. Have a great day Kagome, and if you need anything don't be afraid to ask." He walked off into the den and I followed him.
He took a seat among a group of the elder hunters in the main den as I passed through. I noticed that even though it was past time for Senna to be here cooking she was absent. This meeting must be a big deal. I made my way to my den and changed back into one of my regular kimonos. I undid the chopsticks from my hair and stored them to give them back to Ari when she was freed. I giggled, freed from Marik. I braided my hair, it had grown quite a bit and was well down my back nearly to my hips. I tied it off with a leather strap and gathered up my dirty clothes from the last 2 days.
I sat down for a moment to rest, I was a bit stiff still from sleeping under that tree. It felt good to stretch out on my furs. I laid there for a few minutes before I finally decided to take a bath, after the night under the tree and the smoke from the festivities last night I smelled weird. I gathered my things and the dirty laundry in my basket and headed to the main cavern. I came to the end of mine and Kouga's tunnel and I heard voices.
"So, The northern tribes will join us?" A voice I didn't recognize.
"They want a more prominent leader to unite them." That was Kouga's voice, he sounded disheartened.
"But you are a prominent leader. You helped defeat Naraku, are good friends with the half demon who did kill him, and have the priestess responsible for purifying the shikon jewel as your tribe healer." This voice was deeper, clearly one of the older men.
"They want someone who is known throughout the land. When the tribes are joined there needs to be a leader that everyone can look up to and know they are in good hands." That was Kouga again, he was really upset, it was clear in his voice.
"None of the other tribe leaders are known throughout." This was a younger voice.
"That just means all the leaders are on equal footing." That voice I did know, it was Ginta.
"Do they even want a merger? Sounds like they may be coming up with excuses." That was Hakkaku.
"The North wants a merge but I can't think of a way to prove my prowess compared to the other packs. The others are larger groups with more men, and more pull." Kouga once again, sounded defeated.
"Even after you avenged our brothers that were killed by the wind witch? You avenged them not the other tribes!" Ginta chimed in, but Hakkaku was quick with a response.
"Yeah but if Kouga had joined when they asked for help maybe they wouldn't have needed to be avenged."
"Are you two going to be helpful or just sit there chasing your tails?" The old man from before sounded annoyed by Hakkaku and Ginta. "Kouga, perhaps finding a mate, a powerful mate of note could up your standing. You are the only pack leader that does not have one." He sounded a bit hopeful.
"A mate?" Kouga sounded less defeated and slightly hopeful but that changed quickly. "I couldn't take a mate. I am not interested in any of the females of the tribe and if I try to look outside of the pack the other tribes will catch on to what I am doing."
"What about sister Kagome?" Ginta hesitantly spoke up. "You said she was your woman for a long time."
"I won't force Kagome into mating with me for something she doesn't care about." That hurt, I could hear it in Kouga's voice that he did not like what he had stated. Not only did I detect the hurt in Kouga's tone but I felt my heart lurch, how could Kouga not think I care for the pack? For the tribe? I loved them all and would do anything to help and repay their kindness.
But are you willing to mate him Kagome? The little voice in the back of my head chimed in, are you willing to mate him and stay here for the rest of your life?
"You are correct Ginta, Kagome is a powerful priestess and the tribes would respect her as a mate. But she is human, your children would be half demon and they would not follow your children. You would have to name another successor." The old man seemed to be pondering the idea.
"Yeah! Well in the time you rule, you could apprentice someone in the way you want the tribes led and they could take over instead of your children." Hakkaku was excitedly going on.
"The half demons could still be in positions of power, as advisors and scouting pack leaders but they couldn't lead a wolf army. A full blooded demon would be needed for that."
"Stop." Kouga's voice was strong and resolute. Silence echoed in the cavern ahead of me as I crouched next the wall. "Kagome does not wish to be my mate. I will not try to force upon her our ways or traditions, she deserves someone who will put her first in all endeavors. I cannot do that if I am leading a tribe of wolf demons."
"But Kouga, you cannot disagree that she leads the tribe well when you are absent. She would be lovely in all respects by your side." The older man chimed in.
