A gentle snow drifted from the canopy above, blanketing Branchhaven in a soft, shimmering white. The bustling marketplace had quieted slightly under the weight of the recent attack, but wolves of all ranks still moved about, tending to shops or gathering in clusters to share whispers of the event.
Kuzunoha, Rei, and Hoshiyo padded through the town's network of sturdy branches. Lanterns swung lightly in the cool breeze, their glow casting soft light onto the wolves as they passed one another.
Hoshiyo smiled as she took in the breathtaking expanse of Branchhaven, marveling at the ingenuity and beauty of the wolves' home among the sturdy branches. "This is our chance to prepare before heading to the forbidden tunnels," she said, her tone decisive. "Kuzunoha, you can gather the herbs and remedies we'll need for the journey. Rei, pick up nonperishable food and any other supplies you think will help. I'll ask around about the attack and see what we can learn to guide us."
"Good plan," Kuzunoha replied with a nod. "We'll meet back here at the entrance to Branchhaven. Let's aim to return before sundown."
Rei crossed her arms, her eyes scanning the bustling area. "Agreed. We'll need to be cautious. This place feels different at night."
"Right," Hoshiyo said, her determination clear. "I'll speak with wolves from every rank and see what they know. I'll meet you both here in a few hours."
Without waiting for a response, she leaped gracefully onto a nearby branch, her energy palpable. Solving this mystery—and helping those in need—gave her purpose, and she couldn't waste a moment.
Hoshiyo spotted two Beta wolves standing guard near the armory, their imposing forms framing the entrance. A few steps away, an elderly gray wolf worked diligently, his scarred paws crafting weapons with quiet precision. The sight gave Hoshiyo pause. The Betas radiated strength, but she knew her power surpassed theirs. Taking a steadying breath, she stepped forward.
"Hey, boys," she said, her voice a mix of confidence and approachability. "We're trying to piece together what happened during the attack. Can you tell me what you saw?"
One of the Betas, a silver-coated wolf with piercing yellow eyes, turned to her, his expression guarded. "Who are you?" he demanded. "I haven't seen anyone like you around here before."
"My name is Hoshiyo," she said calmly, meeting his gaze. "I've come to your village to help rescue those who were taken and trapped underground."
The wolf's expression darkened, and his tail flicked in irritation. "Rescue?" he scoffed. "They weren't 'taken.' They were dragged underground by their hind legs like prey—and murdered. If you think anyone survived down there, you're dreaming."
Hoshiyo's jaw tightened, but she kept her voice level. "Maybe so. But if there's even a chance they're alive, I won't abandon them."
The Beta wolf let out a humorless laugh. "Suit yourself. Good luck succeeding where even our army failed. We fought them, but their movements… they weren't natural."
Hoshiyo's eyes narrowed. "Unnatural how?"
The wolf hesitated, his gaze flicking toward the elderly craftsman momentarily before returning to Hoshiyo. "It's hard to explain," he said, his voice dropping slightly. "One moment, they were in front of us, and the next, it was like they vanished—melted into the shadows. And when they struck, it was fast, precise. We didn't stand a chance."
Hoshiyo absorbed his words, her mind racing. "Thank you," she said, her tone softer now. "Anything you can share helps."
The Beta gave a dismissive grunt and turned back to his post, but the elderly wolf caught her eye as she moved to leave. His weathered face was etched with something more profound than exhaustion—perhaps fear or guilt. Hoshiyo made a mental note to speak with him next. No matter how small, every piece of information could help them significantly.
As Hoshiyo moved through the bustling marketplace, her eyes caught sight of Rei at the farmers' market, wide-eyed with awe. Rows of vibrant fruits and vegetables gleamed under the soft light of hanging lanterns. Rei's tail swayed happily as she stuffed as many fruits as possible into a newly purchased leather pouch, her eyes practically sparkling.
Hoshiyo approached with a chuckle. "Looks like you're having a great time here."
Startled, Rei jumped, nearly dropping her pouch. She turned to face Hoshiyo with a crooked smile, her cheeks faintly flushed. "We agreed on nonperishables, but… I got hungry. Don't worry, I'm working on grains and beans next."
Hoshiyo smirked, shaking her head. "Relax. I'm not here to stop you. If you think some of this will help, go ahead. Just know you'll be the one hauling it all through the tunnels."
Rei grinned sheepishly. "Don't worry, I'll eat my fill of the perishable stuff here and pack only what we actually need."
