InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Disguised Destiny ❯ Matsuko's Ceremony and the Wolf Clan Mark ( Chapter 10 )

Konnichiwa minna! I'm back with chapter ten of Disguised Destiny. Now, in this chapter not much is going to happen. Oh a couple is going to get together. Actually two couples are finally getting together. Many people are going to discover their weapons and there is going to be some attacking going on! This chapter may be shorter then others probably will be. Now, there is going to be seventeen chapters in the whole story and then I'm going to make the sequel called `Destiny's Truth'. Oh yes, and as many of you probably noticed I have changed my pen name to taijiya-sango88. Well I hope you all enjoy the chapter!

Thank you all for your reviews as well. I'm glad to know I have a few fans. Even if I had only three I would be happy. It's great to know there are people out there who admire my work.

Disclaimer: Do we have to go through this every time? Even though I wish I did, I do NOT own any InuYasha characters! All the credit goes to Rumiko Takahashi! WE LOVE YOU RUMIKO!!

Disguised Destiny

Matsuko's Ceremony and the Wolf Clan Mark

By: taijiya-sango88

"WHAT!?"

Umi and Sashira sweat dropped at the reaction of everyone.

"So, let me get this sorted out because I'm confused," began Yume, "You went out with me, then died, then got revived, then you want me back, and all of a sudden, for some strange reason, are going out with him!?!"

Umi gave Yume a glare, "Is there something wrong with me?"

"Yes! Why would she want you? You are a weak, soft, proper, tea drinking, pretty boy!" shouted out Yume.

Amura, Kairi, and Sashira sat confused while watching the two fight.

"Did you just call me weak, you hanyou!"

"What did you call me?!"

"Boys."

"Well it is true, you are a hanyou!"

"Boys."

"Doesn't mean you have to share it with everyone at the school!"

"Boys."

"I can say whatever I want you stubborn baka!"

"BOYS!"

"What!?" they answered in unison.

"Just how do you two know each other?" asked Sashira.

"We are cousins!" they said in unison again.

"Cousins?" questioned Amura.

"Humph, unfortunately," stated Umi while he crossed his arms.

Yume rolled his eyes, "Thank God we are only half cousins."

"Wait a minute, are you saying that Lord Sesshomaru is half brothers with Lord Inuyasha?" questioned Sashira.

Kairi giggled, "Not only is that surprising, but you went out with both of them!"

Sashira sneered at Kairi, "Better then dating a perverted human."

"Excuse me?" Kairi stated with emphasis on `excuse'.

"Okay let's not start something," said Amura as she stood up and grabbed Kairi's shoulder.

"Yes, let's save the fighting for our real battle, which is when exactly?" questioned Yume as he faced his cousin.

"I have no bloody clue!" he answered.

"Jeez I was just asking, don't have to go ballistic on me!" yelled Yume.

"You're probably anxious to know so you can have time training your weak body," said Umi.

"WHAT!?!" I can take you on anytime!" argued Yume.

"Humph, you wish," replied Umi with a smirk.

Yume have a low growl and was about to jump on Umi but……

"SIT!"

…he fell to the ground.

Amura gave an exasperated sigh while Umi was laughing softly to himself. Yume, though struggling, forced his body to an upright stance. He then gave Amura an angry pout. She ignored him and turned to Sashira.

"If we are supposed to be enemies, why are we talking like this?" she asked.

Sashira looked to Amura, "Well, I originally planned to talk to Yume about the prophecy, but then Kairi opened her big mouth when she noticed Umi and me holding hands," she answered.

"Oh I see," said Amura with a sweat drop.

"She always seems to do that," said Yume.

Kairi rolled her eyes and stood up, "Well I guess we should leave and let the two talk alone," she said as she walked off.

Amura and the others followed while Sashira and Yume stayed where they were. Sashira turned to Yume with a soft smile. He began to blush and quickly looked to the ground. Sashira noticed this and looked to her side.

"Ano, Yume?" she called out.

Yume looked up, "Hai?"

She now looked at him, but not directly, "Has everyone on your team discovered their weapons yet?"

Yume shook his head, "No not everyone."

"How many more people still need to discover them?" she asked.

"Just three," he said as he smiled.

Sashira blushed and then asked another question, "Who is left?"

"Um…Kairi, Katsumi, and Kai," he said, "Hey that's three K's," he said with a humorous smile.

"Who are Kai and Katsumi?" Sashira asked.

"Members of the wolf clan," he told her while putting down his hand.

"Oh," she said, "Are they here?"

"Now that you mention it," he looked around the campus, "I haven't seen any of the wolves here, and usually Matsuko is here before I step on school grounds."

"None of them?" she questioned, "How many wolves do you have?"

Yume looked back at her, "Three."

She gave a giggle, "You seem to love that number today."

He laughed along with her, "Heh yeah I seem to huh?"

They laughed and then stopped. It stayed quiet for a moment as they took glances everywhere but in each others eyes. It was awhile since they were ever alone. Yume wondered how the person he once loved was now his enemy. His wished that it would be the way it was before, without this prophecy. But then he wouldn't have Amura.

*Ring Ring*

"Well that is the bell, I better go," Sashira said as she stood.

Yume was going to protest but she was gone before he could say a word. He stood and walked towards his first class.

~Art Room~

"Okay class, this is what I want you to do," Yume's art teacher began, "I want you to pick a nature piece, I have plenty of photos, and give me either a sketch, painting, or outline of any nature item." She looked to the clock and then back at her class, "You have one hour, go."

Yume took out his art kit and went to grab a random photo. When he returned to his seat he discovered that his had chosen a sakura blossom. He gave the image a smirk.

`Well I know that Amura will want this picture I'm about to sketch,' he told him self.

He took his `special' pencil and put it to the paper. When the led hit the blank sheet the ground began to shake. At first it was small, causing all the students to look up. Then it really began to move and the teacher yelled out for everyone to move under their desks. As the other children did what she had ordered, Yume had a feeling that this was more then just an earthquake.

