InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Adi (Odi) Et Amo ❯ Chapter Five: The Pains of Betrayal ( Chapter 5 )

Adi Et Amo

By: Wildfire Sky

The next installment of my fanfic. I'm extremely pleased with the reviews and suggestions I'm getting from fans!! Thanks so much for your support and keep the R&Rs coming!!

Adi Et Amo

Chapter Five: The Pains of Betrayal...

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Kouga couldn't help but feel bad for the village below. In a matter of hours it would be reduced to nothing more that burning timber and mutilated corpses. He hated the majority of humans, yes, but the ones that currently occupied this tiny town he'd found himself protecting and fighting alongside on numerous occasions. Now he was about to kill those same humans.

"Kouga, are you sure about this?" Ginta said, standing next to her leader, "Kagome-sama is down there after all."

"I don't have a choice," Kouga hissed, unable to keep the rising shame from his voice, "As long as Akumu has control of my pack, I must obey whatever he says."

"But..."

"Drop it."

Kouga continued to stare at the village long after Ginta had left him to sulk. He had yet to reveal to his pack why the suddenly found themselves under new management. He had not only betrayed Kagome...but he'd betrayed his loyal pack too, gave them over to a crazed wolf-youkai hell-bent on revenge. On top of that, it seemed that his wolves were taking this switch to heart. Another had disappeared last night without a trace leaving his former leader even more worried.

Evening had already passed, the villagers now inside the safety of their tiny huts, eating dinner, making love, or simply sleeping, each as innocent as their neighbor. His wolves had no right to simply rob these harmless people of their lives. They posed no threat or bias, taking in both demon and hanyou alike...yet this Akumu still wanted revenge against all of them.

Kouga was apt to blame Inuyasha for this entire mess. The fucking dog-crap obviously did something to set off Akumu's temper, leading them into a neck-breaking chase after him and Kagome. The wolf had hunted them down, catching their scents and following it like a bloodhound on the hunt. Now he was so close to his prey, it was driving him insane.

The large wolf broke from the tree line directly behind Kouga, his entire form lost to the darkness save for his glowing red eyes that seemed to pierce through the wolf's very soul. Kouga could feel his hard gaze on his body and resisted the urge to run away and hide.

"Akumu."

"Kouga." His voice was so lifeless...so lacking in emotion and shame, it almost seemed impossible for such a beast to roam the earth alive.

Akumu towered over Kouga, taking a deep breath, "Most of the villagers are asleep. Now is the time to attack."

"Let's wait a little longer," Kouga suggested cautiously, "It would be better if we knew that Inuyasha and his pack were truly asleep."

Akumu seemed to regard this statement, "Perhaps you're right. I don't want that hanyou bastard waking up in the middle of the attack before I've gotten the chance to sink my jaws into his hide..." the monstrous beat nodded to himself, "That's what I'll do."

Kouga looked up at him as Akumu clamped a large hand on his shoulder, "You will go down to the village and see if they're asleep or not. Then, when the moment is right, I'll attack."

This made Kouga nervous, "But what if they see me?"

"You're their ally, right?"

"Dog-crap doesn't trust me around Kagome."

"Won't matter, the fact is that Kagome trusts you. Use it to your advantage."

"So you want me to distract them."

"If that's what you have to do, yes." Akumu glared down at the smaller demon, "Remember, Kouga, the success of this attack is linked with our survival. If you think the hanyou doesn't like you now, just wait until he has you as his captive. I'm going to kill him, but until I do, you must distract him at all costs...especially his sense of smell. One good whiff and it's over for all of us."
Kouga nodded grimly, not daring to look his leader in the eye, "Don't worry about Inuyasha. I'll take care of it."

"Him or the girl?"

"Both."

Akumu stared at Kouga a moment longer before turning away, "Get going, Kouga," he said over his shoulder, "The sooner we do this, the sooner you get your girl and your pack."

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Kagome leaned against Inuyasha's chest on her cot, watching Kaede's labored breathing as she struggled to survive old age. Time had finally caught up with her...and its vengeance was brutal. In a way, it was past time for Kaede to move on to the other side, but Kagome had hoped it would be a peaceful death...and death sleeping in her cot, surrounded by her new family. But death, once again, had a cruel sense of humor.

