Aishiertu, Shirofu-sama

Aishiteru, Shirofu-sama

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“… God… Am I a sin?.. Why have you given me the privilege of Life?.. Well… whatever the reasons may be, I thank you deeply.”

Shirofu, or often referred to as Shirofu-sama, was very exhausted one night. He had traveled so far, the hours were countless. He was a lone wolf, never even had a thought of Partnership. His red fur was so smooth and shiny, his orange eye-fur was so beautiful, and his golden eyes showed his true bravery. Shirofu was often insulted for having large paws, large ears, and a big fluffy tail. The only thing that had scared others was his big claws.

No one knows how Shirofu came to be; only Shirofu himself is the only one who knows. He never mentioned it to anyone else; it was the most traumatizing moment of his life, the most life-changing one too. That moment happened during the night of a full moon, which also happens to be the time when Shirofu changes…, for the worse.

Shirofu was the type of wolf that just didn’t show any sign of love or care. He often was silent, thinking. Some see him as a demon; others see him as a hurt soul. Would this change? Shirofu really didn’t care what wolves thought about him, he really didn’t care about life. He would just continue traveling the wolf world, minding his business.

Shirofu had just begun his daily fish-catching routine when he had sensed someone nearby. He turns around to see a small, young, pup. He had seen her many times before. “Shirofu-sama, do you need help?” The young pup went into the river next to Shirofu. “… No thanks, Akemi…” Shirofu watched the fish swim by.

Akemi had bright yellow fur, along with a flower on her ear. Her blue eyes reminded many of a crystal clear ocean. She had small claws and a puffy tail. The tip of her hair in front was blue too. Everyone knew she would turn out to be the cutest and one of the most beautiful pups there have been.

Akemi was also the curious type; she often followed Shirofu on his adventures and travels. The villagers were often amazed that one pup can be so close to Shirofu without Shirofu having to bark or give evil stares. Some say Akemi was a gift.

“Shirofu-sama…” Akemi stopped as she began to think. “… Go ahead… ask your questions.” Shirofu sensed Akemi’s urge to ask. “Well… why are you always so quiet? Do you have any friends? Do you even have… feelings?”

Akemi was nervous, unsure of what Shirofu may say. Shirofu gave a sigh. “I am just not like you. I prefer not to have any friends or followers.” It was not like Shirofu didn’t love or care, it was that he couldn’t. He had felt that he had no heart. He had often seen himself as a lifeless being, walking into a world, a world not fit for him.

Akemi gave Shirofu a hug. Akemi had felt that she was Shirofu’s only friend, and that it was up to her to make him happy. Will she make him happy? Every time Akemi had gave Shirofu a nuzzle that showed much care, Shirofu would open up a bit more.

“Akemiiii! Come back, dinner is ready!” Akemi’s ears perked up when she had heard her mother call for her. “I will find you again tomorrow, Shirofu-sama! And never worry, whatever is keeping you silent, will be gone one day!” Little Akemi ran off after giving Shirofu a pat on the back.

Shirofu snatched a small fish, not even enough to satisfy a puppy. So he put it back into the water and sat there. Then he began to follow where the river led to. As the time passed by, the night sky grew as well as the temperature decreased. The river reflected the light that came from the crescent moon, it glowed very brightly.

Fireflies were all over the place. Frogs were everywhere, croaking, as well as crickets chirping. Shirofu had begun to fall sleepy. The noises soothed him. He, soon, had heard howling. Not just a regular howl, but howling as for singing. Shirofu followed to find out where it was coming from. “That sound… it sounds so familiar… it sounds like…” Shirofu then found the wolf that was howling.

It was a shining, smooth, light-gray wolf with a blue crescent moon shape fur on her forehead. The moon on her forehead glowed a very brightly light-blue color. The wolf had stopped singing, knowing that another wolf was in the presence. She turned around to see a strange looking wolf, Shirofu.

