Lets bring in the new year properly! With an update! Thanks so much for the patience, I really do appreciate it! Classes have been really kicking the crap out of me lately but it will be worth it in the end!
So on with the new chapter, and the new year!
Note For Review's:
Kouga's older woman - Of course not! He's just misunderstood (aren't we all?)
JJ - Sooner than you think!
Kat - Oh now that would make for some interesting drama!
Carmen - Thank you for knowing that you'd be surprised how many people disagree! Psh, blind I say! Thanks for the review!
Dania - Sooo true! Remember if you love something set it free! Or cripple it so it cant get away…then again that might just be me lol
.Thal - Thanks so much I hope you really like the update!
Guest - You know me screw romance I want action! Lol
Lil-faf - Still worth the wait? I hope so! Thanks so much for detailing out what you like about my story it really shows me what I'm doing is working! I really like to go in depth about the relationships they go through it makes them more relatable I think! Looking forward to future reviews! Much love!
AmorFatiAhMi - Don't we both! Never could stand her! Always in the damn way of real love! Lol And you totally get my point on the whole Inu thing! I don't want him not to love her because that wouldn't be realistic but I think if they really had a strong physical relationship there wouldn't be much wriggle room for our favorite wolf! So whala intimacy issues and Kouga is in the all clear I think lol On the north thing I swear things will loop together soon there just in mid loop right now. And believe you me those bandits are gonna get what's coming to them. Thanks for the support!
Naruto4Sakura - Thanks so much! Really appreciate the support!
MadamScorpio - Oh come on darkness is the wonderful part about forbid fruit! Thanks so much for the review/support look forward to more!
Bluedragongirlhv - Me and you both! Thanks so much!
Vocaloid Marmalade88 - I know your pain that's kinda why I try and keep my stories out of the box! Repetitive plot lines kill me! Thanks so much for the support!
Moonlight Shadow Huntress - Patiently wait no more! Updated and ready to be read. Much love!
Naners - Sorry for the delay! I would like you to know though it was your review that finally got me on my butt to type this chapter up finally! Thanks so very very much!
Leti0422 - Why thank you! Appreciate the support and look forward to more reviews!
Chapter Eight
Confessions
Ghoulishly the moon hung over the vast and empty forest below casting a haunting dim light on the bare and twisted branches of the frost riddled trees.
The mellow silence that usually engulfed the dark scenery of the woods at this dead of night was momentarily broken as huffing and erratic fueled breathing filled the winter cold air.
"I-I cant believe that happened!" An unfamiliar and rustic armored colored stranger panted out. His frantic and enlarged eyes scanning the faces of his equally disheveled comrades.
Each one stained black with the soot of the village they had just so narrowly escaped, their musk and filth coated bodies still reeking like the gun powder of the explosives they had created.
"That demon! He killed the boss!" Another gruffed his body slumped with clear exhaustion.
"What the hell was a demon doing there anyways? I thought they ate our kind?" One overly weighted bandit asked as he fumbled to the ground in a sitting position hot sweat trickling from his thick brow.
"Who cares?! At least we got away." One called from the far reach of the group releasing the reins to his horse who by now was barely standing from the hour long ride it had endured.
"What should we do now?" The planted bandit asked from his firm seat on the snow spotted forest floor.
"Rest up. We'll hit another village in the morning, one far away from here. Maybe they'll have some supplies." The first spoken bandit suggested running his dirt stained fingertips through his thinning hair.
The others were about to agree to do just that when the sudden rustling of the brush just out of sight caught all their off guarded attention.
All stared in the direction of the sound but were unable to see anything past the blinding darkness.
"W-What was that?" One asked tensely.
"A hog." Another quickly replied, the lack of confidence in his accusation clear.
Then the rustling happened again this time closer and on the opposite side of the huddled group.
All spun to face the jarring noise but again were unable to see anything past the nearest tree base.
"W-W should get out of here-" The overweight bandit stuttered panic rising in his shaky voice.
Then the horses in the back reared loudly their nostrils flared and their ears erect as the went sprinting into the woods instinctively!
"The horses! Get them!" The substitute leader ordered.
"Come back-" The thinning haired bandit called running blindly after the already vanished animals.
Then the moment the bandit left the sight of the group a horrid blood curdling cry pierced the air! A jolt of terror immediately shooting through each remaining member of the huddle!
Adding to the absolute dread the poor lighting of the forest darkened impossibly more! Thick snow clouds covering the glowing orb of the moon shrouding the woodland below in a blinding blackness.
The center bandit turned to his comrades in panic. Unable to even see his hand in front of his face.
But then he heard it! The sudden unmistakable sound of flesh being torn and dying gasp of wrenching pain fill the frost bitten air.
Feeling like a child in the shadow of a monster the bandit fell to his knees covering his head terrified and trembling as suddenly the horrid sounds faded away into bitter silence.
Then softly the moonlight returned piercing the black and once again returning sight to the cowering man.
With tear filled eyes the bandit peered up from his petrified position to witness the horror he hadn't seen descend upon him.
Scattered and absolutely shredded body parts laid sprawled out around him. Mangled flesh of what was once his friends laying torn and mounted in a pool of crimson blood.
Just to his right the severed head of his comrade, staring up at him with dead hazy gray eyes.
