InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Suffer The Fray ❯ The She-Wolf ( Chapter 31 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Ravenreux 
Rin confronts Sesshomaru, Inuyasha's gang gets back together, and Koga and Ayame run into trouble...
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Hentai / Action | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 05.08.2012 | Pages: 5 | Words: 8.1K | Visits: 1.1K | Status: Completed
Rin confronts Sesshomaru, Inuyasha's gang gets back together, and Koga and Ayame run into trouble...
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Hentai / Action | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 05.08.2012 | Pages: 5 | Words: 8.1K | Visits: 1.1K | Status: Completed
Disclaimer: I hold no claim to the characters of InuYasha...Rumiko Takahashi does. I only claim ownership of Shunsoke, and I make zero profit from writing this.
A/N: Sorry about the delay. I meant to finish this chapter sooner, but I've been put off writing since my boyfriend left for Navy Recruit Training. He graduates this Friday, so I'm so excited to see him for the first time in 8 weeks! I'm also back in school and working towards a BA in English, so that took up a lot of my time. Anyway, I sent this to my amazing beta, Clnv, but I haven't heard from her and I wanted to post this before I fly out to Chicago for the graduation. This chapter has only been edited by me and I will post the revised chapter when I can.
Inu no Taisho's presence was strong despite the fact his scent and aura were long dead. Sesshomaru could easily recall how his father had towered over him as a pup. They had used this clearing as a training ground of sorts, and it was where he had been taught to fight and how to kill. The great general had been attentive to the fact his student was young, keeping the lessons engaging, but Sesshomaru had always been aware of the serious undertone to his studies.
It wouldn't be until years later that the skills learned through rowdy play were put to the test. In the war following his father's demise, he had fallen back to those teachings many times to make it through a skirmish. Inu no Taisho had never been obvious about how important the lessons were, but he had grasped it just the same.
Opening his eyes to the morning light, Sesshomaru gazed across the leaf-strewn clearing and had no difficultly envisioning his father's image. The scene triggered another from centuries ago and he felt his breath catch in his throat at the memory.
"Do you know the origin of inu-youkai, Sesshomaru?"
The Dai-youkai blinked as he remembered that day. He had been nearly adolescent and had spent much of the afternoon being schooled in the proper manner to wield a sword. There had been a companionable silence after his father had deemed the day's lesson through, and together they had watched the sun set that evening. His father had turned to him then, with such a severe expression that Sesshomaru could feel the weight of it even now, and asked him that simple question.
He hadn't known, but that didn't seem to surprise his father. He had continued on and told him that inu-youkai were descended from the very first of the ookami-youkai. The split was so far back in history that youkai had not yet begun to use a human form. Just like modern ookami-youkai, there was a hierarchy where the strong lorded over the weak. Eventually the weak wolves grew tired of their ostracized existence and found companions in an unusual species.
"Humans were generous in their capacity to befriend the wolves that came into their midst. In time, the wolves grew attached to them and this angered their superiors. The alpha wolves decided to teach the omegas their place by destroying the humans. Realizing that their lives were enriched by the humans, the omegas defended their human comrades and found the strength they had been lacking all along in protecting them. Those wolves that were first to guard and partner with humans were the first inu-youkai."
Sesshomaru blinked as the memory faded, his father's words still ringing in his ears. How could he have forgotten something like that? He thought back and realized that it hadn't been long after that day that his mother had returned to take him back. Inu no Taisho had always held a deep distaste for his mother and her entire bloodline. He had said numerous times that their traitorous beliefs were an insult to their ancestors, but he had never really paid any mind to what his father had meant. The general had impressed it upon him that while he had joined with his mother to fulfill an obligation to his own father, he did not share her ideals.
Sesshomaru flexed the fingers of his wounded arm as he continued to delve into his memories. He had not seen much of his father after the time of his training. Instead, he had been submersed into the dark atmosphere of youkai politics while at his mother's side in court. He could not bring to mind a time when humans had ever been viewed as anything more than fodder for amusement. It occurred to him that he had embraced the mindset as well- not that he truly believed that way- but more so because it simply made his dealings with the other inu-youkai nobility infinitely easier.
When Inu no Taisho had fallen at the hands of men while defending his human mate, Sesshomaru had turned his back on his father's teachings. His anger had blinded him into accepting his mother's views and the gift of Tenseiga had only solidified it more in his mind. The Dai-youkai gently laid his hand over the sword's hilt and remembered how offended and enraged he'd been when he discovered Tetsusaiga was to be bequeathed to his hanyou sibling. The decision had only reinforced his doubts about the general's words.
But Inuyasha has proved our father right time and time again… Sesshomaru tightened his grip on Tenseiga with frustration. The last time he had bested the half breed was when he was still struggling to accept his human blood, but once those reservations were gone, he wouldn't deny that Inuyasha had beaten him every time. His power with our father's fang rivals my own. He lifted his tawny eyes back to the glowing sun. Perhaps father was right about the power of inu-youkai all along…
"Do you have something to protect?"
The inu-prince could still hear the slightly disapproving undercurrent in his father's voice that night. Despite the fact he was still bleeding profusely from the wounds he'd suffered at Ryukotsei's claws, Inu no Taisho had still been trying to teach him. At the time he had thought the prospect of his father dying to protect his human mate was folly, but the general had held fast to his beliefs. His father would have certainly survived if his headstrong son had only taken him at his word instead of arrogantly proclaiming that he was the stronger man because he held no such petty devotions.
Father would laugh if he saw weak I've become. Naraku has exploited my indecision with the girl and it has left him the victor at every turn. A soft growl stirred to life in his chest. I must not doubt my instincts. I refuse to let that creature defeat me.
Inhaling deeply, his sharp nose caught the tendrils of Rin's scent and his agitation eased immediately. She was displeased; he could sense it woven into her usually calm aroma. He felt the tension in his body abate even as he knew she had come to confront him. From the very start, she had not feared him and he was pleased to find she refused to be afraid even now. Somehow he knew his father would approve of her determination as well and it only reinforced the notion that he was denying his true nature as an inu-youkai.
I think I finally understand what you were trying to tell me, Father. Sesshomaru darted his eyes off to the right as the crunching of leaves alerted him to her arrival. Perhaps I finally found what it is that I'm supposed to protect.
No, I will not let him intimidate me with those eyes of his.
Rin took a deep breath and tipped her chin up higher as she strode closer. Ah-Un followed doggedly at her heels, having granted her request to lead her to his master, and bleated a soft greeting to the inu-youkai. She didn't look away from him as she released the reins and gave the dragon a pat of thanks on the smooth skin of his neck. Sesshomaru returned her gaze for what seemed like an eternity before letting his amber eyes slid shut as he rested his head back against the tree.
Rin was suddenly struck by how reminiscent the scene was to the first time she had ever beheld him. She had only been a young child then and had yet to fully comprehend just how large he was until she was right next to him. She would never claim to have skills in comparison to Kagome's when it came to reading auras, but she had sensed he was no ordinary youkai just the same. He had been wounded then too, and she had no doubts that Inuyasha had given him those injuries as well; their rivalry was a fierce one.
Pushing away her rampant recollections, Rin figured she had wasted enough time. "I know that you dislike being disturbed, but it will not take me long to say what I want to say." He did not respond, so she plowed onward. "I will not tolerate you dismissing me as if I do not matter."
She could feel the pain threatening to rear its ugly head, but willed herself to remain calm. "It saddens me to admit that I am ashamed of you. I never thought that was possible." She dropped her eyes from his face to note that his clothes were still horribly tattered. "I am not ignorant to the fact that this thing between us goes against what our races believe is proper, but I will not let them or you tell me I am wrong in my feelings."
She paused and waited, but he remained silent. Rin glanced back at his face and found him watching her intently. It was unsettling and thrilling at the same time, setting her stomach aflutter. Damn him and this power he has over me.
"I'm sure that you believe I have it easy by being human." She realized that her eyes had begun to water and clenched her teeth to stave off the tears. "On the contrary, I was shunned and beaten for my desire to be with you. My life in that village was a torment, but I endured the misery because I knew they were wrong. People have been nothing but wretched to me my entire life, and when the one man that treated me with respect threw my feelings back in my face…"
Her voice caught and she took a moment to gather herself. "I refuse to believe that you feel nothing for me. I would be long dead otherwise. You have never lied to me about anything, but I know that you are lying to yourself when you push me away. I can feel it in your actions and I can see it in your eyes." She squared her shoulders defiantly. "You may think me young and naïve, but not when it comes to you. I have given you everything I have to give because I am yours and always will be."
