Warning: Swearing and uhhh Death! Yea! Death!Chapter 31:
The dawn slowly arrived and many shewolves begun to stir from their restless slumber, some however had stayed up all night too anxious for the coming battle and were already prepared for the day.
In one of Sakae’s tent, the newly appointed Alpha was watching her mate sleep peacefully while one hand idly stroked the kitsune’s bare back. Yuka had awakened long before dawn came and instead of getting up to prepare for the day the shewolf had spent her time basking in her mate’s presence. She still found it surreal that she was bonded and going to be a parent soon but she was beyond happy, more than she had in her whole life.
“How long will you lay there and watch?” Kumi suddenly spoke but her eyes were still closed as if to feign sleep.
“Forever I hope.” Yuka grinned as Kumi’s eyes finally opened, a frown formed on the kitsune’s face that was then followed by a slap on her shoulder.
“And you’re still disgustingly sweet…” Kumi relaxed against her bondmate, letting her tails fan over their nude bodies with most of it laying possessively over Yuka. A third one seem to have sprouted, making it easier to cover the shewolf’s body and her own, the reason that her tails were returning could be from another round of intense love making. They had stayed in the baths until their fingers pruned and became dizzy from the heat, fortunately no one had walked in on them. It will be one of the many nights that the kitsune won’t forget.
Yuka kissed the top of Kumi’s head, breathing in her mate’s sweet scent when she pulled away she had a regretful look on her face. “I have to get up now though, I need to prepare for the day.”
“Must you really go?” Kumi tightened her hold on Yuka, the shewolf could feel her kitsune’s pout against her shoulder. “Stay for a while.”
“I’m sorry but I need to.” The shewolf slowly untangled herself from Kumi’s embrace, when she sat on the edge of the bed, she felt the kitsune’s warmth against her back and she looked at her mate over her shoulder. “Can you help me put on my armor?”
At Kumi’s nod the shewolf searched for an undershirt and pants, putting them on when she found them and walked towards her armor stand. After their visit to the baths, the shewolf had managed to stay awake long enough to work on her armor and despite the dimness of the room, it still gleamed as if Seira had just finished polishing it. She placed her palm against the breastplate, feeling the cold seeping into her skin and quietly prayed to the gods that after this she’ll be able to enjoy the rest of her life in peace. She was tired of drawing her sword already and all she wants to do now is to raise her pups with Kumi and make Sakae prosper.
She felt her mate’s arms wrap around her waist and the warmth against her back. “Remember what you told me, you’ll come back to us safe.”
“I will.” The shewolf spoke as she turned and knelt in front of Kumi, pressing her cheek against her bondmate’s swelling belly. “Have our pups moved yet? I want to feel them kick!”
“Kinoshita-san said that will take a few moon cycles before they start kicking but I’ve felt them fluttering within.” Kumi explained as she stroked the top of Yuka’s head, occasionally scratching the back of the shewolf’s neck. She still worried about the dangers that Yuka and Sayaka will face but she trusted them enough to take care of themselves. “Now stand up if you want me to help you put on your armor.”
Yuka did as Kumi asked as she did so, her arms snaked around Kumi’s waist, pulling the kitsune towards her for a heated kiss. Unable to stop herself, her hands moved away from her kitsune’s waist, moving downwards to squeeze Kumi’s butt and earning herself a gasp. It was still early, far too early and Yuka thought that she might have a bit of time for a quick fuck with her mate. A quick one for good luck.
“Nakanishi-san, the first group is ready for deployment and Sayaka asked if you would like to meet with her before you could defile her surrogate daughter any further.” Sawako spoke in her usual monotone, causing the bondmates to break their kiss immediately.
A furious blush bloomed on their cheeks and Kumi hid her naked body with her tails while burying her face on Yuka’s shoulder. While the two were embarrassed at being found in a compromising position Sawako seemed completely unfazed that her leader was about to turn around and press the kitsune up against the armor rack to ‘defile’ her.
Yuka cleared her throat from embarrassment. “H-how long have you been standing there?”
“Since you woke up, Nakanishi-san.”
“I see… why didn’t you wake me?!”
Yuka could of sworn she saw a ghost of a smile on Sawako's face. "You looked busy, so I decided to wait for your mate to wake. It's still very early after all."
The Sakae Alpha simply nodded, too embarrassed to continue questioning the sneaky assistant. "Can you tell Sayaka to wait for us at the food tent?" She asked, wanting a bit of privacy.
"Of course." Sawako nodded, before bowing and leaving, she did as requested of the Namba Alpha. Relaying her message, and preventing Yuka from 'violating' her daughter on such an important day.
As usual, the temporary advisor faded into darkness, Yuka still had no idea how she was able to do that, and she's never seen Seira do it either. Her friend was too boisterous to be as stealthy as Sawako.
Shaking her head, she glanced down at her still embarrassed mate, and placed a kiss on her forehead. "Guess we'll have to wait to be alone again. Are you still going to help me?"
Kumi nodded, pulling away, but this she went to grab the robes she wore yesterday. She didn't want anyone but Yuka looking at her body. Returning, she carefully began helping her mate dress. She remembered how to get the shewolf out of the armor, but getting her into it was a different story.
--
Sleep never did come to the Namba Alpha, as she stretched her body, finally deciding to get out of bed. She thought after sending Sawako off with a message a few hours ago, that she’d finally get tired enough to sleep, but it never happened. Unlike her, Miyuki passed out upon going to bed last night. So the shewolf spent the whole night, memorizing her mate’s features. Sayaka yawned, her body tense from being Miyuki's pillow.
Relighting the fire within the hut, she poked and prodded it, making sure it was strong enough to give her light, as the sun wasn't quite high enough.
The added warmth helping to ease her nerves. Once she was sure the fire was stable, Sayaka moved from the hearth.
'Today's the day.' She sighed, approaching the chest located away from from their bed. Opening it, she started pulling out traditional Namba armor to place it on the table next to it, which is completely different from Sakaes.
