Two days later, Ngbaka cornered Kumo in his room. Kumo had just finished pulling off his shirt when he looked up to see the lion demon closing the door behind him. The young demon stared nervously as he held his shirt protectively over his bare chest and watched as the other closed the gap between them. Ngbaka cradled Kumo's cheek with one hand and raked his claws through the long silver tresses.
"So, have you thought about my proposal?" he asked. He leaned forward and let his tongue trail over Kumo's neck. The dog demon moaned and leaned against the lithe frame of the other.
"I have but I'm still not sure," Kumo admitted and sighed. "Why me Ngbaka? You could find any number of lioness to mate. What makes me so different?"
"Besides the fact that you're a dog and I'm a cat," Ngbaka snickered.
Kumo glared at him and rested his head against his chest. "Will you just answer me jerk."
Ngbaka chuckled and held the young dog demon close. "I chose you for one reason only. I love you Kumo. I know that when you were younger it didn't seem that way but i did." He sighed. "When i first laid eyes upon you. You were just like Ashanta and Zaine a little nusiance. When you were being trained as a warrior and you were doing so well. It just irritated the hell out of me. After I defeated you I realised that my feelings were not because I hated you. As you grew older I began to watch you every chance I got. Although I knew you never saw me. In time my feelings for you became stronger and deeper." He cradled Kumo's face in his hands. "Kumo, you are a half demon and I'm sure Grandmother Xhosa told you that the child of a half demon is strong. But the child of two males are exceptionally powerful."
Kumo nodded his head.
"Well, I do not want you just for that," said Ngbaka. "You are everything that I want in a mate. You are strong, loyal, beautiful and quite entertaining especially when you and the other two brats are together." He leaned down and nipped Kumo on the nose. "I have to admit that prank I pulled on you three when Ashanta met Sethos was my best yet."
"You are a jerk," Kumo said laughing. Then the smile dropped from his face and he sighed. "I still don't know. I still find it hard to believe that you actually love me. It's all so confusing."
"Well, take as much time as you need to think." He lifts Kumo into his arms and placed the young demon on the bed. Settling next to him Ngbaka placed a gently kiss on his shoulder. "And to help you make up your mind. I want you to remember this." Ngbaka slid his hands inside Kumo's pants and pulled the young demon's slightly stiffening erection from its confines.
Kumo moaned arching his back off the bed as Ngbaka stroked his throbbing fully erect cock. He nipped and sucked at the smooth skin of the dog demon neck pulling little yips of pleasure from the other. The elder demon moved lower closing his lips around the pink nub sucking, licking and tugging at it. Kumo cried out in pleasure as he began to thrust himself into the other's fist. Moving lower, his tongue slide down the length of Kumo's side, over his trembling stomach and up the length of his arousal. Kumo shoved his fist in his mouth to stop his scream as Ngbaka swallowed his entire length down his throat. He began to thrust his throbbing erection down the elder demon's throat. Feeling an unaccustomed warmth pooling in the pit of his stomach. His muffled scream filled the room as with one final thrust he spurted his essence down Ngbaka's throat.
He removed his fist from his mouth. Panting wildly,Kumo watched through half lidded eyes as Ngbaka sat up with a satisfied smirk on his face licking his lips. "Mmmm, and that's just a sample little brother of the pleasure I could give you." Then he leaned down sealing his lips to those of his intended mate. "Just a little something to think about when making your decision." He heard the other say before he drifted off to sleep.
xxxxx
That night at dinner, Kumo decided that he would give Ngbaka his decision. He never realized how much that knuckle headed lion demon meant to him. He cares about Ngbaka. He really does but Kumo decided against it. It wouldn't be right or fair. Ngbaka deserves someone that will think and love only him. Kumo knew that even if he did accept the proposal. The image of that mysteriously beautiful demon would always be on his mind and in his dreams.
He sighed as he stared around the table. Ashanta and Sethos had been married for a month now and they were very happy. Even Zaine has a betrothed. Who would have thought he would fall for Stellara's daughter. Mina was quite pretty with her long, blue green colored hair, green eyes and large silver wings. He glanced over at Ngbaka and the other stared back with lust filled eyes. Looking away and swallowing a lump in his throat, Kumo tried to eat but couldn't. He could still fill Ngbaka's eyes searing into his flesh.
Kumo sighed and raised his head. Just as he was about to say something. The doors flew opened as a huge lion raced into the room. On top of the lion's head was a meerkat. The little animal leaped from the lion's head to land on the table before Mugabe. The meerkat bowed and began to chatter in a rapid speech. The eyes of the lion king widened in outrage and fury.
"What is it father?" asked Ngbaka.
"It seems that the hyenas and jackals are making a move," said Mugabe. "So Sabola of the jackals and Futa of the hyenas have banded their two packs together."
