The Breath of the Land [Contract Search]

[Uragaeshi Riyoji]

One thing that Mofu never would have expected, is that the girl was working for the canines! Or so she assumed, it was an understatement to say that it was strange how the beast Sara had summoned wasn't attacking... Perhaps the little ritual she'd done to summon it bound it to her service? If that were the case, maybe there was a use for it besides death.

"You dare insult me by summoning such a foul creature? Begone, before I put you both in the ground!" The leopard hissed, turning from the girl as her and her companion approached the cave. If this plan of hers failed, not only would she smell like dog for a week, but the war would go on far longer than anyone really wanted it to.

As the girl came closer to the canine's base, the wolves guarding its entrance perked up, having smelt the contract beast which was summoned. Of course, they had no way of knowing that this creature was not of their contract, and eased up slightly as the two came into view. "I'm not sure who you are, but don't startle us like that. You should know the proper way to approach the cave." One of the wolves stated, "This another prisoner? Strange that you brought one so.... Fleshy? Go on in, you know what to do." Once the wolf was finished speaking, the two moved away from the entrance slightly, allowing the two to pass.

Once the two enter, they would see that this cave was far darker than the feline's, containing no crystal that amplified the light from outside. Instead, it was pitch black in most areas, save for a few holes that let in what little light could squeeze through. After a couple minutes of walking, the two would come across a fork in the path, one leading to what was clearly day light, and the other with faint screams echoing from its depths. There was no guarantee that the canines had part of their base outside, and there was no telling what the source of the screams were. What would Sara do?

 

[Yaku]

She was shunned away by her escort and started heading to the cave entrance. As she walked, she slowed some and spoke to her companion, "Go along with what is said for now, and play it off as they are your allies." They got closer to the entrance and Sara slowed, being nose shoved by Okami. She fell forward some and stopped short of the two that guarded the entrance. They spoke alarmed by their presence. Okami growled at them as they tried to snipe at her. Given her size, she easily towered over them. "I do as I need. I found this one while maintaining our territory." They responded to her, and spoke with a slightly greater respect. Upon finishing, Okami nudged her forward and spoke with a growl, "Move it along, tiny..." And the girl entered the cave. And with a flick of her tail onto the one that spoke she sloshed her tail against his face.

Okami was acting out of character quite a bit, but keeping up the ruse. It was obvious that she has had to put her foot down from time to time, and knew the meaning of dog eat dog. Though after they ventured some inside Sara turned around and spoke softly, "That seemed a little harsh?" "It's the way you got to treat those so low when your the alpha. They should know better.."., she retorted in confidence

After far enough in, Sara was keeping tabs on what was where. It was dark in this cave, and she had to activate her Byukugan in order to see properly. The smell was strong, it was obvious dogs lived here. Otherwise, it seemed similar to the kitties cave. She could see daylight ahead, and then heard screaming in another direction. She wasn't sure what the screams were from, but felt the urge to go check, even if knowing better. It was in her nature to heal and help if she could, though keeping herself alive was just as important. She pondered which way to go then started saying innie minny minny moe to herself. Behind her the wolf spoke. "I think their base is this way child." She rubbed against Sara and nudged her softly in the direction she smelled the greatest scent of actual canines. Sara petted the wolf and walked where she suggested.

(If smell can give away where they are, then that is the way I am going, if not then deeper into the cave.)

[Training]
WC:387

 

[Junan]

She found her way in the ice, her summon capable of tracking the strong smell of dog in the air, if not on land due to the ice. They wove their way across the landscape eventually stopping before what would have been quite an ugly scene would it not be for the ice.

It was clearly once a forest, but the trees had split apart, the water inside them swelling and cracking them from the inside. Many had fallen and so the scene looked like thousands of icicles, except that they were pointing skyward. The leaves having fallen off and disapparing in the frost, the branches reaching out almost like lightning skywards.

Yet the fallen trees had created a kind of cave. A cave from which minimal light seemed to belong, the blackness of it offset by the stark contrasting white surroundings.

The sound of a growl echoed from the cave, making its direction hard to identify, yet Sara's summon was able to point her in the right direction.

A voice came from the cave.

What is a human doing here? Answer me canine. The word canine hadn't been meant as an insult, it was in fact simply a word they used in this region when speaking of their own kind.

