AT THE NORTHEASTERn SIDE OF OUR VILLAGE lies a small but grand lake, fed continuously by the Ketto Okami Guardian River. We call it Mukashi Ugoki Kawa since its waters are now frozen over to lifelessness. Rising from this sacred lake are thirteen totems, bearing the thirteen sacred animals of Ezochi-the Falcon, the Serpent, the Snow bird, the Bear, the Moose, the Deer, the Owl, the Spider, the Fox, the Ram, the Raccoon, the Salmon, and the sacred Wolf- each representing a certain birth year and holy virtue that signifies one's life's progress.

Each year, a newborn baby is brought to this sacred place. Prayers are offered to our protector gods, blessings are made towards the baby, and lastly it is named. Each name represents it's given year and how the child is prophesized to go through life.

As for me, I was born in the year of the Snow bird-a year most grand. Prophesized unto me by my great grandmother was beauty, power, and faith. But, in the years to come I would gradually discover my purpose in this world and what trials the gods had in store for me.

PART ONE

1

I HAVE MANY MEMORIES, and I remember them all. Each one categorized chronologically inside my innermost thoughts. I remember the first time I glimpsed my mother. I remember the last words my father spoke. But above all, I remember that day…

I recall it being a winter's day, the frigid air cascading over Ezochi's snow covered mountains and valleys blown forth by the dark clouds that forever clung to the once bright sky, remained unmoving. I remember I was in with Mother and Grandmother. I sat, still and quiet, like the Komaokami Guardian Statues that accompany the Jumon Grand Shrine located just a few miles east of Ketto Talkami. Grandmother and Mother sat talking and gradually sipping their teas when a loud crash startled us. Quickly, Mother gestured to me to come close. I did as she commanded and sat; my head against her breast, quivering.

My heart began to pound erratically as distant family members commanded the strongest to stand guard. Scout wolves howled in the distance, signaling an approaching enemy. I hide my face as Mother held me tighter. Grandmother swiftly stood and walked down the Great Hall, calling out. My oldest brother, Kioshi, ran out of his room with Kosuke and Zero not far behind. I perked my ears to get a better idea of what Grandmother was saying but what came through instead were the eager howls that our wolves cried when a battle was about to begin, and judging from their pitches, it was not about to be any run-of-a-mill battle.

I recalled how the Sentinels had been out scouting the surrounding forest not too long ago when one of the scout wolves returned with the message that an intruder had been captured. When the rest of the party returned, they brought with them a young gyuki. He reeked of death and hunger and was dressed poorly from what I wore. I felt pity for the young demon fore I could smell the fear that emanated from his body and see him slightly quiver.

I knew that my clan, the sacred Hyuki, passed down many long tales of our family's heroes and protector gods known as Yukar Upopo, but I was oblivious to the fact that many enemy clans also had such tales. It wasn't until later that Mother would tell me that the Hyuki Clan wasn't always seen as divine in all eyes.

The clan of our captive was the Alsoomse, a clan of warrior ox-demons of the southern region. During the past century, the Alsoomse had been struck by famine and soon fell. They saw this as the Hyuki's uprising. Their forces had weakened greatly and were taken over by the Hyuki forces that then proceeded to claim their land.

The Alsoomse, run out of their home, had no other choice but to move on with their theories of how wicked our clan was confirmed. Rumors had been spread that the Alsoomse were gaining strength and were planning an attack. Without hesitation, Grandfather Tokala commanded the Clan to make ready its forces. By this time the rumors were no longer fictitious.

Another crash occurred followed by a loud explosion and screaming from other family members and whimpers of wolves nearby. It was then that Mother called to Grandmother and my brothers. As calmly as she could, she asked for Grandmother to watch the four of us. I ran into Grandmother's arms and hid my face-and fear-in her silken kimono. I could feel my brothers group around me.

Suddenly, all went quiet. Not heeding Grandmother's warnings of not to go outside, Mother slowly stood and walked to the end of the hall. Just as slowly, she peaked out of the large stone doors and was forcefully dragged outside. I pushed away from Grandmother and ran for the door, calling out to Mother, who refused to answer. Kioshi, being faster than I, stopped me in my tracks and lifted my flailing body with ease. I continued to thrash as he took me back to Grandmother. Holding me, I began to cry on her shoulder as she scolded me for acting so rash. Kioshi began to make his way to the Great Halls' entrance, when Grandmother stopped him abruptly. Kioshi had told her that he was going to go out to look for Mother, but Grandmother, being as stubborn and protective as she was, refused to let him go, fore she had promised Mother to keep us safe and hidden.

