A/N

This chapter took a long while to write. I've had a massive writer's block and many other distractions besides. I'm unsure to whether to continue after this chapter of not.

I've got a bad feeling it's a load of boring drabble that leads off to nowhere. I need some more opinions on it really...

So read and review please and more importantly be truthful it helps a great deal :)

Thanks, I'll shut up now and start the next chapter now. Enjoy!

-

"Wolf... I couldn't help but notice your lingering presence in my realm of dreams. You've been here a long while, much time has passed by.

The world of the living will have grown darker in the hours of your absence. And the ones important to you have come to forget your existence.

Why do you remain here? There is nothing here but shattered dreams and unfulfilled prophecies. A dead world, long past its best. It is a greatly despised and hated place. Why do you remain?"

A vast wasteland of death reflected back into a pair of lost, autumn eyes. Tsume was certain he was lost. He'd been wandering endlessly around the deserted plain, growing more uneasy by the second.

He as alone, aside from the unfriendly voice, which seemed to take great pleasure in continuously questioning him about his purpose here. In truth, he hadn't the slightest incline to where he was.

Nothing alive inhabited this particular place it seemed. The emptiness disturbed him the most; any form of plantation was scarce. Jagged boulders swamped the dusty ground, Tsume just happened to be standing on the very edge of a rather large one.

"Stay here forever, with me."

The haunting voice came again, carrying with it a mild sandstorm. Tsume raised his arm to shield his eyes. Unsure to whether to voice was real, he gave a warning snarl.

"Angry? Why? Don't you want to remain here? Or would you rather return to your past life?"

Some many questions without an answer. Tsume knew he had to respond; his escape depended on it.

"I want to go back, that is all." He said, choosing his words cautiously. He wanted to leave this god forsaken place for good. Even the torments of reality were more tolerable compared to this ghost land.

"If that is what you desire, then back you shall go, but always remember wolf. The answer you seek lies in the dense shroud of sleep. Now awaken, and remember nothing..."

Upon opening his eyes, Tsume found himself in a prison cell. Small and cramped in size, there was barely enough room for him to stand. The walls were washed in a monotone grey colour that immediately smothered out any potential light.

This place was almost as foreboding as his obscure dream. Which he could barely remember. Though it remained vague in the pit of his mind, it still bore some sense of significance. He didn't dare dwell on thought of it any longer.

Still unaware of his current location, he crawled nearer to the bars for a closer look.

Cages, many of them. Stacked on top of each other in a large, dimly lit hallway. Saddened faces returned his stare, their spirits broken. They whimpered to each other in pained mourns, trying to attract the new canine's attention.

The cage opposite to him contained a battered, auburn wolf. Its head was poorly wrapped in scarlet stained bandages. The expression on its face made the sight even more unbearable for Tsume.

"Toboe!" He barked to the opposite cage. "What did they do to you?!"

The younger wolf lifted his head to reply but found himself back on the ground shortly.

"Tsume... I thought you were dead, you've been out for nearly a whole day!" He said looking reasonably calm and relieved at the same time.

Tsume gasped, how could that be? It didn't feel like he'd been gone for that long. All he could remember was wandering in the unusual desert, constantly being tormented by the unnerving voice of a phantasmal creature.

Toboe watched him with his one good eye, waiting for a response.

"Where is this place?" Tsume finally said.

"I don't know. All I know is that this place is a torture chamber. The dog in the cell above you was shot yesterday because he lost the use of his back legs! Tsume, I don't want either of us to end up like that." Toboe answered throwing a repulsive look to the cell above the grey wolf.

There was a loud scrapping noise to the western entrance to the hall, someone was coming in. As the door opened a river of light illuminated into the dismal hall. Furious barking began and a sinister figure entered.

Meanwhile...

It was early morning in the city, and all aside from the two lone figures had yet to awaken. Both of their faces grim, they awaited a plan of action from one another.

