A Modern Fairy Tale - Part II
For the second day, the dog a.k.a Sachiko kept staring the dark sky with tears in her eyes. She wanted her life back, what did she do to receive this? She missed home, her flowers, her family and Suguru… What happened to him? She sadly thinks, is he looking for her now? Did he forget her already? Many questions filled her mind and this only makes things got worse. Who said that her life would change so drastically? She was shivering due the cold night, unable to control her emotions, the dog Sachiko whimpered in the sorrow of her current situation. She passed a good part of time lamenting as all of a sudden; a familiar and annoyed voice caught her attention:
"You know that if you keep whimpering, this won't solve your problem, right?"
Instantaneously, the dog frowned due the wolf's comment as a few tears rolled by her muzzle slowly. She couldn't even lament about her situation and this stupid wolf was messing with her! Sachiko decided to stay silent, hoping that the Yumi would shut her mouth and leave her alone, but no, she was wrong. Once she looked up, the wolf remained with an unfazed look and remarked seriously while turning around, only giving her back to her:
"You should stop pitying or yourself and do something. Or else, you might regret for the rest of your life. Now, stop crying, this won't take you to anywhere."
That was it! Sachiko had too much of this arrogant wolf and now she will listen to her. Standing up into her four legs, the dog faced her and barked:
"And what do you know huh?! I bet you don't have anyone to come back! Of course, who would be crazy enough to stay with you!? You gave up even before start it!"
As soon the words left her mouth, Sachiko widened her eyes and gasped in shock when she realized what she just said. Yumi flinched and stopped in her tracks immediately. It seems her words piercing into her heart like a sharp knife. She closed her eyes and breathed heavily, her words made her heart ache because she remembered something that she might not even be able to see again. The dog stared the wolf's back apprehensively, she knew she went far enough and she never talked to anyone like this. After a painful silence, the wolf spoke weakly:
"I have a mother and brother… God knows how much they meant for me… but I did not give up…"
Yumi stared the dark sky and replied coldly:
"I tried everything, but I failed… Day by day… I see my hopes fading away… and the want of having my life back, it's becoming more far away… Now you tell me… is there is any chance for me?"
Sachiko shuts her hanged open mouth, surprised by her sincere words. She was just hopeless like she was, maybe worse. After awhile, the wolf shook her head and replied in a low tone:
"As I thought…"
With that, she walked away slowly, leaving a troubled Sachiko behind. If only she wasn't so harsh with her… Now, she only hopes for another day and maybe fixes this problem…
On the next day, the silent war was evident between the dog and the wolf. Although both of them shared the same space, neither one of them spoke a word. Of Sachiko's side, she was too tired of arguing with this lazy wolf while the latter only closed her eyes all day to get some sleep. Now, she thinks, is this her destiny? Be chained to an animal life with this lazy and cold wolf? The same one who doesn't care about anything else beyond her? No, she refused to be like her and accept her fate. She needs to get out of this place and find the witch/ fairy / genie whatever, and make her change back to her human form.
Yet, her small and only chance… would require this lazy wolf's help… but how is she going to do that? The wolf was with her eyes closed, trying to take her usual nap. However, she peeled one eye open once she felt an intense stare on her figure. When she realized that a familiar dog was staring her with those big and innocent eyes, she couldn't help to ask suspiciously:
"What?"
"Yumi… I was wondering… if you could hmmm… help—"
"No, I can't." "But you didn't even let me finish!"
The dog barked in discontentment due the wolf's fast reply, it seems she already noticed her intentions. Angry with her carelessness, Sachiko stood up and barked furiously:
"You are impossible, did you know that?! Aish I can't believe that I got stuck with you in the middle of this forest! Come on… don't be like this… be a good wolf and help me… pleaseeeeee?"
The wolf Yumi's stare remained blank, yet she felt something inside her chest, it seems something was pounding madly and this was odd. She felt her body growing hot with the sight of her adorable 'innocent eyes'. The poor wolf had to turn her head to her side or else… she doesn't know if she can't resist her 'puppy look'. Faking an uninterested tone, she remarked nervously:
"I said no! T-These puppy eyes w-won't work on me! I told you I am not going! Now, be a good puppy and try your escape another hour!"
