Who is ready for some reviews? Me! Hence the update. That, and I have shall you say some interesting new reviewers who are officially stocking me. You know who you are.
Just know I love you regardless. Addicted and all! So without further delay enjoy the update!
Oh and just a side note, I am officially on a nightcore bender. It really helps the flow of writing so I think I found a new inspirational source ehehehe….
Note For Review's :
JJ - Oh to dream…
Animepnk88 - Thanks so much! Enjoy!
Amorfatiahmi - Hopefully it wasn't super glue? Hehehe Thanks so much for the support enjoy the update my friend!
WolfLover235 - Well lets just say your craving might just get a nibble? Love the name by the way! Enjoy the update thanks for a great review!
Berabee - I know I'm just torturing the hell outta that girl. But, true love never happens without a few broken hearts along the way. Am I right? Thanks so much for the support enjoy!
Bluedragongirlhv - Me and you both!
OOOtsmOo - Hopefully your still on board! Enjoy the update!
Naruto4Sakura - Well I hope you venture over to your sisters soon :D Looking forwards to your next review!
Leti 0422 - The fence has been tilted now let the choas ensue! Thanks so much my friend!
Guest - I know she has a way of doing that huh? Imagine how Kouga feels huh? Thanks so much enjoy the update!
Gravity Grave - Yeah you get her granny!
Kouga's Older Woman - I know so sweet!
WolfieTheDemon - Oh it shall…
Shewalksinstarlight09 - So we meet again? How do you keep finding me! Oh well reviews are reviews! Much love! Enjoy the update!
Chapter Sixteen
Restricted
Dread was real. It tended to start out small. A simple annoyance in the back of one's mind that never seemed to weaver. But, as the anticipation of events to come became closer, more realistic. The constant gut wrenching feeling began to grow. Taking on a form of its own.
Until it was so engorged and undeniably real it couldn't possibly be ignored. Only swallowed down and skillfully hidden behind an emotionless mask of solidarity.
Or at least that's what Kouga was hoping.
He marched quietly and stone faced up the large beaten path leading towards the main cave entrance. The familiar sound of rushing water from the falls just now coming into sight filling his pointed ears.
That and the constant pacing of the two figures in his shadow who currently grunted and snarled as they were forced to lug up about what must have felt like a ton of freshly killed meat.
Instinctively Kouga glanced over his broad shoulder to his two most trusted commands. Each on strung with a thick no doubt uncomfortable 'X' lined rope across their chest.
Gritting their heels into the dirt and rock of the cliff face as they trudged forward. Anchored uncommonly slow by their jointly attached cargo.
Kouga might have felt a shred of pity for the both of them had he not spent the entire previous day and night alone tracking, hunting, and killing all the plentiful verity of animals they carried.
As far as he was concerned they could earn the meal they were undoubtedly about to take part in, someway or another.
They had after all been dwelling in paradise for the past few weeks, responsibly free. He had procrastinated returning to the east for dozens of reason, and allowed his two slackers to enjoy the temporary break.
But their pointless days of simply lounging around and hunting were now over.
Setting aside such merger thoughts for much later Kouga returned to the much more drastically pressing matter at hand.
The scent of iris was wafting through the air and he instinctually knew why.
He had seen the scouts placed on the eastern boarder spot him before vanishing from the rock faces of the mountain. No doubt rushing to tell Ayame of her mates return so she could greet him traditionally.
In fact he was now unshakably certain of it. Seeing the end of the path come vividly into sight and the huddled mass of easterners and wolves centered at the junction.
Kouga swallowed down his anguish hard at the sight of Ayame standing at the forefront of the crowd. Her fiery auburn hair woven deceptively with wild mountain flowers.
Her usual rose hued armor replaced by a far more formal white fur gown. Cutting across one shoulder leaving her pale silk like skin exposed. And only a small gap of her stomach and hip, her navel and upper most part of her firm thigh exposed.
It was obvious she had went to great lengths to look appeasing for his return. A method he would have usually appreciated whole heartedly. Had it not been for the searing sting of guilt her mere presences filled him with.
Taking a reassuring breath he marched up the path matching her step for step as she began to approach him, a loving and obviously overjoyed smile placed on her cherry lips.
"Welcome back." She mused happily closing the distance that separated the two of them within seconds.
Kouga took charge of the situation with as much normality as his conscience would allow.
Reaching out he cupped a strong hand at the base of her neck pulling her to him tenderly and leaning forward to place a firm kiss on the center of her forehead.
Breathing in her rich natural fragrance, and noting the enhancement exuding from her no doubt freshly bathed and flowery oil scented skin.
Ayame sighed contently to be held even partially in her mates arms again.
Reaching up she cupped her hands lovingly against his forearm as he pulled back enough to see her face to face but not far enough to break his tender hold on her.
"You look well." He complimented. But not necessarily wanting to impress upon her the seriousness of his words.
Ayame didn't seem to mind as she only smiled adoring up at his handsome bronze face and azure eyes.
"How was the trip?" She asked curiously.
Unwillingly Kouga's mind flashed dozens of memories from the moonlit hillside and spring pool he had taken Kagome both in and on over and over.
He shoved the images away all to suddenly fearing his searing guilt would be betrayed in his eyes.
Instead he retracted his hand away from Ayame's welcoming form. Even though she seemed a little reluctant to release his hold so easily, but did so all the same.