She cursed as a few tears escaped and jerked her eyes away from him, finding refuge in Ah-Un. She caressed his nearest head to calm her nerves, her hands trembling with the effort that came with confronting him. It had seemed so easy and straightforward in her mind. She had always been careful not to overstep her bounds because she did not want him to change his mind about keeping her with him, but his blatant disregard for her feelings had nipped that practice in the bud.
It just took me longer than I thought to recognize what he was trying to do. He had been intentionally keeping her at a distance and when she failed to understand, he had resorted to more defined measures. He wanted me to be angry…
Rin's hands stilled and Ah-Un bumped them with his muzzles to encourage her to continue petting him. A smile suddenly broke across her face and she laughed softly at her own foolishness. "I'm sorry, Sesshomaru." She swung her bright, honeyed eyes to his silent countenance. "I will not give up so easily."
He gave no indication if her abrupt change of attitude unsettled him. He continued to recline against the tree and watch her fastidiously, but she could see his mind was racing behind his stare.
Resolute in herself, Rin took up Ah-Un's reins and leapt agilely onto his broad back. "I am no longer a child and will not continue to pine for you like one." His gaze followed her as she turned the twin-headed dragon back to the direction from where they'd come. "While I would rather stay here at your side, I know you still struggle to listen to the truth. Inuyasha and Kagome will be returning to his village and I will be accompanying them. When you have decided what it is that matters the most to you, come and find me there."
His tawny eyes narrowed and she knew with a certainty that the news didn't sit well with him. Rin gave him a brilliant smile to express how little his opinion factored into the matter. Sesshomaru merely blinked and stubbornly remained silent.
Oh, well. I have made my peace.
"This Rin will never want anyone but her Sesshomaru," she inhaled the cool morning air and sighed. "But she will lose no more dignity by chasing him. She will wait, but not forever." Her smile shifted into an amused grin. "This Rin is only human, after all."
Sesshomaru persisted in his silence for a moment before finally acknowledging her with a subtle nod of his head. She could feel his distaste toward her request, but it seemed her words had reached him. He would give her answer and she would just have to move on if he rejected her again. Satisfied, she put her heels into Ah-Un and rode back to camp.
Inuyasha's ears flattened to his head as he shot a glare over his shoulder at her. "I'm fine, damn it. Quit nagging me."
A knowing smile graced her face. "I know your hip still hasn't fully healed." She patted the broad back of the twin-headed dragon she was perched on. "I'm sure Ah-Un wouldn't mind carrying you."
An irritated growl poured from his chest as he jerked his gaze forward once more. "You are out of your fucking mind if you think I'll ever consider that."
His sharp ears easily heard her plaintive sigh. "Why, because Ah-Un belongs to Sesshomaru?"
"Yes."
"So you would rather suffer and walk than accept help just because of the stupid feud you have with your brother?"
Inuyasha didn't need to turn around and look to see the indignant expression on her face. "Yes."
"You are so childish, Inuyasha!"
"Feh."
Stalking off as well as he could manage, the hanyou disappeared in the woods to escape her pestering. In truth, the pain in his hip was downright agonizing and he knew he should probably just give in and ride Ah-Un. It certainly wasn't doing him any good to be traipsing about with such a serious wound. He was most likely hindering the healing process, but he couldn't stand being idle any longer. He had spent the past four days practically chained to that feather tick bed and having his liberty restricted drove him crazy.
He had lived as a nomad since the winter of his mother's death. The village elders took little time in evicting him from their midst once she had been buried and it hadn't taken him long to realize he would not be welcome anywhere. The constant threat from stronger youkai and human hunters kept him on the move, covering countless leagues of countryside by day and sleeping high in the treetops by night. It wasn't until he met Kikyo that he's spent any significant amount of time anywhere, and that was followed by the fifty year sleep when she'd pinned him to Goshinboku.
By the time Kagome released him, the locals had taken to calling the surrounding woodlands as 'Inuyasha's Forest' and the name persisted to this day. It had become routine to use Kaede's village as collective meeting point during their pursuit of Naraku and it wasn't long before he began associating it with 'home' as Kagome did. The place was so familiar that even Miroku and Sango had decided to build their home there instead of in either of their respective childhood villages- which he could understand with all the horrible memories that clung to those places.
It had been near impossible for him to remain in Kaede's village for a prolonged amount of time after Kagome returned to her own time. He had retreated to his former lifestyle of wandering the wilderness and found as much comfort as he could from the familiar, but it hadn't been the same. He no longer had to run from danger and had friends that would gladly have let him stay with them. He had been unhappy regardless of where he was and it had taken him a long time to understand why.
Home was wherever Kagome was, and his restlessness ended with her. He knew she would want a home in the village and was warmed by the thought of settling in one place.
I can't say I'm done wandering though... Inuyasha hacked a low-hanging branch from his path with his claws. She may be my mate, but she drives me fucking crazy sometimes.
The sounds of crunching leaves made his ears twitch. "Lord Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha sighed. It didn't matter how many times he asked her not to call him 'Lord', Rin refused to comply because he was Sesshomaru's brother. "What?"
Her expression was apologetic. "Lady Kagome asked that I bring you back. She said it was important."
"I am not getting on that damn dragon and you can tell her I said that."
Rin shook her head. "No, I don't think it's about that. She mentioned something about a jewel."
"Shit." Inuyasha hobbled past her and went as quickly as his damaged hip would allow. "There could be trouble."
This is the worst possible time for Naraku to show his fucking face.
He burst back onto the trail, Rin hot on his heels, to find Kagome calmly standing on one foot beside Ah-Un. Her rosewood bow was fitted with an arrow and she was gazing off to the east. Her rich brown eyes were narrowed in concentration and she looked every bit the powerful miko that she was.
He limped to her side. "Talk to me, Kagome."
"A single jewel shard is approaching us from that direction." She gestured in the direction she was looking with the bow. "It will be here any minute."
The significance of the amount was not lost on him and could only mean one thing: Kohaku was on his way. He awkwardly relieved Tetsusaiga of its scabbard- his sword arm remained in a splint- and moved ahead of the women. "He may not be alone. I need you to stay hidden in the trees with Rin."
Kagome glared at him a moment before giving him a begrudging nod and following Rin and Ah-Un into the cover of the nearby underbrush. She got into position behind the thick trunk of a tree, leaving her bow with a clear shot of the area.
Satisfied that they were secure for the time being, Inuyasha remained where he was and waited. Tension made the muscles of his shoulders ache as he recalled the last time he had a run-in with Kohaku. The little bastard stopped me from getting to Kagome when Akago sprang his trap. He had been in cahoots with Kagura at the time and since he had no clue what had happened to the wind witch, he could only assume that she was still in the boy's company.
He scented the wind when Kagome gave a single tap of her bow against the bark of the tree. The breeze was mild, but he could still pick up the mingled scents of Kohaku and Kagura. It was only seconds later when his sharp vision caught sight of the white feather sailing above their heads. Inuyasha glanced over his shoulder at Kagome and she nodded when he caught her eye.
Raising the bow, Kagome sighted her target and loosed the arrow.
The pale purple aura of the Hama no Ya flared as it shot through the feather, igniting it like dry kindling. A muffled cry of alarm accompanied the burst of flame and the recognizable form of Kohaku plummeted from the sky. The boy's fall was buffered by the branches that snapped under his weight until he lay sprawled in the middle of the trail.
The hanyou pounced the second he hit the ground, pinning the dazed youkai-taijiya with Tetsusaiga at his throat. "You're a sneaky little prick, Kohaku." He gave him a rough shake. "Tell me where Kagura is. I can smell the bitch everywhere."
Kohaku blinked up at him. "Inuyasha?"
He shook him again. "Who do you think?"
The boy's eyes finally seemed to focus. "I've been looking for you for days."
"Oh, really?" Inuyasha pressed Tetsusaiga tighter to his throat. "You're a funny guy, Kohaku, but you still haven't told me what I want to know."
"Please," he held up his hands in surrender. "I'm not here to hurt you. I've been helping Sango and Miroku try to find you."
Inuyasha eased up with the sword. "That still doesn't explain why you're saturated in Kagura's scent."
The boy looked away with a clenched jaw. "Kagura's dead." He turned pained eyes back to him. "She died protecting me from Naraku." His left hand moved to rest over his chest. "She gave me my life back and I freed her from her bonds."
"What the fuck are you talking about?"
"Inuyasha," a gentle hand gripped his shoulder, "he speaks the truth."
He looked up to meet Kagome's warm gaze. She nodded and he gave Kohaku a final wary glance before letting him up. "Someone please tell me what the hell is going on."
"I can sense Kagura's aura within you." Kagome looked at Kohaku. "Her heart beats in your chest and the jewel shard in your neck is dormant."
