Note: This chapter is very important for the following chapters. So please, read thoroughly. Thanks a lot! ^^
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Chapter 14.6: The Birth of Kasanoda Clan (Part II)
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"I am Kogane, the outsider. Do I have the pleasure of hearing yours?"
She raised her chin. "I am Yuuka, the daughter of the chief." She then brought down her hands on the side, and showed an authoritative countenance.
His mouth went ajar, but tried hard not to show his astonishment. "W-What do you want from me?" Shit! Did I just stuttered?!
Her eyebrow rose a little. "You are the one who followed me here, Kogane-san."
"Tsk. After what you've heard from me awhile ago? You expect me not to think that you are not going to tell it to your father?"
Her eyes went larger for a second, then her gaze travelled to the ground before looking up at the starry sky, with a gentler yet sad expression. "You may have insulted our tribe's ways, but your opinion is yours to keep."
He didn't respond for a moment because the look on her face is something he saw for the first time in his lifetime—a fragile expression. His face softened when she turned back to look at him. "Aren't you…aren't you mad that they are going to do something—" He strived to find the right word. "—dreadful to get your hands in marriage?"
Her hands reached to cover her opened mouth in a lady-like manner, then put it down to counter. "What are you…o-otousama is never wrong!"
"Aren't you just convincing yourself with that?"
She frowned.
"You are convincing yourself that what he decides will be the good of you and your clansmen. When all along, you are afraid that your future husband will be tainted with human bloods and you cannot live with that thought."
"What do you know about me? You are just an outsider!" She covered her mouth again, afraid that she hurt his feelings.
He was hurt alright, but he hardened his face to conceal it. "That is why I am telling you this in an outsider's perception of what is happening. I may be an outcast but I've lived here for ten years to know that your yokai-wolf-tribe is living peacefully as humans, unlike my people in eastern and northern tribe who still secluded themselves in the mountains, away from the human eyes. But I will tell you this, we may be living in seclusion and among ourselves, however, we are not hurting people." His voice softened when she saw tears forming on her eyes. "That is something we left behind in the past because we changed, changed for the better after the war." He move a step closer to her—but still maintained his distance—and just enough to see a tear dropped on her eye.
"You are right. I am afraid…" Another tear fell. "All my life, my father taught me how to act and live as a proper human and daughter of the chief. But then suddenly, he told me the tradition of our tribe, how an alpha male is chosen to be my husband. It pained me, but…I cannot tell him. I cannot question his decisions… I cannot go against his will because that is what he taught me as his daughter… I can only tell my worries to the old woman who took care of me when I was a child. She listened to me… She understands me… But it is never enough…" She buried her face on her hands to cry.
Kogane was frozen to place, unable to think on what to do in this situation. So, he just followed his instincts…and placed her on his arms. He felt her stiffened for a moment, then she adjusted her position to clutch her hands on his chest, seeking for support…and warmth, so he squeezed tightly. She continue crying and it felt like forever to Kogane even though it only lasted for a few minutes when she slowly removed herself from his grasp, eyes on the ground and hiding her embarrassment. He's also staring at the night-sky, hoping it will hide the blush on his face.
"T-Thank you…" She raised her face. "I-I shouldn't have—"
He quickly dropped his gaze to her. "I-It's fine! I-I'm the one who…" he scratched his nape nervously. "A-Anyway! Can we…err…you know?" He blinked twice when she stared into his eyes.
Yuuka smiled. "I will be waiting here after the sun set down…" She stepped backwards. "Then…have a good night, Kogane-san." She bowed her head a little before walking her way towards the forest.
When she was out on sight, he let go of the air he didn't know he's holding on his lungs. "What just happened…?" he muttered to himself.
…
…
"So…you are the next leader of both eastern and northern yokai-wolf-tribe?"
He nodded.
"So why are you here in the southern tribe…?"
He just smiled at her. Actually, before coming his way on the clearing with the river on the side, he has conflicted feelings whether to see her or not. On the first place, she didn't tell him they will meet the next day, only that she will be waiting when the sun set down. But his thoughts were blown away when he saw her sitting on the large rock—near the river, with her red hair let down and is swaying through the night breeze. He jolted when he felt a poke on his shoulder. "W-What?"
"I am asking you why you are staying here in our tribe when you have two tribes to lead."
"What? You don't want me here?" he smirked.
A crease formed on her forehead. "I am serious, Kogane-san."