"Kiba..." Hige began. "They'll be dead before we rescue them at this rate." He sighed, he knew Kiba wasn't much of a conversation, but at a time as dire as this it seemed awkward.

The dark haired boy watched the traffic begin to build up. Just where had Tsume and Toboe been taken to?

"We only have one choice." He said with an effort.

"And that is?" questioned Hige.

"If your nose has stayed as accurate as it has been in the past. We could follow their scent." he said looking over to a crowd of giggling girls forming behind them. Hige jumped as he turned round and began blushing madly. The sight of all those girls made him feel a little nervous.

"We'd better be going..." Kiba muttered underneath his breath, he didn't want to be stood watching Hige flirt wit girls for hours on end. However he was too late.

"So you're Hige and who's your shy friend over there?" One of the prettier girls said, looking towards a reclusive Kiba. Hige laughed blushing even more.

"Ah, that's Kiba." He said, while the white wolf gave him an annoyed look. He gulped, the first time in monthes he'd been able to talk to girls and he had to leave

After only a brief greeting. "Yeah, we had better be going. Some people are depending on us." He said grimily, watching the girls disappointed faces in regret.

Kiba gave a small grin; he knew it was difficult for Hige to give up girls. But some sacrifices had to be made; life would never be as easy as it used to be.

Two of the darker haired girls had pushed their way to the front in hope of speaking to the two mysterious strangers. As Kiba and Hige departed they both made a grab for their arms.

"Wait! Where are you guys staying? Maybe we could hang out later" the older of the two said giving Hige the puppy eyed look, that he often found himself melting into. He fell for it as usual.

"Yeah, sure we're staying at the uh..." He glanced around the courtyard, seeking out a hotel name. "The Indigo Plaza" he settled on, acknowledging the incredibly bright

advertisement attached to a bus shelter. He knew it was a lie, but he didn't want to see tears in their eyes. Kiba wasn't pleased; he leant against the wall in a sulk. Daydreaming about Cheza

Hige assumed.

"So what brings you guys to Eclipse?" asked the dark haired girl, she thought she'd convinced them to stay for a while.

"Eclipse?" Hige asked puzzled.

"It's the name of the city, silly. You really are new around, here aren't you? She giggled soon joined by the rest of her gang. Hige laughed along with them, while Kiba folded his arms protectively.

Eclipse... that name had some sort of connection with the moon. Kiba thought to himself, distracted from Cheza. An idea suddenly struck him but he dismissed it quickly when he saw the group of girls

Change the topic of conversation. Even so, it was question that desperately needed to be asked.

"Oh what a lovely collar!" squeaked a small blond girl. "It looks so cute on you." By now Hige had gone far beyond embarrassment and stood there grinning wildly. Kiba walked over to the crowd slowly, he was tired of waiting for others.

"Is there a dog sanctuary of some sort around here?" He said making most of the girls jump. They whispered among each other before giving him an answer.

"Yes, there is one, but I should warn you. If you're looking for a new pet try elsewhere. Dogs that come out of that place have usually gone insane." said one of the dark haired girls cautiously.

"They're horrible and vicious!" wailed the other. Kiba nodded but still awaited an answer. Hige had become jealous now all the attention was focused on Kiba. Abruptly the crowd of girls parted to make a clear pathway for what looked like the leader of the gang. She was average in every aspect; nothing seemed to make her much different from the others. Except for the look of authority she carried proudly in her dark oak eyes.

"It's about a few hours from here. If you keep heading to the north side of Eclipse, and stay to the roads. Eventually you'll come to a fork in the road, take the left turning and continue up there until you see a tall fence." she gestured to the main road pointing in a northerly direction. "That's all I know, past the fence and then I'm afraid you're on your own." Kiba followed her gestures to see the last part of the city before it turned back to wilderness. It didn't look remarkably far at all. He then noticed there were several pairs of adoring eyes pinned on him.

"He's so messy and rugged." he heard a few times, not that it bothered him.

