Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha; this is only a fanfic.
Authors Notes: Hi everyone! Next chapter is up; I think this is my longest one so far. I blame DemonSlayer 205 for the barrage of questions thrown at me. I'm not complaining, mind you; a match was lit under me and the cobwebs cleared from my head. For that, I Thank You! Hope I have answered most of the questions. Please read, enjoy and definitely review
Note: thoughts are in italics
SPOILER WARNING
Chapter 11: Evil Intentions
The atmosphere holds a consciousness of foreboding. The air is stale and putrid, almost suffocating. The wildlife, in the immediate vicinity, responds to their natural instinct and flees the surrounding area.
Inside the recess of a nearby mountain, a sinister birth occurs. Protected by tons of rock and limestone, the cocoon no longer suspends from the caverns ceiling. Instead, it now lies among the youkai remains of decaying tissue and bone fragments.
Inside the fibrous shell, Naraku patiently waits. He has planned perfectly. His new form and capabilities will make him invincible.
The cocoon shudders and pulsates. An opening appears in the top, excreting a glutinous substance from inside. This serves to intensify the already foul air. The shell begins to compress and then expand. With each expulsing surge, Naraku reflects on his awaiting victims.
Shippo – the young kitsune. The fox child would rue the day he joined with Inuyasha.
Sesshomaru – the Lord of the Western lands. A superior youkai and one I once thought formidable. In truth, I was envious of the taiyoukai. There was no need for him to fuse bodies or absorb another demons power, no need to deceive or scheme. His name and presence were enough, his composure and stoicism his trademark. However, the taiyoukai was also a fool. For all his power and superiority, he knew not how to wield them.
Kagome – the miko from the future. She was more powerful than I anticipated and managed to thwart my every attempt to use her spiritual gifts. I would derive such pleasure in killing her, as Inuyasha would suffer immensely. Once again, he would have failed to protect the one he loves.
Miroku – the monk with the cursed lineage. From his grandfather, his father and now him, these monks were a stubborn lot. The imbeciles should know by now… to end their curse, they only needed to stop breeding. I knew of their weakness for women and cast the appropriate malediction. Each descendant would pursue me; either to be killed by my hand or the Kazaana would have that privilege. This game had been played for three generations and I would never tire of it.
Sango – the vengeful demon slayer. Once under my control, she was to be my prized possession, my perfect assassin. However, she did not return to me as requested. Lord Kagewaki saved her that day as she crawled from the grave. Although I possessed his body, his pity overruled my desire to complete the task. The few times I was able to extort her skills, had proved useful. I had killed everything meaningful of hers, now I planned to break her spirit, by using the one she loves most.
Inuyasha – the hostile hanyou. His hatred for me only fueled my animosity for him. We were the same, he and I, although he would not admit it. The chains of events were his fault. His thirst to become a full-fledge demon led to his involvement with Kikyou, his human weakness allowed him to love her. In addition, his human weakness made him gullible to deem her untrustworthy, which finally led to the betrayal. Therefore, he had no one to blame but himself.
Kohaku – the timid taijiya. That is, until I placed a weapon in his hands and subdued his mind. The boy then became a tool of death and destruction. Like his sister, I lost control of my most subservient killer. I was unaware the taijiya, at some point, had regained his memory. It angered me that I was so easily deceived by this human boy. He would pay dearly for his deception.
Kikyou – the persistent priestess. Just the thought of her made my blood boil. What did Onigumo see in her? No matter how many times I killed her, she revived to taunt me and foil my schemes. However, this time would be different. Her carcass would not walk this earth again, this I vowed. The mere mention of her name caused inner conflict between Onigumo and me. So much, I had to cut him from my body. There was no inner voice to save you now priestess, that voice had been silenced.
As these thoughts run rampant, the cocoon slithers to the contaminate ground. Naraku's new form emerges, its body bathed in demonic afterbirth. Taking in his morphed appearance, his mouth curves in what may be a smile, if it was human. Representing savagery in its rawest form, his maniacal laughter fills the cavern.
Events have taken a cataclysmic turn with this parturition of evil.
From morning, well into the afternoon, the couple pours diligently over the scrolls. Each making notes beneficial to securing their future together.
