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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
- 22
- 23
- 24
:D Yaya!!! I made it!!! …Enjoy. ;)

ALSO – Please, please, please listen to the song, “Kingdom Come” by Coldplay. It totally inspired this chapter. It really reminds me of Tsume and Toboe’s relationship. I’m including the lyrics because I can’t help myself! ;) …But please, listen to the song and lemme know what ya think! :D

~Kingdom Come~

Steal my heart and hold my tongue

I feel my time, my time has come

Let me in, unlock the door

I've never felt this way before
And the wheels just keep on turning

The drummer begins to drum

I don't know which way I'm going

I don't know which way I've come
Hold my head inside your hands

I need someone who understands

I need someone, someone who hears

For you, I've waited all these years
For you I'd wait 'til kingdom come

Until my day, my day is done

And say you'll come and set me free

Just say you'll wait, you'll wait for me
In your tears and in your blood

In your fire and in your flood

I hear you laugh, I heard you sing

I wouldn't change a single thing
And the wheels just keep on turning

The drummers begin to drum

I don't know which way I'm going

I don't know what I'll become
For you I'd wait 'til kingdom come

Until my days, my days are done

And say you'll come and set me free

Just say you'll wait, you'll wait for me
Just say you'll wait, you'll wait for me

Just say you'll wait, you'll wait for me

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. :)

Still Waiting

A loud cheer rang out into the night, the sounds from the crowd raging with chaos in their voices and actions. They were aggressive, arguments breaking out, shoving one another as their angry cries echoed off the cement walls that were cracked, old and worn from the years. The paved ground wasn’t any better, figures standing upon the fading remnants of where yellow painted parking spots used to be.

There was a light that flickered overhead, casting shadows over two men that stood in the center of the crowd that continued to cheer them on. Their bodies were beading with sweat, one man’s white tank soaking in the moisture from his tanned skin. He held his stance firmly, readying himself for the other man’s attack.

Just then, the man swung his fist at him, just barely missing him as he ducked. He smiled as he did so, taking the opportunity to send his own fist into the man’s stomach. This sent the man to his knees, followed by the first man slamming his leg down onto the man’s back. He fell flat on the ground, a grunt of pain escaping his lips.

The first man smiled again, straightening his stance as the crowd roared wildly. As he stepped back a couple of feet, he heard the sound of something hitting the ground behind him. “Finish him off!” he heard someone shout as he glanced back, seeing the metal rod that had landed next to him. Instead of reaching for it, he ignored it. “That’s cheap.” He commented.

The second man had begun to gather himself, bringing himself back to his knees. Even though the first man refused to use the rod, he wouldn’t be so stupid. He lunged for it, quickly grabbing it, no sooner did he swing it at his competitor. But as he did so, the other man jumped back, avoiding his strike at the same time he kicked him in the side of his face.

The second man cried out in pain, “You fucker!” he screamed.

The other one shrugged, watching as the man struggled to get up. “Come on, you call that a fight?” he teased him.

As the second man stood, he dropped the metal rod, glaring at the first man with daggers in his eyes. He skimmed him over, eyeing up his competition. Yes, the man in front of him was clearly strong, the muscles on his body tight and showing through his white tank drenched in sweat. But silver hair? How old was this guy?

“Don’t taunt me, old man.” The second one growled.

“Old man?” he laughed as they circled each other, preparing for the next move, “If you call twenty-six old, then sure.” He glanced over his opponent, noticing a few lines in his face, “How old are you… old man?” He brought his fists up to his face, glaring as he smiled.

“Then what’s with the hair?!” the second man yelled, swinging at him and missing.

“Must run in the family. I wouldn’t know,” the silver haired man replied as he stepped back, “Now quit stalling!” He shouted, his face turning serious.

The second man growled and ran at him, sending his fist flying into his face. It caused the first man to stumble slightly, his face turned away as his attacker smiled. But just as he was about to go in for another move, the silver haired man thrust his elbow up into the man’s jaw. He grunted as he was sent stumbling back, just as another punch was thrown into his gut. He cried out when this was followed by a kick to his right leg, causing him to fall to the ground.

The crowd roared wildly at the spectacle. But the man wouldn’t go down that easily. As the silver haired man stood over him, he resorted to one last move. Frantically reaching into his back pocket, he pulled out a small pocketknife. As soon as he had it in hand, he swiped it open and began to swing at the man’s legs.

But sure enough, the silver haired man dodged the man’s drastic moves, jumping back for each swing. He then quickly took his right leg and swung it back before sending it right into the man’s jaw, finishing the fight. The hit knocked the second man over, crashing into nearby spectators, who jumped back to keep from joining him on the stained, cracked cement floor.

Everyone was quiet for a moment, not knowing whether it was over or if there was more to come. The silver haired man stood ready for another move, his golden eyes glaring. Finally, a woman nudged the other man who had landed on the ground next to her. When he didn’t move, she smiled, “He’s out!” she shouted and the crowd went wild again.

