I know I know, like we don't see enough of these, right? Natsuki is always a canine of some nature, Shizuru is always either a vampire or on a few occasions I've see a hydra too. So, why is it I'm doing this if it seems we've killed the fiction world with this basic idea? Simple! Because even if an idea has been beaten with a stick, people still become drawn towards it. I am one of those people too. So, that would be why I did this.
An extra note: Keep in mind is that vampires and werewolves aren't always considered mortal enemies. In fact, due to some of the beliefs, you could almost say they are distant cousins, or even one in the same after particular conditions arise. In Medieval Europe for example, the dead who had been slain as a werewolf were cremated instead of buried. The reason they did this was because some people thought that if they didn't, the dead person would come back as a werewolf. There is another belief that states the Greeks thought that the bodies of werewolves would return as vampires in the form of wolves. They thought that the advanced creatures would drink the blood of dying soldiers. The same basic idea can be said in Germany. People assumed whoever died in mortal sin came back to life as blood-drinking wolves. Regardless of the story you follow, the fact of the matter is this; under these contexts, vampires and werewolves can be considered interrelated.
Keep those facts in mind, since I do plan to use that theory as the basis for this story.
This is AU, but most of these types of fictions are.
I do not own Mai HiME/Mai Otome.
Chapter 1: Life of the Pack
The air was thick with smoke. Another fire cutting through trees as if they were twigs. People fled the scene in futile attempts to survive. The world easily crumbling down around them. This new age, this new place, it wasn't what many were used too. A few short years. That was all it took to send the world into anarchy, eventual doom at hand. Survival of the fittest took on a new truth, but, it wasn't necessarily because of the disasters. No, it was more like they were changing, they were...transforming. Story books gave a lullaby of mythical beasts, but the truth cast gruesome fate far from fantasy. Life became two very different groups of people. Hunter, and hunted. Being hurled back into medieval times could likely have been more believable.
This was not a time of progression, but rather transgression. Humans were still only that. Creatures above the food chain, below the higher powers. No longer only bipedal beings, not simply neanderthals, who they were, rather what they became streaked a murky depth of unseen understanding. Humans, if only they were purely a race of man.. Sadly, that was untrue. These times were troubled, but with every misfortune colored a bloody hue, so too did the light that brought forth new days. Hope a lingering beauty many wished they could obtain.
Gone were the days of heavy industry, sent into fiery oblivion. Technology wasn't primitive, but, most couldn't call it advanced. No, not anymore. The elderly aged, grew ill and passed on, the very young children relayed on the kindness of others, and this brought forth new ideals. New races of mankind. Natsuki sighed as she closed her duffel bag. It was another war won, anther village removed, smoked out from the fire. Friends became rivals, and somehow, she wasn't sure why life had gone so badly. Nothing in her reality was the same anymore. She shook her head, now wasn't the time to think about that. She could regret her actions later. For now, her goal was finding safety, least she be hunted and killed by her very prey. She ran through the trees unfeeling of the cold bitter wind that nipped at her face. If that was the worst of her troubles she would consider herself lucky. Many were not so.
She had been a child when it took place, well, perhaps not a child, but she wasn't old enough then. she couldn't comprehend the issues that would arise. 'I hope Shizuru wasn't in there.' Her worry wasn't warranted. She knew that. The woman was smart, she would have caught on. 'Besides, Shizuru wasn't in the area when she...' Natsuki cut that train of thought. How long had it been since they'd lost contact? She wasn't sure, days had muddled into weeks now. All Natsuki knew, was that life tore everyone right down the middle. She couldn't agree with her clan, but she couldn't survive alone either. Strength in numbers, that was the only possible way. Keep breathing, keep moving on, that was all she could do. All anyone could do anymore.
After what seemed like hours, she arrived at a fortress on the outskirts of the forest she attempted to burn down. Knowing it wouldn't ever reach this far gave her some peace. Placed between a forest and the desert, this was her home. Someone would put out the fire before it reached this far. She held out her hand, knocking the door loudly. "Let me in!" She bashed the door harder, security was tight. Increasingly so. Finally, the door creaked open. "Took you long enough." She spat at the guard, walking past him. She didn't much like relying on others, but, she couldn't say that she wanted to be alone either. "Close the gate, stupid." The wooden door, reinforced with steel bars, sounded as if it released a muted cry when it finally slammed shut.
The fortress was a city in and of itself. This was her home, and her way of life. Because of the location, there was more sand and dirt than anything else. Caves and caverns made up a large part of the homes and shops. Some places were built with lumber, and brick, but these places were expensive, very few could afford such a place. Vendors sold food and other simple goods on the common floors, residential areas were higher up, and the barracks hid under ground. Money wasn't any good now, paper currency nothing but a waste of valued resources. That little matter also made thing difficult.