The bandit fell back in horror!
But unlike before when he had been unable to see what beast had brought this hell upon him and those who had known, the culprit had made himself known and was standing in front of him like a phantom of death itself.
Fierce azure eyes glared down at him and fresh bright red blood dripped form his bronze colored finger tips.
And instantly the bandit knew who had caused this slaughter. It was him, the demon from the village. The wolf demon!
"P-P-Please-" The bandit begged like he had never begged before, knowing full well he might as well had been staring death itself in the face.
Kouga stared down at the shivering human behind an emotionless mask before finally breaking the cold dread filled silence between them.
"You picked the wrong village." He whispered coldly.
Then without an ounce of remorse, Kouga raised his blood stained claws, and tore the shell of the human apart.
The thin and heavily weathered bamboo matt acting as the only barrier between the aged hut and the darkening outside world shifted slightly as a slumped and clearly exhausted form came stepping through.
Kagome let the suddenly heavy wooden arch of her bow slip from her blood and ash stained fingertips as she made her way completely under the rustic roof of her home. Not even bothering to put the energy into trying to crawl her way to her enticing bed.
Settling instead to simply rest her weary head against the closest wall to her barely standing form and slide down until the aching pressure that had been building inside her injured leg began to subside.
Silently she sat there in the cool dark walls of her hut listening to the dying wind outside and the ever so lightly shifting of the weather beginning to lighten into a constant dark cold.
She sighed heavily. She honestly couldn't remember a day when she had felt this utterly defeated. Not a moment after Kaede had done her best to mend her leg, Kagome had been called to almost every hut left standing to tend to the wounded and sick.
Lasts nights catastrophic disaster when those bandits had decided to attack the village had left so much damage behind it was almost impossible to know where to begin picking up the pieces.
Dozens were dead, countless more injured including Sango who had suffered several broken ribs and had been left unable to tend to her no doubt traumatized children.
Kagome felt her glossed hazel eyes darken at the remembrance of the look of fear and terror written on their once so carefree faces. Luckily Kaede had spent her day tending to them, while Kagome had nominated herself to take on the task of trying to help rebuild the village.
Try as she might Kagome couldn't shake the feeling of failure no matter how many people she had slaved away to save today. She had healed countless, treated and sutured all those who had cried out for her aid and still on the inside she was hollow.
It seemed for every one villager she tended too there were endless parades of more who needed equal if not more attention. She actually didn't know just how long she had been out there amongst the people she called friends helping to undo the damage that had been cast down upon them.
Her efforts were clear in just one glance down at her disheveled state. Her hair was messed and wild even with her best attempt to bind it back in a tight hair band as any priestess usually would. The top white half of her kimono was so badly stained with black smeared ash and discolored blood it almost look an entire shade all together.
Her usually flawless cream colored skin no different, hard smears of almost every substance imaginable marring what was visible. The only thing that remained the same were her hazel eyes, bright and exuberant as they always had been but so bleared with exhaustion not a soul could tell.
Kagome breathed out heavily a visible cloud of cold winter air framing her breath as she sank lower into her wall supported spot.
As drained as she physically was, she couldn't help but be thankful for all the time she had to avoid what thoughts had been threatening to consume her all day. But, now being here with nothing but the empty confines of her home to keep her company the images she had railed against all this time were coming in waves and she was left helpless to fight against them.
Images of her, flesh exposed, lips parted in hot steady breaths and exhilarating moans filling the night air as she had lost herself in the arms of the absent azure eyed wolf demon.
Kagome sealed her eyes tightly at the memory of lasts nights most devastating event. The moment she had lost herself in a heated cloud of sheer passion and betrayed everything she thought she was.
Kagome had always told herself she was loyal, especially to the one she loved above all others but it was clear enough to her now she was nothing more than a liar to her own nonexistent moral core.
In one, weak, stupid moment! She had given up everything she had fought so hard to hold onto, ands what made things so much worse. The man she knew she truly loved, had no idea of her treachery.
Inuyasha was hundreds of miles away, and knew absolutely nothing. That thought alone was enough to cripple her entirely.
But not so much to take her mind completely off the question that still lingered inside her. Where was the other man she now knew she cared much more deeply for? Willingly or not.
Last night while in the midst of all the chaos and destruction, that had been the last time she had seen the absent wolf demon. The moment she had seen him slay the lead bandit in front of Mi and Sa's innocent eyes before disappearing into the night without a trace.
She had half expected him to return sometime today, for what purpose she had no idea but she had braced herself all the same. But, instead not a single hint of his presence had revealed itself. Nothing at all. Not even the feel of his demonic aura.
Which made Kagome secretly wonder. Had Kouga left?
She felt her heart sink at the mere idea. Could Kouga just disappear? After last night, could he really just run away forgetting all that they had unintentionally shared?
Kagome closed her eyes tightly. She didn't want to think about it anymore. It wouldn't help to linger on the questions building up inside her.
Then again no matter how hard she tried a small twinge of her questioning remained. What would happen if Kouga had decided to leave?
Would she worry? Would she even care. Maybe…Maybe things would be easier if he had gone…if he just disappeared…
Then softly a lone hot tear rolled down Kagome's ash stained cheek cutting a clear path through the blackness to roll off her chin.
