InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Lost Hopes ❯ Chapter 12

Author Notes: Okay guys I am back and this time with a bigger chappy to make up for the last one. This chapter has a lot of OCs entering scene, some good some crazy. Hope you like it.

 

Reviewer Thanks: Kimbo, Cherrydoom499, Lil_Kag   

 

Chapter 12

 

Snowy patches stretched through the mountainous path, lined with pine and birch on either side. Fleeting feet hardly touched the ground, as a lone wolf dashed through the hilly road, determined to reach his destination by sun down. Normally for a wolf, who knew the proper path, it took almost a week to travel from plains to the mountain territory, but Kouga had covered the distance in just a day and a half, running non-stop at top speed. The hanyou on his back had never once steered during the whole journey, and that worried the wolf prince to no end. Ignoring the sharp pain in his legs and back; the growing fatigue, he sped up some more as the grayish peak of the castle, his home became visible.

 

A warning howl rang through the lands, informing the occupants of its territory of his arrival. Kouga finally skidded to a stop before the draw gate, looking up to ask the guard to lower the bridge.

 

“Hey there Kouga!” sharp cerulean orbs zeroed in on the owner of the cheerful voice and nodded. Katashi, the general, and one of Kouga's best friends, peered down at him from the top before he shouted out orders for the gates to be opened. Soon, the bridge was lowered and giant iron doors creaked open to let the wolf prince enter.

 

Katashi was waiting for him at the other side, with his usual warm smile and a fierce twinkle in his emerald orbs.

 

“Sorry there pal, but the hyena demons around here are becoming notorious. Already five…” He stopped in the mid sentence as his eyes fell on the bundle on his back. “Kouga?”

 

“My intended,” was the simple answer, before he turned, eager on seeking out his mother; leaving a very stunned general behind, with an open mouth ready to catch flies.

 

He bounded through the corridor of high stone, ignorant of the curious gazes or the usual salutations offered to him, his only focus, on detecting his mother's scent. A few frantic sniffs told him that the alpha female was in her room, so he stirred himself towards it.

 

He had almost made it to Mashiro and Keiko's room, when he stopped and groaned. Coming from the other end was Teijo, Mashiro's younger brother, Kouga's uncle, one of the elders and a royal pain the butt. Just what the wolf needed at that time. Teijo's hawk like eyes pierced through the young prince, before landing on the inu on his back. An eyebrow rose and the side of his lips curled up slightly.

 

“Hello nephew,” He greeted, his voice tinged with usual boredom and sarcasm. “Oh, I see you've decided to grace the ground of the castle with your holy footsteps. Pray, tell us lord Kouga, what are you doing here giving a half breed a piggy back ride.”

 

Kouga growled, he was not going to answer his stupid questions; he had more pressing matters to deal with. Inuyasha was slipping with each passing second. “Move away, Ojisan, I do not wish to speak with you at the moment.” He snapped, but the elder was not going to leave him easily. He blocked the entrance, staring at Kouga with a hard gaze, his arms folded over his chest and a foot tapping on the ground, waiting for his answer.

 

However before Kouga could snap or rather swipe his claws at him, as he usually did when Teijo annoyed him, the door opened with a bang, hitting Teijo square on the back of his back and sending him flying into the opposite wall. If not for the seriousness of the situation, Kouga would have had a good time laughing his ass of at the scene.

 

Keiko walked out of the room, completely ignoring the olive haired wolf, who slid down the wall with a painful groan; turning to his son. Her faced hardened instantly, but she chose to remain silent. Instead, she took a tentative sniff, her brow furrowing in confusion as she moved closer to the bundle on her son's back. Reaching out, she pulled the fur hood off of Inuyasha's head and gasped, her eyes growing wide, dramatically.

