Well that was a bit of a longer break than originally planned but I'm back, a little woozy from exhaustion but hey the show must go on! I really am sorry in the delay of update but I am currently working on my other stories and artwork which take up a huge chunk of my time, but enough with the excuses onto the new chapter which I hope you all enjoy!
Oh and just a bit of a side note, some feature of 'M' related material in this chapter, So ye be warned!
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Chapter Six
Attraction
Cold midnight air invaded the weathered hut with a lasting chill once the protective aged mat shifted open. The newly lit small fire illuminating in the center of the room fanning unsteadily with the assault of the frigid air.
Shivering hands quickly sealed the mat closed once more stopping any further wind from entering, knowing just the sight of the flames before her was a welcomed relief.
Kagome knelt by the dim fire grateful for the warmth it provided no matter how small, mentally kicking herself for putting herself in the predicament to begin with.
She had thought a late night bath would be just the thing to wash away her discomfort and exhaustion from the hard days of journeying from home, but the moment she had stepped out of the radiate heat of the hot springs she had been lucky enough to find her body shuddered with the assault of the cold surrounding her.
Even now she felt a sneeze threaten to escape her redden nose, it would be just her luck to become sick for her brash behavior.
She held the annoying sting building in her nostrils at bay for fear it might wake the motionless wolf demon balled in the corner of the hut at her side, just where she had left him mere moments ago.
Just the sight of him had brought back all the troubling emotions she had fled the hut in the first place to escape.
When she had first left Kaede's village with Kouga at her side she had thought this simple mission would easy, journey there then journey home and be closer for it.
But that couldn't be further from the truth, ever since leaving the village Kouga had been completely distant, barley speaking a word to her for days now, if she hadn't known him better she would have thought he was down right cold towards her.
At first she had tried to sum it up to maybe he was tired, recovering from his wound and all was bound to take a lot out of him but was an occasional node or small gesture of listening to much to ask for? These had been the thoughts that had plagued her until an answer to his no doubt frustrated behavior had come all to clearly.
He was angry at her, and she knew undoubtedly he had every right to be.
Her hazel eyes narrowed in sadness at the hard sight of his back turned permanently towards her. She wanted to reach over and touch him, shake his shoulder gently to put an end to the guilt gnawing away at her from the pit of her stomach.
She of course couldn't work up the courage to act so brazenly, maybe the agitated silence was better than him directly accusing her of her insensitivity, which is exactly what she currently felt.
Ever since he had 'arrived' in Kaede's village she had thought only of his recovery, his physically recovery, but not a moment had the concern for his mental well being crossed her mind.
How upset he must be at this entire situation, being stranded hundreds of miles from home with, no one to give him comfort of his families safet.
Kagome knew she hadn't even so much as thought of Ayame and the pain the two of them must be enduring without one another.
Kouga must be so upset and yet all the in-depth conversation they had shared had been about her own personal issues with Inuyasha, never had she even thought to ask how Kouga was feeling inside, far to concerned with her unhappiness.
Kagome fought an uneven gasp from escaping her lips in dismay, she hadn't been a very good friend, and only now was she realizing it.
Quietly she pulled her knees to her chest in a self protective hug, Kouga had every right to be angry with her, in his position she couldn't say she would act any differently.
She rested her head against the top of her knee with an uneven breaths trying to stop herself from crying, she really could be so selfish and self absorbed.
"What are you still doing awake?" Kouga's whispered voice snapping her from her guilt riddled thoughts.
Kagome sat upright instantly "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up" She replied apologetically
"You didn't, I'm not a heavy sleeper" He stated sleeplessly not bothering to turn to face her, fearing with the mere sight of her might do to him.
Truth be told he hadn't slept at all since discovering her in the moonlit forest drenched in heated water and totally naked.
He had heard her enter the hut just now and forced himself to remain still in the hopes she would believe he had fallen asleep. Never suspecting the sight he had taken in so fully mere moments ago.
Apparently his plan had worked all for the exception he had heard her undoubtedly sadden filled breathing which despite his best efforts he couldn't ignore any longer.
He had tried countless ways to remind himself that distance with the only thing that was going to save the remaining shreds of his dignity but there was just something about her being upset in any way that he just didn't have the will to ignore.
"Oh" Kagome whispered swiping away a still damp lock of her hair from her pale cheek.
She knew this was the perfect opportunity to express her pent up regrets for the way she had treated him, but she didn't know where to begin asking for his forgiveness.
"Kouga, Can we talk?" She asked hopeful she could ease herself into such an uncomfortable topic
Kouga's eyes still forcefully sealed shut, felt a brow raise in unease.
"About?" He asked lowly
"About-" Kagome took a steadying breath, she had to get this out or she didn't know what she was going to do with herself.
"About us" She whispered
Kouga felt his eyes open unwillingly, his immediate thought was to say 'no' roll over and truly force himself asleep. But he knew even though he desperately wanted to, he couldn't be that cold, that cruel, not to her.
But he couldn't just give in, he had to fight against his basic need to appease her, it was his only hope for escaping this situation with his pride still intact.
"Could it wait? I'm still a little tired" He lied as best he could, just saying those evasive words left a bad taste lingering in his mouth.
"Oh, um- yes of course" She replied instantly trying her best to hide her now devastated mood, he really was furious with her.
Kouga heard instantly the amount of turmoil in her tone, he hadn't meant to upset her, he just couldn't do this! Not now, she had no idea the toll this distance between them was doing to him but he couldn't risk being closer. He just couldn't.
He forced his eyes to shut so tightly it wrinkled the bronze skin of his forehead in strain, why couldn't he just slip into a coma? Leave the world and all its troubles and temptations far behind!
