Dark-Slashers: The Tide ((An Pokemon + Okami Fanfic))

[ShadowStream-chan]

It has been 50 years since the apocalypse in 2050 when two creatures; a Green dragon by the name of Rayquaza and an alien by the name of Deoxys fought each other for 3 days straight, not even caring who gets hurt or killed. Defeated, Deoxys breaks into millions of pieces, taking effect on half of the animal population still living. That half that has been mutated were called Pokemon by the remaining 60% of the World Population.

However, one piece of information has been forgotten: While the two monsters fought and their attacks were spread endangering lives, Japan had been protected by their goddess: Mother Amaterasu. But to pay for her protection, she changed Japan back to what it was in the 1500's...with no Hiroshima or Tokyo leaving the Japanese people moving out of their country to go to Asia since Japan was no longer a place for humans. Now it has been 50 years and Japan has now been taken over by Pokemon & Animals alike, but the ones most known were the Wolff Tribe & Darnvia. The Wollf Tribe were controlled by the Wolff Brothers, helping their clan survive and thrive in the name of Amaterasu, while Darnvia acted like the 12th century European Kingdom and try to spread it's views and take over villages that did not agree with them. The Wolff Tribe was angered by their 'forceful' tactics and now had a very bitter relationship with the kingdom.

But when Darnvia destroys a village so close to the Wolff Tribe. The Brothers get angry and more concerned for their family so they brought their warriors and went to the ruins to find survivors; they could only find one.......

The one who survived was a poocheyena wrapped in a human blanket to protect it's scent so no Darnvia knights would find it. Feeling Pity, one of the brothers adopted him and treats him like a son by naming him after his dead father.

* * * *

Hidehara is the son of the Wolff Brothers, training to take charge in case his Uncle & Father are not able to. Problem is: He is unsocial, "stupid", and also a bit of a crybaby. He doesn't have any friends and will only talk to his Father, but it changes when he will go to school to learn how to defend the tribe. His life will soon turn upside down when he goes to the outside world. He will know deception, lies, and betrayal in it's most awful state.


A fanfic consisted of Pokemon & Okami, It will be seen mostly through Hidehara (Or "Hideo's") view but it will start of with his Uncle & Father's view of the Village attack. This first book will follow Hide as he learns more about family, friendship, and the meaning of 'courage' and 'love.'



Rated R: Adult Jokes, Language, Sensitive themes, and Violence. I may add a different language, just to warn you. So anyone who knows Japanese & Spanish well...come often to see if it translates well.

 

[ShadowStream-chan]

Ashiato 1

Before the whole war between Good and Evil had begun, the countries were living a somewhat normal life, with heavily populated places filled with people & animals of all shapes and sizes. The familiar cities were filled with noises and the smell of a car’s heavy sweat that came from their engines. The smell then would form into a transparent, black smoke cloud that would soon fade away like a bird once the spotlights were on them. Most of life had been like that until the year of 2050 when an apocalypse suddenly made its presence known. People would suddenly feel like their body is vibrating and moving in an un-peculiar pattern. Their balance would shift back and forth to where their hands would grasp onto whatever they can reach. Mother Nature then would wail out in pain as it sends out a wave way of its tears, destroying anything that was in the way. It will then pound onto a being with its Iron fist, forcing pressure onto the legs and hands. Then the fist of water would squeeze the lungs until the being became lifeless and drift down into unrelenting darkness.

That was more of a simple death than what most of the world had to face. The apocalypse had nearly killed 40% of the world population which all adds up to a mere 6.4 billion, it alone would’ve killed the whole state of California if Mother Nature didn’t have the heart to forgive. Her fighting power had nearly destroyed everything but failed in all but one.