The sound of beer bottles being thrown and broken on the cement joined the cheers. A few of the figures waved wads of money in their hands as they laughed and jumped about. Others broke out into fights, a few even throwing punches as they argued with one another. The winning man just moved past the crowd, slipping a hand into his right pocket.

Pulling out a small box, he patted it into his other hand before taking a cigarette from it. He lit it up, inhaling as he noticed a man ahead at the exit of the underground parking lot. The man grinned brightly at him, his hazel eyes beaming. He could hardly make out his face in the dark due to the man’s dark skin. As he got closer, the man rubbed his shaved head, laughing.

“An’ der ya go!” he smiled, handing him a wad of bills. The silver haired man nodded, taking the pay and stuffing it into his back pocket with a smile. The other man put an arm around him as he laughed, “Yer gonna make us rich, mah bestest friend!” he grinned from ear to ear.

“Nothing but the best for you, Bastian.” He smiled back, rolling his eyes as he exhaled the cigarette smoke from his lips.

“Now les get ta goin’ a’fore Miss Santianna ends us ours lives.” Bastian bit his lip. He nudged his companion along, leaving the scene as the crowd continued about in their chaos. The other just nodded in agreement. What did he care? He was going to die eventually. If it would be at the hands of an angry woman, than so be it.

…

“Where the hell have you two been?” a woman’s voice shouted angrily. She slammed a glass bottle on the counter top, scowling as the two men entered the front door. The one with dark skin walked right up to her, glancing around at the few customers who were there. The bar looked empty tonight, but that wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. It was small and not in the best of locations.

“Aww, Miss Santianna, mah love!” he smiled at the woman as he approached her. She was wiping down the counters, arranging glasses and bottles as if she was trying to ignore him. He sat down on a barstool, rubbing his shaved head. “S’only nine o’clock. An’ Sam’s here fo’ yah!” He nodded over the woman’s shoulder to another man past her.

The other man was working in the kitchen behind the bar and didn’t look up. Working with the dishes and stove top, it was obvious he didn’t want to get involved in the argument. The first man frowned for a moment before looking back to the woman with a sheepish grin. “Mah most beautiful sistah, der’s no reason tah be-“

“I don’t wanna hear it! Yer using this poor man just for some extra cash!” Santianna yelled, gesturing to the silver haired man behind him. “Street fighting, betting with all kinds of dangerous people… Yer gonna gets yourselves killed! Or worse,” she growled, “My bar will get torn up by yer shady friends! Are ya stupid?!” A few of the customers were now looking at the scene, the man backing down from her in embarrassment. He put his hands up, grinning with fear.

“Just get to work, Bastian.” She sighed, closing her eyes as she pulled her dreaded hair back and tied it up. Bastian nodded, still smiling as he stood up and walked to the kitchen to join the other man in his duties. “I swear ta God. He thinks just cuz’ he’s my brother he can behave like a child?” Santi growled when he left. “And Sam ain’t much better… not even saying a thing or lending me a hand to deal with ‘em.”

The man with silver hair was trying his best to keep out of it, as he had remained quiet during the entire argument between the three siblings. But just as he was about to slip past her, she looked up at him with a scowl, “You think you’re off the hook?”

“You look like hell, Tsume.” She commented as she grabbed his chin when he passed her. She jerked his face to each side, “Blood and cuts all over you, your face... And your hair’s a mess.” She spoke as she examined him, reaching up to ruffle his hair. She groaned, letting go of his chin with a rough push.

The man nodded with a small smile, “Good evening to you too, Santi.”

“Go wash up! I don’t want you scaring away my customers.” She snapped back at him, pointing in the direction of the back of the bar.

Tsume nodded and did so, straightening his jaw with his hand. It was still a little sore from the fight and now worse from Santi’s rough handling. But he knew she didn’t mean it, the way she’d spoken to him. Yes, she could angry sometimes but it was mostly because of her brothers. The bar belonged to her; she’d worked very hard to get it and was proud of that.

Bastian and Sam did care for her, but he honestly thought that they took advantage of the situation way too often. It wasn’t just tardiness, but everything from borrowing money to leaving her with a lot of work. She had to be rough with them, or they’d really walk all over her.

Although… Tsume wasn’t innocent either. He could blame Bastian for getting him involved in those fights, but… he would be lying if he said he didn’t like it. Fighting came to him easily. It was second nature, having grown up with it. Yes, it was shady just as Santi had said, but it was good money.

When he’d made it to the men’s room, he went to one of the sinks and turned on the faucet. As he let the water get warmer, his thoughts began to take him places. He remembered another running faucet from long ago, bruised skin and warm tears… the words, “I love you.” …How long had it been since he’d seen that face?

