Disclaimer: I don't own the Ginga series or it's characters. Only my OC Kasumi and a few others i'll introduce later.

"Stop it! I'm sorry! Please stop! Father, please!" Kasumi was screaming in agony as her father threw her to the rocks injuring her leg. She yelped in pain as the rocks scarred her thigh deeply and fell to the ground. "You little bitch! Do you really think I'll forgive you?! She died because of you! You're pathetic! You'll always be a weakling in my eyes!" Her father uttered those word out of sheer hatred. It reminded her of how alone she really was in the world. Kasumi saw her father stalking towards her, but then soon heard a howl. It was the howl of rage and vengeance. She then saw a flash of white tackling her father, like a blizzard blowing over him making him fall into submission. "F-father..." Kasumi whimpered one last time before blacking out.

When she finally came to, she heard a soft voice. She was reminded of her mother comforting her during stormy nights. The only difference was that it was a male voice. Her vision was blurry, but she saw two silver eyes staring down at her. Never before had she seen eyes this brilliant. They were clear as water, shining in the moon's radiance. She was infatuated by the sight, but was soon shocked when her vision cleared. It was a white dog, most likely a Kishu. His face and body were covered in scars. Kasumi cringed at the sight of his snowy muzzle bathed in crimson. Was he the one that saved me? Kasumi thought. Did he fight against my father? if so, why? "I see your finally awake..." The Kishu said. Two subordinates entered the den, one with a rabbit in it's mouth. "Kyoushiro-san, we brought lunch." The two dogs stopped in their tracks as they saw their leader wrapped around a young husky, a female of her species. Everyone was silent, until Hachi one of the subordinates spoke. "So...who's the female?" Hachi asked awkwardly, while Jiro, another subordinate chuckled silently.

Kyoushiro glared at them. "I found her near the canyons, her father was trying to kill her so..." Kyoushiro stopped there knowing that Hachi and Jiro knew the answer. "Why did you save me?" Kasumi asked. Kyoushiro just stared at her, then laughed. Jiro and Hachi joined in the laughter. Kasumi, not getting the joke growled in frustration, "What's so funny?!" Kyoushiro stopped laughing and stared at her in affection, his eyes made her blush a bit. "Why wouldn't I save you. My instincts reacted to a dog in need and so I acted. There was no way I was going to let you die." Kasumi widened her eyes in astonishment. This young dog was talking like a mature seven year old, and yet he looked like he was only a year old. But Kasumi wasn't convinced. Why would a strange dog offer affection to another who wasn't related by blood. She was always taught to defend and care for her own. It was the way the world worked. If anyone crossed her family's path, they would be seen as an outsider. Still, this dog who was named Kyoushiro helped her. It gave her a new insight on things. "Thank you..." Kasumi's voice quivered silently. Kyoushiro gave her a self-assuring smirk. "Don't mention it pup." Again that wise voice seemed to crack inside his playful demeanor. Kasumi huffed. I'm almost as young as you!... She thought. This wasn't a complete lie, she still had two more months until she could be as tall as him. "Ahem" Hachi coughed gaining Kyoushiro and Kasumi's attention. "Should we introduce her to everyone else Kyoushiro-San?"

"Oh, that's right... there's other pups playing near the slope." Kyoushiro immediately rose to his paws, leaving Kasumi's side. Kasumi gave a sad expression missing the warmth from Kyoushiro's fur. Jiro tilted his head in concern. "Can you stand pup?" his asked. "Kasumi!" she blurted out, irritated by the annoying nickname. "My name is Kasumi! please don't call me pup... it... angers me..." Silence defeaned the den. Only the sound of pups yipping and playing distantly was all they could hear. Kasumi looked down terrified by the silence. D-did I say something wrong, why is it so silent? Are they going to hurt me? she heard the pawsteps of a dog walking towards her and she dared not to look up. "Look at me..." Kyoushiro said softly. Kasumi couldn't bare to disobey this dog and did what she was told. Kyoushiro gave a serious glance that made her flinch inside, but she dare not move. She wouldn't let this dog drag her down like her father once did. Then something striked inside of her. A feeling of courage surged within her. It wasn't a rebellious feeling or even an act out of fear. It was confidence. To even the score, she gave a menacing growl towards the white dog, that suddenly suprised him. Jiro and Hachi peeked behind Kyoushiro and gaped in shock. Never before had they seen a female pup show so much determination to defend herself. It was almost frightening to them and yet very pleasing. Kyoushiro chuckled. "You're a really headstrong female Kasumi." Kasumi blinked in confusion. "Huh?" What had gotten into her? One minute she was cowering in fear of these dogs, then she felt a strong feeling swell inside her own heart. She never would have dared to defy her father like this. Whatever it was, she wanted to feel it again. But... why was Kyoushiro complementing her?

Without a word, Kyoushiro and Hachi exited the camp. Jiro being left to marvel at this young female. "So, are you coming." he smiled and beckoned his head towards outside. Without hesitation, Kasumi stood up and strode over to catch up with the others. Jiro walked next to her and whispered, "Hey, word of advice, don't forget what you felt back there. Confidence is important for your life. Kasumi nodded. The wound where the rocks struck her still felt painful to walk on. But Kasumi ignored it and kept moving forward; Towards a new chapter of her fated encounter with the young, scarred Kishu they called Kyoushiro the Silver.