He watched the teacher hide under her desk, and dashed out of the door. While running through the deserted halls, he could hear screams surround his ears. He then busted through the school doors out to the track. In the middle of the track he spotted Umi and another boy he did not seem to know. He ran up to his cousin.

"Who is he?" Yume asked Umi.

Umi rolled his eyes, "This is Kiyo, and he is one of my team mates."

"So I'm guessing I can't be friends with him?" he said sarcastically.

Umi gave a glare and then looked towards the sky with his eyes closed. Yume gave him a weird expression. Kiyo followed what Umi had done, which made Yume felt very stupid.

"What are you doing?"

Umi gave an annoyed sigh as well as Kiyo. They opened their eyes and Umi looked at Yume with a glare.

"We WERE trying to find where the energy was coming from," he said.

Yume flushed, "Oh."

Before Umi could yell back his eyes quickly looked up to the sky. Yume looked at him in a bizarre way. Umi's eyes stayed glued to the dark sky. Yume looked up at the sky and then back at his cousin. He shrugged.

"Yeah, I love the sky as well," he said sarcastically.

Umi slowly looked at him with a dull expression, "Can't you sense the dark magic flowing out of the area above us."

"Sorry, I never learned my dark magic," he said plainly but with a sarcastic tone.

"Don't be sarcastic, just try at least, if you can," said Umi as he focused back to the darkened sky.

Yume gave a pout, `Oh I'll try.'

Yume looked to the darkness above and began to concentrate hard. He soon felt a negative chill run through his body. Yes, the energy most defiantly came from above them. But what was causing it? Before he could even solve his question, figures caught his eyes. He looked around to see Amura, Kairi, Matsuko, Neko, and Sashira coming towards them.

"Umi!" shouted Sashira.

She walked up to him with a bow and arrow in hand. Neko followed Sashira, while Amura and the rest went to Yume.

"Are you alright?" asked Yume.

Amura nodded her head and then looked at Sashira who stood slightly behind Umi. She held a bow and a few arrows. All the people she noticed had weapons, except for Kairi. Amura moved towards her friend.

"Kairi, have you discovered your weapon yet?" Amura asked.

Kairi gave a confused expression, "Just exactly how am I suppose to do that when our school, which by the way is in present Tokyo, is being attacked!?" she yelled.

"Forget the storm! You need to discover that weapon!" Amura argued.

But before Kairi could continue the debate, a huge gust of wind blew around them. Yume and Umi held their stances, while everyone else shielded their eyes from the dust. The wind seemed to surround them, but only fairly.

"Kairi! What's wrong?" shouted Amura's voice.

Kairi was on the ground holding her stomach. She began to yell out I pain as her whole face sweat. Amura was holding on to her hand, panicking on the inside. Sashira looked at them plainly and then looked up to Umi.

"Do you think her weapon is being discovered," Sashira questioned.

"Not discovered, it's signaling her," he said calmly.

Sashira looked back to Kairi and then to Yume. He seemed to be worried, though his expression did not show it. He kept his eyes on the clouds, where the source of jyaki was coming from.

Then, abruptly, a blinding white flash beam emitted from Kairi's stomach. Amura was pushed away by the invisible pressure as her friend was being lifted into the air. Yume went to Amura's aid as the light brightened even more. Umi and his group stayed still, watching the event unfold before them.

As the light diminished, Kairi's body was shown, but a glowing object seemed to leave her body. Amura gave a confused expression, wondering what the object was. Kairi's figure moved to a stood up position, her eyes still closed. The luminescent orb came to her hands, as her feet touched the dusted ground. They became visible to show a pair of kunai, each with a snake like chain coming from them (A/N: imagine Kohaku's weapon, only two of them ^-^).

The dust seemed to disappear when the kunai appeared. Yume and Amura watched Kairi, waiting for her to move. Umi and Sashira moved to where Yume's friends were and waited for and movements from Kairi.

"What's wrong with her?" asked Amura.

Sashira watched Kairi, "Seems she has discovered her weapon."

Amura looked at Sashira, "What's your weapon?"

Sashira looked to Amura with a plain face, "Same as yours, but mine gets power from Hell instead of Heaven."

Amura gave a frighten face that read `Why did I even ask?'. She then set her eyes back on Kairi, who was now awake while holding her new weapon. She seemed confused though. She looked up to everyone with her usual smile.

"Um….what going on?" she asked in her cheery voice.

Everyone fell over(A/N: anime style falling ^0^). Amura forced herself back up.

"What do you mean!?! You were flying in the air and now you are as calm as a rose!"

"I was flying? Oh oh, did I have wings?" she asked excitedly.

Amura stared at her friend with an exasperated expression. Yume came up from behind her and leaned down towards her ear.

"I told you she is weird," he said.

Amura gave a sigh, "I don't think she can help herself,"

Umi walked over to Sashira, "Come on, let's go back to our class."

Yume, Amura, Matsuko follows their lead, but Kairi stayed. Amura noticed this and looked back towards her friend who was looking to the sky.

"Kairi, what's wrong?" Amura asked.

Kairi pointed to the sky, "Look!"

At her voice, everyone stopped in their tracks and looked up in the air. A large piece of parchment was flowing down towards them. When it came in contact with the dusted surface everyone stared at it with blank expressions.

The teens stole glances at each other and then back at the parchment. Yume moved through everyone and walked up to the paper. He picked it up and slowly unrolled it. As he scanned it, his expression changed, making everyone curious.

"What does it say?" Umi asked.

"It says; the dark abyss comes, are you prepared?

The brink of death is abort, be cautious,

The edge of normality has arrived, watch yourself,

Come to my home, my home of sanity.

Come live my quests and come realize my dreams,

Let's see your "team" achieve their goal:

Together everyone achieves more," he concluded.

Umi walked up and looked at the parchment, "That's all?"

"Yea, nothing else," said Yume.

"What is that suppose to mean?" asked a confused Amura.

"I don't know," said Yume as he held the old style paper in his hands.

