InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Lost Hopes ❯ Chapter 16

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL! Sorry about the delay but now that I am fully cured from the accident I desperately needed a holiday so was off to Germany (my boyfriend's place) for a few days. Anyway I am back again and kicking... Here's the latest chapter. Hope you people like it.

I am very grateful to my beta, Mollie for working alongside me. What would I do without you?

And also everyone who had put in a word or lots and giving me the energy to continue.


Thus with further ado let's move onto the chapter....

 

Chapter 16

 

Kouga awoke to the feel of his mate nestled close to his chest the gentle rise and fall of chest indicating him to be slumbering peacefully. Untangling himself from the inu, he sat up the fur cover falling off to expose his nude body, as he rubbed the sleep off his eyes and stretched away the kinks in his muscles. Blinking owlishly, he took in the surrounding, silently cursing the immediate thumping of his happy tail before a wide smile spread across his lips. The scent of new mate tickled his nose together with the overcoming sense of contentment and calm spreading throughout his entire being.

 

Last night had been simply wonderful, and now he had a mate. Ah, the word alone simply made him want to melt into goo. “A mate huh…?” He whispered falling back on the furs with a pleased sigh before he turned to his side facing his puppy and hoisted himself up on the palm of a raised elbow, azure eyes in close observation of the unique visage before him. “… and a damn sexy one at that.” he grinned wolfishly.

 

Inuyasha slept on as Kouga proceeded with a detailed study of his beautiful mate. Brushing a stray fringe of silver strands off the inu's face, he smiled at the sheer innocence on the softly rounded face. A lazy finger began a happy journey of the round face so free of worries, agony, and hopelessness that had once marred the inu's true beauty. He knew that they still had a long way to go to bring the old Inuyasha out, but for now he would cherish what he had.

 

“Why didn't I do this earlier?” Kouga sighed. How could he have been so blind to the aura of purity and gentleness? This creature was true treasure and he was glad he had taken right path at the right time. A true inuyoukai in every aspect, Inuyasha was priceless.

 

“Well except for his colourful vocabulary, I suppose.” Kouga recalled with a smirk. But it was that lively, so utterly masculine nature of the inu that he missed severely. Fingers ran over pale forehead, following the arched eyebrows ready to swing arrows of love into his heart, the twin suns hidden behind the long dark lashes whose prolonged absence would purge his world into eternal darkness. The gentles contours of a cute nose carrying so much anger yet so much pride, the lips formed of the softest petal of the rarest rose and the pale, hard body covered sparingly by long silver mane, a flawless sculpture that even the gods would be envious of.

 

“I was truly an idiot, wasn't I?” the wolf prince inquired softly caressing a furry triangular appendage atop the inu's head smiling when a contented sigh fell off the sleeping mate's lips and he snuggled closer to the ookami's chest. Damn he could spend eternity just admiring his mate but they had to get back. He knew his mother and sisters would be worried sick about them and probably driven Katashi (A/n: Kaiya's mate and general of the wolf clan) mad to go in search for them. Sighing dejectedly he slowly shook Inuyasha to wake him. “Yasha… Yasha, wake up” he gently cooed, running his finger through the silky locks. “Get up love, we have to go back.”

 

“Nnn…” was the only answer received as Inuyasha snuggled closer into the furs.

 

“Yasha…? Oi, puppy.” Kouga called again only to receive a displeased whimper before Inuyasha pulled the covers over his head. “Keh, perhaps it was a very bad idea to take him three times during the night. Poor puppy is so tired.” However he was happy watching the inu sleep so quietly perhaps for the first time in many weeks. “Well, I'll just have carry him home then…” He grunted as he lifted himself, stretching some more. Scooting around he soon found his clothes and dressed quickly before moved towards his somnolent mate and carefully working to safely cover him in warm furs.

 

Finishing within minutes he was faced with another problem. Although carrying the hanyou on his back would make the journey back easier but Inuyasha refused to show any sign of waking or perhaps aiding in to be set in the proper position. With a sigh, Kouga finally picked up the hanyou in his arms and made his way back through the narrow pathway back to the entrance.

 

Peeking out of the spelled entrance he sighed in relief to see the storm to have dissipated and the sun already up but the snow covering the ground was quite deep. “Damn how am I going to carry Inuyasha like this?”

 

“Hey, Kouga!” Azure eyes snapped up to the voice arms tightening in instinctual protectiveness around the lithe form, a growl threatening to rise in his throat warning the intruder to stay off his turf. It was only the strange familiarity of the voice laced with it usual impishness that stopped and he focused before a relieved smile spread over his lips. Surely enough, Katashi was trudging his way forth with Ginta and Hakkaku in tow, both grumbling under their breath. “Brrr… Damn it's cold outside!” the wolf general quickly brushed past Kouga entering the cave barrier along with the two wolves before sending a flurry of curses to whatever goddess that made snow. He was never fond of cold and had a rather eloquent vocabulary for expressing thought for the matter. Ginta and Hakkaku slumped to the ground in relief.