Sighing, she went down the dirt path and into the cavern that housed the military ranks. If you were able bodied, you were enlisted, regardless of gender, and in some cases age. "Natsuki's back." Someone whispered, a lowly recruit no doubt. She was one of many who hadn't been given a choice. "Master Natsuki!" That was a small boy. A child who in time would be taught ways of battle. "Protector, might I request a blanket?" An elderly man spoke. The dirt was hard and cold, but, if you were new, that was where you lived. "I would like something to eat." Another voice, one near the corner of the wall. Food, sleeping areas, and even bathing water all went in order of rank. The scum constantly treated as such. You had to crawl in the mud before you could stand tall. It was a matter of how hard you worked, how much worth you became. The system worked even if it was filled with loathing. Often those who hadn't rebelled outright worked hard in order to move up the ranks quickly. Kuga Natsuki wasn't any acceptation for that particular rule. She passed many comrades that were ill, and even more who were injured. It was a disgrace.
Finally she stopped in front of an archway, this was her area, her room. Although, truth be told, she had to share. Coughing from the other side alerted Natsuki of her roommate, and an annoying newcomer, a child. The dim lighting was focused on the girl in bed. The older one seemed worried, and she hurried to moisten the cloth in her hands. "This is a breach in code Mai." The girl was only one of many who shared the area. Natsuki was being ignored pointedly as the ill girl began hacking up blood. "The disease is getting worse, isn't?" She asked softly as she stood behind the much healthier carrot topped teen. Both of them watch on as one of the newest, and sadly one of the weakest recruits suffered in agony.
"She won't even eat." Mai was distraught. She knew what it was like, but then again, they all did. The illness never went away, it only fused within the body. "This one may actually die from it."
"I doubt that." They were older, they had already suffered through such an ordeal, but it still wasn't pleasant watching all the same.
"Mikoto isn't like the rest of us. She was actually bitten." The illness came in many forms.
"Shit..." That news wasn't ever good. "Rabies?"
"Yeah." Mai sighed as she watched on. "She had been a normal girl."
"Who was it?" Natsuki feared the answer.
"It was a stray. Not from this fortress, so likely form a neighboring one. It killed her grandfather. She lost a good chunk of flesh." Her finger caressed the arm that the girl was bitten on. It was still seeping each and every day, would continue to do so until it fully healed. If it ever did. The bandage would be needing a change soon. "I've got permission from Reito to keep her here with us, she has no real family. None we know about at any rate." Mikoto went into another fit of coughing, curling into herself from the pain. For once Natsuki took pity on the recruit. Normally, she never would have allowed this, but if Reito gave the clear, she wouldn't stop it.
"We get more and more like her all the time. This is ridiculous. If we don't stop these attacks soon, there's no telling what will happen. I for one, am sick of all these stupid bites. It gives us a bad name. It isn't just the wolves either." Then, a thought came forth in her mind. "Where's the stray now?" Natsuki asked almost too quickly. A team would have been sent out, but even then, there were no guarantee they would catch it. If they did...well, that wasn't a good thought either.
"It was put to sleep." Both cringed at the mutual understanding. If you were a stray, you often attacked others, that was dangerous any way one looked at it. Among their kind, you lived in like minded groups. There were many types of beasts, but, not all of them were created equal. it was the flow of life. They were called beasts, hated and hunted for existing. "Besides that Natsuki, I don't think it was a wolf that bit her. In fact, I think it was a cat. If that's the case, we need to contact someone right away. We don't have the things she needs."
"What about her?" Natsuki was worried now. "Is she..." Natsuki ended that question, she didn't want an answer. She hadn't ever seen a different race of lycanthrope before, not one allowed past the gates at any rate. "Do you think it would be best if we imprison her?" Mai began growling at the question, disliking the attitude Natsuki was emitting. "Calm down." She snarled in answer. Mai would not overstep her place. Aggression was part of the lifestyle. It was normal. Natsuki knew that, but still, she wouldn't back down. "What I meant, was...if she is a cat beast, does that make her an enemy?"
"No." Mai knew the real question, but thankfully had a good answer. "You know as well as I do that we must work together in times of need. Besides, Mikoto was in our territories, it is our responsibility that we care for and protect her." Mai blotted away some of the dirt that fell from the cavern's roof. It was still a den, and that meant it was dirty. Still, a feral creature such as the girl wouldn't be allowed outside alone. "At least until we know what she is, when she changes." Mai sniffed around a little bit. The kid had an interesting smell. it wasn't like other dogs at all.
"Lucky kid then." Natsuki, now the other side of the room, fidgeted where her cubbyhole sat. "If the humans caught her, they probably would have her put down as well." Though humans were rare, they still existed in small quantities. Soon, the race of man, as pure as they hand once been, would be extinct. The opposition was fierce, and while humans weren't strong alone, it wasn't uncommon for them to become a threat in vast numbers. They were congregating, and that posed a very real danger. "Looks like she's stuck with us, and since I'd rather not have her kind pissed off, I suggest we make make an effort." Pawing around as a dog would, she removed the bedding that blocked her path.