As they spoke, a group of younger Beta wolves strolled by, their curiosity piqued. One of them, a slight gray wolf with a sharp nose, paused to listen before stepping closer. His tone was wary as he said, "You're not from around here, are you? Those tunnels are forbidden—especially to outsiders. I can't let you enter without permission from the elders."
Hoshiyo straightened her voice and said, "We already have permission from the elders. We're here to help recover those who were taken during the shadow wolves' attack."
Rei stepped forward, her tone less formal. "If you can share anything you remember about that day, it would help us. Our goal is to help your pack, nothing more."
The Beta wolf shifted uneasily. "My name is Shiori. I was stationed near the border when the attack started. There was this… sound, like whispering, but it wasn't coming from anywhere I could see. And then the shadows moved—"
"Moved?" Hoshiyo prompted.
"Yes, like they were alive," Shiori said, trembling. "The last thing I saw was a pup dragged into the dark. I couldn't move. I just froze."
"You did your best. Thank you for telling us," Rei added.
"No, I didn't do my best," Shiori sighed, his voice heavy with regret. "I wish I could have done more for them. But thank you—for your kind words. Do what I couldn't."
"We will," Hoshiyo replied warmly, her tone filled with reassurance. "Keep doing your best, and don't lose hope. The fight isn't over yet."
Shiori gave a slight nod, then turned to rejoin his fellow warriors and friends inside the market. His posture was lighter, though his steps betrayed lingering guilt. Still, the exchange had lifted his spirits, if only slightly. Around the village, it became clear that many wolves avoided talking about the attack, eager to bury the pain of the past. For Hoshiyo, Rei, and Kuzunoha, this reluctance made gathering valuable information a slow, uphill battle.
Further up the tree, Hoshiyo and Rei navigated through bustling trader markets and herbal foragers, their eyes scanning for anyone willing to talk. The higher they climbed, the colder the air became, and the falling snow blanketed their fur in a delicate white sheen.
As they neared the canopy, the pair spotted a small group gathered around a fire under a canopy of frost-covered leaves. The elders rested there while Omegas nearby practiced drills, their movements earnest if unpolished. The savory aroma of steak roasting over the fire wafted through the air, and the elders spoke in low, rumbling tones.
Hoshiyo seized the opportunity, stepping forward with a respectful nod. "Excuse me. I'm sorry to interrupt your meal, but I was hoping to ask you a few questions."
The elders exchanged curious glances before a gray elder with a scarred muzzle spoke, her voice rough but welcoming. "You must be the out-of-town warriors we've heard about. We are honored to assist your search in any way we can. If needed, we can even send a few of our strongest warriors to join you tonight. I am Eiko, and our council is at your service."
Hoshiyo tilted her head thoughtfully. "Would I be able to choose who joins the team?"
Eiko nodded slowly, considering her request. "I'll ask on your behalf. For now, tell us how we can assist you directly. What do you need?"
Hoshiyo's gaze swept over the group, and she smiled. "Information—anything you know about the shadow wolves, their tactics, or the attack. Every detail matters."
Eiko's eyes narrowed slightly, her expression hardening. "Then you should sit. There is much to discuss."
As the fire crackled and snow fell, the wolves began to share their stories. Hoshiyo listened carefully, knowing each word might bring them closer to unraveling the mystery of the forbidden tunnels.
Rei sat beside them, her voice respectful. "We're trying to understand what happened. Anything you can share might help."
Eiko replied, "The attack wasn't just brute force—it was precise. The shadow wolves knew where to strike and how to cause the most fear. This wasn't random."
The Omega, a young wolf with wide, frightened eyes, added, "They took more than the pups. I saw them dragging away anyone who resisted, no matter their rank."
Hoshiyo's jaw tightened. "Did anyone see where they were taken?"
Eiko shook her head solemnly. "Only as far as the Rootshade. Beyond that… it's a mystery."
"Which means someone—or something—is leading them," Hoshiyo said, her voice dropping into a serious tone.
Rei nodded, her snowy fur lightly dusted with frost. "We'll need to be ready for anything. If they can manipulate shadows, the caverns may be even more dangerous than we imagined."
Eiko hesitated, then added, "There are rumors whispered among the shopkeepers. Some believe there's a legendary artifact hidden within the tree—the Heart of the Kodama. It's said to be the source of life here, the reason this tree has stood for ages, long before humans ever lived here."