 

“So, I was right.” Kouga grinned as adjusted the weight in his arms. “Mother and Kaiya must have really been worried.”

 

“You've no idea, buddy. Kaiya nearly bit my head off when I told her that you were not a child and could find the way home, of course I was still groggy at the moment. Your sister can be really scary when she's angry; probably takes after Keiko-sama” Katashi reported with a grin of his own while absently rubbing his pre-abused ears. “She even kicked Ginta off his bed when he refused to get up. Poor wolf, even his mate was taking Kaiya's side” He chuckled, hearing the tired groan from both them down below.

 

“Seriously buddy, they were more worried about white puppy here, than you.” He added before sniffing the air and flashing Kouga with a fanged grin who frowned in return his cheeks colouring a bit. “So ya finally decided to settle down, huh buddy?” he laughed, smacking Kouga hard on his back making him almost drop Inuyasha in the process. “It's good to know that you're finally chained and collared; can't have you running around with a happy smile when we are subjected to endless days of torture can we?”

 

“Oi, that's my sister you're talking about.” Kouga growled.

 

“Yeah, I know… and if we don't get back early she'll have my hide. By the way, why are you carrying white puppy in your arms? He doesn't smell sick.” He sniffed harder. “In fact he smells like he and you had a lot of fun last night.” He added with a nudge, silently enjoying a squirming Kouga's reaction.

 

“Yeah, and I probably wore him down with it.” Kouga murmured, the colour on his cheeks deepening. A hearty laugh sounded through the cave followed by another smack on Kouga's back and this time the prince growled in return.

 

“Oi, stop hitting me and help me with him will ya? I want to go back as soon as I can. I have a rogue bastard to deal with and I would very much enjoy tearing him to shreds for his act.” Kouga snapped, to which Katashi seemed unaffected.

 

“If you're talking about that old fool (A/N: Teijo), then he has already been dealt with…” He informed with a smirk as proceeded to load Inuyasha on Kouga's back, smiling when the inu snuggled closer instinctively sighing in comfort. He had considered carrying the inu himself, but one look at his friend's face and he knew the young wolf would never want to part with his mate. It was too soon for that and wolves, especially a headstrong one like himself, had were more protective instincts when it came to their mate. “….and very nicely, I might add. The home council decided to take the matter into their own hands.” Both Kouga and Katashi shuddered at that. The home council was not the one to be trifle with especially when they consisted of very-hardworking and hot headed bunch of she-demons. “It was quite nasty. They agreed that the wolf needed to be taught humility and decided that he would no longer be allowed within the council. You should see him buddy, he is quite a sight now.”

 

Kouga looked inquisitively at his friend for sometime and sighed when he saw no more words forthcoming and the usual evil smile. He would have to find out himself. “Okay, let's go now.” Katashi nodded in confirmation before kicking the two dozing wolves awake and set out along with Kouga towards their home.

 

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“You've missed a spot.” Keiko pointed out to the bald wolf (dressed in rags) cleaning a rather nasty area of the medicinal room as she absently twirled the steaming cup of tea in her hands. She had offered to supervise the first day of his service in the path of self-redemption. The home council had had a serious and tense meeting regarding Teijo's punishment when Katashi's mother had suggested the wolf needed some very strict lessons in humility. A demon or animal belonging to their clan, regardless their position, has always been considered an important member, and an insult, direct or implied is an insult to their clan as a whole. Teijo had knowingly insulted Inuyasha who was only the prince's intended but also the one who was welcomed to their home by the alpha female herself, thus openly abusing alpha's intentions as well. Moreover this was the only incidence where he had assault a person's honour. Hence it was decided that Teijo be would stripped of all his current privileges, including his active participation in the council work and would serve in the lowest ranks doing mundane yet important jobs so as to earn his keep. This would not only cure him of the false notions of the uselessness the wolves or demons of the lower rank possessed, but also teach him to respect the one whose worked hard to make life easy for those of the higher ranks. Should the accused deny this collective decision he would be loose his place within the clan and be exile not only from the clan but also from the Northern lands. This was a one-chance opportunity and failure to learn what had been intended would also result in exile from the clan.

 

It was this punishment that had found the convening wolf cleaning the rooms for Keiko as per her instructions. The new life hadn't began smoothly and after steadily ignoring Keiko's warning while handling certain potions, and had suffered a terrible accident riding him of his luscious lengths of silver hair, leaving him quite bald. However Keiko was more thankful for the wolf seemed to be more compliant now. Therefore she sat silently contemplating her moves to break the new addition of their family to her mate. Mashiro had sent words that he would be returning the next day together with his mother, Hotaru-sama, and now she could very well foresee her peaceful abode transforming into in a heated battlefield when her mercurial mate had learnt of their son's glorious deeds. She only hoped that she could contain him someway till she made him understand the real intricacies of the situation. She didn't want poor Inuyasha suffering any portion of Mashiro's wrath. Perhaps Hotaru-sama would be their saving grace…. Or perhaps not, she agreed grimacing.

