Chapter four

Inuyasha's perspective, Koga's Den

I sighed in the den that was ment to be the leaders den, Koga's den, and paced around. Kagome and the others had thier own dens after a small protest from the pack of wolves that didnt like the idea of humans in the cave or the fact that a Hanyou was leading the pack untill the proper leader returned. All that had changed when I grew angry and well, lets just say one windscar later the pack didnt seem to mind the leadership of a hanyou. They still didnt do what I said untill I threatened them. I got into a fist fight a few times, the wolf style.I found out quick the traditions of the wolf pack. After some debat I thought it would be a good idea to keep to thier traditions. In the fist fights I had to fight in a fair fight no weapons and no cloths or armor. That was so emberrassing at first but it was worth it in the end. I could feel my own strength increasing the more I take to the Wolf Traditions of the pack. I dont know how but I managed to keep my position of leader.I was starting to feel more like a wolf as time went on in Koga's absent. Kagome and the others had told me so when we finally got to hang out the other day. I had to remind myself that I was still a Dog at times. Though I had heard of some dogs turning wolf over the years from the Elders of the tribe that excepted me as leader dispite the human blood that ran threw my vains. It was truely an odd feeling.

I sighed again and walked out of my den to patrol the tribe, an uneasy feeling keeping me from relaxing. Sure enough, in the main den where everyone gathered two demons were fighting over what a proper leader was. Getting closer I heard who they were talking about. Kagome was standing close, ready to jump into the conversation but jumped when I placed a calm hand on her shoulder. For me, I hadnt noticed the changes in me since I took up the post as leader in Koga's absence. My dog ears sharpened and my nose had grown sharper. My claws grew sharper, fangs even became more deadly. Markings of my full blooded demon side had started to show though I wasnt loosing control. I sighed as the arguing continued.

"Ok you two, break it up." I said as I tried to push the two apart, instead getting two punches to the jaw and stomach.

Obviously they both didnt think that I was a proper leader. "Alright then. Shall we settle this the proper way or talk this through?"

"Piss off Hanyou scum!"

I sighed as one yelled at me with the usual threat and the other backed off, knowing where this was leading. The one that backed off bowed his head in appology, as though to say he was sorry. I guess he was trying to defend me but got caught up in the moment of hate. I turned to the one who threatened me with a calm expression. He was already taking his bearskin armor off. It was a challange to the leader I had found out the first few days I was here. With a sigh I began to remove my fire rat robes and handed them to the demon slayer. She smiled and patted my shoulder after all my cloths were off. When both were bare as the day we were born we took the fighting stance. Crouching down I watched the wolf, calm as can be. It was not the first time the wolf has challenged me. I was not a wolf, I know, but I had a resposibility to this pack. To koga. With a slow blink of my eyes the wolf demon attacked, tackling me to the ground. In one quick motion the demon meet my feet and went flying into a wall a few feet away from where I lay on my back. I rolled back onto my shoulders as the wolf quickly got to his feet to charge at me. Kicking out with my feet I felt myself connect to his chest, knocking him back again as I quickly jumped to my feet with an irritated growl.

"Is this how a wolf fights? Attack while thier opponent is prone on the ground?" I taunted.

During my talks with the elders, I found out that taunts were common in the brawls. They were a means to throw the other off gaurd or even throw them into an disadvantage. When I taunted I looked for something that would throw the wolf demons off of their usual calm and snide attitudes. Some taunts worked, some made them back down and some just made them angrier. Those were my favorite. It gave me more of a challenge. Expecually when I can taunt them about a hanyou both being the leader and beating a full demon in a hand to hand fight with no protection. As Tradition called, if the Wolf demon broke the Rule that was in place and attacked with a weapon then the leader, no matter who it was at the time can choose to either kill the demon or banish them. Those were the rules. I dont know how many times I felt the urge to go for Tetsaiga. Only once did I have to use it on my...No..Koga's pack. The demon gave me no choice. I banished him for a year, to reflect on his actions that day, but he broke free from the hold the other demons had him in and attacked with his weapon again. That was when in one quick turn I grabbed my weapon, transformed it into its fang, and cut off his head in one swift motion. That was also the same day that I had asked the pack to bury the treator. We would still treat him as part of the pack and give him the proper burial, followed by a pack howl. It was also the day that the pack saw a side of me that I didnt show often. Compassion and depression for killing someone that, to me, didnt deserve it. The growl that my opponent gave me brought me back to the presant situation and I managed to get my hands up just in time to catch the demon's fists that flew out to my face. With a small smile I threw my left leg up, causing Kagome to blush as I did since she got a full veiw of me, and sank my knee into the demons rib cage.