"Kagome," Inuyasha whispered in her ear, "Go to sleep. I'll watch over old Kaede tonight."

The young girl sighed, pressing back against her love. She cast a quick glance at the sleeping occupants of the hut, making sure they were truly asleep before pulling Inuyasha down to capture his lips.

The hanyou wrapped his arms around her tighter, not wanting to break from her. A tiny moan from where the old miko lay caused the two to break apart, Kagome instantly at the old woman's side.

"Kaede-sama?"Kagome whispered, pressing a damp cloth to her sweating forehead, "How are you feeling?"

Kaede slowly cracked open her eyes, staring up at Kagome as a smile crossed her withered features. "Ah...young Kagome...I'm glad your home safe."

Kagome nodded, brushing a few stray gray hairs from Kaede's face, "I had Inuyasha with me, so there's nothing to worry about."

"Inu...yasha? Where is he?"

The hanyou was immediately next to old Kaede, pushing her back down as she tried to get up. "You need to rest, babaa. If you keep moving around, you'll only make things worse."

"Oh Inuyasha…don't worry about this old, dying woman…" A vicious cough raked Kaede's body, her wrinkled hands flying to her mouth. Kagome brought a ladle of water to her trembling lips, struggling to contain the tears of sorrow that threatened to spill. Inuyasha pressed a hand to her forehead, his face scrunching in worry.

"You have a high fever, babaa…I told you to keep your wrinkly ass inside!"

Kagome's jaw dropped, "In-Inuyasha!!"

"Don't worry about him, child," Kaede mumbled, "No matter what you do, he'll always be Inuyasha. But can't you at least show some kindness when I'm on my deathbed?"

It was at that moment that Kagome realized she might never again be able to talk to Kaede. In a matter of moments, Kaede's life could be extinguished, her cheerful face frozen in time beneath the soil of her grave, forced to wait for a sister who should be waiting for her. The tears fell unbidden from Kagome's eyes, soaking into the red sleeve of Inuyasha's haori as she pressed her face against his arm, not wanting the old woman to see her fear and pain.

Inuyasha stilled as Kagome's pressed against him, her body shaking from her cries. He wanted to put his arms around her, and kiss her tears away, but there were more important things to take care of, Kaede being the number one problem. Pulling back from Kaede, he risked giving Kagome a quick nuzzle of comfort.

"Go lay down. I told you I'd watch her."

Kagome nodded slowly, weariness washing over her drained body, "Aa. But what about Miroku and Sango? They wanted to be woken up when…"

"Don't worry about them," Inuyasha snapped, "The last thing Kaede-babaa needs are a bunch of people all over her. If anything drastic happens, I'll wake them up, ok?"

"Ok…"

She planted a quick kiss on her hanyou's cheek before scuttling off to her sleeping bag, pulling the sleeping Shippo close to her body. Inuyasha cast a glance at the smiling Kaede, a harsh blush staining his cheeks.

"It looks like things have progressed since you two left." Kaede said with a nod of her head, "I'm glad to see it."

Inuyasha crossed his arms and looked away, "I-I don't know what you're talking about, babaa…nothing's happened between us!"

"Inuyasha." Kaede said sternly, "Love is not something a one-night affair can quench like you think. The enlightenment in your eyes…you've claimed her haven't you? Marked her for your own?"

At this the young hanyou looked down in shame, silent from the pain of his actions. Kaede's face fell at the sorrowed look on Inuyasha's face.

"You did mark her during your mating, didn't you?"

"No."

The old woman sucked in a sharp breath, causing her body to be racked from coughing. She gently pushed away Inuyasha's helping hands, "No?? Kami help you for what you've done, Inuyasha! For a youkai not to mark…oh Kami help you!"

Inuyasha's face turned a deep shade of red, anger coursing through his body, "Listen, babaa! I didn't mark her because I wasn't sure if she'd accept me!"

"Oh please," Kaede mumbled, waving her hand, "She obviously accepted you or why would she bed you?"

"Well…it was kind of a 'spur of the moment' type thing…" Inuyasha scratched the back of his head nervously as he told Kaede of the events leading up to his death and the moments afterwards until they arrived at the village. "Then Shippo told us you were sick and we came to see what had happened."

