InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Cry Wolf ❯ Story Time ( Chapter 1 )

Cry Wolf

 

An Inu-Yasha Fanfiction

 

By Sanjuno Shori Niko

 

Rating: R

 

Pairing: KouInu; HakGin; SessMiroSan

 

Warnings: AU; YAOI; TWT; alternate ending

 

Disclaimer: Inu-Yasha is not mine. I own the fic and the `Betrothal' plotbunny. Everything else is somebody else's. Do I look Japanese to you?

 

=^-^=

 

AUTHORS NOTES

 

Okay peeps, let's clear a few things up. First off, I apologize if I confused anyone with the pairings in the prelude, what that meant was that both Kouga and Inuyasha have feelings for Kagome, but they end up together. This is a Kouga/Inuyasha fic. After this chappy there is no more Kagome other than the occasional flashback and angst inducing feelings of `how could I betray her memory like that' or whatever.

 

And so on.

 

Enjoy the yaoi-ness minna-san.

 

=^-^=

 

Recap:

 

I can feel my brother faintly in the distance, coming closer. He won't make it. By the time he gets here this battle will have finished one way or the other. I can't fight any longer, too much poison and not enough blood. Not even a full demon could survive the combined injuries and blood loss I've taken. Everything's up to Kagome now…

 

=^-^=

 

Cry Wolf

 

Chapter One: Story Time

 

=^-^=

 

“Oi! Inukuro!”

 

… Kouga? I wonder when he got here. He looks like crap, almost as bad as I do. I didn't even touch the ground before he caught me though, so he must have something left. The scenery is spinning as he carries me over to where Kagome and the kids are. Kouga's pack mates Ginta and Hakkaku are here too, and looking pretty beat up.

 

His arms are warm. It's a funny thing to notice, seeing as I'm dying, but Kouga's really warm. It feels nice; the blood loss was making me cold.

 

Naraku's being held back by Kagome's soul shield for the moment, I suppose that's why Kouga feels safe enough to kneel down. Or it could be because it's hard for him to carry me with a broken arm, but who cares. It's easier to breathe when Kouga sits me on the ground and lets me lean against his shoulder. Shippo and Sota are beside me, they're crying. Stupid brats, I don't know why I bother.

 

“Inuyasha! Are you all right?”

 

“Inuyasha-nii! Say something!”

 

“U-urusai… baka gaki! H-heh! … Looks like… I c-can't e… even d-uhn!-die… in peace! Ha!”

 

“Shit.”

 

Kouga's wrapped my wounds. It's a mystery to me where he got the bandages from, probably the brats. I want to tell him that it's no use, but I suppose it lets me die with all my guts in place. I'm sure he knows that he's as useless as I am, but at least the wolves will get the pups to safety. Shippo and Sota should not have been involved with this.

 

Kagome's still holding the shield, but she turns her head to look at me. Her face is pale and suddenly her soft grey eyes are hard, glittering like twin lightning storms. Kagome snarls at Naraku, I don't think I've ever heard her make a noise like that before, full of pure rage and hatred.

 

Naraku attacks the barrier again and Kagome's head whips around to face our enemy. For the first time since our journey began Kagome is fighting with the intent to kill. Everything is glowing brightly, the light even more intense than when the jewel was shattered. The glow is centred on Kagome, and the jewel shards are gathering in her hands, sinking back into her body.

 

That bastard Naraku looks shocked. He has no idea why his shards suddenly decided to fly away form him. Moron. Kagome carried the jewel in her body for most of her life. It's no surprise she can control it this way. The light's bright enough that it's keeping the grey at the edges of my vision from turning to black. Kouga's shielding me with his body while his two followers are holding Shippo and Sota.

 

It feels nice, being held like this, and I know that the blood loss has affected my brain because there's no way I would want the mangy wolf to hold me otherwise…

 

There's an explosion of intense bright light, and for a moment I think I've finally died, but then I hear Naraku scream. I know with certainty that he's dead now, the light was from one of Kagome's holy arrows, the most powerful one I've ever seen.

