Of Demons and Death Gods

[hitobannofokkusu]

Hitoban managed to calm her frantic gigging long enough to squeak out her explanation. She couldn't look at Tsuki-she couldn't really see anything through the moisture that clouded her eyes from laughing too long-so she hoped he could understand her.

"It's just [giggle] I didn't kn-- [giggle] know what you [giggle] what you meant. [Giggles] I'm just [giggle] laughing at m-- [giggle] my blind [giggle] ness!"

She took a deep breath and her words fell out in a rush between giggles. "Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about either!"

She lay there tittering to herself quietly for a minute or two, and finally calmed down. She breathed in sighs, and a giggle escaped her every now and then when she thought about it again. She was, however, mostly calm and could reply in a partially sane manner. She stood and padded over to her mate, hoping she hadn't made too big a fool of herself.

"Yes, yes I'm coming."

[Tsukikage]

Tsuki stared at some clouds for a while as they walked along. "So," He began, "It was that obvious, huh? What do you think about it?"

[hitobannofokkusu]

Hitoban walked beside Tsuki, no longer giggling. His question had brought her down from her embarrassed state, and now she pondered over her answer. What did she think of it? She was happy for them, of course, but there was something else there. Not anger or guilt or any of those emotions, but something more sinister. Jealousy maybe? Jealousy that Dawn would have pups before her, that her pups would be older than her own? It was a strange cause of the emotion, but it was there nonetheless. She didn't know if she should tell Tsuki that or not, and this was mainly what she pondered over.

"I think it's wonderful, of course. She's not blood, but she's my sister anyway, as Kage is my brother. I'm very happy for them..." She lost her nerve for telling the whole truth at the last second, trailing off in a futile effort to get the words out.

[Tsukikage]

Tsuki suddenly stopped and peered into her eyes. "Y'know," He smiled, "I can tell there's more than that. I feel things..." He suddenly cowered, smiling nervously, "A-and before you get started on violations of privacy, you should know that it doesn't exactly have an off switch, okay?" Then it hit him. It was an emotion of longing that he was far too familiar with... His eyes popped open and his jaw nearly came unhinged, "Y-you're not jealous, are you?"

[hitobannofokkusu]

Hitoban stopped as Tsuki did, and she looked back at him, wondering at the cause of his halt. His eyes held a knowing, a nervous kind of knowing. His words told her the worst-the tiny detail she'd forgotten. He could feel what she felt. He knew when she was happy or sad or angry or even...even jealous. No off switch... she thought. She would be okay with that, she supposed. It might be a bit inconvenient at times, but at others, it would be better. Like now, for instance. His shocked revelation was all the confirmation she needed that hardly any answer would be needed for his reassurance. He already knew it, she just had to support it. Yes, she was jealous of her sister-in-law, and she was embarrassed because of it. It was only of that one tiny aspect of what she had, but that was enough for an adult female. Mothering was a vital part of any female's life, and she was beginning to long for it.

She had looked down while her mate had reached his conclusion, but now she looked him right in the eyes. She was determined to get it out, no matter how much the heat in her face and neck protested it. Her tail was slightly higher than level, just to help her get the words she needed to say out. A boost of confidence, you might call it.

"Yes I am jealous of her. This one time-probably the first and probably the last-I am jealous of Dawn because now there is a guarantee that she will have pups. There is no guarantee for me yet."

She managed to squeeze her small speech from her tight throat. She wasn't used to asking-rather telling-someone for anything, especially something so ridiculous. A guarantee was already hers. She had him, they loved each other, and they'd already talked about it. What was the hurry after all? Dawn was a year older as well, so it's only natural that she would have pups first. Still, it was an undying ache in Hitoban's heart that wouldn't go away until she finished speaking. Once she did, she looked away, the blush now hot on her skin. She sounded like a spoiled child.