"As good as could be expected." Kouga said low and without emotion.
Ayame eyed her mate insecurely. Barely in her presence for more than a moment and already he seemed reluctant,…reserved.
"It appears to have been a success." Roiyaru noted, now revealing himself through the crowd of mixed wolves and demons at Ayame's back.
His navy colored eyes fixed past Kouga to Ginta and Hakkaku now only come to rest at their leaders shadow. Both red faced and obviously out of breath as they wiped sweat from their drenched brows.
"So, you decided not to leave us after all?" Kouga asked bluntly. He had no love for the northern but he was partially grateful the pup was here. He was sure Ayame would be needing his support in the days to come.
Almost able to sense the azure eyed wolf demons annoyance Roiyaru only smiled a fangy grin in response, his secret reasoning for such coy behavior about to be abruptly revealed.
"Actually," He began even and uncommonly smooth.
"It was a good thing my company and I decided to remain in the east awhile longer. Seeing as-"
"Roiyaru!" Ayame interrupted sharply but with no real annoyance laced through her hushed voice.
Kouga instantly became suspicious and the arch in his dark brow revealed so.
"Of course," Roiyaru bowed apologetically towards the auburn haired demoness. But all the while maintain his small smug grin.
"Something I need to know about?" Kouga asked firmly. His sharpen eyes falling onto Ayame for highly anticipated answers.
But surprisingly the jade eyed demoness didn't react with fear or uncertainly the way someone withholding a dreaded secret normally would.
Instead she smiled sweetly and enthusiastically. Catching Kouga off guard.
"I wanted to be the one to tell you." Ayame admittedly eagerly and obviously thrilled about whatever news she was about to reveal.
Kouga secretly braced himself for the dreaded possibilities.
"Grandpa is here!" The jade eyed wolf demoness announced ecstatically!
The ball of absolute dread that had rooted itself inside the pit of Kouga's stomach lurched like he had just been kicked in the intestines!
Every single possible emotion that he had felt the previous days melted away into a pool of total nothingness. Only to be refilled by a more potent and drastically overpowering new sensation.
Absoutle. Sickness.
The temple was vast. Both in landscape and tower like structure. Had it not been for the all to ominous aura thick in the early morning air its detailed architecture would have been something to behold.
But, Kagome was far to distracted circling the abandoned building to marvel at its apparent beauty. It was clear why the local villagers of this distant sanctum had sought her aid.
Though beautifully crafted this place of worship was most definitely filled with a lingering presence of malicious intent. Though Kagome knew she was no exorcises, it was a simple enough task to drive an evil sprit to the surface were she could purify and expel said sprit.
She had spent the last few hours circling the enormous structure with the aid of the local village monks in training showing her the high and low points of the tower.
It was obvious the not yet holy men were eager to have their home back and were willing to help in any way they could.
Kagome thought back to their words. Apparently this intently whatever form it was, only appeared at dusk.
She had several hours to go and had made good use of her time exploring the concrete plain the temple rested on top.
Giant walls enclosed the sanctum open only at the west entrance to those who sought worship. Large lanterns and torches lined at the top of each thick mount.
It really was a wonder, and foreboding presence aside. Impressive.
A shame she hadn't come to a place like this while in its functioning glory. It seemed to the story of her life. Her being called away from home to 'haunted' places in need of rescue, in most occasions she had restored all to its former glory. But, she never seemed to have the time to re-visit the countless areas she had aided.
Maybe when her life seemed to stable its self again. She would finally do such a thing.
Though if Kouga had his way. That dream would forever be beyond her reach.
Kagome paused midstep on the cold concrete under her sandal covered feet. Forcibly shoving every lingering image of the wolf demon away.
She had promised herself when the local villagers had come to seek her aid. She wouldn't waste the time she had been given away from the village to ponder on impossible scenarios.
What Kouga wanted, just wasn't a possibility. It was useless to even consider his proposal of leaving Kaede's village. She had wasted enough time and energy as it was running over his words and her actions of the last few days again and again until she emotionally drained herself.
Though the unshakable memories of the blue eyed wolf remained. He infected her every thought, unwilling as it might be.
She wondered about him. Had he returned to the east? To Ayame? Had he told her the truth? All of it? She couldn't even remember how many times those exact questions had run through her mind.
Kagome breathed deeply. She wanted to be alone. And even though she was. She couldn't let the tangled mess of her emotions sort themselves out. Not when she had such a pressing job to do.
She was just to confused, and to pre-occupied to do anything about it.
Angrily Kagome tightened her grip on the smooth arch of her thick bow. How she wished the sun would begin to set, even though it had just now begun to rise.
She wanted to unleash her bottled feelings. She wanted to fight, if just to release one ounce of the chaos that raged within her chest.
She could face one thousands demons right at this very moment. And though it would most definitely keep her plaguing thoughts at bay. It would do little to ease the ache inside her.
Without Kouga. She felt incomplete. Whole only when he was within arms reach. And feeling that, filled her even more so with hot searing guilt.
Kouga wasn't hers. She had no right to him. So why did the idea of him being so far away possibly in the arms of another hurt her so?
Frustrated Kagome sighed tiredly. How more twisted could her internal struggle be? She wanted Kouga. He belonged to Ayame. But he obviously didn't feel the same. The azure eyed demon had made it beyond clear he wanted no other than her, Kagome. Even though she belonged to Inuyasha.
