Underneath The Hunter's Moon

A/n: Thanks for the reviews guys. Please keep them coming. I hope you enjoy this chapter and i am off to write another Kagome shot. Enjoy!!
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Kouga winced as the healer dabbed some of her medication on his wounds that Kagome had made. He gritted his teeth and waited for the burning to pass before turning to Kagome's friends and saying, “It's worse than what you guys told me.”

Sango cringed at the wolf's accusing tone, but then asked, “Is it true that Kagome was speaking in your language?”

Kouga closed his eyes. He could still hear Kagome's words, growling and whining as he held her still, and he nodded. “It's true. Whatever attacked her is turning her into a wolf hanyou, but I am wondering if the transformations will continue until she turns into a full youkai.”

Sesshomaru growled and walked towards Kouga. “One of your females said that you knew of creatures on the borders of your lands who might be responsible for this. Are you going to confront them, or shall I?” He demanded.

“I'll do it, damn it.” Kouga replied in a snarl. “But, before I confront them, I want to make sure that Kagome is resting peacefully. I won't leave her to harm herself any further. If you think my wounds are bad, you should see hers.”

Inu Yasha was up and in Kouga's face in a flash. “What do you mean by that, you fucking asshole? Did you do something to harm her?” He yelled, but quickly found himself on his back with Kouga standing above him. The den was so quiet that it was easy to hear Kouga's harsh breathing and when Inu Yasha looking into the wolf leader's eyes, he could see the rage that was there. He had seen it once before and that was when Kouga thought he had killed his kinsmen, but this time, Kouga seemed ever more angered and more dangerous.

“Never.” Kouga said, his tone in a ghost of a whisper. “Never suggest that I would ever harm that woman. She is my intended and I would never hurt her. She got her wounds when she was thrashing around and kept clawing herself. I warn you, Inu Yasha. Don't ever say that to me again.”

Kikyo rushed forward and quickly put herself between the wolf and hanyou. “He didn't mean to accuse you. He is scared for Kagome, just as we are. We don't know what is happening to her and to hear that she is hurt, well, it hurts us.”

Kouga growled, but then looked towards his chambers when a loud howl was heard. Sesshomaru made his way to the chamber and ignored Kouga's order to stop. Instead, he went into the chamber and found the tiny miko with her hands and feet bound. As Kouga had said, her face was covered in scratches and when she saw him, she began to sob and whine for him to release her.

Kouga came up behind the stoic lord and sighed. “It was the only thing I could think of to keep her from harming herself. She doesn't seem to understand that she is hurting herself, so I have to do what I must.” He murmured.

Kagome's sobs and whines grew louder, and didn't stop even as Sesshomaru turned his back on her and left the chamber. As he passed by the wolf, he quietly said, “We leave in the morning. We will be taking her with us so that this group of creatures may see what one of their own has done to her. Then, the offending creature will pay with his or her blood.”
Not waiting for a nod, Sesshomaru moved back to the group and sat back down at his former place. Closing his eyes, he could clearly see Kagome bound and it.......bothered him. He knew how gentle the miko was and to see her in such a state made him think about what he would do if this ever happened to Rin.

Gritting his teeth together, he waited. Waited for morning when he could confront those responsible and take the necessary actions to correct this error. They had better pray that there is a cure for what was happening with the young miko, or else.

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He waited. He waited until he heard a soft howl and then smiled. His child had returned and hopefully had some news for him. He watched, as did his followers, as a wolf entered the den and in the light of the fire that danced in the firepit, the wolf began to change and did not stop until he stood before his master in his humanoid form.

“Did you find the girl?” He demanded, his green eyes narrowed. He was growing impatient to find the girl, and the fact that he knew she was in pain made that impatience all the more unbearable.

The young scout nodded. “Yes, Master. But, not only did I find her, but I also found out her name. It is Kagome and yes, her transformations are taking place. She was screaming and howling, but something else, she was speaking in the way of the wolf already.”

He turned and bit his lip. This was serious. This girl, Kagome, should not be able to speak as a wolf yet. Perhaps there was more of his blood in her than he anticipated. Turning, he glanced at the scout and asked, “What are they planning to do with her?”