Hoshiyo's ears perked up as a thought clicked in her mind. She fixed Eiko with a sharp look. "A Yokai is living in the tree—and it's angry. It's attacking because of something the village did. So, tell me—what did you do?"
Eiko's eyes widened, genuine shock flickering across her face. "We didn't do anything. I swear to you." Her voice trembled as though part of her feared Hoshiyo might be right.
Before Hoshiyo could press further, a deep, resonant bell tolled through the massive tree. The sound echoed like a warning cry, and chaos erupted within the village. Wolves darted frantically in all directions, some racing to the treetops, seeking height safety, while others dashed to prepare for battle.
Hoshiyo's sharp gaze caught the Beta wolves charging downward, heading toward the Rootshade. Her muscles tensed as she dropped to all fours. "What's happening? Are we under attack?"
Eiko's voice was barely a whisper; she said, "The shadow wolves… they're back."
Hoshiyo locked eyes with Rei, a silent understanding passing between them. This wasn't just another attack—it was an escalation. The shadow wolves had returned, and the time had come to delve deep into the tree's roots to uncover the truth. If a Yokai's wrath was behind this, it meant danger far beyond shadow wolves. The survival of the entire village now depended on finding answers—and fast.
Hoshiyo's expression hardened as she leaped forward, charging down with the Beta wolves. Rei was close on her heels, her eyes sharp. From the chaos of the crowd, Kuzunoha emerged, darting through with graceful urgency to join them. Without hesitation, she fell into stride, focused on the fight ahead.
"The shadow wolves are back for round two," Kuzunoha said. "And they're angrier than ever."
Hoshiyo glanced over her shoulder, a confident smirk tugging at her lips. "Good," she replied. "Because now they've got us to deal with."
The trio surged ahead, their resolve unshaken as the sounds of growls and chaos grew louder in the distance. Together, they were ready to face whatever waited in the shadows.
The air was tense as Hoshiyo, Rei, and Kuzunoha charged into the fray, paws pounding against the frost-coated ground. The battlefield near the tree's massive roots was a storm of movement and sound—snarls and growls clashed with the defenders' cries. Shadow wolves darted in and out of sight, their dark forms twisting unnaturally as they moved, like living shadows slipping between cracks of light.
"Stick together!" Hoshiyo barked, her red eyes flickering as she leaped at the nearest shadow wolf. Her claws met its inky form, slicing through its smoky exterior. The creature let out a distorted growl before dissipating into the cold air, but two more took its place.
Rei was a blur of blue fur beside her, lunging low and catching a shadow wolf's leg in her jaws before tossing it aside with feral strength. "They don't fight like normal wolves!" she shouted. "They're trying to draw us apart—don't let them!"
On the other side, Kuzunoha held her ground with graceful precision, her white fur glowing faintly under the dim light. She dodged a swipe aimed at her flank and retaliated with a slash of her claws, her voice calm despite the chaos. "Focus on breaking through! The caverns are our goal!"
A howl split the air, and a familiar figure bounded toward them—Shiori, the young Beta wolf they'd met earlier. His silver-gray coat was smeared with dirt and blood, but his eyes burned with rage. "Over here!" he shouted, carving a path through the enemy ranks with a calculated ferocity. "I know the fastest way to the caverns!"
"Cover him!" Hoshiyo ordered, launching herself at a shadow wolf blocking Shiori's path. Her strength sent it sprawling, and she wasted no time dispatching it with a precise bite.
Rei and Kuzunoha flanked Shiori, clearing his sides as he led the group. "The shadow wolves are everywhere," Shiori panted, glancing back. "They're guarding the entrance like it's sacred. Whatever's down there, they don't want us to find it."
"Then we're definitely going in," Hoshiyo growled.
The entrance to the caverns loomed ahead—a jagged opening in the tree's roots, pulsing with an ominous energy. A cluster of shadow wolves guarded the gate, their forms swirling like living storms. Shiori did not hesitate, charging into the fray with a fierce snarl.
Hoshiyo, Rei, and Kuzunoha were behind him, their movements a seamless dance of strength and precision. The shadow wolves fought with an unnatural hunger, but the combined power of the group began to push them back.
Hoshiyo glanced at Shiori. "This is where it gets dangerous. Are you sure you're ready for this?"
Shiori met her gaze and barked. "I'm not turning back now. Let's end this."
Hoshiyo nodded, a flicker of respect in her eyes. "Then let's move."