Memories Past

[Madoka Hamada]

Madoka’s sensitive ears caught the ceasing of footsteps as she turned. Riku wasn’t behind her and worry filled her hazel eyes. Taking a few bounds back she found Riku upon the forest floor. She gasped seeing Riku curled up on the floor, and jumped down on to lower branches. She gazed upon Riku noticing he had no wounds, so he didn’t fall from the boughs. She looked at the fetal position he had curled himself into. Slowly, despair seeped into her hazel orb as she gazed down at him.

“I pushed him....I’ve pushed him too far....”

She jumped down from the branches and landed on the soft ground. She looked at Riku’s back as he whispered to himself. The words weren’t audible, but Madoka could hear the distress in the tone of his voice.

Tears began to blur her vision as they began to cascade down her cheeks. She muffled her sniffles as she gazed upon the broken male wolf demon. Slowly she made her way over to Riku, her footsteps were soft making little to no sound upon the soil. She fell to her knees behind Riku making a soft ‘thud’ against the earth. She leaned her head against his strong back, pressing her forehead against his shirt.

“I’m sorry Riku.....I’m so sorry....”

The female wolf’s slender body began to quake that made her sobs even more stressed. She closed her eyes, but the tears still leaked from her eyelids. Droplets curved around her cheek before splashing on the ground below. Her arms rested against her side keeping her steady so she didn’t lean too far to the side and lose her balance.

“I shouldn’t h-have pushed y-you. This i-is all m-my f-fault...”

She pulled her head away from Riku and kneeled there fiddling with the ends of her skirt. Loose strands of silver that were no longer in her ponytail brushed past her distressed face. She wanted to see Kaiya, she wanted to see Taku so much so that she felt that she had forgotten Riku. This thought only made her cry more. The thought that she had exclude the one that she held dearest to her heart.

Madoka desperately wanted to get up and go to the edge of the forest that was only a couple yards away from her so that she could enter the quaint little village that had a her family’s home. But Riku couldn’t if she did that, she would be abandoning Riku and her heart would shatter if she did such a thing. She gazed up at Riku, her face tear stained and eyes glazed over from extra moisture of the salty tears. Silently she stood up on her two feet, a breeze caused her silver bangs to cover her only visible eye. Her feminine body trembled under heavy emotional pressure, for one thing she held dear would she need to give up another? She stared at the ground, her lips quivered as she spoke softly.

“If you don’t want to go, I won’t force you, b-but...I want to see them Riku!”

Sharp intakes of breath allowed her release the heavy burden on her chest.

“They are no different than wolf demons. Sure, they don’t have wolf ears or a tail, hell, they don’t change into a wolf either, but this is my family. Maybe I’m being naive, but don’t I have a right to trust in my family that they won’t hurt you and welcome you?”

[Riku Naoya]

I got to get up.

The torn Riku struggled physically and mentally to pull himself together. The images of his past subsided, but the pain was still there. The male wolf sat there silently thinking of how badly he wanted to join the one he loved and accompany her to her village. He was thinking about how badly he wanted to make her happy. But at this rate he would never get there. Silver ears that were laid back slowly twitched to the subtle sound of footsteps. The footsteps neared him slowly and the scent of Madoka gracefully drifted around his sense of smell. Riku’s eyes gently slid open to the sound of a thud.

She collapsed right next to him. Riku lifted his head slightly when he felt her head rest on his back. Confusion entered his jade eyes, he gazed tiredly at the tearing woman. Her soft whispers were barely heard, but he could make out her apologies filled with sadness. Riku narrowed his eyes in a sullen matter. He was hurting her. He, the one who was supposed to always protect her pure smile, was the one who made tears cascade down her flawless face. The male wolf demon slowly shook his head in disagreement when realizing it was his entire fault from the very beginning. His lips parted slowly wanting to speak his beloved’s name but were cut off when she stood up, away from his body.

Moving slowly to his slender hands, Riku sat up a bit to look at Madoka more comfortably. He tilted his face and eyes upwards to her essence. As Madoka started talking, Riku’s jade eyes watched her lips and listened to her tone. His ears were relaxed for the time being, until a sudden voice emotion change.

Silver ears laid flat against silver hair with onyx tresses. Riku’s eyes widened a bit to Madoka’s voice and his mouth dropped open slightly. Bringing himself to his feet as she raised her voice at him, Riku stared contently until she said something he already knew. Riku clenched his teeth and his usual calm eyes shifted to a look of defense. The male wolf brought up his shields, defending himself from Madoka’s words. Riku already realized everything she said, he already knew what she thought, and he already knew what she wanted. A little offended, the young demon shook his head, pulling it back.

As her voice faded, Riku’s defenses kicked in with verbal reflexes. He brought his hands up swiftly to her shoulders and clasped tightly but not too tight not wanting to hurt her anymore than he already did. A harsh voice cut through the thin air that floated between them. The voice of the male wolf was filled with utter pain and worry. His eyes narrowed from his words, emphasizing the feelings he was experiencing.

“Don’t you think I realize that Madoka! I know you want to see them, that’s why I’m following you. Madoka, I just want to protect the smile you offered me so many times.”

The shattered demon lowered his voice volume and slowly brought his head down. His silver bangs shielded the view of his alluring eyes. The hands resting on Madoka’s shoulders tightened a bit as they began to shake. Trembling to what he was about to do, Riku rested his head upon Madoka’s. Ears folded back and tail hanging still with no movement of life in it, Riku parted his lips and spoke in a soft tone, just for his loved one’s ears. The torn wolf demon admitted cautiously to his adored.

“I’m just scared…”

His eyes slowly closed. Riku felt as if his throat went dry from him knowing he was admitting something he wanted to wait for. Slowly in taking and releasing oxygen from his lungs, Riku lifted his head off of hers and leaned down so he could look directly into her tear stained face. A soft whisper of fear emitted from his mouth.

“I’m just scared of crying.”

The worried young demon released his grip on the woman and closed his eyes turning away from her being. Standing up straight, Riku turned away from her and took a few steps in the opposite direction. At the same time as he walked, the canine shook his head as it was bowed and brought his arms up to cross each other and rubs the upper limbs of his lean body. Eyelids soon slid open as he tilted his head up the brightened sky. A soft spoken voice was released just audible enough to be picked up.

“I thought…”

Admitting his worries and fears to her, Riku looked down at the ground in shame realizing he was most likely wrong this whole time.

“I thought if I didn’t stay strong, you…you wouldn’t love me. I assumed you would think I’m too weak to protect you…and that you would leave.”

The saddened demon turned half way towards Madoka. His face staring directly at her face, Riku spoke softly telling her what one day he wished to do. Silver wolf ears flat against his head with a mask of distraught hope, a soothing voice drifted across the gap that was between the two beings that fell in love with one another.

“And if you left, you…I wouldn’t be able to let you meet my family. I was hoping to take you there one day.”

Riku fully turned around to face Madoka’s essence all the way. His eyes were barely showing, they were shaded by both his bangs and tired eyelids. A small smile graced his lips as he thought about it; him taking her to the resting scenery of his home.

“They too, like your village, would welcome you. Although, first…”

Taking a few steps towards her Riku paused not to move any closer to her. His one foot stepped backwards away from her as a reflex in a way. He wanted to hold her like he did once before, but he held back. In his eyes, Riku had no right to touch her after he had hurt her, no right at all, not until forgiven. Eyes drifting towards the forest floor, lips of a wolf demon spoke softly and shyly.

“…I would like to meet your family. But…only if… you still want me to.”

[Madoka Hamada]

Madoka’s ears flatten and she winced as Riku raised his voice at her. He had a right to though, since she had raised her voice, but not at him directly. She was stating her thoughts, whereas Riku was actually yelling at her. She shook her head, that wasn’t the matter right now as she gazed up at her companion.

His beautiful azure eyes were blocked by his silvery hair. Her footsteps came closer as she walked towards him a little. She wanted to comfort the trembling demon, but she stopped, stunned by his words.

“Scared? He’s scared of crying?”

She watched as he walked away from her a little. Her gaze falling down to the ground, as she began to sink into deep thought. Something about his next line though, something about what he said and how he said made her snap right out of her thoughts. A bittersweet smile crossed her lips as he spoke to her.

“I love you for who you are. I love you for your strengths and weakness, your perfections and your flaws. Do you really think I’d stop loving you because I realized you were scared? That I would stop loving you because of something so natural?”

She watched as Riku turned to her partially, speaking once more. Her eyes widen slightly at the thought of meeting Riku’s family. She was never near a wolf demon clan and would they accept her even though she was a half demon? She had got criticized when she was little by the children in her first village. Not quite human and she had the blood of a demon running through, but that quickly changed. Mothers would admonish their children since Madoka was born to a skilled doctor, even if her mother was a demon.

She looked up watching Riku turn all the way towards her, looking her straight in the eyes. Even as he gazed at her, Madoka couldn’t see all of his brilliant eyes. They were hidden from her by his silver stands and heavy eyelids. She gave him a weak smile when he his steps faltered from coming forward to going back. He still wished to see her family, even after their little argument.

She walked forward, towards him, not saying a word. She gently grasped his hand and tugged slightly to bring him towards her as she walked. She began to lead him to the edges of the forest, where they were headed until the stopped.

“Come with me...”

She whispered slightly as she parted some tree branches to reveal what was hidden behind them. The quaint village bustled with its normal activities. Children laughed and played in the streets with each other and their mothers beckoned for them to be careful when they began to get to rough. Merchants talked over the children’s playful shouts as they tried to sell their goods to the women who shopped for the evening’s meal. Dogs were either settled on porches with their elderly masters enjoying the beautiful summer day or helping their owners with the cattle and other animals to keep them in the pasture where they were suppose to be. Men were in the fields or along the back of the village fixing up houses or making new ones for new families.

Madoka’s eyes were settled on one home close to the forest where her and Riku were at. A small girl sat playing with her ragged doll. Her light brown hair was tied in a ponytail that was constantly swinging around as she played with her toy. Madoka bit her lip as she looked at the little girl. She personally did not know her, but she already knew her name. The one conversation filtered into her head with her and Kaiya. She remember Kaiya going through baby names for when her and Taku had a child: Haruko if it was a girl because it meant ‘spring child’ and Hideaki if it was boy because it meant ‘bright’ or excellent’.

Madoka swallowed hard as she turned to look at Riku. Her lips moved to ‘Is it okay?’ but no words came out. She wanted to make sure Riku was comfortable with this atmosphere. She wanted to make sure that Riku was absolutely positive with his decision to follow her.

[Riku Naoya]

His truth was proven to be wrong. The male wolf supposed vulnerability would break their beloved relation when it was him holding his feelings back that could of ended the most precious thing to him. Riku looked up partially to see a smile upon Madoka’s lips, but it was weak, there was no feeling behind it except for perhaps sadness or worry. He was not sure though, he just looked away from her, back down to the soft ground.

Twitching when perking up to hear faint sounds, silver wolf ears heard the soft stepping of a Madoka. The footsteps seemed to get louder through his keen ears, but they were still light when pressed down. He waited, looking at the earth. Expecting to hear some words wisdom filled words, Riku remained silent as she moved closer to him. Nothing came out between her lips. There was only utter silence.

Riku’s eyes shot a look to his hand as he felt it being grasped gently unexpected. The hand holding him was definitely feminine, and the skin texture was smooth and familiar. A placid smile crossed his lips as he knew she forgave him and understood him. Relief ran through his broken heart once he realized she still wanted him to come with her. Riku stepped along side of Madoka as she tenderly pulled him along. It wasn’t far until she brought him to the edge of the forest, only he could see nothing beyond. A wall of branches concealed what was hidden behind; all he knew was there were humans behind. He could smell them.

Their scent was strong and uncomfortable to the wolf. Riku lowered his ears a bit and his eyes stared steadily, quivering every once in a while as he waited in anticipation and anxiety. The aroma was familiar. It matched the strong bouquet of human blood cursed to his muzzle. It wasn’t as strong, and it was not the exact same smell, not of blood at least, but unquestionably of human.

Jade eyes never faltered as the branches were pulled, parting to reveal the hidden village of humans behind it. Seeing the image of the village and all the movement within it caused his ears to flatten even more in uncertainty. The many sounds filtered through his lowered wolf ears and the imagery never lost Riku’s attention. His watchful eyes scanned the scene and all of its detail. There was so much to observe. Riku wanted so badly to observe it to its final and smallest detail, but at the same time, a deep feeling in his heart never wanted to step foot in a village completely filled with the wretched human kind who destroyed him. Nonetheless, the male demon put that to the side for the one he loved. She wanted this, and no matter what he was not going to turn back now.

Sounds of happy children and worried mothers surrounded his listening ears. Laughter and negotiating was filling the air. Riku recognized all the activity and he knew why the humans did this. He too once lived amongst the humans, not directly, but he was near them in his childhood until the tragedy. His jade eyes looked upon the humans’ ways as they were collecting foods for dinner and herding their animals. Hammering noises were also observed by his eyes and folded ears as they watched and listened to the mortals building shelters. The village was busy and surprisingly normal to Riku’s eyes. Every village was probably like this, unless it was poor and unruly; filled with conniving thieves and homeless children. Fortunately, this village was no where near that level of poverty, not to his alluring jade eyes at least.

Riku gazed next to him to see Madoka looking to a particular place. His eyes followed the path hers took. Eras now perked up and interested, Riku found what Madoka was watching; it was a young human girl. She appeared pure and innocent as she played with her tattered doll. The sight was kind of cute. It triggered a sentimental smile to paint across the demon’s lips. As he gazed contently, everything blurred.

A short gasp of inhale was heard slightly from Riku’s mouth as his vision blurred. Jade eyes went wide in surprise and confusion. His silver ears with black tresses were fully erect. Through the demon’s eyes, the sky darkened and flickers of brightness was envisioned at the corners of his eyes. The young girl he gazed at one time not too long ago moved closer. Jade eyes tried focusing, but failed. Riku watched his fogged vision not knowing it was all an illusion. The figure was short in stature compared to Riku as it stood there. Whatever the figure was it was holding something. It was a bulk of something that could not be made out. Small blotches were on the figure’s face.

As quick as it came, the hallucination was gone. Riku’s jade eyes with swirls of azure relaxed, narrowing in curiosity and perplexity. His eyes drifted back down to Madoka to see her looking at him. Wonder if she saw it too…or if she even realized? He saw her have the face of asking permission. She was just checking if this is what he really wanted to do. The male wolf demon swallowed hard, and pulled back his ears as a little bit of fear and worry filtered back into his body. However, not wanting to turn back now, Riku shook his head giving the okay to move in to the quaint village she so trustingly showed him. Wavering lips barely opened as silently soft-spoken words came out.

“I’m ready.”

Riku’s grip on Madoka’s feminine hand tightened for his feelings of fear and worry. His fingers curved around her hand, bring the palms closer together. The feeling of nervousness was also emitting from his nerves. Taking a slow inhale of oxygen, Riku slowly exhaled through his lips calming his heart that began to speed once his words came out. His jade eyes moved to the scenery of the village and all of the humans that lived and created lives there.

