InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Lost Hopes ❯ Chapter 24

Author Notes: Thanks to all who have reviews. Your views are highly appreciated.

 

Chapter 24

 

Kouga paced frantically before the fireplace. Keiko watched on silently as her son continued his tantrum, curses and epithets filling the room.

 

“That…that…curse to the name wolf. How dare she?” Kouga roared. Keiko sighed. Father and son were so much alike; once fired up, neither one listened to reason.

 

“Kouga surely-”

 

“Mother, you don't understand. Inuyasha flat out refused…REFUSED to tell me what they're doing. He…he says `when the time comes you'll know.' What does he mean by that!? And…and I heard them talking. They were…they were….”

 

“What were they talking about Kouga?”

 

“They were…they were…damn! I can't tell you. God, I hope it's not what I think they were talking about,” Kouga yelled before collapsing on the ground with a huff.

 

“Kouga, dear cub, you're making no sense,” Keiko commented with a smile.

 

“Of course I am not! Huh? Anyway, I say that damn bitch is after my mate and if-”

 

“Kouga! Watch your language,” Keiko snapped exasperated. “Mother would never do anything to harm Inuyasha, you know that. And don't you believe in your mate, you baka ookami? Inuyasha would never betray you.”

 

“But Mother, surely you don't trust Obaa-sama. She has a reputation for-”

 

“Enough Kouga! For god's sake, she is your grandmother; you can't simply accuse her like that. And after all, Inuyasha has finally accepted her-”

 

“Yes, that's my problem. Why, when he was so scared of her just a few weeks ago, would my mate suddenly be utterly unmindful of her lecherous antics? Did you not see them at lunch today, Mother? Obaa-sama was glued to him and Inuyasha didn't even bat an eyelash. They were whispering-WHISPERING AND GIGGLING, Mother! Like childhood friends! I'm telling you that old witch is trying to take my mate. I would trust Inuyasha with my life, Mother, but I know Obaa-sama. She…well, she's had her eye on him since the beginning. And you can't deny it. Mother, the whole clan is talking about it. Maybe when she flirts with Katashi it's harmless but there is definitely something going on here.”

 

“Kouga,” Keiko sighed, noticing how distressed her son was. To speak the truth, seeing the pair interact this past week had her wary as well. Something must have happened between the inu and the old demoness and now it seemed they were up to something. After the hyena attack, reports of their sudden `friendship' had spread like wildfire. Inuyasha, the inu who formally went into a panic at the mere mention of Hotaru, now spent hours at a time in her chambers doing god knows what. No one quite understood why. Keiko doubted her mother-in-law would seduce her own grandson's mate. That was preposterous. Right? Or was it? Anyway, there seemed to be something going on. She had spoken to Hotaru-sama trying not to be offensively inquisitive. And yet, the way the old wolf had danced around the answers had made Keiko worried. But she was not going to disclose that to Kouga just yet; her son was distressed enough as it was. “Kouga, listen to me, I'm sure they are not doing anything offensive. They have simply grown closer and you know how Grandmother clings to those she desires. I am sure there is nothing to worry about and sooner or later they will explain these secret meetings. Don't worry, my dear.” She smiled softly as Kouga crawled towards her before laying his head on her lap and visibly pouting.

 

“Oh Mother, please, I cannot lose him now. It's just…what happened? When I left he was so…and now he seems so…so different. He's happy and content and I wasn't the one who made him that way. Whatever Obaa-sama's done, it's changed Inuyasha and now, oh gods, he'll probably leave me! I…I…,” he closed his eyes willing his tears to stay back. Damn that mutt and damn Obaa-sama!

 

“Sshh, calm down, you're behaving like a child, dear. Everything is going to be fine.” Keiko assured as she raked her fingers through his long locks soothingly. “I am sure there is a reason behind this.” The alpha female decided she needed to have a talk with Inuyasha very soon.

 

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

 

Inuyasha sighed as he carefully folded the freshly finished parchment, storing it in his small satchel. He smiled; he was getting better. After a lot of time and patience on his part and constant goading and encouragement on Hotaru's, he was finally picking up on this and now there was no looking back. And although he was still a bit unsure of it, the other training was progressing as well. He wasn't disappointed in it, not really, it's just that…“No, no, I've gotta think positively,” he reminded himself, shaking his head to halt that train of thought.

