Title: Inu Tarzan
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and all credit for the anime should be directed to the Inuyasha corp. I also do not own Tarzan or anything related to the name, characters or storyline.
Music: The songs I have selected for this chapter are: "Mark Mancina - Jane meets Kerchak" "Mark Mancina - The Pirates" and "Mark Mancina - Kala consoles Tarzan." You are welcome to listen along if you want. It is not required to follow along with the story. When you see these marks (***) that means to begin to play the selected song. When you see these marks (xxx) this means to stop playing the music. It is important to pay attention to these markings, as there is often more than one song per chapter. I do not have credit for these recordings or channels.
Rated: M – Mature language, violence, and adult content in various chapters.
Inu Tarzan: New Beginnings
"Make sure to keep scavengers from getting into our winter reserves." Sessho said as he watched his pack prepare to leave.
"Keh! I'll do my best to keep it safe but I can't exactly be at the beach and the cave at the same time you know." Inu-Tarzan grumbled just as Kikyo exited the cave. When their eyes met she quickly turned away from him and stuck her snout up in the air. As she followed after the other females he couldn't stop his scowl from darkening.
[Flash Back]
When he'd returned from spying on the camp last night Sessho was giving a speech inside the cave. It was his annual speech addressing the rules and traditions of mating season to first time attenders as well as a review for long time attenders. It was a way for all inus to know what was expected during fights and what were some things to avoid so no one got seriously hurt. When Inu-Tarzan realized what he was doing he couldn't help but roll his eyes in annoyance and began to make his way towards his den.
He'd heard the speech many times and had gone three times to the event in hopes of finding a life partner. Being half-human unfortunately turned every eligible inu female he encountered away. No one wanted to rutt with him, all except Kikyo. When she accepted his advances after the mating season he'd been ecstatic! He thought his days of loneliness were finally over. Those thoughts however, quickly went out the door when he discovered that Kikyo was only looking for a friend with benefits; not a life partner.
At first it didn't really bother him. He was just happy someone was giving him the time of day but as time went on those feelings soon changed. He grew attached to Kikyo, possessive of her even. She became his first love and he didn't like the idea of another male one day taking her away from him. He was about to head into his den when he noticed Kikyo was in attendance for the migration. Offended by her decision to leave him, he made his way over to her.
"What do you think you're doing here bitch?" Inu-Tarzan whispered harshly in her ear making her jump slightly in surprise. "You aint going to this damn thing so get off your ass and head to the den."
"I am not going anywhere Inu-Tarzan. I'm where I'm supposed to be." Kikyo snipped back making him growl. Seeing some of their pack members nearby looking at them with irritation she hit him under his chin with her snout to shut him up. "Shh… you're making a scene. Stop acting like a pup and let me listen."
"You're mine Kikyo!" Inu-Tarzan growled as he nipped her ear with his fangs. Her pained yip caused the meeting to stop and everyone to turn around to look at them. She bared the tips of her fangs at him from embarrassment and disapproval. "Now get back to our den. This discussion is over."
(*** Mark Mancina - Jane meets Kerchak ***)
"I am not yours Inu-Tarzan! I rejected you as a mate months ago." Kikyo barked back making everyone gasp and Inu-Tarzan's eyes widen is surprise. "Now, leave me alone. I need to listen to our alpha so I can prepare to leave."
She just rejected him in front of witnesses! It was one thing to physically deny him, but to say it in front of everyone? There was no way to take it back. It was the ultimate shaming a female could do to an eligible male and it being witnessed by their packs and elders made it undisputable. It was like a slap to the face and its sting hurt unlike anything he's ever experienced in his life. He was found to be unworthy, un-matable, lacking as a lover, provider and partner. Her marking him as such told the pack; especially the unmated females that he was a disgrace and that his seed wasn't worthy of being carried. This moment would forever tarnish his reputation and insure his line would never be passed onto the next generation.
"Why?" Inu-Tarzan asked in shock.
He couldn't believe she was doing this to him. Why was she hurting him, disgracing him, shaming him in such a way?! He knew he wasn't perfect but this… this was unacceptable! She'd told him she loved him. Why was she hurting him like this? His tone of voice made Kikyo stop her growling and look over her shoulder at him. When she saw how hurt and dejected he was she suddenly realized what she'd done. Seeing everyone looking at her expectantly, she knew she either had to shame herself in declining the rejection or go through with what she'd already started. She didn't mean to take it this far. He just made her so angry and he never knew when to drop an argument. Knowing what needed to be done, and not willing to admit her mistake she stuck with her gut and turned to face him head on.
