Wolf's Rain Fan Fiction ❯ Another Road to Paradise ❯ 8-11 ( Chapter 3 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

CHAPTER 10: Cursing Never Gets You Anywhere
         Hige and Blue had grown closer. They were about to catch up to the others, and the quiet time was enjoyable. Blue felt the wind rush up her skirt and cuddled with Hige as they walked. "I remember you having a yellow hoodie," she said.
         He grinned, "yeah, but hell knows what happened to the fuckin thing. Guess I lost it." She glared at him. He covered his mouth, "sorry. I didn't know that you didn't like cursing."
         She sighed, "well I am a girl."
         "I appologize for any future language."
         "Just don't do it anymore."
         "I can't just not do it. It's a habit." She cuddled closer to him and accidently bumped his side. He whinnced, "Dammit!"
         She glared at him again, "Hige!"
         "You made me do it that time!" She flicked him on the nose. "Ow! Okay I'm sorry."
         "You're in a good mood," a woman's voice came from behind them.
         They both turned around to see Jagara. Hige looked at her fearfully. "You're not dead?" he said.
         She smiled, "I've been resurected. But enough of that. Come Hige." She said holding out her hand. He shook his head slightly. "Come Hige." she said a bit louder. When he still didn't move, she noticed the collar, "What in hell is around your neck?"
         "A collar," he said stupidly.
         She walked over and grabbed the collar, "who put this thing on you?"
         "Lady Mrin," he said.
         She grinted her teeth, "shit! Who does that little bitch think she is. She can't just put a collar on you. I'm the only one who can do that! Where's your black one?"
         "You were dead. She took over. She threw the city to the dogs!" he yelled.
         She punched him in the stomach. "Quit your back-talking." She saw the blood drop onto the ground. She stepped back as Blue helped him stand straight. "W-Who did this to you?"
         Hige looked at her, "ask Mrin who did it. I'm sure she'll know a lot." She turned around and left.
         Blue put her hand on his shoulder, "you okay?"
         He nodded and whipped his mouth with his sleeve. He paused and sniffed his shirt. "Oh my God. It's Cheza."
         He let Blue sniff his shirt. She mostly smelled his scent, dirt, blood, and Kiba, but there was no doubt that Cheza was there. "It's faint, and it's hard to get past the other scent."
         He blushed, "do I smell bad?"
         She smiled, "no, I think you smell wonderful."
         He looked at his shirt, "I guess I can't smell it because it's me, but it turns you on right?"
         She sweatdropped, "so should we go after Jagara?"
         He nodded and led her by the hand.

          Kiba and the others retraced their steps to find Cheza. They ran at quick speed and by nightfall, they could smell Hige and Blue's scent. Kiba stopped, "Dammit! do you smell that?!"
         Tsume sighed, "it's Jagara."
         "Do you think that Hige and Blue were captured, too?" Toboe asked.
         "I don't know," Kiba said. "Come on, keep moving!"

&nb sp;       Meanwhile Cheza awoke in the back of a truck. She got up and tried to open the steel-caged door. "Where am I? Where's Kiba? Who took me?" Just then she spotted three men. "Hey you mean people! Let me out! Let me out! You can't treat me like this. I'm only 15 years-old!"
         "Shut up you friggin flower!" one of them said.
         She frowned, "Jerks."
         Hige and Blue crept along the bushes. "I just heard her," Blue said.
         "Yeah, she's around here somewhere." He looked around. "I'll take out those pathic gaurds. You go find her."
         Blue nodded, "what about Jagara?"
         "Like she matters. I'm sure she got mad at Mrin. They're probably bitching as we speak."
         "Is that so, Sweetie?" Mrin said behind them. Hige caught her sword as she flung it at Blue. "Am I a bitch to you, Hige?!"
         He kept a steady stare, "yep. You both are."
         "Why you!" she screamed pulling up her weapon.
         Hige grabbed Blue and led her to a safer place. "Dammit! Go find Cheza!"
         She looked at Mrin then at him, "but your injur-"
         "Go, I'll be fine. Not like I can't beat her." Blue charged for the men. Hige looked at Mrin, "Jagara send you?"
         "You told on me," she said sarcastically. "I'm here to take revenge." She swung the sword at him again.
         Blue knocked out all three men. She looked around. "Yey!" Cheza screamed. "Blue, you came for me!"
         Blue took the keys from one of the courpses. She ran to the truck and unlocked it. "Are you okay, Cheza? Where's Kiba?"
         "Heck I don't know. I was wandering in the woods when these people took me." Suddenly Hige was thrown into the truck. "Oh no," Cheza screamed.
