Chapter 1

Pairing: Koga x Kumiko [OC]

Genre: Romance/Adventure

Rating: T

Setting: Post-anime (after Naraku's defeat)

Full Summary:

An ancestor's powerful fang has been stolen from Sacred World Grounds, revoking the Wolf Guardian's protection over the wolves. Until it has been returned and purified by the guardian's descendant, they will be cursed with bad fortune forever. Kumiko, an ostracized half-demon, is the only one who can bring peace back to the tribes and the only one who can mend the broken heart of widower, Cheif Koga.

The wolf den was somber. Many gathered outside of the chief's cave as he sat alone beside his dying wife. It had been months since this curse had been brought upon their people but Koga never imagined that Ayame would be the next one to be sacrificed. Lump in his throat, he stayed by her side, their fingers laced as she struggled to breath.

He had never seen her look so weak. Her skin was a sickly white, her forehead glistening yet her body remained cold as her once sparkling emerald eyes dimmed, her life slowly draining from her.

"Stay strong, Ayame," He spoke lowly to her, using every ounce of strength he had to put on a brave face for her, "You'll be alright."

Ayame offered a weak smile to her husband, her heart breaking at his words. Koga was either trying very hard to comfort her or he was in denial; either way, she knew the truth.

The curse of the Wolf Guardian was one they were trying to uplift from their kind for months. Plagued with bad luck, death, disease and sorrow, it would only continue until they found the guardian's descendent, said to be the only one who can purify the tainted Fang of Kiba.

Kiba, unlike most wolves who relied on their strength, had been a deeply spiritual wolf who served at the right hand of Rida - the first wolf demon in existence and ancestor to all wolves. Upon Kiba's death, he had blessed their descendants with strength and protection, leaving behind his great power through his fang. It rested within the Sacred Grounds for centuries, left in peace, until three months ago when it was stolen and with it the Guardian's protection was revoked.

Ayame would know as she was present when they had been told this. When this curse came upon them, they had no choice but to visit the grounds. Koga and Ayame traveled far from their home, with a few other wolves, only to see that the Fang of Kiba had vanished from the Sacred Grounds.

That was when Kiba made himself present.

His spirit appeared before them, bringing the speechless wolves to their knees.

"Oh, Great Kiba," Ayame breathed out, overwhelmed by his very presence.

The giant wolf stood on two legs, staring down at them with shockingly gold eyes. He waved his hand dismissively, allowing them to stand.

They did so with shaking legs. That is, except for Koga, who stood headstrong, eyeing the deceased guardian intensely.

"You have not returned with my fang," He spoke to them, his voice booming and strong yet calm.

"Y-Your fang," Ayame repeated, glancing at Koga worriedly.

"We know nothing of your fang," Koga spoke up, bringing Kiba's eyes to him.

"You speak the truth?" Kiba questioned the chief.

"I have no reason to lie," Koga frowned, truth in his eyes.

"My lord..." Ayame stepped forward, "We have come because we believe our tribe has been cursed."

"Yes..." Kiba nodded, "In a way, you are correct. My fang was left behind upon my demise; I wanted to ensure my children and their children would be protected and gifted with strength. With it stolen, I can no longer offer you my protection."

They were horrified to hear of this. Koga wasn't hesitant to reveal his anger to the guardian.

"And how is that fair for us?" Koga demanded to know despite Ayame pulling at his arm to stop, "We didn't steal it! So why are we being punished for it?!"

Koga only stopped when a sudden sorrow filled Kiba's eyes, genuine regret pouring out from his voice.

"There is nothing I can do," Kiba insisted.

"W-We'll find it!" Ayame assured him, bringing Koga's eyes to her, "And we'll return it."

"That's not enough," Kiba informed her, "It has been tainted by the greed of those who wish to have my power. Even if you find it, only my descendant can purify it and restore it."

"Your descendant?" Koga raised an eyebrow, "Who would that be?"

"A wolf that can sing the song of the wind; find them... before it's too late," He stated cryptically before his spirit deteriorated, leaving the wolves with nothing more.

