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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
- 20
- 21
- 22
Congrats! You get an extra long chapter just because!;) Hehe… I know I promised it earlier, but life happens. …Hehe… Otherwise, enjoy! :D

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. :)

Awakened

Tsume… Do you remember the day we met? I know it must have been annoying how I latched onto you… But the fact was, I had always felt so alone in this world until you came along. And even though you said you didn’t need me, I could never believe that. Finding you opened my eyes, it made me feel alive inside. I couldn’t believe that there was someone out there who was like me... Everything changed when I met you.

…

“Miri!” the older boy’s voice ran out as soon as they came into view of the village. He came running to greet the two younger ones, the boy now changed back into his human form and pulling the wagon behind him. The girl looked down to the ground, noticing the rip on her leggings as well as her shirt. She crossed her arms, blushing as he approached them.

The sun was just beginning to set in the distance, the orange glow illuminating the three figures.

The black haired boy stopped in front of them, breathing heavily. He paused for a moment before frowning and yelling at the girl, “Where were you?! You were supposed to be back two hours ago…” He finally noticed Miri’s downcast gaze and her appearance. “What happened?” he appeared to be surprised.

When she didn’t respond, he grabbed both of her shoulders, forcing him to face her. “Miri, are you ok?” He sounded no longer angered, but concerned.

“I’m fine… Toboe…” she looked back to the other boy, still holding the wagon’s handle. “He saved my life.” She smiled, then turned her gaze back to the ground, “I was attacked, but Toboe was able to go into his true form and chased them away. He-“

“True form?!” Sera yelled, “Miri, did you-“

“No!” she responded, looking at him when she cut off his words. “…What about Father? Is he…”

“He sent me after you a minute ago. Now I see you like this,” he paused, stepping back and looking at her as she blushed. “It’s a good thing Turek didn’t come himself. And it’s a really good thing you didn’t change, he would’ve killed you. I’m glad you weren’t stupid-”

“What?!” Toboe finally spoke up, not bearing to hear Sera any longer, “If she changed, she could have tried to save herself!” he clutched his fist, frowning angrily. “What would’ve happened if I wasn’t there?!”

“You don’t understand,” Sera muttered.

“What’s to understand?!” he yelled back.

“Toboe…” Miri spoke, “I know you’re trying to help, but-“

The younger boy turned to her, glaring as he bit his lip. The girl then turned away from him, tears appearing in her eyes. He immediately felt himself soften and he stepped over to her, reaching out his hand to touch her, “Miri…”

Suddenly the older boy stepped in between the two of them, growling as he pushed Toboe away with both hands. “Back off!” he yelled, standing in front of the girl.

“What’s your problem?!” Toboe caught himself before he fell, angrily defending himself as he didn’t back down.

Sera growled at him, stepping forward. “Fuck you! …You don’t get to be that for her! This is OUR pack, you pathetic runt!”

Toboe winced at the name, biting his lip. He so badly wanted to lash out against him, but he wouldn’t because he could see Miri trembling behind the older boy, hurt and worried about their fight. Sera wasn’t going to back down. He continued, “You were stupid enough to throw your life away, but I won’t let you do that to us, to her!” he looked back at Miri, who now had her hand on his arm. “Sera…” she breathed calmly.

“Enough,” Sera responded coldly, still glaring at Toboe, “I’m sick of looking at you. You’re a weak excuse for a human being. You’re not even a wolf! …Turek should’ve killed you when he had the chance.”

“Sera!” Miri yelled at him, grabbing his arm.

He turned to face her and she continued, “Please…” she looked down, “Just let it go…”

“Miri,” Sera breathed, taking the trembling girl in his arms. He then turned back to Toboe, snarling at him, “This is your fault!”

Toboe was fuming, “Mine?! You were the-“

“Toboe!” the girl’s voice sounded, cutting him off. The boy stopped and looked up, shocked as it was unexpected. “Just leave us alone! Please!” she cried, burying her face into the older boy’s shoulder. Sera held her to him, turning around to leave. “C’mon, Miri. It’s all right.” He spoke gently.

Before they left, he turned his head back to the younger boy, scowling at him. “You stay away from her, or I’ll rip your throat out.” He spoke this very seriously.

