Well it was bound to happen sooner or later. I have been reported. Yep, that's right. Recently I posted a one-shot and lets just say it didn't end well with a particular reviewer.
So the story got removed. And to my own shock and aw I was actually thinking about making a new full length story out of it.
Maybe in the future. But, my love and dedication for my stories has not died out! And I will continue to write what I want! Consequences be dammed! Sort of. Not really…
Oh well at least I still have all of your wonderful reviews! I don't think I'd be anywhere without all of your supportive words.
So a huge thanks to you guys for sticking in there! Keep reviewing (positively) and I'll keep on updating!
Thanks so much guys! You're the best!
Note For Review's :
Inufan - Thanks for the support so far! Hope you enjoy the update a little more action this time!
WolfPrinceKouga - You know me gotta make Ginta and Hakkaku squirm just a little bit more. But! There will be an upcoming scene where they actually get to talk man to man or should I say wolf to wolf? With Kouga. You know express their feelings lol As for the Inuyasha thing this chapter will feature them heavily trust me.
Thanks so much for comparison I really do love coming up with new inventive ways to make them talk to one another (or fight) but still have them fall under similar circumstances in each story. My mating mark policy will be revealed in due time, but just to clarify. Mating marks do not fade away (at least not in my stories) they are permanent. So yes that might create a little road block in the future with Kagome. Imagine falling for someone who has a permanent reminder of the person they use to be with? Its like a bad tatoo lol.
Now onto the hard choices oh yes my friend they are definitely on the rise. Maybe not this chapter but the next for sure! Because guess who is coming home? I'll shut up before I give to much away lol. But really just have to say thank you for such an amazing review and even more constant amazing support! You're the best!
Guest - Don't we all? Love Kouga already! Lol Thanks for the reivew!
Naruto4Sakrura - I know it! Group hug for Kouga! And so great to know you are in this for the long hall! Because we are just getting started! Kind of…not really lol Id say we are at the half way point and much more drama to come soon enough! As for your story can I say omg!? When and where can I read it?! Must have link asap! Thanks so much for the support!
Lil-faf - What I know about toddlers is they are vicious little creatures lol You have my utmost sympathy lol Great that you could break away to enjoy the updates though! To answer your question its hard to say but if I had to put a number on it I would say less then ten more left? I have the plotline completely written out I just have to break it up and detail it out….its exhausting lol Thanks for the review though I really hope you enjoy the update!
Moonlight Shadow Huntress - Thanks so much! "A Girls Heart" Is currently under cunstruction. I'm going back and heavily editing the chapters I might even finish it up soon!
Mae Mae - Can we say best review ever?! Yes I can! Thanks so much for the support and encouraging words! Really hope you enjoy the update!
Aristocratic Assassin - Wow! Thanks for such a great review! Gives me the drive I need to update! Much Much love my friend! Hope you like the update!
Kouga's older woman - Oh the drama! The delicious drama!
Chapter Eleven
Connected
The lightly iced ground rumbled with a thick lasting tremor. Melting clumps of gathered snow collected on the overhanging branches of the still frozen tress falling from their molded place to litter the greenery spotted forest floor below.
The source of the quake like vibration a dark and deeply burrowed cave like structure carved into the lower valley rock face.
Entrenched in the black shadows of the wide cave mouth low and deadly growls began to erupt outward before fading into howling cries of discomfort.
Standing at the only opening of the hollow, a lone figure peered into the unseen depths behind bright azure eyes. Watching fiercely as black smoke poured from the herbal laced fire still blazing before him into the mouth of the stone dwelling.
The black cloud of suffocating gas filling the rock chamber with its eye watering sting and the beast dwelling within the confined hole could take no more!
Once again the ground shook and the creature who had been helplessly poisoned in its home charged forward with its massive sharply clawed paws!
Kouga braced himself in a wider more defensive stance and instantly the monster he had been smoking out of it home came barreling towards him!
Black fur and small hellish red eyes gleamed at the prepared wolf demon as a colossal bear charged over the threshold of its cave!
Embers kicked up widely as the fire that had forced it from its den busted apart with the charging ferocity of the hell-bent animal!
Still blinded by the smoke it had been assaulted by the massive creature clawed its way into the open air, but unfortunately it would never know the sweet scent of the outside world again.
Stepping at the last possible second Kouga skillfully jilted to the side of the raging beast raising his flexed hand inhumanly fast and slashing across the bears fur covered throat!