Laid out in orderly fashion, the scrolls are something of a diary. This is probably why Miroku's father kept them separate. Most of the information contained is based from emotion and theory, rather than fact. However, the contents are enlightening to Miroku.
He listens intently as Sango's melodious voice reads his fathers declarations to his mother, his feelings for his newborn son, reflections of his wife's death and the Kazaana. Only a woman can inflict the right intonation for such passionate revelations.
After Sango finishes, she and Miroku sit side by side, each caught up in the emotion of the scribes. Each reflecting what it will mean if they are unable to stop Naraku. The words are as clear as if Miroku's father spoke them himself.
"I tried to tell you," the monk sighs. "Maybe we should have waited, maybe…"
"Maybe… I should not have forced you," Sango says softly, her head bowed.
The monks head spins around, grabbing the demon slayer by her shoulders; he turns her to face him. Giving her a gentle shake, he says fervently, "You did not force me! I married you because I wanted to… because I love you and don't ever think differently!"
Sango raises her head and Miroku is surprised at the anger in her eyes. "Then, don't talk about what-ifs, maybes or regrets, Houshi-sama. We're in this together now and I wouldn't have it any other way!"
Miroku takes in her fierce expression; she has never looked more beautiful. Other than the reference at the waterfall, Sango has not verbally admitted her love for him. However, her eyes reveal and her body expresses what her voice does not. He patiently awaits the day those words escape her lips.
Staring into her rich brown eyes, he watches the anger evaporate and feels the tenseness leave her shoulders. Before she slumps against him, he notices the tired lines around her eyes and realizes she has not had a break the last few hours.
"Sango, why don't you get some sleep? I can finish things here."
"No… I'm fine," she says with a yawn and reaches for her writing apparatus.
"Yes," he firmly stills her hand, "We leave early tomorrow and you have not rested properly."
"Well… whose fault is that?" the taijiya says with a shy smile.
"Yours," the monk says simply. "I am completely enamored, but you already know that."
As he pulls her to her feet, Sango eyes him suspiciously. He entwines his arm with hers, escorting her to their futon.
"While you rest, I will take the remaining scrolls and our notes to Mushin-sama. Between the two of us, one of us will find something."
Sango nods her consent. Although he places a chaste kiss on her cheek, the taijiya feels his all too familiar hand creeping toward her bottom. Slapping his hand, she feigns indignation.
"Out, Houshi-sama," she instructs, pointing to the opening.
"Um… I can put this off until later," Miroku eyes her hungrily.
"I-said-out!" Sango snaps. After closing the shoji on his despondent expression, she dissolves into peals of soft laughter.
Kagome and Kaede, inconspicuously, keep watch over the villagers working in the field. Due to the demons seen earlier, each is equipped with bow and a slew of arrows. From her peripheral vision, Kagome watches Inuyasha and Shippo approach.
"All clear?" the young miko asks.
"Yeah," the hanyou grumbles, "for now anyways."
Kagome signals an okay to Kaede and motions her to join them.
Later, seated in Kaede's home, the four discuss the day's occurrences.
"There were seven demons spotted today, so far none have attacked. They appear to be waiting." Kagome says, pouring tea for the others.
"Keh!" Inuyasha's arms are crossed over the Tetsaiga, continuously on alert. "I ain't takin' any chances. I say get rid of 'em on sight, less trouble when Naraku gets here."
"Normally, I would agree, Inuyasha," Kaede states, "but I don't want to start a panic among the villagers."
"You don't want 'em slaughtered either!"
"No, but we want to be prepared if we have to move them out. We can wait until Houshi-dono and Sango-chan arrive. To protect the villagers, it will take more than the three of us." Looking over, Kaede throws Shippo an apologetic glance. "Oh… I'm sorry Shippo; I did not mean to exclude you."
"That's all right, Kaede-sama," the kitsune sips from his cup. "I thought you meant Inuyasha."
"One more word, Shippo, and you'll be wearin' that tea!" the hanyou spat.
"Enough already!" Kagome intervenes, "Do you two ever stop?" Focusing on Kaede, the young miko ignores Inuyasha's unfriendly glare and the kitsune's repentant pout. Addressing the older miko, Kagome continues, "It's settled then, we'll wait for the others to arrive. I hope they get here soon."
