Disclaimers on everything that I don't own.

By Winterwing3000

-Snippet 5

A ghostly breeze rustled everyone's hair as it swept pas the valley. Nearly all tribesmen has gather on the foot o the mountain, some watching by the forest, some atop of the cliffs and the rest were just a few yards away from where the two alpha males stood in the center of the grassy basin. Ayame, along with the other leader and Elders, stood close by Kouga and Yuujin as they faced off each other at a stand still.

Neither wolf could move a muscle or else an easy opening would give the other an advantage. Tension and intents to kill filled the atmosphere and hung thickly in the air, leaving almost no room to breath. All observed them in suspense, waiting for the first move and sweating already even though the outcome was still unknown. Especially Ayame, as a confused frown drew itself on her face, her brows drawn close and her mint eyes reflected all the battle emotions within her.

Kouga's face was devoid of any feeling and expression as he stared in concentration against his competitor. He was inwardly smirking as he saw the Black wolf's silver eyes shift every now and then. He knew that his challenge was more than shocking than any other news, even after the Great Elder's death and burial.

At first, his mind was revived of his past promise to the young pup Ayame. The facts brought up by that tribe mate of his disturbed him. His heart has always belongs to the now-mated miko, until Ayame's unexpected visit to him triggered his usual emotion toward a fellow wolf, the protectiveness, the hope to demonstrate his power, but he didn't expect it to grow just after one night traveling with her.

That didn't last very long either, since his dearest Kagome one became his main competition and goal with that inukuro. He entered a jumble of emotions and it only left him so confused. He still gave chase to Kagome until just recently, where he saw the devastating yet eye-opening scene. He tossed out all his heart ache for her, keeping now and bitter love. Never would he be able to forgive her, to let Kagome go because her person has left a deep mark in his heart.

As for Ayame, she has remained dedicated to him for so long. It was rare to find one who could remain as loyal as she. Somehow he was touched and decided to go to her and perhaps learn more about her but only to find her being used, self sacrificing for the sake of keeping peace among the packs. He found himself question her choice, why she should do such a thing but no such answer came to him. Her motives were unclear to him until she revealed it to him, also telling him to live his own.

After so many years of waiting for his love, and just as he thought he could finally claim something as his own without trouble and with such comfort, she slipped out his fingers and was pushed into another's hands. He didn't wish to give her up as easily as e did with Kagome. His turbulence of emotions drove him to reflect over the facts that had been laid before him.

One: Kagome's no longer his, but inukuro's. He would no longer be able to pursue for her as his mate since she would be marked now.

Two: He came to the mountains in order to fulfill the late Elder's wish, to wed Ayame and bear strong pups as his future heirs as he takes over both the Brown and White wolves, brining the two clans; allies of the past, to secure a plentiful future generation.

Three: The Elder was dead, he had came two years too late and now Ayame was no more than a political tool, betrothed publicly to that Black wolf-shit. But he sensed that she was reluctant and still harbored some emotions toward him. Even is she told him that he was no longer obliged to the promise of the past. However, he could reclaim her, make her his by challenging this wolf.

He hasn't figured out what he felt for her just yet, but he knew for certain that Ayame was important to him; something that he cannot let go of… otherwise, he'll have no one else to protect, to hold as his precious one, to care for and to… love.

A gleam entered his irises of blue. They steeled in confidence and clarity. The stand off continued until the trees stilled, the winds clamed, the water quieted and not a sound was made. The time seemed to have dragged on, although it has been no more than five minutes. Suddenly, there was a rustling of wings on the treetops, a sharp call echoed in all's ears. The sound of wings drew closer and no one dared to move.

Flap… Flap! FLAP!

The eagle broke through the clearing and the two pack leaders jumped at each other, the blood lust streaking within their auras. Quick and precise blows were thrown; kicks were launched into the air. They darted into the air when the noble bird called out again, gliding in the wind. Multiple fists flew, landing on flesh and leaving bruises.

Yuujin glowered and flexed out his claws, plunging his entire hand into Kouga's left shoulder, shredding the shoulder-furs and snapped the strap that held up his chest armor. Kouga hissed when the claws dug deeply into his shoulder, colliding painfully with the bone. He gripped onto the Black wolf's hand just before he pulled it out of his shoulder, keeping the arm in place and swung out his leg directly into Yuujin's stomach. He knocked the air out of him and sent him flying down from the sky, Kouga released the arm just as he landed the blow.

A large crater formed in the dirt as the dust was cleared. All leaned forward to look into the large hole. Yuujin stood, knees bent, arms limp by his side, head hung. He remained unmoving and everyone thought that he could go on no longer.

Kouga smirked at his damage. He had most likely snapped Yuujin's left wrist, up to his elbow and heavily bruised his stomach, despite the armor he wore. He only sustained a gushing blow on his shoulder, which already started to regenerate. Now, there were only a couple of bruises, but they were nothing. The thrill, it just ran through his blood, clouding his senses. He was gong to win this and he'd be damned if he lost to this inferior wolf who dared to challenge his authority, the true Prince of Wolves. He gave Yuujin no time to recover, if there's an opening, he would take it.