The light leather cuirass was dyed black and fitted to hug her body perfectly and just like Yuka’s armor it stretched down to protect her upper thighs but the material changed to something much lighter and easier to move around in. Worn over the protective section for the thighs was a battle skirt made of leather that stopped just above her knee, a design that they’ve taken from Roman armies that they’ve seen marching in villages in the west long ago. A design that was made for mobility and agility in combat.
On her arms were leather gauntlets covered with segmented steel, reaching all the way up to her elbows. The steel covering it would protect her and make her attacks more painful. She was one of the few that preferred to fight without weapons, preferring the more traditional way of getting things done in her clan; bashing heads while punching.
Over the cuirass a breastplate that will protect the vital parts of her body, it followed the same pattern on her armband and the one she had painted on Yuka’s palm, the symbol of her family. The armor was made the day after she became Alpha and to celebrate; her friend Aina had handcrafted every piece of it, down to the very little details. She missed Aina already and was justifiably angry about how she died. Sayaka hoped that that anger will be enough to help fulfill her promise to Nana.
Sayaka's ear twitched, as she picked up the sound Miyuki waking up. "Sayaka?" She called out lazily.
"I'm here." The shewolf replied, grabbing a cloth nearby, as she began polishing the rarely used armor. It was in very good shape, and she was grateful to her Beta for grabbing it for her during their escape. "Its still early. Why don't you go back to sleep?"
Miyuki simply shook her head, as she wrapped the fur blanket more around her body. She wasn’t going back to sleep, but it was still pretty cold without Sayaka’s body heat beside her.
“Did you get any sleep?” She questioned, watching her mate from behind.
“Unfortunately no. But don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” The shewolf paused from her work to look at her mate, a line of worry forming on her forehead. “You’ll be in Yuka’s group, within the medic tents right?”
The human stood up from the bed and approached her mate, the blanket still wrapped around her tightly. She placed a hand on the shewolf’s cheek and felt the warmth that emanated from Sayaka. “Yes, I’ll be there with Yuka. Come find me after everything is done?"
Sayaka nodded and Miyuki leaned forward to give the shewolf a quick kiss just as a knock on the door was heard. The shewolf went back to polishing her armor while Miyuki left to see who knocked.
A few minutes later, Miyuki returned to her side. “That was Sawako, she said that Yuka will meet with you at Sakae’s food tent.”
“Good then she won’t be able to do vile things to Kumi any further.” Sayaka growled and did one final check on the armor before putting it down. “Let me put on this armor first and I can go see her.”
Miyuki shook her head at Sayaka overprotectiveness over Kumi. It was amusing to see Sayaka gripe over Kumi and Yuka’s union. It was a preview on how Sayaka might be if their children ever find their mates.
After this, they will really miss having the kitsune around to dote on. The kitsune wasn’t her own flesh and blood but she had brought the motherly instinct from Miyuki, immediately bonding her with Kumi when they first found her. With her fondness for the kitsune, it wasn’t long for Sayaka to take a liking to Kumi also.
She moved behind the shewolf and started to fiddle with the ties on Sayaka’s leathers. “I’m sure you do more vile things to me than Yuka does to Kumi.”
“Gah!” Sayaka shuddered, shrugging her clothes off her body before picking up a roll of bandages. She’ll have to bind her breasts to make fighting easier, it’s uncomfortable but necessary. The shewolf wasn’t able to do it last time in Sakae because Rena’s army had arrived unexpectedly. “Don’t make me think about it!”
“As endearing as your parental instinct is over Kumi…” Miyuki spoke, taking the bandage and wrapping it around Sayaka’s chest. “...she’s happy and I don’t think there’s no one else that she deserves other than Yuka.”
Sayaka grunted as Miyuki tightened the bandages. “You sound like her mother.”
“Didn’t we sort of adopt her? And before Yuka even realized that Kumi was her mate, you seem fine to offer her to Yuka just to help you in return.” The human retorted, making one final tug before securing the binding. When Sayaka didn’t say anything in return, she placed her hands around the shewolf’s sides while gently resting her chin on a shoulder. “So why do you keep pretending to hate it when Yuka makes Kumi happy?”
Sayaka picked up the armor and pulled it over her head, making Miyuki step back. “Then Yuka won’t be scared of me anymore, it’s part of being an in-law.”
Miyuki giggled while helping Sayaka tighten the straps. “That’s a dumb thing to say.”
Sayaka smiled a bit, the banter she was having with her mate was distracting her from her grave thoughts. It might have happened out of nowhere but it helped lighten her mood a bit. She tightened the straps on the metal plates on her armor while Miyuki went to prepare her med kit. The armor was a bit heavy but nothing she could ignore unlike the brigandine that was given to her back in Sakae, this was one was made for her, fitted for her and made by no one else but her friend.
The shewolf turned around and was pulled in for a kiss by Miyuki. Her hands were immediately on her mate’s waist while Miyuki threaded one hand through the shewolf’s hair while the other was cupping the shewolf’s cheek. A whole minute might have passed or maybe more before they broke the kiss, resting their foreheads against the other’s as they tried to catch their breath.
“For good luck.” Miyuki breathed out taking a step back, her hands sliding down the shewolf’s hands. “I’ll see you later. Hopefully, not in the infirmary.”
“Take care of yourself.”
The human backed away and slowly let go of the shewolf’s hand. She won’t be able to see Sayaka until after the siege is done because of her skills she was assigned to a few tents of her own with Yukiko. Monitoring and helping anyone who comes in, she’ll be just as busy as anyone on the front lines but she’ll be a good distance away from harm and that’s all Sayaka needs to know.
“Yuka is probably expecting you soon.” Miyuki muttered sheepishly.
Sayaka simply hummed, before going back to her chest, and pulling out another set of leather garbs. Turning around she presented them to Miyuki. “These are for you, if something was to happen, these should protect you. They’re the same quality of my own armor, just without the metal plating, cause they’re heavy and-”
The human raised a finger to the rambling shewolf’s lips, touched by how the shewolf would do anything to make sure she was safe. “Thank you. I’ll change right now. You should get going.”
Sayaka left reluctantly after that, as much as she’d like to stay a little longer with her mate she needed to meet with her Beta and fellow Alpha again for some last minute checks on their plans.
