A/N: Hello lovelies! I have some exciting news. FIrst, here is the next chapter! I hope you enjoy me bringing in Ayame as a character. I've always admired her spunk in the show, and she was a relatively strong and loyal demon. I love her and felt she would do well in this story. Take a moment to note that this story is about a third to almost half way done, so thank you so much for sticking by me. As I have it laid out currently- If I keep up with my word count I should finish the story in about 15 more chapters max.
Second update, and my favorite to announce, I had my Original Character Sinha commissioned! I set her as the profile icon for my ffYou can find her on Instagram under amara_sessh or on tiktok amarasessh or even under my insta simply_start_struck
^0^ I am a millenial so a lot of my original characters may look familiar to some existing charachter styles. She kinda has the face and hair from Sailor Jupiter but I think I favor her due to the strong ties in her personality to mine. I would love for you all to take a look especially to see her battle axe which was handed down in story from her mother Kaya.
Hope you enjoy the next chapter, please leave a review and let me know what you think!
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Kagome shifted in Kougas arms as he ran towards the Eastern Dens. Her thoughts were on the brief morning she spent at the village, getting ready.
Choosing her green training hakama over the red, she gathered what she needed for the day-trip. Walking into the corner of her space, she dug below her priestess garbs and pulled out a plain pine box. No larger than her two hands, the box contained items she wished to keep safe from her time.
She opened the box and inside she saw her mothers wedding band, a brand new 4-pack of stylish hair pins and a picture of her family that her mother had stowed away in one of the pockets. Grateful even now to her mother for the kind gesture.
A tear formed as she looked over her mother's warm face. But she went into the box for something other than a memory, grabbing the pack of styled hair pins, grabbing two from the package, and pinning them to the inside of her garb for safe travel. She put the remainder safely in the box and re-buried it in her priestess garbs.
At the last second she went back to her box, grabbing her mothers ring and placing the cool metal on her finger.
As she headed to meet Kouga, she did her best to avoid unwanted questions from her best friend.
Sango had reached a point of frustration with Kagome, and she knew she would have to explain the weird situation soon.
After seeing Kouga call for her again, Sango demanded some alone time with the Miko.
Kagome wasn't quite ready to see the reality creep in on her village life just yet. Once she told Sango, she could no longer pretend at home…
Just one more day, then we can talk and I will come clean…
She reassured the demon slayer that they would talk that afternoon- once she returned from her visit.
Half satisfied, Sango had left them be, holding onto that promise from her dear friend.
How would she even start a conversation like that?
At that moment her train of thought was broken-
"Kouga!"
-she suddenly heard a familiar cry.
She looked ahead and saw Hakkaku waving eagerly.
"SISTER!" he shouted, even more excited at her expected arrival.
Wolves surrounded Hakkaku, showing their excitement at their alpha returning.
Sniffing and lightly touching the den leader with their bodies, Kouga placed Kagome before him.
She felt cold snouts against the back of her hand as they turned their attention to her.
Petting them between the ears, the eager wolves vying for her attention began to nudge each other out of the way.
She laughed until one of the wolves who was shoved out of the way, bit the tail of the now petted wolf, causing a scrap to break out between the pack of fur.
Kouga gripped her waist pulling her away from the scrimmage and she could feel him prepare a command in his chest. However, he was beaten to it.
A loud growl came from behind the pile of fur, causing the wolves to whimper and disperse from each other. The instigator snapping his final trace of jealousy at his comrade before he finally trotted over to the side of their First command.
She heard Kouga chuckle.
As her eyes found the source of the command, she saw Ginta grabbing arms in greeting with Hakakku. His grin at his brother filling his face.
"Ginta! Hakkaku!" Kagome finally called to them.
The commanders greeted her with hugs.
"Sorry about the fur balls, they tend to get jealous easily haha! But we try to keep them in line." came the explanation from Ginta.
"Yea, hope they didn't scare you Kagome." Hakkaku agreed.