"Their coming here," said Nala resting a hand on top of his.
"No, we shall stop them before they get any closer." Mugabe stood up and turned to his advisor. "Kariba, gather my warriors!"
"Yes sire," said the monkey demon leaving the room.
"My sons, it is time we go to war." Mugabe turned and left followed by his children.
The palace was in an uproar as servants rushed through the halls. Mugabe turned and scowled at his daughter. "And what do you think you are doing?"
"You called for the assembly of your warriors," said Ashanta. "I am one of your warriors."
"I don't think so, little lady," said Mugabe turning his back to her.
"But father, I can help you." She clenched her hands into fists. "I am a full fledged warrior. You cannot keep me out of this battle."
"Ashanta your father is right," said Sethos walking up to them. "This is dangerous. Also, I have no intentions of letting you go out there and possibly get killed. I will go instead."
Ashanta growled. "This is not your fight."
"You will be silent and respect your mate!" Mugabe's voice echoed in the hall causing everyone to halt what they were doing. "You will not go and that is final." He turned and walked away followed by Ngbaka, Sethos, Kumo and Zaine.
xxxxx
An hour later, Mugabe stood with his army on the Sahara's savanna facing the army of the jackals and hyenas. In the background looming over the grassland was Mt. Kilimanjaro. Any other day, the view would have been serene as well as spectacular. Unfortunately, the view was marred by the sight of the other army.
"Wow, there are so many of them," said Kumo staring out at the dark line that stood on the horizon.
"Kumo," said Ngbaka coming up behind his two brothers. Kumo turned to face the other. "Be careful out there." Then he leaned down to his ears and whispered. "I love you, my pretty one." Then he went forward to join his father. Kumo's face had turned beet red as the other young warriors laughed and snickered at the young dog demon.
Mugabe wore an elaborate feathered headdress. In his left hand he held a broad-blade spear and in his right was a large shield. The lion king turned to his warriors with flashing red eyes. He called for his swiftest warriors and gestured for them to take their positions. Mugabe was using a battle form that often led him to victory. He was hoping it would do so again. He was using an ancient battle technique called the bull. He would first send out his fastest warriors to flank the enemy on both sides. They are the horns. The chest which consisted of the veterans was sent to attack while the loin which was the younger warriors were kept in reserve.
Once the horns were in place and ready to strike. Mugabe led his warriors into battle. The lion pride collided with the jackal and hyena packs. It was a bloody battle. Claws and spears slashed through flesh. The ground was bathed in the blood of the fallen.
Kumo clutched his spear tight as he watched the battle. Ngbaka was part of the left horn. He felt his blood turn to ice as he heard the death cry of so many demons. Kumo prayed that Ngbaka was not one of the fallen warriors.
"Don't worry about Ngbaka," whispered Zaine. "He's a right bastard and it would take something more than a hyena or jackal to kill him."
"I know but I just . . ."
Suddenly a tiny meerkat leaped onto Kumo's head. The little animal was chattering agitatedly. "What's wrong with him?" asked one of the young warriors.
Zaine grabbed the upset creature and it chattered away hysterically. "Oh my. .. " His eyes widened in horror. "He says that he just saw a pack of jackals heading towards the city from the east."
"Then who else are they fighting?" asked another warrior.
"That's not the point," said Sethos. "The point is what do we do about it. We just can't stay here and let them reach the city."
"He's right and we can't inform father about it," said Zaine. "However, we can't leave the battle. We are the reserves."
"It seems to me those old war horses are holding their own against the hyenas." Kumo looked at his brother worriedly. They had to do something and fast. Ashanta and Nala were there unprotected.
"Well Zaine. Kumo. Since neither your father nor Ngbaka are here. The decision is yours," said Sethos.
"I need forty of you to follow us," said Kumo without hesitating. "The rest stay here."
"Once father and the others are finished with the hyenas. Tell them what happened," said Zaine. "Let's go." Forty of the young men left the group to head back to the city.
xxxxx
By the time Kumo and the others arrived at the city. They stood rooted to the spot stunned. The battle had already begun and the citizens were fighting the jackals. He smirk as he saw his sister leading the attack. She was quite skilled as she took down demon after demon. Even Nala and Stellara were fighting. The Fairie was quite good with a sword.
"Well now, I guess I'm going to have to behave around her," said Sethos smiling.
"And here we thought they would need our help," said Kumo smiling.
"Guess we were mistaken." Sethos turned to his brother-in-laws. "Shall we join them."
"Yeah," said Zaine. They rushed into battle fighting the jackals. They fought until the three of them were fighting back to back.
"What are you doing here?" asked Ashanta slashing a demon across his throat.
"We came to help," said Kumo.
"Don't worry," said Zaine. "We left majority of the reserve back to help father incase he needs it." He snapped the neck of a demon and then tossed it at the others knocking them to the ground. "Although I don't think they will need them."
