hello everyone yep it's me that strange guy who seems to love to talk to you all, Okami, this notes must be getting boring but hey, I like to writte them, as I promised here it is the next chapter, and before I continue Happy valentine's day for everyone (or single awareness)
so aside from the usual parts, you are going to see a large portion on italic, is for a flashback to separate it from the present, and before you ask indeed, is narrated on third person, but is for that part only (I wanted to give heads up for that since it can be confusing) since is not the last part it will be later on the future
next thanks are in order (if I get more than one rewiev I'll make sure to give thanks to everyone so don't worry I always read the rewievs and try to give them as well)
Wolf lovers | glad to hear you are liking the fic so far I hope you continue to enjoy of it on the future
Ryu P.O.V
My alarm went off as I hurried to wake up, today is really early but, carpenters wake up before the sun rise, I had some leftovers from yesterday dinner as my breakfast as I hurried outside, I had some of the sweets as a gift for Tappei-san and the others, some of them of the shop of grandfather as I let them inside of a plastic bag, the fragile ones in a box to prevent them from breaking , today it was chillier than yesterday but it was still a good day, I was jogging my way to Tatsuki house, I guess I really wanted to see him, to see them all again, I had time but I had a little surprise on mind, for sure Tatsu-nii had already ended his time as high school student, plus I can speak much better know I feel that I won't get trapped with words so Yuu-chan can relax and be with other people, I hurried to the door to hear an ear piercing scream
"don't go showing that off so early in the morning you dumbass" I heard Tappei - san scream as I feel on the spot, now I remember why I was so scared of him, when he is serious he gets really scary, but that mean that they were awake, I released small giggle as I lowered my pace, for once my breath had become mist on the air, the sun made the air warmer but right now it was still cold, not enough to be bothered but the air noticed it already, I was already at the workshop seeing some new people, maybe they were apprentices, a mouse and a horse, I didn't recognize any of them however I recognized that gigantic figure the black hair going all the way to the tail, I just stood there watching Tatsu-nii wondering when he would realize I was there, or maybe he already realized and had not recognized me? Either way it was so nostalgic, I used to carve a lot with some leftover wood that Tappei called small, but it was good for carving, since they were so big they had a lot of trouble but I loved to do it, Still I ended up with many cuts on the hand, because of it Tappei-san always nagged me for that telling me to be more careful when doing things like carving
"Are you here for any reason?" asked the horseman as I released a surprised yelp "or just to watch?"
"I um" I started startled at the greeting
"Nikadou be gentler with the clients" said the mice "can we help you?"
"No I um" I started shuttering the words and the bag on my back, both trapped un able to appear on my surprise
"Seriously finish a word" said Nikadou I would have been annoyed as well if was on his position "what is it?"
"I um" I started before I saw someone smiling obviously amused at the situation, he indicated me with the head to go on, Tetsuya-san hadn't changed in all these years I headed behind Tatsu-nii to see him working on something
"What are you doing?" I asked behind him
"Pa asked me to prepare the lumber, is the easiest thing to do" said Tatsu-nii he still had not realized who I was as he worked, I feel tempted to sneak up on him again and wait for him to realize but instead of that I just decided to dive headfirst
"And is so consuming you can't say hi to an old friend?" I asked as he half looked at me to later turn impressed, Tatsu-nii sometimes is just like a child, he headed closer almost as if he had a fever and was trying to decide if I was an Illusion, I gave him a big handshake to prove I was here
"It has been a long…" I started before he pulled me on a Hugh, man he was always gigantic but from up close, it was easy to notice that the size difference was obvious; he must be working so hard, he was always so strong, perhaps too much for a Hugh that was shattering my ribs
"Tatsu-nii, back" I struggled to say hitting his back with my free hand
"Not going back until you Hugh back" said Tatsu-nii as I started to hit his back faster and stronger only getting a tighter Hugh as a reaction
"I mean calm down, you are breaking It, my back" I said hitting his back faster at the feeling, this Hugh was going to kill me if it continued
"Sorry" said Tatsu-nii releasing me for a moment before going back to Hugh me with more care "I was just, so glad of seeing you again"
"me too" I said hugging him as well "I tough I had grown up but, compared to you I keep on being so small" I said to later have him messing with my hair, he always did that, his hand was enough to fit my head in there ever since we were child's
"I still cannot believe… wait, wait here a moment please, don't move a single inch" said Tatsuki half going away making whit his hand the signal of stop before heading to his house at great speed, the other workers had been watching and after I waved at them it was my time to introduce
"it's very nice to meet you, my name is Ryu" I said making a small bow, also realizing something, my Japanese had greatly improved, today I would read the last chapter and practice writing some more, seeing the reaction of Tatsu-nii I can imagine everyone else will have, I can't wait to see them, but their faces would be priceless
"so you are Ryu we overheard yesterday the master speaking about how much you grew" said Nikadou, he seemed a little cold but even so, cold people always speak their toughs and you can trust on them
"here I am" said Tatsuki hurrying back he has already out of breath at the speed he went he had something on his back and a little bit of red on his cheeks "hey Ryu I, um" started Tatsu-nii it was unlike him to be like this "here, this is yours" said showing the item on his back, it was an small sculpture of a wolf standing on his four pawns looking behind him, I recognize all the details on it, I made it after all, the blade I used to carve it was chipped and ended up hurting my hands many times, it was normal for me to have bandages on the hands all the time
"But" I said looking at it "I think that" I said as I started to shake it "yep I left it inside"
Tatsu-nii looked at me confused, it was a trick I learnt watching it on a show, the outside was of hand carved wood, but I had made it empty inside and it had a spot on the back, I pressed it as it feel inside, Tatsu-nii had a shocked expression
"hey, I kept it all these years, and now you break it?" he asked, his head low as I picked up an item inside of it, showing that it was made like that on purpose
"I would never break it, not with all the time you spend taking care of it" I said holding the item on my hands "I just wanted this back"