         He got up, "Go on, Blue. Take her to a safe place."
         Blue took Cheza and ran. Cheza looked behind her and saw Mrin throw her sword at him. He dodged it but fell down. She turned back around and saw Kiba running to her. "Kiba!"
         He got to them and panted, "T-Tsume and Toboe a-are coming. Never ever go off alone like that again!"
         Cheza turned around and watched as Mrin shoved her sword deep into Hige's shoulder. She couldn't stand it anymore and rushed to help him. Kiba ran ahead of her and tackled Mrin. Cheza and Blue got to him. He opened his eyes, "well, I thought I could beat her."
         "Hold on," Cheza cried.
         Blue felt her eyes water; then she saw Cheza's eyes change from blue to red. Hige closed his eyes, "What the hell are you doing, Flower Madien?"
         Cheza felt the urge to soak up a lot of moonlight again. "I don't know what I'm doing." She started petting his wound. He grinted his teeth, but in seconds his pain was gone. Cheza saw the wound heal under her hand, "I am the Flower Madien."
         Hige sat up, "Holy shiite! You healed me."
         She fell into Blue's arms. "Cheza!" Blue cried.
         "She's fine," Hige said. "I'm sure she's tired."
         Blue nodded, "Hige."
         "Huh?"
         "Don't ever scared me like that again! And you know what else? I've counted five come out of your mouth."
         He smiled, "sorry, later." He went to help while Tsume and Toboe showed up.
         Tsume picked up Cheza, "that Mrin? Where's Jagara?"
         Blue shrugged as she watched Kiba and Hige fight Mrin. "How is she that strong?"
         "I dunno." Toboe said. "Come on, let's get outta here! Cheza needs moonlight and water."
         Hige and Kiba threw blows upon blows, but Mrin always got the better of them. Kiba ran on one side of her and posed a kick, and Hige did the same on the other side. Mrin leaped into the air, and the two guys collided. Hige helped Kiba up, "sorry."
         "What the hell is up with this bitch?" Kiba asked.
         Hige looked at her, "crossbred. She's half human and half wolf."
         Kiba got into fighting stance, "damn wrench."
         Mrin pulled out a gun and quickly fired it. It went straight for Hige, and Kiba took it for him. Hige watched as the white wolf fell to the ground. "Oh, you stupid-" Hige whispered. Kiba didn't move, and the wound was to the neck. Hige glared at Mrin, "bad move. Nobody knocks Kiba six feet under!"
         She laughed, "Oh my gosh. Silly me. I thought that Blue was your passion. But now I know that you must be gay with this one."
         He changed into wolf form and ran towards her. She fired the gun at him as he dodged the bullets. He bit her leg. She threw the gun aside and punched him in the side. He didn't go of her though. She hit him again, and he let go in pain. She made a run for her sword, but he got there first. Tsume tackled her in the arm. She threw him off and felt a tremendous pain in her back. She turned her head to see her own sword in her, "you damn wolf!" Blood ran from her mouth, and she collapsed. Hige pulled it out, and that was the last of Mrin.
         Tsume shook his head and got up, "Impressive, Porky."
         He acted like he didn't hear him and walked to Kiba. He fell to his knees, "He was like an angel! My gaurdian angel! And look where it got him!"
         Kiba sat up, "what in the blue blazes are you talking about?"
         Hige jumped on his friend, "you're okay! I was afriad you died!"
         "Uh, it's okay."
         "You're so great. You're a good stick!"
         Kiba pushed him off, "you owe me one."
         He smiled, "No I don't you owed me one. I saved Cheza."
         "Cheza saved you!" Blue yelled.
         He put a hand behind his head, "oh yeah, Blue helped to save her,too."
         "Where is she?" Kiba asked getting up.
         "Come on," Tsume said walking towards the brush.
         Hige grabbed Blue's arm, "help me."
         "Uh, okay," she studdered. He reached down and gave her Mrin's sword. She held it in her hands, "I'm not going to kill you!"
         "I didn't ask you to!" he yelled back. He pulled the collar away from his neck, "cut this off for me. My head's to big to slip it off." She wedged the collar over the blade and tore through it. The thing fell off. "Thank God! I thought I would never be free."
         Blue threw the sword down, "Hige."
         He smiled, "yeah?"
         "You really did scare me. I thought I lost you."
         He took her hand, "I would never do anything to kill myself. I wouldn't do that to you."
         Cheza woke up in Kiba's grip. "You have a wound," she said looking at his neck.
         "The moonlight is helping," he said.
         Her eyes turned ruby red agian. "I can't control it, Kiba." She touched his neck and healed it.
