InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Enemy Mine ❯ Chapter 6 ( Chapter 6 )

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Inuyasha. Those are the property of one Rumiko Takahashi. I thank her whole-heartedly for giving us such an amazing manga/anime to read/watch.

Author's Note. This chapter contains lemon content and is rated NC-17. It is not intended for readers under the age of 18. Please do not read this chapter if you are not at least 18 years of age and/or if you do not like to read fanfics containing the use of graphic sex.

You have been warned. Thank you.

Enemy Mine - Chapter 6

By Urd-chan

Kouga walked into his den to find Kagura sitting on a cushion by the low table. Her eyes glowed like hot embers as she glared at him in the darkened room.

"Go away."

"This is still my den," he commented dryly, trying his best to not to look directly at her. He was bothered by the expression on her face.

"Fine, then I'll leave." She stood and walked towards the door, but stopped when Kouga blocked her way.

"I can't let you do that."

"You said I wasn't a prisoner, so unless you are going back on your word, I should be able to leave."

"Damn it, Kagura. I just want to talk. We need to clear up a few things."

"You made yourself quite clear yesterday. I don't see the need to talk."

"Damn it, would you just listen to me?"

She turned her back to him. "Why can't you just leave me alone?"

Kouga found himself responding to the hint of sadness in her voice. "I said I was sorry. What else do you want?"

"You also promised you'd never do it again."

"I keep my promises."

"I know. That's why I can't stay." Again her voice was tinged with a hint of sadness.

"What the fuck? You're not making any sense, Kagura. You can't stay because I keep my promises?"

"Did you really mean it when you promised that?" She turned to look at him.

Kouga felt a tightness in his throat. He studied the way she looked as she stood in the flickering light of the last two torches that remained lit, her silk kimono hugging every curve of her body. Her hair was pulled to a low pony tail on the right, highlighting the line of her neck. He could remember how she felt in his arms when he kissed her.

"I keep my promises," he repeated without emotion.

"I know. You keep your promises. You still haven't answered me. Did you mean it? Is that what you really want?"

What I really want? Kouga looked at Kagura and realized the truth. No, it wasn't what he wanted. He didn't even want to think about what it was he really wanted.

"No," he answered without looking at her.

"Then, take back your promise."

"Take back my pro…?"

"Take it back and I'll stay."

Did she really mean what he thought she did? If he took back that promise, it would open them up to a repeat of the day before. Even now he was having trouble keeping his distance from her. It was only his promise that held him back. If he took it back now… Take it back and I'll stay. That's what she had said to him.

"You know what that would mean."

Kagura nodded. "Yes."

"And, that's what you really want?"

She stepped closer to him, tilting her face to look up at him. "Yes."

He studied her face for a moment and shook his head. "In that case, I take back my promise."

Kagura placed her hands on his shoulders and pushed herself up on her toes, bringing her lips to his. Her kiss was awkward, proving her inexperience, but Kouga was unable to refuse her. He slid his arms around her and pulled her against him, returning her kiss with a passion that surprised even him.

"Kagura," he mumbled as he pulled his lips from hers and moved them to her neck, delighting in her reaction as he made a line of kisses from her jaw to the hollow of her throat. She arched her back, pressing her chest against him while her hands moved to the back of his head and tangled themselves in his hair. He could hear her heart racing and her breathing become erratic as he nuzzled her neck.

He pulled her against him again, reclaiming her lips while his hands stroked her back through the thin fabric of her kimono. He longed to feel her softness against him, but his armor came between them.

"This has got to go." He pulled back from her only long enough to slip out of his breastplate, exposing his bare chest. He pulled her to him again, feeling the soft curves of her body mold themselves to him. He felt almost lightheaded as his blood rushed to his groin and he had to force himself not to grind his hips against her.

"Kouga," she murmured as she pushed against him. She pulled his head down, bringing his lips to hers. She started pushing her own hips against him, responding to the growing sensitivity of her own special place.

Without taking his lips from hers, he whisked her into his arms and carried her to the softness of his bed. She clung to him as he lowered her to the warm furs, pulling him down to lie next to her. He kissed her again, shifting his body to face her while he slid one arm around her shoulders, bringing her closer to him.

Kagura writhed against him, delighting in the new sensations her body felt at the contact. She kissed him back and brought her hands up to stroke the contours of his chest muscles. She snaked her arms around his neck as she pressed her chest against his. The delicate silk of her kimono parted with her movements, exposing her chest to him.