The old miko lay back, closing her eyes in thought, "So you think she only mated with you because she was scared…and not for love?"

"Aa…and now she probably believes she has some sort of commitment to me."

"Well isn't that what you want?"

"Of course it is!" Inuyasha winced at the possessive tone in his voice, "But I also took…advantage of her…"

Suddenly a foot connected with the back of Inuyasha's head, forcing him to the floor. Miroku let out an exasperate sigh, "I'd figure that you'd do something like that."

Inuyasha glared up at him, "And how long as your perverted ass been listening?!?"

"Ever since Kagome went to bed." He rubbed his head, wincing in pain, "I need to remember to keep my head out of her path."

Inuyasha snorted, crawling back up to sit, "Well it's your own damn fault. Next time don't put your shit down in everybody's way!"

With another sigh, Miroku crouched down next to Kaede, placing his hand against her cheek, "You're fever is spiking, Kaede, I think you'd better go back to sleep."

"How can I sleep with so much activity going on? Besides, you rudely interrupted my conversation with young Inuyasha, here."

"Ah yes," Miroku nodded, "Inuyasha's 'dilemma'. Why is it so drastically important for Inuyasha to have marked Kagome? Haven't youkai mated with other humans?"

"Indeed," Kaede agreed, "However, most of those mating rituals aren't inu. As Inuyasha should know, inu-youkai mate for life, and to violate that law has drastic consequences."

The hanyou in question shifted nervously, "What kind of consequences?"

Kaede coughed, holding up a strip of cloth to her mouth, "Simply put," she mumbled around the fabric, wiping her mouth, "Both you and Kagome will die unless you fix this problem."

"Excuse me?" Miroku gasped, shocked at the old woman's bluntness.

"Hoshi-sama…as you can see, I don't have time to wait and ease the pain." The woman reached over, gently patting Inuyasha's shaking hand, "Don't worry…if you can properly perform the ritual within three days, everything will be fine…" the miko pulled the covers up to her neck, sighing in content, "I'm tired now…may I have some water, hoshi-sama?" Miroku nodded, pulling the ladle from Inuyasha's lax grip. He cast a worried glance at the hanyou as he brought the cup to Kaede's lips. Inuyasha quickly stood, turning and abruptly leaving the hut. The monk jumped to his feet, starting after the departing Inuyasha.

A hand on his sleeves stopped Miroku's progress. "Let him be, Miroku," Kaede whispered, releasing her grip, "There's a lot he needs to think about."

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Inuyasha crouched on top of Kaede's roof, his head strangely bowed in defeat. How could he have been so stupid? Of all the times not to trust his instincts, it had to be now! To him, it didn't matter that he would die…but for Kagome to bite the dust…no, such a terrible thing would not happen to her as long as he was around.

But how to convince Kagome to mate again?They'd only made love because he had pressed it on her, took advantage of her weakened state…

Wait…made love?

"Tell it right, you stupid hanyou," Inuyasha growled at himself, "You held her down and took what you wanted. Doesn't matter if it felt right, she wasn't ready and neither were you."

He moaned again, clutching at his hair violently. If he could solve everything by simply stuffing out his life, he would…but then Kagome and the others would be in pain.

The hanyou's ear perked up. He could hear them sleeping peacefully, dreaming as he stayed awake watching over them as a silent sentry of the night. A shadow that crept along the village grounds, constantly in search of any who threatened the lives of the ones he protected, it was he the villagers looked to when death came knocking at their door. And now he was killing one of them.

"Damn it!" he snarled, pulling at his hair, "Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!"

"Oi, dog-crap!What are you beating yourself up over? Kagome finally tell you she was mine?"

Inuyasha's head snapped up as Kouga's loud, obnoxious voice boomed up to his ears. Wincing, he leapt down, placing himself firmly in front of the hut entrance.

"What the hell do you want, wimpy-wolf?"

Kouga grinned, "I came for my woman of course!"

Inuyasha bristled, taking a step forward and rolling up his sleeves, "Why you little…I'm gonna rip out your fucking heart once and for all!"

"Inuyasha! Oswari!"

Kouga lightly stepped over Inuyasha's steaming body, clasping Kagome's hands in his own, "Ah, so my mate woke up to greet me, huh?"