 

[Yaku]

It was confusing, but she had complete confidence in her godly escort. Why wouldn't she, Sara gave her prayer to the gods and the answer was exactly what was needed for the job, a true miracle. It was very unlike the girl to just allow to be led, but given her current status, her weakness, she couldn't do anything but. She tripped and grabbed onto the white fur. The wolf stopped and looked back. The young girl looked forward and pulled her hand off, seeing a small amount of fur on her hands. She spoke softly in the opened area "Sorry...I." "Don't worry, it's only undercoat." The wolf sniffs the air and speaks, "On your feet, we have company.."

Ahead they hear a voice call out. Sara looked forward and could see the figure ahead in the darkness. "I have claimed her as mine. I found her while on a patrol being held prisoner by some...filthy cats." The god sniffed the girl and no amount of rolling in that snow, or wiping her scent on the girl could have removed it completely. "She has...many uses to me." Sara was about to speak when the god growled at her and she stopped before a moan could escape. "Though she could use some...training."

 

[Junan]

Couldn't they all. The voice came, clearly thinking through what to do.

I don't recognise you. Which pack do you come from? The voice asked.

As a light breeze rolled through several scents would be picked up, they were flanked on at least one side, and likely surrounded, the wrong answer could end things here, but then... was there a wrong answer? There didn't sound to be any immediate threat in the voice, just curiosity as to what one from another pack was doing in these parts.

 

[Yaku]

"Couldn't they all..hah ah!" The large godly wolf exclaimed. She slapped her tail against Sara, feeling her tension growing.

Another question, and even it was starting to get to Okami slowly now. They were being surrounded. Okami ground her foot to the ground placing pressure onto the girl and then moved forward continuing down the path. She decided it was pointless to stop, maybe even odd to do such. Alphas don't have to explain anything, they do and that was it. But she would answer while walking anyways for opportunities sake, maybe they will find something out. "Aren't we all one in the same pack. Working towards the same goal!" Her voice that of a growl at the end, "But since you ask, I come from the North. Scouting, messaging, and lone wolf..type stuff." She became more easy going, more of a laughter with some feminine charm at the end. "Always on the search...It gets lonely out in the wilderness sometimes."

Sara just stayed quite, and kept pace with Okami.

 

[Junan]

They entered the den and found the central location. Here it was warm, and Sara would see the bitches relaxing, talking to one another, pups running around playing, some younger pups suckling on their mothers teets.

It was a den, and though the passage was deep at least it was warm with the trapped body heat. If a little smelly with all these unwashed dogs.

Fair enough. We don't get many of your kind in these parts. The wolf said.

So how can we be of service? Is there anything we can do for you? How long will you be staying for?

A group of the pups slowly stopped, one by one, the young voices talking in adulation about getting to see a human. They moved closer to Sara and sniffed her, their wet noses pressing against her as they did so. One ran off "Mum, mum, look! It's a human, a real human! Smell a bit like cat though."

The mother smiled at the cub and looked warily at the young girl, uncertain, untrusting.

 

[Yaku]

They ventured further into the cavern and came upon a den for raising young. The puppies were so cute, and large. So very large, not very puppy like at all. The one that led them into the den asked a series of questions and the godly white wolf thought. "I am traveling around updating other packs on any problems that have occurred or needs they have."

The puppies moved towards the girl slowly and Sara reached out to them, slapped by the tail of the white wolf. "I just need a small break then will be leaving shortly after."

The pups wet noses rubbed against her and she rubbed there faces. The large white wolf growled, as they said she smelled of cats. Sh stepped in front of Sara blocking her from the mother, "We will both be needing a bath and food as well. I had attacked a scout a few miles from here using her as bait. The cats are much more trusting of humans then her." The wolfs fur standing on edge as she said the last part in anger. She was trying to portray her authority and strength to get obedience. If the female wolf mother turned her head away from Sara Okami would circle around behind Sara and face the dog she originally was addressing, "First, if you have any injured, or needs of similar, this girl..is quite capable." turned and nudged Sara, having her fall on her knees towards the pups. Sara fell to her knees and looked fowards towards the pups. She pushed off the ground and stood back up. "Uh ye." Again she was pushed from behind and tripped forward and caught her balance. She looked back at Okami and dropped her head as if showing submission, and sighed. Instead just nodded in agreement.

 

[Junan]

They were shown where they could bath, led to a small area where snow water had been melted to form a pool. The water would be cool, but it was at least fresh with a gentle trickle of water continuously entering it. Though there were no utilities, no means to dry oneself, Sara would need to consider this before jumping in. After all, being wet in this frozen wasteland would not work out well for anyone.