She shook her head.
"No, I'm never worried around you guys. Even though a human should I guess haha."
Her comment bringing out an animated cry from the two demons.
"Sister! You're the best!" they embraced her again laughing.
She could hear a low growl from behind her and immediately the two males released her and backed away.
"Sorry Kouga!" They exclaimed.
Turning to look at the jealous wolf, Kagome could see a fang peeking from his lips as the low growl stopped the instant they backed off.
She turned fully to him.
"Cut that out! I'm not some kind of property to get territorial over!" she scolded the alpha.
Quiet chuckles came from the pair adjacent to them.
But a hard glare silenced their laughing.
The pair stood at attention as they chomped down on their laughter.
"Well, I'm off to check patrols! It was great seeing you Kagome!" Hakkaku stated taking his leave, continuing to hide his laughter.
"See ya Ginta! Kouga!" he waved as he ran off, the majority of wolves following him.
Three wolves remained. Including the two instigators from before. They sat opposite each other, on either side of Kagome. The third stood beside Ginta, following him as he moved around.
The little pack began to walk down the path leading to the den entrance.
Kouga and Ginta talked about patrols, hunting parties, and other pack duties as Kagome enjoyed the scenery.
The two wolves walked next to her, bumping softly against her lower hips on either side. Appearing to make a game out of who touched her last. As soon as one would softly bump her, the other would repeat the action on her other side. Creating a rhythm as they walked that had her laughing internally.
After Troublemaker #1 tapped her hip, she bolted ahead of the group, attempting to evade #2. The wolves took off after her, and she shrieked with laughter as they bumped into her legs, causing her to fall and roll.
She didn't know how close they were to the water when she fell, but upon rolling into the water- she screamed again in surprise.
The two wolves paused at the edge, unsure of how to approach the now half wet human.
She looked at the muddy water she was half sitting in, and began to laugh.
Upon hearing her soft laughter the two wolves approached licking her face pulling more laughs from her.
A commanding Yip came from behind them as they were all brought back to reality.
The two wolves running to Kougas side. He was shaking his head at the trio.
"Look what you mutts did, now she's dirty." he smirked down at his wolves.
They touched their noses to the back of his hands, rubbing around his legs before taking off for the den. Hopping along the rock path over the water in front of them, outright passing Kagome without shame.
She looked after them with a shocked look on her face.
"No remorse huh!" she called after the pair, earning her a chuckle from Kouga and Ginta.
"Those two are trouble makers for life. Ever since they were pups, they keep competing with each other over everything." Ginta stated.
"And now it looks like you're their new battle ground." Kouga's deep voice added.
She couldn't help but laugh at the situation, not even to the dens and she was done in by the wolves.
Looking down at her clothes , she was mostly dry save for her lower end, which had rolled into the water bank.
Kouga presented his hand to her and she took it, rising to her feet.
"Welp, I hope it's not too embarrassing to be seen with me all dirty and wet." she noted as she bent down using water to clear the mud spots.
"Guess I was smart wearing my training clothes, it isn't as noticeable."
She leaned over the water washing the mud from her hands and splashing the lower end of her hakama to disperse the dirt on the hem of her right leg.
Kouga came to stand beside her.
"I like the green. I love seeing the color of the forest on you." his quiet voice surprised her.
She stilled, processing the words.
He moved away before she could shake the surprise, and he began to cross the waterway in front of them, following Ginta.
After a second step he turned back to her, offering his hand for balance.
She smirked at him and rolled her eyes, taking his hand. He turned and began to walk, a calm saunter ahead of her.
However, nothing was going easy for her today. Her wet foot caused some moss to become slick and she yelped as she felt herself slip towards the water. Her hands flailed in front of her, mentally preparing for the cool water to consume her.
But before she could meet the fish- a harsh pull at the back of her robe reversed her momentum, slamming her against Kougas chest.
A small huff of air escaping her as she did.