"C'mon girls, we'd better get moving or we'll be late for school." said the leader finally. There were many moans and grunts of protest but they soon headed off to a large steep building. "Nice meeting you guys, good luck on your

business." she gave them a knowing wink before running off to join her rabble.

Hige sighed, that was probably his last chance to communicate with girls for a while. He wondered whether they really could meet up later.

"Not likely." Kiba said, almost reading his mind. He had a bad habit of doing that, it annoyed Hige immensely.

"We'd better get going too." Hige said trying to change the subject. Tsume and Toboe were probably being tortured as they spoke. With a determined look in his eyes, he lunged into a hard run soon followed by Kiba.

From afar the leader of the gang of school girls watched in interest, as the two boys ran off into the distance.

"Whoever you are and where ever you come from, I know you're not normal and you're hiding something, that I can't quite put my finger on." she said with a mischievous grin.

"Ilandra? Are you coming or what?" Ilandra turned around to see the dark haired sisters waiting impatiently.

"Yes, just give me a moment."

"Well hurry up, okay?"

"Sure" and with that all three girls hurried into school to begin another day.

Heavy footsteps and labored breathing could be heard Cleary through the infuriated barking. Tsume squeezed his head in-between the bars to find the cause of the sounds. An unpleasant musty smell blew into his nose, and irritated his throat.

He backed away deeper into his cell seeking refuge from the loathsome odor.

The deliberately loud footsteps continued, growing into a pattern. They stopped every now and then, for the owner to choke back another agonizing cough. What ever it was, it was fast approaching Tsume's cell, and he was almost certain it would stop and glare. Either at him or Toboe. Who also watched warily.

He staggered through the cellblock he'd obviously had far too much to drink. Each dog looked upon him in hatred as he passed their cells. One particularly bad tempered one attempted to bite him through the bars. He promptly threw his empty wine bottle at in retaliation.

None of the dogs bothered him after that and went back to their usual ghostly ways. When he came upon the two new prisoners, he stopped again. And glared at them with his critical eyes. Trying to find faults with each of them. He didn't feel comfortable with the suspicious eye the gray one gave him. There was something strange about that dog, and the other. The brown canine seemed to be the tamer of the two. He couldn't be sure; it was in not fit state to fight back. He smiled to himself; they were both incredibly large and strong. His sled team needed stronger workers. He quite fancied the grey one as his lead.

"Ahh, Mr. Qeulle, I see you've found our best stock." Came an eerie voice from the entrance. Mr. Stinger stepped in, wearing his grimy apron over his disfigured attire. Bearing an evil smirk he put an arm around his customer and brought his bloodshot eyes over the two wolves.

Dark silhouettes hovered around Tsume's cage; it was beginning to aggravate the wolf. He didn't know how much longer he could remain calm.

"So you want the pair, eh?" Mr. Stinger said trying to force as much shock into his voice as possible. Money still plagued the mans selfish mind, money that was all. He'd told Kian that he'd contact him when the dogs had been sold. Truthfully he had no intention of giving Kian even the tiniest sum of money from his haul.

"Hmm, yes, they would prove very useful farther up north." Replied Mr. Quelle, surveying his sale carefully. Mr. Stinger rubbed his hands together greedily and led his customer to the back room to negotiate a price.

The doors closed and darkness returned.

"Tsume, we have to escape now or we'll be sold!" Toboe said, panic stricken. He was standing quite easily now and the life had returned to his eyes.

"I'm well aware." Tsume replied coolly, Toboe was already annoying him.

"How to we get out?" Toboe said anxiously watching the door the two men had recently exited .Anytime now they'd be back to collect them. They desperately needed to think of an escape plan quickly.

Was there even a possible way out? The bars on the cages looked too strong for even Kiba to break, and the ground around them was made from solid stone, so the digging option was useless.

The latches on the doors were kept well hidden behind a padlocked cabinet, just to the left of the grey wolf's cell. If only he could reach it.

Transforming back into his human form, he slipped his arm through one of the bar intervals. It was quite a tight squeeze but he managed to get most of his arm through.

