InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Survival of the Pack ❯ Fear no Humans ( Chapter 4 )

A/N: I sometimes just love how this story comes together. Anyway, enjoy the new chapter.

Warnings: None.

Chapter 4

The soft chirps of the crickets slowly faded away with the soft step of a well placed foot. The figure continued on her path, toward the clearing she had met the White Wolf the day before. A charcoal colored cloak billowed out around her small form to keep the chill of the night off. She carried a small item in her arms, shielded by the cloak, that caused her to move slower than she would have liked. Though she figured her timing wouldn't matter since the White Wolf Chieftain hadn't told her when to meet.

She stepped through a pair of juniper bushes, that had grown quite large in the absence of civilization. Her nose itched slightly at the strong scent that it carried, but knew it was needed. The best way to cover one's scent was with a stronger one, and juniper was the strongest in this forest. The scent she wanted to cover, however, was not her own, but the owner of the cloak. Kagome had been kind enough to give the cloak to her, at least until her own was repaired and dried from her accident earlier that day.

Her cheeks warmed slightly, shaking her head clear of her embarrassing moment of learning the art of fishing. It had been unbelievably cold today, threatening to dump snow upon their heads. Still, Kagome had persisted in taking Rin out to learn to fish. It was customary to give a small gift of fish to start a negotiation. Rin thought this `gift' was not needed since there really wasn't going to be a negotiation until both clans faced off with each other the following day. Nevertheless she could not go against Kagome's authority, not that she would need to. Kagome had a sixth sense about these kind of things and never once had she been wrong, yet.

As compensation for her horrible fishing skills and her untimely soak in the river, Kagome had lent Rin her cloak. This, of course, meant that Kagome had gone hunting without any warm protection from the elements. Not that Kagome would notice, anyway. The pack had already concluded that their `leader' was meeting one of the foreign wolves in the forest each night. Even though she took great care to get rid of the male scent, she still hadn't been able to fool Rin or the others. Kouga, therefore, had been in a very sour mood all day, mumbling about insolent women taking too many liberties. Sango and Miroku were usually found whispering their ideas back and forth for small segmented times, before Miroku would be bashed up for his hentai nature and thoughts. Rin, however, thought that Kagome meeting the other wolf was a good idea. After all, they had started to eat better since then, so how could she complain.

At last she reached the clearing, the moonlight brightening the area from it's navy blue darkness to a softer blue-gray. In the center was the boulder, looking almost like a pedestal, with a figure sitting next to it. Rin squinted to see any distinguishing features, but alas the figure almost blended into the rock and forest floor. Hopefully this was the same wolf from the night before. The last thing she needed was to confront a being who thought her as an enemy.

"I should have been clearer in the time for our meeting. Obviously you had no idea that I had meant twilight instead of midnight," came a toneless male voice from the clearing.

Rin stepped out of the shadows, the light illuminating her features clearly for the wolf on the ground. She blushed heavily, thankful that even the low light could not show the tint in her cheeks. "I am sorry if I have disrespected you and your tribe by my lateness. If you do not wish to speak with me, I will understand."

Sesshoumaru rose gracefully from the ground. He was wearing a long snow-white trench coat, that in the dim light looked pale blue. His matching hair appeared to be pulled back in a low ponytail, and his large fluffy tail, hid all other features of the youkai from her sights. His cold gold eyes were fixed upon her in a calculating sort of way.

Rin shifted uneasily waiting for a response or dismissal, her mahogany eyes focused on the ground. The soft sounds of the night animals filled the silence, apparently eager to fill it as much as the other two youkai. Rin finally shook her head, figuring that he would have left if he didn't want her to remain in his presence. Slowly she moved her arms and the small package she carried out from the folds of the cloak. "I brought a token of good faith," Rin said, as she made her way toward the youkai.

Sesshoumaru took two quick intakes of breath to catch the scent of the object as well as the wolf. He wrinkled his nose as the strong scent of juniper covered the scents. She was either very smart or very stupid. Either way, it leaned more toward the stupid part, since he really disliked the smell of juniper. Not only that, but it disallowed him to get a scent of the girl unless he was right next to her. Thus, he was very annoyed as she came closer, only to stop a meter away, where she placed the small gift on the ground. Then she backed away swiftly turning that one meter into four. Only then did he get a good scent of the gift. "A fish?"

Rin nodded. "Yes. Freshly caught and cooked in special herbs and spices."

He took another sniff, catching the hint of ginger, garlic, salt, chili, and... coconut? "This is fried with spices humans use." He scrunched up his nose, backing away from the gift. This gift was an insult to every youkai. These wolves interacted with the human populace? They had to be weak and ignorant to do such a scandalous thing.