The boy nodded. "Yes. It wasn't long after we helped spring the trap that Naraku came for me and the jewel shard. Koga was nearby and sensed him and separated me from Kagura just as Naraku attacked." His breathing hitched and he took a moment to clear his throat. "It was brutal and she wanted to honor the promise we made even as she lay there dying." He looked up with watery eyes. "Her heart gave me life again and finally freed me from Naraku's hold."
Inuyasha huffed. "I don't believe it."
Kohaku gave him a quiet stare and pulled Kagura's fan from his belt. "I can prove it, if you like."
A growl rumbled in his throat and Kagome gave him a sharp elbow to the side. "That won't be necessary, Kohaku." She ignored the glare he sent her. "You mentioned Miroku and Sango. Are the others nearby?"
"Yes." He slipped the fan back into his belt. "They're camped about a mile back the way I came. I will lead the way."
Inuyasha eyed him as he struck off down the trail and felt Kagome give his arm a squeeze. "Relax, Inuyasha. He isn't our enemy."
"Feh." He slid Tetsusaiga back into its scabbard. "You've never been on the receiving end of that blade of his."
"Yes, I have and I don't think you'll have to worry about that anymore." She leaned into him and gave him a soft kiss. "C'mon, I want to see everyone."
When Kagome was back up on Ah-Un, Inuyasha positioned himself between Kohaku and the girls as they moved along the path. Only Kagome and Rin participated in any conversation and most of it revolved around the people they were going to meet. The girl seemed thrilled to meet more people and Inuyasha knew it was mostly likely because they weren't going to ostracize her for loving his wretch of a brother.
He had just caught the acrid scent of a cook fire when Kohaku veered off the trail and called out. "Sango! I'm back!"
There was a rustling of the foliage off to right and suddenly Kirara's broad head popped out of the greenery. Her tawny eyes glanced at the visitors and a yowling greeting followed. Kohaku knelt down to pet her great head just as a flash of red exploded from her side.
"Kagome!"
The miko only had a second to brace for the impact as Shippo launched himself into her arms. "Oh, Shippo."
"I was so worried about you!" His crying was muffled as he buried his head into her chest.
Kagome smiled as she held him tightly. "It's alright, Shippo. I'm just a little banged up, that's all." She bent her head and murmured something in his ear.
Inuyasha watched curiously as he nodded up at her before slipping back to his feet. The kit wasted no time in running straight toward him and latching onto his leg, leaving the hanyou awkwardly clearing his throat. "How ya been, buddy?"
Shippo's brilliant green eyes beamed up at him. "Okay. I've been practicing what you taught me about scouting and finding food."
"Shippo's been a great help." All eyes swung to see Miroku emerge from the trees with Sango at his side. "We would have starved without him."
Inuyasha couldn't contain his grin. "I always knew you were hopeless, Miroku."
The monk gave him an answering grin and a friendly clap on the back. "I see you've been having some fun without us."
"I hardly call dealing with Sesshomaru fun." He grinned at Miroku as he gave a nod to Sango. "Kohaku mentioned that Koga was with you."
"He was." Miroku watched as Sango made her way over to Kagome and Rin, Shippo hot on her heels. "He left on a mission to find Naraku in his den."
The hanyou followed his gaze and observed as the three women conversed quietly. "His den?"
"Kohaku knows the location and was more or less, forced to share this knowledge."
"He's dead if he tries to face Naraku alone."
"Ah, but he isn't."
Inuyasha dragged his amber gaze back to his best friend in confusion. "You can't mean those two morons that follow him everywhere."
Miroku sighed. "I wish that were the case. The truth is that Ayame is the one accompanying him on this quest." He tipped his head toward the women. "I see that Rin is with you. I can only imagine what that has to do with all the wounds you have."
"It's a long story."
The Houshi nodded. "It seems that a lot has gone on that we must discuss. Come, the fire is warm."
At first it had only been wisps of his scent, but the further east they traveled, the stronger it became. It eventually became a matter of going where it was more concentrated and following the stink. It had taken them a total of three days to reach this spot below the cavern and that was only due to how hard he had pushed. His pace had been swift and the amount of rest he'd allowed had been little. He had permitted only the smallest breaks to eat and drink, determined to catch Naraku as fast as possible.
Ayame did not complain once during the entire trek and played no more games since the morning they had left the monk's camp. She took his orders without objection and managed to keep up despite the fact she wasn't as accustomed to the relentless travel. Her companion, Tokkan, had done his part as well, bringing them small game to eat whenever he could.
Koga stood from his crouch and melted back into the trees. He had decided to wait and observe the area before diving into a confrontation at Ayame's suggestion. He moved silently through the woods to where he had left her and found her still sleeping soundly in a heap with Tokkan. He couldn't help but grin at the sight they made; it reminded him of when he'd slept in piles with the other young boys of his tribe as a pup.
Sinking down to lean against the trunk of a tree, Koga watched the moonlight set her copper hair glimmering. He knew he was stupid to deny how beautiful she was.
Ayame had surprised him constantly along their journey and his respect for her had only grown by the minute. She was certainly playful and was capable of finding enjoyment in just about anything. He had always figured her to be one for constant conversation, but she had proved that wrong as well. She was fond of the quiet and was always aware of the wilderness around her. She had also proved her skill with her leaf shuriken on the lone hunt he had permitted. Her instincts were strong, as were her speed and strength. She took initiative, but also direction when it was given and worked well as a part of a team.
Koga watched her nuzzle her face into the fur of Tokkan's neck and recalled how impressive her killing blow had been to the deer they'd been hunting. It was tough to imagine the carefree and young woman in front of him being so lethal. She was as dangerous a foe as one was like to meet and it was all tempered by her sweet nature.
He had also discovered that her mind was a swift as a lightning strike and the pack of rogue wolves they'd encountered the night before had learned that the hard way.
Ayame had been the one to alert him to fact that they were being followed, and had the forethought to send Tokkan away before the ambush was sprung. There had been three of them- all male- and while one had trailed them, the other two had flanked them to cut them off. The largest of the bunch had attacked him without warning, leaving Ayame to fend off the other two on her own.
The intensity of their journey had left him drained and it had taken every last bit of his strength to fight off the ragged behemoth of a wolf. His only worry the entire scuffle was what was happening to Ayame and he was dismayed to discover that his worries had been unfounded. Tokkan had appeared from out of nowhere to pin the smallest of them to ground while Ayame held her iris dagger to the throat of the other. She had effectively established her dominance and punished them without drawing a single drop of blood.
An amused grin spread across his face as he recalled how the trio had slunk away with their tails between their legs. He was sure they'd never met an ookami-youkai of noble blood before; the fact she had a four-legged companion was a dead giveaway. When they realized who she was, they begged forgiveness from her and her mate. He hadn't realized until later on that she hadn't corrected them and had been surprised to discover that it did not bother him in the slightest.
A sudden movement broke off his thoughts and refocused his vision as Ayame sat up and stretched. Her brilliant green eyes were instantly alert when she found him watching her. "Koga? Is everything alright?"
"Yeah." He made a show of yawning to down play the fact he'd just been watching her sleep. "I figure now's as good a time as any to venture into that cavern."
"Alright." She got to her feet and straightened her armor and furs. "Do you have a plan?"
"Well, I was kinda thinking-"
Her laugh cut him off. "That means no." Her eyes twinkled mischievously in response to his glare and she knelt down beside Tokkan. "I need you to stay down here, Tokkan. Raise the alarm if something happens."
The silver wolf whined and nosed her palms.
"No, I'm sorry. Not this time." She gave him a final pat and stood back up. "He'll keep watch."
Koga got up as well. "Oh, well that's good. Too bad the bad guy is the mountain and not out here."
Ayame had begun to walk out of the grove, but stopped by his side at his comment. "You know as well as I do that he can't scale that cliff face. He won't fret so much if I give him a job."
Koga shrugged. "Do whatever you want. You and I both know that Naraku is in that cavern and no where else."
"Of course I know that." Her tone was terse and he couldn't help but find her stunning when riled. "Can we get on with this?"
Koga gestured toward the mountain. "Lead the way, my lady."
Her emerald eyes narrowed a fraction before her hands shot out and gave him a forceful shove, sending him back into the tree trunk. "Ass."
His snickering followed her as he picked himself up and caught up. By the time they reached the cliff, all sense of good-natured banter was deflated as the deadly seriousness of their situation was acknowledged. They wasted little time with the climb and were soon staring into the inky darkness of the cave. Naraku's smell was intensely potent and practically made his eyes water. A cursory glance at Ayame, who held a hand over her nose, showed that she was just as affected. Their eyes met and he tipped his head toward the tunnel ahead. She gave him a pouting grimace and then shook her head as she followed him into the gloom.
