InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Cerulean Skies ❯ Courting the Wolf ( Chapter 4 )

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Chapter Four

 

Courting the Wolf

 

 

(Many thanks to my wonderful beta, Kogas Hentai Luver. Please do not forget to read the labeling on this fic so that you do not get any surprises later on down the line. ^_^)

 

 

 

Kouga stood at the entrance to his cave, his den flanked by Hakkaku and Ginta, his second and third in command. Though the mouth of the cave was large, no one would have guessed that inside, it was expansive enough to house a small village. Outside was nothing but a mountain wilderness with clearings here and there. Kouga tipped his head back, breathing in the clean fresh air while gazing at the bright morning sky.

 

“It is nearly time for the hunt,” commented Kouga.

 

Both commanders nodded in agreement.

 

“Call the others,” ordered Kouga.

 

“Wait,” he scowled.

 

A wooden cart drawn by two magnificent white horses appeared over the left horizon. As it came closer, Kouga could see that it was guided by a small toad demon. He watched with curiosity as the cart drew near, eyes narrowing. Whatever cargo the toad carried was covered in a blue tarp.

 

“There could be enemies covered under that tarp. Round up some soldiers Ginta. Hakkaku, I don't recall having negotiated passage with any toads. How did he get through our defenses?”

 

“I…I don't know, Kouga,” stammered Hakkaku, staring into the glaring eyes of his leader.

 

“Find out. I want the names of those that let him pass. Wait until we have finished here.”

 

Ginta quickly obeyed his commander soon bringing six of their finest. Kouga led them into the road some distance from the den.

 

“What business do you have here, toad,” boomed the wolf prince, menacing the small demon.

 

“Humph! You should show more respect to the servant of the great Lord Sesshoumaru. He sends gifts to you and your pack,” retorted the irritable toad. Under his breath, he murmured, “Filthy wolves don't deserve my lord's attentions.”

 

Kouga regarded the small toad with curiosity and no small amount of disgust. After signaling to his men, they surrounded the cart and cautiously removed the tarp. Surprise showed on all their faces. There were five freshly killed wild boars, masterfully woven baskets of fruits and vegetables, and flasks of wine.

 

“Well! Unload it so I can get back to my master,” complained Jakken.

 

Kouga's men looked at him with questioning gazes. Even he was unsure whether or not he should accept such an extravagant gift.

 

`If I accept the gift, I am encouraging him in his pursuit for my favor. If I don't accept it, will he be pissed enough to attack us? Better to err on the side of caution. I wouldn't want my pack to suffer for my unwillingness to placate him,' Kouga thought, knowing that he was trapped by protocol. `It would be unwise not to return the favor. Though, this better not become a habit with him. I would never allow him to hold any sway over our pack. However, this once, I will play along. What could we possibly give him that he doesn't already have?'

 

“Unload the cart,” Kouga ordered. “Ginta, Hakkaku.”

 

“Yes, Kouga,” the pair said in unison.

 

“We need to find an appropriate gift for Sesshoumaru. Any ideas?”

 

If it was one thing his commanders were good at, it was ideas. Their ideas were sometimes a bit odd. Nevertheless, they never failed their leader in their efforts to help. Hakkaku and Ginta glanced at each other then frowned as they slipped into deep thought. It was a comical sight. A nearly bald Hakkaku with a white mohawk and pale features, and a gray haired Ginta with a ball of black hair in the center of his hairline, both studiously considering Kouga's dilemma. They may have looked the part of airheads with their wild hair and lithe builds, and often exaggerated behavior, but looks could be deceiving.

 

All the while that the three wolves contemplated their response to Sesshoumaru's gift, the toad stood grumbling under his breath, obviously in a hurry to move on.

 

Hakkaku was the first to speak up. “You know that red bear we skinned and ate? We could send him the fur rug.”

 

“Yeah,” nodded Ginta in agreement. “He killed it. It would be kinda personal, ya know?”

 

Kouga stared at the ground. `It has been in my chamber and will have my scent all over it. Sesshoumaru might get the wrong idea, but I can think of nothing better or more respectful of his position. I don't want to give it up though. It reminds me of him. I mean…of him saving me. Yeah, like a trophy. He killed it. He should have it.'

