It was a blistering hot afternoon in the outskirts of Ura Shinjuku. Over at Otowa Madoka's mansion, the animals were hiding under shelter or trees in the spacious courtyard. Even their master, Fuyuki Shido, wished that rain would soon come.
The Beastmaster hated it when he had to stay idle at Madoka's mansion during the day. It's not that he disliked the company of his animal friends or Madoka; just the thought of Mido Ban sneering at him for sponging off a blind girl is enough to make him almost want to beg Hevn for any available job.
But the busty lady was to disappoint him. The text message she had send him read "Sorry, Shido-san. The GB duo just got my last job. You've got to wait."
At least it wasn't so bad earlier on in the morning. He joined the animals for their morning exercise, asked the crows for the latest news and happenings in the underground world of Ura Shinjuku and just took a break from his daily routine.
But when the sun came, oh boy, it was hell for the animals. Almost all scrambled immediately for the air-conditioned interior of the mansion, despite their master's explict instructions not to do so. Despite having Madoka's permission, the proud Beastmaster still decided to let the animals stay outside.
"It's all because of Shido's stupid pride that we are outside," grumbled one of the birds perched on top of the trees.
"Hey, a little heat won't kill you guys, oh right! You can't expect her workers to clean up the mess, you know," countered Shido, his voice rising with the temperature.
"Tea's served, fellows! I've cooled it already, so don't worry about getting scalded," chirped a smoothing voice.
In spite of himself, Shido smiled. Madoka's been able to talk with his companions now. For an average human, that's a great achievement for a few months' work.
"This is excellent! Thank you, Madoka-san," barked one of the dogs as it sipped the drink from a saucer.
"You're welcome," replied the blind teen with a smile.
"Looks like you're beginning to resemble the Maryuudo now, Madoka," said Shido, and immediately clammed up. It was a clear slip of the tongue, but its implications are severe. If Madoka is indeed becoming more and more like the Maryuudo, that will mean that...
"Did you say something, Shido-san," If the blind teen heard him, she did not show it.
"Nothing..." murmured Shido.
"At least, Madoka-san here cares for us like a true Maryuudo, unlike some other guy here, from the Fuyuki clan no less," complained the bird.
"Why you!" The Beastmaster resisted an urge to call for a few hawks to chase that crow away.
"Calm down, Shido-san. I'm sure he meant no harm."
Shido turned and looked at his... girlfriend. He hates to admit it, but he's in love with the violinist. Now, considering his earlier slip...
"Madoka-chan, would you like to learn the skills of my people," asked Shido bashfully.
Madoka stared at the Beastmaster. But her question was to surprise him instead.
"May I, or rather, can I do that?"
Shido thought hard. Although he had never know of any ordinary human who managed to learn the skills of the Maryuudo, Madoka had certainly fulfiled the first requirement. Perhaps it's time to put her through the test.
"Madoka, hold this," said Shido softly as he pressed something into her hands.
With her touch, the blind teen could tell that it was a whistle of sorts.
"Shido-san, what's this?"
"It's a Beast Whistle, used by the Maryuudo to summon their bestial allies for help. Now, I wished for you to do the same."
The girl gave him another stare.
"Just keep calm. Channel your thoughts through the whistle. Think about the wording of your call, for even that can be transmitted by the whistle."
Otowa Madoka bowed her head. A short while later, with her head held high, she blew into the whistle.
"Hear me, friends of the wild; roamers of the streets, stay and listen to my call! I seek your aid, not out of peril, but out of duty, for my love seeks to test my worth. Come if you can; if not, spread the word so that others may respond!"
The girl then turned towards Shido. Though he did not show it, the Beastmaster was greatly moved by the message. Now, it's the wild which shall judge her.
For about two minutes, there was no response. The animals in the courtyard had not made a single sound since their master spoke of the test. All were watching, and waiting.
"Well, looks like I'm not up to it. No one came."
"I wouldn't be so sure." Though Madoka's senses were keen, sharpened by her training as a musician, they were still inferior when compared to those of a man who lived in the wild for much of his life and had never forgotten its lessons.
"Huh?"
"They're coming," said the Beastmaster.
As if on cue, a cloud of dust began to form on the horizon. When it came nearer, animals of all sorts could be seen rushing towards the courtyard. In the skies, crows and other birds of flight came in such numbers that one might be forgiven for thinking that they can blot out the sun.
At last, all of the animals stopped in or hovered around the courtyard.
"You called for us, Miss?"
"How did you do that? Around here, the only guy who could use that whistle is the Beastmaster!"
"Are you getting married to Shido-san?"
Questions like these and more came flying from the creatures. The Beastmaster decided to make an address.
"Keep your voices down! I have something to say."
The animals quickly shut their mouths (and beaks).
"Since most of you came here upon hearing the whistle, she has passed the test. Otowa Madoka shall now be taught the ways of the Maryuudo. How much she can accomplish will ultimately depend on herself."
The animals cheered wildly upon hearing the news.
Amid the cheers, Shido whispered to his girlfriend.
"Remember, Madoka. The powers which you will be taught are considered sacred to my people. You cannot show them to other humans."
"Not even your friends at the Honky Tonk?"
"Those.. I'll consider them exceptions. Time to make that snake bastard eat his words about me bullying a helpless girl!"
Madoka couldn't resist a laugh. Things may start being a little less boring from now on...
Atogaki (Afterthoughts)
-Please RnR!