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sei-tan48 · 7 years

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The Outcast and The Exiled: Chapter 35

Brought to you by Gay Idols & Co. and co-written by sei-tan48 and @tyrant-king-toru

This and no other is the root from which a tyrant springs; when he first appears he is a protector. -Plato

Chapter 35:

Two weeks passed in relative peace and though those that had died in the siege were few; the living still mourned for them and for the unlucky ones they had taken their lives to follow their mate. They were not surprised by this but was saddened of losing more friends.

With Sakae and Namba working together the repairs finished before the second week ended and the remaining days were used to elucidate the alliance between Namba and Sakae. The Alphas had been busy working with their duties which left Miyuki and Kumi to their own devices. The two of them were currently soaking under the sun, having finished up the last of the food they bought for their picnic.

Kumi’s head rested on Miyuki’s lap, basking under the attention she was getting from the human. Despite missing her bondmate a lot, Kumi was glad that she was given time to spend with Miyuki. It would be a very long time until she’ll be able to see one of her surrogates again, even if she was only able to spend with one half of the pair. She understood that Sayaka was busy.

“I can’t believe we’re heading back.” Kumi spoke, breaking the comfortable silence between the two. She buried her face into Miyuki’s lap, trying to take in her scent, as if it was going to be the last time they would spend time with each other. “I’m going to miss you and Sayaka.”

Miyuki chuckled while she continued threading her fingers through one of Kumi’s tails. “We’ll see each other again soon enough. You, Yuka and the others are invited to the bonding ceremony. So, I expect all of you to be there.”

“I look forward to that.” Kumi grinned, her tail swishing behind her as a thought formed in her head. If the victory party we joined was rowdy, I bet the party for this one would be wilder. “I wonder what the bonding ceremony would be like, is it anything like Sakae’s?”

Miyuki shook head. “Sayaka has said many times that Namba likes their wild parties and I bet this one might be just like one too.”

They were quiet for a long time before Kumi slowly turned on to her back to look at the other woman. According to Yuka, she’ll need to continue learning about Namba’s culture and trade, along with some lessons in dealing with humans. If she wanted to govern Sakae by Yuka’s side, she’ll have to learn so many things. The human noticed the turmoil in the kitsune’s eyes and brows, so she smoothed a hand over Kumi’s brows, hoping to ease whatever was bothering Kumi.

“What’s wrong?”

“Before the siege, I realized that being bonded to Yuka meant more than just being her partner for life and making a family with her.” Kumi confessed.

Miyuki’s hand moved of Kumi’s brow and began to stroke the top of the kitsune’s head between Kumi’s ears. She’d learned that was a very soothing thing to do for Kumi which seemed to work for Sayaka too occasionally. “What do you mean?”

“They started considering me their Queen.” The kitsune started, huffing a bit. “A messenger came to us after the siege, told us that we’d won and we can travel to catch up with Yuka’s forces. Without Yuka around they turned to me to decide on what to do. I was lucky Dasu noticed my predicament, she stepped in and volunteered to facilitate the move.”

“That seemed to turn out just fine, you all arrived safely and you always seem to have someone to help you.”

“But I felt helpless!” Kumi sat up, her tails started to sway furiously behind her, a sign that showed her agitation. “I don’t know anything about leading people or governing a whole clan! I don’t even know most of the names of Yuka’s subbordinates, except for the Satos! And what if… what if there would be no one else to step in for me? I’m starting to realize that I have this responsibility to help my new family, just like Yuka, and I don’t know anything! I can’t rely on someone forever, can I?”

Miyuki hummed thoughtfully, finally understanding the kitsune’s problem. Before Kumi was forced into her human form, she was a powerful and immortal being. Due to her change from her original form she’d become powerless and helpless, a feeling that no one enjoys. And now that she was bonded with the most powerful shewolf in Sakae, the kitsune was confused on what to do with the power she has, having no prior experience to ruling a clan. Kumi must have felt truly overwhelmed and scared when she was forced to make a decision that she wasn’t ready to make.