"Arghhh! You know what?! Thank you… FOR NOTHING! I don't need your help anyway! I can find my way out here without you! Good bye!"
The dog Sachiko turned around with her snout raised and made an 'Hmph' sound while walking away. However, her patience almost exploded when she heard a nonchalant:
"Good luck."
Ugh, its official, she dislikes Yumi..
~x~
"Ha! I don't need that stupid wolf! I am a grown up woman and I am capable of do-!"
*Oohh Whooo Whoo* "WHAT WAS THAT?!"
Sachiko jolted in shock and asked loudly in fear with an unexpected sound. Once she looked around, she saw an owl in the tree and sighed in relief. Laughing nervously, she sputtered while trying to calm herself:
"It's just-just an owl, S-sachiko. Don't need to be-be a-afraid ha-ha. I – I'll g-get out of here s-soon."
*WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHH*
"OH MY GOD! What was that?! Oh God, why do I have to come here and alone?! Aish, snap it, Sachiko! Y-You won't be afraid of a… dark… forest i-in the middle of the n-night, r-right?"
Sachiko kept walking between the trees with widened eyes as she scanned her surroundings constantly, afraid that some beast could attack her. Nonetheless, she didn't notice that she was walking too close of a hollow tree. She steps accidentally on a dead branch and gasped as she tripped on the tree:
"Oh My… A branch? Ha-ha, I am so silly, scared for nothing ha-ha."
However, she kept walking, but failed to realize that the tree was yielding to her direction. Once she finally heard a loud and piercing crash sound, she turned around and her eyes widened in horror. The hollow tree was about to smash her and she thought in a flash… is this her end? No, she can't die like this, not yet… She wanted to flee, but due the shock, her paws got stuck on the ground. When the tree was finally falling, she only could close her eyes. But everything was a blur when she was strongly pushed followed by a loud bark:
"Sachiko Look out!"
*CRASHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH*
"Phew… that was close… a-are you okay?"
When the dog opened her eyes, she saw the wolf staring at her worriedly on top of her. Sachiko coughed and stood slowly; her heart squeezed when she saw the destroyed tree… it could be her smashed on the floor… if Yumi didn't show up… she-she… The dog didn't even want to think. However, she nodded slowly at the concerned wolf and the latter breathed heavily:
"Y-you shouldn't come here alone! Are you trying to kill yourself?!"
Sachiko was taken back with her outburst, she couldn't believe it… was she giving her a lecture? But she was the one let her go to the woods alone! Angrily, the dog snapped back:
"Y-You were the one who let me go alone! If you helped me in first place, I wouldn't be here and lost!" "Ya, don't blame me! I was thinking that you were bluffing! But I guess not… so I came here before you could get yourself killed! It – it looks like I was right…"
Yumi looked to the floor dejectedly, afraid that Sachiko could discover her reasons… Yet, to her dismay… once she looked up, the dog was staring her with a victorious semblance as she asked teasingly:
"Were you… worried about… me?" "Arghh, I – I was not! I-it's just I don't want you wandering around here alone. You could do something stupid, that's all! Now, let's go!"
"Sure…" Sachiko smiled in victory as she was able to make the cold wolf stutter. She was about to tease her a little more when she spotted something in her paw… it was bleeding?! Her expression turned into a concerned one as she rushed to her side and spoke softly, clearly worried:
"Yumi, you are hurt!" "Huh?" The wolf looked to her right paw and saw a bleeding scratch. It seems she got hurt once she pushed Sachiko to save her. When she looked up, her heart gets warm instantaneously at the sight of such sincere eyes. Not wanting to worry her, she added coolly:
"Don't worry, it's just a scratch." "B-but you got hurt because of me! Please, let me help you."
Sachiko proposed desperately while staring her blood in sadness, she was deeply guilty indeed. Not wanting to anguish her more, Yumi softy patted her head with her pawn and added gently:
"It will heal soon… now, let's find some shelter. It looks like it will rain soon."