Thick flesh tore under Kouga's clawed fingertips and the unmistakable feeling of hot blood coated his palm in a warm spray!
The poor unprepared creature's massive legs buckled as it was sent skidding across the snow melted ground digging up a wide path of damp earth with the sheer weight of its body.
It panted lowly unable to even take one last breath before its now darken eyes glazed over and its entire fur covered form went limp.
Kouga turned to face the now motionless body of the bear he had just slain. Walking up slowly to the lifeless animal he peered down at its open muzzle and still parted eyes.
Heavily he sighed down in reluctance.
Kneeling down until he rocked back on the balls of his feet Kouga reached out softly cupping his blood stained hand over the bears hazy eyes before sliding them down appreciatively.
He hated killing these things. Bears had never really been a nuisance for him, occasionally he had to chase one or two of the mountain when they ventured to close to his wolves. For the most part though these powerful creatures didn't bother him.
If he had his way in things he wouldn't be hunting them down like this at all. But, events for the moment were out of his control.
Game worth hunting had yet to return to the eastern lands even though the last snow fall had been weeks ago. His people were hungry and it was his responsibility to see them fed, by any means. So unwillingly he had made the decision to start tracking down what animals he could.
Bear's hadn't been his intended goal but they were slightly overpopulated in the valley floor and made for the easiest creatures to hunt while still sleeping in their dens.
That knowledge aside. It didn't make killing them any easier.
Kouga retracted his hand away before pinching the bridge of his nose with a heavy breath.
He was just so tired.
It had been days since he last slept, maybe longer. Time wasn't really something he liked to keep track of lately.
Though as drained as he physically was, he couldn't bare the idea of returning to the mountain, to his empty room. Even though his bed all but called to him. He was determined to deny it as long as he possibly could.
He wanted to sleep, sure. But, when he slept, he dreamt, and when he dreamt it was always the same damn dream!
A dream about a blizzard, a frozen desolate cave, and a raven haired woman…
Kouga exhausted shook the thought away. He didn't have the energy for this right now.
Especially with the fast approaching figures he sensed were closing in on him.
Kouga stood up right as the underbrush at his back began to shake and part, two familiar slightly clumsy forms stepping through.
"You got another one?" Ginta thought out loud amazed at the sheer size of the bear Kouga had clearly mangled to slay this time.
"That makes-. How many?" Hakkaku asked in astonishment. Just to think he and Ginta could barely catch a rabbit during Kouga's absence! Yet here he was taking down full grown monsters, and providing enough meat to feed the tribe for weeks at least!
"Call the others." Kouga said flatly, referring to the dozens of other scouts he had patrolling the wooded area for signs of prey.
"Drag it back to the cave. We'll store it with the rest of'em until later tonight." He instructed, trying to hide the slight relief in his voice.
He had lost count how many of these beast he had brought down, but he was sure it was more than enough to last throughout the next storm.
He was finally done for the day.
He sighed grateful for this horrible experience to be over. Steadily he began marching towards the waiting forest. He still had a little bit of daylight left to burn and there was a certain part of the forest he wanted to reach before nightfall.
"Kouga. Are you alright?" Ginta asked watching his leader pause mid step.
"You're bleeding!" Hakkaku added in concern.
Kouga arched a brow before peering down at himself. He hadn't noticed it until now, but Hakkaku was right.
His forearm was gashed partially down the center, bright red blood oozing down his arm then rolling to drip off his fingertips.
The bear had undoubtedly snagged a fang on him when they connected. It wasn't deep enough to cause concern but Kouga was finally beginning to realize his lack of sleep was starting to take a toll on him.
Without looking Kouga could still feel the eyes of his right and left hand men glued to him, with that worried gaze that usually had a quick way of getting under his skin.
"I'm fine." He said sternly. Flicking the collected blood that stained his clawed fingers.
"Kouga-" Ginta began, uneasily.
"Just do what I asked!" Kouga cut him off callously.
Ginta flinched from the sharpness of his leaders tone and didn't dare speak another word. But, the concern lingered in his eyes.
Kouga huffed heatedly.
"I'll meet you both back at the mountain later." He gruffed, his tone boarding as close to apologetic as his sleep deprived state would allow.
He didn't bother to watch them accept his words before he began to sprint forward. Blurring his world into the constant shade of gray that it had now become.
Exhaustion was a hard thing. But, longing was harder.
"H-Hoki?"
Inuyasha stood frozen as he watched the local village boy he had come to know, step over the rock mound in the center of the dome like cavern they stood inside.