Inuyasha let out a muffled cry of protest from his position on the floor. Kouga simply sniffed, delivering a small kick in the subdued hanyou's side. "Shut up, dog-crap! You should wait to be addressed by royalty."

"Royalty my ass!" Inuyasha roared, jumping to his feet, "And just what makes you think you're royalty?"

Kouga ignored the seething hanyou, turning back to Kagome, "I came by to see how you were, Kagome."

The young girl smiled nervously, "R--Really, Kouga-kun? That's nice…"

"Argh!" Inuyasha darted between the two, effectively breaking Kouga's grasp, "Back off you damn wolf! You had better stay away from Kagome or else…"

"Bring it on, dog-crap!!"

"When and where, wimpy-wolf?!?"

At this point the commotion outside had awoken the people residing inside of Kaede's hut. Sango and Miroku emerged to a brawl in the making as Inuyasha and Kouga faced off, leaving a sweat dropping Kagome on the side.

"Kouga stake a claim on you again?" Miroku asked, nodding at the two.

"A-Aa…" Kagome said with a flustered smile, "He kinda came out of nowhere…"

"Doesn't he always!?" Inuyasha snapped, his eyes never leaving Kouga's, "This damn wolf just doesn't know when to quit!"

Kouga snorted, "And then stupid hanyou doesn't know when a woman doesn't want him!"

"You're dead!!" Inuyasha leapt at Kouga, hitting air as the wolf accelerated around him.

"You need to be faster than that!" Kouga said over his shoulder, he moved beside Kagome, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and casting Inuyasha a victorious smile.

Quaking with fury, the hanyou took a threatening step forward, "Bastard…get your filthy hands off of her!"

Suddenly Kouga stiffened, bringing he nose down to Kagome's chest. The girl squealed in surprise, quickly backing away from the wolf's searching nose. Kouga frowned at her, then glared in Inuyasha's direction, "Did that damn dog do something to you?"

"Not really…" Kagome mumbled, as she moving behind Sango, "We just went shard hunting…that's all."

Kouga's glare intensified, "Shard hunting huh? Then tell me, you filthy hanyou, why does Kagome smell like you? Did you claim her?"

Inuyasha turned a blood red, "B-Baka! Get away from her!"

Leaping behind Kagome, and pulling her close, Kouga brushed away the strands of hair from her neck, sniffing viciously against her skin before he lightly licked it. With a cry of horror, Kagome pulled away, rushing into Miroku's robes.

"That's quite enough, Kouga," the monk warned, putting a hand around Kagome, "I think you'd better leave."

Kouga looked between Inuyasha and Kagome, confusion playing over his battle worn features, "You...you did claim her. I guess you didn't have the gall to mark her, huh?"

"I said back off!"

Kouga caught a glimpse of the enormous shadow racing towards Inuyasha, a flick of steel wavering in the firelight from Kaede's hut. He casually took a step closer to Kagome, mentally preparing himself for the grab. He'd do this, even if it meant Kagome never trusted him again. He'd come too far to pull back now, and besides, the fate of both he and his pack rested within inches of his fingertips.

His body began to shake in anticipation as his keen ears picked up on the light clips of his wolf's claws as they hit the stone and dirt, pushing their bodies forwards with each thrust of their powerful legs. In moments everything would begin...and end...

I've done good, Kouga congratulated himself, The hanyou is so wrapped up about me near Kagome, he's completely unaware of his surroundings. Even if he noticed now...it's too late...

Inuyasha took a menacing step forward, prepared to rip Kagome from Kouga if need be. "I'm gonna rip you to shreds, Kouga," he snarled flexing his claws, "And I'll be nice about it and give you a head start."

Kouga was now directly beside Kagome, his eyes shifting from her, to Inuyasha, to her friends whom she hid behind. It was a matter of patience...the moment the wolves attacked, he and Kagome would be long gone before the hanyou, or his friends, could do anything about it.

Inuyasha crouched down, his body tensing for the jump, "I warned you, you bastard..."

Suddenly there was a high pitched scream and a woman came tumbling from her hut, scrambling across the dirt path, her hair wild and eyes wide as she looked over her shoulder. The group stared in shock and horror as a wolf exploded from her hut, his jaws instantly around her slim throat. With a quick, sickening crunch, the wolf ripped out the woman's throat, blood spraying from the gapping wound.

