Chapter Six

The Third Temptation

Felidae, needless to say, was in deep shit. Figuratively. At least, she hoped so for her sake. She had been so wrapped up in her own thoughts that she failed to notice the oncoming distraction. A bear. Of all things. There were countless tales of bears as the bad guys, always beaten off at the last second. Felidae had felt sorry for the creatures, and angry at the ones who had threatened their territory but still won the battle in the end. It looked like she would be the winner, predictably, but not without consequences.

The cat had wandered into the female's territory, still upon the deer, and failed to notice the warning signs. Roaring loudly, the bear had crashed through the forest, startling the buck so that he threw Felidae and made a run for it. Felidae may have been small, but she was still a predator and a threat in the eyes of the bear. The embarrassing part was that the bear had every right to kill her too.

But now, two wolves stood in front of Felidae, their heads lowered as they growled. Hige sported scratch marks on his side, and Blue had actual wounds on one of her legs where the bear's paw had clipped her. Both wolves still stood strong, refusing to give up what was there's, as any other wolf would have done.

The bear was on all fours, her tiny black eyes surveying her opponents as she planned her next move. Too most, bears appeared clumsy and bulky, which was a bit true. But given the chance to land a blow, and they would. And it wouldn't be one that you could walk away from.

Despite all this, Felidae felt a growing desperation to get away from her protectors and back to the town. It was of the utmost importance that she get their time. Besides, if Hige and Blue had followed her this far and were still defending her, then surely they would keep following her? Even if she did run off again…

The bear roared in frustration, her claws shoving into the ground and she took off in a spurt of speed. Blue felt her eyes widen and couldn't hold back the tremble that escaped through her body. While wolves were fierce, bears won in sheer size and ability to withstand hits. Blue understood that, and the wolf in her willed her to save herself. For in all truth, wolves would normally look out for only themselves in true times of desperation.

It was because of this natural driven instinct that Blue dove to the left. Hige, having been unaware of his mate's worry, looked up in astonishment. Too late. The bear threw herself at the distracted wolf, bringing her massive paw down on his head. Hige fell to the ground, a loud shrill of pain coming from him. Not far away, Blue froze, startled as she was brought back into reality. She pivoted around, tearing back to the fight that was rapidly being decided.

When she was close enough, she leaped, landing accurately on the bear, who had been distracted. She locked her jaws on the bear's thick coat and held on tight. Naturally, the bear reared back in surprise, balancing on it's hind limbs for a moment. But Blue was persistent now that she had herself calmed. However, she did snarl in frustration. If she wanted to do any real damage, she had to hit home at the throat.

There was a reason other predators avoided battles or disputes with bears. For, despite appearances, they were fairly intelligent enough beasts. Intelligent enough to understand that to remove the wolf from it's back, it had to ram itself into a tree. The gray wolf slumped to the ground, barely suppressing a whimper. Her head was lowered to her chest as she appeared to be sitting down like a human did. With a startled whine, she opened her eyes. Her ears pressed to the base of her skull in fear as the bear now towered over her, about to come down and slam into her.

Blue scrambled to get out of the way, but couldn't. Her foot was trapped in the roots of the tree. Her body pressed to the ground, her eyes closing quickly as impact came down on her.

A good distance away, Felidae was moving determinedly, if not a bit raggedly, through the forest, almost through, when she heard it. It was a wolf's cry. So high-pitched and full of pain that Felidae nearly collapsed at the wave of emotion. It was staggering when she thought of what a wolf could do. Her eyes narrowed in slits, she trudged forward, feeling God-awful for abandoning her friends.

It was late afternoon when either wolf could be roused, having passed the worst of the danger. Panting heavily, Blue tugged pointlessly at where she was caught, but to her surprise, she slipped free. She stumbled, sinking to the ground and deciding to remain there, just wanting to sleep. Not far away, Hige barely had his own yellow eyes open, but his breathing was labored as his chest rose and fell too fast. Each pound of his heart was a pound in his head. He could remember very little of the fight except that the bear had gone in for an attack and he had been distracted by Blue running away. A slight growl rose in his throat at the thought, but was quieted when the effort proved to be too much.

Blue had sustained heavy blows to her side in addition to previous wounds there. One could have barely seen her fur through the pool of blood that had surrounded her. But now the blood was dried, and wound beginning to heal steadily. Hige had a nearly fractured skull from the sheer impact of the bear. The side of his face had deep gouge marks that would remain for several weeks.

But the full moon was out tonight, and they were in luck.