Japan had been hit the hardest in the three days of apocalyptic destruction. Children were left with eyes rolled back and heads busted, oozing out a pink pancake batter with a touch of red syrup. Some would even have their bodies horrendously had been dismembered from their legs or even their chest as if Mother Nature tried to do an experiment that had gone wrong. The crimes Nature committed was too much for the people of Japan to bear, so they left what had remained to live somewhere else. They abandoned the lands of ancestors and modern technology to decay in the elements.

Almost as soon as the closing act of the Apocalypse, a mysterious phenomenon started to come into view. A mysterious energy of colored balls floated alongside the oceans, land, and sky as they nestled on anyone that was unlucky; fish, animal, plant, and people. Animals of Japan also felt the energy’s effects when some specks would nest on the skin. Almost as like a mosquito, it starts to create a straw that went into the skin that would bury itself inside the blood veins and let out strange bacteria. These bacteria would follow the red blood cells until it finds the bones to which it will attach itself and burn them until they were at its desirable shape. The bone and bacteria would then transform into its next evolution. The victim will cry as their bodies would fall into the ground, feeling the bones cracking and moving to a favorable spot. The leftover Bacteria that didn’t nestle into a bone would then go and shape anything else it could find. Some will even change the color of the being and make a new tail or make a reaction to have hair grow in a fast pace. It will continue the transition until the new form has been completed. This transition had also affected fossils of ancient creatures from long ago but they were given mercy; as if their life had been given a second chance.

This transition has affected half of the animal, and fish population, and 1/3 of humans and fossils have felt the sudden changes as well. The ‘bacteria’ remained for days until they have faded away like a cloud. Their lost presence brought relief to the ‘lucky ones’ and continued to their daily lives. However, the ‘unlucky ones’ had changed inordinately to where they no longer looked normal. Their appearance had brought in terror amongst the people and a whirlwind of screams would fill the air as if it was a horror movie. These now ‘strange’ creatures were named ‘Pokémon’, by the many scientists and anthropologists that have studied them.

So with the history of the Apocalypse recorded, it is now time to go to the real story. It has been 50 years since the People of Japan had to abandon their homeland, now taken over by Pokémon and Animals [who had dodged the mysterious bacteria]. These creatures have taken over the abandoned land and disposed everything that had the stench of humans. Both have now taken over what were Tokyo and Hiroshima, and now have divided Japan into Territories. They have built towns, gave them names such as Kamiki Village, Shinshu Fields, Yakushi Village, Hanasaki Valley, Agata Forest, Tsuta Ruins, Taka Pass, Kusa Village, Gale Shrine, Moon Cave, City Checkpoint, Se’ian City, Ryoshima Coast, and the Northern Lands.

These new towns were placed in different territories and then divided them up into four sections; ruled by four different groups. One of the groups was called ‘Eukasia’, they have decided to reside part of the ocean that faced towards the west with the residing Moon Cave. Eukasia owned Agata Forest, half of Taka Pass, Shinshu Fields, Hanasaki Valley, Yakushi Village, and Kamiki. While the other group named Darnvia owned the other half of Taka Pass, Sasa Sanctuary, Kusa Village, and Gale Shrine. Taka pass was the most complicated thing to think about since Darnvia was in between Eukasia and Ellinia. Despite two groups’ tension, Eukasia and Darnvia stroke a deal that a pathway that connected Eukasia and Ellinia was accepted so the two can trade with the Western side. The Western Side had Sei’an City and Ryoshima Coast, owned by the Ellinia tribe while the last group called Oni took the Northern Lands. The Northern Lands were favored due to its snowy conditions and the Oni group loved to feel the cold water land on their tongues. With all that, Eukasia will be the group most focused upon.

Out of the four territories, Eukasia was more perplex by its diversity within themselves and how they lived through their daily lives. The leaders of Eukasia actually were two brothers that called themselves the ‘Wolff Brothers’.

