Ginga Gaiden Mayu: Lost Echoes chapter 9

Ohu was at peace. Ever since the death of Hougan, a relative calm had spread over the dog paradise. Though peace could cause anyone to become lax, it was not so for the soldiers of Ohu. No matter what length of peace, they would rise up if a new threat reared its head. It suited most of them, the fighting life, but they welcomed peace all the same. The same couldn't be said for one. Standing tall this one fine day was a black labrador. Possibly mixed, least that's what some would gather based on the strange markings around his eyes. They were wing like, almost akin to his name. Bat of Shingan observed his surroundings, though not in the manner most were accustomed to. For if you looked at Bat, you would notice something right away: two scars along his eyes, running down and from the appearance of the wounds they were strong, strong enough to render blindness. Those pale orbs moved about about, trapped within as they felt the invisible wind upon them. Though blind as he was, Bat had other ways of keeping tabs on things. Oh he was sharp, strong, and with one sense gone, his others were stronger still. Smell, sound, touch, but most of all, his mind. That was the sharpest tool he had. Still fresh after his long years of travel. A lone wolf one would say. Owing allegiance to no one.

Yet, it wasn't always that way. Once he had pledged his loyalty to one. Hougan himself. Oh he was one of the best, the best chosen to lead as a general. One of four to be precise. Oh what a terrible force they had been! Striking down all in Hougan's name, all in the glory of conquest. And then it happened, they, or he had lost. He remember that loss well, that was when things had changed for him. The better some might say. Yet instead of killing him, they spared him. Shocked was what he had been for the most part, but in some ways he welcomed it. Maybe it wasn't what he would have done, but it was a new concept. Mercy could be considered a sign of weakness. Yet Bat knew for the Ohu warriors, it wasn't the case. No they were still strong despite showing kindness towards their enemy. For it was that very kindness that had moved him. Enough to switch sides. Loyalty be damned, Hougan was the enemy now, and it had been that way since his fall. And then peace.

Though now that very peace was tasting bitter against Bat's tongue. Yes, as much as he had tried to adjust, to accept, but now it was obvious to anyone who witnessed him, Bat was starting to tire of Ohu. Tired of the complacency that had overtaken the camp. He just couldn't welcome it, couldn't take it in. And that's when he felt the wander lust. It was a lust he had been no stranger with. A lust he hadn't felt in such a long time. And then he heeded it. He took the first step out of Ohu and didn't look back. He didn't stop to say goodbye to anyone. Allies they may have been, he didn't feel a considerable sense of kinship with them. Sure they were Hougan's other former generals. One would expect him to form some sort of bond with them. They had fought together after all. But such a way wasn't the same for everything. Not everything was as clear and saccharine as they would expect.

And so Bat of Shingan began to wander, seeking out what was missing in his life. But the question was, would he find it?

XXX

The wilderness stretched on in the mountains. This great hilly area which encompassed much of the land. Forest sprang from it, coating it in a green sheen. Birds flew through the blue sky. Nature at its best. And that best suited the beasts who lived there. But the best held its darkness. Nature was a two sided coin. It held its good points, and also its dangerous points. Many had seen the dangerous bits of nature, some more often than others. But only the weak were crushed by it. And Mayu wasn't weak.

Through the grass she stalked, carefully, stealthily. She had practiced it many times and it had engrained itself into her. She was a true huntress, proud, strong, and full of luck. A spring and a step and.......dang! She missed it.

A mocking squawk shot back at her as the bird flew away, high into the sky.

“Yeah go on fly!” Mayu barked upward. “Next time you won't be so lucky.” her voice lowered. Standing there for a few moments, she turned her head down from the sky. “I'm getting sloppy.” she told herself. Frankly her hunts hadn't been going too well. She didn't know what was up with her? She hadn't been able to catch a bird for the past few days now. Shaking her head, she scratched herself, a stray flea perhaps? That's just what she needed, fleas. Little parasites sucking her dry. That's just what she needed. Just another in a long list of poorly timed events. Story of her life she supposed. But it was her life to live. She just had to deal with what was thrown at her. Yet, she still felt hunger gnawing at her. With her appetite, she could probably eat a whole bear if need be. Probably a gross exaggeration, but she was just plain hungry.