I’m ready…I’m ready…

Over and over again, Riku pulsed the words in his head. He was going to have to face humans again at some point, why not now? Riku looked down at Madoka waiting for her to hopefully lead him in. The male wolf calmed down a bit just thinking of a consoling thought. He was just glad Madoka was there to support him. Riku smiled as she stood by his side. His eyes moved back towards the village. Slight trembling in the hands began to vibrate as he stared attempting to stay strong. His ears were bent backwards, but they were not laid down, and his silver tail was deathly still. Worry seeped through, but Riku was mitigated his beloved Madoka was there, no matter what.

[Madoka Hamada]

Madoka smiled at Riku, at his bravery to confront what he feared. She gently pulled him forward, her feminine hand had a gentle grasp on his. She gently pulled him out of the forest brush. Placing his hand at his side, she gazed upon him with a compassionate gaze.

“Stay here, you’ll know when to come forward..”

Madoka turned around and went up to the little girl that was a couple feet away as she played with her doll. The girl looked up, her eyes caught Madoka’s unusual features, but for a three year old this was the most wonderful thing.

“Puppy ears!”

She cooed looking at Madoka’s ears. She tried to grab them, opening and closing her fingers around her palm. Madoka smiled as she kneeled down and brought her tail around and brought across the girl’s face. The girl squealed at the soft touch of the fur as she grabbed Madoka’s tail, but not roughly. She ran her fingers through the soft hairs and rubbed her face in the hair. Madoka couldn’t help but giggle at the young girl’s innocence.

The young girl looked behind Madoka to gaze at Riku. Her eyes glistened with excitement.

“Puppy! Puppy!”

She cooed as she got up and wandered over to the male wolf demon. She giggled doing the same grabbing motion she did to Madoka only to Riku this time. Madoka got up off her knees and giggled.

“She likes you, Riku..”

“Haruko? Haruko?”

A woman’s voice called out, coming closer. The woman came around from the back of the thatched roof hut. Her brown hair was pulled in a loose bun and she was carrying a basket full of potatoes. The basket, however, quickly landed on the ground, once Kaiya saw the female wolf demon in front of her.

“M-Madoka...”

Her whisper was soft, just audible to her and Madoka. Madoka graced her with a bright smile as Kaiya ran to her embracing her tightly. Tears streamed down the woman’s face as they flooded her brown eyes. Madoka and Kaiya’s grip at the moment was indestructible, enforced with five years of separation. Kaiya parted from Madoka, her hands sat on her shoulders as she looked her over.

“You look no different than from when you left. Oh, by gods, Madoka you had me worried. You didn’t come and see me in so long. And with this war going on, Taku and I didn’t know what to think. Oh, I’m just glad you’re okay..”

Kaiya looked around at Riku and Haruko. She laughed at Haruko and her fascination with the fuzzy appendages that Riku had.

“I’m sorry, she’s like that. And you are?”

She asked looking at Riku with a smile. She figured that he was a friend of Madoka’s, the ears and tail gave it away.

[Riku Naoya]

Riku stepped forward slowly into the light of the sun and towards the bustling village of humans. His eyes adjusted to the sudden inlet of sun rays. Gazing ahead to all he could possibly see, Riku stepped firmly out of the brush. Feeling of the brush caressing his skin and clothes as he walked out from behind it left him. His ears bent back, but did not lie down upon his hair. Distracted by the imagery of all the humans and the scents of them, Riku snapped to attention when he felt Madoka’s grasp leave his hand. The male wolf demon impulsively looked to the female that lead him.

Jade eyes widened a bit as he saw her compassionate gaze, it was calming, but at the same time, it was nerve wrecking. His mouth part a bit as she told him to wait there without her. Riku put his arm out in front of his being reaching for Madoka as she walked away from him. Riku’s lips quivered a bit wanting to call out to her, but he held back from pleading. His hand dropped to his side, dangling relaxed against his hips. His jade eyes followed Madoka to where she was trotting.

Watching contently, a smile of serenity played across his lips to what he was witnessing. Riku relaxed his vision and smile lightly as the little girl opened and closed her petite fingers on her small hands. The watchful jade eyes lightened in the sunlight as he watched Madoka caress the girl’s face with the softness of her wolf tail. Seeing this, Riku released a small giggle of interest and enjoyment. This wasn’t as bad as he thought it would be.

Thinking a bit, Riku noticed it was mostly the men and women of the village, not the children; they were too innocent of pure to be stained by the blood and horrors of reality. Riku continued to watch the naïve eyes of the little girl as she stroked her tender fingers through Madoka’s furry tail. His silver wolf ears perked up to the sound o her squealing in enjoyment, this sound even brought a more enjoyable smile across the usual serious face of Riku. His eyes moved to the female wolf who played with the small child.

Madoka must be loving this.

Especially, if she were to turn around and see such an innocent smile on Riku’s face of all people. Unfortunately, Madoka would not have this pleasure yet. The wolf sensed eyes on his essence and nervousness filled him, erasing the smile he once had on. Eyes with hints of azure moved to the lower levels of his sight. Riku found the eyes that were so innocently watching him; it was the little girl’s eyes.

Riku swallowed hard as he heard the little girl coo while looking at him. Riku took a slight step back as the petite child moseyed over to him. A whimpering smile crossed Riku’s lips as the infant called him a puppy with such virtuousness and exhilaration. The eras that sat upon Riku’s ears seemed to emphasize on their twitching as he gazed at the girl motioning to touch them. Hearing Madoka’s voice cut the distance in between their two bodies, Riku rolled his eyes and said in a sarcastic voice and his eyes wavered from Madoka to the young girl.

“Yeah…joyous.”

Suddenly as his vision steadied on the girl, a pleasant memory flooded into Riku’s mind. It was of his younger self, toddler at least, and his beloved mother. The young pup was doing the exact same motions as this little girl was doing. His mother was always seen picking the young wolf up and propping him against her chest. As the memory faded into nothing but just a precious memory, Riku allowed a gentle smile to cross his mouth as he slowly bent down to the little girl named Haruko that wanted so badly to touch his soft ears.

On the inside, the male demon adored young children such as this one. They had such an innocence that could never be spoiled no matter what. Slowly wanting to do what his mother always did to him to please him, Riku reached out his arms and slid his hands under the small child’s under arms ever so gently.

Making sure to keep his own balance, Riku slowly picked himself up from the cushion of the ground lifting the petite lass off the ground. His arms were strong and the girl seemed light to the demon, so holding her and lifting her safely was no problem or threat to the Haruko’s health at all. Leaning her for a moment against his chest, just until he could maneuver his dominant hand under the girl’s legs, Riku propped her knees gently against his chiseled chest so she could see his silky ears with no hassle.

Now that she was in a safe position within Riku’s grasp, having one hand under her legs and one supporting her back so she didn’t lean and have a chance of falling, Riku’s alluring and gentle jade eyes watched the Haruko’s face hoping she would enjoy what he was going to do. A moment passed and Riku soon began to twitch his silver wolf ears with black tresses on purpose. Making sure she could fully enjoy herself, Riku made sure she was at proper height so she could securely touch his tender and delicate wolf ears.

Distracted by the hopefully infant’s pleasure, Riku did not look around to see what Madoka was doing. Doing this was basically admitting Riku was great with children and he absolutely adored them, even if they were humans. They were too innocent and naïve to cause him any pain of any sort. Riku began to laugh in the enjoyment he had missed so many years of his life. This was a pleasurable experience.

However the experience of no worry soon ended, when the sound of a grown woman’s laughter entered his twitching wolf ears. Fidgeting ears soon ceased as his jade eyes moved past the child to human woman. The smile vanished quickly as well. Riku’s eyes stared for a moment, contemplating what the stranger had just asked him. Seeming rude enough as he must already seem, Riku shook his head breaking away from his thoughts, and slowly set Haruko’s feet firmly on the ground, not releasing until he confirmed she had her balance.

Hands slowly releasing the young girls under arms, Riku stood up straight to face the woman who was apparently the child’s mother. His eyes staggered from the ground to the unknown Kaiya’s face. Ears bent back a bit, Riku opened his lips to speak, struggling a tad. Stuttered words floated out in a shy voice with hints of fear and nervousness. Right now, the woman seemed no threat, but it was still hard because she was an adult, and not an innocent child. Collecting his thoughts and feelings, the male demon gathered his voice so it could be heard, but it was still slightly soft spoken.

“Riku— my name’s Riku.”

[Madoka Hamada]

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Riku..”

Kaiya replied with a smile upon her face, bowing her head respectively. She looked over as Haruko made her way back to her mother. Bending down, Kaiya swooped the little girl up in her arms. Haruko giggled as Kaiya’s slender fingers tickled against her stomach.

Madoka smiled looking at the mother and child at how Kaiya was doing the same thing that she use to do when Madoka was little. The female wolf strolled up to Riku and grasped his hand once more in her feminine ones. A small smile was painted across her face as she gazed at Riku.

“It’s okay..”

She whispered, gently tugging Riku forward by his hand. Kaiya watched the couple and smiled. Besides Madoka she hadn’t seen another wolf demon, but the demons mostly stayed out of the village. They weren’t keen on letting the humans know of their existence.

Haruko began to wiggle in Kaiya’s arms signaling that she no longer wanted to be held. Kaiya set her little daughter on the ground, making sure she had her footing before letting her go completely. She watched as the young girl wandered over to Madoka and Riku. Haruko grasped Riku’s pant leg, tugging gently on the fabric. She gazed up at Riku with warm hazel eyes, identical to Madoka’s, with her lips curved into a playful grin.

“Mr. Puppy! Come see Mommy!”

She cooed, tugging on to his pant leg a little more. Madoka looked down and smiled, closing her eyes as she giggled softly. Kaiya was bent down, picking up the spilled potatoes when she heard Haruko’s comment. She looked up at the two girls trying to provoke the man forward. She gave a weak smile, poor Riku, if he stuck with Madoka, this was what he was in for, because every woman pushed their man about. It was a fact of life, since Kaiya also did it to Taku. She stood up, the large basket of potatoes sat on her hip as she looked at the small group.

“It’s okay, if he doesn’t want to come in. Really it is, you don’t need to push him about...”

Kaiya’s voice was calm and soothing as she spoke. She could figure that Riku was a little scared of being in a new place. Their village wasn’t exactly the calmest place either from the children playing and the villagers talking on porches and in the streets. The dogs were barking and howling at cattle or just because they wanted to. She looked at Haruko as she let go of Riku and came up to her.

“Mommy? Is Mr. Puppy staying for dunner?”

Kaiya giggled at Haruko’s mispronunciation for ‘dinner’. She gently grabbed the bun in her hair that was barely there from all the strands falling out of its binds. She smiled, Haruko was definitely amazed by Riku, more than Madoka, but maybe that was because unlike Madoka, Riku held her. She gazed to the horizon and the setting sun, meaning dinner was coming up soon and Taku would be home soon. She looked at Haruko and then at the wolf couple.

“I don’t know that’s up to him, but maybe he wouldn’t mind if he stayed here while Madoka went to go see Taku, do you mind Riku?”

She asked gently, not wanting to scare him sensing his cautiousness. Madoka looked up at Riku, mouthing an ‘Is that okay?’. Haruko ran up to Riku once more grasping on his entire leg this time and not just the cloth that covered it.

“Pwease?! Stay here, Madoka go get Daddy...”

She cooed looking up at Riku, begging and pleading the most out of the male wolf. Kaiya sighed, this girl was hopeless to get to behave herself.

[Riku Naoya]

The cautious male wolf slowly, but surely nodded his head to Kaiya’s respective bow. He wasn’t used to being treated this way, it was kind of embarrassing as noted when a slight hint of red crossed his face. Riku’s eyes drifted to the young girl he once held so gently. She was definitely the daughter of the unknown stranger. A smile crossed the lips of the wolf as he witnessed the loving bond between Haruko and her beloved mother. It was cute to see how Kaiya tickled her young one with such loving compassion. It reminded of his lost relationship with his mother, but he was not about to dwell, not now at least.

Riku’s attention was grabbed from the mother and daughter as his hand was clasped gently in Madoka’s feminine fingers once again. His eyes locked in on hers as she smiled and reassured him that it was alright. Just like before, Madoka pulled him forward, a little bit deeper into the village. It was nerve wrecking somewhat, especially since he got the feeling that someone was watching him. Riku felt like a sore thumb amidst all of these humans, it was uncomfortable.

Jade eyes looked forward to see the woman who greeted him so kindly watching him and Madoka. His ears bent backwards fairly from timidity, and his eyes jolted back down to the side to the ground. The look on his face was speaking in a fashion of shyness, and not wanting anyone to see him.

The mask Riku placed vanished when he felt a slight tugging from below. The male wolf demon looked down to see what was catching his black clothed pants leg; it was the little girl again. Riku stopped in his tracks sidetracked by Haruko and her playful smile. The young demon smiled at what she said. Innocence was definitely present in this human; no threat at all. Realizing then what Haruko called him, his silver ears perked up fully and his head slowly turned to Madoka’s giggling and grinning face. His eyes and face had an awkward and curious mask within them. His lips moved releasing a small voice, not wanting the young child to hear him.

“Mr. Puppy?”

As the two girls cooed and pulled at him gently Riku felt like an actual dog instead of a wolf. He minded the thought but he wouldn’t spoil their fun, Madoka was smiling, and that was all that mattered to him at the moment. As the woman who knew Madoka stood up and spoke to the girls, Riku looked up. He observed the basket of potatoes in a basket held firmly on the woman’s hip. He did not know her name yet, but what he could grasp was that she was also no threat at all. Her voice was reminding to Riku. It was soothing and calm, no agitation could be heard in it whatsoever.

Reprieve was felt as Haruko released his leg and walked over to her mother. His ears listened closely to the child’s words, and his eyes widened and an uneasy smile played across his lips. Dinner… seriously? Riku let a thought cross his mind as he heard and felt his stomach growl at the word “dinner”. A layer of red crossed over his flushed cheeks as his famished stomach made it want to be known. Riku himself cannot even remember that last time he had actual food. He cannot even remember that last time he ate anything at all!

Jade eyes with hints of azure drifted up to the sky. He did not realize it was already this time of day. It went by pretty quick, last time he checked it was past three o’clock. The sun was already setting behind the horizon and the outline of the moon was already about to show itself. Pinks and purples danced across the sky and the clouds reflected some of the dusk colors off of their white fluff. It was so calming, it quieted Riku’s heart, giving him a little bit more courage to be on his own with humans, at least Haruko and Kaiya.

As Kaiya’s question of staying while Madoka went to retrieve this Taku echoed to make sure of his answer, Riku almost lost his balance when his entire leg this time was tackled by the young infant. With the begging child at his leg, Riku shook his head in agreement. Besides, he couldn’t really say no when the small girl pleaded him to stay. She was so cute, and her eyes so innocent, like Madoka’s. This small detail is what killed Riku the most. How could he turn down eyes such as those?

Showing that he was willing to stay with Haruko and Kaiya as Madoka went off to get the supposed father, Riku bent down once again and picked the child up just like before. His grasp was firm but gentle as he raised her with his hands underneath her shoulders. He propped her knees against his chest and supported her back and under legs. Beginning to twitch his silky wolf ears once again for the child’s enjoyment, his hypnotic jade eyes filled with kindness and loving to this particular human. Maybe, just maybe, Riku could learn to see humans how Madoka visions them. The thought of this crossed his mind, but there were still large hints of doubts within the mix. Ignoring his inner thoughts for the time being, the demon continued to give the child some entertainment. Without even realizing it, Riku’s trusty wolf tail began to sway back and forth all on its own. The male wolf turned to Madoka and smiled a warm smile.