         "Just like Hige's wound," Blue said.
         "Kiba," she said, "I am the Maiden. I healed Hige, and I have cravings for moonlight and sunlight."
         "I know. I told you what you are. You have to learn to control this power. You have to learn to sense Paradise."
          "Kiba, can we go home? I want to get something that will help us." Cheza said.
         He nodded and looked at Hige, "how come we seem to never get anywhere."
         Hige smirked, "guess it's bad luck."
         "You beleive in that junk?" Toboe asked.
         He shrugged, "sure. Why got a problem with it, Runt?"
         He laughed nervously, "nope."
       &nb sp;
CHAPTER 11: T'was the Tragedy Before Christmas
         Kiba opened the door to the house. "What smells?" Hige asked.
         Kiba quickly shut the door again, "Cheza it's best if you don't go in there."
         She looked at him in confusion, "what? What happened?" She took his hand, "why can't I go inside?!" She moved his other hand, "let me in!"
         He pulled her away from the door, "come on we have a long journey ahead us."
         She got out of his grasp and swung it open. Her eyes widened along with everyone else's. Her parents were on the floor lying in their own blood. "M-Mom......Dad," she backed away and fell into Kiba's arms. She embraced him and cried, "No!"
         "It's alright, I got you," Kiba said. She clutched his shirt and kept wailing.
         Blue looked at Hige and went over to her. "Cheza, I'll find who did this. I swear."
         Cheza looked up at her and held her hand, "B-Blue. How will you find out?"
         She looked at Tsume and Hige, "I know two good noses."
         Tsume shivered at the thought. Hige shook his head, "Whoa! Wait a minute! I don't want to dig my nose in human blood. Like I said before: It Stinks!"
         "As much as I hate to admit it, Porky's right." Tsume said.
         Blue walked up and held Hige's hands to her chest, "they were my family, too. Please Sweetie?"
         He blushed, "since when am I Sweetie?"
         She closed her eyes and smiled, "Pleasssse. Do it for Cheza."
         "Okay, Okay! I'll do it."
         Tsume crossed his arms, "What! Well I'm not doing it! You can't suduce me like that dunce."
         "You have to do it, Tsume. Cause if you don't, I'll tell Hige and Kiba what you and Toboe did in the kitchen." Blue said.
         He thought for a minute, "You mean.........................okay I'll do it."
         Hige laughed, "What the hell is it?"
         Blue flicked him on the nose again, "stop that!"
         "Sorry." he whinned.
         Hige and Tsume went inside and sniffed the krimson. Tsume squinted, "Man this makes my eyes water."
         "I know, but then again.............it ain't so bad." Hige said. "Shiite I'm hungry."
         "Don't you dare!" Blue yelled.
         "Don't worry, Baby Blue. I'm not eating these two. They been here for a good while."
         Tsume sniffed, "smells like about two or three days."
         "That's when we left," Blue implied.
         "I can't get anything out of this," Tsume said.
         Hige stood, "me neither."
         "You sure?" Cheza asked on her knees. "can't you try again?"
         Hige and Tsume sighed and started sniffing agian. They stood and shook their heads. Just then they heard a whistle. "It's coming from up stairs," Toboe said.
         They all went upstairs, except for Kiba and Cheza. Quent was lying on the floor with a dresser on top of him. "There you are, you damn wolves. Come get this off of me." Tsume pushed the dresser aside and helped the old man up. "Thanks wolf." he said coldly. He limped over to Hige, "you! You damn dog! You stole my four-wheeler and wrecked it! I saw it in the ditch!"
         "I ain't no dog!" Hige said. "I had to take it. My injury was still bad. I couldn't just walk to her."
         "I told you not to leave!" Quent hissed.
         "Well I was in a hurry. Kiba didn't know where I was, and I had to find-"
         "I was gonna come back and help you find your friend! If you just waited I would have had my machine! And you wrecked it! It's a four-wheeler for God sakes! I can't believe this!"
         Hige laughed, "You're so up tight! I never want to get old like this."
         Quent looked at Blue, "he's a hazard. Don't marry him."
         Hige stopped laughing and blushed.
         Blue hid her cheeks with her hands, "m-marriage?"
  &nb sp;      Quent chuckled, "oh forget it. You wolves will probably die trying to find Paradise."
         Tsume helped the old man down the stairs. "Who did all of this?"he asked.
         Quent looked at the gray wolf helping him, "those guys in the black trucks. I ran upstairs to get this." He pulled out a book from his pocket.
         Cheza gasped, "that's what I came here to get. The Book of Wolves."