"Inu…" Kikyo sighed only making Inu-Tarzan take a step back from her.
"Its because I'm half-human isn't it?" Inu-Tarzan asked making Kikyo's ears pin back in shame.
"You're line cannot go on." Kikyo apologized making him dig his claws into his hands. She could smell the scent of his blood and it made her mouth run dry knowing this rejection caused him pain. "It will only make our pack weaker."
"Why?! I'm strong! I can take care of the pack! I'm fuckin head beta bitch! What else could you want from me? You've never wanted for anything under my care. Not once have we been together have you gone hungry, been hurt or in danger and if I remember correctly, it was YOU who was begging ME to have sex the other night!" Inu-Tarzan fumed making everyone gasp and turn to look at her in surprise.
"Just stop!" Kikyo hissed. He was embarrassing her and making this ten times worse then it needed to be.
"No! You stop!" Inu-Tarzan snapped making her growl. "Why the hell are you rejecting me in front of everyone?! Why now? Why not months ago? Why are you only doing this now? What have I done so terribly wrong Kikyo to make you hate me so much?"
"I never said I hated you. I just don't think us mating and having pups is a good idea." Kikyo sighed in frustration. "Who knows what your seed will do in my womb. I might die giving birth to them or constantly be dealing with my body rejecting your pups. I will not live a life of pain because their father's bloodline isn't a perfect match with mine."
"You don't know that!" Inu-Tarzan growled with tears in his eyes. "My mother wasn't pure-inu and look at me! I'm living proof that this can work! Her womb didn't reject my father and she carried me full term! I was born strong and healthy! As a pup I survived the harsh reality of the jungle just like the other pups. What makes you think ours would be any differently?"
"There's too many "what ifs" Inu-Tarzan!" Kikyo said making Inu-Tarzan stop and really look at her.
"I'll never be good enough for you will I?" Inu-Tarzan said making Kikyo's eyes water.
"I won't risk it." Kikyo said making Inu-Tarzan clinch his jaw and lower his eyes to the floor. "I'm sorry, but we can't keep doing this. I want to be a mother… and I don't feel like you can give that to me."
"I never took you for a coward Kikyo but if leaving me is what makes you happy then fine!" Inu-Tarzan snapped making Kikyo flinch. "Go! Find your fuckin life partner! Have his fuckin pups, but don't come crawling back to me when you realize what you're missing. I don't need YOU to tell me MY WORTH. I don't need YOU to make me happy. I've got bigger and better things coming my way. Just you wait and see…"
"What?! Inu-Tarzan wait! What did you mean something's coming?" Kikyo shouted but he was already gone.
"Don't feel guilty sister." said a younger grey wolf as she came up to lick her cheek. Hearing Kikyo's whimpers in distress she nuzzled into her chin. "It had to be done."
"I know Kaede but I just... I just wish he didn't have to get hurt." Kikyo sighed as she turned to face everyone. "Sorry for the interruption. Please continue with the meeting."
She could see the displeasure reflecting in her alpha's eyes at hurting and shaming his brother. However, Sessho continued his meeting and didn't reprimand her for it afterwards. She could only assume he understood why she did it. Maybe he even felt the same in regards to Inu-Tarzan having pups or was it that he didn't want her with his brother? She wasn't sure but she was grateful he didn't punish her all the same. She wanted to become a mother and she didn't think Inu-Tarzan could give that to her. That being said the fight left her feeling empty, guilty and embarrassed. It was because of this fight they haven't spoken to each other since. It was because of this fight that Inu-Tarzan hated her.
[End Flashback]
He didn't understand why she couldn't love him for everything that he was. He loved her for what she was, even her selfish petty faults! He felt lied to, used and betrayed. Had their love meant anything? The last 8 months did for him! He would have pledged his soul to her and loved her till her dying breath. He would have protected her from anything and given her a life filled with love and happiness. He would have given her as many pups as she wanted! Damn it! He just didn't understand why she couldn't see that with him anymore.
