The Lady of the White Wolves
By: LadyWhitewolf
Hey people. Here's the revised chapter two.
And I noticed I forgot the disclaimer in the beginning of the last chapter. So I'll do a very good one for this chapter.
LadyWhitewolf does not own Inuyasha or any of the characters from that Anime. Those belong to their creator, who sadly I cannot spell the name of. ' my apologies. I do however, own the white wolves, and Amaya especially. Along with the plot of the story.
Now that I got that out of the way. I will mention that the story might seem to be going at a slower pace than before. I have decided sometime ago that being descriptive, and working with good complete settings and feelings in the story, help the readers come back for more. Since most of my chapters seem to be lacking in this category. Major updates are due.
But for now. It's on to chapter two. "The Lady of the White Wolves."
Jakken was sitting beside the flank of the dragon. Muttering about stupid human brats, and wondering where Sesshoumaru-sama was. The dragon turned one of its two heads and made a questioning noise. Jakken scowled at it, but did nothing more. A strong wind blew, and the sounds of wolf song rang in the distance. Sounds that were much closer than before. If his sense of hearing had been better, he would have heard Rin singing her song as She and Sesshoumaru approached camp.
It was only when Sesshoumaru broke from the tree line that he noticed them. Scrambling to his feet, taking his staff in hand.
"Sesshoumaru-sama! You have found Rin!" came his croaked exclamation.
Sesshoumaru merely glanced at Jakken and nodded. Rin continued to skip along beside Sesshoumaru, still singing her song with cheerful vigor.
"Let us Hale! The White Wolf lady!"
She stopped with a flourish. Spinning around with her arms spread wide. A large grin upon her face and her brown eyes shining merrily.
Sesshoumaru watched her for a moment, then turned his head in the direction they had come. A gentle breeze struck his face. Gently lifting his bangs, and bringing incoherent whispers to his ears. And a scent. His golden eyes widened a moment, and he took in a deep breath. A delicate smell of wolves and flowers. Most distinquisable was the flowers. A delicate, fresh smell, hinted with the chill of the north. It was the smell of that un-known lady. He was sure of it. her scent was retreating, drifting off towards the east. He turned his gaze to Jakken.
The toad jerked and bowed respectfully, "Sesshoumaru-sama?"
Sesshoumaru looked away, "get Ah-un. We are leaving now."
Jakken gaped a moment, then bowed again and ran off to retrieve ah-un. The dragon groaned and rose to its feet. Sesshoumaru didn't wait for them. he turned around and went back the way he and rin had come. Rin didn't seem to mind this back tracking. She hummed and walked along beside him unconcerned.
The wolf howls from their now turned backs grew louder. Sesshoumaru didn't so much as bat an eye. Wolf demons were of no interest to him. Well most wolf demons. That one, that lady with the white wolves, she interested him. And he intended to cure his curiousity.
The trees sang a sad song as the howls grew closer. From a distance up ahead howls rang in response. From the south and the north howls sung to the skies. Songs that spoke of death. Yet Sesshoumaru had yet to catch sight of any wolf demons. The wolves were all over. Rin had retreated to ah-un's back, watching the black and brown forms warily as they bounded through the forest.
Their noses were to the ground. following a smell that only they knew of. Lifting their noses to the wind and howling when they found what they searched for. Being answered by chorusing voices from all directions. Sesshoumaru didn't spare them any mind. He had the scent he was following in his mind. He knew what direction he was headed. Even though the scent on the wind grew steadily fainter.
Though he noticed he seemed to be following their path. They were always tagging along side him, following scents in the forest and blatantly disregarding him. A soft gasp from Rin made Sesshoumaru look back.
Her eyes were wide, as if she had just realized something, and a small hand was over her mouth. She looked up at him, and spoke excitedly.
"Amaya-sama's wolves don't like the black and brown ones. They killed them to protect Rin-chan."
She started to wring her own hands. Looking into the forest and watching the furry bodies move.
A hint of realization dawned on Sesshoumaru. It was not him that was being followed. But the wolves. Sesshoumaru was on the same trail as the wolves were, for he was looking for that white wolf. As it would seem these scraggly wolves were as well. he glanced in the direction of the wolves, and sniffed experimentally, testing his theory.
He nearly gagged. The stench of decay and death on the fur was almost as strong as the scent of dirt. These animals were dirty, filthy creatures, unkempt and meager animals. They smelled of ill health and rotting flesh. As he got a closer look at one, he saw vacant yellow green eyes that stared lifelessly forward. Only coming alive when they caught the scent of their prey. Sparkling with lucid hate, and dancing with internal glee. Their tongues hung from their jaws. Yellowish puss oozed from wounds, and some smelled of approaching death. These were disgusting, putrid animals. Whose demonic scent was nothing more than a faint glittering of hell upon their fur. Who ever the wolf leader that they looked to was, it was a leader of poor mind and a hateful spirit. He hoped never to catch sight of the demons that they looked to, fearing that they might make him be indiscreet and vomit.