Kikyou stands out of harms way as the demon forger sends a blast of fire over Midoriko's sword. Avoiding the heat, the priestess observes Totousai performing his craft.
"Totousai-sama?" Kikyou prompts.
"Hm."
Smiling at his fixed concentration, the priestess continues. "You mentioned earlier you expected my arrival; how did you know?"
"You were destined to come, Kikyou-sama; the humans are not the only ones affected by Naraku's treachery," the sword forger begins. "He is causing quite a stir among the demons as well."
"I am aware of that; but what does he hope to gain?"
"Well… let's start from the beginning." Totousai puts down his hammer and faces the priestess.
"During the time you were alive, Naraku existed. His demon status was of a minor station. His goal was not unlike any other of his class; to obtain the Shikon no Tama to increase his powers."
"He tracked you, Kikyou-sama, as you were the guardian of the jewel. Through you, he became acquainted with the thief Onigumo."
"Naraku knew of Onigumo's desire for you and used it to his advantage. He promised the paralyzed thief the use of his limbs and a reformed body. All he had to do was let the demons consume him."
"Naraku may have been minor in status, but he has always been manipulative and possessed above average intelligence. He convinced the larger more dense demons to participate in his plan. He wanted their strength, but not one that would overrule his control. He wanted complete sovereignty of Onigumo's body."
"Once they meshed with his body, Naraku now had the ability to approach you, Kikyou-sama, in human form. However, by that time he had to contend with Inuyasha."
Kikyou looks away as images from the past flit through her mind. Totousai sensing her need to recover halts his story.
"I'm sorry," she says after a moment, "please continue."
"The plan for you and Inuyasha to betray each other was set in motion and well… you know the rest," Totousai sends a sad smile her way, but presses on.
"Naraku did not count on your taking the jewel with you, or thought about you destroying it. He spent the last fifty years abusing his newfound, albeit limited powers on humans. He would take possession of their bodies to do his will or cast a curse upon them. Then… news came that the Shikon no Tama was once again among us."
"The manipulation and deception began again, this time at the expense of our own kind. Naraku's ruthlessness intensified. With each jewel shard he obtained, he sought the more powerful demons. He even attempted to absorb Sesshomaru's powers."
"Most demons flee in fear of him, most are appalled at a hanyou dominating, but none will challenge him outright, except the Inu-tachi, Sesshomaru and you."
"If Naraku has his way, the humans will be used to serve or worse… eliminated. He will reign supreme over the remaining demons." Shaking his head the master forger says sadly, "Total chaos."
"We must restore balance, priestess. No one has done that since Midoriko. You knew of her countless battles with our kind, you knew of her sword and its powers. Only a human can wield that sword and right now, the only person capable is you. I knew you would figure it out and come to claim it, as I also knew you would seek me out. Not only can I dispel the evil aura the sword is infected with, I am also its creator."
Kikyou gasps at this information, "Why would 'you' create a weapon to eliminate other demons, Totousai-sama?"
"Balance, Kikyou-sama… balance!" the priestess continues to look baffled. "Not all humans are bestowed with your spiritual powers and they are all not adept at protecting themselves."
"The sword was forged to protect humans and to restrain the insurgent demons that would prey on them. Votes were cast during a council meeting in Midoriko's time. Inuyasha's father cast the first 'yea'; the majority of the elders followed suit. The sword was passed to Midoriko to keep order; she never abused its power."
"I see," Kikyou says pensively. "Humans and demons fighting together for one cause may also secure relations between the two; is that right?"
"Quite perceptive, Kikyou-sama… you young people will set the example." The demon forger picks up his hammer to resume work.
"Totousai-sama?" Kikyou catches him in mid-swing. "Tell me what you know of Sesshomaru."
Inhaling, Totousai releases a breath and another coughing spasm starts. The priestess applies gentle thumps between his shoulder blades. As the coughing subsides, he turns to Kikyou. Speculatively rubbing his chin, the master forger concedes.
"Have a seat, priestess," he says gruffly, "this may take awhile."
On a hillside a short distance from the wolf's den, Kouga sits with his friends and is unusually quite. Ginta and Hakkaku do most of the talking, each gung-ho about the confrontation with Naraku.
