Chapter five

Trials and Tribulations

Kotone's POV

-Flashback-

I hid behind the curtain, my thirteenth birthday was supposedly a big one, my mother said turning thirteen was knocking at the door of woman hood and I would have to wait till eighteen before I got an answer.

My sister had gotten me ready for tonight, she told me how grown up I looked now, told me I was almost a woman. For some reason this had me in a panic. I had always been around court; I spoke openly to the Lord and subjects. Yet that was when I was a child and any ignorance I showed was excused by that fact, now I was appearing more grown up, I feared I would have to start acting like it.

I hid behind the curtain, the trumpets had sounded five minutes ago but I couldn't step one foot out into the ball room! I heard murmurs of confusion when I did not appear.

"Kotone" came my father's voice, I turned to see him standing behind me.

"Father…I can't do it!" I whimpered, so scared, I had just turned thirteen. "They'll all be staring at me."

"Good" he answered, "that is the point"

"You don't understand! Father, what if I make a fool of myself? What if they judge me? What if they don't like me? Who should I be like? You or mother? Mother won them over with her smile and kindness…but they idolise you because of your strength and dignity….who should I be?"

My father's eyes were fierce yet the deep intellect softened his face a tad, "Yourself" he answered simply, "You are you…made up from the two of us. Let me give you an example…Katashi….he is mostly made of me and Katsu…he is mostly your mother. You…you are both of us….walk out there and show them this."

My father was always right…I would walk out there with his pride and dominance, then when I faced them all I would give them my mother's smile and charm….I am me, made from both of them!

-End of Flashback-

I face those pack of wolves, I can certainly face these! I was in the entrance cave to the arena; I heard the crowed of wolf demons, all chanting and banging their fists together.

Last night Hiro ordered I bathe in milk and honey, I smelled sickeningly sweet.

"Was that bath meant to benefit me in the arena when I face the wolves?" I asked Hiro, he was with me as was custom.

"Yes actually, you see wolf's milk has the slight smell of honey, I intend to have you appeal to their inner pups, if you smell like mother's milk it many soothe them…they may not attack as fiercely."

That is so very smart…yet disturbing. I said nothing else on the matter. They told me that I had to face the wolves, I don't know if this meant killing them, beating them or just seeing how long I could survive in there with them.

Ayame was with us also, she turned up early this morning; Chief Koga was still hunting for her at the time. He must have followed her scent back.

He narrowed his eyes at her when he saw her, "I've been out all night! Where the hell'ya been woman?" he demanded. I however did not fail to see the relief in his eyes when he saw her home safe and sound.

She simply shrugged, "Does it matter? I'm here now, I said I wouldn't miss this and I haven't."

I was glad to have her here, she had a mother's presence, I missed mine. Rin would have a hissy fit if she knew what I was about to do. My brothers would throw themselves in the arena and my uncle Inuyasha would beat chief Koga to a pulp. My father however…he would believe in my strength, he would encourage me to go out there and show them all what a daughter of his is made of!

"How many wolves are there?" I wanted to know.

"Eight" Ayame answered, her hand laid on my shoulder, "I should tell you, the main aim of this trial is to impress the chief, when I fought for Koga, I beat them all off, my mother before me killed them in her battle…you must demonstrate you own power."

My own power? The announcement mace, I was summoned to the arena. I began walking through when suddenly Kei zipped in front and blocked my path.

"Kei what are you doing?" I exclaimed.

"I can't let you do this!" he answered taking me by the shoulders.

Is he actually here to stop me competing, is he here to make his claim to me? "why not Kei?" I asked, trying to keep the hope out of my tone.

His mother and brother eyed him suspiciously, "My bride asked a question Kei, we all want to know why you won't allow this."

Kei's eyes flickered over all of us till settling on me, "I am meant to be your body-guard, I can't let them throw you to the wolves. Besides what if you turn old again and become weakened?"

Not what I wanted to hear! "Stand aside Kei! This is not your decision, besides…in case you've forgotten, I won't be needing your services for much longer, not when I am wed to your brother" I pushed past him. I regretted my words, they were so harsh but I still felt so humiliated! I practically admitted my feelings to him; he had said nothing in return.