“I’ll stay.”

[Madoka Hamada]

Haruko’s tiny hands reached up grasping the one of the silky appendages on top of Riku’s head. She felt the soft fur between her fingers and squealed, giggling all the while. Madoka watched as Haruko made her impression upon the male wolf. She gave Riku a small smile, but it was a sign of pure joy. Riku was comfortable here and she was extremely happy.

“I’ll be back soon. It depends how slow we walk while we talk. See you at dinner.”

Madoka’s soothing voice commented as she kissed him on the cheek. Haruko saw this and scrunched her face and stuck her tongue out. A soft ‘ew’ escaped her lips, but seeing Riku’s wolf ears twitch once more distracted the young girl. Madoka giggled at the young girl’s short attention span, but turned to leave.

“I won’t be long Kaiya..”

Madoka said as she walked towards the town. Walking past the villagers, most could not remember the grown wolf demon, but some did and waved a ‘hello’ and asked how she was. Madoka loved this feeling, she loved being around the people here, because they were all kind and few were judgmental.

Kaiya watched Madoka leave then turned to Riku, her brown eyes eyeing her young daughter on the wolf demon’s shoulder. She situated the heavy basket on her hip so that she could walk easier. She walked up the two steps that led to her front porch and then reached for the worn wooden door. She grabbed the handle and pulled open the door, placing her foot at the bottom of the door.

“Coming dear?”

Kaiya voiced with a smile. She didn’t know what exactly made the male wolf demon slightly skittish, but she wasn’t going to ask. She just figured she would offer him a warm smile and food and if he wanted to talk, she would listen.

Once inside Kaiya went over to the wooden table that was in their kitchen, which was the first room when you walked in, and set the basket down. She went over to the counter top with a handful of potatoes. On the wooden counter top sat a basin of water and Kaiya began to wash the dirt off of the potatoes. She gazed over to Riku and smiled softly.

“If you could just keep Haruko busy while I finish up, I’d be grateful. It’s troublesome when I have to watch her and cook.”

She said as she began to cut the potatoes into chunks. With wet hands and now clean potatoes, she walked over to the fireplace and the kettle over the burning embers. She gently allowed the potato chunks to slid from her fingers to the stew that was brewing over the open flame. She reached for a wooden spoon on the counter top and grabbed it stirring the beef stew gently. The aroma filtered in the air, layering it heavily with the scent. Kaiya sniffed the scent, and smiled, happy with her work. She went over to the basket filled with potatoes and set it on the counter top out of Haruko’s reach. She dusted her fingers off on her tan apron, smudging the fabric with dirt. She looked at Riku with a small smile.

“I’ll just warn you. Taku is very protective over his daughters. He was with Madoka and will be with that one...”

She pointed to the hyper Haruko.

“So he might question you, but don’t worry, it’s normal father behavior. He’s just overprotective.”

She went over to a closet and pulled an extra seat out, for Riku to sit at the table. She muttered under breath softly. She needed an extra cot too, she had four. Two for her and Taku, one for Haruko, and one for Madoka for when she came back.

“I’ll make you a cot then after dinner Riku. I have the materials, just need to fill the cloth.”

She said smiling as she gazed out the window, looking for her husband and Madoka.

[Riku Naoya]

The male wolf released a slight giggle as the young child grasped his silky wolf ears. The way she felt them and rubbed them so gently had a tickling sensation upon the male demon. His ears were then automatically twitching to her hands’ caressing. The joy he sent through this pure child absolutely amazed him. Riku was barely trying and yet this infant was adorably pleased. Her giggling and cute squealing caused a enjoyable smile to cross his face. The grin was pure as if he was a pup again; Riku’s smile was open as laughter was released, pure laughter, not a small laugh, but actually expressing untainted amusement and ecstasy; something that was very rare for this wolf demon.

Riku’s laughter ceased when a sudden kiss was received on the cheek by Madoka. A flash of red spread across the young man’s cheeks and nose. They have never kissed in public or showed any signs of affection to anyone but themselves obviously. Riku’s jade eyes followed his female companion as she turned around and left him once again, only this time she’s out of his sight.

A silent, short gasp escaped between his lips as the thought raced through his mind. The calm eyes were now flooded with uneasy feelings of all kind. His perked and twitching wolf ears bent back and down, they were completely folded and laid down upon his silver hair with tresses of coal black. The appendages were no longer allowing Haruko’s hands to play with them, Riku was on edge. Shock eyes focused in on Madoka as she walked into the distance going for this Taku person. Ill at ease, Riku’s breathing stuttered. Distracted from Haruko at the moment all Riku could think about was what he desperately wanted to tell Madoka. So many times he had the chance and refused to take it.

Madoka…humans killed my clan…humans.

Bending his head down, staring into nothing, Riku shaded his jade eyes with the silver bangs that draped over his forehead. Feeling came into his eyes as he told himself what he never wanted to forget, no matter what. As he looked down at the ground in nothing but though, Riku’s vision blurred again. It was the same scene. Dark background with flickering reds and oranges, a short figure holding a bulk, and spots of something all over both the figure and the mystery heap. Seeing the vision again, and not knowing what it was angered him for some reason. Riku’s eyebrows arched down, and his eyes shut tightly to erase the sudden scene. Luckily, his eyes at the moment were shielded, so neither Kaiya nor Haruko could witness the angered face of the haunted wolf demon.

What the hell is that…what am I trying to remember?

Snapping out of his thoughts into attention, Riku’s head shot up and the anger that was once masked vanished into the alert profile. Hearing the soothing voice of Kaiya, his wolf ears perked up to the sound. His eyes honed in on the location of her to see her at the door of her humble abode. Her words, “Coming dear?” struck a chord in the emotionally weak wolf. The demon wanted so badly to say not to call him that, but he held back. Madoka trusted him to be alone with her humans, so he had to polite and pretend not to have grudge.

Before taking any steps closer to the human female, Riku turned to where he had last seen Madoka. His eyes scanned desperately for a moment, maybe he wasn’t ready. Not wanting to drop the child as he searched, Riku lifted the young infant up off his shoulders and placed her feet onto the ground. Before letting go though, he made sure that she had her balance and could keep it to walk. Once he knew Haruko could walk on her own, the demon stood up straight and looked for the being who had Madoka’s physical traits.

Shaking his head in the slightest way, Riku could not see her. Knowing he was now for a fact on his own until her return, Riku turned half way towards the open door Kaiya held open. His head and eyes still wanted to search, but the demon regrettably turned and began walking slowly to the human’s home. Raising his footing to walk up the two stairs leading into the home, Riku’s hand grasped the edge of the door and opened it a little more so he could walk through without hitting himself. The place reeked of human stench, but what else could he expect?

Cautiously, Riku’s eyes followed Kaiya’s movements as she did a daily routine of cooking dinner. It felt a little odd to him as he just stood there and watched, especially knowing the fact he was inside a human’s home. Riku watched contently, yet on edge, as the adult woman washed the potatoes that sat all together in a wicker basket. Riku’s eyes drifted to Haruko, he wondered how Kaiya felt about having a demon within her household, one who is not Madoka. She did welcome him easily into her precious home, so maybe she might feel comfortable. As he thought to himself, his eyes shifted back on to the view of Kaiya to see her gazing and smiling at him.

Startling him a bit, Riku turned away from her gaze quickly, his eyes perked to hear her soft words. Riku’s alluring jade eyes softened when he had the responsibility of watching over the young girl who had such rare purity streaming through her veins. He smiled softly and bent down to the toddler, balancing on his toes. A silent silly laugh was released as he responded back to the kind woman.

“I don’t think that will be very hard.”

Riku began to twitch his silky ears again as he smiled at the infantile child. The wolf also began to thump his fluffy wolf tail against the floor gently, just loud enough for the child to notice it. His hand gently rubbed the topped of her head feeling her brown hair. It was soft to the touch, but a tad bit messy. The child definitely grew attached to him. Riku smiled at the thought, he liked the feeling of a child looking up to him for enjoyment. He never really got the chance to experience this feeling until now; the young demon was very grateful.

The different scents of human and food drifted all around the kitchen. His keen nose automatically picked up the food. Reacting to the scent, Riku’s stomach released a growl of hunger. The shade of red returned back into the cheeks of the demon wolf. Attempting to distract his raging hunger, Riku swooped Haruko into his arms. Cradling her, the child loving demon gently caressed the girl’s stomach with the tips of his fingers hoping to send a tickling sensation into the child. Figuring he tickle tortured her enough; Riku carefully swung her light body in a playful manner onto his sturdy hip. He positioned her so she was slightly off to the side and his body was in between her petite legs. One of his arms were behind her back while the other supported Haruko’s back end so she wouldn’t slide down and hurt herself.

Slightly laughing from the enjoyment this girl gave him; his ears went erect to the sound of Kaiya’s voice. His eyes and head turned to the woman who was cooking something that smelled extremely tasteful. Hearing her warning, Riku’s ears collapsed against his head. He looked to Haruko as Kaiya pointed to her. Gazing gently in subtle worry at the child in his arms, Riku remained silent.

Madoka’s family reminded Riku’s of his in so many ways. His father was also very protective of Riku. Not only was it because he was Riku’s father, but also because Riku was the only pup him and his companion conceived. There was also the reason of ranking this demon would eventually get to, considering his father was the leader of his beloved clan. His jade eyes continued to stare at the pure child and his lips remained silent.

Hearing some clattering from where Kaiya was, Riku’s head turned to observe the woman pulling out a chair from a closet. His ears remained folded showing he was on guard and on edge from Kaiya’s comment. Riku truly did not want a misunderstanding, Madoka probably does not want as well. Riku looked as the woman worked and he did nothing, but when he was about to ask if she needed help, Kaiya beat him to the speaking point. The demon shook his head back and forth signaling disagreement. Regaining his grip on the child he held so gently Riku parted his lips telling Kaiya she did not need to work so hard just for him. It made him feel like a total burden.

“You don’t have to. I’ll just sleep outside under the stars.”

His voice was soft and shy. Riku was a little uncomfortable at the thought of him sleeping inside a human’s home anyway.

“I do it all the time…besides…it would just make me even more of a burden.”

The psychologically feeble demon made his voice more audible and kind

“I’ll be fine.”

His eyes moved back to the child and he forgot he was supposed to be playing with her. Riku put a playful smile on and lifted the child up above his head. His ears automatically twitched and his tail also swayed on its own. His hands held her firmly under Haruko’s arms and he brought her down to level their faces. The tenderhearted wolf then gave the small naïve child an innocent Eskimo kiss, rubbing the tips of their noses together gently in a playful manner.

[Madoka Hamada]

Haruko returned Riku’s favor and rubbed her nose against his, giggling the entire time. Kaiya couldn’t help but smile at her daughter’s innocence. She hadn’t laughed this hard in awhile, actually Kaiya couldn’t remember anytime the young girl laughed so much. She gazed at Riku with an expression of seriousness.

“No, No I insist that I make you a cot. It won’t take long and besides, it would be nice to sleep on something softer than the ground, no?”

She asked now smiling to her question. She was persistent in being the perfect hostess and the perfect hostess didn’t allow a guest to sleep outside. She wandered to a wooden cabinet pulling it open and pulling out bowls and spoons and going over to the table and setting places. A small smile crossed her lips, she knew what to do in order to keep the male wolf demon inside. Madoka’s mentor in manipulation was at her best as she talked while setting places.

“Besides Riku, if Haruko has a nightmare, I know who she’s going to go to. I don’t want her walking outside in the middle of the night now...”

Kaiya’s cinnamon tinted hair was blocking her smile. She knew that would keep him inside, him and Haruko were pretty much joined at the hip. She picked up her head hearing Madoka laughing and footsteps coming up the steps and onto the porch. Taku walked in first a worn expression upon his face as he looked up at his wife.

“You- it’s all your fault. Women-- all you do is talk, talk, talk, that’s all she’s been doing and that's all I hear. We did this, and we did that. All I can say is she didn't grow out of her rambling habit...”

His finger was pointed at Kaiya as he spoke, but it fell to his side as he released a heavy sigh. He looked over at Riku and his daughter Haruko, a small smile crossed his suntanned face. His brown short-sleeved shirt showed little dirt from working in the fields, but the once beige pants had smudged dirt on them where his knees were. His green eyes were barely seen from his messy brown bangs covering them. The strands upon his head were in an odd mess from running his fingers through his hair that was plastered with sweat. He was slim, but had his share of muscles from working in the fields. He walked up to his wife hugging her and kissing her gently on the cheek. Kaiya’s only response was a disgusted groan from her sweaty husband hugging her.

Madoka by past the two as they began to talk amongst each other. She made her way over to Riku and gave him a small smile. She ran her fingers through Haruko’s hair to get a playful giggle out of the young girl.

“Everything okay?”

Madoka asked her companion softly. Haruko’s attention wasn’t on the wolves, but on Madoka’s ears at the moment. She watched as the silvery soft wolf ears moved on top of her head, making grasping movements to her.

Behind the two, Taku had sat down at the table, the chair legs squeaked against the wooden floor as he sat down. Kaiya took an oven mitt and grabbed the iron handle of the pot. She grabbed a ladle in between her fingers as she put portions into each of the bowl, before placing the pot back over the dying fire.

“Dinner.”

Kaiya chimed as she looked over at the two wolf demons. She took a chair and sat next to Taku, leaving two chairs across from them open for Riku and Madoka. A chair was on the end by Kaiya for Haruko. The chair was seated slightly higher for the young girl. Haruko began to wiggle about in Riku’s arms wanting to get down.

“Dunner. Dunner.”

She cooed as she wiggled about in the male wolf demon’s arms. Madoka placed her hand on Riku’s shoulder for reassurance. A smile placed across her face, she knew Riku was hungry, hearing his stomach rumble while they were outside. She turned slightly, but her eyes were still on him, making sure he came with.

[Riku Naoya]

Riku smiled ecstatically as Haruko rubbed his nose. Hearing her innocent laugh helped the wolf demon to laugh as well. His ears were fully erect and twitching. The silver tail that followed the wolf anywhere and everywhere swayed side to side. Sensing the strictness yet kindness within Kaiya’s voice, Riku’s jade eyes gazed at the woman as she did to him. In the unrelenting disagreement, Riku shook his head holding the small child in his arms. His lips spoke with determination for this woman not to make him a cot.

“Kaiya…no, I don’t need a cot. I’m grateful for your concern, but I don’t—“

The wolf demon was cut off from his continuing sentence as Kaiya nailed him with her cunning. His eyes gawked firmly at the human as she set the table with bowls and spoons; enough for five people. Riku sharply turned away in defiance when Kaiya finished her remark. It was true that Riku cared for Haruko, but he is not her father. She should not run to him first if she were to have a nightmare, Madoka maybe, but not him. The male wolf lightened his expression to hear the laughter of Madoka. His ears perked up to her familiar voice. Finally she was back.