“Oh little one, come here.” Miyuki held out her arms and Kumi laid her head down on Miyuki’s lap again. These stressfull thoughts weren’t good for the kitsune. She ran her fingers through the kitsune’s hair, thinking carefully on what to say. “I’m not sure what to tell you to be honest, I’m no ‘Queen’ like you and my skills are better for healing people but... whenever someone needs my help, I always think of what is best for them. If you’re really stumped, ask yourself, 'What would Yuka do?' ”

“What would Yuka do…” The kitsune murmured, closing her eyes and relaxing further into Miyuki’s lap as she thought about the advice given to her before her eyes shot open. She let out a squeak, her hand moving over her belly as she curled her tails around her protectively.

“Kumi! What’s wrong?” Miyuki started to fret over the kitsune, readying herself to practice her medical skills just in case. Her knowledge of midwifery was limited at best and she hoped that it will be enough.

Kumi was still for a few tense moments and Miyuki was ready to do an impromptu check up when the kitsune started to relax.

"I'm okay. They're just stretching." Kumi sighed, as she laid back down.

"You can feel them moving already?" Miyuki asked excitedly, her eyes shining at the idea Kumi's pups moving about. "Are they always lively?"

"Yes, and always hungry." Kumi smiled, taking one of Miyuki's hand and placing it on her stomach. A moment later, the human reeled back excitedly. Miyuki couldn’t feel anything pressing against her hand as it would during the later months of pregnancy but she could feel the flutters of the twins’ movements. The flutters would usually be felt during fourth month of pregnancy for humans but it seems for Kumi’s case or rather for the case of shewolves, the pregnancy progresses faster. “And they also do this when they think Yuka is near. So far, they’ve never been wrong.”

As soon as the words left the kitsune’s mouth, two four legged figures broke through the tree line that surrounded the clearing. Judging from the color of their coats it was Yuka and Sayaka. Kumi sat up, shuffling away from Miyuki just as Yuka reached the kitsune. Sakae’s Alpha happily nuzzled her mate, not caring if her cold nose was tickling her mate.

Yuka was genuinely happy to finally see Kumi after several hours of tediously looking over their contracts, she was so happy that she was practically hopping and twitching from joy. The shewolf finally settled down a few moments later, plopping down heavily next to Kumi with her head on the kitsune’s lap. Yuka’s ear was placed near the kitsune’s belly and she shuffled around a bit so she could press her ear against Kumi’s belly. She let out a satisfied rumble when she felt her bondmate’s hands stroke her fur.

A look of awe was on Miyuki's face, as Kumi have her an 'I told you' look, before scratching the top of Yuka's head. A satisfied huff that left her mouth a second later. Seeing that the two were busy with each other, Miyuki turned her attention to her own wolf, the one she hasn't seen since early this morning. She watched as Sayaka shifted to sit behind the human and immediately wrapped an arm around her waist, bringing them closer.

"Everything go as planned?" Miyuki asked, as she grabbed the shewolf's hand and started playing with it.

"Yes, after a lot of talking and arguing. Contracts have been signed, a blood pact performed and we are now officially in an alliace with Sakae." Sayaka nodded, looking over at the basket near them. "Anything left in there?" Only to frown at the negative answer she received. Miyuki leaned forward to kiss the frown of her mate's face, smiling when the kiss was returned.

"We'll get some food in a bit." Miyuki promised, patting the shewolf's leg, before swallowing a gasp, when Sayaka began nibbling on her ear.

"Maybe you can be my lunch?" She whispered suggestively, only to have her hand pinched. "A simple no would've sufficed."

“Behave yourself.” Miyuki chided and Sayaka stopped her sulking to watch Kumi and Yuka. The bonded couple looked so content to in each other’s arms and the other two felt a sense of happiness within their hearts. "That'll be us one day."

Sayaka nodded in agreement, she couldn't wait until their own bonding ceremony, and after that just spending all her time with Miyuki, her hands slid lower to place them over Miyuki’s belly, and a family to make.

The following two days were spent packing for those from Sakae and even though the members of the two clans have spent little time with each other, some friendships were formed and a lucky few found their mates. Miyuki and Sayaka were giving their final farewells to Kumi, Paru and Yui.

“I’m going to miss both of you.” Kumi whined while smothered in the embrace of her surrogates. She felt a hand pat the top of her head fondly and she laid her head on Sayaka’s shoulder.

