The White Garou
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha & Co. They belong to their creator Rumiko Takahashi. I'm just 'borrowing' them for a bit to write this little fanfic. She can have them back when I'm done!
*The story left off with Kagome having spent most of the night cleaning the blood off of the Garou's fur.*
Chapter 2: The Gratitude of a Dragon.
In the chill of the early morning dew, the sunrise creeps up to touch the sleeping group of weary travelers. The wounded and still unconscious Garou's form shifts and recedes to one that's more human. His white ears remain, very similar to those of the Dog-Demon only much more wolfish looking. White flowing hair sprouts out on his head and his wolfish muzzle recedes to reveal a mature and very distinctively male face. His fur is gone, replaced by skin, but a fluffy white wolf tail still remains.
Kagome awakens with a start, having a funny feeling that someone is watching her. She looks around in alarm only to be faced with a pair of yellow-green eyes looking down at her from a tree branch nearby. Backing up in fright, she lets out a small gasp of fear. Inuyasha rises with a growl instantly on the alert at the sound of her frightened gasp, and his eyes swing up to see an unfamiliar figure, clad in a robe very similar to his own, only a light bluish silver in color instead of red.
Baring his fangs as if in challenge, Inuyasha glares up at the strangely familiar yet unknown figure in the tree, and reaches for the scabbard of Tetsusaiga. At the sound of Inuyasha's growl, the wolf ears on top of the figure's head twitch slightly and swivel in the direction of the Dog Hanyou. The newcomer in the tree gives Inuyasha an expressionless stare, and then turns his head towards Kagome, a slight smile curling the corners of his mouth.
As he sniffs the air curiously, Inuyasha stops growling and showing his fangs as he recognizes the scent. It's the same scent as the creature from the night before that was so badly wounded saving his life from Kouga.
The newcomer rises and jumps down in front of Kagome, softly taking one of her hands in his. He begins to speak, his voice deep and rich, ignoring Inuyasha's growls of jealousy and protest. Looking at Kagome, his eyes soften and he smiles, saying: "My name is Takehiko. I am a Werewolf hanyou, and it would seem that I am indebted to you yet again. Thank you, my lady, for saving my life. I am heading east to meet with my master, and I am sure she will be grateful to you for saving me while I was disadvantaged by my weaker form. Please accept this amulet as a token of my appreciation."
Takehiko reaches into his robe and pulls forth a golden locket in the shape of a dragon, with emeralds for eyes. He gently places it in Kagome's hand. Hearing Takehiko's words, Inuyasha ceases growling when he releases Kagome's hands and steps back, silently watching her.
Kagome's thoughts are whirling as she stares down at the amulet in her hand. 'Wait - his WEAKER form?!?! He beat Kouga nearly to death in his weaker form?! What kind of a master would someone as strong as this have??? All Inuyasha had for a servant was that cowardly little flea demon!'
As though sensing her thoughts, Takehiko spoke again. "My master is an ancient dragoness, as old as time itself, very powerful and wise. But you have no need to fear her. Her name is Kyrissaean-sama, and she saved me as a very young pup when my parents were slaughtered. You see, my father was a powerful wolf demon, and my mother was a full-blooded Werewolf. The wolf tribes were warring, and my parents were both killed in the battle. I very nearly lost my life, and I would have, if it were not for Kyrissaean-sama. She appeared as a red mist and spared my life. For that I have vowed to be her servant for as long as she has need of me."
"We're heading east too!" Kagome blurted out, somehow sensing that she could trust this new Hanyou. "You're welcome to join us if you wish. We're on a quest, searching for the shards of the Shikon no Tama!"
"KAGOME! Baka! Why did you tell him that?!?!" yelled Inuyasha, scowling at her angrily. Takehiko frowned slightly, a white ear twitching in annoyance and swiveling towards Inuyasha. In a calm and icy voice edged with irritation, he addressed the younger Hanyou: "You really should not speak so to such a lady, young one. You have much to learn. I am not seeking the jewel; I merely wish to return to Kyrissaean-sama. There is no reason for you to be irate."
Inuyasha is taken aback, flustered and at a loss for words, but manages to bark out a "KEH!" and crosses his arms immaturely. Takehiko sighs and shakes his head, mumbling something about immature children, but then smiles down at Kagome, and says: "I would be honored to join you and your group in your travels, until I meet up with Kyrissaean-sama." Kagome nods in agreement.
