Karetaki Woodland

[Jeriah]

The Karetaki Woodland (枯れた, "Deadwood Forest") is a large woods on the southern end of the Land of Wolves. It is full of dead trees that seem to have been snapped at their trunk unnaturally. Some odd and unusually large beast must have done so...

 

[Dusmas]

During the timeskip

Ayako and Fenrir had been running for what seemed like 3 hours at most, though they couldn't be sure. The constant change of scenery was a beautiful view for them on their journey. Though, Ayako couldn't help but think of her children, their faces flashing in her mind. "Thinking about your kids?" Fenrir spoke up, sensing Ayako's inner emotions and the turmoil inside of her. "Yes. I regret not saying goodbye, though it was definitely for the best. They'll understand, I hope. I just want to get this mission done as fast as possible and get home to them...But I also think this journey might be good for me." Ayako was thinking about how this mission could possibly benefit her while Fenrir on the other hand was just happy to see Ayako expressing emotion which was drastically different from the young child that was sent up to her own Clan's mountain to die but didn't understand why she was hated so much.

Finally, the two arrived and Ayako and Fenrir did immediate recon to check the safety of the area. Fenrir took the low ground and checked the bushes and tighter areas of the snow covered forest within a 25 mile radius and Ayako did the same, hopping from tree to tree to check for people or animals that could perhaps be spies. Once they made sure that a 25 miles radius for the meeting location was clear, they both made their way back to check on the items that Ayako brought with them;

The first thing on the inventory list was Tōboekotsu (遠吠え骨, "Howling Bone ") which was Ayako's Katana. The Katana was shaking in it's hilt excitedly, finally getting to go on a mission after so long. "Oh settle down, will you? You'll arouse the attention of the very people we don't want to notice us at this rate." The sword pulled it's self an inch from the hilt and slammed it's self back in - It's way of catching an attitude with Ayako. She was desperately fighting her urge to argue with it, as per usual. After that, Ayako check the rest of her inventory. Basic Kunai, shuriken and paper bombs. A shinobi's best friends in a pinch. Fishing wire and a map of the Land of Wolves, Ayako had previously been to the Land of Wolves some years ago and come back with Momoko, her daughter. Before that, Ayako was sent to the Land of Wolves as a child by her mother to further her Taijutsu experience. Besides these, Ayako had made sure to pack her medical scrolls that contained her tools sealed inside and medical scrolls that contained medical scriptures. Among many other items.

Ayako made sure that she was beyond prepared for this mission, so much so that she brought Fenrir as a medical assistant and extra muscle power if needed. Fenrir had already shrunk down to a smaller size in order to help maintain the secrecy of the mission.

Currently

Ayako sat on the floor, her back against a tree. Her head rested back on the tree as well, her eyes closed. She decided to take a small rest as she awaited the company of the others, Fenrir also resting with her head in Ayako's lap. The two looked peaceful. Like nothing more than a woman and her wolf. They kind of fit in with the Clan that was in this land, considering this Clan was once a part of her own.

For a minute, Ayako opened her eyes to look at the sky, her hand stroking over Fenrir's fur. She was thinking about what he new team mates could possibly be like and if they would perhaps get along. She hoped they would, it was always nice to have more friends and if anyone needed friends, it would be the lone wolf, Ayako. Especially after pushing people away for many years. She shook her head, closing her eyes again and drifting into a nap while she waited their arrival. ​

 

[Tsukuyomi]

Despite her drifting off into sleep, Ayako's nap would not go undisturbed as the air began to shift around her. Appearing before her would be a large fluid portal, seemingly made of water. The face of the portal seemed almost identical to the surface of a lake, ripples flowing through its form, almost as if someone was skipping stones across a calm body of water. Appearing from it was a mysterious being of short stature, it donned a simple layered yukata-like outfit with bowl-like black hair and what looked like a thick broken eggshell over his head forming around its face and covering all but its eyes. From his visible features, it could be gathered that he wasn't human. He had long sharp webbed hands and snake-like eyes, first peering its head through the portal before the rest of its body shortly after. The being laid its eyes upon the pale-skinned woman, nodding and cleared his throat.

"The coast is clear, Sir."

As he called out deeper into the portal, what appeared from the surface of the portal would dwarf not only him, but Ayako herself. Stepping through the portal was none other than Kojin The Destroyer. He planted his feet on the ground, placing his hands on his hips, looking deeper into the cold forest, taking in his surroundings, and ensuring the coast was clear for the most part. He looked down at the small figure, placing a hand on his head.