         Kiba looked at the book, "Cheza, you have to help us get to Paradise. I'm sure your parents would want you to go."
         She hugged him, "don't worry, Kiba. I'm still going. I mean, I can't stay here."
         There was a long silence between them. Hige covered his nose, "sorry if it's dishonoring or whatever, but if I don't get out of here, I'm gonna faint!"
         Tsume nodded, "yeah me, too."
         They all got outside, and Quent grabbed Hige by the hair, "listen wolf!"
         "Ow! Hey you know my name! Quit calling me wolf!"
         "Take care of Blue. You hear me?!"
         "I always take care of Blue."
         "I mean it! I want to see her again without a srcatch."
         Kiba and the others shrugged and left, "bye Hige!"
         He looked back at them, "Come on old man. Let me go. I promise to take awsome care of her."
         Quent let him go, and he took off with everyone else.

          They were on their way again. Cheza didn't say much to anybody; mostly because she was depressed about her parents' deaths. They ran until sunset, and then slept at dark. At night Cheza would sleep with Kiba, Blue would snuggle against Hige, and Toboe slept beside Tsume so he wouldn't get cold. They all did this for about five days, and it kept getting colder. December winds set in, and snow covered the ground deep. The cold didn't get to them that much, Cheza and Toboe got the sniffles.
         Kiba and Cheza led the group, Tsume came behind them, Toboe next, and Blue and Hige held hands in the back. Kiba glanced at Cheza, "you okay?"
         She nodded, "as long as I'm with you." She took his hand and smiled.
         Then they all heard. "Jingle Bells! Jingle Bells! Jingle all the way!" [moment ruined]
         Tsume arched an eyebrow, "Shut up, Porky!"
         Hige sighed, "meanie."
         Then Toboe felt a snowball hit him. "Hey!" He balled up some snow and threw it back.
         It accidentlly hit Blue, "stop! I'm cold enough!"
         Hige threw another, and it hit Tsume. He turned around, "Hige stop! Am I gonna have to put you at the front of the line?!"
         He looked at him blankly, "but I like it back here...............I'm bored. You peeps gotta liven up!"
         Tsume sighed, "Just behave. I don't wanna hear another peep. Got it, Peep?"
         He smiled, "Sure thing, Peep!" Toboe turned around and stuck his tounge out. "I'll cut it off." Hige said in a harsh whisper.
         Blue rolled her eyes, "I swear."
         Kiba and Cheza stopped walking and saw everyone way behind them. "Come on!" Kiba yelled.
         They all caught up and walked a little ways more. Blue looked up at Hige, "that song you were singing. Where did you hear it from?"
         He shrugged, "around this time a year ago."
         Toboe slowed down and walked beside Blue, "Cher sung it. Remember, it was for Christmas."
         Blue smiled, "yeah, Christmas."
         Hige scratched his head, "Christmas?"
         Kiba and Tsume looked at each other, "What's that?"
         Cheza brightened up, "you don't know what Christmas is?!"
         Blue got happier, too, "Christmas is wonderful! You give gifts and snuggle and eat and-"
         "If we eat I'm happy!" Hige cheered.
         Toboe laughed, "I got these boots last year."
         "I got lots of things," Cheza said, "clothes, candy, a bunch of stuff."
         "I remember I got a dress and other things," Blue chimmed in.
         "So these gifts fall from the sky or something?" Kiba asked.
         "No silly," Cheza said, "you get them from others."
         "I love the pine scent of that Christmas tree," Toboe said.
         "Oh and the tree," Blue implied, "it was so garnished and pretty. And lights streamed down it, and we all were cozy around the fire place."
         Kiba sighed, "I can't even remember where I was last year."
         "Me neither," Tsume said.
         "I can," Hige said softly.
         Blue looked at him with a smile, "where were you?"
         He looked straight ahead in a daze, "uh,...........nowhere really."
         Kiba sighed heavily, "not a subject he would like to discuss."
         Blue lost her smile and took his hand agian. She leaned against his shoulder, "who cares, right? We're gonna have a good Christmas."
         Cheza beamed, "really we can do Christmas?"
         "Does it freakin last all month?" Tsume asked.
         Toboe shook his head, "no, it's on the 25th. When we get into town, I'll ask the date."
         Cheza hugged Kiba, "I can't wait to get you something. What do you want?"
         Kiba grinned, "you don't have to get me anything, Cheza."
         "What do you want, Tsume?" Toboe asked.
         He put his hand on Toboe's head, "why are you including me in this silly holiday?"
         "What do you want?"
         "I don't know."