 

He was still disappointed at his results so far yet the thought of surprising his mate kept Inuyasha going. Smirking, the hanyou reflected that his ookami's recent behaviour also spurred him on. `Poor Kouga is so jealous,' Inuyasha decided. Oh yes, the look on Kouga's face every time his questions were tactfully avoided was priceless. `However, it's affecting his performance, che!” he scowled.

 

Initially, he hadn't wanted to keep this training a secret; only on Hotaru's insistence had he done so. Even Inuyasha was truly surprised by how close Hotaru and he seemed to have gotten. He had discovered that the demoness had an entirely different entity hiding inside. Both strong and mysterious, she never failed to surprise him. Although that loony lecherous streak was still there and the sadistic demon still came out to annoy him at times, the young hanyou had learned see past these masks and into the demoness' true heart. With this new insight, he had even allowed this storm she was cooking up regarding their secret dealings. Yes, he'd even aided her by tactfully avoiding Kouga and the family's inquiries into his recent `association' with the demoness. Good-naturally, he'd put up with the insistent teasing, knowing smirks, and quips Katashi threw his way. Of course, he was not a complete duffer and he could sense his mate's unease. Hotaru mercilessly teased the poor wolf, cuddling and giggling with Inuyasha in the young wolf's presence. It bothered him slightly to upset his mate, but to tell the truth, he could not deny feeling a bit satisfied as well. “Serves the cocky wolf right, leaving me alone like that!” he huffed. Smirking, the hanyou decided, `Oh yes, this was fun.' Perhaps, getting affected by Hotaru sadistic virus wasn't so bad after all.

 

Hearing a small knock, he turned and called for the visitor to enter. Golden eyes lit up as Keiko came into the room with a smile.

 

“Mother,” he greeted, bowing slightly.

 

“How are you this evening, Inuyasha?” The petite demoness asked, crossing the room to sit in front of him.

 

“Fine.” The white inu wasn't particularly happy with his mother-in-law either. He hated being alone and surely he could have escorted the ladies on their journey. He was certainly strong enough to have aided and protected them. Keh!

 

As if sensing his ire, Keiko sighed. “I must apologise Inuyasha, for not letting you accompany us. However, it was Mashiro's strict order that you stay. We needed you here. After all, someone strong must always remain to protect the castle in case of an attack.” The wolf demoness held her breath; silently praying that a bit of flattery would prove useful.

 

“Yeah, I guess you're right.” Inuyasha agreed with a small smile and the tension in the room dissipated.

 

“I'm glad you are well, my child.” She replied before her eyes fell to the rolls of parchments peeking out of a small satchel. “What is that, Inuyasha?” She inquired, gesturing toward the mysterious objects.

 

“That is ummm…they are something that…ummm…well, it's something I'm learning.” Inuyasha finished hesitantly. Damn, he was caught. Evading Kouga was one thing but Keiko wouldn't be so easy.

 

“Learning?” Keiko furrowed. “What could you be learning? If you do not mind, could I take a look at it…?”

 

Inuyasha nodded, reluctantly opening one of the parchments and handing it over to her. He watched as she quietly went through it before frowning. “Why Inuyasha, this is simply the most basic form of our written language. Why would you…?” Suddenly, it hit her. Inuyasha had been an orphan who lived his whole life on his own. Perhaps…no, likely the inu-hanyou didn't know how to read or write! “Inuyasha?!”

 

Ears flattened in distress and his face sombre, the inu in question avoided her inquisitive gaze. “Mother, I…”

 

“Oh dear, I am so sorry Inuyasha. I never meant to pry. I guess I just assumed you would know how…” she stuttered, at a loss for words.

 

Inuyasha sighed quietly. “No Mother. There's nothing to be sorry about. You all have done more than enough for me and-”

 

“Nonsense, child! As head of this clan, it has always been my responsibility to ensure that every member, regardless of his position, is literate. Not only that, but-”

 

“But Mother, you couldn't have known,” Inuyasha protested vehemently, “and Hotaru-sama has been teaching me well-” Realizing what he'd revealed, the hanyou clamped his mouth shut. Damn, he'd slipped! Muttering curses, he watched as the alpha female's eyes widened in realisation.