"Had enough yet?" I asked as he backed away to catch his breath, coughing up a little blood.

With another growl the demon lunged at me, connecting with my gut and sending me back against the ground hard. A loud crack resounded threw the cave but I didnt loose consiousness. Yes everything got blurry but I could still fight. Grabbing the demon by the hair I yanked him up and all but threw him off me. Taking only a few seconds to get up. Blood dripped down into my silver hair from an open wound in the back of my head. Looks like I would have to take this fight more seriously. I shook my head, than my shoulders as though preparing for the fight. He thought I was distracted but I turned quickly at his lung, causing him to dive headfirst into the wall behind me. He growled after shaking his head, blood falling to the flood as he shook his head. When he looked at me I see blood starting to fall into his right eye, making him close that eye. An advantage or something else. I didnt know. I dont count the small victories. He lunged at me again and this time I moved just enough to catch his arm and twist it back behind his back, claws of my right hand digging into his right arm and the claws of my left hand digging ever so slightly into the back of his neck.

"I will ask this again, had enough yet?" I asked placing my knee on his lower back, knee down just above his tail.

He struggled for a few moments then went limp. "Yeah...I've had enough."

He sounded so defeated. I stood up and backed away, standing tall as the victor. The other demons of the pack patted my back and shoulders. I waited as he stood up. I learned the hard way about turning my back on the enemy. I watched closely as he reached for his weapon, debating weither or not if he should use it. Kagome got ready to hand me my own weapon but I made no move to take it. This time I wasnt going to use my weapon unless I had no other choice. I could see the demon male's mind working, but after a moment he grapped his cloths with a huff and stormed out of the cave, possibly to go pout somewhere. I knew he would be back. He always came back. He was a good worrior, I will give him that. I turned away from Sango as she tried to hand me my cloths and walked to one of the winding hallways to the healer. At least the demon male would live with only perminant damage done to his pride. Me? My body was littered with either fresh scars or old scars. Normally demons dont scar but me? I scared easily if I let my body do so. I had always let my body scar since I took up the position as leader. At first it confused my friends but Shippo explained that it might be because I wanted to keep track of how many battles I had won but in truth, it was because I wanted to see how much stronger I was becoming over the last six weeks. Once at the healers Den I stopped outside, thinking of all the changes that had happened over the short weeks. I looked at the back of my hand andup my arm, seeing the full demon marks of a dog demon. The only differance from me and Sesshoumaru was that I wouldnt have the cresent moon like him or father. I sighed for the third time that day and walked into the healers den. Smiling at the blind old lady as she turned to face me yet again.

"Inuyasha. Trouble again I see?" She said with a small chuckle.

"Yeah. Izumi again. He really hates Hanyous."

She shook her head as I sat down to let her feel around, hissing in slight pain when she comes in contact with my open wound. "He really went for the kill with this one."

"Tell me about it. Even thought about bringing a weapon into our fight."

I shook my head and recieved a thump on the head for my actions. "You have to be careful young leader. With Koga still absent, if something were to happen to you now there would be chaos at who would assume the spot as leader. We need you to stay put and keep order."

"Yes, yes I know, Granny. You have told me this a thousand times now. I think it sank in by now. Though this time I havent been to see you in almost two weeks now. Used to be everyday."

"She chuckled again with a smile. "Thats true young Hanyou. Sometimes even days at a time. Since you would fight one fight after another. Elders would have to step in just to keep you alive and bring you to me."