The very child who had brought him and Miroku to this northern land was now glaring down at the two of them with an wicked and stomach curdling smile.
"Surprised? I knew you would be." Hoki laughed wickedly, menacingly.
"What the hell is going on here?" Inuyasha thought out loud. He could smell demon the scent so overwhelming it burned the inside of nostrils.
Why didn't he see one? The scent seemed to be coming from no other than the village boy towering over them. But, that couldn't be right…
"Isn't it obvious?" Hoki beamed with narrowed and inhumanly intense eyes.
"You fools. It took you all this time to find me? When I was right under your nose this entire time." He chuckled accusingly
"You better start talking straight kid or-" Inuyasha threatened his clawed fingers flexing on the hilt of his worn sword.
"Or what? You'll cut me down? Go ahead!" The beady eyed boy challenged spreading his stance wider as if to provide the fuming half demon with a better target.
Inuyasha snarled fighting the urge to charge forward. Even if he had decided too Miroku lifting his staff beside him caused the half demon to pause momentarily.
"He's possessed Inuyasha." Miroku confirmed his dark violet eyes fixating on the small human child. His heighten spiritual senses able to see the demonic aura engulfing the young boys slender frame.
"Clever monk." Hoki grinned the whites of his eyes bright and making his sharp pupils appear all the more fierce.
Inuyasha felt the hand placed on the handle of his sword tighten. So that explained why this kid reeked of demon.
"So you are Yokobue? Are you so pathetic you have to hide inside a kid for protection!?" Inuyasha snapped. This was going to be a problem. He couldn't just cut the kid down, even if he was housing the disgusting beast he had hunted all this time.
"It is true. Humans are such weak things. This body-" Yokobue hesitated commanding the human shell he occupied to lift his small hands for examination.
"It doesn't suit me. But, its done well so far. Luring the two of you here. And of course all the others." The hidden demon smirked secretly summoning the dozens of shrouded figures from their hiding places amongst the cave walls.
Instantly Inuyasha's eyes filled with the reflection of the masses of kimono covered bodies coming into view from all over the dome like structure.
Row upon row of slumped forms stepping above the overhanging stone balconies mounted all around them.
"This missing villegers." Miroku breathed eyeing the local valley dwellers they had been searching for all this time.
"Former villagers. Now, they are my slaves." Yokobue said maliciously.
Hoki's hands lifted as commanded his small fingers wrapped around the glimmering crimson tube of Yokobue's flute.
Feeling as it began to pulse in his hold with the restless souls he had trapped inside the demonic crystal like object.
"Why have you trapped all these people?" Miroku demanded his spiritual senses now on fire with the feeling of the surging demonic energy charging throughout the cave.
"Why else? Revenge!" Yokobue vowed! His voice laced with Hoki's trembling with sheer rage.
"Revenge? Against who?" Inuyasha snapped. What they hell had a bunch of helpless villagers done except be victim to this demonic monsters trap.
"A bunch of humans?" He questioned furiously. Inuyasha wanted to tear this damn monster apart!
"No you fool! Against the wolves!" Yokobue growled hatefully. His humanized eyes flashing with the unforgettable memories of the beast that had driven him from his home.
"Centuries I dwelled in the mountains. Then in one fell swoop those accursed mongrels forced my out! They stripped away my land!" Hoki's possessed form shouted heatedly.
"So you take it out on the valley and its people? For what purpose?" Miroku seethed. His usually collected demeanor faltering at the disgust he felt for this cowardly demon.
"These pathetic creatures have always coward before the wolf demons of the north! No longer! I have banded them together to fight as my army!" Yokobue said bold and proud of his cruel uncaring actions.
"I will overthrow those drooling beast and claim the mountains for my own once more!" He vowed with a menacing gleam in his hidden eyes.
"Pitting a bunch of mortal against demons? Your dumber then I took you for! They wont stand a chance!" Inuyasha roared his voice hard and sharp.
"In the past perhaps. But, the wolves have become weak. Their leader lays dying thanks to my demonic aura!" Yokobue smiled wickedly remembering just how often he had polluted the mountain base with his poisonous essences.
The sniveling four legged beast didn't even know of his slow and successful attempt on Yorozoku's life.
The damn dog like creature should succumb to his unseen venom any time now. And then, that would be the perfect time to attack.
"The more souls I collect the more powerful I become!" Yokobue laughed wickedly his clouding aura intensifying and making both Inuyasha and Miroku tense for battle.