 

“Yo-you mean Mother has been tutoring you?!” The stunned demoness asked. “Really?!”

 

`Guess I might as well tell her everything,' Inuyasha decided before nodding slightly. “Yeah, she's been teaching me this stuff and some other things too. You heard what happened during the hyena attack?” Keiko nodded, realizing she was about to hear the truth and finding herself slightly restless. Hell, she had never heard of Hotaru being generous. The alpha female shuddered as she recalled the tasks Hotaru had swindled from her as payment for her tutelage. Nervously, Keiko wondered what form of payment the old demoness had demanded of Inuyasha. “Well, Ru-chan offered to help me with my youki and stuff.” She heard Inuyasha finish.

 

“Oh.” The stunned wolf was still trying to process this impossible situation. “And she offered this herself?”

 

“Yeah, but she wants it kept a secret. I can't tell anyone until I finish all her training.”

 

“And what did she ask for in return?” She inquired uneasily. This whole situation had her entirely baffled.

 

“In return?” Inuyasha flushed as he looked away embarrassed. “Oh, well…she asked me to keep her company in public for a while so that…ummm…well then she could…umm…you see…”

 

“Hmmm, I understand…” Keiko appeared to be contemplating the situation quite seriously before her sudden smirk caused Inuyasha to frown. “Leave it to Mother to cook up such a storm. While she definitely seems to have taken an extreme liking to you, she certainly couldn't give up a chance to ruffle Mashiro and Kouga's fur. And you gave her the perfect opportunity. Oh Inuyasha, I give to it her. She is one devious wolf.” Keiko finally dissolved in laughter, Inuyasha following soon after.

 

“But Mother-” Inuyasha began as he regained control of himself.

 

“Don't worry, my son, your secret is safe with me. However, I must advise that you not keep this secret to yourself much longer. You must know Kouga is really quite upset. The poor boy fears he is losing you and, as thickheaded as he is, he is bound to confront Mother. That will only end with a couple of serious injuries. Believe me, I've seen it.” The barely contained laughter in her tone, however, softened her chastising words.

 

“Hai.” Inuyasha nodded, his eyes sparking with the same light of amusement as Keiko's. “I understand, Mother.”

 

“All right, child. I will leave to your devices. If you need any help with your studies, however, do not hesitate to approach your Mother. I will always be there for you.”

 

She stood and Inuyasha smiled as she bent down to place a warm kiss on his forehead before striding from the room. Passing through the quiet halls, the wolf demoness smirked. “Oh yes, Inuyasha is certainly a fitting son-in-law. The little devil.” Smiling she made her way toward her rooms.

 

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

 

Kouga huffed, kicked a nearby pebble, and sent it flying into the sky. “Damn Hotaru and damn that stupid Inuyasha. What are they up to?” He grumbled roughly while scratching his head. He was at his wit's end. His mate had been acting oddly since he'd returned nearly a week ago and no amount of questioning was making his beloved budge. All his ingenious spying methods had failed. And to top it all off, his mother-HIS OWN MOTHER, the very women who had always been his saving grace-was turning a blind eye toward it all. “Damn it all, the suspense is killing me. ARGH…BAKA! BAKA! BAKA! BAKA! Inuyasha no BAKA!!!!!

 

“My, my, Ko-chan. You seem angry.” A sweet voice called from behind. The enraged wolf prince bristled before abruptly turning to face his offender.

 

“OBAA-SAMA!” He snarled with barely controlled rage. Damn he hated that name. He was not a child!

 

“Yes, Dear?” Hotaru asked innocently, paying no mind to the bared fangs or irate growls shot her way.

 

“Where's Inuyasha?” He growled. Once again, the inu had disappeared after teaching his classes and Kouga knew Hotaru was responsible.