The wolf youkai could feel the soft mound of her breast against his bare skin as she continued to wriggle against him. He kissed her again as he brought his free hand to cup itself over the firm flesh, gently massaging her as she moaned with pleasure.

"Kouga," she moaned as his fingers rubbed her nipple to erection. Her body felt like it was on fire and the growing wetness at her groin demanded attention. She began to push herself against his hips, surprised to feel the bulge of his arousal under his kilt. The more she pushed herself against him, the more she desired.

"I don't know what you're doing to me, but don't stop," she whispered as she dropped one hand to the lower edge of his kilt. She lifted the soft fur, exposing his pulsing member to her pelvic gyrations.

Kouga shifted, rolling her onto her back as he perched himself over her. "Are you sure about this?"

"Don't stop!" She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him to her.

"Yo, Kouga, you're the one who called the meeting this morning. Everyone's waiting for you." Ginta walked into the room and stopped, a look of amazement on his face. "Ko..Kouga?"

The wolf youkai rocked back on his knees and stared at Ginta, who was standing just inside the door. Kouga's underling was obviously in shock, with his mouth gaping and his eyes bulging.

"Damn it, Ginta! Get the hell out of here!"

The panicky wolf youkai turned and ran from the den.

"Shit. I didn't realize what time it was. I'm going to have to catch him before he tells the whole tribe what he just walked in on." He looked back at the wind user. What had he almost done?

"Kouga?" Kagura sat up and looked at him. Her cheeks were flushed and she was breathing heavily.

"Look, Kagura. I'm sorry. I didn't plan for this to happen. Maybe Ginta walking in was a sign." He stood up and retrieved his armor, slipping it on as he walked back to the bed. "I'm not even sure either one of us is ready for this. I…"

"Damn it, Kouga. You're just leaving?" Kagura's expression transformed to one of anger as she stood to face him. "After that, you're just leaving?"

"My men are waiting for me. If I don't go I'm going to have half the tribe coming in here to see what's wrong."

She was shaking with rage. "Then get the hell out of here, and don't you ever put your fucking hands on me again!"

Kouga stepped towards her, reaching a hand to touch her arm.

The wind user backed away, pulling her arm out of his reach "I mean it, Kouga. Damn you! Why couldn't you just leave me alone when I told you to?"

"Do you think I want to go?" He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her to him. "Damn it, I'm leader of the tribe. I don't have much choice." He tilted her face to look at him.

"How can you just stop like that?" she whispered.

"It's not like I want to." He realized just how true his words were as he kissed her gently. "I have to go, but I'll be back as soon as I can."

Kouga kissed her again and turned to leave. "Oh, and I'll be sleeping in my own den tonight."

"What? Then where the hell am I going to sleep?"

He turned with a smug expression on his face and looked first at Kagura and then at his bed. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

Kagura watched him leave. She felt empty, as though something was missing inside her. Her body was still hot with unfulfilled desire so she quickly went to the stream and washed herself. The cold water helped, but didn't completely rid her of wanting his touch.

Damn you, Kouga, what are you doing to me? Her new feelings were confusing her. She started pacing the floor, wishing she could take off and fly somewhere. Anywhere. Just to feel the rush of the wind over her face and see the ground race by underneath her. Nothing made her feel the way flying did. Well, nothing until now. She turned and looked at the bed, picturing herself with Kouga on the soft furs. There was one other thing that made her feel that way, and she found herself wishing the wolf youkai was already back.

Kouga caught up with Ginta and motioned him aside.

"I don't know what you think you saw, but you're not to say anything to anyone. Got it?" Kouga glared at his underling.

"Ko..Kouga," the wolf youkai stammered as he looked at his leader. "You can trust me. I won't say anything."

"That means not even telling Hakkaku," he hissed.

"No, no, I won't say anything." Ginta was fidgeting nervously. "Ummm, Kouga? Do you think it's a good idea to…"

"Damn it, Ginta, I'm still leader of the tribe. I don't want any advice from you. Got it?"

The two wolf youkai walked silently together to where the other fighters of the tribe were already gathered.

Kouga looked a his men and sighed. It was going to be a long, but necessary, meeting.

Kagura looked up from where she was sitting when Ruka entered the den. The female wolf youkai carried a bowl of food for the wind user. Reiya followed carrying a smaller bowl with some fresh fruit.

"I'm not really sure what you like to eat, but you seemed to like the fruit before so we brought more."

Kagura nodded. "I'm not really very hungry."

Ruka set the food down and looked at the wind user. "Would it help to talk?"

Kagura looked at the female wolf youkai in surprise. Ruka seemed genuinely concerned.