 

- `Inuyasha…' -

 

- `Kagome?' -

 

- `Inuyasha… Sota and I have to go now…' -

 

- `What do you mean? Naraku's dead!' -

 

- `Yes… and the quest is over. Sota and I have to return to our own time.' -

 

- `Oh… I see.' -

 

- `Don't worry Inuyasha. We'll see each other again. Come and find me in five hundred years. I'll be

waiting for you.' -

 

- `Kagome… please, don't leave me alone.' -

 

- `You won't be alone, Inuyasha. Take care of Shippo-chan for me.' -

 

- `… I will.' -

 

- `Arigatou… ja matta ne, Inuyasha.' -

 

- `Sayonara, Kagome.' -

 

Everything's gone black.

 

=^-^=

 

As the energy contained within Kagome's holy arrow was released, Naraku's body dissolved. I tried to shield Inuyasha from the wind and flying debris as much as I could. I knew that it was a useless gesture, I had smelt death on him from the moment I carried him away from the tentacle that had opened a new hole in his gut. I don't want to believe it though. Who am I going to fight with if the mutt dies on me?

 

- `Kouga.' -

 

“Kagome?”

 

I can see her standing in the light… no… she is the light. She smiles at me, and in that moment I remember why I fell in love with her. She kneels down and puts her hand on Inuyasha's forehead. The death-scent disappears, though the blood-scent remains. The muscles that were formerly tight from pain relax, and he rests against me limply with a little sigh. Kagome smiles again, combing her fingers through his hair. Then she looks up at me.

 

- `Sota and I have to return to our own time now, Kouga. I want you to take care of Inuyasha for me, because I won't be here to do it myself. -

 

“Whatever you want, love. I don't think Inukuro needs much looking after though.”

 

She giggles and blushes and I almost forget where we are, and what's happened. Almost. I grin through the pain that strikes my heart at the thought of losing her, and unconsciously tighten my hold on Inuyasha.

 

- `He won't say so, but he's terrified of being alone… and he'll need someone, he'll need you, to take care of him as he recovers. I've healed the worst of his wounds, but the poison and weakness will continue to affect him for some time yet. So despite what he may tell you, he'll need help. Also, please watch out for Sango and Miroku for me.' -

 

“What? But they're dead!”

 

- `Not anymore.' -

 

“So you've brought them back to life? What about Inukuro's wish? Are you going to make him a full demon?”

 

- `… He doesn't need me for that. My time is up Kouga. Ja ne.' -

 

“Kagome! Matte!”

 

I go to reach for her but she dissolves into light that floods everything I can see. When it dies down, Inuyasha is sleeping in my arms, and the battlefield is silent. Kagome and Sota are gone, and Shippo has escaped from Ginta and Hakkaku to run towards me. Over on the far side I can see that dead woman, Kikyo, fall apart in a pile of ash and dirt. Sango and Miroku are lying where I saw them fall, glowing slightly. There's a small ball of yellow fur on the demon hunter's shoulder, so I guess Kagome brought Kirara back too.

 

A powerful jyaki (+) alerts me to the arrival of…

 

Sessoumaru-sama? Why would the Western Demon Lord concern himself with our battle? Unless that bastard Naraku did something to piss him off too, there's no reason for a taiyoukai to be here. I wouldn't be surprised if that's the case, though; Naraku seemed to live for annoying people. He's got this little girl in his arms, and she's glowing too. He looks almost disturbed by that, but it's the little toad thing that follows him around who makes the most fuss about it.

 

I gather Inuyasha closer to me, remembering the rumours I've heard about how much Sessoumaru-sama hates ningen and hanyou. I don't know what I can do is this condition to stop a great demon, but I promised my Kagome I'd protect Inuyasha for her. My arm twinges slightly, but there's no pain, so Kagome must have healed it before she left. I wonder if she knew Sessoumaru was headed this way.

 

Shit, I hope Sessoumaru-sama's just here to check out the freaky power signatures from the battle. I'm the only one here that's anywhere close to fighting form, and even on a good day I'd have second thoughts about challenging one of the four Demon Lords.

 

=^-^=

 

Sessoumaru landed An-Un, blinking the bright spots from his vision left behind by the wave of light that had rolled over the chariot.

 

“S-sessoumaru-sama? T-the girl!”

 

“Sessoumaru-sama! Look! Look at Rin!”