These brothers came from Africa during the 5-year Poaching era where people went to extreme measure to get income. One of the brothers was named Otonashi, an Absol known for its warnings of disaster. He had a red feline body covered with black fur and a ruff that was around his neck and chest, along with a white-black oval shaped jewel on top of his forehead. His face was cat-like in a way with sharp green eyes that can only belong to a true predator. He had a red sickle-shaped tail and a sickle-shaped weapon. His weapon was on top of his head, the handle covered by another tuft which circled the oval-like jewel. The tuft then would end at his right creating an awkward hairstyle; almost emo-like without covering the eye in any way. He could climb the highest of mountains with his broad, circular feet that were equipped with three claws on each paw. He also had spikes that protruded from the heels of his hind legs and the elbows of his anterior legs.

Otonashi lead his empire with his brother, Kaminari. They both had different appearance, making them look too different to be brothers despite sharing the same blood. Kami was a lion; a lion that was as blue as the purest lake. His mane was spiky, covered in black that went from his head to the front and back legs. He also had a long thin tail painted in charcoal with a gold, four-pointed start at the end, replacing a big tuft at the end that normal Lions inherited. The 4”07 lion had gold-colored rings that were painted on the backs of all his legs showing off his electric powers. His species was named Luxray.

Both of them had leaned toward peace within the other leaders including Ellinia and Oni. However, the tension between them and Darnvia remained the same….until an unfortunate event would grow to be a bigger problem and a discovery of a lifetime.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This story will now begin at Shinshu Fields, where most of Eukasia had lived. Shinshu fields were well known for its massive grass fields and a huge cherry-blossom tree that would dance to the wind’s harmonious songs. Everyone was now fast asleep in their homes to get ready for the next day. All except two Warriors: Waiting for their leader to approach from the cave that leads to Hanasaki Valley.

“We were supposed to be down at the village 20 minutes ago! What’s the holdup?!” A canine which resembled a mythical Ryukyuan Shisa growled, pacing around in a frantic manner waiting for the leaders to arrive. His head was covered in cream-colored hair with the exception of its eyes and ears which showed the color of orange. His fur was covered in orange with black stripes and a big patch of black on its belly. His legs were covered in patches of cream-colored fur like his chest and tail, resembling his strength of fire and his swift speed. He lifted his paw that had three toes and a round pink paw pad in an attempt to scratch the wooden gate. His patience was running thin like a dim fire that was soon turning to dust. The 5 foot dog was close to tearing the whole gate down.

“Don’t get so feisty ‘THAT’ soon! We just delivered the message 5 minutes ago, their coming down soon.” A fairly big, dark colored snake whispers to the Dog. She had yellow lexagon markings that went from her head to tail. Along with that she had small yellow bumps on her belly and various purple scar-shaped marks. With her red poisonous fangs and a blood-color bladelike tail she was showing signs that someone was coming out of that cave soon. Her fierce red eyes already suggested she was a dangerous person to mess with. “We do not need to cause any problems now Max, for sure we can’t risk any conflict here.”

“They should’ve been out soon though Trace!” He barks at her, “I would’ve done this by myself while the brothers are taking their sweet time going slow!”

“Who’s slow?” A husky, soft tone mewed through the gate as it rises to let out a blue Lion. “I’m sorry, was there a problem?” Kami stared down at the two with a face of a father scolding a child.

“N-No, you’re on time.” Max yipped a little, even though he could easily take him on with his ‘human’ air goggles behind the Lion’s oval-shaped ears. “Where’s Otto? Is he out yet?”

“He’s busy with something.” The lion sat down facing the two.

“But what if the village had already been annihilated right about now Sir?! What are we going to do?!” Trace was blubbering in pure anguish.

“Now Now, if I know Darnvia right, they are very hesitant on fights like this.” Kami calmly told them trying to get them to stop barking in protest. While he tried to cool the tension, the Absol had made himself known. His head that resembled a Yin-Yang symbol turned to the two. “You realize how much noise you are making?! I remember kits and pups that knew the words ‘Shut up!’ better than you all!” His mean demeanor was enough to make the two feel humiliated.

