Chapter VIII
Hubb was desperate. After he left the bar, he came back for the old man, Quent. Since they were both after a similar cause, they decided to hit the road together. Unfortunately, Hubb couldn't afford a car, he was practically hung over, and Quent wasn't much help with his bag of beers.
Luckily, some kid mechanic was able to give them a car—a crappy piece of junk, but a car, nonetheless.
"Eh, look at the bright side," Quent said. "At least you got a car that works."
"Assuming it does."
Hubb was actually able to get the hunk of junk running, but it was a very slow drive.
Due to his depressed mood, Hubb was able to convince Quent take the wheel so he could drink his depression away. The older man glared at him, completely envious. Hubb had him take a pill so he could drive with a clear head while he got to lie back drinking his beer. What an ass!
"You've had enough!" he exclaimed as he tried to take the bottle away. It was hard since he had to keep one hand on the wheel and watch the road at the same time.
"Careful!" Hubb cried. "Now just keep your eyes on the road. An attentive driver never regrets the accident he avoids."
Quent didn't give a damn. "Do you always have to talk like a cop?"
"You're on the force, too, as I recall." Quent growled under his breath, but he didn't say a word. "For crying out loud! What would make a man like you want to become a sheriff?"
The older man smirked. "Alright then. What made you become a cop?"
"My folks," Hubb simply answered as he poured himself another shot. "Like a good little boy, I did what I was told. That's all."
Quent laughed. "Daddy's little trooper, huh?" Hubb took another shot. "Come on! Pour some for me, will ya?"
"My parents used to gang up and lecture me," he continued. "'Now, Hubb, don't go getting into trouble. There are rules in this world. Stick to the rules, and you can never go wrong.'" Quent laughed again. "You think that's funny? Nothing was ever funny to me. I did exactly what they said and followed every rule in the book. But I still—" He began to chug the bottle.
"Don't chug it!" Quent reprimanded him.
Hubb began choking, but he quickly calmed down. "And then I take a wrong turn. When the hell did I go wrong?" he asked himself.
"So, did that include your marriage?"
"What?"
"Was getting married your parents' idea, too?" he clarified.
"No. Cher and I were… Well, we first met through a friend of mine. It was love at first sight."
At first, Quent had no idea how to react to what Hubb had just said. But then, he began cackling louder than he had before. What a cliché thing to say! Love at first sight? Who did this guy think he was? And the look on his face—priceless! He couldn't tell if his cherry-red face was from embarrassment or inebriation.
It soon became late afternoon. Hubb and Quent were lucky to get far with the car, even when Hubb had them stop so he could vomit. Quent took this time to take a leak.
"You haven't done anything wrong," he said as Hubb continued to purge out the contents of his stomach. "And despite your concerted efforts, believe me, you ain't such a good little boy."
When Hubb was composed again, he stared up Quent, as if they reached a certain understanding with each other. He still found it hard to believe he had something in common with this old man, beside the fact that they both used to work on the force.
The two continued down the road even as it began to snow heavily. Hubb was asleep on the passenger's side. The alcohol really put him out. Quent stared at the road ahead with much determination. But the snow wasn't making it easy for him to drive.
"Can't see a thing, damn it," he murmured. "Can't hear either. What a night."
Suddenly a black figure ran in front of the car. Quent immediately hit the brakes, recognizing the dog's form. The abrupt stop made Hubb hit his head against the windshield, waking him from his nap.
When they stopped, Quent ran out of the car. "Blue!" He ran in the snow in an effortless attempt to catch up with his dog. However, Blue was nowhere in sight.
"What's the matter?" Hubb called from the car.
Quent headed back to the old lemon, completely indifferent about the illusion he just saw. "Forget it," he said. "It was nothing."
Blue felt awkward. She was riding in a car with a 15-year-old girl at the wheel to an infamous Nobleman's Keep. What was she thinking? She couldn't let the girl go out on her own because of her injury—which was just about healed by now—but why didn't she try to stop her and return her to her pack like she'd promised? But then Blue realized this was a great opportunity for her. There were so many things she wanted to ask the pup since she first laid eyes on her, and what better time now when they were both trapped in a moving vehicle?
"So, kid," she said. "I have a few questions."
