~Forest and Sky~
by Paw85
Ch 25 – Happy reunion?
Day – 17
Kouga: 4; Takeshi: 2
"Well, if it isn't the north's most exquisite jewel!" Iori called out to a certain demoness.
"Hm? Oh, hello, Iori," Ayame looked up at him from her place sitting on a rock within the eastern den's dining cave.
The room was alive, as per always, with food, drink and chatter. Ayame had chosen to sit on a rock slightly away for the crowds to figure out her next move with Kouga.
"You look perplexed," he smiled at her as he took a seat next to her, "Care for some tea?"
The southern leader often had one of his lower class wolves nearby for needs such as pouring another cup of tea, offering a tome, relaying new intel or bringing a tasty morsel.
'Oh, you nosey little...' Ayame grumbled under her breath.
Iori was always known to very discerning but she had been so sure that her regal air was fully in place so as not to betray her inner world.
"I don't know what you're talking about," she accepted the cup of tea from his subordinate, "I haven't a care in the world," she finished with a confident smile.
"Oh, is that right?" Iori waved his wolf away, "I'm given to understand that a you are in pursuit of a certain somebody...and that somebody isn't falling for your charms..."
If his tea cup wasn't in the way, Ayame would've seen the victorious smirk building on his face. She could still see that very annoying glint that would twinkle in his eyes when he knew something juicy though.
'Ugh! How could be possibly-?!' she internally panicked before schooling her features back into calm, 'Of course he knows...it would be a true surprise if he didn't. Better think of something fast!'
"On the contrary; things are going just fine," she responded, "We're getting closer everyday!"
"Come now, Lady Ayame, do you expect me to buy that?" the southern leader asked, already knowing the answer.
Most conversations were just a script playing itself out, in his experience. He paid such careful and complete attention that he rarely missed a detail about anything or anyone. There was the occasional thing that escaped his notice but they usually were inconsequential bits of information.
"There's nothing to buy if it's the truth," she answered.
"Well, you've got me there," he pretended to accept her response, "Then, I suppose you wouldn't have any interest in some intriguing information that I have recently come into possession of?"
Ayame had to fight hard not break her facade at his tempting proposal. Instead, she chose to act indifferent.
"Oh, what am I saying? One as lovely such as yourself must have no trouble in catching the attention of any man that she wants," he continued as if he had realized having made a mistake, "My apologies, milady, that was very forward and uncouth of me to assume you could possibly need assistance in this matter," he rose to leave, "Perhaps my intel is in error."
"Wait!" the demoness called out after him in a low, harsh whisper!
Iori smiled knowingly before shifting his expression to be more amicable as he turned to rejoin her. All according to plan.
"Changed your mind, milady?" Iori took a sip from his own teacup.
Ayame saw no more reason to try and pretend that she wasn't interested in what he had to say. If he had anything to help her secure a courtship with Kouga, then, she had to know. She would use any tools or advantage she could get!
"What do you know?" she leaned in to keep this conversation private.
Iori leaned in as well, "Well, let me fact-check something first...you want want him to court you and you have been trying everything in your power to entice him...but, try as you might, he's just not getting there. You two may be spending time together but it's not enough."
He could see that Ayame was hanging on his every word, not correcting anything he had said so far.
"Furthermore, there are these oddly mysterious fights going on everyday. I don't accept that they're just a show of boorish bravado," he continued, leaning closer as he brought up a hand to further keep their conversation private, "Milady, there's something else at work here."
"What? What?" she whispered back to him.
"These battles...are about a human woman. Kouga's slave to be exact," Iori replied.
"W-what!?" she exclaimed before piping down instantly, remembering the sensitive nature of what they were talking about, "What do you mean this is about his slave?"
"I think we all know that fool, Takeshi, is infatuated with her...but that doesn't explain why Kouga would deign to fight him...not unless she has some importance to him too," relayed the southern alpha.
"'Importance?' What could this human possibly mean to him?" Ayame wondered, genuinely confused.
The thought was completely ludicrous in her mind. Kouga was a staunch hater of humans too so why would he go to any trouble for this one slave?
"Well, I can't speak to that part of the story," Iori admitted, "but, if that's true, you could use this information to...persuade him...to join you in courtship. If he does care at all about her, he wouldn't want that getting out to the pubic. It would tarnish his reputation, threaten his position as alpha...why, all kinds of undesirable things could result."
'Oh, my goodness, this is very big news!' Ayame rejoiced in her head, 'And scandalous if it got out too...but...do I really want to snag him via blackmail? Surely, my beauty and social status should be more than enough!...But, he's not taking any shine to me...' she began to despair as seeds of doubt sprouted.
She had never needed to resort to underhanded tactics to get what she wanted in the past. Her position and appeal, mental and physical, had always been sufficient. He has been irritatingly resistant so far though and she was running out of time...and options...to make him hers.
After a few moments of introspection, she remembered her resolve do anything, try anything, to win his affections. All she needed was this little push and the rest of their story would fall into line!
"Why are you helping me though?" she eyed Iori with suspicion, "You don't go out of your way to help anyone without some sort of price."
"Oh, your ladyship may have this information for free. You two would make such a handsome couple after all!" Iori smiled at her.
When her expression shifted to one of knowing disbelief, Iori lightly chuckled, "Hm-hm-hm, milady knows me so well! Let us agree that I will collect on a favor at some point in the future. Until then, I believe your path forward is clear, yes?"
"Thank you for your information," Ayame sat back as she spoke quietly, "I know what I must do."
She figured it was too late in the game now to keep up any pretense of not needing anything from him. If his intel was valid, then, she held the key to bring Kouga to his knees and give her anything she wanted. His favor to be named later could be a concern but that was in the future. She wouldn't worry about it until he came to call it in.
"Then, I shall bid you 'good day', milady" Iori smiled and rose again, "I pray you are successful!"
Iori walked casually away with a self-satisfied smirk. He didn't have to turn around to know gears were turning in her head. That conversation went over as well as he had expected. Even better was that he actually didn't intend to get a favor in return...but he got the demoness owing him one anyway so it was all the better. That bit about her and Kouga making a handsome pair was merely hogwash. He really only offered what he knew just to screw with Kouga for ruining his kimono several days back.
'That heathen will rue the day he crossed me. I will savor him getting entangled with that uppity minx. They are poorly matched so their union will surely be fraught with turmoil. It will be entertaining to watch our lady fall down a few steps as well,' he chuckled to himself, 'I do believe this calls for a new cup of tea.'
After accepting more of jasmine tea from his attendant, his thoughts drifted onto the question of the connection between Kouga and his human slave. She was a simple human by all accounts and the eastern leader himself said that he didn't harbor affections for her or want to bed her. Was there something else to this human? Something unique? The mystery was a tantalizing puzzle and Iori loved puzzles.