[Tsukikage]

Tsuki winced a bit. He could feel that this was really important to her. It... felt like a hole had opened up in his heart. Is this how she feels? This aching feeling? He smiled, and managed to strain a reply out, "Well... there's... no real guarantee. Dante once said it'd be possible, but it's also possible that... Kage's unable to. B-but that's yet to be seen -- and it looks like it will be seen before too long." He sighed, and pushed through the pain to look his love in the eyes. "You want a guarantee, huh? B-because... I mean... Dad can wait, if you need this. I... I didn't want to push anything, because... well... I kind of liked where we were at. Just you and me -- me, learning how to be an alpha, and you helping me not screw everything up." He stumbled a bit, but managed to make it look sort of like he was just laying down. He looked up at the sky, and his heart began to burn. "But all of that is worth nothing to me if you are unhappy -- about anything at all. I want to give you everything your heart desires." He smirked up at her, "And, trust me, I can tell these things."
He lay in silence for a moment. A slight breeze picked up, and it felt good to Tsuki -- though it could not ease the pain in his heart. Then, for just a moment, it felt like the burning emptiness had become his own. He stood back up and nuzzled Hitoban. "Just say the word, Heets, and... I'll do what I can." Tsuki blushed, "I'm honestly not entirely sure how it works, but... I'd do anything for you."

[hitobannofokkusu]

Hitoban watched from the corner of her eye, wary of what Tsuki's reaction would be. Would he be repulsed at her childishness, or would it be something else? She couldn't tell for sure until he actually reacted. She noticed a small flicker in not only his movement, but behind his eyes as well. The ache was quickly replaced with guilt, and she looked away again. It was a silly impulse, as if it wasn't even her mind that was controlling her mouth. It was almost as if someone else were speaking for her, some hidden part of her subconscious that had just happened to want to take control at that particular moment. It wasn't like her, and she soon found the overpowering feeling lifting, floating back to it's dormant position in the back of her mind. With each word Tsuki spoke, the feeling receded more and more, guilt becoming more potent.

She stopped and returned Tsuki's gaze. He liked where they were at, and she did too. She wanted everything he wanted, and that particular wanting would be put off for now. It was Dawn's time right now, not hers. She didn't have to be better at everything-though the competitive side of her strongly disagreed-and certainly not this. Mothering was not a competition. It would wait until both she and her love were ready for it. It was strange that that one emotion had blindsided her out of nowhere, overpowering all else. She had forgotten everything-how maybe it wasn't even possible for Dawn and Kage to have pups; Dante was going to try and kill them any day now; she had a pack to run and friends to protect. She couldn't take any time out of her concentration when it could be helped.

She rested her chin on her love's head, content once again. Both the guilt and the alien ache were gone, and she was happy again. A soft sigh floated through the air, and she thought of how to piece her words together.

"I'm sorry love...I don't know what came over me." How was she supposed to explain that her child-like demand wasn't her's, yet somehow her's all the same? She didn't even understand it herself after all. "I just...it was probably some...female thing I suppose. Things like that can wait until later, when everything is settled down again. I just don't know what...what that was to be honest."

[Tsukikage]

Tsuki stepped back and peered into her eyes. The pain was gone, and it was replaced by a lighter feeling, that seemed to distance his heart from hers. "It was you -- don't think for a second that it wasn't. It was that part of you that longs for peace; the part that wants nothing more than to live a normal, happy life, with me, and a family, all our own -- that part of your heart that hopes and prays for nothing more than a moment like this..." He nuzzled her and held her close. "But... I... I wish we had the time right now, but I'm afraid of what might happen when Dante returns. If Dawn bears pups, then we'll be down a competent fighter, and if Dante targets her, then it will be even more difficult to protect her. I need you by my side right now -- until we figure all of this out. Can you wait for that peace for me, Hitoban?"

Tsuki's thoughts were interrupted, suddenly, by a presence, reaching toward his heart. "YOU!" The serpent hissed. It twisted and wound it's way toward the couple, glaring madly as it came. "YOU SHHHALL PAY FOR THISSS!!!" The creature's hate was strong, knocking Tsuki to the ground and causing his eyes to bleed. Tsuki cried out in pain.
"Look out! Get away from there!" Mar shouted. He, Dante, and Shimo were bolting towards them, and just as the snake was about to strike, the trio made their rescue. Shimo blocked the serpent by causing a tangle of thorns to sprout up from the ground, Mar pounded the ground, and the snake fell into a crevasse, then Dante impaled it with a strange sword. The wretched creature writhed in pain and hatred, finally vanishing in a puff of red smoke.