“They are planning to bring her here. But, there is one other thing. The master of the wolf den has admitted to tying her up, to prevent her from harming herself.” The scout murmured, knowing full well that his master would grow angry at this information.

Sure enough, the master turned and growled so viciously that his followers whimpered and moved away from him. He could smell their fear, but could not help the rage he was feeling. How dare they do this to one of his children? Especially one who carried his blood in her veins.

Turning on his heel, he made his way to his seat, and sat down before he said, “We will wait for them to bring her to us. When she arrives, I want her placed in my chambers so that I may tend to her. Elizabeta, do you have your potions ready?” He asked, his gaze turning to the elderly woman who sat only a few feet away from him.

The old woman smiled and nodded. “Yes, master. When the girl arrives, I will be ready for her and she will hurt no further.”

“Good.” He said, giving the woman a smile. His eyes slid to a female who was standing at the entrance of den and he gave her a smile. “Are you still shy with us, my dear? There really is no need to be.”

The young female moved forward and stood before the master before her green eyes met his. “I'm sorry. I just have a really bad feeling about all of this.”

He nodded. “It is possible that you are getting these feelings because you may have had a bad experience in this part of Japan. Until you are able to remember who you truly are, please trust in my judgment and let me protect you. And, until you remember what your true name is, you are my Ana.” He said, his tone affectionate.

The woman now known as Ana smiled and lifted her hand to her beautiful red hair, which was hanging down to her waist. She knew she was not like the others, mostly because the master said that she was born wolf, but she liked these people and they never treated her differently from themselves. This felt like home, and she felt as though she were part of a family. She simply could not see herself leaving.

The master announced that it was time to sleep and in the morning, they would prepare for their visitors. When he turned to walk into his den, he turned and watched as Ana moved into her own. He smiled and shook his head before he moved to his bedding and lay down upon the soft covers. He had to be rested when he dealt with Kagome. Transformations were never easy, and he should know. He sat through many with his followers. Kagome would need patience, understanding, and a firm hand when she finished with her transformations. A wild wolf was a deadly wolf. No, he would bend her to his will and she would submit.

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Morning came and Kouga was never as happy to see the sun as he was at that moment. Kagome had spent the entire night howling and hissing at him whenever he came near her. Apparently, he was not her favorite person at the moment.

But, after the group fed, it was time to get Kagome, and she fought them with amazing strength as they untied her. Sesshomaru commented that her appearance was getting to be more youkai-like as time passed and it worried Kouga that she was growing more violent as her transformation progressed.

Finally, Kouga and Inu Yasha held her while Sango tied her hands behind her back to ensure that she would not hurt herself or any of them. Sesshomaru ordered Jaken to stay at the den with Rin and the kit while he attended to this business.

As the group made their way to the border of Kouga's lands, both Kouga and Sesshomaru became aware that they were being watched. After two hours of walking, Sesshomaru stopped and calmly said, “We know you are there. Come out and lead us to your master.”

A young man, who was just a bit shorter than Sesshomaru dropped from his hiding place and then smirked. “The master has been expecting you.” He sneered, but his eyes widened and he quietly said, “If I were you, I'd untie the female. Our master will not like it if he sees that the girl is bound.”

Grunting, Kouga moved forward and snapped, “I don't give a damn what your master likes or doesn't like. Take me to him. Now!”

The young man glanced at Kagome once more and winced when she began to whimper at him. He hung his head and said, “I'm sorry, little sister. Master will help you, I swear.”

Before Kouga could demand what the boy meant by his words, the young man turned and began to walk away, leading them down a path. Sesshomaru kept silent, but was pondering why the young man called the miko, 'little sister'. Could it be that their hunch was correct and this group of wolves were responsible for Kagome's condition?

Finally, a large den appeared and Kouga felt himself stiffen. He had not known about this den. If he had, he would have moved his followers here. It was large and no enemy of theirs could sneak up on them. However, he turned his attention to the young man as he ran forward and entered the den. He could hear many people begin to talk, but then quiet as they entered the large den.

Then, he saw him. The male who sat in the middle of the den stood and held himself as though he were a warrior. The male had long black hair with bright green eyes. However, the look upon the male's handsome face quickly changed from friendly to one of anger as his eyes locked on the form of Kagome.