Watching Tsume's effort from his own cell, Toboe felt a great urge to assist him; after all he was quite flexible and slim. He contemplated the idea for a while and decided to carry it out. Tsume wasn't having much success; he'd managed to get within reach of the padlock but had failed to open it as he couldn't reach any further. Beads of sweat dribbled down his forehead from the strain and he finally withdrew his arm. Without thinking he changed back to his wolf form and started to chew at the bars aggressively.

"Stop it; you'll just end up hurting yourself." The brown wolf said concerned. Tsume didn't take heed of his warnings and carried on with his biting madness. It was left to Toboe, whom had his doubts of being able to fit between the tight gaps. But he had to try.

Returning to his human form for the first time in a long while, he leant against the wall and side stepped until he reached the bars. Then carefully he maneuvered his body through the bars. Feeling the cold bars push against his body in protest sent a feeling of fear into the pit of his empty stomach.

The bars let out a high pitched screeching sound as he pushed his way out, alerting most of the other dogs to his movement. Only Tsume didn't seem to notice; he was far too busy biting at his iron bar. Toboe gulped, he hoped against hope the other dogs wouldn't bark at him. Even the quietest noise would attract

Mr. Stinger's unwanted attention.

Now only a few centimeters away from his target, Toboe glanced around to see if it was safe to leave his cell completely. He was just about satisfied, although some of the confused faces that watched him intently caused him some anxiety. I've got nothing to lose, he thought, not wanting to leave it another second.

In the poor light, he could vaguely make out the lock. The locking mechanism didn't look to complex; a pick at it wouldn't go to waste.

Plunging his claw into the keyhole, he fiddled around with it until he finally heard a triumphant click. The cabinet door swung open revealing a single switch, which was currently set to the 'closed' setting.

"Hey kid, how'd you get out?!" Tsume said in surprise, finally distracted from his biting.

"Through the bars. Listen, all I need to do is flick this switch and you're free."

Tsume was astonished, the one he'd suspected of being weak and a waste of space had finally proved his worth. For the very first time he gave the modest wolf a proud smile.

"Go ahead kid." He said with a sparkle of excitement in his eyes.

Toboe flicked the switch, and at that precise moment every cell door swung open. A sea of overjoyed canines flooded to their freedom, all of them barking in rejoice. Toboe couldn't help but join in; he felt as if he'd performed some great deed and saved the day.

"Shut up Toboe!" Tsume yelled loudly over all the commotion. "You were meant to switch the individual cell keys not the master key. Dammit kid, I doubt we'll escape unnoticed now."

His eyes downcast, Toboe felt the familiar feeling of shame sweep over him. His only chance to prove he wasn't just a kid that couldn't fight to protect him and others, and he'd ruined it.

"Ah, I didn't think..." He said flinching from underneath Tsume's fiery gaze. He wasn't heard, Tsume was already snarling orders at the dogs to shut up. Surprisingly they obeyed him, and started clawing at the gate that led to outside and their escape. The other door leading to the back room remained closed, but just for how long?

They'd made sufficient progress, and the gate was on its final grate. Soon they'd be out to return to the place they belonged to. Either a busy city street or beside a warm fireplace surrounded by human companions. Every one of them different in some way or form. Toboe was certain. He wondered what it would be like to be back living with the old lady right now...

He wouldn't be in this mess, but then again he might have never befriended Tsume, Kiba and Hige. Such things were yet another worry on the young wolf's mind. He sharply brought his attention back to the situation as a door handle was slowly twisted announcing the return of Mr. Stinger and his customer.

"What!?" Mr. Stinger said infuriated but the sight in front of him. "How could this possibly have happened?!" He stormed towards the first of his collection, which just happened to be Toboe.

"Toboe! Run you idiot!" Tsume yelled as the last few dogs ran for their lives.