"With the two of you added to my collection no one will be able to stop me!" Then without another word Hoki's uncontrollable body lifted the flute to his lips and began to play.
The sound pierced through Inuyasha like a knife and made his entire vision flash a scorching shade of hard blinding white!
Through the flurry of ice and falling rain the thick and naked trees centered at the massive forest shifted under the cold sting of the water pelting down.
The sky and the vast landscape were a constant shade of grey, unable to completely tell where one ends and the other begins.
That was until hard flashes of bright purple light burst through the bottom of the canopy. Shimmering pulsating clouds of electrical like energy surging out from the forest below like a storm raging from the ground up.
Kagome watched through bleary hazel eyes as the last of her spiritual energy surged from her fingertips before the remainder retracted itself back into her shivering body.
Trying to steady herself she could still feel the rushing sensation of her body's spiritual reserves flooding her body with its lasting tingle.
Weakly she glanced down at the mud and puddle spotted ground where dozens if not hundreds of partially charred demon parts remained scattered out around her.
She had lost count on just how many demons she had purified this day. It felt like hundreds.
Though this kind of misfortune was to be expected. With winter nearing its end, demons who had burrowed themselves away from the harshness of the cold were starting to emerge. And they were hungry.
Countless villages had been attacked and of course sought the aid of the one person they thought could help.
Which led to Kagome's current predicament. For weeks now she had come to the aid of every village that had called upon her.
She had tracked and eliminated dozens of swarms of lesser demons using the powers she had so tirelessly worked to hone.
She had never felt more like a priestess in her life, but having this feeling wasn't the glamorous accomplishment she had once thought it was.
She was exhausted. Constantly pushing herself to the utmost limit, her reserves of spiritual power now at an all time low from having being used so much.
She couldn't begin to remember how many times she had purified or exercised demons dwelling in the surrounding lands of her village.
All she knew was her body though resilient, wouldn't be able to stand this kind of punishment for much longer.
Wearily Kagome took a step forward her sandal covered foot sinking deeply into the thick mud the relentless frigid rain had created.
She tried to take another but her battered body refused and instead her knees buckles and she was sent stumbling back blindly from sheer fatigue.
Luckily a strong tree base acted as her support from falling down completely into the muck. Grateful for the support Kagome laid her head back against the hard bark and sighed.
Her hazy sleep deprived eyes staring up at the grey sky watching as a curtain of rain began to fall from the clouds above streaming down into the forest she stood inside.
Were it not for the lingering numbing sensation that came with over usage of her power Kagome was sure she would have begun to shiver from the icy sting of the water droplets seeping into her clothing.
But, for now. She was actually thankful not to be able to feel.
Though it wasn't ideal, especially with the scattered clumps of demon flesh laying all around her.
This moment, it was peaceful.
More so than she could remember having in a long time. Her life, it had become anything but calm, especially in the last few months.
One way or another she was always seemed to be in a state of chaos. Either from battling against demons, or from the still raging war her conscience decided to declare whenever she had a spare moment.
Kagome closed her suddenly heavy eyes. How was it that even though she couldn't feel the cold no doubt painful sting of the water tracing over her heated skin. She could still feel a lasting ache buried in her chest?
She had ever since the day she had sent, him away.
Defiant Kagome shook her rain spotted head freeing the few water droplets that had yet to sink into her bound raven locks.
She didn't want to think about this. She didn't have the energy. Not right now.
But try as she might she couldn't escape her thoughts. At least not like she usually would. There were no more demons left to kill. No more distractions she could throw herself into.
She was trapped in the grip of her own suffocating thoughts.
Defeated Kagome sunk down to the mud coated forest floor letting the thick water and muck seep into her clothing as she forced her eyes apart.
She stared back up to the sky.
The water coming down was so cold, so pure and cleansing.
But, why? Why didn't it have the power to cleanse what was so deeply rooted inside her? Kagome sighed heavily, unable to help a secret prayer from leaving her damped lips.
Please, just let this storm wash away her misery.
The dome seemed to hum with an impossibly high frequency so penetrating and damaging to be heard it made Inuyasha's usually sharp and intense amber eyes dull and lose any kind of focus.
It was like he was now standing in a living breathing space. The walls and floor vibrating and shifting unrealistically with the unforgiving chime coursing its way through him.
He was seeing double of practically everything and he felt incredibly nauseous! What the hell was happening to him?
"You're strong half demon." Yokobue smirked while he held Hoki's lips tightly to the flute preparing to assault the half demon with another barrage of punishing noise.