The search for this so-called descendant had gone for months. They traveled the land far and wide but had no luck and with each month that passed, more and more of their brethren were met with bad luck. Those who became sick could not get well and those injured were never the same, death and pain plaguing them, taking one wolf at a time.

And here Ayame was; The chief's wife, second-in-command of the Eastern-Northern Tribe, dying a slow death. She could feel her time was up and she had only a few breaths left, using them to urge her beloved husband to continue their search. She used the last bit of strength she had to squeeze his hand, her eyes glistening with tears as she accepted her fate.

"Find... the wolf," She whispered weakly, her eyes slowly closing, "Who sings the song... of the wind."

"Ayame," Koga began but stilled when her hand fell limp in his.

His heartbeat seemed to still, his eyes widening as he watched the last bit of light leave her eyes. Her chest was no longer moving, no shallow breaths leaving her lungs, her strength completely gone.

Ayame...

"Ayame!" He shouted, grabbing her by her shoulders, shaking her violently, "Ayame! No!"

Koga's pain burst out of him, his eyes watering as he looked upon his dead wife. He grabbed her and held her limp body tightly against him, tears running down his cheeks.

No... you can't leave! Damn it!

He grit his teeth painfully, releasing a few ragged cries of pain, before he threw his head back and released an earth-shattering howl of mourning that echoed through the wolf den.

The wolves, who had been waiting outside with the hope their alpha female would make it, joined after, howls of sorrow sending chills to those who heard the wolf demons who bemoaned the death of their beloved queen.

One Year Later

A wild rabbit ran anxiously through the woods, his small heart beating rapidly as his ears picked up the sound of a predator running behind him and catching up quickly. Growls and barks could be heard behind him, forcing his feet to run as fast as they possibly could. This time, unfortunately for the prey, the wolf was faster than the rabbit and before he could escape, the rabbit's life met the jaws of the wolf and his demise.

When the rabbit's soul left his body, his body stilling, the wolf began to saunter back to his campfire, eager to provide his companion with food. His tail wagged proudly, his own mouth watering, blood staining his beautiful Siberian fur.

He didn't even need his nose to find her. He followed the sound of the flute as it played beautifully through the forest.

When he returned to the campfire he looked upon the female half-demon who sat with her eyes closed, holding her flute delicately as she played a melancholic tune. Her long, wavy, ebony hair - graced with a crown of lilies of the valley - draped over her fur-pelted shoulders and down her waist. Sensing his arrival, she stopped, her chocolate brown eyes opening, a smile spreading on her lovely face at the sight of her companion.

"About time," She teased, sticking her flute into her skirt.

He rushed to her, dropping the rabbit in front of her before glancing up at her.

"A 'thank you' would be nice," the large wolf spoke dryly.

She smirked at the Siberian wolf, reaching over to affectionately run her hands through his winter-like fur, scratching behind his ears.

"Thank you, Bluto."

And indeed she was thankful. Tonight was her most vulnerable night as a half-demon; the night she lost every bit of demon blood within her and was nothing more than a weak mortal could not fend for herself. At least Bluto thought so.

"You may find food for us but I can find it faster," He had said impatiently when she insisted on helping him.

So she had stayed behind, entertaining herself with her instrument until his return.

"Go on," Bluto insisted, nudging the rabbit with his nose towards her, "I can find more."

"Bluto-"

"I insist, princess."

She shot him a knowing look, one that he recognized all too well. She hated when he addressed her so formally, using it whenever he wished for her to stop arguing with him. Yet, he also addressed her so endearingly. It all depended on both of their moods and right now, Bluto's mood was one of no-nonsense.

"Very well," She sighed as she grabbed the rabbit, breaking out her dagger as she began to prepare it.

"We should have found shelter elsewhere," He stated worriedly, "We shouldn't be out in the open when you are like this, much less when you are playing your flute so loudly."

"You worry too much," She chuckled, shaking her head.

Of course he worried. He worried dearly for her. Kumiko was, after all, only a half demon. Her being a half-demon is what got them exiled from their pack in the first place, leaving them to fend for themselves.