Several more minutes passed by, and gradually, the wolves were able to move again. Hige kept his head low as he sat on his haunches, for a raging headache had settled there. Blue stayed laid out on her side that wasn't as cut up, but she was more alert, her eyes flickering around the forest for signs of… anything.

"Where is Felidae?"

Hige started to bring his head up to answer her, but lowered it again at the sudden dizziness. He shook his head once, unable to speak just yet. Blue let out a heavy sigh and dropped her head back on the ground, calming herself. But as soon as she closed her eyes, all she could see was the bear looming over her, about to attack. With a start, Blue jerked up.

Hige's ears flicked forward, indicating that he had seen her. With a low moan, he pulled himself slowly to his paws, practically crawling to get over to Blue. He laid down beside her, his head resting on her back.

"I don't… understand anymore. We saved Felidae, but she leaves again." Blue's words were broken as she tried to speak, trying to ignore the intense thirst that had overtaken her.

Hige let out a pointless sigh, his yellow eyes finding Blue's. "I know as much as you."

Suddenly, they were humans, laying on their sides on the hard ground. Hige wrapped one arm around Blue's waist- the only reassurance he could offer.

"We have to find her. Again."

Blue didn't react with surprise to his words, just took his hand in her own and squeezing it lightly. "I know. Thank God we heal fast."

Hige snorted. He couldn't help it, in all honestly, that just sounded hilarious to him. "Yeah, I mean, it's not like we can catch a break or anything." Chuckling still, he was able to push himself up to a sitting position with Blue close behind. Amazingly, both were already feeling better.

"I can't believe she would run off again." He ruffled his hair distractedly. "The one thing they don't train you for is a bear attack."

Blue had fallen silent, her sapphire orbs thoughtful. "You know… I think it's time that we found some old friends."

Her words were enough to jerk Hige awake and he looked at Blue in astonishment. "But- why?"

"I'm not completely sure, honestly." She shrugged sheepishly. "I just have this feeling that protecting, or I guess watching, Felidae is going to take some work." She rubbed her forehead, trying to figure out the feeling that was growing bigger in her.

Hige still had a look of bewilderment on him, but then shook his head, wincing a bit at the remaining headache that was suddenly inflamed again. "No. That's not it. You're believing in Paradise."

Once the words were spoken, it was obvious they were true. "Hige, I'm sorry. I don't know where this came from. But right now it feels like the appropriate thing to do. I never truly understood or believed it before, but it makes sense now. All of it."

Hige's hand contracted, and he smiled softly. A light breeze ruffled the two wolves, but felt amazing on their skin. "Don't be sorry. Never be sorry for believing in something. I may not feel- the same, but that doesn't mean I'm going to abandon you." He stood up, pulling her up with him.

Blue's eyes never strayed from his as she rose, and her gaze was filled with overwhelming love. Hige returned it with a smirk that stated he was pleased with himself. But he couldn't keep it up and gave a low snort.

"Come on; we have a cat to catch."

By the time the sun started to dwindle, Felidae was located securely just outside of town. There were many more people walking along the sidewalks or in their cars, but this time with the intent of a single spot. The cat smiled grimly as her time arrived. She pressed herself to the shadows as humans passed by the alley she took refuge in.

As she waited for the appropriate moment, her thoughts drifted back to the wolves. It had been two days since their escape and she was sure that they would get more trouble from those people wherever they went after this. All in all, they had known her for almost a week. It wasn't usual that bonds formed that often, but that was how Felidae was able to know that they were the right ones. Well, one of them at least. She still wasn't completely positive on the other.

A thrill went through her as she thought of how truly close she was to finishing. She would finally be able to live her own life, settle down and make a family. A sudden hush over the town indicated that her time was now. She stepped from her hiding place, keeping low to the ground and sticking close to the walls. Her body twisted gracefully as she turned corners. She paused briefly, tilting her head back. In front of her, was a brightly lightened community hall. Cars filled up every space possible in the parking lot, and a couple people were still just walking in. Her hackles rose, and she couldn't explain why. Ducking her head down, Felidae plunged on.

Her steps were light, bringing her to the desired destination. She could barely contain her excitement, only just remembering to stay silent. That was the first lesson taught, and it served well many times. In her mind, Felidae traced through the instructions. First step was completed: find the place. Second step: get to the back.

The place in question was a rundown, abandoned warehouse that used to store and package furniture. It hadn't been touched since the twenty-first century, so the people liked to joke, and was due to be torn down any day. As soon as the permit came in, anyway. Getting in wasn't actually a challenge, but Felidae was cautious nonetheless. That was lesson two… or three.