Silently Kagome's eyes opened in disbelief as she only now realized she was beginning to cry.
Tiredly she wiped away any remainders that might have followed before tucking her knees securely to her chest hugging herself tightly in an effort to console these gnawing feeling that were beginning to consume her.
She didn't know what she wanted anymore. Did she want to be angry at herself? Or morn for the future she might have given up? Or just worry for a wolf demon she knew wasn't worrying about her?
Either way, out of all the things she was unwillingly feeling, one aching pain was unmistakable. Shame.
A loud and sickly sneeze echoed loudly over the vast almost endless mountain cliffs. The cold stone spotted with heavy snow and flickering embers of mounted torches burning randomly around the rock border for visibility.
Tiredly and clearly miserable Hakkaku wiped the back of his hand under his redden nose and swore under his breath. This weather couldn't have been more unbearable.
Why was it always so damn cold? Did the sun suddenly hate this place as much as he was beginning too.
If his days weren't filled enough with scavenging for food to feed the seemingly bottomless mountain his nights were even more torment having to endure hours upon hours of over seeing guard duty.
Sure he and Ginta shared the burden left behind by their absentee leader, who at this point seemed no more than a memory.
The mohawk haired wolf demon couldn't even remember how long it had been since he had laid eyes on his pack alpha but it felt like an eternity.
How was it possible he had been able to shoulder this much responsibility? It didn't seem realistic for one man, even if he was a full fledge demon to suffer this much and still have time to handle a mate and a mountain full of demons who relied on him.
Kouga most definitely was something else, and Hakkaku most certainty had a brand new respect for his tribe leader.
Even if at this point he hated his guts for dumping this much work into his lap.
Hakkaku gruffed lowly before burrowing his nose into the thick fur pelt he currently nestled himself into. All the while thinking one thing, and one thing only.
Winter was hell.
The village streets were charred, crisp blackness of scorched earth clashing with the brilliant unstained white of the silently falling snow beginning to mound around the barely standing huts.
All of this beautifully tragic scene reflecting in the deep azure orbs of the lone figure walking down the center of the seemingly deserted road.
Kouga marched silently feeling as the cold bit into his slightly dampened skin already beginning to miss the heat the hot springs he had come across mere moments ago had provided.
Honestly it hadn't been the wisest of ideas to bathe at all in this frigid weather but Kouga knew very well he couldn't return to this place the way he was.
He could still vividly remember seeing his almost unrecognizable reflection in the steaming water. Fierce deep blue orbs peering out from behind a mask of harden crimson blood. He had absolutely been covered in the essence of the bandits he had slaughtered.
Then again the merciless way he had slain the accursed humans, it was to be expected for him to be unruly in appearance.
But to be honest with himself it wasn't just slaying those men that had kept him away from this place for so long. He hadn't wanted to face the consequences of what he had left behind.
At this very moment as he forced himself down the desolate streets he could feel the urge to retreat. What was he expected to do? After last night so many things were uncertain and most definitely catastrophic.
Everything he was, seemed so far away. He wasn't the wolf he was when he had come to this village. He was a virtual stranger to himself.
He was unfaithful to the woman he was suppose to love. He was knowingly postponing his due journey back to the east where he belonged, just to spend a few more fleeting moments with the priestess he craved in the most damaging way.
He was wrong to want the things he did. He knew that all to well. But he couldn't stop himself anymore, denying what was down right tearing him apart from the inside out was no longer an option.
He wanted Kagome to his very core, and that very knowledge threaten to break him.
Pulling the conflicted wolf demon from his thoughts Kouga heard the faint but familiar sound of children. Children he knew all to well.
Peering upwards he caught sight of the two figures he had suspected.
Mi and Sa stood only a few feet away obviously unaware of his presence as they tossed a small leather ball back and forth between them.
It was clear from the look on their youthful faces they weren't really enjoying their game, most likely being forced to play together while waiting just outside the unfazed hut entrance.
The scent of fresh blood and medical herbs filled Kouga's nostrils and he knew instantly what was occurring. Their mother, the demon slayer must've been having her bandages changed no doubt not wanting her daughter to witness such a worrisome procedure had sent them away temporarily.
Kouga stood their just narrowly out of sight of the twin girls watching them at their attempt to distract each other. A strange lingering feeling of almost pity building inside him just beneath the surface.
He was unsure how to approach the situation until the toy the girls tossed between them came rolling forward, being accidentally dropped by Mi it came to a stop just at his feet.
Mi unaware of the wolf demons presence hurried to retrieve the ball coming within inches of Kouga until her large and suddenly surprised eyes met Kouga's unreadable gaze.
The demon slayer daughter instantly froze in place and it wasn't a moment more that Sa saw the very thing her sister had and darted to her side in worry.
Kouga tried to aid the suddenly tense situation as best he could kneeling down gently before palming the worn leather ball in hand.
Slowly he extended the toy out to the motionless twins before him.
"Here" He said calmly. But neither girl moved an inch. If anything they recoiled.
Kouga felt his naturally bright eyes darken in regret. Who was he kidding? They were petrified of him. He could see it plainly on their uncertain and fear filled faces.
Not that he could blame them. After all the last time he had seen the two of them he had basically gutted a man right before their very eyes.
Kouga instantly shook away the memory.