With a grown, he pulled his white tank up and over his tanned muscles, hanging it on the doorknob. He then cupped the warm water into his hands and splashed it onto himself as he bent over. Squirting a couple drops of soap into the water, he began to wash his face, neck and chest.

Grabbing a paper towel and wetting it down, he continued to sponge himself off. As he closed his eyes, he regained his thoughts, realizing how long it had been. A year had gone by, at least.

Sighing, he stood straight up, now seeing his reflection in the mirror as he ran the wet paper towel over his sweat, bruises and cuts. He had been scarred here and there to begin with, but now he had a collection it seemed. Aside from the large scar on his chest from his previous life, he now had various scars of different sizes on his body from street fighting. He then noticed another one on his right shoulder.

That was so long ago, but it didn’t feel like it… Those men were after them. He could recall running through the streets and yelling back at the kid to hurry up, dodging flying bullets as they went. He closed his eyes once more, remembering the sounds of the city, frantic and angry voices yelling after them as gunshots were fired. He could remember the smell of the blood from his wounds, not only on his arm, but the slash on his left thigh from when one of the guys came at him with a knife.

He remembered hiding in that alleyway, those few minutes they shared that seemed like hours. He could still smell the rain as it fell down upon them, soaking into their clothes and hair. Those tender hazel eyes, that innocent expression as he looked up at him. He was there now all over again, pressing up against that fragile body, into that brick wall.

His lips were soft as they welcomed him, slowly parting ways after a few moments. “Oh, Tsume…” the boy breathed, gazing at him with such tenderness as he kissed him once more. And now without realizing it, he brought his left hand to his face, tracing his fingertips across his lips.

Tsume could remember everything… the sweet smell of peaches, the soft touch of his auburn locks, the sound of his joyful voice, the look of innocence on his face whenever he blushed… He remembered the many times he had taken him into his arms, not just through tender embracing but during the passionate moments they had shared.

Blushing, he could still recall the boy on his lap, his arms and legs wrapped around his strong body as they moved together. They were bare, entwined in lust and heat with sweat beading on their skin. The boy moaned as the man gripped onto him, holding him in place as he watched that innocent face of his. He had soft tears in his eyes, his face flushed as he cried out his name, welcoming another wet kiss from his lover…

Opening his eyes once more, he found himself staring into the mirror in front of him. He didn’t have the time to lose himself right now… He ran his hand away from his lips, up over his face and then through his hair. He smoothed back the strands of silver to see his golden eyes. He looked so different now, having not even cut it since those days.

He wondered what the boy looked like now, if he had changed the way he had? Did he still look the same way the day he let him go? …He could remember everything about him… Did he ever stop to remember him?

Toboe…

Leaning his head against the bathroom mirror, he groaned. He couldn’t think about it anymore… not right now.

Deciding to take one last break before he got to work, he dried himself off and reached for his shirt that still hung on the doorknob. When he opened the door, he could hear Sam and Bastian arguing. It was most likely about the menu, ingredients, duties… or all of the above. But whatever it was, he didn’t want to get involved.

With a smile, he was successfully able to quietly and slowly slip past the kitchen through the back hallway. When he finally made it out the back door, he sighed, releasing the tension that had built up inside of him. He didn’t need their family stress; it wasn’t his problem. And he didn’t need to get lost in memories tonight.

He’d spent enough nights thinking about the kid, why he’d gone, where he’d gone… if he was safe… But what did it matter? That was his decision to leave. And it was his decision to let him go… a flightless bird, finally set free so he could learn to fly.

Leaning against the brick wall behind him, he reached into his pocket to pull out his cigarettes. Yes, he’d even managed to take up a new habit aside from the fighting. It was a good way to relieve his anger and stress… God knows he needed that. Placing a cigarette between his lips, he lit it up and inhaled.

It was a few moments later when he blew out the smoke, that he heard the sound of a screened door creak open and close, slamming back into place with a thud. He looked up, seeing Santi leaning against the brick wall. She wouldn’t look at him as she bit her lip, fidgeting with her apron. “Forgive me,” she frowned, “I didn’t mean to get that angry with you… It was mostly my brother I was upset with. I was just worried that-“

“Don’t be. You’re right.” Tsume cut off her sentence. The woman looked at him as he approached her, his golden eyes glowing in the dark night. She blushed when his face came into full view under the alley light, smiling at her. Looking down again, she listened as he spoke again, leaning against the wall by her side. “This was the last night. I’m done.”

Santi looked at him once more, “Bastian’s not happy… but I got what I need now. It won’t be long.” He shrugged plainly, exhaling smoke into the night air.

“What are you talking about?” she asked him, curious about his words and somber tone.

“I’m leaving town.” He inhaled on the cigarette again, waiting a few moments before he exhaled again.

Santi frowned, looking down to the ground, “I see.”

