On the Search of Genuine Ninja's

[Captain Stumpy]

The snow was falling lightly on the bare tree's and thorny brambles as Stumpy walked around rather lost looking. She'd crossed alot of Japan rather quickly looking for help for Roedor Valley. She's followed the legends and clues of a real Ninja colony where the Iga - Koga war took place. But being on the young side as well as being born a pet she didn't know the legends of Iga or Koga or where they took place.

She walk trotting rather quickly though the tree's the bangles on her back leg jingled together giving Stumpy some comfort in the silent territory. Her green eyes scanned the surroundings looking for a well walked path or road. or something that meant this territory had other canines in it.

"Another dead end" She said to herself sighing and looking behind herself to walk back. "That bloody old dog didn't know what day of the week it was. I shouldn't have listened to him" She said angrily to herself. Being on her own alot Stumpy would often speak her mind. She sighed once again looking all ways, he raised her head and sniffed the air but found nothing "Gah what a waist of my time, Mole could be dead by now and I'm all the way out here" She hissed at herself.

She looked forward again, "Well maybe I'll get more luck at the next village" She said to herself continuing to trot down the overgrown path, her bandanna getting caught by the thorns and her bangles jingling to her strides.

[★Ryuujin★]

(Sorry if the post is a bit choppy or if it jumps, I struggled to type this up with a headache. >>

"Kuro-sama..."

The unusually dark tone of the kishu made the focus of red eyes shift up to fall on the other male. Fai stood in the branch above Kurogane, and as usual, he could read his partner like a book. A gentle breeze swept through the air, causing Fai to shudder softly as he closed his eyes. He knew his aura was different, it wasn't as carefree and bouncy as it normally was - and it sent those strange little red flags up in the back of Kurogane's mind.

"What is it, Fai?" The black male sat up, feeling the sudden tension. It wasn't normal, for Fai to be like this - It generally meant that something was up, most likely bad news. The kishu was strange that way, and even though it usually meant something terrible, the wolf-dog was more often than not thankful for it - it gave some warning now and then.

Blue eyes reopened as Fai looked down into his friends red eyes. The smile that was almost always present when he looked at him was gone, torn away. In its stead, Fai donned a somber, almost pensive expression. "Something terrible is going on... I can smell it on the wind. She brings such strange scents..."

It was his turn to shudder, ears laying back as he narrowed his eyes. The kishu had a way with his tones, the way they clung to each word as they slipped from his slender maw could send a chill through even the most reserved of dogs. Nodding gently, Kurogane opened his maw to speak - then closed it as suddenly as he had opened it, ears perking up. "Do you hear that?"

Pausing, Fai focused momentarily before nodding, "Metal... sounds like its moving."

Moving? Kurogane blinked as he focused harder on the sound. Fai was indeed right. It was moving, and in their direction too. Crouching on the branch, he looked down as the noise seemed to pass under them, and sure enough, he found the source. A rather small dog was padding along - alone. Why are you here? More importantly, why are you alone? Idle thoughts faded away as he shot a quick glance up at Fai, receiving a nod of understanding in return. Tensing, Kurogane launched himself from the branch into the next tree, claws gripping the bark to keep him aloft.

Gentle sounds from above alerted Kurogane that Fai wasn't too far behind him, easily keeping his pace as they flew over their guest, darting ahead in the trees. Their intent was not one of malice, but curiosity. Rarely did they get guests in the Mie Prefecture, and it was Zehel's orders to find out the intent of any dog whom passed through before attacking. Orders were orders, and were meant to be followed.

Here, that will be well enough. Fai looked at a clearing not too far up ahead that the small terrier would soon break into, it seemed like a fine place for a meeting. Fai quickly made a clicking noise with his tongue, alerting Kuro of the clearing and with a huff, he pushed off of the last branch, sailing toward the ground. Twisting his body and stretching out his forepaws, Fai turned in the air, landing gently on the ground before the terrier, facing her - Kurogane landing before him almost instantaneously.

