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Solace	By : Brightdreamer Category: InuYasha > Yaoi - Male/Male > Kouga/InuYasha Views: 5372 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha, nor make money from this story.

Chapter List
- 1-Awakening
- 2-Shock
- 3-Numb
- 4-Catharsis
- 5-Quest
- 6-Routine
- 7-Mortal
- 8-Beginning
- 4
- 5
- 6
Title: Solace

Author: Eloy Brightdreamer

Rating: R

Genre: Angst/Romance

Summary: After a terrible tragedy strikes, how will Inuyasha and Kouga cope?

Warnings:

1. YAOI! This means romance and/or sex involving two male characters. Don't like it? Don't read it!

2. Character death.
A/N: Much much thanks to Aria, my faithful and patient betareader! And humble worship to FireCatRich for the fanart and persistant prodding for updates. ^_^ Also thanks to my flamers for the amusment. Sorry this took so long to get out... I'm still not entirely happy with this chapter, so any suggestions would be welcome! Transition chapters are hard.
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Chapter 4: Quest
Silence hung heavily in the small hut. All eyes were locked on the small round object on the low table in the center of the room. The Shikon no Tama pulsed with an eerie amethyst light, casting strange shadows on the group. A sharp snap of a log on the fire caused a few members of the party to flinch slightly as it broke the oppressive hush.

Finally, Kaede cleared her throat and spoke. "So, we are all in agreement? The sacred jewel must be destroyed." There was no reply, save for Sango's tightening her hand in Miroku's. The monk still bore reminders of the battle a few days before: his arm was in a sling, and a thin bandage ed hed his pale forehead.
"Fine. Let's do it," Inuyasha growled. Leaning forward, he snatched up the jewel and tossed it into the firepit. Immediately, the flames sputtered and began to die, shying away from the purple ball. Hurriedly, the old miko grabbed a stick and knocked the Shikon no Tama out of the fire. It left a black streak on the floor as it rolled, finally coming to a stop near Shippou's feet. The little kitsune backed away, his eyes wide. Kaede covered the jewel with a cloth before picking it up and setting it back on the table.
"Well, that worked real good, mutt," Kouga commented from his post by the door, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall.
Inuyasha whirled around a l a low growl. "Shut up! You got a better idea?"
The wolf prince shrugged. "Maybe."
"Let's hear it then."
"Well, if we can't burn it... why don't we throw it in the sea?"
Sango shook her head. "There are aquatic youkai, Kouga. It would be just as bad if one of them were to get the jewel."
"Yeah, so your idea isn't any better than mine," Inuyasha said with a smirk. Kouga glared at him, but didn't reply.

The room fell silent again, each person lost in thought. "What if..." Miroku began, speaking slowly. "What if we were to burn it in a hotter fire?"
Kaede looked at the young monk. "I doubt even the flames of a kiln would..." She was cut off as Miroku raised his hand in a quieting gesture.