I chuckled as I looked to her. "As the Tradition states, A leader that cannot fight more then three battles a day is said to be over ruled by the Elders as a means of peace as well as keeping the leader alive. It is viewed as weakness when you challenge a leader in his weakened state and is easily killed. Only the Elders can make that call."

"Thats true. And with a hole in your chest, broken arm, broken ribs and a concussion as your friend called it, I would say yes that is a bit much to fight as. With you taking on what was it, eight fighters at once for three battles in one day and still managing to win each one. I say you made a name for yourself here. Even some of the pups finally shows some respect for you."

"Yeah but I still feel guilty for that one pup I killed." I shook my head then looked up at her as she sat beside me to apply the medicine. "I mean. He was young and a great fighter. I even told him that he may be a good leader someday if he just cleared his head and listened to his elders. Not including me of course, being a dog not a wolf."

"I would say that you are more Wolf then you realize my boy." She said as I hissed at the sting of her disinfectent.

"Kagome said the same thing. What does that mean anyways?" I asked as she pulled away from me to fetch bandages.

"It means just as I had said. I spoke with the elders after your treatment a few weeks after that day you nearly died. Your marks showing up is not out of some miracle. It is a sign of your change and bond to the pack. With you being our leader this long and managing to even keep your position, it has started to change your blood. All of the pack can smell it. Thats why Izumi keeps attacking. He doesnt understand Hanyous."

"I dont get it." I said as she wrapped up my head, used to our conversations. "How is being a leader and fighting changing my blood?"

"That is one thing that only this pack knows about. The hanyou's true nature. Away from other demons, banished from both humans and demons alike, the hanyou is at his weakest. When he finds his home, a place where either full demons or humans accept him for who he is then his body and blood changes to fit his home, never loosing the power he held as a hanyou. If the hanyou's home is with full demons then the hanyou goes through changes to match that of the home that accepts him for what and who he is."

"I think I understand. So what you are saying is that this pack accepts me for who, what, I am and thus I am changing into a wolf? Does that mean I loose my dog herritage?"

"Dear boy, Where do you think the Dogs first came from?"

When I shook my head she continued. "Dogs were orriginally wolves dear. Just a calmer, more human friendly pack of wolves."

I snorted when I imagened Sesshoumaru with a pack of humans following him. "Yeah like my brother will live with humans. Rin yeah. Shes different to him but to live with other humans? No way. He hates humans, hanyous as well."

"Sesshoumaru has connected with his wolf instincts then the rest of his family but still cannot deny the call of a human companion. He dislikes hanyou's because of the connection they have to humans. A connection he could never have himself. A dog that longs for the effections of a human or hanyou but cannot come to terms with these feelings either lash out or revert to being a wolf once again. Rin must keep him from reverting to his original instincts."

I nodded with a small smile. It actually made sence. She smiled and patted me on the shoulder. Our conversation was over for the day. At least for now. She knew I may come visit again later, just to see how she is doing. With being a leader for the pack, I didnt have much time to actually visit with people very often. I stood up with a small smile and gave the elder healer a small hug. After thanking her, I left in search of Sango who still held my cloths. My human friends were slowly learning the ways of the wolfs, testing their skills on young pups to hone both thier own skill and the skill of the pups as well. I smiled when I found Sango, crouching low with a small female pup.

With females, they were allowed more dignity then males. They were allowed to have at least a worriors or hunters uniform of there choice. I smiled and moved over to my cloths. Dressing to watch the fight before me, of human verses demon pup. Sitting on the small perch that was meant for the leader I watched the fight. Sango was crouched low, like a seasoned fighter, and the pup was crouched low as well but not as low as Sango. She must have just turned the right age to learn how to fight. Some pups learned at an early age how to fight by watching the elders and some learned the hard way. The young pup lunged at Sango, but Sango's low position allowed her to lower more to avoid the demoness and then raise up to catch her midsection, knocking the air from her as she stumbled back.