He quickly turned his nose away. Turning it into the wind. The same scent, along with the scent of the white lady, hit his nose. He sneezed violently and fought off the bile that threatened to rise.
"Sesshoumaru-sama?" Jakken croaked quizzically.
Sesshoumaru glanced back at him. Seeing the toad looked a bit pale, and sicker than himself with the smell. Feeling a bit better, he looked forward again. He had to keep going. The smell of the white lady was closer. And it was only her he was seeking out. No other.
Amaya didn't bother rushing after leaving the clearing. Rin was safe. That was what mattered after all. Her guardian having retrieved her, and the wolf howls getting closer.
What was the point in running. They would only catch up to her. it was Amaya's first foolish mistake. The group of wolves she had smelt had been a decoy. There had been many more moving into place down wind. And she had only smelt them a few hours ago. It was her own fault and now she must confront them. she wasn't all that worried. She knew she could handle them. the wolves that chased her were sickly, dying creatures. Weak, and near powerless. It was their numbers that made white wolves shudder. Hundreds of them. attacking all at once, not stopping as wave after wave fell before a white wolf's exalted feet.
It was her companions that might not make it. Amaya glance back at Kata, frowning slightly. The girl was probably her best servant. One reason she had allowed the girl to flee when she had. The girl had persisted, insisting that Amaya needed to have at least one servant to tend to petty tasks. though Amaya cringed at the dependency her kind showed, she grudgingly allowed Kata to follow. Kata had been more than a servant. She had been Amaya's friend. Something that Amaya lacked off. Kata, though knowledgeable to her duties as a servant, was always willing to speak her mind about something that she knew bothered Amaya. How she would know Amaya could never fathom, believing it was only because she had spent her life living with demons. She didn't want to lose Kata, no matter what others might think. She might not show any emotion. She might not let anyone see what was her weaknesses. But they knew, and she knew, that she would protect them.
Amaya's gaze turned to the five. Kata's earlier description of the five was more than accurate. They were like her body guards. They would defend her to their dying breaths. They insisted on striking even the strongest of foes, and they fought savagely to the end. Her five were devoted to her. she had come to care for them. each one held a special place to her. Geki as a bit of light relief on boring days in the castle, or even during a meeting with her mother. Which was always a spirit lifter. Buke with his curious nature, constantly demanding Amaya's attention through trifle mischievous acts. Kyoukan could share her serious warrior spirit. Her thirst for battle, and will to live. Aisu was vain, and would sit with Amaya for hours as Amaya combed through her long silken hair and soft tail. She was affectionate and sweet. Uncaring of what punishments were dealt. She knew what she had done and she took it in stride. Amaya's gaze went down to the wolf beside her. Kage. Her favorite, she was sad to admit. She shouldn't play favorites. But Kage was her favorite. He was proud and noble. He defended Amaya not out of purpose, but out of caring. Coming over to her after each battle and sniffing her over. Touching a wound with a gentle tongue, and nuzzling her with a whine of worry. Kage could also be considered her friend.
How was she to protect them from the, what had to be, countless hordes of demons just waiting for them. it seemed futile. A petty thought that she could even try to save Kata and the five. Amaya wouldn't go down with out a fight. She would at least try to fend them off. At least try to get the five and Kata to safety. Even if it killed her in the end.
The sound of pattering feet reached her ears. Many pattering feet, And loud piercing howls. Calling from all directions. A soft whimper, and Amaya glanced to the side. Kata was glancing around. Her wide, gentle brown eyes worried and fearful. Amaya could do nothing for her. fear was something Kata was used to. The five were plodding along beside her. but Amaya could sense how tense and ready they were. Their heads turning from side to side. Buke was even snarling at the trees.
They could go no further. Amaya knew it. the smell of decay was coming from in front of them. it was behind them. to the sides as well. It was swamping over them in a sickly flood. Any normal demon would feel sick just by a hint of the smell.
Amaya was used to it. as were the five. The smell was nothing new to them. they had been fighting the same tribe of wolf demons for years. The smell never changed. Neither did their attackers. They listened to only one lord. They thought with only one thought in mind. Lord Kitaro, of the northern wolf demon tribe, was a dark hearted, black souled demon. He didn't care for his followers, he only cared for power. He wanted to rule over everything. Yet there was one great thing in his way.