Before their very eyes, the village erupted into chaos, people flinging themselves from their homes in hopes to escape the wolves that bore down on them. The stench of blood and fear filled the air as the murderous wolf-youkai set upon the village, baring their fangs and herding the terrified people to where their comrades lie in wait.

Recovering first, Inuyasha sprang into action, slicing down a charging wolf with his claws. The beast fell with a high yelp, collapsing to the ground in a pitiful heap of blood and broken bones. Two more wolves turned away from their victims, racing towards the frozen group. Miroku smashed his staff down on the head of a charging beast moments before its deadly fangs clamped down on his arm.

"Inuyasha!" he cried, smacking away another youkai, "These are wolves!"

The hanyou looked over his shoulder, "Wolves?" He ran a snarling opponent threw with his Tessaiga, glaring dangerously at Kouga, "Care to explain?"

The former pack leader held up his hands, managing to looked as shocked as the rest, "This can't be my pack, I left them behind almost a week ago in search of Kagome!"

Sango warded off a youkai with her boomerang, giving Kirara an opening to attack, her long fangs piercing through the wolf's skin and drawing streams of blood. Kouga winced as the wolf collapsed to the ground, quivering in its death throes.

"How do you know your pack didn't follow you and attacked?"

"Because my pack always obeys me..." Kouga said, a hint of dejection in his voice. He glanced up in time to see Inuyasha slice down another wolf, its life blood running towards his feet. He gingerly backed away before turning to Kagome, "We've got to get you out of here!"

"Wait!" Kagome exclaimed looking at the hut behind her, "We can't just leave Kaede-sama here!"

"Kirara!" Sango shouted, "Take Kagome and Kaede-sama into the woods, quickly!"

Another wolf attacked the young exterminator, meeting her blade for its troubles. Kouga followed Kagome into the hut, staring at the old woman.

"Is that her?"

"Aa." Kagome replied, crouching down next to the old miko, "We must get her on Kirara."

A loud scream shattered through the night and Kouga moved to the door, pulling back the reed curtain and glancing outside. The dark sky was now bright with the flames of burning buildings. Wolves ran amuck, knocking torches from the waving hands of their owners as they ripped and slashed with their claws, pushing the horrified peasants to the ground and swiftly dispatching them. Yet, even with the strength of the wolves, their meager numbers were greatly outnumbered by the intense villagers. Kouga watched in pain as wolf after wolf fell to the human's weapons and Inuyasha's swords.

He allowed a low growl to escape from between his lips, Akumu...you low-life bastard...my wolves are being slaughtered and you're nowhere to be found!! You're using my wolves...killing off my pack!

He made a move to leave, but Kagome spoke up, "Where are you going? I need your help!"

Hesitating, Kouga walked over, gently gathering Kaede and her blankets into his strong arms. Shit...now I have to take both Kagome and this old hag with me...argh, everything is falling apart!!

He moved outside, depositing Kaede onto Kirara's back. Shippo jumped onto the cat's back, holding out his hands for Kagome. Kouga batted the young kitsune away with a glare, "Get going, flee-bag," he snapped, shooing the cat away, "I'll take Kagome with me."

"Oh no you don't!!" came Inuyasha's roar, "I'll be damned if I let your rotten ass make off with Kagome!"

The hanyou jumped in front of Kouga, brandishing his Tessaiga angrily, "If Kagome's going anywhere with anyone, it's me!"

"Are you insane!?" Kouga snarled, "We've got to get her out of here before the wolves get to her!"

"Then why not let her ride on Kirara?"

"Because it would be better if we split up," Kouga could feel waves of panic rolling over him. He had to keep Kagome with him, "If something were to happen to the cat, then at least Kagome would survive."

Inuyasha turned away to knock a wolf to the ground, "Listen, you bastard, either Kagome rides on Kirara, or Kagome stays with me! There's no way in hell she'll ever go with you by herself..."

"Typical. A selfish hanyou concerned about his own wants instead of the wants of others..."

"Inuyasha!" Kagome cried out, "Inuyasha, look out!!"

The hanyou fell to the ground, the large blade of Kakiken barely missing his head. He watched angrily as thin silver strands fell to the ground. He turned over, supporting his body with one arm as he held the Tessaiga across his body protectively.