This was to much, distance was one thing but he couldn't hold up this façade, this wall forever, not with Kagome. He just wasn't that strong.
"What about us?" He asked defeated truing over to face her for the first time since seeing her in the hot springs.
He watched her look down at him with a look of concern and almost disbelief.
"I'm not that tired" He shrugged hoping that pitiful response might be enough to persuade her.
Her hair was still damp and the smell of fresh spring water clung to her even through the powerful scent of her natural perfume of cherry blossoms.
Kouga shallowed his breath knowing taking to much of her wonderful smell might break him down even lower than it already had.
Kagome adjusted herself more comfortable turning to face him laying out before her mere inches from her clothed knees.
"I wanted to apologize to you-" She started blatantly before she could lose her nerve
Kouga's brow arched automatically in disbelief, had he heard her correctly?
"For what?" Was he immediate response
"Kouga I've taken advantage of you being here with me, I made you come on this trip and-" She began her voice all but dripping apologetically
Kouga's body sat up without his permission in sheer shock at the situation, she was actually apologizing to him? She hadn't done anything to apologize for! He was the one acting like a mangy dog in heat!
"Whoa hold on a sec! You didn't make me do anything Kagome, I wanted to come" He said boldly
Kagome felt her head bow in defeat she just couldn't keep up this directness, it wasn't her. Not unless she was furious it seemed to be the only time she was bitterly honest with anyone around, why couldn't he make her angry?
"But why?" She asked softly, if Kouga was truly angry with her like she suspected he was why had agreed to accompany her? To torture her further with his frustrated behavior?
"To keep you safe" He replied instantly, where was this coming from?
Kagome took a shaky breath, that made sense angry or not she knew Kouga cared for her well being regardless. But on top of everything else she couldn't take being a burden on him too. Not when she had so much to apologize and grovel for already!
"That's exactly my point Kouga! I appreciate you being here, I do! But, I'm not your responsibility, I've been so selfish lately. I've been so caught up in my own feelings, I haven't even stopped to think about yours?" She was trying her best to explain herself without falling apart into tears of frustration.
"I know you probably miss home and Ayame, and all I've done is-" Her voice was cracking with the threat of crying
"Kagome, why are you doing this?" Kouga interrupted unable to take another moment of her desperate plea, did she really blame herself for all this? For his predicament in being stuck in her village?
If anyone needed to apologize it was him, he hadn't realized until just now how unappreciative he must seem. Kagome had saved his life when he first arrived in the village there wasn't a doubt in his mind he would be dead right now in a frozen grave if she hadn't taken him in when she did. And how does he repay her? Shoving her aside because he can't control his overwhelming physical attraction to her.
"I just-" She took a shaky breath "I don't want you to be angry with me anymore"
With all that had happen between them and her past issues with Inuyasha she just couldn't stand the idea of him being upset with her any longer. As selfish as it might seem she had come to rely heavily on their friendship and the comfort he provided her.
"Angry? You think I'm angry at you?" He asked in utter disbelief
"Aren't you?" Kagome asked swiping away a forming tear, what other explanation could there be for the way he had been behavior towards her?
Kouga closed his eyes with a frustrated growl, he was such an idiot! Of course she would think that!
The space he had wanted to form between them had come but with a price, he had unintentionally hurt her in the process.
"Kagome, I'm not angry with you. I've never been angry with you." He vowed doing his best to reassure her with an apologetic stare.
"Then why have you been so-" She wanted to say 'cold' but that seemed to accusing when in reality she was looking for a simple explanation, if he wasn't angry with her like she originally thought.
"Distant?" She asked lowly, a dim image of an absent half demon flashing across her vision.
The circumstances were entirely different then they had been between the two of them, but it still hurt almost just as badly.
"I've just-" Kouga paused truly lost on how to explain himself, there was no way in hell he could come straight out and tell her the truth. It would just make things incredibly awkward between them not to mention she might end up blaming herself even though his attraction was not by her deliberate doing.
"I've been thinking a lot lately" He finally admitted a small fraction of the truth he was determined to keep locked up inside.
"About what?" Kagome asked noticing the slight change in his demeanor, he seemed almost defeated.
Kouga sighed heavily falling back against the straw he laid upon staring blankly at the aged ceiling above. The few holes punctured through the weather torn roof allowing him a glimpse of the bright half formed moon looming overhead.
"Do you think a friendship, a really good friendship can change?" Kouga asked knowing full well he was answering her question with a question of his own but it seemed to be the only direction he could take.
Kagome couldn't help but inch closer to the lain out wolf demon in curiosity, his blue orbs gleaming brightly with the refection of the silvery moonlight illuminating through the hut walls. He looked so troubled, almost as much as she felt.
"Change how?" She thought out loud
Kouga took a deep breath resting his heated palms on the hard plain of his armored chest, able to feel the vibrating of his heavy heartbeat even through the thick steel.
"Become harder" He whispered allowing her just a glimpse of the turmoil that was welling up inside him.
Kagome felt a jolt of fear shot through her, fear and confusion. Was it becoming hard for him to be with her? Why? Because of her own evasive behavior?
She lifted her head silently staring at the barely visible sky above as he did, maybe her own pent up secrets had formed a dilemma in their relationship? After all a true friendship needed to be formed on honesty, and she hadn't been exactly that.
Maybe this uncomfortable amount of stress and questioning could have been avoided if she could just work up the nerve to be more honest with him in the first place. After all Kouga wouldn't judge her no matter what, above all else he had always been understanding with her.
"Maybe" She admitted with a weaken smile.
"Kagome are we friends?" It was a strange question to form but one he needed an answer to, if nothing else.