A few moments later, Tsuki was resting under Shimo's care. Mar took Dante and Hitoban aside and... "I'd like to introduce you two. Hitoban, this is Dante."
Dante bowed deeply, "Glad to meet you, Lady Hitoban. As little as they are, I'd like to put my services at your disposal, if you'll have me. I swear, I will do everything I can to protect these lands, and this pack, from all its enemies." The wolf before her was yet another strange transfiguration of Dante. This time, he sported red markings on his white fur. His eyes, too, had changed, now a sparkling blue. In his eyes, there was no sign of any of the wolves he had been before... none at all. Not the old Dante, not the new Dante, and certainly not the demon they'd encountered less than an hour ago. What had happened to him?

[hitobannofokkusu]

Hitoban listened to Tsuki. His words made more sense than anything she could come up with. Peace would be nice indeed, and a part of her longed for it. But the more dominant part of her-the leader, the fighter-knew that the peace wouldn't come for a while yet. There was much to do before any kind of peace could ensue. She nodded as her love wrapped up his speech, about to answer. She was distracted, however, by a rustling sound coming close. It sounded like something rolling or writhing on the ground. She soon found the cause for the noise-a wretched snake. She was taken aback at the fierce look in it's eyes, the hatred that almost literally seeped from it's skin. It's words, too, startled her, but she soon knew what it was. It wasn't a serpent at all, but a demon of some kind. She watched it come closer until she heard voices telling her to move. She acted instinctively, obediently, and leaped out of the way just as the snake was triple-teamed and killed. Only then did she notice that it's target had been Tsuki.

The rest of the time he was being treated, Hitoban was in a state of shock. It had all happened so quickly, so rapidly that she couldn't keep up. There was a serpent-one that she now knew as a form of Dante-that wanted to make either Tsuki or both of them "pay for this." Now Tsuki was recovering from the violent attack on his heart, and Mar stood before her with yet another Dante. This time she was wary, looking at every angle of this new Dante she could find. His eyes held nothing she'd seen before-which was partially good and partially bad-and his fur was different. He wanted to be a part of her pack, but could she trust him? Sure he was a different wolf altogether, but what kind of a wolf could he be? There was only one thing keeping her from trusting him, however, and it was the most crucial detail.

"The pleasure is mine, Dante. There is one thing I must know before I consider allowing you into my pack however. Have you asked Tsuki?"

[Tsukikage]

Dante bowed, "Forgive me, but I'm not sure who this 'Tsuki' is."
Mar smiled and lowered his large head down to Dante, "Tsuki is my son, and the alpha here. You just helped save his life from that demon."
Dante nodded, "Then... I must wait until he has recovered before bringing this matter to his attention."

Tsuki's eyes had opened, and the blood had been washed and treated, so there was no fear for his eyesight -- though it was still blurry. His heart was too weak to feel anyone around him; the attack had been more intense than even Giga's hatred, and the effects had been instant. He could feel a strange coolness throughout his body, that somehow also felt warm and comforting. But deeper than his power, he could feel Kage.

Kage beamed. There really was no other word for it. He grinned at Dawn and sighed, "So... how'd I --!" He suddenly gasped as he sensed Tsuki's pain. Even though he did not share his brother's pain, it still winded him, because he was still catching his breath. "Dawn," His gaze suddenly changed with a sense of urgency, "it's Tsuki. Can you walk?" He himself felt like he could hardly stand, much less run -- but this was Tsuki. If he had to, he would at least walk.

Meanwhile, Dante gazed at his reflection in his sword. It was a simple, pure white blade, with a hilt designed specifically for a wolf's jaws to hold. It seemed... strange to him. He knew Mar and Shimo understood its true value, but all he knew is that...
His mind traveled back to a point just moments ago. He'd just woken up when that same snake tried to kill him. The big red one he'd learned to be Mar stopped the snake, but it got away before they could kill it. I don't have time to explain He'd said, I want you to take this sword. Make sure that you keep it with you always -- you must never lose it. Now quickly! Follow![/b]
They ran after the snake. How it got such a lead on them was astounding. Who are you?[/b] Dante asked, And how do you know me?[/b]
He could see the red one crying as they ran. It didn't make any sense...
You are Dante. I am Mar, and that's Shimo. I'll explain the rest after that monster is dead.[/b] They spoke not another word until his introduction to the Lady Hitoban. Just before he called her to them, Mar had whispered to him, *This is your home now -- make a good impression on the alphess.*[/b]
Alphess? He'd thought. He could hardly remember anything, but he was told to be a gentleman, so that is what he would do...