All of her worldly possessions remained inside of the dug space, and what lay directly over it was a haystack she used as a bed. Unzipping the bag she had used before, she placed her belongings inside. They were very few, but they were also important. A picture of her mother was frayed at the sides, only protected by a flimsy covering of plastic. A plastic bullet case held six rounds. Along with it was her gun, unloaded and yet fully prepared. A lighter, black tank top, and three sets of military issued underwear finished her packing. With everything stuffed inside she zipped it up. Pulling back the thin sheet on her bed she then retrieved the girl. "An uncomfortable rock is no place for a child in her condition." Mikoto flinched as she was gently lifted and placed upon the makeshift bed. "We don't go on enough missions to support ourselves and her. We can't keep her here forever."
"I know that." Mai seemed defeated. She was always the mother hen. Annoying though it was, Natsuki found that side of Mai endearing. "But, since we don't know for sure who she belongs too, we can't inform anyone else yet. Besides, Leader Midori seemed more hyper than normal. Fidgety more than anything, I sense an unease within the pack. I'm not sure just why though." The red headed girl cocked her head a bit, showing her concern for the general situation. She was asking a silent question. Senses were peaked, they could communicate with more than just words.
Natsuki knew the answer. "Humans are in the area. I've just sent a fire their way, and I know Midori hates when we flush out the forests. Personally, I hate it too, but living peacefully isn't in the stars." Fluffing the hay around the girl, Natsuki stood and backed away. "It seems as a great distress had overtaken the lands. Mai, if you knew everyone is uneasy, then why did you bring her down here in the first place? You could have left her in the dirt beds. It isn't as if she would catch fleas." Natsuki knew it was pity.
Mai looked at the girl with remorse. Her small body seemed lean and agile, yet she looked messy and unkempt. She reeked of blood, but the girl hadn't bathed in lord knew how long. She was just too weak. "Our pack must welcome her in, that is part of our agreement. The others look after our kind, we look after theirs. I think I've done very little to rise any more paranoia than there already is." It was always pity. "The pack sees her as untrustworthy because she hasn't changed yet. She has no one else."
"Neither do we." It was a harsh world. "We don't have anyone but this pack. We're hunted for being animals, so will she. Tough shit. You can't go on and pick up every stray pup you find." Natsuki sniffed the air. Yes, there was indeed something strictly feline about the girl. "That goes for kittens too, Mai."
"She could have died." They'd have to accept it. "Besides, it won't be for too long. Midori wouldn't kick out any of us, regardless of what we are. You know that. If it hadn't been for this pack, we would have been left for dead."
"We weren't though, and that is what you must understand." At least that was a positive truth. "Obviously, she wasn't either." How she got roped into these things, Natsuki never could tell. She rolled her eyes aggravated. "If she had been, she wouldn't be in my bed." She growled again, sometimes she wondered why she held such pity. "It is not our job. I don't know about you, but nowhere in my title does it state that I'm a pack mother." Huffing, she shook her head, flinging her long hair all over the place. This entire thing was making her hyper. "We do as Midori says. Reito is not in charge, we owe him very little attention. Remember our place."
"Please." Mai begged as Natsuki was about to leave. "Just think about it. Only until we know what she is."
"I must send in my report." The answer was curt. Natsuki hadn't wanted to address this right now. Her life was still too raw. She was only a rookie herself. As was Mai. They didn't have anywhere else they could run. Although, truth be told, they had far different situations than this girl. Werewolves were common, in fact, it was so common, it was a way of life now. Fictional beasts were only fictional for so long, and modern science was held fully accountable for the beast like race of man. Not exactly wolves, not dogs, and most assuredly not human, they didn't really fit a mold. They just existed. Some hated them, others didn't, but in the end, it was always a fight for survival. There were very few ways one could contract what was known as "The Illness" however, those that did often lived in fear, no longer belonging among the normal people.
Back into the long tunnel she went, passing more rooms much like her own. Some were lavished with actual beds. Made with wood, straw, and fur, it was likely warm and dry. You had to earn things yourself. Without currency running the world, people now bartered for the things they needed. The military used rank determining just what you could and could not demand. But, those who did their jobs, and did them well, lived with little complaint. 'Damn higher ups.' She growled inwardly. She was still a grunt pulling the odd jobs and hard labor. The best she could hope for would be one day far in the future, when she would be giving the orders instead of doing them. Until then, she still rolled over on command. She found the woman she was looking for inside one of the smallest rooms where she, and only four others shared a space.