'In time,' he affirmed to himself, 'all will become clear.'
Iori learned how to play the long game a long time ago. Most wolves, he found, weren't patient enough nor had the mental skills to see the big picture or the steps that make it up. He also learned to code switch at the drop of a hat to suit his audience. Everyone has a 'currency' that they deal in and he was excellent in deducing those needs as well as speaking to them in order to get what he wanted. In her ladyship's case, her currency was flattery, chivalry and feeding into her self-centeredness. His ability to keep track of these details and know what buttons to push when kept his leadership position secure in the southern pack and made him dangerous to the other leaders.
Later that night, Ayame sat with Kouga again at their 'usual spot'. She thought to congratulate him on his latest victory but soon decided against it. He had shown to be largely uninterested in her being supportive. She learned quickly that he didn't care about having his ego massaged. So far, he was mildly interested in anything concerning his parents back home in the north but that same interest had looked to evaporate after a short while. Something else was needed now. Should she use her new trump card? What if it didn't work? She quickly thought out a plan b in case her first strategy failed.
Kouga sat on their rocky balcony looking out over the winterscape that slumbered underneath a crystal clear night. He was finally building a lead over that western idiot. Just a little longer and this bet will be over and done with. Kagome wouldn't be going anywhere except back in his room with him. He was looking forward to getting a proper night's sleep once she returned.
"I'm glad to see you won your last bout with Takeshi..." Ayame began, "but I am troubled to hear some rumors going about the den..."
'What's this now?' Kouga turned to her with a questioning cock of his brow, 'Rumors?'
"You know how people like to speculate and talk, of course," she continued, "but some are saying that these fights are regarding your slave and not about proving strength."
Kouga's eyebrows shot up in surprise before he could stop them, "The fuck-? Where did you hear that from?"
'Oh, my gods!' Ayame internally gasped, 'Was Iori right!?'
'Shit!' Kouga cursed at himself for letting his usual stoic mask slip, 'Now she knows something's off. How the hell did anybody find out about this!? Think of something to explain this crap away! Come on...think...think!'
'This is bad! ' his beastly half growled in their mind, 'Do something! '
"You...you must be joking. I didn't know you have a practical joker side to you, Kouga!" the demoness laughed in disbelief, "Oh, such a thought is absurd! I told them you wouldn't waste your time worrying over a piece of human filth!"
"You told who ?" Kouga asked with urgency, "Who?"
"Some of the girls were talking about it..." Ayame fibbed and feigned surprise, "Why? It's just some silly, baseless rumor, right?"
Ayame chuckled to herself, 'He's on the ropes now, I think...now to make myself look like a trustworthy ally.'
"There's no shame in using slaves," she moved in closer, hoping to come across as comforting and understanding, "We use them in the north too for various things. They usually don't live long but they take care of most of the cleaning in the den that we don't want to bother with."
Kouga was wracking his brain to come up with something to throw her off the scent of the reason behind the fights. The fact that others were talking as well made everything much more complicated. Even if Ayame bought whatever story he could come up with, rumors were already spreading. How the hell did anybody find out about this!? Did that moron, Takeshi, open up his big, fat mouth?
"I can help you nip this vicious rumor in the bud," she spoke again, "I have a lot of pull with the girls and many of the men as well. If I tell them that the whispers have no merit...they'll let it go. Just leave it to me," she finished with a wink.
Kouga looked back at her, unable to stop an obvious flow of relief in his body. Why was his body betraying him tonight!?
"If..." she trailed off.
'Damn it, I should've known...' Kouga groaned to himself.
'She thinks she has the upper hand...' his beast continued to growl.
'No shit, dumbass!' Kouga growled back at him!
The worst part of it all was that she truly did have the advantage in their dynamic now. What pound of flesh was she about to demand?
"If you engage in a courtship with me and become my mate. Of course, that includes the romance, the sexual pleasures and marking me as yours forever as I will mark you as mine. Plus..." she made sure to make full eye contact with him, "...our relationship must be announced to the packs. I will not accept a secret mating. I want a full mating ceremony, gifts, cubs and a wonderful life together. We could be very powerful, you and I..."
Kouga felt physically ill hearing all of her requests. He automatically wanted to say, "fat chance in hell!" but this was about Kagome's safety as well as his own. If everyone learned about his relationship with Kagome, he could lose everything. Everyone would see him as a traitor to all demon kind and all work towards his ambitions would be lost. It would be an absolute clusterfuck with no chance of recovery! If he and Kagome survived the ordeal; they would have to live in exile!
"Just picture it...we would have power, status, respect...We could combine our armies and resources to take over Japan...then, the world if we want! Everyone would tremble at the mention of our names!" Ayame continued to daydream aloud, "We could start our own pack and mold it into the most vicious wolves to be feared across the land!"
Should he accept her terms...then, he would be stuck with this annoying bitch forever. He would somehow have to fake genuine interest in her, mark her as his, give her cubs and spend decades to hundreds of years bound to her to boot! On the other hand, her lofty goals sounded a lot like his own that he had been working towards all this time...didn't he still want those things more than anything? Was it worth the price of being stuck with her?
'Say 'yes'! Say 'yes'! ' the inner beast urged, 'It'll keep Kagome safe! '
'Fuck no!' Kouga yelled back at him, 'I'm not tying myself to this wench! There has to be another way out of this...Another way to protect her...'
"It's just a rumor," he shrugged to her, "There's no truth to it. I don't know where people are getting this from but it's bullshit."
Undeterred, but internally starting to worry, Ayame pressed some more, "But the fact there's any rumor going around at all isn't good for your image. People come to believe the oddest things if enough start talking about it."
Kouga hated that she had a valid point and felt as if he was getting backed into a corner.
"I don't care what happens to the human," he responded after a few moments of intense reflection and weighing options, "Takeshi can have her for all I care. I'm just fighting to win. As for the matter of courtship...let's make the world tremble in fear."
"Gasp! Do you mean-?" Ayame clasped her perfectly manicured clawed hands together in excitement!
"But, I don't want to go public with our union just yet," Kouga met her starry eyes with his signature confident smirk, "Let's keep it to us for awhile and then we can announce."
"Of course!" she couldn't agree fast enough!
She may not have gotten exactly what she wanted but who the heck cared now?
'He's mine ! All mine at last!' she squealed inside with a heart bursting with joy!
"I could use a woman that understands my goals," Kouga fought to keep his smirk firmly planted on his face, "And you," he leaned in and brought a hand under her chin to turn her to him, "can helps us get started by putting that rumor to bed."
"Yes, of course!" she immediately dashed away from him and back into the tunnels, absolutely giddy with happiness!
'Well, here goes something...' he thought more to himself than anybody.
The beast within rumbled quietly in agreement.