Toboe growled but didn’t say anything, shocked, confused and angry at the entire thing.

…

The sun was almost completely gone from the sky, the night quickly approaching as the warm shades of sky began to disappear. The auburn haired boy sat on a grassy hill, overlooking the village below. It was small, but it was what he’d come to know. He could see the other pack members, still in human form walking to and from each other’s houses, stopping in conversation and carrying things back and forth. They were still preparing for the full moon celebration.

He sighed, wrapping his arms around his legs and resting his chin on his knees. It had been two hours since he’d gotten into that fight with Sera, if that’s what you’d call it. But he was still angry, not only at the older boy, but at Miri. How could she not stand up for him?

He heard laughing down below and looked, seeing a few children playing. They were running around happily, chasing and screaming gleefully when they ran into each other. The boy groaned at the scene, burying his face into his knees. He wanted to go back to those days, when he was young and carefree. He felt so old now. But… even when he was a child, things were never like that, were they?

He had always been different from the other children.

While they would enjoy simple things such as toys or running together, he would often go off by himself. He would lay there in the grasses, just staring at the sky, imagining what more this world held for him than just this. He longed to see everything, holding appreciation for this life that most children his age never even thought about.

And because of this, he was an outcast.

But that’s why he was so close to Gran. She was the only one who understood him. She was the only one that was like him.

His eyes began to tear up, just wishing to go back to those days. If only he could close his eyes and make it happen again, he’d do everything over. He’d spend more time, he’d appreciate it even more… he’d make his life worth living.

And then he realized that he was an outcast here too. He would never really fit in with the rest of them. Even though he was a wolf like the others, he would never be one of them. Who was he kidding? Sera was right.

“Toboe?”

The boy glanced up out of his thoughts, looking to his left to see Miri standing there. Her face was one of concern, seeing that he appeared to be crying. He realized this and quickly shot his face away from her, looking back to the village. “What do you want?” he asked, apparent anger in his voice.

The girl frowned, clutching a fist and looking down to the grass. Approaching him slowly, the boy heard her nestle in next to him on the grassy hill. He saw her lay a jacket at his feet, but he still wouldn’t look at her. Not only was he still angry, he was embarrassed.

“Are you cold?” she asked, “It gets so cold here at night…” Her voice was soft and timid, not her usual boisterous self.

Toboe sighed. She really was trying, wasn’t she?

“Are you sure you want to sit next to me?” he muttered, “Sera might-“

“I don’t care.” She interrupted him, “So why should you?”

“Uh,” Toboe looked at her then, his tears gone, “He did kind of threaten to kill me-“

“Nah! He wasn’t serious,” she leaned back, her tone changing to a more relaxed one. She was returning to her usual self.

“Well, he sounded kind of serious.” Toboe replied, half joking. He then looked off, his face changing back to one of somber. “Besides, maybe he’s right.”

“What do you mean?” Miri replied.

The boy sighed, looking out to the village again, watching the figures move around quickly to set tables full of food as the sun set in the sky. “I don’t know if I should be here anymore. I just don’t fit in… What good am I?”

The girl frowned, biting her lip before she pushed him, causing him to lose his balance and fall back. He yelped when he did so, “Hey!” he growled, “What was that for?!”

“You saved my life!” she yelled back at him, her face determined. Toboe was about to reply and stopped, realizing that this was not a fight that she wanted. She was trying to make him feel better.

“I can’t stop thinking… if you hadn’t been there…” she spoke softly, moving in closer to him, also looking down on the village.

It was then that Toboe finally spoke up. It had been weighing on his mind, “You say that you’re thankful I was there, but I don’t understand why you couldn’t change. Why didn’t you do it?” He looked at her, obviously confused, “And what about Sera? Why wouldn’t he want you to protect yourself?” He looked away again, sighing with a mutter. “It’s so stupid…”

Miri frowned as she listened to him, pausing for a moment after he was finished before she decided to reply, “It’s the law of our pack.” She spoke simply, looking out on the village again.

Toboe glanced back at her once more, listening as she continued her explanation. “Everyone else,” she said, “They’re not like us. They wouldn’t understand and it would put us in danger. I hope you can understand that…” She looked at him, smiling.

“I get it… I’m sorry.” The boy replied, feeling stupid for everything he’d said. Of course, it was that simple, wasn’t it?