 

“I-Inuyasha??” She stuttered, with recognition in her voice. The wolf from her daughter had informed her of all that Kouga had done and the consequences, but he didn't mention the name of his intended. But with his identity now revealed, Keiko was trying very hard to keep her wrath under control. She turned back to Kouga with a cold fury in her eyes, a small but angry growl escaping her lips, even before she could control it.

 

Koga gulped, taking a step back, he had seen mother this angry only once more in his life and it was not pretty. “Mo-mother I-Inuyasha…” he trailed off, unsure of what to say.

 

Taking a few deep breaths, Keiko calmed herself. She had a dying demon to take care of. “Follow me Kouga.” She ordered through pursed lips, before turning and leading them to a room down the corridor.

 

Numerous scents of herbs and medicine, evaded his senses, as Kouga followed his mother into the healer's chamber.

 

“Put him down there,” was a short order.

 

Kouga nodded silently before lowering Inuyasha in a soft, fur-covered platform. Inuyasha didn't make a single sound, just laid listlessly; only the weak beating of his heart, confirming that he was still alive. Kouga settled him properly on the bed, then move his hand to caress the pale face lovingly.

 

“Don't worry puppy, everything is going to be fine. I promise.”

 

Meanwhile, Keiko had disappeared into another room but soon emerged with a young male wolf-demon in tow. The boy gave Kouga a wide smile, which soon faded as he watched the pain and fatigue in his eyes. Something was not right, yet he chose to remain silent for the moment and turned to get the fire crackling, on a large fireplace nearby.

 

“Kai, when you're done, boil some water from me, dear.” Keiko ordered, as she moved closer to the hanyou and placed her hand on his forehead. Her eyes closed, concentrating on her patient, while Kouga shifted from one foot to another; waiting impatiently for her to finish. She opened her eyes a few moments later, a strange sadness evident in them. He was pining, the pain eating away at his heart and body. He was too weak, and also had the markings of fever coming on. She had to act soon. She turned swiftly, still ignoring Kouga's vain attempts to inquire about Inuyasha's health, and walked from one cupboard to another choosing a various mixture of herbs, powders and vials.

 

Kai, in the mean time, had finished his tasks and proceeded to work on Inuyasha's clothes, pulling them off one by one, and folding and placing them neatly on another stand nearby.

 

A possessive growl threatened to rise through his throat, as Kouga watched Kai undressing his puppy, but he quickly suppressed it. He knew Kai was only doing as asked and his interference with only cause to aggravate the matter further. However, this action was not lost to Keiko's eyes, as she walked back to them.

 

Setting the contents in her arms on a stand near Inuyasha's bed, she then turned to Kouga. “Go to your chamber's Kouga.” She began, her voice devoid of any motherly emotions. “The journey was hard and you need to rest.”

 

“But mother, Inuyasha?” Kouga tried, in a weak voice.

 

“Go now Kouga! We shall `talk' in the morning,” She snapped, irritated, causing Kai to flinch a bit.

 

“Hai, Mother.” Although extremely reluctant, Kouga nodded, his shoulders sagging a bit as he walked out of the room.

 

Keiko watched her son leave through the corner of eyes and sighed. She sat beside the hanyou and gazed at him, her features softening instantly. “You looked so beautiful and happy the last time I saw you, child. What has my son done to you?” She whispered, petting his head in caring manner.

 

“Oba-san?” She turned to see Kai standing with a steaming bowl of water and sighed again.

 

“Keep it there and grind those herbs for me, son.” Kai nodded, and went to do her bidding. “This is going to be a long night,” she mused, beginning her task to save the life of the one her son had so carelessly destroyed, the one to whom she owed her whole existence and Kouga's life…. She would have to save him; it was the only thing she could do, to repay, perhaps, a small quantity of kindness showed to her and her clan by this inu-hanyou's father and his clan.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Cold… he was so cold. As if someone had plunged a bucket of ice-cold water on him. He tried to curl into a ball reflexively, trying to preserve what little body heat had, but something held him down. Who had tied him up? He squirmed weakly, wanting to free himself from the bond that held him down, however an intense pain shot through his body, making him whimper. He hurt so badly, as if he had been `SAT' a couple of hundred times. But why? What did he do now to anger her…what was her name…? Perhaps he should apologize, if… only if, he could open his eyes. They felt heavy as lead.