Sango is lost in thought, 'Kyrissaean-sama - I have heard that name before. somewhere'. Her thoughts abruptly switch to her younger brother, Kohaku. Suddenly, she is shocked out of her reverie by a wandering hand on her posterior. "HENTAI!" Sango yells, and the crack of her hand making contact with the side of his face echoes through the morning air. Takehiko glances over in their direction, an amused look gracing his features.
With that, the group heads on their way for the day, with Inuyasha leading the way. Kagome and Takehiko follow behind (much to Inuyasha's dissatisfaction, but he shrugs off the feeling, confident that Takehiko is of no danger to him or the group). Sango, Shippo, and Miroku ride on Kirara, following along at the rear of the group.
Soon they come upon a nearby village, the inhabitants of which seem to be in a panic, screaming in terror about a monster, and then they hear it. The unmistakable roar of a Youkai on a rampage. Inuyasha immediately grabs for Tetsusaiga, and draws the sword with a snarl, leaping into battle with his usual impulsive attitude. "Inuyasha! Be careful! It has a Shikon shard in its forehead!" yells Kagome. As a result of his impulsive attack, Inuyasha is soon thrown violently, but springs back up into the fray.
Takehiko is surprised at first, but he maintains a calm demeanor. 'This girl is the one who can see the shards? Interesting.' He thinks to himself. He then turns his attention to the battle between Inuyasha and the Youkai. Takehiko shakes his head slightly, thinking to himself 'This pup is powerful - he has much potential, but he really needs to learn some patience. He loses his focus too easily.' Calmly leaping up, Takehiko nudges Inuyasha out of the way, and with a single swipe of his claws, slices the Youkai neatly in two. It collapses in a heap of flesh, and a small venomous bee swoops down, removing the shard from the dead beast's head before anyone can react.
"NARAKU!!!" Inuyasha growls, his ears flattening on his head in rage. He tries to chase after the bee, but soon realizes the futility of such action. The insect is long gone. Besides, he has a bone to pick with Takehiko for getting in his way and showing off. Inuyasha angrily leaps back towards the village, looking for Takehiko, intent on taking out his frustrations on the new member of the group. "Takehiko!!" Inuyasha yells angrily. "Where are you!? Get over here and face me like a man!"
Inuyasha soon found himself face to face with Takehiko. The older Hanyou merely stands with a placid look on his face, un-phased by the younger Hanyou's outrage. The Youkai's blood still dripped from Takehiko's claws. His nonplussed appearance does much to fluster Inuyasha, stunning him into silence. Takehiko begins to speak: "Good. I see you have decided to calm your ire. You know you really should grow up, young one. This kind of attitude will not help you in your quest." And with that, Takehiko turns on his heel and walks off, leaving in his wake a flustered and sputtering Inuyasha.
Miroku is up to his old tricks, and Takehiko passes by him. The hanyou's wolf ears twitch as he hears Miroku asking the first pretty girl he encounters if she will bear his child, as well as the slap that follows from Sango. She chastises him for doing that to every 'pretty' girl he encounters, and Takehiko can't help but look amused. Knowing his master, Kyrissaean-sama, he decides to pass on a word of warning to the monk.
He stops and glances back, addressing the monk "Miroku. My master, Kyrissaean-sama will often change to the form of a human female. If you wish not to greatly offend her, I highly suggest you refrain from asking her that if you see her in that form. She is not very tolerant of being asked that particular question." He adds, with more volume so as Inuyasha can hear: "She cares little for human children and even less for immature behavior of any sort."
Miroku simply nods, taking that little bit of information and Takehiko's serious tone under advisement. He makes a mental note to himself that he will make sure he does not ask that question of Kyrissaean-sama. "Feh!" snorts Inuyasha, crossing his arms. "Like I should CARE!"
Takehiko simply sighs, and turns to walk away. The rest of the day passes without much incident, and the group does not encounter any more demons with Shikon shards. Shippo takes an instant liking to Takehiko, and thinks to himself 'He's so much more civilized and mature than Inuyasha! Hmm. Inuyasha could sure use some lessons from this new guy. Maybe he'd shape up and stop being such a jerk. I hope that when we finally find Kyrissaean- sama she might let him travel with us more'.