Felidae crouched low to the ground, darting her eyes around. The place was clear. She began her slow ascend, stepping over bits of discarded trash. She slid between two sets of cylinder blocks, her fur getting snagged a bit on the edges. It was completely dark, giving the place, what the humans would call, a haunted appearance. Felidae gave a mute thanks that she wasn't as silly as them. The place was empty, that was that.

Just a fence stood in the cat's way now. Felidae surveyed her options- climbing over or under. If she went over, the thing could collapse on her from old age, but going under could be just as worse. She decided with over, taking but a few steps before making the effortless leap.

Her paws landed perfectly on the cold metal, her tail out behind her for balance. The fence itself shuddered from the unexpected weight, but held. Felidae narrowed her eyes, pleased. She lifted her head and plodded along the line of the fence, taking care not to slip. One leap and she was on the dry ground in. This time, on the inside.

The rest was now up to her. It was a dog's job- digging up a yard to find a book. Blue had no idea where it could possibly be and recalled all the information she had for any hints.

I wish for this night-time to last for a darkness around me - shores of a solar sea.

Felidae shivered as the words spoke in her mind. But… how could that even be possible? Her eyes lifted up, finding the night sky. It was a full moon. Chills ran down the cat's spine and she had wistful thoughts of being with the wolves, until the thought slid away. She lowered her head, eyes shifting around for what she was knew would be there. And it was.

A sole patch of soil, lit up by the moon. It was too perfect for words. Felidae felt as though she could barely breathe, walking slowly over to the spot. She stuck one paw out, pulling back and flinging dirt behind her. She repeated the action. Faster and faster. God, it was just addicting. No wonder those stupid dogs always did it.

Felidae blinked a couple times, surprised and realized what lay in front of her. She hoped down into the hole that was probably only half a foot deep. The soil was so loose it had been easy to dig. But now, in front of her, was the key. The key to everything.

The Book of the Sun.

Dawn was emerging for the two wolves but they had had no luck in finding their little furry friend. Tensions were rising, and with some work, they kept from snapping at each other. Even after everything they had been through, they were still wolves.

Finally, Blue nearly lost control, snapping loudly at Hige and stomping away to slow trickling stream and drinking ravenously from it. Hige, being smarter than the average bear, gave her a wide berth to cool down. And indeed, in a few minutes, Blue had resumed her normal stature. She trotted over to the other wolf, nudging his muzzle affectionately. He couldn't resist her adoration and returned it in a like manner.

Then, they were two humans, leaned against a tree and each other, contemplating what to do next.

"It's been nearly a day." Blue spoke softly, her deep eyes troubled.

Hige rubbed his eyes with one hand. "I know, but not even I can pick up her scent. That blow has messed with my head."

Blue blinked once in sympathy, the deep cuts now fading scars on his face. "I'm sorry. I've never been in that type of situation before."

Hige merely squeezed her hand. "I don't blame you for that, Blue."

They relaxed for a couple moments, not thinking of anything particular except what was around them. Hige was the first to react.

"It's her." He growled.

Blue didn't even have to ask who was 'her' because Felidae stepped in front of them just then. Both wolves were, well, wolves again, their head lowered as they waited for whatever excuse would come now.

"We can leave now. The town sucks now that I've-I've taken away their prized… possession." She smiled weakly, and it faded away just as fast. Blue and Hige remained unmoved.

"We stay up all night, and you give us that crappy excuse!" Hige barked the last words. "You better get your story straight, Accalia."

Felidae flinched, muttering to herself that sounded like "fine" before speaking more clearly. Reluctance was apparent on her face. "I guess you found my true name. The reason I kept it hidden is because it holds a sort of, I don't know, power over me. It's hard for me to ignore the person-animal-when they use it.

"The reason I left-"

"Again," Blue put in.

"-is because I had to return to the town and pick up a little something. I couldn't tell you anything until I was certain, and I am now. With… the Book of the Sun." She hesitated, swallowing. "But, I am certain now that Blue is the one who will save us after Paradise. Help me, anyway."

It took a moment to process this, but Blue was in a fury when she did. Her form was unstable, slipping between wolf and human.

"Bastard! You were tricking us the whole time, everything you told us was a lie!" She snarled, her voice getting louder as she went on. Her hand clenched into a fist as she glared at Felidae.

"Blue, please calm down. I can explain!" She added hastily. "I had to be sure that you were the one; I'm not allowed to make mistakes in this. Besides," the cat continued, "you can't kill me. You are the one. You belong in my destiny."

Blue took a step forward. "Would you like to test that theory?"

"Destiny is everything, Blue. No one can stop or change it. We just like to think that we can make decisions. So go ahead, try and kill me. You can't."