"Go ahead," Tsuki said. She laid back against her seat with one hand on the wheel, like she drove for a living.
"When'd you learn how to hotwire a car, and when'd you learn how to drive it?"
"My friend taught me. He… was a scientist. He taught me many things, like how to manipulate machines. He told me learning a skill like that could help me one day."
"That's… impressive." Blue wondered what kind of person would teach a pup something like this. "Who is this friend?"
Tsuki's expression suddenly fell. "He's… a close, personal friend that I care about very much. I had to separate from him when I joined the pack."
Blue sighed. "I know how that feels. Those three friends of yours despise me because I used to hunt them down with a human. He hates wolves because… they destroyed everything we loved. Our home, our family… Pops was the only person I had left in my life, the only one I could rely on. When I found out I was half-wolf, I knew my destiny was different. I couldn't hunt wolves anymore; they're a part of me.
"Despite his loathing toward wolves, I still love Pops. He's the only family I had."
"Was leaving him really worth it, then?" Blue looked at Tsuki, a bit shocked by her sudden response. "One person you were really close to, the one person you could depend on, you leave behind for something that may not even exist. Will it really be worth it in the end, when there's nothing left in this world for you?"
Blue smirked. "The thing is, I don't see it that way. When I left Pops, I saw it as a new opportunity to live a better life, to look for my Paradise."
It was Tsuki's turn to act surprised. She almost turned the wheel the wrong way, but she quickly gained control. Then she laughed. "That's ridiculous. Paradise isn't real."
Blue laughed with her. "I guess you're right."
"For some reason, though, my friend actually believes that Paradise may be real."
"Is that why he left you with that pack?"
Tsuki never considered it. He believed Cheza could help her regain her lost memories. Part of her past had something to do with Paradise, but she wasn't sure she wanted those memories back. Every time she thought about Paradise, the empty feeling in her chest filled up with loneliness and fear. She hated those feelings, and she almost resented Tora for leaving her behind because of it.
"He told me it was for my own good," she confessed begrudgingly. "But he also told me I had a different purpose. Now after all the time I've spent with Kiba and Cheza and…" She was going to say Toboe, but a fluttery feeling in her chest suddenly arose, making her stop mid-sentence. Blue got the picture. "I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do anymore. Heck, I can't remember who I am!" The car swerved a bit, but Tsuki quickly grabbed control over the wheel again.
"Maybe we should stop," Blue suggested. Time was of the essence, but Tsuki seemed too distracted to drive at the moment.
Tsuki stopped the car. "I'm sorry."
Blue shook her head. "It's fine. I know how you feel. Before Pops's kid found me, I was just a confused pup who didn't have a clue." She looked out the window. "At first, I thought I was just doing this as a favor to your friends for forgiveness. Now I understand wolves like us need to stay together. I'm not taking my eyes off you during this trip."
Tsuki smiled. Having a she-wolf around felt different, but in a better way. They had more in common than the others. "Maybe we can help each other, you know, recover our memories."
Blue smirked. "Maybe. Now, let's go find Cheza."
Silence once again enveloped the car as Tsuki continued to drive toward Darcia's Keep. It soon began to snow, and the snow quickly turned into a flurry. With her incredible vision, Tsuki was able to see through the terrible weather and stay on their path. Blue looked at the window, watching the snow in wonder. It never snowed in Kyrios, but seeing it was also very familiar to her. The reminiscent feeling suddenly made her feel bad, so she looked away from the window and back at the pup.
Tsuki looked exhausted and a bit preoccupied. Her wound was gone but Blue was still concerned. "Hey, Tsuki. I think we should stop and rest. You need it."
"I'm fine," she insisted.
"But you're still recovering—" The car suddenly hit a bump in the road. "That can't be good."
That was when Tsuki saw something ahead of them, or rather nothing. She hit the brakes hard, but the car continued to skid across the icy road. Tsuki pushed harder, making the car lurch and tip dangerously from the harsh force applied so suddenly. It finally came to a stop, landing back on all four wheels.
Blue grunted as she busted her door open. "Tsuki, are you okay?"
The pup had such a tight grip on the wheel she had to pry her fingers from the metal, leaving indelible marks. She nodded stiffly in reply, clutching her head.
