The updates just keep on coming! Making the most out of my break huh? Thank you snowy weather! Not only are you keeping me from school but you make great inspiration!
So with hot coca in hand and my cozy zombie headed house shoes firmly on my feet let the typing commence! As always so much support equals so much love from me! Really couldn't do it without you guys!
Thanks!
Note For Review's :
Leti0422 - Thanks so much for the support! Love is always such a rocky road and its about to get a whole lot bumpier in future chapters just wait and see! Especially with what I have in store lol
Naruto4Sakura - Emotions are always running high between these two! And I can honestly sense an outbreak coming lol Thanks so much for the constant support! Reviews like yours keep me motivated!
Inufan - Yep, you caught me. No one talks things through they'd rather scream it out or just ignore each other altogether but it just adds to the drama! Oh the delicious drama! Looking forward to more reviews! Thanks a bunch!
Arya304 - Thank you! I hope you are still looking forward to more! Enjoy the update!
Kouga's older woman - Oh if only! It would be so much easier that way!
Roseybee - The luck just keeps on coming huh? I really do love going in depth in Kouga's character! I try and put as much realism into him as I can when writing! And thanks for appreciating the time I put into making my chapters extra lengthy! It takes a bit longer but worth it in the end for sure! As for the mating mark, oh yes that is definitely going to stir up some trouble in the future! Thanks so much for the support and I look forward to more reviews!
Guest - Yes. Yes it did. But, hey who can blame her lol? Thanks for the review!
Chapter Ten
Parting
Early morning air carried with it the scent of greenery, a scent most souls that had endured this brutal of a winter would have said was a smell long forgotten.
It was fragrant and pleasing but it wasn't the overwhelming perfume the stirring form dwelling in the depths of the still slightly chilled cave was hoping would bring him back to consciousness.
Groggily Kouga rolled over from his slightly numb side feeling as the fur he had slept comfortable on all night shifted under his naked skin.
His calloused hand gliding over the soft bedding expecting to feel the soft warm skin of the priestess he had fallen asleep beside still slumbering at his side. But, instead he felt nothing, nothing but empty space of a slightly cold bed.
Kouga's sharp eyes drifted open eyeing what his body had felt, or actually didn't feel. The dark fur of his makeshift bed was spread out beside him but no one laid there to fill the void.
Suddenly more awake then he thought himself capable of being at this hour he lifted up the messed locks of his loose no doubt tangled raven hair falling off his broad shoulders.
Behind an emotionless mask Kouga took in his surroundings more intensely. The fire that had lasted the night was now a burnt pile of gray ash, laying just beyond the mess of furs he currently sat upon.
But that wasn't what held his attention the most. The neatly fanned out robes of Kagome's clothing that he had laid out the night prior were nowhere to be seen.
Kouga was sure he would have felt a twinge of disbelief rake through him were it not for the wafting scent of cherry blossom drifting in from the cave entrance.
He sighed heavily. He had expected this to happen, that if Kagome had awoken before him she might venture outside maybe to gauge her unfamiliar surroundings.
Disappointed Kouga pushed back his dark bangs letting his calloused palm cup his forehead.
He had hoped to awaken with Kagome still tucked in his arms. He wanted trace his fingertips over her sensitized skin, kiss her neck and shoulders until she stirred out of her sleep.
Maybe make love to her again.
Unfortunately though it seemed the absent priestess had other ideas.
Ignoring the throb of his suddenly stiff body he climbed to his feet eyeing his own pile of clothing that he undoubtedly needed to dress back into before facing Kagome.
Draping his armor over his head and making sure to secure his fur pelts back into place he dressed quickly before scooping his wild hair into its usual high rose ponytail.
Once he was returned to his usual appearance he trudged towards the cave entrance.
The light of day was harsh and made his azure eyes narrow with the surprisingly brightness of the sun.
He was honestly amazed the glowing orb of heat now shining brightly in the morning sky was so visible, especially after the storm that had raged last night.
Even now stepping out of the cave and onto the half way melted snow Kouga could feel its warmth and breathed deeply the still frosty air.