“Who are you?..” asked the wolf. “… I am Shirofu, or as what some others call me... Shirofu-sama. And who, may I ask, are you?”

The wolf turned her head, facing the crescent moon. “I am Tsukiko; I come from the lands where the moon shines brightly, almost as bright as sunlight. When I came to be? That I do not know.”

The wolf’s eyes showed deep silent, almost no activity of thought was going through her mind. Her blue eyes stood still, as well as her fluffy tail with the blue tip at the end. “I did not ask where you came from or when you were born. I merely had asked for your name.”

Shirofu was never really the polite type when it comes to meeting new wolves. “I know, but I was only properly introducing myself… What about you? Where do you come from? And when were you given life?”

Shirofu’s ears slightly went down. “That is not for you to know, I rather not tell.” Tsukiko closed her eyes. “So it is true, you must be the one everyone talks about. The one that was not given wolf life properly, the one who becomes demon under the full moon, the one… Shirofu… Shirofu, you do not need to hide where you come from or the day of your birth.” Tsukiko started to tremble a bit. Shirofu had become nervous, thinking that she had known where he came from.

One of the major reasons Shirofu does not tell others where he came from or his day of birth is because he knew that if any of the wolves found out he was originally human, he would get into so much trouble. Many of the wolves he’s lived with and the many he has met, do not appreciate humans and often become violent. Thankfully, humans do not live in the world of Wolves. But because of the wolves’ violent behavior against humans, they are often punished. Many of the Wolf Elders do not accept wolves with violent behavior to other species in their villages. And for similar reasons, Shirofu had often been banned out of villages for being violent on Full Moon nights to other wolves.

There was a long silence, most of the time Shirofu was deep in thought. He knew he had heard the name, Tsukiko, somewhere before. He just couldn’t remember where. This soon led Shirofu to believe that he had known Tsukiko before he first became a wolf.

“Tsukiko… this may sound a bit weird… but were you once a human?” Shirofu waited for Tsukiko to reply. Tsukiko had let out a small gasp and turn to Shirofu. Her eyes were filled with tears.

“Tsukiko?.. Are you okay?” Shirofu had never asked that question to anyone before, nor has he ever thought to ask. This must mean there was a connection between Shirofu and Tsukiko once. “Shi…Shirofu… you poor soul. Everyone had thought you were dead. Yes… I was once human… now I remember everything, you… you were there… when I was little. Remember Shirofu? Remember when we played near the river? Remember when we played on the swing under the great old oak tree? Remember?...”

Tsukiko got closer to Shirofu. Shirofu started to remember everything Tsukiko had mentioned. “Yes… I remember now…” Shirofu felt surprised.

“I always knew you were alive… I just never thought we would ever meet again.” Tsukiko’s tears ran down her cheek. Shirofu had felt very awkward.

Tsukiko, besides Akemi, was his only friend. They were best friends for 6 years straight. Tsukiko’s family took Shirofu in when Shirofu was 5 years old.

Shirofu was born without any family, his mother had died at the time of his birth and his father died at war. Shirofu was a miracle child to have been alive. Tsukiko’s mother was the one who taught him to talk and Tsukiko’s father taught Shirofu to fight in self defense. Unfortunately, Tsukiko’s parents died when Shirofu was 7, leaving only him and Tsukiko alone. At that time, Tsukiko was already 5. Both of them spent many years together, surviving with what they had found. They had a strong relationship as siblings. They had never fallen “in love” with each other, but they did love each other as brother and sister.

Shirofu stayed that night with Tsukiko, they would not stop talking. Shirofu was very open to Tsukiko; he mentioned every single detail that has happened in his life. Tsukiko was very shocked hearing what Shirofu has gone through.

Soon, Tsukiko had fallen asleep. Shirofu stayed up a little longer, remembering being with Tsukiko in the past as well as listening to the chirping of crickets. He too, had fallen asleep.

