With a fierce roar, the demon lunged out from the shadows, its grotesque form twisted and contorted with malice. "Give me the jewel!" Kouga's instincts kicked in, his muscles tensing as he leaped forward to intercept the creature before it could reach Kagome.
"Stay back, Kagome!" Kouga shouted, his voice ringing out with authority as he positioned himself between her and the oncoming threat.
Kagome's heart raced with fear and adrenaline as she watched the scene unfold before her. She had seen Kouga in battle before against InuYasha and the Birds of Paradise and in the final battle against Naraku, but Kagome had been sheltered since she had been back and had had a decent time of peace.
The demon's claws slashed through the air with deadly precision, aiming for Kouga's throat.
With lightning-fast reflexes, Kouga dodged the attack, his movements fluid and graceful as he countered with a powerful strike of his own. The clash of claws against flesh echoed through the forest as Kouga and the demon engaged in a fierce battle of strength and skill. Kouga's claws flashed in the sunlight, his movements a blur of speed and precision as he fought to protect Kagome from harm. But the demon was relentless, its fury unmatched as it unleashed a barrage of attacks against Kouga. With each blow, Kouga's resolve seemed to waver, his strength slowly waning under the relentless assault.
Kagome's heart hammered in her chest as she watched the battle unfold, her hands clenched around her bow and arrow. She was unable to get a clear shot with Kouga jumping around the way he was. She felt helpless, unable to do anything but stand by and watch as Kouga risked his life to protect her.
Just as it seemed that the tides turned against them, Kouga's determination surged forth with renewed vigor. With a mighty roar, he launched himself at the demon with all the strength he could muster, his claws tearing through its flesh with a ferocity that was unmatched. The demon let out a deafening howl of pain as Kouga's final blow struck true, sending it crashing to the ground in a heap of twisted limbs and broken flesh. With a triumphant grin, Kouga turned to Kagome, his chest heaving with exertion but his eyes shining with victory.
"Are you alright, Kagome?" he asked, his voice filled with concern as he reached out to gently brush a strand of hair away from her face. Kagome nodded, her eyes brimming with gratitude as she looked up at Kouga. "Thanks to you, Kouga," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Kouga smiled, his heart swelling with pride as he pulled Kagome into a tight embrace. "I'll always protect you, Kagome," he vowed, his voice filled with unwavering determination. "No matter what."
"Kouga you're wounded!" Kagome startled as she noticed blood coating her hand as they pulled away. "Heh, it's nothing Kagome. I'll be better in no time." Kouga shrugged as he led her by the hand to a small grass area away from the battle. "No I insist on tending to it. Please," her concerned face won him over as she pulled him to sit. "Alright, alright woman." Kagome's hands trembled slightly as she examined Kouga's wounds, her heart aching at the sight of his bloodied fur and torn flesh. With gentle hands, she began to clean the wounds, her touch as tender as her concern.
Kouga winced slightly as Kagome's fingers brushed against the torn flesh, but he forced a brave smile to reassure her. "It's nothing, Kagome," he insisted, though the pain was evident in his eyes.
But Kagome could see through his bravado, and she shook her head in disbelief. "You're always putting yourself in harm's way for me," she murmured, her voice soft with emotion. "You don't have to do that, Kouga. I don't want you to get hurt because of me."
Kouga's gaze softened as he reached out to gently cup Kagome's cheek, his touch warm and comforting. "I would do anything to protect you, Kagome," he said earnestly, his voice filled with sincerity. "It's worth the risk if it means keeping you safe." Tears pricked at the corners of Kagome's eyes as she leaned into Kouga's touch, overwhelmed by the depth of his devotion. "Thank you, Kouga," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.
With gentle hands, Kagome continued to tend to Kouga's wounds, her touch soothing and healing. And as she worked, Kouga couldn't help but marvel at the strength and kindness of the woman before him, her love a beacon of light in the darkness of their world.