"We sure ain't in Land of Islands anymore, that's for sure. Good job, Yoshiko. Go ahead and take care of what I asked of you, I can handle things here."

Kojin remarked, dismissing the entity and allowing it to return to its own devices. As the creature walked back through the portal and it dissipated, Kojin laid his eyes upon Ayako and her wolf sleeping against a tree. He couldn't help but grin from ear to ear, his foolish nature flooded his mind with a wealth of mischievous thoughts. However, due to the nature of this mission, he held back. He leaned back against a nearby tree, standing directly across from Ayako and crossing his arms.

"It smells of wet dog. I wonder if it's you...or the mutt?"

Kojin spoke in his normal loud tone in attempts to wake Ayako from her temporary slumber. He stared from Fenrir to Ayako, in that order, referring to Ayako herself as "the mutt". He laughed loudly, condensation spilling from his mouth with every chuckle. If his remarks didn't wake Ayako, his borderline obnoxious laugh surely would.

​

 

[Yozu]

With the cold brittle air and forceful winds, these pack of wolves would have picked up the "scent" of a human being, the pack of wolves darted off toward the Southern side of the Forest where the scent originated from, each step they took would leave paw prints in the snow, their stamina and speed allowed them to reach their destination in mere moments, that is where the scent had gotten stronger their noses completely filled with the foul stench of humans, being masters of stealth and ambushing, they would simply lay in wait.. watching. For now.

Their eyes following their targets, each of the wolves following a target. Judging by appearance they had only but assumed the "buffer" human was the "alpha" and as the Alpha of this pack. His own eyes would be fixated on him. They made not a single beep. Not a single snap of wood and thankfully given the snowy area, the snow muffled their quick approach. Their eyes fixated on their targets not masked with killing intent, for now..

They would have lowered themselves into the snow, with their grey, white and black underfur, made them "disappear" into the snow, the only thing visable would be their black eyes, staring them down. Waiting.

 

[Eno]

It had been years since Kouwei had been in contact with the United Republic. The last time he'd accepted a mission request from them was when they were under the lead of the late Heiwa Sōzō. Upon his arrival at the FIA Headquarters he'd abandoned his meeting with Ketsugo and made his way to the roof of the building once he'd received the coordinates to the mission's meeting place. Many decades had passed since the monk had ventured anywhere near the Land of Lightning. He preferred staying within the center of the Shinobi Continent as he claimed the climate to be the most suitable for his desired living conditions. With the untimely winter storm sweeping the nation, he nearly leaned towards declining before reaching his conclusion to journey to the Land of Wolves. However, this opportunity presented him the chance to get a change in scenery. With a yellow rift appearing before him the monk would've removed a purple scroll lined with formula thought to contain other items. With the left hand being used to remove the scroll from his hakama, and the right being used to perform the Enclosing Technique to seal Gūtara within it. While his eyes shifted back and forth checking his surroundings, he'd simultaneously been performing the needed hand seals to utilize the Aperture Rift Technique. Just a foot ahead of him a yellow rift would've appeared and ploddingly consume his figure.

Atop the very tree that the Lone Wolf leaned against for her slumber, the black and red hakama sported by the Gōkin could be seen emerging from his rift. Silently landing on a branch and fixating his eyes on the two beings and animal below. The sharingan's activation was only to ensure that the people before him matched with those identified in the mission details. It was to his understanding that his teammates would be two males and a female, so he was lead to believe these were his other squad members. "Hmmm so everybody just walks around with oversized animals now." Kouwei's interest in Fenrir increasingly grew as he took notice of the chakra level and spiritual essence possessed by the creature. Without drawing the attention of the other's he'd sat along the edge of the branch and entered a meditative state. Although his eyes were closed his dojutsu remained activated, and while undergoing the process he would continually mold and change his chakra to sensory type. When entering foreign land's or any establishment not native to his homeland, he was to take the needed precautions to ensure his safety. As such with the vast knowledge he'd gathered pertaining to people and foreign lands combined with his various means of sensory abilities; there were very few capable of escaping the scope of his senses. Assuming the other's in attendance had done there fair share of intel gathering on the mission and it's whereabouts then they'd surely known to be prepared for whatever surprises the woodlands may hold. In this case they happened to have been caught in a game of cat and mouse, unfortunately the wildlife had mistaken them to be prey in this instance. Having yet to budge from his position, the monk awaited to get a first hand evaluation of his teammates before his introduction.