'It must be nice having the privacy.' Natsuki thought as she addressed her master. "I've returned from my mission." As much as they appeared human, they were very much the wolves that lived in the wild, at least in spirit. Some of their kind lived in the cold mountains, others lived in the woods. Some were like her, not really one or the other. Each pack ran differently, but there were many who lived in hiding. That was only her kind, there were many other species who shared a second form. Natsuki knew she was a grunt, and responded like it. She knew her place well, acting timid in front of one far more powerful than she. Midori was this pack's leader, she was powerful, despite the fact she was still rather young.
"How did it go?" The question was spoken simply. One friend for another. Midori didn't need intimidation as a tool, and that's what made it rare. While others barked and snarled their way into the top, Midori was a leader based on loyalty alone. In a lifestyle so demanding of power, she had won out, purely by kindness and sure force of willpower. Although, anyone who knew the leader knew well. Never defy her order, never betray the group. If you did, you paid with your life, no questions asked. She was fair, but, she was also the leader for that exact reason. No one would be stupid enough, toying with her was an easy death wish. If that wasn't enough, many other packs found her respectable, if not questionable. She had backing in high and very dangerous places. If she didn't kill you, someone else would.
"The humans have been flushed out. I am sure there will be some resistance in leaving, but I hope a few more warning fires will take care of any future threats." Natsuki spoke with honor and dignity, yet always mindful of her place. It had been a job well done and she intended on priding herself on it. "I set the fire away from village, most should have escaped."
"Casualties?" At this, the woman became worried. She stood tall waiting for her subordinate. Natsuki seemed as if she was thinking, a wise move indeed. Midori looked for truth above all else. Mistakes were one thing, insubordination was another. She would not tolerate false information.
"No leader, no intended causalities." At this the woman seemed as if she began relaxing again. "I hadn't taken any actual life by my own intentions, so, if someone had passed on, it would be a fault of theirs, not ours. The fire was outside of city limits, unless they were running directly into it, no direct harm should have been done." Natsuki waited quietly then, knowing Midori was likely mulling over the information. "The second team should have put the fire out before it hit the city limits. You will need word from them for any casualty counts."
"That's good enough." Stretching, she pulled back her long red hair into a tail in the back of her head. She hated when it got in the way. "Remember, we only claim our territories. We have no reason in killing anyone unless they attack first." She was young, but she was the leader of this particular pack because of her skill. She took in any who needed help, and although she was harsh on outsiders, she was by no means ruthless. "I take it that the fire hasn't destroyed the village then. I may call you in for a second job, should the humans return." At this she turned around, grabbing something off the shelf. "What would you like, for your reward?" It had been bandages. She was likely off to help tend the wounds.
Natsuki ran her hands through her hair exasperated. She would have liked to transform and go on a hunt. A rabbit sounded good right about now. It may not have been her job, but she took delight in feeding herself. Even if that rarely occurred. The prime foods, such as hearts and livers were often saved for Midori. Even if the redhead hardly ever did the hunting herself, she had other things that needed doing, and not enough capable to carry the weight. Natsuki didn't much like the order of command, and enjoyed the occasional kill for herself so she could eat it all. Gluttonous though it may have been. "What would I like, personally?"
"You did complete your assignment." Midori joked. It wasn't uncommon. Midori was giving for those who helped out, no matter what that help may have been. The youngest of pups often found that Midori would give them many things she knew they needed it. She, herself, was not demanding. Perhaps another reason why she had many followers. "If you have a request, I will not deny you, as long as it is with reason for the mission completed."
"I know this is uncalled for...but, I want a higher rank." At that, Natsuki saw her leader frown. Natsuki herself also made herself seem meek. It was a rather large request. She really could only be considered an omega. She wasn't all that old, and she hadn't honestly fought her way in the top. Natsuki wasn't aggressive or strong enough to challenge the stronger members of the pack. Not that Midori wanted anyone fighting anyway. She hated in fighting, and relayed more on loyalty than strength. "I know I have not earned such a thing, but I feel as if it is my only option."
"A promotion?" Midori was merely confused. she sniffed the air before asking a rather personal question."Natsuki, have you been pupped?" An eyebrow raised in slight worry. Natsuki was too young to mother anyone, the girl was wonderful, but simply not old enough. It would be the only reason someone as low as Natsuki could ask for such a promotion.
"No!" She snarled forgetting her place as her midnight blue hair began to spike up around her face and neck. Midori only scowled while crossing her arms. Her leader didn't need brute force. She had gotten the point across. Natsuki instantly regretted her behavior. The last thing she wanted, was to anger her leader. Quieting down, and softening her voice into a hopeful tone, she tried again. "You have the authority, you can promote me, can't you?" The question was simple enough.
"Yes, I do have that ability." She was the leader after all. "But, that doesn't mean I should." She walked over to the cupboard where she picked up a few glass vials. "You've done well, don't get me wrong, but Natsuki, you're still young, so much so, that I fear placing you any higher on the list. You don't have the skills needed yet." Although there was no limit of time, Natsuki was already as high up on the list as she logically could be. "Slayer missions are dangerous, and I doubt you'd be willing to partner up." The ranking system was still a very delicate situation. One not taken lightly. "You know yourself, each system is made for different ranks, and you are still far too inexperienced to be dealing with anything other than mere humans."