"So do I, Yuuka-san." He smirked again but then dropped it when her face became serious. "Well first of all, my parents are still alive. My father became the leader of both tribes when he married my mother, the granddaughter of the previous leader of northern wolf-tribe. So as the heir, they told me to travel alone. Become strong, gain knowledge and experience in life, and preferably find my mate along the way."
Her mouth formed into a thin line with his last statement. "Then…what are you doing here?"
He was hurt with her seemingly 'don't care' response. He hid it with a smile. "Because I was fascinated with your way of living—so human-like." His smile dropped when her face saddened. "I'm sorry."
"N-No! It's fine! That is your reason so who am I to question it?"
"But with all the things that will happen soon…are you fine with it?"
"O-Of course…! Not…" She sighed. "Like I have said last night, I cannot question my father. I do not want to be an ungrateful child…"
"You are not an ungrateful child! It's just, you were taught to be compassionate, especially to your clansmen. But the chief…how can he send his own people to human villages and expecting all of them to return? Humans are no fool. They may be weaker than us but they have means to fight us with—like priestess, monks and demon slayers. Some or maybe most of you haven't set foot outside of the village after so many years but the people outside? They are changing. A merchant once told me that our lands have been invaded by people from foreign lands and they have this 'advanced technology' with them. He told me that in no time, yokais will hide in the shadows or become extinct."
Fear crossed her delicate face. "W-What should I do?"
He sighed, then wrapped his arms around her, tucking her head on his chin while brushing her long hair in a soothing way. "I am not telling you to go against your father…but you should talk to him." He felt her nodding.
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…
She's not coming…is she? It's been three days since Kogane last talked to Yuuka after telling her to speak with the chief. He's been coming everyday but she didn't show up. He is getting worried by the minute and today, hours passed by after the sun has set. He unconsciously looked up at the night sky. Full moon… Is it today…?
"K-Kogane-san…!"
He quickly slide down the large rock and turned his head towards the scurrying girl who tripped—almost, but was catch by the raven-haired. She clutched his arms and when he stared at her, fear is evident on her face.
"K-Kogane-san!"
He removed her hold on him and instead gripped her shoulders, afraid she will faint if he's not holding her. "What is it?"
"I-It's tonight! The night of the full moon! The night where my clansmen will attack a human village!"
He hugged her. "We should go to the chief."
She pushed him away. "NO! He will kill you!" Her face is now tears-stained. "I talked to him! I told him what you said to me but he didn't listen! He told me he will track you down and kill you but I pleaded him not to. He only agreed when I promised him I won't see you again but I can't take it anymore! I cannot afford to see my people kill and get killed mercilessly!" She's now sobbing loudly. "I don't want to…" She kneeled on the ground while her hands are covering her face.
Kogane kneeled in front of her, removed the hands that are covering her face and then seized it gently with his own hands. "We should talk to the chief." He repeated.
She only nodded helplessly.
…
"What is he doing here?! Yuuka! Explain yourself!" The chief angrily stride towards the pair who are outside his door's mansion.
She looked around the hallway. "Where are they? Our tribesmen?!" Her frantic shouts was stopped by a slap from his father. He was about to do it again when Kogane's hand grabbed his wrist.
"Please, we are only here to ask you to stop the senseless killing of both your clansmen and the humans."
"What do you know about our tradition?! You are but an outsider to our tribe! You barbaric and uncivilized—"
"And you call yourselves peaceful and civilized? When your tradition is nothing but a history of carnage?" He frowned at him, though more like a mocking look.
"Otousama!" Yuuka clutched his father's robes. "Please! I do not want our tribe to perish! You are the only one who can stop it!"
The chief brusquely remove Kogane's and Yuuka's hold on him. "It is too late. They are already on their way as we speak. And the one who will made his way back here will rise as the victorious and alpha male of our tribe, and the one who will be your husband." He turned his back on them. "We cannot go against the tradition our ancestors passed down to us, Yuuka." With that, he walked away towards his room.
"Otousama! Otousama!"
Kogane held her shoulders. "We should go after them."
"Yes." There's a determination in her voice.
…
"Damn. We are too late. They are already starting." It's almost finished… They are on the edge of a cliff, just above the village that is being attacked by the southern tribesmen. There are fires everywhere, children crying, women shrieking and men screaming their battle-cry. But the sound that rose above the others are gunshots—he have seen a gun used once so he knew it was the sound of gunpowder being used. On his side, Yuuka is sobbing while staring dreadfully at the scene of carnage.
"Ko-Kogane-san…what should I do…?" She said in between sobs.