"I said no. We will find another way or we will submit to another tribe. That is final." I heard footsteps walking away, before I heard a bunch of shuffling and the other 4 bodies left the cavern. I went back to my room to make sure it was clear before I tried to make my way out.
Kouga needs a mate by his side to help rule over the pack, I guess it only makes sense. Kouga wasn't as old as the other tribe leaders from what I gathered, and it was only right that he find himself a mate. I felt an odd feeling bubble up at that, it wasn't anger but it was close and mixed with something I did know from all the time I was with Inuyasha. Jealousy. I was jealous? What was I jealous of? Kouga needed a powerful demoness by his side not some human girl with relationship issues. Kouga was partially right, he needed a woman to help him rule and I don't want to hinder other women from getting close to him. Perhaps I should try returning to my journey looking for a village to call home. Kouga is sweet on me and everyone knew it, I felt a tear slide down my cheek. I sat up like a shot and touched the cheek where the tear just rolled down.
Am I crying? I am! Why am I crying? This isn't what I had intended when I came back here from my time. I stood up and grabbed my basket as I made my way to the main cavern, I made my way through the groups of people all getting a late start on their day. I made my way to Senna and grabbed some meat on my way out, I munched it down as I headed for the hidden waterfall the wolves had shown me. I walked about 15 minutes, and I could hear the roar of water and smell the moisture in the air.
Today was turning out to be unusually warm for late fall, and I found myself wanting to get in the water and cool off. I squeezed through the small gap and sat down my basket, quickly stripping off and sliding in the cool water. I felt tension in my back relax, I dove under the water and swam on across the pool. I surfaced and shook the water from my hair, this pool is amazing the water so clear and cool with the privacy I always craved. I think I had found my favorite spot in the wolf territory. I soaped up and spent some time soaking in the most serene place I had ever visited. I floated and just enjoyed the water gliding around me, floating in the water I felt the world melt away and all that mattered was making sure I didn't burn from the direct sunlight on my bare body.
I took this time to think about the conversation I overheard earlier. Kouga wanted to lead the wolf tribes, and he needed a mate of note to help him realize that. The elders seemed to think I would be a mate of note, but could I honestly help him assert his authority over a whole tribe of wolf demons? I want to help Kouga in any way I can but I don't know if this will work. Mating is permanent, I don't want Kouga to mate with me out of necessity and end up regretting it. I should distance myself from him, Kouga wouldn't want to meet with other women if I am so close. That's it, I will distance myself from Kouga. I decided to get out, swimming to the edge and pulling myself out of the water. I pulled on a clean kimono and brushed out my hair, smoothing it down my back.
After I was done I sat there looking up at the sky, pondering a life where I lived happily in a human village with my human friends and human family. It seemed so nice, and I could get to be happy there but it also seemed boring. Human diseases, human sickness, things that this time period could have no hope of curing I would become subject to, the demons have high immune systems and human illnesses rarely affected them. Suddenly my vision turned dark as I got older, sick with some disease I did not know and the villagers agreeing to kill me to end my suffering. I shouted at them to not, to leave me I would be fine, but they didn't listen with nothing but blood on their minds I was killed for fear of contagions.
I gasped as I sat up, gasping for air like I hadn't had any in hours. My heart is pounding, and I can hear it in my ears the roar of my blood rushing in my veins. My eyes shot around wildly, I noticed that there was no one near me, no angry villagers shouting for my death. My pulse slowed and breathing became easier. I shakily stood and gathered my things in my basket, before making my way out of the enclosure.
As I walked back I noticed a small sprouting of Artemesia, at least I think that is what Kaede called it, she said it was good for sedation. I hadn't found any of this herb near the caves before so I quickly bent down and harvested it. I started to crawl around looking for anymore, hoping I could get at least enough for a dosing, I found a few more sprouts and squealed happily. I harvested all I could, before I headed back to the cave. I barely paid attention to where I was headed as I subconsciously walked to my den. I made it inside and quickly went about placing it in jars to preserve it. I was so far in grossed in what I was doing it took someone clearing their throat right outside my curtain to snap me out of it.
"Kagome you missed lunch." A hand slid around the curtain holding a plate of food. "Are you alright? You didn't even look up as you passed."