"You bastard!" He roared fiercely while gripping a hold of a near by boulder trying to steady his frantic vision.
Yokobue would admit he was impressed with the silver haired half demon resilience to his song. Though it was to be expected, he wasn't fully mortal after all. Had he been, with this amount of sound he would have surely succumbed to his will by now.
"But, are you strong enough to stop your friend?" He asked menacingly his harden eyes falling to the motionless monk still standing at Inuyasha's slumped figure.
Inuyasha didn't understand Yokobue's taunting words not until he caught a blurred image of Miroku charging forwards towards him, his golden staff in hand.
"What-" Inuyasha barked spinning to face the lunging monk, just in time to skillfully catch his spiritual tool's handle before it could crush into his skull.
Miroku held tight and tried to forcibly shove his staff forward but Inuyasha's clawed fingers gripped onto the opposite side far to fiercely for him to free himself.
"What the hell are you doing Miroku!?" Inuyasha snapped struggling to focus on Miroku's blurred face.
It was brief but finally he was able to get a clear glimpse of his holy companion. His bright and lively violet eyes now hazed over with a dark clouded gloss.
Instantly Inuyasha knew what was happening.
That damn flute had overtaken Miroku! He was as good as Yokobue's puppet now!
"Damn it!" Inuyasha roared rearing his fist back and punching the monk square in the jaw knocking him from his feet.
He hadn't hit him with enough force to do serious damage but it was enough for him to make a quick escape. Unsteadily Inuyasha launched himself away doing everything he could to force himself to focus on the seemingly swaying walls and floor.
He hadn't even had time to make contact with the nearest wall before he felt the sharp blade of a worn spear slice across his cheek. An unknown possessed villager holding the rustic weapon just at his side.
Aggressively Inuyasha gripped the handle of the blade feeling it cut his open palm before he tore it away from the weaken human delivering a hard kick to the mans torso that sent him stumbling backwards.
He had barely released the damn spear before he felt another jagged edge slice into his wrist. Another villager assaulting him only this time with a harvesting sickle.
Partially blind and all Inuyasha punched the villager away before he leapt to a higher vantage point desperate for space from the gathering crowd of hell bent villagers.
This was bad. He could barely see and he couldn't defend himself from the on coming attacks! He couldn't risk killing the villagers! What the hell was he suppose to do? He couldn't dodge them forever!
Running along the elevated wall mounds he could hear and half way see the tips of arrow heads trailing his ever step. One hard glance on the opposite side of the dome told him there were row upon rows of archers aiming their beaten bow in his direction.
Inuyasha knew he couldn't kill the villagers but that didn't mean he couldn't rough them up a little!
Stabbing his nails into the palm of his already tore hand he flexed his claws before slicing his hand across the air before him. Crescent shaped blades of his crimson essence blasting forward.
"Blades of blood!" He roared watching as his attack crushed into the rock beneath the human archers sending them falling helplessly to the floor a few dozen feet below.
Inuyasha spun to face the group of climbing villagers below each one scaling the rock face of the cavern in attempt to reach him, countless weapons in hand.
Again Inuyasha unleashed his crimson attack ripping their grip away and forcing them to skid back down to the cave floor.
A lone blood formed blade straying from the rest and slicing by Hoki's body skimming his small arm and opening a thin wound where it had brushed past.
Yokobue paused from his relentless flute playing to stare down to his now bleeding vessel.
"Careful half demon. I might control this boys body. But, he is still just a mortal. You wouldn't want to kill him would you?" He smirked, cocky in his unfounded victory.
"No. But I will kick his ass!" Inuyasha promised the hesitation of Yokobue's flute playing giving him just enough clarity to grip a hold of his tetsusaiga.
Instantly the rough and worn blade morphed into its massive gleaming fang like state before he threw it away with one hard shove.
Yokobue watched in horror as the massive sword flew directly towards him. The half demon was insane! Would he really kill him even if it meant the boys life as well?
His answer was clear when the giant blade stabbed the earth right before his feet the impact of its massive size shoving him backwards and causing his fragile human shell to slam into the nearest wall.
Air flushed from Hoki's lungs as his small hand lost his hold on the flute he held so intensely. The crimson tube falling from his grip to roll on the stone floor just a few feet away.
"No!" Yokobue boomed forcing Hoki to claw his way towards the priceless object but the boy was slow and weaken from being exerted for so long.
Inuyasha took full advantage flying towards the flute and instantly pinning it beneath his bare foot causing Yokobue to flood with absolute horror!
