Heyy! Thank you so much for checking out this story! I hope you guys will enjoy it. This is my first Wolfs Rain story, but not my first story to write. So, please review it. Constructive criticism is accepted. ***NOTE: This story is set AFTER the world is reborn.***
I walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known
Don't know where it goes
But its home to me and I walk alone
~Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Green Day
Chapter 1
Kiba's POV
Leaves flew in the sky, dancing around each other as the white wolf stood on a hill overlooking the small town below. The fairly cold weather only added to the dreariness of the grey sky. The wind blew gently, carrying the scent of rain. A few miles past the town houses could be seen. The feeling was strong here. It was strange, this feeling. For this feeling was quite different from the feeling he had followed so long to Paradise. Nevertheless, he had embraced it. Kiba started down the hill through the trees towards the small neighborhood. The sound of cars reached his ears quickly followed by the rancid smell of exhaust. He walked along the side of the small paved road, the cars racing past him. As he walked, he looked for any signs of his lost companions. Ever since the world had been reborn, Kiba had been separated from them. He knew he was the only one out of the four of them that remembered. He also knew that he had to find his companions and Cheza then continue to Paradise. The only problem was that he couldn't feel Cheza like he used to. Although this confused him, he felt that he needed to follow this other "feeling" in the hopes that maybe whoever it was could lead them to Cheza and Paradise.
A broad sign before him welcomed him to Shady Grove and he walked past it into the small town. Small shops lined the streets and people bustled about. A small food market advertised apples for a lower price. Kiba walked along the sidewalk, dodging people hurrying to their cars. He stopped at a restaurant with glowing fluorescent lights signaling that it was open. Turning the handle, he pushed open the door, a bell dinging as he entered. Tables and booths were scattered across the room. Along the far wall was a bar serving various alcohol drinks. To the left of the bar was a small stage with a stool and microphone, to the right was a door leading to the kitchen. TV's were in the corners, showing the news. Waitresses hurried about carrying trays in and out of the back. Walking to the back, he slid into a booth and watched all the people.
Tori's POV
Tori pushed through the door and into the kitchen and clipped her piece of paper holding the orders above the oven.
"I need a cheese burger with a Dr. Pepper!" She yelled over the loudness and picked up a tray holding two drinks on them. Hurrying out the door, she weaved through the tables and stopped at one where a young couple sat.
"Here you go," She said, setting the drinks on the table. Feeling eyes on her, Tori looked around and saw a boy watching her curiously. His long dark hair framed his face and his piercing blue eyes bore into her. He wore a jacket over a white shirt and jeans. Tori returned his gaze, her dark eyes meeting his blue ones. Right as their eyes met, a sharp pain sparked in the back of her head. Wincing, she placed her hand where it throbbed.
Probably just a stupid headache, She thought. Shaking her head, Tori picked up her tray then strode off to the kitchen again.
Walking into the kitchen, she picked up the cheese burger and Dr. Pepper, set them on her tray then strode out of the kitchen. Tori sauntered over to a man sitting at the bar and handed him his burger and drink.
"There you are," She said, then handed him the check, "There's the check when you're ready." The man just nodded and she started wiping down tables.
A few hours later and Tori's shift was over. She turned off the florescent lights and picked up her bag. The mysterious boy had left a long time ago.
"See ya Kathy," Tori said, "I'm out."
"Ok! Bye Tori!" Kathy called from the bar. Tori waved then strode out of the restaurant and started across the street. Kathy was the manager of Dolts Restaurant. In her mid-fifties, Kathy was just as lively as she had been in her younger years. Dolts' restaurant had been around for many, many years. So long in fact, Tori couldn't remember a time when it wasn't around. The restaurant also doubled as a Karaoke joint. There usually was always someone singing. Tonight, however, there was no one. That wasn't totally unusual though. Tori unlocked her old Dodge truck and then hopped in, starting up the motor. Pulling out, she stopped at the intersection where the sign of Shady Grove sat, then drove down the road towards the neighborhood thirty minutes away. As she drove, she passed the familiar sign warning pedestrians of wolves along with other wild animals and to carry a gun with you. Being as isolated as Shady Grove was, it wasn't unusual to see animals now and again. Wolves were predominantly what lurked in the woods, if you actually saw one. Despite the low casualties, the law took...precautions. So, it was required that everyone over the age of fourteen carries a gun with them at all times and children under the age of thirteen always be with a parent or legal guardian. However, the law took it even further and set out to exterminate any wolves within the vicinity of Shady Grove. As a result, there weren't many wolves left in the forest surrounding the town.