The pups played and things in the den seemed to return to normal.

Once the pair were rested the Alpha of the pack would ask them a simple question.

How long are you staying?

 

[Yaku]

Sara stuck her hand into the water and felt how cold it was. She scooped some up and drank a little, the taste was fine. Even so, she still released a small charge of radiation into the water, killing anything that might be within, and warming it up just slightly. Sara would rub some of the water onto her hand, and microwave the water and rub it onto her skin, taking any dust, hairs and sweat off. It helped, along with drinking some water, something much needed. The young girl refilled her stocks and then stood up walking over to Okami to warm up a little.

After the short rest the alpha of this pack came to them and asked again how long they planed to stay. Okami spoke kindly, "If you don't need any help, We will leave after I gather some information on current operations and needs.." Okami looked at the girl and she bowed, showing her preparedness. She had seen a good chunk of the base, and saw whom lived within. "Have you any info on current activity of the enemy as well."

 

[Rise]

(OOC: Taking over. Let's see if we can get this sorted once and for all~)

“If you offer help, I’d be glad to accept it.”

The Alpha would finally come around to the gentleness shown by his new acquaintances. “I’ve been watching you as you rested. Tirelessly. I’m not sensing any ill will in your actions… But I’ve been told humans have no loyalties. Their decisions easily swayed.” Of course, the canine still had his reservations of the human child. The stories he has heard of their conquests were no fairy tales. If anything, humans themselves were just as evil as the felines themselves in his eyes.

“But.. you haven’t harmed any of our little ones despite having the opportunity to do so... this is a very sensitive place for my people. Its where the young are grown. It’s not often we allow people to tread here. So, you should not take our generosity lightly.” The Alpha would walk towards the entrance of the cave. “Now follow me. I do have something for you to see…”

If the girl had followed the canine, she would be led down one of the many passages to yet another large cave opening. This room wasn’t cold like the one prior, as the sun’s light was still able to shine through crevices of the room’s ceiling. It was a standard cave with slabs of earth protruding in convenient ways which provided shelter and places of rest for canines. But if the girl took a closer inspection of her new surroundings, she would be able to see that the canines who rested there were terribly wounded. Clear battle wounds incurred from their battles with the felines. “Those putrid felines did this… they harmed my family…” Clearly there was anger and agitation in his voice. The moans of his brethren in pain didn't help to placate him, it only boiled his blood all the more.

He would then shove the child in the direction of one particularly large white wolf that was clinging for dear life. The wound was wide and maggots had already begun to feast on the flesh. The wound would be located on the side of his body, and the scent would be foul to anyone's nostrils regardless if they were a canine or not. “He doesn’t have much time to live… Can you save him?”

 

[Yaku]

Just as they were about to grab all the gear and head off the pack's leader came to them and sounded like he had a change of heart towards the girls presents. He asked for them to follow and they both did so, unsure of where this was going to lead, but it seemed he was going to trust them with something important. They came to a new room, one that had the smell or taste of blood in the air, mixed with several other smells, possibly rot. This was where the critical injuries laid.

The leader stated his hate for the bad cats she was working with, or rather for. With his passions still being released the wolf pushed the girl forward towards one of the injured. Okami snarled a little but didn't act on her anger. She didn't appreciate him shoving the girl, but understood he wasn't in the right mind at the moment. The girl looked the body over, trying to hide the look of any reaction towards the smell. IT truly was bad, but she had been told stories worse, and smell things much more so. The smell of burnt flesh, the overgrowth of dead skin being eaten away, this was a close 3rd.

"The disgusting wiggly things eat dead flesh, though they aren't the most sanitary, it might be best to leave them. I can stop any discharge of blood." The girl looked the wolf over and pulled out a blood pill, broke it open above the wound. "This will stop the bleeding." She looked over the wolf, then reached forward but stopped. She wasn't that stupid. "I am going to check his chest and then legs for any broken ribs, please keep 'em calm..." She didn't want to deal with the anger of similar kind from the creature she was working on. It was something that the dogs had in common it seemed with the cats, anger issues.

As she felt for any broken bones she activated her byukugan and looked around and at the body. She hoped to gleam something from both. Perhaps another method to help him in the end. She was avoiding the use of chakra as much as possible, pulling out some wire from her pack. "Anything stiff that could be used to restrict movement would be best." Even if nothing was broken, stopping the wolves movement would help keep the wound from opening again.

