I've actually become very excited about writing this story. I feel like I have started a journey that I'm not completely certain where I'll end up at. I have a few ideas on where I want the story to go, but nothing truly definite.

I am so glad to see that ya'll are still reading and has helped motivate me to write this chapter as soon as I did. Without further adieu, here is chapter 3. I hope ya'll enjoy :)

Chapter Three:

First Impressions, the Second Time Around

I ran through the woods, listening and watching for even the most subtle signs of game. I knew I was heading towards a village, but still I was clinging to hope that I could ease this gnawing guilt for the humans' impending death.

My pointed ears twitched reflexively. "I wonder why we are able to keep up with Koga for once," Ginta mumbled seemingly to no one.

"He was acting off this morning when I reported the hunting party was ready, maybe something is bothering him?" I glanced back at the two closest behind me, noticing Hakkaku had tilted his head slightly to the side musing over his own question. I nearly stopped then to intimidate their gossiping to an abrupt halt when I caught a subtle scent of lavender and lilacs.

I stopped so abruptly, I nearly tripped over my own footing. I felt Ginta and Hakkaku stumble into me, not expecting the abrupt stop. I can't say I really blame them, I wasn't intending to trip over myself like a newborn fawn. Damn, they aren't going to ever let me live this down. I glanced back, thankfully none of the other wolves in the pack noticed.

"Boss, what are we doing?" One of the men in the back questioned gruffly. I opened my mouth to retort something sarcastic back, but I caught the scent of a bear demon nearby.

"Y'all are hunting bear," making sure to add extra emphasis on what they were to do, "then carry the meat back to the cave to be gutted and cleaned." I heard a few scent the air and they took off to carry out their order. Ginta and Hakkaku hesitated, looking at their leader for a moment before following after the rest. Good, cuz I ain't explaining.

I took in a deep breath, smelling for that oddly familiar smell that has been haunting me all day. Looking in the direction I knew the smell was coming from, I took off at full speed. Not that I truly know what I'm doing to even try explaining it, I sighed to myself. Hopefully this will lay all the knew feelings to rest so I can go back to my normal routine. Even I could tell I was trying to put myself into a deep chasm of denial, my instincts told me I was about to be thrown into an uncontrollable whirlwind of fate.

I slowed down once the smell became strong in order to move silently. I crept forward towards the clearing, staying hidden in the wood line watching for any movement. Whatever the smell originated from should be in this clearing. I smelled the air again, Yup definitely in the clearing somewhere and human, but where? The only thing in the clearing seemed to be an old, dried up well.

I heard the sound of shoes scraping against stone followed by soft grunting and panting coming from said well.

I walked over towards the struggling human and leaned over the opening of the well, peering into the darkness. Long raven locks of hair connected to a beautifully pale feminine figure was what I was rewarded with. She still hadn't noticed me, too focused on finding sure footing to climb up the other half of the well.

"Need a hand?" I felt myself casually smirk at the woman struggling to climb up. She seemed to suddenly tense and jerk her gaze up, squinting her eyes against the bright sunlight that shone around me. The most beautiful soft chocolate eyes were visible through her slitted eyes.

"I can climb up myself, thank you," she humphed at the offer, but I noticed the slightest twitch of her lips. She was trying not to smile. What seemed humorous about me? Did she not realize I am a demon?

(^u^)

Koga. I knew that husky voice anywhere. Why was he here? Did he remember who I am? Did he remember what I said? I felt my cheeks warm at the possibility. I said my declaration thinking he wouldn't remember after the wish was made. That way if he had changed his mind about me, I would know and I wouldn't have to feel embarrassed over it. Who am I trying to kid? I couldn't hold those five words in, everything seemed so indefinite and at an end. It felt like I may never have a chance to say those words if I didn't say them then.

A strong hand grabbed mine, pulling me out of my thoughts before lifting me up effortlessly out of the well. My eyes finally adjusted to the light as I saw his two blue eyes forming an unspoken question.

"Hi," I started awkwardly, not knowing if he had any memory of me, "I'm Kagome."

His eyes furrowed a bit deeper, seeming to be confused further. "...Hey." So maybe he didn't remember. "What are you doing in that well?" He seemed to have more questions besides that one.

What was I supposed to answer him with? He didn't know I traveled through the well before I made the wish. Do I tell him the truth? He seemed to notice my hesitation and dropped me from his hold. I fell unceremoniously on my rear, "Hey! That was rude!" I reprimanded him quickly.

"Are you not aware I could kill you easily? Now answer my question and don't lie," he barked.

"I seemed to remember you being nicer," I mumbled under my breath before glaring daggers back at him. "Yes, I get it. You are a mighty wolf demon," I answered sarcastically, raising my hands to imitate claws on either side of my head and baring my teeth to elaborate further.

He took a step back, shocked.

(^u^)

"You know you would be more intimidating if you weren't still on the ground," I managed my comeback after managing to gather my composure back. I chuckled at her ferocity that didn't seem to match her lithe form.

"Hmmf," the strange woman stood up defiantly, stamping her foot ever so slightly once she was standing. She dared to glare directly into my gaze, challenging me. "You wouldn't believe me even if I told you why I was in the well. Why are you so far away from your territory?" She turned the question back around at me angrily.

"I don't recall ever telling you where I resided," I could feel my suspicion starting to creep into my expression. "I don't take kindly to spies," I bared my fangs to fully allow her to see the danger she was putting herself in. She has a lot of guts for a human, or maybe just lacking a lot of common sense, I pondered to myself. This human didn't truly concern me, even if she was a spy.

"Well you're in luck I'm not a spy. I just so happened to have been looking for my friends when you found me." It didn't smell like a lie.

"Your friends take to hiding in wells often?"

She rolled her eyes, "No. The well is a very long and complicated story I don't feel like explaining to someone I just met." That last bit smelled faintly of a lie.

"I can sense when people lie to me. HAVE we met?" She did look and smell identical to the girl in my dreams. I highly doubted there were any other women dressed in such strange clothing, also.

"How would I know, when you haven't even told me your name?" She was avoiding the question.

"Koga. Now explain why you were in my dream last night, since you are avoiding my first question," I barked at Kagome becoming increasingly frustrated at the game she was insisting to play.

She blushed before looking away. Did I miss something? She crossed her arms adamantly before answering, "No."

That was it! "Fine then. I'm sure my pack would love to have an appetizer before chowing down on bear," I laughed at my own bluff. She quickly looked at me shocked and broken before I could smell a faint smell of tears forming in her eyes. My heart clinched at the sight, I doubted I could ever go through with my empty threat.

I shook my head too slightly for this curious girl in front of me before hauling her over my shoulder. Tears or not I am going to still get answers, I reaffirmed myself with this vow as I took off to the east.

(^u^)

Why did I ever make that wish? I cried, not even bothering to fight against his hold.