She was approaching Sakae’s food tent when she heard a booming voice delivering a speech, out of curiosity she followed it and was surprised to find Sawako standing on a pedestal and reading a scroll that have been most likely written by Yuka. It unnerved her that a little bit that that the shewolf that barely spoke above a whisper had such a loud voice that can be practically heard all over the camp. The Sakae borns around her didn’t seem to care though and were paying rapt attention to Sawako.
“...may not be your war but our reason for being here is not only for the sake of our allies in Namba but for the future of our own kind! These rogues are a threat and the destruction they cause will hurt our on people in the end. If you are not fighting for the sake of our allies in Namba then do it for the sake of our own future!”
The shewolves around Sayaka hollered and stomped the ground, showing the side that made Sakae known for their love of war. Sayaka walked away and continued her way to the food tent, contemplating along the way the differences between each clan. She found it amazing that despite they were of the same race, each seem to have their own special characteristic. Be it from their culture or the way they dress, if Sayaka ever tried to visit the other clans; it would feel like visiting a different world.
--
Sayaka met up with Yuka and her Beta who were having a light meal as well as packing up some food for their march home, she looked around for Kumi but didn’t find the kitsune anywhere in the food tent.
“She’s safe. Far from the battle and she won’t be coming with us.” Yuka explained, moving her plate aside and pulling out a small map from her pack.
“She’s staying here?”
“I have all my personal guards keeping an eye of this place along with a contingent of my soldiers and your own. They’ll be enough to ward off whatever tries to take this place.” Yuka reasoned.
“I believe this place is better fortified than our home. We’ve dug up some of the plans of this place and the only way that it can be infiltrated is to literally break down the walls.” Kei spoke up. “There’s a lot of things we can learn from this place when we win this siege I think it’d be a good idea to have a few of our own stay here to do research.”
"We could find something good other than the ale then.” Sayaka joked, looking at the map that Yuka had spread out for them. “What do we have here?”
“I just want to make sure that we are all aware in what to do.” Yuka explained, she pointed to a portion of the map where a large circle was marked. “This is where we’ll be attacking from, hopefully the group we sent out first will have done more scouting and preparing the area for us without getting caught.”
“I was never clear on how your army was going to distract them.” Kei inquired, scratching her chin thoughtfully.
“Usual tactics of trying to storm a fortified location, just enough to get all of their attention on us. We might have to break down some walls that they made just to breach it.” Yuka tapped the map far from the circle. “We’ll send out a signal when we think that we have their attention for your infiltration groups to go in and then you’re free to go kill the rogue leader.”
Sayaka was quiet for a while, looking at the map thoughtfully and reflecting on all the events that brought them here. “Everything that has happened in the past few months have led to this. We’ll end this blight from where it began… and then maybe we can all sit down and have drink at the tavern back home. My treat.”
Namba’s Alpha walked closer to Sakae’s new Alpha and held her hand out for a warrior’s handshake. Yuka grabbed the offered hand and smiled at her fellow Alpha. “Words cannot express how grateful I am for you coming here, Yuka. This isn’t exactly a battle you should be in but you came back with me to help anyway.”
“It’s the only way I could pay you back after helping me restore peace to Sakae… and I think we all know that this threat is more dangerous than we think. I’m proud to be able to stop a crisis before it even starts for the good of our own kind.” Yuka spoke as she let go of Sayaka’s arm.
Sayaka snorted. “You’re too noble.”
Before Yuka could give a retort, Kei called out to both Alphas. “Other than that icky moment that you two shared, it’s best that we stop dallying. We have a long march ahead of us and I can’t wait to feel someone’s throat collapsing under my grasp.”
The two Alphas nodded and followed after Kei, as they left the tent both of their thoughts drifted to their mates, each one sending a silent prayer to the gods to protect them as they go into battle.
--
The march back to Namba took more than a day, Sayaka and Kei’s small infiltration groups had separated away from Yuka’s main army. The numbers that Sakae’s Alpha would surely catch the attention of the rogue scouts and would report it to the leader but Yuka didn’t care. She wanted to make sure that by the time that they reach Sayaka’s home, the rogues would be prepared and the attention will be on them, allowing the other groups to surround the area and try to sneak in.
The sun was already beginning to set when they arrived and they brazenly lit their torches just to let the rogues know that they were there. Yuka’s scouts have been hiding in the trees, using the thick foliage and noise of the wildlife to hide their presence, They had relayed information that Yuka had expected, the rogues were confused but seemed to be preparing to defend themselves if they decided to attack.
Which, of course, they will.
Yuka expected them to send a messenger tomorrow in the morning to inquire about their presence and she’ll kindly ask them to surrender Namba’s lands to Sakae or face her army. She had to make her intent clear so that they’ll see her as a threat then Sayaka could go in during the chaos and defeat the rogue leader. It was a bit of a shot in the dark since they don’t know what the rogue leader looks like, except for the fact that she had the same shade of fur as Sayaka’s in their shifted form.
Her thoughts drifted to her mate, sending a silent prayer to the gods that nothing would happen to the kitsune once again. It hurt her to be separated from her bondmate, it literally felt like there was a hole in her heart that was aching for her mate’s presence. The kind of feeling was the same who found their mates but for those who have bonded it seemed to be much stronger. She resisted the urge to run back to her mate and make love to her, even if it’s barely been a day.
The shewolf’s ears twitched when she heard the voices of her guards outside her tent and a few moments later Miyuki entered, smiling at the Alpha in greeting.
“Miyuki, good evening. Is there something you need?” Yuka asked but the human shook her head and walked up to her desk, placing a couple of vials of the elixir she made for the wolfsbane.
“I’m just here to bring you these and check on you.”
“You miss Sayaka already?” Yuka guessed, seeing Miyuki look a less spirited than she usually was and the heavy sigh that Miyuki released showed her that she guessed right. The need to be near one’s mate goes both ways and if Miyuki feels that way then so does Sayaka.
“Is it the same for you?”
The shewolf nodded, before releasing another pent up sigh. She’s gotten spoiled of having her Kitsune around, and now that they’re apart she’s not taking it too well. Raising a hand to scratch her neck, she left the collar that was still on her neck. Yuka has already gotten used to the leather, that she’d forgotten to ask if she can remove it.
