InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Enemy Mine ❯ Chapter 7 ( Chapter 7 )

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 7

By Urd-chan

            Kagura stirred just as the sun was rising.  She moved against Kouga and stretched, opening her eyes in surprise when she realized his arms were wrapped firmly around her.

            "Kouga?"

            He nuzzled her neck.  "So, you finally woke up."

            "What?  How long was I sleeping?"

            "It's morning.  Ruka should be bringing some fresh food soon."  He closed his eyes and gently pulled her against him. 

            "Would you please let go of me?"

            "What's wrong?"

            "I want to get these damned bandages off.  I told you I didn't need them."

            Kouga released her and helped her sit up, despite her protests.

            "I'm fully capable of sitting up by myself."

            "Don't be so stubborn," he said as he helped her remove the bandages.  The gash had mostly healed, and was no longer in need of the covering.  

            "I told you," she complained as Kouga examined her shoulder.

            "Well, it's healing all right," he mused as his gaze dropped to her bare chest.  He forced himself to glance to the kimonos that Ginta had left the night before.

            "You'll have to pick one to wear.  The kimono you had on yesterday is gone."  He stood and walked to the pile of kimonos, holding them out for Kagura to see. 

            She shook her head.  "It doesn't matter."

            Kouga glanced at the clothing in his hands and tossed a green kimono towards the wind user.  "Here.  I'll put the others away.  I'm sure you're going to need them soon enough."

            "Maybe I shouldn't even bother wearing it, since you're so sure I'm just going to ruin it anyway," she responded sarcastically. 

            The wolf youkai moved to the bed and knelt next to her.  He took her face in his hands.  "Well, if that's what you want, but then I'll just have to be sure you never leave my den."  He smiled and kissed her.

            "Damn it, Kouga.  Why do you always do this to me?"

            "Do what?"

            Make my heart beat like it's ready to jump out of my chest, and make me feel like there isn't anything I wouldn't do for you. 

            Kagura turned her head and slipped the kimono on over what remained of her old one, doing her best to act like she hadn't heard him.  She stood up and was tying the sash when Ruka walked in with their breakfast. 

            "Well, you're looking a lot better today, Kagura," she said as she placed two bowls of food on the low table near the door.  She walked toward the bed.

            "You really should wear it down," Ruka suggested as Kagura pulled her hair into her usual high knot.  "It looks so much better that way." 

            The wind user shrugged and let her hair fall back around her shoulders.  She quickly gathered it into a low pony tail by her right ear.  "Whatever.  It's just hair.  As long as it stays out of my face, it really doesn't matter."

            "But it should, Kagura.  You're a female.  If you ever want to land a mate…" 

            "She doesn't need to look for a mate!"  Kouga snapped as he glared at Ruka.

            The visitor laughed.  "I guess not.  Looks like she already found one."

            "Mate?"  Kagura looked confused.  "What do you mean I already have one?"  Her expression changed when she realized what Ruka was implying. 

            Kouga laughed.  "Do you think you could be any more obvious, Ruka?"  He glanced at Kagura out of the corner of his eye, gauging her reaction.  She hadn't dismissed the possibility, at least. 

            Ruka shook her head.  "Well, it's time to eat.  You two need to keep your strength up, after all.  Between fighting those damned bird youkai and…"  Her gaze fell on Kouga's bed as her voice trailed off.  "So, eat.  I'll leave you two alone, since it's obvious I'm in the way."
            ; Kouga picked up a piece of fruit left from the night before and lobbed it at Ruka.  "Don't think I'm going to forget this, Ruka.  I'll get you back." 

            Ruka laughed.  "I'll be back later with lunch.  That gives you some time…"

            "What the hell was that all about?"  Kagura still looked rather confused. 

            "Nothing for you to worry about.  But, it does look like you have a friend."  Kouga slid his arm around the wind user's waist and pulled her to him.  "Ruka's a good judge of character.  She's seldom wrong about anyone." 

            Kagura noticed that Kouga wasn't wearing his breast plate.  He had taken it off during the night while he slept next to her, and now the only thing between them was the thin fabric of her kimonos and his fur kilt.  His arms wrapped tightly around her as he captured her lips with his.

            "So, what do you want to do for the next few hours?"

            Kagura looked up at him.  "Bath.  I need a bath.  I still smell like those fucking bird youkai."  She sniffed the air and wrinkled up her nose.  "Smells like you could use one, too." 

            "What the hell?"  Kouga narrowed his eyes and studied her.  She seemed serious.  Only the slight glint in her eyes betrayed the fact that she was joking.  Well, at least partly.  He twisted his head to smell his shoulder.  He did smell like the bird youkai.  After all, he had been wrestling with one just the day before.

            "I told you," she quipped.

            "Well, we have the stream."

            Kagura shook her head.  "It's not deep enough.  And, besides, it's cold."

            "So, you're saying you want to go down to the river?"

            The wind user bent down to retrieve her fan and slipped it behind her sash before turning towards the door.  "I'll be back." 

            Kouga moved to block her way.  "Remember, you said I needed a bath, too."

            "You're not serious."

            "Watch me," the wolf youkai said as he quickly retrieved his chest armor and returned to the door.  "I'm not sure having you wander around by yourself is a good idea.  At least not yet."  He stepped out of the den ahead of Kagura. 

            The wind user followed him into the sunlight.  A light breeze stirred the thin fabric of her kimono and played with a strand of hair that had come loose from her pony tail.  She took a deep breath and glanced around her, noticing that things had already been put back to normal.  It was as if the battle of the day before had never happened. 

            Ginta and Hakkaku ran up to their leader.

            "Kouga," Ginta started as he glanced nervously between Kouga and Kagura.  "We figured you'd want to hear the reports."

            Kouga nodded briefly and looked at Kagura.  "This won't take long." 

            The wind user shrugged and tried to look bored, but she found herself listening to the details of the reports that had come from the patrols.  The bird youkai had made no attacks since the day before, and seemed to be pulling back from their temporary camp. 

            Kagura spoke up as Kouga shook his head.  "Don't let those damned bird youkai fool you.  Their type don't retreat.  They'd rather die than admit defeat."

            "She's right, " Kouga said as he glanced in the general direction of the enemy's camp.  "They're planning something.  We just have to figure out what it is before they attack again." 

            His two underlings stood silently, waiting for their orders. 

            "Tell the men to double up on the patrols, and if they see anything suspicious they are to report it directly to me."

            Hakkaku nodded before turning to leave with Ginta.

            Kouga turned to Kagura.  "Well, it's going to have to be a quick bath."  He leaned in close to her and whispered in her ear.  "Guess we'll just have to get rid of the rest of those fucking birds so we won't have to rush next time."  His tone implied more than his words.

            Kagura found herself reacting to his closeness once again.  Her heart raced and her face felt hot.

            "What the hell?  Are you blushing?" 

            Kagura turned and glared at Kouga.  "I don't blush!"  She turned her back to him and started walking in the direction of the river. 

            Maybe it had just been his imagination or wishful thinking, but, for just an instant, Kagura's face had held of hint of pink in her cheeks.  The wolf youkai walked quickly to catch up with her. 