It's like their paranoid, Tori thought irritably, if there weren't many casualties in the first place why wipe them out? To make matters worse, the police threatened to arrest anyone seen with a wolf and send them to jail for at least ten years. Talk about unreasonable. Being an animal lover, especially to wolves, Tori was totally against the rule. But, it's not like you can just rebel against the cops and tell them they were idiots and to call off their ridiculous rule. So, Tori obeyed, grudgingly, and now carried a gun in her bag. Why would you even carry a gun if there wasn't anything to shoot? Shaking her head, Tori pulled into her parents' driveway and shut off the engine. She walked up the steps and threw the door, dropping the keys on the table.
"I'm home!" She called, flopping down onto the couch with a sigh.
"Oh, hey honey," Her Mother said, walking down the hallway, "How was work?" Tori shrugged.
"Same as usual." She refrained from telling her about the mysterious boy. She was still uncertain about him and didn't want to worry her Mom for no reason. Since she tended to overreact. Majorly. Plus, Tori was curious about him. And, although she tried, she couldn't shake how he had stared at her. It was so intense, almost animal-like.
"Where's Dad?" Tori asked, running a hand through her dark hair. Mrs. Bishop sat down on a chair, flipping through a magazine absently.
"He's still at work," She said, "Said he'd be home late, something about patrolling the forest."
"Ok," Tori said, "I'll be in my room. I have a paper to write."
"Dinner will be ready soon," Mrs. Bishop called to her. Tori waved dismissively and walked up stairs into her room. Her Dad, often referred to as Officer Bishop, was Shady Groves Sherriff. If there was a burglary, murder, wolf sighting—whatever, he handled it. So, he was often busy although he did usually manage to get home for dinner.
What could have happened for him to patrol the freaking forest? Tori thought as she sat down at her desk, spinning around in her chair, nothing ever happens out there. Unless, there was a wolf sighting. That'd be great. This town could use some excitement, it's always so boring. Taking out her Mac, she started researching her paper for History. What was so interesting about the Greek and Roman culture, was beyond Tori. No sooner did she start typing, did her cell ring loudly. Sighing, she flipped it open and held it to her ear with her shoulder.
"Hello?"
"Hey Tor!" Came her friend's voice from the other line, "You wanna meet up at the Cabin later on?" Tori smiled at Chloe's voice.
"Yeah sure," She replied, "How's nine?"
"Sounds good," Chloe said, "I'll see ya then." Tori snapped her phone shut then started typing on her Mac. Half an hour later and Tori heard the door shut loudly and made her way down the hallway. Time to ask her Dad some questions. She sauntered into the kitchen, piling her plate full of food, then sat at the table. For a while, they ate in silence. Only the sounds of utensils sliding against the plates.
"Hey Dad," Tori began in as normal of a voice she could manage, "How was work?"
"It was good," Mr. Bishop said around food, "Tiring, but good."
"I heard you patrolled the forest today," She continued.
"Yeah," He said, looking at her oddly. Tori raised her eyebrows at him expectantly.
"Well? Find anything?" She asked.
"No, Tori, why are you suddenly so interested in my work?" Her Dad asked, setting his silverware down.
"I'm just curious that's all," Tori said, shrugging innocently.
"This isn't about the wolves is it?" He asked, knowing full well about her love of the animals.
"No," Tori said, suddenly irritated, "It's not. Is there something against daughters being curious about their dad's day at work?"
"Tor, that's—" Mr. Bishop started but the girl just shook her head, dismissing it.
"I gotta go finish my homework," She growled and stood, walking to her room. Once there, she grabbed her hoodie and opened her window. Even though it was nowhere near nine, Tori decided she would just go ahead and go to the Cabin.
I could use some alone time anyway. Climbing out of the window and onto the roof, Tori inched towards the edge then sat down, slinging her legs over the side. Estimating the drop, she jumped off, crouching as she landed. Pulling the hoodie over her head to block some of the wind, Tori started through the trees. The whole neighborhood was in the woods, but the Cabin was at least a mile and a half away. The Cabin, as Tori and Chloe called it, was there secret get-away from the town. In truth, it was an abandoned vacation spot from a long time ago. The people quite using it because some teenagers were killed there. Either from murder or wild animals, nobody knew. Most speculated wolves, which didn't come as a surprise to Tori. The wolves had a bad rep here at Shady Grove. At least, ever since that old couple moved in, they did. They had moved in a year ago and brought their weird beliefs with them. They had said that wolves were only servants of death and that they had been the ones to kill those teenagers all those years ago in this cabin. But, Tori didn't believe any of it.
