Sorry it took a while to get this chapter up. I found that I really had to cut it in half because it was getting too long, ten thousand words long. However, chapter four should be up in less time than what it took me to post this one. In this chapter, the big bad wolves pay a visit to grandma's house. Ha, ha that's my cut up joke. Well, here it is, enjoy. :-)
This is a repost. There were some errors that a reviewer brought to my attention, so I fixed them. I am having a lot of trouble with the posting system. Things just simply are not showing up when they should be there. If anyone has any suggestions they will be greatly appreciated. By the way, I use a Macintosh computer and I don't have Microsoft Word. I know, that there is probably the source of all my problems. Enought rambling, on to the chapter!
Episode 03: Bittersweet Goodbyes
The piercing shriek of an electric alarm clock was sounding itself inside a quaint apartment building. A woman stirred in her bed as the clock continued screaming. Cher sat up and brushed strands of her blonde hair away from her face. She reached over to the night stand and pressed a button on top of the clock, finally silencing the mechanical banshee. Cher sighed and said to herself, "I can't believe it's morning already." She glanced at the clock and gasped in surprise. "I thought I set this thing earlier than that. Hubb is going to be here any minute. Ugh, I have to get ready."
Just then Cher heard a knock on her apartment door. Hubb always had a habit of being early when it came to seeing her. She remembered that when they were dating, he would show up two hours early on average just to be with her. It kind of got to be smothering, but Cher could never complain that Hubb didn't pay attention to her. She looked out the window near her bed and caught a view of the cityscape. The sun was already beginning to rise over the tops of the buildings. Quickly, Cher made her way to the door. Sure enough Hubb was standing on the other side and he was a little surprised to see Cher standing there in her nightgown.
"Uh, you always answer the door in the morning like that," he asked being a bit coy. Cher glanced down at her nightgown only for an instant.
"I knew it was you, Hubb. You're the only one who shows up two hours early, just to see me," she countered.
"Ah, so you remembered." Hubb smirked at the thought that she still remembered their dates.
"Just come in already," Cher said rolling her eyes. She backed away from the door and motioned for Hubb to wait on the couch. He plopped himself on the couch's lavender cushions while Cher retreated to her bedroom. A few minutes later she reappeared wearing a loose fitting robin's egg blue one-piece dress with string shoulder straps. She wrapped a scarf around her neck and pinned it together with a simple brooch draping the two ends on her left shoulder. The scarf had a random pattern of mostly bright floral colors. It was a gift Hubb had given her a while back. Cher remembered how she commented on Hubb's terrible fashion sense and this dress was the only thing she could find to wear with the scarf. She wore a matching white handbag on her right shoulder suspended from a strap that let the bag hang down to her waist. "You know, Hubb, you really should give that tired old suit a rest." Hubb was wearing the same suit he always did. It had a blue shirt, black tie, ashen gray over coat and pants, and on top of that he wore his favorite trench coat. Cher had always despised that thing. She told Hubb on more than one occasion that he would be better off burning it rather than keeping that old coat. Of course, Hubb never did listen to Cher about clothing.
"Oh here, this is for you," Hubb said handing Cher a paper cup with a plastic lid. Steam escaped from the cup as Cher removed the lid. She could smell a hint of vanilla mixed with the aroma of the coffee. Even though she had never been a big coffee drinker, Hubb still remember the only kind Cher could stand to drink. "I knew you'd be tired regardless. You've been putting in a lot of late nighters recently."
"I'm all right, Hubb. You don't need to worry about me." She smiled while sipping the coffee. Almost immediately, Cher could feel herself perk up a bit. However, she hated caffeine because in about three hours she would come crashing down again as soon as it wore off. Then the only options would be to drink more or suffer the fatigue. Cher only took a few more sips and then set the cup down, with most of the liquid still in it, on the table she kept near the kitchen area. "We should get going."
"There's no need to rush. You can take some time to wake up first."
"If you wanted me to be wide awake, then you shouldn't have come so early." Hubb stood up and held out his arm for Cher. She slid her arm inside his interlocking their elbows. The pair exited the apartment and headed down to Hubb's car. Hubb was perplexed as to why Cher had wanted to see him so suddenly. She had just called him out of the blue yesterday and he was trying to make sense of it, but to no avail. So Hubb just resigned himself to be happy with the time that his love wanted to spend with him. As they reached the car, Hubb opened the door for Cher. Once she was seated, he climbed into the driver's seat through the other door.
"So, where do you want to go?" Hubb asked Cher with noticeable uncertainty. She had only said that she needed to see him claiming that there was something they needed to talk about.
"Let's go to the park. The one where we first met." Hubb started the car and took off. The pair of former lovers rode in silence. After they arrived, Hubb escorted Cher into the park. It was mostly an open field of grass. There were several bushes, trees, flowers, and vines here and there, but the plant growth wasn't particularly dense.
Cher began to reminisce talking about times long past. Hubb joined in and they conversed for quite a long time about the love they once shared. The pair swapped stories of some of their favorite and most humorous experiences during their old relationship. Hubb was enjoying every moment of Cher's company and felt like falling for her all over again, however, he couldn't help but notice that she seemed distant. Her mind was somewhere else. Eventually, their stories reached the time of their marriage. Cher became eerily quite as their conversation neared the time of their divorce. Finally, Hubb felt like he could ask the one question that had been burning in his mind for years, and it seemed to him that Cher knew it was coming.
"Cher, I have to ask you something. Why did . . . you leave me?" Cher chuckled slightly and gave a half smile.
"I had wondered when you would finally ask that. You never said anything about it during the divorce. You just went along with whatever I wanted. It was like the whole thing wasn't real to you." Cher paused for a while and Hubb looked at her rather concerned.
"Cher, are you all right?"
"You want to know something, Hubb? Even though you let me leave, you never really let go of me. You've held onto me for all these years, even after we were divorced. Hubb, I have to leave. I'm going on a long trip. I don't know if I'll ever be able to come back."
"But Cher . . . you can't. Why? Is it because of that time?" Hubb pleaded. Cher did not answer. "Cher, please, tell me what it is."
"Hubb . . . I need you to let go of me."
"What are you talking about? Cher, you're not making any sense!" Hubb was getting frustrated.
"There is something that I have to find out. I need you to let go. I need to move on, and I can't do that if you're still living in the past holding onto me. Hubb, I can't live in the past, but you've been holding me there."
"Cher . . ." Hubb looked at her sadly. So then, did this mean that she really didn't have feelings for him any more? He slumped his shoulders and hung his head, "I guess if that's how you really feel, then you should go. I won't stop you."