"I did not mean something like that," he said. "Do any of you know of the mountain Fu'un?"
Kouga nodded. "I do. It was north of my tribe's home. We didn't go near it, it's a volcano�oh..." he trailed off, realizing what Miroku had in mind.
"It would put it out of reach, if not destroy it," the old miko said, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.
Inuyasha stood up, picking up Tetsusaiga. "So, we toss it in this volcano thing? Fine. I'll go right now."
"Wait, Inuyasha," Kaede cautioned. "The journey will be long, and many demons will be drawn to the jewel. Thou should not go alone."
"Wait a few days," Miroku said, resting his hand on Sango's shoulder. "I'll have healed, and Sango and I will accompany you."
Inuyasha glanced at him, then took a hard look at the taijiya. Don't they know? "I... I think you two should probably stay here," he stammered, blushing slightly.
Sango looked up at him curiously. "Why is that?"
"Well, it might not be... you wouldn't want to hurt... don't you...?" The hanyou was getting flustered, so Kouga rolled his eyes and came to his aid.
"Oh, come on! You mean you don't know? He doesn't want you to hurt the pup she's carrying."
Sango stared at the two, her mouth open. "You mean we're... I... I'm pregnant?" she asked in disbelief. "How do you know? Are you sure?"
Inuyasha blushed further, mumbling, "...your scent..." just as Kouga said, "...yes, I'm sure." They were both immediately forgotten as Sango turned to her husband, throwing her arms around him.
"We're going to have a baby!" she cried. Shippou jumped into her lap, joining in the hug. Miroku clasped the two to him, tears of joy shining in his eyes.
The others waited in silence as the happy family embraced. "Congratulations are in order," Kaede said after a few moments, a smile making her wrinkles seem deeper. "However sho should be clear now that Miroku and Sango will not be able to join Inuyasha on his journey. And, I would not be of much aid to ye..."
"Oh, isn't it obvious?" Kouga interrupted. "I'm gonna have to go with dog-breath."
Inuyasha looked at him in surprise. "Huh? You? You can barely even walk."
The wolf prince glared back. "Yeah, whatever. I about kicked your ass the other day, and I'm pretty much back to my old strength."
"Oh, yeah, I'm sure you'll be a big help," the hanyou replied, with a roll of his eyes.
"Inuyasha," Kaede scolded. "Do not turn down aid when it is offered. Kouga will probably be of great help to ye on your journey. I can feel it... the two of ye need each other."
Inuyasha folded his arm and closed his eyes with finality. "Fine. But if wimpy wolf here slows me down, I'll leave him in the dust."
Kouga glanced sidelong at him, mildly surprised that the hanyou had agreed without too much argument. He was about to comment further when Inuyasha continued. "We'll leave first thing in the morning. I guess we'll want to bring some food and stuff, right?"
As Inuyasha and the old miko discussed the travel plans, Kouga eyed the young half-demon suspiciously. He still felt as though something wasn't quitght,ght, though he couldn't put his finger on it.
nternter>****
In the darkest part of the night, a few scant hours before dawn, even the moon had hidden its face in preparation for the new light of the sun. Barely visible in the blackness, a shadowy figure stole out of a hut, disturbing the light film of dew that had collected on the stoop. Inuyasha glanced around furtively, shifting the pack of food and supplies on his back. He sniffed the air quietly, grimacing when he couldn't distinguish much from the myriad of scents produced by the village and its people. Absently, he touched the small pouch that hung from a leather strand around his neck, feeling the small, round weight inside. Somehow, it felt much heavier than it should. Squaring his shoulders, Inuyasha started forward. He had barely taken two steps when a low voice from behind startled him. "Going somewhere, mutt-face?"
Whirling around, Inuyasha grimaced as he saw Kouga leaning casually against the side of the house. "Wha..? Well... I ... uh... I just..."
"Thought you could sneak off without me, huh?" Kouga pushed off from the wall and sauntered up to the hanyou, smirking. "I'm not about to be left behind."
Inuyasha opened and closed his mouth several times before turning away with a growl. "Fine! See if you can keep up, then." He started walking at a brisk pace, not looking back to see if he was followed.
Kouga easily caught up, and matched the other stride-for-stride as they left the small village. "Don't feel liku hau have to slow down for me, mutt," he said with a grin. "If anything, you should be worried about keeping up with me."
"Oh, really?" Inuyasha quickened his steps, moving to a light jog. "We'll just see about that..."
The wolf youkai met the challenge with ease, increasing the pace to a slow run as he passed the other. With an annoyed huff, Inuyasha responded by running past the wolf again, an expression of concentration on his face.
As the first rays of sunlight burst over the trees, they found the two young men deep in their undeclared race, each utterly intent upon winning. Both had prosed sed to an all-out sprint: Inuyasha with his arms stretched to the side, his wide sleeves billowing behind him, and Kouga with his arms pumping steadily, his ponytail bouncing and swaying in time with his steps.

Kouga took a deep breath, savoring the sweet taste of the morning air. The short grass in the hills was cool and soft under his feet, and the fresh dew splashed up with every step he took, lightly misting his legs. The sunlight refracted off the wet grass and flowers, making each blade and blossom seem as though it were encrusted in precious gems. The wolf felt a nearly-buried emotion swell within him, and it took him a moment to recognize it for what it was: Joy. It had been so long since he'd felt truly happy, that it was odd to have such a feeling brought on by something as simple as running through a meadow at daybreak. There was a small amount of pain from his back, but he was able to push it to one side, and just... enjoy. He'd almost forgotten how much he loved the freedom and bliss of merely running. He felt as though his feet were barely skimming the earth, as if he could kick off once, hard enough, and go flying off the edge of the world.

He wondered if Inuyasha felt it too.
Lookiver,ver, he saw that the hanyou wore the same exsionsion of awe and happiness that he was sure showed on his own face. Kouga felt an almost-painful tug at his heart. The loneliness that he'd been feeling for the past few months began to fade, eased by the companionship of a kindred soul.
In just those few seconds of glancing at Inuyasha, though, Kouga failed to notice thle ile in the ground at the crest of a hill. His foot went directly into the crevasse, twisting his ankle and knee and lurching him violently to one side. Arms flailing, he struggled to regain his balance, and grabbed the closest thing to him: ashaasha's arm. Caught off guard, the hanyou stumbled as Kouga fell forward. Neither could recover their footing, and soon the two were tumbling down the far side of the hill in a blur of silver, red, and brown.