Unfortunately, Madoka was not the first one he saw. The demon’s ears plastered to his head as he saw a male human trek through the wooden door. Riku hated those the most. Flashes of what the men did during his clan’s slaughter faded on and off in his complicated mind. Not making any eye contact with Taku, Riku turned his face downward with his silver wolf ears still down signaling he was officially on edge. His jade eyes wore a defensive look on as his face turned away from all beings near him.

Eyes turned, but wolf ears still listening closely, Riku remained to have a deep tense expression of insolence. In sometime once Taku walked in and spoke, Riku’s fur stood on end as he intuited Taku’s gaze on him. The demon did not bother to meet his gaze, he was still thinking of how much he hated humans, especially the insolent men. Among the actions Riku did, listening to what the humans were doing was among these actions. He could hear the slight moan of Kaiya as the sweaty man gave her an embrace and peck. Riku could smell the odor coming off of the hardworking male named Taku.

Getting called further into attention, the young demon heard footsteps near him and Haruko who still played in his arms; the footsteps were light, not any that a male would take unless it would be a small infant. Riku’s eyes shifted to see Madoka with the comforting smile on her profile. Riku’s head fully transferred to look to his side knowing it was her. Riku’s wolf ears lifted up from his silver locks, but they were still swerved backwards. He gazed at Haruko as she giggled when Madoka gently rubbed her head, messing the girl’s brown hair even more.

The male demon parted his lips slowly to Madoka’s question. His voice was in a whisper so Kaiya and her husband Taku could not possibly hear his words. The male demon leaned down to Madoka’s height and whispered into her large wolf ears that sat so adorably on her head, but not before caressing her cheek with his lips to bestow a slight kiss upon her.

“No. Kaiya wants to make a cot for me, but…I don’t want one.”

Noticing Haruko’s desperate grasping motions, Riku stood up straight to finish his problem and securing his grip on the petite human. However, even though he was at his full stature, the male’s words never changes volumes.

“I’ll sleep outside.”

As soon as Taku sat down to create the squeaking noise, Riku’s eyes shot a look to the table, he watched for a moment as Kaiya poured delicious smelling food into the five bowls which were placed recently by her. His wolf ears twitched to the woman’s words announcing her dinner was ready and served. Nonetheless, the wolf demon’s eyes came back to Madoka’s eyes. He stared at them with determination, with a hint showing that he was no longer comfortable.

Waiting for a response from his companion, Riku’s visions from Madoka’s alluring eyes was stolen as the child in his arms became restless. Having enough of the Haruko’s impatient squirming, Riku gave her what she wished for by placing her on the floor of the kitchen. Releasing hands let go of the girl when she had her balance. His body was bent down somewhat from setting the child safely. His eyes remained on her for a short moment making sure she didn’t fall from excitement. Knowing she was safe, Riku stood back up to a level slightly taller than Madoka, placing his hands on his hips from sudden relief of weight.

Feeling a hand on his shoulder, Riku looked down at the feminine hand resting tenderly on him. His eyes followed the arm up to the female wolf’s face, but he didn’t stay to look at it. His head turned away in the opposite direction of his beloved and the human family. Hypnotic eyes glanced at the wooden door used to lead outside. He so badly wanted to leave right now, Riku knew he wasn’t comfortable anymore; not since Taku came into the picture and dinner became ready for him to sit at the table. Not to mention, the fact about Kaiya creating him a cot for him to sleep inside their home also did not help.

Within one breath as the wolf demon stood there, confusion filled his head. Pestering questions filled his mind. Riku shrugged his shoulder shaking Madoka’s hand off. Head slowly and barely noticeably shaking in disbelief, Riku completely twisted around for the door and took a few steps away from all of them. The male wolf was too uncomfortable and not ready for this much courtesy in order for him to stay, eat, and sleep within a home of humans.

I think, I lost my appetite.

Within a few inches of the wooden door, his hand reached out, grasped the knob to open it. The wolf then suddenly remembered his recent nightmare. Stopping him in his tracks, Riku’s eyes blinked to hearing his beloved mother’s cries of pain. She screamed for him to remember what the humans did. To her, and now to Riku, humans were all the same; they played nice until it was time to strike. That is what Riku’s humans did. The bastards put masks of friendliness on and pretended to be his clan’s allies. But all the time, they were filled with every sin possible.

Demon eyes narrowed at these raged thoughts. Needing to be alone, Riku’s eyes shut tightly and his hand pulled the door open, allowing him to walk through out to the relaxing night sky. Riku whispered softly, most likely only load enough for Madoka to hear him, as he trekked through the open passage. His ears were now down from pain and rage, and his swaying tail was still.

“I’m sorry.”

As the door closed behind his essence, the flexible Riku swung his body silently up onto the roof of the house. All he needed was some thinking time. Riku did not want to stray too far from Madoka, not after the promise he made to protect her. Sitting at the very top of the thatched home, Riku sat with his arms wrapped around his lean legs his eyes staring straight out at the stars and moon. The sun light was still noticeable, but it was dim. Thoughts raced through the mind of the wolf.

Why? This is not the way it should be. Why are they so deceivingly kind?

Riku’s gaze was steady on the sky. His ears remained down flat against his sliver hair with black tresses, but his furry tail was wrapped around his side and between the gap of his feet and upper thighs. This poor wolf did not know what to do anymore, nor did he know what to feel comfortable around and what to feel edgy around. His head collapsed against his knees as he could not believe the situation he was in.

I’m…so lost.

[Madoka Hamada]

Kaiya picked up her head as she watched Riku leave. Eyes fell upon the wolf demon that was still in their presence. Madoka’s silver hair had been taken out of its ponytail and was now draped over her shoulders. The only movement from her was some of the strands sliding down her shoulders down to her chest. Her gaze sat on the door, she didn’t blink or anything. After a few moments it seemed to have sank in that he was gone. Madoka ran to the door and opened it.

Gazing around, she didn’t see him and what had gone on inside, blocked her sense of smell. She frantically looked back and forth from the village to the bordering forest. Her eye could not find him and she fell into distress. He wouldn’t have gone into the village, so he must have gone into the forest, was her first thought.

She ran from the porch, jumping over the steps and ran into the trees. Silver ears were erect on her head as she listened for anything as she ran about the forest. She turned back, unable to see the house as she looked about the trees.

“Riku? Riku?”

Her voice was quieted and it quivered slightly as well. She ran her fingers through her silver hair, fighting back tears. Why couldn’t she find him? Did he leave her? No, he wouldn’t do that, but why couldn’t she find him then? She arched her head back looking at the canopy of the thick forest. The heart in her chest began to sink in feeling and her body trembled.

She brought her head down to look at the ground, her right hand holding her forehead as she stood amongst the trees. Her slender fingers slid from her forehead down to trace her jaw line until her hand slipped from her skin and fell to her side. The silver alert ears on her head, were drooping as was her thick silver tail.

Muscles gave out in her body as she fell to her knees, scratching them up slightly on the ground. She refused to cry, she had done enough crying for a lifetime, even though she wanted to fill a river right now. Her hands were placing pressure against the ground as her fingers curved fighting her impulse to show her feelings. Her head hung as she closed her eyes fighting back the unwanted water.

She shook her head, tossing her silver hair about in the air. She sat back on her heels, but then pulled her heels out from under so that she was sitting on the ground. Leaning back, she came in contact with a tree and sat against the rough bark. Her head was inclined a little so that she was able to see the darkening sky and the scattered stars that were slowly beginning to shine. The moon was waning, the shadows were slowly beginning to over take glowing heavenly body.

Madoka released a heavy sigh as she got and dusted herself off. She didn’t know where Riku was and at this moment she couldn’t look for him. It was getting dark and if she wandered about in the darkness she would get lost in the forest. Especially since now Madoka could see the storm clouds rolling in. Thunder began to rumble in the sky, signaling that she would need to get back.

Kaiya looked out the window as she washed out her dishes. She had poured Madoka and Riku’s portions back into the pot that was over the fire so it would stay warm. Haruko was playing with her doll again while she sat on Taku’s lap.

“Taku, maybe you should go look for them..It looks like its ready to pour...”

“They need to fix what ever was going on, it’s not our business. Just let them go Kaiya, they will come back in time.”

Taku said with a heavy sigh as he bounced his daughter on his knee, listening to her giggle. He could remember Madoka saying that Riku wasn’t too fond of humans. He figured if he was afraid or didn’t like them, he, himself would be the worst. Humans were greedier than demons most of the time, and Taku knew this. He scratched his head, this was way he greeted Riku with a smile, but when he didn’t look up, he knew it wouldn’t be easy to crack through his shell. He wouldn’t force it, when he was comfortable, he’d come back. For the time being, Taku would avoid talking to him until Riku got use to just his presence of being around. He looked at his worried wife and smiled at her motherly instincts. He picked his head up, hearing the thunder made the house vibrate, he muttered softly to himself:

“This is gonna be one hell of storm coming up, if they don’t want to get soaking wet, they’ll be home soon...”

[Riku Naoya]

A lone wolf sat forlorn on top of the humans’ thatched roof; drowning in memory. Breeze from the on coming storm shifted silver and black strands of the young demon’s head. It brushed against the soft wolf ears that were lain down, pressing against the silky hair that altered in the air. Thin black cloth created a flapping noise as the wind danced with it. Sitting alone in the storm’s oncoming wind, Riku received chills and shivers. Constantly shivering in the frigid breeze, the wolf ignored every signal to seek shelter. His jade eyes closed against the memories that continually soaked into his mind, one after the other, good and bad.

His head was lain down, his forehead pressured by his bent knees. His arms cradled the legs, grasping tightly onto the think black cloth with numb fingers. His silky tail had no warmth to offer the young demon as it was curled around the insides if his bent legs. Riku could sense a severe storm on its way; distant thunder could be heard through the keen ears of this wolf demon.

Picking his head up to vision light, his eyes observed the moon being overtaken by rolling clouds. The brilliant stars which blanketed the moon faded behind the atmosphere. Riku was not afraid. He could care less if Mother Nature was angry. His head turned sideways and up to the sky. The darkness part of the storm was above the forest Madoka and he ran through for hours just to get to this hell hole. His ears folded down to the flashes of heat lightening. It would soon become worse unfortunately, the lightening would touch the surface of this wicked world and it would scorch the ground with its unimaginable heat.

The sensation of water was felt by the nose of Riku. The wolf immediately tilted his head all the way up to the sky. A light drizzle began to start. The rain was extremely light, barely could be seen actually, at least at this point and time it was. The droplet of water slid down the slope of the demon’s nose as the male was distracted from a sudden sound. The drooped wolf ears perked to this sound and jade eyes swerved to below at the familiar beings who bolted for the forest.

Unhooking his firm arms around his legs, Riku pressed his weight on the roof his insensible hands. Riku brought himself in a better positioning to observe the demon running. While on his hands and knees, Riku’s eyes widened when it finally clicked that the familiar female was Madoka. Knowing this in a sudden flash, the wolf demon sprinted off the roof landing safely on the earth. Riku panicked about how he treated Madoka, she was probably frantic and worried about who she loves. By the time he hit the ground though, the female had already disappeared into the dense forest. Right at the edge of the forest, Riku looked up and down the line of trees, trying to remember where Madoka entered at. Failing to do so, the wolf unknowingly ran, entering the forest in a completely different area than where she had entered.

Loosing his footing a few times as the ground altered to slick from the falling rain that got heavier, Riku multitasked severely. His eyes scanned the area for the female while watching where he was stepping, the wolf’s ears were alert for any sounds of someone other than him, and his keen nose tried picking up Madoka’s scent. Panic overwhelmed the lone wolf as he failed to smell, see, or hear anything. Without realizing his own panic, Riku abruptly stopped sliding along the slick grass and mud for a second. Wheeling his head and body around searching desperately for the woman he loved, thoughts of regret and pain sunk deep into the poor demon’s mind.

I hurt her…no…I just wanted to protect her…but…I hurt her.

Riku’s breathing was shallow from both the devastating trepidation and shortness of breath from running. The wolf did not bother to look back and see how far he ran from the humans’ village. Anything and everything possible running through his fearing mind was finding Madoka. Automatically, the demon ran on continuing his search, trekking deeper into the forest. Changing directions a few times, the panic worsened. His eyes couldn’t keep up anymore and his breath became cold from the lack of oxygen he was inhaling. Breathing through his numbed lips, Riku thought he had a hint of Madoka’s scent, but as soon as he found it, it vanished from the now down pouring rain.

I can’t find her…where is she?

Mind filled with thoughts and not paying anymore attention to his footing, Riku was blinded from seeing a root sticking out of the ground. His foot hooked quickly under the raised root and caught a part of the bandage that was wrapped around the Riku’s foot. In a split second, the desperation filled wolf hit the ground hard, drenching his face, arms and clothes with splattered mud. Hidden twigs and rocks scrapped against Riku’s elbows and lower arms, brush burning his skin.

Shattered from his failure, Riku laid silently on the ground allowing the mud to stain his clothes and skin. His silver hair was plastered to his face and neck from the pouring rain, his beautiful jade eyes were closed, Riku’s ears lowered quickly from a sudden loud crack of thunder, and his tail appeared to be a ratty mop. The wolf’s breathing was short, with small hints of warmth. A flash of Madoka’s angelic face appeared before the closed eyes of Riku.

Madoka…I failed…

She disappeared from his sight. Tears strolled down the pastel skin of Riku. They easily camouflaged in with the rain that hit his skin and rolled, dripping off at several points on his face. Slowly rising to his sore feet, Riku caught his balance and figured his way back from the edge of the forest, he was far off, but in an hour or so he should be back at the village. Hope was the only thing that drove him towards the village, hope that Madoka was there. Slowly walking towards his destination, getting drenched from the down pour of drowning liquid, thoughts of the past ran through his mind. The wolf was talking as if Madoka was there, only it was mentally, and he would never tell her. No, that’s a lie…

This isn’t the first time…I failed to protect my pack…

Listening to his thoughts and honing in on the background of thunder and pattering rain, the wolf opened his jade eyes. Flashes of bright lightning outlined his body through the treetops. His eyes glowed from the sudden flare of brilliance; the glow would then fade as the lightning did.

This was how it was when the bloodshed was finally over…I was covered in mud and the horrible I shed. Pouring rain and obnoxious thunder gave an encore in the sky…and only I…walked among the hundreds…of corpses.

Riku looked straight ahead as his fatigued eyes and body walked in the darkness and severe storm. The alone being wanted to fall and pass out, but he was driven by too much hope. Unfortunately, the tears did not stop from this weak hope he had. Unseen to the eye, the tears continued endlessly from the eyes of Riku. They rolled down an emotionless face. It was tired and had failure written all over it. Riku himself did not even realize he was crying, the wolf assumed it was the saddening rain. The pitiable demon had no memory the last time he cried other than the slaughter of his clan. His eyes stayed looking forward to where the village should be when he would reach the edge in an hour. One word escaped his cold lips slowly. It was spoken in a whispering shallow breath.

“Madoka…”

[Madoka Hamada]

The female wolf whimpered as the rain poured down on her feminine body. Madoka began her trudge back home, but with a quicker pace than dragging her feet. The rain had been falling for only a few minutes, but her two layers of clothing were already soaked through and the fair skin beneath. Silver strands began to cling to her body and skin.