Sango moved back into her position, waiting for the young pup to make her move, obviously training the pup. Sango usually got the stubborn of the younger demons, ones wanting to learn the true meaning of a fight and the fun the training could bring. Miroku was a little different. His fighting was sloppy and sometimes resulted in him getting slapped by either sango or other female demons. So he took on the roll as the healers apprentace. Shippo decided to grow up with the other wolf children and was now crouching low to another young male pup in all his glory. I moved away from Sango's practice to watch Shippo a moment.

After monatering the fights, I stepped outside to servay the area. Moving to the top of the waterfall to get a better view I see Izumi sitting on the edge. The young black haired demon had dressed in his hunters uniform once again. I was slowly noticing the differances in uniforms and outfits of the worriors.

"Still sore at me over our fight young one?" I asked after sitting down beside him.

"Not really. I was just thinking, why you? Why did Master Koga choose you as our leader while he was gone? Couldnt he have choosen someone from the pack?"

"Did you find your answer?"

"Yeah. At least this time I did. I may not like it but I did find it. Your strong Inuyasha. And only get stronger everyday you have to go through this. I can see the changes you are going through. We all can. I was argueing with Mori again on what a proper leader is and I guess I just got caught up in the moment and needed to let off some steam." He looked up at me and I saw the worry in his eyes. "I guess I went a little far this time."

"Look. We all have our days." I said, missing Kagome coming up the side of the waterfall, just listening below us. "Even I have days where I need to let off some steam but to tell you the truth, I dont want to take it out on those that dont deserve it. If I really have a problem with someone I learned to just talk to them about it. Kagome, If your going to listen you might as well come up here."

Izumi and I both chuckled at her surprised squeak then heard her sigh. "I swear you change more and more everyday. Becoming sharper then you normally would."

"Maybe its because I am changing for the better or maybe it is because I am just picking up traits from these wolves."

Izumi laughed softly as a pouting face of Kagome popped out from under the small landing below us. "Well excuse me mister leader. I just thought you would like your sword back."

I chuckled softly and placed a hand on her shoulder, causing her to smile. "Thank you Kagome but I dont think I will need it at the moment. Would you beable to put it in the leader's den?"

"Yeah I can do that but um.." She went quiet a moment. "I'm...I'm going to have to go home here for a while and I dont know if I will come back for a while."

"Do you need someone to take you there?"

She nodded and I smiled. "Shippo has gotten stronger since being here, maybe he can give you a lift."

"Maybe you can take her Chief. Im sure the elders wont mind."

I smiled and looked at Kagome. She nodded and the three of us made our way down to the cave behind the waterfall, missing the shadow that lingered just on the edge of the forest below. Once in the cave again I yawned as I lead the way to the Elders meeting Den with Kagome close behind me. Izumi went back to the main Den to learn more about fighting from the seasoned elders. At the Elders meeting den I paused. I didnt know how to ask the elders but I knew I would have to ask.

"Kagome, wait here."

She nodded, knowing that only the leader may enter when there is a meeting going on. "Ok Inuyasha."

Stepping into the den the elders all smiled and turned to face me. One still seemed to force a smile, hate clearly in his eyes. "Sorry to bug you but might I have a word?"

"Sure, Inuyasha. What can we do for you?"

"Well Kagome would like to go home and Im not really sure if I can go take her home since I want to be sure there would be peace in the tribe."

"Oh Inuyasha. Koga leaves quiet abit to go see you and your small tribe. I dont see why you cant do the same every once in a while."

I smiled and bowed to the Elders as they all but one muttered in agreement.

"I dont see how that is leader material." The one with hate filled eyes stated. "I mean that would only show the tribe that its ok to be dissobidiant."

"Now now, Tsuki. Ever since Inuyasha had shown up with the news that he was to be leader to the tribe till our Chief returned he has done nothing but what he thought best for the tribe. Leaving only once to seek out our chief when he was over due for his return. I think he can leave to take his friend home. He deserves that much."

I stayed quiet as the two Elders argued. I knew this was not my place to break up a fight. Yes, I could but I felt it best to leave this one well enough alone. Once the decision was made I stepped out of the den to greet a patiantly waiting Kagome and nodded to her. She smiled and together we made our way to her den to gather up her stuff. After that I walked to the main den and spoke to Ginta and Hukkaku. Together the three of us, with Kagome on my back, left the cave. It was customary that the leader leaves with an escort, no matter how strong he is.