Inuyasha suddenly stiffens as he catches wind of something over the next hill. Something very big. The Takehiko senses it too, and calmly walks past Inuyasha, ascending the hill and dropping out of sight beyond it. The group hastens to catch up. Crossing over the hill, they find themselves face to face with an immense blue/green dragon, its scales shimmering brightly in the early evening sun.
Inuyasha rashly draws his sword at first sight of the dragon, and Takehiko turns quickly. For the first time since they met him, the older Hanyou's face is drawn in anger. It is more than enough to give Inuyasha pause. "Put that away, you fool! This is Kyrissaean-sama!!" he snarls at Inuyasha, who complies, and re-sheathes Tetsusaiga, wisely staying silent for once.
The dragon itself begins to vaporize into a cloud of red mist, slowly converging into the form of a breathtakingly beautiful human female. She seems timeless, somehow, and Miroku knew he had never seen the like. He stands there, gaping at her. To his credit, he remembers Takehiko's warning and refrains from asking his usual lecherous question. Sango quickly snaps him out of his 'trance' with a blow to the head.
Kyrissaean casts a glance at the group behind Takehiko, studying them silently with her oddly mismatched eyes (one was blue, the other green). After a short but quiet conversation with Takehiko, she steps up to Kagome. Kyrissaean reaches out and touches the locket Takehiko had given to the girl and begins to speak, her voice soft and lilting. "You must be the one who saved Takehiko's life. For that I am grateful to you. Keep this locket with you always, and I shall never be far away."
With that, Kyrissaean glances around at the rest of the group, her eyes seeming to know all. She frowns ever so slightly as her eyes settle on Inuyasha. He is sitting with his arms crossed, looking decidedly immature. He did not fail to notice her slight frown, and feels a tinge of embarrassment creeping up his spine. Wisely he decides to say nothing, and his arms drop from their crossed position on his chest.
Kyrissaean hesitates for a moment when she looks to Sango, and then turns to Takehiko. She spoke softly: "It is time for me to leave this place, little one. You must go along with these travelers and aid them in their quest to find the sacred jewel."
Takehiko pauses, looking back at the group while Kyrissaean fades into mist and disappears. He nods and returns to the group. Shippo is happy that Takehiko will be joining them after all. Inuyasha didn't look quite as pleased, and Takehiko looked just plain indifferent.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha & Co. They belong to their creator Rumiko Takahashi. I'm just 'borrowing' them for a bit to write this little fanfic. She can have them back when I'm done!
*The story left off with Kagome having spent most of the night cleaning the blood off of the Garou's fur.*
Chapter 2: The Gratitude of a Dragon.
In the chill of the early morning dew, the sunrise creeps up to touch the sleeping group of weary travelers. The wounded and still unconscious Garou's form shifts and recedes to one that's more human. His white ears remain, very similar to those of the Dog-Demon only much more wolfish looking. White flowing hair sprouts out on his head and his wolfish muzzle recedes to reveal a mature and very distinctively male face. His fur is gone, replaced by skin, but a fluffy white wolf tail still remains.
Kagome awakens with a start, having a funny feeling that someone is watching her. She looks around in alarm only to be faced with a pair of yellow-green eyes looking down at her from a tree branch nearby. Backing up in fright, she lets out a small gasp of fear. Inuyasha rises with a growl instantly on the alert at the sound of her frightened gasp, and his eyes swing up to see an unfamiliar figure, clad in a robe very similar to his own, only a light bluish silver in color instead of red.
Baring his fangs as if in challenge, Inuyasha glares up at the strangely familiar yet unknown figure in the tree, and reaches for the scabbard of Tetsusaiga. At the sound of Inuyasha's growl, the wolf ears on top of the figure's head twitch slightly and swivel in the direction of the Dog Hanyou. The newcomer in the tree gives Inuyasha an expressionless stare, and then turns his head towards Kagome, a slight smile curling the corners of his mouth.
As he sniffs the air curiously, Inuyasha stops growling and showing his fangs as he recognizes the scent. It's the same scent as the creature from the night before that was so badly wounded saving his life from Kouga.
The newcomer rises and jumps down in front of Kagome, softly taking one of her hands in his. He begins to speak, his voice deep and rich, ignoring Inuyasha's growls of jealousy and protest. Looking at Kagome, his eyes soften and he smiles, saying: "My name is Takehiko. I am a Werewolf hanyou, and it would seem that I am indebted to you yet again. Thank you, my lady, for saving my life. I am heading east to meet with my master, and I am sure she will be grateful to you for saving me while I was disadvantaged by my weaker form. Please accept this amulet as a token of my appreciation."
