Rolling clouds swallowed the darkening sky, like ink spilling onto a canvas with a distant rumble of thunder. With dinner finished and dishes washed, InuShin sat cross-legged on the tatami floor, folding garments with his father in preparation for their journey home, using only the light from a hanging lantern.

  The rhythmic patter of raindrops tapped gently on the roof. Slow, tentative, like a lullaby preparing to bloom in an intense storm.

  His father glanced toward the window. “Rain always finds us before a journey.”

  InuShin offered a quiet hum as he tied a bundle shut with a worn twine. The smell of damp earth crept through the shoji screens, mixing with the scent of oil from the tools they didn’t sell.

  With a soft breath, InuShin looked up. “May I go check on Mikage? I know how badly storms frighten her.”

  He stared silently for a moment, then nodded. “Take the straw hat and lantern. And stay close.”

  “Hai,” he spoke and grabbed the conical kasa hat and a satchel bag, pushing himself off the floor and stepping over to the curtain. “I won’t be long.” He detached a chochin lantern from near the door.

  “Be careful, Shin.”

  InuShin nodded and stepped into the silken veil of rain, the cool air sending chills down his spine. Little droplets dampened his sleeves, the bottom of his hakama, and the paper cover of the lantern.. The rustling wind whistled against the tree leaves, and the rhythmic splash of puddles beneath echoed the empty pathways.

  With each bolt of lightning, InuShin froze and clutched his hand. It’s only lightning. Nothing more. With a huff, he steeled his nerves, continuing his path towards his faithful companion.

  A low whimper caught his attention.

  InuShin scanned the area, the walls covered with menacing shadows. His heart quickened, heavier, until a small figure shifted beneath a food stall.

  A thin Shikoku dog, trembling, soaked to the bone. Its tail tucked, ears dropped, eyes darting around. Its normally copper fur was darkened to burgundy.

  InuShin slowly lowered himself, a hand stretched forward. “It’s alright,” he whispered. “I don’t like the rain either. It’s too loud.”

  The little dog approached slowly, cautiously, sniffing his hand. Once comfortable, it pressed its wet muzzle into his palm, nuzzling. InuShin stroked its back with gentle fingers, and the cold, damp fur clung to its body.

  It let out a sigh of relief, almost human-like.

  “Are you out here all alone?” he whispered. “Or do you have a home? I can take you.”

  Its dark brown eyes stared up at him, filled with hope.

  “Come here.” InuShin carefully picked the little dog up with one arm, balancing the lantern with his other hand. “Let’s find your home.”

  He straightened up, securing it close to his chest. “I’ll share my warmth with you.” The dog snuggled closer to him, soaking his kimono with its heavy fur.

  InuShin stroked his fur more, his wooden sandals clicking on the slick cobblestone. “Can you help me find your home?”

  The pup poked its head up, shivering as it sniffed the air. Suddenly, its ears perked up, staring in the distance.

  “What is it?”

  In the distance, a small figure, a few inches shorter than him, shuffled through the village, carrying an umbrella. It moved slowly, pausing every few steps and glancing around. Soon, its voice could be heard.

  “Pochi!” the young girl called out.

  The little dog shifted again, huffing slightly.

  “Is she your family?” InuShin asked.

  “Pochi!” she called out once more.

  The lightning flashed again, revealing her appearance. Her simple, green kimono, drenched in water, clung to her small frame. Her bare feet slapped against the slick stone path. Her ink-colored hair clung to her face, scuff marks on her cheek.

  The little dog huffed again, this time louder.

  The little girl jerked her head in their direction, a big smile crossing her face. “Pochi!”

  Her quick footsteps echoed through the quiet village as she ran towards them, stumbling on the slippery stones. “Where did you find him?” She spoke meekly, staring at him with soft, brown eyes.

  “He was… uh… hiding under a food cart, scared.”

  Pochi shook his fur, spraying both of them with water and forcing them to flinch away.

  “Pochi!” the little girl exclaimed.

  “How long have you been looking for him? You’re completely wet.”

  “Since the rain started. I couldn’t leave him out here.”

  Boom!

  The thunder roared through the village, resonating off the building walls.

  Both of them jumped, the dog leaping from InuShin’s arms and scurrying to a nearby shelter.

  “Pochi! Get back here!” The little girl ran after him.

  “Careful!” he shouted, following her.

  They chased after Pochi, who found a small cubby hole, and both of them crouched outside the hole.

  “Come on, Pochi. It’s cold out here. We need to get home,” the little girl pleaded, growing impatient.