“As for Sera,” Miri looked away again as she smiled, “He’s just jealous.” Her smile then turned to a frown as the boy watched. “It was decided long ago that he and I are to be mates one day.”

“Mates?” Toboe asked.

“Yes, I guess it’s kind of like being betrothed. My father decided it way back when.” She sighed, bringing her legs up to her chest and leaning on them. “I used to hate it, my life being decided for me… But as I’ve grown up, it’s not so bad. Sera’s not bad either...” She smiled then, most likely thinking of him, “He can be so hot headed, but he’s only looking out for me...”

Toboe looked away, frowning, “Oh…” he muttered.

Miri was caught off guard by the tone in his voice and smiled again, poking him in the arm, “What’s the Ohhhh for? Do you like me or something?” she laughed.

“No, it’s just…” the boy muttered, not looking at her.

She smiled bigger this time, “You do! You do!” she was giggling, rubbing up against him as she teased. “I knew it! Toboe, you-“

“No!” he stopped her, “It’s really… not that…”

Miri stopped her teasing, sitting back as she realized he was being serious.

“It’s just that… I already have a mate.” Toboe shyly replied, still not facing her.

“Oh…” Miri replied, “you do?” She waited a moment, watching his face as she tried to understand. He was looking off distantly, a far away look in his eyes. It must have been something she had said, that made him act like this, “Well, why aren’t you with her?” she asked.

“…Him.” He muttered.

“Oh!” she exclaimed, embarrassed, “I’m sorry, I-“

“No, it’s okay.” Toboe frowned, looking down at his feet, “I know I’m different from everyone else. I guess you think-“

“Toboe, no!” she cut him off, “I’m not like everyone else…” she smiled, leaning in closer to him, “Why should our differences or even similarities divide us? …I don’t think anything really matters if you want to be with someone. Love is love.” She put an arm around him, hugging him to her. He looked up then, surprised at the outcome. His facial expression quickly changed to one of relief and he smiled, laughing a little. He even managed to rub a tear out of his right eye.

Miri laughed also, happy that she had regained her friend. The two of them sat there for a while, just taking in the scenery of the setting sun over the small village below them, while the rest of the pack hurriedly moving around. The boy looked over to his friend who was smiling, obviously excited about the night’s upcoming events. This girl had a way with cheering anyone up, didn’t she?

It was then that a howl sounded out, echoing across the land. He looked up, seeing that the night had finally arrived and the moon was shining full in the dark blue sky. Other howls followed as he tried to look at what was going on in the village. But all he saw was blurs of figures moving, running in the blares of lights coming from the houses’ windows and torch polls that were lit.

“It’s starting!” he heard Miri shout excitedly and looked her way. She already turned into her true form. And now in front of him was the white and silver wolf he had not seen since the first night he had come here. She was on all four legs, not longer sitting as her feet began to shake with excitement.

Toboe looked down at himself, seeing that he had not changed at all. He was still the same.

“Come on!” she yelled, taking off down the grassy hill.

“W-wait up!” the boy called after her, stumbling to his feet. He ran after the wolf as fast as he could, still trying to keep his balance going down the hill. One trip and it would send him flying faster than he wanted to.

“Toboe, come on! Just do it!” she yelled once more.

He knew what she meant. She wanted him to change, to run with her and experience everything as a real wolf. But he couldn’t. His body just wouldn’t give in. It wasn’t long before they’d made it down the hill and he was running through the village after the white and silver animal. He could hear howls in the distance, but there was no one here. It was empty. Where did they go?

When they made it past the village and into the forest, he could still see Miri in front of him about twenty feet. He knew she wasn’t running at full speed. She must have been going slower for him. He bit his lip and tried to go faster, dodging around the tall trees that were in his way. As he got closer to her, he noticed that around him were the other members of the pack, running through the trees of the forest.

The moon’s glow was bright that night, and in several minutes he could see the trees growing thinner, a clearing ahead. The boy stopped at the edge of the forest from where he’d come, now knowing why the other wolves had come here. In this clearing, surrounded by trees and illuminated by the moon, was a grassy field growing with lunar flowers.