Just thinking about this insane situation made her head spin.
She was beginning to lose hope of ever having any sense of normality in her life again. It had been so long, since she had felt like herself. Not the person she was now. Constantly struggling over what decision would be the least chaotic to those around her.
The only time she felt any means of sanity, was when she was with Kouga. Lost in his arms, the world and all its smothering troubles fell away.
But, when he was gone. The blinding disarray her life had become came back full force.
It hurt so much to be near the wolf demon, but it was a thousand times worse to be without him.
How did she overcome something like this? She didn't feel like she had the strength for it. Who possibly could bare this weight?
Kagome marched forward angrily. She had broken her vow and began to spiral herself back into the jumbled mess that was her mind. Well, not a moment longer.
She didn't care if she walked around this temple until her feet began to bleed. She was going to stay out of her own head. Even if it killed her!
After all. At least out here in the real world.
There were demons she could actually face.
The off branch cliff ledge air swirled with invading wind. Such drastic height only illuminated at the peak where the moon light loomed. Other than the stream of silver rays parting through the thick midnight clouds above nothing but absolute blackness remained at the bottom of the steep rock face.
Honestly, the blacken pit of nothingness was a tempting sight to the azure eyes looking down at the vast seemingly bottomless space.
One step off the ridge and he could fall so far down and for so long he was sure he wouldn't hit bottom till the morning sun rose.
At this point, he was trying to weigh in the back of his mind why such a brash careless action was a bad idea. The benefits seemed to outweigh the risk after all.
It would prove an all to quick escape for the hell Kouga had found himself thrown into.
Even now under his very feet the mountain seemed to vibrate with the thumping of heavy drums and chiming of wooden flutes.
The east was alive with celebration. A proper reception for its northern brethren in full sway. Fresh salted meat was in vast supply, scorching mind numbing drinks overflowing.
Every single wolf demon under Kouga's rule was savoring the party that was raging inside the rock peaks while he. The leader and unwilling orchestrater of such festivities hid on the mountain side.
Forcibly he had played his part. He had greeted the elder as sincerely and honorable as he could muster given the circumstances. Welcomed him to the east and provided him with all the hospitality he could provide.
Even going so far as to attend the raging celebration overtaking his territory. It was tolerable at first, actually finding himself enjoying the sight of Ayame so visibly overjoyed to be reunited with her family.
That was until her rich loving smile had caused a crack in his façade. Hard stinging guilt spreading through his chest and into his blood like a burning disease.
Not only did he have his entire territory to consider but he now had Ayame's thrown into the mix. How the hell was he suppose to confess now? It would cause a full out riot! The mountain would be torn apart!
The northerners were his guest. But should a scandal like what he had carried spread. They would revolt! To be insulted in such a way all but declared an act of retribution! The mountain would be torn apart and he would powerless to stop it!
What in the deepest darkest part of hell was he suppose to do now?
Crumbling under the weight of his anguish Kouga crouched down beaten and drained his calloused hands fisting in his bound raven locks.
This was a nightmare. A hellish nightmare he was trapped inside with no clear means of escape.
Why? Why of all the days that lay ahead did the elder decided to come down now? This was by far the worst possible arrival that it could have even been cosmically seen!
It was a disaster waiting to happen, and he for the first time was absolutely powerless to stop it.
He had to tell Ayame. He had to! He had promised Kagome, he had promised himself that the lies would end! He couldn't go on living this way! But, how? How could he face not only Ayame but her entire tribe!
"I cant really say I blame you for wanting some quiet?" A soften and clearly sympathetic voice floated on the air directly towards Kouga's defeated form.
Kouga reluctantly peered up to witness Ayame arriving from the shadows her usual understanding expression placed sweetly over her beautiful face.
Physically exhausted Kouga forced himself to his feet to face her as took a firm stance at his side on the empty cliff ledge.
"It's getting a little chaotic in there." She smiled hinting back to the raging celebration she had just so narrowly escaped.
"You seem to be holding together well enough." Kouga reassured. Secretly wishing he could say the same about himself.
"Of course." Ayame smiled whole heartedly while staring towards the star spotted sky above.
"I've always loved times like this." She promised her jade eyes all but filling with the sweet remembrance of the past festivities she had partaken in.
"It brings back such wonderful memories." She whispered more to herself than her mate standing at her side.
Kouga sighed tiredly. It felt like a lifetime since they had last done this. Talked. Actually spoken to one another without unintentionally wounding one another with their words.
He may not have desired Ayame as his mate. But that did not mean he held no love for her. She was still one of the dearest people to him. One of few who actually knew him for the demon he was. Not the leader he was always forced to play to establish order.
"Such as?" He asked hoping to keep the normality of this moment going just a little while longer.
"Our mating ceremony." Ayame responded evenly but with a hint of longing in her soft tone.
Kouga closed his eyes defeated. He shouldn't have asked.
"Do you remember? How alive the mountain was? For weeks there was so much, music, laughter…drinking." Ayame's almost sadden tone trailing off into laughter.
Kouga drowning in his secret anguish aside smirked a weaken grin at the hinted memory she brought to the surface.
It was the only time in his life he could blatantly remember drinking himself into a stupor night after night. Then pouring himself into bed at dawn sometimes not always alone, an army of equally intoxicated wolves at his side.