            Neither said anything as they walked to the river, but Kouga found himself unable to keep his eyes off the wind user on their way.  He fell two steps behind her, noticing the enticing way her hips moved when she walked.  Kagura's movements were graceful - she almost floated rather than walked.  She stopped suddenly when a strong breeze hit her, closing her eyes and angling her face to catch the wind. 

            "I still can't believe it," she whispered.

            "What?"  Kouga asked as he studied her face.

            "I'm really free."  She opened her eyes and looked at him.  "Naraku's gone and I have my heart back.  For the first time in my life, I'm free."

            Kouga nodded silently.

            Kagura looked at the sky for a moment before turning and continuing towards the river. 

            "We'd better hurry," Kouga said as he caught up and fell in step next to her.  "There's no telling what those damned birds are up to right now.  I don't want to be down here if they decide to attack the village." 

            Kagura took out a feather from somewhere Kouga couldn't see and waved her hand, producing a feather large enough for them to both sit on.  "Get on.  It won't take any time this way." 

            Kouga watched her climb on the feather and got on behind her.  He slid his arms around her waist and squeezed gently as they went aloft. 

            "You don't want me falling off, do you?"

            Kagura smirked.  "If I wanted you to fall off, there'd be nothing you could do to stop it." 

            "Sounds like a challenge," he laughed as the feather skimmed not far over the path they had just been walking on.  The river came into view in moments.

            "So, you think I can't dump you?"  Kagura directed the feather to the river's edge and over the water.  It lurched as she first flew them straight up and then turned quickly into a nosedive.  She could feel Kouga's arms tighten around her, but he held firm.  Another twisting of the feather took them upwards where Kagura sent them into a loop before letting their ride plummet towards the water. 

            The loop was too much for Kouga and he found himself losing his hold on her and falling.  The surface of the water raced at him and he made a large splash as he broke the surface and submerged.  He came up sputtering.  "You really think you're funny," he gurgled as he made his way to shallower water. 

            Kagura hovered above him laughing.  "Serves you right."  She circled around him as he stripped off his chest armor and arm coverings, but took the feather to the other side of a rocky outcropping before he could remove anything else.

            "You stay on your side and I'll stay on mine."

            Kouga sent a spray of water her way.  "I'll go where I damned well please."  He watched in fascination as Kagura's green kimono flew up and landed on the lip of the large bolder that blocked his view of her.  It was followed by the tattered remains of the blue kimono she had worn in the battle the day before.

            "You said we had to hurry," she reminded him. 

            Kouga could hear a splash as Kagura jumped from her feather and into the water.  He resisted the urge to move around the edge of the bolder.  They really didn't have time to do more than wash themselves so he quickly scrubbed himself clean and walked to the river bank to dress.  He was just finishing putting on his chest armor when Kagura flew her feather next to him.  Her hair hung in wet tendrils around her face and her kimono clung to her damp skin.  He forced himself to look away while he finished securing his armor.

            "Let's go," he said as he climbed behind her on the feather.  Once again he slipped his arms around her.  "Can you keep from dumping me this time?" 

            "You asked for it," she reminded him as she sent the feather along the path back to the wolf youkai village.

            Ginta and Hakkaku were lounging outside of Kouga's den when they returned.  Kagura brought the feather to hover close to them. 

            "Anything happen?" Kouga asked as he reluctantly unhooked his arms from around Kagura and slid off the feather.

            "Nothing much from the patrols that have reported back," Ginta offered. 

            "The bird youkai pulled back into the woods and seem to be setting up camp there," Hakkaku added. 

            "What the...?  Why the hell would they do that?"  Kouga glanced in the direction of the enemy camp.

            "They'll be covered from above," Kagura said quietly.

            "Huh?"  Kouga looked back at the wind user.

            "They know we can see where they are, so they're moving under the trees.  They're hiding from us," she explained. 

            "Shit!  So the bastards really aren't retreating."

            "Kouga?  So what's that mean?"  Ginta asked.

            "It means that now we have Kagura to help us, we can spot them from above.  They don't want us to know where they are."  Kouga laughed.  "The problem is, we still know.  And, those stupid birds won't be able to move much with all those trees around.  When they attack us here, they have the advantage - they can fly out of our reach.  Only now that Kagura's fighting with us, we have her wind attacks and can fly right up to where they are.

            "If we attack them were they're camped, we'll have the advantage.  They're too big to make it through the trees easily, and of course, they won't be able to take off through the branches.  We're wolf youkai.  We won't have any trouble getting through the woods." 

            Ginta and Hakkaku nodded excitedly. 

            "Um, Kouga?  What do you want us to do?"

            "Keep the extra patrols up and make sure they're watching closely.  If those fucking bird youkai do anything at all, I want to know." 

            "Sure thing, Kouga," Ginta said.  "Um, is there anything else?" 

            "Just keep me posted.  They might be planning another attack on us here, so we have to be ready."  Kouga paused and looked off in the distance.  "If they don't do anything today, we'll hit them at sunrise.  Tell Jurai to have our fighters ready.  We'll leave some here just in case they manage to strike back, but otherwise I want all our men ready to hit them first."

            "Right, Kouga!"  Ginta and Hakkaku turned and sprinted off. 

            "Do you think it'll work?"  Kagura eased off the feather and it dissipated.

            "It has to," Kouga growled.  "We don't have enough fighters to defend the village from air attacks.  Hell, if you weren't here to help, we'd probably all be dead already." 

            "My wind attacks won't be very useful in the woods - especially with your fighters so close." 

            "You won't be in the woods.  We'll be waiting above, just in case any break away.  I don't want any of those fucking birds getting away and attacking the village while most of my fighters are down there."

            Kagura nodded.  "So, then, what do we do now?"

            "Wait." 

            "Kagura!"  Reiya came running up with her mother a few steps behind.

            "I brought some food," Ruka said as she studied the serious expressions of her friends.  "What's wrong?"

            Kouga shook his head.  "Just making plans to get rid of those damned bird youkai, once and for all."

            Ruka nodded.  "Well, if Kouga's doing the planning, it'll work." 

            "At least one member of this tribe trusts my ability," he said dryly as he helped himself from the bowl Ruka carried.  "Smells good."

            Kagura took a piece of fruit and bit into it.  She hadn't realized how hungry she was until Ruka showed up with their lunch.

            "I brought you a present," Reiya said as she offered a large leaf wrapped around something to Kagura.  Inside was a collection of various feathers.  "I know you like feathers."

            Reiya took out the feathers one by one to show them to Kagura.

            "Thank you," the winder user said softly.  She glanced at Kouga and he could see the emotion in her eyes.

            "By the way, how is your shoulder doing, Kagura?" Ruka asked.

            "It's fine."

            "I told her she needs to rest, but she insists that she's healed," Kouga grumbled around a mouthful of food.

            "I had enough damned rest," Kagura growled in response.  "I'm just glad to be out of that den." 

            "I'm sure you'll be able to move about the village more now," Ruka said as she checked Kagura's shoulder.  "It does appear to have healed completely." 

            "Kouga won't believe me."
            "It's not just the wound.  You lost quite a bit of blood," he reminded the wind user.