The white wolves of the north would not bow to him. It was Amaya's great grandmother who told him off. Swore that they would defend themselves and would never see Kitaro as lord of the northern forests. Kitaro had been shamed, savagely, in front of his people. He had never forgiven the white wolves, and chose to get rid of them.
So now Amaya had to fight to keep her kind alive. Her mother didn't have the will, not any more at least. She had fought to long and to hard. Amaya had the will, she had the strength, and she had the power. She hadn't backed down yet.
So this time was not unlike any of the others. She would fight, and she would do so with the will of her kind.
Kata glanced at Amaya. Watching the white she demon. Amaya's eyes were determined. Her ears forward. Tail settled behind her. the five came up to stand before Amaya. Kage at front. Aisu and Geki at the side, with Buke and Kyoukan standing behind Amaya. Facing her back. She could hear the wolves running in the forest. she could imagine smelling the scent Amaya did. Yet she was filled with fear. Amaya was confident. So very confident. Still Kata was worried.
A branch breaking made Kata jump. She spun around and looked behind her.
"easy Kata." Amaya's voice soothed. It was cool and even. Indifferent to Kata's fear.
Kata gulped, her hands shook as she grabbed hold of the strap to her satchel. Then a flood of wolves broke from the forest. their yellow green eyes blazing in triumph. Kata glanced at Amaya. She hadn't moved. Her ears, though, were turning around to listen to the wolves. The wolves weren't the ones to worry about, the demons commanding them were. Kata stepped closer to Amaya. The five were bristled, eyes fixed on the wolves, teeth bared in a silent snarl. They wouldn't attack till Amaya gave them the go ahead.
Amaya moved, Her hand slipping into her sleeve. Extracting a slender fan, Amaya's battle fan. The she demon could use a sword and a bow if she chose to do so, but she was to proud to use such weapon. The fan sat long and black in her hand, a dark contrast against Amaya's ivory white skin. Three sharp slash marks ran over her wrist. Amaya slowly lifted her hand. Smooth and graceful, the hand flicked up. Then shifted, and spread the fan before Amaya's face. Letting it cover her beauty, so that only her icy glaring gaze looked upon the wolves.
The wolves stepped back. Some dipped their heads, though still snarling, to cowardice to attack. While others barked, snarled, and growled. Leaping to strike Amaya.
"hai."
A single word. Also a single order.
The five had been snarling. Glancing at Amaya. Silently begging them to be let free. Upon the first wave of wolves leaping at them. Amaya smirked behind her fan, it shifted, and her eyes smiled. That one word, said so coldly with a tint of ill humor.
The five responded instantly upon the final breath. They sprung from their ready positions into the attacking wolves. Bowling them over. Going for throat, stomach and legs. The fighting was brutal, though the five fought with out stop. Taking on attacker upon attacker.
Kage fell back first. Skidding side ways, one of his forepaws lifted above the ground. blood was coursing down his side, and he was tiring. He panted heavily and snarled in annoyance. The others fell back one by one after him. Keeping their position in front of Amaya, but no longer with the energy to fight. a new wave of wolves sprung before them.
Blades of blue flew through the air. Cutting the wolves in two. Lacerating the scrawny forms in blast after blast. the five and kata glanced at Amaya. Her arm was slightly outstretched, her hand pointed downward, the fan slightly closed. It had been a single attack, a wave of blue blades. Amaya glanced around, flicking her fan closed completely, then lowered her arm. No more wolves were present. But the demons were approaching, and when they got here. She would be ready.
Kata gulped in nervousness, upon seeing the fire in Amaya's eyes. This was going to be one hell of a battle. She knew that much at least.
The scent of the white lady overwhelmed Sesshoumaru's nose. Like a field full of flowers, the scent was fresh fragrant and strong. Yet it wasn't a bad scent, quite likable, and he took a deep breath to catch more of it. not that he needed to take a deep breath.
Only the smell of the other wolves was starting to overpower the blooming scent of the white lady. The clearing where he stood, she had once stood, but now she was gone. He could almost see the wolves chasing after her group, with the lady fighting at the front. Still something seemed amiss.
A new gust of wind played at his nose. As his eyes trailed over to rin, who was playing with a peculiar looking flower upon the ground. he froze, staring at that strange plant. He watched Rin trail a finger down one curving white petal, then an other curving white petal. It was a lily of some sort, he was sure. Four petals curving downward smoothly, while four more curved upwards. Their delicate white tips just touching, then curving under to end in a spiraling tail. The downward curving petals had these spiraling tips as well. at the place where the stem connected to the flower, three small and dainty petals lay covering the bottom.
The thing about this amazing white flower, was that it had one odd long petal. The petal was long and slender, arching a bit and curving outwards then down. It's sharp tip just touching the stem.