A creaking sound erupted from under the car. "We have to get out of here!" Blue jumped out of the car, pulling Tsuki out along with her. Once they were out, the car plummeted into a precipice. Blue sighed in relief. "That was a close one." Tsuki, however, was on the ground, recovering from the blunt accident. "Are you hurt?"
Tsuki grimaced. "It's… it's just my head. I-I'll be fine."
"You're bleeding."
Tsuki touched her forehead. Sure enough, she could feel blood dripping down her forehead. Her temple had hit the steering wheel when she abruptly pressed the brakes, but she didn't even notice the injury due to the adrenaline pumping through her veins. "It's just a scratch." When she tried to stand, she stumbled back. It seemed the adrenaline was wearing off.
"You can't walk in this condition. Or in this weather." A gust of wind harshly blew at them, emphasizing the severity of their situation.
"I'm the only one who knows the way to Darcia's Keep. I'll be fine."
Blue's eyes narrowed. Tsuki's eyes were unfocused and she was completely in vertigo, but she wasn't going to quit even in this unstable condition. The elder she-wolf had no choice but to let her continue. "Fine. But if you get any worse, I'm carrying you."
Tsuki sighed. "Alright."
The wolves continued their journey on foot. For some reason, Tsuki was running like her life depended on it. Blue did her best to catch up with her in the blizzard, but for an wounded pup, Tsuki was very spry. "Tsuki! Hold on!" Her words fell on deaf ears. The pup was persistent.
As they continued forward, a light shone in Blue's periphery. She stopped a moment to look back and saw nothing. She scoffed to herself. The blizzard's pulling tricks on me.
Turning back to Tsuki, Blue was appalled to find that Tsuki was nowhere to be seen in the storm. "Tsuki! Tsuki, where are you?" A figure was protruding out of the snow. It was the pup herself. "Tsuki!" Blue ran over to Tsuki's unconscious form. She'd become so weak, she changed back into her original form. "Tsuki, wake up!"
The pup stirred a bit. "Blue…"
"Don't fall asleep on me now, kid. I'll find us a place to rest. Just bear with me until then."
Blue was able to put Tsuki on her back and carry her. It was much easier to maneuver through the snow in her wolf form. She soon found a jagged formation for them to hide in. It was a strange cave, having a metallic inside, but Blue paid these features no mind. She set Tsuki down gently and touched her forehead. Blood was seeping through her luxurious lavender fur and fell down her lupine face.
"Tsuki, are you still with me?"
The girl nodded slowly. "My head…"
"It'll be okay. Just close your eyes and rest for a moment." Tsuki was already out cold.
Blue needed something to stop the bleeding. However, the wound began to heal in front of her eyes. Tsuki's head was completely flawless, besides the blood that stained her fur. Although wolves healed faster than other beings, Tsuki's wound miraculously disappeared on the spot, faster than she'd thought possible. This made Blue even more curious. Was Tsuki really a wolf, or was she some half-breed like herself?
Maybe we're not so different.
Suddenly, a squawk sounded outside the cave, standing out even through the discordant winds. Blue stood in front of the sleeping pup protectively. Into the cave flew a majestic black and gray bird with red feathers hidden underneath its wings and tail. It landed near Tsuki.
"Who the hell are you?" Blue demanded.
The bird squawked at her indignantly, which she figured meant, "None of your business." She frowned at the irksome bird. When she reached out to grab it, it flew behind Tsuki and screeched.
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't touch me," it said.
Blue scowled at him. "Who are you, exactly?"
"My name is Shouta. I've come in search of Tsuki by order of my master, Tora."
"'Tora'? Who is this Tora?"
"My only orders were to search for her and lead her to Darcia's Keep. It's not in my place to tell you about my master."
Blue wondered if Tsuki planned for this to happen and if this "Tora" was the friend she spoke of earlier. She was so bent on going to the Keep, but she never gave the older wolf a reason why she was in such a hurry. "Well, she's in no condition to go anywhere right now, especially in this blizzard. How were you able to fly through this storm?"
"I am not obligated to answer," Shouta replied as he shook his feathers of snow, and Blue frowned at his blasé response. Maybe this was why birds and wolves didn't get along. "She'll recover quickly. Until then, I will wait here until she wakes up."
