I do not own Inu Yasha. I own nothing of any value to anyone but me. Don't think that won't stop me from fighting to the death for my Sesshoumaru wall scroll and my James Dean movies.
Kouga walked purposefully towards the Elders' Cave in the Den. He stopped just outside of the cave opening and took a moment to gather his thoughts before entering. Seven of the tribes oldest members sat on rocks arranged in a circle. An eighth rock sat vacant, waiting for Kouga.
All eyes were on him as he made himself comfortable on the worn rock. A middle aged wolf hovered nearby, the only one allowed in the cave besides the Elders and the Alpha. Kouga waved him away when the wolf bent to offer him a tankard of wine. He wanted a clear head, not a loose tongue.
While he was Alpha, his reign would be short-lived if he didn't keep the approval of the Council of Elders. They were the wisest of the wolves and could plant the seed of revolt in the hearts of the pack. He was about to do verbal battle with them over a human female and wanted to avoid saying anything that could be used against him later.
Knowing the wolves expected him (based on previous meetings) to simply burst out with what he wanted, Kouga decided to keep them on their toes. Hopefully by showing some restraint, he would gain points and allies, something he desperately needed to introduce a human for an Alpha female. "Greetings Grey Wolves, Elders of the Council, Grandfather's and Grandmother's of the Pack; I seek your wisdom and your aide." Kouga bowed his head slightly to the wolves.
Eyebrows went up around the circle. This was indeed unexpected. A small grey female was the first to recover her wits and her voice. "Greetings to you Kouga, Leader and Brother of the Pack. Our wisdom is yours."
"And your aide?" Kouga's ice blue eyes caught and held her cinnamon ones.
"Remains to be seen. We didn't earn these places promising things without knowing what they are." She chuckled softly.
"On what matter do you wish our wisdom and aide, young wolf?" a male with salt and pepper hair and tail looked curiously at Kouga. He had little doubt as to what this meeting pertained to, but the young leader's formal manner was as curious as it was delightful.
"I have thought upon much that will impact our Pack lately. I am aware of your desire to see a mate at my side and in this den. I have been looking for a mate who…"
"Oh for Shard's Sake boy! We all know why you're here! Yes all this talk is pretty but it isn't you, so deal plainly and practice manners elsewhere. I'm an old wolf and want to be going about my business, not sitting on my tail while you try to impress us with fancy speeches." The wolf demon whirled on the middle aged wolf. "You there! I can see the bottom of my glass. More wine!"
The female who originally spoke sighed the sigh of the long suffering and reached out, firmly boxing his ears. "What business could you have that is worth tending to, I wonder?" She glared at the wolf that interrupted Kouga. "Forgive my brother Yoshu, Kouga. While the Gods saw fit to give us both wisdom, they gifted only one of us with sense. Please though, do get on with your request. Remember we are older wolves and these rocks aren't as comfortable as some."
Kouga nodded. Already he had achieved something. The wolves were taken aback by his more "civilized" approach and would take him a little more seriously now. "As you wish Grandmother Wolf" though he agreed with Yoshu and his sister Rinoka, he didn't want it to seem as though he was letting them dictate the terms of this meeting.
Kouga looked around the circle, meeting each of the Elder's eyes as he spoke. "You are all aware of my desire for a human mate named Kagome. I would like your wisdom on how to educate her in the ways of Ookami and your aide in helping to get her established here."
A gray female narrowed here eyes at her Leader. "Why should we offer aide to our destruction?"
"It is not destruction she can offer us Shoko. Kagome is human but her worth is many times that of a demon female. She is a Priestess who can help purify our enemies, she can see Shikon shards, and she is proficient in the use of the Bow. Kagome seems to come from an advanced village and has medicines which are not common here." Kouga's ice blue eyes bore into the Elder's, willing her to understand.
"Seems to? You are not certain?" the salt and pepper furred wolf sipped delicately from his wine tankard. "Medicines and knowledge from afar would be most beneficial…if it were true."
"Are you putting a liar's name to me?" Kouga had promised himself he was going to control his temper but the insult to Kagome and himself was angering him.
"Masaru did not mean any insult my dear." A white haired female reached out and patted Kouga's thigh. 'Pretty high up!' Kouga thought, letting out a soft growl.
