It was time to pick him up. Amy had made sure that everything was set, and then she returned to the pack where she had dropped him off. She wondered how well his mission had gone. Hopefully he had gained information. Amy already knew a fair bit about the pack thanks to a discussion with an overly talkative puppy, but she wanted to test Kohaku, and gain more information on the pack if she could. Two birds with one stone.
Parking Amy remained as she was in the wagon. Moving around was getting more difficult with how close the birth of the pups were. It could be any day now, or it could be another week. She didn't know, just that it was really uncomfortable, and making her even more irritable than she normally was. Lifting her head she howled for Kohaku, and waited for the pup to appear, shifting to try and get more comfortable.
Finally, Amy was coming to get him. Although, in many ways Kohaku wished she would never return. He had failed her. The information he had gathered was almost nothing, and would't be of any use to Amy. Kohaku waited in the spot that Amy had left him in a week ago. The pup's ears were low and his tail was wrapped around his hind legs. Kohaku's head drooped low as his sad green eyes watched and waited for Amy to arrive. The pup had lost some weight during the week as he had only managed to eat the day before.
Scratches littered his face as a testimony to his failed hunt for crabs. Although he had managed to get some crab meat, it was only a minuscule amount. During his week alone, the pup had also managed to catch a mouse, but again, it hadn't been enough. The only day Kohaku had managed to get a decent meal was when he had stolen sausages from a luperci, and even then he had to be rescued.
A familiar howl called for him, and Kohaku nearly ran to Amy. She had become like a mother to him, but he knew he would be punished for failing. The boy ran over to Amy, wanting to bury his head into her legs. However, her massive stomach caught his attention and Kohaku froze. His mouth fell and he wasn't sure what was wrong with her. "Amy! What happened? Your even bigger." The golden dog's stomach had been growing in size for a while, and her scent had changed as well. But in the past week she had gotten even bigger and Kohaku was beginning to worry. He could see she couldn't move well and with a pack trying to hurt her, things would only get worse. Why was she swelling? Was she sick?
Kohaku ran towards Amy, critical eyes observing his presence. What had happened? There were scratches over his face, and he had lost weight. Had the pack hurt him? A low growl escaped, anger flashing in her eyes. Whoever was responsible for injuring him would be facing her wrath. Who hurt you? Kohaku had come close, but he paused before butting against her or anything like the affection she'd been expecting from him.
The question he asked wasn't one she'd expected. His eyes stared up in shock, and Amy realized that she had never told him that she was pregnant. She hadn't had the time. Don't worry, Kohaku. I'm not sick. How was she going to explain this? Amy had been taught about sex after walking in on her sister with one of her lovers. This was more difficult. You're going to be gaining a sibling soon.
There she was, his teacher and caretaker. Kohaku like Amy a lot, much more than his real mother. His real mother had abandoned him, while Amy took care of him and taught him so many things. The male wanted to be her real son and thought that their time together would last forever. Anger flashed in the golden dogs eyes as she gave a low growl. She asked him a question but all he did was shake his head and mumble, "Crabs.". He didn't want to talk, he just wanted to feel the comfort of her soft hands on his back. However, that stomach of hers stopped him.
Relief flooded Kohaku as Amy explained that she wasn't sick, although it was quickly followed up by confusion. The boy's knowledge of where pups came from was unbelievable limited. Most of his lessons were on deception and trickery, and even those lessons had been put on hold as Amy taught him some survival skills in preparation for their pursuit. So, Amy's enlarged stomach and getting a sibling seemed like two very different things. "But, why's your stomach big?"
Kohaku wasn't thrilled with the idea of getting a sibling. He knew he wasn't Amy's real son and was afraid that she would replace him. The young male was already upset with the fact that he had failed Amy, so hearing that she would get a new pup only made Kohaku feel worse. Sad green eyes looked up at Amy, telling her just how much he cared for her and how devastated he felt.