Tsume glanced over at her. He would have assumed that she’d be upset, possibly even angry. But she was smiling. Santi laughed a little, leaning her head back against the wall. “I knew that you wouldn’t stay here forever. You know… ever since the day you walked into my shitty little bar… I knew it wouldn’t last forever.” She paused for a moment before glancing at him, “…So what is it then, Tsume? Where are you going? And why?”

Looking away, he took another drag on his cigarette. He had never told her why he’d come here in the first place, his past… nothing. All that she and the others knew was what they saw. That was it.

“I just gotta keep moving. It’s been too long since I’ve been sitting here…” he frowned, “I’m getting uneasy.” He blew out the smoke, his memories finding him once more. Looking over to her, he saw that her facial expressions were curious as she leaned against the wall. Could he tell her more than that? It was clear that she wanted answers.

“How long has it been?” he asked her.

“Six months or so….” Santi smiled, “I won’t make you stay. But we’ve had a good run, I think. I know my boys are grateful to you… helping them with their work.” She sneered in the direction of the door. “Stupid idiots…” she looked back to him, “I’ll miss you though.”

“You will.” He smirked.

She laughed, “You’re an ass.”

Tsume smiled, stomping out the burnt down cigarette on the ground. The woman stood straight, stretching as she yawned. “Well it’s late enough that I think I’ll close up here soon. Not many customers tonight… at all.” She frowned, “Maybe I’ll go with you. We’ll find us a new place to settle down in, open up our own restaurant together… no bar this time. Just a good old fashioned family place… without my brothers.” She laughed.

He didn’t reply, not knowing what to say to that. Was she serious?

Santi caught his expression and immediately put her hands up in defense, “I’m joking!” she laughed again, before turning serious as she looked down, “I’ll never leave here…”

Tsume still didn’t say anything.

“Well!” she declared, smiling again, “I’m gonna head in there and finish up. If you want, you can go home.” She looked him up and down, putting her hands on her hips, “You really do look like hell.” She commented, gesturing at his bruises and cuts, his hair still a mess.

“Yeah,” he groaned, standing up straight and putting his hands in his pockets, “It’s a living.”

Santi only nodded in reply, giving him a thumbs-up as she opened the screen door, reentering the bar with a smile. “All right,” he heard he yelling inside, “Early night tonight! Thank the heavens, not me!” Her announcement was followed by cries of agreement and happiness. It made him smile a little, sighing as he looked up to the night sky.

He couldn’t see the stars here either. This city and the last, as well as the one before… the one he’d left in the first place. He looked down, frowning. Is this what his life had come to? He’d been on the run for a year now, going from place to place, taking on a new life each time. He was tired.

As he began walking through the alleyways, he reached into his left pocket for his cigarettes.

It was nice here. He’d come to like the people he was around… But once again, it was time to go.

The six months he’d spent here had gone by so fast that he didn’t even notice home he’d begun to settle in. But he couldn’t do that. He was still in hiding… He felt like a coward, but… he was tired of fighting. He was surprised at himself, for not taking on such challenge… He really did hope that Keith would have given up by now.

But when he saw him in the last city, he knew that was just wishful thinking. That man wasn’t going to let up anytime soon. For God’s sake, he’d killed his little sister… he may not have let him go so easily either. But… a part of him wondered if he deserved this.

Keith and his men were on his trail. He didn’t know how… but he would never be able to rest because of what he’d done. But… he’d escaped the last city before they even saw him. He was lucky enough to get away. And it was his own fault. This was the path, the life he’d chosen for himself.

It was the reason that brought him here and it was the same reason he was now leaving… Wasn’t it?

Or was there something else inside of him… something that called him to keep moving? Was it more than escaping his death? Was he really running away… or was he running towards something? Someone?

The sound of a can being kicked echoed into the night, waking him up out of his thoughts. He glanced down the alleyway from where it had come, his golden eyes slit with curiosity. As he stopped in his tracks, he hadn’t even noticed that the cigarette between his fingers had almost burnt down completely, it’s ashes dangling. He stepped forward, bringing it to his mouth before realizing the ashes were against his skin now. He bit his lip, tossing it to the ground.

He looked back up. Something wasn’t right. He could feel it on the back of his neck. He kept looking into the darkness, knowing that he was being watched. And even though he knew he’d just been thinking of him, he knew that it couldn’t be Keith. Could it?

“Who’s there?” he called, his tone serious. “Come out, NOW.” He commanded.

“Tsume, right?” a voice replied.

He turned around as a man approached him from behind, stepping into the alleyway from the other end. He smiled, his hands in his pockets. He stopped in front of him, just as two other men walked out of the darkness on the opposite end of the alleyway.

“Who wants to know?” Tsume growled in reply, readying himself for anything.

“Don’t be hasty. I’m just here to collect a debt.” The man answered.