Day – 18 – 20
Kouga: 4; Takeshi: 4; Draw:1
"Son of a bitch!" Kouga swore loudly in his chambers as he slathered more herbal ointment on his side!
Today's battle had come a draw...a mother-fucking DRAW! He had the lead a few days ago and now he and Takeshi were tied once again! Kouga sat in his chair by the hearth in agonizing pain. That asshole had landed a really bad hit on his side this time. It was already stained an ugly mix of purples and reds. If those ribs weren't cracked or broken before, they certainly were now.
"There's only one day left...tomorrow's it..." he groaned!
He had managed to get Ayame to believe that Kagome didn't mean one iota to him. She had done her part in killing most of the annoying rumors. Some still gossiped due to its truly scandalous nature but it was more for fun now than anything else. Each night, he forced himself to spend some time with the demoness to keep up this charade of becoming mates in the future. He couldn't afford for the rumors to get rekindled if she were to suspect something amiss. All that mess could wait for now though. His immediate pain was more pressing. He ambled to the balcony outside his room and forced himself to hold still while pressing some freezing snow to his injured torso.
"One more day...one more fight...fuck, this hurts..." he ground his teeth.
No way in hell was he going to lose to Takeshi. He had already put so much on the line to protect Kagome. He was not willing to sacrifice his pride too! One saving grace was that the western alpha was also showing signs of wear and tear. He had his own injuries that were getting more serious with every skirmish. Their mutual fatigue and wounds were the only reasons he could think of for why their fight came to a draw today. No warrior can fight at peak performance forever. Not even seasoned ones like them.
Another bright spot to tonight was that Ayame told him to go rest up for the next day instead of spending time with her at their usual spot. In her mind, she was supporting her man. In his mind, he was just extremely grateful to have a free pass to go back to his room.
'I know you don't want my help...' the beast rumbled from within, 'but set me free from these infernal chains if it's looking like you're going to lose. I can help you seize victory. '
"Don't want it, don't need it," Kouga gruffed back in response.
The beast didn't expect any less than that. They were both very proud personalities.
"I'll win by my own strength alone," Kouga added as he walked carefully back into his chambers and gingerly sat at the hot spring's edge, placing his feet into the wonderfully warm waters.
Winning by himself had become a mantra during this whole festival. The beast lost count of how many times it had echoed inside their mind. He also eagerly awaited being free to move about again once this was all over. His other half would win, Kagome would return and things would start to feel right again in the world. Her pillow didn't smell of her anymore and neither did items she usually touched, like her pink kimono. The climax to all of this hell was finally at hand so neither bothered to contemplate what could happen if Kouga lost. Instead, he bathed carefully and slid right into bed. He was so exhausted and in such pain that he drifted off quickly into a dreamless sleep.
Day – 21
Kouga: ?; Takeshi: ?; Draw:?
Kouga awoke at his usual time around dawn the next morning. He had slept like a rock last night. He rose up with care, being mindful of injuries that were still mending. His innate demonic healing had done what it could do during the night. Today, his ribs and side were still very tender to the touch but he figured nothing was outright broken anymore. There could still be some cracks or fractures though. Not much he could do about it right now. The final battle could start anytime and he needed to look fierce and undaunted. He would start with a good meal and take whatever the day has to throw at him from there.
'Today's the day,' he looked at himself in the dresser mirror as he pulled up his hair, 'It all comes down to one last battle.'
The pressure was on and he was feeling it profoundly. He didn't have a pre-laid out plan for if he lost. He didn't even have one for when he won exactly. Every part of his mind was focused on considering every angle of the coming fight itself. Takeshi had clearly gotten a feel for the battleground. The snowy mountain terrain wouldn't work as an advantage anymore. It had steadily become less and less effective each time they went at it. The dull throb of his aching side warned strongly about getting hit again. He figured that western idiot must've somehow noticed that he was favoring his other side. As much as he wanted to keep casting Takeshi in the light of "moron", the western alpha kept having moments of cunning worthy of a pack leader. At least during battle he was.
'He must really want Kagome then...' Kouga mused, 'or maybe he's always been more capable and only uses it when necessary. Fooling others into thinking you're less than you actually are is a viable strategy. Lures them into a false sense of security...damn bastard.'
"Okay," he let out a resolute sigh, "Let's do this."
He walked through his heavy oak door, hopefully alone for the last time. Before he knew it, he was working his way through the mass of sleeping wolves that partied all night before. The fact that it had been the last night of the festival made it a larger party than usual and the alcohol flowed like the freezing waterfall outside the den. Men and women alike seized the opportunity to sleep with anyone of interest left on their individual lists before the packs would inevitably break up the next day to go home. Others were more focused on gossiping, strength contests or trading knowledge to name a few with their friends that would be leaving today.
Far as he could tell, Takeshi was nowhere to be seen. That suited him just fine. He would take what extra recovery time he could get and everyone being passed out on the floor granted easy access to the best of the morning's hunt. He set out to take the best cuts of everything and fill up in peace before things got lively again.
"Well, looks like everybody had a great night," Takeshi suddenly appeared next to him, "They won't be up for awhile," he drawled quietly.
"Tch, I'm surprised you're actually awake," Kouga responded dryly, "Couldn't keep it up all night?"
"First of all, fuck you," Takeshi quipped back as he sipped from his mug, "and, second, my ladies are all snoozing back in my room. Yep, another batch of extremely satisfied bitches. You on the other hand...never took a one this whole time. What's the deal with that?"
Kouga hated that stupid gleam in the western alpha's accusatory, emerald gaze. He had been hoping nobody else noticed that...or bought that he was spending his time with Ayame. It had successfully fooled everyone else, so how did Takeshi find out that he didn't lay with anybody?
"If you're wondering how I know that," Takeshi took another gulp of water, "Some of the females were complaining that they couldn't get your attention. You know how they talk...always worrying about their looks, who they want to mate with and whatever," he continued with a rolling motion of his hand, "but they are never shy about bragging about who banged them recently. Your name didn't come up once..." he trailed off.
Kouga kept eating his breakfast in attempt to make it look like as if he truly didn't care what was happening in this conversation right now.
Takeshi leaned in closer to the side of Kouga's stoic face, "Waiting for Little Flower to come back?"
Kouga took his time chewing before replying, "I don't fuck humans and who I do fuck is none of your business."
"Heh, I figured as much," Takeshi lightly chuckled, "I know you don't see her that way. Too wrapped up in hating humans to see the gorgeous beauty you're passing up. That's fine; all the better for me."
" You hate humans too," Kouga glared at him in annoyance.
"Sure," Takeshi shrugged his shoulders, "Unless they're beautiful women like her. And soon, I shall have her."
Kouga rolled his eyes and returned to his meal.
