Playing With Magic
Chapter 5: Intended
In the morning time the sun would emerge over the horizon, creating a beautiful display in the clouds as it's light brought the world from it's slumber. But on this day, the sun could not be seen in it's rising. The land laid covered in the darkened blanket with no sun or moon to cast it's light. It was unnatural and the feeling of foreboding swelled in the vast emptiness.
"Inuyasha," Kagome shivered, "I don't like this."
"What is strong enough to stop the sun," Miroku questioned.
Akemi shook her head, "nothing stopped the sun. The sun is where it should be, something is absorbing all the light."
"I have never heard of something like that," Sango shivered.
"Whatever it is," Koga's silky voice sounded from behind Akemi, "we have to do something."
"What can we do if we can't see," Shippo asked, "I'm a full youkai and I'm completely blind in this."
"Fire goes out the instant it's lit," Kagome pointed out.
"I might not be able to see with my eyes," Akemi stated, "but I can feel the auras of everyone around me, I can gain sight in my mind. But, we will have to rely on our other senses."
"We can lead them," Inuyasha stated.
"Wait," she reached out and grabbed his hand.
He startled, could she really see his aura that clearly that she could find him without even a hint of difficulty, "nani?"
"The link," she told him, "we should open it... just in case."
She could feel him nod and he easily sliced his palm. She soaked her lips before licking the remainder of the blood from his hand. Suddenly the world was lit as their kis flashed up and danced together. Blue mixing with red, their eyes glowing with the other's soul. The kis died down and the two stepped away from each other.
"Why do I smell Inuyasha's blood," Koga placed his hand on her lower back.
"The link is opened with blood," she informed him, "we have yet to see if him consuming my blood will strengthen the bond, but that is for another time."
With a rush of air, Akemi was gone. Leaving the group to find their way through the place. Easily she supplied Inuyasha with her directions as she kept her pace. His strength rushed through her and easily she accessed the powers the hanyou had been too afraid to touch. That was the nice thing about tapping into other's powers, she knew their limits while the one who had the strength did not.
There was something here, and only she could see it. It pulsed with powers, draining the light from the sun to give itself life. Though she could feel it's aura, she couldn't tell what the being was. She huffed in annoyance, a habit of Inuyasha's, and pushed herself forward. She skid to a halt trying to see the creature in front of her but the unnatural darkness kept the being hidden.
"Child," his voice was deep and rich, "are you so foolish that you would fight me alone?"
"I am not alone," she told him easily, "I do not wish to fight you. I wish to see light."
His laughter rang through the room, "if that is your wish."
The room lit brightly causing Akemi to shield her eyes. She blinked a few times to adjust to the light and turned her to gaze at the creature before her. He looked like a god. Beautiful, his long blonde hair with gorgeous glowing yellow eyes that reminded her so much of the sun. His skin was flawless and he was naked. A blush formed on her cheeks when she took in the god in all his glory.
When her eyes finally met his again, he was smiling at her with a look of knowing. The scent of her arousal filled the air with the sweetness of vanilla. He held his hand out to her and she found herself taking a step toward him. He was a siren, calling to her to join him in a dance that would steal away the innocences of her body.
Her hand was mere inches from his when the sound of a beast roaring echoed through her mind. It wasn't Inuyasha, it was her. Her beast was fighting to gain control of her, even sealed as it was inside the hanyou. It was howling it's displeasure, not wanting to find comfort in the arms of one that was not it's intended mate.
Koga came to her mind and she found the strength to stager backwards.
Inuyasha, do not allow Kagome and Sango near this creature, she called to him.
Why, what is wrong, he was making his way to them but held out his arm to stop the group.
It is male and is looking to breed, she hissed, it is looking for a woman in heat and since all of us woman in this group are on the same cycle, we will all be drawn in like a moth to a flame.
"What is it Inuyasha," Kagome asked feeling completely uncomfortable in the darkness.
"Akemi says the woman need to remain behind. As you all are close to coming into heat," Inuyasha relayed her message.
Both woman flushed and cried out, "HENTAI!"
"It's not like that," he snapped at them, "the being or whatever it is, is looking to breed and needs females close to heat. You are all it."
"But," Shippo pointed out, "Akemi is there."
Koga and Inuyasha stiffened and took off running with Miroku following as best as he could. The three men burst into the room. Akemi was standing a breath away from the man, struggling to remove herself from his vicinity, but his call was making her blood boil. She was losing herself with every breath she took.
"Akemi," Koga called to her.
Another surge of strength and she found herself collapsing into the ookami's arms. She was shaking, in fear and embarrassment. He held her close and began pulling her from the room but she stopped him.
"Don't," she told him firmly, "I have to be here."