I left the item fee from my grab it had a chain made with iron and on it, a true wolf fang, I know it very well, mom said that it was a fang from dad, this is the only thing I have to remember I have a father, he always sent money to mom and me but, I never got to speak with him, and when he left I was so young that I just remember he was a wolf and was born in Minasato
"That's" said Tatsuki looking at my father fang "I had no idea I was keeping it"
"Sorry for the secret" I said as I used the chain to tie it around my neck "I wanted to keep it safe, and it could have gotten lost during the journey"
"Either way" said Tatsuki "you have changed so much, I barely recognized you, plus you already speaking Japanese so well, when you were little you had so many troubles for speaking with anyone the first time we meet"
"I know" I said it was so embarrassing to remember it, but that smile on Tatsuki as usual just cheers you up as soon as you see it "hey have you seen the others already? They are going to be so happy, are you going to stay here for long...?" started Tatsuki I knew a myriad of questions was going to come Sonner or later but this was to be expected
"About that" I said with a smile as Tatsuki gulped, he knew I had something in mind, something involving him "care to keep that we have meet as a secret? I want to surprise everybody"
"How's that?" asked Tatsuki "school is coming soon and… wait don't tell me"
"Yup" I said with a smile "I am going to be living in Minasato from now on, so get accustomed to see me a lot more"
Before I could react Tatsu-nii again hugged me at first again a killing high but he softened up, the first time was only to grab me and keep me tight before the proper Hugh
"You best not be kidding, you heard me? If you are joking, I am going to kill you" said Tatsu-nii he sounded so serious but I would not joke about something like this, I hugged him back
"No kidding this time, Minasato is my new home" I said as Tatsu-nii pressed a little harder forcing me to feel his body, his scales where so soft, after a while he released me with am embarrassed laugh
"Sorry got real happy there" said Tatsu-nii with his smile "and, well you know"
"is ok" I said I knew very well what he meant, he knew of my mother and her state and the reason I would come here to live, but Tatsu-nii knew that I just was strong enough to overcome it and move on, plus I have my old friends back and just thinking about that brought a smile to my face, but I had completely forgotten about the bag I had left near me before he hugged me
"O before I forget" I said "I brought you all something" I said showing the bag to Tatsuki
"What is it?" asked Tatsuki taking the bag with a smile
"Just some sweets" I said "I remember that this where your favorite so I saved them on purpose"
"No need for it Ryu" said Tatsuki again petting my head as if I was a little kid "thanks anyway"
"Ok enough" said Nikadou "this is a workplace and you are losing time"
"Ri, right" I said "I apologize for the intrusion, and Tatsu-nii remember not a word to the others"
"Got it" said Tatsuki with a wink "make sure to get good grades and make Kanata-san proud"
I nodded at that, Tatsuki was like a big brother on my eyes many times, and he knew that sometimes instead of feeling sorry he had to cheer up and tell people to move on, I tried to get out, however, I felt something hit me on the back, as I looked at it I saw a small cylindrical wooden piece on the floor upon picking it up I saw the kanji for dragon, or Ryu, curious since looking that Tappei-san had launched it at me and had something like an embarrassed expression, it had been inked recently and I knew it, inside of it a small knife the blade chipped, I used it many times in the past and got scolded for it but he just made a sing of keep it, it was very old and they had better material to work with, after a small nod I saved it on a pocked inside of the vest as I hurried back home to see grandfather already awake, looking at me with a smile
"So, how was it, was Tatsuki surprised?" asked with a smile, he must have been awake for a while, and waiting for me
"Yep" I said with a smile "also when would it be ok for you on that test?" I asked as he smiled
"You remember the way to the school?" asked my grandfather as I nodded "go there as soon as you are ready, Botan-san agreed to let you have the test, I was going to make it but, I ended up thinking a teacher would be a batter judge"
"Ok" I said "is ok if I go now? I feel confident on my skills and practice"
"Go" said my grandfather "remember you need a perfect score, do your best"
I nodded as he made me good luck sing, I don't know if I`ll make it but, I feel I can do it, I was running on excitement not stopping for a second, I was going to do it, as soon a possible or the first day, I was going to greet everyone surprising them I have decided it, soon the school came into view, so many memories, some of them painful of Botan-san hitting me in the head because Hiroyuki got me in troubles as well, it was so fun tough, I headed inside, Botan-san always said that the school was his second home so maybe he was inside, I headed to the door and started searching for him, the nostalgia hitting me like a bus, the wooden floor and walls, the classrooms, many tough that there was just Botan-san teaching but there were more, only Botan lives in Minasato, the other teachers lives on another places, miss Kuroi my old homeroom teacher lived in Kazenari and she came driving every day, Botan-san lived in Minasato and I believe he was the only teacher I meet, after I searched inside the building I released a sight, not a single sight of Botan-san, I headed outside before seeing the janitor closet, I headed there to see the boar coming out of it, he looked at me at waved to indicate me to come closer
"Good morning Ryu, I see you have grown quite a bit" said the Boar, our old teacher Botan everyone around here made me feel, small is the only accurate word for this
"Yeah" I said "it happened after I moved, good morning as well Botan-san"
"Here to take that test?" asked Botan as I nodded "it won't be easy, so do your best"
"I will" I said "I'll get that perfect score"
Botan signaled me to follow him to his room, he had the keys of the classrooms so he opened up the door as I headed inside, this had been my class before I moved away, my seat was there on the middle of the class I had the equipment and after this test time to prepare to head to class and buy the books, I was going to do my best and get that perfect score, Tappei gave the sheet and some pats on the back as his way of wishing me good luck, I am not sure if because it was easy or self-confidence but I was doing it quite fast, after an hour I handed the test to Botan-san who examined it, it seemed to be great until one sight
"Sorry Ryu" said Botan "you needed a perfect score right?" after that I nodded and he rubbed his neck trying to find a way to give me the notice "so close, you got a 95 but, the last word is a common mistake, I still have to take it, sorry Ryu"
"Is ok" I said as he nodded with a sight of decision just like mine, a 95 it was a great score no matter how you look at it