"No. I'm not really much for talking."

"Well, do you mind if I stick around for a while? The men are all at the strategy meeting, and I'm sure you could use the company as much as I can."

Kagura shrugged. "Stay if you want."

Ruka smiled at her and sat on one of the cushions by the table. Reiya ran up to her mother and sat next to her. The child smiled at Kagura as she reached for some food.

"You're pretty."

The wind user looked at the girl in surprise. "Pretty?"

"Yeah, you're pretty," she repeated before taking a rather large bite from a hunk of meat in her hand.

Ruka laughed at Kagura's expression. "You look like nobody's ever said that to you before."

Kagura shook her head. "Nobody has."

"You can't tell me that even Kouga hasn't told you?"

The wind user shook her head again.

Ruka laughed. "Men. If they had half the consideration for us as we do for them, it would be a much better world."

Reiya finished her food and looked at her mother. "Can I play?"

"Sure, Reiya."

The child ran to the area behind Kouga's bed and produced a small box.

Kagura looked suspiciously at her guests. "Reiya must play in here often."

Ruka studied Kagura's expression. "Kouga's a friend - a good friend. And, he's been good to Reiya. After Tsuzuki died, I had trouble dealing with Reiya. She looks so much like her father."

Kagura looked at the child, noticing that her facial features didn't look very much like her mother's.

Ruka continued. "Kouga would let her come and play in here so that I could have some time alone. Oh, don't get me wrong. I love my daughter - more than anyone or anything, but I loved Tsuzuki and when he died…sometimes I felt like I wanted to just die with him."

The wind user was getting an uncomfortable tightness in her chest listening to Ruka's story.

"Kouga and I have been friends since we were younger than Reiya. Sometimes it feels more like he's my brother."

The wind user nodded silently, still unsure of what Ruka was trying to say.

"Can you believe that there have been members of the tribe that think Kouga and I should become mates?" Ruka laughed and shook her head. "Oh, I love Kouga, but as a friend. The thought of him and me as anything more is crazy."

Kagura looked at her hands. "What about Kouga?"

"Kouga? He'd probably laugh louder than me if anyone suggested that to him. I've known him most of my life, and there's only been one female I've seen him look at in that way."

Ruka reached her hand out and patted Kagura's arm lightly. "I don't know what it is about you, but that guy is downright giddy when you're around. I've never seen him look at anyone else the way he looks at you."

Kagura looked up in surprise. "Me?"

"Don't look so surprised. Especially after this morning."

"This morning?"

"Don't forget, wolf youkai have very good hearing. There's probably not a single member of the tribe who doesn't know what happened in here this morning." Ruka smiled and gave Kagura's arm a slight squeeze. "You aren't the quietest female, you know."

"They know?" Kagura shook her head. The tribe already hated her. Something like this was only going to make them hate her more.

"Don't worry about it. Kouga's our leader. Nobody's going to give him too hard of a time about it." Ruka laughed. "And, anyway, anyone with half a brain can see how the two of you feel about each other."

"Feel about each other? Damn it, this is all so confusing. I really don't understand what's going on inside of me." Kagura glanced to where Reiya was playing. The child had spread some items out on the furs of Kouga's bed and was playing with them quietly. She looked happy.

"Well, I'm not sure how to explain it. Hmmm…" Ruka tapped the table with one finger as she thought. "I knew Tsuzuki was the one I wanted to be with because of the way he made me feel inside. When I was with him I was happy. When he was gone, I felt like someone had just ripped my heart out. I wanted to be with him all the time, and couldn't stop thinking about him when he was gone."

Kagura nodded.

Ruka closed her eyes and said softly, "I melted inside when he kissed me. When I was in his arms, it felt like the rest of the world didn't even exist. It was just him and me."

"But what does it mean?"

Ruka opened her eyes and looked at Kagura. "That's how I knew I loved Tsuzuki."

"Love?"

"Come on, Kagura, you can't honestly tell me that you've never been in love?"

The wind user shook her head.

Ruka peered at Kagura. "You've lived this long and never been in love?"

Kagura reached for a piece of fruit. She studied it for a moment before taking a bite, eating it slowly before responding to her guest.

"I haven't been alive for very long."

Ruka looked at her in confusion.

"Damn, it." The wind user sighed and looked at her guest. She didn't like the idea of telling her story, but Ruka seemed honestly concerned. Something told Kagura she could trust the wolf youkai.

She spent the next few minutes explaining in detail how she had been born from Naraku - detached from him. She told Ruka how Naraku had held her heart, and that she had only had it back since Naraku's defeat.

