My Unwilling Mate

"My Unwilling Mate"

by Hentai Jane

Disclaimer: No, I still don't own this exquisite piece of anime.


CHAPTER 12

Two figures sat in a tree, high above the ground trading words of love and adoration as their lips touched. They admired the beautiful fall colors and spoke of
memories form their past and plans for the future.

Kikyo was cuddled in Inuyasha's lap, reveling in her hanyou's attention. Inuyasha was about to kiss her when she suddenly gasped. (AN: I can almost feel the

flames!)

"What's wrong?" Clawed hands grasped her shoulders. Kikyo's eyes had a far away look in them as she struggled to form words, "Uhh....... she....she is....."

"She who Kikyo? Snap out of it and tal me! me!" Inuyasha shook her gently in an attempt to bring her out of the trance like state.

"We have to get to Kaeda's now! Come on Inuyasha!" She pulled at his arm, urging him to get them out of the tree and back on solid ground.

"Why? What's got you so worried?" He asked.

"I don't have time to explain, we have to hurry or else she will die!" Inuyasha bent over so she could climb onto his back.

"She who?" His voice was indifferent.

"Kagome."

"How do you know Kikyo?" Inuyasha asked while leaping in and out of the treetops.

"I still have a small part of her soul. For some reason, after you gave me life, I started to sense her emotions. The remainder of her souls wishes to return to
it's right full owner. When we find her, I will return it."


**********************


Kami had smiled on them. Inuyasha and Kikyo were close to the village that day, so their journey was short.

The hanyou landed near the Goshinboku, running the remaining distance to Kaeda's hut.

Sango and Miroku sat inside talking when the couple came busting through her front door.

"Where is my sister Kaeda? I need her assistance." Kikyo walked to Kaeda's storage shelf where she kept all her herbs and various supplies.

"Kikyo?" The monk's eyes narrowed as he observed the deceased miko's movements. Clearly Kikyo had changed. Her appearance seemed more life like, with
a light blush staining her cheeks and her chest rising and falling from physical distress.


"Why is KIKYO here Inuyasha? " Sango asked through gritted teeth. The demon slayer noticed a thin silver chain looping around the back of Kikyo's neck. It
looked just like Kagome's necklace. Before Inuyasha had a chance to answer, Sango spun her around and reached for the chain. Attached to the other end that
lay across the miko's chest was the glass bottle containing a partially completed shikon jewel.


Rage filled Sango's eyes as she took the necklace from Kikyo, "What the hell is this?!" She held up the chain and it's charm to emphasize exactly what her
question was referring to, "Tell me what you have done with Kagome!" Her voice shook with fear and anger as she looked at the couple standing in front of
her.

Miroku was shocked and awaiting an answer. He knew, as well as Sango, that Kagome would never give the jewel to Kikyo.


"Uh.... it's a long story .........I'll tell ya later...." Stammering was not something the dog hanyou usually did. Inuyasha shifted toward Kikyo figuring Sango
would think twice about slapping him in front of his miko.


Sango pushed Inuyasha aside and stood nearly nose to nose with the revived miko, "Let me tell you something bitch, if I find out that you or that damn mutt
behind you has harmed so much as a hair on my friend's head, I will personally send both straight to hell! And ...."
irokiroku reached for her, "Sango, love, please watch your temper..."


"Stop being so damn passive! Aren't you just a little curious about how Kikyo got the shard and just look at Inuyahsa!" Sango pointed at the hanyou, "He
looks like a dog that got busted pissing on his master's sandals!"


"I am not being passive. Violence should not be used unless there is no other way of solving a problem. And strong language has.. "


She quickly smacked his hand away, "Oh...go pray to Budda or something.... stay outta my way and shut up, I"M NOT FINISHED YET!! Now, like I was
saying, I want to know what the hell is going on!" Sango's hands rested on her hips as her eyes shot daggers.