It was strange to him, the small size of the dog, but once again, as he was always taught, Kurogane would never judge a dog by its size nor age. Don't sound threatening... He reminded himself with a deep breath. After all, the terrier was probably on edge, especially with two dogs larger than herself appearing seemingly out of nowhere before her. "Luck is a rare thing around here, stranger." Kurogane spoke smoothly, trying his best to keep a gentle tone.

Fai offered a smile to their guest, stepping next to Kuro, "But, perhaps we could assist you in some way?"

[Captain Stumpy]

Stumpy stopped abruptly as 2 strangers stood ahead of her, She concindered a moment running off at both males looked pretty domanant and strong. She curled her ears back but not in a thretening mannor. She took afue steps forward confidently. "You could" she said simpily to the white wolf, prefuring his tone to the red-eyed wolf.

She looked up at both of them standing as confidently as she could, "I'm looking for the place were the Iga - Koga Ninja Dogs War took place. Apparently there are more Ninja's living there now." She yipped in her hight-pitched tone. she looked away from the 2 wolves a moment to look behind her, "This stupid old dog in a Village told me to go this way, but there's nothing here!" Stumpy yipped again looking at the blue eyed wolf.

She stood stairing at the wolves a moment, she sniffed the air quietly and was rather confused about their smell. Being close to the ground sent was pretty easy for her to find. but it was like these dogs really did just fall out of the sky. He raised a eye-brow and looked up at the tree's above her head, then shook the tought from her head, 'No dogs can't climb' she thought to herself.

[★Ryuujin★]

"You could… I'm looking for the place were the Iga - Koga Ninja Dogs War took place. Apparently there are more Ninja's living there now."

Exchanging glances with Fai, Kurogane smirked suddenly. This dog really had no clue where she was, let alone that she was in the correct area – only about a half mile away from their village. She was smart though, and courageous, Kurogane could easily tell that much about the small dog almost right away, especially with the way she stood before two dogs well over twice her size. She seemed not to like him much though, which didn’t come as any surprise to him, not many liked him right away as he seemed too rough and perhaps intimidating upon first meeting. Most thought him to be too dangerous around upon a single glance, the way he carried himself and spoke with a usually rough tone.

Fai, on the other hand, knew otherwise. Kurogane was a gentle dog, for the most part. Looking back down at the terrier, Fai nodded. “Well, you’re in the right area. The location of the old Iga is a mile to the south.” The kishu lifted a single white paw and pointed in the direction which he spoke of.

Laying his ears back, Kurogane nudged Fai in the shoulder, muttering something as he pushed him off to the side, standing before him and the terrier. “He’s right, but its long gone now.” He shot a glance at Fai and received what he thought was supposed to be an “innocent” grin back. What the hell was he playing at? “You’re a half mile from the Koga base.” He stated, turning his head back to the female.

”We can lead you there, if you’d like.” Fai offered, stepping around Kurogane. “We try to keep it pretty well hidden.”

Well, there goes that… Give us away in an instant! We don’t even know her intentions! Kuro rolled his eyes, huffing softly – hoping the terrier had missed that tidbit of information his partner had let slip. Not that it really mattered, but with still fairly untrained dogs, and only a little over twenty of them, he had no clue how they would fair in battle. Then again, every dog knew how to fight, ninja skills or not – and they were learning. With this thought relaxing him, Kurogane turned in the direction of their village. “So, stranger, what brings you in search of the ninja’s?”

[Captain Stumpy]

"Yes I found it!" Stumpy yipped merrily, Her eyes seemed to glow at the wolves. Stumpy still hadn't clicked that the wolves she'd met were ninja's. "Well I'm hoping the pack could help mine" She said as she trotted beside the wolves. "You see these huuge! Monsters are taking over my territory, claiming to make a Canine Utopia that only strong canines can live in"

As she walked she began to look at her paws rather misserably, "When I left my alpha was trying to fight the largest monster. I really hope he's okay." She went quiet for a while, she listened to her jingling bangles stuck in a moment of self-pitty. "And this other dog, i'd never seen him before, he had his side riped apart, his leg shattered and his tail pulled off. He had a collar, he must have just been a pet." She said not looking at the wolves as she talked, it was almost like she was talking to herself.

