InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Cerulean Skies ❯ Changes ( Chapter 16 )

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Chapter 16

 

Changes

 

 

 

 

In front of the mouth of the den, Ayame confronted her challenger, sizing her up. The woman wasn't weak, but she was ragged, as was her pack. The pack stood behind their leader listless, bedraggled, injured and scarred. Defeat shone in their eyes. The leader was taller than Ayame and had blond hair, sharp features and steely gray eyes. Though determination was etched on the woman's face, that same defeat hid behind her eyes.

 

`She may be taller and a strong demon, but she is no match for me. She knows this. Why does she challenge me?' Ayame thought, baffled by the actions of such a small pack. She shrugged her shoulders and took the final steps to answer the challenge.

 

“If I am to fight you, at least give me your name,” Ayame requested politely.

 

“Kanai,” said the woman responded, not waiting to tackle Ayame.

 

It was easy for Ayame to sidestep Kanai's action as she was younger, healthier and faster than the other woman. Kanai stopped short and the two faced each other again. Ayame did not want to fight her. The battle had been won before it had begun and, as far as Ayame was concerned, it was a waste of time and energy.

 

“Why do you challenge me when you know that you will not win?” asked Ayame as the two circled each other.

 

Without giving an answer, the woman rushed her, jumping for a roundhouse kick. Again, Ayame dodged with little effort.

 

And that was how Kouga and Sesshoumaru found them.

 

“Looks like a challenge,” whispered Kouga from his position, crouching behind a tree.

 

“So it does. Let us observe, my wolf.”

 

And so they watched undetected from the trees of the wood.

 

“I do not want to hurt you, Kanai.”

 

“Why not? It is the way.”

 

“You still haven't answered my question.”

 

“My pack needs a home, a safe place where they will no longer be hunted. I will win one for them. I can smell that you have not yet mated your prince. I will.”

 

“Don't even go there, Kanai. I will kick your ass just for the fun of it!”

 

Ayame would have shaken her head, but Kanai rushed her again. That was a mistake on Kanai's part. Ayame was getting annoyed at Kanai's assertions. She foot swept her challenger.

 

Kanai rolled and quickly recovered into a squatting position. She couldn't help but notice something peculiar. Behind Ayame, her pack was being treated and fed by Kouga's pack. She quickly refocused her attention on Ayame who had yet to attack her.

 

“Why is your pack treating my wolves, Lupa?” There was no small amount of venom in Kanai's voice as suspicion reared its ugly head.

 

“It is our way, Kanai. You need help. Your pack needs help.”

 

Kanai didn't move, staying in her squatting position, studying this strange lupa.

 

“Ah! You are trying to steal them from me!” exclaimed Kanai in disbelief, charging again and this time taking a surprised Ayame to the ground.

 

Ayame felt claws digging into her left side raking through the skin. But she didn't flinch. She rolled to subdue her challenger. Straddling the older woman's hips and pinning her hands above her head, Ayame tried to reason with Kanai.

 

“Don't make me hurt you. I am not stealing your pack. You are welcome to stay. We can protect you.”

 

“Ha! Why should I believe you?”

 

“I do not need you or your wolves, do I? What can you offer me but more mouths to feed? Think about it, Kanai,” growled Ayame, beginning to lose her patience. Ayame decided not to mention her pack's numbers had diminished greatly due to the attacks of the paradise bird youkai.

 

Kanai stopped struggling. “You would take us in? Protect us?”

 

“Yes. But the final decision would rest with Kouga. Do you accept my offer?”

 

“What do you require as payment?”

 

Ayame sighed in frustration at the thickheaded woman. “Nothing other than engaging in our regular activities. If any of your people are warriors, they may be asked to join in protecting the borders…after they've healed of course. Others may be asked to hunt or take care of pups. Is that asking too much?”

 

Kanai studied Ayame, trying to find any reason to refuse.

 

“I do not smell a lie,” said Kanai, letting out a long breath she hadn't even realized she'd been holding. No one would have offered her pack refuge in any form. This was novel.

 

“Good. It's settled then.” Ayame stood and offered her hand, not noticing the blood pouring from the gashes in her side. There was a small hesitation before Kanai took Ayame's offer. “I'll show you around after you've been fed and rested.”