Kumo thrust his spear into the stomach of one demon, snapped it off and buried the other half into the eye of another demon. The sounds of howls,
and roars filled the plains.
Kumo saw a jackal sneaking up on Nala and yelled to the woman just in time. She turned and took his arm off. Then she tore opened his chest.
"Kumo!" Nala had yelled frightened and that was the last thing he remembered before everything went black.
xxxxx
When Kumo awakened he was lying in his bed. His head was throbbing and he felt drowsy. He turned his head to see Ngbaka sitting beside him. The lion demon smiled and sat on the bed. He brushed the hair from Kumo's face, leaned down and kissed him gently.
"How do you feel?"
"Like someone used my head for a mallet," he said groggily. "What happened?"
"Well, we defeated the hyenas and you guys defeated the jackals," Ngbaka said proudly. "I was amazed when we got back here. And father is so proud of the decision you and Zaine made."
"What about Zaine . .. And Ashanta. . . " He was about to get up but fell back against the pillows when a wave of nausea struck. Closing his eyes he began to drift off to sleep. Before the darkness of sleep took hold he heard Ngbaka say.
"They are fine. Everyone is all right. You did good squirt."
The next time Kumo awakened he felt something lying across his chest. Opening one eye, he found Ashanta asleep on his chest. He smiled stroking her long black hair. Then he gently removed her off of him. He sat up and at the foot of the bed was Zaine. Kumo quietly slipped out of the bed and went out on the balcony. He inhaled the sweet air. A gentle breeze rose blowing hislong silver tresses behind him.Sighing contently, hestared up at the moon. It was a crescent moon. Kumo smiled as it reminded him of the crescent moon mark on the forehead of the handsome young demon that haunts his dreams.
Suddenly a wave of dizziness swept over him. He collapsed to the floor with a thud staring up at the silently watching crescent moon. Just then a burst of memories flashed before his eyes as a song flowed through his mind.
On the wind
Cross the sea
Hear this song
and remember
Soon you'll be
home with me
Once upon a December
And at that moment one name went through his head. 'Sesshomaru'. Then he slipped back into unconsciousness.
xxxxx
When the silver haired half demon awakened Ashanta and Zaine was still by his side. He smiled fondly at them.
"Hi guys."
"Kumo." Zaine and Ashanta said in unison. The girl wrapped her arms around his neck. "Kumo, you're all right. I'm so glad."
"Why is she being so clingy?" He asked.
"Well, when we woke up. We found you outside on the balcony unconsciousness," said Zaine. "Also, you have been unconscious for two days."
"Really." He stared at the other in shock. "So,that's why I'm starving."
"Well now, if you think you can get up. It's almost time for dinner," said Ngbaka walking into the room. "And Ashanta quit hanging all over my mate."
Zaine and Ashanta stared at Kumo in shock.
"Umm, guys can I talk to Ngbaka alone?"
"Sure," said Zaine as he and Ashanta left the two.
"I take it you have come to a decision," Ngbaka said sitting next to him. He took Kumo's hand and held them tight.
"See, every since I awakened in Nefra's cave. I have been having these dreams about another demon. At first, he was just a shadowy silhouette but as I got older his face began to become visible." He sighed and turned his gaze to the opened terrace doors. Outside the crescent moon shone down warmly upon him as he smiled. "He has long, silky white hair and warm, smiling gorgeous golden eyes just like me. Except that he has a crescent moon on his forehead and he is a full blooded demon. He was so sad and he was calling for someone." He turned from staring at the moon to look into the dark eyes of the lion prince.
"I don't understand what this has to do with anything," said Ngbaka frowning.
"I'm getting to that. Since Zaine said I have been asleep for two days I guess it has been two days since I got my memory back."
The older demon stared at him in shock.
"My name is Inuyasha and I am a dog demon prince from Japan."
"Doesn't matter. I still love you."
"I love you also. I realised that some time ago. So don't look so shocked." He smiled at the amused expression on the other's face. "But . . ."
"But."
"I can't be your mate because my heart and love belongs to someone else," said Inuyasha lowering his had. "I'm sorry."
Ngbaka cradled Inuyasha's cheeks in his hands and raised the young demon's face to look into those beautiful golden eyes and smiled sadly. "Why are you sorry? Love is something that you should never be sorry about. If this person who holds your heart is important to you and they make you happy . . ." He raked his claws through Inuyasha's hair. "Then I am happy. Although I don't want you to leave. I can see in your eyes that you want to go." He sighed. "Itakeyou will be returning to your home."
"Yes, I have a family waiting for me."
"Then come. Let's make your final night here a joyous one." Ngbaka pulled him to his feet and they left.