He didn't question her but he didn't release her either. Inuyasha had drawn his sword and was banishing it at the god-like man. He was yelling about his stupidity for trying to rape his sister with him around. The creature laughed and with a flick of his wrist the silver haired man went flying into the wall behind him.
Miroku charged forward throwing sutras at the blonde, trying to catch him off guard. It wouldn't work as the pieces of papers burnt up before even getting close. The monk flinched and was thrown backwards just as Inuyasha had been.
"It's no use, you guys can't fight him alone," Akemi moved from the safety net that her love's scent had created.
Her blue of her irises shifted and changed into glowing golden orbs. The room snapped into focus in clarity only full youkai could see. She drew in a breath at the beauty of the world she had never before seen. Shifting her stance she watched from the corner of eye as Inuyasha stood. A soft slinging noise filled the room as she slipped her katana free from it's confines.
Together, Akemi asked him.
Together, he echoed.
They moved like lightning, slashing out at the heavenly being. Their blades tore deep into his tissue causing blood to spurt and gush. The metallic tang of blood filled the air with it's rich iron scent. Inuyasha moved forward, his sword cutting across the man's chest and Akemi danced around behind him to slash across his back.
Koga and Miroku shared a look and glanced back at the two who were dancing around the blonde man who seemed bewildered by their odd movements.
"There is something erotic about watching her fight," Miroku grinned.
Koga issued a small warning growl but found himself nodding in agreement. Her movements were fluid and she looked amazing. The material of her haori and hakamas pulled and bunched in all the right places and the scent of her arousal still permeated the air. It bothered him to think that the arousal came from another being that wasn't him.
The being didn't move, weaken by not having obtained enough energy to sustain his life before the hanyou and miko had attacked him. He fell easily to their blades and the sun's light filtered down to the earth surface, lighting the morning with it's wonderful glow. Akemi moved away from the being's dead bleeding body and collapsed to her knees.
"Should we close the link," Inuyasha asked approaching her cautiously.
"No," she groaned under the strain to keep herself from passing out, "I need your strength."
"You should go to her," he told Koga who was standing there wearily.
The dark haired man gathered her into his arms. She sighed contently and pressed her face into the cool metal of his armor. He carried her away from the room, out into the cool breeze of the morning and sat below a tree far from the scent of blood. She was sagged against him as if every ounce of her strength had been stolen from her.
"Akemi," he brushed some hair from her face.
She opened her tired eyes and stared into his sapphire orbs, "Koga-kun. Gomen. I was weak."
The tension in his body drained, he couldn't be mad at her. She had tried to fight it and had alerted Inuyasha to her problem. It wasn't her fault. He pressed his lips to her's in an attempt to comfort them both. After a couple seconds she pulled back. She needed to speak with him, even if her body wanted other things.
"My beast didn't want to," she told him honestly, "she cried and screamed that I leave the room. I fought as hard as I could and my body was weakening. Inuyasha holds my beast in him so she couldn't not help me any more then telling me to get away. Warning me of his dangers and that he was trying to impregnate me."
"Your beast," he looked at her curiously.
"My true form."
"Your youkai?"
"Hai," she groaned a pain ripping through her head.
He shifted her gently, "are you okay?"
"My head is killing me."
-x-
"She used too much energy," Miroku told the worried Prince.
"He must have been really strong," Kagome looked down at the sleeping girl, her gaze filled with concern.
"It was a seduction call," Sango stated, "I've heard of it before. It effects ningens far stronger then youkai. It's almost impossible to fight. I'm surprised she lasted so long."
"She said her beast had been attempting to give her strength to fight it," Koga said as he reached out and gripped her limp hand.
"Her beast," Miroku blinked, "you mean her youkai?"
"Hai. But, she said it could do nothing more then warn her of the dangers because it's still far to trapped inside Inuyasha."
"Why would she call it a beast," Inuyasha asked.
"That is what it is," her eyes opened groggily, "the creature that lies inside you Inuyasha is my true form. My beast. The animal part of my youkai. It is a beast that must be tamed in order to live a life that isn't under it's control."
"What are you saying?"
"Some youkai are born with a true form, others like Koga-kun are not. The true form, is the animal side. The beast that only relies on instincts. Often, it does not see reason. It is like your youkai blood inside you that often takes over your mind and forces you to fight for no other reason then it want too. My beast would do whatever it believed to be right.
It would take who ever it desired as mate, it would kill whoever displeased it, it would trample upon the world with no concern other then what it desired. It must be placed under chains, I must be reason and the thought because it is simply instinct and primal need. Under anger or duress, my beast will break free in blood lust and kill what had cause such feelings.
You have seen Sesshomaru transform, but under that transformation he gave his beast a little leeway so that he would remain in control. You will never want to witness a youkai change uncontrolled into their true form. It would mean death and destruction for many."
