---4---

I stared into space, shivering as the horrible memories replayed in my head. The night that we'd been attacked, what had just happene at the training fields. It all seemed too much. Kakashi stroked my fur, trying to sooth me me stop me from shivering.

'There, there,' he soothed. I tried to calm myself down but it was hard to clear my mind from such things.

'G-gomenasai Kakashi,' I finally managed. He petted my head in response.

'It's okay, what happened back there, it was nothing, I could've easily taken down that creature, and besides, it was a training exercise, to see what special qualities you have. But if you're not ready then that's fine,' Kakashi insisted. I managed to face him, probably doing those huge puppy dog eyes.

'When can I try again?' I asked, pricking my ears up. Kakashi blinked and stopped stroking me.

'Are you crazy?! You just froze up and ran off when you saw that thing! Do you really think I'd let that happen to you again?!' He sort of shouted. I stood up, still shaking.

'I want to try! I'm no coward, just let me prove to you that I'm a worthy ninja hound! I'm ready to re-take the test!' I barked. Kakashi shook his head.

'No, girl, maybe next time,' Kakashi said sternly. I huffed and padded out of the room, and into the kitchen. I growled and paced up and down the kitchen, frustrated. Grrrr! Why can't I retry? I won't freeze up again! I know it.

I noticed an open window. A smirk appeared on my face as I clambered up to the window. I looked down at the drop. Roughly ten feet. I gulped a bit.

'Well if cats can land on all fours, then I've got a pretty good chance too, right?' I asked no one in particular. I leapt out of the window and landed on an old drain pipe which was ticking out. I smoothly landed the last few feet with ease and I trotted over to some rope which was tied to an old tree.

I took the rope up in my mouth and tried tugging at it. It tasted gross. I gagged at first but then I grew a backbone and pulled against the tree. I snarled and growled but the rope wouldn't come loose.

'Do you want some help?' A voice came from behind. I turned, startled.

'Pakkun?'

'H-hehe yeah, hi, I just um, you know saw you tugging at the rope and I uh, wondered if you'd like some help,' he stammered. I blinked.

'Um, sure if you want,'

He plodded over to me and I let him have a go over the rope. Surprisingly he tugged it off in one go. I glared at him in awe.

'H-here, it's for you E-Emi,' he stuttered again. I grinned.

'You have a l-lovely smile, E-Emi-chan,' he blushed. I nodded and thanked him, before walking off, what was that all about