 

Kanai nodded, unsure if this was all real. If Ayame was telling the truth, her pack would finally be safe. Maybe. Kouga had yet to agree. Males were always such arrogant pricks that she was tempted not to get her hopes up.

 

“You are bleeding, lupa,” said Kanai, motioning toward Ayame's left side.

 

Ayame looked down. “So I am. I will look after my wounds soon enough.” She stared up at Kanai, wondering at the concern of her former challenger. Perhaps Kanai would be an asset and not a trouble maker.

 

 

~*~

 

 

When the challenger slashed Ayame, Sesshoumaru had to restrain Kouga from rushing to her defense.

 

“Let her finish, my wolf. It is her battle to win.”

 

“Fuck you, Sesshoumaru! She needs my help,” Kouga exclaimed as he struggled against Sesshoumaru's grip.

 

Kouga thought he saw slight amusement on Sesshoumaru's expression. `What the hell does he think is so funny!?'

 

“Did you not believe she was strong enough to be lupa? This is an excellent opportunity for Ayame to prove her dominance. Do not interfere,” admonished Sesshoumaru. “Perhaps the challenger will win and you will not be forced to mate with your lupa. Would that be more to your liking?”

 

“You know as well as I do that I would have to mate with the winner. I don't even know this woman. What the fuck is your problem?” Kouga was becoming very impatient now. Sesshoumaru seemed to be goading him.

 

“I am simply attempting to enlighten you to the benefits of our current state of affairs,” stated Sesshoumaru in that unreadable expression that was so hard to decipher.

 

“Fine,” Kouga huffed, ceasing his struggling. “But if Ayame gets killed, I'll kick your fluffy ass.”

 

“You care for her so much?” growled Sesshoumaru while narrowing his eyes at Kouga.

 

It was one thing to abide by the political rules and to properly fulfill the role and responsibilities of alpha. However, Sesshoumaru had no desire for Kouga to maintain a close relationship with Ayame. That was an altogether different matter. Of course, the two needed to have an amicable relationship in order to prevent division among the pack. However, a deeper connection was unnecessary and would not be allowed. Kouga was his mate, no one else's.

 

“It's not that,” Kouga stammered, unsure that he wasn't beginning to dig himself into a hole.

 

“Then what is it, my wolf?” Sesshoumaru asked his voice deepening to a near snarl.

 

“She's pack and I protect my wolves,” Kouga stated, drawing up his shoulders and crossing his arms in front of his chest in his best attempt to salvage the situation.

 

“Ah,” said Sesshoumaru as though he'd only just thought of the possibility.

 

Kouga turned to watch the rest of the fight, not seeing the small smirk play across Sesshoumaru's face.

 

“Looks like its over,” Kouga commented.

 

Sesshoumaru watched as Ayame led Kanai toward the cave. “We will see to your lupa now.”

 

Kouga left in a whirlwind, leaving Sesshoumaru to casually stroll in contemplation.

 

`Perhaps he is finally seeing Ayame as more than a thorn in his side. Her little display seems to have had a desirable affect. Good. Very good. But, he is becoming attached in more than a leader's capacity,' he thought, narrowing his eyes once again, his doubts having not been completely assuaged.

 

By the time Kouga arrived at Ayame's side, Kanai had been led away by one of the other females of the pack.

 

“You're hurt,” Kouga said from behind with, a small amount of concern in his voice.

 

Ayame spun around, eyes wide and shoulders tense. “Don't come up on me like that! It might be dangerous for you!” Ayame exclaimed.

 

“Yeah, like you could hurt me,” Kouga smirked. “Let me see.” Kouga stepped in front of her furrowing his brow at the blood stained bodice.

 

“I can take care of myself, thank you very much!” she protested, glaring and remembering that she was just a political slab of meat. “I'll transform in my chambers and put on something clean.”

 

“I'll go with you,” said Kouga, surprised at his own words.

 

“Forget it, Kouga. I'm not in the mood for any of your games,” spat Ayame. The stress of deciding a course of action with the Kanai pack and the tang of bitterness over her position in the pack did nothing for Ayame's mood.

 

“I've played yours,” growled Kouga.

 

“What's that supposed to mean?” Ayame asked with incredulity.

 

“I believe our wolf is speaking of your bid to be lupa,” said Sesshoumaru as he strolled up to the two.

 

“Well, you've slacked off in your responsibilities,” hissed Ayame.