She did what she could without using chakra then went back to the leader and stood next to Okami for any protection that might be needed. "I can explain anything needed to help along the wolfs condition but I would like to exit this room and get some fresh air...please" The smell was getting to her, causing her to gag but also she wanted to explain the possibilities away from the poor soul.

 

[Rise]

The large wolf would be panting for dear life, and his large eyes now focused on Sara who approached him. It was a normal reaction but he did try to scurry forward but his weakness only left him dropping back on his side with a loud thud. There wasn’t anything he can do. His faith now left in the hands of a human girl. It was irrational but what choice did they have? The canines weren’t necessarily doctors, they were trackers. So, anything they could possibly apply was far more primitive in comparison to the techniques used by human beings.

“Are you saying….” The wolf suddenly began to speak in a rather raspy voice, “…. you want to shy away from me human….? Does my rot detest you so?”

The blood pill popped by Sera was finally dissolving into his flesh. The nutrients of the pill began its rejuvenation process and slowly his pain would begin to subside. You would have been able to tell he was far more at ease in comparison to before, as his eyes would finally close shut and entering into a deep sleep. For once the wolf seemed so peaceful. Perhaps all he needed was more blood to kick start the healing process.

“It’s alright human. I think you have done far enough… It has been many moons since I’ve seen him this peaceful. However, despite your generosity… if you would like to leave this place alive... you must leave us with those pills. That is your only option.” The Alpha would stand at the opening which led towards the entrance of the cave, and a few more canines of different shapes and sizes would suddenly surround them.

“It’s nothing personal... Admittedly, I have never met a human as yourself who was so willing to assist strangers in need. But this wolf is our leader… we will gladly put our lives down for him and use any underhanded methods to keep him alive and well. So what is your choice?”<i></i>

 

[Yaku]

The young girl didn't respond to his conjecture. The smell was but a small part of why she wanted to leave, the real reason being she couldn't have helped him much more beyond then what she had done. Sara was actually surprised that the wolf was still as able as it were, if it were a human, chances are they would have been long gone. That was what she wanted to speak of, of his inevitability, though she would never get the chance.

The threat came quick, though the cost was so little. She expected something much worse. As did Okami, about to unleash hell until he spoke again. Okami didn't know if the pills were of real value, but living seemed more so. Sara took out the remaining two pills and placed them on a rock outcropping near her and where the, now known leader, injured wolf rested. It was wise to not speak of her thoughts prior before him, but now she would certainly keep it quite. They continued the threats, though for no real reason. Her appearance read as apprehension was more surprise or shock. "Of course, any help I can pass along."

If Okami could, she would push the events to a close. To threaten one offering to help so easily and willingly, it would be dangerous to continue to linger.

 

[Rise]

The canines awaited for the girl's next actions not knowing what her choice would be. One even snarled slowly creeping towards them until Sera had placed the pills down on a rock nearby. The alpha quickly lounged forward sniffing the pills. He had to ensure there was no strange aroma. The girl did the right choice but he was no fool. If the scent differed even in the slightest he would have attacked.

“..These seem acceptable.” He simple uttered in a strong voice. The other canines would suddenly pull back giving way for the girl to follow down one of the pathways.

“Follow down that path… and from there you should be outside. Watch out for those pesky felines.. undoubtedly they will pick up your scent. “

The canines would then turn away from the girl and return to their leaders side. “Do not come back here… but we do accept your assistance…” It was a cold and short salutation for the girl’s departure but this was war after all. They needed to keep their mind solidified for the skirmishes ahead.

 

[Yaku]

Okami shook her head and pushed the girl from behind, toward the exit. She didn't speak a word, though she stuck behind the girl, making sure they understood whom was offering the assistance truly. She again pushed Sara as they exited the cave formation and slowly headed for the treeline in a pace no greater then before, though occasionally Okami would sniff the air.

Once they were beyond the tree line, Okami would speak, "The gull... no respect, nothing at all for those outside there pack. This place is in a great plight. I will have to investigate this place further..." Sara would speak as they continued forward, "I don't know of why they were that way (mean)... but that wolf isn't going to get better, even with that medicine. " She started to think what she would tell the cat once she was reacquainted with her. The dogs were in a sad state of affairs, and they had children to care for. It would be a hard path to choose...