"I'm sorry…we can't stop them now. If you go down there, the humans will also attack you…and I cannot allow that. I am really sorry…"
"P-Please…take me away from here… I-I want to leave this place… I beg of you…"
He held her hand. "All right. We will leave this place, and I promise I will take care of you…Yuuka…"
…
…
"That's what happened?! It means…you kidnapped her!" Kouga smack his son's head.
"No, it is not like that otousan…" Yuuka bowed her head. "I…beg him to… I do not want to live in that kind of place anymore… I apologized for imposing on you…"
Kouga scratched his nape. "O-Oh! It's fine Yuuka! My stupid son decided to bring you here so you are part of our family now. I welcome you, as my daughter." He hugged her in a friendly way.
He smiled at the scene but raised an eyebrow when he found that there's something—or more like someone is missing. "Reminds me, where is okaasan?"
"Ayame is on the northern lands, handling the political issues there. After all, I can't be in two place at the same time. Actually, I am on my way there when the two of you arrived."
"So you are going there now?"
"Yeah. Do you want to come with me?" Kouga peered a glance on the red-hair. "I want to introduce you to my wife."
She brightened. "I would be delighted to."
…
…
The entrance to the northern yokai-wolf-tribe's lair is a stone gate. It was built like that so only yokais can open it unlike humans who do not have enough strength to open it. Upon entering, a dark tunnel which is like a maze can be seen. It was made like that so no one can go into the end of the tunnel except for the northern tribesmen or with the help of a guide. Kouga and Kogane walked with ease. They can even walk through the maze-like tunnel with their eyes closed. But that is a different story for Yuuka who grew up beneath the sunlight. Nevertheless, Kogane held her closely so she won't get lost or walk ahead on her own.
When they reached the end of the tunnel, the bright sunlight welcomed them, and stinging their eyes a little. Yuuka gasped when she saw the clearing. The whole area is hidden by high stoned-walls and mountains, and the inside is like a forest with trees, shrubs and grass. It fascinated her, but what fascinates her the most are the stoned houses—made by heaps of stones and concrete, because it is very different with their houses back home which was made by wood and concrete. The stoned houses were built orderly, with a few meters space in each house and the stoned pathway in the center.
They started to walk along the pathway. The villagers stopped whatever they are doing to greet their leader—Kouga, and the heir—Kogane. Yuuka felt embarrassed when they also greeted her once they noticed the protective hand on her waist, indicating that she is Kogane's woman.
At the end of the long pathway, a large stone house—or more like a mansion built with stone and concrete can be seen. Yuuka thought that it feels somewhat foreign.
"This mansion was only built recently, it is slightly an imitation to Lord Sesshomaru's manor in the west. Ayame's grandfather said they can't afford to lose to the dog yokais in terms of accommodation whenever they set a meeting here." Kouga explained while grinning.
They were greeted by the guards in front of the gate before entering the mansion. The maids welcomed and informed them about the ongoing meeting on the conference hall.
"You should wait here." Kouga pointed the couch—made from wood, cotton and animal skin—on the huge living room. "I'm pretty sure that stiff bastard won't want you to hear about the details of the meeting—yet." He then glanced at Yuuka. "Make yourself comfortable daughter-in-law." He winked at her earning a blush from the red-head.
When Kogane's father is out of sight and they are already seated at the couch, Yuuka can't help but to ask. "What if your mother do not accept me? I…I can't go back now…"
Kogane chuckled, placing his arm on her shoulders. "Relax. My mother will be glad to meet you, especially when she was nagging me to find my mate before I left." Then he slide her arm to hold her hand. "And I am sure she will be proud. Who wouldn't? When my wife is the most beautiful woman I have ever met." He teased.
"I think you should not probably say that to your mother." She teased back. "We do not want her thinking that I stole her spot as the most beautiful woman in your eyes."
Yuuka laughed, and Kogane thought he loved hearing more of the lovely sound. "It doesn't matter. Oyaji is enough to fill that." He gained a giggle from the woman she's beginning to love. Yes, he is falling in love and it was actually not hard to. At first, he only thought of her as someone he can't help but to care for. A responsibility. She is a strong woman, and has this air of superiority around her. Like her name. But she is also gentle and innocent as a flower. Again, like her name. Two contradictions but that is what made her who she is now. Free. Free from the restrictions of her father and clan's traditions. And now, he is there to fill the void of what she left behind. To be her family, her strength and the one who will protect her against harm. The one who will stay with her and love her until his last breath was taken away.