Kosuke sat, with me in his lap, holding both I and Zero tightly. The worry in his face was plain to see. I could easily tell that if not for Grandmother keeping watch, he would have ran after Mother the instant she was taken. Tears began to fall from my eyes as the thought of Mother held captive, occupied my thoughts. Zero then placed his hands gently on my cheeks and dried my tears with his thumbs. Tears were welling up in his eyes as well as the heartache intensified each moment without Mother's presence.

Then, out of all the silence, an ear splitting explosion took down the entrance of the Great Hall. Alsoomse warriors flooded in, dozens by dozens flocked into the hall. I hid my face in Kosuke's kimono, making sure to not look into the demons' faces. Grandmother was next to be held captive, then Kioshi. Only I, Kosuke, and Zero were left with nothing but a small chance of escaping the throng of demons.

We were surrounded, each demon holding a weapon in our direction. Kosuke, standing brave and tall, held me tighter, grabbing the petrified hand of Zero. Kosuke, being the second oldest, was much like Kioshi. He refused to give in, and yet, the demons attacked; taking hold of the three of us with ease.

They brought us out, reuniting with a small portion of the clan. Each house in our kotan had been rundown. All our food had been knocked to the ground and trampled on-all this, just to disgrace my family. And yet, through all the rage, all the disgrace and fear I felt, the only thought lingering in my mind, was of my mother.

Being one of the smallest in the clan I easily slipped away, acting on intuition, I followed Mother's scent. I arrived at the eastern edge of the Uwasurani Forest. I had always heard stories of how The First Hyuki Ruler, Katsuo Shichiro Hyuki, had, with his small family, made their way through the forest to arrive in a large clearing that would soon be the land used to build the Ketto Talkami Village and how it was dubbed the Welcoming Forest of the Wolves.

I slipped into the forest, out of sight. Quickly, I followed Mother's scent and arrived at a small clearing were I found her, as well as a small group of, presumably, Mother's captures. I hid in the underbrush of the forest and softly kneaded the dirt, causing my long nails to skid the surface rock. The demons heard me and slowly crept up to the brush.

Just before they spotted me, a sudden snap of a twig was made along with frantic scurrying. The demons, being as dull witted as they were, left me to pursue a new captive. When the demons had all exited the clearing, I stood from hiding, making myself know to Mother, who had been tied to a large fir tree. Her expression twisted as the idea of the demons finding me became evident.

She scolded me quietly so as not to alarm the demons, but all I did was embrace her. I looked up to see her still glaring at me and yet there was the inner peace that she now knew that I was safe. Using my elongated nails, I easily cut through the demon's rope.

We ran swiftly through the forest, making our way back to the village when once again, the demons began to pursue us. This time a new group had taken action as well as the group who had taken Mother. Coming from the direction of the village, we had no choice but to detour. Soon the demons were right on our tails. Mother then pushed me into the underbrush as the demons caught up and surrounded her. I was about to bark at her to hide when one of the demons drew a knife at the moment Mother tried to attack. She fell to the ground with a thud as the demon drew back its weapon. I cried out and leapt from hiding and kneeled next to her, holding her tightly as the demons closed in. Tears ran down my face and onto hers, falling into the blood that now streamed from her mouth and with her last ounce of strength she told me to run and that she will always protect and love me. She smiled at me and, gently touching my face, she wiped my tears and kissed my forehead. Her last words before I fled were the benevolent "I love you".

Just as the demons attacked, I dove forward. Running through the forest, I could still hear the lassitude in Mother's voice as she slowly slipped way into oblivion. Rising with our protector Kamuy into the heavenly plain of Kamuy Moshir…

Tears suddenly welled in my eyes once more, blurring my vision to where I was nearly sightless. I stopped in my tracks. My heart ached to the point where I no longer cared if I was caught and killed, anything would be better than having to deal with Mother's passing. Rage, fear, and intense sadness permeated once again to my innermost core.

