InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ To Perish Once More ❯ Chapter Twenty-Three: Message ( Chapter 23 )

To Perish Once More: Chapter Twenty-Three: Message

-Jasmine Fields

*****

"I just want to talk."

In his wildest imagination, he never would have believed the wolf demon capable of standing down from a chance to attack with the advantage - so abruptly, admittedly, upon an appeal for an introduction of persons - at least whom he represented - and conversation, of sorts.

At least, that's what he told him self as he stood nearly paralyzed, frightful in Kouga's unrelenting presence.

Balling his fists tighter around his scythe in fierce determination, he absorbed the verbal assault and gathered his wits and strength - human strength, he reminded him self - and endeavored to stand tall in the face of such an adversary's scrutiny.

He chastised his wandering thoughts. Deviating undisciplined focus would be the death of him. And, for now, he valued his life.

It wasn't his decision who was friend or foe, since his lord commanded.

The silent threat surged off the prince in a violent storm of dark livid waves as he distanced him self a few steps.

No way am I gonna make him unnecessarily angry…

There was nothing that could be said for being dead if he didn't come to do as he intended.

First things first…

He decided to answer the question.

"I'm Kohaku, servant of his lordship Sesshoumaru."

To say that the prince leader looked skeptical was an understatement. Cynicism drawn on the wolf's features was painful evidence for his incompetence and shortcoming of even stating clearly his lord's request.

Blaming it on his lack of communication skills - or unfamiliarity with formal introductions - and still better, talking on his lord's behalf, he kicked a pebble away from his foot and fixed his eyes on the ground.

Though the wolf demon snorted and crossed his arms as though sickened, he nonetheless responded.

"Did you come to insult me?"

Jerking his head up to pierce through the intense gaze directed on him, Kohaku raised his voice heatedly as he advanced a single pace to confront his opposition - or what he perceived to be, in any event.

That damnable wolf is challenging me?

"I would never!"

Nearly blinded in panic, under his breath he quietly condemned his fortune hoping Kouga failed to notice the jeer.

Calming momentarily, without further delay, he finally spoke his purpose.

"His lordship seeks an audience with you."

Observing the prince demon crack his knuckles, he noticed some semblance of humor illuminating his features dancing in the sparkle of his rolling eyes.

Must be a trick of the light or something…

"O-o-oh?"

It was a bad idea to stick around babbling like an idiot when the cord of trust was so thin, if it existed at all.

Narrowing eyes, he sensed the deliberate provocation as it stung and sent poignant tremors through his already stressed body and frustrated mind.

"Loosen up, boy. I won't kill you just yet. Tell me why you reek of that Kagura woman. Fair warning - you better not be working with - "

~~Snap. Snap. Crack.~~

"I'm not."

So that's why he's all bunched up in his hackles…

Guard on full alert, he sat on a near-by rock in order to attempt a resignation of combat - a temporary truce, of a kind, proceeding to explain his heritage and how he came under Sesshoumaru's safeguard - to include entrusting the wolf with Tenseiga's mystery and will.

He even in so much detail possible told his ancestry and lineage.

He noticed Kouga kneel, still at the ready in a precautionary stance, paying attention to every utterance.

At least he's not threatening to chop off my head.

*****

"So, you're Sango's kid brother, eh?"

That explains the familiar taijia's scent covering him.

He knew - just knew - there was something more than `talking' with the boy when it was requested of him to listen.

Curses…

He felt the justified need, in his curiosity and as a predator, to track and ambush a prospective hazard before it took his wolves and underlings by surprise - near the source, the flowing stream, no doubt, of his serene escape from the burdens he shouldered.

Obeying his instinct usually ensured his survival - this time not so unlike others…but he genuinely preferred his contentment basking in the warmth of day - dreaming of Kagome - whether in lone sorrow or blissful glee - feeding, and lazing around for an occasional afternoon nap - one he desperately wished for today - without the added bonus of chasing down Naraku for crimes committed.

Damned, his timing!

Unfortunately, he had only recently been raised to power when the northern brothers were slaughtered. The weight of so many dead allied and subordinate to him overloaded his emotions and struck at his sense of duty to look after what was his.

You'll pay, Naraku.

On the grave of my ancestors…

Acknowledging his own conceit, he reasoned his youth - in age as well as experience - had much bearing on the destruction of his comrades. Inuyasha had been the lure for one of Naraku's all-time traps - and stupidly, it was he, who was blind to that fact.

Ignoring Dog-breath was one thing, but ignoring Kagome…

He always lived with his regret and guilt.

Supposing the kid was slackening his guard as his boldness grew and purpose clearly stated, he stifled a peeved yawn and knelt down as the exterminator, in explicit detail, narrated who he was.

What ever happened to "Don't waste your assistance where it isn't wanted"?

He swore the almighty Sesshoumaru was a poison unto him self. Even though he had been ready to defend his own on that mountainside, gods spare him the treachery of having to deal with another power mongering full blooded demon.

And Dog-shit's brother no less!

It was so rare that he received a moment's solitude. Of course, he knew the consequences of that responsibility when he over threw leaders to become the wolf tribe's ruler.

What was he suppose to be thinking about again?

Oh yeh...

Lord of the dogs wanted some thing from him.

Indulge him - he seeks an audience with me…

He scoffed.

And the bastard had the nerve to tell me off!

Sniffing the air on a whim, he resolutely slung an insult at the boy, alleging Kagura's scent was growing stronger.

Kohaku rejected all charges of being followed as he stood, growling, to investigate briefly.

Damn the woman!

Bristling, standing protectively in front of the exterminator-boy, he reined in his hot temper.

Floored, he really didn't want to believe that this was another cleverly thought out plan.

Fucking nose was right.

Pity the fool to think, he almost trusted the boy.

*****