"He threatened to kill me if I didn't obey him," she said softly.

Ruka shook her head. "I'm really sorry, Kagura. I know this is hard for you, but I'm also glad that you felt you could tell me." She stood up and motioned for Reiya to join her.

"I wish I could stay longer, but I do have my duties to attend to. We each do what we can for the tribe, after all." Ruka started to the door, but paused and turned to look at the wind user.

"You know, Kagura, I really like you, and I hope someday you'll be able to think of me as a friend."

Kagura nodded mutely as she watched Ruka and Reiya leave the den. Friend? The wind user wasn't sure she understood the meaning of the word, but she found herself looking forward to Ruka's next visit.

Kouga was relieved when the meeting was finally over, only to find himself confronted by Madoka and one of the other males. Jurai was slightly taller than Kouga and not much younger. He had shown a real initiative in moving up in the ranks of their fighters, and currently held the top position. The only one ranking over him was Kouga himself.

"Jurai." Kouga looked suspiciously at the other male. There was definitely something odd about the way he was acting, and the fact that Madoka was with him added to Kouga's suspicions. She was definitely not one that could be trusted. Madoka only cared about herself, and would do almost anything to get what she wanted. She had already made it obvious that she wanted Kouga, although only because he was leader of the tribe and any female who became his mate would be in a position of power in the tribe.

"I think we have a problem," Jurai said bluntly. Unlike Kouga, he had his hair cut relatively short. It was reddish brown and his eyes were a deep green. He was not one to skirt an issue, but tended to come right to the subject.

"Problem?" Kouga growled. He was already anticipating what that problem might be. Madoka was standing by looking rather pleased with herself, so it didn't take a genius to figure out that she was somehow behind things.

"Look, Kouga, we've known each other for a long time, and you've always been a strong leader for the tribe."

Kouga grunted and narrowed his eyes. He knew it wouldn't be long before Kagura's name was mentioned. "You've done an excellent job leading the fighters, Jurai."

Jurai nodded in response. "We know you were injured during your battle with Naraku, and we realize that you have needed time to heal, but…"

Kouga glared at his underling. "I'm healed. I no longer have the shards, but I can still out-run and out-jump any of the fighters. My fighting abilities are not a problem."

Jurai nodded again. "Actually, it's not your fighting abilities we're worried about."

Here it comes, Kouga thought to himself. He found himself grateful that he hadn't dragged Kagura to the meeting, even though she was vital to his strategy for protecting his tribe and territory.

"I appreciate your loyalty to your friends, and the fact that you accepted their request to help Kagura, but Kouga," the wolf youkai paused and ran one hand through his hair, "don't you think it's about time to send her on her way?"

Kouga glared. "Didn't you listen to what I said at the meeting? We need Kagura. Our biggest threat as a tribe right now is the bird youkai, and without the shards, I can't get close enough to do much good."

"No, Kouga. Our biggest threat is that bitch. You seem to forget what she did to your fighters."

"It seems to me that you are forgetting what she just did to save our sorry asses."

Jurai glanced at Madoka before looking back at Kouga. "Looks like our leader is thinking with the wrong head. So, what did she do, bewitch you?"

"What the fuck? No matter what you think, I am still the leader of this tribe! I will do what is necessary to keep its members safe and our territories intact. You're in no position to…"

"No, Kouga, you're in no position to force that fucking bitch on us. Just because you are bedding her doesn't mean we have to accept her."

Kouga pointedly looked from Jurai to Madoka and back. "You're wrong, Jurai. I'm not the one here who is thinking with the wrong head. As long as I'm your leader, you will follow my orders."

Jurai laughed. "Perhaps you won't be the leader for much longer. It seems that your priorities are out of order here. The tribe needs someone in charge who will keep their best interests in mind, and not someone who's too busy fucking the enemy to fulfill their duties."

Kouga snarled. "It'll take a lot more than your personal ambitions to take away my leadership. Don't underestimate the members of this tribe. They've seen first-hand what Kagura did for us. They're not stupid. They know what would have happened without her help."

"They also know that we wouldn't be short of fighters if it wasn't for her. You're right. They're not stupid. But, don't expect them to show any loyalty to you as long as that bitch is around."

"You weren't there, Jurai. You don't know what it was like dealing with Naraku."

"Don't get me wrong, Kouga. We're grateful for what you've done so far. It's just that there are some members of the tribe who worry that your outlook on things has become rather corrupted." The fighter turned to leave. "Just don't say I never warned you. When your tribe turns against you, you only have yourself to blame."

