Chapter 1:

Katsume was 8 years old, she liked to stay with her parents, but sometimes, she wanted to go off by herself to explore.

Sesshomaru never liked her to go too far from his sights. Rin was constantly in the den, working on clothing for their rapidly aging daughter.

So, Sesshomaru told Kaito to keep an eye on her.

He trusted Kaito the most in this small clan, he was the clan's beta.

Akira and Akito were trustworthy as well, but Sesshomaru noticed that Katsume and Kaito became quick friends, so he knew she would not refuse Kaito's company.

Or so he thought.

"Do you have to keep following me?" Katsume glanced up at Kaito.

Kaito shrugged, "Your dad's orders."

Katsume sighed.

"What? you don't like my company?" Kaito sounded hurt.

"I do, but... Haven't you ever had a time where you wanted to be alone?" Katsume asked.

"Yes, but Katsume, you are easy prey.. Other demons will often hunt the young from a clan, I'm just trying to protect you." Kaito said.

Katsume looked up at him, "Ok. I guess I don't have a choice then."

Kaito smiled sadly, kneeling down to her, "Cheer up Kat, you want to go for a ride?"

Katsume smiled and nodded.

Kaito nodded and phased.

He bent down to allow her to climb onto his back.

As he ran, Katsume sighed at the wind against her face, she really wanted to know what it was like to be a full dog demon, wild and free.

Katsume did not have enough demon in her to transform, she only had claws and extra hearing as her only defense.

Kat laid her head down against Kaito's fur, she really liked him, he was there for her, he was her best friend in this lonely world. With Kaito, it wasn't so lonely.

They stopped at the top of a hill to rest.

Katsume leaned against Kaito's furry form, they watched as the sun set.

She sighed, "Where did the day go?"

Kaito sighed, nuzzling her side.

Her ears twitched when she heard the crunching of leaves behind them.

"You two are travelling a little too far for comfort." Sesshomaru sounded.

Kaito stood quickly, returning to his human form, Katsume standing with him.

"Sorry, Sesshomaru." Kaito said.

"It's getting later, Katsume. It's time to return to the den." Sesshomaru said.

Katsume sighed, "Ok."

The three headed to the den.

Kaito watched as Sesshomaru and Katsume enter the cave.

He left the family to their privacy.

Kaito stood in a clearing of the forest, he didn't know why he felt so close to Katsume. From the moment he met her, he was drawn to her.

He wanted to protect her, and keep her safe from the outside world.

Kaito never felt this way before, he just wanted to fit in, and have a place to be welcome. Now with Katsume, there was more.

He phased, curling up, before finding sleep.