I didn't look back to see his face, but I could feel his eyes on me….maybe I was too harsh, but I won't apologise, Kei needs to grow up!

The sun hit my face as the arena opened before me, I counted the snarling creatures before me, thre weren't eight…there were twelve; my guess is Ayame didn't know that. I looked up at the crowed, Zoki was smiling down at me knowingly…he was most likely the culprit.

He thinks he can frighten me? Fool! The scent of me did nothing to calm them, they looked hungry…foam frothed at the mouth.

I moved into the centre of them, they all posed for the ounce. One leapt at me I kicked it away and it skidded across the dusty ground. It yelped and I felt awful…for all I knew these wolves could be the brothers and sisters of Abyss…I didn't want to harm them.

Channel your father's side! I told myself, be your father's daughter! I held my head up high and oozed authority, I showed no fear…I told myself that they were no match for me, I was stronger than all of them combined.

I narrowed my eyes at them; they seemed to be slowly submitting and stopped growling at the pressure of my hard glare,

"Sit" I ordered calmly in deadpan tone, one I had heard my father used, they all did, they sat. the crowed who were speechless.

I knelt down, and pointed at the one I had previously kicked away "come" I ordered it did so, now…show them the Rin side of you! I smiled warmly at the wolf and stroked its fur. Soon they all joined me all nuzzling at my hand for attention, theses snarling, growling beast were now no more the cuddly pups with glittering eyes.

I heard someone clap, behind me in the entrance was Hiro and Ayame, soon the whole crowed erupted in a mighty applause, they chanted my name.

With a proud smirk I stood and I wet my lips and cleared my throat and released a howl that sounded just like a wolf, soon the wolves joined me in my song and then the crowed.

Chief Koga stood, "the first round has been past! Now for the next, take the contestant out to ready herself."

I bowed my head "as the chief commands, but I take my comrades with me!" I called up and lead my wolves out with me, we were followed by cheers.

Hiro greeted me with a grin, he swept me up and spun me around. "You did it! That's my woman!"

His woman? Didn't sound right to me, I looked over my shoulder and there stood Kei whose eyes were wide as though I had risen from the dead. Hiro was still embracing me; all I could do was look at Kei, he seemed so hurt. But his big sad eyes turned angry and he scowled at me.

"Good luck with round two" he said before storming off.

I moved to stop him and say something, anything to keep him near, Hiro took my arm, "No, let my mother see to him, you will stay and prepare for the next battle ahead."

Kei's POV

I have no wish to marry Kei….her words resounded….I won't be needing your services my longer, not when I wed your brother. That one particularly hurt. But then another thing she said came to my ears I would prefer to marry you…just so you know. That was the moment I should have kissed her, I should have claimed her for my woman.

"If you want her there are three things you must do" my mother said as she suddenly appeared beside me. She approached me as she continued, "First of all, let her complete the next two tasks to prove she is worthy of the pack, next you must appeal to your father and again become a member…then challenge Hiro to a duel for her hand. Are you prepared to do that?"

"I won't apologise to him mother!" I insisted stubbornly.

"Why are so angry with your father? What has he really down? The two of you were best friends! Kei I am sick of you tearing this pack apart! You come back and speak about Kagome as though she were a villain and making me insecure! Let me tell you this…Kagome was a good woman, she was easy to fall in love with but she was true to one man, Inuyasha. Your father moved on, married me and we've been happy ever since, but he never forgot her….not just her, but any of those humans that defeated Naraku. He holds them in his heart and loves them for what they did for him, for us and our tribe. I have been foolish, running off…but it's because of you getting in my head. You say this is all out of concern for me, your mother, and my pride. I'm telling you to stop and tell me what's really going on with Kei!"

