The Dog and the Bear

Bears were not known for their stealth, Inutaisho mused, and this one was no exception. Even without his refined nose, he could have been half blind and still easily followed the trail left by the kumayoukai. Brush had been carelessly crushed underfoot and branches snapped out of the way to allow the bear and his prisoner passage. He could just imagine the amount of racket that had been caused. The dog general was more careful in his pursuit. Soft feet ghosted over the forest floor as he followed the trail deeper into the mountains, leaving no indication behind of his presence. Ahead he could feel the youki of his adversary, like a dull pressure on his senses, growing stronger the closer he came to kuma's hidden lair. It lay heavy on the earth, stifling the sounds of the forest, though the lack of animal life certainly contributed to the unnatural quiet.

Inutaisho drew So'unga slowly, cautiously sending out a tendril of youki in an effort to pinpoint his adversary. Awareness thrummed through the bear's power, though he did not attempt to conceal himself. Such arrogance. Inutaisho smirked; it would be cut down today. He could feel the bear begin to move towards him, and debated simply waiting for the youkai to come to him. However, no matter if he waited or followed the bait, Inutaisho would not have the advantage of high ground in this mountain valley. Resolutely, he walked to meet the bear.

He stopped at the edge of the trees, looking out at the barren expanse of rock that angled up until it crested in jagged peaks of the mountain. Two hundred yards ahead and above him on the slope stood the kumayoukai. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with a thick waist and muscled limbs. His black hair was shaggy, framing purple eyes over black triangle markings. He was clothed in rudimentary armor and black fur cloak and boots, but though his vestments were rough the power that rolled of him in warning commanded attention. "Why have you trespassed here, dog, and interrupted my meal?" growled the kuma.

Inutaisho's expression was cold. "I am Inutaisho, Lord of the West, and you, bear, have stolen what is mine."

The kuma let out a gruff laugh. "You may be the ruler of the West, but I am Satsugaiyuko, and these mountains are my own. Find another hime to eat, this one is mine now."

Rage surged in Inutaisho's blood, cold and hard like steel. This youkai dared defy him, stole what was his, and planned to devour the helpless princess. Perhaps he had already begun to do so… Inutaisho bared his teeth against the thought and lunged at the bear with sword and youki. Despite the kumayoukai's size and lack of a weapon, he was nimble. Dodging to the side, Satsugaiyuko lengthened his claws and slashed at the great dog, but only one of his nails made contact on his enemy's armor as the inu twisted out of his reach.

Parry and thrust, claws clashing against fang, their youki built steadily, filling the valley. Satsugaiyuko still held the high ground, though despite no lack of trying on Inutaisho's part. This bear youkai was powerful, his immense youki a close match for Inutaisho's. The inu swung a heavy blow at the kuma, but the bear caught it in his claws and put his weight behind it. Straining, Inutaisho began slipping slowly down the side of the mountain. So'unga, bend to my will, he commanded the demon sword. With a pulse, the sword's malicious aura joined his own and threw back the bear. The smell of blood reached his nose, thick and metallic. With a roar, Satsugaiyuko unleashed the full force of his power, the pressure differential creating gusting winds, and suddenly Inutaisho was face to face with a towering black bear. Snarling, the inu dodged a mighty swipe of the paw, and the mountain rumbled with the impact of the bear's claws and his youki attack.

With every attack blocked Inutaisho could feel the combined power of his youki and So'unga being sapped. He refused to join the bear in his natural form, however; he was more agile in this body. Like a fly he flitted around the bear, his sword biting, causing small but annoying wounds that drained the blood and energy slowly from his enemy. Still, the inudaiyoukai seemed to lose more than he gained. In an effort to finish this tiresome conflict, Inutaisho called forth every ounce of power and energy remaining and unleashed a furious onslaught, ignoring his own dripping wounds. Satsugaiyuko met him blow for blow, but he was on the defensive. Inutaisho felt the bear falter and he pressed his advantage, intensifying— if such a thing were possible— his assault. With a great leap, Inutaisho brought So'unga down upon the kuma, slicing him from shoulder to hip diagonally and rending him in two. The bear fell, and his death shook the earth. Inutaisho crouched, panting lightly, senses alert, but the body of Satsugaiyuko remained inert. Straightening, Inutaisho glanced down at the sword in his hand. So'unga pulsed once, then lay quiet, its energy completely expended for the time being. It had almost not been enough.