 

Sure. Think that if it makes you feel better, Kouga.

 

“Roll it up, bind it with leather straps and throw it in the cart. Cover it with the tarps Sesshoumaru used,” commanded Kouga with the surety of one who has authority.

 

Kouga marched back into the cave amidst the hustle and bustle of his people who were in a hurry to cook the beasts before they spoiled. No one dared look him in the eye. It was more than obvious that he was in a foul mood. Hakkaku and Ginta gave each other a knowing glance and silently with much care followed Kouga into the torch lit recesses of the den. They knew Kouga too well. He needed them, whether it for sounding boards or for targets to vent his anger.

 

Such devoted and loyal friends were hard to find.

 

“I can't believe him; putting me in a position to where I have to recognize him,” grumbled Kouga at the bare walls as he plopped down on thick layers of fur.

 

Hakkaku and Ginta quietly enter Kouga's chambers then looked to each other for a means of approach.

 

“Uh…Kouga? What's up with you and Sesshoumaru?” Ginta finally asked hoping it was a tactful beginning to the conversation that would calm his leader.

 

“Yeah. Are you guys planning some kinda treaty or somethin'?” added Hakkaku.

 

“I don't know what he's up to,” growled Kouga, although, he wasn't sure he didn't have a pretty good idea. “But, I don't like it one bit.”

 

Kouga glowered at the floor while the two commanders racked their brains to figure out what to say next. They jumped when he suddenly stood and began pacing, remembering the feel of the run, Sesshoumaru's power meeting his. It was exhilarating to say the least. The kiss! His cheeks began to pink.

 

“Leave me,” he ordered his commanders none too gently, glaring at them.

 

“You don't have to take it out on us!” exclaimed Hakkaku with eyes wide and mouth gaping.

 

“Yeah, Kouga. We're just trying to help,” Ginta huffed.

 

Kouga sighed. They were right. It wasn't their fault that Sesshoumaru's behavior was grating on his nerves.

 

“Sorry guys. I just want to be alone right now,” Kouga sighed.

 

“Well, why didn't you just say so?” said Hakkaku, heading out the entrance. Ginta glanced back as if to say something then just shrugged his shoulders.

 

Kouga shook his head watching his men leave. They really were trying to help. But this was too private.

 

`I've got to do something,' thought Kouga as he stretched out on the silky furs. `He'll interfere with me and Kagome. But still…'

 

Kouga pressed his fingers to his lips, remembering the feel of Sesshoumaru's velvety lips pressed against his, remembering the thudding of his own heart.

 

`Not possible. I'm committed to Kagome and that stubborn dog knows it.'

 

Already, there was beginning to be less doubt as to Sesshoumaru's intentions.

 

`What do I have that he could possibly want? My territory? Is there something here that I haven't noticed as valuable? My shards? Could he use them to get Tetsusaiga? Is that what he wants?'

 

Kouga scowled at the possibility of Sesshoumaru attempting to get close enough to simply use him.

 

`I am strong and no one can resist me, but Sesshoumaru doesn't need anyone, has never been interested in companionship. The cold-blooded sonofabitch must be after something.'

 

 

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Sesshoumaru observed from a safe distance. Kouga stood tall and strong in front of his den, his dark hair tied up in a ponytail swaying in the breeze. He wondered what it would feel like to run his long clawed fingers along that bronze skin, feeling the corded muscles beneath.

 

`Would he tremble with desire at my touch? Would he moan if I pulled back that long black hair, bared my fangs to his neck, and scraped them along that delicate skin?'

 

He imagined their bodies pressed together, the eyes of the wolf prince misted over and half closed, skin flushed at the touch of his lips, and his tongue sliding over Kouga's body.

 

`I must be patient, too tempting to show myself if I remain here any longer.'

 

Sesshoumaru drifted away above the treetops not having seen the gift he was to receive. The human child that had taken to following him waited with his two-headed dragon, Ah Uhn. Jakken would return soon and they could journey back to the castle.

