Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha or any parts pertaining there too

This is rated M for later chapters for character death (deaths…?) and lemons!

This was my first ever fanfiction, and only current to hit a minimum of 50k words… I hope you enjoy it as much as I have writing it. I am in the process of editing and expanding this peice, a few of the chapters will remain untouched but will be in a different order than they were previously.

*Thank you Kouga's Older Woman and Raven 2010 and Kristen for making me want to edit this!*

Please Read and Review!

Sometimes Goodbye is a New Beginning

Chapter 1: Life and Death

The Ookami prince stood at the mouth of the cave. A fine mist hung in the air outside, giving the world a hazy appearance. His arms were crossed as he leaded against the cool limestone looking out. His clawed fingers tapped with trepidation on his muscular bicep. His younger mate was in labor and giving birth to their first child, it was a natural process but something set him on edge. Maybe it was just the weather or impending war with the Neko tribe. Yet again, it could be the screams of pain falling from his mate's lips or the reappearance of the Shikon Miko that had his youki passing in his mental cage, longing for solace.

A sharp scream echoed though the cavern followed by several whimpers. Kouga knew his pup was born and he was now a father. He smiled into the mists grateful to the kami's his pup didn't cry. When an Ookami pup is born and cries they are killed, because it is believed they are a hindrance to the tribe. No, his pup will be strong and a great leader for the Ookami of the East.

Footsteps coming through the grotto drew Kouga back from the entrance. His breathing quickened when he saw a bundle in the female's arms with a smile on her face as she walked toward him.

"You have a daughter" the female handed him the fur wrapped bundle.

. Her deep blue eyes looked up at Kouga before she yawned and closed them, settling into a sleep, content in his arms. His little girl looked so peaceful lying cuddled there. Kouga couldn't help by stare down at her angelic face, her dark eyebrows framing her face and her long dark lashes lay against her alabaster cheeks. A shock of soft ebony hair poked out from under the fur blanket. She was beautiful, just like her mother. He smirked just thinking about all the boys he would have to chase off; there was no way she was leaving the cave until she was 300!

"When may I see my mate, Naoki" He asked, not taking his eyes off of the pup nestled softly in his arms.

"You need to see her as soon as possible or you will be too late. I am sorry, my Prince, but her strength is leaving her." She said solemnly, as she put her head down.

Kouga's eyes widened at the news. He looked down at his daughter, before he turned to the cave that held Ayame. With the grace of a Prince, he rushed though the limestone catacombs to his mate.

"Ayame" he whispered when he saw her laying on a futon of furs her skin was pale and her body looked frail. Even her flaming red locks seemed to loose it's fiery sheen.

When she saw him, she gave a small smile as he came further into the cave holding their daughter "My love, what shall we name her?" she rasped

"Fumiko" Kouga looked down at his mate, he had never seen her so weak before. He was frightened.

"Kouga"

"Shh, you should rest and rebuild your strength" He forced a smirk even though he could smell the messenger of death looming at the door.

"Kouga" She placed a weak hand on his forearm "I love you"

He then laid Fumiko beside her mother, "As I you, Ayame, now you should rest" he gently brushed the hair from her sweaty cheek.

"Kouga" She grasped his hand and placed it against her lips then moved and held it against her cheek "I know my time is coming. Please, Kouga, don't mourn me. Find another mate you are too young to be alone for eternity"

"Ayame, it isn't your time yet. Just rest now, my mate."

"Promise me…Kouga" she pleaded, her green eyes met his, begging him

"Fine, I promise, but it will never come to that." He reassured her.

Ayame smiled weakly at him and closed her eyes and slowly her breathing became shallower and more ragged, soon she was gone.

Fumiko began to softly whine, as if she knew what just happened, she could smell the tears her father was fighting back as a few wolves came in and covered her face, taking her to be prepared for cremation. Tonight the tribe would mourn their princess.

A/N: Do we like the revamp?