使い捨てのヒーロー
                                       (A Disposable Hero)
                                            By J.M.Wolf

"Transcend life and death. When you eliminate all thoughts about life and death, you will be able to totally disregard your earthly life. This will also enable you to concentrate your attention on eradicating the enemy with unwavering determination."

                                               *****
A golden Akita sat on the the grass, looking over Hitokappu Bay from the emerald hill. He let out a sigh as he closed the book he was reading. His brown eyes looked up at the cloudy sky. A single tear rolled down his cheek. The Akita put the book down on the radiant grass; he wiped the tear from under his eye.

                                               *****
I'm Hachikō Ueno, a golden Akita-inu.
I am commander of a Nakajima B5M for the Imperial Japanese Navy Kido Butai.

                                               *****

Date: November 25, 1941
Location: Hitokappu Bay, Irutup Island, Japan

I walked back to the Hitokappu station. It flourished with life, which was a rare sight. This naval station was usually abandoned. But due to recent circumstances, it was inhabited by the Imperial Japanese Army and their family members.

Large crowds filled the main street of the station. The local shops were overwhelmed by the excessive number of customers. Furs yelling out what was for sale added to the ruckus that indulged the street. Every now and then the commotion would seize as furs moved to the side, letting an army vehicle pass. Preparations were going on all around, whether it was preparing for tomorrows departure or tonight's final goodbyes.

I wrestled my way through the otter infestation that was Hitokappu's crowd. Talk about being a fish out of water. I was one of the only akitas in the all-otter island. I felt like a foreigner in my own country, but I wasn’t complaining. I was transferred over from the Tsuchiura Naval Air Base to serve under the great akita admiral of the Imperial Japanese Navy Strike Force. It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance offered to me, so I took it.

Everyone knows the great Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. He's recognized as Japan's greatest naval strategist. Envy swept my Tsuchiura peers when I was chosen by the admiral himself to commandeer a torpedo bomber for the Kido Butai. I was grouped with two arrogant otters from Hitokappu to pilot the bomber, but it was all worth it. I got to meet a famous military leader and through him, the love of my life.

I took a turn into a nearby alley, escaping the otter flooded streets. I made my way through the empty alleys, taking turn after turn till I emerged from the alley maze. I reached the gate of a fence surrounding a large building. It was the Admiral's housing quarters. I quickly made my way behind a nearby parked army vehicle. I scouted the area. The entrance was guarded by two large otters armed with MAB 38 sub-machine guns. No civilian or pilot was allowed near the Admiral's quarters, so heavy security was implied. I sighed. Too bad there’s no back entrance.

A conversation could be heard coming from the otters. There was a loud crashing sound from the opposite end of the building, putting the otter’s conversation to a sudden halt. I watched as the otters exchanged looks and made their way to investigate the source of the crash. Now’s my chance. I left my hiding spot and ran towards the building's entrance, looking around, making sure there was no one nearby. The door swung open as I got closer to it. I saw a white paw signal me to run faster. I obeyed.

                                                  *****
The door quietly shut closed as I entered the building. The house was dead silent. The only thing in here was the furniture, me and the other fur. I flinched as I heard footsteps come towards me; I slowly turned around. The air was squeezed out of me as I was suddenly hugged by a white female akita-inu. I wrapped my arms around the slightly shorter fur; quiet weeping began to fill the room.

"Don't cry Kiyomi." I said in a shaky tone; tears started to fill my own eyes. I looked down at her. She looked up at me with her light sapphire eyes; tears rolled down her cheeks. She let out a small giggle as she saw a tear leave my eye.

"Look who's talking." She teased me as she licked the tear off my cheek. I chuckled. My paws came up and grabbed her head; I slowly pulled her in for a kiss. Our lips interlocked, like pieces of a puzzle made for each other. My tongue led the dance that took hold in our maws. We were one for a short period, but our kiss had to be cut short. Chattering could be heard outside the door; the guards returned. Our muzzles suddenly split. She grabbed my paw with both of hers.

