Ran POV

I slurred from sleep. Wait, when did I fall asleep? My mind was half processing things. I wasn't even clear with what I was thinking. All I knew was I was groaning because several parts of my body were aching. Badly.

My brain finally got me to open my eyes and half-lidded, I peeped into an orange blanket of some sort. I expanded my vision and from the corner of my eyes were faint yellow-orange cotton-like puffs.

My ears were ringing with the sounds of splashing water. They were thundering fairly loudly and I almost thought I was at the beach. I was hearing calls as well; the common cry of seagulls. Sea?

I pushed myself up to sitting position, only to hiss at the pain received from one of my arms. Holding it to soothe, I reverted my vision to my surroundings.

"Where…" I mumbled to myself. Where's the rest? Yoji, Ken and Omi… The mission!

I scrambled to my bare feet which hurt a little on the rough ground of stones and pebbles. As I stood up a wind chose to blow, forcing me to drape my arm over my eyes. When it subsided, I removed it, only to see a place which is no where familiar.

A vast ocean.

Just a few feet more and it was a drop down to the rocky below. The waters illuminated orange from the sun which was semi above the horizon line. The seagulls, indeed, were swooping around and crying as they dived to the sea.

I walked up, a little curious of how high I was standing above. In three steps, I was dangerously standing by the edge. Three inches more and it would be the end of me. Funny though. I didn't fear it at all. Most people would start to feel nauseous with shaky legs or something. None of that occurred to me.

In fact, I was staring directly down. A rough estimate, I could be standing about 1600 feet. The waters were crashing into the rocks as if it was in a war with the solid walls. The waves proved its battle spirit as they rose to a considerable, cautioning height before losing, being reflected upwards against its tough opponent.

My hands gripped a white cloak, fisting the material. I was so, really tempted to just step off…

A hand grabbed my shoulder and it turned me around. By natural reaction, I lashed out my arm, only to get it caught in another hand.

"Ran! It's just me!" Height frowned.

I stared at him for a while. Height…

"Where are we now?"

"Well, obviously, by the ocean side. If you're asking specifically where, sorry; I don't do name of places."

I groaned. This guy is hopeless. He dragged me off from my mission area, sent me topsy-turvy information and now tells me he doesn't know where we are.

"Bring me home will you?"

His face darkened. "I told you…"

"And I heard you", I cut in, annoyed. "But that is still my home. The rest would be wondering where I am. Also, Omi's injured and I have to make sure the other two are alright." I placed my uninjured hand on my hips. "So say it. Where's the direction of the city?"

"You're unbelievable", Height shook his head.

"You'd better believe it", I snorted.

"Okay. I'll let you go back on one condition."

Condition? I should be the one saying that. How about: before I punch your lights out and you bring me home?

"I'll see about that. What is it first?"

"You fly."

My jaw dropped. "You've got to be kidding me. I'm not some bird, damn it."

"Really? Then what are those on your back?"

I glanced over my shoulder where my two feathered wings settled. My gaze actually softened a little upon seeing then; I was surprised.

"Okay, whatever I turned into. I'm still not flying though."

The other gave me a shrug. I sensed a swagger. "Then I won't bring you home."

Okay, I'm officially pissed now. "Fine. Then I'll go on my own." I turned my back towards him and he sniffed in annoyance as well, but said nothing. I started walking towards the forest which was about a hundred meters away. Height was grumbling behind and I sort of felt a little satisfied.

About halfway, my senses picked up something foreign. I stopped dead in my tracks, suddenly staring intently at the shady forest. The aura was so familiar, but I couldn't figure out where I felt it from. All I know was that it was not safe.

I felt Height's presence behind and he leaned over dangerously close. His breathe was warm on my neck first and I swallowed hard.

"When I pull your arm, run towards the cliff as fast as you can and open your wings", he whispered.

What's that supposed to mean?

I felt a sudden chill down my spine when I saw a pair of yellow eyes catching my gaze. My stomach tightened with something I thought I had sealed a long time ago: fear.

It wasn't only one pair that appeared, however. Four more others appeared. They practically have both Height and I cornered at this coned shape cliff.

My arm got pulled with such force I almost stumbled to the ground in a heap. I managed to stable myself on my knees and a single hand and I looked over my shoulder. Height was charging towards the foreign figures.

Five half-human, half-canine figures sprinted out of the shadows. They were running on two feet like humans, but at a swifter speed. Their faces had snouts and were furry like a wolf. Their entire body was furred as well, which pretty much depicted a typical werewolf in my mind.

But werewolves don't exist.

I didn't bother to examine anything else. I pushed myself off the ground and ran. I hardly processed the pains in my soles as I set my goal to getting to the cliff. As I did so, I did a stupid thing. I opened my wings a little too quickly and it slowed my down a little. I was still a fair bit from the edge.

I heard scratching noises getting louder from behind and I had a feeling they were catching up. I started to panic. It had been ages since I felt this way. The last time was when Aya was close to lying in her deathbed.

My heart raced as my legs did the same. Just a little more…

A hot breathe was down my neck and a pair of arms grabbed me. I couldn't hold it back anymore.

I screamed.

ooo la la la CLIFF hanger. get it? sorry i'm being lame XD hey heys. wanna see Height? i haven't got to color him yet but hey. it's him!!

feel free to poke into my other works please D

http://kojima-ayumi. deviantart. com. /art /Height-64785924

combined the links together. couldn't get em to STAY together lols XD