Daughter of Cheif Kingu of the Southern Siberian Wolf Tribe, she was a demon of nobility but that didn't mean she was accepted. Her father, of course, loved his daughter dearly and protected her fiercely yet even his protection could not shield her from the silent hatred she felt from their tribe.

Mating with mortals was forbidden but instead of channeling their anger towards Kingu, a highly respected warrior and leader, the hatred of the Southern Wolf Tribe was directed towards Kumiko. Since childhood, she had known she was different; the tribe never let her forget it.

Around her father, she was ignored. But when he wasn't around, which was often, she was heavily bullied. So much so that when her father found out, he had assigned Bluto - his right hand man - to protect her.

"Protect her with your life," Kingu had asked of him.

Bluto was the only wolf besides her father who did not dislike her. In fact, he pitied her, having come to her aid even before he had been assigned to by the Cheif. In his eyes, half-demon or not, she was but a child and one that shouldn't be paying for the crimes of her father.

As the years passed and she grew into her teenage years, Kumiko's life did not become any easier as it was a period of her life in which a daughter needed her mother the most.

Sadly, her mother passed away only a few years after giving birth to her, having fallen ill. The Cheif mourned for his lover deeply but eventually remarried another wolf demon, hopeful that she would be the mother figure he felt Kumiko needed. Unfortunately, that was not so.

Kumiko despised her stepmother. She was kind to her when her father was present but when he was not, she was just like everybody else. Things only became worse when the Cheif was fatally wounded during a battle with their mortal enemies; the Bear Clan.

He had managed to protect his people and his daughter but at the cost of his own life. Almost immediately after his death, Kumiko's stepmother had ordered the exile of Kumiko, claiming her human blood weakened the tribe, making them targets. She went as far as to blame Kumiko for the Chief's death.

When Bluto stepped forward to protest, he had been threatened with joining her. But there was no need to exile him. He went of his own free will. When Kumiko questioned why, his answer was truthful and simple:

"I promised your father I would protect you with my life."

Bluto loved the Cheif dearly and his death did not stop his loyalty. He would do as requested and protect Kumiko until his own death.

Since then, all they have done is wander land after land, hunting in one single pair rather than a pack as normal wolves did, leaving them to mourn the loss of Kingu alone. The only comfort Kumiko ever knew growing up was the love of her father; when curled up in his arms, she was shielded from all the hate but she couldn't spend forever in his arms. The only she had left to remember him was the flute carved from wolf bone he had gifted her when she was just a child.

Though she missed him terribly, Kumiko had never felt happier than she was drifting throughout Japan with Bluto.

Away from the hate, she felt freer. Even now in her human form, she felt safer without her powers with only Bluto than she did with her powers in the tribe.

"You alright?" Kumiko suddenly asked as she began to cook the skinned rabbit over the fire.

Bluto realized he had been lost in thought, staring at her for too long.

"Yes," He assured her.

She could sense her companion's uneasiness and mentally sighed. She hoped morning would come soon; the sooner she regained her powers, the sooner Bluto's stress would lessen.

"We head west first thing in the morning," Bluto stated, "We're too near Bear Clan territory."

Two wolves against even just one bear would bring them certain death. More so if they were found now when Kumiko was human.

"Whatever you say," She nodded as she eyed the rabbit, rotating it.

"Are you really not going to eat?" She questioned.

"I'm not hungry."

She knew he was lying. He just didn't want to leave her alone to hunt another rabbit but he would refuse to eat even a morsel as he felt she needed it more than he. Nevertheless, she insisted.

"Just a bite, Bluto-"

"No," He barked firmly, "Not another word."

She glared gently at him but knew there was no point arguing. Instead, she finished cooking, allowing their dinner to cool before she tore off half of the meat and tossed it towards him. He narrowed his eyes at her, receiving nothing but a shrug.

"Either eat it or let it go to waste," She informed him.

She proceeded to eat her half before Bluto begrudgingly bent down and grabbed the meat she had tossed, devouring it. She was a stubborn one, that princess. He was secretly grateful for it, for he would've spent the night not only sleepless but hungry.