She looked at him, processing the change in direction and shaking her head.
Kouga was looking at her with concern in his eyes.
"You okay Kagome? You're pretty clumsy today."
She let out a breath of air. "You're telling me…."
She carefully moved away from him, adjusting her hair as she began to walk ahead. Using extra caution.
Kouga shook his head and followed.
He had wondered how Kagome would act around the pack, considering she had not seen them in so long. When the wolves broke out in a play fight, he had been worried she would have gotten nervous and wanted to cut the visit short…
But then- she goes and surprises him by being calm, even playing with his wolves.
He felt warm as he thought of the dark haired beauty before him.
She was so comfortable around this part of him. Accepting of the nature of the wolves without question. She only saw them as who they were. Not demons, or a threat. It was why the pack fell in love with her all those years ago.
They approach the waterfall and Kagome ducked around to the main entrance and took in the sight before her.
Circles of wolf pelts and small fires surrounded them, with deep caverns at the back that stretched throughout the mountain. She watched as wolf youkai milled about, tending to the wolves, carrying furs, and talking together. To the center of the cavern Kagome cold see a burly wolf demon working with the fire, holding a weapon over the flame. She noted the exclusion of bones which was a change from the last visit.
They must of cleaned house. she joked to herself.
Slowly eyes begin to fall upon Kagome, and they nod in her direction in passing, greeting her with smiles and waves.
Ginta came walking out of the far cavern with a red haired companion.
The two walked side by side standing tall as others rushed out of their way.
I didn't realize Ginta had so much respect from the pack…
Curiosities about the pack mentality filled her head. Kouga must really trust Hakkaku and Ginta to make them the first commands. The rest of the pack gave them as much respect as they did their Alpha.
The couple halted in front of Kagome.
"Hi Kagome!" Ayame's bright voice filled her ears.
She broke out in a smile. Moving forward she greeted her with a hug.
"Ayame! How have you been?!" she responded.
The she-wolf stiffened at the sudden embrace, but quickly returned the gesture.
Kagome stood back taking in the lovely wolf before her. Ayame had swapped her white northern tribe attire for the eastern dens brown furs-and she now wore her hair differently. With half of her hair in a pony tail and the remaining layer of hair falling around her shoulders.
She still appeared the same age as Kagome remembered, and thus, looked no different than when they first met physically.
A quiet pang of jealousy at the longevity of the wolf demons inched to the forefront of Kagomes' thoughts, before being dispersed with a shake of her head.
That is just the life they will live, and you are a human.
Get over it. She scolded herself internally.
"How does it feel to be back running with the wolves?" Ayame winked.
Her thoughts cleared and she chuckled. "Well, none of them are worse than Kouga so it's actually a relief when we get around the pack." she stuck out her tongue as Kouga let out an exasperated cry.
Realizing she was teasing he quickly smirked and rolled his eyes.
"Oh I'm the BEST at being the worst. I'm the best at EVERYTHING…." his heated voice whispering the last part near her ear, leaning in from behind her.
A deep blush filled her face as she clenched her fists and felt her jaw drop.
"Kouga!" Ayame quipped.
"Leave her alone! You're making her all flustered!" she eyed him.
Crossing her arms she turned quickly to Ginta.
"Why don't you two run off and leave us girls alone?" she snapped. Ginta jumped at the snarl in the she-wolf's voice and ran to Kouga's side.
"Hey that's not a bad idea huh Kouga?" He laughed and scratched the back of his head.
Kouga merely rolled his eyes again. Nodding once and turning to leave.
"I'll be back in a bit to take you home Kagome."
Ginta turned quickly back to Ayame and the pair nuzzled their cheeks together before she planted a quick kiss on his nose.
Just as quickly, Ginta was running after Kouga, leaving the girls time to chat.
Kagome raised her eyebrows at the lovely red head and nudged her in the ribs, procuring a blush on the young woman.
"So, how's mom life?" Kagome asked, breaking the ice.