…
A creaking sound of a seemingly large wood can be heard somewhere inside the mansion, indicating the opening of the conference hall's door and the end of the lords' summit. The couple instantly stand up from their seat when they saw a number of people walking to the living room. Each lord has their own company. Ranging from advisers, head of their troops, bodyguards, escorts, offspring and mates. The lords and their company dispersed to socialize with the others while waiting for the dinner to be ready to serve in the dining hall.
"Oi! Is that you Kogane?!" A loud dog demon—wearing a metal breast plate above a red and white kimono, with red as the majority of color and white camellias adorning his sleeves and pants—run towards the couple. His soldier kimono is made from finest silk and fabric so his position as a soldier is noticeably of higher rank. A single sword with scabbard is hanging tightly on his side-waist.
"Inuyasha-ojisan!" Kogane strut forward to greet the incoming inu.
He was greeted back with a smack on the head. "How many times do I have to tell you not to call me 'ojisan'?! It makes me look old!"
"But you're my godfather right?" He said while rubbing his sore head. "And you are old." He mumbled.
"What's that brat?! Don't spout nonsense just because you're a hundred years younger than me! And you being my godson was decided by your mother so it has nothing to do with me." Inuyasha folded his arms arrogantly.
Kogane raised his arms in a form of hug. "Don't be so cold ojisan~!" But Inuyasha shielded himself with his hand on the wolf yokai's face.
"So who's the chic?" The inu said, nodding his head towards the read-haired woman who's standing behind Kogane.
The dark-haired grinned. "She's my mate! Her name is Yuuka!" Then he turned his head to his mate. "Yuuka, this is Inuyasha, the commander-in-chief of Lord Sesshomaru's troops and his brother."
"I am pleased to meet you, Inuyasha-dono." She smiled and offered a hand.
The silver-haired widen his eyes a bit, but recovered his composure to shake the offered hand. "Same here, Yuuka." He also offered a smile to the woman before turning his head to his godson and grinned. "Wow brat! Didn't know you had it in you to secure a beautiful woman as your mate!"
Kogane grinned back before turning his head again to Yuuka. "Oh! And he's also my godfather and my oyaji's rival-friend!"
"Rival-friend?" She cocked her head to the side.
"Yeah! They both fell in love with some human woman in the past but in the end, she left and okaasan healed oyaji's broken heart, then they got married." He received another smack on the head.
"She's not 'some human woman'. Her name is Kagome—Higurashi Kagome. And she did not leave. She just can't come back, you got that brat?"
"How do you know that?"
"I just know, okay? So enough questions about that." Inuyasha ended the topic when he noticed that distinct stare from Yuuka he is so used to receive by now. "You must be thinking why a hanyou is here, right?" He smiles on her direction, which earned a gasp from the latter.
"I-I-I'm sorry!" She stuttered nervously. "I… I didn't mean to...stare…"
Kogane wrapped an arm on her shoulders. "Calm down. It's fine, right ojisan?"
He smirked. "Of course. But you must have come from a sheltered family if you are not aware of the changes happening in the yokai world. Am I right?" The inu received a glare from the woman's mate but he ignored it.
"Yes…" Yuuka lowered her head. "I…was not allowed to go outside of our village."
Inuyasha didn't pry further about her upbringing, what with the dagger-like-stares coming from his godson. "Hanyous like me were prejudiced in the past, but it all changes when the current Eastern Lord was born. He is still quite young but he is now a respectable lord and leader of the Tatsu Clan. There he is." He motioned his head to the teenage boy with sea-green eyes and aqua blue hair, accompanied by a tall guy with brown eyes and honey-blond hair. "Seiryuu! Come over here!"
The boy turned his head when called, then he beamed when he realized it's Inuyasha who called out to him. "Inuyasha-ojisan!" He run towards them, the blond guy following slowly behind him.
"You have grown a few inches since I last saw you, Seiryuu!" Kogane greeted when they were face-to-face.
"Wah! It's Kogane-san! When did you arrive?" Then he glanced to the inu yokai. "Why didn't you tell me he's here already ojisan?" He pouted.
"I just found out now brat."
Seiryuu pouted more when he finally noticed the red-haired woman beside Kogame. He cocked his head to the side. "Who…?"
"Oh! That's right! She's my mate! Yuuka. Pretty as her name right?" Kogane grinned while her mate blushed and bowed her head.
"I am very pleased to meet you, Seiryuu-sama. My name is Yuuka."