The cool breeze filling his lungs carried with it the scent he followed and it wasn't difficult to pinpoint the source sitting just a few feet away.
Kagome sat quietly on one of the only patches of non snow covered earth, finding the lush greenery that had thawed from beneath to rest upon.
Her priestess attire now fitted back securely but her hair looped in a lose fallen hair band that rested just off her shoulder.
Basked in the morning light, her pale skin glowed and enticing creamy shade faded only at the shimmering hue of her naturally pink lips.
Kouga stared at the unaware priestess in wonder. He had never known someone so beautiful. Someone so absolutely flawless.
He was fighting internally not to emerge at her side and lavish her with the affection he still craved to show her.
The only thing stopping him from doing just that, was the heavy look of unknowing illuminating from her deep hazel eyes.
Kagome traced her fingertip over the worn fabric of her crimson pants momentarily trying to distract herself from the endless barrage of thoughts that assaulted her.
She didn't know how long she had sat in this exact spot trying to rebuild the soul in her chest that seemed to be breaking into more and more pieces with each passing moment.
Her world though so bright, was turned upside down.
She had made love to Kouga. She had let him take her in anyway he pleased and what's worse was she had enjoyed every moment of it.
Never had she thought something could be so perfect, so absolute.
He had been tender, passionate, rough and gentle at the exact same time. He had been everything she had always wanted. Everything.
Kagome felt her eyes narrow at the thought.
She actually felt loved. And that thought devastated her.
How could someone obviously love her so much when she didn't deserve an ounce of it? Not when another person deserved it so much more.
Kagome briefly thought back to the twin scars marring Kouga's shoulders. The same marks she would be carrying right now had she allowed Kouga to do what he had intended last night.
She couldn't bare to think about it. Her and Ayame bound that way in such a horrible heart breaking scenario.
It didn't matter though, even without physical proof they were still linked. They had both been Kouga's.
Kagome shook her head defeated. Everything was so wrong, it was just chaos, and it was all her fault!
She had given into him! She had let her craving for affection pollute her judgment! Kouga may have given her all the love and passion she had ever wanted, but it didn't change the fact that it had been wrong!
Inuyasha should've been the one to make her feel this way! He should've been the first to touch her! To have her! Instead she had given that purity away to a demon who she could never truly be with!
Against all the odds Kagome still loved Inuyasha! But how could she ever face him after this?
"Kagome," Kouga's soft voice whispered at her side snapping her from her thoughts.
Kagome didn't dare look up to the wolf demon she knew was now towering over her. Inuyasha wasn't the only one she couldn't stand to face right now.
Kouga sensed Kagome's sheer distress without saying a word. He could smell it on her, the tears she had cried and the fear she was feeling.
Gently he sat down beside her, careful to allow enough space between them so she didn't feel invaded upon.
"Are you alright?" He asked tenderly, even though he already knew the response he would most likely get.
Kagome didn't reply only sat their motionless and visibly tense. She looked so fragile like if he reached out and touched her even for a moment she might fall to pieces.
Kouga took a deep breath, he had expected this. She was undoubtedly being consumed with guilt over what they had done.
Kouga knew her pain. Even if it didn't show through past the surface.
"Please," He began in a soft plea.
"Look at me?" He breathed.
Kagome felt her pearl teeth sink into her bottom lip to stifle a building cry all the while trying to fight off the tears that threatened to spill over.
Why did Kouga have to be here? Why did he have to be so understanding? So loving! It killed her!
She forcefully shook her head 'no' in response. She didn't have it in her to see his face, it would be to much to look into those eyes!
"I cant," She said weakly her tone all but dripping the pain she was enduring.
Kouga sighed heavily feeling as his fingers balled tightly in his palm. Why did she do this? Why did she feel the need to push him away?
"You cant," He repeated coldly.
She hadn't had an issue staring at him last night. Looking into his eyes while he had made her scream. Kouga thought about doing just that now on this hill side but his better instincts held him back.
"We need to talk about last night." Kouga started harshly, the tender understanding tone of his voice fading away instantly into aggravation.