"Have you really never looked at her as a woman?" the western leader inquired.
He was truly curious as to why only he could see Kagome as the lovely flower that she was. Kouga had spent months with her so why hadn't he noticed? Then again, none of the men in any pack appeared to see her that way so the question might as well be redundant.
"Bah, nevermind," Takeshi rose up to his feet, not caring anymore what Kouga's answer was going to be, "Prepare while you can..." he smirked down at the eastern alpha with confidence, "Today's gonna be a great one!"
'Yeah, it will be...when you lose,' Kouga glared after him.
Also day – 21
"Phew, Hay-chan, I really don't know how we got out of there without anybody coming along with us!" Kagome cheered as she rode on her faithful lupine steed, "I feel like I used up a few years' worth of good luck."
The snow crunched underneath big paws as he moved along on a slow trot. Kagome smiled with relief to be traveling alone. Back to the east, back to Nami and the kids...and back to Kouga too.
Back at Jun's house earlier today, Midori insisted that Shippo stay with them for awhile much to Jun's dismay. He tried to get his dad to object to it but Ken's response was to 'Let it go, boy. I agree with your mother. I think you may learn somethin' once you stop resistin'.' Jun took to stewing in silence after that but brightened a bit to at least offer the leaving priestess a smile in farewell. Shippo looked sad and unsure of his new circumstances but was also cautiously relieved to have shelter and food for awhile.
"Thank you all so much for your hospitality," Kagome bowed to the family in gratitude as they all stood outside the front door to the home.
"Oh, think nothing of it!" Midori answered with a cheery expression.
"Our pleasure," Ken affirmed.
"Take care out there," Jun stepped froward before he kneeled down to the large brown wolf at the miko's side, "Look after her, 'ya hear?"
Hayate blinked and rumbled a bit while flicking an ear in response.
"Please be careful on your travels. You're only just back on your feet after all," Midori gave a the priestess a meal wrapped up to eat on the road, "I packed as much as I could stuff this bag. There's some raw meat inside for Hayate too."
"Don't be a stranger, alrigh'?" Ken wrapped an arm around his wife's shoulders.
"I'll come by and visit again sometime!" Kagome waved at them as she turned to leave with wolf in tow.
Inuyasha turned to leave as well. He did offer a nod of thanks to the family. None of them once showed distaste of him being hanyou. They treated him the same as Kagome and he appreciated that.
The group made one more stop at the mayoral mansion to say goodbye to Minato before leaving town. Kagome walked behind Inuyasha as they approached the entrance to Kanto, feeling apprehensive.
'Gods, what do I say to him?' she worried looking at the back of her hanyou companion, 'I can't bring him back to the den...but, I don't think he'll part ways if I simply ask him to. He was clear about staying near me in order to figure out why I feel familiar to him. And I do feel kind of bad to disappear on him suddenly without warning.'
"What now?" Inuyasha turned to her, "Going back to Edo or what?"
Kagome stood there in a silent panic trying to work out an innocent reason for why she needed to travel alone now.
"Um...I do have a destination in mind, but...I can't take you with me," she nervously played with her fingers.
"Why not?" his eyebrows jumped up in surprise!
"I'm sorry, but I can't tell you. There's something that I must do and I can't bring others into it," the miko responded, a soft look of determination on her face.
Inuyasha blinked at her in confusion, "What's this all of a sudden? You never mentioned anything about this before."
Kagome could see he was already starting to get upset. It hurt her heart but she couldn't find any other way to broach the topic aside from telling some of the truth.
"It's not that I don't want to travel about with you," she tried to ease the emotional feel of the conversation, "I haven't forgotten how important it is to you to figure out how we're connected. I want to know that too and I want to hear more about you and more about how you got on with Kaede. This isn't easy for me to say!"
"I don't understand," Inuyasha's ears flattened a bit against his silver crown, "What's so damn important that you want to split up? You say that you want to know things about me and the old bat but you're going completely the other way. It makes no sense!"
"I know what I'm saying may not make sense but trust me that it has to be this way!" Kagome urged him to understand!
When he didn't show any signs of calming down, she got an idea.
"I can't take you with me...but, let's make a deal," she hoped to diffuse the tension growing between them, "We'll meet right here at the entrance to Kanto next spring right after the snows melt. We can spend some time together then and see if we can figure out how we're connected."
"The secret thing you won't tell me about will take months to finish?" he asked.
"Well...no, not exactly...but I'll arrange to take a break from my mission to come back here," she responded.
"And then what?" he inquired further, not liking the situation, "You go off again and come back after awhile?"
Kagome felt as if her suggestion wasn't going to bear fruit. He wasn't taking her words at face value and she didn't blame him. They had been friends for a only few weeks, shared some stories and been through a thing or two. Not exactly a firm foundation for unquestioning faith or trust.
"Here," Kagome reached into her satchel and retrieved a small something to give to Inuyasha, "This gold charm means a lot to me. It was a gift and I have had it for a long time. If I leave this with you, then, it's my promise that I will come back here when next spring starts."
Inuyasha looked at the circular metalwork with a branch of cherry blossoms in it. He could see hints of sadness in Kagome's gaze as she also looked at it in his hand. The piece must have sentimental meaning to her.
"If.." her soft voice called his attention again, "If you have the time, maybe you could help Shippo with the Thunder Brothers?"
"First you're ditching me and now you're asking for a favor?" Inuyasha asked incredulously before turning his back to her.
He looked at the charm again in his hand as he weighed his options.
"Fine," he relented, "I'll help the brat and I'll be here next spring."
'Inuyasha...' Kagome looked up in true relief as he turned back around.
"But!" he pinned her with a sharp amber gaze, "If you don't show up, I'll hunt you down. No matter where you are or what you're doing...I'll find you and I'll be getting those answers."
"That's more than fair," Kagome nodded her head in agreement, "Thank you, Inuyasha."
"You had better keep your word or I'll pulverize this thing," he stashed the gold charm within his suikan sleeve.
"You won't have to do that. I'll be here," Kagome reassured him, "I will meet you right here and we can share more stories. I'll see you soon enough," she mounted onto Hayate's back and they trotted off together.
Inuyasha felt conflicted as they left. Would she return as promised? He supposed that there was only one way to find out and sulking any more about it wasn't his style. That kit did mention about those Thunder Brothers being formidable. If they were, then could mean a decent fight to test his strength.
'Why are you just defending? ' Kouga's beastly half growled, 'You must strike if you are to win! '
'Shut up, I know what I'm doing,' Kouga thought back to him.
The final battle of the festival broke out around midday. Kouga surmised that Takeshi must want a sizable audience to this event. The only thing they would see, in his mind, is the western alpha's crushing defeat. A growing audience had gathered to watch the titans clash for the final time for this festival. Wolves watched from all around the valley, each on the edge of their seat. They all knew this battle would be the climax. If the leaders had any special tricks left, now would the time for them to use it.