He wanted to try and mend what he could, even if he really didn't believe he had a chance.
"You don't have to be afraid. I'm not gonna hurt you." Kouga promised inching the toy in hand just a bit closer.
Mi peeked at her sister in uncertainty before turning her attention back to Kouga then quickly she snatched the ball from his hand almost as if she was terrified to make direct contact with the demon kneeling before her.
Kouga let his hand fall away watching as Mi held the worn toy to her chest tightly like she was beyond afraid it might roll away again, maybe this time closer to him.
Nervously Kouga ran a strong hand through his raven locks.
"Listen, I'm sorry about last night-" Kouga began as sincerely as he could.
"I shouldn't have-" He hesitated, trying to find the right words to continue.
"You two should have never seen that." He finished with a heavy sigh.
Both and Mi and Sa didn't say a word in reply only shared a glance between one another like they didn't have the faintest idea what to say or how to react from this point.
Kouga understood completely. They were just kids, of course they weren't going to be able to face him after what he had done. He wouldn't be surprised if they hated him, maybe they did.
Kouga climbed to his feet defeat. There wasn't any use in trying, what was the point? They were obviously terrified of him. He could smell it on their trembling form.
Somberly he looked ahead wondering what he should do now? Or just how far away he should distance himself from the silent girls.
That was until Mi's soft voice broke the hard silence between them.
"M-Mommy told us-" Mi stammered timidly "She told us wh-why you hurt that bad man."
Kouga peered down at the pair of girls standing apprehensively before him.
"Oh?" He asked softly trying to mask the surprise in his voice that he had actually been spoken too.
"S-She said sometimes bad people want to hurt good people. A-And that why you hurt him first-" Mi explained remembering the tender words her mother had whispered to her and her sister the previous night.
"To save us." Sa finished clutching her sisters kimono sleeve nervously.
Kouga sighed heavily before kneeling down swiftly rocking back on his heels tiredly.
"Your mothers right. There are bad people in this world, a lot of them. Including me-" Kouga whispered.
He had thought he wanted to make things better between him and the girls but honestly it wasn't about that anymore. They were so naive in the brutality of this world, innocents like theirs never lasted and they needed to be prepared.
They needed to know danger, it was the only way they were going to be able to survive.
"Y-You're not bad wolflyman-" Mi whispered
"Yes I am." Kouga breathed coldly. Unwanted images of what had transpired mere hours ago flashing before his eyes.
Images of Kagome riving in his lustful hold, and gory memories of the blood and carnage he had created amongst those bandits.
"Don't you two ever forget that! I'm a demon! You cant ever trust a demon!" He snapped angrily, positive the booming in his voice would send them cowering to their mother.
But astonishingly they didn't flinch, instead Mi stepped forward bravely almost livid herself.
"That's not true!" She protested loudly
"I-Inuyasha, Shippo, and Kilala-" Sa defended at her sisters side.
"Their all demons, and t-their our friends!" She continued
"A-And your our friend too!" Both girls cried out angrily!
Then before Kouga could react both girls threw themselves forward!
The stunned wolf demon didn't even have time to flinched as he felt both girls crushed against him! Wrapping their small arms around his thick neck holding him tightly as they buried their faces in either side of his shoulders.
"Y-You saved us wolflyman-" Mi cried weakly "So don't say you're bad! Cause your not!"
Kouga knelt there frozen. He was motionless, feeling as the hot tears of both girls began to seep into his bronze skin. They were…embracing him…
He couldn't believe this.
Years ago he had slaughtered dozens of human children just like the ones holding onto him without a second thought. Sending his wolves to ravage their villages and devour each one alive.
And yet here he was. Feeling as two human girls clung to him, even cried for him, like…like… he really did mean something to each one of them.
Finally finding the will to move Kouga gently lifted a lone strong arm before wrapping himself around both girls. Feeling as their small bodies trembled against his own.
His burning royal blue eyes narrowed in amazement, but also something deeper. Astonishment.
Humans really were remarkable.
Then after a few moments Mi and Sa sniffed away their tears before pulling away from the utterly speechless wolf demon meeting his soften azure orbs.
Kouga extended out a hand skimming his knuckles against both girls cheeks wiping away the remainder of their tears.
"Its late, you two should go to bed." He whispered attentively.
"Okay" Mi and Sa sniffled in unison.
"Goodnight wolfly man-" Both girls chimed, then together they turned towards the hut they called home.
Kouga watched them disappear into the safety of their house with an aching feeling of guilt. He never thought something like this was possible. That he of all demons would actually get attached, to human children of all things.
But it had happened all the same.
And seeing them go, knowing full well it might be the last time he ever saw their little faces made him hurt in an unfamiliar way.
Frustrated Kouga shook off the lingering unsure feelings before climbing to his feet, he couldn't afford to waste anymore time. He had one person left to see and then, one way or another, he would put this place behind him.
Silently Kouga crept away from the hut walking steadily until he was only a short distance away.
Before movement in the corner of his eyes caught his full attention.
He half expected one of the twins to be tailing him until he turned to face the figure who he had just now noticed emerged from the shadows.
Instantly Kouga's jaw tensed and he felt his heart pound unsteadily in his chest at the sight.
Kagome.
