+Lion language+
'inuyasha thoughts'
Chapter 8
Ashanta and Zaine showed Kumo around the palace. Although it was large, it was quite cozy as well. The three youngsters had turned the corner and Kumo collided into another person.
+Watch where you are going runt.+Watch where you are going runt.
Kumo looked up to see Ashanta scolding another lion demon. +You big jerk, why don't you watch where you're going.+ She knelt down beside Kumo.
Kumo stared up at the tall demon. Like the others he was tall with lean sinewy muscles. His hair hung down his back in braids and the beads were all white. He wore a green loin cloth around his slender hips but unlike the two children he was with. The lion demon wore a pair of sandals. The young demon could sense the strength and power radiating from this lithe figure standing before him. 'He's so powerful and beautiful.' To the little dog demon the elder demon looked like anancient god.Kumo continued to stare at the powerful figure in awe.
Just then Kumo's memory flashed to a tall figure with long hair. Just as this person was about to turn around revealing himself. Ashanta's angry voice broke through his daydream. Realising that he was still staring at the handsome demon before him. He quickly turned away to hid the rising color in his face.
The demon glared at the three children coldly and snorted. +What's with the mutt being here. There has never been a mongrel in this palace.+
Kumo felt his nerves fluttering in the pit of his stomach as the dark eyed demon's gaze seem to rake over him.
+How would you know who has been in this palace? This building is older than our great grandfather+ scowled Zaine.
+Sometimes I wonder about you.+ Ashanta turned her attention back to Kumo and helped him to stand up. "Sorry about that Kumo," she said switching back to speaking in the dragon language. "This jerk here is our big brother, Ngbaka." She turned to her brother. "Stupid, this is Kumo. He's Lady Nefra's boy. He can only speak the dragon language."
Ngbaka snorted again. "Sorry about your mother," he added speaking to the boy in the dragon language.
"Thank you," Kumo said twisting the hem of his shirt nervously.
"Well, out of the way squirts." Ngbaka pushed the children out of his path and continued down the hall.
"JERK!" Ashanta yelled after her older brother's retreating form. "That guy . . . sometimes he makes me want to strangle him."
"Why?" asked Kumo.
"Because he tries to act so grown up just because he's seventeen. Acting all superior and cold just because he's the one to take over when father steps down." The girl ranted. Kumo stared at the flustered girl and burst out laughing. It's the first time he has laughed in days and it felt good.
"Come on, let's go show Kumo our favorite place to play," said Zaine.
But before the three could take another step they where stopped by a female voice.
+And where do you cubs think you're going+And where do you cubs think you're going?
The three turned around. Ashanta and Zaine ran to the woman hugging her. Kumo stared at the tall woman. She was very beautiful with soft dark brown skin and onyx colored eyes. Her long black hair hung down to her knees. When she moved her head, the beads would clack together. The dress she wore was like Ashanta's in make except that she did not have colored beads looping through the material and the color was a soft pastel blue. She had a beaded anklelet around her left ankle and was barefoot.
"Mother, we were just about to show Kumo our favorite spot," said Zaine.
She smiled sweetly at the little dog demon. "So, you are Kumo. My husband told me that the Dragon Father wanted us to take care of you since your mother died. My heart broke when I heard about her death."
"Thank you. You are very kind," said Kumo bowing.
"Now Kumo, there is no need for the formalities. You are part of our Pride and family now," she said. "You may call me Nala if you wish." The smile on her face became even brighter if that was possible.
Kumo smiled and nodded his head.
"Good, now I'm sorry kids but you can't go to the waterfall today," said Nala.
"But why, we wanted to show it to Kumo," whined Ashanta.
"Because your grandmother is coming to see you."
Both children moaned. "Do we have to see her," groaned Zaine. "She pinches our cheeks. Hard."
"Yeah and she wets a napkin with her spit and wipe imaginary dirt from our faces," Ashanta said cringing in disgust.
"And when she hugs you she tries to crush every bone in your body."
"Plus, she smells funny." Ashanta crinkled up her nose.
"That's no way to talk about your grandmother," said Nala scolding her daughter. "Now, go to your room and get cleaned up. She will be here shortly."
The children turned moaning in distress. "Let's go Kumo, you will have to learn first hand about the terror known as grandmother Xhosa," said Zaine.
xxxxx
After showing Kumo around the palace, the three children prepared themselves for their grandmother's visit. They were told to wait in the nursery until she arrived.
"This is so boring," said Ashanta sitting on the window sill looking out at the bustling town. "I can't believe mother wants us to wait in here. We could have been showing Kumo around the village." She now wore a bright green dress and the beads were replaced by four rows of gold rings that went through the fabric.