They all stood there, wondering what this message could mean. Was it a sign? And if so, what did it mean? Their questions thoughts were interrupted when the school bell rang. Everyone outside jumped at the ring ring ring and then looked at each other. Umi looked to Yume.

"See ya later cousin," he said as he walked towards the school building with his other friends following him.

Matsuko walked up to Yume, "Cousin?"

Yume gave an unpleasant nod, "Unfortunately."

Amura and Kairi walked up to the two boys. Yume glanced at Kairi's weapon.

"So what did you get?" he asked.

Kairi held up her weapon, "Two kunai with chains."

They began to head back towards the school. Yume and Matsuko began to start conversation, while Kairi was still examining her weapon. Amura, however, was still addicted to the message. She had read it ten times already.

`I know I have read this before,' she told herself.

~Yume's House~

"Hurry up!" shouted Kagome as she waited by the door for her son.

He shouted an `okay' from above. InuYasha stood in the corner of the room with his arms crossed.

"Keh, I still don't see why I have to go," he said as he placed his arms behind his head.

"Just because you and Koga don't get along, doesn't mean that Ayame and I are not friends. I want to see Matsuko's ceremony," Kagome said to her husband in a demanding voice.

"Feh, stupid wolves," he muttered.

Yume came down the stairs, "What do you have against Koga dad? He's awesome!"

"He and I don't get along, very much like you and Kai," said InuYasha.

"Oh, I see," Yume replied.

"Okay, let's go meet up with Sango," Kagome said as she opened the entrance of their home.

The family walked out and went towards the Nataru Mountains.

"Where are we meeting them?" asked InuYasha.

"I told Amura to meet us at the Wolf Clan," answered Yume.

"Enough talk, let's just hurry," said Kagome.

~The Lair~

"Must we go?" whined Sashira.

"If you want to study your enemies you will," explained Naraku.

Sashira folded her arms and looked to her mother who was standing by their bed. She then put her arms down and gave a sigh.

"But the wolves are not worth studying. Plus, it is too special of a night for Matsuko to ruin," she complained.

Naraku pierced a frightening glare at his daughter, "You are going, end of conversation."

Sashira looked down t the ground, "Yes father."

"That's better," he said while walking to door.

Hiroku leaned against the wall with his hands behind his head. He eyed his father as he walked out the room, shutting the door behind him. Hiroku then looked to his sister who had her arms crossed with an angered expression.

"Wow, you handled that well," he muttered sarcastically.

Sashira gave him a sneer, "Shut up!"

"Now you two," began Kikyo, "Don't start fighting."

The graceful woman walked over to her daughter and clasped her hands around the girl's face. She bent down and planted a kiss on her forehead. She then walked to her son and did the same. Giving them both a smile she walked out the door, "I'm sure you two will think of something," being her last words.

"Why does she always do that?" Hiroku asked while walking out the door as well.

Sashira sat to herself for a moment, caressing the spot where her mother had kissed her. She then gave a sigh and walked out the door.

~Wolf Clan~

Wolves; by the waterfall, near the mountain pass, and in the dens. All over were the image, scent, and presence of wolves. It made InuYasha gag.

"Why am I here again?" he yelled out with a scowl.

Kagome gave her husband an exasperated sigh, "To celebrate your son's friend's ceremony of choosing a wife."

"Oh……can I leave?" he questioned.

"No," Kagome said instantly.

"DOUSHITE!?!"

"Don't make me say the `S' word!"

InuYasha became silent instantly. Yume gave an embarrassed sigh. He then looked up when he sniffed a familiar presence. There she was; an angel sent fro heaven. She was standing with her parents by a wolf den and they were talking happily.

Of course, she was as beautiful as ever. He made his way towards her. When she caught sight of him she smiled. They came towards each other and gave a hug when they met. Sango smiled at the pair.

"Hello Yume dear," greeted Sango.

"Konbonwa," greeted Yume.

As InuYasha and Kagome joined their friends, Yume's name was called out.

"Yume!"

Yume turned around to see Matsuko, Kairi, and Shinjuki running towards them.

"Hey Matsu!" greeted Yume.

Matsuko responded with a smile. He was wearing some very clean and fancy furs. He had a wolf coat that ran from his had to his waist.

"Wow, nice accessory," Amura said sarcastically.

Matsuko rolled his eyes, "I hate it too."

Kairi waved her hands, "hey, Matsuko has something to tell us," she said.

Matsuko gave a serious nod. Everyone else looked confused. Yume gave a hard stare.

"What's wrong Matsu?" he asked.

Matsuko motioned for everyone to come closer so the other wolves would not hear.

"Mizu is wolf," he said.

Amura's eyes became wide, "WHAT!?!"

Matsuko gave a nod.

"How did it happen?" asked Yume.

"We had small incident here last night and she was here. Her and my friend Sei went to hide underground, but after awhile I'm guessing they grew worried and came to search for me. When I came back to check on them, they were gone. My father told me they had died," there was a gasp from Amura, "When we found them they were in the air and then bonded somehow into one girl," he concluded.

"How does something like that happen?" questioned Shinjuki.

"I don't know," replied Matsuko.

Everyone stayed quiet for a moment. The silence was so irritating.

"Well, I better go," said Matsuko.

"Okay, see ya on the stage!" cheered Yume.

Matsuko gave a wave as he ran off. Yume looked over at Amura, who was talking about the mysterious event with Kairi. Shinjuki walked up to him with a smile.

"Our friend is becoming a man!" he cheered.

"To the clan he is a man," corrected Yume.

"So now we have four wolves on our team huh?" declared Shinjuki.

Yume gave an upset sigh, "Yeah, the Lord must want to curse me."

Amura came up, "He does not."

"Then why must FOUR wolves be on our team?" asked Yume.

"Maybe because us wolves are strong mutt face!" shouted a cocky voice from behind.

Yume's eyes began to twitch at the sound of the voice. He gradually turned around to see Kai and Katsumi.

"Hello Kai, how are you?" greeted Amura.