"Exactly" said Botan "a 95 is a great score for the first try and many of my students still make this kind of small mistake if they don't pay attention, for sure next time you'll get it"
I nodded at him before he gave me the sheet indicating me to keep it as a reminder of the first try
"Try harder next time Ryu, for sure you'll manage that perfect at the second try" said Botan as we both headed closer to the door
"Thanks" I said "if you excuse me I should go home"
"And one more thing" said Botan-san "welcome back"
I released a giggle at that and later a great smile with my eyes closed "is good to be back home" I said before walking out of the door, heading home, it was true I was happy, there was that feeling of sadness for failing so close, but also of being so close, tonight I'll study extra hard and try it again tomorrow, after reaching home and giving my grandfather the test, he just released a sight
"You remember the deal right?" asked my grandfather as I nodded "and don't try to beg because it won't work"
"I wasn't going to do it" I said a little hurted "we had a deal and I will abide for it, until that perfect score I won't be going to class"
"Good" said my grandfather with a proud smile "still this is a great grade, keep on trying and for sure next time you'll get it"
"Tomorrow" I said "Tomorrow I'll try again"
"If you want to" said my grandfather messing with my hair with a smile "but enjoy of today, go out and play"
"What about you and Yuu-chan?" I asked
"I have to tend the store" he said "and Yuu-chan is reading a book she found so she wanted to stay inside"
"Then why don't you go outside?" I asked cocking my head "I am quite sure I can look after the store while you are out"
"You sure?" asked my grandfather as I nodded "well for sure is a great time for a walk, I'll be back on a while"
My grandfather headed outside as I took my position on the counter, I had remembered the prices of each product, and many of the traditional sweets where hard to forget, dango, kagetsudo, Daifuku with many different fruits inside, taiyaki, it was so nostalgic and grandfather taught me to prepare many of them, and since Mom worked here as well she taught me even more, like mom and Ojii-san always said we have the sweet in our blood and that's what makes us all so sweet, I was waiting for clients to come inside, grandfather used to be inside watching the Tv coming to attend them when they entered, but I was more active being on the counter all the time, or just sitting outside seeing the few people come and go, a good morning always ready when someone came across to stop at mu side, a lion, he was wearing the high school uniform of the soccer team, they were really good but, there wasn't a practice yet, maybe he was going to train to enter on the team
"Welcome" I said "how may I help you?"
"Is nothing" said the boy he seemed to be a little younger than I am, maybe around Shun-kun age "I was just waiting for someone"
"Ok" I said "if you want to I can make some tea"
"Thanks but it won't be necessary" said the lion I was still outside the warm sun shining and white clouds on the sky, it was so peaceful almost inviting for a nap but I promised to look after the store
"You came recently to the village right?" asked the lion as I nodded "it was easy to see, not many people leave here so the new faces are easy to recognize"
"Yeah" I said with a smile "my name is Ryu can I know yours?"
"Soutarou" said the lion "do you like it so far?"
I nodded at that "I lived here but, it hasn't changed at all in this years, it seems bigger but peaceful as always"
"Yeah" said Soutarou "do you work here?"
"Work and live, the owner is my grandfather" I said with a proud smile
"But" said Soutarou "you are a human and he is a wolf"
"Half human" I said "my mother was human, my father a wolf, tough I have taken after my mother mostly"
"Really?" said Soutarou impressed "Is the first time I meet someone like you"
"Yeah" I said as someone headed closer from the home, Yuu-chan merely greeted the client as she headed to the counter to call my attention
"What is it?" I asked heading closer to my sis
"We should make some more dango" said Yutaka "the inn made us an order and is a big one"
"On it" I said "could you please attend the counter?" I asked as yutaka nodded, after that I headed to the kitchen, Dango was easy to do and I could make it even overseas so I was quite confident on my skills, grandfather was much better but at least I could make it enjoyable to eat, something I ended up doing was humming as I worked seeing the mass and preparing the ingredients, the taste is important but also the presentation and the shapes, making the circles and making them on different colors the different tipe of flavors, I always enjoyed doing this things with mom when we were going to celebrate something, many times she sang that song I remember each single word as I started to hum it, I looked away for a moment before noticing my check wet for a moment, tears, is almost as if mom was here right now, even overseas she always made Japanese dishes and many kinds of desserts, I hurriedly wiped my eye but, Yu-chan saw it
"Are you ok?" asked Yutaka as I nodded "but you are crying"
"Sorry" I said wiping some tears on my eyes "I just got a little nostalgic, but I'm ok"
"Really?" asked Yutaka as I nodded "ok, but if something happens just tell me"
"On what?" asked a voice from outside as grandfather entered the kitchen "don't go crying on the sweets"
After that he pated me on the back and indicated me to take a break, I nodded and on five minutes, I got back inside the kitchen, he was working so fast, he was the best one when it came to make sweets they already had such a tasty looking shape
"Can I help?" I asked
"I see no reason to say no to another pair of hands" said my grandfather cooking his head, his left ear moving alongside it "but no crying understood?" said my grandfather as I nodded
We stood there making the dango, all of our focus on making the dango and in my case following his instructions and advice, until he started to hum that song too and I joined him
"Dango dango dango dango dango daikazoku" we both said at the same time but after that despite how cheerful our voices sounded we both feel an aura of loss above us, grandfather told me once that, his father taught him the song, and to him his father, then my father learnt it and when he married mom, she learned it
"It was a lullaby as well, you know?" said my grandfather on a saddened tone as I looked at him "when you were a baby and started crying because you could not sleep, both your mom and your dad, would let you between them while singing that song, until you ended up sleeping the whole night"
I released a small smile at that, the song was almost a tradition on the family, I loved to sing it when I was younger and it always cheered me up, but thinking on mom and Dad singing it, I made a bow as I headed outside, I tough the store was empty but there was a client as I headed to greet him, Tatsu-nii was buying something and he looked at me worried, he indicated me my face, maybe the little tears where not over
"Hey Ryu" said Tatsuki "why are you crying?"