Blue sighed. Now she was stuck in a cave with an unconscious wolf and a smart-alecky bird. What joy.
The drive was long, and the car broke down on numerous occasions, but Hubb and Quent finally made it to the next town. The trip was somewhat tolerable, and the men were able to learn more about each other. They hoped they never had to do that again.
This town wasn't their destination, though. Hubb hoped to find Cher here, but he wouldn't just abandon the old man. He'd probably pass out on the street without someone there to catch him.
"Alright, how about we meet back here at nightfall," Quent said.
"Sure," Hubb agreed. "We'll decide then whether or not to get a hotel."
"So what's your plan? How're you going to find her?"
"I'll just act like a cop. Start working the beat."
Quent smirked. "Fight hard for her or you'll always regret what could've been."
Hubb watched the old man as he walked away, mostly likely searching for a bar. From then on, Hubb went around town asking people if they'd seen Cher. So far, he had no results, and he was starting to give up. When he had a lead, the path to Cher always slipped through his fingers.
Evening turned up sooner than expected, and Hubb still hadn't found Cher. He was exhausted. He stopped near an empty fountain and sat down on the edge, putting his hand to his head in despair. He was beginning to think that he would never be able to find his ex.
The flapping of wings suddenly brought him out of his stupor, and he looked up as he heard the clicking of heels coming toward him. Beyond the foliage of pigeons was a young woman. At first, he thought he finally cracked and his mind was playing cruel tricks on him. But as the two looked into each other's eyes, they both realized that it wasn't a dream. Their meeting was completely, palpably real.
They ran to each other, crying their names in joy and relief. As soon as Cher was in his arms, Hubb nuzzled his face in her hair, taking in her sweet scent. "Is this a dream?" he asked. "I can't tell. I've had so many dreams about you."
After a moment of embrace, the couple decided to go to a café and catch up.
"Lord Orkham's been killed," Hubb told her. "On the way into town I saw a military caravan, but I don't have the slightest idea where they're headed. I think something insane is about to happen."
"No," Cher said. "It's been insane all along."
"All along?" Hubb sighed. She had been playing this ruse with him for so long; he was getting tired of her riddles and secrets. "Oh please, Cher. I need to know—what are you trying to do?"
"I'm going to Lord Darcia's Keep," she informed him without a moment's hesitation. She was also tired of lying.
"Darcia's Keep? But why?"
"Because that's where Cheza is."
Hubb frowned. He should've known this was about the Flower Maiden. "No, you're wrong."
"I'm not wrong! I saw her! But now I…"
"What else did you see? Why won't you look me in the eye?"
Cher did look him in the eye, but then she quickly looked down at her mug. The haunting images of "Lupa" appeared clearly in her mind. "I met him," she confessed. "I met Darcia." Hubb was able to stifle a gasp, but a surprised breath did manage to escape. "I'm sorry, Hubb. I can't tell how happy I am that you came all this way to find me, but I have to go."
"But why, Cher?"
"I don't know why!" That wasn't completely true. She knew exactly why she had to leave: she had to know the truth about Cheza and her relationship with Lupa. But for some reason, she couldn't tell Hubb about Lupa. Maybe Darcia was lying to her, tricking her so she couldn't find out the truth. Even so, it made her even more curious, and she was desperate to find out why Cheza and this Lupa came to be. "It's just—It's something I have to do. Please try to understand. I have to find out Cheza's true purpose. I'm being drawn to something, Hubb, and I need to know what it is."
Hubb had a stony look on his face. "Alright, then I'll go with you." Cher shook her head. "Then why in the hell did you leave this thing for me to read!" He slammed The Book of the Moon down on the table. "I'm going with you."
Without another word, the two left to go back to the car. Quent was waiting in the backseat. When he saw that Hubb had returned, he was surprised to find a young woman in the passenger's seat. He stared at Hubb in disbelief.
The bastard actually did it.
And with that last thought, the three were on their way to Darcia's Keep.
Before the wolves began their journey, they went back into town to plan their next move. Paradise was still a priority, but Kiba was able to convince them that they needed to find Cheza first. Since she was the Flower Maiden, she was the key to opening the doors to Paradise.