The next morning, Akemi was out looking for Shirofu. She recognized his scent easily and followed a trail of paw prints. She had found Shirofu and Tsukiko, asleep. Akemi stood next to Shirofu and stared at him until he had awoken. Akemi sighed and waited and waited.

Finally, Tsukiko had awakened and was surprised to see Akemi there. “Hello there, Akemi. How are you today?” Tsukiko already met Akemi before. “I am doing okay, just bored. I am waiting for Shirofu to wake up.”

Akemi said as she continued to stare at Shirofu. Tsukiko gave Shirofu a quick and hard nudge, which had awoken him. “Shirofu? You awake yet?” Akemi pushed her nose against Shirofu’s eyes. Shirofu got up and yawned. “Yes. I’m awake.” Shirofu stretched.

“Yay!” Akemi started running and jumping around. She was happy to see both of her best friends awake.

“What do you two want to do today?” She smiled at the both of them, wagging her tail. Shirofu did not know what to say, so Tsukiko suggested that Akemi spends time with her family more than spending time with them. So Akemi agreed and ran off again after giving Shirofu another big hug.

“She is such a sweet wolf. Never even hurt a fly. Her brother was a nice wolf too, such a shame he ran away one day… He was such a caring wolf, always looked out for his family and me. His red eyes were soothing. His fur was so soft. Just the thought of him, makes me feel safe…” Tsukiko stared at a yellow flower and picked it up.

“He was just so perfect, and well…now he is gone…” Tsukiko was smiling, but her eyes showed her sadness. “Tsukiko… who was this wolf? I may have seen him in my travels.” Shirofu looked at her, awaiting her answer. “His name… I do not know…” She started crying silently. Shirofu had now seen that Tsukiko was in love with this wolf.

Shirofu had never felt “in love” with another wolf, so it made it harder for him to comfort Tsukiko.

“Tsukiko… I can see you admire this wolf very much… and I will do what it takes to find him!” This was Shirofu’s first act of helping a friend since a long time.

Before Tsukiko could say anything, Shirofu left to go village to village and ask about Akemi’s brother. “Mmm... Sorry sonny, I do not know where Akemi’s brother is…” said an elderly wolf. Obviously, no one even knew what Akemi’s brother’s name, so it made it harder to find him.

“Sorry, I have no idea where Akemi’s brother is. But if it helps, I have a few bits of his fur.” The villager showed the fur to Shirofu. Shirofu took a quick sniff, the scent was not very strong, but it was all Shirofu had to follow up on. So Shirofu started sniffing everywhere to find the same smell, but had no luck.

The sun was setting, and Shirofu was still searching. He reached Tsuunlands, the lands where the sunset can be seen at the most spectacular view. Shirofu caught Akemi’s brother’s scent, it was faint, but he was able to follow up on it.

He ran toward where the smell was coming from. He then, saw a silhouette of a wolf up on top of a rock. Shirofu couldn’t see clearly because the sun looked as if it were in front of the wolf. Shirofu sneaked to look at the front of the wolf, and there he was, the red-eyed wolf Tsukiko mentioned. “Hey!” Shirofu barked out to get the wolf’s attention. It didn’t move.

The sun started to shine less at the night sky began to rise. Shirofu got a clear image of the wolf and saw who it was… it was Remon, a yellow wolf. He was often seen as an Alternated Shirofu, but many knew that Remon and Shirofu had no connection. They only knew each other, they were practically rivals. Shirofu had muttered foul words. “Hey! Get down here or else you punk!” Shirofu began to get angry. Remon gave Shirofu an evil glare. “Why should I listen to you, you mutt?” Remon said as he stood still.

“Because! Someone wants to see you! Now get your butt down here!” Shirofu grew angrier as the yellow wolf refused to come down. “Who, may I ask, is the one that wishes to see me?” Remon looked down, curious.