“More so now that we’re bonded. Somehow being bonded to one’s mate makes the connection stronger. I don’t know if it’s the same for the other clans, maybe if you and Sayaka become bondmates, it will.” Yuka walked over to the small fire pit in the middle and put a water filled kettle over it. “Want to stay a bit and keep me company? I got tea.”
“It’s better than me sulking that Sayaka isn’t around.”
Yuka gestured towards the cushions surrounding the fire pit. “Make yourself comfortable while I prepare the tea.”
--
The messenger from the rogues arrived before noon, Yuka was waiting for the messenger at her tent with several of her guards were standing near her. The shewolf was advised by Miyuki to take the vial for wolfsbane, just in case the messenger tried anything. Her temporary abode had been modified a bit just for this situation; flaunt her power and show her superiority over Namba.
The best to show that was have everything she had at her disposal displayed. The Sakae Alpha’s humble abode had turned into something fitting for the fat human merchants. Yuka was surrounded by the most expensive furniture that she had brought along, sitting on the cushions like it was a throne. Her soldiers were lined up to form a path towards her tent, fully decked out in their armor and weapons as a show to intimidate the messenger.
They meant business and will not take no for an answer.
To the messenger's credit, she managed not to break into a sweat coming alone into hostile territory. She stopped when a pair of spears crossed before her, along with Sawako on the other side of them. The messenger would have to get through her first.
"State your business."
"Namba's Alpha send you all a message." She answered, pulling out a rolled up scroll.
Eyeing it carefully, Sawako took it, before scanning it. While the shewolf was reading the letter, the messenger looked over the shewolf’s shoulder to try and take a peek. What she saw was an intimidating Alpha with the most beautiful armor she’d seen and crafted for perfection. The Alpha looked bored and it might be the reason why she wanted to take over Namba, she had nothing else to do in her homeland.
Her job was not only to send this message but to count the enemy numbers and spot any weakness for them to take advantage of. The information she’d gathered so far was too much for her to comprehend.
"It's safe." Sawako whispered after an unnecessary long deliberation of the letter before handing the parchment to Yuka.
The Alpha shewolf quickly read it before snorting. "Your Alpha has some nerve, ordering us to leave. Glad we can still joke around during these tense times."
The messenger swallowed nervously at the laugher her ears picked up. Yuka saw the fear in her eyes and smirked, their ruse seem to be working well. "Don't be scared. I wouldn't kill the messenger."
The shewolf relaxed a bit, but soon regretted it, as the Sakae Alpha noticed. Yuka stood from her perch, walked towards the messenger in a deliberately slow pace. Every step the Alpha took towards the messenger seemed to be in time with the nervous beat of rogue’s heart. The Alpha was already intimidating from afar but to see that powerful presence approach and stalk towards her made her want to curl up like a pup, crying for her mother.
"But harming you to prove a point would suffice. If only Jurina or maybe even Rena was here, they’d enjoy this more than I would. Anyone can volunteer if they do wish to carry out a showing of Sakae's strength."
The amount of warriors who rose their hands almost caused the messenger to faint. She’s barely holding herself together just from Yuka’s presence but this is just too much. She felt searing pain at the back of her head and found herself on her knees as two shewolves took hold of arms in a tight grip. The Alpha had moved closer to her, gripping the letter in her hand while looking down on her as if she was nothing.
“I appreciate that you took that time to acknowledge our presence and though I feel that way, I still won’t leave with my army.” Yuka started, crumpling the parchment then throwing it on the messenger’s face. “Please tell your leader, to give your land to me if not, I will raze your home to the ground and rebuild a new one from the remains of your fallen comrades. You have until sundown to surrender.”
The messenger was kicked in the back, falling face first onto the ground.
“Do whatever you want with her.” She heard the Alpha speak and she braced herself for what’s to come. “But make sure she’s alive to actually tell them.”
Yuka walked around the shewolf, tuning out the sounds of flesh striking flesh. Despite her longing for her kitsune, Yuka was glad that Kumi wasn’t here to see this. She wouldn’t want her mate to see such atrocities or even be reminded of her time as a slave. She had to be ruthless and cold to truly show the rogues that they were a threat.
“Make sure the messenger returns successfully and prepare everyone for our assault tonight.” Yuka said, knowing that Sawako was following behind her in her usual stealthy way before walking off to check on her troops.
--
Sayaka glared at the sky, wishing the sun would sink faster. They’ve camped out in the outskirts of their home, away from the rogue scout routes but close enough to do their job. They did their best not to be detected or noticed, camouflaging their meager camp as best as they could. The wait was giving her conflicted feelings, on one hand she was excited for the coming battle while on the other hand she was dreading the moment when she needs to kill the rogue Alpha. Hearing someone clear their throat, she turned her attention on them.
"Everyone is eating but you." Kei mentioned, holding two bowls. Holding one out, the Beta waited for it to be taken.
"Thanks."
"No problem."
The two began to eat in silence, the Namba Alpha thinking of her mate. Wondering if she's doing well without her. She knows that Miyuki can take care of herself, but can't stop herself from worrying over the human. Being separated from Miyuki, even just for the time being, riled up her inner wolf and longed to be with her mate. She wished Miyuki had come with her instead of staying at Yuka’s army, her mate’s presence would be able to give her some semblance of peace from her troubling thoughts.
Kei noticed her friend deep in thought. "You miss Miyuki already?" Sayaka grunted in reply, Kei already knew the answer and she was sure her Beta was missing Akari as much as she misses Miyuki. Seeing that she won’t get anything else from her friend the shewolf continued on. “I can’t wait to see Akari already, throw her on the bed, spread her legs and…”
“I don’t need to hear that.”
Kei simply shrugged, not offended by her Alpha's words. She’d accepted the fact that her friend was a bit of a prude. "Just trying to pass the time..."
"I know, but I still don't want to hear stories or your plans to fuck Akari. A warrior's mind should remain unclouded by such thoughts, especially before a battle." Sayaka huffed.
Kei held back laugh, Sayaka had such a huge stick up her ass. "It's been awhile since we actually had to fight something. Remember those fucking trolls?"