"Sorry" I said wipping the tears "I just got a little emotional, it will be over soon"
"Really?" asked Tatsuki as I gave him a smile
"Really" I said "much better now, just remembering something that made me cry, nothing more"
"Ok" said Tatsuki "before I forget I came here to buy"
"Yuu-chan, can you handle it?" I asked as yukata nodded "I guess since I have free time, I'll deliver the sweets to the inn"
"You stay here and help, Yu-chan go back to read" said my grandfather giving us instructions "walking a little will be good"
"Are you sure? It looks heavy "I said as he started to pick up the bags
"Nothing an old man like me can't handle" said my grandfather with a smile as Yutaka and I nodded
"Ok, something else you want to order Tatsu-nii?" I asked
"Yeah, mom asked me for some dango" said Tatsuki
"On it" I said heading to pick it up
"So, how was the test?" asked Tatsuki "did you get a good grade?"
"It depends" I said "needed the perfect score, but I had a 95 so, tomorrow I am trying it again"
"That's the Ryu I remember" said Tatsuki "but still a perfect score can be hard, and in less than a week you already got a 95, man Tora is going to be so depressed if you get so good grades"
I merely released a laugh, my grades where always good for some reason, when I was younger I was always on the top of the class, so it was weird for me to score below the 80%, still it took a lot of effort sometimes, but I enjoyed doing it
"Maybe you could help Shun and Touno on your free time" said Tatsuki "you remember then right?"
"I remember shun but Touno" I said as I crossed my arms confused
"O right" said Tatsuki "we made another friend, as soon as classes start we have to introduce you two"
"I am sure we'll get along" I said with a smile "is this enough?" I asked showing him the dango as he nodded "ok" I said "you want them in a box or…?"
"No thanks" said Tatsuki "in the bag they'll be ok plus that sweet smell is way too good to let it on a box"
"Ok" I said giving him the dango as he paid for them "enjoy of them, and please come again"
"I will" said Tatsuki "see you later Ryu"
I waved goodbye at Tatsuki as he walked again, however Yu-chan continued reading a book, she seemed really interested on it but, is not something a girl of her age should do
"Why don't you go out and play?" I asked her "I bet there must be a lot of people of your age on the park"
"I always get tired very easily" said yutaka "plus this book is really good, mom sent it to me yesterday"
"What is it about?" I asked heading closer to her
"Is nothing to special, is just about friends that are separated by fate and, despite all the trials, they meet again to see how they changed and how they decided to try to fulfill their childhood dreams"
"I see" I said as I looked away, childhood friends, maybe that place keeps on being standing, I wanted to go and see but I had to tend the store, half an hour later Grandfather came back
"All done" he said "man I could sleep like a log"
"Why don't you rest?" I asked him cooking my head, he is quite old despite his appereance and attitude
"Someone has to tend the store" said grandfather looking at me with an smile "so go out, if we need help we'll call you"
"But" I started as he raised his hand "thanks" I said with a smile "I'll be back soon"
I headed out of the store to walk to the forest, I knew of a way not many more people knew, just a few, I started to head through the forest, it wasn't far but it was hidden from the village, a building rather destroyed but it was clear it had been repaired, I remember this place, when we were child's, everyone built it, an old house that had a lot of work, it became our secret base, when we weren't playing or enjoying of life we liked spend time on our secret base, it was our place to hide from the rain together, I remember it almost as if it was happening right now
"Come on Ryu you are going to freak out" said a young human, he had his rather short black hair completely messy aside from some stains of dirt on his face and hands, apparently working on something that took a lot of effort
"Wait a little Hiroyuki" said another human rather small and on a frail complexion whit a white t shirt and a pair of sandals , by now panting heavily with some heavy coughs coming from his body
"Sorry" said Hiroyuki heading closer to the other boy worried "you ok Ryu? If you need to rest just tell me, you don't need to push yourself to hard"
"And who is the one to blame?" asked Ryu as Hiroyuki released a nervous laugh he had taken the child without a word and forced him to run around at great speed
"Sorry, but you are going to love it" said Hiroyuki while pressing his hands together "here, to make it even better"
After that Hiroyuki took a white tissue from his pocket using it to blindfold Ryu
"Can you see?" asked Hiroyuki
"Not at all" said Ryu
"Then follow me" said Hiroyuki running away before hearing Ryu merely cough looking behind him making Hiroyuki release an embarrassed laugh, after that he walked away taking his friend hand "now, come on"
"But no running ok?" said Ryu "and look out for both of us"
"Ok" said Hiroyuki with a confident smile "let's go Ryu-kun we all worked a lot on this"
Hiroyuki started to walk Ryu through the forest, they both knew rather well the main path but soon Ryu feet meet with the feeling of getting out of the walk, he gulped a little scared however Hiroyuki gave his hand a reassuring squeeze as he continued, sometimes Hiroyuki had to catch a falling Ryu who tripped over some branches out of the ground but after five minutes Hiroyuki stopped moving
"Here we are" said Hiroyuki "surprise"
Ryu took out his blindfold to see all his friends Torahiko, Shin, Kouya, shun, Shiro all of them where in front of an old abandoned house, they all looked dirty and tired, Tatsuki had some materials on his arms, the building was poorly made clearly by child's hands but to them it was a gigantic house, a place no one knew about, it was their own secret base
"Come on" said Torahiko "is not the best construction, but we made the best we…" the tiger could not finish the sentence as he was surprised with a Hugh from Ryu, after a rather shocked expression he smiled hugging back, after that Ryu went running to Hugh everyone
"Come on" said Shirotaka "we have everything ready for the inauguration"
Ryu merely nodded crying as Hiroyuki give him his tissue as he wiped his tears all of them with a proud and happy smile on their faces
"Hey look Hiroyuki, you made Ryu cry again" said Torahiko
"I am telling this to sensei" chimed in Kouya with a smile
"You two don't go betraying me" said Hiroyuki trying to defend himself
"You are a horrible person Hiroyuki" said Juuichi with a straight face "you deserve punishment"
"you too?" asked Hiroyuki as Ryu stopped crying for a moment as everyone released a laugh at the expression of desperation on Hiroyuki face, Ryu however used the chance to head inside, there was not much just some cushions on the ground to rest, what caught the attention of the boy was a flower that seemed to have grown alone in that place, however it seemed as if it had chosen that place to grow, on it on a circular form twelve petals spreading across it on a completely pure white color
"So pretty" said Ryu heading closer
"What?" asked Shun heading closer even he was taller than Ryu as the human stood the shortest being often called a lil bro on a teasing way "wow, it's so pretty I had never seen it before"
"shin-kun can you help us?" asked Ryu has everyone headed inside "you know which flower is this?"