Amazed he hadn't noticed her until now Kouga turned to face the firmly planted priestess. Obviously seeing as she wasn't near as surprised by his sudden appearance as he was, she had been standing there for some time.
Then it dawned on him, Kagome must've been standing watch over the twins just outside of view.
"Kagome," Kouga whispered unsure of how to react knowing he had been watched all this time without him knowing.
"Kouga-" Kagome began calmly, her eyes filling with what looked like appreciation of all things.
"Thank you, for coming to see them-" Kagome whispered her head nodding in the direction of the hut the twins had just vanished into.
"It seemed to help a lot." She smiled faintly.
Kouga only nodded, he hadn't said anything that the girls hadn't thrown back into his face. If anything they had helped themselves, despite his best efforts to apologize.
Forcing himself to remain focused on her Kouga glanced down at her crimson pant covered leg in questioning.
"Your wound. How is it?" He asked concern thick in his voice. He hadn't had the opportunity to check in on Kagome earlier like he had wanted too so badly.
To know that she was alright. Though he doubted she would have wanted to see him at all after last night.
Which is why he had simply opted to talk to the elder priestess who had assured him in secret Kagome's life was in no danger.
"Oh better-" Kagome reassured him with an intentional step on her still slightly sore leg.
"It's healing slowly, but I'm doing fine." She promised.
"Good." Kouga breathed, at least he had that to be thankful for.
"What about yours?" Kagome asked her hazel eyes falling the unbandaged meeting of Kouga's shoulder.
It hadn't occurred on her until now to realize the wound was much lighter than it had ever been. Cleary it was healing well though it seemed to still need a little bit of care to help it along the way.
Kouga shrugged his only slightly damaged shoulder. The pain was almost non existent at this point though it still contained an annoying throb on occasion, but it was manageable.
"Healed enough." Kouga confirmed cupping his hand over the almost fully restored wound.
Kagome felt Kouga's words linger in the frost chilled air. Like there was some sort of deeper meaning behind them and she saw fit to question exactly what it was.
"Enough?" She asked calmly "Enough for what?"
Kouga didn't respond, only starred at her with those piercing azure eyes that always made her shiver just beneath the surface. And instantly Kagome knew the hidden meaning behind those orbs.
"You're leaving-" Kagome breathed shakily "Aren't you?"
"Should I stay?" Kouga asked taking a daring step forward watching as Kagome's eyes instantly widened in uncertainty.
Kagome looked at the wolf demon with confliction clear on her face. What could she possibly say in response to something like that?
She didn't have an answer. There were just no words.
"Thought so." Kouga chuckled dryly and without humor.
"Kouga." Kagome began almost frightened. She had dreaded this moment, and when it would arrive and it seemed like her fears were finally being realized.
Kouga was leaving, and though deep down she knew it would be for the better to let him go. The idea of him, just not being here anymore it…it scared her.
She was frantic and uncertain but she wasn't ready to let their friendship go. Kouga meant something to her! And though she might not know exactly what she didn't want to see him disappear, not like this.
"About last night," She started remorsefully
"We could get past it. I mean if we really tried too I'm sure we-" Kagome took a shaky breath she didn't know what she was saying! She didn't want to feed into false hope but she didn't want to lose what she and Kouga had, the friendship they shared it was important to her!
Awkwardness aside she knew if they tried if they really committed they could still keep it! Didn't he want that? To be in her life?
"We both know it was a mistake." Kagome stated plainly, thinking the wolf demon before her shared her firm belief in what they had done was never to repeat itself.
"It wasn't a mistake." Kouga corrected sharply catching Kagome completely off guard.
Speechless Kagome met his hard gaze and fought not to flinch at the intensity of their stare.
"Last night-" Kouga stated firmly his fiercely narrow eyes never faltering in their piercing gleam of dark determination.
"It was wrong. It was selfish and despicable. I betrayed Ayame and every vow I ever stood for as a wolf demon." Kouga said coldly and uncaring but never hesitating on what came next.
"But it wasn't a mistake." He vowed boldly stepping forward closing the already narrow distance between him and the wordless priestess before him.
"Being with you-" He whispered heatedly making Kagome shiver unintentionally.
"Just those few moments you were in my arms," Kouga rasped reaching out and cupping Kagome cheek softly feeling the cool skin of her face meet the hot pad of his calloused palm.
Kagome fought the urge to pull away so paralyzed by the longing glow illuminating from the wolf demons azure eyes glaring down at her.
"It meant so much more to me…than anything else… I've ever felt-" Kouga swore his thumb gently running over Kagome naturally soft skin.
Coming so close to making contact with the corner of her mouth his eyes faltering only slightly to her parted lips as if he was forcing himself not to kiss her hungrily here and now.
"Including Ayame," Kouga breathed beginning to lose himself in Kagome's intoxicating pull.
That phrase alone broke the wordless spell Kagome had fallen under.
"Kouga! Don't say that! What happened between us-" Kagome snapped forcefully shoving Kouga hand away breaking the contact between them completely.
"No matter how you feel! It doesn't change anything! You and Ayame are mated! A-And I'm with Inuyasha!" Kagome defiantly shouted, she wasn't letting this happen! Not again…
"Last night changed everything!" Kouga barked angrily
"I realized, I finally realized! All this time, all these years! Ayame has been my mate in title only!" Kouga swore.