 

“Inuyasha?” a soft voice called out. A puppy ear swiveled toward its direction, a pained whimper escaping his throat. It felt so familiar, the presence was warm and comforting, in his world of agony. He just wanted to curl up against the person and go back to sleep. Who was this… this lady?

 

“Inuyasha?” the person called, and he felt her weight settle beside him. He tried sincerely to answer, to acknowledge her, but his voice wouldn't work. His throat felt scratchy and hurt a lot. Puppy ears flattened on his head, as he whined in distress, like a lost puppy searching for its parents.

 

“Shhh…. Child. It's all right dear. You're safe,” the voice soothed, and he knew he could trust its owner. Something wet and cold was pressed against his forehead. He shivered, but it seemed to help the throbbing a bit so he didn't protest.

 

“Here child, you need to drink this,” the lady spoke again and he felt his head being lifted slightly and something pressed against his lips. He took a small sip and choked on the taste, it was horrible. He struggled weakly, trying to escape the vile liquid, but the hand on his on head prevented it.

 

“No dear, you must drink, it'll help.”

 

He whined helplessly, he didn't want it, but the voice seemed persistent. “Inuyasha, come on child, just a few more sips, baby.”

 

Baby? Only his mother called him that.

 

He pouted a little, but complied anyway. Grimacing, he took a few small sips before it was thankfully taken away, replaced by something else. This time he struggled a bit more violently, he didn't want the stupid liquid.

 

“Shh…Inuyasha. It's just plain water. Drink up baby.”

 

He didn't believe her, but his olfactory senses had gone on a strike, so he had to rely on her words. Taking a tentative sip, he was happy that she was indeed speaking the truth and gulped down the water greedily. More water was offered to him, which was accepted gratefully. Finally, when he finished, he was settled down.

 

Warm hands, gently caressed his cheek, before moving to pet his head. He leaned into the touch, whining appreciatively. It felt so good, just like when mother used to do it. Where was mother anyway?

 

“Sleep child, and everything will be all right. I'll be here with you.”

 

The calm voice and the warm presence, took the pain and cold away and he slowly began to drift off, a long forgotten image of his mother and another lady, smiling down at him, evading his drowsy mind.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Golden rays of sunlight peaked in through the cracks of the heavy curtain, the scent of chill, heavy in the air. Snow was going to be unexpectedly early this year, as were the events that had occurred in her life. Keiko sighed, as she watched the hanyou slowly succumb to the call of peaceful slumber. It had been a long night. Readjusting the fur blankets on Inuyasha, she reached out to touch his forehead and smiled gratefully, feeling that his fever had finally receded.

 

The boy had suffered terribly last night, whimpering, sobbing and crying out in delirium, reliving the horrors of life, as one hope after another was snatched away from him mercilessly, leaving him an empty shell. Keiko had almost cried at his pain, but the determination to save his life and restore his dignity, had kept the alpha from breaking down completely.

 

“He will be all right, Oba-san. I know he will.” Keiko gazed up at the tired, yet hopeful, face of Kai, smiling reassuringly at her. She `hmm'ed, turning to Inuyasha; caressing his face and ears lovingly, smiling when an almost inaudible purr was uttered.

 

“Hai, he will.” She agreed with a smile.

 

`Perhaps he remembers me. But he was too young at that time?'

 

She turned to Kai, who was desperately trying to stifle a yawn. The small boy looked exhausted.

 

“You should get some rest Kai.” Keiko advised, as she moved to settle down in a chair near Inuyasha's bed.

 

“But, Oba-san…” Kai began to protest, but was cut off.

