READ: This is my new fiction story, starring the main character- you! Just to let you know, this is the first time I’ve done something like this, so bear with me if I make some mistakes. Okay, well, you can keep your name and your looks- unless I say so otherwise... Your name will be represented by , but you will only maintain your name under certain circumstances in the story. Your true name is Timbaray (which means “Graceful warrior of the moon” in the ancient tongue). The reason why you can’t always use your name is because you’re a ninja and you need to keep your identity secret. Oh yeah, if I, as the author have something to say, I will use parenthesis to do so. Anything else you need to know? No, so let’s get started!

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You’re sitting in history class, just kind of zoning out. It’s one of those average days- boring and uneventful. You sigh, while listening to the teacher’s lengthy lecture and stare at the clock for the thousandth time, hoping that the minute hand will finally strike 3:00 and free you from this tedious prison. Ugh... you think as you realize that there was still twenty more minutes left until the bell rings.

“?” Your head shoots up from your previous position, which was lying wearily on the desk. Mrs. Hallow says, “Are you listening? Why don’t you tell me how the thirteen colonies expanded in North America after the revolution?”

“Uhh...” You weren’t stupid- it’s just that you weren’t listening either. Usually you got A’s and B’s in your classes and got along well with your teachers, although you rarely put any effort in your work.

“I didn’t think you were paying attention, . Next time I catch you dozing off, I’ll have to give you detention,” your teacher says curtly. Yup, this is my life, just leave it to me to mess things up, you thought to yourself.

After the bell rings, allowing you freedom at last, you burst out of the classroom, glad that you would have time to do whatever you wished. You raced through the halls only to bump into someone, while turning the corner. “Ouch!” you let out, since the edge of your binder sliced your arm in the collision. “Watch where you’re going,” you said without looking at the person you smashed into, and turned to leave.

“Hey wait, !” You turned around to see that it was Riley, the senior in your history class. He brushed the dark brown hair from his green eyes. “Sorry about that,” Riley said. You stared at him. It was then that you noticed that he was really cute. (Kind of ironic, since half of the year was already over...) “Umm...I was wondering- are you available this weekend?”

You answered, “What’s it to you?”

“I don’t know. I just wanted to see if you wanted to hang out, ya know? maybe go to the movies or something...”

“Well, that’s too bad- I’m busy,” you replied abruptly.

“Perhaps another time,” Riley said, calmly.

“Probably not.”

“What do you have against me, ? I just want to hang out.”

You didn’t know what to say to that. Honestly, you didn’t have anything against him- it was just that you were always busy, with your training and all... You awkwardly turned on your heel and walked away quickly, surprised that Riley didn’t try to stop you. When you got outside, you see the shadow of a nearby tree twitch.

“Hello, Joran,” you said, after realizing that there was no one else around. A tall figure slipped out of the tree and gracefully landed on the ground in front of you. He was wearing the classical Wolf Clan ninja suit- dark blue with a slight hue of indigo and a katana (A type of Japanese sword for all those who don't know) strapped on his back. His black bangs, were loosely covering his forehead and his gray eyes were full of laughter.

“Who was that?” he asked in a mocking tone.

“You weren’t spying on me again, were you?” Before you let him answer, you continued accusing him sarcastically, “Because I just know that my best friend is not spying on me. My best friend did not just spy on me!” Joran and you have known each other since the both of you were in diapers. He was a full two years older than you and had already graduated from high school just last year. He seemed to be enjoying his freedom, and never misses a chance to make fun of you, since you’re only a junior in high school.

“I’ll admit it- I was, in fact, spying on you.” Joran didn’t have a hint of guilt in his voice. “Now tell me- who was that?”

Ignoring his question, you retorted, “One of these days, you are going to get yourself in trouble. You know that Master Renkai does not approve of clan members sneaking around in the public, fully decked out in uniform, unless, of course, we’re taking drastic measures.”

“Oh, come on- you are so serious sometimes! Besides there’s a reason that you’re ignoring my question! Who was that guy?!”

Not wanting to answer his question, since you really didn’t know how to reply to it, you decided to change the subject. “Last one to the dojo has to scrub the wooden floors!” You bolted off at the amazing speed only a ninja can conjure- a speed not even visible to the naked eye.

“Hey! Not fair- you got a head start!” you hear Joran yelling behind you. You don’t bother to respond, since by that time you were well over fifty yards away from him.

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Both you and Joran were scrubbing the wooden floors of the dojo, which was hard and manual labor- something the two of you were appointed to do on Friday and Monday afternoons. Joran had convinced you that since you had a head start, you did not fairly beat him to the dojo, although the both of you knew that you probably would have won without the advantage, anyway. It was fine with you, though- at least Joran dropped the subject of Riley, which was your goal in the first place.