The wolf walked ahead, not giving her a chance to speak. Sachiko could only follow her with a heavy weight in her heart. Yet, at the same time, she felt something fluttering in her stomach… is this something to do with the fact that she saved her… or got hurt because of her or… cause she talked with her with gentleness for the first time? No… she is just shocked by the whole incident… but this cold wolf… certainly triggered something inside of her… this she was sure.
On the next day…
"Okay… I - I think we started with the wrong foot."
Again, Sachiko was surprised with Yumi's attempt of start a talk. She couldn't help to find cute her stuttering. She was tempted to tease her, but whatever, this wolf saved her life and she deserves another chance. So, nodding at her proposal, Sachiko as she offered her paw:
"You're right! I am Ogasawara Sachiko, nice to meet you."
"I am Fukuzawa Yumi, nice to meet you too, Sachiko… y-your smiling."
The wolf was dazzled at the beautiful smile, if it was possible she would be blushing right now while Sachiko pressed her paw on her gently like a 'handshake' and kept smiling. Then, only the rain sound echoed in the small cavern. It was morning, but they decided to stay a little longer until the rain ceases. So, the dog sighed and finally had an idea, excited, Sachiko asked curiously:
"So? What is your story?"
"Nothing big, I am just a plain and not interesting woman." The wolf admitted about herself with a sigh. Yet the dog whined and snapped, annoyed:
"Oh come on, Yumi! I am trying to start a conversation here! Don't spoil the moment!"
Yumi couldn't help chuckling inwardly at her frustrated expression. So she sighed and nodded her head in acceptance, for her joy:
"Okay… My father died in the war when I was 8, he was a lieutenant of the army. I admired him a lot, he was such a good man. Once we got the news, I vowed to protect my mom and little brother Yuki for the rest of my life. 10 years later I went to the army as a recruit because I needed to be strong to honor my father's name and protect my family. I stood on army for 5 years and one day… when I was coming back to home, I saw an old lady on the road. She looked so tired, so I went to her, offered my water and asked if she wanted some help to find someone. So she simply smiled at me and said that I was the first person that stopped to help her on the road. For that, she offered some fortune cookies in return. I was hesitant at first, but I didn't want to make her upset… after I ate the cookie, I saw a fortune inside. But everything turned into a huge blur as I fainted… and then… it has been one year… as I woke up like this…"
"Wow... it was such a sad story… I am sorry for asking, Yumi. I wish I could help you…"
A worried Sachiko spoke sincerely as she looked down. However, Yumi smiled at the scene and shook her head while she replied honestly:
"You don't have to be sorry, it wasn't your fault. Ever since then, I have been trying to find a way to turn into my human form, but I failed every time. And to make it worse, I lost my fortune and I don't remember what it says, that was my only chance to tell me what I have to do to turn back. But, enough of me… what is your story… puppy Sachi?"
The latter glared at the wolf for calling her 'puppy', but decided to let this pass. After breathing heavily, Sachiko lay on the floor with her head down as she started absent-mindedly:
"My story isn't so interesting like yours, but… I lost my mom when I was 4 and she loved flowers. To be honest, I guess I inherited this from her since I love flowers as well. My family is my father, older sister and older brother I don't live with them because ever since my mom passed away, I promised to myself that I would be an independent person once I grow up. So I opened a flower shop when I was 19 years old and it was one of my precious memories. Afterwards… I met my…"
The dog halted briefly when she remembered her fiancée, she hesitated, but continued as Yumi stared at her confusedly:
"My fiancé Suguru… he went to my shop on the opening day with a pretext that he wanted to buy flowers for his mom, but he didn't know the best ones. We end up talking and eventually, we dated until he asked me to marry him… Before I was transformed into a dog, I was waiting for my marriage that it would happen in 4 days… so this old lady came to my shop speaking about the flowers and she also offered me a cookie. All of sudden, she spoke about my whole life and when I realized, everything was a black out as I fainted and well… voila… I was turned into a dog…"
After Sachiko ended her brief story, she didn't know, but Yumi's expression fell as she heard her talking about her fiancée, he must be a very lucky guy. What was she thinking? She just met this dog-girl about just a few days, she can't be attached. Although she didn't want to look sad, Yumi hid her true expression as she asked genuinely:
"I see… Sachi… what is your favorite flower?"