After a good distance, they should have been coming onto the meeting spot to meet up with the snow leopard. The only thing that came to mind to tell her was that the cave was a temporary shelter, a rest stop. 'It would be best to badger the enemy and let them leave the area, or attack them in the surrounding area then to attack the fortress like cave. A single entrance requiring a funneling that leads to a large opening. A good spot where the dogs could trounce any oncoming enemy. That would be good!' To her that sounded like the worst strategical spot to attack then. That would keep the puppies safe, and sooner then later the leader would die, most likely forcing them to leave the area.

 

[Rise]

The snow leopard revealed herself from the snow’s camouflage once Sara advanced into their domain. The scent of the child was such a horrendous scent that even a proud leopard as herself had trouble in approaching too closely. “You stink. For a moment, I thought you were one of those mutts.”

You would think Mofu would be relieved in seeing the child’s return. But she was slightly suspicious. It just didn’t make any sense to the feline who have seen the corpses left behind by the canines and their packs. Sera on the other hand wasn’t harmed. She didn’t even have a blemish or scratch on the beautiful porcelain skin of hers. All that shrouded her was mystery and that foul scent.

“You show no signs of confrontation. That isn’t possible. Those mutts should have torn into your flesh. Tell me what you accomplished and what you saw out there… Be thorough with your reasoning.”


The feline remained focused waiting on the child’s response before she would make her next move. She wasn’t going to have this child step one step closer if there was even a thread of doubt.

 

[Yaku]

As the kitty spoke, Sara looked back at Okami and spoke, "You can go now, thanks for the help." And the wolf bowed and blinked out of existence. She turned back to the kitty and then said, "Hope that helps some with the smell." The kitty seemed to be inspecting her, and Sara wasn't sure why. "Something wrong?" The cat spoke, surprised that she did make it out it seemed. It didn't dawn on Sara that the kitty actually expected her to die just yet, but maybe eventually...

"I infiltrated there base with the help of my summon, tricking them easily. They were really big jerks, I can see why they are hated so. I managed to trick them and got into there shelter, though they always watched me." She had gone over what to say in her mind several times. The words came out with a report type of speech. "The cave, it does have a funneling effect that leads to a much bigger inside. A great defending location for there coming and goings, along with having an unknown number of dogs from time to time, they can defend the entrance easy." She drew a picture in the snow, a funnel like picture. "Some injured, but most seem okay." What else could she say, now she was grasping at words, hoping the kitty would speak soon. "They seemed okay when my summon said we travel from place to place, so maybe several of them come and go. Best thing to do is harass them until they leave I think.."

What else could she say. Well, without revealing the puppy part. "Oh, I didn't see another entrance as well."

 

[Rise]

The young girl seemed far more resourceful that she had initially realized. Canines weren’t the smartest of creatures but they sure were bold. It was one thing to fool their senses but to fool their instincts was another matter entirely. This child wasn’t supposed to be alive. Actually, Mofu was expecting her remains to be littered at the entrance of their cave. But that wasn't what happened today. Were the canines showing empathy towards the human child? Or was it as the child stated, that her companion assisted her in this regard? Nonetheless, the information she was provided was more than insightful- if it were true. But there was no way to confirm or deny her words. But could the felines truly ignore this? Her General Mauntenrura would surely want to hear this.

“I’ll bring word of this information to my General. So, from here on out, you are free to leave and do as you please. The war between canines and felines aren’t matters that a human child should indulge in.” Mofu’s response may have seemed cold but her rational behind this way of thinking wasn’t wrong. Human beings had no business in meddling in this war. This feud has been on-going for what seemed to be centuries. Generation after generation yetl there was no end in sight. “But don't worry, I’ll be sure to not mention your name in my meeting with him. It would probably be for the best if he thought you were dead. That way you can remain outside of our affairs and return to your simple life. It seems to be the most logical approach for your safety. You can live as you want to live... not shackled by our history.”

 

[Yaku]

Mofu believed her words and Sara was successful in hiding the pups that littered the inside of that base. A wave of relief washed over the young girl, and she wouldn't have to feel bad about possibly getting them killed. Maybe they would wise up, especially after that injured wolf died and from the harassment from the kitties. And it seemed the kitty held no ill feelings to her now, letting her leave peacefully. As the kitty made it's way away,

Finally, her mission was completed. She turned around and took three steps forward and looked around. A few seconds passed, "Um...was it that way? Or maybe..." Sara chased after the kitty, "Wait! Wait, wait wait, please wait! How...I don't know where I am still. How do I get back home?" She forgot for a moment she didn't even know how she got here in the first place, let alone which way Iwagakure was. Luckily she realized it sooner then later, otherwise she might have been wondering this wasteland for ages!