"Hmm, it's not so bad- we have the pack to help, but it has its' rewards too." her blush fading at the change in subject.
"Wanna meet him?" she asked.
Kagome jumped in excitement, slightly worrying Ayame as the miko nodded enthusiasically.
"I would love to!" she answered, her eyes bright with wonder.
Ayame nodded towards the cavern she appeared from and the two began talking as they crossed the den.
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The two girls spent the morning and early afternoon talking and getting to know each other. Having never sat down to actually talk- Kagome could now see how the brave she-wolf would have been so persistent from her youth where Kouga was considered.
It had her itching to ask about how she ended up with Ginta, but she knew it wasn't quite the time to ask yet. Neither of them had gotten to super personal stories...yet…
As the two women sat near one of the den fires, Ayame turned to face her, earning Kagome's full attention.
"So. Kagome." Green eyes peering into hers.
"Obviously our lives are different from the paths we set out on, but, I can't help but ask where Inuyasha is in all of this."
CRAP! Speaking of personal...looks like she got to it first…
Kagome's eyes darted around, looking at the wolves and demons in the den, as they walked around, sat, ate...lived- around them.
She looked to the food next to her lap.
The food, – a 'light lunch' - was untouched as the pair had been chatting since receiving their plates.
I don't really want all these people to hear….but I also want to hear her stories, and if I don't spill SOMETHING she might not trust me…
As her brain jumped to conclusions, she met the gaze of her newly acquired friend.
Come on girl, she hasn't done anything to prove she would reject you, quit trying to make something out of nothing and just spill!
She smilled shyly at the she-wolf and took a deep breath.
"Well…" she began.
Come on- you can do it, think of it as practice for Sango.
She began again.
"Well, when it comes to….him.. things definitely are not…" she paused searching for words.
"good." she stated, finding no other word to suffice.
"I mean it is far from good obviously, since I am here." She waved her hands above her towards the den.
"But I'm also not trying to throw myself at Kouga, just to be clear. He's helping me process the situation. A choice he made on his own." she made a point to clarify.
"But uh, just like you chose Ginta over Kouga, he-he chose...her. Over me. Except, I guess it's a bit messier since I…"
She licked her lips, her mouth going dry as she told her story.
Taking a breath she continued.
"I love him. Or loved him. Whatever." she fiddled with her fingers as she spoke, losing strength to continue looking at Ayame, she flashed her gaze to her lap.
"I imagine he will be happier with them, considering he risked our friendship to tell me. But still… it sucks being rejected…."
A clawed hand reached over her maze of fingers. Drawing her attention back up to Ayame. Her face was filled with understanding as she nodded in acceptance.
"Seems like a lot to go through so short a time after returning just for him huh?" she spoke. Surprising Kagome.
"Yea- definitely." she agreed, feeling her shoulders sag at the positive direction the conversation was going.
"Did you tell him how he made you feel before he left?" she continued.
Kagome shook her head side to side- "No, I sorta just needed him to leave. So I told him I was going to be ok. But then, he just left."
She laughed poorly. "Listen to me, I tell him to leave, but get hurt that he left. I sound crazy…"
She could feel water pooling behind her eyes as despair filled her chest.
"Aww Kagome, no way. You need to tell him how much it hurts. You two were so tied together, it's crazy to think that you two didn't end up married or mated or whatever humans would want." Ayame stated matter of fact.
Kagome couldn't believe how easy it was talking to Ayame. Her young mind reminded her so much of Yuka, Eri, and Ayumi combined. Being upfront and caring all at once.
Squeezing her hand she continued.
"Obviously when you are ready, you will need to let him know the pain you've gone through. But only you will know when that will be. I imagine you know where he is?" she asked tilting her head.
Miroku can bring you to me. Inuyasha's voice suddenly filled her head.
She shook it hastily in an attempt to clear the sound.
"Uh, no. But I know who can reach him." The statement forming questions on just how much the monk knew about the other woman.
