Serpents and Dog Demons

To the wonderful reviewers; - Midnightsscream; Toni; natasha; arya; Thank you all very much for reviewing and keeping the interest in an out of the way little fic alive. I really appreciate your support

The lime/lemon comes later – gotta build to it - that is is having some fun.

Read, review and ENJOY!

Chapter 16 : God damned Candidates

The solid rock boulder, the size of a shed crumbled to dust, as the force of the snakebite tore through the once inoffensive rock. Ban snarled as he glared at his hands. God damned irritating Youkai, where the hell had they come from... and why the hell did he have to put up with it. He wanted to storm back into the camp and tear the Youkai who seemed to have emerged from the woodwork into tiny pieces. How dared they... Ban growled.. his eyes began to bleed red, he should just go back and KILL them all for encroaching on HIS territory.

FUCK IT! Ban's fist smashed though another boulder. He grappled with the demon within for a second and finally took back control. Some of it at least, the fury was still there, but he was no longer is danger of losing control. He stalked back to the camp – fully prepared to throw every bloody invading Youkai; not of his pack; out on their collective butts.

Unfortunately for Ban, and fortunately for the Youkai who were saved from fighting the Jagan Master, the first sight that Ban caught, softened the rage as nothing else could. Ban froze at the edge of the camp as he saw Inuyasha surrounded by 4 demons, (all keeping a respectful distance) who had just offered gifts to the young son of the Western Lands. Inuyasha who had never received many gifts in his hard life, was tearing though the packaging and examining the offerings with all the enthusiasm of a 5 year old on Christmas morning. The smile on the Hanyou's face was of amazement, wonder and a hint of uncertainty – as if he still did not believe the rich gifts were for him.

Inuyasha was examining a cloak that had been presented to him by a Phoenix demon. It was a cloak of amazing quality, light, waterproof and amazing to the touch. According to the Demon, when Inuyasha got his Youki back in a few days, the cloak would not only mend itself if it was damaged, infused with Phoenix down and feathers the cloak the cloak not only added a layer of protection from magical attacks, it would make his jumps feel like he was flying. He other gifts of gold and diamonds paled before this offering and Inuyasha was entranced by the workmanship of the cloak. That the Pheonix Demon, with his red gold hair, and long feathers flowing off his shoulders was looking at him with intent bright crimson eyes was not helping.

Inuyasha finding himself unaccountably embarrassed, was rather flustered by the attention.

Gifts as grand as this had to have strings attached, so with a trace of regret Inuyasha assured the handsome Phoenix that he would return the cloak if he did not accept the Phoenix 's proposal to mate.

To the Hanyou's surprise, the Phoenix had been truly insulted by the offer. Drawing himself up the Phoenix stated clearly that the cloak was a gift with no strings attached, if Inuyasha chose him, he would be overjoyed, if not he simply hoped the cloak be accepted as a sign of friendship between his tribe and Inuyasha. The was a strange almost fond look in the bright crimson eyes as they gazed intently but softly at the Hanyou. His hormones still unsettled Inuyasha went bright red, he spluttered and felt like a clumsy child, as he apologized for the unwitting insult.

The other Youkai present were quick to echo the Phoenix Demon's words recognizing that the Phoenix had definitely chalked up more points with the Hanyou then they had.

Ban absently considered the benefits of Hot Chicken Soup, with one major change in the ingredients. Then seeing Inuyasha chuckle and grin, innocently at his suitors, Ban gritted his teeth, then he forced himself to relax. As long as they did not misbehave, make too strong advances or hurt his puppy, Ban had to stay in the background and pretend he was not watching with more interest than warranted of a pack Alpha. As much as he hated having all this strange Youkai near his pack, Inuyasha seemed to be enjoying it, and knowing how little enjoyment Inuyasha had in his whole life, Ban was determined to ensure that nothing disrupted Inuyasha's fun. All of the major events in the Hanyou's life, from his birth, to growth , had been coloured by tragedy and fear, this one event: Inuyasha's maturation and his subsequent mating Ban promised himself, would be without trauma.

Ban's fingers clenched, the bones in his own hand came close to breaking with the amount of pressure he applied. If – no – when, Inuyasha chose a mate; he would ensure that the mating went without a hitch, turn the job of Alpha on to the other... and then – and then he would just leave. Just disappear, during the celebrations – well before the mating was consmated, by the time he was missed – he would probably be forgotten. His throat as dry as a bone, Ban had trouble swallowing. He would do it, as with Ginji, he would do what he had to, in order to ensure the people he cared about had a bright future. He had only known the dog eared pup, for a relatively short time, why the hell did this feel so bad, WHY did he feel like killing something – preferably the overgrown chicken!