Perhaps it was time for something new on the menu? Since she wasn't having any luck in the avian department, maybe she would have better luck in the land group?

And so Mayu stalked off, nose to the air and body ready. Her alert mind rehearsed the steps in her head. No matter how bad her run of luck was, they couldn't take the huntress out of her.

Something in the air. She caught something. Sniffing high she grinned to herself.

“Rabbit.” she said licking her lips.

Just the kind of meat she needed. When in doubt, hunt a rabbit. That's what she always said. Well she never really said that, but she thought she could stand to say it a few times.

Mayu lowered her body, ready to pounce, but first she needed a sight, something to notice, something to snatch. And she found it. Just there, off in the distance, white and just plumb full of meat. Slowly she stalked, nose forward, mind ready, and body poised.

“Just a little further.”

Step by step, nary a motion.

“Don't move.”

It wasn't. It remained still. It hadn't noticed her.

“Nibble at that grass now.”

This was too easy. All she had to do was just.

SNAP!!!!

Something emerged. It was huge, and black, and full of strength. Whatever it was, it had snatched up the rabbit in its jaws. The rabbit struggled but a quick shake was enough to keep it silent. And in short time, it fell dead. And that's when Mayu noticed. It was another dog. A labrador. A large black labrador. Fear swelled up in her at that moment. Had they found her? Was he one of....wait? No he wasn't. He wasn't one of Cain's. He didn't have the smell. That was good. She now had the courage to sit up and shout, “Hey you!”

The canine halted, it's burly frame still imposing nonetheless.

“Just who the hell do you think you are?!” Mayu headed towards the dog, still high off her previous bout of courage.

The dog set down the rabbit, paw still firmly in place upon it though.

“Excuse me?” the dog's voice spoke out, deep and stoic.

“That rabbit was mine!” Mayu insisted.

“Your's?” said the dog.

Now Mayu was starting to get annoyed. “What are you-”

“Blind?” the dog finished.

And that's when Mayu noticed the dog's eyes. “Oh my. I.” Mayu found her words mixing, finding a random assortment as she came to a realization.

“Well um........I just......” Now that Mayu was up close, she couldn't help but notice the dog held a certain.......quality to him. Something about the face, and the body, and those scarred eyes just screamed.........wait a minute! What was she doing!? What was she thinking for that matter?

“Do you want this?” the dog asked. Offered it seemed like it.

Mayu was at a loss for words, but she soon found them. “Never mind.” she relented. “Just take the damn thing.” Mayu wasn't about to be offered anything. She knew when she was beaten. In fact she felt oddly embarrassed. And she didn't know why. She merely walked off and left the dog behind. She didn't even look back, but for some reason, the image of that dog wouldn't leave her mind. Something about that black furred body. And the scars. They certainly were manly.

Meanwhile the dog just stood there, paw still over his prize. Yet for some reason, he felt bad. Victory just wasn't as sweet when someone else had claim over. Then again, with hunting first come first serve. But still, he just couldn’t shake that female from his mind. Though he could not see, he felt a great strength emanating from that body. But that would have to be put on hold for now. Bat's senses were picking something up. He sniffed the air and soon felt a dawning.

“Rain.”

A rumbled erupted in the air, soon to be followed by lightning. Already Bat could feel a few droplets upon his nose. They pattered slowly until they increased in succession.

There was no time to waste. He had to find shelter. Otherwise he would be caught. He wasn't too keen on sleeping out in the rain. Not like before. Not like back then. He wouldn't go back there. Those moments of weakness and desperation. And so he began to walk. To search. His mind's eye open to whatever possibilities he could present himself with. There had to be shelter somewhere, and he would find it.

XXX

The rain continued to fall at a steady pace. Pattering into a shower. The drops dripped from the leaves. The very sound was lulling, drawing everyone into slumber. Mayu didn't witness it. She had her back turned, trying to ignore the gnawing feeling in her stomach. She was regretting not excepting that kill from that dog. Damn her pride. Sometimes it just got in the way. But she was the one heeding it. In essence she was a slave to it. And a slave often had trouble breaking away from its master.

“Shut up.” she told her gut.