A debt? Of course… this was Bastian’s fault. Dammit! …He knew he was making a lot of bets, but they hadn’t lost one fight. He thought he was in the clear… Unless this was from something else… Shit.

“I don’t owe you anything. Now get lost.” Tsume sneered, just as he felt a hand on his shoulder, pulling him back. In that moment he swung around, hurling his fist into the man’s face that had grabbed him. Another man came for him as the first one stumbled back. Tsume dodged his attack and smiled, quickly stepping to the right, sending his foot into the man’s side.

But just when he thought he had control of the situation, he felt a blunt object ramming down upon his back. He cried out in pain and stumbled against the wall. When he began to find his footing, he felt a fist driven into his stomach. He choked and clutched onto himself as he heard the same voice say, “Surprised? …You’re not as tough as you think.”

Shit… These men were not to be taken lightly. “What do you want from me?” he groaned, standing back up. Just then, the man’s forearm rammed into his neck, sending him flying into the brick wall behind him. He immediately struggled to break free, but was punched in the stomach again by another man. He gasped for air, as the hit was even harder this time.

“Fuck!” he cried.

The first man leaned in next to him, smiling, “You seem like you’re going to a bit of trouble from here on out… I’d love to kill you right now, you know… But those weren’t the orders.”

Tsume’s eyes widened. “What the fuck are you talking about? What orders? Who sent you?” he breathed. But he already knew the answers to his questions. Before he could ask anything more, the man pulled back from him, allowing another one to step in and grab onto him. He sent him flying into a dumpster behind them and he crashed into it.

Regardless, he quickly brought himself back up and swung around, attempting to defend himself. But it was useless. He immediately was caught off guard by one of the men’s knees thrust into his jaw. He fell back onto the ground with a thud, groaning when he landed.

Instead of attempting another move, even though he had it in him… he didn’t. He lay on the ground, remaining still as the three men gathered around him. He could have kept going at this point, so why didn’t he? Was it that he had given up? Was he ready to accept his punishment, the payment for his sins? …Or was it instinct?

They stood over him, talking amongst themselves. “Really? Was that it?” one asked. “I thought he said he’d be a challenge?”

“Never mind that!” the first man replied with a huff, “Just go get the car… Now!”

Tsume kept his face pressed into the ground, laying still as he listened to hurried footsteps running down the alleyway. Surely he could handle just the remaining two… but no. He didn’t want to.

It was moments later when he heard a car pull up, its engine rumbling a ways off. “There he is.” The first man spoke, “Help me get him to the car.” He could hear them stepping over to him, their shoes scratching the pavement next to his head. But just as rough hands were placed on his arms, something inside of him snapped.

A loud and vicious snarl sounded into the night, followed by a man’s cries of terror. “What the fuck?!” he screamed, falling into the man behind him. The two men scrambled to get back up, the first one growling at the other, “Get off me!” he yelled. The second one did so, quickly standing up as the third man came running down the alleyway. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?” he asked as he ran up to them.

The first man stood up, fixing his glasses and looking around. The man was gone. And what had happened? It seemed like a blur now; everything had happened so quickly. Did he really see what he thought he saw?

If that really was the case, that man had turned into some sort of animal… Or was it that the man’s dog came to his rescue? It was very dark…

“What the fuck was that?” the second man asked as he turned to him, “Fuck if I know. Come on. We still have a job to do.” He growled, stamping back to the car. The two men only nodded, still in shock. They reluctantly followed their leader, leaving the alleyway empty behind them.

Only they didn’t know the beast still stood there in the shadows, still watching them as they disappeared out of sight. He snorted, his golden eyes glowing as he turned in the other direction. Wincing, he realized his ribs and jaw still hurt from where they’d landed hits into him. But it didn’t matter. He was tougher than to let that get to him.

With a hurried step, the wolf continued on his way, venturing in and out of the alleyways. When he moved beyond the alleyways and to a street, he saw that there were a few people around. It wasn’t too busy, but it was enough that he could strike up a scare. Avoiding the streetlights, he remained in the shadows to stay hidden.

He could see the apartment building now, just a couple of blocks down from where he was. He ran faster now, anxiously wanting to get home and gather his things so that he could leave. He knew those men were not one of Bastian’s bad bets… they worked for Keith. He was sure of that. It wasn’t about money. It was about revenge.

The grey animal now approached the back door of the building. A red neon sign glowed overhead, flickering on and off. He looked down at himself then, realizing that he’d already taken his human form once again. Sighing, he was surprised and at the same time thankful.

Tsume opened the back door, hurriedly running up the steps. When he’d finally made it to the third floor and down the hall to his apartment, he slowed his steps. It was when he inserted his keys into the lock, that he realized the door was open and unlocked.

His eyes widened and he began to panic. Had they followed him here? Even as a wolf? It couldn’t be, could it?