The male moved forward and took no notice of the group quickly shifting into a battle stance. He moved to Kagome's side and reached for her bindings, ripping them off. When Kagome began to move, the male quickly grasped her by the back of her neck and barked at her, ordering her to be still.

Kagome, unaware of what was going on, growled at the male and attempted to bite him, but quickly found herself on the ground, on her back, staring up at the male as he straddled her.

“You will not bite at me, bitch. You will not defy me, either.” The master growled. When Kagome began to struggle, Inu Yasha started to move forward but was stopped when an elderly woman quietly said, “Do not stop him. She needs to learn who is in charge. If she doesn't, then she will become wild and possible hurt innocent people. Let him do as he must. He does not enjoy this, but it needs to be done.”

Kouga could feel his youkai rising. This male dared to place his hands upon Kagome, without even considering if she had a male to whom she belonged. His disrespect would not go unpunished. However, as he started to walk forward, he stopped when Kagome whimpered and relaxed, her wild eyes trained upon the male who was holding her down.

“That's much better.” The male softly said, his hand gently stroking her cheek, his tone calm as he motioned for the elderly woman who spoke to Inu Yasha to move forward. When the woman placed a vial in his hand, he turned to Kagome and moved so that her hands were trapped underneath his massive weight.

Sliding his hand underneath her head, he lifted her head up and brought the vial to her lips. At first, she refused, but the stern growl that came from his lips made her gasp, and when her lips opened, he poured the contents of the vial into her mouth, before dropping the vial and clamping his hand over her mouth.

The potion tasted horrible. He knew that. That was why he would not let go of her mouth until he knew she had taken it. After a couple of moments of fighting, she finally swallowed and began to gag. He quickly slid off of her and rolled her to her side, his conscience cringing as her sobs and gags echoed in his ears. Soon, the potion began to work and in front of everyone, the male lifted Kagome into his arms and walked past the newcomers, and didn't stop until he reached his personal chambers.

He knew Elizabeta would follow. She had been told that she would need to undress Kagome and sure enough, when he placed Kagome down on his bedding, the old woman moved forward to undress the young female. He could feel Kagome's eyes upon him and he hoped that she would fall into sleep quickly. Already her body was growing heavy as it prepared itself for the healing slumber. Leaving Kagome in Elizabeta's care, he went back into the main den and moved to the throne that his followers had constructed for him. In his land, people of high power sat on thrones, and it was no different here.

Finally, he looked at the group of newcomers and said, “I thank you for bringing my lost child to me. Now, if you don't mind, you need to leave.”

Kouga snorted. “She is not your child. She is my intended mate. I am Kouga, master of the eastern wolf tribe and these are my lands that you have trespassed upon.” He growled.

For a moment, he cocked his head and allowed Kouga's words to filter through his mind. Then, he shrugged and said, “So what?”

“So what?” Kouga asked. “You come to my lands, attack my woman, and all you have to say is 'so what'?”

“In my home lands, it is proper to introduce ourselves when we meet new people. I am Gregor, master of this tribe.” Gregor announced, not at all put off by Kouga's outburst. In fact, Kouga amused him. Of course, he had centuries to become accustomed to such things.

Kouga was about to tell Gregor what he could do with his introductions, but Sesshomaru stepped before him and said, “I am Sesshomaru, lord of the western lands and the young woman, Kagome, is in my protection. We have come here to demand a cure for what she is going through, and we want the wolf's head that did this to her.”

Gregor began to laugh and had to collect himself before he replied. “There is no cure. Kagome is not ill, nor is she dying. She is changing, becoming something that will be unstoppable. You see, we are what people refer to as moon wolves. The moon rules us, and our behavior. And, as far as the wolf who did this to her goes, well, that would be me. As I said, the moon rules our behavior and Kagome is the unfortunate victim of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

That did it for Kouga. Before anyone could react, he was up in Gregor's face, snarling. “Are you telling me that you are the one who did this to her, and all you can say for yourself is that the moon made you do it?”

Standing to his full height, Gregor gave off a growl and pushed Kouga back. “What I am saying is that because of the moon's effects upon us, we cannot control ourselves, especially when the moon is full and at its zenith in the sky. Kagome is safe with us, and will need those who understand what she is.”