"Tell me about it," said Zaine walking over to his sister. "I mean it's not like she will be leaving any time soon. She usually stays a month or two." He wore a yellow and green daishiki. While Kumo wore a red and black daishiki.
"You shouldn't talk so about your elders," said Kumo. "At least you know who you are and who your family is. I have no memory of who I was before Nefra found me floating in the ocean."
Ashanta stared at him in shock. "You mean you don't remember anything from your past?"
The half-breed shook his head. "Not one thing. I couldn't even speak because I didn't remember how. Although it wouldn't have matter because I couldn't understand her."
"Wow, it must sucks not knowing," said Zaine.
"Sometimes, I have these strange flashes of people I've never seen before. Or someone might say something that jars my memory a little but not enough for me to know for sure."
"I can't say I understand what you are talking about," said Zaine sighing. "But you do know that Ashanta and I will always be here for you if you should need us." Both cubs smiled at the little dog demon. "Besides, it is too nice a day to be worrying about things that is out of your control and to be stuck inside waiting."
"Well," Ashanta smiled mischievously at her brother. "It will be hours before she gets here. What say we sneak out and show our new brother around."
"Mother and father will be angry with us if we leave before grandmother arrives."
"And your point." The girl cocked a delicate brow. Zaine shrugged and they turned to Kumo.
Kumo stared at the two children and walked over to join them.
xxxxx
Shortly the three children made their way through the crowded marketplace of the village. Kumo had never seen so many human, demons, elves and other creatures in one place before. On one street all the venders were selling perfume and incense. The intricate aroma of all the different scents mixed together made Kumo's nose itch. The scents made the other two gag and they quickly cut through an alley to another section of the market. They ended up in the cloth section. The vendors were all selling different kinds of cloth. Turning the next corner they were in the food section. One vendor was selling something called a honeydew melon. Kumo stared at the lit green melon the man sliced opened. The vendor generously gave the kids a slice, and they continued their trek through the bustling village.
"This is the biggest village in all of West Africa," said Ashanta. "We have vendors from just about all over the world."
"Wow, it's amazing," said Kumo staring at all the different vendors.
"This is nothing," said Zaine smiling. "Let us show you our favorite place in the village. They turned at the end of the street onto another street. And the delicious aroma of baking cakes, breads and other sweets filled their noses.
Ashanta and Zaine led the dog demon to one of the shops. Walking inside they were met by a pretty woman with long, lavender colored hair. Kumo stared in wonder at the large glittering wings on her back. The soft green dress she wore had leaf shaped hem and fell just below her knees. "She's a Fairie from Ireland," said Zaine.
+Ashanta. Zaine+ the woman said upon seeing the three children. +Who is your new friend+
+Hi Stellara+ said Ashanta. She turned to Kumo and pulled him forward. +This is Kumo. He is the adoptive son of Nefra. He's living with us now.+
+I see.+The Fairie turned her blue gaze upon the little dog demon. +Hello Kumo. My name is Stellara.+
Kumo stared at the woman puzzled.
+Oh, he doesn't speak our language. He can only speak the dragon language+ said Zaine.
Stellara smiled nodding her head in understanding. "Hello, Kumo," she said switching to the dragon language. "My name is Stellara."
"It is an honor to meet you," said Kumo bowing to the woman. Both Ashanta and Zaine rolled their eyes.
"Well since you're with these two I guess you want some candy as well." She turned her back and pulled something down off the top shelf. She turned and held out three long spiral shaped candy.
"Thank you," said the three children.
"You're very welcome," said Stellara. "Now, you three should head home."
"Okay, bye." They waved to the Fairie and hurried out of her shop.
xxxxx
After leaving Stellara's shop, they continued to show Kumo the rest of the village. Some of the people stared at the little dog demon warily. While others didn't know what to think at seeing a canine in the lion village. And to Kumo's dismay, the women were all drawn to his ears. It was way pass noon when the three decided to head home. Instead of going back into the nursery to wait, they went into the garden zig zagging through the ocean of violets and orchids. They headed to the man made pond in the center of the cotton-silk trees. The three sat under the shade of one of the trees and ate the fruits one of the vendors had given them.
It was late evening when Ngbaka went into the garden and found his siblings fast asleep under the trees. Kneeling beside the children the older teen nudged the children awake. "Hey!" He nudged them again. "Hey!
Wake up idiots."
Ashanta bolted up to glare at her older brother. Kumo and Zaine began to awaken also. "What do you want jerk?" demanded Ashanta.