“That’s no way for an Absol to act.” Kami breathed out toward his brother with a solemn face. “And for a Leader to talk to them that was trying to lend a hand.” Otto eyed at the Luxray, stunned that he would say such things. “Alright, I admit. I did it harshly but did they have to wake up the whole village?!” He then took a deep breath and then spoke up once again: “Alright then, what are we dealing with?”

Max was the first to come forward of the 3”04 Absol. “Well, according to witnesses the soldiers from Darnvia went to their village that sat on sits on the border between us and the kingdom. It seemed to be that Darnvia wants to expand their territory.”

“Did they ask the villagers about the whole expanding territory plan?” Kami questions.

“That’s what I heard-.” Then Max sets down a leaf, covered in red paint. “-but the village wanted to be independent so they refused. And as a result, the kingdom took over forcefully and whoever fought back to protect their home were……killed.”

Kami stared down at the lead for the longest time before speaking: “Was it all males that died? Any females too? What about Children?”
Max grew silent until his voice grew quiet, not wanting to be heard. “Whoever says ‘No’ dies at that spot.”

Otto turned his head, with his eyes closed shut. They would squint at the thought of screams ringing and metal shanking the victims with all their might. “Damn those Bastards. We’re moving immediately! We will also try to find any survivors. If you find any soldier, you have my permission to beat the living hell out of them till they don’t breathe.”

“Aye!” Tracy saluted with her tail on her forehead. “I will assemble the other warriors and tell them of your message.” She then starts to speed down the hill as Kami, Otto, and Max went towards the forest path that will lead them to Agata Forest….and then to Taka Pass. They soon were met up with Tracy and a good few other warriors that will follow them to their destination. With no hint of doubt, the group headed toward the village by going through Agata Forest. The place was a swampy forest that lies south west of Shinshu Fields. The centre piece of the forest is a giant lake with lots of small islands in it. The islands have giant trees on them which had later become a look-out base for Eukasia. The lake area is surrounded by cliffs and the cliff tops contain lots of thick trees that made the area completely black letting in no access to light. The group crossed the rapids of the Agata River with the only thing holding their weight was a big log, depicted as a bridge for them.

The small army took their time to cross, helping each other to get over safely. Otto just froze the river with his Ice powers so that he and his brother can get across instead of relying on a piece of wood.

Then they have reached Taka Pass; it was true to its name, as it was a large plain surrounded by mountain ranges, giving the location the terrain of a mountain pass, or a hollow-like area. The mountain ranges surrounding the pass are cut in several parts, creating the paths to Agata Forest and the City Checkpoint. On one cliff, a cave was bored into the mountains, creating a series of caves and tunnels that leads to an upper elevation, where Taka Pass' Cherry-Blossom tree rests. In the ranges, one mountain is Mt. Kamiji, where Kusa Village lies at the top, connected to the lower plain by a set of stone staircase, carved directly into the mountain. There is also a waterfall that flows from atop Mount Kamiji, which seems to originate from small water canals in the flower garden of Kusa Village. The terrain of Taka Pass is of a hollow, and as such, the closer to the center of the pass, the lower the elevation. Several parts of the plain were also dug away into pits, with an elevation lower than even the plain itself, and dirt paths on slopes connect them to the main elevation. Interestingly, these pits seems to be formed by nature itself, since the mentioned waterfall eventually flows into a small pond in a pit, where a haunted house rests, and there is no other known flows of the waterfall that leads away from this pit; thus the waterfall has been flowing into this pit for a long time, proving its natural formation.

Taka Pass has a very varied biodiversity, whether in flora or fauna. Clusters of bamboo are found almost anywhere in the pass and near the entrance to the City Checkpoint, many Sakura trees are found. Scattered throughout the plain are lines of large trees that are also found at other locations of Eastern Nippon.

“Are we even at the village yet?” Otto mumbled, as he and his army took their first steps onto the Pass trying to find the scent of the village. He then soon smells something that made him suspicious: fire.