Stumpy then purked her ears up and looked ahead, "I really hope the Ninja's can help, I've got to get as meny packs as I can, for Roedor Valley" She looked ahead up the path her eyes glowed hopfuly again and she smiled glowing with hope and confidence.

[★Ryuujin★]

“Yes I found it!”

Fai found himself smiling at the enthusiasm of the small dog. Though Kurogane had a point – why had she come, and why was she alone more importantly. Something of her size surely shouldn’t be alone, especially in these parts. One thing lead to another and Fai soon found himself wondering what pack she had come from, and how long she had been traveling on her own. As if she could hear his mental questions, and not just Kurogane’s, the small dog answered.

"Well I'm hoping the pack could help mine"

Both Kurogane and Fai listened intently, picking out the bits of information about the small dog as they could. Looking for help? Kurogane looked down at Stumpy, rarely did any pack go to another for help unless if it was something huge – let alone coming to the Koga for help. At least, as it seems, others knew that the Koga wasn’t like it was before, that was good, right? Laying an ear back, Kurogane fell into thought on this, continuing to listen.

"You see these huuge! Monsters are taking over my territory, claiming to make a Canine Utopia that only strong canines can live in. When I left my alpha was trying to fight the largest monster. I really hope he's okay"

Closing his eyes as he kept their pace, Fai fell oddly quiet. So, she did have a pack, but they were in danger. Strange, large beasts? Is this what he smelled on the wind? It had to be, he had never seen large beasts other than bears and boars. Could it be one of these? No, if it was, their pack should have been fine taking one down together. This was something bigger, these creatures were smart, they had a plan after all. He shook his head, trying to clear it to no avail. Utopia? No, it’s impossible to create one, single and unified utopia. Everyone was too different, it would never work. This small dog was right, they needed help, and He knew Raziel and Zehel would be happy to help.

Hell, he was sure the whole clan would be willing to sink their maws into this, or at least a good majority of them. And Zehel and Raziel had enough strength to go out after this beast aside from the pack. But, knowing himself and Kuro, if their alphas left, so would they. Fai and Kurogane had always followed Zehel into battle, this would be no different. The pack would be fine for a bit if left in the paws of the Gammas.

“I’m sure your alpha is fine.” Fai reassured. He was an alpha after all, small or not, alphas had strength, the position just came with it.

Backing up Fai with a short nod, Kurogane rolled his shoulders as they padded along. “As many packs as you can get eh?” He looked up as he leaped onto a fallen tree, looking down at the two as they passed under him. “How many do you have so far?” Curiosity shot through him like a bullet as he once again fell into place next to the female.

show off… Fai rolled his eyes with a soft smile as Kurogane leaped down from the fallen tree. “I’m sure Koga will be willing to help you, they’ve changed after all. Nothing like the savages they used to be.” Swaying his tail softly, Fai took his strides as they came, his joyful and bouncy demeanor returning. Seeing Fai relax sent a wave of relief over Kurogane. The way that the Kishu affected him was strange, but comforting all at the same time – most wouldn’t understand it. It was a level of companionship and love only he and Fai knew.

”By the way, I’m Fai, and that’s Kuro – Puu. Fai grinned suddenly.

Kurogane twitched in response, well, there went the sentimental moment. BLOODY DAMN KUSHU! A soft rumbling grown erupted from Kurogane as he glared at Fai, how many damn times would he do this to him?! No matter how many times he told Fai, he continued to do it. Then again… he probably enjoyed it. No, he did enjoy it, that’s why he did it. Why was he so fun to tease? “IT’S KUROGANE!”

Chuckling softly, Fai looked away innocently, as if he hadn’t done a thing to Kuro. “And what may we call you?” Names were an important thing, especially if you were taking said dog to see your Co-alpha. Fai offhandedly wondered what Raziel would think of such a small dog, let alone such a small dog asking them for help.