Kikyo ignored her for a moment and started rummaging through the supplies again, "We do not have time for conversation. Kagome is dying. I will admit that
I have not been 'friendly' to Kagome or her associates, but I have changed and now I am trying to help."
."


"What is it that you are looking for Kikyo?" Miroku watched her closely. He kept his guard up, knowing that Kikyo was not to be trusted from their past run ins.

"I need healing ofudas houshi-sama. We have to bring them to Kouga's wolf tribe. I can feel her soul slipping away as we speak.."

Sango looked between Inuyasha and Kikyo, "How could she be with Kouga? Didn't she go home Inuyasha?" Sango's voice took on a threatening tone.

Trouble was the one thing Inuyasha seemed to attract, not luck or wealth like some people, just trouble. But this time he couldn't blame anyone else. He had
traded Kagome for the elixir that brought his beloved back from the dead.

Miroku opened a small wooden box and handed Kikyo a healing ofuda, "Sango and I are close friends of Lady Kagome and if she is in trouble, then we should
also be there to help her."

"That is fine houshi-sama. Come now, we must hurry." Kikyo grabbed Inuyasha's hand and headed outside.

Sango ran behind them with Kirara tucked under her arm, "Listen hanyou, when this gets straightened out, I'll be waiting for some answers! And don't think
that I'll forget either!"


Inuyasa rolled his eyes. Sooner or later, everyone would know that he betrayed Kagome. He didn't have to be a psychic to know that his future held an ass
whooping!


Kirara transformed, carrying Sango and Miroku to the wolf youkai's cave, while Inuyasha sprinted through the forest with Kikyo perched on his back.

Miroku's arms were wrapped around Sango's waist as they flew above the treetops. She absently patted his hands, but her mind was plagued with questions
and scenarios of how she planned on killing 'the happy couple' if Kagome did die.


No one could tell by looking at him, but Inuyasha was very concerned for Kagome's well being. If she was really dying like Kikyo said, then it was partially his
fault. He, after all, put her in this situation, against her will and fighting all the way.


Kago las last words were unforgettable, "I never want to see you again." 'Will she still feel that way? I should have checked on her to make the sure the wolf
was treating her right, but I've been so caught up with Kikyo that I guess I just didn't think about it. Kouga may be a whimpy wolf, but I know he loves her. I
can smell his affections for her, and it's notusalusal. It's the same kind of deep, heart felt love that I feel for my mate.'


Kikyo's warm body was pressed against his back as her small hands held tight to his haori. Her presence bothboth soothing and alluring to him. To loose her
again would be the end of his existence, and he was sure that Kouga felt the same way about Kagome. A spark of sympathy ignited within the hanyou's heart
as he thought of what the wolf must be feeling.


Inuyasha continued running to their destination, muttering a silent prayer, "Please, Kami or whoever is listening, let her be alright."


*****************************************************************

Multiple footfalls were heard pounding against the earth in desperation to reach their homes.


Cries of anguish along with Kouga's mournful howls brought the wolves from their dens and halted daily chores.


Kouga ran at full speed, followed by his pack of warriors. Orders were given to bring water basins, rags, bandages, healing herbs and disinfectants
immediately. Aika carried the twins in a large basket as several other females clamored about trying to help the injured miko.


"What happened Chuugi?" Aika whispered as she passed another clean sheet to waiting hands. Red spots continued to form on the white sheets as they pressed
against the wounds in an effort to stop the bleeding.


"She and the kit snuck off and were attacked by tiger youkai." He whispered back, eyeing Kouga as he held one of Kagome's hands and hugged the sniffling kit
close with his other arm.


"I assume the tigers are dead because I can smell their blood mixed in with your wounds." Aika inspected the cuts along his forearms.


