Chapter One
"Kouga!!" a female voice echoed in the forest, though the wolf prince was still nowhere to be seen. "Kouga, I know you're here!" Ayame leapt from a branch and rolled gracefully to the ground, holding something in her palm.
"What do you want?" his smooth voice called out. Ayame spun around with a slight gasp, growling as she found the male behind her, arms folded and eyes narrowed. "I told you to stay in the mountains, where you can't be harmed."
"The mountains aren't safe anymore, Kouga!" Ayame felt her fists clench. "After that bourei attacked, he ate everything. There are no animals, and the forests are destroyed—he trampled them! There's nowhere to go, we've been scattered in the woods for days. Kouga, please—"
"Urusei." (Shut up.) His sharp reply cut her off. Ayame pursed her lips, restraining a growl. "There's no food in the mountains, so gather food and go back. The oni won't follow you."
"Kouga," Ayame growled and thrusted her fist out. The wolf prince flinched horribly, one arm lifting in defense, but Ayame opened her palm, revealing the purply-pink shard. "You said you would take a woman who could see Shikon no kakera, I can see them, and I swear I can! No one really believes me, and you don't have to, but I have one, Kouga."
"Will you shut the fuck up?!" Kouga pushed her back. "I don't fucking care!" He turned and began to leave, but Ayame followed, wiping at her eyes and trying to keep the stern look on her face, not let it fall as her legs wanted to.
"Why are you doing this? Kouga!! I can help you, I want to help you! I'm not weak; I'm stronger than you think, baka!" (fool)
Kouga spun back around, hair whipping as he took a step forward so that Ayame nearly tripped. "What did you just call me?"
Her mouth worked up and down, a word choking in her quivering throat. The wolf princess gave a little cough to clear her throat, straightened her body and let her shoulders relax and held her chin up.
"Asshole."