Kouga had played this battle so far conservatively. He knew he had the edge in speed and agility. Using his fleet feet, he used a basic assault of hit and run like he had in earlier fights. As soon as he made some light, quick hits, he fell back to outside of Takeshi's range. He could see that that the western alpha was getting frustrated but also becoming wise to his tactics. It was getting obvious that this plan wouldn't last much longer. Still, he waited and observed. He knew he wasn't at full strength and thus couldn't take risks with his remaining energy or make his current injuries worse. Taking much more to his side would cripple him just long enough for Takeshi to deal a deciding blow. Kouga knew that Takeshi had his own injuries to the head. About halfway through the festival, his left knee had joined his head with wounds getting progressively worse. So far, those areas of weakness had been excellently guarded.
'He's trying to tire me out and look for a window to strike,' Takeshi pondered to himself, 'Though, I guess I'm doing the same thing. At this rate, we'll end up at a stalemate unless one of us staggers. The fight will be over then. I need to throw him off somehow...'
'They're both suddenly being so careful,' Iori noted from a ledge of rock outside of the den mouth, 'To think all of this is over a human woman...she must be something special for them to go to such trouble. Though, I can't imagine what could make her so desirable to fight over. The oaf insists that she is very beautiful and strong but I can't see a human managing such things. Kouga claims he has no carnal interest in her...so, is it her ability to heal why he's wasting so much effort?'
Looking around, he could see Suou standing on another ledge. His expression portrayed nothing aside from the usual icy glare. Ayame was watching with most of the wolves on the valley floor. Her flaming red hair made her easy to pick out amongst the masses.
'Taking into account the injuries both sides have taken...I suppose it's anyone's game,' the southern alpha mused.
He could see the tactics at play and they bored him deeply but he would not hear the results of this fight second-hand. If this battle wasn't hinging on a split-second 'magic moment' in order to conclude, he would have preferred to read his latest book. One of them would have to make a gamble soon and he wasn't going to miss it.
"Move over, Sora, I can't see," Kurou whispered behind her back as she peered around a rocky corner that led into the dining cave.
"There's not much to see," Sora breathed a sigh of annoyance, "Everyone is crowded around the den entrance. All I see are lots of backs, legs and feet."
"We won't see anything this way," Kyo spoke up next, "C'mon, let's find another exit."
"Oh, I don't think so..." Nami suddenly appeared, startling the young group, "I told you three to stay out of this and keep to yourselves. Let's go," she shooed them back to her and Kyo's room.
"But, Mama, how're we gonna know who won?!" Kyo objected, "Kagome may get taken away from us!"
"Hush now," Nami urged quietly, "Leave everything to Kouga. Everything will be fine."
All three kids reluctantly followed her instructions, each worried about what the battle's outcome would be.
"I know things don't sound good," Nami started after closing the door behind them once they arrived at the room, "but, Kouga won't let anything bad happen to Kagome. And you all," she pointed to each child, "had better forget that crazy idea of challenging Takeshi yourselves."
"If we can't fight him, then, you have to fight him!" Kyo looked up at his mother with pleading eyes!
Both Sora and Kurou joined in with looking up at her with identical looks of desperate worry.
Nami's angry face fell for a moment upon hearing such a crazy idea out of her son's mouth before she recovered with frown back in place, "That's not happening either! We're going to stay out of the way until things settle down. We'll know soon enough what's what."
"But Auntie, we'll know sooner if we see the fight ourselves," Kurou spoke up, "Let's find a spot out of the way of the crowd and watch from there. We can find out who wins without having to deal with the others or getting caught up in the battle."
Kyo and Sora listened to him being the voice of reason before looking back up at Nami. They all wondered how she would answer the proposal.
'Oh, Kurou...' Nami looked down at the kids in sympathy, 'You cubs will probably sneak out to see the fight no matter what I say, won't you?'
All three of them had become so much more determined over the past few months. Kyo being more brash wasn't a surprise but Sora and Kurou showing such drive was.
'I suppose I can't protect them from everything forever...and I am anxious to find out too,' the she-wolf thought to herself before relenting, "Alright, we'll find a safe place to see how this fight ends..."
The kids immediately lit up at her response!
"But!" Nami held up a commanding finger, "As soon as it ends, we return here without complaint and stay out of the way. We don't know what could happen once a winner has been decided."
"Mama, you're the best!" Kyo whooped!
Sora breathed a sigh of relief while Kurou cheered, "Thank you, Auntie! Let's go now!"
"Today is the day, Hay-chan," Kagome breathed from atop his strong, furry back for the sixth time, "It's finally here."
She was starting to feel nervous and then laughed at herself for being silly. This day was just like any other day...except she was returning to the eastern den from an extended absence. The priestess wondered how the Lunar Festival was everyone. Did they have fun? Eat some great food and reconnect with friends? Was it their howls she heard awhile back at Minato's house?
Nerves began to set in again and she did her best to laugh them off, "Oh, gods, what is going on with me? There's no need to feel anxious!"
She couldn't decide between hurrying back as fast as Hayate could run or take her time to enjoy the last remaining time of her freedom.
'Hm, what if the other packs haven't left yet?' she pondered, 'The whole point of being away for so long was to avoid me running into them.'
What was she to do if guests were still around? Would Kouga protect her from any aggression directed here way? She wouldn't have much to defend herself with. Despite resting as much as she could back at Jun's house, her holy power was nowhere ready to be used. She had hoped at least some of it would have returned by now but more time and rest are apparently needed. That left only her new bow and arrows to fight with. Hayate would no doubt do his best but he can't shield her from a large enough group of enemies. It could be the wildcat assassins all over again when they cornered her and Hayate in the woods outside the main battle. Back then, she had reiki to fight with too so she could defend more effectively. How close could she get to the eastern den before seeing signs of whether the other packs had left or not? How spread out were the wolves in the eastern territory? Going back now started to feel scary and was getting scarier by the minute as she tried to figure out what may be in store for her. It is a fact that she agreed with Kouga to return today. If she didn't follow through, that could cause new problems to contend with. It was also possible that the packs had already left and she was worrying over nothing.
'No matter how I try to think about it, I won't know anything unless I go see what's going on,' she nodded to herself.
'Let me free! ' Kouga's inner beast struggled against his chains, 'I can end this in one strike and then this fight will be won! '
'I already told you 'no'!' Kouga thought back to him as he spat out some blood out that had pooled in his mouth from one of Takeshi's reverse punches, 'I'm winning this on my own!'