Yet what startled him was that the scent of the white lady was strongest upon the flower. The flower was part of her scent. And as he watched, he noticed a soft glow coming from the white petals. Softly shining upon all who looked upon it. it knew it was beautiful, and found it's own way to express it.
An other breeze hit his nose. And he sneezed. Blood. blood and the scent of wolves. The smell of this blood made his own turn cold. It chilled him and made his soul scream in grief. the blood of the white lady. The scent was close, but what amazed him was the reaction it had on him. It hurt him to smell this scent, not physically but emotionally. A soft cry reached his ears.
He glanced towards Rin. She had pulled back from the flower. There, blaring a bright red against the glowing white, was a dribbling streak of blood. he frowned and glanced towards Rin, to see if she had cut herself. But she was holding her hands to her face, her eyes wide with horror and sorrow. He glanced back to the flower. And watched as a lone drop of the red liquid slowly dripped down. Slithering down the spiral petal, to form a drop at the tip. It hung there, and he watched it.
Suddenly it all made sense. That lady was connected to something. This flower perhaps, as being part of the land she controlled over. This flower, was showing that something bad had happened to the lady. It was becoming impure, imperfect. Tarnished. Only the flower wasn't the only one affected. He, and possibly every demon in the area, was affected by the striking of the white lady. Weather for good or evil he wasn't sure. it was like something, divine or no, was outraged by the attack on that lady. So had decreed that all must feel that sorrow, that rage, that anger at such a senselessness.
Without a word to his companions. He turned and followed the scent of the blood. his eyes locked on the path before him. His two swords clinked softly as he moved. Though he admitted to Toukijin's sounding a bit menacing. Tensaiga was humming softly, a sad song that made him frown deeply.
Something wasn't right, tensaiga was distressed. He heard the sound of his companions following, he turned his head to glance over his shoulder.
"stay here" he ordered coolly
He then faced forward again and headed off in the direction of the scent
The howls ripped at her ears, making her head ring in discomfort. She stood perched upon a rocky spire, only about a hundred yards from where her first confrontation with the wolves had been. That confrontation had been only a short while ago, a half hour to an hour at most. In that time a swarm of wolves had come, then demons. Thousands of demons, just as she had expected.
As her brilliant blue eyes looked out upon the wolves and demons that had trapped her upon this spire, she couldn't help but think. Why so many? Why so many for one young, brave hearted princess? She could find no reason for such an assault. Even pure, undiluted malice wouldn't urge Kitaro to send out this many of his troops. There must be something, some reason, to why he sent so many.
Behind her Kage was snarling, she could hear the others of the five growling low in their throats. Kata was cowering just a foot or two behind her, the five circled around her. Kage was closest to Amaya, of course, his cold eyes looking straight at their enemies. The others were rump to Kata, muzzles to the battle at hand. Though their eyes were on Amaya, unlike Kage.
Amaya glanced back at Kage, and looked at him. Really looked at him. Was he feeling her rage? She wondered. Why was his stance different from the others? He seemed far more focused on something besides his role. What? Was her question. His great head lifted and stared at her for a moment. She looked into his deep dark eyes and for a moment both understood. He would protect her. that was his single minded thought. He cared not if Kata died. He was enraged that these meager wolves dare try to harm his mistress, who had harmed no one. Who had done nothing. She frowned, and her eyes softened a slight. How close can an animals friendship get? She never knew a wolf to be single mindedly devoted to the protection of its master.
Her heart bled with inner pain. For she knew that nothing that she said would call Kage off this day. Her head turned to look at the army before her. she saw the weapons raise. Her muscles tensed, and as the weapons left the hands she sprang into the air and dodged the first volley. She landed in the mist of wolves, a great white form surging along side her. as she killed the wolves that sprang at her, Kage flew along beside her. despite the others of the five standing strong upon the rocks which she had stood. Staying with Kata was their job, she had told them to do so. Yet here was Kage, disobeying and protecting her instead.
A pike-man charged her. she pulled out her battle fan and sent a long blade of blue flying at him. As his body fell in two clean halves, other demons surged upon her. she dodged a volley of arrows. Only to feel the sharp pain of a sword digging into her side. Kata's cry reached her ears, calling for her in worry. She recoiled and dug her claws into his arm, watching as he turned an odd shade of blue as he froze. She pulled away and stumbled to the side. Only just recovering to dodge a few arrows. The sword feel as she leaped away. She placed a hand over the wound, in an attempt to cover it, gathering the material of her kimono in her hand to help stop the bleeding. Her fan open she started to let the blades fly. An arrow came sailing to lodge in her shoulder. She cried out and backed off. Her ears pinning against her head. Her former confidence failing her.