Did she think this was just some fleeting impulse he wanted to give into? That he hadn't agonized over this realization? He had mated a woman he could never truly love! This was killing him!
Ayame didn't deserve this! That was painfully clear! But he couldn't deny what he wanted anymore.
"What I want-" Kouga started reaching out for Kagome once more, needing, wanting to feel her close.
"What I've always wanted, is you." He promised and it was a vow from his deepest core.
Kagome shook her head angrily already feeling the threat of tears begin to build in her hazel eyes. Why was he saying these things? They were pointless!
No matter what he said. No matter what he did. She wasn't his to have, and he would never be hers!
"You cant stand there and tell me you don't feel the same! If you didn't, then you never would have been with me the way you were!" Kouga shouted, remembering all to clearly the way Kagome had arched into his touch, the way she had moaned his name into the cold winter air.
Kagome wanted to deny his words but she couldn't find her voice. She couldn't find the strength to defend her actions. How could she?
Kouga didn't hesitate roughly he coiled a strong arm around Kagome waist pulling her to him tightly. His head dipping to the crook of her neck beginning to lavish hot linger kisses on the column of her neck.
"Let me go!" Kagome protested thrashing in his hold.
Kouga ignored her attempts to get away instead taking the soft lobe of her ear between his fangs biting down on the tender flesh heatedly making her gasp.
"Kagome, tell me…" Kouga whispered hotly into her ear "I know you feel it…"
She could deny it all she wanted but her body was betraying her secrets. Her thick scent of cherry blossoms was intensifying and it was clear she was ready for him to explore her more.
Kagome was fighting with everything she had. She couldn't lie to herself, her body was desperate for more of what Kouga was giving but her mind held fast and she fought all the same to escape!
"I said let go!" Kagome demanded shoving herself out of Kouga's arms as hard as she could and unwillingly the wolf demon let her slip away.
Kouga stood there watching as Kagome angrily clawed away her half formed tears, her breath coming out in short frantic pants like she was literally battling to stay in control of herself.
"I'm not making the same mistake twice!" Kagome hissed bitterly
Kouga was caught of guard by her verbal attack and it showed, an unmaskable look of hurt spreading over his handsome face.
"You wanted a reason to stay? Then hear me clearly when I say you are not getting one!" Kagome vowed furiously blinded by fear of what was threatening to transpire between them.
"I don't want you here Kouga! I don't ever want to see you again!" She spat with all the hurt that had been building inside her for days now.
"Kagome-" Kouga started, he wasn't letting her go. Not like this!
That was until he dared to take a step forward and his body suddenly pulsed with the all to familiar sensation of sheer danger.
It had taken him a second but soon he realized what was causing his instincts to flare as they were.
Glancing down his eyes caught sight of Kagome's opened palms. Each one illuminating with a shimmering light of faint purple haze.
She was surging with spiritual energy and Kouga knew if he dared to reach out for her once more, she would purify him.
Disbelief surged through Kouga's eyes, would she really go that far just to keep them apart? Did she fear what they had that much?
"I want you to leave Kouga." Kagome said coldly but the lingering feeling of tears tugging inside her ached all the same.
"And this time. Don't come back." She cried.
Kouga stepped back strongly his eyes filling with understanding but at the same time protest at what he knew she was doing to him.
Heatedly Kouga turned from her staring ahead into the nothingness of the snow and midnight covered darkness laying ahead of him.
He would do as she commanded, but not out of fear or obligation to his tribe. But to let what he had to say next truly sink into her.
Peering coldly over his shoulder Kouga met her bleary hazel eyes and made sure she heard every word that came from his lips.
"You can send me away Kagome. But it doesn't change anything. Not a damn thing." He whispered callously.
Then he turned fully towards her searing his azure eyes into her shaken form until he was sure she was moments away from crumbling under the weight of his inescapable glare.
"And you know it."
Then with a fierce spinning of a cyclone laced with ice and heavy snow.
He was gone.
Embers swirled into the black night sky dying on the icy chilled air as they flew off the towering cliffs of the mountain peeks.
Navy colored eyes watched as the glowing flames of the small fire creating the dimming flakes of light began to fade away.
Tiredly Roiyaru tightened his grip on the rugged edged spear in his hold as he eyed the darkness vastly ahead of him. Clear black almost all that could be seen from this height of his assigned position placed on the bluff.
His breath huffed out lowly in a heated cloud as he peered down the rock face to the dozen of other watch fires burning knowing each one lit the way for a comrade no doubt just as equally as cold and drained as he currently was.
But as exhausted as they may all be from the relentless cold that battered them, the mountain needed guarding.
He wasn't sure what had occurred lately but the other demons in the territory that dwelled off the mountain side were becoming restless. Just last evening a group of lesser beast had attempted to burrow themselves into the caves at the foot of the valley, as if trying to escape something unknown.
Roiyaru shook the thought away. Perhaps they were just trying to search for food, which at this time of year was becoming more scarce.
For now though the north would be alright, they always were. Even without the lack of leadership they had known all these years.
Roiyaru eyes narrowed at the thought of his elder. Of Yorozoku and the guidance he had always provided, that was until the mysterious illness he suffered through had grabbed hold of him.