"I-" Kagome shook her head again, it was all she could do to stop herself from sobbing. She couldn't believe this was so hard. So impossible to handle!
"Cant?" Kouga shot back harshly before continuing "Or you wont?"
"Wont." Kagome said firmly her eyes never brave enough to meet Kouga's fierce gaze.
Kouga ran his calloused hands through his bound raven hair sternly. He didn't want to be angry, he didn't want to make this situation any harder than it had to be. But, she wasn't making it easy for him!
What the hell had happened? Hours ago she had laid underneath him, touched him, kissed him. Looked up into his eyes with the same loving devotion he felt towards her.
Could something that incredible really just disappear altogether?
Calmly Kouga looked at Kagome resisting the urge to pull her close and kiss this awful tension away.
"Do you regret being with me?" He asked stone faced, but on the inside fear and uncertainty pulsed in his chest.
Kagome's entire body tensed the moment those hard words reached her ears. How could she possibly respond? How could he ask her something like that?
"Well?" Kouga pursued. He couldn't take this silence, the unknowing! If she hated him, say it! If she loved him scream it! He just needed her to say something! Anything!
Kagome felt a sharp response form on her tongue, a truthful response but she swallowed it down hard afraid of the realization it might bring.
Instead she fled to the only defense she could think of.
"I don't want to talk about it." She whispered.
Kouga's struggle to remain calm flooded away in an instant pulse of disbelief and raging anger! How could she be this distant to him? This cold!
"Talk about what?!" Kouga fumed, he was seeing nothing but absolute red at this point.
"That I took your virginity!? That I betrayed Ayame!? That you betrayed the mutt? Just what aren't we going to talk about Kagome?! Tell me?!" He snarled furiously,
"All of it!" Kagome snapped back defensively!
She was so angry! So upset and fuming mostly at herself but also at how hard Kouga insisted on pushing her! Couldn't he see she was hanging on by a thread?
"I don't want to talk about anything with you! I don't want to even look at you! Just go away!" Kagome spat hatefully, clawing her way to her feet before the shocked wolf demon staring up at her.
She didn't want to face Kouga anymore! It was even more impossibly painful than dealing with her own self hatred! He was a living breathing reminder of the weight of what she had done! And she couldn't take it!
The emotions he was causing to stir inside her were unbearable! It was like she was being torn in half! One side craving him just as badly as she had the night before the other so angry and vengeful that he made her want him in such a desperate way!
It would be so much easier if he wasn't here! If he just vanished! It was the only way she could coupe with the ache spreading in her chest at the sight of his loving eyes!
"You don't mean that." Kouga said firmly. But all the while praying his confident words were true.
"I do." Kagome swore her head bowing in crushing shame that she had been reduced to this powerless state.
"Just-" She whispered weakly, "Just, leave-"
She couldn't hold it back anymore hot tears cut down her face as her body began to tremble to aid her uneven breaths.
Kouga tore his way to his feet in disbelief. He was beyond angry, beyond fury, he was flat out pissed!
Why did Kagome do this to him? Why did he let her!?
He couldn't stand this absolute rage! It blinded him! Looking for anything to release just an ounce of his wrath upon Kouga spotted the base of a near by tree.
Brutally he smashed his fist into the thick trunk causing the mighty oak to split in two before exploding outwards in a shower of splinters!
Kagome watched the violent act without any reaction at all. Had she possessed the sheer strength Kouga did she might have leveled the entire forest by now. If it made just a piece of what she was feeling hurt a little less.
Kouga pulled away from the now demolished lumber running his now slightly bloody knuckle through his hair agitatedly. Taking several deep breaths in attempt to calm himself.
Stiffly he cupped the back of his neck feeling his heart pounding vibration radiate from his chest. How could one woman? One human woman! Make him feel all these emotions at once?
"I cant do this anymore Kagome." He breathed, unable to describe just how mentally exhausted he was.
Kagome didn't reply. What could she say? It didn't have to be this way! If Kouga could just understand that! It would be so much easier if he just stopped! Stopped loving her, stopped feeling for her at all…This could all just fade away? Couldn't it?