Drained and bloody, the great dog general turned and followed the path of the bear around the mountain until he came at last to a cave, the mouth of which was partially concealed by an outcropping of rock. Here must be the bear's den and inside the hime he sought, or, and his mind rejected the thought, her half-eaten remains. Steeling himself, he stepped inside. The cave was dark, though his inuyoukai eyes could see well enough, and it smelled of damp earth and bear. Inutaisho inhaled deeper; there, a faint whiff of sakura blossoms… and old blood. He moved farther into the recesses of the cave until, rounding a small bend, he came upon her.

She was huddled against the wall, hands and feet bound, her face buried in her knees so that only the view of her dark head was afforded him. She seemed unaware of his presence, so he spoke. "My Lady," he said. At the sound of his deep voice she looked up, honey eyes startled and tinged slightly with fear, but also hope. A thin, but not entirely shallow scratch marred her porcelain face and below that ugly purple bruises circled her throat. Anger coursed through him. Anger at the one who had harmed her and who had bound her in this way, but also anger at her for putting herself in such a vulnerable position that she had been captured. How many times had he told her this very thing could happen, but did the infuriating woman ever listen?

"Inutaisho?" she called, her voice rough.

"Hn. Have I not told you before, reckless hime, that you should not wander the forests alone?" he admonished cooly. Moving to her, he cut the ties easily with his claws and helped her to stand. "You are fortunate this time. It may not be so the next." She dropped her head, tears welling unbidden to her eyes. He was upset with her. The fear and trauma of the last few days crashed down on her, the dam broken by his accusing words.

"Forgive me, Inutaisho-san," she whispered and he sighed, a short burst of air through his nose. He ran a hand through his bangs, unsure how to react to her tears. He felt his anger and frustration at her slowly drain away.

"Come," he said, a bit more gently. He moved back toward the entrance of the cave, and she made to step after him, but after so long being bound her legs would not cooperate with her and she stumbled, grasping at his arm for support. In an instant he lifted her in his arms and settled her close to his chest, careful not to press her into the hard points of his armor. He walked in silence, out of the cave and down the mountain, through the valley and into the forest. The sun, angry and red through a grey haze, set slowly on the horizon. At this pace, it would take him half the night to return her to the palace of her father, but he did not mind it. Her body was soft and warm against his own, her scent, though still tinged with that of the bear, was pleasant to his nose.

"Thank you," she said after a while. Reaching up a hand, she touched the shoulder of his haori, still slightly damp with his blood. "You bled for me." It was a statement, and it was difficult for him to tell what emotion lay behind it with her bruised vocals.

"It is nothing," he shrugged off her concern and left her gratitude unacknowledged. "My wounds have already begun to heal."

"Still, I am grateful." He said nothing, but the barest tightening of his arms around her brought a small smile to her lips. He had done so much for her, she mused, and all without knowing her name… Her eyes grew heavy and her head fell to rest on his shoulder.

Sensing her exhaustion, Inutaisho shifted her into a slightly more comfortable position. "Sleep, my Lady. I will wake you on our arrival." She nodded her assent and drifted to sleep, lulled by the comforting embrace of the daiyoukai and the repetitive motion of his stride.

It was almost midnight when he came at last to the edge of the forest and looked out at the dark shiro. The few lanterns held by the guards seemed like fireflies in the distance. He glanced down at the beautiful woman he held in his arms, taking a moment to breath her in. She seemed so fragile, so vulnerable. He ached to keep her with him, to protect her. Perhaps one day… but it was not to be tonight.

"My Lady," he called and shook her softly. With a deep breath she opened those honeyed eyes. He was reluctant to release her, but resolutely he gently he set her on her feet and stepped away. Her fingers lingered on his arm before she dropped her arm back to her side. "I have delivered you home." She smiled at his formality and bowed to him.

"Good night, Inutaisho-san," she bid him.

"Good night, my lady," he replied, returning her bow.

"Izayoi," she said suddenly, and there was warmth in her eyes. "My name is Izayoi."

"Izayoi-dono," he repeated. A roguish grin split his face and he winked at her and then he was gone. Turning, a lingering smile on her face, Izayoi made her way back to the castle to deal with the reactions of the guards and her father.

From the branches of a stout tree, Inutaisho watched her retreating form until she was safe within the walls, the name she granted him running through his thoughts. Izayoi

A/N: Thank you to everyone for reading and reviewing. I hope you enjoy the story.

Languidly Yours,

Fox