Chapter: 02 Enter Kouga
(Scene: Demon Exterminator Village)
The midmorning rays shined through the windows of the cabin that currently housed a weary time-traveler and a demon exterminator. Suddenly one very loud, frustrated scream startled all those in the near vicinity of the hut.
"I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS!" Sango roared a few moments after she had awoken and noticed the position of the sun. In her rave, one sleepy time traveler also became conscious and could only stare in amazement at the rant that her friend was giving.
"I have never over slept in my entire life! Get up Kagome. We have to leave within the next half hour."
The two girls hurried to prepare for the journey they were about to undertake to consult with the wise monk Miroku. At least they certainly hoped he was wise. They were afraid to think that he may not know anything about the well.
Actually, to be honest, Sango almost wished he didn't know anything about the well. She'd only known Kagome for a few hours, but it was nice having another girl around. Perhaps Kagome could be trained to be a demon exterminator as well. She certainly seemed to have the athletic endurance for such activities. That was demonstrated during their travels the day before.
After packing the essentials required into satchels the girls ate a quick breakfast. Then they found Kirara playing games with a small boy around Souta's age. Kagome was thunderstruck with a strong longing for her younger brother at that moment as she watched Sango's brother.
"Okay Kohaku, we need to go now." Sango gently took Kirara from her brother's arms. He pouted up to her.
"Nee-san do you have to go? Can't I come too? I'll be a good help! I want to help you and Kagome find the monk."
Sango ruffled her sibling's hair. "No, Kohaku, I need you to stay here in the village. There are many youkai running around. We can't let them hurt people. I have no doubt that you will prove a good help. Father needs your help right now. Take care of him for me, okay?" The boy puffed his chest in pride after hearing his sister's faith in him and amiably agreed to stay and protect their father.
After walking a small ways from the village Kirara transformed and the girls hopped on for a ride.
"So, your Kohaku is needed to protect your father?" Kagome asked, she had a feeling the explanation would be interesting.
"Oh yes, father is the village leader. And leaders need all the protection they can get!" Sango winked at her.
"Of course. So now that we are officially behind schedule. How long will it take us to get to our destination?"
"Kirara will have to rest. She cannot fly straight to the monk's village. Unfortunately, at nightfall that will put us right around the wolves' lands. I'm hoping they will not bother us. But after the luck we had yesterday, we may just get our exercise!" Sango was actually excited about a possible fight.
She wasn't a sadist or anything. But, the finally be able to do battle with another girl that proved her equal did wonders for her girl-power pride. Especially now that Kagome was equipped with her primary weapon she felt extreme confidence.
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(Scene: Wolf Den)
Kouga was bored. There was nothing out of the ordinary happening in his territory. He had heard rumors of demon activity lately upon some village to the south but it was too far to bother him. Currently he was sitting on a rock on the side of a cliff. He had already entertained himself with a brisk run through his woods.
"Kouga!" Ayame, the granddaughter of another tribe was still trying to get his attention. It wasn't that she wasn't attractive, she just annoyed the wolf youkai.
"What do you want woman?" Kouga replied annoyed to have his solitude interrupted. Sure, he was bored. But he preferred being bored over being annoyed.
"I've been looking all over for you! I'm so glad I finally found you!"
"And? What do you want? I don't have all day." Kouga was not known for his patience. He flipped his long dark hair over his shoulder. He glared at her with his ice blue eyes. He possessed an icy glare that could freeze any into submission.
"I was----I was-----I just wanted to talk." Ayame's plastic smile faltered for a moment at his rude behavior.
"About what?"
"About us?"
"There is no us. If that's all then go away." Kouga turned his back upon her. The clouds were much more interesting.
"But Kouga! You know the rules of our people! You must be mated or intended within the season! I am the granddaughter of your allied tribe. You should be marrying me!" Her whiney voice gave him a head ache. He returned his attention to her only to see her stomping around throwing a conniption fit.
He let out a sigh. "Look, Ayame, but I don't love you. I could care less what the elders say. I am the leader here. They have no control over me. I would rather leave these lands and rule with those loyal to me than be forced to marry someone I do not love."
Before Ayame could whine anymore Ginta, one of Kouga's most trusted advisors interrupted them. "Kouga!"
