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Our Beginning	By : Eliza_Kitty Category: +S to Z > Wolf's Rain Views: 2797 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or series of Wolf’s Rain. They belong to BONES & Keiko Nobumoto. This story is non-profit for my own and others’ enjoyment. Thank you. :)

Chapter List
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Here we are again! :) …That’s all I have to say. Enjoy!

FYI: If you prefer the "uncut" version, please check out adult fanfiction dot net or deviant art.

Caution: Further chapters will contain mature content such as language and yaoi, Tsume/Toboe. Be forewarned.

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or series of Wolf’s Rain. They belong to BONES & Keiko Nobumoto. This story is non-profit for my own and others’ enjoyment. Thank you. :)

Surrounded

The morning sounds of the city were as loud as ever, people standing and waiting, arriving and leaving as trains came and left. There was a roof that hung high above the train station, the iron rods designed in intricate details to allow the sun to shine through the cracks. Rain dripped down occasionally, left over from the night before. It was crowded, a sea of people thick as they moved along, carrying their belongings as attendants helped to load the trains with their luggage.

A woman ran by, her suitcase in hand, desperately holding onto it as she tried to make her train. “Wait!” she shouted to a passenger assistant up ahead who was just about to close the door. Her expression was thankful when she saw that he had stopped, waiting until she arrived and helped her onto the train.

The boy looked up when this happened, watching the scene with a melancholy demeanor. He found himself sitting on a green bench among other travelers, patiently waiting to board their train. He sat slumped over, his elbows on his thighs as he examined his hands. They seemed so dry and weathered, even though he was young. Sighing, he brought one of his hands up to rest his head.

He frowned, impatient that he had been sitting there for several hours now. Looking up to the station’s large clock above the trains, he realized that it was almost noon. He was becoming more anxious as each minute passed. He couldn’t remember how many times he had checked that clock. His train would arrive soon and he would finally be able to leave this city forever.

The boy’s thoughts were still running from what he’d done earlier that morning. Aside from checking the station clock every few minutes or so, he found himself looking out the way he had come, out from under the roof and into the rest of the city. He kept wondering if he would see him there. Would he come after him, make him stay? Or would he decide to go with him on his search?

He hated to admit it, but most of him didn’t want that. As much as it hurt, as much as he felt alone, he needed to be that way. He needed to find himself and that was away from the man he loved… the man who had hurt him.

Could he even trust him anymore?

And then another thought occurred to him. Would he ever see him again?

The boy’s eyes widened and he sat up at the realization of the facts. He had said goodbye, hadn’t he? There was no, “See you later!” or “Until next time!”… Would there even be a next time?

He shook his head when he found tears in his eyes, wanting to not face reality. But he had to. He had to be strong. He was worthy of so much more than what he had limited himself to. And even then, when he had taken that chance and ran after the man on the motorcycle that night, he knew now that he had to be brave as he had then. He didn’t know what lay before him. But if he never took that chance, then he would never know.

What would paradise hold for him?

Would the others be there, waiting for him? Were they already searching? Did they even remember yet?

He had recalled that it was Blue that one morning who he saw leaving the bookstore. Those eyes of hers were unforgettable. If he had only known, he would have stopped her. She would’ve wanted to find everyone else, wouldn’t she? He was sure that Kiba and Hige would also have believed the same way. They all needed to be together again and finally complete their journey.

Why couldn’t Tsume accept that?

Some things never changed, did they?

If Kiba were here, things would be different. He always had a way of getting Tsume going, inspiring him to keep moving, to want something more out of life. He knew what to say every time.

But he wasn’t here. And the boy couldn’t do it. It just wasn’t going to happen.

He sat back, closing his eyes as he leaned against the wall behind the bench. Opening his eyes once more as he sighed, he looked to the sky showing through the details of the roof. A bird flew overhead, blocking flashes of the sunlight in his eyes. His mind continued to wander, lost in thought as the clock’s small hand grew closer to the twelve.