 

[Jag]

He hadn’t left yet. It’s not because he couldn’t, but more so he wouldn’t. There were a few things he had to do. A few people he had to check on. See to Kirinji, not many things were important in this world. This is partly due to his detachment to the Waking World and also because most of the things and people he loved had been washed away by the strongest of currents. Time. Now more than ever was a great reason to check on them. Would they remember him or had he been forgotten by them as well? And if they did what would they feel? Would it shock them, anger them, or make them happy? He would assume anger, but you never know when you're face to face and in the predicament. Fortunately for him, the two he had to see were in the same area.

“Oi,” the voice called out to the group from above. It was clear to grab their attention as nothing was said after that. Standing above them upon one of the large dead trees was a man adorned in an almost ceremonial set of clothing. His right arm bandaged as always and his signature blue hair flowing lightly with the slight breeze. Despite his lack of clothing, he was entirely unphased by the weather and the properties within the air, almost as if he had a bubble surrounding him that counter-acted it. Not only that, but his presence was completely masked. Sure to some this would be shocking. They’d glance upon the blue-haired man and acknowledge seeing him, but they wouldn’t feel his presence. It was as if no one was there at all. The mark of a true shinobi. However, to others that knew him, it was nothing out of the ordinary. Once they had turned around, they’d notice that the purple-hued eyes of the man were focussed directly on Kouwei Uchiha and after a momentary pause and smile, “Gūtara, is that you? My, my, you’ve grown...fat!” The man chuckled to himself as he glanced over toward Kojin, looking the man up and down before moving onto the last individual. The woman. By this point, his chuckled had died down and he had locked eyes with her. Almost like a trance. Even if Kouwei had said anything in response, he wouldn’t break the look between him and the woman. It continued to an extent that it would become awkward for the other two, whether it be from the stare or the silence.

They had known each other, but the others had not known that. From the glare they exchanged, any person with social skills would be able to see that they weren’t friends or enemies. They weren’t acquaintances either. It was more than that. Finally, the silence broke and it was the man upon the tree who would break it. His straight face transitioned into a warm and gentle smile “Hello, love. Been some time, hasn’t it?” Shocking revelation for everyone, even his own brother, Uchiha Kouwei. With his arms crossed upon his chest, he glanced over toward the wolf that accompanied the woman, nodding at her as if he were paying his respects. “Fenrir.” While he awaited their responses, he expected some sort of animosity. After all, he was someone that would leave unexpectedly and without warning. He must get it from his mother.

While the forceful winds assisted the wolves in picking up the scent of the group of individuals that had already been present, they also worked against them, especially against Kirinji’s passive air pressure sensory technique. This allowed him to sense disturbances in the air that would not be natural. He knew exactly where they were and only allowed for them to believe they were hidden. Regardless, what they were here or what they wanted was none of his concern. He was merely there to see how two people he held dear to him were.

 

[Dusmas]

Ayako was quick to notice the arrival of Kojin but refrained from opening her eyes. Fenrir, however, opened one of her eyes and looked at Kojin from head to toe. She only spent a few seconds checking him over before her eyes closed again, turning her head to nudge Ayako with her nose. Ayako opened her eyes, looking at Kojin "You look like a girl I used to play with when I was younger. She had very beautiful eyes and hair the same colour as yours. Though, poor girl had to wear bandages across her eyes. I wish I could meet her again and offer to help her..." Her eyes closed again, a sigh escaping her lips and she leaned further back into the tree. Ayako could of course smell the wolves that were approaching them. It was no surprise to Ayako and Fenrir, probably why they were so relaxed. Monokuro no jiyū (モノクロの自由) wolves were better than an average wolf, and much bigger. Since the Clan that resided within this Land was once part of the Ōkami Clan, it was only natural that there would be the "Ōkami wolves" here too.

Ayako gripped the sheath of her sword and stood it up against the tree. It was almost like the sassy Katana wanted to watch these wolves, and so Ayako granted it's request. "They seem to be interested in him. Perhaps it's because of his build, they might think he's an Alpha." Ayako knew the thought process of these wolves well, it was her own thought process. Meeting people, she'd soon figure out who of the group was what role so she understood the wolves way of thinking. "Want me to play with them for a little while?" Fenrir's head remained in Ayako's lap as she spoke up, Ayako shaking her head "Leave them. If you become regular sized again, you'll attract unwanted attention...More than we already have." "It was probably his scent that attracted them...I can smell him from here. Stale water. Or maybe that was his egg-shell looking creature...Either way, the smell is lingering." While Ayako was unable to be sarcastic and fire back, Fenrir was more than sarcastic enough for the both of them. So much so that to further the "joke" Fenrir hid her nose in Ayako's shirt to shield her nose from the 'stale water' smell she mentioned.