The little lord offered a handshake which she accepted while beaming at her direction. "I am pleased to meet you, too Yuuka-san!" He grinned back at the dark-haired. "You're so lucky to find a lovely mate! You are right! She's as pretty as her name!" Then back at the woman, still grinning. "My name is Seiryuu. My parents said they named me after our greatest ancestor, the Water Dragon God of the East; Seiryū. You're from southern wolf tribe, right?" He inquired while smiling.
The couple were surprised by the lord's knowledge about where she came from. Yuuka answered a simple, "Yes, my Lord." While Kogane gave him a stare. The tatsu-yokai finally got the meaning of the yorou-yokai's stare—not to pry further. So he just smiled while Yuuka tried to change the topic. "Uhm…you called Inuyasha-dono 'ojisan' are you his godson, too?"
"Eh? No!" Seiryuu laughed. "My grandparents, Inuyasha-ojisan and Kogane's parents were friends!"
"Were?" She repeated.
"Well, since Miroku-ojiisan and Sango-obaasan are humans, they died of old age."
"Oh…I'm sorry…"
"That's fine! I got over it quite a long time ago. My parents are still alive but they had an early retirement to the life of politics when I became old enough to take over. Now, they are travelling around the country. I hope they will give me a brother or a sister soon. Hahaha!" The other guys laughed, too—except for the blond guy—while Yuuka blushed with the implications of the statement. "Oh by the way! This here is Riryuu, my second-in-command."
Riryuu did not offered his hand, instead, he placed his hand on his chest and bowed his upper body. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Yuuka-sama. I am called Riryuu."
He only raised his head when Yuuka shyly greeted back, "The pleasure is mine, Riryuu-dono."
"Oh right Kogane-san! Did you hear about what happened to my cousin, Kimiko?" Seiryuu got their attention.
"The human princess? What? What happened?"
"She was kidnapped the other day! By yokais!" He fumed.
"That's not very surprising you know." Inuyasha intervened.
"Yeah. Because she's like, the prettiest human princess I've ever known." Kogane agreed.
"But she was almost killed by those demons! Good thing I asked Riryuu to help in searching for her, so she was saved just in time." He deeply sighed. "That is why I am assigning him to be her personal bodyguard."
"What?!" Kogane was surprised by this. Surprised that he is assigning his second-in-command to be someone's protector other than himself.
And so is Inuyasha. "That's the first time I'm hearing this brat! Are you sure about this?!" He took notice of the honey-blond's stunned reaction, though the latter still tried to conceal his shocked face. "It seems like this is also the first time Riryuu is hearing about this."
They all stared at the seriousness in the sea-green eyes of Seiryuu. "I do not have much of a choice, you know. He's the only one I truly trust among my clan members—well except for my parents of course. My position is still brittle compared to the other lords so I don't want Kimiko to be used against me." Then he stares at the brown eyes of Riryuu. "I apologize for my reckless decision, Riryuu. But you are the only one I can trust with this. I hope you understand."
Instead of bowing his upper body, he kneel down with one knee on the ground and then placed his hand on his chest, the other on the side. He bowed down his head most respectfully before saying, "As you wish, My Lord."
…
"Kogane! My son!"
"Okaasan!"
The mother and son had their touching reunion on the dining hall, hugging and asking what took place in his fifty years of absence.
"I'm sorry I didn't welcome you much earlier. I'm busy with the preparations of the food to be served for the banquet."
His mother, Ayame is not wearing her usual white wolf fur shawl and skirt, with her red and blue armor. Instead, she is wearing a white and pink yukata with small blue flowers adorning the half end of the skirt. The only thing that remains is her ponytail—which is her trademark so she can't possibly change her hairstyle even if she wanted to.
"What happened to those fifty years? Why are you wearing a yukata? I thought oyaji doesn't like these kinds of things, right?"
"Hn. Your father is still old-fashioned. I started wearing a yukata when this mansion was built, grandfather said this is the appropriate attire for the lady of the house. And I like it!" Ayame grinned. "Oh by the way? Where is the mate I've heard from your father?" She glanced from side to side.
"Oh right! I almost forgot that that is why we are here!" Kogane looked from left to right and finally spotted Yuuka talking with the southern lord's mate and her entourage. "Yuuka!" He waved a hand, signaling for her to come towards him which the woman oblige. When she stand on his side, she officially introduce her to his mother. "Okaasan, I would like you to meet my mate, Yuuka. Yuuka, my mother Ayame."
The two women shake hands and exchanged pleasantries.
"My! You are really my son, Kogane! For you to find someone as beautiful as your mother. I am so proud of you." She smiled at him affectionately, then turned towards his son's mate, smile still plastered on her face. "Welcome to the family, my dear."