"I just came to wake you because grandmother has been here waiting for over three hours to see you idiots," Ngbaka said smiling smugly at the children.
Immediately the three children leaped to their feet. Grabbing Kumo by the hand they ran back inside the palace.
When Ashanta and Zaine dragged Kumo back to the nursery. Waiting for them was a disappointed Mugabe, a distraught Nala, a smug smiling stuck up Ngbaka. How the hell he made it back before them is a mystery to Kumo. Sitting in a chair looking quite regal was grandmother Xhosa. She was an elderly lion demoness with long black hair that was starting to gray along the length of her braids.
+Grandmother+ Ashanta and Zaine said running to the demoness and embracing her.
+And how are my little sweet ones doing today+ she asked kissing both children on the cheeks.
+We are well, grandmother+ said Zaine smiling. The smile became brittle when the elderly demoness began to pinch his cheek.
+Have you two been good+ Xhosa took out a handkerchief wet the tip with her spit and began to wipe the children sticky mouths.
+Yes . . . grandmother+Ashanta said while holding a tense smile on her face. +We have been very good.+
Over near the window they heard Ngbaka snort. Both children threw him a dirty look.
+If you two have been so good. Why weren't you here to greet your poor grandmother+ The lioness roared at them. Both children cringed.
+Because we were showing Kumo around the village+ said Zaine.
Kumo stiffened as all eyes turned on him. The old lioness stared at the white hair, half breed. Her eyes widened in shock. +He's a . . . a dog demon.+He's a . . .a dog demon.
Yes mother+said Mugabe. +He is Nefra's adoptive son. The Dragon Father asked us to keep him after she was killed by poachers.+
+Yes, I heard about that. Poor child.+The elderly lioness turned her gaze upon the dog demon. +He is a half demon and a very powerful half demon at that. Even before I met him, I was able to sense his strength and power when I entered the outer limits of the village.+ The old lioness smiled slyly. +He will be the perfect mate for either a princess . . .or prince.+ She glanced over at her elder grandson.
The elder boy snorted and looked out the window. Both Ashanta and Zaine gagged.
Xhosa walked over to Kumo. The little demon stood rigid as the old woman stood before him smiling.
"He only speaks dragon, mother," said Mugabe.
'Please don't grab my ears. Please don't grab my ears. Please don't grab my ears.' Kumo silently chanted almost like a prayer. Unfortunately the gods were not listening.
The first thing she did was grab his ears. "Oh, these ears are so soft and cute." Once she was through tweaking his ears. She gathered the child in a big hug squeezing the breath out of him. "You are such an adorable little puppy."
"Mother, please," said Nala smiling. "You're going to break him in half."
Xhosa let the child go. "So, your name is Kumo."
"Yes maam."
"Now now, let's not start with this maam stuff. Just call me grandmother." She smiled at him and kissed his cheek. "Welcome to the family." She pinched his cheeks and then wiped the sticky residue of the candy from his mouth.
Kumo smiled up at the elderly matriarch and sniffed the air. His brows shot up disappearing into his hairline as he held his smile. 'Ashanta and Zaine was right. She do smell funny.' Kumo thought.
Just then a dark skinned human child walked into the room bowing. +Dinner is ready, majesty.+
Mugabe nodded to the boy and the human left the room. "Dinner is ready. Shall we go."
"As for you three I should send you to your rooms with no dinner for making your grandmother wait," said Nala scolding them. "But since this is Kumo's first day. I will let it pass, this time. But be warned, I will not be so generous next time. Now let's go eat." The three elder members walked out.
"Dummies," said Ngbaka walking passed the three children to follow his parents.
Ashanta gritted her teeth and growled.
"What a jerk," said Kumo scowling. He turned to his new siblings smiling. Ashanta and Zaine stared at the boy in shock and then all three burst out laughing.
xxxxx
The next day Kumo was to attend class with Zaine and Ashanta but Xhosa took it upon herself to teach the little dog demon to speak their language. Kumo was thinking that his ears were a curse. Every time women saw them, they would hover over him just to touch them. Xhosa was not any different. The old lioness would cuddle him and just stroke his ears. Kumo looked up to catch the sight of Ashanta and Zaine looking at him in pity. 'Some friends they turned out to be, leaving me here in this crazy demoness hands while she yanks on my ears.' He was never so glad as when it was time for his lessons with the warriors. Atleast then he wouldn't have to worry about anyone grabbing his ears and telling him how cute they are. Or telling him how adorable he looks.