Yume gave his girlfriend a small glare as he watched her greet Kai. They happily exchanged handshakes. Kai then put on a serious face, "Yo, baka, did Matsu tell you about what happened to that Mizu girl?"

Yume glared at the nickname, "Yea mop head."

"Well then I came here for nothing," said Kai as he started to walk off.

"Whoa wait! You can at least inform us where to go! We don't live here!" argued Yume.

Kai stopped in is leave and turned over, "I need to go, and so does Katsumi, so no one can really-"

"I'll take them Kai," said Katsumi.

Everyone turned to Katsumi. Yume gave a smile, "Thank you."

"But Katsumi! You are a contestant and you need to go get ready!" Kai stated.

Katsumi gave a smile and then a wink, "I'll make it in time."

"Okay, but hurry!" he turned to Yume, "See ya mutt face!" And off he went with dust trailing up behind him.

"Boy, he is like Koga," muttered InuYasha.

Kagome gave a nod of approval. Katsumi bowed to the group and motioned them to follow her. They walked by the water and many dens. They then started following their director upwards. Kagome gave an exhausted sigh.

"Thank God I wore comfortable shoes," sighed Kagome as she climbed up some rocks.

InuYasha stopped his rock-hopping and looked to his wife, "Would you like to ride on my back like old times?"

Yume looked to his parents uncertainly, "Ride on your back?"

"Yes, she always used to use me as a state of transportation," exclaimed InuYasha.

As Kagome climbed onto her husband's back, Yume stared at then with a bizarre expression. Amura watched with awe and then turned to look at Yume.

"May I ride on your back?" she asked with starry eyes.

Yume rolled his eyes in annoyance and bent down. Amura gave a cheer and gently wrapped her arms around his neck. He grabbed her legs and dashed up the trail of rocks. Katsumi looked at the remaining four guests.

"Well, I was going to leave you here because I need to get ready," she said.

"Go ahead," said Sango kindly.

Katsumi gave a bow, "Thank you."

She dashed up.

Shinjuki and Kairi watched them go up as well as their last chance of a guide. They had been left behind.

"Well what wonderful friends we have!!" yelled an angered Kairi.

Sango walked up to the pair, "They always run off."

"Didn't you get tired of it?" asked Shinjuki.

Sango gave a smile, "Yes, but Kirara would always be there."

And on single of her name, the youkai cat jumped onto Sango's shoulders.

"Oh it's Kirara!" cheered Kairi as she pet the miniature youkai.

Miroku took her in his arms, "Okay let her have space," he said as he placed the youkai down in a clearing.

Everyone stepped back as fire surrounded the petite cat. When it cleared, the once small youkai became fierce and huge. Sango and Miroku placed themselves on the cat as Shinjuki and Kairi followed. Shinjuki held Kairi close as they were flown into the air.

~Wolf Clan Amphitheater~

"Oi Miroku! Over here!" called out InuYasha.

Miroku moved his head and soon caught sight of the inu-youkai. They all came to their friends and sat down. Kairi gave the ground a weird expression.

"Cool we get front row seats!" cheered Kairi.

"I'm so proud for Matsuko, he has deserved this," said Amura.

"Yes, he is a gentleman," stated Kairi.

Kagome looked at the two girls, "How long have you known Matsuko? I've only seen him twice," said Kagome.

"We met him at the beginning of High School," stated Yume.

"So you have known him for five months?" said InuYasha.

Yume gave his father a bewildered expression, "Dad, school started three months ago."

InuYasha looked at his son and then up at the sky. He was thinking, that is what Yume noticed in his expression. InuYasha then gave a pout to his son and looked away.

`I knew I was right,' Yume thought to himself.

"Okay boys, let's just wait for the event to begin," said Sango.

The gang sat in the center audience, right in front. The place began to fill and fill with more and more wolves. The more wolves that entered the more InuYasha really began to hate his surroundings. Soon, all became quiet and the voice of a young boy filled the amphitheater.

"Konbonwa minna!" greeted Kai as he came into view, "Welcome to the most important night in ookami history."

All attention was now on him. The boy came close to the audience, earning him some swoons from girl ookamis.

"Our prince will be out shortly, I know you are all anxious to see him. But, before we begin I would like to ask if anyone knows about he special hunt happening tomorrow-"

"Why do wolves have to talk too much?" questioned Yume as Kai went on about other Wolf Clan topics.

"Because they never learned how to shut up," answered InuYasha.

Kagome gave a sneer, "Sounds a lot like dogs too."

"WHAT!?"

"You said it," second Amura.

"Excuse me!?!"

Yume stood up and walked towards her.

"SIT!"

THUMP

Yume was to the ground. He then stood up with a really red face and started to argue.

"What the hell!?!?" he yelled.

Before Amura could even yell back the ceremony began again.

"And now," began Kai, "your Prince, Matsuko Takashi!!"

Applause was everywhere. Men were cheering and women were gawking. Matsuko was wearing the same wardrobe from earlier. He lifted his hand and the crowed became silent. He walked more towards the center stage, took a deep breath, and then began to talk.

"Thank you all for coming," he began, "I know that almost everyone knows why they are here tonight so I will skip that information. May I say that many of you will be surprised tonight. Because of the event last night, one of our contestants has been replaced," he said.

Many confused expressions and talk began throughout the crowd. Yume could tell some knew what he meant though. Matsuko raised his hand which triggered everyone to become silent again.

"And now, your first contestant to be presented, "Nibiko Haoi!"

A wolf girl with long black braided hair walked on to the stage. She was tall and slender and had creamy colored skin. She had greenish colored eyes that glowed and a very attractive smile. She gave a bow and sat on one of the stoned seats on the side. Kai then put his hands to the next contestant.

"Miss Rumika Shii!" he announced.

This girl had silver hair that was at shoulder length. She looked very shy and gave a small smile as well as a small bow. When the applause grew louder she blushed even more and her gold eyes grew wide. She gave another smile and then took her seat.

Matsuko gave a small smile, "Katsumi Kohana!"