Watching the excitement on their faces, he wanted to remind them the reason he was involved in this battle. He knew Ginta and Hakkaku felt remorse for their fallen comrades, but they were not there to witness the aftermath. They had not faced the empty stares of his resurrected clansmen as they attacked. They had not been induced to fight their friends, as he had. They did not truly understand his purpose.
He was their leader, he was supposed to protect them, advise them. Instead, he refused to listen and dismissed their needs an unimportant. It was his arrogance and stubbornness that led to them astray and into Naraku's clutches. If it took his life, his blood to make amends, then so be it. It was the least he could do.
Kouga looks fondly over at his two unruly friends; they will continue the clan's bloodline. Ginta and Hakkaku will be upset at his leaving them behind, but eventually will understand it is for the best.
His thoughts turn to the perpetrator of his sullied life. Naraku thinks him either dead or severely injured; he will not expect Kouga to make an appearance. The element of surprise is on his side and has the wolf youkai inwardly smirking. Naraku's days are numbered.
Lying back in the grass, Kouga links his hands behind his head. His comrades continue their pre-celebration as his thoughts drift to Kagome.
Deep down he knows what Kagome's feelings are for the hanyou, but he is not one to admit defeat. The mangy mutt still does not deserve her… always putting her in danger, the fleabag. Visualizing the young miko's soft brown eyes, they suddenly change to the sparkling green gems belonging to Ayame. Instead of Kagome's milky soft skin and floral scent, he imagines the she-wolf's rosy sun-kissed hue and her woodsy fragrance.
Before he leaves, he must speak with Ayame alone. For her kindness and hospitality, he owes her the truth. That and his gratitude are the only things he can offer her.
Kohaku, Rin and Jaken make camp on the outskirts of Onigumo's cave. It takes awhile to convince the demon toad they are in an appropriate spot. Strategically placed on high ground, they also have sufficient coverage in the trees, a complete view of the valley below and the caves opening.
As the taijiya assesses his surroundings, he theorizes which point will be advantageous to Naraku's arrival. Rin's voice pulls him from his thoughts.
"Jaken-sama," the little girl whines, "I'm hungry!"
The demon toad is sprawled on the ground, arms spread wide, on his back, breathing heavily.
"I am not moving another inch; I've been walking since morning." Lifting a hand, he points a finger at Kohaku. "The boy will take you for food."
Kohaku bristles at Jaken's tone. Once again, Rin's gentle pressure on his hand stills the sharp retort forming on his lips. Looking down on her little face, her eyes appeal to him.
"Please, Kohaku-kun?"
"Alright." The taijiya gives in, "Do you like to fish, Rin-chan?"
"Yes!" the child claps gleefully. "I'm the best fisher."
"Oh… I don't know about that; I'm pretty good too."
"I'm better!" Rin shouts, not to be outdone.
"We'll see," Kohaku smiles at her and breaks into a light jog. "Race you to the river!" he shouts over his shoulder.
"Hey!" Rin squeaks and runs after him. "Stop, Kohaku-kun… no fair!"
"What do you think, Mushin-sama?"
Sitting at the temple, Miroku sits across from Mushin with Kirara asleep on his lap. The young monk absently strokes her fur as he awaits his mentor's opinion. The older monk again briefly scans the documents and then refers to the couples combined notes.
"It appears to have a connection between your emotions and the Kazaana; exactly what that connection is, I can't say."
Miroku thinks on this before asking, "Was father able to control his emotions while engaged in battle with Naraku?"
"Yes," Mushin answers readily, "however, just barely. That tyrant would taunt your father unmercifully, it's a miracle he could contain himself."
A picture is forming in the young monk's mind; his father's scribes are beginning to make sense.
"Father was consumed by the Kazaana following his last confrontation with Naraku. The first after mother's death; is that right?"
"That's right," Mushin says, following Miroku's train of thought. "When he returned, he was subdued, spent more time alone and in meditation than previously."
A long silence follows, each man putting together the pieces of the puzzle. Kirara rouses from her nap; she unfurls and stretches her body. The feline hops from the monk's lap to his shoulder, purring insistently.
"I agree, Kirara," Miroku scratches gently behind her ears, "time to return to our mistress." Turning to the older monk, Miroku continues, "We will sleep on it tonight, Mushin-sama, and speak again in the morning, before Sango and I leave."
