InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Enemy Mine ❯ Chapter 8 ( Chapter 8 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

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 mild lime content and is rated R.

Also, for anyone who is interested in seeing Kouga/Kagura fanart, both from this story and in a more general context, you can find it at kougakagura.deviantart.com.

 

 

 

 

Enem y Mine – Chapter 8

By Urd-chan

 

It was still dark when Kouga nudged Kagura awake. “It’s time,” he grumbled as he retrieved his armor and kilt. They would have to hurry if he was going to meet with Ohkami before he left with the fighters. Kouga and Kagura would fly down and meet the others at the human village before moving into their position above the forest.

Kagura moaned and stretched, mumbling a curse at Kouga. Her hair had come loose during the night and lay scattered across the furs. Kouga leaned over her and kissed her. “Get up,” he ordered as he brushed a lock of hair from her face. He paused and gazed at the wind user. She looked so different than she had at their first meeting. Then, her hair and kimono had been immaculate, and her face had been void of emotion. Now, she lay next to him, covered only with a corner of one of the furs that lined his bed. Their bed. Her eyes had a soft, misty look as she blinked the sleep from them.

“It’s too early, “ she complained as she pulled the fur over her and rolled to her side.

“We have to be in place before sunrise,” he reminded her as he yanked the fur from her, exposing her naked body to his view.

“Damn it, Kouga.” Kagura tried to grab at her covering.

“No you don’t,” he laughed as he caught her hands and pinned them next to her head. “We really need to get going.”

“I want to stay right here,” she murmured as Kouga leaned towards her and pressed his lips firmly to hers.

“I wish we had time, “ he said as he slid his arms around her and pulled her to a sitting position next to him. “Get dressed!” The wolf youkai stood and tossed a kimono at her. “We’ll have time to celebrate after we get rid of those fucking bird youkai.”

Kagura groaned as she slid her arms into the kimono. She stood slowly and secured the silky fabric around herself before reaching for a second garment. She tied her sash around her waist after securing the second kimono and pulled her hair into its usual high knot.

“Here.” Kouga tossed her closed fan to her, watching as the wind user slipped it into her sash.

Kagura moved to the low table, reaching for the packet that Reiya had given her. She slid several feathers into the band in her hair and stashed several more in the folds of her kimonos. “I’ll have to save some feathers from today,” she said as she turned to face the wolf youkai.

“Fitting,” he laughed. “Using feathers against birds.”

“I don’t use the feathers to fight. Just fly.”

“Well, it’s still a weapon,” he said as he picked up a loose feather from the table. “Now that I don’t have the shards, I don’t get the distance I need to reach the bastards.” He frowned as he glanced down at his legs.

“You didn’t always have the shards,” she reminded him.

“I know, but I’m used to being able to do things I can’t now. It’s hard going back.”

Kagura turned away from him. “Kouga?” she asked hesitantly.

“Huh?”

She remained silent, her back still towards the wolf youkai.

“What is it?” Kouga asked impatiently. He was getting edgy with the time for the fighting growing closer.

“Would you hate me if I told you I wasn’t going to fight today?”

“What the hell?” Kouga moved to Kagura and spun her to face him. “It’s a little late to back out now,” he growled.

“Damn it, Kouga!” Kagura wrenched her wrist from his grasp. “Just answer the question.”

“I’d be pissed as hell,” he snarled.

“But, would you hate me?”

Kouga studied her face. Something in her expression worried him. “No,” he mumbled. “But, I’d be more pissed than you ever want to see me.”

Kagura shook her head. “Don’t worry. I’ll fight.” She turned and walked slowly to the door.

“What the hell was that all about?” he demanded as he pushed ahead of her and blocked her way.

“Nothing.”

“Like hell, it’s nothing.” The wolf youkai smacked his hand against the stone wall next to him. “Something’s bothering you, and if it’s going to effect the plans to attack those fucking birds, I think I have a right to know.”

“You should hate me,” she said softly. “After what I did to your men, why do you want me around?”

“You’re not making any sense, “ he grumbled.

“I need to know, Kouga,” she said in a whisper. “Am I just here because I’m able to fight the birds?”

“Idiot,” he laughed as he pulled her to him. “We need you, if that’s what you mean.” He kissed her gently. “But, you’d be here even if you weren’t helping us fight.”

“It’s the only reason your men…”

“You underestimate us.”

“You said you need me to fight. They know that.” Kagura closed her eyes and leaned against him.

“You don’t know them the way I do, Kagura. They’re starting to accept you. After today’s fight…”

Kagura shook her head. “It isn’t going to make any difference. A couple of battles isn’t going to make your tribe forget…”

“So, they won’t forget. But, in time, they’ll understand.” He pushed away from her and took her hand, leading her into the darkness outside the den.

“No, they won’t.” Kagura glanced around at her surroundings. Things there had started to become very familiar to her. She felt a tightness in her chest when she thought about having to give it up.

“I think they will.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“The stubbornest member of the tribe already did.”

“Huh?” Kagura narrowed her eyes and studied the wolf youkai. He appeared to be telling the truth. “And just who is this stubbornest member of your tribe?”

Kouga gently grabbed her wrists and pulled her to him. “Me,” he mumbled as he kissed her.

“Stop that! Someone might see you,” Kagura complained as she pulled away from him.

“Would that really be that bad?”

Kagura turned her head and tried to get herself under control. She still didn’t understand just why Kouga’s closeness always made her breathing erratic and her heart race. “We need to get in position,” she reminded him.

“I’m not going to forget where we left off,” he commented dryly as he watched Ginta and Hakkaku sprint up to them.

“Kouga,” Ginta said as he caught his breath. “Everyone’s in place. We’re just waiting on your word.”

The leader of the wolf youkai turned to the wind user. “So, are we ready?”

Kagura sighed. “As ready as we’ll ever be.”

“Good!” He turned to his underlings. “Tell the men to head out. We’ll follow from above.”

“Right, Kouga!” Ginta and Hakkaku turned to leave, walking quickly in the direction of the tribe’s meeting place. Before they were swallowed by night, one of them called out. “Good luck, Kagura.”

The wind user stared into the darkness, surprised at the parting comment from Kouga’s men.

“I told you,” he hissed softly in her ear as he put his arms around her from behind.

“I still think you’re wrong.”

“I know my men,” he said as he released her. “Give them time and they’ll come around.”

“And, if they don’t?”

Kouga shrugged. “We find someplace else to live.”

“Sure. You’re the leader of the tribe. It’s not like you could just leave.”

“I would if I had to.”

Kagura looked surprised. “You’d give up your tribe for me?”

“You’re my mate now. You’re stuck with me whether you like it or not.”

“I was right.”

“About what?” he said as he narrowed his eyes to study her face.

“You’re crazy.”

“If you want to see crazy, just watch me fight today. We’re going to get rid of those bastards once and for all.” Kouga held out his hand to her. “Well, should we join the other fighters?”

“I still say you’re crazy,” the wind user laughed. Her slender hand was lost under his as he grasped it and tugged lightly, leading her to where the gathered fighters waited.

Ohkami turned to face Kouga and Kagura when they arrived. “The fighters are ready, Kouga. We’re just waiting for your orders.”

