Wolves
This story is rated PG-13 for sexual situations
Chapter 23 - Home
The sky was just beginning to lighten when Kiba jumped out of bed and stretched. Today he would be going to the new den in the Western Mountains of Otherworld. It was nearly a month since he saw his mother and father last, and his younger brother; and he missed them terribly, although he would never admit that to anyone. They also did not know about the baby yet, his daughter.
He sat down, his hand tingling from the memory of feeling the spirit of his daughter. She was so beautiful! He never could have imagined that sensation before. All he wanted to do was love and protect her. But that, sadly, would not be his job.. it would be Tekku's. He prayed that Kamara would keep her promise and allow him to be a part of her life.
It seemed like forever before the Castle finally started waking up. It seemed to take its cue from the Princess. Although she woke early each morning to check on her males, she usually went back to sleep, either in her own bed or in one of their warm beds, until late morning. And then a leisurely breakfast was set out, which often took two hours, because everyone just drifted in whenever they wanted to. Lunch was equally haphazard. Only dinner was at a certain time each night and everyone who was in the Castle was expected to attend.
Therefore, Kurama was not ready to take Kiba to his clan until mid-afternoon. Bakura would go with them to open a permanent portal to the new Western Clan. After going through the portal to the White Tower, Bakura opened a portal to the new dens and the trio stepped through it.
His clan had been busy! Shallow dens were already dug out of the foothill of the Western Mountains. The portal was to the side of the dens and while Kurama and Kiba made their way to the dens, Bakura warded the portal no evil could pass through it. Two dozen male Demon Wolves had accepted the invitation to live in Otherworld and had brought their families. In total, there were nearly 50 Wolves carving out a new future. A pretty female with light brown hair and large blue eyes suddenly spotted Kiba and came running to him.
"Kiba!" She threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly, covering his face with kisses.
"Aw, Mom!" Kiba complained, but he hugged her tightly in return.
"I was so worried, your father told me that you were badly hurt! I wanted to come to see you, but we had to get everything moved right away and he assured me that you were okay."
"I'm fine. Completely healed." Kiba assured her. "Where's Dad?"
"Kiba!"
There came a scream of pure joy. A boy, about 12, literally hurled himself on Kiba. His coloring was almost the same as Myma's, except for his brown eyes.
"Toboe!" she admonished. "Kiba just got home from a bad injury!"
"It's alright, Mom. I'm really okay." Kiba said, tousling his younger brother's hair. "So where's Dad?"
"Oh, yes, your father. He and some of the other males went to meet with the leaders of the villages nearby to set up a patrolling schedule."
"Do you know where the meeting is?" Kurama asked.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Mom, this is Kurama." Kiba belated introduced his companion.
Myma gave a little bow. "Lord Kurama." And then added, "The meeting was in the morning so it might be over by now, but if you wish I can have one of the Wolves take you to the meeting place."
Kurama nodded and Myma commandeered a Wolf to take him to the nearest village. Hopefully the meeting would not have ended before he got there.
The meeting was just breaking up when the Fox appeared. Tsume and the village leaders told him what they had agreed up and Kurama gave his approval. Tsume was a wise leader and had divided up the protection well, covering as many villages and farms as possible. Then the Wolves started back to the dens.
"I am hoping that other Wolves will join us once we are established. Then we can protect even more villages." Tsume said.
"Aniki and Kamui can also help you. They can fly over the mountains and find bandits and demons that are hidden there."
"Yes, like that they found us!" Tsume laughed.
"They make a good team."
"May I ask how Kamui lost his wings?"
Kurama told Tsume the story of Mukuro and the Tala duplicates. Tsume shook his head. "Our clan is so insular in Demon World; we knew nothing of this. We never realized how much Otherworld has been protecting everybody. I'm truly sorry that I attacked you."
"I think you got the worst of that! Kome only received a bite, but Kiba was badly hurt and two other Wolves were killed."
"I still can't believe that my son mistook a Bobcat for a Cat!"
"Well, in his defense, there are no Bobcats near the Southern Lands." Kurama offered.
It was late afternoon when the Wolves reached the dens and Tsume greeted his son warmly. Then turned to Kurama, "Will you stay for dinner?"
"Thank you, but I want to get home. Bakura has warded the portal against evil."
"I will put guards around it and built a lean-to to conceal it." Tsume said as they walked up to the shimmering portal. Kurama said his goodbyes and walked through.
The sun was setting when the family gathered in front of their den for dinner. Unless the weather was very cold, they always ate outside.
After dinner, Kiba began, "I have something to tell you. It's about Kamara."
"I was wondering why you didn't bring her with you." Tsume said.
"She is no longer my mate."
"What!" Tsume exclaimed. "But no one told us that the alliance was broken!"
"It isn't broken. As a matter of fact, it is stronger than ever." Kiba said, and then he explained about Tekku and told them about his daughter.
"Son, are you alright with this? Having a Bobcat raise your child?"
"I don't think I have a choice. Kamara is back in her village with Kouga and his wolves. I will visit as often as I can after the baby is born. And they promised me I would be present for the birth." Kiba said, but his voice was sad.
Myma reached over and touched her son's hand. "We will find a way to make her a part of our family."
"Thanks, Mom." Kiba said, and then added, his voice a whisper, "It was such an incredible feeling, sensing her. She is so beautiful!"
"I'm sure she is. I remember when I sensed you for the first time..and Toboe, I thought my heart would burst from the joy of it. My sons!" Tsume said, his eyes lost in memory.
The family talked late into the night, and then Tsume stood up to go on one of the patrols. Kiba immediately volunteered to go with him, but Tsume ordered his son to get rest.
After he departed, the rest of the family went into the den. There was a large community area and shallow sleeping enclaves for Kiba and Toboe and a larger one in the back for Tsume and Myma. A latticework of branches and grasses blocked the entrance and gave them privacy. Kiba kissed his mother goodnight and hugged his little brother, and then changed into his wolf form and curled up on the sweet grasses that formed his bed. It felt so good to be home!