 

Jaken was easily ignored; anything of importance that the toad had to say was usually some time in coming. The fact that Rin was glowing softly was an immediate concern. Sessoumaru lifted the girl into his arms, discreetly sniffing the air. Rin scent came to him first, soft and sweet, like flowers and honey candies. Nothing out of the ordinary there, except… for some reason the scent of human decay, of mortality, was fading with the glow under her skin. This was unexpected.

 

Then the riot of battlefield smells flooded his nose, blood and steel, sweat and tears. Death hung heavy on the wind like the settling ash from the burnt village. The old woman he had often seen tending to Inuyasha and his followers was herding the humans into the wreckage, no doubt in an attempt to salvage whatever they were able. He noted that among the crowd of humans only the old priestess was glowing, much as Rin was. The mixed scent of Naraku and his brood, along with his brother's group dominated the field.

 

The demon hunter and the monk were lying nearby, while his brother was in the arms of another demon at the crest of a small hill. All three were unconscious, but alive. The two prone human fighters were glowing much like Rin was. The kitsune pup his brother seemed to have adopted was clutching one red sleeve of Inuyasha's haori as he stared at Sessoumaru with wide aqua eyes.

 

The demon lord stepped down from the chariot and began to walk over to where his brother lay.

 

=^-^=

 

Be brave. I will be brave. Inuyasha needs me! Be brave!

 

Shippo shivered as he watched the cold-hearted taiyoukai draw closer, his small fingers tightening on the torn red fabric of Inuyasha's haori, little claws digging in to secure his grip on the older demon. Inuyasha was the only one able to stand up to Sessoumaru, and with Kagome gone he didn't know if Kouga would be willing to protect them from the frightening lord.

 

Kouga gently placed Inuyasha down on the ground, rising to his feet to stand between Sessoumaru and the still form of the inu-hanyou. Shippo's wide eyes flicked from one demon to the other; there was no telling how this would work out.

 

=^-^=

 

Sessoumaru paused a few meters from the young demon who had placed himself between the demon lord and his younger brother.

 

“Move, wolf.”

 

Kouga simply shook his head.

 

“I would have your word that you will bring no harm to those under my care.”

 

“Who are you to make demands of me? You know who I am.”

 

“I know who you are, Sessoumaru-sama of the West. I am Kouga, Master of the Western Wolf Demon Clan.”

 

Sessoumaru paused, tilting his head as he took another look at the younger demon. This was Inuyasha's betrothed then? His future brother in law was better looking than he had expected of one of the wild wolf demons. Time to test the waters.

 

“Why to you stand in defence of the half-breed?”

 

Kouga bared his teeth, defying the taiyoukai as none but Inuyasha had ever dared before.

 

“I have given my word to keep the idiot alive. I will not go back on my oath.”

 

“I see.”

 

Kouga glared, and Sessoumaru's lips canted in what a generous person may have called a smirk. Finally Sessoumaru broke the silent contest of wills with a lazy motion of his hand.

 

“You have nothing to fear from me Kouga of the Wolf Demon Clan. I have simply come to bring Inuyasha and his band to my home to recover.”

 

Kouga blinked once in confusion.

 

“Your hom-”

 

“You leave Inuyasha alone! I won't let you touch him!”

 

Kouga turned to stare at Shippo in shock. The little kitsune was visibly shaking, while his tail had puffed up to twice it's normal size, but the tiny fangs were bared and a high hissing growl rose from the small throat. Sessoumaru raised a single dark brow and spoke calmly.

 

“There is no reason for you to be concerned. I mean no harm.”

 

“Why should I believe you?!”

 

“Because Sessoumaru-sama has recently come across information that has affected his views towards Inuyasha-sama.”

 

Shippo jerked, growl cutting off abruptly as the insect demon landed in front of him on Inuyasha's sleeve.

 

“Myoga-jiji! Are you saying you trust him?”

 

The old flea folded his four arms and fixed the kit with a stern look.

 

“That I am, as should you. Sessoumaru-sama knows his responsibilities to both family and lands. There is naught to fear from him. Now calm yourself child.”

 

“The old man is correct.”

 

Sessoumaru fixed his cold golden eyes on the young fox.