The going was slow. The little bit of light that the moon had provided had only reached a few feet past the entrance to the cave, and they had to rely on their acute sense of sight to navigate. Even equipped with an arsenal of superior senses, they still fell victim to shifts in the slope of the floor and hidden pockets of water. Ayame even let a yelp of surprise when she lost her footing and splashed into a puddle deep enough to completely submerge her. Koga had caught a glint of her green eyes as he pulled her out and knew he was in for a world of hurt if he even dared to chuckle at her predicament.
He had lost track of how long they had been traveling through the tunnel when they happened upon what appeared to be the end of the road. The walls appeared to balloon outward into a small cavern and the firelight coming from the torches mounted on the outside of the queer little hut seemed almost blinding after spending so long in the pitch darkness. The small building was horribly out of place in the cave, but it was much tamer than all the possibilities he'd imagined as they dove further into the tunnel.
Koga cautiously halted at the foot of the steps to the porch and darted his icy eyes to Ayame. She had slunk up to the opposite side and returned his gaze. His body was humming; every one of his nerves was on high-alert as he stared at the entrance to the hut. It was nearly impossible to discern anything but the corrosive odor of Naraku's odor, but hidden within it was the tellingly scent of blood and a lot of it. The hair on the back of his neck tingled and it suddenly seemed as if the air had been sucked from the room as Koga eyed the door.
What are you up to, you bastard?
He got his answer seconds later when the entire front wall of the hut exploded in a shower wooden rain. Koga lost track of Ayame as he dove for cover, but definitely caught a glimpse of the grotesque creature that had caused the destruction. Risking a peek from behind the rocks, Koga swallowed tremulously at the sheer size of the spider looming over them. His fears only skyrocketed when she saw that Ayame was the unfortunate focus of Naraku's rage, just barely dodging the razor-sharp legs determined to skewer her.
"Ayame!"
Heart in his throat, Koga leapt from his cover and rushed Naraku head-on. He called the Goraishi forth as he did so, the claws crackling as he ducked below the spider's dripping fangs and raked them along the beast's soft underbelly. Naraku bellowed with pain even as he struck out with a leg and caught the ookami-youkai in the chest, sending him careening into the rock wall.
Fuck, he's strong. Koga glanced down at the fresh crack that ran across his armor breastplate. He'd never encountered anyone strong enough to even dent his armor, let alone crack it, and Naraku had only managed a glancing blow. He's got a nearly whole Shikon no Tama now… He looked up in time to see the arachnid bearing down on him. I don't know if I'm strong enough…
Naraku raised a leg to pierce him, but a pair of bladed leaves sank into one of his eight eyes just as he was about to strike. He reared away, screaming in pain.
"Koga!" Ayame appeared to his left, a flash of copper and silver. "Get the hell up and fight!"
His eyes fastened on the irregular splash of red that painted her one shoulder before she was off and moving, her leaf shuriken singing from her hands.
She's wounded. He bared his teeth unconsciously and sprang to his feet, a thunderous snarl pouring from his chest. Koga felt a rage unfurl inside him unlike anything he'd ever felt before. I'll kill him!
He brandished the Goraishi and took off at a full sprint. Ayame had set on Naraku from all sides, using every ounce of her formidable agility to strike and retreat before any counter could be produced. The tactic had effectively put the beast on the defensive and Koga wasn't about to waste the opportunity. While his attention was occupied elsewhere, he charged in from the right and leapt into the air. Naraku was unprepared for the roaring wolf that latched onto the back of his head and sank his electrified claws into his neck.
The shriek the spider released was piercing and sent the youkai into a fit of crazed flailing. Koga held on and jerked the claws for a second strike, but a blast of miasma from the wound hit him full in the face. The searing pain took his breath away and he lost his grip of the beast. The ferocity of Naraku's movement slung shot him into the dirt so hard that he blacked out for an instant before Ayame's shaking roused him.
"Koga!" Ayame had both of his biceps in an iron strong grip. "Koga, wake up!"
His vision was blurred as he tried to focus on her face. "Ayame?"
"Please," her voice sounded like whimper. "We have to get out of here!"
He tried to comply, but his body was still too stunned to response like it should. "I'm trying."
A shrill roar suddenly sounded above them and Koga knew, despite his dulled senses, that Naraku was poised for the kill. Ayame whirled to their defense and threw a pair of bladed leaves just as one of the arachnid's deadly sharp legs shot toward her. Only by sheer flexibility did she avoid being eviscerated, and Koga desperately pulled on every one of his sluggish muscles to leap upward and attack. Goraishi flashed brilliantly as it severed a third of Naraku's leg off and finally succeeded in sending the hellish creature rushing toward the tunnel in retreat. For the first time in his life, Koga didn't give chase. He turned, instead, to where Ayame lay beside the poisonous remains of Naraku's leg.
"Ayame!"
Her body was limp when he pushed her onto her back and revealed the damage that final attack had dealt. The armor she wore had been cut clean through and an ugly gash perforated the flesh of her midsection. The wound was shallow, but long, and bleeding heavily to stain her once pristine pelts. Tearing off his furred belt, he wrapped it around her middle as best as his still numbed fingers could manage. In doing so, he realized just how small she was.
"Ayame?" Koga cradled her head in his bloodied hands and urged her to open her eyes. "Ayame, honey, open your eyes." He gave her the gentlest of shakes. "C'mon, wake up."
Her breathing had been subdued while he tended to her injury, but her chest suddenly heaved and her delicate features contorted in pain. Her shining green eyes fluttered open as a whine slipped from her lips. "It…" One of her hands gripped his forearm as he pulled her into his lap. "Oh, it hurts."
"I know, honey. I know." He carefully maneuvered her until he was able to slip an arm about her shoulders and under her knees. "I'm gonna pick you up now, alright?"
Her eyes slipped closed as she nodded. "Okay."
Koga decided to stand in on fluid motion and Ayame only took a hissing gasp as he did so. She was quiet as he made his way out of the cave, her head sagging against his chest as he carried her. A pained grimace would flash across her face every once in awhile when he had to shift her weight to traverse the horrible footing of the tunnel, but otherwise she was still. It shocked him how light and fragile she was now that her strength was gone and it shamed him to know it was his fault. She had been gravely injured protecting him and it should have been the other way around.
The light of day pushed away his dark thoughts as he reached the mouth of the cave. Climbing down the mountain side proved to be a challenge and he wasn't the only one sweating by the time they reached the bottom. Each time he'd needed to move her, her hands would hold him so tight that her knuckles went white and her mouth opened in a silent scream. It had nearly been his undoing.
Ayame was deathly pale when he finally set her down in a bed of soft grass and let Tokkan fuss over her. Her voice was a low murmur when she caught his eye. "Koga."
He knelt down beside her. "Hm?"
"You know…he's going after Inuyasha…and the others."
Koga dropped his gaze from hers. "I know."
"We have to…" Her hand reached out and grabbed his. "We have to warn them."
"I know." He returned his pale eyes to hers and found them brimming with tears. He softly brushed them from her cheeks with his free hand when they fell and moved so he was sitting at her side. Leaning forward, he pressed a kiss to her forehead before pulling her against his chest. "Sssh, I've got you."
Ayame pressed her face into the hollow of his throat and nodded. Tokkan crawled up to her other side and whined as he laid his head on her thigh. She caressed his head as she spoke. "Tokkan, I need you to do something." The wolf raised his head with an intense look in his eyes. "I need you to use the wind to warn the others. It's a matter of life and death."
Tokkan woofed low in reply and gave her hand a thorough lick.
Koga could hear her smile as the wolf took off like a shot toward high ground. "That's a good boy, Tokkan. Tell the others."
Ayame's companion soon filled the morning air with his message, the ominous tone in his melodic howls unmistakable.
A/N: I just wanted to mention that the concept of inu-youkai being descended from ookami-youkai is based entirely on the fact that all dogs are descended from wolves and that their distinction is founded on their relationship with humans. This is merely my personal belief on the matter and not necessarily fact in the Inuyasha universe. Oh, and I took a little creative license of Sesshomaru's mother and his lifestyle growing up with estranged parents…because it's obvious that Inu no Taisho didn't love his elder son's mother.
Thank you to everyone that's reviewed and favorited and even put this story on alert. I appreciate all of you more than I can express! Your comments are warmly welcomed!
