Storm Wolf: Tranquil waters - 49. Chapter 10 - Cirrus clouds 10.5 - FIN

As the slowly ascending transport pod moved, I quietly listened to the metallic clangs that echoed through each layer of the underground structure. It had only been three days since I left the Senate, yet why did it feel like... a long time had passed?

This scene reminded me of the time spent with Qana at the Colosseo.

What is he doing now?

And also... Did Master Dawn really mean what I think she did? "You have his jawline." Seriously, could that sentence have any other meaning besides indicating that Qana was the donor for my jaw transplant surgery--which obviously makes no sense, but neither does any other explanation.

I had never heard anyone talk about what my father looked like or anything of the sort, but it's impossible that Piqsirpoq wouldn't recognize him, right? Although, according to my brother, our father left the Senate when he was nine, and I don't even know how old my father was. But in any case, Qana couldn't possibly be my biological father.

I sighed, deciding to put this question aside for now. I trust that Master Dawn knows the answer. She made sure I would return to see her, and it's a truth I cannot refuse to uncover. So... did Master Dawn do this on purpose? Or, as she claimed, did she simply... want to see me?

She knew... my mother, and we share similar waveform segments, which probably points to a very simple explanation: that we are related by blood.

Interesting events are piling up one after another.

If it weren't for the blue pill delivered daily, diligently doing its job, helping me sleep soundly last night, I would have been stuck in some sort of endless cycle of troubled dreams. I'm incredibly grateful that sleep has once again become purely restful--and so far, I haven't experienced the most common side effects.

"We're here!" Kotetsu senpai announced, stepping out of the pod first.

After Hemp senpai walked out, I exchanged a glance with Tadao, and we decided to follow them.

The scorching sun--this was the first time I truly understood the meaning of that word.

A blinding fireball was radiating an endless surge of heat, and the salty breeze greeted us, mixed with warmth. The sky was beautiful, clear blue, blending into the horizon so seamlessly that it was hard to distinguish the boundary between the sky and the sea. Shallow waves lapped at the white sand, and their rhythmic sound seemed capable of soothing any anxious soul.

"You said 'the surface'..." Tadao mumbled. It was hard to catch what he was saying, but the red deer's expression made his thoughts clear.

"This is the surface," Hemp senpai said with a slightly smug smile, nudging Altai wapiti with his elbow, prompting the latter to roll his eyes.

"Where are we?" I saw a few palm trees like plants, unsure if they were native. Scenes like this--tropical islands--were something I'd only ever seen in records. Such a vast beach... we probably weren't on Gaia.

"No one knows," Kotetsu senpai said. "There's shielding all around, and I'm sure the Academy doesn't encourage cadets to test their limits." He pointed toward the horizon.

I heard some sounds and looked in that direction, only to see many different species engaging in... some kind of activity?

"First, we'll change," Kotetsu senpai said, following my gaze. "Then, we can join the party!"

"A party?" I asked, but still followed the seniors into an unidentifiable pod-like room. The standalone facility sat between a few palm trees, the only man-made structure on the beach, looking somewhat out of place.

"It's a small Academy tradition," Hemp senpai explained. "Celebrating surviving another year without any incomprehensible, surreal accidents, and welcoming new members."

"Sounds... inspiring," Tadao muttered. He kept glancing around, clearly intrigued by the scene. Was he looking for material for a new module?

"Quite exhilarating, right?" Kotetsu senpai sounded excited. "So... standard beach party attire?"

Uh... what?

"Give me sunglasses; I forgot to wear my tint lenses," Hemp senpai muttered, looking a little embarrassed. "I don't want to cause another accident..."

"And you two, no taboos, right?" Kotetsu senpai was operating a terminal on the wall.

"Taboos?" Tadao asked, glancing at Shepherd. "I don't quite get it..."

"Staring into Hemp's eyes will turn some herbivores into stone," Kotetsu senpai gave us a mischievous grin, though it was clear border collie didn't appreciate the humor.

"That's not funny at all," Hemp senpai growled. "Before I decide to kick your ass, hurry up!"

"Wow, someone's in a bad mood," Kotetsu senpai made a calming gesture before turning back to the terminal. "Alright, beach party, here we come!"

Altai wapiti exaggeratedly pressed the terminal, confirming the command, and then... our clothes were disintegrated.

"Huh?" Tadao gasped in surprise, clearly caught off guard by the sudden development.

My mind went blank for a moment, so I didn't react. By the time I was ready to protest, the process was complete.

Tadao was now wearing a brightly colored shirt with patterns so vivid it looked like he'd rolled through a paint palette, paired with shorts in the same style.

Hemp senpai adjusted his sunglasses, completely covering his eyes. In his all-black cropped pants, he looked... very monochromatic.

I glanced down at myself, now wearing nothing but a pair of teal shorts, making me feel quite exposed.

Though I didn't really mind, since my three layers of fur provided a little illusion of safety, I would have preferred to choose the color of my shorts. Too much green--I'd like a bit bluer.

But when I looked up at Kotetsu senpai, my brain short-circuited again. Hmm... let's just say, that light-colored fur of his extended quite far down... and, uh, the rest of him looked as I had imagined.