Now, they all waited for Tsuki. Dante saw Mar's reflection in the blade. "Who am I, Mar?" He asked.
Mar sighed, "You were... my best friend, once. I traded my life to save my sons, Tsuki and Kage, but what I gave up was my very existence -- everything I was, and all that I had done was erased from the pages of history. Back then -- before all of that -- you were dead. When we found out you were alive, my heart soared, but..."
Dante peered at Mar. He'd fallen silent for some reason... "But...?"
Mar looked into his eyes, large tears streaming down his face. "But you were a monster. An unfeeling evil, preying on the souls of others. My memories of you had awoken that part of you that was good, and you came here. We... purged you of the evil, but --"
Dante gasped, staring incredulously, "T-that serpent? It was... me?"
Mar nodded solemnly, "Now, you have a second chance -- a chance to live life how you want to. Now you are neither demon, nor death-god. You are just... Dante." He began to weep, and held Dante with a massive paw.
He wasn't sure what to make of all this. But, for now, it was probably best to ask about the sword later. He had no previous memories, anyway, so who was he to argue with this wild story? No, he would let things be for now, there would be time for questions later...

[hitobannofokkusu]

Hitoban listened to Dante's question, slightly confused by it. Why wouldn't he know Tsuki? Then she remembered how she'd been introduced-formally, as if for the first time. Was this another part of Dante, or was it another Dante altogether? His memory was clearly naught, Hitoban could tell by Mar's explanation. Dante's response made her immediately soften to him more. He clearly had common courtesy. She nodded, and returned to Tsuki's side to wait his recovery.

Dawn plopped to the ground, lying on her side. She couldn't stand any longer and would have collapsed anyway. She returned her love's grin with a smile as he spoke. She sat up, able to sit at least, when he stopped short, the change in his mood drastic. Something was wrong-that she gathered quickly. When he spoke, she clung to his every word, wanting to know what the trouble was. It was Tsuki-something terrible by the sound of it. She forced herself to stand, tired as she was, and nodded, picking up on the urgency. She began a sort of wobbly trot without further instruction, pushing herself as fast as she could go. They'd spent too much time on other things without thinking of the situation that had been dire just a few hours ago.

[Tsukikage]

Kage picked up the pace, and caught up to Dawn quickly. He stopped in her path, seeing that she was clearly having some difficulty. He looked her straight in the eyes, and said, "Don't you dare try to run." Then added with a laugh, "I'm too tired, and it feels like Tsuki's recovering, so let's just walk, okay? We'll get there in good time."

Meanwhile, Tsuki was coming to. "Ngh... what hit me?" He'd floated in and out of consciousness for a while, but had been unable to speak until now. Shimo smiled and sighed. He was tired from tending to the alpha. Tsuki groaned a bit, "Why can't I feel anything? Wh-who's there? Hitoban?!? Are you okay?" He tried getting up, but his legs refused to move. Whatever had happened, he was lucky to have survived...
Tears trickled down his face. He couldn't see, and he couldn't feel any other hearts nearby, which could only mean... "H-heets! Where are you?!?" He cried.

[hitobannofokkusu]

Dawn sighed as she slowed to a more comfortable pace. Kage was right-neither of them would be able to run the whole way there. She walked, but she was worried. Something told her that urgency was important right now.

Hitoban lifted her head to Tsuki's groan, her ears perked in hopeful intensity. She waited with baited breath to hear him speak more, something that would let her know exactly how he felt. What she heard made her heart stutter. "Who's there," "why can't I feel anything," "where are you?" She pressed close to him and spoke softly, urgently, worriedly. Why couldn't he see-why couldn't he feel? "I'm right here love. I'm right here beside you." He was worrying her, to say the least.