Rin's eyes widened. "Does it offend you, sir?"

"Offend me?" Sesshoumaru snapped, gliding over to the girl, his coat billowing ominously behind him. "Using human things offends me. Human spices, human scents, human technology, human weapons... it all offends me. What kind of wolf tribe would deal with humans?"

Rin's sweet disposition left her in an instant. "My wolf tribe does. If it displeases you, then leave."

Sesshoumaru was now very close to her, if he wanted to kill her she would be dead in an instant. "I will leave when I feel like it, little girl. You and your tribe, however, obviously do not understand the dangers humans pose for our kind."

Rin snorted her opinion. "You would say that, being a full youkai. Our tribe is led by a hanyou, and she is quite capable of dealing with humans. We have never had a problem with other humans thanks to her knowledge."

"You are fools then. Humans hunt our kind because they fear us. Fear is a weakness that can get others killed."

"Only ones who are ignorant of how to deal with fear, die. Now, since you will not leave, then I will go. I will not be insulted by you or any of your tribe for our gift. I will just take the offending `human' scented gift away. It obviously doesn't matter to you who made it, only that it has spices that only humans can obtain." She made to move around him, when his clawed hand reached out and griped her wrist.

He watched as her soft brown eyes rose to meet his. He could see the disappointment in her eyes that shimmered with unshed tears. Apparently he had struck quite a cord with her by attacking her pack for its foolishness. Still, he couldn't help but wonder why the members appeared to be strong even while malnourished. Where did their strength come from?

"Let me go." She had returned her gaze to the ground, refusing to look at him again. The coldness in his eyes had been frightening to her. She had always been quite open with her emotions, as everyone else in their small tribe. Never had she known another being with such control over his emotions. He was practically soulless, and Rin figured he probably had never laughed a day in his life. A depressing thought to the young bottle of sunshine she was.

Sesshoumaru's response was to pull her closer to him, as he lowered his nose toward her hair. He picked up the soft cool scent of freshwater blended into her unique feminine smell of honeysuckle. He ignored the juniper scent, as he focused on a very faint odor that represented the creature to be malnourished. To his surprise the scent was barely there, meaning that she had been eating well for at least the last few days. To his further surprise he also picked up the soft scent of garlic and coconut. She had cooked the fish for him, and he had insulted her.

Rin felt his hand release her a moment later after he was apparently satisfied with whatever he was smelling for. She brushed by him, ignoring the way her heart was pounding in her ears.

"I will meet with your clan tomorrow afternoon, one hour before dusk. I will bring individuals to match your numbers. Leave the fish and relay the message to your people."

Rin paused and glanced over her shoulder at the male, who's eyes seemed to have softened at the corners ever so slightly. Her heart fluttered then, before she replied with a small smile, "There are three cubs and five adults. We will meet you at the shore to the great falls." The next instant she fled from the clearing, leaving the youkai to ponder the smile she had bestowed him upon her departure.

~~ ~~ ~~

When Inuyasha returned to camp, he noticed that the guards were not in their places. He growled in annoyance. As he crossed the first make-shift nest of one of his fellow comrades, he realized how silent the camp was. The moon was three-forths of the way across its nightly path, which would have the majority of the group tucked safely in their beds. So why weren't they? He put his nose into the air, picking up the scent of his clan over to the east side of the camp.

He made his way across, avoiding stepping in anybody's resting nests. He really hated being out in the open like they currently were. However, the only source of caves was to the north of here, where the other clan appeared to be based. He felt they were too unguarded to be so out in the open, even if humans rarely ever journeyed this far into the heart of the woods. He did have one good thing to say about the open area for camp, though. He liked the fact that he didn't have to smell everyone else so potently, like one would in a cave.

He stepped carefully over a large log before he finally spotted the large bonfire. The whole clan was stationed around the fire, awaiting for their clan leader to begin talking. Inuyasha sighed inwardly, already knowing he was going to be in trouble. He hadn't been informed of any meeting when he left for the night, but that wouldn't stop his brother from digging into him. This wasn't going to be pretty.

"Now that the hanyou has arrived," came Sesshoumaru's dominating voice, "I shall discuss with you the plans for tomorrow."

Inuyasha winced as all eyes focused on him. He rubbed a hand through his silvery strands taking a seat next to the terrible duo twins. Both looked at him with child-like wonder, which only caused the hanyou to move a little ways away. Those two were anything but innocent like a child. Thankfully his move had been wise for a fellow unsuspecting wolf became the one covered in muddy water. Kagura's ruby eyes flashed in merriment showing the only true emotions the twins could ever show. Kanna just sat there demurely, nudging Kagura with a soft push of her hand.