Her gut only responded by grumbling once again. Nevertheless, she grit her teeth and ignored the hunger once more. She wasn't ready for another hunt, not now. She would rest and wait, especially for the rain to die down. She didn't relish the idea of hunting in the rain. Too many slippery slopes and enough to break a paw over. Yes, it was best to wait.

Her overall den was large enough to accommodate her. It was large enough to house a whole family. Not that she was getting ideas. In fact the very thought of having puppies unnerved her. Last thing she needed was someone else to care for, someone to risk loosing. No, she was better by herself.

She was lucky enough to find this place. Her den was nothing more than a cavern underneath a tree. Quite a lucky find if you asked her. And she wasn't one to turn down a bout of good luck. She needed it. Slowly Mayu found her eyes growing heavy, drifting off into a slumber. Her body could still feel however. Felt the air around her. She could feel it coming from the entrance. It was heavy and full of force. But she welcomed it. She was safe inside. Nothing could get in. Well that wasn't exactly true. The entrance was wide open. Someone could just waltz in there, but she didn't have to worry. Who would want to see her.

The air continued to blow forcefully. But then, something changed. The air was disrupted, momentarily but noticeable. Least with a clear mind. Mayu was half gripped in sleep. And she was almost there. Jut a few minutes and she would be there. But that wasn't too be. And once she felt that disrupting the natural flow of the cavern. Mayu snapped her eyes open as she felt something brush up against her.

“What......the?” she muttered, still shaking off the sleep

“Huh?” she heard another voice speak. One that was deep, and all too familiar.

Now Mayu fully snapped awake, swirling around only to face. “You!?” she exclaimed.

“You?” the other voice spoke in a softer tone.

It was the other dog from before. His fur just as black as ever, and his eyes still scarred.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Mayu hotly asked.

“I-” the other dog began.

“Well what is it?”

“If you just let me-”

“You trying to move into my turf?!”

“Please!”

Mayu came to a halt.

“Look. I wasn't trying to take your den. I was just looking for shelter. That's all.” the dog explained.

Mayu's surprised face firmed and she listened to her fellow canine. For some reason, she could believe him.

“My apologies. I didn't sniff to tell your presence. If you desire I'll leave.” said the male dog. And he turned around to leave, back into the cold.

Something inside Mayu stirred. She found herself feeling a sense of sympathy towards this stranger. Maybe she was getting soft?

“Wait!” Mayu called. The dog came to a stop. “You're going to catch your death out there. You can....you can stay here the night.” The dog turned around, blank eyes staring in her direction. “But only for tonight.”

“Fair enough.” the dog said. “I'm Bat by the way. What's your name?”

“Why do you want to know?” Mayu asked suspiciously.

“I just want to know the name of my host. That's all.”

Mayu softened her expression. “Mayu.”

“That's a very lovely name.” Bat spoke.

Mayu wasn't taken in easily by flattery. But strangely she found herself blushing around Bat's presence. And damn she had to admit he was handsome. Those shoulders, that body, and those scars. Hot damn those scars made him look sexy! Mayu quickly brushed those thoughts aside. And that made her turn around.

“This is a nice place. You have here.” said Bat.

“You can't even see.” said Mayu, not caring if she came off as rude.

“I don't need eyes to tell that. It's spacious and convenient.” said Bat.

That much was true. And Mayu had to admit to herself, this Bat held some good taste.

“So where you planning to stay once you're out?” Mayu asked settling down into her former resting place.

Bat shrugged. “Don't know. I'll find something I suppose.”

“Well like I said, this is only for tonight. So don't make a habit of asking me whenever there's a sprinkle.” reminded Mayu.

Bat settled well into place, making himself comfortable for his temporary stay. “Mayu craned her head back, noticing Bat had his face to the front.

“I sense things better when I'm facing them.” said Bat, somehow noticing her presence.

Mayu turned her head back around and settled herself in. Her guard was lowered, and she relaxed herself as she prepared to sleep. Once again she was finding comfort around this Bat. And likewise Bat was feeling the same way about Mayu. Both still didn't know why. But they ignored it for now. For now, sleep was the only option presented to them. And by morning, the deal would be over and they would part ways.

After all. It wasn't like they would see each other after this again. Right?