  “It’s okay, Pochi,” InuShin said gently. “Once we get you home, you’ll be safe from the storm. I promise.” He slowly rubbed his fingers together, calling for him. “I’ll take you straight home.”

  Pochi cautiously inched toward his hand, allowing InuShin to pick him up and hold him close to his chest again.

  “Where do you live? The storm is going to get worse.”

  “This way!” She pointed down a narrow path.

  InuShin nodded and walked beside her down the dark path, the only light coming from the lightning. The little girl clutched onto his haori sleeve, holding the umbrella over her.

  They approached her home, and Pochi jumped down, darting inside. “Thank you so much, Mister.” She bowed to him. “Would you like to come in, have some tea, and warm up? I don’t think Mother would mind.”

  Find this and other great novels on the author's preferred platform. Support original creators!

  He shook his head. “No, thank you. I have my own friend to look after.” InuShin bowed. “Stay safe, okay?”

  “Hai!” She entered the small hut.

  InuShin turned around, adjusted his satchel, and lowered his kasa hat. “I’m coming, Mikage.”

  Crash!

  Thunder reverberated in his ears, leaving a ringing. This is worse than ever before. He thinned his lips, steeled his nerves, and continued his journey.

  He approached the stable, opening the door as he heard Mikage neigh softly. Her ears flicked nervously as the thunder continued rolling over the village. Shadows flickered against the walls from the dancing lantern light.

  “I’m here, Mikage,” he murmured, running his fingers through her silky mane. “I brought your favorite.”

  He opened his satchel and pulled out a pinkish-red apple, holding it out for her. She sniffed it a few times and then took it. Happily.

  InuShin leaned closer, resting his head against her side, listening to her heartbeat. Steady. Real. Comforting.

  “Things have become unusual since our arrival,” he whispered. “It’s so confusing, and I don’t know what to do or say. Seeing things. Hearing things. Feeling things.” He moved his head off her, maintaining contact with his hand. “It’s a little much at times.”

  Mikage bounced her head up, as if responding to him, offering a snort.

  “I know you can’t speak,” he chortled, reaching into his bag, pulling out another apple, and offering it. She picked it from his hand, chomping down on it.

  Behind him, a voice.

  “She loves you.”

  InuShin startled, slowly turning around.

  Princess Anana stood at the stable entrance, umbrella in hand, cloaked in a deep blue kimono with tiny stitched stars. Her raven hair, pinned up with a long hairpin shaped like a pinwheel.

  Her guards loomed behind her, swords resting on their hips. Unspeaking, yet emitting a forceful presence. Intimidating. It was evident she had wandered ahead of them.

  “Anana-hime, “ he said, dropping and bowing with his head mere inches away from the ground, his hat and lantern resting beside him. “Forgive me. I didn’t expect anyone else here.”

  “No one usually is. Stand, please,” she spoke softly. “There is no ceremony here.”

  InuShin slowly rose, eyes averted. The guards remained silent, but their stillness was sharper than blades.

  She lowered her umbrella and stepped closer, her kimono partially damp. “The horses are calmer with company. Your name is InuShin, correct? What brings you out tonight?”

  “Hai,” he remained still. Worried. Nervous. One wrong move could be his last. “Mikage. I knew she would be terrified of the storm, so I brought her favorite snack to help calm her.”

  “That’s sweet of you.” She approached, stepping past InuShin, the sweet scent of shiso and ume wafting over him. Once within range, Princess Anana stretched her hand out for Mikage to sniff. After a moment, Mikage lowered her head, and she brushed her hand down Mikage’s muzzle.

  The guards stepped closer, ready to react if anything were to happen to the Princess.

  InuShin stiffened, head tilted towards the ground, his heart pounding heavily, as if it were to break free from his chest.

  “I couldn’t sleep,” she continued, breaking the silence. “When that happens, I seek comfort from the horses. They don’t judge, but sense kind-hearted people.”

  He stood there, unsure of what to do or say.

  “Yesterday, that was your first duel, correct?”

  Ho swallowed, shoulders tensing. “Hai, Anana-hime.”

  “You were brave, fought with heart. That is impressive.”

  His body stiffened. “I do not deserve such praise, Your Highness.”

  “And yet I give it.” Her voice was firmer. “Look my way.”

  The tension in the air crackled, almost louder than the storm. InuShin’s gaze darted once towards the guards, who exchanged a glance but did not move.

  Slowly, reluctantly, he shifted his gaze to Princess Anana, her brown eyes, rich and warm, reminding him of a welcome home, stared curiously towards him.

  “Your eyes, unlike anything I have ever seen. The blue reminds me of the ocean deep,” she tilted her head. “Can you tell me about them?”