Katsumi, brave as ever, walked up with her dominant smile and positive attitude. She gave a very graceful bow and smiled deeper when the applause grew extremely loud. Boys were giving `wolf calls' which, which made her blush. She then gave Matsuko, as well as Kai, a hug and sat down.

Kai stared at her a moment and then announced, "Before our last contestant comes out, our Prince would like to speak."

Matsuko took center stage and a deep breath.

"Last night was very tragic. We lost many comrades and family members. What many of you may not know, is that we lost one of our contestants," many gasps came form the audience, "but we also did not lose her."

Chats of puzzlement began throughout the crowd. Yume and his family already knew what he had meant. He took a deep nervous breath and continued to speak.

"My human friend, Mizu, and Sei were hidden together in my den. I left them as I came to help my felloe comrades. When it was time for the battle to end, I came back in search for them. Instead I found my father, with terrible news. They were gone. When we found their bodies, they were in the air, combining into one person. Please welcome, our new contestant, Mizu Chihara!"

Everyone watched as a girl slowly walked up to the stage. Her long light brown hair swayed with grace and her white ears twitched at the silence from the audience. Her crystal eyes were set on the audio less crowd. Kai began to clap, followed by Matsuko; Yume, Amura, Kairi, and soon everyone joined in to welcome the newcomer. Mizu gave a smile and a bow. She sat next to Katsumi who gave her a hug. At Matsuko's command, it became hushed again.

"Now that the contestants have been introduced," he began, "My father would like to say a few words."

InuYasha gave a growl as Matsuko said his father's name. Kagome gave a smile and kept her vision to the stage. Kai then spoke.

"Please welcome your King," he was interrupted.

"And Queen," claimed Matsuko.

"Koga and Ayame Takashi!" they introduced in unison.

Immediately applause erupted. Koga and Ayame stepped up to where their son was, both of them smiling happily. Koga gave his son a pat on the head and a small hug. Ayame, on the other hand, squeezed her son with happiness and planted a quick peck on the cheek which caused him to blush. He earned a laugh from the audience. Koga then silence everyone (A/N" them wolves came keep their people in line ^_^) with the single of his hand as his son did.

"Thank you all for coming. I would like to say some delightful stories about my son. What I believe has changed in him, and there are many effects, but the one I believe has taken a boost is social life," the audience laughed.

Ayame then spoke, "This is true, Matsuko had always been dedicated to his work, which is not bad-"

"No it's not bad at all," second Koga.

"-but he never had much time to go and be with Kai or Katsumi, or any of his friends. By the age of ten he would always be begging Koga to train more and more."

"But that has changed," stated Koga, "He now has equal time for both friends and work."

"Now, something that has always remained with my son is his manners," Ayame said.

Everyone now looked at Matsuko who flushed from embarrassment. Ayame took her son's hand and brought his embarrassed form into a hug. The crowed let out howls of agreement and soon the whole theater filled the wolf insignia. When they died down, Koga took stage again.

"We would love to tell you more, but we must start the ceremony!" said Ayame.

Koga and Ayame left the stage and Kai came to the center.

"Okay, here is how it's going to go; the girls are first going to tell a little about themselves. Then they will show some talent by singing!"

Claps and cheers erupted. Kai gave them a playful glare as to say `I wasn't finished' .

He spoke again, "Then we will have a break while Matsuko interviews each girl in private. Then you new princess will be introduced!" he concluded.

The applause came again, this time right on cue. Yume was cheering as well as his family and friends. When the noise calmed down the first girl came up.

"Here is our first contestant, Nibiko Haoi," he announced as he moved and let the girl have stage.

"Hello fellow comrades, I'm Nibiko. I am fourteen years old. I love to hunt and sing. Also, I have never missed any hunts, plus I'm very responsible. Not very much to say about little ol' me," she concluded with a smile.

Applause slowly began but soon came hard like thunder. Kai took her hand and escorted her back to her seat. Matsuko came, "Next is Rumika Shii."

The next girl stood up and walked next to Matsuko. He moved away giving her the stage. She flushed and gave a small bow. When she lifted her head she began to speak.

"Konbonwa, I am Rumika. I am fourteen as well. I have missed one hunt due to sickness. My favorite food is wild boar meat and also some elk. My hobbies include; poetry, painting, or just sitting outside admiring the view. Um….I guess you can say I'm fairly responsible, I keep my den well kept, and always turn in my forms on time. I do get shy…..as……some of you can tell. Well, that's about it," she concluded with another bow.

Matsuko took the girl back to her seat. Yume moved to Amura, "For a shy girl she's pretty confident."

Amura gave a nod of agreement as Kai came to the center.

"Our third contestant, you all know her well," he added, "Is Katsumi Kohana!"

Immediately, the spectators cheered turning the amphitheater into a wild place. There were whistles and howls as the short haired brunette came up to Kai. She gave him a hug and then turned to her fans. She flashed them her most adorable smile. The cheering began to calm down, except from a whistle or two from a few guys. But it soon stopped.

"Konbonwa, I'm Katsumi," this caused a shout out which made her laugh, "I am fourteen. I am very good friends with almost everyone as well as our Prince and Advisor. We all grew up together, us three, so I'm very close to them. Let's see, my favorite color is purple, I love to dance, and to talk of course. Oh and I have a nickname it's-"

"Social Butterfly," said Kai and Matsuko in unison earning a hard glare from Katsumi.

The two stood as if they had not said a word. Laughs were heard as Katsumi kept her gaze on the two boys. She then turned back to the crowd.

"As I was SAYING," she began again, "Social Butterfly is my nickname. I like to play volleyball in the present. Many of you do NOT know what that is. Mizu does. Well, I guess that's about it!"

"AWWW!" cooed the spectators.

Kai took Katsumi's hand and escorted her back to her seat. Matsuko took center again.

"Our last contestant is Mizu Chihara."

All was quiet as the girl took center. Her body was still and it held no fear whatsoever. What really surprised everyone was that she had a smile on her face as if she has no worries. She gave everyone a flash of her smile and spoke.