"We better get out of here," she cautioned as she tugged at me in despair, "you know what'll happen if they find you here with me. The back entrance isn't guarded," I cursed under my breath as I heard those words, "we can get out through there. Let's go."

"Ok. Lead the way."

                                                *****
Kiyomi peaked out the door, scoping the area. I was worried.

"I don't think we should be doing this. What if the guards come to check on you and they see you're not here?" I nervously asked.

"Don't be such a scaredy dog." She mocked in a playful way. My face turned red. "Those damn otters are too busy hitting on each other, so they completely forget I exist. We'll be fine. Let's hurry, the coast is clear."

Kiyomi led the way. The entire building was fenced in; I saw no visible way out. All I could see were parked vehicles, the bamboo wall covering what looked like a chain-link fence and the snow covered mountains of Irutup in the background.

"Don't worry, we're almost there." Kiyomi assured. We passed a couple armored cars, and then I felt Kiyomi pull me behind one of the vehicles. I looked around in confusion. I saw her point at the bamboo stalks that shielded the fence. I stared at the bamboo wall, then at Kiyomi.

"Yes Kiyo, that's bamboo," I said being the the smartass I am, "now you know." I let out a quiet laugh. I felt her paw hit me on the back of my head; she stuck her tongue out at me. I laughed again.

"Ha..ha smartass. I bet you didn't know this." She crept towards the bamboo; a confused look covered my face. She walked right into the wall of bamboo and disappeared. "Hachi, what are you waiting for. You're crazy if you think I'm going to carry you." I heard her call out from the other side. I moved closer to the bamboo; the bamboo rustled and then stopped.

"Kiyo, You stil---" Her paw suddenly reached out of the bamboo; I recoiled in surprise. Her white paw wrapped around my uniform's collar and she tugged me right into the other side.

I nearly tripped as I went through the bamboo stalks. Kiyo caught me before the ground did. "Sorry about that," she kissed my cheek, "I guess I don't know my own strength."

"It's ok." I gave her a reassuring smile as I regained my balance. "Good thing you caught me, I wouldn't want to be hurt for our big day. We should keep going before it gets too late. I don't want to spend our last day together just standing here."

"You're right, let's go. We're almost there anyway." Kiyo reached for my paw; she gripped it with all her strength. I knew what I had said bothered her. She didn't need to say a thing; nobody knows her better than I do. After the ceremony, her feelings would become more apparent. Until then, we just ignored the truth that was slowly creeping up on us.

She led the way up the steep hill and I followed like an eager little pup. Snow appeared on the ground the more we ascended. The emerald grass was no longer visible. Bamboo stalks were left behind at the base of the hill. The deciduous forest of Irutup began to invade the terrain. Everything looked dead; the winter really took its toll on the trees. The terrain became more difficult to maneuver the more we pushed forward. Why did the temple have to be so high up.

Halfway up the hill, the bay became visible through the leafless trees. We stopped to gaze as Japan's powerful navy prepared for the nearing departure. Six airplane carriers loaded with Japan's powerful aircrafts were lined against the bay. "The Shōkaku, the one on the far right," I pointed it out with my free paw, "she'll be my final home before she reaches Pearl Harbor." Her grip tightened.

"Don't say that!" Kiyo blurted out. I felt her nails digging into my paw. "You'll return, I just know it." She started shaking. I pulled her towards me, embracing her; holding her tightly in my arms never wanting to let go. "I'm sorry Kiyo. You know what must be done, and we both know my chances." I whispered into her ear. She began to weep. She looked up at me with her beautiful sapphire eyes; my own eyes filled with tears again.

"I love you Hachikō."

"I love you Kiyomi...and I always will.
Even in death." Our lips met for a kiss.