It's all a loud of crap if you ask me, She thought bitterly.
The moon began to rise in the sky, shedding an eerie, pale light over the forest. Leaves crunched beneath Tori's sneakers as she walked through the forest. Somewhere, an owl hooted. The wind blew softly, playing with her hair. Looking up, Tori spotted the owl perched in a tree. It swiveled its neck around and looked at her, its dark eyes reflecting the light. The bushes rustled and she whirled around, her muscles tensing. More rustling farther down and then a quick flash of movement. Fear sparked through Tori and she bolted through the forest, knowing the Cabin wasn't far off. Tori couldn't hear any noises signaling that whatever was out there was chasing her, but she got the feeling she was being followed. She jumped a fallen tree and ducked under a low hanging branch, her breath coming in quick gasps. Her feet thumped softly on the ground as she ran. Tori skidded to a stop at a small stream, looking up and down it frantically. The sound of leaves being kicked up sounded behind her and Tori turned and ran down stream. Tori jumped over another fallen tree and gasped as her foot caught on a small branch sticking up. Hitting the ground with a thud, she rolled down the hill. Her momentum carried her over a small drop and landed hard on the ground below, knocking the breath out of her chest. For a few seconds, Tori couldn't breathe. Then she gasped, sucking in air. Tori sat up and looked around then froze at what she saw. On the hill above her, was a white wolf. Its fur gleamed silver in the moonlight and its gold eyes gleamed fiercely. It froze as it saw her and seemed to debate on whether to run or flee. They starred at each other for a few seconds. Slowly, Tori stood to her feet, keeping her eyes towards the ground. Tori carefully looked up at the wolf.
Why doesn't it run? She thought curiously. Right when their eyes met, a sharp pain sparked in the back of her head once again. Crying out, Tori gripped her head and fell to her knees.
Ugh! What the crap's going on? At the sudden noise, the wolf turned and disappeared into the night. Tori groaned as the pain slowly reseeded. An image of the wolfs' eyes flashed in her head. Those eyes. Something seemed so familiar about them.
What am I thinking? I've never seen those eyes before. Heck, I've never really seen an actual wolf before, let alone that close. Shaking her head, Tori stood and continued to the Cabin. Once up the other side of the hill, she spotted to Cabin a few yards away. Rubbing the shoulder she had landed on, Tori walked forward and pushed open the door. The floorboard groaned as she stepped inside. Chloe was sitting on the floor, a candle beside her.
"About time," She said, "Get lost or something?" Tori shook her head and sat down.
"You won't believe what I just saw," She said, forgetting about her aching shoulder.
"Hit me," Chloe said, leaning back on her hands.
"So, I was walking through the woods then I heard something and I freaked out and started running," Tori began, "Then, I jumped over this log or whatever but my foot caught on something and I fell down this hill. Then out of nowhere, this white wolf appeared—"
"Hold it," Chloe interrupted, "Are you sure it was a wolf? It could have been someone's dog that got lost or something. Besides, I doubt there are any wolves out here anymore. At least, not this close to humans."
"No, I know what I saw, Chloe," Tori said.
"Alright, alright. I'm just saying, so you saw a wolf, then what?" Chloe asked, still not believing her friend.
"I dunno, I got this sharp pain in my head and it ran off," Tori ended then muttered, "Stupid headaches."
"You were probably seeing things," Chloe said, "You were freaked out." Tori sighed crossly but didn't say anything.
Tori and Chloe talked for sometime then decided it was about time to head back. Together, they walked through the woods towards their neighborhood. Tori looked around for any sign of the white wolf, hoping it would show up and prove to her friend that she wasn't seeing things. She had no such luck though. Soon, they could see the backs of the houses and Chloe and Tori parted ways. Tori walked around to the front of her house then cautiously inched the door open far enough for her to slip inside then shut it quietly. Tipping toeing down the hall, Tori walked into her room and shut the door. After changing, she lied down on her bed and sighed.
"Who am I kidding?" Tori said to herself, "I probably was seeing things. What wolf would get that close to a human?" With that, Tori closed her eyes and went to sleep.