 

Sesshoumaru slightly tilted his head to the side and sniffed.

 

“Leave her be, Kouga. Come,” said Sesshoumaru, turning away, fully expecting Kouga to obey him.

 

`Damn dog. I'm starting to feel like he thinks he owns me.' Nevertheless, Kouga followed Sesshoumaru down the hill away from his pack. They both sat against the trunk of a large tree.

 

“She is not fertile at this time,” Sesshoumaru finally stated.

 

“So. What's that got to do with anything?” Kouga scowled.

 

“You could bed her and there would be no pups.”

 

Kouga sighed. “Sesshoumaru, it just doesn't seem right. I mean, I don't love her.”

 

“You do not need to be in love with a person to have sex with one. Just fuck her.”

 

“Sesshoumaru!” exclaimed Kouga as he jumped up and turned toward Sesshoumaru. “That was…cold.”

 

“By your own laws, it must be done…or is there another reason you are fighting it this time?” Sesshoumaru's voice was low, soft, but pregnant with suspicion as he slowly stood. `Is he developing affection for her? Could she come between us?' he pondered.

 

“You saw her! She's strong, loyal, and even if I was a bastard to her, she's not half bad. It wouldn't be fair to her.”

 

“It is what she has asked for, what she fought for, is it not?” Now, Sesshoumaru seemed to be losing his patience. Kouga was honor bound to comply with his agreement with Ayame and the pack.

 

“Yes, but…”

 

“What is stopping you from taking her now? Have you suddenly developed a conscience toward her?” Golden eyes bore through Kouga's skull.

 

“Well…sort of,” mumbled Kouga, staring really hard at a clump of grass as if he were willing it to rise up and walk on legs. “We've been such assholes and look what she did? She protected the pack. She could've just given my pack over, but she didn't. After everything, she protected us. My pack,” Kouga declared, thumping his chest with his fist.

 

“I have done nothing to offend your lupa, have not been an asshole, as you would put it. You have suddenly grown soft toward her. I said to bed her, not love her.”

 

Kouga gasped. “I told you, I'm not in love with her! What's gotten into you?”

 

“I watched you with her. Do not lie to yourself and do not think that I will not punish you if you develop more than…a partnership with her. You are mine.”

 

“You know, you are confusing and you really piss me off. First you're shoving me at her and now you're warning me not to have any feelings for her. You think I can just fuck anyone? I don't operate like that. And, I know I'm yours. You don't have to remind me. I don't want to be with anyone else. Gods! You piss me off. Punish me? You think you can punish me!? You wanna fight? Come on, let's do it.”

 

Kouga puffed his chest out, his hands clenched at this side and growled. `Damn dog. What's his problem? I need to bring his arrogant snobby-ass attitude down a notch.'

 

Sesshoumaru stood watching Kouga wind himself up. He could feel Kouga's youkai slapping out at him, but he didn't retaliate. `Perhaps I have let my jealousy rule yet again.'

 

“It was not my intent to anger you, Kouga, merely to establish what must be done and what must be avoided,” Sesshoumaru sighed.

 

“You think I'm stupid!? You think you can tell me what to do just because we're mates?” Kouga continued winding himself tighter and tighter.

 

“I would not have taken an idiot as a mate. Of course you do not lack intelligence. I was merely reminding you.”

 

“You must think I'm stupid if you think you need to remind me of my responsibilities!” Kouga spat. `Haven't we had this argument before?'

 

Sesshoumaru became silent as the breeze lifted his long silver mane and tossed it about.

 

`He is too angry to reason logically,' thought Sesshoumaru, ignoring the fact that all he had to do was apologize for being a jealous prick.

 

“I do not wish to fight you, Kouga. But I will leave and allow you the opportunity to rein in your anger.”

 

Sesshoumaru stepped forward. Kouga took a step back. Another step forward, another step back. Suddenly, mokomoko-sama whipped out and held Kouga in place as Sesshoumaru planted himself directly in front of Kouga. Angry cerulean blue eyes warred with blazing gold. Kouga turned his face aside as Sesshoumaru attempted a farewell kiss.

 

“Very well, my wolf. I will return,” sighed Sesshoumaru, releasing his grip then disappearing in a flash of light. Damn it. Why was his jealousy so difficult to control!?