Felidae stepped forward, and the she-wolf watched in satisfaction as her legs trembled slightly. She tensed, about to tare over to the cat and rip her up when a hand caught her wrist.

"Hige?"

Hige watched her with calm, amber eyes, but his firm grip held. "Don't do it. It isn't you." He shook his head once. "Besides, I think she's telling us the truth. Felidae has seen what we are capable of, she wouldn't fool around with this."

Blue flipped her head back over to Felidae, pointing with her free hand. "You better start telling the truth, then."

The cat sat down. "The Book of the Sun. It says that once Paradise is founded, there is only one being who can save it. But she must be lead by a loyal companion; one who will not strife or tarry from the path."

Blue narrowed her eyes, but her harsh stance slackened as she thought it through.

"From birth, I was assigned to open the Perfect World."

The effect of her words were imminent in Hige, as he nearly fell over in surprise. "P-perfect World? No one is crazy enough to look for it!"

"You don't look for this World," Felidae retorted hotly. "Paradise can be opened at any time, but it will always remain imperfect. Only I can make it Perfect. Thus, the Perfect World." She started pacing. "But it's impossible for me to get in by own means. I had to find a 'companion,' the only one who could open Paradise. A wolf."

Now it was Blue's turn to shake her head, her eyes downcast. "You've got the wrong wolf then. I can't open Paradise, and I probably couldn't in. I'm a half breed."

"The only reason you couldn't open Paradise before was because I wasn't with you. Anyway, once Paradise is opened, the wolf is to lead me in, then watch my back as I did what was necessary."

Hige spoke first as the minutes began ticking by. "That's it, then? You are the one to bring about the Perfect World. The one where man and wolf live equally." He ran a hand through his bushy hair. "Holy crap."

"That's one way of putting it," the cat replied dryly. "Blue. I need you. Will you help me?"

Blue was silent, her eyes staring miserably at the ground. Finally, she lifted her head and replied. "Yes."

Felidae nodded once in satisfaction. "Then, I think we can agree on our next path-"

"Wait." Hige held up his hand to interrupt her. "I want to know why the Book of the Sun is so unheard of."

The cat gave him a peculiar look, her eyes narrowed, the nodded again with a sigh. "Long before anyone can even dare to remember, the Book of the Sun and the Book of the Moon was brought on the lands. Only those rich enough could afford to even, well, read it, forget about owning a copy. There were only two of each in existent.

"Anyway, it's been said that early on in their existent. a poet got her hands on both books for but a full day, sunrise to sunset. She was so intrigued and overwhelmed by them that it was impossible to write about it in poetry. She feared what would happen if society was able to read all of the content in the books and in her fear, hid them where no one could find out. Before she could be found and arrested for stealing the books, she wrote two poems. One was called Sleeping Sun, and the other, White Night Fantasy. Both poems were presumed to be lost when her cottage was raided."

Felidae paused in her tale, meeting the eyes of both wolves. "It wasn't until her home was scavenged by passerbys that the poems were discovered. The people knew nothing of reading and sold the poems for a pittance. The new owner cast them aside as urgent news took away his attention. Time passed by. The poems were passed from generation to generation and held little meaning to the people who read them. Finally, one day, a young girl had just discovered, by mistake, what the Book of the Moon was. She remembered reading a poem entitled White Night Fantasy and reread it. Suddenly the poem wasn't so meaningless.

"In each poem, was information on where to find one of the books, plus a little bit about what was inside. But the true meanings of the poems were so cleverly hidden, that only a few parts are actual information."

Blue spoke first. "What was the clue in Sleeping Sun?"

Felidae blinked and recited two lines in the poem:

'Wistful oceans calm and red

Ardent caresses laid to rest'

"I had to find a sea that shown red, with fierce waves that were calmed every day and violent again at night. But, by the time I found it, the book was gone. A note was left behind. And that's where the town came in."

Hige was already nodding as everything came together. "Regardless of how much Blue can do," he shot her a grin, "we still need to find the other wolves."

"What do you-?" Felidae began, but was again cut off by Blue.

"The other wolves we traveled with. They are the ones to open Paradise. Regardless of what you say, I have no knowledge on how to do that." Her voice turned oddly flat. "We will be finding them."

Felidae switched to wary, and nodded once. "Alright. I don't doubt that we will need outside help." She turned to walk away. "But one of you has to carry the Book. It was a complete bitch to even make it this far…"

a/n: The "poems" are actually songs, both by Nightwish. And they belong to Nightwish, not me. Oh, and the title of this chapter was inspired by the song The Third Temptation of Paris by Alesana.