"I had never seen it" said Shin looking at it "is so pretty"
"I tough I had taken care of all the weeds" said Tatsuki "I can just rip it"
"Let me do it" said Torahiko however Ryu quickly hit him in the hand before the impulsive tiger had the opportunity "ow, what was that for?" asked Torahiko moving his hand as a feeling of numbness took over it
"Look at it" said Ryu as everyone headed closer to look at it
"Twelve petals" said Juuichi
"On a group of twelve friends" added Hiroyuki "I think this flower decided to grow here for a reason"
"Friends forever right?" asked Ryu as everyone released a laugh
"And always together" said Hiroyuki as he grabbed Ryu hand leaving it above the flower soon to be followed by the tiger and the rest of their friends on a second
"Come on" said Tatsuki "it's time to celebrate"
"I have some juice" said Shun trying to reach a spot too high for him jumping on an adorable way
"Let me do this" said Kouya grabbing a bag with different types of juices, while then Juichi showed some plastic cups
"What about the food?" asked Hiroyuki searching around the building
"You were supposed to take care of that" said Shin as he showed he helped to prepare everything, however Hiroyuki dropped his head clearly he had forgotten about
"I took care of it" said Torahiko showing a bag full of all kind of sweets of all kinds and all kind of snacks "I had the feeling he would forget"
"Sorry" said Hiroyuki "we all have been so busy"
"That's no excuse tough" said Shin "tough I must admit it was unusual for you to work so hard on anything instead of laze around"
"Hey" said Hiroyuki with a blush at the smile of Ryu before releasing a happy sight "no need to embarrass me"
The whole group prepared everything while Ryu headed a little farther with a little plank of wood that they left aside, on it he started to carve some words as Shun looked over him with curiosity
"Best friends, secret base" said Shun reading it out loud "I like the name, our own secret base"
Ryu nodded as he tried to leave it on the entrance however a pair of hands grabbed it, rather they took it to the highest part leaving it, the calmest one of the group his eyes always closed but never losing his temper with that kind smile
"Thanks" said Ryu "you are as dependable as usual Kyouji"
"And still we are the same age" said Kyouji
"You are making fun of my height right?" asked Ryu as Kyouji patted him on the head
"Don't worry, Sonner or later you have to grow up" said Kyouji "come on, you are the main guest so you can be late to the party
Ryu nodded heading inside, after the party they all headed their homes, almost all of them
"Whenever you are ready Ryu" said Hiroyuki
"For what?" asked Ryu as Hiroyuki released a gigantic smile
"Go home together of course" said Hiroyuki "what else you dummy?"
"But, your home is the other way" said Ryu
"I know, but I want to go with you" said Hiroyuki to later scratch his head "unless you have a problem with it" after that he just looked at Ryu move his head "great then, let's go?"
Ryu nodded as they went back to the main path, however Ryu looked something he had not seen while he was blindfolded, neither felt, Hiroyuki had his hand full of cuts and some strips
"What happened to your hands?" asked Ryu worried as Hiroyuki looked at his hands
"Not much" said Hiroyuki "come on"
"Not until you tell me" said Ryu serious as Hiroyuki released a bothered sight to later smile on an embarrassed way
"While we worked on the base, I made some cuts on it, is nothing, we all had some"
Ryu looked to the ground as Hiroyuki froze in place, guilt over the shoulders of the young half human at the efforts his friends had made for him however he felt someone pat him on the back to see Hiroyuki at his side with a gigantic smile
"Come on, no need to blame yourself, we made so we all could play with you when you can't run" said Hiroyuki "plus is awesome to have our own secret base"
Ryu looked at Hiroyuki for a moment before the brown haired boy delivered a playful punch on the arm of his friend, making him smile and nod at the meaning it had, to move on, after reaching the home of Ryu Hiroyuki merely looked away a little embarrassed
"Thanks" said Ryu "I had a lot of fun with everyone today"
"Um" said Hiroyuki as he quickly grabbed something he hide behind a rock near the house of Ryu, after that he grabbed the hand of Ryu to leave a present and run away before Ryu had even time to react, after he managed to get back to his senses he merely smiled closing the door with a faint thank you for himself as Hiroyuki disappeared from view, after that he walked to the main room to see her mother resting on the kotatsu, her long blonde hair reaching her hips, a pair of emerald green eyes on a smooth and shining skin giving that kind woman a frail appearance alongside her small and thin complexion
"Welcome home Ryu" said the woman as Ryu smiled
"I'm home" said Ryu
"Kanata" said the voice of Matsunaga from the kitchen "can you help me with something?"
"going" said the woman as she quickly stood up heading to the kitchen, Ryu went upstairs to leave the present hidden until he had time to open it, after hearing the voice of her mother calling him to dinner, he headed downstairs to sit on family, his father working away, as he had been ever since Ryu made five years, the memory of his face to faint for the young boy to remember it, however he looked to the spot still free on the table as her mother petted him in the head making the child's growl in annoyance
"if you want to grow you have to eat all" said the only beastman at the table as Ryu nodded and started eating faster, after finishing up he headed upstairs to look at the gift still on its wrapping, after opening up he looked at it, a diary with the sings of everyone on the cover, opening it paper with lines to draw straight above them, on the sides decoration in the shapes of flowers and a wolf face with a human like thumb on the corners, Ryu smiled at the sight as he hugged the diary holding it close to his chest
"I promise I am going to fill you up with lots of good things" said Ryu looking at the diary to leave it under his pillow and rest his head above it with a smile looking through the window at the moonlight piercing trough the sky
A new day arrived as Ryu looked outside through the glass, the sun still raising through the mountains, the sky on a blue welcoming color with white clouds floating above it, the sun shining on the whole room as the curtains slide open, Ryu got up stumbling a little to see his usual attire on the wardrobe, after wearing it he headed downstairs to see the breakfast on the table and his grandfather still having to take a seat, as he sat down to eat however the sound of someone calling to his door made Kanata head to open it to later call Ryu who stood up heading to the door to see Hiroyuki standing in front of it
"Good morning Hiroyuki" said Ryu with a smile "did we had plans today?"