Natsuki sighed, she remembered well the lecture she earned on her first day. She, as well and a handful of other pups were in line, listening to their final lecture before they were pushed from the safety of their den.
…...
"Now listen here pups, because I'm only going to explain this once." Midori paced back and forth, looking over each child and young teen. These were the newest batch of kids off the line. They knew the basics and now it was time to put them into use. "Every clan unites as a force, a team, and through the years we have established a foundation that works well. This system provides for many. Those as young as you, and those with families alike benefit from our order. You will do well and decide how far you want to climb, and, just how deeply you want to tread. The lives of our kind depend on you, just as you depend on them." She was an intimidation for many of the smaller pups. "you must understand this balance quickly, or you will suffer great hardship from your failure."
"Each division has three respective ranks. These jobs are ideally the same. However, the level of danger, and the reasoning behind it, is not." Stopping she pointed at them. "The three jobs are as follows. Trackers, Hunters, Slayers." These rookies were ready to defend themselves, and knew how to look after each other. Now, it was all about throwing them head first into the murky waters, hoping they could swim. "Trackers are scouts. They keep an eye on things within our territory. Often they work alone or within small groups. You will stay close together and near safety, keeping an eye on any who enters or leaves our lands. The higher the division, the more dangerous the mission, but you should have known that."
Sighing she thought about how best to describe Hunters. "The next rank for any division is a Hunter, although, you should really think of it more as an infiltrator. You work alone, or, in a team of two. You'll often be giving a mission that requires stealth, and thus, this position for any division is difficult. Sometimes, it's only to divert an enemy, or perhaps hunt for food. Other times, you'll be forced to attack a target, or, act as an informant for other packs like ourselves." There were many things they needed to do, and often, the job was dangerous. However, even that seemed lavished in comparison with the final rank in any division.
"That brings me to the most horrific job. Slayers. The rank is ruthless, kill or be killed. There is war outside of these walls. That is their job, militants in battle. Slayers don't have the luxury of being weak, and this is why I told you, decide now how deep you wish to go. A slayer's work is hard, grueling, and emotionally taxing. Some can justify the actions that take place, some can't. Even so, you'll hear the stories from your comrades, and, as you get older you can decide for yourselves." She stopped then, looking at the innocent faces. "Any questions?" No one answered her.
"No?" She wanted to be sure. Still, no one answered. "Fine then. You are all under the category of Division One. It's meaning is simple. You only deal with those weaker than you. Hunting, scouting near the den, or flushing away those that get too close. Humans often aren't able to kill us in small numbers, but that doesn't mean we can trust them blindly. Stay away from the cities and you shall be fine, stray away from the path, and you will be placed into danger, at that point, if you live you will be considered lucky. Division One, Rank One members are the last to eat, the last to sleep, last to bathe. You are entitled with basic needs only. Food, water, medicine, clothing. You are dismissed until I seek you out for an assignment."
…...
"I can handle it." Natsuki had since climbed her way up the ladder, even if only slightly. She owed Midori a great deal, as did many of the other pups the leader had taken in. "I know I'm still young, just a puppy really. I'm a wolf, I have my pride. You know that more than anyone Midori. I've got others who need me. I don't have any other option."
"Can you really take on the rank of a slayer?" Midori questioned, not believing it. "I've done my best for you all, and I've watched you grow into a wonderful fighter. You are strong Natsuki, I know this, but as you know order and rank work on more than just mere whims." The two of them went way back. Further than most, actually. Midori hadn't always been a leader. In fact, she was considered an upstart for running such a ragtag pack. Her ideals on orders weren't nearly as stringent as others, she was, more or less, a peaceful person. "Despite the fact that we have a beast within us, Natsuki, we are human too. As a slayer, you'll hunt down humans."
"I know." That's what Natsuki believed too. That even if she had an inner beast, her body looked mortal. She had heightened senses, but she too, believed she was human in at least some term of the word. "Trust me, I know that better than most. That's why when I request this, I do under the understanding that I'm sacrificing a part of my own morals in doing so." As a Division One, Rank Two member, Natsuki was taking tougher missions for her division. "I know I'm asking a lot. I don't have any proof I'll do a good job. Give me a chance and I'll do the best I can."
"Not until I know why." Midori wasn't impressed by talking. She needed results. More than that, Midori cared about her pack, and of Natsuki. She wouldn't promote someone who wasn't ready. "We are an unusually large pack, most never attain the size we've grown too. Sadly though, most of us aren't strong enough, or able enough. As much as I'd love having you at my side one day, as an equal, I fear that you won't reach that rank. Before I even allow you a chance, I'd need faith in your abilities, and your unwavering trust in my judgment. Trust me as i do you, and we will see what can be done."