Kouga jumped once more, spiraling on his descent and prepared for a round house kick with a great momentum from his spins. Just before he managed to land the kick, Yuujin grabbed onto his leg after blocking it with his arms crossed. The black wolf proceeded to jerk him toward him and to drive his hand through Kouga's other shoulder, or even better hid abdomen.

The brown wolf prince grunted at the sudden movement but continued to create one more full circle, brining his free leg around and slammed it directly at the back of Yuujin's head. The grip on his captive leg lessened. Kouga propelled himself forward and his foot connected with the chest armor, cracking it. Everyone gasped and continued to watch as Yuujin stumbled backward, shielding his torso as the prince produced a half-handspring in the air and sent the black wolf into the air as he knocked both of his heels under the bleeding chin. There was a loud crack of bones snapping, but Yuujin took the chance in the air and drew his katana, flipping in the air and landing on all fours, his silver eyes flashing.

He would not give up. After living in the shadows, training until he was strong enough to defeat the Black tribe leader, he finally received the place as pack leader and now he had a perfect chance to create an alliance with the white wolves by having Ayame as his betrothed, so either that arrogant brown wolf dies or he'll drag both of them to hell. He just couldn't let a chance like this slip through his hand.

Yuujin charged toward Kouga, his sword in front of him.

Blue eyes narrowed, Kouga took his own sword from the saya, watching carefully as the dashing wolf covering the distance between them. From a hand-to-hand combat to a sword play, not exactly something that he had wanted but there was no choice. He couldn't win with his mere fists and legs, since they were now powerless against a metal blade.

They fought with coordinated slashes. They pushed each other and stumbled, trying their best to mark the other and avoid from being marked.

Everyone on the stand waiting on the ends of their toes, anxiousness crept up their spine. If it went on like this, the winner would take forever to determine.

There were grunts, clashes of the swords, sparks and dusty flying all over the place.

"The decision is now final! Kouga-sama has honorably won the fight and defeated Yuujin-sama. Ayame-hime is to wed Kouga-sama in two nights, where the full moon will rise and their union shall be sealed. Does anyone else wish to challenge Kouga-sama for the right to be the mate of Ayame-hime, please speak up." The new White Wolf Elder declared over the many wolves.

Not a hand rose and not a word were spoken. No one dared to challenge Kouga now after what he had displayed at the green valley. By the end of the sword fight, Kouga had pierced his sword through the Black Wolf's torso, just on the right side. He also knocked out Yuujin by hitting the wolf on his temple with the end of his saya.

However, Kouga hadn't escaped the duel unscathed. Yuujin was a worthy opponent who was trained in most fields of battle. He received a few shallow wounds and a deep gash in his lower calf. Both of their wounds were being treated by the healers of the packs. Ayame was standing next to the Elder, listening quietly to the proclamation.

She was happy that she was finally betrothed to the one that she loved, but his choice to fight for her hand was confusing her and certain doubts surfaced.

What if… Kouga only did this out of regret? Or even worse, obligation because he could not fulfill her Jii-sama's last wish? Or did he do this because he no longer has… Kagome to go after and settled for second best? Was he just going to use her to breed? It wasn't uncommon. Demons rarely mate for love, only for prospering and lineage purposes.

Something in her heart broke at the thought.

The ranks scattered after the Elder closed it. Everyone went back to their daily business, only with more to gossip about and more to wonder about.

The Elder excused himself and she pardoned him. She went over to check on Yuujin's wounds. It would be best to see him first, to hopefully smooth things out and have no troubles between them. After all… Kouga could wait awhile. She still needed to think and settle things out with her own self.

She approached him, a small apologetic smile on her lips. "Yuujin-sama. how are you?"

The silver eyes glanced at her, disappointment entering the orbs. "Ayame-hime, I hope that you forgive me. I was promised to provide and protect you as your betrothal, yet I was unable to defeat him. I also sworn to be strong enough to keep you happy and cherish you, however it seems that it would be impossible now. However if you should ever need my aid, I will always be there. Especially if Kouga-sama should hurt you, I shall always welcome you with open arms to my tribe." He pledged.

Ayame smiled brightly now. "Of course. I thank you for your future alliance and I hope that soon, you'll find yourself a suitable bride and have strong, well-natured pups as your future heirs."

He bowed to her and she returned it, before turning away to find her soon-to-be mate. There were things to discuss and to simplify.

AN: I'm glad that many of you enjoyed the Interlude. I was trying to avoid not updating for a longer period of time so instead, I wrote that quick side chapter for the future to come. Thank you Indigo Spirit, ShadowVixen, Nevaeh Azalea, Indigo Eyes, PunkAmaya, Ayakou4ever, Angelgrl, Kouga-is-my-mate, Wolfcries and Mysterious advisor for all reviewing! And a cookie for all who guessed that Hikari and Yami's parents were Kouga and Ayame!