“It’s Tsukiko! She misses you just like your family misses you!” Shirofu was angry, but sad knowing that Tsukiko was sad too. Remon had not said anything in return. He often did not follow orders, he does everything his way.

Shirofu became impatient and jumped up to pin Remon down. Fortunately, Shirofu landed on Remon’s back when he had his guard down. “Grrr! You are coming back… or else!” Shirofu pushed his paws against Remon’s back, allowing Remon to breathe little air.

“F… fine!.. Just… le… let me go!” Remon gasped for air as Shirofu got off his back. “Where is Tsukiko?”

Remon followed Shirofu as Shirofu led the way. They reached Tsukiko near midnight. Tsukiko was sound asleep with the yellow flower on her paw. Remon felt calmer and a bit sad, he hadn’t seen Tsukiko in numerous years.

The only reason Remon had ran away, was because he felt no longer needed by his family or friends. He felt he needed his own space as well. So, one night, he ran away. Akemi was half-asleep when she saw Remon on the go. Many wolves thought Remon had died, others thought he was captured. Akemi did not mention what she had seen because, being sleepy at the young age she was, she did not remember.

So for many years, many had wondered where Remon was, and they still do. Only Shirofu, and Tsukiko soon, know that he is safe. “She grew since I last saw her…”

Remon kept observing Tsukiko, amazed at how much she grew since he last saw her. Shirofu kept silent, he did not feel comfortable having Tsukiko near Remon. “You know, I don’t feel comfortable with you staring at her like that.” Shirofu said as he glanced over at the yellow flower Tsukiko was holding.

“What? Do you think I’ll attack her or something? Young, foolish Shirofu. I guess that’s to be expected from a mutt like you.” Remon gave Shirofu a smirk.

Remon wasn’t a bad guy or anything, it is just that him and Shirofu had never gotten along very well. It’s a common rivalry between wolves as well as it is for humans.

Shirofu just ignored Remon and went near Tsukiko. The sun was rising, the flowers were blooming, and fish were swimming. Tsukiko had awoken to see Shirofu standing right in front of her. “Good morning, Shirofu. How are you today?” Tsukiko got up and stretched.

“Look behind you” Shirofu said as he stared at the rising sun. Tsukiko turned around, to see Remon looking at a butterfly that flew by. Tsukiko gasped, surprised to see the yellow wolf again. “Y…you!” Tsukiko ran up to Remon. “I cannot believe you are back! Where have you been?” Tsukiko couldn’t contain herself. She had tears of joy.

“I have been everywhere, Tsukiko.” Remon replied as he turned himself away from the butterfly and facing Tsukiko. “I’m sorry, I never got your name” Tsukiko was a bit embarrassed.

“My name is Remon.” Remon was not entirely sure how to introduce himself since they already had known each other. Tsukiko nuzzled Remon. “Remon… we missed you so much. Both Sun wolves and Moon wolves went out to search for you when your family reported you missing… I almost lost hope.” Tsukiko kept her head on Remon. “Please don’t ever leave us again, please…” Tsukiko closed her eyes, waiting for Remon to say something.

“I… I won’t leave again… at least; I won’t leave without telling you or my family where I will head.” It was quick, but Remon felt home again. Probably a feeling Shirofu will never feel. Remon gave Tsukiko a lick on her cheek. And seeing how a dog’s kiss is a lick, Tsukiko blushed.

Shirofu kept staring out, in deep thought. “Shirofu-sama! How about we all go to the village? Just so Remon can be home with his family.” Tsukiko went next to Shirofu.

“You guys can go ahead. I will continue going.” Shirofu started walking down from where he was. “Shirofu… must you go now?” Tsukiko has always loved being with Shirofu, just like how she likes being with Remon. She would get upset when either friend was too busy or was gone. Shirofu had left without answering. “Come on Tsukiko… Let him be.” Remon started walking, slowly, just so Tsukiko can catch up. “Okay… I just hope we see him again” said Tsukiko.