"Well….do you want to meet her?" Ayame asked.
Her eyes shot up. Curious at herself for an answer. She rambled inside her head looking for a response but merely managed a question in return.
"Would you want to meet someone who stole the person you loved?"
A baritone voice from behind gave a surprising answer.
"Well I befriended mutt face."
The teasing response was met with a jump from Kagome, and a glare from Ayame.
The clan leader plopped next to Kagome, grabbing at the meat on her untouched plate.
Popping the meat in his mouth he grimaced.
"It's so cold, aren't you gals gonna eat?" he asked, unbothered by their sudden stiffness.
Ginta appeared a few paces behind their seating arrangement and waved to Ayame. She nodded in response and he approached. She seemed appreciative of the gesture as she continued to glare at their Alpha.
"You know it's rude to listen in on conversations." Ayame sneered.
"What? I was just saying, it might suck but Kagome is stronger than me when it comes to being around people she forgives. If I managed to befriend the mutt, I know she could do it if she wanted." he shrugged his shoulders grabbing another piece of meat as another wolf demon approached with a fresh plate for him.
He took the plate, never wavering his gaze from his comrades.
"Kouga, Ayame has a point. I was having a conversation with her. A PRIVATE conversation." she emphasized.
Kouga looked to Ginta, who seemed overly occupied with inspecting his plate.
He sighed. "Look Kagome, if you decide to meet her, or even see that dumb face again, I'm just saying...that you don't have to do it alone."
His tail flicked as he spoke.
"You're a part of our pack. Always have been, and if you need us, we will be there. Even if it's just for emotional support." he turned all of his attention to his plate.
"He's right Kagome." Ayame seconded.
"You can have all, one, or none of us be there. But know, you have the option." she finished.
The despair that was settling in her, melted away at the sincerity in their words.
Finally Kagome picked up her half eaten scraps and began to eat.
"Thanks." she smiled.
/
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Soon they walked towards the mist from the waterfall, as Kagome prepared to leave back to her village. The girls embracing in a hug and sharing smiles.
"I wish we had more time to talk one on one." Kagome rolled her eyes in the direction of Kouga as she spoke.
Laughing Ayame agreed.
"Well I can clear my schedule for tomorrow if you like. Wanna hit the hot springs? Just us girls?" she raised her eyebrows at the Miko.
Kagome could feel her face light up at the idea. A girls day was probably just the thing she needed. But, she wanted to bring Sango….
"That sounds great! But I would love to invite Sango to join us?" she asked.
"Why not? She knows about Inuyasha too right? It's a good time to vent and get advice. You want to clear your head before facing him right?" she stroked her chin as she spoke.
She nodded answering he own question.
"It's settled! We are going to have a day off to relax and bathe!" she became giddy at the idea.
Kagome could see the youth flare back into Ayame as the red-head plotted their day of venting.
Turning to Kouga she waved him over.
"Kouga, can you fetch Kagome tomorrow around mid-morning? We are going to spend the day together at the hot springs. Away from you prying males." she squinted her eyes as she spoke.
"We have loads more to talk about." she giggled turning to Kagome.
"I can even answer your curiosity about where Kouga fell short compared to Ginta." she teased.
Kouga's ears turned red as Ginta stiffened next to his friend. His Alpha. "Uh, of course she doesn't mean anything bad by that Kouga!" he began to defend.
Kouga crossed his arms and Kagome could see his tail swish aggressively, drawing a huge laugh on her part.
His eyes locked on her as she laughed, cleansing the embarrassment he was feeling a moment before.
This might be just what she needs…
He thought to himself.
"I'd let Kagome stay forever if that's what she wanted." he stated. His tone unwavering.
She blushed as the sentiment.
Ayame nodded in agreement. "Well, it's settled."
Turning to her friend she placed her hand on her shoulder. "Tomorrow?"
Taking in the turn of events, Kagome couldn't help but to nod and say… "Tomorrow."