"I love you!" Kouga vowed finding Kagome's eyes unwavering.
Kagome felt a fresh sting of pain jolt through her system. Why? Why did he have to feel this way? W-Why did she?
"But, I cant stay here and force you to love me back!" Kouga confessed, his voice breaking off at the end with the absolute crushing weight of his surrender.
"I have responsibilities, back in the east. My tribe, they need me." He continued.
Kouga knew full well he had done everything in his power to postpone his due trip back home. Just to spend a few more moments with the priestess standing before him.
He had given all he could! He had given Kagome everything in him that was to give! His understanding, his passion, his absolute love! What more would it take?
"Then go." Kagome whispered. She knew what Kouga's tribe meant to him, he was their leader. They undoubtedly needed him.
So why did she feel this fear? It was the same panic she had felt back in the village when she had forced Kouga away.
She wanted Kouga to go! It was the only hope she had of piecing herself back together, but the idea of actually seeing him fade away, again. After what they had shared. It hurt so much!
"I don't want too. Not without you-" Kouga promised daring to narrow the space that separated him and Kagome.
Kagome didn't speak. She didn't have the strength anymore. All of this, it was just to much. She couldn't stand it!
"You sent me away before. Back in the village," Kouga whispered planting his feet firmly in front of her.
Softly he reached out his hand hooking a lone finger under Kagome's chin forcing her to look up at him. Her bleary tear stained eyes instantly meeting his in an inescapable hold.
"You said you regretted it." He whispered repeating the words Kagome had promised against him while cradled in his arms.
Kagome felt a stinging surge of guilt at the remembrance of her words, and exactly how true they had been.
She had regretted what she had done. And right now, she was sure she would regret this even more. But that didn't stop her resolve to see this through to the end.
"Do you really want me to go now?" Kouga asked doubtfully. She couldn't cast him away? Not after what they had shared. Not after what she had given him. After what he had given her. She wouldn't…
A hot tear rolled down Kagome's heated cheek falling onto Kouga's palm and the resolve she had relied to heavily upon began to shatter.
She didn't want Kouga to go. She didn't! She couldn't stand the idea of it!
Her trembling lips opened and before she could manage a single word of response an unwanted and all to vivid image of Kouga's scarred shoulder flashed across her eyes.
Then she remembered just why she was denying herself Kouga. Because he wasn't hers! No matter how badly at this very moment she wished that wasn't true…
Fresh tears filled Kagome's shifting hazel eyes but she forced out her words all the same.
"Y-Yes." She cried.
Instantly Kagome watched the utter hurt and disbelief pool in Kouga's azure orbs.
Kouga couldn't believe this. Kagome had actually said it. She had actually ordered him away…again!
How could she? He thought-
Kouga banished the thoughts immediately replacing all the swelling devastation that raged in his chest with burning fury!
Hatefully he tore his hand away from Kagome shoving himself backwards desperate to distance himself from the obviously uncaring priestess altogether!
It hadn't mattered one bit what they had shared! Kagome obviously hadn't felt one damn thing for him other than pity! Is that why she had given herself to him to begin with? She felt sorry for him?
Or maybe she just wanted the practice for mutt face? Get an edge in bed to please her one day half breed lover!
"You know what Kagome? I may not have marked you. But I was damn sure your first! You remember that when you see your oh so precious half breed again!" Kouga roared venomously.
Kagome felt a gasp escape her lips at the sheer hurtfulness of Kouga's words. He had never been so callous towards her. She honestly thought of him being incapable of such cruelty.
"Take care! Give the mutt my best!" Kouga spat turning from the paralyzed priestess altogether.
Then without so much as a second glance, he was sprinting forward! Flying past the dead winter trees and underbrush until it all blurred into a constant stream of gray.
Never daring to pause for a moment afraid of what would catch up to him once he did.
But no matter how hard and furiously he ran, he felt it clutch around him all the same. The pounding in his ears, the aching in his chest that began to spread throughout his entire body in a searing pain.
Kouga knew exactly what this crushing burden was all to well.