Converting /tmp/phpiIW2Im to /dev/stdout
A/N: Sorry about the delay. I meant to finish this chapter sooner, but I've been put off writing since my boyfriend left for Navy Recruit Training. He graduates this Friday, so I'm so excited to see him for the first time in 8 weeks! I'm also back in school and working towards a BA in English, so that took up a lot of my time. Anyway, I sent this to my amazing beta, Clnv, but I haven't heard from her and I wanted to post this before I fly out to Chicago for the graduation. This chapter has only been edited by me and I will post the revised chapter when I can.
The She-Wolf
Chapter 31
Sesshomaru closed his eyes to the rising sun and ignored the dull ache in his arm that had yet to abate. The blazing orb's rays warmed him as he sat beneath an ancient tree deep in the forest surrounding his father's land. He had not moved since he had decided to settle here; the wooded clearing had spoken to him the moment he set foot in it. It had only taken a cursory examination to realize he had been here before.Chapter 31
Inu no Taisho's presence was strong despite the fact his scent and aura were long dead. Sesshomaru could easily recall how his father had towered over him as a pup. They had used this clearing as a training ground of sorts, and it was where he had been taught to fight and how to kill. The great general had been attentive to the fact his student was young, keeping the lessons engaging, but Sesshomaru had always been aware of the serious undertone to his studies.
It wouldn't be until years later that the skills learned through rowdy play were put to the test. In the war following his father's demise, he had fallen back to those teachings many times to make it through a skirmish. Inu no Taisho had never been obvious about how important the lessons were, but he had grasped it just the same.
Opening his eyes to the morning light, Sesshomaru gazed across the leaf-strewn clearing and had no difficultly envisioning his father's image. The scene triggered another from centuries ago and he felt his breath catch in his throat at the memory.
"Do you know the origin of inu-youkai, Sesshomaru?"
The Dai-youkai blinked as he remembered that day. He had been nearly adolescent and had spent much of the afternoon being schooled in the proper manner to wield a sword. There had been a companionable silence after his father had deemed the day's lesson through, and together they had watched the sun set that evening. His father had turned to him then, with such a severe expression that Sesshomaru could feel the weight of it even now, and asked him that simple question.
He hadn't known, but that didn't seem to surprise his father. He had continued on and told him that inu-youkai were descended from the very first of the ookami-youkai. The split was so far back in history that youkai had not yet begun to use a human form. Just like modern ookami-youkai, there was a hierarchy where the strong lorded over the weak. Eventually the weak wolves grew tired of their ostracized existence and found companions in an unusual species.
"Humans were generous in their capacity to befriend the wolves that came into their midst. In time, the wolves grew attached to them and this angered their superiors. The alpha wolves decided to teach the omegas their place by destroying the humans. Realizing that their lives were enriched by the humans, the omegas defended their human comrades and found the strength they had been lacking all along in protecting them. Those wolves that were first to guard and partner with humans were the first inu-youkai."
Sesshomaru blinked as the memory faded, his father's words still ringing in his ears. How could he have forgotten something like that? He thought back and realized that it hadn't been long after that day that his mother had returned to take him back. Inu no Taisho had always held a deep distaste for his mother and her entire bloodline. He had said numerous times that their traitorous beliefs were an insult to their ancestors, but he had never really paid any mind to what his father had meant. The general had impressed it upon him that while he had joined with his mother to fulfill an obligation to his own father, he did not share her ideals.
Sesshomaru flexed the fingers of his wounded arm as he continued to delve into his memories. He had not seen much of his father after the time of his training. Instead, he had been submersed into the dark atmosphere of youkai politics while at his mother's side in court. He could not bring to mind a time when humans had ever been viewed as anything more than fodder for amusement. It occurred to him that he had embraced the mindset as well- not that he truly believed that way- but more so because it simply made his dealings with the other inu-youkai nobility infinitely easier.
When Inu no Taisho had fallen at the hands of men while defending his human mate, Sesshomaru had turned his back on his father's teachings. His anger had blinded him into accepting his mother's views and the gift of Tenseiga had only solidified it more in his mind. The Dai-youkai gently laid his hand over the sword's hilt and remembered how offended and enraged he'd been when he discovered Tetsusaiga was to be bequeathed to his hanyou sibling. The decision had only reinforced his doubts about the general's words.
But Inuyasha has proved our father right time and time again… Sesshomaru tightened his grip on Tenseiga with frustration. The last time he had bested the half breed was when he was still struggling to accept his human blood, but once those reservations were gone, he wouldn't deny that Inuyasha had beaten him every time. His power with our father's fang rivals my own. He lifted his tawny eyes back to the glowing sun. Perhaps father was right about the power of inu-youkai all along…
"Do you have something to protect?"
The inu-prince could still hear the slightly disapproving undercurrent in his father's voice that night. Despite the fact he was still bleeding profusely from the wounds he'd suffered at Ryukotsei's claws, Inu no Taisho had still been trying to teach him. At the time he had thought the prospect of his father dying to protect his human mate was folly, but the general had held fast to his beliefs. His father would have certainly survived if his headstrong son had only taken him at his word instead of arrogantly proclaiming that he was the stronger man because he held no such petty devotions.
Father would laugh if he saw weak I've become. Naraku has exploited my indecision with the girl and it has left him the victor at every turn. A soft growl stirred to life in his chest. I must not doubt my instincts. I refuse to let that creature defeat me.
Inhaling deeply, his sharp nose caught the tendrils of Rin's scent and his agitation eased immediately. She was displeased; he could sense it woven into her usually calm aroma. He felt the tension in his body abate even as he knew she had come to confront him. From the very start, she had not feared him and he was pleased to find she refused to be afraid even now. Somehow he knew his father would approve of her determination as well and it only reinforced the notion that he was denying his true nature as an inu-youkai.
I think I finally understand what you were trying to tell me, Father. Sesshomaru darted his eyes off to the right as the crunching of leaves alerted him to her arrival. Perhaps I finally found what it is that I'm supposed to protect.
XOXOXO
His eyes were intense as they took note of her on the edge of clearing, and Rin had a moment of trepidation rush through her under the weight of his stare. Her right hand tightened its hold on Ah-Un's reins as the other pulled the heavy kimono draped over her shoulders tighter to ward off the chill in the air.No, I will not let him intimidate me with those eyes of his.
Rin took a deep breath and tipped her chin up higher as she strode closer. Ah-Un followed doggedly at her heels, having granted her request to lead her to his master, and bleated a soft greeting to the inu-youkai. She didn't look away from him as she released the reins and gave the dragon a pat of thanks on the smooth skin of his neck. Sesshomaru returned her gaze for what seemed like an eternity before letting his amber eyes slid shut as he rested his head back against the tree.
Rin was suddenly struck by how reminiscent the scene was to the first time she had ever beheld him. She had only been a young child then and had yet to fully comprehend just how large he was until she was right next to him. She would never claim to have skills in comparison to Kagome's when it came to reading auras, but she had sensed he was no ordinary youkai just the same. He had been wounded then too, and she had no doubts that Inuyasha had given him those injuries as well; their rivalry was a fierce one.
Pushing away her rampant recollections, Rin figured she had wasted enough time. "I know that you dislike being disturbed, but it will not take me long to say what I want to say." He did not respond, so she plowed onward. "I will not tolerate you dismissing me as if I do not matter."
She could feel the pain threatening to rear its ugly head, but willed herself to remain calm. "It saddens me to admit that I am ashamed of you. I never thought that was possible." She dropped her eyes from his face to note that his clothes were still horribly tattered. "I am not ignorant to the fact that this thing between us goes against what our races believe is proper, but I will not let them or you tell me I am wrong in my feelings."
She paused and waited, but he remained silent. Rin glanced back at his face and found him watching her intently. It was unsettling and thrilling at the same time, setting her stomach aflutter. Damn him and this power he has over me.
"I'm sure that you believe I have it easy by being human." She realized that her eyes had begun to water and clenched her teeth to stave off the tears. "On the contrary, I was shunned and beaten for my desire to be with you. My life in that village was a torment, but I endured the misery because I knew they were wrong. People have been nothing but wretched to me my entire life, and when the one man that treated me with respect threw my feelings back in my face…"
Her voice caught and she took a moment to gather herself. "I refuse to believe that you feel nothing for me. I would be long dead otherwise. You have never lied to me about anything, but I know that you are lying to yourself when you push me away. I can feel it in your actions and I can see it in your eyes." She squared her shoulders defiantly. "You may think me young and naïve, but not when it comes to you. I have given you everything I have to give because I am yours and always will be."
She cursed as a few tears escaped and jerked her eyes away from him, finding refuge in Ah-Un. She caressed his nearest head to calm her nerves, her hands trembling with the effort that came with confronting him. It had seemed so easy and straightforward in her mind. She had always been careful not to overstep her bounds because she did not want him to change his mind about keeping her with him, but his blatant disregard for her feelings had nipped that practice in the bud.