The dog smiled shyly while looking down: "Forget-me-not."
It was the first time that someone really was interested about which flower she liked, Suguru gave her many flowers, but he never found the right one, poor boy, at least he tried. However, Yumi smiled softly at her answer and nodded to herself as she repeated to herself:
"Forget-me-not." She surely won't forget this. The conversation ended at this moment followed by the sound of the rain, yet the wolf and the dog couldn't help to find a nice and warm aura between them. What was really happening? They didn't know, but on this day, their hearts started to grow fond for each other…
The birds were chirping happily and the sunbeams penetrated on the cavern's entrance. Fluttering her eyes open, Sachiko was surprised to find one apple in front of her and a familiar wolf staring her kindly. The grey wolf smiled and cocked her head up as she spoke:
"Your stomach was rumbling all night. I guess you didn't feed yourself properly. You should speak this earlier…"
The dog dipped her head in embarrassment, if it was possible, she would dig a hole and burrow her head. However, the wolf only widened her smile as she gingerly pushed the fruit to her direction, saying:
"I'm being nice this time, but you must be able to deal with yourself when I am not around. Once you finish your meal, I'll be waiting on the outside okay?"
"… T-Thank you." The dog replied coyly as her head kept lowered, yet Yumi nodded her head with a soft smile and finally walked away. Sachiko couldn't help, but feel the corner of her lips twitching to upwards… Maybe this lazy wolf wasn't that bad…
~x~
At night, the animal pair was comfortable sat around a bonfire as they chatted and laughed about their own story. All of the sudden, the dog sneakily asked:
"Come on, Yumi~~ You didn't tell me how you used to be at school!"
The wolf rolled her eyes tiredly and replied in an annoyed tone: "Boring…"
Yet, this was enough to the dog press on with a growing smile in her muzzle:
"Hmm, let me see… I bet you were that woman that sat in the class's background just to get some sleep! Am I right?"
Faking a gasp and shocked expression, Yumi widened her eyes as she snapped in 'awe':
"How did you know?! Were you spying on me?!" However, the dog smirked in victory as Yumi cracked a smile and shook her head in defeat. Yet, she cocked her head up and gazed the dog attentively, mocking her playfully:
"And I am sure that you were a cheerleader and the most popular girl of your school. With a bunch of jocks oozing of your stunning beauty."
Sachiko snapped of her train of thoughts and defended herself quickly with a sad smile:
"Ya! … Well, only in the end of the high school… but in the beginning, I got used to be bullied due my chubby cheeks and not so slim body by the popular girls and guys… and since I was very clumsy, they used to laugh all the time… but that's okay… this was years ago anyway…"
"No, this is not okay."
The wolf spoke seriously as her stare remained firm in Sachiko's eyes. Her expression softened as she continued earnestly:
"If I were there, I wouldn't ever laugh at you, never."
Unknowingly, Sachiko felt her heart quicken the pace as a sudden warm invaded her interior. Without any explication, she felt that Yumi really means it her words due her intense stare. Not wanting to make her uncomfortable with her past, the dog managed to shake her head and smiled:
"Don't worry, Yumi. This was long ago, I am not sad about this anymore."
Yet, the wolf shook her head in denial as her expression remained serious. Her eyes only showed warmth and tenderness unlike her cold face; a sigh escaped from her mouth as admitted honestly:
"Even so, they are really stupid and blind to not see how amazing you are. If they looked at you how I do… they would certainly find you beautiful."
A silent gasp escaped from Sachiko's mouth due the wolf's confession. However, the latter realized that she talks a little TOO loud and quickly cleared her throat while turning around:
"Err, I – I, well, good night, sachi"
"Yumi?" "Y-Yeah?" "… Thank you."