"How do you know this," Miroku questioned her softly.
"It's knowledge that all youkai with true forms possess if only you look deep inside yourself and witness the beast within."
"Has the link be closed," Kagome sat down next to Akemi gently touching the girl's shoulder.
"I had to shut it, the pain was unbearable," Inuyasha felt entirely guilty.
"Why do you ask," Sango leaned forward to see what Kagome was staring at.
"Her eyes, they are still blue but there is gold too," the miko told them.
"Towards the end of the battle I felt a strength surge into me," Akemi admitted, "it was like I had opened by eyes and was inside a whole different world. It still is. The beauty, the colours, the texture. I have my natural youkai sight back."
"Maybe it won't be long till our souls finally right themselves," Inuyasha offered.
"There is only two more months of summer," Akemi groaned, "but the process seems to be speeding up."
"What is that now that you fully have from your youkai," Miroku peered over to look at the beautiful blue eyes swirled with gold.
"My sight and smell," she told them, "my hearing is not far behind, nor is my touch and taste."
"Can I have a moment alone with her," Kagome asked her friends.
Everyone agreed and moved out of the room leaving the two girls of the future alone.
"We haven't been able to talk at all the past two weeks," the older girl began, "I'm worried about you."
"Why," Akemi asked her seriously.
"Akemi," she reached out and touched her temple, "this has to be hard for you."
"It is. But there is nothing that can be done about it."
"You are becoming a youkai, aren't you a little bit worried?"
"No, I was born one, I'll naturally fall back into it with no problems," she offered her solace, "the only thing that bothers me is how I will be received back home."
"What is the problem?"
"Magical creatures of such a nature are treated like abominations. I will be looked down upon and it will be hard for me to find acceptance as there are different laws for magical creatures. We don't have many rights."
"Akemi."
"It's okay," she smiled sadly, "I'm a failure of a miko, I'm a disgrace as a witch and now I will be an abomination as a youkai."
"Akemi," Kagome repeated in shock, never having heard the girl talk like that.
"Koga-kun doesn't mind. He seems more then okay with me as I am and has accepted what I will become. You all accept me, so I'm okay. I'll get through this."
"What do you feel for him?"
"I love him, Kagome. But, I'm scared," she whispered.
"Why?"
The not-quite-youkai shifted and rolled onto her side to face the miko, "what happens when this is all over? When the jewel is complete? What if the well closes and he has to wait five hundred years to be with me? Would he still want me then after five hundred years?"
"Would you want to live your life knowing you could have had him but chose not to," Kagome asked her seriously, "could you live your life in the future knowing you missed out on a couple years of being with the man you love even if it could never continue?"
"I get the feeling you aren't just talking about me."
"I've come to accepted Inuyasha's love for Kikyo. I know how he feels and while it hurts," she paused for a second to take a deep breath, "I want to be with him. I want to be here for him, to care for him and to love him as he is. Even if he never chooses me, or the well closes and we are lost to each other. I will enjoy this time I have with him."
"Inuyasha doesn't love Kikyo," Akemi sighed, "he feels responsible for her death. He feels it's his fault she died and he feels it's his duty to protect her now. But, he doesn't love her now."
"Why are you telling me this," Kagome gasped.
"Because you shouldn't give up hope. Because I want to see the two of you happy. But, we all know how Inuyasha is. He isn't good with emotions or feelings or anything of that sort. He is afraid of it. Kagome, do you know how distraught he would be if he lost you? Do you know how lonely and depressed he is when you leave for your time?
He gets jealous over everything, because everyone just seems to fall in love with you. But, I'm telling you, if you talk to him, Inuyasha will open up. He just needs you to help him through it."
"And you need to tell Koga how you feel," the raven haired woman told her firmly.
"I will," she stated, "but there is one thing I can't tell him just yet."
"What's that?"
"When my beast tried to contact me, when she tried to get me away from that creature. She gave me strength by showing me an image of Koga and growling the word mate. My beast wants Koga-kun as a mate just as much as I do."
"Then what is holding you back, besides the well?"
"Ookami mate for life. We have to be one hundred percent sure before we decide anything. I don't want Koga-kun to feel like he is stuck with me for the rest of his life because we were reckless and didn't think things through. I know what I want and I'll tell him as much. But, there is still time."
"Time," Kagome scrunched up her nose, "what a pain."
"I'll say."
-x-
"Hey, Inuyasha," Akemi walked to him on unsteady legs, "where is Koga-kun?"
He grunted and pointed through the forest behind him. Nodding her thanks she started off in the direction he had given her.
"Inuyasha," Miroku pulled his attention back to the real world.
"Nani," he blinked a few times before glaring at the monk, "what do you want?"
"You just sent your sister off to look for Koga. Who, may I remind you, is currently bathing."