He’d waited too long this time. He’d been thinking of leaving for a couple of weeks now just to be safe… but he’d taken too much time to decide. Were they in here waiting for him? Surely. He’d open the door and that’d be it.

He stepped back, growling. He had to do it. He had to pay the price.

Reaching for the doorknob, he frowned. He couldn’t back down now. As he creaked the door open, he heard a voice inside, “Tsume?”

Pushing the door all the way open, he saw his friend standing there. “Santi,” he breathed as he closed the door behind him. “Oh my God! What did you do?” she asked upon seeing him, fresh cuts and blood trickling from his lips and nose. She rushed over to him as he bit his lip, leaning against the door. “You didn’t get into another fight, did you?” she snapped, “I thought you said that it was all over, you said-“

“It is.” He replied.

Santi stepped back, “Then what-“

“I’ve got people after me.” He spoke as she watched him lock the door behind him. He moved past her and to the bedroom, “It’s not safe here. I’ve got to go.”

“Tsume…” she breathed as she followed after him, watching him quickly stuffing clothes and other things into a backpack. “What are you talking about? Is it Bastian’s-“

“No!” he replied, turning to her, “It’s something else… You need to go…” he looked down as she picked up the conversation, “You listen to me. I was worried about you so I came over here to finish our talk …and now you go and tell me to get out! Well fuck you!” He looked at her as she frowned at him, hands on her hips. “Santi…” he breathed, “I’m sorry…”

She sighed, waving after him as she left the bedroom. He bit his lip and followed her out as she made her way to the kitchen. He watched as she opened up the refrigerator door and quickly pulled out two beers. She turned around, holding them, “At least have one more beer with me before you go, okay?” she smiled this time.

The man sighed, looking to the side as he ran a hand through his messy silver hair, “Santi…”

“Please, Tsume. For old times sake?” she asked, putting the bottles on the countertop and popping the tops off. She handed him one of the beers, “Hurry, it’s gonna run over.”

He only nodded, rolling his eyes and taking a big gulp.

“You never did tell me why you were leaving… I take it it’s these people that are after you?” she asked him, leaning against the counter and taking a sip of her beer. “But… it’s more than that, right?”

Tsume walked over to the sofa and sat down, noticing that she followed him and did the same. He looked over to her, frowning. It seemed like yesterday that he’d first met her. He’d never really opened up to her before. And now here she was, acting like she was his friend. It was never like that… What did she see in him?

“There’s something different about you, Tsume.” He looked at her as she spoke, “You know… You’re unlike anyone I’ve ever known.” She smiled, looking down as she leant over her knees, holding the beer bottle in both hands.

“How do you mean?” he asked her, taking another sip.

“I don’t know, you’re just different…” she gulped down another drink, exhaling and wiping her mouth before she continued, “It’s funny… Don’t judge me… but it seems like ever since I met you, I’ve been having the same dreams over and over.”

“Really?” Now he was curious.

“White flowers… and wolves.” She pauses for a moment, “Weird, huh?”

Honestly, he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “It’s always so beautiful… Even thinking of it now,” she closed her eyes and continued, “It’s so real every time… I can still feel the warmth of the sun upon my back, the soft touch of the grass and flowers, running with those animals…” she looked at him, his eyes wide.

“What?” she laughed a little, before looking away once more, “Okay, so there’s my secret… Now you tell me yours.”

Tsume sighed, returning to the troubling matter at hand. “I’m leaving as soon as I finish this beer.” He took another sip as the woman nodded, “That’s all I ask.” She replied.

He smiled a little, “I’ve got some unfinished business… The men who are after me… I made some bad decisions…” he looked away, frowning.

“Bad decisions, huh? Sounds like everyone I know… That doesn’t tell me anything.” She sighed.

“I’ve killed people, Santi.”

This made her look at him, her expression worried. She didn’t reply, so he continued. “You can think what you want to... There’s no excuse for the things I’ve done and now I’m paying the price. Simple as that.” He sighed, “That’s why I have to keep going. Not only am I running from the inevitable, I’m sparing your lives from keeping you out of it.”

A familiar face came to his mind and he frowned, biting his lip, “I’ve made my mistakes. And I’ve paid for them… every time.” He glanced away, his thoughts racing through violent images and angry words. All that followed was regret.

Looking down at his beer, he realized he had only one sip left. He smiled, finishing it off before he continued, “Everyone I get close to gets hurt. And so… because of that, I have to go.” He stood up, slinging the backpack over his shoulder. He sat the empty beer bottle down on the table before he paused and turned back to look at her, “But I do want to say thanks, for everything.”

When she didn’t reply, he frowned and made his way to the door. He looked back one more time, her hands still clutched around the bottle, looking at the floor. Turning to the door, she spoke up, “You’re welcome.” He glanced her way. She was smiling at him, “And thanks to you too. You’ve helped us more than you think, Tsume. So… good luck to you!”

Tsume smiled as well, “No worries,” he nodded, opening the door.