“You’ll be seeing us in a few months on our bonding ceremony.” Sayaka reassured and Kumi pulled away from the Alpha, giving the shewolf one of her best scowls.

“But I won’t be able to spend time with the two of you!” Kumi grouched, well aware that she was being childish and petulant but she was pregnant. That earned her some right to be childish and petulant.

Kumi was once again pulled into her surrogates’ embrace, this time mostly by Miyuki. “We’ll write to you. I’m sure we’ll make use of those hawks gifted to us by one of the members of Sakae or the messengers we’ll frequently have running back and forth.”

The kitsune considered Miyuki’s words. Miyuki made a good point with the alliance and connections between their clans it would be rare that they would not be able to keep up their correspondence. She nodded in understanding but still laid her head back on Sayaka’s shoulder.

“I’ll still miss you both.”

They stayed in their embrace for a bit until Yuka came over and collected her bondmate. The Sakae shewolf nodded to the two, as she lead Kumi away for a moment. While they left, Yui and Paru took their places.

"Are you sure wanna leave us too?" Miyuki asked for the nth time, it was nice having their company around. Especially Yui's, as she was the only other human around.

"It's safer if we leave the forest with Yuka’s group." Yui nodded, her hand squeezing Paru's own, as she answered for the both of them. This small trip has brought the two closer, and she was grateful for that. "We'll still visit when we can, you're not that far away from us."

Miyuki nodded, as she went to hug the both of them. She wanted them to stay, having them around reminded her of the familiarity she had long ago before she decided to live on her own. Sayaka opted to stay out of the hug. While she did appreciate their effort, she wasn't really big on hugs, unless it was her mate of course or Kumi begging for one.

"You're welcome here anytime, we'll even throw a party every time you do visit." Sayaka grinned. Any excuse was good enough to throw a party in Namba.

“We’d love to stay here also but I think it’s better that we’ll be your contact to the human villages.” Yui spoke up as she and Paru stepped out of Miyuki’s embrace. “After all that’s happened with the rogue wolves, the humans would either be fearful or angry. Paru and I will keep in contact and update you for any changes.”

Miyuki looked disappointed at Yui’s explanation, she had nothing to say to make them stay but she understood why they had to leave. The war is over but they were aware that there might be consequences to this event, consequences that were related to humans.

“At least come and visit. You’ll be coming to my bonding ceremony right?” Miyuki asked.

“Definitely.” Paru grinned, making Sayaka barely hold back at the surprised gasp at seeing Paru showing a different expression besides the sour one she always seem to wear all the damn time.

Sayaka looked on with mild interest as they hugged once again. Around them the Sakae caravan started to move, Yui and Paru extricated themselves from Miyuki’s embrace, finally saying their last goodbyes.

Sayaka and Miyuki waved as the caravan slowly walked passed them. They noticed Yuka and Kumi approaching them on their mount with the kitsune cradled safely in front of Yuka, the horse neighed softly once they were directly in front of Sayaka and Miyuki.

“We’ll be sending the first letter to you in a week.” Yuka said, grinning down on the two. “I’ll be looking forward to our alliance. I think this would be the first we had an actual partnership between two clans, our scribes would have a field day in recording this.”

Sayaka held her arm out for a warrior’s handshake and Yuka grasped it in return. “Have a safe trip back to Sakae!” Her gripped tightened on Yuka’s. “Take care of Kumi, if I hear that she isn’t happy… I’ll have your hide as my rug.”

Yuka suppressed the reflex to gulp hard and carefully pried her hand from Sayaka with Kumi’s help. She cleared her throat in an attempt to compose herself and prepare for the formality that she still has to do.

“My sisters!” She yelled for everyone to hear and the shewolves stopped their activities to witness the parting words of Sakae’s Alpha. “We depart for home with good news of our victory and alliance! May our ties still remain strong even with the vast distance! We shall send a hawk with the news of our safe arrival!”

The Namba shewolves cheered, witnessing Yuka’s words and remembering them. The parting words were only done to ensure that the departing party’s plan was known to all and that if bad anything happens, everyone would have a clue how to assist them.