He could hazily remember Ayame's disbelieving eyes when she had woken to find basically half the tribe canines cuddled into bed with her new mate.
An interesting way to begin ones eternal bound. To say the least.
"Those days. I'd thought they would last forever." Ayame whispered, wishing so desperately she could go back to those precious moments. To a time when she was at her most absolute happiest.
Kouga caught side of the ghostly shape of the moon, the silver orb reflecting into his deep inhuman eyes like a shimmering mirror.
"Nothing last forever." He whispered emotionlessly.
Ayame felt her jade eyes darken into a glimmering pool of emerald. Her heart sinking in her chest and an numbing pain beginning to spread through out her shivering form.
"You don't remember then?" She asked hopelessly.
She thought she had been strong enough to handle this. The inevitable rejection. She thought being surrounded by her loved ones had finally given her the strength.
But, she was oh so suddenly proven wrong.
Even without real motivation. Kouga's words could cut through her like a knife.
Trying to fight back already rising tears she turned from him preparing to retreat into the solitude of the mountain caverns. That was until Kouga's voice froze her mid step.
"You wore a flower band. Lilacs and irises. You knew I liked the way they smelled." Kouga spoke the all to vivid memories of he and Ayame's past flashing across his mind.
"You even asked your grandfather to bring you fresh iris oil. All the way from the north, as a present. You put it on every night after your bath. So when I held you…I would smell it all night long." Kouga whispered low and even.
Ayame could feel a lone hot tear cut down her pale cheek as she stood there on the mountain side frozen and unmoving.
She had never told Kouga that. Yet…he had known?
"I'll never forget that smell." Kouga vowed. Those moments, they were apart of him now. A forever memory seared into his mind and senses.
"Kouga-" Ayame began unable to withhold the onslaught of fresh tears beginning to stream from her emerald orbs.
"Back then, I-" She cried brokenly
"We. We're so happy. Cant it be like that again?" She pleaded turning to face her mate completely. She wanted him to feel the love she held for him. Know how desperately she wanted to rekindle what they had lost.
"Ayame." Kouga breathed. He could feel the words rising out of his chest and into his throat before he could silence them. Here it was. The truth. It was going to come spewing out and he was helpless to stop it.
That was until Ayame fell against him. Her heated face pressing to his chest her trembling hands clutching onto him inescapably tight.
Her body heaving with hard broken sobs bursting through her parted lips.
"Tell me what I have to do? P-Please.." She begged hot tears cutting down her face and soaking into Kouga's bronze skin.
Kouga couldn't stand this torture. Desperate to stop the misery his mate was feeling in any way he could he held her tight, so tight his own arms began to tremble like leaves.
The weight he bore was crushing him. And the pain he was unleashing on those he cared for most was becoming to much to bare.
What could he do? What could he say.
He had never felt like this before….so lost…
Cradling Ayame to him allowing her to pour her sorrow into his own he leaned forward until his lips pressed to the soft lobe of her pointed ear.
"I never deserved you." He breathed, and then let the conjoining of their colossal misery burry him alive.
Crowing of distant birds taking flight seeking shelter from the approaching night sent an unwanted chill running up the length of Kagome's spine.
It was obviously true what the local absent villagers had warned her of. With the fast approach of night the foreboding aura had intensified greatly.
Through focused hazel eyes the priestess eyed the deep maroon shaded sky. The brick red sky darkening into an brilliant crimson with every passing moment.
The undying sacred powers Kagome kept secretly contained surged just beneath the skin. The air around her seeming to thicken with discontent.
Whatever this demon was, it was close to emerging. She could all but feel it.
Then as if summoning the beast just by imagining its unseen presence. The torches that lined the thick temple walls swayed heavily to the side. The thick embers from the flames flickering and casting themselves randomly to the non existent wind.
Kagome watched as the ashes fell around her lighting up the abandoned courtyard as if she were surrounded by a hoard of fireflies but instead of warm yellow light, the sparks exuded harsh red fire.
Then through the swirling blackness of smoke and ash two fierce inhuman eyes pierced the darkness from the opposite side of the temple stone yard.
Kagome eyed the emerging creature with an emotionless mask placed over her beautiful features.
The rage and the fury this demon exuded it was unreal, there was nothing but absolute malice.
"Unworthy creature! How dare you face me!?" The not yet visible beast seethed.
Kagome's only response was to strengthen her stance further, rising her bow until it formed a perfect barricade between her and the distant rising monster.
"Vile wench! I'll tear you apart!" The demon vowed fully emerging from the protection of the ash clouded shadow.
Kagome's eyes narrowed as the full features of the unknown demon were finally revealed.
Ash stained fur shrouding its canine like body, its entire massive figure almost translucent with its incorporeal form. Thick clouds of smoke swirling around its collar and muzzle, its beaming red eyes fury filled and crazed.
No sooner did Kagome absorb its entire massive body into sight did it lunge towards her! The absolute lusting for blood and punishment unmistakable!
Instinctually she deflected its gaping fang lined mouth with a hard sweep of her now spiritually charged bow!
The demon roared as it was held back by the crystallized light emerging from the arch of her weapon as it tired to regain its lost footing mere feet away.