"Hubb, if you really can let go of the past, then come look for me." Hubb looked up in surprised at Cher. She already walking away. There was a taxi waiting for her by the curb. As she opened the car door, she turned around one last time. Cher gave Hubb a slight wave as she sat down into the car. Then the door closed and the taxi speed away disappearing into the distance. Hubb was left standing there alone with his jumbled thoughts. He started to move when he noticed something by his foot. It was Cher's handbag. Hubb picked it up and was surprised at how heavy it was. He opened it and found a strange device inside. It was a large rectangle with a circular screen. There was a note taped to the machine. It was Cher's hand writing. The note said: Follow the flower.
As Cher sat in the taxi she contemplated whether or not Hubb would actually come after her. She was shaken from her thoughts when she heard her cell phone ringing. Immediately, she answered it.
"We don't have any more time to wait. Due to a change in circumstances we'll have to leave tonight. We have to take Cheza even if she hasn't awakened by then," it was Darcia.
"Understood, when should I meet you at the lab?"
"Midnight, don't be late." Cher heard the phone click off. Making the meeting time would not be a problem. She was ready to go at a moment's notice.
Meanwhile the wolves were busy with concerns of their own.
"Come on guys, why not?" Toboe whimpered to the older three wolves. Toboe had realized that it had been a full day without him going to check on Granny. He wanted to say goodbye before they left and he wanted the others to come with him.
"Because it's just a waist of time!" Tsume argued with the pup.
"Hey runt, she'll get over it and probably find some new pet," Hige teased.
"I'm not a pet!" Toboe said his frustration mounting.
"Toboe," Kiba finally stepped in, "we have to find the flower scent, don't you remember?"
"I know where it is," Aibo spoke up.
"Where," Kiba asked somewhat sharply.
"I'll take you there . . . after Toboe says goodbye to his granny." The boy had the older wolves and they didn't like it in the least. Kiba made a low growl, but Aibo held firm. Toboe ran to the outside of the rundown building they had been staying in. He was soon followed by Aibo and then the other three came reluctantly. Toboe and Aibo stopped momentarily to make sure the others were coming. Then the two youngsters broke out into a full run. Toboe was out in front, his bracelets clanking with every step. It was rather easy for the older three wolves to keep up with Toboe, but they followed behind since the rust colored wolf was their guide. It didn't take as long for them to reach the old woman's house as what they expected. Even Toboe was surprised.
"Wow, I thought it usually took longer to get here," Toboe thought out loud looking a little confused. "Hey, do any of you feel winded at all?" The other three looked surprised as they thought about it. The wolves had covered a considerable distance while running the whole way, but they felt only slightly fatigued.
That's when they saw Aibo smile and reply with a giggle, "You're welcome."
"Huh?" Hige said scratching his head.
"Guess I forgot to mention it, but that ability thing I told you about yesterday. Where Companions can mimic the strengths of wolves? Well, it sort of works in reverse, too." All four wolves stared at the boy waiting for an explanation. "You see, I can enhance your own natural abilities." The wolves just sighed and brushed it off. Oddities and miracles were starting to become everyday routine with this kid. They were going to have to learn not to be surprised every time Aibo did something new. Toboe bounded up to the door of Granny's house and gave out a shout.
"Granny! I'm home!"
"I'm in the back," came a faint response. Toboe looked back over his shoulder and motioned for everyone to follow him inside. One by one they filed into the old woman's house, though the elder three wolves were rather leery of the whole thing. Tsume was the most reluctant and last one to enter the house. Kiba stood off to the side, left of the door, with a disinterested look while Hige moved to the right sniffing the air to see if there was any food around. Aibo took a closer look at the large bookshelf, examining the contents closely. Toboe ran from the living room to the kitchen and cut a sharp about-face when he realized no one was following him. He trotted back to Tsume who was still standing in the doorway.
"Come on, this way everyone!" Toboe enthusiastically directed. The youngster grabbed Tsume's right wrist and dragged his silver haired companion to the hallway connected to the left side of the kitchen. Kiba and Hige followed at a distance, but the four wolves completely forgot about Aibo who was now examining a black book, with a silver decoration on its cover, which he had pulled from the bookshelf. The small hallway ended promptly at the door to Granny's bedroom. Toboe was certain this was where the old woman's voice had come from. The door was cracked open slightly. Toboe threw the door open with Tsume still being towed behind the young wolf. Directly in front of them lay the old woman in a small single person bed. She was sitting upright with her pillows wedged behind her back to prop herself into position.
"Toboe! I'm so glad to see you're back. And you brought your friend from before," the old woman greeted the two wolves fondly. Then Kiba and Hige walked in, "Oh, and it seems you've brought more friends with you this time, hmm?" Granny observed. Kiba scanned the room back and forth several times. "There's no reason to worry. It is only me, a bedridden old woman," she assured the blue eyed boy standing before her. Kiba was a bit taken back by her perceptiveness. Kiba didn't like being around humans, and he was only here for the pup's benefit and Aibo's cooperation.
"Granny, are you okay? You don't look so well," Toboe whimpered as he kneeled beside the old woman's bed. The old woman chuckled a bit and placed a hand on the pup's cheek.
"I'm fine, Toboe. I was just a little tired today. That's all, really," she reassured the young wolf with a smile. Toboe turned into his rust-colored wolf form and licked the old woman affectionately on her cheek. She gave Toboe a hug around his furry neck before he sat back down on the floor and returned to his human form. "Now then, I already know Tsume," Granny nodded to the leather clad young man standing near Toboe, "but who are these two?" She nodded towards the other wolves.
"That's Kiba and the other one is Hige." Each wolf nodded as their names were called.
"Well, it's very nice to meet you." Granny held out her hand to the two wolves. Kiba and Hige just stared both a little uncomfortable. "It's all right, you don't have to if you don't want to," the old woman cordially assured the wolves. Finally, Hige walked over and shook the old woman's hand.
"So, the runt here is your pet?" Hige teased. Toboe was about argue back, but Granny spoke up first.
"Technically, you're the only one wearing a collar," she countered. Hige looked dumbfounded. The other three wolves all snickered lightly. "Toboe was never my pet. I hope we are clear on that matter," she stated firmly. "He is just as much a wolf as any of you."
"Why's everyone so serious in here?" Aibo's voice broke in with a rather perky tone. He was carrying the book he had been inspecting earlier and a small shiny object.
It was a small dagger that looked like it had more decorative than practical purposes. The handle was gold colored and had a spiral design all along it. A semitransparent crimson sphere was embedded into the handle at about three-fourths of the handle's length away from the blade. The sphere's width was twice that of the handle pieces on either side of it. The blade was a silver colored metal that looked like it had a hollow tube running through its middle and up into the shaft of the handle.