It just took me longer than I thought to recognize what he was trying to do. He had been intentionally keeping her at a distance and when she failed to understand, he had resorted to more defined measures. He wanted me to be angry…
Rin's hands stilled and Ah-Un bumped them with his muzzles to encourage her to continue petting him. A smile suddenly broke across her face and she laughed softly at her own foolishness. "I'm sorry, Sesshomaru." She swung her bright, honeyed eyes to his silent countenance. "I will not give up so easily."
He gave no indication if her abrupt change of attitude unsettled him. He continued to recline against the tree and watch her fastidiously, but she could see his mind was racing behind his stare.
Resolute in herself, Rin took up Ah-Un's reins and leapt agilely onto his broad back. "I am no longer a child and will not continue to pine for you like one." His gaze followed her as she turned the twin-headed dragon back to the direction from where they'd come. "While I would rather stay here at your side, I know you still struggle to listen to the truth. Inuyasha and Kagome will be returning to his village and I will be accompanying them. When you have decided what it is that matters the most to you, come and find me there."
His tawny eyes narrowed and she knew with a certainty that the news didn't sit well with him. Rin gave him a brilliant smile to express how little his opinion factored into the matter. Sesshomaru merely blinked and stubbornly remained silent.
Oh, well. I have made my peace.
"This Rin will never want anyone but her Sesshomaru," she inhaled the cool morning air and sighed. "But she will lose no more dignity by chasing him. She will wait, but not forever." Her smile shifted into an amused grin. "This Rin is only human, after all."
Sesshomaru persisted in his silence for a moment before finally acknowledging her with a subtle nod of his head. She could feel his distaste toward her request, but it seemed her words had reached him. He would give her answer and she would just have to move on if he rejected her again. Satisfied, she put her heels into Ah-Un and rode back to camp.
XOXOXO
"Are you sure you don't want to stop, Inuyasha?" Kagome's insistent voice chimed through the trees at him. "You're doing a horrible job of hiding that limp."Inuyasha's ears flattened to his head as he shot a glare over his shoulder at her. "I'm fine, damn it. Quit nagging me."
A knowing smile graced her face. "I know your hip still hasn't fully healed." She patted the broad back of the twin-headed dragon she was perched on. "I'm sure Ah-Un wouldn't mind carrying you."
An irritated growl poured from his chest as he jerked his gaze forward once more. "You are out of your fucking mind if you think I'll ever consider that."
His sharp ears easily heard her plaintive sigh. "Why, because Ah-Un belongs to Sesshomaru?"
"Yes."
"So you would rather suffer and walk than accept help just because of the stupid feud you have with your brother?"
Inuyasha didn't need to turn around and look to see the indignant expression on her face. "Yes."
"You are so childish, Inuyasha!"
"Feh."
Stalking off as well as he could manage, the hanyou disappeared in the woods to escape her pestering. In truth, the pain in his hip was downright agonizing and he knew he should probably just give in and ride Ah-Un. It certainly wasn't doing him any good to be traipsing about with such a serious wound. He was most likely hindering the healing process, but he couldn't stand being idle any longer. He had spent the past four days practically chained to that feather tick bed and having his liberty restricted drove him crazy.
He had lived as a nomad since the winter of his mother's death. The village elders took little time in evicting him from their midst once she had been buried and it hadn't taken him long to realize he would not be welcome anywhere. The constant threat from stronger youkai and human hunters kept him on the move, covering countless leagues of countryside by day and sleeping high in the treetops by night. It wasn't until he met Kikyo that he's spent any significant amount of time anywhere, and that was followed by the fifty year sleep when she'd pinned him to Goshinboku.
By the time Kagome released him, the locals had taken to calling the surrounding woodlands as 'Inuyasha's Forest' and the name persisted to this day. It had become routine to use Kaede's village as collective meeting point during their pursuit of Naraku and it wasn't long before he began associating it with 'home' as Kagome did. The place was so familiar that even Miroku and Sango had decided to build their home there instead of in either of their respective childhood villages- which he could understand with all the horrible memories that clung to those places.
It had been near impossible for him to remain in Kaede's village for a prolonged amount of time after Kagome returned to her own time. He had retreated to his former lifestyle of wandering the wilderness and found as much comfort as he could from the familiar, but it hadn't been the same. He no longer had to run from danger and had friends that would gladly have let him stay with them. He had been unhappy regardless of where he was and it had taken him a long time to understand why.
Home was wherever Kagome was, and his restlessness ended with her. He knew she would want a home in the village and was warmed by the thought of settling in one place.
I can't say I'm done wandering though... Inuyasha hacked a low-hanging branch from his path with his claws. She may be my mate, but she drives me fucking crazy sometimes.
The sounds of crunching leaves made his ears twitch. "Lord Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha sighed. It didn't matter how many times he asked her not to call him 'Lord', Rin refused to comply because he was Sesshomaru's brother. "What?"
Her expression was apologetic. "Lady Kagome asked that I bring you back. She said it was important."
"I am not getting on that damn dragon and you can tell her I said that."
Rin shook her head. "No, I don't think it's about that. She mentioned something about a jewel."
"Shit." Inuyasha hobbled past her and went as quickly as his damaged hip would allow. "There could be trouble."
This is the worst possible time for Naraku to show his fucking face.
He burst back onto the trail, Rin hot on his heels, to find Kagome calmly standing on one foot beside Ah-Un. Her rosewood bow was fitted with an arrow and she was gazing off to the east. Her rich brown eyes were narrowed in concentration and she looked every bit the powerful miko that she was.
He limped to her side. "Talk to me, Kagome."
"A single jewel shard is approaching us from that direction." She gestured in the direction she was looking with the bow. "It will be here any minute."
The significance of the amount was not lost on him and could only mean one thing: Kohaku was on his way. He awkwardly relieved Tetsusaiga of its scabbard- his sword arm remained in a splint- and moved ahead of the women. "He may not be alone. I need you to stay hidden in the trees with Rin."
Kagome glared at him a moment before giving him a begrudging nod and following Rin and Ah-Un into the cover of the nearby underbrush. She got into position behind the thick trunk of a tree, leaving her bow with a clear shot of the area.
Satisfied that they were secure for the time being, Inuyasha remained where he was and waited. Tension made the muscles of his shoulders ache as he recalled the last time he had a run-in with Kohaku. The little bastard stopped me from getting to Kagome when Akago sprang his trap. He had been in cahoots with Kagura at the time and since he had no clue what had happened to the wind witch, he could only assume that she was still in the boy's company.
He scented the wind when Kagome gave a single tap of her bow against the bark of the tree. The breeze was mild, but he could still pick up the mingled scents of Kohaku and Kagura. It was only seconds later when his sharp vision caught sight of the white feather sailing above their heads. Inuyasha glanced over his shoulder at Kagome and she nodded when he caught her eye.
Raising the bow, Kagome sighted her target and loosed the arrow.
The pale purple aura of the Hama no Ya flared as it shot through the feather, igniting it like dry kindling. A muffled cry of alarm accompanied the burst of flame and the recognizable form of Kohaku plummeted from the sky. The boy's fall was buffered by the branches that snapped under his weight until he lay sprawled in the middle of the trail.
The hanyou pounced the second he hit the ground, pinning the dazed youkai-taijiya with Tetsusaiga at his throat. "You're a sneaky little prick, Kohaku." He gave him a rough shake. "Tell me where Kagura is. I can smell the bitch everywhere."
Kohaku blinked up at him. "Inuyasha?"
He shook him again. "Who do you think?"
The boy's eyes finally seemed to focus. "I've been looking for you for days."
"Oh, really?" Inuyasha pressed Tetsusaiga tighter to his throat. "You're a funny guy, Kohaku, but you still haven't told me what I want to know."
"Please," he held up his hands in surrender. "I'm not here to hurt you. I've been helping Sango and Miroku try to find you."
Inuyasha eased up with the sword. "That still doesn't explain why you're saturated in Kagura's scent."
The boy looked away with a clenched jaw. "Kagura's dead." He turned pained eyes back to him. "She died protecting me from Naraku." His left hand moved to rest over his chest. "She gave me my life back and I freed her from her bonds."
"What the fuck are you talking about?"
"Inuyasha," a gentle hand gripped his shoulder, "he speaks the truth."
He looked up to meet Kagome's warm gaze. She nodded and he gave Kohaku a final wary glance before letting him up. "Someone please tell me what the hell is going on."
"I can sense Kagura's aura within you." Kagome looked at Kohaku. "Her heart beats in your chest and the jewel shard in your neck is dormant."