When they finished eating, she lay on the ground with a content sigh as Bluto walked to lay beside her. She reached over to the immense wolf and cuddled into his warm fur, closing her eyes with a small smile, a sleepiness slowly overcoming her.

"Good night, Bluto," She whispered against his fur.

"Good night, princess," He nuzzled her hair, taking in her soothing, lily-like scent.

The remainder of the night, Bluto's eyes remained wide open as he looked after his best friend's daughter until the sun rose in the morning.

"Koga!"

Koga turned to Ginta and Hakkaku who were running towards him anxiously. An icy wind was blowing through the wintry mountains they had traveled to; not a speck of green, dirt or rock was visible, everything coated in a heap of white.

He began to walk towards them, meeting them halfway. Judging by the looks on their faces, they had good news.

"Anything?" Koga questioned.

Ginta and Hakkaku spoke in between tired pants and chattering teeth.

"The Southern Wolf Tribe..." Ginta began.

"... is just up ahead..." Hakkaku finished.

"It's the last tribe left!" Ginta exclaimed.

Koga's jaw clenched at the name.

The Southern Wolf Tribe...

When the Eastern and Northern tribes joined through he and Ayame's marriage, they were left with only their brother Tribe of the West. The Siberian Southerners, however, were reputable for being as unfriendly as they were beautiful. Under the order of Cheif Kingu, no other tribes were allowed near their territory, making it impossible to form an alliance of any sort.

It made the other tribes wonder what exactly it was they were hiding...

That's when it hit Koga.

"Hmmm..." He rubbed his chin pensively.

If they wanted no one near their territory, more so within the last year, it was believable that they were hiding the Fang of Kiba.

"Alright, let's go," Koga walked past his comrades, much to their horror.

"Wait up, Koga!" They shouted in unison before catching up to him.

"You can't be serious!" Ginta exclaimed.

"There's only three of us!" Hakkaku agreed, "If we step foot on their land-"

"Quiet!" He snarled so harshly that they stopped in their tracks, glancing at each other warily. They followed obediently behind Koga despite their concerns, trusting his judgement.

Since Ayame's death, Koga's temper was shorter than usual. He kept mostly to himself except when he was barking orders. Of course, no one blamed him. After all, Ayame's death had been difficult for the tribe, more so for her husband.

Koga had initially been unsure and hesitant about marrying Ayame, doing so out of a promise made years ago. But the more time they spent as husband and wife, the hesitation turned to acceptance, acceptance transformed into like and like finally blossomed to love.

He loved that woman more than anything. To have lost her so soon and so suddenly and in such a terrible manner was heartbreaking for the new Chief of the Eastern-Northern Tribe. He would stop at nothing to bring the thieves to justice, avenge his wife and fallen comrades and remove this curse from their people.

As Ginta and Hakkaku figured, they did not step too far into their territory before they were surrounded, vicious snarls and barks of the Southern wolves threatening them. The three wolves kept their backs to each other, eyeing the hostile wolves.

Koga glared at them whilst Ginta and Hakkaku held their breath in fear. Koga was ready to demand to speak to their leader but didn't need to as she began to walk towards them from the rocky hills, making her illustrious presence known to the trio.

Ginta and Hakkaku had to bite their tongues to keep from commenting on her appearance. She was beautiful and she resonated power and grace just as her wolves did. The rumors about them being the most stunning wolves in the land were apparently true.

The tall woman stepped forward, eyeing Koga with narrowed black eyes that oozed with a coldness that matched their surroundings, the unfriendliness on her face almost taking away from her beauty. Her long hair matched that of the Siberian wolves fur; a pure white with traces of gray and black. Like all wolves, she wore the fur of her fallen comrades to honor their memory, her chest being the only area guarded with strong armor.

"You are either very foolish or very brave to come here," She stated so coldly that Ginta and Hakkaku winced behind Koga.

Koga, however, didn't flinch. Instead, he stared her down, silently challenging her.

"I came to speak with your leader."

"You're looking at her," She informed him, earning a deep glare from Koga.

"I would prefer to speak to Cheif Kingu."

"We all would," She stated, her tone bored, "But I'm afraid my husband died months ago. I am Majo... Leader of the Southern Wolf Tribe."