She was only a child. She hadn't done anything. Her eyes focused, through the searing pain through her side, on the form of a swordsman coming at her. she snarled and leaped forward. Her hand slipping away, the warm liquid of her blood dripping from her hand, and she switched hands for the attack. Her fan started to glow blue and she dodged the blade and brought it down upon the head of the attacker. The glowing fan sliced through the demon's head. She snapped shut the fan, felt an other arrow hit her in the side and she surged forward. Running, she was running away. She didn't want to admit it, she never had. But she was. She was only a child.
More attackers came at her, and the massive form of Kage surged from nowhere and barreled them over. Her eyes fell upon his body. Blood poured from his side. There was a smooth laceration upon his head that ran down his neck and over his shoulder. She took in a deep gasping breath, and her eyes filled with tears. The battle was gone, all she saw was kage, who stood so proudly before her. standing upon the dead bodies of demons. She shook her head and reached for him, her other hand coming to rest on her wounded side.
She took one step forward. Felt the narrow miss of a sword against her arm. Three arrows hit her, two in the shoulder and one in the thigh, but she barely felt it. she felt her body slipping to the ground, watching as Kage roared in his own way and surged at her attackers. She felt the warm spray of blood upon her side, she turned her head to look at Kage. His eyes were on her, and she nearly cried. The look in his eyes was pleading. Telling her to run. Run away mistress, run, put down your pride and run. Please, if not for yourself, do it for those that care for you.
She nodded to him, and took a deep breath. Stumbling to her feet and making a break for the forest. slicing any that crossed her path in two. A large demon slammed into her side, sending her flying to the side. She kept her balance, feeling her arm shatter from the impact, she let it hang. The blood flooded from the deep wound in her side. She kept running, her eyes focused on the forest before her, ignoring the battle. Faintly she heard the others of the five joining the battle, and Kata's cry for her to stop. She would not, no, she would keep running. For Kage, and her most loyal of friends and protectors, she would keep on running.
Sesshoumaru heard the sounds of battle less than 900 yards in front of him. The scent of decay and death was strong. The smell of blood swamped over him on a strong wind that came twisting towards him. Lifting his hair, and brushing against his face. The wind was cool, holding a frosty tinge to it. a single drop of liquid dropped upon his face. A rain drop? He glanced towards the sky and an other drop hit his nose.
He frowned and glanced into the wind. The raindrops joining and running down his cheek., freezing in the oddly cool wind. Then the drop shattered, as more rain started to fall. He stopped and touched his cheek. his skin was warm, except where the drop had frozen. There, a slight hint of cold hit him and he frowned.
It was to early in the year for that kind of cold air. Perhaps the lady was fighting? She seemed to be one of the north. There just seemed to be a natural chill about her. he took a deep breath and continued on forward.
He only traveled about 100 yards, when he caught sight of another one of those strange lilies. He kept on walking but his eyes were focused on the lily. This one was almost bathed in red. Dripping the blood like liquid from all but the long tail like petal. He wrinkled his nose and quickened his pace.
300 yards more and he heard something running towards him. The scent of blood, lily and wolves assailed him. It took hold of him and pulled him in. the scent of the white lady swamped him. Along with fear, pain, and sadness. Directly behind the scent of the white lady was the scent of the other wolf demons. The decay, death and sickliness that surged in a lessened force. There wasn't as many of them as there had been before. No, the number was greatly reduced.
His eyes were focused on the path that was before him. When to the side of him, a white form surged from the trees. The scent he was following flooded over him, making him reach out and catch the white form. A flood of warm liquid pooled over his hand. he only had a moment to notice the sticky warm feel of blood before the figure he had caught recoiled with a snarl, stepping several paces back. His golden eyes focused on the figure.
It was, as he thought, the white lady. She looked so much different. Her eyes were wide with fear, defiance, and pain. Blood was pouring from a deep wound in her side. She had several arrows in her and one of her arms hung at her side, useless. Her ears were flat against her head, tail lashing behind her. the beautiful kimono she wore was soaked in crimson blood. her breathing was coming in quick, panicked sips.
And the smell of death was surging behind her.
He leaped forward, grabbing her arm as she gave a startled cry, and pulled her towards him. Almost throwing her behind him. His hand grabbed toukijin's hilt and he drew the sword quickly. The scent came rolling at them full force, and he shifted into a ready stance. Faintly, he heard the sound of the lady slipping to the ground. slowly sinking to the grass, to tired to go on. He attention was mainly focused on the sound of the army of wolves approaching them. before they broke from the forests, Sesshoumaru lifted toukijin, holding it horizontally in front of him. With one word spoken from his mouth, toukijin roared to life and let loose it's strongest attack.