Inuyasha gripped the hilt of his now planted sword before pulling it free with one hard jerk eyeing the pipe like object now wedged under his heel.
"Ha. Easier than I though it'd be." Inuyasha smirked replacing his foot with the tip of the tetsusaiga prodding the crimson flute with an overpowering enjoyment now that he was rid of the awful noise that had plagued him.
"Don't-!" Yokobue began terror thick in his voice!
"Go to hell!" Inuyasha swore before stabbing his sword downward with such incredible force the crystal like flute shattered in two from the brutal impact!
"No!" Yokobue's voice shrilled filling the entire cavern with its piercing echo as instantly hundreds of shimmering orbs of light exploded outwards!
Blinding color filled the stone cavern so intensely Inuyasha's eyes sealed from the harsh glare. His silver hair tossing around him wildly as if he had just unleashed a hurricane from the broken tube crushed by his feet.
The walls trembled and the ground quaked and Inuyasha's feet stumbled back to steady himself from the fierce gust of erupting winds and light.
Surprisingly he wasn't panicked or on edge in the least. He couldn't be. This light, it was warm and enveloped him in a calming smooth motion.
It was pure and he knew with an unexplainable certainty. That finally, after all this time. He had finished what he had set out to do.
At last, this was really over.
The spray of icy cold water pierced the hard muscled plain of Kouga's naked back, his fangs bared as he groaned against the stone wall of the roaring waterfall overhead.
His flat calloused palms braced hard against either side of his bowed head feeling as the freezing water ran almost painfully over him.
Kouga was sure were he anything less than demon he would have been down right convulsing from the cold by this point.
He knew he could end this silent torment any time he chose but that would defeat the purpose of him coming to this isolated place. He wanted this, to feel the hard bite of the frigid water sting his bronze skin.
It made the primal urges that seemed to be unrelenting become more tolerable. In his entire life he had never felt like this before.
It was difficult to even put into words but if he had to label it, hollow. That would be the word to come closest.
It was like a piece of him was missing and no matter what he did or how much physical endurance he pushed his body to suffer through as a distraction this feeling never fully went away.
He was just…incomplete.
Angrily Kouga growled out loud tearing himself away from the roaring water pounding against his naked body as he trudged over to the rim of the shallow pool he stood inside.
Frustrated he sank down into the cold water until it reached his hips. Sitting quietly and laying his back against the nearest boulder for support.
His head fell back and he was left staring up at the black midnight sky feeling as gathered droplets of collected water trickled from his soaked raven locks to trail down his harden body.
A little stiff from the cold Kouga shoulders shrugged with a heavy sigh. Even coming to this place, a secluded get away of sort that he had personally discovered a few years back. Didn't seem to help his mood.
The water was just a fresh, the air just as crisp and the forest just as thick. But it didn't ease the restless building inside him
Would any of this ever get any easier? Or was he just doomed to feel this was for all eternity.
He wouldn't argue that he indeed deserved such a punishment. Especially after the things he had done.
This place might have not helped him slake his yearning instincts, but it was a good spot to sort out his thoughts. He usually didn't have the luxury amongst the tribe.
He was always for to preoccupied with day to day crisis. Food, protection, shifts to assign and orders to bark. The mountain never seemed to sleep, and lately Kouga had been grateful for the distractions. But, it was time like this that were the hardest.
The dead of night, when everyone slept and there were no more diversions to be had. It was just him, alone and fighting off the memories that threatened to undo him.
His life was so scattered, and honestly he didn't know where to begin picking up the pieces. How could he possibly make the things he had done right?
He couldn't. At least not right now.
Ayame had yet to return from the north and he knew he couldn't even begin to mend the void he had torn without facing her again.
Their relationship was over. That much had been made painfully clear. But, how in hell could he just say something like that out loud?
He could already see her devastated and confusion filled eyes. She would blame herself undoubtedly.
She would ask why? What had she done wrong? And already Kouga couldn't stand the idea of it all.
What could he say to the woman he had shared his bed, his home, his entire life with. That in one winter. Just one season. The love he had attempted to feel for her all this time was shown to be useless. Why? Because he had slept with another and realized he now helplessly loved her instead.
Kouga closed his eyes tightly at how pathetic his own subconscious sounded. Why did it have to be this way? Why couldn't he love Ayame? She was beautiful. She was brave and loyal, a great leader and a devoted mate. More importantly she actually loved him back!