Koga blinked in shock at the news. He had only met Kingu once and it had been an unpleasant encounter. Koga's wolves were ravishing a human village when Kingu came to the aid of the humans, in particular to that of a mortal woman, slaying Koga's wolves and building a strong hatred between the two tribes. It was rumored Kingu took this human as his mate but it was never confirmed - at least not outside of his pack. But now this full-fledged wolf demon was claiming to be his widow so perhaps it was a rumor after all.

"In that case, I am here to ask where the Fang of Kiba is," Koga stated bluntly.

Majo raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"The Fang of Kiba?"

Koga had to reign back his temper, mere seconds away from lashing out at her and calling her a liar for feigning ignorance.

"Yes," He spoke through gritted teeth, "Kiba, the Guardian of all Wolves-"

"I'm very aware who Kiba is," She interrupted him impatiently, "What I don't understand is why you seem to think I have it?"

"It's been stolen," He stated darkly, "A curse has fallen upon our tribe and the others, including yours."

He had their attention now. The wolves began to growl and bark quietly among themselves. Moja clenched her teeth at Koga's words. If he spoke the truth, it would explain the tragic events that took place, including the death of her husband.

"A curse, you say?" She questioned, her tone almost weary.

"Yes," Koga nodded, "We need to return it to the Sacred Grounds along with this wolf who sings the song of the wind; he is the only one who can purify the fang."

She stilled. The wolves became restless at his words and Koga noticed. Majo threw a black look at the wolves, silencing them immediately, before she addressed Koga once more.

"Well, I regret to inform you that we do not have it," She spoke truthfully.

"But you know who this wolf is," He accussed.

"I may..." She raised an eyebrow.

"Tell me where he is," He demanded, "If I don't find him, this curse will follow us until we're all dead."

The wolves looked to their leader knowingly. The wolf who sang the song of the winds... It was obvious who; the very demon they had exiled from their tribe.

"This wolf you seek is no longer with us," She stated simply.

"Then where is he?" Koga growled impatiently.

"Hell if I know," She shrugged, not even bothering to inform Koga that the wolf he sought was not a "he."

"Damned half-breed was exiled after my husband died," Majo elaborated.

Koga's brow furrowed in deep confusion.

"Half-breed?" He questioned.

"My husband had a weakness for mortals," She clarified, disgust dripping from her voice, "The result was his half-breed child who did nothing but weigh us down and tarnish the name of our tribe with filthy blood."

"Whoa..." Ginta murmured lowly.

"Harsh..." Hakkaku whispered towards him, earning a nod in return.

Koga could see he was getting nowhere with this woman and turned his back to her.

"Yeah, thanks anyway," He scoffed before addressing Ginta and Hakkaku, "Let's get the hell out of his frozen wasteland."

"Just a moment," She called out to him.

He looked over his shoulder, his face etched with impatience.

"From what I hear, that mongrel is headed west of here," She offered, "Along with one of our wolves, traitor that he was."

Koga didn't bother to respond and turned back, walking away from the woman and her pack with Ginta and Hakkaku following closely behind.

Majo eyed the retreating wolves until they could no longer be seen. She could feel the gaze of her comrades on her, question in their eyes yet none dared to voice their thoughts out loud.

"Let's head back," She announced suddenly.

The wolves obeyed and ran back to their home deep within the mountains. Majo, however, remained rooted to the spot, her mind racing with questions herself. Out of all the wolves that were assigned the duty of purifying the Fang of Kiba, why on Earth would it be a useless half-breed such as Kumiko?

No matter, she thought to herself, she is out of hair...

But as she returned to her pack riddanced with bad fortune, she hoped the blue-eyed wolf would find Kumiko and complete this quest to rid their race of this curse.

But she would be damned if she would aid a half-breed; they were on their own.

Author's Note:

Hello, thank you for clicking my story!

I hope you enjoyed the first chapter and will continue on this journey with Koga and Kumiko.

Thank you in advance for your kind words and time.

If you are a Koga x Ayame shipper, this story is obviously not for you (IDK why you'd click on it if you were lol)

~ Laruto