"It's because of Mai." Natsuki explained. The two of them had been together for as long as they had been in training. "She's decided to take in Mikoto, one of the new collars." She hated that term, it made her feel like a deranged beast. Collar, what it meant to be in a pack. The meaning of having a home. For anyone with a part best inside of them, the term was a good one. For anyone on the outside, it was seldom understood. "But, the kid's still sick. She can't even begin training since she's been bitten. She has no family, so she was going to end up in the training program here anyway." When she had become so loyal she wasn't sure, but she knew someone had to step up to the plate. "If someone doesn't take responsibility for her, she's going to die. Mai, being the idiot that she is, got the clearance from Reito. the kid's staying with us. Still, she won't be fed without someone working for her, and you know how Mai is."
Midori shook her head. "She took in the kitten..." It was a statement, not a question. Yes, she did know how Mai was. The girl wasn't exactly the best for anything other than acting as an informant. She wouldn't ever move up in the ranks. Still, she was ever loving and giving. She cared for their kind, often taking time out of her day to help her comrades. It was for that reason alone that she had been exempted from any violent missions. Mai would never have the heart needed for darkness. "Natsuki, I know you care about Mai, she's like a sister for you. I wouldn't ever let anything happen. Not with one of our own if I could help it. You don't need to take on this responsibility."
"Yeah? And what about Shizuru?" Natsuki fired the next question back. "She's still out there someplace!" Her voice was of worry, not of anger. Midori knew that and didn't scold the brash female in front of her. "God only knows where, but someone should be finding out something. Anything would be better than a guess. No one has gone out, no one has looked. for all we know she could be stuck or something."
"Natsuki..." So that's what this was about. "Please, don't go kicking yourself over that. Shizuru was a slayer, a much higher rank, she knew what she was doing." Midori knew there was more than Natsuki would say, but the one outburst had been enough. "She's probably been put into sleep by now. She would have come home otherwise." The mission had been in a far off place, Shizuru could have been anywhere by now if she was still breathing.
"We don't know that for sure though." The girl of raven-blue tresses grew quiet. Fearful. Her scent changed into one of deep regret. Midori could understand Natsuki's lament, but understanding and acting were two different things. "Don't talk about her like she's gone. I know she can't be, not yet. Shizuru was strong, and that's all the more reason she could be alive. She was collared here from birth, just like you Midori. She is one of us and she will return."
"Even if it is in a body bag?" Midori hated ruffling the hopes and dreams Natsuki had, but it was a reality. "It was a bad call on a bad mission, let her go." Shizuru had been a higher rank on a dangerous task. "You know as well as I do, she wasn't just a wolf. We let her live because she was a collar from birth. We did it because she didn't fit any place else. Not among lycanthrope kind, and not among the vampires. As of her first failed mission she was a mixed breed Natsuki. No more than a mutt, though I miss her too, there are more pressing matters. If you are so sure she will return home then you must wait for her."
"Like hell I will!" Natsuki, rarely got aggressive, but in this case, she would make an acceptation, her body tensing as she almost transformed, her eyes glowing with a vengeance. "You go out there, or I will. She's a Beta damn it! She followed your every whim, every plan! She trusted you, everyone on that team did! I'm trusting you as much as I can giving the situation. The least you can do is trust me now!"
Midori didn't answer with her own show of strength, but instead only a low and very darkened growl. "Enough Natsuki. Settle down." With Shizuru gone, Mai was all Natsuki had. "I'll tell you what I'll do." She didn't much like this idea, but she couldn't continue to deny Natsuki any further. "There will be a team sent out on a kill mission late tomorrow night. If you can handle it, then, and only then, I'll promote you for D-One, R-Three." Seeing hope and a renewed calm in Natsuki's eyes she shooed her off. "Now go on, I have work that needs to get done." Those girls really had a bad time of things growing up, and it looked like the new recruit wouldn't have an easy time either.
Natsuki's story was well known amongst the pack. After all, her mother had been a high ranking official of another pack, she was a mixed breed. Part cat and part wolf. After Natsuki's birth, it was clear her actions were more like a dog than that of a cat. It had been decided then that her father was the one that would keep and raise her. As a pup, she and her father had gotten separated. The military had been Natsuki's only option to survive. Being born with the illness, she had only known this lifestyle. Never had she been gifted the chance to be a full blooded human. Part feline and part canine made it difficult for Natsuki, however, when push came too shove, she viewed herself as a wolf. Well, if she had too pick an animal anyway. No matter what beast form they took, in the end, they were still partly human, right? She wanted too think so.
Mai, on the other hand, had been infected as a child through medical choice, when her mother had gotten bitten by a rabid stray. It was to protect her from her own mother. The woman's body didn't accept the illness well and she gave Mai away a few years later, knowing full well that she would be safer among more of her own kind. Her younger, only a baby at the time of the bite, had also been injected and forcibly changed. She had been brought into the military by Reito shortly after they both arrived. Sadly, her brother hadn't adapted well. The illness preventing him from working. Mai had always been a motherly figure. It was all she knew how to be.