[Tsukikage]

Tsuki gasped, "Oh, thank God! I-I thought that I'd lost you..."
He settled down a bit, and was breathing more regularly, when Shimo finally spoke. "Your eyesight will be back to normal in a few hours -- at the very latest." He explained, "I don't know about your heart. If we could get you to one of the healers, perhaps they could tell you more. I do need to know exactly what you mean by 'feel'. Is it your heart, or can you literally not feel anything?"
Tsuki nodded, "It's my heart. I can't sense any of you -- except Kage. It's like I've lost my power."
Shimo knitted his eyebrows together, Would that be such a bad thing? he thought. "Optimistically, it's just in a sort of shock from the intensity of the hatred you were attacked by... but there is a chance that you may lose your ability altogether."
Tsuki sighed, "Thank you, Shimo. You've been a tremendous help. I know transmutations put a strain on the user, so go get some rest -- I'll get back to the watterfall when I am able to stand."
Shimo bowed and walked away slowly...

Before too long, Shimo passed by Kage and Dawn. The older brother could tell he was worn out... "How is he?" He asked, getting straight to the point, seeing as how they both knew who he was talking about.
Shimo sighed, "I've done all I can for him. He'll be able to walk and see again before nightfall." Shimo kept trudging off toward home, but looked back for a moment and surveyed the couple one more time. "Oh, and you may want to clean up a bit before you get there -- you two look a bit mangy."
Kage blushed as Shimo walked off. "Hehe... um, I guess I hadn't noticed, but my fur is a little... damp. Hehe..." He paused a moment, trying to reach Tsuki with his mind.
You ok, little bro?
Tsuki grinned wickedly, Yeah. Of course, if you and Dawn weren't *busy*, I might be in better shape. Congratulations, by the way.
Kage physically recoiled, his face turning bright red. Really? I mean... if Dawn and I...?
Tsuki laughed, coughed, then giggled a bit. No, of course not. Even if you were here, it wouldn't have changed anything. I really am happy for you. Let me know as soon as you do if you were... successful, okay?
Kage chuckled, Yeah, yeah. Anyway, we're kinda... um... do you need us over there?
Tsuki raised an eyebrow, So, it's tiring, huh? Good to know. I'll need some stamina then, I guess. Yeah, I'm alright now -- or I will be, at least. Go... do whatever you need to.
Kage blushed and opened his eye. "Tsuki says he'll be fine, so he said we should go get cleaned up, and rest a little. There'll be plenty to do later, okay?" He smiled at Dawn sheepishly. "He's got Hitoban with him, so he's in no danger, and I'm pretty sure Dad's there, too -- he has a way of showing up like that."

[hitobannofokkusu]

Hitoban searched Shimo's face with worried eyes. She listened intently to everything he had to say, and sighed with relief when she found that he would be okay, and his sight would return in a matter of hours. The matter with his power, his empathy, was strange. Could he really lose his power like that? She didn't know, but she wanted to know soon. She figured it wouldn't really matter much if he did-the way it was always causing him so much pain. But she thought of those times when he glowed-literally-with happiness, and she just didn't know if she wanted to lose that. But it was worth it if nothing like this happened again. She rolled onto her side, her face resting on Tsuki's shoulder. The tremendous relief she felt was all-encompassing. She suddenly felt dog-tired (no pun intended). Before darkness closed over her, she whispered "I was so afraid my love, and now I'm so glad."

Dawn saw Shimo approach, but said nothing. Kage spoke first, immediately inquiring about his brother. She was glad to hear that he was all right, and so was Hitoban. When he stopped and looked back, however, she wasn't expecting his comment. She blushed and looked down at her fur. True enough, it was matted and filthy. She blushed brighter now. More than likely, everyone knew about it by now. She could handle Hitoban and even Tsuki knowing, but she didn't know Shimo as well. She was planning on telling them all when (and though she didn't want to think of it, if) she was pregnant. Oh well, she thought, I guess it can't be helped now. Kage and Tsuki's entire silent conversation had passed by the time she retracted from her thoughts. She listened to her love's words, relieved and, strangely, more tired from the news. She could bathe and sleep without worry now.

I'm glad he's alright. She thought about how the water was frozen in winter, just a few weeks before, and was glad for the ever-faithful sun. I think there's a river somewhere nearby so... She blushed again, remembering her terrible state.