"Um, can I ask where you got these ma'am?" the boy held up the objects in his hands.
"I've always had them. They have been in my family for a long time," Granny explained. "Why do you ask?"
"You're . . . not human, are you?" Aibo tilted his head to one side. The old woman's eyes widened in surprise at first, but then her expression changed to one of realization.
"No, I'm not . . . not completely. However, neither are you, correct?" she raised an eyebrow at the boy. Aibo nodded and smiled. The four wolves exchanged glances knowing that they were missing out on something.
"All right spill it, what's the big secret you two?" Hige insisted looking back and forth between the boy and the old woman.
"My mother's mother was one who walked with wolves. My mother's father was human," Granny cryptically replied.
"Huh? Are you saying you're like the kid here?" Hige scratched his head trying to make sense of it.
"My grandmother was a Companion, but neither her nor my mother were like this child," Granny explained shaking her head. "There is something very different about you," she stated staring at Aibo.
"Well, I suppose you could say that," he replied anxiously.
"He does smell like lunar flowers, just a little bit," Toboe offered hoping to dismiss their concerns.
"Hmm," the old woman pondered resting her chin on her hand. "That's . . . very odd. I know Companions are supposed to carry the scent of human and wolf, but lunar flower, as well?" There was an uncomfortable silence for a few moments before Granny decided to speak again. "I never did get your name, young one. What is it?" she had chosen to abandon the previous topic.
"Aibo," he answered sheepishly.
"Well, what have you got there?"
"I was wondering why you had a copy of the Book of the Moon and this dagger."
"What do you know about the Book of the Moon, child?"
"I know that it wasn't written by a human. Red Moon, the book's author, was a Companion not a human, and this book was never intended for human eyes."
"Interesting, how does one so young know so much about the secrets of the Companions?"
"It's . . . a rather long and difficult story," Aibo almost looked like he was going to cry as he said this. Apparently, it struck close to a very painful memory.
"It is all right. Do not force yourself to tell it now." Aibo nodded compliantly. "Well you are certainly correct in what you know about the Book of the Moon. In fact, humans can not read it even they tried. Their eyes are unable to see the true words inscribed upon its pages. The only thing humans see is a jumbled rambling which they perceive to be the words of a lunatic," Granny explained.
"It is also that lack of understanding that caused the humans to fear and hunt us," Aibo added.
"Aibo?" Kiba said with concern in his voice placing his hand on the child's shoulder.
Toboe's granny nodded in agreement with Aibo's words and replied, "Human's feared Companions and hunted them. Only a handful still survive in this world, and soon we will die out completely." Toboe looked scared at this comment. "Oh, do not worry, Toboe. I'm not going anywhere," she smiled reassuring the pup. "Toboe, why don't you and Hige go fetch something to eat from the kitchen I'm certain all of you are starved by now." Toboe was reluctant to leave still worried about Granny, but he obeyed. Hige didn't have any complaints about this task. Once the two wolves left the bedroom, Granny directed her attention to the remaining wolves. Kiba, was it? And Tsume, there is something I have to discuss with you. Aibo, you can stay, but will you please close the door?" The child did as he was told and remained in front of the door.
"So what's on your mind this time?" Tsume asked disinterested and grumpy while crossing his arms.
"Toboe brought you all here for more than to just say hello, didn't he?" Granny questioned the two wolves.
"We're going to find Paradise," Kiba calmly answered.
"All of you, together?" she asked. Kiba nodded. "I understand. Then, even though this is goodbye, I am glad. I am glad that he has found friends . . . and thank you."
"For what?"
"For letting me see Toboe again before my time is up."
"What are you talking about?" Tsume demanded.
"Is something wrong?" Kiba asked. The old woman sighed and nodded.
"I am dying."
"What, how?" The old woman pushed up her sleeve in response to the white wolf's question. There were red spots all up along her arm.
"I see, it's a disease that comes from living among only humans for too long," Aibo explained. "The disease takes many years to nearly a lifetime in order to develop, and it gets worse over time if there is no exposure to a wolf pack. Thus you can see, the fate of all Companions is inexorably tied to and dependent upon wolves. We can't survive without wolves, plain and simple. Yet neither are we happy without them," the child thoughtfully added.
"It will claim me tonight, when the full moon rises. I hope that you five will be out of the city by then," Granny said.
"But there isn't supposed to be any moon tonight," Kiba reasoned.
"The full moon always watches over the arrival and departure of a Companion from this world. We will see one tonight," Aibo answered.
"Then why haven't you told Toboe yet? That's pretty damn selfish, old woman. He has the right to know. It's the least he deserves, and besides I thought you cared about him." To everyone's surprise it was Tsume who spoke, and rather angrily at that. The leather clad young man had his hands on his hips and was glaring at the old woman. Granny was taken aback at first then she smiled.
"I though you and Toboe weren't friends," she prodded Tsume.
"Oh shut up," the gray wolf growled. Granny laughed audibly.
"I want Toboe's memories of me to be pleasant ones. I don't want to scar him with the memory of a sick feeble old woman who eventually left him all alone." The two wolves turned to the door as someone's shouting caught the attention of everyone present in the room.
"Hey guys, come on! I found something," Toboe was calling from the kitchen. Kiba and Tsume glanced back from the door to the old woman.
"It's all right. I'll be fine, you three go on and eat. Help yourselves to whatever you can find. I think it's time I wrote a letter anyway." Kiba walked out first followed by Tsume, after he glanced back at the old woman one last time. Aibo stayed behind, however. Once he was sure that the wolves were gone, the boy approached the old woman.
"You know, with this I could . . ." Aibo started holding up the dagger.
"NO," Granny stated firmly. "Besides it only works for a certain race."
"It will work for me. I'm different. It is possible if you would just let me . . ."
"I said NO. I wouldn't think of asking one so young to make such a sacrifice! It may very well kill you if you tried it. I forbid it!"
"But it shouldn't be as dangerous for me . . . and it could save you." Aibo kept protesting, but Granny would cut him off quick as lightening before he could get the proposal out.
"I can't ask you to waste a gift so precious on one so old as I. It is my time and besides," Granny paused for a moment, "It is better this way. It will sever my little Toboe's attachment to this city. He'll be able to focus on getting to Paradise with the rest of you. And I would wager, if I was a gambling woman mind you, that this journey will take all that you five have got in order for you all to survive."
"Toboe . . . it is going to be hard on him. Dealing with your death, you know?"
