Faster. Faster. Faster. She ran, dodging trees. The snow had no pity for her cause, and only added stress to her journey. In her arms, a whimpering grey wolf puppy, badly injured. Over her shoulder, a red shibu inu pup from her bag sticks her head out. Behind her, followed the voices of angry voices of men who chase her. They were no doubt closing in on her. While speed was her usual lifestyle, an injured leg never helped anyone.
In the distance, she could see smoke rising into the tree tops. If she only make it there, then maybe, just maybe, it could be her savior.
Just over the hill….
A low grumble started as she neared the top of the hill. She assumed it was Shibu, her loyal dog. But as she near the top of the hill, she ran almost straight into the face of a very angry, red eyed wolf. Fear overcame her, freezing her right in her tracks. She could hear the men getting closer, but watching the wolf's lip tremble as he growled would not let her move.
"Please, all I want to do is help him." She pleaded, not that the wolf could understand her.
The men were approaching, only several yards away now. The wolf looked down into her eyes, then leaped over her head. The sudden movement made her drop in fear, her life flashing before her eyes. But as she wanted to scream, she could hear the shrieks of men and the snarls of the wolf.
"Ghost!" A voice hollered
She hesitantly looked up and saw before her a man dressed in black with a fur cloaked upon his shoulder's.
"That's enough."
The baby wolf in her arms whimpered, trying to shuffle in her arms. Ghost appeared beside her, his mouth red with blood. "Thank you" she said
"Ghost has a soft spot for other wolves it seems." The man said, nodding toward to the pup in her arms. "Why were those men after you?"
"Lets just say stealing the injured wolf may not be my only crime." Shibu wiggled free from the bag, jumping to the ground and shaking himself. She rubbed Shibu on the head. "You have quite the animal. What's your name?"
"Jon."
"Arianne." She introduced herself, " This is Shibu. And this is refugee for now. Would you be so kind as to help? He's injured pretty badly."
Jon looked torn, but after a moment looked at her and agreed. "Come on then."
Arianne stood up, but as she tried to step forward she only collapsed instead. The wolf pup rolled out of her arms as she caught herself. As her adrenaline had vanished, her aching muscles had come to life.
"Your leg is in very bad shape. You've had one hell of a journey."
"I'm aware." She almost laughed
"Come on then. I'll help you."