Kagome didn't give it the opportunity to recover. Spinning she aligned an arrow onto the bow string pulling it back skillfully and already taking aim towards its transparent body.
But once she released the bolt the smoke like demon leapt to the side dodging the illuminating shot its purple haze and electrical like energy crashing into the stone floor!
In less than a heartbeat Kgome already had another arrow squeezed between her fingertips drawing back the line to shoot again!
The demon reacted with equal quickness leaping back drastically until its pawed feet hit the top of the thick stone walls encasing the two of them into the temple.
Running along the enormous boarder with animal like speed!
Kagome fired arrow after arrow each one closer than the last but all just getting within an inch of the sprinting monster's blurred form!
So lost in the movement of the beast Kagome didn't notice the smoke beginning to intensify from the torches to her back. Not until it was too late.
Searing pain burned across Kagome's right leg spinning towards the unknown assailant she witnessed the canine like smoke demon emerging from the torches to her back.
"Gah!" Kagome gasped as the pain intensified causing her to stumble and fall to her knees only now able to peer down to her pulsating thigh where a large fresh burn seared her skin.
The crimson material of her priestess attire scorched to form a black ring were the beast had managed a hit from its flaming breath.
Kagome watched from her partial helpless state as the smoke from the torches at her back took form re-forming the smoke monster before her.
She hadn't anticipated its ability to transport itself from one smoke source to the other.
Her hands tightened around the thick arch of her bow, this wasn't good. She was clearly at a disadvantage not being able to run or even dodge from the position.
The smoke demon emerged fully from the black cloud its fang lined muzzle smirking in clear satisfaction it had managed to reduce Kagome so suddenly to this weaken state.
"Games over shrine wench! Prepare to be devoured!" The beast vowed sprinting full force towards the kneeling priestess.
A trail of smoldering embers and thick smoke trailing behind its rage filled body!
Kagome braced her bow between her and the rapidly approaching beast. She wouldn't be able to line up a shot but she could deflect the demons advances!
Pouring her spiritual essence into the wooden arch in her hand she prepared for the inevitable contact!
But just when she was sure the overpowering force was about to slam into her a sudden flash of silver and crimson blurred her vision followed by a blasting impact that rocked the stone ground beneath her.
Cracked stone, smoke, ash, and dirt blinded her shrouding her in a cloud of chocking debris.
Until finally after what seemed like a lifetime of horrid anticipation the dust settled and the blockade that had shielded her from the still raging smoke demon finally came into full view.
At that moment, time stilled.
Kagome felt her heart skip a beat in her chest, her hazel eyes widen in complete and total shock. There was no denying it, after months of trauma and unmanageable emotions her subconscious had finally brought the source of her chaotic state to life.
It had created him…
The words left Kagome's parted lips before she could even have a hope of silencing them.
"I-Inuyasha."
The broad half demon didn't vanish or melt away as if a hallucination would. Instead he turned his jaw towards her, peering at her completely disbelieving face with a coy smirk.
"Keh. I leave you alone for a few months and this what I come back too?" He mocked, sounding so real it made Kagome's blood run cold.
This couldn't be real…
"What the hell has Kaede been teaching you?" The half demon asked uncaring as he turned back towards the just now recovering smoke demon.
"Accursed dog! I'll tear you apart!" The temple beast swore as it once again come charging full force towards the duo.
Inuyasha only smirked wider his clawed fingers already laced around the hilt of his drawn sword. The rustic blade instantly transforming into the massive silver gleaming fang he wielded into battle.
The smoke demon didn't realize its own destruction until it was far to late. With one swing the blade burst row upon row of demonic energy forward cutting into its incorporeal body with such force its form was torn to pieces within seconds!
"No! This cant be!" The demon roared as it was reduced to nothing but blinding ashes in a burst of utterly blinding light!
Kagome was forced to turn away from the flare as the demon was scotched and left to dissipate in the now midnight sky!
Inuyasha smirked to himself as he sheathed his already lessened sword.
"Pathetic." He snorted arrogantly.
Not exactly the homecoming he had in mind but, hell at least things were interesting.
But back to the more pressing circumstances at hand. The half demons amber eyes fixed upon the still kneeling priestess on the damaged stone floor.
He hadn't really had time to let the situation of their reuniting sink in. It was nothing like he expected since leaving the village a day ago.
Imagine his surprise when at last he had returned home only to find that Kagome was absent due to her priestess contractual duties.
He had left the monk in the arms of his emotionally overpowering family not wanting the on pouring to spill over on to him. Especially since the one person he had craved to see above all else wasn't yet there.
It wasn't hitting him just how long he had been gone until right now. Seeing Kagome again, even now the way she was. He sensed such difference in her.
He wasn't quite sure what had occurred in his absence but questions were best left for a later time seeing as nothing but the absolute sent of shock radiated its way from her.
He sighed to himself before reaching down towards her. Maybe she would recover sooner if she was face to face with him.
Kagome eyed his gesture to help her to her feet, but her body responded much to quickly for her mind to keep track!
Inuyasha felt a gasp build in his throat as the priestess kneeling before him leapt to her feet and into his arms!
Her arms coiling around his waist inescapably tight as she buried her face into his chest. Her shoulders already beginning to tremble as hard sobs racked her body.
"I-It really is you!" Kagome cried against him hot tears pouring down her hidden face.