The rest of the pack was skeptical. Hige wondered if Blue was okay (and Tsuki, of course). Toboe was still moping about Tsuki's departure. He hoped Blue was able to find her so they could all go to Paradise together. Tsume was also worried about his little sister and he didn't like Kiba's plan very much. The white wolf was only concerned about Cheza, and himself for that matter. He didn't care about the missing members or if the rest of them would survive their next ordeal with Darcia again. But Tsume agreed to go just so he could keep an eye on Kiba and make sure he didn't do anything stupid.
Soon the pack was on their way. It wasn't long until they ran into the blizzard. Even though the snow was slowing down their journey, the wolves persevered.
However, Toboe was having trouble keeping up with the rest of them. Seeing this, Hige looked back at Kiba, who was the fastest of them all. "Kiba!" he called out to the alpha, but he was ignored. Hige trudged past Tsume to get to him. "Damn it! Will you wait up!" He grabbed Kiba's shoulder and turned him around. Hige was so out of breath, he didn't have enough energy to yell at him. "Come on… you're going too fast!" he said in between breaths. "Let's take a break."
"We don't have time for that."
"Will you use your head for once! We've got a little kid with us!"
"I can hear you, you know!" Toboe shouted. He was finally able to catch up with them after they stopped. He rested his hands on his knees to catch his breath. Despite his fatigue, he still wanted to find Tsuki as soon as possible. "Don't stop for me. I can keep up. Let's keep going."
"You realize he's the one who wants to rest, don't you?" Tsume pointed out. "I would've thought you'd want to go ahead so we could find your girlfriend."
"I do not!" Hige denied. "I just—"
"But you've got to admit he does have a point." Kiba and Tsume glared at each other. Even though they were in a rush, Tsume wasn't willing to have his friends die in this blizzard because of Kiba's shortsightedness. "At this rate, none of us will make it. We can take shelter in those rocks until the storm clears."
The pack looked over at the formation that resembled a cave. "That settles it, then!" Hige declared. "Can you hang in a little longer, runt?"
Toboe nodded assertively. "No problem."
The two were already making their way to the rocks while Kiba continued to glare at Tsume. He didn't appreciate the older wolf taking charge. Tsume wasn't fazed by this and retaliated with his own fierce glare. "Let's go." He didn't wait for Kiba to follow.
The formation did look more jagged and dangerous up close, and it was clearly made of metal instead of rock. It was probably the remains of a Noble's aircraft. But staying in there was better than trudging forward in the storm.
When the wolves were inside, they found two she-wolves and a hawk.
"Blue!" Hige cried. He ran up to the she-wolf eagerly. "Glad to see you're okay. And you found Tsuki."
Toboe froze when he saw them, however. Tsuki, in her wolf form, looked pale and very exhausted. There was dry blood on her forehead, marring her pristine fur. "Tsuki…"
"Don't worry, kid," Blue said. "She's fine. She's just resting. We were in a bit of an accident when the storm came in, so I took her here to rest."
Toboe slowly approached the slumbering pup. Her sweet breath blew against his fur, reassuring him that she was still alive and they were together once again. Now they could go to Paradise.
Turning wolf, he cozied up next to her, gently licking the blood off her face. When it was gone, he saw small gray dots on the lavender fur of her forehead. Together, they formed the shape of a flower. He didn't notice the mark before, maybe because it was always hidden behind her bangs. The mark disappeared when Tsuki turned over. She must've been really tired if she didn't wake up to his grooming. Toboe was also exhausted, so he decided to rest with Tsuki.
Meanwhile, as the last two wolves entered the cave, Tsume growled at the sight he was witnessing. Toboe was lying his head on top of Tsuki's, one paw draped over her back. He was relieved to find his sister unharmed, but the sight of the pups cuddling vexed him.
"So, is the bird for eating, 'cause I'm starving," Hige said.
"The bird is for Tsuki," Blue answered him. "He said he has a message from this guy named Tora."
"Tora?" everyone echoed, except for Tsume.
Suddenly, the young she-pup began to stir. Toboe quickly got off her back and watched as she arose. Tsuki was in her human façade by the time she woke up. She rubbed her head gently feeling for any unchecked wounds. Her tired eyes began to focus and widened when they saw the other pup in front of her. "Toboe? What—How…?"