"Oh my goodness!" exclaimed Mr. Quelle exposing his Northern accent. "Get that brown one, he's one of mine and where's the other?!" His tiny eyes darted around the hallway. Toboe had only a short time to react as the enraged dog warden leapt onto him, grasping a clump of fur to hold him back with. He squirmed frantically under the human's strong grip, his claws scrapping against the

stone floor trying to hold onto something. In his struggle he looked over to where Tsume had been standing, it was now empty. He was obviously sick of rescuing him and decided to leave him be. "It had to happen sometime..." Toboe whispered fighting back the tears. He was alone now, and any chance of escape had been and gone. With no other choice he let out a tragic howl, and continued trying to break free of his human captors.

---

Trudging unwillingly through the dense forest, Kiba and Hige were suddenly pulled to a sharp halt. A pained howl echoed against the morning sky, startling a few unwary birds from their winter slumbers.

They both turned to face one another, urgency clearly visible through their faces. They'd traveled for a good deal of the morning, and made much progress. Ilandra really had told them the correct directions, as Hige had reminded Kiba many times on their short journey.

And as the howl sounded, for a second time. Both wolves have sped off towards the fence, with only one sole purpose in mind.

The fence itself was well suited to its duties. Either to keep everyone and everything in or the exact opposite. Made purely from solid steel, they stood high above the main building.

Determind, Kiba confidently launched himself towards the fence, only to come flying and landing in a heap.

"So, I see we can't get in that way, eh? Hige said half laughing. Kiba hastily sprang back onto his feet, rubbing the newly formed graze on his head. Somehow they'd get in; he just had to find out how. And sure enough the answer lay right below his very feet.

"Start digging." he said calmly, while lowering his paw into the existing hole. Hige tilted his head to side in confusion; he couldn't possibly mean digging a tunnel under the fence. Could he? It certainly looked that way, but Hige was dubious to whether traps had been set up.

"Start digging." Kiba repeated, nearly half way under the fence. Hesitantly, he joined the white wolf, remembering he could use this to blackmail Toboe in the future. Crumbs of earth were flying all over the place, some hitting Hige in the face much to his annoyance. They persisted until a hole large enough for the both of them to fit through emerged.

Not too far away, Tsume crouched beneath an empty barrel, trying to hide from the human's prying eyes. Toboe had gone his own way, which was unlike him. Tsume thought to himself, watching the empty yard. He hadn't been followed; most of the other dogs had stupidly run off to the front offices. Where they'd be captured and re-caged soon enough.

He was surprised to see a white and tan pair of wolves run discreetly across the yard.

"Kiba!"

The white wolf skidded himself to an unsteady stop and glanced over to the area in which the noise had come from.

"Wow, a talking barrel that knows your name." Hige chirped up, attempting to bring humor into the situation.

"That was pathetic." came a dispescful voice. Tsume stepped out from beneath barrel, with a sly look upon his face. "You're better just keeping to eating; the world of humour isn't for individuals, such as yourself."

"Would you look at that? Tsume's showing us how grateful he is for us rescuing him." Hige replied, knowing it would irritate the gray wolf immensely. Tsume ignored Hige's taunts. Not even worth my attention, he thought.

"Where's Toboe?" Kiba interrogated, noticing the absence of the brown wolf. Tsume explained to them about the whole fiasco of an escape and how he had no other chance but to leave him be. However, he still wasn't certain himself, why'd he left. Maybe it was fear of being captured again or maybe it was something much more personal. Whatever it was, he felt shamefully guilty and wished he had acted.

Hige tucked his hands in his pockets, rummaging around for something to amuse himself with. His idol fingers touched the cool surface of an item which had great sentimental value to him. As he let his fingers stray, he felt a warm feeling, pulsating against his heart. It thrilled every bone in his body. This had only happened once before, a long while ago. When Cheza still accompanied them. Strangely, it had grown weaker the day after she was stolen by Darcia.

The air around him smelt pleasant, almost like flowers. And as the aroma tangled itself around his mind presenting to him scenes of a paradise, he smiled.

"This is no time to be grinning!" Tsume snarled.