            "I said I'm fine."

            The guests stayed long enough to eat with Kouga and Kagura, but then Ruka gathered the bowls and told Reiya it was time to go back to their den for her nap. 

            "Mama, I'm not tired," the child said as she yawned. 

            "Sure, you're not tired," Ruka laughed.  "Then you can just close your eyes and rest while I tell you a story." 

            "Bye-bye, Kouga," Reiya said as she ran to the wolf youkai.  He leaned down so she could hug his neck. 

            "Bye-bye, Kagura," she said as she ran to Kagura.  The wind user looked confused, but followed Kouga's lead and bent down to the child.  Reiya wrapped her arms around Kagura and hugged her tightly. 

            Kouga studied Kagura's expression as she watched Ruka and Reiya walk back to their own den.

            "She likes you," he commented. 

            "What?"

            "Reiya likes you."  Kouga moved close to Kagura and slid his arm around her.  "Then again, she has good instincts.  Just like her mother." 

            "Kouga, someone might see us," Kagura said as the wolf youkai pulled her to him and kissed her. 

            "So, let them watch.  Maybe we should give them a real show," he laughed. 

            "Damn it, Kouga.  Your tribe already hates me.  This isn't going to help," Kagura complained.

            Kouga's retort was cut short by the arrival of several of his fighters.  They appeared to have been running, and based on their expressions, the wolf youkai was sure the news wasn't good. 

            "The bird youkai attacked one of the human villages at the base of our mountain," the first fighter said.

            "What the hell?  Why would they attack the humans?" 

            "They want territory.  I guess they figure it would be easier to kill the humans than to attack us again." 

            "Damn it," Kouga growled.  He turned and shouted for Ginta and Hakkaku.  His two underlings came running up to him. 

            "What are you going to do, Kouga?" 

            "I want any of the fighters who aren't on patrol to head down to that village.  We'll do what we can, but…"  He didn't want to even think about the possibility that it would already be too late.  The humans wouldn't have much chance against the bird youkai. 

            "Right!"  Ginta and Hakkaku ran off.

            "Take Reiya back to your den," Kouga commanded Ruka.  She nodded wordlessly and tugged her frightened child behind her.

            "I'll get everyone else inside," she called before she was out of range.

            "What are you planning?" 

            Kouga looked at Kagura.  "I wish I knew.  I just assumed they would attack here.  There's probably not much we can do right now, but I need to get down to that village.

            The wind user nodded in understanding and took out one of the feathers Reiya had just given her.  "Let's go."  A wave of her hand  produced their ride and they were quickly airborne.

            "If you see those fucking birds coming back this way, turn around and head back to the village."  Kouga's voice was stressed.  "Damn it.  We should have just attacked them this morning." 

            "You didn't know they'd do this," Kagura reminded him as she guided her feather towards their destination.  She could see a number of bird youkai circling what appeared to be a deserted village.  The smell of blood reached them before they could see the victims of the attack.  It didn't look like there was any chance of survivors.

            "Damn it!"  Kouga growled as they closed in on the remains of the human village.  Several bird youkai were on the ground, searching for survivors while the rest were already returning to their camp. 

            Kagura had her fan out in moments and surprised the remaining birds with a barrage of energy blasts.  She brought the feather near the ground so that Kouga could jump off.  He raced to the remaining youkai and finished the job the wind user had started.  Soon the only movement in the village was that of Kouga and Kagura.

            "Shit!  I knew there wasn't much chance, but I thought maybe we'd find at least some survivors."  Kouga picked his way around fallen bird youkai and human carcasses, looking for any sign of life. 

            A tiny whimper reached him and he quickly dashed to one of the buildings.  One wall had collapsed and he pulled away wood and straw to reveal the face of a very dirty and frightened human boy.

            "Kagura!"  Kouga quickly picked the protesting boy up and returned to the center of the village.  The child appeared mostly unharmed, but was crying and shaking so hard he couldn't talk.

            The wind user approached.  Something about the boy seemed familiar.  He was young and wore a short kimono.  She could see the freckles across the bridge of his nose.  Kohaku.  He reminded her of Kohaku. 

            "Are you all right?" she asked as she reached him.

            The boy nodded and looked around the village.  "They're all dead.  I couldn't do anything to stop it." 

            "What the hell do you think you could have done?" Kouga growled.  "If the adults couldn't stop them, what do you think you could do?" 

            "I don't know, but there has to be something I could have done."  The boy buried his face in his hands and sobbed softly.

            Kagura stood speechless - the boy's resemblance to Kohaku brought back memories of their time together.  They had both been controlled by Naraku - each in a different way, but they shared the same fate.  She hadn't even seen if Kohaku survived the battle with Naraku.

            "Kagura," the wolf youkai asked when he noticed the sad expression on her face.  "What's wrong?" 

            The wind user shook her head.  "Nothing that matters right now.  We have to get the boy away from here in case any of those fucking birds come back."  

            Kouga nodded.  "Let me look around a little longer.  I have to be sure I didn't miss anyone."  He turned and started picking through the remains of the village, leaving Kagura and the boy alone. 

            "You're not human." 

            Kagura looked at him and shook her head.  "Kouga and I are both youkai."  She could see the fear building in his eyes.  "Don't worry, you're safe.  We're not going to hurt you." 

            The boy nodded slightly but continued to look at her wearily. "I don't understand.  If you're youkai, why would you care about a human village anyway?" 

            The wind user shook her head.  "I don't have words for it, but I promise you that you're safe with us." 

            Kouga returned a few minutes later.  It was obvious by his expression that there had been no other survivors.  He turned as several of his men approached.

            "Kouga, we came like you told us."

            "We're too late," their leader explained.  "There's another village not far from here.  I want you to take the fighters who get here and make sure they're all right." 

            "Kouga?"  His men were obviously confused.  "You want us to protect humans?" 

            "They aren't going to be able to protect themselves against those damned bird youkai.  We're the only hope they have." 

            More fighters arrived and Kouga spotted Jurai.

            "Kouga, we were told you wanted us here." 

            "It's too late to help this village, but there's another.  I want half of the fighters sent to it and the other half to go back to our village - just in case."  He glanced in the direction of the remaining human village.  "I just hope it's not too late for them." 

            Jurai raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything.  He smiled slightly as he excused himself.  Their leader had grown soft, and his chance of taking over the tribe was increasing by the moment.  He would have to wait for the perfect moment to challenge Kouga.

            Kouga turned to Kagura.  "I want to get to that village."

            The wind user nodded and plucked a feather from the sash of her kimono.  "Whenever you're ready." 

            "You're coming, too," he instructed the human boy.  The child let himself be led to the feather and lifted on.  "You can be with your own kind there." 

            "We won't be able to go very fast with three of us," Kagura complained. 

            "It'll be faster than walking, at least," Kouga commented.   "I want to get there before the fighters do.  I don't want the humans scared out of their wits when a bunch of wolf youkai show up."  Not to mention, I don't completely trust Jurai.  Ever since Madoka started hanging around him, he'd changed somehow. 

            The wind user directed them towards the village, bringing the feather and its riders down a short way from the outermost buildings. 