Why did she have to shame him so intensely that he'd forever be seen as dirty in the eyes of inu females? Why couldn't they have talked about it privately and avoided this whole damn mess?! Had his parent's unique love truly damned him to a life of worthlessness in his packs eyes? He couldn't help that he was a half-breed but he could have offered Kikyo all that he was. It broke his heart that no inu female was willing to give him the chance. On top of that he still wasn't sure how things were going to play out with Kagome.
She'd freaked out the other day when she learned of his mixed background. She'd been so quiet and reserved and it still made him feel uneasy. She still talked to him and held his hand but he could tell something changed by the way she looked at him and held herself back. Had he scared her off too or was she just scared to move forward in there relationship? Was he destined to be alone without someone to love and cherish they same way he longed for? Life was so unfair...
"Let her go brother." Sessho said as he noticed him watching Kikyo socializing with a group of females. "Her fate is tied to someone who is worthy of her."
"Oi! You saying I ain't worthy of a bitch?" Inu-Tarzan growled at the insinuation.
"No." Sessho answered honestly making Inu-Tarzan pause in surprise.
"Oh… well good." Inu-Tarzan said uncertain how to take the compliment.
"Do not rush the gods. Your time will come and they will give you a female worth keeping." Sessho said as he began to walk down the rocky slope. "Keep the cave secure. We will return in one weeks time."
"Keh." Inu-Tarzan said as he crossed his arms over his chest and watched his brother make his way towards Kagura and Rin.
Once everyone was ready to leave the silver inu pack disappeared through the jungle brush and began to make the two-day journey to the heart of the Congo. As soon as Inu-Tarzan couldn't sense them he made his way into the cave to secure their buried food goods. Once he felt they were hidden away from scavengers he made his way towards camp. When he grew closer the air became sour and filled his heart with anxiety.
(*** Mark Mancina - The Pirates ***)
He knew something wasn't right and sped up his pace. He entered the camp in a blur and quickly had to cover his nose from the stench. The camp smelled thickly of body odor, vomit and feces. It assaulted his nose and could taste it in his mouth. The intense vapors made his eyes tear up and his gage reflexes clench. It took him a few moments to stabilize himself from the shock. Worried for Kagome's sake he forced himself forward and made his way towards her tent.
When he opened their tents flap he was greeted with seven cots occupied by very sick men. All of them were covered in sweat and shaking like a leaf under their blankets. He noticed they smelled of the rancid mixture of B.O, vomit and shit. It was absolutely disgusting and he nearly threw up himself when the guy resting next to him suddenly sat up in his cot and chucked out his stomach contents into a bucket.
"What the fuck?!" he thought to himself as he carefully weaved through the maze of cots.
"Inu-Tarzan my boy!" Professor Porter called as he dabbed his brow of sweat with a handkerchief. "Sorry for the mess! We've got a bit of a epidemic on our hands."
"Epi-dem-ik?" Inu-Tarzan repeated as he leapt over the last cot with ease.
"Yes, I'm afraid so!" Professor Porter sighed as he motioned for him to follow him deeper into their tent. "The men have come down with an illness called malaria. Its very deadly."
"Oh." Inu-Tarzan nodded as he inched away from the guy sleeping on the cot next to him. He was moaning in his sleep and he smelled like death. "That's not good."
"No its not." Professor Porter said just as Inu-Tarzan noticed Kagome slaving away with a needy patient on the far side of the tent. "The disease is spread through mosquitoes and we haven't been able to stop the infection from spreading."
"What fix this?" Inu-Tarzan asked as he watched Kagome move from patient to patient. He could tell she was exhausted from the dark shadows hanging under her eyes and how wilted she looked. He wanted to make her stop and rest but knew she'd get mad at him if he did. He was proud of her hard work and the selflessness she showed but she was going to make herself sick if she kept this up.
"There is special medication but its not guaranteed." Professor Porter said just as Kagome finished caring for her last patient.
When she stood up she placed her hands on her lower back and rolled her shoulders to try and work out the kinks. When she leaned back it made her breasts arch forward. As she stretched a little sigh escaped her lips and he felt its power tingle all the way down to his toes. The sight of her exposed neck and seductive position made Inu-Tarzan's mouth run dry. To his relief her grandpa seemed oblivious to his predicament and just continued to rattle on about not having any medicine. Needing to relieve the tension in his nether region and not wanting Kagome or the professor to take notice of his slightly tented loincloth he stiffly angled his hips into a position so he looked normal.