         "Well be thinkin'!" Toboe said, "Cause I'm gonna get you something."
         "What do you want, Baby Blue," Hige asked with his arm around her.
         "It doesn't matter. Something nice."
         "Like a kiss?"
         "That's too small."
         "I thought they say, 'it's the thought that counts'?"
         She hugged him more, "I already know what to get you."
         He blushed, "what is it?"
         "Can't tell you."
         "Why?"
         "It's suppose to be a surprise, Sweetie."
         "There you go with that sweetie thing agian."
         "You don't want me to call you Sweetie?"
         He looked at her big blue eyes beamming at him, "it's just, somebody use to call me that, and it reminds me of-"
         She let go of him, "who?! Another woman?!"
         He smiled and looked at the ground, "it's not like that."
         She crossed her arms, "Yes it is. Tell me who!"
         "Mrin! Okay! It was Mrin. She abused me then called me her sweetie! Are you happy?!" he yelled.
         Blue got a little afraid of him. "He's scary when he's angry." she thought.
         "Well, there're tired of each other," Tsume laughed.

&nb sp;       They got in town, and Toboe found out that it was December 24th. "We only got one more day!" Cheza cheered.
         Toboe laughed, "I can't wait to get you something, Tsume."
         "How many gifts do we get?" Tsume asked.
         "Just pick someone you wann give a gift to," Blue explained.
         "Okay, I guess I'll pick Toboe," he said.
         The little guy beamed, "really? Me? Cool."
         Now Hige was walking behind Blue. She never looked back as much as she wanted to. They got to    a forest and started a fire in a clear spot. The snow fell softly on the ground. Blue sat a little ways from Hige. He looked at her, "What?"
         "I just thought I would keep my distance." she said quietly.
         "Why?"
         "Well you're a little scary when you're mad."
         "I scared you?!" he asked loudlly.
         "Calm down, Porky," Tsume said.
         "So you're breaking up with me, because I yelled at you?"
         She stood up, "I never said I was breaking up with you!"
         He stood up also, "You're acting like it. And you're the one who made me yell at you!"
         "You're yelling now!"
         "So are you, Blue!"
         "Just stop talking to me right now! I don't feel like it!"
         Toboe looked at them wearily, "Hey guys cut it out. Don't fight; you love each other."
         "Shut up, Runt!" Hige yelled. "She's the one being difficult!"
         Blue sat back down crying, "I guess....I'm afriad you're going to hit me or something. I love you, Hige, but I feel so helpless. Cause you know my weaknesses. I'm just afriad you'll-"
         He watched her cry on the ground, "Oh Blue." He lowered down to her level and pulled her close. "I'm not one to lose my temper like this. I would never strike you on free will." He ran his fingers through her hair, "do you believe me?"
         She felt her tears being whiped away by his shirt. And all she had to do was sniff his scent. Her eyes met his, "you must think I'm a whiney bitch. I'm so sorry."
         He smiled, "It's alright. I can deal." He sat down and leaned her against him.
         Kiba, Tsume, Toboe, and Cheza looked at them. Kiba smiled, "wow, Porky. That was beautiful. I could cry right here."
         Hige shrugged, "Sorry if it was too mushy for you."
         Toboe smiled, too, "I didn't know you were so romantic!"
         Blue looked at them, "when I was bed-ridden, he talked so sweet like that. He was so cute."
         Hige blushed, "okay..............I think everyone gets it."
         Blue rubbed her head against his neck, "thank you."
         Cheza laid down with Kiba. Toboe and Tsume laid down, too. Hige kissed Blue's head and fell asleep.

&nbs p;       Everyone got up a little later than usual. Toboe kept humming, and Cheza was up and ready to go get Kiba something wonderful. Kiba sighed, "okay town is right there. Are we gonna spilt up?"
         "Don't sound so glum," Cheza said, "Me, Blue, and Toboe will go get your presents, and ya'll go get our presents."
         The guys watched them run off. "So," Kiba said, "what are you two getting?"
         "We don't have any money," Tsume said.
         Hige popped his fingers, "don't worry about that, Stick. I have the magic fingers. Just tell me what to snatch."
         "You're gonna just take it?" Tsume asked.
         "Why are you worried?" Kiba asked.
         "What if he gets caught and we make a scene?" Tsume asked.
         Kiba smirked, "don't worry, he doesn't get caught. Undoubtfully, you haven't seen him in action."
         They went into town and looked around, "what do girls like?" Hige asked.
         Kiba shrugged, "jewelry, dresses, I dunno."
         Tsume sighed, "what does Toboe like?"
         They all sighed. Hige held up a diamond braclet, "will she like this?"