"Of course" Kagome replied, Kouga had been apart of her life for so long now it wouldn't seem right if he wasn't at least that.
He was an ally, someone she had come to depend on, of course he was her friend, a loyal, caring, remarkable friend.
"Why?" He questioned, of course they had been through several battles together been in and out of each others lives for years now, but had they actually truly become bounded other than the occasional encounter?
He wasn't sure why this need for this information was coming up now, but on some basic level he needed to know.
Kagome smiled lightly, it was a good question, one she wasn't entirely sure she had the answer too but, the reasoning was the same as it always had been.
"I don't know, I guess its just kind of natural like breathing" She whispered.
Kouga shuddered slightly, that is what he had been afraid of.
Kagome was unaware of just how exhausted she had become until she felt a new wave of cold air gently seep into her clothing urging her to surrender to the sweet call of sleep.
Making sure to keep just a few inches between the two of them she curled into a protective ball at his side with a relaxed sigh.
Kouga turned to face her as she nuzzled herself beside him, her hazel eyes already darkening with the want for unconsciousness.
"Are we okay now?" He asked hopeful that at least one of their inner uncertainty had been lain to rest.
She smiled tiredly, giving him a slightly nod in agreement.
It was clear his words had done the job of convincing her, maybe he had even managed to convince himself.
He laid there at her side watching as he eyes slowly sealed shut and her breathing shallowed, he knew instantly she had fallen asleep and she had never looked more peaceful.
Kouga rolled to face her their bodies so close to one another he could feel the warmth radiating from her small figure. He fought the urge to reach over to her and pull her close to him eager to join her in blissful slumber.
Instead he laid at her side watching her breath in contentment and it was a that moment he realized something.
He may never be able to overcome his burning want for her in this life or the next but hopefully if he was cautious enough, he could hold onto her friendship just awhile longer.
Exhaustion wasn't even close to a strong enough word to describe how beat down and bone tired Ginta felt as he slugged his way through the maze of tunnels deeply carved into the eastern mountains.
An entire day spent hunting and scavenging what little food remained in the now snow covered valleys and even smaller reward to show for it, all he wanted was to crawl under the furs of his chamber and black out.
Thank the almighty heavens his turn had ended and now all that was left to do for his overly draining day was to wake Hakkaku to replace him.
He had left the Mohawk hair styled wolf demon sleeping with their share of the meat he had managed to scrounge up from an unlucky buck that Ginta could have sworn his leg weighed more than the animal did.
He sighed heavily he was just to tired to care, meat was meat and he intended to devour his half and give into his total aching bodies want to sleep.
Emerging from the darkness of the tunnels he passed under the archway of his dome like room, still dimly lit by mounted torches on either side of the stone walls.
Like he suspected Hakkaku laid out in the center over his straw bed barely conscious but with a surprisingly look of contentment on his face.
Ginta felt a brow raise that was strange for the past few weeks all they had seen on each others faces was a look of pure drained exhaustion, why did he look so smug?
Then the answer hit him all to soon once his eyes glanced to the picked clean carcass of the meat he had intended them to share.
His beady eyes widen in disbelief looking at Hakkaku's slightly swollen stomach and he knew exactly what had put that look of fullness on his comrades face.
"Half of that was mine!" He roared slamming down the gear from today's overly drawn hunt he had been forced to carry all through the tunnels.
Hakkaku's eyes lifted in lazy surprise at his friend framed in the cave entrance.
"Oh hey Ginta" He yawned clearly not hearing the rage in the gray haired wolf demons voice.
"Don't 'hey Ginta' me! Where the hell is my food?" He shouted fighting through his fury to remain hopeful there was just a scrap of food left for him.
"Your half? I thought all this was for me?" He asked not even a hint of an apology laced in his uncaring tone.
"That does it!" Ginta roared his exhausted body now fueled by anger flamed adrenaline
He leapt onto Hakkaku's unsuspecting frame his teeth bared and snapping!
He didn't care what it took before he fell asleep he was going to have his food! If that meant ripping it out of his now screaming comrade so be it!
At this moment the blinding sting of hunger consumed him and he knew right now he wasn't above cannibalism!
Hakkaku felt Ginta's sink into his unprotected ankle and he whelped out in shock!
"Are you crazy? Ginta!" He screamed, his echoing voice dying in the vast darken mountain.
Surprisingly the sun had made it appearance early this morning relieving those who endured last nights bitter cold some temporarily relief.
It was just the weather Kouga and Kagome had needed to complete their journey to the neighboring village. Much to the wolf demons gratitude the armed escorts that had shadowed their every step had descended back to the village leaving he and Kagome to track the menacing unknown demon alone.
The forest surrounding the valley mounted village seemed the best place to start. The duo had wasted no time knowing this brief blessing of the above sunlight wasn't going to last forever, especially with the cold sting of frost still lingering in the air around them.
Kouga grabbed a fistful of the hard snow spotted dirt underneath his feet bringing it up to his nose hoping to gain some sort of clue on where to further their search.
"The villagers said they weren't sure what kind of demon has been attacking them?" Kagome pondered out loud trying her best to aid Kouga in searching for their quarry.
Her specialty was in purifying demons, not tracking them. Hopefully the kneeling wolf demon at her side had more of a clue on where to begin hunting.
"Yeah they wouldn't" Kouga grunted climbing back to his feet letting the mush pile of mud slide from his now stained hand.
"Find something?" She asked noticing his suddenly more harden demeanor.
Since their openly exchange of growing concerns between the two of them they had shared the previous night, he had done his best to return to the same Kouga she had always known and until now he had succeeded so she knew whatever he had just discovered had to be serious.