"Inu-Tarzan!" Kagome smiled tiredly when she noticed he was there. Walking over to the rinsing station she began to wash her hands. "I'm sorry I didn't see you come in. I was busy making sure these men were taken care of."
"No worries." Inu-Tarzan shrugged as he nonchalantly looked at her cute butt at she dried her hands off on a clean towel. She was wearing a white tank, tan khakis and a leather belt today. She looked gorgeous and it seeing her all sweaty with her breasts, plump cheeks and lean legs taught in her clothing didn't help his predicament at all.
"Kagome, why don't you have a break? Professor Porter suggested as he took note of her wilting spirit.
"But Grandpa…"
"No, I insist." Professor Porter said as he pointed towards the door. "It does you no good to keep going like this. I was able to take a nap just after lunch and you've been up since yesterday. You need your rest too and refusing to listen to your body will only make yourself sick."
"Fine, but that means when I get back its your turn to rest!" Kagome said as she felt Inu-Tarzan take hold of her hand and pull her towards the door.
"Yes, yes! Now go have fun!" Professor Porter waved off as he got to work washing another bucket.
(xxx stop music xxx)
Not needing to be told twice they left the tent and Inu-Tarzan quickly lifted Kagome onto his back and raced into the underbrush. Surprised by the new position, Kagome held onto him as best she could with her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. It had felt awkward at first with his hands holding on her thighs when he jumped and her breasts and core pressed intimately against his back but it made it so much easier to travel.
This way his arms were free to move and grab and swing from vine to tree branch when needed. The breeze felt amazing against her heated skin and she couldn't help but laugh at the feeling of flying. It was so much fun soaring through the treetops with Inu-Tarzan and she knew come time to go home it would be something she would reflect on often. Eventually they slowed down and dropped to the forest floor.
(*** Mark Mancina - Kala consoles Tarzan ***)
"Where are we?" Kagome asked as she looked at the massive cave in front of her.
"Home." Inu-Tarzan said making Kagome's eyes widen in surprise. "Come."
Taking his hand again she followed after him into the cave. Light filtered into the cave through its massive mouth making it easy for her to move around without tripping on her own two feet. She noticed there were smaller tunnel systems woven throughout the cave and it smelled heavily of dog. There were little bones here and there on the ground but not a single k9 to be seen.
"Where is your family?" Kagome asked as she followed him up a layer of rocks that formed a stairway towards the back of the cave.
"Away." Inu-Tarzan said as he tapped on a low hanging rock. "Careful, no hit head."
"Thanks." Kagome giggled as she ducked her head under the rock. "Where did they go?"
"Special place." Inu-Tarzan said sparking Kagome's curiosity. "Pack only go one time of year. Three more packs come and make one big pack."
"That sounds interesting." Kagome said as they turned down one of the tunnels lining the cave wall. "Is there any specific reason why they meet up?"
"I do not know word for this." Inu-Tarzan said making Kagome frown. Not wanting to disappoint her he tried his best to explain. "Boy and Girl together. They make pups."
"Oh! I understand." Kagome said making his eyebrows lift. "It's mating season isn't it?"
"Mating season?" Inu-Tarzan repeated.
"Yes! Just like you said. When a male chooses a female to start a family." Kagome said.
"Hn." Inu-Tarzan nodded in agreement. "Four dog packs come together one time a year. They mix and make new family. Then come home with new members. Give birth in three months."
"Wow! I never realized dogs had such customs." Kagome said as Inu-Tarzan pulled her down another tunnel at the back of the cave. "When does your family get back?"
"6 days." Inu-Tarzan said as he pulled her into a snug den.
"Is this one yours?" Kagome asked as she looked over the homey space.
"Hn." Inu-Tarzan nodded as he sat down on the bed of furs in the corner. "Was mother and fathers. Now mine."
It was cleaner than the other dens they walked past and she was impressed that it didn't smell musty. The tight walls and ceiling made it cozy and the air warm. There were even small cave drawings on the wall made from different colored clay and ash. She felt safe and secure and after caring for sick patients all day and all night she struggled keeping her eyes open. As tired as she was though she didn't want to be rude.