The hanyou tensed and was about to rush off to grab her before she found the ookami was stopped by Miroku's hand on his arm.
"Just let her go," he shook his head, "she seems upset."
"Let her go and possibly get taken advantage of?"
"Inuyasha," Kagome scolded, "Koga-kun would never do such a thing!"
"Feh," he huffed, crossing his arms before jumping into a tree.
Akemi pushed through the forest. It seemed thicker with life then the path they had taken to get to the small village. In front of her she could hear rustling and the scent of water clung heavily to the air.
"Koga-kun," she asked in a soft voice afraid to disturb him.
She finally pushed passed the last tree and found herself in a clearing with a very beautiful hot springs. But, that wasn't what caught her attention. Koga stood with his back to her. Water lazily dripped down his back while he was tying his hair up. His wet and soggy tail flicked back and forth spraying the grass with droplets of water.
She gasped, he was absolutely gorgeous in a very masculine kind of way. True she had slept in the same bed with the man multiple times while he was without his armor, but she had never actually seen his body and with her youkai sight it stopped her in her tracks. A blush started on her cheeks and spread it's way down her body. She attempted to swallow down the lump of nervousness in her throat.
He turned to her then, a look of uncertainty on his face but her eyes were drawn to the muscles of his chest and the way the water was dripping teasingly down it to the pelt around his waist. Her blush grew brighter and she turned around completely embarrassed.
"Gomen, Koga-kun," her voice was hoarse with conflicting emotions, "Inuyasha did not say you were bathing."
Her heart was beating so loudly in her ears she didn't hear him approach and she jumped when he placed his hand on her shoulder. Using gentle force he turned her to look at him and she determinedly kept her eyes on his face.
"Is something the matter," he asked her.
"No," she smiled at him, "I just wanted to talk."
"About what," he stepped closer, watching as the gold in her eyes seemed to turn into liquid and twist like a whirl pool.
"Ano..."
"What is it," the concern in his voice made her heart hurt.
Pushing herself on to her tippy toes she placed her lips over his. In the last two weeks they hadn't really had any time alone and Inuyasha refused to allow them to sleep near each other. She really missed being so close to him. Koga startled for a second, she had never been the one to start a kiss.
Her arms wrapped around his neck and she moved forward, pressing their bodies firmly against each other. The coolness of the water soaked through her clothes and the heat of his body and touch flared inside her causing goosebumps to form. One of his hands pressed hard into her lower back and the other held the back of her head tangled in her hair.
His smell and taste wove into her senses and the moan that had been building finally found it's release. His tongue felt like velvet against her's and she found herself tipping her head further to the side to allow herself more access to his mouth. He groaned, the sound vibrating through them both. Finally when breathing through her nose wasn't giving her enough oxygen she pulled back gulping as much air into her system as possible.
She brought her lips up to his ear and whispered, "Koga."
The sexy tilt to her voice caused his desire for her to burn brighter then ever and he had to dig his feet into the ground to keep his control. His youkai, thought not as strong or as predominate as it is in a youkai that harboured a true form, cried out for him to take her. Wanting her and only her to be his mate. He clamped his jaw shut trying to use the tensing of his muscles to keep control.
"Aishiteru," she kissed the skin right under his ear.
His whole body went ridged, his hands tighten their grip on her. At first he thought he was hearing things. Had she really just told him she loved him? He was afraid he was going to suddenly wake up from a dream and realize that this hadn't happened. But, she felt so real in his arms. She felt so good against his body.
"Koga," she murmured nervously, fear gripping the words.
"Aishiteru," he told her as he nuzzled his nose against her neck taking in greedy breaths of her scent.
She pulled away and stared into his dark blue eyes that danced with happiness, love and desire. Her right hand came up and she gently brushed his cheeks with her fingertips. She continued and let her fingers trace the shell of his ear before running them through his damp hair. A shiver ran down his spin and she delighted in the fact that it was her who had caused this.
"I'm yours," she told him softly and it was her turn to shiver when a very pleased growl escaped his lips, "I want you to know that I'm yours. But..."
He pulled back with a look of pure rejection, "but what?"
"But, I'm not ready to mate yet," she told him seriously, "It's not that I don't want to. Please, believe me. But, I want to wait till I know for certain if my soul will come back or not."
Koga sighed in relief and collected her against him, her head gently tucked under his own, "that's all? I will wait as long as you need."
"I will be yours, with or without the other half of my soul. But, my instincts are telling me to wait till my soul is complete."
"I will wait for you, koishii, as long as it takes."
Her heart pounded wildly in it's excitement. She was so completely happy. Koga loved her and wanted her just as much as she did him. It was a dream she hadn't believed would ever come true and in this moment, she was going to let herself forget about the well and the possibilities of it closing. Because nothing matter more to her then to spend time with her intended.