Ayako sighed, rubbing behind Fenrir's ears as if to say 'Play nice. We don't need discord sewn between what should be a close knit team'. Just then, Ayako noticed the presence of their second team member and she looked up, taking in his features. Kouwei's comment caused Fenrir to huff loudly, "This is actually miles too small of a form to take for me, mind your manners." Being thousands of years old, Fenrir had watched many people evolve over the years and the only thing that she took notice of that was in a fast decline was their lack of respect for their Elders and the attitudes of young Shinobi that carried on to their adulthood. Though, she couldn't exactly speak on all of the Shinobi - Some still had enough respect to great their Elders.

Ayako's head was already back against the tree and her eyes were closed again. She truly was a picture of beauty. Small and plush lips, snow white hair that was in the process of growing after being cut 56 hours prior and now sat at the mid of her back all loose and messy as if she had just woke up. Her skin was pale and almost flawless apart from the mark that sat on her right eye as a reminder of her father. Her features were so delicate and soft, her body was curvy but athletic with an obvious amount of muscle mass that she built up through training from the age of six. Meanwhile her personality was quite the opposite - Her EQ was non-existent and she was incapable of loving or hating, being sarcastic or angry, sad or happy. She was a blank slate, though the two team mates that had arrived were probably unaware of what Ayako was truly like, and thus, were bound to be frustrated by her constant blank face and nonchalant voice.

Her peace only lasted a few seconds before a familiar scent practically battered her nose. Her eyes flew open and she turned her head in this man's direction. The sword resting against the tree couldn't settle, it started to act as if it was crazed to get up the tree to the new arrival. Ayako grabbed the Katana and laid it flat, her eyes fixated on Kirinji Uchiha with a glare that would be full of hate if she could express it. Her reaction was to be expected after their history. Fenrir tried to hide her laughter at Kirinji calling Kouwei fat - Though she was thousands of years old and said to be known as 'level-headed and wise', she sure was petty. Ayako however, was too busy glaring at Kirinji to even try and be amused and the words Kirinji spoke only fuelled Ayako's glare.

​

"Not long enough. Why are you here?"
Here words were icy, her previously round pupils had become slits in her eyes and her brows were knitted into a sharp frown. Though, her glare and the stud in her ear were contradicting her. While her glare said "I hate you" the earring said "I miss you". Perhaps this didn't cross her mind at the time. Fenrir nodded her head back to Kirinji though, placing her paw on Ayako's arm
"Ayako, that's enough."
Fenrir spoke softly to Ayako, but that proved useless and so, Fenrir sat up and smashed her head into Ayako's forehead, sternly scolding her as if Fenrir was her mother
"Enough, Ayama! Compose yourself!"
Ayako rubbed her forehead, her glare disappearing with a headbutt from Fenrir. Her eyebrows were knitted together while she looked at Fenrir with a slightly pouty face, the same face she'd given Fenrir every time she'd been scolded in the past.

 

[Tsukuyomi]

Kojin's eyes widened at the mention of a girl who looked similar to him with bandages on her eyes. It was almost as though Ayako pulled something loose in the man, a distant memory, a question whose answer constantly illuded him. He stared at Ayako for what seemed to be a lifetime, ignoring the appearance of Kouwei, one of his two remaining comrades. Something about her began to draw him in, a quality about herself, something hidden below the surface that for whatever reason, remained hidden to him. What confused him the most was the fact that Ayako seemed to be oblivious to this pull. almost as if they were two magnets but she held something blocking her attraction.

"Who would've thought there was something hidden under that pale rocky surface..."

Kojin mumbled to himself before falling lost in thought for a short moment. He finally pulled his glare up and away from Ayako and over to Kouwei. He paid the man little mind other than an initial glance, he'd normally take the moment to crack a joke, but he elected to stay silent for the moment, something in his mind was warding off his otherwise much bubblier personality. Regardless, Kouwei was a man whose reputation spoke for itself, he not only knew of who Kouwei was prior to this assignment, but he was fully briefed on him as a comrade upon accepting the mission. So despite his rather bland introduction, there was no respect lost for such a powerful figure. Not that Kojin truly planned to uphold any respect he had more the man's strength in the long run, however.