            "It's probably not a good idea to come down in the middle of them like this," she explained as she waved a hand.  The feather dissipated. 

            "I've been here before with my father," the boy commented.

            "Good, so you should know who we need to talk to."  Kouga started walking towards the center of the village. 

            Everything seemed peaceful.  It was apparent that the bird youkai had not been there - at least not yet.  "We need to watch for them," he whispered to Kagura.  "It wouldn't surprise me if they attack here any minute." 

            Several of the human villagers came out of their homes.  A young woman looked at Kagura in surprise.  "You're wearing my kimono!" 

            "What?" 

            "Some wolf youkai came here looking for human clothing and I gave them one of my kimono's.  You're wearing it." 

            Kagura looked down at her clothing. 

            "Thank her for it," Kouga grumbled in the wind user's ear.

            "What?"

            "Just thank her for it," he repeated.

            Kagura looked confused but turned to the human woman.  "Thank you." 

            The woman laughed.  "I couldn't figure out what they wanted kimonos for - especially when they came back for more. 

            Kouga chuckled.  "Kagura's rough on her clothing, it seems." 

            Several more villagers came towards them, curious about their visitors.  Some seemed surprised at the presence of youkai in their midst while others were openly nervous.

            An older man approached. 

            "That's the village elder," the human boy announced. 

            Kouga nodded and turned to the man.  "We just came from the human village on the other side of the river."  He paused to indicate the direction they had arrived from.  "They were attacked by bird youkai.  We got there as soon as we could, but unfortunately, it was already too late." 

            The villagers reacted in shock and anger.  "You're youkai, too!"  "What do you want?"  Their voices reflected their fear of the youkai visitors.

            "We're not here to hurt anyone," Kouga explained.  "I have my men coming to help protect you if the bird youkai decide to attack here." 

            "Why would a youkai want to protect a human village?  We know who you are.  You're the leader of those wolf youkai that live in the mountain," the village elder said as he approached Kouga.  "You've never shown any concern for us humans before.  Why should we believe you?" 

            "Damn it!  There's no way I can convince you right now.  You'll just have to take my word for it." 

            "The word of a youkai?  Since when did that have any meaning for humans?" 

            Kouga turned and looked over the crowd that had formed around Kagura and him.  "We did find one survivor at the other village." 

            The boy who had arrived on the feather with them stepped forward.  "Everyone's dead.  We didn't even see them coming until it was too late," his voice faded away as he started crying.  Several of the village women came forward and led him away from the crowd. 

            "I still don't know why you think we'd believe you," the elder said. 

            "There's not enough time to worry about that.  You'll just have to trust me," Kouga said as he glanced at Kagura.  She stood calm and relaxed at his side, although he could see by her eyes that she was as nervous as he was. 

            "Why would you care about our village?" 

            Kouga shook his head.  "Your village - and the one that was attacked - are in my tribe's territory.  The bird youkai want to take over our territory, and they aren't going to let anyone, especially humans, stand in their way.  They've been attacking our village, too." 

            "If we're in your territory, shouldn't you be attacking us?" 

            Kouga shook his head again.  "There's no reason you can't live here.  You're not hurting us, and we're not hurting you.  It's the other youkai that want to take over this territory that we're fighting." 

            "I still don't understand." 

            "Look.  Just trust me.  I have some fighters on their way.  They'll make sure the bird youkai leave you alone." 

            "Do we have any choice?" the village elder asked.

            "Actually, no.  I'm not letting those damned bird youkai slaughter this village, too."  Kouga glanced around at the confused faces of the villagers.  "Besides, it (if?) we're going to attack them at sunrise, it's probably a good thing to have a least part of the fighters already down here.  Their camp isn't far." 

            "The bird youkai are close?"  The elder signaled to several men from the village.  "If what they say is true, we might not have any choice but to trust them." 

            One of the human men turned to Kouga.  "And what, exactly, are you expecting in return for your protection?" 

            "We don't want anything."  The wolf youkai gave Kagura a mischievous grin.  "Well, we might need to impose on your woman for an occasional kimono.  Our Kagura here is rather hard on her clothing." 

            "Damn you, Kouga!"  The wind user made a half-hearted attempt to hit the leader of the wolf youkai.  He grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards him, leaning his face towards hers.  He looked for a moment like he was ready to kiss her before he released her wrist and turned to face the elder. 

            Several of the villagers laughed softly.  Good, thought Kouga.  He could see the humans starting to relax.  His antics with Kagura seemed to have defused the situation - at least for the moment.  The last thing he wanted to do was to defend himself against these humans.  They would be no match for the wolf youkai, but it would be hard to avoid their attacks without actually hurting them. 

            "So, some of my men will stay here tonight - just to be sure the birds don't do something sneaky, and then they'll be in place for morning." 

            The elder nodded.  He still didn't look happy about the situation, but had apparently decided that the alternatives wouldn't be good.  There would be nothing he could do against the wolf youkai should they decide to turn on the village.  And, they would be good protection from the bird youkai, should what Kouga told him turn out to be true. 

            A number of Kouga's men started to arrive.  He searched the group for Jurai and signed the leader of the fighters over. 

            "This is Jurai.  He heads the fighters and will be the one in charge of them tonight.  He'll be the one to talk to if you have any problems." 

            Jurai narrowed his eyes at Kouga.  "We're to stay here?  In the human village?" 

            Kouga glared at him.  "That way at least part of the fighters will be in position for the raid on the bird youkai camp in the morning.  It won't hurt to have these men fresh.  The rest will be coming down from the mountain just before dawn." 

            "Do you really think that's a good idea?"  The contempt in Jurai's voice was obvious. 

            "As I see it, we don't have much other choice," Kouga growled.  "If we're going to get rid of those fucking bird youkai for good, we need to hit them and hit them hard."

            Jurai smiled.  "Well, you are our leader.  I'm sure you know what you're doing."  He turned and walked back to the fighters. 

            "Damn it!"  Kouga hissed at Jurai's retreating back. 

            "Kouga?"  Kagura looked from Jurai to Kouga.  "What the hell's his problem?" 

            "We'd just better hope this raid goes off without any surprises."  Kouga grabbed Kagura's wrist and pulled her roughly in the direction opposite of Jurai's retreat. 

            "Let go of me!" the wind user hissed as she shook his hand off her. 

            "Come on, we need to get out of here."  The leader of the wolf youkai looked warily in the direction of his fighters.  "I don't want to talk where Jurai can hear us."  He reached for Kagura's wrist again.

            "Would you stop doing that?" she hissed as she pulled back from him.  "I don't need to be dragged around like a child." 

            "What?"  Kouga looked surprised.  "Sorry.  I just wanted to get out of Jurai's range before we talked.  I didn't mean anything." 

            Kagura glared at him.  "Why worry about him hearing?" 

            Kouga shook his head.  "I'll explain later.  I need to take care of something and then we can get out of here."   He walked back to his waiting fighters, nodding in response as many of them greeted him. 

            "I want to fill you in on my plan for getting rid of the bird youkai."  He briefly detailed how the fighters would approach through the woods while he and Kagura directed things from above.  "We'll be sure to get any strays that might break away.  We don't want them attacking our village while most of our fighters are down here." 