They spent as much time as they could alone in the clearing, but they both knew the group would get ansy and call them back. Inuyasha was still upset that in the past two weeks they hadn't heard anything about Naraku or found a single shard. As Akemi was about to leave the clearing Koga gently grabbed her arm and stopped her.
"I need to return to my dens," he told her, "a very short visit, but I must."
Koga didn't like the look of pain that crossed her face, "alright. But, return quickly?"
"Hai, the longest I might possibly be is a week," he kissed her softly, before turning and heading off back to his dens.
Akemi sighed and walked back to the group by herself. She told them that Koga had to leave, but asked Kagome and Sango if they would like to join her in the hot springs. Shippo squealed and asked if he could go. Inuyasha grumbled about another delay but allowed the girls their time to be alone.
"Is everything okay," Kagome asked as she slid into the hot waters.
"It's perfect," Akemi smiled brightly, "he was okay with waiting to see if my soul would return."
"Am I missing something," Sango laughed from her spot against a large rock.
"Akemi confessed her feelings to Koga," the raven haired woman told her.
"So we were right," the taijiya smiled, "you both do have a thing for each other!"
"Now it's all about getting Kagome to open up to Inuyasha," the red head smiled evilly, the plot starting to pan out in her mind.
"Wait," Kagome cried holding her hands up, "you can't be serious!"
"Oh," Sango smirked, "but we are so serious!"
"Well, if I have to talk to Inuyasha, then you have to talk to Miroku!"
"Good one, Kagome," Akemi cried in triumph.
"Hey, your ganging up on me," she blundered.
Akemi turned suddenly serious, the gold in her eyes hardening and becoming more amber like, "we could all die any day now. Every battle it becomes more likely a fate. Kagome was right, we need to allow ourselves the joy of being with the people we love before something tears it all apart."
All four of them sat still, soaking not only the water but the heavy weight of her words. She was right and they all knew it, but it didn't make knowing the truth any easier. It gave both Kagome and Sango the resolve they needed to take the time and talk their feelings out with the two men. None of them would want to leave behind words unsaid.
-x-
"So, you have returned," a man with short dark brown hair and dark blue, almost black, eyes drawled.
"Hai, father, but only for a short time," Koga responded from his seat in front of his father's table.
"Boy," his father's tone was filled with anger, "do not assume I have not heard everything that has been happening at your dens."
"I am not foolish, father. I know you have."
"Then are you foolish enough to think you will go without punishment?"
"No, father."
"And yet, here you sit before me, acting as if nothing is out of place."
Koga tried to fight down his smile but it would not stop, "I am in love, father. I wish to bestow upon her the mark of my intended."
Anger flashed inside the dark pools of the older man's eyes, "you wish to bestow your mark upon a ningen? Did you not learn your lesson with the first? Will you bring shame to your birthright and your family?"
"She would not bring any such shame," Koga all but snarled, "she has agreed to be my mate and I will have no other! Her heritage means nothing, it is simply her that I desire."
"You are more foolish that I believed, boy," his father struck out, hitting Koga in the face and sending him flying into a wall, "I will not allow you to take a ningen as a mate!"
Koga pulled himself off the floor and stared at his father, "if her heritage means that much to you, then know that she is a full inu youkai. Daughter of Inu No Taisho's brother, Shorin."
"That is impossible!"
"It is not. She doesn't belong to this time. She was born five hundred years in the future. They sealed her youkai soul inside her closest living relative which just happens to be Inu No Taisho's son Inuyasha."
"You speak lies, boy, and you will pay for them."
"I speak no such lies! I will bring her to you. I will show you," he snarled, "but only if you allow me to mark her as my intended."
A slight twitch in the muscles of his jaw was the only sign that he was displeased, "very well. But, if I find your words untrue, she will be killed and you will be severely punished."
"Thank you, father," he inclined his head in gratitude.
He allowed only a few days to pass before he began his journey back to find his intended. In his hand he clutched a pierce of cloth that covered something valuable inside. His father would be very displeased when he found out that Koga had spoken the truth. He would have to allow the mating, even if Akemi's soul never fully returned, because his words would still be the truth and Taiyoukai were all about honour.
-x-
Inuyasha and Akemi circled each other, their eyes locked in a deadly battle. His hands curled in and the sound of popping knuckles echoed eerily around them, but it did nothing to effect the girl. Her hands were held loosely in front of her, ready for any movement he would make. They weren't connected, not having been so since the sex crazed sun youkai. The other humans and youkais of the group standing off to the side watching. The air filled with their tension.
None of them noticed Koga's appearance, just slightly south of the group. His eyes widened when he took in the sight of his intended and Inuyasha staring each other down like they were about to fight to the death. They took one more step in their circling before the man in red was on the girl in blue.