Just as one walked in, the second arrived even faster. An intimidating presence made his way into the forest clearing, Kirinji Uchiha, the blue-haired scourge. He watched as he greeted Kouwei in a familial manner, simply looking Kojin up and down before making his way over to Ayako as she rested on the dirt floor. Kojin lifted his lip to show his teeth, kissing his teeth with a slight smile.

"Tch"

Despite his reaction to Kirinji's appearance, it didn't seem to hold any ill will as he trailed his eyes up and down his arms moments later, drawing his attention from the pale pair of lovers and down to the hairs on his forearm to pass the time. As the two exchanged pleasantries, Kojin took the time to acknowledge the presence of the wolves in the forest around them, as they had clearly already made notice of him. He glared deep into the snowy forest, sure to meet eyes with a wolf or two before sticking out his tongue, teasing the animals as they stalked the group.

As time passed, Kojin couldn't help but notice the stale air between Kirinji and Ayako. He seemed pleased to see her at the very least, but it didn't seem that she shared the same opinions about him. Kojin couldn't help but peek his nose into the drama, despite the mystery in his mind surrounding Ayako. He pushed it to the back of his mind, allowing himself to pay attention to the situation at hand. He rolled his eyes, dropping to a seated position just as Ayako had, it almost seemed like he was mimicking her behaviors for a short moment, but it passed as he laid out in the grass, propping his head up on his palm.

"Awkward..."

Kojin uttered, breaking the stiff air between the pair as Fenrir slammed his head into her forehead. He couldn't help but make a remark, even when faced with someone like Kirinji Uchiha. Kojin was completely aware of who he was playing with by poking fun. However, he wasn't one to care, even in the face of someone known to the world as "Fear Itself" he couldn't help but crack a joke. For in his eyes if his childish behavior got him killed, at least he'd have died having a little fun.

 

[Jag]

It was amusing. It really was. Many would’ve been met with that deathly glare and looked the other way, or, proceeded with caution. Yet the blue-haired man stood there not only adamant, but with a smile plastered on his face. It really wasn’t that funny. Yet he chuckled lightly in amusement. Why was it so funny? What were the other two missing? It was information, or rather, accurate information. Yes, they knew who Ayako Ōkami was. After all, she was many things in the world. An esteemed medic, head doctor for the Land of Lighting, beautiful even, and the alpha of the well renowned Ōkami Clan. But behind the superficial titles, monikers, and accomplishments—what do they truly know about her? What does one truly ever know about another? Ayako and Kirinji relationship was not bound by those regulations. He knew more than that. Her traits, conscious and subconscious, he saw through them all. He also knew the true reason she adopted so many children. When and how to fluster her. Every facet and crevice of her mind, and body, not left unexplored and untouched by Kirinji. He may know her more than she knew herself. Evidently, she was someone he held close to her heart. Despite him leaving from time to time for extended periods of time and despite their constant bickering and quarrels. He always held her close. Perhaps even closer than anyone else and yes, that short list included his younger brother, Kouwei Uchiha. She is many things, isn’t she? She is many things indeed, unknowingly and knowingly, but emotional was not one of them. That was why he was smiling. How does that saying go: “If I know what love is, it is because of you.” Clearly, it was true for both of them. He knew about Jiro Raikyu. He had been knowing from the moment that had started. It was merely his discretion that he allowed for it to continue. Of course, it hurt, but it was only because the path Kirinji walked would be an unfair life for Ayako. Was that not true love? It was subjective no doubt, but true love for Kirinji meant allowing himself to discard his emotions and needs for her so she could remain clear of harm's way. Yet oddly enough whenever he sets his eyes upon her, those emotions and needs seem to arise from the abyss he locked them within. Each and every time. Perhaps that is why time from time he chose to ignore her, push her away even.

"Ayako, that's eno—"