"Easy Isaki! I bet his precious human hasn't even touched him there yet." Yoshu chuckled.
"If she hasn't, then he isn't the wolf I thought him to be!" Isaki squeezed Kouga's thigh. "If you need assistance in the proper way to woe a female, I would be happy to…be of service to my Alpha." Kouga froze completely under her hand as his mouth dropped open in shock and horror.
"Do us all a service and never say that again!" Yoshu shook the metal images away vehemently. "You aren't as young as you used to be Isaki, and I won't have you putting me off my wine with your comments!"
"Something to put Yoshu off of his wine? I was unaware the sky had fallen." Masaru calmly intoned. "But we all digress. I believe we were discussing the introduction of a human alpha female into our tribe."
"I for one am against hearing anymore of this nonsense. You do not need to waste your time or ours." Shoko tossed her hair over her shoulder. "A human for Shard's Sake! It doesn't even bare discussing!"
"I would like to meet the girl. I never got to see her when she was here last." A white haired male with a beard as long as his hair spoke softly.
"Ketsuki, I didn't know you were awake! Have some wine!" Yoshu handed a tankard to the demon on his left. "You should've seen her! She was glorious! Long raven hair, lush curves and legs that went on forever! She may come from an 'Advanced' village, but they don't dress like it. I tell you, she bent over once and I almost saw..."
Another box on his ear effectively silenced Yoshu. Rinoka glared at him and jerked her head none too subtly at Kouga who seemed to come out of his shock to glare at Yoshu and growl quite audibly.
"All I'm trying to say is that I certainly don't blame you my boy. I might have to go looking around for a human myself!"
"As if one would have you!" Isaki glared at him. "They may be stupid creatures but they have more intelligence than that!"
"Yes. I would like very much to meet her." Ketsuki said dreamily, as if he didn't hear the exchange. "A human from an advanced village would be sure to have all manner of wonderful stories to tell."
"Stories!" snorted Shoko. "What will stories benefit our tribe, hmm? What human could possess anything of benefit to us? Are we weak wolves, to seek the aide of a Human? Is this what our mighty tribe to be lowered to? Overrun with Hanyou brats?"
"Your prejudice lends little favor to your standing in this Circle. Times change, are changing. Would you have us be left behind?" a soft voice, rusty with disuse, filled the cave. Its owner looked at Shoko curiously.
"What do you mean we will be left behind?" Shoko leaned forward, glaring at the wolf that was more often than not alone, of his own choosing.
"InuTashio had a hanyou son. It is he who now guards the Miko in question, he who leads a group against Naraku. Inu Yasha has been more successful than any other against the Dark Hanyou. He was able to hold his own against our Prince and he grows stronger." Reikodoku paused to sip wine. "With our numbers and powers diminished, we would be fools indeed to overlook such power and the possibility of binding some to us."
The Circle of wolves grew silent for a moment, pondering the words spoken. Reikodoku was a mystery to all present. He was a hermit before showing up during the previous Prince's reign. The wolf just spoke more words than he had in years.
Shoko drew in a breath and opened her mouth to speak, but thought better of it. Reikodoku may be odd, to say the least; but she could never forget how his wisdom and aide helped bring down the former Prince. It earned him the Council spot and the respect of many of the pack. Her hand crept up to the fang that hung on a cord around her neck. Shoko owed this Elder and while she did not agree with him, she would not disrespect him in front of everyone.
Kouga's mind whirred almost as fast as his legs. It sounded like with the exception of Shoko, all of the wolves had nothing against Kagome. They just didn't know her and felt uneasy over the unfamiliarity. He frowned thoughtfully and cleared his throat. "Am I to understand that if I were to bring her here to meet with the Council of Elders, it would help ease your mind concerning her?"
"I doubt a mere meeting will change anything. We have questions we wish satisfied." Rinoka did not wish to be too accommodating to her Prince. Silly cub might get used to it.
"You say she is from an advanced village, yet you yourself seem uncertain of that fact. If you do not know something so simple concerning your chosen female, how can we trust anything else said of her?" Masaru signaled for more wine. "We need to be assured that the benefits of having her as a Pack member outweigh the negative aspects of an association with a human."