"I know. I have known for a long time that this disease would be the death of me. I was already stricken with it when I found Toboe at the entrance to the dome. The poor thing. He was just a baby, so small and alone. He was shivering wrapped up in some old rags when I noticed him. He fit right into the palm of my hand." The old woman cupped her hands together as she fondly remembered the days she spent raising the infant wolf. "It was three weeks before his eyes finally opened for the first time. He was so sweet and he still is. Oh, but listen to me ramble on like this. You shouldn't distract an old woman who doesn't have much time left, you know. I'm going to write a farewell letter to Toboe. Will you read it to him once you all are away from the city?" Aibo nodded, then the child left at the old woman's request.
Coming out of Granny's room Aibo found the wolves already digging into several different kinds of meats that the old woman had stocked away. Hige was gnawing on some dried meat while reclining on one of the kitchen chairs that accompanied the small dining table. Kiba, sitting on the couch in the living room, was already sinking his fangs into a raw steak Toboe had pulled from the Granny's icebox. The pup was standing in front of Tsume offering him the second and last raw steak. The gray wolf looked annoyed as he took the meat from Toboe. Tsume clamped his teeth into the meat and tore it in half, one piece in his hand and the other in his teeth. He quickly scarfed down what was in his mouth and then tossed the other half he held in his hand back to Toboe.
"Here," Tsume grunted. Toboe caught it awkwardly with both hands.
"Thanks!" the pup beamed back at his idol. Tsume just ignored Toboe as the pup happily enjoyed his gift.
Then Kiba noticed Aibo standing all alone watching everyone else. "Hey, you hungry?" Kiba asked motioning to the unfinished portion of the steak he had been eating. Aibo walked over to the blue eyed young man and sniffed the meat cautiously.
"I've . . . never tried it raw before." However, not wanting to make Kiba think he was ungrateful for the offer, Aibo took a small bite of the meat Kiba held in his hand.
"Uh, I could've torn some off for you." Kiba eyed the child, a little confused at the moment. Aibo was quick to apologize.
"Oh, sorry." Kiba shrugged.
"So, what did you think about your first taste of raw meat?"
"It . . . tastes a little funny," Aibo directed a confused look at the white wolf. Kiba made a sound that resembled muffled laughter or a chuckle.
"Yeah, it's better fresh when you catch the prey yourself and it is still warm," he explained.
"You think you could teach me?" Aibo looked up at Kiba sheepishly with hope in his eyes.
"Huh?" The wolf was puzzled. "I guess, but . . ." Kiba would have continued, however, he paused when Aibo hugged him in response to agreeing to teach him. Why is this kid always clinging to me? Kiba wondered. The child hung onto the wolf several moments more before letting go. Kiba finished the rest of the steak when Aibo declined having any more. The dark brown haired child sat close next to Kiba on the couch just staring at the wolf. "What?" There was a hint of annoyance in Kiba's voice. Aibo was able to detect it instantly and looked somewhat fearful.
"I'm sorry," his voice quivered as he apologized. Aibo quickly fixed his gaze downward and fidgeted with his fingers. The child looked pitiful, just like a puppy that had been scolded.
Kiba sighed, "I'm not angry. Now will you just tell what it is that's on your mind?"
"Well, it is just that . . . Kiba . . . I . . . you are . . ." Aibo looked like he was trying to say something, but at the same time also trying to stop himself from saying it. The child bit his lip and hung his head closing his eyes as they started to water. Then it hit Kiba like a ton of bricks.
"Hey, it's okay," Kiba said softly, trying to gently soothe the child. The wolf put his arms around Aibo and pulled the boy onto his lap. Aibo buried his face into Kiba's chest hugging the white wolf and began to cry letting out a squeak now and then from sobbing. Aibo misses his parents, Kiba thought, it must be too painful for him to put it into words. Finally, it made some sense to Kiba. Aibo had never had time to work through the grief and emotional pain during his search for them. Kiba figured that the child had just buried the pain, and now it was surfacing again since his search was over. It surprised Kiba when he found himself sympathizing with Aibo because of the similarity between their individual losses. Both of them had lost their families at an early age, yet when Kiba lost his pack he was younger than Aibo.
Aibo turned his head sideways after a good while so he could talk. "You . . . are so much nicer than I could have hoped," he said as a way of thanking Kiba. However, Kiba felt a little awkward not really having any experience in dealing with children.
Eventually, the others noticed Kiba and Aibo. It was a side of Kiba they had never seen before. "Uh, are you okay, Aibo?" Toboe asked causing the scene to break up. Aibo dried his face with the sleeve of his yellow jacket.
"Yeah, thanks. I'm fine now," he smiled at the wolves. "So how about we go find the flower maiden?" Kiba, Hige, Toboe, and even Tsume responded positively to this though each in their own unique ways. Hige and Toboe went bright eyed and nearly jumped, but Kiba and Tsume kept their clam facades each giving only a slight smile. Toboe went back into Granny's room one last time.
"We're going now," Toboe said sadly.
"Good, and Toboe I wish you a safe journey," Granny replied. Toboe and Granny embraced each other one last time. "Don't forget Toboe, that no matter where you are, you always have my love." Toboe left the old woman's bedroom and passed Tsume on the way out. The gray wolf was standing in the doorway. "Tsume," she called out to him after Toboe was gone.
"What?" he gruffly replied.
"I want to ask you for a favor."
"Well?" Tsume was starting to get irritated.
"Please, take care of him. Take care of my little Toboe. Please watch over him."
"I'm not a baby-sitter," Tsume replied crossing his arms.
"Please," Granny looked at the leather clad wolf with pleading eyes. Tsume could tell she was desperate and serious.
"All right, fine. I'll watch out for him. Happy?" Tsume sounded a bit more cross than what he really was, but he didn't need Granny to answer. Her face said it all.
"Give this letter to Toboe after you five have left the city," the old woman tossed the wolf an envelope, which he promptly stuffed into his leather jacket. "Oh, could I ask for one more favor? May I see you as a wolf?
As Granny asked this, Tsume remembered what Aibo had said about Companions and wolves, so he didn't give a protest as he shifted to his wolf form. Granny looked in wonder and awe as she ran her eyes over Tsume's gray fur and the cross-shaped scar on his chest. Tsume walked over to Granny's bedside and, albeit reluctantly, licked her hand and let the old woman stroke his fur on his head, neck, and back. The gray wolf figured it would probably help the woman die in peace if she felt she had a wolf's approval of her life. The old woman laid back down in her bed and got comfortable so she could take a nap. Then the five of them left Granny's house.