“I don’t like this at all.” Kami trembled, feeling the harsh air around him before his brother stepped up. “The village is over there to my right. Find any survivors and kill any Darnvia soldier that dares challenge us!” He then sprints off toward the bamboos that lead to the ruins of a once small village with Kami following behind. The two could only fathom what the place used to look like before; lively, colorful, and clean…now it was as if a deadly storm consumed everything and let out some scraps. Their eyes widened in horror as now the whole area was covered in crimson liquid with bodies either stretched out, or bodies that are missing some of their limbs and faces. Faces had eyes now only showing white sockets instead of irises while others were buried too deep in rubble to even take out. Otto was in such a shock that his body was paralyzed; with his mouth long enough to touch the ground if stretched downward. Kami could only stare in pure sadness. “Unbelievable.”

As the two tried to absorb everything in, some of the warrior that had been on the search for enemies staggered over. “Sir, I found no signs of Darnvia soldiers anywhere. The deed is done.”

Otto coughed in a gagging motion before standing straight up on his four legs. He swiftly turned to glare at them: “Well, try to find survivors then!”
“But sir…it looks like everyone is dead.” Trace appeared from the bushes expressing sorrow. “I have checked the other part of the village and their all dead. And by the looks of this part of the village, none are alive.”

Kami shakes his head again as if he refused to believe it. “I will never forgive them for this.” He mulled, remembering an unatoned time that he wished could be done with. Otto merely shouts: “Check this part before assuming anything!” He didn’t hesitate to speak harshly at Trace, whom shivered at his anger. “I….I’ll go look.” She slivered on over to the other part of the village, checking everything and everyone. She knew the people here had died, but she cannot face Otonashi’s fury again so she made sure she had checked every corner. She then takes a deep breath, trying to not get too emotional but how can she not? When so many people of them died, how can someone stay that way? “Why? Why did it have to happen? Why can’t there be at least one who had survived?” She then knew it was time to go back and report to Otto until she felt a vibration from underneath; beating softly like a heart would. Frozen in place, she waited she waited for the right time to confirm the location. Trace turns her head to a structure that broke into many pieces with wood blocking the entrance. “It’s small…but…” She blinked a few times before being able to shout: “OTONASHI! KAMINARI!” Her yells grabbed their attention right away, running with their might only to slide 2 feet before being able to speak: “What?!”

“Someone’s alive! At that building right there! It’s very faint though!”
“Here?” Kami’s eyes shot at the ruined house. Taking in the destruction that probably was not going to open so easily. “Yes! It’s here. My hunting skills are never wrong! I felt a heartbeat.”

Otto headed to the door and pressured the blocked entrance with his paw. “Stand back.” He ordered them as he stepped back a good 5 feet away to lean forward with his legs erect and tense, as if ready for a battle. Then the ground below started to shake around him as the brown patches started to form into ice as if its temperature drastically has dropped. Then in a deft motion, a glacier of Ice shot up toward the skies and started to dip down like wave. It then aimed towards the door as if a gun bullet was penetrating the victim’s skin. Once the Ice had gone between the rubble, it made a huge hole that spanned 3 feet in height, and 6 feet in width. “Now let’s see who’s alive.” Otto sprinted through the entrance, leaving his brother and the ‘Hunter’ trying to catch up to him. The inside of the home was in such a bad shape that it was hard to tell which room was what and what it probably looked like. The smell of iron consumed Otonashi as he suddenly gags, unable to withstand such a sensitive odor. “Blood…we got corpses here.” The Absol whispered as he stumbled to where the stench came from. Once he was able to get through the rubble, his eyes spotted two beings lying on the ground, both too wounded and mangled to where their once true appearance had officially been lost.

The sight bewildered him, having his dinner come out through his throat. His throat then tingled in response to the throw-up yet it burned slightly from the sudden passage. “Otto?” Kami had ascended from the rubble to only see the same gory image. He too, had to let his dinner come out. Once he was done, Tracy was there looking solemn and even scared. “I still feel a heartbeat.”