"The ones who kept coming on our hunting grounds? How could I forget. We showed them not to mess with us and the smell of their blood was a nightmare to wash from my leathers."
“I burned mine. Akari couldn’t stand the smell, even if I was damn sure that it’s all been washed off.”
While reminiscing about killing trolls, a scout bearing Sakae's color approached the two. "I bring news for Alpha Sayaka." The scout bowed her head, presenting a parchment for the two.
Kei was the one who grabbed it, and scanned it, nodding, she handed it Sayaka who too read it. "Seems like Yuka is making it hard for them. Everything is still going according to plan." Kei commented a moment later.
"Yes, everything is going smoothly and that's what worries me.” Sayaka threw the parchment into the fire before addressing the messenger. “Tell your Alpha everything is fine over here, and if you see my mate, tell her the same thing. You may return."
“Not liking how easy this is going?”
Sayaka shook her head. “No, it just means what comes later will be worse.” The shewolf paused, contemplating on what they should do next before turning around. “Let’s break camp, we’ll move a mile closer to home, we’ll be able to hear Yuka’s signal and get in there faster.”
--
Sundown came and the only response that Sakae received was the dead body of the messenger being thrown into the river. A clear sign that they were not going to surrender to Yuka and that’s just fine for Sakae’s Alpha, even if she found their response a little bit over dramatic. As soon as the sun disappeared from the horizon and the full moon taking it’s place, several shewolves rushed to the river bank, setting up makeshift barricades made of wood. They’ll be using these as cover in sending their fire tip arrows, just enough to cause a bit of chaos but not too much damage. The fire the arrows will make enough smoke and cover for them to send in the frontline troops to try and breach the walls.
With them assaulting from the front despite their locational disadvantage of being across the river, Sayaka should be able to slip inside undetected.
Yuka downed the elixir Miyuki made in one go, biting back a scowl at the strong bitter taste. She could see the torches on the enemies’ side flickering in the distance, most likely preparing to defend themselves and watching the arrows being lit up one by one by her soldiers. By her side, Sawako lifted her own bow, it’s tip glowing brightly and with a nod from Sakae’s Alpha, Sawako fired.
The first arrow was followed by a volley of fire arrows, raining down fire on the rogues. The arrows struck several targets and the fire slowly started to spread. The arrows they made were designed to create more smoke rather than spread fire, customizing it to what kind of wood the structures were made of, specifically the walls. Everyone on Sakae’s side could clearly hear the cries of surprise, panic and pain from those unfortunate enough to get hit.
Smoke started to rise from the flames, obscuring them from their enemies and providing them the cover they needed. Several groups rushed forward with their shields raised in front of them, crossing the river as fast as they could and hoping that the volley of arrows from the rogues wouldn’t hit them. Their job was to breach the walls, break it down for more of their troops to enter and cause havoc and the rogues had sent out some of their own to take care of those trying to breach their walls.
Yuka watched her soldiers infiltrate Sayaka’s home, she started to hear the familiar sounds of combat and, the familiar smell of battle, the scent of blood and sweat. They were in their element now, in the heat of battle they could feel their senses become stronger and sharper. She felt her heart rise and her blood rushing through her faster to spread the adrenaline. The shewolf’s hand itched to draw her sword but jumping into the battle wasn’t part of her plan and she’d keep her word to Kumi to stay safe.
“Sawako.” Yuka called out, watching the rogues form a disorganized line of defense. “Give the signal already. We have them where we want.”
The shewolf shifted forms and howled. It was long and drawn out, they were sure that the rogues were wondering what that howl meant but for everyone on Yuka’s side, knew that rogue Alpha’s reign will soon end.
--
Sayaka looked up at the full moon when she heard Sawako’s howl and was the first to shift forms, followed by Kei and the other shewolves with them. They’ve seen the smoke rise over their home and felt a brief tickle of worry of what was happening before remembering this was part of their plan.
Using the trees as cover for their approach and sounds of battle reached their ears as they neared their destination. A quick flick of the Namba Alpha's tail, and the group split in half.
A small opening was shown, a gap in the walls that Sakae had managed to create and with Sakae's distraction working successfully, the two groups stormed in. What they saw was complete and total chaos. Huts were on fire, smoke clouded the air, bodies of the dead who were shot down littered the ground. They couldsee some of Yuka’s soldiers fighting the rogues and from the looks of it Sakae was more superior in combat compared to the rogues.
But they ignored all the chaos around them to focus on their main mission, darting in between huts and avoiding detection. If the rogues noticed that Sayaka was here then they’ll realize that Sakae’s attack was just a ruse and would go after her instead.
Hiding behind a hut, Sayaka shifted back to her human form and waited for her group to follow suit. "We've successfully made it inside, Group two, you'll be covering us as we go for that false Alpha. The sooner we get this over with the better. Watch each others backs, kill anyone who's not on our side. They signed their lives over to us by not surrendering." Sayaka growled.
The two groups nodded in unison, Sayaka noticed the excited glint in Kei's eyes. "Watch my back." She requested, raising a fist as Kei hit it with her own.
"Always. Now let's kill us some mutts."
The two nodded at each other before glancing around the hut. "Where does she stay?" Sayaka asked, looking for any trace of a high profile shewolf.
"The council room, she changed it to fit her personal tastes. Fucking Tyrant." Kei hissed out, motioning to the well guarded long house.
The guards surrounding the long house looked in poor shape, barely paying attention, even with the on going raid nearby. It seemed that the rogue Alpha didn’t care much about her own people, only hungry for power. There were only standing by the entrance and a handful more patrolling the structure. In a different situation, Sayaka would have paused to try and guess the patterns of the guards but time wasn’t on their side and they need to finish their part quickly before they get anymore casualties. "Enough waiting. Let's go."
Sayaka dashed from her hiding spot, her group following behind her. By the time the guards realized they were being targeted, one was already on the ground, while the others scrambled to defend the hut.
"Don't let them through!" One bellowed, only to be taken down a moment later, sharp fangs tearing into her throat.
More guards rushed out of the hut, a few archers trying to cut down the two groups, but failing as their inexperience and surprise got to them. It did help that Sayaka’s group worked better together, their experience in hunting as pack gave them the perfect synergy in combat. Particularly, between Sayaka and Kei.