Well, I hoped you liked it. I know it's a lot of dialog, but there's going to be more action in the next chapter. Besides I like writing in dialog format. I think it makes it feel like you are seeing it while the events are happening. Anyway, please leave a review with any thoughts or comments or tips. I, as always, look forward to reading them even if it is just to say you liked it. :-)
This is a repost. There were some errors that a reviewer brought to my attention, so I fixed them. I am having a lot of trouble with the posting system. Things just simply are not showing up when they should be there. If anyone has any suggestions they will be greatly appreciated. By the way, I use a Macintosh computer and I don't have Microsoft Word. I know, that there is probably the source of all my problems. Enought rambling, on to the chapter!
Episode 03: Bittersweet Goodbyes
The piercing shriek of an electric alarm clock was sounding itself inside a quaint apartment building. A woman stirred in her bed as the clock continued screaming. Cher sat up and brushed strands of her blonde hair away from her face. She reached over to the night stand and pressed a button on top of the clock, finally silencing the mechanical banshee. Cher sighed and said to herself, "I can't believe it's morning already." She glanced at the clock and gasped in surprise. "I thought I set this thing earlier than that. Hubb is going to be here any minute. Ugh, I have to get ready."
Just then Cher heard a knock on her apartment door. Hubb always had a habit of being early when it came to seeing her. She remembered that when they were dating, he would show up two hours early on average just to be with her. It kind of got to be smothering, but Cher could never complain that Hubb didn't pay attention to her. She looked out the window near her bed and caught a view of the cityscape. The sun was already beginning to rise over the tops of the buildings. Quickly, Cher made her way to the door. Sure enough Hubb was standing on the other side and he was a little surprised to see Cher standing there in her nightgown.
"Uh, you always answer the door in the morning like that," he asked being a bit coy. Cher glanced down at her nightgown only for an instant.
"I knew it was you, Hubb. You're the only one who shows up two hours early, just to see me," she countered.
"Ah, so you remembered." Hubb smirked at the thought that she still remembered their dates.
"Just come in already," Cher said rolling her eyes. She backed away from the door and motioned for Hubb to wait on the couch. He plopped himself on the couch's lavender cushions while Cher retreated to her bedroom. A few minutes later she reappeared wearing a loose fitting robin's egg blue one-piece dress with string shoulder straps. She wrapped a scarf around her neck and pinned it together with a simple brooch draping the two ends on her left shoulder. The scarf had a random pattern of mostly bright floral colors. It was a gift Hubb had given her a while back. Cher remembered how she commented on Hubb's terrible fashion sense and this dress was the only thing she could find to wear with the scarf. She wore a matching white handbag on her right shoulder suspended from a strap that let the bag hang down to her waist. "You know, Hubb, you really should give that tired old suit a rest." Hubb was wearing the same suit he always did. It had a blue shirt, black tie, ashen gray over coat and pants, and on top of that he wore his favorite trench coat. Cher had always despised that thing. She told Hubb on more than one occasion that he would be better off burning it rather than keeping that old coat. Of course, Hubb never did listen to Cher about clothing.
"Oh here, this is for you," Hubb said handing Cher a paper cup with a plastic lid. Steam escaped from the cup as Cher removed the lid. She could smell a hint of vanilla mixed with the aroma of the coffee. Even though she had never been a big coffee drinker, Hubb still remember the only kind Cher could stand to drink. "I knew you'd be tired regardless. You've been putting in a lot of late nighters recently."
"I'm all right, Hubb. You don't need to worry about me." She smiled while sipping the coffee. Almost immediately, Cher could feel herself perk up a bit. However, she hated caffeine because in about three hours she would come crashing down again as soon as it wore off. Then the only options would be to drink more or suffer the fatigue. Cher only took a few more sips and then set the cup down, with most of the liquid still in it, on the table she kept near the kitchen area. "We should get going."
"There's no need to rush. You can take some time to wake up first."
"If you wanted me to be wide awake, then you shouldn't have come so early." Hubb stood up and held out his arm for Cher. She slid her arm inside his interlocking their elbows. The pair exited the apartment and headed down to Hubb's car. Hubb was perplexed as to why Cher had wanted to see him so suddenly. She had just called him out of the blue yesterday and he was trying to make sense of it, but to no avail. So Hubb just resigned himself to be happy with the time that his love wanted to spend with him. As they reached the car, Hubb opened the door for Cher. Once she was seated, he climbed into the driver's seat through the other door.
"So, where do you want to go?" Hubb asked Cher with noticeable uncertainty. She had only said that she needed to see him claiming that there was something they needed to talk about.
"Let's go to the park. The one where we first met." Hubb started the car and took off. The pair of former lovers rode in silence. After they arrived, Hubb escorted Cher into the park. It was mostly an open field of grass. There were several bushes, trees, flowers, and vines here and there, but the plant growth wasn't particularly dense.
Cher began to reminisce talking about times long past. Hubb joined in and they conversed for quite a long time about the love they once shared. The pair swapped stories of some of their favorite and most humorous experiences during their old relationship. Hubb was enjoying every moment of Cher's company and felt like falling for her all over again, however, he couldn't help but notice that she seemed distant. Her mind was somewhere else. Eventually, their stories reached the time of their marriage. Cher became eerily quite as their conversation neared the time of their divorce. Finally, Hubb felt like he could ask the one question that had been burning in his mind for years, and it seemed to him that Cher knew it was coming.
"Cher, I have to ask you something. Why did . . . you leave me?" Cher chuckled slightly and gave a half smile.
"I had wondered when you would finally ask that. You never said anything about it during the divorce. You just went along with whatever I wanted. It was like the whole thing wasn't real to you." Cher paused for a while and Hubb looked at her rather concerned.
"Cher, are you all right?"
"You want to know something, Hubb? Even though you let me leave, you never really let go of me. You've held onto me for all these years, even after we were divorced. Hubb, I have to leave. I'm going on a long trip. I don't know if I'll ever be able to come back."
"But Cher . . . you can't. Why? Is it because of that time?" Hubb pleaded. Cher did not answer. "Cher, please, tell me what it is."
"Hubb . . . I need you to let go of me."
"What are you talking about? Cher, you're not making any sense!" Hubb was getting frustrated.
"There is something that I have to find out. I need you to let go. I need to move on, and I can't do that if you're still living in the past holding onto me. Hubb, I can't live in the past, but you've been holding me there."
"Cher . . ." Hubb looked at her sadly. So then, did this mean that she really didn't have feelings for him any more? He slumped his shoulders and hung his head, "I guess if that's how you really feel, then you should go. I won't stop you."