                                                   *****
We continued forward after a moment. Time was limited for us, and we wanted to make the most of it. Our journey was almost over; I could see our destination in the distance through the trees. The Shinto gate became visible as we got closer to the shrine's entrance. Stone steps could now be seen under the bright red gate. Our journey up the steep hill had nearly come to an end. We now stood on the first step right under the gate. "We're here." I announced out loud, not knowing if Kiyo heard me. I looked to my left; she was looking up at the steps leading to the shrine. "Kiyo," she looked in my direction, "you ready for this?" She nodded. We continued forward; step-by-step, holding each other’s paw as we ascended.

On the last couple of steps the shrine became visible. The entire shrine was breathtaking. The forked roof of the Hoden was the first thing we saw when we reached the top. The black slate walkway we stood on had stone lanterns lined on both sides. The Haiden, or hall of worship, could be easily spotted at the end of the path, and the Hoden right behind it. Not a single snowflake could be seen on this part of the hill. Bright emerald grass covered the ground where there was no slate path. This was truly a sight to behold.

We both walked over to the Chōyuza just off the path; our paws separated. Before proceeding further, we had to cleanse ourselves to avoid tainting the shrine with any malevolent kami. I reached for one of the ladles with my right paw; Kiyo did everything in sync with me. I filled the ladle and rinsed my left paw with the purified water. I cleansed my right paw next, my muzzle then my left paw once more. Last the ladle itself was washed and then replaced on the basin. Now cleansed, we continued forward; no longer holding hands.

A dark brown otter greeted us as we approached the administration building of the shrine. "You must Mr. Ueno and Ms. Yamamoto," he bowed his head at us and we did the same to him. "Welcome to the Irutup Shinto shrine. I hope your journey to our shrine was an enlightening one. Preparations for the ceremony are being made as we speak. All we needed was for you both to arrive." Two white female otters dressed in red hakamas exited from the administrative building behind the male otter. "Let me introduce Midori and Yumi." Both otters bowed their heads. "Ms. Yamamoto, they will assist you with the ceremonial attire. If you would please follow them."

Kiyomi turned at to and gave me a concerned look. I gave her a nod assuring her everything will be ok. "I'll be here waiting for you my love." I whispered to her. She gave me a small smile and then went with the two female otters. They all disappeared into the administration building; just the dark brown otter and I remained outside."Mr. Ueno, follow me and I will show you where you may prepare." I gave a slight nod. He led the way, and I followed.

*****
"---And if they are lost in this way, wherever one searches for them, we will allow ourselves to say, before the myriad of kami, before the kami of Heaven and the kami of the Earth, to whom we dedicate this purification, this cleansing prayer, that sins that can be called sins, will completely cease to exist." The Shinto priest finished the great purification prayer. He gave a slight nod, signaling me and Kiyo to face each other.

Kiyomi was the essence of beauty. I was bewildered. How did I, a bottom class akita, attract the most beautiful akita in the world. The white kimono she wore blended into her snow white fur. The traditional red lipstick and her sapphire eyes were the only things that radiated thought the veil she wore. I snapped myself out of the trance. 

I continued with the next part of the ceremony. "Kiyomi Yamamoto, from the first day I saw you, I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. Even though we've know each other for a little less than half a year, our love is not bounded by time." I grabbed hold of Kiyo's paws. "I, Hachikō Ueno, promise my love to you. Even in death, we will not part."

"Hachikō Ueno, the thousands of hours I have spent with you have been the best hours of my life. I would not trade a single second I spent with you for anything else in the world." I could hear her sniffle underneath the veil. "Even if our time as a family won't be long," her voice started breaking, "I will cherish our time together and you will always be my only love, even long after you're gone."

There was a slight moment of silence. Not an awkward silence; a peaceful silence. Kiyo and I turned towards the priest. He gave us a smile. "Time for the San-San-Kudo ritual. After this, the entire ceremony will be official and so shall your unification." A female otter approached us carrying a tray with three porcelain cups on it: a small, medium, and large cup. Each was filled with saké. "Both of you shall take three sips from each cup, small cup first and the large one last. This ritual will sanctify your marriage. Hachikō, you may start."