Eventually, they came to a halt at the base of the hill: Kouga flat on his back, Inuyasha sprawled atop him like a squashed bug. The two lay stunned for a moment, then the hanyou pushed himself up on his elbows, looking down with a hint of concern. "Oi! What was that?" Kouga's only response was a lazy blink at the sky. "Hey, wolf!" Inuyasha shook him, not too roughly. "You... okay?"
Kouga's eyes finally focused on Inuyasha's. "Yeah, I'm fine." A slow grin crinkled his face. "In fact, I'm just great." Unexpectedly, he threw back his head and laughed.
Confused, Inuyasha shoved off him and sat back, staring. Kouga continued to laugh, holding his sides. The half-demon boy felt a smile creep uncontrollably onto his face, and soon he was chuckling as well. Kouga's laugh was infectious, and before long, both men were rolling on the cool grass, laughing hysterically.
Eventually, Kouga sat up, wiping his eyes. "S-sorry," he gasped. "Didn't mean to�ha�make you fall."
Inuyasha snickered. "Damn clumsy wolf," he said with a smirk. "You're lucky you didn't knock yourself out. Though�heh�your head's probably too hard for that anyway." He chuckled again, then his expression turned serious. "You're not hurt, though, right?"
Kouga shook his head, rubbing his back with a slight grimace. "Nah, not really. I'll be okay."
The hanyou looked at him skeptically. "I doubt it." Reaching out, he pushed sharply on his shoulder. "Lay down," he ordered.
"What?"
"Just do it, moron!"
"No way!" Kouga scramble his his feet, wincing as a familiar, sharp pain spiked through the old wound site on his back. Inuyasha didn't miss the expression, and stood beside him quickly.
"You're not okay."
"I'm fine!" Kouga turned away. "Let's get going." He took a couple steps forward, then stumbled a bitthe the annoying numbness spread down his legs once again. He cursed under his breath, clenching his fists. Dammit, I'm a full-blood demon... why the hell aren't I healed yet?
"Quit being so damn stubborn!" the hanyou shoved Kouga again, causing him to lose his balance and fall to his knees. "This is for your own good, idiot."
"What are you... hey!!" Kouga's protest was cut off as Inuyasha pushed him face-down onto the ground, straddling his legs. "Get the hell off me!"
Ignoring the wolf's objections, Inuyasha pinned his arms to his sides, holding him immobile. "It's your back, right? Where Naraku...?"
Kouga squirmed underneath him futilely for a moment."Yeah. But you can't do anything about it, so just go away, ok?" He ceased his struggles with an annoyed huff. "It'll get better in awhile."
Inuyasha hesitantly released his wrists, waiting to make sure the wolf wouldn't try to escape n. n. "Just lay still and shut up," he growled, his hands coming to rest on Kouga's back, just above the waistband of his fur pelt. "And if you ever mention this to anyone, I swear I'll fucking kill you."
Although his words were harsh, Inuyasha was unexpectedly gentle as he began to rub Kouga's back. His hands were strong and soothing, working out the knotted muscles through the leather armor worn by the wolf. Kouga gasped softly as the tension began to ease out of him, enjoying the attention in spite of his surprise. Shifting his position slightly, he rested his head on his forearms with a sigh. Slowly, he began to relax, the combination of warming sunlight and firm massage causing his eyelids to droop. Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he forced his eyes open, looking back over his shoulder. "Hey, you're not just doing this to make me fall asleep so you can leave me here, are ya? �Cause it won't work... I'd track you down anyway."
Inuyasha snorted derisively. "I wouldn't do this for something so stupid." His kneading fingers found a particularly sore spot, and Kouga couldn't stop the faint moan that slipped past his lips as he dropped his head back onto his arms. After a few moments, Inuyasha spoke again. "Besides, I'm just doing this so you can go back without getting yourself killed."
Kouga sighed, annoyed. "Would you stop saying that? I'm not leaving, so just get used to it."
"Hnn." Inuyasha grunted, his fingers continuing to press firmly into the wolf's back. He worked at the knots silently for another few moments, then stood up. "There. You'd better appreciate it."
Kouga sat up slowly, twisting to the left and right to further loosen the muscles. He didn't want to admit it, but he felt better than he had in weeks. Standing up, he breathed a soft sigh of relief that the pain was greatly diminished. "Let's go."
"You're not going with me."
Kouga folded his arms across his chest. "Listen, you stupid mutt. You don't even know the way to Mount Fu'un, and even if you did, I'm not gonna be left behind here. Face it, you need me." And I've got nowhere else to go, he added silently, staring deeply into Inuyasha's golden eyes, hoping the hanyou understood. I don't want to be alone right now, and I don't think you do either.
Inuyasha met his gaze steadily for a long moment, seeking... something in his eyes. Finally he turned away with an annoyed grunt. "Fine, then. Do what you want. But if you hold me back, I'm leaving you behind."
To Be Continued...
- 4
- 5
- 6
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Solace