To Be Different Then Expected
A/N- Hey there! It's been a while on this one, I had to re-think some parts of the storyline, so this stroy may change a little. Please don't be mad about the really, and I mean really long update! I hope this chapter makes up for it...enjoy!
Chapter 3: The first step towards freedom
Waking the next morning, Ayame pulled herself into a sitting position as she looked about the cave, a light yawn passing through her lips. There was a little light coming from the entrance, the rest was emanating from the fire that sat nearby. Stretching, Ayame slowly got to her feet and made her way towards the back of the cave where a small pool of water sat. After stripping out of her clothing, she settled into the water and ran her fingers through her hair, 'I wonder what the leader of the northern tribe is like.' Before she could finish her thought, a sound behind her told her she wasn't alone, after sniffing the air she shook her head. "Miharu, you know better than to try sneaking up on me, what did father send you for this time?" Glancing over her shoulder she watched as her wolf companion came out of the shadows and approached.
"Milady, your father wanted me to inform you that the messenger from the northern clan is here and he awaits your arrival." A smile appeared on Ayame's face as she remembered what was so special about today, 'I get to go on a journey away from the clan!' Moving fast, she quickly dried herself and dressed, she then made her way to the front of the cave entrance, Miharu at her side. As she approached she could hear her father and the messenger conversing, "I see, well as I mentioned before, we are interested in a peace treaty. But I can't help but wonder, why is your leader so strict on us not knowing his name?" Ayame peeked around the corner at her father; he was leaning against the cave wall looking down at the messenger. "I don't know milord, I only know what I was told to tell you."
"Alright, I will be sending a symbol of our acceptance of this...Ayame, don't just stand there all day, come on out." Ayame shook her head as she stepped out and approached her father, glancing at her side she saw the messenger. He was on one knee and was staring at her like he had never seen a female before, 'he probably hasn't, we are rare after all.' "Father," Ayame inclined her head to her father as she kept on eye on the male at her feet. "This is my daughter Ayame, she will journey to your clan and meet your leader. This will be our show of trust and acceptance of the peace treaty that has been proposed." The messenger bowed his head to Ayame and slowly got to his feet, "I understand Milord, I will make sure no harm will come to your daughter while she is in my care." Ayame fought the urge to roll her eyes as she smiled sweetly at the male, 'boy I'd love to kick your ass right about now.'
"Good, now I would like to speak to my daughter alone for a minute," the messenger nodded his head and backed away, Ayame took the chance and groaned in annoyance. "Great, now I'm going to be stuck with another of those love sick males, can't I just travel on my own?" Keva shook his head while chuckling deeply, "you are never going to change, it will only be for a little while so don't complain. Besides, you wanted a chance to leave the den and travel; well this is your chance. Just put up with it for now, alright?" Ayame snickered and slapped her father on the shoulder, "all right, but if he tries anything..." Keva smiled at her implied remark and shoved her towards her mother. "Just hug your mother and get, before I change my mind on this." Ayame smiled and hugged him quickly; she then turned to her mother and gave her a gentle hug.
After parting, she walked over to the still slobbering messenger and waved goodbye, "come on Miharu, let's go!" Once Miharu was at her side, Ayame didn't even wait as she took off running into the trees, followed closely by the messenger. After running for a few minutes, Ayame slew to a walk as she glanced at the male next to her. "So, how far is it to your den anyway...and what's your name?" The male smiled as she addressed him, turning her head away in disgust, Ayame passed through the trees waiting for his reply. "I am called Hakaku and I am actually taking you to our leader first, he is not at the den right now...he's doing his trying to find traces of a new enemy of ours." Ayame nodded her head as she jumped over a fallen tree, "I see, who is this 'new enemy' and why is your leader want to find them so bad?"
Ahead of her Miharu sniffed the trees and scampered off into the trees, "well, many of our wolves were killed by a servant of this half-breed named Naraku. My leader has sworn revenge and he has been continually looking for any traces of the guy." Ayame stopped and turned to look at Hakaku, "so he's out for revenge...sounds like fun..." Ayame picked up speed when she heard Miharu's growling up ahead. Miharu had cornered a small demon, Ayame approached with raised eyebrows, it was a kitsune pup. The demon was shaking like a leaf as he tried to back away from Miharu, "Miharu, back off..." the wolf stopped growling and stepped away as Ayame came up to the frightened little guy.
She was about to speak when behind her she heard Hakaku approach, "Shippo...what are you doing out here, where is sister Kagome?" Ayame glanced between the two in confusion; "you two know each other?" The small kitsune, 'Shippo' stopped shaking and looked really relieved. "They are ahead somewhere, InuYasha was going too fast and I got left behind, is Kouga around here?" Ayame furrowed her eyebrows as she knelt next to Shippo, "Do you want us to take you to them?" Shippo turned to look at her and nodded his head feverently, "yes, by the way...who are you?"
Ayame smiled at the question, "My name is Ayame, it's nice to meet you...so which direction were your friends headed?" Shippo pointed to the south and Ayame nodded, she reached out and scooped Shippo up, surprising him. "Hakaku, do you know what his friends smell like?" Looking over at her companion, her reason for coming out here was lost in favor of her curiosity. 'Meeting his leader can wait, I want to enjoy this while I can.' Hakaku nodded his head and lead the way into the trees, after a few minutes passed Ayame caught the scent of a dog demon and humans in the distance. As they neared, Ayame started to hear raised voices, "...your fault InuYasha, if you just didn't go that fast, but no! Man, sometimes I really...arg...SIT BOY!" Just at that moment Ayame reached the clearing and her eyes widened at the scene before her.
A/N- There yah go, hope it was worth the wait. I'll be trying to get the next chapter up soon, until then...Ja Ne!