Crabs? He seemed a touch embarrassed about the subject as Amy reflected on it. Had he been hunting crabs? Didn't look like he'd done very well. Didn't look like the pack had cared for him either, weight lost from when she had dropped him off. Luckily it wouldn't take long for him to regain it. She'd make sure of that. There was no pack smell on Kohaku, suspicion of what had happened beginning to run through her. Kohaku hadn't finished his mission, had he? Despite all of her training and work.
A little angry with the thought, she listened as he questioned her again. Always so curious! That mouth would get him in trouble. Amy couldn't count the times she'd cuffed him for talking too much, though it did little to deter him. Possibly because she would answer his questions as often as she hit him for them. Kohaku didn't connect the dots, and Amy couldn't pick him up. Instead she indicated for him to jump beside her so she could talk. That's where the puppy is growing. Hopefully he wouldn't ask anything further. Explaining this was hard.
Kohaku didn't really want to talk about his experience with the crabs. He had been hungry and he wasn't able to catch enough in the forest. In an attempt to find more food, the pup had gone after crabs along the shore. Just as he thought, Amy wasn't too happy with him. Amy was smart and could probably work out that his mission had failed. She was going to punish him for sure, although Kohaku had punished himself plenty with those crabs.
The pup was half expecting to be hit for his question, but he wanted to know why Amy had become so big. His curiosity was strong and had gotten him into trouble a lot; like that time with the porcupine, or when ever Amy hit him for talking too much. A gesture came from the golden dog, commanding him to join her on the wagon. Kohaku was more than happy to comply, even if it did mean getting smacked. Bunching his shoulders, he leapt up onto the wagon, scrambling a little as his back legs didn't quite make it.
With some effort, the uncoordinated pup was able to climb onto the wagon where he sat proudly next to Amy. While Amy talked, Kohaku affectionately licked her fingers as his tail wagged happily behind him. He had missed her scent. Kohaku didn't quite understand what Amy meant when she said a pup was growing inside her. That sounded weird to him. Still, he didn't question the logic as his focus had turned back to Amy's affection. "Well, long as your not sick. But, do we have to get another puppy?" The boy nudged her arm with his nose and whined, his own way of asking to be pet.
Kohaku joined her side happily, leaping up. He was a bit clumsy in his movement, but Amy's training in fighting would help with that. A fighter couldn't be clumsy, after all. He'd have to have good balance, or it would kill him. All this with time, of course. Right now Amy was busy teaching him as much as she could about surviving on his own, such as what was poisonous, how to make a good trade, and earning the trust of others while making sure they couldn't manipulate him.
Absentmindedly she began to pet Kohaku, a behavior she did whenever she was thinking about something and the pup was close by. Yes. I need an heir to carry on my name. I would have preferred more choice in the matter, but the pup is coming. She wanted to kill the father. That feeling hadn't ended. The next time she met him Amy swore that he wouldn't be able to hurt her. IN fact, she would have her revenge. That would be nice.
For the past month, the pup's growth had increased substantially. He was gaining nearly two pounds per week and the constant travel had only made the growth spurts increase. The pup found himself tripping over everything, not entirely used to his suddenly larger body. The pup was naturally clumsy, which only added to the number of embarrassing moments. His teething had also gotten worse as old teeth were slowly replaced with new ones.
Kohaku loved it when Amy petted him. It had become her habit, and one the pup thoroughly enjoyed. Kohaku's tail loudly thumped against the wood, but stopped again when Amy spoke of an air. Why couldn't he be her heir? Well, at least the pup wasn't her first choice. Emerald eyes looked out into the forest, the question he had always wanted to ask but was too scared to loomed on his mind. "Amy...I..." The pup paused, unsure if he really wanted to know the answer. Taking a big gulp of air, he started again. "Amy, will you... will you also abandon me?"