That way if something happened then maybe one can return with news and things could be settled from there accordingly. I made my way through the forest with speed that I didnt realize I even had been able to possess, Ginta and Hukkaku easily keeping up with their young Chief. It didnt take more then a few hours to make it to Lady Kiade's home. Kiade however was suprised to see the me in the presence of two wolves, Koga's wolves no less, as escorts to take Kagome home. After explaining everything to the Elder human, I escorted Kagome to the Bone Eater's Well. After saying our goodbyes and making plans on how she would find me, we went our seperate ways. I went back to Kiade's hut to see the three of them just chatting like old friends. I guess I cant just pull them out. The break would do me some good.

"Inuyasha, Ye seem different child." Kiade said and I smiled.

"Maybe it has to do with taking on such a big resposibility."

"Oh and what might that be?"

"Running Koga's pack while he is gone. We are far to the north at the moment waiting for him to show back up. That also means that the jewel shards are on hold for now. Though one showes up every now and then at the tribe trying to get what they want."

"My child, Ye have taken on such a big roll. Are ye sure ye can handle it?"

"I have so far. What has it been Ginta? Six weeks now?"

"Sounds about right Chief."

I blinked a moment then smiled. "When have you started calling me that?"

"Well since about a week into you leading us. Most of the tribe sees you as a true leader. I think they even injoy fights with you."

"Yeah I noticed. Some just come to me and challenge me just for the hell of it. Though I will say this. Izumi is definetly getting better at his fighting. I had to get serious on that fight today."

"Ye had a fight Inuyasha? In the tribe?"

"Yeah but its normal. Sometimes we have to fight to just keep me as the leader because people challenge me to my position." I chuckled at her surprised look. "Trust me, Kiade, we fight fair. No weapons and no armor.'

"Yeah they fight in thier bithday suit." Ginta laughed as I blushed deeply and bopped him on his head.

"Is this true Inuyasha?"

"Yeah its true. No cloths. Just you and your opponent. Nothing to protect you and only your claws and fangs as weapons. Its a rule the Elders have in place. If you bring your weapon into the fight then the leader may choose what is to be done to you."

"Has that happened to ye Inuyasha?"

"Yeah. Once." I said lowering my head and turning away from the Elder human. "He was just a pup but still he was smarter beyond his years. I tried to banish him for a year at least, not wanting to kill him but when I turned my back he struck out. I managed to pull my blade from its sheath in time but..."

"What happened child?"

"He didnt make it, Kiade. It was the moment I killed the child that I started viewing things very differently then I remembered."

After what I said everyone in the hut went silent. Kiade surprised at my change in attutude, Ginta and Hukkaku both in morning of the young boy. After about an hour I turned back to Kiade, thinking it was about time I returned to the tribe, a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"Sorry to leave on a bad note Kiade but I cant shake this feeling that I need to head back."

"It is fine, Child. Just hurry back. Maybe come visit again sometime when the young Chief returns to let me know if all is well."

"I will Kiade." I said and gave the surprised Elder a hug before leaving the three of them. "Ginta, Hukkaku, if you wish to stay long go ahead. Im going to head out now."

"No its ok. We will be right behind you. Thank you for the tea miss Kiade."

"Ye are most welcome Child. Come visit again."

I watched the two bow to her then bowed to her myself. I took off, hand on the hilt of Tetsaiga. I ran at full speed to get back to the cave. I needed to see with my own eyes that all was well. Since Kagome had told me that she wanted to head home I couldnt shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen. At full speed, the three of us managed to get back in less then two hours. There before the cave, sniffing about to find the cave was a rather large feline demon. I drew my sword and jumped without missing a beat, infront of the demon. Before I could even get out a word the demon rawred in fury that someone had got in its way and swiped a massive paw at me. I managed to get my sword up in time to block the claws but was thrown two feet to the right. It took me a moment to climb to my feet, the feline charging me. I raised my sword again to block another blow, bracing to be thrown. I noticed the demons other massive paw a little to late as its claw dug into my gut. Blood shot from my mouth and I dropped to my knees, barely missing the yell from the right and then a blurry figure rammed into the side of the beast, driving it to the right and cleanly ripping the beast in two. I closed my eyes, feeling suddenly tired and rested my head on the hilt of my sword. I was saved, by who I dont know but at least I was safe. I tried to get to my feet, but my head spun vishiously and I blacked out, feeling rather sick.