They both had a tough and muddled past, but it was one Midori could say she respected, and even approved of how they handled it. They turned out well despite many misgivings. She walked past Natsuki's room a few moments later, seeing both of the girls keeping an eye on the young catlike recruit. The military was like a large family, and sadly, that family was all they had. She wasn't about to begrudge what little hope Natsuki held in her heart of hearts, knowing fully well, that one member of her family was missing, a very dear and important person for the girl. "So, where's the newest recruit?" Might as well check the new girl out herself.
"Right here." Mai answered, voice full of worry. "She's gotten worse. Our medicine isn't the kind that can help those infected from cat beasts."
"She's not moving much." Natsuki seemed equally distressed. "I knew being bitten was different than being born with it, but I never really knew how bad it was. She's trembling from the pain." Natsuki sniffed the cat. "She hasn't transformed yet either. Isn't that odd?" That was the only way a human could deal with the illness, fully accept it, or never survive. "It seems like all she does is sleep, or cower..."
"I don't assume she would have an appetite for aggression or murder." Midori knew well of bite wounds, she sniffed the air, nodding at her own thoughts. "Generally speaking, unless something provokes a transformation, a girl her age wouldn't. Plus, she's a cat, not a wolf. Each breed follows a different arch type. We will have to locate a lycanthrope group of cats soon. She is most assuredly feline. I can smell it."
"She won't eat, and she's running a fever." Mai explained, dampening a cool piece of cloth. "Is it because of the food we are feeding her? Or is it something else?"
"I'm not overly surprised." Midori had to admit, the girl didn't look good. "I wouldn't eat either if I felt as bad as she looks. I'm not a vet, or a medic, I honestly can't say what's wrong with her. "Did you ask Yohko what she thought?" Both girls answered the negative. "I would speak with Yohko soon if I were you. She may know something. The bite increases in the area are starting to bug me. Although, this is the first feline case I've seen."
"She's been too busy with the attacks recently. There are many wounded from the last fight we got into. Humans know more about silver substitutes than I thought." Natsuki reported, it was a tragic situation.
Midori nodded. "Alright. Mikoto will just wait then." The aftermath could be bad, but there wasn't a choice. "If worse comes to worse, which I doubt it will, at least for a few more days, you know what needs to be done." Looking between the girls, she placed an isolated box in Natsuki's hand. "Melted silver." She explained before pausing. "Consider this a sort of test for yourself. If she starts losing herself, don't hesitate. Do I make myself clear?" Natsuki nodded and Midori turned and left. The implications may have been grim, but that too, was part of life. As much as everyone hated admitting it, some people just couldn't handle the illness and went mad because of it. Especially those who were bitten. She didn't have time to trifle with the paranoia though, and went off in search of Reito.
The man could be anywhere, she realized. He was ever elusive and difficult to figure out. It was a lost cause searching for him, and so, she went off looking for someone else. Up on the surface, she was known for haggling the sales of fresh meats. Very manipulative and good at what she does, there was no wonder why she was the rank she was, even at her young age. She was still only a teen herself, younger than even Natsuki. "Nao." Midori spoke sternly. "Come here for a moment please." The look on her face told Nao to behave. Now wasn't the time for playing around.
"Yeah, what is it?" Her cool voice wafted in the air, soft but deadly. She was not a wolf, but that didn't matter. Nao was an ever famous for being a reclusive stray. Some creatures such as herself acted alone, and she was one of them. A blood sucker though she was, it wasn't because she was a vampire. No, not by a long shot.
"I just need a word or two." Midori answered as the short girl approached. There was something unnerving about a girl with the tendencies of a spider.
"Have a job for me?" With one hand on her hip she looked like a little vixen, but in her own way, she was. She was known for her work. Cloak and dagger was her way of life. She was allied with no one, but nor could any pack state she was an enemy. "Or am I getting lectured about dogs and their social system once again?" She was an asset, one that the packs would gamble away, allowing the girl into danger without worry. She part of her own world, she and only a select few others. Their type of life was some of the darkest known, their numbers uncountable. No one knew how many like her roamed the world, but it wasn't likely very many.
Ignoring the insult, Midori merely rolled her eyes. Nao was one of a kind, although, in her humble option, her fangs held far too much venom for her status. She was a child easily, and if Midori and many others had their way, Nao would be put into place. Too bad spiders were solitary creatures. "More like I have a request for you." Looking around, no one was near them. Midori was thankful for that. "If you can handle it, that is."
"A request?" Nao smirked. She liked requests, they allowed her to do as she wished. "I can handle it."