'You're going to lose this on your own! ' the beast snapped back, 'You got distracted and he got a hit on us! '
Kouga somersaulted away from the western alpha to create some distance and to evaluate the situation. In one potentially fatal moment before, his demon ears picked up some gossiping women's voices in the watching crowd about these fights being over his human slave. Others were showing interest in this topic as well. Breath immediately caught up in his throat as he realized that the rumor was not only still alive but spreading again! Ayame's efforts must've not been enough! Making it worse was that fucking smirk of victory on Takeshi's face. He knew he scored a good hit on the eastern alpha and wanted him to know it.
'Oooooo, that looked like it hurt...' Nami winced to herself as she watched with the kids on a snowy, rock platform overlooking the valley.
"Come on, don't let him get away with that!" Kyo yelled, hoping Kouga could hear him.
Sora looked worried while Kurou was watching the fighters intently.
"Why are you here?" Kyo snarled at Ryuji joining the group.
"I go where I want, brat," Ryuji glared down at the young boy.
"No assholes from the west allowed here!" Kyo glared right back at the man towering over him, "Get lost!"
Bop! "What did I tell you about being nice to Ryuji?!" Nami bopped him on the head!
"Tch, serves you right, runt," Ryuji sneered.
Smack! "Don't you start!" the same unforgiving hand of the lady ookami smacked Ryuji upside the head, "Grow up, both of you!"
Both beta and cub glared hard at each other while rubbing their heads. The tension was so palpable that one could feel the air crackle.
'I forgot how hard she could hit...and how short her temper could be,' Ryuji thought as he straightened up.
The beta rooted silently in his head for Takeshi to lose this fight. He had been hearing whispers among the packs that these battles were over that human girl. Upon hearing those, he had dismissed them as idle gossip...for about 5 seconds. His leader was still deeply infatuated with her so it really wasn't a stretch for this clashing of the alphas to be about her. The whole thing was ridiculous in his mind but if this was truly over that human, he would be damn happy if Kouga won.
'I have to make a move,' Kouga resolved to himself, 'I need to end this!'
He suddenly tore at his opponent with such incredible speed that Takeshi struggled to keep track of him! Whenever he though he saw Kouga, it was already an after image by the time he focused on it! Kouga circled around him, picking up more and more speed as he went! Takeshi looked wildly around himself before realizing that he was also getting hurt at the same time! A scratch appeared here on his leg, another sliced into his arm and a barrage of quick hits pummeled his torso! He steeled himself and braced defensively for more incoming hits from Kouga's tornado!
'I have to get out of this!' Takeshi coiled his energy and exploded upwards to escape the vortex!
As he did so, a whoosh! breezed past him mid-air, delivering a rough uppercut as it went!
'What!?' he stared up into the blinding sun to barely see a silhouette plummeting towards him!
In the next moment, a somersaulting heel drop connected with his face! The impact sent him dropping like a missile to the snowy valley below with a boom!
All of the spectators fell silent as they watched to see if Takeshi would get up after taking such a hit. Kouga landed somewhat clumsily nearby, injuries from today and other battles feeling more and more present. He mentally willed the western alpha to stay down as he wasn't sure if his body could continue the fight much longer. That last jump and attack took more out of him than he would ever admit to anyone.
After several moments of watching Takeshi not moving an inch, Kouga approached carefully to judge his status. The alpha was sprawled spread-eagled on the snow that was beginning to stain red from his injuries and bleeding nose.
'Is it over?...' Kouga narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the scene, 'Or is this a trick?'
He had to be ready just in case.
Kouga perused Takeshi's form once he got close enough. He could see injuries of various types everywhere that skin could be seen. His opponent's armor had some dents and chips. The parts made of midnight furs were ragged and/or stained with dirt or blood or a mix of both. Sharp demonic hearing told him that Takeshi was indeed alive and breathing, albeit a bit labored. He lightly kicked the side of Takeshi's shin to see if he would respond. When he didn't get a response, he crouched down snapping his fingers close to Takeshi's face and then slapped his face for good measure.
Kouga slowly rose up, turned to face the watching crowd and raised a fist in victory! The valley erupted into cheers and whistles from all directions! His own beast howled in jubilation within their mind!
'I did it...I won...' Kouga breathed deeply to put on as strong an image as possible.
He would not allow anyone to tell how much pain he was in.
'Yes! That's my man! That's my MAN!' Ayame cheered loudly in her mind before she stopped and giggled with a light bush at thinking of Kouga as 'her man'.
'Well, that settles that,' Iori smirked as he logged the event in his book as well as any other details of import from the fight, 'Now, we can all go home at last.'
"Wahoo! He did it!" Kyo jumped up and down while pumping his fist in celebration!
Sora and Kurou joined in on his excitement as well! Nami and Ryuji exhaled identical sighs of collective relief.
"Ugghhh...mmm..." came weakly from down in the snow at Kouga's feet.
"What? You've fallen and can't get up?" he chuckled down at Takeshi trying to come around.
"...Fuck you..." Takeshi managed to groan through his pain in response.
Kouga chuckled lightly watching the pathetic display. This moment of triumph was oh-so-sweet and the high was helping a bit to mitigate his level of pain. The more Takeshi struggled, the sweeter it was to savor.
He crouched down again, asking quietly, "Can you stand or should I leave you here for your pack to drag you off?"
Takeshi winced making the smallest of movements and groaned waiting for demonic healing to kick in.
"...Fuck you..." the western alpha breathed again in pain.
He really couldn't think of much else to say what with his mind and body ablaze in suffering.
Kouga rolled his eyes and shook his head lightly. Takeshi would be back up soon, he figured. The injuries looked bad but he knew they weren't fatal. Just delightfully torturous.
'You had this coming, dumbass,' Kouga thought towards him, 'But it was a close one.'
"Eh? Where did the cubs go?" Nami suddenly realized that the kids had disappeared!
She looked at Ryuji and he shrugged his shoulders, "Dunno. Not my cubs, not my problem."
"Ryuji!" Nami snarled in frustration!
"Relax," he folded his arms as if nothing of concern was happening, "Nobody's gonna hurt another pack's cubs. Besides, they went that way," he gestured down a mountain path, "which means they're probably trying to go there," he pointed to the valley floor.
"Ooooohhhh! And they promised that they would come back with me after this was over," Nami growled to herself with a shaking fist.
"Kyosuke used to do stuff like this all the time when we were cubs. It's no surprise his own son does the same thing," Ryuji added matter of factly, "What're you so damn worried about anyway?"
"Well," Nami hedged, taking a breath, "These battles had more reason to them aside from a contest of strength. I had thought once there was a winner, there would be a more violent fight afterward from the loser. And I thought others might join in on both sides so I didn't want the cubs getting caught up in it."
'So, the rumors were true,' Ryuji mused.
Nami didn't confirm the details 100% but he didn't require any more proof.