"Not really" said Hiroyuki "I just came to ask you if you liked your present"
"A lot" said Ryu with a broad smile "thank you all for it, I loved it"
"Good to hear" said Hiroyuki "well I don't want to take more of your time so"
"Wait" said Ryu "if you don't have plans would you like to hang out?"
Ryu started to rub his arm a little embarrassed to later look at Hiroyuki who had a grin of success on his face making the half beast walk away impressed
"Is ok, I know you have a…" started Ryu before Hiroyuki grabbed his hand making him come closer
"I'll come to pick you up on an hour, be ready" said Hiroyuki running away most probably to tell everyone, after that Ryu just headed inside his home again with a broad smile not as broad has his mother
"Better hurry up" said Ryu heading to his breakfast to eat it faster than ever
The days continued slowly, Ryu each time more and more active many times going to the secret base to take care of the flower or playing with everyone else, yet the day most awaited for everyone was coming closer
"The festival is almost here" said Ryu alongside Torahiko and Hiroyuki the tree of them sitting on a branch of a tree supporting their combined weight "I am so excited for celebrating it"
"That's right" said Hiroyuki "normally you would have moved already"
"Yeah" said Torahiko "is so great your mom decided to spend here a whole year" Ryu simply nodded at that "hey are you going with someone to the festival?"
"Not sure" said Ryu "maybe I'll go with mom"
"No" said Hiroyuki patting Ryu on the back "you and I are going together"
"What?" almost screamed Torahiko and Ryu at the same time completely shocked, the fur of Torahiko standing as well
"Of course" said Hiroyuki "since I am older than you I have the duty of take care of you"
"We are the same age" said Ryu however it was clear Hiroyuki wasn't paying attention any longer "Tora, say something"
Ryu looked at Torahiko only to see him giving thumbs up at Hiroyuki as Ryu cocked his head, however a hit on his back of Torahiko with his smile brought a smile back to the face of the half wolf
"Ok" said Ryu "you better make it a great day"
"leave it to me" said Hiroyuki pulling Ryu closer with a Hugh almost making his friend fall to the ground "you'll never forget it"
"I trust on you" said Ryu as Hiroyuki released him, all of them looked to the left at a scream Kounosuke coming late to receive a half lecture of Torahiko while Hiroyuki merely tried to calm both of them, Ryu stumbled a little but was able to hide it from the others to head closer with a smile
"What are we going to do today?" asked Ryu
"How about we play tag?" said Hiroyuki
"That sounds fun" said Torahiko" and since Kouno came late, he is having it"
"I already apologized for it" said Kounosuke "you all came way too early"
"Sure" said Torahiko on a sarcastic way "like all the other times we decided to reunite and you arrived at the last moment"
"Let's not argue" said Ryu "I'll have it this time"
"You sure?" asked Hiroyuki as Ryu nodded "ok, but if you start to feel bad, stop"
"I will" said Ryu "you don't need to worry so much about me"
"Is not that" said Hiroyuki with a blush looking away with his arms crossed "is because juuichi or Tatsuki normally carry you, if you pass out again I doubt I can take you home on time"
Ryu nodded at that as he smiled, Hiroyuki never admited how he looked over Ryu but they all knew about it
"Ok" said Torahiko "count back to ten and then chase us"
"Rules we can't get to far out of the park" said Kounosuke "and nothing of saying you stop when you are about to get caught"
"Fine by me" said Ryu "where should I start the count"
"What about that place?" asked Hiroyuki pointing to a hole on the ground and stones around it "is supposed that there's going to be a tree here"
"Yeah" said Ryu "my mom decided to leave here a seed I don't know what is it but I bet is a lovely tree"
"Really?" asked Kounosuke "Kanata-san is always making this kind of things, last time she helped Tappei to practice for the festival"
"And I missed it" pouted Ryu
"Come on" said Hiroyuki "we don't have all day"
The whole group nodded at that, the day advancing slowly as they played, the sun starting to disappear slowly as Ryu looked up to the sky with a smile
"I am so tired" said Torahiko stretching himself with a tired yawn
"I could fall sleep right here" said Kounosuke however he looked at Ryu who stood up
"You think our moms would let you stay the night at my home?" asked Ryu
"Mine for sure" said Hiroyuki
"You think Kanata-san would leave us?" asked Kounosuke "we are many"
"Well" said Ryu "there's a free bed and two futons"
"Leave the futons aside" said Hiroyuki "we can share the bed on pairs"
"What?" asked Ryu as Hiroyuki smiled looking at Torahiko
"Is not a bad idea" said Torahiko
"It sounds fun" said Kounosuke "we can do that"
"Then it's settled" said Hiroyuki "we have to convince Kanata now"
"I can do that" said Ryu
The group headed to the home of Ryu, as Kanata saw the whole group Ryu didn't even need to ask permission
"Call your mothers and ask them for permission" said Kanata "I would be glad if you all stayed"
After a few calls the whole group smiled as they had permission to stay in the same home, Ryu headed outside as the other followed him, only to see him drop on a near hills as they headed closer worried over his friend healt
"Ryu" said Hiroyuki worried before realizing Ryu had not fallen, he dropped above a patch of tall grass his eyes open looking at the town as Hiroyuki followed his gaze, the mountains on the horizon as the sun slowly disappeared leaving room to a complete dark, in a few moments, the calm and cool breeze of the nighttime, Ryu not saying anything, neither the other child's just enjoying of the moment they were all spending together, the lights out only to be interrupted at the call of Kanata for dinner, after they headed inside and had dinner, the group headed to the room of Ryu as the guest looked around curiously
"Wow" said Torahiko "your room is so clean, if my mom saw this she would told me to clean up"
"Mine too" said Hiroyuki "don't you ever get it dirty?"