He was losing control, and Ban did not like it, he did not like it one bit. He liked it even less, that he could not seem to understand his own feelings.

Ruthlessly, Ban shoved his emotions aside. He could not afford to be distracted. Too much was at stake.

Inuyasha still had a few more days of weakness, and his heat was beginning to set in. Ban had had been given a long lecture on the subject of Youkai Seconday Alpha mating, by that strange flea demon, the revelations have been very interesting. Damn strange from his perspective, but then he was in a different universe.

Since Inuyasha was a secondary Alpha, his heat would actually reach a high point before he gained his demonic abilities back. Dominant Alpha's heat only kicked in after all their demonic abilities fully developed.

Maturation was a time in Demon's lives that they were closely protected and by allowing the heat to optimize while the young secondary Alpha's were in protection, reduced if not removed the chance of forced mating and it also allowed the ones in heat to assure themselves that they felt protected with the ones who would be their future Alpha.

The potential Alpha's were generally identified during the maturation period, before the heat apexed, but by custom the mating was NOT consummated. It was seen as an act of a cad and coward to physically claim a secondary Alpha while they were in their weakened state. If an Alpha did force the mating- the victim, the blood family or a pack mates of the victim, could invoke ancient rites to annul the mating. The ritual would turn the negative energy of a forced mating back on the unworthy Alpha, in many levels undoing the vile act, and maiming or even killing the one so weak as to take advantage of one they should protect. Seeing the extreme consequences, rape by true Alpha's whom by definition lived by their Youkai honour in this time of weakness was rare. There were however others without honor who would take advantage nor for the sake of mating but to cause pain and humiliation. Thus were the young ones protected and treated with kid gloves, all seeking to mate followed rather strict rules of courting that minimized the chance of accidents, and allowed the Youkai to display their true colors.

To help the young through their heat it was customary for one in Inuyasha's position to choose an Alpha before the heat reached it zenith. The Alpha would have to keep their betrothed calm, soothed and above all else pure though out this period. Thus proving their rights to be a true Alpha and showing themselves worthy of mating a prize desired by many. As his current Alpha; Ban's duty was to ensure all the customs were followed and to protect the pup, until that duty was turned over to the future Alpha and mate.

Ban would not shirk from the duty that he had unwittingly taken from Sesshoumaru, and Ban being Ban refused to admit (especially to himself) that the price he was paying for doing his duty was abnormally high. No one ever said the number one GetBacker was NOT an obstinate bastard.

Towards evening that day, things as far as Ban Midou was concerned could not get any worse. He would not have minded (really he wouldn't) if lots and lots of candidates came, as long as they Bombed and left of course. But noooo... lots did come, and most of them did not get through the rather convoluted, mischievous and deliciously evil rigor mol of 'tests' that Shippo, and the humans, with Ban's approval had created (though in Ban's opinion they weren't evil enough – after all none of the tests involved fights to the death or physical removal of body parts), to errrr... vet the possible candidates.

Oh the tests, well... the tests had been developed three days ago, when the group came to realize that more a handful of hopefuls were turning up. After the first half dozen hopefuls appeared and Inuyasha, who was at that time still itchy and easily irritated, had asked for help in getting rid of most annoying of the candidates. Miyoga and Kaede had to step in rather forcefully and stop Ban from sending all the candidates flying as that would have sparked a diplomatic incident; as it was against the customs. Instead the tests had been developed.

The first was rather simple, since Shippo wanted to make sure that any Youkai who mated Inuyasha understood that Inuyasha came with some baggage (albeit rather small baggage), Shippo would at random times jump on the candidates and act his irritating best. Any candidate that reacted with force or showed disgust towards the Kitsune was hurriedly asked to leave. While Shippo did not appreciate being dropped and bashed, Ban preferred those reactions as it gave him the excuse to respond in kind. None of the Youkai were killed, broken bones only needing a few days to heal.

The second test was to ensure that the candidates were positive towards humans in general. Any candidate that smelled of human flesh was asked to leave as soon as they entered the camp area. The rest had to spend two hours each sharing tea with either Kaede and Miroku, listening to their most convoluted and boring stories. Not many candidates survived this test, and many were more then happy to leave, half way though the session. Ban was rather pleased with this test, though for some strange reason both Kaede and Miroku were rather huffy at day's end.

The third test, was one of strength and ability. Up to three Youkai at a time, would race against each other, though the forest completing a series of activities that showed intelligence, strength, agility and endurance. Activities in the race involved racing around the trees without destroying any, dragging boulders the size of cars though a valley, using only reeds – building something that would fill a pitcher of water placed 20 meters from the river, diving into a freezing cold lake to find 5 hidden items, and all through out the race, keeping an egg placed in their pockets intact. This test was monitored by Sango and Kilala; both were vigilant and other then losing the race, any Youkai who cheated, started a fight or broke their eggs were sent away.