The leader of the wolf youkai glanced over the faces of his men. They stood strong and confident, and he felt a sudden rush of pride. This was what he liked best about leading the tribe.

“I’ll leave the fighters to you,” Kouga said to Ohkami before he turned to Ginta and Hakkaku, who had moved to stand near him. “You two. I’m counting on you to make sure the rest of the tribe is safe here. Keep everyone inside until we return. And, if you see any of those damned birds coming this way, you and the other fighters staying here will have to do your best against them.”

“Right, Kouga.” Hakkaku nodded excitedly. “You can count on us!”

Ohkami turned and shouted instructions to the gathered fighters. The group erupted in a cheer as they quickly moved towards the path down the mountain. A number called out words of encouragement to Kouga and Kagura, and the wind user was again confused at their support of her.

Kouga watched until the last fighter disappeared into the darkness. A second, smaller group gathered behind his two underlings. “Okay, you men have the most important job today. You make sure things are all right here.”

Ginta and Hakkaku turned and gave their orders to the fighters, who moved to get into their positions.

“Remember, I’m counting on you,” Kouga said to Ginta and Hakkaku.

“Right, Kouga,” Ginta said. “Of course, you’re not going to let any get away anyway. But, we’ll be watching…just in case.”

The leader of the wolf youkai watched the last of his men leave before turning to the wind user. “Guess it’s time,” he said as he pulled her to him for a quick kiss.

“You’ll have plenty of time for that later.” Ruka’s voice came out of the shadows as she approached them.

“You’re supposed to stay in your den,” Kouga reminded her.

“I’m going right back. I just wanted to wish the two of your luck today.”

Kouga nodded. “Thanks. Of course, with Kagura on our side, we already have luck.”

“Well, just be careful. You know those bird youkai aren’t going to be happy when you start the attack.”

The wolf youkai laughed. “Now, that’s an understatement if I ever heard one.”

Ruka gave Kouga and Kagura each a quick hug. “I need to get back. I’ll see you two when you get back.”

Kouga watched his friend move into the shadows as she walked back to her den.

“So, are you ready?”

Kagura reached to her top knot and pulled out a feather. A single wave of her hand produced their ride, and in moments they were skimming the path down the mountain side.

They reached the human village before the second group of fighters. The first group, who had stayed in the village overnight, were already in position. Jurai approached them as Kagura brought the feather to the ground.

“The men are ready,” he said as he looked at Kagura. “We’re just waiting for your orders.”

Kouga nodded. “Ohkami should have the rest of the fighters here any minute. As soon as they arrive, we’ll be ready.”

Jurai nodded. He glanced at the wind user through narrowed eyes. “Let’s just hope everything goes according to plan.”

His leader turned to him. “We’ll do our part,” he growled. “As long as everyone else does, we’ll be fine.”

“I’m sure we will,” Jurai said in a guarded tone as he turned to rejoin his men.

Kouga looked at Kagura. “Don’t worry about him,” he said when he noticed her concerned expression. “There’s one thing about Jurai, and that is that he doesn’t like to lose.”

“Lose to the birds, or to you?”

The wolf youkai shook his head. “We’ll worry about the birds first. I’ll be ready for him if he decides to start trouble later.”

“He wouldn’t be doing this if I was gone,” Kagura said quietly.

“No, I think he would. I’ve suspected for some time that he had his eye on my position. He’s just using you as an excuse to act.”

“Maybe it would be better if I weren’t here.”

“You’re staying. End of argument.” Kouga turned at the sound of Ohkami and the other fighters.

“We made it,” the younger wolf youkai said as he approached Kouga.

“Jurai’s waiting for you guys,” his leader said as he motioned in the direction the head fighter had taken. “Tell him it’s a go when you get there. We’re leaving to get in position.”

“Right, Kouga.” Ohkami turned to Kagura. “Good luck, you two. We’re counting on you to keep any stragglers away from the village.”

They watched the fighter leave. Kagura pulled out another feather and paused as the sound of someone approaching reached her.

“I was hoping to see you,” the young human boy said as he came to a stop near Kouga and Kagura.

“You should be inside,” Kouga complained. “It’ll be safer for you there.”

“I’ll go back in a minute, “ the boy said as he turned to Kagura. “I just wanted to say thank you for what you did.”

Kagura gave Kouga a confused look. “We didn’t do anything.”

“You saved me,” the boy explained. “I know I didn’t thank you properly then. I’m sorry.”

Kouga nodded. “That’s all right. After what you just went though…”

“No, it’s not all right, and it wasn’t because of that. I guess I thought all youkai were bad. I was scared when you found me.”

“And you don’t think we’re bad?”

“I don’t get it,” the boy said quietly. “Why would you help a human, anyway?”

“Let’s just say that a good friend taught me that humans are important, too.” Kouga glanced at Kagura, who was looking at the boy with a strange expression on her face.

“I just wanted to say thank you, “ the boy continued. “Oh, and my name’s Yoshiro.”

“I’m Kouga, and this is Kagura,” the wolf youkai said as he indicated the wind user. “And, you really need to get back inside. We have to get going.”

“All right,” Yoshiro said. “Good luck.” He ran quietly off into the darkness.

“Well, I didn’t expect that,” Kouga said as he studied Kagura. There was a softness in her expression as she continued to look in the direction the boy had taken.

“He is so much like Kohaku,” she explained to the wolf youkai.

“Well, let’s get going. The sooner we’re rid of those fucking bird youkai, the sooner both the villages will be safer.”

Kagura nodded silently and waved the feather in her hand. They were airborne in moments.

The leader of the wolf youkai clung to the wind user as they skimmed the treetops. Kagura brought the feather to a halt, hovering just over the tallest branches of a tree not far from the bird youkai’s camp. There was a slight glow on the eastern horizon.

“The sun should be up soon,” Kouga observed as he focused his senses on the forest below. He worried that his men would be detected before they were in position, but was relieved when he realized that he wasn’t even able to hear their approach.

“How are we going to know when they attack?”

Kouga laughed softly. “Believe me, we’ll know. Those damned birds are going to make sure the world knows they aren’t happy.”

It didn’t take long for the commotion to begin. Apparently the birds had been caught completely off guard, and most didn’t stand a chance. Within minutes the noise from the battle below became almost deafening to the two waiting above. The rising sun began to cast a soft glow on the trees, allowing Kouga and Kagura to see the shaking of trees and occasional feather wafting through the canopy of branches. They watched and waited, looking for any indication that any of the birds had broken free.

The noise level increased as the sun continued to rise. Kouga turned when he heard the sharp snapping sound of wood as one of the birds broke through the trees.

“There’s one!”

Kagura nodded and directed the feather at their target. They were almost there when a second bird broke through the trees, flying in the opposite direction.

“What the fuck?” Kouga glanced from Kagura to the birds. “We aren’t going to be able to follow both at once.”

“Jump!” Kagura swung in close to the first bird, allowing Kouga to leap squarely onto its back before she angled the feather and flew off in pursuit of the second escapee.

