Disclaimers on everything that I don't own.

By Winterwing3000

-Snippet Two

Ayame turned her head from the river where she was washing her blood stained skirt when she heard some footsteps coming form behind her. An injured wolf limped to her, whining. She stood up and collected the animal into her arms. "What are you doing up? You should be with the rest of the pack, resting and recovering. You don't have to worry about me you know." She told it, heading back to the dens.

Just before dawn, thousands of demons came to attack the pack without any warning whatsoever from their tower guards. Even with their east and northern allies aiding them, the loss was great and there were still many who were unaccounted for. The wounded kept on accumulating too. Her grandfather led them to battle, despite his age and strength. Right now, he was critically wounded and the pack healers are working at their best to help him.

Ayame bit her lip worriedly. She tried to be optimistic, telling herself that he would get better and well very soon because she couldn't face the fact that he was nearing death's door. Two years ago, while he ordered her to bring back Kouga, the Wolf Prince, he already hinted that he didn't have very long and needed someone capable to handle and lead the pack once he departed the living plane. After returning home empty handed, the few suggestions she made to her grandfather deemed useless because the tribes were getting restless as the Elder was about to die. They wanted a suitable leader and in order to inherit the White pack, they must mate with Ayame, the Elder's daughter.

So basically, she was a prize to be won as the males fought for the Alpha Male title. It was also already decided, just three days ago, when a black wolf defeated all challengers coming his way for her hand. He was a strong wolf and had a very good reputation among his tribe because he was the leader of the Black pack. If she remembered correctly, his name was Yuujin. His eyes were dark silver, hair raging black. His stature held some haughtiness and nobility, even some… gentleness? But she wouldn't hold him for that. After all, this was only a biased marriage.

She was doing this for the tribe and nothing more. She could not linger in the past. She had to let Kouga go, even though her heart still belonged to him. She vowed to herself that she would never forget about the Moon's Rainbow. She would always remember him and wait for his return. Even if she couldn't be his mate, as long as she knew that he was there for her at most times, she was glad.

Once she reached the den where the aging pup's mother was and left it curled up beside his mother. The she-wolf thanked Ayame and tended to her pups. The alpha returned back to his den and nudged her palm as thanks. The emerald-eyed beauty kissed his forehead and smoothed out his mate's fur. "You might want some help with the wounds." She said, taking out a home-made balm from inside her pouch.

"Ayame-hime! Hime-sama!" a few females of the packs hurriedly cried for her. Ayame turned to the opening of the small cavern. "I'll get someone to tend to you." she told them, and left the small shell next to their mats.

She exited the den and found the two wolves heading her way in urgency. "Ayame-hime! It's the Elder! Quick!"

The words clicked into her mind and immediately, her feet kicked off of the ground, sending her up the mountain with a quick jump and ran rest of the way. Her heart thumped loudly and rapidly, her mind was swarmed with terrifying thoughts. It seemed almost forever until she reached the cave. And when she did, she saw a few people there.

The old medicine woman, her soon-to-be mate and another elderly male sat around the Elder on their knees. Her grandfather looked very weak as he turned his head to face her. "Ayame…" his raspy voice called her to his side.

She fell to her knees beside him, drawing him close to her. The two other wolves gave her some room, but her affianced mate stayed close. "Jii-sama. I'm here." She whispered woefully, tears stinging her eyes.

"I'm glad… you are strong now and have been ever since you came here with me. My time is short and I would like for you to promise me one thing." He said tiredly, his old eyes slowly drooping. "Anything." She whimpered, leaning her head on his. Her red locks sloped over his ears.

"Be happy and unite the tribes, let the world know that we the Wolves are strong and proud. Raise your children well and honor your mate. Do no grieve of my death; I have lived a full life watching you grow up to be the woman you are now. And of course… never forget who you truly are, Ayame…" his voice trailed off and slowly, his heart stopped beating.

All was dead silent in the cavern. Not a muscle moved, not a whisper sounded.

Kouga made his way steadily through the bushes and came to the foot of the mountains. A few of the guards met him and allowed him to head up the summit. Ginta and Hakkaku weren't far behind him with the remaining of his pack.

It took him two days to make it here, but the travel was worth it. He spent most of the time reflecting of what could possibly become of his relationship with Ayame. His mind was now clear, but he was sure that it would be a long way before the red-headed wolf would finally accept him because of all the things he did to her.

He looked around everywhere and noticed that most of the women were nursing the injured and some men were bickering among themselves. The place reeked of dry blood, medicine, and burnt flesh. Some of the pups were huddled together, crying with mournful yelps, over some deathly injured wolves who were probably their parents. What happened here? Were they attacked? And where were the males warriors? Weren't they responsible for protecting the pack?

He ought to visit the Elder and ask him what has happened. And hopefully, the Elder would allow him to mate Ayame after what occurred between them two years ago. But where was he was the question. Usually, the leader of the pack would be doing the head count of his people after a battle (which Kouga assumed it was) before retreating to his den. And knowing Ayame's love for her grandfather, she would be accompanying him. But she and her grandfather were no where to be found.

He found a young she-wolf bustling around with some furs and went up to her. "Oi, musume-san, where's the Elder?" he said, catching the girl's attention. The girl looked at him unknowingly then recognized who he was. "Kouga-sama! You've came!" she sputtered and fell to her knees to show a sign of submission. "You don't know how much the Elder would appreciate your arrival! He has been very ill lately and Ayame-hime has been quite distressed and pressure and—."

Getting a bit frustrated at the lack of answers, Kouga demanded her once more. "Where is the Elder?"

"He's up—." She started but was interrupted by an anguished and mournful howl of a wolf. All hands were frozen and everyone's eyes were reverted up to the top-most den where their Elder resided. They once more heard the cry and feeling the message pierce their hearts, they joined into the deeply saddened howl.

Kouga's ice-blue eyes dilated when he heard the familiar wolf-cry of Ayame.

The Elder had passed.

AN: Ooh, that was fast. Then again, I started it ahead of time too. Ehehe… five more chapters to go! Yes! Review?

Wolf demon 2010 : Thank you for reviewing! My first reviewer! And yes, I'm not too fond of the Kouga/Kagome pairing, but there are a few good fics out there. As for the plot, I think it's too original, but I'm still taking a stab at it. Thanks again!