                                                  
                                                 *****
Three cups, nine sips of saké later, we were unified for life. I kissed my one and only love. What a great way to spend my last day with her.

                                                 *****
Silence accompanied us as we descended the steep hill. Not a single word was said as we made our way back to the hidden opening in the fence. There we went our separate ways. Kiyo wanted to prepare some things. She told me to return later at night, when we both knew everyone was going to be at the station for the farewell celebration. I agreed. It was better at night when no one would be around the house. I wrapped my arms around Kiyo and gave her a long kiss. Then I was on my way, eager about what Kiyo had planned. I looked back and saw her disappear into the bamboo once more.

I made my way back to the station. It's the last place I wanted to be, but I needed to rest after all the hiking. It probably wasn't that much walking, but I'm an aircraft pilot for a reason. I hate walking. Once again, I fought my way through the infested street. I made it to the housing quarters for the pilots. It was a run-down apartment building, but none of us cared though. It was only a temporary home. My paw reached for the tarnished knob of the apartment door; suddenly it swung open. My paw moved back, away from the door.

There were two otters standing on the other side of the door. They both towered over me, not by much, but enough to see the difference. A white otter stood to my left and a black one to my right. They're the other two members of my crew. The white one is Yuu, and the black one is Dai. These two egotistical otters will help determine if I live or die out there in the war zone.

"Well look who it is. If it isn’t our little pup commander, Hachikō." The white otter spat as he forced my name out of his muzzle. He looked at the black otter to his left. "Do you think we should let him in Dai? He wasn't helping prepare the carriers, so why should we treat him like his part of the Kido Butai?" They both stared at me, with disgust in their eyes. I smirked at them.

"What the fuck you smiling at? You little bitch." Growled the black otter at me. I saw him clench his webbed paw into a fist, ready to strike me. I didn't flinch; I stood my ground ready to fight if I had to.

"Don't act like you two actually did something. I saw you two boning in the forest up in the hill. Last time I checked, that wasn't preparing a carrier." I saw Yuu's eyes open wide. He tried to hide his reaction, but he wasn't fast enough. I laughed. "It seems my little lie uncovered a hidden shame." I looked at Dai. His face was covered in black fur, making it hard to tell if he was blushing or not, but I could tell he was. "So you fags gonna let me through, or do I have to tell everyone else about your favorite activity?"

I looked back at Yuu. He was glaring at me, probably thinking of ways to force the life out of me with his bare paws. He took a step forward with fists ready to strike. I took a step back. Dai raised his right arm up blocking Yuu from getting any closer. My focus suddenly shifted to Dai. "As much as I wanna see Yuu pulverize the shit out of you, I can't let that happen. We need you for the mission just as much as you need us." Yuu lowered his paws.

"Dai's right." Said Yuu, practically gagging admitting to the obvious fact. Dai lowered his arm. As soon as his arm was out of the way, Yuu reached for me and grabbed my uniform on my chest. "But as soon as we return from Pearl Harbor," he snarled, "I'll make you wish you hadn't returned at all."

He let go of my shirt and shoved me out of the entrance. "Let's go Dai. We got better things to do than talk to this kuso." Yuu and Dai walked out, disappearing into the otter engulfed streets. They're gone for now, but I would see them again soon. Until then, I will continue with my plans. Bed, here I come. I closed the door behind me as I entered the apartment.

                                                  *****
I suddenly woke to the noise of laughter and joyous screaming. My mouth opened wide letting out a yawn as I got up from the bed. I extended my arms, stretching. That may have been one of the best naps I ever had. A bright light intruded the room I stood in. I approached the window to see what the source of the light was. The farewell celebration had started and I had somewhere to be.