Kouga turned and stalked off. There was no way he could return to his den in his current mood, so he spent the afternoon making the rounds of his fighters, listening to reports and doing what he could to bolster morale. He wanted to be sure to assure his men that he had their best interests at heart, and that his loyalty, as always, was to the tribe.

Damn it, he thought as he saw by the sun that he had spent more time away from his den than he had anticipated. He found himself thinking about Kagura, and about what had almost happened between them that morning. Was Jurai right? Was he really thinking with the wrong head, as Jurai had put it?

No, his chief fighter was in no position to judge his motives. After all, only Kouga had seen up-close just how Naraku used and manipulated others for his own gain. Even the day the wolf youkai had first met Kagura, the scenario had been set up to turn Kouga and Inuyasha against each other. Kouga felt first-hand the lengths Naraku would go through, remembering the false shard that had been given to him. The wolf youkai had nearly lost his own life because of Naraku's sinister plan.

But, the other members of his tribe had not been there to see for themselves. They only knew that their fighters had been slaughtered, and as far as they could see, the only one to blame was Kagura. If only they could have seen Kagura when she returned to the place it all had happened. There was no mistaking the remorse she felt. For a moment, she had seemed innocent and vulnerable. Despite her otherwise rough exterior, the wind user had a heart. In time, his tribe would see it, too. He just hoped it didn't take them too long. Jurai and Madoka were ambitious, and Kouga knew he would have to be prepared for any upheaval in the tribe they tried to start. It was only a matter of time, and the wolf youkai knew that he should expect it soon. The longer the two scheming youkai took to make their move, the less likely their plan would succeed. After all, Kagura would be working closely with the fighters, and surely they would see for themselves that she was not the threat Jurai tried to make her out to be.

Kouga stopped by the cave where the injured fighters were cared for, and was pleased to see that it was empty. The injuries received the day before had been minor, and his men had already recovered. That would go in his favor when it came to convincing members of his tribe that Kagura was a benefit and not a threat to them.

The wolf youkai headed back to his den. He forced himself to walk slowly, even though his instinct told him to get there as soon as possible. After his day, he found himself looking forward to seeing Kagura.

Kagura had spent most of the afternoon switching off between pacing and just sitting, thinking about what had happened between her and Kouga, and about what Ruka had been talking about. She found herself looking at the door of the den frequently, wishing Kouga would return. He had said he'd be back as soon as he could, but she hadn't expected him to be gone as long as he was.

She was sitting at the low table, fidgeting with her fan when the wolf youkai walked in.

"It's about fucking time, Kouga. I've been stuck in this fucking den all day! You said you'd be back…"

Kouga cut her off by dropping to his knees next to her and taking her face in his hands. His lips pressed hungrily against hers as he pulled her roughly to him.

"Damn it, Kouga. You're not being fair." The wind user looked away. Her angry expression has softened, and Kouga thought for just a moment that she might actually be blushing.

He sat next to her and wrapped his arms around her. "We need to talk."

"That doesn't sound good."

"Well, actually I have good news and bad news."

Kagura turned to face him. "Well?"

"The good news is, most of the fighters are ready to accept my strategy, which means they're willing to accept your help during battle."

Kagura laughed. "It's not like they'd really have any choice. I do what I want whether they like it or not."

Kouga shook his head and chuckled. "That you do, Kagura. But, they'll back me. Seems nobody can think of a better idea."

"So, the fighters are willing to let me battle for you. What's the bad news?"

Kouga sighed and pulled Kagura onto his lap. She tried to pull away, but only managed to make Kouga tighten his arms around her.

"It seems that one of my men is questioning my ability to lead the tribe."

"What the hell?"

"I don't think it's my leadership that's the issue, but his own ambitions. Jurai has spent his years as a fighter just working his way to where he is now. He's second ranked only to me. There's no place for him to go except to replace me as leader. Of course, the fact that Madoka seems to be putting ideas into his head doesn't surprise me. She's just as ambitious, and since I think it's finally sunk in that she has no chance of ever becoming my mate, she's looking for someone to take my place. Then, she can become his mate."

"Madoka? Isn't that the bitch that was hanging all over you?" Kagura narrowed her eyes when she remembered Madoka's verbal attack on her at the tribe meeting.

Kouga nodded. "I'm just worried they are going to cause a split in the tribe. With our situation like it is, we already don't have enough fighters. If they keep this up, we may end up with even less."

Kagura pulled away from him and stood up. She held her fan in her hand, as though she was ready to do battle.

