Note: I didn't expect it when I started this story but I feel I must inform the reader that Shesshy isn't actually in this story. I origianlly intended for it to be the great Demon Lord of the West but as I've said before my stories take unplanned twists depending on what mood I'm in. So for the whole disclaimer thing, I own Luca and Oriah but the idea is from Inuyasha, which I do not own.
I hated this place after dark. The footpath wasn't very clear with only the dim light of the moon through dense trees. Even my excellent night vision wasn't very much help. I could only see the dim outlines of the closest trees. I knew the trail curved to the right up ahead, towards the river's edge. The curve was due to an odd clearing. It was bare dirt under a willow tree. I always got a sense of doom when I went near it.
The unusually large ferns just added to the strangeness of the area. I froze then and dropped low to a crouch. Rays of moonlight were shining eerily into the clearing. That wasn't what caught my attention. They were bouncing off of something silver laying on the dirt under the tree. It was large and I could hear it breathing. I felt the heat building right behind my eyes. I was ready to shift if danger presented itself.
I was unaware of the frown that was etching lines into my smooth temples. My heart was thrumming. The creature shifted suddenly and I could see it more clearly. A man was glaring in my direction coldly. The animalistic growl and the red glow his eyes developed made my heart stutter. Demon, and a wounded one at that. My terror was replaced by a sense of need to help him. Feirce, red burns covered his exposed torso.
Despite my desires, I found myself unable to move. "I know you are there. Show yourself." The emotionless bass sent a tremor up my spine. I winced as my nails and fingers started to shift slowly into black furred claws. I growled, low and menacing and slid away from him. No suicide for me tonight. My form exploded into rich black fur and I loped on all fours to the river.
At the river's edge I stepped nimbly over the large river rocks out towards an unusual boulder that stuck out over the wide lazy river. It was rough under my pads, from ages past when it was under water. About fifteen feet above the river I could see downstream and upstream where the river rounded a bend. Up by the bend I could faintly hear the rumble of whitewater.
Inhaling deeply, taking in all the smells of the night, I lifted my nose skyward and let loose a howl. It was not sad. It was not haunting. My song was of joy, freedom, pure happiness. Soon echoes of other songs filled the air. Some were soft and distant, others were nearby. One started from somewhere in the woods behind me. Pausing, I cocked my ear to the sound. It was a howl of hunger, of success in a hunt.
Intense emotion roiled inside me as I turned with a growl that was almost a roar. My feet were flying as I raced toward the sound. Guilt rushed through me, closely mirrored by rage and concern. I had left that demon when he was in need. Snarling, my teeth clicking together loudly, I leapt through the ferns. The situation was assessed instantly.
The larger wolf was leaping at the wincing man on the ground. Instantly reacting, I lunged, slamming shoulder to shoulder with the animal. Pain throbbed through the bone, but it only fueled me on. The male wolf was quick to recoil. His teeth locked into my scruff and he launched my smaller body across the clearing. With a yelp, I slammed into the ribbed tree trunk.
Something was absolutely broken. I ignored it and stood to face my foe once more. A sharp sting and dull ache in my shoulder and ribs were both sure signs of trouble. The animal turned to face the demon again and I snarled and darted forward, low to the ground. He was anticipating my rush. The wolf turned, but he wasn't expecting me to be so low to the ground.
I slipped right below him, latching my fangs into his throat, locking my front paws around his shoulders, and raking my back claws into his underbelly. The move was more cat-like and the canine had no idea how to recoil. Caught off guard, and terrified the wolf began to whine loudly. I released him and landed on my feet. Growling and snapping at his muzzle, I drove him back. When he got enough sense to flee he whined once more, loud and unbroken and took off into the trees.
Breathing heavily, glaring after him, I waited a moment before moving. Slowly I pushed my pain out of my mind and turned to the demon that was frowning coldly at me. He must have really been wounded. I stepped forward and a tiny thread of fear showed in his eyes alone. My heart went out to him. A great one such as he reduced to this? Trying to display my lack of hostility, I lowered my belly to the dirt and whined softly as I inched forward.
"I will crush you in half, Wolf." He threatened. I shook my head from side to side and continued. Before he could act on his threat I pressed my nose to his arm and healed the deep burns on his forearm. Instantly, I cringed back waiting to die. When no attack came I dared to look again. He was still glaring at me. His silvery eyes were like daggers that had been left in a snowdrift. There was no warmth to be found.
I rose to my feet slowly and pressed my nose to his burned chest. The acidic burns were intense. Drawing in power from the trees and plants around me I restored his skin and muscles. With the energy flowing I sent a healing touch through his body, repairing everything in need. He flashed to his feet breaking my concentration and I lost control of my shape as I leapt back. Naked, in human form I hit the ground on my unwounded side, and my breath stopped. Agony ripped through my ribs and my shoulder blade. Through tears I could see the raw wound on my upper arm where a dip in the bark of the tree had struck.
My breath returned raggedly and I spared a glance to the tall muscular demon standing over me. There was nothing in his gaze. Locked in the eyes of the master predator, I waited to die.