“I don’t see anyone.”

“Well…” Tracy tried to find a way to answer Otto’s observation until a thought processed through her memory bank. “I…Question. Do mothers sometimes hide their baby under their stomach to protect them from harm?”

“Yeah…why?” Kami inquired, seeing that she had now slithered over to one of the bodies. She lifts her tail to slide underneath but she soon feels that her tail was above something tiny. In such a sudden motion, she flips the body over to see a tiny body, the source of the heartbeat. “That’s why.”

Flabbergasted, Otto and Kami scrambled themselves to get their act together. Tracy right away knew her job was done so she took off to find the other warriors. “I got this, catch up to her.” Otto told his brother as he went to pick up the little guy. Kami could only stare at him before he decided to follow Tracy out of the rubble. The Absol gazed down at the puppy with mangled fur, dirt patches, and a big red laceration on its side. ‘I’m so sorry child.” He whispers in a melancholy tone as he picked up the little one by the tuft of its neck, going back to the others before the rubble could detach the horror from the real world.

Once that one survivor has been found and rescued, they had no choice but to run to the nearest medic. But the closest will be in Sei’an City; which belonged to Ellinia. With fast speed, Otto and Kami bounded to the gates that separated the city from the costal beaches of the Ryoshima. “Let us in damn it! There’s a survivor.” Otto’s voice rang through the gates, letting the guy rest on his back as he urgently tried to make contact from the gate. It only took a good 3 seconds before one of the gates opened to let out an Ambipom by the name of Aniki. The purple monkey stood up at 3”11 with two tails, each with a large rounded hand that had three, red-tipped fingers. All of the tails had a cuft, shaped like a rounded frill on the ‘wrist’ area of those hands. The monkey’s feet and arms were purple with the inside of his ears all red like the brightest apple. He had an arrangement of a split hair sticking out from the top of his head that swayed with the soft winds. Aniki’s purple triangular nose twitched smelling the blood, which made his big, wide eyes grow even bigger. “You sure that this puppy is alive?”

“Yes Aniki and we’re sorry to intrude your Kingdom at this late hour. But we cannot risk taking that long journey back home.” Kami pleased with the Ambipom, letting him know this was serious.

The monkey did not hesitate: “Then come quickly.” He opens the door wide enough for the two to canter to the nearest medic. The warriors that followed them were dismissed and Tracy had to lead them back home to get some sleep.

Sei’an City was known as one of the biggest city in Japan. It alone covered Shinshu fields and Agata Forest which was why Aniki was not bothered by having only one town and one beach area. In fact since the three got along really well, they have often traded and some of the people travel back and forth to visit the other. The city lied in the center [or edge] of Lake Beewa [which connects to Agata Forest]. The large lake rested on the bottom of a deep hallow, surrounded by a mountain range, separating it from the other parts of Western Japan. This acted as a natural defense system for the Sei’an residence, with the only entrance being a gate and a high ledge leading to Ryoshima Coast. This ledge convinced the residence that Sei’an city is below sea level, probably once underwater.

The city was divided by two quarters. One was called Commoner Quarters, where the average working middle-class lived. This quarter also was where most of the trade and entertainment settled on for everyone to enjoy. The other quarter was called Noble Quarters, and it belonged to the upper-class, including Aniki himself since he leads the city. This quarter was only for the rich and had only been used for ceremonies and funerals. These two quarters were connected by a long red bridge that hovered over Lake Beewa and was mostly used as a look-out point.

Aniki laid on one of the Sakura trees that were next to one of the medic houses in the Commoner’s quarters, watching as the two brother’s heads drooped down to look at the ground. Their faces were hollow and darkened as if they were in a trance. Aniki could only try to console them: “It’s really late; you two should get some sleep.” That somehow triggered the two to look up at the monkey that was lying on his stomach. “Imma also send my messengers to tell your empire that you two are here and safe.”