“Damn it, Kagura! Be careful!” Kouga shouted as he began to work his way to the bird’s neck. The youkai thrashed and turned, doing its best to dislodge its unwelcome rider. The wolf youkai grabbed onto its feathers, dodging the sharp beak of the creature as it pecked at him.

The leader of the wolf youkai began to kick and punch, doing his best to weaken the bird youkai as it headed in the direction of his village. “Ginta and Hakkaku better be ready,” he snarled as his ride moved quickly towards the wolf youkai’s home. “Damn it, if you think I’m going to let you reach my village, you have another thing coming!”

Kouga doubled his attacks, striking with a force that surprised even him. He no longer had his shards, but something inside him pushed him to his limit, channeling an energy he didn't realize he possessed to his appendages.

The leader of the wolf youkai managed to dodge the bird’s feeble attacks, but landed virtually every hit he threw at the creature. It wasn’t long before the bird youkai began to plummet from the sky, with Kouga still clinging to his back. They crashed through the trees below.

Kagura kept her eyes on the second bird youkai, worried when she realized the youkai was heading directly towards the human village. She focused her energy on pursuing her prey, unable to divert her attention for even a moment to Kouga’s situation. “You better not get yourself killed,” she mumbled at the absent wolf youkai.

Her prey became aware of its pursuer and circled back, getting ready to attack. Kagura anticipated the move and had her fan ready, unleashing a barrage of energy bolts at the creature. It screamed and dove, trying to avoid the attack. A number of energy bolts hit it, driving it back from Kagura. She swept in on her feather, pushing for speed as the bird youkai turned and began to fly towards the human village again. It had almost reached its destination when Kagura caught up with it. She unleashed another attack, catching the bird from behind. The energy bolts cut through the youkai’s wings, crippling it as Kagura moved towards it. One last blast from the fan and the bird began to fall from the air. It crashed into a thick part of the forest, forcing Kagura to circle around to find an opening through the trees so that she could descend to the floor of the forest.

The wind user waved away her feather as she jumped to the ground and raced in the direction of the fallen bird. She could see the broken branches ahead and heard the bird youkai screeching in pain as she neared it. The strong tang of blood smell filled her nostrils and she gaped when she saw the carnage that had been the bird youkai. The clearing it had made with its fall was soaked with blood.

“What the hell?” Kagura paused and looked confused. “I sure the hell didn’t draw that much blood.”

“I should have known you wouldn’t do your job.”

Kagura spun to face Jurai, who had come up silently behind her. The stench of spilled blood had masked his scent and she had been too focused on the scene in the clearing to notice him until he was upon her.

“I came down to finish him,” she snarled as she took a backwards step.

The wolf youkai smirked. “So, you deserted Kouga.”

“Two birds broke away from the fighters. Kouga went after the other one.”

“I just hope he does a more thorough job than you did,” the fighter growled. “He doesn’t have me there to clean up after him.”

“Neither Kouga or I need your help. You just got here before I did.” Kagura narrowed her eyes and studied Jurai’s face. His expression worried her.

The wolf youkai stepped towards her, prompting her to take another backwards step. Her foot landed on a bloody patch of moss on the forest floor and she found herself falling. Kagura landed on her butt and glared at her unwelcome guest.

“I knew you’d be trouble,” the fighter said as he stepped forward and grasped her by the knot of hair on her head, pulling up to stand next to him.

“Damn it, Jurai, let go of me!” Kagura struggled against him, but realized her attempts would be futile against his obvious strength. He was at least a full head taller than her and close to double her weight.

“I don’t take orders from murderers,” he snarled as he yanked upwards on her hair.

“Let me go!” she demanded again as she reached for her fan.

“That’s it, Kagura. Attack me. Let the rest of the tribe know just what a bitch you really are.”

“You’re the one attacking me,” Kagura hissed at him.

“It would be your word against mine, I’m afraid,” the fighter said with an evil grin. “Besides, how would it look for Kouga’s mate to attack his head fighter.”

Kagura grasped his wrist with both hands and tried to pry his hand from her head. He tightened his grip and yanked her towards him.

“Disappointing,” he laughed. “I thought you’d at least give me a decent fight.”

“I’m not going to fight with you,” the wind user hissed. “I just want to get away from you.”

“Sorry, Kagura. That’s not going to happen.” Jurai threw back his head and looked at the sky through the broken branches above them. “Besides, with a crash landing like that, you could have easily died.”

Kagura glared at him. “You’d never get away with it,” she said as she let her eyes travel around the clearing, hoping to find something to aid her.

The sound of a twig snapping turned the heads of both youkai. A young human male walked hesitantly into the ragged clearing.

“Kagura, are you all right?”

Yoshiro. “Go back to the village,” Kagura ordered. She had no way of knowing just what the wolf youkai would do in his current state. The last thing she wanted was for the boy to get caught in the crossfire.

“No, don’t go,” Jurai snarled. “I’ll kill her if you do.”

“Kagura?” Yoshiro was obviously becoming frightened.

“Just go,” Kagura ordered again. “Don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself.”

“Yes, go,” Jurai laughed. “Let Kagura’s death be on your head.”

“Damn it, Jurai,” Kagura snarled as she renewed her attempts to break free. The wolf youkai held his grip on her hair and yanked her closer to him. His free arm circled her and pulled her tightly against him.

“I’m not leaving Kagura,” the boy said. His voice shook, but he didn’t move.

“Pity,” Jurai said as he studied Yoshiro. “It’s going to be harder to cover for both of you.”

“Damn it, Yoshiro. Just get out of here,” Kagura yelled as she swung her fist at Jurai’s stomach. He yelled in surprise when Kagura made contact.

“Bitch,” he snarled as he yanked on her hair, angling her face to look up at him.

“Let me go,” she demanded as she looked towards the human boy. He had stayed, despite her attempts to get him to leave. She would have to do something quickly or both she and the human child would be beyond hope.

“Yes, Jurai, let her go.” Kouga’s voice reverberated against the trees.

“What the…?” Jurai spun to face his leader. He continued to hold Kagura against him as he glared at Kouga.

“Let her go,” Kouga repeated as he moved slowly into the clearing. He stepped in front of Yoshiro, motioning to the boy to move back as he turned to face Kagura’s attacker.

“She attacked me,” Jurai lied as he shifted position, putting Kagura in front of him.

“You and I both know that’s not true, “ Kouga hissed. “Besides, I don’t think the rest of the tribe will think too much of our head fighter hiding behind a female.”

“I’m not hiding behind her, “ Jurai snarled as he yanked hard on Kagura’s hair, lifting her slightly off the ground.

“Damn it, Jurai, you’re just making things worse for yourself.” Kouga took a single step towards Jurai and his hostage. “Let her go.”

“She attacked me,” Jurai repeated. “The bitch was ready to use her fan on me.”

“I told you I wouldn’t fight you,” Kagura mumbled as she clawed at his hands.

“Let her go,” Kouga demanded as he took another step into the clearing.

“I should have known you’d gone soft,” the fighter laughed as he yanked again on Kagura hair and tightened his arm around her. “First you go after that human female, and when you lose her to that hanyou, you go after a murderer. Hardly fitting for the head of our tribe.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about, “ Kouga snarled back as he took a third step forward.