Yuuka returned the smile.
…
When the yokais are done eating dinner, they went back to the living room for more socialization. They took that chance to introduce Yuuka to the other high-rank officials. Including the western lord and leader of the Inu-yokai—Sesshomaru, the southern lord and leader of the Tengu-yokai—Koujurou, and the northern lord and previous leader of northern Yorou-yokai tribe, also the grandfather of Ayame—Yorouzoku.
After the introductions, the group consisting of: Kogane, Yuuka, Kouga, Ayame, Seiryuu, Riryuu, Inuyasha, Sesshomaru and his adviser Sakemaru decided to gather on the back garden—a simple structure made from stones but was covered by the lush of trees, bushes and flowers for more privacy.
"Yuuka-san," Seiryuu started. "I saw you speaking with the southern lord's mate. Did she say anything to you?"
The red-haired jolted a little when she became the focus of their attention. "Uhm…nothing of importance. Lady Kurenai only introduced herself, and asked if I am really Kogane-san's mate." She paused, as if thinking, then glanced at Kogane before continuing. "The lady also know that I am from the southern wolf tribe." Everybody nodded to this. Awhile ago, Kouga informed the others about Yuuka's situation to avoid asking about it directly from her, and the latter thank him for the help—since she also did not want to repeat the tragic story of their clan.
"That is understandable given that she is the Lady of the South. Lady Kurenai are familiar with every clans on her land." Said Sesshomaru who spoke for the first time—he only nodded his head to Yuuka during the introductions.
"Though she did ask something odd after, about whether I am familiar with the name Soujuro. When I said I do not know of the name, she nodded and immediately change the subject. Then Kogane-san called out to me, and we have not spoken since."
"Soujurou is that tengu bastard who is jealous of Sesshomaru's achievements, so he always picks a fight whenever they happened to see each other in battlefields or gatherings like this." Kouga informed, then raised an eyebrow. "Now that I think about it, he is always with Lord Koujurou in every conferences and gatherings—to have a chance in seeing Sesshomaru. Miraculously, the bastard is not here."
"This Sesshomaru do not remember of such a person." The western lord fold his arms on his chest.
"Dumb brother!" Shouted Inuyasha which resulted with everyone covering their ears. "That Soujurou bastard is Lord Koujurou's younger brother and his second-in-command! You have only recently seen him, like, 10 years ago?"
He frowned a little. "This Sesshomaru cannot remember of insignificant people."
"Whatever." Growled Inuyasha.
"Please allow me to report about what I have gathered so far." Inquired Sakemaru who were just observing. He contemplated first if the people gathered there are to be trusted. But since his lord seems to trust them, he decided to interrupt to share what he knows.
"Proceed." The lord of the west nodded his head.
"This information is what I have gathered from the other advisers who attended this summit. Also, I have been investigating this for quite a long ti—"
"Proceed." Sesshomaru impatiently cut what he was about to say.
Sakemaru apologized and coughed. "It seems Soujurou-sama is planning a coup d' tat against his older brother and southern lord, Koujuro-sama."
The others were considerably shocked by this, except for a certain red-haired with ponytail.
"Ojiisama have also told me about it, but said the information is not yet finalized so he can't announce it to his people." They stared at Ayame, asking for her to go on. "It appears the previous southern lord lost some of his powers over his lands when he conspired in the last war which resulted in the death of…" She glanced at Sesshomaru before continuing. "…Lady Rin…"
Sesshomaru stiffened, which everyone noticed. But Inuyasha is the only one who saw the mix emotions taking place on his face: rage, remembrance…and sadness. So he got everyone's attention towards him. "That sorry excuse for a southern lord deserved it! And we got our revenge when his son and heir Lord Koujurou, killed his own father!" They only stared at him, didn't know how to respond.
Seiryuu was the one who broke the silence. "I may not yet still alive during that time but I feel sorry for Lord Koujurou who have to be the one who carry the burden left by his treacherous father…"
"Yeah I understand what you mean." Kogane seconded. "I was just born during that time—a measly 8 year old kid, but I remember how the lost of Lady Rin greatly affected Lord Koujurou. Even after he killed his own father, he still blamed himself for what happened to her. She, a human woman who only spent 19 years of her existence, to perish just like that…"
"Enough." Sesshomaru interjected in a monotonous voice and expressionless face. "I do not see why we have to talk about her when we are discussing about Lord Koujurou's traitorous younger brother." Then he glanced at Sakemaru who got the message: 'Proceed with the main subject.' and then nodded.
