• Kioshi sighed. He was hungry, tired, and his paws ached. They had been traveling since sundown, and it was now around midnight. The moon was high and bright in the sky, providing barely any light for the two wolves.
    “Shen, I’m tired.” He said drowsily. Shen just nodded.
    “Well, we’ll have to find somewhere to sleep for the night. Or, what’s left of it.” She looked around, finding a small cave. She searched through, making sure it was safe. She gave a nod of approval. She shooed Kioshi in, meaning it was safe.
    He curled down, falling asleep in seconds. Sleep for Shen did not come as easily. She laid her head down, listening to the hoot of the owls and the chirping crickets.
    When there was a dab of light in the sky, Shen rose, her limbs stiff from the hard cave floor. She still hadn’t managed to sleep, but decided not to complain.
    She pawed at Kioshi. He didn’t budge. He pushed him a little more, and with a satisfied grunt, realized she had awoken him.
    “C’mon, sleepy head rise and shine.” Shen said, pushing away any of the drowsiness in her voice. Kioshi blinked sleepily a few times before rising slowly.
    They began their journey immediately, and stopped every now and then to hunt.

    Kioshi sighed, “Shen, we’ve been walking for hours. Can we please take a break?” The young pup whined for the fifth time. Shen had finally had enough of it.
    “Yes, I guess. Just quit bugging me,” She snapped, settling down in a grassy spot. “This looks pretty shady. It does feel kinda nice to rest.” Shen admitted.
    “See?” Kioshi scoffed, curling up next to her. He took deep breaths, in and out. A scuttling kind of noise made both wolves’ heads turn simultaneously towards the noise in curiosity.
    A low chuckle sounded, and a black figure prowled out. It definitely wasn’t a wolf – it was much smaller, and had a more fluffy tail than Shen nor Kioshi.
    “What are you kiddies doin’ out here in ‘is neck o’ the woods, eh?” He said slyly, his eyes suspicious, yet he was as curious as the two wolves.
    Kioshi growled, “Why are you here?” He bristled and stood up immediately.
    “Hah! Askin’ why I’m here. ‘Is where I live. Ye be the ones trespassin’,” He said, “Aye, enough. Let us build peace, not war. Anyway, I am Coy the Coyote - Coy for short.” He said calmly, padding a little closer to Shen and Kioshi.
    Shen sighed, “There really is no point in fighting…”
    Coy smiled. “I’m glad ye see it me way, lassie. Now, tell me ye name.” He mumbled, looking at Shen curiously. Kioshi growled quietly, and stayed by Shen protectively.
    “Aye, calm down. Ol’ Coy ain’t gonna hurt ya. If I was, I’d done it already, lad.” Coy said, standing calmly in place.
    Shen nodded, “I’m Shen,” She barked to Coy, “And this is Kioshi, my little brother.”
    The coyote nodded, “And what are you two youngsters doin’ out here, alone in this forest? It be dangerous to travel alone… where be ye parents?” Coy asked yet another question, walking forward slightly.
    “We’re on a journey to find the evil Yakedo and get revenge!” Shen said confidently, standing tall. “They… They killed our family. The Kaze clan is now gone from this forest… From this world.” Shen whispered, shaking her head.
    Coy’s eyes turned to sudden sympathy. There was a moment of an awkward silence, until Coy broke it.
    “I’m sorry ‘bout ye family…” He whispered, resting his tail on Shen’s shoulder. Kioshi, who had finally seen that Coy could be trusted, whimpered.
    "I should come with you, y'know, to help you an' all... You ain't able to fight all 'em Yakedo off at once. Ye just little pups..." Coy pointed out, tilting his head to the side.
    Shen nodded, her eyes lighting up, "Of course! Good thinking! You'll be able to help us, and it'll be easier! Okay, you are now officially part of our revenge group!"