 

“However it is enough for now to say that I am no threat to you. A battlefield is no place for such explanations. Gather the wounded and come with me, it's best we adjourn to my home. I will explain further once we are away from prying eyes and ears.”

 

The last few sentences were directed at Kouga, who nodded in understanding.

 

“My father trusted yours, so now I'll trust you. I look forward to the explanation you've promised.”

 

“Indeed.”

 

Kouga turned around and knelt by Inuyasha again.

 

“Move kid.”

 

Shippo released his hold on Inuyasha's arm in favour of clinging to Kouga's shoulder as the ookami lifted Inuyasha's limp form into his arms again. The wolf prince turned to Sessoumaru, his entire demeanour speaking `lead on'. Sessoumaru nodded before turning to make his way back to the chariot. Placing the little girl inside he turned to his servant.

 

“Jaken, take Rin back home.”

 

“B-but milord!”

 

Sessoumaru glared at the short toad.

 

“Do it. Tell Kage to inform the healer that she has patients, and have rooms prepared. Go now.”

 

Jaken hesitated then bowed.

 

“As you command Sessoumaru-sama.”

 

As Sessoumaru was giving Jaken his instructions Kouga was calling for Ginta and Hakkaku.

 

“Boys! Grab the Hunter and the Monk! Don't forget the cat thing either.”

 

They exchanged looks before turning back to Kouga.

 

“Are we really going with him Kouga-sama?”

 

“Yeah, we are. Now move it.”

 

“Hai!”

 

Kouga brooded as he watched the younger wolves scamper off to follow his instructions. He didn't really understand why Sessoumaru had shown up, or how Shippo had known the lord, but they were being offered a safe place to stay and it was unlikely that the other demon would harm them. It just wasn't done to attack people that another demon had laid claim too, especially when they had Kouga's standing. Unless Sessoumaru was planning on challenging Kouga, the elder demon was no threat.

 

A sudden scream caught everyone's attention.

 

“Neesan! Neesan!”

 

A brown haired boy flung himself over Sango's body; the chain of his weapon rattling as it hit the ground. Shippo cheered in Kouga's ear, clapping his hands and giggling.

 

“What are you so happy about, cub?”

 

Shippo giggled again.

 

“That's Kohaku, Sango's little brother! He's been under Naraku's control ever since Sango joined up with us.”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“Un! Sango thought he was dead, but it turned out that Naraku was keeping him alive using a Shikon shard and had taken away his memories. I dunno if he's got them all back now but at least he's alive and seems to remember Sango.”

 

“That's good.”

 

Kouga cast a glance at Sessoumaru before he shouted at the others.

 

“Break it up! I'm glad you're alive kid, but we have places to go! Ginta, Hakkaku, get a move on!”

 

“Right!”

 

Hakkaku slung Miroku over his shoulder, tossed Kirara to Kohaku, and trotted back to where Kouga was waiting. Ginta followed on his heels carrying Sango. Kohaku stumbled after them, still crying.

Sessoumaru just snorted and shook his head, a silver mist creeping over his form. The giant dog looked at them and crouched down, barking an command.

 

“Get on my back.”

 

In short order they were being carried away on Sessoumaru's back, the huge paws scattering the clouds. Shippo was wedged in between Kouga and Inuyasha, little hands clenched in the cloth covering the slumbering hanyou's chest. Kouga held Inuyasha to him with one arm, while the other was buried up to his wrist in Sessoumaru's scruff to keep them from falling off.

 

It was hard to tell how much time had passed from when they left the battlefield to their arrival at Sessoumaru's home, but the sun was close to the edge of the horizon. So their arrival was washed red by the flaming sunset.

 

A small squealing blur dashed across the courtyard and attached itself to Sessoumaru's leg.

 

“Sessoumaru-sama's back!”

 

Once his passengers had gotten off Sessoumaru returned to his humanoid form. Lifting Rin into his arm when she tugged on his pants. She giggled and threw her arms around his neck.

 

“Yay! Rin was waiting for Sessoumaru-sama! Rin was told to tell Sessoumaru-sama that everything is ready for guests!"

 

“Very good, Rin. Is the healer here?”

 

“Yes! Rin showed Aya-san to the guest rooms.”

 

“Good.”

 

Sessoumaru gestured to his guests.