With most of the guards taken out, Sayaka whistled to her Beta who just finished ending another rogue's life. With a quick motion with her head, the two continued inside.
The two made it inside successfully with the rest staying outside to keep an eye out for anyone that might try to get inside, the carnage going on outside blocked by the walls and leaving them in an eerie silence. The darkness blinded them for a moment, until they saw at the end of the room, torches lighting the area.
A throne was set up at the end, and sitting on it was a well dressed shewolf. Looking up at the two intruders, she smiled tauntingly. "Are you here to end my life?" She asked calmly.
Sayaka narrowed her eyes at the wolf. She glanced over at Kei, wondering if the wolf before her was the false Alpha, but seeing that her Beta was shaking with rage. It proved that, her assumption was correct, and thats all that the Namba Alpha needed to know. The two rightful leaders of Namba watched as the false Alpha stood from her throne.
"Let me handle this." Kei spoke, taking a step forward, only for Sayaka's hand to land in her shoulder.
"Calm down, your rage is blinding you. She wants you to be angry." Sayaka pulled on Kei’s shoulder, making her Beta step back. “And you know the rules, I’m an Alpha that gives me the right to be the one to challenge her in fair combat.”
“Challenge her and make her hurt.” Kei growled out, reluctantly stepping back while Sayaka took a few steps forward. The Beta watched her friend stand taller, radiating the aura that made Sayaka a fearsome and respected Alpha of Namba.
“I challenge you for the right as Namba’s Alpha in fair combat, a battle to the death.”
The rogue Alpha bared her fangs and growled at the shewolves before her. “I’ll make sure that yours won’t be a quick death.”
The rogue Alpha immediately shifted forms and so did Sayaka, growls and barks started to fill the room as the two sized up each other. Kei could feel the tension rise in the room and it made the fine hairs on her neck rise.
Sayaka circled around carefully, watching the rogue's every move, looking for any stray movements or weaknesses. Before she could catch anything, the other wolf attacked. Wide, snapping jaws went for Sayaka's neck, but with her quick reflexes, the Namba Alpha dodged.
Sayaka turned then kicked up her hind legs, and slammed them into the other shewolf's side, her back paws digging into her fur, scratching her deeply. The surprised whimper that left the false Alpha's mouth was satisfying. Circling back around, Sayaka continued with attacks, occasionally getting a few bites in, the blood of her enemy staining around her mouth, the taste disgusted her but it fueled her to fight harder.
The rogue managed to recover from most of the attacks, managing to inflict her own damage to Sayaka. Hooking her jaw around the once wounded leg of Namba's Alpha. Sayaka managed to kick her off. Taking pressure off her leg, the shewolf threw herself at the rogue, the two rolling around, going for each other's necks, loud and angry snarling echoed through the building.
Ending up on top, the Namba Alpha inflicted bites wherever she could, before she was thrown off. Scrambling back up, the two shewolves began circling around again, both panting heavily, drool dripping from their mouths both still trying to look bigger than the other. Their basic instincts was taking over, both of them wanting to win, the need to survive making this battle harsher for the both them.
Sooner than Sayaka thought, blood and fur was seen along the ground. Mostly coming from the rogue Alpha. The heavy panting mixed with all the wounds, was slowing down the enemy shewolf.
She found it odd that this rogue, this high and mighty shewolf was getting her ass handed to her, as if she wasn't putting up much of a fight. She didn't let the thought stay in her mind too long, as she dodged another attack, tripping the shewolf, who fell forward, falling on her wounded side, a pain filled cry filling the air.
Taking advantage of the fall, Sayaka towered over the wolf, her paw pressing to her chest, keeping her down. Growling down at the wolf, she dared her to move from her spot. Her less than glorious victory was nearing its peak.
All she had to do was break the shewolf's neck. Simple and way, except she couldn't find it in her to do it. She's been dreading this part for days, killing and beheading the rogue, like Nana wanted her to.
"Why the hell are you hesitating?" Kei asked, moving closer to the two panting wolves.
She could see how wounded both of them were, but the shewolf on her side was in worse shape and would soon bleed to death. Sayaka made her true strength shown to the rogue, she was Alpha now and what she needs to do next is to kill the usurper, unless she yields.
The rogue took that brief moment of hesitation to strike, twisting wildly and sinking her jaws into any part of Sayaka she could reach, she even managed to claw the Namba Alpha's face, angry marks running from the bottom of her left eye towards her mouth, blood spurting from the wound.
Sayaka shook off the shewolf from her and on instinct sank her teeth into the rogue’s neck. She shook her head as her teeth sank deeper and deeper, crushing flesh and bone. By the time she had let go, the rogue’s neck was completely ravaged and beyond recognition.
Sayaka shifted back, spitting out blood from her mouth and tried to wipe away the rest that covered her and glared the dead wolf in front of her. The usurper’s dead, the rogues will know, they’ll sense a shift in air and, soon it won’t take long for them to surrender and retreat. She tried to calm her erratic breathing, trying to ready herself for what she was going to do next.
“She could’ve killed you right there!”
Sayaka looked up upon hearing her Beta and shook her head. “She didn’t and I’m Alpha now that doesn’t matter anymore.”
The Beta watched her friend kneel next to the cadaver, she wondered what they were still doing here when they should be outside helping their allies clean up what’s left of the rogues. She watched Sayaka pull out a knife from her belt, her friend’s hands were shaking as they moved closer to the dead shewolf’s neck
“What are you doing?”
Sayaka paused, her hand hovering over the ravaged flesh of the former rogue Alpha. Thoughts flew through her head, she could tell her friend to get out so she could get it over and done with. She’d rather not let anyone witness her do this if she could just muster enough courage to do so. Or she should trust her Beta and tell the truth, her promise to Nana and the sin she has to commit. She was torn between her fealty to her friend and her duty as Alpha to follow their laws.
“Sayaka… what are you planning to do?” Kei’s face came into the Alpha field of vision and her hand clench tightly on the knife’s handle. She felt Kei’s cover her own, tugging on it lightly to gain her attention.
“You won’t like it if I tell you.”