If it was possible, both of them, dog and wolf would be a little TOO flushed right now. Nonetheless, Yumi nodded and cracked a smile when she saw the dog giving her stunning smile to her. Afterwards, Sachiko wished her a good night and lowered her head to get some sleep. The nervous wolf muttered a good night as well as she prepared her to sleep. Unconsciously, she found herself in dazzle as she silently watched over her in the cool night.
Her eyes caught every feature of her animal face and once again, her heart thumped loudly under her ribcage. Sighing heavily, many questions flooded into her mind like:
"What would happen if she met her sooner?" or "Would she be able to get her attention and have her eyes on her?" or lastly… "Would she return her feelings?"
"No… she is engaged and this wrong… She will turn back into human while I…"
The wolf shook her head silently, calling herself a stupid to be hopeless around this girl-dog. She melted her thick ice barriers without knowing and already found a way to her heart. This girl was really an angel on Earth. However, Yumi stared at her tenderly while she fell asleep. Yet, a frown grows on her face instantaneously when she saw her shivering slightly due the cold wind of the night. Not thinking twice, she removed the scarf around her neck and used to cover gingerly. Se sighed in relief when the dog stop shivering and her face was peaceful again.
Not resisting, a caring and coy smile crept into the wolf's mouth as she watched her so closely. It was when she gulped and leaned to whisper gently:
"Although I never saw you as a human, I am sure that you are really beautiful not just on the outside, but on inside too. You are the most incredible girl that I ever met… Sachiko…"
"Aish, what am I doing? I am looking like a creepy stalker right now… Ahhh, I need some sleep…"
The wolf cursed to herself when she noticed that she could blow up everything. Yumi sighed and returned to her spot, lying on the ground and finally fell asleep. She was unable to realize that the dog wasn't sleeping at all, and the latter heard every single word. For the first time in her life, she didn't know what to think or feel; but this unknown feeling was taking over of her heart bit a bit whenever this familiar wolf was near of her. Yumi would always surprise her with her meaningful words and warm stare.
That night, Sachiko slept with a shy smile on her face and a fast heartbeat under her chest.
~x~
By the morning, the birds were chirping happily as Sachiko woke up on her nice sleep. Once she looked down, she frowned in confusion to see Yumi's scarf wrapped neatly around her neck. So that's why she didn't feel cold last night… could be that Yumi…? At the thought of the wolf covering her, it was more than enough to make the dog 'blush' and feels her heart warm. Lost in her wondering, the dog failed to notice the wolf before her with a caring expression. The latter smiled and said:
"Good morning." "Oh, goo-good morning, Yumi…"
Sachiko couldn't help, but feel shy around the wolf, much more when she stared at her so warmly. Why her heart was beating so fast right now? However, her train of thoughts was broken as she motioned with her head while turning around:
"Today will be a long day. I have something to show you. Come."
So the dog quickly stood up as she obediently followed the wolf. The latter slowed the pace so then, they could walk side by side. While walking by such lively forest, both of them remained in silence. From Sachiko's side, the poor dog was fearful that Yumi could see her blush; she wouldn't ever imagine that she was feeling the same. However, finally deciding to break the silence, Sachiko,started slowly with her head lowered:
"Hmm… t-thank you for the scarf, Yumi."
The wolf gave a side glance at the shy dog and barely could suppress the smile on her face. It was a nice view; then, she shook her head and replied softly:
"No need to thank me, I couldn't let you shivering from the cold last night. Plus, this scarf suits you better than me anyway *chuckles*"
Although the wolf wanted to light the mood, the dog felt guilty and 'pouted' sadly:
"B-But what about you?! Didn't you feel cold?"
"Don't mind me, cold doesn't bother me at all. I wouldn't sleep well knowing that you were feeling shivering."
"Oh… t-thanks." Sachiko felt her heart fluttering again, Yumi always surprises her with her sincerity. She had to look down or else, she would be looking at her tenderly. The wolf nodded her head in answer, but she didn't know that she was really nervous around her in a good way. After a brief silence, Sachiko looked down at the cute scarf and asked gently:
"Hmm… what is this scarf's story? Someone… important gave to you?"
