Remember Me

Chapter 12

Two days later, Ngbaka cornered Kumo in his room. Kumo had just finished
pulling down his shirt when he looked up to see the lion closing the
door behind him. The young demon stared
nervously at the other as he closed the gap between them. Ngbaka cradled
Kumo's cheek with one hand and raked his claws through the long silver
tresses.

"So, have you thought about my proposal?" he asked. He leaned forward and
let his tongue trail over Kumo's neck. The dog demon moaned and leaned against
the lithe frame of the other.

"I have but I’m still not sure," Kumo admitted and sighed. "Why me
Ngbaka? You could find any number of lioness to mate. What makes me so
different?"

"Besides the fact that you're a dog and I'm a cat," Ngbaka snickered.

Kumo glared at him and rested his head against his chest. "Will you just
answer me jerk."

Ngbaka chuckled and held the young dog demon close. "I chose you for
one reason only. I love you Kumo. I know that when you were younger
it didn't seem that way but i did." He sighed. "When i first laid
eyes upon you. You were just like Ashanta and Zaine a little
nusiance. When you were being trained as a warrior and you were doing
so well. It just irritated the hell out of me. After I defeated you
I realised that my feelings were not because I hated you. As you
grew older I began to watch you every chance I got. Although I knew
you never saw me. In time my feelings for you became stronger and deeper."
He cradled Kumo's face in his hands. "Kumo, you are a half demon and
I'm sure Grandmother Xhosa told you that half demon children are
strong. But the child of two males are exceptionally powerful."

Kumo nodded his head.

"Well, I do not want you just for that," said Ngbaka. "You are
everything that I want in a mate. You are strong, loyal, beautiful and
quite entertaining especially when you and the other two brats are
together." He leaned down and nipped Kumo on the nose. "I have to
admit that prank I pulled on you three when Ashanta met Sethos was
my best yet."

"You are a jerk," Kumo said laughing. Then the smile dropped from his
face and he sighed. "I still don't know. I still find it hard to
believe that you actually love me. It's all so confusing."

"Well, take as much time as you need to think." He lifts Kumo into his arms
and placed the young demon on the bed and laid on top of him. "And to
help you make up your mind. I want you to remember this." Ngbaka slid
his hands inside Kumo's pants and pulled the young demon’s stiffening cock
from its confines.

Kumo moaned arching his back off the bed as Ngbaka stroked his throbbing
cock. He nipped and sucked at the smooth skin of the dog demon pulling little
yips of pleasure from the other. The elder demon moved lower closing his lips
around the pink nub sucking, licking and tugging at it. Kumo cried out in
pleasure as he began to thrust himself into the other's fist. Feeling an
unaccustomed warmth pooling in the pit of his stomach. With one final
thrust he spurted his essence over his chest and Ngbaka's hand.

Kumo watched through half lidded eyes as Ngbaka raised his wet hand and lapped
up the seeds. Then he leaned down sealing his lips to those of
his intended mate. "Just a little something to think about when making your
decision." He heard the other say before he drifted off to sleep.
================================================================ ======

That night at dinner, Kumo decided that he would give Ngbaka his decision. He
never realized how much that knuckle headed lion demon meant to him. He cares
about Ngbaka. He really does but Kumo decided against it. It wouldn't be
right or fair. Ngbaka deserves someone that will
think and love only him. Kumo knew that even if he did accept the proposal. The
image of that beautiful demon would always be on his mind and in his dreams.

He sighed as he stared around the table. Ashanta and Sethos had been married
for a month now and they are very happy. Even Zaine has a betrothed. Who
would have thought he would fall for Stellara's daughter. Mina was quite
pretty with her long, blue green colored hair, green eyes and large silver
wings. He glanced over at Ngbaka and the other stared back with lust filled
eyes. Looking away and swallowing a lump in his throat, Kumo tried to eat
but couldn't. He could still fill Ngbaka's eyes searing into his flesh.

Kumo sighed and raised his head. Just as he was about to say something. The
doors flew opened as a huge lion raced into the room. On top of the lion's
head was a meerkat. The little animal leaped from the lion's head to land on
the table before Mugabe. The meerkat bowed and began to chatter in a rapid
speech. The eyes of the lion king widened in outrage and fury.

"What is father?" asked Ngbaka.

"It seems that the hyenas and jackals are making a move," said Mugabe. "So
Sabola of the jackals and Futa of the hyenas have banded their two tribes
together."

"Their coming here," said Nala resting a hand on top of his.