"I'm just a spare part!" I yelled my confession, "that's all I ever was! Hiro and Zoki were nurtured to be leaders, father treated me like I wasn't his son, I was his friend. At first I felt smug about it, but then I realised, it's because all I was to him, was spare child. He saw no future for me in the tribe…I had no uses…I would just be his drinking buddy. It was all confirmed when he told me all about Kagome…I wasn't his son, I was his friend, but I didn't want friend, I wanted a father!"

There was a silence that passed us, she stared at me long and hard, till finally she spoke, "grow you foolish boy."

I was stunned by this, "W-what?" I stuttered.

"You heard me, grow up! Time to be a man Kei! You know the rules of this tribe; if you want to lead you will have to fight for it! Fight for the place of leader and fight for Kotone! You left your tribe to make pave a better path for yourself but in the end all you became was a servant and your brother will marry her. You need to fight for the things you want…now I suggest you go see your father once this is all done."

She walked away…she was right, it was time to man up!

Kotone's POV

"Are you serious?" I asked, this had to be a joke, before me stood six robust and beautiful she wolves all glaring at me with true envy burning in their eyes. "All these women made an offer to marry you?"

Hiro shrugged and nodded, "indeed, however they were all rejected, this may be their last chance at obtaining me. You must fight them all for the right to be my mate. If you lose I am to wed the winner instead."

He looked over all the wild beauties, the ground their feet into the dust and growled my way "Kotone..."

"Yes?"

"Don't lose."

I smirked confidently, "I never do"

Time to show these pathetic females what happens when they stand in Kotone's way! I leapt at them and they all came at me.

Taking down the first three was easy; I knocked them unconscious with one hit! Number four was a savage one but she relied too much on brute strength, I was swift and cunning. Now it was down to number five and six were particularly persistent.

"I won't let you have him you half breed dog!" growled number five bearing her fangs at me.

Number six snarled, "It matters not if you love him! He needs a she wolf for his mate!"

These fools didn't realise it, but I wasn't fighting for the man I loved…no…the man I loved was being an ass, I was fighting for my life, for my cure! Perhaps I was being harsh, but my life mattered more to me than their petty infatuation and ambition to rise higher in the tribe. I would have gone a lot easier on them had they not been so rude to me, I am half and half…and I am proud!

I kicked number six right in the stupid little face of hers and punched number five so hard in the gut I thought the contents of her stomach would spill from that vile mouth of hers! All six females lay around me and I stood in the middle.

As the dust settled I was again met with applause, they cheered my name with such respect. But my joy was short lived when all six females then began to rise.

They had not accepted their defeat, so be it…I wish it hadn't come to this but you leave me no choice. I opened my mouth and drew in a breath. As they all lunged at me I released my high pitched banshee cry that drove them all back, all screaming agony.

"We surrender!" one cried out "WE SURRENDER!"

I stopped, any longer, I could easily have turned their brains to mush…my father showed no mercy to those who made an enemy of him, and neither would I, unless they were smart and surrendered.

They all were breathless and held their heads in their hands. Chief Koga rose from his wooden pavilion upon the mountain ledges.

"The daughter of Sesshomaru triumphs again! One more task and she is worthy of my son and this tribe!" he declared, they hooted and banged their fists in approval.

I wondered what the final task would be, I went back to find Hiro before the next task. Instead I was met by Kei.

He rushed at me "Are you okay? How are you feeling? That must have taken up so much of your strength! K, look at me, can you see me okay?"

He held my face in hands, checking as artfully as a skilled physician, I moved away from him. I couldn't believe after everything I had just said to him, he still had nothing but concern for my wellbeing.

"Yes Kei…I'm fine" I told him, truth was…I was starting to feel the effects of these trials, and I grew concerned for the final trial ahead.

He seemed unconvinced, and as always he wouldn't just let the subject go, "What'a load'a bull K! You're tired and getting weaker by the second! You shouldn't be doing this! I'm gonna talk to Koga, tell him you can't go on and he'll have to wait till tomorrow or something."

I shook my head "NO! Kei are insane? You told me yourself; they respond to strength more than anything, I can't afford to be weak! You saw me out there whatever it is I'll beat it!"