[Captain Stumpy]

Stumpy chucked as one wolf teased the other, there layed back approach made her feel more at ease. "My names Stumpy, rather fitting don't you think?" She said hapily. She sighed as she thought about the other packs, "I'm sure Lyca's pack at Mount Tsurugi
are already on there way" She looked up a moment as thought, "And I bet those Great Danes that helped Lyca defeat Zetsu would help again, but I havn't seen or heard about them in a while"

She continued down the path at the same speed as the wolves, only she was doing a brisk trot, 'Genuine Ninja's, i've found genuine ninja's Mole will be proud... if they help' Stumpy thought to herself. Another short silence only filled with her clinking bangles. "Soo whats the name of the Alpha Ninja Dog?" Stumpy said still believing her two wolf escorts to be mere traverlers.

[★Ryuujin★]

"My names Stumpy, rather fitting don't you think?"

Fai smiles at her enthusiasm. It seems, even though she was small, she didn’t let it get to her. The spirit of a large dog inside of a smaller body, it was a little inspiring to the kishu – and backed up everything he had learned. No matter how big or small you were, you had potential. He took a deep breath, clearing his mind as he shot a look at Kurogane, who seemed to be deeply interested in Stumpy’s talk of the other packs. I hope he’s not thinking about looking into these for a strong opponent. Fai thought with a roll of his blue eyes, I’ll sit on him before he challenges any of our ‘allies’ to a ‘fun’ fight of strengths. A smile crept onto his maw at the thought.

Kurogane was always looking for someone strong to pit against, even though he had settled down quite a bit from this since he met the Fai. But, one could never break someone of old habits – especially from ones that they truly enjoyed.

"Soo whats the name of the Alpha Ninja Dog?"

“Zehel.” The answer was quick to slip from Fai’s mouth. There was no doubt in his mind who the main alpha was. Even though he respected and treated Raziel like an alpha in his own right, both he and Kurogane more so strictly followed Zehel, As they always had and always would till their deaths – knowing the dog from puppyhood. “But there are two, Co-alpha’s you could say. Brothers.”

“Raziel is the name of the other. Kurogane butted in and finished up for Fai with a smirk. You thought I forgot again, didn’t you kishu? The thought rang egotistically through Kuroganes mind as they stopped before a large wall, taking great care as he began to look both left and right. “Though, I’m not sure if Zehel would be back yet from his mission or not, Raziel is here for certain though.”

Fai led them to the left, where the entrance to the village was. “Well, we can only hope he’s in and not out hunting or training the newcomers.” Idle thoughts dripped from his mind out of his muzzle as he padded into the village.

[shadow]

Speak of the devil and he appears at your door, but Raziel was no such horrible creature. While he perhaps could play the part of the evil beast, and certainty looked intimidating enough, he really couldn't be bothered by... well most anything. He was a pretty calm creature, unlike his younger brother, who was a bundle of nerves. It was that difference that made Zehel more fit to be an assassin, and Raziel more fit to....

Sleep.

Yes, sleep.

Raziel had kindly offered to take the night shift on patrol; normally, he liked being up at dawn and going to sleep at sundown, but the last few days he had changed his normal habits. He had his reasons, but really, they were so shallow he was somewhat disgusted with himself. Earlier this week he had seen a female walking around these parts, alone. She seemed to be a hybrid of some kind, with glowing blue eyes and a spiked collar. Now, Raziel knew he wasn't attractive, and so he knew even trying would be out of the question. Instead, he just settled himself to watching her pad around near the territory for the last few days.

But there was something rather unsettling about this canine. She was pretty, but she had an air about her that clearly said "stay away from me". Raziel did not understand why, and he probably never would, but if the female were to figure out that other dogs were nearby, she may attempt to attack the Ninja Dog pack....

And Raziel would certainly NOT allow that.

The giant alpha shifted in semi-asleep state, his ears flicking back and forth as he heard the pack bustling about outside his little shelter. Many of the dogs had just joined, and many of them were already putting their heart and soul into their training. Raziel was overjoyed; they all had such great potential. Some of them even showed signs of maybe being the future leaders if either he nor Zehel had pups.