“Surely you haven’t forgotten. You said that human girl was your mate.”

Kagura stopped struggling long enough to look at Kouga. Mate? Human girl?

“Just let go of Kagura,” Kouga demanded as he took another step forward.

“As you wish,” Jurai said as he let go of the wind user and kicked her legs out from under her.

Kagura crashed to the ground, landing hard on her back. She recovered quickly and jumped to her feet. A glance told her that Yoshiro had not followed her instructions, so she placed herself protectively in front of him. “I told you to go!”

The boy shook his head. “I couldn’t let him hurt you.”

Kouga nodded at his mate before turning to Jurai. “We both know this has nothing to do with Kagura.”

“Like hell it doesn’t. You bring that fucking murderer into the tribe and expect me to do nothing about it?”

The leader of the wolf youkai shook his head. “Your quarrel is with me, Jurai. Don’t bring Kagura into it.”

“I’m not the one who brought her into this, “ the leader of the fighters hissed at his leader. “At least I’m thinking of the tribe first.”

“I’ve always put the tribe first,” Kouga said in a low voice. “You know it.”

“You used to put the tribe first,” Jurai said as he turned his back to Kouga. “Ever since you first got the shards, you seemed to forget about your duties. All you cared about was getting more shards for yourself.”

“Damn it, Jurai. I only wanted the shards to help protect the tribe.”

“By keeping them to yourself?”

“I needed them to go after Naraku,” Kouga said in a steady voice. Now that he knew the source of Jurai’s jealousy, he could try to deal with it.

“You sure did a great job defeating the bastard, “ Jurai laughed. “Oh, that’s right. It was the hanyou and the human girl who defeated him, wasn’t it? The girl you claimed as your mate?”

“Everyone who was there helped in some way,” Kagura said quietly from her position in front of Yoshiro. “It wasn’t just Naraku that had to be destroyed.”

The head fighter narrowed his eyes and studied the wind user. “Kouga couldn’t even save his shards, let alone do anything against Naraku.”

“You weren’t there, “ Kagura continued in a surprisingly calm voice. “You have no right to judge Kouga.”

“I’m his head fighter. I have every right to judge him,” Jurai snarled at the wind user. “If I had been given the shards, you can bet I’d have destroyed that fucking Naraku.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Kouga said in a low voice. “You’ve been a crucial member of my fighters, so I’m going to let this go. For now. Don’t think I’m going to forget what happened here.”

Kagura looked on in surprise when Kouga turned away from Jurai and walked to her side.

“Are you all right?”

“I think so,” the wind user said as she glanced at Yoshiro. The human boy nodded.

“Well, then we’d better get you back to your village, “ Kouga said Yoshiro. The wolf youkai slid his arm around Kagura and started walking in the direction of the human village.

“You’re just walking away?” Kagura whispered in confusion.

Kouga glanced behind them, noting that Jurai had already left. “He’s not a bad guy, “ he explained as they walked. “Let him calm down and come to his senses. I’ll deal with him later, when he’s had time to think.”

“You seem pretty confident,” Kagura snapped as she pulled away from him. “He attacked me, Kouga. He threatened to fucking kill me, and you’re just going to turn your back on him?”

“I’m sure he wasn’t going to really hurt you. He just wanted to scare you.”

“He did one hell of a job, then,” she hissed. “You might think he’s harmless, but I disagree with you.”

“We’ll discuss this later,” Kouga said as he pulled her to him. “You don’t want to frighten the boy any more than he is already, do you?” he whispered in her ear before giving her a quick kiss.

Kagura looked at Yoshiro, noting the concern on his face. “Whatever,” she mumbled as she pulled away from the wolf youkai and started walking towards the village.

Kouga quickly caught up with her and took her hand. He looked at the wind user in surprise when she pulled her hand from his and continued walking. “What the…?”

The human boy fell into step next to Kagura while Kouga walked directly behind them. Kagura’s response worried him but he didn’t want to voice his concerns in front of the boy.

They reached the human village in a few minutes. Kouga glanced at the wooden buildings, noting that there was no sign of damage to them. Apparently the village had been spared from the bird youkai.

The village head peered from the doorway of his hut and cautiously stepped outside. He looked around nervously before slowly walking towards the wolf youkai and his companions.

Kouga nodded at the man. “You don’t have to worry about the bird youkai any more,” he said as he came to a stop a short distance from the leader.

“Are you sure?” the man asked as he glanced towards the sky.

“Our raid on their camp was a complete success,” Kouga said as he caught sight of Ohkami and a number of the fighters returning. The men were joking and laughing among themselves, celebrating the success of their raid on the bird youkai.

The squad leader spotted Kouga and sprinted to the wolf youkai. “Yo, Kouga,” he said as he slid to a stop. “We did it!”

Kouga nodded and patted Ohkami on the back. “Only two got away, and Kagura and I took care of them.”

“You better not let Jurai hear you say that,” Kagura mumbled under her breath. She glared at Kouga when he gave her a stern look and shook his head slightly.

Ohkami let his gaze travel across the buildings on the human village. “Guess everything is all right here, too,” he commented.

The leader of the human village bowed to the three youkai. “We are grateful for your help in ridding us of the threat of the bird youkai, but…” The man shifted nervously as he let his gaze drop to the packed dirt at his feet. “I’m forced to ask you just what you want in return for your help.” The human continued to look down.

“We told you before, we don’t want anything, “ Kouga explained. “The bird youkai were threatening our territory. Your village is that territory, so any threat to you is a threat to us.”

“I believe them,” Yoshiro said softly as he moved to stand next to Kagura. “Kouga and Kagura wouldn’t lie to you.”

The man looked at the young boy in surprise. It was obvious that the child had taken a liking to the youkai who stood before them, and the village leader wasn’t sure just what to make of the situation. “You’re just a child,” the man said as he looked between the visiting youkai and Yoshiro.

“Whether you believe us or not, it’s the truth.” Kouga indicated Ohkami, who stood quietly a few steps behind his leader. “This is one of my top men, Ohkami,” he continued. “I’m putting him in charge of keeping your village safe.”

Kouga’s underling looked at his leader and nodded. “My squad will do our best,” he promised.

“I’ll leave you to make arrangements with the village,” the leader of the wolf youkai said as he and Kagura took their leave of the others. They had only walked a few steps before Yoshiro ran up to them.

“I was wondering,” the boy began. “Would it be all right for me to visit your village?”

Kouga looked at the child in surprise. “You want to come up to the mountains?”

“I’d like to see where you live.” He looked hopefully at Kagura. “Would you mind?”

The wind user hesitated, uncertain how to react. “Mind?” She glanced from the boy to Kouga, who simply shrugged. “I guess it would be all right.”

“You shouldn’t be wandering in the woods and mountains alone,” Kouga started. “I guess if you wanted to visit, you could let one of my men know and they could bring you back with them.”

“Are you sure it would be all right with you?” The boy smiled and nodded excitedly.

“I’m not sure why you want to, but if you are serious about visiting our tribe, I guess it would be okay.” Kouga glanced to where Ohkami was talking to several men from the village. He would have to talk to his squad leader about Yoshiro’s request. He wasn’t sure how the rest of the tribe would react to a human in their midst.