"Konbonwa, my name is Mizu Chihara. I am fourteen years old. My hobbies are cooking, I love to cook, and also to do combat with my fist. I can be shy too and a little clueless. My favorite color is yellow, and I love volleyball, I'm the captain at my used-to-be school,"

There was still silence in the room. Mizu gave a sigh.

"Now, I know many of you may hate me because I used to be a human girl. But one of your comrades is inside me so if you criticize me, you are doing the same to her, and that is against the Wolf Clan code. Many of you may think that there is pressure on you, but think about me. I have to go tell my human family that I can not live with them any more because I am demon. I have to live in another world! So, there may be some pressure on you, but I'm the one suffering right now, think about that," she concluded.

The crowd stayed quiet stealing guilty glances at each other. Mizu continued.

"Well, I'm sorry if I got anyone mad. That's all I have to say," she concluded.

Yume and the gang clapped which earned stares from other wolf members. But soon, Kai followed and then Matsuko, and that triggered everyone to applaud. Matsuko took Mizu's hand and escorted her back to her seat.

Kai stepped to the center again, "Now the girls will shoe off their singing talent!"

Nibiko, Rumika, Katsumi, and Mizu all stood up. They took their created a row along frontal stage. The music began (A/N: it's not a radio, just some flutes and other ancient instruments). The girls began to move to the beat.

Soon they sang.

What can I do for you?

What can I do for you?

I can hear you

What can I do for you?

Then Rumika and Nibiko went to the middle and sang.

ano hi kokoro no kanata ni egaiteta basho ni iru

tohou ni kuretetari suru keredo mou modorenai

yume ni mita katachi to wa

nanimokamo ga chigau

genjitsu ni wa... memai sae suru

They all sang now.

riaru na sekai ni yureteru kanjyou

maketakunai

mou tada hashiru shikanai kono mune ni

kikoetekuru

kimi wa hitori jyanai

What can I do for you?

I can hear you

What can I do for you?

Mizu took center and sang.

kesshite furimuki wa shinai anata ni wa toyoranai

nanika ga areba kanarazu suguni kite kureru kara

It was Katsumi's turn to sing.

ima boku ni dekiru koto

sore wa shinjiru koto...

shinjitsu nara kono mune ni aru

All of them began to sing together.

riaru na sekai ni yureteru kanjyou

sasaeru no wa

sou anata ga oshietekureta subete

ima no watashi

daraka, hitori jyanai

As the music went on the girls began to dance. The crowd cheered as they showed off swaying to the music. Yume and Amura began to dance themselves. They watched the girls smiling happily while they danced together. Mizu took center.

riaru na sekai ni yureteru kanjyou

kanjitemo

anata ga me o tojita nara soko ni iru

kizuna ga aru

dakara, hitori jyanai

All sang now, the four smiling.

riaru na sekai ni yureteru kanjyou

maketakunai

mou tada hashiru shikanai kono mune ni

kikoete kuru

kimi wa hitori jyanai

What can I do for you?

I can hear you

What can I do for you?

I can hear you

The girls ended with a cute pose. The crowd erupted with cheers and screams. Whistling came for boys and cheers from the girls. The four ladies smiled with charm. They then gave a bow and headed for their seats. Kai came up to them.

"Well, they were awesome huh?"

The crowd approved with ovation.

"Okay, our prince will now give the interviews, so take your break!"

He left the stage as well as the girls. Yume gave a stretch and turned to Amura.

"They sang good huh?" he claimed.

Amura gave a smile, "Did you see Mizu? She was rocking out."

"Yeah, she is so pretty!" Kairi cheered.

"Pretty? She's hot!" Shinjuki stated.

Kairi rolled her eyes, "Of course you would think that!"

Shinjuki laughed, "yeah, but you know I believe you are the fairest one of them all."

Kairi gave a smile as Shinjuki grabbed her and held her tightly. The two cuddled and soon, started kissing. Yume gave his eyes a roll and looked to his girl. She smiled at him which commanded his mind to slowly snake his arms around her waist. She giggled as he began to lightly tickle her. She laughed in his arms. As he tickled her his eyes scanned the theater. His eyes widened when his found Sashira and Umi sitting with a few other people. Amura curiously looked up at him.

"What's wrong?"

Yume looked down to Amura, "Sorry just dazed out for a moment."

"Silly dog-boy!" she said.

"Sorry," he replied.

Kairi looked over to them while still in Shinjuki's arms, "We have thirty minutes, what are we going to do?"

"Actually, we have MUCH longer than that," stated Kagome.

"He interviews them for twenty minutes each," acknowledged Sango.

"So we have EIGHTY MINUTES!?!?" yelled Yume.

"What do these damn wolves expect us to do for that amount of time?" questioned InuYasha.

"How about converse with an old time rival?" said another voice from behind.

InuYasha turned to see Koga and Ayame. His face gave a scowl. Ayame smiled and walked over to Kagome and then began to converse, along with Sango. Koga gave InuYasha a smirk as InuYasha began to do his annoyed growl. Yume soon came up.

"Hey dad how are-" he looked to Koga, "Hey Koga!"

"Hello Yume, how are you?" he greeted.

Yume walked up to him, "I'm great, besides the obvious," he said as he looked to his parents and then back to Koga.

"That's good," Koga answered.

InuYasha watched in disbelief as his son and rival talked with ease. Kagome noticed the look on his face and gave a giggle. She turned back to Ayame.

"You must be very proud for Matsuko," she said.

"I am," she replied.

"Any thoughts on who he might pick?" Kagome asked with a mischievous smirk.

"Well, I know for sure not Katsumi," said Ayame.

Kagome gave a bewildered expression, "Are you sure? She looked like the keeper."

"He came to me last night and I talked to him about it. He told me, `Mom, Katsumi is my friend. That is all. She is a wonderful girl, but I know I will not want to ruin our friendship for anything.'" She quoted.

"Wow!" Kagome said with wide eyes.

"Oh and he also told me-"

"DAMN YARO!!"

The women stopped and looked behind them. It seemed that Kai had somehow appeared and already he and Yume were fighting.