“And what, exactly, is she?” Kikyo asked, her voice hard. She wanted nothing more than to draw an arrow and plunge it into the male's heart, but she needed to hear all of the facts.

“Werewolf.” Kagome said, as she leaned up against the den wall. “In my time, he and those like him are called werewolves.”

She had heard the angry voices. The medicine that the male made her take was making his head spin, but she wanted to hear why everyone was so upset. After the woman left her, she noticed that the male had several different swatches of material lying around, and so, she picked one up and wrapped it around her body to cover her. Making her way out, she heard his explanation and realized that all the legends she ever heard of these mythical monsters were true. Werewolves truly did exist. And, she was now a part of that legend. But, if these creatures were real, was it possible that vampires existed? Well, she would ponder that another time, but right now, she had more pressing matters to attend to.

Gregor took note of her pale complexion and quietly said, “Kagome, return to the chamber and lay down. The potion works best if you are asleep.”

Kagome shook her head. She felt so sick and even though the pain was lessening, she was now giving way to fear.

Kouga noticed that Kagome was sweating and he quickly moved to her side. “Come, love. I will take you back to the den and let my healers take care of you.” He murmured, ready to pick his woman up and leave.

But, before Kouga could lift her, he was suddenly slammed against the den wall and slid down the wall like a rag. When he glanced up, he saw Gregor holding Kagome against his chest as he glared down at Kouga.

“Listen to me, boy. The female belongs to me and to my den. She is part of me, and I will not part with her. Make one more attempt to remove her, and I will gladly rip your throat open and let my people feast on your flesh.” Gregor snarled, his good nature now gone.

Sesshomaru moved forward and motioned for the women to stay with the monk and Inu Yasha. He moved to Kouga's side and allowed his gaze to lock with Gregor's. “The female is my responsibility. I am alpha of this pack and the girl has not been given leave to go to a new pack. Until I say, she remains with us.” He said, his tone even.

Sesshomaru was no fool. He knew that this wolf was unlike any youkai he had ever met. In fact, the male before him didn't even smell youkai, and he didn't smell human, so perhaps he and Kagome would need to talk about these werewolves that she mentioned.

Gregor moved forward, placing Kagome behind him. However, he stopped when as soon as she left his arms, her legs gave out and her body gave into the potion. He kept his eyes upon Kouga and Sesshomaru, but gathered Kagome close once more and quietly said, “I will not have you coming here and disturbing the peace of my den. The female stays. She needs to be with others of her kind. Look at her. She needs rest and can get it here, and she will have access to potions that will keep her pain at bay. Can you do the same for her at your den?”

Kouga knew when he was beat, but still, he did not want to leave Kagome in this monster's care. He had hurt her, changed her, and now, she was at his mercy. It simply was not fair, and yet, it was in Kagome's best interest.

But, once again, Sesshomaru surprised him by saying, “You are right. We cannot give Kagome the help she can get here. However, since she is a member of my pack, my pack and I will be staying here to ensure that she is well taken care of.”

Kouga glanced up and could see a smirk on the lips of the normally stoic lord. But, when he glanced at Gregor, it was clear that the master of the den was trying to figure out a way around Sesshomaru's, and when he found none, good manners won out and he sighed.

“Very well, but the female will remain with me. I need to get her used to our ways and train her to obey my word.” Gregor murmured, his green eyes moving towards Kagome.

Kouga pushed off from the wall and snapped, “Training a mate to be to a specific tribe's ways is the job of her male. You are not her male and I have already made my claim upon her a few years ago.”

Gregor shrugged. “Clearly you were not paying attention. Let me simplify this for you. We do not follow traditional wolf ways. We are ruled by the moon, yet when the moon is not a factor, we live as human-hybrids. We have our own set ways and Kagome will follow them and I will be the one to teach her. Now, Ana will show you to where you will be residing while you are a guest in my den.” He said, and turned to take Kagome, who was now blissfully asleep, back into his chambers.

Kouga frowned and turned to face the female that Gregor had said would show them to their dens and when he got a good look at her, his eyes widened in shock and he said, “Ayame!”