The pup's tail banged against the wagon, echoing as she tugged on the reins and turned the horse to start walking away. She had found a calm camp in the center of the woods for her to have her pups, complete with a cave. There would be no medic at this birth. The dog wanted to howl, shout how unfair it was to the world. Bringing a Sunders into the world as if she was a common animal! There was no choice though, not with the danger that was around. Amy would just have to keep how they were born a secret.
The start of a sentence brought Amy's attention back to Kohaku, away from the fate of her children. He was being surprisingly hesitant for one raised to be bold and confident. She had done her best to mold him, though there was resistance at times. The question that came caught Amy off guard, actually looking down to the pup's green eyes. His question was so earnest, a small whine slipping from the dog as she looked at him. I won't abandon you. You belong to me, and I never let go of what's mine. She fondled his ears, a surprising softness in her eyes as she looked at the stolen pup.
At last the wagon began to move, signaling that it was time to move on. Kohaku had gotten used to the familiar jerks of the cart, finding the movement calming and almost homely. The pup had completely adjusted to his traveling lifestyle, and he enjoyed it thoroughly. Even though Amy could sometimes be harsh to him and the never-ending journey could get tiresome, he still loved to be with his golden guardian. It was just her and him... and the slave, but slaves didn't count. The only thing that could make Kohaku's life perfect would be if Amy was his real mommy.
Kohaku knew that he was being to hesitant and expected Amy to yell at him for it. She always taught him to be strong and confident. He wasn't supposed to show any weakness. Yet, he couldn't help it. The thought of her abandoning him had plagued his dreams and waking nightmares. A small wine came from Amy as she looked down at him. The gesture actually surprised him as Amy never showed her weakness.
At long last, a definite answer that Kohaku could be happy with. He was hers. Even if they weren't related, Amy wouldn't abandon him. The dog rubbed his ear affectionately, and Kohaku let out a happy whine as his tail resumed pounding against the wood. The boy rolled over onto his belly and let his oversized paws hang in the air. Kohaku lifted his head a little so that he could try to playfully nip at Amy's fingers. His pink tongue flopped out of his mouth as a goofy smile spread across his face. "Yeah! Next time, I'm gonna make you proud Amy. I'll show you that I can be the best spy ever."
Kohaku's pleased whine embarrassed Amy, turning away. Really, what kind of servant had she raised? His emotions were so soft and vulnerable. Amy had done her best to raise him to be strong, and here he was, soft as pudding. She'd have to teach him a lesson, make sure that he knew emotions were to be kept locked away. After all, it was through emotion that she was able to manipulate and control others. They were blatant tags telling her to use others. With Kohaku it had been useful, molding him just right, but now she needed to make sure that others weren't able to do the same.
Lifting her hand she dodged the nipping, a slight glare shot down at him. She wasn't interested in playing, she just wanted to find a comfortable spot to settle down and keep her pups safe until they were born. The time was near, Amy knew that, with only a week left. She'd been pregnant often enough to know the truth, even if they had all died on her. Kohaku was the closest she'd had to a child, raising him the best she could. Molding Bridget was of interest as well, of course, but nowhere near how close she and Kohaku was. She didn't live with Bridget after all. Shaking her head Amy looked ahead. We'll see. He'd have to do better next time. There was no choice for him.
Amy was the best, there was no question about it. Kohaku was glad his mother had given him away. Even though Amy could be rough sometimes, there were a lot of times when she was really gentle and kind. She fed him and gave him toys. She played with him and taught him so many things. Kohaku laughed a little as Amy turned away from him. The stolen pup was completely and blissfully unaware of the truth.
Kohaku settled down a little when Amy glared at him. Although he was in a playful mood, she most certainly wasn't. He wanted to protest, say that he would try his best not to bite too hard. Amy's words weren't all that encouraging and the pups ears drooped. That's right, he had just failed his first mission. A little sad, Kohaku went back to his usual routine of chewing on anything he could find. Namely, his own foot. The young male was in the middle of teething, so chewing felt wonderful.