 

“Follow me.”

 

Rin wiggled down to the ground, running ahead to open the doors. In a few minutes the demon lord had his slumbering guests ensconced in private bedrooms and left the healer, a small bird-like female demon, tending to them. Hakkaku and Ginta were left to watch over Kohaku, who was being dragged away by Rin to play in the garden.

 

Shippo stayed with Inuyasha as Kouga followed Sessoumaru through the halls to a large, official looking room. Kouga looked around at the scrolls adorning nearly every surface. Sessoumaru walked over to the impressively sized cabinet, rummaging around through the piles of parchment until he withdrew the scroll he was looking for.

 

“This is my records room. Take a seat, we will most likely be in here for a reasonable amount of time.” Seeing no reason not to do so, the ookami sprawled on one of the cushioned seats, leaning his head on his hand and planting his elbow on the low table. Sessoumaru took a seat opposite, placing the scroll to one side. Myoga hopped up onto the table unnoticed. The dog demon was the first to speak.

 

“Tell me, how much do you remember of your sire Genrou's dealings?”

 

Kouga looked thoughtful and shrugged, not really seeing the point but willing to go along with things anyway.

 

“Huh, not much really. I spent most of my time running around with the younger members of the pack until we started warring with the harpies, after that most of our time was taken up by hunting and fighting.”

 

“And before that?”

 

Kouga shifted, sitting upright to face Sessoumaru directly.

 

“Before that I was mostly with the females and other cubs. I don't really remember anything much about the things outside of the pack itself. My father never really talked about it much with me, but there was really nothing much to talk about. We didn't really concern ourselves with anything that didn't affect the pack personally.”

 

Sessoumaru nodded slightly as if that was what he had expected then folded his arms in front of him as he looked at Kouga thoughtfully. Kouga narrowed his eyes at the silent demon lord.

 

“Care to explain why you're so interested?”

 

Sessoumaru looked at the younger demon for a long moment, then gave a short nod and picked up the scroll.

 

“Did you know that your father and mine had a contract?”

 

Kouga blinked, not having expected such a question.

 

“No, I didn't. What was it about?”

 

“Let me tell you a story.”

 

“Huh?”

 

Sessoumaru smirked, handing the scroll to the confused wolf.

 

“My father's first mate, my mother, died in battle soon after I passed my first century. He took his second mate when I was somewhere around two and a half centuries. I was disgusted, because the female he had replaced my mother with was nothing more than a worthless ningen. However, my father claimed to love her, and none would risk his wrath over so trivial a matter. She would fade and die in a few decades at any rate. Then he got her pregnant. The woman I could not tolerate, she was weak and silly, but her son, my half brother, him I could stand. I taught him to fight properly, how to hold a sword and throw a punch or kick. I showed him how to stalk and took him hunting. Always done secretly, in order to maintain appearances. My affections were kept secret, a mystery to all but my most trusted. Unlike my father, who showed his affections openly for the entire world to see and to take advantage of. He went soft over the foolish woman and her child, and died because of his weakness… or so I had always thought.”

 

Sessoumaru pinned Kouga with a hard gold stare, stopping any interruptions before they could start.

 

“After my fathers death the woman and her child lived with the woman's human relatives, but they were targeted by some old enemies of my father. The woman was killed, her hanyou son left to fend for himself. I had taken control of my father's territory and to all accounts ignored my half-brother's existence. To protect my brother from those who searched for my weakness I maintained my distance, even going to far as to publicly forbid mention of my family's `disgrace', as I am known to call it. I have continued this deception until even my own brother believes it true. My enemies ignored him as a worthless option, for there is no reason to believe that a half-breed that I routinely attack and leave near dead could be used against me.”

 

Sessoumaru's eyes unfocused as he stared off towards some distant point beyond Kouga.

 

“Yet now my younger brother is strong enough to present some challenge to me. My hold on my territory is secure and my enemies have for the most part been taken care of. What reason do I have to continue this charade? None. None at all.”

 

The dog demon turned back to his guest, who remained wisely silent.