 

`I've been away longer than is customary and I must see to it that all is in its place.'

 

Being that the girl, Rin, and his dragon were not far, it did not take Sesshoumaru long to reach them. Though none could have guessed, he did hold a protective stance regarding her. She was the first to garner his affections. Before that time, he hadn't realized that they actually existed inside his unfeeling heart. Tensaiga, his heirloom sword inherited from his father was the perpetrator of these newfound emotions and he wasn't exactly certain how he should view that particular event, considering his determination to conquer all of Japan.

 

“Have you fared well, Rin,” asked the assassin with a hint of uncharacteristic tenderness.

 

“Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama,” chirped the black-haired girl, gazing up at him with dark yet sparkling eyes. “Ah Uhn watched over me while I found food! And look! I picked some flowers for you too! See!?”

 

Rin held up a small handful of flowers. Not quite knowing how to react, Sesshoumaru simply didn't. He just stood their staring at the Rin and her gift. The girl was a very perceptive child and knew that though Sesshoumaru was pleased, he would never admit it to himself, much less anyone else.

 

“Here, Sesshoumaru-sama,” she smiled running up to him, carefully taking his large clawed hand and placing the flowers in them.

 

Since Sesshoumaru continued to stare at her, she pressed his fingers closed around the tender stems then let go of his hand still smiling up into his face. He did not allow the flowers to fall when her hand slipped away. Definitely a step up in their relationship as far as Rin was concerned.

 

“Will Jakken be back soon?” she asked.

 

“Yes, Rin,” answered Sesshoumaru turning his face to the sky.

 

“Goody. I'll have someone to play with!” she exclaimed, skipping off to find some token gift for her unwilling playmate.

 

Sesshoumaru glanced down at the flowers in his hand slightly tilting his head. `Humans, such strange creatures.'

 

Rin gazed at the one that had returned life to her body after wolves had taken it. She wondered if she could help him with whatever it was that made his thoughts drift so much more lately. One thing that puzzled her was his sudden interest in a pack of wolves, the same pack that had taken her life. She had never forgotten the wolf demon that had given his pack permission to feed on the people of her village. Despite the fact that the villagers had mistreated her for taking fish when she had been trying to help Sesshoumaru after a battle with Inuyasha, they still hadn't deserved to die.

 

How should she feel about it? This new obsession seemed to have taken precedence over Sesshoumaru's desire to wrestle Tetsusaiga from Inuyasha. Of course, he had never allowed her to witness any of the battles with his half brother. Only Jakken's loose tongue kept her informed. Otherwise, she would know very little about Sesshoumaru's activities.

 

While Rin was contemplating Sesshoumaru's current condition, Sesshoumaru had smelled Jakken's approach even before the sound of wheels grating along the unleveled track reached his ears. There was a slight difference though. The mild scent of Kouga and another that seemed familiar. Once the imp was within hearing range, Sesshoumaru had to smirk.

 

“Uncivilized animals, all of them. Treating me like that. Why, I should have charred their furry hides!”

 

“Jakken, silence!” boomed the baritone voice of Jakken's master. The toad felt a stone ping against his head.

 

“My lord, please accept my apologies!” exclaimed the toad, jumping from the cart and prostrating himself on the ground.

 

“Get up,” Sesshoumaru commanded after stepping on the toad while he made his way to the side of the cart.

 

Flinging aside the tarp, the musky scent of Kouga and the bear hit his nose. The other scent was now clear. Sesshoumaru stared at his gift.

 

Staring at Jakken, he asked, “Why have you brought me this, Jakken?”

 

“It is a gift from Kouga, me lord,” squeaked the toad.

 

The glossy coat of red fur gleamed in the sunlight with hints of orange and brown. Sesshoumaru buried his hand in the deep strands of hair. Taking his hand away, he lifted it to his nose breathing deep. Kouga's scent clung to his skin. He smiled while using a claw to rip the leather straps that bound up the rug. With only his one hand, he was able to flick the heavy coat outward to settle over the cart. Its massive size brought the covering over the wheels nearly to the ground.