She flung out her hand and blocked his attack, dropping down she spun attempting to kick his feet out from under him. He jumped landing back in the same spot moments after her foot had passed and lashed out his foot barely connecting with her side. She rolled and jumped fluidly to her feet. Her fist connected with his cheek and he stumbled backwards.
The back of her foot caught the back of his neck, keeping him from landing on the ground. She used her strength and pulled him forward causing him to stumble. Her shoulder landed in the fleshly part of his stomach, forcing the air from his lungs. He used his position against her and connected his elbow harshly into the back of her head.
Stars danced in front of her eyes from the contact. She pulled away and spun allowing the bony part of her foot to slam harshly into his nose. Blood splattered the two and the ground. As soon as the bleeding had started it stopped and Akemi found a clawed hand wrapped around her neck. She made no move to struggle, she merely watched him.
Inuyasha flexed his fingers, forcing the sharp points deep into the soft skin of her neck. Unprepared for her retaliation, her fist solidly found the underside of his chin sending the two of them sprawling onto the ground. Akemi landed with an huff of air on top of Inuyasha. He was still in a daze from her previous attack.
A howling cry tore from the girl's throat as she held Inuyasha pinned to the earth and her blade pressed harshly against his neck. Everyone began to recover from the loud sound, uncovering their ears and gazed upon the sight before them.
"It's safe to say that you are retaining some of your youkai speed," Miroku told her in appreciation.
Her blade slipped easily back into it's home. She stood and helped Inuyasha to his feet, the man still shocked that she had bested him.
"But, not enough," she told him, "I only bested Inuyasha because I know all of his moves. I've seen every battle, ever technique he has ever used."
"What was with that bark," Sango asked her, "I've never heard it before."
"It was my cry of victory," she laughed, "it's instinct for me to call out my winnings to those around me."
"It sounded just like an inu," Shippo shivered.
"I am an inu," she laughed and roughed up his hair.
"Oh," Kagome gasped, "Hey, Koga-kun!"
Akemi turned quickly and smiled at him, her eyes glowing in excitement.
"What's with the mock battle," he asked striding over to the beaming girl.
"We were testing Akemi," Miroku offered.
"And we haven't seen any battles since you left," Sango sighed.
"Inuyasha was getting ansy," Kagome laughed, "so we thought we would solve both problems."
"Has anything changed," Koga asked Akemi.
"Not really," she shrugged, "I still have my eye sight and hearing, but I'm retaining some of my speed now too."
"And strength," Inuyasha grumbled rubbing the thin red line on his neck.
"Oops, Gomen brother," Akemi blushed.
"Feh."
"Is there a reason you are travelling in the direction of the dens," Koga glanced between them.
"There is a rumour that there are some shards that way," Akemi told him easily.
"All the better," he smiled secretively.
-x-
Koga growled under his breath. Akemi and Inuyasha had taken off to return to the future to grab something they needed. In the past week they had continued to travel toward the dens and they were camped only a day or two away. He still had yet to find a time to offer her the symbol his intention to mate her. The more time that passed the more irritated he became.
"Koga-kun," Kagome sat down softly next to the brooding ookami.
"Hey Kagome," he nodded his head at her, not taking his eyes off the forest in front of him.
"Is something wrong," she asked him concerned for her friend.
"Not really," he shrugged, "I've been trying to get Akemi alone to talk to her, but it seems we are always in the middle of battle lately."
She brought her knees up to her chest resting her head on them, "no kidding. It's so tiring."
"How much longer till she returned to her time for school?"
"A full moon cycle."
"Kagome, why does Akemi become distant when I talk to her about the defeat of Naraku?"
"Because she doesn't want to think about what might happen afterwards."
Koga turned and faced her, "what do you mean?"
Kagome sighed, "we don't know what will happen once the jewel is complete. For all we know, Akemi and I will be sent back to the future and won't be able to return."
"Why didn't she tell me this?"
"She is afraid that if it happens, you will not wish to wait the five hundred years till her time. There is also a chance that we will get to remain here. She wants to live in the present, to be joyful and happy with you, but Akemi has always been the worrying kind and she doesn't want you to be with her to have her taken from you."
"I want to be with her regardless. I promised I would wait as long as it takes to be with her, and I will hold well to my word. A Taiyoukai always honours their words."
"You should tell her this," Kagome told him, "she will need reassurance in this. Her biggest fear is hurting the people around her."
"Koga-kun, Kagome," Akemi jumped into view with Inuyasha chasing behind her.
"Hey," Kagome cried out waving.
"How is it you can tap deeper into my power then I can," Inuyasha growled when they finally stopped.
"Because I know your limits, and you do not."