The boy nodded. "Yes. It wasn't long after we helped spring the trap that Naraku came for me and the jewel shard. Koga was nearby and sensed him and separated me from Kagura just as Naraku attacked." His breathing hitched and he took a moment to clear his throat. "It was brutal and she wanted to honor the promise we made even as she lay there dying." He looked up with watery eyes. "Her heart gave me life again and finally freed me from Naraku's hold."
Inuyasha huffed. "I don't believe it."
Kohaku gave him a quiet stare and pulled Kagura's fan from his belt. "I can prove it, if you like."
A growl rumbled in his throat and Kagome gave him a sharp elbow to the side. "That won't be necessary, Kohaku." She ignored the glare he sent her. "You mentioned Miroku and Sango. Are the others nearby?"
"Yes." He slipped the fan back into his belt. "They're camped about a mile back the way I came. I will lead the way."
Inuyasha eyed him as he struck off down the trail and felt Kagome give his arm a squeeze. "Relax, Inuyasha. He isn't our enemy."
"Feh." He slid Tetsusaiga back into its scabbard. "You've never been on the receiving end of that blade of his."
"Yes, I have and I don't think you'll have to worry about that anymore." She leaned into him and gave him a soft kiss. "C'mon, I want to see everyone."
When Kagome was back up on Ah-Un, Inuyasha positioned himself between Kohaku and the girls as they moved along the path. Only Kagome and Rin participated in any conversation and most of it revolved around the people they were going to meet. The girl seemed thrilled to meet more people and Inuyasha knew it was mostly likely because they weren't going to ostracize her for loving his wretch of a brother.
He had just caught the acrid scent of a cook fire when Kohaku veered off the trail and called out. "Sango! I'm back!"
There was a rustling of the foliage off to right and suddenly Kirara's broad head popped out of the greenery. Her tawny eyes glanced at the visitors and a yowling greeting followed. Kohaku knelt down to pet her great head just as a flash of red exploded from her side.
"Kagome!"
The miko only had a second to brace for the impact as Shippo launched himself into her arms. "Oh, Shippo."
"I was so worried about you!" His crying was muffled as he buried his head into her chest.
Kagome smiled as she held him tightly. "It's alright, Shippo. I'm just a little banged up, that's all." She bent her head and murmured something in his ear.
Inuyasha watched curiously as he nodded up at her before slipping back to his feet. The kit wasted no time in running straight toward him and latching onto his leg, leaving the hanyou awkwardly clearing his throat. "How ya been, buddy?"
Shippo's brilliant green eyes beamed up at him. "Okay. I've been practicing what you taught me about scouting and finding food."
"Shippo's been a great help." All eyes swung to see Miroku emerge from the trees with Sango at his side. "We would have starved without him."
Inuyasha couldn't contain his grin. "I always knew you were hopeless, Miroku."
The monk gave him an answering grin and a friendly clap on the back. "I see you've been having some fun without us."
"I hardly call dealing with Sesshomaru fun." He grinned at Miroku as he gave a nod to Sango. "Kohaku mentioned that Koga was with you."
"He was." Miroku watched as Sango made her way over to Kagome and Rin, Shippo hot on her heels. "He left on a mission to find Naraku in his den."
The hanyou followed his gaze and observed as the three women conversed quietly. "His den?"
"Kohaku knows the location and was more or less, forced to share this knowledge."
"He's dead if he tries to face Naraku alone."
"Ah, but he isn't."
Inuyasha dragged his amber gaze back to his best friend in confusion. "You can't mean those two morons that follow him everywhere."
Miroku sighed. "I wish that were the case. The truth is that Ayame is the one accompanying him on this quest." He tipped his head toward the women. "I see that Rin is with you. I can only imagine what that has to do with all the wounds you have."
"It's a long story."
The Houshi nodded. "It seems that a lot has gone on that we must discuss. Come, the fire is warm."
XOXOXO
Koga's pale blue eyes stared up at the gaping cavern nestled about two-thirds of the way up the rock face in front of him. This has to be the place Kohaku was talking about. He scented the air for what seemed to be the millionth time. It reeks of Naraku's stench.At first it had only been wisps of his scent, but the further east they traveled, the stronger it became. It eventually became a matter of going where it was more concentrated and following the stink. It had taken them a total of three days to reach this spot below the cavern and that was only due to how hard he had pushed. His pace had been swift and the amount of rest he'd allowed had been little. He had permitted only the smallest breaks to eat and drink, determined to catch Naraku as fast as possible.
Ayame did not complain once during the entire trek and played no more games since the morning they had left the monk's camp. She took his orders without objection and managed to keep up despite the fact she wasn't as accustomed to the relentless travel. Her companion, Tokkan, had done his part as well, bringing them small game to eat whenever he could.
Koga stood from his crouch and melted back into the trees. He had decided to wait and observe the area before diving into a confrontation at Ayame's suggestion. He moved silently through the woods to where he had left her and found her still sleeping soundly in a heap with Tokkan. He couldn't help but grin at the sight they made; it reminded him of when he'd slept in piles with the other young boys of his tribe as a pup.
Sinking down to lean against the trunk of a tree, Koga watched the moonlight set her copper hair glimmering. He knew he was stupid to deny how beautiful she was.
Ayame had surprised him constantly along their journey and his respect for her had only grown by the minute. She was certainly playful and was capable of finding enjoyment in just about anything. He had always figured her to be one for constant conversation, but she had proved that wrong as well. She was fond of the quiet and was always aware of the wilderness around her. She had also proved her skill with her leaf shuriken on the lone hunt he had permitted. Her instincts were strong, as were her speed and strength. She took initiative, but also direction when it was given and worked well as a part of a team.
Koga watched her nuzzle her face into the fur of Tokkan's neck and recalled how impressive her killing blow had been to the deer they'd been hunting. It was tough to imagine the carefree and young woman in front of him being so lethal. She was as dangerous a foe as one was like to meet and it was all tempered by her sweet nature.
He had also discovered that her mind was a swift as a lightning strike and the pack of rogue wolves they'd encountered the night before had learned that the hard way.
Ayame had been the one to alert him to fact that they were being followed, and had the forethought to send Tokkan away before the ambush was sprung. There had been three of them- all male- and while one had trailed them, the other two had flanked them to cut them off. The largest of the bunch had attacked him without warning, leaving Ayame to fend off the other two on her own.
The intensity of their journey had left him drained and it had taken every last bit of his strength to fight off the ragged behemoth of a wolf. His only worry the entire scuffle was what was happening to Ayame and he was dismayed to discover that his worries had been unfounded. Tokkan had appeared from out of nowhere to pin the smallest of them to ground while Ayame held her iris dagger to the throat of the other. She had effectively established her dominance and punished them without drawing a single drop of blood.
An amused grin spread across his face as he recalled how the trio had slunk away with their tails between their legs. He was sure they'd never met an ookami-youkai of noble blood before; the fact she had a four-legged companion was a dead giveaway. When they realized who she was, they begged forgiveness from her and her mate. He hadn't realized until later on that she hadn't corrected them and had been surprised to discover that it did not bother him in the slightest.
A sudden movement broke off his thoughts and refocused his vision as Ayame sat up and stretched. Her brilliant green eyes were instantly alert when she found him watching her. "Koga? Is everything alright?"
"Yeah." He made a show of yawning to down play the fact he'd just been watching her sleep. "I figure now's as good a time as any to venture into that cavern."
"Alright." She got to her feet and straightened her armor and furs. "Do you have a plan?"
"Well, I was kinda thinking-"
Her laugh cut him off. "That means no." Her eyes twinkled mischievously in response to his glare and she knelt down beside Tokkan. "I need you to stay down here, Tokkan. Raise the alarm if something happens."
The silver wolf whined and nosed her palms.
"No, I'm sorry. Not this time." She gave him a final pat and stood back up. "He'll keep watch."
Koga got up as well. "Oh, well that's good. Too bad the bad guy is the mountain and not out here."
Ayame had begun to walk out of the grove, but stopped by his side at his comment. "You know as well as I do that he can't scale that cliff face. He won't fret so much if I give him a job."
Koga shrugged. "Do whatever you want. You and I both know that Naraku is in that cavern and no where else."
"Of course I know that." Her tone was terse and he couldn't help but find her stunning when riled. "Can we get on with this?"
Koga gestured toward the mountain. "Lead the way, my lady."
Her emerald eyes narrowed a fraction before her hands shot out and gave him a forceful shove, sending him back into the tree trunk. "Ass."