With a final wave to Sayaka and Miyuki, Yuka kicked the horse off onto a trot to catch up to the front of the caravan. Many watched as the caravan faded in view and Sayaka and Miyuki were the last ones to leave.

On their first week, Miyuki realized that life in Namba was vastly different from that of Sakae. Usually each day in Sakae was busy, a group coming and going everyday to trade or to search for supplies. It reminded Miyuki of a thriving market, always bright and alive. Namba on the other hand, felt more peaceful and the pace calm. There was a routine when it came to living in Namba, one that Miyuki found to be quite comfortable and easy to get accustomed to.

The fact that after having to wake up to war strategies and figure out how to stop a dangerous poison from killing allies was over, Miyuki was able to sleep in on more days than ever before. With the added bonus of her ex-grumpy shewolf always cuddled to her form.

It was like how her life was when she was still living with her mother, easy and no fuss. Still sometimes she would miss the frantic days they’d had after meeting each other and that was probably because those times had brought them closer. Despite missing those days, she wouldn’t trade them for what she has now and she had other things to keep her busy.

Since she was new to Namba and had to learn many of its traditions, she had looking through the archives or joining in the meetings that pups have at the temple where the priestesses would teach them old traditions about Namba. The pups had arrived from Hakata a few days after Sakae’s departure, Kei had sent them there immediately to keep them safe after her defeat against the Rogue Alpha as if she knew that things would go bad. Though it was a bit awkward to be the oldest one in those meetings but she had taken a liking to the pups and in turn they see as a sort of older, tail-less sister.

She’d learned that the bonding ceremony was a lengthy process, unlike that of Sakae’s which took them a day or so to complete but for Namba it took nearly a week but sometimes it took just a few days. The length of the ceremony would wholly depend on the couple. She didn’t manage to learn about the specifics on the ceremony as it was a guarded secret by the priestesses. She even tried asking Akari who only gave her an enigmatic smile and said that she didn’t have to do anything but tell Sayaka the exact date she wanted her to have it done so the priestesses could start the preparations. She’d told Sayaka that she’d liked it on summer and after much discussion they both agreed that the ceremony would begin on the first day of autumn, which is only a month away.

It annoyed her that she couldn’t do much about the ceremony but Sayaka and her learning of Namba’s traditions kept her busy to forget about it often.

She was leaving the temple after finishing one of the meetings with the pups following after her faithfully. Miyuki would have ditched them and went straight to finding Sayaka or helping out at the hospice but they were so adorable, tailing after her and asking curious questions about humans. She could see the excitement in their eyes when she told them about other humans like herself.

Promising to continue their talk later, Miyuki waved them away and went on with her previous task of looking for her mate. Through the weeks of being in Namba, she's figured out shortcuts that lead to wherever she wants to go. She noted that she saw most of the Namba members preferred to be in their shifted form, as opposed to the human one. Sayaka would do the same when they would go on short walks and Miyuki couldn’t help but think that it was like walking Sayaka at a park, albeit one filled with ferocious wolves..

She was also the only human around it seems while she was in Sakae she’d seen at least half a dozen humans like her, living with the other Sakae members as if it was the most natural thing to them.

She spotted the meeting house not too far ahead, compared to the other structures in Namba it was much larger than the rest, making it easier to spot and for Miyuki to follow. She wasn’t sure if Sayaka was there working on whatever problems the clan currently has, since the shewolf’s duties seem to be split between hunting or listening to the complaints and suggestions of her people. Recently Sayaka had been dealing with the fallout of the rogue packs’ attack on humans, the traps that the humans made were starting to move deeper and deeper into the forest when they traps didn’t catch any, and hunters roaming the forest.

If the humans stray too close to their home, Sayaka would need to act on it despite the fact that it would be impossible for humans to actually find their home because of the old magic that protected them. Having them prowling around near Namba territory would hamper their hunt for food.

She waved at the two guards keeping watch over the back entrance, they nodded to Miyuki, allowing her to pass through without question. Their Alpha's mate was always welcome.

"...still minor signs of traps nearby, but most of them were triggered by other animals or retreating rogues from weeks ago. From the looks of it, they were left to die by their former comrades."