 

The auburn-haired warrior blinked in innocent surprise. “Why, Ko-chan? Is Ya-chan missing? My oh my, you should inform-”

 

“Stop pretending, OBAA-SAMA. What have you done to my mate?”

 

“Why nothing, of course.” Hotaru replied, appearing rather shocked at her grandson's outburst.

 

“Nothing? Nothing?! You two seem to have grown awfully close, haven't you. He's been avoiding me for days now. Instead, he spends most of his hours with you. You, you have stolen my mate. You…with your… you…” Infuriated, Kouga continued to stutter as Hotaru raised an eyebrow.

 

“Oooooh. Jealous now, are we?

 

“Grandma…”

 

“Poor little wolfie, lost his matey.”

 

“Grrrrr…Obaa-sama…” Kouga growled in warning. “Why?! Why would you do this?” He asked quietly, his expression growing dark. “I, I love him. Why would you take him away from me?”

 

“Wolfie?”

 

“It hurts, Grandma. Inuyasha…” Kouga turned away unable to hide his pain. Why couldn't he ever win?! “He…he wasn't like this before. You've done something to him, don't deny it. I know you-”

 

“Oi, shut it, Ko-chan. You're acting like a spoiled brat denied his treat. You sure don't have much confidence in your mate. Did he say he was doing something inappropriate? Well, did he?”

 

“No!” Kouga whirled around to face his grandmother again. “But he has been purposely avoiding me. He…he always…”

 

“Always what? What exactly are you insinuating? Because Inuyasha love you, baka whelp. Think now, would he ever do such a thing? You should be ashamed of yourself!” The formidable demoness' voice grew colder and harsher as she continued to chastise her grandson. “You, Ko-chan, are worthy of that name. You continue to act like a spoiled brat, never once thinking of the consequences. Why can't you simply accept the fact the Inuyasha has a life of his own apart from being your mate? In fact, has it ever occurred to you that there may be more to Inuyasha then simply being your mate? That perhaps, he should be allowed to be his own person. That he should be allowed to make decisions and grow on his own as he sees fit. He certainly wasn't consulted when you went off on this little war of yours but now he must answer to you for all his activities. Ridiculous! He cannot lean on you or any other his whole life. Would you actually want that?” Exhausted, the demoness quieted, waiting for some sign that he understood. When she received only a grunt in reply, she sighed. Damn her stubborn, mule-headed grandson. This was truly getting out of hand. “You are an insolent child who will only believe what you want. A good spanking is the only cure for that disease, idiot. However that can wait for later, right now you will come with me. It is high time you see what we have actually been doing.”

 

Before he could utter another word, Kouga found himself pulled by the ear as Hotaru dragged him howling across the castle grounds toward her chambers.

 

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

 

“Obaa-sama? Where are you taking me?” Kouga asked timidly. Damn, he had pissed off the loony hag and now he was in trouble. “Ow! Slowly,” Kouga yelped as Hotaru kicked her doors open. In one motion, he felt himself dragged in by the ear then tossed onto a nearby couch.

 

“Sit here! And not one word,” she commanded roughly. A stern glare halted any argument and suddenly Kouga found himself alone in the room.

 

“Damn hag,” Kouga hissed, painfully rubbing his abused ear as he took in his surroundings. He couldn't remember ever being in here before, however he felt a strange sense of nostalgia. It was as if he had spent a great deal of time here. Snippets of memories assaulted him, perhaps of a young cub frolicking though these rooms. Had he been here before? However, he didn't have much time to ponder these new recollections as Hotaru stormed back into the room. In her hands rested an oddly coloured crystal ball and a small knife.

 

“I need your blood,” she softly growled, carefully placing the knife before of him.

 

“M-my blood?!” Kouga croaked. Oh dear, he had really done it now. Suddenly, the wolf prince wished he'd tried a little harder to find out what was wrong with Inuyasha. Or maybe been a little nicer about it. Did this crazy bitch use Inuyasha's blood when she used her black magic to make the inuhanyou so enamoured with her? Or maybe, now that Inuyasha was hooking up with Grandma, they were ridding themselves of his presence. Kouga swore the temperature in the room dropped several degrees and he unsuccessfully held back a shiver. There was nothing he could do now; the crazy old lady was blocking the door. But at least maybe she would let him know one thing before he died. “W-why?”