"Yes Ginta? Is there anything amiss?" Kouga asked with an unmistakable hopeful edge to his voice.
"It almost sounds like you want something to be amiss, Kouga," Ginta answered. Kouga smirked in response. "Actually, there is something amiss."
Kouga leaped off the cliff face and rushed to Ginta's side in a matter of milliseconds. "Yes? What is going on? Is it a group of horrid trespassing youkai that are looking for a challenge? Perhaps its foolish warriors fighting a foolish battle in our land? What? What?" Kouga was practically jumping up and down in anticipation.
"Actually, there are two women and a fire-neko youkai that seem to be approaching our borders. They do not appear suspicious. But I thought you would like to know."
"Humans? I already told everyone that they are forbidden from eating humans anymore" Kouga replied a bit disappointed.
"I just thought you were bored. Well Hakkaku and I are going to check it out. We just thought you may have wanted to accompany us."
"Alright. It's better than hanging around here." Kouga shot a pointed glare to Ayame.
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Later that evening Kirara was in desperate need of a rest. So the girls decided to make camp at the borders of the wolves' land. Kagome was quite surprised that no demons had made attempts to attack them on their journey so far.
"Sango, why do you think nothing attacked us today?"
"Hmm..well there are two possibilities. One they saw us and since you and I are both wearing demon-exterminator suits decided death was not on their agenda. Or two, perhaps Kouga is a stronger demon than I thought and random youkai do not trespass near his lands."
"What do you know of this Kouga?" Kagome was extremely interested to find out all she could about this strange time. She loved history and here she was, living it!
"Well I don't know many details about him. He's young for a tribe leader. The youngest I've ever heard of. He must be very strong to be leader. Leaders are chosen for their strength and wisdom."
"Do you think he would help us?" Kagome didn't realize that demons and humans hardly worked together.
Her optimism was greeted with an unlady-like snort from Sango. "Yeah, right. I wouldn't count on any help from him."
"Oh." Kagome was a bit disheartened by that retort. She had thought for a brief moment that perhaps they could add more people to their group. It would certainly make traveling more fun. "So, do you know what he looks like? Is he cute?"
Sango was caught off guard by that question. 'Did she just ask if a demon was cute?' However she never got the chance to respond because someone beat her to the punch.
"Cute? I prefer to think of myself as handsome." A young man with long black hair and piercing ice blue eyes greeted the two girls.
Kagome's jaw almost dropped at the site of the well built, handsome wolf prince before her. However, she had schooled herself to not gap at gorgeous men.
"Now, who are you? And what are you doing in my lands?" Kouga was very careful to hide the smile that threatened to claim his lips. These women were beautiful creatures. The one that had been asking about him especially caught his attention.
Kagome stood up to approach the wolf prince in spite of the silent warnings from Sango to stay back. "I am sorry for trespassing your lands. My friend and I seek the knowledge of a monk. The only way to reach him is beyond your lands."
The closer her approach the more her scent assaulted Kouga's nose. It smelled of Vanilla and Cherry Blossoms. He couldn't stop himself from his very out of character act. He rushed to close the distance between them and took her hands in his. "You are forgiven. Now tell me your name, that of your companion, of the monk you seek."
Kagome smiled at his helpfulness. She really hadn't expected him to be so nice. If she didn't know any better she could have sworn the icy expression of his eyes seemed to melt when she smiled.
"My name is Kagome, she is Sango, and we seek the monk Miroku."
"Kagome." The name simply rolled off his tongue like he was meant to say it over and over again. "Kagome, why do you seek Miroku?"
"Well, it's a long story, I---"
"She must ask him a question regarding the village near Inuyasha's Forest," Sango interjected.
Silently Kagome thanked her newfound friend. She did have a bad habit of trusting people too easily. She almost told this man her whole story. He probably wanted to eat her or something.
"I see." Kouga said glancing briefly over at Sango then at the neko. "I suppose that is a good reason. Come with me." He began to drag Kagome with him towards the woods.
"Wait, where are you taking me?" Kagome tried pulling her hand from his grasp. Not that she minded holding his hand it was oddly comforting. But honestly, she had just met the guy!