"Demon ground urchin, a big one" Kouga growled lowly his fierce eyes focusing on the forest around them in preparation.
The scent he had just found couldn't have been more than a few minutes old, and what had left it behind wasn't to far off.
"You've seen its kind before?" Kagome asked never hearing of such a demon, and for her profession that was surprising.
"I've had a few run ins with'em back in the east, they live in burrows in the mountain valleys" Kouga admitted remembering all to clearly the kind of threat these demons could pose.
"Are they dangerous?" Kagome thought out loud, clearly this demon wasn't to be taken lightly after the horror story she had heard from the villagers. Then again terrorized simple folk had tension to over exaggerate things she had learned a long time ago not to take them so literally, but if Kouga was on edge then this was serious.
"Just don't drop your guard. They have thick quills on their backs they can launch and their damn fast when they wanna be" He warned with a harden sniff of the cool air wafting its way underneath him
Kagome could feel an uneasy shift in the atmosphere around the two of them which edged her to ready her bow. Skillfully she lined a perfectly straight arrow against the line tugging the string back only slightly, readying it to fire at the slightest sound of danger.
Her heighten sense of danger couldn't have been more prepared when the thick dead and twisted underbrush surrounding them sprang to life!
Instantly the ground rose a giant ball of spiked quills and glistening scales emerging from the depth of the snow sunken dirt before spinning towards them furiously.
The bull sized demon spun itself into a tight almost impenetrable ball before launching towards them at full force gouging the earth beneath its hard shell as it did so!
Kagome firmed her stance loosing her preserved arrow toward the still charging beast expecting it to implode on impact!
Instead her purple crystallized weapon bounced off effortlessly not even pausing the raging demon for an instant!
A look of horror and shock spread over her face as she was left helpless in the beast path!
Instantly a strong pair of familiar arms coiled around her waist pulling her out of harms way in an inhuman leap!
Kouga soared through the forest air with Kagome held tightly at his side as he came falling back towards the waiting ground careful to place Kagome in the safety of his shadow.
"Your arrows wont work that shell is as hard as steel!" Kouga warned watching as the massive rolling creature altered its path turning to face them before reopening finally revealing its animal like features.
Its face was long and scaled spotted with clumps of unruly light fur thinned only at the large opening of its black eyes and snarling muzzle!
It arched its dome like back making the spear length quills attached to its body shake with warning!
Then just as soon as it uncurled itself it cocooned once more to charge at the glaring wolf demon and priestess directly ahead!
"Get it to open then I'll line up a shot!" Kagome commanded already lining another arrow in the tight string of her bow, if she couldn't destroy its shell she would just have to hope for the best opportune moment to present itself.
"You got it!" Kouga shouted already charging the beast head on!
He leapt into the chilled air just above the still rolling monster coming down onto its boulder like form with a barrage of his claws and fangs hoping to coax it out of its protective barrier!
The beast thrashed with the weight of the wolf demon straddling the small unquilled area of its back before shoving a scaled paw outwards to attack!
Even Kouga was unaware of the demons ability to twist its body so, before it was too late! The harden surface of its dirt covered paw slammed into his back sending him flying to the dead and dying trees encasing them!
The air flushed from his lungs as he was finally bounced to a stop off the base of a thick tree crashing into his back!
He slid down onto the snow covered patch of ground with a growl of searing pain, his already injured shoulder throbbing with unbelievable aching!
"Kouga!" Kagome called from across the open area of forest in sheer panic at the damage that had been inflicted on the motionless wolf demon
The rolling urchin paused in its chaotic spin only long enough to launch dozens of quills from its back aimed in the direction of the priestess who had just now caught its attention!
Kagome's eyes widen in surprise and horror as she threw herself out of the path of the spearing weapons watching as they pierced the ground thickly over her head and mere inches from her feet!
She was sure she had dodged them all until one last gleaming quill shot beside her its dagger like tip slicing across the meeting of her shoulder and neck!
Kagome cried out as a thin line of blood spurted outward from the tearing of her clothing and flesh!
She hit the cold ground with a gasp of pain clinging to her bow desperately in case the beast decided to charge at her weaken stance!
"Kagome!" Kouga roared shoving himself to his feet in hot pursuit of the demon urchin! A flooding wave of fury and rage blocking out any and all pain he might have felt!
The threatening boom of his fast approaching footsteps was enough to cause the lesser demon to spin its course to face the charging wolf demon
It uncoiled itself large snapping teeth snarling and bared as it began to arch its back once more preparing to launch another barrage of flying spear like quills!
Kouga flexed his claws eagerly ready to meet the beast head on, he would tear it apart limb from limb!
Kagome saw her chance and she knew the time had to be now!
"Kouga get down!" She warned lining a flawlessly straight arrow towards the creatures unguarded back!
She drew the line to her bow as far back as she possibly could before releasing her already spiritually engulfed arrow sending it flying towards the unsuspecting demon!
Kouga saw the unmistakable purple light of her sacred weapon and he hit the forest floor immediately! His arms crossing over his head to protect him from the shrapnel he knew was to come!
The demon ground urchin turned but to late to avoid it's already sealed fate! The arrow pierced into its scaled flesh bursting it apart with a blast of spiritually charged energy making it burn away in a heated flash of scorching light!
Pieces of the demons remains flew outward landing beside both Kouga and Kagome as what was left of the demons charred flesh faded away into ash.
Kouga poked his head up from the dirt watching as Kagome approached him her soft hand already cupping the injury she had received protectively.
"We did it" She sighed in relief, that was a bit more difficult that she first thought. No wonder these villagers had needed help with such a challenging demon.