"What Masaru is trying to say, what my sister is trying to say, is that they want to be sure your wench's powers and medicines are enough to overcome her poor taste in being born human." After being pinned with the glare of his sister and the affronted look of Masaru, Yoshu sighed. "What? It's what you were thinking; I just said it for you."
"Kouga, I think we are all agreed that we need to observe your Kagome before we come to any decision. Even if she can provide aide to us, what is to say she will be willing to do so? You have claimed her as your woman, but what was her response?"
"Rinoka's right. If you were my man, I wouldn't be riding around the countryside…not when I could be riding you." Isaki giggled and let her eyes sweep suggestively over her Prince. 'He's so cute when he blushes! But that look! I really expected more pluck from your grandson Kibou. What a nasty shade of green he just turned.'
The rest of the Circle didn't seem to fair any better. Yoshu spilled his wine in his haste to stand. "So, ah, meeting adjourned!"
Kouga blinked at the Elder. "It is?"
"Yes my boy. I've had all the innuendo I can take. Continue the meeting if you will, but I need some stronger wine to drown that last comment out." Yoshu walked out of the cave, pausing just outside. He looked over at his poor alpha that seemed to still be recovering from Isaki's remark. "She does have a point boy. You may want to drop by that Miko and talk to her. Make sure she hasn't stopped riding the countryside and started riding the Hanyou." With that parting comment, Yoshu went to his cave to break out his 'secret stash' for therapeutic reasons purely. A wolf his age needed some ah, encouragement to get through the day, understand?
Kouga's mouth snapped shout with an audible click as he growled low in his throat. Rinoka put a hand on his arm. "My brother is all bark, not bite. He was teasing you. Though you should visit the Miko. Find out for sure where she is from. Learn more about her. Bring her here in two months time. The Council will reconvene then. We have many questions and fears to put to rest."
The rest of the Council members took their cues from her and left the cave, Isaki with a parting, lingering glance towards Kouga. 'Damn pervert old woman. My skin is still crawling!'
"Kouga?" Ginta's voice came though the cave opening.
"In here Ginta. I'll be right out." Kouga raised a clawed hand to his head and rubbed his temple. He needed to get his two best friends and share what had happened with them. "Get Hakkaku and meet me by my rock, okay?"
a little while later at Kouga's rock
"So, they aren't opposed to the idea of sister Kagome, right?" Ginta frowned thoughtfully.
"No, but they weren't receptive either. So I didn't really gain any ground."
"It's a big change Kouga. We like Sister Kagome, the others don't know her as well as we do." Hakkaku placed a clawed hand on Kouga's arm. "We know she's worth more than a demon female, she just has to prove it to the rest of the pack."
"How? What is she supposed to do? Why can't they just take my word for it? Am I Alpha or am I not?"
"Sounds too much like him Kouga." Kouga couldn't ignore the cautious tone in Hakkaku's voice or the fear that slid through his eyes like quicksilver.
Once again, Kouga's grandfather's voice ghosted through the Wolf Prince's mind. "You're Alpha alright boy. Now how do you show it? How do you rule your pack? Fear? Diplomatic tongue? Bribes? Hm. Times up! Answer is…"
"Pragmatic Grace." Kouga whispered. His two pack brothers looked curiously at him. Eyes lowered, Kouga explained. "Grandfather Kibou told me the way to lead the pack was through Pragmatic Grace. You do what you have to do to ensure the prosperity of the Pack. You are ruthless with temperament. Kill all serious challengers and threats, punish swiftly and harshly; but never do so unjustly. Lessons must be taught, not beaten into you. Listen to your people, do what is right by them but don't hesitate to make the hard decisions for the right reasons."
"Kibou was an amazing wolf. He was as wise as he was…um…" Hakkaku coughed.
"The word is 'lecherous'" Kouga supplied with a smile.
"Almost as bad as the monk traveling with Sister Kagome!" Ginta yelped as Kouga's fist connected with his head. "What was that for?"
"Pragmatic Grace." Kouga looked arrogantly over at his friend. "Why'd you have to remind me about the letch? Better not have asked my woman to bear his child. Won't be able to father one when I get done with him!"
The three wolves were silent a moment. Mostly. Ginta rubbed his head and muttered something that sounded suspiciously like "Pragmatic Grace my ass!" which Kouga chose to ignore.