The streets weren't as crowded as I thought they'd be during the celebration. All the furs were either in the bars or at their quarters, spending what may be their last day in Japan with their families. As for me, I was going to spend my last night here with my new wife. As I got closer to the alley that led to Kiyo's house, I heard laughter, crying, screaming and glass shattering from the bar next to the alley. "I wonder what's causing all the commotion." I walked into the bar to investigate.

I was nearly hit by a cup as I entered the chaotic scene. There was music playing in the background, I had no idea where it came from but I could hear it clearly. The old war songs filled the room along with the slurred words of the drunken group. Bottles of cold saké were being passed around the room. I took a gulp whenever one got thrown my way. I saw peers dancing wildly throughout the room and tripping on their own tails, laughing as they hit the floor. Others were sitting on tables, weeping as they wrote letters to their loved ones who weren't able to make it to tonight's gathering. Various couples could be seen expressing their affection for one another, not caring that they were out in the public. Every single one of them ready to defend Japan, but none ready to leave all this behind. At least, I know I wasn't ready to leave yet. I let out a huge sigh, "Oh well." I said to myself. I walked out of the bar and continued on to my date with Kiyo.

The entire area seemed abandoned. I couldn't see any guards patrolling the area, but that doesn't mean I don't have to be careful. Step by step, I crept closer to the entrance with my head down low. An ominous glow in the nearby window became more apparent as I got closer to the house. I wonder what that is. I reached the entrance. I quietly knocked on the hard wood door. The door's lock could be heard unlocking on the other side. It slowly creaked half way open. Kiyo's head peeked out; she greeted me with a kiss. "Come in."

I squeezed my way through the small entrance. I heard the door creak shut behind me as I made my way into the living room. There was a large fireplace filling the room with a warm orange glow. "So that's what I saw." I said under my breath.

Kiyomi walked up to me and wrapped her arms around me from behind. I looked over my left shoulder. All I could see was her beautiful eyes in the poorly lit room. "So…" I said sticking my tongue out at her, "what kinda fun do you have planned for us?" She giggled, then stuck her tongue out at me.

She released me from her arms. My eyes followed her every step as she slowly made her way to my front. My jaw dropped, my eyes were stuck to her like magnets to metal. Kiyo blushed when she saw the look on my face. "Wow." I walked towards her and placed my paws on her waist. "Where on this forsaken island, did you find something this hot?" My paws slowly made their way up, tracing her hourglass figure, feeling the silk material of the short red nightgown on my paw pads.

"It's just a little something I had lying around." She leaned forward and licked the tip of my nose. "You wanna see it on the floor?" My paws grabbed her head; I leaned forward and planted a kiss on her sweet muzzle. We both slowly parted. "You know I do." I whispered the answer to her question.

Her paw reached for the shoulder strap that rested on her left shoulder. She gently grasped it and slid it off her shoulder. My own paw grabbed the one on the opposite shoulder, gently sliding it off. The silk nightwear glided off of her body, hitting the ground without making a sound. The sight was astonishing. Her naked body was as if it was carved from the purest of white marble, by the kami themselves.

My right paw reached towards her. I caressed the fur in-between her two perfect breasts. I could hear her let out a quiet moan as my paw made its way to the tip of her breast, lightly rubbing her velvet nipple. She leaned in forward, our tongues entwined as our muzzles joined for a kiss once more. I could hear her muted moans as my paws continued to feel her up. Her own paws started to claw at my clothes, signaling what she wanted. My muzzle slowly backed away, interrupting our connection.

I started to undo every button of my uniform shirt, one-by-one, from top to bottom. My fur became exposed little by little as I undid the shirt. The shirt slid off my back, completely exposing my golden fur. I saw Kiyo blush and try to hide a smile with her paw. She pointed down with her free paw. I looked down; there was a huge tent in my pants. I blushed at the sight and then gave her a small smile. "You want to help me remove my pants?" I shyly asked.

"For you, anything." Kiyo undid the button and slowly lowered the zipper of my tented pants.