"Does Takeshi look like he's gearing up for anything like that?" Ryuji asked with a scoff, "All he's doing is waiting for the strength to sit up again. He's in no shape to fight. Plus, he would be an idiot to start something now."
"Even so, I should still find out where they went," Nami responded as she started to leap from ledge to ledge.
Ryuji followed suit after her.
Takeshi opened his emerald eyes to the clear wintery sky of afternoon and to the unpleasant image of Kouga kneeling next to him.
'Damn...I must've lost...' Takeshi breathed with a light sigh.
Some feeling, aside from pain, was coming back into his limbs but all he still wanted to do was lie there in the snow. He wished the crowd would quiet down. His head was already aching and the ruckus wasn't helping.
'Look at him being a gracious winner,' Ayame continued to look on the pair, 'Keeping pack bonds strong takes some diplomacy and strategy. Of course, I knew that he knew that. It's why we will be the most formidable alpha pair in the world!'
All of a sudden, a hush started to fall over the crowd. Kouga and Takeshi looked up to see Suou on the other side of the valley. In his hands, was a terrified Kagome. He had her raised as one may hold up a child as he speculated her. She looked to be scared stiff under his icy stare.
'Shit...' both east and west alphas thought at the same time.
Out of all of the wolves in the valley and she was caught in the grasp of the most deadly of them all. Hayate looked on helplessly, his gaze not leaving Kagome for a second.
They had been traveling through the woods back to the den only to get spooked by some northern pack men. Those same men corralled girl and wolf expertly back to the valley, laughing gleefully along the way. They hoped that she would be a source of entertainment or at least food. The east could have their wolf back but the girl could be fun. One moment, she was riding Hayate trying to get away from these strangers and the next she was grabbed rather brusquely by a large pair of strong, clawed hands. The large man held her up by the waist to take a good look at her. She hadn't seen a man of his size before. He was bigger than Takeshi and was wearing layers of furs. His darker skin complexion contrasted against the furs and leather and she could see a pair of bloody claws fastened to a wide leather belt. Over his shoulder appeared to be a handle for a much larger weapon. His piercing gaze chilled her to her core. She couldn't gauge at all what was going on behind those black eyes and scowl aside from that fact that he was looking her over. She didn't know this man...but she could sense he was dangerous. Not having a means with reiki to defend herself made her feel extra helpless and small.
The man tilted his head a bit while narrowing his eyes under bushy eyebrows, which made her swallow hard, 'This human woman...is what they were fighting over?'
He didn't understand it but here she is and there was only one human slave to the east. She wore furs and clothing that would only come from this region. He knew the wolf she was riding on is from the eastern pack as well. She was plain as could be, small in size and didn't appear strong whatsoever. Although she was the definition of 'unimpressive', she did have an unexpected scent to her. Humans usually smelled awful to him in the past but this one smelled like fields' worth of flowers. Curious. As he appraised her, she stared right back like a cornered deer.
"whisper...whisper...Is that her?...rumble..."
"…..It's a human!...whisper...whisper... "
Kouga looked around, panic beginning to set in as whispers began sprouting up like weeds from all around him.
" ...whisper...Oh, my gods, was the rumor true after all?" "Shhhh! Not so loud!" "Gasp! It's true!"
"Two alphas are fighting over a human woman?...whisper...whisper..." "I don't believe it!" "This is crazy!" " giggle...I know!"
"...What's going to happen now?" "Is Suou gonna kill her now?...whisper...whisper... " "If this was about that bitch, why isn't Kouga doing anything?"
"Little Flower, you made it!" Takeshi suddenly appeared and took her into his arms, "I was afraid I wouldn't get to see 'ya!"
Kagome was so grateful to be taken away from that horrifically scary man, that she wrapped her arms around Takeshi's neck and buried her face where his neck met his shoulder, trembling in fright and on the verge of tears.
"Aw, it's okay, Little Flower. Ol' Takeshi's got 'ya. Nobody's gonna hurt you," he gladly shifted her into a bridal carry with a mild blush on his face.
His badly bruised ego and body were healing by leaps and bounds having Kagome in his arms and looking to him for safety and comfort. He couldn't be happier than he was right now. Suou watched the display but made no move to do anything more other than watch silently.
"What's this?" Kagome chanced a peak from Takeshi's shoulder to see a much shorter man with fair skin, a headwrap, traditional Japanese wear and amethyst eyes, "So, this must be the human you have been going on about."
Kagome immediately re-hid herself into Takeshi's neck trying to get away from those judging eyes.
"Well..." Iori finished a quick assessment of her figure, "It is a human girl."
'Hm, what is the draw they have to this girl?' he wondered to himself, 'I don't see anything worthy of note right away...how vexing...'
"C'mon, Little Flower, let's step away from this crowd," Takeshi carried her off to the side of the den where there were far fewer people.
Hayate trailed after them, keeping Kagome in his sights.
Suou, Iori and most of the eyes of the crowd followed the strange group's exit before doing whatever preparations were necessary in order to leave. The festival had reached an organic end with the conclusion of the fights, after all.
Ayame made her way to Kouga's side, perplexed like the rest of the crowd about this mystery human. He had stated before that she was only around for healing and had no other purpose. He never gave her a physical description though and the she-wolf was curious. What she was able to see didn't make any visual impact in her estimation.
Kouga followed Takeshi after a few minutes and Ayame followed after him.
Kagome was still holding onto Takeshi tightly and he was happy to let her for as long as she wanted.
"Hey..." he called softly to her after injuries forced him to take a seat on a snowy rock, "Take a breath, Little Flower. You're safe. Everything's okay."
"W-who...who was that?" she asked from his shoulder, almost in a whisper.
"Suou," he ran his claws through her hair in effort to soothe her, "He's the alpha of the northern pack and a very scary guy. You're right to fear him. He kinda scares everybody."
Hayate pawed at her leg with a whine.
"Oh? You wanna make sure she's okay, too?" Takeshi smiled down at the large brown wolf, "Heh, you've got quite the bodyguard."
"Yes," Kagome giggled lightly as she turned in Takeshi's lap to pet Hayate as he reared up to place his big furry paws on the western alpha's bad knee to get closer to her.
"Agh! Dammit, wolf, what're you doin' making me squeal when I'm trying to impress a woman?" Takeshi ground out between gritted teeth!
"Gasp! No, no, Hay-chan, get down!" Kagome shooed the wolf off and leaned down to cradle his face in her hands as his tail wagged lazily, "Takeshi...you're hurt!" she finally realized the alpha's rough physical condition!
"Aw, it's nothing, Little Flower, just a few scratches here and there. No big deal," he did his best to put on a brave front.
The same pain that he had thought was evaporating when he scooped up Kagome was coming back in full force as if to ask 'Hey? Remember how hurt you are? No? Here's a reminder!'