"What wrong? Can't answer a simple question?" Kai teased.

"It's a personal answer!" Yume shouted back.

"Just answer it you softy!"

"I don't have to if I don't want to!"

"What a baby……"

"What did you call me!?"

"BOYS!"

Kai and Yume stopped and looked at Ayame who seemed very angry. Kai stood straight and Yume just looked the other way.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Ayame," Kai apologized.

"Kai, what are you doing here anyway?" she asked.

"Why I came to tell you that Sei's father wants to talk to Koga," he said.

"Well, I don't see my husband so that tells me you already told him," she said.

"Why yes, I'll go," he left with clouds of dust trailing him.

Ayame gave a smile to his departing figure. She gave a sigh.

"Do you have two children Ayame?" asked Sango with a giggle.

"I believe I do," she said as she rubbed her forehead.

The women laughed and then began their conversing, waiting for the re-start of the ceremony.

~After Interview~

"Now the moment you have all been waiting for!" announced Kai.

The crowd stopped their chattering instantly. They went back to their normal seats, while some stayed in their same position. The girls appeared and returned to their seats. Matsuko came onto the stage, which triggered roar from the viewers. Matsuko gave a smile and let his people grovel. Kai came up to him and asked quietly into his ear.

"Have you decided?"

"I've known," said the prince with a confident smile.

Kai's expression became saddened. He has feeling it was Katsumi and that made him depressed.

He then gave a half smile to his friend and switched to facing the crowd, "And now, the prince will choose his bride."

Kai moved as Matsuko stepped to where he was. Matsuko gave a deep sigh. From a distance, Koga could see the nervous expression his son had. Koga remembered how he was when he had to complete this task, `Like father like son I guess.'

Soon, the boy's voice was heard throughout the theater, "I have one request, everyone close your eyes."

A few murmurs scattered through the amphitheater, but they soon obeyed. Matsuko turned to the girls, "May the ladies please stand, with their eyes closed."

They did.

The wolf prince made his way towards the girls. He walked by each one, observing their anxious faces. He gave a heavy sigh, "I will kiss the girl I choose."

~Mizu's P.O.V.~

I stiffened. The butterflies began to throw a party inside me. I heard his footsteps grow louder and then fade away. Would he pick me? And if he did would the clan approve? After that speech I gave they probably wouldn't. They probably despise you, Mizu. You were human before, just because someone they loved was inside you doesn't mean they will treat you any different. They will probably join another clan and this one will be extinct. Koga will blame me and probably sentence you to death!

I tried hard not to show my frightened emotions. But before I could make my whimper, two hands went on my shoulders. My body reacted with a small gasp and jump. Now that my mind was on focus again, I felt a shadow over me. Then, unexpectedly, a pair of warm lips touched me.

"Open your eyes," whispered that charming voice into my ear.

My eyelids, which seemed as though they were shut for an eternity, roughly opened. His face, the one I dreamed of seeing everyday of my life, was presented before me. His eyes looked straight into mine as I looked into his very deeply. He flashed me that prince charming smile at me, which caused me to blush. He took my hand and walked me to the center. He then gave a nod to Kai.

"Your new princess," everyone opened their eyes, "Ms. Mizu Takashi!"

Yume and the gang took no time to being cheering. Katsumi began to cheer too, which demanded all the other wolves to clap as well. Koga gave a smile, as did Ayame, who now approved of the girl. Mizu blushed and then turned to her new boyfriend, no, her fiancée. They were officially together, and nothing could make her happier.

From behind Kai gave a smile to his friend, `You scared me there buddy! But you are now happy, I'm proud of you.'

"GO MIZU!" yelled Katsumi.

Kai shot a glance at her. He began to blush. He slowly made his way towards her, "You seem happy you weren't chosen."

Katsumi snapped and looked to him, "I know it's what she has been wanting."

"You only met her yesterday," he reminded her.

"Which is why I understand `love at first sight'," she said casually.

Kai gave a chuckle, "I was afraid he would pick you too."

Katsumi looked to him, "Why would that be bad?"

Kai froze when he realized what he had just said, "Well, I thought that maybe our friendship would be ruined if……he ……were to pick you," he said for an excuse.

Katsumi's face became evil and mysterious, "I see," she said with a mischievous smirk.

~Later @ Matsuko's Den~

The girl's eyes became wide. The image before her was beautiful. There was a neatly made fur bed, with candles all over the den, plus a path of rose petals leading right to the bed. The girl blushed as the boy took her hand and led her to a stoned seat in the back of the room. He kneeled in front of her.

"I know in your time you are supposed to give your mate a ring," he began, "but here, I'm supposed to give you something else that is required to be done."

The girl gave a slow nod, unsure of what the boy, no, man was to do next. He took his hands and brought the girl's head down. There they were; forehead t forehead, both able to feel one another's breath on each other. The boy then moved his mouth to her neck, lightly planting butterfly kisses there. The girl's angelic face turned crimson as she felt the boy's smooth and warm touch.

Before she had a chance to relax, pain struck her neck. She felt a hot liquid run down her agile neck. Her eyes became wide but son relaxed. The blood was being cleaned by the boy's wet tongue, and she enjoyed it.

What was now seen on her neck was a wolf bite. The boy lifted his head to see the girl's tensed, yet relaxed face. He took a hand and caressed her cheek softly, which awakened her from her trance. She looked into his eyes, his mystifying eyes that glowed in the candlelight. She watched the shadows from objects in the room play on his face as he smiled softly.

The girl returned the smile, "So what? You are supposed to bite me?"

The boy gave a chuckle, "It's the Wolf Clan mark," he told her, "my mother has one too."

"Do you owe me now?" the girl asked.

Their foreheads touched again. They were both smiling. He leaned forward and stole a passionate kiss from her. The girl reacted with wide eyes that soon closed when the affectionate feeling took over her. He stood up, bringing the girl with him as his arms encircled around her waist.