 

“He is doing well now and I will be here if he needs me. Get some sleep, child. It'll do you good,” she pressed firmly, “and you need your energy, lest you fall face first on your books during your lessons. Your Sensai will not be happy with that,” she teasingly added.

 

Kai laughed at that and nodded. “All right Oba-san, I will go rest, but at least let me make you some tea. You look tired too, you know.”

 

Keiko nodded affirmatively. “That would be really nice of you. Arigatou Kai.”

 

Grey orbs lit up in response. “Dou itashimashite, Obasan, I'll go get it.” He turned and sprinted across the room, happy to serve his aunt.

 

Keiko watched the young wolf working swiftly, and smiled. The boy was really a sweetheart. If only his father possessed a fraction of his qualities.

 

Tea was served before Kai retired to his room. Holding the cup in her hands, she took a sip, delighting in it's flavor and aroma, Kai was getting good at this. Checking on Inuyasha too, for the last time, to make sure he was comfortable, she moved up to stand by the window, taking in the fresh air of the morning. She had a long day ahead and Kouga was first on her list.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Kouga frantically paced back and forth in his room. It was almost afternoon and he was still unsuccessful in procuring any news about Inuyasha. He had visited the healer's chamber a countless number of times during these morning hours, but each time he was shooed away by the guards, stating that Keiko-sama had strictly ordered against it. Damn, he hated the palace rules!

 

Running his fingers through his ebony hair, he growled frustratingly. He was desperately waiting for his mother, he knew it wouldn't be pretty, but still, he would get some information about how Inuyasha was doing.

 

“At least father isn't here. Bless the hyenas.” He mused out loud. He didn't know if he could face them both at the moment, his mother's heated glares, already telling him he was in quite deep trouble.

 

There was knock on the door and he jumped quickly, walking towards it. Pulling it open he frowned, the elders… just what he didn't need at the moment.

 

“We've received word about your intended Kouga, and we need to talk about it.” One of them began, with a hint of suppressed irritation in his voice.

 

Kouga sighed. This was definitely not his day.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

“Who is he mother?” Large, soulful eyes studied the figure curiously, that lay before her. “What is he doing here?”

 

“He is Inuyasha, my dear.” Keiko-sama answered, patiently grinding some herbs in a mortar. “He is your onii-chan's intended…” receiving a puzzled a look, she elaborated. “His future mate…”

 

“Oh!” she squealed, her emerald orbs still on the on the puppy ears. “He is cute! But mother…” she began cautiously, touching the ears “…why is he here? Is he ill? And where's onii-chan? Why is he not here with him? Are these real?” the last question was answered, when the ears flicked at her touch. She giggled.

 

“Shush Akemi, let him rest.” Keiko reprimanded gently. “Yes, he is ill, but he will get well soon.” She assured. She had been successful in waking hanyou once more, to push some broth and medicine, down his throat. Inuyasha was not happy about it and whined, whimpered and struggled weakly, but she was persistent; soothing and calming the distraught hanyou and finally getting him to comply with her wishes.

 

`If he continues to listen to me, he will be up in no time and I will see to it that he never gets like this anymore.'

 

“When will he wake up mother?” Akemi asked impatiently. She wanted to talk to this person. If her onii-chan had chosen him to be his mate, then surely, he was a nice demon.

 

“Soon.” Keiko replied patiently, she was used to Akemi's highly curious and exuberant nature. “And your oniichan in his room and that is where I will be going now. Can you watch over him while I'm gone?”

 

“Hai!” came an excited answer. Akemi assumed the look of a professional immediately, seriously intent, to carry out her task successfully. This was her onii-chan's mate after all… future or not.

 

“All right. If he wakes up, make sure he drinks this and then give the broth over there and if you need me, inform the guards. They will get me”

 

“Hai!” she nodded dutifully. “I'll take care of onii-chan's mate, don't worry mother.”

 

Keiko offered a gentle smile before she stood up, washed her hands and left, leaving the room for Kouga's chambers.

