�The kitsune are willing to help you for know Kouga-kun, well, at least my band. We are indebted to Khoa, and if protecting your people is what she would call as payment, then my people would do it gladly,� Danh looked proud.
�And who are you to dedicate a whole kitsune band?� Kouga asked incredulously.
�I am the leader Kouga-kun, of the Forest Foxes. And as their leader, I will command then to watch your wolves,� Danh sat squarely. A young boy came around the corner, orange-red hair and gangly with adolescence.
�DANH!� the young kitsune ran up to her, tears stinging his eyes.
�Sh�Shippo?� Danh looked surprised.
�Oh Danh, it is you! I heard them talking of a female fox warrior and I knew it was you! I thought that after father died, I would never see you again!� Tears rolled down Shippo�s face. He had grown up since Danh had last seen him. He was finally gaining some height, around 4�11� now, orange red unkempt hair, leaf green eyes and a splash of freckles. His body was gangly, even at 4�11�, but well toned. He wore the garb of on of the wolves, and wore the armor of one.
�Have you been living here with the wolves?� Danh looked like she was about to cry with happiness.
�Yes. After Kagome and Inuyasha were turned to stone against Naraku, I was left alone. One of Kouga�s scouts found me, and brought me here. I helped Kouga and Sesshomaru heal, my time spent with Kaede really came in handy, so then Kouga let me stay. I didn�t know were my band had moved to, as my father had been in the process of moving us,� The young kitsune was glowing with happiness.
�You are welcomed in our band young Shippo, your father is a legend of a kitsune!� Danh was smiling, an odd expression for the cunning fox.
�Thank you!� Shippo suddenly realized he had interrupted, and left the den.
�My people will definitely help you know Kouga-kun. Shippo�s father was the high king of us kitsune, he united us. He died to the Thunder Brothers, trying to distract them so his band could escape. We thought young Shippo lost, when we heard he was traveling with a human and hanyou. We left him there, as it was safer. Our people have been fighting since the jewel was shattered. Each kitsune with a jewel shard wanted to be high king. Only recently has this stopped, as the jewel is whole again. Now our attention shifted to Shippo, as he is technically the heir. He doesn�t know it, dear boy, but he has a great destiny,� Danh whisked tears from her eyes.
�Are you two related at all?� Khoa seemed very curious on that.
�Yes, he is my second cousin. That is why I am the current leader. Because I am the next of kin,� Danh fingered her signet ring she had a human smith make to show her leadership. She would give it to Shippo soon. It hadn�t been easy to gain leadership, she�s had to fight many battles, and kill many kitsune. The memory stung.
�Why did you look after him Kouga?� Khoa asked.
�I knew the human, and she cared greatly about him. Kagome really cared about that little fox, so when my scouts found him, near death, I decided to look after him, because she would�ve wanted him to be safe,� Kouga bit back tears. How did it always come back to Kagome?
�Our tribe is forever grateful,� Danh saw Kouga�s tears. She knew Khoa saw them too.
�Danh, take Shippo back to you people when it comes time to leave,� Kouga said coldly, �He doesn�t belong here.�
�I will Kouga-kun. And for your charity, you have my band�s alliance, should you want it, for all time,� Danh dipped her head, removed an exquisite piece of jewelry and held it out to Kouga, �If you except this token, our clans shall be joined forever in friendship.� Kouga looked stunned. Allies, for looking after a fox brat? This was unusual for a kitsune, as the have devious minds. At least it will give us time to strengthen our clan, Kouga thought, and accepted the token. It was a bracelet made of intricate gold knots set with emerald. It was stunning. Kouga stood.
�I shall be right back, Ginta, get some food for them!� He marched off, and Ginta stalked off to go get food.
�Danh! You practically through your tribe�s allegiance at him!� Khoa cried out in surprise.
�You have no idea Khoa of how much Shippo means. Being the wolves allies is the least we could do. Shippo is destined for great things,� Danh gave no indication she was willing to divulge more. Khoa sighed, admitting defeat. Kouga returned, a katana in his hands.
�This katana belonged to my brother. He died for his clan, so that we would always be safe. This alliance you�ve proposed would do that. And so for a token on my behalf, my brother�s sword, that served him to his last breath,� Kouga placed it in Danh�s outstretched hands.
�Shall we get back to the task at hand then?� Khoa inquired.
�Yes. Were is it that you journey to?� Kouga settled back down.
�First, to find a priestess that will help me with my task. I have heard of one, her name is Aeetes Maera, and she lives not far from here. Then we must seek out four demons I know of, M�nregnb�ge Onirismo, Takimi Sabok, Patinato Bellezza and her sister Fiero Bellezza. They are all very powerful, and will be great allies for us. I know of their general location. But first, we must find the priestess,� Khoa sighed. It was a hefty list. Maera was a necromancer, and a powerful one at that. Onirismo was the Lynx clan�s leader, and he was very powerful. He drew his power from the moon, and was known to be a strong friend or a deadly foe. Sabok was a Snow Leopard youkai, one of the last. Naraku had a hoard of demons kill them, after the leopards had a huge battle with an evil mage. There were three alive now, all at each other�s throats. Sabok was the strongest and smartest. The Bellezza sisters were dog demons. They were not from Japan, but had come here after Kagura had tried to enslave their father. Kagura ended up killing Lord Bellezza, and now his daughters were out for blood. They were going to be the easiest, especially if all went according to her careful plans�
�That�s quite the list. And that is who you�ve chosen to go against Naraku?�
�Not only them. Also, Sesshomaru, Danh, you and myself,� Khoa smiled crookedly.
�So now we also have to hunt down Sesshomaru?� Kouga raised an eyebrow.
�You�ll see,� Khoa made no effort of explaining. If I�ve figured this out correctly, the Bellezza sisters will hunt down Sesshomaru, as he is a dog demon. They will count on his loyalty to their kind, so if I find them�
�That�s enough for tonight. It has been a long day! Let�s get some rest; we�ll plan the rest tomorrow. Hakkaku! Ginta! Where�s that food?�
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Dawn greeted three travelers under her pastel cloak. No packs graced their shoulders. The land would provide, or humans would be forced to. Kouga went first, his rugged apparel making him look like a legendary warrior. Khoa went next, her regality flowing from her. Danh went last, her witty smile hiding the deep intellect below. They walked across an open moor, the early sun casting long shadows.
�Kouga, can�t you smell that?� Khoa stopped, and spun a sharp ninety degrees.
�Smell what?� Kouga sniffed the air delicately in that direction. The metallic sent of unearthed corpses hit him.
�She�s this way,� Khoa started off, fallowing her nose. How did she pick up on that, and I didn�t? Kouga pondered silently.
�You can smell it, right?� Khoa turned and glanced over her shoulder. The crimson flush that crept along his face said it all. They walked in the direction Khoa and set, walking through a day and night. They walked into a forest, and into a clearing. An aura of power filled the clearing, strong and mysterious. Skwoo! An arrow flew past Danh�s right ear, causing her earrings to jingle.
�Be gone you three demons! I am the priestess Aeetes,� A young woman stepped out from the shadows. She was a few inches taller than Khoa, with a strong build. She must have been six feet. Golden eyes glared at them, like a bird of prey. Brown-red hair fell to her elbows softly. Her ale skin was dotted with light freckles. She wore a robe of red and black.
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