And at that thought Raziel's mind went back to the female he'd seen. He let out a growl of frustration, and shifted once again. Just clear your mind Raziel, he thought. His breathing became slower finally as he calmed, and his sleep became regular again. Unfortunately, it would not be long until Kurogane and Fai walked in and awoke him, but for now, he was in a deep, dreamless sleep....

[Captain Stumpy]

"Zehel and Raziel" Stumpy said to help herself remember the name. She turned left behind the wolves following them with a wag in her tail. "Its good two brothers can get on, Mole's brother Weasel is a real pain and sarcastic towards Mole, Mole trys to hide it he thinks we can't see the tention between them, but we can." Stumpy said talking the first thing that came to her mind again.

As she walked though to the village she was amaised, not one sniff of humans yet there were lots of little houses, decks and the wall on the outside. It amaised her how peacful it felt inside, and it beat sleeping in a cave for sure. She watched a couple of training dogs stop and glair at her like she was some sort of freak, 'must be a closed pack' she thought to herself glairing back then looking round.

[Nao]

[hope you don't mind me joining in ^^]
The training he had gone through were already things he had been training himself for years. He knew it was a necessity to keep in shape and only did the training because he wanted to stay in shape. Many of the others who had started the training with hesitation, now looked with more confidence. And to be a ninja dog was to leap with confidence even if it is not a promising one. It had been several days if not a week already, and he was almost already bored.
Stopping his training for a little while, he noticed the betas, Fai and Kurogane, coming back.. with another dog in tow, a female at that. Licking his chops, he stretched and remained standing as he waited to see what would happen.
"Is this a new dog for our training, betas?"
He commented with a hint of sarcasm in his voice as he walked towards them. The koga's odd brown pelt gave off a light sheen as he moved in the sunlight. His eyes hid his age well, though betraying him for the wisdom seen within them. He was old compared to the others, but far from useless. And many of these younger dogs found it out after seeing him train. As he walked, muscles gently rippled under that odd coat of his. For being on in age, he was well built and certainly strong. Gold spotted tail swayed back and forth as he walked.

[Groovetastic]

A new scent wafted through the air like cherry blossoms on a light Spring breeze making its way to two dogs that were jump-training together. One was a scraggly yet fuzzy light gray Irish Wolfhound, and the other was Wolf of a unique vibrant orange color; both bodys stopped moving as the scent brushed their nostrils. Getting a new face around these parts was out of the usual realm of goings-on and so it only took an instant before both heads turned to seek out the source.

The source itself was a small female Terrier who seemed frazzled and out of place, but didn't give off the air of wanting to join the Koga. Walaro, the wolf, decided to make the first move and walked over to the Betas and Terrier. "Hey. Something up?" He didn't waste any time nicities as was his usual social demeanor, but his voice carried no hint of chill. "What are you guys doing back so soon?"

Taiyo, the Wolfhound, wasn't too far behind with his usual goofy grin. "A visitor? Don't worry about the others if they act kind odd toward ya, we just don't get many new faces around here!" He practically sang with happiness. That was just his thing: being laid-back and chipper. "Were you here to join?"

The orange wolf couldn't help but grin at the absolutely bold cheer his friend always had. It's like a big, black rock jutting out of a field of snow sometimes... They both waited, one a bit more patiently than the other, for a response of some kind.

[Captain Stumpy]

Stumpy was begining to feel rather crouded, she looked round at all the new faces, they were all asking her about joining. Which to her seemed a little ovious He was only 10inches high she'd never make a ninja. She then saw the smiling face off a huge wolfhound, her ears curled to the side of her head when she had too look up to see his face. "N-no"[/aa00aa] she replyed rather tentitively.

She had to take a step back to get all off the wolfhound in her vision, She took a deep breath and took a more confient stance. "I've come to ask the Ninja's for help!" she yipped rather loudly, or louder than she expected to say it.

[★Ryuujin★]

"Is this a new dog for our training, betas?"