Midori lowered her voice for this, she didn't want the mission leaking out unnecessarily. panic wasn't a companion she considered welcomed. "The D-Three, R-Two unit hasn't come back from their mission. I think a few of our own may have been captured. Other pack leaders have reported the same thing. Pack leader Yukino, and her mate Haruka, have all but lost their territory. Their pack has been under attack and they've been on the run for some time now. Our numbers are dwindling, and it's time we join forces. A few of our pack will meet up with them, but in the mean time, we need to figure out just who, or what, is causing all of the attacks."
"It could be anything." Nao sighed. Why did she always get the complicated stuff? She could handle it, she had absolute faith in that. She was a lone spider for a reason. She knew when she needed to spin a web, and when she must hide. Now seemed like a time for hiding, not web spinning. Still, she carefully mulled over the prospects, coming up short. "I would be searching blindly. You do know that right? There are many that feed on blood."
"Yes, but we have narrowed down the suspects." Midori looked around nervously. "Although, I'd rather not voice anything until you report some intelligent information. Guessing games won't do, I'd rather not influence your dissicision. I need anything you can find, and I know you like to dig, even if you have the emotions of a spider."
"Spiders bury themselves in dirt too." Nao began before sighing. "You wolves don't have many enemies." She looked at her fingertips carefully, thinking about what she had been told. "Let me guess, hell hounds again?" If that was one thing she hated, it was hell hounds.
"Not so loud!" Midori whispered angrily and shuddered. Those things had no sense of decency. "Good guess, though." Such vicious beasts had to dealt with, all of them should be eradicated. That was the general view anyway. Not all canines were created equal, sadly enough. "It's either them, or, well..." The second guess was a long shot, but it was possible. "Some are claiming they're being attacked by vampires."
Nao looked on for only a moment, confused, and partly flabbergasted. "vampires?" She was far too amused. "Vampires? What are those idiots smoking!" It was then she lost it, cackling out loud for a moment. That was just too funny. "What would the vampires want with us? As far as they're concerned we're a bunch of mangy mutts who drink from the sewers and sniff butts all day." The humor was quite amusing, but Midori was right, she had heard similar rumors. "Well, I've heard of something draining blood from the humans, they've been arguing about it for a while. Still, it's pretty far fetched. We've never gotten into a fight with them before. Besides that, most covens don't allow eating humans, or us for that matter."
"I know." Midori pulled Nao closer as she began to walk idly. "But, that's why I need some information. Something doesn't feel right about this. We don't have anything, or anyone that they would want." There were many people harboring secrets within this new era of man, and creatures that once were only folklore had begun to come into light. "Let's face it Nao, there are more than just one type of shape shifter out there. Our kind isn't limited to wolves alone. There are cats, bears, snakes, I've even heard of something called a Skin-walker." Both froze in their steps as Nao gave Midori a fearful look.
"If that's true, we're screwed." She wasn't kidding either. Nao had heard stories of those things. "I've never seen one though, and I've seen many, many things."
"It's the only thing I can think of. Trust me, I know it sounds like I've lost my mind, but I assure you, I'm perfectly sane." Midori couldn't believe she had stated it. "There are many blood sucking beasts, but you know just as well as I do that none of them eat humans unless there's a reason. Revenge more or less. It isn't out of needing food."
"I've heard of some of your nut ball ideas before...but come on, really. A Skin-walker? Are you sure you're alright?" Nao didn't even want to play with the notion of that. "What is that? A man or a beast?" Surely Nao had heard rumors, but it was strictly that. Rumors, and nothing else. "Or a demon perhaps?"
"I'm not exactly sure, but it isn't necessarily human." It was a rare thing, speaking of such odd beings. They were gruesome. "They say that the thing can change the shape and form it is in purely depending on the type of pelt it wears. So, if it skinned one of us after we transformed..." That was a horrific thought, it didn't need any further detail. "Stupid rumors have me worried, but the thing is we were rumors once ourselves. I'm not taking this matter lightly. Also, because of the claims, we can't rule out the vampires either. Even if they are our allies."
"It doesn't matter. They aren't my friends anyway. I'll look into it." Nao would take the job."But, if it were me, I'd rather deal with the hell hounds..." She blanched.
Midori nodded. "Me too." At least that was an agreement. "Thanks for helping." For that, Midori was grateful. "I'll be waiting for your safe arrival, hopefully with some form of information. Anything at all will do."
"Yeah, Yeah, I'll be off then." And Nao did, walking towards the fortress gates. This was the life of a person not fully human, not fully beast. They, like many in this world were only out to do one thing, survive. Deception was one way of survival, but it wasn't the only way. While it was true that vampires roamed the world, so too did a vast array of other creatures. No one knew what was in store, but one thing was very clear, the race of mankind would never again be the same. All they could do was live, breath, eat, and look upon the new day in both hesitation and perseverance.
-More to come in the following days/week.-
I hope you enjoyed chapter 1. Leave a review if you feel ambitious, I like reading them.