"Take the hamper of food from the pantry," Mushin calls out with a chuckle. "I hear most newlyweds neglect to eat."
Back at the dojo, Sango and I have finished our meal and I watch my wife frolic with Kirara. She looks vibrant and happy and I am pleased that she feels this way with me.
Looking over at her satchel, a naughty idea enters my mind and I suddenly stand up. From the corner of my eye, I see Sango and Kirara's movements immediately still.
"I sense something," I tell them, my eyes shut in concentration. I feel Sango approach as she asks, "Demon or human?"
"I'm not sure yet, but it's a bad aura."
Sango grabs her satchel to change clothes and I smile at my ingenuity. Turning to Kirara, I give the youkai cat a wink before shooing her out of the room. Sango returns fully clothed, in slayers uniform and pulls her hair into a ponytail.
"Where's Kirara?" she asks, reaching for the Hiraikotsu.
"She went ahead; hurry, Sango, this way!"
Following close behind Houshi-sama, I wonder why I cannot sense anything. The monk is more in tuned, but the closer we get, I should feel something by now. However, I will trust my husband's instincts.
Hurrying through the bamboo forest, I finally ask, "How much further?"
"Directly ahead!" is the monk's abrupt answer.
A moment later, we enter a clearing. My eyes dart around seeking out our opponent, I am poised for battle. Looking around the area, I stiffen. Planting the Hiraikotsu in the ground, I cross my arms and turn to my husband with an annoyed air.
Houshi-sama wears a sheepish expression and slowly approaches, his hands raised in mock surrender.
"Please, my sweet… you would not deny your humble husband an opportunity to live out a fantasy; would you?"
Maintaining my expression, I shoot him a death glare. Inwardly, I am struggling to keep up the pretense. His combination of boyish and hentai charm touches me deeply, but I cannot give in so easily.
"Really, and what fantasy would that be?" I start tapping my foot in contrived agitation.
"Well actually, there are two." Miroku moves in close. "First…" he says, looking over at the hot spring in the middle of the clearing. "… I've always wanted to spend time with you, in there. And, second…"
His hands pull the tie from my ponytail and my hair tumbles down my back. As he looks deep into my eyes, I feel myself surrender to the passion that his reflect. "And… second?" I repeat, swaying towards him.
From my hair, his hands slide sensuously to my throat as he fingers the knot at the collar of my taijiya uniform.
"I've been dying undress a certain demon slayer," he says huskily. "Is it as complicated as it looks?"
Capturing his hand in mine, I guide his fingers from one fastening to the next, releasing each intricate knot. At the third one, my husband stills my hand.
"I think I can take it from here," he smiles; his nimble fingers make quick work of the remaining stays. I lean into him as his lips follow the trail of exposed skin.
Burying my hands in his hair, I whisper, "I'm beginning to think there isn't anything too complicated for you, my hentai-sensai."
The hanyou sits on the fence at the edge of the field. He keeps a close eye on the demons hovering nearby. Kagome stands silently behind him. Her gaze travels longingly over Inuyasha's still form against the background of the setting sun.
To say she loves him is too simple a phrase. There are no words to express what she feels. Watching the ends of his silver mane ripple in the evening breeze, she thinks of the first time she set eyes on him.
Sealed to the Goshin-Boku, it was more that courage that had her approach his sleeping figure, more than curiosity that had her caress his delicate ears. Even then, she felt drawn to him.
Their relationship was difficult in the beginning. Inuyasha seemingly despised Kagome and had no problem making her aware of it. Considering the results of their first encounter, Kagome was thankful for Kaede's interference and the subjugation beads. They reluctantly became partners to find the jewel, but along the way, Kagome's feelings began to change.
She could not pinpoint exactly when she fell for him; it came to her as naturally as the breeze that flowed through this valley. The young miko did not know how this would end, she did not know if there was future for them together. She only knew Inuyasha cared for her; but did he share the same feelings she had for him?
Whatever happens, Kagome has promised to stay with him until the end, and she will keep that promise. For now, she needs him… to hold on to a small part of him. Walking over, she stands close to him and leans on the fence.
"Hey," she begins softly.