So why?! Why didn't he feel that way towards her in return?
Though it pained him to admit it. The answer came simply enough.
Because he was completely devoted to the absent priestess hundreds of miles away that every day he missed more than the last.
He wanted Kagome. He loved Kagome.
Kouga's azure eyes slowly parted open as his gaze met the full and illuminating moon looming above the shimmering pool he rested inside.
Briefly he wondered. Was Kagome looking up to the sky at this exact moment? What was she thinking of? Maybe him. Was it possible she missed him? Even just a little?
He doubted it. She had made her opinion clear the morning she had sent him away.
Still, he couldn't help but wonder. He supposed in a way the misery he felt was a blessing in disguise.
Feeling as empty as he did now it gave him a glimpse into what he would soon be putting Ayame through. And instantly he hated himself for it.
No one should have to suffer like this. To feel this unstoppable ache.
He supposed love was just a merciless cycle. Ayame wanted him, he wanted Kagome, and Kagome wanted the mutt. When did it end?
Would it ever end? He didn't know. And he didn't have the energy to think about it any more.
It was about time for him to head back to the mountain. The hard grip of sleep was becoming to much to ignore and he was ready to succumb.
He feared his dreams and what he knew they would bring. But, in some small way desperately wanted them.
It was the only time he got to see her face. Those hazel eyes and that soft raven hair framing procaine skin.
It was a beautiful kind of tragedy for him. Getting to taste what he would never truly have.
Love was a brutal cycle alright, and he knew with a lingering feeling of inescapable certainty it would soon come full circle.
The moon was beautiful tonight. Full and gleaming with its blue and silver hue, even the countless shimmering stars burning along side it dulled in comparison to its illuminating aura.
Such a scene usually filled the eyeing priestess with contentment and relaxation, but not now. Like everything else in her life it seemed dulled by the overpowering foreboding that lingered in the air.
Upset that she couldn't even enjoy such a breathtaking view Kagome dosed herself with another cool bucket of spring water.
Tensing visibly as the clear liquid penetrated her pearl colored kimono causing the thin material to become transparent almost instantly.
Kagome watched as sparkling droplets fell from her raven hair to drip down onto the stone pallet that acted as her seat amongst the thawed river spring.
This place had always been so calm and peaceful and secretly Kagome had hoped it would fill her with the cleansing effect she knew it could provide.
Some time ago Kaede had been the one to show her this almost healing location, on the boarder of the village. It was the perfect spiritual atmosphere to wash away the heavy essence of distress and turmoil.
Even if that wasn't exactly what Kagome was currently feeling.
She had returned to the villager earlier and as usual sought the serenity of this place. Like she had ever since the night she had spent with Kouga. Once falling back into her routine as village priestess. She had began purifying her body almost ritualistically despite the bitter cold the water assaulted her with.
It was all she could do to stop this lingering feeling seeded inside her. To sit her and wash the memory of his touch away and pray that this emptiness would eventually fade.
It hadn't so far. Deliberate at the thought Kagome sloshed another small pail of shimmering water before pouring it over her head.
She shivered and dug her pearl teeth into her pouted bottom lip to stifle a gasp of shock.
When would this get easier? Not the purification she forced herself to endure. But, the want that still burned inside her.
She wanted to see Kouga. To know he was alright. That he didn't hate her for the wedge she had intentionally driven between them.
She just wanted to be able to explain herself to him, to make him understand that this, as hard and unbearable as it was. Was for the best.
They didn't belong together. He belonged with Ayame. And when Inuyasha returned, if he could find it in his heart to forgive her for what she had done. She would be his.
That was how it was suppose to be.
But, even though she knew that was the truth. Why didn't it feel right? Could she really feel the same amount of passion and want that she had felt for Kouga, for Inuyasha? It didn't seem possible.
Inuyasha had never even attempted to make their relationship physical. Something like that couldn't be forced. It certainly hadn't been with Kouga.
It had felt so good, so natural. The way he had touched, the way he had tasted-
Kagome forced the thought away with another hard dose of frigid water. It worked as a stunning diversion, but not entirely.
The memories still remained, and the lingering feelings burned just as much.
Frustrated Kagome threw the small wooden pail away. She couldn't wash it away. It didn't matter if she drowned herself in purifying water.
These wants and desires weren't going anywhere.
She might always crave Kouga on some basic level, but that didn't mean she would ever act upon them again! If she needed passion in her life. It would be with Inuyasha. No matter what.
She loved him, and she prayed after she told him the truth he would feel the same.
