Author's Note: Hey everybody! Kawaii2's back! ^^ Anyways, just so everybody
knows, in this story, the Yourouzoku (the youkai wolves Kouga and Kwaichao
hang out with) usually stay in a human form, unless during battle or some
other purpose. Kwaichao is an exception to this. As for Kouga, he prefers
his human form because he is used to it.
Oh yeah, I sorta forgot how old I made Kouga when he first came to the Feudal Era, so I'm gonna say around five. And in this chapter, it time travels, meaning it goes from when he's five to twelve. Read it, and you'll see. =) (Oh yeah, he might act a little OCC)
Wolf-Boy
[Chapter 10]
Bright and serene, the full moon slowly made its way to the center of the ebony sky, capturing the attention of those below. It was time.
Kwaichao took a deep breath to steady herself, and before Kouga could blink, she had transformed herself back into an elegant wolf, accompanied by only a faint glow of light. She gazed at Kouga with her yellow orbs, and swished her tail noiselessly to the side, as if to signal him to follow her. Without a word, Kouga silently followed the wolf as she made her way to the road leading up to a rocky cliff.
He bit his lip in apprehension. His foster mother had not spoken a word to him since he had convinced her he wanted to become a wolf. She had merely just stared at him silently every once in a while; Kouga had never been able to grasp what the look meant. The two of them had carried on like that for a few days until the night of the full moon-which was this very moment.
Kouga took a deep breath to try to calm his thudding heart, then followed the footsteps of Kwaichao. Shadows danced as they climbed slowly, carefully, over the round pebbles clustered around the bottom until they were alongside the rugged boulders at the top of the cliff. Up until then, Kwaichao had just been moving forward, never looking back. Now, she slowly turned her head around to look at Kouga.
"Child. You are truly sure you want this?" The question came out softly.
"Of course! Then I can really be your son, and beat up those bullies!" replied Kouga enthusiastically.
He already has the spirit of a wolf, Kwaichao thought, gazing at him wistfully. She felt her heart go out to this boy of six, whom she had taken under her shelter for just more than a year.
"That is good to hear," she finally said. "Determination is a key element in this process."
She beckoned toward Kouga, and he shuffled over, his eyes questioning her. The youkai-wolf placed a paw on his shoulder.
"Now listen. Just as the moon reaches the highest peak in the sky, we will need to act immediately-my teeth will sink halfway into the right side of your neck; that will transfer my youkai abilities into your blood stream. However, you must not cry out or budge while my fangs are still in your flesh. The full moon will provide the rest of the necessities." Kwaichao finished speaking, and stared unblinkingly at the boy.
Though a little pale, Kouga nodded steadily, his gaze back at her. The moon was just a few seconds before reaching its destination. Inches passed by seconds. Suddenly, it was there.
Before he had time to react, there was a prickling sensation- something sharp sinking into his skin.
It hurts, Kouga thought with an inward gasp. It hurts. He felt a scream wavering inside of him, ready to explode. The pain was blinding him- all he could see was red, and more red-was it his blood, or was it merely an illusion of pain?
Scream, scream, his mind urged frantically. Scream. His mouth began to open, when in his head, Kwaichao's voice sounded- Determination is a key element in this process.
Determination, Kouga thought firmly, I can't scream. Not if I want to become a true wolf. He clamped his teeth down on his tongue, forbidding the scream to surface. Determination, he thought, every time he felt as if the pain was going to tear him apart-determination!
Then it was over. The pain was gone. At that moment, it seemed as if a million lights blinked on-his senses seemed to have evolved to a higher level; he could catch so many smells and fragrances from over ten leagues away. And his ears-they were presently deciphering the sounds of a moth fluttering.
Kouga felt like he was being reborn; he seemed more alive, more in tune with the world. There was a feeling of thrill that hadn't been in his blood before.
He saw fur appear throughout his body, saw his nails sharpen into deadly claws-he had become a wolf. Kouga felt like laughing. Giddy with excitement, he proudly turned toward Kwaichao.
"Look! I'm a wolf! I'm a yourouzoku now!" He began to bound around on all fours, as if to demonstrate to the world the new him.