  My eyes are blue? And I have silver in my hair? His eyes widened, confused. When did they change? Is that why the villager said, “Look at his eyes?” Is that why Father looked confused?

  “Inu-chan?” Her soft, sweet voice broke him from his thoughts.

  “Hai?” He straightened up, body stiffening again, noting the confusion on her face. Wait, did she just call me Inu? Why would she call me that? He peered out the corner of his eye, observing the guards.

  Both men stood closer, their gaze fixated on him.

  When did they move?

  “Inu-chan, are you okay?” she repeated, her eyes softened, filled with compassion.

  “Ha…hai…” he stumbled. “I…I wasn’t expecting th…the nickname.”

  “Cute, and loyal, like a wolf.” She smiled gently, bringing him some comfort. “What is your answer?”

  “Oh…sorry… My eyes are from my Mother, but I don’t know much else. My Father told me she is from a land far away, but that is all I know.” He subconsciously raised his hand and brushed his fingers through his damp bangs.

  The guards approached, hands on their swords. InuShin shot his hand back by his side. “Forgive me, Anana-hime.”

  “Halt.” She ordered, her hand raised towards the guards. “I just noticed, there are silver strands in your hair, like moonlight. From your Mother, too?”

  He nodded, clenching his jaw. So there is silver in my hair. I’m not going crazy. He opened his mouth, but one of the guards stepped near her, whispering.

  “I do apologize. But I need to go,” she said, bowing. “I know you leave tomorrow, but I do hope you return. I think you would make a fine addition to our guard.”

  “Hai,” he bowed, heart fluttering. Filling him with determination. “I will train my best.”

  “Goodnight, InuShin.”

  “Goodnight, Anana-hime.”

  As she disappeared into the rain with her entourage, InuShin stood there, motionless, as the rain fell harder. Mikage nudged his shoulder gently. Only then, he realized his hands were trembling. Was it fear? Adrenaline?

  He picked his hat up and satchel up and then shifted back to Mikage, whispering. “The storm will pass, so get some rest. We have a long way back home.” He withdrew one final apple and held it out.

  She accepted it and then brushed her head against his, knocking his kasa hat off.

  “Hey,” he laughed, picking it up. “I will see you tomorrow morning.” He scratched his fingers across her thick hair once more, earning a nod and soft, low snort.

  The storm had grown stronger, rain lashed harder against the rooftops, and wind ripped through the alleys with a lonely howl. “I’ve never seen a storm this intense.”

  He picked up the lantern, lowered his kasa hat, and stepped onto the path, but froze, heart pounding from the sight before him. Body shaking.

  A pair of glowing eyes, floating in the darkness. Unblinking. The amberish-orange watched him. Not an animal. Not human.

  InuShin’s breath deepened as he reached up, clutching the necklace. “Is it you again?”

  Silence.

  Then they vanished, melting into the night.

  I don’t know what is happening, but I’ll be ready. He exited the stable, holding the kasa hat down from the wind. I hope.

  When he returned home, his father looked up from the fire, brows furrowed with concern.

  “You took longer than I thought.”

  “I found a lost dog, scared. So I helped him get home.” InuShin removed the wet hat, stepping onto the raised floor. “And… I spoke with the Princess. When I was visiting Mikage.”

  “Oh?” Fuji asked, attempting to sound casual as he handed him a dry towel. “What did she say?”

  “She said I fought with heart,” he draped the towel over his head, massaging the soft cotton through it. “And she said my eyes are pretty, and my hair looks like moonlight.”

  Fuji paused, looking at him, and then nodded. “So you know your eyes are blue now…”

  “Zaffre…” he corrected, noticing a faint smile from his Dad.

  “Hai, zaffre,” his father gestured for InuShin to sit beside him. “I didn’t tell you… because I don’t understand it myself…” He stared into the fire, gaze fixed, but soft. “All I know is with each passing moment, you are resembling your mother more and more. I do not know what will happen…”

  They sat together as the storm continued. Outside, the world raged with wind and rain. But inside, it was still. Quiet. Safe.

  InuShin stared at the glowing embers, then at his father. “You’ll stay by me, no matter what happens… Right?”

  His father turned to him and rested a hand on InuShin’s shoulder.

  “Always.”

  Hello, Enigmas,

  I'm pleased to introduce myself. I am InuShin, and I greatly thank you for reading my first story in the fantasy genre. It's a new step for me, as I'm accustomed to writing contemporary fiction, but I want to broaden my horizons and develop my writing skills further. If you have any feedback to provide, I would love to hear it!

  Another message from me to you: Take care of yourself, drink plenty of water, and remember to treat yourself and others with kindness.