"These are just scratches, mate. Don't worry about me." Chuugi put one strong arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer as they watched the valiant efforts
put forth to save Kagome. "Yes, we did slaughter all four of them, including Korosu. Those damn tigers will think twice before attacking us again."
oul oul smelling herbal pastes were smoothed on her open wounds. This ointment was an ancient remedy used among youkai to close wounds faster and avoid
blood loss, but from the look of things, they did not work as well on human skin. Kagome's bleeding slowed, but would not stop.
The wolf prince watched her skin turn to an ashen grey color that closely resembled how he felt inside. His soul was dying along with her frail human form. He
could feel her pulse, gradually slowing to the point of non existence. Kagome's once warm little hands now felt like ice.


Kouga watched her face, remembering how her eyes sparkled with laughter and how she'd blush when embarrassed. It was all fading away. The beautiful
peachy flesh tones of her skin and healthy pink cheeks were gone.


Glistening tears formed in Kouga's eyes as he watched death claim his intended mate. Aika walked to the bedside and hugged Kouga. He buried his face in the
crook of her neck and so. T. The sense of immense sorrow radiated from the cave like heat on a summers day. Shippo sat beside his adopted mother. His
little paws passed over the cool flesh of her cheeks, slightly turning her head to the side so he could kiss her forehead.


A large calloused hand touched Kouga's shoulder from behind, "There is nothing more that can be done for her." It was the elder that warned him about taking
Kagome against her will when he announced his intentions to the tribe. (AN: Back in ch 2) "You have my sympathy, Kouga, but now is the time to let her go.
Your sorrow will only trap the miko's soul in this world."


"I can't 'let go'. I've loved Kagome since the day I met her. Don't tell me that when your mate died that you didn't grieve for her."


"Do not be angry Kouga. I did not intend for my words to seem uncaring." The elder released his shoulder and stepped to the side.


"I am not mad at you, but I hate myself for not listening to her and you. You were both right, I can't force someone to be my mate." Kouga kissed Kagome's hand.

"Well, dear prince, you are young, take this as a lesson of life and never forget what happened. Youth and impatience drove you to take her, but I know you
had good intentions Kouga, and I am sure she knew that too."

**********************************


"Where am I?" she pondered as her eyes opened to find nothing but blackness. She was engulfed in the darkness. Kagome stood alone, looking around in
hopes of finding someone or at least hearing some sounds.


"Hello?" she called out, noticing that her voice did not echo. No one answered. "Is anyone there? Can someone tell me where I am?" again, silence was her
only response. She peered into the darkness trying to pick up any signs of movement or life other than herself.


Kagome took a step forward, or at least she thought her feet were moving. That was when it hit her: there was no floor. This place had no ceiling or sky, no
floor or ground, no smell or sound. It was a black void that threatened to swallow her alive if she did not find a way out.

"Alive? Am I alive?" Kagome touched her arms and face, she felt real, but then how could she be floating in this black space. Panic set in and shertedrted to
run. Perpetual twilight gave no hints of where to go. Kagome noticed her feet never landed on any solid object as her legs pushed her body forward, through
the inky darkness.


The endless span of night showed no escape route as she sprinted through it's expanse. "Hello?!" Kagome cried out as she ran, "Please someone help me!
Where the hell am I?!" she shouted. Fear coursed in her veins, she had to find a way out.


Tears started forming in her eyes as she traveled deeper into this unknown space. Through watery eyes, Kagome caught site of a tiny pinpoint of light. She
increased her pace as she headed for this beacon. It was the only visible entity here besides herself. "Hello!" she yelled as she came closer to it brilliance.

This light was whiter than new fallen snow and felt peaceful as she approached. Hope surged through her as the light became brighter. She was close now,
close enough to reach out and touch it.


A small sphere, roughly the size of a basketball , hovered in front of her. It was like looking at the sun, but the radiance did not hurt her eyes.


Kagome reached out with both hands, placing them on each side of the sphere.