But it was then that he was caught off guard. No sooner that he glanced around after opening the door, that a sharp knife was slashed across his face. He cried out in pain, his blood splattering onto the door as he stumbled backwards, clutching onto his face.

“TSUME!” Santi’s voice cried, followed by a loud gunshot that echoed into the night.

…

The booming sound of thunder rang out, waking the boy from his sleep. He yelped loudly, quickly sitting up. The house was completely dark, aside from the flashes of lightening that came in through the window, lighting up the room. When he realized he was awake now, he brought a hand up to his chest. His heart was beating wildly.

Glancing around the darkened house, he felt that he should have calmed down by now. It was just the storm outside. He wanted to lay down and close his eyes, go back to sleep. But he couldn’t… Something wasn’t right.

He didn’t know why he felt this way… but he knew there was something wrong.

Groaning, he brought a hand up to his head and leaned into it. He could hear the thunder echoing again outside, the rain pelting down upon the roof and windows. The man’s face kept coming to his mind, images not from his memories but of something else. Before he’d woken up, he’d seen blood, heard screams… He was beginning to worry himself now.

He had to go… now. He couldn’t wait until morning…

Throwing back his blanket, he quickly stepped out of bed and onto the rug. He crouched down to the ground, trying to find what he was looking for under the bed. It only took a second or two before he pulled out his backpack.

It was then that he heard a muffled noise from across the room. Looking over, he saw the old man asleep in his chair. Frowning, he proceeded to quickly and quietly pack his things. He wondered… he must have fallen asleep there last night because he was too tired to make it back to his bedroom. He’d been doing that a lot lately.

When the boy finished packing and changing his clothes, he quietly stepped over to the old man whose chair wasn’t but a foot from the door. He watched him as he slept, his breathing raspy. A part of him wished he could stay here and remain as part of the pack. Poor Kalev was so kind to him… saving his life, mentoring him, even sharing his home with him. He wanted to stay here and take of him… he deserved that.

But he couldn’t. And even Kalev knew that it was time for him to continue his journey. He was even the one who told him so. …This man had done so much for him. He’d come to care for him so deeply, that he knew he would never forget him… for what he’d taught him, the things he’d showed him… He would always remember.

The boy sighed before reluctantly reaching into his backpack. Pulling out an old and tattered book, he gently placed it on the man’s lap. It was the least he could do… he didn’t need it anymore.

“Goodbye, my friend.” He whispered with a smile, opening the door and stepping outside. He quietly shut it behind him, glancing around the village. He couldn’t leave just yet. He had one more thing to do.

The rain had begun to let up, the thunder and lightening moved on away from where the village was. The boy quickly ran to a few houses down from where he stood. As he approached the front door, he bit his lip. She was angry with him that night… that he told her he was leaving.

It was planned that in the morning he would give his final goodbyes to the pack, but now everything had changed. But… he couldn’t just leave it at that.

He reluctantly knocked on the door, only softly hitting it. No answer came for a few minutes, so he knocked once more, this time a little louder. And once again, no answer came. He began knocking louder and louder, practically wailing on the wooden door. Finally, he cried out, “MIRI!”

“OPEN THE DOOR!” he felt embarrassed, even regretful. But he couldn’t miss seeing her one last time.

It was when a couple of minutes went by that he decided to let up. He also noticed a few lights coming on in the other houses. Great. Whether he liked it or not, he’d caused a scene. He wanted to run by now, hoping that no one came out to give him a hard time.

But just as he began to walk away, he heard the door being creaked open. He quickly turned around, seeing his friend in a nightgown. She stepped out under the roof, avoiding the slight drizzle as she rubbed her eyes. “I’m only answering because Gran made me…” she spoke plainly, then she growled, switching her tone, “…What the hell?! Do you have any idea what time it is?! This couldn’t have waited until morn-“

The girl was cut off in mid-sentence when she felt the boy’s arms thrown around her, pulling her into an embrace. Her eyes were wide at first, her body frozen as he hugged onto her. For a few moments they stood there in the silence, the girl not moving as he held her tightly. And then, her face softened, tears appearing in her eyes.

“Oh, Toboe,” she cried, hugging him back. “Why do you have to go?”

“I’m sorry… I don’t want to go.” He replied, still holding onto her, “But… this is something I have to do, Miri. I have to continue searching…”

The girl pulled back from him then, wiping the tears from her eyes. She looked him up and down, soaked from the rain, his backpack strapped over his shoulders. Sighing, she looked down, “You came to say goodbye, didn’t you?” she glanced back to him, smiling.

“Yes, I’m leaving right now. It can’t wait until morning… I just had to see you one last time.” He frowned.

“You’re crazy, you know.”

“I know… I just feel… I’m worried, Miri.” His eyes met hers and she nodded, “It’s ok,” she spoke, “You do what you have to do. But…” she clasped her hands together, “Please don’t forget about me…” She began to get teary again and looked away from him, biting her lip.