"Many times" said Ryu "but I clean it when I have the chance, after all, the kitchen is near and I need to keep it clean so customers don't go away"
"Man" said Kounosuke "you already speak like your grandfather" after that he looked at the half wolf who had a half smile unsure of what to do at the statement
"Now for the important thing" said Hiroyuki "I am sleeping with Kouno" said pushing the raccoon to a bed not even asking him for permission
"If you excuse me" said Ryu heading for the bathroom to come out in a pajama in the shape of a wolf with a hood with ears and the head as the whole group released a series of snickers
"What?" asked Ryu as Tora used his arm to make him head closer
"You look so cute on that" said Tora as Hiroyuki headed out to look under the pillow and smile, taking the diary as Ryu smiled, Hiroyuki opened it to see the picture of everyone glued on the inside
"Have you written something on it?" asked Hiroyuki as Ryu smiled
"Not really" said Ryu "I was going to start today"
"Come on" said Hiroyuki "I want to see what you write"
"That's, something private" said Ryu scratching his cheek embarrassed "so I'll have to say no"
Hiroyuki looked disappointed as Kounosuke looked at the picture with a proud smile
"I took a good one" said Kounosuke "maybe I should take some more"
"I would like to see them" said Ryu
"Maybe I'll show them to you someday" said Kounosuke "but I am getting tired, hurry up and turn off the light"
"Hai" said Ryu as Tora took his place on the bed, the same for almost all of them except Ryu who turned off the light to head to his bed, despite the effort he ended up hitting his feet against the bed as Torahiko released a giggle
"Hey" said the tiger as Ryu took his place alongside him both of them giving each other their backs
"Yeah?" asked Ryu as Torahiko indicated him to keep it quiet on a private level for both of them
"About staying here, it was true, I am really glad you are staying a whole year" said Torahiko turning himself to look at Ryu
"I know" said Ryu turning to have both their eyes meeting "I was really glad, normally I didn't spoke with no one because learn the language and later go away for another year made it seem pointless, but I have had so much fun this summer, I was already excited thinking about coming back"
"And I can tell you we all would be waiting to see you arrive" said Torahiko with a smile "that's what friends are for"
"Yeah" said Ryu with a smile as Torahiko pulled him for an embrace causing the half human to blush "To, Torahiko" said Ryu as Torahiko released him
"Come on" said the tiger with a smile "you are going to fall off, so come closer"
"I, is ok" said Ryu with a clear blush doing his best to prevent his friend from noticing it "good night Tora"
"Good night, wolf" said Torahiko half mocking Ryu only to pet him on the head on an affectionate way "and don't worry, maybe you'll be the tallest one someday"
The sun rose up again waking up Ryu however the same didn't applied to his bed partner, the calm breathing of a still sleeping Tora and their faces almost touching, in his sleep Tora had rolled and his arm was over Ryu, the half wolf tried to get away from the embrace without waking up the tiger to succeed, all of them where still sleeping, Ryu however was accustomed to be an early riser since he was a class representative and that asked to be on the class before other students to help the teachers to clean them, or help on any way they were asked, after slowly head to change himself he headed downstairs, her mother awake and making the food of everyone
"Good morning" said Kanata "the breakfast is ready, are they awake?"
"No" I said "they seemed so tired I didn't wanted to wake them up"
"I see" said Kanata with a smile "hey is still some days far but, would you like to go to the festival?"
"I am going" said Ryu with a smile "Hiroyuki and I are going together"
"Sorry dear but" said Kanata "I am going with you two, when there's too much people around you tend to get lost"
"Ok" said Ryu "for sure Hiroyuki will not mind and the more the merrier"
"Glad you understand" said Kanata
Footsteps where heard from the stair, Hiroyuki coming down the first, not much later Torahiko and after a while an sleepy Kounosuke
"Good morning" said Ryu as Kounosuke merely raised his hand almost falling sleep on the spot as he took a seat
"You can't be tired" said Torahiko "we all headed to sleep at the same time"
"Ryu-kun" said a voice outside
"I'll go" said Ryu as he headed to the door, a chubby figure of a panda bear in front of him "good morning Shirotaka-san"
"Shiro is enough Ryu" said Shirotaka "have you seen Kounosuke? His family needs him in the store"
"He just awoke" said Ryu "want to come in?"
Shirotaka nodded as he headed inside seeing an half sleep Kounosuke on the table, alongside him the tiger and the human, trying to keep him awake
"Kounosuke" said Shirotaka "your mother needs you in the store"
"Going" said Kounosuke starting to eat his breakfast, ending before anyone else "thanks for the meal"
"You are welcome Kounosuke-kun" said Kanata picking up the dishes, not much later Torahiko and Hiroyuki finished their breakfast as well, after that they headed out to their homes before their families got worried, Ryu however headed to the river, walking alongside it hearing the water flow was calming and something he could not do on the city, however he realized something he had never seen, a branch starting on the shore to head to the river, it seemed an sturdy and secure one, after heading to climb it he headed to the river, the sounds of the water and the bugs around him, alongside the morning and heat made him drift to a sleep, a panda bear saw him heading closer with curious eyes to see the half wolf rolling on his sleep falling to the water, the panda could not contain his laughter as the wolf merely smiled embarrassed with his clothes damped before heading out with a helping hand of the panda
"You ok Ryu-kun?" asked Shirotaka as Ryu nodded "you should be careful where you sleep"
"I know" said Ryu "I just started to take a walk and saw that branch, it was so nice that well, I ended up sleeping"
"Like a log" added Shirotaka as a cold wind blew at his bad pun
"Are you proud of that?" asked Ryu rolling his eyes "serious…" Ryu looked at Shirotaka before realizing the chance he had "Shushiriusly"
At that Shirotaka could not contain it before breaking into giggles trying to cover it with his pawn
"Sorry" said Ryu "*pawtend* I didn't say anything"
Ryu looked aside on his mind screaming for the series of bad puns before hearing Shirotaka voice between laughter's calming down a little
"That was *crawmical*" said Shirotaka as Ryu merely decided to laugh at the whole stupidity and bad puns both made so early on the day
"Still" said Ryu "I should continue my walk"
"Can I go with you?" Asked Shirotaka
"I see no reason why you should not" said Ryu
Both started to walk Shirotaka tried to stay close to Ryu before the half wolf released a sight slightly bothered at the panda actions
"No need to be so worried about me Shiro" said Ryu "I am not going to pass out just by walking"
"Sorry "said Shirotaka "when you collapsed in front of everyone we panicked, you should have told us"
"I know" said Ryu "is just, leave it"
"No" said Shirotaka "what's wrong?"