Kouga was at her side instantly forgetting the still lingering throb of his own aged wound.
His hand cupped her shoulder worriedly wanting to see with his own eyes the damage the urchin had caused.
"Are you alright?" He asked trying to lift her hand away to allow him a glimpse.
Kagome only held her injured shoulder more tightly in protest.
"I'm fine it's just a scratch" She smiled reassuringly, such a light wound couldn't possibly be as serious as he would make it seem. She should know, medical treatment after all was becoming a somewhat hobby of hers.
Kouga was about to remove her hand forcefully if that is what it took for him to make sure she was truly as fine as she was making herself out to be, before the hurried footsteps of dozens of approaching forms rang in his pointed ears making him pause.
The duo turned to see a flurry of sprinting villagers who had been drawn out due to the commotion with a look of pure amazement written on their weary faces.
"Y-You actually destroyed it?" One aged man asked in total shock but the scattered remains of the lesser demon was enough to tell them all the mission had been completed.
"Oh M'lady how can we ever thank you?" Another elder man exclaimed grabbing at Kagome's non preoccupied hand in sheer gratitude.
"It was nothing really" Kagome smiled reassuringly
Kouga knew Kagome well enough to know she was becoming quickly overwhelmed by the sheer number of men and woman wanting to thank her personally, he decided to intervene before it became to much.
Stepping between her and the quickly gathering horde of village folk he peered over his shoulder down at her before speaking.
"So what now?" He asked unsure of how to proceed from this point, one look told him she felt exactly the same way.
"Please my lady allow us to prepare a feast in your honor! It's the least we can do!" A voice shouted from somewhere among the crowd
Kagome smiled, while the offer was tempting she couldn't bare the idea of being away from home any longer than she already had been forced too.
The only reward she wanted was to return back to Kaede's village for a nice long rest, which she knew was just what she needed.
She looked up towards Kouga and she knew he felt exactly the same way.
Bare harden heels bit into soft snow of the barren plain as the crimson blurred figure shot through, uneffected by the frozen sting engulfing his pointed toes.
Amber eyes burned with a ferocity of both determination and aggravation as they swept over the constant unchanging white landscape all around him.
The day was coming to a fast end judging by the decreasing temperature and the fading of what little sun could be seen and yet he was nowhere near closer to achieving the goal he had set for himself this morning.
Inuyasha slid to a halt with a huff of heated visible breath in rising frustration.
He stared up at the darkening gray sky above and knew he was running out of daylight and there was little hope that he could carry on further in the midnight hours.
He swore loudly letting his anger get the best of him out of both exhaustion and defeat.
The loss of Houki young sister had all but devastated the young villager and his mother and Inuyasha had sworn to avenge her disappearance no matter the cost! And for the past few days he had done his best to make good on his promise, constantly searching and canvassing the vast wilderness surrounding the small village.
But it was with little benefit out of all the countless hours he had spent out in this harsh unforgiving cold nothing had even come close to guiding him in the direction on where to further his search. There was no sign of this unknown demon who abducted unsuspecting village people.
It was if he was a phantom, Inuyasha in all his long years of living had never encountered such a demon. A demon who left no scent, no trail, no anything that might aid him in where to locate the beast and his captives.
Inuyasha closed his weary eyes, he couldn't even remember the last time he had managed more than a few moments of sleep. His body was cold and beaten from the harsh weather and draining trials he had forced upon himself in search of the missing villagers.
He knew Miroku must be just a tired back in the village posting guard to make sure no other villagers met the same fate as Houki's young sister.
Inuyasha turned to face the direction in which he had come knowing he had better head back before he was sprinting through nothing but pure darkness.
The search would have to continue tomorrow, maybe just maybe something new would appear to help in his seemingly hopeless chase.
Exhausted he began trudging his way back through the snow covered ground his mind unable to stop itself from wandering.
He thought of home, to the small village nothing like the one he was currently trapped in. He wondered if it was warmer there, warm with the love of his companions and friends.
How was everyone? Were they alright? Had this winter been just a brutal on them as it currently was to him?
Inuyasha closed his eyes for moment envisioning himself back there, within the villages busy streets and the sun beaming down on him, the curved figure of a raven hair girl staring at him from far down the road, her hazel eyes bright with the reflection of sunlight her white pearly smile gleaming at him with love and happiness.
Reluctantly he forced his eyes apart banishing the serene thought from his mind knowing if he lingered on it a moment longer it would only cause him to ache with longing.
This winter hadn't just been hard on his body his mind was suffering as well with the want to see a certain human girl who he knew was thousands of miles away.
He didn't want to admit it to himself least of all but he missed her like no other. The way he had left her there alone only added to his building turmoil.
He wondered if she had forgiven him yet for his distant behavior, he hoped so.
Once he returned to the village he would make amends for all his wrong doings as best he could, after all her memory was the only thing keeping him going in this draining time.
Like always she was the sunlight in the dark, and right now at this very moment her warmth was all he wanted.
Cool thick water droplets rolled over porcelain skin leaving a soothing tingling sensation in their wake as they washed away the irritating throb of soreness and pain.
Kagome cupped another handful of clear spring water careful to pour it over her injured shoulder letting it quell the ache tugging at her from just beneath the skin.
Maybe she had been a little to impatient in her want to return to Kaede's village so soon. After all they had left Kyofu village hours ago and had only managed to return to the same weathered hut they had left behind late last night. She had secretly hoped to cover more territory before night had once again fallen but she and Kouga hadn't been so lucky.
Now stranded here in this confided area until the sun rose once more she had decided to try and make the best of her time treating her increasingly agitating wound the ground urchin demon had left behind.