Everything. Everything, that she had held back these last few days, these last few months was busting out of her. She couldn't stop it.
He was here. He was really here!
It took a moment for Inuyasha to recover from the initial shock of her embrace but once he did he grasped her shoulder tightly.
"Hey? What's with the tears? I thought you'd be happy to see me?" He questioned unknowing of the flood gates he had unleashed in the shrine maiden pressed against him.
Kagome shook her head against him but refused to release her almost suffocating hold.
"I am!" She vowed through broken tears.
Inuyasha sighed heavily. He supposed these months apart hadn't been easy on either of them. Still, at least it was now finally over. They were together, and that was how they were going to stay.
"Idiot." He whispered before returning her embrace, full force.
The morning was damp. The not yet risen sun due clinging to the valley floor making the air cool and thick with moisture.
Briefly Kouga wondered if the mountain peaks shared the same amount of rain fall as the lush greenery down here at the base. He didn't actually know seeing as he had been avoiding the mountain at all cost.
For reasons he wouldn't begin to name. Though, being down here on the forest floor wasn't exactly peaceful either since he couldn't seem to sit still.
If he paused, if he hesitated for any amount of time. Then the questions began, the unwanted thoughts and lingering memories that seemed to swarm him at every turn.
He just wanted this. Quiet, peacefulness no matter how brief.
Though it would seem fate had other plans, with the oh so faint scent of a demon most well known drifted under his heighten senses.
Kouga paused in his drowsy steps.
Turning his endless march in the direction the scent had emerged from until the figure he sought came into view.
There in one of the many groves that lined the valley floor, at the center sat a mixed silver and gray fur covered wolf. His aged and shaggy face staring upwards towards the gray sunless sky.
Approaching cautiously Kouga stepped closer until he stood at the silent wolfs side. Taking a reassuring breath until he summed up the resolve to take a seat by the large demons side.
"What are you doing out here unattended elder?" Kouga whispered hoarsely.
In all honestly he had gone to great lengths to avoid this exact situation but he had a feeling the elder just happening upon him so far away from the mountain wasn't just coincidence.
He was here for a reason.
"Despite what most think. I am capable of getting around fine on my own." The elder gruffed lowly through his shaggy overgrown muzzle.
Kouga closed his eyes tiredly.
"Apologies." He whispered.
He sometimes forgot he spoke to a northern leader, and not just Ayame's grandfather.
"Does Ayame know you are here?" He asked sincerely. Thinking he didn't want to cause the auburn haired demoness anymore concern than he already had.
"She is preoccupied with Roiyaru." He confirmed knowing he had sent the two of them on a distracting errand so he could have this opportunity.
"I see." Kouga whispered dryly. Something told him the elder hadn't done that accidentally, was he trying to get a reaction out of him?
"Kouga?" The aged wolf began.
"I have something I would like to ask you? Mind you it's a bit personal." He admitted calmly.
Kouga swallowed down his reserve.
"Of course." He submitted.
Even though he had been trying his damndest to avoid the elder at all cost. Excusing himself from the party had been easy enough, but after facing Ayame on the cliff peaks. It was only matter of time before she entrusted her distress to the one demon she could always confide in.
Is that why he was here? To relay his granddaughters misery? If that was the case his breath was wasted. Seeing as Kouga was well beyond educated on the fragile state of his mate.
"What is it you desire?" He asked low and even.
Kouga hesitated a little caught off guard by such a unexpected question. Rolling over his response, he contemplated a truthful response. Though the question wasn't something he was entirely sure of ? What he desired? The possibilities were endless.
A summer that never ended? A mountain of demons that never went hungry? All seemed like viable answers.
The elder sense Kouga's reluctance and he took it upon himself to explain further.
"Demons are simple creatures. We like to pretend we are not. That we a superior to other species. But at our core. We are just as primitive." He expressed lowly and almost weary.
His sincerity took Kouga back. This seemed deeper than just normal small talk. Much deeper.
"Lusting after the same treasures as any man or beast. For some its wealth, some land, others its glory, honor," The silver wolf demon trailed off. Almost as if reliving a haunting scene from his own unknown past.
"A rarity that one," He admitted wholeheartedly. Images from his sorted past coming back to light, even the darkest parts he would rather have forgotten.
"But somehow through it all." He whispered dryly.
"We never seem to hold sight on the most important of them all." He lingered calmly.
Kouga awaiting his confession, almost hopeful it might shine some light on his own predicament. The elder after all had lived a hard life, but through it all he had survived. Keeping his dignity intact a trait Kouga would have killed for at a time like this.
"Family." Yorozoku confessed.
Kouga felt the sincerity of his words, but it left something more to be desired. He could feel it all but radiating from the aged wolf demon. His desire to explain, to educate.
"Tradition. The legacy you leave in your wake when you are gone." He whispered.
Kouga's gaze fell to the damp lush ground at his feet. He didn't think there was a wolf demon alive who hadn't thought of that exact same thing.
"I think about mine all to often. The loved ones I will leave behind when I pass." Yorozoku admitted, all his thoughts returning to the beautiful face of his one and only surviving blood heir.
Kouga didn't need him to explain. He knew who the elder thought of. How could he not? Return to her with every thought of his passing. The person his absence would effect most.
"And so I ask you. Through it all. When the long years of your life are spent and the memories of your former glory faded. What will you truly desire?" Yorozoku asked calmly turning his aged inhuman face towards his assigned grandson.