Madoka’s pace was fast through the forest, but slightly slower due to the weight of water in her clothing. She didn’t want to get wet, her plan was to get back home before it started to pour. Obviously, that didn’t work. Rainwater ran down her silver strands of hair and off her fingertips. She slid her hand underneath her bangs and sighed, her forehead was beginning to increase in temperature. She was tired and being outside in the cold rain had plagued her body and she had succumb to a cold.

Madoka released a sneeze that echoed in the forest. She grumbled at her misfortune and sniffled all the while. Her pace slowed to a walk, the rain continuing to pour down on her feeble body. But apparently her pace had come quicker than she had expected as she looked at the figure in front of her.

It was male, there were no curves, but a lean muscular body. The clothes were familiar, but what gave it away for Madoka was the silver wolf tail, that was soaked to the bone. The silver wolf ears that were on his head were flattened against his silver hair that mixed with random black strands. She was certain, she knew this figure. Her lean legs began to increase their pace, splashing through mud causing it to stain her legs and shoes.

“Riku!”

Pure joy, her heart felt close to bursting as she caught up with the slumped figure and embraced him from behind. Tears ran down her face, but her body was beginning to increase in temperature, the evidence was the red dusted across her face. She didn’t care though as she rubbed her face gently against his back.

“I couldn’t find you, I was so worried!”

She held his cold body against hers. He was bitterly cold though, as she held him against her warm body. She was just happy to have him in her arms again. She wouldn’t dare speak of her thoughts previously though: that he left her because of her human ‘parents’. She knew he wouldn’t leave her deep down, but she had started to doubt. She rubbed her face against his back, shaking the thought away from mind.

Suddenly she felt a tickling in her nose. Releasing Riku, she covered her mouth as she sneezed, but this time it was followed by harsh coughs. She looked up at Riku innocently as she put her hands back to her sides. Her head swirled lightly from the cold making her stumble, but she quickly caught her balance.

“Seems like I got a little sick..”

She giggled softly, but her voice had the stuffy tone to it. She had a ragged look, little sleep and now with a cold had drain her energy. Her hair clung to her from the weight of the of water it took on. The clothes she had on were stained with mud and were clinging to her body from the rainwater as well. She looked like she was extremely embarrassed from the fever showing across her cheeks. And even though she was sick and was dirty and wet, she still wore a smile as the rain poured down on them.

[Riku Naoya]

Full of bitter fatigue, the wolf lost to his thoughts dragged on under the trees with a severe storm raging on. Thunder cracked a second after the lightning struck filling the land with blinding light. His feet were sore. The black bandaging on his left foot was torn and a dangling strap crept along the muddy grass. Mire plagued his front pants legs, seeping into the cloth. Small trickles of blood ran down his lower arms and elbows from his fall. A mixture of water and mud trickled down his worn face. The poor wolf was drenched and muddy, from his face down to his ragged tail.

Riku’s nose could smell nothing, not even his own blood, it was pouring, drenching this world with drowning water. Sniffling and shaking his head to flick the rain off him, which was basically useless, Riku caved into the exhaustion. The male wolf fell to his knees when stumbling from shortness of breath. After all this walking he did, Riku never received his normal breathing pattern back. Barely catching himself, Riku coughed harshly when he hit his hands to the ground; breathing with barely any energy. Droplets fell from his chin and nose, trailing some mud along with it as it fell to the wet earth. The demon looked up through almost closed eyes; he could see it, the edge of the forest. Riku’s eyes could scarcely vision it, but it was definitely straight ahead of him.

Slowly rising to his feet, Riku regained his balance and determination to trudge on. Rising fully to his feet, the wolf found himself almost to be on the ground again when a sudden embrace was bestowed upon him. Luckily, whoever was holding him held him and kept him from falling back down. The stranger was warm unlike his. Riku was bitter cold, numb.

Perking up to a familiar voice, Riku’s silver ears rejoiced to become alert to the voice of the one he was desperately looking for, Madoka. As soon as she released him, the tears he never realized fell ceased. Riku wheeled his body around, almost falling, but he caught his balance before hand. The male wolf took the woman he loved in his arms, embracing her warm body. Shivers shot throughout his body causing a trembling action from the wolf. He was bitterly cold, he couldn’t feel any part of his body anymore, Riku could barely feel the warmth he was receiving from his beloved.

Quivering from the cold breeze while holding Madoka tightly, the wolf begged and pleaded for Madoka’s forgiveness. His voice was choked up, but not from tears. It was choked up from the lack of breath and the freeze he was experiencing. He gave her a kiss on her forehead with his wintry lips and then buried his face by her neck and the hair that was sticking to it.

“Madoka, I’m so sorry! I…I failed…again.”

Picking up his head quickly from his attention being immediately drawn by feeling the warmth of her body, Riku raised his hand and placed it on the female’s forehead. His hand caressed her skin outlining down to her cheek and jawbone. His eyes widened as he felt the fevering heat. Learning this, the male wolf purposely acted normal so he did not worry the woman he loved anymore. He purposely acted like he was fine; he held back all coughs, the deceiving wolf acted like he was warm and didn’t have the slightest chill. He camouflaged all of his illnesses all except for the breathless breathing. This was a dangerous move for his health, but he didn’t care, all he cared about was Madoka, he would give his life to get her to safety or protect her life.

“You—you have a fever.”

Ignoring the fatigued and numbness, Riku took Madoka’s hand in his cold one and gently pulled her signaling it was time to get shelter. He began walking to the edge of the forest that was about twenty yards away from their present location. His ears hung low from the cracking thunder above them and the flashing lightning. The silver tail, that was soaked enough to see the outline of the bone, followed heavily behind the male. Walking slowly, Riku’s vision began to become severely blurred, blinding his correct visioning. This is when Riku knew he wouldn’t be able to pretend he was fine.

His breath shifted from bad to worse, and his eyes were now dilated. The chills shot simultaneously throughout his numb body. Nonetheless, the stubborn wolf trekked on with his hand barely in Madoka’s. His head was slightly turned to look sideways at her, but his blurred eyes stared straight ahead, not wanting Madoka to see the evidence of dilated jade eyes. As he walked with Madoka’s hand within his, thoughts drove on and on within his tiring mind. Thoughts of how he almost lost Madoka, how he failed once again; Riku was lost in thought as his vision blurred even more from the dilation. Screams of his clan echoed in his ringing ears as the thunder and lightning raged on. The wolf shook his head quickly shaking the sounds of pain accidentally giving him a slight headache. Right now, all he needed to focus on was getting Madoka to the village, in shelter and by warmth.

Honing in on the edge, Riku stumbled, tripping over his own feet from numbness and fatigued. Because his vision was blurred and concentrated on ahead of him, the wolf did not see another root protruding from the earth. His raw foot hooked underneath, throwing him off balance causing the male to nearly fall. A slight gasp escaped from the chilled lips and soaking wet hair draped in front of Riku’s face sticking to his flesh. Regaining his balance, Riku continued to walk on, speaking to Madoka in a breathless voice.

“How are you feeling?”

The wolf couldn’t understand why he was still short of breath; he should have regained it by now. Unless,

I wasn’t breathing right…

Riku heaved cool air in and out of his mouth. Flash backs of when he was searching flooded into his mind. This is when realized what he did. Riku was running so driven by worry and desperation he forgot to breathe properly as he was running at such a high velocity. Since his breathing was off, the oxygen flowing through him was cut short. That is why he is so weak and fatigued, cold and numb, not only from the drenching rain, but because he was fully distracted away from the safe way of running at a high speed like he did. Braking from his diverting thoughts Riku turned to Madoka avoiding eye contact.

“We’re almost there…right?”

[Madoka Hamada]

Chills were sent through Madoka’s feminine body as Riku’s cold hand grasped hers. He was bitterly cold compared to her. As she walked, she gazed over the male’s worn body. Mud stained his clothes and skin. Blood was trickling down his arm onto the forest floor from the scuffs on his arms. Right now, he looked worse than she did, even if she was sick.

As they walked, Madoka could remember the cold embrace she got from the male wolf demon. She could remember the words he told her when he embraced her as well. Why did he keep saying he ‘failed’. To her, he never failed, he could never ‘fail’ her. She released a heavy sigh causing wisps the cold air and warm air colliding in front of her.

She picked her head up hearing Riku talk. Was she alright? For her current position, yes, she was fine. She was worried about Riku, his body was cold, he was getting hypothermia. She coughed harshly against her throat, making her wince.

“Yea, I’m fine...”

The once soothing voice was rugged as she began to lose her voice. She was grateful that they were heading back to the village. Hot tea sounded wonderful right now and Riku would enjoy a warm bath to warm him up. She sniffled trying to breath regularly through her nose.

“Yes, we’re almost there.”

Madoka replied answering Riku’s question as they began to exit the thick forest and back into the village again. It was like a ghost town. Few was outside, but chimneys pumped out a never ending trail of smoke. The dirt roads were flooded with rainwater and large puddle were scattered in the dirt. There were two visible people outside in the rain. One was an elderly man, the same one that was sitting with his dog earlier that day. His rocking chair creaked as he rocked back and forth and the bloodhound beside him slept soundly. The old man seemed content with watching the rain fall, but his elderly wife came out not so thrilled. She tossed a blanket over his shoulders, begging him to come inside. He swatted her away, content with nature’s wonders at the moment. She placed her hands on her hips, huffing, before retreating back inside to the fire.

Kaiya stood on the porch, worried expression was spread across her face. But seeing the two wolves climb out of the forest, it melted away. She ran out into the pouring rain looking the two ragged wolf demons over.

“Oh, you two are okay. You had me worried. Come on let’s get you inside.”

She coaxed them inside quickly to avoid anymore exposure to the rain. Madoka followed Kaiya blindly, her hand still grasped to Riku’s. Careful of her step into the house, she saw Taku get up off his chair and begin to walk quickly to their side. Kaiya looked over the two once again, Madoka was sick and Riku needed to get warm.

“Riku, come with me dear, we’re gonna get you warm. Taku’s gonna care for Madoka.”

She grasped his hand, trying to coax him from the door way down a hallway where the bathroom was. A large tub of water was sitting in there, steam escaped the surface since a fire below warmed it. Taku wrapped his arms around Madoka, pulling her away from Riku.

“Let’s get you some dry clothes...”

Taku said as Madoka followed him to through the same hallway, but a different room. Kaiya looked up at Riku, her eyes pleading towards the male wolf demon.

“Please Riku, we need to get you to warm up. You’ll get sick. You can trust me..”

[Riku Naoya]

The fatigue in the male wolf’s body increased dramatically when his jade eyes could barely make out the village. Knowing he was closer to his goal made his body weaker. His body could not register that they were out of the forest, he felt absolutely nothing. Riku was so cold. The shivering wouldn’t stop, and it slowed him down. He didn’t know if he was holding on to Madoka anymore, his hands and fingers had no feeling streaming through them. To check she was still with him, he would turn his head and look for a figure. His eyes couldn’t focus to a clear view, and the flashes of lightning hurt sending a swift pound of pain through his eyes into his head.

Riku’s breath quickened as he saw a feminine figure running closer to them. Not being able to see clearly, his silver ears with black tresses flattened against his soaked hair. Trickles of water and mud streamed down his pale face as he desperately wanted to catch his breath. The voice of the figure cut through the stormy air as it came closer. It was familiar, Kaiya, it was her. Riku’s guard dropped as he walked with Madoka into the house. Stumbling as he walked up the two wooden steps, wanted so badly to pass out, but not until he knew she was safe.

The male wolf did not react to when he felt the woman grasp his frozen hand. However, Riku did not want to move, the wolf wanted to stay by Madoka. A slight shaking of the head was Riku’s response to Kaiya saying that Taku would take Madoka and care for her. Unfortunately, Riku was so fatigued and dilated he couldn’t comprehend anything anymore. His lips were still and had no life in them, the warmth from the demon’s body vanished. The being felt so much pain on the inside. Riku was delusional to all around him, his mind felt as if it wasn’t there.

Cold water dripped from his poor silver tail that was soaked to the bone. His clothes stuck to his body making the young demon shiver even more. Mud fell to the wooden floor of the kitchen as Riku’ struggled to stand on his own two feet without any help. He wanted to feel warm again. Suddenly, when about to pass out, Riku snapped to attention when he felt slight movement from his deadened arm; the one Madoka was holding on to.

His ears folded down tightly as he had no idea who was taking the one he wanted to protect away from him. The wolf refused to fail again. Trying to keep holding on to her, Riku’s fingers barely curved around her feminine hand. The sudden movements sent painful tingling though his hypothermic body. As Taku walked past him with Madoka in his warm arms, his scent drifted into his nose. Barely making out the scent, Riku relaxed. The voice of Taku was familiar as well, helping the demon ease a little as well. Sudden relief spilled over the drenched body.

The worn face followed as the two blurred figures disappeared into the hallway in front of him. Madoka was safe, that was what he wished to accomplish, and that was all. That was the hoe that drove him, that was all that offered any energy to him. Kaiya’s voice was accidentally ignored by Riku’s wolf ears. Knowing the fact that he did not fail gave utter relief to the freezing wolf demon. The energy of Riku was drained, none was left.

A small smile crossed the bitter lips of Riku. His jade eyes drifted shut as the fatigue finally took him over. Shallow and shift breathing caressed the lips of the demon as he contained little oxygen through his mouth. Derived of strength, the worn wolf demon had no energy to burn on holding himself up to stand. Honestly all Riku wanted to do was get warm, but without the energy, he lost hope. Riku’s knees caved from under him.

His knees hit hard as all his weight collapsed to the floor. Falling to the floor, Riku drifted unwillingly into unconsciousness. The smile was still on his lips, barely visible, but it was still there. Riku felt so cold and lifeless. His eyes wouldn’t open. His breathing slowly ceased, cutting off all life giving air. The last bit of color leisurely began to fade as the appearance of death came over the demon’s body.

Maybe…maybe I didn’t……I didn’t fail.

Riku’s thoughts drifted as his body did. His heart was barely beating, the pulse was scarcely there. Flashes of Madoka appeared on and off before his lifeless eyes. She was smiling…she was happy…but then…Riku…he couldn’t feel her anymore, not in his heart.

Madoka…I love her…I…I can’t…die.

Subconsciously, the demon fought off death as long as possible. His breathing ceased, but his heart was fighting not to stop beating. Struggling, Riku desired to breathe again. He desired to hold Madoka again. The demon wished to kiss her, to feel her warmth. He wanted everything so badly; to see her smile, to hear her laugh, to hold her hand, to embrace her. Riku refused to give up, not until he knew for a fact that he did not fail…not until …not until…

Wake up…! Don’t die…!

Doubt continued to seep into his mind, doubt that he did not want. Riku was about to fall prey…a victim to death.

But…I can’t…breathe.

ooc: Sorry about this...don't worry, Riku's not going to die. It's just that I was listening to a sad song while I was typing this and it had an effect as you can see...lol...*deserate voice* Please save him! *ears droop*

[Madoka Hamada]

Madoka collapsed on to the bed in Taku and Kaiya’s room as Taku found clothes out of Kaiya’s wardrobe to allow her to borrow. He was interrupted by Kaiya’s desperate cry for help.