Kei narrowed her eyes, not liking Sayaka's answer. "Try me."
Sighing loudly, Sayaka looked at her Beta. "How do I explain this..." The shewolf trailed off, thinking of the right way to word what she was going to do. “You’re aware I had a chat with Nana right?” She asked, looking up at Kei.
Nodding slowly, Nana hadn’t talked to her at all and when she tried the shewolf ignored her, opting to look out the window than at her. She knew her friend was blaming her for Aina’s death and it hurt Kei like a knife in the gut. “What does she have to do with this?”
“She was upset, angry, and she made-...She made me promise to do something. “ Sayaka looked back down at the dead shewolf, before back up at her Beta. Her grip on the knife tightening a bit. “She wants me to bring back her head.”
The Beta remained stoic but in her mind she was reeling at what her friend had confided in her. Every shewolf knew the implications of what Sayaka is about to do and for the consequences... an exile would be considered merciful.
“I can’t let you do that!”
"It's not for me, it's for Nana! You've seen her, she's broken... If this will ease her, then I'm willing to shoulder this sin."
Kei swallowed nervously, her hand in Sayaka's tightened. "I know you, and you won't take this well. You’ll let this fester and destroy you for the rest of your life. Let me do it, for her."
"Kei-"
“I’ve done unspeakable things just for our people, things that you won’t like and would hang me for even if I’m your friend. You know that. What can one more sin do to my already damned soul.” Kei reasoned, hoping to convince her friend. It was true that between her and Sayaka, Kei was more brutal in carrying out their laws. She was the iron hand while Sayaka was the compassionate leader, if there was something that Sayaka wouldn’t do even if it benefited their people, Kei would step in. She would do anything for Namba and especially for her friend. "Please, this might be the only way I can make amends to her even if she doesn’t know about it."
Sayaka sighed and let her Beta take the knife from her. The shewolf felt as if the tension built up in her slip away. Standing up, she turned away from her best friend and the corpse. "I'll... I'll go watch the door."
Kei watched Sayaka retreat, and she didn't blame her. The thought of doing this made her stomach feel queasy but it’s better that she go through this than her friend.
"Gods forgive me." She muttered, before plunging the knife into the lifeless flesh.
--
Miyuki was restless, with the amount of wolves coming in, she barely had time to rest. So far everyone who's come in was alive and kicking. Most of them were either losing blood from multiple cut wounds, or had broken bones that had to be realigned and placed in a splint. There were traces of wolfsbane in some of the arrows that she pulled out but it seemed her invention had stopped it from working.
"Miyuki." Yui called softly, reaching out and placing her hand on Miyuki's shoulder. "Come rest with me. We've been working most of the night."
"Can we afford to take a break?"
Yui looked around, and then outside. There wasn't much going on, only a few wolves wandering around. "I don't see why not, we can grab a bite to eat. If something happens, we'll still be close by."
Miyuki simply nodded. Before waiting on Yui. The doctor went to say something to her mate, before kissing her cheek. Miyuki felt a bit jealous of Yui for having her mate so close by, while Sayaka was out doing Gods know what.
"Are you alright?" Yui asked, bring the herbalist back from her thoughts. "You seem out of it."
"I'm fine, a bit tired."
"Good thing we're on break then. I need a few cups of tea."
“You mean booze.” Miyuki commented and she noticed a break in Yui’s stoic face. “Don’t try to deny it. I’m not sure how Paru doesn’t notice it but you reek of alcohol.”
“I… well, it helps.”
“How?” The herbalist asked, watching Yui pour some of the ale from Sakae into her cup of tea. She cringed inwardly, she’d tried that back when she and Sayaka visited Sakae. The taste was horrible to put it mildly.
“It’s a thing.” Seeing Miyuki’s narrowed eyes. “My mentor used to do it and I think it just rubbed off me. When I asked why she drinks, she said it helps dull her sense of smell. She hated how the stench of blood seem to stick to her hands no matter how much she cleans it. At least I’m not drinking directly from the bottle, the old woman used to drink right in front of patients.”
Miyuki nursed her tea as Yui took a sip of her own cup. “What if you make a mistake because of that? What will you do then?”
“If I stop.” Yui took a longer sip of her drink. “I won’t be able to hold back from cutting my patients to pieces.”
The doctor saw Miyuki’s eyes widen. “We all have our secrets here Miyuki.”
--
"What's taking them so long?" Yuka wondered aloud, most of the fighting had died down, and she was now inside the walls, looking for any survivors, as well has any wounded allies.
After sending off their first wave to breach the walls, the rogue’s had sent their own volley of arrows. The arrows had been dipped in wolfsbane of course but they were fortunate to have Miyuki’s elixir to help them. One of them had managed to embed on her unprotected arm, instead of doubling over from the pain, Yuka pulled out the arrow and charged right in, unheeding that she wasn’t supposed to join the fray as original planned. On hindsight that was a reckless move from her but she had been angry that the armor that Seira had made for became stained. She’d cut done any rogue that was close, coming out with barely a scratch with the exception on the wound on her arm and maybe a couple of bruises.
In the midst of the battle the rogues suddenly stopped fighting and started running. Her soldiers chased down the one’s they could catch, killing them quickly before chasing after the next one. The rogues sudden retreat was a clear sign that their leader was dead, with no one to lead them the rogues had no purpose and nothing to hold them together.
Squinting her eyes, she noticed a wounded figure approaching her. It was one of her scouts and from the looks of it she was in critical condition.
"Assist her!" She barked out her order, upon realizing who exactly it was.
A few soldiers rushed over to her, a stretcher being rolled out by two of them. By the time Yuka got over there, the scout was already on it.
"Thank the Gods." She breathed, her voice sounding raw.
Pulling out her water sack, Sakae's Alpha allowed Ogiso to drink from it. "Get her to Yukko. I won't allow either of them to suffer."
Yuka didn't bother to take her sack back, she didn't need it half as badly as the other shewolf did. "Look for others. I want no deaths from my own, not here."
Sawako appeared to Yuka's side. "We've located Sayaka-san, and her Beta."
"Take me to them."