His snickering followed her as he picked himself up and caught up. By the time they reached the cliff, all sense of good-natured banter was deflated as the deadly seriousness of their situation was acknowledged. They wasted little time with the climb and were soon staring into the inky darkness of the cave. Naraku's smell was intensely potent and practically made his eyes water. A cursory glance at Ayame, who held a hand over her nose, showed that she was just as affected. Their eyes met and he tipped his head toward the tunnel ahead. She gave him a pouting grimace and then shook her head as she followed him into the gloom.
The going was slow. The little bit of light that the moon had provided had only reached a few feet past the entrance to the cave, and they had to rely on their acute sense of sight to navigate. Even equipped with an arsenal of superior senses, they still fell victim to shifts in the slope of the floor and hidden pockets of water. Ayame even let a yelp of surprise when she lost her footing and splashed into a puddle deep enough to completely submerge her. Koga had caught a glint of her green eyes as he pulled her out and knew he was in for a world of hurt if he even dared to chuckle at her predicament.
He had lost track of how long they had been traveling through the tunnel when they happened upon what appeared to be the end of the road. The walls appeared to balloon outward into a small cavern and the firelight coming from the torches mounted on the outside of the queer little hut seemed almost blinding after spending so long in the pitch darkness. The small building was horribly out of place in the cave, but it was much tamer than all the possibilities he'd imagined as they dove further into the tunnel.
Koga cautiously halted at the foot of the steps to the porch and darted his icy eyes to Ayame. She had slunk up to the opposite side and returned his gaze. His body was humming; every one of his nerves was on high-alert as he stared at the entrance to the hut. It was nearly impossible to discern anything but the corrosive odor of Naraku's odor, but hidden within it was the tellingly scent of blood and a lot of it. The hair on the back of his neck tingled and it suddenly seemed as if the air had been sucked from the room as Koga eyed the door.
What are you up to, you bastard?
He got his answer seconds later when the entire front wall of the hut exploded in a shower wooden rain. Koga lost track of Ayame as he dove for cover, but definitely caught a glimpse of the grotesque creature that had caused the destruction. Risking a peek from behind the rocks, Koga swallowed tremulously at the sheer size of the spider looming over them. His fears only skyrocketed when she saw that Ayame was the unfortunate focus of Naraku's rage, just barely dodging the razor-sharp legs determined to skewer her.
"Ayame!"
Heart in his throat, Koga leapt from his cover and rushed Naraku head-on. He called the Goraishi forth as he did so, the claws crackling as he ducked below the spider's dripping fangs and raked them along the beast's soft underbelly. Naraku bellowed with pain even as he struck out with a leg and caught the ookami-youkai in the chest, sending him careening into the rock wall.
Fuck, he's strong. Koga glanced down at the fresh crack that ran across his armor breastplate. He'd never encountered anyone strong enough to even dent his armor, let alone crack it, and Naraku had only managed a glancing blow. He's got a nearly whole Shikon no Tama now… He looked up in time to see the arachnid bearing down on him. I don't know if I'm strong enough…
Naraku raised a leg to pierce him, but a pair of bladed leaves sank into one of his eight eyes just as he was about to strike. He reared away, screaming in pain.
"Koga!" Ayame appeared to his left, a flash of copper and silver. "Get the hell up and fight!"
His eyes fastened on the irregular splash of red that painted her one shoulder before she was off and moving, her leaf shuriken singing from her hands.
She's wounded. He bared his teeth unconsciously and sprang to his feet, a thunderous snarl pouring from his chest. Koga felt a rage unfurl inside him unlike anything he'd ever felt before. I'll kill him!
He brandished the Goraishi and took off at a full sprint. Ayame had set on Naraku from all sides, using every ounce of her formidable agility to strike and retreat before any counter could be produced. The tactic had effectively put the beast on the defensive and Koga wasn't about to waste the opportunity. While his attention was occupied elsewhere, he charged in from the right and leapt into the air. Naraku was unprepared for the roaring wolf that latched onto the back of his head and sank his electrified claws into his neck.
The shriek the spider released was piercing and sent the youkai into a fit of crazed flailing. Koga held on and jerked the claws for a second strike, but a blast of miasma from the wound hit him full in the face. The searing pain took his breath away and he lost his grip of the beast. The ferocity of Naraku's movement slung shot him into the dirt so hard that he blacked out for an instant before Ayame's shaking roused him.
"Koga!" Ayame had both of his biceps in an iron strong grip. "Koga, wake up!"
His vision was blurred as he tried to focus on her face. "Ayame?"
"Please," her voice sounded like whimper. "We have to get out of here!"
He tried to comply, but his body was still too stunned to response like it should. "I'm trying."
A shrill roar suddenly sounded above them and Koga knew, despite his dulled senses, that Naraku was poised for the kill. Ayame whirled to their defense and threw a pair of bladed leaves just as one of the arachnid's deadly sharp legs shot toward her. Only by sheer flexibility did she avoid being eviscerated, and Koga desperately pulled on every one of his sluggish muscles to leap upward and attack. Goraishi flashed brilliantly as it severed a third of Naraku's leg off and finally succeeded in sending the hellish creature rushing toward the tunnel in retreat. For the first time in his life, Koga didn't give chase. He turned, instead, to where Ayame lay beside the poisonous remains of Naraku's leg.
"Ayame!"
Her body was limp when he pushed her onto her back and revealed the damage that final attack had dealt. The armor she wore had been cut clean through and an ugly gash perforated the flesh of her midsection. The wound was shallow, but long, and bleeding heavily to stain her once pristine pelts. Tearing off his furred belt, he wrapped it around her middle as best as his still numbed fingers could manage. In doing so, he realized just how small she was.
"Ayame?" Koga cradled her head in his bloodied hands and urged her to open her eyes. "Ayame, honey, open your eyes." He gave her the gentlest of shakes. "C'mon, wake up."
Her breathing had been subdued while he tended to her injury, but her chest suddenly heaved and her delicate features contorted in pain. Her shining green eyes fluttered open as a whine slipped from her lips. "It…" One of her hands gripped his forearm as he pulled her into his lap. "Oh, it hurts."
"I know, honey. I know." He carefully maneuvered her until he was able to slip an arm about her shoulders and under her knees. "I'm gonna pick you up now, alright?"
Her eyes slipped closed as she nodded. "Okay."
Koga decided to stand in on fluid motion and Ayame only took a hissing gasp as he did so. She was quiet as he made his way out of the cave, her head sagging against his chest as he carried her. A pained grimace would flash across her face every once in awhile when he had to shift her weight to traverse the horrible footing of the tunnel, but otherwise she was still. It shocked him how light and fragile she was now that her strength was gone and it shamed him to know it was his fault. She had been gravely injured protecting him and it should have been the other way around.
The light of day pushed away his dark thoughts as he reached the mouth of the cave. Climbing down the mountain side proved to be a challenge and he wasn't the only one sweating by the time they reached the bottom. Each time he'd needed to move her, her hands would hold him so tight that her knuckles went white and her mouth opened in a silent scream. It had nearly been his undoing.
Ayame was deathly pale when he finally set her down in a bed of soft grass and let Tokkan fuss over her. Her voice was a low murmur when she caught his eye. "Koga."
He knelt down beside her. "Hm?"
"You know…he's going after Inuyasha…and the others."
Koga dropped his gaze from hers. "I know."
"We have to…" Her hand reached out and grabbed his. "We have to warn them."
"I know." He returned his pale eyes to hers and found them brimming with tears. He softly brushed them from her cheeks with his free hand when they fell and moved so he was sitting at her side. Leaning forward, he pressed a kiss to her forehead before pulling her against his chest. "Sssh, I've got you."
Ayame pressed her face into the hollow of his throat and nodded. Tokkan crawled up to her other side and whined as he laid his head on her thigh. She caressed his head as she spoke. "Tokkan, I need you to do something." The wolf raised his head with an intense look in his eyes. "I need you to use the wind to warn the others. It's a matter of life and death."
Tokkan woofed low in reply and gave her hand a thorough lick.
Koga could hear her smile as the wolf took off like a shot toward high ground. "That's a good boy, Tokkan. Tell the others."
Ayame's companion soon filled the morning air with his message, the ominous tone in his melodic howls unmistakable.
A/N: I just wanted to mention that the concept of inu-youkai being descended from ookami-youkai is based entirely on the fact that all dogs are descended from wolves and that their distinction is founded on their relationship with humans. This is merely my personal belief on the matter and not necessarily fact in the Inuyasha universe. Oh, and I took a little creative license of Sesshomaru's mother and his lifestyle growing up with estranged parents…because it's obvious that Inu no Taisho didn't love his elder son's mother.
Thank you to everyone that's reviewed and favorited and even put this story on alert. I appreciate all of you more than I can express! Your comments are warmly welcomed!
Converting /tmp/phpiIW2Im to /dev/stdout