The blast not only killed the attackers in one strike, but ripped up the earth, tore down trees and obliterated everything else, if not that just thrown clear. Once the blast subsided, Sesshoumaru lowered Toukijin, replacing it in his sash, and stared a moment at the destruction before him in a satisfied manner. Then he turned around
The white lady wasn't so white any more. Bathed in her own blood in a heap upon the ground. his brow furrowed and he knelt down. She pulled away from him, though her eyes were shut. Her right arm was pressing against her bleeding side. Her left still hung uselessly. Head slightly bowed, hair all disheveled and messed. There was at least six or seven arrows in her. he frowned deeply, just as she turned her head to look at him. Her eyes were in pain but the fear was gone, now replaced by a brazen defiance. He snorted and reached for her right arm.
She pulled away from him, only to cringe and bite her lower lip, her blue eyes becoming watery with tears. His golden gaze softened a little and he sighed.
"hold still"
He reached for one of the long ribbons of the obi, ripping it off quickly before she could protest. Then he reached out and took a cleaner ribbon and ripped that one off as well. bunching up the cloth he pressed it tightly against her side, then wrapped the other ribbon around her, tying it firmly on her left side. Applying pressure to the deep wound. She glared at him balefully, her eyes reproachful. Long tail lashed the ground angrily and she opened her mouth to speak. Sesshoumaru sent her a quelling look, and her mouth snapped shut.
She felt him play with the end of one of the arrows in her shoulder, and was about to tell him not to do that, when he ripped it from her skin quickly. She gave a startled cry and jerked forward. Her eyes clamping shut, her body shaking with pain. She cried out again when he ripped the other arrow from her, tossing them aside with a snort. Tears pooled In her eyes, and she so wanted to make him pay for that. So badly she wanted the five, Kage especially, here to defend her. He had been helping her, why she didn't know, but now he was making her suffer more. He pulled several more arrows out, with less force, and dropped them in a pile upon the grass. Before coming to kneel in front of her.
She lifted her head, blue eyes glaring at him in rage. His golden gaze was cool, bland and unfeeling, she bristled. The snarl she wished to voice came out a choked gurgling sound. Sesshoumaru lifted a brow. He sniffed at her, then seemed to ponder something for a moment.
This gave Amaya the time to think. Why was he here anyways? She gave him back the child didn't she? Rin wasn't even harmed. Like she would harm a child. She had given him no reason to follow her. as she glanced around her she noted that none of Sesshoumaru's companions were present. he had come on his own? That was strange as well?
"you will take quite some time to heal…"
His voice startled her. it was cool, yet had a strange tone to it. as if he was uncomfortable with what he was about to do. She looked at him untrustingly, but remained silent. A cool wind blew, and chilled her. she shivered a bit and looked to the ground. if one thing ate at her more than his treatment of her, it was him seeing her weak. He didn't know how she really was. He didn't even know her at all. She didn't want to give him the impression that she was a weak and frail she demon.
Coarse fabric fell around her shoulders, and she nearly started in surprise. Her head turning to appraise Sesshoumaru accusingly. He was looking as nonchalant as possible, though was missing his outer hoari. Glancing around them and paying her little mind. This confused her, very much so, and she didn't understand any more. Everything was becoming to confusing. She just wanted to know what the hell he wanted.
"I came searching for you because I was curious. If your wondering….."
He said, as if reading her thoughts. She didn't meet his gaze. He reached out to touch her arm, and she recoiled with a strangled hiss and he pulled away.
"I am willing to bring you with me, back to the camp where my companions reside, but only if you behave better than you are now."
His tone was slightly cross, and she pinned her ears against her head submissively. She as in no state to mess with him. He was in prime condition, while she was battered and bruised. It would be a losing battle and she had no want to die yet. it was also in shame. For she was behaving rather appallingly. Of course she had reason. Just as an injured animal will lash out with pain so will an injured demon. Still that gave her no reason to slacken her manners. She was giving him a very rude thank you for saving her as well, and he was offering her a place to stay for the night, as she healed some. Though, she did not wish to be beholden to some one, anyone, for anything.
"I do not wish to impose upon you, or anyone. Nor do I wish to be in debt to some one."
Her voice was soft, and slightly hoarse. She winced at the roughness of it. she saw Sesshoumaru reach for her arm, insisting despite her words. She pulled her arm away.
"can't you just leave me alone……."
She heard him snort in amusement.
"like your in any shape to be left alone."
She didn't look at him when he said that. Nor did she look at him now. A finger rested under her chin. Bringing her face around and up, to look into Sesshoumaru's gaze. He stared at her a long time before he muttered coolly.