"Akumu..."

The black youkai ambled out from the shadows surrounding Kaede's hut, his red eyes glowing dangerously, "Glad to see that you remember me, Inuyasha. After all, you did try to kill me only a day ago...I would be ashamed if you had forgotten about me so quickly."

"Bastard," Inuyasha growled, climbing to his feet and staring up at the massive wolf, "I try to forget ugly faces."

Akumu shifted his halberd, his eyes flashing dangerously, "I suggest you watch your mouth, boy," he growled, "It might just get you killed."

Inuyasha took a step back, Miroku and Sango falling in line beside him. The wolves gathered behind Akumu, hanging back in the shadows, waiting for the command to attack. Kouga grabbed Kagome's arm, pushing her towards the stairs next to the hut.

"Quick, we'll slip by them and head towards the forest..."

Akumu watched the planned escape route, waiting until the wolf and his charge were nearly at the stairs before unleashing his wolves.

"Kill them!" he roared, pointing his halberd at the two, "Bring me the miko's head!"

Kouga instantly swept Kagome off her feet, racing up the stairs and into the woods behind the shrine, his wolves hot on his heels, playfully nipping at his ankles to give the vision that they were attacking. Inuyasha turned to give chase, but Akumu's large paw wrapped around the back of his neck, pulling the stunned hanyou back.

"You damn hanyou," he growled, pinning Inuyasha under his foot, "I'll kill you here and now..."

"Kirara! Go after Kagome-chan and Kouga!" Sango ordered, raising her bone weapon and reading to charge Akumu. Kaede moaned from Kirara's back, still half asleep from pain. The giant fire cat took to the sky, batting away the weak wolves that tried to hinder her flight. Shippo cried out in surprise as Kirara launched her body into the air

The moment the cat took off, Sango unleashed her weapon, sending the giant boomerang hurling towards Akumu. The wolf leapt back in time to avoid the slicing weapon, releasing Inuyasha in the process.

"Fucking exterminator," he spat, "This is a fight between the half-breed and I...back away now!!"

"You involved us the moment you had your wolves attack this village," Miroku cut in, playing with the beads on his arm.

"Hoshi-sama is right," Sango agreed, "We won't sit back and watch as your wolves kill off every person in this village."

Inuyasha grinned, crouching down in a fighting stance, "Got that, Akumu? You're dead for what you've done!!"

The wolf spread his arms with a laugh, "Take your best shot, you piece of shit hanyou!! I survived you brother I can survive you!"

Akumu tossed Kakiken into the air dramatically, catching it as he charged forward, halberd held out in front of him, "I'll skewer you ali---"

The wolf's step faltered, his nose flaring intensely. Blood...fresh innocent blood was all around...a feast for a king. Gods. He could taste the sweet, coppery delectable on his lips now, filling him with life.

"What's wrong, Akumu?" Inuyasha taunted, "Lost your nerve?"

Hardly.It was at that moment, Akumu realized killing Inuyasha would have to wait. His body was slowly beginning to weaken, the life blood he devoured using up their supply in this adrenaline filled night. The tainted blood never lasted long, two or three bodies lasting him only a day, two at the most, and now he was desperate for innocent blood. He had to get it...or his body would fall apart and descend to Hell once more.

Akumu jumped back as Inuyasha recklessly swung his sword. He glared at the hanyou in disgust, "How incredibly sloppy...I can't imagine how your brother wasn't able to kill you."

Inuyasha bristled, "Excuse me...??"

The wolf-youkai suddenly lunged at Inuyasha, his halberd flashing out. The hanyou stumbled back, his hand flying to where the tri-blade bit through his haori. He sneered viciously as he pulled away his hand, ignoring the crimson droplets falling from his fingertips. Pain was not something the hanyou acknowledged easily.

"Bastard, you think that little scratch will harm me?"

Akumu glared down at the hanyou. Damn it...if I was at full strength that disgusting half-breed would be long dead by now...

He needed blood...and quickly. With each passing moment, his chances for survival diminished. Nimbly leaping back from Inuyasha's outstretched claws; he landed a solid blow to the hanyou's face, laying Inuyasha flat. Then, he slowly licked the blood from his fingertips, savoring the taste of Inuyasha's blood.