She could see herself, bloodied and torn, laying on Kouga's futon. "Oh.... Kami...... I'm dead, dead...." Kagome whimpered. Kouga's body was partially
stretched over hers, crying, begging her not to leave him. He told her over and over again that he loved her, as if it would make her soul stay.


Shippo was cuddled against her leg, his little body racked with sobs. Aika and Chuugi, as well other members of the pack crowded into the cave to bid her fair
well. Howling was their way of showing respect and grief for the deceased. Kagome remembered that same sad, mournful cry from when Kouga's comrades
died at the hands of Kagura.

Fear melted away, leaving only anger. "NO!!! I won't g" K" Kagome pounded on the immobile ball, "DO YOU HEAR ME!! I WILL NOT DIE, I AM TOO
YOUNG, THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS THAT I DIDN'T GET TO DO AND SAY!!"


Hush murmurs filled the room as the wolves stepped aside, allowing the new arrivals to approach the wolf prince

"Are we too late?"
**********************************


"Who is that ......that voice...." Kagome looked at the ball. "Kikyo! I never thought I'd be happy to see her!" Kagome watched as Kikyo took a dagger out of
her sleeve. (AN: I don't like Kikyo either, but I felt the need to include her in this fic! Ok, I am wearing my full body fire proof suit so flame away!)


Sango gasped at the sight of Kagome's injuries. She buried her face in Miroku's side in an attempt to hide the forming tears. He hugged her close as a whoosh
of air rushed form his lungs.


Miroku was mentally overwhelmed with the scene before him. The strong, vibranung ung woman that he traveled with was replaced by a discolored shell that
in no way resembled the Kagome he knew.

"Give me your hand wolf prince." Kikyo's voice was soft, so unlike the usual cold tone that Kagome was used to.

"Are you Inuyasha's miko mate?" Kouga asked.


"Yes, I am Kikyo , the one whose life you helped restore thanks to that foul tasting potion." Kikyo smiled at him, hoping that it would calm his fears. "We do
not have much time Kouga. I know of a way to restore Kagome, but if we do not work quickly, she will be gone forever."


Kouga nodded and extended his hand to her. Kikyo held the blade before her and started chanting words in an ancient miko language. Kikyo sliced Kouga's
palm enough to make blood rise to the surface. She then released Kouga's hand and took Kagome's. A fast cut was made, but very little blood appeared.
Kikyo never stopped chanting, even when she took out a rectangular shaped ofuda and placed it on Kagomes palm, allowing the minimal fluid to absorb.
Kouga's hand was placed on her's, saturating the rough paper surface.

"What the heck is she doing?" Kagome watched as Kikyo performed the ritual.

Kouga drew in a sharp breath as a blinding white light burst forth from between their hands.


"DO NOT let go of her hand Kouga!" Kikyo shouted. "You two are forming a spiritual bond! She will heal by taking some of your strength."


"AHHHHHHH....!!!" Kagome tried to pull her hands away from the sphere as white hot pain shot through her body. She felt as though she was being pulled
apart as a roaring wind sucked her into the sphere.


Light encompassed the den, beaming from the air holes and blinding it's occupants.


Gradually the intensity of the illumination dimmed.


A faint groan was heard. Kouga looked at Kagome, his vision blurred from salty tears and the brightness of the light. Color was starting to retur her her face.
He rested his ear against her chest, the sound of a steady yet faint heart beat was music to his ears.


"You can release her hand. The bond is complete, she needs time to rest." It had been many years since Kikyo used that particular spell, but thankfully it
worked.


He scooped Kagome up in his arms, holding her head against his chest as his arms wrapped firmly around her torso.


"I can't tell you how grateful I am that you saved my intended mate Kikyo-sama." Kouga bowed his head to her. "I love this woman, I would have died
without her....."


"You're welcome." Kikyo stopped him and turned to large group behind them, "We should all leave and give these two some time alone. Kagome will be
healed by morning."

Hushed prayers and sighs of relief filled the den as the crowd departed.