"It is dangerous here. I will allow the two of you to stay the night with my tribe. Tomorrow I will accompany you to find this monk." Between all the options he had, this girl promised the most excitement for the next few days.
"Thank you. That's very kind of you." Kagome answered Kouga in a cheerful voice that seemed to promise sunshine and daisies.
"It has nothing to do with kindness. I'm just bored with all the demon game obsessed over that village holding the jewel. There's nothing for me to do now. My land doesn't need protecting. I need some adventure. Looking at you, you promise nothing less." He smirked suggestively at the human who had mysteriously captivated him.
Kagome smiled at Sango as she walked on the other side of Kagome. "You know Sango? I think this will prove a great improvement to school!"
Sango smiled at her, from what she understood, this 'school' was not a very exciting place.
"School?" Kouga asked puzzled. "I notice you are both demon- exterminators. You do not intend to learn your exterminating amongst my people?" He demanded suddenly regretting his leniency with the humans and abruptly turning Kagome to face him.
"No Kouga! We would never hurt your people!" Kagome exclaimed with such passion that Kouga believed her.
"But, you are demon-exterminators."
"Actually, I am a demon-exterminator. Kagome is not. She is a guest of our village." Sango answered the suddenly anxious youkai prince.
"I see. Well in that case, it is a good thing I decided to help you on your quest." Kouga once again flashed his confident smile and set everyone's nerves at ease. Kouga's advisors Ginta and Hakkaku took an automatic like to these humans.
"Boss, don't you think it would be faster if we carried them? It is supposed to be cold tonight. The sooner we get to the caves, the better." Hakkaku spoke up.
"You are right. I'll take Kagome. Hakkaku, you take Sango and her neko." Kouga hoisted Kagome into his arms bridal style and smiled down upon her. "You're going to want to hold on to me." His warning was quickly acknowledged as his speedy retreat scared the living day-lights out of Kagome. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and he crushed her to his chest.
Hakkaku picked up Sango in a similar fashion, but it was no where near as intimate as Kouga's hold on the other human. He flashed Ginta a knowing smile. It would seem that their leader had finally found a woman that held his interest.
(Scene: Demon Exterminator Village)
The midmorning rays shined through the windows of the cabin that currently housed a weary time-traveler and a demon exterminator. Suddenly one very loud, frustrated scream startled all those in the near vicinity of the hut.
"I CAN NOT BELIEVE THIS!" Sango roared a few moments after she had awoken and noticed the position of the sun. In her rave, one sleepy time traveler also became conscious and could only stare in amazement at the rant that her friend was giving.
"I have never over slept in my entire life! Get up Kagome. We have to leave within the next half hour."
The two girls hurried to prepare for the journey they were about to undertake to consult with the wise monk Miroku. At least they certainly hoped he was wise. They were afraid to think that he may not know anything about the well.
Actually, to be honest, Sango almost wished he didn't know anything about the well. She'd only known Kagome for a few hours, but it was nice having another girl around. Perhaps Kagome could be trained to be a demon exterminator as well. She certainly seemed to have the athletic endurance for such activities. That was demonstrated during their travels the day before.
After packing the essentials required into satchels the girls ate a quick breakfast. Then they found Kirara playing games with a small boy around Souta's age. Kagome was thunderstruck with a strong longing for her younger brother at that moment as she watched Sango's brother.
"Okay Kohaku, we need to go now." Sango gently took Kirara from her brother's arms. He pouted up to her.
"Nee-san do you have to go? Can't I come too? I'll be a good help! I want to help you and Kagome find the monk."
Sango ruffled her sibling's hair. "No, Kohaku, I need you to stay here in the village. There are many youkai running around. We can't let them hurt people. I have no doubt that you will prove a good help. Father needs your help right now. Take care of him for me, okay?" The boy puffed his chest in pride after hearing his sister's faith in him and amiably agreed to stay and protect their father.
After walking a small ways from the village Kirara transformed and the girls hopped on for a ride.
"So, your Kohaku is needed to protect your father?" Kagome asked, she had a feeling the explanation would be interesting.
"Oh yes, father is the village leader. And leaders need all the protection they can get!" Sango winked at her.
"Of course. So now that we are officially behind schedule. How long will it take us to get to our destination?"