“Thank you. I promise I won’t be a problem,” the boy said solemnly.

“I’m sure you won’t,” Kouga agreed. He turned to the wind user, who was looking at the human child with a soft expression on her face. The wolf youkai smiled to himself. It was obvious that Kagura was fond of the boy, so he would make sure Yoshiro was able to visit her.

“Are you going to leave now?”

“I need to talk to my men for a few minutes, but we’re leaving after that.” Kouga noticed the disappointed look on the boy’s face. The wolf youkai excused himself and walked to where Ohkami and the others were still talking with several human men from the village.

Kouga spent a few minutes in conference with his men before returning to Kagura. “Well, there’s no reason for us to hang around here. We should get back to the village and make sure everything is all right there.”

Kagura nodded and reached to her head for a feather.

“I’ll come and visit,” Yoshiro said solemnly as he watched the wind user produce a ride for herself and Kouga. The boy continued to watch them as they rose skyward. He waved until they were lost to his sight.

“He likes you,” Kouga said with a laugh.

“What?”

“I said, he likes you,” Kouga repeated.

“Whatever, “ she said as she continued to focus on their path through the air. She hadn’t looked at Kouga since he had climbed onto the feather beside her.

“Okay, what’s wrong?”

“Who said anything was wrong,” she said in a bland voice as she kept her eyes focused ahead of them.

“Something’s bothering you,” he said in a gruff voice.

The wind user shrugged and grunted softly. “I’m just trying to focus.”

Kouga narrowed his eyes and studied her profile. She continued to stare straight ahead, seemingly oblivious to him. The wolf youkai shifted his position on the feather, bringing himself closer to Kagura and wrapping his arms around her waist.

“You wouldn’t want me to fall off, would you?” Kouga tightened his arms around her, surprised when she stiffened against him. What the hell? he thought as he relaxed his hold on her. He opened his mouth to speak, but thought better of it and sat next to the wind user without saying anything more.

The two continued to fly on in silence, coming within sight of Kouga’s den within moments. Kagura directed the oversized feather to the center of the open area just outside the den, bringing it down slowly. Kouga jumped off and turned to watch as Kagura waved a hand. The feather dissipated and the wind user turned away from the wolf youkai, walking silently into his den.

“Damn it, Kagura,” Kouga snarled as he followed her into the darkened interior of his cave. He jumped backwards in surprise as the wind user swung to face him. Her fist connected with his jaw before he was aware she had thrown the punch. “What the hell was that for?”

Kagura stood with her hands clenched into fists. “Bastard!” she yelled. Her red eyes glowed like hot embers as she glared at him. “You fucking bastard!”

“What the…?” Kouga made an attempt to grab her wrist as she took another swing at him. He dodged her punch and lunged at her, grabbing her around the waist and pulling her towards him.

“Let me go, damn it!” Kagura struggled against him as she grabbed a fistful of his hair and pulled.

“What the hell are you doing?”

“Just let me go and get the hell out of here!”

Kouga glared back at the wind user. “I’m not going anywhere. This is my den, too.”

“No, this is your den. Period.” She yanked backwards on his hair. “Damn it, Kouga, I told you to let go of me.”

The wolf youkai released his hold on her and folded his arms across his chest. “So, are you going to tell me what’s wrong?”

“Get out of my way,” Kagura growled as she moved towards the door.

“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” Kouga moved towards her, but stopped when she gave him a warning glare.

Kagura stormed from the den, pausing for only a moment before she turned and walked resolutely into the middle of the wolf youkai village. Kouga’s underlings were lounging at their post, stationed just outside Kouga’s den. She mumbled something inaudible to Ginta and Hakkaku when they turned to follow her movements.

Kouga stood in the doorway of his den, watching Kagura until she disappeared around an outcropping of rock.

Ginta and Hakkaku sprinted to their leader.

“What was that all about?” Ginta looked confused.

“I wish the hell I knew,” Kouga snarled as he continued to stare where Kagura had been lost to sight.

“I thought the raid went well,” Hakkaku commented.

“It was a complete success,” his leader said with a shake of his head. “We got back to the den and she blew up at me.”

The other two wolf youkai looked at each other. “Um, Kouga,” Ginta said hesitantly. “You know word gets around here fast.”

“Yeah,” Kouga agreed.

“What exactly happened between Jurai and Kagura?”

Kouga related the events of the day before ordering Ginta and Hakkaku to keep an eye on Kagura. “Make sure Jurai doesn’t bother her.”

“Sure thing, Kouga,” Hakkaku said. “Um, Kouga? Where are you going to be?”

“I have no idea,” their leader said abruptly as he turned and walked in the direction opposite of Kagura’s path.

Kagura continued walking, aware of the stares she was getting from Kouga’s tribe. Naturally, they had heard the fight in the wolf youkai’s den and were curious to find out exactly what had happened. The wind user kept her eyes focused ahead of her, unsure where she was going, but determined to not show any hesitation to the others. She slowed as the entrance to Ruka’s cave came into sight.

“Kagura?” Ruka said as the wind user entered her den. “Is something wrong?”

Kagura shook her head wordlessly and glanced around her friend’s cave. It was smaller than Kouga’s and didn’t have the luxury of a stream running through it, but it was very comfortable looking. Ruka was sitting near a low table just inside the door. Reiya jumped up from her spot next to her mother and threw herself at the wind user.

“Kagura!” she squealed as she tugged at the older youkai’s hand. “Come and sit by me,” she demanded as she continued to pull at Kagura. The wind user allowed the child to lead her to a soft cushion on the floor next to the table.

“So, are you going to tell me what’s wrong?” Ruka gave her friend a sympathetic smile as she offered her food from a small platter on the table.

Kagura shook her head at both the question and the offer of food. She tried hard to maintain her composure, but found her resolve slipping away when she saw the concern on Ruka’s face.

“Reiya, maybe you should go outside and play for a while,” she commented flatly to her daughter.

The child opened her mouth to protest but stopped when her mother gave her a warning glance. “I’m going to find more feathers for Kagura,” she said cheerfully as she stood and gave both women a quick hug before she skipped from the den.

“You stay in sight of the den,” Ruka called after her daughter.

Kagura continued to sit silently as the wolf youkai studied her. Neither said anything for several minutes.

“Well, I’m sure you know that not much happens in this tribe that everyone else doesn’t know about,” Ruka began as she reached absentmindedly toward the food. “Voices really carry up here in the mountains, and with our youkai hearing, it’s hard to keep secrets.”

The wind user continued to sit silently. She found herself wanting to talk to the wolf youkai about what had happened, but she had no words for what she was feeling. Her own reaction to the events of the day had her feeling lost and confused.

“What happened between you and Kouga?” Ruka finally asked.

Kagura closed her eyes and shook her head. “It doesn’t matter,” she murmured softly.

Ruka sighed. She could tell that her friend wasn’t ready to talk, and pushing her now would only make her withdraw more. “Okay, then, if you don’t want to talk, then let’s go and help with the food.”

“What?” The wind user opened her eyes and looked at the wolf youkai. “I don’t know anything about helping with the food.”