"Sorry... just felt so good. Like when we were with-" he was cut of by Kiba.

"Cheza." He said finishing Hige's sentence for him. "She is here, or someone that's been near her recently is." He began drifting into his trance seeking her voice.

The scent remained strong, and stronger still as Hige neared the building. Spiraling pathways led him to a demolished gate, he could faintly hear voices and scratch like noises. Twisting his head around the doorway, to investigate the intoxicating breeze. He gasped as a forlorn wolf was held down firmly, by cruel hands. Hopelessly tossing and fraying against their vice grip.

Overwhelmed with burning fury, he strode directly towards the culprit bearing his fangs. Punishment towards an innocent wolf didn't make sense. And drove him to a part of himself, which was rarely seen.

Watching his friend charge forth into Mr. Stinger, Toboe felt the hard grasp finally loosen and relinquish from preventing his escape. Agonizing screams erupted from Mr. Stingers mouth, as a sharp set of teeth was embedded in the nape of his neck. Scarlet fluid was spurting out of him, similar to the motion of a fountain. The helpless human, clamped a trembling hand over his gushing wound, in hope of averting the bleeding.

Hige had managed to regain his composure, and observed Mr. Stinger's floundering in amusement. The other wolf remained silent, conscious to the arising tension that moment. Instead his eyes followed the small puddles of blood, developing into small lakes. A side of Hige he didn't know had been exposed only a few moments ago, he wondered if one day he'd too transform into a nightmarish creature as ferocious as Hige. Shuddering at the very thought, he started towards the exit without looking back. Mr. Stinger lay motionless on the ground, his face growling paler and his temperature slowly slipping away.

When the attack had first started, he'd hidden behind the door for cover. While he was there he'd stumbled across a few tranquilizer darts. Mr. Quelle knew very well his aim was atrocious. But he'd been guaranteed dogs of the strongest endurance, and he wasn't about to surrender to a small pack of dogs. He monitored the situation carefully. The small brown one had wandered toward the outside yard, whereas the aggressive one still stood over its prey.

He flinched at the horrific sight, with the remains of Mr. Stinger's corpse draped loosely around its fangs. It stood just inches away from him eagerly awaiting his return. The first signs of perspiration dribbled lazily down his forehead, announcing the fear he had for the wolf. He fiddled around nervously with the small darts that lay across the palm of his hand. The appropriate time to use them would be now, but he couldn't muster the courage to take aim.

Perhaps its attention could be distracted someway.

Outside, there was solemn silence. Neither Kiba nor Tsume spoke a word. Both too involved in their own matters. Kiba daydreamed while Tsume paced up and down anxiously. The sky dulled as the mundane haze of snow silently returned.

"Another blizzard is about to arrive." Tsume stated, breaking the silence.

"A blizzard..." Kiba repeated his words. After continuously searching, he'd found the source of the scent. Parked carelessly over two spaces, a large van emitted the fragrance, which Kiba desired. Imprinted on the rear end, was a logo. He couldn't figure out what it resembled.

"He's been in there too long, I'm going in" Tsume announced, looking toward the hallway of cells.

"I'll come with you..." Kiba whispered, almost too quiet for Tsume to hear. Tsume in the lead, both wolves cautiously approached the opening. A veil of darkness prevented them for seeing inside, but still they continued. Blood had been spilt, Kiba could sense it. Human's blood he was certain.

Together they padded toward the first set of cells, where Toboe stood in wait.

Four of them, all in good range. Mr. Quelle knew the time had arrived; three of them sniffed and pawed at each other in excitement, reunited. However the aggressive beast still lingered back, awaiting his mistake. Out of sheer impulse, Mr. Quelle. Hurled a small, streamlined dart toward the white wolf.