 

“Why, you say?” Hotaru snapped, tactfully hiding her initial amusement at the Kouga's squirming. It felt good to know that such a great strong warrior still feared her eccentric ways. However, now was not the time to bask in the light of sadistic pleasure. “Why? Well, don't you want to see your mate? Oh stop looking at me like that. I just need a few drops on the crystal ball, baka.” She scolded. “Hurry up now!”

 

Kouga sighed in relief. His crazy grandmother's voice held a slightly less murderous, although still clearly nutty, tone to it. Perhaps he would actually make it out of this room alive. Slightly embarrassed, he realized that for a minute there he actually thought Inuyasha was…Oh well, if she needed a droplet he'd better give it to her now before she decided to take it herself. The young wolf wasn't quite sure he trusted her that much. Quickly pricking his finger, he followed her careful instructions and let a few drops fall onto the crystal. Immediately the blood seeped in as a golden light infused the ball. Kouga watched entranced while colours began to swirl, shapes forming and dissolving within.

 

“Stop gaping like a fish, Ko-chan, and follow me.” Nodding dumbly, he reluctantly followed the demoness deeper into her chambers. His frown darkened to a scowl as they neared the regally decorated bedchamber and he only relaxed when they passed by the entrance. His mind still haunted by suspicions of the passed room, Kouga was startled when Hotaru abruptly halted before a strange corridor lined with nothing but an endless row of doors. He'd never seen anything like this before and he could only stand baffled.

 

“Obaa-sama?” He called restlessly.

 

“Shush, kit!” Came the only answer to his unspoken question. Kouga bristled and narrowed his eyes at the demeaning name but anger soon changed to curiosity. It appeared as though Hotaru was searching for something along the wall and soon she began to mutter strange words. A sudden screech brought Kouga instantly to alert, his hand dropping to the hilt of his sword as he searched for the unseen attacker. “Oi Ko-chan, there ain't nobody here.” Hotaru simply laughed, shaking her head. Kouga blushed. Not only was he deep within the Wolf Castle, but within Hotaru's own chambers. There was probably no safer spot in the entire mountain range; it was highly unlikely he would find an `intruder' here. Slight movement caught his attention to the previously plain wall before him. As he watched in shocked awe, an intricate carving of twisting flowered vines appeared. Entranced, he reached forward. “Stop!” The sudden shout broke though to him, causing him to freeze just moments from touching the delicate art. “Don't touch them, baka. At least, not before I finish.” Quickly dropping his arm, Kouga looked up puzzled. A strange leaf-shaped panel had opened up and his grandmother was holding the blood-soaked crystal out to it. A steady hum began to emit from the vine and the walls seemed to glow. Then he felt it. A gentle breeze wrapped around him, sweeping around his body like countless feathers dancing across his skin. Kouga smiled slightly as, once again, a trance swept over him; however, it was soon over. Frowning, the wolf prince turned an inquisitive stare to the amused demoness. “This place is sentient. Here is a place of old magics, both pure and impure and far beyond our understanding, Ko-chan. These walls answer only to me and only my chosen may enter. Your blood was essential; otherwise you would have been recognised as an intruder and simply squelched.”

 

At her cryptic words, Kouga felt a shudder flow through his spine. Noticing her grandson's apparent discomfort, Hotaru smiled as she clapped her hands in excitement. “Ooh Ko-chan, don't you worry. Like Ya-chan, from now on you are always welcome. Although, I advise that you do not attempt to disclose this to anyone. Not that you could, of course.” She added thoughtfully. “Anyways, you can touch the walls now if you like. What? Not interested? Well then, let's find your little puppy. Shall we?” With this declaration, she pulled a door opened and smiled. “Ah, there he is. Come on.” She gestured to the door and Kouga approached cautiously. Peeking inside, his jaw dropped.