I fell to my knees, shaking violently. I was ready to give into the harsh cold of Ezochi when the demons filed into the clearing. Everything around me suddenly began to slow down as a scathing wind burst into the clearing. The demons stood their ground, their short furs standing on end as the interloper loomed closer.

I was overcome with intense fatigue when she burst into the clearing. I could only see her blurred silhouette in the distance, fore my eyes still retained the filmy residue of my tears. She was poised to attack exactly as our wolves did just before a battle. I crawled into the underbrush, her heavy growl penetrating my inner ear as she made ready to attack. Her strong vocal cords droned, drowning out any other sound, even my quick heartbeat sounded tenacious against her fierce growl. Why was this wolf interfering? I could easily distinguish that she was not a Hyuki wolf. Was she a loner? Had she mistaken this land for hers? No, it was another reason…a personal reason. Her scent told me that much.

My head began to pound amongst all the turmoil. I peeked through the underbrush I was hiding in to find the she-wolf standing proud in the midst of the transient battle. Scoffing at the Alsoomse warriors who were now scattered across the clearing, lying still in their own blood. This wolf, this benevolent wolf, stood proud and tall, immutable, with nary a scratch upon her snow white form.

I sat, concealed in the clearing with wide eyes, witnessing the beauty before me. Yet, accompanied with the tranquility that derived from her, I could not help but feel a sudden loathing toward the transgressor, fore she had trespassed onto Hyuki land without consent.

My heart pounded faster as she began to walk over, her grace just as extravagant as her beauty. I prepared myself for a battle, even though she gave off no intention of asserting dominance.

"O young maiden, why must thy hide from me? Can thy not tell that I mean no harm?" A benevolent voice elicited. I stood hidden as the she-wolf stood before me, her mysterious ice-blue eyes, piercing through the underbrush. "O young maiden, please do answer my questions fore I wish to know if thy are safe and unharmed."

"I'm fine." I replied quickly, my voice shaken.

"Please do believe me, fore I mean no harm. Would it be too much if I were to ask if thy show thineself to me?" She asked kindly. Had I been too quick to judge this wolf? For now I can see the sincerity and kindness in her words. Slowly, I rose from the underbrush, still shaken.

I was astonished to see her in full view. Fore she was not only beautiful, but just as strong. Her eyes shown true wisdom, kindness, and the purity of a spirit unhindered by darkness. Her fur was the color of freshly fallen snow, untainted by the filth of evil that ran rampant throughout this land. She was tall, taller than I and had a very sturdy, trim build. Her paws were large and her tail, long. She had perfectly perked ears, showing her to be forever alert and had the disposition of a goddess at best. She was a wonder to behold. Not only could I not speak, but I could neither look away.

"My, my, thy are just as beautiful as thine mother, if thy do not mind my saying." She implied. I was stunned. How could she have known my mother?

"You… knew my mother…?" I asked, sounding hesitant.

"Yes, but not for long." She replied in a melancholy tone, she could see the pain in my heart and the dullness of my spirit within my eyes. "If it is not too much, might I inquire as to why thy feel so distraught?" Surely she caught the scene of fresh kill while on her way here, right?

"I…my mother had just been… those demons just now ki-", I stuttered, unable to finish my sentence. Tears once again, welled up in my eyes. I fell to my knees and broke down crying. How disgraceful it was to show this benevolent she-wolf my weakened form, but how could I conceal my pain within? It would be no better than self-mutilation.

"Thy kind-hearted child, had something occurred that these demons brought about?" She asked worriedly, lowering her haunches to sit. I concealed my eyes beneath my bangs, hiding from her intense gaze.

I could only nod in reply. Slowly she urged closer, the long fur on my tail began to rise as my body shuttered uncontrollably.

"Thy child, thy welcomed child…please allow unto me the honor of caring for thee." She implied, her long tail wrapping around me like a blanket.

I was stunned. How could this wolf-whom I have only just met-insist such a bombastic thing?

"Wh-what did you just say?" I asked, dumbfounded and irritant.

"Please do not answer quickly. I have witnessed thy from afar, hidden in the very land of Ezochi itself, and thy, young wolf demon, no young wolf maiden, have caught my interest. I cannot bare a pup of my own flesh and blood, but I can feel a spiritual connection with thee. Pleas, do take my request into consideration." She explained. I was still perplexed to utter disbelief, but while listening to the words spoke unto me by this epitome of natural beauty, I quickly lost all loathing for the she-wolf. Yes, I too could feel this connection she had spoken of. Then it hit me. How was this wolf able to speak? How was she capable of such a feat?