“Twelve O’Clock departure for Garrison!” a man yelled, waking the boy out of his dream world.

He stood up and slung his backpack over his shoulder as the others next to him gathered their belongings to board the train. As he began walking to the train, thirty feet or so in front of him, he found his stomach tied up in knots. He was anxious, scared and unsure of everything that was ahead of him.

He had searched his heart that morning as he walked across town, not even knowing where to start or where to go. The only direction that had repeated itself in his mind was “west”. Is that where Cheza’s flower had come from, a seed at one time floating along the breeze and finding itself within the city he was leaving?

The boy found himself in a long line of people waiting to board, watching as each passenger in front of him checked their luggage in with the attendants. Loud voices were thrown back and forth among the workers, shouting commands over the sound of the heavy engines.

He felt so brave as he stood there waiting among the rest of the crowd. And yet… he felt very much alone.

Looking out across the train station, figures passing back and forth, he noticed something… or rather someone. It was only a quick flash but he knew that it had to be. It wasn’t a mistake. He knew it.

Kiba!

His heart began to beat faster and his body froze, staring unbelievably in the spot his old friend had been standing. Could it really be?

In that moment he dropped his backpack, leaving the line of boarding passengers and ran after him. He had gone out of his sight but he was sure that he could catch him and make him remember. Unless he already had! Why was he here? He wasn’t looking for him, was he?

The boy pushed through the thick crowd, desperate to find the white wolf.

He began to lose hope, unsure if he had really even seen him or not. He was just being wishful, not wanting to be alone on this journey… But as soon as he cleared past another crowd, he saw him about twenty feet off, away from him.

“Kiba!” he called out, hoping that he would hear him but he did not. The crowds, the train station… everything was too loud.

The boy began to run after him, trying to squeeze past the many people going the opposite way of him, stopping him from reaching his friend. “KIBA!” he yelled into the crowd, this time much louder. He grew more anxious, his breathing faster as he realized he was losing him. The sea of people was becoming worse as the twelve o’clock arrivals and departures had begun. And now the boy was lost. He would miss his train if he didn’t hurry… Was it worth it?

“No!” he shouted, wanting to change into a wolf. If he could only do that, he could catch up to him faster. And then everything would be the way that it used to be...

Finally, the boy found himself standing in a clearing, searching left and right for where his companion might have gone. He kept calling his name, dodging in and out of crowds to try and find him. And then, he saw him, just standing there. Was it him?

“Kiba!” he called, running over to him.

As soon as he touched his arm, the man turned around to face him. The boy’s joyful expression soon changed to embarrassment when he realized the mistake he’d made. Withdrawing his hand, he looked down to the ground. “I-I’m sorry,” he apologized, “I thought you were someone else.” He looked back up when the man didn’t say anything. Rather, he ignored the boy and walked away.

The boy grumbled to himself, his embarrassment now turning to anger. If only it had been his friend… Everything would have turned out so differently. He wouldn’t have to leave. He wouldn’t have to walk away from everything…

But instead of wallowing in grief, he shrugged off his mistake. As he turned around, he hoped he was at least able to make it back to his train in time. This journey in front of him was the decision that he’d made. And if the others happened to follow, then that was fine with him too.

…

The sunlight glared into the boy’s eyes when the bus’s door finally opened. He held an arm over his face to shield it from the burning sun, but it was not enough. Stepping off of the bus, he looked around at his surroundings as the other passengers followed. There was nothing but dirt and red hills and occasionally a bit of green weeds around the small town at which they’d pulled over. Where on earth was he?

It had already been a week since he’d set out on this trip. He’d switched from train to train as each one took him further west. But there were only so many stops and only so far the trains were able to go. At this point he’d moved on to buses, staying at dingy motels the nights in between. Instead of trying to meet new interesting people along the way like the old him might have done in the past, he just kept to himself the entire time.

What was the point of forming new friendships?