 

“Oh, come on. Step through already.” Hotaru pushed him impatiently and he growled in response as he stumbling a few steps through the door. Once through, however, he looked around in awe yet again. Acres of grass, both tall and short, stretched before him along with a moderate dusting of sweet-scented flowers. Sakura trees stood proudly bordering an area of high grass, their petals being carried on the wings of a gentle breeze. The air was crisp and fresh and filled with the joyful music of birds chirping merrily. Kouga sighed, the beauty of this place relaxing him unconsciously. As he stood, letting his senses absorb these marvels, a white flash caught his eyes. Narrowing them, he focused on the mound of tall grass where he was sure it had disappeared but saw no further movement. A quick sniff of the air left him more puzzled as the scent of Inuyasha and…something else…invaded his senses. Turning away from the waving stalks of grass, Kouga threw a confused glance at his grandmother only to receive an amused smirk in reply. As he scowled back at her, the young prince was promptly tackled to the ground by something heavy.

 

He struggled helplessly as a long tongue swiftly bathed him in happy laps. “Stop! Stop it!” He called through the wet licks. In vain, he tried not to giggle but this only encouraged his assaulter. Relentlessly, more licks descended as happy yips filled the serene field.

 

At long last, Kouga was finally spared only to find himself with an armful of white panting fur. Following the sounds of choked laughter, Kouga found his grandmother sprawled in the grass clutching her stomach as her body spasmed. Sending a brief scowl towards the too delighted demoness, Kouga turned his attention back to the fuzzy yipping ball in his lap. Golden eyes sparkled back at him. “Inuyasha?”

 

The hanyou was no more in his human form. Kouga was presented with Inuyasha's bestial form, a white dog with a fluffy tail wagging in greeting for his mate. However, this beast was far from threatening as a pink tongue lolled out of its panting mouth and its tail wagged animatedly. Little puppy ears flicking back and forth in bubbling excitement ensured that the `beast' could only be considered adorable.

 

“Woof!” This enthusiastic reply was followed by a long lick of affirmation that lathed the wolf's cheek.

 

“Inuyasha, how?” Kouga asked incredulously, studying his mate. It was widely known that a hanyou could never attain bestial form. So, how? Further inspecting his astonishing mate, Kouga frowned. Why did his mate look and act like no more than a young puppy out on the prowl? And why was he so small? Disrupting Kouga's inward thoughts, the dog began butting the wolf's hand with his head uttering a quiet whine. Kouga smiled as he reacted to this call for attention and began scratching the puppy ears and running his hands through the soft pristine white fur.

 

Kouga indulged his mate with caresses and scratching, earning pleased purrs from the satisfied puppy. Kouga chuckled softly as the inu leaned in, happily whining for more.

 

“That was incredible, Inuyasha.” Hotaru gasped as she attempted to regain her composure. “You knocked him flat on his ass. Well, I'd say you kept your promise. I'll consider this payment in full.” A tiny yip erupted from the small dog, seemingly in reply.

 

“Obaa-sama, why? How?” Kouga began unsteadily. It would seem that much had happened; he had so many questions, but he didn't even know where to start.

 

“You wanted to know what I was doing with your mate, didn't you? Well, see for yourself. He is safe, isn't he?” Hotaru started, having finally recovered from her hysterics.

 

Kouga gazed at his grandmother with blank eyes, still trying to absorb some of what was happening here. When he realized she was done speaking, he nodded dumbly before turning his attention back down to the precious inu in his lap. The white pup rolled over and whined, begging for caresses on his now exposed belly. The wolf smiled, pampering Inuyasha while looking to Hotaru for answers to his other questions.

 

“He has always lived in his humanistic form, allowing it to develop. Since he has only recently acquired it, however, his animalistic form is still in its infant stage. He is simply a pup in this form and, as thus, is non-threatening and quite playful.” Hotaru explained, anticipating her grandson's query. “After the recent attack by the hyena, I offered to teach him control of his youki and how to reinforce it in a positive manner. He has been working very hard and, as you can see, has just recently managed this form. In fact, he first succeeded earlier this week, right before you arrived home. This is, of course, what we were discussing that morning if you must know.” Hotaru smiled knowingly and Kouga had the grace to blush.

 

Meanwhile, Inuyasha found himself some prey, a small butterfly to be exact. Growling, the small pup darted forward to give chase. Kouga smiled, he had never seen Inuyasha so happy and carefree in his life.