Inuyasha shook his head, turning his attention back to Sesshoumaru, who's gold eyes were focused on him. "What?!" snapped the hanyou. "It wasn't my fault! Blame it on those brats."

Sesshoumaru cleared his throat. "If there won't be anymore interruptions," he said that glaring directly at Inuyasha and the youkai twins, "Let me tell you why we are having this meeting. Tomorrow I, Sesshoumaru, shall meet with the ragbag clan that lives out in these woods." As whispering arose, he rose a delicate clawed hand to gather them into silence. "I have, therefore, chosen eight members of the clan to attend the meeting. Kagura, Shiori, Kanna, Ayame, Houjo, Kaede, and Inuyasha."

"Why are you bringing cubs?" asked a confused Ayame. Her flame red hair was in wild disarray, as she had been pulled from her slumber for this meeting, and her normal emerald green eyes looked more lime. She appeared to be lacking on sleep, which was actually the truth. For the last three days she had been on guard or scout duty. Tonight was going to be her first full sleep cycle, until this blasted meeting was called. She wore a long ivory cloak over her clothes to hide her blue bunny printed pajamas.

"The other clan has three cubs."

"Well, I guess that means we have no worries about them taking any of our potential mates then," remarked Kikyou. She was wrapped up in a black bear blanket, hiding the unbelievably sheer nightgown from view. Most of the clan knew about her love of human clothing apparel, especially the slightly more provocative forms. Not that most of the men, mated or not, seem to mind.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes, but kept his mouth shut. He wasn't going to spill the beans about the fact that one of their number wasn't mated. He'd drop that bit of news when he wasn't so tired. Maybe he should stop hunting for the other clan and find a better way to feed them? He was wasting a lot of precious energy running off every night to catch food he wasn't even going to eat. He would have to come up with a better plan, one that still involved him meeting that girl.

"Furthermore. Ginta and Hakkaku will be left in charge while I, Sesshoumaru, am gone with the others."

"What?! Those bumbling idiots in charge?!" shrieked Kikyou. "I'm more senior than they are. Surely there is a more responsible party than those two?"

Sesshoumaru shot Kikyou a bone chilling glare. "You want to fight my authority, Kikyou?"

Kikyou shrunk in on herself, shaking her head. No doubt she would end up having menial duties to attend to for her outcry tonight. She needed to learn to keep her mouth shut. The last thing she needed was to alienate her clan leader. Not that she liked him much, but his word was law in this band. If she were a mate to him, she would be able to say what she wanted. Till then, she needed to keep on his good side.

She shifted her lifeless gray-brown eyes toward Inuyasha. He was second choice, but most likely her best bet for a mate this year. He was strong where she was beautiful. Their cubs would be the best of the whole lot. Come solstice she would have him, if not Sesshoumaru. She needed to talk to him about the ceremony. Maybe he could convince his brother to let him pick her. Yes, that is what she would do.

"If there are no more comments I suggest we turn in for the night."

With those parting words, the members rose to their feet heading out toward their beds. The bonfire that had once glowed brightly, was put out for the evening. Kikyou rose and quickly hurried over to Inuyasha before he departed to the other side of camp. "Inuyasha, darling. May I have a word with you?"

If looks could kill, Kikyou would have died on the spot. "What do you want?" he snapped, rising to his feet.

"The spring solstice is coming up soon."

"Your point?"

She subtly opened her blanket ever so slightly to show a glimpse of the creamy, transparent dress within, before she continued, "Well, wouldn't it be easier to just tell Sesshoumaru that I'm going to be your mate. I mean, we don't really have to go through him deciding where to place us when we know we are going to end up together. We both know that I'm the most sought after female in the clan. With me by your side, who's to say you won't end up being chieftain."

Inuyasha's glare intensified, as he snorted his own opinion. "Don't flatter yourself. I would rather not mate this year than end up with a used possession. What's this year going to be? Number six, seven? No wait, I think its nine. I would be a fool to mate with a female who's failed to produce pups after nine different mates."

Kikyou laughed lightly. "You tease. I've been saving my cycles for you, my love." Here, she dropped the blanket to the ground, to reveal herself in all her glory, the sheer fabric barely even considered clothing. Her smug grin faltered slightly, when she noticed that he never took his gaze from her face.

He scoffed. "The one I end up mating with, will be one that no one else has had the pleasure of having before me. Good night, Kikyou." With that he turned and stalked off. He didn't get far, before his brother caught up with him.

"Inuyasha, what have you been doing during the evening?"