         Tsume looked at him oddly, "when did you snatch that?"
         "Just then." he said causually.
         Kiba stopped an old woman, "excuse me, Miss. Could you help us."
         She smiled, "of course, Sunny!"
         "What do girls want for Christmas?" he asked.
         "And a preteen boy," Tsume added.
         "Well, girls love diamonds and pretty dainty things. I'm not sure about the boy though. Oh look at the time! I must go. Happy Hanukah!" she said.
         Hige cocked his head to one side, "what in the HELL is a Hanukah?!"
         "Maybe it means the same as Christmas." Kiba said.

          Meanwhile the girls and Toboe were walking through town. "What are you gonna get Kiba?" Blue asked Cheza.
         "I'm not sure yet. He's been such a sweetheart. I want it to be special. What are you gonna get Hige?"
         "I thought I would try to find him another hoodie. You know, since he doesn't have his yellow one anymore."
         Toboe looked up, "this place is so industrialized. There are a lot of stores here." Just then someone bumped into him. He turned around to see a boy his size.
         The boy was bundled in a brown jacket and a green scarf, "s-sorry. It was an accident."
         Toboe smiled, "It's okay! My name is Toboe, this is Cheza, and she's Blue."
         "I'm Asher. Hey do you want to come hang out with me and my friend? She's nice; you'll like her."
         Toboe turned to the girls, "I'll be back later. Don't worry; I'll find you."
         They waved goodbye to him. Cheza looked to the right and jumped up and down, "Look! Look! A spa! This town has a spa!"
         "But we don't have any money to get in," Blue said.
         Cheza dug in her jacket pocket, "I have some. Let's go!"and Cheza walked up to the counter. A woman with brown hair smiled, "are you here for the special? We are having a Christmas, Hanukah, Quainza, special. Any saunna treatment free. Plus free kimonos."
         Cheza smiled, "yes, yes! Please."

  &nb sp;      Toboe followed Asher into an old house. "No one catches us in here," he said.
         They got in and a girl sat up on a dusty couch. Toboe's eyes widened as he saw the ice blue cascades and the milky skin of her. Her tiger green eyes opened to see him. She gasped, "Toboe! Is that you?"
         He nodded, "is it you, Kay?"
         She rushed over and hugged him, "I missed you."
         Asher looked at them, "you know each other?"
         Kay laughed, "this is my uh.......my uh-"
         Asher smiled, "your crush."
         Toboe blushed, "huh? But I had the c-crush on you!"
         She giggled, "really? I don't know what to say."

          Cheza and Blue laid in the steamy water. "This is heaven," Blue said.
         "What did I tell you." Cheza sighed, "I've been meaning to ask you." Blue looked at her. "Well did you really mean what you told Hige. About him hitting you?"
         "Believe it or not, I did. I'm pretty screwed up, huh?"
         "No, you're not. He didn't do it on purpose."
         "I know, but when he yelled at me when we were walking, I don't know. He scared me."
         "That's just guys, I guess. You just never seen him like that."
         "And when Jagara-"
         "Jagara?"
         "Yeah, she met up with us as we were catching up to you."
         "What happened?"
         "She said a few things and told Hige to come with her."
         "What did he do?"
         "He stayed calm like Kiba, but they started arguing. Jagara puched him, and he bled a little."
         "So he didn't pick a fight?"
         "No, I think he knew better."
         "Neither of you told Kiba and the rest of us about this."
         "On the way finding you, he told me not to mention Jagara."
         "Why?"
         "I don't know."
         "I can tell that the blow to his shoulder Mrin did got to you. You were about to lose it."
         "Well I didn't see the actual wound. All I saw was blood. I thought it was really serious."
         Cheza raised her hand, "it would have been if I didn't use my FLOWER POWER!"
         "Yeah, I don't think he ever thanked you for it."
         "That's okay. I didn't know what I was doing, so technically I didn't do it."
         "You healed Kiba like that, too."
         "If I'm lucky, I'll find someone who can help me learn my powers. Kiba said that's what we were doing. Not searching for Paradise but trying to find someone to help."
         "You and Kiba are getting pretty close. Everyone can tell that he really loves you."
        ; "Yeah, he does. I'm kinda jealous of you though. Hige kisses you whenever he gets a chance, he's always hugging you, and telling you the sweetest things. Kiba holds my hand and kisses me good-night. That's about it. Well, he holds my hand a lot."
         "So you want him to be obsessed like Hige?"
         "Yeah. You two seemed to have so much fun back there. I always here you laughing with him. I'm down right jealous!"