"Sorry Senna, I was distracted." I walked over and took the plate and invited her in. She glanced around before she barely stepped over the threshold. "I found a new herb!" I held up the jar for her to see. She looked at it apprehensively.
"What does it do?"
"Sedation mostly, from what Kaede told me." My excitement clearly getting the better of me.
"Sedation?" She sounded puzzled, I looked up at her and her look matched her tone, she was lost. I giggled slightly.
"It helps sleep, for procedures where the patient must not move."
Her face lit up with understanding, "Oh! That is a great find then!"
"Yes!" I squealed happily. "I am curious though, there are so many different herbs I wonder what else I could find under a little closer observation?"
"Well, you could always go out searching for them." She had a finger to her chin pondering. "Although, Kouga will not like it if you go too far from the cave. Perhaps you should think about a guard? A protection detail for while you are on your hunt."
"That is a great idea Senna!" I needed to get out of the cave and away from Kouga, and taking a small hunting trip around the wolf territory was perfect! I would be out of the cave, while the elders decided what to do about the merging. Perfect!
"Do you know who you would like to take with you? I do not recommend an unmated male. Kouga would never let you leave with an unmated male alone for an undetermined amount of time."
"So I need a mated male that I can trust."
"Kagome you can trust all of the males, it is just that some may be a little friendlier than others." I blushed, I did not want Kouga to say no to my getting away from the cave. I needed someone he would trust me with. I thought back to all the males of the tribe that I knew, there were only a couple that I would trust completely but I think I had just the perfect one.
"Senna, what do you think of Tajik?" She nodded.
"He is one of Kouga's best advisors. Kouga trusts him, you know him and he is mated. I would say he is perfect." I clasped my hands together in delight, before Senna grabbed my arm and turned me to look at her. "You must ask his mate before you ask him. You are asking him to be alone and secluded with just you, make sure she is ok with it first."
"Got it. I will go ask her now. Senna can you ready a basket for a journey? Enough food for a few days at least." She smiled
"Gladly." I turned and took off into the cave, I knew Trea and I knew where she would be. I made my way to where the youngest of the pups were cared for and there was Trea surrounded by baby wolves. She looked up at me and smiled.
"Kagome! It is so nice to see you!" Trea's voice was soft and sweet, I could listen to her talk all day.
"Trea, I have a question for you." I walked over and sat down next to her, she looked at me puzzled.
"Is everything ok Kagome? You look upset."
"Well it could be better and that's why I am here. You could help me make it better for a while anyway."
"What do you need Kagome?" Trea was starting to get worried, I could see it all over her face.
"I need to get away from the cave for a while." There is was. I looked at Trea and she looked even more confused than before. "I want to go search for different herbs around wolf territory. But Kouga won't let me go alone."
She smiled and the confused look disappeared from her face.
"Well, Kouga won't let you leave with me." She adjusted her seat, as the pups crawled over her lap and licked at her hands. "I have responsibilities here as well." She giggled as one of the pups crawled up her chest and licked her nose.
"I know Trea, and I wouldn't ask you to abandon an important responsibility." The pups started crawling on my lap, on snuggled into the crevice between my legs. I giggled as I moved her up into my arms instead. "What I am asking Trea is if Tajik could accompany me for a few days?"
She paused petting a pup and looked at me with a blank expression. I have honestly no idea what is going through her mind, and I was suddenly nervous.
"Why do you want to leave?" She sat there staring at my face waiting for a reaction. What do I tell her? I am looking for a way to get away from Kouga? She might take offense to me trying to avoid Kouga in this time when he needed his tribe close to him. I don't see a way to get her to agree without telling her what I heard this morning.
I started telling my story about what I 'overheard' this morning. Trea sat there and listened intently to everything I said. I left out nothing, I had to make sure she understood why I wanted to leave so bad. Once I finished my story we sat there in silence for a few minutes. I am sure she was trying to digest everything I told her.
"So." She finally spoke, I could hear some confusion in her voice. "The elders want you to mate with Kouga?"
A/N: I saw that I accidentally changed her name half way through the conversation so I fixed it! Sorry! Please Review with what you think and your opinions! thanks!