 

“He's so happy.” Kouga murmured and Hotaru nodded coming to sit beside the wolf prince. Peacefully, both watched from a distance as the white dog yipped happily and hunted one butterfly after another.

 

“Yes he is. In this form, he has the chance to enjoy the childhood he had never had. He is also protected here; this way he can roam about without a care in the world.” The demoness smiled.

 

“Obaa-sama, I am-”

 

“Shush Ko-chan, there is no need to apologise. I did what I could because I understand him. Besides, this is my gift to you, my green-eyed Ko-chan. Just don't let anyone think that you didn't receive anything precious for your mating ceremony from this old grandmother of yours.”

 

Kouga smiled. “Thank you, Obaa-sama.”

 

Hotaru smirked, “Although, I must admit I did enjoy teasing you and your father very much. Did you know that Mashiro stormed my rooms, demanding to know what I did to `his son-in-law'? He was livid. Watching him turn from red to purple was one of the best things I've seen in centuries. Oh priceless, just priceless!” she laughed.

 

“Thank you, Obaa-sama.” Kouga said again. “You don't know what you've given me. I have never-” He discovered it was difficult to express himself with this developing lump in his throat. Hotaru smiled, and perhaps it was a trick of the light but it seemed that sadistic sparkle usually present in her eyes had been replaced with a gentle love.

 

“I do know, Ko-chan. I felt his pain the very first day I saw him. That boy has been through a lot, but he is strong, a fighter. But you must take care, your absence was quite hard on him. As his mate, you are more important to him than anyone and he depends on you.” Kouga nodded and Hotaru continued. “Inuyasha needs you, Ko-chan, in order for him to grow and to forget the pain he has received. You have more influence over him than anyone else does, particularly in this form. So be with him, play with him, spend time with, let him experience the joys of a carefree childhood. His growth will occur much faster this way.”

 

They fell silent, watching the hyperactive hanyou leap around batting at both butterflies and sakura petals as they floated past. Once he'd had enough, the white pup turned towards the wolves, bounded over, sat himself back on his hunches, and began butting his mate's arm for some attention, again. “Yeah, yeah!” Kouga muttered, smiling and scratching the waiting dog-ears absently as Hotaru continued. “Ko-chan, you must stay with Inuyasha for now. This is most important, seriously affecting both your future and that of your children. Being together in this form will build trust and tighten the bonds between you, bonds which are essential should you two expect to have pups this season.” Kouga blushed at that. “My Ya-Chan's fertility is triggered by feelings of love and safety. Who better to supply those than you? Stay here with him in this special place. Discover its treasures and enjoy them.”

 

“Thanks so much, Obaa-sama.” Kouga smiled. “And I sincerely apologise for my assumptions of you.”

 

Hotaru smirked, that impish glint back in her eyes. “Ohh, you know nothing about me, my dear. Although, I see you have some saving grace, quite unlike your father.” Kouga snorted at that. “Perhaps that's what makes you so precious to me.”

 

While Kouga talked to Hotaru, Inuyasha sat beside him with puppy ears strained to catch the conversation. His attention wavered and was lost when an itch crept up behind one ear. Using the claws on his hind leg, he swiped at the offending itch, losing his precarious balance in the process and nearly falling with a squeak. Regaining his balance, he spied another butterfly. With a predatory growl, he once again set off after his prey stopping only to send a questioning yip back to Kouga, requesting help in this new hunt.

 

Kouga laughed watching his mate's antics. “Go, Kouga. Run with him.” One more excited yip from Inuyasha decided him. Calling his youki to the fore, Kouga waited as his bones shifted and features changed. Then, with an equally exuberant bark, he gave chase. In moments, he was chasing the smaller dog into the field shoving, tackling, nipping, barking, and playing with his mate

 

Hotaru sat back and smiled as she watched the two canines running alongside. “May you two find happiness throughout your lives, cubs. Damn! Now I'm turning into in a weepy old wolf.” She cursed, brushing away a stray tear from her eyes.

 

TBC………

 

Next Chapter: Mating Season!!!!!!! Yay!