"What did the Elder's finally agree on Kouga?" Hakkaku looked out over the waterfall, keeping the corner of his eye on Kouga's face.
"They gave me two months to bring Kagome here. Said they had questions for her."
"Maybe you should go see her before than, prepare her. Find out more about where she comes from and what her plans after the quest are. You should know that before you bring her here."
"Why would he want to do that Ginta?"
"Cause Hakkaku, you never ask questions in front of people you need something from without knowing the answers beforehand." Ginta stated this as if it were a fact well known in the Universe. "Avoids unpleasant surprises that could cost you."
"Wow. When did you get to be so smart Ginta?" Hakkaku couldn't keep the admiring tone out of his voice. Ginta sat a little straighter and gave what he considered a 'wolf of the world' look to his pack brother.
"Heh. Don't be too impressed, he stole that quote from my grandfather." Ginta had the grace to blush. "Doesn't change the fact he's right" Kouga continued. He stood up. "Think you two can handle things for awhile?"
"Easily." Ginta nodded nonchalantly. Kouga lifted an eyebrow at him. "Well, not with much difficulty."
"We'll be fine. Go to Sister Kagome."
"Who knows, maybe you'll find you inherited more from your grandfather than those pretty blue eyes." Ginta's own eyes sparkled with mischief.
Hakkaku was quite to add his two cents "Woo her under the moonlight. Capture her maidenly heart and her lips!" He fluttered his eyelashes dramatically.
"Oooh Kouga! What strong arms you have, hold me all night long!" cooed Ginta in a high, soprano. "You're masculine charms make me swoon!" He mock fainted, hand on forehead.
Hakkaku caught him. "Don't worry little mate, I am here." His voice deepened for effect. He cut a look at Kouga's red face.
"Oh Kouga, my love!" The two wolf demons broke out howling with laughter, unable to support themselves they slumped to the ground, crying. The thundercloud on Kouga's face was frightening but the blush on his cheeks was funnier. Let's be honest; Ginta and Hakkaku aren't the sharpest spears in the armory.
An evil smirk was all the warning the wolves got before Kouga used his shard enhanced legs to boot them both off of the rock and into the waterfall. They came sputtering to the surface and cried abuses up to Kouga but the Prince was already turning away.
He was nearly to the edge of the forest when Reikodoku stopped him. Without a word, the elder wolf held out his hand to Kouga. Nestled in his palm was a small stone. Kouga looked quizzically at his Elder. "What is it?"
Reikodoku placed it gently in a pouch and gave it to Kouga. "Keep it until your Lady has need of it."
"What is it?" Kouga hated repeating himself but of all the council members, Reikodoku was the least likely to harm Kagome. The wolf has never been seen in combat, and owns no weapon. Unlike many wolves who brag of their kills in and out of battle, Reikodoku was more likely to bind an enemies wound as well as an allies. In no one's memory did the wolf ever take a life.
"A rock, silly child. Just a rock from an old wolf to a young maiden." Perhaps it should be mentioned Reikodoku's years as a hermit left him a tad…odd. Kouga nodded as though he understood and took off into the forest in a whirl of dust and power. His Kagome was waiting and he had no time for cryptic messages from strange wolves.
I'm sorry this took so long! I lost the disk the chapters are on and just found it last night when I was cleaning. Turns out I put some Anti-war info on here and took the disk to Kinkos to print stuff off before a peace rally and never put it back in my computer. For the record, I'm against the war in Iraq, not the braves souls over there. They are just doing what is right in their hearts and I do wish they come home safe and sound. Well, that's as political as I'll ever get, promise.
Lets see, I promised full creds for names, so:
For Shoko, Yoshu, and Reikodoku: my sincere thanks to Menolly Harper. My first reviewer on either site. This has earned you a soft spot in my heart.
For Masaru, Rinoka, and Isaki: many thanks to skittles. Fun name, good candy.
For Kensuki and Kibou: thanks to SlapAdam91. I do hope I'll be forgiven for not slapping a man named Adam 91 times. I happen to like the only Adam in my life.
Naked Kouga's in the mail. You should check. As I did not insure them, I take no responsibility if they did not arrive unscathed or at all.