"Damn it, Kouga, you're not just going to sit there and let those bastards do this?"

Kouga shook his head as he stood up. "Actually, that's exactly what I'm going to do. My men aren't stupid. They're going to see exactly what's going on, especially when they see how much you can help us."

"You're that sure I'm going along with your strategy?"

"I saw the look on your face when those damned bird youkai attacked. You won't be able to help yourself."

Kagura turned to face him. "You seem pretty sure of yourself."

Kouga moved towards her and slid his arm around her waist. He pulled her against him and kissed her. "No, I'm sure about you."

Kagura found herself relaxing in his arms and closed her eyes as she lay her head on his shoulder. Ruka's words came back to her. I melted inside when he kissed me. When I was in his arms, it felt like the rest of the world didn't even exist. It was just him and me. Was that what she was feeling now with Kouga? It was all so new and confusing to her, but one thing was certain. For the first time in her short life, she felt like she belonged.

"Kouga!" Ginta's yell sounded frantic.

"Something's wrong," the wolf youkai said as he released Kagura and dashed to the door. She followed right behind him.

Outside the den there was panic and confusion. The bird youkai had chosen that moment to attack the village again, and fighters were positioning themselves as the women were pulling children to safety. The birds dove at the fleeing wolf youkai before flying out of the fighters' reach.

"Damn it!" Kouga moved forward and glanced back at Kagura.

The wind user was already positioned, her open fan ready in her hand. She stood strong with a look of determination on her face as she unleashed her first attack. Several of the lead bird youkai fell to the ground where they were finished off by Kouga's fighters. A second wave of Kagura's fan brought down even more.

"Get me up there!" Kouga backed up until he was next to the wind user and quickly jumped onto the feather she produced.

The two rose skyward as Kagura unleashed a third strike with her wind blade attack. Several more youkai fell, only to be replaced by others.

"There's the leader." Kouga pointed to a rather large bird youkai hovering behind the others.

Kagura nodded and directed her feather in a spiral to avoid the other attacking birds. Her only target now was the leader. If she and Kouga could just reach and destroy it, the others would most likely retreat.

The wind user tried to bring them in close to the leader, but its underlings continued to fly between them, blocking any chance of a direct attack on their target. Finally, Kouga pointed to one of the birds.

"Get me in close to that one. If I can get on it, I should be able to make it to the leader."

Kagura glanced at the bird and then back at Kouga. "I'm not sure that's a good idea."

"Just get me there."

She nodded and worked her way to the bird youkai in question. On its next pass, Kouga leaped from the feather and landed squarely on its back. He quickly found a handhold in its feathers and worked his way to the head. If he could just get the bird to fly in close enough to the leader, he would be able to make the jump.

A barrage of wind blades flashed past Kouga and he looked to see what had prompted Kagura to attack. Several of the birds had turned and were diving towards her feather. The wind user was holding her own against the attackers as Kouga continued to try to direct his ride to the leader bird.

"What the fuck?" Kouga noticed that the leader of the birds had moved position and now appeared to be aiming an attack at Kagura from above. The wind user's attention was on the first wave of birds and she didn't appear to notice the new threat.

In one movement Kouga leaped from the bird he was riding and dove straight towards the leader. He crashed into the bird youkai just as it ripped through Kagura's feather, sending the wind user plummeting towards the hard rock of the mountain below.

"Kagura!" Kouga slid down the side of the bird and anchored one hand on its leg while he held his other hand out to wind user. He managed to touch the tips of her fingers, but couldn't get a grip on her. He watched in horror as she continued to fall beneath him.

Suddenly Kagura looked up and waved one hand. A large feather appeared beneath her and she swung it around to where Kouga dangled on the still falling bird. "Get on!"

Kouga swung himself onto the feather and held on as it shifted. Kagura pulled back far enough to get a clear swing of her fan, unleashing a blast of energy bolts at the leader of the bird youkai.

The bird had recovered from its nosedive and had started to rise as the attack hit it. Unfortunately, its change of position moved it from the center of the attack, and while it suffered injuries, none of them were critical. The bird youkai screeched an order to the other birds, and the remaining attackers retreated, leaving Kouga and Kagura to drift slowly to the hard ground beneath.

The feather lurched just before landing, sending both youkai tumbling to the rocky service.

"Damn it, Kagura, can't you be more careful?" His eyes gaped when he noticed the large spot of blood on the feather. Kagura lay a few feet away with more blood pooling where her shoulders connected with the ground.

"Kagura!" Kouga sprinted to the wind user and lifted her gently. Her eyes opened and she was awake, but it was obvious that she was in pain.