"How is it that a she-wolf, such as yourself, a she-wolf of such grace and benevolence, be capable of uttering the language of the land?" I asked, acting on intuition, curiosity in my tone.

"Pure child of thine land, you flatter me, it is simple in a sense. The bond that I share with thee has been mended since thine birth. I am thine Kamuy, thine spiritual guide, thine heavenly mother. I am all and yet, I am not. I am thine protector. Yes, I know much of thou, much more than thou would think, but please do not think blasphemy of me fore I am here for only thee." She replied in lengthy detail, her symphonic voice filled the air with comforting tranquility, much like the incense burners used in the Hyuki Shrines.

I was still awestruck that such a wise and gracious she-wolf as she was as real as I, was as intrinsic as I and not of the godly world that was revered by all.

"What is your name she-wolf? I would much rather like to call you by your name and not something as pretentious as 'wolf' or 'ma'am'." I asked.

"I would much rather thy dubbed me with a name to thine liking." She replied. A sincere smile formed upon her blackened lips, with eyes closed, she watched me search fervently for the perfect name. Then it came to me.

"Somei." I blurted. The beautiful name raced through my thoughts. Its meaning 'wise eyes', was perfect for this glorious wolf, fore she had seen and learned much. She was not old, yet not young. She was as wise as my ancestors and as young as my mother.

Yet again, sadness overtook me. Realizing that I had now forever lost my mother, I wished to curl up and hide myself from all. Wasting away into my own oblivion.

I looked up once more to see the she-wolf still smiling graciously at me, assuaging my pain. I had then the realization that her smile was much like Mother's, kind and gentle. The smile that I yearned to see most. At the instant I realized that Somei was Mother. She may be her reincarnation, or just her on the inside. I no longer cared, fore now I had Mother once again, assuaging my pain instantly.

Opening her glorious blue eyes, I notice how similar to Mother's they were. Just as large and shinning, same stunning color and just as kind. I was speechless, tears bubbled over but not of sadness, but happiness, for she was mine once again.

"Mother…" I whispered, "Mother Somei…" I could no longer hold myself. I leapt onto her, embracing her fur's silky texture. All the time repeating myself:

"Mother, your back…!" I cried into her coat.

"Yes thy child, it is I. But I must imply that I am not thine birth mother." She implied.

"But you're still my mother. Mother Somei…you're my mother." I replied.

She nuzzled me gently, "Yes, yes I am." She agreed. I held her tighter, elated I had her once more.

"Mother…do you remember my name?" Such a childish question I had asked.

"Of course I do, Karaku." She replied. I smiled widely, she was my mother…maybe not in the sense that one is used to, but it was true, fore for these past moments, I could indeed feel the bond that we shared.

Dozens of howls suddenly erupted from the village. The clan is searching for me, and by the pitches in the wolves' howls, I'd say rather frantically.

"Those wolves…they're calling to thee. Thine family is searching." Mother Somei said softly, her ears fully perked, twisting this way and that, monitoring the distant howls.

I stood silent, as if some invisible force was preventing me from uttering a single word. It was a terrifying feeling. As I tried to attract Mother's attention, a sudden feeling enveloped my body and soul. I became very fatigued once again, as if I had just run out of Ketto Talkami to another distant province and my body was telling me to rest now.

Even through all the ferment, I still didn't have enough strength to utter even a small whimper. Somei then noticed the dead-pan look that my eyes seemed to carry whenever exhaustion took its course, and implored for me to rest until the clan arrives. I had no strength to protest or even disagree; I found no reason to.

I lay back, onto her silken fur and was wrapped in a comforting aura that seemed to radiate from her form. Even the harsh, prickling cold of the forest seemed to disappear as if the sun had just poked thought the everlasting winter sky that lain over Ezochi for the first time in several hundred millennia.

Overcome by extreme exhaustion, I quickly fell asleep in the midst of the Sentinels' arrival. I could still recall the stringent growls that the wolves gave off and how, even as the focal point of all that aggression, Mother Somei still contained her composure fairly well.

The next thing I knew, I was lifted and settled onto a broad back with the notion of being taken back to the village before falling into a deep sleep…