"Yes, but although you are not a half-breed, you still have a few remaining drops of blood inside you. Therefore, on the night of new moon, you shall still feel its effect-you may feel slightly weak, and may not be able to fight as well." Kwaichao replied seriously.
"Yeah, okay." Kouga nodded enthusiastically, although it didn't seem like he was really paying attention to her words. He seemed more interested in the plants and shrubs nestled behind stones, exploring everything surrounding him.
Just like a wolf pup. Kwaichao smiled. Her eyes flickered a little. No longer that innocent child I found that day.
--
It was not yet even sunrise when Kouga heard the sound. He had been lying there against the opening of the cave-where he usually slept, when his ears prickled up at the rustle of a small noise.
He looked around him and only saw Kwaichao in deep sleep in the inner chamber of the cave. But he had been sure that he had heard a sound.
Unsettled, Kouga paced around quietly, debating whether he should go back to sleep, or go outside to check what manner of creature had produced the noise. Kouga glanced back at Kwaichao. If he left for a short walk outside, she would never even notice. She was such a heavy sleeper that he doubted even a natural disaster would even stir her. Thinking this piece of information over, Kouga decided that he would go out and make a small loop around the cave-that way, he would definitely see what made the noise, and he would be able to get back to the cave quickly.
Silently, Kouga slunk outside-it didn't hurt to be quiet, in case the other wolf did wake up. Once he was out of the cave, Kouga began earnestly sniffling around: behind the rocks and around the forestry.
After a few straight minutes of exploring, Kouga lifted his head toward the sky for a small break. He felt the breeze run through his fur, bringing with it, the scents of pine needles, oak leaves, and wolves-wait. Wolves? Kouga's eyes widened in alarm.
His nose breathed in again. Yes, it definitely was the scent of wolves. And not the one of ordinary ones-it was the smell of the Yourouzoku. Based on how clearly he could distinguish the smell, they were about a hundred or so feet from him. Their footsteps had caused the noise he heard in the cave.
He guessed that they were planning to ambush Kwaichao and him, thinking that they were still "asleep." Kouga could still clearly remember the angry glances directed at the two of them when he first came seven years ago, and the murderous actions taken by his wolf peers back then. Ever since he had become a wolf, he hadn't seen much of them.
Now, after years of silence, they were coming this way, finally deciding to take action, and get rid of Kwaichao and him-in short, kill the two of them.
Not if I can help it, Kouga thought furiously. If he ran back to warn Kwaichao right now, there was no doubt that the youkai wolves would be waiting for them right outside the cave. Yet, if he stayed and took them all on his own, he would most definitely be beaten-and Kwaichao would have no idea that they were coming to kill her too.
Hmm. Kouga thought. Guess it's still better if I run back right now. He turned to run just when his ears caught pairs of footsteps stopping behind him.
"So," cackled a nasty voice, "If it isn't the mortal-turned-wolf."
Kouga didn't turn around or run. If he ran, they would overtake him in a flash.
"Think you're as good as us now, eh? Well, I got news for ya. Once a human, always a human," continued another voice in an equally jeering tone.
"You're still that sniveling little boy no matter if you've got a tail or fangs. Look at that weak body of yours. How can you even say you're a Yourouzoku?" laughed another.
Kouga's fist clenched hard, so hard that his claws dug into his hand, drawing blood.
The wolves behind him began conferring. "I can't imagine what that Kwaichao sees in him? I mean, why adopt a human? It's not like a blood ceremony will make him any stronger." A female said scornfully, distaste clearly marked in her voice.
"Hmph. That wolf was always a wretched example of our species. Only stupid youkai care for weaklings." The others snickered.
"Right about that. What a low creature."
You bastard! Kouga felt himself grow angry. No one insults my mother. He felt his head pound, his face flushing with fury. He felt like ripping them piece by piece and watching their carcasses float to the ground.
Kouga felt a little frightened of himself at that thought. He had never been so angry before-before the transformation and the previous six years after the transformation. He was acting like a different being right now-a new creature.