His heart had broken.
"Remind me how this is a good plan again?!" An overly frustrated voice growled through barred fangs.
Inuyasha glanced over his dirt spotted shoulder as he shoveled another handful of frigid dark earth between his legs tunneling his way slowly deeper into the ground.
"We're following the advice we were given!" Miroku called down to his dirt covered comrade.
"We? You're not doing a damn thing! How about you get a shovel and get your ass down here to help!?" Inuyasha snapped angrily.
He had been at this for hours! Ever since day had broken and he awoken to find himself morphed back into his silver haired state he had went along with Miroku's stupid idea of burrowing himself under the village outskirts.
All the while praying that damn wolf demon hadn't been making an ass out of them both. This had better pay off!
Right now he was feet below the towering monk who stood comfortably at the top rim watching as he did all the grueling work of digging!
"Your claws are the only thing that will penetrate the frozen ground! I wouldn't be any use down there!" Miroku admitted hiding his slightly dishonest nature.
He was sure with a little hard work he could at least soften the way for Inuyasha, but the half demon seemed to be doing fine on his own.
Besides the monk didn't really fancy the idea of getting as filthy as Inuyasha currently was.
"Yeah whatever you lazy bast-!" Inuyasha's harsh tone was cut short when suddenly he felt the usually solid ground beneath his feet begin to shift.
"What the-?" He thought out loud but before he could muster even a word more the floor gave way and Inuyasha was sent falling blindly into the dark void beneath him!
"Inuyasha!" Miroku shouted but the half demon had already fallen through out of sight!
Inuyasha hit solid ground again with a hard thud! A blinding cloud of dirt and snow hazing his vision until he wiped the grim away with the back of his kimono sleeved arm.
He clawed his way to his feet his amber eyes wide with disbelief at what he had uncovered. He was in a labyrinth.
Perfectly carved tunnels leading in every direction he turned, each one hammered out of solid rock. This was a network of caves buried just below the village surface.
He couldn't believe it. That damn wolf had been telling the truth!
Inuyasha glared down around his feet where dozens if not hundreds of slight humanoid footprints stained the stone floor.
After all this time, they had finally found a lead!
"Inuyasha! Are you alright?" Miroku called down to his unseen companion from the surface.
"Yeah! I'm fine!" Inuyasha openly admitted while brushing his stained crimson clothing off firmly.
"Have you found something?" Miroku asked his voice echoing lowly in the tunnels surrounding Inuyasha.
"Footprints! Lots of 'em!" Inuyasha barked up.
"Hold on! I'm climbing down!" Miroku said lowly as he began to inch his way down the deep hole Inuyasha had dug.
"Take your time." Inuyasha whispered under his breath. He on the other hand was done waiting, now that he had a trail to follow he wasn't wasting a minute more!
Breathing in deeply Inuyasha sprinted down the maze of tunnels his nostrils flaring with the unmistakable scent of demon!
Oh they were closer than they had ever been before and Inuyasha was more alive than he had felt in weeks! This demon was going down! And he was going down now!
Excitement coursed through the running half demon like wild fire. It had been so long, he had honestly forgot how much he missed the feeling of battle!
It was a feeling he was happy to have rekindled, and he knew he would love it all the more once he watched Yokobue's head roll!
Smiling a fangy grin, he knew he just couldn't wait!
A single trail of sunken footprints marring the brilliant white snow led further and further away from the thinning forest. Before they stopped altogether. Reaching the person who had left them behind, and who now was laying motionless on the cold icy floor.
Kagome had felt so determined to reach the safety of the village the moment she had watched Kouga disappear into the forest.
It was the only thing keeping her going and distracted from the harsh words he had left ringing through her head.
She was so sure she would make it, that was until she had lost her footing and toppled into the thick mound of snow that blanketed the surrounding areas.
She wasn't injured, she could have physically gotten up at any moment.
But she didn't have the will or strength to move.
Instead she just laid there. Letting the broken and desperate sobs she had managed to fight off rake her body.
She had cried like she could never remember crying before. Endless tears poured from her sealed hazel eyes as she held herself close in total surrender to her sorrow.