So pure...yet so tainted with hate...

He reached down towards the downed hanyou, his eyes shining with anticipation. Just one more taste...one more sample...

Sango's enormous youkai weapon spun inches away from Akumu's claws, nearly slicing the limb off. The wolf quickly snatched back his hand, glaring at the exterminator who ruined his meal. The wolves around him growled menacingly, pressing in for the attack.

"Wait." Akumu snapped, his lips pulling back into a tight smile, "We'll devour them at a later time...gather what bodies you can and bring them."

Before the monk or exterminator could react, the wolf pack had turned and ran, dragging with them the bodies of villagers, trails of blood streaming out from behind them. Akumu paused for a moment at the tree line, staring back over the burning village. For him, all was well...

Inuyasha groaned in pain, using his sword to lift his broken body. Akumu...that bastard really was alive...and Kagome had told him...

Kagome!!

The hanyou looked around frantically for his mate, his golden eyes filled with worry and anger. That bastard Kouga had taken off with her...but where?
"Sango..." he hissed righting his body, "Where's Kirara?"

"Tracking Kouga and Kagome through the forest," Sango answered coming up beside him, "She'll return soon."

I want Kagome back now!! Inuyasha growled to himself, glaring at the exterminator and monk. Miroku blanched slightly at the look, turning away from the ill tempered hanyou. Using his sword as a crutch, Inuyasha slowly moved forward, sniffing the air for any hint of Kagome or Kouga...

There!!

His head snapped to the stairs, inhaling deeply. Shimatta! The scent of wolves and blood...

The wolves were pursuing Kagome and that damned wimpy-wolf. They'd kill them both! Inuyasha bracing himself against the pain in his stomach, quickly pressing forward with all the strength he could muster. Blood began dripping from his wound in a steady stream, the flow increasing with every step.

Sango trotted up next to the hanyou, her face etched with worry, "Inuyasha, you must rest! Your wounds are serious..."

"Get the hell away from me!"

Sango froze, the hurt of Inuyasha's word evident on her fine features. Miroku frowned, quickly striding up behind Inuyasha.

"I'm warning you Inuyasha, if you don't rest like you should, we'll make you by force."

"Keh!" Inuyasha sneered, "I'd love to see you try!"

The next instant found Inuyasha face down in the dirt, his feet tangled with Miroku's staff. The monk quickly pulled his staff away, placing a heavy foot on Inuyasha's back.

"Stop being so stubborn!" he snapped, "I know you're worried about Kagome, we all are! But Kirara and Kouga are with her so she'll be safe. And unless you want to die tonight, I suggest you get some rest and heal."
Inuyasha turned and glared over his shoulder, "Aren't you forgetting by body is different than yours your perverted monk? I'll be fine damn it!"

"And what about the surviving villagers?"Sango cut in, moving to crouch down in front of the hanyou, "What if the wolves come back for more blood and we're not here to defend them?"

Inuyasha looked around at the scattered bodies of wolves, "They did pretty fine to me..."
Sighing, Miroku removed his foot, "Fine, be an asshole and go chase after Kagome! Leave everyone here to die and then come back to nothing. I would be here and neither will Sango."

"I won't?"

Miroku stared her into silence, "I've decided to stop aiding your irrational ideas by following you. If you do this, I'm taking the remaining villagers and leaving once Kirara and Kagome return."

"You won't do that!" Inuyasha snarled, "And I can track you down!"

The monk grinned, "Try me..."

The hanyou stared up at the monk before sighing in defeat, "Alright. I'll stay...but only until dawn! If Kagome isn't back by then, I'm leaving and nothing you say will stop me!"

Miroku nodded in agreement, "If Kagome isn't back by dawn, I'll search for her by myself if I must. However, I wouldn't worry too much about it...Kirara will return as Sango says."

Yet in the back of his mind, he couldn't shake the feeling that something had gone terribly wrong tonight...

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Taa daa!! Alright, this chapter has been completed and is now available for your reading pleasure!! I'm glad everyone approved of my new Akumu, I hate to disappoint fans. BTW, I check for spelling errors and grammar errors, but if you see one that sticks out like a fever blister, tell me so I can fix it. Thanks for reading and R&R!!