She responded by deepening the kiss and circling her arms around his neck. They took a break, both breathing hard as if they had just swam the deepest ocean depths. The boy gave a smirk and lifted the girl bridal style. He walked to the bed.

He placed her down on the soft bliss and watched as the girl admired it. He sat next to her and caressed one of her arms softly. She smiled at him and held his hand.

"There is one other rule that I must follow," he said with nervous in his voice.

The girl tilted her head as if to say, `What?'. The boy gripped her hand and bent down to steal another blissful kiss. This kiss lasted longer. As the heavenly kiss continued, a hand began to caress the girl's stomach. She gave a jump at the boy's touch. The kiss stopped. The girl looked into the boy's eyes.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

The boy kissed her again while the girl lifted her hand and began to rub one if the boy's ear softly. His kiss went to her neck, not a deep one, but angelic feathery kisses. The lips took control and traveled down to the base of her neck, but then he stopped.

"Matsuko?" her voiced called with worry, "Are you all right?"

Matsuko's head came into view, watching down on her. His face became dark as the wind blew out the candles in the den. She shivered. He motioned her to get under the fur blankets. She did. Again, he was atop of her, staring into her eyes. Although it was dark, the Mizu could still witness Matsuko's shadowed body. His breath came near her ear; hot and fast.

"Now I must claim you as mine," his voice cracked, but he completed the sentence.

The girl's invisible face turned crimson, but he could not see it. He began to take his hand and travel down. Mizu gasped when she felt Matsuko's hand explore under her blouse. His breath then was sealed when he stole another fervent kiss.

~Koga & Ayame's Den~

"I wonder how he is doing," stated Ayame worriedly.

Koga, our favorite ookami, walked to his wife. He joined her in the bed and took one of her hands. He began to kiss it softly. Ayame giggled and her husband's actions. He then began to place each finer in his mouth and switched to the next one. Ayame laughed harder.

"Is someone hungry tonight?" she asked jokily.

He responded by pulling her towards him and kissing her passionately. When they stopped Ayame rested comfortably in his chest. He held tightly. He knew she was happy with him, how much she loved being with him. The promise of the moon's rainbow was fulfilled, and did that make her joyful.

Koga began to caress Ayame's hair softly. He then looked at her soft face, which was not soundly asleep. The ookami leader gave a smile and blew out the candles around them. He then dug himself deep into the blankets of warmth, bringing Ayame with him.

~Yume's House~

"Thank the Gods I'm home!!!" cheered InuYasha as he stepped into his home.

He began to sniff the air happily like a little child, "no more damn ookami scent! I am free!" he yelled out again.

Kagome rolled her eyes and walked to her room. InuYasha followed after giving his son a goodnight hug. Yume went out towards the field. He took in the nightly sights that surrounded him. He walked through the tall dead grass, hearing it rustle as he takes each footstep. He closed his eyes and let the breeze wash over him.

The air smelt so good. The normal nature smell that surrounded him every morning. How much he loved nature. He looked to the sky and took in the sight of the almost full moon. He then smelt someone else in the air.

"Hello Yume," said a calm voice.

Yume gave a sigh, "Hello Umi, what do you want?" he asked as he sat himself down on the tall grass.

"What, you are not armed?" Umi questioned.

Yume gave a smirk, "You have no intention of attacking me," he said.

Umi cocked up an eyebrow and sat next to his cousin. They sat in silence, watching the stars and moon. Umi stole a glance at Yume. He seemed to be as calm as ever.

"How do you know I don't plan on attacking tonight?" he asked.

"You love surprise attacks," Yume said as he brought his knees to his chest.

"You know me too well," Umi said with a smirk.

Silence followed the sentence. The two inuyoukai sat under the stars, gazing upon them. They stayed there for hours. Yume then stood up. Umi looked up to him.

"Leaving?" he questioned.

Yume gave a nod, "See ya around."

"Bye," exclaimed Umi as he watched Yume's departing figure.

Once it could be no longer seen Umi gazed back up to the moon.

"Just like old times, ne Yume?"

~Kai's Den~

At a stoned desk was a boy finishing clan paperwork. His hair was messy and brown in color. He had maroon colored eyes and a well toned chest. He gave a grumble as he skimmed through the unfinished work.

"Lucky Matsuko gets the night off and who is stuck doing his work?" he questioned himself.

He wrote down a few more words, "Me!"

The writing seemed to take all night. More and more paper piled up higher and higher, not to mention the poor ookami was getting writing cramps (A/N: Like me right now! @_@). He placed his calligraphy brush down and laid back in his chair.

"Man I wish something good would happen right about now," he wished to himself.

Before his quill touched the parchment again, footsteps were heard entering his den. Kai stood up and walked in front of his desk. He could not quite make out who was coming since of the damn rain. His vision became clearer.

"KATSUMI!?"

She said nothing and continued walking towards him. Her body was dripping from the water.

"Katsumi daijo-" Katsumi took Kai's head and brought it to his lips to hers.

She kissed him passionately, and Kai was totally unprepared. He gave wide eyes but gradually wrapped his arms around her waist. He closed his eyes and deepened the kiss. They were in a different world, a different dimension, and maybe even different universes. Still, Kai held her tightly. They broke a part. Kai was at a lost for words. Before he could speak again she brought up a finger to his lips.

"Aishiteru," she said to him longley.

His eyes soften and he pick her up. He brought her to his bed and went a top of her. He kissed her hungrily and passionately as she did the same. He then went o her neck, his breath pacing fast. His opened it slightly and bit her softly. Katsumi gasped. She then relaxed. She knew what he did, and she did not care. They stared into each other's eyes.

"Who ever thought I would make it with the little Ms. Popular," Kai said with a smirk.

She rubbed his ear, "That's Social Butterfly," she said bringing him into another kiss.

Kai had no sense of what she was thinking, and neither did he. But he knew one thing, they were together. And their love, would definitely show tonight.

~End Chapter 10~

taijiya_sango: MY HAND!!! IT HURTS! Well, there ya go. Next chapter called `Never Ending Challenges' be happy….*collapses*