 

“Wonder what I should call him…” Akemi pondered, before settling to caress the puppy ears some more. They were so soft and cute. She giggled again.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Heated words and exchanges of angry growls vibrated through the castle walls as Keiko neared Kouga's chambers. Hurrying her footsteps, she pushed the doors open, without asking for permission, not that she needed it, and stopped.

 

As usual, Teijo was standing nose to nose with Kouga, both yelling at the top of their lungs.

 

“You will answer to us Kouga. We have had enough of your wishful childishness,” he snapped.

 

“I do not need to discuss any of personal details with you, nor do I wish it.” Kouga growled, his fingers curling into fist. “What I do with my life is entirely my own decision, and you people are definitely not welcome to butt in here, so get out of my face!”

 

However, Teijo was not having the end of it. Before any of the elders could raise their voice for or against Kouga, he gave the prince a hard shove. “You think you're higher than all of us, do you? This is not your silly cave where you are the boss. Here you're accountable for your every action. You will have to give us reason for your association with a lowly half-breed, you spoiled brat. We will not pay for Aniue and Keiko-sama's mistake of allowing you so much freedom.” He yelled, Keiko's eyes narrowed dangerously.

 

A few of elders caught her scent and nearly jumped, to see her standing in the doorway, a rather dark aura of an angry crimson radiating from her body. One of them, a small wolf with teal hair and dark brown chocolate eyes, pushed forward, tapping on Teijo's shoulder, to alert him of her presence but the wolf just brushed him off “Later Saburo, first I'll take care of his insolent baka over here. Dirtying the our territory with….”

 

“Teijo-san!”

 

The entire room went very quiet for a moment. Teijo turned, now acknowledging the presence of the alpha female in the room, but even the evident irritation in her features could not deter the thickheaded elder. He started towards the seething wolf, indignantly, “Keiko-sama, he…” he began.

 

“Silence Teijo-san, lest I pull that flapping tongue of yours, out of that vile mouth of yours.” This shut the wolf demon up instantly. Keiko walked into the room, facing the elder. “I didn't know that the councils newest venue for the discussion of matters, was my son's living room.”

 

“No Keiko-sama…” Saburo stepped forward, bowing respectfully. “We had received the word that Kouga had decided to take a hanyou as his mate. We were just…”

 

“You were what Saburo-san? Being away from this territory for too long may have resulted in Kouga forgetting some of our rules, however I believe, that isn't the case for all of you.”

 

Kouga who was standing behind the group; hr wanted to protest, but wisely kept his mouth shut.

 

“Have you all forgotten that we are never to directly address any matter, no matter how important, without setting up a proper council? And, that personal matters are always addressed by home council members, not you?”

 

“But Keiko-sama, Kouga is…” another began, but was promptly cut off.

 

“I know where he stands Takumi-san and will take the proper steps to resolve the matter. But that is for us to decide, not you.” A lot of them looked ashamed at that. It was true. As the wolf territory had two councils, one formed of those who addressed matters and taking decision regarding state affairs; while another a council formed of the mostly oldest and wisest female members of the society, discussing and resolve any matter of a personal nature.

 

“But Keiko-sama, the prince is associating with a common half breed, it is surely a matter of state importance. It'll effect…” Teijo, shameless tried to pry in.

 

“I think I can determine that, as I am the alpha Teijo-san, or have you forgotten that?” she asked pointedly, silencing him again. “For all of your information, the so called “half breed” who you seemed to greatly detest mating with Kouga, is the one who rid us of the evil Naraku,” she informed. “And not only that, his blood is more royal than any of us, he is the son of the great Inu-no-Taisho and Izayoi, the ones for whom you're still standing, barking like impudent puppies.” Everyone gasped, before heavy murmuring broke among the group. Kouga wondered of how his mother knew of Inuyasha's parentage, while Teijo looked very pale now, for some reason. “Therefore, I see no harm in welcoming a strong demon, such as he to our clan.” Most of the wolves seemed to agree with that, nodding their head and whispering some more among themselves. After all, who wouldn't want a powerful demon at their side. “Now if you all be kind enough take your leave. I need to converse with my son.” The elders complied; quickly emptying the room, still engaged in the process of digesting the information they had received. “And Teijo-san?” the said wolf, turned halfway. “Next time you intend to draw some amusement out of my son's account, make sure you have complete knowledge of it. I truly wonder how a wolf like you sired a son like Kai. You have much to learn from him.”