Toboe felt sorry for her, leaving her in this place. She hated it. He bit his lip as well, before an idea came to him, “Come with me!” he grabbed her hands.

“What?” she asked, her face surprised.

“Come with me, Miri! To paradise!” he smiled.

However, she wouldn’t look at him, “I can’t…” she muttered, “I can’t leave him… I just can’t.”

Toboe frowned when she tore her hands away from him, wrapping them around herself. He didn’t want to do what he was about to do, but he couldn’t see her like this. This wasn’t the Miri he knew. “All right then, we’ll go get him.” He nodded.

Miri looked up at him, “What?”

“He’ll go with us! To paradise!” The boy was determined, his hands balled up into fists. But it was then that the two teenagers heard someone approaching out of the darkness. Both of them looked up, seeing the black haired boy standing a few feet away from them, the rain pelting down upon his hair and clothes.

“What are you trying to pull?” he scowled at the younger boy.

Toboe shook his head, “N-nothing!”

“Like hell!” came the angry reply.

This set the other boy off, he wasn’t about to take this lying down. This was just typical Sera. “I’m not trying to pull anything! I just thought that we could all go together! I-“

“Fuck you!” the black wolf snarled as he lunged at the boy. Toboe had luckily saw the attack coming and dodged it, barely missing him. He quickly turned around, his own body now in wolf form. He bared his fangs at Sera, preparing himself in an attack stance. “Just listen to me, Sera! If we all go to paradi-“

“That’s bullshit! You’re filling her head with lies! You’re delusional! There’s no such thing as paradise!” the black wolf growled.

“What?! Haven’t you even heard a word Kalev said?!” the red wolf tried to reason with him, “How can you say that?! You call yourself a wolf?!”

That was it. The black wolf lunged at him with a snarl, managing to clip the younger one’s shoulder as he moved past. The red wolf winced in pain, stumbling back. The older one turned around, readying himself to make the next move. “You’ve had this coming.” He muttered viciously, slowly making his way to him. Toboe snarled at him, preparing himself as he ignored the pain in his shoulder.

“STOP IT!” Miri’s voice shrieked, “Sera, you can’t kill him!”

The black wolf looked back to the girl, glaring, “Why not?!” he turned back to the red wolf, a few feet in front of him. “It’d be worth the trouble…” He bared his teeth, snorting as he moved closer, his hackles raised.

“Stop it! He already has a mate!” the girl tried to reason with him.

“Then why’s he gotta be sniffin’ around mine?!” It was no use. With a snarl, the older wolf lunged for the red wolf, aiming for his throat. But it was then that he was sent off his goal by something knocked into his side, sending him flying. With a grunt, he landed into the muddy grass. He growled, quickly bringing himself back to his feet.

The black wolf’s yellow eyes glowed, seeing the white and silver wolf before him. She stood in front of the red one, her teeth bared at him. “You listen to me!” she growled, “I don’t belong to anyone! Not this pack, not YOU!” She took a step forward then, “I will never be with you until I see you change this! You can’t keep acting like this! …You need to grow up!”

Sera glared at her for a while, no longer snarling. He looked away after a few minutes, standing down from the fight.

“Sera…” Miri’s voice softened and he looked up once more, “I don’t hate you. I love you…” she turned back to Toboe, who was not cowering but standing straight. “And that’s why… I can’t go with you. It’s not just him…” She smiled at him, glancing down.

The white and silver wolf then walked over to the black one, joining his side, “This is our pack, Toboe. I have to stay here with them… they’re my family.” Sera looked down at her as she spoke, his face softening as well.

“I understand, Miri.” Toboe nodded, “But maybe we’ll find each other again someday. Who knows…”

“Yes, maybe.” The white and silver wolf smiled, “I would love that.”

The boy now appeared in human form once more, going over to pick up his backpack. He strapped it back on and stood up straight. The rain was still coming down, but only a slight drizzle. Before he left, he turned back to the two wolves, waving at them, “Thanks again, for everything…” When no reply came, he just nodded, “Well… I’m off!”

“Just go then. Go search for your stupid paradise.” The black wolf growled.

But it didn’t matter. In his heart, he’d already forgiven him. If Miri could love him, then the least he could do was try to understand. He didn’t know what Sera’s life had been like until now… But, he had other things to do now.

As he walked away from the village, the rain soaking into his clothes and hair, he clutched the backpack over his shoulders and smiled. It had been a nice vacation from his life. He was grateful for the times he had, the things he’d learned, the friends he’d made… He’d grown so much, not only in appearance, but in his heart. He’d changed… he could no longer hold onto the things that made him weak.

Paradise was still waiting for him… and maybe… someone else too.

***

>) I can’t wait until the next chapter, can you???
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Our Beginning