Gently she pulled her kimono sleeve down further until it hug at the bending of her elbow allowing her a clear view of the damage she had received.
The cut wasn't deep or particularly wide but it had a good deal of length spanning from the joining of her neck and shoulder to the top of her shoulder blade.
It had closed well enough on its own but the discoloration worried her, the hard pink and red of the gash clashing with the constant shade of cream of her skin was a sign it was nearing infection.
Kagome sighed heavily she had been such a fool, it would undoubtedly get worse the longer it went untreated but she was helpless in her own aid. This area was strange and unknown and she knew she hadn't the faintest hope in locating the specific healing herbs she would need to dress herself.
Kagome cupped the sore cut in reluctance she supposed all she had to aid her was the warmth the large pool of heated water before her provided, maybe that would suffice until they reached Kaede's village.
Kagome sighed heavily rubbing her throbbing of her shoulder muscle, the pain was manageable at this moment but it was getting worse.
"Kagome?" A husky voice asked from the shadows of the forest at her back
Kagome peered over her shoulder to see Kouga emerging from the darkness, his bright azure eyes fixed on her in clear concern.
"Oh Kouga" Kagome smiled in surprise "What are you doing here?" She asked a little a nerved she could have sworn she had left him sleeping soundly in the hut some distance away.
"Checking on you, why aren't you resting?" He asked coming to her side in an almost disapproving stance.
"I was just washing up a bit" She explained not entirely hiding the truth but not wanting to give him cause to worry either.
Kouga didn't buy into her blind flattery for moment, he kneeled beside her his eyes fixing on the cupped posture of her hand around her injured shoulder.
Against his better judgment he had followed her out here to this enticing hot springs all over again praying he didn't once again walk in on her in a most private moment but his concern had gotten the best of him.
Since leaving the human village behind his only thought had been on the wound she had sustained during battle, the wound she stubbornly wouldn't let him examine.
He knew he wasn't nearly as skilled as a priestess or physician in the medical field but he did know a thing or two about damage to the body.
His jaw tensed in aggravation and growing worry it was clear she hadn't noticed but her worsening state didn't go unnoticed by his demons eyes, her body was heating unnaturally.
Gently he placed the back of his cool hand on the hot surface of her forehead his unease being confirmed by the mere feeling of her radiating skin.
Kagome felt her cheeks heat at the caring gesture from the wolf demon crouching before her, her eyes fixing on his in questioning.
"W-What's wrong?" She asked noting the serious stare he was giving her.
"You have a fever" Kouga whispered dryly, this wasn't good.
Kagome felt his hand recoil and almost wanted to protests against it, his skin that was usually so warm to the touch felt soothing and chilled against her aching body.
She released her now dully throbbing shoulder to cup her cheek in reluctance almost embarrassed she allowed herself to get to such a state.
"I hadn't noticed" She admitted worriedly her wound was more serious than she first thought.
Kouga's azure eyes fixed instantly on the exposed flesh of her naked shoulder taking in the full sight of her discolored wound.
Kagome saw the look of unease spread across his harden face causing her to quickly pull the loosen sleeve of her kimono back into place hiding her bare flesh from further examination.
"Kouga I'm fine really" She tried to reassure him, there was no need for both of them to panic no matter how bad she currently felt.
"You're a bad liar" Kouga huffed out climbing to his feet suddenly.
"Kouga?" Kagome asked unsure what the wolf demon intended, it was clear he hadn't believed her, so what was he intending to do now?
Her eyes instantly went unnaturally wide at the sight of his fingers toying with the leather straps of his armor chest plate until they came undone.
"W-What are you doing?" Kagome asked feeling a bright wave of color heat her cheeks.
Kouga's only answer was tugging the thick steel of his armor over his head to reveal his sculpted bronze stomach and chest.
Kagome bowed her head instantly in embarrassment, what on earth was he doing? She didn't have much time to ponder on what type of situation was occurring between them before she felt the ground beneath her feet fall away.
Kouga's strong hands hooked under the bending over Kagome's knees and shoulders pulling her tightly to his chest as he began walking into the waiting water before them.
"Kouga! Hey!" Kagome squeaked in total surprise as she tried to wiggle her way out of his strong hold.
Kouga only held the struggling priestess tighter to him, he didn't care what kind of boundaries he was currently crossing between the two of them, this was for her health and that was far more important than discomfort they might feel 'bathing' together.
"You're body needs to cool off Kagome" He said sternly walking deeper and deeper into the cool water letting it seep into the thick fur wrapped around his sculpted waist.
Submerging in a hot springs probably wasn't the best idea in reducing a fever but this night was much colder than previous days and it had done a good job of cooling the usually steaming pool.
Kouga knew this was Kagome's best bet in keeping her condition in check no matter how embarrassed she might become with him holding her like this.
If he knew for a guarantee she wouldn't lose consciousness while bathing he would gladly leave her to it alone but he knew she couldn't give him that kind of reassurance, so for the time being he was remaining at her side no matter what.
Just as the cool water rose to the rim of his sculpted chest he loosened his grip on the now stiffen priestess letting her float at his side, careful not to release his strong hold on her waist incase she fainted.
Kagome was in utter disbelief, she knew Kouga's intentions were in the right place but that didn't make this scenario any less uncomfortable.
Here she was glued to the naked chest of her dear friend who only hours ago she had worried about his distant behavior.
Adding to her mortification the top white fabric of her kimono had become almost transparent with the wetness of the water engulfing her.
Her cheeks burned with both her growing sickness and shame as she hurriedly crossed her arms over her large breast hoping to conceal her almost naked skin.