“Taku!”

She cried as Riku fell to his knees. She held his bitter cold body to her chest in desperate attempts to warm him up. She couldn’t carry him: She needed help. Taku quickly bolted out of the bedroom to see his wife crying, desperately shaking the dying wolf to keep him conscious. Taku ran over to her and picked Riku up with ease and took him to the bathroom.

Madoka watched in slow motion as Taku ran by with Riku in his arms. Her eyes widen as she went to get out of the room, but was pushed back into the room with Kaiya. Kaiya closed the door to keep the drama from seeping in, but it already made its way in. She turned from closing the door to see Madoka sitting on the edge of the bed, tears cascading down her cheeks. As she held her face in her hands, she spoke softly.

“He’s done this before, but…Kaiya, I can’t think about what would happen if he leaves me! He means the world to me!”

Kaiya embraced her, holding the huddled mass of the broken female wolf as she sobbed. Kaiya slowly coaxed her into changing into warm, dry clothes before letting her out of the room.

Meanwhile, Taku had settled all of Riku’s body into the warm water, up to his chin. Taku continued to shake the wolf, trying to stimulate him faster. Taku was determined to get this wolf to wake up if it was the last thing he did.

“Dammit! You can’t die on her! Do you know what Madoka would do if you left her! You got to keep it together!”

Taku hissed as it splashed some of the warm water onto the wolf’s face. Sweat was running down his forehead from the steam in the room. The water was at a high temperature and would warm Riku up quickly, so he hoped.

Madoka stood by the doorway, the other presence made Taku look up. Madoka had to be warmer with the black turtleneck and tan capris that she wore. She went up to Taku’s side and nodded, signaling that Taku had done what he could. Taku looked doubtful as he took a couple steps away.

Gentle tears continued to roll down Madoka’s feverish face. She rolled her sleeves up and wrapped her arms around Riku’s neck to keep him from sinking in the deep basin. She placed leaned in to his ears and whispering names gently.

“Riku…darling…please…answer me….”

She continued to hold him gently, hoping that the water combined with her body temperature would be enough to bring the wolf out of his near death experience.

ooc: do you really think Madoka would just let Riku die?? I don't think so..

[Riku Naoya]

Struggling to keep alive, Riku’s face looked as if he had already passed through the gates to heaven; it was peaceful, like a sleeping angel. No breath escaped his cold lips; his heart was scarcely pumping blood through his bitter body. The hypothermic wolf could neither hear nor feel; every sense was gone. Everything was dark. The inner being of Riku would not sleep though; it was fighting to keep the angel of death away.

Everything that was happening in the living world Riku was oblivious to, he just wanted to live ad keep the promises he made. The promise he made to never die until he took revenge for his clan and the promise he made to protect Madoka, Riku refused to die. Choking on the inner tears, the wolf demon tried to hear her voice, but it was useless. All he could hear was subtle memories of Madoka’s laugh overtaken by the massacre of his beloved pack.

The scene was full of blood and corpses, both human and wolf. The sky seemed to burn a bloody red above the flickering flames. Dark clouds of smoke skimmed across the ground and sky. His eyes were back when he was young. His muzzle was overwhelmed by the smell of blood. His jade eyes were in shock as he ran on all fours, racing desperately to find his parents. Sickening scents drifted into his sensitive nose as he bolted past furless wolf bodies. Human corpses were scattered here and there, killed by the wrath of angered wolves.

Paws swiftly running abruptly stopped in their tracks. A tall barrier was keeping him from moving on, a barrier with two legs and an evil smirk on its lips. It was a male human. Held in his hand, Riku’s young eyes widened from wolf blood dripping from the tip of a shear, sharpened just made for what the humans wanted to get…their furs. Unable to move out of fear, the pup quivered as the human grabbed tightly around his neck and while another grabbed around his waist.

As this scene crossed the closed jade eyes of Riku, Madoka had wrapped her arms gently around his cold neck. This stimulated Riku’s lungs as they were suddenly released from their frozen binding. Soft words entered his ears, a voice filled with worry and hope. His mind awoke from its almost deathly slumber as it registered he was being choked just like in his flashback. The wolf felt warmth and a choking feeling. Right as the words “answer me” drifted into his ears, Riku gasped for air as if he was just released from being choked, and almost on the verge of death. His jade eyes shot open wide with shock as he gasped suddenly, his body sitting up, pulling away from Madoka.

The wolf shook a bit from the freezing cold still remaining in his body, but it soon drained away from the warm water he found himself sitting in. The water and steam heated the bitter wolf allowing color to flow back into his cheeks and skin. His hands were automatically wrapped around his body, breathing the oxygen greedily. His breathing slowly settled to his normal pattern and his heart rate eased.

Riku’s jade eyes with swirls of azure narrowed into relaxation, and his body continued to feel weak and fatigued. The wolf slumped back against the basin filled with soothingly warm water. His head fell gently back, resting lightly on the rim. Riku’s vision focused on the female wolf’s face plagued by tears. His eyes were slim and about to close, but he kept them open. He could see she changed into something warmer, a black turtle neck; this placed a scarce smile on the young demon’s tired mouth. His lips eased open and spoke in a soft whisper, it was a little hoarse, but it was gentle.

“Madoka…”

Not really caring at his current situation and health, Riku asked the one he loves with concerned and kind eyes. His lips were barely moving, but there was still enough movement for speaking and not mumbling.

“…are you okay?”

Waiting for a response from Madoka, Riku’s weary eyes drifted to his side. Taku was standing there, his face dripping with sweat, most likely from the steam emitting off the warm water. A slight flash of the man who wrung Riku’s neck when he was a pup appeared and disappeared before the somnolent eyes. The demon didn’t react; he just turned away from the husband of Kaiya and “father” of Madoka. Riku could not help but feel a little hate for human at the moment, even if they did help revive him. Humans are humans. They are sons of Adam and daughters of eve…nothing will change that. His hate for them wasn’t as strong for them, his was too wiped out and sore.

Riku’s hands fell to his sides, splashing a bit of water, a few drops landing on his healthy, but worn face. He wanted to fall asleep, but Riku knew he could hold out until later on at night. Staring straight ahead at nothing, the wolf demon rested his head back once again and looked up at Madoka. A small smile curved on the frame of his lips. His eyes blinked slowly as the jade gazed into Madoka’s hazel pool. Small hints of tears were still there, staining her face.

Lifting his hand from the comfort of the water, Riku slowly caressed the side of Madoka’s face. His skin was still cool to the touch, but it was much better than before. The tips of his slender fingers moved along her jaw line, and Riku gently pressed his hand fully on her cheekbone, cupping the side of her face.

“I make you cry too much.”

His voice was in a soft whisper. Silver ears were laid back as a saddened smile crossed the lips of the young wolf demon. His eyes were nearly shut, but his spirit was awake. Riku wanted to get out of the water and just hold Madoka for a while. His hand could feel that she was still feverish, but at least she was in from the rain, and away from the danger.

Cracks of thunder could still be heard through the flattened ears against Riku’s silver hair. The storm wasn’t over, it might rage on for an hour or two more, but both he and Madoka were out of harm’s way, that’s all that mattered. Lightning flashes could be seen a bit as it the brilliant light lit up the vast atmosphere. The soothing sounds of pouring rain could be heard on the roof. The sound of nature filled the wolf ears of Riku, and it helped him warm easier. The water helped a lot, but it also helped that the male wolf relaxed under the surface of the liquid.

Riku shut his eyes for a second thinking to himself patiently waiting to hear Madoka’s pleasant voice. Soaking in the heat, the demon shivered a bit as his body temperature shifted. Hints of mud remained under the eyes of the demon; some traces were also across the cheekbones and nose. Riku was tranquil.

I make her cry too much.

[Madoka Hamada]

The feeling of breath enter through the male wolf and Madoka could feel Riku pull away from her. Her arms loosened allowing him to sit up with ease. She gazed at Riku’s back, happy that he was okay. She watched as he slumped, leaning against the side of the basin of warm water. His gaze met hers as he spoke, he had some nerve. Ask if she was okay? She wasn’t the one that had quit breathing, but her irritation didn’t show upon her face as she graced him with a smile.

“I’m fine, why do you bother to ask?”

Her silver strands were cascading down from her shoulders and dangled in front as she leaned over the basin. Silver wolf ears laid against her skull as she stood up from the basin. She hovered over Riku, bending at her feminine waist. Silver strands hung down, just touching the water’s surface in the basin and surrounding Riku. She felt Riku’s wet hand caress her gently along her jawbone. She smiled as she leaned her face into his hand. She smiled gently at Riku’s comment. As Riku closed his eyes in thought, Madoka pulled away slightly allowing his hand to slip from the smooth flesh upon her face.

Madoka walked over to the side of the basin and picked up a washcloth. Making sure her sleeves stayed up, she submerged the cloth in to the water. She gently wrapped her fingers around the dripping cloth and rigged out the excess water. Going back over to the male wolf, Madoka gently wiped away the mud from his face, neck, and anything that spoiled his ears. She went over to the side and grabbed a bottle. Squeezing the liquid out of it, she lathered it up between her hands and then began to apply the soap to his silky hair. Her fingers ran through the strands and massaged his scalp working in the soap. The soft fragrance was fruit tinted lightly.

Madoka smiled slightly as she worked days of dirt and grim from the male wolf’s hair.

“Duck under the water and rinse your hair. Then you can do the rest of your body. Taku will allow you to borrow his clothes. Kaiya did wash so they will smell like the river and not like him, if that makes you feel any better...”

Madoka stuck her hands in the water and rinsed the soap off her feminine hands. She smiled lightly at Riku.

“Let me go get you clothes.”

She scampered out of the bathroom, closing the door behind her as she met up with Kaiya. She handed a pair of baggy black pants and a blue shirt that was torn along the collar to create a v-neck appearance. Kaiya handed her the folded clothes and walked away back to Haruko who was roused from her sleep from all the commotion.

Madoka walked back into the bathroom and set the dry clothes near the basin, but far enough away that if Riku splashed they would stay dry. She walked up to the wolf and placed a kiss on his head.

“I’ll be by the fireplace when you come out, just bring the wet clothes out when your done.”

With that, Madoka walked out of the bathroom and closed the door behind allowing Riku to bathe.

[Riku Naoya]

Riku slowly came around, out of his thoughts. His jade eyes opened to watch Madoka wring a rag out, releasing extra water. Relaxing all his muscles as the female gently wiped his mud spoiled face, Riku brought his hands out from the water, breaking the warm surface to caress the sides of his neck. Water trickled down his skin and collided into the rest of the water source.

The content wolf leaned back his head against the basin, his hair falling out of the basin, the tips of his silver hair with black tresses damp. His eyes followed the feminine being as she moved to the side of him and grabbed a bottle. Riku’s spirit seemed to wake up more when he realized what the bottle she grabbed contained.

Resenting what she was about to do, Riku quickly leaned forward to try a get away from the hands but his fatigued body would not corroborate. The male’s hands grabbed the sides of the basin to pull out, but Madoka hands lathered his hair faster than he could move. His head ducked in as she did so, but the demon felt like he was in heaven as her feminine and gentle hands caressed the top of his head and silky silver strands.

His hands fell back into the water as Riku enjoyed the feeling. It felt so good; soothing. The scent of the soap drifted into the nose. Riku wrinkled his nose to the light fruity scent. This scent wasn’t exactly his forte. His head turned to the side a bit as the demon mumbled under his breath.

“It smells weird.”

His soapy wolf ears perked to the calm voice of Madoka. His eyes moved to see her in his sights as his head also shifted to curve. The wolf listened contently to her directions. The first part he did not mind, it was the rest of her speech. The part where he had to where Taku’s clothes and not his own, bugged the young male wolf demon. However, the wolf shrugged it off considering his clothes were soaked as is and it would be useless to put on wet clothes when finally dry. Hearing the last part of Madoka’s voice caused Riku to turn his head away quickly in a scuffing manner.

Drooping ears appeared on Riku’s head as his stubborn look dissipated to a saddened look. During the time Madoka was off fetching him some clothes of Taku, Riku sat there silently thinking to himself. He felt bad that all of them most likely knew about his dislike for humans, especially men, but maybe they did not know that part. However, Taku was skittish to talk to Riku, or maybe that was because Taku knows how the wolf is.

Stripping his black shirt for his skin, Riku looked to the door as Madoka walked in, stopping Riku in his tracks. The shirt was still hanging on his forearms as Madoka graced Riku with a kiss, placing a smile on his tired face. The wolf demon watched as she left him alone to bathe in peace. With this, Riku released his arms from the shirt and hung it to the side of the water basin. Half of the shirt was floating in the warmth of the water while the other half was dripping to the floor.

A sigh was released from Riku’s mouth as he slowly slid deeper into the water, submerging his head. White foam floated to the top of the liquid and his hair lifted from Riku’s back and neck. The wolf slowly brought his head half way out of the water. His jade eyes to the end of his nose were out of the water. Small bubbles formed in front of his face as he breathed slowly in thoughts he did not even know he was thinking. The wolf was basically sitting there in silence with a blank mind.

Without realizing the remaining soap Riku sat there with his bangs pushed from his sights, it was clinging to his forehead. Slowly, I small drop mixed with soap and water slid down the wolf’s forehead over the brow and into the content jade eye. Riku felt the sudden burn, shutting his eyes on reflex. Quickly reacting to the sudden pain, Riku’s slender hands broke the surface of the water and began rubbing. Knowing it was not helping the wolf submerged his whole face back underneath the water rubbing his eyes and thinking all the while.

Oww....oww…burn, burn, burn!

Once the pain subsided, Riku rose back up from the water and leaned his head back. Now for his body, Riku grimaced thinking at all the energy he had to use to do this, but he didn’t want to smell, Madoka would not like that. The wolf let a small chuckle out as he thought of Madoka face if he were to be malodorous.

No, I won’t do that to her.

The male grabbed the rag Madoka had used on his skin and squeezed a small amount of lightly fruited soap on it. He didn’t care for the scent, but he would use it anyway, beggars can’t be choosers right? The wolf then began his task. The soap caressed his filthy body and carefully cleansed his skin. Top half was down, Riku brushed the bottom half off, he would be able to clean his legs later, besides, the pants kept the mud off of his skin and the rain basically did the job.

Being done with washing his body, Riku carefully stood from the water and stepped out. His feet touched the floor safely without slipping and moved over to the dry clothes that Madoka had set for him, the ones which Taku was lending. Jade eyes stared at the clothes for a bit. Maybe, no, he’ll use them. Before he did replace his wet pants for the dry ones, and before he put a new dry shirt on, Riku bent over the tub and grabbed his silver hair. His hands grabbed the whole bunch of hair and skimmed tightly down the line of wet hair. The water ran over his hands and from the tips of his wet tresses, falling into the warm water.