He grabbed me by the shoulders, "That's just it K! This last task…it's really dangerous, it will really test your body strength…so many contestant have made it through and died on this one! And they were the some of the strongest she wolves to have ever existed! Don't do it, I promise you…you're in no condition for it…you my die Kotone…there is a huge chance of that!"

I looked at him intensely, our eyes locked…he looked so scared, my big brave wold who killed my attackers when he was only eleven years old…terrified.

I cupped his cheek, "I'm already dying Kei…you know that…but there is a small chance of my survival and it rest on the outcome of this last trial…if I die…I'll die fighting for my life, fighting for the chance to see you every day! Have faith in me."

He laid his hand on mine that covered his cheek, "K…please…we'll find another way, don't marry Hiro, don't do this last task…come away with me right now!"

I couldn't believe it! I had wanted him to say this to me for so long, but I couldn't just runaway right now. I wasn't going to cower, a worthy leader does not run away frightened…a leader fights on even when the outcome seems bleak.

"I've already come too far to turn back now…but I would run away with you Kei…if I could, but I can't...you're my best friend."

He held my hands, "You're pretty tough…for a girl" he said.

I playfully punched him in the shoulder, he laughed and rubbed where I had hit, "I'm just saying! You handled yourself brilliantly…you certainly didn't need my protection, I'm guessing you haven't needed me for a while now….why have you kept me around so long?"

I shrugged, "I'll always need you, life wouldn't be the same without you…you annoy me, you infuriate me and you almost always say the wrong thing! But you've made me laugh, smile and gave me so many happy memories. I need you Kei! Don't ask me why…because I can't tell you!"

I averted my gaze from his, I felt his finger tuck under my chin and lift my face. His green eyes glittered, my heart was beating at a dangerous pace.

"Kotone…" he breathed, I shivered at the way he said it…so tenderly.

His face was getting closer…closer…CLOSER! I couldn't believe it! I had dreamt of this moment since I was fourteen, years and years of pent up longing and desire were about to be unleashed with a touch of the silken pinks flesh of our lips, I would feel his stubble upon my face!

Just as our lips briefly touched, someone cleared their throat. Instantly we broke apart, it could barely be called a kiss, just a caress, but still our cheeks burn red when Zoki stood there smirking at us.

"Tsk, tsk little bro…Hiro won't like this" he said with that smarmy expression.

Kei grabbed him by his clothes and hoisted him up off his feet, "don't you dare say a word to him! There's nothing to tell anyway! There's nothing going on between me and Kotone."

Nothing? There was really nothing? Did I just make all that up in my head?

Zoki smirked smugly, "Didn't look like nothing…I apologise for the interruption but I was sent to collect Hiro's bride- to- be for the final task. Tell me…what are her chances of getting the cure if father and Hiro find out about this little affair?"

Zero….I would have zero chance of obtaining the cure and zero chance of living on.

Kei growled, "Don't say a word! There isn't anything to tell….she could die in the next trial…I wanted to say goodbye just in case…that's all! You will keep quiet Zoki!"

Was that true? My dream was about to come true…then it was snatched away and crushed into tiny pieces.

Zoki laughed, "no need to worry…I'm sure the pretty princess will find a way to keep me quiet…"

I scowled at him, he clearly hadn't learnt his lesson, I may need to reteach him.

Kei gripped tighter and lifted him higher "What are you trying to-"

"-Kei stop! Put him down!" I ordered, he stared at me confused for a moment, but eventually did as I asked. "He's your brother…despite how vile he is"

Zoki licked his lips "I knew you liked me…just a little…come on, the tribe waits."

I followed him, I head Kei punch the wall behind me, I couldn't believe what just happened, did he really mean what he said? Was he just saying goodbye to an old friend? I didn't want to believe that! Then again, it was probably the safest thing.

I followed Zoki in to a large stoned room, there in the centre was a small table, sat at it was Chief Koga with Hiro on his left, Zoki joined him at his right. Upon the table rested three cups of with liquid as red as blood…wine. I sat opposite them and waited to be told what to do, a crowed circled us, watching eagerly.