Takehiko reaches into his robe and pulls forth a golden locket in the shape of a dragon, with emeralds for eyes. He gently places it in Kagome's hand. Hearing Takehiko's words, Inuyasha ceases growling when he releases Kagome's hands and steps back, silently watching her.
Kagome's thoughts are whirling as she stares down at the amulet in her hand. 'Wait - his WEAKER form?!?! He beat Kouga nearly to death in his weaker form?! What kind of a master would someone as strong as this have??? All Inuyasha had for a servant was that cowardly little flea demon!'
As though sensing her thoughts, Takehiko spoke again. "My master is an ancient dragoness, as old as time itself, very powerful and wise. But you have no need to fear her. Her name is Kyrissaean-sama, and she saved me as a very young pup when my parents were slaughtered. You see, my father was a powerful wolf demon, and my mother was a full-blooded Werewolf. The wolf tribes were warring, and my parents were both killed in the battle. I very nearly lost my life, and I would have, if it were not for Kyrissaean-sama. She appeared as a red mist and spared my life. For that I have vowed to be her servant for as long as she has need of me."
"We're heading east too!" Kagome blurted out, somehow sensing that she could trust this new Hanyou. "You're welcome to join us if you wish. We're on a quest, searching for the shards of the Shikon no Tama!"
"KAGOME! Baka! Why did you tell him that?!?!" yelled Inuyasha, scowling at her angrily. Takehiko frowned slightly, a white ear twitching in annoyance and swiveling towards Inuyasha. In a calm and icy voice edged with irritation, he addressed the younger Hanyou: "You really should not speak so to such a lady, young one. You have much to learn. I am not seeking the jewel; I merely wish to return to Kyrissaean-sama. There is no reason for you to be irate."
Inuyasha is taken aback, flustered and at a loss for words, but manages to bark out a "KEH!" and crosses his arms immaturely. Takehiko sighs and shakes his head, mumbling something about immature children, but then smiles down at Kagome, and says: "I would be honored to join you and your group in your travels, until I meet up with Kyrissaean-sama." Kagome nods in agreement.
Sango is lost in thought, 'Kyrissaean-sama - I have heard that name before. somewhere'. Her thoughts abruptly switch to her younger brother, Kohaku. Suddenly, she is shocked out of her reverie by a wandering hand on her posterior. "HENTAI!" Sango yells, and the crack of her hand making contact with the side of his face echoes through the morning air. Takehiko glances over in their direction, an amused look gracing his features.
With that, the group heads on their way for the day, with Inuyasha leading the way. Kagome and Takehiko follow behind (much to Inuyasha's dissatisfaction, but he shrugs off the feeling, confident that Takehiko is of no danger to him or the group). Sango, Shippo, and Miroku ride on Kirara, following along at the rear of the group.
Soon they come upon a nearby village, the inhabitants of which seem to be in a panic, screaming in terror about a monster, and then they hear it. The unmistakable roar of a Youkai on a rampage. Inuyasha immediately grabs for Tetsusaiga, and draws the sword with a snarl, leaping into battle with his usual impulsive attitude. "Inuyasha! Be careful! It has a Shikon shard in its forehead!" yells Kagome. As a result of his impulsive attack, Inuyasha is soon thrown violently, but springs back up into the fray.
Takehiko is surprised at first, but he maintains a calm demeanor. 'This girl is the one who can see the shards? Interesting.' He thinks to himself. He then turns his attention to the battle between Inuyasha and the Youkai. Takehiko shakes his head slightly, thinking to himself 'This pup is powerful - he has much potential, but he really needs to learn some patience. He loses his focus too easily.' Calmly leaping up, Takehiko nudges Inuyasha out of the way, and with a single swipe of his claws, slices the Youkai neatly in two. It collapses in a heap of flesh, and a small venomous bee swoops down, removing the shard from the dead beast's head before anyone can react.
"NARAKU!!!" Inuyasha growls, his ears flattening on his head in rage. He tries to chase after the bee, but soon realizes the futility of such action. The insect is long gone. Besides, he has a bone to pick with Takehiko for getting in his way and showing off. Inuyasha angrily leaps back towards the village, looking for Takehiko, intent on taking out his frustrations on the new member of the group. "Takehiko!!" Inuyasha yells angrily. "Where are you!? Get over here and face me like a man!"