"Kirara will have to rest. She cannot fly straight to the monk's village. Unfortunately, at nightfall that will put us right around the wolves' lands. I'm hoping they will not bother us. But after the luck we had yesterday, we may just get our exercise!" Sango was actually excited about a possible fight.
She wasn't a sadist or anything. But, the finally be able to do battle with another girl that proved her equal did wonders for her girl-power pride. Especially now that Kagome was equipped with her primary weapon she felt extreme confidence.
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(Scene: Wolf Den)
Kouga was bored. There was nothing out of the ordinary happening in his territory. He had heard rumors of demon activity lately upon some village to the south but it was too far to bother him. Currently he was sitting on a rock on the side of a cliff. He had already entertained himself with a brisk run through his woods.
"Kouga!" Ayame, the granddaughter of another tribe was still trying to get his attention. It wasn't that she wasn't attractive, she just annoyed the wolf youkai.
"What do you want woman?" Kouga replied annoyed to have his solitude interrupted. Sure, he was bored. But he preferred being bored over being annoyed.
"I've been looking all over for you! I'm so glad I finally found you!"
"And? What do you want? I don't have all day." Kouga was not known for his patience. He flipped his long dark hair over his shoulder. He glared at her with his ice blue eyes. He possessed an icy glare that could freeze any into submission.
"I was----I was-----I just wanted to talk." Ayame's plastic smile faltered for a moment at his rude behavior.
"About what?"
"About us?"
"There is no us. If that's all then go away." Kouga turned his back upon her. The clouds were much more interesting.
"But Kouga! You know the rules of our people! You must be mated or intended within the season! I am the granddaughter of your allied tribe. You should be marrying me!" Her whiney voice gave him a head ache. He returned his attention to her only to see her stomping around throwing a conniption fit.
He let out a sigh. "Look, Ayame, but I don't love you. I could care less what the elders say. I am the leader here. They have no control over me. I would rather leave these lands and rule with those loyal to me than be forced to marry someone I do not love."
Before Ayame could whine anymore Ginta, one of Kouga's most trusted advisors interrupted them. "Kouga!"
"Yes Ginta? Is there anything amiss?" Kouga asked with an unmistakable hopeful edge to his voice.
"It almost sounds like you want something to be amiss, Kouga," Ginta answered. Kouga smirked in response. "Actually, there is something amiss."
Kouga leaped off the cliff face and rushed to Ginta's side in a matter of milliseconds. "Yes? What is going on? Is it a group of horrid trespassing youkai that are looking for a challenge? Perhaps its foolish warriors fighting a foolish battle in our land? What? What?" Kouga was practically jumping up and down in anticipation.
"Actually, there are two women and a fire-neko youkai that seem to be approaching our borders. They do not appear suspicious. But I thought you would like to know."
"Humans? I already told everyone that they are forbidden from eating humans anymore" Kouga replied a bit disappointed.
"I just thought you were bored. Well Hakkaku and I are going to check it out. We just thought you may have wanted to accompany us."
"Alright. It's better than hanging around here." Kouga shot a pointed glare to Ayame.
################
Later that evening Kirara was in desperate need of a rest. So the girls decided to make camp at the borders of the wolves' land. Kagome was quite surprised that no demons had made attempts to attack them on their journey so far.
"Sango, why do you think nothing attacked us today?"
"Hmm..well there are two possibilities. One they saw us and since you and I are both wearing demon-exterminator suits decided death was not on their agenda. Or two, perhaps Kouga is a stronger demon than I thought and random youkai do not trespass near his lands."
"What do you know of this Kouga?" Kagome was extremely interested to find out all she could about this strange time. She loved history and here she was, living it!
"Well I don't know many details about him. He's young for a tribe leader. The youngest I've ever heard of. He must be very strong to be leader. Leaders are chosen for their strength and wisdom."
"Do you think he would help us?" Kagome didn't realize that demons and humans hardly worked together.
Her optimism was greeted with an unlady-like snort from Sango. "Yeah, right. I wouldn't count on any help from him."
"Oh." Kagome was a bit disheartened by that retort. She had thought for a brief moment that perhaps they could add more people to their group. It would certainly make traveling more fun. "So, do you know what he looks like? Is he cute?"