"Here are three cups of wine…one contains a poison that can kill a weakling in two minutes, the other two are just ordinary wine." Koga began to explain, "you have two ways to win this…either drink from one that doesn't contain poison or survive the poisoned one should you by some chance drink it….you will gain more respect if you survive the poison."

I leant forward and sniffed each one….they all contained the poison! My senses had been dulled due to my illness…but I could still smell it, however faint it is!

"Tell me…" I spoke, "who had the honour of pouring these drinks for me?"

Koga looked confused, "that would be my son…Zoki" he gestured to the smug bastard on his right

"And there is only one poisoned wine?" I pressed on.

"One…that's all, but which one?"

I looked to Zoki whose eyes glinted sharply, he really was testing me now…he didn't think I could survive this…I'd show him! I could easily tell them that all three had been poisoned, write it off as a simple mistake that could have been fatal, but my price wouldn't let me, I wanted to show him that I was not so easily defeated!

I picked up the middle, the one that smelt the strongest and gave polite raise of the cup and nod of the head before taking it down in one gulp.

There was a brief moment of silence….then my cries of agony filled the room! It was like acid in the veins, I was burning on the inside, it was like a monster inside me was trying to break out, like I was to explode with pain! I writhed on the floor, foam and blood rising to my mouth, but I did not cry! I would not cry no! I felt my skin shrivel; I heard them gasp as my hair turned grey. I was in my weakest form, I had tried to rely on my demonic strength to survive this…my vision was blurring.

I won't die! I won't die! You can't make me! I will endure this pain then I'll laugh in Zoki's face!

All of a sudden I heard the muffled roar of Kei, "they were all poisoned! Zoki I'll kill you for this!"

Then…darkness….no light, no sight, no sound…just darkness and numbness.

Sesshomaru's POV

"My Lord…say something" my wife pleaded shaking my arm, "it frightens me when you are so quiet"

They were all looking at me, my wife, children and their spouses, all terrified of what I was about to do. I could easily kill the entire tribe and take the cure for my daughter…that's what I would have done, all those many years ago.

"You must understand father!" Kasumi pleaded, "the feather of life…it doesn't exist anymore! Sora and I went through great peril just to search for it. The castle we stormed…it had a curse that heightened all negative emotions we have ever felt! It's a wonder we were not driven mad! We have our son Shinobu to thank for that…"

Sora nodded proudly, "if not for our son coming to our rescue…I have no notion of what terrible fate my wife and I would have met."

It was true, in crow demons history, the first born child took the father's powers when they came of age, Shinobu was able to use his power to drain the demonic power from the castle and free his father and mother. But even so their journey and risk had been for nothing, the feather didn't exist!

Kenta and Yuna stood next to us, "the best the water goddess could do was grant eternal beauty with a special enchanted tea made by her from cherry blossoms, but still Kotone would die, but she'd maintain her beauty."

Again…another pointless journey for them! It enraged me, all I had done was sat here waiting for a solution, this was not how I, Sesshomaru, dealt with things! I wanted to go myself, but there was too much danger for Rin and our lives were bound together, if one died then so did the other.

Katsu and his wife Sun them approached, "the treasury where I found Sun jewel to bring her back to life from the tree, was useless. The only jewel that could have saved Kotone was already used by me for my wife and to give life to our daughter, Ruby. But even that would require Kotone's death first of all….Forgive me father."

I could tell his wife felt guilty, like she had stolen life from Kotone, this was not so, she gave life to herself and my grandchild, for this reason I would not feel the need to be angry towards her in an way.

"You see my Lord" Rin spoke, "there is no other choice, Kotone must marry Hiro…think of it this way…she'll be saved, she'll become a fully-fledged demon and have a husband!"

I was not convinced by any of this, Yoshi cleared his throat, "it would broaden your empire…think about it, you have allies in the north thank to Morio, it was solidified by his marriage to you niece Mana. In the east there is Sora and Kasumi, the crows. In the south-west we have Katashi's domain then there is you allegiance to the humans due to me, that allegiance will continue through my line as my kingdom is passed down from father to son. Forming an alliance with the wolf tribes could only benefit you more greatly, and Kotone when she takes your place."