That wasn’t what he wanted. And besides, he had too much on his mind that wasn’t worthy sharing. It seemed that everyone around him had something to say, some story to tell. He couldn’t do that. He couldn’t be like them. He was different from the rest of them.

As he walked away from the bus stop, his stomach growled and he frowned, instinctively clutching onto his belly. Sighing, he looked around at the small town in front of him that wasn’t offering much. But then, he noticed a diner of some sort that stood a block down from where he was. That was it. Really, that was it.

He nodded to himself, slung his backpack over his shoulder and began to walk in that direction. He could feel the heat of the sun burning through his jean jacket and frowned. As he made his way to the restaurant, he slipped if off, feeling much better with only the red t-shirt underneath.

When he entered the diner, he saw that it was full of people, a few of them from the bus he’d rode in on. He quickly decided on a free seat at the bar in front of him, seeing that other people were still arriving and he needed to secure a spot. He was too hungry to wait.

As soon as he sat down, an older waitress placed a menu in front of him and walked away, keeping busy with the many customers. It didn’t take him long before he had ordered, the food was served and completely devoured soon thereafter. The boy sat back in the barstool and sighed, his stomach full and bloated. He already felt very tired from the heavy meal he’d eaten. Slouching back over the counter and looking at the clock above, he saw that it was already close to six.

He wondered, there were probably no more buses leaving tonight and it would be another motel, yet again. From the corner of his eye, he then saw his waitress coming over to him, the bill in hand. As she sat it down in front of him, the boy reached into his backpack, grabbing his checkbook.

The woman quickly noticed and responded, “Uh, no, no. It’s cash only.” She pointed at the sign hanging on the wall behind her. Slipping the checkbook back into his bag, the boy frowned, hoping to reason with her. “I have a card-“

“No, cash only.” She cut him off.

“But this is all that I have!” He replied. When there was no answer, he found his own solution. “Well, do you have an ATM? Or where is the closest bank?”

“No ATM. And sorry honey, but it’s Sunday. The bank is closed.” The woman crossed her arms, obviously beginning to think about her own solution to the current predicament.

The boy could feel his stomach rumbling, either from the food digesting or stress. He opened his mouth to reply once more, not sure of what he would say. He was stopped by the man who was sitting next to him, “It’s on me, kid.” He spoke.

The waitress nodded, seeing that the man was still working on his meal and walked away to attend to her other customers.

The boy looked to his right as the man continued eating the food on his plate, slowly chewing each bite. He had dark hair, about shoulder length, olive skin and blue eyes. He hadn’t even noticed him sitting there before. “Thank you, I owe you one!” the boy spoke to him, leaning in his direction.

“You don’t owe me anything,” the man replied between bites, “After today, you’ll never see me again.”

“Oh,” the boy blushed, “I guess you’re right. Sorry about that…”

“No worries… Do you want more food? If I’m buying you might as well get your fill. The way you chowed down a minute ago tells me it’s rare that you get to eat like that.” He offered.

“W-what? No…” the boy looked down, “I’ve been busy, that’s all. Not much time to eat I suppose…” He spoke sadly but then quickly looked back up, changing his tone, “I don’t need anything else, thank you.”

At first he didn’t think the man heard him because he signaled the waitress over to them, “Ma’am,” he spoke, “two slices of pie please. How about banana and… what do you want?” He turned to the boy who just sat there looking shocked.

When the boy didn’t say anything the man turned back to the waitress, “Two bananas, please.”

The waitress nodded as she wrote on her notepad and disappeared once more. The man turned back to the boy, “What’s wrong with you, kid?” he asked.

The boy didn’t answer at first because the man’s tone seemed angry. He wanted to say something, but the guy just sat there frowning at him. But he wouldn’t look away, and then the man let go of the stare and started laughing. The boy couldn’t believe this act, “W-what’s wrong with me? …What’s wrong with you?!”

The man stopped and sat back in his chair, closing his eyes and smiling to himself. “You remind me of someone… You’re too nice.” He opened his eyes again, looking at the boy, “What’s your name?” he chuckled.