The answer for Kouga came all to easily.
"Peace." He breathed.
The elders shagged brows raised in admiration, a fair response. But, it left something to be explained.
"I've spent my entire life fighting, For all the vain reasons you mentioned. I've been selfish, cold…brutal to those who needed me most." Kouga whispered an unwanted image of Kagome laid beneath him flashing before his gaze.
"Even though I've tied to hold onto my honor. To be the just leader I thought I could someday be. I've fallen short." He admitted lowly. The thoughts and haunting images of his crimes and selfishness coming back to assault him full force.
"I feel my failure more now than I ever have before." Kouga whispered, his entire body tensing and beginning to tremble no matter how hard he tired to stop it.
His balled hands fisting so tightly his claws threatened to draw blood from his own palm.
The memories of he and Ayame on the mountain side the night prior plaguing him more now than ever before.
"But through it all." He trailed off lowly.
"I still want it…I want, serenity…." He whispered his fist tightening so fiercely his knuckles began to turn a shocking shade of white.
The serenity, the peace he spoke of. It wasn't a state of mind or a calmness that exuded over his home. No, as selfish as he knew it was. His total nirvana came in only one form.
A human priestess.
Yokobue felt Kouga's anguish, his disdain for the thing he clearly desired above all else. He could have felt angry, judgmental, but instead thriving off the own misery of his past. He was through it all, understanding.
"We always want the things we can never have." He breathed tiredly.
Kouga smiled hollowly at his own misery.
"Yes, we do." He whispered.
Hard rain hammered the temple roof. The roaring of thunder capable of being felt even through the thick walls of the polished shrine.
The relentless scene all being observed through fierce amber eyes. Inuyasha watched from under the safety of the awning attached to the outside walkway of the temple's massive structure.
Apparently it had been a good idea not to depart the desolate place of worship so quickly. The storm now raging chaotically in front of him had been in the air all day, but only now had it been set loose.
In all honestly he couldn't care less. Let it rage for as long as it wanted. He and Kagome were safe in firm well constructed shelter, and that was all that mattered.
Thinking of the abnormally quite priestess the half demon peered over his shoulder where the sliding door remained cracked. The raven haired shrine maiden sitting silently at the center of the large room they both shared. Her exuberant eyes staring blankly into the dim flames of the fire he had built.
Though they had spent the last few hours glued to each others side, the entire conversation had consisted of him laying out event after event that had kept him away from the village for so long.
He had given every detail he could vaguely remember, and yet not been given really anything in return.
Maybe it was time to revisit the subject, she had to have gotten over the initial shock of being reunited by now.
"Its really coming down." Inuyasha announced as he stepped back inside the dryness of the temple making sure to slide the door sealed behind him.
"At least were not out there." Kagome smiled grateful for Inuyasha's insistence for them to spend the night here. Even if just hours ago they had slayed a most formidable demon just outside these walls.
Inuyasha brushed off her compliment as he usually did before taking a seat at the still slightly reserved priestess side.
"So," He began normally.
"Why are you being so quiet?" He asked directly, the sensitivity of the situation lost on him.
Kagome blinked in response.
"Am I? I don't mean to be-" She admitted. Gods above knew she had plenty to say, to explain. But she didn't have the faintest idea where to begin. How would anyone?
"I haven't see you in months. The least you can do is tell me what you've been doing?" Inuyasha hinted. As uneventful as normal life could be, it couldn't have possibly been that plain.
"I mean was the village that boring?" Inuyasha asked. He wouldn't have been all that surprised if she replied yes.
"It wasn't!" Kagome defended. So much had happened, too much. And that was the problem. Where did she even begin? Should she just blurt everything out, or describe every horrid detail of her infidelity? Either way it wouldn't help. She knew that.
But she had been dreading this moment for months, and now here it was. Staring at her in the face through curious amber eyes.
Kagome felt like she was drowning. So weighted down by her own guilt she was sinking into the blackness of her subconscious and was struggling to breath.
"I-Inuyasha," She whispered. She couldn't hold this back, not anymore it was coming out. All of it.
The silent half demon watched the priestess at his side tense. Her entire body radiating discomfort.
"So much has happened…I don't know where to start?" Kagome trailed off but at least the truth was bringing itself forward. It was a steep slope, but she could feel herself toppling over the edge. Falling into the depths of her want to confess.
But before she was granted the opportunity Inuyasha cut her off all to suddenly.
"You can start by telling me when you got so fragile?" He asked jokingly sliding a clawed finger up the lining of her crimson pants to the already mended wound she had obtained earlier.
Kagome's train of thought broke as she inched away.
"It's nothing." She defended. She was losing her resolve. She didn't need him to distract her right now. Things needed to be said!
"Come on? Let me see." Inuyasha prodded, he didn't know much about recovery but he did know a thing or two about being wounded. If she needed further aid he needed to know in order to go fetch a village healer. Even in this weather he could backpack a mortal or two up here to help.
"I'm fine Inuyasha!" Kagome snapped. The last thing she wanted or had the right to feel was anger! But he was ruining everything! How was she suppose to confess and then throw herself at his mercy if he wouldn't listen?
"Would you stop moving!?" Inuyasha growled back. Why was she so damn stubborn?