"No, we shall stop them before they get any closer." Mugabe stood up and
turned to his advisor. "Kariba, gather my warriors!"

"Yes sire," said the monkey demon leaving the room.

"My sons, it is time we go to war." Mugabe turned and left followed by
his children.

The palace was in an uproar as servants rushed through the halls. Mugabe
turned and scowled at his daughter. "And what do you think you are doing?"

"You called for the assembly of your warriors," said Ashanta. "I am one of
your warriors."

"I don't think so, little lady," said Mugabe turning his back to her.

"But father, I can help you." She clenched her hands into fists. "I am a full
fledged warrior. You cannot keep me out of this battle."

"Ashanta your father is right," said Sethos walking up to them. "This is
dangerous. Also, I have no intentions of letting you go out there and
possibly get killed. I will go instead."

Ashanta growled. "This is not your fight."

"You will be silent and respect your mate!" Mugabe's voice echoed in the
hall causing everyone to halt what they were doing. "You will not go and
that is final." He turned and walked away followed by Ngbaka, Sethos, Kumo
and Zaine.


An hour later, Mugabe stood with his army on the Sahara’s savanna facing
the army of the jackals and hyenas. In the background looming over the
grassland was Mt. Kilimanjaro.

"Wow, there are so many of them," said Kumo staring out at the dark line
that stood on the horizon.

"Kumo," said Ngbaka coming up behind his two brothers. Kumo turned to
face the other. "Be careful out there." Then he leaned down to his
ears and whispered. "I love you, my pretty one." Then he went forward
to join his father.

Mugabe wore an elaborate feathered headdress. In his left hand he
held a broad-blade spear and in his right was a large shield. The lion
king turned to his warriors with flashing red eyes. He called for his
swiftest warriors and gestured for them to take their position. Mugabe
was using a battle form that often led him to victory. He was hoping it
would do so again. He was using an ancient battle technique called the
bull. He would first send out his fastest warriors to flank the enemy on both
sides. They are the horns. The chest which consisted of the veterans was
sent to attack while the loin which was the younger warriors were kept in
reserve.

Once the horns were in place and ready to strike. Mugabe led his
warriors into battle. The lion pride collided with the jackal and
hyena packs. It was a bloody battle. Claws and spears slashed through
flesh. The ground was bathed in the blood of the fallen.

Kumo clutched his spear tight as he watched the battle. Ngbaka was
part of the left horn. He felt his blood turn to ice as he heard the death
cry of so many demons. Kumo prayed that Ngbaka was not one of the
fallen warriors.

"Don't worry about Ngbaka," whispered Zaine. "He's a right bastard and it
would take something more than a hyena or jackal to kill him."

"I know but I just . . ."

Suddenly a tiny meerkat demon leaped onto Kumo's head. The little animal
was chattering agitatedly. "What's wrong with him?" asked one of the
young warriors.

Zaine grabbed the upset creature and it chattered away hysterically. "Oh
my. .. " His eyes widened in horror. "He says that he just saw a pack
of jackals heading towards the city from the east."

"Then who else are they fighting?" asked another warrior.

"That's not the point," said Sethos. "The point is what do we do about
it. We just can't stay here and let them reach the city."

"He's right and we can't inform father about it," said Zaine. "And we
can't leave the battle. We are the reserves."

"It seems to me those old war horses are holding their own against the
hyenas." Kumo looked at his brother worriedly. They had to do something
and fast. Ashanta and Nala were there unprotected.

"Well Zaine. Kumo. Since neither your father nor Ngbaka are here. The
decision is yours," said Sethos.

"I need twenty of you to follow us," said Kumo. "The rest stay here."

"Once father and the others are finished with the hyenas. Tell them what
happened," said Zaine. "Let's go." Twenty of the young men left the group
to head back to the city.
================================================================= ===

By the time Kumo and the others arrived at the city. They stood rooted
to the spot stunned. The battle had already begun and the citizens
were fighting the jackals. He smirk as he saw his sister leading the
attack. She was quite skilled as she took down demon after demon. Even
Nala and Stellara were fighting. The Fairie was quite good with a sword.

"Well now, I guess I’m going to have to behave around her," said Sethos
smiling.

“And here we thought they would need our help,” said Kumo smiling.

“Guess we were mistaken.” Sethos turned to his brother-in-laws. "Shall
we join them."

"Yeah," said Zaine. They rushed into battle fighting the jackals. They
fought until the three of them were fighting back to back.

"What are you doing here?" asked Ashanta slashing a demon across his
throat.

"We came to help," said Kumo.