Miyuki could see the back of the scout who has just returned from surveying Namba's hunting grounds. Just over her shoulder, the human could see her wolf hovering over a large table with Kei beside her. The Beta being the first one to notice her, and smiled welcomingly.

The frown on Sayaka's face deepened, as she digested the news. "Any luck on dismantling the traps?" She asked hoping for a bit of good news at least. Her clan was more in danger going to get food for themselves then having a small group of rogues ambush them. They're no longer organized, and to Sayaka, no longer a major threat.

"We've managed to get a few taken apart, but we don't know how long it will be to get the entire forest clear."

Sayaka waved her hand. "Worry about our hunting grounds first, can't have those hunters figuring out that something else is living out here, they'll start roaming and getting in our way. If a trap is triggered try to leave some small game on it. It’ll make them think that’s what triggered their flimsy traps."

The scout nodded, scribbling down her Alpha's words on a parchment. From what Miyuki could see, she had a ribbon tied to her arm. Maybe she was a high ranking scout?

While Miyuki waited for the scout to be dismissed, the human allowed her eyes to roam over the room. She had been here several times to either wait for Sayaka to finish her meetings or listen to some the discussions over the clan’s well being but despite her numerous she was still in awe of the room’s decors and architecture. The most remarkable parts of the room were the walls and the table at the center of it.

The first were the walls, they were decorated with carvings about Namba’s history, starting from the arrival of the ancestors to the plague that had ravaged Namba and, as of recent, their actions in retaking Namba from the rogues. She was extremely flattered when she found a likeness of herself carved into the wall and one of Sayaka. Miyuki had praised Mita Mao for her astounding craftsmanship, especially with how the shewolf carved Sayaka’s chin with dead-on accuracy. Then at the center of the room was the table she’d noticed earlier, illuminated by the natural light coming from the skylight. The map of the four clans carved on it, small carved pieces littered the surface – each piece representing different groups – and chairs surrounding it.

A few more directives were given out by Sayaka and Kei before the shewolf was dismissed, saluting her leaders before turning around. It was then that Miyuki recognized the shewolf to be Airi, one of the clan’s best scouts. Airi smiled politely at the human which Miyuki returned before bowing towards the human before leaving. The human still wasn’t used to receiving that kind of attention but welcomed it anyway, at least they weren’t treating like Sakae was referring to Kumi as their queen. She’d rather be her usual humble self that just happens to know twenty different ways to murder someone with poison as well as occasionally hook someone into doing her bidding.

Stepping up to where her mate was, Miyuki reached out for her wolf, sensing how stressed she was, she placed a hand on her shoulder. "Did I come at a bad time?" She asked gently.

"No. It's not you, it's these hunters." The shewolf started, but stopped, she didn't want to bad mouth the humans, even though they were being a major thorn in her paw. "Did the lessons end early today?" She asked, changing the subject.

Miyuki nodded. Out the corner of her eye, she could see Kei writing down notes as well, probably recording the important status of the debriefing. A quick peek at the scroll made Miyuki cringe at the mess of writings which means that the scribes would have a hell of a time making sense of it.

"Kei-san, how are your scars?" She knew it was a sensitive subject for the Beta, but she knew Kei trusted her to keep her known pains away from the rest of the clan.

"Could be better, they've been itchy again." She sighed, resisting the urge to rub her face. "Do you have any of that, uh-" Kei trailed off, forgetting the name the mixture that Miyuki recommended she use on her face.

Understanding the confused pause, Miyuki finished for her. "I'm still making a new batch, it's been highly requested by more than half of those still recovering. Especially this one here." She lightly teased, her wolf huffing.

“Fresh scars always itch. I don’t know why but they always do.” Sayaka grumbled, moving away from Miyuki to clear the table. “We’re done for today. I think?”

“For once yes we’re done. Much earlier than we had in the past few days.” Kei answered. “It just means that everything is starting to settle down and we’re finally getting the peace that we sought out for.”

“The rogue Alpha is dead.” Sayaka added once done with cleaning up the table. She smiled at Miyuki, her happiness evident in the glint in her eyes. “Only thing need to think about is our bonding ceremony and after that the rest of our peaceful lives.”

"I'll drink to that." Kei chirped.