Toboe’s eyes widened and he lost his balance, reaching out to a tree to help him to stand. It was when he breathed in, that his nostrils were filled with the sweet scent. In that moment, his emotions took over him, a red wolf instead of a boy now looking up to the moon. Throwing his head back, he howled, letting everything inside of release. Other howls echoed around him, joining him in his song as they basked under the pale moon’s glow.

It was so beautiful that night, the meadow sprouting white flowers, their sweet scent filling the air. The night sky was a dark blue, reflecting its color on the grasses, trees, flowers and figures below. The sound of howling and hurried footsteps filled the night, the wolves letting go with complete abandon. They panted excitedly underneath the full moon, many running in circles together as a few played, others just enjoying the moment as they laid in the soft grasses.

What was hours later, a red wolf along with a silver and white one found themselves running away to the top of a grassy hillside. The red wolf then yawned, stretching out his limbs. As he laid down in the grass he found that he was next to a lunar flower. He rubbed his head into, smothering the fragrant petals against the ground.

The white and silver wolf smiled as she watched him, rolling in the ground as he whined. A few seconds passed before the red wolf stopped, his tongue out as he panted. He then saw that she had been watching him and he blushed, looking away. She only laughed, sitting herself next to him. They lay there together in silence for a while, watching the rest of the pack below that continued to amuse themselves.

After a few minutes, the red wolf finally spoke up, “Why didn’t I see Sera anywhere?” he asked.

“He went hunting with a few others,” the female replied, resting her head on her front legs, “That’s what the dominant males usually do during the full moons. That’s why there’s always a big feast the next day… in case you were wondering.”

“No… I wasn’t.” he commented.

Miri laughed at his reply, leaning next to him. “It’s great, isn’t it?” she asked him.

“Yes,” Toboe smiled, “I’m having a lot of fun.” He looked up to the moon, wanting to howl again, but continued instead, “You guys really know how to live. It’s so nice here… I used to live in a city before, and until now… I never knew that I hated it. This is the life I want…”

The white and silver wolf brought her head up once more, looking at the wolf next to her that was now a boy again. She watched him as he smiled, his arms holding his legs against his chest as he rested his head on his knees. The girl moved in closer, abandoning her true form. “Toboe, are you going to stay here with us?” she asked.

“…I can’t.” he muttered.

“So… where is he?” she asked after a few moments of silence.

Toboe didn’t immediately reply, his happy demeanor turning back to one of sadness. He knew who she was talking about. They weren’t able to finish their conversation from earlier. But finally, he did answer, “I left him.”

“What? Why?” she asked curiously, a tone of concern in her voice.

“You’re kind of nosey…” Toboe looked at her, raising his eyebrows.

“You’re the one who brought it up!” she smirked in reply.

“Not really…” he smiled oddly, amused at her actions. He watched her face as she looked at him, eagerly wanting a story. He didn’t have to tell her everything, but he could give her something at least.

“Well… we got in a fight.” He eventually answered.

“Why? What about?” the girl asked.

“Geeze, Miri!” Toboe groaned, sitting up. He sighed, falling back on the grass. It was a few minutes later before she also sighed, dropping onto the grass herself and laid next to him. The stars were shining brightly as well as the moon, the two gazing up at them as they lay there together.

The girl had decided after a while that she wasn’t going to press him any longer; it obviously bothered him. He had gone from such a high of happiness and now to a low of sadness. Why was this? Was it that he missed his mate?

“Toboe,” she spoke, stilling staring at the night sky, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”

“…It’s kind of complicated.” The boy answered. She didn’t expect that, looking over to his face. But he wouldn’t look at her, his gaze still facing the stars. He brought his arms up and rested them behind his head, continuing his story, “It was like he… was someone else at times. I never knew what to expect…” he sighed, “Sometimes he was someone I really cared about, but a lot of the time I couldn’t stand him… But still, I came to trust him. I even loved him… I gave him everything, but he threw it all away. He ruined everything…” his frowned began to soften, “But I still… I still love him, even though I hate him...”

Toboe sniffled a little, quickly bringing his right arm to cover his face, not wanting her to see him if he began to cry. He bit his lip, realizing what he was doing here, “I’m not looking for paradise, am I? …I’m just running away, aren’t I?” he asked, not expecting the reply that came.

“Sometimes I feel like running away.”