The left shoulder of her kimono was torn and Kouga could see a large gash in her arm and neck. Blood continued to ooze from the wound, making a growing stain in the thin silk.

Kagura tried to stand up, but Kouga lifted her before she could get her balance.

"Damn it, Kouga. I don't need you carrying me. I can walk."

"You're not walking. You've lost too much blood, and moving is just going to make you lose it faster."

The wolf youkai shook his head and turned towards his den. The open area of the square was littered with the shredded corpses of the bird youkai that had fallen in the battle. Several tribe members were working on removing the remains while others checked on the fighters who had been hurt. Once again, it appeared as though Kouga's men had sustained only minor injuries. The only one seriously hurt appeared to be Kagura.

"Ginta! Hakkaku!" Kouga shouted to his underlings, sending them off for supplies while he turned and carried Kagura into his den.

"I said put me down!"

"Quit squirming or you're going to make me drop you." Kouga knelt and gently lay her on the soft furs of his bed. "It doesn't look too bad, but we need to stop the bleeding."

The wolf youkai tore the remaining fabric from Kagura's shoulder and examined the wound. The bleeding had slowed, but hadn't completely stopped. Kouga quickly retrieved the bowl that held the remains of Kagura's lunch on the table and carried it to the stream where he washed it out and filled it with cool water. He set the bowl next to his bed just as Ginta came into the den carrying strips of cloth and what appeared to be herbs.

"I got what you wanted, Kouga," he announced as he brought the items to his leader.

Kouga quickly sponged the remaining blood from Kagura's wound. He rubbed several leaves from the herbs between his hands, releasing a whitish cream which he then spread on Kagura's shoulder. It didn't take him long to bind the wound with the cloth.

"That should do it for now, " he said as he sat back on his heels and studied the wind user's face. She winced when she moved, but otherwise it appeared that the pain had subsided. The herbs seemed to be doing their job.

"I don't need all this crap," she said as she raised her right hand to her left shoulder. "I'm a youkai, you know. I heal quickly."

"Just the same, we have to be sure that damned bird youkai didn't have any poison on its talon. Youkai or not, you could still die if you were poisoned."

"Ummm, Kouga?" Ginta looked nervously away from Kagura when he noticed that the torn kimono exposed one of her breasts.

"Go on, get out of here. Oh, and Ginta, I need you and Hakkaku to go to the human village and bring back a new kimono." He paused and glanced at Kagura's bloody and torn clothing. "'might as well get a couple. Kagura has a habit of ruining hers."

"You…" She took a swing at Kouga.

"Damn it, Kagura. Take it easy. You're going to start that bleeding again and then I'll have to rewrap it."

They watched as Ginta retreated from the den.

"You should lie down," Kouga instructed as he tried to carefully ease Kagura down to the bed.

"I don't need to lie down."

"Why the hell do you always have to be so stubborn?"

"You're just as stubborn as I am, Kouga. I told you I don't need to lie down."

He slid his arm around her waist and puller her gently to the furs.

"Well, that was one hell of a way to prove your worth to the tribe," he mumbled as he turned to face her. "I'm sure we could have come up with some other way, but this should work."

"What the hell? You don't honestly think I got myself hurt just to prove something to your tribe?"

"Calm down. I'm joking. But, it might be just what it takes to get Jurai and Madoka off our backs. In case you didn't notice, we didn't suffer any casualties, and only minor injuries, other than yours."

"Mine is only minor. It should be healed by morning."

"I don't consider it minor. You could have gotten yourself killed out there."

"That would have made more than a few members of your tribe happy."

"Not as many as you might think. And, after today, I'm sure there won't be any who think that way."

"What about Jurai and Madoka?"

"I'd rather not think about those idiots. If they would just use their brains, they wouldn't think that way, either."

Kouga reached over and pushed a strand of hair away from Kagura's face. He still couldn't get over the difference between the way she was during the battle and the way she was as she lay next to him on his bed.

"What's wrong?"

Kouga shrugged. "Well, in case you don't remember, we started something this morning. Looks like we're going to have to wait. You're in no condition for…"

"Shit!" Kagura tried to sit up. "I said I was fine."

"No you don't," Kouga said as he gently pushed her down. "Like you said, you're a youkai and heal fast. We'll just have to wait for tomorrow night."

The wolf youkai tried to hide his own disappointment. Something about battling side by side with Kagura had flamed his desires for her. He hadn't realized until he thought he might lose her just how much the wind user had come to mean to him.

Ruka's voice at the door interrupted Kagura's response.

