Prologue

(A/N: This is a story I've been working on for about a year now. I'll be uploading the other 11 chapters already done soon. I just decided, why not add this story to my account. Also, I should mention, this story is not to be taken seriously. I meant to write this as a parody of Yoshi and his works. Kintora herself is basically a Parody Sue. Also, things are gonna get weird. Like, Yoshi-levels of weird. Still, I hope everyone enjoys reading this wacky tale.)

A hum of excitement buzzed through Fatugo Pass late one spring evening. A female Kai Ken named Heizu had been in labor all day, and after hours of effort, three puppies had been born. Ohu soldiers were gathered at Haizu's den, tails wagging eagerly. These were no ordinary puppies; no, they were the children of the Ohu Leader, Weed. It was only natural for the dogs of Ohu to anticipate the births of the new legends. The silver brindle in question was resting alongside the Kai, his tongue brushing her head-fur.

"Well done," he praised her.

"Thank you, love," Heizu panted in reply, returning the gesture. She then gazed down at the three sleeping bundles. "Aren't they beautiful?"

"Yeah. Very."

There was a low chuckle. Weed and Heizu looked up to see Moss pushing closer to the front of the crowd in hopes of getting a better look. "Lookie there," he grunted happily. "I'm an uncle."

"Oy!" Kyoushiro's voice rang out from behind the mastiff. "Get out the way! You're not the only one who wants to see!" Moss glanced back, giving the young Kishu a cheeky grin.

"Wait your turn, kid. Uncle Moss wants to look at his new niece and nephews."

"Why I ought to-!"

Moss was pushed forward ever so slightly; Kyoushiro had given his backside a headbutt. A wave of laughter washed through the Ohu dogs.

"Don't worry, Kyou," Weed chuckled. "Everyone'll get to have a good look at the puppies eventually."

"Oh!" Moss suddenly exclaimed. "My eyes must be going. I can't be seeing that right."

"Eh?" GB spoke up. "What is it, old guy?"

"One of 'em's a tora-ge, like her dad and grandpa…but I've never seen a tora-ge like this…"

Unable to stand the suspense, more dogs began to push their way inside the den, squeezing past Moss. It was then they saw the source of Moss' amazement. There had been three puppies born unto Weed and Heizu. One resembled his father, and had a plain grey topcoat. The second resembled his mother, and had a sand-colored brindle pelt. The third resembled her father and grandfather, in that she was a rare silver brindle, but instead of the dark stripes her father, grandfather, or any other tora-ge dog had, her stripes were a bright and beautiful gold, and they glowed in the moonlight that was pouring into the den. Much gasping ensued. Nothing like this had ever been seen before; this puppy was truly one-of-a-kind.

"A tora-ge with golden stripes…" a dog whispered.

"Amazing," murmured another.

"I've never seen anything like it," proclaimed a third.

Gin stepped forward, gazing down at his suckling grand-daughter. His eyes glistened with awe, but also with another feeling.

"Congratulations, my son," he began. "You've sired a truly remarkable dog." He glanced back at the other dogs. "I believe we should let Heizu and the puppies rest now. It's not good for so many dogs to be crowding them all so soon."

A chorus of groans rang out, but no one dared to argue with the dog who slayed the Demon Bear. Slowly, the throng began to shrink away as dogs began to leave. Eventually, only Gin was left. The Akita glanced at his son.

"Weed, if you don't mind, I need to speak with you."

"Why?" Heizu questioned. "Is there something wrong?"

"Of course not," replied Gin quickly. "There's just…something that worries me. Please, Heizu, we won't be long."

"If this is about my children, you'll speak to me as well."

There was a silence. Gin and Heizu stared at each other, a serious glimmer in Gin's eyes, and a challenging glow in Heizu's. Weed looked back and forth between his mate and his father, before speaking.

"Please, Father. Whatever's the matter, we can both handle it." Gin hesitated, but then gave in.

"Aright. I'm worried for the girl. Our pelts are already special…silver with tiger stripes…humans idolize us for it. Just imagine how they'll react to a silver tora-ge with glowing, gold stripes?"

"That'll be a good thing, right?" Weed asked. "To be appreciated for her pelt?"

"Not if the wrong human sees her," Gin replied grimly. "Look, my son. There are humans out there who make a living selling beautiful and special dogs. If a person like that sees your daughter…" Weed and Heizu's eyes widened.

"They'll take her…" Heizu muttered.

"And you'll never see her again," Gin added. "Please, for her sake, she must be looked after. Humans climb these mountains often; she must she shielded from their eyes." Weed nodded.

"I understand, Father. Thank you."

Gin sat, sighing.

"Forgive me…I didn't want to bring sad news to such a happy occasion. I only want the best for my grandchildren."

"It's alright, Father," said Weed. "Here, if it makes you feel better, we've already decided names for them. The eldest will be named Gurē, the middle child is Sunatora, and the last…will be Kintora. Kintora, the Golden Tiger." The elder dog nodded in approval.

"Wonderful names for a wonderful litter," he commented.

And so, it was on this day that the Silver Fang Legend, Kintora, was born.