"They said Soujurou-sama has been planning his revenge against his older brother for the past two hundred years. It also seems that he partly blames my Lord for what happened to his father—the main reason why he constantly started arguments with Sesshomaru-sama." Sakemaru paused, then glanced at Yuuka who were surprised with the eye contact. "Coincidentally, it seems Soujurou-sama affiliated himself with the southern wolf tribe's chief."
"Wait." Kogane rudely interrupted. "Am I thinking what I think you are thinking?" He glared at Sakemaru. "Are you implying that my Yuuka is a spy or something?!"
"Please. Kogane-sama," He pleaded quietly. "I did not mean for it to be sounded like that." Then he sighed. "Though I can say that Lady Kurenai doesn't seem to trust Yuuka-sama, considering she's from southern wolf tribe—and the chief's daughter at that, and that she just appeared all of a sudden when the conflict started."
"So you don't trust her, too? Is that what you are saying?!"
"No." Kogane was about to punch him but Sesshomaru uncharacteristically patted his shoulder. "I trust you, Kogane-sama. I trust your judgment. If you think she is someone to be trusted, then I think it is only right for us to do the same."
"Of course she is someone to be trusted!" Kogane shoved Sesshomaru's hand. "You only heard what she's been through but you didn't see it!" He deeply frowned, as if remembering. "The carnage, the screams, the cries…and the tragic end of their tribe!"
"That's enough Kogane." Kouga sighed. "Sakemaru is just reporting what he knows. There's no need for arguments." Then he grinned. "And he's right. If you think we can trust our Yuuka-chan, then we will. That is the role of a family, right?" He look at them individually, who are also smiling—even Riryuu smiled a little and Sesshomaru smirked. Yuuka is crying but she is being held by Ayame, soothing her worries.
…
Two months have passed after that, during those couple of months, the northern and eastern wolf tribe were busy preparing for the wedding ceremony for Kogane and Yuuka to be officially mated. It was also during those times were Yuuka acquainted herself with their people, had a meeting with the officials and elders…and found herself falling for Kogane. It wasn't actually that hard not to. He is a very handsome young man, responsible, caring, always ready to protect her and stood up for her, has a loving family and friends, and most of all, he is not hesitating to show his love for her. Not a few times where he shows his teasing and sweet side. They may not have still gone all the way yet since they are still not officially mated—but his kisses are sweet, tender and very loving. And his protective arms are always there when she needs it. Honestly, she can't ask for more. Except…for his father's blessings, which she doubts she will ever get for a lifetime.
The wedding ceremony was simple but an occasion to remember. The clansmen from the northern and eastern—even from the western wolf tribes' were all invited. Inuyasha, Sesshomaru, Sakemaru, Seiryuu and Riryuu were also there. They have also invited the southern lord and his mate but did not make it because of the inner conflict happening to their lands—rumored to be on Soujurou's account.
Three months after the wedding have passed, Kogane and Yuuka have officially mated and is already expecting their first child which is due to come out anytime soon. And then one day, they received a message that the southern wolf tribe's chief was murdered, along with the remaining clansmen who survived after that night of the full moon. They were mass murdered and again, rumored to be on Soujurou's account. The sudden news gravely affected Yuuka's delicate condition, she became depressed and refused to speak to anyone, even Kogane. Afterwards, her child labour became a thoroughly hard process resulting to an unfortunate death.
The death of Yuuka.
Kogane was utterly devastated. He even denied the presence of his child who survived the childbirth. That's right. Yuuka gave her life for the chance of a new life, for their son to live—and Kogane cannot accept that. They were just starting. In other words, they were only at the beginning. But that ended in just a blink of an eye. They were not yet even on their first year of marriage, but she left him unceremoniously.
He refused to see his son for ten years, with his parents taking care of the child for him. The sunlight did not touch his skin during those years. His parents and friends understands what he's going through. But they don't want it to affect the boy who is not the one at fault for the loss of her mother. So they knocked a sense to Kogane, barraging him with facts that he's a father now. That Yuuka thought their son's life is more important that hers so she gave it up for him, so he shouldn't waste her efforts and sacrifices.
It took a while for him to recover. When his mind became clearer, he remembered the last words from his mate:
"Please…
Take care of our son, Yuuto…
I love you…
Both of you…
Always…"
That was the first and last time she told him she loved him vocally. She didn't say it during their wedding and the night after that. Instead, she always show her love through her actions and he understood. Only, he didn't know she was saving those words for her last breath.
Yuuto.