            Many of the fighters cheered at the end of Kouga's brief speech.  It was obvious that they supported him and his plan, and more importantly, supported him as their leader.  His concerns that Kagura's presence would drive a wedge between the fighters and himself had been unnecessary.  He was surprised when a couple of his men actually congratulated Kagura on her part in the previous day's battle, and asked about her injuries.  If they could just defeat the bird youkai with her help, perhaps even more would accept her.

Of course, there was still Jurai and any of his followers to worry about.  For the first time since he had taken on the leadership of the tribe, Kouga had to worry about being challenged by one of his own.  He didn't doubt that he could win in a battle with Jurai, even without the shards, but he didn't want things to get to that point.  No matter who won the challenge, it would cause a split in the tribe.   And, he really didn't want to have to hurt Jurai.  Despite the younger wolf youkai's selfish ambitions, he was the best fighter they had after Kouga.  With the shortage of males, the tribe needed him. 

"Let's go," Kouga whispered to Kagura as they walked away from the gathered fighters. 

The wind user produced a fresh ride for them and directed them back to Kouga's village.   They arrived just as the sun started to set. 

Ginta and Hakkaku were waiting for them.  Their leader quickly jumped off the feather and filled his men in on the events at the human villages. 

"Tell the other fighters I'm holding a meeting.".

Ginta nodded.  "Right, Kouga.  We'll get everyone together."  He and Hakkaku sprinted off. 

            Kouga turned to Kagura.  "I want you to come with me to the meeting." 

            The wind user still sat on her feather, hovering only an arm's length from him. She stepped from the feather and it disappeared. "No…"

            "I need you there, Kagura."

            "I said no.  I'm not going!" 

            "What the hell?"  Kouga raised his arms, ready to grab the wind user by her shoulders when he saw the look on her face.  "Kagura?"

            "I said no!" she rasped, her voice shaking with emotion. 

            "Hey, I'm not going to make you go.  I just hoped that you would…"

            Kagura turned her back to him and wrapped her arms tightly around her torso.  The wolf youkai could see her shaking. 

            "Don't worry, I won't force you to go."

            The wind user grunted softly but kept her back to Kouga.

            "I have to go and meet with the fighters."  Kouga paused and watched for any response from Kagura, but she remained silent, with her back to him.  "Look, this won't take long.  I just need to be sure everyone knows what they need to do in the morning.  I'll be back as fast as I can."

            Kagura nodded silently, her arms still hugging her body.   She started when Kouga moved towards her and gently placed his hands on her shoulders. 

            "Do you want to tell me what's wrong?" 

            "Go take care of your men," she whispered as she tried to ignore his touch.   She longed for him to hold her in his arms, but knew that she would be unable to refuse him if he did.  "Go." 

            "Kagura."  Kouga slid his arms around her and pulled her closer to him.  He could feel her resistance as he turned gently to face him.  "I know this hasn't been easy for you.  Hell, I was born and raised in the tribe.  I forget that you're not used to it." 

            "No, Kouga."  Kagura shook her head and pressed her hands against his chest, trying unsuccessfully to keep distance between them.  His closeness was having its usual effect on her, and she was determined to not give in to him.     

            "Damn it, Kagura.  I'm just trying to help," he mumbled as he pulled her against him. 

            "Please, just go," she whispered. 

            Kouga studied her for a moment and then nodded.   "Okay, I'll go, but I won't be long." 

            The wind user sighed and relaxed slightly against him. 

            "I want you to promise me that you aren't going to disappear on me while I'm gone," the wolf youkai said as he cupped one hand under Kagura's chin and lifted her face to look at him. 

            "Where would I go?"

            "I'm not leaving until you promise," he said as he studied her face. 

            Kagura closed her eyes and sighed.  "Don't worry.  I'm not going anywhere." 

            The wolf youkai smiled and leaned towards her, letting his lips brush hers lightly.   "Good."  He pulled her against him and captured her lips with his.  He could feel her hands move up his chest before sliding behind his head as she circled her arms around him.   She returned his kiss as her body molded to his. 

            Why couldn't you just leave when I asked you? she thought to herself as her mind and body struggled with feelings she didn't understand. 

            "I better go, " Kouga mumbled as he released her.  "If I don't leave now, I'm never going to go."  He kissed her gently as he turned away from her.  "Remember, you promised." 

            Kagura nodded.  "I know."  She watched as Kouga walked in the direction of the gathering of fighters.   She felt the sudden urge to run after him, but fought it as she turned her back on his retreating figure.  Her gaze traveled to the distance, falling on where she estimated the human village would be. 

            "Wait for me," Kouga called before he disappeared around an outcropping of stone.  The sound of his footsteps faded quickly. 

            She was alone.  For the first time since coming to Kouga's village, she was alone somewhere other than the wolf youkai's den.  For a moment she felt nervous, longing for the safety of Kouga's cave.  But, something stirred inside her and led her to a rocky ledge that looked out over the forest below.  She walked slowly to the edge and stood looking out over the last remaining glow of the sun as it disappeared below the horizon.

            "Yo, Ginta!"  Kouga appeared suddenly in the midst of the gathered fighters.   His two underlings jumped to attention and moved quickly to his side. 

            "We called the meeting like you told us to," Ginta said in a shaky voice.  He was obviously nervous, fearing that he had angered his leader in some way. 

            Kouga pulled Ginta aside and spoke softly near his ear.  "I want you to go back to my den and keep an eye on things."

            For the first time, the underling noticed that Kagura wasn't with Kouga.  "Is something wrong, Kouga?"

            Kouga shook his head.  "No, and I want to keep it that way.  You know how Jurai has been acting lately.  I'm not sure we can trust him, especially where Kagura's concerned.  I just want to make sure nobody bothers her." 

            Ginta nodded.  "I'll make sure she's all right." 

            Kouga nodded.  "Oh, and ask someone to take some food for Kagura.  She's hardly eaten today, and after losing all that blood she really needs to get something in her stomach." 

            "Right," Ginta said as he turned to leave.  "Don't worry, Kouga.  I won't let you down." 

            "I know.  That's why I'm sending you." 

            "Right.  I'm on it, Kouga."  He quickly sprinted away.

            The leader of the wolf youkai tribe turned and nodded at his second underling.  "Hakkaku.  Let's get this thing started."

            Ginta made a quick stop to request food for Kagura.   One of the young females stepped towards him.  It took him a moment to recognize Mihoshi, since he wasn't used to seeing her without Madoka.  

            "I'll take it to her," she offered. 

            He glanced around but realized that Mihoshi was the only one currently available for the task.  Well, he would be there when the food arrived, so he would have to trust her.  He worried about her friendship with Madoka. 

            "Remember, Kagura likes fruit."

            Mihoshi nodded.  "Don't worry.  I'll make sure I bring enough for you, too."  She smiled shyly at the fighter. 

            Ginta stammered, suddenly unable to find his voice.  He quickly nodded and sprinted off in the direction of Kouga's den. 

            Kagura was standing silently on the rocky shelf, staring at something he couldn't see when Ginta arrived. 