“You would think that in the year 2005, ninjas, like us would have upgraded our way of life by now and use vacuum cleaners, like everyone else,” Joran said sarcastically.

“Yeah, well, you know Master Renkai- he prefers old ways,” you answered. “Besides, you got to admit- this is a pretty good way to perfect someone’s discipline.”

“Ha ha, very funny. How about you go perfect your discipline, while I see where the wolves are?”

“Hmm... That’s a good question. Ramacus is usually back by now...” you pondered out loud. Ramacus is your companion- a gorgeous black and gray wolf, who’s been with you for two years now. (By the way, you are seventeen.) Members of the Wolf Clan have a wolf companion, whom is bestowed upon them when they become of age- at fifteen years old. There is a special ceremony to unite the two comrades together for eternity as partners and as friends. One special connection that varies between the wolves in the Clan and the average household pet, is that master and companion can communicate through means of telekinesis. Ramacus’ voice is neither feminine, nor masculine, although you know that he is a male wolf. Only the two united comrades can hear each other’s voice- no one else can communicate through telepathic ability with another Clan member‘s wolf. It is said to be fate that brings human and wolf together with such an indestructible bond. Nevertheless, you saw Ramacus and heard his voice when you became of age, after taking a sip of the divine water that is sacred among all ninja clans.

“Where could Akerkeira have gone? Like you said, Timbaray, it’s getting really late,” Joran stated. (Remember, inside the Wolf Clan, your name is Timbaray.) Akerkeira is Joran’s wolf companion- a elegant brown female wolf, that reminded you of rich, dark chocolate.

Suddenly, outside of the dojo, you hear a piercing howl, and most of the clan’s wolves bounded inside, greeting you and Joran, licking your faces and giving small barks of laughter. “Rama! Where have you been? How was the hunt?” you asked out loud.

Like always, I’ve missed your company, but the hunt was successful. With Rajuko, Vixen, Kiata, and Akerkeira, we managed to have a feast by bringing down a large stag, Ramacus replied, happily in your head.

He answered just as you thought he would. Not all of the Clan’s wolves got along and usually hunted in different groups, even though they were all one mighty pack. Vixen and Kiata were two of the many wolves that belonged to the clan as a whole. Those who are not any clan member’s particular companion, but they are always there to help in times of need, are known as steadfast wolves- always there but not for their own benefits and nevertheless, still a part of the Wolf Clan.

You dropped down on your knees and gave both Vixen and Kiata hugs. Kiata’s gray fur was rough, but warm and comforting. Vixen’s dazzling, sand-colored coat on the other hand was incredibly silky and lustrous. They were very dear to you, despite their positions. You then turned around to Master Renkai’s wolf, Rajuko, and patted his glossy, brown-almost red head. His mouth curved into a canine- smile, as his eyes sparkled and his tail wagged. You’ve always admired Rajuko for some reason. He had your grandfather’s (Master Renkai is your grandfather. Why? Because I say so.) kindness, but persistent authority. Like human, like wolf, you thought.

“So, I see that most of the Clan’s wolves have returned.” You turn to look at the doorway and see Meraiei, one of the elders.

“Meraiei, hello,” you said, while both you and Joran gave a small bow to the Clan’s oldest active member. Meraiei was getting frailer with every mission- after all she was even older than your own grandfather- but all the same, still demands to be involved.

Meraiei smiled as Busca, her own wolf, joined her side. “I also see that the wooden floors of this dojo have been scrubbed nicely,” she commented.

“Thank you, Meraiei. Joran and I have been scrubbing all afternoon,” you quickly replied, glad that your hard work is being appreciated.

“May I ask why you have come?” Joran questioned politely. It was true that mostly all of the members of the Wolf Clan lived in chambers within the dojo, but Meraiei rarely visited other areas anymore, because of her on-going fatigue.

“I have come to tell the both of you to round up the wolves,” Meraiei stated gravely. “There is going to be a burglary tonight at the Imperial museum. Our enemy- the Panther Clan will be pilfering at midnight. Luckily, our scouts have somehow managed to hear about the robbery, before it has actually happened. So round up our wolves- we will need all the help we can get.”

“Should I send Akerkeira to warn our allies- the Tiger, Falcon and Mustang Clans for back up? They are always ready to aid us,” Joran inquired.

“No,” Meraiei answered. “Master Renkai says that we should be enough to stop the Panthers. Now hurry!”