“As long as you’re a member of this tribe, you are going to have to learn how to do a lot of things. Food preparation seems a good place to start.”

Kagura started to protest as Ruka stood up and walked to the entrance of the den. “Come on,” she instructed firmly.

The wind user shook her head but stood and followed the other woman. If nothing else, perhaps it would help her get her mind off Kouga.

Reiya skipped up to the two women as they stepped into the sunlight beyond the den. “Where’re you going?”

“We’re going to help make the food.”

The child held her hand up to the wind user as she fell into step beside her. “These are for you,” she said as she opened her fist and exposed a small collection of feathers of various sizes and colors.

Kagura stopped and looked at the child for a moment before reaching out to accept her gift. She studied the feathers for a moment before slipping them into the folds of her kimono. “Thank you,” she said quietly.

“Why do you look so sad?”

Kagura reacted in surprise at Reiya’s question. Her feelings were in turmoil, but she had thought she had managed to at least keep them from showing on her face. Before she could try to answer, the child spotted a butterfly and darted ahead of the two youkai women, determined to catch the fluttering insect.

“Whenever you’re ready to talk, I’m ready to listen,” Ruka said quietly as they approached a small gathering of females from the tribe. Several of the women looked at Kagura in surprise.

Ruka stepped forward. “We’re here to help with the food,” she said brightly as she went to work.

Kouga reached the outskirts of the village and started to run. He felt shackled without the shards, moving slowly compared to the pace he had grown used to. Despite the fact that he could still outdistance any member of his tribe, he felt weak and ineffective as he raced down the rocky path. He found himself running aimlessly for a time, with no destination in mind. His thoughts remained jumbled and he found himself picturing the look in Kagura’s face as she had stormed from the den. What the hell is she so mad about? he thought to himself as he realized he was heading in the direction of the human village at the foot of the mountain. He didn’t stop until the first hut came into view. Several of his men were gathered just outside the village, talking and laughing about their earlier success. They fell silent when their leader approached.

“Yo, Kouga,” the first one said as he jumped to his feet and stood at attention. “Is something wrong?”

Kouga shook his head. “Go back to what you were doing,” he instructed as he glanced around.

“You looking for something?” the second of his men asked.

“Did any of you see a young human boy?”

“Gee, Kouga. The whole village is humans. There are lots of young boys.”

“Never mind,” their leader said as he turned towards the village.

Kouga entered the human village and was greeted by the village head and several other men.

“Did you want something?” The head man looked nervous as he faced the wolf youkai.

“I wanted to talk to the human boy who was with Kagura and me earlier,” Kouga said as he glanced around.

“I don’t understand. Did he do something wrong?”

“I just wanted to ask him a question about what happened today,” the wolf youkai explained.

“Kouga?” Yoshiro came running up to the wolf youkai and stopped with a puzzled expression on his face. “Where’s Kagura?”

“She’s back at our village.”

“What are you doing here?” the boy asked.

“Actually, I’m here to talk to you.”

“Me?”

Kouga looked at the men. “Looks like I found him. If you’ll excuse us a minute.”

The wolf youkai led the boy to a low wooden bench just out of earshot of the other humans.

“Is something wrong with Kagura?” Yoshiro studied Kouga’s face, sure that his visit had something to do with the wind user.

“Well, that’s what I need to ask you about, “ the wolf youkai said as he lowered himself to the bench. “I need to know what happened between Kagura and Jurai.”

“We told you. He threatened her. And me. Don’t you believe us?”

“It’s not that I don’t believe you. I’m just wondering if something else happened.”

“Isn’t that enough?”

“Something’s bothering her,” Kouga explained. “She was shook up about what happened with Jurai, but I’m sure it’s something else. The thing is, she won’t talk about it.”

The boy shrugged his shoulders and furrowed his brow as he thought back to the events of earlier in the day. He frowned for a moment and then looked at the wolf youkai. “Well, he said something that surprised Kagura. Something about you already having a mate.”

“What the hell…?”

“He was talking about some miko. I don’t really remember,” the boy apologized.

Mate? Miko? It wasn’t hard to figure out what Jurai had told Kagura.

“Shit!” Kouga slammed his fist into the ground at his feet, sending dirt and pebbles flying around them. “No wonder Kagura’s pissed. Why the hell couldn’t Jurai just keep his fucking mouth shut?”

The men moved towards Kouga and Yoshiro, concerned that the wolf youkai would hurt the child. But, they stopped when Kouga turned and placed one hand gently on the boy’s shoulder. “I’m not mad at you,” he started.

“Jurai’s a bad person, isn’t he?”

“He didn’t used to be.”

“Why doesn’t he like Kagura?” Yoshiro asked.

“That’s a long story and really doesn’t matter right now,” Kouga said as he stood up. “I need to figure out some way to get Kagura to listen to me. And, I’m sure the hell not going to be able to do that from here.”

“Would you tell Kagura that I’ll come and visit as soon as I can?”

Kouga turned and studied the boy. “You really do like her.”

The wolf youkai said a hasty goodbye and sped quickly out of sight.

“If you don’t turn the meat, it’s going go burn,” one of the female wolf youkai said in an annoyed voice.

Kagura brought her attention back to her job of watching the cooking fire. She grabbed the end of the spit that held the carcass of a deer and gave it a turn, rotating the venison over the flames in the cooking pit.

“Ruka,” the woman continued. “I don’t think having Kagura help is such a good idea.”

“We all take turns making the food,” Ruka explained in a matter-of-fact voice. “As long as Kagura’s a part of the tribe, she can do her share.”

“They’re right,” Kagura mumbled as the wolf youkai moved to her side and sat down.

“No, they’re not.” Ruka glanced at the small group of children playing just beyond the cooking area. Reiya was helping a younger child pick wild flowers. She paused to wave at her mother and the wind user. Ruka smiled and waved back before turning to Kagura. “You are a part of the tribe, Kagura. I know you’re not used to living in a tribe, but in time you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.”

“Well, right now, I’d really rather just be left alone.”

The wolf youkai studied her friend. It was obvious that Kagura still wasn’t ready to share what was bothering her.

“Actually, I think you’ve done more than your share for your first day,” Ruka said as she reached her hand to the spit. “Why don’t you go back to your den and I’ll take over here.”

“I don’t have a den,” Kagura said in a flat voice.

“Of course, you do,” her friend said cheerfully. “You and Kouga share a den.”

“I’ll be damned before I go back to his den,” Kagura snarled as she stood up and turned to leave.

“Kagura, I really wish you would tell me what’s wrong,” Ruka said as she looked up at the wind user.

“I just want to be left alone!”

“All right. Why don’t you just go back to my den. I’ll bring some food when I’m done here. Hopefully by then you’ll be ready to talk.”

Kagura glanced at Ruka and shook her head. “I’m not hungry.” She turned slowly and walked back to Ruka’s den.

“Yo, Kouga!” Ginta waved at his leader as Kouga came into sight.

“Hakkaku is watching her. She went with Ruka to help with the food, so I didn’t figure we both needed to be there.”