            "Yo, Kagura," he said to announce his presence.  He didn't want to surprise the wind user.   "Kouga sent me." 

            Kagura continued to stare into the distance, searching out the faint light of cooking fires and the scent of wood smoke as it drifted to her from the human village in the distance. 

            "What do you want?" she demanded as she turned to face him. 

            "Kouga told me to come," he explained.

            Kagura shook her head.  "So, you're supposed to guard me?"  Had the leader of the wolf youkai doubted her word, after all? 

            "I asked to have some food brought for you," he said as he approached her.  "And, I'm not here to guard you.  You're not a prisoner."  He moved to a jumble of  large rocks near her and lowered himself onto one.  "We're just a little concerned that someone might bother you." 

            The wind user narrowed her eyes and studied the wolf youkai in the darkness.  He seemed to be telling the truth, and she didn't have to ask who he thought might think to disturb her.  Jurai.  Kouga had voiced his own concerns about his chief fighter. 

            "You don't have to bother.  I'm fine."  Kagura glanced one last time towards the human village in the distance before turning and walking towards Kouga's den.  

            Ginta shrugged and stood up.  "Well, I'm going to stick around."  He walked slowly after the wind user. 

            "Damn it,…"  Kagura paused and wrinkled her brow as though she were thinking about something.

            "Ginta."  Kouga's underling moved closer to her.  "My name's Ginta." 

            Kagura shrugged.  "Whatever.  I told you I didn't need anyone babysitting me." 

            "I said I'm going to stick around.  Besides, Kouga pretty much ordered me to keep an eye on you, and I always do what Kouga says." 

            Kagura paused at the door of Kouga's den.  "You're loyal to Kouga."  It could have been a question or a statement.  The wind user peered at Ginta in the darkness. 

            "Why wouldn't I be?" the wolf youkai asked. 

            "No reason."  She moved to enter the den, glancing back to see if her visitor planned on following her.

            Ginta watched Kagura walk into the den.  He followed her to the entrance and stopped, leaning against the cool stone of the doorway.  He appeared to be settling in for a long wait. 

            "I told you I don't need you," she said softly and she glanced around the familiar comfort of Kouga's den.  Despite the cool dampness and hard stone walls, she found herself relaxing.  Kouga's scent hung in the air, and she found herself remembering his arms around her as he lie next to her on the soft furs lining his bed.  Her chest felt tight and she found herself wishing the wolf youkai was there. 

            "Kouga really cares about you," Ginta said unexpectedly from his position at the door. 

            Kagura turned and looked at him in surprise.  "And, you don't approve."     

            "I didn't say that, " Ginta said flatly.  "Actually, I don't think I've ever seen Kouga this happy before." 

            "Surely you must hate me."  Kagura's voice was monotone and she didn't look at her visitor while she spoke to him. 

            "Hate you?"  Ginta sounded surprised.  "Look, Kagura, I might not like everything that's happened, but I saw things the rest of the tribe didn't.  I was with Kouga out there.  I know what Naraku did." 

            The wolf youkai moved just inside the doorway and leaned against the hard stone wall as he studied Kagura. 

            "Naraku."  Kagura's voice was filled with contempt at the thought of her creator.  She had been brought into the world for a purpose, and that purpose had been to serve Naraku.  Even after his destruction she found herself hating him. 

            Ginta watched her.  The intense emotion in her voice contrasted with her outward calmness.  "Uh…are you okay?" 

            "Look, I told you I didn't need you to watch me." 

            "Yeah, and I said I'm staying."  Ginta turned when he heard a sound at the doorway. 

            "Ginta?"  Mihoshi's voice was uncertain as she paused outside the den.   "I brought the food."

            Ginta looked at Kagura.  "Dinner's here.  Kouga wanted to be sure you ate something."  He turned and walked to the doorway, motioning for Mihoshi to enter. 

            Kagura shook her head and glared at Ginta.  "I'm not hungry, and I don't need to have you watching over me." 

            "Sorry, Kagura, but it's Kouga's orders."  Ginta held his chin up and glanced at the female wolf youkai who stood holding several bowls of food.  He turned and took first one and then the other from her, placing them on the low table near the entrance of the den. 

            "Perhaps I should leave?" 

            Ginta shook his head.   "There's plenty of food for everyone.  Kagura won't mind if you stay and eat with us…"  He paused and glanced nervously at the wind user.  "Right?" 

            Kagura looked at the nervous wolf youkai, doing her best to hide her surprise.  Was the idiot actually interested in the young female who stood by, looking equally nervous?   The wind user fought the urge to laugh, and instead shrugged her shoulders and gave her visitors a disinterested look.  "I'm already stuck with you here," she drawled.  "What difference does it make?" 

            Ginta quickly lowered himself to a cushion by the table and helped himself to some food.  Mihoshi sat near him and reached hesitantly for some food.  "Are you sure there's enough?" 

            "I already told Ginta I'm not hungry," Kagura responded as she studied the two wolf youkai who suddenly seemed unaware of her presence.   Something about the way they looked at each other made her suddenly long for Kouga.  She breathed deeply, catching his lingering scent as she moved to the extra kimonos he had stashed for her use. 

            The wind user adjusted the kimono she was wearing, tying it snugly around her before picking up a second kimono and layering it over the first.  She found her old sash and secured it around her waist before slipping her fan into its folds.  Her hair still hung low at her right shoulder and she undid the tie, pulling the strands up to a high knot and wrapping it with a piece of cord.  Kagura walked to the stream and stooped down, letting her hands form a bowl under the cool water.  She sipped from her hands and opened her fingers, letting the remaining water to spill back into the stream before smoothing her hair with her damp fingers. 

            Ginta looked up in surprise when Kagura passed him and went to the doorway.   "Yo, Kagura.  Kouga told me I should watch you." 

            "So, watch me."  She squared her shoulders and walked from the den. 

            "Shit!"  Ginta quickly leaped up and followed Kagura, pausing only long enough to mumble an inaudible apology to Mihoshi before he disappeared into the darkness outside the den.   The young female sighed and gathered the bowls of food before she also left Kouga's den.

            "Wait up!"  Ginta sprinted to catch up with Kagura, who was walking in the direction of Kouga's meeting. 

            The wind user remained focused on the path ahead, walking quickly to where Kouga and the others were discussing the details of their planned surprise attack. 

            Kouga was tired from answering questions, sure that the fighters were more than well enough prepared for the upcoming battle.  He fielded several more questions before he caught Kagura's scent.   The leader of the wolf youkai allowed himself a brief smile before turning to face the unexpected appearance of the wind user. 

            "Ah, just who we were talking about."  He nodded and motioned for Kagura to stand near him. 

            The wind user looked around the gathering of fighters, her expression void of emotion as she gauged the mood of the group.  She was surprised when several of the fighters stood up and offered her a spot where they had been sitting.  She shook her head mutely and glanced at Kouga, but remained where she was. 

            Kouga shook his head and smiled openly.  "I'm glad you changed your mind."   He found himself studying Kagura, noting how confident she appeared as she faced the fighters.  The wolf youkai felt a warm tightness in his chest as he looked at the wind user.  He had never seen her look more beautiful as she stood alone in the middle of her former enemies, and he became more determined than ever to get the damned meeting over with and get back to the privacy of his den. 