This was not your first time to intercept a burglary- as a matter of fact, you’ve done it many times before. It was just that the Panther Clan was very difficult to seize, because they were stealthy and quick, just like the Wolf Clan. Your Clan and the Panthers have been rivals since your ancestors lived in ancient Asia. There has been an on-going battle between good and evil Clans for thousands of years, but you had no doubt that the ones between the Panthers and the Wolves were the fiercest. So far, neither the Panther nor the Wolf Clan has been able the claim victory- it seems like the battle will never end.

You voiced a command to Ramacus verbally, "Rama, go find the rest of the pack and get back here as soon as possible! We're going to need you!" Ramacus barked a reply and ran out of the dojo, howling an elegant tone to call the other wolves.

Meanwhile, you race into your chambers and dressed in the appropriate garments, like what Joran was already wearing- a dark blue ninja suit, flexible, black leather boots, and a light katana named Orynelle. You were about to run out into the meeting hall, but then hesitate. You look back at the opposite wall. On a shelf was a pair of nicely carved antique charcrams. (A type of circular weapon that comes back to the user when thrown, like a boomerang) You run across the room and pick them up, strapping them to your waist. These may come in handy in a tight spot, you said to yourself. The charcram wasn't your best weapon, to be honest- yet you have been practicing a whole lot lately and wanted to prove your skills with this new weapon.

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The meeting hall was as crowded as ever: members of the Clan- wolves and humans bustled in and out of the doors. The people were decked out in appropriate dress, and the wolves were gleaming. You strode in quickly, Ramacus at your heels. “Timbaray!” you recognized the sound of Joran’s voice, through the large, noisy crowd. “Hey! All twenty-nine Clan members are here and all fifty-seven wolves are, too. We’ve got 100 attendance, so we should be able to bring down those filthy Panthers easily!”

“Do not underestimate the power of the Panther Clan, young Joran.” At those words everyone, even the wolves became quiet. Master Renkai paced through the doors steadily- Rajuko trotting honorably at his side. His graying beard was brushed neatly, as always- his head held high with pride. Along with the classic Wolf Clan ninja suit, he was wearing the Medallion. The Medallion was passed down from generation to generation, Clan leader to Clan leader. Rumors had been forming about you being the next chosen Leader, but no one knew for sure what was going on in Master Renkai’s head. After all, you are his granddaughter- although it wasn’t like Master Renkai to be so superficial, as to make his heir a relative, just to be so. Your grandfather continued, “The panthers may not be as strong as we are individually, but even so, they out number us five to one.” The room was silent as everyone listened to Master Renkai’s wise words.

He cleared his throat. “We must tread carefully tonight. The Panthers are vicious fighters with not a sense of dignity. We are compelled to stop this larceny without harming any innocents. Do not kill unless you must. Do I make my self clear?”

“Yes, sir!” the Clan members replied in unison.

Ramacus, stay close to me, you told your wolf, mentally. We have to be careful. Our last meeting with the Panthers was nearly a disaster.

Hmph… Those Panthers will definitely be expecting us. Maybe it’s a trap, Ramacus answered.

Even if it is a trap, we have to do something about it- It’s not like the Clan can sit here and watch, while the museum’s ancient artifacts are being seized!

You’re right, Timbaray, Ramacus responded respectfully.

The Wolf Clan, all dressed in uniform were ready for action- whether it be fighting to the death or just reclaiming a few stolen items. “Let’s move out,” Master Renkai said gravely. The museum was down town, but not too far away- only about twenty miles, which is nothing for a skilled ninja to overcome. When going on missions, like this, the Clan usually travels, single file in two lines, hopping over buildings and houses, as easily as if it were just an obstacle course in gym class. Even the wolves knew how to jump from edifice to edifice, effortlessly. You remembered how you first learned how to leap like that, when you were about eight. Heights weren’t your forte then, but now, with practice and determination, you felt like you were flying.

As you and the rest of the clan reached the museum, Ramacus spoke to you, Timbaray, the Panthers are not here yet. I do not smell their fresh scent anywhere. Either we’re early or this is as we’ve suspected- a trap.

You said: Don’t worry, we’ll be fine. We are a bit early… You turned to your grandfather who was staring at Rajuko, and knew instantly, that the red wolf was relaying the same information to Master Renkai that Ramacus was referring to you. Tension was beginning to build throughout the Clan, as wolves and humans spoke among themselves.

Suddenly, all the wolves turned their heads toward the top of the museum. You could feel Ramacus’ fur standing up on his back as he let out a low snarl. Kiata and Vixen were at your side, also growling fiercely. You scowled at a figure above the roof of the museum, knowing that it was the Panther Clan’s leader, Balthamos.