Kouga surprisingly hadn't noticed her embarrassment fueled gesture to preoccupied with the non visible condition of her wound.
Without even thinking about the no doubt uncomfortable consequences of his actions he reached for the opening of her kimono before roughly pulling the material apart.
Kagome almost cried out in shock at the sudden forceful action but stifled herself at the look of sheer worry gleaming in Kouga's fiercely bright eyes.
He was oblivious to the clear view of her bare cleavage the full large orbs of her breast almost completely visible, the pink buds of her nipples hidden by the thin white woven bandages wrapped around her torso.
Kouga ran a soft finger over the length of her reddening wound gently as he could trying to determine what was the source of her worsening condition.
He knew little to nothing about human bodies and their healing abilities but he knew this injury couldn't possibly be recovering smoothly.
Kagome sunk her teeth into the soft skin of her bottom lip to stifle a gasp of an unknown sensation at the feeling of his touch.
Kouga looked down to the priestess resting in his arms in concern.
"Kagome tell me what to do" He pleaded, there had to be some way to treat her better than a cooling bath, even these waters didn't seem to have much effect on her condition.
Kagome cupped her hand over the hard plain of his palm, wanting to reassure him as best she could but she knew there was little to nothing that could be done at this point.
"I don't think there's anything you can do, it's not infected yet but it's getting worse." Kagome finally admitted her unease forcing herself to stare up at the slightly panicking wolf demon holding her to him.
"I don't have any herbs with me and I don't know any that grow around here. I'll just have to wait till we reach the village" Kagome whispered almost defeated, why had she been so stubborn in her want to return home? Look at the situation she had thrown them into? She was such an idiot.
Kouga could see the burning of aggravation light up Kagome's hazel eyes and he knew she was blaming herself for the weaken state she had unknowingly thrown herself into.
He wanted to reassure her that none of this was her fault, that it was his and his alone. If he hadn't let that ground urchin harm her in the first place none of this would be happening.
Kouga shook the thought from his head he would deal with his own growing guilt later right now he had more important things to focus on.
"We can't wait till we reach the village Kagome, that's way to long to leave you like this" He said worriedly, already trying his best to develop a better plan in his subconscious.
Her fever would undoubtedly worsen before they even came close to reaching Kaede's village, maybe even become life threatening.
Kouga felt his chest tighten at the thought, he wouldn't let that happen, no, no way in hell.
Kagome felt Kouga's hold on her submerged waist tighten and look of almost determination spread over his handsome face.
"Kouga?" She asked in questioning, what was developing in that head of his?
His name on her parted lips finally forced him to make a brash and maybe even completely foolish decision but he knew he wasn't left with any other options at this point.
"Kagome do you trust me?" He asked boldly meeting her confused gaze, he didn't have the slightest idea how she would react to his forthcoming plan but he hoped she would be understanding.
Kagome felt the flat surface of her soft palm stiffen on the resting place over his hard hand in confusion and unknowing.
What a strange question to ask a time like this? But she knew he must have a purpose for whatever he was thinking.
Kouga was one of the nearest and dearest people to her of course she trusted him but was that simple question really what he wanted an answer too?
"Y-Yes" Kagome whispered before her mind could protest against it.
Kouga's hidden grip on her narrow waist loosened only momentarily as he met her eye to eye with an almost apologetic stare.
"Okay" He whispered before releasing her all together.
Kagome was so confused, had she upset him? Why had he pulled away so suddenly?
Her questions never formed past a scattered thought before she was forcefully spun away from facing the now completely silent wolf demon.
Glistening water flew up around her blindingly before sinking into her spiraled out raven locks as she was turned away by an unknown force.
Then she felt the top half of her kimono tear away from her soft skin before the sensation of her now naked back pressed into something just as bare but much more heated than her own.
Kouga's muscular arm coiled around Kagome's almost naked waist preventing her from moving away from his hold as he held her to him back first impossibly tightly.
The other callused palm of his hand braced firmly on the long soft column of her neck, keeping her in the position he required.
"Kou-" Kagome gasped almost fearfully completely bewildered as to what was occurring between them.
He was holding her so tightly it was almost painful but also causing something dark and unknown to coil in the hidden depths of her belly, feeling the naked flesh of his chest press so hard and bare into the equally as clothless plain of back.
She couldn't muster another word before a totally new and alarming sensation surged through her like a flash of heat!
Kouga's moist heated lips engulfed the meeting of her shoulder and neck in a barrage of wet tortuously heated kisses.
The hot fleshly surface of his tongue massaging rough blissful circles in and around her lengthily wound.
Kagome's thoughts burst apart at the seems at the pure sensation flooding senses she didn't even know she processed as he began slowly sucking her delicate flesh.
Kouga's eyes burned narrowly open as he tried his best to ignore the overwhelming flooding scent of Kagome's natural perfume wafting into his nostrils.
This task was all but impossible for him to handle with a clear conscious, holding her like this making her shudder in his hold from the intensity of his touches.
He tried desperately to remind himself he was doing this simply for the sake of her healing benefit but the way she was responding to his actions made it all the more difficult to focus on the task at hand.
Wolf demons were one of a few canine like demon breeds who's saliva held natural healing powers. Kouga knew he had to do this if Kagome was going to have even a prayers chance of recovering safely, but why did this feel so incredibly wrong?
Kouga growled lowly against her, still able to feel the tingling the hot lashes of his tongue left behind, doing his best to make sure not an inch of her redden skin was neglected.
Kagome's breath had noticeably quicken by the time he reached the top of her shoulder blade having already passed over every inch of her shoulder.
Kagome squirmed in the hard grip of the wolf demon in desperation, this couldn't be happening, not with her, not with Kouga.