 

“Then recently while going through my father's records I found a detailed copy of the family bloodline, along with a missive, written by my father to me, containing information that I would need to know should he die without informing me. It turns out that my half-brother is not in fact, partly human. His mother it seems was the result of a dalliance between her mother's mother and a rather powerful kitsune. My father was able to pull his woman's dormant demon blood into precedence during their mating, resulting in a child that was half dog, half fox.”

 

Kouga blinked opening his mouth then closing it, sensing that the reason for this tale is approaching.

 

“Knowing this, and what it meant for my brother, it was with some relief that I found my father had already arranged the matter of a future mate for the boy. Yet I could not rest easy, knowing that I at long last had reason and excuse to bring my baby brother home without lessening the protection of my reputation. I set out at once to track my brother down and take him back. This was somewhat easier than I thought it would be. And so here we are now.”

 

Sessoumaru motioned to the scroll Kouga grasped loosely in one hand.

 

“Read it.”

 

Shrugging Kouga did as the other demon bid, skimming the contents.

 

What the hell?

 

Returning to the beginning Kouga read through the entire contract, noticing the utter lack of loopholes. His father's seal next to that of the deceased Lord of the Western Lands closed it off.

 

Shit.

 

He, Kouga, was engaged to Sessoumaru's younger sibling… his little brother to be precise.

 

Well… damn.

 

“So…”

 

Kouga swallowed thickly, trying to get past the lump in his throat.

 

“So what you're saying is that I have to mate your brother?”

 

“Indeed.”

 

“Why the hell would I agree to that?”

 

Sessoumaru regarded Kouga in faint amusement, noticing similarities between the wolf boy and his younger brother. Especially in temperament, it would be an interesting courtship to be certain.

 

“For one, you father has already agreed for you by proxy. For another, it would mean aligning your clan with the Western house. Finally, if you know anything about the kitsune race and the mythos surrounding them, you know that the children resulting from your union will be very powerful. Taking into consideration that the combination of fox magic, wolf instincts and the power of my fathers bloodline would produce.”

 

“Yeah, well… shit! Can he really bare cubs even though he's male?”

 

“As far as all the kitsune in my employ are concerned, he can.”

 

“Ah, hell.”

 

Kouga sat back rubbing the back of his neck furiously before looking at Sessoumaru again.

 

“How long have I got before your brother finishes his second century?”

 

“He has by now been of age for two and a half years.”

 

Kouga groaned. Sessoumaru watched the younger demon rub his eyes with steadily growing amusement. The taiyoukai had not thought he would enjoy this quite so much.

 

“Wonderful. So tell me, who is your brother? Do I know him?”

 

Sessoumaru raised an eyebrow.

 

“You don't know?”

 

He had thought the wolf would have figured it out by now. The family resemblance was strong in the brothers, for all they both took after their mothers.

 

“Heh.”

 

Kouga looked grim.

 

“I have an idea, but I'm waiting for you to confirm it.”

 

The wolf prince was actually trying to remain in denial for as long as possible. He knew what the answer would be, the scents told him as much, but until it was vocalized Kouga could keep pretending to be mistaken.

 

“Hmm.”

 

Sessoumaru tilted his head to the side, the smirk he had worn for most of the meeting threatening to grow wider. He seemed to have some idea of the path the young wolfs thoughts ha taken.

 

“I had thought you would take this better, seeing as you were so protective of his earlier. Holding him so tightly on the way here.”

 

The inu-youkai listened to the ookami groan again with malicious glee.

 

“My younger brother is Inuyasha.”

 

Kouga let his head slam into the table.

 

- Tsuzuku... -

 

=^-^=

 

END NOTES

 

Be a respectful reader and help keep our cyberspace clean. Reviews go in the blue box. Please help preserve our author's work ethic.

 

It's late, and school sucks. Today we sign off at 12:55 am! I hate not being able to sleep. Damn pushy muses.

 

=^-^=

 

(*-*)

Beta Notes

(+) "jyaki", means a youkai power level or signature.

(Oh, BTW, the symbols are not of exasperation or exhaustion. They are of star-struckedness.)

(P.S. I'm really really sorry for getting that edit to you so late. Don't be mad, please?)

Now why would I be mad at you for something like that? I am far, far worse as you well know. ^___^

(*-*)

 

Finished: 2005-01-18

Revised: 2006-03-01

Betaed: 2005-09-28