Kyoko looked out of her kitchen window, watching as the snow slowly fell from the cloudy grey sky, as she washed the dishes. 'Where could she be?' thought Kyoko, as she stared at the bleak winter sky. It had been sixteen years since the old shaman, Chiyo, had told her of the Kado infant that was going to be born. Many in the town thought she was crazy for not believing the old woman, but many had become suspicious becauseof the sudden death of the Acherons second son.Some said that Chiyo had forced the kings mistress to kill the child after it was born, by order of her master. It was also said that the first son,the prince, was just like his father, though none had ever seen him.
Kyokos thoughts subsided as a teenaged girl walked through the kitchen, carrying a bundle of wood, her dark brown eyes only visible over the top of her ragged scarf. "There you are,"said Kyoko, taking the wood from the girl, setting it by the fireplace."I was ready to send Alex." A young,black, alpha wolf looked up from his place on by the fire, his icy blue eyes watching the two. The young girl laughed, smiling."Well,"said the girl, heading toward the rack to place her shawl and scarf on it."looks like a busy day." Kyoko looked at her daughter, a tear forming on her thick eyelashes.'How will you make it,Tohru?' Kyokos mind questioned, as the tear silently slipped down her cheek. Tohru turned to see her mother crying. Rushing to her side, Tohru fanticly looked at her mother, worry playing across her eyes. "Mother,whats wrong?"asked Tohru, seating her mother onto a wooden stool. Kyoko wiped her eyes, smiling once again. "Nothing Tohru, Im just tired, thats all,"said Kyoko, holding Tohrus face in her hands."I need you to get back to work now." Tohru nodded, standing to her feet.
Tohru dashed out of the kitchen as the front door open, a customer seating himself at one of the tables. "It seems like the blink of an eye and shes grown up."stated Kyoko, as Alex silently approached his mistress."Its not as terrible as thou makest it to be." said the wolf, resting his head on Kyokos lap.Kyoko gently petted the animal, stoking its fuzzy ears. "You promised that you would watch her." said Kyoko, looking the wolf in the eye."Mistress, doth thou not trust I, thy loyal servant."Alex said calmly, his eyes clear of emotion. Kyoko sighed heavily, indecisions running through her head. Alex panted into Kyokos lap, his heavy head resting on her flesh padded lap. "Alexander, of the Rinji, I, Kyoko of the Kita, hereby place thee under my child, Tohru of the Rai, as her protector and mentor, may all the my love and hope go with thee."stated Kyoko, kissing the wolf on the top of his head.