Fai looked off in the direction of the voice as he came to a stop and smiled, despite the others sarcasm. He knew the female was small, hell, it was obvious that most of the koga pack would think she could do it. But once again, Fai knew that size meant nothing - for the smallest could easily take out the largest of enemies, completely unseen. "No, Cry." Fai laughed softly, Shaking his head. The beta had a "pet" name for almost every dog he was fond of - Kurogane had the pleasure of having the most.

"She's here, searching for help." Kurogane mused from behind, voice back to its scruffed self, red eyes moving from Cry'Tal to the wolf walking up behind him.

"What are you guys doing back so soon?"

Sitting down and wrapping his tail around his paws, Fai smiled gently at the wolf, the tip of his tail twitching as if it were wagging. It was true, their return wasn't scheduled till later that night, early the next morning at latest - but things would always come up, and one had to be prepared and ready to make changes. "We have a visitor."

"A visitor? Don't worry about the others if they act kind odd toward ya, we just don't get many new faces around here!"

Turning his head to look at the wolfhound who had so kindly made his presence known, Fai offered yet another smile. Taiyo was much alike him, in his kindness - always offering the brighter side of things to newcomers.

"I've come to ask the Ninja's for help!"

"And ninja's she certainly found." Kurogane licked his maw as he stepped forward, glancing at the three pack members that stood before them before looking down at the terrier. "Let's be kind to our guest now, shall we? Kindness generally wasn't Kuro's forte, but he made a point to use it when times called for it, and this was certainly a time. Afterall, Zehel had called for them all to be gentle, welcoming and kind to all newcomers and guests.

[shadow]

Raziel tossed over onto his back as his dreams haunted him yet again. Things were not alright in his mind. There was a shady female wandering around his territory at night, and what was worse... he was attracted to her. Oh, how infatuation was a terrible, terrible thing. Soon enough though, Raziel snapped his eyes open. An unfamiliar scent filled his nose, and a high pitched voice filled his ears. Perhaps... perhaps this was the female! Maybe she'd finally come! Raziel wasted no time in leaping up from his perch and stretching out his muscular body. Shaking off his fur and patting down his Mohawk, Raziel made his way out of his little den.

A small group of his packmates were around his two betas, Fai and Kurogane, and a third... much smaller looking dog. Raziel's heart sank a bit. It was not what he had been expecting. It was not the same female from his nights on watch. Regardless though, the alpha knew it was his duty to address the situation at hand, no matter how disappointed or tired he was.

"I've come to ask the Ninja's for help!" the small dog yipped. Raziel tilted his head. Come for help? Help from what?

"And ninja's she certainly found." Kurogane replied. "Let's be kind to our guest now, shall we?"

"Wow, that's a first time for you Kurogane," Raziel bellowed as he finally appeared on the scene. Walaro, Cry'tal, and Taiyo were there as well, some of his most dedicated pack members. "How can we be of assistance? I am Raziel, one of the alphas of the Ninja Dogs." Raziel relaxed his shoulders, his paws sinking into the snow. He was a very large, and probably very intimidating dog to Stumpy. He wanted to make sure she knew he was not a threat to her safety. Still, he felt a bit uncomfortable, especially referring to himself as the leader of the pack when it was really Zehel that was passionate about this place. For Raziel, it was his home... but a home full of mistakes and lost loved ones. His mind quickly flashed to his mother, and momentarily he glanced up at the overcast sky.

Zehel, please return soon, he thought. I do not want the same fate for you as our mother met. I wouldn't be able to stand this world if you left me too.

This was true in every way. Raziel gave up his very being to save Zehel years ago. His body and mind had paid the price of their father's cruel and unjust wrath. He no longer had a tail, and he had one terrible looking scar on his shoulder to prove his dedication. Still, he was a hollow soul now. No parents, and a brother who had dedicated his life to the good of his kind. Perhaps it was selfish, but Raziel wanted something for himself this time. He wanted a mate. Badly.

Shaking his head back into reality, Raziel stared down at Stumpy, waiting for her explanation.