“T-Toboe.” The boy replied, regaining his sanity for a moment as he sat back in his chair. “And you?”

“Keith. So tell me, Toboe…” he paused, “What’s a kid like you doing out here in the middle of nowhere all by yourself? …You are alone, right?”

“Just you saying that sounds creepy,” he answered, immediately catching himself for the accusing tone, “I mean, well… Yes, I’m alone.” He straightened his back up, finding confidence within himself. “I’m traveling somewhere.”

The man frowned, “Where to? …You know, you’re kinda young to be traveling alone. That’s dangerous for a kid your age.”

“I’m not a kid!” Toboe snapped.

“Really, now? How old are you?” Keith sneered.

“…Sixteen.” The boy replied, watching the man smirk and close his eyes again, having proved his point. “B-But I’ll be seventeen in a couple of months!” He didn’t get a reply that time either. It wasn’t long before the waitress returned, bringing out their desserts. Toboe thanked her when she sat his in front of him, picking up a fork. And then he remembered, turning to his new friend, “And you too, thank you for everything… really.”

“Like I said, no worries, kid.” He leaned over and took a sip of his coffee right before taking a bite of the pie. After he swallowed he smiled, looking off distantly. “You really are like her,” he spoke, “At least before I ruined her...”

“What? Like who?” Toboe hadn’t caught that last part, as it was just a mutter.

The man sat back, holding his coffee. “My sister…” he spoke half-heartedly before he changed his tone, “She’s gullible like you.”

“Hey!” Toboe replied, “I’m not gullible!”

“What makes you think that?” Keith shot back, “You travel alone thinking you’ll be perfectly all right like there’s no worries in this world. You accept a gift from a stranger and then you talk to him like he’s your friend.” The man seemed to grow angrier with each word. The boy found it odd.

“You shouldn’t trust me, kid. I’m dangerous.” He finished, looking away from him.

“That’s not true,” Toboe replied, “You were kind to buy me food when I couldn’t. And you kept me company when I was lonely…”

The man looked back at him, surprised at the response he received. And then he looked away once more, taking another bite of pie. His face grew relaxed and he sighed, “You know what your problem is, Toboe?” The boy didn’t reply, so he continued, “I think you’re the type that sees the good in everybody… even when it’s not there... Am I right?”

Toboe looked down, thinking about what the man had just said. It was true, wasn’t it? Was that the problem he had with Tsume? Was there really no good in him at all? And then he realized where his mind had drifted and he shook his head, not wanting to thinking about the man he’d left behind.

“It’s gonna get dark here soon, kid. You better find some place to stay for the night.”

The boy looked back up, seeing that the man was now standing, beginning to gather his things. He sat a wad of bills on the counter and stepped back, turned and began to walk away before he was called after, “Wait!” Toboe spoke, “Where are you going?”

“What’s it look like?” he answered, turning back around to face the boy, “I’m leaving town. …See ya!” And with that, he walked out of the diner.

Toboe turned back to the counter, looking at the half-eaten piece of pie sitting in front of him. It was getting late, wasn’t it? And he couldn’t eat any more. He really was stuffed. He gestured to the waitress who stood a few feet away from him, “Where is the closest motel?” he asked.

“Bailey’s, it’s two streets west of here. Can’t miss it.” The boy nodded and stood up, thanking her before walking out of the restaurant.

When he was outside, he looked around, curious as to where that man had gone. But he wasn’t anywhere to be seen. So instead of standing there, he strapped his backpack on and headed west. It was sure enough that he was headed in the right direction when he saw a lit sign that read “Bailey’s” not too far off.

It wasn’t long before he arrived there and entered the front door. He waited at the counter as he looked back at the setting sun. He couldn’t believe how dark it was getting already. “Yes, son?” a man spoke.

Toboe turned around and smiled, pushing his card forward on the counter. “I need a room for the night, please.”