Koga's perspective

It had taken me a few days but I managed to get back home to my cave. I felt relief the moment I crossed my bourder but dread soon found its way into the pit of my stomach. I sped up to as fast as I could go, the young hanyou on my mind. When I burst from the tree line, I found Inuyasha on the defensive against a rather large Tiger demon. His claw dug into the hanyou's gut and he spat up blood with a surprised look on his face. I could only imagen what was going threw his mind. Ginta and Hukkaku were trying their best to help the young wolf chief but were only managing to actually angering the beast further. It was enough to make the demon turn its head from the injured hanyou. I smelt blood from him. More then just what he had spit up. On closer inspection, I see red slowly appearing on the back of the dog hanyou's head. I was rather concerned. I know he didnt get the head injury from this beast. I yelled and ran full speed to the demon, diving into its side, grabbing with both hands and pulling them apart. With one quick effort I ripped the beast in two clean halves. I pulled out the shiny spot I noticed then turned to the hanyou just in time to see his legs buckle after standing. My hands shot out and caught the young man.

"Hikkaku, Ginta. Go get the healer ready for Inuyasha." I ordered and the two stood there a moment in aw before running off to do as they were told.

Inuyasha was lighter then I remembered. He even had demonic markings of his dog demon herritage marking his skin. I was surprised, remembering what the Elders had told me about the Hanyou birth right. Has my pack accepted the Hanyou? I knew his small human pack has accepted him. I jumped up to the opening in the cliff wall behind the waterfall and entered my cave. Most of the pack backed away in shock, while others ran to find someway to make the hanyou comfertable in my chambers. The healer all but ran to my side as I made my way to the Chiefs den, laying him down on my furrs. I stepped back out of the healers way and sat down in the corner of the room silently. What had happened since I was gone? With the question in my mind I left the den to the open den down below. I walked up to Ginta with a small frown to his worried look.

"Is he going to be ok Chief?"

"I dont know. I left the healer to do her work. Ginta, what happened while I was gone?"

"Inuyasha did his best to take control over the pack. It had turned to Chaos when you left. One Windscar later the pack quieted down enough to hear the messege you brought us. Most thought you a fool and challenged Inuyasha to his position as leader. Nearly died about a week after arriving, but he lived somehow and that changed the view of most of the back."

"Any casualties?"

"Only one. A young pup. He attacked in the traditional leaders challenge with his weapon not just once but twice, giving Inuyasha no other choice but to kill him. Inuyasha was willing to give him a year of banishment but the child didnt see that Inuyasha had that right. After that no one challenged Inuyasha for his title as leader for another week. Though the day the boy died, Inuyasha said to bury him and have a pack howl for the boy. Inuyasha joined in that after all was said and done. Some continued to challenge him but never went against the rules. One did but wasnt stupid enough to continue past Inuyasha's final word. Inuyasha gave him half a year to think about what he had done, not allowing him to return till that year was up. Just today Izumi challenged Inuyasha but not for the leadership. He was the one who cause the wound on Inuyasha's head. Even though he wanted to he didnt use his weapon in the fight. Instead he walked away and out of the cave of his own free will. He didnt wander far."

I nodded as I listened to him, looking to Sango, who wore my people's hunters uniform. All of my people were gathered around, waiting for the verdict on their temperary chief. I guess I had made a good choice on having the Hanyou as the Chief of my tribe. I hadnt realized till I saw Inuyasha in the fight why I had chosen him. Now I know why and now I know what it was that I had felt towards Sesshoumaru when he had nursed me back to health. Yes Sesshoumaru loved me as a brother. Yes I felt the same about the Dai-Youki. I found out that the Hanyou was the one that held my true affections.