The old Kouga would've instantly ran away or stood quaking in this situation. But, Kouga argued with himself, I'm not that Kouga anymore; I have the strength do pay revenge-to neutralize all the pain I've felt all these years!
Any uneasiness he had felt a few seconds before was immediately replaced by his growing hatred, his anger towards the wolves behind him. Looking down at his blood-streaked palms, he became conscious of the unlimited amount of lethal power in his hands.
A thrill surged through his veins, and a malicious smirk spread across his lips. Licking off the blood on his hand, Kouga slowly turned to face the many youkai behind him, a dangerous aura surrounding his smile.
"Enough talk. Let's play." His fangs slid out.
The pack of wolves appeared slightly shaken at his tone. Suddenly, claws appeared before their faces, tearing at the air.
A loud ripping sound was heard, sending clouds of blood splattering against the skies. Screams were heard as more bodies fell. None belonged to Kouga.
Gracefully, he landed a flip through the air, while several more bodies crashed onto the ground behind him.
"Anymore takers?" Kouga smiled ferociously, his whole body decorated with the blood of the fallen."
The remaining Yourouzoku whimpered, shock written in their eyes. They weren't laughing anymore.
Kouga watched them triumphantly, his eyes sharply following their movements. He felt rejuvenated-this killing, it thrilled him. The thrill that he was risking his life. It felt good. And yet.
Kouga shook his head to clear his mind of thoughts. For the surviving wolves were attempting to escape, to return to tell the others back at the den, while he was talking nonsense to himself.
And their blood was calling to him. Blood. was calling.
A smile turned up on Kouga's face, and he began chasing his prey.
--
Kwaichao awoke from her nightmare with a start, sweat running down her face. She had a terrible sense of foreboding. The dream had been about something horrible, something awful had happened-she knew not.
Suddenly, she heard footsteps step inside the cave. Kwaichao caught the smell of wet and dry blood mixed with another scent; one that seemed somewhat familiar.
"Mother," Kwaichao heard, and dazedly turned. Her eyes widened. There stood Kouga, bathed in blood all over his face and clothes, radiating a dangerous feeling.
"I'm home." He smiled, and wiped the blood flecks off his face.
--
Review! ^^
Oh yeah, I sorta forgot how old I made Kouga when he first came to the Feudal Era, so I'm gonna say around five. And in this chapter, it time travels, meaning it goes from when he's five to twelve. Read it, and you'll see. =) (Oh yeah, he might act a little OCC)
Wolf-Boy
[Chapter 10]
Bright and serene, the full moon slowly made its way to the center of the ebony sky, capturing the attention of those below. It was time.
Kwaichao took a deep breath to steady herself, and before Kouga could blink, she had transformed herself back into an elegant wolf, accompanied by only a faint glow of light. She gazed at Kouga with her yellow orbs, and swished her tail noiselessly to the side, as if to signal him to follow her. Without a word, Kouga silently followed the wolf as she made her way to the road leading up to a rocky cliff.
He bit his lip in apprehension. His foster mother had not spoken a word to him since he had convinced her he wanted to become a wolf. She had merely just stared at him silently every once in a while; Kouga had never been able to grasp what the look meant. The two of them had carried on like that for a few days until the night of the full moon-which was this very moment.
Kouga took a deep breath to try to calm his thudding heart, then followed the footsteps of Kwaichao. Shadows danced as they climbed slowly, carefully, over the round pebbles clustered around the bottom until they were alongside the rugged boulders at the top of the cliff. Up until then, Kwaichao had just been moving forward, never looking back. Now, she slowly turned her head around to look at Kouga.
"Child. You are truly sure you want this?" The question came out softly.
"Of course! Then I can really be your son, and beat up those bullies!" replied Kouga enthusiastically.
He already has the spirit of a wolf, Kwaichao thought, gazing at him wistfully. She felt her heart go out to this boy of six, whom she had taken under her shelter for just more than a year.
"That is good to hear," she finally said. "Determination is a key element in this process."
She beckoned toward Kouga, and he shuffled over, his eyes questioning her. The youkai-wolf placed a paw on his shoulder.