 

“Mother, Mother!” the voice of her daughter caught her attention and she looked up to see a panting but beaming Kaiya standing at the door. “They're here, mother. Kouga and inuyasha are back.” She announced excitedly. “They just entered the great doors!”

 

Keiko was up in a flash and after the young demoness as they hurried to welcome Kouga's mate into their home. The Mashiro matter would be dealt with later.

 

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Congratulatory howls echoed through the castle grounds as more and more demons and wolves gathered to earn a peek at the new addition to their family. They had heard great tales of the inu hanyou's exploits and had wanted an audience before. However due to the matter of health and the fact that Inuyasha rarely came out of his room, they seldom saw the inu in person. They had been saddened by the inu's fate yet now they couldn't be happier for their prince and his mate. Also, they were perhaps a little proud of having a strong demon on their side. Pushing each other and craning their necks they stood side by side, with eager younglings occupying the shoulders of the strong and sturdy, bursting into howls of joy as Kouga and Katashi appeared near the gate.

 

Ginta and Hakkaku had hurried forward before Kouga in order to inform Kaiya of her brother and his mate's well-being and of their safe passage back. However the words fell on more sensitive ears than necessary and the news spread like wild forest fire through the castle resulting in the huge crowd of happily yowling demons and wolves waiting in the snow covered ground for the first look at them.

 

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“Oi Kouga, looks the whole clan has gathered here.” Katashi announced with a smirk and Kouga groaned. He was definitely was not prepared for this. He was still too high on his protective instincts regarding his mate and didn't want any trouble.

 

He thought of picking up speed and zipping past the crazy mob but quickly discarded the thought. It would only mean disrespect towards his fellow wolves. “Darn it, what am I supposed to do?” Suddenly fleeing back to the safe, warm and quiet cave seemed like a good idea, but ignoring the urge he followed Katashi closely, nodding slightly in acknowledgment as they walked amidst the whooping and cheering crowd, shouting congratulatory words and blessings. Thankfully, knowing the instinct of a newly mated demon, they were wise enough to keep safe distance from them while gobbling the sight of the white haired inu nestled snugly on Kouga's back.

 

Entering the castle corridor, Kouga sighed in relief as he saw his mother and sister hurry towards them and soon they were ushered in the nearest chamber, Keiko's personal ones, away from the prying eyes with a promising for a large initiation ceremony as soon as they were able. This seemed to please the wolves and they dispersed with excited smiles on their faces in anticipation of a nice feast.

 

Kouga sighed as he lowered himself on the warm furs near the large fireplace, shifting the weight slightly to pull the sleeping inu into his arms. “Mother…” he called frowning when he peeled off the thick furs and checked in on his mate. Surely, Inuyasha felt a bit warm, his face was flushed…

 

“Was it is Kouga?” Keiko inquired as she closed the doors after asking Kaiya to retrieve some herbs from the healing chamber and giving Katashi the leave for rest of the day. Following the frown on her son's face she quickly settled herself in front of the two demons, checking on the son-in-law's health. After a few quick check she looked up and smiled. “It's okay Kouga, it's a mild fever. Nothing serious. He is just exhausted from the power it took for you two to form the mating bond. He is still recuperating so the changes had left him a bit overwhelmed.” she informed ignoring the rosy blush that rose up Kouga's cheek as she began a thorough inspection on her son ignoring his protesting whines. “Just let him rest for a few hours and he'll be fine.”

 

At the moment there was knock on the door and Kaiya peeked in asking for entrance. “Come in, dear.” Keiko smiled as Kaiya handed her a small bowl before turning to her little brother. “Congratulations, my little wolf.” she smiled at Kouga who returned it fully thanking her. “Mother, I must take my leave now. You know Katashi, he is probably howling like an abandoned wolf by now.” she announced with a roll of her eyes.

 

“All right dear.” Keiko nodded returning the bow her daughter offered with a slight nod of her own before turning to his son.

 

“Now, return to your chamber and rest. I am sure you are tired too. Take these medicines with you. Make sure Inuyasha takes them when he wakes.” Kouga nodded picking the inu up in his arms. “And Kouga…”

 

“Hai, mother?” Kouga stopped just outside the doors.

 

“Your father will be returning tomorrow, so….”

 

“I understand mother, and I am ready to face him” Kouga offered solemnly.

 

Keiko smiled. “All right dear. Now go and rest. Take care of your mate.”

 

“Hai, mother.” Kouga smiled as he made his way to his own chambers.

 

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