"Thank you Ayame. You are a gift in these times." she continued. As she turned to leave she suddenly remembered the surprise she had tucked near her chest.
"OH! I almost forgot!"
She tucked her hand into her garb and procured the hairpins.
"Speaking of gifts, I want you to have this." she offered up one of the hairpieces to the she-wolf.
Slender metal, coated in a gold finish and sprinkled with green gems, the hairpin was decorated with flowers and sparkled even in the dim light of the cave.
"It's not much, and it wasn't as expensive as it looks, but it's from my home, and I wanted to start our friendship off on a positive note." she explained. As she put her hair into a bun, she secured her own pin at the front of her bun, effectively showing her how to use it.
Ayame looked down at the unexpected gift in awe, having never owned a trinket such as this.
Humans really were interesting with their creations.
Kagome blushed as she watched the young girl gaze at the hairpin.
"I only have a few of these and I wanted to give them to the strong women in my life, and when Kouga told me I would run into you again, I knew I wanted to give you one." she smiled sheepishly as she spoke, shrugging her shoulders.
"So- let's all match tomorrow and wear them." A smile finishing her statement.
"Deal." was her only response.
Kouga watched as Kagome gifted Ayame the trinket. Internally happy that the young wolf demon had another woman to talk to. Knowing too well that as the first commands mate, she was intimidating to the rest of the pack. It would do some good for the two to become friends. Hopefully it would blossom into a strong bond.
Turning to leave, Kouga held Kagome's hand as they crossed the rock path to the other side of the water. He then scooped her up, tucked her close, and took off. The pair not needing to say anything on their trip back.
Upon approaching the final bend in the forest ahead of the village, the pair found a demon slayer waiting. After giving his greeting, Kouga placed Kagome carefully before him.
"I'll see you tomorrow then?" he asked.
"Mhm, yea, Sango and I will be ready." she answered, causing Sango's eyebrows to draw together.
"Until then!" he responded as he ran back towards his clan.
Turning back to Sango, she could see the questions filling her face.
"So- Sango, how do you feel about a day filled with hot springs tomorrow?" she began with what she knew her friend couldn't resist.
"Oh!" came her reply.
"Well that sounds really nice actually. Especially since I've been training Kohaku so much this month."
She nodded as she thought about it… "I'll get Rin to watch the kids…. I think it will be fun!" she smiled.
Kagome drew a sigh of relief.
Quickly her friend narrowed her eyes at the priestess. "Kagome."
She spoke sternly. "You promised. I don't like having secrets between us. It's not a feeling I care to endure."
Her face opened to her friend.
Kagome could see plainly, the woman she traveled all of feudal japan with, fighting demons, and spouting boy problems. She knew Sango was the best person to talk to, considering she knew so much of the in and out of her and Inuyasha's relationship.
"I know, I just…. I just know that when I talk about it with you that...it has meaning. Like it's real and I can't pretend anymore that it's just a bad dream. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner… I just. I needed to accept that it's happened myself first."
She lowered her head to the ground. She could feel the despair and tears welling back up as she prepared to bare her situation to her closest friend.
"To be honest I'm a bit embarrassed about it. I feel inadequate. Lost, and I don't know what to do or say if I see him again." she looked to her friend.
Sango rushed to her side grabbing her wrists.
"I'm here for you Kagome, no matter what!" she drew her into a hug.
"Now let's walk and you talk. Tell me what happened with Inuyasha…"
Kagome nodded.
As they walked, she began to fill her in on the unexpected change that shook the very future she had been assured of, just days before.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed this little break from drama! And YAY she finally opened up to her best friend. Now to look forward to a totally relaxing, mind clearing day with the girls...right?
I plan to have a bit of a show down in the next chapter, it may be a bit longer than what we are used to. So i hope to have it out in the next few weeks. Until then, drop a review, go check out my commissioned OC and be sure to follow for updates! Thank you for sticking with me, be safe out there!
-KKB