Sango was caught off guard by that question. 'Did she just ask if a demon was cute?' However she never got the chance to respond because someone beat her to the punch.
"Cute? I prefer to think of myself as handsome." A young man with long black hair and piercing ice blue eyes greeted the two girls.
Kagome's jaw almost dropped at the site of the well built, handsome wolf prince before her. However, she had schooled herself to not gap at gorgeous men.
"Now, who are you? And what are you doing in my lands?" Kouga was very careful to hide the smile that threatened to claim his lips. These women were beautiful creatures. The one that had been asking about him especially caught his attention.
Kagome stood up to approach the wolf prince in spite of the silent warnings from Sango to stay back. "I am sorry for trespassing your lands. My friend and I seek the knowledge of a monk. The only way to reach him is beyond your lands."
The closer her approach the more her scent assaulted Kouga's nose. It smelled of Vanilla and Cherry Blossoms. He couldn't stop himself from his very out of character act. He rushed to close the distance between them and took her hands in his. "You are forgiven. Now tell me your name, that of your companion, of the monk you seek."
Kagome smiled at his helpfulness. She really hadn't expected him to be so nice. If she didn't know any better she could have sworn the icy expression of his eyes seemed to melt when she smiled.
"My name is Kagome, she is Sango, and we seek the monk Miroku."
"Kagome." The name simply rolled off his tongue like he was meant to say it over and over again. "Kagome, why do you seek Miroku?"
"Well, it's a long story, I---"
"She must ask him a question regarding the village near Inuyasha's Forest," Sango interjected.
Silently Kagome thanked her newfound friend. She did have a bad habit of trusting people too easily. She almost told this man her whole story. He probably wanted to eat her or something.
"I see." Kouga said glancing briefly over at Sango then at the neko. "I suppose that is a good reason. Come with me." He began to drag Kagome with him towards the woods.
"Wait, where are you taking me?" Kagome tried pulling her hand from his grasp. Not that she minded holding his hand it was oddly comforting. But honestly, she had just met the guy!
"It is dangerous here. I will allow the two of you to stay the night with my tribe. Tomorrow I will accompany you to find this monk." Between all the options he had, this girl promised the most excitement for the next few days.
"Thank you. That's very kind of you." Kagome answered Kouga in a cheerful voice that seemed to promise sunshine and daisies.
"It has nothing to do with kindness. I'm just bored with all the demon game obsessed over that village holding the jewel. There's nothing for me to do now. My land doesn't need protecting. I need some adventure. Looking at you, you promise nothing less." He smirked suggestively at the human who had mysteriously captivated him.
Kagome smiled at Sango as she walked on the other side of Kagome. "You know Sango? I think this will prove a great improvement to school!"
Sango smiled at her, from what she understood, this 'school' was not a very exciting place.
"School?" Kouga asked puzzled. "I notice you are both demon- exterminators. You do not intend to learn your exterminating amongst my people?" He demanded suddenly regretting his leniency with the humans and abruptly turning Kagome to face him.
"No Kouga! We would never hurt your people!" Kagome exclaimed with such passion that Kouga believed her.
"But, you are demon-exterminators."
"Actually, I am a demon-exterminator. Kagome is not. She is a guest of our village." Sango answered the suddenly anxious youkai prince.
"I see. Well in that case, it is a good thing I decided to help you on your quest." Kouga once again flashed his confident smile and set everyone's nerves at ease. Kouga's advisors Ginta and Hakkaku took an automatic like to these humans.
"Boss, don't you think it would be faster if we carried them? It is supposed to be cold tonight. The sooner we get to the caves, the better." Hakkaku spoke up.
"You are right. I'll take Kagome. Hakkaku, you take Sango and her neko." Kouga hoisted Kagome into his arms bridal style and smiled down upon her. "You're going to want to hold on to me." His warning was quickly acknowledged as his speedy retreat scared the living day-lights out of Kagome. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and he crushed her to his chest.
Hakkaku picked up Sango in a similar fashion, but it was no where near as intimate as Kouga's hold on the other human. He flashed Ginta a knowing smile. It would seem that their leader had finally found a woman that held his interest.