"Don't worry," said Zaine. "We left some men back to help father incase he
needs it." He snapped the neck of a demon and then tossed it at the others
knocking them to the ground. “Although I don’t they will need them.”

Kumo thrust his spear into the stomach of one demon, snapped it off and
buried the other half into the eye of another demon. The sounds of howls,
and roars filled the plains.

Kumo saw a jackal sneaking up on Nala and yelled to the woman just in
time. She turned and took his arm off. Then she tore opened his chest.

"Kumo!" Nala had yelled and that was the last thing he remembered before
everything went black.
================================================================ ==
When Kumo awakened he was lying in his bed. His head was throbbing and
he felt drowsy. He turned his head to see Ngbaka sitting beside
him. The lion demon smiled and sat on the bed. He brushed the hair
from Kumo's face, leaned down and kissed him gently.

"How do you feel?"

"Like someone used my head for a mallet," he said groggily. "What
happened?"

"Well, we defeated the hyenas and you guys defeated the jackals,"
Ngbaka said proudly. "I was amazed when we got back here. And father is
so proud of the decision you and Zaine made."

"What about Zaine . .. And Ashanta. . . " He was about to get up but fell
back against the pillows when a wave of nausea struck. Closing his eyes
he began to drift off to sleep. Before the darkness of sleep took hold
he heard Ngbaka say.

"They are fine. Everyone is all right. You did good squirt."

The next time Kumo awakened he felt something lying across his chest. Opening
one eye, he found Ashanta asleep on his chest. He smiled stroking her long
black hair. Then he gently removed her off of him. He sat up and at the foot
of the bed was Zaine. Kumo quietly slipped out of the bed and went out on the
balcony. He inhaled the sweet air and stared up at the moon. It was a crescent
moon. Kumo smiled as it reminded him of the crescent moon mark on the
forehead of the handsome young demon that haunts his dreams.

Suddenly a wave of dizziness swept over him. He collapsed to the floor with a
thud staring up at the moon. Just then a burst of memories flashed before his
eyes as a song flowed through his mind.

Hear this song and remember
Soon you'll be home with me
Once upon a December

And at that moment one name went through his head. Sesshomaru. Then
he slipped back into unconsciousness.
====================================================== ==========

When the silver haired half demon awakened Ashanta and Zaine was still by his
side. He smiled fondly at them.

"Hi guys."

"Kumo." Zaine and Ashanta said in unison. The girl wrapped her arms
around his neck. "Kumo, you're all right. I'm so glad."

"Why is she being so clingy?" He asked.

"Well, when we woke up. We found you outside on the balcony
unconsciousness,” said Zaine. “Also, you have been unconscious for
two days.”

"Really." He stared at the other in shock. "That's why I’m starving."

"Well now, if you think you can get up. It's almost time for dinner," said
Ngbaka walking into the room. "And Ashanta quit hanging all over my mate."

Zaine and Ashanta stared at Kumo in shock.

"Umm, guys can I talk to Ngbaka alone?"

"Sure," said Zaine as he and Ashanta left the two.

"I take it you have come to a decision," Ngbaka said sitting next to
him. He took Kumo's hand and held them tight.

"See, every since I awakened in Nefra's cave. I have been having these
dreams about another demon. At first, he was just a shadowy silhouette
but as I got older his face began to become visible." He sighed and
turned his gaze to the opened terrace doors. Outside the crescent moon
shone down warmly upon him as he smiled. "He has white hair and golden
eyes just like me. Except that he has a crescent moon on his forehead and he is
a full blooded demon. He was so sad and he was calling for someone." He turned
from staring at the moon to look into the dark eyes of the lion prince.

"I don't understand what this has to do with anything," said Ngbaka frowning.

"I'm getting to that. Since Zaine said I have been asleep for two days I guess
it has been two days since I got my memory back."

The older demon stared at him in shock.

"My name is Inuyasha and I am a dog demon prince from Japan."

"Doesn't matter. I still love you."

"I love you also. I realised that some time ago. So don't look
so shocked." He smiled at the amused expression on the other's
face. "But . . ."

"But."

"I can't be your mate because my heart and love belongs to someone else,"
said Inuyasha lowering his had. "I'm sorry."

Ngbaka cradled Inuyasha's cheeks in his hands and raised the young demon's
face to look into those beautiful golden eyes and smiled sadly. "Why
are you sorry? Love is something that you
should never be sorry about. I guess this means you will be returning
to your home."

"Yes, I have a family waiting for me."

"Then come. Let's make your final night here a joyous one." Ngbaka pulled
him to his feet and they left.