 

The insult caught the ookami right in the face, which instantly turned crimson and he grunted turning sharply, quickly walking out of the room.

 

Keiko watched them leave and then turned to her son, who had been quietly watching all of it for so long. “Mother…I…” he stuttered, unsure of what to say.

 

“I believe you owe me an explanation Kouga,” she began through pursed lips, her cerulean orbs piercing through the young wolf. “Why have you done that to Inuyasha, why did you cause him so much pain? The boy nearly died Kouga!” Kouga's heart nearly stopped at the declaration.

 

“Mother…is…is Inuyasha? …is he…” he didn't know how to ask her.

 

“He is doing okay… for now.” Keiko informed, minutely happy to see concern on her son's face, regarding Inuyasha's health. “But that still doesn't make up for the fact that your recklessness has cost us an innocent life and almost killed another. What had caused you to act so insensitively Kouga? To kill your own unborn child and….”

 

“But I didn't kill my pup mother. It was Kagome…”

 

“Had you mated with him, the pup would have survived the attack. Don't blame others for your actions Kouga. He was your responsibly, not a ningen's,” she reprimanded. “Now tell me Kouga, why, why have done this to him, why have you gone against our rules? Why did you choose to defy all that we've taught you? I want to hear it from your own mouth.”

 

Kouga sighed. There was no escaping it now, he knew he had committed a grievous mistake and now he had to face the consequences, whatever they are, head on. Gathering all the courage he had, Kouga began all that had transpired for the last few weeks….

 

“I didn't know he was pregnant…” Kouga whispered, his head lowering in shame. “Mother, I… I cared for him… it just took me too long to realize it.”

 

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Golden eyes opened slowly, as Inuyasha twisted in his bed, a slight groan escaping his lips.

 

“Oh, you're awake!” A cheery voice exclaimed, before a weight settled down beside him.

 

He turned to the figure, blinking a couple of times, to shake off the blurriness before a two green eyes, gazing curiously into his, came into the view.

 

“…w-whe…” he rasped, the words seemed to stick to his mouth. He tried to sit up, but found he had no strength do so.

 

There was a quiet `hmm' before the weight shifted again.

 

“You must be parched, Nii-san. Here, drink this.” He felt his head being raised and a cup of water pressed to his lips. He drank heavily and more was offered. Finally his thirst abated, he looked around, taking in his surrounding while Akemi set the glass on a stand nearby, before moving to pour the medicine her mother had prepared, in a small bowl.

 

“Where am I?” He inquired, albeit weakly. His senses were still down.

 

“Oh! You're in our home, Nii-san. The northern mountains!” the girl almost squealed, without looking up from her work.

 

“The northern mountains?” he asked confused.

 

“Hai, you were really sick you know. My onii-chan…Kouga…” she corrected, when Inuyasha looked at her quizzically “…brought you here. And mother took care of you. Mother was….”