He looked up, seeing the girl now sitting up again, a frown on her face as she spoke, “I never understand what he’s thinking about… if he even really likes me. Maybe it’s just because I’m the pack leader’s daughter? …I don’t know.” She turned back to him, watching his frown turn into a smile. She couldn’t help but smile as well, turning her face away from him.

“Thanks, Miri.” Toboe sighed after a few moments.

“For what?” she asked.

“For listening.”

“Listening to what?” an old voice interrupted them. The two young ones turned around, seeing the pack’s elder walking up to them.

“Kalev! Did you hear everything?!” Miri breathed, anxiety in her voice.

They both moved aside as he joined them, as he gestured at them to do so. He settled down in the grass next to them, releasing a big sigh. “Not everything, my dear.” He finally answered her.

“Please, don’t tell Sera!” she began to plead with him.

The old man only smiled at her, “Not my priority, don’t worry.”

Miri looked down, not smiling, but relieved, “Thanks… So… I didn’t see you out there, running with everyone else.” Her tone changed and she smiled, wanting to change the conversation.

“I’m too old for that, girl.” Kalev groaned, his hands on his knees as he sat with his legs crossed. He then leaned in to look over at the boy, who just sat there uncomfortably.

Toboe hadn’t spoken to the old wolf since that first night, aside from a few hello’s here and there. The only person he felt secure around was Miri. Everyone else seemed to still treat him like an outsider, even though this was the first night he had become like a pack member, being allowed to join in the celebrations.

“So, young man?” Kalev asked him.

The boy nodded, “Yes?”

“What’s this about paradise?” the old man’s eyes lit up.

Toboe immediately grew anxious. How much had he heard?

“I know a thing or two about paradise.” The elder spoke.

And then the boy turned from anxious to excited, wanting to learn more. “Like what? What can you tell me? All I knew is that we are supposed to follow-”

“In time, son. It’s all in due time.” The older man cut him short. He looked out onto the night sky, the meadow blooming with the flowers of the moon. The boy watched him, curious as to what he knew. Who was this man? There was something different about him, something off. What did he know that he didn’t?

As Toboe turned his head back to the moon, he closed his eyes and sighed. From this point on, everything really was going to change.

…

“Come on now, boy!” the old man’s voice yelled at him.

The boy found himself in the same field where the lunar flowers had grown 4 months ago. It seemed like almost every day since since he had joined the pack’s full moon celebration, Kalev had been working with him and his true nature. While he was thankful, he’d only managed to change at will during the full moon. And as of right now, they were another 3 weeks away from that night.

“It’s too cold!” the boy shouted at the pack’s elder who stood in the snow about 10 feet away from him. The old man was dressed from head to toe in a thick brown coat, long boots and a scarf to cover his chilled head. The younger one looked down at himself, only wearing a pair of boots, khakis and a long sleeved shirt that was too thin for this weather. The snow on the ground was up to his calves. There were no flowers this time of year, but the evergreen trees still stood proudly amidst the cold.

“Toboe, breath!” Kalev hollered with a smile. “You’re too nervous!”

“I’m freezing! That’s what I am!” he replied angrily, “Why can’t I wear my coat?! This is crazy!”

The old man laughed, “You’ve almost got it though!”

“It’s not even the full moon! Why are you making me-AH!” Toboe yelped as a gray wolf lunged at him, causing him to fall back and into the snow. He quickly gathered himself though, standing on his legs again as he brushed off the snow from his legs. He brushed his hair back that had fallen into his face. He was going to have to start pulling it back; it had already begun to go past his shoulders. Looking forward, he saw Kalev in his true form. The animal stood there silently. “Kalev, I-“

“No more excuses.” He replied coldly, “If you can’t rely on yourself, even when it’s not the full moon… then you as good as dead.”

Toboe looked down to the snow, frowning. He was trying, he really was. It’s just that his mind was so many places right now. It seemed like yesterday he was among another gray wolf, standing here in the snow. He shook the thoughts out of his head, not wanting tears to escape him as he looked back to the wolf.

“…You have the ability, it’s in there!” Kalev spoke again, softening his tone.

“I can’t though!” Toboe closed his eyes, “I can’t do it…” he looked down again just as the wolf growled at him, “You’re right. If you think you can’t, then no… you probably can’t.”