"Tsuki, you're okay!" Toboe hugged Tsuki, and she gladly embraced him back. "We finally found you! Now we can go find Cheza together."
"Speaking of the Flower Maiden…" The hawk swooped down next to the two wolves, garnering their attention once more.
"Shouta? What are you doing here?"
"Tora has sent me to tell you that Jaguara's forces have invaded Darcia's Keep. Cheza is there now."
So Cheza is at Darcia's Keep, Kiba thought as he eyed Tsuki in suspicion.
"What about Tora? What happened to him?" Tsuki asked anxiously.
"I believe it would be better if you come and see yourself."
"Come with you? But…" Tsuki looked outside.
Tsume followed her gaze and saw the blizzard as he sat near the entrance of the door. He wasn't sure what Tora wanted, but he didn't want his sister following a stupid bird outside just so she could help him. "The sun will be up soon," he said. "We should rest until then."
"What do you say Kiba?" Hige asked. "I mean, the storm will blow itself out by morning."
"It already has." Everybody looked at the wolf as if he were crazy. He was clearly blinded by his obsession to find Cheza and go to Paradise to think rationally at the moment. "Come on. It'll be fine."
"Well none of us will be fine!" Tsume shouted.
Kiba merely stared at him. "Do what you want. I'm leaving."
Blue immediately stood up. "I can handle it."
"Yeah," Toboe said as he also stood. "Let's keep going." Tsuki hesitated next to him.
"No," Hige spoke out. "I'm not going anywhere till morning."
Kiba glared at him, too. "I understand."
As he began his departure, Tsuki immediately called after him, "Wait! I'll come with you."
"What!" Toboe exclaimed. "Tsuki, you can't! It's too dangerous!"
"I don't care. I have to go." She didn't expect him, or anyone else here, to understand.
"You should listen to Toboe," Kiba advised. "You better stay here."
"No. I'm going. Shouta can fly faster than either us of can run. And besides, would you rather go into that storm blind or have a guide lead you to Darcia's Keep in a straight path?" Tsuki was drawing him in. She knew Kiba was suspicious of her and her relationship with Darcia, but that wouldn't stop her from as she was told. Tora told her to come, and now it was time for them to be reunited.
Kiba considered her offer for a moment. Tsuki was obviously concerned about Tora's wellbeing, and Cheza's. If she came, he could keep a close eye on her. "Fine. Let's go."
"Shouta!"
The bird nodded before flying out into the oblivion of the storm, Kiba following close behind. Toboe grabbed Tsuki's arm before she could leave with them.
"Let me come with you," he pleaded.
Tsuki shook her head sadly. "I'm sorry, Toboe. I can't have you risking your life for me." To his surprise, she kissed his cheek. "We'll see each other soon, and then we can go to Paradise together." And with that, Tsuki ran out into the blizzard after Kiba.
"Tsuki!" Toboe cried out.
"Let 'em go," Hige said with a growl.
"But why?"
"Right now, the only thing Kiba see is Cheza, and all Tsuki can see is Tora. It doesn't make any difference whether we're with them or not."
"We'll follow them once the storm blows over," Tsume said. "For now, just get some rest and don't worry about it." Although he was calm on the inside, he was extremely pissed allowing his sister to enter that storm with Kiba. He hoped the white wolf wouldn't do anything stupid while she was with him.
"Hige, you sure about this?" Blue asked hesitantely. After spending some time alone with Tsuki, she suddenly felt very protective of her. She should've gone after her and she still wanted to, but it would be impossible to catch up to them now.
Hige rubbed his head, exasperated. "Kiba obsesses too much. What can you do?"
Like Blue, Toboe was still unsure, but he decided not to argue. After they just reunited, Tsuki and Kiba left in search of Darcia's Keep. And Tsuki just kissed him (on the cheek, but it still made him feel giddy inside). It made him so upset that he didn't follow them, but he knew he was weak go into the storm again. He would just have to rest like Tsume said and wait out the storm so they could meet up like Tsuki promised. And there was nothing he could do about it. That was all he was good at, after all.