"Now listen. Just as the moon reaches the highest peak in the sky, we will need to act immediately-my teeth will sink halfway into the right side of your neck; that will transfer my youkai abilities into your blood stream. However, you must not cry out or budge while my fangs are still in your flesh. The full moon will provide the rest of the necessities." Kwaichao finished speaking, and stared unblinkingly at the boy.
Though a little pale, Kouga nodded steadily, his gaze back at her. The moon was just a few seconds before reaching its destination. Inches passed by seconds. Suddenly, it was there.
Before he had time to react, there was a prickling sensation- something sharp sinking into his skin.
It hurts, Kouga thought with an inward gasp. It hurts. He felt a scream wavering inside of him, ready to explode. The pain was blinding him- all he could see was red, and more red-was it his blood, or was it merely an illusion of pain?
Scream, scream, his mind urged frantically. Scream. His mouth began to open, when in his head, Kwaichao's voice sounded- Determination is a key element in this process.
Determination, Kouga thought firmly, I can't scream. Not if I want to become a true wolf. He clamped his teeth down on his tongue, forbidding the scream to surface. Determination, he thought, every time he felt as if the pain was going to tear him apart-determination!
Then it was over. The pain was gone. At that moment, it seemed as if a million lights blinked on-his senses seemed to have evolved to a higher level; he could catch so many smells and fragrances from over ten leagues away. And his ears-they were presently deciphering the sounds of a moth fluttering.
Kouga felt like he was being reborn; he seemed more alive, more in tune with the world. There was a feeling of thrill that hadn't been in his blood before.
He saw fur appear throughout his body, saw his nails sharpen into deadly claws-he had become a wolf. Kouga felt like laughing. Giddy with excitement, he proudly turned toward Kwaichao.
"Look! I'm a wolf! I'm a yourouzoku now!" He began to bound around on all fours, as if to demonstrate to the world the new him.
"Yes, but although you are not a half-breed, you still have a few remaining drops of blood inside you. Therefore, on the night of new moon, you shall still feel its effect-you may feel slightly weak, and may not be able to fight as well." Kwaichao replied seriously.
"Yeah, okay." Kouga nodded enthusiastically, although it didn't seem like he was really paying attention to her words. He seemed more interested in the plants and shrubs nestled behind stones, exploring everything surrounding him.
Just like a wolf pup. Kwaichao smiled. Her eyes flickered a little. No longer that innocent child I found that day.
--
It was not yet even sunrise when Kouga heard the sound. He had been lying there against the opening of the cave-where he usually slept, when his ears prickled up at the rustle of a small noise.
He looked around him and only saw Kwaichao in deep sleep in the inner chamber of the cave. But he had been sure that he had heard a sound.
Unsettled, Kouga paced around quietly, debating whether he should go back to sleep, or go outside to check what manner of creature had produced the noise. Kouga glanced back at Kwaichao. If he left for a short walk outside, she would never even notice. She was such a heavy sleeper that he doubted even a natural disaster would even stir her. Thinking this piece of information over, Kouga decided that he would go out and make a small loop around the cave-that way, he would definitely see what made the noise, and he would be able to get back to the cave quickly.
Silently, Kouga slunk outside-it didn't hurt to be quiet, in case the other wolf did wake up. Once he was out of the cave, Kouga began earnestly sniffling around: behind the rocks and around the forestry.
After a few straight minutes of exploring, Kouga lifted his head toward the sky for a small break. He felt the breeze run through his fur, bringing with it, the scents of pine needles, oak leaves, and wolves-wait. Wolves? Kouga's eyes widened in alarm.
His nose breathed in again. Yes, it definitely was the scent of wolves. And not the one of ordinary ones-it was the smell of the Yourouzoku. Based on how clearly he could distinguish the smell, they were about a hundred or so feet from him. Their footsteps had caused the noise he heard in the cave.
He guessed that they were planning to ambush Kwaichao and him, thinking that they were still "asleep." Kouga could still clearly remember the angry glances directed at the two of them when he first came seven years ago, and the murderous actions taken by his wolf peers back then. Ever since he had become a wolf, he hadn't seen much of them.
