sorry :( work has been absolutely crazy, simply don't have the time to write and the chapter edit it this week. some quick side notes volume 3 will feature captain Cleeg the pirate :D and I'll throw in a prologue for volume 1 that I wasn't sure if I wanted to use or not :P

Prologue

It's so peaceful.

Kichirou felt that he sat at his desk for the first time.

Without all the pressure and deadlines from the daily grind.

“Hey did you guys hear?”

“Hear what?”

“Can’t read the air? Half of the department is being let go.”

“Half? Rumors have it that we are all being let go.”

“Well, it wouldn’t be too surprising with our results.”

“It’s not fair, it’s not like it’s our fault, it’s his”

“Shhh!”

“Oh why do I care if he hears, the first mate sank the ship already.”

“Here comes the chief.”

If disappointment had a face, it was charging right at Kichirou.

“Kichirou, my office now.”

“And there he goes.”

It’s ok every journey comes to an end, it’s ok.

“Look Kichirou, I like you but you really are leaving me no choice here. I’ll cut to the chase, pack your things when you leave today.”

“Thank you for the opportunity.”

It’s ok.

Kichirou cleaned out his space and put on some headphones.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

People always say that when you are happy, you enjoy the music. When you are sad you understand the lyrics.

However in reality it’s more like your emotions ride the melody. Every cord infuses the soul with its sound and melts away reality.

Everything will be ok.

“I’m home.”

A small whimper was all the black-and-white fluff could muster.

“Hey buddy, you feeling better today?”

Another small whimper and she laid down once more with her eyes glued to her master.

“You rest easy, we have another appointment today, the doctor will make everything better again.”

KIchirou picked her up and carried Wynter all the way downstairs to his rental. Placed Wynter in the passenger seat and secured the straps, with a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“Everything will be ok buddy, don't worry.”

“I’m sorry to say Mr.Shirai, but we have done all that we could, at this point we could only ease her suffering.”

“No.”

“Mr.Sh…”

“No, no, no, no, no, no.”

“Mr.Shirai, you must understand…”

“NO! There, there has to be something you can do, you’re supposed to be one of the best vets in this country, you can't tell me that… is the only option. Money is no object, there has to be some way.”

“Mr.Shirai, as I told you last time, that was the last possible treatment available, however Wynter has only gotten weaker, I cannot recommend further treatment, her body won't be able to withstand it.”

“That, that’s not possible, there has to be a way that you can make her whole again, there has to be!”

“Mr.Shirai, I understand how you feel but you must understand.”

“Do you now?”

“With all due respect, nothing lasts forever. We all lose loved ones in our lives, and sooner or later we all succumb to the same pain.”

“Well then with all due respect doctor, I WILL NOT give up on her, you will continue her treatment. Whatever it takes.”

The doctor put a hand on Kichirou’s shoulder and looked him in the eye.

“She won't be getting any better, at this stage she has two, three weeks at most, do you really wish for her to live in relentless agony for her final days? Or be so drugged up that she would practically be a vegetable till the end?”

“I…”

“It's the right thing to do.”

They had picked Wynter up as a pup a mere four years prior, everything was so right then, and now…

“But she's all I got.”

“Mr.Shirai, I’ve truly done all that I could, look I’ll give you some time to decide.”

The doctor left and shut the door behind him, as fate had closed its curtains on life.

Kichirou knelt down beside her and gently brushed her fur.

“Hey Wynter, we never give up, till the bitter end, isn’t that right buddy?”

It felt only yesterday, they had argued over a name for their new puppy and moved into the new apartment.

Nothing is more cruel than the passage of time.

I’m not ok.

The sky was so clear, the slight breeze brought in just enough to ward off the summer heat.

To be free, how lovely.

Everyone has their own paths, but the moments that define who we are takes a bit of courage, a leap of faith.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz,

“Incoming call from Hiro.”

“Hey.”

“Hey Shiro, how have you been?”

“Have seen better days.”

“Well, you can tell me all about it at the reunion.”

“Reunion?”

“Yea Calbi is getting the whole squad for dinner in two weeks, and before you say anything, you have to be there. Don't make me kidnap you Shiro.”

“Is that so.”

“Yep, in two weeks, I’ll text you the details later.”

“Alright, alright.”

“Good, where are you by the way? it sounds windy as hell.”

“Just getting some fresh air.”

“Alright, then I better see you there.”

“Hahahaha I’ll be there don't worry.”