In attempt to still her he gripped her forearms in his hand pulling her closer towards him despite her best effort to wriggle her way out of his grip.
"I mean it! Inuyasha!" She huffed while struggling to break his hold.
All it took was one firm thrash of her torso for the already annoyed half demon to lose what little patience he had. Roughly he coiled an arm around her waist anchoring her in place in an inescapable hold!
Kagome's eyes narrowed and her face redden. She was so angry! Only question was she didn't know who she was angry with. Herself, or the forceful half demon controlling her!
She raised her head intending to order the half demon to release her! Her hazel eyes locking into his amber orbs for the first real time since his return.
Then whatever both of them were feeling, agitation, annoyance, insecurity, it was all dissolved with one swift action.
Inuyasha dipped his head lowly capturing Kagome's lips with his own forcefully.
Kagome gasped against his unexpected action allowing the half demon to invade her mouth with his hot tongue gliding the fleshy muscle of her plump swollen lips until he tangled her own against his.
Kagome's eyes sealed and her blood ran hotter.
She had forgotten what it was like to feel Inuyasha against her like this. It had been so long, she had forgotten his taste.
Feeling her submit against him Inuyasha's fingers tangled themselves into her raven locks crushing her more determinedly against him.
He had missed her so damn much. He hadn't realized just how much until right now! Everything about her he wanted to seer into his memory. Her taste, her oh so sweet scent.
It drove him mad, and left him wanting more. So much more…
Kagome didn't realize she was falling back until the temple's wooden floor swelled under her back. Inuyasha quickly following as he laid himself on to her quivering form.
Only when the need for oxygen became to much to ignore Kagome jerked her head to the side breaking the hot contact between their lips.
But that did little to deter the currently instinctually driven half demon, replacing her lips with the hot pulse point of her throat.
Nipping the sweet flesh tenderly between his fangs as his hands began to explore over her body, tugging at the thick fabric of her attire with the threat of ripping the constricting clothing away.
Kagome couldn't hold back a heated moan as the hot pad of his palm skimmed over her heaving breast, the pearls of her nipples already beginning to strain against her almost transparent top.
The way she felt against him, the way he had longed for her the last few months. It was overwhelming, and drove him to seek what the obviously both wanted. But he couldn't, not without her full permission.
"I wont-" Inuyasha rasped between tongue laced kisses pressed to her neck.
"Not unless you want me too?" He questioned while gripping onto her hip tightly to steady himself.
Kagome's head was spinning. This was everything she had ever wanted. All she had ever craved was to have Inuyasha show her this side of himself. The side that actually desired her!
Had months of absence actually given him some sort of epiphany? To life they could have if only he would take her?
"I- I do," Kagome confessed. Despite all the heartache, all the longing. The want for him had never dissipated. It was still rooted inside her like a sickness!
Inuyasha accepted her words as his clawed fingers gripped hold of the tied bow securing her priestess pants, one sharp tug was all it would take to rid her of the barricade that shielded her sex from his wanting touch.
Kagome could feel her cloths loosening and all so briefly she could see the future if she remained silent. Inuyasha would enter her, feel her already taken pearl and the betrayal, the realization would be instant.
She couldn't let that happen. No matter how badly she wanted too.
Moving her hand to press firmly to his chest Kagome began to sit up.
Inuyasha was confused by her adjustment but he allowed her up right all the same kneeling at her side for a possible explanation.
He didn't understand. It was obviously what they both wanted. He could smell the desire coming from her, and he had nothing but months to think of all the ways he wanted to express his feeling for her once given the chance.
What had changed?
"Inuyasha?" Kagome whispered turning towards the waiting half demon at her side all while trying to hold back tears.
She didn't want to hurt him. She couldn't. Not tonight. Not after just getting him back.
All she wanted was one night, one night with no conditions no reluctance or fury. She just wanted to be with him, to fall asleep in his arms like she had longed to do for months.
"Kagome? What is it?" Inuyasha questioned the tears beginning to well in Kagome's eyes all to clearly, and instantly he regretted his rashness. Had he done something wrong? Had he hurt her?
Kagome could see his worry, his concern and instantly she gripped hold of his clawed hand to reassure him.
"Inuyasha," She whispered while staring at him behind bleary hazel eyes.
"Can you just hold me?" She begged.
He didn't verbalize a response before he was pulling her against him. Cradling her to his chest as he wrapped his legs around her protectively.
Kagome buried her face into his chest fisting her trembling hands into the thick fabric of his crimson kimono. Holding onto him for dear life, because for all she knew. This might be the last time Inuyasha ever allowed her into his arms.
And that thought devastated her.
Inuyasha felt Kagome begin to shiver against him as soft muffled sobs escaped her.
He held her tighter against him.
He didn't know what had happened while he had been away. But, obviously his absence was responsible for more pain than he originally realized.
Guilt began to spread in his chest as he cradled her to him tenderly.
He didn't know what to say, or how else to respond.
But right now in this moment he made a promise. He wouldn't leave Kagome again, never like this. Not as long as he lived.
They would recover from this distance, just like they always had.
He swore it.
So Inuyasha is finally back in the picuture. Great. Kind of hard to exporess my enthusiasm in writing, but that was a very drowl boaring 'great'.
Oh well let us see where the chips fall! Hopefully over mutt-boys head. Eeheheheheh….
See you guys soon!