Zero Gravity

Standard Disclaimers apply. I do not own Wolf's Rain. It belongs to BONES.

A/N: It's been awhile since I've done one of these. I was re-watching the series, and this idea floated into my head. This is meant to be an exercise of sorts to hopefully conquer my writer's block. This is a stand-alone for now, but I may further expand it to include other character drabbles, like for Tsume, Toboe, Hige, Blue, Cher, Darcia, Quent, Hub, Hamona, Cheza...you get the idea. Depends on the interest this garners. And by interest, I mean like three reviews, if I'm lucky. (...and no, that's NOT me begging for reviews. I know that's unattractive and makes me sound desperate.) I am aware this isn't the most active of fandoms. However, reviews are, of course, always greatly appreciated.

They say there's no such place as Paradise. Even if you search to the ends of the Earth...there's nothing there.

As I lay here, soft flakes drifting onto my snow-white fur and melting at the contact of my body heat, it is these thoughts that are running through my head.

Nothing. Can that really be true? I wonder. Is all this for nothing? Is my search in vain?

No matter how far you walk, it's always the same road that just goes on and on.

I've been running for so long. Miles upon miles. It feels like it's never ending. I don't remember the last time I ate. It must be three weeks now since I've managed to find prey. Food is scarce out here.

But in spite of that, why am I so driven to find it?

My golden eyes close, and I drift into that limbo between slumber and wakefulness.

I do wonder why. Why do I push myself beyond my limits? Why do I run for days, even weeks on end? Why do I run until my paws are cracked and bleeding, until my lungs burn and my muscles ache, until I collapse when I'm well past the point of exhaustion?

The truth is, I love running. I love the exhilaration, the rush of adrenaline, the feel of my muscles expanding and contracting, basking in the knowledge that I am free and strong and alive.

When I run, it feels like I'm flying.

A voice calls to me. It says "Search for Paradise."

I see...a vision. I'm no longer lying in the bleak, desolate snow field with the heavy gray sky above me. I feel the warmth of the sun. Crystal clear blue lakes that mirror the color of the blue skies above me. I'm surrounded by rich, verdant green fields.

I know, I am seeing a vision of Paradise.

Perhaps it's a dream? Or maybe a mere hallucination?

I cannot say. All I know is that every fiber of my being demands that I search, demands that I find out what lies at the end of this path that I travel.

I will go to the ends of the Earth. To the ends of eternity, if that's what it takes.

It's a compulsion. Almost an obsession.

And when I finally reach the end, only then will I rest.

But not now. It's been three days since I've seen the moon, and basked in its nourishing glow. Without it, I am beginning to weaken.

I get up, stumbling a bit. I gather the last reserves of my strength and begin to lope. There's a city not far. I can smell the faint traces of civilization- oil, machinery, smoke...mingled with something else. The scent of lunar flowers.

I must go there. Feeling a sudden burst of energy, I break from a lope into a run.

It's here, I know it. The beacon that will guide me to Paradise.

As I run, I suddenly feel light. Almost weightless as I bound over the snow, my tracks disappearing almost as quickly as I create them. I am like a ghost, and nearly as silent.

Is this what zero gravity's like?

So, yeah. What did you think? Love it? Hate it? Like it? Did I capture Kiba's character? (He felt a bit OOC to me, to be honest.) Should I continue writing more of these? Regardless, I'm glad I got this out of my system. My Kiba muse has been nipping at my heels lately. I don't give him nearly enough attention.