The boy looked up as the old wolf continued, “But, if you can at least try… then maybe you can.” Kalev watched as the boy began to stand up taller, probably not even realizing it himself. He clutched his fist and looked back to him, furrowing his brow and biting his lip.

“That’s it!” the elder smiled, stepping forward, “Get angry all you want! …But you can’t hold onto it forever.”

Toboe raised his brows as the wolf began to circle him as he spoke, “It’s a matter of releasing your emotions. …Just as I’ve been telling you. You can’t follow your mind; you have to follow your instincts. …You have to let go.”

“Let go… nothing else matters.” The boy muttered, following the animal’s footprints in the snow. A familiar face flashed in his mind and he frowned. His stomach felt like it was boiling. Was he angry? Maybe

“Yes,” it nodded, “Now…” he stopped in his tracks, growling with his hackles raised, readying himself with his ears back, his tail stiff in an attack stance. Toboe’s eyes widened at this and he stepped back, unsure of what was going to happen. In a moments notice, the wolf lunged at him, his teeth bared as he snarled viscously, “LET GO!”

…

It was another 3 weeks before the night of the full moon had come once again. The boy was getting better at taking his true form. He didn’t know if it was because Kalev’s teaching had become more aggressive or if it was because he was finally letting go of his past. But he did know that whatever it was, it was working.

He had been given a new lease on life it seemed. Nothing else really did matter anymore. He was a part of a pack now. They accepted him as one of their own, regardless of his imperfections. Kalev had appointed himself his mentor, while the other pack members just treated him as they did everyone else.

It didn’t matter to them that he wasn’t born and raised within the pack. Even though Turek hardly ever spoke to him, he still tolerated him and that was good enough. And Sera… well… he still hated him. It seemed like every chance the older boy got, he would pick on him, whether it was words or a jab in the arm. He had tried defending himself, even avoiding him. But it was only when Sera saw him with Miri that it would get really bad. Yes, she had told him he was jealous, but it was getting kind of old.

“Toboe!” the girl’s voice sounded just as his mind had drifted to her.

Toboe was sitting at the main campfire in the village after the pack had had their run. He continued watching the other pack members as the girl ran up to join him. She sat down next to him on the log, moving in closer. “Miri…” Toboe sighed, not looking at her.

“Whatever! Sera’s still out hunting!” she smiled and stuck her tongue out at him. He couldn’t help but smile as many others joined the circle, a few stretching and yawning. They sat down on the other logs, making themselves comfortable while other pack members grabbed food from the dinner tables before joining them. Children laughed and played, one running past Miri as she smiled, watching him.

She turned back to the boy, searching his face but he still wouldn’t look at her. “Toboe, stop acting all gloomy.” She growled when she said this, trying to get him to look at her but he wouldn’t. Instead of forcing it, she began to watch the fire embers just as he was. They crackled and twisted, casting light and shadows on their faces.

“Besides, he can’t kill you even if he really did want to.” Miri spoke softly.

Toboe looked at her then. She continued, “It’s another pack rule. …If someone were to take the life of another, their life would be taken as well. My father would personally put them down. …It’s happened before.” The girl looked at him, smiling. “So you have nothing to worry about.”

The boy looked at her then, “That doesn’t make me feel any better.” He gulped.

Miri burst out laughing, leaning forward on the log. He couldn’t help but laugh as well. Not only was he relieved that Sera couldn’t kill him, he really was feeling better. The girl moved in closer to him as she lost her laughter, wrapping her right arm through his left one. He blushed a little and smiled as she leaned in, resting her head on his shoulder.

Ever since that night he’d first ran with her among the flowers, she seemed distant. He knew that she was getting older from the many conversations they’d had since then. It was expected of her to grow up and become Sera’s mate. While he was being mentored by Kalev to become a real wolf, the older females of the pack were showing her how to become a woman.

“I hope you’ll stay here forever.” Miri muttered, nuzzling her head against his arm.

Before Toboe could reply, the girl did herself as she noticed many of the others now settling in and quieting themselves around the fire. “Are you looking forward to it?” she asked him.

“To what?” he replied.

“Kalev’s story tonight!” she snapped. Toboe just rolled his eyes at the response. By now he’d adjusted to her ever switching moves, her bantering and always teasing him. At first it had bothered him a lot. But eventually he had realized she only did it because she liked him.

