A Walk

The skies were clear and shining blue today in Hoshigakure, the beautiful forests around Hoshigakure were silent but the faint sound of feet and paws tapping across the limbs of the trees. Tōga and Okami were racing through the trees as they trained together, only coming to a halt by the sounds of a screeching messenger hawk. It swooped down landing on Tōga’s arm allowing him to remove the scroll attached to the bird's back, he had a task, a mission to walk dogs at a nearby animal sanctuary. Turning to Okami, Tōga began to speak in his normal calm demeanor “Well, Okami it’s time for another simple mission.” He would then show Okami the message, after a small physical huff from his wolven friend they together made the way back to the village.

After a short time traversing the lush and lively forest, Tōga and Okami land at the front door to the kennel being greeted by a fetching young woman. After a few moments of conversation, she presents the two with 5 dogs all on leashes. Tōga took the leash of the two mastiffs, huge dogs though still a little smaller than Okami who was now holding the leashes for the remaining 3 dogs. These three being a combination of huskies and some unknown similar breed, their physique very similar to Okami but all were significantly smaller and immediately took the role of betas for the journey. They began their walk, looking like a massive pack as they roamed through the village.

An hour or so passed when Okami’s telepathic link communed to Tōga, “Tōga, these three want to feel the freedom without the pulling of these leashes. Please, let us take them to the forest and let them be free at least for a time.” The words were strangely compassionate for Okami, but Tōga understood what this may mean to his companion. “Very well, Let’s go Okami.” Tōga responded through this link, never speaking out loud as he turned and the pack began to run together for the clearings within the forest. As they arrived in the clearing, Takashi unclipped their leashes and watched as the dogs bolted around in nearly every direction. A time or two the dogs would make their way to the edge of the clearing, though a simple low growl from Okami would dissuade any temptation the dogs had for taking off.

They spent the later half of the day roaming free, unleashed and traipsing through the forest only staying together by the domination Okami had as the established Alpha. Tōga smiled as he looked out at the setting sun, he enjoyed the company of the dogs as it reminded him of being a boy in his tribe tending the clan’s pack. Though he smiled, a tear rolled down his cheek. The pain of loss still in his heart despite the years that have passed from that day, he got to his feet and latched the leashes to their harnesses and began to make his way back to the kennel. An hour of walking and he was met by the woman yet again, thanking him and paying him for his assistance. Tōga and Okami set out for home after another job well done.

(WC 540)

Approved