Now, after years of silence, they were coming this way, finally deciding to take action, and get rid of Kwaichao and him-in short, kill the two of them.
Not if I can help it, Kouga thought furiously. If he ran back to warn Kwaichao right now, there was no doubt that the youkai wolves would be waiting for them right outside the cave. Yet, if he stayed and took them all on his own, he would most definitely be beaten-and Kwaichao would have no idea that they were coming to kill her too.
Hmm. Kouga thought. Guess it's still better if I run back right now. He turned to run just when his ears caught pairs of footsteps stopping behind him.
"So," cackled a nasty voice, "If it isn't the mortal-turned-wolf."
Kouga didn't turn around or run. If he ran, they would overtake him in a flash.
"Think you're as good as us now, eh? Well, I got news for ya. Once a human, always a human," continued another voice in an equally jeering tone.
"You're still that sniveling little boy no matter if you've got a tail or fangs. Look at that weak body of yours. How can you even say you're a Yourouzoku?" laughed another.
Kouga's fist clenched hard, so hard that his claws dug into his hand, drawing blood.
The wolves behind him began conferring. "I can't imagine what that Kwaichao sees in him? I mean, why adopt a human? It's not like a blood ceremony will make him any stronger." A female said scornfully, distaste clearly marked in her voice.
"Hmph. That wolf was always a wretched example of our species. Only stupid youkai care for weaklings." The others snickered.
"Right about that. What a low creature."
You bastard! Kouga felt himself grow angry. No one insults my mother. He felt his head pound, his face flushing with fury. He felt like ripping them piece by piece and watching their carcasses float to the ground.
Kouga felt a little frightened of himself at that thought. He had never been so angry before-before the transformation and the previous six years after the transformation. He was acting like a different being right now-a new creature.
The old Kouga would've instantly ran away or stood quaking in this situation. But, Kouga argued with himself, I'm not that Kouga anymore; I have the strength do pay revenge-to neutralize all the pain I've felt all these years!
Any uneasiness he had felt a few seconds before was immediately replaced by his growing hatred, his anger towards the wolves behind him. Looking down at his blood-streaked palms, he became conscious of the unlimited amount of lethal power in his hands.
A thrill surged through his veins, and a malicious smirk spread across his lips. Licking off the blood on his hand, Kouga slowly turned to face the many youkai behind him, a dangerous aura surrounding his smile.
"Enough talk. Let's play." His fangs slid out.
The pack of wolves appeared slightly shaken at his tone. Suddenly, claws appeared before their faces, tearing at the air.
A loud ripping sound was heard, sending clouds of blood splattering against the skies. Screams were heard as more bodies fell. None belonged to Kouga.
Gracefully, he landed a flip through the air, while several more bodies crashed onto the ground behind him.
"Anymore takers?" Kouga smiled ferociously, his whole body decorated with the blood of the fallen."
The remaining Yourouzoku whimpered, shock written in their eyes. They weren't laughing anymore.
Kouga watched them triumphantly, his eyes sharply following their movements. He felt rejuvenated-this killing, it thrilled him. The thrill that he was risking his life. It felt good. And yet.
Kouga shook his head to clear his mind of thoughts. For the surviving wolves were attempting to escape, to return to tell the others back at the den, while he was talking nonsense to himself.
And their blood was calling to him. Blood. was calling.
A smile turned up on Kouga's face, and he began chasing his prey.
--
Kwaichao awoke from her nightmare with a start, sweat running down her face. She had a terrible sense of foreboding. The dream had been about something horrible, something awful had happened-she knew not.
Suddenly, she heard footsteps step inside the cave. Kwaichao caught the smell of wet and dry blood mixed with another scent; one that seemed somewhat familiar.
"Mother," Kwaichao heard, and dazedly turned. Her eyes widened. There stood Kouga, bathed in blood all over his face and clothes, radiating a dangerous feeling.
"I'm home." He smiled, and wiped the blood flecks off his face.
--
Review! ^^