Riku moved back to the dry clothes and grabbed the v-neck. He opened it fully in front of his face and placed it over his head and hair. His ears folded as the cloth went of easily above his head. The wolf stuck his limbs through the sleeves and he pulled down the hemmed bottom so his stomach wouldn’t show. Water from his hair dampened the cloth where it laid, but it was not soaked like it would be if he did not wring it out. The wolf then quickly stripped his drenched pants from his legs and replaced them with Taku’s black pants. Riku looked down at the baggy pants in amazement how they were really big on him. The cloth went down over his heels so that he might step on them a bit, but not much. The pants were airy as he twirled in them and jumped, testing that they would not fall down. The wolf felt much better, much healthier as well.

Finishing up, wanting to get to Madoka at the fireplace, Riku wrung out the excess water sitting in the fabric and folded them neatly, placing them one on top of the other in a pile. The demon also liberated his feet from the black cloth wrapping that was always covered his callused feet. Riku rolled them up loosely and placed them on his wet clothes.

Knowing he was all done with his both, the demon opened the bathroom door and walked down the hallway that was in front of him, guessing which way he was supposed to go. However the light of the fireplace helped him find his way. The being slowly came out a around from the hallway and turned to see the female who loved him. A soft smile wiped across his lips as the fire’s glow outlined her feminine figure giving her an enchanting look. The young demon stood there for a moment with the wet clothes in his weary hands. His eyes softened as he stared at both Madoka and the burning flames giving warmth.

[Madoka Hamada]

Madoka sat in front of the inviting fire sipping tea from a mug every minute or so. She sat cross legged on the wooden floor with a plaid blanket over her delicate shoulders. Haruko sat in her lap, but the girl was fast asleep leaning against her chest. Legs were spread across hanging over her lap, but Haruko had curled herself comfortably against Madoka’s body. Madoka smiled as she set her cup of tea on the table and picked up the young girl and went down the hall to place her in her bedroom.

The girl was placed upon her soft cot and Madoka tucked her in gently. She glanced up at the window hearing the rain pinging against the side of the house. It was a lighter rain, but the way the wind howled made it seem that the storm was far from over. She got up off her knees from the floor and made her way back to the fire. On her way she closed Kaiya and Taku’s door to muffle the grown man’s deep snoring. The female wolf went back to her spot in front of the fire.

She put the blanket back over her feminine shoulders and then grabbed her cup, steam still on the surface of the tea. She gently sat back down, cross legged and watched the embers of the fire. Wolf ears upon her head twitched to hear the soft noise of footsteps upon the wooden floor. The female wolf looked up from her gaze to find a damp Riku, dripping clothes in his arms.

She got up and took the wet clothes from the male wolf and walked outside. A line was tied from two posts on the porch. She flung the clothes over the line outside allowing the excess water to drip onto the porch. It would keep everything inside drier and once the summer sun came out tomorrow morning the clothes would dry rather quickly. She walked back inside, the blanket still over her shoulders and sat back down in front of the fire. Her cup of tea was drained with nothing in it. She sat it down on the counter next to her. She looked up to Riku and her lips curved into a smile. She scooted across the wooden floor a little to make room for him to sit down next to her.

The flames of the fire glowed brightly giving Madoka a healthy glow. Her fever had decreased and the pink was fading from her face. Silver hair laid over her shoulders and settled around the sides of her face. Her hazel orb was clouded by sense of tiredness. She looked back to the fire, the blaze reflecting in her eye.

The rain outside began to pour down heavily. Pounding against the walls of the house instead of just lightly pinging against the side. The wind howled causing loose objects in the village to tumble about at the wind’s wish. Thunder rumbled across the sky. The fire was the only access of light in the house, but when lightning struck the sky it lit up the entire house.

A chill ran up Madoka’s spine every time nature unleashed its fury with the sound of thunder and the lightning that lid up the sky. She was glad to be inside and not outside seeking shelter in either a cave or under a tree, neither would be sufficient for this storm. Her delicate ears could hear the snapping of branches of the trees, but the thicker branches made more noise. They slowly creaked with pressure, but as they gave in the fibers snapped. Similar to a broken bone the branches released a horrendous crack as the wind snapped the branch and tossed it to the ground. Madoka concentrated on the flame trying to focus on something other than the snapping of branches and sounds of the storm.

[Riku Naoya]

Riku watched silently as Madoka took the clothes from him speaking no words to him at all. His silver wolf ears lowered back a bit thinking that she was mad at him for the previous incident, the one where he did not eat supper with her kind family. His eyes watched as she went outside for a bit. Riku took a few steps forward to keep her in his sights. The storm was still raging on as his companion hung his drenched clothes on a cloth line for drying. It was useless to hang them now, but in a few hours, or at least by morning the sun should be out of its covering of clouds.

Thunder roared as the lightning struck outside. Tree branches from the outlining forest creaked and cracked from the gales of wind. Rain patted and pounded against the side walling of the home. The bright lightning lit up the jade eyes of the male wolf as he stuck his head outside. His eyes glowed hypnotically as they watched the female hang his clothing up. His eyes shifted to the current clothes he had on. Riku forgot he was wearing Taku’s clothes. The wolf grimaced on the inside, but he showed no facial change in reality. He would keep his feelings to himself from now on, unless things got out of hand with him and Madoka on the subject of humans. Both of them had no points of views and both were willing to prove their knowledge being a reality and drag the other to their side.

The wolf walked fully out of the doorway into the stormy environment. Riku walked to the edge of the steps and leaned on the post. His head tilted upwards, examining the storm and its glory. His eyes watched the lightning strike the clouds and at times strike the ground in the distance. His ears bent back from the loud cracks of thunder, one was loud enough to make Riku jump. That one was way too close for his comfort. His ears folded down from the sudden boom, and the male quickly, yet calmly turned and walked back into the shelter. Riku followed Madoka after she was fully through the doorway.

Riku stepped through into the warm home and turned his gaze to the fireplace and the female sitting contently in front of its warming glow of comfort and heat. The young demon tilted his head and blinked slowly as a smile played across his lips to Madoka’s kind smile. Now he knew she was not mad, not after the gesture of her making room for him next to her.

Taking easy steps towards her body, Riku leisurely and carefully sat on the wooden floor next to his beloved. His legs were crossed and his arms were supporting him as he leaned back. Silver tresses fell back from the v-collared blue shirt and his neck. His hair was semi-wet, semi-dry; half and half. When comfortable, the male demon closed his eyes before the flickering fire and threw every thought wanting to come to him away. He was tired and he wanted to relax for once. Wanting to relax reminded him of Madoka’s plaguing fever.

His jade eyes slowly opened and looked to his side. In his line of vision, Riku could see the healthiness returning to her skin. The flushed cheeks were fading to a normal glow. However, just to make sure, the wolf demon slowly and sorely maneuvered behind the female demon. Riku positioned himself right behind Madoka so his chest was against her back, so she was comfortably in between his legs. Her warmth surrounded every point they were touching. Riku moved his right hand to Madoka’s forehead while his left sat, wrapping around her feminine waist. His jade eyes began to narrow in relaxation when his hand felt the fading fever. Her skin was returning to its normal temperature. This was good.

His hand fell slowly down to around Madoka’s waist and held the other hand. His arms were loosely wrapped around the female wolf’s body, his finger entangled within each other. The blanket was now closer to her body as his arms tied around it in the back but under it in the front. Fatigue overwhelmed everything, it even made Riku rest his head. Riku laid his chin down upon Madoka’s shoulder. The demon made sure not to apply too much pressure by not being directly on her collar bone. His eyes were gazing into the flames as the spat and flicked.

His eyes grew tired as he watched the flames dance in the fireplace. It reminded him of the burning fires that made his village and clan a ruin to remember. The flames surrounded him as he paced through the village of both the humans and the wolf demons. However, Riku turned away quickly before anything else came into view. The demon turned his face into the feminine neck of Madoka. His lips and nose lightly pressed against her soft skin. His eyes closed blocking the memories, the torturing memories only. There was another scene in the back of his mind. The wolf wished for that, he wished to see and experience that one more time, but it wouldn’t happen. His ears would never hear the drums and voices again. His eyes would never see the bon fire or the traditional clothing. Never again, oh how he wished.

Riku shut out his thoughts and derived his mind completely from them. It was time to not think, it was time to relax. Riku crooked his neck and placed a soft kiss on the underbelly of Madoka’s jawbone. Riku opened his mouth and spoke in a soft whisper, his cheek lightly and gently pressed against hers. Jade eyes looked back to the fire, following the gaze of the adored being he sat with.

“The flames are dancing. They’re offering their warmth.”

The wolf demon turned and placed another kiss against Madoka’s temple. His lips moved touching her skin as he spoke in a question. His breath was warm and soothing as he spoke. Jade eyes blinked slowly, closing each time he kissed her tenderheartedly.

“Is it enough?”

[Madoka Hamada]

Silver wolf ears erected upon Madoka’s silver strands as she felt the movement of her companion. She turned her head slightly to see what Riku was doing, but could really only feel. She felt his strong arm wrap gently around her slender waist and his hand come up to her forehead. She glanced up at her head watching his hand slip away. It too, went to her side, his fingers entwining as he held her gently.

Warmth and comfort, Madoka’s mind began to blank as her head drooped while Riku’s head sat upon her shoulder. Eyelids closed, but a small jerk caused her to wake herself up. She picked her head up, ears twitching to signal she was still awake, but barely. Madoka’s cheeks flushed red when she felt tender kisses against her skin. Feeling Riku’s cheek against hers, she nuzzled it gently as he spoke.

She stopped nuzzling him and leaned against his wary body. Her head laid on its side against his collarbone, giving a small nod when he asked her if the fire was warm enough. She closed her eyes for a few moments. No matter what she thought of, she just didn’t have enough energy to keep herself awake. She opened her eyes, eyelashes fluttering as she gazed over at the fire. She tiredly craned her neck as she looked up at Riku.

Her arms that were once resting in her lap reached over her own legs and Riku’s to rest her hands on the wooden floor. Her body went from slightly stiffened to a ragged doll consistency as she gazed at Riku.

“Are you tired? Wanna go to bed?”

However the female wolf was more or less giving the male wolf demon a hint that she was tired and wanted to head to bed. A sleepy Madoka however was quickly alerted hearing a crack of harsh thunder outside. She jumped up in Riku’s arms. Alerted wolf ears, twirled about on her head listening for anything else. Silvery tips of the ears twitched playfully. After a few moments, Madoka relaxed back into Riku’s arms.

She nuzzled up against his neck in an urging type of touch. She was tired and wanted something a little more cushioned than the hard wooden floor. Her gaze fell on to the floor, but she had to agree that Riku made a comfortable pillow.

Once again she lazily sat up, ears drooped. She pushed herself off the ground and on to her wobbly legs. She turned to Riku and grasped firmly onto Riku’s masculine hand. Her tugs on his hand were weak however and extremely loose.

“Riku...I’m tired...”

Her tone resembling that of a little kid that didn’t want to go to bed. She looked at him sympathetically. She wanted to take advantage of sleeping on a feather filled cot and daily meals, not to mention a hot bath. She thought that would be something that Riku would see that was a plus when living with humans.

Kaiya had said that she made a cot, despite that Riku insisted she didn’t. Kaiya loved to sew, so making a cot was something she wanted to do for Riku hospitality wise and also it was what she loved to do.

Madoka’s head shook shaking thoughts from her head as she pleaded once more.

“Please, Riku...there’s two cots with both our names on them...”

[Riku Naoya]

The bright glow of the fire lit the inside of the humans’ home, but it also did another task; it kept the fatigued wolf with many haunting warm as he held his beloved against his chest. The flames flickered and emitted a bright glow upon the feminine face of Madoka, outlining and shading her facial structure as she laid her cheek against his collarbone. His jade eyes moved to look at the fire, until his attention was drawn by the sense of eyes on him. Riku’s jade eyes met Madoka’s as he slowly looked at her when feeling movement. Her voice was filled with drowsiness as it drifted into his wolf ears.

Tired eyes slowly blinked at her question. His facial expression was relaxed and exhausted. Riku was tired, this was true, but he was mostly just shattered, however he could care less. The male wolf demon knew that she was tired, those questions were major clues to his knowledge. His ears moved, facing to the side as he gazed into Madoka’s face. She was definitely wiped, he recalled back to when she jolted awake after she accidentally fell asleep for a second.

Riku continued to gaze, questioning what he wanted to do. His eyes moved to the sputtering flames, listening to it as the storm was unrelenting. An unexpected crack of thunder broke his concentration and scared the one in his arms, startling him at her sudden movements. Riku loosened his arms as she pulled away, but then gently received his original holding back as Madoka relaxed back touching him again.

Holding her did not last though. Riku released Madoka’s waist as she carefully stood up with exhaustion. He tilted his head back to look at her when she was lazily standing. The young demon lowered his silver wolf ears with black tresses and released a sigh at her actions. His ears perked up however when a feminine hand grasped his and started loose, urging tugs. Riku cracked a faded smile at Madoka’s whining voice speaking the truth of how much she was tired.

Bringing his free hand up to his temple, Riku moved the tips of his fingers in a circular motion, massaging the area at the sides of his eyes. His mouth opened in response to her complaining. His lips moved slowly from overwhelming fatigue and from the lack of energy. The voice was in a whisper, not wanting to stir anyone in slumber.

“Then go to sleep…I’m not stopping you.”

Riku’s head jerked back in surprise as Madoka shook her head, Riku suspecting it was in defiance about his suggestion. Unfortunately, Madoka did not give up. The young demon turned away from the female as she basically begged for him to use the cot Kaiya had made even though he clearly insisted. Jade eyes narrowed in thought as Madoka continued to tug and persevere he uses the makeshift bed for a restful sleep.

His azure swirled eyes gazed deep into the flames silenced by feelings. Riku ignored Madoka’s gentle wrenching and beseeching, even though it was getting a bit annoying. The demon decided to remain quiet allowing his thought process to flow undisturbed. Riku closed his eyes in disappointment knowing he was going to upset her a bit, but he just was not up to that level of comfort yet. Making his decision, Riku spoke her name softly in a whisper. Eye contact was not made as a whispering voice wafted though the air. Riku continued to glance at the fire as he delicately spoke.

“Madoka, go ahead and go to sleep.”

Silvery tips of Riku’s ears lay back as he tenderheartedly pried his hand free of her soft urging yanks. His hands fell into his laps that are now positioned Indian style with his legs crossed loosely. His gaze remained on the fire as the glow reflected off of his skin giving him the appearance of a healthy content glow of energy. Predicting, but hoping he was wrong, that Madoka would continue to insist Riku spoke his reason praying that she would not push him and would understand his reasoning.

“You have to remember…this is the first time, in a long time, that…I’ve stepped foot in a human’s dwelling.”

The young demon ceased his lips’ movements only to hear soothing silence echoed by a storm of fury on the outside. The cracks of the logs burning within the flames broke under the heat. Bright and dull flickers reflected in his weary jade eyes. There were many things he would like to think about as he dazed in front of the warm flames. However, Riku refused to let any of those thoughts cloud his mind, at least, not until after he knew Madoka was fast asleep in a slumber of peace.

[Madoka Hamada]

Soft silver ears laid down slightly at Riku’s comment. Guilt slowly sank into her chest. Riku would feel more uncomfortable if she left him to his lonesome. Her hands slowly fell so her side as she stood in front of Riku with the glowing aura of the fire outlining her feminine curves. Her knees bent, allowing her body to gently fall to the ground as she kneeled on the wooden floor. The clear honey hued orb stared at Riku with a gentle gaze no longer plagued with tiredness. Her priorities at the moment had shifted.