Hige's ears pricked up at the loud whistling noise closely followed by a surprised yelp. He spun around seeking out Toboe, forgetting the reason he'd kept a vigilant eye out for the return of the remaining human. He could feel the warm presence of his companions, they were obviously messing about. Proved wrong, as another dart whistled through the air, and this time he was the target. Startled, he broke into as faster run as he could muster. Fatigue was already upon him, and he could hear frantic footsteps behind him. In the little time he had left he called out for assistance from the other wolves. Tsume and Toboe came running but were soon defeated by the dexterity of Mr. Quelle. He's used the same darts, as he had on Kiba and himself.

A thought suddenly dawned on him; he was the only one left conscious. Tiredness crept slowly over him pleading with him to fall asleep. But he couldn't; not while the others were in that condition.

"Hmph, one was enough for the others. But I supposed you are the largest. Maybe another shot will desecrate that energy of yours." a frustrated voice murmured, already plotting its next move. The owner now stepping out confidently, eyeing him conspicuously. Hige knew what would happen next, it was hopeless running away. His energy had left him, swallowed by the tranquilizer. His friends, lying motionless on the ground a few yards away. The event was imminent.

He stood there reluctantly awaiting the second dart. Something much different happened, some sort of rope was tied around his collar. What on earth is he doing? He can finish me off now, and he's just going to leash me. Doesn't make any sense. He thought to himself, slowly becoming more agitated.

"C'mon now, I've got a nice place up north where you and your friends can stay." Mr. Quelle said, attempting to persuade Hige to move. The tan wolf, gave him a hard time; turning limp and heavy every time the human tried to force move him. There was a small chance, that if he delayed enough, the other's would awaken and thwart his plan. "I don't usually do this to dogs so new in my squad. But you've just about pushed my patience as far as it will go!" Mr. Quelle said, rage evident in his voice.

From his leather coat pocket he removed a thin stick, coated in a glossy metal finish. He held it high above Hige's head in a threatening manner, warning the wolf for the very last time." See this my friend? We call this little beauty the whip, and I think you'll be seeing quite a lot of her." He said, as the thin line on his face curved into a menacing smirk. Sullen eyes followed his weapon as he rotated around the wolf's body. With no further hesitation he brought the whip down violently on Hige's back.

Hige clenched his teeth, as the burning pain expelled its full force upon his body. He wanted to lick his wound clean already, but as the whip was summoned again. He began to obey orders, unwillingly. "There's a good boy. Now you see, with just a little persuasion every dog serves happily under my command." Mr. Quelle said proudly, feeling accomplished.

Three heaps lay to one side of the path as they walked by. Hige was glad they were asleep, especially Kiba. If anyone of them saw him being controlled by a human, he feared the shame would kill him. The human crouched down and tied ropes around their necks in turn. "Ah, I'll have to drag these lot." he said his voice quavering under the weight of the three wolves.

Snow flakes were slowly descending from the sky, placing themselves delicately on the exhausted wolf's body. As they twirled and waltzed along his stare, he began to wonder where life would lead him next. The three wolves, dragged without knowing, showed not even the slightest sign of waking up.

The car park stood empty, save for one lone van belonging to Mr. Quelle. Unlike its dismal, lifeless surroundings, the van struck a lustrous emerald colour. It lifted Hige's spirits a little, any sign of life and colour struck a chord of thrill throughout his body.

Mr. Quelle had brought them to the rear end of the van, where a large door stood open. Revealing its interior - packed with large cages, some already occupied by ashen creatures, Hige had never seen before. They didn't even stir when the four wolves were loaded into cages. Hige couldn't believe he was going through with this, he felt as if he should be engulfed in anger but he stayed calm.

A tranquil scent subdued any growing fear he possessed, he remembered this particular scent. And as Kiba had said before, it must be Cheza. But where was she? And how did she end up in a place as somber as this? Too many questions whispered into his ears, begging to be answered. Drowsiness greeted him again inviting him to enter a warm comforting sleep. This time he had no choice but to accept.

Yet another note

I've started to add names to the chapters. Maybe it will add excitement to the story. Or possibly not: P

Okay so as normal Chapter 4 coming soon depending on response...