 

“Fucking sonofabitch!” Kouga growled. `He keeps acting like he has to tell me what to do, like I'm a kid or something. I am a fucking prince, a pack leader, alpha male. He wants me to bed Ayame!? Well, I'll bed her! Let's see how he likes that. Stupid dog. But if he thinks that I can do it without having any feelings for her, the bastard has another thing coming!”

 

With that thought in mind, Kouga stomped his way toward the den.

 

 

~*~

 

 

Sesshoumaru followed Rin's and Jakken's scent. He could hear their conversation well before reaching them.

 

“It's true, Rin. You should run away. He's only keeping you to wait until you're big enough to feed to those wolves,” croaked the yellow bug-eyed toad.

 

“That's not true. Sesshoumaru-sama would never hurt me,” huffed the little girl.

 

`Damn, this is going to be harder than I thought. If she would just run away, Lord Sesshoumaru might think twice about mating that disgusting wolf. He would do anything for her,' thought the green toad. Being second to Rin in Sesshoumaru's esteem was more than the toad was willing to accept.

 

“But he's with them right now instead of here with you. He's been gone for a long time. He doesn't care about you. He only cares about the wolves. Believe me, human. You are just food.”

 

“No! I will not listen to you anymore!” Rin put her hands over her ears, rolled her eyes up to stare at the sky, and began singing loudly.

 

A stone slapped Jakken in the head, bringing his attention to his master.

 

“Lord Sesshoumaru! You have returned!” squeaked the toad while dropping to grovel as Sesshoumaru's feet.

 

“Come, Jakken,” growled Sesshoumaru, showing plenty of fang as his lips thinned in anger.

 

Rin sat with her back to them, lost in her efforts to drown out Jakken's annoying irascible voice while Sesshoumaru led the treacherous toad into the dense forest.

 

“You have disappointed me, Jakken,” snarled Sesshoumaru as he glared at the toad prostrating itself before him. “I should kill you, but I will not lie to Rin and I do not believe she would appreciate me killing you, miserable as you are. Therefore, you shall leave us and if I ever see you, I will kill you. Know this; you will beg for death long before the killing blow. Go.”

 

“But, me lord…”

 

“I am losing my patience!” Red eyes glared down at the little monster as it scampered away into the shadows of the forest. Sesshoumaru fought the urge to follow the little beast and rip its head from its body. Dispelling his anger, he shivered like a bird settling its wings, took a cleansing breath, then headed back to Rin.

 

`But for Rin, I'd have his head. He could still attempt to interfere. I must be watchful.'

 

Sesshoumaru walked in front of the singing girl, blocking her view of the white puffy clouds. Her eyes lit up as she jumped to her feet.

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama!” she squealed, grabbing him around the legs.

 

“I trust you have behaved yourself, Rin,” said Sesshoumaru, giving her his characteristic blank expression. But she could see; she could always see that he was pleased to be with her.

 

“Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama. But Jakken was bad. He lied. He said you were going to feed me to the wolves. Bad Jakken. Very, very bad.” Rin shook her head like an adult disapproving of a child's behavior.

 

“Jakken is gone. He will not be lying to you again,” Sesshoumaru reassured her, as he looked down at the girl that had become like a daughter to him, though he would probably deny that fang and claw.

 

“But who will watch over me when you are gone?” The little girl bit her lip at the prospect of being left all alone in a beast-ridden wilderness.

 

That was a sobering question.

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 

Reviewer Recognition

I Lurv You All

 

 

 

MM.ORG

 

Gen 50

Yup, Sess hasn't gotten over his jealousy yet! Twenty three chapters and I doubt he'll ever lose it!

 

Sesshys numba1 gurl

Hehe, “woosh” Glad you liked it. ^_^

 

J0kEr

Ooh, “wait I can't think of anything hotter than that!” Thanks! ^_^

 

Lost sasuke loves Itachi

Thanks for the nice scores! Yes, it is very difficult to keep the personalities of male characters involved in a gay relationship within the parameters of their manga character traits. I'm not entirely certain that it is possible, particularly since we do not see the sensual side of them inside of the manga/anime. At least, not in Inuyasha.

 

 

AFF

 

dai_yaoi_lover

ahanchan

Weaver

jasmine123

Nanami-chan

Eye of Ra

Gyps

cas

kazuki

Atocha

kazhdu

 

 

~*~

 

*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.