                                                  *****
Kiyomi grabbed the waist of Hachi's pants, and pulled down. The Akita's red boxer briefs followed. Kiyo giggled at the sight. Hachi's flesh colored member was halfway out of the golden sheath. The golden Akita blushed. "I guess I really needed to get out of my pants." He said in an enthusiastic manner.

Kiyo returned her focus to the semi-sheathed member and the two golden spheres that hung below it. Her white paw grabbed hold of the two orbs. She gave them a light squeeze, Hachi moaned. His entire member slowly slid out of the gleaming sheath as jolts of pleasure were sent up his body. Pre flowed from his tip covering his canine member, adding to its polished-like finish.

"K…Kiyo." was all Hachi could force out when he felt her tongue lap against his exposed flesh. His head tilted back in pleasure as she continued to wrap her tongue on his throbbing member. Kiyo moved the golden orbs in her hand as she suckled on the tip. Moans from both the canines filled the glowing room. The knot on Hachi's slick member started to form. 
The sounds filling the room began to die out; decrescendoing into an awkward silence.

Hachikō snapped out of the pleasure trance he was trapped in. He looked down to see why Kiyo had suddenly stopped. She was gone, only his leaking cock remained. His ears stood on end, listening. "Hachi…" He looked up, following Kiyo's whispering voice. She lay on a cover in front of the fireplace, displaying herself. Kiyo ran her paw in between her legs, showing off for the horny Akita that stood across from her. Her own pink flesh became exposed as she gently opened her slit to tease Hachi. The canine erection throbbed, shooting hot pre with every uncontrolled pulse.

The akita's golden fur shimmered as he got closer to the lounging female. He slowly got down on all fours and crept towards his mate. His curled tail wagged behind him, unable to conceal his joy. He crept up in between his teasing wife's spread legs. Hachi pressed Kiyomi against the cover, nibbling at her neck. Her moans started to fill the glowing room, increasing as the golden paws began to caress her body. Kiyomi's own paws wrapped around her golden lover, bringing him closer. Hachikō moaned. He could feel the radiating warmth of Kiyo's entrance as his slick erection rubbed against it.

Their lips locked, moans muted by their kiss. Each others bodies’ still being explored by the others paws. The shadows danced along with them as their intimacy grew. Hachi's body rhythmically rubbed against his love, feeling ecstatic pleasure as his member lightly beat against her warm entrance. Every gentle thrust pushed the throbbing erection into Kiyo's begging hips, each closer to penetration than the last. Kiyomi broke the kiss as she threw her head back, letting out a sharp moan that penetrated the silence in the room. She felt the hard tip press into her, rub her aching soft spot and exit.

Moans began to crescendo, echoing off the room's walls. The teasing penetration was driving both of the canines mad, especially Kiyo. Her breathing became labored in between moans. Her paws were no longer on her lover, they were clawing at the cover under her. With eyes shut tight, she savored every jab. The teasing had become enough, she wanted it all. She wanted every inch of her husband inside of her; she wanted to be bred.

"H…Hachi?" He came to a halt as he heard the soft words exit her muzzle. Hachi looked at the white akita. He stared into Kiyo’s deep sapphire eyes, wondering what was bothering her. The light roar of the fireplace was all that could be heard.

"Yes my love?"

She could feel, as well as see, Hachi staring right at her, her face turned red. How was she to tell her mate that she wanted to be knotted without sounding desperate. She herself wasn't sure if she really wanted to be bred yet. Was she ready for the responsibilities of motherhood? Where THEY ready to be parents? How would she explain this to her 'understanding' father? So many questions flooded her mind; a mental breakdown was inevitable. But one thought kept her sanity in place. No matter what happened to Hachi, return or not, she wanted him to be the father of her children. That decision was final.

"Kiyomi, you alright?" He asked with a worried tone with his hushed voice. She snapped out of her trance. The white Akita didn't realize she had been staring into oblivion, completely blocking out everything Hachi said. "You okay my love? You didn't answer my question?" Question? She thought. "Will you do me the honor of having my children Kiyomi Yama---" She stopped the words exiting his muzzle in their tracks with a kiss.