 

But the words fell on deaf ears, as reality hit him with full force. His pup, his child was dead, taken away from him even before it was born. A shudder ran down his spin, a choked whimper leaving his chest. Turning away, he curled into in a fetal position beneath the blanket, clutching it tightly between his fingers, as he tried desperately to fight the agony and emptiness that came with the realization. Why, why was he still alive? Shouldn't he have died? There was no use for him now; alone and defeated, robbed of everything, he was truly worthless, couldn't even protect his own child, couldn't even die properly? A failure was what he was he was….Stupid, stupid, stupid…

 

The huge, lung-catching sobs, emanating form the hanyou caught Akemi's attention and she jumped up, almost dropping the bowl in her hand. “Nii-san?!” she ran to the distraught hanyou, quickly placing the bowl on the stand and climbed onto his bed, trying to pry the hanyou out of his curled state. “Nii-san? What's the matter? Do you hurt somewhere?” she rubbed circles on his back, trying to ease whatever pain her Nii-san was in. But Inuyasha curled into himself more tightly, crying hard. At that moment, the doors opened and Kai stepped in.

 

“Akemi?” he asked, his eyes traveling from the small wolf demon and to the sobbing inu-demon on the bed.

 

“Kai, Nii-san. Please get mother soon. Nii-san is hurting.”

 

Kai nodded quickly, before bounding out of the room at top speed.

 

“Don't worry nii-san, mother will be here soon….”

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SLAP!

 

Kouga hit the ground with a great thud, a hand rubbing his inflamed cheek. “Mother!”

 

“How could you Kouga?! Robbing a demon of his status in that manner. Have you no regards for our ways.” Keiko almost screamed in anger, before collapsing on a nearby chair with a heavy sigh.

 

“Mother…”

 

“Perhaps Teijo-san was right. Perhaps we have allowed you too much freedom. I should've listened to your father. What you've done Kouga, is unforgivable. You only brought shame to the clan and to us. Oh Kami-sama, what have we ever done to deserve this?” She hid her face in her hands, defeated.

 

“Mother, I am sorry.” Kouga crawled towards her, laying his head on her lap. “I…I thought I loved Kagome, I thought she was the ideal woman for me. I had begun to develop feelings for Inuyasha, but I stubbornly pushed them aside.” A single tear slid down his cheek, before he hid his face in her face. “Just to… just to… oh mother. I only wish I could just turn back time. I…I..” he trembled. “I love him mother, please, please don't let him die. Please mother. I want to make thing right for him. Please mother.”

 

He knew he was babbling and that his mother would never forgive…

 

Kouga stopped, as Keiko placed her hands on her son's head. “I know Kouga, I saw the love you have for him in your eyes. Don't worry, I won't let him die. However, I can't alone, be the one to cure him, he needs you to save him or he'll be lost forever. You must bring him back. We owe him more than you know.” Kouga looked up to his mother, a silent question in his eyes.

 

Keiko reached down and wiped the tears off Kouga's face with her thumb. “Many years ago, Lord Hyoga from the Mainland, had attacked our land. You were just five years old then. Those bastards destroyed all our homes, and wiped out a majority of our clan. Only a few of us were able to flee. However, they caught our scent and caught up with us. They had us trapped and…” she stopped, trying to fight off the horror she had lived through. “Well… a few of them got their hands on you and where about to kill you for food, when the great Inu-no-Taisho step in. He fought off those vermins and gave us shelter in his own home. He was with lady Izayoi then, and a three-year-old Inuyasha… They welcomed us with a warm heart and took care of your injuries. You owe a lot to him and his family… without them, you wouldn't have been alive and with us. So Kouga…”

 

“Oji-San!” The door slammed open and a heavily panting Kai burst into the room.

 

“Kai?” Keiko looked up in question.

 

“Ojisan, it Inuyasha-san. He's awake and hurting, so Akemi….” But before he could finish, he felt strong breeze pass him and the next thing he knew, he was the only one standing.

 

“Boy. They can run awfully fast!” He exclaimed, before running after them.

 

* * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Kouga was the first to reach the room.

 

“Inuyasha?”

 

He hurried to the bed and pulled the now, almost hyperventilating Inuyasha, into his arms.

 

“Inuyasha! Shhh… Calm down puppy. Everything will be all right, please, you need to calm down.” He pleaded, holding the trembling body in a tight embrace, rubbing his back in a soothing manner.