A child’s laughing was quickly hushed by his mother, other voices silencing themselves and others as the pack’s elder finally entered the circle. He caught Toboe’s eyes and smiled at him, causing him to dart his glance elsewhere. This made him angry at himself. He still felt insecure, even unworthy. This man had such faith in him and sometimes it seemed like he was only continuing to let him down.

“Lovely evening everyone,” Kalev smiled. He rubbed his hands together in front of the fire and then over his knees. “It’s cold, huh?” He asked a young child that sat next to him on the log, who laughed in reply. The other pack members laughed as well, nodding in their agreement as Toboe looked around. He didn’t notice Turek or Sera as well as a few other males. They were probably still out hunting.

“So, Toboe?” Kalev called over to him as the others began to quiet down.

Toboe shot his head up at his name being called, “Yes, sir?” he breathed.

Kalev laughed, “You’re too jumpy, boy! …Come over here!” he waved at him.

Toboe looked to Miri, who smiled at him. “When the elder calls you, you go!” she nudged him away from her, pinching him on his rear. His face turned bright red and he quickly stood up, jumping around angrily. “Hey!” he shouted.

Miri just looked away sheepishly, shrugging. She stuck her tongue out.

Toboe decided to ignore her for now, shaking off the girl’s teasing once more as he made his way over to Kalev. He moved past the other logs where the rest of the pack members sat. He could feel them watching him as he trudged his way through the snow. Why was Kalev putting him on the spot like this.

“Here, here, my boy.” The old man smiled, patting the empty seat next to him.

Toboe nodded, sitting down. He looked back over to Miri once more who smiled mischievously, looking up as she ignored him. He growled in reply.

“Toboe, how much do you already know?” Kalev asked.

“About what?” he replied, looking at him.

“Paradise. I know that you’ve mentioned it before.” He spoke as the others began whispering amongst themselves, no doubt curious about why he was addressing the boy in the first place.

“Oh… well…” Toboe looked down, clasping his hands together. He frowned. How much could he tell him? Would he sound crazy if he told him he’d attempted venturing to paradise before, that this was his second time around? Yeah... most likely.

“There’s something different about you, Toboe.” Kalev spoke.

The boy looked up at the old man whose gaze was not directed at him, but upon the embers of the fire. “You know,” he continued, “…Come with me.” The elder stood up just as the others began to talk amongst themselves.

Toboe reluctantly stood up after him, frowning as he looked around everyone. They no doubt were curious as to why he was leaving him. Every full moon he would share the stories of their grandfathers. But tonight, something was different. He then looked to Miri, who just nodded and smiled.

He nodded back at her and followed Kalev who had begun to walk away from the pack’s circle. Before the old man spoke again, Toboe looked back at the other pack members once more, watching their curious faces. It was odd that they didn’t resist the spoiling of their tradition But then again, it seemed that this man was to be respected and revered.

Toboe glanced ahead, realizing that Kalev was a ways off and hurriedly ran to keep up with him. When he reached his side, he decided to ask, “Why are you doing this?” He was curious, but kept his eyes facing the snow ahead as they walked.

“Why am I doing what?” the elder asked him.

“Everything. You’re so nice to me… you’ve taught me a lot of things, shown me things… You even made me a member of the pack.” Toboe spoke softly.

“Why?” Kalev stopped in his tracks. They were a ways away from the village by now, but the fire circle and lit houses could still be seen flickering behind them. “Because I know that you’re special. I knew that when I first caught your scent… That night that Miri found you, it was because of me. I was in town that day when I saw you get off that bus. It was only slight, but the scent of the white flower was on you. But… it wasn’t just that. …It’s much more potent than that.”

Toboe was trying to understand. What could he mean by this? The scent of a flower, only stronger? And then it hit him, “Cheza?” he breathed.

“What is a cheza?” Kalev asked.

“Well… promise you won’t think I’m crazy. Ok?” The boy looked down, feeling his cheeks turning red.

“I promise,” The old man smiled at him.