Though it pained him to think of such things he wondered deep down. Just how much longer would his leader hold out?
Breaking his sadden train of thought Roiyaru's pointed ears perked at the sound of footstep approaching.
He turned towards the nearing figure half expecting to see one of his men plead for a temporarily leave from the cold but he was proven wrong in an instant.
He knew that the moment is dark eyes met with a pair of emerald orbs he knew all to well.
"Ayame." Roiyaru breathed in surprise watching as the auburn haired demoness came towards him silently.
"You shouldn't be out here." He said worriedly, this cold wasn't prejudice it would be just as bitter to her as it was all the others. And the blood heir to his clan shouldn't be jeopardized in such a way.
"I'm fine." Ayame replied appreciatively
"I actually came to see you." She confessed tightening her grip around the white plush fur draped around her shoulders.
"Of coarse." Roiyaru stated instinctively bowing his head in respect "What do you need?"
"I'd like you to go down the mountain, to the valley." Ayame said lightly but he could clearly hear the questioning in her voice.
Instantly Roiyaru felt his brow arch. Not that he would ever think twice to question a command from his superior but this was sudden and completely unexpected.
The trip down the mountain was treacherous to say the least, and he knew without any further explanation Ayame would not ask something like this of him unless it was important.
"I would go myself, but I don't want to leave grandpa any longer than I have too." Ayame admitted knowing she had only left her substitute parent a moment or two ago to ask this of her dear friend.
Roiyaru shook his head in understanding.
"No need to explain. What do you need from the bottom of the mountain?" The navy eyed wolf asked unwaveringly.
Ayame smiled warmly, she always could cont on the loyal wolf demon standing before her.
"I want you to look for someone for me." She said noticing Roiyaru listened to her every word intensely.
"A half demon by the name Inuyasha." Ayame finished remembering the previous night she had spoken to her wolf about the strange new scent he had come across.
"Inuyasha? I've heard that name before." Roiyaru asked unable to place an image with the mention of the half demon Ayame spoke of but remembering the title all the same.
"Yes, he's the dog demon who defeated Naraku. He helped avenge our clansmen." Ayame said with a lingering hint of thankfulness at the memory.
"You think he's in the territory?" Roiyaru wondered, of what he had heard he thought the half demon they both spoke of lived far away from their homeland. Was he mistaken?
"I'm not sure, but I'd like to find out." Ayame added.
Roiyaru nodded in acceptance, if she asked this of him he would do it without a second thought.
"I'll leave at first light." He agreed.
"Thank you. Be safe." Ayame bowed her head gratefully before turning from the navy eyed wolf and silently heading back to her waiting grandfathers side.
Roiyaru watched her go until her figure faded away back into the mountain side and he was left alone with the linger questions he may have just recovered answers too.
Perhaps this is why demons were fleeing to the mountain. Were they running from this half demon? Or maybe, something far worse.
Thick ice coated wood weighed heavily in Kagome's arms as she walked quietly down the path leading back into the center of the village.
It had taken her several hours but eventually after much needed alone time in the boarding hillsides where she had sat and cried no doubt her weight in tears she had finally felt strong enough to return home.
To be honest she was surprised she was able to put on such a brave front when on the inside she was drowning in the overwhelming emotions Kouga had left behind.
It had taken everything in her not to chase after the no doubt long vanished wolf demon. Apologize for what she had said and vaguely threatened to do.
She couldn't believe she had acted the way she had towards him, but at the same time slightly relieved she had. It had finally driven the space she needed between them, even if deep down she hated herself for it.
This situation just couldn't be helped though. She wanted her friendship with Kouga, he had to have known that. But, it was clear he wanted something much more, something she wasn't willing to give.
While sobbing on the frozen hill side Kagome had tried to convince herself Kouga leaving was for the best, they just couldn't be in each others lives anymore. No matter how badly she wished different.
Dragging herself back to the present Kagome tightened her hard grip on the small bundle of firewood she had managed to gather. Solely for the purpose of having a valid excuse for being away from the village for so long without rising suspicion.
Though as sly as her little deflective attempt might seem she was sure the round logs crossed in her arms would come in handy.
She wasn't sure if it was just the lateness of the day or the lingering left over frost but it was most definitely getting colder. The increasing darkness and the thickness of the already plummeting air, proof enough.
Just when the thought of hurrying her delayed return crossed her mind Kagome came over the last hill side before the village opening. Halting in her tracks at the surprising sight unfolding before her.
Instead of being barren as the streets usually were this time of night dozens of villagers scurried and filled the spaces between their homes. All moving fast enough for Kagome to sense the urgency of their steps but not yet enough to cause real panic.
Hurriedly Kagome walked down into the mass an elder woman being the first to come across her path and delay momentarily enough to speak to her.
"M'lady, pardon me." The elder village woman addressed Kagome politely
"No trouble. Why is everyone in such a rush?" Kagome asked eyeing the still shifting rows of villagers bombarding the streets.
"Blizzard M'lady! Its nearing the village." The woman bellowed her voice high in worry.
"Its already begun to strike the forest!" She continued her weary eyes glancing in the direction of the boarding frozen greenery.
"How bad?" Kagome instinctively asked, her hazel eyes filling with concern of her own.