Everything seemed distant to Kagome as she struggled to open her eyes. Dazzling streaks of color was the only thing she could see.

Her pain was intense. Kagome felt her wounds mending themself from Kouga's borrowed strength.

She could hear his voice telling her that 'everything was going to be fine' in between the countless promises to 'do anything to make her happy' and 'I love you.'

Kagome was alarmed at the fact that she could not move her arms or legs. Speaking was also something she could not do. She wanted to scream from the
pulsing heat of her numerous internal and external wounds, but all she could get out was a nearly stifled moan.

Once more Kagome tried to open her eyes. The dancing colors that she had caught a glimpse of before was still there, swirling and curling around the
blackened figure that leaned close to her. It was all so overwhelming, causing her heartbeat to increase and her body gave off a strong scent of fear.


"Kagome...." it spoke to her, "there is nothing to be afraid of love. I'll take care of you. Kikyo said that you would fully recover by morning, then we can talk
about what happened and some other things I've been thinking of."


Kagome watched as the colors surged around him showing her the deep shade of purple that showed strength of will, pink for the love in his heart, red for
carnal passions, blue for worry and orange for the joy of having his love by his side. A thin halo of gold covered the top of his head, showing intelligence and
optimism.

He was the most beautiful creature she had ever seen.


Kagome remembered what her grandfather told her a long time ago when she was a little girl: 'People often forget that what you see on the outside of a person
is not what they truly look like. A person's aura defines them because there is no way to hide or lie about your feelings or intentions. But you do not need to
see an aura to read someone, all you have to do is open your heart and not pass judgement before you really get to know them. By opening yourself to them
you will sense their spiritual energy. Believe me me, me, in this world of loneliness, many people pass up opportunities to find love and happiness simply
because they never take the time to speak with someone and feel their spiritual energy. They think because they have small differences, for example, their taste
in music or food, that their relationship is instantly doomed. Isn't that silly! If we all liked and disliked the same things this would be a very bland world. So
granddaughter, when you grow up and start making new friends and meeting boys, remember to not turn someone away just because your other friends say that
they are not worthy of your time. Beauty lies in the soul, not on the surface. Be your own judge of character, you never know what kind of special people you
will find.'

'Grandpa, you have no idea how true those words are.' Kagome thought as she watched Kouga through heavy lidded eyes.


Kouga lifted her up and started to slip her shirt off along with her bra. He laid her down and removed her pants, underwear, socks and shoes.


"What the hell is he doing?!" her mind screamed. The sound of clothing and the clang of metal hitting rock soon followed. "Oh....shit...I hope he's not doing
what I think he's doing!" She heard the bedroom drawers open, material shifting and then closing.


Muscular arms lifted her from the futon as one side of her body made contact with the hot flesh of his hardened chest. Kouga was carrying her bridal style, but
to where she was not sure. Her only view was his auric colors.

A liquid warmth enveloped her body. Kagome's muscles stiffened as Kouga lowered her into the hot spring, "I thought you might like a bath love, even if you
will want to kill me for seeing you naked!" He chuckled.


'Oh yeah wolf boy, just wait until I can move again, you are definitely going to get the crap slapped out you!'


He moved her body against his until she was seated on his lap. His firm chest supported her as he gently lathered her marred skin with soap. Every stroke and
caress of his strong hands made the pain a little more tolerable. Kagome tried to keep her eyes open but his gentle ministrations lulled her to sleep.


Kouga looked at her sleeping face. She appeared to be at peace and very relaxed with him. He carefully exited the hot spring and proceeded to dry her off and
wrap her in one of his yukatas.


The wolf prince towel dried her hair and brushed it upward forming a high ponytail, much like the way he wore his own hair. He did this to keep the damp
locks off her neck, so they would not irritate her while she slumbered.

Kouga kissed her on the cheek, snuggled closer and soon drifted off to sleep.