“We don’t want to be a bother.”

“It’s no trouble.” Aniki then sits up and jumps off slowly. “And by the things you have experienced, we will need to work together to keep Darnvia in line. They have gone too far to invade your territory and try to take over.” Aniki then starts rotating one shoulder, with the other putting pressure on it. “Was there a reason for it?”

“No one knows.” Kami breathed out, watching Aniki lead them to a small home next to the medic’s house. It was shaped as a big box with Japanese wood and a sliding door made out of bamboo. “You can rest here for the night. I asked the medic and he said it is fine. You two have been through a catastrophic night.”

“Thank you Aniki.” Kami bowed to him, along with Otto copying him as they allowed themselves inside the moderately-conditioned shack. They soon see the Futama beds which must be for them. “Good night.”

“Likewise.” Aniki nodded before he slides the door shut, leaving the two leaders in complete darkness. Their only light source was the moon that flickered from the open window. As the two laid on the futamas, Otto decided to solicit him: “Will that kid be alright?”

Kami’s bright eyes started to glow from the dark space, showing amusement within his eyes: “I can’t say right now, the poor thing looked terrible.” He then started to inhale, and then exhale. “I can only pray at this point.” He muttered those words before exhaustion consumed him. Otto, later too, gave in to the same exact thing.
___________________________

Morning had arrived, letting the sun happily arise from the mountains of Fugi. The cherry blossoms are dancing alongside the slight breeze that came and went. The two leaders had already snuggled onto the beds with tranquility, letting their muscles relax after a tiring experience. One however, would get a rude wake-up call.

Otto could feel a tiny pressure on his back, following it by a light whimper. “Ugh, get off me.” He growled, not knowing who it was nor did he care at that point. When the jumping continued, Otto sprang up to his fours and was about to snap at the culprit until Aniki’s voice came through the door: “Kid?! Kid!” The Ambipom forced the doors open to see Otto’s frustrated expression, which later on softened.

A little pup sat there eyeing at the Absol with blue eyes; matching the color of the vast ocean. His scleras were white like snow, and it seemed to glow a bit with anticipation. The pup’s body was grey, with black coloration on its face, feet, ear insides, and underbelly. The coloration on his underbelly however was not continuous, with it being separated from the other that was on his throat. The pup’s red nose twitched in a sequence with his long bushy tail, remaining silent despite his rumbled and shaggy fur twitching. His fur sat on his lower back near tail, giving him a ragged look. He then lifts his paw, trying to get the Absol’s attention. His paw pads were grey, fitting his main fur color.

Otto could only stare at this pup, amazed on how different he looked than last night. But also what amazed him was that he knew a Poochyena always had yellow scleras and red irises, not to mention that they were known for their two fangs that poked out of their lower jaw. But this pup did not have red eyes, yellow scleras, or even fangs!

“There you are!” Aniki spoke up, feeling relief consume him. “I told you that this place was off-limits.” He scolded, seeing the pup drop his head in response. Otto took the opportunity to inquiry the monkey: “How is this pup even up and about?”

“I don’t know. That night you brought him here; he was in terrible shape and was barely breathing. We patched him up and left him to rest.” He then starts to pant, showing Otto how dead-worried the leader was. “Then all the sudden, we found him running around the room, acting all giddy and excited. It was as if nothing happened.” Once he was done explaining, Kami lets out a huge yawn signaling everyone that he was waking up. “What’s wrong?” The lion’s voice caught the pup’s attention really quickly, letting the curiosity take over him. The little guy proceeded to stalk to where he was, taking a whiff of his scent. Kami too did the same thing until he soon realizes the scent was familiar.

“This kid’s awake?!”

“Yeah, Apparently so.” Otto chuckles, finding Kami’s surprise a little amusing. He then goes to watch the pup lightly patting Kami’s nose, wondering how it will react. Aniki took a deep breath: “I really have no idea what to say at this point. I just know that either he is a fast healer, or the gods really favor this boy.”