Kouga glanced at the river and waterfall before looking back at his underling. “So, what brings you to the river at this time of day anyway? It’s not like you’re going to take a bath or anything.”

Ginta shook his head, obviously flustered. “Well, we…Hakkaku and me…had figured we would be off duty by now and we arranged to meet…”

The sound of giggling females came from the path that lead to the wolf youkai village. Mihoshi and another young female rounded the corner and stopped when they saw Kouga and Ginta.

“Ginta?” Mihoshi looked confused as she glanced between the two male youkai.

“Um, I’m afraid there’s been a little change in plans,” Ginta stuttered before turning to Kouga. “Don’t worry, boss, we’ll make sure Kagura’s all right.” He started walking up the path, pausing for a moment by Mihoshi to whisper something to her. She nodded and glanced at Kouga before grabbing her friend’s hand and leading the other female back up the path behind Ginta.

Kouga stared as the three wolf youkai were lost from sight. Ginta and Hakkaku? With females? There was no way those idiots could have had an arranged meeting. Was there?

Kagura stepped into Ruka’s den and glanced around. It was comfortable and familiar, but the wind user wasn’t able to relax. She paced for a while, marking the distance from one side of the cave to the other before returning, only to repeat the process. After a while she stopped and leaned her back against the hard stone wall of the den and slowly lowered herself to a seated position with her back still against the wall. She shook her head and tried to dispel the sound of Jurai’s voice from her head. It was pointless as his mocking words repeated themselves in her memory.

“Damn you, Kouga.”

Kouga returned to his village just as Kagura was entering Ruka’s den. The wind user appeared to be distracted and didn’t seem to have noticed him. He stood and stared at the dark opening to his friend’s cave before looking around for his underlings.

Ginta ran up to his leader. “Everything’s all right,” he reported. “Kagura was with Ruka at the cooking area, but she just came back to her den.” He indicated Ruka’s cave.

“Idiot,” Kouga snarled. “I could see that for myself.”

“Sorry, Kouga,” Ginta said quietly. “We did what you told us to do.”

“Yeah, I know.” Kouga motioned Ginta to follow him. They walked to a jumble of boulders just within sight of Ruka’s den. “Um, Ginta,” the leader of the wolf youkai began. “I need some advice.”

“Advice? From me?” Ginta looked at Kouga in amazement.

“I think I figured out what Kagura’s so pissed off about, and I have no idea what I should do.”

“Okay, I’ll help…” Ginta shrugged. “If I can, that is.”

“Jurai said something to her about Kagome before I got there earlier.”

“Kagome?” Ginta shook his head. “What are you going to tell Kagura?”

“That’s what I need your advice on.”

“You’re kidding.”

“Damn it, Ginta, this is important. What the hell am I supposed to tell Kagura?”

“I’d start with the truth, “ Ginta suggested.

“I doubt she’ll believe me.”

“Just explain things to her.”

“It’s not that simple,” Kouga explained with a shrug. “It would help to know exactly what Jurai said.”

“Well, you can figure he made things sound as bad as he could.”

“Yeah, after he threatened Kagura, too.”

“You might want to let her cool down a bit, though,” Ginta suggested.

Kouga rubbed his jaw where Kagura had hit him. “I think you’re right there. Just keep an eye on her for me, will ya?”

Ginta sighed. “Sure thing, Kouga.”

“Hey, when I get things straightened out with Kagura, you and Hakkaku can have some time off.”

His underling brightened up. “Sure thing, Kouga. We’ll keep a close eye on her, and you just be sure you get things straightened out fast.”

“You know where to find me if anything happens.”

“Sure thing, Kouga. Don’t worry. Hakkaku and I will take care of things here.”

The leader of the wolf youkai tribe stood up and stretched. He glanced one last time at the entrance to Ruka’s cave and sprinted away. He ran until he came to the grassy clearing near the cold lake that was hidden on the other side of the mountain. It was here that he had always come when he needed to think. It was his private refuge, and he took full advantage of it while he gave Kagura time to calm down. He could only hope that Ruka would be able to talk some sense into his mate, but pushed aside the fleeting thought as soon as it occurred to him. Kagura was not going to let anyone else explain things away. It was up to him, and only him, to make things clear to her.

He made himself comfortable and waited.

Ruka returned to her den after she finished her duties. She held two bowls in her hands and moved to set them onto the low table before turning to Kagura. The wind user had not moved from her position against the den wall.

“I brought you some food,” the wolf youkai explained.

“I’m not hungry,” Kagura mumbled without moving.

“You can’t avoid Kouga forever, you know.”

“Just watch me.”

“Kagura, I know you’re upset with Kouga about something, and for the life of me I can’t imagine him doing anything that would get you this angry. I really wish you would talk to me about it.”

“He lied to me. The fucking bastard lied!” Kagura’s voice rose as she clenched her hands into fists.

“What? What did he lie about?”

The wind user lowered her head and closed her eyes, not ready to open up to anyone. Her entire short life had been spent mostly alone, and despite her desire to confide in Ruka, she couldn’t bring herself to speak. A stinging sensation in her eyes forced her to press her palms against her closed eyelids.

“Kagura,” Ruka began as she moved to sit next to her friend. “It’s all right if you don’t want to tell me, but don’t you think you should at least let Kouga know what’s bothering you?”

The wind user didn’t respond.

“He’s got to be going nuts by now, not knowing why you’re upset with him.”

“Why should he care?”

“Believe me, Kagura, Kouga cares more than you know. I really wish you would…”

“Damn it, Ruka! I said I just wanted to be left alone!” Kagura stood suddenly and glared at the wolf youkai. “Why can’t you just leave me the hell alone?”

“Because you’re my friend, “ Ruka explained softly. “And, Kouga’s my friend. It hurts me to see either of you hurting. Especially when I have a feeling it’s over something that isn’t even important.”

“Not important? The bastard told me I was his only mate. He lied!”

“I don’t understand,” the wolf youkai said in a quiet voice. “How is that lying?”

“What about Kagome?”

Ruka looked at Kagura in surprise. “Kagome? What’s she have to do with this?”

“Jurai told me all about Kouga and Kagome.”

“Then, it was Jurai who lied,” Ruka explained.

“Are you telling me that Kouga never claimed Kagome as his mate?”

Ruka shook her head. “It’s a little more complicated than that, Kagura. I really wish you would talk to Kouga. He can explain things.”

“You mean, he can lie some more to me,” Kagura snarled.

“No, Kagura, I promise you one thing. Kouga would never lie to you. If you care about him at all, you’ll talk to him.”

“It won’t do any good.” The tightness in Kagura’s chest was making it hard for her to breathe. She didn’t understand the waves of emotion flowing through her.

“Just go back to your den. Let Kouga explain.” Ruka stood and placed a hand gently on Kagura’s arm. “If you still feel this way after that, then you’re more than welcome to come back to my den.”

“You’re kicking me out?”

“No, I wouldn’t do that. But, I’m asking you…as your friend…to talk to Kouga. Please.”

The wind user looked at the wolf youkai. Ruka’s expression was gentle and calm. Kagura found it hard to turn her friend down.

“I’ll go back – for now.”

“That’s all I ask. That, and that you really listen to Kouga.”