Kouga held her to him harder in warning.
"Don't move" He commanded between long lingering kisses.
Kagome unconsciously obeyed having used the last bit of her will to defy him, what was happening to her body?
She sucked in a breath sharply as his tongue circled around the ending of her injury to trace over flawless cream colored skin.
His touches were so soft so tender she could hardly believe a demon such as Kouga who was capable of killing with these exact fangs could be so caring.
Her breath was quickly reduced to erratic pants as he began working his way back up towards the meeting of her neck, unable to stop herself, she released a shuddering moan in response.
Kouga's grip on her throat tighten automatically trying to quell her clearly rising pleasure.
This wasn't suppose to be about lust or attraction it was supposed to aid her, not to mention just the amazingly sweet sound of her arousal made his blood pump faster.
Kouga growled lowly, he had to fight through this he was almost done treating her! Just a little while longer and he could release her fully, act as though none of this had happened.
But gods damn him if she didn't stop shuddering and whimpering in his hold he didn't know how much longer his self control could hold out!
Kouga continued his assault on her neck and shoulder until he was absolutely sure he had coated over ever trace of her injury in his healing essence.
He commanded his body to release the panting woman in his arms to step back and let the merciful gap of distance stop the throbbing ache in his body to continue.
But his own being betrayed him never even faltering for a moment as he began sucking and kissing once again only this time licking heated pressurize circles high over the long smooth column of her neck wanting to savor her sweet uninjured skin.
The hand that had held her so tortuously close to his body traveled dangerously lowly just above the exposed mounds of her breast.
Kagome nearly cried out barely able to contain her composure as she felt the hot surface of his palm caress her collar bone, wanting him, needing him to go lower to the now aching buds of her erect nipples.
Never before had she felt sheer want like this was possible, her body was blindly craving more of what the wolf demon holding her had to offer even if her mind would have railed against it was she able to form conscious thoughts.
She squeezed her eyes shut tightly as he allowed him to have her in anyway he pleased surrendering to the absolute heat his tongue and lips provided.
She gasp loudly at the feeling of his hard pelvis grinding against her.
Her small hands fisted around the material of his soaked fur desperate to hold onto anything that might anchor her down to the plain of reality.
Her head was spinning conscious thoughts were nothing but a dream as she arched against him craving more of what he was bestowing upon her.
Her submerged thighs unknowingly clenched together trying to quell the throbbing unknown longing building up inside her.
Kouga licked and sucked feverishly up and down her neck savoring the incredibly sweet taste of her skin, never before had he thought anything could possibly taste so good.
Not even Ayame's ivory flesh could compete with the creamy texture of the human girl he held tangled in his arms.
Kouga groaned low and dangerous with the thought of his absent mate, god what was he doing?
This had to stop, it had to, it wasn't to late he just had to pull away, explain this all away in his healing process. Kagome would believe him, wouldn't she?
Damn his soul to the blackest pit he didn't want to stop! Not for a moment he wanted to lick and suck every visible and non visible inch of the priestess in his arms. Taste her sweetness at its very core and drive himself into her until she surrender to much needed climax that he knew he could provide her.
She was a virgin, so inexperienced and innocent to the dark and devious ways of sex, god the things he could teach her! The countless ways he could make her cry out in ecstasy and wither in sheer bliss.
But she wasn't his to claim, he had a mate, he had Ayame he had to remember that! He had to fight to hold onto the image of his auburn haired mate who would undoubtedly be crushed at the mere thought of his lustful behavior.
Desperate and clearly reluctant Kouga withdrew his mouth from the heated trail of brutal kisses he had left behind.
Fighting with every bit of what remained of his pride to resist continuing his sensation assault on the panting girl in his arms.
He had done his best to push away but stopping his caress of her neck was all he couldn't manage, his arms still remained helplessly locked around Kagome in a last attempt to hold onto her just a bit longer.
Kagome's eyes were bleary with tears from the blinding sensation she had just endured but somehow she managed to turn just enough to peer over her naked shoulder to the wolf demon still leering down at her.
Her cheeks were aflame, her body was on fire thanks to him and yet he was doing nothing to quell the burning he had created.
Unconsciously she bit into the parted flesh of her soft pink lip watching his gaze pass over her almost apologetically, but also tantalizingly remorseful.
The heat secretly rising in her body intensified at the look burning in his azure eyes luminous with the reflection of the heated pool of water they still currently stood in.
Kagome was ripped out of her state of disbelief at the tender feeling of Kouga's thumb swiping away a tear that had unknowingly fallen down her rosy cheek.
A gasp softly passing her lips as he did so, she was hardly able to speak as her clear desire and rising need began to ache within her.
"We should stop" Kouga whispered almost pleadingly, but still unable to find the strength to release her from his iron hold.
Kagome wanted to heed his request only because she feared what the throbbing want in her body might make her do otherwise, but still she made no motion to leave his grip.
Kouga was equally as helpless only able to hold her against him and stare into the radiating pull of her hazel eyes unsure of what to do next.
He wanted to recoil from her like he knew he should end this tortures situation he had thrown them into but instead he became abruptly aware of the closing distance between their parted lips.
Was he moving towards her? Was she coming towards him, oh god what was happening?
His words were lost in a shattering catastrophic event as blindly driven by sheer and absolute want, their lips found each other through the darkness.
Oh Oh Oh now we are getting into the good stuff! Or would this be the bad stuff? Either way we are making some head way here!
I cant give away spoilers because I'm cruel like that but believe you me you don't wanna miss the up coming chapters, whenever I find the time to update *sigh*
Back to the drawing board!
See ya soon!