"Can't you teach me?"
"That would hardly be possible, one must learn their own abilities," she shook her head, "honestly Inuyasha, if I were to teach you, you would learn nothing."
"Stop the formality."
"Oh, give me a break," she pushed him, "I'm just talking."
"Like an old hag," he smirked.
"Why you," she growled.
She surprised them, instead of attack Inuyasha for his insult, she turned to Koga and wrapped her arms around his neck. Koga only hesitated for a second before pulling her against him, releasing a sigh of pleasure. Her lips pressed a soft kiss on his pulse point in between his neck and collar bone before she pulled back to smile at him.
"I was thinking," she began, "maybe we could go to the dens? It's only a couple hours away from here at youkai speed and since I'm already linked with Inuyasha, now would be a perfect time for a break."
"You call that a break," Inuyasha scuffed, "she already conned me into letting her go."
"I didn't do any such thing," she smiled mischievously, "please, Koga-kun?"
Kagome gave him a nod, telling him to go with her as Inuyasha slipped his arm around her waist.
"Let's go," he smirked, his fang that peeked over his bottom lip sparkled in the sun light.
Akemi let out a cry of delight before she took off toward the den with Koga quickly gaining on her. Giggles and loud barks echoed between them. He liked her this way, when she was open and laughing and just having fun. To many times had he seen the look of sadness and pain in her eyes. Even in her rise of youkai prowess, she still found ways to belittle herself and it hurt him to know this.
"Ha, I win," she cried out in excitement as she skid to a stop inside the valley of the dens.
"That was a cheap trick," he watched her in amusement.
"It wasn't a trick," she put her hands on her hips and tilted them slightly to the side, "I can't help that your a man and I just so happen to be a woman."
"But you can help yourself from flaunting it," his amusement now reached his voice.
"Where is the fun in that," she asked giggling giddily.
"Your right," his voice turned husky as he pulled her against him.
She squirmed, still giggling, dislodging herself from his grasp, "now now," she smirked and shook her finger at him, "not while others are watching."
He laughed and shook his head at her. She smiled watching him, her eyes filled with love. She loved his laugh, it was so free and full of emotion and yet the deep baritone of the sound gave her shivers of delight.
Akemi turned around and called loudly, "hey everyone," while waving to those who could see her.
Many of the ookami that she had befriended waved back and others simply stared at her as if she was crazy. It didn't spoil her mood. Koga walked up beside her watching the emotions flashing in the whirlpools of sky and gold.
"What made you decide you wanted to come here," he asked her curiously.
"There is only a month left of me being here," she shifted and slipped her hand into his letting their fingers entwine, "and we haven't had much time together lately. Plus, Inuyasha and I finally decided to try using my blood in the exchange too, so the link is much stronger. He won't complain about me being away."
"Is it just me or is something different about him," Koga squeezed her hand gently, reassuring her he wanted her affection.
Akemi giggled as a blush flared across her cheeks, "well... Ano... It was actually Kagome who convinced me to talk to you about how I feel," her blush darkened, "and in return I kind of... Ano... tricked Kagome and Sango into telling Inuyasha and Miroku how they felt about them."
He snickered at her antics, "what happened?"
"Well, Miroku really loves Sango, and told her as much. But, he wishes to wait for marriage till after Naraku's defeat. And Inuyasha finally admitted to Kagome that he loved her, but he had to make sure she understood he feels it's his fault Kikyo is how she is and wants to protect her since he couldn't all those years ago. But, they are slowly moving towards a working relationship."
"That's quite the handy work," he complimented her.
"Someone had to push them together or all of them would hide their feelings," she smiled brightly up at him, "and it's the least I can do for what they did for me."
"I guess I should also thank them."
"Koga," Ginta and Hakkaku ran around the corner.
"Let me guess," Koga twitched slightly, "father has heard word of my return, and he wishes to see me."
"Ano... Hai," Ginta stared at him blankly.
"Come, Akemi," he told her gently, pulling her with him.
"What's wrong," Akemi asked him as the two boys began to trail them.
"It will be okay. Do not worry," Koga reassured her.
She sighed inaudibly but continued to follow him. He took her over the mountain and through another valley. She was pretty sure it led to dens of another tribe, but he took a path that looked the most worn and they came to a beautiful clearing surrounded by the mountains high walls. The amount of land here filled with soft green grass and beautiful trees was nothing compared to the palace that lie in the center.
It was made of wood and stone, perfectly decorated and cried out the beauty of nature. She realized that no one would be able to make it here unless they had travelled the way they had came. That was probably why she had felt so many eyes on her the whole walk. Koga led her around the left side of the palace then around to the back where a beautiful garden spread wildly around the land.