He was right; it was this logic that kept me from storming their caves and taking the cure by force. Now I was aware they had the only thing that would save Kotone, she would have it either way. However Yoshi just saved their lives.

"Very well" I uttered in my expressionless tone, "she will marry Hiro."

"No she won't" Takara spoke up, not rudely, just knowingly.

All eyes were on her now, "what are you saying, she won't marry the wolf? They'll just hand her the cure?" Katsu asked.

She smiled and shook her head, "Just you all wait and see, I cannot divulge this information, all I can do is guide people down the various paths before them. Kotone's future was the last vision I saw before my sight was gone on my wedding night. I have to make sure this all turns out right, it was my last task given to me as a Tenshi."

Couldn't tell us? Sometimes she was truly irritating! However, it was something I would just need to accept.

I looked to Rin, her eyes were so hopeful, she wanted nothing more than to hold her last born in her arms, I would grant this wish for her. Our child would be saved.

Kotone's POV

"If she doesn't wake up….I'll kill you" I heard Kei's voice echo.

"She is my betrothed brother, leave this matter to me!" Hiro responded, they all sound so distant.

"I don't give a damn! I'll king anything or anyone that causes her harm!"

"Even your own brother?" it was Koga's voice I now heard.

There was silence but Kei's voice came again, "anything…anyone!"

I had to stop this; I had to open my eyes….I felt so frail, the back of my throat burned and my mouth dry.

"W-wat-er….water…" I spoke, at least I think I did, I must have, soon I felt hands holding me and water touching my lips, I welcomed the cold liquid, I felt so replenished and the fire in my throat was soothed. I was sat up, coughing; I felt a warm hand rub my back.

My heavy eyelids lifted….it wasn't Kei who was holding me up, it was Hiro, something that clearly agitated Kei.

Hiro smiled, "looks like Zoki gets to keep his life" Hiro commented and gave me another cool sip of water.

"No!" Kei growled, "he still poisoned her! He did it intentionally! I'll kill him!"

"No" Koga uttered, behind him Ayame wept, the chief himself looked solum, "he will be put to trial, if found guilty…then he will…be killed for his crime. In the meantime…lock him away…"

Ayame let out a loud cry at this, Zoki actually looked frightened as they took hold of him. Kei had told me a couple years ago, that I was lucky to have the family I had. Families in the wolf tribe could be quite brutal, the pack had to be fair, no one could be above the laws, not even the chief and his offspring.

I couldn't do this, family was something I had always held very dear to me, and mine were all so close. I loathed Zoki, but I wouldn't be the reason this family was torn apart.

"Stop!" I called over all the yelling, all eyes were on me, I was surprised I could call so loudly. All eyes were on me, "Zoki told me what the final task was…he is to be my brother through marriage, so he wanted me to be prepared…I wanted desperately to prove myself, I told him to put the poison in every cup so I would drink it and prove that I was strong enough!"

They couldn't believe, Kei especially he knew I was lying but said nothing, I suspected Hiro knew also, but was glad that his brother was being saved, despite how little he deserved it!

Hiro helped me to my feet, Koga frowned at me, "you broke a rule…but you did survive the poison…even in you weakened state…for this I will overlook this. You have successfully completed the trials, you are worthy for my son and you will drink the cure on your wedding day!"

Everyone cheered and lifted me into the air, calling my name and howling, I was the dog among wolves, now I stood as one of them, I had earned their love and respect.

From all the faces that were staring up at me…I saw Kei, who looked so glum, both angry and sad. They let me down and Hiro placed his huge muscled arm around my shoulder.

"Tonight we feast in honour of my bride!" he called.

They cheered in agreement their fists punching the air. From the corner of my eye I saw Ayame with her arm around Zoki, both looked so grateful to me.

I had done it…now I was to wed Hiro, but it didn't bring me joy, our heart belonged to others, his was with a dead woman, Junko, mine still lived and breathed, just within my reach…yet I could not hold him.

Next chapter 6