         Blue giggled, "Kiba is just the shy, quiet type. Maybe he just needs a push."
         "How would you push him?"
         "Hug him a lot. Kiss him on the cheek, and tell him that you love him."
         "I'll try it. Hey has Hige told you about their journey to get to us?"
         "No, I haven't even asked. But I do know that he got that internal injury."
         "I wanna know the whole story. I asked Kiba, but he said don't worry about it. You know he's not even tried to touch me yet? What am I not pretty enough?"
         "My gosh, Cheza!"
         "See, you're also lucky in that part, too."
         She sighed, "anything turns Hige on. You know what he said?"
         Cheza grinned, "what?"
         "He said that he can't wait to get me in a room with the door locked."
         Cheza laughed, "he's so bad! I wonder if he's had experience."
         Blue slammed her fist on the ledge, "he better not!"
         "You two make a good couple."
         "Really?"
         "Except for, how should I put it, politness."
         "And that! He has the worst habit for just throwin out that french. For everytime he says one of those, I feel like wacking him on the head."
         "It isn't that bad."
         "For me it is. I can't stand it."
         "Maybe he'll break that habit. Just like Kiba better break his queit, shy habit." She thought for a minute then said, "I know! I'll make Hige talk to him."
         "I don't know about that."
         "Please, Blue?"
         "Hey, it isn't up to me. Ask him."
         "Could you ask him?"
         "Oh No! I won't be apart of it!"
         "Fine, I'll just make Hige do it."
         "It's not gonna work. Knowing Hige, he'll mess it up."
         "You'll see. It'll work out fine!"

   ;       Toboe stared at the worn clothes Kay was wearing. She put her hands behind her back, "I look a little horrible, don't I?"
         He shook his head, "no, you're pretty."
         "Do you know why I dissapeared?" she asked.
         "We all thought you died. It broke my heart."
         "I saw something one day. Lady Mrin from the Keep was there. She had wolves with her and a lot of men. They all were in a circle around this sword. It started to glow, and a woman emerged from it. It scared me to death. Some of those troops spotted me and chased me out of town. I heard them asking around for me. I cut my hand and let some blood drip on my front door. After that I ransacked my house. I left that night searching for a new home."
         "So you faked your death?"
         She nodded, "I would've asked you to come with me, but you were so happy with Mrs. Cher and Mr. Hub."
         He put a hand on her shoulder, "Kay, they're dead. Mrin's troops killed them."
         "Oh, Toboe. I'm sorry. It wasn't because of me was it?"
         "No, they were looking for Cheza."
         "Why her? What did she do?"
         "Well, I don't know if I'm suppose to tell you."
         Asher stood up, "hey, Kay! Why don't you stay with Toboe?"
         She smiled and looked at the wolf, "could I Toboe?"
         "Uh, I'm not staying at a house or anything. I'm with my friends, and we're kinda' on a journey."
         "Do you mind if I tag along?...........Toboe." she asked.
         He looked at her soft green eyes, and with that his heart melted. "I don't mind.....I'm sure my friends don't care either."
         She hugged him, "Thank you!"
         They laughed and talked until it got dark. "We better get going," Toboe said.
         Kay hugged Asher, "thanks for everything."
         "You're welcome," he said back.
         "I just have to get something on the way back," Toboe said.

          The two preteens got back to the campsite and didn't see anybody. "I'm sure this is where we're suppose to be," Toboe said.
         Just then something poked him in the back. He yelled and turned around. Hige threw the twig down and laughed, "geez, Runt. You sure are a fraidy cat."
         "No I'm not!" he said holding onto a box.
         Hige looked at the girl, "who is-"
         "She's my friend, Kay. She wants to tag along with us," Toboe said quickly.
         "Well don't ask me. Ask Kiba."
         "Where is everybody?"
         Hige gripped Toboe's hair, "you tell me. Where is Blue? Where's Cheza?"
         Toboe gasped, "uh oh."
         "Why you little," he started.
         "I'm sorry! I went with a friend and told them that I would catch up to them."
         "Kiba's gonna kill you!"
    ;      Toboe smiled nervously, "are you gonna kill me, too?"
         He smirked, "I'll have your head."
         "Okay I'll go find them."
         Hige rolled his eyes, "you owe me one." He let go of the smaller boy and started running towards the city.
         "Hige, where are you going?!"
         "Go get them," he yelled back.
         Toboe sighed, "why me. I got so caught up that I forgot about them."
         Kay looked in Hige's direction, "he got mad at you."
         "He wasn't mad. He just knows what Kiba would do if Cheza got hurt."
         "So Cheza's on this journey as well?"