Using her knees, she scuffed them across the wooden floor as she ‘walked’ over to Riku’s back. She kneeled behind Riku’s back as she reached up with her feminine hands. Slender yet firm fingers began to work around his muscles on his shoulders, slowly working out the tension spots.

A small smile crossed the female wolf’s soft lips as she watched Riku’s ears for hints of enjoyment out of the free massage. Her long silver bangs gently grazed her velvet soft skin on her face as her face turned a little to glance at the dying flames.

Soft rumbles outside caused Madoka’s gentle gaze to turn once again to the window. Trees that once heaved with the gusts of wind, only allowed their branches to sway. Rain that once pelted the side of the house like a rain of bullets had ceased. Few drops remained against the window and slowly began their descent down the window. Wind that once howled just graced the land with a gentle breeze. The storm had finished its violent barrage and had decided to ease on the earth below.

Madoka’s sensitive nose caught a whiff of Riku’s hair and once again smiled. She leaned in taking in the gentle fruit smell. Taku’s words ran through her head at the scent of the fruit.

“Why did you bathe him with the fruit? True it’s either that or that flower crap that Kaiya uses. Now don’t get me wrong, Kaiya smells wonderful so does Haruko, but it’s just not a guy thing. I say that water cleans you off enough that there’s no need for soap, but Kaiya always reprimands me...”

Kaiya’s look towards Taku was priceless once Taku had finished his speech and then the young wife urged him to bed. Madoka’s firm touch began to fade as her fingers ran down his back sending tingles through the nerves. She wrapped her arms around the male wolf’s neck A loose grip as she leaned in and nestled her face in the wolf’s soft hair.

She glanced over as the last of the fire smothered out, leaving nothing but glowing embers. The two wolves were surrounded by thick darkness. The moon was covered by lingering storm clouds allowing no silver light through. Madoka’s wolf ears twitched as she heard the embers let out a dying hiss and then completely went out. Her grip on Riku’s neck tightened ever so slightly as her body pressed against his back. Her gaze was overtaken by closing eyelids as she nuzzled against the flesh on the male wolf’s neck.

“I love you Riku...”

Her soft whispered escaped her lips as she whispered into his sensitive ears. A soft gaze upon her face as her head fell down a little placing her cheek against his.

[Riku Naoya]

Mirrors of jade reflected the burning of the flames as the young male wolf demon gazed into the fire’s abyss. He didn’t want to think of the past, but he couldn’t help it. It was dark outside, the raging storm was fading and it was allowing silence to filter through the air. His mind drifted. Half was occupied by the haunting of his past and the other half was paying attention to Madoka. He could feel her gaze on him just as much as he could feel the flames’ warmth against his skin. Riku did not move his gaze from the fire as Madoka slowly melted to her knees on the wooden floor in front of his being. His jade eyes gazed straight through her hazel orb, through her, to the fire. She was blocking his sight, but he could still envision the burning source in the back of his mind. The male wolf was caught in a trance, hypnotized by the dancing aura of heat.

Coal black pupils shifted, adjusting to the inlet of light when Madoka moved from his front to his back. His jade eyes were slowly concealed in a tired blink. It brushed some memories aside, unfortunately, not all. Riku’s shoulders had a reaction as the memories were subsiding. They reacted with a slow reflex from the soothing touch of Madoka’s massaging hands. The muscles tensed, causing the stiff shoulders to shrug. But the tension seemed to dissolve away; it felt so good to him. There were no expressions placed upon Riku’s face, there was only exhaustion and heavy eyes.

The young demon did have enough energy though to wag his neglected silver tail. Silver and thick black tresses at only the tip of the tail thumped softly against the timber floor. His ears were propped gently back from relaxation. Riku’s head followed his wolf ears’ motions. His head leaned back, averting his eyes from the glow of the dying fire to the dark ceiling, lightened slightly by the fading flames of a once glorious blaze.

Riku hesitated and decided not to lean his head all the way back. The young demon picked his head back up to watch the perishing flame. He felt his beloved lean in, this is why he lifted his head from the utter relaxation she was bestowing on him. A small strand of his silver hair from his bangs drifted over his nose, adjusting to the change in altitude. The scent of fruit Madoka had used on his once filthy hair wafted into his receptive nose reminding the wolf demon of the feminine fragrance. Riku grimaced inside of himself. He is not a girl! An unnoticeable sigh was slowly heaved from his lips. He pushed his feelings toward the fruit scent away. He had fallen in love, and situations like these are the consequences.

A tingle in his shoulders tingles of release and of relief signaled to the wolf that Madoka was done. His ears drooped to the thought, but he was fine. The massage was distracting his thoughts anyway. He could not think; his mind was melting under her soothing touch of hands. Jade eyes watched the glowing embers. The black cores of his alluring eyes widened to the darkening atmosphere. The embers were dying and so was their warmth.

However, no warmth left his body. The one he loves warmed him. Her arms around his neck, her fragile face against his cleansed hair, her body pressed to his, her whispers to his ears, everything warmed him. Riku loved it. Everything about Madoka sent waves of warmed passion through him, he was addicted. Riku leaned on her head gracefully as she nuzzled against his warm neck. Her words echoed in his mind. The hiss of the embers finally dying and leaving the room in a black abyss triggered a vision, cutting his response short.

It was the same as last time. As the embers died, flames, bright flames appeared behind the dying embers as they changed to ash. The figure stood there again. It was taller than him this time, only because he was sitting. It was just a child; he could make that much out. Riku knew it had something to do with the massacre, but what? His eyes looked up at the child, it was all a blur. The scene behind it, the child’s face, and the bundle it held, the marks on his or her face, what was it? The male demon stared blankly trying to focus his sight, but it was pointless. In one more attempt to see, he blinked his eyes and opened slowly to see nothing. It was gone…again! His eyes narrowed and his head fell back to the blackened fireplace.

It was bare, no light, not even a flicker or glint of light could be seen, and the fire was completely dead. His lips opened to finish his cut off sentence. He spoke softly. The wolf’s jawbone moved slowly as he spoke, caressing Madoka’s cheek when she had placed hers tenderly against his. Riku leaned in more to her, close enough to feel her breathing.

“I love you too.”

Riku turned his face, turning it for his lips to meet the side of her face, placing a small kiss against her porcelain skin. While placing the kiss, the young demonic being, shifted his body and hooked his left arm around Madoka’s back, his hand reaching over her right side. Slowly and carefully, Riku began lying down, pulling her feminine body on top of his. His legs spread out, stretching to their max, in between hers. He brought his right hand up and over Madoka’s back and entangled his fingers together, trapping her within an embrace. The young male made sure when he took her down with him that their faces were level so it wouldn’t strain his neck if he were to look at her beautiful face. His eyes looked up at hers and a smile filled with warmth, gentleness and fatigue graced his lips.

A grin appeared on his face, erasing the tenderhearted smile, as he thought about what he was going to say to her. His lips opened and a whisper, at a low, but not too low of a volume escaped from between his mouth. A trace of a laugh came out as he spoke. It was barely audible, but it was still there.

“There. Now, I’m the pillow, and you’re the blanket. Good enough for a cot…is it not?”

[Madoka Hamada]

Like a master of puppets, Riku tugged on Madoka’s strings controlling her body. Madoka felt strong limbs begin to manipulate her body. Tingles were sent through her back as Riku grabbed around her back. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Riku’s body begin to lay down upon the ground, pulling Madoka on top of him. His legs encased hers as she laid on his chest. She could feel the firm grasp between his fingers that kept her from escaping his embrace.

Porcelain skin was hued with a light pink as she gazed at Riku with a startled glance. The heat radiated off her body from the embarrassing situation she was in. Her loose silver strands fell from her back down along the top of her shoulder to graze Riku’s chest. Her feminine hands were bracing her body as they rested at the sides of Riku’s head. This allowed her weight to be slightly lighter as her body pressed against his.

She contemplated Riku’s comment for a minute a small smile graced her lips. She couldn’t really disagree with the male demon’s statement. This was a more comfortable than a cot, but maybe that was because she had someone to snuggle with. The only problem was if they fell asleep like this she wouldn’t really want to see Kaiya and Taku’s expression at the position they were in. The blush across her cheeks deepened at the thought of imagining their faces at the sight.

Madoka focused her thoughts on the man in front of her, or rather beneath her. She picked her left hand and caressed the side of Riku’s face. She placed most of her upper weight upon her right arm as fingers danced across the jawbone and cheek on the male demon’s face. Silver wolf ears leaned against her skull and on top of her silver hairs as she stared upon Riku with a compassionate gaze.

“If Kaiya or Taku walks in you know this will look a little weird....”

She giggled a little as she leaned in towards Riku, her nose just touching his. Breath was hot against his skin as she breathed through her lips. Her heart in her chest was pounding against its inner walls at the moment the two wolf demons were having. Her breath strained as she swallowed hard against her throat.

“Should we care though?”

She questioned as her left hand fell to the side of his face avoiding his hair. She leaned in and pressed her lips against his. Her left hand traveled over his shoulder and pressed against his chest as she kissed Riku gently. Her body support, her arms, began to weaken as she lost all support and all her weight was on Riku. Her eyelids closed around her hazel orb as she kissed the male wolf demon gently. She started and would follow his lead.

[Riku Naoya]

Jade eyes were glazed with warmth and tenderness. There was no fatigue or tire to be found anymore within his irises. A smile played across his lips as he laid eyes on the hued pink across her cheekbones. He could feel her weight, her body pressing against his. There was a wave of heat emitting from her, it was soothing to him. He wanted more, addicted. In the corner of his eyes he could see her holding back some of her weight, but he did not care if she let it all upon him, the wolf desired it.

Even though it was all dark around them, there still seemed to be a ray of light around her, reflecting on her hair that was stroking his chest. It was tempting and oh so alluring. Riku was automatically hypnotized by her touch. Chills warm chills vibrated through his masculine body as her hand caressed his face. Riku reacted subtly, gently nuzzling her hand. His jade eyes were slowly concealed into a blink. They opened looking directly into hers. The tracing feeling of her fingers was seductive. His chin tilted upward slightly when she traced the outline of his jawbone.

Madoka’s voice was attractive as it drifted into his s4ensitive ears. The male wolf hated the words, but, the voice, he loved the voice. Besides, who cares about the human couple? Why was she concerned? Riku was in love with Madoka, and Madoka to him. What does it matter to anyone else? Aggravation was sinking in. However, one glimpse of her compassionate gaze made it vanish into a lost abyss. The only6 thing on his mind was Madoka. Her eyes, her smile and laugh, her voice and her breath; everything about her consumed all the other thoughts drifting in his head. Desire.

Lusting lips slowly parted in response to her remark but he was cut off by her movements. A slight giggle from his beloved grasped his attention. Her breath made his heart jump. Madoka’s nose to his and their breaths mingling with one another was heart throbbing. Jade irises were slowly covered by eyelids. She was taking his over. Both of them, breathing through their mouths, were so warm and emitting heated pulses of passion.

His vision came back to see her lips move in a questioning voice. Those words echoed over in a seductive tone. Riku’s breath was warm and slow as he slightly shook his head. One word escaped. It was in a faded whisper, breathless. His eyes, his vision grew dark again as he spoke this one word.

“No…”

But, his next breath caught what he had been coveting. On an inhale, her lips came to his in a heated kiss. Riku felt her warm lips against his. He loved it. Madoka was his the moment she offered her lips to him. Tension spread through his body as his heart ached from the utter compassion and tender warmth. Tingles waved down his body from his neck down to his bare feet as her hand traveled over his shoulder. But soon, everything melted. It was gone at the very moment her hand laid down on his chest, when her full weight was given to him.

His mind did not comprehend the weight shift. The kiss swallowed everything, including this yearning filled demon. Riku was drowning in the moment, but he wasn’t fighting. Every part of him wanted to go deeper to wherever he was sinking to. The demon could not help but want more. Riku was willing to drown in order to keep this moment. It was memorable. Their lips, seductive, their breaths, tender, their kiss…suffocating. Nothing to this extent was reached between the two wolves before. Now, they were half way to paradise.

The grip on her waist loosened. His fingers unraveled themselves from one another, freeing Madoka but only to a certain extent. His left hand slid down to the side of her waist, cupping it with placidness. Riku moved his right to under Madoka’s chin. His fingers traced her jawbone until they could hook her delicate chin. Tilting his head to the side at the same time, Riku deepened the kiss.

Hesitantly, yet lustfully, the male demon sketched Madoka’s bottom lip, moistening it with his tongue. Craving, Riku pressed against her smooth lips, slowly sliding his tongue inside of her warm mouth. A soft moan came from the back of his throat as he dipped into her mouth tenderly, but hungrily. Breath was hot as his breath danced with hers from the deep kiss of passion. Riku pulled his lips slightly away several times to catch his breath only for it to collide with hers once again in this loving moment.

Silver wolf ears with black tresses were pressed firmly against his skull and cleansed hair. His hands roamed her body to a new holding. His left hand embraced her body around the waist while his right held the back of her fragile head. Carefully, Riku maneuvered Madoka’s feminine body once again. Without breaking the kiss, the young demon held Madoka firmly and leaned to the side, guiding her light body beside his. He laid comfortable on his side, his knees bent and entangled in hers, his right arm acting as a pillow for her head, and his left arm holding their bodies as close as possible.

Slowly and unwillingly, Riku pulled away from the heated kiss, retreating his tongue back into his own mouth with her flavor still on it. He pecked Madoka’s smooth lips before receding all the way. The male demon was breathless. He huffed silently from not only the extravagant experience they just had, but from the overwhelming and addicting heat as well. Catching the oxygen, Riku lightly pressed his forehead against Madoka’s. Jade eyes slowly revealed themselves, looking directly into her hazel iris. They were narrowed by tenderheartedness and love, with a hint of tire coming back.

Riku’s lips mouthed the words “I love you” to his beloved, his breath still hot against her porcelain skin. The doorway to paradise closed, saving its secrets on what is on the other side for another time. Tiredly, the young wolf demon moved his lips, trailing kisses down Madoka temple across her cheekbone. He placed an open kiss at the edge of her jawbone near its underbelly and her feminine neck.

Only one word could describe the young demon at this very moment. He moved his head back up. Riku’s forehead was brought against Madoka’s and his nose lightly pressed against hers. Jade eyes gazed softly into hers. He didn’t look away, she was so seducing and she probably was not even trying. But it intrigued him; he was so deeply in love nothing could shatter it. Riku loved her, everything about her. Once again he mouthed the most precious words in the world as his eyes slowly began to fade. Obsessed.

Riku encased his azure swirled eyes behind to see nothing but darkness. He did not have a clue to what time it was. Honesty, he could care less. Riku’s mind was telling him it was late by going blank. Slowly, the wolf faded into slumber holding his love closely. His forehead was against hers. Their noses were lightly touching. Riku’s steady breath mixed with hers. Their legs were entangled as their bodies were resting close together. All was silent except for soft breaths. Riku laid next to her as a gentle mask of sleep appeared in the young demon’s face.