"Hubb, if you really can let go of the past, then come look for me." Hubb looked up in surprised at Cher. She already walking away. There was a taxi waiting for her by the curb. As she opened the car door, she turned around one last time. Cher gave Hubb a slight wave as she sat down into the car. Then the door closed and the taxi speed away disappearing into the distance. Hubb was left standing there alone with his jumbled thoughts. He started to move when he noticed something by his foot. It was Cher's handbag. Hubb picked it up and was surprised at how heavy it was. He opened it and found a strange device inside. It was a large rectangle with a circular screen. There was a note taped to the machine. It was Cher's hand writing. The note said: Follow the flower.
As Cher sat in the taxi she contemplated whether or not Hubb would actually come after her. She was shaken from her thoughts when she heard her cell phone ringing. Immediately, she answered it.
"We don't have any more time to wait. Due to a change in circumstances we'll have to leave tonight. We have to take Cheza even if she hasn't awakened by then," it was Darcia.
"Understood, when should I meet you at the lab?"
"Midnight, don't be late." Cher heard the phone click off. Making the meeting time would not be a problem. She was ready to go at a moment's notice.
Meanwhile the wolves were busy with concerns of their own.
"Come on guys, why not?" Toboe whimpered to the older three wolves. Toboe had realized that it had been a full day without him going to check on Granny. He wanted to say goodbye before they left and he wanted the others to come with him.
"Because it's just a waist of time!" Tsume argued with the pup.
"Hey runt, she'll get over it and probably find some new pet," Hige teased.
"I'm not a pet!" Toboe said his frustration mounting.
"Toboe," Kiba finally stepped in, "we have to find the flower scent, don't you remember?"
"I know where it is," Aibo spoke up.
"Where," Kiba asked somewhat sharply.
"I'll take you there . . . after Toboe says goodbye to his granny." The boy had the older wolves and they didn't like it in the least. Kiba made a low growl, but Aibo held firm. Toboe ran to the outside of the rundown building they had been staying in. He was soon followed by Aibo and then the other three came reluctantly. Toboe and Aibo stopped momentarily to make sure the others were coming. Then the two youngsters broke out into a full run. Toboe was out in front, his bracelets clanking with every step. It was rather easy for the older three wolves to keep up with Toboe, but they followed behind since the rust colored wolf was their guide. It didn't take as long for them to reach the old woman's house as what they expected. Even Toboe was surprised.
"Wow, I thought it usually took longer to get here," Toboe thought out loud looking a little confused. "Hey, do any of you feel winded at all?" The other three looked surprised as they thought about it. The wolves had covered a considerable distance while running the whole way, but they felt only slightly fatigued.
That's when they saw Aibo smile and reply with a giggle, "You're welcome."
"Huh?" Hige said scratching his head.
"Guess I forgot to mention it, but that ability thing I told you about yesterday. Where Companions can mimic the strengths of wolves? Well, it sort of works in reverse, too." All four wolves stared at the boy waiting for an explanation. "You see, I can enhance your own natural abilities." The wolves just sighed and brushed it off. Oddities and miracles were starting to become everyday routine with this kid. They were going to have to learn not to be surprised every time Aibo did something new. Toboe bounded up to the door of Granny's house and gave out a shout.
"Granny! I'm home!"
"I'm in the back," came a faint response. Toboe looked back over his shoulder and motioned for everyone to follow him inside. One by one they filed into the old woman's house, though the elder three wolves were rather leery of the whole thing. Tsume was the most reluctant and last one to enter the house. Kiba stood off to the side, left of the door, with a disinterested look while Hige moved to the right sniffing the air to see if there was any food around. Aibo took a closer look at the large bookshelf, examining the contents closely. Toboe ran from the living room to the kitchen and cut a sharp about-face when he realized no one was following him. He trotted back to Tsume who was still standing in the doorway.
"Come on, this way everyone!" Toboe enthusiastically directed. The youngster grabbed Tsume's right wrist and dragged his silver haired companion to the hallway connected to the left side of the kitchen. Kiba and Hige followed at a distance, but the four wolves completely forgot about Aibo who was now examining a black book, with a silver decoration on its cover, which he had pulled from the bookshelf. The small hallway ended promptly at the door to Granny's bedroom. Toboe was certain this was where the old woman's voice had come from. The door was cracked open slightly. Toboe threw the door open with Tsume still being towed behind the young wolf. Directly in front of them lay the old woman in a small single person bed. She was sitting upright with her pillows wedged behind her back to prop herself into position.
"Toboe! I'm so glad to see you're back. And you brought your friend from before," the old woman greeted the two wolves fondly. Then Kiba and Hige walked in, "Oh, and it seems you've brought more friends with you this time, hmm?" Granny observed. Kiba scanned the room back and forth several times. "There's no reason to worry. It is only me, a bedridden old woman," she assured the blue eyed boy standing before her. Kiba was a bit taken back by her perceptiveness. Kiba didn't like being around humans, and he was only here for the pup's benefit and Aibo's cooperation.
"Granny, are you okay? You don't look so well," Toboe whimpered as he kneeled beside the old woman's bed. The old woman chuckled a bit and placed a hand on the pup's cheek.
"I'm fine, Toboe. I was just a little tired today. That's all, really," she reassured the young wolf with a smile. Toboe turned into his rust-colored wolf form and licked the old woman affectionately on her cheek. She gave Toboe a hug around his furry neck before he sat back down on the floor and returned to his human form. "Now then, I already know Tsume," Granny nodded to the leather clad young man standing near Toboe, "but who are these two?" She nodded towards the other wolves.
"That's Kiba and the other one is Hige." Each wolf nodded as their names were called.
"Well, it's very nice to meet you." Granny held out her hand to the two wolves. Kiba and Hige just stared both a little uncomfortable. "It's all right, you don't have to if you don't want to," the old woman cordially assured the wolves. Finally, Hige walked over and shook the old woman's hand.
"So, the runt here is your pet?" Hige teased. Toboe was about argue back, but Granny spoke up first.
"Technically, you're the only one wearing a collar," she countered. Hige looked dumbfounded. The other three wolves all snickered lightly. "Toboe was never my pet. I hope we are clear on that matter," she stated firmly. "He is just as much a wolf as any of you."
"Why's everyone so serious in here?" Aibo's voice broke in with a rather perky tone. He was carrying the book he had been inspecting earlier and a small shiny object.
It was a small dagger that looked like it had more decorative than practical purposes. The handle was gold colored and had a spiral design all along it. A semitransparent crimson sphere was embedded into the handle at about three-fourths of the handle's length away from the blade. The sphere's width was twice that of the handle pieces on either side of it. The blade was a silver colored metal that looked like it had a hollow tube running through its middle and up into the shaft of the handle.
"Um, can I ask where you got these ma'am?" the boy held up the objects in his hands.