Nothing could be this hard. Watching Kouga go, the way he had left…
It had cut a wound so deep inside her it felt like it had actually sliced into her soul!
Why? Why did she feel this way? So overpowered by the phantom he had left behind. She thought it would easier not to see his face. To be constantly reminded of what they had done.
But, it wasn't.
It was so much harder! Having him gone. Just disappear. It left a hole inside her that she was absolutely sure nothing could ever fill again.
Kagome didn't know how long she had laid in the snow, just letting her body pour out the misery it had held in for so long before the frenzied and slightly panicked footsteps of a fast approaching figure began to break the silence.
Kagome didn't react, didn't move. She didn't have the energy.
"Kagome!" A feminine voice cried out clearly terrified.
It wasn't till Kagome felt the hands of the person now kneeling over her cradled form begin to pull her up from the snow did she realize who had come to her aid.
"What happened? Are you hurt?" Sango asked frightened.
Ever since day break the demon slayer and countless villagers had carpeted the surrounding area in hopes of finding their absent priestess. What were the chances that Sango would be the one to find her vulnerable best friend only a short distance away from the village main entrance?
It was a miracle and it flooded the demon slayer with gratitude that Kagome though clearly shaken seemed to be okay.
A fresh wave of tears blurred Kagome's hazel eyes as she partially sat up her glimmering orbs meeting the heavily worried gaze of her best friend.
"Oh Sango!" Kagome cried wrapping her arms around the demon slayers neck and holding her close. She was the one person who could possibly pull her over the edge of her despair!
Sango was a bit taken back. But instantly crossed her arms over Kagome's back, feeling her trembling form just beneath her palm.
She held the shivering priestess tightly, she didn't know what had happened to her best friend, or even if she should ask. All she did know at the moment was, Kagome needed her, and like any members of her family. She would be there in any way she could.
"It's okay-" Sango promised rocking with Kagome back and forth in her arms in an almost maternal way.
She held her tighter cradling the back of her snow spotted raven hair.
"You're home now." She whispered.
It seemed like hours that the sprinting crimson figure of Inuyasha's blurred form had twist and turned in and out of the tunnels leading deeper into the unknown.
Over exhilarated by the sheer lust for battle the panting half demon finally began to see light at the end of the maze of cannels he was emerging from.
With one hard push he shoved himself through the finally threshold! His gleaming amber eyes taking in every vantage point of his new surroundings.
He was in a cavern. A massive cavern.
The dome like ceiling stretching so high the cold grey stone faded into black from the sheer distance. Huge rock spikes littering the walls from the hundreds of aged water damaged years.
Even without the overwhelming scent still clinging in the damp air, Inuyasha knew that this was the home of a demon, and something more. Right now the silver haired half demon could see without a doubt where he currently stood.
He was in the frigid base of a mountain, a mountain that absolutely reeked of wolves.
While eying the stone chasm above slow but increasing frantic footsteps peaked Inuyasha's ears as he turned to watch no other than Miroku come charging to his side.
Clearly out of breath from having run that long of distance in such a short amount of time. Keeping up with Inuyasha in his determined state had been hell!
"Thanks for waiting." Miroku panted bracing his hands on his knees tiredly trying to catch as many collected breaths as he could.
"W-Which way?" The heavily breathing monk asked.
"We're here." Inuyasha said firmly turning his amber eyes towards the distant swell of the uneven stone floor.
The exact point where the scent he had been so frantically following all this time emanated.
"I know you're there! Show yourself coward!" Inuyasha demanded bravely.
Miroku braced his stance further apart as instinctively Inuyasha's clawed hand clutched around the hilt of his sword.
Then silently, the beast they had sought all this time. The monster they had tracked through ice, snow, even stone.
Stepped forward.
The bitterly cold day in the eastern lands had been long, but the night seemed to be longer still. Especially with the hard lack of food and huntable game in the frozen territory.
As usual with rations running low tempers ran high and caused an enormous amount of stress radiating it way through the mountains.