The blue-haired Uchiha was no longer standing upon the tree branch anymore. Instead now, he was squatted down in front of her just before Fenrir could finish her sentence. His bandage palm up and facing the Great Wolf Deity in a manner that portrayed that Kirinji could handle it. Of course, this was done so respectfully. Fenrir would recognize this and understand, prompting Kirinji to drop his hand. They had a healthy relationship. She always liked him in comparison to the others and always was vocal about Ayako and Kirinji being together. Unbeknownst to Ayako, Kirinji would visit Fenrir a lot from time-to-time. This was how the blue-haired man would check up on her and knew all the information he knew. It even spared him some pain for seeing Ayako face-to-face because he knew he’d never be able to stay. He moved at an incredible pace. Within less than a blink of an eye he had relocated himself from the tree branch to where he was now. The blue cloth attached to his waist with buttons was fluttering even after a second or two had passed. For all intent and purposes, even the well-trained three tomeo sharingan would notice it an arduous task to track his movements. It wasn’t rigid or rough either. The way he moved was fluid and elegant, portraying that he had some sort of superior control over his body. He wasn’t that far from Ayako either. Perhaps a mere foot in distance looking directly into her eyes with his own purple hued orbs. Within the next second he broke eye contact, staring at her hair ignoring the false contempt within her eyes. Still smiling of course, but it wasn’t out of mockery. It was one of those smiles that knew the truth. His left hand’s fingers stroked through her beautiful, snowy white hair adjusting it so the hair would be behind her ear. His fingers continued the movement around her ear all the way to her earlobe, gently caressing the exterior of her ear with his soft hands. He’d rub his thumb around her earring before playfully asking her about them before cupping her face and adjusting so they were making eye contact again.

“You still have these old things? I was sure they’d been gone once you found yourself a husband. Or have you not?”

Questions he already knew the answer to. So why ask? His own narrowed onto her as if he was observing her body language. She knew she couldn’t lie to him. Just like he couldn’t to her. Not cause she could read him, but because he couldn’t. While these other men in her life were present, he was the first. That held weight, that held promise, that held the very tension that was breathed out by both of them and inhaled by Kouwei and Kojin. The very thing that would make them skeptical and perhaps even make them anxious about the situation. And each time they exhaled, that very tension would be released into the air making it heavier and heavier, and heavier, with each and every passing moment. The importance of the number two holds equal weight. Two symbolizes partnership. It was just the two of them. Whatever the other two had said was either ignored or heard, yet not acknowledged. They were locked into each other’s eyes, and for all intent and purposes, they were on their own island. Just the two of them. Good things come in pairs. Two—harmony, consideration, love … partnership. However, where there is that, there is also conflict and opposition. This was duality. This was Yin and Yang. Perhaps that is why Ayako and Kirinji were like this so often. One moment in love, the next in hatred. Maybe it was hatred because of the lack of love? Perhaps the lack of availability? It was comical how easily the balance could be swayed. Remove a number and you’re only left with one. Or... He tilted his head to the side, his glassy eyes staring not at her, but through her—infatuated with everything about her before he looked over toward Kouwei. Add another and conflict occurs. His eyes moved over toward the next individual, Kojin, who was now sitting down. Add one more and it becomes a party. He dropped his hands off her chin, lifelessly at that before igniting a change in his eyes and even tone. No longer sweet and loving as it was only with the woman. Reality had set in and the kindness had been outstripped with something entirely different.

“Don’t get too comfortable now. We’re being watched.” The man spoke in regards to Kojin’s actions. His purple-hued eyes glanced back over toward Kouwei, “What are you all doing out here anyways?” They weren’t necessarily in a predicament, yet the situation wasn’t all that friendly. They were out in the middle of what seemed to be nowhere and being tracked by another set of wolves. They weren’t Ōkami, but they were close? The extent of their relationship was unknown to him. So the best he could do was probe and ask questions. Yet from a quick analysis it appeared to be some sort of joint mission. Kouwei Uchiha from the Land of Fire, Ayako Ōkami from the Land of Lighting, and Kōjin the Destroyer from the Land of Islands. Clearly, this was some sort of joint operation, but for what was the question.

 

[Yozu]

Their eyes like a piercing gaze. Their fur coat rugged and ruffled looking. The Alpha of the pack began to swap his observation between The Tall muscular, to the Beta Male, Then the "unidentified" female. The size of the woman indicated more to them than they had anticipated or expected. The Alpha that was once prone, now standing tall. He looked down toward the group of human beings with a low growl. The low growl sent a low vibration through the earth, followed by the wind now carrying the Alpha's ear puncturing howl.

This pack of Wolves where different from the average pack of Wolves. Should the woman who had been observeing them without their knowledge would come to identify a kanji marking on the Wolves forehead.

The wolves howl, it held a hint of worry, fear and anxiety behind it that only Ayako would 'truely' be able to sense from the Alpha of this pack. The Howl to other ears would still carry the might and will behind each and every Wolf in the pack.


In mere seconds, the howl stopped and the wolves took off. Their run looked "playful" almost hinting for the group to follow them deeper into the Karetaki woods..

but for what purpose?