“Oh, no I’m sorry… We’re full up.” The man replied.

“What, really?” the boy asked worriedly.

“Yes, a lot of passerby’s this week it seems. I could call to the next town, it’s fifty miles from here.” He began to reach for the phone next to him.

“There’s no other motels in this town?” the boy replied.

“No, I’m sorry. Do you want me to call?” he picked up the phone, beginning to dial.

“Not unless you can give me a ride,” Toboe hated to be rude, but he was tired and aggravated.

“No can do, I don’t have a car. No cabs, either. Sorry.” The man rubbed the back of his bald head, smiling.

The boy growled, “Then what was the point even mentioning the other motel if I can’t even get there?”

“Well I didn’t know if you had a car or not-“

“Whatever. Thanks.” Toboe walked out the door and into the night, the sun almost completely gone. The lights overhead had gone on, bugs already beginning to fly around the alluring glow. The boy frowned, wanting to cry but knew that he couldn’t. There was no use in that.

He eventually found a park bench that was near the bus stop. Looking around for other options, he realized that this was it. Yes, it was dangerous. But what choice did he have?

He frowned then, feeling guilty for the way he had treated that man at the motel. It’s just that he was tired and frustrated. Getting a free meal was nice, but he also hadn’t enjoyed that man picking apart his personality. He didn’t know him. And now, he didn’t even know why he was so upset…

It was different than the times Tsume would tease him. He didn’t mind that as much but… he really didn’t like it. It made him feel insecure. And now he was growing sad again… He just needed to get some sleep. Tomorrow would be better.

Luckily, he had a blanket in his bag, which he pulled out, trying to make the best of the situation. Wrapping it around himself, he laid down on the hard bench, attempting to get comfortable. Closing his eyes, he tried to get some sleep. The morning would come soon and he would begin again on his search for paradise.

…

The sound of the red wolf’s feet beat steadily upon the ground, his breathing fast. His eyes glowed in the night, jotting from left to right as he ran. He was searching desperately for anywhere, somewhere to hide. A gunshot echoed behind him in the distance and he panted faster, knowing that they were getting closer and closer.

He did not know what his next move would be, only that he needed to keep running. Everything around him was whizzing by faster and faster as he closed his eyes and whined, knowing it was no use. It was only a matter of time…

…

The boy’s eyes flew open at the feeling of his hand being clamped down upon by something sharp. He yelled in pain, sitting up on the wooden bench, the blanket falling off of him. He began to immediately look around, trying to recollect his thoughts. It was dark still with no signs of the sun coming up any time soon. How long had he been asleep?

He could feel that he was being watched. And then he noticed something standing off a few feet in the distance. It was large, its fur silver and white with eyes that glowed in the black of the night.

It was a wolf.

“W-what?” he breathed.

It just stood there, staring at him for what seemed forever, their gazes locked. And then, it began to walk away from him.

The boy didn’t understand… but he wanted to. He immediately stood up, reaching out to the animal, now twenty feet away from him. “Wait!” he called after it.

It stopped and looked back at him, standing only for a minute before it took off.

“No… NO!” He yelled, grabbing his backpack and taking off after the beast. He ran as fast as he could, trying to keep up. Why was this happening to him? Was this… could this possibly be his fate?

The boy didn’t even realize, but he had strayed far from the town in pursuit of the wolf. The only light to guide him was from the moon overhead, almost full and glowing against the dark night sky.

It wasn’t long before he stopped, bending over and dropping his backpack on the ground. He clutched his knees, trying to regain his energy. “No…” he breathed, “Wait…” He was sure that he’d lost the wolf forever now. It was gone. This whole thing was pointless. He would have to walk all the way back to the town.

The boy stood up, looking all around him to try and gather his bearings. And then he became frozen, his eyes widened as he realized the predicament he’d gotten himself into.

He was surrounded by a pack of wolves.

***

What will happen next? And what happened to poor Tsume? :O …Reviews, please.
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Our Beginning