Prologue
The year was 1943, we dogs were short in number in Japan. Even the yama-inu, wolves that we had considered 'small dogs' for a long time now, nothing compared to the miraculous Okami wolves we'd dreamed about since our fathers had told us their heroic deeds when we sat under that star filled night seven years ago.
I was an old dog, belonging to the Greek Harehound breed. It may have been that I was rare or not native Japanese that saved my skin (liturally) back then, but sometimes I wish I had been killed, to spare the pain I would have to go through. My name is Kenbuki, or at least, that's what humans called me by, I was treated kindly by the humans until I was three summers old, that's when reality seemed to give me a kick. I look back and laugh at how naive I was in those days, with no care to what may happen in the future. I think we all were that careless once, so uneducated, so childish... God. I wish I would be that innocent now.
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Chapter 1- Howling in the Night
"Sir." Akane whined up at the shadow looming in front of her. "You reveal yourself!"
The shadow drew closer, she could almost make out the fur colour. "Or what pup? You realize that you are power-less." Akane start trembling as the shadow walked towards her again, and an undead stink filled her nostrils. Her tail shot between her legs, this creature, was most certainly not a dog at least. She wondered if it were maybe a wolf, her father had warned her that if she were to ever encounter a wolf, run, as it may kill a young dog as easily as you could squash an insect.
She started to shift, until the creature opened its eyes. The seemed to stare right into her soul, making her muscles relax one by one, to the point where she would have fallen onto the ground had the demonic glare not kept her standing. She tryed to move whilst the spell was mid-cast and intense pain shot through her body. She closed her eyes, realising that it had to do with the staring, but the power was already eating away at her free will.
She suddenly stood ridgid in intense pain, like needles jabbing at every sore spot in her body. Open your eyes A voice drawled inside her head. She couldn't think for herself anymore, she obeyed the unfamiliar sound. When she obeyed the pain went away, that much she got into her head. The creature in front of her had the shape of a dog. It had a blue merle coat flecked with tinges of red and a white belly and markings covering the face. She couldn't tell the breed, most likely a mutt, but he was very tall, about eighty cm up to the shoulder.
My name is Hayaki. Follow me. Without even trying she mindlessly followed him and a feeling of warm pleasure spread through her every step. He walked through the clearing to direction of the forest, and even though she knew she wasn't allowed, she stepped inside. They reached a small pond and Hayaki stepped inside. The pond seemed to turn a shade darker. Drink this water, kid. She obeyed and then lost all of her senses completly except sight, she could only watch now.
You have been pocessed by my mistress, Kohaku. Don't worry. She won't hurt you. Actually, she'll make your life better. She just needs your body and you gave it to her. Well done. The voice of Hayaki applauded her and she watched as Kohaku made her body lap of more of the waters.
"Yes... I thank you Hayaki, you're so kind for bringing me this young body. It will at least last me the next two years if all goes well."
Hayaki grinned, showing off his slender fangs, "You best be heading off now. We need to kill all that know the dog. Starting with the father."