 

“No, let me go, nothing will be right,” Inuyasha broke down completely, the aura of unbound distress, heavy in air. “I… I am…no use. Let…me…go… Lemme die… I…my pup… I couldn't save it…I have….nothing… now.”

 

“Nonsense! Don't say that.” The wolf objected firmly. “You're the most obnoxious, arrogant, stubborn, reckless, powerful, brave, loyal and beautiful demon alive of this era, one who is known to never give up no matter. You cannot be useless puppy, I need you…”

 

“Why?” Came a weak sob.

 

“Because I love you, and I need you puppy.” Inuyasha stiffened at the declaration, not believing what he heard. “I was a fool. I choose to ignore the treasure I had in my possession, for fake jewels. I let you slip through my fingers, left you alone and hurting, while I pursued my whimsical wants. If anyone is to blame for our pup, it's me Inuyasha, not you. You loved it, protected it with all you had, if only I had been there…” closing his eyes, he sighed. “But Inuyasha, life doesn't end here. Just let me have one chance to make this right for you, my love. I swear you'll never be alone again.”

 

Inuyasha shook his head, unbelievingly. He had been deceived far too many times to fall for the sweet words again. “No! I…can't… you'll leave me again. I don't want to hurt anymore, I want to die. Let me go.”

 

Kouga knew the mere words were not enough to make Inuyasha believe him, so he did only thing that could bring his Inuyasha back to him. Gently raising the inu's chin, he licked the tears away before closing his lips on Inuyasha's, in a sweet kiss of promises, apologies and tender love.

 

Voices screamed in his mind, that he was falling in the wolf's trap again, that he should flee and it was momentary, he would be alone again, but the youki only wanted to surrender. To let Kouga take what he wanted, to loved and held, to be cared for. Inuyasha fought desperately against his instincts, fingers clutching the warm robes, to push the ookami away, yet he could not.

 

Sobs reduced to quiet hiccups, as all struggling ceased and Inuyasha gave in yet again, golden orbs falling closed gently, as he opened himself to the wolf, feeling what he thought he would never feel, letting Kouga take the agony that had darkened his soul.

 

* * * * ** * * * * * ** * * * ** * *** * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Keiko peered through the corner of richly decorated curtains, a small smile etching on her lips. She had quickly removed the children from the room, to give the two demons time to resolve their dispute, and Kouga, to begin the healing process. The one that would truly work for Inuyasha.

 

“What's happening out there, mother? Why won't let us stay with onii-chan and nii-san?” Akemi pouted, sitting on a nearby bench. “Nii-san is hurting and we need to take care of him.”

 

Keiko turned to her youngest, with a gentle smile on her face. “Your onii-chan is taking care of your nii-san right now,” she explained, peaking at the kissing pair yet again, before adding with a grin, “and he is doing a very fine job of it.”

 

“Huh?” Akemi looked more confused now. Her onii-chan knew nothing of medicine, then how come. “I don't understand, how can onii-chan….” She scratched her head, trailing off.

 

Kai, who had been standing a few inches away, had a vague idea of things and chose not to question his oba-san about it, instead, he settled for teasing Akemi, his favorite pastime.

 

“You'll understand when you grow up squirt.” He said, acting as if it was a big secret, of which only he knew. “You're a kid, and we adults…”

 

“Hey, don't call me a kid, you skinny bag of fleas.” Akemi cursed, attacking her cousin, who swiftly dodged.

 

So the two ran around the room, cursing, teasing and throwing insults at one another, while Keiko, who generally didn't approve of such words, allowed the two to have their fun, she herself was occupied with the thought of how to settle her new, future son-in-law, in her family and clan, and to give him a comfortable life, which he so deserved.

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

Glossary

 

Obansan - aunt

Ojisan - uncle

Arigatou - Thank you

Dou itashimashite - don't mention it / you're welcome.

Sensai - teacher

Aniue - Respectful way of addressing one's older brother.

Baka - idiot, moron.