Winning all that only got the Youkai in the running, the final test was of course impressing and courting Inuyasha. Something that had been impossible while Inuyasha had been itchy. Much to Ban's disgust the traitorous itching had stopped sometime towards the evening of the second day, and without that to irritate him, Inuyasha had settled into a strange state of enjoying the process of being courted.

So it was that Ban was now having the worst day of his life because there actually seemed to be not one but 3 viable candidates. The bloody red chicken had passed all the tests. The second candidate that had the Hanyou's attention was a female Elephantine Youkai; Ban's jaw had dropped when he found out her true from was a Mountain sized Grey Elephant. From he looks long gray hair, ivory skin and strong but strangely gentle features, in her humanoid form she was equivalent to an Amazonian Goddess - as tall as Lord Stripy with a buxom body to die for. Ban's fingers itched a little, a reminiscent of an old habit, the boobs were definitely squeeze worthy. Elephants were matriarchal society, and as an Alpha she was truly impressive. Ban had rather admired the beauty until he noticed Inuyasha doing the same, some how after that, his opinion of her dropped drastically.

The Amazon Boobies's (as Ban thought of her) gift had also been unique. She had presented Inuyasha with a bag that was made of satin and decorated with the motif of a continuous chain of elephants, it was delicate and beautiful work. The bag was only the size of a standard piece of paper, and though beautiful it could hardly compare to the other gifts.. that is until Inuyasha felt a strange sense of magic from the bag and raised an inquiring eye. With a pleased smile, the Demoness explained that the Bag's value was in its uniqueness. It was a one of a kind Bag, that would replicate what ever human or Youkai made item that was placed in it within an hour, and if nothing else was placed in the bag – continue replicating the item once every 24 hours.

Miroku's eyes gleamed with greed at the idea of duplicating diamonds. But the Demoness shook her head, and explained that the Bag was a curiosity as it would not replicate natural items like diamonds and gold, only items made though deliberate fusion like certain alloys, and since the item and its first replication had to sit comfortably inside the small bag, it could not be very big. Miroku was disappointed it was not a get rich quick bag – wondering what good such a bag was. The other Youkai almost sneered at the Demoness, for such a strange gift.

Inuyasha thought looked thoughtfully at the bag, ears perking up, his eyes suddenly went wide open, he abruptly got up, dashed into the tent and came back out with something inside the now sealed bag. Though he was asked, he refused to divulge what was in the bag. The obviously anxious Hanyou spent the hour almost jiggling with impatience, and then the bag suddenly got bigger. Everyone in camp was now waiting to see what was in the bag.

Excitedly Inuyasha looked into the bag, and he crowed in pure pleasure. "Ramen! Yes an endless supply of Ninja Food! Yes! Yes! Yes!" Inuyasha, soon joined by Shippo were dancing around with two packets of wholly man made instant Ramen from the future in his hands. Ban grinned at the pup's antics, and the Amazon smiled smugly at the other now disappointed Youkai around. The Hanyou saw more value in simple food then in gold. Her gift would be truly valued.

As was the final gift from the third true contender, for Inuyasha's hand. The candidate was a distant cousin of Sesshoumaru, a fawn colored Inu Demon, he was the Lord of the Southern Islands. Straight forward and obviously powerful the Fawn Inu demon's was definitely a good candidate, one that would probably have been most favored by Sesshoumaru. The Inu Demon's gift however was what made him a true candidate. The gift showed deep levels of understand and insight. It was the only gift that in itself had touched the Hanyou's heart, and for a second brought a shimmer to the hormonal Hanyou's eyes.

It was a wall tapestry, 10 feet by 6 feet in dimensions. The tapestry was a life-sized rendition of Lord Inu Taisho in his full glory, he stood hand on swords looking it seemed straight into Inuyasha's eyes. The eyes in the tapestry seemed to follow Inuyasha as he moved, and the smile on the Demon Lord's face was one of pure pride in the one he was staring at. Inuyasha sat captivated before the tapestry for a good half hour.

So it was now as the sun set, Ban had to put up with the 3 demons that had captured Inuyasha's interest sitting around the fire place, exchanging stories with Inuyasha's pack. Damn traitors, Ban pouted form his 'on patrol' vantage point at the edge of the forest. Why they seemed to be such terrible traitors was not something Ban cared to ask himself. Certain rivers after all needed to stay in Egypt.

(A/N : ref : Denial = De Nile is a river in Egypt not my state of mind)

Just when Ban thought his day could not get worse, it of course did, and Ban's head thunked rather hard against the tree he was leaning on as he smelled irritating wolf in the air.