"What does it matter? I was at the damn meeting." He fixed his eyes on his brother, before his jaw dropped in surprise. For the first time in his life, he was witnessing Sesshoumaru deep in thought, well at least as deep in thought that didn't involve the torture or maiming of another individual. With this particular look, Inuyasha was positive one could actually see into the depths of his brother's soul. Shockingly, it seemed to hint that Sesshoumaru wasn't as emotionless as everyone believed him to be. Inuyasha shook his head to clear those outlandish thoughts. When he looked at his brother again, the insightful look was gone.

"The youkai I encountered this evening had an interesting scent. You told me that the clan was malnourished. This one, however, was quite healthy."

Inuyasha snorted. "The others are fine, it's the leader that's not eating. She's been giving them all the meat from my kills. She thinks she's incapable of starving as long as the rest-"

"Your kills?" interrupted Sesshoumaru, raising a delicate eyebrow.

Inuyasha's voice failed him as he heard the question from his brother. A soft tint of pink touched his cheeks and he quickly turned his head away from his brother. He hadn't even realized what he had just said, his mind already wandering off toward the girl he had forced to eat. His brother's question had been an icy rain storm on his mood and thoughts. He turned completely away from his brother and quickly stalked off into the enclosing gloom.

~~ ~~ ~~

"Kagome?"

Kagome was sitting on the hard rock surface behind the waterfall that covered their den. She was rubbing her waist slightly, which was still tingling since her encounter this evening. She could still feel the claws that had dragged her back to the male hanyou. They had been delicate, as not to cause her harm, but the grip had been very strong. Was it really possible for a hanyou to be that strong? She had been considered fairly strong for a female hanyou, but not strong enough to best most upper classed youkai. She was strong in mind and soul, but typically failed in the area of the body. Maybe if she started-

"Kagome?" came the voice again.

Kagome turned her head, her ebony locks cascading down her back. "Yes, Rin?"

Rin carefully took a seat besides her leader. She had her navy blue cloak wrapped around her to keep the late winter air off. She held Kagome's cloak in her hands, before giving it back to it's owner. After her leader had wrapped the cloak around her, she turned her eyes to fix upon her comrade. "They don't like humans at all. I know I didn't divulge this information sooner in front of the others, but I thought you should know."

Kagome's nodded her head slightly. "There's nothing to worry about, Rin. Most of our kind harbor such feelings for the humans. They take our land, our mates, our young, and our food." She lifted an arm up, allowing Rin to snuggle into her warmth. Kagome, in turn, dragged a claw delicately through the short brown tresses. "Still, we must learn to co-exist with them. We cannot win if we fight against them, nor can we let them kill us all. The moment our kind learns this, then we can do something to help our survival."

"But isn't it wrong for us to be using things of theirs? I mean the tarps, nets, clothing, and food ingredients."

"No," whispered Kagome, her voice soft and matronly. "All youkai wear clothes of the humans. They are easier to maneuver, and thus are just as essential to us as meat is. Of course, no youkai will ever readily say this. It's a pride thing. We have yet to have any of our kind go into textiles. The other things we use make things simpler. If we had to spend all our time trying to make traps and clothing, we would never have time for hunting."

"I guess so, but isn't it still unwise to go into their areas. I mean the cubs love ice cream and playing video games, but those are all human things. We are making them think humans aren't evil."

"Oh, Rin." Kagome hugged the girl closer to her. "Humans aren't evil. Every living thing has a good and bad side. Humans are no different, except that they are more ignorant of what they do to the world around them. Which is why I permit the excursions into the human cities. We must not be ignorant of them. Ignorance is what hurts us. If we learn and understand the humans, they have less of a chance to hurt us. Of course, this doesn't completely solve everything. Fear is the biggest problem. Humans are less accepting of things that they can't understand. This misunderstanding is where fear becomes our worst enemy."

"So we are essentially gaining nothing out of this by interacting with the human populace?"

"Oh, I wouldn't say that. We learn a lot from them. As long as we keep our head, they can't hurt us. The key is to be smarter than our threat. We know how they think better than they know us. Therefore, we have a better advantage for survival should the need arise. Now, go to bed. We have an important meeting tomorrow."

Rin nodded and departed back into the heart of the cave. Kagome remained in her spot, thinking over the conversation she had. Tomorrow was going to be a difficult meeting. As a hanyou, she already had a point against her pack, and she couldn't afford anymore. What to do?

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Translation and Pronunciation Guide:

Hentai- (hen-tie) Pervert.

Shiori- (she-oh-ree) A bookmarker.

Ginta- (jean-tah) Silver rice.