"I've always had them. They have been in my family for a long time," Granny explained. "Why do you ask?"
"You're . . . not human, are you?" Aibo tilted his head to one side. The old woman's eyes widened in surprise at first, but then her expression changed to one of realization.
"No, I'm not . . . not completely. However, neither are you, correct?" she raised an eyebrow at the boy. Aibo nodded and smiled. The four wolves exchanged glances knowing that they were missing out on something.
"All right spill it, what's the big secret you two?" Hige insisted looking back and forth between the boy and the old woman.
"My mother's mother was one who walked with wolves. My mother's father was human," Granny cryptically replied.
"Huh? Are you saying you're like the kid here?" Hige scratched his head trying to make sense of it.
"My grandmother was a Companion, but neither her nor my mother were like this child," Granny explained shaking her head. "There is something very different about you," she stated staring at Aibo.
"Well, I suppose you could say that," he replied anxiously.
"He does smell like lunar flowers, just a little bit," Toboe offered hoping to dismiss their concerns.
"Hmm," the old woman pondered resting her chin on her hand. "That's . . . very odd. I know Companions are supposed to carry the scent of human and wolf, but lunar flower, as well?" There was an uncomfortable silence for a few moments before Granny decided to speak again. "I never did get your name, young one. What is it?" she had chosen to abandon the previous topic.
"Aibo," he answered sheepishly.
"Well, what have you got there?"
"I was wondering why you had a copy of the Book of the Moon and this dagger."
"What do you know about the Book of the Moon, child?"
"I know that it wasn't written by a human. Red Moon, the book's author, was a Companion not a human, and this book was never intended for human eyes."
"Interesting, how does one so young know so much about the secrets of the Companions?"
"It's . . . a rather long and difficult story," Aibo almost looked like he was going to cry as he said this. Apparently, it struck close to a very painful memory.
"It is all right. Do not force yourself to tell it now." Aibo nodded compliantly. "Well you are certainly correct in what you know about the Book of the Moon. In fact, humans can not read it even they tried. Their eyes are unable to see the true words inscribed upon its pages. The only thing humans see is a jumbled rambling which they perceive to be the words of a lunatic," Granny explained.
"It is also that lack of understanding that caused the humans to fear and hunt us," Aibo added.
"Aibo?" Kiba said with concern in his voice placing his hand on the child's shoulder.
Toboe's granny nodded in agreement with Aibo's words and replied, "Human's feared Companions and hunted them. Only a handful still survive in this world, and soon we will die out completely." Toboe looked scared at this comment. "Oh, do not worry, Toboe. I'm not going anywhere," she smiled reassuring the pup. "Toboe, why don't you and Hige go fetch something to eat from the kitchen I'm certain all of you are starved by now." Toboe was reluctant to leave still worried about Granny, but he obeyed. Hige didn't have any complaints about this task. Once the two wolves left the bedroom, Granny directed her attention to the remaining wolves. Kiba, was it? And Tsume, there is something I have to discuss with you. Aibo, you can stay, but will you please close the door?" The child did as he was told and remained in front of the door.
"So what's on your mind this time?" Tsume asked disinterested and grumpy while crossing his arms.
"Toboe brought you all here for more than to just say hello, didn't he?" Granny questioned the two wolves.
"We're going to find Paradise," Kiba calmly answered.
"All of you, together?" she asked. Kiba nodded. "I understand. Then, even though this is goodbye, I am glad. I am glad that he has found friends . . . and thank you."
"For what?"
"For letting me see Toboe again before my time is up."
"What are you talking about?" Tsume demanded.
"Is something wrong?" Kiba asked. The old woman sighed and nodded.
"I am dying."
"What, how?" The old woman pushed up her sleeve in response to the white wolf's question. There were red spots all up along her arm.
"I see, it's a disease that comes from living among only humans for too long," Aibo explained. "The disease takes many years to nearly a lifetime in order to develop, and it gets worse over time if there is no exposure to a wolf pack. Thus you can see, the fate of all Companions is inexorably tied to and dependent upon wolves. We can't survive without wolves, plain and simple. Yet neither are we happy without them," the child thoughtfully added.
"It will claim me tonight, when the full moon rises. I hope that you five will be out of the city by then," Granny said.
"But there isn't supposed to be any moon tonight," Kiba reasoned.
"The full moon always watches over the arrival and departure of a Companion from this world. We will see one tonight," Aibo answered.
"Then why haven't you told Toboe yet? That's pretty damn selfish, old woman. He has the right to know. It's the least he deserves, and besides I thought you cared about him." To everyone's surprise it was Tsume who spoke, and rather angrily at that. The leather clad young man had his hands on his hips and was glaring at the old woman. Granny was taken aback at first then she smiled.
"I though you and Toboe weren't friends," she prodded Tsume.
"Oh shut up," the gray wolf growled. Granny laughed audibly.
"I want Toboe's memories of me to be pleasant ones. I don't want to scar him with the memory of a sick feeble old woman who eventually left him all alone." The two wolves turned to the door as someone's shouting caught the attention of everyone present in the room.
"Hey guys, come on! I found something," Toboe was calling from the kitchen. Kiba and Tsume glanced back from the door to the old woman.
"It's all right. I'll be fine, you three go on and eat. Help yourselves to whatever you can find. I think it's time I wrote a letter anyway." Kiba walked out first followed by Tsume, after he glanced back at the old woman one last time. Aibo stayed behind, however. Once he was sure that the wolves were gone, the boy approached the old woman.
"You know, with this I could . . ." Aibo started holding up the dagger.
"NO," Granny stated firmly. "Besides it only works for a certain race."
"It will work for me. I'm different. It is possible if you would just let me . . ."
"I said NO. I wouldn't think of asking one so young to make such a sacrifice! It may very well kill you if you tried it. I forbid it!"
"But it shouldn't be as dangerous for me . . . and it could save you." Aibo kept protesting, but Granny would cut him off quick as lightening before he could get the proposal out.
"I can't ask you to waste a gift so precious on one so old as I. It is my time and besides," Granny paused for a moment, "It is better this way. It will sever my little Toboe's attachment to this city. He'll be able to focus on getting to Paradise with the rest of you. And I would wager, if I was a gambling woman mind you, that this journey will take all that you five have got in order for you all to survive."
"Toboe . . . it is going to be hard on him. Dealing with your death, you know?"