“Yui.” Paru called out, her mate was dozing in and out of sleep as they traveled back home, well it was the young doctor’s home, and anywhere she was, so was Paru.

Paru called for her mate again along with a gentle grip on the doctor’s shoulder. They were almost back to their village, a half day’s ride if the weather remained as it was or if they didn’t encounter any trouble along the way.

A distracted hum was the shewolf's answer, coaxing a sigh from her own mouth. Yui had been distant ever since they left Namba, the doctor would often stare off into space and whenever she’d try to coax a sound from her, Paru would usually get a distracted hum in return. It was starting to annoy her and clearly there was something bothering her mate when the doctor steered the horse off a cliff. After that close call with death, Paru decided to ride with Yui and take control of the reigns (she was too young to die).

“Why are you distracted?”

“Am I distracted?” Yui echoed back, finally giving full attention to her mate. She couldn't help but to think, if not daydream about something she wasn't ready to bring up with Paru. At least not without the shewolf bringing it up first.

Paru frowned slightly, but chose to avoid a possible argument with the human, she can be so odd at times.

“Should we take a break soon?” She instead changed the subject, a break would do them both good as they've been traveling practically nonstop since they separated from the Sakae caravan.

Such a rowdy brunch, nothing like Akiba. She was tempted to say home, but that place was no longer home. She hadn’t thought of it as her home since she left for her walkabout.

“A few minutes to stretch our legs would be good.” Yui answered, taking the reigns from Paru and directing their horse off the path. The doctor could faintly hear a creek bubbling nearby.

When they found a good spot to rest the shewolf slipped off the horse first, moving away from the animal as quickly as she could before sitting under a tree to escape the heat. After making herself comfortable, Paru set her gaze on her mate, observing the doctor’s movement with hawk like vision. Even the doctor’s movements seemed distracted; each action done by the human took a moment longer and would occasionally stop to stare off into nothing. It was so unlike Yui who was quick and precise with everything she did.

The doctor secured the horse on a nearby tree, giving the reins enough slack to let the horse graze or drink from the creek before taking a seat next to Paru. Yui took a few gulps from the waterskin before lazily handing it to Paru.

It was starting to annoy Paru how… unusual Yui was acting.

The shewolf’s gaze was unwavering and Yui was starting to feel holes being bored into the side of her face. Yui did her best to relax despite but Paru wasn’t helping and her mind couldn’t stop thinking of ways on how to bring up what’s bothering her without getting murdered by her wolf as a result. Although, she was sure Paru would do damndest raise her from dead with our without Kumi’s help. In other words, the doctor was having a mild life threatening crisis.

Paru continued to glare at her mate, at this she’d given up side eyeing her mate and was now facing Yui to give her the full force of her glare. The shewolf’s glare was so that the corners of her eyes seem to sharpen, something that Bisu would do whenever the cat would give Paru the evil eye.

A twig snapped not too far from them and Paru’s ear flicked towards the source of the sound and other noises seemed to cease immediately, bringing a deathly silence. A few tense moments passed before the sounds resumed but Paru ear was still trained where the sound originated from. Something will happen and the shewolf could practically smell it in the air.

She slowly turned to face the direction where it came from and hesitant muffled steps began to move towards them. Whoever it was that was coming, probably didn’t know that Paru had heard or simply didn’t care.

Picking up on the fact that Paru was no longer glaring at her, Yui turned to look at her mate and frowned when she saw how tense her wolf was. She looked for the source of her wolf’s ire, even following Paru’s gaze didn’t help. Yui observed the way her mate seemed ready for a fight, her eyes focused intently, back stiff from tension and hands curled into tight fists. She hadn’t seen Paru like this for a long time.

The doctor was about to ask what was wrong Paru but a growl from the shewolf made her stop. Sounds of leaves rustling caught her attention and Yui followed the direction of Paru’s gaze again.

A wolf ambled into her line of site, emerging behind tree. The beast was about the same size as Paru in her shifted form but it’s body seemed more rounded and toned as if it was used to running and hunting on a daily basis. Its fur was a dark brown that faded into a much lighter shade when reaching the belly. The wolf was staring intently at Paru who returned it with the same intensity.