            One of Kouga's fighters stepped forward.  He appeared to be slightly younger than Kouga, and was almost half a head shorter than him.  He moved towards Kagura, holding out his hand as he approached her.

            "On behalf of the fighters, I wanted to thank you for everything you have already done for the tribe, and what you're going to do in the morning."  His smile appeared genuine as he spoke.

            Kagura narrowed her eyes, uncertain how to take the offered hand.  She reached hesitantly towards it, letting the wolf youkai shake her hand. 

            "My name is Ohkami," the fighter said with a smile. 

            "Ohkami is one of our top fighters," Kouga offered as he moved towards Kagura.  "He'll be in charge of the second wave of men who will be going down the mountain just before dawn." 

            Kagura nodded silently and turned towards Kouga.  "You said you wanted me here..." 

            The leader of the wolf youkai tribe smiled and turned to his gathered fighters, offering a brief introduction of Kagura before he quickly reviewed what had been covered.  A number of the men cheered when Kouga finished his speech.  Several came forward and congratulated Kagura on the battles she had already fought and wished her luck on the upcoming battle.  She stood mutely and bobbed her head in acknowledgement.  The attention was making her uncomfortable and she found herself regretting having changed her mind about coming to the meeting. 

            Kouga noticed the uneasy look on Kagura's face and bid a hasty goodnight to the gathered fighters, reminding them to get some rest and be ready for morning.  He pushed past several of his men who appeared to be waiting to greet either him or Kagura and  quickly escorted the wind user from the gathering place. 

            "Maybe you were right to decide not to come to begin with, " he mumbled as they left the gathered fighters behind.  "I'm still glad you did, though."  He turned to face her, pulling her into his arms and placing a firm kiss on her lips. 

            "Damn it, Kouga, do you have to do that here?"  Kagura pushed against him, attempting to put space between her and the leader of the wolf youkai. 

            "Why not?  It's not like everyone doesn't already know," he said as he wrapped his arms tightly around her and kissed her again. 

            "Kouga," Kagura gasped as she felt her knees grow shaky.  "What the hell are you doing to me?" 

            "I'm kissing you," he explained as he released her and stood watching her as she turned and walked in the direction of his den. 

            "That's not what I mean," the wind user said in a shaky voice as she tried to put distance between herself and the source of the confusing feelings that stirred inside her. 

            Kouga caught up with her just as she reached his den.  "Then, just what do you mean?"  He caught her wrist in his hand and turned her to face him as they entered the den. 

            "Damn it, Kouga, stop doing that!"  Kagura shook off his hand and glared at him. 

            "Doing what?"   He looked at her with a puzzled expression.  "What the hell did I do?" 

            Kagura glared back and rubbed the offended wrist with her other hand.  "Would you stop grabbing me like that?" 

            Kouga shook his head.  "I didn't mean anything by it."    Something about her reaction to his grasp worried him.  He hadn't hurt her, and yet she had reacted like he had.  

            The wind user turned her back to him, struggling with the internal turmoil that unsettled her.  She couldn't explain why it bothered her when he grabbed her like that any more than she could explain her reaction to him when he held her in his arms.  

            "I'm sorry," he said softly as he moved to stand right behind her.  "I won't do it any more, but would you mind explaining just why that bothers you so much?" 

            Kagura closed her eyes and started to relax when she felt his arms slide around her.  This was what she had longed for all day, and she leaned back against Kouga's chest and sighed. 

            "Just hold me," she whispered as she turned to face him. 

            "At least we agree on one thing," he mumbled as he pulled her to him, pinning her slender frame against his as he leaned his head towards hers and captured her lips with his. 

            Kagura's resolve from earlier crumbled as her body reacted to the contact with his.  She found herself returning his kisses with a desire she didn't understand.   She instinctively pressed her body to his, letting her soft curves mold to him as she slid her arms around him. 

            "Are you sure about this?"  Kouga pulled away from her and held her face in his hands, forcing her to look into his eyes. 

            "Don't stop," she hissed as she tried to close the distance between them. 

            "Damn it, Kagura, I need to know.  Is this really what you want?" 

            "What the hell?" 

            "I mean it, Kagura.  I want to know.  Is it really me you want?" 

            "I want you, Kouga, " she drawled as she pulled his face to hers and kissed him. 

            "And, it's only me you want?" 

            "Damn it, Kouga.  I want you."  She pressed herself against him, marveling at the warmth that was already growing between her legs.  "Only you." 

            "That's all I needed to know."  He smiled as he slid one arm around her and lifted her into his arms.  He reached his bed in several strides and gently lay her onto the soft furs. 

            Kagura reached up to him, but he stood above her, quickly removing the armor that covered his chest before dropping to his knees next to her.   He planted one hand on each side of her and lowered his face to hers, brushing her lips lightly with his tongue before pressing his mouth against hers. 

            The wind user reacted to his touch, softening her mouth and reaching her hands behind his head.   She moaned as his tongue pushed between her lips and slid into the moist warmth of her mouth.  Her own tongue responded, circling his as she tried to pull him onto the furs with her. 

            Kouga pulled his head back and looked down at her, marveling at her dreamy expression.  She was nothing like he had once thought, and he let his eyes travel down her body as he moved one hand to her sash and tugged on it.  It untied and he finished undoing it before moving the folds of her outer kimono to the sides.   His hands found the ties of her under kimono and pulled on them, allowing him to part the fabric and reveal her bare body to him. 

            "Perfect," he mumbled as he lowered his face to hers and kissed her gently.  He let his lips travel to her neck, continuing to kiss her silken skin as his face moved lower on her body.  When he reached her breasts he gently kissed the tip of one before opening his mouth and taking the nipple into it.  He could feel it growing firm and erect as he gently pulled on it with his lips.  He circled around the tip with his tongue as he slid his hand to cup her other breast. 

            Kagura moaned and arched her back, pressing her chest towards him.  Each stoke of Kouga's tongue on her breast brought renewed waves of desire that traveled down her body and added to the growing wetness that was forming between her legs.  She found herself pressing her hips against his legs, squirming against him as she tried in vain to pull him against her. 

            "We have plenty of time," he mumbled as he moved one knee between her legs.  He gently pressed it to the warmth of her groin as he continued to tease her nipple with his tongue and lips. 

            Kagura moaned and lifted her hips, sliding the warmth of her womanhood against Kouga's thigh.  She lifted one leg, pressing it against his groin. 

            Kouga grumbled and moved his leg from between hers.  "Not yet." 

            "Damn it, Kouga," Kagura mumbled as she struggled to pull him to her.  She writhed on the soft furs, her body reacting to each touch as Kouga took his mouth from her breast and kissed her stomach.  He let his lips move lower, trailing kisses from her ribs to a spot just above the soft hair at her groin. 

            "Damn, you smell amazing," he mumbled as he dipped his head and kissed her gently between her legs.  Kagura gasped and moaned loudly, letting her hips rock upwards against his mouth as he kissed her again.  He slid his hands to her inner thighs, carefully pressing them outwards as he pressed his lips and tongue to her womanhood.  The warm muskiness of her arousal coated his tongue as he ran it over her swollen lips, and he swallowed before licking her again. 