The lions were training him how to fight, to hunt and all he needed to know about lion society. And as the Dragon Father promised, one of the elderly females came every day to continue his training in dragon magic and dragon society. He was coming along in his studies very well. And out on the training field, his skills as a fighter was amazing. He learned almost as quickly as Ngbaka. Mugabe was impressed but Ngbaka was not. The elder prince growled in anger as his father praised the little dog demon.
It was four days after Kumo arrived and the three children were walking down the hall talking when Ngbaka stepped out of one of the rooms stopping them.
"You think you're better than me," he grounded out at Kumo in anger. "Just because father praise you does not mean you are a better fighter than me and I shall prove it to father in the morning." Then he forced his way through the children and disappeared down the hallway.
"JERK!" yelled Ashanta. "Honestly, I just don't understand him." She turned to Kumo who looked very sad. "Hey, Kumo don't let what he said make you sad. Remember Ngbaka is a big fat jerk. Just ignore him. We do."
"I don't think he can, this time," said Zaine. "He was really angry. I'm afraid he might do something stupid."
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, remember before Kumo came he was the best fighter in the Pride. There was no one that even came close to him." Zaine stared at his sister to see if she understood. "And now here's Kumo, a dog demon at that, and he learns faster than brother and is stronger than him. Remember what grandmother said about Kumo's power. She could sense it at the edge of the village. Atleast his youki is stronger than Ngbaka's."
"Come on Zaine, Ngbaka is an arrogant, self absorbed idiot," said Ashanta. "Are you saying he's jealous. In order for him to be jealous he would have to have some kind of feelings."
"Ashanta it is because Ngbaka is so arrogant and a self absorbed jerk that will make him do something stupid."
"I don't want to cause problems," said Kumo looking at the floor worriedly.
"You're not causing any problems," said Ashanta assuring him. "Ngbaka is an idiot. You'll see. Come the morning, he will have forgotten all about it."
Kumo saw the fierce glint in the demon's eyes. He was not conviced that the other would just forget about it.
xxxxx
The next morning out on the training field. Everyone was standing around waiting for Kumo. Mugabe, Nala and Xhosa was out on the field also. Kumo, Zaine and Ashanta walked up to their parents.
"Mother. Father. Grandmother, why are all of you here?" asked Zaine.
"It seems your brother has challenged Kumo," said Mugabe.
"What!" yelled the children.
"Yes," said Xhosa. "He came to your father last night and asked for the challenge."
"But that's insane," said Zaine. "Kumo is only seven."
"I'm eight," said Kumo.
"Whatever." Zaine shrugged his shoulders and rolled his eyes.
"Doesn't matter. When father was Kumo's age he was fighting hyenas and jackals," said Ngbaka walking up to them. He bowed to his parents and grandmother.
"But father wasn't trying to prove that he was better than everyone," sneered Ashanta. Then she turned to her father. "You can't allow this father. It's not right."
"I can and I already have," said Mugabe. He turned to Kumo. "Are you ready, little one."
"Yes," said Kumo.
Ashanta and Zaine turned in shock at the half-breed. "Kumo, what are you doing?" asked Zaine.
"He's doing what he must to prove himself." Mugabe placed a hand on the little demon's shoulder. "I went to Kumo last night and told him of Ngbaka's challenge. Like a true warrior, he accepted the challenge."
"This is madness," said Ashanta. "The Dragon Father left Kumo in your care to protect not to let him be killed by your stupid, idiot of an elder son."
"He left Kumo in my care to raise in our ways to make him strong. Kumo is a good fighter and he would have to face Ngbaka once his training was completed," said Mugabe. "Kumo is now a member of our Pride and we must treat him as we would any member of our clan."
"But . . ." Ashanta was about to argue with her father but the great lion king silence her.
"Be silent!" he roared. "Kumo has accepted. He shows more courage at this age than any cub I have ever met."
One of the lion demons placed a spear in Kumo's hand. Xhosa grabbed Ashanta by the hand shaking her head at the girl warning her not to argue with her father's decision. She dragged the girl out of the way. "If you hurt him Ngbaka I will never forgive you!" Ashanta yelled at her older brother. "You hear me you snake! I will hate you forever!"
The two combatants faced each other. The lion prince ignoring the angry rant of his younger sibling. "I was surprised when father told me that you had accepted the challenge," said Ngbaka smirking.
Sticking the spear in the ground, Kumo took off his daishiki and tossed it to the side. He wore a thigh length tan loin cloth. "I had no choice," said Kumo retreiving his spear. "It seems like this is the only way to prove myself to you." Kumo poised to attack. "I guess we should get started." Kumo launched himself at Ngbaka and the fight began.