Inu-Tarzan brought her into his home, his private space and it was obvious by his excitement that he wanted to show her around. She'd she'd him her world and now he wanted to do the same share his most sacred of places. She felt honored to be blessed with the opportunity to see his home. It would be inappropriate to sleep now. Determined to keep herself awake she continued to ask questions.
"Why didn't you go with your family on their trip?" Kagome asked as she looked around the den.
She smiled when she noticed a drawing of Inu-Tarzan's mother holding him as a child on the wall. It was obvious by the fading it was made a long time ago. It was interesting to know he liked to draw and paint just like she did. She wondered if his mother taught him how or if he'd figured it out himself?
"Stay protect home. Stay with Kagome." Inu-Tarzan said making Kagome turn to look at him with a blush to her cheeks.
"Come, you rest." Inu-Tarzan grunted as he pat his hand on the bed of straw and furs.
"Are you sure?" Kagome asked just before she stifled a yawn. "You brought me here to show me around. I will feel rude sleeping while you wait."
"Sleep." Inu-Tarzan smirked as he gently pulled her down to rest.
"Thank you." Kagome blushed as she curled up on the warm furs. She couldn't help but smile when she felt him cover her over and snuggle into the furs with her. Maybe they could nap together? "Wake me up in a little while. My grandpa will need me soon."
"Hn, sleep." Inu-Tarzan said again as he ran his fingers through her hair.
Had Kagome been more awake she might have paid attention to what her actions were communicating to Inu-Tarzan. By her coming into his chambers, sleeping in his bed, under his protection without pushing away his touch, she unknowingly accepted his hand as a lover. All that she lacked now was for them to consummate their relationship and for him to mark her as his mate. Inu-Tarzan knew she didn't realize what she was doing having watched a few of the human males at camp flirt with her. He didn't understand how to pursue her as a human having grown up with dogs but at least he knew that much.
Her actions in not denying him as a protector was at least a step in the right direction. She trusted him to care for her needs and called him her friend. He wasn't exactly sure what "friend" meant but he knew the title made her happy and she didn't leave his side. He couldn't stop the purr from rolling in his chest or his eyes from watching over the angel sleeping in his arms. She was here, in his den where she was safe and protected. He could envision her with his mark on her shoulder resting in his arms with a belly swollen with pups.
It was a beautiful sight and it made him even more eager to make it come true. Her being here with him was another huge step in their relationship. He needed to fix up his secret place even more now that Kikyo was out of the picture. If she came back without a partner he knew Kikyo wouldn't be too happy about Kagome taking her place. He still had feelings for Kikyo but she betrayed him, rejected him and publicly shamed needed time to heal from those wounds and to regain his honor within the pack. Her shaming him really hurt his reputation as a protector and provider.
He would have to step up his game when his pack returned from mating season. It wasn't fair that her actions hurt him so much but there wasn't anything he could do about it. It wasn't the first time someone's had hurt him publicly like this. He knew the drill and he'd prove them wrong all over again. No omega bitch was going to keep him from his goals. As painful as Kikyo's actions had been, he would always have feelings for her. The only difference now was that she could never be in his den again. There relationship as lovers was officially over. If she got into trouble he'd help her but they couldn't be like they once were.
She no longer had his protection. She only belonged to the pack now. He made a promise to himself that if Kikyo came home without a mate he wouldn't take her back as a lover. No matter how hard she begged or what she said they were done. He'd be her friend and protect her just like anyone else in their pack but nothing more. He needed to get things in order for this next chapter in his life and that started by ending their relationship. When he felt Kagome was ready to mate with him, he'd take her to his special place high up in the trees and ask her to be his.
If she rejected him he'd ask for her reasons and then try everything he could to show her differently. She would be his! There wasn't another option for him. She was it! If she rejected him too he'd be alone forever. Until that day came he'd enjoy his private time with Kagome and fantasize about their future together. Growing tired he laid down under the pelt with her. Once he had curled himself around her in a protective embrace he closed his eyes and slept soundly for the first time in months.
[End of Chapter 14]
Authors Note:
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. It was mostly to help move the story along and to fill in the blanks of whats happening on around the main story. Things don't look so good with Kikyo anymore. I wonder what will happen at the mating grounds? Also, what do you think will happen with the malaria epidemic?
Until next time,
TG1