"Terrible M'lady! Most souls would freeze if caught in it!" The gray haired village woman swore tucking her weathered kimono around her slumped figure more tightly already beginning to feel he invading cold.
"Here. Keep yourself warm." Kagome said directly handing the elder woman all the wood she had managed to gather from under the heavy snow.
"T-Thank you!" The woman praised having every intention of doing just that now that she had enough supplies to wait out the approaching storm.
The moment Kagome felt her load slip away she spun from the frenzied village sprinting in the direction of the nearest hill peek.
Determinedly she rushed to the top feeling as her loose raven hair tussled in the increasing wind and through her shifting raven locks she could see what everyone feared most.
From this vantage point she could see the forest that boarded her home and already on the horizon the blackness of night gleamed a looming cloud of gray and white.
There was a storm coming, and it was massive!
Fear pulsated in Kagome chest sending a sickening jolt into the pit of her stomach, not from the sight she was currently taking in but the direction the storm raged from.
It was the east.
The very direction not more than a few hours ago Kouga had sprinted right into the heart of.
Kagome felt a stinging chill run up the length of her spine that had nothing to do with the cold closing down around her.
Kouga was out there. In that chaotic sphere of ice and snow.
Unthinking Kagome ran from the hillside back into the heart of the village. Her mind polluted with horrid scenes of Kouga laying helpless in the raging blizzard being buried by the weight of the crushing snow.
And it was all her fault! She had sent him away!
Clawing her way through the uncaring crowd Kagome finally reached the destination she so desperately fought too.
The form of her only hope of rescue staring back at her with crimson eyes.
Immediately Kagome fell to her knees before the familiar hut of Sango's home staring face to face with the fire kitten she knew could aid her.
"Kilala! I need your help!" Kagome begged.
The small demon cat standing before Kagome's lap instantly heard the pleading in her comrades voice.
"Its Kouga he's in trouble! We have to go find him!" Kagome whispered praying her feline friend would agree to help her!
Obviously she did.
Kilala's light golden fur rustled as she braced her small paws apart and instantly her body engulfed in scotching flames before she morphed into her much more fearsome state.
"Thanks Kilala! I owe you one!" Kagome praised not hesitating to straddle herself on the hell cats back gripping on tightly to her mane like fur.
Once Kilala felt the priestess on her back now securely in place she kicked off the ground flying head first into the black sky and into the frigid cold.
Using her fur as leverage like Sango usually did when guiding her demon companion Kagome tugged Kilala in the direction of the storm beginning to build in the distance.
Minutes flew by like seconds and before Kagome had even realized how much ground they had actually covered, she watched fearful as the storm that had only been a growing haze on the horizon was now a full blow sphere of chaos whirling just inches before her.
Kagome held Kilala's fur tightly trying to reassure her no doubt uneasy companion.
"Keep us high okay? We should be able to spot him from the air!" Kagome called over the roaring wind.
The hell cat hissed in agreement before kicking higher into the night air and then pushing forward into the unknown.
The moment they entered the raging storm it was impossible to see anything past Kilala's glowing paws.
It was blinding nothing but brilliant white and hard pellets of ice beginning to violently batter their unprotected self's.
Kagome peered down in the direction of the ground knowing full well they couldn't withstand this frigid abuse for long, no one could!
"Kouga!" She cried out as loud as she could, but her voice didn't carry at all over the roaring unrelenting wind.
"Kouga can you hear me!?" She tried again, having only the deafening storm as her reply.
Kilala howled roughly as a particularly large piece of hail rammed itself against her forehead, causing her to fly unsteadily and Kagome knew her time though incredibly brief was running out!
Kilala couldn't take this! Neither could she! This weather it was like it had a mind of its own, to drive them as far away from its core as possible!
"Hold on Kilala!" Kagome begged. What did she do now? Kouga was down there somewhere! He was hurt, maybe lost, he could be dying! She couldn't leave him!
But she couldn't save him either! Even if he was directly below her she wouldn't be able to tell. Every moment she spent in this frozen vortex it became harder and harder to tell which way was even up!
What should she do? What could she do?
Then before she could even think a single thought more a brutal updraft slammed against the two of them sending Kilala spiraling out of control and ripping her fur from Kagome's grasp!
A screamed tore form Kagome's throat as she felt Kilala pull away leaving her powerless to stop herself! Her grip released and she was sent falling helplessly into the waiting storm below!
Kilala fought against the raging wind diving blindly in effort to catch her diminishing comrade but it was too late. Instantly what little could be seen of Kagome was buried in the ice and wind!
And then their was nothing at all.
Kagome hit the forest floor hard, hard enough to send an unforgettable pain surging though her body but not enough to take her conscience mind away.
She laid there on the snow mounded ground feeling as nothing but the frost thick cold battered her no doubt injured form.
Hazily her narrow eyes fixated on the white shifting sky above her, unable to see anything but blistering cold.
She opened her mouth to speak to call out for Kilala who no doubt was still circling helplessly above, but nothing came forward.
She was lost and broken, left defenseless in the rampaging blizzard that fought to burry her alive.
Only this time, Kagome didn't have the strength to fight back. She was just so tired…so very…tired.
Then dimly, she closed her heavy eyes. And wished it all away.
Remember to keep warm guys! I don't know about ya'll but where I live. Winter is down right evil sometimes!