            Kagura grabbed his head with her hands, winding her fingers into his long ponytail as she pulled him to her.  She moaned and gasped at each stroke of his tongue, her body reacting to each touch. 

            Kouga's instincts were awakened with the scent of Kagura's arousal, and he found himself growing impatient to mate with her.  But, he held back, wanting to be sure to pleasure her, too.  He began to make small, circular movements with his tongue, dragging it across the moist, swollen lips of her womanhood as she continued to squirm beneath him.  Kagura's voice was raspy as she called out his name, gasping for breath as her body reached a higher level of arousal.  He didn't need experience to be able to tell that she was close to climax, so he raised his head and shifted his body, moving to lay on the furs next to her. 

            "Damn it, Kouga," she hissed as she turned to face him.  "What are you stopping for?"  Her heart was racing as she pushed her body against him. 

            "Not yet," he hissed back before kissing her firmly on her lips. 

            "Now!"  Kagura pushed him backwards, catching him off guard so that he rolled easily onto his back.  The wind user crawled into a position straddling him, her bare legs gripping his hips as she pressed her womanhood against the bulge under his kilt.  She leaned forward, bringing her body away from him long enough to reach down and pull upwards on the fur covering his manhood. 

            "What?"  Kouga reacted in surprise when Kagura's hand grasped his throbbing shaft and slid along its length.  Her touch was electric as she explored him with her hands. 

            "Damn it, Kouga, I want you now!"  She cried out as she lowered herself to him, letting the length of his shaft slide along the folds of her engorged womanhood.  She pressed against him, pressing her nub against his hardness.  "Kouga!" she gasped as she placed her hands on his shoulders and pulled herself along his length.  She continued to stroke his length, cradling it in the warm folds of skin between her legs. 

            "Ummmm…"  Kouga's own excitement was almost more than he could handle, but he controlled himself long enough to grab her by her hips and lift her off him.

            "Shit, Kouga," she hissed again.  "Don't stop me!"  

            He smiled as he arched his neck and kissed her.  "I think you might like it better like this," he mumbled as he moved one hand to his aching manhood and poised its tip at the opening between her legs.  "Lower yourself now, " he instructed as he slowly pulled her downward, feeling his shaft slide into her. 

            Kagura gasped and threw her head back, uttering sounds of pleasure as Kouga's manhood continued to drive into her.  She continued to press down against him, even when he could go no further into her. 

            "Kagura," he groaned as he grasped her hips and guided her in a lifting motion along his length.  He pressed her down firmly against his hips as she cried out in pleasure. 

            Kagura continued to rock against him, lifting herself from him before pressing her hips against him.  Her body tightened around him as she moved, squeezing his shaft with each thrust. 

            Kouga closed his eyes and allowed the sensation of being inside her control his own movements.  He lifted his hips each time she pushed against him, driving himself deeply into her.  His arousal was so complete he knew he wouldn't be able to hold off much longer. 

            "Not yet," he muttered as he grasped her hips and gently lifted her off him, letting her roll onto her back next to him.  "I'm the male here."  He quickly rolled into position on top of her, wedging her thighs apart with his legs as he pressed his groin to her.  His shaft made contact with her and slid easily into her, sending spasms of pleasure through her body as he thrust himself deeply into her once again. 

            "Kouga," she gasped as she pulled his kilt out of the way.  The ties holding it closed came looseat her touch and she tossed his fur covering to the side before sliding her hands around his waist.  She pulled him to her, aching for release as the wolf youkai began to make rhythmic thrusts into her. 

            Kagura groaned in pleasure as his shaft filled her, and she moved her hands lower, grasping the firm muscles of his butt and pulling him against her.   She reacted in surprise when her hands encountered a long,  soft  protrusion coming from his lower back.  "A tail?" 

            The wolf youkai paused.  "Does it bother you?" 

            Kagura grasped the base of his tail and pulled him to her.  "Damn it, Kouga.  You keep stopping!" 

            He groaned loudly as he resumed his thrusting, pushing deeply into her with strong, quick movements until he felt he was ready to explode. 

            "Yes!"  Kagura's womanhood tensed around him as her hips rocked firmly against his.  Her body arched and she cried out in pleasure as Kouga released into her.  He moved one hand to her hair, turning her face to him as he lowered his mouth to hers, kissing her hard as he continued to move inside her.  Kagura returned his kiss, pulling him against her as she gasped with pleasure. 

            Kouga gradually slowed his movements, finally coming to a stop with his shaft buried deep inside her.  "Damn, that was good," he muttered as he raised his head and looked down at her. 

            Kagura was breathing heavily and her eyes had a dreamy look to them.  "Only good?" 

            "Bitch," he laughed as he leaned down to kiss her again. 

            "What did you just call me?"  Kagura hissed as she pounded a fist against his chest. 

            "I called you my bitch," he laughed as he kissed her again.  "You're my mate now." 

            "Mate?" 

            "You're stuck with me, whether you like it or not," he mumbled as he shifted his hips and pressed himself deeply into her one last time. 

            Kagura moaned with pleasure and grabbed the round, hard muscles of his butt.  "I like it," she murmured as she dug her fingers into him, pressing his groin against her as she wriggled her hips. 

            The wind user uttered a protest as Kouga slowly lifted himself.  "No, don't stop yet." 

            Kouga raised himself from her and moved to lie next to her on the soft furs.  He slid his arms around her and pulled her to him, enjoying the feeling of her bare skin against his.  "That's enough for the first time," he explained as he nibbled at her shoulder before returning his lips to hers.  He could feel her relax against him as he kissed her.  

            "Kouga," Kagura murmured as she snuggled against him.  His body was warm and she liked the feeling of his arms wrapped around her. 

            "Hey, you need sleep."

            "I'm not tired," she lied as she tried to hide a yawn. 

            "Like hell you're not," Kouga laughed softly.  "We need you rested for morning.  Those fucking bird youkai aren't going to know what hit them." 

            "I almost feel sorry for them," she mumbled softly as she wrapped her own arms around him. 

            Kouga shook his head.  "Yeah, if they had just stayed out of our territory and not started attacking, we wouldn't be planning this raid on their camp." 

            Kagura sighed and buried her face against his neck.  "We wouldn't have had to stop then, would we?" 

            The wolf youkai chuckled.  "I have a feeling you're going to be pretty damned hard to keep satisfied." 

            "You satisfy me, " she whispered.  "You just stopped too soon." 

            "Go to sleep," he ordered as he reached behind him and pulled the edge of one of the furs over them.  "Looks like I better get some sleep, too.   I need energy for my insatiable mate." 

            Kagura closed her eyes and mumbled something inaudible as Kouga wrapped them together under the fur.   She was asleep almost immediately. 

            Kouga focused his senses on the sounds outside his den.  He could hear Ginta and Hakkaku talking softly as they made themselves comfortable on their watch.  The smell of food drifted in to him, but he was too tired to be hungry.  He turned to Kagura and pulled her closer, breathing deeply of her scent before he allowed sleep to find him. 

 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)