At dinner, Inuyasha informed them of his returned memory and that he was
leaving. Mugabe only smiled sadly while Nala and Xhosa cried.
================================================================

The next morning as Inuyasha prepared to depart. Ngbaka was waiting for
him in the hallway. "I guess this is good bye," he said taking Inuyasha’s
hands in his.

"Yeah, guess so." Inuyasha looked away. Ngbaka placed a hand under his
chin and turned the dog demon's face back to look into his beautiful
golden eyes one last time.

"You maybe from a distant country but you will always be in my heart,
my beautiful one." He gently pressed his lips against Inuyasha's
in a passionate kiss. When the kiss was broken Inuyasha felt a little
unsteady. "Everyone is waiting outside."

When they stepped outside Inuyasha was shocked to see just about
everyone in the city there. "What's all this?"

"Well, Ashanta and Zaine came and told us that you were leaving," said
Stellara smiling. "And we have all come to wish you a safe journey
home."

"Thank you everybody," said Inuyasha smiling.

"Kumo, I mean Inuyasha I just want you to know that you will always be in
our hearts and that you are always welcomed here," said Mugabe placing a
hand on his shoulder. "You will always be a member of our Pride and
you will forever be my son."

"Thank you . . .father. Mother." He turned to face Nala and hugged her
tight. "Grandmother." The elderly lioness held him so tight until she
squeeze the breath out of him. She released him and began to tweak his
ears. Inuyasha smiled as he didn't mind her doing that.

"Are you ready?" asked Ashanta smiling at him.

"What do you mean?"

"Ashanta and I are going with you," said Zaine.

"I'm going as well," said Sethos. "I have no intentions of letting my
mate go off to a foreign country without me."

Inuyasha stared at them in shock.

"You really didn't think we would let you make this journey alone, did
you," said Ashanta smiling. Inuyasha smiled and then turned to face
everyone.

"I feel as though you all are my family and I will never forget you for as long
as I live," said Inuyasha.

Gathering their food and supplies they made their way through the
streets of the village. Some folks that wasn't at the palace waved farewell
to the travelers.

"So, where do we go first?" asked Zaine.

"We go to the Dragon Father," said Sethos. "If there is anyone who will know
where your home is Inuyasha. It will be the dragons."

"Of course, since they have been all around the world," said Ashanta.

"Then, we're off to see the Dragon Father," said Inuyasha smiling. He
stared up into the bright cerulean sky. /Sesshy, I’m on my way home./

They arrived a week later at the Dragon Father's cave. He told them that
they would gladly help him. During this time of year the young dragons
migratory path leads them close to your country. They can drop you off
in China. You should be able to get home from there.

That's right, said Inuyasha. I remember. A Chinese dragon name Yin had
sold me as a slave to a human named Abdul.

Isn't that an Arabian name? asked Zaine.

Yes it is. And I know the one name Yin also. He was a disgrace along with
Ryuukotsusei, said the Dragon Father disgusted.

I know him as well, said Inuyasha angrily. That bastard wanted to kill
me so he could weaken my father's will and destroy him.

I guess Yin must have thought you would be useful as a slave, said
Sethos. It's a good thing this Yin sounds to be a greedy demon.

He was greedy. I received word that he was killed by a dog demon with . . . He
stared at Inuyasha. long silver hair, golden eyes and a crescent moon on his
forehead

Sesshomaru. I have to return to him.

The Dragon Father smiled and told them their ride was waiting for them
outside. When they exited the cave, Inuyasha smiled and ran to the two
dragons waiting for them. Tago. Sano.

Hey, Kumo. The two dragons said.

Well guys, I got my memory back. It's Inuyasha.

We know, said Sano. We were just joking.

The Dragon Father asked us to take you as far as China, said Tago.

If its not a problem, said Inuyasha.

Of course it's not, said Sano. It's on our migratory route. And even
if it was out of the way. We would still take you. Hop on.

They jumped upon the dragons back. Inuyasha turned to the elderly dragon
and bowed. Thank you Dragon Father for everything. I will never forget
you or any of the Ethiopian Dragons. He smiled sadly. I just wish
mother Nefra was here.

Don't worry. She will always be with you. Now, you should hurry. You have
a ways to go.

Tago and Sano spread their great wings and took to the air. Good bye!
They yelled waving to the elderly dragon.

Good-bye! yelled the Dragon Father. Remember Kumo, to stand
tall and brave for you are an Eithiopian Dragon!

I will Father! Good-bye! Inuyasha yelled as they disappeared into
the distance.