         He nodded, "yeah, we have to protect her. Now that you'll be with us, I can tell you."
         "About what?"
         "Paradise."

        Blue and Cheza looked around in the city. "Where is he?" Cheza asked.
         "Don't know. Good thing we got our presents."
         Hige finally got to them. "I've been looking for you two. Toboe is with everyone else."
         Blue hid something behind her back, "guess we can go then."
         "What's that? That mine?" he asked.
         "Not until we get back," Blue said.
         Cheza grabbed his arm, "we have to talk."
         They started walking, "okay. About what?"

   ;       They all got back together at a ruined house. Kiba and Tsume looked at Toboe's friend. "Who's that?" Tsume asked.
         "Kay. She wants to come," he said.
         They looked at each other. "Toboe, we're going to-"
         "Paradise. He told me," Kay said.
         Kiba frowned, "Toboe...."
         "You know everything?" Cheza asked.
         She nodded, "yeah but I don't believe one small detail. He said that you guys are wolves."
         "I can show her," Hige said.
         "Go ahead then, Porky," Tsume said, "scare her away."
         He glared at Tsume, "I don't scare people."
         Tsume pointed at Blue, "I heard it with my own ears."
         He crossed his arms, "very different."
         ; Kiba appeared beside Kay in his wolf form. She didn't move but only stared at him. She cautiously put out her hand. He bowed his hand and let her pet him. She smiled, "wow."
         In a blink of an eye, Kiba was in his human form, "if that didn't scare you, then you can stay."
         She hugged him, "thank you!"
         Kiba pulled her off, "uh yeah."
         Toboe beamed, "thanks a lot, Kiba."
         "That was beautiful, Stick. I could cry right here." Hige said sarcastically.
         "Whatever," Kiba said smiling.
         Cheza tap Kiba on the sholder, "I got your present."
         He blushed, "you did?" She handed out a brown jacket like he had at one time. He took it, "where did you find it?"
         "Around," she said.
         Kiba reached into his pocket, "I know how you humans give these to show partnership." He gave her a diamond rind, "I want you to be with me forever, Cheza."
         She felt her face get hot, "Kiba, thank you so much."
         Hige was behind Kiba. He smirked and pushed him. Kiba's nose touch Cheza's, and she kissed him right on cue.
         Tsume handed Toboe a box, "here, Kid. I picked these up for ya."
         Toboe gave him the other box, "thanks!"
         They both opened the boxes to see COOKIES! Tsume smiled, "great minds think alike."
         Blue kissed Hige on the cheek and gave him the hoodie, "so where's mine?"
         He groped in his pocket then his face went into painc, "oh no...........I lost it." Blue looked at him worried. He smiled and handed her a ring. "Just joshin ya."
         She looked at it, "it's so pretty. The sapphire matches my eyes. Thank you, Baby."
         "Yeah, uh me and Kiba kinda had the same idea." Before he could say another word, they lip locked. Blue let go and hugged him. "Come with me to find a room," he whispered. She shook her head and kissed him on the cheek.
         Toboe noticed Kay watching everyone. He started feeling bad that everyone got a gift except her. He handed her a cookie. She smiled, "thanks, your friends seem happy."
         "Hey Toboe," Hige called, "give me a cookie."
         Toboe looked at him, "come get one."
         "No, bring it to me."
         "Why? Just come get it."
         "Come give me a cookie," he repeated.
         "You aren't gonna trip me or play a trick are you?"
         He held out his hand, "I just can't reach."
         Toboe rolled his eyes and got a cookie. "I'll be right back," he told Kay. He walked over to him. "Here, you lazy jerk."
         Hige looked at Kay, "you better not call me names."
         "Why not."
         "You didn't get Cat anything."
         "Her name is Kay not Cat!"
         "Excuse me," he said taking Toboe's cookie. He took the daimond braclet he stole from his pocket and put it in Toboe's hands.
         Toboe looked at it, "What is this for?"
         Hige pointed to Kay, "you didn't get Katie anything." He turned around and walked to Blue.
         Toboe smiled and went over to Kay again. "What were you talking about?" she asked.
         "Well, I got you a present when I got the cookies for Tsume, but I dropped it on the way over here. Hige found it for me. So, here you go."
         Kay admired the braclet, "I can't accept it."
         "Why?"
         "I didn't get you anything."
         "It's alright. I would feel out of place if I got two presents anyway. Take it."
         She kissed his cheek, "you're so sweet."
         Everyone cuddled up and went to sleep. Kiba and Cheza slept together, Hige and Blue, and Tsume laid near to Kay and Toboe.