That was the name they both agreed to give their first son. Now that the first will not be followed, he realized the importance their first son held because there will be no second. Forever. And he will make sure it will stay that way. He will not marry another woman. It is the right thing to do. To respect the memories of Yuuka, and that his heart will always belong to her.
The father and son reunion was touching, but with no tears. Kogane and Yuuto refused to shed tears because it was not the time for that. They've already done it a lot of times for the past ten years. Kogane apologized and Yuuto forgives. For a ten year old boy, he's already mature—maybe because of the absence of his parents, especially his father. Kouga is a like a father to him but it was not enough. The significance of a real father is very important for the boy's life to be complete. Even with the knowledge of his mother gone, the fact that his father is alive and well is enough for him to grow and get stronger. For that, Kogane is very proud.
A few more years have passed before they decided to visit Yuuka's homeland.
"Your mother and I met there" Kogane pointed a burnt house a few meters away from them. Then they walk towards the house. "Your mother's caretaker used to live here, and that obaasan was the one who provided me with my first kimono."
"First kimono?" asked by his 16 year old son Yuuto. He has grown quite a bit throughout the years. With his red hair and brown eyes he got from his mother, he looks tough and strong.
"Yes. I lived here for a few decades you see. I was fascinated by their way of living, so humanlike."
"Isn't that what we are doing now? Living like humans?"
"Because we have no choice. The humans outnumbered us and they have this technologies we cannot go up against."
"And besides, we can't bring harm to them, right?"
Kogane grinned, "That's my boy." and patted his son's head who also grinned. "Yeah that is right. We can't hurt them. That is the pact we agreed on—between the humans and demons. We are trying to live with them harmoniously, without the unnecessary killings."
"So…what happened here?"
"Hn…let's just say they broke the law, for their tradition to live. So it resulted with a total annihilation. Your mother got depressed when she found which…you know."
"Yes, father." He said a little bid sadly.
"Honestly, I want to extract my revenge on that Soujurou bastard who murdered her clansmen. Though I know revenge may sound sweet, but it will only bring more pain to the ones who were left behind. Revenge is a cycle of more sufferings, it won't end well."
Yuuto nodded his head in understanding.
"That's why we're here."
The boy cocked his head.
"I want to build a whole new clan where there will be no more sufferings. A clan where any yokai or hanyou is accepted, without prejudice."
They started walking towards the back of the house, where a single rice field can be seen—the one he used to take care of. It survived all those years.
"Kasanoda."
"Kasa…" Yuuto frowned. "What's that, father?"
"Look at this rice field," His son looks at the field. "and then at that large oak tree." Yuuto followed his eyes. "That huge tree was shading this rice field from the sun. Protecting, so they stood strongly, even without the proper care of someone. Can you believe that?"
"I can see it, otousan. So I believe it."
"Kasanoda—a shaded rice field."
"Oh…so that's what it means."
"I want to be like that tree, shading the rice field. To protect my people against harm, for them to stand strongly even without anyone's help."
"I will support you otousan." Yuuto's brown eyes brightened and smiled.
"That's my boy." Kogane grinned.
…
…
And so, throughout the years, decades and centuries. A single clan became known as the most powerful group all over the Kanto region.
The clan that protects the weak, a non-prejudice group who accepts yokais, hanyous and humans, as long as they are ready to protect. The clan that makes people stronger. The clan that is like the shaded rice field…
Kasanoda Clan.
…
…
Waaah! At last! I managed to update!
I admit, I had a writer's block. Actually, I almost give up to this story. I only got back on track when my boyfriend pushed me to write a new fic (Naruto fic), with a sci-fi genre. Damn was it hard! It almost used up all of my brain cells! TT^TT You might want to check it out if you have time.
Anyway, I'm really glad I'm back! I hope I can update soon because I really want to write the main story as soon as possible!
In this chapter, I introduced a lot of OCs! Believe it or not, it will not end here. I will introduced new characters here and there so I hope you'll stay with me. And I hope I can write the character introductions on my page when I find the time. Just ask me if you have questions about the new characters, although I'm not so sure I can answer all of that. Ehehehe~
AND! I have quite a lot of revelations here! Can you spot them~? Ohohoho~~ I'm so excited for the next chapter~~
Some might have guessed that my side stories are about the OCs. I want to give them a little bit of spotlight because they are important here.
Okay! So much for that!
I'll update soon if I can!
With that~ please stay tuned~
Matta ne~~!
Sincerely yours,
Natsuki
(P.S. Reviews, Favs and Follows are very much appreciated. Thanks a lot minna~~!)