With that though in mind Kagome hesitated. Even if Inuyasha did forgive her…would Ayame forgive Kouga?
Kouga wasn't the secretive type. She knew that fist hand, anything he felt. He said.
So would he just blatantly come out and admit the betrayal they had both done? Would he tell Ayame it had been with her? That would crushed her.
They hadn't spoken in years, since the defeat of Naraku. But, Kagome had seen Ayame on some basic level as a friend, a comrade.
Then again, that was clearly about to end. The auburn haired wolf demoness, would despise her. Not that she would blame her in the least.
Kagome knew first hand what it was like to see the person you love chase after another.
Kagome eyes softened in hurt at the thought. Was that the person she would become? Would she turn into Ayame's Kikyo?
That thought killed her. No one she ever have to endure that kind of pain. That unknowing, that every time you are in the arms of the person you want above any other. You couldn't help but ask yourself. Were they thinking of you? Or someone else?
Kagome felt hot tears sting the coroner of her eyes before she brushed them away with her dampened palm.
Everything had just become so wrong. So tarnished, and she didn't know how or even if she could cleanse it all away.
For now, there was nothing to be done. She couldn't start piecing back together her life, without Inuyasha to confess herself too.
And when the half demon would return she did not know. Winter was ending, and the pass Inuyasha had been trapped behind she was certain would soon melt.
It would only be a matter of time before he came home.
Kagome knew she would be more than happy to see him again, to know he was safe and finally back where he belonged. But, that joyous feeling paled in comparison to the dread she knew would fill her at the sight of those fierce amber eyes.
There would be no more hiding, no more evading her constant emotions. It would all come out.
And deep down, in the most centered part of her being. She just prayed she would be strong enough to survive it.
The sun was piercing over the northern sky. Rich flaming colors of crimson and orange setting ablaze the early morning with its basking light.
Yorozoku watched behind his aged wolfish eyes. Never expecting to see such a beautiful view again, he was sure the last sun rise he had witnessed would have been his last.
This time though, he was happily proven wrong.
He didn't know what had occurred in his slumber. He had felt it. The cold grip of death leering over him, felt his body begin to shutdown from the inside. But, in one brief moment. It had all melted away.
The pain, the sickness. He felt renewed, rejuvenated and more alive then he could remember feeling in years. He still aged, but he felt like he could go another hundred years of careless life.
It wasn't just him though. His entire territory felt cleaner, more alive. This winter had been brutal, but it was beginning to melt away. Spring could be felt in the crisp mountain air, and it was like a looming cloud of destruction had finally dissipated.
He was alive, and so grateful for the extended time he had been given.
"Grandpa?" The familiar chime of Ayame's worried voice perked his fur covered ears.
"What are you doing out here? You should be resting." The auburn haired wolf demoness said concern thick in her tone.
Softly she fell to her knees before the sitting figure of her grandfather her hand resting on the thick pelt of his back.
She hid it well but disbelief filled her jade eyes. Just a day prior her grandfather hadn't even had the energy to sit up or eat the food he had been given. She had thought for sure he his time was nearing it end.
She was beyond thankful she had been wrong, but that didn't mean she wanted him pushing himself in any way that might cause him harm or exhalation.
"It's alright my dear. I feel fine." Yorozoku reassured his grandchild with a upward turn of his muzzle, his wolfish way of smiling.
Ayame slid her nimble fingers over his crown feeling the intense heat radiate from beneath, he wasn't cold. Not like he had been every other time she had touched him, he was warm. Hot almost. It was like he was full of…life.
Could it really be his sickness had actually faded away?
"H-How is this possible?" She breathed in astonishment.
"I don't know love. But, I feel more alive then I have in years." The silver wolf admitted with a dry aged chuckle.
Ayame didn't want to give into empty hope but it was impossible not to. He looked so healthy, so vibrant and aware. Maybe he really was better?
"Oh grandpa!" She cried wrapping her arms around his thick neck and steadily beginning to sob into his soft fur.
Yorozoku tilted his head resting his jaw onto his granddaughters padded shoulder with a reassuring gruff.
"It's alright." He breathed softly.
He wouldn't break this tranquil moment too appreciative of being able to hold his only grandchild once more. But there was something he needed to tell her soon.
It hadn't just been the wonderful sunrise that had held his attention for so long. No, it was something far more important and intense.
The Shikai Pass, was melting.
Until the next time guys! School calls and like the faithful prisoner I am. I must return.
See you soon!