"your only a child……an adolescent if you will…….what are you doing fighting wars? Facing armies on your own, with no one to protect you."
She diverted her gaze and remained silent. She didn't wish to go into that. The finger left her chin, and his hand grasped her arm. Slowly lifting her up, and helping her to stand. She continued to glance at the ground, but when he moved, she stumbled and almost fell. Crying out softly in pain when she moved to regain balance, she buckled over and sunk back down to the ground.
Sesshoumaru was about to help her up again when a relieved cry reached their ears.
"Amaya-sama!"
He turned his head to see the human servant of the lady beside him. Beside her ran four wolves, the fifth wolf he had seen before was no where to be seen. the girl gave him a wide berth, and came to kneel beside the lady, Amaya. He saw Amaya turn her head, looking at the servant out of the corner of her eye, then face forward again. Kata gave a relieved laugh and bowed slightly. Before reaching out towards Amaya's shoulder.
Sesshoumaru was very startled when a white glow danced over the girl's palm, and could only watch as the girl placed the hand down upon Amaya's shoulder. The white glow turned into white glitter and fell into Amaya's wounds. And he watched them seal quickly. They stayed there for several minuets, until the girl finally removed her hand from Amaya's shoulder.
"I am sorry Amaya-sama, " Sesshoumaru noticed that the girl was giving him very wary glances, as she spoke to Amaya, "but I cannot heal you completely. The wound in your side is almost healed completely, and I was able to manage a few wounds from the arrows. But nothing more"
"you did well kata, but have you seen kage?"
Did they not notice he was here? Sesshoumaru questioned himself as the two conversed. They seemed oblivious to him. Not really ignoring him, but not filling him in either. So he took a moment to observe the pair closer.
The girl was slender built, long black hair was bound at her shoulders, her kimono was grey and dull. The human wouldn't stand out much in a crowd, that as for sure, but perhaps that was the reason she was dressed so. Her eyes were large and worried, constantly showing some hint of fear as she spoke to the demon before her.
She was a sharp contrast to the demon before her.
Amaya, who was the white lady, was relaxed and calm, much to his surprise. He took note that one of her ears was flicked towards him, listening intently to his every move, the other as on the human, Kata. Her pale skin was regaining some color, her long hair glittered as it fell to the side as she turned her head a bit. Her long tail dragged across the ground, and she lifted a hand to gently caress the heads of each of the wolves.
He saw the human bow her head and not look at Amaya for a moment.
"I am sorry, but………I do not know where he his Milady"
Amaya's ears lay back and her head bowed towards the ground. for merely a moment, he could sense the smell of tears. The smell quickly disappeared, though the pain remained.
The scent of death reached his nose and he glanced towards the north and sneezed a bit. Quickly he reached down and grabbed Amaya's arm and lifted her to her feet.
"come, there are more wolves coming."
Her ears remained laid back, but there was no expression on her face. All emotions slipped behind a shield and were locked away from him. It was to late to hide her emotions, he had seen her vulnerable and afraid. She had shown emotions unintentionally, for death did that to a demon, but she still showed emotion. Though it was un-nerving, for her shielding was so perfectly placed that she reminded him of himself.
There was more time to dwell on that later.
He glanced at Amaya, who didn't even spare him a glance, then headed off towards his camp. The sound of her movements wavering behind him unsteadily made him slow for a moment. The girl Kata was aiding Amaya as she attempted to move, the wolves at her side. He could hear the animals whimpering amongst each other, as if wondering what to do. With a wince, he continued on.
It was going to be a long, long night for him. Part of him wondering why he had offered safe haven for this lady of mystery Amaya and her companions. He glanced over his shoulder as they stepped into the trees, and saw Amaya walking unaided, for the most part. She wasn't looking at him, though nor was she not paying attention to him. His eyes trailed over her alabaster skin, her soft blue markings upon her cheeks, and settled on ice blue eyes. There his gaze remained for a while, until her gaze shifted and locked on his. They stared at each other a moment, before Amaya casually turned her head away. Yet he continued to stare, seeing a disapproving look come from the servant, and the wolves started to growl at him. He ignored them and turned to look in front of him, so that he may keep at least his gaze upon the path.
Casually, he had found the reason why he had allowed it. she was interesting, and curious. Nothing he had ever seen before. He wanted answers, to questions he wasn't quite sure what were yet.
A howl in the distance made his followers pause a moment. He snarled under his breath in annoyance, glancing over his shoulder to tell them to hurry up. They were right behind him, Amaya's attention on the howl in the distance, the other's listening intently. It was as if the howl meant something. Then as the sound died off, they turned and followed him again. It seemed only Kata and himself were clueless on the meaning of the howl.