 

“Rin, come,” he commanded looking to the girl.

 

Without hesitation Rin ran to him only to be scooped up and sat down inside the cart. Sesshoumaru floated up over the side and nestled down next to Rin rubbing his hand over the gift that Kouga had sent.

 

“Jakken, take us home,” ordered the great lord.

 

“This is a disgrace, my master riding in the back of an old cart,” mumbled the toad under his breath.

 

“Silence, Jakken. You forget your place.”

 

“Yes, master!” The toad scampered up into the seat of the cart taking the reins. `That damn wolf is having a bad effect on Lord Sesshoumaru. He would never have debased himself like this. I might just have to do something about it!' With that thought stuck in his head, the old toad began plotting.

 

Once again, Sesshoumaru lifted his hand to his face. This time he rubbed Kouga's scent on his cheeks, his chin, everywhere, even his neck. He bathed in it while Rin watched with curiosity then mirrored his actions. Sesshoumaru turned his gaze to the sky taking a deep breathe. Then he smelled it. Fear radiated from Rin as she looked at the hand she had been using to emulate him. He eyed her curiously.

 

“What is wrong, Rin?” he asked with uncharacteristic tenderness.

 

“It's them. I smell the wolves, the same ones that killed me,” she whimpered then looked up at him with wide eyes brimming with unshed tears.

 

This was a new development, one he had not expected.

 

`How could I not have recognized this?' He narrowed his eyes at the thought of anyone harming his human ward, not even realizing the connection he had developed with her. `Perhaps I let my desire override my sensibilities.'

 

Sesshoumaru frowned seeking a way to remedy the situation. “You will not be harmed, Rin. It is not allowed.”

 

With that said his thoughts turned to approaching Kouga concerning his human ward. He did not even take notice of Rin scooting closer to him and laying her head against his arm. If Sesshoumaru said she was safe then she was safe. There was no doubt in her mind.

 

Sesshoumaru's thoughts concerning the eventual meeting between Rin and Kouga continued to present itself while Rin fell asleep, slowly sliding down into his lap.

 

`Once a month, a meal fit for a king. But, I need to send him a permanent reminder. Something that cannot be consumed. What could a wolf want? This wolf would be happy with Inuyasha's head on a pole.'

 

No matter how hard he tried. He simply could not think of anything Kouga might want outside of the death of his half brother, Inuyasha.

 

That could be arranged.

 

 

 

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Reviewer Recognition

I Lurv You All

 

 

AFF

 

There are so many of you wonderful people and I don't have time for individual responses. It's good to be back. Thanks for all of your reviews and I'll try to update quicker.

 

Pics Pixie

DemonLadySesshoumaru

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Previous Posting Reviewers

ahanchan

Thanks for your regular reviews and I am glad to make you happy

 

Rawben

Yeah, Sessy's going to try and seduce him, but it's not going to be easy! Thanks for the continued reviews!

 

Demitria Miriam

Thanks for the continued reviews. You sooo scared me with that first line of your first review. How could you!? Ah, but it was all good in the end. Thanks

 

Nanaka

LOL Kouga's one biiiiig doggie, the size of a small pony you might say. Glad you liked it and thanks for continuing to review

 

Weaver

I'm glad I can almost get the images into your head. That's one of the things I'm striving for. Thanks for reviewing.

 

AmberRose

Thanks for the compliment and for taking the time to review

 

Kogas Hentai Luver

Hehehe. You better be telling the truth about the goosebumps and shivers or I'll sic Sessy on you! Yep. Thanks for keeping up the reviews, Koi.

 

T

I'm so glad that you don't think Sess is OOC. And your assumption is correct. The fic is NC17 after all. Thanks for reviewing

 

 

Lisn

I'm glad you like the story and my writing style. It is a new one that I am trying. Thanks for the complimentary review

 

 

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*Disclaimer*

 

Inuyasha and all associated characters are owned by Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV, Sunrise, and Viz. I make no profit from this story, nor do I intend to. My only goal is to occupy my demented mind with delusions of actually owning a life-sized, anatomically correct Sesshoumaru.

 

 

 

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