Inuyasha soon found himself face to face with Takehiko. The older Hanyou merely stands with a placid look on his face, un-phased by the younger Hanyou's outrage. The Youkai's blood still dripped from Takehiko's claws. His nonplussed appearance does much to fluster Inuyasha, stunning him into silence. Takehiko begins to speak: "Good. I see you have decided to calm your ire. You know you really should grow up, young one. This kind of attitude will not help you in your quest." And with that, Takehiko turns on his heel and walks off, leaving in his wake a flustered and sputtering Inuyasha.
Miroku is up to his old tricks, and Takehiko passes by him. The hanyou's wolf ears twitch as he hears Miroku asking the first pretty girl he encounters if she will bear his child, as well as the slap that follows from Sango. She chastises him for doing that to every 'pretty' girl he encounters, and Takehiko can't help but look amused. Knowing his master, Kyrissaean-sama, he decides to pass on a word of warning to the monk.
He stops and glances back, addressing the monk "Miroku. My master, Kyrissaean-sama will often change to the form of a human female. If you wish not to greatly offend her, I highly suggest you refrain from asking her that if you see her in that form. She is not very tolerant of being asked that particular question." He adds, with more volume so as Inuyasha can hear: "She cares little for human children and even less for immature behavior of any sort."
Miroku simply nods, taking that little bit of information and Takehiko's serious tone under advisement. He makes a mental note to himself that he will make sure he does not ask that question of Kyrissaean-sama. "Feh!" snorts Inuyasha, crossing his arms. "Like I should CARE!"
Takehiko simply sighs, and turns to walk away. The rest of the day passes without much incident, and the group does not encounter any more demons with Shikon shards. Shippo takes an instant liking to Takehiko, and thinks to himself 'He's so much more civilized and mature than Inuyasha! Hmm. Inuyasha could sure use some lessons from this new guy. Maybe he'd shape up and stop being such a jerk. I hope that when we finally find Kyrissaean- sama she might let him travel with us more'.
Inuyasha suddenly stiffens as he catches wind of something over the next hill. Something very big. The Takehiko senses it too, and calmly walks past Inuyasha, ascending the hill and dropping out of sight beyond it. The group hastens to catch up. Crossing over the hill, they find themselves face to face with an immense blue/green dragon, its scales shimmering brightly in the early evening sun.
Inuyasha rashly draws his sword at first sight of the dragon, and Takehiko turns quickly. For the first time since they met him, the older Hanyou's face is drawn in anger. It is more than enough to give Inuyasha pause. "Put that away, you fool! This is Kyrissaean-sama!!" he snarls at Inuyasha, who complies, and re-sheathes Tetsusaiga, wisely staying silent for once.
The dragon itself begins to vaporize into a cloud of red mist, slowly converging into the form of a breathtakingly beautiful human female. She seems timeless, somehow, and Miroku knew he had never seen the like. He stands there, gaping at her. To his credit, he remembers Takehiko's warning and refrains from asking his usual lecherous question. Sango quickly snaps him out of his 'trance' with a blow to the head.
Kyrissaean casts a glance at the group behind Takehiko, studying them silently with her oddly mismatched eyes (one was blue, the other green). After a short but quiet conversation with Takehiko, she steps up to Kagome. Kyrissaean reaches out and touches the locket Takehiko had given to the girl and begins to speak, her voice soft and lilting. "You must be the one who saved Takehiko's life. For that I am grateful to you. Keep this locket with you always, and I shall never be far away."
With that, Kyrissaean glances around at the rest of the group, her eyes seeming to know all. She frowns ever so slightly as her eyes settle on Inuyasha. He is sitting with his arms crossed, looking decidedly immature. He did not fail to notice her slight frown, and feels a tinge of embarrassment creeping up his spine. Wisely he decides to say nothing, and his arms drop from their crossed position on his chest.
Kyrissaean hesitates for a moment when she looks to Sango, and then turns to Takehiko. She spoke softly: "It is time for me to leave this place, little one. You must go along with these travelers and aid them in their quest to find the sacred jewel."
Takehiko pauses, looking back at the group while Kyrissaean fades into mist and disappears. He nods and returns to the group. Shippo is happy that Takehiko will be joining them after all. Inuyasha didn't look quite as pleased, and Takehiko looked just plain indifferent.