"is just" said Ryu rubbing his left arm "in the city I barely can play with kids of my age, when I come here you all seem to have so much fun, I could not help myself but want to play with all of you"
"Ryu-kun" said Shirotaka releasing a sight with an smile on his lips" you are hopeless you knew?"
Ryu merely looked at the panda who released a laugh messing with his hair
"don't push yourself too hard" said the panda "we are friends no matter what so if you can't keep up just take a rest and we'll wait, so don't ask yourself too much"
"Sorry" said Ryu "I just have so much fun with you all, I want to do my best to enjoy of this year"
"Then" started Shirotaka smiling looking at the river "why don't you come to my home today?"
"Why?" asked Ryu
"because that way we can pass time together and you don't have to force yourself, plus all of us are going today to the secret base remember?" said Shirotaka as Ryu nodded
"Ok" said Ryu "but I have to ask my mom for permission"
"Then let's go" said the panda as he and the half wolf headed to the home of the second, there was not a trouble on his mother side and after that, both headed to the house of the panda, it wasn't a big house but many times it was welcoming just on the aura of the house, bamboo shoots decorating the house, and all kinds of flowers, the mother of Shirotaka was an ikebana master and her house was proof of it, the beautiful flowers in groups, and on the self, the most noticeable book about flowers and their meanings Shirotaka prepared a cushion for Ryu as he headed to brew so tea, it was so calming and natural, after that both started to chat or watch the Tv until the time they all had agreed to meet at the base, both child's headed out to see almost everyone was there only Kounosuke was missing
"Hey everyone" said Shirotaka as the other looked with a poker face at the new arrived people "what?"
"We were just worried Ryu wasn't here" said Kouya "but coming with you explains why he is late"
"Are you saying I'm to blame?" Said Shirotaka taken aback as Kouya smirked "Ryu tell then that's a lie"
"Um" said Ryu looking away to later have the panda whole face on his chest
"Please comfort me" said Shirotaka crying on a cute way on his chest
"there, good boy" said Ryu petting Shirotaka on the head making the panda squeal from time to time "you have the fur so soft, is like a plush toy"
"Thanks" said Shirotaka "where's Kounosuke?"
"Late as usual" said Hiroyuki
"Now" said Ryu with a smile trying to calm down the tension on the air "I am sure he has a good reason, let's wait a little more"
After Kounosuke arrived the whole group started to decide the activity for that day
"What about hide and seek?" proposed Shun
"It sounds god" said Hiroyuki "who is it?"
"Since he came late, I think Kounosuke would be fitting" said Torahiko as Kounosuke released a sight
"Ok" said Kounosuke "you all have 30 seconds, and nothing of go too far"
The whole group started to go away all except Ryu who searched for a place as Kounosuke headed closer, only to almost release a surprised scream as a hand grabbed him pulling him closer to the inside of the temple, Hiroyuki closing his mouth
"Quiet" said Hiroyuki as Ryu nodded, the young human looking with care of not being found as Kounosuke walked away "that was close, you need to hide better"
"Sorry" said Ryu with an apologizing smile "I guess I am really bad at hide and seek"
I quickly opened my eyes, I had fallen so caught on my memories that I completely forget about the store, my cell ringing as someone called me, I picked it up to just know that Yuu-chan was going to make dinner today, I headed inside to see a flower near
"Hey there" I said getting closer to the flower "you keep on being here, I guess this is your home after all, just remember, this place is a secret"
The wind flew moving the flower almost as if it was nodding at my sentence making me smile, the building is even bigger than I remembered it, I headed outside to see that the carving was there despite all this time, best friends secret base, Hiroyuki insisted on giving us an special name but only he and Torahiko wanted to do that, there were some cups in here, one of them had the detail of a cat face and a tail as the grip, Shin own cup, we all made our own but I decided to make Shin as shin made mine with a grey color and lines on white, I could feel my cheek become wet as some tears dropped out of my eyes, I quickly took care of them before looking around, the whole town had changed yet at the same time, it looked the same, there was something however I had to see, there was a drawer I always wanted to reach, Tatsuki told me he left something for me, something that only I could pick it up but since I was so small I never reached it, now I just had to raise my hand to open it and see the item, I merely moved my head with a smile, a picture that had not aged well but, it was perfectly keep for me, the whole group on a picture before I moved away, looking back, I was even smaller than Torahiko, almost a miracle people noticed me, I merely looked at it for a while I could bring it with me before leaving it back in the drawer, this place and the picture, both are on my memories, and I feel much happier if both are always together, I headed outside before looking for the last time at the flower giving it an smile
"see you later" I said at both the flower and the building before heading back to my home, the store was now closed and it was quite late, Yuu-chan was going to cook so I could just relax, I used the time to study some more, I am going to ace that test this time, for sure, after dinner I looked at the book but also a pen I had as a parting gift of my old school and an old notebook where I used to note anything I did not understand, when I was a child I loved to write on my free time, sometimes even compose songs despite not letting anyone see them, I was surprising myself as I wrote, I was just letting my pen move and, in Japanese as a practice but, it felt so natural this time, I looked at my practice for a moment, a song,
"You and the end of summer and the dreams of the future and our big hope, I won't forget them I believe we will meet in august 10 years later" I said looking at it, that's it, maybe this is for that picture and our base, I would never forget it, they are my best memories after all, the memories I have in this place but, this was to embarrassing and if Yutaka saw it, she would be even more curious, I could not let her know about our secret after all, I started to fold the paper to make a plane with it, as soon as I felt the first wind breeze I threw the plane hoping to see it go down however it glided disappearing from sight as I released a smile, our secret base and from no one else, I promised to keep it and the secret was now on the hands of fate, I looked at the bed, the same bed Torahiko and I shared once before changing to my pajamas, despite this I looked on the old drawer almost as if something called me seeing my first set of pajamas, those wolf like decorations making me smile, the head of the wolf and it's ears perked up, I placed it back on the drawer with a smile as I turned off the light drifting to a peaceful sleep