"I was wonderin' how long you were gonna stand there," Inuyasha says, sparing her a glance. "I could hear you breathin' from here."
Deciding not to break the mood, Kagome ignores this. Instead, her eyes travel to the Tetsaiga he holds protectively against his chest.
"Is there room for me in there?" she asks, pointing to his arms.
"Huh?" the hanyou looks dumbfounded for a moment. As he begins to comprehend her question, he blushes profusely. Without answering, he tentatively opens his arms to her. Kagome walks into them and slides her arms around his waist as Inuyasha enfolds her in his warmth.
Laying his chin atop her head, the hanyou continues his vigil. How does she know he wanted this? How does she know he wanted to hold her close, with her scent surrounding them? He hears Kagome sigh deeply and she voices aloud the words already in his mind.
"I can stay this way forever."
"Has the woman concluded her business, Totousai?"
"Not quite," the demon forger turns to Sesshomaru's voice, "I have dispersed the evil in the sword, now it's up to the priestess to complete its purification. Once done, Kikyou-sama will have less trouble handling it."
"The woman cannot wield the sword?" the taiyoukai lifts a brow and sniffs in disgust. "Then, what is her purpose in coming here?"
"She has not mastered the sword… yet," Totousai gives a chuckle. "However, I have no doubt she is capable."
"You surprise me, Totousai," Sesshomaru casts the demon forger a haughty glare. "You have such faith in the abilities of these humans."
"I am more surprised that you guided the priestess, Sesshomaru. You are the last person I expected to accompany here. I wonder…"
"Don't waste your time," the taiyoukai interrupts. "I am not my father; let us not forget that."
Totousai, knowing this is a delicate subject for the taiyoukai, decides not to comment. The silence stretches between the two, as the sword forger awaits Sesshomaru to ask the questions he came for. However, the taiyoukai, noted for his fortitude, wears him down. With a sigh, Totousai turns to the elder son of his good friend.
"What do you want to know, Sesshomaru?"
"Everything."
After leaving Totousai, the taiyoukai heads down the path the priestess took earlier. He has learned much today, about his brother, the priestess and Naraku. It explains the priestess perseverance in eliminating her nemesis. He admits he is intrigued by this purification process Totousai speaks of, although he fails to heed the demon forgers sly grin.
"You have never witnessed a thorough purification; have you, Sesshomaru? It's a sight to behold."
Knowing Kikyou has the ability to sense his aura, he restrains his by pulling it inward as he approaches. Few demons have acquired that skill. The taiyoukai has no idea why he bothers to waste this talent on the priestess.
Standing at the edge of the clearing, Sesshomaru looks across the shimmering lake reflecting the stars overhead. All appears quiet, the area is empty, but Kikyou's aura is present. Standing in the shadow of the trees, the taiyoukai waits.
Suddenly, a blue light reflects from the waters depth. Sesshomaru watches as Midoriko's sword breaks the surface and levitates above the lake. Another ripple in the water and Kikyou emerges the same way.
The taiyoukai's eyes widen as he takes in Kikyou's appearance. The priestess is completely nude. Her arms are stretched wide as if paying homage to the moon, her body effulgent in its glow. Sesshomaru's eyes narrow as he studies her form. Her ample breast, tiny waist and the gentle swell of her hips are clearly visible from her posture.
Using her powers, the priestess guides the sword to the shore. It lands softly beside a rock near her neatly folded robes. The taiyoukai follows Kikyou's movements with a jaundice eye as she steps from the water.
Kikyou's obsidian tresses flow nearly to her knees, providing adequate coverage from behind; the wet hair clings to her body, outlining her figure. Sesshomaru slowly releases his aura, alerting the priestess of his supposed arrival. Sensing him, she reaches for and hastily dons her clothes. She is securing the obi at her waist when he appears behind her.
"Have you managed to achieve you goal, priestess?"
"No," she says simply.
"No?"
"Is that not what I just said?" Kikyou sounds annoyed and keeps her back to him.
After a pregnant pause, Sesshomaru orders, "Then get it done… and quickly." Walking back in the direction he came, he announces, "With or without you… I leave in the morning."
"You're slipping, Kouga!"
Spinning around the wolf-youkai sees Ayame positioned on a cliff directly above him.