--
Kei and Sayaka burned the shewolf’s body as it was the only way they could hide what they’ve done. The head was kept in a sack held in Sayaka’s hand, blood still dripping at the bottom and forming a pool by her feet. Sakae’s Alpha and Beta looked at pyre each with a different expression on their face, one with remorse and the other with an odd calmness about her.
“I’m sorry.” Sayaka spoke up, breaking the tense silence between them. This was supposed to be a burden she had to bear on her own but instead her friend had stepped in for her, taking it off her hands just so she could sleep easy at night. It made her feel guilty that Kei had always to be the one to make the hard decisions and this might be the most difficult one that she had her friend shoulder for.
“It had to be done.” The Beta replied, looking away from the fire to look at the bloody sack and then to her friend. “She doesn’t need to know that I was the one who did it. What’s important is that you fulfilled her promise.”
“She doesn’t need to know.” Sayaka repeated as if saying it again would make it easier. “Nobody needs to know.”
“Sayaka! Kei!” The shewolves heard from behind them, making both of them look toward the source.
Yuka was walking towards them with a questioning look on her face. As her fellow Alpha came closer, Sayaka made sure that the sack was hidden from view. Yuka had been a good friend and ally to her but this was something she could not trust Yuka with and if the shewolf was anything like a lawful leader, she would have Kei and Sayaka hanged.
“The Rogue Alpha’s pyre.” Sayaka nodded her head towards the fire behind her and Kei. “Her lackeys are gone and we thought that we should be respectful enough to send her soul to the Hunting Grounds.”
“That’s... kind of you.” Yuka remarked. She stood next to Kei and watched the fire consume the shewolf’s body. “What’s it like fighting her? Did she present enough of a challenge for you to honor her like this?”
“Good enough.” Sayaka lied.
The three of them stood there for a few minutes, watching the pyre until Yuka turned to gaze at the other two shewolves. “The same thing should be done for the rogues we killed. It’s the right thing to do and I don’t think you’d want their rotting cadavers littering your streets.”
“That would be the most unpleasant welcoming committee then.” Kei remarked. The longer Yuka stayed here, the more likely it is for her to find out what they’ve really done to the Rogue Alpha so she needs to draw Yuka away from here. “We should start on it already.”
“You two go ahead. I think I’d like to stay for a while.” Sayaka muttered, not bothering to look away from the pyre.
“Alright.” Yuka acquiesced. “Don’t be long though, Miyuki already misses you.”
Sayaka listened to Kei and Yuka’s footsteps fade and when she was sure that they were gone. She shifted forms, gingerly grabbed the sack into her jaw before sprinting off. The shewolf followed the path north, moving in deeper into their sacred forest and close to the border between Namba and Akiba.
The deeper one goes into their forest, the first thing they would notice was the deafening silence, this would have been welcomed by people who preferred to spend some time alone to think or escape the headache inducing noises but somehow the absence of any sound was discomforting. It made her ears pop and Sayaka had to swallow hard every time to stop it from happening. Along with the absence of any sounds was the nonexistent wildlife, with the exception of the trees there wasn’t any living thing in sight and not even a single twitter from a distant bird.
These things didn’t bother Sayaka that much, the silence and the lack of any living thing besides her was something she could deal with. She could concentrate on her breathing or grind her teeth to distract herself from the deafening silence.
She saw a clearing ahead and as soon as she stepped into it the sounds of the forest returned. Sayaka felt relieved that the sounds had returned, living in forest for her whole life had taught her to appreciate her home from the game it provided and every rustle of a leaf. Right in the middle of the clearing was an aging Sylvan tree one of the many that dotted Namba’s domain, it’s form was crooked, it’s white bark old and peeling with it’s red leaves barely hanging on to their stems.
To strangers the tree might look like it was dying but for the Namba natives, the old tree was entering a long slumber after protecting this portion of the forest for so long. When it has finally rested, the tree will become very much alive and a beautiful site to see.
Sayaka wanted to walk closer to the tree but her recent actions made her feel unworthy and so she stayed near the edge of the clearing, waiting for Nana to come take the bloody sack from her. This was where they planned to meet up once Sayaka was able to accomplish her task, the shewolf wasn’t sure what Nana would do to it but only thing came to mind.
Her friend might want to bury near the corrupted Sylvan trees, caused by the plague that had come to Namba long before Sayaka was even born. Those corrupted Sylvan’s were the reason why Namba borns reveres these trees so much because when the plague happened the trees took the plague into themselves, preventing it from infecting shewolves. After that they have been forbidden to go near to any of the trees, for fear that they might end up carrying the plague with them.
Her friend might have chosen that place to bury the head because no one would go there, the fear had been instilled so strongly in them. She dropped the sack and sat on the ground, idly digging on the dirt with her paw. With the Sylvan tree in this clearing going to sleep, the plants seemed to look a little dull as if they were saddened that their protector was going to leave, even for a while. If Nana isn’t going to the corrupted Sylvan trees then she didn’t know where her friend would go.
“You’ve done it.”
Sayaka whined and watched her friend emerge from the treeline across the clearing. She didn’t bother to shift, she didn’t even know what to say to her friend. When Nana was a few feet in front of her, Sayaka hesitantly picked it up and brought it to her friend’s feet. The blood has finally dried but the smell of rotting flesh was starting to come off of it.
Nana stroked the top of Sayaka’s head when she came close to pick up the sack, taking a quick peek inside it before taking it. “You can go home, I’ll come back soon.”
The Alpha whined again and moved to follow Nana but the grieving shewolf held out a dagger, pressing it dangerously close to her eye. Sayaka took a few steps back, folding her ears and whining at her friend.
Nana saw the fear and worry in Sayaka’s eyes so she sheathed her knife. Sayaka was only worried for her and though she touched by friend’s concern, she won’t let it stop her from doing what she needs to do.
“Give Aina a proper burial, honor her as a hero for the first of us to speak out against the Rogue Alpha.” Nana rubbed Sayaka’s neck, not minding the dried blood covering her fingers and nails. “Try not to worry. I’ll come back soon.”
Sayaka watched Nana walk away and barely stopped herself from following after, instead she howled. A long mournful howl for her friend.
Topic: Outcast and the Exiled Announcement 12/25 (Read 86740 times)