"It's not 'nothing'!" Kagome gladly got out of his lap, "Your knee is purple and swollen, you have scratches everywhere, bruises and your nose is bleeding...you're a mess! Who did this to you?" she finished appraising what she could see of him.
Takeshi was torn between continuing to posture how strong he is or melting at how worried she was for his well-being.
"It was just a scuffle, Little Flower. Things happen but I'll heal up quick. We wolves rumble from time to time. No need to worry," he flashed a fangy grin and affirmative thumb's up.
Kagome exhaled a sigh. He is one of "those" people that would rather play tough guy than admit how hurt he really is. She had plenty of experience with those over the years and they usually couldn't be reasoned with unless the pain level rises so high that it can't be masked.
"That must be the human..." Kagome suddenly heard from nearby as some wolf demons walked by.
She looked around to see a lot of people whispering about something. The many eyes on her led her to worry that it may be regarding her.
"Why are they staring at me?" Kagome asked nervously as she drew a bit closer to Takeshi.
"'Cuz you're cute! Why else?" he answered with a chuckle.
Shivers kept creeping up her spine. Takeshi was probably the only one that thought of her as cute.
"You need to get your eyes checked, Takeshi," a dismissive female voice sounded so close it made Kagome jump back into Takeshi's lap by accident, making him wince a bit, "It's a human; it can't be anything resembling beauty."
The young priestess turned to see who said that to behold a real vision of beauty. She was obviously a wolf demon but not from around here as the eastern females never wore white furs. She was about Kagome's height, had perfect porcelain skin, sparkling teal eyes and gorgeous red hair drawn up into pigtails. What a shame that pretty face was drawn in a scowl of disdain. Kagome knew that look very well since most of the east's females looked upon her the same way.
"Eh, to each their own," he shrugged his shoulders, secretly ecstatic that Kagome was back in his arms.
"Ugh, you're a weird one," Ayame crossed her arms across her cuirass covered belly.
'Where is Kouga?' Kagome tried to search him out covertly.
He was always the one to rescue her from Takeshi's hands or from other unfriendly people like this lady.
"Well, since you enjoy her so much, you can have her," Kouga walked up to the group and then offered his arm to Ayame to take.
"Oh, you don't want to keep it?" Ayame looked up at him with a questioning smile that she hoped masked completely that she was feeling just a tiny bit of worry that Kouga really was fighting for the human all this time.
She wanted to be the center of his world and that couldn't happen if he was worrying about a human woman in any way. Plus, if the rumors had any truth to them at all...then, she needed that human trash out of the picture.
"Nah. Like I told you; I was only fighting to win. I don't care what happens to her," he reassured her before leading her away and tossing, "She's your headache now," over his shoulder with a cavalier wave back at Takeshi.
A few steps later, he whistled for Hayate to come to his side, "And I'm taking my wolf back too."
'Wait, what!?' Kagome internally screamed, 'You can't be serious...Kouga! Wait! Kouga!'
How she managed not to physically verbalize any of that she would never know. What made this so much worse is that Kouga never looked at her once during that interaction. She had tried to catch his eye but strangely failed. She was profoundly confused. What just happened? What changed while she was away? And why?!
'I...I don't understand...why, Kouga?' she continued to watch the pair walk away from her with growing despair starting to weigh down her heart.
"Well, you heard him," Takeshi stood up with her bundled up to him like before, "Let's grab the rest of the gang and go on home."
Kagome grabbed onto his shoulders by coincidence to stabilize herself when he stood up abruptly and started walking. She was still in shock over current events and couldn't think of much else.
'Son of a fucking bitch...' Ryuji facepalmed having witnessed this whole situation play out.
The group had stumbled onto the conversation after Nami and Ryuji finally found the 3 cubs. The kids had been trying to find a way out of the den that wasn't blocked by wolves socializing or saying farewells. Beta and she-wolf located them right after the youngsters had found an exit and all immediately silenced themselves upon hearing Takeshi trying to calm Kagome down.
"Wha-? But, Mama!" Kyo cried in confusion, pulling on Nami's hand, "Kouga won! He won ! Why is that guy still walking off with her?!"
Sora watched on, expression aghast and hands clasped over her mouth. Kurou stood next to her, completely dumbfounded.
"Gasp! Ryuji, you've got to do something!" Nami urged with worry over the leaving priestess!
Ryuji looked at the four of them, all looking deeply upset. He, on the other hand, was annoyed to no end.
"What're you all expecting me to do?" he asked with bite of frustration, "The decision's been made. That's all there is!"
Having all of the cubs and Nami looking at him in mounting desperation helped cool his temper some, "Seriously...there's nothing I can do about this. I'm not happy about it either."
"I understand that..." Nami admitted with defeat since pack hierarchies were very clear and very set in stone, "but, please, look out for that girl."
"What?" he asked in disbelief.
She had to be kidding, right? He was definitely not going to get involved with the human girl any more than absolutely necessary! None at all would be his preference.
"I'm begging you," she clasped her hands in front of him, "Please do this for me...do this for the cubs."
A few moments passed before Ryuji sighed with resignation, "Nami...I can't be her cubsitter. I have my own things to do. I have responsibilities as beta."
Nami nodded her head, "I know you can't be with her all of the time...but whatever time you can spare...look out for her. Please Ryu?"
'Dammit with the 'Ryu'...' Ryuji had forgotten she used to call him that after they became good friends in those bygone days of the past.
"Please, Uncle Ryu? Please!" the cubs chorused together, each with their own hands clasped together and giving him the very best sad cub eyes they could muster!
"Gak!" the beta startled a moment before an angry vein popped up in his temple, "'Uncle!?' Don't you brats be getting any funny ideas! There's only two people in this damn world that can call me 'Ryu': one is dead and the other is Nami. Nobody else!"
His anger over the matter evaporated as quickly as it came on as the group continued to pin him with the most pitiable looks he had ever seen.
"Fine...if I can find a moment, I'll see if she hasn't already gotten herself killed," he acquiesced, "which she may do very quickly. She tends to mouth off instead of shutting up like a smart human would do. I make no promises, Na-chan. If she pisses off the wrong wolf, there's nothing I'll be able to do."
"Whatever you can do, we'll take it," Nami and the cubs looked upon him now with relief, " Thank you."
"Yeah, yeah," Ryuji fastened his sword to his hip, already dreading how this situation could unfold.
Ryuji joined the rest of his pack that had made ready to leave. Takeshi gave him a quick order to lead everyone back. The alpha planned to take his time walking back home with Kagome bundled up in his arms. His injuries also forced him to take it easy but that was beside the point. Kagome looked over his shoulder one more time as he started the trek back to the west, hoping that Kouga may have a last minute change of heart and demand she stay or admit this had all been a terrible mistake. All she saw was his back turned to her.