The Lonely Wolves

I got scared and Akazaru woke up, looking at the two of us, worried. He whinned a little and put his tail between his legs, nervous.

As he jumped off, I said:

"I'd better go. Thank you for everything. We will not forget it."

We started to run towards the shack we lived, our hiding place.

I modified my Leaf Gale, using it to propel me in front of Akazaru and Connor.

"No. Pack your things. I'm giving you a job and a place to live."

Angrily, I stared him down. I let my eyes shift to the icy blue of my wolven form, and growled menacingly.

"Say no, and I will NOT be happy."

I stopped and looked at her, nervous. Her change of tone and actions, the violence she was expressing in that moment, reminded me of my family. I had no other choice but to obey, for I wished not to cause harm to anything or anyone.

I kneeled, tears starting to come down from my eyes. Akazaru did the same, but came closer to me, as if he was even more scared than I was.

Softening my actions, I sighed. My instincts were overpowering me, and that was frightening them.

"Ah.. I'm sorry. Okami's.. We're wolves. And.. Your story angered me. I apologize.. C'mon. I'll help you get whatever you have in the shack, then we'll move you into the Tavern."

Trembling, I slowly got up and walked towards the shack, Akazaru by my side.

The shack was in a pitiful state, with holes in the walls and broken structure. Moss was getting on the walls and every bit of metal was rusted.

The inside was even worse, with holes in the wooden floor every three steps. Used to that floor, my partner and I went downstairs to get our sole possessions: a scrap blanket, big enough for two people, and some clothes for me. Akazaru picked up an old meatbone for himself.

Nodding my head, I waited outside of the shack for them to come up. Looking at the sight, my heart clenched.

The place is nearly in shambles... Did they really live here?..

Shaking my head, I played with my late mother's necklace, the red beads a comfort hidden underneath my scarf.

We came out shortly after, carrying our things in our arms and in an old backpack.

"You don't have to do this, you know? Although this does not look like the best comfort ever, it's our home. We always lived here."

I growled lightly, before stifling it.

"Don't. Worry about it."

Clenching my teeth, I lead them to my Aunt's tavern. After having a short exchange with her, I motioned for them to follow.

We followed her, both scared and thankful. She reminded me of my own family when she was angry and I didn't want to see that again.

We stayed silent and waited.

"I'm sorry for earlier.. I'm still young, and haven't learned to control my instincts yet.."

Sighing, I headed for the eastern village parts.

As we followed, I nodded.

"I'm not a person who converses often. As I said, Akazaru and I have been alone for a long time, so we are better used to the two of us. I know you meant no harm, but that's how we are."

Shaking my head calmly, I took a turn at the alley way.

"Non. My fault for imposing. However.. I do wish to help you. I feel kin, you know?"

Shrugging I made my way through the mazes of alleys before stopping in front of my Aunt's tavern, opening the door for him.

"Here we are."

I felt nervous when she opened the door. I looked at Akazaru and then back at her.

"Is he allowed in? I won't go anywhere if he's not."

Laughing loudly, I nodded my head.

"Dogs not being allowed in... Ha.. Haha!"

I facepalmed when I realized my failure.

"Right... Okami... I had forgotten."

I took Akazaru and placed him on my head, then entered the tavern.

Still giggling, I waved my Aunt over. After telling her the details, I nodded in agreement to several things she did before waving Connor over.

"You'll be working after your Ninjutsu training, and you'll be staying in a room that's across from mine."

I bowed before the two of them, Akazaru dropping on the floor and doing the same.

"Thank you. Though I don,t know how to repay you now, I'm sure I'll find something eventually."

Looking at my aunt, we both laughed.

"Nono. You're part of our pack now. Payment is done in hard work. That's all. Come, I'll take you up to your bedroom."

Waving for him to follow, I took him up both flights of stairs, before stopping on the top floor. going down to the end of the hall, I took a right.

"This one is my room. It's the furthest away from the stairs, since they scare me."

Walking to the second to last door on the right, I handed him his new key, put on a silent chord for his room.

"And this is your room. Fully furnished, bedded, and I'll go and buy you clothing later. You're going to come with me, non?"

I took the key and looked at her, tears of joy coursing on my cheeks.

"I owe you so much, I sure hope one day I will be able to return the favor to you."

Picking up Akazaru, I put him onto the soft Futon.

"Nah.. I hate seeing people sad. I feed the homeless members too~ Every thursday night. Soup. Gourmet. My Tribe funds me, and them. They accept it because we must give back to that which gives to us. The Law of Equality."

Smiling, I motioned him in.

"look around. It's a really large space."

I scanned the place with my eyes and nodded.

"It is, indeed, bigger than the shack we lived in."

Akazaru stretched and laid on his side, closing his eyes.

"Looks like someone already likes it."

Laughing, I got up.

"I'll bring some robes from my room for you. Remember, this is for work. I'll be joining you as well. Shift starts in thirty minutes."

Waving, I left to my room, grabbing three traditional Kimonos, knowing they'd be big enough for him.

"These were my uncles. They should fit you pretty well!"

I put one on over my clothes and asked:

"How do I look?"

"Ah.. lemme leave the room... Cause you don't wear anything under it. I'm gonna go change too..."

Blushing, I left the room to go put on my uniform.

"Ah..."

I waited for her to be out and changed accordingly, then I got out, leaving my partner to rest.

Coming out of my room with my hair styled and my kimono on, I bowed to Connor.

"We start soon, don't wanna be late do we?"

I scratched my head, turning a little red.

"No, of course not. That wouldn't be respectful of me."

Walking down stairs, I waited beside my Aunt.

"When you serve, you just go from table to table. Take the money first, and fill their cups to the line. If a brawl starts out.. Just knock them out, and toss them."

Smiling at him, I took orders at the bar, taking chef's dishes to each customer.

I did my best to do as they instructed me. Of course, I made some errors at first, but I took on me to not repeat them. I think I learned quickly because it became easier after each try.

Making sure to check up on Connor every now and then, I smiled.

"You're doing well."

Then.. A brawl broke out.