At dinner, Inuyasha informed them of his returned memory and that he was leaving. Mugabe only smiled sadly while Nala and Xhosa cried. Zaine and Ashanta just stood in the background heartbroken. Although they had told their brother that he should go search for the answers he was looking for. They just never thought that it would hurt so much when the day came when he really would leave them.
xxxxx
The next morning as Inuyasha prepared to depart. Ngbaka was waiting for him in the hallway. "I guess this is good bye," he said taking Inuyasha's hands in his.
"Yeah, guess so." Inuyasha looked away. Ngbaka placed a hand under his chin and turned the dog demon's face back to look into his beautiful golden eyes one last time.
"You maybe from a distant country but you will always be in my heart, my beautiful one." He gently pressed his lips against Inuyasha's in a passionate kiss. When the kiss was broken Inuyasha felt a little unsteady. "Everyone is waiting outside."
When they stepped outside Inuyasha was shocked to see just about everyone in the city there. "What's all this?"
"Well, Ashanta and Zaine came and told us that you were leaving," said Stellara smiling. "And we have all come to wish you a safe journey home."
"Thank you everybody," said Inuyasha smiling.
"Kumo, I mean Inuyasha I just want you to know that you will always be in our hearts and that you are always welcomed here," said Mugabe placing a hand on his shoulder. "You will always be a member of our Pride and you will forever be my son."
"Thank you . . .father. Mother." He turned to face Nala and hugged her tight. "Grandmother." The elderly lioness held him so tight until she squeeze the breath out of him. She released him and began to tweak his ears. Inuyasha smiled as he didn't mind her doing that.
"Are you ready?" asked Ashanta smiling at him.
"What do you mean?"
"Ashanta and I are going with you," said Zaine smiling at him.
"I'm going as well," said Sethos. "I have always wanted to visit foreign countries. Besides, I have no intentions of letting my mate go off to a foreign country without me."
Inuyasha stared at them in shock.
"You really didn't think we would let you make this journey alone, did you," said Ashanta wrapping her arms around his neck hugging him tight. Inuyasha smiled and then turned to face everyone.
"I feel as though you all are my family and I will never forget you for as long as I live," said Inuyasha.
Gathering their food and supplies they made their way through the streets of the village. Some folks that wasn't at the palace waved farewell to the travelers.
"So, where do we go first?" asked Zaine.
"We go to the Dragon Father," said Sethos. "If there is anyone who will know where your home is Inuyasha. It will be the dragons."
"Of course, since they have been all around the world," said Ashanta.
"Then, we're off to see the Dragon Father," said Inuyasha smiling. He stared up into the bright cerulean sky. 'Sesshy, I'm on my way home.'
xxxxx
They arrived a week later at the Dragon Father's cave. He told them that they would gladly help him. "During this time of year the young dragons migratory path leads them close to your country. They can drop you off in China. You should be able to get home from there."
"That's right,"said Inuyasha. "I remember. A Chinese dragon name Yin had sold me as a slave to a human named Abdul".
"Isn't that an Arabic name?" asked Zaine.
"Yes it is. And I know the one name Yin also. He was a disgrace along with Ryuukotsusei," said the Dragon Father disgusted.
"I know him as well," said Inuyasha angrily. "That bastard wanted to kill me so he could weaken my father's will and destroy him."
"I guess Yin must have thought you would be useful as a slave," said Sethos. "It's a good thing this Yin sounds to be a greedy demon."
"He was greedy. I received word that he was killed by a dog demon with . . . " He stared at Inuyasha. "Long silver hair, golden eyes and a crescent moon on his forehead."
"Sesshomaru. I have to return to him."
The Dragon Father smiled and told them their ride was waiting for them outside. When they exited the cave, Inuyasha smiled and ran to the two dragons waiting for them. Tago. Sano.
"Hey, Kumo." The two dragons said.
"Well guys, I got my memory back. It's Inuyasha."
"We know," said Sano. "It's just that to us . . . you will always be Kumo."
Inuyasha smiled at his dragon friends and hugged the two males.
"The Dragon Father asked us to take you as far as China," said Tago.
"If its not a problem," said Inuyasha.
"Of course it's not," said Sano. "It's on our migratory route. And even if it was out of the way. We would still take you. Hop on."
They jumped upon the dragons back. Inuyasha turned to the elderly dragon and bowed. "Thank you Dragon Father for everything. I will never forget you or any of the Ethiopian Dragons." He smiled sadly. "I just wish mother Nefra was here."
"Don't worry. She will always be with you. Now, you should hurry. You have a ways to go."
Tago and Sano spread their great wings and took to the air. "Good bye!" They yelled waving to the elderly dragon.
"Good-bye!" yelled the Dragon Father. "Remember Kumo, to stand tall and brave for you are an Eithiopian Dragon!"
"I will Father! Good-bye!" Inuyasha yelled as they disappeared into the distance.