She blinked a couple of times, realizing she was staring straight at the Taiyoukai of the Eastern lands. He stood tall and proud, his short brown hair mused in a way that complimented him. His skin tone was a dark tan while Koga's was more a golden in colour. On his each cheek he had a single black stripe and on his forehead was the mark of the Eastern Lands, a sun.
His dark eyes were taking her in. Her crimson red hair glittered with gold, sapphire, and ruby strands. Her baby sky blue eyes with liquid gold that swirled constantly within the iris. Her high cheek bones were flushed a soft pink, her lips were large and bright red, her button nose contrasted nicely with her round doe shaped eyes.
Even in her young age she was well developed, very large breasts, a small waist and wide set hips with a nice rounded bottom. Her upper legs and arm showed how athletic she was, but he couldn't see the rest of her arms as they were swallowed in the flowing material. He noticed then her attire.
"A miko," he raised his eyebrow at her.
"Hai," she inclined her head.
"You are the witch that the pack spoke of. Am I to assume you are also the ningen that they have said Koga took a liking too?"
"Hai, m'lord," she replied in kind and Koga accented her acceptance with a nod of his head.
He moved and sat down on a bench, "what does a miko want with a youkai? What do you have to gain from a mating such as this?"
"I want for nothing as a miko, but as a person, I want to spend my life with the one I love. It just so happened to be a youkai that has captured my heart. I wish only for love and happiness. I have already gained all I could ask for," she smiled at Koga when his hand tightened against hers.
"You mean to tell me, you have no motive for being with Koga and you expect me to believe this?"
Akemi shook her head and turned her eyes back to him, "I do not expect anyone to believe that I have fallen in love with a youkai of my own free will with no vendetta against the ookami packs. I would not call them motives, but I do have reasons why I love Koga."
"Tell them."
"He was hard not to fall in love with," she blushed furiously, "when I first saw him, I instantly felt drawn toward him. I love his nature, his smirks, his laughter, his cockiness, and his confidence. He holds himself high, but he isn't afraid to let others in. He is loyal and respectful, kind and generous, and yet he is hard and leader worthy. He doesn't let others get to him and he is honourable and prideful just like any Taiyoukai should be. He is full of life and has a will to live, to make something of himself. He is Koga."
Both men watched her as she explained why she cared so much of the ookami Prince. The Prince himself was in awe, she really thought so highly of him and it was a shock. But, he was glad. He wanted her to love him, because spending his life with her would be so much more gratifying if they remained in love.
"Acceptable," he inclined his head towards her.
"Arigato," she squeaked out.
"Has my son spoken to you about my agreements to his liking of you?"
"No," she glanced at Koga only for a second, "he has not spoken of it."
"Surely, someone who seems as versed in the Taiyoukai world as you would know that he would have to ask acceptance from someone higher about your coupling," he tilted his head to the side watching her coolly.
"I am aware."
"Well then. My son has spoken some words that I believe to be a lie. If it is indeed a lie you are to give me your life."
She blinked but nodded her head, "I consent."
"You do not even know the words."
"If Koga is willing to place my life on the line, I am sure his words are not false."
"You place to much faith in my son."
Akemi stiffened slightly, "I apologize, but I believe you do not put enough faith in him."
His eyes narrowed but he didn't move to correct her bold statement. Koga tensed, completely shocked that Akemi would speak in such a manner to a Taiyoukai. She knew better then to say her opinion unless asked.
"Alright, child. I will humour you," his voice was hardened in his displeasure, "Koga tells me you are the daughter of Shorin, the brother of Inu No Taisho. He said that you are a full inu youkai, but that your youkai soul was sealed away with magic in the body of your cousin, Inuyasha."
"He speaks of the truth," Akemi told him evenly, "if there is any way I can prove it, I will gladly do so."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out an amulet, "this will tell me if you speak the truth. A drop of your blood will change the colour of the amulet to indicate what you are. The blood will contain your heritage, no matter where your other soul is. The change in the colour will tell us what you are."
"What are the colours," Koga glanced up at his father.
"Red indicates full youkai, pink is hanyou, white is ningen, blue is miko, black is witch, those are the only colours that concern you."
"Okay," Akemi slid her sword open just enough to run her palm down the blade and break the skin.
She placed her hand over the amulet and allowed a couple drops of blood to spill onto it's surface before pulling away. She held her breath as she watched the swirl of magic of the amulet shift. The tension in the air was pliable and she found herself struggling to breath, sometimes having the nose of her inu and Inuyasha's was to hard to handle.
The shifting stopped and the amulet was a whirlpool of three colours; red, blue and black. She smiled brightly, a sigh of relief slipping from her lips. Koga pulled her into a hug, crushing the rest of the air from her lungs.
"So it would seem you are telling the truth," the Taiyoukai nodded his head, "then I shall keep true to my word."