The two poor individuals who were usually on the receiving end of this hateful barrage, were no other than Ginta and Hakkaku.
They stood there in the hectic and increasingly angry mob of wolf demons they called their tribesmen handing out what little food they had managed to scavenge for the day.
It wasn't near enough to fill everyone, but it was sufficient to see that everyone did get at least a piece to hold them over till tomorrow when a new hunt could begin.
But as expected not everyone was understanding of the portion they received.
"I want more!" A slightly large intimidating wolf demon roared down at the duo currently in charge.
Both Ginta and Hakkaku stood firmly between the towering demon and the undersized pile of meat at their backs.
"We already told you! You cant have anymore!" Hakkaku barked aggravated! It had always been this particular wolf demon who got the others riled up.
And tonight was no exception the mountain was on fire with agitation built up from the blasting cold and lack of sustenance.
"Do you want everyone else to starve?" Ginta shot back bravely.
"I don't care about everyone else!" The well built wolf demon shouted uncaring.
"Now get out of my way!" He growled marching forward.
Ginta stood firm even if under the surface he was slightly terrified what the raging beast of a demon might do.
His fear was well founded when the wolf demon took his bravado as a challenge. Without hesitation he reared his massive fist back before slamming his curled palm into Ginta's face!
Ginta hissed in pain stumbling back blindly and positive he was on a one way collusion coarse with the stone cave floor!
But swiftly Hakkaku hooked his arms under his falling comrade catching him mid fall but unable to stop himself from falling back from the impact as he was left sitting defenseless on the ground.
Though his currently position didn't stop his nerve.
"Hey! You'll pay for that!" Hakkaku promised boldly!
"Oh yeah? Big words from a couple of lackeys!" The wolf demon shot down fearless before continuing on.
"You two ever ask yourselves why Kouga up and left you here? Maybe because he knew how pathetic you both are!"
The wolf demon growled low and hateful, so frustrated with the cold and weak leadership of the mountain he was ready to risk it all in one blind declaration!
"You don't even deserve to be in charge! I should run this pack!" He boomed loudly his voice carrying over the packed crowd surrounding the unfolding scene.
Instantly chaos broke out! Some demons backing the recklessly large males proclamation others hurrying to make their own claim! But most taking a strong stance to defend their real absent leader!
Then just like true anarchy, countless brawls broke out! Wolf demons swore and growled in sheer fury! Merciless fist began to fly and fangs and claws began to come out full force!
Hakkaku gripped Ginta's shoulder fearful. They had lost control of the mountain before, but nothing like this! Everyone was turning on each other! What could they possibly do to stop it?
Then like a wave of booming thunder a lone voice rang out into the main cave deafening every other hateful tone in an instant.
"What the hell is going here!?" An all to familiar voice roared!
Immediately every pair of eyes turned towards the cave entrance where the real leader of the eastern wolf demon territory's stood.
Kouga stood bold and silent, his cold and fierce azure eyes taking in the sight of his long absent home.
"K-Kouga!" Both Ginta and Hakkaku breathed in absolute shock.
It was actually him! Though is appearance was slightly altered from the last time they had laid eyes upon him.
He visibly unkept. His raven hair though bound up was wild and messed, spotted with not yet melted snow that proved he had only now just come in from the cold.
He had definitely been traveling for some time.
Strongly Kouga marched forward through the oh so quickly parting crowd. Every wolf demon stepping aside to give him a clear path, both out of fear and respect.
"Kouga! U-Um hey boss! Your back! What a relief-" The massive wolf demon who had started this riot began hurriedly.
Kouga didn't say a word only walked square up to the towering wolf demon meeting his gaze directly.
Then mercilessly Kouga's first crushed into the side of his face sending the mountain like wolf demon to his knees from the sheer brutal impact of the hit!
The nameless wolf demon gasped out feeling as fresh blood gushed from his damaged mouth, he barely had anytime to recover at all before Kouga reared back his leg.
Air rushed from the assaulted wolf demons lungs as Kouga kneed him brutally in the unarmored chest undoubtedly breaking a few ribs in the process.
