=Ugh... I'm so sorry for the long wait. Between school and my grades, I've been more than fairly busy. Actually, most of Song of Change has been written at school, while I've been supposedly writing 'essays'. I've gotten several wonderful ideas for the continuation of SoC, and I'll take all of those into account. You guys are probably getting sick of me by now, but the prize story for Ai Seikatsu is up and posted, and I hope you guys will look in on it sometime. Cheers, ~Shadow=

Song of Change Chapter 9

Kagome

Kagome shuddered, hoping that the watchful birds above wouldn't see her tremble as she howled insults up at the deathly silent peaks. Cowards! Will you sleep in your nests or will you answer my call?! She fully well knew that the eagles were awake and watching, but keeping their attention was what was important. She glanced over at Koga out of the corner of her eye. Already dark shapes were picking their way towards the cliff wall. Shaking herself, Kagome turned back to the cliff, warily keeping her gaze on the golden eyes that were appearing in startling numbers. One eagle in particular, worried her. She had been the first to take flight after Kagome had howled, and was currently circling above her in the sky. Suddenly, minion-one, or Ginta, as Koga had told her, slipped, and his paw dislocated a loose rock from the cliff wall, clattering against the other stones as it fell. All wolves froze, eyes snapping towards where the eagles nested. A few moments of silence followed, and then all hell broke loose.

An eagle screamed, breaking the heavy silence, and a dark shape dropped from the sky. Kagome yelped in surprise and threw herself left as a dark shape came hurtling towards her, talons glinting eerily in the starlight. Instantly, a swarm of wolves covered the ground, all hopes of ambush vaporizing as more and more eagles hurled themselves from the cliff walls. One wolf alone, stood his ground, bright blue eyes glowing in the darkness. Koga glared up at the filled skies, snarled loudly and bounded upwards, calling encouragement to his pack as he went; You can take care of the small fry, I'll look for the leader! Kagome rolled her eyes, and turned her attention to a nearby eagle, neatly dodging an aerial attack and sniggered in satisfaction as the eagle crash-landed in a pile of unforgiving rocks.

A surprised yelp from above caught her attention, Ginta or Hakkaku (she couldn't tell them apart..) had been snagged by a large bird, and was being carried away. She didn't particularly like Ginta/Hakkaku, but he had been kind to her, and she owed him a favor. Kagome looked around quickly, and found a rocky outcropping to scramble up to. She crouched down to the ground. Kami... I hope I don't miss! Kagome braced herself, and took a flying leap o
ut into thin air... And landed on a warm, feathery surface. Kagome yelped in terror as the bird, clearly unaccustomed to airline passengers, began to spiral downwards, wailing Ginta/Hakkaku in tow.

Several loud crashes, bruises and scrapes later, a proud Kagome shook herself off, and was almost tackled by Minion one and Minion two. Ginta (minion one) looked up at her, eyes brimming with adoration; Thank you for saving me sister! Hakkaku chimed in, sidling up next to his friend, That was really brave of you! I thought Ginta was done for! Ginta, who obviously didn't like the idea of being done for, snapped at his friend, until Koga, now standing on a high cliff barked out new orders for the pair; Protect Kagome! I don't want her getting hurt!
Ginta and Hakkaku snapped to attention, and began to escort a flustered Kagome to safety. R-really! Why are you doing this for me? Ginta stared at her as if she was insane. Our Alpha told us to protect you sister! Hakkaku nodded importantly, It's our duty Sister! Now it was Kagome's turn to stare; Sister? Why are you calling me sister? This time, Ginta and Hakkaku both stared, Because you're the mate of our Alpha! That makes you our sister! Kagome sighed in defeat, These wolves are hopeless... Their Alpha seems to have brainwashed them all... But she allowed herself to be escorted nonetheless, until she heard a familiar howl...
Kagome! Said wolf whipped around, blue eyes bright with newfound enthusiasm. Inuyasha! Normally, she would have growled at him, but he was the first friendly not-intent-upon-courting-her wolf that she had seen for over a day. She all but sprinted up to her 'saviour' wagging her tail. Inuyaaassshhhaaaaa! Thank Kami that you're here! Much to the dismay of Ginta and Hakkaku, she then proceeded to quickly scurry behind the white wolf, I was soo scaarreeedd! Inuyasha twitched his ears, and turned to Koga, baring his teeth. KOGA! Said wolf turned from his perch up on the cliffside, and stared down at Inuyasha with disdain; Oh, it's the mutt-face! What do you want? Inuyasha smiled, the gesture more a threat than an assurance. I came to kick your ass? What else wolf-shit? Koga rolled his eyes and sighed impatiently. As long as you have nothing to do with my mate, fine. Inuyasha's golden eyes widened, glowing in the low evening light, Mate..?
Koga laughed mockingly, and turned to Kagome; Kagome, no need to go back with that mutt! I love you, and I'll protect you much better than he ever could! Silence ensued, even the eagles seemed to have calmed down enough to allow an awkward silence to cover the cliffsides. A cicada chirped, Koga smiled, and Kagome gawked. If wolves could raise their eyebrows, Miroku did. I wish I had that kind of confidence... Sango, too stunned to reply, turned to Kagome, obviously looking for an explanation. The small black wolf was stiffer than a board, jaw dropped, eyes wide open in surprise, indignation and anger. W-Whaaattt? Thassnot true! Kagome turned to Sango, eyes wide. I'm not his mate! He's making this up! Inuyasha shook himself, and turned to Koga; I'm gonna kill you you stupid bastard!