Ban had to grin and bear all the other stupid candidates, but somehow if the blasted wolf thought he could court Inuyasha – he had another think coming. Ban had heard that the wolf while having proposed to a female wolf, had ignored his obligations and started courting Kagome, if the wolf choose to be so fickle now and switch his attentions to Inuyasha – Ban would send the wolf through the proverbial roof. Kouga was NOT good enough for Inuyasha.

Ban calling for Kilala to take up the watch on those talking to Inuyasha, dashed off to intercept Kouga.

Kouga was racing towards the camp, when suddenly something caught his knee and he went flying face first into a mud puddle. Spluttering and swearing he looked up to see Ban twirling a vine and smiling evilly at him.

"What the hell are you doing?" Kouga spat out glaring at Ban.

"Gee you don't know, tripping you, of course. And here I thought it was obvious!" Ban's smile was pure evil.

Kouga gnashed his teeth and spoke slowly! "WHY... are... you.. doing.. such.. a... fuckingly childish thing!" The last words came out in a rush.

Ban shrugged as he sucked on a piece of grass. Suddenly his grin dropped away and his blue eyes glittered dangerously, "What are you doing here, Stinky Wolf?"

"I heard that Inuyasha was going though maturity, I thought I'd come and see the fun." Kouga said standing up and brushing himself off.

"If you think you are going to be one of the candidates to court Inuyasha, you..." Ban said, his voice becoming threatening... he paused when Kouga burst out laughing.

"Hahahahaha! Me.. what me... mate... mutt face! Oh god! Hahahaha... No way BanMidou!" The wolf gasped out.

Amazed by the intelligence the wolf was showing in that broken sentences, Ban's irritation vanished and he looked at the wolf inquiringly. "What, you don't think Inuyasha is attractive?"

"Attractive, hell yes the Hanyou is gorgeous, if you go for that kind of looks. Somehow light colored hair has never attracted me much. Don't get me wrong BanMidou its not looks, that is the issue. I'd never be able to court Inuyasha because Secondary Alpha or not, Inuyasha has defeated me in a fair fight. If not for the Kotodamo beads I would probably be dead by his hand. Added to that; the stupid mutt has actually had the audacity to save my life, I owe him. So by pack laws, since he cannot be my Alpha- it is inconceivable that I ever even seek to court Inuyasha. There is no way I can mate him, – unless of course; Inuyasha -without me courting him- chooses to be submissive to me. That is why your suggestion is so funny, can you see that mutt actually acknowledging me as a superior?" Kouga said with an arrogant grin of his own, he knew his own strengths and was man enough to acknowledge that in battles at the level the Hanyou fought, he needed his pack to back him up. (Not that he would have admitted it in front of Inuyasha)

Ban snorted and nodded, that there was actually a brain behind those furs was rather amazing. "So why are you here?" Ban asked.

"I heard that Inuyasha in his state of maturity, was acting totally out of character, all happy and innocent. I just came to get a first hand view of it so I can have more ammunition to tease mutt face after the maturity period if over. You will never actually get me to say it to him, but I do like teasing Inuyasha – and the old material is getting kindda stale." Kouga said with a cheeky grin.

Ban slowly returned the smile, and Kouga relaxed. "Hey, BanMidou, look I know we kind of got off on a strange foot, but I really have nothing against you. Hell, Inuyasha accepted you as his Alpha, and that says a damn lot. So if you don't mind I'd like us to be at least friends... to that I would like to offer my services in helping you, keep Inuyasha safe, during this period. Unless he as already chosen a mate that is?"

"Grrrrr... No Inuyasha is too busy having fun to have chosen a mate, he has a lot of time before he has to choose, so no point rushing it." Ban said not quite hiding his irritation at the idea. Dark deep blue eyes met the sky blue eyes of the wolf. Ban could see no deception in those eyes. That Kouga had some other purpose for being there, Ban had no doubt, - as long as it was not to court Inuyasha, Ban didn't really care, what the wolf's other purpose was.

He considered the Ookami for a long moment, "Understand clearly, Pony-tail; in this camp during Inuyasha's maturation I am Alpha, and you take orders from me. If that is clear then you can help out."

Kouga nodded, then what Ban called him sank in, and his jaw dropped. "Hey this is a wolf's tail- not a pony tail." The Ookami spluttered terribly insulted. "And the name is Kouga."

"Meh! Too much effort to remember, I call em like I see em. Come on, dinner should be ready." Ban turned and sauntered off towards the camp.

A small smile curved across Kouga's lips and a strange glint entered his eyes as he followed behind the dark haired Hanyou.

-tbc-

there nice long chappie

lol, so any ideas on what Kouga's other intention is... how to get thoigh Ban's pig headedness... suggests comments and ideas welcome.

Review please.