Without hesitation Kouga gripped a hold of the battered demons hair catching him harshly before he could make contact with the floor.
Then Kouga slammed his fist into the bloodied demons face this time on the opposite side before finally letting go and letting the now badly injured wolf demon collapse on the ground.
Wordless Kouga stepped over the motionless wolf demon laid out before him walking directly over to Ginta and Hakkaku who still remained seated on the cave floor in stunned silence.
Careless he extended out his hand to his two stunned companions.
Not waiting for a reaction Kouga gripped their forearms pulling them effortlessly to their feet.
"You two alright?" He asked unbelievably casual considering the circumstances.
Both struck speechless could only nod in assurance.
Kouga tilted his chin in understanding before turning to face the deathly silent crowd still gathered around him.
"Anybody have something they want to say?" Kouga asked with a questioning arch of his raven brow.
Not a soul said a word.
"Thought so." Kouga began formally.
"Incase you've all forgotten, I'm the leader of this pack! So if someone has a problem with that-" Kouga paused his eyes glancing in every direction around him in the filled main cave.
"Then grow a pair! And step up!" Kouga challenged his voice ringing out loudly and unshaken.
The main cave had never felt so absolutely quiet, no one daring to speak a word especially after the carnage they had all just witnessed.
"Glad to know we agree. Now get your asses to work!" Kouga boomed sending every single member of the tribe currently in his presences scattering in obedience.
All but the two wolf demons paralyzed at his back.
Kouga turned to face his watery eyed companions already sensing what was about to happen before it did.
"Kouga! We cant believe you're home!" Ginta and Hakkaku cried leaping forward and wrapping their arms around their leaders armored chest.
"Hey! Get off me!" Kouga shouted shoving his way out of his overly emotional right and left hand men's embrace!
Clumsily both of them fell back until they were once again planted on the cave floor.
"One winter away and you two fall to pieces!" Kouga growled wiping away the gathered tears his sniffling companions had left behind on his armor.
"We're just so happy you're back!" Ginta defended
"Yeah! You have no idea what we've been-" Hakkaku started sensitively, that was until finally both he and Ginta actually looked at their leader.
Here. Alone.
The two lesser wolf demons stared in each others direction knowing realizing they were both thinking the exact same thing.
"Kouga. Where's Ayame?" They asked in unison with a confused blink.
Automatically Kouga paused, his azure eyes narrowing and his hands falling to his side at the mention of his absent mate.
"Both you of-" Kouga started emotionlessly
"Grab your gear. We're going hunting." He stated firmly.
"Hunting? Now? What about-" Ginta began in almost a worried tone. But, Kouga cut him off angrily!
"I wasn't asking!" He snarled and both of his comrades recoiled in surprise.
Kouga ran a hard hand through his bound raven locks sighing heavily. It was difficult to turn the demanding tone in which he usually spoke to the tribe off and on.
"I need to tell you guys some things." Kouga added, much more restrained than before.
Ginta and Hakkaku flashed each other a silent understanding look before climbing to their feet. Whatever they were about to learn from their leader, they knew was going to be important and they weren't about to hesitate.
Kouga watched his two most trusted clansmen vanish from sight in an instant no doubt heading towards their individual dens to retrieve the supplies they would need.
After watching them go Kouga turned back towards the frozen over cave entrance where the once rushing waterfall fell and one soon spew again once the heated weather reached the mountains.
Though it wasn't expected Kouga was grateful to have his home in such a state of disorder. It gave him the opportunity to focus all of himself on what he should have concentrated on all along.
To returning his lands to the stability it once had.
But, that wasn't the only reason he was relieved to have something to keep his mind distracted.
No. The more energy and time he bestowed upon the tribe the less he had to think about a certain priestess hundreds of miles away.
Who even right now at this very moment. He loved to his very core.
Next update already in the making but might take awhile longer than the others. Its gonna be more of a lengthy chapter so be prepared!
Also on the side I'm working a new future one-shot that may or may not be turned into a full length story all depends on the timing! But, one things for sure I'm gonna wrap this baby up before any new projects!
So stick around and like always See you Soon!