"I know. I have known for a long time that this disease would be the death of me. I was already stricken with it when I found Toboe at the entrance to the dome. The poor thing. He was just a baby, so small and alone. He was shivering wrapped up in some old rags when I noticed him. He fit right into the palm of my hand." The old woman cupped her hands together as she fondly remembered the days she spent raising the infant wolf. "It was three weeks before his eyes finally opened for the first time. He was so sweet and he still is. Oh, but listen to me ramble on like this. You shouldn't distract an old woman who doesn't have much time left, you know. I'm going to write a farewell letter to Toboe. Will you read it to him once you all are away from the city?" Aibo nodded, then the child left at the old woman's request.
Coming out of Granny's room Aibo found the wolves already digging into several different kinds of meats that the old woman had stocked away. Hige was gnawing on some dried meat while reclining on one of the kitchen chairs that accompanied the small dining table. Kiba, sitting on the couch in the living room, was already sinking his fangs into a raw steak Toboe had pulled from the Granny's icebox. The pup was standing in front of Tsume offering him the second and last raw steak. The gray wolf looked annoyed as he took the meat from Toboe. Tsume clamped his teeth into the meat and tore it in half, one piece in his hand and the other in his teeth. He quickly scarfed down what was in his mouth and then tossed the other half he held in his hand back to Toboe.
"Here," Tsume grunted. Toboe caught it awkwardly with both hands.
"Thanks!" the pup beamed back at his idol. Tsume just ignored Toboe as the pup happily enjoyed his gift.
Then Kiba noticed Aibo standing all alone watching everyone else. "Hey, you hungry?" Kiba asked motioning to the unfinished portion of the steak he had been eating. Aibo walked over to the blue eyed young man and sniffed the meat cautiously.
"I've . . . never tried it raw before." However, not wanting to make Kiba think he was ungrateful for the offer, Aibo took a small bite of the meat Kiba held in his hand.
"Uh, I could've torn some off for you." Kiba eyed the child, a little confused at the moment. Aibo was quick to apologize.
"Oh, sorry." Kiba shrugged.
"So, what did you think about your first taste of raw meat?"
"It . . . tastes a little funny," Aibo directed a confused look at the white wolf. Kiba made a sound that resembled muffled laughter or a chuckle.
"Yeah, it's better fresh when you catch the prey yourself and it is still warm," he explained.
"You think you could teach me?" Aibo looked up at Kiba sheepishly with hope in his eyes.
"Huh?" The wolf was puzzled. "I guess, but . . ." Kiba would have continued, however, he paused when Aibo hugged him in response to agreeing to teach him. Why is this kid always clinging to me? Kiba wondered. The child hung onto the wolf several moments more before letting go. Kiba finished the rest of the steak when Aibo declined having any more. The dark brown haired child sat close next to Kiba on the couch just staring at the wolf. "What?" There was a hint of annoyance in Kiba's voice. Aibo was able to detect it instantly and looked somewhat fearful.
"I'm sorry," his voice quivered as he apologized. Aibo quickly fixed his gaze downward and fidgeted with his fingers. The child looked pitiful, just like a puppy that had been scolded.
Kiba sighed, "I'm not angry. Now will you just tell what it is that's on your mind?"
"Well, it is just that . . . Kiba . . . I . . . you are . . ." Aibo looked like he was trying to say something, but at the same time also trying to stop himself from saying it. The child bit his lip and hung his head closing his eyes as they started to water. Then it hit Kiba like a ton of bricks.
"Hey, it's okay," Kiba said softly, trying to gently soothe the child. The wolf put his arms around Aibo and pulled the boy onto his lap. Aibo buried his face into Kiba's chest hugging the white wolf and began to cry letting out a squeak now and then from sobbing. Aibo misses his parents, Kiba thought, it must be too painful for him to put it into words. Finally, it made some sense to Kiba. Aibo had never had time to work through the grief and emotional pain during his search for them. Kiba figured that the child had just buried the pain, and now it was surfacing again since his search was over. It surprised Kiba when he found himself sympathizing with Aibo because of the similarity between their individual losses. Both of them had lost their families at an early age, yet when Kiba lost his pack he was younger than Aibo.
Aibo turned his head sideways after a good while so he could talk. "You . . . are so much nicer than I could have hoped," he said as a way of thanking Kiba. However, Kiba felt a little awkward not really having any experience in dealing with children.
Eventually, the others noticed Kiba and Aibo. It was a side of Kiba they had never seen before. "Uh, are you okay, Aibo?" Toboe asked causing the scene to break up. Aibo dried his face with the sleeve of his yellow jacket.
"Yeah, thanks. I'm fine now," he smiled at the wolves. "So how about we go find the flower maiden?" Kiba, Hige, Toboe, and even Tsume responded positively to this though each in their own unique ways. Hige and Toboe went bright eyed and nearly jumped, but Kiba and Tsume kept their clam facades each giving only a slight smile. Toboe went back into Granny's room one last time.
"We're going now," Toboe said sadly.
"Good, and Toboe I wish you a safe journey," Granny replied. Toboe and Granny embraced each other one last time. "Don't forget Toboe, that no matter where you are, you always have my love." Toboe left the old woman's bedroom and passed Tsume on the way out. The gray wolf was standing in the doorway. "Tsume," she called out to him after Toboe was gone.
"What?" he gruffly replied.
"I want to ask you for a favor."
"Well?" Tsume was starting to get irritated.
"Please, take care of him. Take care of my little Toboe. Please watch over him."
"I'm not a baby-sitter," Tsume replied crossing his arms.
"Please," Granny looked at the leather clad wolf with pleading eyes. Tsume could tell she was desperate and serious.
"All right, fine. I'll watch out for him. Happy?" Tsume sounded a bit more cross than what he really was, but he didn't need Granny to answer. Her face said it all.
"Give this letter to Toboe after you five have left the city," the old woman tossed the wolf an envelope, which he promptly stuffed into his leather jacket. "Oh, could I ask for one more favor? May I see you as a wolf?
As Granny asked this, Tsume remembered what Aibo had said about Companions and wolves, so he didn't give a protest as he shifted to his wolf form. Granny looked in wonder and awe as she ran her eyes over Tsume's gray fur and the cross-shaped scar on his chest. Tsume walked over to Granny's bedside and, albeit reluctantly, licked her hand and let the old woman stroke his fur on his head, neck, and back. The gray wolf figured it would probably help the woman die in peace if she felt she had a wolf's approval of her life. The old woman laid back down in her bed and got comfortable so she could take a nap. Then the five of them left Granny's house.
Well, I hoped you liked it. I know it's a lot of dialog, but there's going to be more action in the next chapter. Besides I like writing in dialog format. I think it makes it feel like you are seeing it while the events are happening. Anyway, please leave a review with any thoughts or comments or tips. I, as always, look forward to reading them even if it is just to say you liked it. :-)