Not that it mattered, wolf talk was of not importance to him.
It was a long and rather slow trip back to camp, he was annoyed to admit. Lady Amaya need to rest often, lest she become faint, and she was stubborn about it. even when the color was draining from her face, she was stubborn about it. the constant insistence that she could go on was brave, if not a bit stupid. Yet her servant didn't seem as startled at her reckless behavior. The girl didn't even show a hint of exasperation. No, instead she would pled and beg of Amaya to listen to reason. Even now, he could hear the girl pleading with the she wolf and begging her to take a rest. Then another howl reached their ears, closer than before. Sesshoumaru frowned, making to turn and ask what was going on when he heard Amaya gasp softly. He turned, seeing Amaya facing the forest behind them. her ears were erect and forward, a hand was pressed against her chest. Beside her Kata looked around for the source of the howl. The other wolves let their voices rise to this howl, calling back to it. then to his astonishment Amaya's tail started to give the slightest hint of a wag. A languid wafting from side to side. The wolves around here were also showing signs of delight, their tails waving rapidly. He took a step forward, towards Amaya. Just as he heard her soft, tired voice speak.
"Kage…" she whispered to the wind.
As if responding to her near silent whisper, another powerful howl rose to the heavens. The sound was solid, like a peal of thunder on a stormy night. With it came the other voices of the wolves that were around Amaya. A soft squeal of delight came from Kata's lips and she bounced upon her feet with a joyful gleam in her eyes.
Sesshoumaru was confused, though he would never give anyone the pleasure of seeing that. Who was this Kage? He heard Kata speak of him before, but it hadn't meant much to him at that time. Now, seeing the almost adoring looks in the faces of the other wolves, along with the joy in Kata's eyes and the pure shock in the face of Amaya, that name meant something. Was this Kage some one important? A guard? Friend? or, as he looked at Amaya, it could even be a mate. Though, he corrected himself, she held only the scent of herself. She was pure. So at least he didn't have to deal with a hot headed male hovering around until the lady was healed. For this, he was unusually thankful. Relieved even. Though why should he be? She was nothing to him really.
The answer came in the sound of branches breaking, the rapid patter of feet running upon the ground. it sounded like paws to his ears, yet nothing he knew of could be that large without being demon. He glanced towards Amaya, seeing her eyes fixed on the tree line several dozen feet to the right. he too switched his gaze to the trees, listening to the approach of what sounded like an animal of massive scale. His hand lifted to rest lightly upon toukijin's hilt.
As he expected, a massive white form surged from the forest. the largest wolf of the pack stood in his glory just outside of the trees. His tail and fur rippling as it caught up with his body, glittering eyes gazed around at each being present. the wolf straightened his stance, one shoulder bleeding heavily, a laceration ran down across his back and over his hip, even so he stood proudly a full three feet at the shoulders. His great head lifted and Sesshoumaru had the un-nerving experience of looking face to face with the wolf. It wasn't that the wolf was frightening, it was that he was challenging him. Sesshoumaru knew that one wrong move would bring that wolf down upon him, death or no. then the wolf, this Kage, turned his gaze towards Amaya. His tail lifted and wagged slowly. He shifted his gaze, watching as Amaya took a step towards the wolf. Then she took another, this time wavering slightly. A flash of white out of the corner of his eye made him look quickly, watching as the great wolf surged forward and came to plant his body firmly against her legs. Stabilizing her until she righted herself. Even then, she sunk to her knees, staring at the white wolf that stood before her.
Kage turned his head slightly to the side, wagging his tail joyfully. Then gently touched his nose to her shoulder. He watched the faintest hint of a smile touch Amaya's face. A slender hand came up to gently rub one of the wolf's ears. Kage, who looked more than ready to take on an army, turned into an eager to please puppy. As Kata came to wrap her arms lightly around Kage's neck in a loose hug, he hunkered down and whined softly. He didn't roll over, as it seemed he wished to do, but stayed belly to the ground. Sesshoumaru let them have a few moments, as the other wolves came to surround them (all belly to the ground and whining pitifully to Kage, who licked each nose in turn), before clearing his throat. Amaya lifted her head and looked at him, staring at him a moment before letting her eyes slip shut and rising slowly. The ease which she moved seemed new to her, as if Kage's presence was relaxing and had taken some weight off her. with her rose Kata, and the other wolves turned to face towards him. Kage looked at them all with a slight befuddled look on his face, then fell into line beside Amaya, as she resumed her former position. He watched Amaya regard him passively, a tired gleam to her eyes, before nodding once and heading towards camp.