Sachiko didn't want to admit, but a big part of her was afraid that Yumi could tell her that her girlfriend or fiancée made this for her. Still, she didn't say a word about having someone in her heart? Why is she so worried about this romantic life? However, the wolf suddenly smiled as she recalled the moment she received from her brother, but also felt amazed and happy that Sachiko sounded like she was jealous. What a crazy thought, she thinks:
"Well, my littl brother gave to me once I entered in the army. He told me that he didn't want to me to freeze to death, so then, I could stay warm and remember my family."
"Your brother must be amazing." Sachiko added with a gentle smile: "Yes, he is… I would like to introduce him someday."
"That would be good."
~x~
Words failed to describe the beauty of this place. The animal pair stood atop a cliff while observing city from very afar. Sachiko was stunned as she watched the colorful city at night, it was so amazing. Still surprised, the dog whispered in awe:
"Oh my God, Yu-chan… this place is so amazing…"
"Yu-chan?" The wolf pressed on with a hint of a smile growing in her mouth. She couldn't help, but feel fluttering inside. Without look at her, Sachiko smiled coyly and replied cutely:
"Yup, I decided to call you Yu-chan since you called me Sachi. Plus, it's cute. Don't you like it?"
"No, isn't that… it's just that I am not used to nicknames… its really nice. Thank you, Sachi…"
The poor wolf barely could finish her answer, it seems that Sachiko was managing to make her 'blush' even without trying. She dipped hee head down timidly as the amazed dog kept staring the breathtaking horizon. All of a sudden, the dog whispered out loud, still dumbfounded:
"It's beautiful indeed…"
"Yes… really beautiful…"
Sachiko didn't know, but Yumi wasn't referring at the landscape, but at the dog beside her. She simply couldn't help, but stare her lovingly without her knowledge. Although they were animals at this moment, this girl certainly made her feel things that she never felt before. She makes her feel so different, frightened and amazing at the same time. How she wanted to know her before… This thought made her heart ache, but this doesn't matter… she only wants to see her happiness.
However, Yumi couldn't help to catch sight of a sighing dog with a distant look. Frowning in concern, she asked gently:
"You are thinking in your home… isn't?"
The dog smiled weakly and kept staring the horizon sadly:
"Don't worry, Yu-chan… I won't complain or whine as the first day I came here… You know…"
Sachiko turned her head to the wolf and smiled at her sincerely, speaking in a soft tone:
"It seems that my dream of coming back to human form its getting far away from me. My future is uncertain and I don't know what do anymore… Although we are animals now and this situation, it's pretty confusing… I am glad that this happened… or else I wouldn't have met you."
The wolf was taken back by her remark, her semblance was so honest and Yumi couldn't help to feel her heart pounding like mad. Her mouth hung up when she smiled at her, but deep inside she knew that she missed home, her flowers and… probably her… fiancé. So the dog added with a caring tone while looking directly into her eyes and then… to the horizon once more:
"If my destiny is to stay like a dog for the rest of my life… at least… I am not alone anymore… I have you now, Yu-chan…"
After that, the dog didn't utter any word more. Her eyes kept staring the city with longing eyes. Yumi was sure that Sachiko was being 100% honest with her, but her reasons confused her… Maybe she thinks that she doesn't have any choice unless be an animal or that no one is looking for or maybe… just maybe she is feeling… No, this would be impossible. It's the stupidity of Yumi to think that Sachiko might have feelings for her, this was so wrong and she should wake up on this impossible dream.
The wolf watched her apprehensively as the dog kept staring the horizon longingly. Closing her eyes and breathing heavily, Yumi knew that this shouldn't be her destiny. She can't let her give up like this as she did once, but not anymore. She must do something for her. Making her mind, Yumi will do anything to help her to change back and have her normal life again… even this will make her heart shatter into millions of pieces. With just a thought, she wolf gulped and slowly a single tear rolled from her eyes. Looking at the sky, she vowed in her mind and wounded heart:
"Even if my future is lost… I can't let her waste her life like I did. I do anything to help her change back… even if this means that… I'll lose her forever… Sachiko…"