SHADOWS ON THE SNOW
Chapter One: First Meetings
"Silmeria." A elderly voice filled the warm summer air. A white kishu appeared at her grandfather's command. She was rather small, even though she was nearly a year old. "Yes, grandfather?" She asked respectfully. "You have trained well - and you have made your clan very proud, Silmeria." Akame praised as she dipped her head. "It is time you take on your first mission." He said as she rose her head. "You know of Gin's son, Weed, yes?" He asked as she nodded. She had been filled in on what he was like and what not. "Your mission is to be his shadow...watch and protect, but never interfere." He said as she stared for a moment then nodded. "I will not let you down, ojiisama!" She said standing proudly. "Good...now go! Weed is taking Kyoshiro and Tesshin to visit the other lands!" Akame said as Silmeria turned and took off out of ohu.
My intention was to never interfere, as my ojiisama had ordered - and for a while, I kept that order in mind, but that all changed one night...
Silmeria's white form crept along the overlook of the cave that Kyoshiro, Tesshin, and Weed were staying in. Lowering herself onto her stomach but kept her muscles bunched in case she wanted to spring, she spotted a blue and white form moving forward out of the cavern. It was none other then the young ohu leader himself. He seemed...sad almost. Sitting at the edge of the rock, the young ohu leader's ears drooped as well as his head. Silmeria tensed up. She was supposed to remain his shadow, nothing more...yet something was telling her to approach him...and so she did. Leaping down, the young kishu ever so quietly arrived near him. The young ohu leader's ears perked and his head swung around as he saw her. Eyes widening, he stared at the young female in a intrigued manner. "Hello! Who are you?" He asked standing up, his tail curling over his back. Silmeria remained quiet and observed him with brown eyes. Eyes half-closing, they eventually closed the whole way and she turned. "Wait! Where are you going?" He asked, tilting his head. Her brown eyes opened to look at him. He was taken aback by the serious and dangerous look she was giving him. There was a wooshing sound and then the sound of jaws snapping. Leaping in time, Silmeria used the white kishu, or better known as Kyoshiro's head as a propeller to spring herself into the air.
The next one to come at her was Tesshin. She recognized him, and he, her. The two flew past each other and landed with their backs to one another. Silmeria glanced over her shoulder at Tesshin who was looking at her. Kyoshiro was struggling and cursing as he attempted to stand. Weed was staring in amazement. "Why are you here?" Tesshin asked as Silmeria narrowed her eyes. Kyoshiro came at her again, but before he could do anything, she lept with elegance and speed onto the top of the cave. She looked back at them, her brown eyes glittering in the moonlight. Kyoshiro was snapping and cursing while Tesshin and Weed stared...and then she was gone. Weed stared in wonder, just who was she?
After that meeting, I became more careful about not being seen. Tesshin and that cocky kishu, Kyoshiro continued to keep a close eye out for me while Weed remained oblivious as ever. It was on one such night I had a talk with my dear friend...
Night fell upon the town that Weed, Tesshin, and Kyoshiro were staying in. The old abandoned house made a ideal place for them to sleep since no human would even come near it for taboo reasons or something. Silmeria sat on top of a nearby house, watching the house curiously. Ears flicking, she had little time to react when she felt someone pick her up by the scruff. "Let me go! Unhand me you filth-" She was cut off when she realized it was only Tesshin. Leaping down, Tesshin set her down while she huffed. "Since when did you become so vulgar?" He chuckled. Silmeria rolled her eyes. Standing up, she prepared to find another hiding spot, only to have Tesshin step in front of her. "You didnt answer my question - why are you here, Silmeria?" He asked. Silmeria closed her eyes. "Grandfather sent me to be his shadow - his silent guardian." Tesshin's gaze became of shock but relaxed eventually. "Akame needs to learn to trust Kyoshiro and I. We are more then enough to handle anyone who dares harm Weed." He said flicking his tail. "But why of all dogs, would he send you?" He asked, raising a brow. Silmeria growled up at him. "Do you not think that a female is capable of protecting the leader?" Tesshin gave a small smirk. "No, I just find it odd he would send his only remaining grandchild to do the work of the ohu soliders." He said shrugging. Silmeria growled. Tesshin really pissed her off.
The two were silent for a bit before Tesshin sighed. "Just dont let Kyoshiro catch you." He chuckled. Silmeria huffed. "I can take care of myself." Looking away and closing her eyes, she felt something ruffle her head fur. Looking up, she saw Tesshin's large paw ruffling her fur. "Even if we are ninja dogs, we can still worry about one another." He said turning and walking away. Silmeria rolled her eyes in a good natured way as she smiled, bringing down her fur. She admired Tesshin. To her, he was like a big brother. After all, he had taught her a few things when her ojiisama was feeling ill.