“Well, …” How was he going to word this? He bit his lip, deciding to continue regardless of the outcome. “Where I used to live, in the city months ago… I found this book… The book of the moon? …I was curious about it. It was filled with wolves and flowers. And then I met someone, who I kind of remembered… But I didn’t know why. It was weird, how everything just felt like it was being repeated… And then you know the lunar flowers?” He looked up to Kalev, who nodded.

Toboe frowned, feeling embarrassed by his choice of words. He was definitely not coming up with much, but he was nervous as all get out. He sighed before he continued, “Well I found one… we did. Tsume… and I… And we remembered everything... The both of us, we were reborn into this life… where I am now… And that’s because... we never completed our journey to paradise. I know that’s why I’m here. We’re supposed to find it again…”

“I heard you mention it before,” Kalev interrupted, but became quiet again. This relaxed the boy, who nodded before he spoke again, “Yes. There were others too, other wolves, even humans. That’s how I knew what the book was… The book of the moon. It was a legend telling of how the wolves would travel to paradise, to open a new world.” He clasped both of his hands, looking down at the ground, “And Cheza… she was a flower maiden… of the lunar flowers. She led us there.”

Toboe looked up to him once more, “And we almost made it… but we died…” He looked down again, his voice saddening as the memories flashed through his mind. His final moments, spent with Blue’s old man… he alone, just waiting for Tsume to find him… but he never did.

“I don’t think you’re crazy.” Kalev spoke, “Tell me… where did you find this book?”

“Back in the city… in a bookstore.” Toboe replied plainly.

Kalev smiled, “Would that happen to be Kingston?”

The boy looked up, his eyes wide, “Y-yes…” he breathed.

“I left that book there.” He spoke again.

“Wait, what?” Toboe couldn’t believe it. Now he really was curious.

“Yes, but I didn’t leave it for you.” He frowned then, looking away from him.

“Then who?” the boy asked.

Kalev put his hands in his pocket, closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. In a second or two, he slowly exhaled, his breath steamy against the cold air. He then opened his eyes again, looking back to the boy who stood in front of him, wanting answers. “I came across that book years ago. I’ve held onto it forever… since I was a young pup like you, actually… My grandfather even translated it, as our pack has always passed down the ancient language of our forefathers. …The book had actually been lost to us for many generations. …That book was created for wolves, by wolves. It has been a guide for our people, Toboe.”

The boy couldn’t believe what he was hearing, many questions filling his mind. But he listened quietly anyways.

“It is a book of prophesies, a foretelling of what is to come. I grew up listening to many stories of wolves who tried to make their way to paradise… There were four wolves who they think were able to open the door. They followed the lunar flowers in order to create a paradise, a new beginning for all wolves.”

“…I don’t know how much of this is true, it’s just what has always been taught… But whether this world is paradise or not… We are happy here. We have the lunar flowers, the land and each other. We couldn’t want more… But this past life that you mentioned…” He looked to Toboe, who listened, his eyes still wide.

“You were one of those four wolves, weren’t you?” Kalev asked. The boy didn’t answer, so he continued, “I’ve known this even before you came here… because I saw you in my dreams. It was more than just your scent. When I saw you, I knew. But what of the others?”

Toboe looked down, frowning. “I… I don’t know.”

“You do know. You mentioned one other.” The older man insisted.

“I ran away… I left him.” He didn’t want to talk about this, not right now.

“Your mate?” came the reply.

Toboe looked up, the old man’s face smiling. This caused him to blushed and he looked away once more, “Yes…” he muttered.

“So here you are again, to complete your task.” Toboe looked back up as Kalev began to speak again. He was relieved for the moment, “I should thank you for what you did. You four… you saved our race.”

This made Toboe smile, but he still wouldn’t look at him.

“I am thankful that we have been given this chance to start over… But this world… it has never been perfect. We are told this is paradise. But how do we know that? There is still so much violence and hatred in this world… even though we are all the same. We are all brothers and sisters…”

“What do you mean, we are all the same?” Toboe spoke up.

Kalev smiled again, “Everyone that exists in this life time… We are all the descendants of the wolves before you, who were never able to achieve the dreams of opening paradise…”

“But wait… That doesn’t make sense. What about the humans?” the boy asked, confused.

“Boy, there are no humans.” The old man answered plainly, “They are just wolves who have not been awakened.”

***

Whaaaaaaaat??? Your thoughts, please. ;)
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Our Beginning