Chapter 14

Beware Kitsunes Carrying Gifts

Leaning heavily against the nearest tree, Shipo took a moment to catch his breath before making his final trip to the village shed. How, no-one had caught him yet was a mystery to the little kitsune but Shipo couldn't bring himself to complain at his good fortune. For, it was the only luck he'd experienced that day.

The distant rumble of thunder had threatened to bring chilling rain across the mountainous terrain for hours. However, other than gathering clouds, the heavens had decided to merely taunt instead of open up…. Yet.

On top of that, the numerous clay containers of sake had been heavy and cumbersome for the little guy to carry a good ways up the mountain-side. However many trips he'd taken, Shipo had lost count. But, he was determined to finish the job. There needed to be enough for the whole tribe to partake in.

Unfortunately, that meant several trips up and down the long path. But, thankfully, this would be the last one. One last snatching and Shipo would just need the herb Koga would bring back with him. Provided the oaf remembered what the plant looked like.

Shipo didn't put much hope in the alpha's brains, the ookami clearly had the head of a rock. However, he seemed genuinely worried about Kagome's well-being and that made him useable to the scheming kit. Now, he just needed to finish his task and add a little kitsune magic.

A preparatory huff and Shipo hopped onto his tiny paws again, bounding one last time towards the back of the storage hut. A quick glance about told Shipo he was indeed still alone and gave him the courage to quickly dive through the back window and swipe up the final couple of sake jars needed.

With a little dance of victory, Shipo quickly hopped out and raced back up the mountain path. He'd add these two to his stash and await Koga. Everything was going perfectly.

SSS

Koga shook his head as he kicked himself up another mountain ridge.

What the hell was he doing out here?

Of course, that question was useless to the alpha because Koga knew exactly what he was doing. He was looking for a damn herb to help heal Kagome….all at that little shit of a kitsune's order.

Koga had no idea when he'd become the type to be a kitsune's errand boy but, that just showed how desperate he was to help his woman get better. Kagome hadn't left her bed….his bed, since the little stunt displayed before the rest of his men.

At first, a dark voice had told him it was cowardice, but Koga refused to believe his woman was capable of that. Then, the kitsune had told him she wasn't feeling well. A panic Koga had never experienced before had gripped him at those words. However, the kit had been quick to reassure it was normal for humans from time to time.

And, given kitsune had more first-hand experience with humans, Koga had taken the little guy's advice and granted Kagome her privacy.

The alpha had slept with his men in the main den, getting ribbed and teased non-stop through the night at being kicked out of his own bed. It had been annoying but a few thrown "go to hells" had silenced the fools before they said anything that would earn being gutted by Koga's claws. Besides, Kagome's comfort was worth it.

However, according to the kit, Kagome wasn't getting better. If anything, she was getting worse and Koga was running out of patience on what to do. This herb was the key.

The kit had been adamant that this damned weed would make Kagome feel better and Koga would have his woman back. Hence why he was racing around the mountain ridges instead of doing what a smart leader would do and scout out the Birds of Paradise, which had become strangely silent as of late.

The realization caused a frown to deepen on Koga's face. Why were they being quiet, all of a sudden? With the presence of the King Bird, Koga had expected those winged monsters to be indulging in a feeding frenzy over the remaining Ookami pack.

Instead, all was silent.

Koga didn't like that. It raised the hackles on the back of his neck. They were up to something but he just wished he knew what it was. Yes, a smart alpha would definitely be preparing his men for war right now. Instead, he was searching for plants to cure what was called "woman problems."

A frustrated growl ripped through the male's throat. Yep, he'd definitely lost his mind. Better he find the damned herb and get back to his men. Then, everything would be right in his world again.

A sudden flash of blue amongst the patches of green, Koga turned himself sharply.

Finally! At least something was going right.

SSS

"Here."

The gruff snarl was Shipo's only warning before a dusty bundle of leaves smacked him in the face. Sputtering and spitting the bitter granules, Shipo glared up at the towering figure of the ookami Alpha. A quick shake of his head had the kit remembering himself as he glanced at the very herb he'd sent the ookami for.

Wow. He'd actually found it.

Plastering a swift, bright smile on his face, Shipo quickly dipped himself into a deep bow.

"Thank you, Koga-sama," he quipped lightly, hoping a slight hint of sincerity could be detected in his tone. "This will be of great help to Kagome. A very big help, indeed."

A low grunt was the alpha's only reply before he glanced about the den. Shipo was tempted to let the alpha go about his business but unfortunately, he needed the big oaf away from the den. At least for a little while, anyway.

"I'll be sure to brew this for Kagome's medicine," the kit quickly piped up before Koga decided to leave him. "But, it'll take all day. This stuff is pretty powerful, after all."

"Fine, do whatever it takes," the alpha grunted, not even looking down at the kit.

Stupid Oaf!

"Yes, well, that's good," Shipo continued, trying to push past his distaste. "But, what about dinner?"

Koga's sudden stillness as he blinked down at Shipo showed the kit, the fool hadn't even thought of it. Really! And, he wanted to claim Kagome as his mate? He really was clueless.

Shipo resisted the urge to roll his eyes as he maintained the look of childlike innocence. It had served him well thus far and he wasn't losing its advantage just yet.

"Well, like I said, this is pretty powerful stuff," Shipo replied with all the innocence of a fawn. "Kagome can't take it on an empty stomach."

"So, give her some of the den's meat," Koga snapped, cocking a dark brow.

"Only if you want her to get sicker," Shipo countered, resisting the urge to shake his head. "Humans need fresh meat,…cooked."

Shipo could see the wheels starting to turn in the alpha's head and that caused the little kit to start to worry. He didn't need to think. The barbarian needed to act. Shipo didn't need the ookami to suddenly get clever on him.

However, Koga's willing sigh of defeat had Shipo resisting the urge to giggle with glee. The big brute would do it.

That's it, you fool. Dance to my will!

With a shake of his head, Koga turned on his heel and stormed out of the den. Shipo was still in control. His plan was working!

With a nod of victory, Shipo quickly took a side tunnel he'd discovered out of the main den and down an abandoned mountain path.

A quick glance told Shipo his hiding place had been left undiscovered and he snatched away the thick branches and brush used to covered the small supply of sake jars, nestled together like eggs in a nest.

Splitting the herb clutched in his tiny hands into numerous sprigs, Shipo quickly dropped a small handful into each of the jars. Some would say it was a waste of good sake but this was for Kagome. It was worth the risk.

Taking a deep breath, Shipo brought his little hands together in concentration. This was it; the final step in his preparation.

"Foxfire!"

All at once, the little blue flames flowed and swirled about the jars, heating the contense and steeping the herb into the precious liquid that would be both his and the young priestess' salvation.

Grinning with wicked glee, he started to hop and skip in an almost ritualized dance about the jars, calling on whatever Kami would be amused with his antics for aid in this rescue.

Once the jars were done, it would take little effort the tribe to find them. And, when they were all preoccupied, Kagome and Shipo would make their get-away. But, for now, Shipo would enjoy the heat of the flames and the fruits of his labor starting to grow before his eyes.

Afterall, sake was best served warm, anyway.