When the pup was done investigating the Lion, he went back to Otto. The pup then turned around to face the same direction as him and sit down having his head lean against his chest. Kami blinked a bit, with Aniki appalled by the pup. “What you all gawking at?” Otto cross-examined the two, wondering why their expression was like humans when they have first seen aliens.

“Well…it’s just that…oooooh...” Aniki arms fidgeted with his tail lying down on the ground.

“Well What?”

“Normally a child only sits down that close with their fathers.”
“So? What does it have to do wi-?” As soon as Aniki mentioned ‘father’, Otto froze at his stance and felt his face go pale. “Otonashi.” Aniki spoke in a serious tone. “Were they any other bodies there besides the pup?”
“Yeah there was, but they looked…. ‘Gross’. It was to the point we can’t make out their image.” Aniki closes his eyes and shakes his head: “You were carrying him when we got here. Your scent is all over him. He thinks you’re the father.”

Kami immediately stood up: “What?! Why?”

“If I remember correctly, usually puppies don’t pick up scents until they are 8 weeks old. When the medic did a check-up last light, the pup now just turned 8 weeks. So his first scent happened to be you, and once that scent is picked up they will assume it’s their parents.”

The poochyena wagged his tail, eyeing the familiar face he thought was his father. “I don’t know…raising someone not of your species takes a whole lot of responsibility. Not to mention we won’t know if he has a medical condition or if there are life cycles he has to go through.” Kami’s voice sounded hesitant, as if this could be a dangerous job. The whole ‘father’ thing killed Otto. The pup will never see his true parents, the pup is living the same scenario as the Absol whose parents also got killed before he could even see him…or pick up their scent. His eyes had a little moisture in them before he closed them and narrowed: “How hard can raising a pup be?”

“It is very hard! You need to feed him, discipline him, educate him, and not to mention keep a watchful eye on them in case of danger.” Kami retorted at him, understanding the difficulty of raising someone without support of a mother, father, or anyone. “It is very hard.” The lion repeated those words again, with Aniki stepping in. “But he’ll probably be safer with you two for now. Not to mention he trust you guys, so it will leave the burden of gaining his trust. After all, I think Darnvia has a secret and is not spilling it.” Aniki crosses his arms, feeling suspicious of the corrupt group.

Otto acknowledged that statement, and chooses to stand up and walk away. The pup recognized that he was leaving and bounded after him. His little footsteps made Otto stop at his tracks and think about the consequence of his actions; good and bad. Kami got beside him, poking him with his tail. “I’ll help you out along the way. I might as well be the Uncle.” He let out a soft snicker as he turns to Aniki: “Thank you for everything.”

“It’s no trouble. But if you find out anything, inform me as soon as possible.” He then gave them a little wave, watching the three strolling away from the little house to go back home. The pup then looked back and imitated a bow he memorized from the morning he woke up, and then proceeded to catch up to his family.

The three have finally reached the ledge, turning to overlook at Sei’an city before a tiny voice intervened: “Where we going?” Astounded, the two glanced at the little pup that has now spoken for the first time in his life. “Speaking of that, he needs a name.” Otto mumbled, eyeing the sky a bit before he soon recalled his own Father’s name. “Hidehara.”

The pup immediately turned to face Otto at that point: “Hidehara?”

“Your name.” Otto says to him, “That is your identity from now on: Hidehara.” Kami was pretty impressed with the way Otto educates the pup about his new name. The pup nodded: “Ok…and Dad: are we going home?” The Absol stared at his brother, now understanding that life was going to change in unexpected ways: “We are going home…home indeed.” The two then started to lead the way for the pup so he can see his new home for the first time. They faced the sun that was towards the east as they have left Sei’an city and traveled back to Shinshu Fields, where the trip of fatherhood truly began.