Chapter Two

You're Safe Only When In My Arms

Where am I? What is this feeling? In the coldness of my mind, a feeling of great loneliness spread through my body. I was alone, and scared. I thought I would die... in this place, somewhere in my memories. But what is this place. And why is this feeling of loneliness and sorrow grow the longer I am here. Am I really alone.

"For one so weak, you certainly have a lot of courage." a voice broke through Kiba's state of mind and got louder as it came near.

"More than you know..." Kiba lifted his eyes, hoping he was in no danger or worse already dead. A sturdy young dog walked to Kiba and licked his cheek continuously.

"For a moment I actually believed you were dead." the dog replied laying along side Kiba.

"What..." Kiba sat up slowly though his bones were still sore with shifting of his body, "where are we?" He looked around quickly. The room was small and warming, but it wasn't a place Kiba knew to well. A bright fire and logs were placed in the corner and the whole place smelled like chicken. Suddenly without hesitation a human placed a bowl of food in front of Kiba's face.

"Me and my master found you in that store today, he took pity on you and brought you back with us." the do answered knowing Kiba would still be confused about the setting.

"Master..." Kiba stared down at the food and then back toward the dog, " your help is welcomed, but I must be on my way." He rushed to his feet and limbed his num body to the door.

"But your body...very well, but at least let me have your name." the dog followed Kiba to the door.

"Its Kiba. By the way do you know of a girl named Koharu? I am looking for her."

"Koharu? You mean that sweet human at the antique shop."

"Than you know her? Please help me find her!" Kiba jolted back and face the dog with a serious glare.

"Sorry, I must stay here with my master, but I can tell you where you might find her." the young dog lead Kiba to the door and faced the direction. "It you keep going west, you should hit the next human village by tomorrow. Nobles that take people away always go to that city last, if you are lucky you should make it there before they leave."

Kiba raced of in that direction after thanking the dog. I'll find you Koharu, I promise to protect you for now on. I won't let anything happen to you! Kiba repeated the same sentence in his mind, and it gave him strength in his quest.

After running all night Kiba arrived at the village by day break. Being in the town was no big help sense the scent of Koharu was nowhere around. Kiba quickly disguised himself as a human to further his search. As he looked around Kiba couldn't help but think, what if Koharu found out he was the same wolf she met the other night. He fought in his mind of which side of him he should rescue her in, if he was a wolf, she would be grateful and happy but that would be it. If he was human she would probably be confused at first, but at least they would have a chance at love.

Kiba sighed loudly, frustrated with the decision. "How am I suppose to find Koharu in this big town with no leads at all?"

"Koharu? That's that noble prisoner right?" an old man interrupted, bumping into Kiba as he walked.

Kiba jumped at the news, "where is she!"

"Only a couple more streets down. The nobles are annoying a family about helping some crooks." he pointed down the street and walked off.

"Koharu..." Kiba's eyes loosened softly and he smiled.

Koharu was tied up and rudely placed in the corner of a landed nobles ship. She was breathing deeply still struggling with the rope around her wrist. Kiba could tell she was at it for a long time, since her wrist were red and bruised all around.

"I had actually doubted I would find you." Kiba laughed and kneeled beside her.

"Your...your that man from my store the other day! How did you know I was here?" Koharu yelled loudly.

"Shhh!" Kiba quickly covered her mouth so the nobles wouldn't here their escape, "I came by your stored and it was badly ruined. I'd figured the nobles came and got you." Kiba finished untying her ropes as he spoke. Almost instantly Koharu jumped up and hugged Kiba. He knew the reaction was only out of gratitude, but couldn't help think of it as her affections toward him. He wrapped his arms around her tightly and kissed her on the head. "I'm really glad your safe...and with me." Kiba blushed still holding her in his arms.