"Kouga? Kagura? Is it all right for me to come in?"

"Sure, Ruka," Kouga said as he glanced at Kagura. Maybe another female could help him reason with the stubborn wind user.

Ruka walked over to them and stood near the foot of the bed. "I'm glad to see you're okay. I was on the other side of the mountain with Reiya when they attacked and came just as soon as I heard the news. I wasn't sure what to expect."

Kouga nodded. "Kagura had me worried for a moment. When I saw her falling that way and couldn't reach her, I thought we were going to lose her."

"Like I'd let something like that do me in. I survived Naraku, it's going to take one hell of a lot more than a fucking bird youkai to kill me."

Ruka laughed. "Well, at least I can see it hasn't affected your sense of humor."

"Kagura has a sense of humor?"

"I'd have to, to be able to put up with you."

Kouga faked surprise. "Looks like Kagura has been hanging around Ruka too long already. That's her type of humor."

Ruka laughed. "We've had some nice conversations. Of course, there are still a lot of things I need to tell her about you."

Kouga could feel Kagura relaxing next to him. When he glanced at her he noticed that her eyes were almost closed. Obviously the healing process was starting and her body needed rest.

Ruka nodded at Kouga. "Well, I just wanted to see for myself that Kagura was all right. I'll bring by some food later. Let me know if there's anything else you want."

"Thanks, Ruka. I think she needs sleep more than anything else right now."

"Oh, and Kouga, you might like to know that Kagura's help against the bird youkai didn't go unnoticed. I'm sure you'll have more support after this."

Kouga glanced at the sleeping wind user and then at Ruka. "What about Jurai and Madoka?"

"I wouldn't worry about them. I don't think there's anything anyone could do to change their minds, but right now I don't think too many members of the tribe are going to take them seriously. Kagura risked her life out there today and killed quite a few bird youkai in the process. They're going to remember that."

"Thanks, Ruka," he called after her as she left.

Kouga propped his chin up with one hand and watched Kagura as she slept. Ruka was right. Kagura's efforts during the battle would surely bolster support for both Kouga and his plans for the tribe. He could only hope they would also help the tribe to accept her. Of course, for many it would take time, and for some the acceptance might never come. There was one thing he was certain of, and that was the fact that he planned on her staying around for a long time.

Ginta stopped by with several kimonos that he had acquired at a human village near the base of the mountain. He brought with them some surprising news. Apparently, the bird youkai had started attacking the humans. Their bid for more territory was having no success against the wolf youkai, so they were turning to an easier target.

"Damn it. Looks like we need to get rid of those fucking bird youkai fast." Kouga motioned for Ginta to leave the kimonos and gave him a few instructions to pass on to the fighters. "Thanks, Ginta," he said as his underling nodded and left.

Kouga turned his attention to Kagura, watching her closely as she slept. Her breathing was regular and she seemed to be resting comfortably. He slid his arm around her, being careful not to put pressure on her injured shoulder. She was warm and soft, and he liked how she felt in his arms.

Ruka stopped by a while later with food for Kouga and insisted he eat. "You need your strength, too. After all, you fought just as hard today, and Kagura's going to need you while she heals."

Kouga ate a small amount of the food and asked Ruka to leave the fruit for Kagura. "Hopefully she'll sleep through until morning. She needs her rest."

Ruka nodded. "I'll be back in the morning with your breakfast." She paused before leaving the den. "Ginta and Hakkaku are just outside. Just tell them if you or Kagura need anything and I'll be right here."

Kouga nodded and thanked her again. He was glad that Ruka had become friends with Kagura. The wind user needed someone other than himself to talk to, and having another female friend was especially good.

He watched over Kagura as she slept, checking her bandages periodically. The bleeding had stopped, and from all appearances her shoulder was already healing. The wolf youkai dozed for a while but found that he was too agitated to sleep soundly. His mind was already working on how he would handle his tribe in the morning, and more specifically, how he would deal with Jurai and Madoka. Despite Kagura's actions during the battle, he knew better than let his guard down where those two were concerned.

Author's note:

While I realize the pairing of Kouga and Kagura isn't canon, it's one I love and the idea of this story has been in my mind for over a year. Unfortunately, events in the manga, starting with chapter 370, and most specifically with chapter 374, have changed the possibilities of this story. Despite events in the manga, I will continue writing this story as planned. Chapter 374 has hit me hard, emotionally, and I will do my best to honor Kagura in my representation of her in this story. Urd-chan

"I am the wind. The free wind." Kagura (from chapter 374)