Ruka hugged her friend. “Good luck. I need to pick up Reiya now. It’s almost her bed time.”

Kagura looked at the sky in surprise as she left the den. The sun had already set and the moon hung low on the horizon. She had completely lost track of time while she sat alone in Ruka’s den. She turned and walked slowly to Kouga’s den.

Someone had stopped by the cave and lit a fire in the fire pit. Two bowls of food waited on the low table. Kagura ignored the meal. She doubted she could keep any food down with her stomach in knots. She entered and breathed deeply. Kouga’s scent hung in the air and she found herself missing him as she slowly walked to the pile of furs that served as his bed.

The wind user retrieved a clean kimono and went to the cool stream running through the back of the den. She washed herself and slipped into the soft pink garment before returning to the bed. The soft furs beckoned her, inviting her to curl up on their softness. Kagura pulled a fur across her, letting Kouga’s scent surround her as her tenseness slipped away. It didn’t take long for her to fall asleep.

“Yo, Kouga,” Ginta called softly as his leader came within sight.

“So, what’s the word?”

Kouga’s underling smiled. “Kagura went back to your den. She’s been in there for a while, and I haven’t heard anything.”

“She’s back?” Kouga’s face was unreadable in the darkness, but his emotion was obvious in his voice.

“You know what you need to do,” Ginta reminded his leader.

“Just do your job,” Kouga growled softly as he went quietly to his den.

The fire was low when he entered, offering little heat or light. His youkai senses didn’t need the light of the flames to see that Kagura was sleeping in the bed. In their bed. He smiled to himself as he moved to join her. He slid out of his armor and lay next to her on the soft furs as he slid his arms around the wind user.

“Kouga?” Kagura’s voice sounded of sleep as she sat up and looked at him.

“I’m glad you came back,” he said as he tried to pull her to him.

“You lied to me,” she stated in a monotone voice as she pulled away from him.

“I never lied,” he stated as he sat up next to her.

“You told me I was the only mate you ever had.”

“You are, Kagura.”

“What about Kagome?”

“Damn that Jurai, he just had to start something,” Kouga growled.

“Well, what about Kagome?”

Kouga shook his head. “It’s not what it sounds like.” He paused and studied Kagura’s face. She was listening, at least, which was a good sign.

“It sounds like you claimed her as your mate.”

“I guess I should have told you this before, but I really didn’t think it mattered,” the wolf youkai explained.

“Well, it sure the hell matters,” Kagura responded blandly.

“Okay, if you’re willing to listen, I’ll tell you everything.” Kouga paused and studied Kagura’s expression. She sat motionless, unwilling to look at him. He wasn’t sure just how receptive she would be to his words, but she seemed at least willing to listen.

The wolf youkai shifted, pulling his legs up to sit cross legged as he started his story. “Well, you see, when I first met Inuyasha and Kagome, I realized that she could see the Shikon shards. I had three already and I knew we needed more. But, it wasn’t easy to find them. I figured that having someone around who could find them for me would be a good thing. So, I grabbed Kagome.”

Kouga thought back to their first meeting. He had brought the miko back to his fighters’ base, but quickly became worried that his men would see her more as a meal than a shard finder.

“I had to do something to make sure they’d leave her alone,” he explained. “She was just a human, after all, and back then we didn’t think too much about humans.”

The wolf youkai paused to study Kagura, but her face was void of emotion. He took a deep breath and continued.

“So, I told them I was making her my mate. I figured that would make them leave her alone. Then, of course, Inuyasha showed up and tried to rescue her. It was funny, actually. He acted all possessive one minute, and then the next you’d think he didn't like her at all. He really got pissed when I said she was my mate.”

Kagura remained motionless with her face turned away from Kouga.

“Well, then the damned bird youkai attacked, and Kagome helped me spot which one had their shard. I got hurt in the battle, and Inuyasha was ready to fight me. Kagome stopped him. I think that’s the first time I realized that humans really weren’t all that inferior.

“And, of course, Inuyasha got all pissed off again when I said Kagome was going to be my mate. Hell, I couldn’t even tell you what was more important at that moment – having Kagome around to help find shards or getting Inuyasha all pissed off. It got to the point where it was almost a game with us.”

“But, you said she was your mate.”

“I told you why, and besides, I never tried to act on it. For one thing, even if I had really wanted her as a mate, I could see she only wanted Inuyasha. I’m not completely stupid.”

“Did you want her for your mate?”

Kouga sat quietly for a few moments, thinking about what he had felt when he was around Kagome.

“She was a friend,” he said quietly. “She is a friend,” he corrected himself. “I guess I didn’t like how Inuyasha treated her, so I tried to make him see how he should act. Not to mention, it was fun. Hell, if you saw how crazy Inuyasha acted every time I got near Kagome, you’d understand. But, he just wouldn’t claim her as his mate.”

“Well, he’s claimed her now,” Kagura said softly.

“Yeah, and it’s about time. If he hadn’t, I think I would have had to pound some sense into him.”

“It doesn’t bother you that she’s with Inuyasha?”

“It’s where she belongs, Kagura. Just like you belong with me.”

The wind user looked at Kouga in surprise.

“I’m telling you the truth, Kagura. Kagome’s a good friend – period. I never wanted her as my mate and I told you why I said what I did.”

Kagura closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The tightness in her chest was fading, and in its place was a different feeling. She found herself longing for Kouga’s arms and jumped in surprise when she felt them slip around her.

“So, is everything all right now?” he murmured in her ear before he started nuzzling her neck.

“Damn it, Kouga,” she murmured back as she found herself unable to resist the wolf youkai. She leaned back against him, letting him pull her onto his lap.

“I take it that’s a yes?”

“As long as there’s nothing else you’re keeping from me.”

“Only this,” he said as he cupped her chin in his hand and turned her face to him. He touched his lips gently to hers, gauging her response before deepening the kiss.

Kagura relaxed against him and wrapped her arms around his neck as she shifted to face him. She returned his kisses as he pulled her to lie on the furs next to him.

“That’s more like it,” he mumbled as he wrapped his arms and legs around her. He held her against him without speaking for several moments.

“Kouga?”

“Hmmmm?”

“What are you going to do about Jurai?”

“I honestly don’t know. He used to be my best fighter, but lately he’s so filled with delusions of power that I really don’t how far he’ll go. He’s not thinking about the tribe – just his own best interests. I know he’s planning on challenging me, and I really don’t want to hurt him. If I honestly thought he’d make a better leader than I do, I’d gladly step down. But, right now, he’s the last thing the tribe needs.”

Kouga kissed Kagura’s neck and buried his face against her.

“I don’t want to talk about Jurai. I’ll be meeting with Ohkami tomorrow to figure things out. Right now, I just want to be with my mate.”

Kagura let herself relax as Kouga pulled a fur over them.

“Your only mate?”

“My only mate,” he said sleepily.

Ginta nodded to Hakkaku from their positions outside of their leader’s den. “Well, Kouga did tell me he’d give us some time off when he fixed things with Kagura.”

“Yeah, but how long is that going to last?”

Ginta shrugged. “With them, who knows?”

 

  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)