As the wind died down from the intense sparing match that Koga and Hiro had, Yori peered through the dust as she shielded Kou from it. In the middle were two very worn out wolves that were breathing heavy but locked in a stance. Each with the same basic position. Looking down at her son she laughed. "Well Kou looks like we are going to have four in the den for the next year instead of just three. But that is alright."

X

Pulling back and sheathing his sword, Koga had a bright smile on his face. He only hoped being his son that Kou inherited this fighting style but only time would tell on that one. It wasn't a bloodline thing for some reason.

Looking up as he laughed he winked at Hiro. "Well Hiro let me say this. When I am done with you at the end of this year. You are going to be able to show that old man of yours what's what. And I know he pushed you out, but give that brother Inuyasha of yours a extra kick in the ass for me too will ya?"

Sheathing his own sword Hiro nodded as he was breathing heavy. For the first time after a match in his life. He could never remember being worn out before, annoyed yes, but never worn out like this. "I must say that was exhilarating. I have been annoyed after I spar with my pack, but never worn out like this."

Nodding with his head as they headed back to Yori, Koga smiled. "It is because your dad and brothers, best intention I am sure hold back somewhat with you. I wasn't. I pushed you to use all you felt you needed to use in order to keep from getting hurt. There is a big difference."

"Clearly."

Reaching his mate and his son, Koga laid his hand on his head. "Well Yori you know what this means right?"

"We will be having four in our den instead of three. But that is alright." She then tip toed and kissed his cheek. "I don't mind at all. After all in a few weeks Mizu is going to be coming to stay with us to see Kou remember."

"Oh yeah." Blinking then laughing he winked at Hiro. "That will be your first mission I send you on."

"Mission?" Hiro was confused now what did he mean mission?

Nodding with a big smile he crossed his arms. "That's right. You see, Yori is a gray wolf. They aren't so rare but aren't as common as black or brown wolves are. But her little sister is a throwback to the days before I was even born."

"What is she?"

Smiling as she looked up at him Yori giggled. "She is a true pure white wolf. There are only a few here and there anymore. As far as I know in this age, Mizu is the only one. The last one being hunted down and killed by another tribe."

"Why would they do that?"

Looking down at his son, so glad that he was black and not gray or white for that reason, Koga let out a sigh as his eyes half closed. "Every race of demon has its legends and myths. Humans as well. For example there is a village in the North that thinks that if they see a white deer they have to kill it, and each member of the village taste its blood. That way the village will have great fortune for years to come. It is the same among the wolf demons. White wolves were everywhere long ago. I think it may have even been before Sesshomaru was born. There were so many then that white wolf would mate white wolf, and all pups be white wolf. The gray wolves like Yori came after whole tribes of white wolves were being slaughtered by other wolves. The remaining white wolves mated with black and brown, getting the gray."

His eyes wide Hiro looked at Yori and saw the worry in her eyes. Clearly for her little sister. "That is horrible. But what is it about a white wolf that would make another wolf turn on them and do something like that?"

Her voice low Yori looked down at her perfect boy. "It is because of a rumor that got started. That the white wolf was the strongest in power and was magical. When in truth, anyone could learn the magic. But the only way to learn the magic was to consume the heart of a white wolf. To this day I hear it. They still actively look for them."

Dropping his head, Hiro sighed. "And your sister is one so you worry about her." Looking up at Koga he had hard eyes. "So that would be my mission. To go and make sure that she gets from where she is at, to here without anything happening to her."

"That's right. And you will have more than a few training lessons in by the time you have to go and get her so it should all work out really well." Koga then stretched. "Right now we just take the day off. We will show you around and then where you will sleep for the next year."

"Right." Rubbing the back of his neck he sighed. "Just please don't write and tell anyone where I am. Even Kagome. If Mama knew where I was….."

"She would demand your dad come and get you and yeah I am not letting someone I can train the way I was trained get away from me. But I do gotta do something so she doesn't send messages here. Since she asks us every so often if we got a pup yet. I will send her one and let her know that there is no pup coming yet. And that her message has to come back with the messenger cause when he gets back we are going to go see her parents for a while."

Breathing heavy Hiro sighed. "Thank you Koga. I really don't want to have to face my dad or see my mom cry just yet."

"I get it. Just wait. Another year and you will be able to beat your dad's ass."

"Koga!"

"What he is a day and a half. He can't repeat yet."

A glare in her eyes Yori sighed. "Not yet but you can practice not swearing when he is around. I swear. It won't be forever, just until he is old enough to explain to him that just cause Papa says it doesn't mean Kou gets to say it."

"Alright alright. Fine."

With a laugh, Hiro followed them. He was the oddball out here too, with his dog demon markings from his father. But at least here he was with all wolves. He felt welcome already. 'I only hope when the time comes, and I do make him see that I will feel home there. If not I hope Mama and Koga let me come stay here with this tribe.'

X

A smile on his face as he watched through the portal, Hiro came often to check on his pack. He could never find Hiroshi, but Hiromi, Yuriko, Yume and Hiro were always easy to find. And this wolf. Koga. He knew of him. And he knew his father very well. Hiro would be a new wolf when this year was over.

"Has he gone home yet?"

Looking to see Yume walking toward him Hiro shook his head no as he smiled and put an arm around her waist when she got there. "He has not. But he is with Koga. You wouldn't remember him, but I do. Before I moved my tribe, we were close to his and I was good friends with his father."

"I see." Looking at the portal at how much Hiro has grown since that tiny little pup Yume smiled as she laid her head on his chest. "I do so wish that I could have held that one. and the girls. But fate would never have let me."

"It was a fate we knew was coming." Kissing her head, Hiro turned away from the portal. "Our grandson is in good hands Yume. Come on. Lets go home."

"Right."

One last glance over his shoulder and he smiled. Koga named his son after his father Kou. He would see what he could do about the pup too. for what he is doing for his grandson, and as good a wolf as Kou was. He would talk to the miko that started everything and see what could be done.