"...It's a quantum entanglement application, so don't worry about psychic interference," Kotetsu senpai was explaining to Tadao, then seemed to notice my reaction. "Is something wrong? If there's anything you don't like, it can always be changed." He turned back to the terminal and tapped a few buttons.

"No," I immediately turned my head to the side, using the most natural tone I could manage. "I like it... I mean, I'm very satisfied..." My ears must have been burning. "...I think it's fine." I finally found a less awkward way to say it.

"Alright then, party time!" Kotetsu senpai exclaimed and rushed out.

Hemp senpai sighed, adjusted his sunglasses again, and followed him out of the room.

Tadao gave me a concerned look, but I shook my head slightly, signaling that everything was fine. He accepted my response and followed them out.

Now, it was just me left.

Taking a few deep breaths, I stretched, trying to get used to the feeling of so much fur directly exposed to the air. It was... warmer than I expected, much more comfortable. I raised my snout, sniffing the air--the salty sea breeze stirred memories.

That gave me courage.

So, with the steadiest steps I could muster, I walked out of the small room and into the vibrant warmth of the outdoors.

Conclusion: I've done my best. Big social events full of people really aren't for me.

I drifted around the drink bar for a while, unable to strike up a conversation with anyone because everywhere I looked, it was full of wolves!

Damn, the disdainful looks they gave me, almost enough to make my fur stand on end.

Suppressing the feeling of defeat, I moved away from the crowd, trying to find a quiet place to be alone.

"You're another Snow!" Suddenly, a gray-black figure jumped in front of me. "There are so many Snows, you all look alike!" It was that slightly dazed-looking husky. He still had the same blank expression, but now with a lot more excitement.

"Uh..." I didn't know what to say, so I could only utter a meaningless sound.

"And your eyes are so beautiful!" The husky was immune to awkwardness. "Can I take a closer look?"

Before I could respond, he had already leaned in, pressing his nose right up to my face. In his brown eyes, I saw my own startled reflection.

"I'm Hunter," he took a step back, as if suddenly remembering he should introduce himself. "Hunter Siberia." The husky's left side seemed to want to bow, while his right side tried to shake my hand.

It threw me off a little, but I decided that shaking hands would be easier.

"Richter," I said, and at the same time, I recognized the seal on the ring on his right hand--it was a marquis' signet.

"Oh, I always forget to put it away, but I'm afraid I'll forget where I left it." Noticing my gaze, Hunter's ears and tail drooped, and he morosely fiddled with the ring a bit.

"Um..." Just seeing him like that filled me with a strong sense of guilt, so I tried to say something to break the awkward silence.

"Ah, right, that's it!" The husky suddenly perked up again, his infectious energy making me take a step back. "You have to try the cocktails they're offering; they're really pretty!"

"Oh," I just hoped they didn't put anything strange in the drinks. "So, you know..."

"But they're still not as pretty as your eyes!" The husky nearly pounced on me, making my tail and ears stand up reflexively. "Just let me have another look..." he murmured, and I tried my best to avoid touching our noses.

"I appreciate the compliment, but..." I tried to gently push Hunter away without being rude, but he suddenly jumped up and dashed toward the party.

"You have to try the cocktails!" He shouted without looking back, running at full speed ahead.

Well, I guess I've confirmed it--they definitely put something in the drinks.

I watched the husky charge back into the party, causing chaos and commotion. I shrugged, trusting that the psychics could handle the situation.

The sound of laughter from another direction caught my attention. A small group of canines was playing near the shore, throwing sparkling water balls through the air.

Piqsirpoq sped past, laughing as he sprinted effortlessly over the soft sand, with a furious... poodle chasing behind. His fluffy curls were soaked, making him almost unrecognizable.

The sight made me smile genuinely from the heart.

Stretching my body, I enjoyed the gentle sunlight and the warm sea breeze, while slowly examining the feelings budding deep within me.

Maybe one day, I'd actually be able to enjoy social events?

I quietly set that as my next goal, curious about where this new life would lead me.

Walking along the beach, I found a secluded spot.

A structure that looked like it used to be a seawall protruded from the sand. I climbed up and sat on it, wondering what it looked like before it got buried.

The tide came and went with a rhythmic swoosh. Letting my ears relax and fold back with the wind, I enjoyed the gentle warmth of the moist air brushing against the tips of my fur.

The tickling sensation made me instinctively wag my tail. Turning around, I shooed away a small arthropod that seemed overly interested in my tail. Some kind of... crab? I wasn't even sure if I was on Gaia.

Looking at the tip of my large white tail, I sifted through the fur, finding that one small patch of gray. Rubbing it between my thumb and forefinger, I felt its fine, soft texture--no different from the white part--and even if it were, I wouldn't care.

Letting go of my tail, I ran my fingers over the weathered concrete of the seawall, feeling the marks time had carved into it, listening to the cycle of life and death.

Another pleasant warm breeze blew past, and I instinctively lifted my snout, opening myself up to receive gentle caress. I could see at the farthest edge of the boundless blue sky, a wisp of cirrus cloud, and I could feel, deep beneath the endless blue sea, the dark currents that ran fathoms below.

But for now, I think I deserve to enjoy the beautiful weather.

For now, this is enough. Let me just, for a moment, lose myself in this perfect moment.

The water, was tranquil.

--Book one FIN