Yui scooted closer to Paru, eyes never leaving the wolf who was still looking at wolf. She slipped a hand into Paru’s top, hands reaching for the hunting knife sheathed securely on the shewolf’s belt. The doctor didn’t know who this wolf was but since Paru hasn’t shifted forms to fight, she guessed this might be someone that Paru knew. Still, it was better for her to be cautious.

Their horse nickered, stomping the ground nervously and thus breaking the tension.

“What are you doing here?” Paru growled, subtly moving in front of Yui.

An action that the beast noticed since it shifted its focus on Yui. The doctor barely suppressed a shudder. There was something about the wolf’s gaze that made her uncomfortable. Yui would’ve liked to pretend to have been surprised at the fact that Paru knew who this was, but she wasn’t, not the slightest. Somehow she knew her mate’s past would one day catch up to her.

The staredown continued for a moment longer, neither wolf willing to back down, as if having a silent argument that Yui just couldn't hear.

“Are they friendly?” Yui whispered, still holding onto the blade behind Paru’s back, hoping she won't have to hurt anyone today, not with how exhausted she was. She wasn’t even sure how she’d hold up against one of Paru’s kind.

Paru didn’t answer instead she repeated the question with an accompanied command to shift forms. She knows this wolf, would recognize that scent and shade of fur anywhere. The only thing she wasn’t sure about this wolf was if they finished their walkabout or had gone rogue.

“Don’t try to challenge me.” Paru spoke, her voice changing to a commanding tone that Yui hadn’t heard before. It was wasn’t firm like Yuka’s or powerful like Sayaka’s but it was calm and steady. It reminded her a bit of the ocean that can be as still as ice but rampageous when it rages during a storm.

The doctor cast those thoughts out of her head and focused on what was happening before her. Her latest habit of getting distracted by her thoughts was dangerous.

“Shift your form and answer my question.” Paru repeated, subtlely shifting in her seat and Yui’s trained eye noticed that it would make shifting and lunging at the beast much easier.

The beast folded it’s ears and after a moment of hesitation shifted forms. Paru released a relieved sigh, she didn’t have to beat some sense into an old friend, at least not today.

The doctor slowly loosened her grip on the knife’s handle but kept her hand pressed against the hollow of her shewolf’s back. She took note of her appearance, the shewolf’s build wore a thick pelt that made her body look bigger than it should and dyed white with light grey patches, something that was probably done for camouflage. Her hands and feet were also covered with leather and dyed the same way as her pelt but the most distinguishing feature was the bear’s head acting as a hood for the shewolf..

“Haruu.” Paru spoke in greeting, slowly raising to her feet with Yui following after her wolf.

“It’s been a long time.” Haruu replied, slipping the hood off her head to reveal a head full of blonde hair. Paru held back a gasp but her eyes widened nonetheless, a reaction that Yui and Haruu noticed. “A lot has changed since you ran away.”

The harsh winter air bit into her skin despite the fur that kept her warm. She could never get used to the cold no matter how much time she spent here as a welp. She never understood how anyone could survive here, the ground was frozen, all forms of vegetation are dead due to the never ending winter and any living thing that wanted to live here were mad.

But the funny thing was, the ones that do survive here were the ones that raised her. A long time ago she would have called them her family, they groomed her to lead them into greatness and in return she had dedicated her life to helping them with the best of her abilities. In return, she had asked for one thing but they denied her, even going as far as banishing her.

They punished her just for asking one thing that would have uplifted her race.

Her thoughts wandered to recent events and the rogues around her looked about nervously as she growled, afraid that she might suddenly turn her ire on them. They think they’ve won, taking back their home and slaughtering the mongrels she’d left behind for cannon fodder. In truth she’d hope to use Namba’s numbers to help her with her plan but they were more stubborn that she’d anticipated.

She trudged through the snow, her pack following her hesitantly with her eyes scanning the horizon for any clues for what she’s searching. They shivering and looked far too weak to be out in such a dire climate but not following their Alpha would mean betrayal which would lead to their own death. Their numbers had dwindled considerably already, having left most of their numbers back in Namba but their numbers will increase soon. There are rogues out there, more whelps lost on their walkabout and her messengers will welcome them to their new family.

It won’t be long until her army will be strong enough to even topple the most steadfast clan.

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