"How the hell…"
Ayame's girlish giggle fills the night sky. The she-wolf crouches slightly and then catapults from the cliff, landing in front of Kouga.
"You were down-wind and I caught your scent," she says sassily, flicking her ponytail over her shoulder. "Actually, I was coming to see you."
He was coming to see her too. One of the guards told him earlier where to find her, but he did not expect her to sneak up on him. Feeling she had the upper hand caused Kouga to snap, "Yeah… well, what do you want?"
The she-wolf looks uncomfortable for a moment before continuing. Pulling an object from behind her, she thrusts it towards Kouga.
"Grandfather wanted me to give you this."
The wolf-youkai's eyes widen at the weapon Ayame is holding, and then looks incredulously at her.
"Are you insane? This is your family's heirloom; you just can't give it to anyone!"
"You're not just anyone, Kouga," Ayame says with exaggerated patience. "This offering is not only from grandfather, but the rest of the tribe as well. We figure since you no longer have the shards, having the Goraishi will help."
"Are you sayin' I can't handle Naraku without the use of the jewel shards?"
"I didn't say that," Ayame counters, her patience wearing thin. "You are the most infuriating alpha-male," the she-wolf is fighting to maintain her calm. "Can you not accept this gift for what it is? We are a clan… that means we are a team. You will not allow us to fight with you, but we can show support by giving you this."
Holding out the Goraishi, Kouga makes no move to take the weapon. With an exasperated sigh, Ayame places it on the ground between them and backs away.
"It's there if you want it; if not… then leave it. The choice is yours." Ayame prepares to leave.
"Wait!" Kouga stops her and then bends to pick up the weapon.
"You didn't show me how to use this thing," he mumbles while turning the device at different angles.
The she-wolf wipes her smile away before turning to him. Keeping her expression neutral, she takes the Goraishi from his hand.
"Hold out your arm," Ayame instructs. Kouga lifts his arm, the she-wolf steps in front of him and turns facing the same direction. She stretches her arm next to his and slides the weapon over his fingers in a glove-like fashion.
Ayame teaches him to extend and retract the claws on the device, she also informs him of the weapons function. However, Kouga is experiencing odd sensations this close to her.
Finishing her instruction, Ayame removes the Goraishi from his fingers, folds it and attaches it to the band at his waist. "There!" she looks into Kouga's ice blue eyes with a smile, "You may not need it, but at least you have it."
Realizing this may be his last opportunity to speak with her, Kouga grabs Ayame's arm, holding her in place.
"I'm sorry for… for everything, Ayame. I mean the stuff about us. You are a beautiful, ah… woman, you will have no problem replacing me," Kouga says everything in a rush.
Various emotions flash across the she-wolf's face, surprise, anger, sorrow, regret and finally acceptance.
"I'll be fine, Kouga; I already knew you did not forget about us." Ayame smiles again at his expression. "You did what you thought was right at the time, you offered reassurance to a scared little girl. For that, I will always respect you."
"Thank you, Ayame," Kouga sighs in relief, "if things were diff…"
The she-wolf silences him with a finger to his lips, shaking her head. "You're about to do it again; aren't you?" she giggles softly.
Suddenly, something changes in the air. Kouga is not sure if it is the moon above them, Ayame's closeness or the light pressure of her fingers on his lips. The wolf youkai pulls her against him. Lowering his head, his tongue glides across her fangs before taking full possession of her lips. Ayame does not resist; she actually welcomes it. Sliding her hands up his forearms, she knows this is their good-bye.
Slowly releasing her, Kouga has the audacity to look embarrassed. "I, ah… guess I should apologize for that," he says with a look of wonder in his eyes.
Ayame's eyes sparkle and take on a mischievous gleam. Rising up on her toes, she leans close to Kouga and nips the bridge of his nose with her fangs.
"No more than I will apologize for that," Ayame says with a wistful note in her voice. "Sayonara, Kouga-kun!"
In a gust of wind, a flicker of tail and a giggle, she is gone. Kouga stands still in shock.
"She marked me… the little minx marked me!"
To be continued...
Authors Notes: With the amount of semi-fluff at the end, the title to this chapter is misleading. Thanks to everyone who read, please review and feedback is always appreciated.