"It's Kiyomi Ueno, and it will be an honor to be mother of your children." Kiyomi reached and placed both her paws at Hachi's hips. She pulled him towards her, she let out a sustained moan as his entire erection slowly slid into her.

                                                *****
Hachikō's thrust were like a metronome, steady tempo never missing a beat. Their moans flooded the room, both becoming louder as each thrust went in deeper. Kiyomi's paws were embedded into his golden back as she held on, feeling every deep thrust. They were locked in each other’s arms.

The hard member slid into Kiyo with slight ease. Hachikō's face winced at the tightness of the orifice. It was slick with her juices and his pre, but it still gripped tightly around his hard cock. His own moans became just as audible as his companions. Each thrust added moans to the euphoric symphony of sounds filling the room. Each thrust made his knot more and more visible. Each thrust drove him closer to an ecstatic release.

Kiyo's paws were clawing at Hachi's back. Screams of pleasure exited her muzzle, her eyes spastically moved in her closed eyelids, her slit tightened more around the cock that slid into her depths. She herself was nearing to an ecstatic finish. Just when she thought the pleasure couldn't get any better, she felt a hard bulbous object slip in and out of her with every thrust. She was slowly split apart by the flesh knot, causing pleasure to surge through her body.

Pleasure flooded the canine couple as the thrusts got deeper and slower. The rapidly engorging knot significantly slowed Hachi's thrusts. He had to give a slight tug to pop it out of Kiyo at the end of every insertion. The tug not only pleased Hachi, feeling pressure build on his member with every pull; it also pleased Kiyomi. She could feel her husband deep inside her, his member throbbing as his thrusts yielded to pull the knot out. The hot knot pressed against her teased soft spot, adding to the bottling pleasure that was waiting to explode.

The tugging soon came to a complete stop. Kiyomi screamed in pure ecstasy as she tightened around the ball of flesh. Hachi was no longer allowed to pull out, they were now tied together as one; but that didn't mean the pleasure was over for either of them. He kept thrusting into her depths, going as far in he could. His breathing became heavy as the viscous seed shot out of his erect cock, warming up the white akita's insides. Kiyo continued to moan as she felt her insides radiate with heat as she was impregnated by her lover. She could feel the warm fluid backup at her entrance, wanting to leak out but not allowed by the knot. Her legs wrapped around Hachikō, bringing him closer to her as his throbbing member continued to spill its seed within her.

Hachi reached down and kissed Kiyo. "I know you'll be a great mother." He held her tight in his arms, continuing to kiss her. They lay there in the warmth of the afterglow, both hoping tomorrow would never come.

"I love you Kiyomi."

"And I you Hachikō."

                                                  *****
The night finally got to them. They both fell into a deep sleep in each other’s arms. It was a somberful sleep, both knowing it was their last together. Hours, just mere hours remained before the departure.

The fire slowly died out as the night progressed.

                                               
                                               *****

Date: November 26, 1941
Time: 9:00 a.m.

The bright sunlight entered the living room. Kiyomi squirmed on the floor as the light hit her eyes. She quickly hid under the cover. Cover? She quickly got up. It was the next day, and she was alone. Her head tilted down, tears began to fill her eyes. "I didn't get to say good-bye." She began to weep. Her paws placed the cover over her body. The fire was no more, so the frigid morning air filled the room.

Kiyo got up from the floor and made her way to the fireplace. She wiped the tears from her eyes. "I better start a fire before I freeze to death."

As she reached for a log next to the fireplace, she noticed a paper on the floor. A note, from Hachi. She held the cover with her left paw, her right reached for the note. It was neatly folded, and had something written on the top side.

~Read, if I don't return~

Her paw's grip tightened on the note, wanting to crumble it. But she didn't. "You'll return," she said out loud, angry at the golden canine that wasn’t there for saying such words. "And I'll be here waiting for you until you do."

Moments later, she placed the note on a table next to the fireplace. She returned to starting the fire.

She glanced at the note, then at the growing fire. "We'll burn it together when you return." Talking out loud again, to the akita that wasn't there.

                                                *****

Date: December 23, 1941
Location: Hashirajima, Kutsuna Islands, Japan

The Akagi, Kaga, Zuikaku and the Shōkaku rested in the anchoring bay of the small island. It had been about four weeks since the carriers' departure from Hitokappu Bay. Their attack was a successful one by the looks of it. There was no damage to any of the carriers. This sight gave hope to the white Akita in the crowd, watching as the troops exited the ships.

First the pilots of the Akagi returned to land, greeted by the mob that welcomed them back to Japan. Families being reunited cried with tears of joy as they spotted their loved ones. Next the troops of the Kaga exited, then the Zuikaku. Finally the pilots from the Shōkaku emerged; Hachikō's carrier.

Kiyomi eagerly pushed herself through the crowd as she made her way to the Shōkaku pilots. She watched, examining the crowd of otters, looking for the unmistakable golden fur of her husband. One after another, the troops left with their families in a ferry to Iwakuni, a city located across the docking bay. The crowd slowly decreased in mass as the furs abandoned the area, until eventually only Kiyomi stood there. Alone.

She waited for an hour after everyone had left, wanting to make sure everyone had exited the carrier. Hachi didn't exit, he hadn't returned. Kiyo felt her heart drop, breaking into a thousand pieces. Tears drained out from her eyes without stop. She placed her paws over her muzzle, silencing the wails of despair that wanted to be heard. The thought that her love was dead for over two weeks, since the Pearl Harbor strike, only made things worse. The wails finally made their way through her paws, echoing through the bay air. She would never get to hear Hachi talk again. There was but two things that remained of Hachi in this world. She rubbed her belly; Hachi's unborn children, and the note.

The Note. She thought as she reached into her pocket. Last time she really thought about the note was on the December 8, the day of the strike. That entire day, she prayed for her love, hoping for his safe return. "I guess I didn't pray hard enough." She forced out, in a breaking tone. She slowly opened the note, ready to read Hachi's final words to her.

Her eyes were in a deep focus, reading one line after another. Tears began to flood her blue eyes once more. She placed her free paw on her belly, tears still leaving her eyes. She reached the end of the note. 
The white Akita fell to floor on her knees weeping. She pressed the note to her chest, holding it with both paws.

Her weeping slowly faded into a soft sobbing. Her right paw came up and wiped the tears from her eyes, the other paw still gripping the note. She looked up into the cloudy sky with her sapphire eyes. She slowly opened her muzzle and whispered to her fallen lover.

"I forgive you."

                                      *****The Note*****

Kiyo
    
    If you are reading this, I have perished in the fight for Imperial Japan. I now rest with my ancestors in the land of the kami. A thousand apologies for leaving you on such short notice. I could easily have avoided all this, but I didn't. I will beg for forgiveness every day I am away, in the hope you shall forgive this foolish Akita one day.

    I enjoyed out last day together my love. I couldn't have asked for anything better, for that was pure perfection. If only I could have remained with you a bit longer, enough for a proper goodbye. The ships weigh anchor in a couple hours, but I must leave now. So this note will have to suffice.
  
    I'm sorry I won't be there for the birth and life of our children. Raise our sons to be strong and brave; don't let them succumb to the difficulties of life. If daughters, raise them to be strong and independent like their mother. I apologize again for my absence in their lives.
   
    My love, but it's time for goodbye...for now. We shall reunite in the world after this one. Until then, I shall count the days I am away from you, each day begging for the forgiveness I don't deserve.

                               Forever yours: your husband, your mate, your fool,                                                                    the disposable hero
                                                                                                      
                                                                                                              Hachi